This Friday’s Main Event between Jaron “Boots” Ennis (19-0 17ko) and former USBA, NABO Champion and World Title challenger “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (26-10-2 13ko) will now be for the WBU WELTERWEIGHT TITLE at the beautiful Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The WBU (World Boxing Union) was created in 1995 when Hall of Famer Thomas “Hitman” Hearns become the first WBU World Champion by defeating Lenny Lapaglia (36-9 33ko) by first round knockout.
“I am excited to be fighting for my first belt and honored to join the list of some of the greatest fighters that have held the WBU World title.” - Ennis said in a brief interview.
The list of former World Champions who’ve held WBU World Titles is endless including Roy Jones Jr., Ricky Hatton, Angel Manfredy, James Toney, Montell Griffin, George Foreman and Micky Ward to name a few.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Ennis to join that select group of WBU champions and thank the President of the WBU, Tony Rodriguez for his help and support. This fight represents important steps in Ennis' development: his first ten round fight and his first time fighting for a title. That being said, Boots is just twenty years old and in the early stages of what will certainly be a tremendous career.
It is fights like this that will begin to define that career. We appreciate Rising Star Promotions and the LaManna family for the chance to headline a terrific show and the hard work the company has done to make this happen.” - Chris Middendorf, President of Victory Promotions who promotes Ennis.
Undefeated Chris “Sandman” Thomas (8-0-1) of Beachwood will be taking on Asbury Park’s Daryl “DreamKing” Bunting (3-3-1) for the NEW JERSEY STATE MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP in Co-Feature.
Brick, New Jersey’s Dan Pasciolla (9-2-2) goes up against Vineland’s undefeated former Florida, Marlins Center Fielder Quian Davis (4-0-2 2ko) for the NEW JERSEY STATE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP.
Brooklyn’s Yurik “DBSBC” Mamedov (9-1 3ko) takes on Kashon Hutchinson (3-4 1ko) of Reading, PA in 8 round Welterweight contest.
Rising Star Promotions’ Donald “No Love” Smith (6-0 3ko) of Philadelphia steps up against Uganda’s Deo Kizito (3-1-1 1ko).
Atlantic City’s own Joel De La Paz (7-1 4ko) returns to the ring taking on crafty veteran Willis Lockett (16-22-6 5ko) of Takoma Park, MD. Lockett is coming off biggest win of his long career defeating former Top Contender Prince Badi Ajamu (28-4-1 15ko).
Roc Nation fighter Darmani “Rock Solid” Rock 11-0 7ko takes on his toughest foe to date, upset minded Maurice Harris (26-21-3 11ko) of Newark, NJ.
Camden, NJ Police Officer Vidal Rivera (7-0 4ko) competes in his first 6 rounder against the experienced Jose Ramos (11-13-1 8ko) of Tijuana, Mexico.
Philadelphia’s Angel Pizarro (3-0 2ko) returns to the ring coming off of hand injury against North Carolina’s Terrance Moore (0-1). Pizarro is stablemate of Main Event’s Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
Omar Kabary Salem (2-0), son of former Super Middleweight World Title Challenger Kabary Salem opens up the show against Zameze Braswell (0-2) of North Carolina.
Unbeaten cruiserweight dangerman Jack Massey is ready to prove himself one of Britain’s leading prospects when he looks to steal Tyson Fury’s show on June 9.
Massey (13-0-KO6) takes on the experienced Ian Tims (13-5-KO4) in a significant step up in class at the Manchester Arena but is relishing the chance to move closer to a British title shot.
The 25-year-old Massey said: “I’d take the winner of Luke Watkins v Lawrence Okolie if one of them wanted it. I think I’m on the same level as those guys if not better. Those fights are down the line obviously – you go one fight at a time in this sport.
“I’m 25 now. I had 53 amateur fights and lost only 9. I won the vast majority of them well and won the junior ABAs and senior ABAs. I boxed for England but after I won the senior ABAs I knew it was time to turn professional.
“Looking at this year, I’ve got a job to do with Tims and then I’ll be looking for the British title. I’m definitely ready for these steps up and I’m looking forward to them.
“It’s going to be a great night. I’m looking forward it. It’s such a massive bill and Tyson Fury returning is so great for boxing.”
Massey’s clash with Tims is part of a stellar night of boxing as unbeaten heavyweight king Fury makes his long-awaited return against Sefer Seferi.
As well as the fast-rising Derbyshire cruiser and the headliner himself, MTK Global boasts the likes of Sean Turner, JJ Metcalf, Troy Williamson, Sam Maxwell and Alex Dickinson on the card.
Swedish middleweight Oliver Flodin (3-0) returns for his fourth professional contest against Nikoloz Gvajava (10-11-2, 7 KOs) on June 2 at the Swiss Life Hall in Hannover, Germany.
Flodin, the 22 year-old from Jonkoping, is back in action following a unanimous points win over Aliaksandr Dzemka on April 21 at the Gardehov in Sundsvall.
'Wiseguy', competing for the first time over six rounds, can expect a tough test from Gvajava, who held countryman Daniel Hartvig to a hard-fought draw in April 2016.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back in the ring and fighting in Hanover. There is always a good atmosphere when I box in Germany," said Flodin.
"I was pleased with my last fight but there is always room for improvement, and I hope to produce an even better performance against Gvajava on June 2.
“I have not seen the fight between Hartvig and Gvajava but my manager Wally, who also worked with Daniel, knows my opponent well and we will put together a game plan to win.
“It will be fun to do my first six-round fight. I don't see any problem going the distance. If the knockout come it comes, but I like to get rounds in the bank as it's good for the future.”
Flodin fights on the undercard of the WBO International Cruiserweight title fight between Artur Mann and Alexander Peil. Swedish fight fans can watch the action live and exclusive on Viaplay Fighting. For more information visit: