DAZN SECURES PPV RIGHTS TO RYAN GARCIA VS. CONOR BENN IN SELECT INTERNATIONAL MARKETS INCLUDING SPAIN, ITALY, FRANCE, THE NORDICS, POLAND, CROATIA, THE NETHERLANDS, AMONG OTHERS 

NEW YORK/LONDON – (September 04, 2026)- DAZN, the global home of boxing announced today that it has secured a variety of international distribution rights to the highly anticipated welterweight world championship showdown between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn, taking place Saturday, September 12, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event will be available exclusively on DAZN PPV in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as and priority non-exclusive markets, including Spain, Italy, France, the Nordic countries, Poland, Croatia and the Netherlands, and other select countries.

The blockbuster matchup brings together two of boxing’s most recognizable and talked-about stars in a showdown that will command attention and around the world. The main card begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT and will stream live globally on DAZN in select markets.

Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs), one of the sport’s biggest global attractions, will put his welterweight world title on the line against British star Benn (25-1, 14 KOs), who enters the bout seeking his first world championship.

The addition of Garcia vs. Benn further strengthens DAZN’s position as the global home of boxing, delivering another marquee event featuring two fighters with passionate international fanbases and significant crossover appeal.

Garcia has established himself as one of boxing’s most compelling attractions, combining explosive power and speed inside the ring with a massive following outside of it. He enters September 12 looking to successfully defend his welterweight crown on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Standing across from him will be Benn, who has built his own international following through an aggressive, all-action style and enters Las Vegas determined to bring a world championship back to the United Kingdom.

The championship doubleheader will also feature unbeaten cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia facing Noel Mikaelian for the Zuffa and Ring cruiserweight world titles. Former world champion Mark Magsayo and rising heavyweight Da’Mazion Vanhouter will also compete on the main card.

MAIN CARD

Ryan Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) vs. Conor Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) – 12 rounds – Welterweight World Title (147 lbs.)

Jai Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs) vs. Noel Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) – 12 rounds – Zuffa and Ring Cruiserweight World Titles (200 lbs.)

Da’Mazion Vanhouter (12-0, 9 KOs) vs. Raphael Akpejiori (19-3, 18 KOs) – 8 rounds – Heavyweights (200+ lbs.)

Mark Magsayo (29-2, 19 KOs) vs. Andres Cortes (25-0, 13 KOs) – 10 rounds – Lightweights (135 lbs.)

Additional details surrounding availability, pricing and fight-week programming will be announced in the coming weeks.

ABOUT DAZN

DAZN is the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, streaming more than 140,000 live events annually and available in more than 200 markets worldwide. DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, as well as NFL Game Pass and NHL.TV internationally. The platform features many of the biggest sports and leagues from around the world.

In the United States, DAZN offers fans a portfolio of premium sports content anchored by its position as the global home of boxing, with more than 185 fight nights a year from leading promoters. DAZN also delivers a growing selection of multisport content to U.S. audiences.

DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. Through one built-for-sport platform, fans can watch, play, buy and connect. Live and on-demand sports content is available anywhere, in any language and on any device.




TRAINING CAMP NOTES: RISING SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TY CASSELL READY TO PUT UNBEATEN RECORD ON THE LINE IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ON SEPT 11TH

HOUSTON, TX (September 3, 2026) – Undefeated super lightweight Ty Cassell (5-0, 3 KOs) is only five fights into his professional career, but the rising Houston prospect is already eager to step outside his comfort zone and embrace a new challenge.

Cassell will fight outside the United States for the first time as a professional when he travels to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to face fellow unbeaten prospect Cristofer Peralta (3-0, 2 KOs) in a scheduled six-round bout at Coliseo Carlos Teo Cruz.

The event, co-promoted by BiYu Promotions and Shuan Boxing, will be broadcast live worldwide on CombatVisionTV. For Cassell, the trip represents another important step in his development as he looks to gain valuable experience, remain unbeaten and continue building momentum in the super lightweight division.

“I’m excited, man,” Cassell said. “It’s my first time fighting outside the country, I’m fighting another undefeated guy, and I know he’s going to be hungry. That’s what makes it fun. I don’t want to fight guys who are just coming in to survive. I want somebody who thinks he’s going to beat me.”

Before Cassell can enjoy the experience of traveling internationally, there is still work to finish at home.

Cassell has spent training camp in Houston with coach Adrian De La Garza, where the focus has been on making small improvements every day rather than trying to reinvent himself. At 5-0, Cassell is proud of the start he’s made, but he isn’t confusing a good beginning with a finished product.

“Camp has been hard, but that’s how Coach Adrian likes it,” Cassell said with a laugh. “He doesn’t really let me get comfortable. I can have a great day in the gym, and he’s still going to find something I could’ve done better. But I appreciate that because I know he’s trying to get the best out of me.”

Cassell believes that attention to detail is especially important now that the competition is beginning to get tougher.

“We’ve been working on everything,” he continued. “My defense, timing, combinations, knowing when to be patient and when to turn it up. I’m still young in this game. I don’t walk around acting like I know everything because I don’t. That’s why I have a coach. I listen, I work and I try to get better.”

There is something naturally intriguing about putting two young undefeated fighters in the same ring.

Cassell is 5-0 and Peralta is 3-0. Both believe their careers are headed somewhere. Neither intends to be the fighter whose perfect record disappears. Cassell respects what Peralta brings, but he also admits the matchup has put a little extra fire into his preparation.

“His zero definitely means something to me,” Cassell said. “He’s never lost, so he’s coming into this fight with confidence. I’m sure he’s looking at me thinking, ‘I’m going to give this guy his first loss.’ Well, I’m thinking the same thing about him.”

There is no disrespect behind Cassell’s words. He simply understands the nature of the business he chose.

“I respect him because he’s taking the fight too,” Cassell continued. “We’re both young and undefeated, and neither one of us had to take this kind of fight right now. But these are the fights that show you where you’re at. I believe in myself. I’m going there to win, and I want people watching on CombatVisionTV to remember my name when it’s over.”

Cassell admits there is something exciting about packing his bags and traveling to another country to fight. Everything will be a little different. The surroundings will be unfamiliar. The crowd may favor Peralta. Cassell won’t have the comfort of competing in Houston with familiar faces everywhere he looks. He’s looking forward to all of it.

“This is new for me, so of course I’m excited,” Cassell said. “I’ve never traveled outside the United States to fight. I’m going to another guy’s territory, and I know the crowd might not be cheering for me. That’s okay. I’m actually looking forward to feeling that.”

Cassell sees the experience as an early lesson in the type of career he hopes to have.

“If I accomplish what I want to accomplish in boxing, I’m going to have to fight in different places,” he said. “Maybe one day it’s New York, Vegas, England, Saudi Arabia, wherever. You can’t say you want to become a world champion and then only want to fight where you’re comfortable. This is a chance for me to start learning that now.”

Cassell doesn’t want to spend this stage of his career sitting around waiting for the perfect opportunity.

He wants to fight. There are things that happen during an actual bout that can’t be completely recreated during sparring. For a fighter with only five professional fights, Cassell believes those rounds are valuable.

“I want to stay busy,” Cassell said. “I’m 5-0. This is the time when I need to be fighting, learning and getting those rounds. You can spend months in the gym, but fight night is different. The lights are on, people are watching, and the guy across from you is really trying to beat you. That’s where you learn things about yourself.”

A victory over Peralta would move Cassell to 6-0 and give him his first win outside the United States. More importantly, it would be another small piece of evidence that he’s ready to keep moving forward.

“If I go to the Dominican Republic and beat another undefeated fighter, that’s a good win for me,” Cassell said. “It gives us something to build on. I’m not saying I need a world title fight tomorrow. I’m realistic about where I’m at. But I also don’t want to waste time. I want to keep stepping up, keep improving and eventually get myself into those bigger fights.”

BiYu Promotions President Bobby Harrison believes Cassell’s attitude is one of the reasons there is growing excitement around the young Houston fighter. Harrison isn’t interested in rushing Cassell through the developmental stage of his career, but he also doesn’t want to protect him from the challenges that will ultimately help determine what kind of fighter he can become.

“Ty is a young fighter who’s easy to root for because he genuinely wants to get better,” Harrison said. “He’s 5-0, but he doesn’t walk around like he’s accomplished everything already. He listens to Adrian, he works hard and he’s hungry. That’s what you want to see from a prospect.”

Harrison particularly likes the fact that Cassell welcomed the opportunity to face another unbeaten fighter away from home.

“This is a good test for Ty,” Harrison continued. “He’s traveling outside the country for the first time, he’s fighting a 3-0 kid who believes in himself, and he’s going to experience some things he hasn’t experienced before. That’s how you grow. We believe Ty has a lot of potential, but potential only means something if you’re willing to develop it. Right now, he’s doing everything we’re asking of him.”

Cassell isn’t trying to predict exactly where his career will be a year or two from now. He has dreams, of course. Every young fighter does. For now, though, his world is much smaller. Houston. Training camp. A flight to the Dominican Republic. Six rounds against another undefeated fighter. Then, if everything goes according to plan, 6-0.

“I’m just hungry to see how far I can take this,” Cassell concluded. “I love boxing. I love getting better, and I want to test myself. I’m thankful for the opportunity, but I’m not going to the Dominican Republic just to enjoy the trip. I’m going there to handle business. Then we come home, get back in the gym and figure out what’s next.”




QUOTES FROM THE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR RUIZ JR. VS. KNYBA IN NEWARK, NJ

Andy Ruiz Jr. believes he can rule the world once again as he returns to action against Damian Kynba on Firday night at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the third headline show of TNT Sports and DAZN’s “The Fight,” the new monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW – VISIT PRUCENTER.COM FOR MORE DETAILS

WATCH THE WEIGH-IN LIVE AT 4PM TODAY

Ruiz Jr. (35-2-1 22 KOs) is back in action after a two-year absence from the ring and having penned a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom last week, Mexico’s first ever Heavyweight king is ready to reignite his quest to become a two-time World champion.

The 36-year-old stunned the sporting world in June 2019 when he dethroned Anthony Joshua on a historic night in New York, and last tasted action in August 2024 in a back-and-forth majority draw with Jarrell Miller in Los Angeles, the third bout in a row in his home city following wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz.

Standing in the way of Ruiz Jr’s plans to get back to the summit of the Heavyweight division is Knyba (17-1 11 KOs), with the Polish giant looking end ‘The Destroyer’s’ grand plans at the first hurdle. The 6ft 7in is looking to bounce back to winning ways at the first attempt after taking on newly anointed WBC champion Agit Kabayel for the interim title in Germany in January. Knyba fights at the Prudential Center for the fourth time in his career, and the 30-year-old can move into line for a World title crack with victory.

Ruiz, Kynba and stars on the undercard spoke at the final press conference at Prudential Center on Wednesday, here’s what they had to say:

Eddie Hearn:

This is a massive weekend for Matchroom Boxing. Here in Newark, New Jersey at the wonderful Prudential Center, thank you to Dylan, Bill and the incredible team here and we’re looking forward to our first ever show here on Friday night, live and exclusive on TNT and DAZN. This will be one of the biggest audiences we would have had since we started our journey here in America, and then of course, on Saturday night live and exclusive on DAZN around the world and on RTE in Ireland, Katie Taylor will make her final ring walk in front of 83,000 people at Croke Park.

On Friday night here in New Jersey, it’s the return of The Destroyer, Andy Ruiz, the former unified World Heavyweight champion, the first Mexican World Heavyweight champion, returning to the ring against Poland’s Damian Knyba.

It’s a wonderful fight and what an undercard as well to talk about before we get started with the main event. I think the fight of the night could well be two fantastic Middleweights, Vito Mielnicki and Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams, it’s a fantastic matchup.

Andy Ruiz Jr.

I’m really excited for this fight, especially with having my team, my family, my son with me. This is the reason why I do this for for my kids and all my loved ones. I’m ready. I’m excited, and there is a lot of pressure under this fight because a lot of people are expecting the worst or the best. I just got to go out there, pray for the best and to get that victory on Friday night.

It’s legacy and me proving to myself that I am capable of doing everything right and to be champion again. I had all the belts and I lost them all by not being disciplined. Now that I’m disciplined, I’m dedicated and I’m hungry, I I want those belts back. I want to prove to myself and to all my family and my fans that I am capable of becoming champion again.

I got to climb up the ladders once again. I have a tough opponent with Damian. I know he wants to win this fight just like me. That’s going to make it an exciting fight. There’s a lot of nerves, a lot of emotional feelings right now, I just I just want to look good and become victorious on September 4.

That’s why they call me the giant slayer because I’m always a small guy fighting these big, big guys. But for some reason, it works for me and I’m going to have to do whatever it takes to to get that victory.

It’s just staying disciplined, staying dedicated, listening to my trainers and my team. I’m just happy that I reunited with Manny Robles because before the other fights and the other opponents that I had, I wasn’t doing the right things that I was supposed to. I just appreciate Manny always pushing me and calling me if I’m not at the gym, he’s over there calling me, “Where you at, man? Remember the mission. Remember the dream that you want to be. You want to become a two-time Heavyweight champion. Remember what it took for you to to beat Anthony Joshua. You got to do the same thing. You have the abilities. You have the speed. You have the power. Don’t don’t waste your talent.” That kind of woke me up and that’s why we’re here now.

Damian Knyba

I’m expecting the most hungry and best version of Andy Ruiz. I’ve been training my whole life for fights like this. I’m excited and more than ready for the opportunity. I’ve been dreaming and fighting for opportunities like this since I started boxing and I know there’s going to be a ton of Polish people here supporting me and one of my biggest dreams and aspirations is to bring Polish boxing back to Prudential Center on the biggest stage.

Vito Mielnicki Jr

All that a-side, b-side stuff really at the end of the day doesn’t matter, on Friday night we got to get in there and fight, and I’m going to come out there with the W.

It’s my time. I’ve been moving my way up the ranks, the highs and lows of a career and now it’s time. I have a lot of respect for Ammo, I respect the tests that he’s taken, the fights he’s taken and what he’s done in the sport, but it’s my time to take over 160lbs division.

Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams

Every fight for me has been a must-win. I never came into a fight feeling like I was okay not getting a victory, and every time I didn’t get it, it hurt me to the core, the deepest hurt you could imagine. This one gave me the blessings being able to go with Derrick James, being able to get new preparation and be able to pull my style back, starting in Houston and getting the six years with Kevin Cunningham, a different slick style, but now getting back to my roots in a Texas style. I’m ready to show a more developed and complete style.

I definitely want to point out he is not like me at all. First thing he said was a lie about the a-side, b-side don’t matter. I’m the person that said it doesn’t matter. I’m the person that took the fight no matter what the promotion was because I know what I’m going to do in the ring. I hear him and I’m definitely ready. I’m using his energy. I wasn’t a kid put in this sport. I chose this myself and I knew I was going to get my respect from fighting people when I just had to fight them. I wasn’t number, this ain’t a numbers game for me. This is my life. I’m putting on the line every time. They are going to call me the Brick City champ after what I do to you.

One loss will change your whole trajectory of what you can do in the sport. I never went into a fight feeling like I was privileged or a guy that needed this type of emotion. I always came in hungry. I always came in with that chip on my shoulder, and this is just another night to show I’m that guy; I’m a real champion. I’ve been waiting for my night. I’ve been waiting for my moment. If it got to happen in somebody backyard, if it got to happen with his family, fans, and all his friends around, let’s do it.

Alan Chaves

I am aware I will have a very difficult fight this Friday, but I am you know I am going I’m going to fight to seek that victory. I am well aware of the of the amazing fighters like Abdullah Mason, they’re on top of me right now, but I’m taking things one one thing at a time. I am focusing on my next fight, and I have prepared 100 per cent and I’m ready for a good result this Friday.

Eridson Garcia

I want to say thank you to Matchroom for this opportunity, this is another great challenge in my career and I’m ready for a victory this Friday night. I had an amazing unforgettable victory in Saudi Arabia. I have also won at the Prudential Center and I don’t see why it will be any different again this Friday.

Zaquin Moses

I’m excited, I’ve been watching bro (Shakur Stevenson) come here for a long time performing, and finally it’s my time to do it. I want to show the young kids that anything is possible as long as you chase your dream and make sure you give 100 per cent and you keep going and never stop.

I watch I watch a little bit of him, he’s durable, he’s tough, but that’s what I have trained for. I know what I’m capable of, I know the work that I put in and I just can’t wait to show it Friday night.

Angel Contreras

I am so honored and proud to be part of this amazing card. I feel very excited, like in the previous fights that I had, and I’m coming with 100 per cent. I trained very hard and I’m here to get a a great result this Friday.




EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AND IMAGES AS THE UNDERCARD FOR KATIE TAYLOR VS FLORA PILI TAKE TO THE STAGE AT FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE

All the talk has been about Katie Taylor this week – but the supporting cast for Saturday’s historic extravaganza at Croke Park were keen to impress that it will be a monumental night for them too as the undercard spoke at today’s final press conference in Dublin.

Over 80,000 fans will fill the iconic Irish stadium this weekend for legend Taylor’s last-ever fight, when she challenges France’s undefeated Flora Pili for the Undisputed Super Lightweight Championship – live worldwide on DAZN and non-exclusively in Ireland on RTÉ.

And with the news that Westlife will be the headline performance on the evening, a blockbuster undercard promises to make Saturday’s show – promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Aiken Promotions and Brian Peters – the most memorable night of boxing to ever be staged in th Emerald Isle.

The chief support sees two Heavyweights collide as Britain’s popular Dave Allen goes up against Dublin’s own in Thomas Carty.

Limerick’s No.1 ranked IBF Welterweight challenger Paddy Donovan looks to fend off the challenge of Belfast’s Tyrone McKenna.

Unbeaten Southampton Super Middleweight Taylor Bevan meets undefeated Emmet Brennan, who leaves just 500m from Croke Park in the opening bout of the Main Card.

Scroll down to hear what all the fighters, along with Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith and Brian Peters, had to say below.

Taylor vs Pili is sponsored by Title Event Partners Lidl Ireland, along with sponsors Paddy Power, Domino’s Ireland, Everlast, That Prize Guy, Ten Percent Club, ALP and Riyadh Season.

UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL

Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing CEO:
“It was years in the making to get here and it wasn’t always easy but things like this, greatness, isn’t always going to be easy. I’ve seen a lot of people get thanked for this over the week, but I really think there’s one person to thank and that’s Katie Taylor. When it came to making this fight, I remember speaking to Brian and Katie about three months ago and a lot of things in this life come down to money unfortunately but this fight came down to legacy and creating a moment that will never be forgotten. Thanks to Katie Taylor for saying, ‘yes, whatever it takes, I want to make this happen’. Every fighter in here is getting the chance to be involved in a moment of history and something that I don’t think we’ll ever see again.”

Paddy Gallagher:
“This is going to be a cracking fight. We get to open the show which is unbelievable as well. It’s going to be an aggressive all-action fighter against a slick counterpuncher. I think it’s going to be the bases of who’s better at their game and there’s no doubt in my mind that I’m going to win the fight. Once again thank you everyone who got me involved in this event. I’m really looking forward to it and it’s going to be an absolute spectacle. Enjoy the show all round. We’re first up. We get to fight, we do our thing and then we sit back and enjoy it all.

Paul Ryan:
“It means everything. It’s a privilege and an honour to be up here. Eddie talked about my ringwalk and what I wear, but I want everyone to know that I fight better than I walk. That’s going to be the real talking point of the night. It feels me with pride, and it really is a ‘pinch me’ moment to be up here but I’m going to grab this opportunity with both hands, and I’ll be here to stay. The plan is to open up doors now; we’re going to kick them down. We’ve been in with good lads, we’ve sparred George Liddard in this camp as well. We know how good we are. Now it’s time to take the platform and show the world how good we are.”

Bobbi Flood:
“This means a lot to me. In 2012 my mum brought me out to Katie Taylor’s homecoming after winning the gold and I had my red amateur kit on, my red gloves and my Irish flag. If you look on my mum’s old Facebook, she had a photo of Katie holding  small picture of me when I was young that she had signed. She said, ‘watch this space’… to now being one of the first people opening up there, after Paul and Paddy of course. It’s unbelievable, it’s proper surreal. I’m going to put on a good performance. I’ve put the work in. I fought last month so I was still fit coming into camp. Feeling good, feeling strong, feeling sharp and I just can’t wait to showcase my skills on Saturday.”

Adam Olaniyan:
“It’s good. This is what I’ve always dreamed of, to be fighting on these big events, these big cards and getting these opportunities. Big thanks to Matchroom. It’s only the start of a great career. I’ve bigger ambitions and big goals for myself, of course like everyone else on this table. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve put the work in. I’ve been in camp really since January. I haven’t left the gym. I’ve been there with Paul and Ant every day since. I’m ready to put on a big performance and a big display of what we have been working on. Devastation, power, accuracy, speed – all that good stuff that we look for. I’m putting my name in the history books as the next Heavyweight to fight in this historic ground since Muhammad Ali – what an opportunity. I grew up watching Muhammad Ali. I grew up saying, ‘I want to do that, I want to emulate what he’s done. It’s not huge, I know, but for my name and his name to be in the same sentence, I’m lost for words.” 

Matthew Boreland:
“This fight is just all to gain, absolutely nothing to lose. The pressure is on Joe. I’m just from a wee small town up the other side of the country. I just want to put it on the map. I’m just going to go in and give it my all and I’m going to prove I’m the better fighter. We’re going to see if he can get hit, if he’s got a chin. That’s what we’ll find out.”

Joe McGrail:
“It was just nice to remind people what I can do Jamie. Obviously I had a tough year out with an injury so it was nice to remind people. I’ll be looking to do the same on Saturday. I’m not really assed to be honest (on the pressure all being on him). It doesn’t make any difference to me Jamie. He’s just the next fella in front of me. I’m going to beat him and then I’m going to progress to bigger and better things.”

Molly McCann:
“I’m going to be the new Carl Froch. None of us have heard the end of him fighting at Wembley. It’ll be, ‘remember that time I fought at Croke Park in front of 80,000 people’. That’s my new one liner. I remember walking into a boxing gym and being turned away and being told I wasn’t allowed to box because I was a girl. I remember starting boxing, it was at the Golden Gloves gym. My coach brought in a camcorder, and on that camcorder, he said, ‘watch this girl, I’ve just seen her training with her dad’. It was Katie and Pete. I was like, ‘oh my god, I want to be like her’. 20 years later, here we are. There’s been moments in my career where I’ve bumped into Brian and bumped into Katie. We spoke about maybe one day turning over. It’s not lost on me I know how many girls and how many young men would kill to be in this position. I’m really aware of the honour and the privilege that it is. It’s like you’re walking on clouds every day. I’ve fought on massive stages before in my other careers, and I’ve maybe used all of my energy up in that week and been so ready. I’ve learnt from highs and I’ve learnt from the lows. The win isn’t just getting here and walking out. The win is the win when your hand is raised at the end of the fight. I’m very much aware nothing is done until it is done.”

Sylwia Doligala:
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. Going from little, small hall shows onto this is just a dream come true for me. Especially fighting Molly, she’s such a known person. I believe it will be such a good fight. There will be some fireworks on Saturday night.”

Emmat Brennan:
“We were basically told if Taylor doesn’t win his last fight, then the fight is probably off. So, this fight was riding on him winning in Southampton, which he did. But for me that was more nerve racking than I’ve ever been in the ring because it’s such a historic occasion. As I mentioned to you the other day, it’s going to be a war of attrition from the first round. There’s a bit of a height difference; I’m not going to win this on the back foot. It’s going to be from the get-go. We know his style, he’s going to stand and fight as well. It’s going to be a war of attrition and I’m going to come out on top.”

Taylor Bevan:
“I feel like I’ve really settled into the pros now and I’m learning every week in the gym with them. I just think I’m the better boxer all round. I think I’ve been super active since I turned pro. I’m the ultimate professional when it comes to training. I couldn’t have done anymore this camp. I know I’m going to get the best Emmat Brennan on the night because this is his dream come true but this is a dream for me as well boxing on one of the biggest stages in boxing in front of 80,000 fans. I’ve left no stone unturned in camp and you’re going to get the very best version of me on Saturday night.”

Tyrone McKenna:
“I’ve put myself through hell for this camp. I’ve taken myself away from my family, from my friends. Flew over to ‘the dungeon’ in Philadelphia. You take a West Belfast man and take him to North Philly, it’s a dangerous combination. It’s been tough. Sparring three days a week. This is the most I’ve ever sparred for a camp. It’s a world class gym and I’m surrounded by world class fighters. The coaching is world class. So, I’ve done absolutely everything for this fight. I know how good Paddy is. I’ve sparred him 100 times. I know I had to put in a world class camp and I did. I think Paddy is overlooking me. All I hear is, ‘Liam Paro, Liam Paro, Lewis Crocker’. You have to have your eyes on me. Get your mind right. I’m coming for you. You better believe it. I’m coming for you. I am going to drown you son, you’re not going to be able to breathe. You’re not going to breathe.”

Paddy Donovan:
“First of all this feels like more of a comedy show than a press conference. Well done Brian you’re doing a great job. First of all thank you to Matchroom, DAZN, Eddie Hearn, Frank and all the lads who made this show possible. It’s a great show and it’s a great event. I’m excited. It’s a big big opportunity for me and for Tyrone to showcase our skill on the biggest platform possible in front of 80,000 fans. It’s risky to take the fight being number one with the IBF but I’m excited. We couldn’t turn down the opportunity to fight in front of 80,000 fans. I’ve been putting in the hard work with Andy and my team. It’s my time. We want to bring big shows back to Ireland when Katie is gone and I’m going to be the guy to do it. I know Tyrone and I know the ins and outs of him. He can have all the training he wants; he can just be fit. I know the way he fights and his gameplan. There’s nothing going to change with Tyrone. He’s a scrapper. Tyrone knows exactly how good I am. He’s shared the ring with me many times and he’s going to find out I’m the best Welterweight out there.”

