In a highly anticipated battle of undefeated lightweights, Frank Martin coasted to a 12-round unanimous decision over Michel Rivera at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

In round seven, Martin put Rivera on the canvas with a right hook.

Martin, 134.75 ls of Indianapolis, IN won by scores of 120-107, 118-109 and 117-110 and is now 17-0. Rivera, 134.5 lbs of Miami is 24-1.

Vladimir Shishkin remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Jose Uzcategui in a super middleweight fight.

Shiskin outlanded Uzcategui 238 to 162.

Shishkin, 167.25 lbs of Russia won by scores of 117-111 twice and 115-113 and is now 14-0. Uzcategui, 167.5 lbs of El Vigla, VEN is 3205.

Vincent Astrolabio stopped Nikolai Potapov in round six of their 12-round bantamweight bout.

In round five, Astrolabio landed a body punch that put Potapov on a knee. In round six, another body shot sent Potapov down for the count at 1:26.

Astrolabio, 117.5 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-2-1 with 13 knockouts. Potapov, 117 lbs of Posdoisk, RUS 23-3-1.

Omar Juarez was deducted three points for low blows but won a 10-round unanimous decision over Austin Dulay in a super lightweight bout.

In round three, Juarez was deducted two points for low blows. In round four, Juarez was once again deducted a point for a low blow.

Juarez, 141 lba of Brownsville, TX is 14-1. Dulay, 140 lbs of Nashville, TN is 15-4.

Elijah Garcia remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Cruse Stewart in an eight-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Garcia dropped Stewart with a left hook. Stewart did not get up and the fight was waved off.

Garcia, 164 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Stewart, 162.5 lbs of Maple Grove, MN is 8-2.

LAS VEGAS – November 22, 2022 – Rising undefeated lightweight contenders Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera and Frank “The Ghost” Martin will clash in an intriguing 12-round WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator as they headline live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 17 in a Premier Boxing Champions event at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see former world champion José Uzcátegui return to action against unbeaten former amateur standout Vladimir Shishkin in a 12-round IBF Title Eliminator. Plus, bantamweight contenders face off as Vincent Astrolabio and Nikolai Potapov battle in a 12-round IBF Title Eliminator that kicks off the telecast.

“Michel Rivera vs. Frank Martin is one of the best matchups that can be made in the stacked lightweight division and the fans watching on SHOWTIME and at The Cosmopolitan are surely in for a treat on December 17,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Each has shown immense skill and heart in earning their status as contenders, and they’ve proven that they’re ready to fight whoever it takes to become world champion. Adding in two closely matched bouts on the televised undercard makes this a night of drama that fight fans will not want to miss.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com. 

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla., Rivera (24-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his United States debut with a victory over Rene Tellez Giron. The 24-year-old continued his ascent with five more victories in 2020 and 2021, including knockouts of Jon Fernandez and Anthony Mercado. Most recently he outboxed Jerry Perez, earning a unanimous decision victory in October after dominating the previously unbeaten Joseph Adorno on his way to a unanimous decision in March.

“This is the type of fight that I’ve been asking for and I can’t wait to get into the ring,” said Rivera. “Martin is a strong opponent with a good record, but I’m ready to show that I am the future of the lightweight division. I’ve been training hard in Miami so that I’m ready for anything that Martin brings. Make sure you tune in to this fight!”

The 27-year-old Martin (16-0, 12 KOs) ascended the lightweight rankings in 2021 with a pair of impressive victories before delivering a New Year’s Day KO over veteran Romero Duno. In April 2021, Martin knocked out the previously unbeaten Jerry Perez in a dominating performance before earning a unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczweski in August. He produced a methodical destruction of Jackson Mariñez in July when he stopped him in the 10^th round, showing the skill set that has made him one of the most highly touted contenders at lightweight. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., Martin now trains in the Dallas area under the guidance of Derrick James alongside his promoter and unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

“I’m excited to be able to go out there and prove to myself and prove to the fans how great I am,” said Martin. “Michel Rivera is a good fighter. He’s technically sound and seems to have a determined mentality which means he’s going to come out and give a good fight on December 17. I’m just a few steps ahead of Rivera as far as having speed, power and ring IQ. I feel I have more in the arsenal. This is going to be an action-packed fight. There is going to be a lot of excitement, and a lot of hard shots are going to be dished out, so if you want to see a bang ’em fight, get ready to see two hungry, undefeated fighters go at it. Just remember: Every underdog had to go outside to an uncomfortable situation to become the top dog.”

Born in Venezuela and fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, Uzcátegui (32-4, 27 KOs) captured a 168-pound world title in March of 2018 by stopping veteran contender Andre Dirrell after eight rounds. The 31-year-old put himself in position to fight for a title with four straight stoppage victories from 2015 through 2016, including a win over then unbeaten Julius Jackson. Since losing the title to unbeaten champion Caleb Plant in January 2019, Uzcátegui has rebounded to win four of his last five fights, including most recently knocking out Felipe Romero in May.

“I am thrilled to be returning to fight on SHOWTIME on December 17,” said Uzcátegui. “That is where I won my world title and I can’t wait to put on another great performance. I am looking at this fight against Shishkin as my chance to reclaim my belt. I’m leaving it all in the ring in this fight. It’s all or nothing for me once I step between the ropes.”

Now fighting out of the resurgent Detroit boxing scene under the guidance of the renowned SugarHill Steward, Shishkin (13-0, 8 KOs) is a Russian native who turned pro in 2016 following a prolific amateur career. The 31-year-old stopped veteran contender Nadjib Mohammedi in October 2018 before putting together his most recent five victories in stateside bouts. That run includes three appearances on SHOBOX: The New Generation and started with an eighth-round stoppage of DeAndre Ware on SHOBOX in 2019, a 2020 triumph over the previously unbeaten Ulises Sierra and most recently a sixth-round TKO of Jeyson Minda in March.

“This is an incredible opportunity for me to get closer to my ultimate dream of becoming world champion,” said Shishkin. “My opponent is a strong former champion with a proven record and an excellent skill set. However, me and my team are doing everything we can to be 100% on December 17. I believe that I’m facing a great opponent who will allow me to showcase my style of fighting.”

The 25-year-old Astrolabio (17-3, 12 KOs) put himself into world title contention with an upset victory over longtime pound-for-pound staple Guillermo Rigondeaux in February. A native of General Santos City in the Philippines, Astrolabio will make his U.S debut on December 17 as he looks to take one step closer to a world title opportunity. Prior to that decision victory in February, Astrolabio’s previous five wins had all come by knockout.

“I am very excited to make my U.S. debut on December 17,” said Astrolabio. “I want to thank my promoter Manny Pacquiao and my whole team for making this dream come true. I’m honored to be fighting in a world title eliminator. I truly feel that I earned this opportunity with my victory over Rigondeaux. This is my first fight on SHOWTIME and I’m training hard to make it a memorable one.”

Potapov (23-2-1, 11 KOs) has held his current training camp in Miami as he is co-trained by John David Jackson while he too looks to solidify his shot at a world title. The Russian native enters the fight on a three-bout winning streak following a narrow decision loss to Joshua Greer in July 2019. The 32-year-old turned pro in 2010 and was unbeaten until a 2016 draw against fellow contender Stephon Young. 

“This is an important stage of my career and a fight that I’m putting everything into,” said Potapov. “Winning a world title has always been my dream. I know that this fight is one step away from that dream. I’m going to do everything I can in my power to make it a reality. I hope that my opponent comes into the ring at his best as well, so that we can give the fans a great fight. No matter what, I’m planning on having my hand raised.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RiveraMartin, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

HOENIX (October 18, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez and former champion José Uzcátegui previewed their upcoming super middleweight title eliminator during a virtual press conference Monday before they meet live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, November 13 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center – home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features the much-anticipated return of longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. The Benavídez brothers have their sights set on impressing their hometown fans in long-awaited homecoming bouts.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Monday:

DAVID BENAVÍDEZ

“I’m going to be the same fighter I always am, ripping the body and looking for the knockout. I like a fast-paced, action packed fight. The fans are expecting it, so there’s no reason to change my style now. No one has ever stopped Uzcategui, but that’s the statement I’m trying to make.

“I’m going to go in there and do what I always do. I’m always looking for a spectacular knockout. That’s just the way that I train. I put my heart and soul into camp. No matter what fight might be on the horizon, it doesn’t change the way I prepare for a fight.

“Every time I go to sleep, I’m thinking about war on November 13. I’m gunning for the knockout, and if I have to go through a war to get it, then that’s what’s going to happen.

“Uzcategui is a strong fighter. If I can’t get the stoppage, I want to get a very clear victory. I’ve got a great game plan and I’m prepared to bring a lot of different styles into the ring. I know this isn’t an easy opponent, but that’s the kind of fighter I want to be. I want to take on the toughest challenges.

“We’ve had a lot of great sparring sessions out here in Southern California with Gabe Rosado and Diego Pacheco. I’ve been going up to 14 rounds in sparring sessions, so I’m not even worried about my stamina at all.

“There’s no anxiety about fighting at home. I’m just excited about it. I’ve worked very hard for this. It’s going to be a great night of boxing, and I can’t wait to share the card with my brother in the co-main event. It’s really a dream come true.

“My main objective is to go in there and stop him. I’m the best super middleweight in the world and I just have to show everybody why.

“I know he’s coming to knock me out too, and that’s going to make it a great fight. It’s huge for both of us to get this win and get to the next step toward a title.

“I feel like the winner of this fight deserves the Canelo-Plant winner. We’ve definitely put the work in throughout our careers to earn it. I think Canelo has the experience and power that’s going to help him get the victory on November 6 over Plant.

“I’m doing 13 or 14 rounds of sparring and running six or seven miles a day right now and I’m feeling strong. I basically had two back-to-back camps with the delay, so it was a little bit of a blessing in disguise.”

JOSE UZCÁTEGUI

“I’m very motivated to work hard and train hard every day. If David doesn’t think I’m a top-level fighter, then that’s fine. I’m going to show him in the ring. Whatever misconceptions he has, we are going to figure it out in the ring and I will show the kind of work that I have put in and the type of opponent that I can be.

“What happened with Caleb Plant was just a bad night. We prepared in the wrong way and we weren’t ready like we should have been. But on November 13, the people are going to realize that the Plant fight was just one bad night and we will work extremely hard to become victorious.

“I’m not going to tell you that I’m going to get the knockout or that I’m going to stop him or anything like that,because David is a young, strong, talented fighter who is capable of anything, just like I am. I’m going to provide my own speed, my own talent and my own experience. So in the end, the winners on November 13 are going to be the fans.

“I can guarantee you that we will provide fans with a great fight and that people will realize the type of fighters we are. I promise I will make the most out of this opportunity and give the fans what they deserve.

“I truly believe that the winner of this fight between me and David deserves to fight the winner of Canelo-Plant. No doubt about that. As far as that fight goes, I think Canelo is going to win, and he may even knock Plant out in eight or nine rounds.

“This could be the Fight of the Year, I can tell you that. The fans can expect a war between me and David. I know it’s going to be tough, but it’s going to be a real entertaining fight that the fans will love and we are going to put on a show for them.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. UZCATEGUI
Benavidez vs. Uzcategui will see unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez square off against former champion José Uzcátegui in a super middleweight title eliminator as Benavídez returns to his hometown of Phoenix for the first time in six years in the SHOWTIME main event on Saturday, November 13 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center – home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature the much-awaited return of longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in a 10-round super welterweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

PHOENIX (August 24, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time world champion and Phoenix-native David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez will battle former world champion Jose Uzcategui in a WBC Super Middleweight title eliminator in his hometown on Saturday, November 13 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center in Phoenix.

