DETROIT, MI (May 18, 2020) – Two-Time Welterweight World Champion, Shawn Porter (30-3-1, 17 KOs), who fights under the PBC (Premier Boxing Champions) banner, will headline this week’s edition of “Stars and Champions”, airing this Friday, May 22, 2020, on the Impact Network. The 30-minute broadcast, hosted by Dan Rafael, begins at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT. The Impact Network will air “Stars and Champions” across all major cable, satellite, and digital channels. Impact is now broadcasting 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and can be viewed on DIRECTV’s Channel 380 or Channel 268, DISH Network’s Channel 268, Fios TV Channel 787, and Comcast’s Xfinity TV’s Channel 400. In addition, Impact Network can be viewed digitally on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft, and Sling. “Stars and Champions” can also be viewed on the Impact Network website and mobile app. Please check local listings in your area for more information.
Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman has been named to the UFC Hall of Fame class for 2020 as a Pioneer. The 2020 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented byToyo Tires®, will take place later this year and will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®.
“Kevin Randleman was one of the first real athletes in the early days of UFC,” UFC President Dana White said. “He was a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion and All-American wrestler at The Ohio State University. He was the fifth heavyweight champion in UFC history and one of the first athletes to successfully compete at both heavyweight and light heavyweight. He was a pioneer of the sport and it’s an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020.”
Randleman will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 17th member of the Pioneer Era wing. The Pioneers Era category includes athletes who turned professional before November 17, 2000 (when the unified rules of mixed martial arts were adopted), are a minimum age of 35, or have been retired for one year or more.
A veteran of 33 professional fights during his 15-year career, Randleman compiled a record of 17-16 (4-3, UFC), including wins over UFC Hall of Famer Maurice Smith, UFC®23: ULTIMATE JAPAN 2 middleweight tournament champion Kenichi Yamamoto and 2006 PRIDE FC world open-weight grand prix champion Mirko Cro Cop.
Randleman made his UFC debut on March 5, 1999 at UFC® 19: ULTIMATE YOUNG GUNS in Bay St. Louis, Missouri, defeating Maurice Smith via unanimous decision. His victory earned him an immediate title shot for the vacant UFC heavyweight title against future UFC Hall of Famer and three-time King of Pancrase champion Bas Rutten in the main event of UFC® 20: BATTLE FOR THE GOLD. Kevin entered the bout with a 7-2 record against the veteran Rutten, who stepped inside the Octagon® with a 26-4-1 record, having won 19 of his previous 20 fights (1 Draw).
UFC® 20: BATTLE FOR THE GOLD took place on May 7, 1999 in Birmingham, Alabama. As the fight began, Randleman immediately secured his first takedown. Kevin maintained top control while landing a barrage of punches that broke Rutten’s nose within the first five minutes, momentarily stopping the action for doctors to evaluate his condition. After Bas was deemed able to continue, Randleman immediately took Rutten back to the canvas, trading punches for 10 minutes, until referee John McCarthy halted action so doctors could address the heavy bleeding from Rutten’s nose.
Rutten would spend the majority this event fighting and throwing punches from his back, which resulted in Bas landing numerous strikes to Randleman’s head. At the end of regulation, with no winner declared, both athletes advanced to fight for three additional three-minute overtime rounds. Randleman seemed to control two of three rounds, but following 21 minutes of action, Rutten was declared the winner via split decision. This split decision loss is still considered one of the most controversial decisions in UFC history.
Rutten would later vacate the title, giving Randleman a chance to compete for the vacant UFC heavyweight title against Pete Williams at UFC 23.
Last week Premier Boxing Champions’ undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion, Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (25-0, 16 KOs), teamed up with Davies Entertainment, to help feed first responders in his hometown of San Antonio, TX, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues on. Policemen, Firemen, Doctors, Nurses, along with other first responders, were fed by the group at five different locations around San Antonio.
Other pro boxers that participated with Barrios in giving back to their community were, James Kirkland (34-2, 30 KOs), Eddie Ortiz (10-0-1, 4 KOs), and Daniel Baiz (13-2-1, 5 KOs), all of whom are promoted by Davies Entertainment, a promotional company founded by Cameron Davies. Mario’s sister, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (6-1, 3 KOs) also joined in.
