Las Vegas – UFC^® makes its highly anticipated return to Madison Square Garden in New York City with an absolutely stacked card featuring a can’t-miss championship doubleheader. In the main event, newly crowned undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane looks to make his first title defense against No. 4 ranked contender Josh Hokit. The co-main event will see arguably the greatest women’s title fight of all time as reigning bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison takes on former champion and all-time great Amanda Nunes.

POLYMARKET UFC^® 334: GANE vs. HOKIT takes place Saturday, November 14 at Madison Square Garden with the main card starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Paramount+. The prelims will begin at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The early prelims will kick off at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT on Paramount+ and UFC Fight Pass.

POLYMARKET UFC^® 334: GANE vs. HOKIT tickets will go on sale Friday, September 25 at 10 a.m. ET and are available at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® will have the opportunity to purchase tickets on Wednesday, September 23 at 10 a.m. ET via the website UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, September 24 at 10 a.m. ET. To access the pre-sale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Gane (14-2 1NC, fighting out of Paris, France) plans to make his first performance as undisputed UFC heavyweight champion a memorable one. A top talent in the division since debuting over seven years ago, Gane has shown off his world-class skills in victories over Alex Pereira, Serghei Spivac and Tai Tuivasa. He now intends to kick off his reign by silencing Hokit and handing him his first loss.

Upstart Hokit (10-0, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) steps into his first main event with his eyes set on claiming UFC gold. A member of the UFC roster for just over a year after being signed on Season 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series, he has rocketed up the rankings following highlight-reel performances over Derrick Lewis, Curtis Blaydes and Denzel Freeman. Hokit now aims to complete one of the fastest runs to a UFC title in history by stopping Gane.

UFC bantamweight queen Harrison (19-1, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) returns to the Octagon looking to make a statement. A two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, Harrison is considered one of the most accomplished female mixed martial artists of all time, a reputation she has bolstered with victories over Julianna Pena, Ketlen Vieira and Holly Holm. She now aims to achieve her most significant goal yet by defeating the greatest of all time in Nunes.

Nunes (23-5, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) steps back into action aiming to remind everyone why she is considered the best to ever do it. The only woman to ever win UFC belts in two separate weight classes and hold and defend them at the same time, she holds more than 15 UFC records, including most knockouts in UFC women’s history (7), most consecutive wins in UFC women’s history (12) and the longest combined UFC title reign of all time (3,940 days). Nunes now intends to show that she is still at the top of the division with another signature performance.

Other bouts on the card include:

• An intriguing middleweight bout sees No. 5 ranked Caio Borralho (18-2 1NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) face rising contender Yousri Belgaroui (11-3, fighting out of Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
• An all-action welterweight contest features No. 12 ranked Uros Medic (14-3, fighting out of Anchorage, Alaska by way of Novi Sad, Serbia) taking on fan favorite Kevin Holland (29-15 1NC, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas)
• Dana White’s Contender Series standout Bilal Hasan (10-0 1NC, fighting out of Everett, Wash.) looks for another highlight-reel finish as he faces veteran Luis Gurule (11-4, fighting out of Sheridan, Colo.) at flyweight
• Drew Dober (29-15 1NC, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) and Chris Duncan (15-3, fighting out of Glasgow, Scotland) collide in an all-action lightweight bout
• Stephen Thompson (17-9-1, fighting out of Simpsonville, S.C.) returns to action against Charles Radtke (12-5, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) at welterweight
• Middleweight action pits undefeated up-and-comers Donte Johnson (9-0, fighting out of Fond du Lac, Wisc.) and Baisangur Susurkaev (12-0, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Chechnya, Russia) head-to-head
• Jim Miller (39-19, fighting out of Sparta, N.J.) makes his 48^th UFC appearance as he faces Terrance McKinney (18-9, fighting out of Spokane, Wash.) at lightweight
• No. 8 ranked UFC women’s bantamweight contender Macy Chiasson (11-6, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) aims to defend her spot in the rankings against undefeated No. 11 rankedBia Mesquita (8-0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• Adrian Yanez (18-6-1, fighting out of Houston, Texas) meets Juan Diaz (16-1-1, fighting out of Callao, Peru) in a can’t-miss bantamweight tilt

Media members wishing to apply for POLYMARKET UFC^® 334: GANE vs. HOKIT credentials may sign up here.

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, with more than 700 million fans and approximately 370 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while distributing programming to an estimated 1 billion broadcast and digital households across 210 countries and territories. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About Paramount+

Paramount+ is a premium streaming subscription service delivering live sports, breaking news, and a Mountain of Entertainment™, and is a cornerstone of the Direct-to-Consumer division at Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), a leading, next?generation global media and entertainment company. The Company’s portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America’s most?watched broadcast network, CBS News, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, SHOWTIME®, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance’s Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information please visit www.paramount.com.

About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment, delivering unforgettable experiences while forging deep connections with diverse and passionate audiences. The Company’s portfolio includes a collection of world-renowned venues – New York’s Madison Square Garden, Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre – that showcase a broad array of sporting events, concerts, family shows, and special events for millions of guests annually. In addition, the Company features the original production, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, which has been a holiday tradition for more than 90 years. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.

Manchester, United Kingdom (September 24, 2026) Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, (BKFC), The World’s Fastest Growing Combat Sports Promotion hosted the Final Press Conference today in Manchester, UK ahead of their groundbreaking BKFC-94 event set for this Saturday, September 26 at the AO Arena and broadcast globally on DAZN.The Final Press Conference was hosted by BKFC Founder and President, David Feldman. 

BKFC-94 is headlined by the highly anticipated rivalry clash between international combat sport superstars, Darren ‘The Gorilla’ Till (1-0), of Liverpool, England and Yoel ‘Soldier of God’ Romero (1-0), of Miami, FL 

Co-featured on the 12-fight card at BKFC-94, BKFC Middleweight World Champion David ‘The Redneck’ Mundell, (10-2), of Dunedin, FL defends his title against UK professional boxing standout Jack ‘The Meat Cleaver’ Cullen, (2-0). 

Also fighting at BKFC-94, Gaz ‘The Crusher’ Corran, (2-0), clashes with Mac ‘The Attack’ Bygraves, (2-0), for the BKFC UK Middleweight Title. Defending his BKFC UK Cruiserweight Title, Karl ‘The Wasp’ Thompson, (4-1), of Sedgefield, UK battles Andy Thornton, (1-0). 

Below are quotes from the participants at the Final Press Conference. 

David Feldman – BKFC Founder/President

“On Saturday night, here at the AO Arena, BKFC will make its biggest announcement yet. Stay tuned for that announcement. It will shock the world, I promise you.”

“It’s going to be sold out here at AO Arena, we’re trending amazingly for pay-per-view sales on DAZN, and our media is at an all-time high, so I want to thank Manchester and thank these warriors up here for making it possible.”

“The people here are real. They’re real fans. They want to see fights, they want to see violence, and that’s what BKFC gives them. I want to thank them for all they’ve done for us and making us a mainstay in combat sports in the United Kingdom.”

Darren “The Gorilla” Till – International Combat Sports Superstar

“It’s a big challenge, but I’ve never been afraid of any man in my life. If you’re a real fighter, you’ll fight anyone, anywhere at any time, and I’ve proven that over and over again. Yoel is a beast and he’s been a guy that people want to avoid, but this just proves that I’ll fight anyone, anywhere at any time. I’m coming for pure (expletive) violence on Saturday night. I don’t like to mess about. This is the purest form of fighting; this is gladiator (expletive) from 2,000 years ago.”

 Yoel “Soldier of God” Romero – Olympic Silver Medalist, International Combat Sports Superstar

“It’s the same philosophy for this fight; we’re blessed to be here. My opinion is the same as his. This is a great opportunity, the time for talking is done, it’s time to show people what we’re made of.”

“God bless everybody, and I hope everybody enjoys what’s going to happen on Saturday.”

 David “The Redneck” Mundell – BKFC Middleweight World Champion

“The belt is coming home with me.”

 “I’m going to go out there and I’m going to do me. I’m going to move forward, I’m going to put my hands on him, and I’m going to win.”

Jack “Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver” Cullen – BKFC Middleweight World Title Challenger

“This is a big challenge, but I’m here to take it — I really am.”

Gaz “The Crusher” Corran – BKFC UK Middleweight Title Challenger

“It’s going to be a win under any circumstances. Whatever it takes, it doesn’t really matter. Just expect pure (expletive) violence from me, and my opponent as well. This should be ‘Fight of the Night.’”

Mac “The Attack” Bygraves – BKFC UK Middleweight Title Challenger

“Gaz is tough, he hits hard, but I’ve put so much work in that I don’t see it going any other way. I’m too clinical, everything has a purpose. Get your checkbook out, because for my next time I want a big payday.”

Karl “The Wasp” Thompson – BKFC UK Cruiserweight Champion

“There’s mutual respect here, but I’ve trained my ass off. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in. Whether it goes one round or five rounds, whatever, it will be a brilliant fight and it will go according to my plan. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show. I’m dying to get on with the fun part.”

Andy Thornton – BKFC UK Cruiserweight Title Challenger

“When you hit glass, what happens? It shatters, it breaks, and that’s what’s going to happen Saturday night. I have no ill will toward him, but he’s going to sleep on Saturday night.”

                                                ——————————————-

Following a sensational MMA run compiling a record of 18-5 and three professional boxing victories, 

Darren Till made his BKFC debut on May 30, 2026, with a blistering first round knockout of Aaron Chalmers in front of a sold-out crowd at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, England. 

Click Here to Watch Darren Till vs. Aaron Chalmers / BKFC

After a remarkable amateur MMA career representing Cuba which included a Silver Medal at the Olympics in Sydney, Australia, Yoel Romero fought extensively in the UFC and Bellator finishing with a record of 17-7 including 14 victories by knockout. Making his BKFC debut in front of a sold-out crowd at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL on September 12, 2025, Romero stopped Theo Doukas in the second round. 

Click Here to Watch Yoel Romero vs. Theo Doukas / BKFC

David Mundell started his BKFC Middleweight World Title Reign with a third-round stoppage of Francesco Ricchi on December 3, 2022. His four world title defenses have come against the top contenders in the division; Mike Richman (KO-2 at BKFC-47), Doug Coltane (KO-2 at BKFC-53), Danny Christie (KO-2 on October 12, 2024) and Donald Sanchez (UD at BKFC-75.)

Following a professional boxing career with a compiled record of 22-6-1 with ten knockouts, Jack Cullen hit the squared circle with a first round stoppage of Jakub Kosicki on March 29, 2025. Following up on March 14, 2026, the hard-hitting Bolton native knocked out Marley Churcher in the second round. 

Gaz Corran has quickly impressed in his first two BKFC fights, both first round knockouts; Danny Moir, (KO-1 at BKFC-81) and Dawid Chylinski (KO-1 at BKFC Fight Night Manchester). 

Impressive distance victories for Mac Bygraves have come against George Thorpe (BKFC-77) and Paul O’Sullivan (BKFC-64). 

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Website: www.BKFC.com

MONTREAL, September 24, 2026 — After 19 wins in as many fights and a meteoric rise through the world rankings, Jhon Orobio is ready for the next step. On November 12, at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, Eye of the Tiger will hand the reins of a main event to its 22-year-old Colombian prodigy for the very first time.

“I made it a point of honour to give Jhon Orobio his first main event after his last fight. It’s one thing for us, as promoters, to say that our boxers are the best, but in this case, it’s practically unanimous. His two nominations for The Ring Magazine awards already prove it, but I would add that after the fight against Moran, a WBC executive told me that he already believed Jhon was capable of beating anyone in the division,” said EOTTM President Camille Estephan.

Widely regarded as one of the best young talents in the sport, Jhon Orobio (19-0, 17 KO) was nominated for The Ring Magazine Prospect of the Year award in 2024 and 2025. Already a two-time WBC and WBA continental champion at super-lightweight (140 lbs), he has won and defended his titles by demolishing Zsolt Osadan, Ivan Basurto, Xolisani Ndongeni, Yomar Alamo, Jonathan Montrel and Antonio Moran over the past 18 months alone. With 17 stoppage wins in 19 fights, an impressive 89% rate, Orobio has quickly carved out a place among the elite of his division. At just 22 years old, the protégé of Marc Ramsay is already ranked No. 7 in the world by both the WBC and WBA, while also holding the No. 12 spot in the IBF rankings.

But Orobio’s rise in Quebec has not taken place solely inside the ring. Arriving in Montréal in 2023 without speaking French, the Colombian learned the language in just three years, demonstrating his desire to fully integrate into his new home and the community that quickly embraced him.

