LIVERPOOL, UK (January 19, 2024) – Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer both made weight today ahead of their IBF World Welterweight Title showdown tomorrow night at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA.

Two-weight world champion Jonas makes the first defence of the IBF belt she captured last year, having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF World Super Welterweight Titles, while Mayer, the former IBF and WBO Unified World Super Featherweight Champion, looks to reclaim world honours as she moves up to challenge for Jonas’ welterweight crown.

Official weights from Liverpool:

10×2 mins – IBF World Welterweight Championship

Natasha Jonas – 10st 6lbs

Mikaela Mayer – 10st 6lbs 5oz

12×3 mins – British & Commonwealth Super Middleweight Championship

Jack Cullen – 11st 13lbs 5oz

Zak Chelli – 11st 12lbs 5oz

8×2 mins – Featherweight Contest

Karriss Artingstall – 8st 12lbs 5oz

Lila Dos Santos Furtado – 8st 12lbs

8×3 mins – Super Middleweight Contest

Aaron McKenna – 12st

Micky Ellison – 12st 3lbs

10×3 mins – English & Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Championship

Mark Jeffers – 11st 13lbs

Germaine Brown – 11st 13lbs

6×3 mins – Cruiserweight Contest

Jack Massey – 14st 8lbs

Steve Eloundou Ntere – 14st 5lbs

4×3 mins – Flyweight Contest

Mikie Tallon – 7st 13lbs

Adamu Yahaya – 8st 1lbs

4×3 mins Super Middleweight Contest

Ste Clarke – 11st 6lbs

Vasif Mamedov – 11st 12lbs 5oz

Watch Jonas vs Mayer live on Sky Sports Arena at 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event at 8pm with undercard fights available to watch live on Sky Sports Boxing’s YouTube channel from 5pm.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Limited tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, England (Jan. 18, 2024) —Two-division world champion Natasha Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will defend her IBF welterweight world title against former unified junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs)this Saturday, Jan. 20 at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

In the co-feature, Jack Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) will put his British and Commonwealth titles on the line against Zak Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round rematch of their all-action 2020 slugfest that ended in a draw.

Jonas-Mayer and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

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

Natasha Jonas

“This is a big statement. We’ve seen so many times that the best don’t fight the best for whatever reason. But I believe that for me to classify myself as one of the best of this era, I have to fight the best. I look at some of the boxers on list, the Katie Taylors and Chantelle Camerons, and they’ve beaten people in the top 10 pound-for-pound list. For me to be able to solidify a legacy for myself, I believe I have to do the same, and Mikaela is on that list.”

“Doors shut quickly in boxing when the results don’t go your way. And we’ve both experienced that now. And none of us want that to happen again. So, to keep those doors open, to keep those opportunities open, and to keep those bigger dreams beyond this alive, I’ve got to focus on what happens on Saturday and make that dream come true.”

“It’s going to be a good fight. We’ve both got the I.Q. and the ability to box. We’ve both got the skill and the strength to fight if we need to. That being said, I think our styles will make a great fight. I’m not going to be a reactive fighter and wait to see what she pulls out the bag. I’m going to be putting on my best foot forward and making her worry about me from the get-go.”

Mikaela Mayer

“It’s not just about the belt. It’s not just about becoming a world champion again. It’s about challenging myself against the best, having those names on my resume and knowing that I did my absolute best to challenge myself against the other great girls in the sport so that I can truly say I’m a top pound-for-pound fighter of this era. That’s important for my legacy and for my fans because I know that these are the types of fights that they want to see.”

“Natasha has a ton of experience. She has that amateur pedigree. She’s gone up against plenty of different styles. And she’s had to learn how to adjust to those styles. Same with me. That’s why having that pedigree is such an advantage. We both have that.”

“It’s going to be a really strategic fight because she’s a southpaw and I’m orthodox. Obviously, I have a technician in my corner who is big on strategy and big on technique and he has a game plan specifically for that, which I absolutely have to follow if I don’t want to get in trouble after the fight.”

Saturday, January 20

ESPN+ (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT)
 

Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer, 10 rounds, Jonas’ IBF Welterweight World Title 

Jack Cullen vs. Zak Chelli, 12 rounds, Cullen’s British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles

Aaron McKenna vs. Linus Udofia, 10 rounds, middleweight

Karriss Artingstall vs. Lila dos Santos Furtado, 8 rounds, featherweight

Jan 17, 2024

Top Rank Presents IBF World Welterweight Championship:

Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer

Saturday, January 20, 2:00 p.m. ET/ 11:00 a.m. PT

Live and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

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To Subscribe Visit ESPNPlus.com/Top Rank

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Jonas vs. Mayer will be presented live on Saturday, January 20, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. The event takes place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

In the main event, two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas will defend her IBF welterweight world title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer.

Having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF junior middleweight world titles, Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making the first defense of her welterweight crown, which she claimed after scoring an emphatic stoppage win over Canadian Kandi Wyatt last year.

Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs), a fellow Olympian and former IBF, WBO, and Ring Magazine junior lightweight world champion, moves up in weight once again as she attempts to become a two-division world champ.

In other streaming action on ESPN+, Jack Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) returns to defend his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against former foe Zak Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs).

Calling the Action will be Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr. and Bernardo Osuna.

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Jonas vs. Mayer (All Times ET)

Date
Time
Event
Fights
Title
Platform
Sat., Jan 20
2:00 p.m.
Main
Natasha Jonas (C) vs. Mikaela Mayer
IBF Welterweight

ESPN+

Co-Feature
Jack Cullen vs. Zak Chelli

Undercard
Karriss Artingstall vs. Lila Dos Santos Furtado
Undercard
Aaron McKenna vs. Linus Udofia
About ESPN

About ESPN+

LIVERPOOL, UK (January 8, 2023) – Aaron McKenna versus Linus Udofia is the latest mouth-watering contest confirmed for an action-packed fight card on Saturday, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA. 

The middleweight rivals meet in a special bet365 Wildcard contest for McKenna’s WBC International Title on the undercard of Natasha Jonas’ IBF World Welterweight Title defence against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer. 

McKenna claimed the WBC International strap with a unanimous points victory over Uisma Lima on June 16th at London’s York Hall. Now 17-0, the 24-year-old is considered one of the division’s most exciting young talents. To continue his upward career trajectory, the ‘Silencer’ must now overcome his toughest test as he takes on former English Champion and British Title challenger Udofia.

With victories over Tyler Denny and John Harding Jr, and a hard-fought split decision loss to Denzel Bentley for the British Middleweight Title, Udofia has established himself as one of the fighters at the top of a stacked domestic division. The 30-year-old from Luton returns to title action following a defeat to Kieron Conway for the WBA Intercontinental Title knowing a victory over the undefeated McKenna can reignite his career and set the stage for a successful 2024. 

“A huge night of boxing in Liverpool just got even bigger,” said BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom. “McKenna vs Udofia is an excellent addition to an already stacked card. It’s a fascinating contest. McKenna has answered every question asked of him so far in his undefeated career. Udofia has tasted defeat but operated at a higher level and will look to use that experience to his advantage in what promises to be a real pick ‘em fight.”

Newly crowned British and Commonwealth Champion Jack Cullen returns to action in Liverpool defending his belts against former foe Zak Chelli. Cullen scored a memorable third-round TKO win over Mark Heffron in September to claim the British and Commonwealth Titles and will square off against former English Champion Chelli in a repeat of their all-action 2020 contest that ended in a draw.

Karriss Artingstall is back in business following a destructive second-round KO win over Vanessa Bradford on October 21st at York Hall. The 2020 Olympic medallist takes on Lila dos Santos Furtado as she looks to continue her climb up the featherweight ranks. 

Mark Jeffers defends his English and Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Titles against Germaine Brown. Jeffers claimed the English and Commonwealth Silver Titles with points win over Zak Chelli after accepting a short notice fight last year. The undefeated Chorley boxer makes his first defence against Brown, who will be aiming to recapture the English Title he held in 2022.