“My sister and I wanted to do something nice for all the first responders in San Antonio,” said Barrios, who is at the top of the list of PBC fighters looking to comeback when boxing returns. “I want to give a special thanks to Cameron Davies and all the fighters from Davies Entertainment for their support in making this happen. It was a great turnout and it was incredible to see the smiles on all the first responders faces.”
Barrios Gives Back to His Community Feeds First Responders In Hometown of San Antonio
UFC® RETURNS TO ACTION WITH STACKED CARD HEADLINED BY INTERIM LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
OCTAGON MAKES FIRST-EVER APPEARANCE IN JACKSONVILLE WITH A TRIO OF EVENTS AT
VYSTAR VETERANS MEMORIAL ARENA
FEATURED BOUTS:
(#1) TONY FERGUSON vs. (#4) JUSTIN GAETHJE
(C) HENRY CEJUDO vs. DOMINICK CRUZ
Las Vegas – UFC® returns with one of the most stacked cards in recent history, set to be headlined by a bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks as No. 1 ranked lightweight contender Tony Fergusonand No. 4 ranked Justin Gaethje battle for the interim championship. In the co-main event, Henry Cejudo intends to prove that he is the greatest UFC bantamweight champion of all time as he looks to defeat multiple-time title holder Dominick Cruz. This will be the first of three events taking place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida on May 9, 13 and 16 respectively, future cards will be announced at a later date. These events will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance.
“I can’t wait to deliver some great fights for the fans, “said UFC President Dana White. “I want to give a big thanks to Mayor Curry, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and Florida State Boxing Commission Executive Director Patrick Cunningham for getting this thing done and giving us a venue to put on these incredible cards, as well our media partners including ESPN and ESPN+, for bringing it to fans. My team is ready to go and the fighters are excited to get back in there with these back-to-back events.”
“As we move step-by-step on the path toward economic recovery, we are proud to host these UFC events at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena,” said Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. “The UFC organization is a renowned entertainment brand that’s presented a safe and sensible plan to use this Jacksonville location, and we are thrilled to have our city highlighted nationally on ESPN and ESPN+. With Jacksonville continuing to outpace other cities and regions, we are excited to continue to lead as host to these world-class, international sports entertainment organizations.”
“Florida’s State Commission and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation have been in continued coordination with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to identify options for bringing the UFC to Florida for upcoming events,” said Florida State Boxing Commission Executive Director, Patrick Cunningham. “Florida welcomes the UFC to the Sunshine State, and our commission stands ready to sanction the events to be held on May 9, 13 and 16. Health and safety protocols will be in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all individuals who are helping to make these events possible. With this triple date feature of UFC events coming in May, Florida is continuing to build a strong collaboration with UFC that sets the foundation for more opportunities that we hope UFC will choose to host in our state in the months to come.”
One of the most exciting and unpredictable athletes on the roster, Ferguson (26-3, fighting out of Orange County, Calif.) is on the verge of becoming the first two-time interim lightweight champion in UFC history. Currently on an incredible 12-fight winning streak, Ferguson has defeated the likes of Donald Cerrone, Anthony Pettis and Rafael Dos Anjos. He now looks to notch his record-setting 13th win in a row and raise UFC gold once again.
Known for his unrelenting fight style, Gaethje (21-2, fighting out of Arvada, Colo.) has earned a post-fight bonus in every single one of his UFC bouts. One of the best knockout artists in the division’s history, Gaethje has earned stoppage wins over Donald Cerrone, Edson Barboza and James Vick. He now looks to secure another iconic finish and earn his first UFC championship.
Cejudo (15-2, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) is one of only four athletes in UFC history to hold two championships at the same time. To accomplish this feat, he netted impressive victories Demetrious Johnson, TJ Dillashaw and Marlon Moraes. After recently relinquishing the flyweight belt, Cejudo now plans to reassert his dominance over the bantamweight division by taking out one of its greatest champions.
Returning to action for the first time in three years, Cruz (22-2, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.) intends to prove that he is still the best bantamweight in the world. A former UFC and WEC champion, Cruz holds wins over Urijah Faber, TJ Dillashaw and Demetrious Johnson. He now looks to be the first person to defeat Cejudo at 135-pounds and regain his lost crown.
