Welcome to Rodriguez vs. Vargas fight week |
|
WBA 118-pound champion Antonio Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs) has put the finishing touches on what he describes as the best training camp of his professional career as he prepares to defend his title against pound-for-pound star Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) in a twelve-round championship showdown on Saturday, June 13th at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Boxlab Promotions, it will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN. Rodriguez is moving up from 115 pounds after capturing three world titles in that division. Vargas enters the biggest fight of his career as an underdog determined to prove he belongs among the sport’s elite. As fight night approaches, Vargas says the preparation has been intense, focused, and driven by the opportunity in front of him. "This has honestly been the best camp I've ever had,” said Vargas, “Every day I've been pushing myself beyond my limits as I know what is on the line. When you're preparing to face a fighter like Bam Rodriguez, you can't leave anything to chance. I've surrounded myself with a great team, we've studied everything, and I've put in the work physically, mentally, and emotionally. I feel stronger, sharper, and more confident than ever before, and more importantly my faith in God is lifting me up.
Vargas believes the demanding camp has elevated every aspect of his game and positioned him to deliver a career-defining performance. "We've focused on every detail. The conditioning, the strategy, the sparring, everything has been executed at a championship level,” continued Vargas. “As a world champion, you must continue evolving, and I feel like I've reached another level during this camp. I'm hungry to show the boxing world this version of myself.”
Facing Rodriguez, widely recognized as one of boxing's pound-for-pound best fighters, is a challenge Vargas welcomes with open arms. "I have a lot of respect for Bam Rodriguez and everything he's accomplished in the sport. He's earned his reputation as a pound-for-pound great for a reason. But this is the kind of fight every fighter dreams about. As a champion, you want to face the best and prove yourself against the best. That's exactly what I'm doing on June 13th."
Vargas views the matchup as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. "A lot of people are counting me out, and that's fine. I've been doubted before. What motivates me is knowing that this is my chance to shock the world. I didn't work my whole life to be satisfied with just winning a world title. I want to keep building my legacy. Bam is standing in front of me, and I'm ready to rise to the occasion. Fans should expect a determined champion who's coming to defend his belt with everything he has."
Vargas fully understands the magnitude of the opportunity that lies before him and recognizes that a victory over Rodriguez would be far more than just another successful title defense. Defeating a fighter widely regarded as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best would validate his place among the sport’s elite, elevate his profile on the global stage, and serve as a defining moment in his career. Despite the potential rewards, Vargas remains focused on the task at hand.
"A win over a fighter like Jesse Rodriguez changes everything,” Vargas stated. “He's considered one of the best fighters in the world, regardless of weight class. Beating someone of that caliber would show everyone that I'm one of the best fighters in the sport. This is the type of victory that can define a career and open the door to even bigger opportunities. I try not to get too caught up in what comes after the fight because my focus has to remain on June 13. But there's no denying what's at stake. This is the biggest moment of my career, and I'm ready to embrace it. I believe this fight will bring out the absolute best version of me."
With millions of boxing fans across the globe expected to tune in on DAZN, Vargas views this title defense against a pound-for-pound star like Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez as a tremendous opportunity to showcase his skills on one of the sport's premier international platforms. Aware of the magnitude of the moment, Vargas is embracing the spotlight and is determined to deliver a memorable performance that resonates with fans watching around the world.
"Defending my world title on DAZN and in front of a global audience means everything to me,” Vargas concluded. “These are the moments fighters work for their entire lives. As Jesus lifts me up, fans from all over the world are going to be watching, and I plan to give them a performance they'll remember while giving all the glory to God. I want people tuning in to see a champion who refuses to back down from any challenge. This platform gives me an opportunity to represent my family, my supporters, my faith, and everyone who has believed in me from the beginning. I'm grateful for the opportunity, but I'm not satisfied just being here. I going to humbly leave Arizona still holding my title and prove that I belong on the biggest stages in boxing."
Boxlab Promotions president Amaury Piedra believes the Rodriguez fight represents the most important challenge of Vargas' professional career and a chance to elevate himself into boxing superstardom. According to Piedra, a win of this magnitude would transform Vargas from a respected world champion into a recognized star, opening the door to major unification bouts, larger events, and greater opportunities on the international stage while solidifying his place among boxing's elite fighters. "Without question, this is the most important fight of Antonio Vargas' career," said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions who promotes Vargas. "He's stepping into the ring against a fighter who is universally recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. These are the opportunities that define champions and shape legacies. If Antonio wins this fight, it completely changes the trajectory of his career. He won't just be viewed as a world champion; he'll be viewed as one of the elite fighters in boxing. A win over Jesse Rodriguez would instantly become one of the biggest victories in the sport and open the door to major fights and even greater opportunities. We believe in Antonio, we've seen the work he's put in, and we're confident he's prepared to deliver the performance of his life."
|
|
|
|
Welcome to Rodriguez vs. Vargas fight week
WBA 118-pound champion Antonio Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs) has put the finishing touches on what he describes as the best training camp of his professional career as he prepares to defend his title against pound-for-pound star Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) in a twelve-round championship showdown on Saturday, June 13th at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Boxlab Promotions, it will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN. Rodriguez is moving up from 115 pounds after capturing three world titles in that division. Vargas enters the biggest fight of his career as an underdog determined to prove he belongs among the sport’s elite. As fight night approaches, Vargas says the preparation has been intense, focused, and driven by the opportunity in front of him. "This has honestly been the best camp I've ever had,” said Vargas, “Every day I've been pushing myself beyond my limits as I know what is on the line. When you're preparing to face a fighter like Bam Rodriguez, you can't leave anything to chance. I've surrounded myself with a great team, we've studied everything, and I've put in the work physically, mentally, and emotionally. I feel stronger, sharper, and more confident than ever before, and more importantly my faith in God is lifting me up.
Vargas believes the demanding camp has elevated every aspect of his game and positioned him to deliver a career-defining performance. "We've focused on every detail. The conditioning, the strategy, the sparring, everything has been executed at a championship level,” continued Vargas. “As a world champion, you must continue evolving, and I feel like I've reached another level during this camp. I'm hungry to show the boxing world this version of myself.”
Facing Rodriguez, widely recognized as one of boxing's pound-for-pound best fighters, is a challenge Vargas welcomes with open arms. "I have a lot of respect for Bam Rodriguez and everything he's accomplished in the sport. He's earned his reputation as a pound-for-pound great for a reason. But this is the kind of fight every fighter dreams about. As a champion, you want to face the best and prove yourself against the best. That's exactly what I'm doing on June 13th."
Vargas views the matchup as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. "A lot of people are counting me out, and that's fine. I've been doubted before. What motivates me is knowing that this is my chance to shock the world. I didn't work my whole life to be satisfied with just winning a world title. I want to keep building my legacy. Bam is standing in front of me, and I'm ready to rise to the occasion. Fans should expect a determined champion who's coming to defend his belt with everything he has."
Vargas fully understands the magnitude of the opportunity that lies before him and recognizes that a victory over Rodriguez would be far more than just another successful title defense. Defeating a fighter widely regarded as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best would validate his place among the sport’s elite, elevate his profile on the global stage, and serve as a defining moment in his career. Despite the potential rewards, Vargas remains focused on the task at hand.
"A win over a fighter like Jesse Rodriguez changes everything,” Vargas stated. “He's considered one of the best fighters in the world, regardless of weight class. Beating someone of that caliber would show everyone that I'm one of the best fighters in the sport. This is the type of victory that can define a career and open the door to even bigger opportunities. I try not to get too caught up in what comes after the fight because my focus has to remain on June 13. But there's no denying what's at stake. This is the biggest moment of my career, and I'm ready to embrace it. I believe this fight will bring out the absolute best version of me."
With millions of boxing fans across the globe expected to tune in on DAZN, Vargas views this title defense against a pound-for-pound star like Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez as a tremendous opportunity to showcase his skills on one of the sport's premier international platforms. Aware of the magnitude of the moment, Vargas is embracing the spotlight and is determined to deliver a memorable performance that resonates with fans watching around the world.
"Defending my world title on DAZN and in front of a global audience means everything to me,” Vargas concluded. “These are the moments fighters work for their entire lives. As Jesus lifts me up, fans from all over the world are going to be watching, and I plan to give them a performance they'll remember while giving all the glory to God. I want people tuning in to see a champion who refuses to back down from any challenge. This platform gives me an opportunity to represent my family, my supporters, my faith, and everyone who has believed in me from the beginning. I'm grateful for the opportunity, but I'm not satisfied just being here. I going to humbly leave Arizona still holding my title and prove that I belong on the biggest stages in boxing."
Boxlab Promotions president Amaury Piedra believes the Rodriguez fight represents the most important challenge of Vargas' professional career and a chance to elevate himself into boxing superstardom. According to Piedra, a win of this magnitude would transform Vargas from a respected world champion into a recognized star, opening the door to major unification bouts, larger events, and greater opportunities on the international stage while solidifying his place among boxing's elite fighters. "Without question, this is the most important fight of Antonio Vargas' career," said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions who promotes Vargas. "He's stepping into the ring against a fighter who is universally recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. These are the opportunities that define champions and shape legacies. If Antonio wins this fight, it completely changes the trajectory of his career. He won't just be viewed as a world champion; he'll be viewed as one of the elite fighters in boxing. A win over Jesse Rodriguez would instantly become one of the biggest victories in the sport and open the door to major fights and even greater opportunities. We believe in Antonio, we've seen the work he's put in, and we're confident he's prepared to deliver the performance of his life."
|
Katie Taylor farewell bout set for Sept. 5th |
|
A fairytale ending in the storied career of Ireland’s greatest ever athlete Katie Taylor is today confirmed for Saturday, September 5 – live worldwide on DAZN – at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park as she defends her world junior welterweight championship in a historic undisputed clash against France’s undefeated Flora Pili. Eddie Hearn for Matchroom Boxing, in association with Aiken Promotions, Brian Peters and Title Event Partner, Lidl Ireland, made the announcement at a launch press conference last week. The legendary London 2012 Olympic gold medallist and two-weight queen of boxing (25-1, 6 KOs) returns to home shores for what promises to be a special night in front of over 80,000 supporters at the Ireland’s premier concert and events venue. It will be the first time a professional boxing event has been staged at the historic Dublin home of the Gaelic Athletic Association since the late, great Muhammad Ali famously fought Detroit heavyweight Alvin ‘Blue’ Lewis back in 1972.
A thrilled Taylor – who will this Saturday embark on a four-day promotional tour of Ireland, starting in her hometown of Bray, County Wicklow, before reaching Dublin and other major cities including Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Belfast in Northern Ireland – has thanked all those who have made this iconic September 5 showcase possible, promising to deliver a Fight Night for the ages to her loyal faithful.
Taylor said: “This seems like the perfect way to end it – by becoming Undisputed Champion again in our national stadium which has such a special place in Irish hearts. I’m so grateful that it’s happening and I can’t thank the people of this country enough for the support I have received over the years. People have travelled all around the world to follow my career and I’m hoping I can repay some of that with a big performance on September 5th. I’m under no illusions that Flora will present a very tough challenge, she’s undefeated as a professional and has a good amateur pedigree so I have the utmost respect for her. I’ve been blessed to achieve more than I could ever have dreamed in this sport but fighting at Croke Park really is the icing on the cake. I hope it’s the kind of event that will inspire a whole new generation to take up sport and follow their passions – that for me would be the greatest legacy I could leave.”
France’s unbeaten Pili is ready to spoil the party, however, with the 12-0 (2 KOs) WBC mandatory challenger determined to write her own name in lights by causing an almighty upset. Pili said: “Katie Taylor is one of the greatest champions in the history of women’s boxing, and I have tremendous respect for everything she has achieved. Facing a legend like her represents the biggest opportunity of my career. On September 5th, I will step into the ring fully prepared and ready to embrace this challenge in my quest to become the undisputed world champion.”
News on the undercard will follow in due course – and Matchroom Sport Chairman, Eddie Hearn expects it to be an evening that will be permanently etched in sporting folklore. “This is an incredibly proud moment for Matchroom,” said Hearn. "For everything Katie Taylor has accomplished, and for all those she has inspired along the way, it is absolutely beyond deserved. From turning over as a professional a decade ago, to fighting in the most iconic stadiums around the world and making history at Madison Square Garden, she’s done it all. What a magical adventure it has been. Getting here to Croke Park has been years in the making. But we were never giving up on delivering this dream. And to end this special journey together by becoming a three-time Undisputed Champion of the World is indeed the perfect farewell to what has been an extraordinary fairytale. The noise when Katie Taylor walks out in front of Croke Park on September 5 – live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN – will reverberate around the world. She is the ultimate trailblazer for this amazing sport. She is a living legend.”
The fight will be available to watch live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN – and VP of DAZN, Alfie Sharman added: “Katie Taylor fighting at Croke Park is one of the most significant moments in Irish sporting history. This is a homecoming that reflects a truly storied career — one built on excellence, resilience and titles. Fighting at Croke Park, in front of her legions of fans and returning to the country that shaped that journey, is a moment years in the making, and DAZN is proud to bring this landmark fight night to audiences around the world.”
Title Event Partner Lidl Ireland Chief Executive Officer Robert Ryan said: “For more than a decade we have championed female sport in Ireland through our partnership with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and we’re very much recognised across the country for breaking barriers, pushing boundaries and elevating female sport to the position it so rightly deserves.
“There’s no question that Katie Taylor is the greatest athlete Ireland has ever seen and this clash will be the defining fight the country has been waiting for. This is the fight that fans have to see and we’re very proud to help provide that visibility and that platform. Our decade-long work in supporting the LGFA has always been to elevate the sport and its players and we’re very proud to further that cause and ‘Get Behind the Fight’ for Katie at Croker – a legendary fighter, an iconic venue and a defining moment for Irish female sport.”
Taylor’s long-standing manager Brian Peters expects a packed Croke Park to roar Taylor to triumph in her date with destiny, insisting it will be the perfect setting for the Irish hero to become a three-time Undisputed Champion.
Peters said: “This is a fitting, final chapter to what has been one of sport’s great fairytales. From dreaming about winning Olympic Gold medals in a sport that didn’t even exist to completely transforming her sport. Katie has broken global audience records and featured in some of the most iconic venues in fights that will be forever remembered. She’s reigned as a World Champion for 20 years and it’s been the most remarkable journey.
“She has seen and done it all but winning back her Undisputed title at Croke Park will truly top everything that has come before. I’ve no doubt Flora Pili will be prepared for the fight of her life but she will need to be because in front of a packed Croke Park, Katie will stop at nothing to make sure she becomes Undisputed Champion again.”
|
|
|
|
Katie Taylor farewell bout set for Sept. 5th
A fairytale ending in the storied career of Ireland’s greatest ever athlete Katie Taylor is today confirmed for Saturday, September 5 – live worldwide on DAZN – at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park as she defends her world junior welterweight championship in a historic undisputed clash against France’s undefeated Flora Pili. Eddie Hearn for Matchroom Boxing, in association with Aiken Promotions, Brian Peters and Title Event Partner, Lidl Ireland, made the announcement at a launch press conference last week. The legendary London 2012 Olympic gold medallist and two-weight queen of boxing (25-1, 6 KOs) returns to home shores for what promises to be a special night in front of over 80,000 supporters at the Ireland’s premier concert and events venue. It will be the first time a professional boxing event has been staged at the historic Dublin home of the Gaelic Athletic Association since the late, great Muhammad Ali famously fought Detroit heavyweight Alvin ‘Blue’ Lewis back in 1972.
A thrilled Taylor – who will this Saturday embark on a four-day promotional tour of Ireland, starting in her hometown of Bray, County Wicklow, before reaching Dublin and other major cities including Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Belfast in Northern Ireland – has thanked all those who have made this iconic September 5 showcase possible, promising to deliver a Fight Night for the ages to her loyal faithful.
Taylor said: “This seems like the perfect way to end it – by becoming Undisputed Champion again in our national stadium which has such a special place in Irish hearts. I’m so grateful that it’s happening and I can’t thank the people of this country enough for the support I have received over the years. People have travelled all around the world to follow my career and I’m hoping I can repay some of that with a big performance on September 5th. I’m under no illusions that Flora will present a very tough challenge, she’s undefeated as a professional and has a good amateur pedigree so I have the utmost respect for her. I’ve been blessed to achieve more than I could ever have dreamed in this sport but fighting at Croke Park really is the icing on the cake. I hope it’s the kind of event that will inspire a whole new generation to take up sport and follow their passions – that for me would be the greatest legacy I could leave.”
France’s unbeaten Pili is ready to spoil the party, however, with the 12-0 (2 KOs) WBC mandatory challenger determined to write her own name in lights by causing an almighty upset. Pili said: “Katie Taylor is one of the greatest champions in the history of women’s boxing, and I have tremendous respect for everything she has achieved. Facing a legend like her represents the biggest opportunity of my career. On September 5th, I will step into the ring fully prepared and ready to embrace this challenge in my quest to become the undisputed world champion.”
News on the undercard will follow in due course – and Matchroom Sport Chairman, Eddie Hearn expects it to be an evening that will be permanently etched in sporting folklore. “This is an incredibly proud moment for Matchroom,” said Hearn. "For everything Katie Taylor has accomplished, and for all those she has inspired along the way, it is absolutely beyond deserved. From turning over as a professional a decade ago, to fighting in the most iconic stadiums around the world and making history at Madison Square Garden, she’s done it all. What a magical adventure it has been. Getting here to Croke Park has been years in the making. But we were never giving up on delivering this dream. And to end this special journey together by becoming a three-time Undisputed Champion of the World is indeed the perfect farewell to what has been an extraordinary fairytale. The noise when Katie Taylor walks out in front of Croke Park on September 5 – live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN – will reverberate around the world. She is the ultimate trailblazer for this amazing sport. She is a living legend.”
The fight will be available to watch live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN – and VP of DAZN, Alfie Sharman added: “Katie Taylor fighting at Croke Park is one of the most significant moments in Irish sporting history. This is a homecoming that reflects a truly storied career — one built on excellence, resilience and titles. Fighting at Croke Park, in front of her legions of fans and returning to the country that shaped that journey, is a moment years in the making, and DAZN is proud to bring this landmark fight night to audiences around the world.”
Title Event Partner Lidl Ireland Chief Executive Officer Robert Ryan said: “For more than a decade we have championed female sport in Ireland through our partnership with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and we’re very much recognised across the country for breaking barriers, pushing boundaries and elevating female sport to the position it so rightly deserves.
“There’s no question that Katie Taylor is the greatest athlete Ireland has ever seen and this clash will be the defining fight the country has been waiting for. This is the fight that fans have to see and we’re very proud to help provide that visibility and that platform. Our decade-long work in supporting the LGFA has always been to elevate the sport and its players and we’re very proud to further that cause and ‘Get Behind the Fight’ for Katie at Croker – a legendary fighter, an iconic venue and a defining moment for Irish female sport.”
Taylor’s long-standing manager Brian Peters expects a packed Croke Park to roar Taylor to triumph in her date with destiny, insisting it will be the perfect setting for the Irish hero to become a three-time Undisputed Champion.
Peters said: “This is a fitting, final chapter to what has been one of sport’s great fairytales. From dreaming about winning Olympic Gold medals in a sport that didn’t even exist to completely transforming her sport. Katie has broken global audience records and featured in some of the most iconic venues in fights that will be forever remembered. She’s reigned as a World Champion for 20 years and it’s been the most remarkable journey.
“She has seen and done it all but winning back her Undisputed title at Croke Park will truly top everything that has come before. I’ve no doubt Flora Pili will be prepared for the fight of her life but she will need to be because in front of a packed Croke Park, Katie will stop at nothing to make sure she becomes Undisputed Champion again.”
|
Ricky Hatton Legacy award established |
|
Dalton ‘Thunder’ Smith paid tribute to his “hero”, the late great, Ricky Hatton (pictured) after he became the inaugural recipient of the WBC Ricky Hatton Legacy belt, celebrated in front of thousands of fans at the AO Arena in Manchester. The WBC World 140-pound champion was bestowed the accolade at the Evening4Ricky – a one-off night to celebrate the iconic ‘Hitman’ in his home city with a supporting cast of boxing legends and celebrities all looking to help raise awareness for mental health. Specially commissioned by the WBC, the award will be awarded annually to recognise a British fighter who embodies the fighting spirit, honesty and warrior mentality that defined Hatton’s iconic career.
Steel City king Smith was selected following his world title victory earlier this year when he stopped Subriel Matias at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in New York to win the green and gold belt, in one the most memorable away day victories in modern times for a British fighter. Indeed, Smith victories and post-fight celebrations evoked the halcyon days of Hatton’s incredible success with both fighters sharing strong northern roots, with their reputations built on a relentless fighting spirit and connection with supporters.
The Sheffield fighter, in attendance with his father and Steel City Gym trainer Grant Smith, was last night duly presented with the special prize by Hatton’s son, Campbell Hatton, and Mexican boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera, where he paid tribute to his beloved childhood idol. “Growing up, Ricky Hatton was my hero,” said Smith. “Everything about him – the way he fought, the way he carried himself and the connection he had with the fans – was what made me fall in love with boxing. To receive the inaugural Ricky Hatton WBC Legacy Belt, in Manchester and at the AO Arena of all places, honestly means a huge amount to me. Ricky inspired a generation of fighters from the North and across Britain, and to be recognised in his name is something I’m incredibly proud of. It was a very special moment for me and my family, and I was honoured to be part of what was an unforgettable night celebrating one of British boxing’s true legends.”
|
|
|
|
Ricky Hatton Legacy award established
Dalton ‘Thunder’ Smith paid tribute to his “hero”, the late great, Ricky Hatton (pictured) after he became the inaugural recipient of the WBC Ricky Hatton Legacy belt, celebrated in front of thousands of fans at the AO Arena in Manchester. The WBC World 140-pound champion was bestowed the accolade at the Evening4Ricky – a one-off night to celebrate the iconic ‘Hitman’ in his home city with a supporting cast of boxing legends and celebrities all looking to help raise awareness for mental health. Specially commissioned by the WBC, the award will be awarded annually to recognise a British fighter who embodies the fighting spirit, honesty and warrior mentality that defined Hatton’s iconic career.
Steel City king Smith was selected following his world title victory earlier this year when he stopped Subriel Matias at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in New York to win the green and gold belt, in one the most memorable away day victories in modern times for a British fighter. Indeed, Smith victories and post-fight celebrations evoked the halcyon days of Hatton’s incredible success with both fighters sharing strong northern roots, with their reputations built on a relentless fighting spirit and connection with supporters.
The Sheffield fighter, in attendance with his father and Steel City Gym trainer Grant Smith, was last night duly presented with the special prize by Hatton’s son, Campbell Hatton, and Mexican boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera, where he paid tribute to his beloved childhood idol. “Growing up, Ricky Hatton was my hero,” said Smith. “Everything about him – the way he fought, the way he carried himself and the connection he had with the fans – was what made me fall in love with boxing. To receive the inaugural Ricky Hatton WBC Legacy Belt, in Manchester and at the AO Arena of all places, honestly means a huge amount to me. Ricky inspired a generation of fighters from the North and across Britain, and to be recognised in his name is something I’m incredibly proud of. It was a very special moment for me and my family, and I was honoured to be part of what was an unforgettable night celebrating one of British boxing’s true legends.”
|
Billam-Smith stops Ryan Rozicki in slugfest |
|
Chris Billam-Smith TKO7 Ryan Rozicki... Two of cruiserweight boxing's most dangerous men collided at Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday. Former cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith took everything Ryan Rozicki could throw at him, then turned the tables on the Canadian to eventually stop him after seven grueling rounds. The Bournemouth native went into the trenches with Rozicki, who launched a non-stop offensive on the local hero’s chin for seven rounds. But “CBS” showcased smart defensive skills and remarkable conditioning before answering Rozicki’s power with heavy shots of his own to eventually claim the TKO victory.
Rozicki started with his trademark aggression and it almost boiled over when he was warned by the referee for a headbutt while in the clinch. But, after tasting a little of Rozicki’s power, Billam-Smith started to fire back with power punches of his own as the pair traded huge shots against the ropes. Rozicki continued his relentless forward pressure as he continued to throw huge winging shots at the Englishman, but it was the Canadian who headed back to his corner with a cut over his left eye after another head clash.
Billam-Smith looked to find a home for his jab early in Round 2, but quickly found himself on the back foot as Rozicki came barrelling in, throwing huge hooks once again. And, after another warning from the referee for using the head, Rozicki received a point deduction from the official.
Round three saw the action continue in relentless fashion, with every punch Rozicki threw carrying fight-ending intentions. Billam-Smith covered up well, then stunned the Canadian with a huge counter right hand that briefly froze Rozicki on the spot. However, he recovered almost instantly and resumed his onslaught, but Billam-Smith’s shots seemed to land cleaner as he stayed defensively solid, then unleashed power shots of his own. The relentless pace didn’t relent through the fourth and fifth rounds as Rozicki continued to walk forward, throwing punches at full power. Billam-Smith, meanwhile, worked off the counter, and clipped the Canadian with a couple of eye-catching shots that had the Bournemouth crowd on their feet. But despite those successes, Rozicki’s constant pressure ensured the Englishman never had a moment to rest as the home favorite was forced to dig deep to avoid being overwhelmed.
It seemed impossible to think the fight would find another gear, but it did in the sixth, when Rozicki forced Billam-Smith into the corner and unloaded huge shots to the head and body. Then came the moment the momentum swung firmly in Billam-Smith’s favor, when the local hero bit down on his mouthpiece and unloaded a blistering 12-punch combination, with almost every one finding a home on Rozicki’s chin. But, despite Billam-Smith lighting up the Canadian, Rozicki somehow still stayed upright.
After a wild three-minute war in the sixth, the pace dropped a little in the seventh as the sheer violence of the fight started to wear on both men. But there was still time for Billam-Smith to bring the crowd to their feet as he ended the round with another brilliant combination. It looked like we were all set for a thrilling finale in the final three rounds, but the damage had already been done, and Rozicki was retired by his corner before the start of round eight to give Billam-Smith the hardest-earned win of his boxing career.
|
|
|
|
Billam-Smith stops Ryan Rozicki in slugfest
Chris Billam-Smith TKO7 Ryan Rozicki... Two of cruiserweight boxing's most dangerous men collided at Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday. Former cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith took everything Ryan Rozicki could throw at him, then turned the tables on the Canadian to eventually stop him after seven grueling rounds. The Bournemouth native went into the trenches with Rozicki, who launched a non-stop offensive on the local hero’s chin for seven rounds. But “CBS” showcased smart defensive skills and remarkable conditioning before answering Rozicki’s power with heavy shots of his own to eventually claim the TKO victory.
Rozicki started with his trademark aggression and it almost boiled over when he was warned by the referee for a headbutt while in the clinch. But, after tasting a little of Rozicki’s power, Billam-Smith started to fire back with power punches of his own as the pair traded huge shots against the ropes. Rozicki continued his relentless forward pressure as he continued to throw huge winging shots at the Englishman, but it was the Canadian who headed back to his corner with a cut over his left eye after another head clash.
Billam-Smith looked to find a home for his jab early in Round 2, but quickly found himself on the back foot as Rozicki came barrelling in, throwing huge hooks once again. And, after another warning from the referee for using the head, Rozicki received a point deduction from the official.
Round three saw the action continue in relentless fashion, with every punch Rozicki threw carrying fight-ending intentions. Billam-Smith covered up well, then stunned the Canadian with a huge counter right hand that briefly froze Rozicki on the spot. However, he recovered almost instantly and resumed his onslaught, but Billam-Smith’s shots seemed to land cleaner as he stayed defensively solid, then unleashed power shots of his own. The relentless pace didn’t relent through the fourth and fifth rounds as Rozicki continued to walk forward, throwing punches at full power. Billam-Smith, meanwhile, worked off the counter, and clipped the Canadian with a couple of eye-catching shots that had the Bournemouth crowd on their feet. But despite those successes, Rozicki’s constant pressure ensured the Englishman never had a moment to rest as the home favorite was forced to dig deep to avoid being overwhelmed.
It seemed impossible to think the fight would find another gear, but it did in the sixth, when Rozicki forced Billam-Smith into the corner and unloaded huge shots to the head and body. Then came the moment the momentum swung firmly in Billam-Smith’s favor, when the local hero bit down on his mouthpiece and unloaded a blistering 12-punch combination, with almost every one finding a home on Rozicki’s chin. But, despite Billam-Smith lighting up the Canadian, Rozicki somehow still stayed upright.
After a wild three-minute war in the sixth, the pace dropped a little in the seventh as the sheer violence of the fight started to wear on both men. But there was still time for Billam-Smith to bring the crowd to their feet as he ended the round with another brilliant combination. It looked like we were all set for a thrilling finale in the final three rounds, but the damage had already been done, and Rozicki was retired by his corner before the start of round eight to give Billam-Smith the hardest-earned win of his boxing career.
|
Chev Clarke gets big come-from-behind win |
|
Chev Clarke TKO7 Jack Massey... Former British cruiserweight champion Chev Clarke got off the canvas twice to stop Jack Massey and claim a stunning come-from-behind TKO victory. The size difference between the pair was evident as the action got underway, with the taller, rangier Massey looking to work from the outside, while Clarke attempted to time his entries to let his shots go from inside Massey’s range. That distance battle saw Massey land a big shot that appeared to briefly stiffen Clarke’s legs, but Clarke quickly recovered, and responded with a solid shot of his own as the bell sounded to end round one. Clarke noticeably upped his speed in round two and found a home for a beautiful two-punch combination. But Massey immediately responded with a rapid-fire right hand of his own as both men started to increase the intensity. A one-two from Massey appeared to briefly stun Clarke, but he was unable to follow up before the end of the round.
After a well-contested round in the third, Massey made his power count in the fourth as he dropped Clarke twice with huge shots. A clubbing right hand clipped Clarke on the top of the head and sent him down to the canvas, but the Gravesend man got back up quickly to take the full eight-count. Massey quickly followed up in search of a finish and earned a second knockdown, but once again Clarke found a way back to his feet. The finish looked imminent, but somehow Clarke managed to stay out of trouble long enough to escape the round.
After looking close to being finished in the fourth, Clarke came back firing in the fifth and appeared to hurt Massey with a big shot midway through the round that forced the former world title challenger to hold on. And in round six, Clarke continued his resurgence with another strong round as he knocked out Massey’s mouthpiece, before later finishing the round with a thumping shot to the body. Then, the seventh round brought the fight’s full-circle moment, as Clarke decked Massey with a huge right hand. Massey beat the count, but still looked in real trouble, and Clarke swarmed him with heavy punches that forced the referee to step in and wave off the fight at the 1:24 mark. It gave Clarke an incredible come-from-behind TKO as the Gravesend native, whose fighting nickname is “C4,” found his explosive power when it mattered to claim the victory in remarkable fashion.
|
|
|
|
Chev Clarke gets big come-from-behind win
Chev Clarke TKO7 Jack Massey... Former British cruiserweight champion Chev Clarke got off the canvas twice to stop Jack Massey and claim a stunning come-from-behind TKO victory. The size difference between the pair was evident as the action got underway, with the taller, rangier Massey looking to work from the outside, while Clarke attempted to time his entries to let his shots go from inside Massey’s range. That distance battle saw Massey land a big shot that appeared to briefly stiffen Clarke’s legs, but Clarke quickly recovered, and responded with a solid shot of his own as the bell sounded to end round one. Clarke noticeably upped his speed in round two and found a home for a beautiful two-punch combination. But Massey immediately responded with a rapid-fire right hand of his own as both men started to increase the intensity. A one-two from Massey appeared to briefly stun Clarke, but he was unable to follow up before the end of the round.
After a well-contested round in the third, Massey made his power count in the fourth as he dropped Clarke twice with huge shots. A clubbing right hand clipped Clarke on the top of the head and sent him down to the canvas, but the Gravesend man got back up quickly to take the full eight-count. Massey quickly followed up in search of a finish and earned a second knockdown, but once again Clarke found a way back to his feet. The finish looked imminent, but somehow Clarke managed to stay out of trouble long enough to escape the round.
After looking close to being finished in the fourth, Clarke came back firing in the fifth and appeared to hurt Massey with a big shot midway through the round that forced the former world title challenger to hold on. And in round six, Clarke continued his resurgence with another strong round as he knocked out Massey’s mouthpiece, before later finishing the round with a thumping shot to the body. Then, the seventh round brought the fight’s full-circle moment, as Clarke decked Massey with a huge right hand. Massey beat the count, but still looked in real trouble, and Clarke swarmed him with heavy punches that forced the referee to step in and wave off the fight at the 1:24 mark. It gave Clarke an incredible come-from-behind TKO as the Gravesend native, whose fighting nickname is “C4,” found his explosive power when it mattered to claim the victory in remarkable fashion.
|
Zuffa Boxing undercard results |
|
Lee Cutler TKO3 Aaron Sutton... Bournemouth’s own Lee Cutler marked his Zuffa Boxing debut with a third-round TKO victory over Aaron Sutton in their middleweight matchup, but it didn’t come in the manner he would have expected after a heavy right hand left his opponent with a dislocated shoulder. Cutler stepped through the ropes as the broader, stronger-looking fighter, and he started the opening round looking to land some solid shots early. Meanwhile, Sutton slipped some of Cutler’s shots well and sneaked in some smartly-placed punches of his own from in close. Sutton’s slightly awkward counter-punching style made him a tricky target, but Cutler landed well in round two, particularly to the body as he dug in some nasty shots from close range. Then, in the third, Cutler claimed his unusual TKO victory. A right hand from Cutler landed on the back of Sutton’s shoulder and appeared to dislocate the former Southern Area Champion’s left shoulder as a result. It left Sutton unable to continue and, despite his protests, the fight was waved off 31 seconds into the round. Cutler performed the “worm” dance across the canvas as his hometown fans in Bournemouth celebrated the victory, while Sutton was left disappointed, and in considerable pain, as he quickly departed the ring to receive medical treatment. Cutler might not have claimed the knockout win he was hoping for, but he did add another inside-the-distance victory to his name to get him off and running under the Zuffa Boxing banner to take his career record to 16-2.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Ireland's Stevie McKenna returned to action with a whirlwind performance as he demolished Casey James Streeter in just 64 seconds in their middleweight contest. When the opening bell sounded, McKenna and Streeter met in the center of the ring and immediately got involved in a tear-up as they both unloaded vicious combinations. But while Streeter was swinging punches, McKenna was landing them, and a huge left hook badly rocked the American, who looked very close to touching down, but didn’t. Realizing his opponent was still upright, McKenna resumed his onslaught and dropped Streeter with more heavy shots, then forced the finish with another vicious salvo of punches that forced the referee to step in and wave off the fight and spare Streeter any further punishment. It gave McKenna the comeback win he was so desperate for as he returned from an 18-month layoff in spectacular style to take his record to 16-1 with the 15th knockout victory of his career.
The main card kicked off with a second-round knockout from undefeated Scot Sam Hickey as he defeated Tom Tompkins in their middleweight matchup. Hickey established his jab early, then landed a well-timed counter right hand as Tompkins looked to punch his way into range. The Scot quickly established himself as the aggressor and had the English southpaw against the ropes, taking shots, as he dominated the first three minutes.After a strong opening round, Hickey turned on the style and turned up the power as he landed big shots on Tompkins to score the knockout in the second. Hickey let his hands go with real venom as he connected with a series of power punches, including two successive counter-rights, that eventually sent Tompkins down to the canvas for a clean, clinical victory, which was officially announced as a TKO. Hickey’s second career stoppage win took his pro record to 5-0 as the 26-year-old from Dundee made his mark in eye-catching fashion on his Zuffa Boxing debut.
Kazakhstan’s six-foot-nine, two-time Olympic medallist Ivan Dychko moved to 16-1 after edging English southpaw Harvey Dykes via split decision in their ten-round heavyweight matchup. The socres were 97-92 (twice) and 94-95. The Pittsburgh-based Dychko calmly stalked Dykes around the ring, looking to connect with his jab, then step in with right hands to the body. And, in the final minute of the round, Dychko caught Dykes with a short right hook that didn’t land cleanly, but knocked the off-balance Englishman to the canvas. Dykes presented a tricky, unorthodox opponent with his southpaw style, and after faring a little better in the second round, he started to warm to his task in the third and fourth as he stepped in and landed multiple shots in close. He even had a few words to say to the big Kazakh after one or two successful exchanges. Dychko, meanwhile, seemed happy to continue his steady pace. That plodding pace continued through the rest of the contest as Dychko walked forward looking to land his jab, while Dykes tried to step inside the taller man’s reach and score from the inside. The Englishman enjoyed success in round six as he connected with his best shots of the fight to force Dychko onto the back foot for the first time in the fight. As the fight entered the ninth round, Dykes left his corner with his ears still stinging from trainer Don Charles, who implored him to do more to turn the fight in his favor. But despite a spirited effort in the final two rounds, Dykes was unable to make a serious impression on Dychko, who did enough to earn a split-decision victory after going the distance for only the third time in his professional career.
Unbeaten English light heavyweight Leon Hughes sang his way to the ring to Conroy Smith’s reggae classic, “Dangerous” and lived up to that song choice with an impressive performance to stop Bulgaria’s Mario Vergiev in the third round. Hughes wasted no time in getting to work as he came striding out of his corner, throwing punches from the very start. Vergiev seemed a little shocked by the early pace, and struggled to get any punches off as Hughes peppered him with jabs, while effectively mixing up his targets with his right hand. Vergiev attempted to establish his jab, but a little showboating from Hughes, including a double punch, throwing both hands simultaneously, drew the Preston-based fighter a rebuke from the referee. Once the action resumed, the confident Englishman planted his feet and threw with power as he loaded up with heavy shots in the closing moments of the round. The second round saw Hughes continue to land power punches as he picked his shots and connected cleanly and repeatedly on the durable, but not mobile, Vergiev. Hughes’ left hooks seemingly couldn’t miss, and appeared to briefly freeze the Bulgarian on several occasions. By the start of round three, it was clear that Hughes was far too good for his opponent, and it seemed only a matter of time before either the referee or the corner would intervene. And, just 52 seconds into the round, the referee mercifully stepped in to spare Vergiev any more unnecessary damage. Now sitting at 5-0 as a professional, Hughes already looks primed for a step up in opposition as he looks to embark on his journey in Zuffa Boxing.
The night kicked off with a welterweight matchup as undefeated Englishman Alex MacMillan claimed a second-round TKO victory over Leo Fanthome. A big right hand from MacMillan dropped Fanthome midway through the opening round as the Morecambe-based fighter made an early breakthrough, and another clubbing shot sent his opponent down again moments later. Fanthome continued to gamely stand and trade, but MacMillan simply couldn’t miss with his shots, and that combination of power and accuracy eventually led to the finish. Round two saw MacMillan pick up where he left off, and another big right hand sent Fanthome to the canvas for a third time. And after the action resumed, another vicious flurry of punches from MacMillan eventually led to Fanthome’s corner throwing in the towel as the referee stepped in to wave off the bout at the 1:44 mark. The win moves MacMillan to 4-0, as the 22-year-old continues his flying start in his first year as a professional.
|
|
|
|
Zuffa Boxing undercard results
Lee Cutler TKO3 Aaron Sutton... Bournemouth’s own Lee Cutler marked his Zuffa Boxing debut with a third-round TKO victory over Aaron Sutton in their middleweight matchup, but it didn’t come in the manner he would have expected after a heavy right hand left his opponent with a dislocated shoulder. Cutler stepped through the ropes as the broader, stronger-looking fighter, and he started the opening round looking to land some solid shots early. Meanwhile, Sutton slipped some of Cutler’s shots well and sneaked in some smartly-placed punches of his own from in close. Sutton’s slightly awkward counter-punching style made him a tricky target, but Cutler landed well in round two, particularly to the body as he dug in some nasty shots from close range. Then, in the third, Cutler claimed his unusual TKO victory. A right hand from Cutler landed on the back of Sutton’s shoulder and appeared to dislocate the former Southern Area Champion’s left shoulder as a result. It left Sutton unable to continue and, despite his protests, the fight was waved off 31 seconds into the round. Cutler performed the “worm” dance across the canvas as his hometown fans in Bournemouth celebrated the victory, while Sutton was left disappointed, and in considerable pain, as he quickly departed the ring to receive medical treatment. Cutler might not have claimed the knockout win he was hoping for, but he did add another inside-the-distance victory to his name to get him off and running under the Zuffa Boxing banner to take his career record to 16-2.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Ireland's Stevie McKenna returned to action with a whirlwind performance as he demolished Casey James Streeter in just 64 seconds in their middleweight contest. When the opening bell sounded, McKenna and Streeter met in the center of the ring and immediately got involved in a tear-up as they both unloaded vicious combinations. But while Streeter was swinging punches, McKenna was landing them, and a huge left hook badly rocked the American, who looked very close to touching down, but didn’t. Realizing his opponent was still upright, McKenna resumed his onslaught and dropped Streeter with more heavy shots, then forced the finish with another vicious salvo of punches that forced the referee to step in and wave off the fight and spare Streeter any further punishment. It gave McKenna the comeback win he was so desperate for as he returned from an 18-month layoff in spectacular style to take his record to 16-1 with the 15th knockout victory of his career.
The main card kicked off with a second-round knockout from undefeated Scot Sam Hickey as he defeated Tom Tompkins in their middleweight matchup. Hickey established his jab early, then landed a well-timed counter right hand as Tompkins looked to punch his way into range. The Scot quickly established himself as the aggressor and had the English southpaw against the ropes, taking shots, as he dominated the first three minutes.After a strong opening round, Hickey turned on the style and turned up the power as he landed big shots on Tompkins to score the knockout in the second. Hickey let his hands go with real venom as he connected with a series of power punches, including two successive counter-rights, that eventually sent Tompkins down to the canvas for a clean, clinical victory, which was officially announced as a TKO. Hickey’s second career stoppage win took his pro record to 5-0 as the 26-year-old from Dundee made his mark in eye-catching fashion on his Zuffa Boxing debut.
Kazakhstan’s six-foot-nine, two-time Olympic medallist Ivan Dychko moved to 16-1 after edging English southpaw Harvey Dykes via split decision in their ten-round heavyweight matchup. The socres were 97-92 (twice) and 94-95. The Pittsburgh-based Dychko calmly stalked Dykes around the ring, looking to connect with his jab, then step in with right hands to the body. And, in the final minute of the round, Dychko caught Dykes with a short right hook that didn’t land cleanly, but knocked the off-balance Englishman to the canvas. Dykes presented a tricky, unorthodox opponent with his southpaw style, and after faring a little better in the second round, he started to warm to his task in the third and fourth as he stepped in and landed multiple shots in close. He even had a few words to say to the big Kazakh after one or two successful exchanges. Dychko, meanwhile, seemed happy to continue his steady pace. That plodding pace continued through the rest of the contest as Dychko walked forward looking to land his jab, while Dykes tried to step inside the taller man’s reach and score from the inside. The Englishman enjoyed success in round six as he connected with his best shots of the fight to force Dychko onto the back foot for the first time in the fight. As the fight entered the ninth round, Dykes left his corner with his ears still stinging from trainer Don Charles, who implored him to do more to turn the fight in his favor. But despite a spirited effort in the final two rounds, Dykes was unable to make a serious impression on Dychko, who did enough to earn a split-decision victory after going the distance for only the third time in his professional career.
Unbeaten English light heavyweight Leon Hughes sang his way to the ring to Conroy Smith’s reggae classic, “Dangerous” and lived up to that song choice with an impressive performance to stop Bulgaria’s Mario Vergiev in the third round. Hughes wasted no time in getting to work as he came striding out of his corner, throwing punches from the very start. Vergiev seemed a little shocked by the early pace, and struggled to get any punches off as Hughes peppered him with jabs, while effectively mixing up his targets with his right hand. Vergiev attempted to establish his jab, but a little showboating from Hughes, including a double punch, throwing both hands simultaneously, drew the Preston-based fighter a rebuke from the referee. Once the action resumed, the confident Englishman planted his feet and threw with power as he loaded up with heavy shots in the closing moments of the round. The second round saw Hughes continue to land power punches as he picked his shots and connected cleanly and repeatedly on the durable, but not mobile, Vergiev. Hughes’ left hooks seemingly couldn’t miss, and appeared to briefly freeze the Bulgarian on several occasions. By the start of round three, it was clear that Hughes was far too good for his opponent, and it seemed only a matter of time before either the referee or the corner would intervene. And, just 52 seconds into the round, the referee mercifully stepped in to spare Vergiev any more unnecessary damage. Now sitting at 5-0 as a professional, Hughes already looks primed for a step up in opposition as he looks to embark on his journey in Zuffa Boxing.
The night kicked off with a welterweight matchup as undefeated Englishman Alex MacMillan claimed a second-round TKO victory over Leo Fanthome. A big right hand from MacMillan dropped Fanthome midway through the opening round as the Morecambe-based fighter made an early breakthrough, and another clubbing shot sent his opponent down again moments later. Fanthome continued to gamely stand and trade, but MacMillan simply couldn’t miss with his shots, and that combination of power and accuracy eventually led to the finish. Round two saw MacMillan pick up where he left off, and another big right hand sent Fanthome to the canvas for a third time. And after the action resumed, another vicious flurry of punches from MacMillan eventually led to Fanthome’s corner throwing in the towel as the referee stepped in to wave off the bout at the 1:44 mark. The win moves MacMillan to 4-0, as the 22-year-old continues his flying start in his first year as a professional.
|
Devon Alexander pens inspirational children's book |
|
Former world champion Devon Alexander is telling his story in a way he never has before with heart, purpose, and the next generation in mind. His new children’s book, The Rise of a Champion, offers an inspiring look at how perseverance, discipline and belief can turn a child's dreams into reality. Designed to reach young readers at an early age, the book follows a powerful journey, rooted in Alexander’s real life story growing up in St. Louis and his striving to become a world champion despite challenges and adversity. “This book is about showing children what’s possible,“ says Alexander. “I want them to see that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you finish. “Through vibrant, storytelling and engaging visuals the rise of champion delivers more than motivation, it provide a message of hope, structure, and self belief for children, who may not always see examples of success that look like them. Through his story and platform, Devon continues to impact children while carrying out his purpose.
|
|
|
|
Devon Alexander pens inspirational children's book
Former world champion Devon Alexander is telling his story in a way he never has before with heart, purpose, and the next generation in mind. His new children’s book, The Rise of a Champion, offers an inspiring look at how perseverance, discipline and belief can turn a child's dreams into reality. Designed to reach young readers at an early age, the book follows a powerful journey, rooted in Alexander’s real life story growing up in St. Louis and his striving to become a world champion despite challenges and adversity. “This book is about showing children what’s possible,“ says Alexander. “I want them to see that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you finish. “Through vibrant, storytelling and engaging visuals the rise of champion delivers more than motivation, it provide a message of hope, structure, and self belief for children, who may not always see examples of success that look like them. Through his story and platform, Devon continues to impact children while carrying out his purpose.
|
Details of the Mayweather vs. Showtime lawsuit emerge |
|
After getting sued by Floyd Mayweather, Showtime Networks Inc. has filed on its own claims against Mayweather Promotions, LLC, saying that if Showtime owes any money to Mayweather, the money should be reimbursed by Mayweather Promotions. The legal term for Shwotime's claims is indemnification, which means that one company (in this case Mayweather Promotions) has agreed to protect another (in this case, Showtime) from certain losses, damages, or legal claims. In simple terms, if a covered problem arises, the party providing indemnity is responsible for paying the costs or reimbursing the other party for the harm it suffers.
Mayweather began this lawsuit, filing a complaint against Showtime and Stephen Espinoza in California state court seeking to recover hundreds of millions of dollars in **allegedly** misappropriated funds and damages. The undefeated boxing legend claims he is the victim of a long-running and elaborate scheme of financial fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and conspiracy orchestrated by his former manager and advisor, Al Haymon, with the knowing and substantial participation and aid of Defendants Showtime Networks Inc. and Espinoza, who is Showtime’s former executive. Significantly, the lawsuit does not name Haymon as defendant. Mayweather says he was deprived of at least $340 million (and potentially far more when accounting for lost investment growth)—through a web of hidden accounts, unauthorized transactions, and deliberate concealment of financial records. The lawsuit was soon removed to federal court by Showtime.
Mayweather alleges that Showtime and Espinoza facilitated Haymon’s misconduct by diverting funds intended for Mayweather into accounts controlled by Haymon or his agents. When Mayweather sought more information, he says Showtime claimed that critical financial records were “lost” or inaccessible, and the network failed to provide transparency despite clear contractual obligations and repeated requests for accounting. In addition, Mayweather alleges that Showtime still owes him $20 million from a 2015 Andre Berto fight, a payout that was deducted from Mayweather’s purse for his fight against Manny Pacquiao.In its counterclaim, Showtime alleged that there is a “Master Agreement” between itself and Mayweather Promotions, dated February 22, 2013, which covered the promotion and presentation of up to six professional boxing matches featuring Mayweather. Showtime says there are three separate provisions for indemnification under the Agreement. Showtime also takes the position that Mayweather Promotions should pay its legal fees. “Even if Showtime is not found liable under any of Mayweather’s claims, Mayweather Promotions must still indemnify Showtime for the legal fees and other costs it has been forced to incur in the course of defending itself in this action.”
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 26, 2026 [The New York lawsuit]: For years, Floyd Mayweather Jr. told the world he was one of boxing's most successful businessmen. He even changed his nickname from "Pretty Boy Floyd" to "Money" and constantly reminded fans that he was as skilled at making money as he was at winning fights. Now, the multi-division champion claims that millions of dollars that belonged to him ended up somewhere else. In a lawsuit filed in New York state court, Mayweather alleges that a longtime trusted advisor orchestrated a years-long scheme that diverted money, real estate proceeds, business distributions, settlement funds, jewelry, and even aircraft-related assets away from him and into accounts controlled by others. The complaint seeks at least $175 million in damages, along with punitive damages and a full accounting of where the money went.
In the New York lawsuit, the undefeated boxing legend claims he is the victim of a long-running and elaborate scheme of financial fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and conspiracy orchestrated by his former manager and advisor, Al Haymon, with the knowing and substantial participation and aid of Defendants Showtime Networks Inc. and Showtime’s former executive, Stephen Espinoza. Significantly, the lawsuit did not name Haymon as defendant. In that lawsuit, Mayweather says he was deprived of at least $340 million (and potentially far more when accounting for lost investment growth)—through a web of hidden accounts, unauthorized transactions, and deliberate concealment of financial records. Add the two lawsuits together, and Mayweather claims half a billion dollars have been stolen from him!
The relationship at the center of the dispute stretches back years. Mayweather alleges that Ari Rechnitz became much more than a business contact, acting as an investment manager, real estate advisor, banking liaison, and trusted confidant in handling portions of the fighter's financial affairs. The complaint claims Mayweather relied heavily on Rechnitz's guidance and trusted him to manage transactions that involved tens of millions of dollars. The lawsuit paints a picture of a sprawling financial network involving real estate deals, investment vehicles, loans, and limited liability companies. At the heart of many of the allegations is a company called Frist Apex Ventures, LLC, which Mayweather claims became a repository for funds that should have gone to him.
The most eye-catching-- but not the most financially significant-- allegations involve Mayweather's famed jewelry collection. Mayweather alleges that jewelry with an asserted value of approximately $100 million was pledged to two Miami jewelry dealers in 2025. According to the lawsuit, in exchange for $100 million in jewelery, Mayweather only received back roughly $13 million. Mayweather claims he never received an accounting of what happened to the proceeds and alleges that a substantial portion of the jewelry remains in the dealers' possession. The filing further alleges that one dealer later threatened to begin liquidating the jewelry if payment was not received. According to the complaint, Rechnitz responded to that message by agreeing to do so on Mayweather's behalf.
Among Mayweather's biggest complaints is his claim that more than $15 million in funds involving SL Green Realty Corp. were transferred away from Mayweather without his authorization. According to the complaint, those proceeds belonged to Mayweather, yet were allegedly sent to Frist Apex Ventures at Rechnitz's direction.
The lawsuit also focuses on a Las Vegas property located at 9504 Kings Gate Court. According to the filing, a Nevada company was formed in early 2025 with Mayweather listed as its sole member. Weeks later, the property was refinanced for $8.2 million. The complaint alleges that more than $2.1 million in net refinance proceeds were transferred to Frist Apex Ventures without Mayweather's authorization.
Another allegation concerns a Gulfstream G-IV aircraft. Mayweather claims that in November 2025 he signed paperwork related to the sale of the aircraft at Rechnitz's direction, but that the purchaser's information was left blank and that he never received an accounting showing where the proceeds went. The complaint alleges that proceeds from the transaction were diverted elsewhere and that neither Mayweather nor his aviation company received any of the money.
The lawsuit also cites a January 1, 2026 email that allegedly directed 80 percent of certain Manhattan real estate distributions to Mayweather Promotions while sending the remaining 20 percent to Frist Apex Ventures. Mayweather claims the email demonstrates an ongoing diversion of funds.
Legally speaking, Mayweahter has named the folling as defendants: Ari Rechnitz (Mayweather's longtime investment and real-estate advisor); Joshua Frist (who allegedly participated in various transactions and communications); Frist Apex Ventures, LLC, a company that the allegedly received and held the funds Mayweather is seeking to recover); and David Seligson, who managed some of Mayweather's businesses and supposedly carried out fund transfers at Rechnitz's direction.
