NEW YORK, NY – December 5, 2024 – MVP today announced the remaining undercard bouts for Most Valuable Prospects 10, which will take place on Friday, December 13, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL, available globally as part of the DAZN subscription package with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter. On the main card of Most Valuable Prospects 10, presented by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, the 25-year-old undefeated Cuban Olympian Dainier Pero (9-0, 7 KOs) makes his fourth series appearance vs. Michigan’s Walter Burns (8-2, 6 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight bout for the vacant WBA Continental USA heavyweight title. Also joining the main card will be two-time Canadian Olympian and amateur world champion Tammara “Tamm” Thibeault, who will make her highly-anticipated pro debut against fellow Canadian Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence (8-6, 6 KOs) in a 6-round middleweight bout. Most Valuable Prospects 10 will be headlined by a 12-round bantamweight bout between Kissimmee, Florida’s #1-ranked WBA bantamweight contender Antonio Vargas (18-1, 10 KOs) vs. 24-year-old Nicaraguan sensation and the #9-ranked WBA contender Winston “El Fantasma” Guerrero (22-0, 13 KOs) for the vacant WBA interim bantamweight world title. In the co-main event will be MVP’s youngest signee, 18-year-old boxing prodigy and actor Javon “Wanna” Walton (1-0-1, 1 KO), aiming for his second professional win in the rescheduled 4-round super featherweight bout against professional boxer Erik Hanley (1-1, 1 KO). Tickets for Most Valuable Prospects 10 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. 

Headlining the preliminary card will be an 8-round super welterweight showdown between Orlando, Florida’s own 24-year-old Jeovanny “El Rayo” Estela (14-1, 5 KOs) vs. 29-year-old undefeated Jocksan Blanco (7-0, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBA Continental USA super welterweight title. The Most Valuable Prospects 10 preliminary card will also feature an 8-round super lightweight bout between undefeated Dominican sensation Hendri “La Bazuca” Cedeno (14-0, 11 KOs) vs. Mexican powerhouse Luis “Matador” Hernandez Ramos (23-5, 20 KOs) and an 8-round lightweight bout between Venezuelan standout Fradimil Macayo (17-1, 13 KOs) vs. 2x interim world champion Oscar “El Guerrero” Escandon (27-8, 18 KOs). Also on the card will be a 6-round middleweight showdown between Saint Louis, Missouri’s Jamar “J-Money” Pemberton (7-1, 5 KOs) vs. Chattanooga, Tennessee’s Kahlil Mitchell (4-0, 2 KOs). Alongside them will be the previously announced 8-round heavyweight showdown between undefeated 26-year-old Armenian talent Gurgen “Big Gug” Hovhannisyan (6-0, 6 KOs) vs. Samoan fighter Patrick “Magic” Mailata (6-2, 3 KOs).  

Joining the main card to compete for the vacant WBA Continental USA heavyweight title is Cuban Olympian Dainier Pero (9-0, 7 KOs), the 24-year-old 6’5” talent who will make his fourth appearance on the Most Valuable Prospects series following his current five-bout TKO win streak, including on Most Valuable Prospects 5, 6, and 7 earlier this year and most recently over Willie Jake Jr. in October 2024. Pero comes to the ring from Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Camaguey, Cuba. With his formidable size, the heavy-hitter seeks to continue his impressive undefeated streak over 10 rounds against American Walter Burns (8-2, 6 KOs). Hailing from Michigan by way of Indiana, Burns comes to the ring off an impressive first-round TKO victory over Moses Johnson in August 2024 and aims to deliver an exciting and hard-hitting showdown against the undefeated Pero.

Also joining the main card of Most Valuable Prospects 10 will be world-class amateur talent Tammara “Tamm” Thibeault, who will make her highly-anticipated professional debut vs. the seasoned Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence (8-6, 6 KOs) in a 6-round middleweight bout. Thibeault enters the ring with an impressive pedigree–the Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada native is a 2x Olympian who competed at both the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympic games, among other accolades, including taking gold at the 2022 IBA Amateur World Championship, 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2023 Pan Am Games. Natasha Spence, a fellow Canadian from Cambridge, Ontario, will look to leverage her power and significant professional experience against Thibeault on Friday, December 13. Spence, the #10 WBA-ranked middleweight, makes her return to MVP events following her recent bouts against Shadasia Green on the undercard of MVP’s Paul vs. Perry and Serrano vs. Morgan in July 2024 and Melinda Watpool in September 2024. 

Headlining the Most Valuable Prospects 10 preliminary card will be a thrilling super welterweight showdown between Orlando Florida’s own Jeovanny “El Rayo” Estela (14-1, 5 KOs) and the undefeated 29-year-old Jocksan Blanco (7-0, 4 KOs) in an 8-round battle for the vacant WBA Continental USA super welterweight title. The 24-year-old Estela, of proud Puerto Rican descent, looks to bounce back from his most recent bout, his first-ever career loss in July 2024, and re-establish himself with a strong showing on Friday, December 13. He will face a sharp, tactical opponent in Blanco, from Caracas, Venezuela, who enters the ring with an unblemished record.

Undefeated Dominican prospect Hendri “La Bazuca” Cedeno (14-0, 11 KOs) will face Mexican fighter Luis “Matador” Hernandez Ramos (23-5, 20 KOs) in an 8-round super lightweight bout on the preliminary card. The 26-year-old Cedeno looks to continue his rise in the division and establish himself as a future contender. Standing in his way is the 28-year-old Ramos, a formidable challenger who has proven that he’s capable of taking on the toughest competition. 

Also on the preliminary card, 32-year-old Fradimil Macayo (17-1, 13 KOs) will face seasoned veteran Oscar “El Guerrero” Escandon (27-8, 18 KOs) in an explosive 8-round lightweight clash of Venezuela vs. Colombia. Macayo, who comes to the ring from Carupano, Venezuela, will showcase his power and knockout potential against Escandon as he aims to continue his rise through the ranks and solidify his place as a top contender. Escandon, a 2x interim world champion, will prove no light challenge, bringing his own wealth of experience and ring savvy to the bout. 

Rounding out the preliminary card additions will be a 6-round middleweight showdown between 21-year-old Saint Louis talent Jamar “J-Money” Pemberton (7-1, 5 KOs) vs. Chattanooga, Tennessee’s 28-year-old Kahlil Mitchell (4-0, 2 KOs). Pemberton, currently boasting a three-bout win streak, will aim to prove his title contender aspirations against an undefeated Mitchell.

“Most Valuable Prospects 10 rounds out an immensely impactful year from MVP, in which we’ve provided a stage to both today’s biggest stars and tomorrow’s upcoming champions. It could not be more fitting that MVP’s final event of 2024 returns to our mission to provide a platform for young and female prospects in this sport,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP. “We are especially excited to feature the professional debut of a standout amateur talent and two-time Olympian in Tamm Thibeault against Natasha Spence in a battle for Canadian dominance and we are proud to welcome back Danier Pero for another heavyweight thriller against Walter Burns. This will be a night of nonstop action featuring the long-awaited return of MVP’s Wanna Walton, an incredible interim world title fight in Vargas vs. Guerrero, and sensational local and international talent from top to bottom on this card. Thank you to Boxlab Promotions, DAZN, and CELSIUS for an incredible second year of partnership with the Most Valuable Prospects series. We look forward to renewing the series in 2025.”

“Caribe Royale is once again thrilled to be working with the team at MVP on this stacked card. Multiple titles will be on the line including what should be a very exciting interim world title bout between Vargas and Guerrero,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions and Managing Director of the Caribe Royale Resort. “Our goal is to continue to bring world class entertainment to Central Florida and partnering with Jake and Nakisa is part of that initiative. It will be a great night of action and coupled with the World Boxing Association convention happening at the same time will make Orlando, Caribe Royale, and Most Valuable Prospects the focus of the boxing world on Friday, December 13th.”

The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and marketed by MVP with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter and is distributed globally by DAZN. The tenth event in the series will continue the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. All events within Most Valuable Prospects will take place on Friday nights in 2024. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of MVP and the Most Valuable Prospects series. Fansly and Event Ticket Center have also joined on to sponsor the Most Valuable Prospects as well.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @DAZNBoxing.

About MVP

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

About DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). We are building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?dazngroup.com.

Elijah Pierce won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Samartin in a super bantamweight bout at the OTX Arena in Atlanta.

In round four, Pierce dropped Samartin with a body shot, but was ruled a slip.

Pierce, 122 lbs of Atlanta via Oklahoma City won by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 twice and is now 19-2. Samartin, 121.8 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 35-9-1.

Brandon Adams punched his way into finals of the OTX Junior Middleweight tournament with a 10-round unanimous decision over Francisco Veron.

In round one, Veron began to bleed from the nose.

Adams, 154 lbs of Watts, CA won by scores of 98-91, 96-93 and 95-94 and is now 25-3. Veron, 153.6 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 14-1-1.

In the first semi-final of the OTX Junior Middleweight Tournament, Andreas Katzourakis won a 10-round split-decision over Robert Terry.

Katzourakis, 154 lbs of Houston via Athens, GRE won by scores of 98-92 twice, while Terry took a card card by a 98-93 score.

Katzourakis is now 14-0. Terry, 152 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 12-1-1.

Maliek Montgomery stopped former interim world champion Oscar Escandon in round two of their eight-round lightweight bout/

In round two, Montgomery dropped Escandon with a hard combination to the body and the fight was stopped at 1:39.

Montgomery of Macon, GA is 19-0 with 17 knockouts. Escandon of Colombia is 27-8.

Donte Layne remained perfect with his fourth first-round stoppages in as many bouts as he took out Noah Kidd in a four-round super middleweight bout,

In round one, Layne dropped Kidd with a left hook to the jaw and a little right inside and Kidd did not beat the count at 1:52

Layne, 167.2 lbs of New York is 4-0 with four-knockouts. Kidd, 168 lbs is now 8-11.

Gustavo River Rios won a six-round unanimous decision over Carlos Dos Samtos Rocha in a lightweight bout.

In round one, Rocha dropped Rivera with a hard right hand. In round two, River dropped Rocha with a combination that was punctuated by a body shot in the corner.

Rios, 133 lbs of Houston won by scores of 58-54 on all cards and is now 10-1. Rocha, 132.8 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 3-6.

LAS VEGAS – Father Time came knocking Saturday night. He looked a lot like Yordenis Ugas.

Manny Pacquaio couldn’t stop him.

Pacquiao, still a timeless legend, finally ran into that inevitable moment. The clock said it’s time to move on, time to do something else. Maybe a campaign for the Filipino presidency will be his next fight. Maybe he can go on to be a 43-year-old President. Then, he would be a young man all over again. But at 42, he’s old and finished as a fighter.

There are no more opening bells left on his calendar. Just another birthday in December. Pacquiao would not say what he plans to do next. But he didn’t have to.

Ugas punches told him again and again throughout 12 rounds.  Nearly every round included signs that Pacquiao’s days as a fighter are over. Ugas scored a unanimous decision, 115-113 on one card and 116-112 on two.

Ugas’ power moved Pacquiao backwards and sideways. At times, he looked awkward in trying to stay away from the Cuban, who was a late stand-in for the younger, stronger Errol Spence Jr. Mostly, the Filipino Senator looked stationary, a target for Ugas, a welterweight who is a step or down the welterweight ladder from Spence and Terence Crawford.

“My legs were tired,’’ Pacquiao (62-8-2, 31 KOs) said after his first fight in 25 months. “I just couldn’t move.’’   

It didn’t take long to see that Pacquiao has only moved into middle age.

“Manny, Manny, Manny.” The chants were from a crowd that remembered a younger man. They started long before opening bell. They echoed through the jammed T-Mobile Arena, loud enough to be heard on the Vegas’ strip and maybe on the streets of Manila.

In the first round, Pacquaio predictably pursued early, backing up the bigger, broad-shouldered Ugas. There was some immediate uncertainty evident in Ugas body language. Pacquiao’s foot speed and punching angles have bewildered just about everyone he has faced for more than two decades. Initially, it looked as if Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) would be just another confused face. Pacquiao has seen a lot of them. Beaten most of them.

Near the end of those first three minutes, however, Ugas landed a big body shot. For a split second, it was almost like flipping as switch. Pacquiao froze. Those feet, ever fleet for so long, suddenly quit moving. Ugas a sent message, to both Pacquiao and himself. Pacquiao knew Ugas had the power to hurt him. Suddenly, Ugas was emboldened, knowing his size and strength were enough to offset Pacquiao’s diminished skillset.

For the rest of the bout, Pacquiao seemed to fight in desperate spurts. He’d rock Ugas, but never really hurt him. Ugas would respond, always countering with a big jab or an overhand right. Increasingly, the Cuban knew it was his fight. He’d smile at Pacquiao as if to say the fight and the 147-pound belt belonged to him.

“Most of all, I want to thank Manny Pacquiao,’’ Ugas said through a translator. “I want to thank him for what he has given me.’’

A gift from Father Time.

Guerrero scores dull decision over Victor Ortiz

It was a fight between ex-champions. Victor Ortiz-versus-Robert Guerrero might have worked Triller. But on a traditional boxing card featuring Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas, it just didn’t work.

There were boos throughout the 10 rounds.

There were cheers, but only in the end

Guerrero (37-6-1, 20 KOs) won, scoring a unanimous decision over Ortiz (32-7-3, 25 KOs) at T-Mobile Arena. In what looked to be a capacity crowd waiting for Pacquiao-Ugas, it was also unanimous, unanimously happy that it was finally over.

Mark Magsayo scores 10th-round KO

Call it a double down, two right hands that put Atizapan de Zaragosa onto the canvas and kept him there for a couple of scary moments in a devastating 10th-round knockout in a World Boxing Council featherweight eliminator Saturday on the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas card at T-Mobile.

Magsayo (23-0, 16 KOs), a Filipino who had Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach in his corner, ended any chance of an upset on the cards. Zaragosa (32-5-1, 28 KOs), of Mexico, surprised Magsayo, knocking him down in the fifth. In the end, however, Magsayo’s power said it once. Said it again. Said it all.  

Carlos Castro delivers dramatic KO of Escandon

In the first round, he survived. In the middle rounds, he had to be stubborn. Then, he had to be resilient. Then, he was sensational.

Phoenix featherweight Carlos Castro (27-0, 12 KOs)did it all Saturday night in his first pay-per-view appearance on the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas undercard at T-Mobile Arena.. First, he endured a bug punch. Then, he recovered.

Then, he won by knockout with a whirlwind of punches that left former contender Oscar Escandon exhausted, dazed and beaten.

At 1:08 of the 10th, it was official: Castro  was the KO winner and a proven contender at 126 pounds. 

Escandon (26-6, 18 KOs) rocked Castro in the closing seconds of the opening round. Then, it looked as if Castro was in for a long night. But he regained his footing and his wits. Then in a wild seventh, he gained momentum and kept it with a long jab and slick skillset. Escandon looked confused. He lunged and missed with a punch that sent him crashing onto the canvas like a kid doing a belly flop.

In the final round, Castro pursued and delivered a whirlwind-like finish with a beautiful succession of punches for a defining victory, the biggest thus far in his emerging career. 

-Mexican featherweight Angel Contreras (11-4-2, 6 KOs) upset any chance that John Dato (14-1-1, 9 KOs) might warm up the ring for fellow Filipino Manny Pacquiao in the final fight before the pay-per-view telecast for the Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas card. Contrerras beat Dato, handing him his first loss and flooring the Filipino in the third-round of an eight-round  unanimous decision.  

California lightweight Mikel Clements (1-0) leaped into his pro debut on a major card, lunging to land punches through four head-rocking rounds for a unanimous decision over Eliseo Villalobos (1-2) of Simi Valley, CA.

The Pacquiao-Ugas undercard resumed after a long break following the tripleheader beginning like a guy waking up from a nap. It was a yawner. Super-middleweights Burley Brooks (6-2-1, 5 KOs) of Dallas and Cameron Rivera (9-6-4 of Fife, WA fought to a dull draw. Neither could gain an edge or even momentum in the six-rounder. 

The Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas card started with a triple-header, an afternoon matinee, before the fans were allowed into T-Mobile Arena Saturday.

Behind closed doors and in front of empty seats, Mexican lightweight Jose Valenzuela (9-0, 6 KOs), drawing first blood in a one-sided assault for a fourth-round TKO of Donte Strayhorn (12-4, 4 KOs) of Cinicinnati.

In the second bout, power-forward-sized heavyweight prospect Steve Torres (5-0, 5 KOs) of Reading, PA, landed early and often, scoring a first-round TKO of Justin Rolfe (6-3-1, 4 KOs) of Fairfield, ME.

In the third bout, Detroit lightweight Frank Martin (14-0, 10 KOs) outscored, outpunched and overwhelmed Ryan Kielczweski (30-6, 11 KOs) enroute to a unanimous decision over the fighter from Quincy, MA.  

LAS VEGAS (August 12, 2021) – Former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz will meet in a 10-round welterweight duel on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugás FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View at Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Also on the pay-per-view, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battles former world champion Julio Ceja in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator, plus undefeated contender Carlos Castro will take on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round featherweight attraction that kicks off the action at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The evening is headlined by eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao taking on WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás, as Ugás makes the first defense of the same title that Pacquiao had previously won by defeating Keith Thurman in his last fight July 2019.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and MP Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

Guerrero (36-6-1, 20 KOs) is a three-time world champion who has won world titles at featherweight and super featherweight, and has fought a stacked lineup of elite fighters, including Floyd Mayweather, during a superb career. The Gilroy, California native returned from a 2017 defeat to Omar Figueroa Jr. to win his last three contests. After stopping Adam Mates in December 2018 and Hevinson Herrera in March 2019, Guerrero most recently won a unanimous decision over Gerald Thomas in September 2019.

Ortiz (32-6-3, 25 KOs), a former 147-pound champion, will return to the ring for the first time since a February 2018 draw against two-division champion Devon Alexander. The 34-year-old native of Garden City, Kansas, who now lives in Ventura, California, has faced some of the top names in the 147-pound division during his career. Ortiz won the welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Andre Berto in April 2011, before losing the title to Floyd Mayweather.

The Filipino sensation Magsayo (22-0, 15 KOs) fights out of Pasig City, Metro Manila and most recently knocked out Pablo Cruz in four rounds in April 2021, following his U.S. televised debut in October 2020 that saw him defeat Rigoberto Hermosillo on FS1. The 26-year-old fights in the U.S. for the fifth time overall on August 21 and against his toughest competition to date in the former champion Ceja. Magsayo owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Jose Robles Olvera, and a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

A former super bantamweight champion, Ceja (32-4-1, 28 KOs) will move up to featherweight as he seeks an opportunity to capture a championship in a second division. Ceja’s 2019 saw him engage in two action-packed battles, dropping a June contest to former champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and most recently fighting unbeaten super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa to a draw in November. The 28-year-old captured his 122-pound title with a stoppage of Hugo Ruiz in 2015, and has also challenged for a bantamweight title throughout his career.

Castro (26-0, 11 KOs) has climbed the rankings since turning pro in 2012 as he seeks a shot at a world championship. The Phoenix-native added two victories in 2020, defeating Jesus Ruiz in February before stopping longtime contender Cesar Juarez in four rounds in July. Castro was coming off a 2019 campaign that saw him score three victories, including 10-round unanimous decision triumphs over former title challenger Genesis Servania and veteran contender Mario Diaz.

A native of Ibague, Colombia, Escandón (26-5, 18 KOs) has faced a slew of top contenders and champions including featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. and super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa, plus hard-hitting contender Tugstsogt Nyambayar. Escandón captured an interim title in 2016 when he knocked out Robinson Castellanos to earn his world title shot against Russell. Most recently, Escandón scored a first-round knockout over previously unbeaten contender Jhack Tepora in December of 2019.

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ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. UGÁS
Pacquiao vs. Ugás will see eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao taking on WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz meet in a 10-round welterweight duel, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battle former world champion Julio Ceja in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator, plus undefeated contender Carlos Castro will take on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round featherweight attraction that kicks off the pay-per-view.

How to Watch the Saturday, August 21, FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Fight
Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas
Main Card: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

TV: Available on all major U.S. & Canadian PPV providers, including
Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.);
as well as Rogers, Bell, Shaw, SaskTel and TELUS (Canada)

Streaming: FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com

Suggested retail price: $74.99 (U.S. & Canada)

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

PHOENIX (July 29, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez will square off against former champion José Uzcátegui in a WBC Super Middleweight title eliminator as Benavídez returns to his hometown of Phoenix for the first time in six years in the SHOWTIME main event on Saturday, August 28 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center – home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

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

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

“I am happy to be bringing David ‘El Bandera Roja’ Benavidez back to his hometown to fight after so many years away,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “It is going to be a sensational welcome party for him and all the fans.”

Still just 24-years-old, Benavídez (24-0, 21 KOs) enters this fight having knocked out his last four opponents, including a September 2019 knockout of two-time super middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell. Most recently, he earned stoppage victories over Roamer Alexis Angulo in August 2020 and Ronald Ellis in March of this year. Benavídez is trained by his father José Sr., alongside his brother and former title challenger, José Jr. In 2017, he became the youngest super middleweight champion in boxing history by defeating Ronald Gavril on SHOWTIME at just 20 years old. Representing his native Phoenix, Ariz., Benavídez went from a 15-year-old prodigy sparring with Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin, to world title contender with a 10-fight knockout streak from 2015 through 2017, including a highlight-reel knockout of Rogelio Medina with a seven-punch combination that earned him his first title opportunity.

“I’m super excited to fight in front of my hometown fans,” said Benavídez. “It’s a dream come true for me to come back home as a two-time world champion. I’m training for Uzcategui like he’s a world champ because he has a lot of experience and he’s a hungry fighter. I know that he needs this win, but I won’t let that happen. I’m staying dedicated and motivated to win on August 28 on SHOWTIME and I want to look impressive doing it in order to get even bigger and better fights in the future.”

Born in Venezuela and fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, Uzcátegui (31-4, 26 KOs) captured a 168-pound world title in March of 2018 by stopping veteran contender Andre Dirrell after eight rounds. The 30-year-old put himself in position to fight for a title with four-straight stoppage victories from 2015 through 2016, including a win over then-unbeaten Julius Jackson. Since losing the title to unbeaten champion Caleb Plant in January 2019, Uzcátegui has rebounded to win three of his last four fights, including knockout wins in 2021 over Jaime Hernandez Lopez and Josue Obando.

“I’m excited to be back on the big stage for this fight,” said Uzcátegui. “I know what I’m up against with Benavídez. He’s a great fighter, and that’s my biggest motivation. This is going to be a war and I can’t wait to give the people a great fight. Both of us come to brawl, so this is going to be a classic on August 28.”

The 28-year-old Benavídez (27-1, 18 KOs) is the older brother of main event headliner David and returns to fight in his hometown of Phoenix for the first time in six years. A long-established contender, Benavídez will return to action for the first time since dropping a 147-pound title showdown to Terence Crawford in October 2018. Benavídez had previously earned wins over contenders such as Mauricio Herrera, Francisco Santana and Frank Rojas on his way to that world title opportunity.

“I’m really excited to be back in the ring after being out for a while,” said Benavidez. “I feel more mature, motivated and stronger than ever. Fighting alongside my brother and in my hometown, is really a dream come true. I’m really looking forward to making a tremendous comeback. It doesn’t matter who they put in front of me, I guarantee that I’m going to take them out. No one is going to want to miss this night, because me and my brother are bringing the fireworks.”

A native of boxing-rich Buenos Aires, Argentina, Torres (17-3, 5 KOs) enters this fight the winner of his last nine contests dating back to 2018. The 31-year-old will fight in the U.S. for the third time on August 28, having scored stateside victories over Cleotis Pendarvis in August 2020 and Louis Hernandez in February of this year. Torres most recently won a unanimous decision over Alexi Rivera in June as he prepares for his toughest fight to date against Benavídez.

“I’m very pumped up for this fight,” said Torres. “I want to thank my whole team for this opportunity to participate in such an important fight. This is a great chance for me to go to the next level against a great fighter who’s had an exceptional career. I will work very hard to get the victory on August 14 and raise high the flag of Argentina.”

Castro (26-0, 11 KOs) has climbed the rankings since turning pro in 2012 as he seeks a shot at a super bantamweight championship. The Phoenix-native added two victories in 2020, defeating Jesus Ruiz in February before stopping longtime contender Cesar Juarez in four rounds in July. Castro was coming off a 2019 campaign that saw him score three victories, including 10-round unanimous decision triumphs over former title challenger Genesis Servania and veteran contender Mario Diaz.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to fight an excellent opponent in Escandón,” said Castro. “I’m very motivated to put on a great performance in front of my hometown fans. On August 28, I’m going to be ready to showcase all of my skills and hard work in the ring so I leave with my hand raised.”

A native of Ibague, Colombia, Escandón (26-5, 18 KOs) has faced a slew of top contenders and champions including featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. and super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa, plus hard-hitting contender Tugstsogt Nyambayar. Escandón captured an interim title in 2016 when he knocked out Robinson Castellanos to earn his world title shot against Russell. Most recently, Escandón scored a first-round knockout over previously unbeaten contender Jhack Tepora in December of 2019.

“I’m very focused on training for this fight because I know a win can lead me back to another world title opportunity,” said Escandón. “Castro is a good young fighter who has a solid jab and can move. But I think he’s the perfect opponent for me. There are a lot of things we can do to win this fight and I can’t wait to go in there on August 28 and show it.”

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

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 16, 2020) – The Pound-For-Pound Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, who has three elite boxers making waves in the professional ranks, twin sensations Angel “AK-47” Barrientes (2-0, 2 KOs) and Chavez “The Beast” Barrientes (2-0, 2 KOs), as well as their stablemate Demler “DJ War Machine” Zamora III (3-0, 2 KOs), have traveled to the Bay Area to get elite level sparring with top tier fighters in Eros Correa (10-0, 8 KOs), Oscar Escandon (26-5, 18 KOs), and Justin Cardona (4-0, 2 KOs), as well as many other top fighters.

“This is needed to see where we are at,” said super bantamweight Angel Barrientes. “We’re all trying our hardest to become the best fighters we can be, and going to different places to spar the best, is a great way to find out where you sit amongst the best in the world. I’m looking forward to sparring new guys.”

Amongst one of their many stops, the three young fighters will be visiting Ruben “Mad Dog” Guerrero’s boxing gym in Gilroy, California, as the legendary trainer will open his doors to the young fighters and their team.

“I am excited to work with such high-level people,” said super bantamweight Chavez Barrientes. “We have been working hard in Vegas, and now to get new looks along with seeing how others train will be a great change in our training camp.”

Zamora, the youngest of the three fighters who just turned 17-years-old is very excited about this summer sparring trip.

“We all want to be the best and in order to be the best you have to travel to learn,” said the dynamic featherweight Zamora III. “I am eager to be in a new climate, be in gyms I am unfamiliar with, and find out where I am at as a fighter.”

These three fighters are just 17-years-old, and will be sparring the very best the Bay Area has to offer this week.

Jermell Charlo got his revenge and stopped Tony Harrison in round 11 to regain the WBC Super Welterweight title in a rematch of a fight that took place one year ago. This bout took place at The Toyota Arena in Ontario, California

Charlo dropped Harrison in round two when he connected with a left hook. That would be a foreshadow of things to come later. Harrison though got right back in the fight as he took the fight on the inside and landed some terrific body shots as well as some flush right hands. Charlo was being active, but he was looking for the home run shot throughout the contest. He was able to land some solid combination through the fight.

With the action-filled fight seemingly on the table, Charlo had a different look and thought process in round 11. In the penultimate round, Charlo landed a hard left that dropped Harrison into the ropes. Harrison was hurt and went down again after a hard flurry of power punches. Harrison was able to get up again, but it was only seconds before Harrison ate a bevy of punches that forced referee Jack Reiss to stop the fight at 2:21.

Charlo, 153.5 lbs of Houston is now 33-1 with 17 knockouts. Harrison, 153,25 lbs is now 28-3,

“I got the belt back and I didn’t leave it up to the judges,” Charlo said. “Tony is a former champion. He had a lot on the line. I dominated and I knocked him out.”

It let him know that the power was real and 2020 is going to be real,” Charlo said. “It’s going to get loud.”

“Jack is a championship referee. I started getting a little lax and got caught,” Harrison said. “He earned it. I hate it, but he earned it. The game plan was to do a little boxing. But taking a year off, my boxing wasn’t used to it. He earned it and no excuses. I got caught slipping. I never trade offense for defense. He caught me in between. I feel like I let us down. I let me down. It’s one on one. Back to the drawing board.”

Charlo said the animosity that built up before the rematch is real.
“Listen, I’m a gentleman at the end of the day. I showed my respect, but at the end of the day I don’t like the dude. He can get it again, but I’m off to bigger and better things. I’m down for making history. He held the title too long and I had to come back and get it.”

Efe Ajagba remained undefeated by stopping Iago Kiladze in five very action filled heavyweight rounds.

In round two, Ajagba sent Kiladze to the canvas with a hard right hand. In a wild round three, Ajagba landed a crushing right that wobbled Kiladze badly across the ring. Seconds later, Kiladze somehow landed a counter right to the jaw that sent Ajagba to the canvas. In round five, Ajagba landed a huge right hand that sent Kiladze in to the canvas. Kiladze was hurt and took a big combination on the ropes that forced referee Thomas Taylor stop the fight at 2:09.

Ajagba, 237.75 lbs is 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Kiladze, 230.5 lbs of Georgia Republic is 26-5-1.

“When I got knocked down, I didn’t see the punch coming. I tried to hit him with the left hook and that’s when I got caught,” Ajagba said. “He has a lot of experience and he’s a good fighter. This kind of fight will help me perform better in the future. This guy was a good fighter and he can take a lot of shots. I missed a lot of shots. Ronnie Shields, my trainer, kept telling me to work behind the jab and come back with the hook. It’s something that I have to learn to do. I made some mistakes, but I will go back to the gym and work on it. I’ll do better next time.”

Rene Tellez Giron shocked 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas via 6th round knockout in their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

At the end of round three, Giron landed a crushing left that sent Balderas to the canvas. Balderas barely beat the count, and stumbled back to the corner, yet referee Ray Corona let the fight continue.

At the end of round six, Giron landed another left hook to the head that put Balderas in his back. He barely did not beat Corona’s count at 2:59.

Giron, 132 lbs of Mexico is 14-1 with eight knockouts. Balderas suffers his 1st defeat and is now 9-1.

“After I knocked him down in the third round, I saw his eyes were rolled back like he was hurt, but he has the heart of a lion,” Giron said. “He didn’t want to lose his undefeated record in front of his people. When he got up, I was like, ‘Wow! He got up! He’s up!’ So, I kept on him and left everything in the ring. I’m really happy. Karlos had said he fought with the best and he was an Olympian. Well, I fought a lot of people too and you see the result.”

Hugo Centeno Jr. and Juan Macias Montiel fought to a 10-round draw in a middleweight fight.

In round two, Montiel buckled Centeno with a left hand.

In round eight, Montiel was cut over the right eye.

The scores read 97-93 for Centeno; 96-94 for Montiel and 95-95.

Centeno, 163.4 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 27-3-1. Montiel, 162.4 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is 21-4-1.

“I don’t agree with the decision at all. I thought I out-boxed the guy. He landed a couple shots, but I don’t think it was enough to get a draw or win on any of the cards,” Centeno said. “To be fair, I’d give him like three rounds. I know I didn’t win all the rounds, but I know I won enough to win the fight. If I can, I’m going to appeal the decision because I thought it was (the wrong) decision. This is the thing that drives away fighters from boxing is scores like this.”

“I took the fight to him and he was just boxing. I’d like a rematch and I’d like him to fight and not run,” Montiel said. “I was inactive for a year and I gave him three pounds and he still didn’t bring it. In reality I brought it to him. Next time, I want him to stand and fight.”

Oscar Escandon stopped previously undefeated Jhack Tepora in the 1st round of their scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

Escandon landed a perfect right hook to the body that sent Tepora down for then 10 count at 1:30.

Escandon, 127 lbs of Colombia is 27-5 with 18 knockouts. Tepora, 126.4 lbs of Cebu City, PHL is 23-1

“This fight was very important to me because I know I needed to win if I wanted to continue forward with my career,” Escandon said. “I know I have a lot of fight left in me. I just want to thank my team. Ruben Guerrero, my trainer, was on me about listening to him in the corner and all his instructions worked perfect. I want to thank the PBC and Bob Santos for always believing in me. I give all the glory to God for this victory.”

Raymond Guajardo took out Donnis Reed in round one of their scheduled four round super welterweight bout.

Guajardo landed a booming right hook that sent Reed down face-first and the fight was over at 1:40.

Guajardo, 157 lbs of San Antonio is 5-0 with three knockouts. Reed, 154.6 lbs of New Orleans is 3-5.

“I’m always looking to get my opponents out, so that was the first thing I wanted to do,” Guajardo said. “I think I had landed a hook before that and I saw I had hurt him, so that’s when I went in for the kill. Everything happened naturally after that.”

Petr Khamukov remained undefeated by stopping Maceo Crowder after round two of their scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Khamukov dropped Crowder with a right over the top. Crowder bowed out of the fight after the 2nd round citing an eye injury.

Khamukov, 160.2 lbs of Russia is 5-0 with two knockouts. Crowder, 160.4 lbs of Roxbury, MA is 2-4.

ONTARIO, Calif. (December 17, 2019) – Sensational 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas takes on Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron in an eight-round lightweight match as the opener of FOX PBC Fight Night live in primetime and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, December 21 at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. ET.

Former champion Guillermo Rigondeaux was scheduled to take on Liborio Solis in the co-feature of the FOX PBC Fight Night card, but that match has been postponed until a later date.

Balderas vs. Giron will serve as the opening attraction to the show that is headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony Harrison and former champion Jermell Charlo that also features Efe Ajagba taking on Iago Kiladze in a 10-round heavyweight showdown in the co-feature.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Toyota Arena box office and Ticketmaster.com.

One of the most highly regarded prospects from the 2016 U.S. Olympic team, Balderas (9-0, 8 KOs) returns for an eight-round lightweight affair to close out 2019. The 23-year-old from Santa Maria, California has won his last five fights by stoppage, including three already in 2019. His most recent outing saw him stop Robert Frankel in July. He will be opposed by the 20-year-old Giron (13-1, 7 KOs), who fights out of Queretaro, Mexico and is looking to rebound from a decision loss to unbeaten Michel Rivera in June.

Preceding FOX PBC Fight Night, undefeated Filipino featherweight contender Jhack Tepora will battle rugged former title challenger Oscar Escandon in a 10-round bout in the co-feature of FS1 PBC Fight Night at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. ET. Hugo Centeno, Jr. will take on Juan Macias Montiel in a 10-round middleweight main event of the telecast that also features super welterweight prospect Raymond Guajardo facing Donnis Reed in a four-rounder in the televised opener.

Fighting out of Cebu City, Philippines, Tepora (23-0, 17 KOs) will enter the ring for the second time in the U.S. on December 21, after making a successful U.S. debut against Jose Luis Gallegos in June. The 24-year-old will take on Colombia’s Escandon (25-5, 17 KOs), who fights for the first time since a loss to Brandon Figueroa last year at the same arena in Ontario. Escandon is a former interim titlist at featherweight and challenged Gary Russell Jr. for the featherweight championship in 2017.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

Brandon Figueroa remained undefeated by stopping former world title challenger Oscar Escandon in the 10th and final round of their super bantamweight bout at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

In round 10, Figueroa landed a perfect uppercut that dropped Escandon on his front. Escandon tried to get up, but fell right back down, and the bout was stopped at 1:42.

Figueroa, 122.4 lbs of Werlasco, Texas is now 17-0 with 12 knockouts. Escandon, 123 lbs of Colombia is 25-5.

Joe Joyce remained undefeated by stopping Iago Kiladze in round three of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Joyce dropped Kiladze with a hard right in the corner. In round three, it was a left body shot that sent Kiladze to the canvas. Joyce finished the bout in round five with a hard left hook that sent Kalidze to the canvas, and the fight was over at 41 seconds.

Joyce, 263 lbs of England is 6-0 with six knockouts. Kiladze, 218 lbs of Georgia Republic is 26-4.

Joey Spencer remained perfect with a 1st round stoppage over Cory Macon in a middleweight bout.

Spencer dominated from the opening bell as he repeatedly hurt Macon and then landed a booming right that sent Macon down for the count at 2:36.

Spencer, 155.8 lbs of Union City, CA is 5-0 with five knockouts, Macon, 153 lbs of Durham, NC is 0-3.

In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, Efe Ajagba needed one right hand to dispose of Nick Jones in their scheduled six-round bout.

Ajagba landed a hard right that sent Jones down face-first, and the bout was stopped at 2:25.

Ajagba, 238 lbs of Ugehlli, Nigeria is 7-0 with six-knockouts. Jones, 213.6 lbs of Okunulgee, OK is 7-1.

Stephen Fulton remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over German Meraz in a featherweight bout.

In round eight, Fulton dropped Meraz with a right to the body.

Fulton, 126 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 80-71 on all catds, and is now 14-0. Meraz, Meraz, 125.8 lbs of Agua Prieta, MEX is 61-50-2.

Jesse Rodriguez won an eight-round unanimous decision over Edwin Reyes in a light flyweight bout.

Rodriguez, 107.6 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 to go to 7-0. Reyes, 107.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 8-4-3.

Kody Davies won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jerhed Fenderson in a light heavyweight bout.

Davies, 175 lbs of England won on all cards by 80-72 cards is now 7-0. Fenderson, 174.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 4-7.

Omar Juarez made a successful pro debut with a unanimous decision over Matt Gaver in a super lightweight bout.

Arnold Alejandro stopped Francisco Camacho in round five of their scheduled six-round featherweight bout.

Camacho was bleeding from the right side of his head in round three.

In round five, Alejandro landed a hard left that drove Camacho to the corner. Alejandro followed up with a combination that floored Camacho, and the bout was stopped at 1:50.

Alejandro, 125.6 lbs of Dallas, TX is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Camacho, 124.4 lbs of Matamores, MEX is 7-9-1.

Jose Balderas remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Ivan Martino in a bantamweight fight.

Balderas, 118.3 lbs of Santa Maria, CA won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is now 5-0. Martino, 118.3 lbs of San Felipe, MX is 3-3.

ONTARIO, CA. (September 26, 2018) – Unbeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa takes on rugged veteran Oscar Escandon in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes this Sunday, September 30 from Citizen’s Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

John Molina, Jr., who was scheduled to be in the main event, will be rescheduled to return to the ring soon. And former welterweight champion Victor Ortiz, who was slated to face Molina, will no longer be on the card.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature 2016 Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce facing Iago Kiladze in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.

The exciting night of fights will also see rising unbeaten prospects enter the ring as 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba (6-0, 5 KOs) steps in for a six-round heavyweight bout, sensational super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer (4-0, 4 KOs) competes in a four-round match and featherweight prospect Stephen Fulton (13-0, 6 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-round match.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

Figueroa (16-0, 11 KOs), the brother of former lightweight world champion Omar Figueroa, Jr., continues to climb the ladder in the featherweight division with a step up match against the tough former title challenger Escandon. The 21-year-old out of Weslaco, Texas was busy last year as he won all four of his matches and he has logged two knockout victories this year, beating Giovanni Delgado in March and Luis Roy Suarez Cruz in his last fight on August 4, with three of those six wins coming on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

The 34-year-old Escandon (25-4, 17 KOs), who fought in the 2004 Olympian for Colombia, is a hardnosed veteran from Ibague, Colombia looking to rebound from two tough losses to Tugstsogt Nyambayar on May 26 on FS1 and WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. in 2017.

A 6-foot-6 heavyweight, Joyce (5-0, 5 KOs) won the silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as a super heavyweight from Great Britain and now trains in Big Bear, California with Abel Sanchez. The 32-year-old from London turned pro in 2017 and has been on a knockout roll since. Joyce, whose nickname is ‘Juggernaut,’ has ended four of his five fights inside of two rounds. He scored a first-round KO victory over Ivica Bacurin in his last fight on June 15.

Kiladze (26-3, 18 KOs) is an experienced veteran who will test Joyce early in his young career. The 32-year-old out of Ukraine who now lives in Los Angeles and will be looking to rebound from back-to-back losses to Michael Hunter and Adam Kownacki. Before those losses he had put together a six-match win streak.

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes

ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA (September 4, 2018) – Unbeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa takes on rugged veteran Oscar Escandon in a 10-round bout and 2016 British Olympian Joe Joyce battles Iago Kiladze in an eight-round heavyweight attraction in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action Sunday, September 30 from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

The telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also see 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs) continue his rise in the lightweight ranks in a six-round match and 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba (6-0, 5 KOs) returning to the ring in a six-round heavyweight fight. Sensational super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer (4-0, 4 KOs) steps in for his fifth fight this year in a four-round bout.

Former welterweight champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (36-6-3, 25 KOs) clashes with hard-hitting brawler John Molina, Jr. (30-7, 24 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight battle that promises plenty of action and fireworks in the main event.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

Figueroa (16-0, 11 KOs), the brother of former lightweight world champion Omar Figueroa, Jr., continues to climb the ladder in the featherweight division with a step up match against the tough former title challenger Escandon. The 21-year-old out of Weslaco, Texas was busy last year as he won all four of his matches and he has logged two knockout victories this year, beating Giovanni Delgado in March and Luis Roy Suarez Cruz in his last fight on August 4.

The 34-year-old Escandon (25-4, 17 KOs), who fought in the 2004 Olympian for Colombia, is a hardnosed veteran from Ibague, Colombia looking to rebound from two tough losses to Tugstsogt Nyambayar on May 26 on FS1 and WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. in 2017.

A 6-foot-6 heavyweight, Joyce (5-0, 5 KOs) won the silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as a super heavyweight from Great Britain. The 32-year-old from London turned pro in 2017 and has been on a knockout roll since. Joyce, whose nickname is ‘Juggernaut,’ has ended four of his five fights inside of two rounds. He scored a first-round KO victory over Ivica Bacurin in his last fight on June 15.

Kiladze (26-3, 18 KOs) is an experienced veteran who will test Joyce early in his young career. The 32-year-old out of Ukraine who now lives in Los Angeles and will be looking to rebound from back-to-back losses to Michael Hunter and Adam Kownacki. Before those losses he had put together a six-match win streak.

The 22-year-old Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs), a first-generation Mexican-American, competed on the U.S. Olympic boxing team in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil before turning pro in April 2017. Representing Santa Maria, Calif., Balderas scored knockout victories in his last two fights and will look to make it three in a row when he enters the ring on September 30.

The 24-year-old Ajagba (6-0, 5 KOs), who represented Nigeria in the 2016 Olympics, will be stepping into the ring again a month after his last match ended in disqualification. His opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring without throwing a punch after touching gloves and the bell sounded to start the fight on Aug. 24 that was live on FS1.

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI (May 23, 2018) – Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and there’s no better way to kick off the season than with three hours of boxing as Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes delivers a night of action Saturday, May 26 from the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Once-beaten Eddie Ramirez will take on former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 10-round super lightweight showdown in the main event, while former title challenger Oscar Escandon meets unbeaten 2012 Olympic silver medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar in a 10-round featherweight bout in the co-main event.

Televised action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature Justin DeLoach (17-2, 9 KOs) taking on Jeison Rosario (14-1-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight match plus unbeaten Joshua Zuniga (9-0, 4 KOs) clashing with Justin Pauldo (10-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight attraction.

“Eddie Ramirez is trying to get into the title picture and Argenis Mendez wants to regain his world title status and that’s going to set up for fireworks in the main event. All of the boxers in the other matches have a lot to gain with a victory as well and that shapes up to a superb night of boxing action,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “Toss some hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill and then settle in for three hours of boxing. It’s the perfect way to kick off the summer of 2018.”

Ramirez (17-1, 11 KOs) is looking to bounce back from suffering the first loss of his career in his last outing. Ramirez was knocked out by former world champion Antonio DeMarco last October on FOX, although Ramirez believed the referee acted too hastily in ending the fight. The 25-year-old from Aurora, Illinois was rapidly moving up the ranks before the loss, having scored impressive stoppage victories over then unbeaten prospects Kevin Watts and Ryan Karl and a split decision victory over Erick Bone in fights that aired on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

The 31-year-old Mendez (24-5-1, 12 KOs) is coming off a split decision victory over Ivan Redkach last May on FS1 and FOX Deportes. With the win, the fighter out of the Dominican Republic rebounded from back-to-back losses to lightweight champion Robert Easter, Jr. and Luke Campbell. A member of the 2004 Dominican Olympic team, Mendez won a 130-pound world title with a knockout victory over Juan Carlos Salgado in 2013. He fought Rances Barthelemy twice to defend the title, with the first fight being declared a no decision before Mendez dropped the rematch.

Escandon (25-3, 17 KOs) is trying to climb back into the featherweight title picture after losing by TKO to world champion Gary Russell, Jr. in his last fight on May 20. The 33-year-old from Ibague, Colombia scored a knockout victory over Robinson Castellanos in a 2016 interim featherweight title fight and lost a split decision to Moises Flores in a 2015 interim super bantamweight title bout.

Nyambayar (9-0, 8 KOs) went the distance for the first time as a pro last time in the ring as he earned an eight round unanimous decision over then unbeaten Harmonito Dela Torre last November. The 25-year-old from Ulan-Bator, Mongolia won a silver medal at flyweight at the 2012 London Games and has trained in California since turning pro in 2015.

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andwww.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI (May 8, 2018) – Once-beaten contender Eddie Ramirez will take on former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 10-round super lightweight showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 26 from Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature former title challenger Oscar Escandon meeting unbeaten 2012 Olympic silver medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office, at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

“This is a fantastic card for true boxing fans, because it has all the elements that make the sport great,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “You have a young contender in Eddie Ramirez looking to rebound from the first loss of his career facing a battle-tested former world champion in Argenis Mendez. You also have a young hungry contender in Nyambayar taking a major step forward by facing a strong contender in Escandon who wants to get back in the title mix. No one wants to take a step backwards.”

Ramirez (17-1, 11 KOs) is looking to bounce back from suffering the first loss of his career in his last outing. Ramirez was knocked out by former world champion Antonio DeMarco last October on FOX, although Ramirez believed the ref acted too hastily in ending the fight. The 25-year-old from Aurora, Illinois was rapidly moving up the ranks before the loss, having scored impressive stoppage victories over then unbeaten prospects Kevin Watts and Ryan Karl and a split decision victory over Erick Bone in fights that aired on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

“I really wanted the rematch with Antonio DeMarco, but I’m excited to be back in the ring,” said Ramirez. “Mendez is a good fighter, but I’m going to win by knockout. I’m confident that I’m going to make a big statement that I’m back and better than I’ve ever been.”

The 31-year-old Mendez (24-5-1, 12 KOs) is coming off a split decision victory over Ivan Redkach last May on FS1 and FOX Deportes. With the win, the fighter out of the Dominican Republic rebounded from back-to-back losses to lightweight champion Robert Easter, Jr. and Luke Campbell. A member of the 2004 Dominican Olympic team, Mendez won a 130-pound world title with a knockout victory over Juan Carlos Salgado in 2013. He fought Rances Barthelemy twice to defend the title, with the first fight being declared a no decision before Mendez dropped the rematch.

“I lost two fights and people started to wonder if I was done, but I’m a former world champion and came back strong to win my last fight,” said Mendez. “Eddie Ramirez is a good fighter, but when I show him my speed power, and skills, everyone is going to see what I’m still capable of. This is a great opportunity to show that I can beat this guy badly and get back to the world championship level.”

Escandon (25-3, 17 KOs) is trying to climb back into the featherweight title picture after losing by TKO to world champion Gary Russell, Jr. in his last fight on May 20. The 33-year-old from Ibague, Colombia scored a knockout victory over Robinson Castellanos in a 2016 interim featherweight title fight and lost a split decision to Moises Flores in a 2015 interim super bantamweight title bout.

“With the level of competition that I’ve fought and beat, I know I’m the toughest and most experienced guy Nyambayar will have ever fought,” said Escandon. “Knockouts are what I do, and that’s what I’m preparing to accomplish. But no matter what he tries to do, box or fight, I’m going to win this fight and climb back to the top.”

Nyambayar (9-0, 8 KOs) went the distance for the first time as a pro last time in the ring as he earned an eight round unanimous decision over then unbeaten Harmonito Dela Torre last November. The 25-year-old from Ulan-Bator, Mongolia won a silver medal at flyweight at the 2012 London Games and has trained in California since turning pro in 2015.

“I feel very prepared for this fight,” said Nyambayar. “I’ve gained a lot of experience in my last few fights and have started to prove that I am tough and dangerous. This is another step up and I expect him to be toughest opponent I’ve faced. I’m determined to win this fight by any means,”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andwww.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NATIONAL HARBOR (May 18, 2017) – Featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. and top challenger Oscar Escandon went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they square-off in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Also in attendance at Thursday’s press conference and competing in action on SHOWTIME were super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui, who battle for the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship, plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy and former title challenger Kiryl Relikh, who meet in a 140-pound title eliminator. The telecast begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT with Gervonta Davis putting his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh from Copper Box Arena in London.

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

Russell Jr. was joined by his brothers, 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell and unbeaten prospect Gary Antonio Russell, as the trio of brothers look to pick up a hat trick of victories in their hometown Saturday night and on the birthday of their father and trainer, Gary Russell Sr.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday from MGM National Harbor:

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“I never magnify an event, even though it’s at home. The end objective is still the same. But I think it’s cool that everyone in our neighborhood has the opportunity to be in the arena and see what we do.

“I’m 100 percent physically and mentally ready for the challenge and I’m on top of everything I can be.

“When you get caught up in the hype, it’s a deficiency in yourself. You have to be able to focus on the objective over everything else.

“I believe in my ability but also the ability of my brothers. So I’m not nervous for them. I know what they’ve been taught. They conduct themselves like young men in and out of the ring.

“I want a unification bout after this. I’m ready for any of the other world champions. We can line them all up in the same night if you want. If I can’t get those fights, I’m going to move up in weight and bully around these bigger guys.

“I look at each fighter as their own individual. We don’t prepare the same way for every opponent. He’s a tough fighter who comes forward. He’s very physical and I expect him to be at his best on Saturday. It’s up to me to counteract what he does.

“I love this sport. I love what I do. I love being able to prepare for no one else, but the person across the ring and then dismantling him.

“We worked on versatility most. We believe in the sweet science. A lot of these guys just win because they’re stronger and faster. We want to be more technically sound too.”

OSCAR ESCANDON

“This is a very important fight for my career. This is going to elevate me to where I want to be and give me the platform to do anything in the sport. I’m very well prepared for this.

“I feel strong and healthy at 126-pounds. I’m focused on this fight Saturday night. I’ll fight anyone but right now I have to get past Gary Russell Jr.

“In my last fight I was the underdog. People counted me out. Same thing applies here. I’ve done the work and I’m confident that I’m going to win.

“I didn’t have complete training camps with my past trainers, but now I’m with Ruben Guerrero. I’m learning so much. You can look at me in my previous fights and you’ll see a vast improvement now.

“I want that green (WBC) belt a lot. Green is my favorite color. I want to be the best and to me, winning that title signifies that I am the best. To do that I have to beat the best, and that is Gary Russell Jr.

“I don’t like to talk much but I will say that I’m coming to bring this world title back to Colombia. I respect Gary but my mindset is that I’m taking this title home.”

ANDRE DIRRELL

“It’s been a long hard journey for me. But I’ve always managed to climb back on top. The hard work that I’ve put in will make Saturday night easy work.

“My opponent is a fantastic fighter. If anyone should be in line for a title it’s this guy. He has the the power and he has the skill. I just believe he’s up against a better and tougher opponent.

“I’m going to get in the ring and display all of my abilities. I’m very confident and ready. It’s time for Andre to get on top and stay on top.

“I’ve been out of the ring for a while but most importantly, I’ve stayed in the gym in training the whole time. I’ve kept positive mentally as well. Everything is going upward right now and I’m going to take advantage.

“Uzcategui has everything a world champion needs to get to that title, but he’s facing a more skilled competitor on May 20. He’s deserving of the opportunity and that’s why I trained so hard for this fight.

“The title means the world to me. We fight for the titles first. We’re all coming from the amateurs where we got trophies. My love will always be here with the sport until the day I retire.”

JOSE UZCATEGUI

“You won’t want to miss any of these fights on Saturday night. It’s a great card and I’m planning to steal the show.

“I like when my opponent talks a lot. None of the stuff my opponent says can help him in the ring. It’s just me, him and our fists.