“It is a great honour for me. The trust my team has in me is worth its weight in gold in my eyes, so I don’t intend to disappoint them, nor the Montréal public that welcomed me so warmly when I arrived here in 2023. I will continue to train hard to put on a performance that will allow me to thank them on November 12, and at the same time, prove that I am the best,” said the fighter known as “El Tigre.”

The co-main event will feature Lenar Perez (17-0, 15 KO), who will make a quick return to the ring after scoring one of the biggest victories of his career on September 3. That night, the WBA continental cruiserweight (200 lbs) champion stopped two-time world title challenger Thabiso Mchunu in the eighth round, becoming the first boxer to accomplish the feat since Oleksandr Usyk in 2016. Now ranked No. 4 in the world by the WBA, No. 9 by the IBF and No. 10 by the WBO, the powerful Cuban now wants to capitalize on his momentum and continue his progression toward his first world championship fight.

While Orobio and Perez look to solidify their places among the world elite, two familiar faces to Quebec boxing fans will have something very different to prove on November 12 — both to EOTTM and to themselves. Steven Butler and Erik Bazinyan will square off in a pivotal bout that could very well determine the direction of their respective careers.

“I recently stated that I wanted to see Steven Butler retire, and I won’t hide from that. His health is, and always will be, my priority. That being said, the final decision was Steven’s, and out of respect and honour for everything we have accomplished together over 45 fights, I told him that if he can prove to me that he still has what it takes for one last run, I would be ready to do it alongside him,” commented Camille Estephan, who has worked with Butler since 2014.

Last June, two-time world title challenger Steven Butler (38-6-1, 32 KO) delivered a valiant performance at the legendary Madison Square Garden, where he notably sent hard-hitting New Yorker Edgar Berlanga to the canvas. But if the Montréal native wants to prove that he can keep the flame burning, his opponent, Laval’s Erik Bazinyan (32-1-1, 23 KO), will have to show that he still possesses it as well. Out of the ring since his September 2024 fight against Jaime Munguia, “Bzo” has since withdrawn from the aforementioned fight against “BangBang” on three occasions, prompting EOTTM to suspend the Armenian-born boxer. Saying that he has overcome his demons, and having displayed impeccable dedication in training over the past few months, Bazinyan now says he is ready to return stronger than ever.

The opponents for the main event and co-main event will be announced in the coming days, as will those for the undercard. The latter will include undefeated prospect Avery Martin Duval (16-0-1, 8 KO), Canadian Olympic medallist Wyatt Sanford (8-0, 4 KO), as well as EOTTM’s newest signing, Keven Beausejour (4-0, 4 KO), joined by the five-time Golden Gloves champion Nickenson Denis (2-0, 2 KO).

WBC No. 16-ranked Kevin Anton will defend his WBC Continental Americas junior-middleweight title against once-beaten Freudis “Freddy” Rojas in the 10-round main event of ProBoxTV’s next “Championship Series” event, broadcast live (8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm MT) on Friday, October 16, from the Rawhide Western Town & Event Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

With an injury in training sidelining original foe Yan Marcos, unbeaten 6-foot-3 southpaw Anton, 14-0 (12 KOs), a Guatemalan-American from Palmdale, California, will now face 6-foot-2 southpaw Rojas, 15-1 (11 KOs), of Houston via Las Vegas to top a card that also features WBC No. 5-ranked Justin Pauldo, 20-2, (10 KOs), facing WBO No. 11-ranked Rene Tellez Giron, 23-5 (14 KOs), in the 10-round lightweight co-main event.

Tickets to attend live at the Rawhide Western Town & Event Center are on sale now and available through thundertix.com.

Viewers from home can watch live on ProBoxTV’s YouTube Channel by signing up for a ProBoxTV monthly membership for just $5 a month, giving you access to 12 “Championship Series” events per year, as well as in-studio content several times a week, “Future Stars” series events featuring the next generation of ProBox stars, and to help power the company’s news division, BoxingScene.com, the world’s #1 and most trusted source for boxing news online.

A 2017 World Championships bronze medalist and 2020 Olympic Alternate as an amateur, 28-year-old Rojas turned professional in 2021 and stopped his first eleven professional opponents. 28-year-old Rojas has since gone the distance in his last five, going 4-1.

Against Anton, Rojas will be looking to get back into the win column after losing his last fight, a DAZN-televised 10-round unanimous decision to Mexican spoiler Damian Sosa in April of this year. Fighting for just the second time in two years, and the first time in over a year, an increasingly fatigued Rojas had no answers for Sosa’s relentless pressure and was knocked down in round six.

A rangy, long-armed boxer with good footwork and an excellent jab, Rojas is co-trained by his father, Freudis Rojas Sr., and Shakur Stevenson protegee Kay Koroma at the O to 100 Boxing Club in Houston.

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A barber when not throwing leather in the ring, Anton’s family has roots in Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Proud of his heritage, the 28-year-old southpaw frequently walks to the ring for his fights waving the Guatemalan flag and calls himself “Americo-Chapin”.

In 2026, the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala officially honored him and Martínez with the Condecoración Soberano Congreso Nacional for representing the country with distinction.

Reminiscent of WBC 154lbs champion Sebastian Fundora with his 6-foot-3 stature and destructive, long-armed punching, Palmdale, California’s Anton will be making his fourth consecutive appearance on ProBoxTV and fighting in his first main event against Rojas.

WBC No. 16-ranked Anton was last seen handily defeating capable veteran Vladimir Hernandez by near-shutout scores of 100-90, 100-90, 99-91 in July.

ProBoxTV will be announcing more October 16 matchups shortly.

# # #

ABOUT PROBOX TV:

ProBox TV is the first and only global sports streaming and media company dedicated exclusively to professional boxing. Founded in 2022 by its CEO Garry Jonas, ProBox TV provides boxing fans with the sport’s premiere schedule of live events and daily/weekly long-form studio content.

For more information, visit us online:

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LOS ANGELES (Sept. 23, 2026) – 555 Media Agency returns with its highly anticipated third edition of Championing Mental Health 3: The Ring of Opportunity (CMH 3), on Saturday, September 26, live from the renowned Commerce Casino and Hotel in Los Angeles, airing live globally on UFC FIGHT PASS. CMH 3 is presented by Rocket Doctor AI and The Precision Peptide Company in association with Bash Boxing.

Since its inaugural event in May 2025, Championing Mental Health has established itself as a groundbreaking fighter-first promotion, continuing to spotlight the importance of mental health for boxers worldwide. CMH recognizes that the people competing inside the ring deserve support as they navigate the boxing landscape. With this mission, participating CMH fighters are connected with mental health resources, education, and support.

Headlining the charity boxing event will be a WBC Super Flyweight title eliminator between Mai Soliman (10-2, 6 KOs) and Maria Micheo Santizo (14-7-1, 8 KOs), with women taking center stage live from the Commerce Casino and Hotel. The marquee bout highlights Soliman’s U.S. debut as she enters the ring for the first time since her world title outing against reigning WBO Super Flyweight World Champion Mizuki Hiruta at the Pyramids of Giza this past May. Soliman draws a large international audience, aligning with CMH’s debut on UFC FIGHT PASS for fight fans around the world.

In the evening’s co-main event, the WBA NABA Super Featherweight title is on the line between Otar Eranosyan (17-0, 9 KOs) and Duban Zuleta (10-0-1, 8 KOs). Hailing from Akhalkalaki, Georgia and training out of Miami, Eranosyan, 33, enters his regional title opportunity on the strength of two straight knock out victories. Opposite Eranosyan, Zuleta, 28, is on the heels of a draw against Aland Ramirez. Aiming to insert himself back into the win column, CMH 3 marks his U.S. debut.

“When we started Championing Mental Health last year, we wanted to create a unique event platform that puts fighters and their needs first,” said Anthony Girges, Founder of 555 Media Agency. “We are now ready to present our third event, following the massive WBC Cruiserweight World Championship rematch between Noel Mikaelian and Badou Jack at CMH 2. I’m grateful for our sponsors as we continue to provide a platform for both seasoned veterans and budding contenders, this time through UFC FIGHT PASS to showcase our product on a global stage.”

The following are the matchups for Sept. 26 (subject to change):

• Michael Bracamontes vs. Eric Mondragon (presented in association with DMG Boxing)
• Isaac Anguiano vs. Jessie Mandapat
• Justin Viloria vs. Willie Shaw
• Deni Davtian vs. Jose Edgardo Perdomo

• Carson Crawford vs. Katrina Scalzo
• Jesus Diego vs. Rondarius Hunter
• Peter Martinez vs. Giovanny Gonzalez
• Bryan Eduardo Arias vs. Benji Gomez

Other fighters on the card include Ricardo Gaspariano and Nicolas Robledo with opponents to be determined.

Tickets are on sale now and available at CMH3.com.

INDIANA (September 23, 2026)–Weights from Indiana that will feature Former Two-Time Heavyweight Champion Of The World, Hasim “The Rock” Rahman beginning his quest to become the oldest Heavyweight champion in history when he takes on Phillip Triantafillo.

Hasim Rahman 257.4 – Phillip Triantafillo 259.1

(Indiana State Title)

Zeno Vooris 251 – Richard Carmack 367.1

1st Bell 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT

Free Live Stream: Champology on TikTok

The six-round fight will headline “The War on I-94” and is presented by Trojen Fight League,

Rahman will be making his first ring appearance in just over 12-years and has an impressive record of 50-9-2 with 41 knockouts. Rahman became heavyweight champion when he knocked out Lennox Lewis on April 27, 2001. Rahman won the WBC Heavyweight title on August 13, 2005 when he won a unanimous decision over Monte Barrett.

Triantafillo of Los Angles is 4-4 with one knockout. He is coming off a win over Ryan Diaz on December 11, 2025 and has also faced former heavyweight champion Charles Martin.

AACHEN, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 2026 – Ringside Zone, Germany’s number one boxing promotion, today announced the signing of heavyweight brothers Ismet Ademi (24) and Endrit Ademi (21), together known as the “Ademi Brothers,” in a multi-fight, multi-year agreement.

The Aachen-born duo, regarded as two of the most exciting heavyweight prospects anywhere in the world, held serious interest from established promoters in the United Kingdom and the United States. Both brothers chose instead to stay in Germany and build their careers with Ringside Zone – a decision the promotion is billing as proof that the country’s biggest boxing talent no longer needs to leave home to chase a world title.

Florian Winter, CEO of Ringside Zone, said: “Beating promoters from the UK and the US to the signatures of Ismet and Endrit Ademi is exactly the kind of statement we set out to make. These are two of the brightest heavyweight prospects anywhere in the world right now, and they chose Germany. German boxing has an incredible history, and off the back of nights like Paddy Donovan headlining in Mannheim and Peter Kadiru’s world title shot against Murat Gassiev, we are building the platform to take this country back to the top of the sport. We haven’t had two fighters with this combination of talent, pedigree and ambition since the Klitschko brothers made Germany their home and dominated the heavyweight division for the best part of twenty years. Ismet and Endrit have that same partnership, that same power, and that same hunger for world titles. The Ademi Brothers are the next major step in this mission – two new superstars ready to emulate, build on and further the legacy the Klitschkos left behind.”

With the Ademi Brothers now on board, Ringside Zone says the signing is a statement of intent: German boxing is back, and ready to dominate on the global stage.

Born and raised in Aachen to a family of Albanian heritage, Ismet and Endrit were introduced to boxing by their father, with Endrit lacing up gloves at just five years old and Ismet following two years later. Both came through BC Helios Aachen and, as teenagers, were already sparring with unbeaten professional boxers – a formative experience that convinced them they belonged at the top of the sport.

Across a combined amateur career of roughly 80 bouts, Endrit became a four-time German champion and European medallist, while Ismet won three German titles, the last of them – the German super-heavyweight crown – despite a hand injury and a coach-less preparation alongside his brother. Now trained by Christian Mohr and Anil Büyüktunca out of Aachen and Neuss, the brothers turned professional in 2026 and have started their careers with a combined record of 3-0, all three wins coming by knockout – Endrit at 2-0 (2 KOs) and Ismet at 1-0 (1 KO).

Ismet is next in action on October 10 at Palazzo Mannheim, when he returns to the ring as part of “Who’s Next,” Ringside Zone’s new fight and entertainment format for emerging talent.

Ismet Ademi said: “My brother and I had massive offers from abroad, but Germany is our home and this is where we want to build our legacy. Ringside Zone has already shown they can put German fighters in world title fights, and that mattered to us. We made a promise to each other years ago that we would become world champions together – signing here is another step toward keeping it.”

Endrit Ademi said: “Ever since we were sparring with pros at twelve and thirteen years old, we’ve believed we belonged at the top of this sport. Now we get to chase that dream with a promoter who is putting German boxing back on the map. This is just the beginning – we are here to become world champions.”

