LAS VEGAS (July 24, 2024) — Teiken Promotions and M.T Boxing Gym have reached an agreement with Top Rank to co-promote Junto Nakatani, the Japanese pound-for-pound star, three-division champion, and current WBC bantamweight world champion. Nakatani is anticipated to return to the ring before the end of the year. The 26-year-old Nakatani (28-0, 21 KOs), hailing from Sagamihara, Japan, defended his title last Saturday with a first-round stoppage against Vincent Astrolabio, enhancing his record to 7-0 in world title fights. The southpaw powerhouse, who trains in Los Angeles under Rudy Hernandez, is ranked No. 10 on the Ring Magazine pound-for-pound list. “Junto Nakatani is an exceptional, unique talent,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He is a force of nature and one of the sport’s most vicious punchers. The Junto Nakatani Era is just starting. He will be the pound-for-pound king one day, and I am thrilled that he’s decided to join the Top Rank stable.” Nakatani said, “Thank you to Bo

Philippine basketball icon LA Tenorio believes the Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL) will help today's high school players become the country's future superstars. Before becoming the PBA’s 'Iron Man,' an eight-time champion, a four-time Finals MVP, and a Gilas Pilipinas standout, Tenorio honed his skills with the San Beda Red Cubs under legendary coach Ato Badolato. As the NGBL’s Tournament Director, Tenorio wants current high school stars to have a platform to showcase their skills beyond the existing junior leagues. “We promise exposure for high school players. I came from San Beda’s high school program, and it was crucial for my development. Nowadays, most collegiate stars come from abroad,” said Tenorio. Tenorio won a championship with San Beda and became a top talent with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. His path to success is what the NGBL aims to offer the best under-19 stars today. “Many homegrown high school players lack opportunities due to insufficient exposure

Top sports executive Alfrancis Chua has been a steadfast supporter of Filipino student-athletes, guiding many on their journey to professional ranks. Al Francis Chua NGBL As the Executive Committee Chairman of the Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL), Chua previously helped Colegio de San Juan de Letran secure a three-peat in the NCAA and is now aiding his alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas, in reclaiming their glory in the UAAP. Now, as the Sports Director of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Team Governor, and newly elected Vice Chairman of the PBA Board, Chua is extending his support even further by focusing on the top high school players in the country. “We want to expose them,” said Chua, who collaborates with NGBL Commissioner and PBA legend Ronnie Magsanoc, Tournament Director LA Tenorio of Ginebra, Program Director Bonnie Tan of NorthPort, and Operations Manager & PBA Chief Statistician Fidel Mangonon III. The NGBL, led by President Big

  Press Conference Notes: Middleweight King Janibek Alimkhanuly Set to Defend His Crown Janibek-Andrei Mikhailovich & Raymond Muratalla-Tevin Farmer lightweight co-feature headline a stacked bill from Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas  Coverage begins LIVE on ESPN+ at 6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT LAS VEGAS (July 11, 2024) — Kazakhstan’s middleweight king is ready to defend his throne against an unbeaten challenger determined to seize the unified crown. Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly will put his WBO and IBF world titles on the line against New Zealand’s Andrei Mikhailovich on Saturday, July 13, at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, Raymond Muratalla (20-0, 16 KOs) will face former world champion Tevin Farmer (33-5-1, 8 KOs). Janibek-Mikhailovich and Muratalla-Farmer top a loaded bill that will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. Despite holding two major world titles, J

 August 3: Terence Crawford-Israil Madrimov Junior Middleweight World Title Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV Undefeated Top Rank heavyweight sensation Jared Anderson to face Martin Bakole as part of a star-studded undercard from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles LOS ANGELES (July 8, 2024) —Three-weight world champion and two-division undisputed king Terence “Bud” Crawford looks to conquer a fourth weight class when he takes on WBA junior middleweight world champion Israil Madrimov on Saturday, Aug. 3, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Crawford-Madrimov tops a star-studded bill that includes Top Rank-promoted heavyweight sensation Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson, who steps up against fellow knockout artist Martin Bakole. Crawford-Madrimov, Anderson-Bakole, and additional undercard fights will stream LIVE on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV. Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) moves up to 154 pounds following last July’s career-defining TKO over Errol Spence Jr. to win the undisputed welterweight cham

  Weigh-In Results: Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan TOMORROW at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ Prudential Center (Newark, New Jersey) Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT)     •   Shakur Stevenson 134.1 lbs. vs. Artem Harutyunyan 134.8 lbs (Stevenson's WBC Lightweight World Title  - 12 Rounds) Judges: Lynne Carter, Mark Lyson and Guido Cavalleri Referee: Allen Huggins    • O'Shaquie Foster 129.9 lbs vs. Robson Conceição 129.5 lbs (Foster's WBC Junior Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)    •  Keyshawn Davis 134.8 lbs vs. Miguel Madueno 134.7 lbs (Davis' USBA, WBO Intercontinental and WBC USA Lightweight Titles— 10 Rounds)    •  Abdullah Mason 134.8 lbs vs. Luis Lebron 135.8 lbs (Lightweight— 8 Rounds) (ESPN+, 6:10 p.m. ET/3:10 p.m. PT) •  William Foster III 130.4 lbs vs. Eridson Garcia  130.7 lbs  (Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds) •   Keith Colon 125.3 lbs vs. Hunter Tu

 July 27: Joe Joyce-Derek Chisora Heavyweight Battle Headlines London Fight Night LIVE & Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ (July 3, 2024) — The heavyweight titan of boxing is eager to rejoin the world title scene but must first defeat a seasoned contender looking for one last major win. Former WBO Interim champion Joe Joyce will face off against two-time world title challenger Derek "War" Chisora in a thrilling all-British clash on Saturday, July 27, in a 12-round main event at The O2 in London. Promoted by Queensberry, Joyce-Chisora and additional fight action will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ in the afternoon hours. Joyce (16-2, 15 KOs) captured a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and entered the paid ranks the following year. He defeated former world champions Bermane Stiverne and Joseph Parker and title challengers Carlos Takam and Bryant Jennings during his ascent up the rankings. The 38-year-old suffered his first pro setbacks in 2023 in conse

ArenaPlus, the premier 24/7 sports betting app, proudly supports top gymnast Carlos Yulo and elite boxer Eumir Marcial in their quest for gold at the Paris Olympics. At a recent press conference, ArenaPlus announced Yulo and Marcial as their brand ambassadors. Known for making major sports events enjoyable, ArenaPlus aims to enhance the 2024 Paris Olympics experience through its “Ginto para sa Astig na Atleta” campaign. This initiative supports Filipino athletes in their Olympic journey while ensuring an entertaining experience for fans. The brand plans various events and activities, both online and offline, to build excitement for the Olympics. ArenaPlus also supports other Filipino athletes, including the national basketball team, GILAS Pilipinas. Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc. President Rafael Jasper Vicencio emphasized the company’s commitment to sports and entertainment, stating, “ArenaPlus not only entertains but also supports athletes like Carlos and Eumir.”

Manny Pacquiao, esteemed boxer and sports enthusiast, has officially launched the Junior Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), marking a significant milestone for youth basketball. The inaugural event, attended by team owners, players, and fans, promises to revolutionize the development of young athletes aged 21 and under.