SHOWTIME Release: SHOBOX – The New Generation Returns on Friday, March 11, Live on SHOWTIME

UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECTS ARDREAL HOLMES AND MEKHRUBON SANGINOV CLASH IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION^® FRIDAY, MARCH 11 LIVE ON SHOWTIME^®

Giovanni Márquez To Make Professional Debut in Opening Bout of Four-Fight Telecast from Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel in Deadwood, S.D.

NEW YORK – February 24, 2022 – Super welterweight prospect Ardreal Holmes puts his undefeated record on the line against fellow unbeaten prospect Mekhrubon Sanginov in another tightly-matched main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, March 11 live on SHOWTIME at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT from Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel in Deadwood, S.D.

The main event pairs two amateur standouts trying to seize the spotlight as Flint, Michigan’s Holmes (11-0, 5 KOs) takes on Tajikistan’s Sanginov (12-0-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight contest. Uzbekistan’s Hurshidbek Normatov (10-0, 3 KOs) faces once-beaten Vernon Brown (13-1-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round co-featured middleweight bout and undefeated lightweight prospect Luis Acosta (12-0, 11 KOs) takes on the power-punching Edwin De Los Santos (13-1, 12 KOs). Plus, 2021 National Golden Gloves Champion Giovanni Márquez, the son of former world champion and ShoBox commentator Raul Márquez, makes his professional debut against Dominican Nelson Morales (2-0) in a four-round super lightweight bout that opens the telecast.

The event is promoted by Holden Productions.

Here is a closer look at the matchups:

Holmes vs. Sanginov – Eight-Round Super Welterweight Main Event Bout

The southpaw Holmes was a No. 1-ranked amateur at 147 pounds with more than 80 amateur fights. He won several amateur tournaments including the 2015 USA National Elite Championship and was a three-time Michigan Golden Gloves Champion. He also represented USA in the World Series of Boxing and was an alternate on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team. Standing at six-foot-two-inches, Holmes has proven to be a handful since turning pro in 2016. He owns wins over 55-fight veteran Lanardo Tyner and most recently defeated Jose Antonio Abreu in 2019. He is coached by Joe Bermudez, managed by David McWater and promoted by DiBella Entertainment. 

“I am excited to jump back in the ring,” said the 27-year-old Holmes. “I am in a good spot, and I will make the most of this opportunity. I think I should be able to do anything that I want off the jab. I’m not worried about anyone slipping on me because I am in a position that people will get to know who I am really soon. Get ready for a great night of boxing. Seeing people come up that you know such as the Dirrell brothers motivated me, and March 11 people will get to know and remember who I am.”

An exceptional amateur himself, Sanginov amassed a record of 105-14 and became a fan favorite in his native Tajikistan. He turned professional in 2016 and moved to Las Vegas in 2018 to pursue his dream of becoming a world champion. He stopped four-of-his-last-six opponents, beating then-undefeated Quincy LaVallais via split-decision and fighting then-undefeated Fred Wilson Jr. to a draw. Sanginov has fought five times since Holmes last stepped into the ring.

“I am very happy and excited for this opportunity,” said the 26-year-old Sanginov, who is five inches shorter than Holmes. “ShoBox is a steppingstone to bigger and better things. I know that a win gets me bigger fights. I don’t know much about my opponent except his amateur career. Training camp has been great and I can’t wait to get in the ring on March 11.”

Normatov vs. Brown – Eight-Round Middleweight Bout

Uzbekistan’s Normatov, who now resides and fights out of Brooklyn, N.Y., finished his impressive amateur career in 2016 with a 190-40 record. In his first ten fights as a pro, the southpaw has faced seven fighters with winning records including two undefeated prospects. He also participated in the World Series of Boxing, where he fought to a 5-1 record. Normatov is trained by Andre Rozier, who has trained several world champions including Richard Commey, Daniel Jacobs and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Normatov is also managed by McWater and promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

“I am very happy to be back in the ring and especially to be on a big show like ShoBox,” said the 29-year-old Normatov. “This is a big chance for me to show what I can do. It’s a great opportunity and I will take advantage of it.”

Brown, a 32-year-old Chicago native, turned professional in 2015 and has competed in a variety of weight classes from 140 to 160 pounds. He won his first seven fights, including five by way of stoppage, before fighting Jesus Zazueta Anaya to a split-draw in 2017. He won his next three fights before dropping a hotly contested 10-round unanimous decision to talented 154-pound contender Jamontay Clark in a fight many felt Brown could have won. Brown rebounded with three straight wins, including a second-round KO in his last time out in February 2021. He will face his first undefeated opponent since his 2017 win over then 6-0 Angelo Snow on March 11.

“I am just ready to fight,” said the 5’7” Brown. “I haven’t fought in a year, but I have been in the gym, and I am just ready.  My opponent is a crafty southpaw who is tall, but I have knocked out a couple guys with a similar style as his.  I’m excited to fight on ShoBox and I’m ready to give people a show.  A win will boost my career and will show a lot of people what I am made of.”

Acosta vs. De Los Santos – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

The undefeated, power-punching Acosta began boxing at the age of 16, following in the footsteps of his father, Jose, and uncle, Mario, who were both professional boxers. As an amateur, the Houston native Acosta had a record of 57-8 and won both the Title and Ringside Tournaments. Known as an aggressive, come-forward fighter, Acosta has stopped 11-of-his-12 professional opponents. Acosta is a graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology and is trained by his father.

“I am very excited for my first televised fight,” said Acosta, 25. “I feel like I have something to prove. I will not get caught in the moment and I want to put on a show for everybody.  I know that my opponent is a southpaw and is taller, and he looks like he is strong early on in the fight. May the best man win.”

