The World Boxing Association Championships Committee has officially ordered the mandatory lightweight title bout between reigning champion Gervonta Davis and the division’s No. 1 contender, Floyd Schofield.

The pioneering organization sent formal notification to both camps this Saturday, May 23, granting the parties a 30-day negotiation period that will expire on June 22.

Under Championship Rule C.10 — Title Defense Periods — champions in all divisions outside of heavyweight are required to defend their titles every nine (9) months from the date the championship was obtained. In Davis’ case, his last appearance came on March 1, 2025, when he retained the title via majority draw against Lamont Roach, leaving the mandatory defense significantly overdue.

Additionally, WBA Rule C.13 — Bout Limitations — states that a champion may not compete against any boxer other than the official mandatory challenger within sixty (60) days after the expiration of the mandatory defense period.

The WBA will now allow the respective teams the allotted negotiation window to reach an agreement. Should the parties fail to come to terms — or if either side refuses to negotiate — the organization may proceed with a purse bid in accordance with its internal rules and regulations.

MONTREAL, November 4, 2025 — Domestic violence charges filed against Gervonta “Tank” Davis have led to the cancellation of his upcoming fight scheduled for November 14 against Jake Paul in Miami. As a result, the unified world championship bout set as the co-main event between Quebec’s Leïla Beaudoin and champion Alycia Baumgardner has also been postponed.

“Everything happens for a reason. My preparation was going according to plan, but now I’ll have even more time to train, to be even more prepared, stronger, and better. The date changes, but not the goal. I plan to seize my opportunity, no matter when it comes,” said Leïla Beaudoin, WBO international super featherweight champion.

For now, the event’s organizer, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), has not confirmed the new date or venue for the fight. The American promoter did indicate, however, that the card will still take place in 2025, will be broadcast on Netflix, and will still feature Jake Paul, now facing a new opponent yet to be announced.

Aside from the date, venue, and main event still pending confirmation, the rest of the card — including Témiscouata’s pride, Leïla Beaudoin (13-1, 2 KOs), facing the unified super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner (16-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round, 3-minute-per-round fight for the WBA, WBO, and IBF world titles — remains unchanged.

Boxing fans who purchased tickets for the #JakeTank event, previously set for November 14 at Miami’s Kaseya Center, will be automatically refunded by Ticketmaster within 14 to 21 days. Photos from the recent fights of EOTTM’s protégé Leïla Beaudoin are also available (HERE).

Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix have announced that Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis, originally scheduled for Friday, November 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, will no longer be moving forward.

“Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate this situation responsibly,” said Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We thank Netflix, the Kaseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for their partnership.”

Most Valuable Promotions appreciates the continued support and understanding of our athletes, partners, sponsors, and fans as we work to finalize updated event plans.

Fans who purchased tickets via Ticketmaster for the Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis event will get an automatic refund through their original point of purchase within 14-21 days. Fans who purchased through secondary markets should contact them. For ticket assistance, please contact Ticketoffice@heat.com.

MVP thanks everyone for their patience and looks forward to delivering an extraordinary boxing event in 2025, live globally only on Netflix.

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix today announced that the greatest MMA fighter of all time and Brazilian legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva (3-2, 2 KOs boxing, 34-11, 22 KOs MMA), will make his return to combat sports to face his biggest foe, American MMA veteran and former champion Chris “The All-American” Weidman (pro debut boxing, 16-8, 6 KOs MMA) in a 6-round heavyweight fight contested at 205lbs in the opening bout of the Jake vs. Tank main card on Friday, November 14 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, airing live globally, only on Netflix at no additional cost to its 300+ million members. Silva vs. Weidman will mark Silva’s final shot at redemption against Weidman, who famously ended Silva’s record-breaking MMA championship reign in 2013. The pair now meet for the third time—and their first in the ring—to settle the score once and for all in a historic trilogy showdown. Tickets for Jake vs. Tank on sale now on Ticketmaster.com

Anderson “The Spider” Silva is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, celebrated for his unprecedented dominance and creativity inside the Octagon. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Silva became the longest-reigning UFC middleweight champion in history, holding the title for nearly seven years from 2006 to 2013 while recording an astonishing 17-fight winning streak and 10 consecutive title defenses. Often compared to Muhammad Ali and Pelé for his artistry and global influence, Silva redefined combat sports with iconic victories over Rich Franklin, Forrest Griffin, and Vitor Belfort, and his 2015 bout against Nick Diaz generated one of the highest pay-per-view audiences in UFC history. Known for his superb striking ability and fluid style, Silva transitioned to boxing in 2021, defeating former world champion Julio César Chávez Jr., knocking out fellow MMA legend Tito Ortiz, and facing Jake Paul in 2022. Beyond the ring, Silva launched his athletic brand SPIDER KICK, starred in films such as The Invincible Dragon and Murder City, hosted Netflix’s Ultimate Beastmaster, and was the subject of the award-winning Lionsgate documentary Like Water. Listed by Forbes among the world’s richest athletes, Silva maintains a global following of more than 18 million fans across social media and continues to give back through martial arts academies for at-risk youth in California and Brazil. Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023, Silva remains a cultural icon, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential figures in combat sports history.

“I am super excited to embark on another battle against Chris,” said Anderson Silva. “We have a history and on Friday, November 14th, live only on Netflix, we’re putting another stamp on our chapter together. It will be a spectacle for the fans!”

Chris “The All-American” Weidman makes his professional debut in boxing following a decorated MMA career. Weidman is best known for ending Anderson Silva’s historic title reign to become the 4x UFC Middleweight Champion, and his resilience has made him one of the most determined competitors in mixed martial arts. Born and raised in Baldwin, New York, Weidman was a standout collegiate wrestler, earning 2x NCAA All-American honors at Hofstra University before transitioning to MMA. He quickly made his mark with dominant wins over top contenders, culminating in his stunning knockout victory over Silva in 2013 to capture the middleweight title. Weidman successfully defended his belt three times, defeating Silva again in the rematch. Weidman has also defeated former champions Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort, solidifying his place among the elite of his era. Beyond his championship run, Weidman’s career has been one marked by perseverance and grit. He has overcome serious injuries, including a widely publicized leg break in 2021 and has made inspiring returns to competition, embodying the fighting spirit that has earned him respect throughout the sport.

“I’m undefeated in boxing and it’s gonna stay that way on Friday, November 14, live on Netflix,” said Chris Weidman. “I’m the original spider killer.”

“This one is for Brazil…the greatest MMA fighter of all time Anderson Silva makes his return to boxing, in front of the world, against Chris Weidman, the man who ended Andersons’s record-setting championship reign,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder and CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “Both fighters have everything to gain on Friday, November 14 as legends closing out the trilogy chapter of a contentious rivalry, meeting in the ring for the first time following their two iconic clashes in the cage. Unfinished business will finally be settled.”

Jake vs. Tank is the culmination of four years of callouts and a brewing rivalry between Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul, the sport’s most-watched fighter whose showmanship has redefined boxing promotion, and Gervonta “Tank” Davis, one of the most feared punchers in the world and widely regarded as the Mike Tyson of his generation. Paul and Davis, the favorite boxers of Gen Alpha and Gen Z, respectively, have both battled to claim the title of modern boxing’s biggest star, setting the stage for this monumental showdown. Paul enters the bout almost exactly one year after headlining the largest boxing or MMA event in over four decades, while Davis holds the record for the highest pay-per-view buys and revenue event of the past four years. Jake vs. Tank, an MVP event, marks MVP’s third live event on Netflix in 12 months, following Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 in July 2025, the first all-women’s professional sporting event on the service. Tickets for Jake vs. Tank are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. The bout will also feature an array of high-end VIP packages, including the return of the one-of-a-kind MVP Owner’s Experience. 

The co-main event of Jake vs. Tank will feature MVP’s undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (16-1, 7 KOs), who will make a unified WBO, WBA, and IBF world title defense at 130lbs against Canada’s #2 IBF, #3 WBO and WBA contender Leila Beaudoin (13-1, 2 KOs). Baumgardner vs. Beaudoin will be contested over 12, three-minute rounds, equal to the men’s championship standard. Baumgardner chose to vacate her WBC belt as the sanctioning body does not recognize women’s choice to compete under equal rules to men’s champions at 12×3:00. Also on the main card will be PBC’s WBA super lightweight world champion Gary “The Last” Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) vs. WBA #1 contender, Japan’s undefeated Andy “Da Blade” Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KOs) in a 12-round men’s championship bout at 140lbs. 

Headlining the preliminary card will be a 10-round undisputed women’s world title clash between MVP’s and Australia’s defending undisputed 118lb world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson (18-2, 8 KOs) vs. MVP’s and Canada’s top-ranked contender Amanda Galle (12-0-1, 1 KO). Joining Johnson vs. Galle on the preliminary card will be MVP’s Costa Rican star Yokasta Valle (33-3, 10 KOs) set to defend her WBC strawweight world title vs. Yadira “La Reina” Bustillos (11-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-round women’s championship bout at 105lbs. Also on the card, MVP’s top contender Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin (17-1, 16 KOs) will face Justin “Stallion” Cardona (10-1, 5 KOs) over 8 rounds at 147lbs in the welterweight division. 

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

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @Netflix, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @Netflix, or on Netflix’s Tudum.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last seven global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Chavez Jr. match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Netflix 

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause, and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time. Jake vs. Tank will be the latest large scale live event to air on Netflix, following the super middleweight championship fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford and the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament. WWE Raw continues to air every week globally. After the Jake vs. Tank fight, NFL Christmas Gameday returns to Netflix with two matchups on Christmas Day: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings.

About Kaseya Center

Located in the center of booming downtown Miami and the Entertainment District, Kaseya Center—home of the NBA Champion Miami HEAT—hosts 80+ non-basketball events each year including A-list concerts, family shows, sporting events, national conferences and more. Built with state-of-the-art sound and lighting and HD and electronic media signage inside and out, the impressive 19,600-seat Kaseya Center is currently ranked the #1 arena in Florida for the 10th consecutive year—and the 13th time during the past 14 years—according to Billboard’s 2024 year-end rankings. Kaseya Center is also among the leading facilities in the country for hosting Latin entertainment. The Center has led the renaissance of downtown Miami over the past two decades, helping to transform the area into a thriving arts and entertainment district. The facility has hosted more than 1,200 events including diverse musical superstars such as Marc Anthony, Celine Dion, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, The Killers, Bad Bunny, Carrie Underwood, Dua Lipa, Tool, Imagine Dragons, Kane Brown, Karol G, Drake, Andrea Bocelli and Paul McCartney, just to name a few. In 2009, Kaseya Center became among the first existing buildings in the country to have achieved LEED certification by the United States Green Building Council for its commitment to sustainability practices. More recently, in 2021, the Arena achieved its second LEED gold recertification. For more information about Kaseya Center, visit kaseyacenter.com.

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix today announced that MVP’s and Australia’s undisputed bantamweight world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson (18-2, 8 KOs) will make an undisputed WBO, WBA, WBC, and IBF world title defense at 118lbs against MVP’s and Canada’s #4 IBF and #5 WBA contender Amanda “Bambola” Galle (12-0-1, 1 KO). The 10-round undisputed bout will headline the preliminary card of Jake vs. Tank on Friday, November 14, at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, and will air live globally, only on Netflix at no additional cost to its 300+ million members. The undisputed 122lb super bantamweight world championship between MVP’s unified world champion Ellie Scotney and WBA champion Mayelli Flores has been postponed due to an injury sustained by Scotney during training. Both fighters and their teams remain committed to delivering this historic fight, and a new date will be confirmed shortly. Also on the preliminary card, MVP’s top contender Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin (17-1, 16 KOs) will now face Justin “Stallion” Cardona (10-1, 5 KOs) over 8 rounds at 147lbs in the welterweight division. Griffin was formerly slated to face Cesar Francis, who also sustained an injury. Tickets for Jake vs. Tank on sale now on Ticketmaster.com

MVP’s reigning undisputed bantamweight world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson was born in Tauranga, New Zealand. Fighting out of Gold Coast, Australia, Johnson is a two-weight world champion, currently the undisputed bantamweight world champion at 118lbs and the former IBF super bantamweight world champion. In March 2025, Johnson defeated then-champion Nina Hughes to claim the WBA bantamweight world title. In July 2025, Johnson, newly signed with MVP, made her promotional debut on the undercard of MVP’s historic Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy card, stepping into the ring against former IBF world champion Shurretta Metcalf in a 10-round undisputed world title showdown as part of the first-ever all-women’s professional boxing card at Madison Square Garden. Following a heated battle, Johnson won via 9th round TKO, becoming the first-ever undisputed Australian champion in the four belt era. The 30-year-old now will defend her undisputed title for the first time against Amanda Galle on Friday, November 14.

“I’m pumped to be back in the ring again before the end of the year! It’s been a while since I’ve been this active, and I’m loving it,” said Cherneka Johnson. “I can’t wait to be part of the massive Jake Paul vs Tank Davis card, show the improvements we’ve been working on, and bring my belts back home. Amanda Galle came up after my fight vs. Shurretta Metcalf in NYC, showed respect, and said she wants what I’ve got — can’t blame her, I’d be chasing all the belts too.”

MVP’s Amanda Galle was raised in a proud Italian family in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. She began her combat sports journey at six, earning a black belt in karate by 11 before beginning boxing and kickboxing. At 16, she scored a 28-second knockout in her boxing debut and went on to capture three Canadian national titles between 2009 and 2018, persevering through her mother’s battle with breast cancer and her own struggles with depression. Turning professional in 2019, Galle built an undefeated record while balancing her career with family, ultimately delivering the Canadian super bantamweight title to her mother’s hospital bed before her passing in 2022. Galle rebounded with a string of victories, overcoming a broken hand and capturing the IBO bantamweight world championship in December 2023, which she defended successfully in 2024. She signed with MVP in June 2025, and most recently earned a unanimous decision win over Mexico’s Alondra Hernandez in her promotional debut on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 15 in September 2025.

“I’ve put my time in! I’ve been hanging out in the coattails of these big names, working in silence, and I’ve earned a spot at the table,” said Amanda Galle. “The best promotion in the world has put me on their roster and I want a shot at the best out there. I’m the undisputed bantamweight champion. Canada knows it, the world’s about to!”

“Sugar Neekz Johnson is set to become Australia’s first-ever defending undisputed champion in the four-belt era, while Canada’s top 118lb contender Amanda Galle has the opportunity to make a global name for herself and become the first Canadian-born undisputed champion,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder and CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “Even with the short notice, this will be a non-stop all action fight with both fighters ready to make a statement and go to war on Friday, November 14. We wish Ellie Scotney a speedy recovery and look forward to fully supporting her return soon as she continues her mission toward undisputed. Jake vs. Tank is a testament to fighters who are redefining limits and chasing greatness, and we look forward to making history together at the Kaseya Center, live only on Netflix.”

MVP’s Avious Griffin has quickly emerged as a force in the 147lb division. With a staggering 94% stoppage rate, the Las Vegas-based fighter from Chattanooga, Tennessee was introduced to boxing at age eight by his father, Alvin and the sport became both powerful passion and bond between them. Just weeks before Griffin’s pro debut in 2016, Alvin passed away unexpectedly from a brain hemorrhage as Griffin frantically rushed his dad to the hospital—a devastating loss that he continues to honor through his career. The following year brought another life-altering setback: a wrongful murder conviction that led to 11 months of incarceration before his exoneration. These hardships forged Griffin’s “TTD” (To The Death) mentality—an ethos that powers his ring performances and his commitment to breaking generational cycles of poverty, while advocating for mental health and addiction recovery. He trains under Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, widely recognized for guiding Terence Crawford’s championship rise, Esau Diéguez, and renowned S&C coach Larry Wade. The elite team has helped transform Griffin into one of the sport’s most dangerous and disciplined rising contenders. 

“Thanks to MVP, the best promotional company in the business,” said Avious Griffin. “New opponent, same outcome. See ya Friday, November 14.”

Born and raised in East Salinas, California, Justin “Stallion” Cardona is one of the state’s most promising young welterweights, known for his discipline, humility, and relentless work ethic. Introduced to boxing at age seven by his mother, a former boxer herself, Cardona quickly found purpose in the sport and turned professional at just 18. Now training under veteran coach Ruben Guerrero Sr. and mentored by former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Cardona has built a reputation for his technical precision, toughness, and resilience—a mindset that mirrors his idols Arturo Gatti and Dmitry Bivol. Standing 5’8” with an orthodox style and a sharp straight right hand, Cardona balances grit and intelligence in the ring. Outside of boxing, the 25-year-old lives a disciplined lifestyle as a CrossFit gym owner, marathon runner, and mentor, driven by faith and a desire to give back to his East Salinas community. With eyes on a world title and a mission to inspire the next generation, Cardona continues to embody perseverance both inside and outside the ropes.

“This is the kind of fight I’ve been working toward since day one,” said Justin Cardona. “Avious Griffin is a dangerous opponent with power, no doubt—but I’m ready for this moment. I’ve put in the work, I’ve got a world-class team behind me, and come November 14 in Miami, I’m going to show the world what ‘Stallion’ pressure looks like. I respect the challenge, but I didn’t come this far to stop now. I’m coming to win and win impressively.” 

Jake vs. Tank is the culmination of four years of callouts and a brewing rivalry between Jake Paul, the sport’s most-watched fighter whose showmanship has redefined boxing promotion, and Gervonta “Tank” Davis, one of the most feared punchers in the world and widely regarded as the Mike Tyson of his generation. Paul and Davis, the favorite boxers of Gen Alpha and Gen Z, respectively, have both battled to claim the title of modern boxing’s biggest star, setting the stage for this monumental showdown. Paul enters the bout almost exactly one year after headlining the largest boxing or MMA event in over four decades, while Davis holds the record for the highest pay-per-view buys and revenue event of the past four years. Jake vs. Tank, an MVP event, marks MVP’s third live event on Netflix in 12 months, following Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 in July 2025, the first all-women’s professional sporting event on the service. Tickets for Jake vs. Tank are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. The bout will also feature an array of high-end VIP packages, including the return of the one-of-a-kind MVP Owner’s Experience. 

The co-main event of Jake vs. Tank will feature MVP’s undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (16-1, 7 KOs), who will make a unified WBO, WBA, and IBF world title defense at 130lbs against Canada’s #2 IBF, #3 WBO and WBA contender Leila Beaudoin (13-1, 2 KOs). Baumgardner vs. Beaudoin will be contested over 12, three-minute rounds, equal to the men’s championship standard. Baumgardner chose to vacate her WBC belt as the sanctioning body does not recognize women’s choice to compete under equal rules to men’s champions at 12×3:00. Also on the main card will be PBC’s WBA super lightweight world champion Gary “The Last” Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) vs. WBA #1 contender, Japan’s undefeated Andy “Da Blade” Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KOs) in a 12-round men’s WBA world championship bout at 140lbs. 

Joining Johnson vs. Galle on the preliminary card will be MVP’s Costa Rican star Yokasta Valle (33-3, 10 KOs) set to defend her WBC strawweight world title vs. Yadira “La Reina” Bustillos (11-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-round women’s championship bout at 105lbs. 

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

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @Netflix, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @Netflix, or on Netflix’s Tudum.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last seven global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Chavez Jr. match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Netflix 

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause, and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time. Jake vs. Tank will be the latest large scale live event to air on Netflix, following the super middleweight championship fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford and the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament. WWE Raw continues to air every week globally. After the Jake vs. Tank fight, NFL Christmas Gameday returns to Netflix with two matchups on Christmas Day: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings.

About Kaseya Center

Located in the center of booming downtown Miami and the Entertainment District, Kaseya Center—home of the NBA Champion Miami HEAT—hosts 80+ non-basketball events each year including A-list concerts, family shows, sporting events, national conferences and more. Built with state-of-the-art sound and lighting and HD and electronic media signage inside and out, the impressive 19,600-seat Kaseya Center is currently ranked the #1 arena in Florida for the 10th consecutive year—and the 13th time during the past 14 years—according to Billboard’s 2024 year-end rankings. Kaseya Center is also among the leading facilities in the country for hosting Latin entertainment. The Center has led the renaissance of downtown Miami over the past two decades, helping to transform the area into a thriving arts and entertainment district. The facility has hosted more than 1,200 events including diverse musical superstars such as Marc Anthony, Celine Dion, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, The Killers, Bad Bunny, Carrie Underwood, Dua Lipa, Tool, Imagine Dragons, Kane Brown, Karol G, Drake, Andrea Bocelli and Paul McCartney, just to name a few. In 2009, Kaseya Center became among the first existing buildings in the country to have achieved LEED certification by the United States Green Building Council for its commitment to sustainability practices. More recently, in 2021, the Arena achieved its second LEED gold recertification. For more information about Kaseya Center, visit kaseyacenter.com.

MIAMI, FL – September 23, 2025  –? Today at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, international superstar Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) and undefeated three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) met face to face ahead of their upcoming fight. Jake vs. Tank will take place under the bright lights of Miami’s Kaseya Center on Friday, November 14, streaming live globally only on Netflix at no additional cost to its 300+ million members. 

In the co-main event, undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (16-1, 7 KOs) will make unified WBA, WBO, and IBF world title defense at 130lbs against Canada’s #2 IBF, #3 WBO and WBA contender Leila Beaudoin (13-1, 2 KOs). Baumgardner vs. Beaudoin will be contested over 12, three-minute rounds, equal to the men’s championship standard.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @Netflix, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @Netflix, or on Netflix’s Tudum. 

Visit the official Netflix page and click ‘Remind Me’ to ensure you’re notified on Friday, November 14, when the action begins. Visit Tudum.com for up-to-date information about the event.

JAKE PAUL QUOTES

On facing Tank in his prime: This is the toughest fight for me from an experience standpoint….I respect Tank a lot, and that’s why I’m excited. He’s gonna bring the best out of me. And I have to be prepared, I have to be the most locked in I’ve ever been. And that’s what makes this a massive fight.

On how much he’s betting Tank on his win: Two mil. Get a shake. [Jake and Tank shake hands on the bet]

On what fans can expect Friday, November 14: You’re gonna see the two biggest fighters in America go head to head with an amazing card. World championship fights back to back to back. This is the most risky fight that Gervonta could take in boxing…..so, respect to him, it’s gonna be a show and, and we can talk our sh*t at the end of the day, but people are gonna tune in and we’re both gonna show out and someone’s getting put to sleep.

On supporting women’s boxing through MVP: I mean, it’s just boxing at the end of the day. MVP, Nakisa, and myself have always believed in people like her [Alycia], Amanda Serrano and the women’s side of things that arguably 9 times out of 10 have more entertaining fights than some of the men these days.

On critics saying he may have bitten off more than he can chew: People are always gonna say this sh*t, I’m just sick of it, man. But what do people have to say? Come on, keep on saying it. Whatever you got. This is what I do, bro – this is why I’m the biggest in this sport. This is why everyone’s here today. This is why I’ve had the most viewed fight in boxing history.

On his confidence going into this fight: It’s preparation. It’s knowing what I’m capable of. It’s my team….everyone goes so hard and we know what we’re capable of. We’re the best in the world, and we just want it more than everyone. We have two chips on our shoulders. Look at what we’ve done in this sport in just a short amount of time with this team. My skillset continues to improve and I’m a lot better boxer than these people who have been doing it their whole lives.

On his prediction for Baumgardner vs. Beaudoin: Well, first of all, it’s just incredible that they’re doing 12 three-minute rounds. That’s some badass shit right there. Both fighters are incredible, but I just know that Alycia, this is her moment. This is gonna be her breakout performance. And you know, I hate to choose sides as I am the promoter, but I think Alycia is gonna win. 

TANK DAVIS QUOTES

On Jake’s inexperience: We just gotta wait and see come November the 14th… how long you been boxing? Five years. We’ll see what he’s about.

On how much he’s betting Jake that Tank will win: Let’s make it $2M. Shake [on it]. [Jake and Tank shake on the $2M bet].

On if he’s feeling pressure of this fight: The only pressure on me is when I put pressure on myself. 

On what fans can expect from him on fight night: Excitement, you know, that’s what I bring to the sport. That’s why I’m the one that’s doing the most out the gate.

On Jake’s physical size advantage: We know that Jake is much bigger than me…. but we just gotta be smart when we get in there. And that’s when my experience is gonna play a big factor, you know?

On his prediction for Baumgardner vs. Beaudoin: I would say Alycia, so, you know, but I’m gonna definitely be in tune. Both of them on the card, so we got to watch, bro. 

ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER QUOTES

On pushing for equality in women’s boxing: Come November 14th, you will see what women have always been able to do – and that’s fight, that’s show up and do a job.

On what fans will see from her performance: What you’re gonna get is action-packed. Y’all know I love to fight – you know, I love to punch on somebody, and the fact that I get an extra minute to punish Leila, I love that. I’m gonna take that and I’m gonna eat that.

On her prediction for Jake vs. Tank: It’s gonna be action-packed, and I know I’m betting on a knockout. 

LEILA BEAUDOIN QUOTES

On critics who doubt women should fight under men’s rules: Come and fight.

On what fans will see from her November 14: They’re gonna see why we deserve to do three minute rounds and why we belong here.

On her prediction for Jake vs. Tank: Based on the height and the size, Jake Paul should win this. He should, but on the skill level, on boxing IQ, I feel like Tank should have it. It’s hard to say, but if I go with only the size, he should win.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last seven global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Chavez Jr. match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Netflix 

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause, and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time. Jake vs. Tank will be the latest large scale live event to air on Netflix, following the super middleweight championship fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford and the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament. WWE Raw continues to air every week globally. After the Jake vs. Tank fight, NFL Christmas Gameday returns to Netflix with two matchups on Christmas Day: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings.

NEW YORK, NY – September 22, 2025  –? Tonight at Palladium Theater in New York City, international superstar Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) and undefeated three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) came face to face for the first time since Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced their upcoming fight. Jake vs. Tank will take place under the bright lights of Miami, Florida’s Kaseya Center on Friday, November 14, streaming live globally only on Netflix at no additional cost to its 300+ million members. 

Additional information, including the co-main event and undercards, will be announced soon.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @Netflix, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @Netflix, or on Netflix’s Tudum. 

Visit the official Netflix page and click ‘Remind Me’ to ensure you’re notified on Friday, November 14, when the action begins. Visit Tudum.com for up-to-date information about the event.

NAKISA BIDARIAN QUOTES

On the confirmed rules of Jake vs. Tank: There will be a victor because the fighters have agreed and the commission has approved. A maximum weight of 195 pounds for this exhibition. The fight will be contested over 10, three-minute rounds, and when Tank and Jake enter the squared circle to go to battle, they will be wearing 12-ounce gloves. Sitting ringside will be three commission-approved world-class professional judges that will score every round to ensure there’s a decisive outcome for the fight if it goes the distance. And both men are enrolled in the highest level of testing with USADA.

JAKE PAUL QUOTES

On his advantages over Tank Davis: I would say a lot of things, but I think first and foremost is going to be my reach, my size, and being able to keep him away. I think there’s a lot of holes in his defense that a lot of people haven’t exposed before.

On his critics and legacy in boxing: They’ll never give me credit until I have a world championship belt. But that’s okay, it doesn’t matter, belts collect dust, and what I’ve done in the sport is unprecedented.

On seeking a knockout: I haven’t got a knockout in a long time, so I’m itching. I’m just excited to be able to deliver that for the fans and have another most viral knockouts ever.

On why he wanted to fight Tank Davis: I honestly respect him a lot as a fighter, as an entertainer. And he’s the only other biggest name in America, in terms of boxing, so it only makes sense to fight. It’s a challenge for me. It’s a step up in my career.

On critics saying a win over Tank is only beating a smaller man: People always have something to say. It’s old news. Keep talking. At the end of the day, you’re here. So whatever anyone has to say, just keep on saying it. Please. It doesn’t matter at all.

On preparing to face Tank: He’s making me push myself to my limits. I’m more locked in than ever, but at the end of the day, I know I’m gonna be able to come out on top and outbox the guy who’s been doing it for seven times as long as me. 

TANK DAVIS QUOTES

On why he chose to fight Jake Paul: I think it’s gonna be a great event. Every time I fight, it’s fireworks. Jake Paul coming in; he’s much bigger, he’s much stronger. 

On what he’s going to test in Jake Paul: His power. Gotta test his power. 

On global exposure of the fight: This is a good thing, both of us fighting. We come from two different sides of the world, and we still on the same path to get the same thing. 

On if he’ll be the one to stop Jake: I’m much quicker than him. He’s much stronger and much bigger, but we all know that it’s harder for taller fighters to fight a shorter one. He’s decent and he’s gonna hold up for a couple of rounds – but once it gets hot in there, you know how things play out.

On Paul claiming he will outbox him:  [sarcastically] He said he’s gonna outbox me. Whoop-de-doo. 

On what it means to face Jake Paul: Boxing wins come November the 14th. You know, [that night] it’s not just me and Jake in a fight. It’s a whole card. We just giving boxing what it needs, and that’s excitement. 

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last seven global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Chavez Jr. match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Netflix 

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause, and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time. Jake vs. Tank will be the latest large scale live event to air on Netflix, following the super middleweight championship fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford and the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament. WWE Raw continues to air every week globally. After the Jake vs. Tank fight, NFL Christmas Gameday returns to Netflix with two matchups on Christmas Day: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings.

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix today announced that the highly anticipated clash between international superstar Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) and undefeated three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) will now take place under the bright lights of Miami’s Kaseya Center on Friday, November 14, streaming live globally only on Netflix at no additional cost to its 300+ million members. The blockbuster event, Jake vs. Tank, pits boxing’s most-watched disruptor against one of the sport’s most feared punchers in a collision that has been four years in the making. Jake vs. Tank, an MVP event, marks MVP’s third live event on Netflix in 12 months, following Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 in July 2025, the first all-women’s professional sporting event on the service.

Ticket presale for Jake vs. Tank will now begin Tuesday, September 23 at 10am ET. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, September 24 at 12pm ET on Ticketmaster.com. Fans can sign up for pre-sale on JakevsTank.com.

Jake Paul and Tank Davis will meet face-to-face in two kickoff press conferences next week, with both events free and open to the public. The first press conference will be held at 6:00pm ET on Monday, September 22, at Palladium Theater in New York City. Media can apply for credentials to attend the NYC press conference HERE. The event will be hosted by Brian Custer. 

The second press conference will now be held at 6:00pm ET on Tuesday, September 23 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, and will feature Jake, Tank, and additional fighters on the card to be announced soon. Media can apply for credentials to attend the Miami press conference HERE. The event will be hosted by Brian Custer. 

“New city, same mission, seek and destroy the tank,” said Jake Paul. “Kaseya Center. Friday, November 14. I’m bringing the heat, and Miami will see me take down this angry elf while the world watches live on Netflix.”

“Jake Paul has been cherry picking in the sport of boxing for a while now, but he picked the wrong opponent this time,” said Tank Davis. “He better start losing some weight, chasing some chickens, and pray that helps him some on fight night! Thank you to Netflix for giving me the opportunity to whoop this clown!”

“Most Valuable Promotions, together with Netflix, is bringing the most disruptive fight of the year to Miami, and we could not be more thrilled to showcase this blockbuster event at Kaseya Center,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “On Friday, November 14, fans in Miami and tens of millions watching globally will witness two of boxing’s most electrifying stars collide in a once-in-a-lifetime showdown. We’re grateful to State Farm Arena and the GAEC for their support in this process.”

Jake vs. Tank is the culmination of four years of callouts and a brewing rivalry between Paul, the sport’s most-watched fighter, whose showmanship has redefined boxing promotion, and Davis, one of the most feared punchers in the world and widely regarded as the Mike Tyson of his generation. Paul and Davis, the favorite boxers of Gen Alpha and Gen Z, respectively, have both battled to claim the title of modern boxing’s biggest star, setting the stage for this monumental showdown. Paul enters the bout almost exactly one year after headlining the largest boxing or MMA event in over four decades, while Davis holds the record for the highest pay-per-view buys and revenue event of the past four years. The event will also feature an array of high-end VIP packages, including the return of the one-of-a-kind MVP Owner’s Experience. 

Additional information, including the co-main event and undercards, will be announced soon.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @Netflix, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @Netflix, or on Netflix’s Tudum.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last seven global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Chavez Jr. match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Netflix 

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause, and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time. Jake vs. Tank will be the latest large scale live event to air on Netflix, following the super middleweight championship fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford and the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament. WWE Raw continues to air every week globally. After the Jake vs. Tank fight, NFL Christmas Gameday returns to Netflix with two matchups on Christmas Day: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings.

About Kaseya Center

Located in the center of booming downtown Miami and the Entertainment District, Kaseya Center—home of the NBA Champion Miami HEAT—hosts 80+ non-basketball events each year including A-list concerts, family shows, sporting events, national conferences and more. Built with state-of-the-art sound and lighting and HD and electronic media signage inside and out, the impressive 19,600-seat Kaseya Center is currently ranked the #1 arena in Florida for the 10th consecutive year—and the 13th time during the past 14 years—according to Billboard’s 2024 year-end rankings. Kaseya Center is also among the leading facilities in the country for hosting Latin entertainment. The Center has led the renaissance of downtown Miami over the past two decades, helping to transform the area into a thriving arts and entertainment district. The facility has hosted more than 1,200 events including diverse musical superstars such as Marc Anthony, Celine Dion, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, The Killers, Bad Bunny, Carrie Underwood, Dua Lipa, Tool, Imagine Dragons, Kane Brown, Karol G, Drake, Andrea Bocelli and Paul McCartney, just to name a few. In 2009, Kaseya Center became among the first existing buildings in the country to have achieved LEED certification by the United States Green Building Council for its commitment to sustainability practices. More recently, in 2021, the Arena achieved its second LEED gold recertification. For more information about Kaseya Center, visit kaseyacenter.com.

By Norm Frauenheim –

Jake Paul announced another show this week on Don King’s birthday.

Presumably, it was a coincidence. It was also appropriate, or perhaps inappropriate depending on the perspective.

Put it this way: Not even King, 94 on Wednesday, would have been allowed to put a lightweight in against a guy who last fought at cruiserweight.

In effect, that’s what Paul plans, according to reports Wednesday of a done deal for an exhibition between him and Gervonta Davis, who might want to change his nickname from Tank to Tiny for another Netflix spectacle scheduled for mid-November in Atlanta.

Exhibition could mean just about anything these days. It’s a euphemism for anything goes. There are 65 reasons for why it shouldn’t happen. During an era when weight classes still meant something, that’s the difference – 65 pounds of leverage — between Paul, a natural cruiserweight and Davis, a lightweight champion.

Paul was at 199.4 pounds the day before his victory in June over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a unanimous decision in a 200-pound bout. Davis was at 133.8 for his controversial draw in March with Lamont Roach, who was robbed of a deserved victory in a 135-pound title fight.

Tank-versus-Paul simply would never have happened during King’s tumultuous era. Try to imagine Evander Holyfield, undisputed at cruiserweight in 1988, against Julio Cesar Chavez, the unified lightweight champ at the time.

You can’t.

King always pushed the envelope, crossed several lines of decorum, yet never really trespassed on the craft itself. Then, a 65-pound difference was off the scale, real or imagined. It was simply impossible, beyond comprehension.

But no more. Reasonable these days is defined by whether it can make money. Paul-Tank can, so it’ll happen no matter what kind of risk the massive weight difference creates.

Paul was a 227.2-pound heavyweight for a sad victory over Mike Tyson in a bout that Texas allowed, despite news that Tyson, now 59, had suffered an ulcer in May. His condition forced a postponement from July to November.

Still, Tyson’s performance was full of signs that the ulcer had impacted him physically and perhaps psychologically. He was hesitant at every turn and in every moment. It was hard to watch.

Yet, the fight went on, made possible by a Texas commission represented by Governor Greg Abbott. Gov. Gerry Mandering was there, at ringside, applauding a bout with re-written rules, including two-minute rounds instead of the traditional three. It was a sanctioned exhibition, as in anything goes.

In terms of money, it worked. The live gate at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, was announced at 72,300. The average ticket price was $302. Texas regulators did the math and smiled. Netflix reported an audience of 60-million households.

Those are numbers that add up to an encore, including Paul, the promoter, against Tank, an agile pound-for-pound contender when he’s ready and willing to do more than just collect a paycheck. He’s erratic in and out of the ring.  

What’s clear, however, is that a lot of viewers still follow. Tank continues to be one of boxing’s best draws.

What’s unclear, however, is exactly how Georgia will supervise. Rewritten, Texas-like rules? Shorter rounds? A ladder for Tank?

Everything is up for negotiation, including weights and the other fundamentals that have long defined the ring craft.

The key in so much of this is Paul. Within the ropes, he’s a fighter who says he wants to win a cruiserweight belt. Safe to say, somebody is going to give him that opportunity. He’s already ranked by one acronym.

Above all, he also has the best promoter of the day: Himself. He’ll say anything, do almost anything. He’s King-like in that way.

The difference is that King didn’t answer any opening bells, at least sanctioned ones. Paul answers all of them at multiple weights and does so with a successful promoter’s clout and money. He’s created his own audience, a so-called influencer with some unprecedented punch throughout social-media.

If the Boxing Writers Association of America had an annual award – say, the Don King Promoter of the Year, Paul would have already won it repeatedly.

Is that a good thing? Is he an evolution from King’s contentious reign, often marked by noisy feuds with Bob Arum?

Social-media, Paul’s home turf, has erupted with condemnation at his plan to fight Tank. The angry posts read like last rites. Boxing-is-dead, of course, is a lyric to a very old dirge. We’ve heard it. And we’re hearing it again.

Weights apparently don’t matter much anymore, but there’s still a lot on a scale that this time might provide an answer to whether it’s a game forever changing or forever gone.  

By Norm Frauenheim

A tank is easy to understand. Gervonta Davis isn’t. He’s more mercurial than his bulldozing, armor-plated nickname ever could be. In the ring and out of it, he’s a dynamic force, often a volatile mix of powerful athletic skill and emotions. Unpredictable and unbeaten.

He’s both, and both are very much in play this week as he resumes his career Saturday at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in a lightweight title defense against Lamont Roach. Only the fight itself (Amazon Prime, Pay-Per-View) itself is predictable. Expect a blowout of the likable, yet smaller Roach, who enters the ring in possession of a junior-lightweight belt.

“You know who I am,’’ Davis said at a news conference this week when asked for a prediction. “You know what I do.’’

What he’s done is undisputed. It’s hard to argue with 28 knockouts in 30 victories. Knowing who he is, however, isn’t quite as clear as his record, a powerful statement of his pound-for-pound credentials. This week, there were more surprises from Davis. Let’s just start with arrivals. Davis has a habit of keeping promoters and reporters waiting. He’s been late to news conferences about as often as he’s left the ring with another stoppage. 

But Thursday he was on time and respectful. In part, perhaps, that’s because he knows and seems to like Roach (25-1-1, 10 KOs), who grew up in Washington DC. Davis is from nearby Baltimore. They’ve known each other since they were kids in the amateur ranks. In part, also perhaps, Davis knows he can dominate Roach.

On paper, the fight looks to be bridge to bigger dates, the biggest of which would be Shakur Stevenson. If not Stevenson, then maybe emerging Keyshawn Davis, the World Boxing Organization’s new lightweight champion. The opportunities are all there for Tank in a year when he could put himself in contention for the top spot in the pound-for-pound argument currently still led by Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk, all-time  welterweight great and current junior-middleweight champion Terence Crawford and junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue.

From rating to rating, Davis is among the second five. For now. There’s a sense that Davis is better than anyone included among the top 10. Nobody has his finishing power, consistently delivered with predatory instinct and precision. Still, there’s a guessing game about his plans, brought on by his own uncertainty, evident this week on successive days. 

At a live-streamed media workout Wednesday, Davis talked about hopes for a busy year. 

 “I want to say hopefully I got three fights this year,’’ Davis told the moderator about a path that could lead to the top of the pound-of-the-pound debate

The next day, however, Davis wasn’t so sure.

“Yes, it’s good to be in the sport, but sometimes we’ve got to learn ourselves,’’ Davis, now 30 and a father of three,  told Boxing Scene and other reporters Thursday after the formal part of the final news conference.  “I’ve been giving so much to the sport, I don’t take the time to study and learn [myself]. Even if it’s not the sport, I’ve been dishing myself out to other people. I just need time for myself – to grow. And then, hopefully, six months or one year from now, I can come back to the sport and fight these guys.”

Davis has often been compared to Mike Tyson, who on one day would wonder why he’s in the ring and on the next day would talk about how much he loved to fight.  Davis been been called the mini-Tyson for lots of reasons, all also on display this week in the build-up to Saturday’s opening bell. 

Davis was asked about his precise power. He had a Tyson-like answer:

When the big punch lands, Davis said, “It actually feels like a home run, when somebody hit the bat and it’s just right on the target and it goes far. It’s like that. That’s how it feel when you actually hit somebody on the button, you know that you catch ‘em real good.”

Tyson’s description: “I try to catch them right on the tip of his nose, because I try to punch the bone into the brain.’’

From this corner, the guess is that Davis will finish Roach in a way that will include both descriptions — a lot of his own and some of Tyson’s.

But then what? That’s the bigger guess, one for Tank as surely as it was for Tyson.

Top Rank sued

A chill went through the boxing business Thursday at news of a lawsuit filed in California against Top Rank. 

Manager/consultant William Keane is suing Top Rank for more than $25 million in unpaid fees, according to the complaint.

Keane alleges Top Rank President Todd duBoef asked him to secure a deal with alleged Irish gangster Daniel Kinahan for American promotional rights to Tyson Fury, a former heavyweight champion who said he retired in the wake of a rematch loss to Usyk. Fury has acknowledged he has been friendly with Kinahan.

Kinahan, wanted in Ireland for reported money-laundering charges, is reportedly in Dubai.

Top Rank did not comment.

BROOKLYN – February 27, 2025 – Rising welterweight contender David Whitmire will duel fellow unbeaten Angel Munoz in a six-round clash that will serve as the co-main event of the PBC on Prime Video show taking place Saturday, March 1 and leading up to the PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video headlined by boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis defending his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Kicking off the three-fight PBC on Prime Video show will be lightweight Deric Davis stepping in against Jamal Johnson in a four-round contest.

The PBC on Prime Video presentation will begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and is topped by former unified 154-pound world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd taking on hard-hitting Johan Gonzalez in a 10-round middleweight affair. The streaming fights will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card it leads into.

These fights lead into a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video that features four title showdowns as PPV undercard matchups will see WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela take on hard-hitting top contender Gary Antuanne Russell in the co-main event, WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello defending his title against top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martín, and rising star Yoenis Téllez facing former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title to kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video in the US, UK and Canada — regardless of Prime membership — fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. 

The non-televised undercard will also include top prospects as super welterweight Dwyke Flemmings Jr. (9-0, 9 KOs) battles Florent Dervis (10-2, 5 KO) in a six-round attraction and Brooklyn’s Cristian Cangelosi (9-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight matchup against Jarrod Tennant (9-3, 4 KOs).

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

**DAVID WHITMIRE VS. ANGEL MUNOZ**

Whitmire (8-0, 6 KO) of Washington DC turned pro in 2023 at just 17 years old. The young talent has beaten everyone in his path so far, stopping six of his eight opponents, but Munoz will likely be his toughest professional test to date.

The southpaw Munoz (7-0, 5 KO) from Oceanside, CA has also shown his power having knocked out five of his seven professional opponents, and he’ll undoubtedly look to score a sixth stoppage on March 1.

**DERIC DAVIS VS. JAMAL JOHNSON**

Fighting out of Fort Washington, MD, Davis (5-0, 5 KO) has gotten off to a fast start professionally, knocking out all five of his opponents. Davis will look keep the knockout streak going when he faces Johnson.

Baltimore’s Johnson (2-0, 1 KO) will enter the ring for the first time in nearly two years when he squares off against Davis. Having turned pro in August 2022, Johnson won his debut by unanimous decision. He followed that up with a knockout in his second pro bout in March 2023. Johnson will aim to settle back into his fighting groove quickly as he faces a difficult test in Davis.

#         #         #

ABOUT TANK VS. ROACH

Davis vs. Roach will see boxing superstar and reigning WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach in a lightweight title clash that headlines a loaded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The pay-per-view undercard will WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela will take on hard-hitting top contender Gary Antuanne Russell in the co-main event, plus WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello defends his title against top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martín in a pay-per-view attraction. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, rising star Yoenis Téllez will take on former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TankRoach follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

BROOKLYN – February 27, 2025 – Boxing superstar and reigning WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach went face to face at the final press conference on Thursday before they meet for Davis’ title this Saturday, March 1 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The press conference also featured fighters competing on the stacked pay-per-view undercard including WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela and hard-hitting top contender Gary Antuanne Russell, who duel in the co-main event, WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello and top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martín, who meet in a pay-per-view attraction and rising star Yoenis Téllez and former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams, who kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT in a battle for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Also featured at Thursday’s event were fighters competing in action streamed live on Prime Video preceding the pay-per-view at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card. In addition, fans can stream the action live on the Prime Video Twitch page at twitch.tv/primevideo. 

These fights will see former unified 154-pound world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd match up against hard-hitting Johan Gonzalez in a 10-round middleweight affair.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Barclays Center:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“It’s showtime now. All the talk and all the work I put in. Come Saturday night, it’ll be a great fight. Lamont is coming in with his best and I’m coming with my best. Right here is the top of the DMV area on the stage. Even on the undercard. Gary Russell… We got great talent fighting on the card Saturday night.

“I want to be here and give it my all. I’m grateful and happy to be part of this event and be at this level in my career. Thank you all for coming out and see you all Saturday night.

“Barclays Center is like my second home since I won my first title in 2017. This is a great atmosphere in Brooklyn. Come Saturday night you will see.

“I’ve known Barry since I was young. He’s been in that space that helped me better my game and also as a person. Being around him is great. It’s good to have two top trainers come together, Barry and Calvin and even Kenny too. Having them all under one roof is amazing. I have coaches and teachers and things like that, so I soak up knowledge from them.

“I’m going to do me regardless. I think about what I’ve been through and what I’ve lost and go in there and get my man. It’s going to get bad. He’s been talking too much too, so we’ll see Saturday night. You know what I come to do and why I’m here. I don’t want to say too much. I’ll keep it polite. I know there will be fireworks.”

LAMONT ROACH

“I don’t have much to say. I’m here to boogie. Saturday night will be a hell of night. I’m coming with my tool bag. I have everything in my tool bag and I got a big bag.

“Saturday night, it’s going down on one of the biggest stages of my life.

“Everybody says I’m just here to show up, but when I do show up, I show out. That belt coming out. Hopefully he is bringing his belt too. That belt coming out.

“Thanks to Tank. He’s the cash cow and head honcho. He gave me the opportunity. Let’s boogie.

“I don’t care about outside critics. I know what I can do in the ring and that’s the only thing that matters honestly, that I go out and give it my all. Nine times out of ten, when I do that, I’ll be victorious.

“I take Tanks’ compliments very well. It lets me know he’s 100% focused and will bring his A game. That’s what will make it a great fight.

“Obviously, he’s here for a reason. He does what he’s supposed to do with the guy in front him. He has good skill and power and a good boxing IQ. All of that together makes for a good championship fighter.

“It would mean everything to be a two-division champion. That’s what I set out to do.

“If this fight breaks the last record, it’s because he has a better dance partner. Come Saturday, you will see. My prediction is ‘AND THE NEW!’”

JOSE VALENZUELA

“I’m happy to be back. Saturday will be an action-packed fight. Gary is coming to fight and I’m coming to fight. We both are in our prime. This fight sells itself. His record speaks for itself. He’s a dangerous fighter. I believe I’m a dangerous fighter too. I’ve put in the work and did everything I have to do to come out victorious Saturday night.

“Winning the title has brought me more motivation and discipline. I think I‘ve matured a lot getting this belt. I’ve gone back and worked harder than ever to show I’m here to stay.  

“He’s a great fighter. He fights at his rhythm and he’s really good at what he does. Regardless of that, you know what I come to do. I come to fight. I’m explosive and I’ve got speed, and I’ve prepared for this fight and I’ll be ready on Saturday night.

“I believe I have a lot of different styles in me. I can fight inside or outside or in the midrange. This fight specifically, I’d like to do a little of both. Mix it up and fight on the inside, midrange and the outside, move forward. He comes forward, so why not give the fans an action-packed fight and steal the night?

“I’m here to stay baby. AND STILL!”

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

“There’s a lot I could say but I’ll wrap it up quick. I’m a supporter and representative of DC for sure. Don’t ever get that twisted. I’m coming in here with a chip on my shoulder. I’m coming off a ‘L’ that I took more as a lesson not a loss. I shout out you all for keeping me uplifted when I needed to be. March 1 is right around the corner and we’re ready to get these fireworks popping. May be the best man win.

“He said I’m nothing special. I want him to keep that same energy on fight night.

“It’s a championship fight. That’s motivation enough. That should be something for both of us to make sure we’re on our A-game. I’m coming off a loss, so yeah, I got a chip on my shoulder that makes me want to be in the ring even more. I’m itching right now. I’ll be respectful, but this is definitely a sport that promotes violence. We’re supposed to be aggressive in this sport.

“May the best man win. I come to be in shape and be victorious. I‘m pretty sure he’s going to do the same. He got a game plan and I got a game plan as well. We’re going to keep it respectful, but in an interview he said I’m nothing special in what I got, and I took offense to that. That’s cool. That’s why I’m telling him to keep that same energy on fight night. It’s two days away. I’m itching. He’s itching. Let’s get it on.”

ALBERTO PUELLO

“I want to let you know that both me and my team are ready to give 100% out there. Our training camp has been amazing, and my job Saturday night will be to raise the Dominican flag high and represent my country with pride. That’s what I plan to do.

“The message? Simple. I’m among the best fighters in the 140-lb division. I’m going to defeat Sandor Martin and go after every champion in the division. Bring them on. Anybody, and I’m ready to face them.

“I’m not worried at all. In fact, I’m not surprised by what Sandor did because Mikey Garcia wasn’t really at his best when he fought Sandor and Teofimo Lopez is really nobody in the division. Right now, I’m focusing on myself and that’s what I need to do. I believe in what I do, and I’ll be ready on Saturday night.

“I’m ready for everything. It’s going to be a great fight. I’ve prepared so well. The fight can end any time. I’m looking to do so and I’ve prepared to do so.”

SANDOR MARTIN

“He is a good fighter, but I need to be confident in my skills and I need to be different in the ring than his other opponents.

“The last time I fought in New York, I only had three weeks to prepare for the fight. This time I have had more than six months. I’m here in the prime of my career.

“We have a very different idea of the result of the fight. I wish the best for them, and I hope they stay in good form because I’m in the best form of my life.”

YOENIS TELLEZ

“This is a combination of really hard work ethic, and a dream come true. I came to this country with only one objective in mind: to make Cuba proud and I feel like I’m doing that, right here in New York City.

“Yes, this will be my most difficult fight in my short pro career so far. Julian Williams is a skilled fighter who has a lot of experience, no doubt about that. But when I come into the ring on Saturday night, I will be hunting my prey. That’s what I plan to do. As far as a message for the division? A Cuban fighter is here to stay and is coming for all the titles.

“To be honest, if I fight Julian Williams on Saturday night, the way I think I can fight, it won’t be my hardest challenge. I’m not overlooking him, it’s just that in my mind, it’s not that way. I’m going to put my best foot forward out there Saturday night and that’s how it’s going to be.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I think my skillset will be the X factor. I don’t rely on experience. Everybody has their own experiences. I’m relying on my mindset and skills and the work I did in the gym.

“I don’t care what he says. When the bell rings, we will see.”

JARRETT HURD

“I swear, I’m not the type of guy to make excuses. I just know who I am as a fighter… I know what it takes to be at the highest level, and I know if I can’t go out there and get past someone like him, I’m not naïve to the fact I’ll know what time it is.

“I will go out there and dominate him. If that’s toe-to-toe fireworks, if that’s moving around using my jab, it don’t matter. I don’t want to leave it in the judges’ hands, of course. I just feel like I want a clear win. I don’t want to have an iffy win or any questions. I want to have a great performance and a dominant win.

“I’m definitely going for a knockout. In my last fight against Rosario, I think left a little bit too much in the hands of the judges, so I’ll be leaving nothing to the judges and I’m trying to get the win by knockout.”

JOHAN GONZALEZ

“I am coming off a loss, but I do have a great opportunity in front of me right now. We’ve made adjustments and changes in training camp. You’ll get to see that on Saturday night. It’s going to be a different JG.

“I’m going out there to get the win. I want to make Venezuela and my hometown very happy on Saturday night. That’s the goal.”

#         #         #

ABOUT TANK VS. ROACH

Davis vs. Roach will see boxing superstar and reigning WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach in a lightweight title clash that headlines a loaded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The pay-per-view undercard will WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela will take on hard-hitting top contender Gary Antuanne Russell in the co-main event, plus WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello defends his title against top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martín in a pay-per-view attraction. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, rising star Yoenis Téllez will take on former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Preceding the pay-per-view, Prime Video will stream a two-fight prelims card at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card. In addition, fans can stream the action live on the Prime Video Twitch page at twitch.tv/primevideo. 

The streaming presentation will feature former unified 154-pound world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd taking on hard-hitting Johan Gonzalez in a 10-round middleweight affair.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TankRoach follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

BROOKLYN – February 26, 2025 – Boxing superstar and reigning WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach kicked off fight week events on Wednesday with a media workout before they square off for Davis’ title this Saturday, March 1 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The workout also featured fighters competing on the stacked pay-per-view undercard including WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela and hard-hitting top contender Gary Antuanne Russell, who duel in the co-main event, WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello and top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martín, who meet in a pay-per-view attraction and rising star Yoenis Téllez and former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams, who kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT in a battle for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from world famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“The atmosphere at Barclays is always amazing. I won my first championship here and I’m just excited to come back here to put on a great performance.

“Training in DC was great. It was fun. It brought the amateur style back.

“Roach is in for a rude awakening, for sure. He’s trying to psyche himself up, but it comes down to skill. Whoever is the most skilled fighter will be the winner.

“Knocking someone out feels like a home run, when it hits the sweet spot of the bat, and it goes far. That’s how it feels for me.

“I want to stay in the ring more this year, hopefully with three fights. Roach comes first, and then we figure it out the rest of the way.

“You’ll see fireworks. I’m sharp, fast and explosive. Lamont is sharp too. It’s going to be a banger, and the fans will be the true winners this Saturday night.”

LAMONT ROACH

“The stakes are higher, but I just want to go hard, that’s about it. I’ve trained to be in the best physical and mental shape I can possibly be in.

“I’ve been doing big fights since I started out as a pro. The (Bernard) Hopkins undercard, Canelo (Alvarez) undercards…and the list goes on. I’m no stranger to any of this, and it doesn’t affect me at all.

“At the end of the day, there’s mutual respect between each other. But if he’s going to troll, I’m going to troll.

“This is everything for me, and becoming a two-division champion would be a dream come true for me.”

JOSÉ VALENZUELA

“It’s a beautiful feeling to be here in New York with these beautiful fans. I’m ready to defend my title on March 1.

“I have a big task ahead of me on Saturday night. I can’t overlook him, and I give him my respect. We are both coming to fight.

“I have a lot of things that he doesn’t in his arsenal, like body shots. Winning this belt has only motivated me to become stronger, faster and smarter at 140 pounds.

“My trainer has given me great confidence, and it just clicks. It shows with how I performed with my last few fights.

“We are two great fighters that are ready to put on a great fight and steal the show on Saturday night.”

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

“I can’t give y’all the juice, but I know what I’m capable of and I’m ready to take the shine off of the main event. Stay tuned.

“Every opponent is different, and he forces you to use different tools. The main lesson I took from my last fight was that listening is important because you must be flexible and versatile. Lesson learned.

“There is nothing new that we haven’t seen. If we execute the game plan, we win.

“I feel like Valenzuela is only trying to pump himself up. I don’t care what he says. Keep that same energy.”

ALBERTO PUELLO

“To fight here in NYC in front of a big crowd that will have a lot of Dominicans in it is truly a gift from God that motivates me a lot.

“I don’t care if I’m not talked about, people know who I am, and I’ll keep proving that I’m one of the best at 140.

“To be a world champion and to have been able to recover what was mine to begin with is a dream come true. Few people can accomplish that.

“If Martin wants to knock me out, then he is making a big mistake. I don’t think that he has the strength or the tools to KO me, and he knows it.

“I would like to unify after this fight. I don’t have anyone specific in mind, I just want to face any champion out there.”

SANDOR MARTÍN

“I’m going to come out there looking for the knockout, ready for some exchanges and a true war that sees the fans being the true winners of the night.

“The Teofimo (Lopez) fight didn’t really leave any lasting lessons for me. It just showed me that I shouldn’t leave the outcome of a decision in the judges’ hands.

“A lot of people saw me as the winner of that fight, but now New York provides me another opportunity to fight for a world title.

“The 140-pound division is stacked with big names such as Valenzuela, Russell and (Isaac) Pitbull Cruz. I’m here for the big fights.”

YOENIS TÉLLEZ

“I don’t feel any added pressure. I do know that this is a big opportunity that I had been waiting for my whole career. I would like to thank my team and Luis DeCubas Jr. for giving me this great chance.

“I think that Williams could be the toughest opponent of my career, wanting to recover what he lost. But here comes Yoenis Téllez, eager to take over the world.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“Yoenis is a good fighter. I studied some tape from him. Hungry and can punch, so they say. I’m excited.

“The adrenaline is rushing, and the stakes are higher here. There is definitely a difference between fighting C+ and C- contenders and a world class fighter like me.

“Winning would be a dream come true. Regaining everything I lost in 36 minutes. That’s the goal.”

#         #         #

ABOUT TANK VS. ROACH

Davis vs. Roach will see boxing superstar and reigning WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach in a lightweight title clash that headlines a loaded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The pay-per-view undercard will WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela will take on hard-hitting top contender Gary Antuanne Russell in the co-main event, plus WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello defends his title against top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martín in a pay-per-view attraction. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, rising star Yoenis Téllez will take on former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Preceding the pay-per-view, Prime Video will stream a two-fight prelims card at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card. In addition, fans can stream the action live on the Prime Video Twitch page at twitch.tv/primevideo. 

The streaming presentation will feature former unified 154-pound world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd taking on hard-hitting Johan Gonzalez in a 10-round middleweight affair, plus undefeated rising super featherweight contender Geo “La Roca” Lopez faces Alex Dilmaghani for an eight-round fight.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TankRoach follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

BROOKLYN (Feb. 25, 2025) — PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, returns to the ring when it live streams to boxing fans, in the U.S. and Canada, an explosive battle between reigning world champions from rival cities.  WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0, 28 KOs), from Baltimore, will defend his title against WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach, Jr. (25-1-1, 10 KOs), from Washington, D.C., in the main even rumble of an action-packed pay-per-view event, live from Barclays Center, in Brooklyn!  The Tank vs. Roach world championship pay-per-view event will take place thisSaturday, March 1, beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.  Priced at $79.99, it can be ordered by clicking here: PPV.COM – Davis vs. Roach.

“The March 1 135-pound matchup between Tank Davis and Lamont Roach is one of those near-inevitable boxing events which has been brewing for years, going back to their amateur days.  Roach had a largely successful amateur career, but lost twice to Davis in their only meetings.  And though Roach has had a mostly successful professional career, it has been Davis, with his unusual skill-and-power combination, who has built a vibrant fan base and achieved pay-per-view clout.  So, Tank is the obvious favorite, though the guy who washes my car assured me Roach has “a puncher’s chance”. Maybe, but clearly the spectacular puncher in the fight is Tank Davis.  He wants a win which will move him toward possible fights with Vasiliy Lomachenko, Keyshawn Davis, and/or Shakur Stevenson.  Roach is a familiar face who represents a steppingstone to those bigger money fights.  And regardless of what my car wash guy says, the puncher in the fight is Tank Davis,” said Hall of Fame boxing commentator Jim Lampley, who returns to ringside to co-host the exclusive and wildly popular viewer chat, in real time, throughout the PPV.COM Tank-Roach world championship event HD live stream.  Jim’s eagerly anticipated memoir, It Happened!: A Uniquely Lucky Life in Sports Television, complete with a foreword by Taylor Sheridan, will be released on April 15. 

Joining Lampley on the live viewer chat will be award-winning boxing journalist Lance Pugmire andpopular podcast hosts Dan Canobbio and former WBO junior welterweight world champion Chris Algieri.  Jim, Lance, Dan, and Chris will also be providing exclusive fight week commentary and reports from Brooklyn forPPV.COM‘s website and social platforms.

The Tank vs. Roach pay-per-view live stream undercard will feature three exciting title bouts, including: WBA super lightweight world champion Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs), a native of Los Mochis, México, now living in Renton, Washington, in a title defense against Gary Antuanne Russell, Jr. (17-1, 17 KOs), the WBA’s no. 5 world-rated contender who hails from Capitol Heights, Maryland; undefeated WBC super lightweight champion Alberto Puello (23-0, 10 KOs), from Las Vegas, Nevada, and the first Dominican fighter to win a world title at 140 lbs,, will make his first title defense against the WBC’s no. 1 world-rated contender and mandatory challenger Sandor Martin (42-3, 15 KOs), from Barcelona, Spain; and opening  the pay-per-view will be rising star and WBA no. 2 world-rated contender Yoenis Tellez (9-0, 7 KOs), a native of Cuba now living in Stafford, Texas, against former WBA/IBF super welterweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams (29-4-1, 17 KOs), from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Tellez and Williams will be battling for the interim WBA super welterweight title.

PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, will offer Tank vs. Roach for $79.99 in the U.S. and Canada.  iNDEMAND, the parent company of PPV.COM, will also be carrying the event through its network of cable and telco operators in the U.S. and Canada via providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Optimum, Fios, Rogers, Bell, SaskTel, and Telus, among others.

JIM LAMPLEY

Jim is the recipient of the Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting Journalism and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in its 2015 class.  He served as anchor and commentator for HBO World Championship Boxing for 30 years and has covered a combined 14 Winter and Summer Olympic Games during his long and distinguished career in sports broadcasting and journalism.

LANCE PUGMIRE

Lance is a recipient of the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism, the Boxing Writers Association of America’s highest honor.  He brings over 30 years of experience covering the sweet science for the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and The Athletic.  Lance currently serves as senior U.S. writer for BoxingScene.

DAN CANOBBIO AND CHRIS ALGIERI

The popular podcast, Inside Boxing Live, hosted byDanand Chris, can be found at PPV.COM, where they produce two fresh episodes weekly, provide onsite coverage during major pay-per-view fight weeks, host their own weekly live chat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, and join fight night live viewer chats.  For the latest episodes of Inside Boxing Live presented by PPV.COM, click hereInside Boxing Live – YouTube. 

About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM

iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership among three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.– Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 60 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 90 companies.  In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports.  With the addition of PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turnkey PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers.  For more information, go to indemand.com.

RIVERSIDE, CA. – February 13, 2025 – WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela intends to make a statement in his first world title defense as he takes on one of the division’s top contenders in Gary Antuanne Russell on Saturday, March 1 in the explosive co-main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

“I don’t believe that Gary Antuanne Russell belongs here with me,” said Valenzuela. “He’s a strong, solid, durable fighter. He’s good, but I think he’s a little stiff when I look at him more. I worked my ass off to get here, and this is a bit of a handout for him. I took two tough losses and came back from hell to get the ‘Pitbull’ Cruz fight and conquer that. Russell has had everything given to him and I think it’s gonna show on March 1.”

The 25-year-old Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs) earned his world title in his last fight, dethroning fellow Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz via decision last Summer. Facing one of the sport’s premier action fighters, Valenzuela believes he showed all the levels to his game by delivering a signature performance.

“My mentality going into the ‘Pitbull’ fight was that I was gonna show that I’m a more diverse fighter than I got credit for, not just a knockout puncher,” said Valenzuela. “I have a full arsenal. I showed my poise in the ring and I showed my ring generalship. There were a lot of little things that I did that had a major effect in the fight.”

Heading into that fight, Valenzuela had come off of back-to-back training camps with famed trainer Robert Garcia and will look to continue the steady improvement that he’s shown since teaming up with one of the sport’s best.

“Having Robert Garcia in my corner gives me a lot of confidence,” said Valenzuela. “He’s really fixed my fundamentals. Everything comes together nicely when we’re working together. This training camp is going great. I’ve been conquering every day with hard work. I’m taking it all in and learning each day. It’s just about learning the techniques and working hard.”

While Valenzuela was able to show off his versatility in out-boxing Cruz on his way to a decision, he believes that the style matchup with Russell will force him to go toe-to-toe on March 1, delivering fireworks for fans tuning in.

“Fans can expect an action-packed fight,” said Valenzuela. “Stylistically it’s a great matchup with him being a lefty and coming with the high guard marching forward. Gary is a lot taller than ‘Pitbull’. I knew I could dance around ‘Pitbull’, but with Gary I think I’m gonna have to fight through him.”

Valenzuela will be making the first defense of his title against Russell, a 2016 U.S. Olympian who comes from one of the sport’s preeminent boxing families, as he’s trained by his brother, former WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. By voluntarily taking on such a stiff challenge in his first title defense, Valenzuela intends to prove his standing in the stacked 140-pound division.

“Taking on Gary Antuanne for my first title defense says a lot about me,” said Valenzuela. “People have to respect it. My name is on the radar because of the kind of opposition I’m going up against. 

“I think I’m at the top of this division with guys like Teofimo Lopez and Alberto Puello,” said Valenzuela. “I believe strongly that I can beat all of these guys. It’s just a matter of taking it one fight at a time. Gary Antuanne Russell is in the way of where I’m trying to get to. I’ve got my full attention on him and I give him his respect. But there’s more that I want to do. My story is gonna continue after this.”

#         #         #

ABOUT TANK VS. ROACH

Davis vs. Roach will see boxing superstar and reigning WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach in a lightweight title clash that headlines a loaded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The pay-per-view undercard will WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela will take on hard-hitting top contender Gary Antuanne Russell in the co-main event, plus WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello defends his title against top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martín in a pay-per-view attraction. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, rising star Yoenis Téllez will take on former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Preceding the pay-per-view, Prime Video will stream a two-fight prelims card at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT that will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

The streaming presentation will feature former unified 154-pound world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd taking on hard-hitting Johan Gonzalez in a 10-round middleweight affair, plus undefeated rising super featherweight contender Jonathan “La Roca” Lopez faces U.K. contender Alex Dilmaghani for a 10-round fight.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TankRoach follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

BROOKLYN – February 7, 2025 – A former unified world champion and a fast-rising top contender at 130-pounds will step into the ring in separate attractions featured on a two-fight PBC on Prime Video show taking place Saturday, March 1 and leading up to the PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video headlined by boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis defending his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The live-streaming of prelims action will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card it leads into.

The streaming presentation is topped by former unified 154-pound world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd taking on hard-hitting Johan Gonzalez in a 10-round middleweight affair, plus undefeated rising super featherweight contender Jonathan “La Roca” Lopez faces U.K. contender Alex Dilmaghani for a 10-round fight.

These fights lead into a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video that features four title showdowns as PPV undercard matchups will see WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela take on hard-hitting top contender Gary Antuanne Russell in the co-main event, WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello defending his title against top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martín, and rising star Yoenis Téllez facing former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title to kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video in the US, UK and Canada — regardless of Prime membership — fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. 

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

“PBC on Prime Video is once again set for a night of nonstop fireworks with the addition of these two exciting clashes leading into the pay-per-view,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Jarrett Hurd is no stranger to delivering a Fight of the Year, and he will bring his toe-to-toe style into the ring against another power-puncher in Johan Gonzalez. Adding in the fast-rising contender Jonathan Lopez taking on Alex Dilmaghani to open up prelims and this card shapes up to be another night filled with explosive battles.”

**JARRETT HURD VS. JOHAN GONZALEZ**

One of this era’s most acclaimed action fighters, “Swift” Jarrett Hurd will look for a key victory on his path toward another world title run when he takes on the hard-hitting veteran Johan Gonzalez in the 10-round middleweight matchup that headlines the streaming presentation on Prime Video.

The 34-year-old Hurd (25-3-1, 17 KOs) unified the WBA and IBF 154-pound titles in 2018, dropping longtime champion Erislandy Lara in the final round to win a close decision in a fight that was the consensus 2018 Fight of the Year. The Accokeek, Md., native would go on to lose the titles in one of 2019’s best fights, dropping a decision to Julian Williams. Hurd first became champion in February 2017 when he stopped former champion Tony Harrison in the ninth round, before defending the title against another former champion in Austin Trout. Hurd most recently fought former unified champion Jeison Rosario to a draw last August and will enter the ring at Barclays Center for the fourth time as a pro, having scored three previous victories at the venue.

“I’ve been working hard as ever to end my career the right way, back on top where I belong,” said Hurd. “Everyone knows what I bring to the ring, so make sure you tune in March 1 or come out to Barclays Center, because I’m going in there to make a statement.”

A native of Valencia, Venezuela who now trains in Las Vegas, Gonzalez (34-4, 33 KOs) will look to bounce back after most recently dropping an October showdown with rising star Yoenis Tellez on Prime Video. He had previously recovered from a May 2024 defeat against top super welterweight contender Jesus Ramos by stopping Ivan Herrera in two rounds in August of last year. Gonzalez made his stateside debut in 2023, earning a pair of victories in the U.S. by first stopping Ricardo Ruben Villalba in August before defeating Guido Emmanuel Schramm in November. The 33-year-old won those fights following a close 2022 decision defeat to former world title challenger Magomed Kurbanov. A pro since 2017, Gonzalez won his first 22 bouts before dropping a split decision in 2018.

“I’m very thankful to my team for this opportunity on March 1,” said Gonzalez. “I’m not focusing on my opponent, just on being the best Johan Gonzalez. I have to demonstrate my skills. Nothing else matters.”

**JONATHAN LOPEZ VS. ALEX DILMAGHANI**

Trained by the renowned Eddy Reynoso, the 21-year-old Jonathan “La Roca” Lopez has shown the skills to become a future world champion and looks to take down another tough test in the experienced U.K. contender Alex Dilmaghani as they tussle in a 10-round super featherweight clash.

Residing in Orlando, Florida, Lopez (17-0, 12 KOs) turned pro in 2020 following an impressive amateur career and will enter this fight having stopped 10 of his last 12 opponents. Lopez most recently dominated contender Richard Medina last September on his way to earning a unanimous decision that he highlighted by scoring a final round knockdown. He earned a then career-best victory in June 2023 and went 10 rounds for the first time as he bested former title challenger Eduardo Baez via a wide unanimous decision leading into his three-victory 2024 campaign.

“I’m super excited to be back in the ring,” said Lopez. “And I’m very grateful to everyone who made this possible. This is a perfect opportunity for me to showcase my talent and skills on a fight of this magnitude. I have to show everyone that my time is now.”

A native of Manchester, United Kingdom, Dilmaghani (20-3-1, 7 KOs) will fight stateside for the second time as a pro on March 1, after most recently dropping a June 2024 battle to Rene Tellez Giron. The 33-year-old has competed professionally since 2009, always taking on tough competition while fighting in Mexico, Canada, France and Denmark, in addition to his native U.K. He also owns a majority draw against former world title challenger Francisco Fonseca in November 2019 and has won two of his last three bouts.

“I can’t wait to step into the ring on March 1 and show everyone the best version of myself,” said Dilmaghani. “If people are sleeping on me, they’re going to be surprised, because I’m training hard to make sure I steal the show when that bell rings. I’m definitely coming to make the most of this opportunity.”

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ABOUT TANK VS. ROACH

Davis vs. Roach will see boxing superstar and reigning WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach in a lightweight title clash that headlines a loaded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The pay-per-view undercard will WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela will take on hard-hitting top contender Gary Antuanne Russell in the co-main event, plus WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello defends his title against top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martín in a pay-per-view attraction. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, rising star Yoenis Téllez will take on former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TankRoach follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

BROOKLYN – January 23, 2025 – Fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard for the Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video previewed their respective matchups during a virtual press conference on Thursday before they step into the ring on Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Featured during the virtual presser were WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela and top contender Gary Antuanne Russell, who meet in the co-main event, WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello and mandatory challenger Sandor Martín, who compete in a pay-per-view showdown, and rising contender Yoenis Téllez and former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams, who meet for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Featuring four title fights and a bevy of the top talent in the sport, the pay-per-view card is topped by the five-time, three-division world champion Davis returning to Barclays Center where he set the building’s record for the highest-grossing and most-attended boxing event when he scored a highlight-reel KO of Rolando Romero in May 2022. He’ll now step in to defend his WBA Lightweight World Championship against the fast-rising WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Roach, who enters this fight on a six-bout winning streak.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video in the US, UK, and now Canada — regardless of Prime membership — fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. 

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

JOSE VALENZUELA

“I’m excited to be back and keep my momentum going. I’m going to give the fans at Barclays Center a great show. This is gonna be a clash. We’re both coming to fight, so make sure you tune-in.

“It was a dream come true to become world champion. Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz is a great competitor. I just stuck to the game plan and stayed focused. I’m going to do the same thing March 1.

“I like this fight better stylistically. Against a short fighter like ‘Pitbull’ I had to fight on my toes, but against Gary I definitely think there’s going to be a lot of action.

“Stylistically, I’m tough for anybody. Some of the big names are gonna try to avoid me. But I’m not worried about that, because I have a tough competitor in front of me and I have to focus on getting this job done.

“Gary is a good fighter, but he’s nothing I haven’t seen before. He comes forward, double jab, high guard. I think I bring way more to the ring and I’m more crafty.

“I went right back to the gym after my last fight. Winning the title just added more fuel to me. Once you get a taste of it, you just want to keep going.

“I love everything about this fight. I think getting a win over Russell will open it up for me to get even bigger fights going forward.”

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

“I have a chip on my shoulder and I’m definitely coming to steal the show on March 1 in Brooklyn.

“I’m grateful to be back. Listening to Alberto Puello really makes me want another shot at him, but first I know I can’t overlook ‘Rayo’. He’s a great fighter and I know he’ll come in with a strong game plan. It’ll come down to who is able to overcome adversity.

“The way I see it, I have a shot at something that can catapult me to a great position. I already see myself as an elite fighter. I took my loss on the chin. It’s all about how you bounce back. That’s what defines a true champion.

“Last fight I kind of deviated from some of the stuff I had been doing in the past. I’ve moved onto this fight and I’m ready to get back to what got me here. I want to clean out the division and I have to win on March 1 in order to do that.

“Valenzuela will force me to use some different movement than what I had to use against Puello. I don’t know if Valenzuela has a more suitable style, but he has a style that will make the fight more entertaining than against Puello.

“I’m coming in there with a chip on my shoulder because of the loss. I want to prove something in every fight, but this fight I have to do even more. I don’t want to just be mediocre. I have to make a statement.”

ALBERTO PUELLO

“This is a great opportunity for me to defend the world title that I worked so hard to win. Winning that title meant so much to me because it proved to everyone that I’m a real champion at 140 pounds.

“I’m not worried about anything other than preparing well for this fight. I have faced a lot of different opponents, and I know what I have in my arsenal. What Sandor does or doesn’t do does not concern me one bit.

“I have to win this fight and I have to win it with a big statement. I don’t think that I have the respect that I deserve yet. This statement will put the whole boxing world on notice.

“I’m focused on getting my foundation right in the gym. Sometimes I’ll have to be aggressive, sometimes I’ll be more tactical. In the end, that foundation in the gym is what will make me ready to defend the title.

“I would love to fight the winner of Valenzuela vs. Russell. I want to unify the division and then clean out the division.”

SANDOR MARTIN

“I’m better than Puello and his team think I am and I’m going to show it on March 1.

“It’s a pleasure to have this great opportunity to fight in Brooklyn. I’m here to show my skills and show that I’m first class.

“My best skills are in my mind. I can fight any style. Puello is a great fighter who wants to stay undefeated, and that makes me more motivated. I’m going to be at my very best on March 1.

“I have to get the victory and return home as a champion. I have the skills to win this fight and defeat Alberto Puello. If I need to fight like a Mexican warrior, I’ll leave my heart in the ring. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to become world champion and give the fans a great show.

“This isn’t just a normal fight. This is the opportunity I’ve waited for since I was a kid. I’ve earned it. The only thing on my mind is returning home as a world champion.

“I don’t like to talk too much before the fight, because we’ll settle it in the ring. I have no choice but to come out on top. I’m not worried about anything else.”

YOENIS TELLEZ

“I’ve had an outstanding training camp because I know what this opportunity means to me. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I want to take full advantage on March 1.

“I wanted a challenge and when Julian’s name came up, I was ready to go. He’s an exciting challenge for me to work and figure out how to overcome.

“This fight is going to establish me in this division and show what I can do. Everyone will see after March 1.

“Julian has everything to gain and everything to lose just like I do. But my motivation is to get where he’s already been. I have to beat him in order to do so.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I’m not dependent on experience. I’m dependent on skillset and being the best Julian Williams that I can be. Experience can actually be overrated. I’m focused on being prepared and being me.

“I want to be great. When there’s a gun, you don’t run away. You run toward the gun. That’s my mentality. I want to be great.

“We’re gonna see on March 1. He’s a good young fighter, but we don’t know too much about him. I let my team study his tape, and we just go in the gym and work on the plan. We’re fine-tuning some things and we’re going to show up March 1 ready to win.

“I’m taking it one step at a time. I’m ready to stick with it. Whatever my coaches put into the game plan, I’ll be ready to implement it.”

#         #         #

ABOUT TANK VS. ROACH

Davis vs. Roach will see boxing superstar and reigning WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach in a lightweight title clash that headlines a loaded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The pay-per-view undercard will WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela will take on hard-hitting top contender Gary Antuanne Russell in the co-main event, plus WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello defends his title against top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martín in a pay-per-view attraction. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, rising star Yoenis Téllez will take on former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TankRoach follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

BROOKLYN – January 21, 2025 – Three title bouts, including two explosive 140-pound world championship showdowns and a 154-pound crossroads matchup between a rising star and former unified champion, will round out a loaded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video taking place Saturday, March 1 headlined by a lightweight title showdown between boxing superstar and reigning WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela will take on hard-hitting top contender Gary Antuanne Russell in the co-main event, plus WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello defends his title against top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martin in a pay-per-view attraction. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, rising star Yoenis Tellez will take on former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

“Saturday, March 1 will feature four title fights on a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video with rising stars, knockout artists and established champions and contenders all looking to steal the show,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “In addition to the ‘Tank’ Davis vs. Lamont Roach main event, two 140-pound world titles will be on the line as ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela defends his belt against the always dangerous Gary Antuanne Russell, plus Alberto Puello begins his second reign as a super lightweight world champion against the top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martin. With fast-ascending contender Yoenis Tellez battling the established former champion Julian Williams to open the action, this card is teed up to deliver nonstop drama once again at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.”

**JOSE VALENZUELA VS. GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL**

The co-main event will pit two of the brightest young stars in the 140-pound division against each other as WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela makes the first defense of his world title against the hard-hitting U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell in a fight scheduled for 12 rounds.

The 25-year-old Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs) became a world champion in his last outing, upsetting Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz by decision in August of last year by showing off the tremendous boxing acumen he’s honed with his famed trainer Robert Garcia. Originally from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Valenzuela had earned the world title fight following a pair of exciting contests against top contender Chris Colbert. After losing a debated decision to Colbert in March 2023, Valenzuela bounced back to blast out Colbert in round six of their December 2023 rematch, delivering one of the year’s top knockouts. Valenzuela burst onto the scene in 2018, quickly racking up 12 wins and a first round knockout of former world champion Francisco Vargas, before dropping a 2022 bout against top contender Edwin De Los Santos. 

“I’m here to show the world what it means to be great,” said Valenzuela. “Bring me your most ferocious, and I will bring back their heads. On March 1 I will achieve victory against Gary Antuanne Russell and cement my legacy in the super lightweight division. Don’t miss it, because I’m making sure everyone knows where I stand at 140 pounds.”

Fighting out of his native Capitol Heights, Md., Russell (17-1, 17 KOs) has carried on the legacy left by his late father Gary Sr. A member of one of the sport’s preeminent fighting families, Russell trains alongside his older brothers, former WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Jr. and bantamweight contender Gary Antonio. The 28-year-old will look to capture a world title in his second attempt, after dropping a competitive decision to Alberto Puello in their June 2024 clash for the WBC 140-pound title. Going into that fight, Russell had not allowed an opponent to make it to the final bell since turning pro in 2017 following his run representing the U.S. at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. On his way to title contention Russell became the first fighter to knock out former world champion Viktor Postol and two-division champion Rances Barthelemy.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and display my skills,” said Russell. “Not everyone can perform when the heat gets turned up in the kitchen, but like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson said, can you smell what we’re cooking? We’re gonna find out if Valenzuela is ready on March 1.” 

**ALBERTO PUELLO VS. SANDOR MARTIN**

The pay-per-view action will also feature a second 140-pound world title attraction, as WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto Puello puts his belt on the line against the WBC’s top-rated mandatory challenger Sandor Martin in another 12-round showdown. Puello vs. Martin is promoted in association with Top Rank and OPI Since 82.

Now a two-time world champion, Puello (22-0, 10 KOs) returned to titleholder status last June as he bested Gary Antuanne Russell by decision for what was then the WBC’s interim title, before being elevated shortly after fight night. Originally from San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, Puello now fights out of Las Vegas, where he’s trained by top trainer Ismael Salas. The 30-year-old first became a world champion in August 2022, as he captured the WBA Super Lightweight World Championship with a decision victory over Batyr Akhmedov. Puello first shot up the rankings in July 2019, when he bested the previously unbeaten Jonathan Alonso via unanimous decision to capture an interim title.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment to defend my title and stamp my place in this sport,” said Puello. “Sandor Martin is a great fighter, but come March 1, I’m going to show the world why I’m the WBC Super Lightweight World Champion. This is my time, my stage and I’m ready to put on a show that fans will never forget. When we step into that ring, it’s going to be fireworks. I’m going to bring the best version of myself and do whatever it takes to leave with the victory. I’m doing this for the Dominican Republic, this fight is for them and I’m going to make them proud.”

A native of Barcelona, Spain, Martin (42-3, 15 KOs) was long established as one of the best current fighters from Spain before making his U.S. debut in 2021, when he sprung the 2021 Upset of the Year on four-division world champion Mikey Garcia. The 31-year-old has never been stopped in his career, and nearly earned another upset in 2022 as he narrowly lost a debated decision against two-division champion Teofimo Lopez. Most recently, Martin has earned back-to-back knockout victories as he stopped Arblin Kaba in six-rounds in July 2023 and Mohamed El Marcouchi in three rounds in December 2023.

“This world title opportunity is a long time coming,” said Martin. “A new super lightweight king will be crowned on March 1. Alberto Puello has some experience, but he won’t be prepared for what I bring to the ring in Brooklyn. That beautiful WBC belt is coming home with me to Spain.”

**YOENIS TELLEZ VS. JULIAN WILLIAMS**

Opening up the pay-per-view will be the rising Cuban star Yoenis Tellez taking on established contender and former unified 154-pound world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams in a 12-round battle for the vacant Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title.

Trained by the legendary Ronnie Shields in Stafford, Texas, the 24-year-old Téllez (9-0, 7 KOs) made a big statement in action on Prime Video last October as he dominated veteran contender Johan Gonzalez before stopping him in round seven. Previously Tellez made his first big splash in the sport when he stepped in on short notice in July 2023 to blast out contender Sergio Garcia and earn a third-round TKO on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford undercard. Originally from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, Téllez continued to rise in two subsequent bouts after the Garcia triumph, closing the show in style with a 10^th-round TKO of Livan Navarro in December 2023 before earning a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Joseph Jackson in April 2024.

“I’m beyond excited for this showdown against Julian Williams on March 1,” said Tellez. “All the hard work I’ve put in since I first put on a pair of gloves at age eight has led to this point. This is my opportunity to prove that I belong with the elites in the super welterweight division. With that Interim WBA title on the line, I’m stepping into the ring with one mission, to win and show the world that I’m ready for the best. I’m going to give the fans a fight they won’t forget. My goal is to take him out before the final bell rings!”

