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By Michael Borao, Jr. | May 18, 2024

Boxingtalk's Saturday fight predictions

Boxingtalk's Saturday fight predictions
Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for a historic Saturday:
 
Oleksandr Usyk (21-0) vs. Tyson Fury (34-0-1) (world heavyweight championship ubification) … prediction: Usyk by decision;
 
Joe Cordina (17-0) vs. Anthony Cacace (21-1) (IBF / IBO jr. lightweight titles) … prediction: Cordina by unanimous decision;
 
Jai Opetaia (24-0) vs. Mairis Briedis (28-2) 2 (vacant IBF cruiserweight title) … prediction: Opetaia by late knockout;
 
Emanuel Navarrete (38-1-1) vs. Denys Berinchyk (18-0) (vacant WBO lightweight title) … prediction: Navarrete by decision;
 
Giovani Santillan (32-0) vs. Brian Norman Jr. (25-0) (vacant WBO interim welterweight title) … prediction: Santillan by decision;
 
Agit Kabayel (24-0) vs. Frank Sanchez (24-0) (WBC heavyweight title eliminator) … prediction: Sanchez by unanimous decision;
 
Sergey Kovalev (35-4-1) vs. Robin Safar (16-0) (cruiserweights) … prediction: Safar by mid to late knockout; and
 
Richard Torrez Jr. (9-0) vs. Brandon Moore (14-0) (heavyweights) … prediction: Torrez Jr. by mid to late knockout.
Source: Top Rank | May 18, 2024

Weigh-in report from San Diego

Weigh-in report from San Diego
Here are the weigh-in results for Top Rank's show from Pechanga Arena from San Diego, California:
 
vacant WBO lightweight title - twelve rounds
Emanuel Navarrete 135 pounds vs. Denys Berinchyk 134.8;
 
WBO interim welterweight title - twelve rounds
Giovani Santillan 146.4 lbs vs. Brian Norman Jr. 146.5 lbs
 
ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT)
the following fights will be shown ESPN+, 7:10 p.m. ET/4:10 p.m. PT)
 
Richard Torrez 229.9 vs. Brandon Moore 229.4 (eight rounds);
 
Jonny Mansour 134 vs. Anel Dudo 130.8 (four rounds);
 
Emiliano Fernando Vargas 139.6 lbs vs. Angel Varela 140 (six rounds);
 
Alan Garcia 137.8 vs. Wilfredo Flores 136.9 (eight rounds);
 
Jonathan Lopez 127.1 lbs vs. Edgar Ortega 127.6  (eight rounds);
 
Art Barrera Jr. 146 lbs vs. Levy Garcia Benitez 143.9 (four rounds)
 
*The Charlie Sheehy-Manuel Jaimes bout was canceled due to Sheehy coming in overweight. 
 
Source: WBA | May 18, 2024

Usyk protege opens the show in Riyadh today

Usyk protege opens the show in Riyadh today
Today (Saturday), Ukrainian Daniel Lapin and Mozambique's Octavio Pudivitr will fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in a light heavyweight bout.  It will be one of the preliminary bouts of the Ring Of Fire card, which features Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk and British Tyson Fury for all the heavyweight titles. The tall and lanky Lapin, 6'5" and age 26 years, comes into this bout on behalf of Usyk-17 Promotions. He is a slight favorite based on his punching power and longer reach. Lapin is undefeated in 9 fights, the last three of which he won by knockout.  Pudivitr, who fights out of Portugal, will have to work hard for the win. With a smaller stature (just under six feet) and 36 years old, he'll be in his second fight outside his home Portugal. He was unlucky in his first international outing, losing a unanimous decision to his opponent in Germany almost a year ago. It was his only setback in 10 fights.
 
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Weigh-in report from Riyadh: Fury 262; Usyk 233.5
Source: Top Rank | May 17, 2024

Weigh-in report from Riyadh: Fury 262; Usyk 233.5

Weigh-in report from Riyadh: Fury 262; Usyk 233.5
Here are the complete weigh-in results for Saturday's huge card fat the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The pay-per-view broadcast will stream live on at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.
 
Undisputed world heavyweight championship - 12 rounds
Tyson Fury 262 pounds -vs.- Oleksandr Usyk 233.5; 
 
Vacant IBF cruiserweight title — 12 rounds
Jai Opetaia 198.1 -vs.- Mairis Briedis 199.1;
 
IBF junior lightweight title — 12 rounds
Joe Cordina 130 -vs.- Anthony Cacace 129.8;  
 
WBC heavyweight eliminator — 12 rounds
Frank Sanchez 238.5 -vs.- Agit Kabayel 238.5;  
 
Moses Itauma 239.1 -vs.- Ilja Mezencev 232.1 (ten rounds);
 
Mark Chamberlain 134.2 -vs.- Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab  132.1 (twelve rounds);
 
Sergey Kovalev 194.2  -vs.- Robin Sirwan Safar 194.1 (ten rounds); and
 
Daniel Lapin 174.7  -vs.- Octavio Pudivitr 173.7 (ten rounds).

 
Source: DAZN | May 17, 2024

Zepeda to face Cabrera in lightweight thriller

Zepeda to face Cabrera in lightweight thriller
DAZN's website reports that Mexican lightweight William “El Camarón” Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs) will return to the ring against Chicago's Giovanni Cabrera (22-1, 7 KOs) in a twelve rounder on Saturday, July 6th at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. It will be broadcast around the world on DAZN. Zepeda is coming off a knockout victory of Maxi “Maximus” Hughes last March. “I have but one goal and that is to become a world champion, and every fight gets me closer to that goal,” said Zepeda. “Cabrera's only defeat is at the hands of a current world champion, and when two Mexican boxers enter the ring, fireworks can be expected. I hope we can give the fans a great show at the Toyota Arena. We have worked very hard and we are going to have a victory for my town of San Mateo Atenco and all of Mexico. Nothing will stop me from achieving my dreams of becoming the best in the world!” 
 
A fan-friendly fighter, Zepeda is known as “El Camarón” and had a breakout performance was against former champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz in October 2022, where he broke three CompuBox records at lightweight (total punches thrown, jabs attempted in a round, and total attempted jabs). He was last seen steamrolling through former Hughes, whose corner threw the towel at the conclusion of the fourth round in an IBF and WBA world championship eliminator fight.
 
“I want to make great fights; Zepeda vs. Cabrera is a great Mexican fight,” said Cabrera. “No one’s ever heard of a Camarón beating a Cabrón. July 6th he is going down!” 
 
With a unique and awkward fighting style, Cabrera has the natural good looks that match the equally natural talent. Cabrera was discovered by Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach and has been under the tutelage of the seven-time trainer of the year for most of his career. Under the mentorship of Roach, Cabrera honed his skills, cultivating a strategic approach to the ring. Roach's guidance proved instrumental in shaping Cabrera, who was last seen on the unfavorable side of a split decision victory against current 140-pound champion Issac Cruz last July 2023. 
 
“With every fight, the relentless ‘El Cameron’ has gotten even more aggressive, skilled and destructive — and this time he is facing someone whose sole defeat came at the hands of a current world champion,” said chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya. “Just a few months after delivering an absolute drubbing of contender Maxi Hughes, Zepeda is looking to make yet another statement and position himself for world championship gold before the end of the year. Don’t blink, this fight is going to be an absolute barnburner.”
 
Press Release | May 17, 2024

Austin Brooks to duel Aram Avagyan

Austin Brooks to duel Aram Avagyan
Toro Promotions, Inc., in association with Whitfield Haydon Boxing, returns June 15th to the Emerald Queen Casino (EQC) in Tacoma, Washington. California super featherweight Austin Brooks (12-0, 5 KOs) faces Armenian Olympian Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (11-1-2, 5 KOs) in an ten-round main event. Brooks, age 28, knocked out previously unbeaten Jose Manuel Izaguirre in the seventh round this past February 10th in Long Beach, California. Brooks, a southpaw, has fought only once at EQC, which ended in a six-round technical knockout of Anthony Chavez (11-3-1) on August 26, 2023.
 
Avagyan, now living in Burbank (CA), was a two-time bronze medalist in the European Championships as an amateur, in addition to representing his country at the 2016 Olympics. His most recent fight, after nearly three years of inactivity, was on April 12th in Colorado, in which his opponent, Juan Santiago, was unable to continue after three rounds. 
 
In the heavyweight co-feature, 2020 Ukraine Olympian, Tsotne Rogava (7-0, 7 KOs), a 6’ 5”, 270-pounder takes on battle-tested Jon Bolden (10-13-1, 7 KOs) of Seattle over eight rounds. A champion kickboxer who has so far successfully transitioned to boxing, the Georgia-native and Ukraine-raised Rogava has won his last four fights via first-round stoppages, and he’s only fought a grand total of nine rounds in seven pro bouts to date. Rogava now resides in Marina del Rey, California and is trained by Hall of Famer Joe Goossen.
 
Heavyweight Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (12-1, 10 KOs) will also be in action on the June 15th show. Ibeh, who is a native of Nigeria who now resides in Phoenix, is a cousin of the retired, infamous heavyweight boxer Ike Ibeabuchi. The 6’ 4”, 300-pound Ibeh played football in college (Washburn U.) as well as professionally in the Canadian Football League. Veteran mixed-martial-arts fighter Juan Torres (11-6-1, 4 KOs), the former Texas heavyweight champion, will challenge Ibeh in the eight-round attraction.  
 
Nicaraguan super featherweight prospect Nilo Guerrero (8-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Nicaragua Youth National Champion who lives in Coachella (CA), faces 60-fight veteran Diuhi “Elegante” Olguin (16-37-7) in a six-round match. Guerrero, 23, skillfully uses his abnormal 6’ 1” height (and length) to a tremendous advantage thus far in the super featherweight division.  
 
Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-rounders are Hoquiam (WA) super welterweight Nathan “Superman” Stolen (1-0, 1 KO), another MMA fighter who has fought in the highly respected Bellator, vs. Julio Munoz, Jr. (0-0-1), of Tucson, and Auburn (WA) lightweight Agustin Tovar (1-0) vs. Robert Jimenez (0-2), of Nampa, Idaho.
 
Tickets are on sale online at https://emeraldqueen.com/boxing/
 
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Conor Benn back on suspension over 2022 positive doping test
By Scott Shaffer | May 16, 2024

Conor Benn back on suspension over 2022 positive doping test

Conor Benn back on suspension over 2022 positive doping test
The British Boxing Board of Control (“BBBoC”) reports that British welterweight Conor Benn is back on suspension in the United Kigndom for a 2022 doping violation. Despited these lingering issues, Benn has fought twice in the United States while the lawyers battled out whether he should remain suspended for a positive drug test or excused for allegedly eating too many eggs.  Last week, the BBBofC said, "UK Anti-Doping (“UKAD”) has stated [and] the BBBoC can confirm that Conor Benn is subject to a Provisional Suspension prohibiting him from participating in any capacity (or assisting another Athlete in any capacity) in a Competition, Event or activity that is organised, convened, authorised or recognised by the BBBoC or any other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport. UKAD and the BBBoC were successful in their respective appeals of a decision handed down by a tribunal of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel in July 2023, and Mr. Benn’s Provisional Suspension was reimposed by the appeal tribunal following those successful appeals. As Mr Benn’s case remains before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel and the case will now progress in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules, the BBBoC is not able to make any further public comment at this time.’
 
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE:
 
AUG. 8, 2023: As of July 28th, British welterweight Conor Benn has been free to return a boxing ring despite prior issues with a failed test for banned performance enhancing and/or masking substances. Benn (21-0) was suspended just prior to a scheduled October British super fight vs. Chris Eubank, Jr.  On July 28th, a spokesperson for the United Kingdom Anti-Doping authority issued the following statement that Benn’s suspension was over: “In April 2023, UKAD took the exceptional step of publicly disclosing details of Mr. Conor Benn’s provisional suspension and charge following reports from the media and comments made by Mr. Benn himself. UKAD’s statement also confirmed that the case would follow the Results Management process in accordance with UKAD’s own rules. [However,] Mr. Benn has made further public comments [on July 28th] regarding proceedings before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel. UKAD can confirm Mr. Benn is no longer provisionally suspended under the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”

UKAD’s statement conclude, “The UK Anti-Doping Rules detail limited circumstances in which UKAD is able to make public disclosures about ongoing cases.  They also set out a clear process within which cases can be heard and decisions can be handed down by the independent National Anti-Doping Panel. Where case decisions are handed down by a panel, the Rules provide all relevant parties with a right of appeal.  Under the Rules, UKAD has 21 days from the date of receipt of a decision to file any appeal. UKAD carefully reviews all decisions in its cases before deciding whether to exercise its right of appeal. UKAD is not able to make any further public disclosures in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules at this time.”
 
FEB. 23, 2023: The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) is not buying Conor Benn's excuse that eating a large number of eggs caused him to fail a doping test. Quite contrary to the WBC's enabling of future cheating, the BBBoC issued a statement saying it will maintain a strict liability policy towards doping violations. Here is the BBBoC statement:  "The BBBoC is aware that the WBC has considered two positive findings in relation to Conor Benn who, at the time the relevant samples were taken in 2022, was a license holder with the BBBoC. The BBBoC has not been party to the review conducted by the WBC and has not been provided with any evidence submitted on Benn’s behalf. The BBBoC is aware that the WBC has concluded its own review into at least one of the two positive findings and reached its own decision, published on February 22nd. For clarity, whilst the BBBoC wishes to make clear that it respects the WBC, the WBC is a sanctioning body and not a governing body. The BBBoC was the governing body with whom Benn was licensed at the material time, and as such any alleged anti-doping violation shall be dealt with in accordance with its rules and regulations. The BBBoC has adopted the UK Anti-Doping Rules published by UK Anti-Doping, and those formed part of the rules to which Benn was bound. As such, the decision of the WBC does not affect the ongoing implementation of the BBBoC’s rules (and those of UKAD).The UK Anti-Doping Rules make clear what conduct constitutes an Anti-Doping Rule Violation as defined in those rules (and in the World Anti-Doping Code) and specifically set out the circumstances in which such violations can be committed by way of strict liability."
 
FEB. 22, 2023: The WBC has issued a statement regarding Conor Benn's 2022 failed doping test. It has decided to restore Benn to the WBC rankings, finding the violation to be inadvertent. Late last year, Benn relinquished his British boxing license rather than dispute the positive test through the British Boxing Board of Control. Instead, he found a much friendlier forum at the WBC, who ruled today that Benn's positive test for banned substances was caused by the large number of eggs he had been eating prior to his scheduled fight vs. Chris Eubank, Jr. (That fight was ultimately cancelled.) Here is the full WBC statement, lightly edited for readability: Conor Benn completed his enrollment process in the WBC Clean Boxing Program (CBP) in February of 2022.  Enrollment is mandatory for all fighters rated in the top 15 by the WBC. Benn was enrolled in the CBP’s out-of-competition anti-doping testing in July 2022, when the collection of his samples took place. On August 23, 2022, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) notified Benn and the WBC that his urine A Sample, collected on July 25, 2022 yielded an adverse analytical finding for Clomiphene and its hydroxymetabolites MI and M2. These are banned substances at all times under the WBC CBP.  Clomiphene is a metabolic modulator which promotes testosterone production and boost testosterone levels while burning fat. 
 
On August 30, 2022, the WBC notified Benn of the adverse finding and requested information and materials necessary to investigate the circumstances.  The WBC did not receive a substantive response until December 2022. Benn denied at all times the intentional or knowing ingestion of any banned substances. His defense centered on allegations of potential laboratory analysis failures and irregularities in connection with the analysis of his samples and of the results of the samples’ testing. The WBC consulted several experts in anti-doping laboratory analysis, including an expert consultant with over 30 years of experience in WADA and IOC accredited laboratory settings. The WBC concluded that there was absolutely no fault attributable to the laboratory that analyzed the samples. Further, the WBC reaffirms the unquestionable integrity of VADA and the sample collection agencies and laboratories which services VADA uses in connection with the CBP.
 
It was not until early January 2023, that the WBC Results Management Unit undertook a full, substantive analysis of Benn`s arguments and defenses. On January 26th, that unit held an inquiry session with Benn and his legal team. In early February, Benn’s team for the first time provided a detailed breakdown of Benn’s diet and supplement consumption that could have directly affected the adverse finding. The WBC then availed itself of the services of an expert nutritionist.
 
The WBC Board of Governors issued a ruling based on: (1) the facts known at the time of the ruling; (2) any extenuating circumstances; (3) WBC rulings in precedential anti-doping violation cases; (4) the unbiased, common-sensical and just analysis and recommendations of the WBC Results Management Unit; and (5) credible and reliable health-related and scientific literature.
 
The WBC found that: (1) there was no conclusive evidence that Benn engaged in intentional or knowing ingestion of Clomiphene; (2) there were no failures in the procedures related to sample collection, sample analysis, or violations of Benn’s B Sample rights that would justify questioning or invalidating the adverse finding; and (3) Benn’s documented and highly-elevated consumption of eggs during the times relevant to the sample collection, raised a reasonable explanation for the adverse finding.
 
The WBC Nutrition Committee will work with Benn’s team to design a nutrition program geared to avoid the risk of a future adverse finding caused by nutritional factors. Benn shall be subjected to regular anti-doping testing to monitor the effect of the WBC-ordered nutritional program. The WBC will include Benn in its ratings during the period immediately following the issuance of its ruling. Benn’s position in the WBC Ratings shall be based solely on his merit and the customary factors the WBC Ratings Committee apply to rating boxers.
 
The WBC will establish a line of communication with WADA regarding the WBC’s concern about Clomiphene as a food contaminant and the potential of false positives caused by ingestion of contaminated food.
 
​OCT 26, 2022: Disgraced drug cheat Conor Benn relinquished his British boxing license by failing to dispute his positive test for a banned substance. The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed this news in the following statement issued today: "By a notice dated 17th October 2022, Benn was called by the Board of the BBBofC to attend a hearing to deal with allegations of misconduct pursuant to Rule 25.1.1. The hearing took place on 21st October 2022. On the morning of the hearing, Benn voluntarily relinquished his license with the BBBofC. In accordance with its Rules and Regulations, the Board determined the allegations following the hearing at which Benn was legally represented. The allegations of misconduct against Mr. Benn were upheld.
 
Days before Benn's scheduled British super fight against Chris Eubank, Jr., event promoters Wasserman and Boxing and Matchroom issued a joint statement saying: "We have been made aware that a random anti-doping test for Conor Benn conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association returned an adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug." That fight was cancelled shortly afterwards.
 
OCT. 6, 2022: This weekend's British super fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will NOT take place due to Benn's positive test for a banned substance. Here is the cancellation statement from Wasserman Boxing, who promotes Eubank: "After discussions with various parties, we have taken the decision to formally postpone the battle between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn. It is undeniable that the British Boxing Board of Control's decision to withdraw their sanctioning was procedurally flawed and without due process. That remains a legal issue between the promoters and the Board, which we intend to pursue. However, whilst there are legal routes to facilitate the fight taking place as planned, we do not believe that it is any fighter's interest for those to be pursued at such a late stage, or in the wider interests of the sport. As promoters, we take our obligations and duties very seriously, and a full investigation will now need to take place. We will be making no further comment at this time in News for ticket holder refund will follow."

                                                                        ***

The British Board of Boxing Control will not allow this weekend's British super fight between Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn to take place due to a positive test for a banned substance by Conor Benn. Here is the commission's brief statement: "On the evening of October 4th, the Board of the British Boxing Board of Control Limited resolved that the contest between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn scheduled to take place on October 8th is prohibited as it is not in the interests of boxing. That was communicated to the boxers and promoters involved on the morning of October 5th."

While it remains possible, thanks to European Union law, that the fight could proceed under the sanction of an alternate commission, such as Luxembourg's, lead promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom said in a tweet on Thursday that he would not take that route: "Let’s see what today brings but to make one thing clear, I will not be promoting this fight with a foreign commission or alternative governing body on Saturday night."
 
                                                                          ***
 
On Wednesday, as the news of the positive test broke, promoters Wasserman and Boxing and Matchroom issued a joint statement on Eubank vs. Benn fight. Here is the release: "We have been made aware that a random anti-doping test for Conor Benn conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association returned an adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug. The B sample has yet to be tested, meaning that no rule violation has been confirmed. Indeed Mr. Benn has not been charged with any rule violation, he is not suspended, and he remains free to fight. Mr. Benn has since passed a doping control test conducted by the UK anti-doping agency, the anti-doping authority to which the British Board of Boxing Control has delegated it’s open control testing for the belt. Mr. Benn has passed all doping control tests conducted by UKAD (the British testing authority) Both fighters have taken medical and legal advice and are aware of all relevant information and they wish to proceed with their bout this Saturday."

 
Press Release | May 16, 2024

Fury-Usyk undercard and PPV details

Fury-Usyk undercard and PPV details

ESPN and Top Rank, together with DAZN, will bring the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world between WBC champion Tyson Fury and WBO / IBF / WBA ruler Oleksandr Usyk to ESPN+ pay-per-view. The event is available for purchase on ESPN+ PPV in the United States, in addition to DAZN PPV, and takes place Saturday, May 18th, live at 12 p.m. ET/ 9 a.m. PT from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ESPN+ subscribers can purchase the $69.99 PPV here, separate streaming subscription required. New subscribers can sign up for ESPN+ here. ESPN+ is available on ESPN.com and the ESPN App for mobile and connected TV devices. Fury vs. Usyk is the most significant heavyweight battle of the millennium, as the winner will become the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis claimed the throne in 1999.

Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) returns following last October’s closer-than-expected decision over former UFC king Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. He became world champion by upsetting Wladimir Klitschko via unanimous decision in November 2015 but then took a lot of time off . Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), an Olympic gold medalist from Ukraine, hopes to become the second man, following Evander Holyfield, to achieve undisputed status at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.

The pay-per-view action also includes the following match-ups:
 
•    Lineal cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) battling former two-time champion Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch for the vacant IBF world title.
 
•    Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs) defending his IBF junior lightweight world title against Belfast native Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KO).
 
•    Unbeaten heavyweights Frank Sanchez (24-0, 17 KOs) and Agit Kabayel (24-0, 16 KOs) locking horns in a twelve-round WBC title eliminator.
 
•    British heavyweight hopeful Moses Itauma (8-0, 6 KOs) stepping up versus Ilja Mezencev (25-3, 21 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
 
•    British lightweight Mark Chamberlain (15-0, 11 KOs) fighting the big-punching Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab (23-1,16 KOs).
 
•    Former light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (35-4-1, 29 KOs) aiming for his second win as a cruiserweight in a ten-rounder against Robin Sirwan Safar (16-0, 12 KOs).
 
•    Polish-born light heavyweight Daniel Lapin (9-0, 3 KOs) seeking to go 10-0 against Octavio Pudivitr (9-1, 4 KOs) in a ten-rounder.

 
Source: WBC | May 16, 2024

Nakatani to defend against Astrolabio

Nakatani to defend against Astrolabio
Undefeated WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani, will make the first defense of his title on July 20th at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, against the mandatory challenger, Filipino Vincent Astrolabio. A three-division champion, Nakatani (27-0, 20 KOs), comes into this fight after winning the WBC bantamweight title by defeating Alexander Santiago last February. Astrolabio (19-4, 14 KOs), promoted by Manny Pacquiao, comes into this fight after defeating the tough Thai Navapon Khaikanha via technical knockout in the eleventh round of an eliminatory bout in August. Astrolabio filed in a WBO title bid last year vs. Jason Moloney.
 
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
 
Feb. 24, 2024...  Japan's Junto Nakatani is now a three-division champion and makes a very strong case for top ten pound-for-pound status. In Kokugikan, Japan, Nakatani stopped Alexandro Santiago and took the Mexican's WBC bantamweight championship. Nakatani got the stoppage when he floored Santiago twice in round six. Santiago beat the count both times, but was glassy eyed and cut. Now 27-0, Nakatani held the WBO 115-pound title last year and the WBO 112-pound title from 2020-2022. Santiago is now 28-4-5. In his prior fight, he defeated future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire for the vacant WBC title.
 
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Fulton trying to lock down a fight date
By Scott Shaffer | May 16, 2024

Fulton trying to lock down a fight date

Fulton trying to lock down a fight date
Former two-belt junior featherweight champion Stephen "Coolboy Steph" Fulton (pictured) tweeted: "Two opponents fell out, so I’m fighting in July now. I was supposed to go on June 15th. SMH."
 
Contender Raeese Aleem responded: "Hey, Coolboy Steph, two opponents fell out?? You really trying to fight anybody but me. Send the contract and let’s make it happen!"
Press Release | May 16, 2024

CBN Promotions returns on June 22nd

CBN Promotions returns on June 22nd
CBN Promotions returns with another night of boxing as Tayden “The Butcher” Beltran (8-0, 4 KOs), is set to square off against Cesar Villarraga (10-9-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight clash. All the action will take place at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, on Saturday, June 22nd. The entire event will be broadcast live on Fubo Sports, Fox Deportes, Stadium, Gray TV, and tape delayed on Estrella TV.  "We're thrilled to offer another electrifying night of boxing, showcasing some of the best undefeated prospects in Southern California,” said Alex Camponovo, President of CBN Promotions. “In addition and prior to the ring action, everyone will have the opportunity to watch a great soccer game between Mexico vs. Jamaica for the Copa America 2024 for what will be a truly exciting family event,” continued Camponovo. “Inside the ring fans will see a lineup of highly skilled fighters and evenly matched bouts, this show guarantees an unforgettable experience for boxing fans in Long Beach and beyond.”
 
"We anticipate another great show for all our fans watching live on television and those in attendance.” Rolando Nichols, President of Thunder Studios said. “We extend a warm invitation to the Long Beach community and neighboring areas to join us. It's a lively, atmosphere for the entire family where everyone can enjoy thrilling boxing matches."
 
UNDERCARD BOUTS
 
In a battle undefeated super bantamweights, Hector Lopez (4-0, 3 KOs) of Compton, CA, will face Nestro Varala (4-0, 2 KOs), from Lindsey, CA  over four rounds...
 
In the six-round co-feature, junior welterweight Juan Sanchez (7-0, 6 KOs) puts his unblemished record on the line against an opponent to be announced. Sanchez is known for his one-punch knockout power...
 
Junior welterweight Leonardo Rubalcava (6-0, 2 KOs) from Jurupa Valley, CA, will face an opponent to be announced over four rounds...
 
Super bantamweight Jose Bravo (3-0, 3 KOs), from Los Angeles, CA, will battle an opponent to be announced over four rounds...
 
Featherweight Jared Hermosillo (ProDebut), from Los Angeles, CA, vs. an opponent to be announced over four rounds...
 
Opening up the show will be super middleweight Aristides Garcia (Pro Debut), from Los Angeles, CA, vs. Ratavious Thrasher (0-2), from Mobile, AL
 
 
By Scott Shaffer | May 15, 2024

Two bouts added to Tyson vs. Paul undercard

Two bouts added to Tyson vs. Paul undercard
Most Valuable Promotions has announced two additions to the big Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul show scheduled for July 20th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. One of the new bouts will be between two undefeated prospects, Ashton "H2O Sylve" and Floyd Schofield. The two lightweights are 11-0 and 17-0 respectively. The second bout will see former WBC middleweight title holder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. against Darren Till. Chavez reigned as the WBC title holder in 2011-2012 but since then has suffered through personal and mental health issues that derailed his career. He has not fought since 2021. Till is a British mixed martial artist who will be making his boxing debut. Till's MMA record is 23-5-1. Previously announced as part of this show is a rematch between female boxing legends Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Taylor, naturally bigger than Serrano, won their thriling first encounter by split decision in 2022. 
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Turki Alalshikh: Usyk-Fury is now sold out
By Scott Shaffer | May 15, 2024

Turki Alalshikh: Usyk-Fury is now sold out

Turki Alalshikh: Usyk-Fury is now sold out

Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi government official who controls Saudi boxing and has a seemingly unlimited budget, tweeted today that aturday's big show in Riyadh is now sold out. Alalshikh, addressed as "His Excellency" wrote: "All tickets for the legendary Ring of Fire showdown have been sold out. Get ready for an epic showdown at Kingdom Arena." The main event. of course, is the four-belt, world heavyweight championship unification fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

 
 
Press Release | May 15, 2024

Welcome to Fury vs. Usyk fight week

Welcome to Fury vs. Usyk fight week
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and WBO / IBF / WBA counterpart Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) will battle for the undisputed world heavyweight crown this Saturday at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The winner becomes the division's first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis accomplished that feat in 1999. On Tuesday at Boulevard Riyadh City, the main event combatants and undercard fighters made their grand arrivals. The pageantry was befitting one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in modern memory, a long-simmering rivalry that will play out in four days. Fury is coming off last October's [very close] decision over Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. Usyk survived a tough challenge before knocking out Daniel Dubois in the ninth round last August in Poland. After a Fury cut suffered in sparring scuttled their original Feb. 17th fight date, the world's top heavyweights are finally in the same location. The Fury-Usyk card is available on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV in the United States beginning at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. 
 
The pay-per-view undercard features a pair of world title fights. In the co-feature, uncrowned cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) is in against Mairis Breidis (28-2, 20 KOs), the man he dethroned for the IBF world title in July 2022. The vacant IBF world title will be at stake in this rematch. The fighting pride of Wales, IBF junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs), defends his strap against Belfast native Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KOs).
 
At Tuesday's grand arrivals, this is what Fury, Usyk, and Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum had to say:
 
Tyson Fury
 
“It feels absolutely fantastic to be in the great Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m feeling fantastic. I can’t wait to put a good show on. There’s so many people coming. It’s such an event. All the big stars are here. It’s going to be epic. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”
 
“If I was fighting an old dosser on Saturday night who had five fights and lost them all, it would be very important to me. Every fight I’ve ever had is important to me. Every little fight along the way was important to me. I believe that every left and right turn I’ve ever taken in my life, every time I’ve fallen over, and every time I’ve climbed up was all leading to this moment. It’s destiny.”
 
"I predict that somebody's '0' has got to go. And it's going to be that team over there, unfortunately for them. Oleksandr Usyk is a great fighter. Olympic gold medalist, cruiserweight world champion, heavyweight world champion. But, unfortunately for him, he has to come against the great Tyson Fury in the era of me. I'm really looking forward to Saturday night.”
 
“Even if he had 20 million people screaming his name, they cannot fight for him on the night. And when there's two men in there on the night, it's going to be very daunting when he has the undertaker in the ring with him."
 
Oleksandr Usyk
 
"I feel good. I'm very happy to be here. Saturday is a special day because I will have the opportunity to become undisputed for a second time. It's great. It's very good for me. It's very important for my country. I like that."
 
"I have a plan. It's a better plan. And it's a great plan."
 
"I really appreciate the support from my fans and Ukrainian soldiers. I love my fans."
 
Bob Arum
 
"Unfortunately, we don’t see enough of these events in boxing. The undisputed heavyweight championship of the world occurs so infrequently that it’s almost like a blue moon coming. And now, on Saturday night, we will have the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world here in Riyadh. And that means that after this fight, there is one 'Baddest Man on the Planet,' the undisputed heavyweight champion. That means everything in the sport of boxing. That means everything for fans who love boxing."
 
Source: WBA | May 15, 2024

Lauren Price wins world welterweight championship

Lauren Price wins world welterweight championship
Lauren Price W9 Jessica McCaskill... Fighting in her home country, Lauren Price was crowned the new world welterweight champion after outpointing Jessica McCaskill by a ninth-round stoppage on Saturday at the Cardiff International arena in Wales. Price won the WBA and IBO belts, but also the true lineal championship as she defeated McCaskill who defeated the previous world champion, Cecilia Braekhus. McCaskill had owned the crown since August 2020 and this was her fifth defense.  McCaskill, from Chicago, used an aggressive style, but advtanges in time, distance and accuracy favored Price. 
 
There was a hard head butt during the fourth round that resulted in a pronounced swelling over McCaskiil's left eyelid. That accidental injury grew over the rounds until after the medical review in the ninth round when referee Michael Alexander announced the end of the action. The scorecards were consulted and a unanimous technical decision was awarded to Price, with all three tallies reading 90-82 in her favor. 
 