De Los Santos began boxing in his native Dominican Republic at the age of 12, and by age 14, he had won his first amateur tournament. Following a brilliant amateur career in which he fought 265 times and lost just six bouts, he turned pro in 2018 and made his ShoBox debut in January, dropping a close decision to William Foster III. Packing one-punch power, De Los Santos had scored stoppages in his last seven fights prior to the defeat. Among his most impressive performances is a first-round KO over then 8-2 Juan Alberto Garcia Perez and a unanimous decision over then 31-10 Francisco Contreras. 

“I am extremely disappointed in my last performance,” said De Los Santos of his ShoBox debut. “It did not go as I expected. A lot had to do with the weight loss, which caused me to get weak and tired after the third round. This is why I am fighting at 135 pounds in this fight. I will be stronger than ever so my opponent better watch out.”

Márquez vs. Morales – Four-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Highly regarded super lightweight prospect Giovanni Márquez will become the seventh fighter in the history of ShoBox to make their professional debut on the series. The previous six, including the likes of world champions Gary Russell Jr. and Errol Spence Jr., were all U.S. Olympians. Houston’s Márquez is fresh off winning the national Golden Gloves 152-pound championship, where he was also given the prestigious Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament Award. The list of current or former world champions to win the Golden Gloves title at 152 pounds in the past 20 years includes Spence (2009), Demetrius Andrade (2006-07), Daniel Jacobs (2004) and Andre Berto (2003). Márquez began boxing at age 12 and finished his amateur career with a record of 75-12. He is trained by his father, 1992 U.S. Olympian, former junior middleweight world champion and SHOWTIME Boxing analyst Raul “El Diamante” Márquez.

“I am very excited to be making my debut on ShoBox,” said the 20-year-old Márquez. “I am excited to display my skills and everything that my father and I have been working on in the gym. I have been envisioning this moment for myself from a young age.  There is footage of me mimicking walking to the ring in my house. To make that walk is a dream come true. Being on the show my dad works on is an honor, and I am definitely up for it. For some, that might be pressure, but I am embracing it. The audience will see the best of me on March 11.”

Dominican Republic born, Scranton, Penn.-based 29-year-old Nelson Morales has two professional bouts under his belt, including a four-round unanimous decision over Ronny Arana in August 2021. In his 2019 pro debut, he defeated Kynndale Prather via majority decision. For the second consecutive fight, Morales will be facing an opponent making their pro debut. Morales works as a part-time police officer in the Pennsylvania boroughs of Clarks Summit, Throop and Dunmore.

“This is a dream come true,” said Morales. “I have been watching SHOWTIME Boxing for a long time.  I have been dreaming about this for a long time.  I know that Márquez has been around boxing since he was in the belly.  I know of his father Raul, so I know he will bring it. I have been working very hard and a lot had to happen for me to get this opportunity, and I won’t waste it.”

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the action from ringside with veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell and Márquez serving as expert analysts, and Hall of Famer Steve Farhood remotely performing unofficial scoring duties.

The executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

# # #

SHOWTIME Boxing Release: Hector Garcia Drops, Shocks Chris Colbert

HECTOR GARCIA DROPS, SHOCKS CHRIS COLBERT  TO EARN DECISION VICTORY HEADLINING LIVE ON SHOWTIME^® SATURDAY NIGHT IN A PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT FROM THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS

Rising Star Gary Antuanne Russell Stops Former Champion Viktor Postol in Co-Main Event

Fernando Martinez Upsets Jerwin Ancajas To Capture IBF Junior Bantamweight Championship in Telecast Opener

LAS VEGAS – February 26, 2022 – Late replacement Hector Garcia performed like the world champion he was substituting for on Saturday night, battering and dropping the highly touted Chris Colbert to earn a unanimous decision win in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight World Title Eliminator that headlined a thrilling  tripleheader live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Garcia (15-0, 10 KOs) stepped in for the WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Roger Gutierrez less than three weeks ago after Gutierrez was forced to withdraw due to a positive COVID-19 test. Despite having little time to prepare, the southpaw Garcia used his height and powerful left hand to dominate Colbert (16-1, 6 KOs) by scores of 118-109, 118-109 and 119-108.  

“I have to thank everyone in my corner, Ismael Salas and Bob Santos, and everyone that worked with me,” said Garcia. “I feel great. I definitely knew three weeks ago that my life would change. My trainers gave me the confidence to win this fight.”

“I’m sorry I let everyone down, today he was the better man,” Colbert said afterward, his arm draped around Garcia in an encouraging embrace. “I take my losses like I take my wins. I want to run it back and hopefully we can do it again. There’s no excuses. He was the better man today.”

Garcia was the aggressor throughout, dropping Colbert for the first time in his career with a counter left in the seventh round that caused Colbert to fall backwards, his legs flying up in the air from the momentum. Colbert got to his feet, but Garcia jumped on him again, stalking him around the ring.

“In the ninth and 10^th rounds I hit him so hard,” said Garcia. “I knew I had him. I knew he wasn’t going to be able to box anymore.”

Colbert could never get on track and showed little of the aggression and skills that made him one of the most talked about young fighters in the sport.

“Everyone puts pressure on me in the ring,” said Colbert. “That’s nothing new. I want to get a rematch if I can. Congratulations to Hector and his team. They deserved this win tonight. I wasn’t feeling myself. At the end the day, I’m still ‘Primetime’ on SHOWTIME.”

In the end it was Garcia, a 2016 Dominican Olympian, who performed like the favored fighter, punishing Colbert and pushing him back and potentially earning a title shot against Gutierrez.

“I want to fight Gutierrez for the world championship,” Garcia said. “I worked too hard to get into this position today.”

A former valedictorian of his high school, Gary Antuanne Russell (15-0, 15 KOs)passed the biggest test of his career with flying colors, stopping the former world champion Viktor Postol (31-4, 12 KOs) abruptly in the tenth and final round of their super lightweight bout in the SHOWTIME co-main event.