Benavidez and Uzcategui were originally scheduled to meet on Saturday, August 28, before the fight was pushed back due to a positive COVID-19 test for Benavidez.

Also featured on the card will be longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, making his much-awaited return facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in a 10-round super welterweight duel.

Tickets purchased for the August 28 event will be valid for the newly scheduled November 13 event date. If you are unable to attend the newly scheduled date, tickets will be refundable at your point of purchase.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

PHOENIX (August 3, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez and former champion José Uzcátegui previewed their upcoming WBC Super Middleweight title eliminator during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they meet in the SHOWTIME main event on Saturday, August 28 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center – home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features the much-anticipated return of longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is undefeated contender Carlos Castro taking on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round super bantamweight bout. The Benavídez brothers and Castro all hail from Phoenix and have their sights set on impressing their hometown fans.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

DAVID BENAVÍDEZ

“I’m very excited for this fight. I’ve been training for eight weeks and I can’t wait. Uzcátegui is not an easy fighter. He’s an ex-world champion looking to be champion again, so we’re at a crossroads, and whoever wins knows they have a big fight coming.

“I’m motivated not just because of Uzcátegui, but to fight in Phoenix again. It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in my hometown. I’m feeling fast and strong and ready to get in there and put on a show.

“I don’t put any extra pressure on myself fighting at home. I’m excited to be back fighting in front of a live crowd. I think this is going to be my best fight ever too, just like Uzcátegui said, so the winners are going to be the fans on August 28.

“I see the fire in Uzcátegui’s eyes and that motivates me. This might be the Fight of the Year. Don’t blink, because this one is going to be explosive.

“I think this will be a harder fight for me than Caleb Plant would be. I think Uzcátegui won the second round of that fight against Caleb and I don’t think Caleb has been the same since that fight.

“This is a big opportunity for whoever wins this fight. He’s been in this sport for a long time and has a lot of experience. This is the kind of fight we both need to get to the bigger dogs. I’ll fight whoever I have to in order to get back to the world title. I’m going to earn my opportunity any way it comes.

“It’s a dream come true for me to have my first main event at the Phoenix Suns arena, Footprint Center. Having my brother fighting in the co-main event is a very big deal for me and my family. We’ve been putting in hard work for our whole lives in this sport and it’s paying off. I’m proud of my brother and the work we’ve done.

“I take my career fight-by-fight and I of course want to get back in the ring as soon as possible after this fight. Right now, August 28 is the only thing on my mind. I can’t overlook anybody, especially an ex-champion like Uzcátegui.

“I want to be in the game for 10 more years. So it doesn’t matter when the belt comes back to me. I have to keep taking it fight by fight and let the rest take care of itself.

“We both throw good power shots and we’re very similar fighters. When two bulls go toe-to-toe you’re going to get a war. This is going to be one of the best fights of the year. It’s a guaranteed war.

“I know that I can hurt anybody. I’ve hurt everyone I’ve ever faced. I’m not ignorant though, I know that he has power too. I think if I follow my game plan, I can definitely knock him out. No one has knocked him out, so I’m training hard to be the first person to do that. I go for the stoppage in every fight and I know he’s going to come for the same thing.”

JOSE UZCÁTEGUI

“I think this is going to be the best fight of my career, even more than winning the title. I have a great opponent across from me and that’s going to bring out the best in me.

“It makes me more motivated to be fighting in his hometown. I know that we’re both great warriors. This is going to be an exciting fight, and you’re going to make sure you don’t want to miss it.

“This fight was talked about back when we were both champions. It didn’t happen then but it’s happening now. A lot of fighters run and don’t want to get in there with Benavídez, but we stepped up.

“I want the big challenges like Canelo Alvarez, and I know I have to win fights like these to get there. I want the tough fights. That’s what makes this a great fight for the fans.

“Winning the world title was one of the best nights of my life. But I didn’t do the proper things I had to after winning to remain world champion, and you saw the results. But I still believe in myself and you’re going to see me back to my best on fight night.

“Obviously we both hit hard. The difference in this fight is going to be who can stand there and take it better. It’s going to come down to preparation and who can stand up for 12 rounds.

“I never really committed to going up to 175-pounds. That was just for one fight. Super middleweight is my division and that’s where I’m trying to win a title at. We’ve wanted to fight David forever and once the fight came to us, we jumped at it.

“I expect the same David we always see. He’s a great fighter who comes forward. But that’s what I’m going to show you as well. It’s definitely two fighters who love to come forward.

“We know what’s in front of us. We have trained 100% every day, as hard as we can, because he’s coming to throw bombs.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. UZCATEGUI
Benavidez vs. Uzcategui will see unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez square off against former champion José Uzcátegui in a WBC Super Middleweight title eliminator as Benavídez returns to his hometown of Phoenix for the first time in six years in the SHOWTIME main event on Saturday, August 28 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center – home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature the much-awaited return of longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is undefeated contender Carlos Castro taking on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

PHOENIX (July 13, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez will enter the ring for a homecoming fight in his native Phoenix when he takes on former champion Jose Uzcategui in a WBC 168-pound title eliminator live on SHOWTIME Saturday, August 28 from Phoenix Suns Arena headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, go on sale Thursday, July 15 at 12 p.m. PT and will be available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Gervonta Davis moved up to lightweight and captured the WBA title with a 12th round stoppage over Yuriorkis Gamboa in front of over 14,000 fans at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

In round two, Davis dropped Gamboa with a straight left hand. Gamboa got to his feet, and looked like he had a problem with his leg, but in between rounds it was determined had an issue with his right shoe.

In round eight, Davis seemed to be slowing down until he landed a left hand that sent Gamboa down for a 2nd time. Over the next five rounds, Davis landed many hard power shots that somehow Gamboa was able to absorb. That all changed in the final round, when Gamboa landed a crushing uppercut that sent Gamboa down for a 3rd and final time and the fight was stopped at 1:17.

“Coming into this fight I knew Gamboa was a tough opponent,” said Davis, who went past the ninth round for the first time in his career. “I knew he was a vet. As you see in the ring, I was catching and hurting him but he was still there. I knew he was better than anyone I had fought before. I was mainly focused on catching him with clean shots.  I was catching him with clean shots and wasn’t hurting him, so I knew I was in for rounds tonight.”

When asked by SHOWTIME reporter Jim Gray to grade his own performance, Davis replied with “C-plus.” 

“It was a great experience. I’m only 25 years old. I’m learning each and every day. 2020 will be a big year. I feel comfortable at both weights.  I feel I could fight at 130 or 135. I’m the top dog.  Bring ‘em on.”

“I feel OK, but I think I ruptured my Achilles tendon before I fell in the second round,” said Gamboa. “I’m a warrior and I kept going, but as soon as I felt it I knew it was ruptured.  I couldn’t put pressure on it.  I wanted to keep going.  I told my corner it was a problem but I wanted to keep going because I’m a warrior. I’m going to keep going. 135 is my weight. I want to stay there.”

Davis, who originally was about 1.5 pounds over the lightweight limit and later came back to the scale at 134 3/4 lbs is 23-0 with 22 knockouts. Gamboa, 134 3/4 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB is 30-3.

Jean Pascal retained the WBA Light Heavyweight title with a split decision over Badou Jack.

It was a very entertaining fight with both guys getting in solid punches throughout.

In round four, Pascal landed a perfect counter right that rocked and ultimately put Jack on the canvas.

In round twelve, Jack created drama as he landed a big right that set up a punishing flurry that put Pascal down to the canvas.

It was too-little, too-late as Pascal won two cards 114-112 and Jack taking a card 114-112.

Pascal, 174 3/4 of Port ou Prince, HAI is 35-6-1. Jack, 174 1/2 lbs of Stockholm, SWE is 22-4-3.

“I won this fight, it was a close fight but I won it,” said the 37-year-old Pascal. “Badou is a great fighter but no one can say he was robbed. I won that fight. I’m the champ. I think I was in control the whole fight. I kept the middle of the ring most of the time.  Badou is a great fighter, but I won the fight.

“I can finish every round very strong.  I’m a strong, pressure fighter. Badou – thanks for the fight.  I know the crowd enjoyed the show. I’ll do the rematch any time”

“Of course I feel I won the fight, but it is what it is,” said Jack, who has now had six of his last eight fights end in draws, split decisions or majority decisions. “He’s got a hell of a chin, he’s a tough warrior and I want to thank him for the opportunity. I thought I was winning but maybe I’m wrong.  I would love a rematch.”

“I think he caught me up here (on top of head),” he said when asked by Gray about the fourth-round knockdown. “I didn’t really see the punch.  I wasn’t that hurt but it was a good punch.”

Lionell Thompson won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Jose Uzcategui in a super middleweight bout.

At the end of round one, Thompson landed a perfect right hand that sent Uzcategui down for the canvas. In round three, Thompson was cut over his right eye. In round four, Thompson was deducted a point for holding.

Thompson, 168 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 96-92 twice and 95-94 and is now 24-5. Uzcategui, 167 3/4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 29-4.

Malik Hawkins stopped Darwin Price in round five of a scheduled 10-round fight of undefeated super lightweights.

It was a good fight that saw Price winning early rounds. In round five, Price seemed to have stumbled and hurt his leg. Hawkins saw that and landed hard in the corner. Price was limping badly and the fight was stopped at 1:18.

Hawkins, 139 1/2 lbs of Baltimore is 18-0 with 11 knockouts. Price, 140 lbs of Saint Louis is 16-1.

“Moving down to 168 (pounds), I was a little worried for my first fight but I felt great,” said the 34-year-old Thompson. “I still had the power at this weight and I hurt him a few times. This is my weight class now and I think I have a real chance at becoming super middleweight champion and putting my city on the map as the first world champion from Buffalo.”

“I thought the decision was fair,” said the 29-year-old Uzcátegui, who has now dropped two of his last three fights. “I don’t want to make any excuses. He came to fight. The distance from my last fight definitely showed. I was very rusty. I need to get back in the gym train harder and hopefully get another fight in the next few months.”

Angelo Leo stopped former world title challenger in round 11 of a scheduled 12-round super bantamweight elimination bout.

Juarez began to bleed from his right nostril in round four.

In round six, Leo landed a big left hook that rocked Juarez. Juarez ate several hard blows before going down. Seconds later, a bug uppercut rocked Juarez. Leo followed up and what looked like push sent Juarez down for a 2nd knockdown. In round 11, Leo landed a big right that sent Juarez to the canvas. Juarez got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:12.

Leo, 121 1/2 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 19-0 with nine knockouts. Juarez, 121 3/4 lbs of Mexico City is 24-8.

LAS VEGAS (December 13, 2019) – Veteran contender Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson previewed his upcoming showdown from his training camp as he prepares to take on former champion Jose Uzcategui live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by boxing’s hottest attraction Gervonta “Tank” Davis as he moves up in weight to take on former unified champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features Jean Pascal defending his WBA Light Heavyweight Title against two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-feature.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale and available through Ticketmaster.com.

