NEW YORK CITY — Ivan “The Volk” Golub retained his WBC USNBC Welterweight Title, scoring a wide ten round unanimous decision against Manuel Alejandro Reyes (11-5-1, 5KO) in the main event of a DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing card from midtown Manhattan’s SONY Hall.

It wasn’t necessarily easy work for the southpaw Golub, but the Ukrainian controlled the action from bell to bell. Golub, who now lives and fights out of Brooklyn, got off to a quick start, immediately banging away at Reyes’ body. Reyes’ gained a bit of momentum the ensuing round when a short right opened up a cut over Golub’s right eye — a cut that would produce blood until the final bell.

In the third, however, the 30 year old Ukranian turned the tide for good, gaining confidence after landing a crisp one-two that stunted Reyes’ ever-forward momentum. In the fourth Golub landed a huge straight left that was set up by a pawing jab. By the time the fifth round rolled around, Golub found a rhythm, timing the southpaw Reyes as he made his way in, peppering him with punches before the California-native could fire off shots of his own.

Golub, who was fighting for the fifth time in Manhattan, continued to control the fight in the mid-to-late rounds, as well, as Reyes was unable to solve his Ukrainian counterpart.

At the end of ten, all three judges scored the contest for Golub, 99-91 and 100-90×2.

The result makes it three wins in a row for Golub since suffering his only career defeat at the hands of Jamontay Clark in 2017.

For Reyes, the result makes it two losses in a row. Prior to tonight, he suffered a UD loss against Mykal Fox in 2017.

Bakhodir Jalolov Blasts Out Brendan Barrett In One

Former 2016 Uzbekistani Olympian Bakhodir Jalolov (6-0, 6KO) destroyed fellow heavyweight Brendan Barrett (7-3-2, 5KO), stopping him in the first of a scheduled six rounds, winning the NABF Junior Heavyweight Championship in the process. From the opening bell, the 6’7” southpaw Jalolov had his way with 5’10” Barrett, who took the fight on short notice. About midway through the opening round, the 24 year-old Jalolov landed a crisp jab that immediately drew blood from Barrett’s nose and sent him retreating to a neutral corner where he took a knee. The 37 year-old Barrett managed to get back to his feet, but probably wished he’d been counted out. Smelling blood in the water, Jalolov, who now lives and fights out of Brooklyn, NY, connected with a missile of a straight left that exploded on Barrett’s chin and collapsed him to the canvas, this time for good. Referee Earl Brown reached a count of three before waving off the contest at the 2:45 mark of the first round.

Alicia Napoleon Pleases Hometown Crowd With TKO2 Over Eva Bajic

Lindenhurst, NY native Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon (11-1, 6KO) delighted the hometown crowd and dismantled fellow super welterweight Hungary’s Eva Bajic (14-17, 9KO), dropping her twice en route to a TKO2 victory. Napoleon, 33, simply outclassed Bajic. Working behind a sharp jab, Napoleon landed at will and in the opening moments of the second round landed a left-right combination that sent Bajic to the mat. The 34 year-old Hungarian, who has now lost six fights in a row and eight of her last nine, beat the ensuing count, but didn’t last much longer. Napoleon followed up and landed an overhand right that returned Bajic to the mat, prompting the ringside physician to step on the ring apron and advise the referee to stop the contest. The official time of the stoppage came at the 1:04 mark of the second round. Napoleon has now won four in a row since suffering his lone career defeat against Tori Nelson in 2015.

Hurshidbek Normatov Shuts Out Calvin Metcalf In 6 Round Bout

Uzbekistan’s Hurshidbek Normatov (8-0, 3KO) shutout (60-53×3) fellow middleweight Calvin Metcalf (9-2-1, 2KO) in a six round contest. Normatov, a 26 year-old southpaw who fights and trains out of Brooklyn, NY, used his jab to keep Metcalf at distance. Once the jab was established, Normatov began to pepper in short right hooks, connecting and dropping Metcalf with a perfectly thrown one in round 3. To his credit, the stubborn 24-year old Metcalf hung tough and refused to let Normatov earn a win by stoppage. At the end of six, all three judges scored it 60-53 for the Uzbekistani.