After pushing the action for most of the fight, Russell hurt Postol with a left uppercut in the tenth and followed up with a series of lefts and rights. With Postol against the ropes absorbing combinations, referee Mike Ortega intervened and waived it off at 2:31 of the tenth, much to Postol’s surprise, who shrugged his shoulders and seemed miffed at the stoppage. Russell kept his knockout streak alive while Postol dropped his second straight contest.

Russell was a 2016 U.S. Olympian who owned a 3-1 amateur record over current unbeaten welterweight Jaron Ennis, and he fought like one of the top contenders at 140 pounds on Saturday.

“The performance speaks for itself,” said Russell. “You see (Postol) went the distance with Terence Crawford, and I just stopped him. I believe I’m ready for another step-up fight.”

The two embraced in the ring when it was over, the respect between the fighters on full display. Postol fought on Saturday with his wife and their twin five-year old sons back home in Brovary, Ukraine in harm’s way with the Russian military invading the country.

“We’re in the hurt business,” Russell said of whether he felt compassion for his opponent. “I take my hat off to him. His country is literally at war but we’re in the squared circle doing our jobs. This man is coming to hurt him and I’m coming to hurt him.”

And Russell did that repeatedly on Saturday. Gary Russell Jr., the former titleholder who lost his belt last month, manned the corner on Saturday with their father Gary Sr. relegated to ringside for health reasons, and he told his younger brother to “break the will” of Postol throughout the bout. Russell obliged, fighting aggressively and continuously pinning Postol against the ropes.

Postol had some success with his right hand and his jab, especially in the ninth when he landed a thudding right , but Russell showed a granite chin and countered effectively and in the tenth he landed crisp combinations, showcasing his hand speed, leading to the stoppage, the first time Postol had ever been stopped. Russell led on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage by scores of 89-82, 89-82 and 88-83.

“I just couldn’t do what I wanted to do in the ring,” said Postol. “My legs were not there and my arms were not there like I needed them to be. I’ve fought much better fighters than Gary Russell, but for some reason I wasn’t able to perform to my abilities. I came here to win tonight. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to achieve my goal.”

With his promoter, the former two-division champion Marcos Maidana urging him on from ringside, Argentina’s Fernando Martinez punished Jerwin Ancajas over 12 rounds to wrest away his IBF junior bantamweight title via a unanimous decision  in a star-making performance in the SHOWTIME telecast opener.

After exchanging hugs, handshakes and pleasantries during the final press conference on Thursday, Martinez (14-0, 8 KOs) and Ancajas (33-2-2, 22 KOs) dispensed with the niceness and engaged in an action-packed thriller.

But it was Martinez, a fan of Mike Tyson growing up, who delivered the heaviest blows, squaring up to Ancajas and winging lefts and rights to win by scores of 117-11, 118-110 and 118-110.

Martinez, whose father died while he was in the amateurs  and helped introduce him to boxing, fought back tears as he expressed what the win meant to him.

“This moment is so special to me,” said Martinez. “It hurts so much that my father’s not here for this great moment in my life, but I know that he oversaw this. I’m so happy for my corner and for the people who supported me over the years. I want to thank SHOWTIME for their support. I want to thank Jerwin for giving me this opportunity. I am so thankful for this.”

Martinez landed 421 power shots , a new division record and 427 total punches, forcing Ancajas to be taken to the hospital as a precaution following the match.

“I am so thankful for team Martinez to give me this opportunity to make this fight,” Ancajas said. “Yes, I want the rematch and I’ll do everything to achieve my goal. I learned a lot in this fight and he’s a great challenger.”

The two continuously walked through hellacious punches throughout the action. But it was Martinez who hurt Ancajas more than the champion and in between the ninth and tenth rounds, Ancajas’ corner was asking him if he was okay to continue. Ancajas responded by buckling Martinez in the 10^th round with a right hand, and he buzzed Martinez again with a straight left only for Martinez to fire back with roundhouse punches of his own in a snapshot of the non-stop action that took place.

The event was promoted by TGB Promotions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader will re-air on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

Top Rank Boxing Release: Josh Taylor Edges Jack Catteral, Retains Undisputed Junior Welterweight Championships

GLASGOW, Scotland (Feb. 26, 2022) — Josh Taylor is still the undisputed junior welterweight champion, but Jack Catterall made his case. Taylor retained his crown by split decision (114-111, 113-112, 112-113) in front of a raucous, sold-out crowd of 12,101 partisan supporters Saturday evening at OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland.

Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) had a challenging night in his first bout since unifying all four belts last May against Jose Ramirez. He was knocked to the deck in the eighth round, courtesy of a Catterall left hand. After Catterall (26-1, 13 KOs) had a point deducted for holding in the 10th, Taylor was penalized for a shot after the 11th round bell had sounded.

The 12th round was fought in close quarters, and when the final bell rang, the capacity crowd awaited the verdict. Taylor prevailed by the closest of margins, keeping his undisputed championship and the promise of bigger fights.

This is what Taylor had to say after fight.

“I started a little slow, but once I grabbed the momentum, I started catching him with the bigger shots. He was trying to spoil a lot. Going down and up a lot and clashing my head. He caught me with a couple of good shots. I’m not gonna lie to you. It wasn’t my best performance. I put a lot of pressure on myself with it being my homecoming. Been three years, first time since lockdown and all that. I put a lot of pressure on myself being the heavy favorite and it showed in the first half of the fight.

“Once I got my rhythm I started catching him with the bigger shots and catching him and catching him. It wasn’t my best performance, but I believe I got the win 100 percent. But Jack did very well.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself to put on a good show for my home fans. But it didn’t matter in the end. I got the good result.

“I knew I won the fight. It was close. Overall I scored the bigger shots, the better shots, the more meaningful shots so I know I won the fight. It was a little bit close, but I know I won the fight.”