Former IBO World Cruiserweight Champion Jack Massey, who took Joseph Parker the distance in a ten-round heavyweight contest in Manchester last year, returns to the ring and the 200lbs limit as he looks to start the New Year with a victory in Liverpool. 

The event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, UK (November 30, 2023) – Karriss Artingstall will face Lila dos Santos Furtado on the undercard of the IBF World Welterweight Title clash between Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer on January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and on ESPN+ in the USA.

Artingstall (5-0, 1 KO) is back in business following a destructive second-round KO win over Vanessa Bradford on October 21st at York Hall. The former WBA World Super Featherweight Title challenger had never been stopped before sharing a ring with Artingstall, who made light work of the Canadian, who had previously gone the distance with Alycia Baumgardner and Hyun Mi Choi.

“Of course, I was happy with my performance. I did something no one else managed to do,” said Artingstall. “I always come to hurt my opponents, to get the win is the most important thing, but to hurt my opponent and to make them quit, there’s no better feeling.”

The 2020 Olympic bronze medallist will be aiming to continue the successful start to her professional career by securing a statement win against the Brazilian dos Santos Furtado (9-1, 1 KO), who returns to the UK following a WBC International Title fight with Raven Chapman earlier this year.

“I think I’ve had a good start to my journey as a professional fighter,” said Artingstall. “I mean, it could be better as I’d like a belt to my name which is definitely the focus for 2024. Next year, I’d like to cement my place at the top of the division and challenge for those world titles.”

Amanda Serrano currently holds all the belts at 126 lbs, and while Artingstall is focused on working her way into title contention, the 29-year-old has also been linked to fights with domestic rival Raven Chapman and Australia’s Skye Nicolson, who Artingstall beat in the 2020 Olympic quarterfinals to claim bronze.

“I’ve mentioned previously who I’d like to fight as I believe it would be great for the fans,” said the 29-year-old southpaw. “But for now, I’m just interested in fighting whoever is going to improve my world ranking.”

Two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas defends her IBF World Welterweight Title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer in a landmark night for women’s boxing as two of the sport’s biggest stars meet in the centre of the ring on Saturday, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA.

Fans can also look forward to the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title showdown between Jack Cullen and Zak Chelli, who meet in a repeat of their all-action 2020 contest that ended in a draw.

The event is presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, UK (November 14, 2023) – Two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas will defend her IBF World Welterweight Title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer in a landmark night for women’s boxing as two of the sport’s biggest stars meet in the centre of the ring on Saturday, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. 

Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making a first defence of the IBF crown she claimed with an emphatic stoppage win over Canadian Kandi Wyatt earlier this year,  having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF World Super Welterweight Titles. 

Standing in the opposite corner will be U.S. star Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs), a fellow Olympian and the former IBF and WBO World Super Featherweight Champion. The Los Angeles native was one of the stars of BOXXER’s historic women’s night last year, and after capturing the WBC interim World Lightweight Title earlier this year, Mayer will be moving up in weight once again.

Newly crowned British and Commonwealth Champion Jack Cullen also returns to action in Liverpool defending his belts against former foe Zak Chelli. Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) scored a memorable third-round TKO win over Mark Heffron in September to claim the British and Commonwealth titles. ‘Little Leaver’s Meat Cleaver’ will now square off against former English Champion Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in a repeat of their all-action 2020 contest that ended in a draw.

Natasha Jonas said: “I’m so excited to be fighting back in Liverpool in my first headline show and in the biggest fight of my career so far. It’s my fifth world title fight with BOXXER, in my backyard and I’m ready for it. It’s Mikaela Mayer, she stretches above and beyond the UK shores. ‘Miss GB’ versus ‘Miss USA’ and may the best woman win!”  

Mikaela Mayer said, “These are the types of matchups boxing needs. I am feeling better than ever at my new weight and confident that 2024 is when I take it all back.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom, said: “2024 promises to be a monumental year for BOXXER and Sky Sports, and we’re thrilled to kick things off with another massive night for women’s boxing as Natasha Jonas defends her World Title against Mikaela Mayer in a matchup set to showcase the pinnacle of the sport. Natasha and Mikaela are two fantastic athletes – both former Olympians and world champions – from either side of the Atlantic, ready to put it all on the line to secure their legacy.” 

“Mikaela Mayer is beloved in the UK, and we are thrilled that she will get an opportunity to become a two-weight champion against a sensational fighter in Natasha Jonas,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “These are two of the best pound-for-pound females in boxing and a great fight to kick off the 2024 schedule.”

This event is presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Sign up for tickets alerts for Natasha Jonas vs Mikaela Mayer via BOXXER.com 

Chris Eubank Jr. showed tremendous resolve in stopping Liam Smith in round 10 of their 12-round middleweight bout in Manchester, England.

Eubank dominated from the second round on as he boxed very well with his jab and landing solid combinations behind it.

In round four, Eubank dropped Smith with an uppercut.

In round 10, Smith began to bleed from his right eye. Eubank jumped on Smith and hit with a barrage of punches that made Smith crumble to the canvas in the corner. Later in the round, Eubank landed another seven unanswered shots to the head that forced a referee stoppage at 1:45.

Eubank, 159.4 lbs of Bolton, England is now 33-3 with 24 knockouts. Smith, 160 lbs of Liverpool is 33-4-1.

This was a rematch of a January 21st fight that saw Smith stop Eubank in four-rounds.

Chris Eubank Jr said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Liam is a warrior. I respect him, his team, his family and his brothers. They always come out and put it all on the line. He fought until the last second, so big up to Liam and his team. 

“I’m not going to lie, what happened tonight was supposed to happen in January. Like I said, it wasn’t my night. I trained hard for that fight, I trained hard for this fight. The focus is always there. I dedicate my life to this sport. Now we’re onto bigger and better fights. There’s some big names out there.”

Liam Smith said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Everything from start to finish. I was flat. I think the weight killed me. I was flat and Chris was sharp. Chris was the better man tonight.”

Adam Azim won a 10-round unanimous decision over Aram fanyan in a junior middleweight bout.

Azim, 139.4 lbs iwon by scoresof 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93. Fanyan of Ukraine is 23-2.

Frazer Clarke remained undefeated with a stoppage after round six over David Allen in a 10-round heavyweight bout,

In round five, Clarke was cut around the right eye.

In round six, Clarke lost a point for a low blow. With Clarke dominating the action, Allen’s corner stopped the bout after the sixth frame.

Clarke, 270 lbs is 8-0 with six knockouts. Allen, 257 lbs is 21-6-2.

Jack Cullen stopped Mark Heffron in round three of their 12-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Cullen landed a right hand that was followed by a left hook right on the chin that put Heffron on the canvas. Heffron got to his feet but plummeted to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:43.

Cullen, 167 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 22-4-1 with 10 knockouts. Heffron, 167 lbs of Manchester falls to 29-3-1.

Former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer won a 10-round decision over Sylvia Bortat in a junior welterweight bout.

Mayer, 141.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by a 100-90 score and is now 19-1. Bortat, 139 lbs of Italy is 11-3-1.

Florian Marku obliterated Dylan Moran in the opening round of their 10-round welterweight bout.

Marku hurt Moran with a left hand that knocked him backwards. Marku unloaed with a series of hard punches that forced a referee stoppage at 54 seconds.

Marku, 146.4 lbs is now 13-0-1 with eight knockouts. Moran, 145 lbs of Ireland is 18-2.

(Aug. 21, 2023) — Former unified junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer returns in a 10-round junior welterweight battle against Italian contender Silvia Bortot on Saturday, Sept. 2 at AO Arena in Manchester, England.
 
Mayer-Bortot will take place on the undercard of the highly anticipated middleweight rematch between bitter rivals Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr.
 
Promoted by BOXXER, Smith-Eubank II, Mayer-Bortot and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Sky Sports Box Office will broadcast the event in the UK and Ireland.
 