Additional bouts on the card include:
No. 2 ranked heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou (14-3, fighting out of Paris, France by way of Batie, Cameroon) meets No. 6 Jairzinho Rozenstruik (10-0, fighting out of Paramaribo, Suriname) in a battle of KO artists
In a clash of featherweight contenders, No. 7 ranked Jeremy Stephens (28-17, 1 NC, fighting out of San Diego California by way of Des Moines, Iowa) takes on No. 9 Calvin Kattar (20-4, fighting out of Methuen, Massachusetts)
Fan favorites meet, as Donald Cerrone (36-14, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) takes on Anthony Pettis (22-10, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) in a welterweight bout
Greg Hardy (6-2, 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Florida) squares off with undefeated Yorgan De Castro (5-0, fighting out of Fall River, Massachusetts by way of Mindelo, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde) in an exciting heavyweight bout
Heavyweight grapplers look to make a statement as Aleksei Oleinik (58-13, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) welcomes back former UFC champion Fabricio Werdum (23-7, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.)
Ryan Spann (17-5, fighting out of Beaumont, Texas) aims to continue his momentum against crafty veteran Sam Alvey (33-13, 1NC, fighting out of Temecula, California)
Former UFC women’s strawweight champion and No. 7 ranked Carla Esparza (16-6, fighting out of Irvine, Calif.) takes on No. 8 Michelle Waterson (17-7, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.)
Uriah Hall (16-9, fighting out of Queens, New York) goes for his third straight win against decorated grappler Jacare Souza (26-8, 1NC, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Welterweight finishers collide when No. 13 ranked contender Vicente Luque (17-7-1, fighting out of Westwood, New Jersey by way of Brasilia, Brazil) faces Niko Price (14-3, 1NC, fighting out of Cape Coral, Florida)
Exciting featherweight grapplers go to war as Bryce Mitchell (12-1, fighting out of Sherwood, Ark.) meets Charles Rosa (12-3, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.)
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GOLDEN BOY DEVELA INICIATIVA DE CONTENIDO DIGITAL PRESENTACIÓNES ESPECIALES, RESÚMENES DE COMBATES Y PUBLICACIONES EN REDES SOCIALES FORMAN PARTE DE ESFUERZOS MULTIMEDIA
Apriete AQUÍ para ver momentos destacados de Óscar De La Hoya vs. Ike Quartey
LOS ÁNGELES, California 13 de abril de 2020. — Golden Boy, la marca líder de media y entretenimiento anunció hoy el lanzamiento de una iniciativa de contenido digital para brindar a los fanáticos del boxeo una diversión de carácter necesario durante este tiempo difícil. Esta iniciativa consiste en videos de nuestra gigante biblioteca de combates históricos y programación original, junto con contenido de forma corta en nuestras redes sociales con nuestro inmenso y exclusivo establo de peleadores. El contenido se distribuirá en las plataformas propias y operadas por Golden Boy como RingTV.com, la página oficial de Facebook en Golden Boy Fight Night y la página oficial de YouTube, y también en DAZN. “Estamos en un periodo muy difícil para la gente de todo el orbe”, afirmó Óscar De La Hoya, Presidente y Jefe Ejecutivo de Golden Boy. “Nuestro trabajo por casi 20 años ha sido entretener y deleitar a los fanáticos con lo mejor que el boxeo puede ofrecer, y sentimos que es nuestra obligación seguir haciéndolo durante este tiempo. Tendremos éxito si podemos brindar a nuestros fanáticos tan sólo unos momentos de consuelo y distracción en esta crisis global mientras que nuestro talentoso equipo de editores y productores recrean peleas y guerras clásicas en forma de pequeños segmentos de tres a cinco minutos”, explicó El primer aspecto de esta iniciativa consta de presentaciones especiales bajo varios temas y perspectivas. Por ejemplo, la serie de “Best Knockouts” presentará los mejores nocáuts por medio de peleadores como David Lemieux y Lucas “La Máquina” Matthysse, mientras que “Before They Were Stars” presentará los debuts y actuaciones destacadas que realizaron peleadores como Canelo Álvarez y Ryan García a principios de sus carreras. A continuación, una lista de las presentaciones especiales: México vs. Puerto Rico: Una serie de momentos destacados de una de las rivalidades más grandes del pugilismo. The Breakdown: Una serie en la que un peleador observa y analiza tres de sus mejores actuaciones. Untouchable: Una serie presentando los mejores boxeadores defensivos. Pound 4 Pound Presented byRingMagazine: Una colección de los mejores combates elegidos por el personal de Ring Magazine.Before They Were Stars: Un compendio de debuts profesionales y actuaciones destacadas a principios de las carreras de nuestros boxeadores.Best Knockouts Powered by DAZN: Una compilación de nocáuts espectaculares de nuestros prospectos y estrellas. La segunda fase de esta iniciativa contará con versiones condensadas de algunos de los mejores enfrentamientos de nuestra biblioteca. Los televidentes tendrán la opción de experimentar las mejores batallas en la historia en forma de paquetes concisos. Estos mini-episodios incluirán a púgiles del pasado como Óscar De La Hoya, Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Sugar Shane Mosley, Marco Antonio “The Baby Face Assassin” Barrera y Erik “El Terrible” Morales, junto con boxeadores del momento como Joseph “JoJo” Díaz Jr., Jaime Munguía, Xu Can, y René “Gemelo” Alvarado.
Apriete AQUÍ para ver el séptimo asalto deCanelo Álvarez vs. Austin Trout El tercer y último aspecto de esta iniciativa consiste en un paquete completo de contenido en las redes sociales que reforzará nuestros esfuerzos de programación y brindará nuevo e innovador contenido con nuestro enorme establo de boxeadores. Estas actividades incluyen “takeovers” de Instagram con peleadores como Vergil Ortiz Jr., sesiones en vivo de preguntas y respuestas con campeonas como Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada, y consejos de púgiles en ascenso como Blair “The Flair” Cobbs. A continuación, una lista de algunas de nuestras presentaciones especiales de redes sociales: Ask Me Anything: Sesiones semanales de pregunta y respuesta con peleadores de Golden Boy. Catching Up in Quarantine: Entrevistas a través de la plataforma Zoom con los peleadores en sus respectivos hogares cada martes y jueves con Jessica Rosales como anfitriona. IG Live: Presentaciones en vivo por medio del Instagram Live de Golden Boy donde peleadores mostrarán sus habilidades en la cocina, sus entrenamientos y consejos de entrenamiento.Exclusive Footage: Contenido detrás de bambalinas y nunca visto, coma una interacción entre Canelo y Nas, el legendario cantante de rap.Welcome to My Quarantine: Una presentación en la que un boxeador de Golden Boy presentará su espacio de cuarentena para nuestros seguidores. “Golden Boy es el líder global en la transición boxística al OTT”, señaló David Tetreault, Vicepresidente Ejecutivo de Golden Boy Media and Entertainment. “Con nuestros socios en DAZN y Facebook Watch, hemos estado al frente de esta histórica evolución en los medios deportivos al crear e implementar estratégicamente nuestra programación digital. Nuestra meta durante este tiempo difícil es proveer nuevo contenido de alto nivel para asegurar que nuestros fanáticos estén entretenidos e informados. Nuestro plan también proveerá a nuestros patrocinadores las herramientas para seguir utilizando sus marcas alrededor de nuestros campeones mundiales,
BARRIENTES TWINS AND ZAMORA III WIN IN MEXICOPhotos by Kyte Monroe – Pound-4-Pound Boxing
LAS VEGAS, NV (March 16, 2020) – Angel and Chavez Barrientes, as well as their stablemate Demler “DJ” Zamora lll, all won this past Saturday night at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana, Mexico. Chavez Barrientes (2-0, 2 KOs) picked up the second win of his professional career knocking out his opponent in the first round. Chavez, who campaigns at super bantamweight, has won every fight by way of knockout in his career. “It feels great to get the knockout,” said Chavez Barrientes. “To fight on the same card as my brother, and for both of us to get knockout wins, was awesome. I am going to stay active and look to fight again soon.”
Super bantamweight Angel Barrientes (2-0, 2 KO) won via a third-round knockout after dropping his opponent once in the first round, and again in the second. His opponent’s corner threw in the towel in round three after taking to much punishment. “I am really happy with the performance, my opponent was tough,” said Barrientes, the 17-year-old boxing prospect. “I am confident in my ability and I know when I make my USA debut it will be special. I’m hoping to fight in America in my next fight.”
Also featured on the card, super featherweight DJ Zamora lll (3-0, 2 KOs) won a four-round unanimous decision. Zamora dominated the fight for the entire four rounds. “It was a great fight to get me to where I need to go,” said the 16-year-old Las Vegas standout. “I am improving with each fight and this was a fight that will make me better.”