Ramirez Shines in Co-Feature

The last time Robeisy Ramirez (9-1, 5 KOs) fought on British soil, at the 2012 London Olympics, he won the first of his two Olympic gold medals. His return was a triumphant one, as he knocked down Irish veteran Eric Donovan (14-2, 8 KOs) twice en route to a third-round stoppage. Ramirez scored a knockdown with a counter left in the opening round and closed the show with a pair of lefts.

Ramirez said, “It was an honor to fight in Scotland in front of the great fans. I wanted to put on a sensational performance, and I believe I did that. Eric Donovan came to fight, but I am motivated to become a world champion one day. I know I can contend for a featherweight world title very soon.”

In undercard action:

Welterweight: Paddy “Real Deal” Donovan (8-0, 6 KOs), the Irish sensation trained and managed by former world champion Andy Lee, picked apart Miroslav Serdan (13-9, 7 KOs) en route to a sixth-round TKO. Serban’s corner stopped the fight due to left ear injury 56 seconds into the round. 

Donovan said, “I was comfortable in there, but he has a tight defense so I had to take my time and break him down. We knew he would be durable, and my jab made it easier to open up a bit. No complaints with this performance. We executed the game plan to perfection.” 

Junior Lightweight: Top Rank prospect Kurt Walker, who won a 2019 European Games gold medal for Ireland, needed only 2:03 to knock out Jaroslav Hriadel (1-3) in his professional debut. Walker ended the fight by digging a left hook into Hriadel’s liver. Walker plans on campaigning as a featherweight.

Walker said, “I enjoyed it. It’s different whenever you’re fighting as an amateur. You’re in an airport for eight hours. I was able to chill out and feel the pressure of other fighters because they’re fighting big fights. I enjoyed it. It was like I was on holiday.”

Heavyweight: Nick Campbell (5-0, 5 KOs) won the battle of Scotland with a seventh-round stoppage over the impossibly game Jay McFarlane (12-6, 5 KOs). Campbell knocked down McFarlane with a right hand in the seventh, and after repeated flush right hands to the chin, the referee halted the beating later in the round.

Junior Middleweight: Top Rank-signed prospect Kieran Molloy, from Galway, Ireland, authored a second-round TKO in his pro debut over Spanish veteran Damian Esquisabel (4-8). Molloy, a southpaw, engaged from the opening bell until the referee saw fit to end the one-way traffic 33 seconds into the second after a pair of right hooks landed.

Junior Featherweight: Ebonie Jones (1-0-1) was held to a six-round draw against Scottish veteran Effie Kathopouli (4-3-1).

Light Heavyweight: In an all-Scottish battle, southpaw John Docherty (12-1, 9 KOs) picked up his third consecutive victory with a second-round stoppage over Jordan Grant (4-2). Docherty notched the KO with a left hand to Grant’s body.

Photo Credit:  Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

Matchroom Boxing Release: CANELO vs. BIVOL, May 7th live on DAZN Pay-Per-View

POUND-FOR-POUND SUPERSTAR CANELO ALVAREZ SIGNS MULTI FIGHT DEAL WITH MATCHROOM AND DAZN May 7 Fight Confirmed Against Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol

Pound-for-pound superstar Canelo Alvarez (57-1-2, 30 KOs) has signed a new multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN. The first fight will see boxing’s biggest attraction step up in weight to take on Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs) in a bid for the WBA Light-Heavyweight title on May 7. The second fight in the multi-fight deal is set for September.   The May 7 blockbuster will be available to subscribers around the world on DAZN, excluding Latin America and Mexico. In the U.S. & Canada, the event will be offered exclusively on DAZN Pay-Per View (PPV) – newly introduced for very select events to come – and priced at $59.99 for current subscribers and $79.99 for new subscribers (inclusive of a one month subscription to DAZN).   Canelo Alvarez claimed the IBF Super-Middleweight strap last time out against a tough Caleb Plant, becoming the first boxer ever to become undisputed champion at Super-Middleweight. Prior to that, the Mexican star picked up the WBA, WBC, WBO and The Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders respectively, all within a year to make history and cement his spot as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, a memorable period that saw the 31 year old bag numerous fighter of the year awards including ESPN, Sports Illustrated and Ring Magazine.   Dmitry Bivol has been flawless in the paid ranks and now bags the blockbuster showdown he’s been craving in the form of boxing’s pound-for-pound king Canelo. Bivol picked up the WBA Light-Heavyweight title in 2016 and has defended it an impressive ten times already to become of the best active Light-Heavyweight fighters in the world.   “I am very happy with this fight against Dmitry Bivol,” said Canelo. “It is another great challenge for me and my career — especially as I go up in weight and face an exceptional light heavyweight champion like Bivol.   “I am also very excited that we have this fight slated for Cinco De Mayo Weekend – May 7 – for all the fans to enjoy. We will be ready, like we always are.”    “I always only wanted to fight the best!” said Bivol. “I believe that the rest of my goals will begin materialize on May 7!”   “It is an absolutely honour to announce a multi fight promotional deal with the pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Canelo transcends boxing and is the biggest star in the sport and we look forward to promoting some historic nights in 2022 live on DAZN PPV. First up, Saul takes on yet another champion, this time in the shape of fearsome undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol. Fans can expect a thrilling all-action match up and we look forward the pair coming face to face at a press conference in San Diego next Wednesday.”   “Bivol vs Canelo, this is going to be a very competitive and interesting fight,” said Andrei Ryabinskiy of World of Boxing. “I am very glad that we were able to make this happen, for Dmitry this is a big chance!”   “This will be a great night of boxing where two of the best collide for the highest recognition in the sport!” said Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov. “The victor on May 7 will go on to become the biggest name in boxing for many more years to come!”   “We’re delighted to continue growing our long-term partnership with Canelo, beginning with a spectacular clash between the pound-for-pound king and a very tough and determined champ in Dmitry Bivol,” said Ed Breeze, DAZN EVP, Rights. “Both fighters were eager for this battle and we’re thrilled to make it happen around the world on DAZN as well as in the U.S. & Canada by way of the introduction of DAZN PPV. It’s a truly mega matchup and we look forward to broadcasting it to fight fans all over the globe.”   2022 – At A Glance Aside from the May 7 event, DAZN’s schedule for U.S. subscribers in 2022 is strong as ever, including the below with dozens more still to come:   February 5: Carlos Cuadras vs. Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (Winner)   February 12: Daniel Jacobs vs. John Ryder (Winner)   February 19: Jaime Munguía (Winner) vs. D’Mitrius Ballard    February 27: Lawrence Okolie vs. Michal Cieslak   March 5:  Chocolatito III vs. Julio Cesar Martinez   March 12: Leigh Wood vs. Michael Conlan    March 19: Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Michael McKinson    March 26: Kiko Martinez vs. Josh Warrington II    April 9: Ryan Garcia vs. Emmanuel Tagoe   April 30: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano    May 7: Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol (Live Exclusively on DAZN PPV)   The May 7 Canelo vs. Bivol mega matchup will be on DAZN PPV in the U.S., marking the first of very occasional events to come that will be sparingly offered to fight fans on top of a DAZN subscription. This event is priced at $59.99 for current subscribers on the app and $79.99 for new subscribers (inclusive of one month’s subscription to DAZN).   The DAZN subscription in the U.S. is currently priced at $19.99 a month or just $99.99 for an entire year (which equates to only $8.33 per month). At this unrivalled value, existing subscribers will continue to enjoy a stacked boxing schedule of at least 50 top-tier fight nights annually, discounted PPV events, and an ever-growing slate of DAZN Originals including many of the most fascinating stories and figures in boxing.   New subscribers to DAZN in the U.S. can continue to take advantage of the current annual subscription cost of $99.99 until May 2.  Those signing up for an annual subscription after May 2 will be charged the new annual price of $149.99 (which still just equates to only $12.50 per month). Existing subscribers will be grandfathered in at their current $99.99 annual subscription cost.