“It’s a lot of responsibility to be the top contender for the belt. I have to make it clear that we deserve this so that I can move on to bigger and better things.

“People are going to get to see my power on display Saturday night, but also my other skills. I can do it all in the ring and I’m going to prove it.

“After this I want to take on James DeGale and Gilberto Ramirez. I’m coming to clean out this whole division and be undisputed. It starts on Saturday.”

RANCES BARTHELEMY

“I’m living a dream right now that I myself never in a million years imagined. Every time I get to speak with my mother in Cuba, I tell her of this dream that I am currently living and how it is still surreal to me. To be able to fight on these big cards in the U.S. after the long journey, after all the setbacks, I could not be any more grateful.

“Being a world champion in two different weight divisions is something still unreal to me after people doubted whether I would even become a world champion one day. But this journey does not stop here for me. I have the urge to keep on going, make history for my people, and fight the big names in boxing.

“Everyone in my team supports and motivates each other because we know we as Cubans have to work twice as hard as everybody else. There is an unfair representation of Cuban boxers among the press and fans here in America. We are misconstrued as being boring fighters therefore we are determined to erase that stigma and prove to everyone that we can brawl and put on a good show just as much as we can box.

“I have been working on some new and different things to add to my arsenal this training camp. My whole team has been incredible and pushed me every day.

“Don’t miss this fight on Saturday night. It’s going to be eventful and exciting. I’m coming to get a spectacular win.”

KIRYL RELIKH

“I’m very happy to be here and be a part of this great show. I will do my best to give a great fight on Saturday.

“Camp was perfect. I have a great team and I’m ready for anything. We worked hard and it’s going to be a great performance.

“I’m ready for any style that that Rances Barthelemy can bring into the ring. We thought that we got the win in Scotland against Ricky Burns, but it is very hard to win on points on the road.

“I always fight in different countries so this is just another one on my list. It’s normal for me. I’m very ready for the challenge and I’m expecting a great fight.

“I hope that people like my style. I’m going to entertain the fans and get a victory over Rances Barthelemy on Saturday night.”

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

“I get to pick up right where I left off after the Olympics. I’m fighting on the same night with my brothers for the first time in so long. It was one of my first amateur fights when we last did it.

“I’m feeling really good. We’re making a statement and we’re making history. What’s not to be excited about?

“Mentally and emotionally the Olympics really helped me for the pros. You have to develop over time. We’re constantly training and sharpening our tools. This is a different stage, that’s all.

“I hope everyone is ready for Saturday night. There were some mishaps at the Olympics. Life is going to throw you bumps to get over, and that’s what I’m going to do. Everyone better keep their eyes open Saturday, because it might be quick.”

GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL

“I’m really excited about this fight and competing alongside my brothers. It feels good to come home and fight. My family and friends will be in the building.

“I can’t wait to get in the ring and show what we’ve been working so hard on. All the hours in the gym with my dad and brothers is going to pay off on fight night.

“I’ve seen some video of my opponent. I know his weaknesses and strengths. We’re going to come exploit it on fight night.”

GARY RUSSELL SR., Father and Trainer of the Russells

“We work hard in the gym. Everybody has a plan until they get hit. We know that he’s going to bring pressure and we’ll be ready for it.

“I’m really happy about this opportunity. We can get it all done in one night and put on a great show for everyone.

“I’m definitely in fight mode. There are no extra nerves at all. I just want to get this done and get it done right.

“I can’t really put Escandon in the same category with the top guys we’ve faced. He’s a short fighter. Most people in these weight classes are taller than Gary. At that size, the only way you can fight is straight forward. He’s not going to out box us.”

RUBEN GUERRERO, Escandon’s Trainer

“We’re ready over here. We’re going to do what it takes. We know what we’re up against. He’s one of the best. We’ll prove who is the best on Saturday. This is going to come down to a war. Gary knows what he’s going against.

“I helped Escandon set up a camp in Las Vegas for this fight because this was a huge opportunity. We were up in the mountains and that’s where I wanted him. He’s going to be great on fight night. He’ll be ready to go. It’s not easy to train in Vegas.

“We’re coming to win. We can’t control the judges but we know they’re fair. We’re expecting a fair shake. We’re going to control what we can.”

# # #

ABOUT RUSSELL JR. vs. ESCANDON

Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon is a featherweight world championship showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.

For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS (May 17, 2017) – Let the boxing binge watching begin this Saturday, May 20 when separate shows on SHOWTIME and FS1 deliver six matches running over six consecutive hours. This boxing extravaganza will present a unique opportunity for fans to watch boxing starting at 6 p.m. ET and continue throughout the evening.

“It’s not unusual to spend all day Sunday watching the NFL or to spend the day watching the NBA playoffs,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “But it’s rare for boxing fans to be able to turn on the television in the early evening and binge watch great action until late at night. The slate of shows on May 20 will provide that opportunity for boxing fans.”

Kicking off the day will be an action-packed 130-pound championship match with undefeated young star Gervonta Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) defending his title against No. 1 contender Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) from Copper Box Arena in London, England with coverage beginning on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

The 22-year-old Davis is the youngest reigning American world champion in boxing and he will travel to England for his first title defense against Walsh, an undefeated southpaw fighting in his hometown of London.

Immediately following the Davis-Walsh bout, things kick into high gear with three matches originating from MGM National Harbor outside of Washington, D.C. Gary Russell, Jr. (27-1, 16 KOs) defends his 126-pound world title against Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) in the main event.

A pair of world title eliminators round out the televised portion of the card. Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and Jose Uzcategui (26-1, 22 KOs) meet in a 168-pound match with the winner set to fight for the interim IBF title and a shot at current champion James DeGale. Two-division champion Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 16 KOs) takes on Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) in a 140-pound title eliminator with the winner earning an opportunity to fight for a world championship.

Rounding out the night is a pair of Premier Boxing Champions matches on FS1 and FOX Deportes from Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas that start at 10 p.m. ET.

David Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), an ascending star, will meet former world title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (37-7, 31 KOs) in a 168-pound title eliminator in the main event. Benavidez will face the toughest test of his career against Medina, a veteran who gave DeGale all he could handle last year. The winner will get a shot at the 168-pound world championship.

Unbeaten 126-pound contender Jorge Lara (28-0-2, 20 KOs) takes on hard-hitting brawler Mario Briones (28-5-2, 22 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight match in the co-feature.

Binge Away!

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (May 15, 2017) – Top 126-pound challenger Oscar Escandon shares his thoughts on training camp and more ahead of his first world title opportunity against WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. Saturday, May 20 on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui battling for the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a 140-pound world title eliminator. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.

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

Here is what Escandon had to say from Las Vegas before he wraps camp and heads east to headline at MGM National Harbor in Maryland:

On his recent training camp:

“Training camp started off in Gilroy, California where we got a lot of good sparring in the Bay Area. But then we moved camp to Las Vegas where we are training in high elevation. We are running up at Mt. Charleston where the elevation is 8400 feet. All in all, it has been a fantastic camp.”

On fighting in his first main event on SHOWTIME:

“It’s a dream come true to be fighting on SHOWTIME, especially in the main event for a world title. I believe the fans watching will enjoy my fighting style. I always bring excitement to the ring. This will be a fan-friendly fight to watch.”

On facing his opponent, champion Gary Russell Jr:

“Gary Russell Jr. is one of the best fighters in the division. I know it’s not going to be an easy task to defeat him but I’m confident in my ability to come out victorious. I will dig deep and impose my will on him.”

On training with head coach Ruben Guerrero:

“Together Ruben and I get along very well. He’s always there for me when I need him. We are doing everything to get better and we’ll be ready to go. We have a nice game plan that we will display on fight night.”

On what a victory will do for his career:

“This is the biggest fight of my career and a win will lead to bigger and better things, like unification bouts. To capture the WBC world title will be an honor for my team and my people of Colombia. I need to win this fight and capture that WBC title. I can see myself in major fights with a victory.”

# # #

ABOUT RUSSELL JR. vs. ESCANDON

Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon is a featherweight world championship showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.

For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

By Bart Barry-

Saturday the world’s best junior welterweight, Nebraska’s Terence Crawford, will fight on HBO at Madison Square Garden against a 33-year-old Dominican named Felix Diaz. Saturday the world’s second best featherweight, Maryland’s Gary Russell Jr., will fight on Showtime against a Colombian named Oscar Escandon. These are important fights, one supposes, featuring very good fighters, one of whom may even prove great.

And yet Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is more fun to write about than both of them, and maybe that’s the point of his popularity, a magnetism everyone wishes attribute to Canelo in his assignment of credit for what appears a post-Mayweather-Pacquiao pay-per-view record, but Canelo just sold more with Chavez than he vended in a combination of Amir Khan and Liam Smith, which indicates his opponent’s ethnicity and charisma make more of a difference than his opponent’s resume and Gennady “160,000 buys” Golovkin may not actually make any more dollars for Canelo come September than he makes sense.

Canelo was marketed better than this weekend’s main event fighters and marketed to a better demographic, too, and luck is luck, but as a prizefighter he appears to’ve been developed somewhere between the two men, with Crawford obviously in the front and Russell behind. Russell’s handlers knew from the moment they signed him he was the future of boxing, which, it turns out, is a problem when those handlers don’t know what they’re looking at and have much less an idea how to develop it. Crawford’s promoter, meanwhile, treated Crawford’s talent with the same skepticism Top Rank and its ace matchmakers treat every prospect they sign:

Can he sell tickets in his hometown? However fast his hands or feet, does he hit hard enough to keep world-class competitors off him? How pesky are his parents and manager? Is his childhood trainer a benefactor or beneficiary? How are his whiskers in a shootout? And most importantly, how does he comport himself afterwards – or in Bob Arum’s actual words, “Does he dissipate between fights?”

Whatever criteria PBC uses it is not that criteria and probably comes closer to a criterion like: How many people say he reminds them of Floyd Mayweather, or at least Sugar Ray Leonard?

Russell and Crawford are about the same age and have about the same number of fights, and yet Crawford is multiples more accomplished than Russell, and it wasn’t that way six years ago when HBO, as Al Haymon’s pre-PBC affiliate, began to shine Russell highlights and matches at its viewers. The details of what happened to Russell after that aren’t important, though surely there were contract issues and a dearth of opponents for a man of such otherworldly handspeed, the usual “nobody will fight him” gambit used by cheap or incompetent managers and promoters everywhere. Then Russell met Vasyl Lomachenko three years ago and got conclusively outclassed, which was not shameful but an indictment of all things said about him before that match.

