Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Liverpool, good afternoon and welcome. Thank you for an incredible turnout. Coming off the back of a pandemic, it’s a bit like throwing a birthday party and wondering if anyone is going to turn up. Then answer is yes. Look at it, it’s absolutely packed in here. It feels so good to be back at real press conferences, and moving forward to what is quite frankly the biggest night of boxing we’ve ever put on in Liverpool.

“This is the best Saturday night card we’ve put on since I’ve promoted boxing. I can’t thank the fighters enough for taking so many big challenges on this card. This is exactly what we want from boxing. Saturday October 9^th, the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on DAZN all around the world. An incredible night of boxing headlined by the all-Liverpool clash between Liam Smith and Anthony Fowler.

“This fight is a fight that quite frankly two or three months ago I hadn’t thought about. Liam Smith went to Russia, he got robbed of a decision out there in a fight that probably should have taken him on to challenge for a World Title. Anthony Fowler under the tutelage of Shane McGuigan has improved and improved and wants all of the big challenges. Both camps were quite shocked when I suggested it but both camps considered the fight and both camps believe they can win. The card is absolutely fantastic.”

Liam Smith – Liverpool, England – 29-3-1, 16 KOs – fighting Anthony Fowler in a 12 round Super-Welterweight contest:

“Obviously this is a fight that was put towards me and not one I was looking at, I think Anthony’s team were hoping, but once the fight was spoke about and this was the path we were going. I said it’s a fight that I’ll take and it’s a fight that makes me smile, it’s a fight that I’ll be bang up for.

“I’m buzzing to be top of the bill again, on a card like this, against another Liverpool fighter who I can get my teeth into. I’m looking forward to it, a little bit like the Eggington thing, with 10-ounce gloves on, in fight shape with a bit of a crowd. I’ll just show him I’m that little bit of a step ahead and he wasn’t ready for that step up just yet.

“I just think he’s [Anthony] competitive, I think he’s a good fighter for four rounds, but he reverts back to what he does. Once the fight goes past four rounds the fights only going one way.

“Obviously you know how bad Anthony in on social media so imagine me losing to him on social media, I’ve got to live with photos, live with that for the rest of my life. Everything like that got took into consideration, it’s a big fight that makes me smile, a fight that I can get bang up for.

“He’s got a lot to deal with in the next nine weeks, a lot of pressure, the build-up side to the fights. I’ve been in with bigger punches, better fighters, I’ve been in local derbies with my brothers, he’s got a lot to deal with in the coming weeks and it’ll be interested to see.

“I believe I’ll stop him, 100%, I’ll be wary of his power the same I’d be wary of anybody’s power on this table. He’s got 10-ounce gloves on, I’m not deluded, I’ve been in boxing a long time and I think one shot can change the fight with anyone. People are getting a little mixed up, if Anthony loses where does he go? He’s 30.

“My point being is, people are forgetting Anthony is 30, they’re asking why he took this, he didn’t have to. He did have to take this fight, he’s 30. That’s where it lies, he’s not a prospect no more.”

Anthony Fowler – Liverpool, England – 15-1, 12 KOs – fighting Liam Smith in a 12 round Super-Welterweight contest:

“This is a dream come true, I’ve always wanted to be the main event in Liverpool and for this to come true is great. I’m under no illusions I’m up against it, Liam is a top, world class fighter, he’s proven that. But I’m 30 years of age, I can’t sit around and wait for these fights that aren’t getting made so I need to roll the dice. I’m confident, I’m at my peak, my best and I’ll be at my best come fight night.

“I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t think I could win this fight. He’s going to be confident; he’s boxed at a lot higher level, but I’ve done a lot of good stuff behind closed doors. I’ve been sparring World Champions as a kid, so I know what I’m capable of, I just need to perform on the night.

“I’ve had 16 fights and most of them have been quite easy, I haven’t really been tested, I lost that fight early on in my career, but I regrouped, got a new coach and had four fights with four knockouts. I’m on my way up and coming to my peak.

“I’m as big and strong as anyone in the weight, obviously I haven’t got the experience, but I hit as hard as anyone. I’m big, strong and I know what I’m capable of, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could win.

“That was me watching the likes of Bellew, Price, hoping that it would be me one day. I’m here now and I’m really grateful – I want to give it my all.

“I haven’t had a chance to think about it, I’ve just come out of a fight, I’ve got a baby crying. When I get back to camp, I’ll completely switch into fight mode. I wouldn’t goad him at all, I’ve got a lot of respect for him, he’s been world champion, his brothers have all done amazing. It’s just a fight, it’s a job, boxing isn’t my life it’s my job. This fight is just business, it’s nothing personal.”

Shane McGuigan, trainer and manager of Anthony Fowler:

“This is a huge step up for Anthony, we can’t obviously make any mistakes, Liam Smith in the number one Light-Middleweight in Britain, he’s a former World Champion, he’s been in with Canelo and Munguia. He is the best fighter in the division, but I think it’s an opportunity that Anthony has to take. 

“Anthony’s 30 years of age, it’s an opportunity that I believe he’s going to grab with both hands and win. It’s a fantastic fight and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I wouldn’t be taking this fight if I didn’t believe Anthony was going to win. I believe if Liam loses to Anthony Fowler he’s in a difficult place, but that’s why he’s taken it, he’s confident of winning. I believe we’re going to come away with the victory.

“It all goes out the window once that first bell is rang. Fight week is going to be a challenge because it’s something new, the pressure of being the headline, the fight being a local derby as well. He’s sort of had that with Fitzgerald and it’s just another experience but I don’t believe it’s going to hinder his experience.” 

Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, England – 17-2-1, 10 KOs – defending his British Super-Welterweight Title against Troy Williamson:

This is a really good fight for me, another undefeated fighter, good fighter, to prove myself against. I believe this is my last hurdle before I push on in my career and move past the British level. This is what’s really motivating me, I have to get past this last hurdle to be able to do that – you’ll see the best Ted Cheeseman.

“If you look at my last couple of fights I’m hurting fighters a lot more now, I’m much more mature and I got Metcalf out their last time and he’s a really strong, tough man. With all the experience I’ve picked up and the more I’m learning I think when I get in the ring now, they don’t know what I’m going to do – whether I’m going to fight or box. There’s a plan A, B and C and I believe the experience will take me all the way on this fight.” 

Troy Williamson – Darlington, England – 16-0-1, 12 KOs – challenging Ted Cheeseman for the British Super-Welterweight Title:

“It’s going to be a massive fight on a huge platform and one that I’m really excited about.

“The British Title is every British boxers dream to win on turning professional and I’ve got the chance to do that on October 9. I’ve been saying for a lot of years now that I believe I’m the best Super-Welterweight in Britain and I’ve got a chance to prove that on October 9.

“I rate Ted Cheeseman highly, both inside and outside the ring but on October 9 we put friendship aside and it’s down to business.”

Kieron Conway – Northampton, England – 16-2, 3 KOs – fighting James Metcalf in a Super-Welterweight contest:

“This is a massive fight; I’m game and I’ll keep coming. I don’t want to come back to these easy fights. I want these testing fights, the fights at the top of the domestic division. I want prove myself and hopefully James Metcalf brings the very best of him because I’m bringing the best of me.

“When you’re sitting there thinking Cheeseman, Fowler, Fitzgerald, thinking who we can put together, you’d think Kieron Conway, because this is going to be the performance of my life – this is going to be the best of me.

“It was a massive experience to go to Texas, I took a lot from it in and outside the ring, a lot of experience and knowledge came from there. I’m going to showcase that next time out; I look forward to it. It’s going to be a great opportunity, massive show and hopefully a buzzing crowd.”

Luke Willis – Liverpool, England – 10-0, 1 KO – fighting Rylan Charlton in a Lightweight contest:

“I’m here and I couldn’t have asked for a better opponent. I’m just looking forward to getting in there and showing my skills, showing what I’m about.

