LAS VEGAS – Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr. once again lived up to his moniker. The Long Island native, nearly four years since he knocked Bernard Hopkins through the ropes, knocked out Eleider “Storm” Alvarez in the ninth round of a WBO light heavyweight world title eliminator.

A right-left combination sent Alvarez (25-2, 13 KOs) through the ropes, and he could not beat the count.

Smith (26-3, 21 KOs), who was leading on all three judges’ cards (80-72 and 79-73 2X) at time of the stoppage, has won two in a row since losing to WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol via decision.

Smith said, “Coming into this camp, I knew I had to work on my boxing. I wanted to be sharp, throw a lot of straight punches. I watched his fight with {Sergey} Kovalev, and Kovalev kind of set the way to beat him. So we watched that and worked off of it. I knew coming in today I had to box a little more because he’s got that great right hand. He caught me with it a couple times, but I can take a punch, too.

“Every time he hit me, I wanted to come and stop him in his tracks, and I did that. I stuck to my game plan, and it was a great fight.

“I feel this one is a big one. I really needed it. I wanted to prove I’m not just a knockout guy. I proved my boxing ability, too, and I showed that tonight.”

Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

Weigh-In Results: Eleider Alvarez vs. Joe Smith Jr.

TOMORROW at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT live on ESPN+
from the MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom (Las Vegas)

Eleider Alvarez 174.6 lbs vs. Joe Smith Jr. 174.9 lbs
(WBO Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator — 12 Rounds)

Photo by M. Williams / Top Rank

LAS VEGAS (August 20, 2020) — Light heavyweights Joe Smith Jr. and Eleider “Storm” Alvarez took the MGM Grand “Bubble” stage for the main event press conference Thursday afternoon in advance of Saturday’s WBO world title eliminator, which will stream live on ESPN+ (coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET).

This is what two of the division’s heaviest hitters had to say.

Eleider Alvarez

“I feel 100 percent. I feel no pain since the recovery {from an injured shoulder}, so I feel great.

“{The Michael Seals knockout} was my first fight in 11 months, so I’m happy to be back. I want to put on a good performance. I felt that with the performance against Seals, I tried. I would’ve been happy with a decision. I was trying different things, but I got the knockout.

“When Oscar Rivas and I first came to Montreal, we didn’t speak English. We didn’t speak French. I knew a little bit of English, but over 10 years, I’ve learned to speak French. I’m even better in French than English. It’s been a special experience for me and here we are talking in French.

“It was hard for all the boxers, especially in the first two months to train, because everything was closed. We had to adapt to that. Now, things seem to be getting a little more back to normal. The gym is open. It’s not what it was. Hopefully, the pandemic can be over, and we can get back to normal. There were challenges, but we had them like every other fighter.

“I want to be champion of the world for a second time. Whether it’s by knockout or decision, I know Joe Smith comes to fight. I’m going to do the best I can to win this because I want to be champion of the world for a second time.”

Joe Smith Jr.

“Being the underdog, I always feel like I have something to prove. I don’t mind it. I like getting in there and proving the world that I belong at the top and should be a champion.

“The {first-round knockout} over Fonfara, I was like a 20-1 underdog in that fight. I came out and definitely shocked the world with that knockout. It got me here. It got me all the fights and the opportunities that I’ve gotten since. It all led up to this, and this one’s the big one. I’m really excited to be here and looking forward to getting another shot at a title.

“Same thing with Jesse Hart. I was pretty much the underdog in that fight. He was talking a lot, and I just kept it cool. I went in there and did what I had to do, and I got the win. That’s what I gotta keep doing.

“This is the number one priority right now for me. I’m just focused on getting this win Saturday night, so I trained very hard. I’m well prepared. As far as the tree business is going {Smith and his father own and operate Team Smith Tree Service on Long Island}, it’s definitely doing well. Due to the storms, we picked up some work. It was a little slow for some time because of the COVID 19, but it definitely has picked up. My father’s out there every day. He’s doing all the estimates. He’s running the business. I just pop in here and there. I haven’t been doing much with the business. I’ve just been focused on this.

“The only thing, this guy over here is trying to stop me from accomplishing the goal that I have set for myself.

“I’m just going to get in there and give it my all. I plan on coming out on top. I just want to put on a great show for everybody and have a great night.”

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PHOTOS by MIKEY WILLIAMS / TOP RANK

LAS VEGAS (July 30, 2020) — Leave the judges at home because Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr. are coming for the knockout.

Alvarez and Smith will face off in a WBO light heavyweight world title eliminator in Top Rank’s return to the MGM Grand Conference Center Saturday, Aug. 22. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Alvarez vs. Smith and a co-feature will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“I can’t wait to sit back and watch this fight, which features two of the light heavyweight division’s biggest punchers,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “It’s a 50-50 fight and a great way to kick off our return to MGM Grand.”

Said Alvarez, “This fight is critical for both of our careers. I respect Joe Smith, who has proven to be an elite fighter. However, I have all the tools to beat him, and that’s what I intend to do. My goal is to become a two-time light heavyweight world champion.”

Said Smith, “This fight means everything to me. It’s my path to a world title fight, and I know this is my second chance to turn my dream into reality. Alvarez is a former world champion, and in my mind, I am treating this as a world title fight. To get there, I have to, and will, win this fight.”

Alvarez (25-1, 13 KOs) is a former Colombian Olympian who has made Montreal his home since turning pro in 2009. He gained widespread recognition following victories over Lucian Bute and Jean Pascal, but his August 2018 knockout win over longtime champion Sergey Kovalev earned him the WBO light heavyweight world title and recognition as one of the world’s top fighters. Alvarez lost a decision to Kovalev in a rematch the following February, but after recovering from a foot injury, he returned stronger than ever. He headlined a Top Rank on ESPN main event January 18 and knocked out Michael Seals with a single right hand. The knockout, an instant viral video sensation, became an early frontrunner for Knockout of the Year.

Smith (25-3, 20 KOs), from Long Island, rose to prominence in 2016 as the construction worker member of the Laborers Local 66 union who knocked out top contender Andrzej Fonfara and living legend Bernard Hopkins in back-to-back fights. He fell short in his only world title shot, a March 2019 decision defeat to WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. The Bivol fight was a minor hiccup, as he returned in January and neutralized Jesse Hart over 10 one-sided rounds in a Top Rank on ESPN main event in Atlantic City. Smith, who now owns and operates a residential tree service company on Long Island, hopes to punch his ticket to another title shot. A win over Alvarez will assure him of that opportunity.

Joe DeGuardia, Smith’s promoter, said, “I just love watching Joe Smith Jr. fight. He is a true throwback, a fan-favorite with tremendous punching power. It will be thrilling to see him against Alvarez, who is one of the top fighters in the game. Not only will boxing fans see two of the toughest light heavyweights battle it out in a fight that will ultimately determine the WBO world champion, but this has all the makings of the Fight of the Year.”

Use the hashtag #AlvarezSmith to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

A light heavyweight bout between Eleider Alvarez (25-1, 13 KOs) and Joe Smith Jr. (25-3, 20 KOs) has been finalized for July 16 at the MGM Grand Convention Center in Las Vegas, Top Rank director of boxing operations Carl Moretti confirmed to ESPN, though he noted that the date “could be moved.”

The clash is a WBO elimination bout, with the winner taking on Umar Salamov or Maxim Vlasov, depending on the outcome of their fight. The WBO light heavyweight title is currently vacant; Canelo Alvarez relinquished the belt shortly after he stopped Sergey Kovalev in 11 rounds in November.

It isn’t clear when Salamov and Vlasov will meet. They are both in Russia awaiting word. The winner of their fight will then have 120 days to face the winner of Alvarez-Smith for the WBO crown.

Eleider Alvarez, of Colombia, briefly held the light heavyweight title in 2018 after stopping Kovalev in seven rounds. He kicked off 2020 by defeating Michael Seals via seventh-round KO in January. Alvarez, 36, is a rugged and well-seasoned fighter who has faced Kovalev (twice, splitting two fights), Jean Pascal (W12) and Lucien Bute (KO5).

Smith, a construction worker from Long Island, New York, was the Cinderella story of 2016 after he upset the likes of Andrzej Fonfara in one round and sent Bernard Hopkins out of the ring and into retirement with an eighth-round stoppage.

Since then, he has lost to Sullivan Barrera and WBA titlist Dmitry Bivol, but he remains a dangerous puncher in the division. In his most recent fight, he outpointed Jesse Hart over 10 rounds in January.

Steve Kim / ESPN.com

Purse Bid – WBO Light Heavyweight Elimination Contest – Gilberto Ramirez vs. Eleider Alvarez:

“Purse bid for Ramirez vs Alvarez took place at the lobby of the MGM in Las Vegas. Just Top Rank was present. Total amount was 350,000 U.S dollars. Split 50-50. Date May 30th in NY”, stated WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel, Esq.

The first man to land his Sunday punch was going to win the fight. Former world champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez returned from a nearly one-year layoff to knock out Michael “Cannon Handz” Seals with a single overhand right at the end of the seventh round Saturday evening at Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Alvarez (25-1, 13 KOs) is back following a disappointing decision defeat to Sergey Kovalev last February, the man he knocked out to win the WBO light heavyweight world title. Seals (24-3, 18 KOs), one of boxing’s biggest punchers, saw his four-bout winning streak come to an end.

“During training camp, we practiced {the right hand} over and over. My trainer was mad at me at first because I wasn’t doing what he was asking. Finally, we got the knockout,” Alvarez said. “I was out of the ring for 11 months. I wanted to come back as the fighter that beat Kovalev, and this is what we practiced for.”

photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

💥TONIGHT December 28th – Vacant WBO NABO Jr. Featherweight Championship: Angelo Leo Vs. César Juarez @ State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia.

💥Five WBO Bouts on December 31st @ Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan:

Main Event – WBO Jr. Bantamweight World Champion Kazuto Ioka Vs. Jeyvier Cintron

Co-Main Event – WBO Flyweight World Champion Kosei Tanaka Vs. Wulan Tuolehazi

WBO Jr. Bantamweight Female World Champion Miyo Yoshida Vs. Li Ping Shi

Vacant WBO Asia Pacific Jr. Featherweight Championship: Yusaku Kuga vs. Jhunriel Ramonal

WBO Mini-Flyweight Asia Pacific Champion Ginjiro Shigeoka Vs. Rey Loreto

💥January 10, 2020 – For vacant WBO Jr. Middleweight Female Championship Claressa Shields Vs. Ivana Habazin @ Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA.

💥January 11, 2020 – Vacant NABO Light Heavyweight Championship title Jesse Hart vs. Joe Smith, Jr. @ Mark G Etess Arena, Atlantic City, NJ.

💥January 18, 2020 – Vacant WBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Eleider Alvarez vs. Michael Seals @ Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, NY

Also, WBO Asia Pacific Jr. Middleweight Champion Takeshi Inoue Vs. Cheng Su @ Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan.

💥January 30, 2020 – WBO Middleweight World Champion Demetrius Andrade Vs. Luke Keeler @ Meridian at Island Gardens, Miami, Florida.

💥February 1, 2020 – Unified WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion José Ramirez Vs. Viktor Postol @ Mission Hills Haikou, Haikou, China.

💥February 20, 2020 – WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight Champion Yomar Alamo Vs. Kendo Castaneda @ Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, Florida.

💥February 20, 2020 – Vacant WBO European Featherweight Championship David Oliver Joyce Vs. Lee Haskins @ Ulster Hall, Belfast.

More to come…

Weigh-In Results: Super Saturday

Alvarez vs. Kovalev 2
 Valdez vs. Tommasone


Alvarez vs. Kovalev 2  TOMORROW at 12 a.m. ET on ESPN+

Valdez vs. Tommasone on ESPN/ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET

Undercard Streaming on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET 

(Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank)

ESPN+ (12 a.m. ET)

Eleider Alvarez 174.8 lbs vs. Sergey Kovalev 174 lbs
(Alvarez’s WBO Light Heavyweight world title – 12 Rounds)

ESPN/ESPN Deportes (10 p.m. ET)
 
 Oscar Valdez 125.8 lbs vs. Carmine Tommasone  125.4 lbs

(Valdez’s WBO Featherweight world title – 12 Rounds)

Super Saturday is almost here. Three world title fights, including one of the most anticipated rematches in recent memory, will take place Saturday at Ford Center at the Star, the practice home of the Dallas Cowboys. 

At midnight ET on ESPN+, Eleider “Storm” Alvarez will attempt to repeat the deed when he defends his WBO light heavyweight world title against former two-time light heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev. Back in August, Alvarez came from behind to starch Kovalev with three knockdowns in the seventh round. And, in the ESPN+ co-feature, 2018 Prospect of the Year Teofimo Lopez (11-0, 9 KOs) takes on former world title challenger Diego Magdaleno (31-2, 13 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight fight.

Inthe ESPN main event (10 p.m. ET), Oscar Valdez (24-0, 19 KOs) defends his WBO featherweight title for the fifth time against Carmine “Mr. Wolf” Tommasone (19-0, 5 KOs). In the ESPN co-feature, Richard Commey and Isa Chaniev will duke it out for the vacant IBF lightweight title with the winner set to fight unified champion Vasiliy Lomachenko later this year.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Ford Center at the Star.

Eleider Alvarez

“Things have changed a lot for me. This is my first time being a main event {defending my world title}. What has changed is my popularity, but I’m still the same guy.”

“Thanks to God, I’m a mentally strong person. I have come from the bottom, basically, and little by little, I’ve been getting my stuff. Now I have more, so that’s why I think I’ve been able to handle everything well. That’s why I am a mentally strong person.”

On Kovalev saying he was overtrained for the first fight

“I believe that’s a lot of excuses he’s making. When you lose, you have a lot of excuses. I had a great game plan with my team. If he says that was an accident, then he needs to get ready for another accident.”

Sergey Kovalev

“I want to say a big thanks to Top Rank and my team at Main Events to make this rematch and get my belt back. This is the most important {fight} for me because I couldn’t stop my boxing career as a loser. It’s not in my character. First of all, this is my goal, to get back my belt that I dropped on the way to my big goals. I made a mistake last time {against Alvarez}, but this time I will fix it. This Saturday, I will fix this situation and be on top again. If not, I am not the Sergey ‘Krusher’ Kovalev. Believe me, this Saturday will be the best version of me because I turned everything on to get in the best shape of my boxing career.”

“My goal is to collect all four belts, but I dropped this belt on my way to my huge goal. After {the Alvarez loss}, a lot of people thought I should stop my boxing career. No, that’s not in my character to stop my career by losing. When I win, I will think, stop or not to stop? But when I lose, it was 100 percent no.”

Oscar Valdez

On recovering from the broken jaw suffered in the Scott Quigg fight

“It was one of the most difficult times of my life. Having my jaw wired shut for two months was the hardest thing I’ve ever dealt with. That’s in the past now. I’m ready to focus on this fight. I’m 100 percent healed from that injury. That’s not going to bother me no more. I’m just excited to get back in the ring. It’s been almost a year since my last fight. I’ve been training hard with my new trainer, Eddy Reynoso. It’s been a great training camp, and I just can’t wait to get in there and start again where I left off.”

“We had a great training camp, me and Eddy Reynoso. I never take no fighter lightly. There was a point where no one knew who Manny Pacquiao was when he came to the United States and had his first fight. And he became a star. So, we don’t know what Tommasone can bring. I will be 100 percent ready for him, or for any fighter, because I don’t take no fighter lightly. I have the same respect for all fighters inside the ring, and I’m going to do whatever I have to do come out victorious. One thing in my mind is to not take him lightly and just try to get the job done and keep on improving my career. I’m definitely focused on this fight and start where I left off.”

Eddy Reynoso

“Working with a world champion and an athlete that works as hard as Oscar does is a proud moment for me to be part of that team.”

Carmine Tommasone

“I fought in America as an amateur. This is my first time as a professional. When I got the call {to fight Valdez}, it was like an early Christmas present because it was early December. I prepared well for this opportunity.”

“Winning a title in the United States is every boxer’s dream. It would be a great opportunity.”

On people calling this a “tune-up fight” for Valdez

“It doesn’t bother me. I’m confident in my skills, and this is an opportunity to show my skills.”

WBO light heavyweight world titleholder Eleider Alvarez of Colombia will face Russia’s Sergey Kovalev in a rematch of their August bout on Saturday. The fight will air live on ESPN+ in the United States at midnight ET from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs) won the title with a knockout victory in Round 7 over Kovalev six months ago. Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs) seemed to be invincible in the division until losing in consecutive fights to Andre Ward in 2016 and 2017. He recovered by winning two fights in a row by TKO before losing to Alvarez in their first bout.

Where can I watch the Alvarez-Kovalev II fight card?

The Alvarez-Kovalev title fight broadcast on ESPN+ will begin at midnight ET on Saturday. The main card also includes ESPN’s prospect of the year, Teofimo Lopez, facing former title contender Diego Magdaleno in a 10-round lightweight bout.

The undercard begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and then moves to ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET for the two exciting world title bouts.W

The undercard on ESPN at 10 p.m. ET includes:

  • Oscar Valdez vs. Carmine Tommasone, 12 rounds, for Valdez’s WBO featherweight title
  • Richard Commey vs. Isa Chaniev, 12 rounds, for the vacant IBF lightweight title

The undercard on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET includes:

  • Patrick Day vs. Ismail Iliev, 10 rounds, junior middleweights
  • Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Elvin Ayala, 10 rounds, junior middleweights
  • Enriko Gogokhia vs. Vitor Jones Freitas, eight rounds, junior welterweights
  • Jason Sanchez vs. Daniel Olea, eight rounds, featherweights
  • Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Martinez, eight rounds, middleweights

Via http://www.espn.com.au/boxing/story/_/id/25841596/eleider-alvarez-versus-sergey-kovalev-espn+-how-watch

FRISCO, Texas — Three days before Super Saturday kicks off at Ford Center at the Star, four of boxing’s biggest stars — WBO featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez, WBO light heavyweight world champion Eleider Alvarez, 2018 Prospect of the Year Teofimo Lopez, and top lightweight contender Richard Commey — took time out of their fight week schedule to meet with local children at the Frisco Family YMCA.

They discussed the hard work required to become an elite athlete, demonstrated assorted boxing drills, and then signed autographs to close out the afternoon.

Valdez vs. Carmine Tommasone will headline the ESPN/ESPN Deportes world championship doubleheader (10 p.m. ET) that also features the vacant IBF lightweight title fight between Commey and Isa Chaniev.

The action will then turn to the OTT streaming service ESPN+ at 12 a.m., as Lopez versus Diego Magdaleno will serve as the co-feature to boxing’s most anticipated rematch — the WBO light heavyweight world title bout between Alvarez and former division kingpin Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev.

Promoted by Top Rank, Main Events and Krusher Promotions, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets priced at $225, $165, $85, $55, and $25 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com.

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. — ESPN+ — Undercard Fights
10 p.m. – 12 a.m. — ESPN / ESPN Deportes — Oscar Valdez vs. Carmine Tommasone & Richard Commey vs. Isa Chaniev
12 a.m. — ESPN+ — Eleider Alvarez vs. Sergey Kovalev 2 & Teofimo Lopez vs. Diego Magdaleno

Photos by M. Williams / Top Rank



The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced the officials for two WBO World title bouts to be held this Saturday, February 2 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. 

WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion Eleider Alvarez rematch versus former world champion Sergey Kovalev will stream live on ESPN+ at 12 a.m. ET, and WBO World Featherweight Champion Oscar Valdez fight against Carmine Tommasone will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET. 

For Alvarez-Kovalev, which will headline the card the referee will be Luis Pabon, from Puerto Rico. 

Levi Martinez (New Mexico), Lisa Giampa (Nevada), and Jesse Reyes (Texas), were appointed judges for the bout. The WBO Supervisor will be WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, Esq. 

For Valdez-Tommasone bout, the referee will be Mark Nelson, from the United States.

Javier Alvarez (Richland Hills), Ursulo Perez (San Antonio) and Ellis Johnson (San Antonio), all from Texas, were appointed judges for the bout.

The WBO Supervisor will be WBO Chairman of Officials Michael Pernick. Attached the documents regarding the officials working for both world title fights. 

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

By Luke Furman –

WBO light heavyweight champion Eleider Alvarez is planning to map out a pure beating in the upcoming rematch with Sergey Kovalev.

Last August in Atlantic City, Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs) pulled off a shocker when he knocked out Kovalev in to capture the WBO crown.

The two will collide in a rematch on February 2nd, in Frisco, Texas.

Alvarez has been fired up for the rematch, because Kovalev and his handlers have been claiming that Alvarez got saved in the first outing – by way of a “lucky” punch.

“My first motivation is to keep my belt,” said Alvarez to The Montreal Journal.

“The second is to prove to Kovalev that the result of the first fight was not an accident as he’s claimed on social networks since August 4. I’m going to make sure there’s a second accident in our second fight.”

Alvarez is also not paying any attention to the recent headlines, where Kovalev is under legal fire for allegedly striking a woman several months ago.

“There are people who have made me aware of this case, but everything about Kovalev does not interest me. It belongs to him. I act as if I didn’t hear anything about it and I’m only focused on my fight,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez has trained even harder to make a bigger statement this time.

“It was harder than it was for the first fight against Kovalev,” Alvarez admitted.

“I trained even harder. Before I left for Colombia, I was able to make corrections that will be useful to me on Saturday. I feel better in my body. In terms of my physical preparation, I did not have to start from scratch. I still felt the positive effects of my first camp in Bogota.”

https://www.boxingscene.com/eleider-alvarez-plans-batter-sergey-kovalev-rematch–135794?print_friendly=1

FRISCO, Texas (Dec. 8, 2018) —Their first fight ended with a dramatic knockout that shook up the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The rematch between Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will bring two of the light heavyweight division’s biggest names to The Star.

Alvarez will defend his WBO light heavyweight world title against former unified light heavyweight world champion Kovalev on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility.

Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs) scored a come-from-behind knockout against Kovalev on Aug. 4 in a major upset to shake up the division. Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs), who has made nine title defenses across two reigns, will seek to become a three-time world champion and regain his position in boxing’s pound-for-pound top ten.

Alvarez-Kovalev 2 and a soon-to-be announced co-feature will headline a special edition of Top Rank on ESPN beginning at 10 p.m. ET. The entire undercard will stream live beginning at 7 p.m. ET in the United States on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. Promoted by Top Rank, Main Events and Krusher Promotions, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets, priced at $225, $165, $85, $55, and $25 (including facility fees), go on sale Friday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. CST and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com.

”The fact that Kovalev said it was a mistake and that I was lucky is motivation for me,” Alvarez said. “He is a sore loser, and I will make sure there will be a second ‘accident.’ ‘I expect Kovalev to be stronger in that second fight. I expect the best Kovalev because he won’t underestimate me this time, but I am fully aware of this. I am able to be even better than in the last fight.”

“I am very thankful to fight on ESPN on Feb. 2,” Kovalev said. “I will look to take back my title and put on a great show for the fans. Together with my new trainer, Buddy McGirt, I will be ready for Alvarez.”

“Sergey and Eleider are two of the world’s best fighters, and we look forward to hosting their rematch and another great night of boxing at Ford Center at The Star,” said Stephen Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the Dallas Cowboys. “Ford Center has proven to be a premier fight venue, and there is no better way to continue that legacy than to bring the world light heavyweight championship to North Texas.”

Alvarez, 34, a native of Colombia who now resides in Montreal, turned pro in 2009 following an amateur career that included a pair of Pan American Games gold medals and a 2008 Olympic berth. In 2013, he defeated former middleweight world champion Edison Miranda by unanimous decision, and by 2015, he had established himself as one of the world’s top light heavyweight contenders. He earned the shot at Kovalev following a trio of high-profile wins: a 2015 majority decision against perennial contender Isaac Chilemba, a 2017 knockout of former longtime super middleweight world champion Lucian Bute, and a majority decision over former light heavyweight kingpin Jean Pascal. That all led to his triumphant night on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, a feat he hopes to duplicate in Frisco.

Kovalev is one of the most dominating world champions of his era, a devastating puncher with nine title defenses across two title reigns. He won the WBO world title in August 2013, traveling to Wales and knocking out hometown champion Nathan Cleverly in the fourth round. He became the unified champion in November 2014 with a dominating 12-round decision against future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins and further enhanced his résumé with a pair of knockout wins against Jean Pascal. He lost his world titles in November 2016 via controversial decision to pound-for-pound great Andre Ward. Nearly seven months later, Kovalev was stopped in the eighth round by Ward, a bout remembered in part for the multiple low blows that immediately preceded the stoppage. Kovalev rebounded, winning the vacant WBO light heavyweight title with a second-round TKO against Vyacheslav Shabranskyy in his next bout. He defended the title once, a seventh-round TKO of Igor Mikhalkin in March, before running into Alvarez.

(Sept. 14, 2018) — Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Eleider “Storm” Alvarez lit up the Atlantic City Boardwalk in a pitched battle last month. The two will renew acquaintances early next year live on a Top Rank on ESPN card as part of a co-promotion with Main Event and Krusher Promotions, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel.

Alvarez knocked down Kovalev three times in the seventh round and scored a TKO to capture the WBO light heavyweight title in a shocking upset. Kovalev led on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage and hopes to pick up where the first six rounds left off.

“We are very happy to be joining forces with Top Rank and ESPN for what we expect will be another exciting and historic fight,” said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. “Sergey was clearly winning his first bout with Alvarez when he just got caught. It happens. Congratulations to Alvarez for his spectacular performance, but Sergey is a warrior. He let me know that he is anxious to avenge this loss as soon as possible. We are looking forward to the new year!”

“Bringing this marquee rematch to boxing fans on ESPN is a great way to start 2019,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “The light heavyweight division is loaded, and both Kovalev and Alvarez have fan-friendly styles that will make for another gripping fight.”

Added Burke Magnus, ESPN Executive Vice President of Programming and Scheduling: “This has been an exciting year for boxing on ESPN, and the Kovalev-Alvarez rematch is another example of the world-class caliber of events we look forward to continue to showcase on Top Rank on ESPN in 2019.”

Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs) established himself as one of this generation’s preeminent light heavyweight champions with nine title defenses across two title reigns. He first won the WBO title in August 2013, traveling to Wales and knocking out hometown champion Nathan Cleverly in the fourth round. He became the unified champion in November 2014 with a dominating 12-round decision against future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins and further enhanced his résumé with a pair of knockout wins against former lineal light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal. Kovalev lost the title via controversial decision loss to Andre Ward in November 2016. After dropping the rematch via eighth-round TKO, Kovalev recaptured the WBO title with a second-round TKO against Vyacheslav Shabranskyy in November of last year. He defended the title once before the first Alvarez bout.

Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs), a former Colombian amateur standout who resides in Montreal, is a nine-year pro with a host of A-list names on his résumé, including: Kovalev, Pascal, and former super middleweight world champion Lucian Bute. The Kovalev triumph is the signature victory on his record. Come 2019, Alvarez hopes it’s repeat rather than revenge.

Use the hashtag #AlvarezKovalev to join the conversation on social media.

(Atlantic City, New Jersey) – In a stunning turnaround, Eleider Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs) of Montreal, Canada scored a seventh round knockout victory over Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs) of Russia before a sellout crowd of 5,642 fans at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Etess Arena. Alvarez now becomes the WBO and IBA World Light Heavyweight Champion.

Alvarez found success with his jab early in the fight, snapping Kovalev’s head back at times. In the fourth round, Kovalev found his range and started strafing Alvarez with pounding head shots from right and left, with body work mixed in. Most other opponents would have withered under the assault, but Alvarez made it out of the round on his feet.

The pair continued to trade punches for several rounds. Two minutes into the seventh round, Alvarez, not previously known as a knockout puncher, delivered perhaps the single hardest punch of his life, a perfectly placed right to the head which threw Kovalev back onto the canvas. Kovalev beat the count, but as the final seconds ticked down, Alvarez knocked Kovalev down twice more, and referee David Fields ended the fight at 2:45 of the seventh round.

“I can’t describe how I feel,” said an elated Alvarez, thanking God and his entire team including trainer Marc Ramsey and promoter Yvon Michel, along with his family and the people of both Quebec and Colombia.

“I wanted to show him I’m strong, I have a good chin, and I’m ready for big things,” said Alvarez. On the knockout blow, Alvarez said “We practiced that punch during training camp, and that’s how it went … I always practiced that punch in training.”

Alvarez, a native of Colombia, had waited on a title shot as the WBC mandatory challenger for three years. When offered, he jumped at the chance to face Kovalev, earning him tremendous respect. Now he sits at the top of the division. Asked if he’d like to face the winner of the co-main event, Dmitry Bivol, Alvarez said “I’m ready for the best in the world. I’m ready for the best in the division. I’ve been waiting for five years. I’m ready for anybody.”

Speaking on Instagram from the back of an ambulance en route to a local hospital, an upbeat Kovalev reassured fans he was all right. “I am on my way to the hospital to check my head, check my body … I feel OK. Thank you everyone, thank you very much to all the fans around the world for your support. I love you, and I’m fine.”

Weigh-In for WBO Light Heavyweight Title Bout – World Champion Sergey Kovalev 174 lbs and challenger Eleider Alvarez 174.4 lbs @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino #KovalevAlvarez

About Kovalev-Alvarez: In the first boxing event at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will defend his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title against undefeated contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez on Saturday, August 4, 2018.

Tickets range between $50 and $200 and are on sale now through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and World of Boxing and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. (photos by Ed Mulholland).

HOBOKEN, New Jersey (May 30, 2012) – American boxing fans will once again have an opportunity to watch some of the most promising prospects from North of the border as FIGHT NOW! TV TM – America’s only 24-hour combat sports and entertainment channel – airs the fifth and final edition of the popular “Fast & Furious Boxing Series” on June 8 live from the famed Bell Centre in Montreal. Viewers may also watch on Ustream – ordering information is available at ustream.tv and fightnow.com.

Unbeaten World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) North American Boxing Organization (“NABO”) light heavyweight champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (8-0, 5 KO) makes his first title defense against Native American challenger Shawn “The Sioux Warrior” Hawk (23-1, 19 KO) in the 12-round main event.

 

“Promoter Yvon Michel (GYM Boxing) always delivers top fighters in entertaining, competitive fights,” says Mike Garrow, Co-Founder and General Manager of FIGHT NOW! TV. “Our FIGHT NOW! TV viewers always enjoy GYM (Groupe Yvon Michel) events. We’re very happy to be working again with this quality promotion to bring the best of Canadian boxing to the United States.

“The 28-year-old Alvarez, who lives in Montreal, was a 2008 Colombian Olympian who captured the NABO title last December, stopping Emiliano Cayetano in the opening round. Rated No. 15 by the WBO, Alvarez won all eight rounds in his most recent fight this past April against Rayco Saunders.

Hawk, who fights out of Atlantic City, New Jersey, is riding a five-fight win streak, four of which have come at light heavyweight after campaigning most of his professional career as a cruiserweight. Hawk, 27, has defeated top light heavyweights Henry Buchanan (20-2), Otis Griffin (23-8-2) and Rubin Williams (29-10-1) for the Sovereign Nations title.

In the co-feature, Montreal middleweight David Lemieux (25-2, 24 KO) makes his long-awaited comeback to the ring, after being sidelined since December from a right hand injury against Joachim Alcine (33-2-1, 19 KO). The wildly popular Lemieux, who is ranked No. 23 by the World Boxing Council (“WBC”), takes on tough Mexican-American Jaudiel “Negro” Zepeda (12-5-1, 9 KO) in an eight-round match.

Also fighting on a power-packed undercard is a trio of undefeated heavyweights in eight-round bouts: Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (10-0, 6 KO) vs. Sylvera Louis (4-1, 1 KO), Eric Barrack (7-0, 6 KO) vs. Sheldon Hinton (11-8-1, 4 KO), and Didier Bence (4-0, 2 KO) vs. Stéphane “Brutus” Tessier. Gutsy middleweight Ahmad Cheikho (6-4-2, 5 KO) is also scheduled to be in action. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

For more information visit www.fightnow.com or www.groupeyvonmichel.ca.
About FIGHT NOW TV: With offices in New Jersey, Las Vegas and Toronto, FIGHT NOW TV is a cross-platform media company that creates and distributes content through its television, video on demand, and online outlets.

Founded by Channel Zero, Inc. and media entrepreneur Mike Garrow, FIGHT NOW! TV is the only 24 hours a day, seven days a week combat sports channel in the nation. The network’s mandate is to bring the best battles, fiercest fights and stunning knockouts to America. FIGHT NOW! TV caters to fight fans of every genre, giving them a front row seat to compelling coverage of MMA, boxing, wrestling/grappling, Muay Thai, kickboxing and other combat sports. FIGHT NOW TV is the place for the best analysis, live and current events, documentaries and news coverage of the biggest PPV events and matchups from around the globe.

FIGHT NOW! TV has also enlisted one of the fight game’s biggest names to join its camp, 5-time UFC champion and MMA legend Randy Couture, who serves as both spokesperson and analyst for the channel.

FIGHT NOW! TV, It’s ON! Call Your Television Provider To Order

For more information about FIGHT NOW! TV visit www.fightnow.com, or follow them on Twitter @fightnowtv and Facebook.com/fightnowtv.

 

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MONTREAL (April 16, 2012) – Rising light heavyweight star Eleider “Storm” Alvarez takes on battled-tested veteran Rayco “War” Saunders in this week’s ESPN Friday Night Fights co-feature at the famed Bell Centre in Montreal.

WBO NABO Super Middleweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (17-1, 14 KOs) headlines another installment of the popular Fast and Furious Series, presented in Montreal by Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron, in a 10-round unification bout with World Boxing Council (“WBC”) No. 2-ranked Noe “El Carbonero” Gonzalez (28-1, 20 KOs).

 Alvarez (7-0, 5 KOs), a 2008 Colombian Olympian who now lives in Montreal, is the undefeated North American Boxing Organization (“NABO”) champion on a fast track to stardom. He captured the NABO title in his seventh pro fight, knocking out Emiliano Cavetano (21-3) in the opening round last December, and Eleider is already ranked No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization (“WBO”).

“Storm” faces Saunders (22-15-2, 9 KOs), who has been stopped only once in his pro career, in an eight-round, non-title fight. Saunders has defeated world-title challenger Tommy Karpency and fought three-time world title challenger Danny Santiago to a draw. World-class fighters such as Ismayl Sillakh, Edison Miranda, Marcus Oliveira and Chris Henry have been unable to stop the crafty boxer from Pittsburgh.

Another Colombian Olympian also living in Montreal, unbeaten heavyweight prospect Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (9-0, 6 KOs), meets veteran Kendrick “The Apostle” Releford (22-16-2, 10 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

Adonis Stevenson

“In addition to a legitimate Fight of the Year candidate in Stevenson-Gonzalez,” promoter Yvon Michel (GYM) commented, “boxing fans at Bell Centre and those watching on ESPN will see two top prospects in Alvarez and Rivas. They both have unlimited potential but this Friday evening will each face the stiffest tests of their young careers.”

Also fighting on the undercard is super featherweight Baha Laham (8-0, 3 KOs) vs. Leonis Francois (8-6, 2 KOs) in an eight-round bout, heavyweight Eric Barrack (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Sandy Pembroke (2-4, 1 KO) in a six-round match, and Montreal light heavyweight Schiller Hyppolite (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Martin Desjardins. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The Officials for the Stevenson/Gonzalez Unification are:

Supervisor: Mike George, Rhode Island, USA

Referee: Michel Albert Griffin, Canada

Judges: Jack Woodburn, Canada

Claude Paquette, Canada

Richard Flaherty, Massachusetts, USA

 

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