Price won gold medals in 2019 at the World and European Games, and then gold in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics. By June 2022, she made the leap to the pro game and is now 7-0 with 1 KO. McCaskill fall to 12-4-1 with 5 KOs. The other welterweight title holders are Natasha Jonas (IBF), Ivana Habazin (WBC) and Sandy Ryan (WBO).
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WBA orders mandatory defense for Alaniz
Source: WBA | May 15, 2024

WBA orders mandatory defense for Alaniz

WBA orders mandatory defense for Alaniz
The WBA Women’s Championships Committee ordered a mandatory flyweight title bout between champion Gabriela Alaniz (pictured) of Argentina and the official challenger of the category, Jacky Calvo of M exico (21-8-2).  In Alaniz’s case, she won the belt on April 27, 2024 and for that reason, the WBA wants her next mandatory fight should take place no later than August 27th of this year. A thirty-day period to negotiate the fight is already in process since last May 4th when it was communicated to the parties and it will end next June 4th.  In case no agreement is reached by June 4th, or if any of the parties refuses to negotiate, the WBA may call for a purse bid with a split of 75% for the champion and 25% for the challenger.
 
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
 
MAY 1, 2024 ... In a very close fight that took place last weekend at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California, Argentina's Gabriela “La Chucky” Alaniz became the new WBO, WBC and WBA flyweight champion, defeating Marlen Esparza of the United States by split decision. This was a rematch, with the first fight being won by Esparza last July via majority decision. Like their first battle, there were ten rounds full of action. On this occasion, Alaniz landed the best punches and emerged win a split decision win, overcoming a 98-92 card in Esparza's favor with tallies of 97-93 and 96-94. Alaniz is now a two-time champion with a 15-1 record, but this time holds three of the four major titles. Esparza left the ring with a record of 14-2, with 1 knockout.
 
Press Release | May 15, 2024

Carto wins early in Philly

Carto wins early in Philly
Christian Carto TKO3 Jesus Martinez ... This weekend at Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia, popular bantamweight Christian Carto won his fifth consecutive bout with a third-round stoppage of Jesus Martinez in their scheduled eight rounder. Carto of Philadelphia, once again brought a large fan base to cheer him on and they were not disappointed. He registered two knockdowns and the bout was stopped at 1:06. Carto's record improves to 22-1 with 15 knockouts. Martinez of Miami is 35-21-1.
 
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
 
Light heavyweight Atif Oberlton remained perfect by stopping Juan Barajas in the opening round of their eight-round bout. Oberlton dropped Barajas twice before the fight was called off at 2:59. Oberlton of Philadelphia is now 10-0 with eight knockouts. Barajas of Mexico is 8-2.
 
Bree Howling kept her undefeated mark intact with an eight-round unanimous decision over former 105-pound title holder Nancy Franco in a bantamweight contest. From Calgary, Howling won a shutout by scores of 80-72 and is now 7-0. Franco of Guadalajara, Mexico is now 19-20-2.
 
Stephanie Han remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Michaela Nogue in a junior lightweight contest. Han of El Paso, Texas won by scores of 60-54 on all scores and is now 8-0. Nogue of Egg Harbor, NJ is 2-5-1.
 
Muhammad Robinson stopped David Thomas in round five of their six-round welterweight bout. The time of the stoppage was 40 seconds of round five for the Baltimore native who is now 7-1 with three knockouts. Thomas of Orange, Texas is 6-7-1.
 
David Whitmire stopped Breydon Glaude in 92 seconds of their four-round welterweight fight. Whitmire, 19 years-old of Washington, DC is now 5-0 with four-knockouts. Glaude is 0-2.
 
Ibraheim Robinson took a hard-fought six-round unanimous decision of Demarcus Layton in a junior middleweight affair. Robinson of Baltimore, won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and is now 7-1-1. Laytom of Little Rock, Arkansas is 9-7-1.
 
By Scott Shaffer | May 14, 2024

WBO orders Buatsi vs. Yarde for interim title at 175 pounds

WBO orders Buatsi vs. Yarde for interim title at 175 pounds

SUMMARY OF WBO RULING: On May 3rd, Top Rank confirmed via official press release that WBO / IBF / WBC light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev suffered a ruptured meniscus in training and had to postpone the scheduled undisputed world light heavyweight championship contest against WBA champion Dmitry Bivol on June 1st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  According to the press release, the Beterbiev-Bivol bout will be rescheduled before the end of 2024. On May 8th, the WBO issued an interim medical certification notice to Beterbiev's promoter, Top Rank, requesting a detailed medical explanation of Beterbeiv's injury, recovery prognosis and his physician’s opinion as to when will he be physically and medically cleared to compete and return to active competition.

In compliance with the WBO's order, on May 8th, Top Rank provided the medical certification contents on a confidential basis. However, according to that document, Beterbiev’s scheduled recovery time for active competition shall be in September or October 2024.

Therefore, because of Beterbiev’s unavailability due to injury and required recovery time, the WBO determined that is in the best interests of boxing and the contenders that a WBO interim championship is justified for the light heavyweight division subject to specific provisions that will terminate the interim championship in accordance with the WBO's policy of only one champion in each weight class.

Therefore, the WBO ordered WBO #1 rated Joshua Buatsi and WBO #3 rated Anthony Yarde, who are the highest two available contenders in the division, to commence negotiations for the WBO interim light heavyweight championship. (Oleksandr Gvozdyk is rated #2 by the WBO but is committed to fighting David Benavidez for the WBC interim light heavyweight championship on June 15th and is therefore unavailable). The WBO added the following conditions: (i) the camps are granted 10 days to negotiate and reach an agreement as ordered; (ii) failure to reach an accord within the period outlined herein will result in the WBO ordering purse bid proceedings... Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid proceedings at any time during the negotiation process; and (iii) the WBO reserves its right to issue all further rulings deemed necessary.
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Inoue to visit NYC to receive boxer of the year award
Press Release | May 14, 2024

Inoue to visit NYC to receive boxer of the year award

Inoue to visit NYC to receive boxer of the year award
World junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue, recognized by many as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, has confirmed that he will be attending the 99th Boxing Writers Association of America awards dinner at the 583 Park Avenue venue in Manhattan, New York, on Thursday, June 6th, beginning at 6 p.m. Inoue will receive the Sugar Ray Robinson Award as the 2023 BWAA Fighter of the Year, making history as the first Japanese fighter to win one of boxing’s most prized honors, which dates back to Jack Dempsey. Amanda Serrano is the 2023 Female Fighter of the Year, earning that award for the second time in three years. Fights of the Year, Manager, Trainer, Broadcaster, Journalism, and Courage awards will also be presented.
 
The glittering evening in a landmark venue on Park Avenue will include cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, open bar, dinner, silent auction and a gift bag for every attendee. A very limited number of VIP tickets are available with premium seating and additional special gift. Tables are quickly filling up and the BWAA awards dinner journal deadline is approaching. Go to the website at bwaa.org for further information.
Source: Wasserman Boxing | May 14, 2024

Baraou to defend European title in Manchester

Baraou to defend European title in Manchester

Germany's Abass Baraou (15-1) returns to the ring to defend his European junior middleweight championship against Macaulay McGowan at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, England on June 14th, live on Channel 5 in the UK. It will be Baraou's first title defense, just two months on from his win over Sam Eggington. McGowan (20-4-2) will have the home field advantage as he was born in Manchester. He's won three in a row but against a very low level of competition.

On the undercard,  Ryan Kelly (19-4) and Gerome Warburton(14-1-1)  face off at middleweight... Dan Toward, looks to continue his unbeaten start to his professional career and... the exciting Ben Marksby is back for his first fight of 2024.



 
Press Release | May 14, 2024

Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal moved to July 6th

Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal moved to July 6th
Fanmio announced a new date for the pro boxing showdown between mixed martial arts stars Nate Diaz and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal. The fight wil now take place on Saturday, July 6th at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. {The previous date was June 1st in Los Angeles]. “He won the first fight [in MMA], but I’m back for more. So that’s what’s popping,” said Diaz. “This is a new fight and I’m here to win. That’s what it’s all about. I’ll fight anyone in any combat sport. We got a fight and we have to figure this all out on July 6th.”
 
"Our new date July 6th gives me more time to train and do what I was going to do before, beat Nate's ass," said Masvidal. "Fighting on July Fourth Weekend is great for the fans. Lots of fireworks in and out of the ring. My shots will be just like them, blasting off in Nate's face. I am going to destroy him that night, just you wait and see."
 
“The new Saturday, July 6th date puts the event on a historical and patriotic weekend at Honda Center in Anaheim, California for all fight fans to enjoy during this great holiday,” said Fanmio CEO Solomon Engel. “Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal I will be a very competitive and exciting sequel as both fighters are training hard in their camps to write a definitive next chapter in their rivalry. Fight fans will not be disappointed.”
 
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
 
APRIL 19, 2024: Mixed martial arts stars Nate Diaz and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal continued their publicity tour on Wednesday in Masvidal’s hometown of Miami before they meet in the ring on Saturday, June 1st headlining a pay-per-view show presented by Fanmio from The Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Two huge personalities, Diaz and Masvidal will square off in a ten-round professional boxing light heavyweight showdown marking the first time two true MMA stars will go toe-to-toe in a boxing ring. Masvidal is 1-0 as a boxer, having won a very low-level fight in 2005. He defeated Diaz in MMA in 2019. Diaz is 0-1 as a boxer, having lost to Jake Paul on August 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. Paul defeated Diaz via unanimous decision over ten rounds via scores of 98–91 (twice) and 97–92.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Pier 5 at Bayside Marketplace:
 
NATE DIAZ
 
“If the last fight would of continued and gone to the end, this would be my city.
 
“He won the first fight, but I’m back for more. So that’s what’s popping. This is a new fight and I’m here to win.
 
“I expect him to do what he’s gotta do in there. He’s got a good coach and he’s doing what he’s supposed to do training, but I’ve been doing this a long time. We’ll see how it goes for him.
 
“I’m preparing for a way tougher fight from Jorge than I had against Jake Paul. 100%. Jorge is as experienced as it comes, so I’m ready for what he’s bringing. But having those rounds helped for sure.
 
“All I know is that we’ve been trying to make this rematch happen for a long time. He was the biggest opportunity in the game.”
 
JORGE MASVIDAL
 
“I respect what Nate’s done in his career, but that goes away when we step in that ring. I only have one thing on my mind. I’m gonna put an end to this rivalry.  
 
“I owe it to this city more than anything to go out with a W, and several of them. I’m in a really good place now and have to come back and get those W’s for this place right here. Do or die.
 
“I want to take the judges and referees and doctors out of it and leave it up to my hands and get him out of there Kimbo Slice style. Dade County style. These people here want that violence.
 
“It’s a badge of honor to face someone who’s willing to put it all on the line. That being said, I’m gonna end this guy on June 1.
 
“This BMF belt shows that if you get after it, you can get it done. It doesn’t matter who you are, you just gotta put aside the nonsense.”
 
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Kambosos reflects on loss to Lomachenko
Compiled By Scott Shaffer | May 13, 2024

Kambosos reflects on loss to Lomachenko

Kambosos reflects on loss to Lomachenko
Former world lightweight champion George "Ferocious" Kambosos Jr. reflected on Saturday's eleventh-round technical knockout loss to Vasiliy Lomchenko. Kambosos wrote: "Gave it my all, never cherry picked always stepped to the best & hardest challengers. And Loma will go down as one of the best in history. I’m safe I’m healthy & I tried my hardest to win for every second. Thank you to all the fans that support me through it all, dared again."
 
Kambosos' effort was criticized by Ryan Garcia, who is coming off a big win over Devin Haney that is under serious questioning due to Garcia's positive test for abanned substance. Garcia tweeted, "George kambozo sucks I’m sorry."
 
To which Kambosos, the conqueror of Teofimo Lopzez, responded, "[I] won more belts than you’ll ever win, princess, the clean way. [You] cheating dog, I rather go out on my shield against the best and lose like a man than cheat with weight advantages and enhancements like you did. Let’s have a street fight then fuck the ring!! Use all the [drugs] you want."
 
 
 
 
Source: Star Boxing | May 13, 2024

Junior Younan ready for bigger fights at super middleweight

Junior Younan ready for bigger fights at super middleweight

Junior Younan 12 KO1 Ricardo A. Luna... Junior Younan (20-0-1 with 12 KOs) scored a highlight-reel knockout over Ricardo Adrian Luna (26-12-2 with 7 KOs) over thr weekend. The knockout came at 2:53 in the first round of a super middleweight bout on a show in Huntington, New York. Younan, a Brooklyn, New York native, now seeks to fight the top names in his weight class after recently signing with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing.

ADDITIONAL RESULTS

Irish wetlerweight Ryan O'Rourke (11-0, 3 KOs) returned to the ring after a year-long, injury filled layoff and had to work very hard to take the unanimous decision against determined Michal Bulik (6-7, 2 KOs) of Poland. The official scores were 59-55, 59-56 and 58-56.

Yeuri Andujar and previously undefeated Ronny Reyes engaged in an exciting junior lightweight battle. The boxers went toe-to-toe for the entire six rounds, each taking a turn having his way. In the end, the Dominican Andujar (7-6-1 with 4 KOs) scored the upset majority decision over Reyes(4-1, 1 KO) by scores of 57-57, 58-56 and a seemingly unfair score of 60-54 by judge John Basile, for Andujar.

The opening fight of the night was an engaging super middleweight battle between pro debuting John McDonagh and Tevin Terrance. The fight was an all-out slugfest. The fittingly appropriate end result was a split draw, 39-37 for each fighter and 38-38 on the final scorecard. Terrance is now 1-1-2 and McDonagh 0-0-1. Both men were winners



 
Source: Top Rank | May 12, 2024

Lomachenko back in the high life again with TKO of Kambosos

Lomachenko back in the high life again with TKO of Kambosos
Vasiliy Lomachenko TKO11 George Kambosos Jr. ...vAfter losing his unified crown nearly four years ago, Vasiliy Lomachenko is once again a world champion.vLomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) captured the vacant IBF lightweight world title by defeating hometown hero "Ferocious" George Kambosos Jr. (21-3, 10 KOs) via 11th-round TKO on Sunday afternoon at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia. Though the 36-year-old two-time Olympic gold medalist hadn't fought since last May's undisputed title bid (a close loss to Devin Haney), it took just three rounds for him to figure out Kambosos. After absorbing an early body attack, the Ukrainian legend began peppering Kambosos with his signature short punches in round four, seemingly looking to end things early.
 
The onslaught continued into the fifth as Kambosos’ face began to reflect Lomachenko’s nearly 50 percent connect advantage. In round eight, Kambosos suffered a cut above his right eye as Lomachenko continued to tag him. In round 11, Lomachenko landed a left that dropped Kambosos, who rose off the deck only to be dropped again with another left, but this time to the body.
 
Lomachenko said, "It looked like a knockout today, not ‘No-Mas-Chenko.’ But, you know, we trained hard for this moment. I want to thank my opponent. He is a strong man and a true warrior.
 
"My plan was to adjust to my opponent. This is what I did during the fight. I knew I needed to finish strong. And in the last three rounds, I was trying to find his body.
 
I never ran around during my boxing career. I always take fights. Right now, I want to come back to my home, spend time with my family, and after I rest a little bit, we can talk about my future.”
 
Kambosos said, "He’s a true champion. He’s a legend of the sport. I give him the utmost respect. We knew what we are coming up against, and I tried my best. But it wasn’t enough today.
 
He’s one of the best fighters in history. So, I’m not ashamed. I wanted to finish the fight on my feet. I wanted to finish the rounds like I always do. But there’s no shame in losing to a man like Lomachenko.”
 
Guevara Upsets Moloney on Aussie Soil
 
Pedro Guevara (42-4-1, 22 KOs) promised to give Mexico a new champion today, and he delivered in hostile territory.
 
Guevara won a disputed split decision verdict over Andrew Moloney (26-4, 16 KOs) to claim the WBC interim junior bantamweight world title.
 
Moloney boxed from the outside, stepping in and out to land punches on a rangier Guevara. The 34-year-old Mexican responded with counters, especially the left hook to the body.
 
In the third round, Moloney gained momentum with close-range combos, which set the tone for the middle rounds. And by the eighth, the Australian former world champion landed hard as Guevara tried to change the tide of the fight.
 
As they entered the championship rounds, Guevara’s body shots began to make a difference as Moloney became more cautious with his offense.
 
Two judges scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Guevara, overriding a 116-113 card for Moloney.
 
“I really want to come back here. It’s amazing here," Guevara said. “I’d have no problem giving him a rematch.”
 
Moloney said, “I felt in total control. I did what I had to do in there tonight to get the win. I don’t want to make excuses, but I went into this fight with a torn biceps, so I couldn’t throw the left hook unless I needed to. I didn’t feel like I needed to throw it because I was in total control. "
 
 
In other results:
 
Bantamweight: Cherneka Johnson (16-2, 6 KOs) MD 10 Nina Hughes (6-1, 2 KOs). Scores: 95-95, 96-94 and 98-92. Johnson captures the WBA bantamweight world title.
 
Light Heavyweight: Imam Khataev (7-0, 7 KOs) TKO 6 Ricards Bolotniks (20-8-1, 8 KOs). Time of stoppage: 1:34.
 
 
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Adames to make first title defense vs. Gausha
Source: WBC | May 10, 2024

Adames to make first title defense vs. Gausha

Adames to make first title defense vs. Gausha
Newly minted WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames of the Dominican Republic will defend his title against Terrell Gausha of the United States on June 15th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Adames was handed the WBC championship this week when notoriously inactive Jermall Charlo was finally stripped after an arrest for driving while intoxicated. The WBC announced that it "has decided to confirm Carlos Adames as the current WBC middleweight champion as he is being elevated from interim champion to WBC world champion... Carlos Adames has supported in an exemplary manner every action taken by the WBC in support of his colleagues throughout this time, for which we congratulate him."
 
Gausha, age 36 is 24-3 with 12 KOs but until his very last fight, he was a junior middleweight, not a middleweight. Gausha was a 2012 U.S. Olympian, and won his most recent fights against Brandyn Lynch and KeAndrae Leatherwood, after losing a twelve-round unanimous decision to Tim Tszyu in March 2022.The other two losses for Gausha, a 14-year-old professional, were against Erickson Lubin in 2020 and Erislandy Lara in 2017. 
 
 
Press Release | May 10, 2024

Introducing teenage junior lightweight Kaipo Gallegos

Introducing teenage junior lightweight Kaipo Gallegos
Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing announce the signing of a co-promotional agreement with junior lightweight Kaipo Gallegos (4-0-1, 3 KOs), a southpaw from Las Vegas. The two promoters have big plans for Gallegos and plan to keep him busy for the remainder of 2024 and thereafter. His next fight is scheduled for May 31st, live on DAZN from the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida. At only 18 years old, Kaipo Gallegos, who was an 18-time national champion in the amateurs, is already making a name for himself in the super featherweight division. While training in the mecca of boxing, Gallegos is well known for having sparred with some of the best fighters in boxing, which include Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Devin Haney, Alberto Puello, Jorge Linares and Robeisy Ramirez to name a few. His impressive skills have caught the eyes of both fans and experts alike.
 
Kaipo is trained by his father, Jayson Gallegos, who co-manages his son with Marcelino Castillo. Gallegos, a Filipino-Hawaiian-American, hopes to make a significant impact on the boxing landscape in the years to come. "I'm incredibly excited to join forces with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing, who has been with me since I turned professional,” stated Gallegos. “This is a huge step forward in my career, and I can't wait to show the world what I'm capable of with their support behind me. I have two of the best promoters working on my behalf, and that makes me feel good."
 
"We are delighted to announce the signing of Kaipo Gallegos to a co-promotional agreement with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing," said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. "Kaipo is a rare talent with immense potential, and we believe that this partnership will provide him with the platform and opportunities he needs to fulfill his aspirations in the sport. Together with Shuan Boxing, we are going to be strong!"
 
President of Shuan Boxing Promotions, Bélgica Pena, also expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration. "Kaipo has been part of the Shuan Boxing family since his pro debut. His skills and determination are truly exceptional, and we are committed to supporting him every step of the way as he continues to rise through the ranks of the super featherweight division. We feel blessed to be uniting with Boxlab Promotions to help further Kaipo’s growth and development."
Source: WBA | May 10, 2024

Hernandez to face Lugo in a junior lightweight cracker

Hernandez to face Lugo in a junior lightweight cracker
This Saturday’s main event in Aguascalientes, Mexico, will have a junior lightweight main event contested by Eduardo Hernandez and Daniel Lugo.  The event organized by Matchroom Boxing in Mexico will mark the return of Hernandez against an opponent with a great record, in a fight that promises a lot of excitement due to the aggressive styles of both fighters. Hernandez has 34 wins, 2 losses and 31 knockouts. For his part, Lugo has 27 wins, 2 setbacks, 1 draw and 18 knockouts. Hernandez is coming off a loss to O’Shaquie Foster in a world title fight. Leading on the scorecards, Hernandez heartbreakingly lost by knockout in the last round and saw his dream of becoming a world champion frustrated. Now he returns home to get back on track and look for a new opportunity in the future.  He will face Lugo, who is on a good run in his last fights and is coming off a draw against former champion Mauricio “Bronco” Lara in his most recent bout on February 16th. The 29-year-old fighter is full of confidence and knows that a victory would put him in good position for better opportunities. 
 