“He [Ricardo Fernandez] was coming forward; he came to win, and I only had a week’s notice to prepare for that fight. I’ve had 9/10 weeks for this, so you’ll see a lot better Luke Willis come October 9.”

Rylan Charlton – Norwich, England – 6-1-1, 3 KOs – fighting Luke Willis in a Lightweight contest:

“I can’t wait for it; it’s going to be a good fight. Finally dropping down to Lightweight is what I needed to do, I tested it at Welterweight – far too big – but you’ve seen what I did at that weight. I’m going to take over this Lightweight division.

“One thing I’m really looking forward to it having all my fans, everyone from Norwich, all there. I’m looking forward to the fight and roll on the Lightweight division.”

Solomon Dacres – Birmingham, England – 2-0, 1 KO – fighting Kamil Sokolowski in a Heavyweight contest: “Sokolowski is one of the those, he’s a bit of a bogeyman for your up and coming prospects, if you’re not switched on you can become unstuck. For me, I said let’s get him out of the way early, don’t build it up for anything that it isn’t, he’s a decent journeyman but if I’m on my game I should just deal with him the same way.

“The Heavyweight scene, domestically, is leading the charge in the world so if you can get your foot in the door and make a good statement right here in Britain you’re up there with the world’s best – that’s where I want to be myself.

“I just take each fight as it comes, keep stepping up and get to those levels. Hopefully in the next three or fights I’ll be knocking on the door for something at a good level.”

Tickets for the huge domestic Super-Welterweight showdown between Liam Smith and Anthony Fowler taking place at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday October 9 will go on sale this week. 

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Thursday August 12. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members.

General Sale tickets can be purchased via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) from midday on Friday August 13.

Tickets are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP).

Former WBO Super-Welterweight Word Champion Smith (29-3-1, 16 KOs) meets 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Rio 2016 Olympian Fowler (15-1, 12 KOs) in a massive all-Liverpool clash for local bragging rights and a chance to move one step closer to a World Title shot. Further undercard details will be released shortly. 

(May 4, 2021) — Former WBO junior middleweight world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith is set to enter enemy territory. Smith, from Liverpool, England, will battle undefeated Russian contender Magomed Kurbanov for the vacant WBO International junior middleweight title Friday at KRK Uralets in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Smith-Kurbanov will headline a scheduled five-fight card streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT.
 
Smith (29-2-1, 16 KOs) held the WBO junior middleweight world title from 2015-2016 before losing to Canelo Alvarez via ninth-round stoppage. He is 6-1 since the Alvarez fight, including two wins over current middleweight contender Liam Williams. Smith is riding a three-bout winning streak since his latest world title challenge, a game 2018 decision loss to Jaime Munguia. Kurbanov (21-0, 13 KOs) is a six-year pro who has held the WBO International junior middleweight title twice before. His most notable victory came in November 2019, when he outlasted longtime contender Diego Chaves over 12 rounds. Kurbanov went 3-0 in 2020, including a decision win over Ismail Iliev.
 
In other streaming action on ESPN+:

• Welterweight contender Eduard Skavynskyi (13-0, 7 KOs), who was born in Ukraine and now resides in Yekaterinburg, will fight former world title challenger Joel Julio (39-5, 33 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• In a 10-round showdown for the vacant WBO European junior featherweight belt, Evgenii Liashkov (8-1, 2 KOs) will go for his ninth consecutive victory against Mukhammad Shekhov (8-0-1, 3 KOs), a one-time amateur standout for his native Uzbekistan.
   
• Enriko Gogokhia (12-0, 7 KOs), a former professional kickboxing standout from the nation of Georgia, will look to extend his knockout streak to five against Gustavo David Vittori (24-7-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight contest.
   
• Southpaw boxer-puncher Zafar Parpiev (9-2, 2 KOs), who is coming off a December knockout win over the previously undefeated Turat Osmonov, will fight Filipino veteran Alphoe Dagayloan (14-4-6, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder at junior bantamweight.
   

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.
 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

January 20, 2021–TONIGHT!!! Two world title bouts highlight a night of Classic Fights on fubo Sports Network.

In a bout that took place on October 10, 2015, Liam Smith (20-0-1, 10 KOs) took on John Thompson (17-0-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant WBO junior middleweight world title. The fight, which took place at the famed Manchester Arena, in Manchester, England, saw an evenly matched fight turn suddenly at the halfway point

Also on the doubleheader, the vacant WBC lightweight world title was on the line when Dejan Zlaticanin (21-0, 14 KOs) took on Franklin Mamani (21-2-1, 12 KOs). The bout, which took place on June 11, 2016, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, was a chance for Zlaticanin to present himself to the American fight fans.

The action begins at 8 PM ET.

About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Liam Smith says he would love to fight Kell Brook, but warned that he won’t chase the Sheffield star as he is the latest guest on Matchroom Boxing’s podcast ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.

THE LOCKDOWN TAPES WITH LIAM SMITH IS ALSO ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!

Former WBO World Super-Welterweight king Smith (29-2-1 16 KOs) is plotting his route to becoming a two-time World champion, and the 31 year old wants that route to include a huge all-British fight with Brook, the former IBF Welterweight ruler.

Brook surrendered that crown in May 2017 against Errol Spence Jr, and then ‘The Special One’ moved up to 154lbs, settling in with wins over Sergey Rabchenko, Michael Zerafa and Mark DeLuca. Brook has been heavily linked with a return to Welterweight to meet WBO champion Terence Crawford, while the rivalry with Amir Khan is still in the picture, but Smith hopes that the fight with him and Brook can be made, but is also open to a battle with former two-weight champion Jessie Vargas.

“The Brook fight is a fight I want but I am not going to chase him,” said Smith. “He’s not that good and he hasn’t got a World Title, I want to fight him because he’s a decent name and I think it’s a very good fight for the British fans.

“The Jessie Vargas fight is the more likely fight for me. Brook seems to be playing no part but I think Eddie Hearn should force Brook’s hand if he wants to see the fight. I don’t blame Brook, if he gets the Crawford fight then good luck for him but I think a fight with me will be much more competitive.

“I want to be in a fight that people will be glued to, find entertaining and want to watch. We know Vargas can fight, he’s a two weight World Champion and it was almost done before Eddie signed Mikey Garcia which then became the obvious fight to make.

“Amir Khan isn’t scared of Brook, he has fought everyone. His resume is unbelievable, but I think he is scared of losing to Brook. I think it’s similar with Kell that he is scared of losing to me. Too higher risk for a smaller reward for him but I do think there is good money there in that fight. If it isn’t Crawford it should be me and Brook.”

As well as speaking about Brook and Vargas, Smith talks about his boxing brothers, fighting Canelo Alvarez, Liverpool FC’s title hopes and much more in the latest episode of ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.

Fans can find Smith’s episode plus previous episodes with, Joshua Buatsi, Devin Haney, Joseph Parker, Josh Warrington and Liam Smith here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-matchroom-boxing-podcast/id1506174562

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YRAWQS5JXB0OvM8vCqZxq

Matchroom Website: https://www.matchroomboxing.com/lockdown-tapes-podcast/

The vacant WBC Silver Super-Welterweight title will be on the line when Liam Smith and Sam Eggington clash at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool tomorrow evening, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Smith became Liverpool’s first World Champion in over 20 years when he stopped American John Thompson to claim the WBO Super-Welterweight crown at the Merseyside arena in 2015 before making a second successful defence of the title against Predrag Radosevic at the same venue in 2016.

‘Beefy’ hasn’t fought in his home city since and is itching to get back under the lights as he sets about winning back a version of the World title he bravely lost against pound-for-pound star Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Texas in 2016, and in doing so becoming the city’s first two-time World Champion.

Former European Welterweight Champion Eggington knows he is fighting for his career after suffering a shock stoppage defeat to Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo at Arena Birmingham in September, but insists he will thrive off his underdog tag.
“I’m massively excited for my fight with Sam and I feel it’s a good fight to kick-start my 2019,” said Smith. “It’s even better now there’s a good title on the line for us. I’m just looking to put on a performance for people to think ‘he was a level above’.”

“I’m excited,” said Eggington. “It doesn’t take a genius to know that I’m the underdog in this fight. I quite like it like that. Nothing to lose, everything to win, so I’m looking forward to Saturday night. I’ve put what I can into camp for a tough, hard fight, and on Saturday night I’ll put it all out there.”

Smith vs. Eggington tops a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Former Great Britain teammates Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald look to settle their longstanding feud in a dynamite Super-Welterweight clash.

Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.

Popular Heavyweight David Price takes on the unbeaten Kash Ali in his first fight in Liverpool for nearly there years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division.

Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.

Liam Smith says it feels like he is making his professional debut all over again as he prepares to take on Sam Eggington in his first fight under the Matchroom Boxing banner at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

‘Beefy’ hasn’t fought in his home city since he successfully defended the WBO Super-Welterweight World title against Predrag Radosevic in June 2016 and the rejuvenated Scouser believes he has something to prove to his new promoter in front of his home crowd as he targets another shot at World glory.
“I’ve got to prove a point to Matchroom that I was worth signing and show them that they made the right decision,” said Smith. “Everything has come for a great time for me. I’m back in Liverpool topping the bill against a decent opponent that a lot of the British public know. The buzz since the fight has been announced has been great for myself.

“I’m at a vital part of my career now. Sam is a good opponent to get started with, but I’ve got to put in a performance, so it’s bad for Sam take the fight at this moment. I am a big way back into boxing for him. And as we’ve sparred a lot, whatever confidence he can draw, he will try and draw some from that.

“I feel like I’m turning pro all over again. This is a new lease of life for me and exactly what I needed at this stage of my career. I’ve got to do a proper job on Sam and a proper job is what I truly believe I will do. It’s my tenth fight at the arena in Liverpool and I’m 9-0 in there, so I look forward to making that 10-0.”

Smith vs. Eggington tops a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Former Great Britain teammates Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald look to settle their longstanding feud in a dynamite Super-Welterweight clash.

Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.

Popular Heavyweight David Price takes on the unbeaten Kash Ali in his first fight in Liverpool for nearly there years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division.

Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.

Sam Eggington says a win against former World Champion Liam Smith at The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on March 30 would fire him straight back into the title mix at 154lbs.

Former European Welterweight champ Eggington admits that his clash with Smith, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, is make or break after suffering a shock stoppage defeat to Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo at Arena Birmingham in September, but insists he feels no pressure heading into the Merseyside showdown.

‘The Savage’ was preparing to face former World ruler Brandon Rios at Wembley Stadium when he was wiped out by the dangerous African in two rounds, but the Stourbridge man says there is no chance he will be making the same mistake again by overlooking his former sparring partner Smith, who he expects a ‘bloody battle’ with.

“I don’t feel any pressure going into this one,” said Eggington. “The bookies have me down as a huge underdog and that suits me just fine. I’m going to put the work in behind the scenes and come up on the blind side and get a big win that no-one is going to expect. I didn’t think I’d get a huge fight like this so soon after my loss, so to get Liam, a former World Champion, is a huge motivation for me.

“I do a lot of sparring with Liam and he’s a good bloke, they all are at Gallagher’s gym. I think he’d say the same about me, but there’s no room for niceties, come March 30 we’ll be knocking lumps out of each other and I’ll be fully prepared for a bloody battle with him. I’m in no position to be turning down fights like this after what happened. He’s the favourite but we’re quietly confident of getting the win.

“Our spars have always been competitive. You could have sold tickets for some of them! That’s why I’m so confident our fight can’t disappoint on March 30. We’re going to be in 10oz gloves with no head guards, it’s going to be brutal and I can’t wait. It’s guaranteed to be an exciting fight for the fans – I promise you that.”

The 25-year-old, who holds notable victories over Frankie Gavin and Paul Malignaggi, returned to winning ways with a four round decision over Sam Omidi last month. Another win on March 30 could see him return to fringe-World level and the all-action Brummie is unfazed at the prospect of fighting any contender put in front of him.

“A defeat isn’t the end, I’ve proved that myself. I’ve got a big opportunity to get things back on track later this month. They say you’re only as good as your last fight, so to beat Liam Smith would push me right back up there. That’s the drive for me in this fight. A win would open up doors to bigger fights and get people talking about me as a serious force again.

“By the end of this year I’d like to have beaten Liam and had another big fight against a top operator. There’s plenty of options out there so we’ll see where it goes. I can’t look too far ahead though – look at what happened against Mwakinyo, I was looking too eagerly ahead and I got blown right out, so I’m not going to do anything like that again.”

Smith vs. Eggington tops a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.

Former Great Britain teammates Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald look to settle their longstanding feud in a dynamite Super-Welterweight clash.

Popular Heavyweight David Price takes on the unbeaten Kash Ali in his first fight in Liverpool for nearly there years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division following his win over Tom Little at The O2.

Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.

Eddie Hearn:

“Wow – what a turnout. I love this place. Liverpool is so unique. I don’t get as many boos here as I do in most cities! We’re delighted to be here. I never thought that I’d sit next to this man on my right (Liam Smith). We’ve wanted him for about three or four years but finally Liam is where he should be, with us at Matchroom and Sky. We’re delighted to announce a major show on March 30th at the M&S Bank Arena. I think this is one of the best cards we’ve put on in Liverpool for a long time. Three really good Championship fights on the top table. It’s going to be a great night.”

Liam Smith – Liverpool, England – 26-2-1, 14 KO’s – fighting Sam Eggington in a Super-Welterweight contest:

“I’m in a vital part of my career now. I think Sam is a good opponent to get started. I wouldn’t want a big southpaw coming for my first fight under you. I’ve got to put in a performance that makes you think you’re right in signing me at this stage.

“On that note, I feel it’s a bad part of Sam to take the fight at this moment.”

On the Canelo and Munguia defeats:

“Those two fights, proper like night and day for me. Obviously the ‘Canelo’ fight, we all know how good he is – he was one, two, three steps ahead of me, everything I tried, but I’ll stay in there and tough it out with anyone, if necessary, if I can do.

“The Munguia fight, I feel the momentum killed me. I had one fight in 10 months. He had five fights in 2018. In that fight, he was very, very green, and he wasn’t experienced.

“Things that I could try early doors were just coming off, and then obviously he kicked in and I started to fade towards the back end, he didn’t.

“That’s a fight I would definitely love again down the line with momentum. That’s a big part of signing for Matchroom. I feel they’ve got the dates, enough pull around the world to keep me busy.”

Sam Eggington – Stourbridge, England – 23-5, 15 KO’s – fighting Liam Smith in a Super-Welterweight contest:
“I’m buzzing with this fight, I didn’t expect any sort of fight like this, to get someone like Liam Smith, a former World Champion.

“Like you say, I haven’t got no pressure, I’m just going to put the work in, and come up on the blind side and get a win that no-one is going to expect.

“They’ve always been good, competitive spars. Probably could have sold tickets for a few of them on their own, so come March 30, it will be a fight not to miss.”

Joe Hughes – Malmesbury, England – 17-3-1, 7 KO’s – fighting Robbie Davies Jnr. for the British and EBU European Super-Lightweight titles:

“I’m really excited to be going into such a big fight. In the past I’ve found myself get a little bit complacent if I’m not really up for a fight, if it’s not too much of a challenge, but I know this one is going to be a very big challenge. The motivation is to not only defend my European title but to win that prestigious Lonsdale belt.

“I was on a lot of small hall shows trying to shift tickets early on in my career and I’m from a small place, it was a bit of a struggle. I’m where I feel I deserve to be right now. A win here moves me further along to a shot at World honours.”

Robbie Davies Jnr. – Liverpool, England – 17-1, 12 KO’s – fighting Joe Hughes for the British and European Super-Lightweight titles:

“Everyone close to me knows what I was going through at the time of my first loss. I was in a bad place. Since that defeat I’ve rebuilt and luckily I’ve joined up with Matchroom.

“Beating Glenn Foot for the British was a real big step in my career. I could have had an easy British title defence but I want to move to that next level. My career has stagnated in the past and I’ve stayed at the same level but now it’s time to push on.

“I made sure that I had my name in contention for this fight. I’ve always wanted to be on these big shows. It’s a massive fight for me – it’s a must win.”

Anthony Fowler – Liverpool, England – 9-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Scott Fitzgerald in a Super-Welterweight contest:

“I am a level above Scott, I know that for a fact. I always have been. As soon as I was an amateur I was better than Scott and under Dave (Coldwell) I have just gone to the next level again.
“I haven’t showed it yet because it has been too easy. We’ve been saying to Eddie Hearn we want proper fights from about a year ago, but this took a long time for it to materialise. This is better for me and worse for Scott.

“I will be ready, 11st on the dot. I’ll be fully prepared and whatever Scott does I’ve got an answer for. I am just a bigger, better, stronger fighter. Five rounds… he’s going to fall.”

Scott Fitzgerald – Preston, England – 11-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Anthony Folwer in a Super-Welterweight contest:
“It’s a fight that I’m really looking forward to. I always knew this fight was going to happen. I’m the underdog going into this fight which is fine by me.

“Every day I wake up and I’m really motivated. I’m grafting at least two or three times a day, recovering and resting right. I was after this fight as soon as it was mentioned. I broke my hand in my last fight, this fight was meant to happen at the end of last year.

“I feel like I’ve turned 27 and finally grown up. Every day I’m doing what has to be done and that’s not just in the gym, I’m coming home and eating the right things and enjoying doing it because I don’t want to lose this fight. I want to win it and I know I can win it.”

David Price – Liverpool, England – 23-6, 19 KO’s – Heavyweight contest:

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s ten years to the weekend that I turned pro and I haven’t even had 30 fights yet. I haven’t got much mileage on the clock, that’s the truth. I’ve had six stoppage defeats, two of them have been genuine knockouts. The other four, I’ve kind of beat myself.

“The older I’m getting the wiser I’m getting, more mature. I do still believe that my best years are still to come. I haven’t got many years left but I am looking after myself and living the life. Heavyweights mature later in their careers.

“There’s a lot of big names in the division who all need dance partners and there’s no reason I can’t throw my name back in the mix with a couple more wins. The opportunity is here to do it and I appreciate it greatly. I intend on delivering on March 30.”

Craig Glover – Liverpool, England – 9-1, 8 KO’s – Cruiserweight contest:

“In my last fight I showed everyone a bit more of what I’m all about. Simon Vallily underestimated me. Everyone that steps in the ring with me now will know that I’m real and they won’t underestimate me. I always believed in myself. It wasn’t really a surprise beating Vallily. It was more about showing people that I’m at that level and I think moving forward I’m ready.”

Natasha Jonas – Liverpool, England – 6-1, 5 KO’s – Super-Featherweight contest:

“I know I’ve got the skills. It’s fine doing it all in the gym but you’ve got to produce it on the night. I still don’t feel like I’ve produced my best but it’s coming. Some of my biggest achievements have come after my worst failings. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and carrying on.”

Tom Farrell – Liverpool, England – 16-1, 5 KO’s – Super-Lightweight contest:

“Hopefully I’ll get a title shot for this one. I think we’re looking at a shot at the Commonwealth or an international title. Them two up there (Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jnr) have got most of the titles at my weight at the minute though.

“Last year wasn’t a great year for me, it was a little bit frustrating but I’ve been patient and stayed in the gym. I’m already feeling fit and strong in the early part of camp. I can’t wait, it’s going to be a great show. I’m hoping to have an opponent named soon. I’m looking forward to the night and I’ll definitely have a belt wrapped around my waist at the end of it.”

Ged Carroll – Liverpool, England – 9-0 – Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’m just glad to be back on such a big show. Hopefully this will be the start of a big year for me. I’m hoping a big sponsor will come along and get behind me. I should get some more attention once the bigger fights come along. I’ve just got to do what I’ve got to do and carry on working hard.”

Tom Hart – Liverpool, England – making his professional debut at Light-Heavyweight:

“I’m just looking forward to it now. I had a great amateur career. I’m looking forward to getting the show on the road in the professionals. I’m lucky to be starting on such a big platform with Matchroom and Sky Sports. There’s a lot of good domestic Light-Heavyweights out there. My style is better suited to the pro game.”

Liam Smith will make his long-awaited Liverpool homecoming on March 30 when he takes on Sam Eggington at the M&S Bank Arena, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Smith became Liverpool’s first World Champion in over 20 years when he stopped American John Thompson to claim the WBO Super-Welterweight crown at the Merseyside arena in 2015 before making a second successful defence of the title against Predrag Radosevic at the same venue in 2016.

‘Beefy’ hasn’t fought in his home city since and is itching to get back under the lights as he sets about winning back a version of the World title he bravely lost against pound-for-pound star Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Texas in 2016, and in doing so becoming the city’s first two-time World Champion.

Former European Welterweight Champion Eggington knows he is fighting for his career after suffering a shock stoppage defeat to Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo at Arena Birmingham in September.

‘The Savage’ was preparing to face former World ruler Brandon Rios at Wembley Stadium when he was wiped out by the dangerous African, but the Stourbridge man believes a win against Smith would put his name back in the mix for title action at 154lbs.

“It’s a very good fight for me,” said Smith. “I’ve done a lot – and I mean a lot – of sparring with Sam. You know what you are going to get with him. He comes to fight. You aren’t sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what he’s going to bring. You know exactly what he’s bringing.

“It’s the same with me and you know this is going to gel into a good fight. We will meet in the middle. It’s what we both do. I do feel, though, I do everything better than him and beyond. I feel if I ‘turn up’, you will all see what I mean.

“I am a big way back into boxing for him. And as we’ve sparred a lot, whatever confidence he can draw, he will try and draw some from that.

“I’ve got to do a proper job on Sam and a proper job is what I truly believe I will do. Having those little gloves on are so different to sparring and with those 10oz gloves on, I am massively confident I will find those gaps. Everything I throw will hit Sam and I just feel I have too good a variety for him to carry on going.”

Super-Welterweight rivals Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald put their unbeaten records on the line when they meet in one of the most eagerly-anticipated domestic clashes of the year. Preston’s Fitzgerald says he is a “different level” to Fowler’s previous opponents but ‘The Machine’ has vowed to “go through” his former teammate to set-up a mouth-watering clash with British Champion Ted Cheeseman.

Also on the bill, newly-crowned European Super-Lightweight Champion Joe Hughes clashes with Liverpool’s British Champion Robbie Davies Jnr in another tasty domestic showdown.

Malmesbury’s Hughes will be looking to build on a career-best win after he finally got his hands on the European title at the second time of asking after dominating Andrea Scarpa in Italy. Davies Jnr is looking to take another step up after claiming the British and Commonwealth titles in a bloody and bruising war with Glenn Foot at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle last October.

Popular Heavyweight David Price fights in Liverpool for the first time in nearly three years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division following his recent win over Tom Little at The O2.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover and ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas, with Liverpool Super-Lightweight Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell aiming to impress in front of his home crowd and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll looking to improve to 10-0.

“I can’t wait to be back in Liverpool on March 30, I love it there!” said Eddie Hearn. “This is one of the best all domestic cards we have put on in the city – Liam Smith returns from his World title defeat to face the all action Sam Eggington in what will be an absolute war and Anthony Fowler faces off against ex GB teammate Scott Fitzgerald in another crunch 154lb clash.

“The British and European Super-Lightweight titles are on the line for Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jnr and Joe Hughes and big David Price fights in Liverpool for the first time in nearly 3 years as he looks to make a charge in the Heavyweight division after his recent win at The O2. There’s plenty more action with rising Cruiserweight Craig Glover, Tom Farrell and Natasha Jonas – it’s going to be a busy night and a great event on March 30.”

Tickets for Smith vs. Eggington priced at £40, £60, £100 and £200 (Inner Ring VIP) are available to Fight Pass members via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) at midday on Tuesday January 22.

General Sale tickets are available to purchase via the M&S Bank Arena (www.mandsbankarena.com), Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com) and StubHub at midday on Wednesday January 23.

Liam Smith has signed a three-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

The former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion will make his debut under the Matchroom banner at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on March 30, live on Sky Sports and DAZN, and will be aiming to become a World Champion once again in 2019.

“I’m delighted to be signing with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said Smith. “I feel like I’m turning pro all over again. This is a new lease of life for me and exactly what I needed. I felt like I was going a little bit stale and under the radar.

“Without being big-headed, I still feel that I’m the best Light-Middleweight in Britain. I had a bad year in 2018 and with the move to Eddie I’m hoping for an active and exciting 2019.

“I can’t wait to get out in front of my home crowd in Liverpool on March 30 – nothing beats it. With Eddie’s deal with DAZN, there’s a lot of opportunities to take on the big names in America – it was the best move for me at this stage of my career and I’m very excited.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with Eddie and I’m happy to be working with him. The Kell Brook fight is a big fight and it’s one that could come into play but I haven’t signed with Matchroom just to fight Brook. I’ve signed with Matchroom to try and become a World Champion again and I believe that Eddie’s the man to take me there.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Liam to the team,” said Eddie Hearn. “Liam is the only Smith brother we haven’t worked with and I feel he has plenty of big fights left in the tank. He has only ever lost at elite level against Canelo and Munguia and has boxed on a huge stage and platform in the US. He will return to Liverpool on March 30 as he sets out to try and regain his World Light-Middleweight title later this year.”

MARK HEFFRON HAS locked horns in training with an informative ally as he prepares to challenge for the vacant British middleweight title against Liam Williams at the Manchester Arena on December 22.

Heffron, 21-0, last week received the welcome news that he would still be competing for the coveted Lonsdale belt against Williams, who is jumping up to 160lbs for a fight that has caused a big stir in the boxing fraternity and one of many that could potentially steal the show on the epic Josh Warrington-Carl Frampton card, live on BT Box Office.

The knockout artist from Oldham – also known as ‘Kid Dynamite’ – is now in possession of some useful inside knowledge on the workings of his opponent, otherwise known as ‘The Machine’.

Because, he shared a ring on Monday with none other than Williams’ nemesis Liam Smith, who has experienced two ultimately successful encounters with the Welshman.

“It was good, man, and I got a good solid eight rounds in with Liam where my fitness was mint,” reported the 27-year-old. “I would say I am ahead of where I thought I would be at this point.

“Yeah he has been telling me loads of things, Liam, just loads. I’ve been taking it all in when he is telling me what Liam Williams is good and bad at.

“I won’t say what, but I have picked up loads of little things myself from watching him too. So with Liam Smith telling me lots of points too I would say everything is going to plan up to now.

“I am looking forward to it,” added the WBC International title holder, who is happy that the British title remains on the line for a fight he considers to be of far greater magnitude than the one he was originally mandated for.

“I’m buzzing, Liam Williams is a big light middleweight anyway and it is a big name for me when I beat him.

“I am still getting to fight for the British and at this level I will beat them all.

“I am even more happy that it is against Liam because he is a massive name for me, much more so than Jason Welborn, and he will bring the best out in me.

“It is a much bigger fight.”

IBF world featherweight champion Josh Warrington takes on former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd live on BT Sport Box Office. Mark Heffron and Liam Williams contest the vacant British middleweight title and Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) takes on former commonwealth champion Jason Cunningham (24-5). At heavyweight, Nathan Gorman takes a step up in class against former world title challenger Alex Leapai.

Elsewhere on the bill, world flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0) return to action. Manchester’s 12-0 Light Heavyweight Lyndon Arthur and 7-0 Darlington middleweight Troy Williamson also feature.

Tickets are priced at £50 Upper Tier, £80 Tier, £100 Tier, £150 Tier, £200 Floor/Tier, £300 Floor, £400 Floor, £600 Inner Ring VIP Hospitality and are available.

Tickets available via Manchester Arena

Deerfield Beach, FL (October 31, 2018)—Roberto Garcia wants to reclaim his WBC Silver Belt Championship and what better way than to match him up with England’s Liam Smith for the vacant title.

Garcia (41-4, 24 KOs), who has been in training since losing his Silver belt to Martin Murray in a 12-round unanimous decision on June 23, is ready to take on the durable Smith (26-2-1, 14 KOs) for the belt.

“I saw Smith’s fight against Jaime Munguia for the WBO Super Welterweight title on television,” said Garcia. “It was an all-out war and I feel that the two of us can bring the same type of fight and intensity into the ring for the title. I’m ready to go.”

Smith went the distance in Las Vegas with Munguia and lost his interim WBO Super Welterweight title, which he had won in beating Liam Williams on April 8, 2017 and defended in a rematch with Williams on Nov. 11, 2017 in winning a majority decision.

“Garcia is ready to make the fight with Liam Smith and so is his promoter, Don King,” said manager Lee Holliday. “Both of these fighters are true warriors, so let’s get it on for the title.”

All it takes is a phone call from promoter Frank Warren to Don King and the fight will be on.

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ith
LIAM SMITH has revealed that top of his boxing bucket list is to defend the WBO super-welterweight title at Anfield – home of his beloved Liverpool football club.

‘Beefy’ bids to win back his old crown when he challenges Mexican star Jaime Munguia (29-0) at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Smith (26-1-1) believes that becoming the first two-time world champion from Liverpool will mean all roads lead to a big fight at Anfield next summer.

He is a mad Liverpool fan and many of his Saturday’s and midweek evenings are spent sitting in the famous Kop end.

He explained: “I did a boxing bucket list and fighting for a world title in Las Vegas was one of the very last things on it and that is what I am doing.

“I added to the bucket list the other day because the only thing not ticked was to win a British title outright.

“I won a professional title, a British title, a world title, defended a world title and the next one is this fighting for a world title in Las Vegas.

“I put one more on it and that is to fight at Anfield. I had to add something big because when I do beat Munguia, Anfield becomes a big possibility.

“There has been meetings about different events at Anfield and I think they are keen on boxing taking place there.

“My promoter Frank Warren recently did Lee Selby and Josh Warrington at Elland Road, David Haye fought at Upton Park and of course there is Anthony Joshua at Wembley and Cardiff.

“I think Anfield want to get involved and they can with myself, my brothers and other Reds who are professional boxers. It is realistic.

“Anfield have seen what these events can do and me fighting there could be the first boxing event.”

Smith hopes that beating the unbeaten champion who will be making the first defence in the BT Sport televised clash will be a fantastic early birthday present ahead of his 30th next week.

He added: “I have dreamt of fighting in Las Vegas since I was 17 or 18 years old, but it is more than boxing there and I will be gutted if I don’t win.”

LAS VEGAS (July 19, 2018): Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), the newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, and former world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) of Liverpool, England, held a final press conference ahead of their 12-round main event Saturday, July 21 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) and Rafael “Sweet Pea” Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs), who will fight for Machado’s WBA Super Featherweight World Title in the co-main event, also participated.

Here’s what today’s participants said at today’s press conference:

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“Liam Smith is a tough fighter. We know what kind of style he has. He’s the type of fighter who will come forward and throw a lot of punches. He has an advantage because he’s been in big fights before. But I have a lot of experience as well. I’ve had over a hundred amateur fights and I have fought all over Mexico. We also know what style he will bring. Smith is the kind of fighter who will stand in front of you with a high guard and then suddenly throw a lot of punches. We both come forward and we both throw a lot of punches, so there is a high possibility that this fight will end in a knockout. If we don’t get the knockout, I’m prepared to go the 12 rounds. This has been the best camp of life. I am very prepared. My sparring has gone well. I feel great and I will show that on Saturday. Don’t miss this big fight!”

LIAM SMITH, Junior Middleweight Contender:

“It’s good to be back fighting in the United States. The last time I was here I was treated very well. It was unfortunate to pull out of the Sadam Ali fight. But my loss was Jaime Munguia’s gain. He stepped in and he won the title.

I was kept in the mandatory position and now I’ve got my shot against a good champion. It should be an exciting fight. He’s an exciting combatant who comes to fight. He’s young and he’s hungry. But you know me. I’m not going to come here and lie down. It’s not the Jaime Munguia show for me. I’m here to do my job. I’m here to do what I set out to do and get my title back.”

ALBERTO “EXPLOSIVO” MACHADO, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion:

“I want to thank God for this opportunity. I’m excited to be fighting in back-to-back events on HBO, the most important television platform in boxing. It is a dream come true to be working for Miguel Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya. I grew up watching Miguel Cotto fights as a kid in Puerto Rico, so for me it is a dream come true to be here defending my title.”

“Rafael is the Number 1 contender for a reason. I’ve got great training at the Wild Card Boxing Club where everyone is very strong. I thank Freddie Roach for focusing on me for the past several weeks. I’m going back to Puerto Rico a world champion.”

RAFAEL MENSAH, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I thank Golden Boy Promotions, HBO and Don King Productions. I thank everyone who will see this fight live. This fight was a long time coming, but now I’m happy Alberto Machado will fight me. I’m happy to fight on a Golden Boy card. My uncle Ike Quartey fought with the Golden Boy, and now I will fight on a Golden Boy card. Like my uncle, I will fight with everything on Saturday.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We have great fights in store for everyone. Jaime Munguia, who just acquired his world title in spectacular fashion, is up against another tough contender in Liam Smith. In the co-main event, we’re happy to work with Miguel Cotto Promotions and Don King Promotions to bring this great fight between Alberto Machado and Rafael Mensah. The fights are sure to be a great. They are all prepared and good to go, so don’t miss all this action.”

Munguia vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Frank Warren. Machado vs. Mensah is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Don King Productions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event takes place Saturday, July 21, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The action-packed doubleheader will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT

Tickets for Munguia vs. Smith are on sale and are priced at $20, $50, $75, $100 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or The Joint Box Office at (702) 693-5000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/MunguiaSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing
and www.hardrockhotel.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/HardRockHotelLV. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing and @HardRockHotelLV. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaSmith.

About The Joint
The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is a 4,255-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled entertainment destination. The Joint features seven luxury suites, a VIP studio level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort. It has received numerous accolades including “No. 1 Hottest Club in America” award by Billboard Magazine, “Casino Of The Year – Medium Capacity” award by the Academy of Country Music, “Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas” by MetroWize.com, “Best New Major Concert Venue” at thePollstar Awards, “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best awards, “Best Rock Residency Program” by Las Vegas Weekly, “Best Concert Venue” by Las Vegas Review-Journal and more. The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with performances by both legendary and groundbreaking artists including Paul McCartney, the Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Nine Inch Nails, The Who, Imagine Dragons, Prince, Arcade Fire, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. The venue has been home to successful residencies with Carlos Santana, Tiësto, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, KISS, Rascal Flatts and Journey. For more information visit www.thejointlasvegas.com. Follow The Joint on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

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LIAM WILLIAMS BELIEVES his fellow super welterweight Liam Smith is in for a tough night against the Mexican banger Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas this weekend, but suspects his old adversary has got what it takes to repel the fire of the 21-year-old and take the fight to the wire.

Munguia stepped in to replace mandatory challenger Smith back in May when Sadam Ali – who defeated Miguel Cotto in his final fight – held the WBO world super welterweight title.

Munguia caused something of an upset by flooring Ali four times on his way to a fourth round stoppage and the former WBC Latino champion must now fulfil the mandatory obligation against Smith.

Munguia has only been taken the distance four times in his 29 fights so far, with three of those coming in his early four and six rounders.

So Smith, as Williams suggests, is up against a bit of a puncher.

“Yes he looks good and looks like he can punch a bit,” said the Welshman, who fought Smith twice in 2017, losing the first due to a severe cut and the second via a majority points decision.

“It is a difficult one to call really because Liam is so tough and durable and he is actually a lot more skilful than people give him credit for.

“People think he is very basic and just comes forward, but when you are actually in the ring with him he is a lot more effective than he looks from the outside.”

Williams, however, was at a bit of a loss when it came to actually picking a winner in a fight that will be screened live and exclusive on BT Sport 1 from 3am on Sunday morning from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

“I don’t know, it is such a close one to call and I think it is one that will come down to the wire and go the distance. It could be a really gruelling fight and very close.”

He might have struggled to pick a winner, but the 26-year-old did not hedge his bets when asked if he would like a shot at the winner. Williams is preparing for an expected September return in new surrounding under recently appointed trainer Dominic Ingle in Sheffield.

“One hundred per cent I would fancy it with either of them,” he insisted. “Whoever wins, I can’t really see myself being in position to get the next shot, but I would certainly take it.

“I am back on a roll now, I feeling good and I am re-motivated, which a lot of people didn’t realise I needed because I never really said anything.

“Even for the second Smith fight I was lacking in motivation and didn’t really care enough. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to win and I tried, but I didn’t have the motivation I should have had.

“What’s done is done and I am excited now by what is to come.”

HBO Sports returns to the vibrant junior middleweight division when one of 2018’s breakout stars defends his crown for the first time on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: JAIME MUNGUIA VS. LIAM SMITH AND ALBERTO MACHADO VS. RAFAEL MENSAH, presented SATURDAY, JULY 21 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Two months ago, Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs) made an impressive HBO debut, scoring a resounding fourth-round KO of junior middleweight titleholder Sadam Ali. Now, the 25-year-old native of Tijuana, Baja Calif, Mexico defends his title against the UK’s formidable Liam Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs), 29, in a 12-round clash that promises to produce fireworks.

The co-feature spotlights Alberto Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) defending his super featherweight title against No. 1 contender Rafael Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in a 12-round battle. Machado, 27, hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Mensah, also 27, is a native of Accra, Ghana, and has 12 more pro bouts than the champ.

This doubleheader marks the 39th consecutive year that HBO Boxing has televised a fight card from Las Vegas.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of HBO Sports is Rick Bernstein; producer, Dave Harmon; director, Johnathan Evans.

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

LIAM SMITH will be fired up by critics who have trashed his chances of taking the WBO super-welterweight title challenge from Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas on Saturday July 21.

The Liverpool boxer will be attempting to regain the title he lost against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in September 2016 when their clash drew 51,000 fans to the AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

Munguia, 21, has won all 29 professional fights with 25 wins coming by KO. He caused an upset in May when he ripped the title from Sadam Ali – stopping the defending champion in four rounds.

But Smith is ready to ruin the Mexican’s first defence at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and earn himself huge unification clashes that will set him up for life.

Smith, 29, said ahead of the fight that will be shown by BT Sport: “I will be gutted if I don’t win this fight.

“I am a little bit more hungry because a few people have written me off so I’m gonna make them eat their words.

“It has given me a little bit more fire. I want to become a world champion again.”

“Munguia is a good fighter. He is big for the weight and it doesn’t take a genius to see he can punch.

“He is one of those young, enthusiastic fighters who is trying to make a statement in every fight and he’s just getting better and better.

“It is winnable, but it is what a world title fight should be. I’m a challenger, on the road and it should be a tough fight.”

Smith whose only defeat in 28 fights came against Canelo is taking little notice of Munguia’s win against Ali.

He explained: “Sadam Ali was in the right place, right time when he beat Miguel Cotto to win the title, but I still thought he might have had too much nous for Munguia.

“I watched Munguia in February before there was talk of him fighting any of the names and classed him as a decent prospect who was coming through.

“Apart from Sadam he hasn’t fought any one of note. If you look at his record there is not one other person there where you’d say, ‘Look he has beaten, him’.

“The way the fight happened I wasn’t fully surprised because it was basically a middleweight against a welterweight.

“I am not small for a super-welterweight though and that is one reason why I am not fazed by this. I’m big enough myself and confident in my own size.”

If Smith wins he will become the first two-time world champion from Liverpool and is the first scouser to top the bill in the world’s fight capital.

He said: “For someone who didn’t want to box as a kid I’ve fought Canelo in Dallas, and now I am topping the bill in Las Vegas on BT Sport and HBO.”

LOS ANGELES (July 11, 2018): Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), the newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, hosted a media workout today at the Westside Boxing Club ahead of the first defense of his title against former world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round main event Saturday, July 21 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (19-0, 16 KOs), who will put his WBA Super Featherweight World Title on the line as he faces undefeated No. 1 Contender Rafael “Sweet Pea” Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in the 12-round co-main event, also participated in the workout.

Here’s what Munguia and Machado had to say during today’s media workout:

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“We had a sensational training camp. We have a great team, so I feel very good. The potential fight against Gennady Golovkin really got my name out there. It allowed me to get the opportunity to fight for a world title. I’m grateful for that. I’m also grateful that the NSAC didn’t allow me to fight against Golovkin because it lead to this world title.

I’m always 100% ready. I got the call to fight Sadam Ali with only two weeks notice. The only struggle was to lose the weight, but other than that I was ready. I knew my advantage was my reach and my power. I knew that he was a smaller fighter. Those were the keys to my victory.

I feel very motivated now that I am a world champion. Everyone is going to talk about to me after this fight. This will open up more opportunities, and people will mention my name with the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.

I think that the only advantage that Liam Smith has is that he’s fought in big events before. But I have many fights under my belt. I have a lot of experience. I had over 100 fights as an amateur. All this experience gives me a lot of confidence when I step into the ring. Also, Smith might say that he’s a natural 154-pounder, but I want to tell him that I’m a natural 160-pounder who drops down. I’m very happy with the training camp we had and very confident about this fight.”

ALBERTO “EXPLOSIVO” MACHADO, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion:

“It’s been about 10 months since my last fight. But it served me well. It allowed me to get some rest and to work on some technical details I needed to work on. I had been boxing for 15 years straight, so it was a necessary rest.

Fighting on HBO for the first time was a dream come true. I used to gather with my friends to watch Miguel Cotto, Ivan Calderon and Felix Trinidad on HBO, so this was definitely a dream come true. The fight against Jezreel Corrales was very tough. At first, he didn’t event make weight. I knew he had a lot more experience than I did too. But I brought out the spirit that characterizes us a boxers to walk away with the victory.

For this camp, I worked on strategy and technique. I had more time to travel to Los Angeles and work with Freddie Roach. During this camp, I really got to see why he is a Hall of Fame trainer. I got to see why he’s had so many world champions. On July 21, you will definitely see a new and improved Alberto Machado.”

(ABOVE: Maricela Cornejo, Joet Gonzalez and Richard Acevedo pose for the media ahead of their fights on
the July 13 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN)

Click HERE for Photos/Videos
Photo Credit: Tom Hogan-HoganPhotos/Golden Boy Promotions
Video Credit: Golden Boy Promotions

Fighters from the July 13 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN also participated in the workout. Rising featherweight contender Joet Gonzalez (19-0, 11 KOs) will battle for the vacant NABO 126-pound title against Rafael ‘Big Bang’ Rivera (25-1-2, 16 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

Richard “Kansas Kid” Acevedo (2-0, 2 KOs) will return in a four-round super welterweight fight against Quantavious Green (1-2-1, 1 KO) of Shreveport, La. Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo (11-2, 4 KOs) will return in a six-round super middleweight fight against Samantha Pill (3-0) of Fairmont, West Virginia. All the action will take place at The Novo by Microsoft
at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles.

Here’s what fighters on the July 13 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPNhad to say during today’s media workout:

JOET GONZALEZ, Featherweight Contender:

“I can compete with all the champions at Featherweight. I’ve sparred with the likes of Oscar Valdez, Leo Santa Cruz and Mikey Garcia. And I compete with them. I’m not just a sparring partner. I give them their money’s worth. That should tell you where I am in the division. I’m excited that Golden Boy gave us the opportunity. My manager Frank Espinoza and my team really worked hard for this fight. The NABO title will open a lot of doors and opportunities, so I’m really excited about that. My best quality is being smart. There are fighters who get scared when they get touched. But I can take a punch. If we need to make it a war, I can make it a war. But because I fight smart, I know how to get someone out using my head.”

MARICELA “LA DIVA” CORNEJO, Super Middleweight Prospect:

“It’s been great to feel the support from Golden Boy. We have had great meetings. That makes me confident because I know they have my back. They’re doing their part to help me, so I know I have to be in the gym doing my part as well. Samantha Pill had 10 fights as amateur. That’s six more than I did. I didn’t have that much but I’m learning on the job. She’s taller than me so I know I have to go in there smart, but I was made for this. I always knew I was meant to be successful in this sport, and I feel myself getting better and better in every fight.”

RICHARD “KANSAS KID” ACEVEDO, Super Welterweight Prospect:

“I’m staying busy with Golden Boy Promotions, and it feels great. I’m in the best shape of my life training with the Saucedo Brothers at Westside Boxing. My opponent is a tough guy and I know I can’t go in too confident, but I’m positive I’ll come out with a great win. I feel stronger than ever and I look forward to moving up in my division to get better and better fights.”

Munguia vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight
World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Frank Warren. Machado vs. Mensah is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Don King Productions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event takes place Saturday, July 21, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Smith are priced at $20, $50, $75, $100 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or The Joint Box Office at (702) 693-5000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Gonzalez vs. Rivera is a 10-round fight for the vacant NABO Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Friday, July 13, 2018 at The Novo by Microsoft at L.A. LIVE. Doors to the event open at 3:00 p.m. PT, and the first fight begins at 4:00 p.m. PT. ESPN and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Gonzalez vs. Rivera are priced at $20, $40, and $60, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call AXS at1-888-9-AXS-TIX (1-888-929-7849) or The Novo Box Office (213) 765-7000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com, www.thenovodtla.com, www.axs.com, and www.lalive.com.

July 21 Boxing After Dark:
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
www.hbo.com/boxing and www.hardrockhotel.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
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July 13 GBP on ESPN:
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GonzalezRivera.

July 21 Boxing After Dark:
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/MunguiaSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

July 13 GBP on ESPN:
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/GonzalezRivera into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

LAS VEGAS (June 21, 2018): Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), the newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, will make the first defense of his title against former world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round main event Saturday, July 21 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Munguia is a dangerous 21-year-old puncher who has ended 25 of his fights by stunning knockout. Munguia has only fought twice in the United States, the second of which was for a last-minute title opportunity against Sadam “World Kid” Ali in May. Munguia used his enormous height and reach advantages to drop Ali several times before a thunderous left hook ended matters in the fourth round. The newly-crowned champion is excited to defend his new belt.

“I’m very excited and thankful with everyone that made this possible,” said Jaime Munguia.”I invite the fans to go and see me live or to tune in on HBO. I will defend my WBO title with pride and honor. See you in Vegas!”

Smith, the first of an impressive stable of brothers to win a world title, is a 29-year-old native of Liverpool, England. After scoring 20 impressive victories as a professional, Smith defeated John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson via seventh-round technical knockout to capture the WBO 154-pound title. Smith then lost the title against Canelo Alvarez in front of over 50,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in an impressive show of heart. Smith has had three victories since, and after pulling out of his May 12 fight against Sadam Ali due to an illness, he is more than ready to regain the title that was once his.

“To go to Vegas and fight for a world title is every fighter’s dream,” said Liam Smith.”But it’s only an extra incentive to my main motivation – getting that WBO world junior middleweight title back around my waist.Munguia is obviously a dangerous puncher and I’ll have to be wary of him early on, but he’s never fought someone as good as me and a fully-fledged 154lb fighter. I can’t afford to look an inch past Munguia though. He’s world champion for a reason and with such a high knockout percentage, I’m going to have to be my best ever. Unfortunately for Munguia, that’s what I’ll be.”

In the co-main event, Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) will put his WBA Super Featherweight World Title on the line as he faces undefeated No. 1 Contender Rafael “Sweet Pea” Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in a 12-round battle.

Machado, a 27-year-old of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a big man for his division and boasts power in both hands. After unifying two regional titles with a dominant unanimous decision victory against Carlos “The Solution” Morales, Machado defeated Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales by way of eighth-round knockout to capture WBA Super Featherweight Title in Oct. 2017. The hard-hitting southpaw promises to retain his title on July 21.

“One as a fighter knows the sacrifices that are made to become world champion,” said Alberto Machado. “Because of that, I will defend my title with blood and honor this July 21. Rafael Mensah is the mandatory challenger, and he possess great credentials, including an impressive record. That’s why I’m preparing more than ever to walk away with my hand raise in my first defense.”

Mensah is a 27-year-old contender of Accra, Ghana who made his professional debut in 2010. Since then he has steadily climbed up 130-pound rankings, earning his spot at the top of the WBA rankings and a shot at the title. Mensah is confident that he has the skills to outclass Machado.

“I know Machado and there is no doubt I can beat him,” said Rafael Mensah. “When I saw Machado, I said ‘Yes, I can beat you. You are not somebody that can beat me. You cannot beat Rafael Mensah. I will come and maybe not knock you out, but I will beat you in boxing and teach you a good boxing lesson.'”

“We’re excited to bring two world title fights to Las Vegas on July 21,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Jaime Munguia exploded onto the championship scene last year in devastating fashion, and we’re delighted to showcase him once again on another HBO main event. The co-main event will also bring fireworks as Alberto Machado makes the first defense of what will be a very long reign.”

“I’m proud and excited that this Mexican Kid from Tijuana [Munguia], who’s the hottest fighter in boxing today, will once again fight on July 21 against the tough Liam Smith,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “I know he will prevail again in spectacular fashion like he always does.”

“Liam Smith was very confident of beating Sadam Ali, but unfortunately the allergic reaction he suffered temporarily sidelined his plans,” said Frank Warren.”Munguia looked impressive beating the former champion, but Liam actually feels he is a better stylistic match up for him than Ali would have been.I’m very confident Liam will be recapturing the WBO Junior Middleweight Title and bringing it back to the UK.”

“When Jaime Munguia made his HBO debut this past May, he put the division on notice with a spectacular knockout and captured a 154-pound title”, said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “He looks to keep the momentum going on July 21 as he takes on his mandatory challenger Liam Smith, who hopes to take the title back to his native UK.”

The rest of this undercard will be announced shortly.

Munguia vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Frank Warren. Machado vs. Mensah is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Don King Productions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila.The event takes place Saturday, July 21, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Smith are priced at $20, $50, $75, $100 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets go on sale Thursday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m. PST. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or The Joint Box Office at (702) 693-5000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/MunguiaSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing
and www.hardrockhotel.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/HardRockHotelLV. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing and @HardRockHotelLV. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaSmith.

About The Joint
The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is a 4,255-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled entertainment destination. The Joint features seven luxury suites, a VIP studio level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort. It has received numerous accolades including “No. 1 Hottest Club in America” award by Billboard Magazine, “Casino Of The Year – Medium Capacity” award by the Academy of Country Music, “Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas” by MetroWize.com, “Best New Major Concert Venue” at the Pollstar Awards, “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best awards, “Best Rock Residency Program” by Las Vegas Weekly, “Best Concert Venue” by Las Vegas Review-Journal and more. The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with performances by both legendary and groundbreaking artists including Paul McCartney, the Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Nine Inch Nails, The Who, Imagine Dragons, Prince, Arcade Fire, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. The venue has been home to successful residencies with Carlos Santana, Tiësto, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, KISS, Rascal Flatts and Journey. For more information visit www.thejointlasvegas.com. Follow The Joint on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

WBO Junior Middleweight champion Sadam Ali will now take on Jaime Munguia on May 12th in Verona, New York, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com. Munguia replaces Liam Smith, who had to pull out due to an illness.

“Munguia is in,” Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez said. “We’re delighted to save the show. Sadam Ali is willing to fight any and all comers. Munguia is probably more dangerous [than Smith]. He’s undefeated, and he’s a huge puncher.”

An illness has forced Liam Smith to postpone his WBO Super-Welterweight World Title challenge against Sadam Ali, scheduled for May 12th at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

WBO number one contender Smith, 29, is attempting to regain the 154lb crown that he lost against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in September 2016, and is hopeful that a new date can be scheduled as soon as possible.

“I’m bitterly disappointed that I have been forced to postpone my fight with Sadam Ali to a later date,” said Smith. “A recent illness has severely impacted on my training schedule, leaving me with no choice but to postponed the May 12th date.

“I’ve been out of training for eight days. We’re not sure exactly what was wrong with me but it appears to be some sort of allergic reaction. I’m not injured and I’m hoping that the fight can be rescheduled quickly.

“I’m gutted for Ali and all of the fans that were looking forward to watching the fight. I’d like to thank Golden Boy promotions and my promoter Frank Warren for working on a new date for the fight.

“Ali is a World class fighter and I need to be fully prepared for when I step in the ring with him. I want to give the fans a fight to remember.”

Further details on a rescheduled date for Ali v Smith will be announced in due course.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (April 25, 2018): Rey Vargas (31-0, 22 KOs), the undefeated world champion of Mexico City, Mexico, discussed his training camp ahead of the third defense of his WBC Super Bantamweight World Title against Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (14-2, 11 KOs) in the 12-round co-main event to Sadam “World Kid” Ali and Liam “Beefy” Smith for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship on Saturday, May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The 27-year-old champion is currently in the strongest stage of sparring at the famed Romanza Gym in Mexico City, Mexico, under the supervision of Hall of Fame Trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristaín, along with Oscar Ortiz and Fabian and Emilio Ramirez.When he is not sparring or doing his daily conditioning training, Vargas trains out of his home gym in Otumba, Mexico, working offensive and defensive strategies according to the fight plan in mind.

Vargas had the following to say regarding his training camp and his future in the sport of boxing:

“Like always, we’re working on being better for the next fight. We’re also working on power and movement, but also on technique and strategy. Nevertheless, everything will be determined in the ring. He can study me all he wants. He could have the better corner, or I could have the better corner. At the end of the day, it will just be me and him, so the one who has prepared the best and has the better strategy will win.”

“We are just days away from this great fight against a great fighter [Hovhannisyan] who knows how to brawl and move about the ring. He can fight from both stances, so he’s not just any kind of fighter. We have to really take into account of who is stepping into the ring with us.”

“I know that Hovhannisyan has some experience fighting against Mexicans, but not all of us are the same. I know how to box and brawl. It’s going to be an interesting fight because he’s a brawler who knows how to move when he decides to. We also can’t take away the fact that he has a lot of power. It’s interesting that we have fought a similar opponent [Ronny Rios]. He knocked him out in six rounds, while I defeated him by unanimous decision. Because of that there may be some doubts, but I’ll make things clear May 12.”

“This fight is my first priority, and I hope to walk out of this fight well and with my hand raised in victory. I want the people to be happy from a great performance. But of course, I’m also thinking about possible unification fights in the future. I would love to unify titles with the current IBF champion Ryosuke Iwase, an opponent who really has caught my attention because he earned his title by knockout in foreign territory.”

Ali vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren. Vargas vs. Hovhannisyan is a 12-round battle for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event takes place Saturday, May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. ET, and the first fight begins at 6:30 p.m. ET. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Host of the May 12 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The May event will mark Turning Stone’s 25th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000-seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.

Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup are on sale and are available from $95 and $75 for ringside seats and all others priced at $55 and $45, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office in person or by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Professional media requesting credentials for Ali vs. Smith must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/SadamAliLiamSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing
and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @TurningStone. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @TurningStone. Follow the conversation using #AliSmith.