The signing is the latest move in Ringside Zone’s mission to restore Germany, a nation with one of boxing’s richest heavyweight histories, to the top of the sport. In May 2026, Ringside Zone staged “Night of the Heavyweights” in Mannheim, headlined by Irish contender Paddy Donovan in an IBF title eliminator against Karen Chukhadzhian – a night that put Ringside Zone’s growing muscle on full international display. Two months later, the promotion sent its own charge Peter Kadiru in with Murat Gassiev for the WBA Heavyweight World Title, delivering a Ringside Zone fighter a genuine world title opportunity and confirming the promotion’s ability to take German talent all the way to boxing’s biggest stage.

Germany’s heavyweight pedigree was last defined by the Klitschko brothers, Wladimir and Vitali, who adopted the country as their home and went on to dominate the division for the best part of two decades, unifying world titles and turning German arenas into the true capital of heavyweight boxing. Ringside Zone believes the Ademi Brothers, with their shared journey, combined power and matching world title ambition, are the fighters with the pedigree and the partnership to build on that legacy – two new superstars looking to emulate, and ultimately further, what the Klitschkos built for German boxing.

Ringside Zone is the leading boxing promotion in the DACH region. For fight news and updates go to https://ringside-zone.com/en/

Robert Novenyi Jr. won a unanimous decision over The Haig in the main event of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10, Episode 7 at The Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

Novenyi, 185.5 lbs of Budapest, HUN won by scores of 29-28 on all cards is now 11-1. Haig. 184 lbs of Redwood Ciity, CA is 7-2.

Alvi Dasuyev won a unanimous decision over Jaden Ortega in a intense welterweight bout.

Dasuyev, 170 lbs of Belgium won by scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28 and is now 10-0. Ortega, 170.5 lbs of Connecticut is 6-1.

Marcos Degli choked out Paris Moran in the second round of their flyweight bout.

Degli got in a double and was able to get around choke Martin until he tapped at 4:46.

Degli, 125.5 lbs of Brazil is now 15-3 with five submissions. Moran, 125.5 lbs of Houston is 14-4.

Piero Guaylupo won a unanimous decision over Callum Connor in a lightweight bout.

Guaylupo, 155.5 lbs of Peru won by scores of 30-27 on all cards and is now 12-0. Connor, 155.5 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 8-1.

In round two, Connor began bleeding from his face due to absorbing punches.

Damian Piwowarczyk stopped Emilo Quissua in a light heavyweight bout in the opening round.

In the first frame, Piwowarczyk dropped Quissua with a right. Quissua got up twice but wasquickly sent down two more times and the fight was stopped at 4:55.

Piwowarczyk, 205 lbs of Poland is 12-4 with seven knockouts. Quissua, 204.5 lbs of Germany is 8-1.

Guaylup, Degli, Dasuyev, Ortega, Piwowarczyk, Connor all earned contracts.

The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championship Committee has ordered a mandatory bout between WBA Welterweight Super Champion Teófimo López and Jack Catterall, the organization’s welterweight champion.

The decision stems from the conditions established by the Championship Committee when Rolando “Rolly” Romero was elevated to WBA Super Champion. At that time, it was determined that the winner of the WBA World Title bout between Shakhram Giyasov and Jack Catterall would subsequently face Romero, who would be permitted to make one optional defense during that period.

On August 22, 2026, Teófimo López defeated Romero by majority decision to become the WBA Super Champion. López therefore succeeded Romero as champion and assumed the obligations previously established by the Championship Committee.

As a result, the WBA has ordered the bout between López and Catterall.

The WBA has established a 30-day negotiation period, beginning on September 22, 2026, and concluding at the close of business, Eastern Time, on October 22, 2026.

If the parties fail to reach an agreement within the established period, or if either party notifies the WBA of its decision to discontinue negotiations, the Championship Committee may, with the approval of the WBA President, order a purse bid in accordance with the organization’s rules and regulations.

LONDON, ENGLAND (September 19, 2026) — BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, the world’s largest professional bare knuckle boxing organization, has announced that BKB 61 will take place Saturday, November 14 at the indigo at the O2 in London.

BKB’s return to London will be headlined by United Kingdom boxing champion Lee “Lightning” Selby, who will be stepping inside the Trigon. Selby has built a championship-level career in boxing, and now he’s looking to do the same in bareknuckle boxing. 

David Tetreault, CEO of BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, said: “Lee Selby is a proven world champion and one of the biggest names in boxing, so having him back in the Trigon for BKB 61 is a huge moment for us. London is the perfect stage for a fighter of his calibre, and we know the fans will create an incredible atmosphere. As BKB continues to expand globally, attracting champions and  boxing stars like Lee is a strong testament of our growth and momentum as the world’s largest bare knuckle boxing organization.”

Selby (1-0, 1 KO) made a successful transition to bareknuckle boxing at BKB 55: Carnage in Cardiff back in June, defeating Antonio Rizzo by second-round TKO. Before taking off the gloves, he was a multiple-time champion in boxing, having held the IBF Featherweight World Championship, the WBC International Featherweight Championship, as well as the British and Commonwealth championships. Lee has a professional boxing record of 29-4, with nine wins coming by way of KO.

Selby said: “I’m excited to be back in the Trigon and to have the opportunity to fight in London again. I already know exactly what BKB is all about, and I’m looking forward to getting back in there. I’m ready to put on a great night for the fans.”

The November 14 event will mark another major London showcase for BKB as the promotion continues to expand its presence in the UK and internationally.

Tickets will be on sale soon. Visit BKB61.com for on-sale updates.

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ABOUT BKB BARE KNUCKLE BOXING

BKB is the world’s leading bare knuckle boxing organization, hosting premier events across the U.S. and internationally, featuring elite fighters from around the world. 

BKB is broadcast and streamed globally to over 100 countries. BKB in 2026 is the most viewed live sport TikTok. 

For more information, visit BKBBareKnuckle.com and follow BKB on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube.

Los Angeles (September 22, 2026) – Beginning today, September 22, Paramount+ will present three live combat sports events across the week, culminating in a Saturday doubleheader on September 26 featuring Zuffa Boxing 11 live from London and UFC Fight Night from Las Vegas in primetime. The week kicks off with Week 7 of the historic 10th season of Dana White’s Contender Series. Highlights for each programming event include:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10, Week 7 | Exclusively on Paramount+
The iconic talent-discovery series continues its historic 10th season with its seventh Tuesday-night episode, kicking off at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, with all five bouts streaming live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas exclusively on Paramount+. The card features a middleweight showdown between Bellator veteran Norbert Novenyi Jr. (10-1) and Theo Haig (7-1), plus a battle of undefeated welterweight prospects as Jaden Ortega (6-0) meets Alvi Dasuyev (9-0).

First debuting in 2017, the brainchild of UFC President and CEO Dana White has resulted in over 300 total contracts from its first nine seasons and Dana White’s Contender Series: Brazil, including four UFC champions in Sean O’Malley, Jamahal Hill, Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Ulberg. Other notable alumni include top-ranked UFC contenders and stars such as Lone’er Kavanagh, Kevin Vallejos, Jacobe Smith, David Martinez, Ateba Gautier, Quillan Salkilld, Payton Talbott, Jean Silva, Carlos Prates, Josh Hokit, Mauricio Ruffy, Kevin Holland, Caio Borralho, Brendan Allen and Joe Pyfer.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Zuffa Boxing 11: Fisher vs. Pirotton | Exclusively on Paramount+

Prelims: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT
Main Card: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT

Fresh off the blockbuster Garcia vs. Benn event, Zuffa Boxing returns to the United Kingdom, live from London’s Copper Box Arena, for another action-packed night of fights. Every bout streams live and exclusively on Paramount+.

Main event: British heavyweight fan favorite Johnny Fisher (14-1, 12 KOs) takes on Belgium’s Michael Pirotton (12-2, 6 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight bout in front of Fisher’s hometown London crowd.

Co-feature: London-born light heavyweight contender Craig Richards (20-4-1, 13 KOs) looks to keep his world title hopes alive against Radivoje Kalajdzic (30-3, 22 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

A complete fight card can be found at https://www.ufc.com/news/zuffa-boxing-11-official-fight-card.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos | Exclusively on Paramount+

Prelims: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT
Main Card: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT

The Saturday doubleheader continues as the UFC returns to the Meta APEX in Las Vegas with a stacked bantamweight-driven card.

Main event: Rising Mexican star Raul Rosas Jr. (12-1), 21, headlines a UFC event for the first time in his career against Brazilian veteran Raoni Barcelos (22-5) in a bantamweight bout.
The card also features both tournament finals from The Ultimate Fighter: Team Cormier vs. Team Bisping, with a bantamweight final between Mehemmedeli Osmanli (12-1) and Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu (10-3) and a women’s strawweight final pitting Melissa Amaya (8-0) against Tina Black (15-4).

Road to UFC bantamweight winner Rinya Nakamura (10-1) faces Brady Hiestand (8-2) in a long-awaited bantamweight matchup.

A complete fight card can be found at UFC.com.

About Paramount+
Paramount+ is the global flagship streaming home of premium original series and entertainment from some of the most enduring brands in television to subscribers around the world. Drawing on decades of beloved IP, Paramount+ also features a diverse offering of live sports, feature films, news and series from across the Paramount portfolio including CBS hits like Marshals and Tracker, all BET Original Series, the Avatar animated universe from Nickelodeon and more. It is a key pillar of the Direct-to-Consumer division at Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), whose portfolio spans Paramount Pictures, Pluto TV, and Skydance Animation, Games and Sports divisions. For more information, visit www.paramount.com.

About UFC®
UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, with more than 700 million fans and approximately 363 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while distributing programming to an estimated 1 billion broadcast and digital households across 210 countries and territories. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes, representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.

About Zuffa Boxing:
Zuffa Boxing is a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (“TKO”) (NYSE: TKO) and Sela, the entertainment conglomerate. TKO serves as managing partner, providing day-to-day operational expertise, management, and oversight of the promotion, with executive leadership anchored by UFC President and CEO Dana White and WWE President and TKO Board Member Nick Khan. The promotion aims to reimagine the sport of boxing by evolving the current model to restore the sport’s rightful place in the forefront of the global sports ecosystem. For more information, follow @Zuffa_Boxing on X; and @ZuffaBoxing on Snapchat, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

HOUSTON, TX (September 21, 2026) — BiYu Promotions will return to BiYu Arena in Houston on Friday, September 25, with BIYU BRAWL 8, another installment of its monthly professional boxing series. The event will stream live worldwide on CombatVisionTV.

The six-round main event will feature Roy Knight (4-1, 3 KOs) against unbeaten Phillip Rhome Jr. (6-0-1, 1 KO) for the vacant American Boxing Organization Regional Super Middleweight title.

Knight will look to hand Rhome Jr. his first professional defeat, while Rhome has an opportunity to remain unbeaten and capture his first regional title.

In the six-round super lightweight co-main event, Jordy Suarez Gonzalez (4-0, 3 KOs) will square off against Aiden Anderson (4-2, 3 KOs) in another featured matchup. Both fighters will have an opportunity to make a statement on a prominent stage as the BiYu Brawl series continues to provide developing professionals with meaningful opportunities to advance their careers.

The undercard will feature Zachary Spiller (5-1, 4 KOs) against Brandon Guillory (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round heavyweight bout. Levar Adams Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) will take on Diego Omar Acosta (Pro Debut) in a four-round super bantamweight contest, while John Luis Lara (0-1) faces Treverrious Zeno (1-0) in a four-round welterweight bout.

“Our goal with the BiYu Brawl series is to keep bringing professional boxing to Houston on a consistent basis,” said Bobby Harrison, President of BiYu Promotions. “Houston has a strong boxing community with a lot of talented fighters, and we want to give them a place to stay active, develop their careers and fight in front of their hometown fans. We’re committed to building a monthly boxing series that people in this city can continue to support.”

“This is another strong card from top to bottom,” Harrison added. “Roy Knight and Phillip Rhome Jr. are fighting for a regional title in the main event, and Jordy Suarez Gonzalez and Aiden Anderson have a great opportunity in the co-main event. These are the types of competitive matchups we want to continue bringing to BiYu Arena, and of course all the action with stream live on CombatVisionTV.”

