Top Rank Release: Jose Carlos Ramirez pummels Richard Commey in 11, Seniesa Estrada unifies strawweight titles

FRESNO, Calif. (March 25, 2023) — Former unified champ Jose Ramirez has earned another shot at the WBC junior welterweight title.
 

Ramirez (28-1, 18 KOs) returned from a one-year layoff to defeat former lightweight world champion Richard Commey (30-5-1, 27 KOs) via 11^th-round knockout on Saturday evening at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.
 
From the opening round, Ramirez tried to overwhelm Commey with constant offense. In every round, the 30-year-old native of Avenal, California, pushed Commey to the ropes to throw straight right hands, hooks and uppercuts.

In the 11^th, Ramirez’s offense paid off as he sent Commey down with a right hand to begin the round. Ramirez then landed a left hook to the body that sent Commey down again, for a final time, at 2:31 of the penultimate chapter.

Ramirez said, “It’s always hard after a layoff, but mentally I had to go back to being my old self and start strong. There came a point in my career where I got too comfortable. But this time, I started with that rhythm of being active with my punches throughout the round. And I went back to my old self.
 
“I hurt him in the first round. But he’s a tough guy. Big shoutout to Commey and his team. He’s a good warrior. He took some good shots. And he picked it up in the middle of the fight, too. I heard his team motivating him, but I wanted to make a statement and show that I’m the stronger guy in there.
 
“I want any world champion. If Regis Prograis is serious about fighting, we can sit down and negotiate. Let’s sit down and make the fight.”

‘Super Bad’ Unifies Minimumweight Titles

 
Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (24-0, 9 KOs) got one step closer to becoming undisputed champion by unifying the WBA and WBC minimumweight world titles with a dominant unanimous decision victory over “Tiny” Tina Rupprecht (12-1-1, 3 KOs).
 
Estrada controlled each round by using a quick jab and by constantly switching stances. The 30-year-old native of East Los Angeles also picked spots where she would work on the inside, landing a hard body shot or two before slipping the side to avoid any counters.
 
Rupprecht tried to land her signature right hand and was successful at times, but not nearly enough to faze her opponent. All three judges scored it a shutout, 100-90.

Estrada said, “This training camp was more mentally tough than it was physically. I showed it in the ring by sticking to my game plan and using my jab. I always want to give an entertaining fight, but I knew that with an opponent like Tina, I had to use my jab because she is a short fighter who stays very low. And when you fight fighters like that, you have to use your jab and stick to a game plan.
 
“I want to tell the other champion at 105 pounds [Yokasta Valle] that I’m whooping you next. You can get it next. I am the best in this division, and I know it. I want to prove it by becoming undisputed.”

Heavyweights: Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (7-0, 6 KOs) went the distance for the first time in his career as he defeated Patrick Mailata (6-2, 3 KOs) by six-round split decision. Mailata dropped Mireles in the third round after a right hand to the temple wobbled him, but the native of Des Moines, Iowa, was able to recover. Mireles rebounded in the later rounds, landing shots from a distance. One judge scored it 57-56 for Mailata, while the other two rendered identical scores of 57-56 for Mireles. 

Lightweights: Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (17-0, 14 KOs) overcame an early knockdown to stop Humberto Galindo (14-3-1, 11 KOs) via knockout in the ninth round. In the opening round, Galindo landed a two-punch combination that floored Muratalla. However, the native of Fontana, California, got back up to drop Galindo in the fourth round with a body shot. Galindo recovered, but Muratalla took over, stopping him with another shot to the body.

Lightweights: Charlie Sheehy (6-0, 4 KOs)of Brisbane, California, defeated Angel Rebollar (6-2, 3 KOs) via six-round unanimous decision. Rebollar fought aggressively in every round, but Sheehy’s footwork and one-two combinations were too much for the Los Angeles native to overcome.Scores: 58-56 and 60-54 2x.

Light Flyweights: Jessie James Guerrero (3-0-2, 3 KOs), the fighting nephew of former world champion Robert Guerrero, was held to a four-round majority draw against fellow California native Eduardo Alvarez (0-2-1). The judges scored the action-packed fight 40-36 Guerrero and 38-38-2x.

Junior Welterweights: Ricardo Ruvalcaba (8-0-1, 7 KOs) made short work of Marco Antonio Cardenas (9-8-1, 4 KOs), stopping the Oregon native with a left hook to the body in the opening round. Ruvalcaba, from Ventura, California, has won three straight by KO. Time of stoppage: 2:59. 

Junior Featherweights: Subaru Murata (4-0, 4 KOs) scored a first-round stoppage over Jose Negrete (2-2, 2 KOs). The southpaw Murata dropped Negrete with a straight left hand. Negrete rose to his feet on weak legs, and referee Ron Scott Stevens waved it off.

Photo Courtesy: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

After Saturday’s victory, the public will demand Canelo to fight David Benavidez

Three-time WBC super-middleweight champion David Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) remained undefeated; retaining his interim WBC 168-lb. title following an impressive unanimous-decision victory against Caleb Plant (22-2, 13 KOs) last night in Las Vegas.

