New York, NY – Continuing their extraordinary run of outstanding, once-in-a-lifetime events, TRILLER FIGHT CLUB has announced ‘THE TAKEOVER’ TEOFIMO LOPEZ, (16-0, 12 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, NY, will defend his UNDISPUTED Lightweight World Titles, (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF) in the highly anticipated 12-round battle against Mandatory Challenger ‘FEROCIOUS’ GEORGE KAMBOSOS JR., (19-0, 10 KOs) of Sydney, Australia on Monday, October 4 in the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden and live on Pay-Per-View (8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT) with a FREEVIEW starting at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.

Presented in association with DiBella Entertainment, advance tickets priced at $306, $206, $106, $81 and $56, will go on-sale Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 15 at 12:00 p.m. ET through MSG.com. The event will be broadcast live on Pay-Per-View priced at $49.99 available globally through FITE.TV and on traditional cable/satellite via iNDemand.

Additional musical guests will also be announced for the full evening of entertainment. The entire event will be presented by NIGEL LYTHGOE, the Triller Fight Club visionary and producer.

Boxing fans will also be able to watch the fight on both streaming and TV PPV platforms. To order online/streaming, go to TRILLERFIGHTCLUB.com or FITE or any FITE OTT/Smart TV/mobile apps.

To watch on TV, viewers can order the event through every major cable, satellite, and telco provider in North America, including: Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, DIRECTV & U-Verse TV, Dish, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.), as well as Rogers, Shaw, Sasktel, and TELUS (Canada). iNDemand, the leading transactional video-on-demand and PPV programming provider in North America, will serve as the exclusive U.S. and Canadian cable, satellite, and telco distributor.

The eagerly awaited clash between the two undefeated warriors, at the top of the year’s boxing schedule for international boxing fans, was originally scheduled for June 19, 2021 prior to Lopez testing positive for Covid-19 of which he has made a full recovery. Known for his stunning knockout power, Lopez is world ranked #5 pound-for-pound by ESPN and #7 by RING Magazine.

The 24-year-old Lopez was the recipient of the prestigious 2020 ‘Fighter of the Year’ award by both RING Magazine and the Boxing Association of America in addition to many other international sporting platforms. On October 17, 2020, Lopez defeated unified (WBA, WBO, IBF) junior lightweight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko in Las Vegas, NV, completing the rare four-belt UNDISPUTED status, an esteemed historical honor only achieved by five other male boxers.

Truly feeling at home at THE Mecca, Lopez has fought six previous times at Madison Square Garden including his IBF world title knockout victory over Richard Commey on December 14, 2019.

A true sporting road warrior, the 28-year-old Kambosos Jr. earned his Mandatory Challenger status by traveling to London, United Kingdom on October 31, 2020 and soundly defeating hometown favorite Lee Selby over twelve rounds. Prior to that, Kambosos Jr., also fighting on December 14, 2019 at Madison Square Garden, was victorious in a dominant ten-round performance against former world champion Mickey Bey.

Known for his extended training camps with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, Kambosos is an Australian born fighter of Greek heritage. He is a huge star in both Greece and Australia drawing tens of thousands to each of his fights.

Saturday evening at Madison Square Garden (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET), Terence “Bud” Crawford (35-0, 26 KOs) will defend his WBO Welterweight World title against Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas (21-0-1, 17 KOs).

The ESPN opener will see Irish sensation Michael “Mick” Conlan (12-0, 7 KOs) hoping to turn back amateur nemesis Vladimir Nikitin (3-0, 0 KOs) in a 10-rounder at featherweight. Nikitin defeated Conlan twice as an amateur, including in their 2016 Olympic quarterfinal bout, a decision that sparked international controversy.

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

Terence Crawford

“I’m starting to get used to fighting on these big stages, so it ain’t nothing new to me. This week is going to be a great, spectacular show. I am well-prepared for whatever he brings to the table, and I’m sure they know that as well.”

“Nothing really changed between me and {trainer Brian McIntyre}. We’re a team. Iron sharpens iron. We added some more great fighters to the team. We’re pushing each other each and every day in camp. If I’m tired, {Maurice Hooker} will talk to me, ‘Come on little guy, you tired?’ And that just motivates each and every one of us to go that extra mile. Either we’re running, sparring, hitting the bag. Everything is a competition when we’re in the camp.”

“I’m not focused on no other opponent besides the opponent that’s in front of me. My goal is to make sure I get the victory come this weekend, and that’s the only person I’m focused on now. Anyone else is talk. It goes in one ear and out the other. He’s young, hungry and I’m not taking him lightly.”

Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas

“Crawford was on my mind from the start of training camp in June. So every day was Crawford, Crawford, Crawford. My mindset is good. I’m happy for this fight. When this fight was made officially, I was super happy. I was smiling all day. I want to fight the best, and we’re fighting in the Mecca of Boxing.”

“We started {training} in June, but we started light. Still, all the tactics, everything was about how Crawford fights, which stance {he’ll use}. Sparring, we had lots of different guys, southpaw, orthodox, guys in different stances. And the training camp, [we worked on} speed, power, sparring, technique and tactics, all in this five, six months.”

“Going straight ahead to Crawford is not an option because he’s too smart and he showed in his last fight that he’s smart in the ring. So, yeah, we’ll work on my combinations. We don’t want to go very wild at him.”

Bob Arum On Commey-Lopez

“Some young man who has three of the lightweight titles and is looking to fight for a fourth will be on hand. He’s coming in on Friday to watch this match. Vasiliy Lomachenko will be here. A lot at stake in this Lopez fight with Commey. Both great fighters.”

Photos: Mikey Williams / Top Rank

WBO WORLD FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION HEATHER HARDY AND AMANDA SERRANO WILL BATTLE ON FRIDAY AT THE HULU THEATER @ MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

Just days ahead of their eagerly awaited showdown this Friday night, September 13, the stakes have risen for Brooklyn rivals, Heather “The Heat” Hardy (22-0, 4 KOs), the WBO Women’s Featherweight World Champion, and Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (36-1-1, 27 KOs). The two biggest New York City female boxing stars will fight in the 10-round co-main event

“Brooklynites Heather Hardy and Amanda Serrano are the two biggest female boxing stars in New York City and their world championship clash on Friday night will feature tremendous action,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.
“With each of their very large and passionate fan bases in the building, the atmosphere inside Hulu Theater at the Garden will be electric. The ladies have stolen this promotion; I won’t be surprised when they steal the show.”

Hardy captured the WBO Women’s Featherweight World Title with a 10-round unanimous decision victory in a rematch against Shelly Vincent on October 27, 2018, at the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden.

A record-setting seven weight division world champion, Serrano returns to the same venue following her first-round knockout of Eva Voraberger on January 19, for the WBO Women’s Super Flyweight World Title. The bout was also telecast on DAZN.

On Friday, September 13th, record-breaking seven-weight World champion Amanda Serrano challenges WBO World Featherweight champion Heather Hardy in an all-Brooklyn affair, brought to you by DiBella Entertainment in association with Matchroom Boxing USA at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Serrano (36-1-1 27 KOs) conquered her seventh weight class at the Hulu Theater in title in January when the Puerto Rican destroyed Eva Voraberger inside the opening round to claim the vacant WBO Jr. Bantamweight title.

Serrano held the WBO Featherweight strap in 2016 before vacating it then her sister Cindy picked it up later that year. Hardy (22-0 4 KOs) was next in line to win the vacant title in October in a rematch against Shelley Vincent in the Hulu Theater. Hardy put boxing on hold to return to MMA in June with an outing at Bellator 222 at Madison Square Garden but returns to boxing to go head-to-head with her fellow Brooklynite.

“We found out in February that as a super-champion Amanda could call out any champion in any weight division and she would be the next defense — and she chose me. I didn’t get this far in the boxing game to not know how it works, they’re hyping up a big fight between her and Katie Taylor and this is the second of Amanda’s three-fight deal.

“It will be my first time competing as an underdog even as the current world champion but I’m excited as hell. Everyone knows I have the balls for it. I grew up with a tough mamma, trust me – nobody scares me.”

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring and excited to be fighting Heather Hardy,” said Serrano. “Heather is 22-0 for a reason, she always finds a way to win. We’ve sparred in the past and I’ve never had an easy day with her.

“So many of the other champions vacated their belts to avoid fighting me but Heather is a true world champion who will not give up her belt.

“We know each other well and I’m honored to fight her for her World title. It’s nothing personal, just business for two girls from Brooklyn in the ring.”

“On Friday, September 13, seven-division world champion Amanda ‘The Real Deal’ Serrano will attempt to wrest the WBO Featherweight title from undefeated champion Heather ‘The Heat’ Hardy in what promises to be an explosive matchup,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

“Neither Hardy nor Serrano have ever been in a bad fight, both Brooklynites have passionate fan bases and are tremendous ambassadors for women’s boxing. This is a must-win fight for both boxers and will steal the show.”

With the upcoming championship showdown between heavyweight king Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. less than a week away, Jingle Punk’s Jingle Jared has teamed up with recording artist Casanova to create an original anthem for DAZN’s upcoming series 40 DAYS: JOSHUA-RUIZ. The track, which will become the opening theme song for the show is titled “Forged in Steel” and was written specifically for DAZN.

“Professional sports is a big passion point when it comes to Jingle Punks,” says Jingle Jared, President of Jingle Punks, a leader in supersize sports branding and two-time Sports Emmy Award nominee. “Over the past few years I’ve been fortunate enough to work with major A-list talent such as DJ Khaled for the Marlins rebrand, Steven Tyler for Pro Bowl riding and G-Eazy for UFC. Now DAZN has presented us a huge opportunity to create our song ‘Forged In Steel.’ Casanova is one of the realest artists out there at the moment, so I was immediately excited to collaborate.”

The track will be available across all streaming services.

“40 Days empowers creative people to tell boxing stories in their own unique way,” says Jamie Horowitz, EVP Content, DAZN North America. “Casanova’s heavyweight boxing anthem “Forged in Steel” is a perfect example of why we wanted to partner with original artists like Meek Mill and the team at Roc Nation.”

40 DAYS: JOSHUA-RUIZ will be uniquely presented as multi-part, short-form series, premiering exclusively on Meek Mill’s YouTube channel. The first episode debuted May 23 followed by episode two on May 28 and the final episode on May 29. A special final edition of 40 DAYS will premiere on NBC Sports Network and a collection of popular regional sports networks prior to the June 1 showdown.

“Working with DAZN and Jingle Punks on this series and anthem provides us the opportunity to bring sports and music together for this exciting project.” says Patrick Reardon, executive producer at Roc Nation. ”

Award-winning recording artist Meek Mill and Roc Nation will executive produce 40 DAYS: JOSHUA-RUIZ, a look at the upcoming world heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. The matchup marks Joshua’s U.S. debut after years selling out stadiums in the U.K. and a chance for Ruiz Jr. to become the first Mexican heavyweight champion. The fight, taking place at the historic Madison Square Garden, will stream live on DAZN on Saturday, June 1.

“DAZN has created a program that explores a fighter’s heart and soul,” stated Meek Mill. “They tell the story of what makes a true champion. I love being part of a project that tells of their grit, sacrifices and dedication outside the gym. It’s those things that show true character and should be lauded just as much as the knockouts in the ring.”

40 DAYS: JOSHUA-RUIZ will be uniquely presented as a multi-part, short form series, premiering exclusively on Meek Mill’s YouTube channel. Beginning May 21, episodes will debut each Tuesday and Thursday in the two weeks leading up to the fight. A special final edition of 40 DAYS will premiere on NBC Sports Network and a collection of popular regional sports networks prior to the June 1 showdown.

“The purpose of 40 DAYS is to pair globally famous boxers with compelling storytellers to give fight fans an original look at the eight weeks leading up to a fight,” says Jamie Horowitz, EVP Content, DAZN North America. “It’s a series which is meant to let creative people be creative. We are excited to have Meek Mill tell the story of Anthony Joshua’s first fight in America through his unique lens.”

DAZN and Joshua’s promoter Matchroom Boxing USA President Eddie Hearn will also serve as producers on the series along with Patrick Reardon of Roc Nation. As part of the fight week activities, Meek Mill, Roc Nation and DAZN will host an exclusive 40 DAYS: JOSHUA-RUIZ world premiere event in New York City for media and influencers.

“I cannot wait to be part of the latest edition of DAZN’s 40 DAYS series,” says Hearn. “The concept debuted in brilliant fashion with the Canelo vs. Jacobs episodes offering a fascinating insight into the training camps of two elite middleweights. With Joshua and Ruiz Jr., fans will get exclusive access to the preparation of the best heavyweight in the world looking to make a massive impact in America, and the dangerous Mexican that can shock the world and become a national hero.”

Joshua (22-0, 21 KOs) will make his much-anticipated United States debut when he defends his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Heavyweight titles against Ruiz Jr. (32-1, 21 KOs) at Madison Square Garden on June 1. The fight marks Joshua’s eighth World Championship fight while it marks the second time that Ruiz will get a shot to become the first World Heavyweight Champion of Mexican descent. Both fighters, at 29-years-old, are in the primes of their careers and look to flash their knockout power and make a statement under the bright lights in New York City. The heavyweight mega event will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

The 40 DAYS documentary title is derived from the grueling preparation for a prizefight that requires roughly eight weeks of Monday-Friday intense training. The first edition of 40 DAYS captured the build-up to the Cinco de Mayo weekend matchup between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs, which debuted globally on April 23.

“Professional sports is a big passion point when it comes to Jingle Punks,” says Jingle Jared, President of Jingle Punks, a leader in supersize sports branding and two-time Sports Emmy Award nominee. “Over the past few years I’ve been fortunate enough to work with major A-list talent such as DJ Khaled for the Marlins rebrand, Steven Tyler for Pro Bowl riding and G-Eazy for UFC. Now DAZN has presented us a huge opportunity to create our song ‘Forged In Steel.’ Casanova is one of the realest artists out there at the moment, so I was immediately excited to collaborate.”

WBO Unified Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua Ready For America: It’s My Time To Shine Now

Anthony Joshua is relishing defending his IBF, WBA, IBO and WBO heavyweight titles against Andy Ruiz Jr, having thrived from undertaking the final month of training in Miami.

Previously the 29-year-old had consistently remained in the UK, where he has always fought, but on the occasion of his US debut his approach has changed.

That he developed his own purpose-made gym instead of using one of those that already exists also suggests that he is likely to do so again in future, similarly to a peak David Haye.

Joshua also revealed the many mental benefits involved after the frustration that came with the withdrawal of Jarrell Miller.

Furthermore, his rival Deontay Wilder last week stopped Dominic Breazeale inside a round, after Joshua had required seven, to potentially increase the pressure on him.

The Olympic gold medallist said: “I can see why people go away for training camps, because you do need to have a solitary mind.

“I’ve a social mindset, so it’s good. The system I’ve used over the last nine years, I’m not complaining about, but it’s been different, it’s been good. It’s something we can definitely implement more in future training camps.

“The sun, the vitamin D, (in Miami) is good for me. The focus is good, and maybe fighting away from home gives you that world championship mindset, like I’m fulfilling destiny.

“This is a step up for me. It’s a new experience; travelling, new time zone, setting up a training camp away from home. All of that stuff is really important.”

Saturday’s fight at Madison Square Garden also represents Joshua’s first opportunity to make a true statement in the US market, which remains boxing’s most influential.

He added: “There’s been a lot of interest around this fight, after the Jarrell Miller situation, the Wilder situation. It’s my time to shine now. It’s really, really good.”

VIA https://www.boxingscene.com/anthony-joshua-ready-america-its-my-time-shine-now–139446

WBO Unified Champion Katie Taylor Ready To Surpass Olympic achievement

Katie Taylor feels unifying the lightweight division would be a better achievement that winning Olympic gold in London 2012 as she prepares for the most important bout of her professional career on Saturday night.

The Bray boxer takes on Delfine Persoon in Madison Square Garden as a support fight to Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight title defence against Andy Ruiz Junior.

Taylor has won the WBO, WBA and IBF crowns so far and Persoon, the WBC champion, stands in the way of conquering the 60kg division.

She would become the first Irish person to win all four belts at any weight class.

She told Sky Sports: “This is a fight I have always wanted.

“To be fighting for the undisputed title in Madison Square Garden is absolutely phenomenal really.

“This journey has been incredible over the last few years and hopefully I will perform well on June 1.

“I cannot wait to write my name in the history books. Ever since I did turn pro, I wanted to become the undisputed champion, I wanted to make history in this sport and I am so close to it now.

“Delfine Persoon is a fantastic champion.

“She has been a champion for numerous years now – a long-reigning champion. I think she has had 43 wins and one loss so she is an outstanding champion.

“That is why I have prepared so hard for this fight. I am expecting my toughest fight to date but I am ready for this challenge and I am ready to perform brilliantly on Saturday night.

“This is the pinnacle of the sport really – to become the undisputed champion of the world is the pinnacle of boxing.

“This would be the biggest night of my career so far. The Olympics in 2012 was absolutely outstanding but I think this night would even pass that out. This is definitely the biggest night of career and I can’t wait for it.”

Persoon believes it will be a showpiece occasion for women’s boxing.

“I am very excited. The winner of this fight is the undisputed lightweight champion and gets the four belts as well as the Ring Magazine title so it is a big fight,” Persoon said.

“I think for both fighters it is going to be the hardest fight. We have two different styles so I think it is going to be a hard fight and a good fight for women’s boxing.”

via https://www.rte.ie/sport/boxing/2019/0528/1052144-taylor-ready-to-surpass-olympic-achievement/

Anthony Joshua has insisted that he hasn’t underestimated Andy Ruiz Jr. “one bit” ahead of their unified Heavyweight World title clash at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday June 1, shown live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

The California-based Mexican is in his second World title tilt having pushed former WBO Heavyweight ruler Joseph Parker to the limit in the Kiwi’s hometown in December 2016, being edged out by the finest of margins via a majority decision.

Ruiz has another golden opportunity to create history by becoming the first ever Mexican Heavyweight World Champion in the Big Apple next week and the ‘Destroyer’ has warned IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO champ ‘AJ’ to under-estimate him at his peril.

Joshua heads into his highly-anticipated US debut as a heavy favourite with many bookies but the British sensation says he is all too aware of the threats posed by his latest challenger, who he feels is deserving of a second World title shot after stepping up to the plate when others shied-away.

“It’s not about what you look like, it’s a craft, a skill, and what’s in your heart and your head matters in the end,” said Joshua. “Andy has shown he has all that, he can fight and box, that’s what matters. I think Andy is a great challenger and will bring it on June 1.

“All I’ve heard is ‘AJ will smash him in a round’. From the outside they think that anyone can box, so how is the guy that doesn’t look like a fighter able to box? I always say that if you put ten bodybuilders in the ring, not one of them could fight for a regional title in boxing.

“Take me out of my body but keep the same attributes and height, same jab, same chin, same heart and same mind, but I looked different – I’d still get to the same position I am in because it’s what is within you that makes a champion, your genetics, and his genetics are the same – and he took the fight!

“He’s keen, he’s game and you cannot knock him. He can fight and he’s got hands. He gave a World Champion in Joseph Parker lots of problems, and when you look at the fight the Parker gave Whyte when people are saying Whyte can beat Wilder, Fury and me, Andy is championship level for sure, and I have not underestimated him one bit.”

Joshua and Ruiz clash on a huge night of action at MSG with Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship, New Yorker Chris Algieri defending his WBO International title against Tommy Coyle is a crunch Super-Lightweight showdown and Josh Kelly making his US debut as he defends his WBA International Welterweight title against Philadelphia’s Ray Robinson – with more exciting undercard additions announced this week.

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

Chris Algieri and Tommy Coyle will clash in a crossroads showdown on Saturday June 1 at Madison Square Garden, New York, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports Box Office.

Algieri (23-3 8 KOs) puts the WBO International Junior Welterweight title on the line that he landed in January with a hard fought win over Daniel Gonzalez at the Theater at MSG. The former WBO World ruler made his return to the ring on his Huntington, NY home patch in November following two and a half years out of the ring, beating Angel Hernandez over ten rounds before moving on to land the strap he defends.

Coyle (25-4 12 KOs) is fresh from his exciting US debut in Boston in October, sharing ten now trademark back-and-forth rounds with Ryan Kielczweski to win on points over ten. ‘Boom Boom’ moves up from Lightweight where he was Commonwealth king in April 2018 after stopping Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd in Liverpool inside six.

Algieri and Coyle lock horns on the undercard of Heavyweight kingpin Anthony Joshua’s USA debut against Andy Ruiz knowing that the winner will be in the frame for a potential World title shot against WBO champion and Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN star Maurice Hooker – and both men know that the stakes are high for their respective careers.

“I’m very excited to be fighting once again at The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden on June 1,” said Algieri. “I know that Tommy Coyle is another tough test for me and that a victory will bring me one step closer to another World title fight.

“I’d like to thank my entire team for making this possible and for their total support of my quest to once again become a World champion.”

“I’m absolutely delighted to be boxing on such a huge event at Madison Square Garden,” said Coyle. “It’s a dream come true. Fighting in America is one thing, but fighting at the mecca of boxing against a former World Champion in Chris Algieri is just unbelievable and I’m so up for it.

“I’m expecting a Gatti vs. Ward style fight, I really am. I know how tough Chris is, you’ve only got to watch him in the Provodnikov fight, I’m not sure if he broke his eye socket or not but he just gritted his teeth and battled on. I think we’re both cut from the same cloth. It can only go one way and I think that’s a war.

“I honestly believe that this fight has come at the perfect time for me. It’s like I’m having a rebirth in my career and I’m probably performing the best I’ve ever performed in the gym. If I come through this fight successfully there could be a World title shot on the horizon for me.”

Algieri and Coyle clash on a huge night of action at Madison Square Garden where Joshua’s World title defense against Ruiz is supported by Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship – with more undercard fights to be announced shortly.

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

WBO Bouts Weigh-In Results: Crawford vs. Khan
ESPN PPV (9 p.m. EST) @ Madison Square Garden, New York

Terence Crawford 146.4 lbs vs. Amir Khan 146.6 lbs
(Crawford’s WBO Welterweight world title – 12 Rounds)

Shakur Stevenson 125.8 lbs vs. Christopher Diaz 125.6 lbs
(vacant NABO Featherweight title – 10 Rounds)

ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes (6 p.m. EST)
Carlos Adames 154 lbs vs. Frank Galarza 153.4 lbs
(vacant NABO 154-pound title – 10 Rounds)

Photo by Mikey Williams

WBO Unified champion Katie Taylor will face WBC Champion Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Lightweight championship of the World on Saturday June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Taylor (13-0 6KOs) added the WBO title in March, stopping Rose Volante in the ninth round in Philadelphia, a sixth win inside the distance for the Irish sensation after the former amateur star won her first World title in just her seventh pro outing.

The 32 year old takes on Persoon on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s IBF, WBA and WBO World Heavyweight title defense against Jarrell Miller in the Big Apple, making it the third time Taylor has boxed on the same bill as her fellow London 2012 Olympic gold medal winner Joshua.

Along with the WBA, IBF, WBO and WBC titles, Taylor and Persoon will battle for the Ring magazine belt – the first time the title has been on the line at Lightweight for women, another landmark moment for both fighters and the sport.

Persoon (43-1 18KOs) has held the WBC strap for five years with nine defenses in that reign and the Belgian star fights outside of Europe for the first time in her career as she joins Taylor in aiming to cement her spot as the number one 135lbs lady on the planet.

“It’s great that she has finally signed for the fight and I’m delighted that Eddie has been able to make it,” said Taylor. “After my fight last month I went back home for a week but then it was straight back to Connecticut to start the hard work in training camp for this fight.

“When I turned professional my first goal was to win a World title but then my next priority was to become undisputed champion so obviously this fight gives me the opportunity to do that so it’s massive for my career.

“Women’s boxing is in such great place right now and these are the kind of super fights that will really take it to new heights. Persoon is recognized as one of the best in the world pound for pound and has been the WBC champ now for over five years so it’s the best against the best. Madison Square Garden seems like the perfect setting for a fight of this magnitude.”

“This is a very unique opportunity for me and I’m thankful we’ve got the fight made,” said Persoon. “I did not have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Games and now I get the chance to compete with the Olympic champion in Katie Taylor.

“I expect this will be a very tough and honest fight, and that the best boxer may win this title fight – and I expect that to be me.”

“This is it – this is everything, the absolute pinnacle of the sport,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The dream is on, the undisputed championship and I can’t wait to see this fight on June 1.

“This is the toughest test of Katie’s amateur and pro career, two pound-for-pound greats putting it all on the line at the mecca of boxing – the atmosphere is going to be something else.”

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034

The location is SET. #CrawfordKhan WBO Welterweight World Title Bout is going down April 20 at The World’s Most Famous Arena: Madison Square Garden. You don’t want to miss this exclusive Top Rank Boxing on ESPN Pay-Per-View event.

Ticket information coming SOON – stay tuned for more details!

The Boxing World is buzzing about this Saturday’s Cotto vs. Margarito matchup, but a lot of eyes will also be on the rest of the PPV card as Philadelphia’s Mike Jones takes to the ring against Argentinean Sebastian Lujan for the WBO NABO and NABA welterweight titles.

Jones (25-0, 19 KO’s) has been often speculated as a future opponent for Manny Pacquiao on the strength of his raw power, unblemished record, and of course his affiliation with Bob Arum and Top Rank.

Madison Square Garden will be rocking as Jones will be looking to stop Lujan and get a coveted shot at Randall Bailey for Andre Berto’s vacated IBF title.

At 6’0” with a 72” reach, 28 year old Jones has matured well and has kept busy; this will be his third fight in 2011, and he will again benefit from the television exposure of the Cotto vs. Margarito festivities. As more eyes see Jones and as his win streak continues, how much longer can he be left out of the Pacquiao sweepstakes? Right now, everything is on hold as Pacquiao is looking to face Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 5th, but until that is a done deal the speculation will continue. If Jones is looking to showcase his skills it may be a long night for Sebastian Lujan Saturday……and rest assured that the Pac-Man will be intently watching as well.

 

http://www.8countnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/4883/2011-12-01.html

Sebastian Lujan, from Rosario, Argentina, put up a hard fight against rising star, the undefeated Mike Jones, 25-0 (18 KOs), but was ineffective and Jones had little trouble copping a unanimous decision and earning the right to face KO artist Randall Bailey for the vacant IBF Welterweight belt. He also successfully defended his NABO and NABA belts on the undercard of Cotto-Margarito at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Using his long arms and four inch height advantages to their fullest, Jones, a Philly fighter, completely dominated Lujan, 146 pounds, throughout except for the seventh when Jones appeared to take the round off.

Very simple; Jones, also 146 pounds, had too much of everything but courage over Lujan who never stopped trying. It wasn’t a beat down, but Lujan had little more the heart to fight the talented Jones.

Round after round Jones used jabs and uppercuts often throw from outside, to control and batter an ever pressing Lujan. Late in the eleventh Lujan, 38-6-2 (24 KOs), was hurt from a left hook/straight right combination. The bell sound right after Jones landed a similar combination again.

Lujan’s punches were wide and wild, so Jones found them easy to avoid and land his own, more accurate, punches. The referee was Steve Willis.

The scores of the officials were 118-110, and 119-109 twice, all for Jones on this Top Rank promotion.

 

By: SecondsOut

http://www.doghouseboxing.com/DHB/SOut1206e11.htm

New York, N.Y. — WBC/WBO World Bantamweight Champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire and undefeated two-time world champion and current WBO Jr. Bantamweight Champion Omar Narvaez of Argentina pose during the press conference for their upcoming world title fight, Saturday, October 22 in the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Madison Square Garden, Donaire vs Narvaez will be televised by HBO Boxing After Dark. — Photos by Chris Farina.

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-donaire-narvaez-face-face-new-york–45148

Looks like undefeated two-time world champion and current WBO Jr. Bantamweight Champion Omar Narvaez of Argentina isn’t having any weight issues as he sits down for healthy lunch as he prepares to take on WBC/WBO World Bantamweight Champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire in his title defense, on Saturday in the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Madison Square Garden, Donaire vs Narvaez will be televised by HBO Boxing After Dark.

Narvaez and his team are at the Affinia Hotel on Seventh Avenue in Manhatthan in front of Madison Square Garden. His team consists of trainer Ruperto Ruiz, his brothers Jorge and Daniel, Dr. Franco De Turris, manager Osvaldo Rivero and Esteban Livera, owner of Luna Park.

Narvaez’s team reports that he trains twice a day. Aerobics in the morning and boxing in the afternoon. He is close to the weight and in good physical condition.

By Gabriel F. Cordero
Photo: Chris Farina/Top Rank
http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/narvaez-ready-for-donaire-99099

Narvaez spoke briefly about his upcoming challenge of WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire on October 22nd at MSG’s WaMu Theater in New York City. Although Narvaez is boxing’s longest reigning world champion having held titles at 112 or 115 since 2002 and he made 16 defenses of his WBO flyweight title alone, he is given little chance to win by most pundits, but that doesn’t bother Narvaez at all.

“I know that I am the underdog for this fight. These are the kind of fights that I want to be in because this will bring out the best in me. It would have been nice if we could have fought when we both were world champions at 112 pounds but that is not the case. Everyone is going to find out that I too am fast and strong, as well. I’m going to surprise a lot of people October 22nd. I’m coming to bring those titles back to Argentina,” promised Narvaez as the large crowd at Luna Park Stadium erupted in a roar of support.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/narvaez-im-going-to-surprise-them-98738