ESPN/TOP Rank Boxing Release – April 23: Heavyweight Titans Fury & Whyte Collide at Wembley Stadium

Tyson “The Gyspy King” Fury to defend heavyweight crown against top contender Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium LIVE on Pay-Per-View with tickets going on sale on Wednesday, March 2.

LONDON (Feb. 25, 2022) — After storming the United States with a pair of knockouts over Deontay Wilder, WBC/Lineal/Ring Magazine heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury returns home for an all-British battle against WBC interim champion Dillian Whyte on Saturday, April 23 at London’s Wembley Stadium connected by EE. Fury-Whyte will be broadcast live on Pay-Per-View in the U.S.

Promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank, tickets will be on sale exclusively from Ticketmaster at midday on Wednesday, March 2. Fans hoping to purchase a ticket for the event are encouraged to sign-up for Ticket Alert emails HERE to receive the ticket link direct to their inboxes. News on undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

“Tyson Fury coming home to fight under the arch at Wembley Stadium is a fitting reward for the No.1 heavyweight in the world following his exploits across the Atlantic in his epic trilogy against Deontay Wilder,” stated Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. “The fact that this mandatory defense of his WBC title comes against another Brit only adds to the occasion. They are two of the biggest characters in British sport and both normally have plenty to say for themselves.

“It is going to be an incredible night and a huge occasion for sport in this country that will capture the imagination of fans right across the world.”

Bob Arum, chairman of Top Rank, added: “Tyson Fury conquered America, and it is only fitting that he defends the heavyweight championship in a packed Wembley Stadium. Dillian Whyte has called for this fight for years, and while he is a deserving challenger, no heavyweight can match ‘The Gypsy King.’ This is going to be a momentous night of boxing with tens of thousands of fans in attendance at Wembley Stadium.”

Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs), based in Morecambe, has held the lineal heavyweight title since November 28, 2015, the night he ended the nearly decade-long championship run of Wladimir Klitschko. Following over two years of inactivity, he returned to action in June 2018, inspiring millions with a comeback that saw him fighting for the world title within six months of his June 2018 comeback victory over Sefer Seferi in Manchester. The only blemish on his record — a disputed December 2018 draw against Wilder — was avenged with stoppage wins over the American star in February 2020 and October 2021. The Dillian Whyte showdown marks his first bout in London since February 2015.

Whyte (28-2, 19 KOs), who was raised in Brixton, London, earned a shot at Fury
with a seven-year run as a world-level heavyweight. Following a seventh-round TKO loss to Anthony Joshua in 2015 — when both were undefeated prospects — Whyte went on an 11-fight winning streak that included triumphs over Joseph Parker, Oscar Rivas, Lucas Browne, and Derek Chisora (2x). His momentum, and mandatory position, was halted when Alexander Povetkin knocked him out with a single left uppercut in August 2020. Whyte exacted revenge in March 2021, knocking out Povetkin in four rounds to regain his interim title.

Gegard Mousasi earns 49th career victory, retains BELLATOR World Middleweight Championship

If you haven’t been paying attention to two-time BELLATOR MMA World Middleweight Champion Gegard Mousasi, I think it’s about time you did.

Appearing in his sixth career title fight in BELLATOR MMA, Mousasi (49-7-2) retained his 185-lb. title following an 85-second, blitzing of previously unbeaten #1-contender Austin Vanderford (11-1). Moussai vs. Vanderford was the main event of BELLATOR 275: DUBLIN live from the 3 Arena in Ireland on Friday afternoon.

Vanderford used feints to land a big right-hand that hardly fazed the champion. Mousasi landed the harder, bigger shots agaist Vanderford, who repeatedly swung for the fences. As Vanderford went for a takedown, Mousasi defended it well; turning his challenger over with solid elbows and hammer-fists to Vanderford’s head until the referee stopped the fight at 1:25 seconds of round one.