Mayer (18-1, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian, signed with Top Rank in 2017 and captured the WBO junior lightweight world title by defeating Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020. The following year, the Los Angeles native unified the WBO and IBF titles in an action-packed slugfest against Maiva Hamadouche. In October 2022, she suffered a razor-thin split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner in an undisputed world title showdown at London’s O2 Arena. Mayer then moved up to lightweight and scored a unanimous decision win over Lucy Wildheart in April. She now prepares to make her third consecutive appearance in London.

Mayer said, “It’s my sixth year as a pro, but I’ve never felt better. My run at 130 was a ton of fun and something I’m proud of, but it’s time for a new chapter. It’s time to combine my experience with my size and see what I can accomplish. This fight is at 142 pounds, but 147 is the next hot division in women’s boxing, and that’s where I’m headed.”
 
Bortot (11-2-1, 3 KOs) debuted in the pro ranks in 2016 and captured the European junior welterweight title in 2019 with a fourth-round TKO win over Marie Helene Meron. She suffered her first loss via ninth-round TKO in April 2022 but bounced back that year with three victories. In her last outing, she lost to undefeated standout Flora Pili via 10-round decision in May.
 
Smith (33-3-1, 20 KOs) captured the WBO junior middleweight title with a seventh-round TKO win over Apollo Thompson in 2015. He defended the title twice before losing to Canelo Alvarez in 2016. Smith remained a division mainstay during the following five years, earning wins over the likes of Liam Williams, Anthony Fowler and Jessie Vargas. In September 2022, he made his middleweight debut with a stoppage win over Hassan Mwakinyo before upsetting Eubank via fourth-round TKO in their first encounter.
 
Eubank (32-3, 23 KOs) began his pro career in 2011 and went 18-0 before losing to Billy Joe Saunders in 2014. In 2017, he moved up to super middleweight and beat former two-division world champion Arthur Abraham and then-unbeaten contender Avni Yildirim. In his first world title shot, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to George Groves in February 2018. Eubank returned with wins against JJ McDonagh and former world champion James DeGale before returning to middleweight, where he was 4-0 before the first Smith showdown.
 
In other streaming action from Manchester:

• Junior welterweight standout Adam Azim (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on Ukraine’s Aram Fanyan (23-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round clash.
   
• Unbeaten heavyweight Frazer Clarke (7-0, 5 KOs), a British Olympic bronze medalist, will lock horns with David Allen (21-5-2, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• British super middleweight champion Mark Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) will defend his title against former English middleweight champion Jack Cullen (21-4-1, 9 KO) in a 12-rounder.
   
• Unbeaten Albanian southpaw Florian Marku (12-0-1, 7 KOs) will take on Ireland’s Dylan Moran (18-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight tilt. 

Zhielei Zhang won the WBO Interim Heavyweight title with a sixth round stoppage over previously undefeated Joe Joyce at The Copper Box Arena in London.

Zhang landed some heavy blows in rounds one and two. In round two, Zhang landed a hard straight left that buckled Joyce and bloodied his nose. In round three, the right eye of Joyce began to shut. By round five, the eye was shut. In round five, Zhang began to bleed from the nose. Zhang continued to land hard shots that worsened to the point that made the referee at 1:34 of round six.

Zhang, 278 lbs of China is 25-1-1 with 20 knockouts. Joyce, 256 lbs of London is 14-1.

Zhang said, “Today belongs to me. It belongs to everyone who showed up. It belongs to every Chinese person who showed up today.

“I’m 39 years old. But I’m disciplined. I train hard. The next step is for me to fight for a world title.”

Joyce said, “I’m just disappointed with my performance. The [left] hand kept hitting me, and I couldn’t get out of the way. So, respect to Zhilei Zhang. It was a good fight, but I think I could have done better.

“I haven’t fought a southpaw for so long. Credit to him because he’s a good fighter. I gave it my all, and I think I can do better. It’s just disappointing. I expected to win like I normally do.”

Mikaela Mayer moved up in weight and took a 10-round unanimous decision over very last minute replacement Lucy Wildheart to win the WBC Interim Lightweight Title.

In the final round, Wildheart was bleeding from her nose.

Mayer landed 296 of 592 punches. Wildheart was 131 of 462.

Mayer, 134.5 lbs of Colorado Springs, CO won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 98-91 and is now 18-1. Wildheart, 134 lbs of Brentoowd, ENG took the fight 24 hours ago after Christina Linatradou had a medical issue. Wildheart is 10-2

Mayer said, “She stepped in at the last minute, so that was really gutsy of her. It’s definitely a big fight for her to just jump in at 24 hours’ notice. But she was tough and durable. I see why she had the confidence to do that, so props to her.
 
“I like to fight on the inside, so once I knew that she couldn’t outbox me, I decided to take it to her a little bit and try to break her down to the body.
 
“I do believe that Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are supposed to go for their rematch, so assuming that still happens, I will challenge the winner of that. So, it’s definitely really exciting for me. This is where I belong. I belong in big fights. I belong in world title fights. I’m in my prime. I feel great, and I want the toughest challenges possible, and right now at 135, that’s Katie Taylor.”

Moses Itauma went the distance for the first time in his life won a six-round decision over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko .

The score was60-5 for Itauma, 247 lbs of Chatham, ENG is 3-0. Dovbyschenko of Ukraine is 9-13-1.

Heavy-handed Sam Noakes remained completely perfect by stopping Karthik Shartish Kumar 12-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Noakes dropped Kumar with a flush right to the head, Noakes continued with hard shots, and another right made Kumar’s glove touch the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:17.

Noakes, 134 1/2 lbs of Kent, ENG is 11-0 with 11 knockouts. Kumar, 134 1/2 lbs of India is 10-1.

LONDON (April 14, 2023) ­– Former unified junior lightweight world champion 

Mikaela Mayer has a new opponent for her lightweight debut. Mayer will battle Swedish contender 

Lucy Wildheart in a 10-rounder for the WBC interim world title tomorrow at London’s Copper Box Arena after her original opponent, Christina Linardatou, was forced to withdraw after not meeting British Boxing Board of Control requirements. Mayer-Wildheart will be the co-feature to the heavyweight main event between WBO interim champion 

Joe Joyce and 

Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang. 

Promoted by Queensberry Promotions, Joyce-Zhang, Mayer-Wildheart and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.
 Wildheart (10-1, 4 KOs), a 30-year-old boxer-puncher, enters this late-notice assignment riding a five-bout winning streak since a 10-round decision defeat to French standout Estelle Mossely. In 2021, she knocked out former Mayer foe Edina Kiss in the third round. Wildheart went 2-0 in 2022, winning a pair of six-round decisions on British soil.

# # #

 
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 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). 

 •  Joe Joyce 256 lbs. vs. Zhilei Zhang 278 lbs
(Joyce’s WBO Interim Heavyweight Title — 12 Rounds)

   •   Mikaela Mayer 134.5 lbs vs. Lucy WIldheart 134.4 lbs
(Vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Title — 10 Rounds)

* Wildheart stepped in after Mayer’s original opponent, Christina Linardatou, was forced to withdraw after not meeting British Boxing Board of Control requirements

•  Moses Itauma 247 lbs vs. Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko241 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Sam Noakes 134.5 lbs vs. Karthik Sathish Kumar 134 lbs
 (Lightweight— 12 Rounds)

# # #

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 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). 

Top Rank presented by AutoZone: Joyce vs. Zhang and Mayer vs. Linardatou will be live this Saturday, April 15 at 3 p.m. ET / 12 noon PT exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. The event takes place at Copper Box Arena, London, U.K.

The main event features a WBO interim heavyweight title clash between knockout artist Joe Joyce (15-0, 14 KOs) and Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang (24-1-1, 19 KOs).

British-born Joyce, a 2016 Olympic silver medalist, is unbeaten and has held various titles at the regional level. In his last fight, he captured the interim WBO title with an 11^th-round knockout over former title challenger Joseph Parker.

Zhang, a 2008 Olympic silver medalist, turned pro in 2014 and knocked out Curtis Tate in the first 17 seconds of round one. He maintained a winning streak until a draw in 2021 against Jerry Forrest. He went on to win two more fights before his first and only defeat in 2022 against undefeated Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovi?.