For Thompson, it will be his debut fight at 168 pounds, after fighting in the light heavyweight division throughout his career. Here is what Thompson had to say about his new division, his December 28 opponent and more, from training camp at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas:

LIONELL THOMPSON

“I’m not worried about his power. I’ve been in there with big punchers my whole career. I’m just ready to perform. I’m not worried about what he can do. I’m just concentrating on what I can do. Everyone can punch in the pros. One punch from anyone can hurt you. I’m fully focused on being excellent on December 28.

“We’re working hard. It’s a new weight class for me and that’s motivating me even more to be my best. This win is going to do wonders for my life and career. I believe I’ll be victorious in Atlanta. Don’t blink.

“All of my fights are important to me. Uzcategui is just another fighter. I don’t focus on what the perception of Uzcategui is. People say he’s a big puncher, but how do you know if he’s never hit you before? It’s someone’s job to pump their fighter up, but I’m only focused on what I can control.

“This is a huge opportunity for me and I’m definitely thankful to the Mayweather Promotions team for putting me in this position. When I saw that Uzcategui was looking for an opponent, I told (Mayweather Promotions CEO) Leonard Ellerbe that I wanted to fight him and he made it happen.

“I know it’s rare for someone at my age to go down in weight. I feel fresh for my age though. I’m making weight the right way and the healthy way. I think with my training camp and the challenge that Uzcategui presents, it will bring out the best of me on December 28.”

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GAMBOA
Davis vs. Gamboa will see two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Mayweather Promotions’ top rising star and boxing’s hottest attraction, as he takes on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight Title live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal battling two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-main event, plus former champion Jose Uzcategui battles Lionell Thompson in super middleweight action that kicks off the telecast.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

ATLANTA (December 11, 2019) – More tickets are now available for the December 28 event at the award-winning State Farm Arena that is headlined by boxing’s hottest attraction Gervonta “Tank” Davis taking on former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the first world title fight in Atlanta since 1998.

Good tickets are still available through www.ticketmaster.com. All tickets start at $54 and $104.

Former super middleweight world champion José “Bolivita” Uzcátegui will return to battle Lionell Thompson in a 10-round fight that opens the action live on SHOWTIME as part of a special year-end Premier Boxing Champions event.

The main event will see the two-time super featherweight champion Davis as he moves up in weight to battle the former unified champion Gamboa for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title in a show promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions.

The special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will feature a co-main event pitting WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal against two-division champion Badou Jack in action that starts at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The 28-year-old Uzcátegui (29-3, 24 KOs) captured the Interim IBF 168-pound world title in March 2018 by stopping top contender Andre Dirrell after eight rounds of their rematch on SHOWTIME and was elevated to full champion shortly after the bout. Originally from Venezuela but now fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, Uzcátegui bounced back from a decision loss to Caleb Plant in his first world title defense in January by knocking out Roberto Valdez in September. Prior to defeating Dirrell, he put together a four-fight winning streak after suffering his first career loss, including an explosive knockout of then unbeaten Julius Jackson.

“Everyone will see the real ‘Bolivita’ on December 28 in Atlanta,” said Uzcátegui. “I’m very excited for this fight announcement and I’m thankful to everyone involved in making this happen. I’m going to be 100 percent ready for anything that my opponent brings and show the best version of myself. I’m ready to finish this year on a high and positive note with a win against Thompson.”

Born in Buffalo, New York and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Thompson (21-5, 12 KOs) has won back-to-back fights by stopping Scott Sigmon in September and winning a 10-round decision over Derrick Findley in 2018. The 34-year-old owns victories over tough prospects Earl Newman and Steve Lovett and has come up short in tough fights against stiff competition including Sergey Kovalev, Edwin Rodriguez and Radivoje Kalajdzic.

“This is a huge opportunity for me and I’m thankful my team got me this fight,” said Thompson. “Some people told me I’m too small for light heavyweight, so I made the decision to come down to 168. The only real fight I see is to make weight the right way. They say he’s a big puncher, but I can punch too. I’ve hung in there with the best of the best again and again. It’s the guys who come to fight that really bring the best out of me so if he comes to fight, this will be a great fight for the fans.”

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GAMBOA
Davis vs. Gamboa will see two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Mayweather Promotions’ top rising star and boxing’s hottest attraction, as he takes on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight Title live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal battling two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-main event.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

Caleb Plant won the IBF Super Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Jose Uzcategui in Los Angeles.

In round two, Plant dropped Uzcategui with a left hook. Two rounds later, it was a similar punch that put Uzcategui down for a 2nd time. The fight was grueling and plant showed the war scars as he was cut around his right eye in round six.

Plant, 166.8 lbs of Nashville, TN won by scores of 116-110 twice and 115-111 and is now 18-0. Uzcategui, 165.2 lbs of El Vigia, VEN is 28-3.

Joey Spencer remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Brandon Harder in a scheduled four-round super welterweight bout,

In round one, Spencer dropped Harder with a straight right to the head. In round two, it was another right that sent Harder down again. Moments later, Harder went down again, and the bout was stopped.

Spencer, 155.8 lbs of Linden, MI is 6-0 with six knockouts. Harder, 153 lbs of Southaven, MS is 2-2.

Brandon Figueroa stopped Moises Flores in round three of a their scheduled 12-round super bantamweight bout.

Figueroa dropped Flores with a huge left hook, and finished him off later in round three with a barrage of punches that sent Flores down for a 2nd time, and the bout was stopped at 1:35.

Figueroa, 121.4 lbs of Welasco, TX is 18-0 with 13 knockouts. Flores, 121 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 25-2.

Former world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux stopped Giovanni Delgado in the 1st round of their scheduled 10 round super bantamweight bout.

Rigondeaux dropped Delgado at the end of the 1st round with a hard overhand left for the 10 count. The time of the finish was 3:00.

Rigondeaux, 122.2 lbs of Santiago, CUB is 18-1 with 12 knockouts. Delgado, 128.6 lbs of Tacubuyla, MEX is 16-9.

Lindolfo Delgado stopped Sergio Lopez in round three of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

Delgado dropped Lopez with a left to the body for the 10-count at 2:48.

Delgado, 140.4 lbs of Linares, MX is 8-0 with eight knockouts. Lopez, 137.2 lbs of West Covina, CA is 22-13-1.

Ahmed Elbiali stopped faded Allan Green in round three of their scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Elbiali dropped Green with a right-left combination on the ropes. In round two, Elbiali dropped Green with a big left hook. In round three, Elbiali dropped Green with hard right hand, and the bout was stopped at 1:16.

Elbiali, 175 lbs of Cairo, EGY is now 18-1 with 15 knockouts. Green, 178.6 lbs of Tulsa, OK is 33-6.

LOS ANGELES (January 11, 2019) – Just two days before their long-anticipated clash, IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose Uzcategui and unbeaten top contender Caleb Plant went face-to-face at the final press conference before they headline Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action Sunday, January 13 from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Also in attendance Friday and competing in action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT were unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa and former title challenger Moises Flores, who meet in a 12-round super bantamweight clash, and sensational prospect Joey Spencer, who enters the ring against Brandon Harder in a four-round super welterweight attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

The night of fights will also include PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and featuring the return of former world champion and pound-for-pound contender Guillermo Rigondeaux against Giovanni Delgado and hard-hitting 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado in an eight-round super lightweight fight.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Friday from the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in Los Angeles:

JOSE UZCATEGUI

“I’m looking forward to this fight a lot and I’m really excited for Sunday. I can’t wait to show off my talent against a great fighter like Caleb Plant. You can say whatever you want outside of the ring, but we still have to get inside of the ring, and that’s when I do my best talking.

“My motivation is my family. I get up every morning to train and I’m away from my family, which is difficult. But on Sunday I can show that all the hard work paid off and I am the best.

“This is a big fight for me to continue to prove that I’m the best super middleweight in the world. I want all the other champions, but I know that I have a tough fighter to get through first. Caleb Plant will be a good test on my way to what I want to accomplish.

“I’m going to give a great fight for all of my fans in Mexico and the U.S. and everyone watching. They’re going to have a great show on Sunday night.”

CALEB PLANT

“For those who know me and know my story, they know I’ve been through things that break people. I’ve taken many defeats throughout my life, but never once have I been defeated. I always come out the other side. Sunday, January 13, I’m going to come out the other side with that belt.

“Everyone considers Uzcategui the bogeyman of the division, but I’m ready for him. I hope he’s ready. I’m going to take his belt and his spot in the division.

“This is a lifelong dream of mine. Fighting for the world title means everything, but it’s also just the first step. We’ve been in the studio cooking up something hot and the drop date is January 13.

“I think with our styles, this has the makings of a great, memorable fight. Everyone knows I have the skills and speed to hear ‘and the new’ on Sunday night.

“We were supposed to fight in August. I broke my hand in July and we had to move it back, but this fight has been set since June. Even when he fought in September and he said he had a down performance because he was ‘trying to trick’ someone into fighting him, I was waiting for this fight and I hope he’s not taking me as an easy task. Because he has another thing coming.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“This is going to be a tough fight. Moises Flores only has one loss and I know he’s training hard to bounce back. But I’m going to be ready for anything he brings.

“I’m 110 percent focused and ready for this moment. I’m back and ready to work this Sunday. I hope everyone comes out and supports all the hard work these fighters have put in for this show.

“Flores comes prepared. He’s been fighting tough contenders, but I’ve seen the fights he’s had and I don’t think people have really hit him to the body. My game plan is to break him down and try to catch him and knock him out if I can.

“My father has been the backbone of my career and him, along with the rest of my family and supporters in Mexico and all over the world, have helped me get to this moment. I’m close to reaching my goal and I know that means I have to win this fight on Sunday.”

MOISES FLORES

“I know that I’m facing a tough undefeated opponent, but I’ve fought the tougher competition and experienced more difficult fights. That’s going to help me in the ring on Sunday.

“I was derailed in my last fight, but I’ve made the proper corrections and I’m back and ready now. I’m 100 percent now and I’m going to show everyone who Moises Flores is.

“I’d like to thank my team, my family and even my dog and my cat. I’m happy to be back in the ring so I can show everyone what I have in me.”

JOEY SPENCER

“I’m thankful to everyone for coming out and supporting this event. I couldn’t be happier with how my career is going at this point. I’m looking forward to putting on a show on Sunday and turning everyone who hasn’t seen me into a believer.

“This year I’m looking to have even more of a breakout year than last year. I really want to get ready to enter that contender space and get ready to start looking at some titles.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a lot of good shows this year and performing for the fans. I’m excited to get it all started on Sunday night on FS1.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is going to be a sensational show on Sunday night at the Microsoft Theater. PBC and FOX Sports got off to a great start last month in Brooklyn kicking off the new PBC on FOX series and we’re excited to be here to launch the first FS1 show on Sunday night.

“PBC has made a major commitment to bringing some of the best and biggest fights to Southern California. It started off in December with the Wilder vs. Fury fight, continues on Sunday with this great fight and continues in February with Gervonta Davis vs. Abner Mares and Leo Santa Cruz vs. Miguel Flores cards.

“We believe that downtown Los Angeles can be a major hub for the sport of boxing. Come out and support this show on Sunday and get started on a terrific year.”

# # # #

ABOUT PBC ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES: UZCATEGUI VS. PLANT
Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes is headlined by IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose Uzcategui taking on unbeaten Caleb Plant in the main event. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa battling Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.

That show is preceded by PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT that will see the return of former world champion and pound-for-pound contender Guillermo Rigondeaux against Giovanni Delgado and hard-hitting 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado in an eight-round super lightweight fight.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (January 8, 2019) – Fighters competing on Sunday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes event shared their New Year’s resolutions for both inside and outside of the ring before they kick the year off on January 13 live from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose Uzcategui defending his title against unbeaten contender Caleb Plant. Both men recognized the importance of this fight for achieving what they hope for in 2019 and beyond.

“I’m 100 percent focused on Caleb Plant, but my New Year’s resolution is to unify the 168-pound division,” said Uzcategui. “When I’m not working on that goal, I just want to spend as much time with my family as possible.”

“My New Year’s resolution in 2019 in the ring is to definitely win the world title,” said Plant. “First things first, I have to get that strap and then we’ll move on to bigger and better things. Outside of the ring it would be to get a house, then just go from there.”

Televised action on FS1 and FOX Deportes will also see rising contender Brandon Figueroa take on former title challenger Moises Flores in super bantamweight action. Nearing a world title shot, Figueroa will face a tough test in Flores, who is motivated to again compete for a belt.

“I’m looking to make 2019 the year I become a world champion,” said Figueroa. “This is going to be a tough fight, but I think I’m going to be the stronger man in the ring that night. I also want to use this talent I’ve been given to help people in need. My resolution is to be a good role model for kids and contribute as much as I can to my community.”

“Last year had a lot of ups and downs, but I’m looking forward to becoming a world champion and making a title defense in 2019,” said Flores. “I’m very thankful for everything I have. Outside of the ring my resolution is to open a seafood restaurant and buy a house for my family this year.”

The broadcast will also feature sensational 18-year-old prospect Joey Spencer, who burst onto the scene last year after turning pro following a stellar amateur career. He racked up five knockout wins and will look to continue his rise in the new year.

“I’m planning on fighting five times this year so my resolution is to go 5-0, with five knockouts,” said Spencer. “I just want to keep getting better all-around as a fighter this year and I know that people will see my progression.

“I usually don’t make resolutions, but when I do have a little time away from the gym, one good vacation with the family would be great.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

# # #

ABOUT PBC ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES: UZCATEGUI VS. PLANT
Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes is headlined by IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose Uzcategui taking on unbeaten Caleb Plant in the main event. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa battling Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.

That show is preceded by PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT that will see the return of former world champion and pound-for-pound contender Guillermo Rigondeaux against Giovanni Delgado and hard-hitting 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado in an eight-round super lightweight fight.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (January 7, 2019) – Exciting contender Fernando Garcia will take on Isao G. Carranza in an eight-round super bantamweight clash as part of a stacked undercard on Sunday, January 13 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The 30-year-old Garcia (10-0, 5 KOs) has moved up the ladder in the division with three wins in 2018 and wants to make a statement against Mexico’s Carranza (15-13-1, 9 KOs). Garcia was born in Mexico but now lives and trains in Dallas, Texas.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Also in action are two unbeaten prospects as Indio, California’s Ruben Rodriguez (3-0, 1 KO) takes on Daniel Perales (10-14-2, 5 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight contest, while featherweight Victor Slvansky (7-0, 4 KOs) clashes with Mexico’s Angel Monrreal (10-11-1, 3 KOs).

Plus, Philippines’ Michael A. Plania (17-1, 10 KOs) will meet Mexico’s Ramiro Robles (15-8-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight match. Rounding out the slate of non-televised fights is Desoto, Texas-welterweight Amon Rashidi battling Evincii Dixon in a four-round match.

The jam-packed undercard is part of a Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes show that features IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose Uzcategui taking on unbeaten Caleb Plant in the main event. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa take on Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.

The undercard will also see PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT) featuring the return of former world champion and pound-for-pound contender Guillermo Rigondeaux against Giovanni Delgado and hard-hitting 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado in an eight-round super lightweight fight.

Also light heavyweight power-puncher Ahmed Elbiali battles Oklahoma’s Allan Green on the Prelims telecast, if time allows. Plus, Ryan “Cowboy” Karl and Kevin Watts meet in an eight-round rematch after Watts stopped Karl in round five of their exciting April bout that serves as an FS1 TV swing bout

# # # #

ABOUT PBC ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES: UZCATEGUI VS. PLANT
Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes is headlined by IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose Uzcategui taking on unbeaten Caleb Plant in the main event. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa battling Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.

That show is preceded by PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT that will see the return of former world champion and pound-for-pound contender Guillermo Rigondeaux against Giovanni Delgado and hard-hitting 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado in an eight-round super lightweight fight.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (December 28, 2018) – Undefeated super middleweight contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant hosted a media workout in Las Vegas Friday as he nears his first world title opportunity when he takes on IBF 168-pound champion Jose Uzcategui in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Sunday, January 13 from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa take on Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what Plant and his trainer Justin Gamber had to say Friday from City Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

CALEB PLANT

“This is a great matchup. I think this could be one of the best fights of the year. On paper at least, it already looks like that. He’s a rough rugged guy who comes forward and I know he’s coming to win.

“Any time that a pro fights for his first world title, it’s something that they’ve always dreamed of. This is something that I’ve always wanted. I’m excited to be here and be a part of this great night on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

“I really think that with our styles, this is going to be fireworks. I believe that on January 13 you will hear ‘and the new!’

“I’ve had the same team with me since the amateurs with only a couple new additions the last few years and we’re a close-knit family. It’s not just our job and our careers. I have a great corner. Everyone is calm, cool and collected and I feel we have a lot of knowledge. I’m excited for them to be on this journey with me and now we’re at the first stop.

“I’m going to bring excitement. Everyone who’s watched me sees my boxing skill, the speed, the footwork, but we have some new additions that we’ll throw in there for this fight. Everyone needs to tune in January 13 to see what it looks like.

“I’m so thankful for everyone, especially back in (Plant’s hometown) Nashville, Tennessee, who have been following me since the beginning. I’m not just doing this for me, I’m doing it for us. It’s going to be all of us in that ring on January 13.”

JUSTIN GAMBER, Plant’s Trainer

“This is what we’ve trained for since Caleb turned pro. This is the direction we’ve been headed the whole time and this is the biggest fight of our lives. We’ve put in as much work as we could. It’s been smart work, not only hard work.

“We’ve done everything we’ve had to in the gym, we’ve done our homework and we’ll be ready on fight night. This has been our best training camp by far. Everything Caleb has learned has led up to this point.

“Everything is coming together and Caleb is looking better than he ever has. He’s faster, stronger and he has more confidence than he’s ever had before.

“I love this matchup. Stylistically, Uzcategui comes forward, but he can do some different things. He’s a right-hander but he can fight southpaw. Uzcategui is good all around. He’s not great at any single thing, he’s just good everywhere.

“In this fight Uzcategui’s biggest assets will be his experience and his comfort level in the ring. But I think he’s tailor-made for Caleb and the hand speed and defense he brings. It’s definitely not going to be an easy fight, but it’s a fight that could play into Caleb’s hands stylistically. ”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (December 19, 2018) – Unbeaten 168-pound contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant took time to talk about his current training as he prepares to battle IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose Uzcategui in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Sunday, January 13 from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Coverage on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa take on Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) is originally from Nashville, Tennessee but now lives and trains in Las Vegas. Here is what he said about his first world title opportunity and more from training camp with trainer Justin Gamber at City Boxing Las Vegas.

On his recent training camp:

“This training camp has been great. We took everything to the next level as I do every camp. We stepped up everything for this camp, the sparring partners, the strength and conditioning, all of the training is on another level. I’ll be at my best come fight night and I can’t wait.”

On his matchup with Jose Uzcategui:

“Everyone says Jose Uzcategui is the bogeyman, but after January 13th, I don’t want no excuses. He is a top fighter in the division, but I will take that spot after I take his title from him. All I can tell him is be ready.”

On fighting for his first world title:

“This has been a lifelong dream of mine to be fighting for a world title and now that time has finally come. I’ll be fighting for my daughter Alia, may she rest in peace. The trials and tribulations I’ve gone through to get to this point have been overwhelming at times, but they’ve only made me stronger. I’ve worked hard for this defining moment in my boxing career and I’m going to rise to the occasion, and everyone will hear the words…And The New!”

On fighting on FS1 and FOX Deportes during the NFL Playoffs on FOX:

“It’s going to be a big weekend for sports with the NFC playoffs going down on FOX, but the night is going to be capped off with a great world championship fight. You have two warriors who will be putting everything on the line for super middleweight supremacy. Fans of all sports who will be watching are going to see a man in myself who is hungry and dangerous. I will be crowned champion!”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (December 7, 2018) – Battle-hardened Venezuelan Jose Uzcategui defends his IBF Super Middleweight World Championship against unbeaten top challenger Caleb Plant in prime time on Sunday, January 13 on FS1 and FOX Deportes presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Also in action unbeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa who takes on his toughest challenge to date when he meets rugged, once-beaten veteran Moises “Chucky’’ Flores in the televised co-feature. Also appearing is unbeaten sensation Joey Spencer entering the ring in a special junior middleweight attraction.

The first show of the 2019 season of PBC on FOX is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions and tickets, starting at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

“This is an excellent card, featuring the kinds of bouts that are intriguing for boxing fans because it involves two young stars who are reaching up for challenges to determine whether they have what it takes to become world champions,’’ said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Jose Uzcategui is going to push Caleb Plant to the limits and Plant will have to take the title away from Uzcategui if he wants it. Moises Flores feels like he definitely has something to prove coming off his last fight and Brandon Figueroa knows his road to a world title runs right through Flores. It’s also exciting to see the continued growth of the sensational prospect Joey Spencer. It’s going to be a special night of boxing on PBC on FS1 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live.’’

“José Bolivita Uzcategui is the best super middleweight in the world and as always he will show his skills and elevate his game in the biggest stage,’’ said Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions. “This is no exception. Plant is a good fighter but Bolivita is at his best and we are all thrilled to be able to do this fight on FOX Sports. So everyone tune in and enjoy the show.”

Uzgategui (28-2, 23 KOs) will be making his first defense of his IBF super middleweight championship with the match against Plant. The 27-year-old Uzgategui was born in El Vigia, Venezuela and now lives in Tijuana, Mexico. He earned the world title with a ninth round TKO victory over Andre Dirrell in their rematch in March. Uzcategui lost the first fight by disqualification in 2017. In his last match Uzcategui scored a unanimous decision over Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna on Sept. 28.

“It is an honor to defend my IBF title for the first time on FOX Sports,’’ Uzcategui said. “About the only thing I can say about my fight is that I don’t respect Caleb Plant. He has talked too much and I will punish him, beat him up and then knock him out.”

The 26-year-old Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) is an undefeated top contender who moved into position to challenge for the title with an impressive unanimous decision victory over tough veteran Rogelio Medina on Feb. 17. Plant, who was born in Nashville, Tennessee and now lives in Las Vegas, has dedicated his career to his daughter, Alia, who was born with a medical condition that causes seizures. She died at 19 months old from a respiratory infection that developed into pneumonia.

“Come January 13th when I step in that ring it will be for a lot of reasons,’’ Plant said. “I’ll be stepping between those ropes for Alia. I’m stepping between those ropes for the people of my city and state and for the people who come from the very bottom. I’m stepping between those ropes to finish the job that my father started, for all the work and sacrifice he made to ensure that he gave us a better opportunity than the life we once had and lived. But most importantly I’m stepping between those ropes January 13th in LA for myself. AND THE NEWWWW!”

The 21-year-old Figueroa (17-0, 12 KOs) will be facing the toughest challenge of his pro career when he takes on Flores. Figueroa fought three times and scored three knockouts in 2018 as he climbed the ladder in the super bantamweight and featherweight divisions. Figueroa of Weslaco, Texas is the younger brother of former lightweight world champion Omar Figueroa. In his last fight Figueroa scored an impressive TKO victory over Oscar Escandon on Sept. 30.

“This is definitely a step up for me. He’s 25-1 and he’s been in some tough fights, especially the championship fight against Daniel Roman,’’ Figueroa said. “I feel like I keep getting better with each fight, stronger and wiser in the ring. I want to show everyone that I’m the real deal and I’m ready for that world title. I believe that it’s coming soon and this is the kind of fight that I need to prove that I’m ready.’’

Flores (25-1, 17 KOs) is looking to rebound from the first loss of his professional career after dropping a unanimous decision against Daniel Roman for the super bantamweight world title on June 16. The 32-year-old Flores of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico had fought Guillermo Rigondeaux in 2017 in a match that was ruled a no contest before the bout against Roman.

“I’m looking forward to this fight,’’ Flores said. “I had only fought one round in two years coming into my last fight with Roman. And while I wasn’t happy with my performance, it was great to get 12 rounds in and I’ve been in the gym since that loss. So now I’m confident I will be at my best. Figueroa and I both throw a ton of punches. It’s gonna be an all out war.’’

All PBC on FOX Sports events and programming will be streamed live on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. FOX Sports will offer a platform inside the app to allow viewers to stream the PPV events. In addition, FOX Sports Digital will have a dedicated FOXSports.com and FOX Sports App page for PBC coverage, in addition to dedicated YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.

The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Sports. Please visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and follow Premier Boxing Champions on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on FOX Sports, visit FOX Sports Press Pass.

About FOX Sports

FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, including FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.

About Premier Boxing Champions

The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.

OAKLAND, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2018) – IBF junior bantamweight world champion Jerwin Ancajas and challenger Alejandro Santiago met briefly in the fight hotel on Tuesday and posed for a few photos. They were all smiles then, and they resumed the pleasantries Wednesday afternoon at the final press conference.

Ancajas (30-1-1, 20 KOs), the longest-reigning 115-pound world champion, will make the sixth defense of his title against Santiago (16-2-4, 7 KOs) on Friday at Oakland’s Oracle Arena (home of the Golden State Warriors) in the co-main event. In the main event, IBF super middleweight champion Jose Uzcategui (27-2, 23 KOs) will face Ezequiel Maderna (26-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round non-title bout contested in the light heavyweight division.

Ancajas-Santiago and Uzcategui-Maderna will stream beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

The entire undercard will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. ET and includes Filipino featherweight contender Genesis Servania (31-1, 14 KOs) against Carlos Carlson (22-4, 13 KOs) and Joshua Greer Jr. (17-1-1, 9 KOs) versus Giovanni Delgado (16-7, 9 KOs) in a super bantamweight bout.

Here is what the fighters had to say.

Jose Uzcategui

“Since the beginning of my career, I have never underestimated anybody. I know that this is a great opportunity for Maderna. I know that he’s very hungry. He knows the opportunity that he has in front of him. I am going to try and put on a great performance for everybody.”

On fighting Gilberto Ramirez, Jesse Hart, mandatory challenger Caleb Plant, and his status in the 168-pound division

“I know that I’m in a tough division, but I believe I am the best in the division. I don’t see anybody coming and beating me.”

Ezequiel Maderna

“I recognize that Jose Uzcategui is a great champion. I know his background, that he had a tremendous amateur career. That’s why he’s the champion. I can say that about myself, too. I also had a great amateur career. I fought in the 2008 Olympics {for Argentina). I’m going to try and do my best, especially since this is my first opportunity in the United States.”

Jerwin Ancajas

On his last fought against Jonas Sultan

“The last fight, we weren’t that impressive. This time, we trained hard and long. We did things that we didn’t do before, and we’ll try our best to come up with a better performance this time.”

Alejandro Santiago

“This means a lot to me. I turned pro eight years ago. I’ve been training really hard for this fight. I am going to do my best to take this title with us.”

“I feel very comfortable. I don’t feel any pressure. If you look at my record, I’ve fought plenty of guys in their backyards. I prepare myself for 12 rounds. I won’t go in there looking for the knockout. I’m going to go in there and try and win the rounds.”

Genesis Servania

On his 2017 loss to Oscar Valdez

“Since the Valdez fight, I’ve improved a lot. Valdez is very good, and I want to put on a good fight again.”

On entertaining the Filipino fans in the Bay Area and a potential Valdez rematch

“I had a very hard training camp in Japan, and I look forward to entertaining the fans. If I get a chance to fight Oscar Valdez again, I’d love to have that opportunity.”

Joshua Greer Jr.

“It means everything to be fighting here in this arena, especially with great players like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green…. all those great guys. And even for this to be the home of Andre Ward is also a blessing with him broadcasting the fights. It’s an honor and a privilege to be in the presence of this.”

On the custom pillows he brings in the ring

“I had a fight in Detroit {in March 2017}. I fought a guy named James Gordon Smith. He was very disrespectful. Him, his matchmakers, his whole team was very disrespectful to me. So I said I’m going to get under their skin. I brought the pillow to the weigh-in and everybody started laughing, so I knew I got in his head. Come fight night, I caught him with a good shot, knocked him out, and the whole city of Detroit was mad. They were like, ‘Oh, he’s so disrespectful,’ but at the end of the day, I started with that. It keeps me working hard because I want to keep bringing the pillow out, keep performing, and keep doing what I’m doing with great knockouts.”

ESPN+, 10:30 p.m. ET
Jose Uzcategui vs. Ezequiel Maderna, 10 rounds, light heavyweight

Jerwin Ancajas (champion) vs. Alejandro Santiago (challenger), 12 rounds, IBF junior bantamweight title

ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET
Genesis Servania vs. Carlos Carlson, 10/8 rounds, featherweight

Joshua Greer Jr. vs. Giovanni Delgado, 10/8 rounds, super bantamweight

Rico Ramos vs. Daniel Olea, 8 rounds, featherweight

Askhat Ualikhanov vs. Angel Hernandez, 8/6 rounds, super lightweight

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Carlos Galvan, 8/6 rounds, super middleweight

Christopher Zavala vs. Dominic Blanco, 4 rounds, super featherweight

Derry Noble vs. Edson Noria, 4 rounds, bantamweight

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Joven Sports and MP Promotions, tickets for this all-action card are on sale now. Priced at $105, $78.75, $52.50, and $26.25, including facility fees, tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Oracle Arena box office. The Oracle Arena box office is open Monday-Friday from 12-5 p.m.

OAKLAND, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2018) — A pair of former amateur stars from Kazakhstan, Janibek Alimkhanuly and Askhat Ualikhanov, will make their Top Rank debuts in separate bouts on Friday, Sept. 28 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. Alimkhanuly will face Carlos Galvan in a super middleweight contest, while Ualikhanov will take on Angel Hernandez in a super lightweight showdown on the undercard of IBF super middleweight champion Jose Uzcátegui’s 10-round non-title bout against Ezequiel Maderna and Jerwin Ancajas’ IBF junior bantamweight title defense versus Alejandro Santiago (ESPN+, 10:30 p.m. ET).

Alimkhanuly-Galvan, Ualikhanov-Hernandez, and other undercard bouts will stream live at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Joven Sports and MP Promotions, tickets for this all-action card are on sale now. Priced at $105, $78.75, $52.50, and $26.25, including facility fees, tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Oracle Arena box office. The Oracle Arena box office is open Monday-Friday from 12-5 p.m.

Alimkhanuly and Ualikhanov are managed by Egis Klimas, the Boxing Writers Association of America’s two-time reigning Manager of the Year.

“Janibek and Askhat are sensational talents who will be contending for world titles sooner rather than later,” Klimas said. “I am happy that American fight fans will be able to see them fight on ESPN+.”

Alimkhanuly (2-0, 1 KO), a southpaw who is trained by former world champion Buddy McGirt, represented Kazakhstan at the 2016 Olympics and advanced to the quarterfinal round. He fought roughly 300 times as an amateur, winning gold medals at the 2013 AIBA World Championships and 2013 Asian Championships. He made his pro debut on Oct. 29, 2016 with a first-round TKO against Milton Nunez. Alimkhanuly last fought in September of last year with a six-round unanimous decision against Gilberto Pereira. He promises to be more active under the Top Rank banner, and if all goes well against Galvan, he will fight at least one more time in 2018. The plan is for Alimkhanuly to eventually challenge for a world title at middleweight.

Ualikhanov (3-1, 2 KOs) suffered the only blemish on his record in his pro debut. He was controversially disqualified in the third round against Daniel Bastien for landing a punch on the break. In his last bout, on July 14 in Hollywood, Calif., he won a four-round unanimous decision against Darel Harris.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to exclusive Top Rank boxing content, programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

OAKLAND, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2018) — IBF super middleweight champion José Uzcátegui, the power-punching boogeyman of the 168-pounders, will face Ezequiel Maderna in the 10-round, non-title main event on Friday, Sept. 28 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

And, in the co-feature, Jerwin Ancajas, the world’s longest-reigning 115-pound world champion, is ready to add another defense to his résumé. The southpaw Filipino sensation will make the sixth defense of his IBF junior bantamweight world title against the hard-charging Alejandro Santiago.

Ancajas-Santiago and Uzcátegui-Maderna will stream live in the United States beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

The undercard will stream on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET and includes a matchup of former 122-pound world champions: Jessie Magdaleno will take on Rico Ramos in a 10-round featherweight bout. Also appearing on the ESPN+ broadcast will be 118-pound contender Joshua Greer Jr. (17-1-1, 9 KOs) making his Top Rank debut in a 10-rounder against Giovanni Delgado (16-7, 9 KOs); the return of Filipino featherweight contender Genesis Servania (31-1, 14 KOs); and 18-year-old featherweight sensation Christopher Zavala (1-0) in a four-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, tickets for this all-action card go on sale Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. PST. Priced at $105, $78.75, $52.50, and $26.25, including facility fees, tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Oracle Arena box office. The Oracle Arena box office is open Monday-Friday from 12-5 p.m.

“This is my first fight since winning the world title, and I will be representing my country and my beloved Tijuana, Mexico, with pride and guts,” Uzcátegui said. “I will show the world and my opponent why I’m the best super middleweight in the world right now!”

“I am very excited to defend my title in Oakland in front of the great fans there, and I look forward to a great challenge from Santiago,” Ancajas said. “There is a large Filipino community in Northern California, so I expect an incredible atmosphere inside the Oracle Arena. I also want to thank MP Promotions, Sean Gibbons, Top Rank, and Mr. Bob Arum for this opportunity.”

“I want to be a world champion again. I have that fire and that fuel, and I am ready to do whatever it takes to get back there,” Madgaleno said. “I have new trainers, Ismael Salas and Jorge Capetillo, and I feel like it’s been a great move. I feel like I Iacked movement in my last fight, and I felt like I needed to get back to the way I was when I won the world title against Nonito Donaire. Everyone will see a renewed Jessie Magdaleno when I fight Rico Ramos.”

Uzcátegui (27-2, 23 KOs) is coming off the biggest win of his career, an eighth-round stoppage against former world champion Andre Dirrell on March 3. It was a rematch of a controversial 2017 disqualification defeat for Uzcátegui, who was ruled to have knocked out Dirrell after the bell had sounded to end the eighth round. The win over Dirrell earned Uzcátegui the IBF interim title, but he was elevated to full champion after then-champion James DeGale elected to vacate the belt rather than face Uzcátegui. A native of El Vigia, Venezuela, Uzcátegui’s last 10 wins have come via stoppage. Maderna (26-4, 16 KOs), from Buenos Aires, Argentina, turned pro in 2008 and has won three of his past four fights.

Ancajas (28-1-1, 19 KOs) from Barangay Ramirez, Magallanes, Cavite, Philippines, is a southpaw power puncher who has been a world champion since Sept. 3, 2016, when he knocked down McJoe Arroyo in the eighth round en route to a unanimous decision victory. He is one of boxing’s most active champions, having defended his title three times in 2017 and twice in 2018. In his last bout, May 26 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California, Ancajas defeated countryman Jonas Sultan via unanimous decision in the first all-Filipino world title bout since 1925. Ancajas is 16-0 with 14 knockouts since his only loss, a 10-round majority decision to Mark Geraldo on March 17, 2012.

Santiago (16-2-4, 7 KOs), a native of Tijuana, Mexico, is riding an 11-bout unbeaten streak dating back to August 2015. He last fought on March 14 in Ponce, Puerto Rico, battling to a spirited draw versus Jose Martinez for the NABO super flyweight title.

Magdaleno (25-1, 18 KOs) is a former WBO junior featherweight world champion who lost the belt in one of the best fights of 2018. On April 28 in Philadelphia, he knocked down Isaac Dogboe in the first round, but Dogboe rallied to score three knockdowns of his own and knock Magdaleno out in the 11th round of an instant classic. Ramos (29-5, 14 KOs), is a 10-year pro, won the WBA 122-pound title with a shocking, one-punch left hook knockout against Akifumi Shimoda in 2011, but lost the title in his first defense against then-unbeaten Guillermo Rigondeaux on Jan. 20, 2012 in Las Vegas. Ramos has won five in a row since a third-round KO loss against Claudio Marrero in July 2015.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to exclusive Top Rank boxing content, programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

Follow all the action as Deontay Wilder defends the WBC Heavyweight title against Luis Ortiz.  The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with the interim IBF Super Middleweight title with a rematch between Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Jab from Ortiz..Jab

Round 2  Jab from Wilder..Ortiz lands a left and falls down..left..Jab..Right from Wilder

Round 3 Left from Ortiz..Right from Wilder

Round 4 Jab from Wilder..Straight right..left and right..1-2..Left from Ortiz..Good straight left..another..

Round 5 Jab from Wilder..Counter right..Left from Ortiz..Hard right hook..BIG RIGHT ROCKS ORTIZ AND HE IS DOWN..

Round 6 Right from Wilder..Big right ..1-2….Jab from ortiz..Jab..Straight left..Left buckles Wilder..Straight left

Round 7 Straight right from Wilder..Left from Ortiz..Right from Wilder..Big combination,Wilder in huge trouble..taking thunderous shots on the ropes

Round 8  Big lefts from Ortiz.Hard left..Wilder looks exhausted..

Round 9 Right from Wilder….Left to body from Ortiz..3 hard straight lefts..Right drive Ortiz back…Right

Round 10 Big counter right rocks Ortiz…Wilder Hurts Ortiz badly and down he goes.   Ortiz in serious trouble…Huge combination and big right hands…down goes Ortiz and the fight is stopped..2:05

Round 1 2 rights from Uzcategui..Body shot..Counter right from Dirrell drives Uzcategui back..Body/Head from Uzcategui..3 more punches land..Counter left from Dirrell..Straight left

Round 2 Right and 4 body shots from Uzcategui..Dirrell answers with a left..Straight left..Uzcategui gets in a right….Straight right..2 rights

Round 3 Right from Uzcategui..right..another right..Jab from Dirrell..Left off the ropes..Hard left from Uzcategui..left and another from Dirrell..Body shot drives Direell to his knees at the bell..no knockdown

Round 4 2 hard rights from Uzacategui..Hard 3 punch combination…2 counter rights..Body..2 Big counter rights

Round 5 2 hard rights from Uzcategui…Dirrell cant get out the way from any punch..Overhand left from Dirrell..Big counter right from Uzcategui

Round 6 Left to the body from Uzcategui..Uzcategui continuing to touch Dirrell..Hard left from Dirrell..Right from Uzcategui

Round 7 Straight left from Dirrell..Another..Left from Uzcategui..Right..Body shot..left from Dirrell

Round 8 Body shot from Uzcategui..Right..Right..Dirrell gets in a left,.Combination on the ropes from Uzcategui..left from Dirrell..Left to body from Uzcategui..Right uppercut from Dirrell..Hard counter right from Uzcategui..another flush right….DCOTORS LOOKING AT DIRRELL IN THE CORNER

Round 9 THE FIGHT IS STOPPED…UZCATEGUI IS THE WINNER

BROOKLYN–He had a few very tense moments, but Deontay Wilder showed guts and resolve to retain the WBC Heavyweight title with a 10th round stoppage over Luis Ortiz in front of 14,069 fans at Barclays Center.

After a slow start, Wilder landed a perfect right hand down the middle that rocked and eventually sent Ortiz to the canvas in round five.  After that, Ortiz took over as Wilder was bucked in round six.

In round seven, Wilder was inches away from having his title snatched as Ortiz battered a prone Wilder with hard straight lefts.  Wilder showed a terrific chin by absorbing as many as 10 blows that would have put most heavyweights on the deck.  Clearly tired in round eight, Wilder continued to land straight lefts but Ortiz’ punch output dropped.  In round nine, Wilder had more bounce in his step and got in a good right hand to close the frame.

In round 10, it was Wilder’s vaunted straight right that was planted on the face of Ortiz that dropped the challenger to the canvas.  Ortiz got up only to eat a handful of wicked punches that was capped off by a big right that sent Ortiz to the canvas for a 3rd and final time as referee David Fields stopped the bout at 2:05.

Wilder is now 40-0 with 39 knockouts.  Ortiz loses for the 1st time, and is now 28-1.

DEONTAY WILDER

“’King Kong’ ain’t got nothing on me!

“A true champion always finds a way to come back and that’s what I did tonight. Luis Ortiz is definitely a crafty guy. He put up a great fight. We knew we had to wear him down. I showed everyone I can take a punch.

“When he leaves tonight Ortiz can hold his head high. He gave the fans a hell of a fight.

“He was hitting me with those furious punches but they didn’t have sting on them. He was throwing combos that knocked me off balance. I just had to get my range back and my fundamentals back. And I was able to do that. I showed I was a true champion tonight.

“I just showed that I can punch on the inside as well, too. A lot of people don’t think I can punch on the inside, but I showed them. Now I can say there’s no man that stepped in the ring that I haven’t put on their ass.

“Luis Ortiz was one of those fighters that everyone ducked, even champions ducked him. I wondered why it took so long for him to get a title shot and now we know.

“I’m ready right now. I always said that I want to unify. I’m ready whenever those guys are. I am the baddest man on the planet and I proved that tonight. this solidified my position at the top of the food chain tonight.”

“It was a great fight. I had to earn this win. I knew Ortiz would be a great opponent with the skill set that he has. I wanted to prove to myself and to the world that I am the best.

“This is a fight I took with great risk so that I could prove to the world that I’m the best. We each put on a great performance and I think the fans were happy they were here. I always give the fans in Brooklyn a great fight.

“I wanted to burn him out. When you get a southpaw you know it’s going to take a little time. I didn’t want to rush in. I tried to set him up and it took a little longer than I wanted, but a true champion knows how to adjust.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I feel fine. I did receive a right hand, but I’m OK.

“I was listening to the directions that my corner was giving me. In this sport, any punch can end a fight.

“In the ring anything can happen.”

“It was a great fight and I performed well. I thought I was up on the scorecard going in to the (tenth) round, but it’s heavyweight boxing and you never know what’s going to happen.

“I almost had him and I think I would’ve if there were a few more seconds in the round.

“I thought I was going to get a rhythm earlier. I thought I was winning the fight. This is heavyweight boxing and he caught me with a great shot. He’s a great champion.

“Wilder was definitely saved by the bell. I thought I had him out on his feet. But you have to give him credit, he weathered the storm.

“I just want to get back in the ring, hopefully earn a rematch and fight for one of the other titles.”

In a rematch, Jose Uzacategui won the Interim IBF Super Middleweight title with a 9th round stoppage over Andre Dirrell.

Uzcategui carried the action as he battered Dirrell with hard rights to the head body shots with both hands.  In round three, one of the body shots made an impression as Dirrell was dropped to his knees, but referee Ricky Gonzalez ruled it came after the bell.  Dirrell would try to mount a comeback, by landing a counter right from time to time, but Uzcategui was undeterred as he continue to mount hard pressure on Dirrell and land power shots.  Dirrell went back to the corner after round eight, and it seemed the fight would be stopped there.  It was just two seconds after the 9th round started before Dirrell had had enough, and the fight was over.

Uzcatergui, 166 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 27-2 with 23 knockouts.  Dirrell, 167.8 lbs of Flint, MI is 26-3.

Patrick Day won a 10-round unanimous decision over Kyrone Davis in a super welterweight bout.

Day, 153.4 lbs of Freeport, NY won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94, and is now 15-2-1.  Davis, 153.3 lbs of Wilmington, DE is 13-2.

Alicia Napoleon won the WBA Super Middleweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Franke Hermans.

Napoleon, 158.4 lbs of Lindenhurst, NY won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 9-1. Hermans of Belgium is 6-1.

Gary Antuanne Russell stopped Keanen Freeman in round two of their scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

In round one, Russell dropped Freeman with a straight left.  In round two, Russell continued to batter Freeman and the fight was stopped at 1:16.

Russell, 138 lbs of Washington, DC is 4-0 with 4 knockouts.  Freeman, 139.6 lbs of Aiken, SC is 4-1.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko battered Dashon Johnson over six round before the bout was halted in their scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

Derevyanchenko, 164.2 lbs of Brooklyn is 12-0 with ten knockouts. Johnson, 164.8 lbs of Escondido, CA is 22-23-3.

OAKLAND, CA. (February 23, 2018) – Super middleweight Andre Dirrell is preparing for his rematch with Jose Uzcategui by working with renowned trainer Virgil Hunter and former pound-for-pound great Andre Ward ahead of his showdown for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight title Saturday, March 3 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by the highly anticipated matchup between heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder and unbeaten challenger Luis Ortiz.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Dirrell has moved his training camp out to Oakland to train with Hunter and gain wisdom from being around Ward. Ward for his part, feels Dirrell has not yet reached his potential in the ring.

“The way I feel about Andre is the way I’ve always felt, the sky’s the limit,” said the recently retired Ward. “He has the God-given ability and talent to do whatever he wants to do in a boxing ring. In other words, he is blessed with the kind of gifts, that if he’s made up his mind that he won’t allow himself to be beat and if he prepares properly in camp, it’s going to be very hard to beat him.

“With a fighter with Andre’s experience and pedigree, it’s less physical and more psychological. Do you want to be a champion and do you want to dominate your division? If the answer is yes, which I believe it is, then go do it. It sounds simple and in many ways it is, but you have to be very intentional to condition your mind to think this way and really believe it. That’s the reason he is training with Virgil in the Bay Area. Physical training, mental preparation & spiritual preparation. It all matters.”

