Unfinished Business: Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright Super Lightweight Rematch Set for May 16 at Norfolk’s Scope Arena LIVE on DAZN

NORFOLK, Va. (April 15, 2026) — Norfolk’s hometown star is set to headline Top Rank’s inaugural event on DAZN in a rematch steeped in bad blood.

Former world champion and Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis will face Nahir Albright in a 12-round super lightweight showdown on Saturday, May 16 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. The two first met in October 2023, when Davis won a majority decision that was later overturned.

In the 10-round welterweight co-feature, former world champion Brian Norman Jr. returns against Canada’s Josh Wagner.

Keyshawn-Albright II and Norman-Wagner will be streamed LIVE on DAZN.

In undercard action, Keyshawn’s older brother Kelvin Davis (15-1, 8 KOs) returns in a 10-round welterweight tilt, while younger brother Keon Davis (4-0, 3 KOs) sees action in a six-rounder in the same division. Additional undercard details will be announced shortly.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with RDR Promotions, tickets go on sale Thursday, April 16, at 10 a.m. ET at the Scope Arena box office and Ticketmaster.com.

“Keyshawn and Nahir left a lot of unfinished business in their 2023 fight, and everything that’s happened since has only intensified the stakes for this rematch,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “Norfolk fans know exactly what this fight means for Keyshawn as he strives to re-establish himself as one of boxing’s elite stars. Brian Norman Jr., who many considered the best fighter in his division before losing his crown, returns in the co-feature looking to re-establish himself as a dominant welterweight with explosive knockout power and charisma. This inaugural doubleheader is the perfect launch of our new partnership with DAZN.”

“This is exactly the kind of event DAZN loves to broadcast — unfinished business, genuine rivalry and elite-level boxing on a major stage,” said Jared Kass, SVP North America, DAZN. “Keyshawn Davis versus Nahir Albright is a rematch fans have been demanding, and bringing it to Norfolk for Top Rank’s first DAZN event makes it even more special. With a stacked card featuring Brian Norman Jr. and the extended Davis family, May 16 promises a night that fight fans around the world won’t want to miss. Watch it live only on DAZN.”

Keyshawn (14-0, 10 KOs) enters this rematch at an important moment in his career. He became a world champion in only his 14th fight by stopping Denys Berinchyk in the fourth round to capture the WBO crown in February 2025. The 27-year-old was scheduled to make his first defense last June in Norfolk against Edwin De Los Santos, but the bout was canceled after he missed weight. He reset his course in the months that followed and returned in January with a statement-making 140-pound debut, handing Jamaine Ortiz his first TKO defeat. Now Keyshawn returns to deliver the performance his hometown has been waiting for and finish what he started against Albright.

“Norfolk! I’m coming home with a purpose,” Keyshawn said. “Since my last fight, I’ve grown sharper, stronger, and more focused than ever. On May 16, you’re going to see the best version of Keyshawn Davis. ‘The Businessman’ is ready to handle business in front of my people! It means everything to be kicking off this new era for Top Rank on DAZN. I’m honored to lead the charge and show the world what this next chapter looks like. Norfolk, stand up—we’re putting on a show!”

Albright (17-2-1, 7 KOs), a Philadelphia native who turned pro with roughly 30 amateur fights, earned his spot the hard way. He lost his pro debut via majority decision in September 2016 but went on to win 14 straight before dropping a decision to Ortiz in February 2022. He followed with wins over Estivan Falcao and 2016 Olympian Carlos Balderas ahead of his first clash with Keyshawn, a rugged affair in which Albright kept the fight close on the scorecards. Since then, he has delivered two of the best performances of his career, handing older brother Kelvin his first pro loss last June and battling Frank Martin to a draw in January.

Albright said, “All my life I have been an overcomer. Starting from when I was a kid, I fought my way to this position, tough fight after tough fight. And I’m still standing tall. This fight is another obstacle to jump over. I’m ready and grateful.”

“Nahir belongs in the ring with all the top fighters,” said Albright’s promoter, Rodney Rice, Founder and CEO of RDR Promotions. “He has put the work in and has an outstanding résumé. The combined record of his last eight opponents is 113-3-1, and his record against them is five victories, one decision loss, one no contest, and a draw. There is no doubt in my mind that Nahir ‘Woo’ Albright belongs at the top and he will, once again, prove that point.”

Norman (28-1, 22 KOs) compiled an impressive championship run that began in May 2024, when the 25-year-old stopped Giovani Santillan in the 10th to earn the WBO interim welterweight world title. The Atlanta native was elevated to full champion later that year after Terence Crawford vacated the title and followed in 2025 with highlight-reel title defenses against Derrieck Cuevas and Jin Sasaki before losing the crown to Devin Haney in November. Wagner (19-2, 10 KOs) is a 12-year pro whose only losses have come against then-undefeated David Papot in November 2024 and once-beaten Harlem Eubank last November.

Norman said, “The God of War is back…I stayed patient. I stayed working. And now it’s time to remind the world. See ya’ll in May.”

“I’m coming to take over Virginia,” said Wagner. “The boss is ready to showcase his skills and cause a huge upset. No man scares me.”

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About SevenVenues
The City of Norfolk’s SevenVenues serves to link Norfolk’s residents, visitors and tourists to Norfolk’s rich cultural arts and entertainment community. Besides providing entertainment services, SevenVenues is also responsible for the maintenance, repair, management and operation of the City’s seven public assembly facilities which include: Scope Arena, Chrysler Hall, the Attucks Theatre, the Wells Theatre, Harrison Opera House, Harbor Park, and Open Air Events. To learn more, visit SevenVenues.com.

JOLENE MIZZONE LEAVES FIGHTERS FIRST MANAGEMENT TO RETURN TO PROMOTIONAL WORK

DALLAS – March 11, 2026 – Fighters First Management officially announced today that former company president Jolene Mizzone has left the company to return to the promotional side of the business. CEO Adrian Clark will continue to lead the company after a banner 2025 that saw their fighters compete on the sport’s biggest stages.

“You can’t replace a Jolene Mizzone,” said Clark. “She is a Hall of Famer for a reason, and she will be sorely missed here at Fighters First. When it’s all said and done, Jolene Mizzone will be known as the most powerful female promoter in boxing.

“We’ve built a great company that helps protect athletes contractually and financially. The goal is to continue building Fighters First as the leading managerial company in boxing. When you represent world-ranked fighters like Brian Norman Jr., Edwin De Los Santos, and Justin Pauldo, it makes attaining that goal easier.”

The new year for Fighters First Management will feature the ring return of the rising superstar Brian Norman Jr. who broke through into boxing’s elite in 2025, guided by Clark and promoter Top Rank. Already the reigning WBO Welterweight World Champion, Norman delivered the unanimous Knockout of the Year over Jin Sasaki with an unforgettable one-shot highlight in June. In November, he went toe-to-toe with pound-for-pound great Devin Haney on the year’s biggest card, further cementing his place as a torch bearer for the next generation of stars in the sport, even in defeat.

The Fighters First stable also boasts one of their newest signees, top lightweight contender Edwin De Los Santos, who recently inked co-promotional deals with Zuffa Boxing and Throwback Boxing Promotions as he intends to show why he’s the most feared fighter at 135-pounds once again in 2026.

The company also counts to its management roster a slew of rising contenders and future stars, including Justin Pauldo, the WBC No. 6 and IBF No. 14-ranked lightweight contender who’s risen up the division dominating on ProBox TV shows, plus 25-year-old unbeaten rising contender Dominique Francis, a recent-signee to Zuffa Boxing, and promising Dallas-area prospect Joseph Almadji.

Clark also added that in addition to building on his success putting his fighters in the best position to succeed, he will continue to preach his Fighters First mentality to the next generation of boxing managers.

“I am excited for what the future holds with Fighters First. I see an avenue where I am not only representing the best fighters in the world, I am also developing the future boxing managers of tomorrow.”

For additional information on Fighters First Management, visit www.fightersfirst.com or follow on Instagram @FightersFirstMGMT

BRIAN NORMAN JR. LAUNCHES THROWBACK BOXING PROMOTIONS & ANNOUNCES TOP LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER EDWIN DE LOS SANTOS AS FIRST SIGNING

ATLANTA, GA. – March 4, 2026 – Former WBO Welterweight World Champion Brian Norman Jr. has formed a new promotional company, Throwback Boxing Promotions, alongside company President and veteran boxing promoter Jolene Mizzone, and has announced the new outfit’s first signing, top contender Edwin De Los Santos.

With the combined experience of Norman, who fought his way up the rankings from unknown to world champion on boxing’s biggest stage, and Mizzone, who worked her way up in the sport while contributing to every facet of the business, Throwback Boxing Promotions will seek to be an outlet truly dedicated to putting the interest of fighters ahead of all else, both inside of and outside the ring.

These seasoned and singular perspectives on the often-chaotic nature of boxing promotion, and by notably taking a smaller percentage of fighter earnings, this new company is uniquely positioned to deliver on their goal of being an avenue for future stars who would have otherwise fallen wayward.

“This is Throwback Boxing Promotions and that word throwback means so much to me,” said the company CEO Norman. “There are a lot of old school fighters that lost to the business of boxing and couldn’t get an opportunity to show their talents. We will be the ones that give those hidden gems their opportunity to shine. We are doing this for you.”

“When Brian asked me to come on board, we spoke a lot about the name and how we need to be different than others,” said Mizzone, who will serve as the President of Throwback Boxing Promotions. “We both decided that the way to be different is to always have the fighters’ best interest. We don’t win unless our fighters win. We take less so they can earn more – because real leadership isn’t about percentages, it’s about principles. We stand on loyalty, transparency and truly protecting fighters who trust us with their careers. We both started from the bottom and worked our way up. Why can’t others do the same?”

Norman and Mizzone have wasted no time making a splash, getting right into the thick of the business by signing Edwin De Los Santos to a co-promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing. One of boxing’s most feared power punchers, De Los Santos has scored upsets over numerous previously unbeaten fighters, including fellow Zuffa-signee “Rayo” Valenzuela and has offered the stiffest challenge yet to undefeated four-division champion Shakur Stevenson.

With this new team at his back, De Los Santos looks forward to dominating the ring and ascending to the top of the sport in 2026.

“I’m excited to work with Brian Norman Jr.,” said De Los Santos. “He has shown to be a brother in this transition. I consider myself a throwback fighter. I’ll fight the best, anywhere, anytime. The name fits who we are. Respect to Zuffa & Throwback Boxing Promotions.”

“Edwin De La Santos being the first signee of Throwback Promotions speaks volumes,” said Norman. “He is the epitome of what we represent. Rugged hard work and a strong mind. The sky’s the limit for him!”

“I want to thank Edwin for having faith in us and trusting us,” said Mizzone. “He is the type of fighter that makes my job fun. He will fight anyone, anytime, anywhere! I am looking forward to this journey with him.”

Stay tuned for more announcements from Throwback Boxing Promotions as they set out to help guide fighters to make the most out of their careers.

Beanvidez Stops Yarde in 7

David Benavidez retained the WBC Light Heavyweight title with seventh round stoppage over Anthony Yarde at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In round seven, Yarde began to bleed from his mouth and nose. Late in the round the pressure of Benavidez took over as he scored a knockdown from a non stop flurry of punches. Benavidez finished off Yarde when he continued he ferocious assault that was capped off by two left hooks on the chin and the fight was stopped at 1:59.

Benavidez, 174.3 lbs of Phoenix is 31-0 with 25 knockouts. Yarde, 173.9 lbs of London is 27-4.

Haney Drops, Decisions Norman; Wins Welterweight Title

Devin Haney became a three-division world champion as he won the WBO Welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Brian Norman Jr.

In round two, Haney dropped Norman with a hard left hook to the head that was followed by a crushing right.

Haney, 146.6 lbs of Miami won by scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 114-113 and is now 33-0. Norman, 146.12 lbs of Decatur, GA is 28-1.

Jesse Rodriguez Knocks Out Fernando Martinez To Unify 115 Lb. Title

Jesse Rodriguez is now the WBA/WBC/WBO 115-pound champion with a 10th round stoppage over Fernando Martinez.

In round 10, Rodriguez landed a perfect left counter on the jaw that sent Martinez down for the count at 1:27.

Rodriguez, 114.6 lbs of San Antonio is now 23-0 with 16 knockouts. Martinez, 113.2 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 18-1.

Mason Decisions Noakes to Win Vacant WBO Lightweight title

In a terrific back and forth brawl, Abdullah Mason won the vacant WBO Lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Sam Noakes

In round three, Noakes began to bleed around the left eye due to a clash of heads. In round four, Mason was cut under the right eye.

Mason, 134 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 117-111 and 115-113 twice and is now 17-0.. Noakes, 134.9 lbs of Kent, ENG is 17-1.

At 21, Mason is now the youngest world champion.

Mielnicki Jr. Stops Nmomah in 9

Vito Mielnicki Jr. stopped Samuel Nmomah in round nine of their 10-round middleweight bout.

In round nine, Mielnicki landed a perfect counter right that hurt Nmomah. Mielnicki followed that up with a flurry that was punctuated with a left that put Nmomah hard on the canvas and the fight was stopped at 3:09.

Mielnicki, 159.1 lbs of Roseland, NJ is 22-1 with 13 knockouts. Nmomah, 159.6 lbs of Lagos, NIG is 21-1.

Mohammed Alakel remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Jiaming Li in a junior lightweight bout.

In round five, Alakel dropped Li at the end of the frame with a perfect counter right to the head.

Alakel, 131.6 lbs of Riyadh, SA won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 7-0. Li, 132.4 lbs of Zho Hi, CHN is 7-6.

Julio Porras and Pius Mpenda fought to a six-round draw in a super middleweight bout

All three cards read even at 57-57.

Porras, 167.9 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 13-0-1. Mpenda, 166.12 lbs of Tanzania is 11-4-2.

In round five, Porras began to bleed from his nose.

Mohammad Alohammad stopped Umash Chavan in the opening round of their four-round junior lightweight bout

Alomohammed dominated and landed a flurry in the corner that forced Chavan to turn his back and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Alomahammed, 129 lbs of Riyadh is now 2-0 with one stoppage. Chavan, 129.9 lbs of Mapusa, IND is 3-2.

Juan El Guerito De Pito made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Barker Sswanyama in a bantamweight fight.

In round four, Ssewanyana was deducted a point for holding.

The 16-year-old De Pita, 116.9 lbs of Mexico City won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is 1-0. Sswanyama, 115.3 lbs of Uganda is 1-2-1.

RING MAGAZINE IV: NIGHT OF THE CHAMPIONS FEATURING DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. ANTHONY YARDE AND BRIAN NORMAN JR. VS. DEVIN HANEY WEIGH-IN QUOTES

David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde – Light Heavyweight
David Benavidez: 174.3 lbs

Anthony Yarde: 173.9 lbs

David Benavidez

On Anthony Yarde’s comments around taking away his title

“Nobody is taking anything from me. I’ve been training really hard for this fight. I’m eager to get in the ring to see what Anthony Yarde is all about and I’m excited to feel his power. I want to give the fans a great fight. There’s a lot of great talent on this card, but I’m going to steal the show and have the best fight of the night. David Benavidez will have the best fight of the night and I’m going to walk out with both my titles.”

On if there was any strategy weighing in well below the limit

“There was no strategy behind it. I feel good and the weight cut was easy. I saved a lot of energy and didn’t have to do too much to cut the weight to 175 pounds, so I’ll use that extra energy for the fight.”

Anthony Yarde

On what lessons he’s looking to apply from his prior fights on Saturday night

“I’m just ready to fight. The past doesn’t matter, it’s only the present and the future. I’m excited.”

On what he’s visualizing ahead of Saturday night

“Taking home the victory is all I’ve been visualizing. I want to do it in an explosive and exciting way. It’ll make for a great story because it’s him [David Benavidez].

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Devin Haney – Welterweight

Brian Norman Jr.: 146.12 lbs

Devin Haney: 146.6 lbs

Brian Norman Jr.

On his takeaway from Devin Haney’s demeanor

“It’s about that time. 24 hours to go. The talking is over. Let’s get this action started.”

On what he’s going to eat and focus on over the next 24 hours

“I might eat a few steaks, maybe some sweet potatoes. I have a chocolate cake waiting on me – we’re eating well. Everybody come on through.”

On how Devin Haney will bring out the best in him

“Everyone is going to find out…Norman gang over everything. This belt on my shoulder – I came in with it and I’ll walk out with it, too. Everyone will respect me after this one, just watch.”

Devin Haney

On how he shows Brian Norman Jr. that there are levels to boxing

“The talking is done. Now it’s time to do work.”

Fernando Martinez vs. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez – Super Flyweight

Fernando Martinez: 113.12 lbs

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez: 114.6 lbs

Fernando Martinez

On how he brings The Ring Magazine Championship home to Argentina

“I am the champion. I’m coming for those belts – they belong to me. Let’s go, Argentina.”

On how his defeat of Kazuto Ioka gives him confidence to beat one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport

“I went and beat [Kazuto] Ioka. I’ve been called the person that goes on and takes on challenges and beats champions. I have all the faith that we can go and win this for Argentina. I also have faith that we can win this for my mother, for my daughters, and we’re going to do this. This is for Argentina.”

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez

On Martinez’s claims that he’s a “king killer”

“There’s one king and that’s me. He won’t kill me tomorrow…I’m immortal.”

On how surprised he is about the lack of respect from Fernando Martinez

“They’re all clowns [Fernando Martinez’s fans]. Tomorrow I’m going to tame this little kitty.”

On what the most important factor is for Saturday night

“Be myself. This is no different. It’s just another fight to me, but I’m going to go out there and show the world who Bam Rodriguez is.”

Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes – Lightweight

Abdullah Mason: 134 lbs

Sam Noakes: 134.9 lbs

Abdullah Mason

On his last impression from the faceoff

“We’re going to cook tomorrow night. We’re going to eat.”

On what he needs to focus on over the next 24 hours

“I have an appetite for smoke, so let’s see Saturday night.”

Sam Noakes

On how he makes Abdullah Mason make him feel his heavy hands

“You’ll see tomorrow.”

On how he brings the title home and puts on a show for the fans

“By giving them a Sam Noakes knockout.”

Samuel Nmomah vs. Vito Mielnicki Jr. – Middleweight

Samuel Nmomah: 159.6 lbs

Vito Mielnicki Jr.: 159.6 lbs

Jiaming Li vs. Mohammed Alakel – Super Featherweight

Jiaming Li: 132.3 lbs

Mohammed Alakel: 131.6 lbs

Pius Mpenda vs. Julio Porras Ruiz – Super Middleweight

Pius Mpenda: 166.12 lbs

Julio Porras Ruiz: 167.9 lbs

Umesh Chavan vs. Sultan Almohammed – Super Featherweight

Umesh Chavan: 129.9 lbs

Sultan Almohammed: 129 lbs

Barker Ssewanyana vs. Juan El Güerito de Tepito – Bantamweight

Barker Ssewanyana: 115.3 lbs

Juan El Güerito de Tepito: 116.9 lbs

ENDS

About Riyadh Season

Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. Most recently, Riyadh Season 2024 reached a major milestone after the number of visitors for the year exceeded 20 million for the first time.

Riyadh Season has hosted a number of memorable boxing showdowns including the first undisputed heavyweight title fight of the 21st Century between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, two undisputed light heavyweight title clashes between Artur Beterbiev and Dimitry Bivol, Anthony Joshua v Daniel Dubois in front of a record crowd at London’s Wembley Stadium and September’s blockbuster showdown between pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez and undefeated superstar Terence Crawford in Las Vegas.

About The Ring Magazine

Since its inception in 1922, The Ring Magazine has been the cornerstone of boxing journalism, earning it the title as ‘The Bible of Boxing.’ Today, The Ring is more than just a magazine – it’s a growing multimedia empire poised to redefine how the world experiences boxing and combat sports. The Ring is not just chronicling the history of boxing; it’s actively shaping its future. Whether through its digital platforms, community events, or innovative partnerships. The Ring is committed to making the sport more accessible, exciting and engaging for a global audience.

ABOUT DAZN
DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, streams over 110,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide.? DAZN is the global home of European football, women’s football, boxing, and MMA, as well as the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more, including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.? DAZN is a global, privately owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 4,000 employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit? www.dazngroup.com.?

RING MAGAZINE IV: NIGHT OF THE CHAMPIONS FEATURING DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. ANTHONY YARDE AND BRIAN NORMAN JR. VS. DEVIN HANEY PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, November 20, 2025 – Today, in Boulevard City in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Ring Magazine’s no. 2-ranked David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) and no. 4-ranked Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs), along with the co-main event’s Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) and Devin Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) and accompanying undercard fighters, sat down for the final press conference ahead of Saturday night’s prestigious four 12-round fight card, “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions,” part of Riyadh Season. It all starts on Saturday, November 22 (9 p.m. ET), live worldwide exclusively on DAZN PPV.

In a card encompassing numerous fights that very well could headline cards elsewhere, “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions” also features no. 9-ranked fighter Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) and Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) battling for the vacant WBO Lightweight Title. Additionally, Ring Magazine’s no. 1-ranked Fernando Martinez (18-0, 9 KOs) is set to take on WBO Super Flyweight Champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs), while Vito Mielnicki Jr. (21-1, 12 KOs) and Samuel Nmomah (21-0, 5 KOs) duel in a 10-round bout for the WBO Global and Vacant WBC Continental Americas Middleweight Championships.

Hosted by the voice of DAZN Boxing, Todd Grisham, the fighters expressed their gratitude for being part of this exceptional card in Riyadh while looking ahead to Saturday night’s matchups.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say:

David Benavidez

On where Anthony Yarde ranks amongst his toughest opponents

“I’ve had my eye on Anthony Yarde for a long time. I know he’s a great fighter. He has a lot of heart, he has a lot of power, and the thing I like about him is no matter who he’s up against, he’s in there to make it a great fight. Me, I like to make every fight like I’m in a war. I like to give the people the fights they want to see. I had a great training camp. I’ve trained extremely hard and you know this fight is going to live up to the moment. Anthony Yarde, he’s trying to capture a World Title. I’m trying to capture all the titles and unify all the titles in the Light Heavyweight division so there’s a lot at stake here. This has been the hardest I’ve trained out of any of my fights, so I’m very excited. I’m going to go in there and give everyone a war. Boxing fans are really the ones who are going to win on Saturday night. From the top to the bottom, you have myself and Anthony Yarde, Brian Norman Jr. and Devin Haney, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, and Abdullah Mason. This card is stacked. It’s going to be a great night of boxing for everybody watching.”

On if he’s expecting a war or if he will dominate

“I’m looking to dominate but whatever happens I’m ready for. If it’s going to turn into war then I’m going to turn it into a war, but I’m definitely going to dominate.”

On if there is a chance that he is overlooking Anthony Yarde on Saturday night

“Definitely not. I’ve never overlooked anybody and that’s why I’m in the position where I’m at now. I’ve given Anthony [Yarde] all the respect he deserves and studied him for a long time. This has been the hardest I’ve trained out of any fight, so I’m extremely ready. I’m extremely ready for whatever he brings to the table and there will only be one man who gets to raise his hand…that man will be David Benavidez.”

On how much pressure he is feeling to knock out Anthony Yarde

“There’s no pressure. Honestly, I love what I do and I’m extremely ready for this moment. I just want it to be Saturday night already so we can go out there and show out. There’s no pressure at all.”

On his prediction for Saturday night

“I’m going in there to win the fight, whether I get the knockout or I get the decision, I’m looking to dominate, so I’m going to get the victory no matter what.”

Anthony Yarde

On his claims about putting David Benavidez to sleep

“I want to thank everyone here…Frank Warren and HE Turki Alalshikh. I was picked personally for this fight and we’re here again. I feel like this is the best version of me and I’ve always said I don’t want the easy route. I’ve always said I want to beat someone – that’s why I went to Russia and challenged [Sergey] Kovalev, I know the risk. Everyone told me ‘don’t go to Russia,’ and I said, ‘I’m going.’ Then I got [Artur] Beterbiev. Everyone said he’s a monster, ‘don’t fight this guy, he has 18 wins and 18 knockouts.’ I said, ‘give me him.’ I don’t care who it is. The better the fighter I’m fighting is a better reward for me. You’ve seen me get better each time. This occasion…I want everyone to tune in. I don’t even like to call this an undercard because every fight on this card is a main fight. Let’s make it happen and put on an excellent night of boxing. It’ll be one for the history books.”

On David Benavidez’s biggest vulnerabilities

“I’m not the type of person that talks for the sake of talking. Everyone can watch him [Benavidez] on TV and say, ‘he does this well,’ or ‘he’s not great at this.’ Personally, I’m only going to know what he’s about when I’m standing in front of him in the ring.”

On why his third shot at a World Title will be the one

“I keep hearing, ‘third time’s the charm,’ but I don’t really believe in luck. I feel like I’m a better fighter now, a bit more experienced. David [Benavidez] believes he’s going to have his hand raised, and as he should, but I believe the same. This is my time and my moment. Turki Alalshikh called me himself because he wanted me for this fight. Other fighters had their names in the hat, but he called me personally and said, ‘this fight, the way we fight…it’s going to be the clash of the titans…’ I’m excited for Saturday night and I hope everyone else is. I’m ready.”

On his final prediction ahead of Saturday night

“All I know is it’s going to be very exciting. I’m not the person who will go off with predictions, but I do think stylistically this fight will end in a knockout. I want my hand raised and I respect him [Benavidez] highly. I respect his resume, what he’s done in the ring, his highlight reels – they all motivate him. The better the fighter in front of me, the better version of me you’ll see. I’m excited.”

Devin Haney

On if he feels he should be the favorite with his career accomplishments

“This is a dream come true of mine. A dream come true to be fighting for another World Title. This is not my first rodeo so it won’t be anything different. I look to bring back the WBO title back home to my family and my team.”

On his strategy for Brian Norman Jr.

“We fight everybody differently. Like I said, this is not my first rodeo. I fought [Jose Carlos] Ramirez differently than I fought [Vasyl] Lomachenko. I fought him differently than Regis [Prograis], so the world has to see what gameplan my team and I have drawn up. I’m going to beat this guy.”

On calling Brian Norman Jr. a bum

“No, I think he’s a great fighter.”

On his final prediction for Saturday night

“Devin Haney. WBO Champion.”

Brian Norman Jr.

On what he says to those who believe he is not ready to deal with a fighter of Devin Haney’s caliber

“I truly feel like either you got it or you don’t. Of course he has done wonderful things and what he had going on but it’s time for another face to come up and do his own thing. That’s where Brian Norman Jr. steps in.”

On how he plans to force Devin Haney into exchanges with him

“It’s only as far as he can go. We’re in a box. It’s not like he can just run forever so no matter if he runs or if he stays there, no matter what, the boy is going to sleep.”

On how confident he is that he can get a decision win against Devin Haney or if he has to knock him out

“I can win by any means necessary. If I want it to go to the cards I can do that, if I want to knock him out I’m definitely going to do that anyway as is. It’s me stamping my name in the game.”

On what will happen Saturday night

“That boy is going to sleep.”

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez

On how hard it was to make the decision to be here instead of his wife and newborn son

“We knew the date was going to fall close to the fight date so we kind of just planned how things were going to go out and they planned exactly the way we expected, but that’s just more fuel to the fire, that’s more motivation to go out there and get the win. It’s all for him. My daughter and my son are what it’s all about, this is what I do it for. Come Saturday night I’m going to come out victorious and take these belts back to both of them.”

On Fernando “Puma” Martinez promising to push him harder than he’s ever been pushed

“Just tune in to DAZN on Saturday night you’ll see. You’ll see why Eddie Hearn just said what he said about me. I’m a special fighter and I’m going to go out there and prove that to everyone once again. This is going to be another fantastic performance from myself and I’m just ready to go out there and get the job done.”

On if he agrees this fight will be a war or a one-sided victory

“Honestly, this fight, it ends how I want. I can take it the distance or I can stand there and end the night early. Whatever I’m feeling that night, I’ll go out there and make it happen.”

On his official prediction for Saturday night

“I just know I’m going to win, my hand is going to be raised at the end of the night. I’m going to take that belt and take these belts back to my children and that’s that.”

Fernando Martinez

On his style and why he’s been so successful in his career

“I want to say thank you to Saudi Arabia for the opportunity. In terms of what I have, we’re very experienced and have fought against some big champions along the way. We’ve also been to the Olympics, so I feel like we’re completely prepared to win this fight on Saturday night”

On why legends of the sport couldn’t beat Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez

“Becasue he’s never faced a ‘Puma’ Martinez from Argentina and he’s never faced a ferocious ‘Puma’ from Argentina who’s going to eat up ‘Bam’ Rodriguez on Saturday night.”

On how big of a victory this will be for him and Argentina on Saturday night

“To be honest, it’s a massive fight for me and I think it will be totally historic for Argentina. There’s never been a fight in which an Argentinian has fought to unify so many belts in just one fight and I want to make my mark and be up there with the big names that Argentina has. I just want to be up there with the great champions and become a legend in Argentina.”

On his official prediction for Saturday night

“I win this fight by knockout.”

Sam Noakes

On why his style will give Abdullah Mason so many problems

“Everyone keeps saying my style is one dimensional and all that. I feel like from the outside it looks easy to deal with but he’ll find out Saturday night that it’s not going to be very easy to deal with.”

On why he isn’t receiving the respect he thinks he deserves as the underdog

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me being the underdog. All that means is that everyone betting on me is going to win a nice bit of money doesn’t it?”

On what the scenes will be like if he surpassed Jack Green to become the greatest athlete from Maidstone, Kent, England

“That’s news to me, I didn’t even know that. Bringing it back, I got a few people coming out here. It’s brilliant for me and obviously the fans and my hometown.”

On what his prediction is for Saturday night

“Sam Noakes by knockout.”

Abdullah Mason

On his long term goals in the sport of boxing

“I’m just here, I’m ready.”

On what he learned about himself after being knocked down and why he’s confident it won’t happen again Saturday night

“That was definitely revealing a lot for the better. It showed the resilience I had, it showed everything that was good, it showed the corner, it showed everything that a fighter needs in a ring. Most importantly, I’m ready to take it a step further this Saturday.”

On his prediction for Saturday night

“Boxing gets to gain its new favorite young talent and I’m going to be dominating the lightweight division from Saturday night on forward.”

Vito Mielniki Jr.

On how satisfied he is right now with his pro career

“My professional career is off to a hot start. I had a great amateur career as well. But to be a part of an event of this magnitude, to have this stage to showcase my talent, to showcase that I’m on another level than this guy, is exactly what I’m gonna do on Saturday night.”

On whether or not he’s impressed by what he’s seen from Samuel Nmomah

“He’s a good fighter, but nothing I haven’t seen before. I’m just excited. Excited to be on the platform and showcase my talent. He’ll see on Saturday night.”

On what kind of statement he’s looking to make to the boxing community

“I’m here to make a statement in the whole middleweight division. This is my third fight in the division, but my third straight undefeated opponent. I’m just ready to give him his first blemish.”

Samuel Nmomah

On what kind of fighter he is and what his gameplan is for Saturday night

“I want to thank everyone for coming and giving me this opportunity. Thank you to Turki Alalshikh and Ring Magazine. I don’t have a plan, I’m just here to do work. Vito, are you ready?”

On why Vito Mielnicki Jr. was the opponent he wanted for Saturday night

“When I received the opportunity for this fight, I was really excited to sign the contract because I was already looking ahead to facing Vito [Mielnicki Jr.]. Believe me, we’ll see on Saturday night.”

Carl Moretti, Vice President, Top Rank

On why he thinks Abdullah Mason is ready for “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions”

“I want to thank everybody for putting a great card together. With Sam Noakes and Abdullah Mason you have two contrasting styles: Sam only knows how to knock people out and come forward while Abdullah can box and punch at the same time. I think the only southpaw that Sam has ever fought was Vincenzo Finiello – a fellow countryman – and he stopped him in four [rounds]. Abdullah Mason is no Vincenzo Finiello, we know that. We wouldn’t put our guys in fights that we didn’t think we could win. Nowadays, anyone can fight for a title, but the goal is to win. On Saturday night, Top Rank will have the WBO Lightweight Champion in Abdullah Mason.”

On what makes Brian Norman Jr. so special

“Saturday night you’ll see why for sure but I really can’t wait for this show, I can’t wait for this fight, I can’t wait for social media. I’ve never seen so many experts in my life tell Devin [Haney] what to do and tell Brian [Norman Jr.] what to do. Let’s see what they say after the fight because they’re all going to be wrong. It’s the best fight in the welterweight division, whoever wins this I can’t wait to see who doesn’t call out the winner. It’s been a trip the whole time, but we’re very confident on what Brian Norman Jr. can do. Bill Haney’s been selling this fight from start to finish. He’s a trip man, he’s one of a kind. He kind of reminds me of the captain of the Titanic who’s bragging that he saw the iceberg. Well, Brian Norman Jr. is the iceberg and we know how that worked out for everybody, so we can’t wait for the bell to ring Saturday night.”

Frank Warren, Promoter, Queensberry

On Top Rank’s confidence in Abdullah Mason beating Sam Noakes on Saturday night

“It’s great to be here in the world’s capital of boxing – Riyadh – for the Riyadh season and Ring show. What do I think of those comments? We’re here with my man [Sam] and he’s undefeated. He is one of the best young fighters in the United Kingdom – everything that’s been asked of him he’s done. He’s won every title all the way through British Commonwealth, European, and now we’re at the World Title. Abdullah is a good fighter, but let me tell you, he’s going to have his hands full. He won’t have to go looking for him [Sam], not at all. It’s going to be a great, fantastic fight.”

On why he thinks Anthony Yarde gets the win here in Riyadh

“First of all, what a fantastic card this is. When you look at this main event and the next three world title fights they feature all undefeated fighters fighting each other. Anthony’s been with us since day one. When you look at where he’s come from – having just 12 amateur fights – to where he is today, he’s had two World Title fights. I thought he was definitely going to win one of them, but he’s learned along the way…this is a big moment in his career. He is in with David [Benavidez], who we respect, 30 [wins] and 0 [losses], but he’s in with a fighter who I promise you will give him the toughest fight he’s ever had. He believes in himself as we believe in him and I genuinely feel there could be an upset on Saturday night.”

Eddie Hearn, Chairman, Matchroom Sport

On if he’s surprised how good of a fighter Jesse Bam Rodriguez has become

“Thank you to Turki Alalshikh and everyone involved with Ring Magazine. It’s incredible to be back in Riyadh after what was a breathtaking event last week. Another Ring card at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – over 60,000 people on a very sweet night when Conor Benn beat Chris Eubank Jr. This is the Night of the Champions on Saturday night in Riyadh, but let’s be honest, this is the main champion here. I know he’s too humble to say it, but this is the guy [Jesse Bam Rodriguez]. This is everybody’s favorite fighter in boxing and every fighter on this card’s favorite fighter…he’s definitely one of our favorites, too. I think this is the only reigning Ring Magazine champion on this card and he’s done it all. The two men down there – Robert Garcia, his incredible trainer, and Kevin Rooney – they told me about this guy for years and at just one week’s notice he stepped up two divisions to win the World Title beating Carlos Cuadras and he never looked back. He stepped down to the Flyweight division to win the World Title – a unified [fight] against Sunny Edwards. He then went up against [Juan Francisco] Estrada, then unified against [Phumelela] Cafu, and now he’s attempting to unify again. Like I said, there’s some incredible fighters on this card, but this is the real pound-for-pound star. He’s already top five pound-for-pound. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is 25 years of age and it’s so good to see the younger weight classes get recognition because this guy has all the talent in the world. On a card that’s filled with incredible boxers, what you’re watching here is one of the greatest fighters of our generation. The fight against [Fernando] “Puma” Martinez is one of the best fights in the sport. Of course, we want to say congratulations to the birth of his son yesterday. To him, Robert Garcia and the whole team, I truly believe this man is the future pound-for-pound star of the sport.”

ENDS

About Riyadh Season

About The Ring Magazine

RING MAGAZINE IV: NIGHT OF THE CHAMPIONS FEATURING DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. ANTHONY YARDE AND BRIAN NORMAN JR. VS. DEVIN HANEY OPEN WORKOUT QUOTES

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, November 19, 2025 – Today, Ring Magazine’s no. 2-ranked David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) and no. 4-ranked Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs), along with co-main event fighters Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) and Devin Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) held an open media workout ahead of this weekend’s high-powered four 12-round fight card, “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions,” as part of Riyadh Season, live from ANB Arena in Saudi Arabia’s capital, taking place on Saturday, November 22 (9 p.m. ET), live worldwide exclusively on DAZN PPV.

Also taking part in the open workout was no. 9-ranked fighter Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) and Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) ahead of their clash for the vacant WBO Lightweight Title. Stepping into the ring before his Super Flyweight contest for the WBA, WBC, WBO & Ring Magazine Titles, Ring Magazine’s no. 1-ranked Fernando Martinez (18-0, 9 KOs) showcased his moves, though his opponent WBO Super Flyweight Champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs), was not in attendance due to his wife entering labor.

Kicking off Saturday’s expansive undercard, Vito Mielnicki Jr. (21-1, 12 KOs) and Samuel Nmomah (21-0, 5 KOs) made their entrances before a 10-round bout for the WBO Global and Vacant WBC Continental Americas Middleweight Championships. A host of undercard fighters also held workouts in front of the media, including Barker Ssewanyana (1-1) and Juan Pérez Guerito before their 4-round Bantamweight contest; Umesh Chavan (3-1) and Sultan Almohammed (1-0) ahead of their 4-round Super Featherweight fight; Jiaming Li (7-5, 4 KOs) and Mohammed Alakel (6-0, 1 KO) as they go head-to-head in a 6-round Super Featherweight bout. Pius Mpenda (11-4, 5 KOs) and Julio Porras Ruiz (13-0, 9 KOs) also worked out prior to their 6-round Super Middleweight battle.

Here is what the fighters had to say from Boulevard City in Saudi Arabia’s capital:

David Benavidez

On how this experience in Riyadh is different for him

“It feels really good. I’m really excited and happy to be here – very blessed. I’m just happy to be here with my family and we’re looking forward to giving everyone a good show this Saturday night.”

On if Saturday night’s fight will feel different than others

“No. I’ve faced fighters that have a lot of power and I’ve faced fighters that are really motivated – Anthony Yarde is that type of fighter. I’ve worked extremely hard in my training camp as you guys can see. I’m 100% ready. I’m already at weight and I’m still moving like this in the ring. Imagine when I rehydrate? I’m very excited and ready to give everyone a good show.”

Anthony Yarde

On how this preparation compares to his fights against Artur Beterbiev and Sergey Kovalev

“I don’t know why, but I actually don’t get nervous for my fights. Especially when I’ve made it to a certain level. Even when I went out to Russia, there were no nerves. Some people say ‘you’re crazy’ or ‘that’s weird.’ I think it’s because, where I come from, even the level I’ve made it to already, it’s all just positives. I can’t explain it, but to be here for the third time, fighting someone like David Benavidez, on an occasion like this? Amazing.”

On how he beats a fighter like David Benavidez

“Land on his chin. We have to just wait and see. It’s not that I’m not giving you nothing, but it’s one of those things where you only know once you’re in front of somebody. What sells this fight naturally and organically is the fact that people have seen us both fight. People know how I approach my career. I approach it like a professional and on an occasion like this, you see the best of me. Stylistically, it’s inevitable that you’re going to get a clash because we both like to come forward and we both like to look for a knockout victory. I’m a natural light heavyweight…been a light heavyweight my whole career. He’s moved up and he’ll try to come and do whatever he wants. I need to be a World Champion. I will be a World Champion.”

On what he visualizes for the fight on Saturday night

“Getting the victory, that’s all that’s on my mind. How it happens, we don’t know. This fight, it just feels ripe. The way it’s all happened, the occasion, it just seems ripe, like a fruit.”

On if it’s a fair assessment that he’s found a second wind for closing fights stronger

“Fair, I take all of my criticisms, I take all of them, because I feel that’s the only way you can grow. Some people don’t like to receive criticism. The only time there’s going to be criticism is when there’s a fault there in someone’s eyes. Even Roy Jones Jr., he got criticized in his prime. Mike Tyson, he went the distance one time and started getting criticized. Then you have people like myself. I can honestly look back at my fights and say ‘I could’ve been better there,’ but it’s all about progression.”

On what he wants to show the American boxing fans on Saturday night

“With all my fights, I want to impress, I want to be entertaining. That’s just my style, that’s the reason I got into boxing. Mike Tyson was a big inspiration for me. Before I knew about boxing, I didn’t know anything about weight classes. All I saw was a small guy knocking out these big guys. Entertainment, pure entertainment. When I went into boxing, I wanted that same flair. I started boxing late, I had a bunch of fights. I started learning how to box when I was 18 years old. I had my first ever amateur fight just before I turned 20. It’s all been very quick but my mindset is ‘if you’re behind you need to work harder.’”

On where David Benavidez ranks among his toughest opponents

“Within the top three definitely. They are World Champions for a reason. Even when people ask me to rate [Artur] Beterbiev and [Sergey] Kovalev, you can’t do that because they’re different stylistically. I fought them at different times. I fought Kovlev when I was an 18-fight prospect, and I did it in Russia. For Beterbiev, I had a bit more experience so you saw a better performance from me. At the time Beterbiev was this wrecking ball: undefeated, 18 fights, 18 wins, 18 knockouts, and I still pushed him and gave him his hardest test at that time. I’m a confident person and feel like I can beat anybody. There’s little tweaks I can make and we’ll see Saturday.”

Devin Haney

On how excited he is for Saturday night

“I’m just happy to be here. Nothing has changed. It’s all business, but now it’s just time for me to do work.”

On if this speed and footwork is a glimpse into Saturday night

“I am going to go in there and put on a great performance…show how great I really am, and become a champion again.”

On his father’s comments about training camp

“I was just very motivated. I know how good Brian Norman Jr is, how hungry he is. Ultimately, this is training camp. I had to take it up two notches and really push myself.”

On fighting one of the top fighters in The Ring Magazine rankings

“No disrespect to anybody, but I don’t believe in tune-up fights. I want to fight the best fighters in the world and I want to prove myself. I want to become a champion again. I want to get back on the throne and at least back where I once was.”

On how he will fight Brian Norman Jr.

“I look to bring out my whole arsenal. I want to show that I can box. I want to show that I can fight on the inside. I want to show everything. I want to show everything, especially what Devin Haney is made of, and just show that experience really matters and how great I really am.”

On if he believes that Brian Norman Jr. is just another fighter

“No, I think Brian Norman Jr. is a good fighter. I take nothing away from him. I think he’s a really good fighter and I think he’s just going to bring the best out of me.”

On if he fears Brian Norman Jr.’s power

“No. I don’t fear anyone.”

On if Brian Norman Jr. will feel his power

“I think Brian Norman [Jr.] will definitely feel my power, but I think what really separates me in the fight is my skillset and experience. At the top, everybody can punch hard. Everybody can punch, but Brian will see something he’s never seen before on fight night.”

Brian Norman Jr.

On how it feels to have all these lights shining on him

“This is why I put in the work and this is what I was made for. This is my territory.”

On what happened between today and yesterday that made him warmer

“We’re getting closer to fight time, I get more and more excited.”

Fernando Martinez

On if this is the best condition he has been in during his career

“I feel great, I feel like this is the best moment for my physical attributes and experience. I am ready to make history for Argentina.”

On what has changed as he looks to face Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez

“I think what I first need to do is be a little more intelligent. I need to have a tear up when I need to have a tear up. As I said, I come here now prepared for a war. We’re very confident. I feel like we’re going to go into this fight and do our best. I want to say thank you to a lot of people and hello to the people back home in Argentina. To my mom, to my wife, to my daughters, to my brothers, I love you all. Thank you again to Turki Alalshikh for putting on a great card here in Saudi Arabia.”

Sam Noakes

On if he’s hiding anything for Saturday night

“I don’t really have much to show, to be honest with you. Make sure you tune in Saturday night. We’re nearly there now, so I don’t need to be doing too much in here [the ring].”

On if we can expect power and explosiveness from his hands

“Yes. I think the record speaks for itself. I think we’re going to get that from both guys and I think that’s why we’re going to steal the show.”

Abdullah Mason

On how he feels following in the footsteps of Mark Crawford

“It feels amazing. Right now, we’re just floating. We come from Cleveland and we’ll be bringing those titles back to Cleveland, Ohio. We are having fun with it and I can’t wait until Saturday.”

On what the show of athleticism was all about in the ring

“I was just having a little bit of fun. Every time I step inside the ring I do that – it’s where I have fun.”

Mohammed Alakel

On why what he showed today is different

“I have more experience, more rounds sparring. I’m looking forward to putting on a good show.”

On what else he wants to prove

“That there’s talented boxers here in Saudi Arabia and with more than two days to go, I’m going to show that.”

On how the experience was in Big Bear

“It was good. It was hard work and I am enjoying it.”

ENDS

About Riyadh Season

About The Ring Magazine

RING MAGAZINE IV: NIGHT OF THE CHAMPIONS FEATURING DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. ANTHONY YARDE AND BRIAN NORMAN JR. VS. DEVIN HANEY GRAND ARRIVALS QUOTE

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, November 18, 2025 – Ahead of boxing’s return to Riyadh this weekend for the star-studded four 12-round fight card, “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions”, David Benavidez and challenger, Anthony Yarde, along with Devin Haney and Brian Norman Jr., and other fighters on the card, made their grand arrivals today at Boulevard City in Saudi Arabia’s capital ahead of fight night at ANB Arena as part of Riyadh Season. The main event takes place on Saturday, November 22, live worldwide exclusively on DAZN PPV with main event ringwalks taking place at 9 p.m. ET.

Tuesday’s grand arrivals was headlined by the four fighters from the double-main event: Ring Magazine’s no. 2-ranked David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) and Ring Magazine’s no. 4-ranked Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs) as the former looks to defend his WBC Light Heavyweight Title. In the second half of the co-main event, Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) will put his WBO Welterweight Title on the line against former Undisputed Lightweight Champion and Former WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Devin Haney (32-0, 15 KOs).

Additionally, no. 9-ranked fighter Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) and Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) made their grand arrivals before their lightweight clash for the vacant WBO Lightweight Title, while reigning and defending Ring Magazine champion and Unified WBC and WBO Super Flyweight Champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs) and Ring Magazine’s no. 1-ranked Fernando Martinez (18-0, 9 KOs) also arrived ahead of their Super Flyweight contest for the WBA, WBC, WBO, & Ring Magazine Titles.

Encompassing Saturday night’s undercard, Vito Mielnicki Jr. (21-1, 12 KOs) and Samuel Nmomah (21-0, 5 KOs) made their entrances before a 10-round bout for the WBO Global and Vacant WBC Continental Americas Middleweight Championships. Additional undercard fights include: a 4-round Bantamweight contest between Barker Ssewanyana (1-1) and Juan Pérez Guerito who is making his professional debut; a 4-round Super Featherweight contest between Umesh Chavan (3-1) and Sultan Almohammed (1-0); a 6-round Super Featherweight featuring Jiaming Li (7-5, 4 KOs) and Mohammed Alakel (6-0, 1 KO), and a 6-round Super Middleweight fight pitting Pius Mpenda (11-4, 5 KOs) against Julio Porras Ruiz (13-0, 9 KOs).

Here is what the fighters had to say during their grand arrivals:

David Benavidez

On his impression being the defending champ and ready to fight in Riyadh

“I feel really good…really blessed. I’m really happy to be here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m happy to be able to perform in front of the beautiful people of Riyadh this Saturday. I have trained extremely hard for this fight. I’m very motivated, very excited, and I’m going to give everyone a great fight this Saturday night.”

On the type of explosiveness we can expect on Saturday night

“I have a lot to prove not only in this fight on Saturday night, but going forward for the rest of my career, too. I want to make a statement that I’m the best in the world and I want to be the greatest of my generation by the time I’m done. It starts with Anthony Yarde. I know he’s [Yarde] come in focused and prepared, but I’m ready to make it a war and I’m not leaving without a victory.”

On the long road that has led him here

“It’s been a long, long time. I’m coming up on 13 years pro, I’ve been boxing 25 years and I started when I was three years old. We knew eventually we’d be here at this moment, kept working extremely hard every year, and now we’re here.”

On how he feels and acclimatizing

“I feel good. I changed my sleeping schedule. I’m going to sleep at 7 or 8 a.m., so I feel like I should be good. This is why we’re World Champions, we have to adapt to anything that comes our way.”

On how his weight cut has been going

“This is probably the easiest weight cut I’ve had. I have three pounds left to lose. Right now I’m at 178 lbs, but it’s been the easiest weight cut of my career. It’s been one of the best camps of my career. I know Anthony Yarde is coming in really prepared, so I’m prepared as well.”

On the critics saying how power hasn’t carried over to the light heavyweight

“I know that’s not true. What I’ve done in this camp is gone back to the basics using footwork, using distance, using head movement. We’re not going to set up traps. These are bigger guys. So, me walking them down is not going to work like I did at 168 lbs. But for me, I know for a fact I can hurt these guys. Now I need to follow the game plan and work behind the jab, but I see opportunities of me hurting Anthony Yarde and I just have to follow the game plan.”

On if he think’s he going to get the knockout

“I’m not really too worried about the knockout, but what I will say is that I will dominate like I do in every fight. Like I said, I’m going to follow my game plan but I see a lot of opportunities hurting Anthony Yarde so I just have to follow that and when I see the opportunities, go for it.”

On if his goal is to bully his way into becoming the face of Mexican boxing and boxing as a whole

“That’s exactly the plan. I know the only way of doing that is getting the hard fights and I’m not shying away from them. I want [Artur] Beterbiev, I want [Dmitry] Bivol, I want [Gilberto] Ramirez, and maybe Jai Opetaia in the future. This is the only way to make a name for myself and that’s the only way to take those dates. I want to be the person that takes all the fights that the fans want to see. And this is exactly what we’re going to do.”

On if he is content staying at light heavyweight

“My main thing that I want to do is make the biggest fights happen so if there’s an opportunity that presents itself in the next fight, I’m going to take it.”

Anthony Yarde

On how he feels on this opportunity fighting for a title

“I feel fantastic. Glad to be here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m very happy.”

On what he goes through mentally taking on David Benavidez

“Mentally, I’ve already won. Coming from where I was and getting to this stage for the third time and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I feel like I’ve already won. There’s no pressure on me. I’m an excellent fighter and with a bit more experience I can be the best in the division. I’m excited.”

Devin Haney

On why he took the challenge in Riyadh

“For this opportunity, for me to be champion again. For me to be here in Riyadh…this is a dream come true. I want to fight the best fighters in the world, and Brian Norman Jr. is the champion and I’m the challenger. This is not the first time for me, and this is not the second time for me. This will be my third time fighting a champion and I look forward to it.”

On his current weight (147 lbs) and if there will be a difference in his performance

“I look how I feel. Nice and healthy. I think the world will see much more of my natural and best self – what I am when I’m sparring. I feel as though I’ve been depleting myself most of my fights and hurting myself, making weight and leaving it all in the gym. It will show on November 22.”

On Brian Norman Jr.’s experience at 147 lbs and how he’ll deal with it

“He’s a hard puncher and a good fighter. I have nothing but respect for him and his team and I thank them for the opportunity. I look to go in the ring and be victorious. The world will see how I do it but you have to tune in on November 22.”

Brian Norman Jr.

On the words he had for Devin Haney

“We’re about that action boss. Come Saturday, we’re on that.”

On how this experience in Riyadh has been for him

“This is what I’m accustomed to and this is who I am. I’m the real definition of a World Champion. I’ll go anywhere and everywhere and I will stamp my flag. My name is ‘the assassin’ for a reason. Once I sign the contract it’s like that.”

On the video he made Saturday and the promise he made to Devin Haney

“Knock him out. Most definitely, I’m not trying to go 12 rounds. I don’t trust no judges at all. God gave me the power to judge myself so I’m going to go out there and use it.”

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez

On his “Texas Massacre” shirt and if that’s a precursor for what will happen on Saturday night

“Tune in on DAZN Saturday night and you’ll see.”

On Fernando Martinez talking about his legacy and what it means to him

“It is what it is. He [Martinez] can feel however he wants to feel, but I’m here to handle business myself and go home and enjoy my win.”

On how this experience is different fighting in Riyadh compared to San Antonio

“It’s been a little bit different just because of the time and schedule change, but I’m a fighter so I adjust to anything, that’s just the person I am. So, on November 22nd I’ll be ready for whatever they bring to the table.”

On if he’s getting tacos after the weigh in

“Maybe not tacos, but when I get back home to San Antonio I’ll have all the tacos I want.”

Fernando Martinez

On what was going through his head during his arrival

“I always do that pose because I have two tattoos on my arms: one represents my mother and the other my father who is no longer with us…he hasn’t been with us for ten years. I always do that pose to pay respect to them.”

On what it means coming from a long line of Argentinian fighters

“[Pointing to his shirt] You can see the names of the fighters on my shirt – these are Argentina’s favorite champions. I want to be one of them and be able to write my name in golden letters, be well-respected and make history in Argentina.”

Sam Noakes

On how it feels fighting for a vacant title

“It’s good. I’m happy to be out here fighting for a world title and what a place to be doing it.”

On how it feels to be part of Saturday night’s card

“I’m absolutely buzzing for it [his fight]. I can’t wait to get in there on Saturday.”

On what we can expect from him on Saturday night

“Fireworks. You’ll have to tune in and watch.”

Abdullah Mason

On how this experience in Riyadh has been for him

“It’s been amazing, it feels similar to my professional debut. It’s a little different for me to be out here, but we are locked in and we’ve been locked in since we got here. We have business ahead of us and we are going to handle business.”

How do you think these factors are going to be working in your favor on Saturday night

“It comes down to the preparation and I feel like I prepared really well. Saturday night we’re going to have a lot of fun and I appreciate everyone that has come out to watch me and everyone that’s tuning in. It’s an amazing card and I can’t wait.”

Mohammed Alakel

On how it feels to be back in Riyadh after his last fight in the US

“It’s good to be back fighting in Saudi Arabia…it’s one of my favorite places. I hope I can put on a good performance.”

On how it was working with trainer Abel Sanchez

“It’s been hard work, but hopefully I can show that it’s paid off come Saturday night.”

On what we can expect between now and Saturday night

“I’ve learned a lot. 10-rounds in my last fight, so I’ll show him what I’ve learned.”

ENDS

About Riyadh Season

About The Ring Magazine

DEVIN “THE DREAM” HANEY THE RING IV: NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS NYC MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

New York, NY, October 30, 2025 – Before The Ring IV: Night of Champions – taking place November 22 at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and airing worldwide on DAZN – former undisputed lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) hosted an open media workout at Victory Boxing Club in New York City ahead of his upcoming fight with Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs, 1 NC), as the former will put his WBO welterweight title on the line in a 12-round bout.

Joining Haney and Norman on the star-studded card, David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) will defend his WBC light heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs), while Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) and Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) are set to square off for the vacant WBO lightweight title.

Prior to the workout, this is what Haney had to say ahead of the bout:

On his motivation and selection process for opponents

“That’s just the kind of fighter I am. I’ve been like this since I was calling out Robert Easter. I always want to try and make the biggest and best fights happen…it’s nothing new. I was a bit confused when people were saying ‘oh, he’s going to pull out of the fight.’ They must have forgotten the type of fighter that I am. I ask for these challenges and I ask to fight the best fighters.”

On what went into his decision to pursue high-profile sparring partners

“I want to get some guys that would emulate Brian Norman to the best of their ability, but also fighters that are proven.”

On if the criticism from his last fight gets to him

“No. People are going to say something regardless. I just want to keep beating who is in front of me – the best fighters in the world. Let them keep making up new people and I’ll just keep beating them.”

On Norman’s team believing this fight is a stepping stone for him

“He has the right to feel however he wants to feel. You have to think if he’s being realistic, or if he really means it. If this fight is a stepping stone then what was the Jin Sasaki fight? Who was he?”

On his new weight and if it will make a difference in this next fight

“I’ll be more of my natural self. In past fights you all have seen me as a shell of myself. I was killing myself to make the weight, but I feel a lot better and a lot stronger. I’m excited.”

ABOUT THE RING MAGAZINE:

Since its inception in 1922, The Ring Magazine has been the cornerstone of boxing journalism, earning its title as ‘The Bible of Boxing.’ Today, The Ring is more than just a magazine – it’s a growing multimedia empire poised to redefine how the world experiences boxing and combat sports. The Ring is not just chronicling the history of boxing; it’s actively shaping its future. Whether through its digital platforms, community events, or innovative partnerships. The Ring is committed to making the sport more accessible, exciting, and engaging for a global audience. As The Ring evolves, its mission remains the same – to celebrate the passion, discipline, and artistry of boxing while delivering unparalleled experiences to fans worldwide. This is more than a magazine – this is the heart of the fight game, now expanding its reach far beyond the printed page.

For more information, visit: Instagram – @ringmagazine, X – @ringmagazine , Website – ringmagazine.com.

ABOUT DAZN

As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide.? DAZN is the global home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, as well as the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more, including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.? DAZN is a global, privately owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit? www.dazngroup.com.?

Assassin’s Creed: Brian Norman Jr. Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension with Top Rank

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 20, 2025) — The King of the South, who sits atop the welterweight throne, has a brand-new deal.

WBO world champion Brian “The Assassin II” Norman Jr. has inked a multi-year contract extension with Top Rank, keeping the undefeated power-punching prodigy aligned with the promotional powerhouse.

The 24-year-old Norman will make the third defense of his title against Devin “The Dream” Haney on Nov. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“When I watch Brian Norman Jr., I think of all the legendary welterweights I’ve promoted. He has the physical tools and maturity required to become a generational fighter,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “We are thrilled to be part of the next phase of Brian’s career, which I believe will see him ascend from world champion to the top of the pound-for-pound list.”

“I believe in loyalty,” Norman said. “Top Rank believed in me from the start, and I’m proud to keep building with the home team. We’re only getting started.”

“It has been a total team effort to get Brian Norman Jr. to where he is today,” said Adrian Clark, CEO of Fighters First Management. “I must credit Brian Norman Sr., Jolene Mizzone, and the Hall of Fame matchmakers, Brad Goodman and Bruce Trampler. We are excited to continue our partnership with Top Rank.”

Norman (28-0, 22 KOs), from the Atlanta suburb of Decatur, Georgia, signed with Top Rank as a 22-0 rising star in December 2022. He had a nomadic start to his pro career, which began at the age of 17 and included 13 bouts in Mexico. That experience served Norman well when he traveled to Giovani Santillan’s hometown of San Diego in May 2024 and upset the local hero by 10th-round stoppage. He won the WBO interim world title with that triumph and was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the title.

Norman sat out the rest of 2024 after undergoing hand surgery and made his 2025 debut in March with a third-round bludgeoning of Derrieck Cuevas. He authored the Knockout of the Year in June with a left hook that flattened Japanese contender Jin Sasaki in front of a stunned crowd in Tokyo.

Weigh-In Results: Brian Norman Jr. vs. Jin Sasaki

• Brian Norman Jr. 146.8 lbs vs. Jin Sasaki 146.8 lbs
(Norman’s WBO Welterweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Referee: Gustavo Tomas (Argentina)
Judges: Richard Blouin (Canada), Tetsuya Iida (Japan), and Robin Taylor (USA)

• Sora Tanaka 146.8 lbs vs. Takeru Kobata 146.8 lbs
(Vacant OPBF Welterweight Title — 12 Rounds)

• Yuya Oku 125.4 lbs vs. Reiya Abe 125.7 lbs
(Vacant Japanese Featherweight Title — 10 Rounds)

• Cristian Araneta 107.6 lbs vs. Thanongsak Simsri 107.4 lbs
(Vacant IBF Light Flyweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

Brian Norman Jr.: “This Championship Belt Means Everything to Me!

TOKYO (June 17, 2025) — Atlanta’s newest world champion traveled nearly 7,000 miles to take care of business.

WBO welterweight king Brian Norman Jr. has finished preparations for Thursday’s world title defense against Japanese challenger Jin Sasaki at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo. This is the second title defense for Norman (27-0, 21 KOs), who burst onto the scene with last May’s upset of Giovani Santillan in Santillan’s hometown of San Diego.

He now enters enemy territory again versus Sasaki (19-1-1, 17 KOs), who is unbeaten in nine fights and known as a relentless volume puncher. Sasaki earned the title shot with January’s 12-round decision over Shoki Sakai on the Naoya Inoue-Ye Joon Kim undercard.

Norman-Sasaki and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. starting at 4 a.m. ET/1 a.m. PT. The main event is scheduled to begin at approximately 7:15 a.m. ET/4:15 a.m. PT.

This is what Norman said at Tuesday’s press conference.

Brian Norman Jr.

“This championship belt means everything to me. This opens a whole lot of doors. This is what I dreamed about since I was 7 years old. I’m 24 years old now, so just imagine how long that is. That’s 17 years. This is literally what I’ve been working for my whole life. I’m not giving it up at all. I don’t care where I’m at, I don’t care what the location is… this will forever be with me.”

“I look out here and I see the fanbase that he has. I see all the love he has received, and I respect that he’s doing his job. Now it’s time for me to do the job that I’m supposed to do as the WBO welterweight world champion.”

“Confidence is key. With Jin Sasaki saying he’s only 80 percent confident, I mean, that’s on him. But, also, he says he wants to overcome that. I respect him for being a man and actually saying that out loud and being real with everyone and himself. With me, I come to the ring every time a million percent confident and ready to go. I know the work I put in. I know the time I put in. This is not just this year. This is not just last year. This is year after year, day after day, second after second. This is what I live for. This is what I love to do.”

“Of course, we’re here in front of all these cameras, but to be real, it’s just the sport of boxing. I don’t really care about this. I just like to fight, and I will have fun in the ring come June 19.”

Thursday, June 19

LIVE on ESPN+ (4 a.m. ET/1 a.m. PT)

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Jin Sasaki, 12 Rounds, Norman’s WBO Welterweight World Title

Sora Tanaka vs. Takeru Kobata, 12 Rounds, Vacant OPBF Welterweight Title

Yuya Oku vs Reiya Abe, 10 Rounds, Vacant Japanese Featherweight Title

Cristian Araneta vs. Thanongsak Simsri, 12 Rounds, Vacant IBF Light Flyweight World Title

WBO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION BRIAN NORMAN JR.: “I TRULY BELIEVE I AM UNSTOPPABLE & WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THAT GUY!”

TOKYO – June 16, 2025 – Undefeated WBO Welterweight World Champion Brian “The Assassin” Norman Jr. has embraced the challenges presented by his upcoming title defense as he steps into the ring in Tokyo to take on Japanese contender Jin Sasaki this Thursday, June 19 streaming live on ESPN+ (estimated start time for main event is 7:15 a.m. ET/4:15 a.m. PT).

“I am the true definition of a ‘world’ champion,” said Norman (27-0, 21 KOs), who recently re-signed with Fighters First Management to continue guiding his career. “That’s what being a champion is about. I’m honored to showcase my talents all across the world, no matter the location or terrain.”

Having arrived in Japan weeks ago, Norman does not believe that preparing to fight outside of North America for the first time as a pro has had any hindrance on his training.

“There really hasn’t been any adjustment required, training is training no matter the location,” said Norman, who’s trained by his father Brian Norman Sr. “I’ve been doing this all my life. You don’t have to change how you walk just because you’re in another country…This camp has been amazing. I fought three months ago, so I came into this camp already sharp and in shape. I’d love to stay this active and be a true champion for the people.”

The 24-year-old Norman will take on the 23-year-old Sasaki (19-1-1, 17 KOs), who’s undefeated since he began fighting at 147 pounds full time in 2022. Although Sasaki enters this fight on a seven-bout winning streak, Norman is confident that his studying of his opponent will allow him to leave victorious.

“I know Sasaki’s habits, techniques and anything he wants to do,” said Norman. “There’s nothing he can do to surprise me besides grow a third arm. I’m expecting him to fight harder than he ever has before because of the magnitude of this fight, but the end result will still be the same. I came with my belt and I’m leaving with my belt.”

A native of Decatur, Georgia, Norman has relished the fan following that has continued to grow as his career continues to burgeon, and promises them a satisfying ending on Thursday.

“I don’t care where I fight or who I fight, the fans always motivate me to go 10 times harder,” said Norman. “They’re the reason I train so hard. You will not be disappointed at all, even if it’s over quickly.”

After winning the title with a 10^th-round knockout of Giovani Santillan in May 2024, Norman most recently defended his belt with a third-round stoppage of Derrieck Cuevas on March 29. As he continues to show off the prodigious talent that’s made him a champion at such a young age, Norman believes he will continue his ascent and ultimately end up making a long-lasting impact in the sport.

“My main improvement since becoming champion has been my mentality, and I will keep improving on it,” said Norman. “That’s what separates the goods from the greats. I truly believe I am unstoppable and will go down in history as THAT guy.”

June 19: Brian Norman Jr.-Jin Sasaki WBO Welterweight World Title Showdown Headlines Tokyo Bill LIVE on ESPN+

TOKYO (June 11, 2025) — Boxing’s youngest male world champion is plotting another clinical finish in hostile territory.

Brian “The Assassin” Norman Jr. will defend his WBO welterweight world title against Japanese contender Jin Sasaki on Thursday, June 19, at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

In the co-feature, undefeated Japanese prodigy Sora Tanaka (3-0, 3 KOs) steps up to 12 rounds in just his fourth pro fight against veteran Takeru Kobata (14-7-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant OPBF welterweight title.

Norman-Sasaki, Tanaka-Kobata, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. beginning at 4 a.m. ET/1 a.m. PT, with the main event starting at approximately 7:15 a.m. ET/4:15 a.m. PT.

Norman (27-0, 21 KOs) is a 24-year-old Atlanta native who began honing his craft as a paid professional at 17, racking up more than a dozen early wins in Mexico. He kept building with a string of stateside victories, including five stoppages in his home state, before signing with Top Rank in early 2023. A year later, he faced Giovani Santillan for the vacant interim title and silenced the San Diego faithful with a statement-making 10th-round knockout. Three months later, he was elevated to full champion and returned in March to dispatch Puerto Rican puncher Derrieck Cuevas in three rounds.

Sasaki (19-1-1, 17 KOs) is undefeated as a welterweight, having picked up nine wins and seven knockouts since the only defeat on his resume. He claimed the WBO Asia Pacific title in January 2023 with a one-round destruction of Ryota Toyoshima. He defended it five times, including wins via the fast route over Joe Noynay and Qamil Balla in 2024. In January, he went 12 rounds for the first time, decisioning Shoki Sakai on the Naoya Inoue-Ye Joon Kim undercard.

In additional undercard action:

In the first fight on the ESPN+ stream, Filipino southpaw Cristian Araneta (25-2, 20 KOs) and Thailand’s Thanongsak Simsri (38-1, 34 KOs) collide for the vacant IBF junior flyweight world title. Araneta enters the bout riding a six-fight win streak, while Simsri looks to build on 14 straight victories since his lone defeat in 2022.

Local rivals Yuki Onu (8-0-2, 5 KOs) and former world title challenger Reiya Abe (26-4-2, 10 KOs) will vie for the vacant Japanese featherweight title. Both look to rebound from draws, with Onu going eight rounds with Kyohei Tonomoto last November and Abe battling Satoshi Shimizu over 10 rounds in March.

Land of the Rising Star: WBO Welterweight Champion Brian Norman Jr. Defends Crown June 19 Against Japanese Contender Jin Sasaki in Tokyo LIVE on ESPN+

TOKYO (April 24, 2025) — Atlanta’s rising star is ready to defend his championship in the Land of the Rising Sun. Brian Norman Jr. will make the second defense of his WBO welterweight world title against Japanese contender Jin Sasaki on Thursday, June 19, at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

It’s a nearly 7,000-mile trip for the 24-year-old Norman — boxing’s youngest male world champion — who hasn’t fought on foreign soil since 2019. The 23-year-old Sasaki, one of boxing’s emerging knockout artists, has fought all but one of his 21 pro fights in Japan.

In the co-feature, Cristian Araneta (25-2, 20 KOs) and Thanongsak Simsri (38-1, 34 KOs) will vie for the vacant IBF junior flyweight world title.

And, in a 12-round welterweight tilt, Japanese wunderkind Sora Tanaka (3-0, 3 KOs) will fight southpaw veteran Takeru Kobata (14-7-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant OPBF title.

Norman-Sasaki, Araneta-Simsri, and Tanaka-Kobata will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S.