Philadelphia’s Williams (29-4-1, 17 KOs) became a unified world champion at 154-pounds in May 2019 when he upset Jarrett Hurd in one of the year’s best fights, winning a close-quarters brawl by unanimous decision. After losing the titles to Jeison Rosario in his first defense, Williams moved up to 160 pounds and made a run at championship gold there, earning a shot against current WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames that he dropped via ninth-round TKO in a competitive affair. Williams stepped back into the ring in January 2024, stopping Gustavo David Vittori in round two and will now return to the 154-pound division looking to regain his titleholder status.

“I’m grateful and excited for this opportunity to showcase my pedigree on a big stage,” said Williams. “Tellez is a really good, hungry fighter, but I’m putting in the work to ensure that I come out on top come March 1. I’ve never been in a boring fight. I always bring it and this fight night won’t be any different. With both of our styles I think we have a real chance to steal the show.”

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For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TankRoach follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

Jose Valenzuela will make the first defense of his World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight belt against Gary Antuanne Russell on March 1 on the same night that Gervonta Davis will face Lamont Roach Jr. for the lightweight belt of the pioneer organization. 

The Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, will be the stage of this great event and the “Rayo” intends to have another great performance that will allow him to remain as 140 lbs. monarch. 

The Mexican surprised Isaac Cruz last August 3 in Los Angeles with an exhibition of good boxing with which he managed to limit his aggressive compatriot and defeat him by split decision. Now he will try to ratify all that good momentum on another big stage and against another opponent with good credentials. 

Russell is a southpaw with great punching power who is 28 years old and is coming off the only loss of his career in a close decision against Alberto Puello. The American will be getting his second shot at a world title and wants to get the opportunity that has eluded him once before. 

Valenzuela has a record of 14 wins, 2 losses and 9 knockouts, while Russell has 17 wins, 1 loss and 17 knockouts.

BROOKLYN – December 5, 2024 – WBA Lightweight World Champion and Baltimore’s own Gervonta “Tank” Davis and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion and Washington, D.C.-native Lamont Roach continued their war of words at an open to the public press conference in Washington, D.C. on Thursday ahead of their lightweight world championship clash that headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

A five-time, three-division world champion from Baltimore, Davis and Washington, D.C.’s Roach have reignited their rivalry at a pair of press conferences this week ahead of their world championship clash, as each looks to make a definitive statement in the professional follow up to their previous amateurs showdowns. 

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and through ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Burr Gymnasium at Howard University:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“Come March the first, we dance. Everybody knows how I get.

“I haven’t been watching his fights too much, but I’ve been in the gym with him and I know how he moves. I’ll get in camp and get up to date on him. I know for sure he’s definitely tough and has sneaky power. He’s had sneaky power since we were kids. We’re gonna figure out what he’s best at, and we’ll take it away from him.

“I make sure I’m on top of my stuff. It’s boxing, so anything can happen. Boxers have off nights. We gotta do everything to be on top of our game.

“He better not bring his family. That’s what I’ve been saying. He might be my people, but we gotta get it on. I don’t care who he come with. None of them can stop this.

“I’m not just repping Baltimore, I’m repping people all over. Everyone who’s going through something. If people doubt you, or you think your back is against the ropes, I do it for you.

“I’m from Baltimore and he’s from D.C., so you know there’s something to this. But I do always feel like D.C. is home, because I’ve always had to beat these guys in the amateurs and they became my boys.”

LAMONT ROACH

“I’ve got D.C. in here. They know what’s up and they know what’s up with me. His team knows my work, up close and personal. We got a lot for him and come March 1, we’re gonna kick some ass.

“I’ve gotten better in every aspect since the amateurs. I was one of the best boxers in the country as an amateur, and I’m much better now.

“Look at the people here for me. That’s who I do it for. I do it for the people with me. My whole family is from D.C. Like my entire family. They’re gonna celebrate with me in Brooklyn.

“I can do whatever I want. He’s not doing anything to me. He’s got nothing for me. It’s just me and him. He can’t be worried about these other people.

“My advice to the kids who want to fight is to keep your head down. I didn’t get this far by half-assing anything. I put that work in. I advise any youngin’ to go chase their dream. If it was easy, everyone would do it, so you just gotta keep pushing.”

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BROOKLYN – December 3, 2024 – Boxing superstar and WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis went face-to-face with red-hot WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach at a press conference in Brooklyn on Tuesday to preview their lightweight world championship clash that headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

A five-time, three-division world champion, Davis returns to Barclays Center where he set the building’s record for the highest-grossing and most-attended boxing event when he scored a highlight-reel KO of Rolando Romero in May 2022. At Tuesday’s press conference, the fighters re-ignited their rivalry that dates back to their amateur days and promised fireworks when they meet in the ring on March 1. The press tour will continue on Thursday with an open to the public press conference in Washington, D.C.

Tickets for the live event go on sale Thursday, December 5 beginning at 10 a.m. ET and will be available through ticketmaster.com.

Pre-sale tickets are AVAILABLE NOW until 9 a.m. ET on Thursday, December 5 through ticketmaster.com with the code: PBC

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from Barclays Center:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’m gonna chop, chop, bob and weave. I’m gonna end it in the ninth round. 

“I like to show people that they aren’t who they say they are. I like to prove it to the people they come with. My first time winning the title, the whole building doubted me.

“I’m excited to be a part of this and come March 1, this is gonna be a great event. It’s gonna be an exciting show, with the same results as always. You just have to wait and see.

“The people’s energy here is amazing. I won my first championship here and I have more followers from New York than almost anywhere. New Yorkers come with great energy.

“Lamont’s got skills. Even at a smaller weight class. He’s one of the guys who I came up with in the sport of boxing, and he’s still doing well. He’s definitely a top opponent and everyone will see that on March 1.

“We’ll have to test his chin come March 1. He might think my opponents don’t have chins, but we’ll definitely test it. I say leave the kids at home.”

LAMONT ROACH

“I shouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe I’m gonna win. I’ve hurt everybody that I’ve been in the ring with and this won’t be any different.

“This is a hell of an opportunity and we’re gonna conquer it. Everyone knows what I’m coming to do. And if you don’t, you’ll be surprised. I’m gonna show you what happens when two dogs go in the ring together.

“My team built my career from the ground up. I have the same team from when I turned professional and we took on the best fights for my career. I worked myself to the number one contender spot, lost a fight and bounced back. We have a common opponent in Hector Luis Garcia and I beat him easily.

“The Frank Martin fight was relatively easy for him. It is what it is. Frank was inexperienced and nervous. This is going to be a different fight when I’m in there. He’s gonna be a different fighter when he’s fighting me.

“It’s a big difference fighting each other in the amateurs and fighting now. We’ve both evolved and gotten better and do different things in the ring. There might be some tendencies that we already know, but I don’t expect those things to matter on the big stage.

“I don’t care about being the underdog or being the favorite. Either way, I’m gonna win.”

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BROOKLYN – December 3, 2024 – Boxing superstar and reigning WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis will put his world title on the line against the red-hot WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  

A five-time, three-division world champion, Davis returns to Barclays Center where he set the building’s record for the highest-grossing and most-attended boxing event when he scored a highlight-reel KO of Rolando Romero in May 2022. He’ll now step into the ring looking to stop the fast-rising reigning world champion Roach, who enters this fight on a six-bout winning streak.

Tickets for the live event go on sale Thursday, December 5 beginning at 10 a.m. ET and will be available through ticketmaster.com.

Pre-sale tickets are AVAILABLE NOW until 9 a.m. ET on Thursday, December 5 through ticketmaster.com with the code: PBC

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

The event is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

“Gervonta Davis is one of boxing’s most exciting champions and a crossover star that will bring a memorable night to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center once again as he faces another high-level opponent in the streaking world champion Lamont Roach,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “’Tank’ always gives his fans a show, including his unforgettable knockout of ‘Rolly’ Romero in his last fight at Barclays Center, and his last time headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video, when he stopped the previously unbeaten Frank Martin in spectacular fashion in June. Fans know what they get when it’s a ‘Tank’ Davis fight night and they should expect more of the same on March 1 in Brooklyn.”

**GERVONTA DAVIS VS. LAMONT ROACH**

Baltimore’s Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Washington, D.C.’s Lamont Roach have circled each other for years dating back to a pair of amateur showdowns won by Davis during their teenage years and will now go toe-to-toe as pros in a 12-round 135-pound main event with each reigning as world champion.

Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) has held the lightweight title since 2019 and has also won world titles at 130 and 140 pounds during his spectacular career. He returns to the ring after most recently scoring a highlight-reel knockout of the previously unbeaten Frank Martin in June. The Baltimore-native put an emphatic end to a years-long rivalry with Ryan Garcia last year in a crossover fight that gripped the sports world, dropping him in round two before ending the action with a vicious body shot in round seven.

The 30-year-old is riding a four-fight KO streak into March 1, with 20 of his last 21 victories overall coming inside the distance. His current streak includes a ninth-round stoppage of the previously unbeaten super featherweight world champion Hector Luis Garcia at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in January 2023, an event that set a new record for the highest-gate at the venue. He also owns the distinction as the only fighter to stop reigning WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios and former three-division champion Leo Santa Cruz. Davis burst onto the scene with an explosive knockout of Jose Pedraza in 2017 to capture his first world title and won the lightweight strap he currently holds with a 12^th-round KO of former unified champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2019.

“I’m excited to come back to Brooklyn and start 2025 ready for the biggest fights in the sport,” said Davis. “Barclays Center is where I won my first world title and it has always been a special place for me and my fans. I’ve had a lot of history with Lamont Roach going back to the amateurs. He’s worked hard to become a world champion and deserves this opportunity. Just like everyone else I’ve fought, he will find out that there are levels to this boxing game. I’m thankful to my team for the opportunity and can’t wait to be back in the ring.”

Washington, D.C.’s Roach (25-1-1, 10 KOs) earned his world championship in November 2023, dethroning Hector Luis Garcia by decision, scoring a clutch knockdown in the final round to wrest the title away. He returned to defend his belt in June as he dominated the previously unbeaten Feargal McCrory on his way to an eighth-round TKO, dropping the Irishman in round three and twice in round four. He’ll now step up looking to become a two-division with a 135-pound title, the weight class he debuted as a pro at before seeking a championship at 130-pounds.

The 28-year-old Roach earned his position at 130 pounds by defeating Angel Rodriguez via unanimous decision in their 12-round July 2022 title eliminator. Roach’s current run comes after he dropped a November 2019 super featherweight world title fight via decision against Jamel Herring. Roach began his pro career with 16-straight victories following an impressive amateur run that included 11 national titles, highlighted by a 2013 National Golden Gloves Championship that led to the honor of being named USA Boxing’s Most Outstanding Boxer. 

“Don’t be surprised when they say ‘and the new!’ on March 1, because I’ve tried to tell y’all this is my time,” said Roach. “Fight fans have to tune into this one, because I’m coming to make this the Fight of the Year. We’re two of the best fighters in this sport, both in our prime, going head-to-head on the biggest stage. You don’t want to miss this one.”

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By Norm Frauenheim —Tank Davis looked vulnerable. The sign was there in an ugly bruise, going from red to crimson, beneath his right eye.

But the bruise might as well have been a mask.

For a while, it hid what has always been there. Davis’ quick-strike power is a dynamic that never stays hidden for long.

It struck all over again, this time dropping a gutsy Frank Martin onto his back alongside the ropes Saturday night in a devastating eighth-round knockout at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena in an Amazon Prime fight for the lightweight title.

“No question, I’m back,’’ Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) said. “No question.’’

No doubt, either.

Questions, however, were lurking after about 14-month stretch of no bouts and time in jail at home in Baltimore.

Martin hoped he had the ability to exploit them. And, for a while, it looked as if he might. He danced away. He moved inside, he moved outside with enough agility and courage to bruise Davis.

“But I knew, I knew, he’d tire out,’’ Davis said.

He did. Martin’s quick feet began to slow, round-after-round absorbing Tank’s wicked combinations.

At 1:29 of the eighth, it was finally over. Davis rocked Martin (19-1, 12 KOs) with a succession of punches. It looked as if Martin was ready to fall. Davis made sure of it with a left-handed shot that began at his hip and traveled like a menacing meteor in a direct strike on Martin’s exposed chin.

It was over, an exclamation point, a reminder of Davis’ pound-for-pound credentials and perhaps an even bigger opportunity to prove himself on a bigger stage against Vasiliy Lomachenko later this year. 

Benavidez scores unanimous decision in 175-pound debut

It was a debut that demanded a difference.

A different David Benavidez.

That’s what he delivered in his first fight at a heavier weight against an experienced and toughened light-heavyweight.

Oleksandr Gvozydk, a former 175-pound champion, endured Benavidez’ whirlwind arsenal early and tested him with his own fundamental power later.

In losing a unanimous decision to Benavidez Saturday night at the MGM’s Grand Garden Arena, the Ukrainian didn’t tame The Monster in a fighter feared at super-middleweight.

But he did counter his evident mean streak with a durability Benavidez has never really encountered.

“I felt like I had a great fight against a great fighter,’’ said Benavidez, who also said he came into the fight with two injuries – a cut over his right eyelid and a torn tendon in his right hand – suffered two weeks ago. “It was a new weight, a different weight.’’

Benavidez left the ring with two things unchanged. He’s still unbeaten (29-0, 24 KOs). And he still intends to pursue a title at super-middleweight. That means Canelo Alvarez, of course.

“We’re going to go back to 168 and go after the title as a mandatory challenger or maybe if the title becomes vacant,’’ Benavidez said.

That of course, depends on what Canelo decides. But it’s safe to assume he was watching.

Early on, what he and a roaring crowd saw was the Benavidez they witnessed at super-middle.

He came out in the first round, shuffling, side

to-side while displaying some newfound head movement.

His father and trainer, Jose Benavidez Sr. had promised a renewed emphasis on defense and his son didn’t disappoint, at least not through the first three minutes.

In the second and third, there were moments when the 27-year-old Benavidez made the 37-year-old Gvozdyk (20-2, 16 KOs) look stiff, if not awkward.

The Ukrainian wasn’t exactly a stationary target. But he was there, in front of Benavidez, and open to a wide variety of punches thrown at alternating angles and speeds.

Gvozdyk couldn’t dodge them all. Benavidez’ punches are like debris in a tornado. They’re coming from everywhere. Example: In the sixth round, it looked as if Gvozdyk had begun to find his range with straight-handed shots.

They were beginning to slow down Benavidez. But in a momentary switch of momentum, Benavidez unleashed a triple shot – three right hands, each from a different angle and all three travelling at a blinding velocity.

From round-to-later round, however, Gvozdyk was there, an edifice impossible to bring down. Benavidez tried in an apparent attempt to fulfill his promised knockout.

Instead of a KO, however, there was only fatigue to go along with another victory in his introduction to a bout that also provided a reminder: There’s a reason for weight classes.

Puello scores SD over Russell/Tank-Martin card

Alberto Puello survived.

He survived a penalty for holding.

He survived a scorecard that suggested he never had a chance.

Turns out, survival was sweet.

Puello scored a split decision over a stronger, quicker Gary Russell (17-1, 17 KOs) for an interim junior-welterweight belt Saturday on the Amazon Prime card featuring David Benavidez-OleksansdrGvodzykand Tank Davis-Frank Martin Saturday at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.

Puello (23-0, 10 KOs), of The Dominican Republic, won on two cards, 114-113 and 115-113. It was a close fight from almost every perspective but one. Judge David Hudson scored it for Russell, 118-109

It was a hard fight to watch. A hard fight to score, too.

But Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) did what he had to, keeping the World Boxing Council’s version of the middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Terrell Gausha Saturday on the Amazon Prime card featuring David Benavidez-Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Tank Davis-Frank Martin.

One-sided scorecards — 118-110, 119-109, 118-110 — make it sound as if Adames, of The Dominican Republic, had an easy day at the office. He didn’t. Gausha (24-4-1, 12 KOs) tested him repeatedly in the later rounds. But it was never quite  enough for the middleweight from Encino CA to sore an upset.

Kyrone Davis scores split-decision over Elijah Garcia

Elijah Garcia made the weight. 

But lost the fight.

Kyrone Davis (19-3-1, 6 KOs) took some of the promise out of Garcia’s ambitious career Saturday with a careful, yet effective pace Saturday, scoring  a split decision over the Phoenix middleweight in a bout that was preceded by controversy. 

Late Friday, there were doubts about whether the bout, already postponed once, would even happen. 

Garcia missed weight, coming in at 165.4 pounds and then 163. Davis was at 160.4. 

Davis trainer Stephen Breadman Edwards demanded that Garcia weigh-in again Saturday morning, a few hours before opening bell at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena.

Breadman threatened to cancel the bout if Gracia was heavier than 173 pounds in the morning weigh-in. He wasn’t. According to the official bout sheet, he was at 163.2. The fight was on, but the early pace belonged to Davis.

He came into the ring looking angry, perhaps anxious to take out some frustration on Garcia (16-1, 13 KOs). At opening bell, however, he exhibited only poise. He patiently measured the distance between him and Gracia with a jab.  Then, he followed with repeated rights.