Here is part of what Dirrell had to say about training camp with Hunter and Ward. Read the full story HERE via PremierBoxingChampions.com.

What are some of the nuances Virgil brings, and will your grandfather, Leon “Bumper” Lawson, remain in your corner?

“Virgil is teaching me similarly to the way my grandfather taught me, and I can easily say that he’s picking up where my grandfather left off. My grandfather put my talents in me, making me the fighter Andre Ward had to worry about back in the day.

“But my grandfather doesn’t have the ability to coach really anymore because he’s in the beginning stages of dementia, but I still have him in my corner, and I always will. Virgil has taken over, and this is bar-none, the best I’ve felt, mentally, in my career. There are little things about Virgil that I had to adapt to.

“Virgil’s sense of humor is raw, playful and serious at the same time. If I stop for one minute, he’ll tell me, ‘It takes one second to get knocked out.’ He teaches with passion, direction and remains focused on the task at hand, really wanting you to instill how important things are, psychologically.”

How beneficial is the atmosphere in Virgil’s gym?

“There is a positive aura in the gym, which is a winning environment. When you walk into that gym, it’s time to work. Virgil lets you know that simply by staring at you. You have Andre Ward’s posters all around you, other fighters’ posters around you. There are a lot of fighters’ faces up on those gym walls, including Andre Berto’s.

“I’m definitely inspired because the atmosphere has everything to offer as far as training. You have the mountains, the beaches. And of course, ultimately, you have Virgil, who has flair about him and a way to generate that fire within you and bring it out of you. The most important thing with Virgil is listening.”

What counsel have you received from Ward?

“Andre’s never really showed any hesitation about offering advice and has always been there to give it to me, no problem at all. Andre has always been cordial and honest about wanting to see me hold that championship belt. I believe that he’ll see that this year.

“But I can imagine that now that he’s out of the game, he can do it more freely. I recently had a 45-minute conversation over the phone with him about Jesus Christ, but, face-to-face, we’ve spoken quite often. He came down for a few of my sparring sessions and he’ll be coming to a few more.

“We’ve always talked and had a good time, and he’s been quite an inspiration, aside from being a boxer. Andre has a confidence about himself in and out of the ring, so he’s one of the top guys in my life as a motivator for life outside of and beyond boxing.”

Has Virgil broken down the Uzecategui fight?

“Virgil has watched the fight several times, and I’ve watched the fight several times. We both agreed that the mistakes were definitely all mine and both agree that I didn’t use my ring generalship.

“Even with the flaws that I was committing, I still found my groove. I heard myself saying that I had gotten his timing down and was taking over leading up to the end of the fight.

“Uzecategui is a fighter, but that’s it – he’s no boxer. He has great punching ability but not great skills and he’s not fast, so I expect him to attack me like the first fight. He knows how to put a one-two-three together, and he’s hungry.

“As far as boxing goes, I’ll have to teach him a thing or two about how this game is really played. There’s no question I made the first fight harder than it had to be. I look at that first fight with so much confidence.

“I know that I fought it incorrectly, but I was still coming back. He won the first, second and possibly third and fourth rounds, but I was coming back. So this time, I plan on frustrating this boy so much that he’ll be completely off of his game.”

# # #

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BROOKLYN (February 12, 2018) – Top super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell clashes with hard-hitting Jose Uzcategui in a rematch for the IBF Interim 168-pound world title live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 3 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, as part of a tripleheader presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will defend his title against Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader. The telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated former 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo taking on Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim WBC middleweight title in the co-feature.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

The hotly contested first match between Dirrell and Uzcategui, which was also for the IBF interim world title, ended in controversy after Uzcategui was disqualified for landing a punch after the bell sounded to end the eighth round. Dirrell was dropped and knocked out by the punch. The referee ruled that the punch was intentional and disqualified Uzcategui. In the IBF mandated rematch, Dirrell and Uzcategui will look to put themselves in position to fight for the super middleweight title that Caleb Truax recently earned via a majority decision over James DeGale.

Dirrell (26-2, 16 KOs), a bronze medal winner for the 2004 U.S. Olympic boxing team, continues his quest for a world championship. The 34-year-old southpaw from Flint, Michigan lost a split decision to Carl Froch in his first attempt in 2009 and dropped a narrow unanimous decision to DeGale in his next attempt in 2015.

“I’m extremely excited to be a part of one of the most dynamic tripleheaders this year,” Dirrell said. “This time around I’ll be phenomenal and leave no doubt who the better fighter is. I’m 100 percent focused on dominating Uzcategui on March 3 and getting another shot at the title.”

The 27-year-old Uzcategui (26-2, 22 KOs), who is from Venezuela and now lives in Tijuana, Mexico, worked his way up to the match against Dirrell with a string of four straight stoppage victories, including a stunning upset of Julian Jackson in 2015. Uzcategui dropped Jackson four times on the way to a second round technical knockout victory.

“I’m very excited to go get what’s mine,” said Uzcategui. “I feel I won the last fight. I didn’t feel I did anything wrong. What happened in the last fight is in the past. I’m going to get what belongs to me. The world will see what ‘Bolivita’ can do and they’ll want to see more of me.”

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,
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According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, The Maryland State Athletic Commission has upheld it’s ruling of an Andre Dirrell win over Jose Uzcategui in their controversial fight that resulted in a win for Dirrell via disqualification on May 20th.

“The Maryland State Athletic Commission conducted a hearing regarding a protest of the referee’s decision made in the May 20, 2017 world title match between boxers Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui. After hearing expert testimony, the commission upheld the call of referee Bill Clancy,” commission spokeswoman Theresa M. Blaner said in a statement given to ESPN. “The commission’s written determination will be issued within the next month.”

Uzcategui, adviser Sean Gibbons, their attorney Daniel James and Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger, serving as their expert witness, attended the hearing and were very disappointed in the outcome. Gibbons said they watched a replay with the commission, along with Clancy and Dirrell’s attorney, before the commission made its ruling to uphold Clancy’s call.

“Our position is that Mr. Clancy lost control of the situation,” Gibbons told ESPN. “He overrode the doctor to make the decision. He’s the sole arbiter, but one of the things Mr. Clancy did was when Mr. Dirrell was down on his knees he told him to get up. He said, ‘Are you OK?’ And Dirrell nodded yes. Then he went to the corner and screamed, ‘Get me a doctor’ while people outside the ring, including Mr. Dirrell’s brother, told him to fall over. One of our contentions was that as the doctor was entering the ring, Mr. Clancy said to him, ‘Tell me if Dirrell can continue.’ And 10 seconds into the doctor looking at Mr. Dirrell, Clancy yelled, ‘I’m disqualifying [Uzcategui]!’

“Throughout the whole testimony, Bill Clancy was very combative as he was in the ring that night to Uzcategui and it felt like he was under attack. We feel he misrepresented the facts.”

“Mr. Clancy was adamant that since Mr. Uzcategui had accidentally hit Dirrell after the bell after the second round that it was intentional at the end of the eighth round, and because he had already warned him, that’s why he disqualified him,” Gibbons said. “They didn’t buy that it was in the heat of battle. It was a three-punch combination as the bell was ringing and there was no way he can pull up at that point. But at no point was Uzcategui doing anything intentional, but Clancy kept going on that it was intentional.”

“The IBF has also determined that it was inappropriate for the referee to advise Dirrell of the decision of the bout prior to the official decision being announced. Based on the above … the IBF has ruled that the referee’s conduct was inappropriate and will grant an immediate rematch.”

“We came to the state of Maryland on May 20 to challenge for [an interim] world title, and Uzcategui got assaulted that night, and we came back for this hearing and we were assaulted again — by the commission, by Clancy, by the attorney general’s office and Dirrell’s attorney,” Gibbons said, noting that in around 300 amateur bouts and 28 pro fights Uzcategui had never had a point deducted for a foul. “They were all going after us for an unintentional foul. It felt like they showed up to go to war instead of having a nice civil hearing to show that Uzcategui never tried to do anything intentional.”

Trainer Leon Lawson, jr. will go on trial in August for Sucker-Punching Jose Uzcategui after a bout on May 20th in Oxon Hill, Maryland, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Lawson, who has been suspended indefinitely by the Maryland State Athletic Commission as well as multiple sanctioning organizations from working in the corner for any fight, faces a second-degree assault charge, a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, court spokesman John Erzen told ESPN on Monday.

Lawson initially also faced a first-degree assault charge, a felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison. However, Erzen told ESPN that the first-degree charge “was dismissed because there was insufficient evidence.”

“Jose Uzcategui wants justice for the cowardly act of getting sucker punched by Leon Lawson Jr.,” Sean Gibbons, Uzcategui’s adviser, told ESPN. “Jose does not control what kind of deal the prosecutor cuts, but I can tell you Mr. Uzcategui will be in court to look Leon Lawson Jr. in the face when justice prevails, something he did not receive after the fight when that coward Leon Lawson Jr. sucker punched him. He wants Leon Lawson Jr. to be made an example of so this never happens again.”

Leon Lawson Jr. was suspended by the Maryland Athletic Commission following his Sucker punch on Jose Uzcategui on May 20th, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Based on an initial investigation of events that took place on May 20, 2017 during a professional boxing show held at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, licensed second [cornerman] Leon Lawson II was summarily suspended by the Maryland State Athletic Commission as of May 23, 2017 for exhibiting unruly conduct in violation of commission regulations,” Maryland State Athletic Commission Executive Director Patrick Pannella said in a statement given to ESPN on Thursday.

“Such action is pursuant to Maryland state law authorizing the summary suspension of a licensee where the commission finds that the public health, safety and welfare imperatively requires emergency action.

“The action was taken as a result of Mr. Lawson punching professional boxer Jose Uzcategui in the face following the conclusion of the boxing contest between Mr. Uzcategui and Andre Dirrell. The Maryland State Athletic Commission’s suspension of Mr. Lawson was issued on an indefinite basis. The commission is continuing its investigation and takes this matter very seriously.”

Lawson is still wanted by police but, according to MLive.com, Lawson has agreed to turn himself in to authorities. According to the website, attorney Frank J. Manley is representing Lawson, and the lawyer said that Lawson will turn himself in and appear in Prince George’s County District Court on Friday.

“It’s important to understand that Mr. Lawson has not been on the run, but rather his attorneys have been negotiating with the authorities in Maryland to have a voluntary turn in,” Manley said, according to the website. “He looks forward to resolving this matter.”

“On Thursday, May 25 the IBF received a written request from Jose Uzcategui’s advisor, Sean Gibbons, and his promoter, Zanfer Promotions, asking for a review of the Uzcategui vs. Dirrell bout,” the IBF said in a statement. “Uzcategui’s camp claims that referee Bill Clancy made an erroneous call when ruling that their fighter deliberately punched Andre Dirrell after the bell. They have requested that the IBF review the fight and order an immediate rematch. A fighter’s safety in the ring is of great importance to the IBF and Lawson’s action will be addressed by the organization.”

Leon Lawson, Jr. who sucker punched Jose Uzcategui last Saturday night was suspended by the WBA, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We think it was an action that all those who love sport should reject,” WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza said. “There was a blow after the bell, the product of an action that I consider involuntary, that (Uzcategui) could not stop, and then the cowardly act in which Lawson punched the boxer occurred. Therefore, as the WBC did, we suspended him indefinitely. I rejected the incident since I saw it. However, I wanted to talk to (IBF president) Daryl Peoples first to make my point because it was a match sanctioned by them and I thought it was best to talk to him first.