“Brian Norman Jr. is a motivated and talented champion who didn’t hesitate when offered this opportunity,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Jin Sasaki has power and punches in volume, and their styles will make for a dramatic, action-packed world title showdown.”

“The king from the south comes to take over the world. I like how that sounds,” Norman said. “On June 19, I’m ready to put on a stellar performance and write another triumphant chapter of ‘The Norman Experience.’”

Norman (27-0, 21 KOs) fought 13 times in Mexico early in his career, including nine times before his 18^th birthday. Those experiences set him on a path to contention, as “The Assassin” notched a string of highlight-reel knockouts before making his Top Rank debut in early 2023. After four fights without a knockout, Norman authored a massive upset last May, stopping hometown hero Giovani Santillan in 10 dramatic rounds in San Diego. The Santillan win earned Norman the WBO interim title, and he was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford moved up to junior middleweight. Following successful hand surgery, Norman defended his strap on March 29 with a third-round TKO over Puerto Rico’s Derrieck Cuevas.

Sasaki (19-1-1, 17 KOs) is unbeaten in nine fights since moving up to welterweight. He captured the WBO Asia Pacific title in January 2023 with a first-round stoppage of Ryota Toyoshima and has made five defenses of that belt. During a six-fight knockout streak from 2022 to 2024, Sasaki knocked out long-reigning Japanese champion Keita Obara and Filipino spoiler Joe Noynay, among others, as he ascended the WBO rankings. In January, he went the 12-round distance for the first time, winning a unanimous decision over Shoki Sakai on the Naoya Inoue-Ye Joon Kim undercard.

BOOTS AND HEARN TELL WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONS – DARE TO BE GREAT!

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Eddie Hearn have called on World champions Brian Norman and Mario Barrios to go toe-to-toe with the newly crowned Welterweight king and crown an undisputed champion at 147lbs.

Ennis (34-0 30 KOs) separated himself from the pack in spectacular fashion on Saturday night in Atlantic City, forcing WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis to retire after six punishing rounds of action live on DAZN.

‘Boots’ showed his devastating mix of power and precision en-route to ripping the WBA strap from the unbeaten Lithuanian and picking up the Ring Magazine strap, presented to him in the ring by Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey, who also walked Boots into the ring in front of the packed crowd at the storied Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Following the fight, Boots and Hearn addressed the media and made their intentions clear – to bring Norman or Barrios to Philadelphia for another unification fight in order to get an undisputed ruler at Welterweight.

“I don’t want to sound repetitive, but I’ve been saying, when I fight top of the line guys, that’s when you’ll see a whole different me,” said Ennis. “When I’m in the ring, I’m in my happy place, and when I’ve got a top guy and I’m fighting for something, it’s a whole different story and no-one can mess with me.

“I was just revving my engine and getting going, but I knew he was going to go from like the second round, from certain things he was doing. I wanted to pick it up, but my Pops was like, not yet, take your time, chill, have fun – just stick to the game plan and let it come.

“I took a pay cut for this fight, I took less money, this fight happened because of me, I gave him more money to fight me and that shows who really wanted the fight. “None of these fighters can mess with me, I’m the best fighter in the world. I was just getting into my groove and into my bag.”

“I just hope the other champions have ambition,” said Hearn. “Boots and the team are great to work with because they are chasing greatness. After a performance like that we don’t take less money, we take more money. The other guys, they will get paid, but they have to show ambition. It’s just ‘money, money, money, money’. What about trying to be number one in the division?

“With all due respect to Brian Norman, he just boxed for about $150,000 on the undercard of Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan. If we go back to Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia now, to unify again, Boots will fill the whole place, 18-19,000, unquestionably. There is money in the pot, but you have to show ambition.

“I spoke to Bob Arum and he made it clear to me that they want to try to make the fight. There is probably close to ten-times the biggest payday of Brian Norman’s career to fight Boots. If you don’t want to get int the ring, you might as well retire from the sport, because what’s it all about? That kind of payday to fight the very best in the sport to prove yourself as a pound-for-pound great. Stop with Twitter, stop with Instagram, grow a pair of balls and come and be in one of the biggest fights in the sport. Wells Fargo, back end of the summer or early fall, let’s make it happen.

“Last time they said, ‘we’re not going to Philadelphia.’ Where do you think the money comes from? This is not about being disrespectful, Brian Norman is a great fighter, but don’t you want to make great fights for the sport. Boots is not losing at 147, he’s not losing at 154, he’s not losing at 160 – watch what he does in the next few years, he’s going through all the divisions.

“I think the greatest achievement for any fighter is to be undisputed, I don’t know the ins and outs of how Boots felt at the weight, but certainly at the weigh-in he looked extremely comfortable, and that was always part of the chat after the Karen Chukhadzhian fight, is it time to move up? I would have felt like really, we hadn’t done our job if he moved up without unifying the division.”

Mayer Decisions Ryan Again; Retains Welterweight Title

Mikaela Mayer made it two-for-two as she once again won a 10-round unanimous decision over Sandy Ryan to defend the WBO Welterweight title at The Fountainbleau Hotel in Las Vegas.

In round eight, Mayer was cut over the left eyelid from a headbutt.

Mayer landed 178 of 516 punches. Ryan was 146 of 377.

Mayer, 146 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice to up her record to 21-2. Ryan, 145.5 lbs of Derby, England is 7-3-1.

Mayer said, “I sat on my shots more and committed to my hooks more. Those hooks were coming over the top. Sandy tends to stand straight up. She comes forward and puts the pressure on. So we worked on chopping her down with those hooks over the top.”

“I had been needing to move to welterweight for a long time. So, when I finally did, it just took a good, solid year and a half of hard work. This is where I’m comfortable, and this is where I should have been.”

“I beat Sandy Ryan twice. Now it’s time for me to move on and go for undisputed, which is against Lauren Price.

Norman Jr. Stops Cuevas in 3; Retains Welterweight Title

Brian Norman Jr. made the first defense of the WBO Welterweight title with a third round stoppage of Derrieck Cuevas.

In round three, Norman dropped Cuevas with a left hook to the head. Cuevas got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Norman, 146.7 lbs of Atlanta is now 27-0 with 21 knockouts. Cuevas, 146.3 lbs of Catano, PR is 27-2-1.

Norman said, “I feel wonderful. I had a little ring rust to start off, but you saw that I shook that off real quick.”

“I was just getting back into it. I was out for 10 months. So, it was just about getting back into the field and being in front of everybody. As you saw, it wasn’t a struggle at all. Great opponent. Only has one defeat. And you saw what I did to him.”

“I want one of these {other} belts. I see them out here trying to make unification fights. Where’s my little piece at?”

Bruce Carrington took out Jose Enrique Vivas in round three of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round two, Carrington dropped Vivas with an uppercut. In round three, Carrington continued to batter Vivas with right hands and the fight was stopped at 53 seconds.

Carrington, 125.3 lbs of Brooklyn is now 15-0 with nine knockouts. Vivas, 125.8 lbs of Mexico is 23-4.

Carrington said. “Every fight is not going to be a knockout, but I’m always performing and do what I have to do.”

“I just saw him opening up. He was doing exactly what I wanted him to do. That was part of the game plan. I wanted him to feel comfortable and open up. And then I was just going to get my shots on the inside and get him out of there.”

“Nick Ball? Yeah, I want that. Stephen Fulton? Yeah, I want that. Let’s get this work in. I want all of ya’ll.”

Emiliano Fernando Vargas remained undefeated and stopped Giovannie Gonzalez in round two of their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Vargas landed two hard rights that was followed by a left hook that dumped Gonzalez on his back. Gonzalez got to his feet but stumbled and the fight was stopped at 2:08

Vargas, 138.6 lbs of Las Vegas is now 13-0 with 11 knockouts, Gonzalez, 138.3 lbs of Lodi, CA is 20-8-2.

Tiger Johnson stopped Kendo Castaneda in round five of their eight-round welterweight fight.

In round five, Johnson dropped Castaneda with a right to the body. Later in the round it was another left that sent Castaneda down and the fight was stopped at 2:00.

Johnson, 146 lbs of Cleveland is 15-0 with seven knockouts. Castaneda, 146.8 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 21-9.

Dedrick Crocklem stopped Dionne Ruvalcaba in the opening round of their four round junior lightweight bout.

Crocklem swarmed Ruvalcaba with a series of right hooks and the bout was stopped at

Crocklem, 128.6 lbs of Tacoma, WA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Guzman, 128.8 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 2-2.

Emmanuel Chance made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Miguel Guzman in a bantamweight bout.

Chance, 119.4 lbs of East Orange, NJ won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is 1-0. Guzman, 118.7 lbs of San Bernadino, CA is 1-1.

Press Conference Notes: Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan Set for Heated Welterweight World Title Rematch Saturday in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (March 27, 2025) — Two-weight queen Mikaela Mayer and former champion Sandy Ryan are two days away from settling unfinished business.

Mayer will defend her WBO welterweight world title in a rematch against Ryan this Saturday, March 29, at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs) edged Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs) via split decision following a chaotic pre-fight buildup last September, sparking calls for an immediate rematch.

In the co-feature, Brian Norman Jr. (26-0, 20 KOs) will make the inaugural defense of his WBO welterweight world championship against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs).

Mayer-Ryan II and Norman-Cuevas will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and features Brooklyn-born featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (14-0, 8 KOs), who faces Mexican slugger Jose Enrique Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs) in a 10-round WBC final eliminator.

U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (14-0, 6 KOs) makes his welterweight debut against Kendo Castaneda (21-8, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder, while junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (12-0, 8 KOs) steps up against Giovannie Gonzalez (20-7-2, 15 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

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

Mikaela Mayer

“I am glad that she pulled through {in the first fight}. It’s disappointing that her team wasn’t as cool, calm, and collected as she was. Your team is supposed to hold you down and keep your mind right. So that was unfortunate, but she showed up and gave the fans a good fight. You’ve got to give her props for that.”

“I really feel great. I feel better than ever. Many people feel that at this stage of your career, it’s hard to make that much of a jump and develop or change much. But I really do feel that I’m better than ever. I’m stronger and healthy at welterweight. I’m not really cutting weight. All my little tweaks and injuries went away. And I’ve been able to put on muscle.”

“I’m sure she feels that {she will stop me}. I’m sure she felt that way in the last fight when she was saying that I’m not truly a welterweight. But I still sent her to the hospital with a concussion. If I did that then when I was new to welterweight, then I’m going to hurt her 10 times more this time around.”

Sandy Ryan

“I’ve worked hard. I’ve had a long camp here. I’m ready to make a difference on Saturday night.”

“I’m not taking anything away from Mikaela. She’s got the belt. I appreciate her accepting the rematch and making this fight. It’s what the fans wanted because it was a great first fight. But I’ll be taking that belt back.”

“I know that I’m a fighter. I would have never pulled out of the fight {after the paint incident}. I let people see what kind of person and fighter I am. Despite what they threw at me, I still got in there and put on a performance.”

“I need to just be me with no distractions. I need to be levelheaded and calm. That’s how I’m approaching this whole fight week and fight night.”

Brian Norman Jr.

“You’re not a real champion until you defend your title. And I’ve got a tough competitor ahead of me. I’m ready to prove myself.”

“It is a transition from targeting others to now being a target. So now it’s not about looking out anymore but more so about looking in at the man in the mirror and on what I need to work on. I now have nothing holding me back regarding injuries. I’m very well rested. I’ve got my mind together. I’ve got everything together. And now it’s just time to prove myself.”

“I hit hard. I got speed. I’m not going to get tired. I’ve got 12 rounds to beat you up if need be. You simply don’t have enough.”

Derrieck Cuevas

“I’m very happy to be here. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I’ve been training very hard. I’m ready. I’m born for this.”

“He’s got the pressure. He’s got to look good because everyone knows that he didn’t get the belt by fighting a world champion. But, I’m ready. I hit hard. I’m strong.”

“You’re a good fighter. But I’m stronger than you. I’m smarter than you. You will see Saturday night.”

Bruce Carrington

“I’m super prepared. There is nothing that can knock my confidence now. I feel like it’s already written. I feel like all I need to do is step in the ring, and everything will just happen the way it’s supposed to happen in order for me to get the victory.”

“I want to be a world champion by the end of 2025. I am not looking past Jose Enrique Vivas. But I’m for sure looking through him, though. This is one of the steps I need to take in order to make what I want happen.”

Jose Enrique Vivas

“I trained very hard in Mexico at 9,000 feet altitude. We were supposed to fight last June, but there was an issue with my visa. It arrived too late, so we stayed in camp. I always stay training. I’ve got a gym in Mexico, so I’m always there. And I’m ready. God’s timing is perfect. Now we’re here to give a war and, God willing, win.”

“I am very prepared. This is my time. I was born to be a champion. This is my dream, so we will win on Saturday.”

Emiliano Fernando Vargas

“In my last fight, I had a hairline fracture in my hand. I pushed through, and 30 seconds later, I was able to get him out of there. A lot of people didn’t know that. But I was able to push through adversity and get him out there with my other hand. When you are a winner, you find a way to win. I’m an exciting fighter. I could have gone the distance, but why not give the fans a show?”

Tiger Johnson

“It was time for me to move up to welterweight. I didn’t really feel like myself. But I’m happy that I’ve been able to get a lot of experience with the fights I’ve been getting. Top Rank has been doing a really good job with me. It has helped me.”

“I’m feeling a lot stronger now. We had a really good camp, and I’m ready to put on an amazing performance.”

Saturday, March 29

ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan, 10 rounds, Mayer’s WBO Welterweight World Title

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Derrieck Cuevas, 12 rounds, Norman’s WBO Welterweight World Title

ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

Bruce Carrington vs. Jose Enrique Vivas, 10 rounds, WBC featherweight eliminator

Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Giovannie Gonzalez, 8 rounds, junior welterweight

Tiger Johnson vs. Kendo Castañeda, 8 rounds, welterweight

Emmanuel Chance vs. Miguel Guzman, 4 rounds, bantamweight

Dedrick Crocklem vs. Dionne Ruvalcaba, 4 rounds, junior lightweight

Brian Norman Jr.: “It Won’t Be a Long Fight!”

LAS VEGAS (March 20, 2025) — Brian Norman Jr. says a champ isn’t a champ until he defends his belt, and he’s ready to do just that.

Norman will put his WBO welterweight world title on the line against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas on Saturday, March 29, at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Norman-Cuevas will be the co-feature to the rematch between WBO female welterweight world champion Mikaela Mayer and former titleholder Sandy Ryan.

Mayer-Ryan II and Norman-Cuevas will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets are on sale via https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/entertainment/top-rank-boxing/.

Norman (26-0, 20 KOs) captured the interim title with a 10th-round knockout over previously unbeaten Giovani Santillan last May. He was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the belt later that year. The win capped a breakout run for the Atlanta native, who signed with Top Rank in 2023 and notched three victories that year. Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs) enters the biggest challenge of his career riding a four-fight knockout streak, including a sixth-round TKO against Marlon Aguas in December 2023.

While spending a week in Las Vegas for sparring, away from his Georgia training camp, this is what Norman had to say:

“I’m very excited. I feel like a champion is not a champion until that first title defense. I’ve got a wonderful competitor coming against me. So, it’s time to prove that I am the real deal champion.”

“He’s a very tough fighter. He’s coming to change his life. This is a championship fight. So, I know how that feels. He’s thinking, ‘All I have to do is win this one fight, and my whole life changes.’ So, I understand how he’s coming. He’s very strong and powerful. He’s coming to knock my head off. It’s going to be a very good fight, but I don’t think it will be a long one.”

“I see {being a champion} as a good thing because I’m still a hunter. I’m hunting for knowledge. I’m hunting for experience. And I’m hunting for more skills. I want to see how far I can go.”

“I’m 1,000 percent ready. I’m ready to go. I’m to fight tomorrow. Sign me up. Where the gloves at? Throw me in there!”

“After this fight, we can get that unification fight. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere. I’m 24 years old. I’m going to be a welterweight for a smooth minute. Let’s get these fights in.”

Paint The Town Bleau: Mikaela Mayer-Sandy Ryan Welterweight Title Rematch Set for March 29 at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on ESPN

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 30, 2025) — The paint isn’t dry, and the rivalry isn’t over.

Two-weight queen Mikaela Mayer will defend her WBO welterweight world title in a rematch against former champion Sandy Ryan on Saturday, March 29, at Bleaulive Theater, the fully-customizable, 90,000-square-foot theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

The tension between the two intensified before their first encounter last September. Mayer claimed Ryan had stolen her trainer, while Ryan accused Team Mayer of orchestrating a pre-fight stunt that saw Ryan doused with paint outside of the New York City fight hotel. Mayer dethroned Ryan via majority decision, but the brushwork on this feud is far from finished.

In the co-feature, Brian Norman Jr. will make the inaugural defense of his WBO welterweight world championship against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas.

Rising featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington will square off against Jose Enrique Vivas in a 10-round WBC final eliminator as the featured bout on the ESPN+-streamed undercard.

Mayer-Ryan II and Norman-Cuevas will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. PT via https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/entertainment/top-rank-boxing/.

“The rivalry between Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan is one of the fiercest we’ve seen in recent years, and both are determined to put it to rest once and for all,” says Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Brian Norman Jr. faces a tough first defense, but I’m confident he’ll rise to the occasion and prove he belongs at the top. Bruce Carrington is close to a world title shot, and this fight is his chance to cement his place in line.”

“I’m delighted that Sandy has a second chance in Las Vegas,” says Matchroom Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The rivalry between the pair spilled over in New York, and there’s certainly no love lost between them. But when they got in the ring at Madison Square Garden, they delivered one of the fights of the year for 2024.

“Although Mikaela got the nod last time, it was a pick’em fight with only a coat of paint to separate them. I’m confident that it will be revenge, not repeat, on March 29, and Sandy will be crowned a two-time world champion.”

“We are thrilled to welcome back Top Rank for what is set to be one of the most anticipated matches of 2025,” says Fontainebleau Las Vegas Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Fedor Banuchi. “The Mayer-Ryan title rematch brings a level of excitement and anticipation to the resort and further highlights the resort’s commitment to delivering can’t-miss experiences.”

??Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, debuted in 2017 and tore through the junior lightweight ranks before capturing the IBF and WBO world titles. She came up short in a disputed October 2022 split decision against WBC champion Alycia Baumgardner but moved up to lightweight the following April to claim the WBC interim crown with a win over Lucy Wildheart. After outpointing Silvia Bortot that September, Mayer returned four months later to challenge Natasha Jonas for the IBF strap, losing a close split decision in a toe-to-toe classic. Undeterred, Mayer set her sights on Ryan for the WBO belt and became a two-division ruler.

“I’ve never been one to shy away from challenges. I could have taken my belt and moved on, but it was a highly entertaining fight, and if this is what the fans want, then that’s what I’ll give them,” Mayer said. “I have stayed in the gym and am getting better every day. It will be worse for Sandy this time, but regardless, expect another action-packed fight.”

Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs), the fighting pride of Derby, England, turned pro in 2021 after capturing gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and silver at the 2014 World Championships. She avenged her first pro loss to Erica Farias with a decisive unanimous verdict and claimed the vacant WBO welterweight title in April 2023 by outpointing Marie-Pier Houle. A contentious draw with former undisputed champion Jessica McCaskill stalled her hopes at unifying the division, but Ryan rebounded last March with a career-best knockout of Terri Harper. Her championship reign came to a halt last September against Mayer in a Fight of The Year candidate.

“As crazy as this sounds after what happened last time in New York, I am actually looking forward to returning to the U.S.,” Ryan said. “I’ve had some remarkable, history-making fights here already, so the opportunity to come back and showcase my talent while headlining in the fight capital of the world is amazing.

“This time, I will be fully prepared for whatever comes my way. I’m not making any excuses, but after what happened before the fight last time, I did fight in anger, and it clearly affected my performance. But it was a great fight and did great numbers for ESPN, so that’s why Mayer had to take this rematch. It’s the biggest fight for both of us, and everyone wants to see it again. On March 29, the world will see a focused, determined, and talented fighter in the shape of her life, and I will reclaim my world title.

“I want to thank my promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, my manager Brian Peters, and Bob Arum for getting the rematch done. It will be another amazing fight for women’s boxing and boxing in general, and I look forward to reclaiming my title.”

Norman (26-0, 20 KOs) turned pro in January 2018 and went 11-0 in his first year. He garnered national attention in 2020 with a gritty technical decision over Flavio Rodriguez. He followed it up with a dominant 2021 campaign that saw him register four brutal stoppages. After a year-long layoff, Norman signed a promotional contract with Top Rank and went 3-0 in 2023 with decisions over Rodrigo Coria, Jesus Perez, and Quinton Randall. He secured the WBO interim welterweight title with a 10th-round knockout of previously undefeated Giovani Santillan last May. Norman became the organization’s full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the belt later that year.

Norman said, “Fighting for a championship belt is every fighter’s dream, so I know Cuevas is training as hard as possible for this fight. He is a tough competitor who brings everything he has to win this fight. That said, as the WBO champion, I can guarantee a spectacular performance come March 29.”

Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs) enters his first world title opportunity riding a four-fight knockout streak that began in December 2022 with a second-round demolition of Esneiker Correa. In 2023, he fought three times in Panama, closing out the year with a sixth-round TKO against once-beaten Marlon Aguas in December. The 30-year-old standout will make his eighth appearance on U.S. soil.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight in Las Vegas for a world title,” Cuevas said, “That’s the dream of every fighter. I respect Norman, but on March 29, a new champion will be crowned.”

Carrington (14-0, 8 KOs), a 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials champion, rose swiftly to claim the WBO’s number one contender spot after turning pro in October 2021. The 27-year-old native of Brownsville, Brooklyn, secured four victories in 2024, starting with a highlight-reel fourth-round knockout of Bernard Torres in February, a finish that went viral and was featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10. In May, he stopped Brayan De Gracia in the eighth round and returned in September to overcome a stern challenge from Sulaiman Segawa and a majority decision. He capped the year in November with a one-sided unanimous decision over Dana Coolwell on the undercard of the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson event in Arlington, Texas.

Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs), a rugged 30-year-old from Mexico, began his career with a sensational 17-0 run before suffering his first defeat to Ruben Villa in September 2019. He rebounded with four straight wins, highlighted by a 10-round decision over unbeaten Carlos Jackson in July 2020 and an eight-round victory against Louie Coria in May 2021. Although he dropped a close decision to eventual world title challenger Eduardo Baez the following March and lost a unanimous decision to Joet Gonzalez in April 2023, Vivas regained his momentum last February with a first-round TKO over Jonathan Aguilar.

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About Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a 67-story, vertically integrated luxury resort that brings a legacy of timeless elegance and unparalleled service to the Strip. Certified by the Green Building Initiative with three Green Globes, the resort’s thoughtful design allows guests to move effortlessly among 3,644 luxury hotel rooms and suites, 550,000 square feet of customizable meeting and convention space, 150,000 square feet of gaming space, a collection of world-class restaurants and shops, exquisite pools, vibrant nightlife, and vitality-enhancing spa and wellness offerings. Located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., adjacent to the acclaimed Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall expansion, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is created by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments.

World Champion Flips The Switch BRIAN NORMAN JR. TRAINING NORMAN SR. FOR FEBRUARY 15 FIGHT IN ATLANTA

Atlanta, Georgia, January 21, 2025 — Undefeated twenty-four-year-old World Welterweight Champion Brian Norman, Jr., has been trained by his father, Brian Norman, Sr. since he was seven. They have reversed course and Junior is now training Senior for a February 15 boxing match against Greg Hackett in Atlanta, GA.

A long-time beef between Brian Sr. and Hackett came to a head in November while both were on Coach Malachi’s Tru Media podcast. It got heated when Norman told Hackett, “you were getting paid $400 as an opponent, to basically lose. You lose for a living.”

Shortly thereafter it was decided they would lace’em up and settle it in the ring. The event will be streamed live on BLK Prime PPV.

Norman (17-11, 5 KOs) from Atlanta, and Greg Hackett (3-23) from Philadelphia, PA will settle the score in a six-round light heavyweight bout.

“I’m being trained by a world champion who I trained to become that world champion,” said Brian, Sr. “He has the knowledge that I gave him. Now he gets to see that vision of what he’s saying to me, which is the same I’ve been saying to him. At the same time he can visualize himself through me by how I react to the instructions. At the end of the day, he is helping himself just as much, if not more, than he is helping me.”

So, Junior, are you getting him back for all your dad’s put you through over the years?

“Is it been a wonderful journey so far,” said Brian Norman, Jr. “I see a lot of similarities between me and him, mostly the motivation to self-determination and the want to. It’s been a wonderful experience to witness. There has been a couple times when dad was tired and wanted to stop and I’d yell ‘no, two more rounds.’ I must push him, you know? We don’t like losing – we are both very competitive and I see it in him all day long.

“I like the way this fight came about and it’s good for boxing,” said Hackett. “There is no animosity here, but I will hate him for the eighteen minutes we are fighting. There are a lot of people that talk, but they don’t want to get in there, but we are going to get in there. Ever since the day it came about, I’ve been training. It’s going to be a good fight. I think he is going to press the issue because he is the bigger guy, but skill-wise, I am the better fighter. I just have to be prepared for whatever he brings to the table and make him pay for his mistakes. I will win the fight, whether it is by knockout or by decision. I will win the fight.”

November 8: Troy Isley-Tyler Howard Middleweight Showdown Elevated to Davis-Lemos Co-Feature at Norfolk’s Scope Arena LIVE on ESPN+

NORFOLK, Va. (Oct. 7, 2024) — The 10-round middleweight showdown between unbeaten contender Troy “The Transformer” Isley and Tyler “Hercules” Howard has been elevated to the co-feature of the Keyshawn Davis-Gustavo Lemos lightweight main event on Friday, Nov. 8, at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.

The original co-feature — WBO welterweight world champion Brian Norman Jr. defending his title against Derrieck Cuevas — was postponed after Norman suffered a hand injury in training.

Promoted by Top Rank, the entire Davis-Lemos card will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S.

Isley (13-0, 5 KOs), who hails from Alexandria, Virginia, won the vacant NABO belt in his last fight with a convincing decision over former amateur rival Javier Martinez. Isley turned pro in February 2021 and represented Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics that summer. Howard (20-1, 11 KOs), from Crossville, Tennessee, last fought in August 2023, edging Raul Salomon by majority decision.

Undercard action includes Keyshawn’s older brother, junior welterweight contender Kelvin Davis (13-0, 7 KOs), returning in an eight-rounder against Yeis Solano (15-3, 10 KOs), while his younger brother, Keon Davis, makes his professional debut in a four-round welterweight bout. Lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason (15-0, 13 KOs) looks to shine in an eight-rounder against Yohan Vasquez (26-5, 21 KOs), 19-year-old prospect Robert Meriwether III (7-0, 3 KOs) will face Eric Howard (6-2, 1 KO) in a six-rounder at junior lightweight, and Virginia native Austin Deanda (15-0, 10 KOs) hopes to extend his unbeaten run against South Carolina’s DeAundre Pettus (12-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight tilt.

# # #

Norfolk Dreamin’: Keyshawn Davis Returns Home to Face Gustavo Lemos in Lightweight Main Event November 8 at Scope Arena LIVE on ESPN+

NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 4, 2024) — Keyshawn “The Businessman” Davis is closing in on a world title shot, but first, he must defend his home turf. The lightweight contender and U.S. Olympic silver medalist will face Argentina-born puncher Gustavo Lemos in the 10-round main event on Friday, Nov. 8, at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.

In the world championship co-feature, WBO welterweight king Brian Norman Jr. will defend his crown against Puerto Rican puncher Derrieck Cuevas.

The undercard will feature the other members of “DB3.” Keyshawn’s older brother, rising junior welterweight Kelvin “Night Night” Davis (13-0, 7 KOs), fights Yeis Solano (15-3, 10 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Keyshawn’s younger brother, U.S. Olympic Trials champion Keon Davis, will make his pro debut in a four-round welterweight contest.

The entire Davis-Lemos card will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, ticket information will be announced shortly.

“As a young kid growing up in Norfolk, I dreamed of accomplishing enough to headline a card at Scope Arena one day. My boxing idol is the legendary Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker, and I want to pack that arena like he used to. He’s the greatest from my city, and I’m honored to continue that legacy,” Keyshawn Davis said. “I can’t wait to put on a spectacular show against a tough opponent in Gustavo Lemos. Everyone from the 757 will be in my corner.”

“Norfolk has been waiting for Keyshawn Davis to come home for years. This is going to be a great night of fights headlined by a real competitive main event,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Lemos is full of confidence, and Keyshawn will have to be in top form on November 8 at Scope Arena.”

Davis (11-0, 7 KOs) enters his homecoming celebration ranked No. 3 at lightweight by the WBO, IBF, and WBC. He earned those rankings with two devastating showings to begin the year, starting with February’s sixth-round TKO of former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza. Five months later, he thrilled the crowd at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, dominating Mexican puncher Miguel Madueño over 10 rounds. He now makes his headlining debut in the biggest boxing event Scope Arena has seen since Whitaker defended his welterweight crown against Buddy McGirt in October 1994.

Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs), from Buenos Aires, Argentina, returns to the lightweight ranks for the first time in over two years. He last fought at 135 pounds in March 2022, when he stopped British former world champion Lee Selby in five rounds in front of his hometown fans. Lemos returned to action in December 2023, starching Javier Jose Clavero in the opening round. That set the stage for his American debut in April. Lemos traveled to Las Vegas for an IBF junior welterweight world title eliminator and was on the short end of a 12-round decision to American standout Richardson Hitchins. While many experts believed Lemos deserved the nod, he now moves down five pounds to face another unbeaten American mega-talent.

Lemos said, “This is a big occasion for Keyshawn Davis, and I am coming to Norfolk to spoil the party. He picked the wrong guy. On November 8, he’ll find out the truth. He’s not on my level.”

Norman (26-0, 20 KOs) is boxing’s youngest male world champion, a native of Atlanta who turned pro in 2018 at the age of 17. The 23-year-old made his Top Rank debut in early 2023 and was unbeaten in four fights with the company before May’s showdown with Giovani Santillan. The heavily favored Santillan was fighting in front of his hometown fans in San Diego, and Norman pulled off the upset win via 10th-round knockout. He won the WBO interim world title with that stunner and was elevated to full champion in August.

Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs), the WBO No. 7 contender, enters his first world title fight riding a four-fight knockout streak that began in December 2022 with a second-round blitzing of Esneiker Correa. He has punched his passport for his last three fights, which took place in Panama in 2023. Last December, Cuevas knocked down Marlon Aguas in the fifth round en route to a sixth-round TKO triumph.

The undercard is also scheduled to include the following young talents:

Rising lightweight sensation Abdullah Mason (15-0, 13 KOs) looks to take the next step against Dominican-born puncher Yohan Vasquez (26-5, 21 KOs) in an eight-rounder. The 20-year-old Cleveland native is 4-0 with four knockouts this year, all in four rounds or less.
Keyshawn’s Olympic teammate, middleweight contender, and Washington, D.C. native Troy “The Transformer” Isley (13-0, 5 KOs) returns to his home region roots in a 10-rounder against Tyler “Hercules” Howard (20-1, 11 KOs). Isley picked up the NABO title in June with a unanimous decision over then-unbeaten brawler Javier Martinez.
Middleweight prospect Austin DeAnda (14-0, 10 KOs), who hails from Amherst, Virginia, will take on DeAundre Pettus (11-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

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About SevenVenues
The City of Norfolk’s SevenVenues serves to link Norfolk’s residents, visitors and tourists to Norfolk’s rich cultural arts and entertainment community. Besides providing entertainment services, SevenVenues is also responsible for the maintenance, repair, management and operation of the City’s seven public assembly facilities which include: Scope Arena, Chrysler Hall, the Attucks Theatre, the Wells Theatre, Harrison Opera House, Harbor Park, and Open Air Events. To learn more, visit SevenVenues.com.

U2: Denys Berichyk Gives Ukraine Another World Champion

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May. 18, 2024) — Well, that was quite the encore.

On the day Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usrk captured the undisputed heavyweight title, his countryman, Denys Berinchyk, stunned the boxing world. Berinchyk defeated Emanuel Navarrete by split decision to win the vacant WBO lightweight world title Saturday evening at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) prevailed by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Navarrete won on the third card, 116-112. Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) failed in his attempt to become the sixth four-division, Mexican-born world champion.

Navarrete began as usual by launching forward with wild shots, often leading with uppercuts or left hooks from the outside. Berinchyk responded by using his footwork to find his distance and pepper the Mexican with quick counterpunches.

Berinchyk’s offense didn’t hurt Navarrete, but they were enough to prevent him from implementing a sustained body attack in the early rounds.

Urged by his corner, Navarrete upped his offense in the last half of the fight, but the 36-year-old Olympian continued to make him miss before connecting with compact, effective punches.

“This is great, my friend. This is great. Great boxing,” Berinchyk said. “Great fight. Navarrete, muchas gracias.”

Navarrete said, “It was something new for me. Like I always said, it would be difficult. Denys is a great fighter. He made me struggle a lot. And you saw what happened. But I’m happy with how I fought. I know that I need to improve.

“I’m not sad. I know it was a test. I needed to do more, but I know that I can do more. So, I congratulate him on his win. I’m happy because I tried things out at 135 pounds, and I know I will be strong at this division.”

Brian’s Song

Brian Norman Jr. (26-0, 20 KOs) captured the WBO Interim welterweight world title with a 10th-round knockout over hometown favorite Giovani Santillan (32-1, 17 KOs).

Santillan was the aggressor, but Norman’s quick counters and clinching nullified his offense. Santillan tried to make the most of it by punching inside the clinch, but this provided the openings for Norman to counter.

In the eighth, Norman hurt Santillan with a left hook. This changed the tide decisively to Norman’s favor, as he rallied with combinations in the following stanza. In the 10th, Norman landed a counter uppercut that dropped Santillan, who rose off the deck to be dropped by another, more devastating uppercut that floored him and ended the fight.

Norman was ahead on all three scorecards, 89-82, 88-83 and 86-85.

Norman said, “He was pressing but not hitting s**t. I made him miss and made him pay. I like going to other people’s hometowns and taking what they have. Whoever they have next for me, I’m ready for the challenge.”

Torrez Flattens Moore in 5

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez (10-0, 10 KOs) faces his stiffest test to date and passed with flying colors.

The 24-year-old southpaw heavyweight scored a fifth-round TKO win against the previously unbeaten Brandon Moore (14-1, 8 KOs). After an early feeling-out process, Torrez began to connect with jabs to the body before unloading his straight left. Moore tried to prevent his forward attack with footwork and a stiff jab, but Torrez often countered with a right hook and found his way in.

After dropping him early in the fifth, Torrez began to pummel Moore, forcing referee Thomas Taylor to halt the contest at 1:39.

Torrez said, “I give Moore a lot of respect. Anyone who goes toe-to-toe like that deserves my respect. I expected a lot from him, but I followed the game plan and got the job done. He took some really good shots, but at the end of the day, you can only take so much.”Junior Welterweight: Emiliano Fernando Vargas (10-0, 8 KOs) battered Angel Varela (10-3, 7 KOs) en route to a sixth-round stoppage. Vargas was much quicker, countering frequently and switching to southpaw to land even more offense. After too many unanswered shots from the 20-year-old phenom, referee Ray Corona halted the bout at 1:01.

Lightweight: Team USA standout Jonny Mansour (1-0) made a successful pro debut by outpointing Anel Dudo (3-6-1) across four rounds of action. The San Diego native won with three scores of 40-36.

Junior Welterweight: Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (13-0, 11 KOs) earned an eight-round points win over Wilfredo Flores (10-3-1, 5 KOs). Scores: 80-72 3x.

Junior Lightweight: Jonathan Lopez (15-0, 11 KOs) notched an eighth-round TKO win over Edgar Ortega (14-3-2, 7 KOs). The time of the stoppage was 2:39.

Welterweight: Art Barrera Jr. (5-0, 4 KOs) went the four-round distance for the first time in his pro career, defeating Levy Garcia Benitez (3-2-1, 2 KOs) via unanimous decision. Scores: 40-35 3x.

Weigh-In Results: Emanuel Navarrete vs. Denys Berinchyk & Giovani Santillan vs. Brian Norman Jr.

• Emanuel Navarrete 135 lbs. vs. Denys Berinchyk 134.8 lbs
(Vacant WBO Lightweight World Title – 12 Rounds)

• Giovani Santillan 146.4 lbs vs. Brian Norman Jr. 146.5 lbs
(Vacant WBO Interim Welterweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:10 p.m. ET/4:10 p.m. PT)

• Richard Torrez 229.9 lbs vs. Brandon Moore 229.4 lbs
(Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

• Jonny Mansour 134 lbs vs. Anel Dudo 130.8 lbs
(Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

• Emiliano Fernando Vargas 139.6 lbs vs. Angel Varela 140 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

• Alan Garcia 137.8 lbs vs. Wilfredo Flores 136.9 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

• Jonathan Lopez 127.1 lbs vs. Edgar Ortega 127.6 lbs
(Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

• Art Barrera Jr. 146 lbs vs. Levy Garcia Benitez 143.9 lbs
(Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

*The Charlie Sheehy-Manuel Jaimes bout was canceled due to Sheehy coming in overweight.

Press Conference Notes: Emanuel Navarrete Motivated to Claim Four-Division World Title Glory in San Diego

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 16, 2024)— Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) is one step away from making history, but first, he needs to face an unbeaten Ukrainian Olympian.

Navarrete will attempt to become a four-division world champion when he fights Denys Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) for the vacant WBO lightweight world title this Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

The 12-round welterweight co-feature will see hometown hero Giovani Santillan (32-0, 17 KOs) taking on fellow unbeaten contender Brian Norman Jr. (25-0, 19 KOs) in a fight that will now be for the vacant WBO Interim world title. If Santillan wins, he will become only the second San Diego-born world champion in history, following Paul Vaden in 1995.

Navarrete-Berinchyk & Santillan-Norman headline a loaded card featuring nine fights in total, including unbeaten heavyweights Richard Torrez Jr. (9-0, 9 KOs) and Brandon Moore (14-0, 8 KOs) clashing in an eight-rounder. Torrez, a U.S. Olympic silver medalist, is taking a big step up against former amateur standout Moore.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale via AXS.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Emanuel Navarrete

“Just having the opportunity to add a new title in a new division, it’s something that I never thought of. It’s something that I never dreamed of. It’s something new and achieving it would fulfill a personal goal. It will enrich my personal achievements, and it will make me satisfied with what I’ve done in my career.”

“Each fight is different. Each opponent is different. Denys is an Olympian. He has a lot of experience in boxing. That’s the part we have to defeat. That’s the hardest part on Saturday. However, we always work the same. We always strengthen certain things that have been seen as weak in previous fights. But we always put a lot of energy into each training camp. We always have that mentality to work at 100 percent, and this camp wasn’t the exception. We worked hard, and Saturday will be a great fight night for all those watching at Pechanga Arena.”

Denys Berinchyk

“I’m happy for Emanuel that he was the king in three divisions, but this is my division. You will see a great, exciting fight on Saturday night.”

Giovani Santillan

“I’ve been looking forward to something like this happening ever since my first fight at Pechanga San Diego back in 2021. I’ve been saying that I want to bring world title fights for myself here in San Diego. Me being born and raised here, it’s an honor for this to happen. I’m excited. I just found out this morning {that the fight would be for the WBO Interim title}. I’m ready.”

“Business as usual, but I’ve had to earn my spot. It took me a lot of hard work, a lot of years to get here, and I’m planning on staying here and getting that world title Saturday night.

“{Returning home} means everything to me, especially after my last performance and now with being a world title fight, and for it to be here in my hometown so that my friends, family, and supporters have a chance to come see me live.”

“He’s a good fighter, and he knows everything that’s on the line. So, I know that with him being undefeated, I’m expecting a war this Saturday. I’m expecting a big fight. This is going to be a great fight for the fans for sure.”

“I’ve been training very hard for this. It has been a long camp. I knew about this date. I didn’t know who exactly I was going to be fighting, but I’ve known about this date since back in February. So, I’ve been in camp since then sparring hard. I’m as ready as can be for this fight.”

Brian Norman Jr.

“We’re in his hometown. Everything is against me in this fight. But once again, this is where I shine the best. I thrive off of negativity. I love this opportunity. I love this moment. I’m 23 years old. He’s pretty much 10 years older than me, so I’m supposed to be the baby in this situation, but best believe, we’re coming to throw down.”

“He’s number one, plain and simple. You saw what he did to Alexis Rocha to earn his spot, so I have to earn mine. He did his thing. Time for me to do mine.”

Richard Torrez Jr.

“Growing up, I used to be a tall guy. I stopped growing in my freshman year of high school. I was 6’2 then, so I had to learn and adjust to the heavyweight division. In the amateurs, I fought a lot of really tall guys, and I’m kind of excited to have a taller opponent again. It’s pretty fun to be able to get inside, stay inside, and show what I can do.”

“Inside the ring, I’m a different beast. I like to think that my conditioning, tenacity, and the hard effort I put in are going to be something there. What my coaches used to say back in the day is that I like to take my opponents to hell and back, and that’s what I’m doing in this fight. So, I’m really excited to have a willing and able opponent. I know you. You want to go all out. You’re not one of those guys who is going to sit in the ring, so I’m really excited to see how this fight plays out.”

Brandon Moore

“It’s about that time. A lot of people over here in San Diego don’t know who I am. In {Lakeland}, Florida, I run the city over there. A lot of people are excited to see me be put on the big stage so I can put on a show for the people.”

“No disrespect to Richard, but he’s a southpaw that comes forward really, really hard. I think that I’ll be able to handle that with my skill level. We’re going to find out. He’s undefeated. I’m undefeated. This is one of our biggest fights.”

Emiliano Fernando Vargas

“We just went back to the drawing board. This is another opportunity to put on another showcase here in California, and I’m excited to do it. I haven’t been back to California since my pro debut, and I’m excited. The fans are beautiful here. The tickets are selling like hotcakes, so I’m excited.”

On his family dynamic

“It’s something so special for me because this sport is so lonely. Boxing brings us close together. It’s a beautiful sport, but at the same time, it can get ugly, and we know that. My father wouldn’t be putting me in here, and I wouldn’t be in this sport if I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. In this sport, people lose their lives. I know that I have an opportunity to extend the legacy that my father left for me.”

Alan Garcia

“Me being where I’m from, you don’t see a lot of fighters make it, in general, out of Kansas. To be on the big stage and be under the greatest promotional company, Top Rank, and represent Kansas on my back means a lot to me. I continue representing Kansas. I go home after every fight and then I’m right back to camp. I just want to get better and better and show what people from Kansas are made of.”

Saturday, May 18

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Denys Berinchyk, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Lightweight World Title

Giovani Santillan vs. Brian Norman Jr., 12 Rounds, Vacant WBO Interim Welterweight World Title

ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Brandon Moore, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Jonny Mansour vs. Anel Dudo, 4 rounds, lightweight

Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Angel Varela, 6 rounds, junior welterweight

Charlie Sheehy vs. Manuel Jaimes, 8 rounds, lightweight

Alan Garcia vs. Wilfredo Flores 8 rounds, junior welterweight

Jonathan Lopez vs. Edgar Ortega, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

Art Barrera Jr. vs. Levy Garcia Benitez, 4 rounds, junior welterweight

Prospect Punch-Out: Unbeaten Heavyweights Richard Torrez Jr. & Brandon Moore Collide May 18 at Pechanga Arena San Diego LIVE on ESPN

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (April 9, 2024) —Heavyweight prospect Richard Torrez Jr., the U.S. Olympic silver medalist who has knocked out every man he’s faced, hopes to extend his streak of fallen foes. Torrez steps up against fellow unbeaten Brandon Moore on Saturday, May 18 at Pechanga Arena San Diego.

The eight-round televised opener joins a loaded bill headlined by the vacant WBO lightweight world title showdown between Mexican three-weight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and Ukraine’s Denys Berinchyk. The 12-round welterweight co-feature, a match of undefeated contenders, will see San Diego native Giovani Santillan fight Brian Norman Jr.

Navarrete-Berinchyk, Santillan-Norman and Torrez-Moore will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“Richard Torrez Jr. is one of the most explosive and powerful young heavyweights I’ve seen, and he’s in for a big test against Brandon Moore,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “These are two unbeaten, skilled big men and a great addition to an already loaded card at Pechanga Arena San Diego.”

Torrez (9-0, 9 KOs), from the Central Valley town of Tulare, California, has been a whirlwind during his two-plus years as a pro. He has five first-round knockouts on his ledger, including a first-round TKO over Don Haynesworth last month in Glendale, Arizona. The high school valedictorian who can complete a Rubik’s cube in minutes hopes to solve his most difficult professional puzzle. Moore (14-0, 8 KOs), a 6-foot-6 boxer-puncher from Lakeland, Florida, signed with Top Rank last year. He has since won a pair of eight-round shutouts, turning away Robert Simms last November and overcoming a hard-charging Helaman Olguin in March.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.

May 18: Hometown Hero Giovani Santillan to Fight Brian Norman Jr. in Battle of Unbeaten Welterweights at Pechanga Arena San Diego LIVE on ESPN

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (April 3, 2024) — San Diego-born welterweight contender Giovani “Gallo De Oro” Santillan has an opponent for his homecoming. The WBO No. 1-ranked fighter at 147 pounds will take on fellow unbeaten Brian Norman Jr. in a 12-round showdown on Saturday, May 18 at Pechanga Arena.

Santillan-Norman will be the co-feature to the vacant WBO lightweight title tilt between Mexican three-division world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and Ukraine’s Denys Berinchyk.

And, in the eight-round televised opener, heavyweight knockout artist Richard Torrez Jr. (9-0, 9 KOs) returns against an opponent to be named. Torrez fought last Friday on the Oscar Valdez-Liam Wilson/Seniesa Estrada-Yokasta Valle card in Glendale, Arizona, stopping Don Haynesworth in the opening round.

Navarrete-Berinchyk, Santillan-Norman and Torrez’s return will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Friday, April 5 at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com.

“Brian Norman Jr. is a highly skilled young fighter,” Santillan said. “I get so much motivation from my city, and fighting at Pechanga Arena is always special. May 18 will be a great night, and I can’t wait to give my fans another victory.”

Norman said, “This is the big fight I have been waiting for. It’s time to show the world what I’m about.”

Santillan (32-0, 17 KOs) upset Alexis Rocha last October to earn the WBO No. 1 ranking. He returns to Pechanga Arena, the site of two of his greatest triumphs. In October 2021, Santillan notched a 10-round decision over Angel Ruiz on the Navarrete-Joet Gonzalez undercard. The following August, he turned away the game Julio Luna on the Navarrete-Eduardo Baez bill. He hopes to make it three for three in front of the hometown fans. Norman (25-0, 19 KOs), a former U.S. amateur star, is a six-year pro taking a sizable step up in class. He went 3-0 in 2023, capping off the year with a one-sided verdict over Quinton Randall on the Shakur Stevenson-Edwin De Los Santos card in Las Vegas. Norman made his 2024 debut in March, fighting to a no contest with Janelson Bocachica after Bocachica suffered a severe cut on his forehead.

In undercard action, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+:

Lightweight phenom Emiliano Fernando Vargas (9-0, 7 KOs) will see action in a six-rounder, Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) returns in an eight-rounder at lightweight, and Robert Garcia-trained junior welterweight Art Barrera Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs) looks to make it five straight in a four-rounder. Vargas, Garcia, and Barrera were all victorious on March 29 in Glendale, Arizona.
Bay Area lightweight prospect Charlie Sheehy (9-0, 5 KOs) takes on Manuel Jaimes (15-1-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Sheehy is coming off February’s shutout decision over Abdel Sauceda, while James has won three in a row since the lone defeat of his career.
Junior lightweight prospect Jonathan Lopez (14-0, 10 KOs) looks to break the four-fight winning streak of Mexican veteran Edgar Ortega (14-2-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Lopez, who is trained by Eddy Reynoso, went 5-0 in 2023 and defeated Eduardo Baez via 10-round decision last June.
San Diego-born lightweight Jonny Mansour will make his highly anticipated pro debut in a four-rounder. Mansour was a top amateur, winning a National Golden Gloves crown in 2023 and capturing a 2020 National Championships silver medal.

Raymond Ford stops Kohlmatov in Final Seconds to Win Featherweight Title

Raymond Ford scored a dramatic 12th round stoppage over Otabek Kohlmatov to capture the WBA Featherweight title at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

It was a terrific back and forth bout that saw each fighter score throughout the contest. Ford suffered a cut under his right eye. In round 12, behind on the scores, Ford landed a straight left that forced Kohlmatov across the ring. Kohlmatov was left wide open to eat under flushh left hand that forced referee Charlie Fitch to stop the bout at 2:53.

Ford, 125.9 lbs of Camden, NJ is 15-0-1 with eight knockouts. Kohlmatov, 125.8 lbs of Sirdaryo, UZB is 12-1.

Luis Alberto Lopez Stops Abe in 8; Defends IBF Featherweight Title

Luis Alberto Lopez made the third defense of the IBF Featherweight title with an eighth round stoppage over Reiya Abe.

Lopez dominated the action by coming forward and not letting Abe getting rhythm.

In round two, the right eye of Abe began to swell badly to the point where ringside doctors took a look at it.

In round eight, Lopez turned up the energy and landed a big punches in the middle of the ring which forced referee Mark Nelson to stop the bout at 39 seconds.

Lopez, 125.3 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 30-2 with 17 knockouts. Abe, 125.8 lbs of Yamato, JAP is 25-4-1.

Brian Norman Jr. and Janelson Bocachica battled to a no-contest at the end of round three of their 10-round welterweight bout due to excessive bleeding from Bocachica.

In round one, Norman was cut over his right eye. Later in the round, Bocachica dropped Norman with a perfect right to the head. In round two, Bocachica was cut over his right eye and then a second cut in his hairline. The cuts were due to a headbutt and elbow and was too much for Bocachica and the fight was halted after round three.

Norman, 147.2 lbs of Atlanta is 25-0. Bocachica, 146.6 lbs of Detroit is 17-2-1.

Local favorite Bryce Mills won a six-round unanimous decision over Gerffred Ngaynt in a junior welterweight bout.

Mills, 138.7 lbs of Syracuse, NY won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 and is now 15-1. Ngaynt, 138.7 lbs of Buffalo is 6-2.

Troy Isley remained undefeated with a thudding seventh round stoppage over Marcos Hernandez in an eight-round middleweight bout.

In round seven, Isley landed a big right hand that put Hernandez on the canvas. Hernandez got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:30.

Isley, 159.3 lbs of Washington, DC is 12-0 with five knockouts. Hernandez, 160.6 lbs of Fresno, CA 16-7-2.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Edwin Diaz in a bantamweight fight.

Diaz, 118 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 11-0. Rodriguez, 117.8 lbs of Juana Diaz, PR is 12-8-2.

Rohan Polanco remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Tarik Zaina in a junior welterweight bout.

In round seven, Polanco was credited with a knockdown after what looked like a push put Zaina on the canvas. In round eight, Polanco dropped Zaina with a uppercut.

Polanco, 142.7 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 79-71 twice and 78-72 and is now 12-0. Zaina, 142,4 lbs of Tangier, MOR is 13-1-1.

Nico Ali Walsh won a six-round unanimous decision over Charles Stanford in a middleweight bout.

Walsh, 156.9 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 10-1. Stanford, 155.1 lbs of Cincinnati is 7-6.

Brandon Moore remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Helaman Olguin in a heavyweight bout.

Moore, 242 lbs of Lakeland, FL won by sores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 14-0. Olguin, 281.7 lbs of Salt Lake City, UT is 9-7-1.

Brian Norman Jr.-Janelson Bocachica Welterweight Battle Added to Otabek Kholmatov-Raymond Ford Undercard March 2 at Turning Stone Resort Casino

VERONA, N.Y. (Jan. 24, 2024) — Following three impressive victories in 2023, welterweight standout Brian Norman Jr. is gearing up for a breakthrough year.

Norman will defend his WBO International title against Janelson Bocachica in a 10-rounder on Saturday, March 2 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Norman-Bocachica joins a stacked undercard that will be headlined by the vacant WBA featherweight world title showdown between Uzbek phenom Otabek Kholmatov and American contender Raymond Ford.

In the co-feature, Mexico’s Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez defends his IBF crown against Japanese upstart Reiya Abe.

Kholmatov-Ford, Lopez-Abe and undercard fights will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711, or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Norman (25-0, 19 KOs) made his pro debut in January 2018 and went 11-0 in his first year in the paid ranks. In 2021, he fought four times, including a first-round TKO against Roque Agustin Junco that December. After a year-long layoff, Norman regained his momentum in 2023 by tallying eight-round decisions against Rodrigo Coria in January and Jesus Perez in May before capturing his first regional title against Quinton Randall in November. Bocachica (17-2-1, 11 KOs) went 16-0 before handing Mark Reyes Jr. his first pro defeat in February 2021. Since then, he’s been involved in several close contests, including a narrow decision loss to Alberto Palmetta last November.

The undercard will showcase a variety of emerging talents from the Top Rank roster, as well as the return of a home region hero:

Undefeated U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (9-0, 1 KO) will see action in an eight-round featherweight clash against Colombia’s Brandon Valdes (15-4, 7 KOs). Ragan signed with Top Rank in August 2020 and fought four times as a pro before capturing the silver medal in Tokyo. He then continued his career in the paid ranks in 2022 by scoring four additional victories. The Cincinnati native toughed out a split decision victory against Jose Perez last October.

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco (11-0, 7 KOs) will lock horns against Tarik Zaina (13-0-1, 8 KOs). Polanco conquered a trio of stiff tests last year, each with only one career loss. He decisioned Ricardo Quiroz in April and earned stoppages against Cesar Francis in July and Keith Hunter in December. Zaina aims to build off his biggest triumph yet, a unanimous decision win over Argentine contender Marcelino Lopez.

U.S. Olympian Troy Isley (11-0, 4 KOs) will face Marcos Hernandez (16-6-2, 3 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout. The 25-year-old looks to build off a successful 2023, including a unanimous decision verdict over Mexican veteran Vladimir Hernandez in November.

Heavyweight prospect Brandon Moore (13-0, 8 KOs) takes on Helaman Olguin (9-6-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Moore returns following his Top Rank debut in November, an eight-round decision over Robert Simms.

Floyd Diaz (10-0, 3 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line in an eight-round bantamweight tilt against the upset-minded Puerto Rican Edwin Rodriguez (12-7-2, 5 KOs). Diaz decisioned once-beaten Max Ornelas for a regional title in November.

Middleweight prospect NicoAli Walsh (9-1, 5 KOs) will make his 2024 debut in a six-rounder against an opponent to be named. The grandson of “The Greatest” starts his 2024 following a points triumph over Noel Lafargue last December in Conakry, Guinea.

Junior welterweight prospect Bryce Mills (14-1, 5 KOs), who hails from nearby Liverpool, New York, will square off against Gerffred Ngayot (6-1, 5 KOs) in a six-rounder.

# # #
About Turning Stone Resort Casino
Host of the March 2 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for major boxing events that are broadcast around the world. Boxing hall-of-famers and legends of the sport have attended fights, promoted cards, or fought at Turning Stone over the last two decades, including Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miquel Cotto, Mike Tyson selected Turning Stone as the venue for his world debut as a promoter, and Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali made her boxing debut at Turning Stone and attended a fight in 2022 when she was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, an international event celebrating boxing legends and current superstars in the sport. Throughout the year, Turning Stone and the Boxing Hall of Fame attract thousands of boxing fans, Hall of Famers and sports media to the region for a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate in June with the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend.

Turning Stone features world-class amenities including NY Rec & Social Club, featuring TS Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book and elevated sports lounge, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.

Stevenson Decisions De Los Santos to Win Lightweight Belt

In a fight that was void of action, Shakur Stevenson became a three-division world champion as he captured the WBC Lightweight Title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Edwin De Los Santos at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Not much happened in the fight as neither guy pushed forward. Stevenson was able to jab more effectively, while the handful of times that De Los Santos tried to press, he was ineffective as the elusive Stevenson was never in range.

Stevenson landed 65 of 209 punches. De Los Santos was 40 of 316.

Stevenson picked it up over the final six-rounds and won by scores of 115-113 and 116-112 twice.

Stevenson, 133.8 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 21-0. De Los Santos, 134.3 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 16-2.

Stevenson said, “I had a bad performance tonight. That’s all I’m really focused on. I wasn’t feeling too good, so I’ll live with it. It’s okay. I came here and got the victory, and that’s all I wanted to do.

“I just didn’t feel good. I didn’t feel good before the fight. Honestly, I had already told myself that if I feel like this in the ring and if it’s not going well, I’m going to make sure that I box and get the victory.”

De Los Santos said, “We all know what happened. He came for a track meet. He didn’t come to fight. I showed that I am on a higher level because he never stood and fought like he does with other fighters.

“I did my job. He came to survive. That’s what he did. They gifted him the title, but I’m the people’s champion.”

Navarrete and Conceicao Fight to Draw

Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceicao fought to a 12-round majority draw in a bout for Navarrete’s WBO Junior Lightweight title.

In round two, Navarrete had a small cut on the bridge of the nose. In round four, Navarrete dropped Conceicao with a left uppercut. In round six, Cinceicao was cut on the bridge of his nose.

In round nose, Navarrete landed a perfect right to the body that put Conceicao down.

Navarrete landed 116 of 47 punches. Conceicao was 213 of 852.

Navarrete, 130 lbs of San Juan, MEX won by a 114-112 score, while two cards were even at 113-113.

Navarrete is 38-1-1. Conceicao, 129.3 lbs of Bahia, BRA is 17-2-1.

Navarrete said, “The decision is well-deserved. Robson is a great fighter. He left his heart in the ring. There were some details with regard to technique, but we accomplished what we said we would do. We gave a great show for the fans. And, at least, I am very happy to come away with the title.

“He deserves the rematch, but that decision doesn’t depend 100 percent on me. But, if it does happen, I would train even better. He knows how I fight, and I know how he fights, so it would make for an excellent fight.”

Conceição said, “It was a hard fight. He is very strong. It was a difficult. But I know what I did tonight.

“It was a good fight. It deserves a rematch. If we do get the rematch, we will both train harder and will give an even better fight.”

Brian Norman Jr. remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Quinton Randall in a battle of undefeated welterweights.

In round four, Norman was cut over his right eye.

Norman landed 74 of 281 punches. Randall was 71 of 299.

Norman, 146.4 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93 and is now 25-0. Randall, 145.3 lbs of Houston is 13-1-1.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with an eight-round split decision over Max Ornelas in a bantamweight bout.

In round two, Diaz dropped Ornelas with a leaping and wide left hook. In round three, it was a jab that put Ornelas on the canvas.

In round five, Diaz began to swell over his right eye.

Diaz, 117.7 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 78-72, 77-73 and Ornelas took a card by a 76-74. score.

Diaz is now 10-0. Ornelas, 117.9 lbs of Las Vegas is 15-2-1.

Troy Isley won an eight-round unanimous decision over upset-specialist Vladimir Hernandez in a middleweight bout.

Isley, 159.7 lbs of Alexandria, VA won by scores of 77-75 on all cards and is now 11-0. Hernandez, 156.8 lbs of Ciudad, MEX is 14-6.

Emiliano Fernando Vargas stopped Brandon Mendoza in round two of their six-round lightweight bout.

Vargas, 135.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Mendoza, 134.9 lbs of Los Angeles is 6-3.

In round one, Vargas dropped Mendoza with a left hook that was followed by a right Hand. A second knockdown was ruled after the round when a right hand made the right glove of Mendoza touch the canvas. In round two, Vargas landed a double right over the top that put Mendoza down and the fight was stopped at 57 seconds.

In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, Jackson Murray won a six-round unanimous decision over Steven Torres.

In round three, Murray dropped Torres with a right hook to the side of the head.

Murray, 230.7 lbs of Sydney, AUS won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 6-0. Torres, 240.7 lbs of Reading, PA is 6-1-1.

Abdullah Mason stopped Jose Cardenas in round two of their six-round lightweight fight.

In round one, Mason dropped Cardenas with a double left. In round two, Mason dumped Cardenas with a perfect one-two and the fight was stopped at 1:55.

Mason, 134.4 lbs of Cleveland is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Cardenas, 134.6 lbs of Laredo, TX is 7-2.

Hugo Micallef stopped Sergio Odabai after round four of their six-round junior welterweight bout.

Micallef, 142.7 lbs of Monte Carlo, MON is 9-0 with two knockouts. Odabai, 141.7 lbs of Vienna, AUS 6-2-1.

Giovanni Sarchioto remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage over Lucas de Abreu in a six-round super middleweight fight.

Sarchioto dropped de Abreu twice in round three. The first coming from a series of right hands. Sarchioto finisehed off de Abreu with a hard right that put his backside and the fight was stopped at 2:06.

Sarchioto, 167 lbs of Atazio, ITA is now 9-0 with eight knockouts. de Abreu, 166.3 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA 14-5.

Janibek ALimkhanuly Destroys Butler in 2

Janibek Alimkhanuly retained the WBO Middleweight title with a second round obliteration of Steven Butler at The Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In round two, Alimkhanuly dropped Butler with a devastating left uppercut that was followed by a huge left. When Butler got up, he was on unsteady legs. Alimkhanuly jumped on Butler and sent him to the canvas for second time with a big flurry of punches. Alimkhanuly continued to pound a wounded Butler and put him flat ion his back and the fight was stopped at 2:35.

Alimkhanuly, 159.2 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 14-0 with nine knockouts. Butler, 159.6 lbs of Montreal 32-4-1.

Alimkhanuly said, “Championsl. Boxing superstars! Where are you? I am waiting. Let’s fight. I am the most avoided boxer. I am the middleweight king. Let’s go. Let’s fight. I am ready for anybody. Anytime. Anywhere.”

Jason Moloney Decisions Astrolabio to Win Bantamweight Title

Jason Moloney won the vacant WBA Bantamweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Vincent Astrolabio

Moloney was cut around the left eye in round seven.

Moloney landed 143 of 463 punches. Atrolabio was 109 of 596.

Moloney, 117.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 26-2. Astrolabio, 117.2 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-4.

Moloney won the title on his third attempt.

Moloney said, “I thought I won it going away, but all that matters is the victory. And now I have this belt for the rest of my life.

“I broke my hand in the third or fourth round. It hurt every time I threw it. But I knew this was my last chance to make my dream come true.

“This is half the job done for Team Moloney. Next week, [twin brother] Andrew will join me as champion of the world.”

Gabriel Flores Jr. destroyed Derrick Murray by scoring an opening-round, one-punch stoppage in a eight-round lightweight bout.

Flores landed a perfect check left hook to the chin that sent Murray crushing down to the canvas with the back of his head hitting the canvas and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Flores, 134.4 lbs of Stockton, CA is now 22-2 with eight knockouts. Murray, 134.4 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 17-9-1.

Former world title challenger Ruben Villa IV stopped Maicol Lopez Viillagrano in round five of their eight-round featherweight bout.

In round four, Villa dropped Villagrano with a left uppercut that was followed by a straight left to the chin. In round five, Villa landed several big lefts that forced a referee stoppage at 1:55.

Villa, 126.4 lbs of Salinas, CA is 20-1 with seven knockouts. Villagrano, 126.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 16-5.

Javier Martinez and Joeshon Jones fought to an eight-round split draw in a battle of undefeated middleweights.

Martinez won a card 77-75; Jones took a card 79-73 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Martinez, 160.2 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 8-0-1. Jonez, 161.2 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 7-0-1.

Amado Fernando Vargas won a four-round unanimous decision over Bernando Marzano in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Vargas dropped Manzano with a hard left.

Vargas, 129.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is ow 7-0. Marzano, 129.6 lbs of Mexico City is 2-5.

Brian Norman Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Jesus Perez in a welterweight fight.

Norman, 148 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 24-0. Perez, 147 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 24-5.

Ajagba Decisions Shaw

Efe Ajagba won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Stephan Shaw at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Ajagba landed 111 of 430 punches. Shaw was 78 of 341.

Ajagba, 235 1/4 lbs of Ugledi, NIG won by scores of 96-94 on all cards and is now 17-1. Shaw, 239/5 lbs of St. Louis, MO is 18-1.

“I went back to the corner and they told me to let my hands go, keep throwing punches, my jab. I controlled the fight, so that’s how I won the fight,” Ajagba said. “He tried to land the big shots. I watched him to see what he was going to do. He kept throwing the jab, using the jab more.”

Rice Stops Vianello Due To Cut

Jonnie Rice stopped previously undefeated Guido Vianello in round seven due to a cut over the left eye.

In round six, Vianello was cut on the left eyelid. The cut was worse as the fight moved to the seventh round and the fight was stopped.

Originally referee Benjy Esteves ruled it a headbutt, but replays clearly showed it was a right that caused the cut. After checking with the TV monitors, the fight was ruled a stoppage win for Ri

Rice, 274 1/4 lbs of Las Vegas, is 16-6-1 with 11 knockouts. Vianello, 239 lbs of Rome, Italy is 10-1-1.

“I did it again… another undefeated fighter,” Rice said. “I’m not here to call anyone out right now. I’m going to enjoy this victory and then see what’s next.”

Abraham Nova won a action-filled 10-round unanimous decision over Adam Lopez in a junior lightweight fight.

In round five, Nova dropped Lopez with a right that was followed by a left to the jaw that landed during an exchange.

At the beginning of round six, Nova landed a hard right hand that hurt Lopez. Lopez was grabbing onto Nova but fell to the canvas fo a knockdown.

In round 10, both guys brawled and landed some hard punches. Both were able to stay on their feet in the crowd pleasing affair.

Nova landed 111 of 462 punches; Lopez was 112 of 415.

Nova, 129 lbs of Albany, NY won by scores of 98-90 twice and 97-91 and is now 22-1. Lopez, 129 lbs of Glendale, CA is 16-4.

Haven Brady Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Ruben Cervera in a lightweight bout.

In round one, Brady was cut in his mouth.

Brady landed 108 of 397 punches. Cervera was 56 of 323.

Brady, 132 3/4 lbs of Albany, GA won by scores of 80-72, 79-3 and 78-4 and is now 9-0. Cervera, 130 1/4 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 13-4.

Bryce Mills won a six-round unanimous decision over Margarito Hernandez in a welterweight contest.

In round one, Hernandez started bleeding from his left eye.

In round four, he was bleeding under his left eye.

Mills, 143 lbs of Syracuse, NY won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 11-1. Hernandez, 144 1/4 lbs of Yakima, WA is 3-4-1.

Brian Norman Jr. remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Rodrigo Coria in a welterweight bout.

In round eight, Norman dropped Coria with a left hook.

Norman, 149 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 79-2 and 77-74 twice and is now 23-0. Coria, 148 1/4 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is now 10-5.

Bruce Carrington remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Juan Antonio Lopez in a featherweight bout.

Carrington, 128 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 6-0. Lopez, 127.5 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 17-13-1.

Dante Benjamin Jr. stopped Emmanuel Austin in the opining round of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Benjamin landed a left-right and left to the head that put Austin down. Benjamin finished off Austin as he landed a big flurry of power punches that was highlighted by a booming right hand, and referee Mark Nelson stopped the bout at 2:50

Benjamin, 174 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 5-0 with tree knockouts. Austin, 175 lbs of Panama City, FL is 6-1.

Reyes Boxing Promotions’ Rodrigo Coria challenges unbeaten Brian Norman Jr. on ESPN card

Salem, MA (January 12, 2023) – Welterweight Rodrigo “El Zurdo” Coria will face undefeated knockout artist Brian “The Assassin II” Norman Jr. Saturday, January 14 at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY.

Fighting out of Argentina, the 5’10 southpaw is 10-4 with 2 wins by knockout. In his last three bouts, Coria defeated Jose Alberto Vargas (7-0) and Adrian Marcelo (16-2) then dropped a controversial decision against Peter Dobson (15-0).

Hailing from Conyers, GA, Norman’s 22-0 with 19 victories coming by KO. For Norman, whose been out of the ring since December 2021, Coria represents a step up in competition.

“This is a great opportunity for Rodrigo to showcase his skills on a big platform,” said Coria’s promoter Mike Reyes of Reyes Boxing Promotions. “Norman’s a big puncher with a great record but Rodrigo’s extremely motivated for this fight and plans to hand him his first loss on Saturday night!”

Coria-Norman is scheduled for eight rounds and takes place on a big Top Rank card. The action begins at 5:30 PM ET on ESPN+ and shifts over to ESPN & ESPN Deportes at 10 PM.

For more information on Reyes Boxing Promotions, visit Reyesboxingclub.com.