Thomas Carty:
“It’s massive. I could go on all day about what it means but it’s probably really hard to put into words. It’s something that I’ve tried to imagine a couple of times what it’s going to be like walking out but I just can’t. I’m really looking forward to Saturday night to see what it’s like. I think it will be very hard to beat. I don’t think we’ll ever see anything like this again in this country. Listen, I’m a fan of Dave. When I started boxing Dave was active. I remember all of his fights. I’ve been watching him the whole way through. More and more as I got on with my career, I started to think maybe there’s a chance me and Dave could fight. What better opportunity than Croke Park? Dave is no joke. I’m absolutely well aware what Dave brings to the table. I couldn’t have done anymore. Dave says at this level. I’m maxed out. I did everything that I could in this camp. I’m in a really really good position right now coming back from the injury. I’m probably better right now than I was beforehand. This is going to be my best fight on Saturday night, absolutely.”

Dave Allen:
“I’ve been a pro 15 years now. This is fight 39. After the Hrgovic fight all the feeling left me really for boxing. The feeling has left. I’m not here trying to resurrect a run at any titles. I’m here to fight really. That’s it. There’s no mad ambitions, there’s no anything really. I’m just here to have a fight and at this level I’m a proper handful. People say whatever about my weight, about my effort levels. When I get in the ring at this level, if you’re not Hrgovic, I’ll take some beating. I think you’re a good fighter, but if you’re not very good I’ll f***ing flatten you, I always have. You’re a proper solid bloke, I like you, but I’ll flatten him, 100%. I don’t have a doubt.”




REINA TELLEZ SPEAKS AFTER IMPRESSIVE UK VICTORY, SETS SIGHTS ON BIGGER FIGHTS

ORLANDO, FL (September 2, 2026) – Four days removed from one of the most significant victories of her career, featherweight contender Reina Tellez (14-1-1, 5 KOs), who is co-promoted by MVP and Boxlab Promotions, has had a little time to appreciate what she accomplished in Birmingham, England.

Now, she is already thinking about what comes next.

Tellez defeated British contender Jessica Barry (10-2, 2 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight showdown this past Saturday, August 29, at bp pulse LIVE as part of MVPW-06: UK vs. USA. The event, promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, was broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and ESPN+ in the United States.

Tellez entered the fight knowing she would be competing in Barry’s home country, in front of a crowd that naturally wanted to see the British fighter succeed. She left Birmingham with an important victory, a performance bonus and the distinction of being the only Team USA fighter on the card to have her hand raised.

A few days later, Tellez is proud of the accomplishment, but she isn’t interested in spending too much time looking backward.

“I’ve had a few days now to really think about the fight, and I’m very proud of what we accomplished,” said Tellez. “Going to the UK, fighting Jessica in front of her home crowd and getting the victory was a big moment for me. She is a very good fighter, and I knew I had to be disciplined for all 10 rounds. I trusted my preparation, stayed composed and did what I needed to do.”

Being the only member of Team USA to earn a victory made the night even more memorable for Tellez, although she remains humble about the distinction.

“Representing the United States meant a lot to me,” Tellez continued. “When you put on those colors and travel to another country, you want to represent yourself and your country with pride. Being the only fighter from Team USA to get the victory made it even more special. I have a tremendous amount of respect for everyone who competed that night, and I’m just grateful that I was able to come through for my team.”

The victory gave Tellez more than another win on her record.

It showed her she could leave the comfort of home, travel across the Atlantic, compete in a major arena against a quality opponent and handle the pressure that comes with being the visiting fighter.

Those are experiences Tellez believes will serve her well as the level of competition continues to rise.

“Fighting in the UK was something I’ll always remember,” Tellez said. “The boxing fans there are passionate and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere was incredible. Obviously, most of them were there supporting Jessica, but I enjoyed that. There was an energy in the building that made you want to perform.”

Tellez believes learning to thrive in unfamiliar surroundings is part of becoming a championship-level fighter.

“You can’t always expect everything to be comfortable,” she added. “If you want the big fights, sometimes you have to travel. Sometimes you’re going to be in somebody else’s hometown with the crowd against you. I learned that I could handle that environment and stay focused on my job. That gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.”

With the Barry fight behind her, Tellez believes the victory should put her in position for another meaningful opportunity in the featherweight division.

She isn’t demanding a particular opponent or trying to rush the process, but she makes no secret about where she wants her career to go.

Tellez wants bigger fights.

“I feel like this victory opened another door for me,” Tellez said. “Jessica was a good opponent, the fight was on a big platform, and I was able to go into her country and win. Now I want to build on that. I want to keep facing quality fighters and continue moving toward another world title opportunity.”

There is a noticeable hunger in Tellez’s outlook, but she also understands that one victory doesn’t guarantee anything in boxing.

“I know I still have work to do,” Tellez continued. “I’m not sitting here saying I’ve accomplished everything because I won one important fight. It’s the opposite. A win like this makes me want more. It shows me what is possible, but now I have to get back in the gym, keep improving and be ready when the next call comes.”

Tellez also expressed her appreciation to MVP for giving her the opportunity to compete on the UK vs. USA card and to Boxlab Promotions for helping guide her career.

For Tellez, performing on an international stage and being rewarded with a performance bonus provided validation that the work behind the scenes is beginning to pay off.

“I’m very grateful to my promoters, MVP and Boxlab Promotions, for giving me this opportunity and putting me on a platform where so many people could watch me compete,” Tellez said. “They’ve believed in me and continued to put me in positions where I can grow.”

Rather than viewing the opportunity as a destination, Tellez sees it as another step toward something bigger.

“You need people around you who believe in the same vision you have for yourself,” she continued. “I want to fight at the highest level and eventually fight for a world championship. I know that doesn’t happen overnight, but I believe we’re moving in the right direction. This victory was important, and now I’m excited to see what we can do next.”

Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra believes Tellez’s performance in Birmingham strengthened her position as a rising contender and demonstrated that she is capable of delivering when placed on a significant stage.

For Piedra, the ability to travel overseas and defeat a quality opponent in her own country says a great deal about where Tellez is headed.

“Reina did exactly what you want to see from a fighter who is trying to reach the next level,” said Piedra. “She accepted a difficult assignment, traveled to the UK, fought Jessica Barry in her backyard and came home with the victory. There were plenty of reasons for her to feel pressure, but she handled herself like a professional and performed when it mattered.”

Piedra believes the next phase of Tellez’s career should include even more meaningful fights.

“I absolutely believe another big opportunity is coming for Reina,” Piedra continued. “A performance like this gets people’s attention. She showed that she can win away from home, she can perform on a major broadcast, and she can handle a quality opponent over 10 rounds. Now our job at Boxlab Promotions is to build on that momentum and put her in position for the biggest fights possible. I believe she is getting closer to a major fight in the featherweight division.”

The performance bonus was rewarding. Representing Team USA was meaningful. Winning in another fighter’s home country was an important milestone.

But Tellez didn’t go to England simply to create one memorable night.

She wants the victory to become the beginning of the next stage of her career.

“I enjoyed the win, and I’m thankful for the experience, but I’m hungry for what’s next,” Tellez concluded. “I want to keep testing myself against the best competition available. My goal is to become a world champion, and I believe this fight moved me another step closer. Whenever the next opportunity comes, I’ll be ready.”




Press Conference Notes: Emanuel Navarrete and O’Shaquie Foster Set for Three-Belt Unification Showdown October 24 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 2, 2026) — WBO/IBF super featherweight world champion Emanuel Navarrete (40-2-1, 33 KOs) and WBC king O’Shaquie Foster (25-3, 12 KOs) will collide in a three-belt unification showdown Saturday, Oct. 24, at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez (18-0, 11 KOs) takes on Edward Vazquez (20-3, 6 KOs).

Additionally, super lightweight contender Frank Martin (19-1-1, 13 KOs) makes his Top Rank debut in a 10-round battle against an opponent to be announced shortly.

Navarrete-Foster, Gonzalez-Vazquez, Martin’s return, along with an additional fight, will be streamed LIVE on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. CT via Ticketmaster.com.

This is what the fighters and Top Rank president Todd duBoef had to say Wednesday.

Emanuel Navarrete

“I’m very happy that this fight came together. I’m training very well and working hard on figuring out what this fight is going to require. We know what Foster represents. We know he’s a very skilled fighter with a lot of weapons in his boxing repertoire, and that’s what we’re preparing for. I’m extremely excited for fight night to arrive, to show everyone the great preparation I’ve had, put on a great fight and give 100 percent of myself to accomplish the goal.”

“I think boxing also depends on moments. There are moments in any fighter’s career when injuries, emotional instability or perhaps some other situation can affect you. In my case, physically, I wasn’t at 100 percent. There were certain things that weren’t allowing me to be the fighter I’ve always been—aggressive and with a positive mentality. Physically, I’m recovered. Thank God, we’ve overcome some injuries. There are no excuses now.”

“If he doesn’t come to fight, if he tries to win on points and make it an easy fight without making things too complicated for himself, we’re going to try to force him to fight. We’re going to put our face right in front of him so he can hit us, and we’re going to try to hit him, too. It’s going to be very difficult, but I’m coming in with the mentality of bringing the fight from the very first round, trying to land my punches and imposing the pace of the fight.”

O’Shaquie Foster

“I definitely feel like I’m at my best right now. Mentally, physically, everything is coming together. I’m ready for any challenge, and I feel like I’m there right now.

“We weren’t going to sit around and wait for Shakur {Stevenson}. Whatever the next big opportunity was, I was going to take it. Everybody knows that’s who I wanted, but my career is going to keep moving. We’re going to keep knocking them down until the fans keep calling for that fight. Right now, we’ve got a great opponent in front of us that we need to handle.

“The biggest difference in me at this stage of my career is my mentality. I went through those losses, turned them into lessons, got stronger, kept building and stayed consistent. Now I’m here.

“I’m going to go in there and control the fight. I’m going to dominate from round one. I saw an interview where he said I like to run and make fights difficult. I’ve never run from anybody. I put punishment and pain on my opponents, too. That night, he’s going to get a boxing lesson. There won’t be any running. It’s going to be a boxing lesson.

“To beat Navarrete, I just have to be me. I have to come out, be dominant like I have been, not take any rounds off and keep pressing the gas. It’s going to be a great night. I feel good about it.”

Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez

“I’m feeling great. I’m feeling blessed to be here. I’m grateful to God and grateful to my team. It’s only been about a month since our last fight, and thank God we had a great outcome and a great victory. But we’ve got to keep pushing forward. You’re only as good as your last performance. We had a great performance last time out, and now we’ve got another tougher test ahead of us. It’s time to handle business.

“Like Edward said, you see my style and you see his style, and I think it creates a fan-friendly fight. He’s close to home, and I’m from Texas, so I know he’s going to bring a crowd. I’m thankful that I have some Texas supporters, and hopefully after this fight I’ll have a lot more.

“We’re in for a fan-friendly fight that everybody is going to enjoy. At the same time, I’m coming in looking to show everybody that it’s not just hype behind me. I’m here to live up to it.”

Edward Vazquez

“This is an exciting fight. Gonzalez is a young, exciting fighter with a lot of hype behind him. But I’m battled tested. I know what it takes to get here.”

“One thing I know for sure is that he hasn’t been in there with someone like me. This will be his first real test, and we’ll see what that’s like on October 24.

“I don’t want to give away too much of the game plan, but it’s going to be fireworks. You guys have seen how I fight and how he fights. It’s a perfect clash of styles, and the fans are in for a real treat.

Frank Martin

“I’m excited. I feel like I’ve got a new spark, fighting with a new promotional company. I’ve got to come in and show out and show them that signing me was a good decision. I’m going to bring some excitement over to the Top Rank side. I feel like Top Rank is going to keep me busy, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.

“The key is to come out in this next fight, dominate and move forward. I actually feel like I’m in a good position. There are going to be fighters who might take an opportunity or take a chance to fight me based off my last performance and think it’s sweet or think it’s an easy fight. They’re just going to put me in the position that I want to be in.”

Todd duBoef (Top Rank President)

“I think it’s a 50-50 fight. It’s ultra-competitive between two guys with very different styles. With Navarrete, you have an absolute tornado coming at you. We’ve seen it going back to the Dogboe fights. Punches come from all over the place, and you don’t know where they’re going to come from. That’s going to make things very difficult.

“Then you have Foster, who has an incredible boxing IQ. He sees things, he loves to counterpunch, and he’s going to have to be very careful. It’s a real contrast of styles, and I think it’s going to be interesting to see who can impose his will. That’s why I see it as a 50-50 fight.”




Emanuel Navarrete-O’Shaquie Foster Unification Showdown Set for Oct. 24 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio LIVE on DAZN

SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 2, 2026) — Two world champions in their primes will meet to determine the No. 1 fighter at 130 pounds.

WBO/IBF champion Emanuel Navarrete and WBC king O’Shaquie Foster will collide in a three-belt unification showdown Saturday, Oct. 24, at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

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

Additionally, super lightweight contender Frank Martin makes his Top Rank debut in a 10-round battle against an opponent to be announced shortly.

Navarrete-Foster, Gonzalez-Vazquez, Martin’s return, along with an additional fight, will be streamed LIVE on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. CT via Ticketmaster.com.

“This fight brings together the two best fighters at 130 pounds in a matchup fans have been waiting for,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “Navarrete has won world titles in three divisions and unified the belts, while Foster’s recent victories over Stephen Fulton and Raymond Ford have impressed the boxing world. The stakes don’t get any bigger, as the winner will be heralded as the division’s king and considered Fighter of the Year.”

Navarrete (40-2-1, 33 KOs) has spent nearly eight years in the championship picture, a run that began with his December 2018 upset of Isaac Dogboe at 122 pounds. He later captured titles at featherweight and super featherweight before moving up to lightweight in May 2024, where Denys Berinchyk spoiled his bid for a crown in a fourth division by split decision. Back at 130, and with a nagging left-hand injury finally behind him, Navarrete returned to form, dropping Oscar Valdez three times and stopping him in six rounds in their December 2024 rematch. His May 2025 bout against Charly Suarez, initially ruled a technical decision win, was later changed to a no contest. In February, he delivered a career-best performance against hard-punching IBF titleholder Eduardo Nuñez, who entered on a 19-fight winning streak. Navarrete broke him down over 10 punishing rounds before the bout was halted one second into the 11th.

Navarrete said, “I’m coming for everything, and I’m coming with everything I’ve got. I’m a Mexican warrior. I fear nothing and no one. I’m glad O’Shaquie Foster accepted the fight, because I’m coming for that third world title. I already have two—so why not three? On October 24, you’re going to see a real Mexican warrior.”

Foster (25-3, 12 KOs) turned pro in 2012 and, after early setbacks, saw his career take a decisive turn when he began working with trainer Bobby Benton in 2017. A sustained run of victories led to a February 2023 showdown with Rey Vargas, whom he decisioned for the vacant WBC super featherweight world title. He made a dramatic first defense in Cancun that December, stopping Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez with 22 seconds left in the 12th, then signed with Top Rank and outpointed Abraham Nova the following February. Foster lost the belt to Robson Conceição by controversial split decision in July 2024 before reclaiming it four months later. He has since hit top form, dominating two-division champion Stephen Fulton before returning home to Houston in May and defeating former featherweight champion Raymond Ford by majority decision.

Foster said, “This is the type of fight every fighter dreams about, and I’m ready for the challenge. I’m also excited to be back in San Antonio and fighting in front of all my fans, both locally and around the world. The support I’ve received throughout my career has meant everything to me, and I’m looking forward to giving everyone another performance to remember. I know I say this every time, but this truly is the biggest fight of my career. I can’t wait to put on for Texas and show the world what ‘Shock’ Foster is all about.”

Gonzalez (18-0, 11 KOs), from Moreno Valley, California, trains under Robert Garcia. He began 2026 by stopping Franklin Gonzalez in seven rounds, then dispatched Brandon Chambers in the first round in March. In July, Gonzalez faced former world title challenger Aaron Alameda and made quick work of him, scoring a second-round knockout to capture the vacant NABF featherweight title.

Gonzalez said, “I’m very grateful for this opportunity. Every fight has been a step up, and we’ve been passing every test, thank God. My goal is to become a world champion, and now I get the chance to face a two-time world title challenger and show everybody what I can do. I’m excited to fight in San Antonio, too. It’s a great boxing city, and I’m looking forward to showing out.”

Vazquez (20-3, 6 KOs) has twice fought for a world title after first emerging as a serious contender with a narrow points loss to Ford in 2022. He pushed unbeaten IBF junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina to a majority decision in Monte Carlo the following year, then dropped to featherweight for a May 2025 shot at WBO champion Rafael Espinoza, who stopped him in seven. Vazquez has since won three straight, vanquishing Albeiro Paredes and Grimardi Machuca in five before outpointing Daniel Lugo over 10 in June.

Vazquez said, “I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity. It’s going to be a fun, entertaining fight for the fans. Gonzalez is a talented young fighter with a lot of hype behind him, but I’m the first real test of his career. I’ve worked too hard and come too far to let this opportunity pass me by. Come October 24, I plan on showing everyone there are levels to this.”

Martin (19-1-1, 13 KOs) turned pro in 2017 and broke out five years later with a fourth-round stoppage of Romero Duno and a 12-round triumph over then-unbeaten Michel Rivera. The Detroit native, now training under Buddy McGirt, followed by outboxing 2016 Olympian Artem Harutyunyan in July 2023 before challenging Gervonta Davis the following June. Since moving up to 140 pounds, Martin has stopped former world champion Rances Barthelemy in four rounds and battled Nahir Albright to a 10-round draw in February.




SEPTEMBER 12: RYAN GARCIA vs. CONOR BENN PRELIMINARY CARD FEATURES JOSE RAMIREZ vs. ALEXIS ROCHA WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN & OSWALDO MOLINA vs. PABLO RUBIO BATTLE of UNBEATENS

September 2, 2026 – Zuffa Boxing today announced the preliminary card for the Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn welterweight championship showdown on Saturday, September 12, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. 

The five-fight preliminary card will start at 5 pm ET/2 pm PT and features a 10-round welterweight showdown between former unified super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez (29-3, 18 KOs) and longtime contender Alexis Rocha (26-2-1, 16 KOs). Ramirez, from California’s Central Valley, also represented Team USA at the 2012 London Olympics. Rocha is unbeaten in four fights since the lone loss on his ledger.

Southern California standout Pablo Rubio (15-0, 5 KOs) will take on Mexico’s Oswaldo Molina (9-0, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder that will be contested at a catchweight of 132 pounds. Rubio is coming off a stirring decision win over Adan Palma on ZUFFA BOXING 4 that was named Fight of the Night, while Molina shut out Joshua Clark over six rounds in February on ZUFFA BOXING 3

The entire Garcia vs. Benn card will stream exclusively on Paramount+ at no additional cost to subscribers in all markets globally outside the UK and Ireland, where it will be available via DAZN PPV.

The other preliminary bouts are as follows:

  • Abel Gonzalez (8-0, 6 KOs) vs. Raul Salomon (16-4-1, 14 KOs) – 8 Rounds, Super Middleweights
  • Vlad Panin (24-2, 16 KOs) vs. Dakota Linger (17-7-3, 13 KOs) – 6 Rounds, Super Welterweights
  • Sean Garcia (7-1-1, 2 KOs) vs. Abraham Morales (4-1, 2 KOs) – 6 Rounds, Lightweights

The four-fight main card (8 pm ET/5 pm PT) also includes the world championship co-feature between The Ring and Zuffa cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs) and two-time world champion Noel Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs), as well as a 10-round lightweight tilt between Filipino former world champion Mark Magsayo (29-2, 19 KOs) and Las Vegas native Andres Cortes (25-0, 13 KOs).

The eight-round heavyweight slugfest between 21-year-old phenom Da’Mazion Vanhouter (12-0, 9 KOs) and KO artist Raphael Akpejiori (19-3, 18 KOs) has been added to the main card.

Tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.




EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AT TODAY’S FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE AS KATIE TAYLOR AND FLORA PILI PREPARE FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN

A historic fight week in Dublin is officially underway as Katie Taylor received an incredible, hero’s reception at today’s final Main Event Press Conference before her swansong this Saturday – live worldwide on DAZN and non-exclusively in Ireland on RTÉ.

The legendary Irish fighter bids to become a three-time Undisputed Champion when she faces France’s undefeated Flora Pili in front of 80,000 at Dublin’s historic Croke Park with the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight Titles on the line.

And Taylor was welcomed to a rapturous homecoming this afternoon in front of a sold-out crowd at The Helix. 

Thanking her Irish fans,  an emotional Taylor insisted she will not take Pili lightly in her quest to make her country proud for one final time.

Taylor said: Like I said before, I am so blown away by all this amazing support. I am so proud to be Irish. I’m so proud to represent this amazing country every single time I step inside the ring.

“I’m still pinching myself. This is a dream. We can be very proud as a nation because I’m not sure there is any other nation in the world where 80,000 people would turn up for a female athlete. I just want to say to you all, from the bottom of my heart, that I am so grateful. Thank you.”

Pili, who has never tasted defeated in her professional career, declared she is not here in Dublin to make up the numbers and is confident of causing a major upset.

Pili said: “Well, what can I say. I am the underdog for the fight but I have nothing to lose and everything to win. For that reason, there is less pressure on me and, for that reason, I will be giving it 200 per cent.” 

On what is a bumper Fight Week, Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn hosted today’s proceedings before he heads to Newark, New Jersey where Heavyweights 
Andy Ruiz Jr and Damian Knyba collide at the Prudential Center this Friday, September 4, live on DAZN and TNT Sports.

And Hearn paid homage to Taylor on what he insists will be the biggest female sporting spectacle of all-time in the Emerald Isle.

Hearn said: “Saturday will be, as far as I’m concerned, the biggest moment in Katie Taylor’s career, the biggest night in the history of Irish sport, the biggest female sporting event of all-time and, for me personally without question, the biggest and greatest night of my career. I’ve never looked forward to a night like this in my whole life.

“I think what you are about to witness will be one of the most memorable ocassions that everybody who has bought a ticket, everybody inside Croke Park and everybody tuned in around the world on DAZN, and in Ireland on RTÉ, will never, ever forget.

“And that is what great sport is all about: those memorable moments that leave you on the edge of your seat and make your eyes well up.

You can read the quotes in full below from today’s Main Event Press Conference.

As a monumental night at Croke Park awaits, delivered by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in association with Aiken Promotions and Brian Peters, Fight Week continues tomorrow when Taylor and Pili lead the stacked card of fighters taking part in an Open Workout, taking place at The Helix at 6pm.

Then, on Thursday, September 3, the undercard – including Dave Allen vs Thomas Carty, Paddy Donovan vs Tyrone McKenna, Taylor Bevan vs Emmet Brennan, Molly McCann vs Sylwia Doligala, Joe McGrail vs Matthew Boreland, Adam Olaniyan vs Matej Hudak, Bobbi Flood vs Jack Swallow and Paul Ryan vs Paddy Gallagher – take to the stage for the Undercard Press Conference at The Helix, The Theatre, which starts at 1pm – open to media only.

Taylor vs Pili is sponsored by Title Event Partners Lidl Ireland, along with sponsors Paddy Power, Domino’s Ireland, Everlast, That Prize Guy, Ten Percent Club and Riyadh Season.

For all the latest news and updates throughout Fight Week, follow

TAYLOR VS PILI: MAIN EVENT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“This is genuinely the only place where I am clapped! Thank you very much, Ireland. For anyone who watched our promo earlier in the week, if there was a dry eye watching it I’d be astonished. Saturday will be, as far as I’m concerned, the biggest moment in Katie Taylor’s career, the biggest night in the history of Irish sport, the biggest female sporting event of all-time and, for me personally without question, the biggest and greatest night of my career.

“I’ve never looked forward to a night like this in my whole life. I think what you are about to witness will be one of the most memorable occasions that everybody who has bought a ticket, everybody inside Croke Park and everybody tuned in around the world on DAZN, and in Ireland on RTÉ, will never, ever forget. And that is what great sport is all about: those memorable moments that leave you on the edge of your seat and make your eyes well up. It is down to, of course, Katie Taylor.

“But today I also want to talk about the challenge that represents itself on Saturday night – because this is all lovely; the country is going to have a night they will never forget. But we have got to win. There are six belts up for grabs here and Katie only has four of them. And there are two more to win on Saturday night. This is her opportunity to become Undisputed Champion once more.

“The undercard is incredible. The acts that you will be witnessing will be incredible too. It is going to blow your mind. But, on Saturday night, it is a culmination of all the work that has taken place in training camps and throughout Katie’s whole career to try and make history. As I said, she can become Undisputed again.

“There are so many thank you’s on a night like this. Of course, Matchroom and our incredible team with the likes of Frank Smith, Jon Hill and everybody involved in making this a night that you will never forget. Peter Aiken has been an absolute blockbuster member and addition to the team. Just for anybody out there, don’t ever let anyone ever dampen your spirit or your belief about what is possible. I was a bit angry with myself because I started to think that maybe we can’t do this. Maybe it won’t work. Maybe we won’t sell 80,000 tickets. I thought we’d have to give up. I hate even saying it. It was Katie’s attitude, which has always ben unfathomable and undeniable, but it was also Peter’s attitude and his confidence to say that I know my people, I know this country, and I promise you that they will come out and support Katie Taylor.