Brian Ceballo Makes Easy Work Of Ricardo Garcia, Stops Him In 2

Former five-time New York Golden Gloves Champion Brian Ceballo (8-0, 4KO) had an easy night at the office, dominating and stopping fellow welterweight Ricardo Garcia (14-6-1, 9KO) inside two of a scheduled six rounds. Midway through the second Ceballo, who lives and fights out of the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, connected with a straight right that landed on Garcia’s chin and collapsed him to the mat. The Dominican-born Reading, PA transplant, Garcia, beat referee Earl Brown’s ten count, but never fully recovered. Ceballo, 25, immediately followed up and sealed the deal with a huge left hook that backed Garcia to the ropes, prompting Brown to jump in and call a halt to the bout at the 2:33 mark of the third round.

Khalid Twaiti Stays Perfect With TKO3 Over Jeno Tonte

Super bantamweight Khalid Twaiti (5-0, 3KO) needed less than three of a scheduled four rounds to up his perfect record and record a TKO win against Hungary’s Jeno Tonte (9-7, 8KO). Twaiti, a 23 year-old Yemeni-American from Brooklyn, forced the action and overwhelmed Tonte, who had no answer for Twaiti’s volume or power. After a flurry of punches that landed without obstruction, the referee in charge stopped the contest at the 1:13 mark of the third round.

Joseph Williams Returns From Two-Year Layoff, UDs Jose Mario Flores

Far Rockaway, Queen’s Joseph “Mack” Williams (13-0, 8KO) outslugged and shutout (60-54×3) fellow cruiserweight Jose Mario Flores (8-2-2, 4KO) in a six round contest, kicking off a seven-fight Broadway Boxing card from midtown Manhattan’s SONY Hall, presented by DiBella Entertainment. The night will culminate when once-beaten Ivan Golub (15-1, 12KO) squares off against California-native Manuel Alejandro Reyes (11-4-1, 5KO) in a ten round welterweight scrap.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 3, 2018)–This past Saturday night, Tori Nelson pounded out a 10-round unanimous decision over Sanna Turnunen to retain the UBF Middleweight title in the main event of the first ever fight card at The Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.

The eight-bout card was promoted by Tricky Entertainment and DCFightNight.

Nelson controlled the action against Turunen by out working her. Turunen was gritty in defeat, but Nelson took the fight in shutout fashion to the tune of 100-90 on all cards.

Nelson of Ashburn, Virginia is 19-2-3. Turunen of Finland is 4-2-1.

Tori Nelson talks about win over Sanna Turunen
Tori Nelson talks about win over Sanna Turunen

Sam Crossed was fortunate to gain a split decision over Twon Smith in a cruiserweight bout.

At the end of round two, Smith dropped Crossed with a hard right hand. Crossed came back to land some solid shots, but was rocked again in round four. The fight was a close fight, but some in the crowd showed their disapproval when the scores were read 57-56 twice for Crossed and 57-56 for Smith.

Crossed, 189.6 lbs of Greenbelt, MD is 8-0. Smith, 187.6 lbs of Oklahoma City is 3-2.

Kareem Martin won a six-round unanimous decision over Andrew Rodgers in a welterweight bout.

Scores were 59-55 on all cards for Martin, 148 lbs of Washington, DC, who is now 11-2. Rodgers, 149 lbs of Elkhart, IN is 4-5-1.

Jordan White stopped Ndira Spearman in round one of their scheduled four-round featherweight bout.

White landed a body punch that was followed by a left to the shoulder area, and Spearman went down for the count at 2:02.

White, 128 lbs of Washington, DC is 7-1 with five knockouts. Spearman, 128.2 lbs of Lavergne, TN is 1-4.

In a surprising result, Matt Murphy and undefeated Antonio Magruder battled to an entertaining draw in a welterweight bout.

Murphy rocked Magruder several times in round’s two and three, but Magruder came back to salvage the draw with a strong 4th frame.