Moussasi is one of the most accomplished fighters in the history of Mixed Martial Arts. Moussasi was also a former world champion in DREAM, STRIKEFORCE, and Cage Warriors. Mousasi has also competed in PRIDE Fighting Championship, and was once in the UFC (2013-17), but never fought for a title.

Mousasi won the BELLATOR 185-lb. title in only his second fight the promotion after leaving the UFC in 2017. Mousasi is 5-1 in BELLATOR championship fights dating back to nearly four years.  Mousasi has fought a lengthy who’s, who list of competitors throughout his entire 19-year career as a professional Mixed Martial Artist.

At age 36, Mousasi defeated a younger 31-year-old in Vanderford, a top-ranked, unbeaten, State and National Wresting Champion.

CYBORG vs. KAVANAGH 2 on tap? CYBORG-ZINGANO taking shots at one another?

It appeared as though BELLATOR Women’s World Featherweight Champion Cris Cyborg was on tap to face Cat Zingano, at long last. Cyborg knocked out Sinead Kavanagh in one-round last November. However, Zingano has only fought twice since signing with BELLATOR in 2020; opting to face Pam Sorenson (9-4) on March 11th.

It was discussed Cyborg actually fight Kavanagh in an immediate rematch sometime in April. However, # 5. Kavanagh, during an impressive three-round decision win over #4. Leah McCourt appeared to have suffered a leg injury and as carried way from cage side.

Would it make more sense for Cyborg to face #1-contender Arlene Blencowe, another opponent the champion previously defeated in an exciting fight in October 2020? Blencowe, ranked #1 at featherweight has won her last two fights; five of her previous six.

Cyborg reveled on her “Catching-Up with Cyborg & James Lynch” podcast, she only has two fights remaining on her current deal with BELLATOR. Cyborg plans to finish her contract sometime in the summer.

For more information log into https://www.bellator.com/

Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte, Saturday, April 23rd Wembley Stadium in London

For only the second time in boxing history, a heavyweight title will be contested between two British boxers, as WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs) of Manchester, England, is set to defend his title against London’s Dillian Whyte (28-2, 19 KO), an interim WBC titlist that has spent more than 1,000 days as the WBC’s #1-ranked ‘mandatory’ contender.

Already, Fury is on the attack; labeling Whyte as a “silly, fat sausage,” and a “useless dosser.” 

Since this is a ‘mandatory’ WBC heavyweight title fight, both parties agreed to an 80/20 purse-split following a $40 million purse-bid recently won by promoter Frank Warren. Fury is guaranteed at least $32 million to Whyte’s career-high $8 million payday.  

FURY vs. WHYTE will reportedly happen at the famed Wembley Stadium in London, England, on Saturday, April 23. The fight may also be broadcast live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View here in the U.S.  

Only once in the history of boxing two British boxers fought each other for the World Heavyweight Championship. On October 1, 1993, Lennox Lewis knocked out Britain’s beloved and favorite son, Frank Bruno in front of 20,000+ in an outdoor arena in Cardiff, Whales.

Nearly thirty years later, Fury and Whyte, two of the best British heavyweights in their prime, will pack the massive Wembley Stadium in what could be a record-breaking crowd.

The last time the World Heavyweight Championship was contested in Wembley Stadium in April 2017, JOSHUA vs. KLITSCHKO drew 90,000 spectators. In a battle for the unified WBA/WBO/IBF and IBO titles, Wladimir Klitschko was picking Anthony Joshua apart before the fight was stopped in the eleventh-round of what was labeled as one of the ‘Greatest World Heavyweight Championship Fights’ in boxing history.

Following an impressive Whyte, following an impressive 11-fight winning streak that was both snapped in 2020, but later avenged in a rematch against former WBA titlist and Olympic gold medalist Alexander Povetkin last year, Whyte has proven to be impressive since his defeat to Anthony Joshua over six years ago.

Whyte has claimed incredible victories marquee victories over Povetkin, Robert Helenius, Dereck Chisora (twice), Lucas Browne, Joseph Parker, Oscar Rivas, and Mariusz Wach. Fury, however, has proven to be more impressive.  

Following a near three-year absence from boxing, Fury returned in 2018 as an unbeaten former unified heavyweight champion. People did not take Fury’s comeback too seriously following wins against Sefer Seferi and Francisco Pianeta in 2018. Fury’s comeback took a more serious stride when he out-boxed Wilder through twelve rounds; surviving two separate knockdowns to escape with a disputed draw.

Fury impressed everyone with a stoppage of Tom Schwartz, survived a massive cut to out-box Otto Wallen through twelve, and easily overpowered Wilder to become WBC heavyweight champion in a rematch (Feb. 2020). Fury again rose from the canvas to KO Wilder to conclude their memorable heavyweight championship trilogy last fall.

Golden Boy Press Release: ‘The Pride of Tijuana’ Jamie Munguia defeats D’Mitrus Ballard

LIVE FROM THE PLAZA MONUMENTAL DE PLAYAS TIJUANA LIVE ON DAZN

TIJUANA, B.C., MEXICO (February 19, 2022) – A spectacular showdown was seen tonight at the Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana between two undefeated fighters Jaime Munguia (39-0, 31 KOs) “The Pride of Tijuana” taking on D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (21-1-1, 13 KOs) Prince George City, Maryland. The raging fighters stepped into the ring not losing any time as they each took turns using their jab, trying to dictate the pace of the fight. Munguia successfully cornered Ballard visibly hurting him in the second round. In the third round, Munguia saw an opportunity and knocked down Ballard with a body shot. Ballard eventually got up after spending a few seconds on the canvas, but was quickly dispatched by Munguia at the 1:47 mark of the fight.

