MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS SETS FINAL BOUTS FOR MVPW-04 QUADRUPLE WORLD TITLE CARD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 13 AT CARIBE ROYALE RESORT IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA, LIVE ON ESPN+

NEW YORK, NY – May 20, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced final bouts for MVPW-04, taking place live on ESPN+ on Saturday, June 13 at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. On the main card, MVP’s and Tampa’s WBA super flyweight world champion Jasmine “Animal” Artiga (15-0-1, 7 KOs) will make her third world title defense against WBA Interim champion and mandatory challenger Nataly Delgado (20-7-2, 5 KOs) over 10 rounds at 115lbs. On the preliminary card will be a clash of professional debuts with MVP’s undefeated Brazilian boxer and influencer Jully Poca, the most-followed active female boxer in the world, set to rematch Monica Medina in a professionally sanctioned super lightweight bout over 4 rounds at 140lbs. Joining them will be MVP’s WBA #1 super flyweight contender at 115lbs LeAnna Cruz (11-0, 1 KO) vs. Rubi Gutierrez (8-3-1, 1 KO) in an 8-round super flyweight bout at 115lbs, MVP’s #1 WBA contender Brittany Sims (9-3, 5 KOs), making her promotional debut vs. top contender Naomy Cardenas (10-1, 2 KOs) in an 8-round bantamweight bout at 118lbs, MVP’s 19-time US national champion Sa’Rai Brown El making her pro debut, and Jordan Orozco Hernandez (16-0, 16 KOs) vs. Fernando Diaz (16-7-1) in a 10-round bantamweight bout at 118lbs. Orlando’s Jayson Martinez will also join the card for his pro debut.

MVPW on ESPN showcases the sport’s most elite female fighters with championship bouts on every card and will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. The fourth installment of MVPW-04, the new year-round global platform for women’s boxing from MVP, will be headlined by MVP’s IBF super welterweight world champion Oshae Jones (9-0, 3 KOs) vs. mandatory challenger and #1 IBF contender Elia Carranza (11-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-round world title rematch at 154lbs following the pair’s tightly-contested first world title clash in 2025. In the co-main event, MVP’s WBC featherweight world champion Tiara Brown (20-0, 11 KOs) will make a 10-round 126lbs defense of her title against top-ranked contender Hannah Rapp (8-0-1, 5 KOs). Also on the main card, MVP’s and Argentina’s unified WBO, WBA, and IBF light flyweight champion Evelin Bermudez (22-1-1, 8 KOs) makes her promotional debut in a 10-round defense vs. Mexico’s IBF #1 contender Estefany Alegria (14-1-0, 4 KOs) at 108lbs. The preliminary card will also feature MVP’s two-time Brazilian Olympian Keno Marley (1-0) and  Boxlab Promotions’ undefeated Gabriela Tellez (7-0, 3 KOs) against TBA opponents. Tickets for MVPW-04 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. All media wishing to be credentialed for MVPW-04 must apply here.

WBA super flyweight world champion and Tampa, Florida’s first native-born world champion Jasmine “Animal” Artiga transitioned from playing gridiron in the Legends Football League to boxing at age 21, quickly carving out an impressive resume. After 13 unbeaten bouts, including a first round TKO win on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects series in February 2024, she stormed into the spotlight on March?22,?2025, winning the vacant WBA female super flyweight title via majority decision over Mexico’s Regina Chávez. Artiga, Tampa’s first native world champion, was recently honored with a city proclamation from Mayor Jane Castor, honoring her athletic achievements and commitment to community mentorship. Standing 5?4? with a 64? reach, the 33-year-old Artiga continues to build momentum as one of women’s boxing’s hungriest new champions. She made her first successful world title defense with a TKO win on MVP Fight Night in August 2025, and defended her title again against challenger Stephanie Silva in December 2025.

“Nataly Delgado has perfected her craft and has earned being a mandatory challenger,“ said Jasmine Artiga. “The world will see two top females in their weight class contest their skills, strength, power, and will.”

Nataly Estefany Delgado Hernández is a 31-year-old pro boxer from Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, Republic of Panama, holding a record of 20 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws across 29 fights. She has faced top competition throughout her career, including bouts against now-undisputed world champion Gabriela Fundora, former world champions Clara Lescurat and Maribel Ramírez, and Johana Zúñiga for the WBA Fedelatin Championship. Delgado won the Interim WBA super flyweight world title at 115lbs in July 2025 and has since made two successful defenses. She is now the mandatory challenger for Jasmine Artiga’s WBA world title.

“God’s plans are perfect and always designed for our own good. I’m grateful to MVP for this opportunity, honored, and very much motivated,” said Nataly Delgado. “We have earned this via very hard work, and I will deliver. I’m ready to fight in this Champion vs. Champion showdown. I hope Artiga is also ready. Let’s give boxing fans around the world a fight to remember.”

“MVPW-04 once again delivers four back to back world title fights and features seven promotional debuts from some of our most exciting new signees at MVP, from Oshae Jones, Tiara Brown and Evelin Bermudez to our stacked undercard with Brazil’s Jully Poca, the most followed active boxer in the world, #1 contenders LeAnna Cruz and Brittany Sims, and one of the best talents out of Team USA in the last few years with 19x national champion Sa’Rai Brown-El, ” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Anchored by a back-to-back-to-back-to-back championship main card from MVP’s defending champions, MVPW only gets bigger and better on Saturday, June 13 in Orlando, live on ESPN+.”

Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Jully Poca is a powerhouse athlete who has dominated the crossover boxing scene with an undefeated record. Originally Brazil’s premier female fitness influencer, her life took a sharp turn in 2023 when she was invited to compete in the UK alongside megastar Whindersson Nunes. Despite only training for three months prior to her debut, she discovered a profound passion for the sport and has spent the last three years training exclusively as a full-time boxer. Under the tutelage of renowned coach Antonio Filho, the mentor behind former WBO champion Rose Volante, Poca has solidified her status by going undefeated to date and is now set to make her fully sanctioned professional debut with Most Valuable Promotions. Beyond her technical prowess, Jully possesses a magnetic public profile built on genuine courage. She first captured the Brazilian public’s heart when she intervened in a violent road-rage incident, physically subduing a man who was attacking two women until police arrived. This act of heroism, combined with her athletic transition, has earned her a massive digital footprint. With 3 million Instagram followers, Poca is set to become the most-followed female professional boxer in the world the moment she makes her pro debut, bridging the gap between social media stardom and elite combat sports.

“She asked for a rematch, I said let’s do it,” said Jully Poca. “Some stories need to have a definite ending, that’s what I’m coming to do. I’m excited to make my debut in Orlando and hope to see the local Brazilian community come out to support on Saturday, June 13!” 

Monica Medina comes to the ring from Vardaman, Mississippi. She will make her pro debut following her career so far bare knuckle boxing, dirty boxing and crossover boxing. Medina previously faced off with Poca in 2025, and now the pair will face off in a professionally sanctioned rematch.

“Jully this time when you go  down you’re staying down, said Medina. “You truly didn’t beat me last time, and this time I’ll show everyone who the better boxer is”

Gabriela “Sosa” Tellez is an undefeated rising prospect in the lightweight division, holding a 7-0 record with 3 knockouts. At just 19 years old, the orthodox fighter has already built a strong foundation with over 90 amateur bouts, showcasing maturity and ring IQ well beyond her years. Born in Vero Beach, Florida, and now fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, Tellez began boxing at the age of six and has quickly developed into one of the sport’s most promising young talents. Standing 5’3” and competing at 135 pounds, she is known for her sharp jab, her favorite punch, and disciplined style. Inspired by legends like Andre Ward and current pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford, Tellez has set ambitious goals to become the youngest women’s world champion, unify the division, and serve as an inspiration to the next generation of fighters. She is currently ranked WBA #3 contender in the world at 130lbs.

LeAnna Cruz is a 28-year-old Puerto Rican-American professional boxer competing at 115lbs who Cruz has built her career on consistency, discipline, and a deep respect for the craft of boxing. Of proud Puerto Rican heritage, Cruz brings grit and heart into every training camp and every fight. Her style blends sharp fundamentals with intelligent pressure, allowing her to control distance, dictate pace, and adapt to any opponent placed in front of her. Inside the ring, she is focused and methodical; outside the ring, she is respected for her humility, professionalism, and commitment to growth. Signing with Most Valuable Promotions represents a major milestone for Cruz, who holds ambitions for placing her on a global stage and firmly. She is the WBA #1 contender at super flyweight, 115lbs.

“Rubi Gutierrez is a great opponent to step back in the ring with,” said LeAnna Cruz. “She has a SD loss against a future world champion and is not afraid to lose or for a challenge. I have a ton of respect for her coming up two  weight classes to share the ring with me, but on Saturday, June 13th she’ll learn that was a huge mistake.”

Rubi “La Panterita” Gutierrez is a 20-year-old rising contender from Saltillo, Mexico. She is currently on a three-fight winning streak, most recently earning a unanimous decision victory in April 2026.

WBA #1 contender at 118lbs Brittany “Eagle Flex” Sims has engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in women’s boxing, having transformed her career from a 1–3 start into a formidable 9–3 record, highlighted by her current eight-fight winning streak. A well-rounded athlete, Sims brings a diverse background in MMA and track and field, tools that have helped shape her explosiveness, conditioning, and ring IQ. She also dominated in the TCL league, where she put together an incredible 16-fight winning streak. During her rise, Sims captured the WBA Americas Continental title, the NABF title, and the WBA International title, achievements that positioned her as the WBA’s #1 contender and mandatory challenger for the world championship against Cherneka Johnson. Trained by Lemuel Rodriguez and managed by Dave Dubinsky of DKO and fighting out of Bethlehem, Sims now looks ahead to the next chapter of her career with Most Valuable Promotions.

“Cardenas is not someone to overlook. She is a great boxer, and I have a lot of respect for her and her team. That being said, my team and I have been working extremely hard every day. I’m prepared, focused, and ready for the moment,” said Brittany Sims. “May I be swift like an eagle, strong like a lion, and fight with the strength of ten men. It’s almost time to fly.”

Naomy Cardenas is a 26-year-old boxer from Chihuahua, Mexico. Cardenas made her international debut in June 2025 as part of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 13, winning by split decision. Following the bout, she stepped up to contend for the WBO super flyweight world title, losing by decision to reigning champion Mizuki Hiruta. She most recently rebounded with a UD win in March 2026.

“I’m very happy for the opportunity MVP is once again giving me,” said Cardenas. “I know I have a strong and intelligent opponent in front of me, which will make for an even better fight because of the contrast in styles. I have had great preparation behind me and I’m coming in with the hunger for victory.”

19-time US national champion Sa’Rai Brown-El comes from a proud lineage of fighters and was born into boxing royalty, but her rise wasn’t guaranteed. Her mother first saw her spark, despite early resistance from her father and coach, who didn’t believe boxing was a sport for women. Everything changed during a family trip to her birthplace in Albany, NY when a visit to her uncle’s boxing gym flipped the script. Once Brown-El stepped into the ring, her natural talent spoke louder than tradition ever could, and her father never looked back. She began boxing at the age of 10. What followed was a journey defined by relentless discipline, a powerful work ethic, and a fierce hunger to master the craft of boxing. That fire drove her to the top of the amateur ranks, where she became the first female boxer from Georgia to win both the Junior Olympics and the National Silver Gloves. Within a year, she had become a national champion, marking the beginning of her dominance. By age 14, she had cemented her name in history as one of the most decorated young female boxers in the country, ranked #1 in her age and weight class by USA Boxing and holding the most wins across all female divisions at the time. In 2019, she earned a coveted spot on Team USA after winning the USA Boxing National Championships, becoming the first female boxer from Georgia to achieve those honors. A five-time international medalist and seven-time Georgia Female Boxer of the Year, Brown-El’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. USA Boxing named her the future of women’s boxing—a title that carries weight, and one she’s ready to live up to. With her amateur legacy cemented, the 19-year-old now joins MVP’s elite roster of women’s fighters ahead of her professional debut this year, entering into the professional ranks with one goal: to take over women’s boxing.

WBA and WBO #12 ranked contender Jordan Orozco Hernandez will also join the undercard. He boasts a fearsome 100% KO ratio on his 16-0 record, with 16 knockouts. The 21-year-old Nicaraguan bantamweight most recently earned a second round TKO win over Daniel Olea in March. Orozco will face Fernando Diaz. Diaz is a 26-year-old prospect from Riverside, California. 

Jayson Martinez will make his pro debut on MVW-04. Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and currently residing in Orlando, Florida, Martinez completed a 30-fight amateur career earning a top six national ranking. The 22-year-old has built a reputation for his skill, discipline, and exciting style as he prepares for his professional debut. 

MVPW-04 is produced and marketed by MVP and promoted by MVP and Boxlab Promotions.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

About MVP

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 16 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally. 

About ESPN

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.




TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Gustavo Trujillo Looks to Continue his Rise in the Heavyweight Division

MIAMI, FL (May 20, 2026) – Undefeated heavyweight contender Gustavo “The Cuban Assasin” Trujillo (10-0, 9 KOs), currently ranked WBO #14, is entering the next phase of his boxing journey with purpose and determination as he prepares to face Sergio Ramirez Marin (22-8, 12 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout on May 30, 2026, at the historic War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event will be promoted by American Dream Presents.

Already viewed as one of the sport’s most dangerous rising heavyweights, Trujillo, who is the reigning BKB Heavyweight Champion, has built an impressive reputation with his explosive punching power and relentless style inside the ring. Now, with another important test in front of him, the Cuban-born knockout artist believes this fight represents much more than another win on his record, it represents another step toward making history.

Having recently completed an intense training camp in Miami under the guidance of longtime trainer Herman Caicedo, Trujillo says this camp has pushed him to another level physically and mentally.