Scores were 39-37 Magruder, and 38-38 twice.

Magruder, 147 lbs of Washington, DC is 5-0-1. Murphy 144.8 lbs of St. Louis is 3-30-4.

Alexander Johnson won a six-round unanimous decision over Mengistu Zarzar in a light heavyweight bout.

Johnson, 177.8 lbs of Washington, D.C. won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now 17-4-1. Zarzar, 182.2 lbs of Palmer Park, MD is 6-6-1.

Good looking prospect Kiante Irving stopped George Sheppard in round two of their scheduled four-round super middleweight fight.

In round two, Irving dropped Sheppard with a long right hand. Sheppard staggered to his feet, but the fight was called off at 1:06.

Irving, 163.4 lbs of Beaver Falls, PA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Sheppard, 163.8 lbs of Virginia is 1-5-1.

George Harris remained undefeated by stopping Lamar Lewis in round three of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round three, Harris dropped Lewis with a hard combination. Harris finished Lewis off by rocking him several more times, and the bout was stopped at 2:00.

Harris, 218 lbs of Silver Spring, MD is 2-0 with two knockouts. Lewis, 235.2 lbs of Arkansas is 0-4.

Tricky Entertainment has been promoting music, entertainment and lifestyle events in D.C. for the past ten years, and is run by Erwin Pendergrast.

DCFightNight is run by Sean Magruder, and this will be his second boxing show in DC.

The Matchmaker was Chris Middendorf.

Washington, D.C. (November 19, 2018) – Tori Nelson will defend her UBF Middleweight world championship against Sanna Turunen in the ten-round co-main event on Saturday night, December 1st at The Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.

That title bout will be the chief support fight to the previously announced main event between the returning Dusty Harrison taking on James Winchester in a ten-round super welterweight bout.

Nelson of Ashburn, Virginia has a record of 18-2-3 with three knockouts.

The 42 year-old Nelson is an eight-year professional who won the WBC Super Welterweight title with a 10-round split decision over Lorissa Rivers on July 29, 2011. On February 11, 2012 Nelson won the WIBA Middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Vashon Living.

On September 13, 2013, Nelson won the WIBA Welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Aleksandra Magdziak Lopez (10-1). Nelson made four defenses of the title over the likes of Kali Reis (5-1) and Mia St. John.

Nelson also captured the UBF Welterweight, Super Welterweight, Middleweight and Super Middleweight world titles, which included a win over undefeated and current world champion Alicia Napoleon.

Nelson has shared the ring with world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer. Nelson is coming off a 6th round stoppage over Tiffany Woodward on August 4th in Sterling Virginia.

“I have been lucky to travel the country, fighting for, and defending my world titles. I have fought everywhere, but surprisingly, living in Ashburn, VA, I have never fought in DC. Now to be a part of this groundbreaking show at the Arena of the Washington Mystics is very special to me. My opponent lost in her first chance at a world title, and I know she does not want to lose a second time. What she does not yet know is that she is traveling a long way to fight me, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that’s she does not leave with my belt,” said Nelson.

Turunen of Tuusula, Finland has a record of 4-1-1 with one knockout.

Turunen is coming off a loss to Hannah Rankin on June 16th in England.

Also on the will be 2018 National Golden Gloves champion Kiante Irving (2-0, 2 KOs) of Beaver Falls Pa, in a four round super middleweight bout against George Sheppard (1-4-1) of Virginia,

Irving, 24 years old, has had two consecutive 1st round stoppages, including his last bout when he took out Brandon Clark on October 20th in Pittsburgh.

“In the amateurs, I traveled everywhere, but never fought in D.C. I know that the audience here is as knowledgeable about boxing as any city in the country. I am hoping to put on a good show for them, and earn some new fans from DC. I am extremely grateful to the promoters, Erwin Pendergrast and Sean Magruder to give me this opportunity.”

In an eight-round bout, Alexander Johnson (16-4-1, 7 KOs) will take on Mengistu Zarzar (6-5-1, 5 KOs) of Palmer Park, MD in a light heavyweight bout.