“I want to thank everyone for their support today. It was a dream of mine to fight here, in from of the people that saw me grow up and develop as a fighter. We came well prepared for this fight and my performance today proved it. I knew that I was going to be the one to apply pressure and I went in there and did my job. D’Mitrius did have some power, that surprised me, but after the second round, Erik Morales advised me to apply more pressure, throw more combinations. It paid off, I dropped him with a good liver shot and decided to just go for it and ended the fight,” said Jaime Munguia

“I felt I prepared well for Munguia today, but his power surprised me. I couldn’t find my rhythm and apply my jab. Now we have to go back to the gym, keep working, and figure out what comes next,” said D’Mitrius Ballard.

In the co-main event of the night, Mexico’s undefeated rising star, William “Camaron” Zepeda (25-0, 23 KOs) of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, showed off why he is considered to be one of the most dangerous fighters in the lightweight division when he took on Luis “Bofo” Viedas (29-12-1, 10 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico. Viedas had an awkward style, as charged headfirst a few times, causing him to slip several times throughout the fight. Zepeda chased him around, knocking him down twice in the second round and twice in the third round, with the referee calling the fight when he failed to get up at the 1:51 mark. 

“He had a very dirty style of boxing, he kept coming forward, lunging in an awkward way,” said William Zepeda. “But fortunately, we were able to do our job today and got the victory.”

In one of the most entertaining fights of the night, Diego “Azabache” Torres  (14-0, 13 KOs) from Zapopan, Mexico, went the distance for the first time in his career when he faced fellow countryman Jonathan “Perita” Escobedo Martinez (8-3-1, 2 KOs). The 10-round super lightweight fight had the crowd cheering all night as both fighters went after each other with devastating blows that left Escobedo Martinez with two cuts, one above the left eye and another below the right. That was a result of Torres Nunez’s effect and powerful jab, which he utilized heavily in the first few rounds of the fight. In the fifth round, the referee took a time out to examine the cut above the left eye, with the doctor ruling him ‘ok’ to continue. Torres Nunez took a knee in the sixth round, but the referee ruled it a slip. Escobedo Martinez was out for blood after the referee’s ruling, as he cornered Torrez Nunez a few times, visibly hurting him. Torres Nunez had a point deducted in the eighth round as he continued to lose his mouth guard. Both fighters were visibly tired and worn down by the 10^th round, as they closed out the fight to the applause of the attendees. Ultimately, Torres Nunez was crowned the victor via unanimous decision with scores of 97-92, 98-91, 97-92 as fight fans gave his opponent a standing ovation for his brave performance.

Opening the DAZN broadcasts, undefeated Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (18-0, 15 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico, took on Alie “Demolition Man” Laurel (18-7-1, 11 KOs) of Manila, Philippines. The scheduled 10-round featherweight only lasted a round after Espinoza knocked down Laurel twice in the first round, winning by technical knockout at the 1:30 mark.   

Christian Olivo (19-0-1, 7KOs) of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico faced Guadalajara’s Miguel Mateos (12-5, 7KOs) in a 6-round featherweight fight. Both fighters were willing participants as they both took turns throwing combination at each other to the applause and cheers of the crowd. The fight went the distance with Olivo winning the fight via unanimous decision with scores of 60-54 from all three judges.

Also, part of the non-broadcasted fight card Jorge “Chino” Garcia (23-3, 19 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico, defeated Sinaloa’s Jesus “Dengue” Nunez Rodriguez (19-9-2, 13 KOs) via a debilitating body shot in the third round. The fight was originally scheduled to be a an 8-round super welterweight fight

Argi Cortes (22-2-2, 10 KOs) of Mexico City defeated Mario Andrade (16-15-7, 5 KOs) via unanimous decision in a lively 6-round flyweight fight.

In the second fight of the night the undefeated Evan Sanchez (10-0, 6 KOs) of Parlier, California, defeated Abraham “Pitbull” Juarez (19-9, 8 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico. The scheduled 6-round super welterweight event went the distance with Sanchez declared the victor via unanimous decision.

Opening up the night of boxing at Plaza Monumental de Playas, Monterrey’s Arely “Ametralladora” Mucino (31-3-2, 11KOs) took on Marisol Sanchez (12-5, 5 KOs) of Chiapas, Mexico, in an scheduled 8-round flyweight fight. Muncino charged at Sanchez early, hurting her in the second round and winning in the second round by technical knockout.

Munguia vs. Ballard was a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Boxing. The fight was sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.”  The fight will took place on Saturday, February 19 at Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana, in Tijuana, Mexico and streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico. 

For more information, visit http://www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaBallard.

Kell Brook TKO 6 Amir Khan in British Grudge Match

https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/33330776

Kell Brook has fought buried beneath the shadow of fellow countryman Amir Khan throughout his entire career. Although Brook, a former IBF welterweight champion, has had his own personal and professional achievements, he never had the level of celebrity and success as Khan.

At the respective age of 35, both Brook and Khan, regardless of their career triumphs and failures, could not have ended their boxing careers without having fought one another. Last Saturday, live from a sold out Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, Brook, in one of the biggest fights of his career, earned his biggest victory.

Following years of trash talking and resentment, Brook (40-3, 28 KOs) easily outclassed Khan (34-6, 21 KOs) before the fight was stopped at 51 seconds of round six.  

A pair of sneaky right hands badly wobbled Khan the opening round. Brook was patient against a fellow countryman, who kept dropping his hands and pulling straight-back to avoid punches. This allowed Brook to move forward, cutting off the ring, and lunge left-right handed shots at Khan’s head. Khan recognized for his fast hands, was no longer the quick, sharp moving, sharp punching, and sharp boxing fighter that unified the WBA/WBC jr. welterweight championships so long ago.

Khan was gassed after round one and was on wobbly legs from the moment Brook nailed him at the start of the fight. Khan’s bursts of speed and flurries were all wasted because, there was no pop behind his punches. Towards the end of round three, Brook drilled Khan with a hard right and continued to punish Khan against the ropes.

There was a growing sense that Brook was going to stop Khan. The question was how badly the stoppage would be, as Brook simply walked Khan down behind a brutal onslaught of punches that continued into round six. Khan had no resistance, as the referee allowed Khan to gracefully walk away on his own power will by stopping the fight.