Mayweather asserts claims for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, accounting, unjust enrichment, and the imposition of a constructive trust. In plain terms, Mayweather is alleging that trusted associates misrepresented transactions, concealed important information, improperly controlled his assets, and benefitted from money that should have belonged to him. It is important to note that these are allegations only. The lawsuit represents Mayweather's version of events, and the defendants will have an opportunity to respond in court.
Still, the filing offers a remarkable look into the financial world surrounding one of boxing's biggest stars. For a fighter whose career earnings have long been measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars, the dispute is not about a single fight purse or promotional contract. Instead, it is a battle over what Mayweather claims was a years-long pattern of unauthorized transfers involving some of the most valuable assets associated with his business empire.
In the earlier of the two lawsuits, TMZ Sports reported that Mayweather sued Showtime and its former executive, Stephen Espinoza for $340 million. The lawsuit alleges that for Mayweather's most lucrative fights, including those against Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor, Showtime and Espinoza directed payments to accounts controlled by Mayweather's advisor Al Haymon, instead of to Mayweather himself. What is suspicious about the lawsuit is that Haymon himself was not sued. Should the lawsuit proceed, Haymon would certainly, at the very least, be deposed as a witness by Showtime, if not outright brought into the lawsuit as a third-party defendant.
Whether the allegations ultimately hold up remains to be seen. But with at least $175 million at stake, the two lawsuits will be closely watched to determine Mayweather's post-boxing legacy.
|
|
|
|
Details of the Mayweather vs. Showtime lawsuit emerge
After getting sued by Floyd Mayweather, Showtime Networks Inc. has filed on its own claims against Mayweather Promotions, LLC, saying that if Showtime owes any money to Mayweather, the money should be reimbursed by Mayweather Promotions. The legal term for Shwotime's claims is indemnification, which means that one company (in this case Mayweather Promotions) has agreed to protect another (in this case, Showtime) from certain losses, damages, or legal claims. In simple terms, if a covered problem arises, the party providing indemnity is responsible for paying the costs or reimbursing the other party for the harm it suffers.
Mayweather began this lawsuit, filing a complaint against Showtime and Stephen Espinoza in California state court seeking to recover hundreds of millions of dollars in **allegedly** misappropriated funds and damages. The undefeated boxing legend claims he is the victim of a long-running and elaborate scheme of financial fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and conspiracy orchestrated by his former manager and advisor, Al Haymon, with the knowing and substantial participation and aid of Defendants Showtime Networks Inc. and Espinoza, who is Showtime’s former executive. Significantly, the lawsuit does not name Haymon as defendant. Mayweather says he was deprived of at least $340 million (and potentially far more when accounting for lost investment growth)—through a web of hidden accounts, unauthorized transactions, and deliberate concealment of financial records. The lawsuit was soon removed to federal court by Showtime.
Mayweather alleges that Showtime and Espinoza facilitated Haymon’s misconduct by diverting funds intended for Mayweather into accounts controlled by Haymon or his agents. When Mayweather sought more information, he says Showtime claimed that critical financial records were “lost” or inaccessible, and the network failed to provide transparency despite clear contractual obligations and repeated requests for accounting. In addition, Mayweather alleges that Showtime still owes him $20 million from a 2015 Andre Berto fight, a payout that was deducted from Mayweather’s purse for his fight against Manny Pacquiao.In its counterclaim, Showtime alleged that there is a “Master Agreement” between itself and Mayweather Promotions, dated February 22, 2013, which covered the promotion and presentation of up to six professional boxing matches featuring Mayweather. Showtime says there are three separate provisions for indemnification under the Agreement. Showtime also takes the position that Mayweather Promotions should pay its legal fees. “Even if Showtime is not found liable under any of Mayweather’s claims, Mayweather Promotions must still indemnify Showtime for the legal fees and other costs it has been forced to incur in the course of defending itself in this action.”
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 26, 2026 [The New York lawsuit]: For years, Floyd Mayweather Jr. told the world he was one of boxing's most successful businessmen. He even changed his nickname from "Pretty Boy Floyd" to "Money" and constantly reminded fans that he was as skilled at making money as he was at winning fights. Now, the multi-division champion claims that millions of dollars that belonged to him ended up somewhere else. In a lawsuit filed in New York state court, Mayweather alleges that a longtime trusted advisor orchestrated a years-long scheme that diverted money, real estate proceeds, business distributions, settlement funds, jewelry, and even aircraft-related assets away from him and into accounts controlled by others. The complaint seeks at least $175 million in damages, along with punitive damages and a full accounting of where the money went.
In the New York lawsuit, the undefeated boxing legend claims he is the victim of a long-running and elaborate scheme of financial fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and conspiracy orchestrated by his former manager and advisor, Al Haymon, with the knowing and substantial participation and aid of Defendants Showtime Networks Inc. and Showtime’s former executive, Stephen Espinoza. Significantly, the lawsuit did not name Haymon as defendant. In that lawsuit, Mayweather says he was deprived of at least $340 million (and potentially far more when accounting for lost investment growth)—through a web of hidden accounts, unauthorized transactions, and deliberate concealment of financial records. Add the two lawsuits together, and Mayweather claims half a billion dollars have been stolen from him!
The relationship at the center of the dispute stretches back years. Mayweather alleges that Ari Rechnitz became much more than a business contact, acting as an investment manager, real estate advisor, banking liaison, and trusted confidant in handling portions of the fighter's financial affairs. The complaint claims Mayweather relied heavily on Rechnitz's guidance and trusted him to manage transactions that involved tens of millions of dollars. The lawsuit paints a picture of a sprawling financial network involving real estate deals, investment vehicles, loans, and limited liability companies. At the heart of many of the allegations is a company called Frist Apex Ventures, LLC, which Mayweather claims became a repository for funds that should have gone to him.
The most eye-catching-- but not the most financially significant-- allegations involve Mayweather's famed jewelry collection. Mayweather alleges that jewelry with an asserted value of approximately $100 million was pledged to two Miami jewelry dealers in 2025. According to the lawsuit, in exchange for $100 million in jewelery, Mayweather only received back roughly $13 million. Mayweather claims he never received an accounting of what happened to the proceeds and alleges that a substantial portion of the jewelry remains in the dealers' possession. The filing further alleges that one dealer later threatened to begin liquidating the jewelry if payment was not received. According to the complaint, Rechnitz responded to that message by agreeing to do so on Mayweather's behalf.
Among Mayweather's biggest complaints is his claim that more than $15 million in funds involving SL Green Realty Corp. were transferred away from Mayweather without his authorization. According to the complaint, those proceeds belonged to Mayweather, yet were allegedly sent to Frist Apex Ventures at Rechnitz's direction.
The lawsuit also focuses on a Las Vegas property located at 9504 Kings Gate Court. According to the filing, a Nevada company was formed in early 2025 with Mayweather listed as its sole member. Weeks later, the property was refinanced for $8.2 million. The complaint alleges that more than $2.1 million in net refinance proceeds were transferred to Frist Apex Ventures without Mayweather's authorization.
Another allegation concerns a Gulfstream G-IV aircraft. Mayweather claims that in November 2025 he signed paperwork related to the sale of the aircraft at Rechnitz's direction, but that the purchaser's information was left blank and that he never received an accounting showing where the proceeds went. The complaint alleges that proceeds from the transaction were diverted elsewhere and that neither Mayweather nor his aviation company received any of the money.
The lawsuit also cites a January 1, 2026 email that allegedly directed 80 percent of certain Manhattan real estate distributions to Mayweather Promotions while sending the remaining 20 percent to Frist Apex Ventures. Mayweather claims the email demonstrates an ongoing diversion of funds.
Legally speaking, Mayweahter has named the folling as defendants: Ari Rechnitz (Mayweather's longtime investment and real-estate advisor); Joshua Frist (who allegedly participated in various transactions and communications); Frist Apex Ventures, LLC, a company that the allegedly received and held the funds Mayweather is seeking to recover); and David Seligson, who managed some of Mayweather's businesses and supposedly carried out fund transfers at Rechnitz's direction.
Mayweather asserts claims for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, accounting, unjust enrichment, and the imposition of a constructive trust. In plain terms, Mayweather is alleging that trusted associates misrepresented transactions, concealed important information, improperly controlled his assets, and benefitted from money that should have belonged to him. It is important to note that these are allegations only. The lawsuit represents Mayweather's version of events, and the defendants will have an opportunity to respond in court.
Still, the filing offers a remarkable look into the financial world surrounding one of boxing's biggest stars. For a fighter whose career earnings have long been measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars, the dispute is not about a single fight purse or promotional contract. Instead, it is a battle over what Mayweather claims was a years-long pattern of unauthorized transfers involving some of the most valuable assets associated with his business empire.
In the earlier of the two lawsuits, TMZ Sports reported that Mayweather sued Showtime and its former executive, Stephen Espinoza for $340 million. The lawsuit alleges that for Mayweather's most lucrative fights, including those against Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor, Showtime and Espinoza directed payments to accounts controlled by Mayweather's advisor Al Haymon, instead of to Mayweather himself. What is suspicious about the lawsuit is that Haymon himself was not sued. Should the lawsuit proceed, Haymon would certainly, at the very least, be deposed as a witness by Showtime, if not outright brought into the lawsuit as a third-party defendant.
Whether the allegations ultimately hold up remains to be seen. But with at least $175 million at stake, the two lawsuits will be closely watched to determine Mayweather's post-boxing legacy.
|
Tonight: Billam-Smith in huge homecoming fight |
|
|
Chris Billam-Smith’s fighting moniker may be “The Gentleman”, but the calm, even-tempered Englishman outside of the ring flips a switch when he steps through the ropes, where he turns from a mild-mannered man to one of the toughest cruiserweights in the world. That ability to turn it on and go into the trenches with the best fighters on the planet has already taken him to a cruiserweight world title. Now he’s targeting more success in Zuffa Boxing, where he is hunting down a potential title clash with Zuffa's champion, Jai Opetaia. Billam-Smith watched from afar as Opetaia captured the inaugural 200-pound Zuffa title with victory over Brandon Glanton, who Billam-Smith himself defeated in his last outing. “Yeah, I think it was a solid performance,” he said. “I think he did what he had to do, just outboxed him all round, every round. I thought Glanton looked quite slow and ponderous at times, but it might have been Jai forcing him to.
“A lot of people are saying that Jai could have picked up the pace and stopped him, but why would you when (Glanton’s) only chance is getting lucky with a shot? So no, I think it made sense to box him the way he did. I've seen loads of chinks in Jai’s armor over the years, so hopefully we can get that fight eventually.”
The first step towards that fight comes Saturday night in Billam-Smith’s hometown of Bournemouth, England, as Zuffa Boxing goes on the road for the first time. As one half of the main event, Billam-Smith is excited to kick off a new chapter in his career on home soil. “It’s a real honor to fight in my hometown,” he said. “The support I've had since we first started fighting here four years ago now, it's just been so special. That first one was super special, and really sort of set the standard for the shows down here, and that feeling for me of walking out and having my home support there is just phenomenal. I was talking to someone earlier, I’ll probably know half the people in there by name, to be honest with you, because it's a fairly small town and community, quite a good community. So, yeah, it's a real honor to fight in front of them.”
It’s a huge night for Billam-Smith, who hopes to continue the surging sporting momentum already present in his hometown, after their football club, AFC Bournemouth, finished sixth in the Premier League to secure UEFA Europa League qualification next season. Seeing the whole town embracing the football club’s success has only inspired Billam-Smith further as he has prepared for his fight on Saturday night. “Yes! Everyone’s a Bournemouth fan down here now,” he smiled. “That wasn't the case when I was a kid. Everyone (supported) Bournemouth and, most of the time, a Premier League team, or just a Premier League team. But now, just going around and seeing young kids in Bournemouth shirts is amazing. As kids, we never really did that. Even if we were supporters of the club, we never really had the kits and stuff. But now everyone’s got a Bournemouth shirt, everyone’s a Bournemouth fan, and the support the club have given me, and in turn the fans from the club have given me, has been exceptional, and I’m forever indebted to them for all the support they showed me.”
The town has given Billam-Smith some memorable nights during his career. He made his professional debut in the town, and has fought there seven times, including once at AFC Bournemouth’s stadium, Dean Court, where he dropped Lawrence Okolie three times en route to capturing world championship gold in front of his hometown fans. Saturday will be his fourth appearance at Bournemouth International Centre, and he hopes to channel the energy from the stands once again as he looks to deliver another home win against dangerous Canadian contender Ryan Rozicki. “I don't know if science will ever be able to prove it, but there's got to be something to be said for that energy, and it transferring, or you getting absorbed by it,” he suggested. “Because even if you were in that atmosphere and you didn't know anyone in there, and you didn't even want to be there, I don't think you could not get amped up by it. It's such a special energy. To experience that as someone who got into sport because of the atmosphere and has always loved atmospheric occasions, whether that's music gigs or football games or boxing nights, I'm absolutely so privileged and honored to have that.”
Billam-Smith will make his Zuffa Boxing debut in Saturday night’s event, and he revealed what convinced him to make the decision to make a change and embark on a new adventure as a Zuffa Boxing athlete. “Just how valued I've felt,” he explained. “I felt so valued from the start of the conversations, and then arriving on fight week, I think all the fighters are really valued, and see what the setup is, and see how huge the whole machine is. You've got everything provided for you. We have nutritionists here, therapists here, which is just unheard of in boxing. For the promotion to put that on, it's a real special feeling to feel that and feel valued as a fighter – not just me on my own, but I know all the other fighters will feel that as well. And especially if you're starting out and you haven't got that because you can't afford a nutritionist and a therapist and stuff like that. So, for the guys starting their careers and early on in their careers, it's amazing for them, so good.”
Rozicki brings a 21-1-1 record and a reputation as a relentless power puncher, but Billam-Smith said he’s prepared for a hard-hitting pressure fighter before – in his last contest against Glanton – and plans to put that experience to good use against Rozicki on Saturday night. "I had a similar thing in my last fight,” he explained. “I boxed Brandon Glanton in my last fight. He comes forward, aggressive, doesn't know how to take a backward step, big puncher, got punch power in all his shots, so yeah, it's taking bits from that fight. But I've improved a lot since then as well, and I think you've got to be smart in there. There’s no point in me just standing and trading with him and hoping I come out on top, because that gives him a much bigger chance of winning. But I'm also not going to be running the whole fight, and just looking to not get hit at all, you know? It's going to happen at some point. So it's just about being in the right positions at the right time, then picking my moments.”
It’s a stylistic matchup that looks set to deliver a cracker of a main event contest on England’s South Coast. Billam-Smith has already played out the fight in his mind several times and said he’s ready to put Rozicki under the sort of pressure the Canadian contender hasn’t experienced before. “I've envisioned a lot of me landing a lot of shots,” he said. “I think it will be interesting to see how he deals with the speed, because I don't think he's been in there with anyone anywhere near as quick as me. He's obviously been in there with a decent opponent in Oscar Rivas, but he was pretty slow and ponderous, but a powerful puncher and a tough guy. But I'm different to that, and it’s one of those things you can't see from outside the ring. I think, once you're in there and you feel it, it's very, very different. So, we'll see how he adapts to that.”
Victory could put Billam-Smith in line for a shot at Opetaia and the Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title. Professionally, that’s the goal, but with the 35-year-old welcoming a new arrival into his young family a few months ago, he’s also got another important job to return to – being a husband and father. “Boxing-wise, hopefully we can get the Jai Opetaia fight, and that’s it,” he said. “But yeah. A little holiday planned first. I need to spend some time with the family and be a dad and husband for a bit.”
|
|
|
|
Tonight: Billam-Smith in huge homecoming fight
Chris Billam-Smith’s fighting moniker may be “The Gentleman”, but the calm, even-tempered Englishman outside of the ring flips a switch when he steps through the ropes, where he turns from a mild-mannered man to one of the toughest cruiserweights in the world. That ability to turn it on and go into the trenches with the best fighters on the planet has already taken him to a cruiserweight world title. Now he’s targeting more success in Zuffa Boxing, where he is hunting down a potential title clash with Zuffa's champion, Jai Opetaia. Billam-Smith watched from afar as Opetaia captured the inaugural 200-pound Zuffa title with victory over Brandon Glanton, who Billam-Smith himself defeated in his last outing. “Yeah, I think it was a solid performance,” he said. “I think he did what he had to do, just outboxed him all round, every round. I thought Glanton looked quite slow and ponderous at times, but it might have been Jai forcing him to.
“A lot of people are saying that Jai could have picked up the pace and stopped him, but why would you when (Glanton’s) only chance is getting lucky with a shot? So no, I think it made sense to box him the way he did. I've seen loads of chinks in Jai’s armor over the years, so hopefully we can get that fight eventually.”
The first step towards that fight comes Saturday night in Billam-Smith’s hometown of Bournemouth, England, as Zuffa Boxing goes on the road for the first time. As one half of the main event, Billam-Smith is excited to kick off a new chapter in his career on home soil. “It’s a real honor to fight in my hometown,” he said. “The support I've had since we first started fighting here four years ago now, it's just been so special. That first one was super special, and really sort of set the standard for the shows down here, and that feeling for me of walking out and having my home support there is just phenomenal. I was talking to someone earlier, I’ll probably know half the people in there by name, to be honest with you, because it's a fairly small town and community, quite a good community. So, yeah, it's a real honor to fight in front of them.”
It’s a huge night for Billam-Smith, who hopes to continue the surging sporting momentum already present in his hometown, after their football club, AFC Bournemouth, finished sixth in the Premier League to secure UEFA Europa League qualification next season. Seeing the whole town embracing the football club’s success has only inspired Billam-Smith further as he has prepared for his fight on Saturday night. “Yes! Everyone’s a Bournemouth fan down here now,” he smiled. “That wasn't the case when I was a kid. Everyone (supported) Bournemouth and, most of the time, a Premier League team, or just a Premier League team. But now, just going around and seeing young kids in Bournemouth shirts is amazing. As kids, we never really did that. Even if we were supporters of the club, we never really had the kits and stuff. But now everyone’s got a Bournemouth shirt, everyone’s a Bournemouth fan, and the support the club have given me, and in turn the fans from the club have given me, has been exceptional, and I’m forever indebted to them for all the support they showed me.”
The town has given Billam-Smith some memorable nights during his career. He made his professional debut in the town, and has fought there seven times, including once at AFC Bournemouth’s stadium, Dean Court, where he dropped Lawrence Okolie three times en route to capturing world championship gold in front of his hometown fans. Saturday will be his fourth appearance at Bournemouth International Centre, and he hopes to channel the energy from the stands once again as he looks to deliver another home win against dangerous Canadian contender Ryan Rozicki. “I don't know if science will ever be able to prove it, but there's got to be something to be said for that energy, and it transferring, or you getting absorbed by it,” he suggested. “Because even if you were in that atmosphere and you didn't know anyone in there, and you didn't even want to be there, I don't think you could not get amped up by it. It's such a special energy. To experience that as someone who got into sport because of the atmosphere and has always loved atmospheric occasions, whether that's music gigs or football games or boxing nights, I'm absolutely so privileged and honored to have that.”
Billam-Smith will make his Zuffa Boxing debut in Saturday night’s event, and he revealed what convinced him to make the decision to make a change and embark on a new adventure as a Zuffa Boxing athlete. “Just how valued I've felt,” he explained. “I felt so valued from the start of the conversations, and then arriving on fight week, I think all the fighters are really valued, and see what the setup is, and see how huge the whole machine is. You've got everything provided for you. We have nutritionists here, therapists here, which is just unheard of in boxing. For the promotion to put that on, it's a real special feeling to feel that and feel valued as a fighter – not just me on my own, but I know all the other fighters will feel that as well. And especially if you're starting out and you haven't got that because you can't afford a nutritionist and a therapist and stuff like that. So, for the guys starting their careers and early on in their careers, it's amazing for them, so good.”
Rozicki brings a 21-1-1 record and a reputation as a relentless power puncher, but Billam-Smith said he’s prepared for a hard-hitting pressure fighter before – in his last contest against Glanton – and plans to put that experience to good use against Rozicki on Saturday night. "I had a similar thing in my last fight,” he explained. “I boxed Brandon Glanton in my last fight. He comes forward, aggressive, doesn't know how to take a backward step, big puncher, got punch power in all his shots, so yeah, it's taking bits from that fight. But I've improved a lot since then as well, and I think you've got to be smart in there. There’s no point in me just standing and trading with him and hoping I come out on top, because that gives him a much bigger chance of winning. But I'm also not going to be running the whole fight, and just looking to not get hit at all, you know? It's going to happen at some point. So it's just about being in the right positions at the right time, then picking my moments.”
It’s a stylistic matchup that looks set to deliver a cracker of a main event contest on England’s South Coast. Billam-Smith has already played out the fight in his mind several times and said he’s ready to put Rozicki under the sort of pressure the Canadian contender hasn’t experienced before. “I've envisioned a lot of me landing a lot of shots,” he said. “I think it will be interesting to see how he deals with the speed, because I don't think he's been in there with anyone anywhere near as quick as me. He's obviously been in there with a decent opponent in Oscar Rivas, but he was pretty slow and ponderous, but a powerful puncher and a tough guy. But I'm different to that, and it’s one of those things you can't see from outside the ring. I think, once you're in there and you feel it, it's very, very different. So, we'll see how he adapts to that.”
Victory could put Billam-Smith in line for a shot at Opetaia and the Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title. Professionally, that’s the goal, but with the 35-year-old welcoming a new arrival into his young family a few months ago, he’s also got another important job to return to – being a husband and father. “Boxing-wise, hopefully we can get the Jai Opetaia fight, and that’s it,” he said. “But yeah. A little holiday planned first. I need to spend some time with the family and be a dad and husband for a bit.”
|
Introducing Texas super flyweight Kayla Gomez |
|
Kayla "The Truth" Gomez of El Paso, Texas, makes her highly anticipated professional debut on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. Gomez will face an opponent to be announced in a scheduled four-round super flyweight contest as part of MF Pro's inaugural United States event, "Pugilist Revolution," which will be televised live on DAZN. After compiling an impressive amateur résumé, Gomez established herself by capturing the first-ever Junior Pan American Games female flyweight gold medal in 2021. Her achievement, combined with her relentless work ethic, technical skill and competitive spirit, earned her recognition as one of the brightest young talents in amateur boxing.
As fight night approaches, Gomez says she is counting down the days until she can finally display her abilities on the professional stage. "I've been waiting for this moment my entire life. Every sacrifice, every early morning run, every hard sparring session and every amateur fight has led me to this opportunity. I'm excited, motivated, and ready to show everyone what I've been working on. The fans are going to see a fighter who's hungry, disciplined, and ready to make a statement from the very first bell."
Gomez believes her amateur experience has prepared her for the transition and is eager to demonstrate that her style is built for success in the professional ranks. "I've spent years developing my skills and learning every aspect of the sport. Now it's time to put everything together on a bigger stage. I want people to see the passion I bring into the ring and understand why they call me 'The Truth.' This debut is just the beginning, and I'm determined to make an impression that people won't forget."
With her professional debut drawing near, Gomez says training camp has been one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences of her career. "This training camp has been one of the hardest and most rewarding camps I've ever had. My team and I know how important this first professional fight is, so we've worked hard every single day. We've focused on getting in great shape and making sure I'm ready for whatever my opponent brings on fight night."
According to Gomez, the intensity of camp has only increased her confidence heading into June 19th. "I've never felt more prepared. The work we've put in gives me confidence because I know I've earned this opportunity. Every day in camp has made me stronger, mentally and physically. I'm going into this fight knowing I've done everything possible to be ready for my professional debut."
While Gomez remains focused on the task at hand, she understands the significance of beginning her professional journey with a victory. "A win would mean everything because it would validate all the hard work that's gone into getting here. At the same time, I know this is only the first step. My goal is to build a successful career and eventually become a world champion."
Gomez views her debut as an opportunity to establish momentum and initiate herself to boxing fans around the world. "Winning on June 19 would give me a strong foundation to build on. It would show my promoter, fans, and everyone watching that I'm ready for this level. More importantly, it would be the first chapter in what I believe will be a long and successful professional career."
Making her professional debut on DAZN is an opportunity Gomez does not take lightly. "It's a huge blessing to make my pro debut on DAZN. Not every fighter gets the chance to perform in front of a national and international audience right away. Knowing that people from all over the world can tune in motivates me even more to put on a great performance."
Gomez plans to make the most of the exposure and hopes to leave a lasting impression on fans watching from home. "This is my opportunity to introduce myself to the boxing world. I want fans to see my skills, my heart, and my determination. When the fight is over, I want people talking about Kayla 'The Truth' Gomez and looking forward to seeing me compete again. That's the type of impression I plan to make on June 19th."
|
|
|
|
Introducing Texas super flyweight Kayla Gomez
Kayla "The Truth" Gomez of El Paso, Texas, makes her highly anticipated professional debut on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. Gomez will face an opponent to be announced in a scheduled four-round super flyweight contest as part of MF Pro's inaugural United States event, "Pugilist Revolution," which will be televised live on DAZN. After compiling an impressive amateur résumé, Gomez established herself by capturing the first-ever Junior Pan American Games female flyweight gold medal in 2021. Her achievement, combined with her relentless work ethic, technical skill and competitive spirit, earned her recognition as one of the brightest young talents in amateur boxing.
As fight night approaches, Gomez says she is counting down the days until she can finally display her abilities on the professional stage. "I've been waiting for this moment my entire life. Every sacrifice, every early morning run, every hard sparring session and every amateur fight has led me to this opportunity. I'm excited, motivated, and ready to show everyone what I've been working on. The fans are going to see a fighter who's hungry, disciplined, and ready to make a statement from the very first bell."
Gomez believes her amateur experience has prepared her for the transition and is eager to demonstrate that her style is built for success in the professional ranks. "I've spent years developing my skills and learning every aspect of the sport. Now it's time to put everything together on a bigger stage. I want people to see the passion I bring into the ring and understand why they call me 'The Truth.' This debut is just the beginning, and I'm determined to make an impression that people won't forget."
With her professional debut drawing near, Gomez says training camp has been one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences of her career. "This training camp has been one of the hardest and most rewarding camps I've ever had. My team and I know how important this first professional fight is, so we've worked hard every single day. We've focused on getting in great shape and making sure I'm ready for whatever my opponent brings on fight night."
According to Gomez, the intensity of camp has only increased her confidence heading into June 19th. "I've never felt more prepared. The work we've put in gives me confidence because I know I've earned this opportunity. Every day in camp has made me stronger, mentally and physically. I'm going into this fight knowing I've done everything possible to be ready for my professional debut."
While Gomez remains focused on the task at hand, she understands the significance of beginning her professional journey with a victory. "A win would mean everything because it would validate all the hard work that's gone into getting here. At the same time, I know this is only the first step. My goal is to build a successful career and eventually become a world champion."
Gomez views her debut as an opportunity to establish momentum and initiate herself to boxing fans around the world. "Winning on June 19 would give me a strong foundation to build on. It would show my promoter, fans, and everyone watching that I'm ready for this level. More importantly, it would be the first chapter in what I believe will be a long and successful professional career."
Making her professional debut on DAZN is an opportunity Gomez does not take lightly. "It's a huge blessing to make my pro debut on DAZN. Not every fighter gets the chance to perform in front of a national and international audience right away. Knowing that people from all over the world can tune in motivates me even more to put on a great performance."
Gomez plans to make the most of the exposure and hopes to leave a lasting impression on fans watching from home. "This is my opportunity to introduce myself to the boxing world. I want fans to see my skills, my heart, and my determination. When the fight is over, I want people talking about Kayla 'The Truth' Gomez and looking forward to seeing me compete again. That's the type of impression I plan to make on June 19th."
|
Bridgerweight history: Merhy now the seventh 224-pound champ |
|
WBC / MAY 31, 2026: The 224-pound division has the seventh champion in its brief and rocky history. Heavyweight gatekeeper Ryad Merhy achieved the greatest victory of his career by defeating South Africa’s Kevin Lerena via unanimous decision to capture the WBC bridgerweight championship on Saturday night in Charleroi, Belgium. Fighting in front of his home crowd, Merhy executed a disciplined strategy, using and applying effective pressure and accurate punching, to neutralize the reigning champion. Lerena attempted to establish his rhythm throughout the contest, but in this rematch, Merhy consistently found success with the cleaner and more effective punches. The bout remained competitive over twelve rounds, with both fighters enjoying moments of success. However, Merhy’s consistency and ring control proved decisive, earning him the judges’ decision. ROLL CALL OF BRIDGERWEIGHT TITLE HOLDERS: Ryad Merhy, Kevin Lerena, Muslim Gadzhimagomedov, Lawrence Okolie, Evgeny Tischenko, Lukasz Rozanski, Oscar Rivas. BOXINGTALK DIVISION GOAT: Oleksandr Usyk DIVISION HISTORY WBA / MAY 18, 2026: The bridgerweight (224-pound) division continues to sputter as meanginful fights are few and far between. The WBA version of the title has been held up for months, with the sanctioning body announcing today that a purse bid for a bout between WBA champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov and WBA interim champion Julio César La Cruz, has been postponed after both camps requested additional time to continue negotiations. The purse bid was scheduled for today (May 18th). Gadzhimagomedov vs. La Cruz is an attractive rematch between two highly accomplished but little-known amateur stars, with Gadzhimagomedov having defeated La Cruz in the amateurs about three years ago. The WBA ordered a pro bout between the two rivals back in January but it has seemingly gone nowhere. According to the WBA, representatives of both fighters asked for an extension in order to finalize the remaining details and work towards an agreement. The WBA Championship Committee approved the additional negotiating period, stating, "The WBA will now await the outcome of the negotiations before making any official announcement regarding the championship clash." Both boxers have been going back and forth between pro and amateur competition. La Cruz has not had a pro fight in more than a year.
WBC / MAY 1, 2025... As expected Kevin Lerena retained his WBC 224-pound championship with a third-round technical knockout victory over Ukrainian journeyman Serhiy Radchenko. Fighting in his home country, Lerena pummeled Radchenko in round two, knocking him down three times, although one was ruled to be a slip. Radchenko, a blown-up cruiserweight whose record is now 11-8, clearly had enough after two rounds, shaking his head no to his corner. He was convinced to go out for round three, but when the beating continued, Radchenko's corner threw in the towel. Lerena improves to 31-3.
JAN. 31, 2025... WBA 224-pound champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov continued his professional winning streak at the International Boxing Center in Moscow. In a non-title ten rounder, Gadzhimagomedov defeated South Africa’s Thabiso Mchunu by a unanimous decision on an IBA Fight Night show. Official scores were 100-90 (twice) and 100-91. The Russian was dynamic throughout, with the win never in doubt. He slowly picked away at Mchunu, having the reach and height advantage that helped him pile up winning rounds on his way to the victory. Boxingtalk recognizes Gadzhimagomedov as 9-0, while Mchunu falls to 23-8, with three straight decision losses.
WBA / OCT. 17, 2024: In a very dull fight held at the Ufa Arena in Ufa (Bashkortan), Russia, Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (listed at 5-0 but more accurately 8-0) retained the WBA bridgerweight title, defeating a sleepwalking Leon Harth of Germany. All three scorecards were 120-108. Now 22-6-1, Harth fought as a 175 pounder in a few fights but has blown up in weight to compete in the 224-pound division. The most excitement in the fight occurred when world light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev stepped into the ring just before the verdict was announced to the crowd.
WBC / OCT 8, 2024: The WBC received official confirmation that Lawrence Okolie has relinquished his WBC bridgerwieght championship in order to pursue his dream of becoming a heavyweight champion. The WBC also announced that interim champion Kevin Lerena has been elevated to become the new WBC bridgerwieght champion. Okolie, who has no fight scheduled but did not wish to fight Lerena, said, "After much consideration it is with a heavy heart that I have to unfortunately relinquish the WBC bridgerweight belt respectfully requesting to be rated in the top 5 in the heavyweight division.”
WBA / JULY 13, 2024: Russia’s Muslim Gadzhimagomedov defeated China’s Zhaoxin Zhang (12-3-1) to win the vacant WBA bridgerweight championship on Friday in Serpukhov, Russia. For the second straight fight, Zhang showed an extraordinary ability to absorb punishment, but there were no complaints when the referee stopped the bout in round five even with Zhang still on his feet. The title went vacant after former champion Evgeny Tishchenko tested positive for banned substances. Gadzhimagomedov (4-0) is a 2021 Olympic silver medalist in the 201-pound division. He turned pro in 2021 and has measured himself against much more experienced opponents with relatively easy victories over all. Zhang (12-3-1) had won two of his last three fights, including a KO victory most recently over previously unbeaten Evgeny Romanov in a WBA eliminator that took place in Romanov's home country, Russia.
WBA / MAY 26, 2024: The WBA has stripped Evgeny Tischenko, its first bridgerweight champion, due to a positive doping test. On November 28, 2023, the WBA sanctioned Tishchenko and Leon Harth of Germany to fight for the newly created WBA 224-pound title. On December 9th, Tishchenko and Harth fought in Dubai, with Tishchenko winning by sixth-round technical knockout and gaining recognition as the champion, recognition that would prove to be unearned and short-lived. Two months later in Russia, Zhaoxin Zhang of China won an elimination bout to become Tischchenko's mandatory challenger. But on March 30th of this year, the Middle East Professional Boxing [Commission in] Dubai, United Arab Emirates notified the WBA that Tishchenko's “A” urine sample from December had tested positive for a banned substance, 2-Amino-5-Methylhexane. The result of the title fight was changed to a no contest. WBC / MAY 25, 2024: Great Britain's Lawrence Okolie knocked down Lukasz Rozanski three times in the opening round to win the WBC bridgerweight (224-pound) world title in Poland on Friday night. The fight was not really of world-level quality as Rozanski looked out of shape and generally awful, but the win technically makes Okolie a two-weight world champion. The British Okolie (20-1) reigned as the WBO 200-pound champion from 2021-2023. Keep in mind, the undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk weighed 223 pounds when defeating Tyson Fury last week, so there is really no dispute who is the world's best 224-pound boxer. MAY 19, 2024: Although not a bridgerweight fight, Oleksandr Usyk was 223 pounds, below the bridgerweight limit, when he made boxing history by becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight champion of the century. The Ukrainian Usyk outboxed Great Britain's Tyson Fury, even though it was ruled a split decision. Boxingtalk scored it 115-112 for Usyk, who remains undefeated as a professional. Usyk was trailing at the midway point but turned the momentum back his way and knocked Fury down towards the end of round nine. Usyk added Fury's WBC heavyweight title to the WBA, WBO and IBF versions he previously owned. An Olympic gold medal winner as well as undisputed world champion at cruiserweight and now heavyweight, Usyk has to be considered an all-time great For those following the new bridgerweight division, Usyk must be considered the world's best.
FEB. 10, 2024... Unheralded Zhaoxin Zhang of China delivered a spectacular knockout against Evgeny Romanov on Saturday to win a WBA elimination bout in the bridgerweight (224-pound) division. Fighting on hostile turf in Yekaterinburg, Russia, Zhang ended the bout in only two rounds after a combination sent the Russian to the canvas in very bad condition. The referee did not allow the favored Romanov to continue despite him beating the ten count. But the fight was not easy for Zhang, who was punished from the first bell and looked vulnerable in the beginning of the fight. Zhang was knocked down by Romanov but he overcame that plus several cuts to his face to fight back and pull off the upset with a dramatic victory. Zhang now becomes the mandatory challenger to another Russian, Evgeny Tishchenko. Zhang puts himself on the boxing map with a record of 12-2-1 with 7 KOs. Romanov lost his undefeated record and is now 19-1 with 12 KOs.
|
|
|
|
Bridgerweight history: Merhy now the seventh 224-pound champ
WBC / MAY 31, 2026: The 224-pound division has the seventh champion in its brief and rocky history. Heavyweight gatekeeper Ryad Merhy achieved the greatest victory of his career by defeating South Africa’s Kevin Lerena via unanimous decision to capture the WBC bridgerweight championship on Saturday night in Charleroi, Belgium. Fighting in front of his home crowd, Merhy executed a disciplined strategy, using and applying effective pressure and accurate punching, to neutralize the reigning champion. Lerena attempted to establish his rhythm throughout the contest, but in this rematch, Merhy consistently found success with the cleaner and more effective punches. The bout remained competitive over twelve rounds, with both fighters enjoying moments of success. However, Merhy’s consistency and ring control proved decisive, earning him the judges’ decision. ROLL CALL OF BRIDGERWEIGHT TITLE HOLDERS: Ryad Merhy, Kevin Lerena, Muslim Gadzhimagomedov, Lawrence Okolie, Evgeny Tischenko, Lukasz Rozanski, Oscar Rivas. BOXINGTALK DIVISION GOAT: Oleksandr Usyk DIVISION HISTORY WBA / MAY 18, 2026: The bridgerweight (224-pound) division continues to sputter as meanginful fights are few and far between. The WBA version of the title has been held up for months, with the sanctioning body announcing today that a purse bid for a bout between WBA champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov and WBA interim champion Julio César La Cruz, has been postponed after both camps requested additional time to continue negotiations. The purse bid was scheduled for today (May 18th). Gadzhimagomedov vs. La Cruz is an attractive rematch between two highly accomplished but little-known amateur stars, with Gadzhimagomedov having defeated La Cruz in the amateurs about three years ago. The WBA ordered a pro bout between the two rivals back in January but it has seemingly gone nowhere. According to the WBA, representatives of both fighters asked for an extension in order to finalize the remaining details and work towards an agreement. The WBA Championship Committee approved the additional negotiating period, stating, "The WBA will now await the outcome of the negotiations before making any official announcement regarding the championship clash." Both boxers have been going back and forth between pro and amateur competition. La Cruz has not had a pro fight in more than a year.
WBC / MAY 1, 2025... As expected Kevin Lerena retained his WBC 224-pound championship with a third-round technical knockout victory over Ukrainian journeyman Serhiy Radchenko. Fighting in his home country, Lerena pummeled Radchenko in round two, knocking him down three times, although one was ruled to be a slip. Radchenko, a blown-up cruiserweight whose record is now 11-8, clearly had enough after two rounds, shaking his head no to his corner. He was convinced to go out for round three, but when the beating continued, Radchenko's corner threw in the towel. Lerena improves to 31-3.
JAN. 31, 2025... WBA 224-pound champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov continued his professional winning streak at the International Boxing Center in Moscow. In a non-title ten rounder, Gadzhimagomedov defeated South Africa’s Thabiso Mchunu by a unanimous decision on an IBA Fight Night show. Official scores were 100-90 (twice) and 100-91. The Russian was dynamic throughout, with the win never in doubt. He slowly picked away at Mchunu, having the reach and height advantage that helped him pile up winning rounds on his way to the victory. Boxingtalk recognizes Gadzhimagomedov as 9-0, while Mchunu falls to 23-8, with three straight decision losses.
WBA / OCT. 17, 2024: In a very dull fight held at the Ufa Arena in Ufa (Bashkortan), Russia, Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (listed at 5-0 but more accurately 8-0) retained the WBA bridgerweight title, defeating a sleepwalking Leon Harth of Germany. All three scorecards were 120-108. Now 22-6-1, Harth fought as a 175 pounder in a few fights but has blown up in weight to compete in the 224-pound division. The most excitement in the fight occurred when world light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev stepped into the ring just before the verdict was announced to the crowd.
WBC / OCT 8, 2024: The WBC received official confirmation that Lawrence Okolie has relinquished his WBC bridgerwieght championship in order to pursue his dream of becoming a heavyweight champion. The WBC also announced that interim champion Kevin Lerena has been elevated to become the new WBC bridgerwieght champion. Okolie, who has no fight scheduled but did not wish to fight Lerena, said, "After much consideration it is with a heavy heart that I have to unfortunately relinquish the WBC bridgerweight belt respectfully requesting to be rated in the top 5 in the heavyweight division.”
