Ramon Cardenas KO9 Eduardo Ramirez... Junior featherweight Ramon Cardenas (25-1) knocked out Eduardo 'Koreano' Ramirez (22-3-2) in the ninth round of a close fight. Cardenas landed a left to the liver to win the ProBox TV main event in Plant City, Florida. The knockout came less than three minutes after Cardenas' trainer Joel Diaz ordered him to "get your ass in there and knock this f*ckin guy out!"

Junior bantamweight Steven “Kid Dynamite” Navarro, a thirteen-time U.S. national amateur champion who turned pro earlier this month with a show-stopping knockout, has signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank. The 20 year-old Navarro, a native of Inglewood, California, is scheduled to make his Top Rank debut in June. “Steven is an exceptional talent who comes from a great boxing family, and I believe he has all the tools to become a world champion,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “I can’t wait to watch his professional journey unfold.”

“My road to becoming a world champion is just beginning, and I’m ready to work hard and show the world what I’m made of,” Navarro said. “I intend to make a statement and win world titles at junior bantamweight. I believe Top Rank is the best promoter to showcase my talents. It’s been an amazing ride from being an amateur since I was nine and winning all those championships, to stopping a tough opponent in my pro debut, and now signing with the legendary Top Rank.”

“Steven has massive star potential. He’s fun to watch in the ring with masterful footwork, unexpected combinations, and excellent boxing IQ,” said Vishare Mooney, Navarro’s manager. “Outside the ring, he is very charismatic and well-liked by fans and sponsors. Guided by Top Rank, the sky’s the limit.”

Navarro (1-0, 1 KO) made his pro debut on April 6th in Las Vegas, stopping Jose Lopez (4-3-3) in the sixth round. Lopez entered the fight on a five-bout unbeaten streak and had never been knocked out as a pro. Last December, Navarro earned a silver medal at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Lafayette, Louisiana, dropping a controversial decision in the gold medal match. His amateur accolades include a USA Youth National Championships gold medal in 2021 and silver medals at the 2021 Junior Pan American Games and 2022 USA National Championships.

Navarro comes from a long and storied boxing lineage. His uncle, Jose Navarro, represented Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and challenged for a world title four times during a decorated 33-bout career. His father and head trainer, Refugio Navarro, had 10 professional fights. Another one of his uncles, Carlos Navarro, went 27-6-1 over a nearly 11-year pro career.
 
Navarro said, “I have a great team, especially my dad, who’s been by my side all along. We’re about to do great things.”




 

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced a blockbuster world title clash as pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford challenges Israil Madrimov for the WBA and WBO interim junior middleweight titles on August 3rd at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) is gunning to become a four-weight champion as he moves up to 154 pounds after conquering the welterweight division with a stunning KO win over Errol Spence to be crowned the undisputed champion at 147 pounds in July. The Omaha, Nebraska star has already ruled the roost at junior welterweight and lightweight and now the pound-for-pound great is arrowing in on cementing greatness by claiming honors at a fourth weight.

WBA 154-pound champion Madrimov (16-1-1 including the World Series of Boxing) is the man that stands in Crawford’s way, and the Uzbek champion makes his first defense of his title against the toughest opposition possible after winning the belt in spectacular fashion in his last outing in Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old took on Magomed Kurbanov for the vacant title in Riyadh in March, and stopped the Russian in five rounds with a dominant performance to continue his impressive unbeaten run in the paid ranks, following a glittering amateur career.

Alalshikh said: “We are delighted for Riyadh Season to host its first overseas event in Los Angeles and this fight in the United States is a special one to mark this moment. We want to give people around the world the opportunity to enjoy their own Riyadh Season experience and this is exactly what we hope to achieve by staging this and also future events around the world.”

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman, said: “This is a fantastic fight between a pound-for-pound great and one of the best World champions in the sport. Terence is a pound-for-pound great and continues to strive to be the very best, but in Israil, he meets a hungry champion that has no intention of relinquishing his title in his first defense – this promises to be one of the fights of the year. The undercard has to be one of if not the best we have ever seen for a US card – get ready for a huge night on August 3 in Los Angeles”.

“I’m proud to partner with Riyadh Season and HE Turki Alalshikh on their first boxing event in the United States. I cannot wait to get back in the ring in my fourth weight class and remind the world why I’m the best pound for pound fighter in the world,” said Crawford. “Israil Madrimov is a tremendous and entertaining fighter, but on August 3rd, he will be my next victim. This is the Terence Crawford era.”

“Terence Crawford is one of my favorite boxers and one of the best boxers in the world,” said Madrimov. “I am very excited to get this opportunity to make a statement, and I will Inshallah.”







“I’m proud to partner with Riyadh Season and HE Turki Alalshikh on their first boxing event in the United States. I cannot wait to get back in the ring in my fourth weight class and remind the world why I’m the best pound for pound fighter in the world,” said Terence Crawford. “Israil Madrimov is a tremendous and entertaining fighter, but on August 3, he will be my next victim. This is the Terence Crawford era.”

“Terence Crawford is one of my favorite boxers and one of the best boxers in the world,” said Israil Madrimov. “I am very excited to get this opportunity to make a statement, and I will Inshallah.”

The event will be promoted by Riyadh Season Card, Sela, League 1 and Matchroom Boxing in association with World Of Boxing, TGB Promotions, Golden Boy, Goldstar, Queensberry, Salita Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions.

The undercard for the August 3rd show is amazing. The main event sees world welterweight champion Terence Crawford moving up to challenge WBA 154-pound champion Israil Madrimov. The following fights for the same show have been announced by Matchroom: Recently crowned WBA junior welterweight champion Isaac Cruz defends his title for the first time against United States southpaw Jose Valenzuela... Two Amercian heavyweights will do battle with former unified champion Andy Ruiz (pictured) returning to the ring for the first time since a unanimous decision win against Luis Ortiz in September 2022, to face Jarrell Miller, who will be going all out to produce a winning outcome after losing his undefeated record in Riyadh in December last year.... Former WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu awaits Vergil Ortiz Jr, subject to the outcome of Ortiz's fight against Thomas Dulorme this weekend... while David Morrell of Cuba will seek to preserve his unbeaten record in a light heavyweight contest against US fighter Radivoje Kalajdzic.... Andy Cruz, the Olympic Lightweight gold medalist, continues his lightweight campaign when he takes on Mexico’s Antonio Moran.

Sean Gibbons from MP Promotions said, “It’s been nearly two years since Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, the face of Mexico boxing, has had a fight in Los Angeles, but thanks to Turki Alalshikh, Isaac’s first world title defense will be a homecoming in front of the biggest Mexican fan base in the U.S.,” said Manny Pacquiao and Sean Gibbons of MP promotions, Cruz’s promoter. “Isaac is going to light it up on August 3, just like he did on March 30, in Las Vegas, when he knocked out Rolly Romero to become World champion. We are very proud that Isaac’s first title defense will be a feature bout on the first boxing event ever presented outside of Saudi Arabia by its general entertainment authority, chaired by Mr. Alalshikh. We would also like to thank our co promoter Tom Brown of TGB promotions for making this historic moment in Los Angeles.”

Tom Brown from TGB promotions said, “TGB Promotions is honored to be working with His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made a major commitment to boxing and we are thrilled to be a part of this world class event in Los Angeles at BMO Stadium on August 3. LA has a historic reputation for being a great fight town with the greatest fans and some of the best, most memorable, all-action fights…Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela has the makings to be one of the greatest of them all.”

George Rose, CEO of No Limit Boxing stated that, “No Limit Boxing is delighted to be working with His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh on this historic Riyadh Season USA event on August 3. Tim Tszyu is a modern day warrior, only taking the best and biggest fights in the Super-Welterweight division. He fears no man, walks towards the fire and will again show the world why he is on the path to greatness.”

Warriors Boxing represented by Leon Margules added that “Warriors Boxing and David Morrell are very excited to be part of the upcoming Riyadh Season USA Event. We would like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for making this spectacular Event happen. David Morrell is Boxing’s next superstar, and has proven to be the most avoided boxer in the sport. On August 3rd, David Morrell will begin his quest to conquer the Light-Heavyweight division”.

Gold Star CEO, Spencer Brown said, “Another amazing Heavyweight clash put on by his Excellency Turki Alalshikh and the GEA. A Clash of 2 of the most exciting Heavyweights in the world. I’m really looking forward to this fight with Andy Ruiz, making his anticipated comeback after nearly 2 years out of the ring. This former World champion is now looking to get back on top of the Heavyweight division again! Against a tough game, Jarrell, big baby Miller, coming off the back of a close defeat against Daniel Dubois! This is a top drawer exciting Heavyweight clash with plenty of jeopardy! This is a must-win fight for both fighters. We anticipate another fantastic Heavyweight clash.”

Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Boxing Promotions and 10x World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, said that “We are thrilled to be participating in what will be a stacked Los Angeles card in support of Riyadh season. His Excellency’s desire to work with all promoters in order to put on the best fights perfectly aligns with what Golden Boy has been delivering for years — and I believe this will be the beginning of a wonderful partnership going forward. If Vergil emerges victorious this Saturday, he is going to be ready to roll and steal the show against Tim Tszyu in a can’t-miss fight-of-the-year contender.”

 

Junior featherweight Ramon Cardenas (24-1, 13 KOs) returns to ProBox TV tonight after his career-best win. This time, he takes on Eduardo 'Koreano' Ramirez (22-3-2, 16 KOs) of Mexico. From San Antonio, Texas, Cardenas looked strong in stopping Israel Picazo in February. A win against the upset-minded Rarmirez may very well be the push he needs to land a world title opportunity in 2024... Local favorite Marques Valle (10-0, 8KOs) looks to continue his career progression as he faces Damian Sosa (24-2, 12KOs) over ten junior middleweight rounds... Nearly two years removed from a failed world title shot, Ronny Rios (33-4, 16 KOs) makes his featherweight debut against Nicolas Polanco (21-5, 12KOs). Polanco is looking to continue his good form, as he knows a win against Rios could ensure a rematch with Robson Conceicao or other top names. And make sure to get to the ProBox Events Center early for the off TV fights, starting at 7pm, featuring Max Ornelas.

 

Nathan Lugo KO1 Richard Lartigue ... Nathan Lugo took out Richard Lartigue inside of a round in their four-round super middleweight bout. Lugo dropped Lartigue with a hard left hook but  would not rest on his laurels as he dumped Lartigue again, this time with a hard right hand. The fight was stopped at 1:33. Lugo, fighting in his hometown of Atlanta is 1-0 with one knockout. Lartigue, of San Diego, is 1-2. "This is just the beginning of the start of a very, very promising career. He has not just the ability, but also the charisma to become a star. There will be some very big announcements in the not so distant future regarding Nathan.” said David McWater of Split-T Management

 

Devin Haney tweeted the following after Saturday's loss to a 143-pound Ryan Garcia: "Allah is the perfect planner he makes no mistakes... [I] fought like a true champion. [I] got up off the canvas & kept fighting. I am 100 percent OK and would love to do it again while we both make weight."

But Garcia's post-fight press conference comments indicated Garcia-Haney II is unlikely for the next fight. Instead, Garcia talked about being unable to fight at junior welterweight:  "I'm moving up. I'm not doing 140. I'm going 147. I can't make f****ng 140. I never even technically fought at 140, I fought every time at 143. My body can't literally go lower than 143. It's impossible. I tried every technique. Can't do it."

On May 25th, MF & DAZN will present a crossover boxing event, X Series 15, at the NRG Arena in Houston. Former NFL star Le’Veon Bell makes his Misfits Boxing return to take on ‘Mr. Adventure’ Tristan Hamm, in the opening quarter-final of the MFB cruiserweight tournament. Bell is 1-1 in real boxing matches, while Hamm has a crossover win earlier this year. The main event will feature former UFC mixed martial artist Paige VanZant fighting Elle Brooke.

Ryan Garcia W12 Devin Haney... In a shocker, Ryan Garcia scored three knockdowns to upset Devin Haney by majority decision in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday. Besides the three knockdowns, the scorecards were complicated by a point deduction taken from Garcia for hitting on the break. Official scores were 112-112, with two judges favoring Garcia 114-110 and 115-109. Boxingtalk also scored it 112-112.  The first knockdown came in round seven. In the immediate aftermath, Haney was desperately trying to hold on to Garcia to remain upright when Garcia foolishly hit Haney on the break. This caused referee Harvey Dock to deduct a point, but more importantly, the foul gave Haney precious time to recover while Dock issued the penalty. 

Despite the two knockdowns, after ten rounds, Haney appeared (at least to Boxingtalk but not on two of the official scorecards) to be on his way to a decision win. But then Garcia scored a third knockdown in round eleven that caused the side of Haney's face to swell and put a decision win out of Haney's reach. Garcia mostly clowned around in the ring during round twelve, allowing Haney to capture a round that tunred out to be moot. Garcia's harder punching and effective bursts of activity carried the day over Haney's boxing skills. Punchstats registered a 106-87 advantage in punches landed for Garcia.

The outcome was one of the most stunning in recent years largely because Garcia was very unstable during the lead-in to the fight. No one disputed Garcia's power or hand speed, but he missed weight by more than three pounds, seeming to indicate a lack of conditioning. Haney was considered one of the top boxers, pound-for-pound, in the world coming in, and Garcia acted so erratically in the last few weeks, both in person and on social media, that some even questioned whether the fight should be called off due to mental health concerns.

Because Garcia failed to make the junior welterweight limit of 140 pounds at Friday's weigh-in, he was ineligible to claim Haney's title, and Haney remains the WBC 140-pound champion. WBC president confirmed that Haney remained the champion, tweeting: "Congratulations to Ryan GarcÌa defying all obstacles and winning a huge fight. Congratulations to Devin Haney for showing his huge heart and class.  Just as in [Diego] Corrales vs [Jose Luis] Castillo II, with the challenger not making weight, Haney remains WBC champion."

Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi government official who controls Saudi boxing and has a seemingly unlimited budget, may be on the verge of strengthening his already-tight grip on the top end of the sport. Alalshikh, addressed as "His Excellency," tweeted on Friday: "Working with PBC (Al Haymon). Exciting news on the way." He added a picture of himself with a key PBC lieutenant, Luis DeCubas Jr. For years, PBC had a near-exclusive deal with Showtime in the United States but with Showtime getting out of the boxing business late last year, PBC has been scrambling. Several of its franchise boxers have already found fights outside the PBC family, such as Deotay Wilder, who is scheduled to fight on a big Saudi show on June 1st. But PBC still has relationships with many talented boxers, including Gervonta "Tank" Davis, Errol Spence, Jr., David Benavidez and Jermell Charlo.

Alalshikh also tweeted a picture of himself and IBF welterweight champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis, along with Ennis' new promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom. Alalshikh captioned the photo, "With the champ, Jaron Ennis and looking forward to what's coming ahead!"