 
Press Release | May 09, 2024

Lomachenko and Kambosos engage in three-minute staredown

Lomachenko and Kambosos engage in three-minute staredown

The boxer known simply as "Loma" hopes to add another belt to his extensive collection. Ukrainian legend Vasiliy Lomachenko (pictured) will battle home country favorite "Ferocious" George Kambosos Jr. for the vacant IBF lightweight championship on Sunday, May 12th at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs), the former three-weight champion and pound-for-pound king of the ring, hopes to become a two-time lightweight world champion. Kambosos (21-2, 10 KOs), a former lineal and unified world lightweight king, looks to once again stake his claim as the sport's top 135-pounder. The event will be shown live in prime time on Saturday, May 11th in the United States. In another championship bout on the show, Great Britain's WBA bantamweight  champion Nina Hughes (6-0, 2 KOs) makes her second defense against Australia's former IBF champion Cherneka Johnson (15-2, 6 KOs). The ESPN-televised broadcast kicks off with the return of Andrew Moloney (26-3, 16 KOs), who takes on Mexican former world champion Pedro Guevara (41-4-1, 22 KOs) for the vacant WBC Interim junior bantamweight championship.
 
Lomachenko-Kambosos, Hughes-Johnson and Moloney-Guevara will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

At Thursday's press conference, Lomachenko and Kambosos played a game of mental warfare, as their faceoff lasted a full 3 minutes, 12 seconds. It took event co-promoter Lou DiBella and veteran heavyweight Lucas Browne to separate the combatants.Before the extended staredown, this is what the fighters and Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum had to say.

Vasiliy Lomachenko
 
“I’ve been in this sport for a long time. We are two professionals. We know boxing. We know strategy. It will be very, very interesting for both. It will be very, very interesting for all fans of boxing. Good luck. Good luck to both.”
 
“We have a fight. We prepared very hard. And like I said, it will be very interesting.”
 
“I’m just looking forward to the IBF title. I need to take my title, and then after that, I can think about my future.”
 
Promoter Bob Arum
 
“I’m looking forward to this. It should be a sold-out event, a great lightweight championship match. Vasiliy Lomachenko is a splendid tactician, and I enjoy watching him. George Kambosos is a real warrior. He comes to fight. He’s very exciting. This fight will be memorable, and I can’t wait to see it. And I know fans all over the world are looking forward to it.”
 
George Kambosos Jr.
 
“We were slated to possibly fight in 2019 when the legendary Hall of Famer Bob Arum said that a young guy from Australia called George Kambosos could come up against the then-king Lomachenko. Things obviously did not happen. Then I become the champion and Lomachenko was chasing me. We were very close. But it wasn’t meant to be. But, third time is lucky, and Sunday is when we do our battle.”
 
“I’m extremely confident. I bring that confidence from my preparation. I’ve had a tremendous training camp. The confidence is higher than ever. When I beat Lomachenko, there will be no more road for him to go. This is retirement for him.”
 
“I truly believe it. The way I’m sparring. The speed that I have. He’s never seen this kind of speed and explosive power. The will and the heart that I have. The desire I have to win this fight. I want this bad. I’ve prepared extremely hard for this fight. I’ve left no stone unturned. So, Sunday, you will all see.”

Andrew Moloney
 
“For both of us, this is probably the last shot at a world title. So, there is a lot on the line, and that’s why I prepared my absolute best.”
 
“It’s been four years since I lost my title, and it’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get back to this point. And it’s going to feel good to have that world title strapped around my waist.”
 
Pedro Guevara
 
“I’m grateful for this opportunity. So, I’m going to fight like it’s my last opportunity. He’s coming in good condition for this fight, and so am I. You’re going to see a great fight. Don’t forget my name because you’re going to have a new champion from Mexico.”
 
Nina Hughes
 
“The crowed may well be on her side, but at the end of the day, there’s only two of us in the ring. So, I’ve just got to put on a performance and do what I do best.”
 
“We’ve prepared for everything. We’ve prepared for all styles. So, whatever she brings, we’re prepared for it.”

Cherneka Johnson
                                           
“I’m grateful to be on this show. To fight for a world title here in my backyard is amazing.”
 
I’m expecting a fight. She’s a world champion for a reason. It’s going to be a hell of a fight. I think I’m going to be the bigger person in there on the night of the fight. I’m going to be a bit stronger than her. It’s going to be a banger.”
 
Press Release | May 09, 2024

Welcome to Lomachenko vs. Kambosos fight week

Welcome to Lomachenko vs. Kambosos fight week

A battle of former champions, Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos (pictured) will be presented live this Saturday, May 11th at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at RAC Arena in Perth,  Australia, with the vacant IBF lightweight title up for grabs. Australia’s fighting emperor and former undisputed  world lightweight champion, Kambosos is on a mission for a new belt. Standing in his way is a Ukrainian fight legend, Lomachenko, a three-division world champion intent on writing another triumphant chapter in his Hall of Fame career. Lomachenko (23-3 including the World Series of Boxing) is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist. After a 2020 points loss to Teofimo Lopez, he reeled off three consecutive wins. During that winning streak, he joined a territorial defense battalion in his homeland during the Russia-Ukraine war. Last May, he came close to becoming the undisputed lightweight champion, dropping a hotly contested decision to then-unbeaten Devin Haney.
 
Kambosos (21-2, 10 KOs), from Sydney, spent eight-plus years climbing the lightweight ranks after turning pro in 2013. He authored the 2021 Upset of the Year with a split decision over Lopez to become the division’s unified and lineal world champion. In 2022, his showdown against Haney for the undisputed title drew more than 41,000 in Melbourne, Australia. Kambosos lost a unanimous decision to Haney, then dropped the rematch by decision four months later at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. “The Emperor” regrouped in 2023, edging Maxi Hughes by [controversial] majority decision to secure another crack at world title glory.

UNDERCARD
 
The world title tripleheader includes WBA bantamweight world champion Nina Hughes making her second world title defense against Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson. Hughes (6-0, 2 KOs) turned pro in 2021 at 39 years old. She won the Commonwealth junior featherweight title in her third outing and upset Jamie Mitchell by unanimous decision in 2022 to capture the WBA world title.  Six years after turning pro in 2022, Johnson (15-2, 6 KOs) snatched the vacant IBF junior featherweight world title with a majority decision over Melissa Esquivel in Melbourne, Australia. Johnson lost her title last June in London in a unanimous decision to Ellie Scotney. Nearly a year later, she returns to bantamweight, motivated to become a two-weight queen.
 
Additionally, Australian standout Andrew Moloney (26-3, 16 KOs) will fight former WBC light flyweight champion Pedro Guevara (41-4-1, 22 KOs) for the vacant WBC interim 115-pound title.

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore and Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr. with Bernardo Osuna, recently inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame, on-site in Perth.
 
Leading up to the showdown, fight fans can watch a 30-minute all-access preview prior to the championship battle between Lomachenko and Kambosos. The program offers an exclusive look inside the training camps of both fighters, giving fans a glimpse into the intense preparation leading up to this ‘Down Under’ world title showdown.  The program will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App, on ESPN.com and on ESPN+.
Press Release | May 09, 2024

Christian Carto headlines tonight in Philly

Christian Carto headlines tonight in Philly
Tonight (Friday) at The Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia, bantamweight Christian Carto will take on Jesus Martinez in a eight-round bout on a seven-bout card promoted by King's Promotions. Carto of Philadelphia is 21-1 with 14 knockouts. The 27 year-old is an eight-year professional with a four-fight winning streak. Carto has wins over Alonso Melendez (14-1), James Smith (12-1) and Hector Andres Sosa (12-1). He is coming off a second-round stoppage over Ardin Diale on January 12th at Live! Casino.
 
Martinez of Miami is 35-20-1 with 16 knockouts. The 13-year veteran has wins over Jonathan Burgos (9-2-1), Miguel Martinez (20-2) and Angel Berrio (14-2). However, he was stopped in six rounds by Emmanuel Rodriguez on March 9th in Atlantic City.
 
The undercard features Bree Howling (6-0, 2 KOs) of Calgary taking on Nancy Franco (19-19-2, 5 KOs) of Guadalajara in a bantamweight fight.
 
Atif Oberlton (9-0, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Juan Francisco Lopez Barajas (8-1, 4 KOs) of Mexico in a eight-round light heavyweight bout.
 
In six-round bouts, Ibrahim Robinson (6-1-1, 5 KOs) of Baltimore takes on DeMarcus Layton (9-6-1, 6 KOs) of Little Rock, Arkansas in a welterweight contest and...
 
Stephanie Han (7-0, 2 KOs) of El Paso, Texas fights Michaele Nogue (2-4-1) of Egg Harbor, New Jersey in a lightweight bout.
 
In four-round bouts, David Whitmire (4-0, 3 KOs) of Washington, DC battles Breydon Glaude in a welterweight tussle and...
 
Muhammad Robinson (6-1, 2 KOs) of Baltimore fights David Thomas (6-6-1, 2 KOs) of Orange, Texas in a junior welterweight bout.
 
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.axs.com/events/536863/ring-wars-tickets?skin=livecasinohotelphiladelphia
 
Press Release | May 09, 2024

Team Combat League update: Rashidi Ellis shines for Boston

Team Combat League update: Rashidi Ellis shines for Boston
Week six of Team Combat League’s second season got off to a nail-biting start at the Royale in Boston, as the injury-hampered Boston Butchers team (now 1-0-1) relied on some “Money” round heroics late in the match from Demek “Hightower” Edmonds, “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis, Alejandro Paulino and especially Keno Luna, to pull out a 225-225 draw with a determined LA Elite squad (now 0-1-1). Fighting in front of a sold-out crowd, coach Marc Gargaro led the Butchers to an early lead in the opening eight “Launch” rounds off the strength of a 10-7 knockout by Steven Sumpter over LA’s Jaivion Cardinal, which made the score 67-64. Cardinal was down twice during the action. “My plan was to move around and bait him in because he’s a taller opponent,” said Sumpter post-fight. “I saw he was falling for my feints, so I faked down to the body and came over the top.”
 
However, the Boston momentum was brought to a halt in the middle eight rounds, as the Manny Robles-guided LA Elite clawed into the lead off Jose Pablo Rodriguez’s quick knockout of Boston’s Tevin Regis which grabbed them back three points, and a subsequent pair of strong showings by Elijah Espadas in a firefight win over Anthony Hines, and Cuban light heavyweight Brayan Leon’s impressive work against a capable Francis Hogan of Boston.
 
Despite a second victory by Boston heavyweight Edmonds over Belgium’s Michael Pirotton to tie the score at 188 each, things appeared to turn dire for the Boston club late in the final eight “Money” rounds, when LA’s Osvel Caballero followed up his opening round win over Irvin Gonzalez of Boston by knocking Gonzalez out in the rematch round, which brought the overall team score to 198-195 for Los Angeles with just three fights to go.
 
Missing three of their regular fighters due to injury, Melanie Costa, Mike Fontanez and Thomas O’Toole, the Boston squad needed big finishes in the final three matches to pull out a tie.
 
And that’s what they did. Well-known contender “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis (24-1) of Boston repeated his opening round victory over LA’s Alex Esponda to bring the score to 207-205 LA. Alejandro Paulino reversed his opening-round loss to Daniel Morales of LA with a hard-found rematch win to bring his team within one and set up Luna’s final-fight heroics to pull out the 225-225 tied final score against a tough opponent in Angel Munoz of Los Angeles.
 
“My team told me it was up to me that I had to pull it off, so that’s what I did,” said a happy Luna. “I was under pressure and I’m glad I got the job done. It’s me alone, but my team is with me in spirit. They were all cheering me on from the crowd. It was up to me to do it for them.”
 
Team Combat League President Dewey Cooper was impressed at the excitement TCL had delivered in this hotly-contested matchup. “If this were a playoff, we’d have to do a sudden death round, but unfortunately in the regular season a draw stands. What a great show by both teams. It’s only right that it ends in a draw.”
Press Release | May 09, 2024

Abu Dhabi to host May 25th boxing action

Abu Dhabi to host May 25th boxing action
Undefeated Arabian fighters will be featured at the “Rising Stars Arabia 4” event on Saturday, May 25th at Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Bader “The Master” Al-Dherat (10-0, 8 KOs will headline. Four scheduled ten-round bouts will be streamed live, starting at 8 pm UAEST, on DAZN and ESPN Knockout. In the main event, Al-Dherat will put his undefeated record on the line against Orlando Mosquera (13-2-1, 2 KOs) in a junior welterwight bout. Mosquera holds a win over previously unbeaten Ruben Nestor Neri Munoz, a year ago by way of a ten-round unanimous decision. 
 
The 23-year-old Bader headlined the inaugural RSA event last September, when he stopped Jose Paez Gonzalez in the fifth round. The exciting knockout artisthas already appeared on pay-per-view cards like Oleksandr Usyk-Anthony Joshua II and Jake Paul-Tommy Fury. Al-Dherat (AKA Samreen) was a celebrated Jordanian amateur boxer, highlighted by his bronze medal performance at the 2018 AIBA World Youth Championships despite suffering an arm injury. Al-Dherat’s dedication to his pro boxing career led him to relocate from his native Jordan to Dubai three years ago, where he could access the facilities to grow and improve as a professional.
 
Moroccan super featherweight Moussa Gholam (21-1, 13 KOs) has won two in a row since losing for the first time as a pro in December of 2022 to Elnur Samedov (14-1) by ten-round split decision. Gholam faces Angel “Humildad” Rodriguez (21-3, 11 KOs) in the ten-round co-feature.
 
Indian welterweight Faizan Anwar (17-0, 9 KOs) meets his toughest test to date when he takes on Murali Erdogan (15-2, 1 KO), a 2017 French National Champion, in a ten-rounder. The 22-year-old-Anwar, a slick southpaw who was [reportedly] the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in India, moved to Dubai in 2022 in order to enhance his boxing career as a member of Round 10 Boxing.
 
Another undefeated fighter, UAE super flyweight Sultan Al Nuami (11-0, 7 KOs), risks his undefeated record in a ten-round match versus Muhsin Kizota (20-4, 12 KOs) of Tanzania. The 30-year-old Nuaimi is a two-time national champion and the first boxer in UAE’s history to win a bout in the Asian Games.
 
UAE’s most experienced pro boxer, super featherweight Fahad “Kid Emirati” Al Bloushi (14-1, 3 KOs), will be riding a 13-fight win streak into his eight-round match against Ibrahim “The Puncher” Makubi (11-2-1, 6 KOs) of Tanzania.
 
Egyptian welterweight Marwan Mohamad Madboly (3-0, 2 KOs) steps up for a dangerous challenge against the experienced, southpaw Filipino Rimar “Terminator” Metuda (17-8-1, 11 KOs), in a six-round fight.
 
Madboy’s countryman, super featherweight Mostafa Mohammed Fahmi Komsan (2-0, 2 KOs), throws-down with Hamza Rguibi (2-1, 1 KO), of Morocco.
 
Also fighting on the undercard, each in four-round bouts, is Kuwait junior middleweight Eissa Eidan (1-0, 0 KOs) vs. Pakistan’s Shahzada Sohail (0-4)... Syrian heavyweight Kenan Marai (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Afghanistan’s pro-debuting Ahmadzai Abdulahi... United Kingdom flyweight Tony “Lightning Junior” Curtis (6-1, 3 KOs) vs. India’s Ismailulah Khan (1-1, 1 KO) and... Saudi Arabian super lightweight Sulaiman Abbar (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. V Bharany (3-1, 1 KO). Card subject to change.
 
RSA4 is promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and hosted in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The RSA series, the first of its kind in the relatively untapped boxing region of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission and headed by Jose Mohen.
 
 Tickets to “Rising Stars Arabia 4” are on sale now at https://seddiqiboxing.com/tickets.
 
Press Release | May 09, 2024

BKFC comes to Connecticut this weekend

BKFC comes to Connecticut this weekend

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) makes its New England debut on Saturday with BKFC 61 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, broadcast live worldwide on the BKFC App. Saturday’s action features a mix of world-class bare knuckle fighters and a number of prospects from across New England. Jimmie “The Terror” Rivera headlines against Daniel Straus in Saturday’s main event as these two long-time MMA fan-favorites toe the line in the squared circle.

Also on Saturday, "Royal" Ryan Reber, the #1 contender in the BKFC bantamweight (135-pound) division, looks to solidify the next shot at BKFC gold when he takes on the fast-rising Quintan "The Hitman" Hoye...

BKFC 61 also features Boston’s own Zach "Shark Attack" Calmus going for his third straight stoppage victory against Connor "The Irish Warrior" McKenna in heavyweight action.

Former Team USA Olympic judoka Rick "Genghis" Hawn makes his BKFC debut against Scott "Scotty Bombs" Lampert in the welterweight (165-pound) division.

Fan-favorite Chris "Golden Gloves" Sarro takes aim at his third BKFC victory against Scott Roberts.

 
Source: ProBox TV | May 08, 2024

Lipinets in action today vs. Davies

Lipinets in action today vs. Davies

Former IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinet will face the UK's Robbie Davies Jr today (May 8th) live on ProBox TV from Plant City, Florida. Davies returns to the ring after a freak injury put him out of action for over a year, but a win against Lipinets puts the Liverpool native right back in contention for a big payday at 140. This wil be Davies' US debut. Lipinets knows a win against Davies will elevate him back into contention in the stacked junior welterweight division.

Connecticut heavyweight hopeful Fernely Feliz  Jr. (7-0)  faces off against Mexican Cesar Navarro (11-1)... All-action Mongolian Tsendbaatar Erdenebat clashes with Puerto Rico's Alberto Mercado as he prepares to enter the 2024 Olympics in Paris, and then planning to return for an assault on the super featherweight division in the second half of 2024... Completing the TV card is Robert Meriwether III who squares off against Mexico's Victor Lopez over six rounds.

WNF is available in both English and Spanish with commentary and analysis from former world champions Paulie Malignaggi, Chris Algieri and Juan Manuel Márquez.
Edited Press Release | May 08, 2024

DKP rebooks Broner fight for June 7th "if Broner shows up"

DKP rebooks Broner fight for June 7th "if Broner shows up"

Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King has rescheduled his postponed show for Friday, June 7th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. It wil be a a co-promotion with Kris Lawrence’s The Heavyweight Factory. The main event finds WBC cruiserweight champio Norair “The Dark Horse” Mikaeljan a/k/a Noel Gevor (27-2, 12 KOs) facing Ontario, Canada's Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1, 19 KOs) from Ontario, Canada. The press release states that troubled former four-division champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (35-4-1 with 24 KOs) will battle Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (16-1-1 with 10 KOs) "if Broner shows up." In the heavyweight division, Connecticut's Cassius Chaney (23-1, 16 KOs) will battle Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (21-2-2, 15 KOs) of Las Vegas. [The second loss on Hunter's record reflects that he recently lost an IBA pro fight to Artem Suslenkov that is omitted from his official record].
 

ADDITIONAL BOUTS

Ian “The Young General” Green (18-2 with 12 KOs) will be in against Toledo’s Roy Barringer (10-4, 6 KOs).  The fan-favorite Green enters this bout on the strength of six straight victories...
 
Light heavyweight Ahmed “The American Pharoah” Elbiali (23-1, 18 KOs) is matched against Roamer Alexis Angulo (28-3, 23 KOs) of the Dominican Republic via Colombia...
 
Pennsylvania lightweight Antonio Perez (9-0, 5 KOs) will challenge local favorite Antonio Williams (16-0-1, 7 KOs) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
 
King is dedicating this great boxing card to the honor of the life and legacy of the late WBC president Jose Sulaiman in the spirit of fighting for world peace.  “Jose was at the forefront of always putting on great fights and we plan to honor him with this great card,” said King.

 

 

Rising hometown sensation De’von Williams (4-0, 4 KOs) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL will meet Travis Floyd of Douglasville, GA in a super lightweight attraction and Miami’s Michael Oliveira (21-2, 16 KOs) will be spotlighted in a super middleweight attraction for eight rounds.
 

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for “Fist of Fury”.  Tickets are priced at $75, $100 and $200.  Ringside seats are $500 and tables are priced at $5,500.
 

All bouts are subject to change.


 
By Scott Shaffer | May 08, 2024

Jermall Charlo charged with DUI; stripped by WBC

Jermall Charlo charged with DUI; stripped by WBC
Jermall Charlo has finally lost recognition as WBC middleweight champion after being arrested on Monday in Pearland, Texas. Charlo is charged with driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of at least 0.15 and fleeing the scene of a crime after an autonobile collision involving damage to another vehicle. Charlo remains undefeated at 33-0 but his career has fallen apart and he had not defended his title since 2021, missing opportunities for a huge fight vs. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. TMZ.com provided additional details, which is that Charlo crashed his Lamborghini Urus and was eventually arrested after leaving the scene. TMZ also reports that police recorded signs of Charlo's intoxication. As news of the arrest spread, the WBC announced that: "The WBC Governing Board has decided to confirm Carlos Adames as the current WBC middleweight champion as he is being elevated from interim champion to WBC world champion. The WBC will work closely with the PBC to ensure the best course of action to address Jermall's needs at this time. After a thorough evaluation of the situation and understanding of the facts and timing, the WBC can classify Jermall at super middleweight. Carlos Adames has supported in an exemplary manner every action taken by the WBC in support of his colleagues throughout this time, for which we congratulate him."
 
 
Press Release | May 08, 2024

Spotlight on Benavidez vs. Gvozdyk

Spotlight on Benavidez vs. Gvozdyk
Co-headlining on Saturday (along with Gervonta "Tank" Davis vs. Frank Martin) on June 15th at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Aren will be two-time WBC super middleweight champion David “El Monstruo” Benavídez as he makes his 175-pound debut in a twelve-round duel against the power-punching former WBC champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (pictured). At stake will be the vacant WBC interim light heavyweight Title.
 
After earning a bronze medal representing his native Ukraine at the 2012 Olympics, Gvozdyk (20-1, 16 KOs) turned pro in 2014 and quickly set his sights on the top of the division. He dominated veteran contenders Yunieski Gonzalez, Isaac Chilemba, Tommy Karpency and Nadjib Mohammedi on his way to becoming the WBC’s mandatory challenger at 175-pounds. He went on to become WBC champion with an 11th-round knockout of Adonis Stevenson and defended the title in 2019 by stopping Doudou Ngumbu in round five.
 
After losing the belt in a brutal unification match against Artur Beterbiev, Gvozdyk returned in 2023 to score three straight victories. He bested Josue Obando in February before knocking out Ricards Bolotniks in May and Isaac Rodrigues in September. Now training and residing in California, Gvozdyk’s amateur career saw him compete in over 250 bouts, including three Ukrainian National Championships that led to his Olympic success.
 
“I’ve never avoided any challenges, and this is no exception,” said Gvozdyk. “Benavidez is a top caliber fighter and that’s exactly what motivates me to train hard each and every day. If you want to be the best, you have to fight the best. I’m ready to become a champion once again.”
 
The 27-year-old undefeated Benavídez (28-0, 24 KOs) makes his 2024 debut after a pair of wins made for a standout 2023 campaign. He began the year by besting longtime rival Caleb Plant via unanimous decision in a March slugfest and followed it up by stopping the previously unbeaten two-division champion Demetrius Andrade in six rounds in November. Benavídez became the youngest-ever 168-pound world champion at just 20 years old when he defeated Ronald Gavril by split decision for the vacant WBC title in 2017. A Phoenix-native who now lives in Seattle and currently trains in Miami, Benavidez has likely moved on from the super middleweight division but will now look to carry his talents up to light heavyweight for this fight.
 
When he was 15 years old, Benavídez went from weighing 250 pounds to a boxing prodigy under his father and trainer, Jose, Sr., and his brother and veteran contender Jose Jr., as he famously held his own in sparring against middleweight champions Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin as a teenager. Benavídez rode a string of six straight knockout victories heading into the bout against Plant, including KOs of former world champions Anthony Dirrell and David Lemieux.
 
“I'm very excited to be going to the light heavyweight division to compete against the best 175-pound fighters,” said Benavídez. “I've been eyeing that division for a long time, and now I feel like it's my time. I'm going to go unify the division. I've watched Gvozdyk for a long time - I know exactly how he fights. I actually sparred him when I was 20 years old and I know he's a really tough opponent, so I need to be 100%. This is a hard fight, but I'm going to make it look easy.”
 
 
 
 
Source: WBC | May 08, 2024

Andrew Moloney to battle Pedro Guevara for interim belt

Andrew Moloney to battle Pedro Guevara for interim belt
His brother Jason was dethroned as WBO bantamweight champion last weekend, but Andrew Moloney will face Pedro Guevara for the interim WBC super flyweight title on May 12th at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The fight will air live on ESPN, ESPN KNOCKOUT and ESPN+. Australia’s Moloney (26-3, 16 knockouts) is undefeated fighting on home turf. After suffering a twelfth-round loss against Junto Nakatani in May last year, he returned in December with a convincing decision victory over Judy Flores in Melbourne. Guevara (41-4-1, 22 KOs), from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, is a former WBC light flyweight champion who made two defenses of his crown. He than lost it in a battle royale to Kenshiro Teraji. Guevara. His ten-fight winning streak ended last November, when he lost a split decision to Cuadras in a battle held in Uzbekistan. This February he returned to the ring to defeat Lamberto Macías by decision over ten rounds in Mazatlán, Mexico.
 
 
Source: WBC | May 08, 2024

Bridgerweight update: UFC's Tyson Pedro takes tough first boxing assignment

Bridgerweight update: UFC's Tyson Pedro takes tough first boxing assignment
UFC star Tyson Pedro will make a very ambitious professional boxing debut,  facing Australian heavyweight champion Kris Terzievski in a bridgerweight clash at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, on June 12th. Pedro has fifteen fights in the UFC, winning ten with five wins by KO and five losses. Prior to this, he fought as an amateur in boxing, winning all five of his fights including a title in New South Wales. He has been training and sparring with the world's top cruiserweight, Jai Opetaia, in a steep learning curve preparing for this fight. Terzievski, a southpaw, is 12-1-2 with 9 KOs. His only loss is to Faiga Opelu and Terzievski will be moving down to the 224-pound division for this bout.
Source: Top Rank | May 07, 2024

Stevenson to defend vs. Harutyunyan on July 6th

Stevenson to defend vs. Harutyunyan on July 6th
Shakur Stevenson will make the inaugural defense of his WBC lightweight championship against Olympic medal winner Artem Harutyunyan on Saturday, July 6th at Prudential Center in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey. In the co-feature, O’Shaquie Foster will defend his WBC junior lightweight title against Brazilian Olympic gold medalist and three-time world title challenger Robson Conceição. In the ten-round lightweight televised opener, Keyshawn Davis will take on Mexican veteran Miguel Madueño. Stevenson-Harutyunyan, Foster-Conceição, and Davis-Madueño will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN, Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.
 
“There is a unique connection between Shakur and the City of Newark, and we are thrilled he’s returning for another hometown appearance against a tough opponent in Artem Harutyunyan,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “O’Shaquie Foster does not shy away from the best opposition, and I know Robson Conceição is motivated to pull off the upset. And with Keyshawn Davis on the card against a rugged contender in Madueño, this is quite the tripleheader we have in store in Brick City.”
 
“To once again welcome back Top Rank, ESPN, and Shakur Stevenson for the third time in two years is a great honor for Prudential Center and the entire city of Newark,” said Dylan Wanagiel, VP of Sports Properties & Special Events for Prudential Center. “We look forward to hosting an unforgettable evening filled with history-making moments in the heart of New Jersey as Shakur takes on a formidable opponent in Artem Harutyunyan for the WBC Lightweight Title.  Following consecutive record-breaking events with Shakur headlining, we are excited to showcase the sweet science in our world class venue, further solidifying Newark’s reputation for marquee events around the world.”
 
Stevenson (23-0, 10 KOs including the World Series of Boxing) has won world titles in three weight classes during his seven-year run. After securing a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, he made his pro debut in 2017 and swiftly moved up the ranks. He captured his first world title by defeating Joet Gonzalez for the WBO featherweight strap in October 2019. Two years later, he stopped Jamel Herring in 10 rounds to earn the WBO title at 130 pounds. The 26-year-old southpaw unified world titles by handing then-WBC champion Oscar Valdez his first loss in April 2022. Stevenson then claimed two consecutive victories at Prudential Center by defeating Conceição that September and stopping Japanese contender Shuichiro Yoshino in six last April. Hee outpointed Dominican puncher Edwin De Los Santos last November to become the WBC lightweight world champion.
 
Stevenson said, “It feels good to be going back home to Newark, where they appreciate a young legend, and to make my first title defense at 135. On July 6, Down Goes Artem!”
 
The Armenian-born Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs) captured an Olympic bronze medal for Germany in 2016. He started his pro career the following year and went 12-0 in his adopted country with triumphs over Samuel Molina in September 2021 and Humberto Galindo in June 2022. Last July, he made his U.S. debut in a competitive showdown against Frank Martin. The 33-year-old had success with his aggression and right hand, though Martin rallied late to win a narrow unanimous decision. Harutyunyan will have his first world title shot against his second consecutive southpaw rival.
 
Harutyunyan said, “I respect Shakur Stevenson as a champion, but I’m coming to shock his hometown fans and win the WBC lightweight championship. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I will take full advantage of it. This will be my second fight in the U.S. I’ve learned and progressed since my loss to Frank Martin.”
 
Foster (22-2, 12 KOs) had a distinguished amateur career with more than 100 fights and an alternate spot in the 2012 U.S. Olympic team before entering the paid ranks later that year. He encountered two early-career setbacks, including a split decision defeat to Rolando Chinea in July 2016. He returned more than a year later with renowned trainer Bobby Benton and has since gone 12-0. Last February, he won the WBC world title with a points verdict over two-division world champion Rey Vargas before a dramatic 12th-round knockout win against Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez in October. The following month, Foster signed a long-term promotional deal with Top Rank. He returns after securing a well-earned split decision over Abraham Nova in February.
 
Foster said, “I'm excited to be back for my third title defense. Conceição is a great opponent who has been in the ring with a lot of top fighters, but come July 6, we will be ready. I will keep proving that I'm one of the best fighters in the world.”
 
Conceição (18-2-1, 9 KOs), Brazil's inaugural Olympic boxing gold medalist, turned pro in November 2016. His only losses have come against unbeaten world champions, including a close decision against then-WBC champ Valdez in September 2021. Following the setback to Stevenson, Conceição’s June 2022 showdown against Nicolas Polanco ended in a no contest. He followed up by challenging three-weight world champion Emanuel Navarrete last November, rising twice from the canvas and battling to a majority draw. In April, he registered a seventh-round TKO against Jose Guardado in April.
 
Conceição said, "I'm really looking forward to this fight against O’Shaquie Foster. This title is something I've been aiming for a long time, and I'm not going to let this opportunity slip away. I can guarantee that I'll give my best; I'll leave everything in the ring. Blood, sweat, and dedication—everything will be invested in this title bout. I'm ready to face any challenge that comes my way. Let's go all in towards victory! Brazil!”
 
Davis (10-0, 7 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, made a quick transition from prospect to contender. After going 3-0 as a pro, he earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In November 2021, he inked a long-term promotional pact with Top Rank and has amassed seven wins since. In 2023, he stopped Anthony Yigit in nine rounds in April and vanquished Francesco Patera via 10-round decision in July. After his October win over Nahir Albright was overturned to a no contest due to a positive marijuana test, Davis returned with renewed vigor in February to dispatch former two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza in six. Madueño (31-2, 28 KOs) tallied a three-fight winning spree after a decision defeat to Jezreel Corrales in March 2022. The streak was halted by a points setback against Canadian contender Steve Claggett last November, but he bounced back quickly by decisioning Justin Pauldo in February.
 
Davis said, “Madueño is a tough fighter with more than 30 pro fights, and I have a lot of respect for what he brings to the table. I love fighting in Newark. The fans there are special, and I am going to feed off their energy and put on a show.”
 
Undercard action — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — includes the return of 20-year-old lightweight Abdullah Mason and heavyweight Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba.
 
Mason (13-0, 11 KOs) will make his third 2024 appearance in an eight-rounder against Puerto Rican veteran Luis Lebron. The Cleveland native went 5-0 with four knockouts last year before stopping Benjamin Gurment in two in February. He is coming off a fourth-round TKO win over Ronal Ron in April. Lebron (20-5-1, 13 KOs) has given stiff tests to Duke Ragan and Henry Lebron and stopped Giovanni Gutierrez in February.  
 
Knyba (13-0, 7 KOs), a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch reach, returns in an eight-rounder versus Richard Lartey (16-6, 13 KOs). He joined the Top Rank stable in January 2023 and scored a TKO win over Curtis Harper that April followed by decisions over Helaman Olguin in June and Michael Coffie in December.
 
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