EL PASO, TEXAS – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and ESPN today announced that boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (48-4-1, 31 KOs) will make her return to the ring to face Germany’s top-ranked contender Cheyenne “Pepper” Hanson (17-2, 13 KOs) in the Double Main event of MVPW-03 alongside the headlining Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm rematch for the WBA lightweight world title, taking place on Saturday, May 30 at the El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas, live on ESPN and the ESPN App. Serrano vs. Hanson will be a 10-round championship bout for the unified WBA and WBO world titles contested at 126lbs in the featherweight division. Also joining the main card will be MVP and Australia’s unified middleweight world champion Desley Robinson (11-3, 4 KOs) in a 10-round title defense at 160lbs against Canadian challenger Mary Spencer (10-3, 6 KOs). Mexico’s WBC junior flyweight world champion Lourdes “La Pequeña Lulu” Juarez (39-4, 5 KOs) will also make a 10-round defense of her WBC title against MVP’s three-division champion Yokasta Valle (34-3, 10 KOs) as Valle steps up to fight for her seventh world title. MVPW on ESPN will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. MVPW-03 is part of MVPW, a new year-round global platform for women’s boxing from MVP, showcasing the sport’s most elite female fighters with championship bouts on every card. MVPW-03 will begin at 9pm ET / 7pm MT on ESPN.

Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, April 8 at 12pm MT / 2pm ET at Ticketmaster.com.

Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano is the first-ever Puerto Rican undisputed world champion and the most decorated fighter in women’s boxing history, recognized by the Guinness World Records for the most boxing world championships won by a female in different weight classes. Serrano, currently the unified featherweight champion holding the WBO, WBA and Ring Magazine titles, is Most Valuable Promotions’ first signee, who also signed the first ever lifetime combat sports contract with MVP and will become Chairwoman of MVP’s women’s boxing initiatives to lead the company’s efforts in identifying, signing, developing and marketing the promotion’s growing roster of female athletes post her in-ring retirement. Serrano faced off against Katie Taylor for the first time at Madison Square Garden in April 2022, making history as the first women’s fight to headline Madison Square Garden, earning global acclaim and winning Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year for 2022. Taylor vs. Serrano was also nominated for Sports Business Journal’s Event of the Year, a testament to the global reach and power of the event. Following the historic bout, Serrano defeated Sarah Mahfoud and Erika Cruz en-route to becoming the undisputed featherweight champion. She successfully defended her undisputed title in August 2023 against Heather Hardy before making history again, defeating Danila Ramos in October 2023 in the first-ever women’s unified world championship contested over 12 three-minute rounds—equal to a men’s championship fight. She threw a career-high 1,103 punches in the bout, solidifying her status as a trailblazer for gender equality in boxing. In recognition of her achievements inside and outside the ring, Serrano was named the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Female Fighter of the Year for 2023, as well as Sports Illustrated’s and Boxing Scene’s 2023 Women’s Fighter of the Year. She continued her dominance in July 2024, scoring a second-round knockout victory over Stevie Morgan in a super lightweight bout.

Serrano went on to face Katie Taylor in the most anticipated women’s boxing rematch in modern history in the co-main event of MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card on Netflix in November 2024. The undisputed super lightweight title fight averaged 74 million live viewers globally and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. The bout ended in a razor-thin decision victory for Taylor, sparking global debate and skyrocketing Serrano’s social following to over 1.2 million. #Serrano also trended at #2 on X in the US, Brazil, Spain, and Canada post-fight, further cementing her status as a global icon. Serrano then faced Taylor a third and final time atop an all-women’s event at Madison Square Garden, commanding the world’s attention once again on Netflix, continuing to break barriers for women in combat sports with a historic trilogy. Serrano made her long-awaited homecoming to Puerto Rico in a unified featherweight title defense of her WBO and WBA featherweight titles in January 2026, defeating challenger Reina Tellez.