OSCAR DUARTE VS. ANDRES GARCIA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCEQUOTES AND PHOTOSSATURDAY, MAR. 7 AT GIMNASIO MUNICIPAL PARRALIN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO AND STREAMED LIVE ON FACEBOOK WATCH
(ABOVE Oscar Duarte and Andres Garcia face off at their press conference today ahead of their 10-round fight for the NABF Lightweight Title on Mar. 7 and streamed live on Facebook Watch)
PhotosPhoto Credit: Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy
CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO. (Mar. 5, 2020): Oscar Duarte (18-1, 13 KOs) and Andres Garcia (13-2-1, 8 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at the J. Quissime Restaurant Bar in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico ahead of their 10-round fight for the vacant NABF Lightweight Title. The event will take place Saturday, Mar. 7 at The Gimnasio Municipal in Chihuahua, Mexico and will be streamed live on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page. Below is what today’s participants had to say at the press conference:OSCAR DUARTE, Lightweight Contender:“The truth is, I’m super happy. I see all of this, and I don’t believe it. For me, it’s an honor to fight for the best promoter in the world, which is Golden Boy. And to fight here at my home, it’s also an honor. For this fight, I prepared myself very well, and I feel ready to win. We are going to win a new title this Saturday, and then we’re going for more.” ANDRES GARCIA, Lightweight Contender:“I want to thank God for the great opportunity to be part of this card. I’m here to tell you that I didn’t come to Mexico for nothing. I’ve been preparing. I’m coming to this fight, and I’m willing to take that title to my homeland, to my people in Fonseca, Colombia, who have never had a title like the one I am going to give them.” LUIS HERNANDEZ, Super Lightweight Contender:“I am very prepared, and I hope that my opponent is too. For me it’s a beautiful thing to return to Parral, Mexico. A lot of fighters have started their careers here, including some of my teammates. I also made my debut in Parral. I think it will be complicated for my opponent to take this title to Colombia.” PLACIDO RAMIREZ, Super Lightweight Contender:“I want to thank God, my agent, and my coaches for allowing me to fight as part of this undercard. I’m ready to show myself off and give a good fight. I’m prepared to take the title to my home city of Soplaviento, Colombia.” WILLIAM ZEPEDA, Lightweight Contender:“It’s an honor for me to be part of an undercard like this. I want to thank all the people who have supported me. I’ve trained well for this fight and I feel very motivated and prepared. I know I have a good rival here, but I have the desire to win and start 2020 on the right foot and keep moving forward.” Duarte vs. Garcia is a 10-round fight for the vacant NABF Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with the Municipality of Hidalgo del Parral and 2M Promotions. The event will take place Saturday, March 7 at the Gimnasio Municipal in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico. The fights will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.
EL KRUSHER RETORNA: SERGEY KOVALEV SE MIDE ANTE SULLIVAN BARRERA EN UN MAGNO EVENTO DE CORTE INTERNACIONAL CUATRO COMBATES DE CAMPEONATO MUNDIAL CON PÚGILES DE CUATRO DIFERENTES CONTINENTES ESTARÁN EN EL RESPALDO SÁBADO 25 DE ABRIL DESDE EL FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO Y TRASMITIDO EN VIVO POR DAZN
¡Los Boletos Saldrán a la vente el viernes 13 de marzo a las 10:00 a.m. PT! LOS ÁNGELES, California 5 de marzo de 2020.— Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 nocáuts), el ex monarca mundial de peso semicompleto y uno de los noqueadores más peligrosos en los últimos años, realizará su anticipado retorno ante el ex retador al campeonato mundial Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 nocáuts) en una batalla a 12 giros en peso crucero. La cartelera contará con pugilistas de cuatro países combatiendo por los cuatro organismos que rigen el boxeo mundial. El evento se efectuará el 25 de abril desde el Fantasy Springs Resort Casino y será transmitido en vivo exclusivamente por DAZN. “Me siento muy entusiasmado de poder anunciar una súper cartelera de corte Internacional en la que estarán envueltos peleadores de cuatro continentes, así como los cuatro organismos que rigen el boxeo mundial”, dijo Óscar de la Hoya, Presidente y Jefe Ejecutivo de Golden Boy. “Si, el exigente aficionado al boxeo de paga tendrá un festín de grandes peleas encabezada por el duelo estelar entre Sergey ‘Krusher’ Kovalev contra Sullivan Barrera, junto con los retornos de los campeones mundiales Patrick Teixeira, René y Félix Alvarado, y Chayaphon Moonsri. No se pierdan este festival de monarcas mundiales este 25 de abril desde el Fantasy Springs Resort Casino y en vivo por DAZN”, puntualizo. Kovalev es un artista de nocáut y ex triple monarca mundial semicompleto quién capturó su primer titulo en el 2013 cuando noqueó a Nathan Cleverly en Gales. El poderoso ruso viajó después a Atlantic City para derrotar por clara decisión al Salón de la Fama Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins y a la misma vez unificar los títulos OMB, AMB y FIB. El llamado “Krusher” como campeón mundial unificado, defendió sus títulos ante Jean Pascal y una vez ante Isaac Chilemba. El contendiente de 36 años de edad, a pesar de perder ante Andre “S.O.G.” Ward y Eleider Alvarez, vengó su derrota ante Álvarez y se anotó un triunfo por la vía del nocaut técnico ante el entonces invicto Anthony Yarde. Kovalev regresará después de haber escenificado el evento boxístico más importante del año 2019 frente a Canelo Álvarez. “Estoy feliz de volver al ring para ponerme en el camino a los combates de campeonato mundial”, dijo Sergey Kovalev. “Barrera es un boxeador cubano y, aunque nunca me enfrenté a ningún peleador cubano como profesional, en mi tiempo como amateur siempre teníamos boxeadores rusos compitiendo con boxeadores cubanos, así que espero recordar mi tiempo como púgil amateur. Estoy muy contento de regresar y traerles mi boxeo a mis fanáticos el 25 de abril”, aseveró. Barrera, después de una espectacular carrera amateur, desertó Cuba a los Estados Unidos en 2009 y realizó su debut profesional en Miami, Florida. En sólo su octava pelea capturó dos títulos regionales al derrotar a Frank Paines en 2011, y después siguió con victorias contra púgiles como Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy y Karo Murat. Barrera sufrió su primera derrota contra Andre Ward, pero regresó para borrar la calidad de invicto de Vyacheslav Shabranskyy y se anotó una victoria por decisión contra Joe Smith Jr. Las únicas otras derrotas del contendiente de 38 años han sido contra Dmitry Bivol y Jesse Hart en peleas muy duras, y ahora buscará otra oportunidad al título mundial en este 2020. “Esta pelea es la más importante de toda mi carrera porque siempre he perseguido a Sergey Kovalev”, afirmó Sullivan Barrera. “Sé que Kovalev tiene que ganar para continuar con su carrera, pero para mí es igual. Es muy importante ganar esta pelea, y sería como obtener el campeonato mundial. Esto es lo que significa finalmente enfrentarme a Kovalev. Quiero agradecer a Golden Boy por creer en nosotros y por brindarnos la oportunidad que siempre hemos querido de enfrentar a Kovalev. Nos vemos este 25 de abril”, agregó. “Sullivan Barrera pasó la mayoría de su carrera profesional con Main Events, así que una pelea entre Kovalev y Barrera es algo que naturalmente anticipábamos por mucho tiempo,” afirmo Kathy Duva, Jefa Ejecutiva de Main Events. “¡Y ahora aquí estamos! Este es un combate solido entre dos peleadores de acción que jamás han rechazado un reto”, subrayó. “Esta puede ser la ultima oportunidad para ambos púgiles”, afirmó Joseph Markowski, Vicepresidente Ejecutivo de DAZN. “Una victoria puede lanzar a cualquier de los dos hacia una oportunidad titular. Una derrota puede significar que el fin está cerca. Habrá mucho en juego cuando Kovalev y Barrera entren al ring el 25 de abril”, aseveró. Patrick Teixeira (31-1, 22 nocáuts) de Sau Paulo, Brasil realizará la primera defensa de su título mundial superwelter OMB ante el invicto retador Brian “El Boxi” Castaño (16-0-1, 12 nocáuts) de Buenos Aires, Argentina en una batalla a 12 episodios. “Estoy contento y emocionado de defender mi campeonato mundial por primera vez,” afirmó Patrick Teixeira. “Trabajé muy duro para convertirme en monarca mundial, y no voy a dejar que alguien me lo quite. Sé que Castaño es el retador obligatorio que es fuerte y experimentado, pero mi equipo y yo estamos más que listos para dar una guerra y brindar una gran actuación para los fanáticos en el Fantasy Springs”, finalizó. René “El Gemelo” Alvarado (32-8, 21 nocáuts) pondrá en línea su campeonato mundial superpluma AMB ante Roger “The Kid” Gutiérrez (24-3-1, 20 nocáuts) de Maracaibo, Venezuela. Alvarado defenderá su cinturón por primera vez tras despojar violentamente el titulo al otrora campeón Andrew “El Chango” Cancio en noviembre de 2019, mientras que Gutiérrez vendrá tras una racha invicta de cinco peleas incluyendo un triunfo sorpresivo ante Eduardo “Rocky” Hernández. Chayaphon Moonsri (54-0, 18 nocáuts), el púgil tailandés quien actualmente posee el récord invicto más impresionante en el boxeo, defenderá su campeonato mundial CMB de peso mínimo ante Marco J.Rementizo (12-3, 9 nocáuts) de Misamis Oriental, Filipinas. Félix “El Gemelo” Alvarado (35-2, 30 nocáuts) de Managua, Nicaragua defenderá su campeonato mundial minimosca FIB ante DeeJay Kriel (16-1-1, 8 nocáuts) de Boksburg, Sudáfrica en una batalla a 12 episodios. Félix, quien es el hermano gemelo de René, combatirá por primera vez tras firmar con Golden Boy. El ex monarca mundial Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (22-2, 18 nocáuts) de San Juan, Puerto Rico buscará acercarse a su esperada meta de ser campeón en dos divisiones cuando se enfrente a Cristian Báez (18-1, 17 nocáuts) de Caracas, Venezuela en un combate a 10 vueltas en la división de peso ligero. Diego de la Hoya (22-1, 10 nocáuts) de Mexicali, Baja California, México y Manuel “Tino” Ávila (23-2-1, 8 nocáuts) de Fairfield, California se medirán en un combate a 10 asaltos entre dos destacados contendientes de peso pluma. Shane Mosley Jr. (15-3, 9 nocáuts) el recién firmado contendiente de las 160 libras de Pomona, California, realizará su debut con Golden Boy en un combate a ocho giros contra Abraham Cordero (13-5-21, 7 nocáuts) de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. Héctor Valdez (12-0, 8 nocáuts) de Dallas, Texas retornará en un duelo a ocho episodios en peso supergallo frente a un oponente que se anunciará en breve, Kovalev vs. Barrera es una atracción especial a 12 asaltos en peso crucero presentado por Golden Boy, Main Events y Krusher Promotions. El evento es patrocinado por Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” El evento se efectuará el 25 de abril desde el Fantasy Springs Resort Casino y será transmitido en vivo exclusivamente por DAZN. Los boletos para Kovalev vs Barrera saldrán a la venta el viernes 13 de marzo a las 10:00 a.m. PT. Los boletos tienen un precio de $65, $45 y $35 dólares. Los precios no incluyen cargos por servicio. Los boletos están disponibles en la taquilla de Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, llamando al 1-800-827-2946, o comprando en línea en www.fantasyspringsresort.com.
9TH ANNUAL UFC INTERNATIONAL FIGHT WEEK™ TAKES OVER LAS VEGAS FROM JULY 7 – 12
Week-Long Celebration Includes UFC 252, UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and UFC Fan Experience
Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that the 9th Annual UFC International Fight Week™ will take place in Las Vegas from Tuesday, July 7, through Sunday, July 12. The week-long series of events will be headlined by UFC® 252, presented by Modelo,the 2020 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonyand a two-day, interactive UFC Fan Experience®.
Among the highlights, the prestigious 2020 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires® will be held on Thursday, July 9, at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort. The event will honor specific achievements and contributions to UFC and the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, as well as recognize the global brand’s inaugural Forrest Griffin Community Award recipient.
On Friday, July 10, and continuing on Saturday, July 11, fans will be able to take part in a fully interactive and easily accessible free, two-day UFC Fan Experience at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. The two-day experience will feature meet and greets, autograph sessions, and partner activations that provide unparalleled access to UFC champions, Hall of Famers, top-ranked contenders, and other UFC personalities.
In addition, fans from around the world who converge on Las Vegas for UFC International Fight Week will be able to enjoy the open workouts, weigh-ins, press conferences and live entertainment of a traditional Fight Week leading to the schedule’s culminating event, UFC® 252, on Saturday, July 11, at T-Mobile Arena. Details regarding UFC Hall of Fame inductees, the bout card for UFC 252, and additional events for UFC International Fight Week will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit UFCFIGHTWEEK.com.
IRVINE, TX (March 4, 2020) – Fort Worth born-and-bred boxer Sam Clarkson Jr. was highly motivated by the wrong forces growing up. He was heading down dangerous Dallas roads, ones that could potentially not only derail his life, but spoil his boxing talents as well. Before the Cedar HIll native found the sweet science at the age of 17, he was already going in and out of jail. Reflecting on his regressions today, Clarkson Jr. is not proud of his decisions, but he doesn’t regret them either because it made him the stronger. Non-profit organization Ring Of Hope was created in 2010 to help kids like Clarkson Jr. in the greater Dallas area escape trouble. Over the last decade, Ring Of Hope has transformed communities and changed the lives of the youth by educating, empowering and engaging students through the fundamentals of boxing. Clarkson Jr. is proof of the promise that Ring Of Hope presents. He embodies the organization’s mission , and now, Clarkson Jr. (22-5, 15 KOs) will headline Ring Of Hope’s ninth annual “Night To Fight” on Saturday, March 7 when he takes on the Freddie Roach-trained Israel Duffus (19-6, 16 KOs) at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas. “It’s truly a huge blessing to headline Ring of Hope’s event,” said Clarkson Jr. “It’s great to see how Ring of Hope opens its doors to everyone and people of all different backgrounds. I want to become a part of a movement to show kids who may have troubled backgrounds that boxing accepts you no matter who you are.” The light heavyweight Clarkson is a nine-year veteran who’s defeated the likes of Cedric Agnew and also challenged Dmitry Bivol and Jesse Hart in the past. Before the 29-year-old southpaw appeared multiple times under the bright lights of Showtime television, he racked up an amateur record of 89-9 and won the National Pals in 2009 and the Ringside silver medal in 2010. Clarkson is also a two-time Texas Golden Gloves champion. “I was a firecracker always up for a fight,” said Clarkson Jr. “I turned a negative into a positive. When I got introduced to boxing, it was mine, and I have stayed out of trouble for the last 13 years. Boxing has changed my life. For kids who are like me when I was growing up, if you have the right passion, there are no limitations to who you can become.” Clarkson Jr. has frequented Ring of Hope gyms ever since its inception, whether it be for sparring, reconnecting with coaches and old friends or simply speaking and guiding children. “A lot of the kids at Ring of Hope look up to me because I am a professional boxer. It feels great to motivate them,” said Clarkson Jr. “Ring of Hope is a great platform to help kids escape the streets. I take my hat off to them. “I’ve returned to my comfort zone with spirituality. I’ve been reading the Bible a lot more and believe that God will set-up everything for me as a family man and a provider. I’ve fallen short a lot in the past, but ever since I’ve refocused my career, everything is falling back into place. I’m excited, and I can’t wait to put on a great show. Everyone will be pleased to see my skills. I’ll be coming to make a statement. I’m coming with a chip on my shoulder and I’m looking to dominate.” Clarkson Jr. will attempt to conquer the Panamanian pugilist Duffus, a 27-year-old who’s been training with the Hall of Fame coach Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles ever since he permanently moved to the United States in 2014. “The last few years have been rough for me. I split with my wife, and we have two very young children. The last thing on my mind in the middle of the storm was boxing,” said Duffus. “My personal issues were affecting me, but I’m doing better now, and I’m focused on putting my career back on track.” Duffus was riding an eight-fight winning from 2017 and 2018 before his problems outside of the ring took over. He lost his next two fights by unanimous decision. Finally in a better place, he’s looking to bounce back versus Clarkson Jr. “Freddie has a lot of confidence in me and my talent,” said Duffus, who also has an amateur record of 98-10. “He tells me exactly what I need to do to take advantage of my opponent, and that’s what I plan on doing March 7.” Also to be featured in separate bouts are welterweights Jessy Martinez (14-0, 9 KOs) and Brandyn Lynch (10-1, 8 KOs), cruiserweight Robin Safar (10-0, 7 KOs) and heavyweight Patrick Mailata (4-0, 2 KOs), Austin-based super lightweight Robert Kevin Garcia (6-0, 5 KOs) and the Corpus Christi-based lightweight John Rincon (4-0, 2 KOs). Night To Fight will be available live on Integrated Sports Pay Per View on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV and DISH in the United States, Shaw PPV in Canada and worldwide via the FITE.TV app and website. Hall of Fame Showtime TV broadcaster Al Bernstein, former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi and LA Times and Boxing Scene journalist and writer Manouk Akopyan will call the action from ringside.