BIYU BRAWL 8 – SEPTEMBER 25

Roy Knight vs. Phillip Rhome Jr. – 6 Rounds, Super Middleweight

Emmanuel Chance vs. Manuel De Jesus – 4 Rounds, Bantamweight

Miqal Dolphus vs. DePriest Johnson – 4 Rounds, Super Welterweight

Jordy Suarez Gonzalez vs. Aiden Anderson – 6 Rounds, Super Lightweight

John Luis Lara vs. Treverrious Zeno – 4 Rounds, Welterweight

Levar Adams Jr. vs. Diego Omar Acosta – 4 Rounds, Super Bantamweight

Zachary Spiller vs. Brandon Guillory – 4 Rounds, Heavyweight

Tickets for “Biyu Boxing Promotions, BiYu Brawl 8,” priced $45 (General Admission), $85 (Ringside VIP), $65 (Upper Bowl), and $100 (Table for 8. Includes 2 drink tickets per person.), plus applicable fees, are on sale now at www.biyupromotions.com. 

One year into its development, Nothing But Sportz (NBS) is beginning to look less like a startup sports app and more like the foundation of a next-generation sports network.

With approximately $1.4 million in reported startup capital, NBS has built across digital distribution, connected television, live programming and a developing 24/7 linear television model. Based on the distribution infrastructure, technology, content capabilities and monetization potential assembled during its first year, NBS can reasonably be evaluated within an estimated enterprise-value range of approximately $35 million to $50 million.

The most revealing comparison is not current size. It is the capital historically required to build sports-media distribution.

CAPITAL COMPARISON

Nothing But Sportz — Approximately $1.4 Million

NBS reaches Year One with a multi-platform model spanning digital, connected TV, live sports and developing 24/7 linear television.

ESPN — $20 Million Initial Getty Commitment, Eventually Approximately $145 Million

ESPN launched in 1979 in approximately 1.4 million homes and reached 7.329 million households by the end of its first full year. Getty Oil supplied the financial backing that helped turn the 24-hour sports-network concept into a national television business.

Fubo — $75 Million Raised by June 2017

Founded in 2014 and launched as a soccer-focused streaming service, Fubo used outside capital to expand programming, technology and its live-television platform.

DAZN — Billions Committed at Global Scale

DAZN launched in 2016 with a direct-to-consumer sports strategy built around premium rights and international expansion. In 2022, Access Industries completed a $4.3 billion recapitalization and subsequently invested another $250 million, illustrating the capital intensity of building a global sports platform.

WHY NBS STANDS OUT

These companies were built in different eras and at different scales, but the contrast is clear: NBS has assembled an unusually broad sports-media foundation with comparatively little initial capital.

Its developing 24/7 linear television strategy is central to that opportunity. Digital and connected-TV distribution provide accessibility; live television creates immediacy; linear television creates continuous programming, recurring advertising inventory and discovery.

Together, they give NBS multiple ways to distribute and monetize the same content ecosystem.

That infrastructure can support far more than one sport: live events, studio programming, documentaries, podcasts, athlete-driven shows, emerging and international sports, and other original programming.

Boxing has been one early demonstration of NBS’s live-event capabilities, but the larger opportunity is the network itself.

THE NEXT PHASE

The first year was about building the platform.

The next phase is about turning distribution into audience, audience into revenue, programming into intellectual property, and live and linear television into recurring viewing and commercial inventory.

ESPN found its opening in satellite and cable television. Fubo found one in internet-delivered live television. DAZN demonstrated the global possibilities of direct-to-consumer sports.

NBS is building for a market where those worlds increasingly converge.

Digital distribution. Connected television. Live television. 24/7 linear programming. Original content. International reach. Multiple revenue streams.

YEAR TWO: TIME TO SCALE

NBS used Year One to prove the model without outside capital.

Now the focus shifts to bigger live events, more original programming, increased marketing and continued 24/7 linear television growth.

With its first outside capital raise now under discussion, NBS is entering its next phase from a position of strength.

The foundation is built. Now comes scale.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 18, 2026) — Unified Minimumweight World Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (15-0, 12 KOs) sustained a rib injury during training and will be unable to compete in his scheduled championship bout on October 10 against Unified WBA and WBC Flyweight World Champion Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (27-2, 18 KOs). The show will carry on with the massive WBA Lightweight World Championship main event featuring undefeated lightweight contenders Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield III (19-0, 13 KOs) and “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs). Golden Boy and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) will share additional details regarding the stacked October 10 undercard as soon as they are confirmed.

GOLDEN BOY STATEMENT:

“Unfortunately, the October 10 world title fight between Oscar Collazo and Ricardo Sandoval will not take place as scheduled after Collazo sustained a rib injury during training. We wish Oscar a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the ring soon. Both fighters and their teams prepared for this fight with tremendous dedication, and we thank them for their professionalism and understanding.”

OSCAR COLLAZO STATEMENT:

“To everyone who has been waiting for this fight, who wanted to see it happen, and who has been supporting this moment: I want to let you know, with great regret, that the fight scheduled for October 10th against Ricardo Sandoval, for the 112-pound title, cannot take place on that date due to reasons beyond our control.

This is a fight I wanted deeply. As a boxer, I pushed for this matchup to happen because I wanted to face this challenge and because I know how much it means to everyone who has been waiting to see it. My team and I have worked with seriousness and commitment throughout this camp, preparing to the fullest to be ready for fight day.

Unfortunately, in high-level professional boxing, situations beyond our control can arise. Although today we have to accept this reality, this isn’t the end. My wish, and my team’s, is that we can find a new date and that this fight can happen, as we’ve all wanted, in front of you.

I want to offer my sincerest apologies to Ricardo Sandoval and his team. I know he has also worked professionally, made sacrifices, and prepared throughout this camp to be ready for October 10th. I deeply respect that effort and understand the disappointment this situation may cause on his end.

I also want to apologize to everyone who was looking forward to this fight. I know many of you had been waiting a long time for this moment and wanted it to finally happen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support, patience, and affection you’ve shown me.

We will keep working. We will keep preparing. And, above all, we will keep the same determination. This is only a change of date, not the end of the road. I sincerely hope we can return to the ring against Sandoval and give everyone the fight we’ve all wanted to see happen.

Thank you to everyone who has been following this fight and who has believed in me throughout this process. Boxing sometimes demands patience, but the goal remains intact. When the time comes, we’ll be ready.”

Miami, FL (September 18, 2026) – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), The World’s Fastest Growing Combat Sports Promotion, today announced the first six fighters and five special guests for BKFSea: The Bruise Cruise, a three-night round-trip voyage aboard the Norwegian Jewel sailing Jan. 22-25, 2027, from Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas.

Book at BKFSea.com before October 1st to lock in the lowest guaranteed rate with only a $200 deposit and get a VIP fighter / ring card girl meet and greet on the ship. 

The first wave of fighters scheduled to compete includes Cruiserweight Contender Julio ‘The Cuban Horse’ Perez, (4-2), Undefeated Flyweight Prospect Gustavo ‘El Gladiator’ Balart, (1-0), Bantamweight Veteran Justyn Martinez, Rising Featherweight Nathan ‘The Reaper’ Rivera, (5-1), Featherweight Prospect Joey ‘The Raging Warrior’ Gambino, (2-0), and Lightweight Veteran Cole Ferrell, (2-1). Opponents, additional bouts and the main event will be announced shortly.

Special guests on the voyage include BKFC Ironweight World Champion and #1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter, Lorenzo ‘The Juggernaut’ Hunt, BKFC Featherweight World Champion ‘King’ Kai Stewart, #1 Ranked Heavyweight Leonardo ‘El Zambo’ Perdomo, #2 Ranked Featherweight Bryan ‘El Gallo’ Duran and BKFC Fighting Legend Luis ‘The Emperor’ Palomino. Fans can look forward to opportunities to meet BKFC talent through photos and autograph sessions, workouts in addition to other onboard experiences.

The centerpiece is Saturday night’s BKFC fight card on the pool deck. Across the three-night voyage, the experience extends to press conferences, weigh-ins, fan competitions, a private Nassau event and late-night celebrations throughout the ship.

“We want fans to go home with remarkable stories from the entire weekend,” said David Feldman, Founder and President of BKFC. “They can meet our fighters, take part in an array of exciting activities, enjoy Nassau and then watch an outstanding BKFC fight card on the pool deck. We’re bringing our BKFC community together for three nights at sea for this can’t miss event.”

The Weekend Aboard BKFSea

Friday, January 22 – Welcome aboard. Boarding-day programming includes a pool party, fighter meet-and-greets, Ring Card Girl photo opportunities, merchandise drops and experience sign-ups at the Netspend Concierge. A sail-away celebration leads into the official press conference and weigh-ins, followed by DJs, lounge takeovers, the first Rainbet Casino Tournament qualifier and the Notorious Cigars Welcome Smoke.

Saturday, January 23 – Nassau and fight night. Morning plans include fighter-led workouts, Ring Card Girl yoga and a fighter-and-fan breakfast. The private BKFSea Nassau Takeover will bring together music, fighters and a beach-party setting before guests return to Norwegian Jewel for the evening’s fight card. ALP hospitality at Vibe Beach Club and a shipboard simulcast are planned, followed by the post-fight press conference, victory celebrations, after-parties and a second Rainbet qualifier.

Sunday, January 24 – A full day at sea. Fans can join morning fitness sessions, Coffee and Fighters meet-and-greets, Fighters vs. Fans three-on-three basketball, a pool party and BKFC’s Next Top Ring Card Girl competition. The day also features a Q&A with David Feldman and BKFC partner pop-ups, game shows, tastings and cigar experiences. An NFL playoff watch party, the Rainbet Casino Championship, weekend awards and a closing party round out the final night.

Monday, January 25 – Return to Miami. Guests disembark following the ship’s morning arrival.

Additional planned experiences include the Johnnie Walker Experience at Sea, mojito tasting, margarita making, Connoisseurs Club presented by Notorious Cigars, a Fighters and Founders cigar session, and BKFSea editions of Deal or No Deal and Wheel of Fortune. Detailed schedules and participation information will be available at BKFSea.com and through onboard guest services.

Book BKFSea at BKFSea.com

Programming, fighter appearances, venues and schedules are subject to change. Experience access, inclusions and promotional eligibility are governed by the applicable booking terms.

Social Media

Instagram: @BareKnuckleFC

Twitter: @BareKnuckleFC

Facebook: @BareKnuckleFC

YouTube: @BareKnuckleFightingChampionship

TikTok: @BareKnuckleFC

Website: www.BKFC.com

John Hedges is backing himself to silence the boo boys and beat Pat Brown in his own backyard at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Saturday night – live worldwide on DAZN.

Brown was afforded a heroes’ reception as he tipped the scales at 199.15lbs in front of a bumper home crowd on Friday night.

‘The Bomber’, undefeated since turning pro over a year ago with a flawless 6-0 record with as many knockouts, faces his toughest test to date in the form of Essex’s 12-0 (3 KOs) southpaw Hedges with the vacant British & Commonwealth Cruiserweight titles on the line, along with his WBA International and IBF Intercontinental belts.

As Brown was serenaded by his vocal support, Hedges told the partisan crowd he plans to spoil their party tomorrow night.

Speaking on stage, ‘The Gentleman’ Hedges said: “Look, it’s a hostile environment but I’m used to it now.

“Pat knows the score and he’ll need to go into the trenches. This is nothing new to me. We are two fighting men and we will put on a fight come Saturday night. I’m ready to put on a hell of a performance.

“I’ve got used to this now. It is my 13th fight as a pro and I plan to give my best performance come Saturday night, I promise you that. I don’t predict fights but I must win at all costs. I need to get my arm raised.”

Brown, meanwhile, played up to his support and promised to deliver fireworks in his quest to be crowned the best in Britain and take home to coveted Lord Londsale strap.

“Thank you everyone for coming out,” said Brown. 

“This is what I have been born to do since seven years of age, my Dad has taken me to the gym. This is what I have been made to do since I was a lad.

“I am going to be on him [John Hedges] like a rash. Trust me. I’m f****** on it. Let’s go.”

The stacked card in Manchester sees Stoke’s Shabaz Masoud return to take on Ckari Cani Mansilla for the WBA International & IBF Intercontinental Featherweight Titles, plus Kieron Conway challenging Mark Jeffers in an eliminator for the British Super Middleweight Championship and Joe Howarth taking on arch-nemesis Corey O’Regan for the English Lightweight strap.

See the official Weigh-In results in full below along with a confirmed running order for Saturday’s show.

