PRESS RELEASES - The Boxing Exchange

Final Bell for 2025 USA Boxing National

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.

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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. # # #

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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

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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. # # #

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Rozicki Back In The Gym, returning to the Ring

PRESS RELEASES / James

Canadian Cruiserweight Contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki Back in the gym, returning to ring October 25 in Nova Scotia HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada (July 23, 2025) – World cruiserweight contender Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs) has resumed training following a torn right bicep tendon sustained in April. His promoter, Three Lions Promotions, has announced Rozicki will officially make his return to the ring on October 25th at home in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Rozicki will face South African Akani “Prime” Phuzi (14-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas Cruiserweight Championship. “We’re excited to bring Ryan Rozicki back home to Sydney, Nova Scotia, on October 25th for what promises to be an explosive matchup against South Africa’s Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi,” commented Daniel Otter, Managing Director of Three Lions Promotions. “This could very well be Ryan’s final fight in Cape Breton as he resumes his world title pursuit abroad, making it a special opportunity for local fans to witness him live. Tickets are on sale this Friday (July 25) at 10 a.m. ET through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.ca) and the Centre 200 website (www.centre200.ca). We’re expecting a packed house.” Canadian Super Middleweight Champion John Michael ‘JM’ Bianco (9-1, 4 KOs) will also be fighting on the Oct. 25th card versus an opponent to be determined. Undefeated Mexican native Meilyn Sanchez (3-0, 1 KO), now fighting out of Canada, will take on Costa Rican super bantamweight Silvia Duan (4-3, 3 KOs) in a 6-round bout, while Canadian middleweight Brett Beaton (6-3, 4 KOs) will be showcased against an opponent to be determined. Full card details will be announced shortly. “I have trained my whole life for an opportunity like this,” Phuzi said. “I am coming to spoil Rozicki’s plan, take his ranking, and fight for the world title.” Back on May 3rd, as the mandatory challenger, the hard-luck Canadian boxer had been scheduled to face World Boxing Council (WBC) Cruiserweight World Champion Badou “The Ripper” Jack in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, the aforementioned injury forced him to withdraw from his third ordered world title fight. The 30-year-old native of Nova Scotia has since undergone successful surgery, and he plans to secure his long-awaited world title shot in 2026. “I was sparring for my fight with Jack,” Rozicki remembered. “I threw a right to the body, and my tendon snapped. I certainly wasn’t expecting that, but I knew it when I heard it pop. I didn’t see it (damaged bicep) until I looked down and saw my bicep pulled up to my shoulder. “At first, I was distraught, but after some time, I believed everything happens for a reason and that will show in the near future. There have been some difficult moments. I just went back to the gym for the first time (since he suffered his injury) since it happened. I just keep thinking about the future and what’s coming. “After this layoff, I just want to get back in the ring, win this belt (WBC Continental Americas) in October and then, of course, fight for the world title.” Rozicki earned his WBC No. 1 challenger position during the past two years but faced setbacks with two canceled title fights against Noel Mikaelyan. His injury cost him the world title fight with Jack on May 3rd, he was replaced by Mikaelyan, who then lost a disputed decision. Mikaelyan’s petition for an immediate rematch was granted, and negotiations are ongoing. Rozicki, of course, is due for a positive break after so many disappointing setbacks during his 9-year professional boxing career. He was just elevated to the No. 4 position in Ring Magazine’s independent world cruiserweight ratings, ahead of Jack, Mikaelyan, and Peralta. Otter is confident in the process, as well as his fighter, in terms of becoming the first Canadian-born World Cruiserweight Champion. “We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for his ongoing support, reflected in Ryan’s recognition by Ring Magazine,” Otter concluded. “Our appreciation also goes to WBC President Maurico Sulaiman and Alberto Leon of the WBC for sanctioning this bout. “While this may not be the title fight we originally had in mind at the start of the year, it’s the perfect comeback bout for Rozicki following his injury. His opponent is no slouch, and this will be a real test that fans won’t want to miss.” Rozicki is preparing to take care of business on Oct. 25 to continue his championship dream. “I’m going to get that WBC World title belt,” Rozicki exclaimed.

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Undefeated prospect Pryce Taylor Set for Ring Return

PRESS RELEASES / James

Working hard to join Brooklyn’s Elite list of top heavyweight boxers (L-R) – Claressa Shields & Pryce Taylor Taylor set to return to the Ring NEW YORK CITY (July 17, 2025) – Undefeated heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (8-0, 6 KOs) is set to return to the ring on July 26th in Detroit. After coming off his June 6th knockout win over Ed Fountain (14-8), he is aiming to join Brooklyn’s elite heavyweights in an exclusive club. “I’m the next great heavyweight out of Brooklyn,” Taylor proclaimed. “And I’m a top American heavyweight prospect today.” Achieving this rare distinction is notably challenging, as Brooklyn has produced world heavyweight champions such as Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, Floyd Patterson, Michael Moorer, and Shannon Briggs—all members of a special group within boxing’s premier division. Except for Briggs, each has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Taylor posted a 60-11 amateur record, won two New York Golden Gloves titles, and finished as heavyweight runner-up four times at the USA Boxing National Championships. As a professional prize fighter, the 28-year-old Taylor has put many of his opponents to sleep, much like his Brooklyn predecessors, including six stoppages in his eight matches, the last four in a row. “The Pryce is Right” has been training at Brooklyn’s Cops & Kids Boxing Gym with head trainer Benny Roman. Taylor also trained for three weeks in Delray Beach, Florida, with trainer Sugar Hill, focusing on movement and sparring. “It helped,” Taylor said. “There was good sparring there, and it was a good experience overall.” Taylor values the exposure from fighting on a Salita Promotions card headlined by unbeaten, undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields (16-0, 3 KOs), who faces Lani Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO) in Detroit. Previously, Taylor stopped Jerell Nettles in round two on a Shields-headlined event. “This time will be different,” Taylor pointed out. “My last fight on Claressa’s card, I was in the opening bout, off-TV, and nobody was there. I had a good seat to watch her fight, and I met her. But I’m on the main card and my fight will be streamed live on DAZN this time.” In his first scheduled 8-round bout, Taylor will take on Robert Simms (12-4-1, 3 KOs) from Saginaw, Michigan. Two fights prior, Simms defeated previously unbeaten James McKenzie Morrison (20-1-2, 18 KOs), who is the son of the late world heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison. “I’ve heard my opponent comes to fight,” Taylor concluded. “I really like fighting an opponent like that instead of the guys who don’t stand and fight. I also like fighting at this pace (7 weeks since his last fight) because I love boxing. I’ve been training for 8 rounds, but it’s not going the distance. I don’t see him lasting four rounds, if that.” “I’ve kept Pryce very busy because to become a great from Brooklyn, you better be tough, talented and able to work for it,” Pryce’s manager Keith Sullivan stated. “He has had eight fights in just nineteen months as a pro, and three fights fell out due to opponent injuries. That’s an old-school pace I am keeping him on. Not every fighter can handle that rate of fighting, Pryce eats it up. He can reach the upper echelon. It will take continued hard work. “The last time he fought on Clarissa’s card, we walked into an empty arena. I leaned into him and said, ‘Enjoy the silence, soon enough you will be entering into jeering packed arenas.’ And on July 26th that will come true.” Sullivan, a former New York State Athletic Commission Deputy Commissioner, also manages 3-time, 2-division World Champion Miyo Yoshida (18-5) 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. *******************************

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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. # # #

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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

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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,

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Sampson Boxing Announces Signing of Super Lightweight Prospect

PRESS RELEASES / James

Sampson Boxing Announces Signing of Super Lightweight Prospect Jorge De Jesus to Promotional Contract July 15, 2025 Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of super lightweight prospect Jorge De Jesus to a promotional contract. Born and raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia, as a proud Puerto Rican American, 23-year-old De Jesus had just five amateur fights before turning professional in April 2022. The talented southpaw made a splash in boxing circles in his most recent ring appearance in May, an impressive decision win over then 18-0 LaVonte Earley from Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida, and live worldwide on ProBox TV. “I had no doubt I was going in there to win. Losing was not an option,” recalled De Jesus of his upset victory. “I was extremely focused and did everything right. Winning made me feel like the hard work is paying off. I feel like a top professional now.” An explosive, fast-handed and abnormally strong fighter for the weight, De Jesus credits the work he and trainer Alain Felipe have done at the Felipe Boxing Gym in Norcross, GA, for his rapid ascension in the sport. “The dream was always there, but my coach said, ‘You can do this,’” De Jesus explained. “My Coach takes care of me and treats me very well. He’s always looking out for me and treats me like his son.” De Jesus says it was his manager, Andy Sun, who introduced him to Sampson Lewkowicz and facilitated the promotional agreement. “My manager said he would reach out to Sampson. I thought, ‘this is crazy. Why would he give us a chance?’ But he did, and it’s a blessing. I’m so thankful for my manager, my coach, and my new promoter, who is going to work with me and get me there. It’s a dream come true. I want to keep on shining.” A civil engineering student at Emory University by day and up-and-coming fighter at night, De Jesus says he has the team in place now to make his loved ones proud. “I have strong ties with my family in Puerto Rico and visit them in Bayamon often. They have always supported me. By next year, I would like to demonstrate that Puerto Rico has another rising star, be ranked among the top performers, and feel comfortable at a high level of performance. I am just as good as anybody else.” Lewkowicz says he’s hoping to have De Jesus back in the ring by late summer/early fall and has big hopes for the promising slugger. “I am very happy to be working with Jorge and his team,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “He showed what he is made of on ProBox TV by pulling out that exciting victory. We are going to keep him busy and put him in with the right opponents to fine-tune him into the next great Puerto Rican/American world champion.”

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