“Without Peter putting his… genitals on the line, as well as a lot of us, there are so many people who are going to enjoy Saturday night. Without Peter’s contribution, I’m not even sure we would be where we are. I want to thank our partners DAZN. People tried to dampen our fire and now DAZN proudly sits as the Global Home of Boxing. Basically every promotional company in the world is on the platform and if you don’t have DAZN, then you don’t even know boxing. This is just the most wonderful product and most wonderful service. And what I like most about DAZN is in our partnership with them is that they understand our fighters. In one of the biggest moments in Katie’s career, was the Amanda Serrano II fight on Netflix, and then the third fight. DAZN saw that and they allowed that, they welcomed it and that wasa huge part of her career. And what they have done on Saturday night to allow, and rightfully so, RTÉ, to broadcast this on terrestrial TV across Ireland and the entire nation is once again groundbreaking for the sport of boxing. I think this could open unbelievable doors for the sport of boxing in this country. So again thank you to DAZN, RTÉ and all our other partners that are sponsoring the event.

“To the man next to Peter Aiken, Brian Peters. I mean, firstly, you have to be a strange cat to wear the shirts that he wears! But the partnership with had with Brian and his whole team. Brian has been the driving force but a huge shout out to Tomas, is definitely the brains of the operation. Yes, this night is for Katie – but this night is for everybody who has played a part in this incredible journey.

“Ross, mate, unbelievable. You have really gelled with Katie over the years and have shared the most incredible journey and partnership where you have given so much as well to the point where you haven’t brought in dozens of other fighters who you could have brought in, due to your time and commitment to Katie Taylor. You guys have got the job to do on Saturday night to complete this journey. You have all done an amazing job.

“Before I go to Katie, the team to my left deserve a lot of credit too. Christian Cherchi, who has been a partner of ours for years and years. My father goes back in partnerships over the years with his father and they have run Italian boxing. He comes to win. These are dangerous people. To Pietro and Flora Pili, this is a high quality team. They understand what this is but they have absolutely no interest in the fairytale story of Katie Taylor. They are coming for all of these belts and change her life on Saturday. We respect you and your entire team. She is IBO World Champion and European Champion. Undefeated. An outstanding amateur. A big, strong 140lb fighter. This is a real, real fight omn Saturday. We welcome you and these people will give you all the respect in the world. And I am excited for you as well because you will never be a part of anything like this ever again. So, good luck to Team Pili. And I say that with full respect because nothing like this will ever happen again. I say the same thing to Katie.

“To Katie, what can I say? The build-up to this event has been incredible. Alex Haines, our Content team, they have captured the true emotion of what this means to everybody. I’ve thanked everybody up here. But the people who we really need to thank are the people of Ireland and the people who have made this possible. The people who have supported Katie Taylor throughout her entire career and the people who have made Saturday night possible by coming out and supporting. As much as this is Katie Taylor’s night, this is your night as well. Your night as a country where you can celebrate Ireland and, what I think by now, all acknowledge as the greatest Irish sportsperson of all-time in Katie Taylor.”

Katie Taylor:

“I’m still pinching myself that this is actually happening to be honest. I’m just a few days away from making my last ringwalk in Croke Park. This is an absolute dream in front of 80,000 people. It’s going to be an amazing night for Irish sport, Irish boxing and women’s sport in general. I think we can be very proud as a nation as well. I’m not sure if there’s any other country in the world where 80,000 people turn up for a female athlete. I’m so so grateful for the support. I’m blown away by it to be quite honest. I want to put on a performance worthy of everyone’s support over the years. This country has travelled around the world to watch me fight. They’ve travelled to London, to Manchester, Leeds, Brooklyn, Boston, Dallas, New York and they’ll be with me on Saturday night as well. I just want to say to you all thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. I’m so grateful. Thank you.

“I try not to reflect too much on it because I have a job to do. It’s too dangerous of a sport to have your body in the ring and in your heart you’re thinking of retirement. I have got a job to do and I’m very much focused on the job. I have allowed myself to think about it a small bit over the past few months. Just thinking about the last 30 years in the ring. All the amazing people I’ve met. All of the amazing spars that I’ve had along the way. Having a chance to meet icons of the sport. Having a chance to headline these amazing arenas. Now I get to end my dream career in my dream venue in Croke Park. This really is beyond my wildest dreams. But the most important part of Saturday night is that I get my hand raised. I’ve been in training camp as per usual. It’s business as per usual for me. I have a real live opponent in front of me. It’s not going to be a walk in the park. She’s here to win as well. She’s a young undefeated fighter and I’m very aware of that as well. I’ve locked myself away over these last few months in preparation for this fight. It’s going to be a tough fight for sure but that’s where I’m at my best.”

Ross Enamait, Katie Taylor Trainer:

“It’s amazing that we’re even here, but at the same time none of it really matters if we go out and lose so we’ve still got a job to do. It’s an amazing night, an amazing event, but I try not to think about it too much because we’ve got to go out there and win the fight first otherwise it was all for nothing. We’ve got to keep our head down. 

“She’s a big 140 pounder, unbeaten and she doesn’t care about the crowd or what this means for Katie or to Ireland. She’s here to win and spoil the show. We’ve got to keep our head down and do the job and we can enjoy it afterwards. 

Flora Pili:

“I’m very proud to be here as well. Thank you and welcome to everybody. Thank you for the welcome. I just want to thank my staff who have stood by me during the 3-month preparation for this big fight. I think we’re all aware of the task ahead of us. We’ve got the whole of France behind us. Not just the few people who will be in this enormous crowd, but everybody back home and on DAZN watching around the world. We are going to be very proud to take on the worthy opponent of Katie.

“Well like you say, I have nothing to lose and everything to win. I am the underdog for the fight. For that reason there’s less pressure on me, and for that reason I’m going to be giving 200% from round one right to the end. I’m going to give everything I can and hopefully take home all of these wonderful belts.”

Pietro Pili, Flora Pili Trainer:

“We’re certainly very very proud to be here and full of emotion as you mentioned Eddie. But I think the emotion is a very positive one. It’s that which has driven us forward through the preparation, through the training camp. We know the magnitude of the event for the people of Ireland and we’re delighted and honoured to provide a worthy opponent for Saturday.” 

Brian Peters, Katie Taylor Manager:

“It’s been some journey, Eddie. I have to thank the global home of boxing DAZN. They’ve been wonderful to work with. RTE too, it’s great to get it on RTE. Fortunately, unfortunately, the tickets all sold out in 17 minutes. Over 80,000, so that was quite magical. But then the next problem was there’s so many people that don’t get to see the show. It’s great that RTE has it so it’s going to be in the four corners of the Republic of Ireland. It’s amazing and like Peter said, we priced the tickets right. Not only is it a historical, iconic sporting cultural moment… I’m not sure what you could compare it to, I don’t think there’s been anything like it before. I think it’s just so great. It took all these guys here just to get it over the line. And of course, the lady herself. Not only is she Ireland’s greatest sports person of all time – no disrespect Roy Keane you’re a good second – but she’s one of the greatest Irish people of all time. We’re all honoured and privileged to be part of the journey.”

Christian Cherchi, Flora Pili Manager:

“Good afternoon everyone. It’s unbelievable this situation, taking part in this event. No fight is won before they do it. I’m sure Katie will not underestimate Flora. For Katie win or lose, it will not change her career. She was already undisputed, she has proven and proven again.But for Flora this will change everything. This will be a real fight. People will witness a great night of boxing .” 

Peter Aiken, Aiken Promotions Owner:

“I’d seen the reaction to Katie, and I’m getting a lot of credit, but the person that sold this fight was Katie Taylor. I saw that first hand going around the country. We had this bus trip, this idea that we came up with. We sold it to Brian and he came on the bus trip for five days. I saw it first hand when Katie turned up in the town and the reaction she had. Not only is she an unbelievable person, but the respect and the love she has around the country – I don’t think we’ll see it for any sports person ever again. The way she can handle herself, she makes you proud to be Irish. Not that it takes much. They were starting at 8 in the morning, doing interviews and blogs, newspaper interviews. Finished at 10pm at night and then Katie would actually train after that. Back out at 8 in the morning. She sold the tickets. Thank you. You’re amazing, and Brian as well. Brian and I have been friends a long time ago but we’ve rekindled our friendship, which means Brian rings me 20 times a day. I’ll miss it when it’s over because he’s a great guy to work with. I’ve learnt a lot as well from the Matchroom team. They’re a serious operation. I’ve enjoyed working with Eddie’s sister Katie. Jon Hill is a great guy, he’s as good as any production manager I’ve ever met in the world. Frank, I’ve enjoyed working with him, sometimes. It’s been a pleasure. It’s definitely the biggest thing I’ve ever been involved in, and the most exciting thing.”




Chase DeMoor Stops Kevin Nagle to Capture WBC USA Silver Heavyweight Title at Encore Boston Harbor

EVERETT, MA – Chase “Mr. Belt to Ass” DeMoor (7-2-1, 6 KOs) has a new belt to add to his growing collection.  DeMoor entered enemy territory on Saturday and stopped previously unbeaten Scituate heavyweight Kevin “Big Gulp” Nagle (11-1, 8 KOs) in the fifth round to capture the vacant WBC USA Silver Heavyweight Championship in the main event of Boston Harbor Fight Night 2 at Encore Boston Harbor.

The action-packed 10-bout card was presented by CES Boxing in association with Granite Chin Promotions.

Each fighter started cautiously, wary of one another’s power in the first few rounds. The 6’5 DeMoor began to take control late in the fourth, dropping the shorter Nagle with a sharp right hand off the jab. The former football player and reigning Misfits heavyweight champion carried that momentum into the fifth, flooring Nagle again with a shot to the side of the head. Nagle again bravely beat the count but was not fit to continue, forcing referee Marcel Varela to wave off the contest at the 45-second mark.

The victory extended DeMoor’s unbeaten streak to seven fights and handed Nagle, a U.S. Army veteran and former WBC USA Silver and Massachusetts State titleholder, the first official loss of his professional career.

“Chase DeMoor came into Kevin Nagle’s backyard, embraced the challenge and proved that he is a legitimate heavyweight,” said CES Boxing Founder Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. “Kevin showed tremendous heart, as he always does, but Chase was the better man on Saturday night.  This entire card delivered—from the championship main event to the prospects, veterans and exciting women’s bouts. We are proud of the show that CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions presented and grateful to Encore Boston Harbor for providing a first-class setting for New England boxing.”

“Putting on shows at Encore is what it is all about,” added Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti.  “Putting on the best talent in the area in the best venue in the area.  It is a perfect match.  Everything about the event was top notch.  We can’t thank the team at Encore enough for the support and enthusiasm they put into all of this.  This is a great partnership! We will have exciting news to announce shortly.”

In the six-round co-feature, Dorchester welterweight Jonathan DePina (16-2, 7 KOs) turned in another composed performance, sweeping all three judges’ scorecards in a unanimous-decision victory over rugged New Britain, Connecticut veteran Anthony “Toro Rojo” Mora (7-10-1, 4 KOs).

DePina controlled the action with his superior boxing ability, but Mora remained competitive throughout and forced the hometown favorite to work for every round. All three judges scored the fight 60-53 in favor of DePina, who earned his fourth consecutive victory.

The upset of the night belonged to Dallas bantamweight Chantal “Champ” Sumrall (3-4-2, 1 KO), who stopped Milton’s Jenn Perella (5-2, 1 KO) in the fourth round.

Perella, a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion and 2024 National Golden Gloves champion, appeared to be in control before Sumrall caught her coming forward with a perfectly placed right hook. Perella beat the count but rose on unsteady legs, prompting referee Marcel Varela to stop the contest at 1:42. The dramatic finish gave Sumrall the first knockout victory of her professional career.

Norton police officer Melanie “Pitbull” Costa (4-1, 2 KOs) made a successful return to the ring following an 18-month layoff, overwhelming Brittany Dukes (3-10-2) with relentless pressure en route to a fourth-round stoppage.

Costa, a five-time national amateur champion and two-time U.S. Olympic Trials participant, consistently backed Dukes toward the ropes and forced her to exchange. Costa finally broke through in the final round, closing the show just 32 seconds into the fourth.

Undefeated junior middleweight Jaydell “The Pazmanian Devil” Pazmino (10-0, 8 KOs) faced a stern test from Pawtucket veteran Alfred Raymond (6-14-4, 3 KOs) but remained perfect with a six-round unanimous decision.

With his usual knockout game plan disrupted by Raymond’s durability and experience, Pazmino adjusted and showcased his boxing skills to win by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55.

Former college basketball player Barrett Hanlon enjoyed a sensational professional debut, dropping Ratavious Thrasher three times in the opening round of their light heavyweight bout.An overhand right produced the final knockdown and brought an end to the contest at 1:15.

Revere light heavyweight Leonardo “The Hand” Ladeira (9-11-1, 7 KOs) extended his winning streak to three fights with a second-round knockout of Felipe Soares. Ladeira dropped Soares twice with crisp right hooks, the second leaving Soares unable to beat the count at 2:29.

Cruiserweight Mohammad “Lightning” Alyazouri needed only 35 seconds to make an explosive professional debut. The Jordanian-born prospect dropped fellow debutant Charles de Sousa twice with powerful left hooks to secure the first-round stoppage.

Brazilian cruiserweight “Dangerous” Jefferson Almeida (2-1, 1 KO) also registered his first professional knockout, flooring Pablo Costa (0-1) with a body combination before finishing him with a left hook at 2:31 of the opening round.

In the evening’s opening bout, Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (8-6-1, 3 KOs) and Ryan Clark (5-9-1, 2 KOs) resumed their rivalry with six rounds of nonstop, close-quarters action. Andreozzi, who defeated Clark by split decision in their first meeting in 2024, prevailed again by majority decision. Two judges scored the rematch 58-56 for Andreozzi, while the third had it even at 57-57.

Fans can relive select bouts from Boston Harbor Fight Night 2 when the action is rebroadcast Thursday, September 3, at 11:30 p.m. ET on NESN and Friday, September 4, at 10 p.m. ET on NESN+.

For more information on Boston Harbor Fight Night 2 and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION

ABOUT CES BOXING

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.




TRAINING CAMP NOTES: VITO MIELNICKI JR. READY FOR EXPLOSIVE SHOWDOWN WITH AUSTIN “AMMO” WILLIAMS IN NEW JERSEY

HOUSTON, TX (August 31, 2026) –– The hard work is nearly finished, and for Vito Mielnicki Jr. (23-1, 13 KOs), who is co-promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Boxlab Promotions, there is no place he would rather put it all on display than back home in New Jersey.

The WBO No. 2-ranked middleweight contender will face Austin “Ammo” Williams (20-2, 13 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round co-main event on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The bout will be featured on Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing card headlined by heavyweights Andy Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs) and Damian Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs). The event will air live worldwide on DAZN and also on TNT in the USA.

For Mielnicki, this is more than another fight. He is coming home as one of the highest-ranked middleweight contenders in the world, facing a dangerous opponent on a major stage with family, friends and plenty of familiar faces expected inside Prudential Center.

More importantly, Mielnicki knows what could be waiting on the other side of a victory. With a No. 2 ranking in the WBO, a strong performance against Williams could put him right on the doorstep of the world title opportunity he has been working toward.

Mielnicki has spent his recent training camp in Houston, Texas, working under the guidance of world-renowned trainer Ronnie Shields.

Getting away from home has allowed Mielnicki to narrow his world down to boxing. The days have been built around training, recovery and doing it all over again. It hasn’t always been comfortable, but with the biggest fights of his career now within reach, comfort isn’t what Mielnicki came to Houston looking for.

“This camp with Ronnie has been exactly what I needed,” said Mielnicki. “Coming down to Houston takes me away from everything and lets me focus completely on boxing. Ronnie has been around this sport at the highest level for a long time, and there are little things he sees that can make a big difference in a fight. He’s pushed me hard, but he’s also made me think more in the ring. I feel like I’m becoming a more complete fighter every day I’m in the gym with him.”

At 23-1, Mielnicki has already accumulated considerable professional experience, but he believes there is still another level to reach. That mindset has been a major part of this camp.

“I don’t want to be the same fighter I was six months ago or even in my last fight,” Mielnicki continued. “I’m still learning. I’m still hungry. That’s one thing Ronnie and I agree on. Just because you’re ranked No. 3 in the world doesn’t mean you’ve arrived. If anything, it means you have to work harder because everybody is coming for your position. I’ve put everything into this camp, and I’m excited to show the improvements on September 4.”

Mielnicki understands Williams isn’t the type of opponent a fighter chooses when he wants an easy night. Williams is experienced, athletic, powerful and has spent much of his own career competing on significant stages. Mielnicki respects what Williams brings to the ring, but he also sees the matchup as an opportunity to show exactly where he belongs in the middleweight division.

“Ammo is a good fighter, and I’m not going to sit here and pretend otherwise,” Mielnicki said. “He’s talented, he’s strong, and he’s been in big fights. I want to thank him for taking this fight because he believes he can beat me, just like I believe I can beat him. That’s what makes it interesting. You have two guys who know there is a lot on the line and neither one wants to take a step backward.”

Mielnicki expects Williams to arrive in Newark motivated, which is exactly the type of opponent he wants at this stage of his career.

“I want a guy who is coming to win,” Mielnicki added. “I don’t want somebody who is just happy to be there. I want somebody dangerous because when I beat a dangerous fighter, people have to accept it. I’m preparing for the best version of Ammo Williams. I’m ready to box if I have to box, fight if I have to fight and make adjustments if the fight changes. Whatever he brings, I believe I’ll have an answer.”

For all the talk about rankings and world title opportunities, there is another part of this fight that means something deeply personal to Mielnicki. He’s coming home. Fighting at Prudential Center gives the New Jersey native an opportunity to perform in front of people who have watched his journey long before world rankings and nationally televised fights became part of the conversation. For Mielnicki, that creates emotion, but also motivation.

“Fighting in New Jersey is always special to me,” Mielnicki said. “These are the people who knew me before any of this. My family, my friends, people who watched me grow up and people who have supported me since I was a kid with a dream of becoming a world champion. When I walk into Prudential Center and hear that crowd, I know I’m going to feel it.”

Mielnicki knows fighting at home can also bring additional pressure. Tickets, family requests and the desire to impress can become distractions if a fighter allows them to. He insists his focus will remain where it needs to be.

“You definitely want to put on a show when you’re fighting at home,” Mielnicki continued. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. But I can’t let the emotion make me fight the wrong fight. Once the bell rings, I have a job to do. My family and friends aren’t coming just to see me fight. They’re coming to see me win. The best way I can repay all that support is to stay disciplined and give them the best version of me.”

The timing of the fight couldn’t be much bigger for Mielnicki. He enters the contest ranked No. 3 by the WBO, and the bout will be showcased on a major Matchroom Boxing event with viewers watching on DAZN and TNT.

A convincing victory could put his name directly into the world championship conversation. Mielnicki doesn’t shy away from that possibility. He embraces it.

“This is the position I’ve worked my whole life to get into,” Mielnicki said. “I’m ranked No. 3 by the WBO, I’m fighting a respected guy like Ammo Williams, I’m at home in New Jersey, and the fight is being shown on a major platform. What more could I ask for? Now it’s on me to perform.”

Rather than feeling burdened by what is at stake, Mielnicki sees it as proof that all those years in the gym are beginning to lead somewhere.

“A win here can put me right in position for a world title fight,” Mielnicki continued. “That’s what I want. I didn’t get into boxing just to have a good record or say I was highly ranked. I want to become a world champion. But I also understand I can’t skip September 4. Ammo Williams is standing between me and where I want to go, so right now he has my complete attention. I want to make a statement. I want people watching to finish the night saying Vito Mielnicki Jr. is ready for a world title.”

For Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, Mielnicki’s co-promotional agreement with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing represents an important next step for a fighter whose ambitions have grown alongside his world ranking. Piedra believes the partnership gives Mielnicki the type of platform needed to turn his No. 3 WBO ranking into something even more meaningful.

“We’re extremely excited about Vito entering into this co-promotional relationship with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said Piedra. “Vito has done the work to put himself in this position. He’s 23-1, he’s ranked No. 3 by the WBO, he’s still improving, and most importantly, he wants the difficult fights. Matchroom understands how to build major events and create opportunities at the world championship level. We believe this partnership with Boxlab and Matchroom puts Vito in a tremendous position moving forward.”

Piedra sees the Williams fight as much more than the beginning of a new promotional chapter. In his view, it could be the final hurdle before Mielnicki gets the opportunity every fighter ultimately wants.

“This is a very important fight for Vito,” Piedra continued. “Ammo Williams is a world class middleweight and a dangerous opponent. If Vito goes out there and beats him, especially if he does it impressively, I think you have to start talking seriously about a world title shot. When you’re highly rated by the WBO and you’re beating fighters of this caliber, there aren’t many more steps left to take. We believe Vito is ready to make that statement.”

For Mielnicki, the equation is much simpler. There will be time to discuss rankings, promotional plans and world championship opportunities after September 4. First, he has business to handle at home.

“I’ve dreamed about becoming a world champion since I was a kid,” Mielnicki concluded. “Now I’m close enough that I can see it, but being close isn’t good enough for me. I still have to earn it. September 4 is another step, and it’s a big one. I’m coming home to New Jersey hungry, focused and ready to show everybody that I belong at the top of the middleweight division.”




CombatVisionTV Unveils Action-Packed September–October 2026 Fight Schedule

August 31, 2026 — CombatVisionTV is gearing up for a packed fall fight season, bringing fans a lineup of live combat sports events throughout September and October 2026. From Santo Domingo to Houston and Kansas City, viewers can catch the action through the CombatVisionTV appavailable on Apple App Store and Google Play.

The upcoming schedule kicks off Friday, September 11, and continues through Friday, October 23, showcasing fighters, venues, and events from across the combat sports community.

CombatVisionTV Upcoming Events

  • Friday, September 11 – Dominican Fight Night Series
  • Coliseo Carlos Teo Cruz, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
  • CombatVisionTV heads to the Caribbean as the Dominican Fight Night Series brings fight-night action to the historic Coliseo Carlos Teo Cruz.

  • Friday, September 25 – Biyu Brawl 8
  • Biyu Arena, Houston, Texas
  • Biyu Brawl returns for its eighth installment, with Houston serving as the backdrop for another night of competition.

  • Friday & Saturday, October 9–10 – Heart of America
  • Memorial Hall — Kansas City
  • The two-day Heart of America Pro + AM Invitational brings professional and amateur competitors together for a full weekend of combat sports action.

  • Friday, October 23 – Ascension Series III
  • Biyu Arena, Houston, Texas
  • CombatVisionTV returns to Houston for Ascension Series III, closing out the announced September–October schedule at Biyu Arena.

One Destination for Fight Fans

CombatVisionTV.com is giving combat sports fans a way to follow the action wherever they are. With events spanning multiple cities and fight promotions, the upcoming schedule reinforces the platform’s focus on bringing live combat sports directly to viewers.

Fans can watch these upcoming events through the CombatVisionTV app, available for compatible Apple and Android devices through the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Mark the dates. Get the app. And get ready for fight night.

Upcoming CombatVisionTV Schedule

September 11: Dominican Fight Night Series, Santo Domingo, DR

September 25: Biyu Brawl 8, Houston, TX

October 9–10: Heart of America Pro + AM Invitational, Kansas City, KS

October 23: Ascension Series III, Houston, TX

About CombatVisionTV

CombatVisionTV is a combat sports streaming platform connecting fight fans with live events and competition from across the combat sports world. Through the CombatVisionTV app, audiences can follow upcoming events and experience fight-night action from their compatible mobile devices.




Takeshi Ishii and Wilfredo Méndez clash for the WBA Minimumweight World Title

Japanese contender Takeshi Ishii and experienced former Puerto Rican world champion Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez will collide in Yokohama, Japan, with the coveted World Boxing Association (WBA) Minimumweight World Title on the line.

Ishii will step into the ring backed by the trademark discipline of the Japanese boxing school, bringing an relentless punching pace, solid conditioning and a strong offensive mindset. The Japanese challenger will look to capitalize on his speed in close quarters and apply constant pressure to cut off the ring, attempting to smother his opponent’s movement with sharp hooks to the body.

Méndez, meanwhile, enters the bout with the pedigree and experience that come with having previously ruled the division. The Puerto Rican southpaw, known for his polished stance and elusive footwork, is expected to focus on controlling the tempo from long and mid-range. “Bimbito” will rely heavily on a precise, well-timed jab to disrupt Ishii’s forward attacks while looking to capitalize on every defensive opening with quick and accurate counterpunches.

Ishii returns to action following a one-year layoff. The Japanese fighter was last seen in September 2025, when he earned a unanimous decision victory over Filipino Jake Amparon.

Méndez has also been out of the ring for a year. In his most recent outing, on September 20, 2025, he fought André Manuel Rodríguez to a split-decision draw.




BKB HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION GUSTAVO “THE CUBAN ASSASSIN” TRUJILLO RETAINS WORLD TITLE, TURNS ATTENTION BACK TO BOXING

MIAMI, FL (August 31, 2026) – Gustavo “The Cuban Assassin” Trujillo (9-0, 9 KOs) once again showed why he has become one of the most dangerous heavyweights competing across combat sports.

Trujillo successfully defended his BKB Heavyweight World Title with a punishing second-round stoppage of Mick “The Butcher of Shields” Terrill (11-3, 11 KOs) at BKB 58: Miami, which took place Saturday, August 29, at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida.

The event was broadcast live on VICE TV in the United States and Canada, as well as Telemundo for Spanish-language audiences throughout the United States.?
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Terrill entered the contest on late notice, but his reputation and perfect knockout percentage made him an opponent Trujillo knew he couldn’t afford to overlook. The champion remained composed, picked his moments and ended matters emphatically in the second round.