Gary Russell, jr retained the WBC featherweight title with a 7th round stoppage over mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon at the MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland.

Russell dropped Escandon in round three from a swift combination that was punctuated with a left to the head.

Rusell finished off his challenger in round seven when he landed a hard combination that knocked Escandon down and referee Harvey Dock stopped the bout at 59 seconds.

Russell, 125 1/2 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is now 28-1 with knockouts. Escandon, 125 3/4 lbs of Gilroy, CA is 25-3.

In a bout that was overshadowed by an incident that happened the fight, Andre Dirrell won the vacant IBF Interim Super Middleweight title when Jose Uzcategui was disqualified for hitting after the 8th round bell.

Uzcategui landed a left hook that landed on Dirrell’s chin that sent Direll to the canvas and the fight was ruled a disqualification.

After the bout, Dirrell’s uncle, Leon Lawson, Jr. cold-cocked Uzcategui and a melee ensued in the ring.

Dirrell, 167 1/2 lbs of Flint, MI is now 26-2. Uzcategui, 166 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 26-2.

Rances Barthelemy won a debated unanimous decision over Kiryl Relikh in a super lightweight bout.

In round five, Relikh landed a hard overhand right that buckled Barthelemy. Then a left hand clipped Barthelemy which was ruled a knockdown.

Barthelemy, 139 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas was able to win on cards 117-109, 116-110 and 115-111 despite being outlanded by a 240-137 margin.

Barthelemy is now 26-0-1. Relikh, 139 1/2 lbs of Minsk, BEL is 21-2.

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (April 17, 2017) – An exciting night of action will feature super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh on Saturday, May 20 from the recently opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland and live on SHOWTIME.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. making the second defense of his title when he faces top challenger Oscar Escandon.

Top 168-pound contenders Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and Uzcategui (26-1, 22 KOs) are set to meet in a 12-round matchup with the winner in line to face IBF champion James DeGale, who is currently recovering from injuries sustained in his draw against Badou Jack in January on SHOWTIME.

“This fight is a massive step towards my journey to success in 2017,” said Dirrell. “To me, this is my championship fight leading up to the rematch with the current champion, James DeGale. Jose has all of the tools of a champion, so he’s fierce competition for me. But I will show the world that I’m up for the task. This is my year!”

“I’m very excited to be facing a fighter the quality of Andre Dirrell,” said Uzcategui. “These are the types of fights that I’ve wanted and I look forward to coming out victorious. This fight will be another step on the way to my dream of becoming a world champion.”

A world champion at 130 and 135-pounds, Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) and the former world title challenger Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) will battle in 12 rounds of action for the right to be the mandatory challenger for current WBA Super Lightweight Championship held by unified champion Julius Indongo.

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring, especially on SHOWTIME against a top-ranked contender in Kiryl Relikh,” said Barthelemy. “This victory will get me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming the first Cuban to win world titles in three different weight classes. I’m very motivated and I will not be denied on May 20.”

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity in a world title eliminator,” said Relikh. “Rances Barthelemy is a good fighter, but my experience at this weight will help me get the victory. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get this win and eventually wear that world title belt around my waist.”

Tickets for the live event, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go to http://mgmnationalharbor.com/.

Representing his hometown of Flint, Michigan, Dirrell looks to take one step closer to a rematch with DeGale after dropping a narrow decision to the current IBF champion in May 2015. The 33-year-old bounced back from the defeat in his last outing by earning a wide unanimous decision over Blake Caparello last April. After a decorated amateur career that saw him win two U.S. Amateur World Championships in addition to an Olympic bronze medal, Dirrell was unbeaten in his first 18 pro fights before losing a split decision to Carl Frosh in 2009.

Born in Venezuela, Uzcategui now fights out of Baja California, Mexico, where he won two fights last year by knockout. The 26-year-old shot up the rankings in 2015 when he stopped previously unbeaten Julius Jackson in the second round after knocking his opponent down four times. Uzcategui was undefeated in his first 22 pro fights and enters this bout on a four-fight win streak.

A Cuban amateur national champion, 30-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. he won a super featherweight world title in July 2014 by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion, and followed that up with a second round TKO victory over Angino Perez. After dominating former champion Antonio DeMarco in June, he won a world title in a second division when he impressively defeated Denis Shafikov in December. Most recently, Barthelemy made the lone defense of his lightweight belt with a decision over former champion Mickey Bey last June.

Fighting out of Minsk, Belarus, Relikh returns to the ring after challenging the former champion Burns for the WBA title in October 2016. The 27-year-old was undefeated after turning pro in 2011 leading up to his world title shot. Relikh owns wins over veteran contenders Christian Ariel Lope, Joaquim Carneiro and Lazaro Santos de Jesus.

Jose Uzcategui scored a 2nd round stoppage over Julius Jackson in round two of a scheduled 10-round Super Middleweight fight at Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio, Texas.

Uzcategui dropped Jackson in round one with a right hand. He send him down again from a left to the head that was followed by a right. he scored a 3rd knockdown in the round from left hook. In round two, Uzcategi rocked Jackson with relentless flush punching and after ten hard shots, Jackson stumbled to the canvas and the fight was stopped by referee Tony Weeks at 45 seconds of round two.

Uzcategi, 166 lbs of Meridan, VEN is now 24-1 with 20 knockouts. Jackson, 169 lbs of St. Thomas, VI is 19-1.

Argenis Mendez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Miguel Vazquez in a Lightweight battle featuring former world champions.

Vazquez was deducted a point in round seven for holding.

Mendez, 136 of San Juan, DR won by scores of 99-90, 97-92 and 95-94 ans is now 23-3-1. Vazquez, 136 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is 25-5.

Ryan Karl remained undefeated by scoring a 6-round unanimous decision over Alfosno Olvera in a Welterweight bout.

Karl’s left eye started to swell badly in round one Karl dropped Olvera in round five from a combination.

Karl, 142 1/2 lbs of Milano, TX won by scores of 59-54 twice and 58-55 is 10-0. Olvera, 141 lbs of Tucson, AZ is 4-2.

SAN ANTONIO (September 10, 2015) – Undefeated power-puncher Julius “The Chef” Jackson (19-0, 15 KOs) squares off against the exciting Jose “Bolivita” Uzcategui (23-1, 19 KOs) in an 12-round super middleweight clash that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and FOX Deportes Tuesday, October 6 from The Dancehall in San Antonio, Texas with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

“With my father (former middleweight champion Julian Jackson) being who he is, my dream has always been to reach this level and then surpass this level,” said Jackson. “I’m working extremely hard for this opportunity and I’m ready for my shot.”

“I’m so excited for an opportunity to fight in the U.S. again and I plan on making the most of it,” said Uzcategui. “I will leave everything in the ring and give the fans a great show in San Antonio.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $282 table of four Seats, $109, $71, $38, and $22 including all fees (w/out fees $260, $100, $65, $35, $20), and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302.

The son of famous power-puncher Julian “The Hawk” Jackson, the 28-year-old and his brother John were both 2008 Olympians for their native Virgin Islands. As a pro, Jackson fought primarily in the Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic and South America before making his pro debut in December of 2014. He owns victories over Jonathan Nelson, Nicolas Dario Lopez and Crispulo Javier Andino. He enters this fight on a nine-fight knockout streak.

Born in Venezuela, Uzcategui now fights out of Baja California, Mexico. The hard-hitter made a name for himself fighting in Mexico and knocking out seven of his first eight opponents. The 24-year-old will fight in the U.S. for a second time on October 6 and picked up his most recent victory in February by knocking out Daniel Eduardo Yocupicio in the first round.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comand http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage,
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Terence Crawford defended the WBO Lightweight title with a 9th round stoppage over former world champion and previously undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa before nearly 11,000 fans at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

It was a terrific back and forth action fight that saw Gamboa control the early part of the fight with his speed and right hand. Things turned in round five when Crawford sent Gamboa to the canvas. Crawford started to dominate the action in round’s six and seven and sent Gamboa down in round eight. Crawford scored a 3rd knockdown in round nine. Gamboa landed a huge right before getting caught with hard left that sent him to the canvas for a fourth and final time at 2:53 of round nine.

Crawford, 134 3.4 lbs of Omaha, NEB is now 24-0 with 17 knockouts. Gamboa, 134 1/2 lbs of Cuba is now 23-1.

In a battle of undefeated Middleweights, Matt Korobov passed his sternest test when he scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Uzcategui.

Korobov boxed very well over the first three rounds. Uzcategui got in the fight as he landed some long combinations and cut Korobov over the left eye in round five. Korobov came back and had a strong last few rounds and sealed the fight by scoring two knockdowns from right hooks in round seven.

Korobov, 160 lbs of Russia won by scores of 97-91 twice and 96-92 and is now 24-0. Uzcategui, 160 lbs of Venezuela is now 22-1.

HBO’s hit late-night boxing franchise visits Omaha, Neb. for the first time to present an all-action doubleheader featuring a world title bout between undefeated rising stars when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: TERENCE CRAWFORD VS. YURIORKIS GAMBOA AND MATT KOROBOV VS. JOSE UZCATEGUI is seen SATURDAY, JUNE 28 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from CenturyLink Center, exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will be ringside for the event, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: June 29 (8:45 a.m.) and July 1 (1:10 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: June 29 (4:15 p.m.) and 30 (11:15 p.m.)

After six years of ring brilliance, lightweight titleholder Terence Crawford (23-0, 16 KOs) makes his long-awaited hometown debut in the national spotlight with a 12-round title defense against Cuban star Yuriorkis Gamboa (23-0, 16 KOs). The fight will serve as the 300th bout televised live on the HBO BOXING AFTER DARK series. Launched 18 years ago at the venerable Forum in Inglewood, CA, the late-night franchise has been the television home for many of the sport’s emerging stars for nearly two decades.

Crawford, 26, has fast-tracked through the 135-pound division, scoring three victories on HBO in 2013. In March, he subdued Ricky Burns, the UK’s lightweight titlist, for 12 rounds, showcasing his footwork, pinpoint accuracy and swiftness. Now, with HBO’s revival of Omaha’s championship stage after nearly half a century, Crawford will display his talent before those who first noted his ring generalship.

Ending a year’s layoff with his return to HBO, 2004 Olympic gold medalist Gamboa, 32, has limited experience at 135 pounds. His sole previous lightweight bout was a unanimous decision over undefeated Darleys Perez in June 2013. Gamboa was a highly-touted Cuban sensation when he relocated to Miami in 2007 and looks to reinforce his standing as an elite fighter with superstar skills.

The night opens with two more undefeated fighters who hope to become breakout stars when Matt Korobov (23-0, 13 KOs) of Saint Petersburg, Fla., and Jose Uzcategui (22-0, 18 KOs) clash in a ten-round middleweight fight.

It was only a matter of time before Korobov, 31, showcased his skills on a national stage. The heavily-touted southpaw and 2008 Russian Olympian will be putting his undefeated record on the line against his toughest challenger yet.

Making his HBO debut, the 23-year-old Uzcategui meets 160-pounders with a menacing combination of youth, experience and explosive power. The Venezuelan native, who now lives and trains in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, has let his hands fly in his last five bouts, knocking out each opponent before the seventh round.

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The executive producer of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producer, Thomas Odelfelt; director, Johnathan Evans.

® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.