Too, it was an indictment of what development happened to Russell before his match with Lomachenko: Russell’s two preceding opponents shared 20 losses in their 60-fight collective. It was the usual Haymon-managed concern with building an attraction rather than a fighter, and it went the way things with Haymon-managed prospects usually do when a return-on-investment alarm rings somewhere and their competition gets improved by a few hundred percent overnight. His unblemished record now blemished, a mortal sin in the Haymon stable, Russell went back to whupping guys who, for one reason or another, hadn’t much chance against him. One suspects the same ideal’ll be in play Saturday against Escandon; PBC’d not risk another Russell loss on Showtime when CBS and HBO are willing to pay substantially more to broadcast PBC superstars being beaten.

Terence Crawford, while more accomplished than Russell, now risks being considered a box office dud outside Nebraska if he doesn’t sell a respectable number of tickets at Madison Square Garden against Felix Diaz the same way he didn’t sell a respectable number of pay-per-views against Viktor Postol in July. According to Madison Square Garden’s website Diaz (19-1, 9 KOs) is a “hard hitting southpaw” with an Olympic gold medal, but when one sees a gold medal round the neck of a fighter with less than a 50-percent knockout ratio as a pro, well . . .

Know what? This is dull. Watch the fights or don’t, but nothing historic will happen Saturday, so let’s go back to Chavez Jr.

A video leaked online last week that besmirched Chavez’s spotless character by depicting the fallen champ enjoying his loss a bit too much. Someone, it seems, believed a wedge might be driven between Chavez and his fans. But no. Chavez is a circus act no one can stop from plying his craft to a ripe older age. He doesn’t appeal to slackers and potheads the way his detractors insist he must. Rather he appeals to anyone who’s ever been told to do something he didn’t want to do and then done it well enough to be mistaken for someone capable of doing it before ecstatically sabotaging the whole damn thing in a flurry of shrugs. Chavez neither called in sick nor told his boss to go pound sand; Chavez continued showing up at a job for which he was illsuited, played videogames on the clock, took extended breaks and giggled his way through quarterly evaluations; Chavez didn’t shout “I quit” but sat in his cube wondering “When are they going to fire me?”

If there are Mexicans actually enraged by Chavez, I’ve not found them. Mostly my interviews have gone like this.

Bart: “Did you see the Chavez fight?”
Mexican aficionado: (Laughing) “Yes.”
Bart: (Laughing harder)
Mexican Aficionado: (Laughing harder still)
Bart: “Think he’ll retire?”
Mexican aficionado: “No.”
Bart: (Laughing)
Mexican aficionado: (Laughing harder)

Remember this when the hyperbole reaches a boil on HBO and Showtime this weekend: To date Chavez has sold about 1.5 million more pay-per-views than Crawford and Russell combined. It is kind of funny.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

NEW YORK (May 10, 2017) – America’s youngest world champion, Gervonta Davis, will make his first world title defense in the opening bout and featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. will make his mandatory world title defense in the main event of a split-site, four-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event on Saturday, May 20, live on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT*.

Davis will travel to Britain to defend his IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship against undefeated No. 1-ranked contender and local favorite Liam Walsh from Copper Box Arena in London. Russell will make a long-awaited homecoming—his first professional fight in the region—and his second WBC Featherweight World Championship defense against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon live from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C.

*Editors’ Note: In order to present all four bouts on one program, the Davis vs. Walsh bout may air on a delay basis of up to 30 minutes.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING host Brian Custer will anchor the four-fight telecast from Maryland with coverage of Davis vs. Walsh provided by BT Sport. Veteran sportscaster Mauro Ranallo will handle play-by-play at MGM National Harbor with Hall of Famer Al Bernstein and former two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi serving as analysts. Emmy award winning sports reporter Jim Gray and 2017 Hall of Fame inductee Steve Farhood will also serve from ringside. Secondary Audio Programming will be offered in Spanish by Alejandro Luna and former world champ Raúl Marquez.

From London, John Rawling will handle play-by-play for Davis vs. Walsh with former world champion Richie Woodhall providing the color commentary at Copper Box Arena.

“May 20 will be a big night of boxing and it kicks off a run of four consecutive weeks of world class fights on SHOWTIME,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®. “We have consistently delivered the biggest and most important boxing events from around the globe to SHOWTIME subscribers. This unique presentation—four fights, two world championships and two title eliminators, from different continents, all on one show—is yet another example of our unrivaled commitment to the sport.”

The 22-year-old Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) is the youngest reigning world champion from the United States and the second youngest in the world. The Baltimore native and Floyd Mayweather protégé will travel to hostile territory in his first title defense against Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) in a matchup of undefeated southpaws.

Russell Jr. (27-1, 16 KOs) will look to make a statement in the loaded featherweight division against mandatory challenger Ecandon (25-2, 17 KOs), who owns a stunning knockout of former world champion Jesus Cuellar. Russell vs. Escandon is the sixth featherweight title bout on SHOWTIME since February 2016.

Two world title eliminators will round out the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING quadrupleheader. Top super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and José Uzcátegui (26-1, 22 KOs) will face off in an IBF Super Middleweight Eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for champion James DeGale.

Undefeated Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) will meet Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) in a WBA Super Lightweight Eliminator for unified champ Julius Indongo. Barthelemy, who won titles at 130 and 135, will earn an opportunity to become Cuba’s first three-division champion with a win over the hard-hitting Relikh.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (April 7, 2017) – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. will make the second defense of his title when he faces top challenger Oscar Escandon Saturday, May 20 in themain event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from the recently opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland live on SHOWTIME.

The Maryland-native Russell Jr. (27-1, 16 KOs) and the WBC Interim Featherweight Champion Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) will battle in one of boxing’s most talented divisions that continues to deliver exciting action fight after fight. A lineup of exciting co-featured attractions will be announced next week.

“I’m a gladiator getting ready for a tough battle,” said Russell Jr. “This is going to be a huge night for my family and I’m glad that the time is here. This will be the first time as pros that I get to fight on the same card as both of my little brothers, (unbeaten bantamweight) Gary Antonio and (2016 U.S. Olympian) Gary Antuanne, plus my brother Gary Allan will work all of our corners. We’re excited to get in the ring and show the fans what we’re capable of doing in the ring.”

“I’ve had to wait for this opportunity to face Gary Russell Jr. and I’m going to take full advantage of it,” said Escandon. “It’s going to be a great fight and I know the fans are going to get their money’s worth. I feel 100 percent healthy and now that the fight is here I am ready to knock him out.”

Tickets for the live event promoted by TGB Promotions are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go to http://mgmnationalharbor.com/. The main event is co-promoted by Sampson Boxing. This bout was originally scheduled to take place on March 11 but was rescheduled after Escandon suffered a back injury in training camp. Fans who bought tickets for the March 11 show will have their tickets honored on May 20.

“This is going to be a great night of boxing,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The featherweight division is very hot right now with the recent wins by Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares. There is something very special going on in the division and this will be another memorable fight. Escandon is a tough warrior who has proven time and again that he doesn’t care about going on the road or where he fights. There are great boxing fans in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region and they are in-store for an exciting night on May 20.”

A speedy and supremely talented boxer, Russell Jr., was impressive in his fourth-round stoppage of the battle-tested Jhonny Gonzalez that earned him the title in March 2015. The 2008 U.S. Olympian had scored important victories over Vyacheslav Gusev, Juan Ruiz and Miguel Tamayo before losing a majority decision to Vasyl Lomachenko for the WBO 126-pound title in June 2014. The southpaw, of Capitol Heights, Md., most recently scored a dominant second-round TKO victory over Patrick Hyland in his first title defense in April 2016.

Fighting out of Ibague, Colombia, Escandon turned pro in 2008 and was undefeated in his first 22 professional bouts. Escandon won an interim world title at super bantamweight in 2014 when he defeated Tyson Cave in his U.S. debut. He earned his shot at Russell Jr. last March when he survived an early knockdown to score a knockout victory over Robinson Castellanos in the seventh round of their showdown in Washington, D.C.

For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS (February 28, 2017) – The featherweight championship match between Gary Russell Jr. and Oscar Escandon, scheduled for Saturday, March 11 at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland, has been postponed after Escandon was injured in training, according to Escandon’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz.

“Oscar suffered an injury to his back in training and he’ll be ready to go in April,” Lewkowicz said. “He’s very sorry for the delay in the fight, but these things happen in boxing. He’s really looking forward to facing Gary Russell, Jr., but he wants to be completely healthy when they do meet.”

Escandon, a 32-year-old Colombian with a record of 25-2 with 17 KOs, is the mandatory challenger for Russell’s featherweight championship. Jermell Charlo defending his 154-pound title against Charles Hatley will be the co-feature on the rescheduled card.

“It’s definitely irritating,” Russell said. “But injuries happen especially when you have somebody pushing their body to the limit for a fight that is potentially life changing. It’s disappointing. It might not work out for him because I have a little more time to get ready.”

“We’re working with the venue and the network to find the earliest date that we can reschedule the show,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “I feel terrible for the fighters who have been training so hard and now have to wait. Gary is really disappointed, but he understands that injuries are all a part of the sport. But Gary will be ready to go on the rescheduled date.”

A new date for the fight will be announced shortly.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 22, 2016) – After a thrilling victory over perennial contender Rocky Juarez to win the WBC Silver Featherweight title and a mandatory shot at the world title, Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (23-11, 13 KOs) of Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico is finally getting the opportunity to become a world champion when he faces former WBA Interim Super Bantamweight World Champion Oscar Escandon (24-2, 16 KOs) of Ibague, Colombia in a 12-round fight for the WBC Interim Featherweight World Championship on March 5 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

Featured as part of the non-televised portion of the Luis Ortiz vs. Tony Thompson undercard, the fight between the top featherweight contenders will be part of the international broadcast and streamed live on Ring TV. The Ring TV live stream begins at 9:00 p.m. ET and is available on RingTVLive.com, YipTV.com and the Ring TV channel via Amazon Fire, Roku and Filmon.com.

“This is the biggest fight of my career,” said Robinson Castellanos. “I know that Oscar Escandon is going to be a tough opponent. He is a former Olympian with recent victories over other difficult fighters like Jesus Cuellar. But, I feel very strong, focused and have been working very hard to make sure I obtain the victory. The state of Guanajuato has not had a world champion in more than 35 years and to be able to fight for a world title as a representative of my home is a big motivator for me. I want to thank my team, Golden Boy Promotions and all my supporters for this opportunity. I promise I will have my hands raised up in victory on March 5.”

“First I want to thank God, my team, my promoter Sampson Boxing for this opportunity,” said Oscar Escandon. “I also want to thank my family for all their support and I want to dedicate this fight to my newborn daughter. I feel very happy and thankful to be fighting for the world title. I know Robinson he is strong, hard puncher, but I am going to be 100 percent prepared for this fight. I have been training very hard and want to make sure I take the title back to my home. May the best man win.”

“Robinson Castellanos is a talented fighter with true grit, and I trust he will give it all in the ring on March 5 when he gets his first shot at a world championship,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Given Robinson’s thirst for this victory and the pedigree of his opponent Oscar Escandon, fans will be pleased with how this plays out in the ring at the DC Armory.”

Tickets priced at $25, $50, $75, and $100, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale today and available online at www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations by calling (800) 745-3000.The DC Armory Box Office will be open on fight night only from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET.

Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos is a fighter whose talent exceeds his record and has had one of the greatest comebacks in 2015. Coming off a loss to Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado in February 2014, Castellanos followed it up with a dominant victory over Ronny Rios in October 2014, stopping the then-unbeaten prospect in the fifth round. Castellanos continued to show his power in January of 2015 facing the warrior Rocky Juarez for the chance to win the WBC Silver Featherweight title and become the mandatory challenger for the WBC Featherweight World Championship. Both fighters showed a lot of heart and put on one of the bloodiest fights of 2015, but it was Castellanos’ dominance that was on display as his powerful jabs, brutal uppercuts and well-timed counter-punching knocked down Juarez in the fifth and twice in the 10th round to win via unanimous decision with scores of 118-106, 118-106 and 118-107. Now, Castellanos has a shot to become a world title holder when he faces Oscar Escandon on March 5.

Hailing from Ibague, Colombia, Oscar Escandon is a former world champion with a decorated amateur career. Escandon competed in the 2004 Olympics representing Colombia and was initiated into the professional ranks in 2008 with a victory over then unbeaten Luis Meza. From there, Escandon enjoyed an undefeated streak and defeat current WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus “El Jinete” Cuellar, Michael “Michell” Arango, and Javier Coronado along his path to capture the WBC Interim Latino Featherweight title in 2013. That same year Escandon faced Nehomar Cermeno for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight World Championship and came up short losing via split decision. Escandon quickly bounced back with a victory over Julian “Chispita” Evaristo Aristule in August of 2014 which secured him another shot at the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight World Championship against Tyson “Prince of Hali” Cave in December of 2014, which he defeated via split decision. Escandon was last seen in the ring against Moises Flores in April of 2015 losing his title via split decision. Now, Escandon is ready to get back in the ring looking for another big victory and a world title when he faces Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.warriorsboxing.com, www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.eventsdc.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @WarriorsBoxProm, @TopRank, @HBOBoxing, @KingKongBoxing, @Tiger_Thompson, @RealWorldKidAli, @Jessie_vargasJV and @dcsportsent become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo, www.facebook.com/trboxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/OfficialEventsDC. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @WarriorsBoxing, @trboxing, @KingKongBoxing, @EventsDC and follow the conversation by using #OrtizThompson.

Luis Ortiz vs. Tony Thompson is a 12-round heavyweight fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with King Kong Boxing and Warriors Boxing and Promotions. Sadam Ali vs. Jessie Vargas is a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO Welterweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Top Rank, the HBO Boxing After Dark ® telecast begins live at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. Robinson Castellanos vs. Oscar Escandon is a 12-round fight for the WBC Interim Featherweight Championship and the Ring TV live stream begins at 9:00 pm. ET. The event is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and the DC Armory doors open at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Featherweight title holder Gary Russell Jr. suffered a cut in training that will prevent him from making a title defense of November 14 against Oscar Escandon on Showtime, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“The network was informed earlier [Monday] that Gary sustained a cut in training and is unable to fight,” Showtime spokesman Chris DeBlasio told ESPN.com. “Of course we are sorry to hear this and we are evaluating our options for the Nov. 14 show. We expect to have an announcement in the next couple of days.”

LAS VEGAS (November 02, 2015) – As he nears his Saturday, Nov. 14 showdown against WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs), featherweight contender Oscar Escandón (24-2, 16 KOs) is primed and ready for the challenge. The 12-round SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main-event will be televised live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The co-main event of the evening will see undefeated super welterweights Frank “Notorious” Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs) and Jarrett “Swift” Hurd (16-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round clash.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $155, $105, $80, $55 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino box office, by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX, or online at www.axs.com.

Less than one month after Russell Jr. and Escandon square off, SHOWTIME Sports® will present another high-profile matchup between elite 126-pound fighters as WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar defends against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo on Dec. 5 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

While working out in Las Vegas with Coach Ruben Guerrero, Escandón gave his thoughts on training camp, fighting Gary Russell Jr., and his quest to become a world champion.

On his matchup with Gary Russell Jr.:

“Gary Russell Jr. is a very skilled fighter but he doesn’t know what it’s like to be in a rugged fight. Everyone knows I come to fight and Russell is going to find out firsthand what it’s like to be in a war. He better be ready to take some lumps.”

On training in Las Vegas:

“Running in the high elevation here in Las Vegas has been great for my stamina. I’ve adjusted to the atmosphere and my body feels extremely strong. I’ve gotten some great sparring with a lot of different looks, guys that move like Russell. I couldn’t be more prepared then I’ll be for this fight.”

On working with Ruben Guerrero:

“Ruben and I have been working great together. His knowledge of fighting southpaws is excellent and we have a great game plan going into this fight. Everyone can expect to see me throw a lot of punches.”

On his quest to become a world champion:

“Becoming a world champion is something I’ve wanted my whole life. I’ve been close a couple of times. In those fights I made the mistake of leaving the decision in the judges’ hands. This time around, I’m going for the knockout, to assure myself victory.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

CONTACTS:

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 21, 2015) – Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBC Featherweight World Title when he takes on Oscar Escandón (24-2, 16 KOs) in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event on Saturday, Nov. 14 from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $155, $105, $80, $55 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino box office, by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX, or online at www.axs.com.

“It’s going to take all of my skills and my whole arsenal to defend my belt on November 14,” said Russell Jr. “Escandón is a strong, durable fighter with a lot of power. I will have to be on my A-game and I believe I will be able to showcase my skills when I get in the ring.”

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to fight Gary Russell Jr. for his world title,” said Oscar Escandón. “I feel strong going into this fight. Moving up to featherweight has given me the added weight to be at my full strength. I’ve been training hard with Ruben Guerrero, who’s been doing a great job preparing me for Russell’s southpaw attack. I guarantee that I’m going to make it a rough fight.”

“Gary Russell Jr. is one of the sports brightest young stars,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Winning the featherweight world title against Jhonny Gonzalez was an outstanding feat and he’s chosen a very tough initial defense against the heavy handed Oscar Escandón. We’re very excited to work with the great teams at SHOWTIME and
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on this terrific event.”

The evening’s co-main event will be announced shortly, as will the full undercard of action.

Russell Jr., of Capitol Heights, Md., makes his first start since dethroning defending champion Jhonny Gonzalez via fourth round TKO in March in Las Vegas. The talented and quick-fisted southpaw dropped the veteran Gonzalez three times en route to capturing his first world title. The only blemish on the record of the 2008 U.S. Olympian is a close majority decision loss to Vasyl Lomachenko in a bout for a vacant world championship in June of 2014 on SHOWTIME.

Escandón, of Ibague, Colombia, is a former interim WBA World Super Bantamweight titlist – he lost the belt in April in a close, split decision to Moises Flores at StubHub Center but complained after the loss that a broken finger in his right hand prevented him from throwing any meaningful punches. A former amateur standout who represented his native Colombia in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Escandón won his U.S. debut and the interim WBA belt with a 12-round split decision over Tyson Cave last December. He has knocked out 10 of his last 14 opponents and is trained by Ruben Guerrero, father of long-time welterweight contender Robert Guerrero.

Escandón, who holds a career-best seventh-round TKO over then-undefeated Jesus Cuellar in 2011, will be making his third consecutive start in the U.S. as he moves up in weight to 126 pounds to challenge Russell Jr.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @Escandonbox; @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

NEW YORK (Oct. 3, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports® will present seven live boxing telecasts in a span of just eight weeks to close out 2015, including three presentations of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, a SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast and three installments of ShoBox: The New Generation.

The seven telecasts will air live on SHOWTIME® and will feature at least 16 fights, several world championship bouts and more than 10 matchups on the prospect developmental series ShoBox.

The action will kick off with a ShoBox quadrupleheader on Friday, Oct. 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME from the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. In the 10-round middleweight main event, undefeated Rob Brant (17-0, 11 KOs, 0-3 in World Series of Boxing) will square off with Louis Rose (13-2-1, 5 KOs). In eight-rounders, unbeaten Filipino prospect Harmonito Dela Torre (16-0, 11 KOs) meets Wanzell Ellison (10-1-1, 5 KOs) in a junior lightweight scrap, Jarrell Miller (14-0-1) takes on Akhror Muralimov (16-1, 13 KOs) in a heavyweight bout and Lavarn Harvell (15-1, 8 KOs) will meet southpaw Samuel Clarkson (16-3, 10 KOs) in a light heavyweight scrap.

The following day, Saturday, Oct. 24, undefeated Kell Brook (35-0, 24 KOs) will make the third defense of his IBF Welterweight World title against Diego Chaves (23-2-1, 19 KOs) at Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, England. The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast will be presented via Sky Sports in the UK and will air live on SHOWTIME in the afternoon with an encore presentation later that evening (SHO, 9 p.m. ET/PT).

ShoBox: The New Generation returns Friday, Nov. 6 from D Hotel in Las Vegas with a four-fight telecast: Up-and-coming unbeaten middleweight Antoine Douglas (18-0-1, 12 KOs) will battle Les Sherrington (35-7, 20 KOs) in the main event. In the co-feature, Taras Shelestyuk (12-0, 8 KOs) will be opposed by an opponent to be determined. Rounding out the card are eight-round scraps between Keenan Smith (7-0, 2 KOs) and Benjamin Whitaker (10-1, 2 KOs) and O’Shanique Foster (8-0, 5 KOs) and Samuel Teah (7-1, 5 KOs) in super lightweight and lightweight fights, respectively.

On Saturday, Nov. 14 quick-fisted Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs) will risk his WBC Featherweight World Championship against Oscar Escandon (24-2, 16 KOs) in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

Just two weeks later, on Saturday, Nov. 28, in a can’t miss match-up newly crowned IBF Super Middleweight World Championship James DeGale (21-1, 14 KOs) will face former world champion Lucian Bute (32-2, 25 KOs) in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, live on SHOWTIME. In the co-feature, undefeated knockout artist and former Russian amateur champion Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KOs) will face an opponent to be announced in a light heavyweight world championship title eliminator.

Brooklyn Bragging Rights and the WBA Middleweight World Championship will be on the line on Saturday, Dec. 5 when defending champion Daniel Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) takes on former champion Peter Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs) in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The marquee main event will be preceded by a co-feature fight with additional bouts on the card airing live on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

Closing out the boxing year for SHOWTIME Sports will be a ShoBox two or three-fight card airing live on Friday, Dec. 11.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.