Benavidez, who has been calling for a fight with World Super-Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez, may have finally convinced the general public that he should get the next shot. A fight between Canelo and Benavidez (if it hasn’t already), will be heavily demanded by the public and everyone involved with boxing will be calling for that fight next.

Canelo, on Cinco de Mayo weekend, will make the next defense of his World 168-lbs. title belts homecoming in more than 15 years as a professional fighter.

Canelo maybe focused on Ryder, but he will not be able to dodge questions, comments, and possibly ridicule over the possibility of having to fight Benavidez, who was absolutely stellar against Plant, the former IBF 168-lb. champion, who dropped his titles to Canelo in a unification title fight in Sept. ’21.

Plant, coming off a devastating knockout performance against Anthony Dirrell last year, brought passion, fire, and a confidence befitting of a champion. Plant was jabbing, moving, and throwing fast combinations at Benavidez, but the 6’ 2,” monster kept moving forward.

Benavidez was intent on moving forward, engaging Plant in a straight-up, square slugfest. It was from the inside where Benavidez did the most damage. The punches Benavidez threw were harder than Plant’s. Those punches were sharper and where thrown from better angles. Those punches Benavidez threw were physically breaking down Plant at a rapid pace.

In addition to having a relentless offensive attack, Benavidez showed he had been working on his defense as well. Benavidez showed head-movement to avoid Plant’s onslaught. Benavidez also showed a tight guard; catching Plant’s flurries using his gloves.

“I knew I had to take it step by step and round by round,” said Benavidez. “Caleb is a tough fighter. He’s not going to give you everything in the first few rounds so you have to find him. But I feel like I didn’t just show that I was a power puncher tonight. I showed that I had defense and head movement and I was able to move around the ring and cut the ring off really good.”

As the fight surpassed round eight into the championship rounds, Benavidez further separated himself from Plant, as the better fighter. Plant threw three-four-five punch combinations. Plant was resilient and determined to win; fighting to win at all costs until the final bell. However, it wasn’t enough. Plant was getting hit too much; fatiguing, and breaking down at too rapid a pace to keep up with Benavidez.

The judges scored the fight 117-110, 116-112, and 115-113.

To Plant’s credit, he did better than most to have ever fought Benavidez, who has made a career out of mowing down Dirrell, J’Leon Love, Ronald Ellis, David Lemieux, has amassed a perfect record dating back nearly ten years. Plant had an incredible strategy, which was to intelligently box, pick shots, and move around an aggressive, assertive, and powerful Benavidez. Nonetheless, Benavidez, on the biggest stage of his career, rose to the occasion as expected.

“I was trying to hold him when necessary, punch him when necessary, and throw my combinations when necessary,” said Plant. “But when the best get in there with the best, you roll the dice and someone is going to come out with their hand raised and someone will come up short. And one thing that I pride myself on is that I roll with the best in the world. I haven’t ducked anyone and maybe we can have a rematch in the future.”

It’s only a matter of time. Canelo has to fight Benavidez at some point. Again, on the biggest stage in boxing live from Las Vegas on Pay-Per-View, Benavidez, who is no stranger to fighting on huge fight cards on big platforms in world title fights, is ready for the biggest fight of his career.

Canelo, the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, and Ring Magazine champion, must fight his universally recognized #1. challenger at 168.

David Benavidez.

No, not a Charlo moving up in weight. No, not a fourth fight with GGG. No, not Erislandy Lara. No, not Daniel Jacobs. No, no recycled opponents boxing promoters love to call-up to be gatekeepers and stepping stones.

David Benavidez.

“I just want to tell everyone that I have a lot of respect for Canelo Alvarez but he has to give me that shot now,” said Benavidez. “That’s what everyone wants to see. Let’s make it happen. Now the fans are calling for this fight, the legends are calling for this fight, so let’s make it happen.”

For those that missed Benavidez vs. Plant, which was the main event of a SHOWTIME Boxing Pay-Per-View, the fight will replay Saturday, April 1 on SHOWTIME® at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT.

Canelo Alvarez returns home to Mexico in defense of World Super-Middleweight Championships on Cinco de Mayo Weekend

Canelo Alvarez (58-2-2, 39 KOs) returns to defend the Undisputed World Super-Middleweight Championship on Saturday, May 6, against John Ryder (32-5, 18 KOs), live on DAZN Pay-Per-View from Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico.

“I feel really happy to be coming back in May because following my surgery, I was unsure of when I’d be coming back,” said Canelo. “Returning to the ring and coming back to fight in Jalisco, where I’m from, makes me especially happy. And in John Ryder, I’m facing a very competitive fighter.”

Alvarez hasn’t fought in his native Mexico in more than 4,000 days – that’s more than 11 ½ years. The last time Canelo fought in Mexico was in Mexico City. Canelo was the unbeaten WBC 154-lb. champion; stopping former world champion Kermit Cintron in the fifth-round.

In September, Canelo, in defense of his 168-lb. titles, ended his long-standing rivalry against a 41-year-old Gennady Golovkin. That victory came four months following Canelo’s loss to unbeaten WBA light-heavyweight champion Dimitry Bivol last May.

Overall, Canelo has been World Super-Middleweight Champion since December 2018; pummeling Rocky Fielding (TKO 2) at Madison Square Garden, New York City.

As Canelo inches closer to what will be a memorable night of boxing come May 6, it’s amazing to see what Canelo has accomplished in hindsight. At age 32, Canelo is a four-division world champion having won titles at 154, 160, 168, and 175. 58 victories in 62 professional fights dating back to 2005. Canelo was just 15 years old when he turned professional.

Canelo has fought and defeated some of the best fighters in boxing over the last 18 years: Golovkin, Erislandy Lara, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Austin Trout, Amir Khan, and so many others… Losing only to Biviol (2022) and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (2013); having went nearly a decade between defeats.

Come May 6, it will certainly be a homecoming celebration for Canelo.

“This is a moment that will be forever engrained in the history of boxing and Mexican sport,” said Eddie Hearn. “Canelo Alvarez defending his undisputed championship in his hometown in front of 50,000 fans will be an incredible sight and a night we will never forget.  

“In John Ryder, you have a mandatory challenger that has paid his dues and off the back of big wins against Daniel Jacobs and Zach Parker is ready for the ultimate challenge. See you May 6 in Guadalajara for something very special, live on DAZN.”

Ryder was awarded a chance to fight for the Undisputed World Super-Middleweight Championship following an exciting 2022. Ryder defeated former world champion Danny Jacobs, via split-decision. Ryder also captured the interim WBO 168-lb. title and mandatory title shot when Zack Parker didn’t get-up from his stool to start the fifth-round.

“There’s no denying that Canelo is one of the greats and I’ve got a lot of respect for what he’s achieved in the sport but I fully believe this is my time fulfil my dream of becoming a World champion,” said Ryder.

“I’m not going over there for a holiday. For me this is purely business and my full focus is on going into his backyard in Guadalajara on May 6 and bringing those belts back with me to the UK.”

A Bittersweet Finish?

If last Saturday was the last time we saw Tony Harrison step inside a boxing ring, it couldn’t have ended anymore Bittersweet. Yes, Tim Tszyu went on to stop Harrison in the ninth-round; capturing the vacant interim WBO 154-lb. title in Australia following an injury to Undisputed Champion Jermell Charlo last December. However, the fact that Harrison, known as ‘Superbad,’ was alongside his brother/trainer LJ Harrison of the SuperBad Boxing Academy in Detroit, I don’t think they would have wanted it any other way.

Win, lose, or draw – the Harrison brothers proved to have each other’s back, regardless of whatever outcome awaited.

You know, a flight from Detroit to Australia is approximately 19-20 hours. You’re covering more than 9,000 miles (at least). LJ prepped the older 32-year-old Tony, as hard as he could. Tony was in great shape and in tremendous spirit, as Harrison was highly motivated to fight Tszyu, or anyone else willing to fight.

As the saying goes, “It’s Detroit vs. Everybody.” Meaning, Tony Harrison, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime with his younger brother LJ beside him – win, lose, or draw.

Think about it! A victory over Tszyu would have won Tony his second career world title, as the former WBC 154-lb. champion would have forced a third fight against Charlo. Harrison beat Charlo at the Barclays Center in Dec. 2018 to win the WBC title before losing the championship to Charlo in a rematch the following year. Then the COVID-19 Pandemic happened, as the Harrison brother lost their father/head trainer and founder of the SuperBad Boxing Academy Ali Salaam.

The journey of the Harrison’s goes beyond Tony’s in-ring career, which I’m confident he’s satisfied. Both Tony and LJ were both in Alycia Baumgardner’s corner the night she knocked out Terri Harper to become the new women’s WBC super-featherweight champion in Nov. 2021. After Tony officially took over as Alycia’s head trainer, Baumgardner went on to defeat Mikaela Mayer (Sept. 2022) and Elkhem Mekhaled (Feb. 2023) to become the Undisputed Women’s World Champion at 135 lbs.

In addition, both LJ and Tony Harrison, on a day-to-day basis, train both men and women of all ages at the SuperBad Boxing Academy. In between sessions, you’ll even see LJ schooling Tony over a game of Chess.

Born and raised in Detroit, it was as though Tony Harrison was born to fight. His grandfather Henry Hank had won 62 professional fights during a 19-year professional boxing career. Tony’s father, Ali Salaam was a professional fighter at welterweight – 147 lbs.

Harrison, a former protégée, student of the legendary Hall of Fame trainer Emmanuel Steward, won more than 70 fights as an amateur in Michigan. Harrison was a two-time Michigan Golden Gloves Champion and a former National Golden Gloves semifinalist.

Harrison turned professional in 2011 instead of competing for a spot in the 2012 Olympic Games.

Throughout his career, Harrison, having fought all over the world in places like Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Las Vegas, New York, Tampa, Birmingham, El Paso, and back home to Detroit; working with the likes of Unified World Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko, and former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, Harrison was knocking guys out repeatedly from one opponent to the next. Tony was slick, moved well, boxed, punched, and cracked well. Tony has speed, fast-hands, and combination-punching.

Tony was truly exciting to watch and fun for many to be around. Anytime Tony lost, it was against guys that were either undefeated, or bigger punchers.

Whether Tony decides whether to resume his career will ultimately be his decision. But if last Saturday was truly the end, it couldn’t have ended any other way than with Tony standing alongside his brother LJ.    

Matchroom Boxing Release: Katie Taylor bids to become two-weight Undisputed Champion against Chantelle Cameron on May 20th

TAYLOR BIDS TO BECOME TWO-WEIGHT UNDISPUTED WORLD CHAMPION AGAINST CAMERON ON MAY 20 IN DUBLIN

Irish legend meets undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion at the 3Arena

Historic event to be shown live and exclusively on DAZN

Katie Taylor has the chance to become a two-weight undisputed World Champion when she takes on undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion Chantelle Cameron in a historic homecoming fight at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday May 20, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

Irish legend Taylor (22-0, 6 KOs) fights in Ireland for the first time in her professional career as she bids to create even more history and further cement herself as the greatest female fighter on the planet when she meets England’s Cameron.

Taylor edged out Amanda Serrano in an epic fight for the ages on an iconic night at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York last April. The global superstar retained her Undisputed Lightweight World Title belts after a Fight of the Year contender with multi-division World Champion Serrano.

It was the first women’s boxing bout to headline the famous MSG in its 140-year history, attracting an unprecedented audience of 1.5 million tuning in globally on DAZN. The rivals were set to rematch in Dublin on May 20 until Serrano withdrew due to injury last month.

Northampton’s Cameron (17-0, 8 KOs) achieved a lifetime dream by outpointing the USA’s Jessica McCaskill to be crowned undisputed at 140lbs at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates last November.

Cameron captured the famous green and gold WBC 140lbs World Title by widely outpointing Brazil’s Adriana dos Santos Arauja behind closed doors at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes back in October 2020.

‘Il Capo’ looked sensational as she stopped Puerto Rico’s Melissa Hernandez in five rounds during the first defence of her crown the following year in her US debut at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

The 31-year-old added the IBF and inaugural Ring Magazine World Titles to her collection by decisioning Indiana’s Mary McGee in an all-action main event at The O2 in London in October 2021 before defending her titles with another unanimous decision points win over Victoria Noelia Bustos in May last year.

“Once Serrano pulled out this was the natural fight to make,” said Taylor. “It’s two undefeated, reigning Undisputed World Champions going up against each other and I believe that’s the first time that’s ever happened in the modern era of the sport.

“People have been talking about this fight for a long time now so I’m delighted it’s happening and I’m looking forward to becoming a two-weight Undisputed Champion in Dublin on May 20.”

“It feels surreal that the fight is actually happening,” said Cameron. “It feels like my whole professional career has been based around this fight and I never imagined it would actually happen for one reason or another.

“I’m no stranger to boxing away from home now and to be going into Katie’s backyard for her homecoming is massive. I’m glad to be a part of history again like I was in Abu Dhabi. I know what I will be up against and that I am the underdog but I relish that. The fight will be electric. We both are experienced, we are both game and we are both are coming to win

“To successfully defend my belts against Taylor will be the icing on the cake for me. To become undisputed and then defend them against the pound-for-pound best in women’s boxing will really mark my place in women’s boxing and create my own legacy.”

“I can’t wait to be a part of the historic moment when Katie Taylor makes her homecoming in Ireland to attempt to make history and become a two-weight undisputed Champion,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “For the first time in her career Katie Taylor called an opponent out because that’s how important this moment is for her. She called out in my opinion the most dangerous test in boxing for her at this time – the undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion Chantelle Cameron. This fight has been talked about for many years and we always said that when the timing was right Katie would have no problem accepting the challenge.

“For Chantelle, she has done everything that has been asked of her – became World Champion, unified the division and became undisputed at the end of last year. She is a formidable fighter who has always believed she can beat Katie Taylor. On May 20 you will see one of the greatest nights in Irish sporting history as the icon of Irish boxing will be part of an event that will have the eyes of the world watching. We’re building an incredible undercard to accompany a wonderful main event which I think will surpass even the heights of Taylor vs. Serrano. Get ready Ireland, we’re coming! We look forward to an incredible night. Watch it live around the world on DAZN.

“First of all we wish Amanda all the best in her recovery from injury,” said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. “Secondly, our thanks to Eddie and the team for pulling this thrilling matchup out the bag to mark Katie’ historic return to Ireland. Chantelle Cameron is a fantastic fighter and will be a tough test for Katie. I for one, cant wait! Watch this brilliant fight live and exclusive on DAZN”

An announcement on tickets will be made soon.

SHOWTIME Boxing Release: Tim Tszyu captures interim WBO 154-lb. title… Eyes set on ‘Undisputed Showdown’ with Jermell Charlo

TIM TSZYU CAPTURES INTERIM WBO 154-POUND TITLE WITH NINTH-ROUND TKO OVER TONY HARRISON ON SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL^® SATURDAY NIGHT FROM QUDOS BANK ARENA IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Tszyu Has His Eyes Set On An Undisputed Showdown With Jermell Charlo For All the Belts After Decisive, Action-Packed Hometown Win

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, – March 12, 2023 – Popular undefeated hometown favorite Tim Tszyu dominated former world champion Tony Harrison with a ninth-round TKO to win the Interim WBO Super Welterweight title Sunday in a SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL main event live on SHOWTIME® before 11,740 rabid pro-Tszyu fans at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.

With the win Tszyu became the mandatory challenger to undisputed super welterweight king Jermell Charlo. At the time of the stoppage, all three judges were in agreement scoring the bout 77-75 in favor of Tszyu after eight completed rounds.

When asked after the fight what the win means, Tsyzu yelled into the mic, “It means I’ve beat the man who beat the man!”

Tszyu was then asked if he had a message for Charlo: “The message was sent clearly. You know what’s next, you know I’m coming.”

The undisputed king of the 154-pound division, Charlo joined the SHOWTIME announce team live from the CBS Studios in New York City as a special guest.

“He’s going to be a tough fight because he’s coming forward,” Charlo said following the telecast. “But I think he’s perfect for my style. He fits suitably well for me. I know he can’t take my punch because I know my punch is different. I think he’s going to do the same thing (when he fights me). He’s not going to change up much. Seeing him tonight just made me want to fight and be back in there, to get this over with, to just shut him up. I’ve shut up a lot of fighters. He’s just another one.”

Tszyu (22-0, 16 KOs) – who elected to face the veteran Harrison after Tszyu’s scheduled match with Charlo on January 28 was scratched when Charlo broke his hand in training – simply outboxed and out-performed Detroit’s Harrison (29-4-1, 21 KOs).

“The better man won,” Harrison said. “They’ve done a good job over there. His timing, his reaction is very good. He just beat me, so all I can say is he’s up for Charlo.”

Harrison started quickly, but soon felt Tszyu’s power as Harrison was rocked by an overhand right late in the third round that staggered Harrison, a sequence that was repeated again at the end of the fourth round.

Harrison hit back in the sixth, landing more shots than Tszyu and displaying his defense as Tszyu missed on several swings. It was more of the same in the eighth as Tszyu continued his relentless pressure and started out-landing Harrison. Harrison had had enough in the ninth, finally hitting the canvas but beating the 10-count to continue the battle until the referee ended matters.

The 28-year-old Tszyu, who made his SHOWTIME debut in March 2022 with a win over Terrell Gausha, is the son of International Boxing Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, who competed on SHOWTIME 10 times and had some of his most memorable fights on the network. Kostya Tszyu was unable to attend the Sunday fights because his daughter and Tim’s half-sister has been ill.

“We will always have respect for each other, but tonight I proved I was the better fighter,” Tszyu said of Harrison. “The way my career has unfolded has been step by step, all the way to the top. That’s my mentality as a fighter. When I’m presented an opportunity like Charlo, of course I’m going to take that. And when I get an opportunity to face Tony Harrison, of course I’m going to take it.”

Harrison said he wasn’t sure what the future would hold. “The boxing [stuff] is hard. I’ve been doing this since I was five. I don’t know if I want to spend the next five, six years getting hit in the face. My brother [trainer LJ Harrison] had the perfect game plan, but sometimes when you get in there you forget.”

The event was promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast will replay at 9:05 a.m. ET/PT Sunday, March 12 and Monday, March 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME^®.

Charlo was joined by veteran sportscaster and “The Last Stand” podcaster Brian Custer, who hosted the SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast remotely from New York City and called the action with three-division world champion Abner Mares and International Boxing Hall of Famer Steve Farhood,who both served as analysts. Farhood was also theunofficial scorer, while fellow Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon Jr. handled ring announcing duties Down Under. Four-time Emmy^® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. was the executive producer of the broadcast with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing.

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SHOWTIME Release: Undefeated Rivals “Tank” Davis & Ryan Garcia Preview SHOWTIME PPV Clash

Undefeated Rivals Gervonta “Tank” Davis and “King” Ryan Garcia Preview Their Clash Taking Place Saturday, April 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Headlining a SHOWTIME PPV® Production of a Premier Boxing Champions Event

NEW YORK – March 8, 2023 – Undefeated boxing superstars Gervonta “Tank” Davis and “King” Ryan Garcia went face to face for the first time at a press conference in New York on Wednesday as they previewed their highly anticipated 12-round showdown that headlines a pay-per-view event on Saturday, April 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The telecast is being produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and will be available across pay-per-view providers including DAZN PPV.

Davis vs. Garcia is promoted by GTD Promotions, TGB Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. Tickets for the live event go on sale Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m. PT and will be available through www.axs.com. 

Pre-sale tickets will be available Thursday, March 9 from 10 a.m. PT to 10 p.m. PT with the code: BOXING

In a rare matchup of unbeaten superstars in the primes of their careers, Davis vs. Garcia is set up to be a crossover event that captures the sporting world’s imagination. With contrasting, colorful personalities and aggressive, dynamic styles in the ring that translate to highlight-reel knockouts, April 22 projects to be the must-see boxing event of the year.

Davis and Garcia squared off for a long and animated face-off at the conclusion of the press conference, offering a glimpse of the intensity on deck for fight night. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from Palladium Times Square:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“We’re back at it. This time we got another dance partner. I know that it’s going to be tough. This fight is definitely going to be tough. But this is what we came to do. We want the big fights.

“I’ve been boxing since I was seven. I fought a lot coming up. I’m just happy to be a part of this moment and share the ring with a young fighter like Ryan Garcia who’s daring himself to be great. He talked his way into this fight. April 22 he’s going to have to show it.

“I’m coming from Baltimore and a lot of people don’t make it from there. I’m just happy to be a part of this event. I couldn’t have done this by myself. I had a great team that got me here.

“We’ve stayed focused and kept our head down and continued to grind. That’s what really matters.

“I think this is important because we’re both young. Both of us are at our peak. A lot of young fighters don’t fight each other. We both made our name coming up and the time is now. We’re both great fighters and we put it all on the line.

“All I have to do is keep working and beat whoever they put in front of me. That starts with Ryan Garcia.

“My strategy is going to depend on what he brings that night. Whether he’s coming fast or slow, I always want to take my time. It all depends on what he brings.

“This is going to be an explosive fight. It’s two young guys who are hungry. It’s all about who wants it more. Whoever is really built like that, that’s who’s going to win. Nobody can fight for him. It’s about who’s got that dog in them.”

RYAN GARCIA

“This is a fight that I’ve been wanting for a very long time. To be a champion, you have to beat the best. It’s not about the titles, it’s about who you beat. It’s a testimony to the respect I have for Gervonta as a fighter.

“I want to be the best. During this whole journey, I put boxing first and the fans first. I had to accept a lot of stipulations, but my power comes from within and from above. My strength comes from my heart.

“We really came together and conquered the poison that’s been stopping boxing from making the biggest fights. We found a way.

“April 22 is the time where the words won’t matter anymore. The truth will come out. We’re both great fighters and we’ll settle it in the ring.

“If you look at boxing, it’s been hard to get prime fighters together. It usually happens too late. This is a moment that boxing has been longing for. You really can’t make a bigger fight than this.

“This is a defining moment in our careers. This is about legacy. This is about who really wants the crown.

“’Tank’ has the image of a devastating puncher. He’s a great fighter. I’ll know within myself what type of fighter I am after this fight. This is what I’ve always wanted.

“I just didn’t want to take the risk of an interim fight before this one. There are a lot of little things that can happen. I didn’t wait this long to mess it up at the finish line.

“I’m going to be ready for 12 rounds. You have to respect your opponent. You can’t just jump in to get a knockout. It might be more of a mental fight than people might believe. Different opponents make you approach fights in different ways.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“These two are bringing boxing back. You’re going to feel this energy. These are two great fighters. Y’all made it happen.

“This fight is about the next generation of boxing to come. I can’t wait for the night to be on this new level. After this fight, who’s going to be sitting on this throne? It’s a passing of the torch.

“We’ve been waiting for something like this for years. This is the fight that’s going to make the other fighters actually fight. This is how it’s done.

“Y’all ain’t seen nothing yet. The best is yet to come. I really can’t wait. We’re ready. Let’s do it.”

JOE GOOSSEN, Garcia’s Trainer

“What a great event this is going to be. When you get the two fighters together, it becomes real. We’ve both been training, but I think after this press conference, you get a renewed invigoration.

“We know it’s going to be a tough fight. Ryan is a great fighter and I know that you’re both going to put on a great show.

“These two men are going to go down in history. This is an incredible pairing that you don’t see too often. This is a pay-per-view that I would not miss. Because it’s going to be that exciting. We have two of the best fighters of this era sitting down at this table and I just can’t wait.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“It’s happening. This highly anticipated super fight, which the fans have been begging for, is happening April 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Make no mistake, this is a super fight. It’s one of the biggest that boxing has to offer.

“It’s not often in today’s game that we see two fighters in their prime, both undefeated and both powerful knockout punchers, colliding in their primes.

“This is boxing at its best. It wasn’t ordered. It’s the case of the two best fighters in the division making this happen.

“Any fight with ‘Tank’ equates to big business and financial success. He’s broken records everywhere he’s fought and it’s made him one of boxing’s biggest stars. He’s one of the most explosive and dangerous fighters in the world.” 

LEONARD ELLERBE, Boxing Promoter

“This is two undefeated guys coming together and it’s going to be nothing but fireworks. You have to give all the credit to the two fighters. It’s not about the promoters, it’s about Ryan forcing this fight.

“This is by far the biggest fight in the entire sport. I recall that a couple of years ago when I was in Miami, Ryan approached me and said I want to ‘eff your boy up’. That’s the only fight that he wanted.

“’Tank’ Davis is going to go out there and show you why he’s one of the best fighters in the world.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“This is a mega-fight. That phrase gets thrown around a lot. How often do you get two guys who are undefeated, with huge fan bases and who are early in the peak of their career?

“This is bringing the best two fighters in their weight division in the same ring. We’re all working together to make this big mega-fight. It almost never happens, but this is one that the world is not going to miss.

“We’re going to bring back the glory days because of Ryan Garcia. April 22 these two fighters are going to battle it out. I’m not going to fight for them. They have to do the job themselves.

“These two wanted this fight. Ryan Garcia wanted this fight years ago and now it’s here. May the best man win. I have a lot of respect for ‘Tank’. He’s a special fighter, but Ryan Garcia is special as well.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Golden Boy Promotions Partner

“This is one of those fights that we didn’t see except for once or twice a year in the 1980s or 1990s. This fight has the ingredients. These two fighters will be future Hall of Famers. This is the biggest fight of this year. We should all treat it that way.

“Tell everyone who aren’t fight fans to tune in to this one. This is going to be a fight that hooks them and makes them stay in the sweet science.

“Don’t ask me who is going to win, because you know which side I am on.” 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, SHOWTIME SPORTS

“’Tank’ Davis and Ryan Garcia are two fighters in the core social media demographic who are legitimate fighters with huge fan bases. This is a social media promotion. These guys don’t get the credit they deserve for being skilled boxers. They are obviously bringing in fans beyond the core base. They are brands.

“We have two very different fan bases geographically who both travel. Ryan’s fan base is really strong in Southern California, the Southwest, and among the Mexican-American community. ‘Tank’s’ core is the East Coast, although he has obviously done well across the country. We have two very engaged fan bases, and two very different fighters.

“This fight is the rising tide that lifts all boats. There is an enthusiasm that permeates everything else. It elevates the level of action.

“This fight is one of the cornerstones of our very ambitious 2023 schedule. It’s a battle of the two most popular young fighters in the sport, two fighters in their athletic prime and two of the most exciting fighters in any weight division. Put that together and you have the biggest fight that is on the boxing schedule.

“When a fight this big gets made, there is no shortage of people rushing to take credit. ‘Tank’ Davis and Ryan Garcia deserve the credit for this fantastic event. Throughout the long negotiating process, they never wavered. They remained focused, refused to take the easy way out and take other opportunities, and delivered what the sport and the fans wanted.” 

SHOWTIME Release: “Superstars Collide!” Undefeated rivals “Tank” Davis & Ryan Garcia will meet, Saturday, April 22, live on PPV

SUPERSTARS COLLIDE!

UNDEFEATED RIVALS GERVONTA “TANK” DAVIS AND
“KING” RYAN GARCIA WILL MEET IN GENERATIONAL CLASH
SATURDAY, APRIL 22 LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW
FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

Five-Time World Champion Davis Meets Hard-Hitting Sensation
Garcia in SHOWTIME PPV® Production
Headlining A Premier Boxing Champions Event

Tickets Go On Sale Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m. PT
Pre-Sale Tickets Available Beginning TOMORROW
Thursday, March 9 with Code: BOXING

LAS VEGAS – March 8, 2023 – The battle to become the future face of boxing is set, as five-time, three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis takes on hard-hitting sensation “King” Ryan Garcia in a highly anticipated 12-round showdown headlining a pay-per-view event on Saturday, April 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The telecast is being produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and will be available across pay-per-view providers including DAZN PPV.

Davis has established himself as one of boxing’s hottest, must-see attractions, selling out arenas in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and most recently, Washington D.C., while Garcia headlined fights across Los Angeles, Dallas and San Antonio, with fans packing the rafters to watch his meteoric rise in person. Backed by two passionate, divergent fanbases, the April 22 winner will be primed to make their claim as the sport’s biggest star attraction.

In a rare matchup of unbeaten superstars in the primes of their careers, Davis vs. Garcia is set up to be a crossover event that captures the sporting world’s imagination. With contrasting, colorful personalities and aggressive, dynamic styles in the ring that translate to highlight-reel knockouts, April 22 projects to be the must-see boxing event of the year.

Davis vs. Garcia is promoted by GTD Promotions, TGB Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. Tickets for the live event go on sale Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m. PT and will be available through http://www.axs.com.

Pre-sale tickets will be available TOMORROW, Thursday, March 9 from 10 a.m. PT to 10 p.m.
PT with the code: BOXING

“Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia have taken the boxing world by storm, attracting legions of fans with their thrilling performances and rapidly becoming ‘can’t miss’ attractions,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “On April 22, the two biggest young stars of boxing – both in the prime of their careers – will face each other in the most highly anticipated fight of the year. When the bell rings to start the first round, it will be a ‘where were you’ type moment that boxing fans will be talking about for years to come.”

“Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia is a true fight that will transcend the sport,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Gervonta Davis has proven his star power from coast-to-coast and will now step into a mega-fight with the chance to stake his claim as the future of the sport. This is one of boxing’s biggest events of the last several years and will only grow in intrigue as we near April 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and live on pay-per-view.”

“This fight is boxing the way it should be – two superstars at the peak of their powers squaring off in the ring to see who is truly the best of the best,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “Both Ryan and ‘Tank’ are at the top of the world when it comes to speed, power and skill. This will come down to who wants it more, and it is for that reason that I strongly believe Ryan will come out on top.”

Davis (28-0, 26 KOs) holds the WBA Lightweight Title, and has also won world titles at 130 and 140 pounds during his spectacular career. The Baltimore-native set a new gate record for Capital One Arena in January to see him stop the previously unbeaten 130-pound world champion Hector Luis Garcia in the ninth round.

Prior to that fight, Davis added another highlight-reel KO to his resume, as he dispatched longtime rival Rolando Romero with a thudding left hand in February 2022, in another record-setting event at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The 28-year-old also owns the distinction as the only fighter to stop former three-division champion Leo Santa Cruz and former 140-pound champion Mario Barrios. Davis burst onto the scene with an explosive knockout of Jose Pedraza in 2017 to capture his first world title and won the lightweight strap he currently holds with a 12th-round KO of former unified champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2019. This bout marks Davis’ sixth-straight headlining appearance on SHOWTIME PPV.

“I’m excited for this fight and I appreciate Ryan stepping up to the plate and helping make this happen,” said Davis. “This is one of those fights that everyone has been talking about for a few years now. I know I’m going to be ready to put on a show. Make sure you buy the pay-per-view or come out to Las Vegas and witness a historic fight between two of the biggest names in boxing. Thank you to all my fans and everyone that continues to support me. I’m fighting for all of you on April 22!”

The 24-year-old Garcia (23-0, 19 KOs) has used his skills and Hollywood-persona to establish a huge fan base, backing it up in the ring with a perfect record, including knockouts in six of his last seven contests. Most recently, Garcia delivered a sixth-round knockout over former champion Javier Fortuna in July 2022 in front of a packed, star-studded audience at Los Angeles’ famed Crypto.com Arena. Born in Victorville, California and now residing in Los Angeles, Garcia has entered the ring for his last two fights under the guidance of legendary trainer Joe Goossen. ESPN’s Prospect of the Year in 2017, Garcia established himself as a lightweight contender by rising off the canvas to stop Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell in the seventh round of their 2021 clash that saw Garcia walk away with the Interim WBC Lightweight Title.

“This is the super fight of the year,” said Garcia. “Boxing needs to return to the best fighting the best, and I’m bringing back that hype, that glamor, and a new generation of fans to this beautiful sport. Tank is shorter than me, slower than me, older than me, and he knows it. He’s been ducking me for months, but now he’s all out of excuses. It’s time for him to get knocked out.”

Tony Harrison, Tim Tszyu set to fight for the vacant interim WBO 154-lb. title, Saturday in Sydney

https://www.qudosbankarena.com.au/Event-Calendar/Tszyu-v-Harrison

Former WBC 154-lb. champion Tony Harrison traveled approximately 20 hours and more than 9,000 miles for an opportunity to once again become a world champion.

The former world titlist will not be alone, as his younger brother/head trainer LJ Harrison and Undisputed Women’s World Super-Featherweight Champion Alycia Baumgardner will be in Tony’s corner. He’s going to need all the support and guidance necessary, as Harrison (29-3-1, 21 KOs) will battle Tim Tszyu (21-0, 15 KOs), the son of the legendary International Boxing Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu for the vacant WBO 154-lb. title.

TSZYU vs. HARRISON, live from Sydney, Australia (Tszyu’s hometown), will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:45 PM/ET here in the U.S.

Originally, Tszyu was set to fight Jermell Charlo for the Undisputed World 154-lb. titles, but the champion suffered a broken hand while training prior to Christmas in December. The WBO announced Tszyu will fight Harrison, the 32-year-old Detroit native for the vacant interim WBO title.

There winner must fight Charlo, which is the opportunity Harrison has been waiting for such a longtime. A chance to fight Charlo would be the third time they’ve fought. Harrison beat Charlo in their first meeting at the Barclays Center in December 2017, via decision. Charlo stopped Harrison in the rematch.

Both men went their own separate paths after their two bouts.

Charlo went on to unify the 154-lb. titles to become ‘Undisputed,’ as Harrison has trained fighters, coached clients, and helped prepare Baumgardner for her road to Undisputed in NYC. In addition, Tony and LJ both run the Super Bad Boxing Academy in Detroit.

Since losing the rematch to Charlo, Harrison has only fought twice since 2019 – none in 2020, once in 2021, and once in 2022. However, Tony has been training, as he has waited patiently for both Charlo and a big fight opportunity.

Tim Tszyu is the son of Boxing Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, the former Undisputed World Jr. Welterweight Champion and veteran of more than 15 world championship fights.

Cool, but guess what? Kostya being a great fighter doesn’t mean that Tim will have dad’s success.

The jury, the skeptics, the judgment police are all on Tszyu’s case; especially after his under par performance during his U.S. in-ring debut against Terrell Gausha in March of last year. Gausha, not recognized for having much power, dropped Tszyu in the first-round. Tszyu had to rise from the canvas to work from behind, but managed to beat Gasha on points.

Tszyu has returned home to fight a top-notched American boxer/puncher. Harrison is known for his movement, boxing skills, and durability. He’s going to give Tszyu the biggest challenge of his career in the biggest moment of opportunity. Tszyu is young and hungry, but so is Tony.

Everyone will be watching this fight including Charlo himself, alongside Abner Mares, three-division world champion and Steve Farhood, will analyze the fight live from studio in New York.

TSZYU vs. HARRISON will be only SHOWTIME Boxing’s third live boxing match from Australia, joining Azumah Nelson vs. Jeff Fenech (1992) and Kostya Tszyu vs. Jessie James Leija (2003).