“When MVP told me that Han and Holm were going to rematch in Stephanie’s home town of El Paso, I said I want to get on the card to support these two queens,” said Amanda Serrano. “Women’s boxing is growing on a global level, and fights like this, now on ESPN and contested in three-minute rounds, are proof of how far we’ve come. I respect every opponent who steps in the ring, and I know Hanson is coming to win and she has KO power. I’m also continuing to hunt the all-time knockout record, so that’s always on my mind, but everything starts with discipline, execution, and performing at the highest level on fight night. Stephanie Han is all class, and it is my pleasure to come to her city and make the walk before her on Saturday, May 30th. See you soon El Paso.”

Cheyenne “Pepper” Hanson is a hard-hitting 28-year-old German professional boxer from Augsburg, Bayern. The orthodox fighter, nicknamed “Pepper,” has established herself as one of Germany’s top female talents with an impressive 76% knockout ratio. Hanson is a former WBF world champion and currently the #4 WBO and #6 WBA contender in the featherweight division. Known for her aggressive style and knockout power, Hanson has collected her latest two wins by TKO in December 2025 and March 2026. Hanson signed with MVP in April 2026, and will now face Amanda Serrano in her promotional debut.

“I’m really excited and grateful for this fight,” said Cheyenne Hanson. “It means a lot to be representing Germany on this stage. Training camp is going to be hard but I’m focused. I respect my opponent, but I’m coming to make a statement.”

“MVPW-03 is absolutely stacked as we deliver a quadruple world championship card, highlighted by the highly anticipated ESPN debut of Amanda Serrano,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP. “Amanda continues to set the global standard for women’s boxing, and matching her in a title defense against a dangerous knockout artist like Cheyenne Hanson creates a blockbuster double main event alongside Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm. This is a powerful statement about where women’s boxing stands today. Add in the return of Desley Robinson and the expected war in the Mexico vs. Costa Rica matchup between Lourdes Juarez and Yokasta Valle, and this night is going to be fireworks in El Paso.”

Unified middleweight world champion Desley “Destroyer” Robinson has emerged as one of Australia’s top boxing talents. Originally stepping into the ring to improve her fitness, Robinson quickly proved she belonged at the elite level. Following over 50 amateur fights that saw her capture multiple Queensland and Australian titles, Robinson turned pro and earned her first title shot in just her seventh pro fight, resulting in a narrow majority decision loss against Lani Daniels in December 2023. Just one year later, Robinson rebounded in heroic fashion, fighting through a fractured foot to capture the vacant IBF female middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Kaye Scott in December 2024. She returned to the ring in April 2025 to unify the division, successfully defending her IBF belt and winning the vacant WBO title with a dominant performance against Chloe Chaos. Robinson, who fights out of Logan City, Queensland by way of Maranbah, Queensland, Australia, most recently defeated challenger Logan Holler by second round TKO in her promotional debut on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 16 Championship Double Header in October. She is also a single mother of three children. 

“I am so excited to be part of MVPW-03, after watching MVPW-01 on the weekend,” said Desley Robinson. “I cannot wait to get back in there. I need a big win on a big stage against a big opponent and that is what I’m going to do. I can’t wait to get back over to Texas again. It is a privilege to be on the undercard to two great champions in Stephanie Han and Holly Holm.”

Windsor, Ontario native and a proud member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Mary Spencer is known for her physically imposing style, strong inside game and pressure fighting, all while serving as a leader and pioneer for Indigenous and Canadian women in boxing. As an amateur, she was widely regarded as the face of women’s amateur boxing in Canada. Her legendary career saw her become a 3x world champion, Pan American Games gold medalist, a multiple-time Canadian National Champion, and a 2012 Canadian Olympian. In September 2024, Spencer defeated Naomi Mannes by unanimous decision to win the interim WBA super welterweight title. She was then elevated to a full champion after the title was  vacated, and she made her first defense against Ogleidis Suárez in April 2025, winning by unanimous decision. Spencer most recently faced Mikaela Mayer in a title unification bout, putting her WBA title on the line alongside the then-vacant WBO and WBC super welterweight titles in October 2025 – a battle that went the distance and saw Mayer earn the decision win. Spencer remains focused on capturing and defending world titles while continuing to represent Canada and her Indigenous heritage on the global stage.

“I didn’t come this far to admire champions. Respect yes. Admire no! I came to take everything they have,” said Mary Spencer. “Belts don’t intimidate me. They motivate me. But on fight night, it’s not about rankings, records, or titles. It’s about who’s willing to go to a darker place. And I promise you… I live there.”

Lourdes “La Pequeña Lulu” Juarez is a two-division world champion from Mexico City. The younger sister of Mexican legend Mariana “La Barby” Juarez, she is part of one of only a few sister pairs in history to become boxing world champions, alongside the Serrano and Bermúdez sisters, and her sister Patty is also a world champion in bare-knuckle boxing. Turning pro in 2013, Juarez went undefeated for eight years, capturing the WBC super flyweight world title in December 2020 and making three successful defenses before regaining championship status in November 2024 by moving down to 108lbs to win the then-vacant WBC light flyweight crown. Ranked #2 in the world at 108 pounds by ESPN, she has faced six former world champions, balanced motherhood to her two sons, Dominik and Derek, and also trains and mentors new talent at her gym in Mexico City. She has also showcased her versatility with an exhibition win in Miami over Dutch MMA fighter Isis Verbeek. Juarez successfully defended her title in March 2025 by 9th round TKO before her latest successful defense against Yesica Nery Plata in October 2025.

“This will be a great war,” said Lourdes Juarez. “I won’t give away my belt, no way. I’m preparing for the fight of my life. I won’t go down. I don’t believe in good luck. I will go out there blasting.”

Yokasta Valle is a three-division world champion boxer born in Nicaragua and raised in Costa Rica. Growing up with limited resources and countless challenges in San Jose, Yokasta learned early on that nothing is given, and everything is earned. In a sport historically dominated by men, she carved her own path and fought to open doors for women in boxing. She won her first world title in 2016 and has gone on to conquer six world titles across three weight divisions, establishing herself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. She currently has held the WBC minimumweight title at 105lbs since November 2024. Valle has also championed equal pay in women’s boxing, fighting for and achieving the same purse conditions as male boxers. Outside the ring, the 32-year-old is an entrepreneur, boxing promoter, and social role model. In 2023, she was recognized by the United Nations as their Costa Rica Champion for the example she set in the fight for women’s and migrants’ rights. Valle is currently BoxRec and Ring Magazine’s and ESPN’s #9-ranked pound-for-pound boxer in the world. 

“I’ve always wanted the biggest challenges and to fight the best. Moving up in weight to challenge a champion for her title is exactly the kind of opportunity that motivates me. This is a big challenge, just like every important fight I’ve had in my career, but I always prepare myself 200% to give everything I have in the ring,” said Yokasta Valle. “I know it’s going to be a war, because fighting a Mexican always means heart, toughness, and a great battle. I’ve already faced 12 or 13 Mexican fighters in my career, so I know exactly what kind of challenge they bring. I’ve been preparing in Mexico with my team, led by Panda, Jay Najar, and that gives me a lot of confidence going into this fight. I believe Lulu Juárez is the best Mexican fighter right now, so this is a huge test for me. Champion versus champion. That’s what women fighters always want, to face the best, and that is what makes women’s boxing even bigger. The opportunity to win my seventh world title motivates me in a special way, because I want to prove that I am the best.”

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

About MVP

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 16 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally. 

About ESPN

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.

It’s fight week in the Eternal City. Europe’s leading MMA promotion returns to Rome with a stacked card featuring Italy’s top prospects and beloved veterans, live from the PalaPellicone this Saturday night.

Francesco Nuzzi headlines his first Cage Warriors main event in a pivotal bantamweight clash against Manoel Silva – a bout that could shape the future of the 135lb division.

In the co-main event, Italian former CW champ Mauro Cerilli makes the walk for the final time, laying down the gloves on an illustrious career as he faces Lamine Sene. Elsewhere, a wave of rising talent continues to surge, with hot prospects including Khadim Dia, Luca Borando, and many more set to make their mark.

The full line-up for CW 204: Rome is as follows…

Cage Warriors 204: Rome | LIVE on UFC Fight Pass

Main Card – 11:30 (PT) | 14:30 (ET) | 19:30 (BST) | 20:30 (CEST)
Bantamweight: Manoel Silva vs Francesco Nuzzi
Heavyweight: Lamine Sene vs Mauro Cerilli
Welterweight: Christopher Bajo vs Khadim Dia
Featherweight: Caique Araujo vs Luca Borando
Lightweight: Diego Visanzay vs Simone Patrizi
Featherweight: Erick Washington vs Giuseppe Mastrogiacomo

Prelims – 08:30 (PT) | 11:30 (ET) | 16:30 (BST) | 17:30 (CEST)
Welterweight: Andrea Kabali vs Nicolo Solli
Bantamweight: Alexandros Moumtzis vs. Dylan Hazan
Lightweight: Christian Soda vs Niko Ceraglia
Middleweight: George Smith vs Mario Mingaj
Lightweight: Lorenzo de Nigris vs Francesco Tumminello
160lbs Catchweight: Gianluca Rocca vs Manuel Lancioli
Bantamweight: Claudio Iancu vs Enrico Di Gangi
Bantamweight: Tommy Brunning vs Pierluigi De Prospo

Cage Warriors 204 will air live on UFC Fight Pass and international broadcast partners.

LAS VEGAS — What began 60 years ago with a Muhammad Ali world title defense in Toronto became one of the most influential promotional runs in boxing history. 

On March 29, 1966, Bob Arum promoted his first fight, launching a six-decade journey that helped shape generations of champions, defining moments, and the global growth of the sport. That night, Ali handily defended his heavyweight crown against George Chuvalo, but it was a challenging entry into the industry for the 34-year-old.

Arum had no experience as a promoter and little background in boxing. A Brooklyn native and Harvard Law School graduate, he served as a federal prosecutor under then-U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. In 1962, as head of the tax division for the Southern District of New York, he oversaw the seizure of the proceeds from the Floyd Patterson-Sonny Liston heavyweight championship fight. 

A few years later, he met Ali while working in private practice and, despite cities refusing to host the champion following his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War, stepped forward to stage the heavyweight championship defense at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto.

What followed was a Hall of Fame career that reshaped the fight game across generations. Arum promoted 27 Muhammad Ali fights and was a central figure in the Four Kings era of the 1980s, staging major bouts involving Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran. He later handled George Foreman’s comeback that led to a historic heavyweight title victory and guided Manny Pacquiao through championship runs in multiple weight classes.

The legendary 94-year-old has taken numerous fighters from pro debut to world champion, including Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Michael Carbajal, Teofimo Lopez, Shakur Stevenson, Jose Ramirez, Oscar Valdez, Mikaela Mayer, Donald Curry, and Vasiliy Lomachenko. That tradition continues today with Keyshawn Davis, Xander Zayas, Abdullah Mason and Bruce Carrington.

“60 years is a lot of time. I’ve met some fabulous people, and it’s been a great adventure,” said Arum. “People ask what my toughest promotion was. My toughest promotion was my first fight, just getting the fight on. Everything else was easy in comparison.”

“The last thing I would envision myself at that point was to be a boxing promoter. When I first started, there were no satellites to deliver fight broadcasts to another country. That technology didn’t exist. Everything in boxing has since changed, from what I was doing at the start to what I’m doing now, 60 years later. The biggest lesson I’ve followed is that you’ve got to be flexible enough to know that things will not always be the same.”

“When I look back, what I’m most proud about of the 60 years that I’ve spent in this sport is to have lasted as long as I have, both physically and mentally. It’s not easy to be a promoter.”

Over six decades, Top Rank has promoted more than 2,200 cards and 700 world title fights, staged events in more than 200 American cities and dozens of countries and featured 75 Hall of Fame fighters under its banner.

Top Rank will commemorate the 60-year milestone throughout 2026 with special programming, archival features, and original digital content celebrating the company’s past, present, and future.

Top Rank By the Numbers

The following is an updated statistical summary compiled by Hall of Fame matchmaker Bruce Trampler, who has been with the company since 1980.

2,203  Boxing cards promoted by TR
  940  Boxing shows TR promoted on ESPN network
  722  World title fights promoted by TR
  570  Boxing shows TR promoted in Nevada
  416  Boxing shows TR promoted in New Jersey
  223  American cities in which TR has promoted
  204  Boxing shows promoted by TR in California
  157  Boxing shows promoted by TR in Texas
  129  Boxing shows TR promoted on HBO network
   98  Boxing shows promoted by TR on CBS network
   95  Foreign cities in which TR has promoted
   95  Boxing shows promoted by TR in New York State
   78  Boxing shows promoted by TR in Arizona
   75  Hall of Fame boxers promoted by TR
   73  Boxing shows TR promoted on ABC network
   66  Boxing shows promoted by TR in Puerto Rico
   62  Boxing shows promoted by TR in New York City
   43  States in which TR has promoted boxing
   42  Boxing shows promoted by TR in Mexico
   41  Miguel Cotto fights promoted by TR  (HOF)
   41  Boxing shows promoted by TR in Pennsylvania
   39  Kelly Pavlik fights promoted by TR
   38  Michael Carbajal fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   37  Oscar De La Hoya fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   37  Donald Curry fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   36  Johnny Tapia fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   35  Floyd Mayweather Jr. fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   35  Oscar Valdez fights promoted by TR
   35  Boxing shows promoted by TR in Florida
   33  James Toney fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   32  Erik Morales fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   31  Micky Ward fights promoted by TR
   30  Countries where TR has promoted fights 
   29  Tommy Morrison fights promoted by TR
   27  Muhammad Ali fights promoted or co-promoted by TR (HOF)
   27  Iran Barkley fights promoted by TR
   27  Boxing shows promoted by TR on Closed-Circuit TV
   26  Manny Pacquiao fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   25  Freddie Roach fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   25  Roger Mayweather fights promoted by TR
   24  Terence Crawford fights promoted by TR
   24  Boxing shows promoted by TR in New Mexico
   22  Shakur Stevenson fights promoted by TR
   20  Marvelous Marvin Hagler fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   19  Juan Manuel Marquez fights promoted by TR
   19  Xander Zayas fights promoted by TR
   19  Abdullah Mason fights promoted by TR
   16  Robert Garcia fights promoted by TR
   15  Bruce Carrington fights promoted by TR
   14  George Foreman fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   14  Boxing shows promoted by TR in China
   14  Emiliano Fernando Vargas fights promoted by TR
   13  Thomas Hearns fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   11  Vasiliy Lomachenko fights promoted by TR
   11  Keyshawn Davis fights promoted by TR
   10  Alexis Argüello fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   10  Ray Mancini fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   10  Timothy Bradley fights promoted by TR (HOF)
   10  Naoya Inoue fights promoted by TR
    8  Roberto Duran fights promoted by TR (HOF)
    8  Tyson Fury fights promoted by TR
    7  Sugar Ray Leonard fights promoted by TR (HOF)
    7  Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. fights by TR (HOF)
    7  TR Staff HOFers: Arum, Teddy Brenner, Irving Rudd, Bruce Trampler, Lee          
    Samuels, Brad Jacobs, & Brad Goodman
    5  Carlos Monzon fights promoted by TR (HOF)
    5  Emile Griffith fights promoted by TR (HOF)
    4  Mike Tyson fights promoted by TR (HOF)
    1  Snake River Canyon jump Evel Knievel promoted by Bob Arum
    0  Boxing shows (so far!) promoted by TR in: Alabama, Alaska,
       Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming (and DC)

KANSAS CITY, Kan.– Kansas super middleweight/middleweight prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (13-0, 11 KOs) has continued his remarkable streaks, which has also increased his rapidly growing stock.

In his most recent fight on March 20th, he headlined for only the second time and thoroughly dominated the stiffest test of his young pro career, winning an 8-round unanimous decision over noted upset specialist William “The Kid” Langston (14-6-1, 9 KOs on the “All Hustle – No Luck” card, presented by KC Boxing Promotions, at Truman Memorial Building in Independence, Missouri.

“I’m a shark (“El Tiburón” means The Shark in Spanish) even in deep water,” promotional free agent Romero said about his performance, “and I always persevere. He (Langston) wasn’t a stepover. I’ve always said I don’t go into a fight looking for a knockout. My job is to win and dominate. I won every round and proved it doesn’t matter about my opponent’s size. He was taller (by 4 inches), more experienced, and at his peak man strength. He had a longer reach and bigger frame than me, but I’m a dog!”   

Romero has now won all 13 of his pro fights, 11 by stoppage, as well as every round (34) on the judges’ scorecards. His fight against Langston was the first time the gifted Mexican American fighter has had to fight more than 4 rounds, and he welcomed the opportunity.

In his previous fight against undefeated French super middleweight prospect Moreno Fendoro (14-0, 10 KOs), Langston lost a 10-round unanimous decision in Montreal by scores of 99-92, 97-93, 96-94). Romero won every second of each round enroute to a shutout, winning all 8 rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards. Directly comparing these two fights, Romero made a loud statement.

“It (Langston’s fights with Romero and Fendoro) is a good gauge about where I’m at,” Romero agreed. “I’m ready for all comers.”

Romero was a sensational amateur boxer – 130-5 record – and he hasn’t missed a beat since turning pro on June 4, 2024. In fact, he hasn’t lost in the ring in nearly 7 years – keep in mind he only turned 20 last November 14^th – since dropping a split decision on June 28, 2019, at the National Junior Olympics.

“I want to keep my records intact,” Romero added. “No disrespect to anybody, but I’ve shown I’m 100-percent up to or surpassing other top prospects in my weight class. My performance shows I’m ready to compete at a higher level. Some people were a little worried about my size disadvantage in this fight; I may be a little smaller than some other fighters at 168, but I still run over my opponents!

“This was my second time headlining a show (the other was at his home in Olathe last September). It was an amazing feeling, especially fighting so close to home. It was surreal; extra motivating because the small venue sounded like it was MGM Grand with all my family and friends there supporting me loudly as I walked to the ring.”

Romero’s next fight is tentatively slated for May 20 in Kansas City, Missouri. His next two will be contested at 8-rounds, and by the end of 2026, if all goes as planned, he should be fighting in a 10-rounder for a title.

“Marco just fought a guy and went 8 rounds. He really never got hit with a solid shot, which keeps his brain safe and low mileage,” Romero’s veteran manager/trainer John Brown commented. “There is always room for improvement and we are going to give Marco enough time to achieve his full potential. Thankfully, pro boxing seems to be back on track and most of the promotional companies are strongly interested in this quality young man. We are not in a hurry and will eventually partner with those that parallel our vision for Marco.”

INFORMATION

Instagram: @_MarcoRomero @TurnerBoxingAcademy

Facebook: #MarcoRomero #TurnerBoxingAcademy

QUINCY, Mass. – An intriguing light heavyweight bout between contrasting-styled Massachusetts fighters, Bobby “Lights Out” Laing (2-0, 2 KOs) and Russ Kimber (3-3, 1 KO), could steal the May 16th “Rumble at the Rink II” show, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at the Quincy Youth Arena in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Fighting out of Braintree, Laing is a ‘graduate’ of Barstool Sports’ now defunct Rough N’ Rowdy events, which Laing described as semi-professional boxing because fighters were paid. He fought in 11 Rough N’ Rowdy fights – it was very popular in the South – and when it dissolved, he turned pro in boxing and has had 2 fights to date.

“Rough N’ Rowdy was my amateur boxing,” correction officer Laing said. “I’ve carried my popularity into boxing. I hope to be 3-0 after this fight and keep going from there. I want to keep winning and position myself for a big fight. I was known as a brawler, but I’ve changed my style.

“I think this fight will be pretty fast paced. There are only 4 rounds and no time for feeling out. We’ll start fighting and keep it going all the way.”

Kimber has a much different fighting background than his opponent in their scheduled 4-round fight on May 16. The fitness instructor who lives in Salem and has strong roots in Peabody is a ‘legacy’ fighter. His father, Dick “The Destroyer” Kimber, and his uncle, Tommy “The Terminator” Kimber, were legendary kickboxers from Lynn (MA). Dick and Tommy, respectively, were three and five-time world champions.

“I’ve carried on the Kimber name because I’m a fighter,” Russ explained, “but I’m different from them because I’m a boxer and they were kickboxers. I’ve taken my own path.

“I know my opponent was in ‘Rough N’ Rowdy’ and that he’s working on his game and craft. I think he’ll come out aggressively until he starts to tier. From his ‘Rough N’ Rowdy’ days, I expect him to come out swinging. I plan to use my boxing skills from the outside. I adapt to my opponent, so I’ll go inside and see how he handles that. I never go into a fight looking for a knockout, I just land my punches.”

Former world-ranked boxer Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (31-6, 11 KOs), four years since his last fight, returns to the ring to headline “Rumble at the Rink II” in an 8-round junior welterweight bout.

A 36-year-old MBTA police officer, Kielczweski was a standout amateur boxer with a 118-26 record, winning silver at the 2008 National Golden Gloves and earning two New England Golden Gloves titles. He won his first 22 pro bouts between 2008 and 2015. The lifelong Quincy resident hasn’t fought at home since December 10, 2016. May 16^th will be his third pro career fight at home.

Another local favorite, Milton (MA) Junior featherweight Jenn Perella, fighting out of nearby Milton, faces Kate Radomska, of Waterford, Ireland. She was a silver medalist in the 2024 National Golden Gloves Tournament, as well as a 2016 New England Golden Gloves Champion.

All the action will be streamed on www.BXNGTV.com live from the Quincy Youth Arena.

Granite Chin Promotions has teamed up once again with the Quincy Fire Cancer Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to this non-profit organization whose mission is to provide unwavering support to firefighters and their families as they face the challenges of occupational cancer, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and assistance they need. Go to www.quincyfirecancerfoundation.com for additional information.

amed combat sports personality Butterbean, will make a special appearance to referee a professional midget wrestling match between the Cambodian Dragon vs. Walter, presented by Midget Mayhem Wrestling..

Granite Chin will also host a “Fan Zone” in which Butterbean and local boxing legend, “Irish” Micky Ward, will hold separate meet-and-greets at 7 p.m. ET for fans in attendance. Also, as part of the experience, Bud Light, WMEX and more to be announced will set up areas featuring giveaways and entertainment to make this night a truly unique experience.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are reasonably priced at $420 (Reserved VIP table of 4), $80 (Reserved Ringside), $60 (General Seats), and $40 (General Admission) are available for purchase at https://events.ticketleap.com/events/granite-chin-promotions.com.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

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