“This training camp with coach Herman Caicedo has been one of the best camps of my career because we’re working smarter, being really calculated on every drill,” said Trujillo. “Every day has had a purpose. We focused on sharpening every part of my game, my conditioning, my movement, my timing, my defense, and making sure my power stays dangerous from the first round to the last. Herman understands where I want to go in this sport and what I need to become to get there. We’re building something bigger than just winning fights…we’re building a complete heavyweight that can compete with anybody in the world. I feel stronger, faster, and more focused than ever, and I believe people are going to see that on fight night.”

While Trujillo has become known for his devastating finishing ability, he is approaching Ramirez Marin with complete respect and focus, understanding that experienced opponents can present dangerous challenges.

Discussing the matchup itself, Trujillo made it clear that he expects a determined opponent but plans to impose his will from the opening bell.

“Sergio Ramirez Marin is a veteran fighter with experience and toughness, and I know he’s coming to fight,” Trujillo stated. “Guys like him have seen a lot and they’ve been through battles, so I don’t overlook anybody. But when I step into that ring, I believe in my preparation, and I believe in my abilities. I’m hungry right now. Hungry fighters are dangerous fighters. I don’t just want to win, I want to end the fight early. Every fight is an opportunity to show people that I’m improving and that I belong with the best heavyweights in the world. On May 30, I’m coming to apply pressure, stay disciplined, and leave no doubt, why I’m the heavyweight everyone should be talking about.”

For Trujillo, victory on May 30 would move him another step closer to accomplishing a dream that extends far beyond personal success. The undefeated contender has often spoken about carrying the pride of Cuba with him every time he steps into the ring and his desire to make history. Trujillo believes his mission is bigger than himself.

“A win in this fight means progress toward something I’ve thought about for a long time,” Trujillo said. “I want to become the first Cuban heavyweight champion in boxing history. That’s not just a title to me, it’s a legacy. I want to open doors for future Cuban heavyweights and show that anything is possible through sacrifice and hard work. I know I still have a long road ahead of me, and I know nothing is given in this sport, but every fight gets me one step closer. That’s what drives me every morning. I don’t want to be remembered as just another fighter…I want to be remembered as someone who made history.”

Competing in South Florida also gives Trujillo the added motivation of performing in front of many of the people who have supported him throughout his journey. With family, friends, and supporters expected to fill the venue, Trujillo says fighting close to home adds extra emotion to the occasion.

“Fighting in South Florida always means something special to me because this community has shown me a lot of love,” Trujillo explained. “To have my family and friends there supporting me gives me energy that you can’t explain. They’ve been with me through sacrifices, through difficult moments, and through this journey from the beginning. When I walk into that arena and hear people cheering for me, I want to give them something memorable. I want them to leave saying they saw someone chasing greatness.”

Trujillo’s manager, Abe Swidan of Visionary Sports Group, believes all the hard work and dedication shown throughout camp will be on full display when the bell rings.

“Gustavo has put himself through an incredible training camp and he’s approaching this fight with the mindset of someone who knows bigger opportunities are on the horizon,” said Swidan. “We’ve watched him continue to evolve as a fighter with every camp and every fight. He’s committed himself completely to the process, and that’s why we’re confident in what people will see on May 30. The work he’s put in behind the scenes has been tremendous, and I believe fight fans are going to witness another major step forward in his development.”

As Trujillo continues climbing the heavyweight ranks, May 30 presents another opportunity for the undefeated contender to strengthen his growing reputation and move closer to his ultimate goal of making boxing history.




WBA Future Venezuela Delivered a Big Night at the Luis Navarro Gymnasium

The iconic Luis Navarro Gymnasium in Miranda’s capital city became the center of developmental boxing this weekend as it hosted another intense edition of the WBA Future program. Featuring a total of 15 bouts, the World Boxing Association’s grassroots platform once again delivered a high-level showcase that allowed emerging talent and rising prospects in Venezuelan boxing to test their skills on a competitive stage.

The main event lived up to expectations and went the distance in a tactical battle. Gleybert Maia controlled the pace of the fight from start to finish, using his superior timing and ring IQ to secure a unanimous decision victory over the always-game Carlos Díaz. Maia’s consistency and command inside the ring were fully reflected on the judges’ scorecards, which read 98-90, 96-92, and 98-90 in his favor, further confirming his steady evolution as a prospect.

Meanwhile, the most explosive moments of the night came through stoppage victories. Jesús Geles showcased his finishing power by handing Diego Carbajal the first loss of his career via second-round technical knockout after applying relentless pressure from the opening bell. In similar fashion, Josber Pérez displayed his offensive arsenal by stopping Euclides Herrera, also by second-round TKO.

The quickest finish of the evening belonged to Geremy Vera, who wasted no time making a statement. Vera scored a devastating first-round knockout over Luis Guatache, electrifying the crowd at the Luis Navarro Gymnasium with a brutal display of punching power.

With the completion of these 15 bouts, the WBA Future program once again reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining consistent activity at the grassroots level of the sport, providing fighters with the technical and competitive foundation necessary to project their careers onto the international stage under the supervision of the world sanctioning body.




Usyk Defends WBA Crown in Egypt

The boxing world is gearing up for a massive weekend of action from the historic pyramids of Giza. Ukrainian superstar Oleksandr Usyk will put his WBA heavyweight super championship on the line against an unusual challenger of gigantic proportions: Dutch combat sports legend Rico Verhoeven, who is attempting the boldest transition of his career into the professional boxing ranks.

Usyk enters the bout firmly established as one of the most intelligent and elusive heavyweight fighters of the modern era. After previously becoming undisputed at cruiserweight and repeating his dominance in boxing’s glamour division, the Ukrainian now faces a challenge rooted not in boxing pedigree, but in sheer size, physicality, and raw strength.

For Usyk, the key will be imposing his trademark footwork, southpaw stance, and relentless punch volume that has historically broken down naturally bigger opponents over the course of championship rounds. Maintaining distance and avoiding prolonged clinches along the ropes will be critical, as Verhoeven’s size and weight advantage could become a factor late in the fight.

Meanwhile, Rico Verhoeven approaches the contest as the ultimate opportunity to validate his transition into elite-level boxing. Widely regarded as one of the most dominant heavyweight kickboxers of all time, the Dutchman has committed his power, conditioning, and discipline exclusively to the sweet science in hopes of pulling off a monumental upset against the reigning WBA king.

Aware of the gap in boxing experience and technical sharpness, Verhoeven is expected to rely heavily on his imposing frame, reach, and suffocating pressure. His path to victory will likely depend on cutting off the ring, limiting Usyk’s movement, and turning the contest into a grueling physical battle where one clean shot could completely alter the outcome.

For this event, the WBA Championship Committee has officially implemented a special regulatory framework based on the organization’s internal rules and championship guidelines. The sanctioning body’s objective is to support the activity of its super champions in globally significant events while maintaining the integrity and structure of the heavyweight rankings.

As a result, the WBA established the following official conditions for the bout in Egypt:

If Oleksandr Usyk has his hand raised in victory, the result will be officially recognized as a successful defense of his WBA heavyweight super championship.

If Verhoeven wins, however, the Dutchman will not be recognized as WBA champion because he is currently unranked in the organization’s professional boxing ratings. Should Verhoeven pull off the upset, the title would not change hands inside the ring. Instead, the WBA Championship Committee would consider him eligible to enter the organization’s rankings, but not crown him as champion.




TOP 5 FLYWEIGHTS (#2) MANEL KAPE AND (#5) KYOJI HORIGUCHI REMATCH IN MUST-SEE META APEX MAIN EVENT

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Meta APEX on June 20 with an entertaining card headlined by a must-see rematch between No. 2 ranked UFC flyweight contender Manel Kapeand No. 5 ranked Kyoji Horiguchi. Also on the card, No. 15 ranked UFC bantamweight contender Farid Basharatmeets rising Ethyn Ewing.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: KAPE vs. HORIGUCHI takes place Saturday, June 20 in Las Vegas. The prelims will air at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, followed by the main card airing at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. All bouts will stream live on Paramount+.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: KAPE vs. HORIGUCHI will go on sale Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. PT and are available at AXS.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® will have the opportunity to purchase tickets on Wednesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. PT via the website UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, May 21 at 10 a.m. PT. To access the pre-sale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Meta APEX VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, in-seat beverage service, meet-and-greets with UFC Octagon Girls and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

Kape (22-7, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand by way of Porto, Portugal) aims to deliver another bonus-earning performance. Known for highlight-reel finishes, Kape has entertained fans in victories over Brandon Royval, Asu Almabayev and Bruno Silva. He now intends to even the score with Horiguchi and secure his first UFC title opportunity.

Former UFC title challenger Horiguchi (36-5 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Gunma, Japan) looks to remain undefeated in his second tenure with the promotion. A well-rounded competitor, he has climbed back into the division Top 5 with definitive wins over Amir Albazi and Tagir Ulanbekov. Horiguchi now plans to secure his biggest victory yet with another finish over Kape.  

Undefeated Basharat (15-0, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Paktia, Afghanistan) steps back into the Octagon for the second time in 2026. A signee from Season 6 of Dana White’s Contender Series, Basharat has proven himself as a rising talent with victories over Jean Matsumoto, Chris Gutierrez and Victor Hugo. He now has his sights set on retaining his perfect record by beating Ewing in dominant fashion.

Ewing (10-2, fighting out of Yorba Linda, Calif.) seeks to keep his momentum going by taking out his third undefeated opponent in a row. A talented striker, Ewing burst onto the UFC scene with notable performances over Malcolm Wellmaker and Rafael Estevam. He now aims to deliver his best showing yet and break into the Top 15 rankings

Additional bouts include:

  • No. 10 ranked UFC bantamweight contender Karol Rosa (19-7, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) looks to defend her spot in the rankings against No. 14 Luana Santos (10-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
  • Heavyweight contenders collide as Jhonata Diniz (9-2, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) faces UFC newcomer Jose Montanha (6-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil)
  • No. 15 ranked UFC bantamweight contender Bia Mesquita (7-0, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) aims to remain undefeated when she takes on Melissa Mullins (7-2, fighting out of Oxford, England)
  • Light heavyweight action sees Ion Cutelaba (20-11-1 1NC, fighting out of Chisinau, Moldova) battle rising prospect Navajo Stirling (9-0, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand)
  • Undefeated flyweight Andre Lima (11-0, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) looks to make a statement against Kevin Borjas (10-5, fighting out of Lima, Peru)
  • Gaston Bolanos(8-5, fighting out of Dublin, Calif. by way of Lima, Peru) and Michael Aswell (11-4, fighting out of Houston, Texas) go toe-to-toe at featherweight
  • An exciting featherweight bout pits Hyder Amil (11-2, fighting out of San Rafael, Calif.) against Christian Rodriguez (12-4, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.)
  • Allan Nascimento (22-6, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Mitch Raposo (10-3, fighting out of Fall River, Mass.) clash in a flyweight bout
  • Melsik Baghdasaryan (8-3, fighting out of Glendale, Calif.) plans to spoil the UFC debut of undefeated Dana White’s Contender Series signee Murtazali Magomedov (10-0, fighting out of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan)

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.

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About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 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, a Skydance Corporation
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY) is a leading, next-generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. 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




0 MUST GO: SELDON JR. vs. POPPER — JUNE 13 AT THE TROP

Boxing Insider Promotions returns to the Tropicana Atlantic City Showroom on Saturday, June 13, 2026, as undefeated South Jersey heavyweights Bruce Seldon Jr. and Josh Popper headline the biggest local heavyweight showdown the region has seen in years. First bell 7:30 PM ET. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster. https://www.ticketmaster.com/boxing-insider-live-professional-boxing-atlantic-city-new-jersey-06-13-2026/event/02006495CFC0F3D8

Josh “The Hammer” Popper of Egg Harbor Township trains at Bredwinners Gym in Manhattan under Jose Luis Guzman. The former Rowan University standout earned NFL minicamp invitations from the Cardinals and Colts before turning to boxing, and two of his wins have come right here at the Tropicana.

Bruce “2.0” Seldon Jr. of Smithville trains at the Pleasantville Recreation Center under Julio Sanchez. The son of former WBA Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon Sr. and an Absegami graduate, he has built five wins on the Boxing Insider stage at the Trop. He has never left the building without a win.

“Two undefeated South Jersey heavyweights, both with history at the Tropicana, both willing to step up and fight each other. That doesn’t happen in 2026,” said promoter Larry Goldberg. “This is the fight everyone locally wanted to see. June 13 is going to be a night Atlantic City remembers.”

South Jersey fan favorite Julio “Jewelz” Sanchez III takes on Shawn Rall, and John Leonardo Jr. returns to the Tropicana looking to build toward a regional title shot later this year.

The card is rounded out with Jahanzeb Rizwan, Yoel Angeloni, Kahshad Elliott, Williams, David Malul, and Daiyaan Butt, all in separate bouts with opponents to be announced shortly . 

GET TICKETS https://www.ticketmaster.com/boxing-insider-live-professional-boxing-atlantic-city-new-jersey-06-13-2026/event/02006495CFC0F3D8 For more, visit BoxingInsider.com




JAMEL HERRING VS. MICHAEL LARRIMORE NEW BKFC WORLD TITLE MAIN EVENT AT THE ACRISURE ARENA IN PALM DESERT, CA THIS FRIDAY, MAY 22! FULL CARD ANNOUNCED!

Palm Desert, CA (May 18, 2025) – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), The World’s Fastest Growing Combat Sports Promotion, has announced a new Main Event and the Explosive Full Fight Card for BKFC-89 at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA this Friday, May 22.

Remaining tickets for BKFC-89 can be purchased at BKFC.com and the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acrisure Arena. The Acrisure Arena is located at 75702 Varner Rd., Palm Desert, CA 92211. Purchase parking in advance HERE. More venue information can be found at www.AcrisureArena.com. First bell on the night of the event is at 6:00 p.m. PT.

The Open to the Public Ceremonial Weigh-in will take place this Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. PT at The Big Rock Pub, 79940 Westward Ho Drive, Indio, CA 92201.

Prelims for BKFC-89 will be broadcast on The BKFC App starting at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT with the Main Card being broadcast exclusively on DAZN, 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT.

The new main event for the vacant BKFC Bantamweight World Title spotlights former boxing world champion Jamel ‘Semper Fi’ Herring, (1-0),  of Coram, NY facing knockout artist Michael ‘Papa G’ Larrimore, (3-1), of Gulf Breeze, FL. Previously announced as competing in the headlining bout, Nick Maness has been ruled out due to a training injury.

Co-headlining in an outstanding light heavyweight battle, Cody Vidal, (3-1-1), of Temecula, CA hits the squared circle against #3 Ranked Jomi ‘The ArchAngel’ Escoboza, (10-2), of Tamarac, FL.

Heavyweights will clash in the feature fight at BKFC-89, as Chase Gormley, (1-1), of Los Angeles, CA faces Brazilian Levi ‘Pitbull’ Costa, (2-3).

Following an outstanding professional boxing career highlighted by four world title defenses and a record of 24-5, Jamel Herring burst into the BKFC promotion with a dominant unanimous decision over Matt Guymon on January 17, 2026 at the Mohegan Sun Arena. With a world title victory over Michael Larrimore, Herring would join Austin Trout as the only two fighters to attain world title status in bare-knuckle fighting and professional boxing.

The hard-hitting Michael Larrimore has been victorious in show-stopping fashion with all three of his wins coming by first round knockout; Samuel Samples (BKFC Fight Night Clearwater), Justin Wilson (BKFC-53) and Daniel Gary, (BKFC-47). Larrimore’s only loss came against former world champion Keith Richardson at BKFC-69.

Heavy handed Cody Vidal holds stoppage victories over David Simpson (BKFC-84), Maurice Horne (BKFC Fight Night Philly) and Kevin Sims, (BKFC Fight Night Los Angeles). Battle tested BKFC veteran Jomi Escoboza has climbed in the light heavyweight rankings following a show-stopping knockout over Jay Jackson at BKFC Fight Night Clearwater on May 2, 2025. He also holds victories over current world champion Esteban Rodriguez (BKFC-49) in addition to top rated veteran Isaac Doolittle (BKFC-57).

Victorious in his BKFC debut against Tylor Sijohn with a second-round knockout at BKFC Fight Night Los Angeles, Chase Gormley looks for a return to the win column after a hotly contested clash with world ranked Parker Porter on February 1, 1025.

Highlighting the undercard, popular Southern California bantamweight David ‘El Perro Necio’ Diaz, (3-1-1), battles Anthony Sanchez, (1-3), of Midland, TX. Also fighting in the bantamweight division, San Diego’s Daniel Alvarez, (2-2), clashes with Jared Lennon, (1-1-1), of Massachusetts. Cruiserweights face-off with Keith Richardson, (2-2), of Lancaster, CA facing Kansas native Devon ‘The Savage’ Schwan, (1-0).

Welterweight Ryan ‘RYU’ Petersen, (2-2), of Humboldt County, CA clashes with BKFC debuting Daniel Keepers of Las Vegas, NV. Russian welterweight Evgenii ‘The Sailor’ Kurdanov, (5-3), battles Eric Lopez, (3-4), of Dillon, MT. Rounding out the main card undefeated Iman “Stross’ Williams, (2-0), of Riverside, CA faces Omaha, NE native Cody Kerr, (1-0).

Headlining the prelims, California native Eric Soto and Las Vegas, NV native Pernell “P Dub” Stevens fight for the first time under the BKFC banner in the heavyweight division. Fighting in the welterweight division, Steven ‘Savage’ Sainsbury, (1-0), faces BKFC debuting Ernie “Young Titan” Juarez.

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Acrisure Arena invites fans to enhance their BKFC experience by upgrading to the Compound, an exclusive outdoor VIP premium space just steps from the stage. The Compound offers a hosted full-service bar (spirits for purchase), a generous buffet, and unique amenities such as cozy fire pits, mini golf, bocce ball, and more. Learn more HERE!

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Social Media

Instagram: @BareKnuckleFC

Twitter: @BareKnuckleFC

Facebook: @BareKnuckleFC

YouTube: @BareKnuckleFightingChampionship

TikTok: @BareKnuckleFC

Website: www.BKFC.com




UFC MAKES ITS RETURN TO ABU DHABI WITH A BLOCKBUSTER FIGHT NIGHT ON JULY 25

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: UFC®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, together with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), announces its highly anticipated return to the region with UFC® FIGHT NIGHT ABU DHABI on Saturday, 25th July 2026, live from Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

UFC® FIGHT NIGHT ABU DHABI tickets will go on sale soon. Fans are encouraged to register their interest early for the best chance to secure tickets via VisitAbuDhabi.ae, where exclusive hotel and ticket packages for traveling fans will also be available.

Full details on the fight card will be revealed in the coming weeks. With a reputation for delivering standout matchups and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else, Abu Dhabi is once again gearing up for an unmissable night inside the Octagon®.

This latest Fight Night event continues UFC and Abu Dhabi’s longstanding partnership dating back to 2010. In recent years, the emirate hosted the global sporting phenomena that was Fight Island during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since cemented its place as one of UFC’s most electrifying destinations. Last year, UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: WHITTAKER vs. DE RIDDER in July packed out Etihad Arena with a thrilling middleweight clash, while UFC® 321: ASPINALL vs. GANE in October brought a clash of heavyweight contenders during Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.

Through its collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi, UFC continues to expand its global network of government and private partnerships, bringing marquee live events to communities worldwide, growing its fanbase and delivering economic and cultural impact.

For further information on UFC® FIGHT NIGHT ABU DHABI and the latest updates, please visit VisitAbuDhabi.ae.

ENDS

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), 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: @UFC.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about DCT Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit tcaabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae. For Abu Dhabi Calendar, please visit inabudhabi.ae.




World-class stablemates John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez & Darius ‘DFG’ Fulghum fighting on same card Friday night in San Jose

LOS ANGELES (May 18, 2026) –- World-class stablemates, super flyweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez (16-1, 9 KOs), rated No. 1 in the world by the World Boxing Association (WBA), and WBA No. 5-rated super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulghum (14-1-1, 12 KOs) will fight on the same card for only the second time this Friday in a pair of 10-round bouts in San Jose, California.

Ramirez and Fulghum are both represented by 3 Point Management (3 PM) and promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. They will be in action Friday night on a Golden Boy event that will be streamed live from SAP Center in San Jose.

Also, world rated at No. 6 and No. 12, respectively, by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO), Ramirez is a native of Los Angeles who had been patiently waiting for unified (WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring Magazine) World Super Flyweight Champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) to decide, as recently reported, that he’s moving up to the bantamweight division, opening up the super flyweight weight class.

Ramirez takes on Van “The Trigger” Tran (19-2, 11 KOs), who will be making his USA debut. The Vietnamese boxer has been the International Boxing Association (IBA) and WBO Global Bantamweight Champion.

“I’ve been trusting in the process so long that I’m not trying to make a statement, I know what I do,” Ramirez remarked. “I’m an exciting fighter and I’m going to just go for the win.

“When the fights were announced, I told Darius I was so grateful that he’s on the card, because we were getting ready together to fight, and that gives me an extra push. I don’t feel alone and it’s more enjoyable training together. There’ more to it. Only a few in the gym compete like me and Darius. We work hard and there’s no giving up when it gets tough. He’s the only one who keeps up with me and we compete with each other. He’s going where I’m going, we are experiencing the same things and are going through the same process. We share the ring together and have the same goal (world champion). Same situations on this journey.”

TRAINING HARD: (L-R) – Scrappy, Bruce Carrington and Darius Fulghum

Disappointed with his last 2 fight performances – draw and loss – Houston-based Fulghum trained for his upcoming fight at Brickhouse Boxing Club, where LA-native “Scrappy” is based, in North Hollywood, California.

Fulghum takes on Miami-based Yoanki “Diamante” Urrutia (172, 7 KOs), who is a product of the famed Cuban amateur boxing system. In his last amateur fight in 2019, Urrutia lost a decision to Younli Hernandez, who as a pro today is rated the No. 1 middleweight in the world by the WBA, as well as No. 2 by Ring Magazine and the WBC, and WBO No.3 .

“I plan to dominate the action on May 22nd and put myself right back in the mis with the top guys at 168,” Fulghum said. “I’m happy to be fighting on the same card with my brother, ‘Scrappy’. His energy adds together with mine and makes fight week fun and exciting because we aren’t alone. We are on this journey together to become world champions.”

This will be only the second time Ramirez and Fulghum have fought on the same card: April 20, 2025, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. “Scrappy” suffered the lone loss of his pro career to David Jimenez by way of a 12-round unanimous decision in their WBA Super Flyweight Interim title match; Fulghum stopped Cristian Olivas in the fourth round.

3 PM promises to be a force this Friday night in San Jose!

INFORMATION:

Website: www.3pointmanagement.com

Facebook: #JohnRamirez #JulianChua #BrickhouseBoxingClub #JulianChua #BrockhouseBoxing Club #DariusFulghum

Instagram: @Scrappyboxing @3pointmanagement @BrickhouseBoxingClub @Julian_Chua @DariusFukghum

X: @Scrappyboxin @JChua10 @BrickhouseBoxing Club @DariusFulghum




Reina Tellez Returns to the Ring Following World Title Challenge Against Amanda Serrano

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 18, 2026) — Boxlab Promotions WBA #11 ranked featherweight contender, Reina Tellez (13-1-1, 5 KOs) is set to return to action on May 30, 2026, when she competes in a scheduled eight-round bout against Juliana Basualdo (14-7, 3 KOs) at the El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas. The event will be part of a card presented by Most Valuable Promotions and marks Tellez’s first appearance since stepping up on short notice to face multi-division world champion Amanda Serrano in a world title opportunity that provided invaluable experience early in her career.

Despite suffering the first loss of her professional journey, Tellez emerged from the fight with renewed confidence, perspective, and motivation as she continues her climb in the featherweight division. Tellez reflected on the lessons gained from sharing the ring with one of the sport’s elite champions on short notice.

“Facing Amanda Serrano taught me more in one fight than I could have imagined,” Tellez said. “Stepping into that moment as a late replacement forced me to grow mentally and professionally. I learned the importance of preparation at the championship level, staying composed under pressure, and believing in myself regardless of the circumstances. Even in defeat, I gained experience that will help shape the rest of my career.”

Now returning to fight in her home state, Tellez says the opportunity carries personal significance and added motivation.

“There’s always something special about fighting in Texas,” Tellez continuedf. “The support, the culture, and the energy from the fans make it feel personal. This is where so much of my journey has taken place, and to come back here after a fight like the Serrano bout means a lot to me. I’m excited to show everyone how much I’ve grown.”

With momentum and experience on her side, Tellez views this upcoming fight as an important step toward larger opportunities in the division.

“A strong win here keeps me moving forward toward bigger fights and another world title opportunity,” Tellez concluded. “I’m still learning, still improving, and still hungry. The Serrano fight gave me confidence that I belong on that level, and now it’s about continuing to build and proving I belong with the best. I know Basualdo will be coming with everything she’s got, and I’ll be ready.”

Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, believes the experience against Serrano accelerated Tellez’s development and positioned her for long-term success.

“Reina gained invaluable experience by stepping into the ring with a fighter of Amanda Serrano’s caliber,” Piedra said. “Not every young fighter is willing to embrace that kind of challenge, especially on short notice. What impressed me most was her composure, her willingness to compete, and the way she handled herself throughout the entire experience. Those moments build character and maturity. We strongly believe that experience will elevate her career and prepare her for major opportunities moving forward.”




CANELO ÁLVAREZ TO FACE WORLD CHAMPION CHRISTIAN MBILLI IN RIYADH ON 12TH SEPTEMBER

London, May 2026: His Excellency Turki Alalshikh today announced that Canelo
Álvarez will return to the ring on 12th September in Riyadh to face WBC
super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli.

The Mexican legend and former undisputed champion returns to Riyadh with the WBC
title in his sights after a defining run at super-middleweight, including nine successful
defences during a near five-year reign at the top of the division.

The bout marks one year since Canelo’s clash with Terence Crawford in Las Vegas,
which became one of the most-watched boxing events in history, drawing more than
41 million viewers on Netflix.

Mbilli enters the contest as WBC champion following his rise through the ranks, having
claimed the interim title with victory over Maciej Sulecki in June before being upgraded
to full champion in January.

Positioning himself as a dangerous contender in the division, Mbilli carries an unbeaten
record and has featured on the major Riyadh Season card, Canelo vs Crawford.
The press conference will take place in Cairo on Saturday 23rd May at 14:00 local time,
giving the media a chance to see Canelo and Mbilli face-off for the first time.
Canelo said: “After so many years in this sport, my motivation is still the same: to
challenge myself, represent Mexico, and continue building my legacy. Mbilli is
undefeated, and a great fighter, and I respect that. But my focus is always on my
preparation, performance, and giving the fans another great night of boxing. On

September 12 in Riyadh, we begin a new chapter with the same discipline, ambition,
and vision that has carried me throughout my career.”

Mbilli said: “My last fight was the fight of the year. In September, against Canelo
Alvarez, it will be the fight of the decade. And when the fight is over, the world will
witness a historic victory for me.”’

To apply for press conference accreditation, please fill in the form attached here.

About Riyadh Season
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year
during winter. Since launching in 2019, Riyadh Season has welcomed millions of visitors from
around the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, immersive attractions,
and cultural experiences. The festival has evolved into a global entertainment powerhouse,
hosting international boxing championships, WWE events, tennis tournaments, concerts by
global superstars, comedy festivals, fashion showcases, and many more large-scale events
across the city.

Following the record-breaking success of Riyadh Season 2024, which surpassed 20 million
visitors for the first time, Riyadh Season 2025 continued its rapid growth trajectory, attracting
more than 17 million visitors across its latest edition as Riyadh continues to be one of the
world’s leading entertainment destinations.




EARLY RESULTS FROM NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

Former world champion, Brian Norman Jr. stopped Josh Wagner in round two of their 10-round welterweight bout.

In the opening minute of round two, Norman opened up a vicious combination in the corner that put Wagner on the seat of his pants. Norman continued the assault for a second knockdown. Wagner grabbed his left shoulder and was deemed unable to continue at 1:24.

Norman, 147.8 lbs of Atlanta is 29-1 with 23 knockouts. Wagner, 147.7 lbs of Orangeville, ONT, CAN is 19-3,

Kelvin Davis won a 10-round split decision over Peter Dobson in a welterweight bout.

Davis landed 109 of 301 punches. Dobson was 131 of 422.

Davis, 147.3 lbs of Norfolk, VA won two cards 99-91 and 97-93. Dobson won a card 98-92.

Davis is now 16-1. Dobson, 147.5 lbs of Bronx, NY is 17-4.

Yan Santana remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Christian Cruz in a featherweight bout.

Santana landed 153 of 482. Cruz was 148 of 553.

Santana, 125.6 lbs of La Romana, DR won by scores of a too-wide 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 and is now 16-0. Cruz, 125.9 lbs of Comatin, MEX is 24-8-2.

Keon Davis won a six-round unanimous decision over Edwine Humaine Junior in a super welterweight bout.

Davis, 153.3 lbs of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 5-0. Humaine, 155.4 lbs of Springfield, MA is 9-3.

Dedrick Crocklem remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Eric Howard in a super featherweight bout.

Crocklem, 129.8 lbs of Tacoma, WAS won by 60-54 scores on all cards and is now 7-0. Howard, 131.2 lbs of St. Louis, MO is 7-5.




Hrgovic Stops Allen in 3

Filip Hrgovic sored a third-round stoppage over Dave Allen at Doncaster Stadium in Doncaster, England.

Hrgovic dominated from the outset as he landed heavy punches from the opening bell. In round three, Hrgovic landed a swarming amount of punched that forced the corner to throw in the towel at 2:37.

Hrgovic, 248.9 lbs of Zagreb, CRO is 20-1 with 15 knockouts. Allen, 248.8 lbs of Doncaster, ENG is 25-9.

The win sets up a possible Summer fight between Hrgovic and Moses Itauma.

Michael Gomez Jr. stopped Lee McGregor in round six of their 12-round lightweight fight.

In round four, Gomez dropped McGegor with a hard flurry of punches. The left eye of McGrregor was swelling badly in round four. In round six, Gomez landed thudding shots of the jaw of McGregor and the corner threw in towel at 2:37.

Gomez, 134.10 lbs of Manchester, ENG is now 23-2 with eight knockouts. McGregor, 134.11 lbs of Edinburgh, SCO is 16-3-1.

Louie O’Doherty won a 12-round unanimous decision over Ahmad Hatim in a battle of undefeated lightweights.

O’Doherty, 134.11 lbs of Essex, ENG won by scores of 119-109 and 118-110 twice and is now 12-0. Hatim, 134.90 lbs of London is 12-1.

Asadkhost Muydinkhuyaev won a six-round decision over Alexis Torres in a welterweight bout.

Muydinkhuyaev, 150.11 lbs of Uzbekistan won by a 60-54 score and is now 2-0. Torres, 144.12 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 13-16-2.

Carl Fail won an eight-round decision over Luis Montelongo in a junior middleweight bout.

Fail, 155.1 lbs of Northampton, ENG won by a 80-72 score and is now 12-0. Montelongo, 157.5 lbs of Mexico is 18-18.

Kian Hamilton won a four-round decision over Les Urry in a lightweight bout.

Hamilton, 137.3 lbs of Doncaster, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Urry, 136.2 lbs of Hull, ENG is 2-4-1.

Brad Casey stopped Renar Rusins in round two of their four-round cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Casey staggered Rusins with a right hand. He hurt Rusins several more times in the round and the fight was stopped at 2:46.

Casey, 200.9 lbs of York, ENG is 5-0 with two knockouts. Rusins, 198 lbs of Liga, LAT is 1-3-2.

John Tom Varey won a four-round decision over Stephen Jackson in a bantamweight bout.

Varey, 117.13 lbs of Manchester won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0.

Ted Jackson remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Mike Byles in a six-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Jackson scored a knockdown with a right to the head. Jackson finished off Byles with a flurrry of punches in the corner at 2:12.

Jackson, 161.11 lbs of Hull, England is 7-0 with two knockouts. Byles, 159.1 lbs of Warwick, ENG is 8-15.




Hometown Hero Edward Vazquez Returns to ProBoxTV on Friday, June 5, to Face Mexico’s Daniel Lugo in the 10-round Main Event of ‘The Contender Series’ at University of Texas in Arlington

(May 15, 2026) – On Friday, June 5, ProBoxTV will proudly present The Contender Series, a night of action-packed world-class boxing featuring hometown hero and two-time world title challenger Edward “Kid” Vazquez (19-3, 6 KOs) returning from a near-flawless performance in his last fight to take on Mexican contender Daniel “Caballo” Lugo (28-3-1, 19 KOs) in the explosive 10-round super featherweight main event.

The blockbuster night, broadcast live (7:30 pm EDT/6:30 CST/4:30 pm PST) on ProBoxTV from College Park Center at the University of Texas in Arlington, Texas, and presented by Garry Jonas (Pro Box Promotions) and Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing), also pits undefeated super middleweight knockout specialist Weljon “Triggerman” Mindoro (16-0-1, 16 KOs) from Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines, against proven Mexican warrior Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas (23-8-1, 16 KOs) from Merida, Yucatán, in the 10-round co-featured bout.

And in a very special eight-round lightweight attraction, Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (17-1, 12 KOs) of Ulysses, Kansas, will face Bryan Jimenez (18-3, 10 KOs) of Nicaragua.

Tickets to attend ProBoxTV’s “The Contender Series” in person at College Park Center at the University of Texas in Arlington start at $35.75 (including taxes and fees) and are available from UTATickets.com or by clicking HERE.

A native of nearby Fort Worth, 30-year-old Edward Vazquez started boxing at eight years old and compiled a final amateur record of 82-8, including winning the Ringside Amateur World Championship, the Texas Golden Gloves Championship and the USA State Boxing Championship before turning professional in 2016. From Fort Worth, Texas, the all-action Vazquez trains under Tony Cabello at Reyes Boxing Gym. In his most-recent performance, Vasquez looked sensational in dismantling Venezuelan slugger Grimardi Machuca in five brutal rounds on ProBoxTV air in February of this year.

A native of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Daniel Lugo went 3-1 in his first four bouts after turning pro in 2015 and then won his next 21 consecutive fights. Lugo was last seen in March 2025, stopping countryman Francisco Javier Franco Villa in six rounds. In his career-best performance, Lugo fought to a controversial majority draw with former world titleholder Mauricio Lara in 2024, a fight most thought Lugo won.  

Several Future Stars series bouts featuring the next generation of contenders and champions, will go down to open the evening.

In an eight-round welterweight bout, Guillermo Keb (14-0, 6 KOs) of Hunucma, Yucatán, Mexico, will face James Bernadin (13-4-1, 6 KOs) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania via Haiti; and Emilio Garcia (4-0, 4 KOs) of Laredo, Texas, will face Steven Thomas (4-1, 2 KOs) of South Carolina in a six-round welterweight battle.

In a six-round super welterweight matchup, Malachi Ross (4-0, 3 KOs) of Grandview, Missouri, will look to stay unbeaten against Derrick Whitley (9-6-2) of Springfield, Massachusetts.

In the night’s televised opener, Carlos Martinez (4-0, 1 KO) of Valenciana, Spain will take on also undefeated Jesus De La Toba (5-0, 5 KOs) of Mulege, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in a four-round super featherweight battle.

On fight night, untelevised action starts at 4:30 pm CST. College Park Center at the University of Texas is located at 600 S Center St, in Arlington.

# # #

HOW TO WATCH FROM HOME

The first and only global sports streaming and media company dedicated exclusively to professional boxing, ProBoxTV is available in 100% of U.S. and Canadian households with broadband access, on a wide range of platforms and media partners, including ProBoxTV’s YouTube and YouTube Espanol Channels, along with Roku, Amazon Prime, Fubo, Xumo (Comcast), Sling, Plex and Google TV.

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 contender-level live events and daily/weekly long-form studio content, including talk and debate shows, podcasts, etc. Serving millions of fans globally, ProBox TV is available for free through numerous platforms and media partners, including YouTube, Amazon, Fubo TV, LG, Plex, Roku, Samsung, Tubi, Vizio and more.

For more information, visit us online:

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Irish Middleweight Contender Stevie McKenna Inks Promotional Pact with Zuffa Boxing

May 15, 2026 – Zuffa Boxing has signed crowd-pleasing Irish middleweight contender Stevie McKenna to a long-term promotional contract. McKenna will make his long-anticipated return against American veteran Casey James Streeter on Saturday, June 6, at Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, England.

McKenna joins the ZUFFA BOXING 07: BILLAM-SMITH vs ROZICKI cardheadlined by Bournemouth-born Chris Billam-Smith against Canadian KO artist Ryan Rozicki, the all-British co-feature between longtime cruiserweight contenders Jack Massey and Cheavon Clarke, and the Zuffa debut of middleweight Lee Cutler. 

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via BIC.co.uk.

Hailing from Monaghan, McKenna (15-1, 14 KOs) was an amateur standout, winning gold medals at the Haringey Box Cup and Commonwealth Youth Games before turning pro in 2019. He has registered 11 knockouts in three rounds or less, including his three-round battle against Joe Laws in August 2024. McKenna saw his unbeaten run end that December, dropping a majority decision to Cutler in an all-action classic. Streeter (15-3-2, 6 KOs), from Portland, Maine, makes his UK debut following a TKO defeat to Leo Ruiz on Zuffa Boxing 03.

Zuffa Boxing 07 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and will stream exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada. 

Additional fights will be announced in the coming weeks.

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.

About Sky

Sky connects and entertains millions of people across Europe. At the heart of everything we do, is a belief that people deserve better. For decades, we’ve shaken up every category we entered to give people what they love, to make life a little easier and to provide great value. That’s how we bring millions of customers the joy of a better experience in TV, broadband and mobile.

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In TV, we offer the best sports coverage, unmissable TV and the smartest ways to stream and aggregate the TV you love. In broadband, we power homes and businesses, with a fast, reliable connection. In mobile, we bring people closer, with plans at unbeatable value. And now, you can even keep your home connected and protected, through our smart insurance. We design our products to fit seamlessly into your life, with service whenever and however you need it.

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That’s how we do better for customers. And we believe in better for society too. We power the cultural economy in the UK and beyond, making award-winning news, original sport, and entertainment. We contribute billions to UK GDP, creating and sustaining thousands of jobs and sharing both our journalism and our coverage of the arts, free of charge. We are cutting emissions and making recyclable, energy-efficient products, and we give back, through free internet access and digital skills for under-served communities and young people. Sky is owned by Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company.

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About streaming service NOW 

NOW is the home of brilliant entertainment and broadband. Join in for the latest movies, critically acclaimed shows and biggest live sports.?

With a Cinema Membership, access the latest blockbusters and unmissable collections with over 1000 movies on demand. With an Entertainment Membership, enjoy award-winning dramas and the best of HBO – plus Sky Originals and epic kids TV. With a Sports Membership, stream all 12 Sky Sports channels and every Sky Sports+ stream, and catch live action from the Premier League, EFL, Formula 1, England & ICC Cricket, ATP & WTA Tennis, Golf majors, Premier League Darts, NFL, and so much more.? 

Plus, members can also enjoy a premium experience with the Ultra Boost* add-on, which features stunning Ultra High Definition (UHD) High Dynamic Range (HDR), immersive surround sound, and ad-free** viewing on up to 3 devices at once. Or members have the option to enjoy an upgraded experience with Boost – ad-free** streaming in VOD, Full HD and Surround Sound on up to two devices at once.?

For ultrafast broadband, members can enjoy NOW Full Fibre 300, NOW Full Fibre 100, NOW Full Fibre 75 and NOW Superfast membership, all powered by Sky’s award-winning broadband network.?

Ultra Boost features are available on selected content and devices only. 

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 of 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, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, SHOWTIME®, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance’s Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. 

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlus on social media.

About Sela
Founded in 1997, Sela is a Saudi Arabian company specializing in creating, constructing, and operating unique destinations and recreational experiences across sports, entertainment, culture, and hospitality sectors. Initially recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first FIFA-recognized athletes’ representation company, Sela expanded into sports marketing and has since diversified into broader recreational industries. 

About TKO
TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO owns iconic properties including UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the world’s premier bull riding organization. Together, these properties reach 1 billion households across 210 countries and territories and organize more than 500 live events year-round, attracting more than three million fans. TKO also services and partners with major sports rights holders through IMG, an industry-leading global sports marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader in premium experiential hospitality.




PADLEY VS FIAZ IS PROMOTED TO MAIN EVENT AT SHEFFIELD’S UTILITA ARENA ON JUNE 6 AFTER GALAL YAFAI SUFFERS INJURY SETBACK

Galal Yafai has sustained an injury during his training camp.His WBC & WBA World Flyweight Unification Title clash with Ricardo Sandoval has now been postponed. 

The event on Saturday, June 6, at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena – live worldwide on DAZN – will go ahead as scheduled.