In six-round bouts:

Kareem Martin (10-2, 3 KOs) of Washington, DC takes on Juan Arturo Esquivel (10-8, 2 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico in a welterweight bout.

Sam Crossed (7-0, 5 KOs) of Greenbelt, MD will fight Twon Smith (3-1, 2 KOs) of Oklahoma City, OK in a cruiserweight contest

In four-round bouts:

Antonio Magruder (5-0, 4 KOs) of Washington, DC will fight Gabriel Gutierrez (7-5, 3 KOs) of El Paso, Texas.

George Harris of Washington, DC will make his pro debut against Lamar Lewis (0-3) of Arkansas in a heavyweight bout.

Jordan White (5-1, 4 KOs) of Washington, DC will take on an opponent to be named in a super welterweight fight.

Tyrell Boyd of Baltimore, MD will take on an opponent to be named in a middleweight contest.

Tricky Entertainment has been promoting music, entertainment and lifestyle events in D.C. for the past ten years, and is run by Erwin Pendergrast.

DCFightNight is run by Sean Magruder, and this will be his second boxing show in DC.

The Matchmaker is Chris Middendorf.

Ticket Prices begin at $45 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

Claressa Shields survived a 1st round knockdown to comeback and win a 10-round unanimous decision over Hanna Gabriels to win the IBF and WBA Middleweight titles at The Masonic Temple in Detroit.

In round one, Gabriels dropped Shields with a counter uppercut.

From there on out, it was all Shields as she wore down Gabriels and cause a cut in the 10th round on the left cheek that was originally caused by a headbutt in the 1st round.

Shields, 159 1/2 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice, and is now 6-0. Gabriels, 159 1/2 lbs of Costa Rica is 18-2-1.

After the bout, Christina Hammer entered the ring and a near melee ensued.

“I’m just tired of Hammer disrespecting me all the time,” Shields (6-0, 2 KOs) said. “She comes into the ring after all my rights, talks trash, and then she goes in there and looks like [crap] against Nelson. I’m sick of it. But I let her know I’m more than ready for a fight against her. She wanted me to lose tonight, but I wanted her to win because I want to fight her. We have to unify now.”

“Once I went down, I took a deep breath and I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m about to whip this girl’ ” Shields said. “I just remember thinking let’s use the jab and be smart.”

“I trained to go the distance but my heart betrayed me, because after that first knock down, I was looking for another one,” said Gabriels, the reigning WBA and WBO champion who was fighting in her 12th straight world title fight since winning the welterweight title in 2009. “I wanted to show everyone I had a warrior’s heart.

“I didn’t feel I had an advantage after the knockdown. I felt I had to work round after round to even have a possibility to win.”

Added Gabriels: “She has a lot of power. It was a great fight and you have to accept the judges’ decision. She’s powerful and for the fans I think it went well.

Shields – in her first fight with new trainer John David Jackson – said she learned something about herself after the fight. “I can get put on my ass, get up and come back and win,” she said. “Tonight was my night and I have to show the world I’m the greatest of all-time. I showed who I am. Now, I’m really dangerous because you can even put me down, and I’ll still come back to win.”

Hammer retained the WBC/WBO Middleweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over Tori Nelson.

Hammer, 159 1/2 lbs of Dortlund, GER won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 23-0-1. Nelson, 157 1/2 lbs of Ashburn, VA is 17-2-3.

“It would have been better to get a KO,” said Hammer, who is 27 years old and from Dortmund, Germany. “I tried everything I could to get the knockout. She was tough. I hope the USA is good with this and I’m still the champ.”

“I’m really looking forward to fighting Claressa. She will try and fight me on the inside but my footwork and my reach will make the difference. The fight with Claressa will be a game-changer. It will be the biggest women’s fight ever. I would like to fight her at a neutral site.”

“I’m very disappointed in my performance tonight,” said an emotional Nelson after the fight. “It’s a loss, of course it’s disappointing. I wasn’t busy enough, I guess.”