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12547142/kell-brook-and-amir-khan-embrace-in-show-of-mutual-respect-brook-i-can-live-at-peace-with-myself

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12546790/kell-brook-stops-amir-khan-in-sixth-round-of-exhilarating-brawl-in-grudge-match

Brook, a former IBF welterweight champion, won the title from Shawn Porter in August 2014. After three successful title defenses, Brook moved up two weight-classes to challenge Gennady Golovkin for the unified World Middleweight Championships two year later. Brook fought a GGG that no one else, not even Canelo, wanted to fight at the time. Brook performed better than the majority of the middleweight contenders GGG fought at 160 lbs.

Unfortunately, Brook suffered a broke orbital bone; an injury that would appeared to have resurfaced in his very next fight. In May 2017, Brook returned to 147 and lost his IBF title to Errol Spence, who has since unified the WBC title and remains unbeaten.

Who knows just how much Brook’s career was damaged from the Golovkin fight. Brook hasn’t been the same fighter since he fought Porter so long ago. Who knows what would have happened if Khan and Brook were to have fought 5-10 years ago?

On thing is certain, there is a relief that Brook finally had the opportunity to fight Khan; the man he has been chasing since the 2004 Olympics. Khan was selected over Brook to represent Britain and returned home with an Olympic Silver medal.

Unlike Brook, Khan was an instant boxing sensation and is a massive celebrity across Europe. Khan became a world champion at 135 and 140 lbs., but despite his success, Khan suffered a number of disappointing knockout losses to Canelo, Crawford, Danny Garcia, and Breidis Prescott. His title loss to Lamont Peterson was another letdown that was shocking.

Khan’s biggest victory was against world champion and knockout artist Marcos Rene Maidana of Argentina. Khan had risen from off the floor to win a decision. Khan also has quality wins against Zab Judah, Luis Collazo, Devon Alexander, Andrei Kotelnik, Julio Diaz, Sammy Vargas, and Paul McCloskey to name a few.

Perhaps we’ve seen the end of Khan, which appears very likely. It’s a shame people had to wait so long for a faded Khan to fight a Brook, who himself is past his prime.

British former world champion rivals Amir Khan, Kell Brook set for all-English showdown in Manchester on Saturday

Former world champions Amir Khan (34-5, 21 KOs) and Kell Brook (39-3, 27 KOs) are set to do battle in their home country this Saturday, live from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

KHAN vs. BROOK can be watched live on ESPN+, 1 PM/ET and 10 AM/PT in the United States. Sky Sports Box Office will also distribute the bout live in the U.K. at 6 PM GMT.

 Khan and Brook have been at each other for many years. Although both fighters remain in top shape, much has happened during their respective careers. Lots of damage have been sustained. Clearly both fighters are no longer among the top 140-147-lb. fighters on the planet.

They’re at the very end of their boxing careers. This fight should have already happened a long time ago. While many have asked the question, “Why Saturday after so much talk for so long,” the reality is it would have been a real shame if Khan and Brook had never fought one another before their careers ended.

Khan, of Manchester, England, is a former Olympic Silver medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Khan is a former WBA 140-lb. champion of more than two years. Khan, recognized for his blinding hand-speed has fought a number of good fighters throughout his career: Canelo, Danny Garcia, Zab Judah, Paulie Maliganaggi, Marcos Maidana, Lamont Peterson, Andrei Kotelnik, Luis Collazo, Devon Alexander, Chris Algieri, Phil Lo Greco, and Billy Dib.

There were times when has looked spectacular and absolutely sensational in fights with Alexander, Maidana, Collazo, and Judah. There were times when Khan was extremely disappointing. His knockout defeats to Bredis Prescott, Canelo, and Garcia were each all deadly. To his credit, Khan has responded from every loss with a win. 

Khan has a chance to either rejuvenate his career, or end his career by beating his biggest rival in many years. A win for Khan over Brook would have undoubtedly completed Khan’s professional career in boxing.

Kell Brook has had an incredible journey in boxing. Inspired by Naseem Hamed, Brook, who didn’t have Khan’s amateur pedigree, won a few amateur boxing titles before turning professional in 2004. Eighteen years as a professional athlete is such a long time for a boxer, but Brook made it all worthwhile.

Perhaps the biggest victory of his career was when he defeated Shawn Porter to win the IBF welterweight championship 10 years into his career. One of the most memorable moments of Brook’s title reign was when he moved up two-weight classes to challenge Gennady Golovkin for the World Middleweight Championship in 2016.  

Brook face GGG during a time when nobody wanted to fight him because of his devastating power. The fight was stopped in the fifth-round, as Brook, who launching punches from various angles fighting backwards, engaged GGG into a slugfest. He ended up suffering from a broken orbital bone.

Brook returned to welterweight in defense of the IBF welterweight title; losing to Errol Spence, currently the unified IBF/WBC welterweight champion. Spence is set to face WBA champion, Yordenis Ugas on April 16, at AT&T Stadium in Texas.

Brook has won three of his previous four fights; losing to WBO welterweight champion Terrance Crawford 15 months ago and hasn’t fought since.

Khan and Brook are both 35 years old. They were both world champions and were amongst the top welterweights in the world. The fight should have happened at least seven, or eight years ago. Nonetheless, we get to see these two battle each other on Saturday.

https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/amir-khan-vs-kell-brook-date-fight-time-tv-channel-and-live-stream/ut86fj27bcha1e78heatraa4t

https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/amir-khan-and-kell-brook-both-make-149lb-catchweight-at-weigh-in/54f0cmepx7d315hzts18nwnss

https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/kell-brook-on-amir-khan-ive-trained-for-12-tough-rounds/koocrzj69mrc10ehg36flof58

Photo Credit: ESPN/TOP RANK BOXING