Josh Padley’s EBU European Super Featherweight Championship defence against Aqib Fiaz will be the new main event.

Tickets are on sale. Refunds, if required, are available via the original point of purchase.

Elsewhere on the undercard, undefeated teenage Heavyweight sensation Leo Atang fights in his native Yorkshire, with fellow unbeaten rising stars Adam Maca and Connor Mitchell also in action.

Coventry Middleweight Aaron Bowen takes on Troy Coleman, meanwhile, plus Ibraheem Sulaimaan battles Ibrahim Nadim for the English Super Featherweight Championship.

Media are invited to attend by submitting an application form in the link provided below.

For all the latest news and updates, follow @matchroomboxing on social media.JUNE 6: APPLY HERE TO ATTEND FIGHT NIGHT AND FIGHT WEEKWATCH: European champ Josh Padley provides an insight into his training regimeCONTACT: Should you have any questions, please direct to Matchroom Boxing’s Head of Communications, Matty Lawlessmatty.lawless@matchroom.com 




“Rumble at the Rink II” Official Results from Quincy, MA


QUINCY, Mass. (May 15, 2026) –
 All the fighters made weight today at the official weigh-in for tomorrow night’s “Rumble at the Rink II,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at the Quincy Youth Arena in Quincy, Massachusetts.

In addition to the pro boxing action, the GCP Midget Wrestling Championship will also be part of the entertainment featuring Cambodian Dragon and Walter. Sports personality Butterbean will serve as the special guest referee.

Granite Chin Promotions has teamed up once again with the Quincy Fire Cancer Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to this non-profit organization whose mission is to provide unwavering support to firefighters and their families as they face the challenges of occupational cancer, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and assistance they need. Go to www.quincyfirecancerfoundation.com for additional information.

Granite Chin will also host a “Fan Zone” in which Butterbean and local boxing legend, “Irish” Micky Ward, will hold separate meet-and-greets at 7 p.m. ET for fans in attendance. Also, as part of the experience, Bud Light, WMEX and more to be announced will set up areas featuring giveaways and entertainment to make this night a truly unique experience.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are reasonably priced at $420 (Reserved VIP table of 4), $80 (Reserved Ringside), $60 (General Seats), and $40 (General Admission) are available for purchase at https://events.ticketleap.com/events/granite-chin-promotions.com.

Limited tickets will be sold at the venue on fight night.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

Official weights are below:

____________________________________________________

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

FEMALE FEATHERWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS

Kate Radomska, Waterford, Ireland 112 lbs.

Jenn Perella, Milton, MA 111 lbs.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS

Russ Kimber, Peabody, MA 173 lbs.

Bobby “Lights Out” Laing, Braintree, MA 175 lbs.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS

Azemir Campos Jr. MA 162 lbs.

Rich Allen, Kingston, MA 161 lbs.

Israel Bailey (1-0, 1 KO), The Bronx, NY 158 lbs.

Jay Gregory, Auburn, NY 155 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS

Peter Campbell, Quincy, MA 292 lbs.

Felipe Soares Da Silva, Malden, MA 204 lbs.

Max Da Silva, Malden, MA 215 lbs.

Kevin Nagle, Scituate, MA 297 lbs.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS

Luis Valentin, Apple Valley, CA 153 lbs.

Tymar Miles, Poughkeepsie, NY 154 lbs.




VIDEO: Keyshawn Davis vs Nahir Albright 2 Weigh In




Weigh-In Results: Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright II

• Keyshawn Davis 140 lbs vs. Nahir Albright 139.7 lbs
(Super Lightweight — 12 Rounds)

  •  Brian Norman Jr. 147.8 lbs vs. Josh Wagner 147.7 lbs
 (Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

  •   Kelvin Davis 147.3 lbs vs. Peter Dobson 147.5 lbs
 (Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•  Yan Santana 125.6 lbs vs. Cristian Cruz Chacon 125.9 lbs
 (Santana’s NABO Featherweight Title — 10 Rounds)

(DAZN, Top Rank & DAZN’s YouTube Channels, & Top Rank Classics on Roku, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)

•  Keon Davis 153.3 lbs vs. Edwine Humaine Junior 155.4 lbs
 (Super Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•  Dedrick Crocklem 129.8 lbs vs. Eric Howard 131.2 lbs
 (Super Featherweight — 6 Rounds)




BKFC DEBUTS IN NASHVILLE, TN ON FRIDAY, JUNE 19! TONY SOTO VS. JC ‘CORAZON’ DELEON HEADLINES NATHAN RIVERA VS. TRAY MARTIN CO-FEATURED

Nashville, TN (May 15, 2026) Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), The World’s Fastest Growing Combat Sports Promotion, makes their highly anticipated debut in Nashville, TN on Friday, June 19 at The Pinnacle.

Advance tickets for BKFC Fight Night Nashville are Now On-Sale and can be purchased online at BKFC.com. The Pinnacle is located at Nashville Yards, 910 Exchange Lane, Nashville, TN 37203.

Doors will open on the night of the event at 7:00 p.m. The event will also be broadcast internationally as part of the BKFC+ Subscription for $7.99 per month on The BKFC App – The Best Value in Combat Sports.

Headlining BKFC Fight Night Nashville is an explosive welterweight clash between Former World Title Challenger and #3 Ranked Tony ‘Loco’ Soto, (6-3), of Hickory, NC and Upset Minded, Battle Tested Veteran JC ‘Corazon’ Deleon, (2-1), of Fort Worth, TX.  

Fighting in the co-main event in the featherweight division, Fast-Rising Star and #2 Ranked Nathan ‘The Reaper’ Rivera, (5-0), of Marietta, GA battles All-Action Tray ‘Big Dogg’ Martin, (1-0), of Moberly, MO.

“This is our first event in Nashville and we’re very thrilled to promote the most exciting, most relatable and most aggressive sport at The Pinnacle in the Music City on Friday, June 19,” said David Feldman, Founder and President of BKFC. “We’re promoting sold-out shows all over the country this year and I strongly encourage fans to purchase tickets in advance.”

“With their always attacking styles, Tony Soto vs. JC Deleon is an outstanding matchup in our deep welterweight division.”

“Nathan Rivera is one of our young, homegrown stars, rising in the rankings but Tray Martin is his toughest test in a must-see featherweight matchup.”

With five years of fighting under the BKFC banner, Tony Soto, a native of Brooklyn, NY is among the most popular bare-knuckle fighters in the world. Fighting in front of a record setting, sold-out crowd of over 18,000 at KnuckleMania IV on February 7, 2026 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Soto battled in a hotly contested distance clash with the United Kingdom’s Ben Bonner, losing a very close decision.

Competing in his hometown on June 21, 2025, JC DeLeon stopped veteran Ruben Warr with a sensational third round knockout in front of a sold-out crowd at Dickies Arena.

Since his BKFC debut in November 2023, fan-favorite Nathan Rivera has consistently impressed with each exciting victory. Included among his triumphs are; former world title challenger Tommy Strydom, (KO-3 at BKFC Fight Night Michigan), Alex Castro, (KO-4 at BKFC Fight Night Clearwater), Justin Street, (UD at BKFC-69), Dustin Garrett, (KO-1 at BKFC Prospect Series) and Jaymes Hader, (KO-1 at BKFC-53.)

With an extensive professional boxing background, Tray Martin impressed in his BKFC debut with a dominant distance victory over Nathan Ghareeb on January 17, 2026 at BKFC-86.

Fighting in the feature fight at BKFC Fight Night Nashville, heavyweights will make their debut with Prince McLean of Pori, Finland battling Jeramy Karshner of Circleville, OH. Light heavyweights will see action with Ravon ‘Big Shot’ Baxter, (1-1-1), of Dayton, OH facing Junior ‘The Joker’ Hicks, (0-1), of Lamoni, Iowa. Also making their heavyweight debuts, Jabori Murphy of Clarksville, TN clashes with Rosedale, IN native Damien Black.

Fighting in the welterweight division, Joshua ‘Jigsaw’ Whiteside, (1-0), faces BKFC debuting Caleb Harvey. Debuting in the light heavyweight division, Zach ‘The Ripper’ Russ of Fort Thomas, KY battles Phoenix, AZ native Yancarlos Beltran. Bantamweight Devon ‘Hardhitta’ Hostler of Brandon, MO clashes with Joby ‘Jobywankenobi’ Steffensmeier, (0-1), of Davenport IA.

Social Media

Instagram: @BareKnuckleFC

Twitter: @BareKnuckleFC

Facebook: @BareKnuckleFC

YouTube: @BareKnuckleFightingChampionship

TikTok: @BareKnuckleFC

Website: www.BKFC.com




Eros Correa vs. Anthony Garnica, Set to Clash for WBC Continental Americas Title

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Northern California pride, world rankings, and championship aspirations will all be on the line this Friday, May 15, as Eros Correa of San Jose, California faces undefeated Anthony Garnica of Oakland, California for the WBC Continental Americas Championship at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California.

The event will be filmed by FOX Deportes, giving fight fans across the country an opportunity to witness one of the most compelling all-Northern California showdowns in recent years.

Both fighters officially weighed in Thursday afternoon at 117.3 pounds, making the bantamweight title clash official. Correa enters the bout with a professional record of 15-2 with 9 knockouts, while Garnica comes in unbeaten at 13-0-1 with 8 knockouts.

For both fighters, Friday night represents far more than just another victory. The winner of the WBC Continental Americas title will position himself inside the world rankings and move significantly closer toward a future world championship opportunity.

The matchup also carries major regional significance, as two of Northern California’s top bantamweight fighters battle for Bay Area bragging rights. San Jose and Oakland have long shared a competitive sports rivalry, and now that intensity heads into the boxing ring with championship stakes attached.

Correa, a former WBA Top-5 ranked world contender in 2024, believes this fight marks the beginning of his return to the elite level of the sport after injuries temporarily stalled his momentum. “This win will get me back in the world rankings where I belong and get me back on track for a world title opportunity,” said Correa. “I want to continue my quest to become the first world champion to ever come out of San Jose, California.”

Standing across from him will be one of the sport’s rising unbeaten prospects Anthony Garnica, who has quickly built a reputation as one of Oakland’s most promising young fighters. Garnica has impressed fans with his combination of speed, power, and relentless pressure, and he says he plans to announce himself on a much bigger stage Friday night. “I plan to show the world my talent on May 15th,” said Garnica. “The fans should expect an action-packed fight.”

With both fighters possessing knockout power, strong Northern California fan support, and championship ambitions, the atmosphere inside Thunder Studios is expected to be electric. The bout represents a pivotal crossroads moment for both men — Correa looking to reclaim his place among boxing’s top contenders, while Garnica aims to preserve his undefeated record and take the biggest step of his young career.

Fight fans can expect an explosive battle between two hungry warriors determined to prove they are the true king of Northern California while moving one step closer to a world title fight.




VIDEO: Keyshawn Davis vs Nahir Albright 2 Press Conference




Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Ready to Settle Unfinished Business in Saturday’s Hometown Rematch against Nahir Albright Live on DAZN

NORFOLK, Va. (May 14, 2026) — Former world champion and Olympic Silver Medalist Keyshawn Davis (14-0, 10 KOs) takes on Philadelphia’s Nahir Albright (17-2-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round super lightweight rematch this Saturday, May 16, at Scope Arena in Keyshawn’s hometown of Norfolk. Keyshawn-Albright II will be streamed live on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The two first met in October 2023, when Davis won a majority decision that was later overturned. Since then, the rivalry has only intensified.

In the 10-round welterweight co-feature, former world champion Brian Norman Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) returns against Canada’s Josh Wagner (19-2, 10 KOs).

Additionally, Kelvin Davis (15-1, 8 KOs) will take on Bronx native Peter Dobson (17-3, 10 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight clash, while unbeaten Dominican contender Yan Santana (16-0, 13 KOs) defends his NABO featherweight title in a 10-rounder versus Cristian Cruz Chacon (24-7-2, 12 KOs).

Before the main DAZN broadcast, two bouts will stream live beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on DAZN and Top Rank and DAZN’s YouTube channels.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with RDR Promotions, tickets are on sale at the Scope Arena box office and via Ticketmaster.com.

This is what the fighters said at Thursday’s press conference.

Keyshawn Davis

On how this fight happened…

“We’re here because Nahir did a great job against Frank Martin, his people kept calling my people, and we picked up his phone call. That’s why we’re here.” 

On how he feels about Saturday’s rematch with Nahir Albright…

“I’m happy. I have a great opportunity to perform under these bright lights. I’ve stopped my last three opponents that I’ve fought and this is going to be another stop.”

On if he thinks Nahir made him look ‘regular’ in 2023…

“It’s 2026. That doesn’t matter. I had a win over him and they decided to take it back. I’m going to knock him out in 2026.” 

On if he thinks there is unfinished business between him and Nahir…

“We are here to sign contracts and fight, and that’s exactly what we did. It’s not personal, but I’m going to knock him out.”

On his confidence going into this fight…

“God willing, I’m going to get the stoppage. Anyone who steps into a ring with me, I’m going to stop them. I can stop anyone who gets in the ring with me.”

On how Nahir fought against Frank Martin…

“I thought he was going to beat Frank. I went back and watched the fight and I thought he beat him. I thought he did a good job, but they aren’t on my level. I’m not here to go back and forth. You can say whatever you want to say, but I’m going to knock him out Saturday.”

On how he thinks Nahir will fight…

“He’s talking now, he can win this battle right now. But Saturday night, we are going to see.” 

On if he thinks he will leave no doubt in this fight…

“I left no doubt in the last fight – everyone knew I won. Now, it’s 2026, and I know who I have against me. I knew when you fought Frank Martin. He’s just another opponent to me, just watch. I’m going to stop him.”

Nahir Albright

On how he feels heading into the fight…

“I feel great. I’m ready, I’m in shape, and I feel great.”