In the highly anticipated co-feature, Mikaela Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs) makes her lightweight debut against former two-time junior welterweight champion Christina Linardatou in a 10-rounder for the WBC interim lightweight championship.

Mayer, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, signed with Top Rank in 2017 and captured the WBO junior lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory against Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020. The following year, the Los Angeles native unified the WBO and IBF titles in an action-packed fight against Maiva Hamadouche. In her last fight, Mayer suffered the first defeat of her career, a razor-thin split decision setback to Alycia Baumgardner at London’s O2 Arena. 

Linardatou began her pro career with a first-round technical knockout over Claribel Ferreras. She remained undefeated until unsuccessfully challenging Delfine Persoon for the WBC lightweight world title in 2016. She bounced back with four more wins and captured the vacant WBO junior welterweight championship before losing her 140-pound belt to Katie Taylor in 2019. In 2020, Linardatou regained that title with a unanimous decision over Prisca Vicot. Last July after a 29-month layoff, she returned to boxing with a six-round decision over Aleksandra Vujovic.

Calling the action will be Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr with Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna as reporters.

ESPN.com

How Mikaela Mayer is rebuilding her career by taking bigger challenges

Ahead of Mikaela Mayer’s return, Michael Rothstein talks to the former champion about what happened after her loss to Alycia Baumgardner and how she plans to get back to the top.

Out Thursday:

Meet Christina Linardatou ahead of her fight against Mikaela Mayer

Michael Rothstein talks with Christina Linardatou about her pregnancy, her return, and he also speaks to the WBO to find why she was stripped of her title.

Out Friday:

Meet Joe Joyce, the heavyweight interim champ that could be in line for a title shot if he wins on Saturday

Joe Joyce is on the brink of landing a world heavyweight title shot and his story is one you will hear more about over the next two years.

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About ESPN+  

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LONDON (April 12, 2023) – Top Rank on ESPN+ returns to London this Saturday with an action-packed doubleheader at the Copper Box Arena.

In the main event, undefeated British knockout artist Joe Joyce defends his WBO interim heavyweight title against Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang.

The co-feature will see former unified junior lightweight champion Mikaela Mayer making her lightweight debut against former two-time junior welterweight world champion Christina “Medusa” Linardatou in a 10-rounder for the WBC interim lightweight championship.

Promoted by Queensberry Promotions, Joyce-Zhang, Mayer-Linardatou and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.

Queensberry Promotions hosted a media workout TODAY in London. CLICK HERE for courtesy photos.

Joyce (15-0, 14 KOs) captured a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and debuted as a pro following year. The 37-year-old has notched wins over former world champs Bermane Stiverne and Joseph Parker and against title challengers Carlos Takam and Bryant Jennings. In his last fight, Joyce stopped Parker in the 11^th round to capture the interim WBO title. The undefeated knockout artist is on the path towards a potential showdown with heavyweight king Tyson Fury, but he’ll need to defend his strap against a fellow silver medalist.

Zhang (24-1-1, 19 KOs), a 2008 Chinese Olympian, started his career in the paid ranks in 2014. He went 22-0 and captured various regional titles before fighting to a draw against Jerry Forrest in 2021. The 39-year-old then scored stoppage wins over Craig Lewis and Scott Alexander before suffering his first pro loss against undefeated Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovic. In terms of height and reach, Zhang and Joyce are identical as both are 6’6” tall with 80-inch reaches.

Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian, signed with Top Rank in 2017 and captured the WBO junior lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory against Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020. The following year, the Los Angeles native unified the WBO and IBF titles against Maiva Hamadouche. In her last fight, Mayer suffered the first defeat of her career, a razor-thin split decision setback to Alycia Baumgardner at London’s O2 Arena. Mayer wants to reverse her lone defeat, but she’ll first step up to lightweight to face Linardatou, the only woman to defeat Baumgardner in the paid ranks.

In 2016, Linardatou (14-2, 6 KOs) unsuccessfully challenged Delfine Persoon for the WBC lightweight world title. She then bounced back with four straight wins, including a victory over Baumgardner and a win against Kandi Wyatt to capture the vacant WBO junior welterweight championship. Linardatou lost the belt to Katie Taylor in 2019 but regained it with a unanimous decision over Prisca Vicot in February 2020. Linardatou returned from a 29-month layoff last July with a six-round points victory against Aleksandra Vujovic.

In other ESPN+ streaming action from London: 

• Undefeated heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma (2-0, 2 KOs) makes his third 2023 appearance in a scheduled six-rounder against Ukraine’s Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko (9-12-1, 6 KOs). Itauma made his professional debut in January with a scintillating first-round knockout against Marcel Bode, a performance he replicated against Ramon Ibarra in March.
   
• In a battle of undefeated lightweights, England’s Sam Noakes (10-0, 10 KOs) will put his regional titles on the line in a 12-round fight against Indian standout Karthik Sathish Kumar (10-0, 4 KOs). Noakes is coming off a fourth-round TKO over then-unbeaten Calvin McCord last November, while Kumar notched a second-round TKO win over Meechaiya Kaiwiset in March. 

# # #
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 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

LONDON (Feb. 21, 2023) –Mikaela Mayer is coming back to the U.K. for the second time in a row.

The former unified junior lightweight champion will make her lightweight debut against former two-time junior welterweight world champion Christina “Medusa” Linardatou on Saturday, April 15, at Copper Box Arena in London.

Mayer-Linardatou will serve as the co-feature to the WBO interim heavyweight title clash between undefeated British knockout artist Joe Joyce and Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang.

Promoted by Queensberry Promotions, Joyce-Zhang, Mayer-Linardatou and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. 

“Mikaela Mayer made such a big hit in the UK that it only made sense to for her to fight across the pond again,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Mikaela is still one of the very best fighters in the world, and she demanded a tough fight for her lightweight debut. Linardatou has proven herself at the world-class level and should give Mikaela a run for her money.” 

Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian, signed with Top Rank in 2017 and captured the WBO junior lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory against Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020. The following year, the Los Angeles native unified the WBO and IBF titles in an action-packed slugfest against Maiva Hamadouche. In her last fight, Mayer suffered the first defeat of her career, a razor-thin split decision setback to Alycia Baumgardner at London’s O2 Arena. Mayer wants to reverse her lone defeat, but she’ll first step up to lightweight to face Linardatou, the only woman to defeat Baumgardner in the paid ranks.

Mayer said, “The second I returned to the U.S. after my last fight in London, I called my team and told them to get me a fight ASAP. I didn’t want to wait, and I didn’t want to fight anyone other than a top contender! I’m hungry and motivated to prove that I’m still the best. When Top Rank sealed the deal with the tough and experienced Christina Linardatou, I was excited and inspired. She’s an aggressive, come-forward fighter, which is going to force me use all my tools. I always love the energy and support I get when visiting the UK, and I’m excited to come back and give everyone a great fight.”

Linardatou (14-2, 6 KOs) was born in the Dominican Republic but moved to Greece as a young child, where she developed her love for boxing. When she was 26, she returned to her native country to begin her pro career with a first-round technical knockout over Claribel Ferreras. The 34-year-old remained undefeated until unsuccessfully challenging Delfine Persoon for the WBC lightweight world title in 2016. Linardatou bounced back with four more wins, including a victory over Baumgardner and a win against Kandi Wyatt to capture the vacant WBO junior welterweight championship. Linardatou lost her 140-pound belt to Katie Taylor in 2019 but regained that title with a unanimous decision over Prisca Vicot in February 2020. Linardatou returned from a 29-month layoff last July, winning a six-round decision over Aleksandra Vujovic.

Linardatou said, “I’m excited to be fighting Mikaela. She is coming off a loss to Alycia Baumgardner, whom I easily beat some years ago. I know she will be looking to make a statement in this fight. This is my first big fight after having a baby, which means my mission is different. Prior to having a baby, I would fight for titles and money. Now, I am fighting for legacy and to show my son how great his mom is.”

# # #
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 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). 

Claressa Shields became the undisputed middleweight champion with a 10-round unanimous decision over amateur rival Savannah Marshall at The O2 Arena in London.

It was a fast paced fight that saw Shields land some fast combination. Marshall got into the fight and was able to pick up a few rounds and get the better of the action.

Shields landed 175 of 480 punches; Marshall landed 136 of 397.

Shields avenged her amateur defeat by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 13-0. Marshall is 12-1.

Baumgardner Decisions Mayer; Unifies 130 lb. Titles

Alycia Baumgardner added the IBF and WBO junior lightweight titles to her WBC belt with a 10-round split decision over Mikaela Mayer.

It was a tactical fight that had pockets of good action, Baumgardner controlled the early rounds by landing some good counter right hands. Mayer started to pick up the action in the middle rounds as she landed punches behind her pressure. In round seven, Mayer was cut over her right eye.

Baumgardner closed the show with solid punching in rounds nine and 10.

Baumgardner landed 116 of 335 punches; Mayer was 104 of 361.

Baumgardner of Detroit, MI won by scores of 96-94 and 96-95 and is now 13-1. Mayer, who took a card 97-93, is now 17-1.

Caroline DuBois stopped Milena Koleva in round five of their six-round lightweight bout.

In round four, DuBois dropped Koleva with a right hand. In round five, DuBois hurt Koleva with a hard right and and a follow up flurry pounded a limp Koleva on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:53.

DuBois of London is 4-0 with three knockouts. Koleva is 10-15-1.

Kariis Artingstall remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Marina Sakhorov in a featherweight bout.

Artingstall of England won by a 60-54 referee score and is now 2-0. Sakhorov is 5-17-2.

LONDON (October 13, 2022) – There’s unfinished business in the world of women’s boxing, and it will finally be settled in a historic doubleheader this Saturday at The O2 Arena.
 
In the main event, two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields, the WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Magazine middleweight champion, will face longtime rival and WBO titleholder Savannah Marshall. In the co-feature, WBO/IBF/Ring Magazine champion Mikaela Mayer and WBC champion Alycia Baumgardner will clash in a junior lightweight title unification fight. 
 
Shields-Marshall and Mayer-Baumgardner will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT on ESPN+.

This is what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference.
 

• Claressa Shields

“When you work hard and you put in extra work—that’s what builds confidence. People have fake confidence when they don’t work hard and just show up to sell the fight. But I know what I’m capable of, and I know what I’m going to do on Saturday night.”
 
“Of course, we’ve got to talk about her punching power. She’s going to try to come out there and land a big shot. She may want to fight on the inside or on the outside. But she just wants to be able to touch me and land. That’s really all I see. But it’s a boxing match. I may get hit in there, but if she thinks she won’t get hit, then she’s mistaken. If she thinks she is a better boxer than me, she’s mistaken. But we’re going to let her think whatever she wants to think and do whatever she wants to do because I’m going to adapt and do whatever I have to do to win and make the fight easy.”
 
“I’m not worried about Savannah Marshall. I came over here. I’m a star in America. Don’t get it twisted. I didn’t have to come over here. Nobody was ever running from her. Nobody was ever scared to come over here and fight her. We said, ‘Let’s do it.’ And you better punch as hard as you say you can. Because if you don’t have any punching power, it’s going to be a hard night for you.”
 

• Savannah Marshall

“I think she will come up short. I believe I’m a better boxer than Claressa. I believe I have always been. I cannot wait. Saturday couldn’t come quick enough. We had a 12-week camp and a five-week pushback. I’m just itching to get in there now.”
 
“She can try to knock me out. But if you’ve got it, then you’ve got it. If you haven’t got it, then you haven’t. It is what it is. Why is it hard for you to knock someone out? If you land on someone, then you hurt them. If you land on them and you’ve got pillow fists, then they’re not going to go anywhere.”
 
“There’s nothing left to say. I can’t wait for Saturday. Let’s get it on.”
 

• Mikaela Mayer
 
“This is huge for me. I’ve said that I wanted to become undisputed. There’s a reason why I’ve called out Alycia and why I’ve called out all the champions. I think that I have been pushing for the biggest fights possible. But honestly, I don’t think you could have put a card like this five years ago. It’s really shown how far women’s boxing has come.”
 
“Everything has been very strategic. That’s how I’ve been trained by Coach Al. We go in there with a cool head and execute what we’ve been working on in the gym. He hates all this. He’s sitting here shaking his head at this whole thing. He wants to get to the gym. We have to go to the gym after this, and that’s what he’s focused on. My team keeps me cool. The keep me calm and focused on the goal.”
 
“I’m expecting to deliver the performance of my life. Contrary to what she’s saying, I am constantly getting better. I still don’t even feel like I’ve hit my peak. I want to put it all together in this fight. I want to embarrass her. I want to make her sound stupid because she said a lot leading up to this fight.”
 

• Alycia Baumgardner
 
“This fight is amazing for women’s boxing. This is what we’ve been waiting to have. The entertainment is at an all-time high. This is what is building the sport. This is what is building the sport of women’s boxing. And now you have two women who don’t care for each other and who are ready to bang it out Saturday night.”
 
“My confidence is triggered by her. As I mentioned before, everyone who has fought her has come to fight her and go back home. She has a fighter in front of her who is willing to fight her, who is telling her what it is, that I will beat her, that I will break her jaw. Whatever it is, I am in her face. She does not like it. So, this is confidence that we are dealing with. It’s not really an anger standpoint. I’m a competitor at heart. I’ve been doing this since I was an eight-year-old girl. I’m excited to be at this stage and to be in a unification fight this Saturday night.”
 
“There’s no respect. At the end of the day, this is the fight game. This girl is trying to beat me. I’m trying to beat here. I have great sportsmanship, but I don’t respect her. She talks too much. And when somebody talks too much, you’ve got to shut them up, and that’s what I’m going to do on Saturday night.”
 

• Todd duBoef
 
“The 2012 Olympics in London did something for women’s boxing here. It was amazing. It rose way above the rest of the world. To come back here and extend that, and then bring the U.S. stars here—that’s going to elevate the whole sport globally.”
 
“They’re both pros, and they want to get Saturday night on. They wanted to fight. And I think they are able to communicate really well that there’s bitterness. And it’s real. And that’s what this sport is. It’s real.”

# # #

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 22.8 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).
 

London, England – 20th September 2022 – Unfinished business will finally be settled as the most anticipated female fight of all-time has officially been rescheduled for Saturday, October 15. 

Having been postponed by the British Boxing Board of Control due to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last week, the long-awaited BOXXER: LEGACY – Shields vs Marshall clash will now take place in just over four weeks time at The O2 in London. 

The headline bout – broadcast live and exclusively in the UK & Ireland on Sky Sports – will see bitter rivals Claressa ‘GWOAT’ Shields and Savannah ‘The Silent Assassin’ Marshall collide for the undisputed middleweight championship of the world, concluding their decade-long feud.

All tickets purchased for the original September date remain valid for the new October 15 date and ticket holders do not need to take any action or obtain new tickets to attend the event. 

The last remaining tickets – priced at just £25 – are available to purchase now via boxxer.com. Tickets in every other price bracket are now sold out. 

In association with TopRank and Matchroom Boxing, arch-enemies Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgarnder feature in a must-see co-main event for the undisputed super featherweight world titles, broadcast live on ESPN+ in the USA. 

In what will be an iconic night of celebration for women’s boxing, the full undercard for the first-ever all-female card televised in Britain remains the same. 

Team GB’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medal heroine Lauren Price competes, alongside fellow Team GB favourites Karriss Artingstall and Caroline Dubois who will all look to light up the capital on what promises to be a special evening for the sport. 

BOXXER would like to thank Professional Fighters League and PFL CEO Peter Murray for allowing Claressa Shields – who is promoted by Salita Promotions – the window to fight on October 15, given their previously scheduled November 25 PFL Finals.

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels. 

LONDON (Sept. 6, 2022) — Fight week is here, and on Saturday, London’s O2 Arena will be the site of a can’t-miss all-female bill featuring four of the sport’s premier fighters.

In the main event, WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Magazine middleweight champion Claressa Shields (12-0, 2 KOs) battles WBO queen Savannah Marshall (12-0, 10 KOs) for the undisputed title. Sky Sports produced a special episode of “The Gloves Are Off” with host Johnny Nelson. CLICK HERE to see what the middleweight stars had to say when face to face with one another.

The co-feature will see Top Rank-promoted WBO/IBF/Ring Magazine junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs) attempt to unify titles against bitter rival and WBC champion Alycia Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs). Mayer and Baumgardner’s war of words took shape on social media over the past several months, and the two recently lobbed verbal haymakers. ESPN’s Andre Ward and Timothy Bradley co-hosted  “Trash Talk: Mayer vs. Baumgardner,”  which is now streaming on Top Rank’s YouTube page.
 
Before this historic doubleheader, fight week events will stream live on ESPN+ and Top Rank’s YouTube, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Thursday, September 8: Press Conference
8 a.m. ET/5 a.m. PT
Streaming live on ESPN+ & Top Rank’s YouTube, Twitter & Facebook pages
 
Friday, September 9: Weigh-In
8 a.m. ET/5 a.m. PT
Streaming live on ESPN+ & Top Rank’s YouTube, Twitter & Facebook pages

Saturday, September 10: FIGHT DAY
2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT
Streaming LIVE AND EXCLUSIVELY in the U.S. on ESPN+

The ESPN+ fight night stream is scheduled to include the following fights:

Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall, 10 rounds, Undisputed Middleweight World Title

Karriss Artingstall vs. Marina Sakharov, 6 rounds, featherweight

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 22.8 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

LONDON (July 5, 2022) – Two heated rivalries will come to a head Saturday, Sept. 10 in a historic championship doubleheader at the O2 Arena in London.
 
The previously announced main event will see two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields, the WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Magazine middleweight champion, aim to once again become undisputed at 160 pounds by facing longtime rival and WBO titleholder Savannah Marshall.
 
Shields and Marshall faced off as amateurs, with Marshall edging Shields by decision at the 2012 AIBA Women’s World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China. Shields went 77-1 as an amateur and is the only female boxer to win undisputed titles in two weight classes.
 
In the co-feature, Mikaela Mayer will look to get one step closer to becoming the first undisputed champ in her division by putting her WBO/IBF/Ring Magazine junior lightweight titles on the line against WBC champion Alycia Baumgardner.
 
A total of seven world titles and two Ring Magazine belts will be on the line.
 
Promoted by Salita Promotions and Boxxer, in association with Top Rank, Shields-Marshall, Mayer-Baumgardner, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+
 
Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs) is a Los Angeles native who achieved international recognition when she represented the U.S. at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The following year, she signed with Top Rank and unleashed an impressive run of victories, including a one-sided decision over Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020 to capture the WBO 130-pound title. In 2021, she unified the WBO and IBF titles in an action-packed slugfest against Maiva Hamadouche, which also earned her the Ring Magazine belt. In her last outing, she retained her titles with a decisive win over former champion Jennifer Han. Mayer is confident that she will take a positive step forward toward becoming undisputed champion.
 
Mayer said, “I’m here to make the biggest fights possible, so I salute my team for making her an offer she couldn’t refuse. Huge thanks to Boxxer, Top Rank, Salita Promotions, ESPN and Sky Sports for working together to co-promote such an iconic event! I am ecstatic to finally be making my UK debut and to share the stage once again with my Olympic sis, Claressa Shields. I LOVE this era of women’s boxing because we are re-writing the narrative and working to give our supporters the fights they DESERVE. To date, I’ve accomplished all I said I was going to do, and this next fight will be no different. I have all the tools and experience I need. There are levels to this sport, and she’s nowhere near mine. You can bet on it.”
 
Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs) is a five-year pro who burst onto the scene by traveling to Sheffield, England, to challenge WBC champion Terri Harper. Though fighting on enemy turf in front of thousands of British fans, the native of Fremont, Ohio landed a perfectly timed counter right hand that knocked Harper out on her feet. Baumgardner then made the first defense of her crown in April with a shutout decision over former unified world champion Edith Soledad Matthysse. After months of exchanges on social media, Baumgardner did not mince her words about Mayer. 
 
Baumgardner said, “When we are both gray and old, Mayer is still going to be having Alycia Baumgardner flashbacks. When she is lying horizontally in the ring, Mayer will think back to the first time my name left her mouth and she’s going to wish it hadn’t. I guess we’re going to find out if Regina George has a chin. Not only will Mayer feel my power, but her descendants are also going to feel what I do to her. Not only will I take Mayer’s belts, but I’ll take everything from her. She’ll be lucky if I let her keep her name. If I’m not haunting her dreams before the fight, I will be after it. If you come at the queen, you best not miss. On the bright side for Mayer, a loss to me will be the best result on her resumé.”
 

(May 23, 2022) —WBO/IBF/Ring Magazine junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer and WBC champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner have traded social media haymakers. Soon, the two pound-for-pound talents will throw down in a super fight that will establish the true queen of the 130-pound division.
 
Top Rank has secured the rights to the Mayer-Baumgardner title unification showdown, which will take place in late summer/early fall. Date, venue, and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
“Mikaela Mayer’s prodigious talent is only matched by her tremendous ambition,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “She wants the biggest fights, and Alycia Baumgardner is a worthy champion. This is a huge event and one of the most anticipated matchups in women’s boxing.”
 
Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs) is a Los Angeles native who represented the U.S. at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She became WBO world champion in October 2020 with a one-sided decision over Ewa Brodnicka. Last November 5, she unified the WBO and IBF titles with a toe-to-toe barnburner against Maiva Hamadouche in the consensus Female Fight of the Year. The 10-round unanimous decision also earned Mayer the Ring Magazine belt.
 
Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs) burst onto the scene eight days after Mayer defeated Hamadouche. She traveled to Sheffield, England, and stunned British standout Terri Harper via fourth-round TKO to win the WBC title. She made her first title defense April 16 with a shutout decision over former unified world champion Edith Soledad Matthysse.

Mikaela Mayer remained perfect as she dominated and won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jennifer Han at The Hanger in Costa Mesa, California.

Mayer landed 192 of 586 punches; Han was 63 of 384.

In round four, Han was bleeding from the nose. Mayer pushed the action and was never challenged as she won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91.

Mayer 129.8 lbs of Los Angeles is 17-0. Han, 128.8 lbs of El Paso, TX is 18-5-1.

Mayer said, “I feel like I did a lot of good things in there. Her movement, I think, is what she does best and it throws you off. She gets her spacing in a little bit, so I had to throw her off and stay behind the jab. Coach Al {Mitchell} reminded me to stay behind the jab, set the right hand up. She would duck sometimes and make me miss. I started to go to the body. All in all, she’s a tough, durable girl. That’s why we chose her for this fight. We knew she would push me, but I feel like I did well.
 
“I wanted to get the stoppage I feel like I hurt her in the eighth round, almost finished her. This is another reason why I’m advocating for three-minute rounds.
 
“I’ve been pretty clear that I want to go undisputed at 130. {Alycia} Baumgardner and {Hyun Mi} Choi, I’ve been calling them out. I want {either} fight, but if they’re not going to give me that fight in a timely fashion, I’m game to go up and challenge the winner of {Amanda} Serrano versus Katie Taylor.”

Santillan Dominates; Stops Barraza in 7

Santillan landed power punches from the outset and was on-top of Berraza from the beginning, Santillan started beating up and breaking down Barraza until the bout was stopped at 33 seconds of round seven.

Giovani Santillan was almost flawless in stopping Jeovannis Barraza in round seven of their 10-round welterweight bout.

Santillan, 147.4 lbs of San Diego, CA is now 29-0 with 16 knockouts. Barraza, 148.6 lbs of Barranquilla, COL 25-3.

Santillan said, “I am humbled by the support of my hometown, San Diego. Once again, they came out in force. They motivate me to do my best every time out there.

“I am going to keep working to earn a welterweight world title shot. I have a great team behind me, and when the time comes, I’ll be ready.”

Andrew Moloney Stops Mendoza in 8th

Andrew Moloney stopped Gilberto Mendoza in the eighth and final round of their junior bantamweight fight.

Mendoza was cut on his face in round five. In round eight, the pressure was starting to take its toll on Mendoza and Moloney landed two hard shots and the fight was stopped at 2:29.

Moloney, 115.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is 23-2 with 15 knockouts. Mendoza, 113.4 lbs of Modesto, CA is 19-12-3.

Floyd Diaz stopped Blake Quintana in round four of their six-round junior featherweight bout.

In round four, Diaz caught Quintana with a perfect right to the soler plexus that put him to a knee for the 10-count at 43 seconds.

Diaz, 122 lbs of Las Vegas is 4-0 with one knockout. Quintana, 120.6 lbs of Kenney, NEB is 4-2.

Duke Ragan remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Diuhl Olguin in a featherweight bout.

Ragan, 126.6 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 5-0. Olguin, 125.6 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 15-22-5.

Jason Moloney won a 10-round unanimous decision over Francisco Javier Pedroza in a bantamweight bout.

Moloney, 119.4 lbs of Melbourne, AUS won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 23-2. Pedroza, 119.8.8 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 17-11-2.

2021 U.S. Olympian, Ginny Fuchs made a successful pro debut with a fourth round stoppage over Randee Lynn Morales in a flyweight bout.

In round one, Fuchs dropped Morales with a combination that was punctuated with a straight left. In round three, Morales began to swelll around her left eye. Fuchs was dominant and the bout was stopped in round four after Fuchs landed a big uppercut at 24 seconds.

Fuchs, 109.8 lbs of Houston, TX is 1-0 with one knockout. Morales, 110.6 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 4-4.

Luis Alberto Lopez stopped Raul Chirino in round four of a scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.

Lopez dropped Chirino in round two, twice in round four, and ended it with a body shot at 1:08 of round four.

Lopez, 128 lbs of Mexicali. MEX is 25-2 with 14 knockouts. Chirino, 128.8 lbs of Miami, FL is 19-14.

    •  Mikaela Mayer 129.8 vs. Jennifer Han 128.8
(Mayer’s WBO/IBF/Ring Magazine Junior Lightweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

•   Giovani Santillan 147.4 lbs vs. Jeovanis Barraza 148.6 lbs 
(Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•   Andrew Moloney 115.8 lbs vs. Gilberto Mendoza 113.4 lbs 
(Junior Bantamweight — 8 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

   •    Floyd Diaz 122 lbs vs. Blake Quintana 120.6 lbs
 (Junior Featherweight— 6 Rounds)

   •       Duke Ragan 126.6 lbs vs. Diuhl Olguin 125.6 lbs
 (Featherweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Jason Moloney 119.4 lbs vs. Francisco Javier Pedroza 119.8 lbs
 (Bantamweight — 10/8 Rounds)

   •   Virginia Fuchs 109.8 lbs vs. Randee Lynn Morales 110.6 lbs
 (Flyweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Luis Alberto Lopez 128 lbs vs. Raul Chirino 128.8 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

(OFF-TV, 6:15 ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

   •       Lindolfo Delgado 142.6 lbs vs. Gustavo David Vittori 145.2 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

COSTA MESA, Calif. (April 7, 2022) — WBO/IBF junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer, the Southern California native who is now one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound talents, is ready for her home region title defense.

Mayer will defend her belts against former featherweight world champion Jennifer Han on Saturday evening at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California (ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

At the press conference, it was announced that Mayer inked a multi-year contract extension with Top Rank. Mayer signed with Top Rank after representing the U.S. at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

In the 10-round co-feature, welterweight contender and San Diego native Giovani Santillan will battle Jeovanis Barraza. The ESPN telecast will open with former world champion Andrew Moloney versus Gilberto Mendoza in an eight-round junior bantamweight tilt.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT) features former two-time bantamweight title challenger Jason Moloney and the professional debut of U.S. Olympian Virginia Fuchs in a four-round flyweight fight.

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

Mikaela Mayer

“Ever since I walked into a gym 14 years ago, I’ve been fighting for a place for women in the sport and to prove that we are a powerful force in the sport of boxing. This contract solidifies that. I’ve completed that goal to an extent. Obviously, there is a long way to go with creating equality in the sport and closing that gap, but I couldn’t be happier with this contract. It’s a dream contract. It’s a contract I have been fighting for all these years, and I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else but Top Rank.”

“I haven’t fought in LA in a long time. It’s kind of come full circle. I started here 14 years ago when I was 17. And I left at 19 years old with a dream: to become an Olympian and become one of the best female fighters in the world. Fourteen years later, I’m here fighting in the main event on ESPN. I’ve come a long way.”

“I’ve known Jennifer for a long time. In one of my first amateur tournaments, she was there cornering for her sister. She was around, and she had already been in the game. She’s been in this game for a really long time. She comes from a family of fighters, so it’s in her blood. She just went 10 rounds against the 135-pound undisputed champion, Katie Taylor, so I have tons of respect for her. I know she has experience and has trained hard, and we didn’t look past her at all in preparing for this fight.”

“It’s no secret that I wanted to continue to unify. I wanted Alycia Baumgardner. I wanted Hyun Mi Choi. That was my first choice. They’re not quite ready to step up to that, I guess, so we had to look at another direction.”

“We wanted to fight someone who is strong and proven. We don’t want any easy fights. We want to continue growing and getting better. Jennifer Han had just come off a strong fight against Katie Taylor, and we thought that would be a good matchup for now. We trained hard for her. We know that she had just given birth going into the fight with Katie Taylor and she still did what she did, but we expect her to be even sharping coming into this fight.”

Jennifer Han

“I’ve been in boxing for over 20 years. I’ve worked my entire life for these kinds of opportunities. When I first started boxing, I didn’t think these things would happen. I didn’t think I’d be headlining on ESPN. This is amazing. I am very, very grateful.”

“This is huge. When I first started boxing, we were working hard just to get put on television. During my championship reign, I never got televised, and it was very frustrating. Women’s boxing has grown a lot. And I’m very excited to finally be on TV to showcase our talent.”

“The Katie Taylor fight was quite an experience. It was right after I had my second child, so I had quite the obstacle of losing weight, which is not fun. But it’s OK. It’s part of boxing, and she wouldn’t have called me if I was ready. I have no regrets. It was a great experience for me, but that was not my best performance.”

“I’ve had time since then. I’m ready. I’m prepared. And this fight came at the right time. Top Rank could have chosen anybody else. Mikaela could have chosen anybody else, but you gave me this opportunity. I’ve prepared. I’ve worked hard. And this is my time.”

Giovani Santillan

“I like fighting in Southern California. It was great to have been able to fight in San Diego, my hometown. I think that San Diego has a lot of boxing fans, and to have a show out there is great for everybody. To be in the co-main event of that show was amazing. Now we’re in Costa Mesa, which is only an hour away from San Diego. I expect a lot of fans, friends and family to be there.”

“I’m ready for a title shot. I think I’m there. We definitely want the big fights. Hopefully, this year we get closer to something like that. Hopefully, we can be the main event in San Diego. This Saturday night will be important for me because it will set the tone for what I’m going to do for the rest of the year.”

“With every fight, there is always pressure. You always have to perform as a fighter, especially fighting on ESPN. You always want to do your best. I think I’m undefeated for a reason. We’re always thinking about trying to get the bigger fights. I’m always working hard because I want to give the best version of myself in each fight.”

Jeovanis Barraza

“I feel great. I first have to defeat my first opponent, which is the scale, and then I’ll just wait for Saturday. I had a great training camp. I corrected things in sparring every day. That’s what this sport is about. You have to be correcting things every day.”

“In this fight, the important thing is to be able to deal with different styles. Depending on the opponent, you have to change your style. That’s what I’m planning to do.”