Trujillo connected with a devastating left hand to the body that sent Terrill to the canvas. Terrill was unable to continue, bringing the bout to an end and keeping Trujillo’s BKB heavyweight championship firmly in his possession.

Adding to the moment, Trujillo had his BKB Heavyweight World Title placed over his shoulder by “The Gypsy King” Tyson Fury following the victory. For Trujillo, however, Saturday night’s celebration won’t last long. The unbeaten Cuban heavyweight is now ready to turn his attention back to traditional boxing, where he is currently ranked No. 12 by the WBO and owns a perfect 12-0 record with eleven victories coming by knockout.

Taking on a dangerous opponent with little time to prepare for him presented Trujillo with a different kind of challenge. Terrill’s late arrival meant adjustments had to be made quickly, but Trujillo believes his preparation and experience allowed him to remain calm rather than become distracted by the change.

“Mick Terrill came in on late notice, but when you are a champion, you have to be prepared for situations like that,” said Trujillo. “There are no excuses at this level. He was a very dangerous opponent, and his record showed that. He came with power, experience and the belief that he could take my title , but I trusted my preparation and stayed disciplined. When I saw the opening to the body, I didn’t hesitate. I placed the shot exactly where I wanted it, and the fight was over.”

Trujillo was particularly pleased with the composure he showed before delivering the finishing blow.

“Power is important, but power without intelligence can be wasted,” Trujillo continued. “I take pride in studying what is happening in front of me and choosing the right moment. I didn’t need to be reckless. I remained patient, found the opening and executed. To defend my championship in Miami in that fashion was very satisfying.”

While Trujillo has established himself as a force in BKB, his ambitions in traditional boxing remain just as strong. Currently ranked No. 12 by the WBO at heavyweight, Trujillo believes the time has come to test himself against recognizable names in the division. He wants a fight that matters.

“Being ranked No. 12 by the WBO is an honor, but I don’t look at a ranking as an accomplishment by itself,” Trujillo said. “I look at it as a position that I’ve earned and now have to build upon. I want to move into the top 10, then toward a world title opportunity. To do that, I need meaningful fights against quality heavyweights. I’m ready for that step.”

Trujillo believes his experience competing at the highest level of BKB has only strengthened the tools he brings into a traditional boxing ring.

“I know what I possess as a fighter,” Trujillo added. “I have power, but there is much more to my boxing than power. I have patience, timing, discipline and the ability to think under pressure. I want the opportunity to demonstrate those qualities against a highly regarded heavyweight. Give me a name. Give me someone ranked ahead of me. I’m prepared to earn my way toward a world championship.”

PROMOTIONAL FREE AGENT AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Making Trujillo’s situation particularly interesting is his status as a promotional free agent. With a world championship in BKB, an undefeated professional boxing record, a top-15 WBO ranking and a perfect knockout percentage, Trujillo believes he has put himself in a unique position to speak with promoters interested in adding a legitimate heavyweight contender to their roster.

“I am a promotional free agent, and I’m open for business,” Trujillo stated. “That doesn’t mean I’m looking for just any agreement. I’m looking for the right relationship with people who understand my vision and believe they can help me reach the highest level in boxing.”

For Trujillo, finding the right promotional home is about building something substantial rather than chasing immediate attention.

“I believe a fighter and promoter should share the same ambition,” he continued. “I want significant fights. I want to continue advancing in the rankings, and ultimately, I want to fight for a heavyweight world championship. I’m willing to sit down with anyone who has a serious plan and believes in what I bring to the table. My team and I are ready to have those conversations.”

Trujillo doesn’t intend to spend the remainder of the year celebrating Saturday’s victory. After taking the necessary time to recover, his plan is to return to training with a traditional boxing match firmly in his sights before the end of 2026.

“The BKB championship means a great deal to me, and I’m proud to represent the sport as its heavyweight champion,” Trujillo said. “But I have unfinished business in boxing. My goal is to be back in the boxing ring before the end of the year. I don’t want to sit around and lose momentum. I feel healthy, motivated and mentally ready to continue working.”

His perfect professional boxing record is something Trujillo wants to build into a world championship run.

“I’m 12-0 with eleven knockouts, and I’m ranked No. 12 by the WBO,” Trujillo continued. “Now is the time to move forward. I respect everyone in the heavyweight division, but I also believe in myself. I don’t need unnecessary talk or disrespect to create attention. Put the right opponent across the ring from me, and I’ll let my performance speak for me.”

Trujillo’s manager, Abe Swidan of Visionary Sports Group, believes his fighter’s ability to excel in both BKB and traditional boxing makes him a rare talent in today’s heavyweight landscape. What impresses Swidan most isn’t simply Trujillo’s punching power, but the intelligence and composure behind it.

“I know we have something special with Gustavo,” said Swidan. “It’s obviously easy to look at the numbers. He’s 12-0 in boxing, he’s the BKB Heavyweight World Champion, and he’s ranked No. 12 by the WBO. But when you’re around him every day, you understand there is much more to him than those statistics. He’s intelligent, disciplined, coachable and incredibly focused. The power is real, but so is his boxing ability.”

Swidan believes Trujillo’s latest performance should serve as another reminder that he is ready for significant opportunities in both sports.

“What he did against Terrill showed his maturity,” Swidan continued. “He didn’t panic because the opponent changed. He didn’t go out there recklessly looking for a knockout. He stayed composed, found the opening and finished the fight with a beautiful body shot. That’s what elite fighters do. Gustavo has already established himself at the highest level in BKB, and now we’re focused on showing what he can do against the upper level of the heavyweight division in boxing. We’re open for business, and we’re ready to talk to promoters about the right opportunity.”

For Trujillo, the message coming out of Miami is straightforward. The BKB Heavyweight World Title is still his. His undefeated boxing record remains intact. And now, the WBO-ranked Cuban heavyweight wants a major fight.

“I appreciate every opportunity I’ve been given, and I never take any victory for granted,” Trujillo concluded. “Having Tyson Fury put that championship over my shoulder was a memorable moment, especially because of what he has accomplished in the heavyweight division. But my journey is not finished. I have bigger goals in boxing, and I’m prepared to work for them. I’m ready for the next challenge.”




MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ MVPW-06 POST-FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions’ (MVP) MVPW-06 UK vs. USA took place on Saturday, August 29, at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, England, delivering an action-packed night of championship boxing live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the US. Headlined by the UK’s Chantelle Cameron (23-1, 8 KOs), who became the new unified WBA, WBC and WBO super welterweight world champion with a career-best performance and unanimous decision victory (97-93 x2, 96-94) over MVP’s and USA’s Mikaela Mayer (22-3, 5 KOs), the event also saw MVP and London’s Caroline Dubois (14-0-1, 5 KOs) successfully defend her unified WBC and WBO lightweight world titles with a dominant unanimous decision victory (99-90 x2, 98-91) over the USA’s Amelia Moore (4-1, 1 KO). Additionally, MVP and the UK’s three-division world champion Terri Harper (17-3-2, 7 KOs) delivered a dominant second-round TKO victory over MVP and the USA’s Miranda Reyes (9-4-1, 3 KOs), stopping Reyes at 0:47 of the round to establish herself as a top contender at 140 lbs as she continues her pursuit of a world championship in a fourth weight division. 

The evening marked the five-year anniversary of Most Valuable Promotions following the company’s inception in 2021 and saw Team UK defeat Team USA 4-1 across the main card. Harper earned a £10,000 MVP Performance of the Night bonus and the £5,000 OOOSCH Moment of the Night bonus, while Reina Tellez and Jessica Barry split an additional £10,000 Performance of the Night bonus following their hard-fought 10-round battle. Also, Dubois, Harper, Barry and Tysie Gallagher each earned an additional £5,000 for Team UK’s victory in the UK vs. USA competition.

At the press conference following the fights, MVP co-founders Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, MVP’s Head of Boxing Mike Leanardi, Cameron, Dubois, and Harper had much to discuss following the historic night of boxing in Birmingham. For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

JAKE PAUL QUOTES:

On MVP’s impact on women’s boxing:

I’ve always loved, you know, the women and Amanda Serrano. That’s where it really started. It’s grown into something that will forever be remembered. It’s a testament to self-belief and knowing what you’re capable of. 

On MVP’s growth:

They didn’t think I’d be a promoter. They didn’t think we were taking this seriously, and here we are as arguably the biggest promotion, at least the best at throwing the biggest events in the sport of boxing. 

On MVP’s last five years:

Five years ago, our first event to now…we attribute it all to the fans, all of the people that have followed along the whole entire time, and the MVP team who work so hard on a consistent basis. We just love outworking people, doing things differently, and shaking the sport up. I’m just excited to see where we’ll be in five years.

On continuing to expand women’s boxing supporters:

We’ll just continue to grow and build out that fan base. When you put on good events like this, this is when people start to come and show up more and more. So what it’s all about for us is growth. 

On whether Alycia Baumgarnder is scared of facing Caroline Dubois:

Alycia [Baumgarnder] is not scared of anyone. We’re sitting there talking about what she’s going to do when they fight. So, I know it’s going to happen, and Alycia [Baumgarnder] has to get through November 8th, and then we can have those discussions. I think it’s funny when fans or critics say that certain people in fighting are scared of someone. It’s like they’re fucking fighters. They’re not scared. This is what they do for a living. 

NAKISA BIDARIAN QUOTES:

On five years of MVP:

We’re excited that women’s boxing has gotten to this point as we today [August 29, 2026] hit our fifth year of inception.  MVP was started August 29th of 2021 when this young man [Jake Paul] headlined our first-ever event, a Showtime pay-per-view, which was an incredible event on its own. 

On MVPW-06: 

Fast forward 5 years later… to be here tonight in Birmingham with Sky Sports and ESPN in the US and see those two incredible warriors and Chantelle [Cameron] and Mikaela [Mayer] go toe-to-toe every second, every minute of every round means we’ve done something right, and women’s boxing is here to stay. MVPW is only going to grow from here.

On MVPW-06’s main card:

Everybody came out, showed out. That main card was exciting from beginning to end.

On Team UK’s dominant performance at MVPW-06:

Obviously, the UK won in dominant fashion, but I really want to recognize Reina Tellez and Jessica Barry for their performance. They’ll be getting a performance bonus. 

On Terri Harper:

Katie Taylor, one of the goats, not the GOAT, but one of the goats, has her final fight. So, that 140 division becomes wide open, and Terri Harper just became a real contender in that division again. 

On Chantelle Cameron:

You have to tip your hat to Chantelle Cameron. She needs to get more recognition. People need to give her her props, her respect. She’s an unbelievable fighter.

On MVPW-06’s viewership: 

The truth is more people saw Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron fight tonight than the other fight because that’s on pay-per-view behind a paywall, and we’re on Sky Sports here [in the UK] and ESPN 2 and ESPN+in the US. So, we feel like we gave our fighters a great platform to showcase their abilities.

On MVP’s marketing: 

Platform, positioning, and push. That’s what we’re doing with these athletes, and we’re going to continue to invest in them. This is a long-term play, but from day one, we’ve told the world and represented that these are some of the best fighters, and ESPN agrees, Sky agrees, and fans from time to time have agreed with big events. Sometimes fans need a little bit more convincing on women’s boxing, but we’re here to stay. These athletes are showing you the reason that you need to show up to these events.

On MVP’s partnership with Sky Sports:

I think we have a great partnership with them. It’s the best platform in the UK from our perspective for sports, and we’re thrilled to grow this relationship. 

On MVP’s dominance in women’s combat sports:

We have a leadership position in women that we’re only going to triple down on. The reality is there are two maybe three fighters in the world that are not a part of our brand that prohibit us from being the 100% reference point for the sport. So, that’s a position we’re going to protect and grow. 

MIKE LEANARDI (HEAD OF BOXING, MVP) QUOTES

On Terri Harper:

So, as Nakisa [Bidarian] alluded to earlier, something that we’ve been speaking about with Terri [Harper] and her team is going up to super lightweight for an opportunity for Terri [Harper] to become a four-weight world champion. Don’t have to tell you all. It’s a very rare thing. I think super lightweight looked pretty good on you tonight, Terri.

CHANTELLE CAMERON QUOTES:

On her performance:

I think that probably was one of my best performances. I think obviously I need to watch it back, but I did get a bit silly in there. I think emotions, my energy, I just switched off a bit, and I shouldn’t have done that because I ended up getting cut. I was having fun, and I enjoyed it. That’s what boxing is about. Go in there, have fun, and get the wins.

On the terms of her future rematch vs. Mayer:

Hopefully, if we’re going to do this rematch, we’re going to do three-minute rounds. This fight was on Mikaela’s [Mayer’s] terms. She wanted the twos. She wanted the weight. She wanted to have her name first, which was absolutely fine because we’re going to get into that. If it was on her terms, I think now the rematch we’ve got to do the three-minute rounds. If we’ve got to vacate the WBC, which hopefully, if the WBC can come to terms with three-minute rounds, then we can put that on, but I’m going to speak to my team, Mike [Leanardi], Nakisa [Bidarian], and I would like to fight for three-minute rounds. If that means vacating the WBC again, I don’t mind doing that.

On enjoying her bout vs. Mayer:

I hope everyone enjoyed the fight. I really enjoyed it.

On her preparation for the bout:

I’m dedicated when I’m in the gym, and I do everything I’m told. I just had to go in there and enjoy it. That’s what I did.

On Mayer’s performance:

I was feeling her energy that she didn’t want to be there. I do think she did start coming on in the end rounds, but I could feel that she didn’t want to be in there. She knew that she was in with the wrong girl, and she knew that I was just going to outclass her all night, and I was going to beat her up, and I did that.

On where this win ranks amongst her best wins:

I’m going to say it’s my best win.

On becoming unified for the second time:

To become unified again for the second time is pretty special.

On Mayer:

I did genuinely really respect her, and I was a fan of her, but the way she’s carried on, I just think she’s made a bit of a fool of herself and egged me. I was looking at her before the bell rang and I just thought I really am gonna beat you up and smash your head in if I’m honest.

On Mayer’s strength:

So the way I realized that she’s not as strong as me was because she was trying to like badge me and push me, but I was going nowhere, and I wasn’t really trying. I thought a bit embarrassing for you. So, I knew that when we were going to go into the fight tonight, she wasn’t going to be pushing me back. I’ll just box her head off.

On her attitude during fight week:

I say it all the time, talk is cheap. I think the way I did act this week was probably out of character because I don’t like to like go on like that. I think it’s a bit foolish, but she [Mikaela Mayer] did. She pushed the wrong buttons.

On potentially fighting in the US:

I wouldn’t mind a little trip to the USA.

CAROLINE DUBOIS QUOTES

On figuring out Moore’s plan in the ring:

I felt like I figured her out from the first round. I felt like I knew what she was going to do. I’m not someone who’s going to come out and throw a million and one punches. 

On Moore’s performance:

I felt like she was a lot tougher than what I expected. She came to win, and she tried her hardest, but at the end of the day, it’s not about being the toughest; it’s about being the most skillful. And that’s what I was tonight.

On where she ranks Moore amongst her past opponents:

I think that Amelia [Moore] is maybe not as technically sound as Terri Harper, but I think she’s braver. I think she has more heart, so I would probably rank her as the highest.

On implementing her training in the ring:

I want to go back and watch this fight, but I hope that I was able to show what we worked on a little bit and the development. 

On women fighting two-minute rounds:

It’s a shame that women only fight two-minute rounds because we’re not able to build as much, but I feel like I build as the fight goes on. 

On wanting to fight Stephanie Han next:

Nakisa [Bidarian] flew me out earlier this year to watch Stephanie [Han] fight against Holly Holm. I went to the press conference afterwards. I wasn’t afraid to come to the press conference, and I called her out openly there and then. She promised me, we shook hands on it, that this is the fight that’s going to happen, and I intend to hold her to that. I want to fight Stephanie Han next.

On Alycia Baumgardner:

She’s [Alycia Baumgardner] tried as hard as she can to dismiss me and make it seem like I’m not on her level, but I am. I’m the world champion, and she’s [Alycia Baumgardner] moving up to my division. I think that this is the biggest fight in women’s boxing. 

On Baumgardner vs. Turhan:

I hope that she [Alycia Baumgardner] wins against Elif [Nur Turhan], but you never know; maybe it’s Elif [Nur Turhan] who wins, and it’ll be me and her facing off for undisputed. So, let’s not try and overlook Elif [Nur Turhan]. 

TERRI HARPER QUOTES:

On what she wants for her future:

I think I just want it all to be fair. Legacy, big fights, world titles, and just to enjoy what I do.

On her performance vs. Miranda Reyes:

It was just a punch perfect performance for me. I think I just got into the flow straight away from the first bell.

On following her game plan:

I think the game plan worked perfectly, and it went much better than I anticipated.

On fighting at 140 lbs:

I think that performance tonight shows how 140 feels. Obviously I have to cut for the weight and be on a strict diet and stuff, but it’s a lot more comfortable to make, and I feel big and strong and I refueled good after yesterday’s weigh-in. 

On who she’ll fight next:

Whatever fight is offered to me, I want to take. 

On her plans for the future:

I think for me, I’ll just sit back, enjoy this win, and wait for MVP to tell me who I fight next.

On wanting to fight in the US:

I’ve boxed in Sheffield all my life, and a dream of mine is to box in the US. So whatever fight I could have in the US, I would appreciate that.

On the highs and lows of boxing:

Boxing’s tough. It’s a tough sport. I won’t lie, there’s probably about 50 times this camp where I think, right, I’m done. I’m retiring. I needed that performance tonight. I needed that win. It’s pushed me back up, and it’s all part of the sport, the highs and the lows. I love it.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP):

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is a global combat sports and entertainment company built for the next generation of athletes and fans. The company operates across boxing, mixed martial arts, live events, media, content, athlete development, and global distribution, with a fighter-first philosophy centered on equitable compensation, maximum visibility, and long-term brand building.

Led by co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian and Chief Executive Officer John Martin and backed by founding investors 885 Capital & Knighthead, MVP promotes some of the world’s biggest combat sports events and represents a roster of nearly 400 elite athletes, including world champions, titleholders, contenders, and emerging stars. MVP’s portfolio includes MVP, MVPW, and MVP MMA, bringing together premier boxing and mixed martial arts properties under one global brand.

Through partnerships with leading media and distribution platforms including Netflix, ESPN, Sky Sports, and an extensive international network reaching fans across more than 170 countries, MVP delivers world-class competition and entertainment to audiences worldwide. By combining elite athletes, premium live events, compelling storytelling, and global media reach, MVP is building the future of combat sports.




JONNY MANSOUR & JUJU BALLO PUT ON A SHOW IN FRONT OF FOX THEATRE BOXING RECORD CROWD SATURDAY IN DETROIT ON WYNN RECORDS NETWORK 

DETROIT (Aug. 30, 2026) – Undefeated lightweight sensation and San Diego-based rising prospect Jonny Mansour thrilled the more than 3,200 fans in attendance at Fox Theatre – a boxing event record at the historic theatre – with a sensational knockout of Ernest Bustos Saturday in the co-main event on Wynn Records Network. Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre.

With the crowd chanting “Jonny” as he was walked to the ring by Detroit rap star 42 Dugg, former amateur standout Mansour (8-0, 3 KOs) put on a clinic, flooring Bustos (6-3, 2 KOs), three times en route to a second round KO (1:47).  

In the waning seconds of the first, the 26-year-old floored Bustos with a flush left hook to the chin, with the Texas native slow to get up and barely beating the count.  San Diego’s Mansour kept the pressure in the second, dropping Bustos again with a clean body shot midway through the round.  Once again Bustos was slow to get up, and moments later Mansour landed a right-left combo followed by a picture perfect right to body, dropping his opponent for the third and final time as the referee waved off the fight.  

“I want to thank all my fans,” Mansour said.  “I put in so much work every single fight. My fight camps take a lot of dedication. This fight goes out to all my people in Detroit. I promised my mother that one day I would be a world champion, and tonight I am one step closer to that promise. I might have to move to Detroit. I will be back.

“That was an 11 out of 10 performance tonight. Yesterday he tried to say I wasn’t ‘about that life,’ but I’ve been putting in work since I was eight years old—I don’t need to run my mouth because my hands speak for themselves. I wanted the knockout, and when I told him to get back up, he didn’t want any more of it.”

This was the second consecutive packed house for Salita Promotions in the month of August after a sensational crowd supported the GWOAT Claressa Shields on Aug. 15 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The more than 3,000 paid attendees at Fox Theatre for the Salita Promotions and Ballo and Mansour’s G2G Promotions event, in association with Wynn Records, were treated to a thrilling night of boxing at the nearly 100-year-old historic theatre.  

“It’s been a great month for us, along with Wynn Records, here in Detroit with G2G Promotions, Jonny and JuJu, and in Atlanta with Claressa,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions.  “We were able to put on two shows for capacity audiences in less than two weeks in two great American cities.  We’ve been working to build Detroit back into a major hub for world class boxing and tonight we proved that it is truly back.”

World-ranked heavyweight contender Brandon Moore outworked former world title challenger Byrant Jennings en route to a unanimous decision victory, scored 99-91, 98-92 twice.  

Moore (20-1, 10 KOs) was by far the more active fighter from the opening bell, jabbing to keep his 41-year-old opponent at bay.  Jennings appeared to be sitting and waiting to land the big one that never came, as Moore continued to fight from the outside and lean on his reach and size advantage to frustrate Jennings.  An accidental headbutt opened a gushing cut under Moore’s left eye in the sixth, followed by another one in the 10th and final round above the same eye. 

Throughout the bout, Jennings was game but struggled to pull the trigger, as Moore pocketed rounds and Jennings appeared to struggle to keep up with the output of his much younger opponent.  

Undefeated blue chip super featherweight prospect and former amateur standout JuJu Ballo won a dominating shutout unanimous decision over Julian Gomez-Clemons in front of his Chaldean faithful at Fox Theatre.  The convincing win was scored 60-54 by all three judges.  

San Diego’s Ballo controlled the distance from the opening bell, fighting at range and coming inside to pick apart Gomez-Clemons despite a significant size and reach disadvantage.  Ballo (4-0) did his best work from the outside, landing sharp jabs and power hooks, tiring his opponent with his superior movement and footwork.  The 23-year-old improved as the fight went on, landing his sharpest punch of the fight in the final round – a left hook to Gomez-Clemons’ (2-2, 2 KOs) head that had the crowd erupt to their feet.  

After the bell, Ballo’s father Jack, lifted his son in a triumphant victory walk around the ring as thousands of fans cheered “JuJu.”  

“First of all, I want to thank God,” Ballo said.  “Second of all, how’re all my Habibi’s doing tonight? I feel great; I’m 4-0, and I wanted to go for the knockout. The knockout didn’t come my way this time, but man, I felt great. I showcased my skills in front of a great Detroit audience.”

“I’m putting the 126-lb division on notice. This isn’t even my best yet. This goes out to all my Chaldeans in the house.  I proved once again why you can’t sleep on my skills—that was a solid 8.5 performance against a really tough competitor. I wanted to get the knockout, but he wasn’t a pushover.  I controlled the range, barely got touched all night, and got some great learning rounds in while taking care of business.”  

Undefeated Flint heavyweight Sardius Simmons (10-0, 6 KOs) scored a highlight-reel second-round TKO of Detrailous Webster (9-6, 5 KOs).  Webster hurt Simmons badly in the second, sending him stumbling back into the ropes.  Simmons didn’t let off the gas, landing a flush right hook that sent Webster tumbling back into the ropes of the neutral corner.  With blood gushing from his nose, the referee immediately stopped the bout at 1:55.  

Michigan favorite and SuperBad Boxing Gym fighter Jasmine Hampton (3-0, 2 KOs) won an eight-round unanimous decision over Gloria Munguilla (8-4), scored 78-74, 80-72, 78-74.  

Local favorite Hussam Al Mashadi (16-1, 12 KOs) narrowly edged a game Seantorious Martin (12-2, 7 KOs) via eight-round unanimous decision in a back-and-forth fight, scored 78-74, 79-73, 77-75.  

In a matchup of undefeated bantamweight prospects in the opening bout on Wynn Records Network, Richard Fernandez (5-0-1, 3 KOs) and Joshua Moreno (4-0-1, 3 KOs) fought to a split-draw in six round an action-packed fight, scored 56-68 for Moreno, 58-56 for Fernandez and 57-57.  

In the final non-televised bout, local favorite and undefeated super lightweight prospect Lance Smith (8-0, 5 KOs) won a near-shutout unanimous decision over Marlin Sims (9-5, 4 KOs) scored 60-54, 60-54, 59-55. 

Undefeated super lightweight prospect Savannah Tini (8-0, 2 KOs) won a shutout eight-round unanimous decision victory over veteran Calista Silgado (22-21-4, 16 KOs), score 80-72 on all three judges scorecards.  

In the opening bout of the evening, G2G Promotions undefeated lightweight prospect Sai Maldonado (3-0, 2 KOs) went the distance for the first time in his career in a four-round unanimous decision over Dmytrko Kruhalskyi (0-1) scored 40-36, 39-37 twice.  

# # #?

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS: 

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers on worldwide television networks, including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+, and MSG, have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the?Salita?Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

ABOUT WYNN RECORDS: 

Wynn Records is a full-service talent and music agency specializing in artist development, management, brand partnerships, distribution, marketing, and touring. With strong expertise in music administration, digital strategy, licensing, and industry trends, Wynn provides tailored career guidance to help clients grow and succeed. Rooted in innovation and long-term vision, the company empowers artists, creatives, and athletes to maximize their visibility, revenue, and impact. 




Weights From the ‘Martinez vs. Plantic’ Event, Broadcast Live on ProBoxTV from the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles

Main Event: WBC Interim Super Middleweight World Championship

Lester Martinez 167.2 lbs. vs. Luka Plantic 167 lbs.

Najee Lopez 175 lbs. vs. Juan Carrillo 174.6 lbs.

Ramon Cardenas 122 lbs. vs. Leonardo Carrillo 121 lbs.

Weljon Mindoro 163.6 lbs. vs. Carlos Ocampo 165 lbs.

Luis Torres Valenzuela 134.8 lbs. vs. Jordan White 135 lbs.

Emilio Garcia 145.8 lbs. vs. Luis Guerrero Garcia 146 lbs.

Malachi Ross 155.8 lbs. vs. Semajay Thomas 153.8 lbs.

Hugo Amador Mendez 134.4 lbs. vs. Jonathan Martin Morales Mendez 134.4 lbs.

Ramon Ordonez 126.6 lbs. vs. Rafael Alejandro Ibarra Perez 127.8 lbs.

Jose Mejia Garibo 126.6 lbs. vs. Aram Alberto Pedraza 129.8 lbs.

Venue: USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA

FREE TV: YouTube 2:30 PT/5:30 ET (Future Stars Series)

MEMBERS ONLY: YouTube 5:00 pm PT/8:00 ET (JOIN)

Promoter: Garry Jonas (Pro Box Promotions), Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing)

Matchmakers: Ramiro Hernandez, Daniel Rubin, Joseph Rotonda

Tickets: Tickets may be purchased online at usctrojans.evenue.net or in person at the USC Ticket Office, located outside the North entrance of Galen Center at the Jefferson Blvd. and Figueroa St. intersection.

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ABOUT PROBOX TV

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

For more information, visit us online:

YouTube: @ProBoxTV

YouTube Espanol: @ProBoxTVEspañol

Web (English): proboxtv.com

Web (Espanol): proboxtv.com/es

Instagram: instagram.com/proboxtvofficial

Facebook: facebook.com/ProBoxTVStreaming

Twitter: twitter.com/probox_tv

TikTok: tiktok.com/@proboxtv

Support: support@proboxtv.com




Boston Harbor Fight Night 2Weigh-in Results from Everett, MA

EVERETT, MA – The talk is done and the weights are in at Encore, where CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions present Boston Harbor Fight Night 2 tomorrow night — an action-packed 10-bout card featuring a heavyweight slugfest between Chase DeMoor (6-2-1, 6 KOs) and unbeaten local prospect Kevin Nagle (11-0, 8 KOs) for the vacant WBC US Silver Heavyweight Championship.  

The action takes place beginning at 7pm at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MA. 
? Limited Tickets remain – purchase yours now on at CES Fights.   Tickets will also be sold at the venue on fight night.
  
? Chase DeMoor 231 vs. Kevin Nagle 317.5 – Heavyweights? Jonathan DePina 140 vs. Anthony Mora 147.5 – Welterweights? Jennifer Perella 117.5 vs. Chantal Sumrail 117 – Bantamweights? Felipe Soares TBD vs. Leonardo Ladeira 196 – Crusierweights? Barrett Hanlon 174 vs. Ratavious Thrasher 179 – Light Heavyweights? Keenan Raymond 156 vs. Jaydell Pazmino 157 – Jr. Middleweights? Melanie Costa 118 vs. Brittany Dukes 118 – Bantamweights? Charles De Souza 183 vs. Mohammad Alyazouri 190.5 – Cruiserweights? Jefferson Almeida 180 vs. Pablo Costa 192 – Cruiserweights? Ryan Clark 166.5 vs. Anthony Andreozzi 167 – Super Middleweights
For more information on Boston Harbor Fight Night 2 and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.INFORMATION

ABOUT CES BOXINGCES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

 



BRANDON MOORE VS. BRYANT JENNINGS OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON WYNN RECORDS NETWORK

DETROIT (Aug. 28, 2026) – World-ranked heavyweight contender Brandon Moore and former world title challenger Bryant Jennings faced off Friday in the grand lobby of the historic Fox Theatre during the official weigh-in for Saturday’s heavyweight showdown airing live at 7 p.m. ET on Wynn Records Network. Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre.
In separate co-main events, undefeated rising prospects and former amateur standouts JuJu Ballo and Jonny Mansour will make their Detroit debuts and celebrate the city’s large Chaldean and Middle Eastern communities. Ballo will face Julian Gomez-Clemons in a six-round super featherweight bout, while Mansour will take on Ernest Bustos in an eight-round lightweight matchup.
The seven-fight Wynn Records Network card will also feature prospects Sardius Simmons, Husam Al Mashhadi, Jasmine Hampton, Richard Fernandez Jr., Lance Smith and Sai Maldonado in competitive undercard matchups. Fans can register to watch at https://wynnrecordsnetwork.com/
The event is promoted by Salita Promotions and Ballo and Mansour’s G2G Promotions in association with Wynn Records. Limited remaining tickets are available at 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com.



TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR LOADED PBC TRIPLEHEADER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 FROM THE CHELSEA AT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS – August 28, 2026 – Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com for a jam-packed PBC tripleheader headlined by a trio of all-action boxing stars on Saturday, October 17 from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora faces unbeaten mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj in the main event of “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN.

The stacked lineup begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features two-division champion and reigning WBA Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his title against Japanese star and former world champion Tomoki Kameda in the co-main event, plus undefeated two-division world champion Jermall Charlo steps in to face Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a 10-round super middleweight showdown.

The fourth installment of the acclaimed live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, this event will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

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For more information on the October 17 event visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraHadribeaj, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.




JESUS RAMOS JR. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES 

CASA GRANDE, AZ. – August 28, 2026 – Rising star and Arizona native Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. held a media workout in his hometown of Casa Grande, Arizona on Thursday as he nears his matchup against unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov that serves as the co-main event streaming live on DAZN and presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

The September 19 event will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and see Mexican superstar and Interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz take on once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo in the main event.

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

The media workout also featured an appearance from Casa Grande Mayor Lisa Navarro Fitzgibbons who recently presented Ramoswith the Key to the City in March. Ramos also recently received the Hometown Legacy Award in recognition of his dedication to shaping the character and future of the city. 

His father and trainer, Jesus Ramos, Sr., was also recognized for his significant contributions to Casa Grande recently as Congressman Juan Ciscomani presented him with the American Dream Inspirational Educator Supporter award earlier this month.

The Ramos family opened the Ramos Boxing Academy in 2022 and in an effort to help revitalize the downtown area, the family also took over the Paramount Theatre across the street from their gym last year. The Ramos family have hosted a wide array of community events in the historic venue and have a Casa Grande’s Got Talent showcase coming up later this month.

Here is what the Ramos family and the Casa Grande Mayor had to say Thursday from Ramos Boxing Academy:

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“The 160-pound division is open for the taking. It’s my time!

“I’m very excited to be on this Pitbull card in San Diego, and right by Tijuana. That’s where my career started and I have a lot of fans there.

“It’s a blessing to have a space like the Ramos Boxing Academy where I can encourage the young kids who are here training and give them advice. A lot of fighters leave their hometowns to focus, but that’s never been a problem for me. My family helps me stay focused. Casa Grande is a small town, so there’s no distractions.

“We know we can’t take Nursultanov lightly. He’s coming in to prove a point, but we’re going to be ready for what he brings. I expect the best version of him and that helps motivate me every day.

“Once you become champion, there’s no more pressure. These fights are for my legacy. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone but myself.

“My maturity is different. We’re on a different level right now. These days in the gym aren’t draining, because we know from experience what needs to be done. It’s because we’ve reached that different level.

“There’s no trainer like my dad. We have the right chemistry and he always knows how to push my buttons. I’m grateful to have him as a coach and there’s no one else I’d want to share this journey with.

“Yoenli Hernandez is a good fighter, but he’s a little green. I’ll fight him any time, don’t get me wrong. I just think he needs a little time to improve and get better.

“It was a little longer layoff than we expected, but I think it was necessary. There were some injuries that I had to let recover. I feel like this fight is coming at the right time. I’m feeling great and I’m excited to be back.”

JESUS RAMOS SR., Jesus’ Father & Trainer

“Training is going perfectly. We’re healthy and Jesus is looking sharp and continuing to hone his skills every day. This is a big fight and we’re very thankful for the community coming out today.

“We have to continue learning and improve things in our game. We know we’re on the biggest stage and facing better and better fighters. We’re always going to train hard and we’re motivated.”

CASA GRANDE MAYOR LISA NAVARRO FITZGIBBONS

“The Ramos family are a part of every aspect of this community. They raised their kids here and have been active here for many years. Jesus is the first person to ever receive the key to the city, because it’s so important for us to have a young leader who’s successful in his field, but also a true role model. We’re very proud of him and he’ll always be our champion.

“It’s good for our young people to see that they can do anything with hard work and dedication. Jesus shows that it’s not an easy journey, but it’s all about commitment and hard work and passion.

“Jesus came back from his success and invested in his city. He loves his city and we love him. The gym and the theater show his true commitment to a community that’s been there for him all these years.”

#          #          #

ABOUT PITBULL VS. BRAVO

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

Plus, rising Mexican star and Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in a high-stakes co-main event showdown of action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

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




OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND FOR MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ MVPW-06 UK VS. USA

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 28, 2026 – Today at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, England, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and MVP’s and USA’s unified WBA and WBC champion Mikaela Mayer (22-2, 5 KOs) and the UK’s WBO champion Chantelle Cameron (22-1, 8 KOs) stepped on the scales ahead of their highly anticipated unified WBA, WBC and WBO super welterweight world title clash, streaming live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the US on Saturday, August 29.

Fighters on the main and preliminary cards participated in the weigh-in, including co-main event fighters MVP and London’s unified WBC and WBO lightweight world champion Caroline Dubois (13-0-1, 5 KOs) and USA’s WBO #5 contender, two-time national champion and reigning NABF lightweight champion Amelia Moore (4-0, 1 KO). Additional fighters included MVP’s Reina Tellez (13-1-1, 5 KOs), Jessica Barry (10-1, 2 KOs), Miranda Reyes (9-3-1, 3 KOs), Terri Harper (16-3-2, 6 KOs), Brandi Robinson (5-0, 1 KO), Tysie Gallagher (10-2), Neeraj Goyat (20-4-2, 9 KOs), Yessin Koulali (8-1, 3 KOs), Scott Melvin (12-1, 2 KOs), Dylan Cheema (11-3, 3 KOs), Shannon Courtenay (11-3, 4 KOs), Ebonie Cotton (2-2), Gemma Richardson (4-0, 1 KO), Kirstie Bavington (10-5-2, 2 KOs), Brandon Bethell (7-1, 1 KO), Jorge Luis Huerta (4-20, 1 KO), Hamza Uddin (6-0, 3 KOs), and Jemsi Kibazange (22-15-4, 8 KOs).

For additional details on the final weights, please refer to the bout sheet below.

MAIN CARD – 7:00 PM BST

WBA/WBC/WBO Super Welterweight World Titles (154 lbs)

Mikaela Mayer vs. Chantelle Cameron

148.0 | 147.6

Las Vegas via Woodland Hills, California | Northampton, England

WBC/WBO Lightweight World Titles (135 lbs)

Caroline Dubois vs. Amelia Moore 

134.8 | 134.4 

London, England | Colorado Springs, Colorado 

Featherweight Bout (126 lbs)

Reina Tellez vs. Jessica Barry

125.6 | 125.6

San Antonio, Texas | Coventry, West Midlands, UK

Super Lightweight Bout (140 lbs)

Terri Harper vs. Miranda Reyes

137.8 | 136.6

Denaby Main, England | Houston, Texas 

Super Bantamweight Bout (122 lbs)

Tysie Gallagher vs. Brandi Robinson 

121.6 | 121.6

Luton, Bedfordshire | Chicago, Illinois

PRELIMINARY CARD – 4:00 PM BST

Super Lightweight Bout (Catchweight 143 lbs)

Neeraj Goyat vs. Yessin Koulali

142.2 | 138.0

Chandigarh, India | Wiesbaden, Germany

Super Lightweight Bout (140 lbs)

Scott Melvin vs. Dylan Cheema

134.6 | 136.0

Chelmsley Wood, West Midlands | Coventry, West Midlands

Super Flyweight Bout (115 lbs)

Shannon Courtenay vs. Ebonie Cotton

113.8 | 114.6

Watford, Hertfordshire | Rowley Regis, West Midlands

Super Lightweight Bout (140 lbs)

Gemma Richardson vs. Kirstie Bavington

140.4 | 137.6

Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire | Pensnett, West Midlands

Super Lightweight Bout (139 lbs)

Brandon Bethell vs. Jorge Luis Huerta

138.4 | 135.2

Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK | Mexico City, Mexico

Flyweight Bout (112 lbs)

Hamza Uddin vs. Jemsi Kibazange

114.4 | 114.2

Walsall, West Midlands | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

On Saturday, August 29, MVPW-06 UK vs. USA: Mayer vs. Cameron and Dubois vs. Moore will stream live from bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, England. The preliminary card begins at 5:00pm BST live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+/ESPN2 in the US, with the main card beginning at 7:00pm BST live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the US. Final tickets are on sale now at AXS.com.

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

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is a global combat sports and entertainment company built for the next generation of athletes and fans. The company operates across boxing, mixed martial arts, live events, media, content, athlete development, and global distribution, with a fighter-first philosophy centered on equitable compensation, maximum visibility, and long-term brand building.

Led by co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian and Chief Executive Officer John Martin and backed by founding investors 885 Capital & Knighthead, MVP promotes some of the world’s biggest combat sports events and represents a roster of nearly 400 elite athletes, including world champions, titleholders, contenders, and emerging stars. MVP’s portfolio includes MVP, MVPW, and MVP MMA, bringing together premier boxing and mixed martial arts properties under one global brand.

Through partnerships with leading media and distribution platforms including Netflix, ESPN, Sky Sports, and an extensive international network reaching fans across more than 170 countries, MVP delivers world-class competition and entertainment to audiences worldwide. By combining elite athletes, premium live events, compelling storytelling, and global media reach, MVP is building the future of combat sports.




JESUS RAMOS JR. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

CASA GRANDE, AZ. – August 28, 2026 – Rising star and Arizona native Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. held a media workout in his hometown of Casa Grande, Arizona on Thursday as he nears his matchup against unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov that serves as the co-main event streaming live on DAZN and presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

The September 19 event will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and see Mexican superstar and Interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz take on once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo in the main event.

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

The media workout also featured an appearance from Casa Grande Mayor Lisa Navarro Fitzgibbons who recently presented Ramos with the Key to the City in March. Ramos also recently received the Hometown Legacy Award in recognition of his dedication to shaping the character and future of the city. 

His father and trainer, Jesus Ramos, Sr., was also recognized for his significant contributions to Casa Grande recently as Congressman Juan Ciscomani presented him with the American Dream Inspirational Educator Supporter award earlier this month.

The Ramos family opened the Ramos Boxing Academy in 2022 and in an effort to help revitalize the downtown area, the family also took over the Paramount Theatre across the street from their gym last year. The Ramos family have hosted a wide array of community events in the historic venue and have a Casa Grande’s Got Talent showcase coming up later this month.

Here is what the Ramos family and the Casa Grande Mayor had to say Thursday from Ramos Boxing Academy:

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“The 160-pound division is open for the taking. It’s my time!

“I’m very excited to be on this Pitbull card in San Diego, and right by Tijuana. That’s where my career started and I have a lot of fans there.

“It’s a blessing to have a space like the Ramos Boxing Academy where I can encourage the young kids who are here training and give them advice. A lot of fighters leave their hometowns to focus, but that’s never been a problem for me. My family helps me stay focused. Casa Grande is a small town, so there’s no distractions.

“We know we can’t take Nursultanov lightly. He’s coming in to prove a point, but we’re going to be ready for what he brings. I expect the best version of him and that helps motivate me every day.

“Once you become champion, there’s no more pressure. These fights are for my legacy. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone but myself.

“My maturity is different. We’re on a different level right now. These days in the gym aren’t draining, because we know from experience what needs to be done. It’s because we’ve reached that different level.

“There’s no trainer like my dad. We have the right chemistry and he always knows how to push my buttons. I’m grateful to have him as a coach and there’s no one else I’d want to share this journey with.

“Yoenli Hernandez is a good fighter, but he’s a little green. I’ll fight him any time, don’t get me wrong. I just think he needs a little time to improve and get better.

“It was a little longer layoff than we expected, but I think it was necessary. There were some injuries that I had to let recover. I feel like this fight is coming at the right time. I’m feeling great and I’m excited to be back.”

JESUS RAMOS SR., Jesus’ Father & Trainer

“Training is going perfectly. We’re healthy and Jesus is looking sharp and continuing to hone his skills every day. This is a big fight and we’re very thankful for the community coming out today.

“We have to continue learning and improve things in our game. We know we’re on the biggest stage and facing better and better fighters. We’re always going to train hard and we’re motivated.”

CASA GRANDE MAYOR LISA NAVARRO FITZGIBBONS

“The Ramos family are a part of every aspect of this community. They raised their kids here and have been active here for many years. Jesus is the first person to ever receive the key to the city, because it’s so important for us to have a young leader who’s successful in his field, but also a true role model. We’re very proud of him and he’ll always be our champion.

“It’s good for our young people to see that they can do anything with hard work and dedication. Jesus shows that it’s not an easy journey, but it’s all about commitment and hard work and passion.

“Jesus came back from his success and invested in his city. He loves his city and we love him. The gym and the theater show his true commitment to a community that’s been there for him all these years.”

#         #         #

ABOUT PITBULL VS. BRAVO

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

Plus, rising Mexican star and Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in a high-stakes co-main event showdown of action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

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




BOXLAB PROMOTIONS’ UNBEATEN TRIO ALEX BRAY, KAIPO GALLEGOS AND CARLOS DE LEON READY FOR ACTION TONIGHT ON DAZN

ORLANDO, FL (August 28, 2026) — Boxlab Promotions’ undefeated trio of Alex Bray (11-0, 8 KOs), Kaipo Gallegos (12-0-1, 9 KOs), and Carlos De Leon (8-0, 6 KOs) all successfully made weight Thursday and are ready to step into the ring tonight, Friday, August 28, as part of the inaugural Project Series, live on DAZN from the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The event is promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Boxlab Promotions.

The newly launched Project Series, presented by Matchroom Boxing, is designed to put top prospects in meaningful, competitive fights, providing them with an opportunity to separate themselves from the pack and take the next step in their careers.

All three Boxlab Promotions fighters will face important tests tonight, with Bray defending his WBA Continental Latin America Super Welterweight title in the 10-round co-main event.

At Thursday’s official weigh-in, Bray weighed 153.4 pounds, while fellow unbeaten Floridian Antraveous Ingram (13-0, 7 KOs) tipped the scales at 153 pounds. Gallegos came in at 135.4 pounds for his eight-round lightweight bout against Desmond Lyons (11-3, 2 KOs), who weighed 135.2 pounds. De Leon weighed 131.6 pounds, while opponent Maxwel Montes (13-5-1, 7 KOs) came in at 131.2 pounds ahead of their scheduled eight-round junior lightweight contest.

ALEX BRAY READY TO SHINE IN BATTLE OF UNBEATENS

For Bray, tonight represents the biggest opportunity of his young professional career. The unbeaten super welterweight will put his perfect record on the line against another undefeated fighter in Ingram, with a regional WBA title at stake and both men looking to make a statement in the division.

After successfully making weight, Bray said the hard work of training camp is complete and he is eager to show what he can do when the bell rings. With a combined record of 24-0 between the two fighters, Bray-Ingram, represents exactly the type of prospect-versus-prospect matchup the Project Series was created to showcase.

Speaking about making weight and the challenge of facing another undefeated fighter, Bray said, “I feel great. I made weight, camp went exactly the way we wanted it to, and now I’m ready to go out there and perform. Fighting another undefeated guy brings out the best in me because I know he’s coming into this fight with the same confidence I have. Neither one of us knows what it feels like to lose as a professional, and I plan on keeping it that way. This is the type of fight I’ve been working toward. I want to put on a great performance, keep this title and show everyone watching on DAZN that I’m ready for the next level.”

KAIPO GALLEGOS LOOKING TO MAKE NOISE AT LIGHTWEIGHT

Gallegos will enter his eight-round lightweight contest against Lyons looking to add another impressive performance to his undefeated record. With nine knockouts in 12 victories, Gallegos has already demonstrated his ability to finish fights, but tonight he wants to show that he is developing into a serious threat in the lightweight division. After weighing in at 135.4 pounds, Gallegos made it clear that he views tonight as an opportunity to begin establishing himself among the division’s rising names.

Discussing his mindset after successfully making weight, Gallegos said, “Making weight felt great, and now all my focus is on the fight. I’ve put in the work, I’m strong, I’m sharp and I’m ready to show everyone what I can do. I have a lot of respect for my opponent, but I’m coming into this fight to make noise in the lightweight division. I want to give the fans a performance they remember. Every fight is an opportunity to move closer to where I want to be, and I plan on taking another big step tonight.”

CARLOS DE LEON PROMISES AN EXPLOSIVE PERFORMANCE

De Leon will look to remain perfect when he takes on the experienced Montes in an eight-round junior lightweight bout. De Leon has stopped six of his first eight professional opponents and believes fans can expect another action-packed showing when he enters the ring tonight. Having successfully completed the final obligation before fight night by making weight, De Leon said he is physically and mentally prepared to deliver.

Looking ahead to his showdown with Montes, De Leon said, “The weight is made, I feel strong, and now it’s time to fight. I had a tremendous camp, and I’m ready to bring all that work into the ring. The fans can expect me to be explosive from the opening bell. I’m going to bring speed, power, pressure and a lot of energy. I know Montes has experience, so I’m prepared for whatever he brings, but my goal is to take control of the fight and put on the kind of performance that gets people excited about seeing me fight again.”

Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, believes the inaugural Project Series provides an ideal platform for Bray, Gallegos and De Leon to demonstrate why the promotional company has such high expectations for each fighter. With all three facing opponents capable of testing them, Piedra expects the undefeated trio to embrace the pressure and deliver when the spotlight is on them.

Speaking about tonight’s fights and the opportunities in front of his fighters, Piedra said, “This is exactly the type of night we want for our fighters. Alex, Kaipo and Carlos have worked extremely hard to get to this point, and now they have an opportunity to showcase their talent on DAZN against quality opposition. These aren’t fights where anyone can afford to go through the motions. Each of them has something to prove, and I believe that will bring out their best. Alex has a tremendous opportunity against another undefeated fighter with a WBA regional title on the line, while Kaipo and Carlos are facing experienced opponents who will test them. This partnership with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing has been amazing.  I believe all three are going to rise to the occasion and put forth great performances tonight. We’re excited about their futures, but first they have business to take care of in the ring.”




A FIGHT FROM GLORY: FLOYD “KID AUSTIN” SCHOFIELD III AND “PRINCE” LUCAS BAHDI TO BATTLE FOR THE WBA LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

CHICAGO (August 27, 2026) – World championship glory is only one fight away for undefeated lightweight contenders Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield III (19-0, 13 KOs) and “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs), who will put their perfect records on the line for the WBA Lightweight World Championship. In this dangerous, high-stakes matchup, only one fighter will leave the ring with the coveted championship belt; the other with the first loss of his professional career. The 12-round main event takes place Saturday, October 10, live worldwide on DAZN from Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The event is presented by Golden Boy in co-promotion with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).

The general on-sale for Schofield vs. Bahdi begins Friday, August 28 at 10:00 am CT and is priced at $300, $200, $125, $75 and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets for purchase will be available at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoy.com. Fans can access the special pre-sale Thursday, August 27 with code: GBPVIP

Floyd Schofield III: “There’s been enough talk outside the ring, and now I’m ready to let my fists do the talking. I’ve worked my whole life for an opportunity like this, and I’m just one fight away from accomplishing my dream of becoming a world champion. I know Lucas Bahdi is coming to fight and will bring his best, but I’m prepared for whatever he brings. On October 10, it’s time to settle everything inside the ring and show the world that I belong at the top of the lightweight division. I’m coming to put on a show and leave Chicago as a world champion.”

Lucas Bahdi said: “I’ve been waiting to fight for a world title since the first time I laced up a pair of gloves. I’m extremely appreciative of this opportunity and can’t wait for Saturday, October 10 in Chicago.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, said: “Floyd Schofield III is just one fight away from becoming the WBA Lightweight World Champion, a feat every fighter dreams of accomplishing. He has a tough test in front of him in Lucas Bahdi, but we’re confident Kid Austin will rise to the occasion and pass with flying colors. The co-main event is going to be a barn burner, with Ricardo Sandoval defending his unified WBC and WBA flyweight world titles against one of Puerto Rico’s finest, former WBO, WBA and Ring Magazine minimumweight world champion Oscar Collazo who is going up two divisions to face Sandoval. Chicago will be on fire with this card because it’ll be Golden Boy vs. MVP, and everyone knows nobody builds and develops fighters like Golden Boy!”

Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions, said: “MVP’s Lucas Bahdi has earned this moment. He has proven himself as one of the most dangerous and talented contenders in the lightweight division, and now he has the opportunity to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion. On Saturday, October 10, two undefeated fighters with a combined 39-0 record will put everything on the line, and someone’s 0 has to go. We believe Lucas has everything it takes to bring the WBA lightweight world championship home to Canada and look forward to working alongside Golden Boy to deliver a tremendous night of boxing live worldwide on DAZN.”

In a spectacular Mexico vs. Puerto Rico co-main event, Villalba, Puerto Rico’s Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (15-0, 12 KOs) will seek to make history in a new weight class, jumping up two divisions to face current Unified WBA and WBC World Champion Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (27-2, 18 KOs) of Rialto, Calif. The 12-round co-feature is presented by Golden Boy in co-promotion with Miguel Cotto Promotions.

Oscar Collazo said: “I am grateful to Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy for giving me this massive opportunity to move up in weight for a great fight and make history for Puerto Rican boxing by facing another unified champion. Sandoval is a challenge that motivates me and my team. I’m also motivated to make all of this possible; I was looking to make history and prove that there are no limits when you know what you’re capable of doing. This isn’t just for me—this is for Puerto Rico and to raise the level of Puerto Rican boxing. I know how far I can go, and this fight is going to catapult my career to even bigger things. Believe me, he has what’s mine; we want to do great things, and he’s standing in the way. I know that with my ability, the support of my people, and the team I have, we are going to achieve it. This fight defines my career, and with this victory, I know even bigger opportunities will come.”

Ricardo Sandoval said: “I’m really excited to step into the ring on October 10 and defend my titles against Oscar Collazo. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico always brings out the best in both fighters, and I know this is going to be a great fight for the fans. I’ve been putting in the work in the gym, and I’m feeling focused, strong and ready to defend what’s mine. Fans won’t want to miss this one!”

More information on the undercard will be announced in the coming weeks.

Undefeated lightweight contender Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield III is coming off the biggest win of his career, stopping Tevin Farmer in the opening round of their scheduled 10-round bout at Honda Center in Anaheim. The dominant performance marked a pivotal moment for Schofield, who is now setting his sights on a world title and establishing himself among the division’s elite. The victory was the latest in an impressive run for Schofield, who has quickly established himself as one of boxing’s top young talents. In November 2024, he captured the WBA International Lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Rene Giron in the main event at The Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. Despite hitting the canvas in the 11th round, Schofield quickly regrouped and battled his way to the decision, showcasing his ability to overcome adversity and stay composed under pressure. Schofield made his professional debut in October 2020, announcing his arrival with a first-round knockout over Richard Esquibel. Since then, he’s built an impressive resume, collecting wins while demonstrating his versatility, skill and determination inside the ring. Outside the ropes, Schofield’s journey has shaped the fighter and person he is today. Early in his life, he and his father experienced homelessness and spent months living in a shelter. That experience continues to fuel his passion for giving back to his community and inspiring others. With an undefeated record, unwavering determination and a growing list of statement victories, “Kid Austin” is ready for his next challenge as he continues his pursuit of a world title.

Most Valuable Promotions’ Canadian lightweight standout “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs), from Niagara Falls, Ontario, has gone undefeated since making his professional debut in mid-2019, winning his first 11 fights by knockout. The 32-year-old top contender had unanimous decision wins against Diego Fabian Eligio and Diego Andrade Chavez in 2022 before resuming his knockout streak. In May 2023, Bahdi defeated Jesus Amparan to claim the IBF North American Lightweight title. Bahdi–a top-ranked lightweight by all four of boxing’s major sanctioning bodies–proved himself among the best title contenders in the lightweight division when he scored a sensational knockout win over H2O Sylve on the main card of Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry in July 2024. The finish earned Bahdi 2024 Knockout of the Year recognitions from Boxing Scene, Talksport, Dan Rafael, Yahoo! Uncrowned, and NY Fights. He also earned a decision win over Armando Casamonica on the undercard of MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson in November 2024 before taking home a unanimous decision win over Ryan James Racaza while headlining MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 11 in Toronto in March 2025. Most recently, Bahdi earned a 12-round unanimous decision victory over former world champion Roger Gutiérrez in a WBA lightweight title eliminator in August 2025, dropping Gutiérrez in the sixth round en route to the win and improving his undefeated record to 20-0. Bahdi became the mandatory challenger to then-WBA title holder Gervonta Davis with the win.

Ricardo Sandoval is no longer just a rising contender, he’s a unified world champion. The flyweight from Rialto, CA, shook up the boxing world when he traveled to Japan and dethroned two-division unified titlist Kenshiro Teraji in front of his home crowd on July 30, 2025. Teraji, widely regarded as a pound-for-pound talent, pushed Sandoval into deep waters, dropping him with a heavy right hand in the fifth round, but ‘El Niño’ weathered the storm, stayed composed and fought back with the grit of a champion. After 12 brutal rounds, Sandoval walked away with a split decision victory and the WBC and WBA world titles. This was his first shot at world title glory, and a career-defining win.

Sandoval first made headlines in July 2024 when he captured the WBC Flyweight Silver Title with a tenth-round knockout over former WBO light flyweight world champion Ángel Acosta at Toyota Arena. That breakout performance launched him into the top of the division, earning him top-six rankings across all major sanctioning bodies and The Ring Magazine. In early 2024 he signed with Golden Boy Promotions, joining one of boxing’s most elite stables, and has lived up to the hype ever since. He successfully defended his WBC Silver title on the undercard of Oscar Duarte vs. Miguel Madueño at the Honda Center on Feb. 15, 2025, proving once again that he’s one of the most dangerous flyweights in the sport. Now a unified champion in one of boxing’s deepest weight classes, Sandoval has kicked the door open and even bigger fights await. A Golden Boy world champion, ‘El Niño’ is no longer on the rise.

Oscar Collazo continues to cement his dominance among boxing’s pound-for-pound elite. In his latest outing, “El Pupilo” moved up two weight classes to make his flyweight debut and delivered a dominant performance against late-replacement contender Neider Valdez of Mexico. From the opening bell, Collazo showcased his superior skill and sharpness, scoring three knockdowns in the second round before securing the knockout victory. With the win, Collazo added the WBO International Flyweight title to his collection of belts.

Prior to that, he successfully defended his WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine world titles at the Honda Center, forcing the corner of Jesus Haro to stop the fight before the start of the seventh round. The victory marked his seventh consecutive title defense, further solidifying his reign in the minimumweight division. He further elevated his status in November 2024 during Golden Boy Promotions and Riyadh Season’s “Latino Night” in Riyadh, where he faced longtime WBA champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong in a historic unification bout. Collazo secured a seventh-round technical knockout, adding the WBA belt and the division’s first-ever Ring Magazine championship to his collection. The Villalba native has steadily built momentum since becoming one of the sport’s fastest-rising champions. In May 2023, Collazo captured the WBO minimumweight world title with a seventh-round knockout of Melvin Jerusalem at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, becoming the fastest Puerto Rican fighter to win a world title with just seven professional bouts. He now stands as one of the most dominant forces in the lower weight classes, continuing to build his legacy while setting his sights on becoming an undisputed champion.

#

Schofield III vs. Bahdi is a 12-round fight for the WBA Lightweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). Sandoval vs. Collazo is a 12-round fight for the WBA and WBC Flyweight World Championship and is presented by Golden Boy in co-promotion with Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

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.

About Most Valuable Promotions

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is a global combat sports and entertainment company built for the next generation of athletes and fans. The company operates across boxing, mixed martial arts, live events, media, content, athlete development, and global distribution, with a fighter-first philosophy centered on equitable compensation, maximum visibility, and long-term brand building.

Led by co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian and Chief Executive Officer John Martin and backed by founding investors 885 Capital & Knighthead, MVP promotes some of the world’s biggest combat sports events and represents a roster of nearly 400 elite athletes, including world champions, titleholders, contenders, and emerging stars. MVP’s portfolio includes MVP, MVPW, and MVP MMA, bringing together premier boxing and mixed martial arts properties under one global brand.

Through partnerships with leading media and distribution platforms including Netflix, ESPN, Sky Sports, and an extensive international network reaching fans across more than 170 countries, MVP delivers world-class competition and entertainment to audiences worldwide. By combining elite athletes, premium live events, compelling storytelling, and global media reach, MVP is building the future of combat sports.




MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ MVPW-06 UK VS. USA AND MVPW-07 PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27, 2026 – Today at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, England, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) hosted the back-to-back MVPW-07 Kickoff Press Conference and MVPW-06 UK vs. USA fight week press conference, bringing together stars from two upcoming championship cards as MVP continues a historic stretch of boxing events showcasing the sport’s most elite fighters across the UK and US.

Taking the stage ahead of Saturday night’s MVPW-06 UK vs. USA were MVP’s American unified WBA and WBC champion and ESPN’s #7 pound-for-pound fighter Mikaela Mayer (22-2, 5 KOs) and MVP and the UK’s WBO champion and ESPN’s #5 pound-for-pound fighter Chantelle Cameron (22-1, 8 KOs), who will meet in a 10-round title unification main event at 154lbs. Also participating were MVP and London’s unified WBC and WBO lightweight world champion Caroline Dubois (13-0-1, 5 KOs) and the USA’s WBO #5 contender, two-time national champion and reigning NABF lightweight champion Amelia Moore (4-0, 1 KO), who will meet in the 10-round co-main event at 135lbs, along with MVP’s Reina Tellez (13-1-1, 5 KOs), Jessica Barry (10-1, 2 KOs), MVP’s Terri Harper (16-3-2, 6 KOs), MVP’s Miranda Reyes (9-3-1, 3 KOs), MVP’s Tysie Gallagher (10-2), and Brandi Robinson (5-0, 1 KO).

The press conference also officially kicked off MVPW-07, set for Sunday, November 8 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia Baumgardner (18-1, 7 KOs) came face-to-face with MVP’s newest signee, Turkey’s undefeated IBF lightweight world champion Elif Nur Turhan (14-0, 8 KOs), ahead of their 10-round championship main event contested with three-minute rounds for Turhan’s IBF lightweight world title. Baumgardner will step up to 135lbs as she seeks to become a two-division world champion. MVPW-07 co-main event fighters also took the stage as MVP’s reigning WBC featherweight world champion Tiara Brown (21-0, 11 KOs) met MVP’s former undisputed champion Ellie Scotney (12-0). Brown will defend her WBC featherweight world title over 10 rounds at 126lbs against Scotney, who moves up in weight seeking to become a two-division world champion.

See below for quotes from today’s MVPW-06 UK vs. USA and MVPW-07 Double Kickoff Press Conference. For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

MVPW-06 UK VS. USA

MIKAELA MAYER QUOTES

On wanting big fights:

I’m in that stage of my career where these are the only type of fights that I really want. I think [Chantelle] Cameron feels the same way. 

On her and Cameron’s boxing careers: 

We’ve had a lot of ups and a few downs, but it’s great that we both always wanted to continue to fight the best.

On Cameron’s fighting style:  

I can just do more. I think that you can look at Chantelle Cameron and her style, and it’s very straightforward. You know what she’s going to do. 

On her plan for Saturday night:

When I go in there this weekend, I’m going to start quick, start fast, start from round one, not let anything get away from me, and not leave it in the hands of the judges because you can’t always trust the judges.

On her goals for Saturday night’s bout:

I’m just ready to go in there and box her up, prove everyone who thinks she’s going to win wrong, and make my team proud. 

CHANTELLE CAMERON QUOTES

On preparing to face Mayer: 

I’m doing everything that’s been asked of me, and I think I’m in the prime actually. I think obviously I’ve had a few ups and downs, but I’m in a good place.

On blocking out outside noise: 

As long as I know that I’m winning my fights and I’m doing what I want to do and what I’m set out to do, everything else is just noise.

On wanting to fight Mayer: 

I think Mikaela [Mayer] is very good and that’s why I’ve always wanted this fight. I think she’s brilliant and I’m actually a fan of hers. Even though I’m coming up against her, I’d watch Mikaela [Mayer] and enjoy her fights. That’s why I want to fight her, because I want to fight the best.

On having compatible fighting styles with Mayer: 

I think our styles just gel for a really good fight.

On her final message to Mayer:

Let’s go grab female fight of the year.

CAROLINE DUBOIS QUOTES:

On facing Moore: 

I’m 100% confident. I’ve come so far. I’ve changed my team. I’ve moved to LA. I’ve dedicated myself as always. I’m excited.

On seeing Moore as a step on her path to becoming undisputed: 

At the end of the day, it’s always an opportunity for me to just show out, show the world why I’m the best in the 135 division. It’s just another step on the road for me. I think it’s another opportunity to come out, show up, and show out.

On working to become undisputed: 

My mind, my heart, and my soul are set on becoming undisputed. Nobody is going to stop me from achieving that.

On training to face Moore: 

In terms of me overlooking anyone, I don’t see that as even a possibility because I see respect as training as hard as I absolutely can. I respected Amelia Moore in this camp because I’ve trained like an absolute animal.

On if she’s looking past Moore: 

There’s no way I’ve looked past her [Amelia Moore]. I’ve trained unbelievably hard.

AMELIA MOORE QUOTES:

On preparing to face Dubois: 

Every day is another stepping stone towards building more of myself and digging deeper into the camp. So, I’ve had a brilliant camp. I feel amazing. 

On her weight cut: 

The weight cut has been easy. My endurance is insane. My volume’s up. I’m ready to go.

On being an underdog: 

I was really dedicated with my amateur career. I loved the pathway that I was going. Things changed, turned pro. I’ve been hard-stepping ever since. 

On being overlooked: 

There have been articles that have already been released looking towards Elif [Nur Turhan] who’s here and Alycia [Baumgardner] and all these potential fights beyond me. But you can’t move past what you already have in front of you. I’m not going to allow it to be so. 

On her skills: 

I have such a skill level when it comes to being creative, adapting, and really seeing the things in real time and being able to adjust as you move forward. I’m unpredictable, and I think that’s been a really beautiful part of who I am: I have a ton of tools in my toolbox, and you never know which one I’ll pull out.

REINA TELLEZ QUOTES

On facing Barry: 

I just take this as another fight and to showcase my skills and show that I’m a better fighter than I was in my last fight.

On the pressure of Saturday’s bout: 

I feel like I never fold under pressure. 

On fighting in the UK: 

I’m not afraid to really go inside somebody’s backyard as I’ve shown before. 

On Barry not paying attention to her fighting style:

I can adapt to whatever she brings to the table or whatever she tries to do. So, if she lacks that experience with knowing who she’s coming in the ring with, then I feel like that’s on her and her team.

JESSICA BARRY QUOTES

On her previous boxing career setbacks: 

I think actually the setbacks have given me the time to mature as a boxer and actually learn a lot more and be ready for this time that I’m sat here now. So yeah, I’m really excited about it now.

On not focusing on Tellez as she prepares: 

I really don’t care because every time that I would be focusing on my opponent, I’m not focusing on being a better boxer myself. I’m fully focused on just developing myself as a boxer and my skills. 

On the pressure being on Tellez: 

I feel like the pressure is all on Reina [Tellez] for this fight. She’s the MVP-signed boxer. She’s been invested in and has been bought over here.

On her plan for Saturday night:

I’m just here to have fun and take that opportunity away from her.

TERRI HARPER QUOTES

On Saturday night’s pressure: 

I’ve seen she’s [Miranda Reyes] game. It’s a pressure fight for me. It’s a must-win fight. I can’t be losing two fights on the bounce because where does my career go from there?

On facing Reyes:

I know Miranda was saying yesterday that I’ve probably overlooked her, but that’s not the case at all. I’ve taken this fight very seriously like I would any other fight, and I know that I need to be the best version of me on Saturday night to get a good, dominant performance.

On Reyes saying she is on her way out:

I think if I had a pound for every time someone said they’re going to retire me, I could have probably retired off that money by now. So, you know, you’re not getting rid of me that easy. 

On fighting at 140 lbs: 

Obviously, coming off the last fight, I learned from that fight, and I’ll take it into the next fight. MVP came forward with a plan at 140, and I thought it was brilliant, and I’m grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me.

On her athleticism: 

I think as an athlete and as a competitive person, I always want to do better, be better, and keep improving.

MIRANDA REYES QUOTES

On facing Harper: 

It’s an honor to step in the ring with Terri Harper. Respectfully, she has accomplished a lot in the sport, but she’s on her way out. I’m going to lead her to that way, and on August 29th, you’re going to see a great fight.

On her plan for Saturday’s bout: 

Right now my mindset is right. I have a great team behind me, and we put in hard work. We all want the knockout, but if it has to go to deep waters, we’ll take it there.

On fighting in the UK: 

It’s just an honor to be back here in the UK. I love it here.

On representing Texas:

I’m proud to represent my country, my city, my state. I’m just here to make a statement without causing chaos.

TYSIE GALLAGHER QUOTES

On her plan for Saturday night: 

This is the biggest stage, but after the year or so I’ve had, I’ve just let go of every pressure in every aspect of my life. I never put pressure on myself, and I’m just going to go out there and enjoy it. When I do that, I perform the best.

On wanting to become the best of the super bantamweight division: 

Now it’s the start of showing everyone, the world, and myself exactly what I can go and do. I believe I’m going to the top of the super bantamweight division. I’m going to take over.

BRANDI ROBINSON QUOTES

On preparing to face Gallagher: 

I’m always in the gym, and I was prepared for the opportunity. 

On wanting to be a world champion: 

The ultimate goal for me is to be back at the world championship level with this sport, and I know it takes a lot of patience and timing. So, I’m in it. I’m in it to win it.

On Gallagher: 

I know she has 12 fights. I really think, honestly, the pressure is on her. I’m in her hometown. This is her country. Her people, her supporters, all her fans are here. So, the pressure is really on her to do whatever she’s going to do. I’m going to bring the best version of myself in the ring, and that’s it. I’m going to put on for my city and put on for my gym.

MVPW-07

ELIF NUR TURHAN QUOTES

***ALL QUOTES HAVE BEEN TRANSLATED FROM TURKISH TO ENGLISH.

On facing Baumgardner:

Whether it’s Alycia [Baumgardner] or any other fighter, if they prepared hard for me, I’m ready to fight them, and I’m ready to go.

On preparing to fight Baumgardner:

I don’t know how Alycia [Baumgardner] prepared for the fight, but all I know is I prepared for every single situation possible, and I know that I’m ready and I’m ready to go.

On if she thinks Baumgardner is underestimating her weight division:

I don’t think she’s taking me lightly. If she was taking me lightly, she wouldn’t be stepping up, and she wouldn’t be ready to fight me.

On competition in lightweight division:

You have to be a warrior to be in this division. I’m a warrior. It’s all about who prepares the best, and whoever prepares the best will come out victorious. 

ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER QUOTES

On her goal of becoming undisputed at 135:

I’m more than prepared for anything. To step up and to accept a challenge to fight somebody like Turhan, to step up to lightweight, this is nothing new to me. This is why I’m in boxing. This is why I was undisputed at 130 and why I will be undisputed at 135. It starts with her [Elif Nur Turhan].

On moving to lightweight: 

I’m still the underdog. I still have the mentality of an underdog. So, when I’m moving up to lightweight, there are no distractions because I know exactly what I’m supposed to do. 

On facing Turhan: 

I love this. I’m a competitor at heart, and I have somebody great to fight.

On Turhan’s power:

Her [Elif Nur Turhan] power is legitimate. Yes, we’ve seen that with her previous fights, but for

me, this is something that I’ve seen before. Skill pays the bills. Real skill. I know what it is to have great defense. I know what it is to shoot down the middle. I see all that wild punching. I see it. I’m blocking.

On Turhan vs. Baumgardner being the biggest fight in women’s boxing:

I think the super fight, the biggest fight right now in women’s boxing, is myself versus Turhan. So that’s the fight that people need to focus on.

On potentially facing the winner of Dubois vs. Moore:

I will fight whoever is next. You know, she [Caroline Dubois] has a big fight ahead of her this Saturday, and again, I will be undisputed at 135,

On being in the UK:

There’s a lot of history here. This is where I became world champion, and to be back here again in a different space, stepping up in another challenge. I’m so grateful for this.

On MVP supporting women’s boxing:

I’m very thankful to have Nakisa [Bidarian], Jake Paul, and MVP come together once again to have women on one platform and for women to get the opportunity to fight. That’s what we want to do. We want to fight. We want the exposure, and they have given us that. 

TIARA BROWN QUOTES

On facing Scotney:

She’s younger, she’s fast, she’s strong, but I’m well seasoned, and I’ve been boxing for a very long time. This belt, no one’s going to take it away from me. 

On Scotney attempting to take her WBC belt:

I know that she [Ellie Scotney] broke many records being the youngest, undisputed champion of the world [from the UK], and she’s coming up, and she wants to come for my belt, but listen, at the end of the day, the belt’s going to stay in America. 

On dedicating her fight to her loved ones, including former opponent Hannah Rapp:

I’m fighting for my loved ones. I’m fighting for my city, my town. In this fight against Ellie Scotney, I’ll be fighting with Hannah Rapp, the boxer who I just competed against. She just got her life taken away from her. I’m going to take her with me in the ring. So, it’s going to be a very tough night for Ellie Scotney.

On preparing to face Scotney:

I don’t do anything except train, and I train hard, and I’m not just fighting for myself. 

On her focus on defeating Scotney:

I live, I eat, I sleep, I breathe boxing. So, if anyone thinks that they’re going to beat me, it’s going to be a cold day in hell. Icicles made of sweat.

On Scotney’s skill:

She seems to be able to hold her own. She’s very strong. 

ELLIE SCOTNEY QUOTES

On facing Brown:

I’ve always said I feel like if you see the pattern of my career, I took the biggest and the best challenges, and that’s why I made it crystal clear as soon as I left that ring that was the name I wanted.

On wanting to become a two-weight world champion:

I knew as soon as I left that ring, it was what’s next, and becoming a two-weight world champion is what lies ahead.

On giving her best efforts vs. Brown:

I’ve always said that you’re going to see the best of me at featherweight. I feel like November the 8th, the fight I’ve got in front of me, that needs to be the case. I need to be the best of me, and that’s where you’re going to see it.

On where her focus lies:

All focus is on November the 8th, where the road to undisputed starts again. 

On progress on getting a driver’s license for the car Jake Paul purchased for her:

I still haven’t got a license. I probably shouldn’t say this cuz there’s going to be a lot of pressure on me, but my driving test is five days after my fight. So, God willing, there are two victories.

On her feelings after becoming undisputed:

I think what I got from becoming undisputed was a level of peace. Again, it’s just all about what’s to come now.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is a global combat sports and entertainment company built for the next generation of athletes and fans. The company operates across boxing, mixed martial arts, live events, media, content, athlete development, and global distribution, with a fighter-first philosophy centered on equitable compensation, maximum visibility, and long-term brand building.

Led by co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian and Chief Executive Officer John Martin and backed by founding investors 885 Capital & Knighthead, MVP promotes some of the world’s biggest combat sports events and represents a roster of nearly 400 elite athletes, including world champions, titleholders, contenders, and emerging stars. MVP’s portfolio includes MVP, MVPW, and MVP MMA, bringing together premier boxing and mixed martial arts properties under one global brand.

Through partnerships with leading media and distribution platforms including Netflix, ESPN, Sky Sports, and an extensive international network reaching fans across more than 170 countries, MVP delivers world-class competition and entertainment to audiences worldwide. By combining elite athletes, premium live events, compelling storytelling, and global media reach, MVP is building the future of combat sports.




O’Shaquie Foster Inks Multi-Year Extension with Top Rank

(Aug. 27, 2026) — O’Shaquie Foster will continue his championship run with Top Rank.

The two-time super featherweight world champion has signed a multi-year extension with the promotional powerhouse ahead of his fall return.

“O’Shaquie Foster has been on an impressive championship trajectory during our time together, with a series of statement wins that have created real momentum and established him among the best fighters in his weight class and the world,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “His desire to challenge and defeat all has been the key ingredient to our promotional partnership, which we look forward to continuing in the coming years.”

Foster said, “I’m excited about this new chapter. It’s been a great partnership with Top Rank and DAZN, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue building with both organizations. I can’t wait to take on bigger challenges and continue to take over the sport.”

“Shock has worked extremely hard to establish himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in boxing, and we’re excited to continue building on what we’ve accomplished together with Top Rank,” said Keith Mills, Foster’s manager. “This multi-year extension is a tremendous opportunity for Shock to compete on the biggest stages, face the best fighters in the world, and continue pursuing his goals at the highest level. We appreciate the confidence that Top Rank and DAZN have shown in Shock, and we look forward to a very successful future together.”

Foster (25-3, 12 KOs) turned pro in 2012 and overcame early setbacks, both in and out of the ring, before rebuilding his career alongside trainer Bobby Benton beginning in 2017. A lengthy winning streak carried him to a February 2023 showdown with Rey Vargas, where Foster captured the vacant WBC super featherweight world title. His first defense became an instant classic, as he traveled to Cancun and stopped Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez with 22 seconds remaining in the 12th. Foster followed with a decision over Abraham Nova before losing the title to Robson Conceição via controversial split decision in July 2024. Four months later, he settled the score, regaining the belt from Conceição by split decision.

Foster has since produced some of his finest work. He dominated two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. last December before returning home to Houston in May and defeating former featherweight world champion Raymond Ford by majority decision.
 




How to Watch/Stream Lester Martinez vs Luka Plantic on ProBox TV

Lester Martinez and Luka Plantic collide at the Galen Center in Los Angeles on Saturday night atop the biggest and best ProBox TV card to date.

Martinez, the WBC interim super-middleweight champion, takes on the unbeaten Plantic over 12 rounds and, leading the bustling undercard, hard-hitting light-heavyweight contenders Najee Lopez and Juan Carrillo are set for battle. The winner marches towards the mountain top at 175lbs.

The show also marks the start of a new and exciting era for ProBox.

After four years of providing its fights for free, the Championship Series will now cost $5 per month.

The earlier Future Stars portion of Saturday’s card remains free.

What’s at stake?

There is considerably more than Martinez’s unbeaten record and WBC interim title on the line.

The victor will be firmly positioned for a shot at the full WBC super-middleweight championship, currently held by Christian Mbilli, who faces Canelo Alvarez on October 31.

For Martinez there is unfinished business with Mbilli after their thrilling draw last year, but the bigger prize needs no further explanation. Victory over Plantic could leave Martinez within touching distance of a blockbuster with Canelo.

The unbeaten Plantic, who beat Mbilli in the amateur ranks, is also here for all the above.

How to watch Martinez-Plantic

Saturday’s entire show can be watched through ProBox TV on YouTube. (To sign up, go via proboxtv.com)

Future Stars begins at approximately 5:30 pm ET/2:30 pm PT, with the Championship Series available afterwards to ProBox TV members.

Membership costs $5 per month, with no long-term commitment, and can be cancelled at any time

.

Who else is fighting?

Beyond Martinez-Plantic and Lopez-Carrillo, super-bantamweight contender Ramon Cardenas, who hammered cracks into Naoya Inoue’s suit of armour last year, returns against Leonardo Carrillo over 10 rounds.

At lightweight, Luis Torres faces Jordan White in another pick-‘em affair, while rising Filipino puncher Weljon Mindoro takes on former world-title challenger Carlos Ocampo in a crossroads clash at 160lbs.

It is another card crafted according to ProBox’s simple and long-proven formula: Competitive matchmaking trumps predictable showcases every time.

August 29 is just the start. In less than two weeks, on September 11, two junior middleweight contenders fight for the right to move forward when Abass Baraou clashes with Giovani Santillan. This will be covered by your first $5, too.

Why has the $5-per-month fee been introduced?

ProBox founder Garry Jonas has always maintained that the long-term intention was to charge a monthly fee. The aim, from boosting finances, is to deliver world class boxing at each event; the boxers taking the risks need to be rewarded, after all.

The move to $5-a-month has been four years in the making. The simple but strict criteria – action fighters being matched in competitive fights – resulted in hundreds of thousands of fight fans returning to ProBox for each event.

With the audience built, next came the business decision to invest more in the events to guarantee championship-level boxing, or the equivalent, every month. As Jonas himself said, “We started out by rubbing sticks together… Now’s it’s time to pour some gas on the little fire that we built.”

Evidence of that gas is the August 29 show. Four 50/50 fights at the top of the bill. Each with consequences in their respective weight classes.

ProBox is independent. That means ProBox is not at the mercy of network pressure which, historically, always results in boxing being kicked to the side on major channels. ProBox is a channel dedicating its finances, and efforts, purely to boxing. It will not have its head turned by other sports. It will always be exclusively boxing. “We’re not a promoter, we’re a channel,” said Jonas. “And boxing needs its own channel.”

It also means that ProBox does not receive the kind of money afforded to a network deal.

Which is where the fans come in.

Why should you pay $5?

For four years, ProBox TV was free. Now it’s time to ramp things up a notch.

To ensure the existing uplift in event quality continues. To guarantee well-matched fights between thrill-seeking, world-class fighters. To do something that’s different from all the rest. To build a channel that the sport and its fans are proud of.

Boxing needs it. But the model can work only if ProBox continues to give its audience value. Membership revenue will be reinvested into the fights and thus deliver to you value for money in a sport notorious for doing the opposite.

The theory is uncomplicated: if enough boxing fans are prepared to put $5 a month into something independent, ProBox can put that money back into boxing.

ProBox is committed to retaining its independence so it can deliver boxing the way it believes it should be delivered. No protected prospects in mismatches dressed up as something they’re not. No pointless, time-filling hogwash. Just competitive world-level contests, honest and unbiased analysis, and value for money.

Membership is month-to-month, takes only a few clicks to join and can be cancelled just as easily. It all starts on Saturday. Then it’s down to ProBox TV to prove to you that $5-a-month is worth it.




PBC PRESENTS STACKED NIGHT OF ACTION HEADLINED BY SEBASTIAN FUNDORA LIVE ON TNT & DAZN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 FROM THE CHELSEA AT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS – August 27, 2026 – WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will bring his can’t-miss, all-action style to the ring against unbeaten mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj headlining the latest installment of “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN on Saturday, October 17 from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The stacked lineup begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features two-division champion and reigning WBA Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his title against Japanese star and former world champion Tomoki Kameda in the co-main event, plus undefeated two-division world champion Jermall Charlo steps in to face Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a 10-round super middleweight showdown.

The fourth installment of the acclaimed live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, this event will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.

Pre-sale tickets are available TODAY, Thursday, August 27 from 10 a.m. PT until 10 a.m. PT through Ticketmaster.com.

Tickets for the live event go on sale TOMORROW, Friday, August 28 at 10 a.m. PT through Ticketmaster.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

“Sebastian Fundora, Brandon Figueroa and Jermall Charlo are three of the sport’s most dominant and fan-friendly stars and will all need to be at their best to deliver another memorable night on October 17,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Fundora and Figueroa are each matched up against tough challengers who are highly-motivated to wrest their belts away in the undefeated Ermal Hadribeaj and the former champion Tomoki Kameda, while Charlo will go up against a come-forward brawler in Koen Mazoudier. With these action-packed styles entering the ring, October 17 is a perfect card to be featured on a big stage on TNT and DAZN and at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.”

“October 17 in Las Vegas will be a grand stage for Sebastian Fundora to once again prove that he towers over the rest of the 154-pound division,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “I am sure that Ermal Hadribeaj will bring everything he’s got, but I am confident that ‘The Towering Inferno’ will leave with his hand raised.”

“One of the strengths of ‘The Fight’ is the opportunity to build real continuity around the fighters and divisions we’re showcasing,” said Britton Hardin, Head of Boxing, North America at DAZN. “Fans who watched Bruce Carrington compete on the first installment are now seeing Brandon Figueroa featured in the co-main event, with both champions potentially on a path toward each other at featherweight. That kind of linear storytelling across TNT and DAZN helps elevate the fighters, builds anticipation for what could come next and gives audiences a deeper connection to the sport.”

**SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. ERMAL HADRIBEAJ**

Standing nearly six-feet, six-inches, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora has cemented his place atop the 154-pound division with a series of dominating performances and will look to make the fourth defense of his crown against the WBC’s number-one ranked mandatory challenger, the unbeaten Ermal Hadribeaj in the 12-round main event.

Fundora (24-1-1, 16 KOs) first rocketed to the top of the super welterweight division by dethroning Tim Tszyu via decision in 2024’s bloodiest fight, earning both the WBC and WBO titles. After defending his belts with a knockout of Chordale Booker in March of last year, Fundora put his WBC belt back on the line in a July rematch against Tszyu. This time, Fundora closed the show in style, dropping Tszyu in the first round before forcing an end to the bout after round seven. A native of Coachella, California, Fundora most recently blew through another highly-accomplished challenger in March, as he stopped former unified champion Keith Thurman in the sixth-round. The 28-year-old notably showed his mettle in April 2022, battling the hard-hitting Erickson Lubin in an instant 2022 Fight of the Year contender. Despite both men hitting the canvas, Fundora stood tall in the end, prompting Lubin’s corner to stop the fight at the end of the ninth round. Fundora represents one of boxing’s most accomplished families, as he is trained by his father Freddy alongside his younger sister, undisputed flyweight world champion Gabriela. The two fighting Fundoras are the first brother and sister to simultaneously hold world championships.

“Camp is going great! October 17 is going to be an exciting night for boxing fans, Sebastian ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora will be taking over Las Vegas once again,” said Fundora.

Originally from Tirana, Albania, Hadribeaj (23-0-1, 8 KOs) now resides and trains in Miami, Florida as he prepares for the world title opportunity he’s worked his whole career towards. The 32-year-old first announced himself as a world contender in 2022, as he won a vacant international title with a dominant unanimous decision victory over the previously unbeaten Daniel Buciuc. He continued to rise up the rankings with a stoppage of former world champion Carlos Molina in 2023 and unanimous decisions over previously unbeaten contenders Bohdan Shtonda and Younes Zarraa in 2024. He earned his spot as Fundora’s mandatory this May when he went 12 rounds for the first time in a unanimous decision triumph over previously undefeated Bkary Samake. This will be Hadribeaj’s first fight stateside since May 2023, in a career that has also seen him compete in his native Albania, Germany, Croatia, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates.

“I’m working hard to be at my best and become world champion on October 17,” said Hadribeaj. “This is what I’ve worked for my entire career, and I’m going to be prepared for the fight Fundora is gonna bring. If he takes me lightly, he’s gonna be in for a big surprise.”

**BRANDON FIGUEROA VS. TOMOKI KAMEDA**

Fresh off of becoming a 126-pound world champion for the second time, WBA Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will defend his belt for the first time against Japan’s former bantamweight world champion Tomoki Kameda in the 12-round co-main event. Figueroa and Kameda hold a piece of shared history, as Kameda engaged in the first of two memorable battles against Jamie McDonnell on May 9, 2015 in Texas on the same card that featured Figueroa winning in his pro debut.

A two-division world champion, Figueroa (27-2-1, 20 KOs) returns to the ring off one of the best performances of his career that saw him travel to the U.K. to stop hometown hero Nick Ball in dramatic fashion in the 12th-round in February. The 29-year old had previously defeated Joet Gonzalez last July to bounce back after losing his 126-pound title by decision in his February rematch against Stephen Fulton Jr. The Weslaco, Texas-native won the Interim WBC Featherweight Title in a 2023 Fight of the Year contender that saw him score a unanimous decision over former champion Mark Magsayo. Figueroa’s relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him become the first person to defeat former two-division champion Luis Nery in their May 2021 championship clash, as he stopped Nery with a body shot in round seven. Figueroa, now trained by the renowned Manny Robles, added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC Lightweight World Championship.

“I’m feeling strong, sharp and ready to defend my title,” said Figueroa. “We’ve been pushing hard this camp and making sure I’m prepared for anything. Fans know I always come to fight, so expect a show October 17 in Las Vegas.”

A native of Osaka, Japan, Kameda (42-5, 23 KOs) earned the ring moniker “El Mexicanito” when he moved to the North American country as an amateur to hone his skills. After turning pro, Kameda began ascending up the 118-pound rankings, eventually claiming the WBO Bantamweight World Championship by unanimous decision in August 2013 over Paulus Ambunda. He’d go on to successfully defend the title three times, turning away the previously unbeaten Immanuel Naidjala, plus Alejandro Hernandez and Panya Uthok. The 35-year-old made his biggest splash stateside in 2015, going toe-to-toe with champion Jamie McDonnell in a pair of widely-seen action bouts that were each edged by McDonnell. Kameda would later challenge for two more world titles, putting together a five-fight winning streak that led to a decision loss against then super bantamweight world champion Rey Vargas. Most recently, he dropped a close decision to featherweight world champion Angelo Leo in May 2025, which followed six wins in seven contests.

“I’m coming to take advantage of this opportunity on October 17 and leave Las Vegas world champion once again,” said Kameda. “Brandon Figueroa is a great champion and I know that when the bell rings, we’re going to give the fans a fight they’ll remember.”

**JERMALL CHARLO VS. KOEN MAZOUDIER**

After originally being scheduled to meet in July, two-division world champion Jermall Charlo will now face Australian brawler Koen Mazoudier in a 10-round super middleweight matchup.  

A former world champion at 154 and 160 pounds, Charlo (34-0, 23 KOs) began his quest to become a three-division world champion in the stacked 168-pound division last year, blasting out Thomas LaManna in six rounds. A native of Houston, Texas, Charlo first joined the ranks of world champion in 2015 with a dominant knockout of Cornelius Bundrage, and would go on to defend the title three times, including an emphatic stoppage of the then-undefeated Julian Williams in December 2016. The 36-year-old would then begin a middleweight run that saw him earn the WBC championship and add victories over top contenders including Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Matt Korobov, Hugo Centeno Jr. and more. Trained throughout his career by the renowned Ronnie Shields, Charlo’s recent resume also includes a 2023 unanimous decision triumph over Jose Benavidez Jr.

“I’ve been waiting on this moment and I’m ready to get back in there and remind everybody who Jermall Charlo is,” said Charlo. “I was ready to fight in July, and when that didn’t happen, I went right back to the gym and kept working. I know my fans have been waiting to see me and I’m gonna step into the ring hungry, focused and with a lot to prove. Mazoudier is coming to make a name for himself, but he’s standing in the way of where I’m trying to go. October 17, I’m coming to make a statement.”

A native of Blacktown, New South Wales, Australian, Mazoudier (16-4-1, 6 KOs) turned pro in 2018 after an accomplished amateur career, reeling off six consecutive victories. Of the blemishes on 30-year-old’s record, two came by narrow majority decisions, with one of his other losses eventually being avenged as he defeated Wade Ryan by unanimous decision in 2022. His other loss came at the hands of undefeated Australian star Nikita Tszyu, younger brother of Tim Tszyu. The 2024 showdown against Tszyu was within two points on two judges’ cards when the bout ended in round nine. Mazoudier has bounced back effectively, winning four-straight fights, including a decision win over Sam Beck on August 26.

“I know I’m the underdog and I don’t care,” said Mazoudier. “I’m coming to take down a legend, I’m not just going there for a payday…I’m going there to win. I’ve never taken a backward step in my life, and I’m sure as hell not starting on October 17. I’m coming to take Charlo down.”

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About The Fight

The Fight is a new monthly boxing series from TNT Sports and DAZN, built to deliver the sport’s biggest matchups and rising stars on a consistent national stage. Featuring top fighters from leading global promoters, each event airs live on TNT Sports and DAZN platforms in the U.S. and streams worldwide on DAZN, creating a seamless, multi-platform experience that brings fans closer to the action than ever before. Across TNT Sports’ networks and platforms, including Bleacher Report and House of Highlights, additional original programming and digital content will spotlight the personalities, storylines and stakes driving each event.

For more information on the October 17 event visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraHadribeaj, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.




Two WBA Fedelatin Titles Up for Grabs This Saturday

South America is set for an action-packed Saturday, August 29, with two pivotal regional showdowns on tap. The World Boxing Association will place two of its most prestigious continental belts on the line in a pair of high-stakes clashes fueled by national pride. The lightweight division will take center stage in Argentina’s capital, while the welterweight throne will be contested on Ecuador’s Pacific coast.

In Buenos Aires, the spotlight will shine on an intriguing 135-pound matchup between unbeaten local prospects Nahuel Alexander Espíndola and Diego Ángel Borda. Both fighters enter with their sights set on proving who is the division’s top rising force while claiming the vacant WBA Fedelatin lightweight title. Espíndola is expected to rely on his reach and movement from mid-range, while Borda will look to impose his trademark aggression and inside power in an effort to disrupt the Buenos Aires native’s rhythm.

Meanwhile, the city of Manta will become the center of attention for continental boxing when seasoned former international contender Erick Bone faces battle-tested Santo Nadir Quiñonez for the WBA Fedelatin welterweight championship. Bone will attempt to draw on his wealth of experience on the big stage, controlling the pace and countering with precision. Across the ring, a hungry Quiñonez will look to use his physical strength at 147 pounds and seize a career-defining victory in front of his home fans.




A Pick’em Showdown for the Women’s Super Welterweight Crown: Mayer vs. Cameron

British soil will host one of the most compelling matchups in women’s boxing as Birmingham becomes the stage for a world super welterweight title clash between American standout Mikaela Mayer and hometown favorite Chantelle Cameron. It is a true collision of two of the sport’s most accomplished fighters of the modern era.

Mayer heads to the United Kingdom determined to prove her dominance in a higher weight class. The American is known for her smooth footwork, effective use of range, and a polished jab that consistently disrupts opponents from the outside. Her blueprint for success in Birmingham will be to control the center of the ring, neutralize Cameron’s forward pressure with sharp straight punches, and capitalize with quick counter combinations whenever the British challenger attempts to close the distance.

Standing across the ring, Cameron will enter backed by a passionate home crowd and armed with the relentless aggression that has defined her career. The seasoned Brit is expected to lean on her physical strength at 154 pounds, applying constant pressure, cutting off the ring, and forcing exchanges at close quarters. Powerful hooks to the body could be a key weapon as she looks to slow Mayer’s movement and turn the contest into a battle fought on her terms.




BIYU PROMOTIONS AND SHUAN BOXING BRING INTERNATIONAL FIGHT NIGHT TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SEPTEMBER 11

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (August 26, 2026) – There is something special about a fight card where young fighters are willing to put their unbeaten records on the line. On Friday, September 11, 2026, Bobby Harrison’s BiYu Promotions and Belgica Pena’s Shuan Boxing will bring exactly that kind of night to the Dominican Republic.

The international event features a deep mix of undefeated prospects, dangerous punchers, experienced veterans and homegrown talent, with plenty of fighters looking to take the next meaningful step in their careers.

The entire card will stream live worldwide on CombatVisionTV.com, giving fans a chance to see some familiar faces along with several rising fighters who are eager to make people remember their names.

At the top of the card is a fight where something has to give.

Unbeaten welterweights Feudri Franco (7-0, 6 KOs) and Junior Desir (7-0-1, 5 KOs) will meet in the scheduled eight-round main event, with both men putting their unbeaten records on the line. Franco has quickly earned a reputation as a dangerous puncher, stopping six of his first seven professional opponents. Desir, meanwhile, has plenty of power of his own and comes into the fight with the confidence of a man who has yet to experience defeat.

There is no complicated storyline needed for this one. Two hungry, unbeaten fighters believe they are ready to move forward, and only one can leave with the victory. For Franco and Desir, this is the type of matchup that can reveal quite a bit about where each man stands.

The co-main event has a different feel but just as much intrigue. Unbeaten super welterweight Rafael Abreu (12-0, 11 KOs) takes a serious step up when he faces battle-tested Fernando Montes de Oca (33-3, 20 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round showdown.

Abreu has been nearly perfect so far, with 11 knockouts in 12 victories, but Montes de Oca brings a level of experience that the young prospect hasn’t encountered before. It is a genuine test for Abreu and, quite frankly, the kind of fight a rising prospect eventually has to take if he wants to find out how far he can go.

Montes de Oca isn’t coming simply to provide experience. With 36 professional fights behind him and proven punching power, the veteran has every reason to believe he can spoil Abreu’s perfect record.

Another bout worth keeping an eye on will feature unbeaten welterweight Pryce Sparrow (6-0, 4 KOs) against veteran Oliver Flores (31-7-3, 20 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round contest. Sparrow has made a strong start to his career, but Flores represents a noticeable jump in experience. The veteran has been around the sport long enough to understand how to make a young fighter uncomfortable, and that is exactly what makes this matchup interesting. Sparrow will have an opportunity to show that he’s ready to move beyond prospect status and handle the challenges that come with facing seasoned opposition.

Unbeaten super featherweight Eliesel Rodriguez Ledesma (9-0-2, 8 KOs) will also have his hands full when he faces Jorge Santana (16-2, 9 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round bout. Ledesma’s eight knockouts in nine victories tell their own story, but Santana brings enough experience and confidence to make this anything but a routine assignment.

Cruiserweights Starlyn Guzman (5-0, 5 KOs) and Jankelly Rodriguez Paulino (5-1, 5 KOs) will meet in a scheduled six-round bout that might be wise not to blink during. All 10 of their combined victories have ended by knockout, and neither man has built his reputation by playing it safe.

Unbeaten featherweight Angel Rodriguez (5-0, 3 KOs), regarded as a promising young talent in the division, will look to keep his perfect record intact against Nayer Gonzalez Jimenez (3-1, 3 KOs) in a scheduled six-round contest. Jimenez has stopped all three opponents he has defeated, giving Rodriguez another meaningful test early in his career.

The international lineup will also feature Vivian Bianelis Rodriguez (9-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout against an opponent to be announced.

Unbeaten super welterweight Miguel Angel Arias (7-0, 7 KOs) will put his perfect record and perfect knockout percentage on the line against Jose Manuel Perez (6-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round contest. Arias has yet to hear the final bell as a professional, but Perez represents the type of opponent who will be looking to change the direction of that story.

Rising super bantamweight Jose De Los Santos (5-0, 4 KOs) will face by far the most experienced opponent of his young career when he takes on Eliezer Aquino (23-5-1, 16 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round bout. For De Los Santos, it is another example of a young fighter being asked to prove he’s ready for more.

Yan Carlos Perez (8-1, 5 KOs) will battle Juan Alcantara Sanchez (12-10-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

One of the more interesting fights on the undercard will see undefeated prospects Carlos Johnson (3-0, 2 KOs) and Kermin Jimenez (3-0, 3 KOs) meet in a scheduled six-round welterweight contest. Both men are still early in their careers, but neither is being protected from a meaningful challenge. Someone will suffer his first professional defeat unless the bout ends in a draw.

In another super bantamweight attraction, Keuryn Alcantara (2-0, 1 KO) will have an opportunity to learn plenty when he faces veteran Wallington Orobio (20-15, 17 KOs) over six rounds. Orobio’s experience and power should give the young Alcantara a good indication of where he stands at this stage of his development.

Yankiel Rivera Figueroa (7-1-1, 3 KOs) will meet Francisco Vargas Martinez (5-10, 3 KOs) in a scheduled six-round flyweight bout.

Experience takes center stage when veteran super featherweights Michael Chaise Nelson (23-4-1, 8 KOs) and Misael Vasquez (18-7-1, 16 KOs) meet over eight rounds.

Rounding out the card, undefeated Bryan Santos Mendez (2-0, 2 KOs) will look for his third professional victory when he faces Juan Carlos Constanza (0-2) in a six-round super featherweight contest. Luis Rosario Villafane (16-1-1, 10 KOs) will also see action in a six-round super featherweight bout against Jose Rodriguez Lora (11-6, 10 KOs).

For BiYu Promotions President Bobby Harrison, the card is about more than simply filling a night with fights. He wants to create opportunities that actually mean something for the fighters involved.

“We’re really excited to work with Belgica Pena and Shuan Boxing and bring this event to the Dominican Republic live on CombatVisionTV,” said Harrison. “What I like about this card is that these guys have something to prove. Franco and Desir are both unbeaten and neither one wants to give that up. Abreu is taking a real step up against an experienced fighter in Montes de Oca, and Sparrow is doing the same thing against Flores. You can feel the hunger with these young fighters, and that’s what makes a card exciting.”

Harrison understands that protecting a perfect record can be tempting, particularly for a young fighter. But he also believes careers are built when fighters are willing to find out just how good they really are.

“At some point, you have to take that chance,” Harrison continued. “You can’t call yourself the best if you’re not willing to fight guys who believe they can beat you. That’s what I respect about these fighters. They’re taking real fights. There are going to be some nerves, there’s going to be pressure, and that’s part of it. Those are the moments when you learn something about a fighter. We want to give them the platform, and then it’s up to them to make the most of it.”

For Belgica PenaPresident of Shuan Boxing, bringing another international event to the Dominican Republic carries a personal sense of pride. The country has a long connection to boxing, and Pena believes nights like this can introduce more of its talent to fans outside the region.

“Boxing means a lot to people here in the Dominican Republic,” said Pena. “There are so many talented fighters who just need the right opportunity for people to see them. That’s why I’m happy to be working with Bobby Harrison, BiYu Promotions and CombatVisionTV on this event. We have young fighters trying to build their names, unbeaten prospects taking risks and veterans who know every trick in the book. That’s a fun combination for the fans.”

Pena also sees the event as another chance to show international viewers what Dominican boxing has to offer.

“We want people watching around the world to feel some of the energy that we feel here,” Pena added. “These fighters are hungry. Their families, trainers and teams have sacrificed with them to get to this point. When they step into that ring, it means something. I think the fans are going to see that.”

The September 11 card gives CombatVisionTV another opportunity to bring that energy directly to boxing fans around the world.

From Franco and Desir putting their unbeaten records on the line in the main event, to Abreu facing the biggest test of his young career against Montes de Oca, Sparrow stepping up against Flores and a supporting cast filled with prospects and veterans, there won’t be much room for anyone to simply go through the motions.

For several fighters, this could be the night that moves a career forward. For others, it could mean starting over. Either way, there is plenty to fight for. Fans unable to attend the event in person can watch all the action live worldwide on CombatVisionTV.com.




MVP ANNOUNCES A CHAMPIONSHIP SUPERCARD AS ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER STEPS UP TO 135LBS TO CHALLENGE UNDEFEATED IBF LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ELIF NUR TURHAN AS MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ MVPW-07 BRINGS A QUADRUPLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT TO ARLINGTON, TEXAS ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, LIVE ON ESPN

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – August 25, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced MVPW-07, a championship supercard with a quadruple world championship event at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 8, live on ESPN and the ESPN App, headlined by MVP and Dallas, Texas’ unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (18-1, 7 KOs), who will step up to 135lbs seeking to become a two-division world champion when she challenges MVP’s newest signee, Turkey’s undefeated IBF lightweight world champion, the “Golden Turkish Warrior” Elif Nur Turhan (14-0, 8 KOs), in a 10-round championship bout with three-minute rounds for the IBF lightweight world title. Baumgardner enters the matchup following a dominant run as unified champion at super featherweight and now takes on one of the most dangerous punchers in women’s boxing in Turhan, who claimed the IBF lightweight world title with a stunning TKO victory over previously unbeaten Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Beatriz Ferreira and enters her third world title defense. 

MVPW on ESPN showcases the sport’s most elite 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 Arlington Sports Commission will serve as Host Partner for the event. Fans can sign up for MVPW-07 Presale HERE. Tickets will go on sale Thursday, September 10 at 11am ET / 10am CT at AXS.com. All media interested in being credentialed for MVPW-07 must apply HERE.

Elif Nur Turhan said: “Alycia is a boxer who steps into the ring determined to win, never even entertaining the possibility of defeat; I know I am proud to be representing Turkiye on such a major international stage as I face an opponent who steps into the ring solely for victory. I do not want to lose, either. As two boxers sharing a ‘win at all costs’ mentality, we guarantee a fierce, relentless battle where everything is left on the line. Two warriors, one fight, and only one winner.”

Alycia Baumgardner said: “When I set my mind to something, I see it through, and 135 will be no different. Sunday, November 8 is a superfight—the kind of fight boxing deserves—and the beginning of my next chapter. I know what it takes to become undisputed. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again. To everyone in Dallas-Fort Worth and Arlington, this is my backyard, and I want you there with me. Come out to College Park Center, be part of the moment, and watch me make history.”

In the co-main event, MVP’s and Ft. Myers, Florida’s reigning WBC featherweight world champion Tiara Brown (21-0, 11 KOs) will make a 10-round defense at 126lbs against MVP’s and Catford, London, England’s former undisputed champion Ellie Scotney (12-0), who steps up to 126lbs seeking to become a two-division world champion. Turhan and Baumgardner and Brown and Scotney will come face-to-face for the first time at the official MVPW-07 kickoff press conference on Thursday, August 27 at 3pm BST / 10am ET at bp pulse LIVE arena in Birmingham, England ahead of the MVPW-06 final fight week press conference. 

Tiara Brown said: “She may have been the youngest undisputed champion in UK history, but I’m not stepping into the ring to admire her history. I’m stepping in to make my own. I’m a seasoned veteran who has been overlooked, but never outworked. Come fight night, we’ll see who’s truly built for greatness.”

Ellie Scotney said: “I can’t wait for the next chapter to begin at 126lbs, where I truly believe the world will see the best of me. It’s time to make more history on Sunday, November the 8th and become a two-weight world champion.”

Also joining the main card, MVP’s and Australia’s reigning WBC super bantamweight world champion at 122lbs, two-division champion, and 2020 Olympian Skye Nicolson (16-1, 3 KOs) will make her highly anticipated MVP debut in a 10-round title defense against Japan’s three-time, two-division world champion Miyo Yoshida (19-5, 1 KO). 

Skye Nicolson said: “I’m excited to announce we have a new date locked in. Having to withdraw due to injury was incredibly frustrating, especially after everything that went into preparing for this fight, but unfortunately these things happen in elite sport. The focus now is completely on moving forward and taking on Miyo Yoshida in what I know will be a great fight. I’m looking forward to getting back in there, putting on a big performance and making sure everyone and anyone in my way is officially put on notice. This delay has only made me hungrier. I’ll be ready to make a big statement for Australia on fight night and finish the year exactly where I want to be.” 

Miyo Yoshida said: “Many people see Skye Nicolson as the favorite and I understand why as she is an excellent fighter. But I have dedicated my life to boxing and I am prepared to give everything for this opportunity. I promise the fans will see a fearless Miyo Yoshida. I will bring the heart of Japan, my experience as a three-time World Champion and everything I have into this fight. On fight night, I believe the world will see me crowned as the new WBC super bantamweight champion.”

Rounding out the quadruple world championship main card, MVP’s multi-talented Somali-British boxer, activist, and high-fashion model Ramla Ali (11-2, 3 KOs) will face New York’s undefeated Mikiah Kreps (11-0, 3 KOs) in a 10-round championship bout for the vacant WBO and IBF super bantamweight world titles at 122lbs.

Ramla Ali said: “People assume the hardest fights of my life happened in a ring, under lights, with a bell to tell you when it’s over. They didn’t. The real fights never had a bell. They lasted years, some of them are still going. Every time a door closed, I found another way through. That’s the one true thing anyone could say about me: I’m relentless in my pursuit of anything I do. Mikiah and I have sparred probably a hundred rounds together. I have a lot of respect for her, and I know her journey in boxing hasn’t been easy either. We both know we’ll leave everything in that ring on Sunday, November 8th, the same way we left everything in every round of sparring that got us here. What does sit heavy with me is that so many of the people who made this possible won’t be able to watch it happen live as a result of new travel bans on Somalis and people who have travelled to Somalia. I would have loved to fight this one in London, where I was raised and haven’t competed in for four years. But that’s never been how my path has worked, I always seem to take the harder route, and I’ve made peace with that, because nothing worth having has ever come easy, and these titles are worth everything.”

Mikiah Kreps said: “I’ve been working toward this moment since I was a little girl watching my mom train in the boxing gym, and I’m ready for it. Fighting for my first world title means everything to me, but I’m not coming just to fight for a championship — I’m coming to win it.  I appreciate MVP, DBE, and Team Kreps for working together to make this fight happen, and I’m grateful to the WBO & IBF for the opportunity to fight for a unified title.  I can’t wait to step in the ring and show the world what I can do.”  

Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions said: “MVPW-07 is one of the biggest championship events in boxing history, with four back-to-back world title fights, bringing together eight elite fighters from around the world with belts at stake in every matchup. Elif Nur Turhan joined MVP to take on the biggest fights in the sport, and in her first event under the MVP banner she will defend her IBF lightweight world title against pound-for-pound great Alycia Baumgardner, one of the most dominant champions of this generation, as Alycia steps up to 135 pounds in pursuit of becoming a two-division world champion. Undefeated WBC featherweight champion Tiara Brown will defend her title against the undefeated former undisputed champion and ESPN’s 2025 Female Boxer of the Year Ellie Scotney, who moves up to 126 pounds seeking to become a two-division world champion. Two-division champion Skye Nicolson will make her MVP debut, defending her WBC super bantamweight world title against three-time, two-division champion Miyo Yoshida, and Ramla Ali faces undefeated Mikiah Kreps for the vacant WBO and IBF super bantamweight world titles at 122lbs. Four world championship fights. One massive night for boxing. Live on ESPN from Arlington, Texas.”

Further information, including additional bouts, will be announced in the coming weeks.

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

About Elif Nur Turhan

Reigning IBF lightweight world champion at 135lbs Elif Nur Turhan has taken women’s boxing by storm over the past two years having established her reputation as one of the most dangerous and devastating punchers in the sport. The ‘Golden Turkish Warrior’ hails from Istanbul, Turkey, and boasts a flawless record of 14-0 with eight victories by way of knockout. Turhan captured the world title in December 2025 in Monte-Carlo with a remarkable upset: a fifth-round stoppage over Brazil’s previously unbeaten Olympic hero Beatriz Ferreira. The 31-year-old sensation, who turned pro four years ago, has since successfully defended her crown with wins over Taylah Gentzen in Newcastle, England, in January 2026 and again against Gabriella Tellez in June 2026 in Arizona. Now Turhan is excited for what comes next with the Turkish star determined to capture more major titles. Turhan signed with MVP in August 2026 as part of MVP’s strategic alliance with Matchroom Boxing. She is currently ranked ESPN’s #3 talent in the world in the lightweight division.  

About Alycia Baumgardner

MVP’s reigning unified WBO, WBA, and IBF super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner is one of the most electrifying superstars in boxing today and one of the most dominant athletes in the sport. Born in Fremont, Ohio, and of Korean, German, and African-American descent, she has built a career defined by power, precision, and resilience. Her success is fueled not only by her relentless work ethic but also by her deep faith, which guides her journey both in and out of the ring. Baumgardner turned pro in 2017, making an immediate impact with a first-round TKO victory. In November 2021, she shocked the boxing world by knocking out Terri Harper in Sheffield, England, to claim the WBC and IBO world titles. She followed with wins over Edith Matthysse and Mikaela Mayer, adding the WBO and IBF belts to her collection. In February 2023, she became undisputed, defeating Elhem Mekhaled in New York to claim the WBA title. In July 2023, Baumgardner avenged her only career loss with a dominant win over Christina Linardatou in Detroit, successfully defending her undisputed crown. She returned in September 2024 against Delfine Persoon, scoring an early knockdown before an accidental clash of heads led to a no-contest ruling. She defended her undisputed title in the co-main event of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3, live on Netflix, before making a 12×3:00 unified world title defense vs. Leila Beaudoin in the co-main event of MVP’s Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day live on Netflix in December 2025–becoming just the second woman in boxing history to defend her unified world titles under equal rules to men’s champions. Most recently, Baumgardner headlined MVPW’s inaugural U.S. event on ESPN, earning a unanimous decision victory over Bo Mi Re Shin in a unified title defense contested with three-minute rounds. Outside the ring, Baumgardner is breaking barriers for women, proving that skill, strength, and marketability can coexist at the highest level.

About Tiara Brown

MVP’s reigning WBC featherweight world champion Tiara Brown holds a career built on an exceptional amateur pedigree, technical excellence, and championship-level discipline. Long before capturing world honors in the professional ranks, Brown established herself as one of the most accomplished amateurs in the United States, becoming a multiple-time US national champion, competing at the highest levels of USA Boxing and consistently defeating top-tier competition across the country, culminating with a gold medal at the 2012 amateur world championships. That foundation seamlessly translated into the pro ranks, where her experience, composure, and adaptability have set her apart on the world stage. Brown’s style showcases speed, sharp fundamentals, and intelligent pressure. She is equally comfortable boxing off the back foot or engaging in high-paced exchanges, making her one of the most technically sound and versatile fighters in women’s boxing today. Representing Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s proud boxing tradition, Brown defeated Skye Nicolson in March 2025 to claim the WBC featherweight title before successfully defending the belt against Emma Gongara in September 2025 and again against challenger Hannah Rapp in June 2026. She was ranked among ESPN’s best women’s boxers of 2025, and is now  ranked Boxrec’s #10 pound-for-pound female fighter, and ESPN’s #2 featherweight talent globally. 

About Ellie Scotney

MVP’s former undisputed super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney became the youngest in UK history, male or female, to become undisputed champion in April 2026. The Catford, England native made her pro debut in 2020. In her seventh pro fight, Scotney dethroned former 122lb champion Cherneka Johnson by UD to become the new IBF world champion. Scotney successfully defended her IBF belt against Laura Griffa in September 2023 before unifying the division and adding the WBO and Ring Magazine titles to her collection in a UD win over then-undefeated 18-0 champion Segolene Lefebvre. The 27-year-old faced the longest-standing division champion, former WBC titlist Yamileth Mercado on the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 all-women’s card live on Netflix, winning by UD and adding the WBC belt to her unified collection. The outstanding performance earned her recognition as ESPN’s 2025 Female Boxer of the Year, which she followed by defeating then-WBA titlist Mayelli Flores in the co-main event of MVPW-01 in April 2026 to claim the undisputed world title and become the youngest in the United Kingdom’s history, male or female, to become an undisputed boxing champion. Scotney is currently ranked Boxrec’s #6, ESPN’s #9, and Ring Magazine’s #9 pound-for-pound boxer globally, as well as ESPN’s #1 super bantamweight in the world. 

About Skye Nicolson

Skye Nicolson was born and raised in Queensland, Australia to an English mother and Scottish father. She began boxing at age 12, following in the footsteps of her late brother. Her stellar amateur career saw over 150 fights around the world including a Commonwealth Games gold medal, bronze at the amateur world championships, and representing Team Australia in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, where she finished as a quarter-finalist. Off the back of the Olympics, she signed a long-term promotional deal with Matchroom and began a very active professional career that skyrocketed her to her first world title in just her 10th professional fight, defeating Sarah Mahfoud for the WBC featherweight title in 2024. Now 16-1 as a professional, Nicolson most recently rose to Interim champion and mandatory challenger for the WBC 122lbs title. Shortly after, the belt was vacated by former undisputed champion Ellie Scotney, and Nicolson was elevated to become a two-time, two-division WBC world champion in May 2026. Entering this next chapter under the MVP and Matchroom strategic alliance, the 30-year-old prepares to unify the super bantamweight division and aims to be part of the biggest fights in women’s boxing. She is currently ranked ESPN’s #2 super bantamweight globally.

About Miyo Yoshida

Miyo Yoshida is a three-time, two-division world champion from Kagoshima, Japan. A former IBF bantamweight world champion and two-time WBO junior bantamweight world champion, Yoshida has established herself as one of Japan’s most accomplished female fighters. She made history as one of only a handful of Japanese women to win world titles in multiple weight classes and has earned recognition for her technical skill, resilience, and championship pedigree. Known as the “Fighting Single Mother” in Japan, Yoshida is a former The Ring Most Inspirational Female Fighter award recipient and a revered role model both inside and outside the ring. After relocating to the United States, she now trains at the legendary Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York. Yoshida most recently earned a victory over Edith de Jesus Flores in April 2026, following a unanimous decision win over Beata Dudek in February 2025. She captured the IBF bantamweight world title with a dominant unanimous decision over Ebanie Bridges in December 2023 after accepting the fight on less than two weeks’ notice.

About Ramla Ali

Ramla Ali is a 35-year-old Somali-British professional boxer, philanthropist, high-fashion model, and social activist. Born in Somalia, Ali and her family fled the country following the loss of her brother in a grenade attack and civil unrest. At age 12, she took up boxing in secret to overcome bullying and obesity, becoming the first Muslim woman to win national amateur boxing titles in England in 2015 and 2016 before making history as the first female boxer to represent Somalia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She made her pro debut in October 2020, winning the vacant IBF Intercontinental title at Madison Square Garden in New York in 2023 in just her 8th pro fight before winning the WBA International super bantamweight title in a hard-fought rematch against Mexico’s Julissa Alejandra Guzman later that year. A passionate advocate for women’s rights and women in boxing, Ali established the Somali Boxing Federation in Mogadishu, Somalia. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the fight for women’s equality, Ali was one of twelve extraordinary leaders named among TIME’s 2023 Women of the Year.

About Mikiah Kreps

Mikiah Kreps is an undefeated American professional boxer from Niagara Falls, NY, and a former elite member of Team USA.  A lifelong boxer who first stepped into the gym at five years old when her mother was training for amateur fights, Kreps achieved an accomplished amateur career of more than 75 bouts, winning multiple national championships and a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships before turning pro.

Kreps has built an 11-0 record as a professional and has established herself among the elite of the Super Bantamweight division. She is currently ranked #1 in the world by both the WBO and IBF, positioning her for the biggest opportunity of her career: her first shot at a world championship and for a unified title.

Trained by Manny Robles and known for her relentless pressure, explosive power, slick combinations, and high ring IQ, Kreps brings an aggressive and technically polished style to the ring. Now, with a world title within reach, she is looking to turn years of preparation and sacrifice into the first chapter of a championship legacy.

About MVP

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is a global combat sports and entertainment company built for the next generation of athletes and fans. The company operates across boxing, mixed martial arts, live events, media, content, athlete development, and global distribution, with a fighter-first philosophy centered on equitable compensation, maximum visibility, and long-term brand building.

Led by co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian and Chief Executive Officer John Martin and backed by founding investors 885 Capital & Knighthead, MVP promotes some of the world’s biggest combat sports events and represents a roster of nearly 400 elite athletes, including world champions, titleholders, contenders, and emerging stars. MVP’s portfolio includes MVP, MVPW, and MVP MMA, bringing together premier boxing and mixed martial arts properties under one global brand.

Through partnerships with leading media and distribution platforms including Netflix, ESPN, Sky Sports, and an extensive international network reaching fans across more than 170 countries, MVP delivers world-class competition and entertainment to audiences worldwide. By combining elite athletes, premium live events, compelling storytelling, and global media reach, MVP is building the future of combat sports.

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.

About the Arlington Sports Commission 

As a division of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Arlington Sports Commission recruits and supports high-impact youth, amateur, collegiate, professional and international sporting events to Arlington, driving economic impact and reinforcing the city’s status as one of the nation’s premier sports destinations. With world-class stadiums, professional sports teams, strong local connections and a team that knows how to make big events happen, Arlington delivers unforgettable sports experiences at every level. To learn more, visit arlingtonsportscommission.org.

About College Park Center

College Park Center (CPC) is a 7,000-seat multipurpose arena which opened in 2012 on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). It is the home court for the Dallas Wings of the WNBA, the UTA basketball and volleyball programs, and offers professional class training facilities. In addition, CPC is host to concerts, professional wrestling and boxing, world-renowned speaker events, graduation ceremonies, banquets, various local education events and more, in total averaging over 140 events per year.




CAMP NOTES: ERIDSON GARCIA HUNGRY TO MAKE THE MOST OF WBO LATINO TITLE OPPORTUNITY

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (August 24, 2026) — There comes a point in a fighter’s career when an opportunity feels a little different. For BiYu Promotions lightweight Eridson Garcia (23-2, 14 KOs), that moment has arrived.

The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native will face undefeated Argentine puncher Alan Chaves (22-0, 19 KOs), of San Miguel, Buenos Aires, in a 10-round bout for the WBO Latino Lightweight title at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event, promoted by Matchroom Boxing, will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and TNT in the USA.

Garcia knows exactly what is in front of him. Chaves is unbeaten, carries legitimate power and will enter the ring with plenty of confidence. That’s part of what makes this fight so appealing to Garcia. He isn’t looking for an easy road. At this stage of his career, he wants the fights that can move him forward. And this is one of them.

Garcia has been putting in the work at home in the Dominican Republic, where long days in the gym have been mixed with the comfort of familiar surroundings. Being close to home has brought a little extra meaning to camp, but Garcia admits there hasn’t been much time to relax. With a title fight approaching, the mood has been all business.

“This has been a really good camp for me,” Garcia said. “It hasn’t been easy, and honestly, I wouldn’t want it to be. My team has pushed me hard because they know what this fight means to me. Every day we’re working on something, conditioning, timing, defense, putting combinations together, just trying to get a little better each time we walk into the gym.”

Training in the Dominican Republic has also reminded Garcia of the people he hopes to represent when he steps through the ropes in Newark.

“There’s something special about preparing at home,” Garcia continued. “You see the people who have supported you, you see young fighters in the gym with their own dreams, and it keeps you humble. I remember being one of those kids. I’m thankful to be in this position, but being thankful doesn’t mean I’m comfortable. I’m still hungry. I feel like there is a lot more out there for me, and I have to go earn it.”

There is no mystery surrounding the danger Chaves brings. With 19 knockouts in 22 victories, the unbeaten Argentine has built a reputation as a fighter who can end a bout quickly. Garcia respects that. He just doesn’t fear it. Rather than spending camp worrying about Chaves’ record, Garcia has focused on the things he can control, his preparation, his game plan and his mindset.

“You have to respect a guy who is 22-0 with 19 knockouts,” Garcia said. “He’s proven he’s one of the best fighters in the world. He can punch, he’s confident, and I’m sure he believes he’s coming here to beat me. I understand all of that. But I’m not going into the ring thinking about his record. When the bell rings, it’s just me and him, and we both have to fight, and he’s going to see the best version of myself.”

Garcia feels the ups and downs of his own professional journey have prepared him for a moment like this. His two defeats haven’t taken away his confidence. If anything, he believes they have taught him lessons an undefeated record simply can’t provide.

“I’ve had nights where everything went my way, and I’ve had nights where I had to go home and really look at myself,” Garcia said. “That’s boxing. Those experiences made me grow up as a fighter. I know how to stay calm when things aren’t perfect. I know how to make adjustments. Against a fighter like Chaves, those little things matter. I believe in my experience, and I believe in my ability.”

There is confidence in Garcia’s words, but no bravado. He knows he still has to prove it.

“I’m expecting a hard fight,” he added. “I don’t want anybody to give me anything. I want to earn this title.”

Garcia isn’t pretending this is just another fight. Winning the WBO Latino Lightweight title would be meaningful on its own, but defeating an unbeaten opponent with Chaves’ credentials could also change the trajectory of his career.

“Of course, I think about what a win could do for me,” Garcia said. “I’m human. You think about fighting the best guys and putting yourself in position for something even greater. That’s what I want for my career. I didn’t come this far just to stay in the same place.”

Still, Garcia quickly brings the conversation back to the job at hand.

“None of those things happen if I don’t win this fight,” he continued. “That’s why my sole focus is on defeating Chaves. Right now, he is the biggest fight of my career because he is the next fight. I want to win that belt, bring it back home to the Dominican Republic and enjoy that moment with my family and my team. After that, we can talk about what’s next.”

Bobby Harrison, President of BiYu Promotions, has watched Garcia put in the work and believes this opportunity has arrived at the right time. For Harrison, one of Garcia’s most important qualities is that he understands the difference between being given an opportunity and actually taking advantage of one.

“This is the kind of fight Eridson wanted,” Harrison said. “He wants to challenge himself. Alan Chaves is undefeated, he has 19 knockouts, and everybody can look at those numbers and understand what kind of fighter we’re dealing with. But Eridson didn’t hesitate. He believes in himself, and we believe in him.”

Harrison has also been impressed by Garcia’s attitude throughout the buildup.

“What I like about Eridson is that he’s hungry without feeling entitled,” Harrison continued. “He understands nobody owes him anything in this business. He’s been working, he’s stayed focused, and now he has a real opportunity in front of him. I’m excited for him because I know how much this means to him.”

A victory, Harrison believes, could put Garcia in an entirely different conversation at lightweight.

“If Eridson goes out there and beats a 22-0 fighter with 19 knockouts and comes home with the WBO Latino title, people are going to take notice,” Harrison said. “That’s a meaningful win. It can help him in the rankings, lead to bigger fights and put him closer to the opportunities we’ve been working toward. But just like Eridson, we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. First things first, we have a tough fighter in front of us, and we have to handle business.”

For Garcia, the final days leading into the fight are about staying focused and appreciating the moment without becoming overwhelmed by it. Years of training, sacrifice, wins, setbacks and lessons have brought him here. Now he wants to make it count.

“I’m grateful,” Garcia said. “I’m grateful to Bobby Harrison and BiYu Promotions, my trainers, my family and everybody who has stayed with me through this journey. But I still have that hunger. I still wake up wanting more for myself and my family. This is a big opportunity, and I plan on giving everything I have to make the most of it. I want to leave Newark with that belt around my waist and show people that Eridson Garcia is ready for the next level.”




Risk worth taking for IBF No. 1 World welterweight contender Paddy Donovan on Sept. 5th in Dublin

DUBLIN, Ireland (August 24, 2026) – International Boxing Federation (IBF) No. 1 world welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan isn’t concerned about risking his mandatory challenger position on September 5th against Tyrone “The Mighty Celt” McKenna (25-6-1, 8 KOs), of Belfast, in a 10-round encounter on Irish boxing icon Katie Taylor’s farewell fight card, “Once Upon a Time,” at famed Croke Park in Dublin.

Limerick-based Donovan (15-2-1, 11 KOs), who is the mandatory challenger for reigning IBF World Welterweight Champion Liam Paro, and McKenna are in the lone All-Irish fight on the main card, which will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

More than 80,000 fans will attend the first professional boxing event held at Croke Park in 54 years, since Muhammad Ali knocked out Alvin Lewis in the 11th round of their heavyweight fight there. Donovan vs. McKenna represents the first All-Irish match-up on the main card at Croke Park in a century, when promoter Jim Rice held a pro boxing event there on July 10, 1926.

“Some may say it’s a risky fight for me as once again being ranked No. 1 by the IBF,” Donovan explained, “but I’m a hungry fighter and I want to stay active. That’s why I train a lot. I’ve dedicated my life to boxing and when you do that the only thing you want to do is fight. Right now, Paro hasn’t decided what’s next for him. While I wait on Paro’s decision, I want to keep active and fighting Tyrone McKenna in front of 80,000 fans sounds splendid.

“It feels great to be No. 1 again in the IBF. My two fights with Lewis Crocker were crackers and very controversial, and two hard fights in his backyard. I then worked very hard in the gym and took on a very tough Karen Chukhadzhian, from Ukraine, who is one of the best welterweights in the world. I fought him in his backyard as well, in Germany, scored two knockdowns and I won the fight quite comfortably in our title eliminator. I earned the No. 1 ranking the hard way.

“This isn’t over! We’re going to continue this story and I will become champion of the world. After the incredible journey I’ve had over the last couple of years, it’ll be a beautiful way to top it off by becoming world champion.”

(L-R) – Paddy Donovan, Keith Sullivan & Andy Lee

After his two controversial losses to Crocker, in which he was disqualified in the first encounter and lost a split decision in the second, Donovan credits his team, especially head trainer/co-manager Andy Lee, the former world middleweight champion from Limerick, and New York City lawyer and co-manager Keith Sullivan, for getting him back on the verge of fighting for another world title.

“It’s been an honor training with Andy Lee over the years and getting to know him on a personal basis,” Donovan said. “Andy has helped me so much more than I can explain. He’s been like a father figure to me. I started my career with Andy when I was 19 and I will finish my career with Andy; he’s the first and will be the last for me. It takes many years for a coach to understand the fighter, but it also takes many years for a fighter to understand the coach. Without Andy, I wouldn’t be fighting and he has helped me so much in more ways than one.

“And I don’t want to forget my manager, Keith Sullivan, for all his legal work that he did after the first and then the second fight with Crocker to got me in position for a world title eliminator after two defeats. There is no other manager in boxing who has done what he’s done for me. Keith is one of the best boxing managers in the world, if not the best, and I’m so happy to have met Keith. He came into my life at the perfect time and he has changed it for the better, not just for his legal or managerial work, but on a personal level as a friend. He has looked into my personal life and helped me along the way to make me a better person. I can’t thank him enough for that.

“I’ve met two special people in my life, Andy Lee and Keith Sullivan, and without them the dream to become World Champion wouldn’t be possible. I know they say it’s the fighter who risks it all by putting it on the line, but without a team and people that want the best for you, none of this would be possible. Keith and Andy want the best for me and that’s what makes me feel I can become world champion.”

“Anytime you have a fighter in the number one spot and they are on the brink of reaching the promised land of becoming a world champion,” Sullivan added, “it’s a tremendous risk to take any other fight. Paddy insisted he wanted an All-Irish crack-up in Croke Park before 80,000. He wouldn’t accept any advice to the contrary. For him, risking the title shot was worth it because this was all about Irish boxing legacy and giving the Irish fans a great entertaining night of boxing in their homeland. As always, his professionalism and commitment to the sport and fans impress me.”