In her last fight, Nelson lost a unanimous decision to Shields back in January. “Claressa is better,” Nelson said. “Shields has a jab and uses the ring. Claressa stands there and wants to fight. She has all the punches. Hammer only has one

Umar Salmov stopped Brian Howard in round nine of their scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round nine, Salamov landed a right hand that stunned and eventually dropped Howard to a knee for the 10-count at 53 seconds.

Salamov, 174 1/2 lbs of Russia is 21-1 with 16 knockouts. Howard, 174 1/2 lbs of Lambertville, GA is 13-2.

“I was hurt a little bit in the second round from one of his shots, but I didn’t let it bother me because this is my U.S. debut,” said Salamov, a six-year pro who is 24 years old. “I just kept fighting. After I got hit with that punch, I started coming forward and as soon as I did that, the fight changed.”

Salamov said he knew once he connected on the first right that Howard was hurt. “I knew as soon as I landed the punch that he would be very hurt,” he said. “I felt it up to my elbow. I didn’t want to hit him after that because I knew he was finished.”

“I would say I did fair, I did OK,” said Howard, a former minor league football player who lives outside of Atlanta and was making his SHOWTIME debut. “I was fortunate to get the call by Salamov’s team and by SHOWTIME. I’ll be back.

IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championship

Claressa Shields – 159 ½ lbs.

Hanna Gabriels – 159 ½ lbs.

Referee: Gerard White (California); Judges: Michael Ancona (Ohio), Jeremy Hayes (Toronto, Canada), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

WBC and WBO Women’s Middleweight World Championship

Christina Hammer – 159 ½ lbs.

Tori Nelson – 157 ½ lbs.

Referee: Frank Garza (Michigan); Judges: Katealia Chambers (Michigan), Benoit Roussel (Montreal), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

Light Heavyweight 10-Round Bout

Umar Salamov – 174 ½ lbs.

Brian Howard – 174 ½ lbs.

Referee: Sam Williams (Michigan); Judges: Ansel Stewart (Michigan), Michael Ancona (Ohio), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

NOTE: see PDF email attachment for bout sheet and all weights.

FLASH QUOTES:

CLARESSA SHIELDS:

“I have John David Jackson now and I’ve learned so much from him since we got together back in February. I’ve had coaches in the past who tried to change my style and game, but at the end of the day I just have to go in there and fight like I know how to.

“Being in Flint for my last camp, you wouldn’t believe all the things I had to deal with. Just stuff that shouldn’t be happening to a world champion. It was stressful, and I was stressed even the week of the fight [in January]. I had to get out. I was able to train in Florida this time around.

“[Hanna’s] a good fighter. She has skills and just the way she carries herself. She’s very calm and her facial expressions never change. I watched the fight where she got knocked out, and even then her facial expressions didn’t change. I think she’s tough, but not as tough as I am. I know I’m the better fighter.

“Tori underestimated my power. I think Tori has a punchers’ chance [against Hammer]. I don’t wrap my career around Hammer. Our lives don’t intertwine. I have to worry about what’s in front of me. I’m not going to watch that fight.

“I was focused on my diet for this fight. I don’t have much family in Florida and didn’t have any distractions.”

HANNA GABRIELS:

“We need to step up to the plate and make sure our game plan is on point and we give the fans what they want to see, which is a great fight. You have to overcome a lot and sacrifice to get to this point, and my team has done that.

“I’ve never feared anyone. Words don’t do anything. When I get in the ring I’m going to be a beast.

“I’m OK with whatever comes, win or loss. I’m a champion and that’s my mentality in the ring. We’re going for the victory, and I’m appreciating everything that’s happening preparing for this fight.

“I don’t underestimate her power. But boxing isn’t just about power, there’s so much more. You can be powerful, but can you land the punch? Can it be precise? There are so many things going on in the ring that you have to worry about.”

CHRISTINA HAMMER:

“I was very disappointed that I wasn’t able to fight back in January because of my visa issues.

“I was at the Claressa Shields-Tori Nelson fight and now it’s my turn to get in the ring. I like to go forward and be aggressive. When you can finish, you finish. The American people will like my style.