For four or five rounds, Gracia looked tentative, perhaps because of the weight controversy or maybe because of  Davis’ tactical patience. 

Whatever it was, the slow start proved costly. Davis won on two cards, both by 97-93 scores. On the third card, it was 98-92 for Garcia, who stepped up the pace and his level of aggression, especially from the seventh through the 10th rounds. The Arizona southpaw moved forward, trying to walk down Davis while also landing a succession of head-rocking combos.

But, in the end, it wasn’t enough to save Garcia from his first pro defeat, a loss and perhaps a lesson for a young fighter

Magsayo wins one-sided decision

Mark Magsayo (26-2, 17 KOs), a Filipino junior-lightweight, scored a third-round knockdown and then scored repeatedly over the next seven rounds for a decision — as thorough as it was unanimous — over Mexican Eduardo Ramirez (28-4-3,13 KOs) in the sixth bout on the Tank-Martin card Saturday.

After Magsayo rocked Ramirez with an uppercut and then dropped him with a straight hand, Los Mochis fighter continued, but never with much purpose or energy in what what turned into a dull bout. 

Justin Viloria stays unbeaten, scores fifth-round TKO

Justin Villoria (6-0, 4 KOs), a 19-year-old junior-lightweight from Whittier CA, had all of the energy and most of the punches in overwhelming Mexican Angel Contreras Saturday on the Tank Davis-Frank Martin card.

Villoria knocked down Contreras (15-9, 9 KOs) in the fourth and again the fifth, both times with body punches. Seconds after the second knockdown, an exhausted Contreras took a knee, a TKO surrender at  2:02 of the fifth round.

Phoenix junior-featherweight impressive in pro debut

Hello, Brayan Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, a junior-featherweight from Phoenix, was impressive in his professional debut, scoring a first-round knockdown and staggering James Mulder again in the fourth in an afternoon bout hours before the Tank Davis-Frank Martin main event.. 

Mulder (0-2), of Antioch CA, never had a chance. Never scored a point either. It was 40-35 on all three cards, all for Gonzalez (1-0).

Benavidez-trained Blancas stays unbeaten with first-round stoppage

David Benavidez’ stable is 2-0 through the early fights on a card that will feature its star attraction Saturday night in a light-heavyweight debut against  Oleksandr Gvozdyk.

Daniel Blancas (10-0, 5 KOs), a super-middleweight from Milwaukee, didn’t waste any time, flashing Benavidez-like power with a sweeping hook for a first-round stoppage of German Aro Schwartz (23-8-1, 15 KOs). 

Ohio junior lightweight does enough to win majority decision

It was a hard fight to score. Neither fighter did much, but Peggy Whitmore (3-0), a junior-lightweight from Ohio, did more, winning a majority decision (39–37, 39-37, 38-38) over Mia Ellis (7-3, 6 KOs), of Baltimore, in the second bout on the Tank Davis-Frank Martin card

First Bell: Benavidez-trained featherweight opens marathon show with unanimous decision 

First bell sounded like a morning alarm.

It echoed through an empty arena, signaling a noon-time start to a card that eventually will feature David Benavidez-versus-Oleksandr Gvozydk in a light-heavyweight fight and Tank Davis-versus-Frank Martin for the lightweight title Saturday at the MGM’s Grand Garden Arena.

Reina Tellez (8-0-1, 5 KOs), a San Antonio featherweight and a fighter in the Benavidez stable, got the marathon started, winning a four-round, unanimous decision over a taller, yet slower Beta Dudek ((4-2, 4 KOs) of Slovakia.

By Norm Frauenhem –

LAS VEGAS — The weigh-in ended with Gevonta Davis doing something no tank could ever do. He back-flipped. He stuck the landing. It wasn’t exactly Simone Biles.

But it was an example of his dynamic athleticism. His armored nickname is a symbol of his Abrams-like power.

Yet, it’s deceptive, almost a feint. He has power in his hands, to be sure. But it’s the power in those legs that creates openings and sets up angles for the knockout blows that really do land.

Really do stick.

Over 12 rounds, it’s hard to avoid his deadly combination of power and speed. Ryan Garcia couldn’t do it. The bet is that Frank Martin can’t either in their lightweight title fight Saturday night on an Amazon Prime card that also features David Benavidez and Olkesandr Gvozdyk in an intriguing light-heavyweight bout at the MGM’s Grand Garden Arena Saturday night.

“it’s going to be crazy out there,’’ Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) said. “I hope he’s ready.’’

Martin (18-0, 12 KOs) only looked as if he were ready only for a meal or three. He was as gaunt as a Ghost, his nickname. He looked drained Friday after an apparent fight to make weight. He did, tipping the scale at 134.4 pounds, more than a half-pound under the lightweight maximum.

Meanwhile, Davis was full of energy and all of the usual trash talk. Do a back flip? Davis looked as if he could have done two or three more and then a floor routine for a weigh-in crowd estimated to be at 4,000, most of them Tank fans.

“I’m so happy that people in this arena underestimate me,’’ Martin said of the underdog role he has been assigned for this pay-per-view card.

Meanwhile, Tank seemed to celebrate, perhaps more for what might happen after his expected victory over Martin. He came in light. He was a pound lighter than Martin and more than a pound-and-half lighter than the lightweight limit.

There’s been a lot of talk about Tank at junior-welterweight, 140. But Friday’s weigh-in set off speculation about a lightweight showdown with Vasiliy Lomachenko, perhaps in November.

It all hinges on what happens Saturday night on a pay-per-view card scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in Vegas (8 pm ET). But one thing was apparent. Tank’s backflip says he’s ready to leap into another opportunity, perhaps one as big as a date with Lomachenko.

Before Tank and Martin stepped on to the scale, Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) and Gvozdyk (20-1, 16 KOs) weighed-in for a second time. They were on the official scale a few hours before weighing in again for the crowd.

Benavidez, of Phoenix, reported to the Nevada Commission Friday, mid-day, thinking that he was scheduled to officially record his weight for what would be a so-called ceremonial weigh-in later in the day. That had been the routine in his last two fights in Nevada.

This time, however, the Nevada Athletic Commission decided there would be no mock weigh-in. Apparently, Benavidez didn’t get the news. But he asked if could weigh in earlier in the day anyway. The Commission agreed. So, did Gvozdyk.

Both were at 174.2, safely under the 175-pound limit. There was little doubt that Gvozdyk, a 37-year-old ex-champion from the Ukraine, had done the work. He was cut, almost with sculpted upper body, including a six-pack that Benvidez has never had.

At 27, however, he has youth, energy and an evident mean streak.

“The Monstruo,’’ he said of his Monster nickname, “always goes for the knockout. And that’s what I’m going to do.’’   

LAS VEGAS.- June 14, 2024 – Sensational undefeated teenage prospect Justin Viloria will battle Mexico’s Angel Contreras in an eight-round super featherweight contest that will open up a three-fight PBC on Prime Video stream this Saturday, June 15 in the 100^th championship fight night at the historic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. These three preliminary matchups will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

Roiman Villa, who was originally scheduled to face Ricardo Salas in the opening bout, was forced to withdraw due to illness.

The live streaming presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and is topped by rising middleweight Elijah García taking on contender Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis in a 10-round attraction and former world champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo facing Mexican contender Eduardo Ramirez in a 10-round super featherweight clash.

These bouts will lead into a stacked pay-per-view lineup topped by undefeated three-division champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defending his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten top contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin, plus David “El Monstro” Benavídez makes his 175-pound debut against former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk in a matchup for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title.

The pay-per-view will also see undefeated rising star Gary Antuanne Russell take on unbeaten former world champion Alberto Puello for the vacant Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title, while WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames battles veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the pay-per-view opener at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available through www.axs.com. 

The event is promoted by GTD Promotions, Sampson Boxing, TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

The nephew of four-time world champion Brian Viloria, Viloria (5-0, 3 KOs) has impressed while making his own name in the sport since turning pro in 2023. The 19-year-old debuted in April of last year and picked up three consecutive knockout victories to begin his pro run. Most recently the Whittier, California native scored a unanimous decision over Erick Garcia Benitez in March. He’ll be opposed by the 30-year-old Contreras (15-8-2, 9 KOs), who will look to bounce back after consecutive decision defeats to top prospects Michael Angeletti and Bruce Carrington. A native of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Contreras won seven of his first eight fights after turning pro in 2016 and put together a three-fight winning streak in 2022, before losing three contests by decision last year.

#         #         #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. MARTIN & BENAVIDEZ VS. GVOZDYK

Davis vs. Martin and Benavidez vs. Gvozdyk will see popular superstars Gervonta “Tank” Davis and David “El Monstro” Benavidez co-headline a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, June 15 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Headlining the show is the undefeated three-division champion Davis defending his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten top contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin, while Benavídez is set to make his 175-pound debut against former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk in a matchup for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title.

The pay-per-view will also see undefeated rising star Gary Antuanne Russell take on unbeaten former world champion Alberto Puello for the vacant Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title, while WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames battles veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena hosted its premiere boxing event in January 1994 and, over its 30-year history, the venue has become synonymous with the sport’s biggest fight nights. Fight fans have watched champions ranging from George Foreman and Julio Cesar Chavez to Roy Jones and Shane Mosley step in the ring and put on a championship display of skill. Epic battles including Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Holyfield vs. Tyson II, Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV, multiple Barrera vs. Morales title fights, and Mayweather vs. Canelo, among others, led all boxers to want to fight at the legendary Grand Garden Arena. The June 15 event will mark a celebration of the venue’s storied history as boxing’s next chapter unfolds with these two high-stakes showdowns.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisMartin & #BenavidezGvozdyk, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

LAS VEGAS – June 13, 2024 – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk went face to face at the final press conference on Thursday, before they meet for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title this Saturday, June 15 in a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video marking the 100^th championship fight night at the historic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Before Benavidez and Gvozdyk squared off, fighters featured on the stacked undercard previewed their respective matchups, including undefeated rising star Gary Antuanne Russell and unbeaten former world champion Alberto Puello, who meet for the vacant Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title, plus WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames and veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, who duel in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Also at Thursday’s undercard press conference were fighters who will compete in PBC on Prime Video action preceding the pay-per-view. That lineup features undefeated middleweight Elijah Garcia and veteran contender Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis, who battle in a 10-round fight, former world champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo and Mexican contender Eduardo Ramirez, who meet in a 10-round super featherweight attraction, and Mexico City’s Ricardo Salas, who opens the stream in a 10-round matchup against welterweight knockout artist Roiman Villa. The preliminary matchups will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

The pay-per-view event is topped by boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis as he defends his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin. In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available through www.axs.com. 

The event is promoted by GTD Promotions, Sampson Boxing, TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions.

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

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“I’m looking to steal the show. There’s only two more days until ‘El Monstro’ comes out.

“Oleksandr Gvozdyk is a great fighter and we actually sparred when I was 21-years-old. Now I’m very happy that we can bring the fight to the people.

“Being at light heavyweight feels amazing. This is the easiest weight cut I’ve had in my life. My speed, strength and endurance are all gonna be better. I left no stone unturned for this training camp. I’m facing a great fighter and we’ve put together a great game plan. This is gonna be the David Benavidez night.

“This is the perfect time for me to move up. I’ve been at super middleweight for 10 years and naturally my body has gotten bigger. Now I wanna go after all the titles in this weight class and give the fans the best possible fights that I can.

“I’m going in there to be David Benavidez. ‘El Monstro’ is coming out. I go in there for the knockout every single time, and this won’t be any different.

“The better the competition gets, the better I get. That’s why I’ve never shied away from a big fight. When the lights get turned on, I always show up.

“We have two warriors going up against each other. We’ve had some great sparring sessions and I’m excited to be able to bring that to the people. 

“If it wasn’t for my team, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Now that we’re here, this is a big card and I’m really excited for it.”

OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK

“For me it’s a big honor to be here and I’m really excited to be on this huge card. I see my face all around Las Vegas and it makes me excited to get into the ring.

“I’m going to resist ‘The Monster’. I’m in the best shape of my life and I’ll do anything to win this fight.

“I don’t expect any discounts from him. I’m facing him in his best shape. I’m excited to face the best version of David Benavidez.

“This is a great opportunity to face a tough fighter like David Benavidez. He’s representing boxing really well. We’re going to show everyone a great fight.

“I’m going to do what I do best. I’ll use my footwork, be consistent and try to time him. I’m going in there to do my job.

“I don’t really think there’s a big difference with David moving up in weight, because he’s already a big fighter. He was a huge super middleweight. I don’t see any size advantage for either of us. I know he’ll feel comfortable in this division.”

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

“I’m coming to showcase my talent and I’m going to give everyone a ‘class A’ performance on Saturday night. Stay tuned and continue to follow me.

“We definitely work in camp on distributing our body weight in a certain way to generate power. Everyone has something that works for them, and the Russell family has ours. We have our own signature way of training.

“My father always told me to never magnify my opponent. Whether they’re a world class fighter or not, you go in there and you fight your fight. We’ve seen some footage of him and we’ve seen his flaws. It’s just about whether he’s gonna fix his flaws. I’m one of those opponents that will make him pay for his flaws.

“I’m not looking at him as a pushover or someone who’s gonna lay down for me. I’m coming in there to knock his head off his shoulders. I’m going to stay poised and give everyone an action packed fight.

“I’m looking to make a big statement. My job is to steal some spotlight from the main event. Somebody’s 0 has got to go, and I’m not looking for it to be mine.

“I’m looking to become undisputed. I wanna wipe out my division. He’s a stepping stone. I have to get past him first. I’m not looking too far ahead while I have something in front of me.”

ALBERTO PUELLO

“This is going to be a new challenge in my career and I’m primed for it. This is the kind of challenge that I was eager to face. I’m going to give everyone a great fight.

“There’s no doubt that this is the most important fight of my career. Because it’s the kind of fight that’s gonna take me to another level. I’m very proud to be part of this card and I hope that we both bring the best out of each other.

“It’s doubly motivating to be on the same card as my countryman Carlos Adames. What would be better than us taking home two titles to the Dominican Republic?

“I’m glad that Gary is going to bring his best and that he’s eager to fight like I am. I’m not about to taste defeat. This time is my time.

“This fight could end at any time. People may underestimate my power, but my punches can sneak up on you and close this fight at any moment.”

CARLOS ADAMES

“I’m 100% ready. You’re going to see what I’m all about on Saturday night and I just can’t wait to show everybody.

“Carlos Adames is a different kind of fighter. I’m an unstoppable fighter. And I’m not about to let anybody even imagine that they can beat me.

“Gausha is an experienced fighter with a good career, but fighting against me is a whole new issue for him. He’s gonna find out.

“It’s not just about my power, it’s about my boxing IQ. I haven’t even had that much of a chance to show it at this level. I’m excited to get to showcase that IQ even more on Saturday night.

“This is going to be a total nightmare for Terrell. He’s going to wish I wasn’t in front of him. He doesn’t realize what he’s about to be up against.”

TERRELL GAUSHA

“I trained hard because this is a great opportunity. I’m ready to get it on and give everyone a good show. I know what I’m up against, and he better know what he’s up against. I’m coming to fight and win a world title.

“He really pissed me off when he said he was gonna knock me out early. I don’t think he’s taking me seriously enough. I’m here to fight and that’s not happening on Saturday. He fired me up.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m gonna go out there and take advantage of it. I’ve been training, working hard and preparing myself for this day.

“I’ve fought at the highest level my whole boxing career. Since the Olympics I’ve fought the top guys and never shied away from anyone. I’m always game in a fight and Saturday night I’m ready to take the victory.

“Saturday night ends with me becoming a world champion and realizing a lifelong dream of mine. I’m ready.”

ELIJAH GARCIA

“Kyrone sounds excited, and that’s good. I’m prepared to give the fans what they deserve. Hopefully he keeps that same energy up through the fight.

“Kyrone is very tough and it takes a lot to beat him. I got myself back into shape and I just had to stay sharp throughout this second camp.

“We’re blessed to have this second opportunity and we’re here to make the best of it and give the fans a great night.

“This is gonna be a great fight. I’m not going in there looking for the knockout. I’m just going to take it round by round and beat him like that.”

KYRONE DAVIS

“I’m happy to be here again and I can’t wait to get in the ring this time. We’re going to have a good fight. I know both of us are coming to win. When it’s time to rumble, I do what I love to do. I’ll take on any challenge.

“He’s talented and he’s gonna bring a lot of offense, and I’m gonna bring a lot, a lot, of fire. You’re gonna see on Saturday.

“I’m just having a good time and living my dream. What’s gonna happen in the ring is what was gonna happen in the ring on March 30. I was disappointed of course. Obviously I’m gonna have some kind of emotion when that happens. Now we’re here and it’ll be settled in the ring.

“This ends with Kyrone Davis as the winner. By any means necessary. No matter what happens, I’m ready. At the end of the day, I’m going to win.”

MARK MAGSAYO

“I’m here to represent the Philippines. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m excited to give my best in the ring.

“The Philippines vs. Mexico rivalry means a lot because of Manny Pacquiao and his great fights against Marquez, Barrera and Morales. I want to make boxing history as well for my country.