MANCHESTER FIGHT NIGHT: WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND RUNNING ORDER

PRELIMS LIVE ON DAZN FROM 4.15PM

Emily Whitworth (119lbs) vs Beata Dudek (120.4lbs)
Bantamweight Contest
6 x 2-minute rounds

Garan Croft (156.6lbs) vs Mohammed Graich (156.6lbs)
Super Welterweight Contest
8 x 3-minute rounds

Jack Power (161.5lbs) vs Victor Ioanscu (160.3lbs)
Middleweight Contest
6 x 3-minute rounds

Tom Rafferty (161.13lbs) vs Liam Walsh (161.13lbs)
Middleweight Contest
8 x 3-minute rounds

Alfie Middlemiss (129.10lbs) vs Christopher Mondongo (128.10lbs)
Featherweight Contest
8 x 3-minute rounds

MAIN CARD – LIVE ON DAZN AT 7PM

Joe Howarth (134.4lbs) vs Corey O’Regan (134.4lbs)
English Lightweight Championship
10 x 3-minute rounds

Kieron Conway (167.12lbs) vs Mark Jeffers (167.8lbs)
Eliminator for British Super Middleweight Title
10 x 3-minute rounds

Shabaz Masoud (125.7lbs) vs Ckari Cani Mansilla (125.4lbs)
WBA International & IBF Intercontinental Featherweight Titles
10 x 3-minute rounds

John Hedges (199.3lbs) vs Pat Brown (199.15lbs)
British, Commonwealth, WBA International & IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight Titles
12 x 3-minute rounds

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – September 18, 2026 – Nothing But Sportz (NBS) is expanding beyond its app-based roots as it advances a 24/7 linear channel designed to bring live sports, original programming and athlete-driven content to audiences across streaming and cable television.

The move positions Nothing But Sportz as more than a destination for individual live events. NBS is developing a continuous programming home where fans can return throughout the day for live competition, sports news, documentaries, podcasts, reality programming and original series. Its distribution footprint already includes Apple, Roku, Truth+, Cloud TV and the NBS website, giving the company a foundation to reach audiences across connected television, digital and linear environments.

Boxing remains at the forefront of the company’s live-event strategy, but the larger vision reaches across football, basketball, golf, table tennis, horse racing and athlete-led entertainment. The goal is to connect live events with year-round programming that keeps athletes visible and gives fans a reason to remain engaged between major dates.

Proven Momentum

NBS demonstrated that model on May 30 at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale. The sold-out event featured Olympic gold medalists and world champions Yuriorkis Gamboa and Guillermo Rigondeaux, generated more than 25 million impressions and recorded 50,000 pay-per-view buys. Deen the Great, Adrien Broner and Big Meech were among the influencers, boxing personalities and celebrities in attendance, extending the event’s reach beyond the traditional fight audience.

That combination of recognizable talent, cultural attention and digital distribution is now informing the company’s next stage. NBS will close its 2026 boxing calendar with THE SOCIAL FIGHT NIGHT on October 24 at Gulfstream Park & Casino in Hallandale Beach, followed by a March 27 event built around emerging contenders and rising talent.

New York City Plans Take Shape

Those events are part of a deliberate build toward June 11, when Nothing But Sportz is preparing a major New York City event during Puerto Rican Heritage celebrations. The project remains in development and is expected to become the company’s largest live-event initiative to date. Venue and talent discussions are ongoing, and full details will be released at a later date.

The developing New York City plans reflect the broader direction of NBS: use premium live events to attract attention, then extend that audience through a 24/7 channel built for sports, entertainment and original content. Each event becomes more than a single night; it becomes programming that can live before, during and after the competition.

“We built Nothing But Sportz so athletes can keep creating and earning – not just compete – before, during and after their careers,” said Nothing But Sportz founder and CEO Steven Marcano.

Social Fight Night Media Kickoff

Nothing But Sportz will host its Social Fight Night Media Kickoff on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Mia Oceanfront in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Media members and invited guests will receive an early look at the October 24 event and the company’s plans ahead. Complimentary finger foods and beverages will be provided to confirmed attendees. RSVP is required to attend at ron@americandreampresents.com

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About Nothing But Sportz

Nothing But Sportz is a sports and entertainment media platform delivering live events, original programming, documentaries, podcasts, reality content, news and athlete-driven media. Available across Apple, Roku, Truth+, Cloud TV and the web, NBS is expanding its reach through a 24/7 linear channel designed to connect fans with sports and entertainment throughout the year.

SAN DIEGO – September 18, 2026 – The previously announced Jesus Ramos Jr. vs. Meiirim Nursultanov bout has been scratched at the weigh-in and will be rescheduled for a later date. On Thursday evening Ramos fell ill and was taken to a hospital in the San Diego area for treatment before being released on Friday morning.

Filipino Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial will take on veteran contender Omar Ulises Huerta in the opening bout of action live on DAZN this Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The four-fight card begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz defending his Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title against once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo.

Unbeaten rising super middleweight Daniel “Iceman” Blancas will square off against once-beaten Sergio Jimenez in the 10-round co-main event. Following Marcial vs. Huerta, 2024 Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde will battle fellow unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in an eight-round middleweight duel.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

A highly-decorated Filipino amateur, highlighted by two trips to the Olympics, an Olympic bronze and a silver at the 2019 World Championships, Marcial (7-0, 4 KOs) will look to continue his rise in the pro ranks on September 19. The 30-year-old most recently went the 10-round distance for the first time, defeating Eddy Colmenares by decision in October, snapping a three-fight knockout streak. He’ll be opposed by San Ysidro’s Huerta (15-1-1, 13 KOs), who most recently dropped a decision in April to 160-pound contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. The 30-year-old has fought professionally since 2020 and stopped 13 of his first 15 opponents.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #PitbullBravo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 18, 2026) — Golden Boy has bolstered its stacked roster with the signing of two exciting Latin American fighters poised to make noise in their respective divisions: Mexico City’s featherweight Gustavo “Dorado” Rivera Rio (16-1, 11 KOs) and undefeated lightweight Ibran “El Asesino” Retamozo (19-0, 14 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia.

“Signing with Golden Boy Promotions is a dream come true,” said Gustavo. “Boxing has been my life since I was a kid, and I always envisioned myself being part of this team. My nickname, ‘Dorado,’ has always carried a special connection to the word ‘Golden,’ and even my friends used to tell me that one day I belonged with Golden Boy. Today, that vision has become reality. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to build my legacy with Golden Boy Promotions.”

“I would like to thank Oscar De La Hoya, Eric Gomez, and my manager Michael Miller for giving me this grand opportunity to join Golden Boy’s stable of fighters,” said Ibran. “It has been a dream of mine ever since I started boxing to be with Golden Boy Promotions, “The Creme de la Creme,” or the best of the best when it comes to boxing promoters. Oscar is the ambassador to the latin community in boxing and I watched him ever since I was a little kid win many World Championships. I am just elated to join Golden Boy and have a long and prosperous career with them. All I asked for was an opportunity and I’ll do the rest.”

“Gustavo brings that relentless Mexican fighting spirit, and Ibran is an undefeated, dangerous lightweight who has already shown tremendous power,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Both fighters have the talent and hunger to make serious noise in their divisions. Now it’s our job to do what Golden Boy does best: develop their skills, build their platforms and guide them toward world championships. Nobody fights with more heart than Mexican fighters, and nobody identifies and develops talent like Golden Boy.”

Mexico City’s rising prospect Gustavo Rivera Rio is ready to take his career to the next level under the Golden Boy Promotions banner. The featherweight enters this new chapter with a 16-1 record, including 11 victories by knockout. His lone professional defeat came in May 2024 against the experienced Alexander Espinoza. A fighter with 17 years of experience in the sport, Rivera Rio turned professional in March 2023 and captured the WBC Youth Silver Super Featherweight title in April 2025 with a unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Leonardo Sanchez. Nicknamed “El Dorado” by one of his professors, Rivera Rio was introduced to boxing by his father, a die-hard fan of the sport. He went on to build an impressive amateur résumé, competing in more than 150 bouts and representing the Mexican National Team. Outside the ring, Rivera Rio has earned a reputation for being well-spoken and carrying himself with confidence and professionalism. Now backed by Golden Boy Promotions, “El Dorado” has his sights set on making an impact on boxing’s biggest stages.

Representing Barranquilla, Colombia, undefeated and hard-hitting lightweight Ibran Retamozo is looking to take the next step in his career and make his U.S. debut. Nicknamed “El Asesino,” or “The Killer,” because of his power, Retamozo has lived up to the moniker with a perfect 19-0 record, including 14 victories by knockout. While he proudly represents his Colombian roots, León, Mexico, has also become home for Retamozo, where he now lives, trains and fights. A Mexican citizen, Retamozo has built his life in the country and considers Mexico home. Under the guidance of Coach James Gogue and managed by Michael Miller, Retamozo continues to sharpen an aggressive, pressure-heavy style built around constantly moving forward and forcing opponents to fight at his pace. Combined with his knockout power, that relentless approach has made “El Asesino” an exciting prospect to watch. Now, Retamozo is ready to bring that pressure to a new audience and introduce himself to U.S. boxing fans.

Matchroom BoxingCEOFrank Smith says Manchester is in for an “amazing” night this Saturday when John Hedges and Pat Brown collide at the Co-op Live – live worldwide on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.

The two, undefeated Cruiserweight rivals met at Thursday’s Press Conference as the countdown to their powderkeg clash for the British, Commonwealth, WBA International and IBF Intercontinental Titles edges closer.

Both fighters share great expectations of eventually fighting for a World Title. Brown hopes to set off on that journey this weekend when he enjoys the home city advantage, confident of delivering a performance in front of his majority fans. However, Hedges insists the pressure is completely off as he goes in search of the coveted Lonsdale belt.

Smith stated, that with both men going into the fight with unbeaten records, it provides the backdrop for a memorable fight night in the North West of England.

“The reality is one of these fighters is going to win and one is going to lose,” said Smith.

“But both of these men deserve a huge amount of respect for stepping in there and taking a challenge. How long have we seen in this sport of boxing fighters go through their careers taking easy fights, but never getting anywhere? 

“Both these guys are going to go in there, take a challenge and they deserve all the respect. It’s going to be some night in there on Saturday. 

“We’ve had some amazing nights in Manchester over the years, and I believe Saturday night is going to deliver another one of those.”

You can watch the Press Conference in full and read the quotes below – including the full, stacked card which sees Shabaz Masoud return to take on Ckari Cani Mansilla for the WBA Intercontinental & IBF Intercontinential Featherweight Titles, plus Kieron Conway challenging Mark Jeffers in an eliminator for the British Super Middleweight Championship and Joe Howarth taking on arch-nemesis Corey O’Regan for the English Lightweight strap.

Keep track of all the latest news and updates on social media @matchroomboxing

Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing CEO:
“We want to make the best fights in the sport. I think both these guys deserve all the respect. Boxing is the most fickle sport in the world. I’m not a boxing expert; I always profess that I’m not a boxing expert. I like putting on shows, I love the events around it. The reality is one of these fighters is going to win and one is going to lose. But both of these men deserve a huge amount of respect for stepping in there and taking a challenge. How long have we seen in this sport of boxing fighters go through their careers taking easy fights, getting to 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 0, but never getting anywhere. Both these guys are going to go in there, take a challenge and they deserve all the respect. It’s going to be some night in there on Saturday. We’ve had some amazing nights in Manchester over the years, and I believe Saturday night is going to deliver another one of those.”
 
John Hedges:
“For me personally, listen, coming here, Co-op Live, this is absolutely crazy. I’ll be real with you. Life-long dream to get anywhere close to this let alone doing it myself. I’ve been in the game a lot of years. I’ve done it since I’ve been 5 years old. Like I say, people have different dreams in the boxing world in what they want to achieve. Genuinely when I say I was happy to fight on the telly and walk away, that’s the sort of mentality I have. I’ve always never really backed myself a lot. Slowly slowly I’ve just started winning fights, getting through them with ease and now look, I’m here. These are nights you dream of. I’ve had 12 fights now and I’ve barely lost a round. I turn up on the night and that’s exactly what I’ll do on Saturday night.
 
“They do say pressure is a privilege. I’ve still got pressure on my shoulders, I know what I want to achieve in this sport. It’s more than a British Title if I’m honest with you. I know what I want to get to, I know what I’m capable of. It’s just one of them things. When you get in there, we’ve seen it time and time again, it’s a lot of pressure put on your shoulders. Ultimately, we’re only human. We’ve all got two arms and two legs; you can only go out there and do your best. If this was back in London, I’d feel the pressure a little bit more. It doesn’t really change a lot.”
 
Frank Greaves, trainer of John Hedges:
“Well, it’s all three of those things, his dedication, mindset and his ability. He came to the gym literally a few weeks before the Zorro fight. It was an emergency camp shall we put it. We literally gelled from the first moment that he came in the gym. He’s a senior pro now. He ticks all of the right boxes; he does everything that’s asked of him. I couldn’t ask for more.”
 
Pat Brown:
“Yeah, it’s obviously massive. I’ve had fights in stadiums, I’ve been in the AO (Arena) before. So, I’ve been here. I’ve visualised it. I know the long walk outs. I know the big changing rooms. I’m not really letting it get to my head to be honest with you. It’s brilliant obviously – it’s what you dream of isn’t it. All I know is the fight game. All this stuff is brilliant but all I’m focusing on is Saturday night and I can’t wait now. It’s nearly here. 
 
“That’s really what it’s for, for me. My dad runs a club; Nigel runs a boxing club. I know the grass root level of amateur boxing clubs the most – I’ve seen it all and I know how much work they put into it. You don’t get your Pat Browns, you don’t get your John Hedges, you don’t get all these fighters on the undercards and all of these main events without amateur boxing clubs. That’s where the stars really become who they really are – disciplined, morals. Everything. That’s what boxing truly is. All I care about is showing them kids that have come from nothing like I myself can get here as well.”
 
Jamie Moore, trainer of Pat Brown:
“I think it’s been clear to see since the off how much of a special talent Pat is. It’s been an important part of our job to make sure that we don’t blow too much smoke up his ass. Just to make sure that he keeps his feet on the ground because it’s very easy to get carried away when you’ve done the type of job on people that Pat has. We’ve got a lot of respect for John Hedges. We understand the problems that he’s going to come and cause but my main focus has always been on Pat Brown. I 100% believe that he has the ability to become a World Champion. The dream has always been to win the British Title along the way. On Saturday night he gets to prove to everyone how good he is.”
 
Shabaz Masoud:
“It was one of them. It got to a stage in my career where I felt like it was the right time to move up. I’ve moved up now and I’m excited to go. 
 
“It’s a lot better man. I’m enjoying it a lot more as well. I’m just enjoying fight week. 
 
“I was literally back in the gym after a few weeks. I’ve been in the gym the whole year just working away. It’s one of them man. This game is no joke. I’m just more than ready.
 
“He’s a good fighter. I’ve seen bits and bobs of him. I’m just very confident in myself though. I know what I’ve got to do. 
 
“My main focus is Saturday. Then we’ll let the team talk and decide what is next.”
 
Mark Jeffers:
“Yeah, it’s a massive opportunity. Obviously, the fight was meant to happen in May. So, I had a camp for that. I’ve not boxed for a year but I had a full camp for that May one. Unfortunately that fell through. 
 
“I’m in unbelievable shape. It’s going to be a good night Saturday. He’s a top fighter. The British Title – that’s one of my dreams. He’s won that. It’s a massive fight, one I’ve taken very seriously. I did two weeks in Tenerife for my camp. 
 
“Get to him, beat him up and get him out of there.”
 
Kieron Conway:
“It was a decision that had to be made. It probably should have been made a couple of years ago. But I feel good. I’ve got energy on fight week and I’m looking to take that in on Saturday. 
 
“I know that he’s a very good fighter. He’s very rough, tough and very fit. I can tell you for a fact that I’m glad I’m not in a running race with him because I know he’s very good at that. I’m looking forward to Saturday and getting back on track.
 
“That’s exactly what I expect him to bring. That’s what I’ve been working on for the last 9 months, making sure that cannot happen. I’m here to win by any means necessary.”

MIAMI, FL (September 17, 2026) – Recognized as one of the most dangerous fighters in combat sports, undefeated Cuban heavyweight knockout artist Gustavo “The Cuban Assassin” Trujillo (12-0, 11 KOs) will return to the ring on Sunday, October 18, 2026, when he faces veteran contender Donald Haynesworth (19-10-1) in a scheduled 10-round bout at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The heavyweight showdown will be featured on Fist of Fury 13, presented by The Heavyweight Factory. The matchup continues an active year for Trujillo, who has already earned three victories in 2026 and carries an impressive 91-percent knockout rate into the contest. 

“I’m grateful to be returning to the boxing ring and fighting close to home at the Seminole Hard Rock,” said Trujillo, currently ranked WBO #13. “I’ve worked extremely hard to stay active and continue developing as a complete heavyweight. Haynesworth is experienced, has faced several good fighters and knows how to compete at this level. My goal is to make another strong statement by ending the fight early.”

Standing 6-foot-4 and fighting out of Miami, the Cuban-born Trujillo has quickly established himself as one of boxing’s most dangerous emerging heavyweights. Since turning professional in September 2022, he has won all 12 of his bouts and stopped 11 opponents.

In addition to his success in traditional boxing, Trujillo, who is a promotional free agent in boxing, is also the reigning BKB Heavyweight World Champion, strengthening his reputation as one of the most destructive punchers in combat sports. He recently defended that championship by stopping former BKFC and BKB titleholder Mick Terrill in the second round on August 29.

“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I know there is much more ahead of me,” Trujillo continued. “I want to keep testing myself, climbing the heavyweight rankings and continue showing that I belong with the best fighters in the division. On October 18, the fans can expect another explosive performance.”

Haynesworth, a 44-year-old veteran from New Rochelle, New York, has shared the ring with several respected heavyweights, including Richard Torrez Jr., Dainier Pero and Demsey McKean.

“This is another important step toward the bigger fights I’ve been working for,” Trujillo concluded. “I’m focused, hungry and ready to give the fans a great show. I appreciate everyone who continues to believe in me, and I plan to reward that support with another victory.”

“Gustavo continues to show that he has the talent, power and discipline to become a major force in the heavyweight division,” said Abe Swidan of Visionary Sports Group, Trujillo’s manager. “He has remained active, improved with every fight and taken care of business each time he has stepped into the ring. Donald Haynesworth is a tough, experienced opponent who will provide another important test, but we believe Gustavo is ready to make a statement and move one step closer to the biggest fights in the division.”

SAN DIEGO – September 17, 2026 – Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo went face to face at Thursday’s final press conference before they battle for Cruz’s Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title this Saturday, September 19 headlining live on DAZN from Pechanga Arena in San Diego and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

An action fighter who’s delivered numerous memorable battles throughout his career, Cruz puts his title on the line against the highly-skilled 140-pound contender Bravo, with both reiterating at Thursday’s event that fans Saturday night will get the firefight they’re hoping for.

The press conference also featured fighters competing in undercard bouts on DAZN, including Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. and unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov, who meet in a high-stakes co-main event.

Plus, rising super middleweight Daniel “Iceman” Blancas, who faces once-beaten Sergio Jimenez in a 10-round bout, and Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde and unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez, who face off in the opening bout of action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday in San Diego:

ISAAC “PITBULL” CRUZ

“This is another chapter in a great rivalry between two boxing rich nations. I guarantee we’re gonna put on a show and write another chapter in this rivalry.

“This is a new era for Pitbull Cruz. I can guarantee that the fans are going to get their money’s worth on Saturday night.

“This fight means a lot to me. This fight can be something that pushed my career forward. I have to win to go on and face the big names.

“My mind is fully focused on Nestor Bravo. That’s the only thing I’m thinking of. I want the fans to be the biggest winner of the night.

“I think I showed the division in my last fight that I’m not just a guy who comes forward. I proved them wrong against Lamont Roach. Now I’m here to prove even more.

“Bravo is a strong opponent, but I’m ready for anything. Whether it’s the first second or the final bell. I’ll be ready. We want to fight at the level that this Mexican Independence Month deserves.”

NESTOR BRAVO

“Saturday night you’re gonna see what Nestor Bravo is about. If you don’t know me, then you’re gonna know me for sure after Saturday night.

“I’m truly blessed to be honest. This is the type of fight that every boxer dreams of. I’ve been knocking on a lot of doors and I’m gonna take advantage of this moment.

“You saw what happened when the real Nestor Bravo was back in the ring in January. I’m healthy and at my best.

“Pitbull is a real world champion. I know what he brings to the table. But we’ve been preparing for everything. I’m going to be the best version of myself. I promise this fight is gonna be one of the best fights between Mexico and Puerto Rico.”

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“I’m just happy and blessed to be here and back in the ring. Come Saturday night, I’m gonna put on a show.

“I feel way stronger at middleweight. I’m enjoying those few extra pounds. I feel strong and I can’t wait until Saturday.

“Carlos Adames is in my way of those big fights and I have to get him out of the way. First I have to get Nursultanov out of the way.

“Nursultanov is brave for taking this fight off of a layoff. I’m not the same fighter I was three years ago. I’m gonna show him that it’s not that easy on Saturday night.”

MEIIRIM NURSULTANOV

“I’m ready. I’m going to show everything in the ring on Saturday night. I’m going to make the most of this opportunity.

“I’ve been preparing and waiting for this opportunity for years. I don’t care about the layoff. I’m ready and I’m hungry. I’m going to show what the Kazakh boxing school means.

“My team and I work great together and we have a plan that we’re going to execute. Then we’re gonna go right to Carlos Adames.”

DANIEL BLANCAS

“More than anything I want to say that it’s a big honor to be on this stage with these amazing fighters. I’m excited to show the team what I’ve been working on with Jose Benavidez Sr.

“Me and team Benavidez have worked together for years and grown together and I can’t wait to show what we’ve done in camp. We’ve been working a lot on power punching and sitting down on our punches.

“I know I’m going up against a tough fighter. I never underestimate a fighter. I train for every fight like it’s game seven.”

MARCO VERDE

“I’m glad to have this opportunity and I’m going to show everyone that I’m extremely ready for this fight on Saturday night.

“I’m really thankful for the way that my career has developed so far. The transition to the pros was complicated, but that amateur experience helped me a lot. I’ve been able to mature and grow.

“We’re both unbeaten and we’re both well prepared. You don’t want to miss this fight.”

GUILLERMO HERNANDEZ

“I’m very thankful to Verde for taking this fight. This is just another fight for me. I’m ready to do what I do. I’m going to fight with my heart and may the best man win.

“Nobody has wanted to give me an opportunity to fight. But I always had faith that this day would come. Right now I feel like I’m living a dream, but this is my time to show everyone what I can do.

“Anybody can be beat. No disrespect to Verde, but it only takes one second to find my opening. I can stop him if my timing is right. “

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“It’s great to be back here in San Diego. This is an incredible fight town and we have a great card from top to bottom. Saturday is gonna be an unforgettable night of boxing.

“’Pitbull’ is a fan-favorite and is always in exciting fights. He’s a destructive fighter. But Nestor Bravo carries his pride of Puerto Rico every time he steps into the ring and also has a real fan-friendly style. National pride is on the line in this Mexico vs. Puerto Rico showdown.

“Mexican rising star Jesus Ramos Jr. will put his title on the line in the co-main event against the unbeaten Meiirim Nursultanov. Ramos is stepping up and doing the job of a champion by taking on the number one ranked mandatory challenger. Also, the WBC just sent us a letter saying that world champion Carlos Adames has to face the winner of this fight next, so there is a lot on the line in this one.

“Daniel Blancas is also a top contender looking to make a big statement to head into 2027 and shoot for a world title led by Jose Benavidez Sr., who’s one of his trainers.. And in our opening fight I’m really excited about 2024 Olympic Silver medalist Marco Verde, the first Mexican to win a silver in forty years. He’s got a great team behind him as well with Eddy Reynoso. Both of these guys have really tough opposition that will look to give these two rising stars real tests on Saturday night.”

#         #         #

ABOUT PITBULL VS. BRAVO

Pitbull vs. Bravo will see Mexican superstar and Interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz return to the ring and defend his title against once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo in the 12-round main event streaming live on DAZN and presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

Plus, rising Mexican star and Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in the high-stakes co-main event.

In addition, unbeaten super middleweight prospect Daniel “Iceman” Blancas will step in against once-beaten contender Sergio Jimenez for a 10-round showdown and 2024 Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde will battle fellow unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in the eight-round middleweight opening bout at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #PitbullBravo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL — September 2026 — Women’s boxing is experiencing one of the most important periods in its history, and on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Nothing But Sportz will put another trailblazer center stage.

Brought to you by Ronald Johnson’s American Dream Presents, THE SOCIAL FIGHT NIGHT will feature two-time world champion Maureen “The Real Million Dollar Baby” Shea as the featured attraction, live from the Sport of Kings at Gulfstream Park & Casino in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

For Shea, October 24 is not a farewell. It is another step toward the goal that continues to drive her: winning another world championship.

Her return comes during a remarkable era for women’s boxing. Katie Taylor recently closed her historic career in front of more than 80,000 fans at Croke Park in Dublin, another powerful example of how far the women’s side of the sport has grown. Taylor’s farewell celebrated one of this generation’s defining champions. October 24 carries a different message: another woman who helped pave the way is not finished yet.

THE REAL MILLION DOLLAR BABY

Long before women’s boxing regularly headlined major arenas and stadiums, Shea was building a career and a story uniquely her own.

Her connection to Hollywood history began during the making of Clint Eastwood’s Academy Award-winning film Million Dollar Baby. Shea worked with Hilary Swank during Swank’s preparation to portray boxer Maggie Fitzgerald, serving as a key sparring partner and helping bring authenticity to the actress’s transformation into a fighter. The experience helped give Shea the nickname that has followed her throughout her professional career: “The Real Million Dollar Baby.”

But Shea’s story was never simply a Hollywood connection. She went on to become a champion herself, competing during an era when female fighters often had to fight for opportunities, television exposure and recognition that today’s generation is finally beginning to receive.

Now, as women’s boxing enjoys unprecedented attention, Shea wants to add another chapter to her own career.

THIS ISN’T A FAREWELL

Shea’s appearance at Gulfstream Park represents the next step in a campaign designed to move her toward another world-title opportunity.

The timing makes the story especially meaningful. Women’s boxing has reached a point where its biggest stars can command massive crowds and headline global events. Fighters such as Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano and Claressa Shields have helped elevate the sport to new heights, building on the work of generations of women who competed before those opportunities existed.

Shea belongs to that bridge between eras. From helping Hilary Swank prepare to portray a fighter on the movie screen, to becoming a world champion in her own right, to pursuing another championship during the strongest period women’s boxing has ever experienced, her journey has come full circle.

“Maureen Shea represents exactly what this night is about. She was part of women’s boxing before the sport had the spotlight and opportunities it has today. This isn’t about bringing Maureen back for a farewell. She believes there’s another world championship in her, and I believe she deserves the opportunity to go after it. American Dream Presents has always been about creating opportunities and telling stories that matter, and on October 24, we get to help Maureen write another chapter of hers,” said Ronald Johnson, President of American Dream Presents and Head of Boxing for Nothing But Sportz.

The movie made “Million Dollar Baby” famous. Maureen Shea made “The Real Million Dollar Baby” her own. And on October 24, her story continues.

A DEEP SUPPORTING CARD AT GULFSTREAM PARK

While Shea’s championship pursuit will be the centerpiece of THE SOCIAL FIGHT NIGHT, Nothing But Sportz has assembled a supporting card featuring established professionals, undefeated prospects, second-generation boxing bloodlines, South Florida talent and personalities whose audiences extend beyond traditional boxing.

“Women’s boxing has shown the world that it belongs on the biggest stages in sports. Maureen Shea is part of the generation that helped make this moment possible. At Nothing But Sportz, we want to recognize the athletes who helped build the sport while also giving today’s fighters a platform to create what comes next. Maureen isn’t looking backward—she’s chasing another world title, and we’re proud to have her headline this event,” said Steven Marcano, CEO of Nothing But Sportz.

The October 24 lineup is scheduled to feature Akeem Cheatham; Kenzell “Give Em Hell” Williams; Luis Hernandez; South Florida’s Eric Tudor; rising prospect Chris “Slim Reaper” Biggs; Gavonne Bess; Giezwa Pierre Monarch Jr.; Australian standout Taylah Robertson; undefeated Abdulazeez Khaled Alamoodi; and Daishaun Bundrage, son of former world champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage.

Also scheduled to make his professional debut is viral internet sensation Emmanuel “Cujo” Valencia, bringing another audience into the building as he makes the transition into professional boxing.

Together, the card reflects the concept behind THE SOCIAL FIGHT NIGHT — different generations, personalities, audiences and stories coming together through boxing. But on October 24, the spotlight belongs to Maureen Shea: The Real Million Dollar Baby, chasing another world championship.

EVENT INFORMATION

NOTHING BUT SPORTZ PRESENTS

Brought to you by Ronald Johnson’s American Dream Presents

THE SOCIAL FIGHT NIGHT

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Sport of Kings at Gulfstream Park & Casino

Hallandale Beach, Florida

Doors Open: 6:00 PM | First Fight: 7:00 PM

Additional opponents and bout information will be announced. Tickets are available through EventCartel.

Philadelphia, PA (September 17, 2026) Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has announced the international locations and dates for the Open Tryouts ahead of their groundbreaking World’s Baddest Man Tournament. 

The five locations are Manchester United Kingdom, Brisbane Australia, Belgrade Serbia, Tampa, FL USA and Las Vegas, NV USA. Applications are now being taken online at BKFC.com.  Applications will also be accepted on-site at each tryout location.

The World’s Baddest Man Tournament will be hosted by BKFC Partner and Combat Sports Icon, Conor McGregor with a six-part series and finals broadcast on Fox Nation in the summer of 2027. The tournament features fighters between 185lbs. and 275lbs. and has a $20,000,000 (US) total purse for the eight finalists. 

“We’re looking for the baddest man in the world,” said David Feldman, Founder and President of BKFC. “Could be from any walk of life, any type of athlete, combat sports, rugby, football, boxing, wrestling. Let’s see what you got in a one-round, two-minute bare-knuckle war if you are chosen from the open tryouts.”

“At the end, there will be no doubt who The World’s Baddest Man is.”

Thursday, September 24 – 8am local time

Manchester, UK

Central Performance Centre

Unit 7A, Heapriding Mill, Ford Street, Stockport, SK3 OBT

https://www.centralperformancecentre.co.uk

Thursday, October 1 – 8am local time

Brisbane, AUS

BKFC Training Facility

8 Ferry Road, West End, QLD 4101, Brisbane, Australia

Thursday, October 15

Belgrade, Serbia

Wednesday, October 21

Tampa, FL

Saturday, November 14

Las Vegas, NV

Social Media

Instagram: @BareKnuckleFC

Twitter: @BareKnuckleFC

Facebook: @BareKnuckleFC

YouTube: @BareKnuckleFightingChampionship

TikTok: @BareKnuckleFC

Website: www.BKFC.com

SAN DIEGO – September 16, 2026 – Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo kicked off fight week events Wednesday with a media workout before they battle for Cruz’s Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title this Saturday, September 19 headlining live on DAZN from Pechanga Arena in San Diego and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

One of boxing’s most popular Mexican attractions, Cruz will return to the ring having recently added the renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso to his corner, and will look to thrill his legions of fans once again and deliver another Mexico vs. Puerto Rico classic against Bravo, who only has one split-decision defeat on his record.

The media workout also featured Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. and unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov, who meet in a high-stakes co-main event, plus rising super middleweight Daniel “Iceman” Blancas, who faces once-beaten Sergio Jimenez in a 10-round bout, and Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde, who takes on unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in the opening bout of action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Escuela De Boxeo in San Diego:

ISAAC “PITBULL” CRUZ

“This is the start of a new era for Pitbull Cruz. I’m always glad to work with good people, and my camp is about preparation and good vibes.

“Fighting during Mexican Independence Month means a lot to me and all of Mexico. That’s why it’s my duty to put on a show and fight with pride on Saturday night.

“Bravo is an all-out fighter, and Saturday night is going to be an all-out war where I expect nothing but fireworks for the fans.

“Pressure is a privilege. It only motivates me even more. I want people to think ‘I’m about to see an explosive warrior give his all.’

“Fans are the spark that ignite me to give my all from the very first second of the fight. Now it’s up to me to spark them as well.”

NESTOR BRAVO

“I’m ready to do whatever it takes so that we hear ‘and the new’, on Saturday night. This is the opportunity I’ve worked my whole career for.

“I’ve been knocking on the door for the last few years. I’ve just stayed in the gym every day and stayed focused on boxing.

“I’m prepared for everything that Pitbull brings. He likes to fight, just like I do. If he does something different, then it’s my job to take advantage. We’re both going to try to push each other to another level.

“I’m a real 140-pounder that he’s going up against. I just have to be mentally prepared to capitalize when my opportunity is there.”

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“The greats before me were already building a legacy from a young age and I’m trying to bring that back. I want to face everyone in their prime and give fans great fights. That’s what I’m here for. I have the talent and skills to compete with anyone, and I work hard.

“I want to make this explosive. I’m gonna show everything and make this a great night of boxing. I fight for the fans and I hope Nursultanov is just as ready to deliver for them.

“I’m facing a tough opponent. He’s definitely a great fighter and has a good resume. The fighters from Kazakhstan have great technique and lots of experience.

“This is one of those big dates for boxing. I’m very excited to go in there and give a great show for the fans so that I can keep being a part of events like this.

“I learned in my last fight that I’m a bad man. I went into that fight injured and I didn’t care. I fought my heart out for 12 rounds against Shane Mosley Jr. I learned that I can dig deep and overcome obstacles. I’m a warrior.”

MEIIRIM NURSULTANOV

“We feel really good. I respect all my opponents and I know Ramos is a strong fighter. We’re ready to compete on Saturday night.

“I’m going to show the Kazakh style and the will we have to win. We’re warriors and we’re ready to take that title from Ramos.”

DANIEL BLANCAS

“It’s an honor to fight Mexican Independence Month. This is one of the biggest dates in boxing and fighting on this card is a huge opportunity. I want to show the fans what I’m capable of.

“I want everyone to see that I’m an up-and-coming fighter to watch. My style is fan-friendly and I like to bring the action. I like to fight and I’m gonna show that on Saturday.

“I’m going up against a tough veteran with a good record. He hasn’t been knocked out yet, so stopping him would be a way to show what I can do. That’s the goal.

“This division is wide open and I’d like to establish myself as one of the new faces at 168 pounds. When the time comes, I’ll be ready.

“Every fight I’m growing as a fighter and climbing the ranks. I’m excited to keep showing what I’ve working on in the gym.”

MARCO VERDE

“I’m very excited, happy and thrilled to be part of this great fight card. I’m going to put on a show on Saturday night.

“Being part of a fight card alongside ‘Pitbull’ Cruz is very motivating. I’m more than ready to rise to the occasion and give the fans a great night of action.

“Fighting during Mexican Independence Month is a great honor and a source of pride for me. Nothing makes me happier than having the support of the Mexican fans.

“I’m very happy to be working with Eddy Reynoso and his team. They provide me with everything I need, and it’s a pleasure to work with him and everyone who helps me improve every day.”

#         #         #

ABOUT PITBULL VS. BRAVO

Pitbull vs. Bravo will see Mexican superstar and Interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz return to the ring and defend his title against once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo in the 12-round main event streaming live on DAZN and presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

Plus, rising Mexican star and Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in the high-stakes co-main event.

In addition, unbeaten super middleweight prospect Daniel “Iceman” Blancas will step in against once-beaten contender Sergio Jimenez for a 10-round showdown and 2024 Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde will battle fellow unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in the eight-round middleweight opening bout at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #PitbullBravo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

QUINCY, Mass. (September 16, 2026) – Granite Chin Promotions has announced the signings of light heavyweight prospects Barrett Hanlon and Mohammad “Lightning” Alyazouri to exclusive promotional contracts.

Both fighters turned in memorable professional debuts on August 29^th fighting on the “Boston Harbor Fight Night 2” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions and CES Boxing, at Encore Boston Harbor Casino in Everett, Massachusetts. They are tentatively scheduled to return to the ring at Encore on November 7th in separate bouts on “Boston Harbor Fight Night 3”.

“I am thrilled to welcome Barrett and Mohammad to the Granite Chin family,” Granite Chin Promotions President Chris Traietti commented. “I had a blast working with them on their debuts and was impressed with how they conducted themselves both in the ring and out of it. In the ring, they are aggressive and explosive, out of the ring, they are gentlemen. It is a great combination. Their pro journey has just begun, we have a lot of work to do, but November 7^th back at Encore is the next step.”

A 2-time Central New England Golden Gloves Champion, Hanlon (1-0, 1 KO) destroyed Ratavious Thrasher, flooring his opponent 3 times in the opening round, the last knockdown by way of an overhand right for a technical knockout victory.

“It was great,” Hanlon spoke about his pro debut, “especially making my pro debut at Encore in front of all my friends and most of my family. That was all I could ask for in my pro debut. I wish the fight had lasted a little longer so I could have gotten in a few more punches, but it was a good experience.

“The biggest difference between amateur and pro boxing, for me, was the weight-in and having a full day to hydrate and eat. I was a lot fresher. I had learned how to cut weight in the amateurs, so this was a piece of cake, and I thank my old coaches for teaching me how to do that the right way.”

The 32-year-old Hanlon is a native of Hopkinton, MA, who played college basketball at Bentley University for one season, followed by three at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. Hanlon’s abbreviated amateur boxing experience consisted of only 15 matches, including fights in the Golden Gloves and Rocky Marciano Tournament. He primarily trains at Everybody Fights in Boston’s Seaport district.

Hanlon is a special needs teacher in Boston’s North End, where he also resides, working with  students from kindergarten through the 6^th grade.

“I signed with Chris for 2 years and I look forward to fighting again at Encore in November,” Hanlon added. “I’m so lucky to fight there. I am going to take it one fight at a time and see what happens after 2 years. I’ll continue to work as hard as I can. This was my first time working with the Everybody Fights coaches and I thank them. Waymaker (Boxing gym) is in Dorchester and I go there on weekends to train with Marc DeLuca. I’ve sparred there with (Frank) Hogan and ‘Tonka’ (Gilbert Kabamba).

“Chris is a good guy and he’s well intended for me. He wants to see me become the best I can be and fighting at Encore is exciting. I’m on the right path and fighting on the best stage, Encore. Those are some of the reasons I signed with Granite Chin.”

Alyazouri, 30, was a member of the Jordan National Boxing Team for a decade, 2012-2022, posting an impressive 83-8 amateur record. The gifted Jordanian now resides in Burlington, Vermont with his wife, Kate. In his pro debut, he used a powerful left hook to drop Charles de Sousa twice, the second ending the match at the 35-second mark of the first round.

“My debut was the most important step of my life because it was time to show up or be put on the shelf,” Alyazouri vividly remembered. “It meant way more than just a win for my future because everything was on the line. When my hands were lifted upwards (after the fight) it was epic to see all my dreams were in front of me and I won.

“My goal was to go pro and I had deals from promoters from Dubai and Germany, but I came to the United States 3 years ago, and I live in Vermont with my wife in Burlington, and we own a gym (Emerge) in Winooski, VT. My wife is a mobility coach who gave me advice for my injured shoulder. We started dating.”

Mohammad couldn’t have envisioned a more impressive all-around pro debut, especially making it at Encore.

“It was amazing to make my pro debut at Encore, the best way to be seen and recognized,” Alyazouri said. “There was an amazing crowd with a lot of people who really care about boxing. I never felt so free as I did making my walk to the ring.

“Chris can take me where I want to be, building my career the right way. He can get me a (regional) title shot. One reason I signed with him is he’s an ex-boxer, which is very important because in my environment it’s important that we speak the same language. He has been where I want to be.”

INFORMATION

Website:        www.granite-chin-promotions.com

Instagram:     @BarrettHanlon12 @Alyazouri7

Pat Brown channeled his inner ‘Gentleman’ as he faced-off with ‘The Gentleman’, John Hedges, ahead of their showdown this Saturday for the vacant British & Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles – live worldwide on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.

The undefeated rivals both share great expectations and stood, suited and booted, toe-to-toe for the first time during fight week at the lavish, sprawling country grounds of Arley Hall in Cheshire before they battle it out for the prestigious Lonsdale belt at Manchester’s Co-op Live.

Team GB Paris 2024 Olympian Brown, 26, has registered six wins with six stoppages since he turned professional back in 2025.

However, his fast track to what many believe will ultimately journey towards in a World Title faces its toughest test to date in the form of Essex’s 12-0 (3 KOs) Hedges this weekend.

Despite being the ‘A-side’, the Hedges acknowledges that he may not be the favourite for the fight in Brown’s home city.

But the 24-year-old believes he is the man to defuse ‘The Bomber’ in front of his fans and capture the WBA International & IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight Titles, which are also at stake.

“Although I’m the A-side in this fight, I know I’m definitely the B-side. But I kind of like that. There’s no pressure,” said Hedges.

Brown, meanwhile, is excited about a major opportunity in front of him and expects an entertaining, old school shootout.

“I want to be in good fights to see what I’m about,”said Brown.

“I understand people get excited and they want to fast-track me. But I need to learn about being in deep waters.

“People get excited because I have got an exciting style. There is always pressure and the higher I go there will be more. That is up to me to get used to it.”

Brown and Hedges will meet again at Thursday’s Press Conference – media registration details are listed below.

Keep track of all the latest news and updates throughout fight week on social media @matchroomboxing

MANCHESTER FIGHT CARD: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – LIVE ON DAZN

John Hedges vs Pat Brown
British, Commonwealth and WBA International & IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight Titles
12 x 3-minute rounds

Shabaz Masoud vs Ckari Cani Mansilla
WBA Intercontinental & IBF Intercontinental Featherweight Titles
10 x 3-minute rounds

Kieron Conway vs Mark Jeffers
Eliminator for British Super Middleweight Title
10 x 3-minute rounds

Joe Howarth vs Corey O’Regan
English Lightweight Championship
10 x 3-minute rounds

Alfie Middlemiss vs Christopher Mondongo
Featherweight Contest
8 x 3-minute rounds

Tom Rafferty vs Liam Walsh
Middleweight Contest
8 x 3-minute rounds

Jack Power vs Victor Ioanscu
Middleweight Contest
6 x 3-minute rounds

Garan Croft vs Mohammed Graich
Super Welterweight Contest
8 x 3-minute rounds

Emily Whitworth vs Beata Dudek
Bantamweight Contest
6 x 2-minute rounds

SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 16, 2026) — Two former amateur rivals are set to settle unfinished business with much more on the line than before.

Steven Navarro will face unbeaten Emanuel Moreno in a 10-round clash for the vacant NABO bantamweight title Saturday, Oct. 24, at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

Navarro and Moreno first met in the semifinals of the 2020 USA Youth National Championships in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 2, 2021, with Navarro earning a split decision.

Additionally, super lightweight contender Frank Martin will face Morocco’s Tarik Zaina in a 10-rounder.

Martin-Zaina and Navarro-Moreno join a bill headlined by the three-belt super featherweight world title unification showdown between WBO/IBF champion Emanuel Navarrete and WBC king O’Shaquie Foster.

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, unbeaten Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez takes on Fort Worth native and former two-time world title challenger Edward Vazquez.

Navarrete-Foster, Gonzalez-Vazquez, Martin-Zaina and Navarro-Moreno will be streamed LIVE on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are available via Ticketmaster.com.

Navarro (9-1, 6 KOs), a 22-year-old from Inglewood, California, was a decorated amateur who reached the finals of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials before turning pro in April 2024. He won his first seven bouts before dropping a technical decision to Jesse Daniel Mendoza in November 2025 after an accidental clash of heads opened a cut over Mendoza’s right eye, prompting the bout to be stopped at the start of the fourth round. Navarro rebounded with a unanimous decision over Mario Hernandez in February and followed with a fifth-round knockout of Delvin McKinley in August.

Navarro said, “Texas! I’m thrilled to fight there and thankful to Top Rank and DAZN for the opportunity to fight on the main card. It’s also my first ten-round bout, and I fully intend to give the fans an exciting show and a statement win.”

Moreno (13-0, 3 KOs), 22, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was a multiple-time national amateur champion who compiled a 141-15 record before turning pro in November 2022. He scored a third-round knockout of Ira Terry in November 2024, then decisioned Khalid Twaiti and Edwin Tercero in 2025. Moreno opened 2026 with an eight-round decision over Francisco Pedroza Portillo in April.

Moreno said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight on a Top Rank stage. Steven Navarro is a talented fighter and I respect what he brings to the ring. I’ve known him since the amateurs and we actually fought once in the amateurs, but professional boxing is a completely different story, and I’m going to show it. I’m not coming to be another opponent. I’ve worked too hard and sacrificed too much for this moment. On October 24, I’m coming to make a statement and show everyone the level I’m on compared to these other fighters.”

Martin (19-1-1, 13 KOs), a Detroit native now training under Buddy McGirt, broke out in 2022 with victories over Romero Duno and then-unbeaten Michel Rivera before challenging Gervonta Davis for a world title in June 2024. Since moving to 140 pounds, he has stopped former world champion Rances Barthelemy and battled Nahir Albright to a 10-round draw in February. Zaina (18-3-1, 12 KOs) returns following an eight-round decision against Alexis Nahuel Torres in July.

Before the main broadcast, additional undercard action will stream live on DAZN, Top Rank and DAZN’s YouTube channels, and the Top Rank Classics FAST channel on Roku, Tubi, Pluto and Vizio.

Lightweight phenom Deric “Scooter” Davis (12-0, 10 KOs) will lock horns with Joaquin Silva Faccio (18-7-1, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder. 

Unbeaten Los Angeles native Sammy Contreras (8-0, 3 KOs) will see action in a six-round lightweight bout against an opponent to be named, while San Antonio’s Daniel Cortez III (13-1, 9 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Oziel Rangel Aradillas(8-5, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder at super bantamweight.

Fort Worth’s Joseph Almajdi (2-1, 2 KOs) will compete in a six-round super welterweigh tilt.

Mayton Perea stopped Zevan Hunt in the opening minute of theue featherweight bout in the main event of Dana White’s Contender Series at The Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

In round one, Perea landed a right hand that put Hunt down. Hunt got to he his feet, byt are a kick and was sent down again. Perea landed hammer fists and the fight was stopped at 45 seconds.

Perea of Ecuador is 9-3 with six knockouts. Hunt is 7-1.

Igor Calvacante stopped Oscar Ravello in the opening round of their middleweight bout.

Calvacante dropped Ravello to the jaw. Calvacante continued to land Ground-And-Pound shots. Ravello got to his feet but was immediately dropped on his head and more shots came in from Calvacante and the fight was stopped at 1:39.

Calvacante, 185 lbs of Brazil is 14-2 with 11 knockouts. Ravello, 185 lbs of Peru is 13-4-1.

Akbar Abdullaev made quick work of Ednilson Santos in a lightweight bout.

Just seconds into the fight Abdullaev landed a crushing overhand right to jaw that plummeted Santos face0first onto the canvas and the fight was stopped at 19 seconds.

Abdullaev, 155 lbs of Kyrgyzstan is 14-0 with 13 knockouts. Santos, 156 lbs of Brazil is 14-8-1.

Luis Hernandez choked out Hugo Guillion in round two of the middleweight bout.

In round one, Guillon started to bleed from the bridge of his nose. In round two, Hernandez was dropped, but he got up and rolled through and pounded Guillon before applying the choke and he tapped at 1:01.

Hernandez, 185 lbs of Miami 8-0 with his fifth submission. Guillon, 185 lbs of France is 7-2.

Tyshawn Williams remained undefeated with a unanimous decision over Antonio Monteiro in a featherweight bout.

Williams, 146 lbs of Baltimore won by scores of 29-28 and 29-27 twice and is now 9-0. Monteiro, 145,5 kbs of Brazil is 18-6-1.

NOTES…..Williams will be brought back for the Contender Series…..Hernandez, Abdullaev, Calvacante and Perea earned contracts to the UFC

SAN DIEGO – September 15, 2026 – Undefeated Filipino Olympian Eumir Marcial will return to the ring to battle local San Ysidro native and veteran contender Omar Ulisses Huerta in an eight-round middleweight attraction that highlights the non-televised undercard on Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The non-televised lineup will also feature a Tijuana vs. Tijuana showdown between unbeaten Lazaro Francisco Lorenzana (21-0, 13 KOs) and Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez (21-2-1, 10 KOs), as they meet in an eight-round middleweight affair.

The card also features undefeated prospect Robert Guerrero Jr., the son of former world champion Robert Guerrero, dueling Ohio’s Shawn Ball in a six-round tilt.

Rounding out the card is a six-round heavyweight clash between Valerii Tadtaev (5-0, 5 KOs) and Ohio’s Juan Silva (3-1, 3 KOs) and San Diego’s Diego Luna (8-1-1, 6 KOs) in a four-round super lightweight matchup against Las Vegas-native Renny Viamonte Mastrapa (4-4-2, 2 KOs).

The event is headlined by a four-fight card streaming live on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT featuring Mexican superstar and Interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz defending his title against once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo in the main event.

In the co-main event, Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in a high-stakes tilt, plus rising super middleweight Daniel “Iceman” Blancas steps in against once-beaten contender Sergio Jimenez for an eight or 10-round showdown and 2024 Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde battles fellow unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in the eight-round middleweight opening bout.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

A highly-decorated Filipino amateur, highlighted by two trips to the Olympics, an Olympic bronze and a silver at the 2019 World Championships, Marcial (7-0, 4 KOs) will look to continue his rise in the pro ranks on September 19. The 30-year-old most recently went the 10-round distance for the first time, defeating Eddy Colmenares by decision in October, snapping a three-fight knockout streak. He’ll be opposed by San Ysidro’s Huerta (15-1-1, 13 KOs), who most recently dropped a decision in April to 160-pound contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. The 30-year-old has fought professionally since 2020 and stopped 13 of his first 15 opponents.

#         #         #

ABOUT PITBULL VS. BRAVO

Pitbull vs. Bravo will see Mexican superstar and Interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz return to the ring and defend his title against once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo in the 12-round main event streaming live on DAZN and presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

Plus, rising Mexican star and Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in the high-stakes co-main event.

In addition, unbeaten super middleweight prospect Daniel “Iceman” Blancas will step in against once-beaten contender Sergio Jimenez for an eight or 10-round showdown and 2024 Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde will battle fellow unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in the eight-round middleweight opening bout at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #PitbullBravo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.