Andrew Moloney

“I feel like this weekend is my opportunity to redeem myself and show that I’m a much better fighter than what you saw in those two losses to Joshua Franco. I learned a lot from that trilogy. Over the last seven or eight months, I have been working extremely hard to improve as a fighter.”

“I really feel like I’ve done that. I’ve shown it in the way I’ve been performing in the gym and in sparring. I really feel now like I can beat any super flyweight in the world. My plan now is to go out there Saturday night, put on the best performance of my career and earn my opportunity to again fight for a world title and ultimately become world champion again.”

“There are so many good fights out there in the super flyweight division. I just want to prove that I belong at the top of that division. I would love the opportunity to fight any of the world champions right now. I truly believe that I can beat any one of those guys, but that all starts this Saturday night.”

Jason Moloney

“It’s great to be back over here. This really does feel like our second home now. It’s been seven months since my last fight. I’ve been working hard every day, and I’m ready to put on a really impressive performance.”

“It’s time for us to get the ball rolling. We plan on finishing this year with two world titles around our waist. And as Andrew said, that all starts this Saturday night by getting two wins and moving forward.”

“There is always pressure. I’ve got some big plans for this year. But, firstly, this man Pedroza is in my way. He wants to take away everything that I’ve worked for. So, I can’t let that happen. I’ve got to go out there and get the job done.”

Virginia Fuchs

“I’m very excited. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. Initially, I was planning on going pro after the 2016 Olympics, but I didn’t qualify in my weight class. And I’d always wanted to be an Olympian. So, I just had to go for that dream first and go another round. I made it, and I competed in Tokyo. Now I’m here, and I’m excited.”

“This is the perfect way to make my debut. I knew Mayer would be headlining at some point. Did I think I we would be on the same card? Maybe not. But I knew I would eventually want to, and my pro debut is the perfect way to do it.”

“I want to get a world title fight as soon as I can and show the world what I can do. I definitely think that I have more of a professional style. I like to go longer rounds. I like to take my time. Now, I get to take my time, sit down on my shots and get some knockouts in. You’ll see my experience in the ring.”
 
SATURDAY, April 9
ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Mikaela Mayer vs. Jennifer Han, 10 rounds, Mayer’s WBO & IBF Junior Lightweight World Titles

Andrew Moloney vs. Gilberto Mendoza, 8 rounds, junior bantamweight

Live and Exclusively on ESPN+
7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Floyd Diaz vs. Blake Quintana, 6 rounds, junior featherweight
Jason Moloney vs. Francisco Javier Pedroza, 10/8 rounds, bantamweight

Lindolfo Delgado vs. Gustavo David Vittori, 8 rounds, junior welterweight

COSTA MESA, Calif. (April 7, 2022) — WBO/IBF junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer is staying where it all began. Mayer, a 2016 Olympian and one of female boxing’s premier pound-for-pound fighters, has signed a multi-year contract extension with Top Rank.

Mayer (16-0, 5 KOs) defends her world titles Saturday evening against Jennifer Han at Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California (ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

“Mikaela has accomplished so much since making her professional debut in 2017, and she has only scratched the surface,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “She is a role model for young women in the sport and a tremendous talent. I believe she is well on her way to becoming boxing’s pound-for-pound queen, and she will be involved in the sport’s biggest events for years to come.”

Mayer said, “This contract represents everything I have been working for since I stepped foot in a gym 14 years ago. It’s a dream contract. A contract that women’s boxing has yet to see and proof that we are a powerful force in the sport of boxing and here to stay. I have always enjoyed working with Top Rank, and when I first signed with them five years ago, I knew I had a lot to prove. Every time I stepped into that ring, I fought to show the boxing world that I belonged and that women belonged. This contract tells me that I accomplished that goal. I plan on continuing that mindset for the next several years as we knock down even more barriers and create an even greater legacy.”

“Mikaela’s extension with Top Rank reflects her unique talent and a promoter’s vision in growing women’s boxing,” said George Ruiz, Mayer’s manager. “The rapid rise of women’s boxing over the last few years has been accelerated by Top Rank providing Mikaela with a platform to showcase her skills in the world’s biggest venues and in front of the biggest audiences as the main event on live ESPN broadcasts. She will now be one of boxing’s best-paid athletes. We can think of no better promoter and partner than Top Rank for Mikaela’s next phase as a world champion.”

Mayer entered the pro ranks following the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the first female to sign a pro contract with Top Rank in nearly two decades. As female boxing experienced a renaissance, Mayer became one of the sport’s leading figures. In July 2020, her fight against Helen Joseph was the first female main event since the revamped Top Rank on ESPN series premiered in 2017. Three months later, she shut out longtime champion Ewa Brodnicka to capture the WBO junior lightweight world title. Mayer had a banner 2021, dominating two-weight world champion Erica Farias in June and then outlasting Maiva Hamadouche last November to unify the WBO and IBF world titles in a Fight of the Year contender.

Mayer is currently ranked No. 5 on the ESPN.com pound-for-pound rankings.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (April 4, 2022) — Australia’s Andrew Moloney hopes to earn another junior bantamweight world title shot in 2022. In order to do so, he’ll have to get past an upset-minded veteran from Northern California.

Moloney will face Gilberto Mendoza in an eight-rounder this Saturday, April 9, at The Hangar at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. Moloney-Mendoza will open the televised tripleheader headlined by WBO/IBF junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer’s title defense against Jennifer Han.

Mayer-Han, the welterweight co-feature between Giovani Santillan and Jeonvanis Barraza, and Moloney-Mendoza will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Moloney (22-2, 14 KOs), a former WBA 115-pound world champion, lost his title via unanimous decision to Joshua Franco in June 2020. Moloney and Franco fought to a controversial no-contest in their November 2020 rematch, and their trilogy concluded last August with Franco retaining his title by decision. Moloney returned to action in December in Sydney, Australia, winning a wide points verdict over Froilan Saludar. Mendoza (19-11-3, 10 KOs), from Modesto, California, has not been stopped in more than a decade and has gone the distance with the likes of former world champions Angel Acosta and Rau’shee Warren.

Moloney said, “I’m grateful that my fight will be live on ESPN, and I will show everyone that I am a much better fighter than what they saw from me against Franco. I’m looking to make a statement in this fight and move closer to another world title.”

Undercard action will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT) and will feature the following bouts.

• Two-time bantamweight world title challenger Jason Moloney (22-2, 18 KOs), last seen defeating top contender Joshua Greer Jr., will face Francisco Pedroza (17-10-2, 10 KOs) in a bout scheduled for 10 or 8 rounds.
   
• Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (3-0), the 18-year-old junior featherweight sensation from Las Vegas, steps up against the once-beaten Blake Quintana (4-1, 1 KO) in a six-rounder. Diaz turned pro in February 2021 following a storied amateur career at the junior level.
   
• Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (4-0, 1 KO) makes his long-awaited professional return versus Diuhl Olguin (15-21-5, 10 KOs) in a six-rounder at featherweight.
   
• Ragan’s Olympic teammate, Virginia Fuchs, makes her highly anticipated professional debut against Randee Lynn Morales (4-3, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at flyweight. In addition to her appearance at the Tokyo Olympics, Fuchs earned a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships and silver at the 2019 Pan American Games.
   
• IBF No. 1 featherweight contender Luis Alberto Lopez (24-2, 13 KOs), fresh off his title eliminator knockout victory over Isaac Lowe, will fight Raul Chirino (19-13, 12 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Lopez has won seven straight fights, a streak that’s included wins over Andy Vences and Gabriel Flores Jr. 

In additional undercard action, which will take place before the ESPN+ stream (3 p.m. PT), Mexican junior welterweight prospect Lindolfo Delgado (14-0, 12 KOs) will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-rounder, and 2021 National Golden Gloves silver medalist Angel Hernandez will make his professional debut versus Victor Saravia (1-2, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at featherweight.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Englebrecht Promotions & Events, tickets starting at $60 are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.socafights.com.