“This is going to be a great fight because I know that Eduardo Ramirez has been training hard for it. I’ve been training hard since December as well, so the fans are going to get a show.

“There’s going to be a knockout. I don’t know how long it’s going to go, I’m ready to go 10 rounds, but we’ll see how it goes.”

EDUARDO RAMIREZ

“I’m ready and I’ve prepared 100% for this matchup. I’m anxious for fight night to get here. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m capable of.

“Magsayo is a great fighter and I know that it’s going to be exciting action. I’m going to do what I’ve prepared to do and I believe it will lead to great results on Saturday night.

“This is a world class rivalry where fans from both Mexico and the Philippines are always excited to see the matchup. I’m going to represent my country with pride and help Mexico come out on top again.”

RICARDO SALAS

“I’m very thankful to be on this stage for this great fight. I’ve trained very hard with Isaac Cruz and I’m looking forward to what will be a great fight.

“We’re prepared for whatever comes our way on Saturday. Whether it’s a quick fight or we go the distance, all that matters is that my hand is raised at the end.

“I come ready to fight. The winning streak that I have right now is largely because of the great team that I have with me. That team will help take me to victory on Saturday night.”

JOSE BENAVIDEZ SR., David’s Father & Trainer

“I’m so happy to be here in Las Vegas. We’re going to give the fans a great fight. We’re very proud to be part of this 100^th championship fight night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

“David had a great camp. We trained super hard in Miami in the heat and humidity. We’re ready to give the fans a great fight. Oleksandr is a tremendous fighter with only one loss. It’s gonna be a tough fight, but we prepared so well for it. I really believe David is gonna look spectacular.”

MARCO CONTRERAS, Gvozdyk’s Trainer

“I’m very thankful to the people who made this possible, especially David Benavidez for giving us the opportunity. Oleksandr is in the best shape of his life and he’s ready to give the fans a great fight.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“For the third straight time with Prime Video, we’ll have four title fights on our pay-per-view portion, and we’ve added a third fight to the stream on Prime Video preceding the pay-per-view. So make sure you’re in your seat or tuned in early. It’s a tremendous card and we can’t wait to see everyone on Saturday.”

SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ, Sampson Boxing

“The reason I started calling David Benavidez ‘El Bandera Roja’, or the red flag, is because when you go to the beach and see the red flag, it means don’t go into the water. If you go into the water, you lose.”

#         #         #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. MARTIN & BENAVIDEZ VS. GVOZDYK

Davis vs. Martin and Benavidez vs. Gvozdyk will see popular superstars Gervonta “Tank” Davis and David “El Monstro” Benavidez co-headline a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, June 15 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Headlining the show is the undefeated three-division champion Davis defending his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten top contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin, while Benavídez is set to make his 175-pound debut against former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk in a matchup for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title.

The pay-per-view will also see undefeated rising star Gary Antuanne Russell take on unbeaten former world champion Alberto Puello for the vacant Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title, while WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames battles veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena hosted its premiere boxing event in January 1994 and, over its 30-year history, the venue has become synonymous with the sport’s biggest fight nights. Fight fans have watched champions ranging from George Foreman and Julio Cesar Chavez to Roy Jones and Shane Mosley step in the ring and put on a championship display of skill. Epic battles including Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Holyfield vs. Tyson II, Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV, multiple Barrera vs. Morales title fights, and Mayweather vs. Canelo, among others, led all boxers to want to fight at the legendary Grand Garden Arena. The June 15 event will mark a celebration of the venue’s storied history as boxing’s next chapter unfolds with these two high-stakes showdowns.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisMartin & #BenavidezGvozdyk, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

By Norm Frauenheim – 

LAS VEGAS – Other than Tank Davis showing up, it was a news conference without much news.

Davis, missing in action for the for the so-called Grand Arrivals Tuesday, appeared twenty-four hours later, armed with familiar insults and profanity at the final formal newser for his lightweight title defense against Frank Martin Saturday night.

“I’m going to eff you up,’’ Davis said at the MGM Grand, which will stage its 100^th fight card in a long, legendary run.

In so many words and gestures, Tank repeated the phrase ad nauseam. Only the eff never changed.

Martin, at least, delivered a clever counter.

“I’m glad Tank gave me the opportunity to kick his ass,’’ he said Wednesday.

From oddsmakers to fans, very few believe the 135-pound fight on Amazon Prime will play out quite the way Martin says it will.

Best guess, Martin winds up on his rear end midway through the fight, the main event on a solid card that includes David Benavidez in his light-heavyweight debut against former 175-pound champion Oleksandr Gvodzyk

But there is one notable exception. Former welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. thinks Martin has a real chance. Spence has to think that. He’s Martin’s manager.

“He’s going to show why he’s the best 135-pouder in the world,’’ said Spence, who sat next to his estranged trainer, Derrick James, Martin’s trainer.

Spence and James split not long after the stunning loss to Terence Crawford last July in a controversy that included a lot of angry allegations about money.

Apparently, they don’t agree about much, other than Martin, who for the most part managed to keep his cool in the face of insults and aggressive gestures from Tank.

Davis kept walking toward Martin, who backed away. At one point, Davis appeared to throw an aggressive couple of gestures. Martin reacted, almost as if an altercation was about to begin.

But it was a feint from Tank, who ran away and laughed at Martin.

“When he came up here, he was shaking,’’ Tank said.

Meanwhile, Tank appeared annoyed at stories of a sparring session with Martin several years ago. According to some, Martin landed a left hand that got Tank’s attention.

It “clipped” him, according to one account.

“He ain’t clipped s—,’’ Tank said.

In the end, the newser and maybe the sparring were nothing more than talk.

“We were just talking,” Martin said. “It can go how ever he wants it to go.

“If he acts up you all gonna see him get knocked out. If he comes in and acts crazy, he’s going to sleep.”

LAS VEGAS – June 12, 2024 – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk showed off their skills at an open to the public media workout on Wednesday, before they meet for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title this Saturday, June 15 in a PBC Pay-Per-View event marking the 100^th championship fight night at the historic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Also at Wednesday’s workout, boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis made an appearance in front of the fans in attendance before he defends his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin in the main event. 

The workout also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including undefeated rising star Gary Antuanne Russell and unbeaten former world champion Alberto Puello, who meet for the vacant Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title, plus WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames and veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, who duel in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Rounding out the workout lineup was rising undefeated middleweight Elijah Garcia, who battles veteran contender Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis in a matchup that tops a three-fight PBC on Prime Video card beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and leading into the pay-per-view. The preliminary matchups will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available through www.axs.com. 

The event is promoted by GTD Promotions, Sampson Boxing, TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“It feels good to be back at MGM Grand and to be a part of something legendary like this. This is a great card and it’s just exciting to be here.

“I just want to go out there and give the fans a great show and put on a great performance Saturday night. It’s a great building at MGM and I want to give the fans something amazing to watch.

“When I come out and the people are cheering for me, it feels like we’re together. It’s like we’re family. It makes me want to put on a great performance for them.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“This means the world to me. This has been my dream since I was three-years-old. I’m going to have a lot of fun going out there and showcasing my talents for the fans.

“I feel stronger and faster at this weight class. I’m really excited to showcase it on Saturday night. I’m at another level now.

“I’m like a young veteran because I still have a lot of years left in me. This second half of my career is going to be the best part.”

OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK

“This is where I fought for my pro debut and I’m still here and fighting for a title against a tough opponent. What could be better? It’s exciting.

“I had a great camp. There’s no excuses. I’m definitely in one of the best conditions of my life. I’m ready to prove that I’m the best. 

“He’s going to apply pressure and throw multi-punch combinations. I’m expecting a hard fight and I have no doubt that I’ll handle it.”

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

“It’s a blessing to have so much experience in my family and in my corner. It feels like I have a cheat code to the sport.

“I just want to show everybody excellence. We’re going to bring out our skillset. He’s going to make me bring more tools out of my arsenal. I’m going to make sure it’s an action fight and keep my knockout streak going.

“Being in this position tells me that I’m climbing the ladder to be one of the greats. We’re taking it one step at a time. My ultimate goal is to be the undisputed champion.”

ALBERTO PUELLO

“I’m really excited to be here for a great night in front of great fans. I’m looking forward to an amazing night on Saturday. I know that we’re going to give the fans an exciting show.

“You can expect a great show, because the fans deserve it. I’m going to give my best and win. It’s going to be a hell of a fight.

“This is going to be an interesting clash of styles. Gary is a knockout artist and he’s going to try to do his thing and not let me box how I normally do. I’m going to use the ring and win the way that I know how to win.”

CARLOS ADAMES

“I have no equal and I have no rival in this division. Whoever wants to come after me, go ahead. I want to face them just as much as they want to face me. I don’t fear anyone.

“My conviction is what separates me from everybody in this division. They all know that I want to face them and that I’m not running from anyone.

“Gausha should be a strong opponent and I’m excited about it, because it’ll make for a great fight for the fans.”

TERRELL GAUSHA

“A win on Saturday means everything. I’m with the best team in the world and it’s a blessing to have this opportunity.

“We’ve done everything in the gym we had to. We’re ready. We’re steppers. That’s what we do. We step when it’s time to step.

“There are a lot of ups and downs in boxing and I’ve just stayed focused, stayed the course, stayed training, kept my head down and remained humble. Now I’m ready to get my title on Saturday night.

“Fans can expect me to leave everything in the ring and come out with that belt. Now is my time. I’m not worried about anything. I’m focused.”

ELIJAH GARCIA

“I feel good and I feel ready. I had more time to prepare and I know it’s gonna be a tough fight. We’re definitely ready.

“It’s a blessing to be on another big card. I trained hard and I feel like I earned it. I’m just taking it one step at a time.

“Hopefully by the end of the year I can call myself a world champion. That’s what I’m aiming for. Last year was great, but that’s in the past.”

#         #         #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. MARTIN & BENAVIDEZ VS. GVOZDYK

Davis vs. Martin and Benavidez vs. Gvozdyk will see popular superstars Gervonta “Tank” Davis and David “El Monstro” Benavidez co-headline a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, June 15 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Headlining the show is the undefeated three-division champion Davis defending his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten top contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin, while Benavídez is set to make his 175-pound debut against former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk in a matchup for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title.

The pay-per-view will also see undefeated rising star Gary Antuanne Russell take on unbeaten former world champion Alberto Puello for the vacant Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title, while WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames battles veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena hosted its premiere boxing event in January 1994 and, over its 30-year history, the venue has become synonymous with the sport’s biggest fight nights. Fight fans have watched champions ranging from George Foreman and Julio Cesar Chavez to Roy Jones and Shane Mosley step in the ring and put on a championship display of skill. Epic battles including Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Holyfield vs. Tyson II, Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV, multiple Barrera vs. Morales title fights, and Mayweather vs. Canelo, among others, led all boxers to want to fight at the legendary Grand Garden Arena. The June 15 event will mark a celebration of the venue’s storied history as boxing’s next chapter unfolds with these two high-stakes showdowns.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisMartin & #BenavidezGvozdyk, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

LAS VEGAS – June 12, 2024 – Boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis and unbeaten top contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin squared off at the final press conference Wednesday before they meet for Davis’ WBA Lightweight World Championship this Saturday, June 15 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video in the 100^th championship fight night to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Davis and Martin traded verbal barbs throughout the press conference and through photo-ops, throwing back and forth jabs on each other’s skill sets, resumes and a previous sparring session.

The four-fight pay-per-view event offers a pair of headlining attractions as fan-favorite David “El Monstro” Benavidez is set to make his 175-pound debut against former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk in a matchup for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title in the co-main event.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available through www.axs.com. 

The event is promoted by GTD Promotions, Sampson Boxing, TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’m gonna break you up. I’m gonna split all that up under your eyes. Every time I tell people something is gonna happen, what happens?

“It hasn’t even hit him yet. He’ll see Saturday. It’s gonna hit him. Especially when I touch him. What is he bringing to the table that I haven’t seen?

“Come out this Saturday, because it’s gonna be a great fight with a great undercard. Don’t get your popcorn, or your juice, stay locked in. Because I’ve been locked in for a long time now and my give back is gonna be a great performance on Saturday night.

“He’s shaking up there. He was talking tough yesterday when it was just him. It’s gonna show. He’s a frontrunner.

“He’s just worried about not getting knocked out. He’s not worrying about winning. He’s trying not to get knocked out.

“All that movement he has is just fake footwork, it’s regular. Mediocre.”

FRANK MARTIN

“June 15 it’s going down. We’re here. Like I’ve said before, I appreciate ‘Tank’ giving me the opportunity to whoop his ass. He just hasn’t been in there with anybody like me.

“This can go down however he wants it to go down. If he acts up, like I’ve been saying, you’re gonna see Gervonta Davis get knocked out. If he acts up, he’s getting knocked out, period. If he acts crazy, he’s going to sleep.

“Calvin’s telling me to push those buttons, well I’m coming to push every button he’s got. Come out and expect a good fight. Let’s get it.

“He’s been working his ass off, because he knows what time it is. He’s been grinding. We haven’t seen too much of you. It’s because he knows this is real.  

“It’s a blessing to be in this position, but it won’t hit me until I get the win. I feel like I worked, and that’s why I’m here. Now I have to get this win and then it’ll all hit me.

“He comes out to hurt everyone he fights. We’ve heard that before. We’re not worried about none of that. We’re ready for whatever he’s about to bring. We got his number.

“I just have to go in there and fight my fight, be comfortable . He has good power, but it doesn’t matter.

“I’m here to get my hand raised and come out with that WBA strap. Then there’s a new face in the seat, and it’s gonna be me.”

ERROL SPENCE JR., Pound-for-Pound Star & Martin’s Promoter

“Come Saturday night, I guarantee you that Frank is going to put on a great show and a great performance. He’s ready for this moment and he’s been ready for this moment for a long time.

“I’ve just told Frank to stay focused, stay hungry and stay dedicated. It’s all about the grind. That’s how he got to this point.

“I guarantee you that Frank is going to show everyone why he’s the best 135-pounder in the world, and the new WBA Lightweight World Champion.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“On the 100^th championship fight night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, you’re going to see greatness that night. I want people to leave this show like they just watched a karate movie and say that they wanna fight just like ‘Tank’. We’re gonna put that work in.

“I want Frank to come with it, because I need him to push that button. I haven’t seen it yet. I know what’s under that hood, but there’s a button yet to be pushed. I’m asking Frank to please push that button. It’s nothing personal, but Frank is in the way.

“’Tank’ is pushing forward to where he’s supposed to be at, and Frank is here for a reason. Y’all haven’t seen the real ‘Tank’ yet until that button gets pushed.”

DERRICK JAMES, Martin’s Trainer

“I like that everyone is calling Frank the challenger. Because the thing about boxing is that he’ll come in as the challenger, and 1,000% he’ll leave as the champion.

“Frank had a really good camp. We’ve been able to use everything ‘Tank’ said as fuel for the fire. He wants to get in the ring and prove his point. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe in ourselves.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“When ‘Tank’ fights, it’s bigger than just a championship fight night, it’s like the old days here at MGM with a Mike Tyson event. He’ll be defending his WBA title against yet another undefeated challenger in the undefeated, WBA ranked #2 contender, Frank Martin.

“It’s very exciting to be part of this 100^th championship fight night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and have this great card that will deliver another amazing atmosphere. There’s something about this building and what happens when you walk out of those locker rooms and down that tunnel, it becomes like gladiators in the arena.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, Famed Boxing Promoter

“Saturday night can’t get here fast enough. Let’s be real, in 2017 ‘Tank’ was a world champion, and Frank Martin wasn’t even a professional yet. One thing about boxing is, you can’t skip steps. It’s about experience, and you get that by consistently fighting the best.

“Frank is a good fighter, but there is a difference between good, and special. ‘Tank’ is special. Everything that Frank does good, ‘Tank’ does better. Come Saturday night, don’t blink. Because this could be over early.”

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. MARTIN & BENAVIDEZ VS. GVOZDYK

Davis vs. Martin and Benavidez vs. Gvozdyk will see popular superstars Gervonta “Tank” Davis and David “El Monstro” Benavidez co-headline a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, June 15 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Headlining the show is the undefeated three-division champion Davis defending his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten top contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin, while Benavídez is set to make his 175-pound debut against former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk in a matchup for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title.

The pay-per-view will also see undefeated rising star Gary Antuanne Russell take on unbeaten former world champion Alberto Puello for the vacant Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title, while WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames battles veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena hosted its premiere boxing event in January 1994 and, over its 30-year history, the venue has become synonymous with the sport’s biggest fight nights. Fight fans have watched champions ranging from George Foreman and Julio Cesar Chavez to Roy Jones and Shane Mosley step in the ring and put on a championship display of skill. Epic battles including Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Holyfield vs. Tyson II, Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV, multiple Barrera vs. Morales title fights, and Mayweather vs. Canelo, among others, led all boxers to want to fight at the legendary Grand Garden Arena. The June 15 event will mark a celebration of the venue’s storied history as boxing’s next chapter unfolds with these two high-stakes showdowns.

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisMartin & #BenavidezGvozdyk, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions