PRESS RELEASES - The Boxing Exchange

Golden Gloves Launches on Meta Quest Store

Golden Gloves Launches on Meta Quest Store, Establishing the First Official Esports Competition Pathway for Amateur Boxing USA Boxing-Sanctioned Virtual Competition, National Rankings, and Esports Memberships Bring the Sport of Boxing into a New Era Tulsa, OK (January 22, 2026) — Golden Gloves VR officially launches today on the Meta Quest Store, marking a historic milestone for both boxing and esports. More than a game, Golden Gloves VR debuts as the first officially sanctioned esports platform connected to USA Boxing and the Pan American Boxing Confederation, representing more than 30 countries across the Americas, and creating a legitimate competitive pathway from virtual competition to real-world recognition. Powered by Meta’s virtual reality headsets, Golden Gloves VR blends authentic boxing technique, high-intensity conditioning, and large-scale competitive play into a single global platform, making elite boxing training and competition accessible to anyone with a headset. Built by real fighters and coaches, the platform mirrors the fundamentals of the sport, including timing, defense, combinations, endurance, and ring IQ, without the barriers of gym access, travel, or physical contact. “Golden Gloves VR is about breaking down barriers to the sport,” said Aaron Sloan, founder of Golden Gloves VR and USA Boxing coach. “You don’t need a gym membership, expensive equipment, or even a ring. And now there’s an official pathway to compete, be ranked, and be recognized, all from anywhere in the world without the risk of contact.” Golden Gloves VR introduces an unprecedented competition pathway for both amateur boxers and esports athletes. Through the platform, users can compete in official eUSA Boxing online tournaments, earn national rankings, purchase official USA Boxing esports memberships, and qualify for national-level events with opportunities to travel and compete alongside their real-world boxing peers. For the first time, boxing’s governing bodies are formally recognizing structured, organized competition inside virtual reality—opening the door for a new generation of athletes to discover the sport through gaming. “Boxing has always stood for discipline, confidence, and opportunity,” said Mike McAtee, CEO and Executive Director of USA Boxing. “Golden Gloves VR extends those values into esports in a meaningful way, creating a legitimate and organized environment where athletes and fans can train, compete, and connect with the sport.” The launch includes a robust multiplayer tournament system built on cloud infrastructure capable of supporting dozens of concurrent competitions worldwide. Unlike traditional fitness or arcade-style boxing games, Golden Gloves VR is designed as a long-term competitive ecosystem, complete with rankings, officiating logic, and community governance. Beyond competition, Golden Gloves VR lets players train together in a shared virtual boxing gym. Using bags built with real-world physics that mirror their physical counterparts, athletes can work out alongside friends online in a way that feels authentic to real gym training. The result is not only realistic boxing preparation, but a fun, social gym environment that captures the energy, camaraderie, and community of a real boxing gym. The platform also features updated visuals, improved matchmaking, and a one-to-one scanned recreation of Jake Paul’s personal boxing gym in Puerto Rico, in collaboration with Jake Paul’s Boxing Bullies, to support youth empowerment through safe, no-contact boxing training. Golden Gloves is available now for $14.99 on the Meta Quest Store. For more information, visit Golden Gloves VR Website, YouTube, and Instagram. About Engine Room VR (Creators of Golden Gloves VR): Engine Room VR is the virtual reality studio based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that created the most authentic boxing game on the market. Led by Aaron Sloan (a former Cardiac Nurse and Boxing Gym Owner) and operating out of a functioning boxing gym, the studio is best known for its flagship title, Golden Gloves VR — a VR boxing game. Founded in 2021, Engine Room VR was born out of Aaron Sloan’s passion for boxing and emerging technology. The team’s small, agile group of developers can develop and scale both fully immersive and 2d applications on most commercially available VR headsets and mobile devices. Engine Room VR’s business team can collaborate with and manage relationships throughout the product launch lifecycle, including with leading technology companies, academic institutions, government bodies, and top sporting and sports promotion organizations. Golden Gloves VR has been demoed across the US, the UK, and Saudi Arabia, including at high-profile sporting events streamed by Netflix. -30-

Golden Gloves Launches on Meta Quest Store Read More »

Rozicki returning to ring March 7th

PRESS RELEASES / James

Canadian World Cruiserweight Contender Canadian World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki returning to ring March 7th HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada (December 31, 2025) – World cruiserweight contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki’s long-awaited ring return is officially scheduled for March 7th against Gerardo Mellado in the 10-round main event on a card presented by Rozicki’s promoter, Three Lions Promotions, at Centre 200 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. “We are looking to start off 2026 with a bang in Canada with our first show on March 7th on the East Coast of Canada in Nova Scotia,” Three Lions Promotions Managing Director Daniel Otter said. “Rozicki will be the main event and although he had a slow 2025 due to injury, we are confident 2026 will be an active one and before the end of 2026, Ryan will be cruiserweight champion of the world. He looks great in training and is dialed in. “We will also be doing a series of cards throughout 2026 across the country from coast to coast to showcase Canadian and International talent to the world. We have some big news to share in the coming months, so stay tuned!” A native of Sydney, the 30-year-old Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs) hasn’t fought since December 7, 2024, when he fought to a 12-round draw against Yamil Alberto Peralto (17-1), for a myriad of reasons. Prior to the aforementioned fight, Rozicki only fought once in 2023, registering a sensational knockout of Nigerian knockout artist Olanrewaju Durodola (43-9, 39 KOs) at the 1:47 mark of the opening round. Both of these fights were at Centre 200, where “The Bruiser” is unbeaten in 7 fights with 1 draw and 6 knockouts. Rozicki’s period of inactivity was attributable to two main factors. Firstly, after securing the position as the number one mandatory challenger for the World Boxing Council (WBC), he awaited his scheduled world title bout against the reigning WBC World Cruiserweight Champion, Noel Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs). Mikaelian declined to face Rozicki on four separate occasions, citing a promotional contract dispute and injuries as primary reasons for him not fighting Rozicki as ordered by the WBC. The WBC subsequently designated Mikaelian as Champion in Recess, while elevating the prior Champion in Recess, Badou Jack, to world champion status and requiring him to face Rozicki and their fight was scheduled for last May. However, Rozicki was forced to withdraw from the scheduled world title bout against Jack due to a right bicep injury sustained in April during training camp. Rozicki, sporting a phenomenal 95% knockout ratio, was scheduled to fight Akani “Prime” Phuzi for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Cruiserweight title on October 25 in Sydney. However, the bout was cancelled after Rozicki reinjured his right bicep. “I have been sidelined for more than a year now due to this injury and I haven’t knocked anybody out in nearly 2 years,” the determined Rozicki explained. “It’s frustrating but I can now say I’m 100-percent and ready for what’s to come. I need to get this fight to get me back in the swing of things and then I’m coming for those world title belts. I’m not overlooking my opponent, either. He can crack. He’s also tough and has been much more active than me. I am focused on my next job at hand in the ring on March 7th.” The 33-year-old Mellado is an orthodox fighter who lost a 10-round decision to current IBO Cruiserweight World Champion Juergen Uldedaj in his last action on April 5th, marking Mellado’s first fight outside of his native Chile. “Coming into hostile territory isn’t new to me,” Mellado explained, “My last fight was in Manchester, England, and I took it on less than two weeks’ notice. I will be coming to Canada for a knockout, not leaving it to the scorecards like my last fight. And, of course, I want to take Rozicki’s rating with me back to Chile. Lots of people duck Ryan, but not me; I’m a fighter coming to ruin his night in his country.” Rozicki, currently ranked No. 2 by the WBC and No. 5 by Ring Magazine, is targeting Mikaelian, or IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Champion Jai Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs), as Ryan pursues his goal of becoming the first Canadian-born Cruiserweight Champion of the World. Other announced fights for March 7 include an All-Nova Scotia showdown between a pair of popular local boxers, Brett Beaton (6-4, 4 KOs) and David Logue (4-1, 4 KOs), in a 10-round match for the vacant National Championships of Canada (NCC) Super Middleweight Championship. Undefeated super bantamweight prospect Meilyn Sanchez Martinez (3-0, 1 KO), fighting out of Hamilton, Canada, by way of Mexico, faces Silvia Duran (4-3), of Costa Rica, in a 6-round match

Rozicki returning to ring March 7th Read More »

USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA

PRESS RELEASES / James

USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA USA Boxing and Xempower USA Partner Through 2028, Advancing AI Technology for Olympic-Style Boxing in the United States COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 1, 2025) – USA Boxing has announced a partnership with Xempower USA, officially designating Xempower USA as the exclusive information technology services provider for USA Boxing national events through 2028. “We’re extremely excited about this partnership between USA Boxing and Xempower,” USA Boxing Board of Directors Chairman Tyson Lee stated. “As the sport continues to evolve, integrating advanced technology to support scoring accuracy and efficiency has never been more important. This collaboration positions USA Boxing at the forefront of innovation and strengthens our commitment to fairness in the field of play. Together with Xempower, we’re helping usher in a new era for our sport.” Xempower USA’s revolutionary work in the boxing space has been instrumental in Olympic-style boxing, allowing USA Boxing to monitor and capture bout analytics at national events and within the USA Boxing High Performance department. The partnership aids USA Boxing in training officials, referees, and judges to grow the sport in the United States. Xempower USA is led by Thomas Cai, who founded Xempower in 2015 to combine his passion for competitive athletics with his knowledge of technology services. As a former boxer and judge within the sport, Mr. Cai is driven by the belief that innovation can transform the sporting experience for competitors and administrators alike. “Our partnership with USA Boxing reinforces our shared commitment to fairness,” Mr. Cai stated. “Xempower’s AI technology is designed to support boxing with clear, data-driven insights, helping ensure every boxer competes on a truly level playing field.” Driven by the philosophy of “Elevating Sports Excellence,” Mr. Cai has created AI-powered solutions for boxing that enhance fairness, transparency, and overall efficiency across all competitions. His commitment to empowering athletes, referees & judges, and event organizers to transform competitions into data-driven analytics is paramount in bridging the gap between event hosts and fans of Olympic-style boxing. Additionally, the partnership will enable USA Boxing to leverage Xempower USA’s AI technology to provide data-driven metrics and statistical analysis of select bouts at USA Boxing events. Xempower USA’s technology will further allow USA Boxing to track bout statistics among national event competitions. As the official timing and scoring partner, Xempower is deploying its full Event Operation & Management System (EOMS) – a fully integrated platform that supports every operational and technical aspect of the competition, including event setup, registration, Technical Official (TO) management, boxer and official draws, automated bout scheduling and publishing, scoring, R&J evaluation, and more. Its proven performance was demonstrated at the 2025 USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival, a landmark tournament featuring more than 1,400 athletes competing across five rings. Further, through the partnership, USA Boxing will incorporate Xempower USA’s technology for detailed boxing analytics during High Performance team training at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “The analytics provided by Xempower USA’s AI technology will make a significant impact on our ability to identify strengths and weaknesses of our High-Performance boxers,” USA Boxing Director of High-Performance Matt Johnson noted of the partnership. “Incorporating this technology into our national training center will provide data-driven insight to highlight opportunities for improvement on a daily basis throughout the year, while enhancing our preparation for international competition.” **********************************************

USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA Read More »

Final Bell for 2025 USA Boxing National

PRESS RELEASES / James

Final Bell for 2025 USA Boxing National Open Event National Open Event Concludes with 1,870 Registered Participants in Tulsa, Oklahoma COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 1, 2025) – USA Boxing concluded its third national event of the year, the 2025 National Open in Tulsa, Oklahoma, earlier this month, with an astounding 1,870 registered participants. Throughout the week, 632 bouts were conducted to crown 112 champions in the male and female PeeWee, Bantam, Intermediate, Junior, Youth, and Elite divisions. Throughout 10 sessions and six days of competition inside the Arvest Convention Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 726 boxers competed in bouts. When looking at a breakdown of the boxers who competed throughout the week, there were 72 bouts conducted among female competitors and 560 bouts conducted among male competitors. There were 30 walkovers during the week, and 19 matched bouts created to further provide boxers with competition experience. Of the 632 bouts conducted, 553 were finalized by judges’ decision, while 49 were concluded by referee stoppage. There were three medical restrictions throughout the week, and a 0.25% incidence of injury during the entirety of the event. Among the 1,104 registered boxers in the tournament, there were 934 male registrations and 170 female registrations. Additionally, 674 coaches, 86 officials, and six physicians registered for the event. Among all registered participants in the event, 85% were male, while 15% were female. In addition to the 112 champions crowned, 12 coaches earned their Bronze-level coaching certification, while six coaches gained their Silver-level coaching certification. There were 1,831 registrations from the United States, with Texas accounting for 446 of them. California came in second for total event registrations with 179, followed by Ohio with 111, Florida with 108, and Kansas with 62, rounding out the top five states represented. From a digital media perspective, the 2025 USA Boxing National Open was exceptional for viewers catching the event remotely. Beginning with the tournament draw and technical meeting on Sunday, and ending with the final day of competition, USA Boxing accrued 216,638 broadcast views. Additionally, fans watched over 1.4 million minutes of competition, with an average length of 6:26 per ring and 9:13 on the multi-ring broadcast, over the six-day stretch. In partnership with Parkway Productions, USA Boxing’s broadcast provider, bout videos are still available for purchase at store.parkway.tv/boxing. Competition photos are available for free download at usaboxing.org/photo-galleries. Up next for USA Boxing is the 2025 USA Boxing National Championships hosted in Lubbock, Texas, from December 6 to 13. More information for the National Championships can be found on the 2025 USA Boxing National Championships event page.

Final Bell for 2025 USA Boxing National Read More »

HERNANDEZ STOPS GARNETT IN TENTH ROUND

PRESS RELEASES / James

“MAYHEM IN MUSIC CITY 2” EVENT SATURDAY NIGHT Hernandez (L) traps Garnett on the ropes HERNANDEZ STOPS GARNETT IN TENTH ROUND CHRISTY MARTIN PROMOTIONS’ EVENT SATURDAY NIGHT FROM THE FAIRGROUNDS ARENA IN NASHVILLE EVAN HOLYFIELD COMEBACK CONTINUES, AS HE SCORES EXCITING SECOND-ROUND STOPPAGE OF JEREMIAH ROBINSON August 3, 2025, Nashville, TN –Victor “Jalapeno” Hernandez (14-0, 12 KOs) used relentless pressure and non-stop punching to wear down and impressively stop Jayvon “Jigsaw” Garnett (10-2, 5 KOs) in the tenth and final round to win the NABA & Junior NABF Featherweight Championships on Saturday night (August 2) from the Fairgrounds Arena in Nashville. The action was also streamed live on Millions.co. Fighting in the main event of Christy Martin Promotions’ “Mayhem in Music City 2” event, Hernandez surprisingly dominated the capable Garnett in every minute of every round, firing hard punches to the head and body with non-stop abandon. The end finally came at 2:23 of the final round, as Referee Duane Edwards rescued the exhausted Garnett while he slowly sank to the canvas. “I trained just to be hot and spicy,” said a happy Hernandez, post-fight. “You know what happens when you take a bite of a jalapeno and it’s too hot? It burns your ass. He just didn’t know that. “Anybody that wants to give me an opportunity, get in touch with Christy Martin or Lisa Holewyne,” continued Hernandez. “Whoever wants it, let’s do it. I want them all.” In the co-featured bout, popular local super lightweight Louui IV Spencer (2-0, 1 KO) of Clarksville, Tennessee, won a wide four-round unanimous decision over Cody Jenkins (0-6) of Culpeper, Virginia. After getting the better in the first two rounds, Spencer dropped Jenkins with a two-punch salvo to the body in round three and then followed up with a barrage that had Jenkins down again at the end of the frame. A left hook to the body put Jenkins down again in round four, but the multi-sport Virginian tough guy was able to last the distance. The scores were 40-33 and 40-34 x 2. Super bantamweight southpaw Yoruba “The Slim Reaper” Moreu made an impressive and successful pro debut by scoring a second-round TKO over 17-fight veteran Ndira “Paco” Spearman of Lavergne, Tennessee. A former amateur champion from Albuquerque, New Mexico, the skillful Moreu sent Spearman down a total of five times from a mix of powerful right hooks to the head and body in round one. Spearman was down twice more in round two before Referee Duane Edwards indicated he’d finally seen enough at 1:45 of the second. “I feel like I could have worked better off the jab, but it’s my pro debut,” said Moreu after the fight. “It’s all part of the game. I’ll go back to the gym and fix up my little tweaks and be good. “I don’t care if you’re big, strong, little, whatever,” said Moreu of his impressive victory. “I’m going to that body. You have to protect that body at all times or I will snatch it, for sure.” In an entertaining, albeit abbreviated slugfest, super welterweight Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield (13-1, 9 KOs) of Atlanta scored a second-round stoppage of Jeremiah Robinson (8-6, 8 KOs) of Saint Louis. Holyfield dropped Robinson with a left hook to the liver late in round one. To his credit, Robinson came out firing in round two and may have briefly stunned Holyfield before Holyfield regained his composure and dropped him again with an uppercut to the pit of the stomach. Sensing the end was near, Holyfield moved in for the kill with guns blazing late in the round. Referee Anthony Bryant waved it off as Robinson sank to the canvas for a third time. The time of Holyfield’s TKO victory was 2:58 of the second. In just his second fight since undergoing open-heart surgery, Holyfield expressed his gratitude for even being back in the ring. “Two years ago, if you had asked me would I be in the ring I would have said ‘I don’t know,’ he said. “It’s been a turbulent up and down roller coaster, but here I am.” Fan-favorite welterweight Hadrian Phillips (2-0, 2 KOs) of nearby Clarksville, Tennessee, made quick work of winless Keith Foreman (0-7-1) of Harlingen, Texas, knocking him out with a two-piece combo at 1:13 of the opening round. “It can’t get much better than that,” said Phillips, post-fight. “I felt good in there and came out and did what I had to do. Boxing is a hard sport and a lonely sport, and I have nothing but love for everyone who supports me.” In the opening fight of the night, light heavyweight Bryan “King” Goldsby II (2-0, 2 KOs) stayed undefeated with a second-round TKO over “Mr. Composure” El Av Yashar’El (11-41-3, 6 KOs). Goldsby showed good punching power, as Yashar’El was down twice from hard right hands in round one. When Goldsby opened up again in round two, his heavy-handed barrage convinced Referee Anthony Bryant to wave the fight off at 1:46 of the second. In the four-round “double pro debut” light heavyweight walkout bout, Guy Stanford Jr. of Clarksville, Tennessee, moved to 1-0, 1 KO by stopping Covington, Tennessee’s Jalen Fayne at 30 seconds of round two. Stanford dropped Fayne with a left hook to the body late in round one and finished him with a follow-up barrage to the body early in round two. # # #

HERNANDEZ STOPS GARNETT IN TENTH ROUND Read More »

HEAVYWEIGHTS RONEY HINES AND JERRY FORREST RETURN

PRESS RELEASES / James

IMPRESSIVE VICTORIES OVER THE WEEKEND HEAVYWEIGHTS RONEY HINES AND JERRY FORREST RETURN WITH IMPRESSIVE VICTORIES OVER THE WEEKEND New York, NY (July 28, 2025) – Heavyweights Roney Hines and Jerry Forrest shined over the weekend, securing impressive victories. Undefeated rising star “Too Much” Roney Hines improved to 15-0-1 (8 KOs) following a dominant eight-round unanimous decision against aggressive pressure fighter Ed Fountain on Friday night at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. The six-foot-six southpaw from Cleveland, OH, unloaded a wide array of punches, controlling the action whether on the outside with his long, stiff jab or in close, digging hooks to the midsection. Showing good footwork and fast hands, Hines was consistently landing flush with his straight left, producing swelling over Fountain’s right eye as early as round one. Scorecards read 80-72 twice, and 79-73, all for Hines. The bout was streamed live on DAZN. Jerry “Slugger” Forrest, of Newport News, VA, scored an emphatic second-round knockout against the crafty Junior Wright on Saturday night at the Main Street Event Center in Richmond, VA. His record improved to 29-6-2 (21 KOs). Wright, who was coming off of a victory against Cassius Chaney in March, tried to take the fight inside early on, but Forrest was catching him with thundering uppercuts. In round two, Forrest kept Wright at the end of his southpaw jab and floored him with a straight left-right hook combination. Wright arose but was quickly finished off soon after from another barrage of hooks that sent him to the canvas for good at the 2:19 mark of the frame. For years, the experienced Forrest has proven himself against elite opposition, including back-to-back controversial draws against Zhilei Zhang and Michael Hunter, as well as going the distance in close fights against Kubrat Pulev, Carlos Takam, and Jermaine Franklin. “Hines showed that he has great potential with all the tools to become a serious contender in the heavyweight division. He is ready to take on a higher level of opposition,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Jerry looked sharp in his win as well. After three straight victories, he is ready to test himself against the top fighters again.” Roney Hines Tapology

HEAVYWEIGHTS RONEY HINES AND JERRY FORREST RETURN Read More »

EVAN HOLYFIELD SET TO CONTINUE HIS COMEBACK

PRESS RELEASES / James

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, AT CHRISTY MARTIN’S “MAYHEM IN MUSIC CITY 2” EVAN HOLYFIELD SET TO CONTINUE HIS COMEBACK THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, AT CHRISTY MARTIN’S “MAYHEM IN MUSIC CITY 2” EVENT FROM THE FAIRGROUNDS ARENA IN NASHVILLE AND LIVE ON MILLIONS.CO PPV July 28, 2025, Nashville, TN – Super welterweight prospect Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield has been added to Christy Martin Promotions’ “Mayhem in Music City 2” boxing event this Saturday, August 2, at the Fairgrounds Arena in Nashville. Holyfield (12-1, 8 KOs), the son of former two-division world champion Evander Holyfield, will face Saint Louis veteran Jeremiah Robinson (8-5, 8 KOs) in a six-round test. Tickets for “Mayhem in Music City 2” start at $60.70 (incl. $5.20 Fee & $5.39 Tax) and are available from Eventbrite. Saturday’s ring appearance will mark just the second fight for Holyfield in over two years. The 27-year-old underwent open-heart surgery in September 2023 to correct a right coronary anomaly, a congenital cardiac blood vessel malformation that up to 1% of people are born with. Though most are not dangerous, Holyfield required emergency surgery to ensure his survival. .Now fully recovered and ready to resume his hunt for a world championship, Holyfield says he’s more than ready to wow the fans this Saturday night. “I always knew I had heart,” said Holyfield. “My heart has been in boxing since I was 12 years old, but now I have a perfect heart, and I feel that is going to take me to the top in boxing. I think people who come to see me fight Saturday are going to see me bringing a great deal of mayhem to my opponent.” Holyfield’s long-time chief trainer, Atlanta boxing mastermind “Sugar” Bert Wells, has trained hundreds of world-class boxers, and says he has high hopes for the comeback of the second-generation prospect. “Evan knows how to fight, and a healthy Evan will go all the way if he keeps his focus,” said Wells. Manager Mike Joyce, a Chicago boxing attorney and the son-in-law of Muhammad Ali, says he has had his eye on Holyfield since he was an amateur. “Evan has that Holyfield bloodline,” said Joyce, “which means he is athletic, tough, and hard-working. His style makes for exciting fights, and I believe that is the reason Christy Martin has invited him to appear.” The night’s main event will feature Victor “Jalapeno” Hernandez (14-0, 12 KOs) taking on Jayvon “El Elegido” Garnett (10-2, 5 KOs) for the NABA & Junior NABF Featherweight Championships. “Mayhem in Music City 2” will also be broadcast live on Millions.co pay-per-view. “Evan Holyfield always puts on a great show for the fans, and I’m happy to see him back and healthier than ever,” said promoter Christy Martin. “He will be facing an opponent who has knocked out every opponent he’s faced, so it will be a dangerous fight for him to be taking so soon into his comeback.” On fight night, doors will open at 6 pm and the first fight starts at 7 pm. The Fairgrounds Arena is located at 401 Wingrove Street in Nashville. Please use the “Expo 3” entrance from Wedgewood. # # #

EVAN HOLYFIELD SET TO CONTINUE HIS COMEBACK Read More »

AL BERNSTEIN, CHRISTY MARTIN AND ERIC BOTTJER TO SERVE AS ALL-STAR COMMENTARY

PRESS RELEASES / James

AL BERNSTEIN, CHRISTY MARTIN, AND ERIC BOTTJER TO SERVE AS ALL-STAR COMMENTARY TEAM FOR THIS FRIDAY’S ‘LOPEZ VS. VARGAS’ EVENT FROM PECHANGA RESORT CASINO & LIVE ON MILLIONS PPV STREAMING SERVICE FRIDAY’S ‘LOPEZ VS. VARGAS’ EVENT FROM PECHANGA RESORT CASINO & LIVE ON MILLIONS PPV STREAMING SERVICE July 16, 2025 – Temecula, CA – Al Bernstein, one of boxing’s most recognizable and respected commentators for more than 40 years, will team up with fellow International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and event promoter Christy Martin, as well as top matchmaker and broadcast professional Eric Bottjer, to form the all-star commentary team for this Friday, July 18’s “Lopez vs. Vargas,” professional boxing show from Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California and broadcast live in full on Millions PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) for just USD 19.99. Presented by Christy Martin Promotions and Patrick Ortiz’s Ringside Ticket Inc., in the 10-round welterweight main event, Corona, California’s Louie Lopez (16-2-3, 5 KOs) will face undefeated Adrian Vargas (15-0-1, 10 KOs) from National City, California. And in the 10-round super welterweight co-feature, Emeka Nwokolo (15-1, 13 KOs) of Los Angeles via Benin City, Nigeria, will take on Jireh De Los Santos (15-2-2, 5 KOs) of Weslaco, Texas. Known worldwide as “The Voice of Boxing,” Al Bernstein first gained notoriety while working as an analyst (and often host) of the Top Rank Boxing Series on ESPN from 1980 to 1998. In the early 2000s, Bernstein moved to Showtime Networks and added his signature commentary voice to many of the greatest fights of the past four decades on Showtime Championship Boxing, SHOBOX: The New Generation, and over 150 pay-per-view events, including the three highest-grossing events in television history. The first American broadcaster to commentate boxing for a linear TV network in the United Kingdom, Bernstein has also served as a ringside analyst for boxing telecasts on Channel 5 and ITV, and has carved out a career of varied endeavors, including television, film, and live stage performance. Bernstein was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012. “I’m excited to be a part of this event for several reasons,” admitted Bernstein. “I get to work with my friends: boxing legend Christy Martin, top matchmaker Eric Bottjer, and great California promoter Patrick Ortiz. Plus, returning to Pechanga Casino and Resort for this event is also a delight — I’ve announced many great boxing events from that venue. I am also excited to be working with Millions PPV for the first time, an innovative new platform for boxing and other sports and entertainment endeavors. I’m also pleased that I’ll be interacting with fans at pre-fight events and on fight night. I enjoy participating in events like these around the country, where I can interact with boxing fans. I am in the midst with of a series of these appearances for promoters all around the United States and elsewhere.” A pay-per-view favorite during boxing’s golden age, Christy Martin made a name for herself fighting on the undercards superstars such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Félix Trinidad, and Julio César Chávez. During a fighting career that spanned from 1989 to 2012, among her many accolades and distinctions, she held the WBC Female Super Welterweight World Championship. Considered the person who “legitimized” women’s participation in the sport of boxing, Martin was the first female boxer ever elected to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and was also elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020, which was the first year that women were on the ballot. Since her retirement, Martin has been reborn as a highly respected boxing promoter and the President of Christy Martin Promotions, as well as a boxing analyst and motivational speaker. In 2021, Netflix released Untold: Deal with the Devil, a documentary chronicling Martin’s career and personal life. In 2024, it was announced that a biopic of her life, starring Sydney Sweeney, was in production. The film was shot in September and October 2024 and is scheduled for release in November 2025. “This is a thrill for me, working with two of the best in boxing,” said Christy Martin. “And the fact that this is a Christy Martin Promotions event makes it even more of a joy to be part of. Al and Eric are two of the best in the business with two lifetimes of boxing experience to share with the audience. We have a great show for the viewers and fans, and I can’t wait for fight night.” Known as one of the most influential matchmakers in boxing over the past three decades, Eric Bottjer has been involved in some of the biggest boxing matches of the modern era, working with prominent promoters such as Don King, Eddie Hearn, Cedric Kushner Promotions, and Dan Goossen. A journalism major at the University of Oregon, Bottjer has also served as a writer for notable publications, including The Ring Magazine, and has become a popular commentator on the global streaming platform DAZN. “It’s a joy to work with Al and Christy,” said Eric Bottjer. “Al is one of the best broadcasters in the history of our sport. He’s fantastic. Christy and her wife Lisa are not only my friends they are also doing the right thing in boxing, which is giving opportunities to fighters on mid-level shows that are so badly needed to advance their careers, so they can move on to bigger things eventually.” Jeremiah Gallegos will serve as the night’s ring announcer. All bouts are subject to change. The Pechanga Resort Casino is located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula, CA. For more information, visit pechanga.com or call 877-711-2946. # # #

AL BERNSTEIN, CHRISTY MARTIN AND ERIC BOTTJER TO SERVE AS ALL-STAR COMMENTARY Read More »

3-Time World Champion is waiting

PRESS RELEASES / James

Miyo Yoshida is tired of playing Boxing’s dreaded waiting game. 3-Time World Champion Miyo Yoshida is tired of playing Boxing’s dreaded waiting game NEW YORK CITY (July 15, 2025) – Three-time, two-division World Champion Miyo Yoshida (18-5) is tired of waiting for her mandated International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight world title shot as its No. 1-rated mandatory challenger. Yoshida won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Flyweight title in 2019 and 2021. On December 9, 2022, she fought in San Francisco as a late replacement on only two weeks’ notice, impressively defeating IBF Bantamweight World titleholder Ebanie Bridges (9-1) by unanimous decision over 10 rounds (99-91, 99-91, 97-93). Last October, Yoshida lost her IBF title in a controversial 10-round decision to Shurretta Metcalf (14-5-1, 2 KOs). Last Friday night, Metcalf lost the IBF belt to Cherneka Johnson (18-2, 7 KOs), the WBA Bantamweight World Champion, on the Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano III undercard at Madison Square Garden. With the win, Johnson also scooped up the vacated World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) world titles. When Metcalf defeated Yoshida, it was with highly questionable tallies of 99-91, 97-93, and 96-94. Her manager, Attorney Keith Sullivan, appealed the result to the IBF, arguing that Yoshida’s accurate jabs and higher punch connection rate should have earned her the win. COMPUBOX statistics strongly supported Sullivan’s appeal: Yoshida out-landed Metcalf in eight of the 10 rounds by a margin of 96 to 64 in total connects, including a 49-17 edge in jabs and 30 to 16 in punches landed to the body. Yoshida’s defensive skills were also on display, with Metcalf landing just nine percent of her overall punches thrown. The IBF ruled in January that Yoshida was its No. 1 mandatory challenger, requiring the titleholder to defend against Miyo by this October. Yoshida’s promoter, Lou DiBella, got her back into the win column against a formidable opponent on February 1, when she defeated Beata Dudek via 10-round unanimous decision (99-91, 97-93, 96-94). “Miyo is a three-time world champ and a trailblazing symbol for Japanese women as an athlete and single mom. I applaud the IBF for recognizing that Yoshida deserves the opportunity to regain her belt. We will continue to push for Miyo to get her title shot as soon as possible, and I am confident that we can work out a deal with MVP. They are in the business of making the best fights in women’s boxing. Undisputed Champ Cherneka Johnson vs. Miyo is a terrific match,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Lou has done a great job keeping Miyo active and creating great opportunities for her. The time is finally here for Miyo’s title match to be scheduled. Fortunately, Jake and Nakisa are helping to change the landscape for women in boxing under their MVP banner,” stated Miyo’s manager, Keith Sullivan. “Congratulations to Cherneka, who fought a great fight and made history. The styles of Miyo and Johnson will make for an exciting, fan-friendly fight. We have two promoters who firmly support women’s boxing, so I am confident we will get that title fight scheduled as soon as possible,” concluded Sullivan. From ringside Friday night, Miyo said, “Johnson had the perfect fight plan. I respect her, but we’ll have a more intense fistfight. So, let’s finally get my mandatory title fight scheduled. We’ll see in the ring who deserves to raise the belt as the IBF bantamweight champion.” Miyo Yoshida, known as the “Fighting Single Mother” in Japan, is a respected role model and was the recipient of Ring Magazine’s “Most Inspirational Female Fighter” award in 2023. She is among just 23 female world champions from Japan and only the sixth to hold world titles in multiple weight classes. Sullivan, a former New York State Athletic Commission Deputy Commissioner, also manages undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight Pryce Taylor (8-0, 6 KOs) and Bronx NYPD officer Nisa Rodriguez (3-1, 1 KO). Sullivan co-manages IBF Welterweight World title challenger Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-1, 11 KOs) and his cousin, pro-debuting middleweight Jim Donovan, alongside coach and ex-world champion Andy Lee. INFORMATION X : @MiyoBledog Instagram : @miyo_yoshida_ Facebook : /miyoyoshida

3-Time World Champion is waiting Read More »

UNDEFEATED KO ARTISTS COLLIDE!

PRESS RELEASES / James

AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD Armando Martinez Rabi (courtesy Warriors Boxing) ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI SET TO FACE ALBEIRO PAREDES AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD IN HIGH-POWERED MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 7 ON FRIDAY, JULY 25 Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, FOF7 Will Also Feature Undefeated Cuban Ronny ‘El King’ Alvarez in a Co-Featured Attraction, Plus Seven More Bouts July 15, 2025 – On Friday, July 25, Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory will present the seventh installment of their “Fists of Fury” professional boxing series at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Hollywood, FL. In the 10-round main event, power-punching undefeated WBA #5-ranked lightweight Armando Martinez Rabi (15-0, 14 KOs) will return to take on dangerous knockout puncher Albeiro Paredes (14-0, 12 KOs) of Sincelejo, Colombia in a bout that is sure to produce fireworks while it lasts. Tickets for “Fists of Fury 7” start at $98 and are available through Ticketmaster. In his most recent ring appearance last April, Martinez Rabi knocked out former two-time world title challenger Alberto Guevara in three brutal rounds to retain his WBC and WBA Continental Lightweight Championships. Originally from Havana, Cuba, Martinez Rabi has become a fan favorite in his adopted home of Miami. The 30-year-old is a former top international amateur for the esteemed Cuban National Team and has also competed in the World Series of Boxing and Team Combat League. Quick and agile, Martinez Rabi can stand right in front of his opponents and seldom get touched while firing world-class power shots of his own that have resulted in knockouts in 14 of his 15 professional wins, dating back to his debut in 2021. Martinez Rabi had his first nine fights in Dubai before relocating to the United States. He has also already held the WBC Latin Championship, which he won via TKO 3 over Argentina’s Damian Alejandro Rojas. As an amateur, Albeiro Paredes was a member of the Colombian elite team and a national champion. The 28-year-old Paredes turned professional in July 2019 and has never fought outside his native Colombia. He won the Colombian National Championship with a fifth-round knockout over countryman Wallington Orobio in July 2023. He picked up the WBA Fedecaribe Super Featherweight Championship with a fourth-round knockout over Manuel Felipe Gonzalez in March 2023. He successfully defended his belts with a seventh-round technical knockout over Sammy Ramos in June 2024. The night’s six-round co-featured bout will showcase undefeated Cuban super middleweight Ronny “El King” Alvarez (2-0, 2 KOs) taking on also undefeated Carlos Colon (1-0) of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Though still early in his professional career, the 6’1″ southpaw Alvarez brings an impressive amateur background to his professional career, having claimed gold medals in several prestigious international competitions: a qualifying tournament in Mexico, the first Junior Pan American Games in Colombia, an international cup in Montenegro, and the Youth World Championship in Spain. In a six-round heavyweight clash, hometown hero Lorenzo “Giant Killer” Medina (12-0, 10 KOS) of Hollywood, Florida, will face Colombian veteran Francisco Cordero (47-23, 36 KOs) of Barranquilla. Medina will be making his second consecutive appearance at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. He stopped longtime gatekeeper Santander Silgado Gelez in one round last February. Also scheduled is a four-round featherweight “All Florida” battle between Sebastian Santana (1-0) of Miami and Ivan Palacios (0-1) of Hollywood, Florida and a six-round heavyweight slugfest featuring Nestor Santana (2-0, 2 KOs) of Miami and Sergio Uribe Castro (5-2, 5 KOS) of Mexico. In other action, Miami’s Montaser Aboughaly (5-0, 2 KOs) will take on Antoine Elerson (7-34-5, 4 KOs) of Milwaukee in a six-round welterweight contest; Miami’s Miguel Rosario Paredes (3-0, 2 KOs) will face Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico’s Israel Rojas (16-31, 6 KOs) in a four-round lightweight bout; and undefeated newcomer Alex Ochoa (1-0) of Lubbock, Texas will have his second pro fight against debuting Mike Austin of Arlington, Virginia in a four-round lightweight test. Rounding out the action will be a four-round middleweight battle between Lazaro Medina (2-0, 2 KOs) of Hollywood, Florida, and Julian Valerio (3-10, 2 KOs) of Green Cove Springs, Florida. On fight night, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the action begins at 7:00 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, FL. For more information, visit them online at seminolehardrockhollywood.com or call (866) 502-7529. # # # About Hard Rock Live Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is South Florida’s premier entertainment venue. An investment of more than $125 million, the 7,000-person capacity indoor venue features clamshell-style seating, offering guests an intimate experience. In 2024, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood ranked No. 5 in Newsweek’s Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Casino with Live Entertainment. Hard Rock Live also ranked No. 4 worldwide in 2024 gross revenue for Pollstar Magazine. Designed by Scéno Plus, the 225,000-square-foot facility is equipped with state-of-the-art, in-house sound and lighting, large HD viewing screens and mobile-stage technology. With its advanced capabilities, Hard Rock Live can support some of the entertainment industry’s biggest performers, as well as nationally and internationally televised awards shows, sporting events and more. A-list entertainers to perform at Hard Rock Live include The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Maroon 5, Billy Joel, and Dave Chappelle, among others. About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship integrated resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination unveiled a $1.5 billion expansion in 2019, highlighting the debut of the world’s first and only Guitar Hotel. Between three hotel towers, the resort boasts 1,271 luxury guestrooms. Amenities include a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa® & Salon; an 18-acre recreational water experience; private “Bora Bora” style cabanas; more than 20 food and beverage outlets; a 26,000 square-foot retail promenade; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space; and an expansive gaming floor with more than 2,500 slots, more than 200 table games and a 45-table poker room. In 2023, the casino launched live craps, roulette and retail sports betting,

UNDEFEATED KO ARTISTS COLLIDE! Read More »