On looking back at how the last matchup with Keyshawn Davis went…

“That night, I would say it was unfortunate. I did my thing that night. He came to my room, and they let me into it. I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the night that I worked so hard for. So I’m looking forward to getting that back in the ring.”

On the Frank Martin fight…

“I showed a glimpse of who I am. Even that night, I could bring more to the table but I showed the world a glimpse of my talent, and they are going to keep seeing it.”

On his improvement since 2023…

“I’ve improved a lot. I got stronger, faster, and my IQ improved. It’s going to show Saturday night.”

On how he thinks the fight will end Saturday…

“With Nahir Albright with his hand raised. That’s it. I’m going to get my hand raised Saturday night, and the whole world is going to see it. You all can laugh, but Saturday night you are going to see.”

Brian Norman Jr.

On the loss with his last time out and the changes he has made since then…

“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling great. I’ve been loving the process, loving the journey, and I’m looking forward to showing what I’ve learned during this time.”

On what he’s been working on since his last fight…

“I’ve been working on pace and mindset behind what I’m doing. I’m trying to go out there and let the game come to me.”

On what made him change coaches…

“I feel like I need to go out and get more experience. I’m learning to grow each and every day.”

On what his motivation is to win another world championship…

“Of course I have that chip on my shoulder, but it’s about going out there, being yourself, and doing what you need to do. The only thing I’m focused on is May 16.”

On his motivation to get a rematch with Devin Haney…

“Of course I’m motivated by that. But I’m focused on May 16.”

Josh Wagner

On his loss and why he is going to be different on Saturday…

“I’m very energetic about this fight. I want to show that I belong here at the top of the 147 division. If they expect me to fight on my backfoot, they have another thing coming.”

On his advantages in this fight…

“I’m being overlooked. They think they are going to run right through me, but that isn’t happening. I can fight, I can box and I can move. Brian Norman Jr. has something coming for him Saturday night.”

On using his big frame to his advantage…

“I feel like I’m big for this weight class so I’m going to try and use my size, my weight, and my lateral movement to my advantage.”

On what people are going to say after Saturday night…

“They are going to say ‘who is Josh ‘The Boss’ Wagner,’ and ‘when can we see him fight again.’”

Kelvin Davis

On being over a year since being in the ring…

“I’m feeling good. I’m ready to go. It’s been a year since I’ve fought so I’ve been itching to get back in the ring.”

On what he learned from taking a loss in his last fight…

“I don’t try to think about what happened prior, I try to think about what’s in front of me. I have short term memory on that.”

On fighting Peter Dobson… 

“I don’t try to fight cab drivers. I like jumping into the fire every fight. My last fight was a firefight and it’s the same with this one. Saturday night is going to be spectacular.”

Peter Dobson

On his thoughts on fighting Kelvin Davis…

“I respect him for taking a tough fight. I know I’m one of the toughest in this division. He’s coming up to 147 and fighting one of the toughest guys, so respect to him.”

On fighting on someone else’s home turf…

“You have to come in there and dominate, because the judges are on their side.”

Yan Santana

On how close he believes he is to getting a fight against Bruce ‘Shu-Shu’ Carrington…

“It’s a matter of getting the opportunity. I have shown that I am willing. We have seen each other face to face, but he doesn’t want to fight. It’s easy work.”

On why he thinks Bruce ‘Shu-Shu’ Carrington is easy work…

“I called him out. I asked my team for that fight but he said no. I want to face anyone at 126 pounds. I want to fight against the best so I can be a champion.”

On what he has to do to stop Cristian Cruz Chacon…

“I’m happy and grateful to the team of Cristian Cruz Chacon for accepting this fight. He’s a warrior and I know we’re going to give a good fight.”

Cristian Cruz Chacon

On how he feels fighting for a title…

“I started my career on the wrong foot, but I’m much better now. This is my moment. That title is borrowed because it is mine, and on Saturday it will be mine.” 

On what he has to do to win on Saturday…

“Well he has his style and his quality, but I’ve been sparring with the likes of Naoya Inoue. I am a proven fighter, and I see this as another stepping stone to me. We will see how this test goes and see what comes after.”

Keon Davis

On fighting in his backyard…

“This is my third time fighting in front of my city [Norfolk], and it’s going to be the same outcome. Last time I was here I made ESPN Top 10.”

On what kind of atmosphere he expects on Saturday…

“I’m expecting an electrifying crowd. Norfolk is going to bring that energy, and you’re going to see the Juice Man perform.”




Montreal Experience greatly benefited Undefeated Kansas boxing prospect Marco Romero for this Saturday’s fight

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (May 14, 2026) – Undefeated Kansas prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (13-0, 11 KOs) headed north to prepare for his fight this Saturday night on “The Return,” presented by Kansas City Boxing Promotions, at Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Missouri.

A promotional free agent, the multi-gifted 20-year-old Romero recently spent 2 weeks training in Montreal as a guest of host Eye of the Tiger (EOTT), which is loaded with talented super middleweights from around the world, including International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Champion Osleys Iglesias (15-0, 14 KOs) and top contender Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs).

Romero, fighting out of Olathe (KS), didn’t get an opportunity to spar with Iglesias, who had returned home to Germany after his most recent fight, or Mbilli because he was in Saudi Arabia signing his contract to fight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (63-3-2. 39 KOs) in September. The Mexican American phenom did gain invaluable experience sparring super middleweights (14-0, 10 KOs) Moreno Fendero (France) and (32-1, 23 KOs) Eric Bazinyan (Armenia), as well as light heavyweight (11-1, 10 KOs) Iman Kathaev (Russia), among the more notables.

(L-R – Moreno Fendero & Marco Romero

“It was amazing,” Romero spoke about his Montreal experience. “This was my first time sparring outside of the United States. I sparred (fellow Kansan) Eric Priest (16-0-1, 8 KOs) in California and there were some good fighters I sparred when I trained in Tampa. But I learned so much from sparring some great fighters in Montreal, and there were some great coaches, too. I got to work with so many different styled fighters. I had to adjust, using my speed with more head movement, and footwork. I sparred guys who were heavy-handed, bigger and older than me.

“I really expanded my boxing knowledge. From the moment we arrived in Montreal, we were welcomed with open arms and love, especially by (EOTT Director of Boxing Development and elite trainer) Marc Ramsey, who is such a nice guy. I really appreciated my Montreal experience.”

(L-R) – Iman Kathaev

“He seems to be even more focused and determined since he came home than he was before,” Romero’s manager/head trainer John Brown commented. “Part of what we have gotten him to be a fulltime boxer to do his job and become more Hagler-like. Marco is becoming more powerful but remember, he’s just a baby, only 20. My job is to make sure he reaches his full potential and keep him healthy.

“I couldn’t be happier with him training in Montreal. I have two good trainers who were amateur boxers, but the missing element has been quality sparring. There’s nobody for him to spar within 400 miles. The Montreal experience was so important for us.”

“El Tiburón” headlines “The Return” this Saturday in an 8-round bout, contested at a 165-pound catchweight, against late replacement Andre Sherrod (5-4, 4 KOs), a southpaw from Milwaukee. Sherrod is a very late replacement for Chown Sims (10-2, 5 KOs), who pulled out of his second scheduled fight with Marco.

Neither the new opponent nor the fact he’s a southpaw concerns Romero, who added: “Absolutely doesn’t matter. I’m going in the ring like I always do, doing my job to the best of my abilities. I’ve fought some lefties and I have the perfect right hand against them.”

Romero, who was a sensational amateur boxer – 130-5 record – hasn’t lost a fight in nearly 7 years, since he dropped a split decision on June 28, 2019, at the National Junior Olympics.

Like Dorothy and Toto from The Wizard of Oz, Marco Romero isn’t just in Kansas anymore.

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

About Turner Boxing Academy: Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club operated by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing.

TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.




‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card to feature Pro Boxing & Sports Entertainment Experience this Saturday in Quincy (MA)

QUINCY, Mass. (May 12, 2026) – A combination of professional boxing and sports entertainment will be the theme for this Saturday night’s (May 16) “Rumble at the Rink II,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, in Quincy, Massachusetts.

All the action will be streamed on www.BXNGTV.com live from the Quincy Youth Arena.

The evening will conclude with famed combat sports personality Butterbean refereeing the GCP Midget Wrestling Championship match, presented by Midget Mayhem Wrestling, between Cambodian Dragon and Walter for the GCP Midget Wrestling Championship.

Granite Chin is also hosting a “Fan Zone” in which Butterbean and local boxing legend, “Irish” Micky Ward, will hold separate meet-and-greets at 7 p.m. ET for fans in attendance. Also, as part of the experience, Bud Light and WMEX will set up areas featuring giveaways and entertainment to make this night a truly unique experience.

Some of the best and most popular prize-fighters in Massachusetts will be showcased including Milton featherweight Jenn Perella (4-1, 1 KO), the 2024 National Golden Gloves Silver Medalist and 2-time New England Golden Gloves Champion. The former college field hockey player faces Kate Radomska in a scheduled 6-round female match.

Peabody light heavyweight Russ Kimber (3-3, 1 KO), whose father and uncle were multiple world champion kickboxers, and “Rough N’ Rowdy graduate Bobby “Lights Out” Laing (2-0, 2 KOs), of Braintree, throwdown in a 4-round bout.

Popular Kingston junior middleweight Rich Allen (2-0, 2 KOs) is matched in a 4-rounder with David Rodriguez.

Massachusetts State & WBC USA Heavyweight Champion Kevin “Big Gulp” Nagle (11-0, 8 KOs), of Scituate, returns to the ring in a 4-roud match versus Max Da Silva. Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round fights are Quincy heavyweight Peter “PJ” Campbell (1-0), a union laborer in Local 695, against Felipe Soares Da Silva, and California junior middleweight Luis Valentin makes his pro debut against Tymar Miles.

“May 16th is going to be an incredible night of fights and entertainment,” promoter Chris Traietti said. “A lot of preparation was put into this and it’s exciting to see it all come together. We expect a large turnout and a ton of action. This is one of those events you don’t want to miss!”

Granite Chin Promotions has teamed up once again with the Quincy Fire Cancer Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to this non-profit organization whose mission is to provide unwavering support to firefighters and their families as they face the challenges of occupational cancer, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and assistance they need. Go to www.quincyfirecancerfoundation.com for additional information.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are reasonably priced at $420 (Reserved VIP table of 4), $80 (Reserved Ringside), $60 (General Seats), and $40 (General Admission) are available for purchase at https://events.ticketleap.com/events/granite-chin-promotions.com.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

The public is invited to the official “Rumble at the Rink II” weigh-in, which will take place on Friday, May 15 (3 pm ET start) at Malachy’s Saloon (51 Granite St.) in Quincy.  

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChinPromotions-GCP




RAFAEL FIZIEV AND MANUEL TORRES SET TO COLLIDE IN A LIGHTWEIGHT SHOWDOWN ON JUNE 27 IN BAKU

Baku, Azerbaijan: UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, returns to Baku with a thrilling lightweight bout as No. 9 ranked lightweight Rafael Fizievtakes on No. 14 ranked knockout star Manuel Torres on Saturday, 27 June, at the National Gymnastics Arena.

Tickets for UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: FIZIEV vs TORRES go on sale at 10 a.m. AZT/7 a.m. BST on Friday, May 15 via iTicket. Fight Club members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets early at 10 a.m. AZT/7 a.m. BST on Wednesday, May 13, whilst those who registered their interest early in this event will gain access at 10 a.m. AZT/7 a.m. BST on Thursday, May 14.

Following a successful debut event in 2025, UFC returns with all the action to Baku, bringing combat sports fans another high stakes showdown inside the Octagon®. With elite athletes from across the globe, the night is gearing up to be a must-see event for both longtime and new UFC fans in the region.

Fan favourite Fiziev (13-5, out of Phuket, Thailand) returns to action with his explosive striking and elite Muay Thai knockout power. The lightweight contender boasts memorable finishes over Rafael Dos Anjos and Brad Riddell. After a unanimous decision win over Ignacio Bahamondes in Baku last June, the No. 9-ranked lightweight looks to thrill the crowd in Azerbaijan once more.

Torres (17-3, fighting out of Ciudad Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico) has quickly established himself as a standout contender, having ended 16 of his 17 wins in the first round. Torres earned a Fight Night bonus in all five of his UFC wins, delivering highlight-reel stoppages over Grant Dawson, Drew Dober and Nikolas Motta, he looks to continue his rise in the lightweight ranks.  

In the co-main event, knockout artist Shara Magomedov (16-1, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) faces Michel Pereira (32-14, 2 NC fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a high-energy middleweight clash. Both athletes are known for their unorthodox striking styles, promising to make this one of the most entertaining bouts of the night.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Hometown hero Nazim Sadykhov (11-2-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, by way of Baku, Azerbaijan) locks horns with Matheus Camilo (10-3-0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a lightweight bout.
  • In the flyweight division, Asu Almabayev (23-3, fighting out of Almaty, Kazakhstan) meets Charles Johnson (19-8, fighting out of Orlando, Florida) in a clash of ranked contenders.
  • Middleweight contenders collide as Ikram Aliskerov(17-2, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) meets Brunno Ferreira (15-3, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil).
  • Abus Magomedov (28-7-1, fighting out of Düsseldorf, Germany) faces Michal Oleksiejczuk(22-9,1 NC  fighting out of Barki, Poland) in a middleweight bout.
  • Undefeated light heavyweightAdul Rakhman Yakhyaev(9-0, fighting out of Turkey) looks to keep his perfect record intact againstJulius Walker(7-2, fighting out of Springfield, Missouri).
  • UFC debutant Farman Hasanov (5-0, fighting out of Baku, Azerbaijan) takes on Eric Nolan (8-4, fighting out of Edison, New Jersey) in a welterweight bout.
  • Ismail Naurdiev (25-8, fighting out of Rabat, Morocco) will take on Marvin Vettori (19-9-1, fighting out of Mezzocorona, Italy) in a middleweight matchup.
  • Another middleweight bout sees Nursulton Ruziboev (36-9-2, 2 NC fighting out of Tashkent, Uzbekistan) face Andrey Pulyaev (10-3, fighting out of Novosibirsk, Russia).
  • In the welterweight division, Daniil Donchenko (14-2, fighting out of Korosten, Ukraine) takes on Andreas Gustafsson (12-3, fighting out of Gävle, Sweden).
  • Bantamweights Bekzat Almakhan(12-3, fighting out of Almaty, Kazakhstan) and Jean Matsumoto (17-2, fighting out of Braganca Paulista, Sao Paulo, Brazil) meet in a high-paced showdown.

With UFC’s history of sellout events, fans are advised to register their interest early at ufc.com/Baku to secure their seats for this highly anticipated event and to follow @UFC on social media for the latest updates.

-ENDS-

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), 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 more than 1 billion broadcast and digital households across more than 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.




FRANCESCA HENNESSY FACES AURORA DE PERSIO ON MAY 30 IN LONDON, LIVE AND FREE-TO-AIR ON BBC TWO & BBC IPLAYER

Francesca Hennessy returns to action live and free-to-air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer as the ‘Billion Dollar Baby’ defends her WBC Silver Bantamweight Title against Aurora De Persio on Saturday, May 30 at OVO Arena Wembley in London as part of BOXXER’s Betfred Fight Night

Hennessy (8-0, 1 KO) stands on the edge of glory following her WBC final eliminator victory over Ellie Bouttell at the Copper Box Arena in January. The 21-year-old will now put her undefeated record on the line against Italian champion De Persio (8-1, 3 KOs).

Victory is crucial for Hennessy as she looks to make history and secure her shot at undisputed bantamweight champion Cherneka Johnson later this year. Hennessy’s ambition is to become the youngest-ever undisputed world champion, a record currently held by Gabriela Fundora, who claimed all four major titles at the age of 22.

Hennessy versus De Persio will serve as chief support to Adam Azim’s high-stakes super lightweight clash with top Canadian contender Steve Claggett.

Francesca Hennessy said: “I’m really excited to be back fighting on the BBC. The support has been unbelievable and every time I fight, I want to put on a big performance for everyone watching at home and in the arena.

“This is another important test for me. I’ve always wanted to challenge myself against good opponents because that’s what will prepare me for world title fights.

“I know what I want to achieve in this sport and every fight is another step towards becoming world champion. I’m staying focused, improving every camp and I can’t wait to put on a show on May 30.”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “This was already a huge fight night and it’s now even bigger with Francesca Hennessy returning in another major fight live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. She has quickly become one of the breakout stars in British boxing and the viewing figures and momentum behind her are incredible.

“Full credit to Francesca because once again she’s taking on a tough opponent at a crucial stage in her career. Having won a final eliminator, a lot of fighters would sit on the sidelines and protect their position, but that tells you everything about her mindset and ambitions.

“When you look at fighters like Francesca Hennessy and Adam Azim leading this card, you are seeing two future world champions aged 23 and under with enormous futures ahead of them. British boxing is in very good hands.”

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport at the BBC, said: “Francesca Hennessy is one of the brightest young stars in British sport and this is a huge step in her journey towards a world title shot. With Adam Azim headlining and a stacked undercard featuring some of the sport’s top emerging talent, viewers can expect an incredible evening of boxing live on the BBC on 30 May.”

Alongside Adam Azim and Francesca Hennessy, BOXXER’s action-packed fight card will also feature Newham born boxer Joel Kodua (11-0, 3 KOs) defending his English Welterweight Title against his unbeaten mandatory challenger Will Harrison (8-0-2), while IBO Cruiserweight Champion Juergen Uldedaj (21-1, 8 KOs) puts his belt on the line against undefeated American Muhsin Carson (14-0, 11 KOs).

Hillingdon heavyweight Ergal Elezaj (5-0, 1 KO) returns after impressing on his BOXXER debut earlier this year, joined by Amir Khan’s cousin Abdul Khan (14-0, 3 KOs) and Birmingham boxing lawyer Oscar ‘De La Lawyer’ McCracken (5-0). 

Luton lightweight Saqib Mehmood (2-0) is also set for action, plus 18-year-old Southampton bantamweight prospect Vijayray Karia (6-0, 1 KO) and south coast heavyweight hopeful Derrick Osadolor (0-1) from Portsmouth. 

Tickets are available now via Tixr at BOXXER.com.

This event is presented in association with BOXXER’s official partners Betfred, Riyadh Season, That Prize Guy, Tixr and Champion.




Canadian Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki Fires Warning Shot at Chris Billam-Smith Ahead of Zuffa Boxing 07 showdown on June 6

HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada (May 11, 2026) – Canadian cruiserweight contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KOs) has issued a warning to Chris “The Gentleman” Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KOs) in advance of their June 6th showdown in Bournemouth, England.

The 10-round Smith-Billam vs. Rozicki bout will headline Zuffa Boxing’s first event in the United Kingdom, which will be held in the British fighter’s hometown.

Rozicki, 31, recently spent a week in England taking part in media and promotional activities ahead of their highly anticipated cruiserweight clash, which former world cruiserweight champion Billam-Smith stated he has no intention of approaching the fight with Rozicki the way Yamil Peralta did twice, vowing to stand and fight.

“I feel like this is a big moment for my fans, promotion and team,” Rozicki said. “I’m grateful for that but, for me, personally, it’s just another fight. Chris said he’s not going to run like Peralta did. I’m hoping he keeps his word, but he probably won’t because it sounds too good to be true. Either way, he’s in for the toughest night of his life. Fighting, not boxing, is who I am and what I’m all about!”

Three Lions Promotions managing director Daniel Otter sincerely believes Rozicki’’s constant pressure, dangerous power, and old-school mentality will be the deciding factors in this fan-friendly matchup.

“Being around Sky Sports’ promotional work for a week,” Otter added, “you could see how dialed-in Ryan was from the start. The pressure, the cameras, the attention – none of that bothered Ryan for a second.

“I think Billam-Smith and his coach, Shane McGuigan, believe they have this all figured out. They don’t! Ryan brings a kind of pressure you cannot prepare for until you are locked in the ring with him. They can talk about standing and fighting all they want, but once Ryan starts walking Billam-Smith down, we’ll see how long that lasts. You can only move for so long. As the great Joe Louis famously said, ‘You can run but you can’t hide.”

As Rozicki continues his mission to become the first Canadian-born World Cruiserweight Champion, much more is at risk because the winner of Smith-Billam vs. Rozicki will be in line to challenge Zuffa Boxing and Ring Magazine’s World Cruiserweight Champion, Jai Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs).

They are two of the highest-rated world cruiserweight contenders – Billam-Smith: #3 Ring Magazine & IBF, #4 WBC & WBA, #5 WBO; Rozicki: #1 WBC, #6 Ring Magazine, #8 WBA, #11 IBF.

Smith-Billam held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Heavyweight (Cruiserweight) World title from 2023 to 2024, in order, including victories, over 19-0 Lawrence Okolie (DEC12), 47-5 Mateusz Masternak (RTD8), and 17-0 Richard Riakporhe (DEC12) in a rematch that avenged his lone loss at that point. Smith-Billam’s crown was taken by 46-1 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in Saudi Arabia by way of a 12-round unanimous decision (116-112 X2, 116-113), in which the tough Brit reportedly suffered a broken right thumb, fractured left hand, multiple stitches inside and outside of his left eye, along with damaged ribs.

Rozicki hasn’t fought on an international stage like he will against Billam-Smith. His only loss was in 2021, when he moved up one weight class to fight Olympian Oscar Rivas (27-1) – spotting the Colombian 20 pounds — for the inaugural WBA Bridgerweight Championship match. Rivas won by scores of 115-112 twice and 116-111. Ryan defeated the aforementioned Peralta in 2022 by way of a 10-round split decision in addition to their 12-round majority draw in 2024.

Rozicki has never fought on an international stage like he will on June 6th in Bournemouth, which will be broadcast on Sky Sports, and this career-changing opportunity for Rozicki to make a statement that he is a major player in the cruiserweight division.

“Mark my words,” Otter predicted, “on June 6 the boxing world is going to discover one of boxing’s best kept secrets, Ryan Rozicki.”

INFORMATION:

Website: www.threelionspromotions.com

Facebook: #ThreeLionsPromotions #RyanRozickiBoxing

Instagram: @3LionsPromotions @Ryan_Rozicki

X: @RRozicki

LinkedIN: @DanielOtter




ROBIN “ROBZ” SAFAR TO FACE ARGENTINA’S HIGHLY RATED YAMIL PERALTA FOR WBC SILVER CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE

SAN JOSE, Calif. (May 12, 2026) — With less than two weeks to go until Jones vs. Gualtieri, the scheduled 12-round middleweight main event has officially been elevated to an IBF eliminator, with the winner earning a shot at the IBF world title. Undefeated knockout artist Amari “The Reaper” Jones (16-0, 14 KOs) will headline in front of his hometown Bay Area fans against former world champion Vincenzo “Il Capo” Gualtieri (25-1-1) of Germany on Friday, May 22 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. The event will stream live worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets for Jones vs. Gualtieri are on sale now and priced at $150, $100, $75, $50, and $30, plus applicable fees. A limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience packages will also be available and include exclusive merchandise and premium fight night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoy.com.

In the co-main event, undefeated cruiserweight Robin “ROBZ” Safar (19-0, 13 KOs) will challenge for the WBC Silver cruiserweight title held by Buenos Aires, Argentina’s Yamil Peralta (18-1-1, 10 KOs) in a 12-round showdown. Peralta will be making his U.S. debut after capturing multiple regional titles and previously challenging for the WBC interim cruiserweight title.

“Looking forward to putting on a spectacular performance in front of San Jose fans,” said Robin Safar. “I have my sights set on becoming a world champion this year and Peralta being ranked #2 by the WBC is the perfect available opponent. I’ve already put the division on notice since cracking into the top 10, now I’m going to put every champion on notice with this performance. I’m coming for all of them!”

“I am so excited for this tremendous opportunity coming up on May 22, where we will be defending the WBC Silver world title,” said Yamil Peralta. “My entire team and I have been preparing extremely hard for a challenge of this level. I especially want to thank all the people who have always supported us. First and foremost, the WBC and its president Mauricio Sulaimán, who has always believed in us; my promoter Charly Tello of Tello Box for making this fight possible; and my manager Ignacio Martínez. I also want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for this opportunity. We are going to defend this belt the best way possible. I have the experience necessary to come away with the victory and launch my career onto the biggest stage, leaving everything in the ring. We hope to return to Argentina victorious and share this joy with all of our people.”

Also featured on the televised DAZN card, Las Vegas’ Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (16-1, 11 KOs) returns in a 10-round cruiserweight clash against Michoacán, Mexico’s Marco Canedo (8-3-1, 5 KOs). Rising super middleweight contender Darius “DFG” Fulghum (14-1-1, 12 KOs) will compete in a 10-round bout against Miami-based Yoanki “The Diamond” Urrutia (17-2, 7 KOs). Opening the DAZN broadcast, Los Angeles’ John “Scrappy” Ramirez (16-1, 9 KOs) will face Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s Van Tran (19-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round super flyweight contest.

The preliminary card will feature Fresno, California’s Jordan Fuentes (6-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round super flyweight bout against an opponent to be announced. In a four-round super featherweight fight, Salinas, California’s Jose Medrano (2-0, 1 KO) will take on Aurora, Colorado’s Anel Dudo (4-8-1, 1 KO). Opening the evening, Los Angeles’ Enkhmandakh Kharkhuu (7-0, 3 KOs) will square off against Adrian Herrera (10-4, 8 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico in an eight-round flyweight matchup.

Media may apply for credentials at https://www.goldenboy.com/press-credentials/. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 15. The fight card is subject to change.

#

Jones vs. Gualtieri is a 12-round IBF eliminator fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight is scheduled for Friday, May 22 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

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




Judgement Day coming this Friday In Germany for Paddy Donovan

LIMERICK, Ireland (May 11, 2026) – Irish eyes will be focused on Germany this Friday night when Limerick favorite Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) takes on Karen Chukhadzhian (26-3, 14 KOs) in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Welterweight Title Eliminator at SAP-Arena in Mannheim.

The winner of the scheduled 12-round fight will become the IBF No. 1, mandatory challenger for the winner of the IBF title fight between defending champion Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (22-0, 11 KOs) and challenger and IBF No. 2 rated Liam Paro (27-1, 16 KOs). Crocker vs. Paro was postponed due to an injury suffered by Crocker and it still needs to be rescheduled.

“There’s a lot of pride in representing Ireland on a stage like this,’ Donovan said. “I know fans back home will be supporting me, and I plan on giving them a performance they’ll remember.”

Donovan vs. Chukhadzhian is a crossroads match for both fighters, at least for now at this level. Both have lost world title fights but neither fighter has ever been stopped as professionals. A native of Ukraine, Chukhadzhian will have the hometown advantage because this will be his tenth consecutive fight in Germany; Donovan has never fought outside of his native Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Donovan, 27, is coming off two disappointing, controversial losses in a row to Crocker, both in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The first was in an IBF Eliminator in which Donovan pounded Crocker, dropping him once and on the verge of a second knockdown, when he was disqualified in the right round for hitting late. The IBF mandated a rematch because the referee wasn’t in a proper position to separate the two boxers when the bell sounded.

Donovan’s second fight against Crocker was for the vacant IBF world title because Jaron “Boots” Ennis relinquished his crown to move up to junior middleweight division. Donovan lost a 12-round majority decision but an appeal by his team resulted in another shot in an IBF Eliminator, against Paro with the winner facing Crocker as the mandatory challenger. Donovan, however, was forced to pull out of the fight due to illness, and the IBF ordered Crocker vs. Paro.

Another IBF Eliminator was ordered between the highest rated, available IBF welterweights, No. 2 Donovan and No. 7 Chukhadzhian. Two of Chukhadzhian’s losses have been to Ennis, including their IBF World title and Interim fights, both resulting in 12-round decisions.

“Every fight has prepared me for this opportunity,” Donovan explained. “I’m locked in mentally, physically, and emotionally. On fight night, I plan on showing the world that I’m ready for a world title.

“I’ve learned from every experience in this sport – the lows, the setbacks, the controversies — all of it! It’s made me stronger, sharper, and more dangerous heading into this fight.”

Donovan, his head trainer/co-manager Andy Lee, and co-manager Keith Sullivan, along with all Irish fights fans are hoping the third time’s the charm for Paddy.

“From the moment I started working with Paddy,” Sullivan added, “I believed he had what it takes to become a world champion. My job is to guide him, protect him, and put him in position to reach the promised land of a world title. He’s done the hard work, made the sacrifices and now he’s ready to go to Germany and close in on the biggest stage in boxing.”

INFORMATION:

Facebook: #PaddyRealDealDonovan

X : @PaddyDonovan23

Instagram: @paddy_realdeal_donovan




Galvis shined at WBA Future Colombia

Leider Galvis emerged as the standout performer of the night at the WBA Future of Colombian Boxing event held this Saturday in Barranquilla, Colombia. Fighting in front of his hometown crowd, Galvis defeated Yeiner Gómez by unanimous decision in a thrilling main event inside a vibrant atmosphere at the Cuadrilátero Élite Gymnasium.

The card featured both amateur and professional bouts, more than 30 athletes in action, and a live broadcast through the pioneer organization’s official YouTube channel.

At just 21 years old, Galvis entered the fourth fight of his professional career against a more experienced and still-undefeated opponent. The featherweight clash was fought at a relentless pace from start to finish, but Galvis passed a major test by flooring Gómez once on his way to scorecards of 76-74, 76-74, and 77-73.

Aside from the main event, Carlos Díaz delivered an impressive knockout victory over Rafael De La Rosa in the lightweight division, while light heavyweight debutant Danny Barraza stopped Jorge Padilla in two rounds.

The amateur boxing portion of the event featured representatives from Córdoba, Bolívar, Barranquilla, and several other top boxing programs across Atlántico. Young fighters and rising prospects had the opportunity to step into the ring in more than 12 high-level contests that continue contributing to their development.

The WBA Future series continues with upcoming dates in Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Andorra, and several other countries. The project has become a key platform for the systematic development of boxing and the creation of tomorrow’s champions.




Mosley Jr. Stops Bohachuk in 6

Shane Mosley Jr. stopped Serrhii Bohachuk in round six of their 10-round middleweight bout at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

In round six, Mosley landed a right that buckled Bohachuk and followed up with a right to the side of the head that put Bohachuk down. Bohachuk was hurt and Mosley jumped on him with a hard flurry on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:38.

Mosley, 160 lbs of Las Vegas is 23-5 with 13 knockouts. Bohachuk, 160 lbs of Vinnytsia, UK is 27-4.

Julian Rodriguez Decisions Perrella

Julian Rodriguez won a 10-rround unanimous decision over previously undefeated James Perrella in a welterweight fight.

RRodriguez, 147 lbs of Bergen County, NJ won by scores of 100-89 and 98-91 twice and is now 26-1. Perrella, 147 lbs of Saint Petersburg, FL is 21-1.

Katzourakis Decisions Rodriguez

Andreas Katzourakis won a 10-round unanimous decision over Misaell Rodriguez in a fight with undefeated middleweights.

Katzourakis, 159 lbs of Houston via Athens, GRE won by scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94 and is now 17-0. Rodriguez, 159.5 lbs of Parrral, MEX is 16-1.

Suray Mahmutovic won a eight-round split decision over Previously undefeated Raphael Monny in a light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Monny landed a right to the top of the head that put Mahmutovic on the canvas.

In round seven, Monny started to bleed around his left eye.

Mahmutovic, 173.5 lbs of San Francisco won by scores of 77-74 and 76-75. Monny won a card 76-75.

Mahmutovic is now 9-1-1. Monny, 175 lbs of Troyes, FRA is 9-1.

In a battle of undefeated lightweights, Ivan Ortiz won a eight-round unanimous decision over Justin Viloria.

In round seven, Ortiz landed a right hand from long range that put Viloria on the canvas.

Ortiz, 136 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX won by scores of 78-73 and 76-75 twice and is now 13-0-2. Viloria, 134.5 lbs of Whittier, CA is 12-1.

Da’Mazian Vanhouter stopped Raphael Murphy in the opening round of their eight-round heavyweight bout.

Vanhouter hurt Murphy with a left to the body and backed him up to the ropes with a vicious flurry that was highlighted by a big uppercut and the fight was stopped at 1:06.

Vanhouter, 228.5 lbs of St. Petersburg, FL is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Murphy, 251.5 lbs of Harlingen, TX is 18-2.

Alexis Alvarado won a six-round majority decision over previously undefeated Emiliano Cardenas in a bantamweight fight.

Alvarado, 118 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 58-56 twice and 57-57 and is now 10-1-1. Cardenas, 117.5 lbs of Shauhay, MEX is 10-1.

Tullo Boymatov made a impactful pro debut with an opening round stoppage of Caleb Hall in a six-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Boymatov landed left hook that put Hall on the canvas. Seconds laster, three more thudding blows has Hall draped over the top top rope and the fight was stopped at 2:42.

Boymatov, 174.5 lbs of Nanmagin, UZB is 1-0 with one knockout. Hall, 174.5 lbs of San Diego is 6-3-1.




CHRIS WEIDMAN NAMED TO UFC® HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2026

Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Modern Wing’ as a member of the Class of 2026. The 2026 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 9, as part of the 14th Annual UFC International Fight Week. 

“Chris Weidman is one of the greatest middleweights in UFC history,” said UFC President & CEO Dana White. “Chris consistently competed against the best athletes in the world during his career, and his victories over Anderson Silva changed the landscape of the middleweight division forever. It will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”  

Weidman will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 19th member of the Modern Wing. The Modern Era category includes athletes who turned pro on or after November 17, 2000, when the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA was held. Other requirements include a minimum age of 35 or those who have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 24 fights during his 15-year MMA career, Weidman registered a 16-8 (12-8, UFC), record, securing victories over UFC Hall of Famers Anderson SilvaVitor Belfort and Kelvin Gastelum (Fight Wing), as well as former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida

Weidman made his professional MMA debut on February 20, 2009, winning each of his first four fights in Ring of Combat before signing with UFC.

Weidman made his UFC debut on the main card of UFC LIVE: SANCHEZ vs. KAMPMANN, which took place on March 3, 2011, at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. He would defeat his opponent, Alessio Sakara, via unanimous decision to launch his career inside the Octagon. 

Weidman would win his next four fights to earn a title shot against then-middleweight champion Anderson Silva at UFC 162.

UFC® 162: SILVA vs. WEIDMAN took place on July 6, 2013, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.  Both Silva and Weidman entered the match on impressive winning streaks of 17 and 9, respectively. Having won 16 fights with UFC and 10 title defenses, Silva was aiming to secure a new record of most consecutive title defenses with a victory over Weidman.

Weidman took control of the first round early with a takedown 30 seconds into the match with Silva countering from his back. Weidman continued landing shots from top position, but Silva reversed his heel hook position with two minutes remaining. Weidman and Silva would trade punches in the center of the Octagon for the remainder of the round, with Silva taunting Weidman with his hands on his hips to excite the crowd.

Silva continued to taunt Weidman at the beginning of the second round, evading his punches and takedown attempts. With 3:46 remaining Weidman threw a flurry of punches, connecting on a left hook that knocked out Silva and ended the fight. 

Weidman’s KO victory over Silva is widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in combat sports history as Silva, then the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, was as one of MMA’s biggest stars.

Weidman and Silva would meet five months later for a rematch at UFC® 168: WEIDMAN vs. SILVA 2, which took place on December 28, 2013, at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Weidman would win the rematch and defend the middleweight title after Silva broke his leg landing a kick to Weidman’s shin. 

Weidman would defend the middleweight title by winning his next two fights over Machida and Belfort, before losing his first fight to former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold in the co-main event of UFC 194 on December 12, 2015.

Over the next eight years, Weidman would compete in 11 more bouts against the top ranked middleweights in the world, before retiring in December 2024 after a loss to Eryk Anders at UFC 310.

Outside the Octagon, Weidman has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career, receiving Breakthrough Fighter of the Year in 2012 by the Fighters Only World MMA Awards and Fighter of the Year in 2013 by Yahoo! Sports, MMA Junkie and the Fighters Only World MMA Awards.

A native of Baldwin, New York, Weidman began wrestling at a young age and became a New York state wrestling champion while attending Baldwin Senior High School. Following high school, Weidman earned NJCAA All-America honors at Nassau Community College in 2004 and 2005, before transferring to Hofstra. At Hofstra, he continued to thrive, becoming a two-time NCAA All-American in 2006 and 2007. Weidman currently serves as an analyst / commentator for UFC events broadcast on Paramount+.

To view Weidman’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/34821

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOFFAQ. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.




Oberlton Stops Gongora After 5

Atif Oberrlton stopped Carlos Gongoa after round five of their 10-round light heavyweight fight in Atlanta.

Oberlton dominated the fight and landed many heavy shots throughout the contest.

In round four, as Gongora was coming in, Oberlton landed a left that put Gongora on the canvas. After taking more hard shots, the corner of Gongora stopped the bout at the end of the round.

Oberlton, 178 lbs of Philadelphia is 16-0 with 14 knockouts. Gongorra, 174 lbs of Ecuador is 22-4.

Taylor stops Barnett in 2

Pryce Taylor stopped Calvin Barnett after round two of their eight-round heavyweight bout.

Taylor landed huge shots throughout round two and at the end of the round, Taylor landed a huge body shot that put Barnett down. Barnett was clearly finished and the fight was stopped in the corner. The official time was 2:59.

Taylor, 282.8 lbs of Brooklyn is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Barnett, 247 lbs of Fort George, FL is 7-5.

Lozada Decisions Dionicius

Ashleyann Lozada won a eight-round unanimous decision over Debora Dionicius in a super bantamweight bout.

In round two Lozada dropped Dionicius with a left to the chin. Seconds later, Lozada dropped Diomicius again with a left hand,

Lozada, 121 lbs of Corazal, PR won by scores of 80-70 twice and 79-71 and is now 4-0. Dionicius, 119.6 lbs of Villaguay, ARG is 36-8.

Dixon Decisions Nore

Casey Dixon won a six-round unanimous decision over Matthew Nore in a super middleweight foght.

Dixon, 167.8 lbs of Atlanta won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and is now 7-0. Nore, 169.8 lbs of Brooklyn is 2-1.




THOMAS GERBASI NAMED TO UFC® HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2026

Las Vegas – UFC today announced that longtime UFC writer and editorial director, Thomas Gerbasi, has been named to the UFC Hall of Fame class for 2026 as a Contributor. The 2026 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 9, as part of the 14th Annual UFC International Fight Week.

“Tom was a close member of the UFC family and a very talented writer,” said UFC President & CEO Dana White.

If you’ve ever read anything at all on UFC.com, the UFC print magazine, or any number of official books on UFC, you’ve read the writing of Thomas Gerbasi. For almost two decades, Tom served as editorial director, head writer, and company historian for UFC, recording, reporting, and telling the tale of the world’s greatest sports organization as it unfolded in real time.

A proud native New Yorker, Gerbasi graduated from St. John’s University and celebrated his life-long love of boxing in early web publications like HouseOfBoxing.com and MaxBoxing.com, where he quickly became recognized as an authority in the sport. 

In 2024, he was honored with the Nat Fleischer Award for excellence in boxing journalism from the Boxing Writers Association of America. In 2022, he was inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame for his work as a journalist covering the sport. His final book Boxing: The 100 Greatest Fighters, was released in September 2025.

His acumen in boxing and combat sports eventually caught the eye of UFC, where he would transfer his massive knowledge and immense credibility to the world of mixed martial arts. He authored several of the definitive works on the company, including UFC: A Visual History; The UFC Encyclopedia; and The Official UFC Fan Guide. He diligently kept meticulous biographies of every fighter and was recognized as the utmost authority both inside and outside of UFC.

But arguably his biggest journalistic contribution was to UFC’s website, a place where week after week, month after month, and year after year, he told the stories of the men and women who stepped into the Octagon. He was guided by the mantra “tell the stories that only we can tell,” and demanded that his team do the same. Giving as much credence to a young new fighter on the early prelims as he did the most decorated of champions, Gerbasi’s words introduced the world to thousands of MMA athletes. He spent his days talking to each and every member of the UFC roster, who implicitly trusted him to tell their diverse and inspiring stories. 

Beyond the printed and digital media domains, Gerbasi’s contributions extended to the entire UFC organization, making his impact in departments as varied as public relations, creative, live production, and broadcast. In short, anytime strong, credible copy about UFC was needed, Tom was the guy.

In addition to his own books and his invaluable contributions to UFC, Gerbasi’s work appeared in myriad publications, including The Ring MagazineThe Village VoiceThe IndependentThe Boston HeraldKingUppercutWomen’s Boxing WorldBoxing NewsESPN.com, and countless others.

Outside of combat sports, Gerbasi was an avowed family man, caring for his wife, daughter, and two young granddaughters daily. He played goalie in an organized soccer league on Sundays and ran numerous marathons in his spare time. He loved music and celebrated great cuisine.

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOFFAQ. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.