“Boxing is my passion and my job, and I’m prepared and looking forward to this. Now the day is here and it’s on SHOWTIME. We aren’t thinking about Claressa Shields. Out of respect to Tori Nelson, I’m focused on this fight only.”

TORI NELSON:

“I’m a power puncher and I’ve been using my legs more in camp so this camp has been so much different than what I’m used to.

“They say lighting strikes only once, but I got another chance. I am so grateful I got the call for this fight. This is my second chance. A lot of people don’t get second chances.

‘I really have something to prove. A lot of people have believed in me and I’ve got to show what I can do in the ring.

“I think Christina is overlooking me. It’s disrespectful but I’m glad. It’s better for me that she does overlook me.”

UMAR SALAMOV:

“This fight is going to be a good test. I know I can make it into the top 10, and this is my start.

“There’s a big difference living here in Detroit, but it’s a lot like Moscow, a big city.

“I love to fight, and this is a dream come true coming to America. Brian Howard is a tough opponent. It will not be an easy fight but I’m confident I can beat him.”

BRIAN HOWARD:

“I have a little bit of ring rust, but I’m going to be sharp. I’ve prepared well and I’m in shape. I have great metabolism, and can lose weight easily.

“I took my first loss in 2012 and after I took that loss I didn’t have the support I needed. I got back into it and it was just tough getting a fight. I got a lot of nos.

“I’ve seen some tape of my opponent. But you don’t know if he will change or bring something else.

“I box better than I play football. My nickname is MVP – Most Vicious Puncher.

“I don’t look at it that I’m the B-side fighter. This is a real opportunity for me, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

NEW YORK (June 13, 2018) – Light Heavyweight prospects Umar Salamov and Brian Howard will meet in a 10-round matchup that will open the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader Friday, June 22 live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Masonic Temple in Detroit.

In the main event, unified champions from different divisions will meet in the middle. Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Unified Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will face Unified Jr. Middleweight World Champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships. Both fighters have a lot at stake when they meet as Shields will look to become a two-division champion and Gabriels will seek to win titles on a third weight class. In the co-feature bout, women’s unified WBC and WBO Middleweight World Champion Christina Hammer will defend against former world champion Tori Nelson as all four women’s middleweight world titles will be at stake.

Salamov (20-1, 15 KOs), of Alkhan-Kala, Russia, will be making his United States debut and is currently in training at Kronk Gym in Detroit with famed Javan “Sugar” Hill Steward. In his six-year career, the 23-year-old has already won the IBO Youth and World Light Heavyweight, WBO Youth World, European and International, and the IBF East/West Europe Light Heavyweight Championships.

Howard (13-1, 10 KOs) of Bartow Fla., currently resides in Loganville, Ga., outside of Atlanta. He started boxing 12 years ago at the age of 26, after playing three years in minor league football for the Polk County War Eagles. Despite being 38, Howard has shown natural talent and has knocked out previously undefeated fighters in two of his last three appearances.

“I waited a long time to make my U.S. debut and I am thrilled that it’s going to be on SHOWTIME,” said Salamov. “Training at the Kronk Gym in Detroit has been a phenomenal experience. I look forward to putting my skills and experience together to make a powerful statement. Howard is an accomplished and skilled boxer. I am coming in ready and know that it will be an exciting fight for the fans at Masonic Temple. This is my opportunity to show that I belong at the top of the light heavyweight division.”

Howard is also excited to be making his SHOWTIME debut. “It’s one of the opportunities that every fighter hopes to get,” he said. “I want to thank team Salamov for giving me the chance to take part in this event. I look forward to future opportunities and putting on a great show on fight night. I know he’s a champion, which I respect. He’s a skilled fighter who handles himself well in the ring, but I predict I will get him out of there between the fifth and 10th round.”

“I believe Umar has the skills, experience and hunger to be the best light heavyweight in the world,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. “Umar will have a chance to prove a point against a big puncher and spoiler in Brian Howard. It will be an exciting fight with both fighters needing a win to get into world title contention.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.