WBA / JULY 13, 2024: Russia’s Muslim Gadzhimagomedov defeated China’s Zhaoxin Zhang (12-3-1) to win the vacant WBA bridgerweight championship on Friday in Serpukhov, Russia. For the second straight fight, Zhang showed an extraordinary ability to absorb punishment, but there were no complaints when the referee stopped the bout in round five even with Zhang still on his feet. The title went vacant after former champion Evgeny Tishchenko tested positive for banned substances. Gadzhimagomedov (4-0) is a 2021 Olympic silver medalist in the 201-pound division. He turned pro in 2021 and has measured himself against much more experienced opponents with relatively easy victories over all. Zhang (12-3-1) had won two of his last three fights, including a KO victory most recently over previously unbeaten Evgeny Romanov in a WBA eliminator that took place in Romanov's home country, Russia.
WBA / MAY 26, 2024: The WBA has stripped Evgeny Tischenko, its first bridgerweight champion, due to a positive doping test. On November 28, 2023, the WBA sanctioned Tishchenko and Leon Harth of Germany to fight for the newly created WBA 224-pound title. On December 9th, Tishchenko and Harth fought in Dubai, with Tishchenko winning by sixth-round technical knockout and gaining recognition as the champion, recognition that would prove to be unearned and short-lived. Two months later in Russia, Zhaoxin Zhang of China won an elimination bout to become Tischchenko's mandatory challenger. But on March 30th of this year, the Middle East Professional Boxing [Commission in] Dubai, United Arab Emirates notified the WBA that Tishchenko's “A” urine sample from December had tested positive for a banned substance, 2-Amino-5-Methylhexane. The result of the title fight was changed to a no contest. WBC / MAY 25, 2024: Great Britain's Lawrence Okolie knocked down Lukasz Rozanski three times in the opening round to win the WBC bridgerweight (224-pound) world title in Poland on Friday night. The fight was not really of world-level quality as Rozanski looked out of shape and generally awful, but the win technically makes Okolie a two-weight world champion. The British Okolie (20-1) reigned as the WBO 200-pound champion from 2021-2023. Keep in mind, the undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk weighed 223 pounds when defeating Tyson Fury last week, so there is really no dispute who is the world's best 224-pound boxer. MAY 19, 2024: Although not a bridgerweight fight, Oleksandr Usyk was 223 pounds, below the bridgerweight limit, when he made boxing history by becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight champion of the century. The Ukrainian Usyk outboxed Great Britain's Tyson Fury, even though it was ruled a split decision. Boxingtalk scored it 115-112 for Usyk, who remains undefeated as a professional. Usyk was trailing at the midway point but turned the momentum back his way and knocked Fury down towards the end of round nine. Usyk added Fury's WBC heavyweight title to the WBA, WBO and IBF versions he previously owned. An Olympic gold medal winner as well as undisputed world champion at cruiserweight and now heavyweight, Usyk has to be considered an all-time great For those following the new bridgerweight division, Usyk must be considered the world's best.
FEB. 10, 2024... Unheralded Zhaoxin Zhang of China delivered a spectacular knockout against Evgeny Romanov on Saturday to win a WBA elimination bout in the bridgerweight (224-pound) division. Fighting on hostile turf in Yekaterinburg, Russia, Zhang ended the bout in only two rounds after a combination sent the Russian to the canvas in very bad condition. The referee did not allow the favored Romanov to continue despite him beating the ten count. But the fight was not easy for Zhang, who was punished from the first bell and looked vulnerable in the beginning of the fight. Zhang was knocked down by Romanov but he overcame that plus several cuts to his face to fight back and pull off the upset with a dramatic victory. Zhang now becomes the mandatory challenger to another Russian, Evgeny Tishchenko. Zhang puts himself on the boxing map with a record of 12-2-1 with 7 KOs. Romanov lost his undefeated record and is now 19-1 with 12 KOs.
|
Chev Clarke talks about all-British battle vs. Jack Massey |
|
|
Zuffa Boxing has gone in heavy on the cruiserweight division, so England’s Chev Clarke (12-2 including the World Series of Boxing) has made the jump and is ready to make a big first impression on his promotional debut. "C4” will step through the ropes at Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday to take on fellow Brit Jack Massey (23-3) on Zuffa Boxing 07. It’s the opportunity for the Gravesend-based fighter to make a big first impression as he fights on a new stage for the first time. "If you want to be the best, you've got to fight the best, and all the cruiserweights are over here, so I’ll put myself over there and show what I can do,” he said. “We're here now, it starts on Saturday, and I’ve just got to deliver.”
Clarke first made his name in the amateur ranks, where he won the English National Championships before capturing European silver and Commonwealth Games bronze. He then went on to represent Team GB in the 2021 Olympic Games. Since turning pro relatively late at the age of 31, Clarke has wasted no time in climbing the cruiserweight ladder. The Jamaican-born boxer raced to 10-0 in the space of just two and a half years, collecting international and British titles along the way, before back-to-back decision losses pumped the brakes on his momentum.
A December 2025 outing in Stockton, California, saw him bounce back to winning ways, and now Clarke is ready to showcase his best self on the big stage. Despite the setbacks of those two decision losses, Clarke has kept his self-confidence and remains bullish on his prospects heading into his Zuffa Boxing career. “I see myself at the top,” he said. “I've had a little hiccup, and you know people will judge you on that, because we are in the light, I suppose. But it's a part of the package, and every opportunity you get, you gotta come out and show why you think you're the best, and prove it. So that's what I'm here to do.
“The difference between an athlete or anybody in the spotlight is our flaws get shown, you know? The guy going to work every day, they make mistakes, but those mistakes are not shown … those are not highlighted, and it's not in the spotlight, so it's a little bit more pressure (for me), I suppose. But pressure is a privilege. Pressure is not being able to provide for your family – that's pressure.”
Clarke faces off against fellow Englishman Jack Massey, who has already shared the ring with Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia in a losing effort for a world title back in 2024. Since then, he’s returned to winning form and looks set to provide a stern test of Clarke’s credentials on Saturday night. “He's another opponent, somebody that's in my way of providing for my family, making me advance and achieving what I should be achieving,” said Clarke. "So I’ve prepared tirelessly, ticked all the boxes, and more. And, come Saturday night, the job is to be victorious, and victorious in spectacular fashion. All fighters bring a challenge and, as Mike Tyson says, everybody's got a plan until they get punched in the mouth. So you’ve just got to go out there and adjust on the night, execute, and deliver what you've been practicing. I could say all I want, but it comes down to (what happens) in the ring, and Saturday night you'll see.”
With both men entering the Zuffa Boxing fray looking to make an impact in a growing cruiserweight division, the stage is set for an exciting clash at Bournemouth International Centre, with two of Britain’s best at 200 pounds set to go head-to-head. “It's a big British fight, where we're in the top three. He's achieved some good things, I've made good progress and achieved a lot of good things in a short space of time,” said Clarke.
"It's a firecracker ready to pop off. It's going to be good. Explosive, two big guys slinging it out, and at the end of the day, Chev Clarke comes out the winner. For the guys that haven't seen me in the States, I'm an explosive combination puncher. I’ve fought in the States, but if you haven't seen, make sure you tune in. Fireworks all night.”
|
|
|
|
Chev Clarke talks about all-British battle vs. Jack Massey
Zuffa Boxing has gone in heavy on the cruiserweight division, so England’s Chev Clarke (12-2 including the World Series of Boxing) has made the jump and is ready to make a big first impression on his promotional debut. "C4” will step through the ropes at Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday to take on fellow Brit Jack Massey (23-3) on Zuffa Boxing 07. It’s the opportunity for the Gravesend-based fighter to make a big first impression as he fights on a new stage for the first time. "If you want to be the best, you've got to fight the best, and all the cruiserweights are over here, so I’ll put myself over there and show what I can do,” he said. “We're here now, it starts on Saturday, and I’ve just got to deliver.”
Clarke first made his name in the amateur ranks, where he won the English National Championships before capturing European silver and Commonwealth Games bronze. He then went on to represent Team GB in the 2021 Olympic Games. Since turning pro relatively late at the age of 31, Clarke has wasted no time in climbing the cruiserweight ladder. The Jamaican-born boxer raced to 10-0 in the space of just two and a half years, collecting international and British titles along the way, before back-to-back decision losses pumped the brakes on his momentum.
A December 2025 outing in Stockton, California, saw him bounce back to winning ways, and now Clarke is ready to showcase his best self on the big stage. Despite the setbacks of those two decision losses, Clarke has kept his self-confidence and remains bullish on his prospects heading into his Zuffa Boxing career. “I see myself at the top,” he said. “I've had a little hiccup, and you know people will judge you on that, because we are in the light, I suppose. But it's a part of the package, and every opportunity you get, you gotta come out and show why you think you're the best, and prove it. So that's what I'm here to do.
“The difference between an athlete or anybody in the spotlight is our flaws get shown, you know? The guy going to work every day, they make mistakes, but those mistakes are not shown … those are not highlighted, and it's not in the spotlight, so it's a little bit more pressure (for me), I suppose. But pressure is a privilege. Pressure is not being able to provide for your family – that's pressure.”
Clarke faces off against fellow Englishman Jack Massey, who has already shared the ring with Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia in a losing effort for a world title back in 2024. Since then, he’s returned to winning form and looks set to provide a stern test of Clarke’s credentials on Saturday night. “He's another opponent, somebody that's in my way of providing for my family, making me advance and achieving what I should be achieving,” said Clarke. "So I’ve prepared tirelessly, ticked all the boxes, and more. And, come Saturday night, the job is to be victorious, and victorious in spectacular fashion. All fighters bring a challenge and, as Mike Tyson says, everybody's got a plan until they get punched in the mouth. So you’ve just got to go out there and adjust on the night, execute, and deliver what you've been practicing. I could say all I want, but it comes down to (what happens) in the ring, and Saturday night you'll see.”
With both men entering the Zuffa Boxing fray looking to make an impact in a growing cruiserweight division, the stage is set for an exciting clash at Bournemouth International Centre, with two of Britain’s best at 200 pounds set to go head-to-head. “It's a big British fight, where we're in the top three. He's achieved some good things, I've made good progress and achieved a lot of good things in a short space of time,” said Clarke.
"It's a firecracker ready to pop off. It's going to be good. Explosive, two big guys slinging it out, and at the end of the day, Chev Clarke comes out the winner. For the guys that haven't seen me in the States, I'm an explosive combination puncher. I’ve fought in the States, but if you haven't seen, make sure you tune in. Fireworks all night.”
|
Heavyweight Josh Popper looking to conquer New Jersey |
|
On Saturday, June 13th, heavyweight Josh “The Hammer” Popper (7-0, 6 KOs) headlines a Boxing Insider Promotions card at the Tropicana Atlantic City (New Jersey) Showroom against fellow unbeaten South Jersey heavyweight Bruce “2.0” Seldon Jr. It is the kind of all-local, all-undefeated main event the sport rarely produces, and for Popper it is a homecoming years in the making. Popper is a South Jersey product through and through. He grew up minutes from the boardwalk and starred in football and basketball at Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, where he played defensive end on the Spartans team that won the 2011 New Jersey state championship alongside future NFL players. The pride runs deep. “I bleed blue and gold,” Popper told Josh Hennig on 973 ESPN’s “Hanging with Hennig.” “I’m a Spartan until I die.” He recently returned to speak to students at his old high school, closing a loop on a journey that started there.
From Holy Spirit, Popper went on to Rowan University, where he became an All American and All-Conference defensive lineman and earned rookie minicamp invitations from the Arizona Cardinals and the Indianapolis Colts. When pro football did not work out, he moved to New York City, took up boxing in his late twenties, and opened his own gym, Bredwinners, in Manhattan. He was a standout amateur fast, winning the 2023 New York Ring Masters Championship and the 2023 New York Boxing Tournament before turning pro in late 2024.
The nickname tells the deeper story. “The Hammer” is a tribute to his late father, Michael, a home builder whose hammer Popper now wears tattooed on his back. He has been open that boxing began, in part, as a way to cope with his father’s death, and that he carries his dad and his younger sisters into the ring with him every time out.
Popper turned pro in October 2024 in Nashville and has stopped nearly everyone since, building to a 7-0 record with 6 knockouts. Two of those wins have come right at the Tropicana, including a first-round stoppage of Dillon Pumphrey in March. In April he went the full six rounds for the first time, outpointing veteran Rydell Booker in a fight that proved his conditioning and ring savvy as much as his power. He has not stopped since. “I haven’t taken any time off,” Popper said on 973 ESPN. “I feel like I’ve just been rolling right through.”
Behind him is a team built for the long climb. Popper is managed by Marty Hopwood of TMA Management, the New York-based outfit that also guides the careers of fighters like Terell Bostic and Jacob Solis, and he is trained by former pro Jose Luis Guzman, who also works with star Amanda Serrano. Popper is a coach himself, working with amateurs and pros, including three-time world champion Miyo Yoshida, and he credits that teaching eye for sharpening his own ring IQ.
For all the boxing, Popper first reached a national audience outside the ring during a high-profile relationship with pop icon Madonna, who was a ringside fixture at his amateur fights. He has never run from the attention, but he has made clear he intends to be known for what he does between the ropes.
The Seldon matchup carries a personal edge that only a hyper-local main event can. As Popper revealed on 973 ESPN, the two actually faced each other in high school football, Holy Spirit against Absegami, and Popper does not mind reminding people how that one went. Now they meet again as grown men, both undefeated, both with knockout power, and both unwilling to leave it to the judges.
Popper’s message to anyone watching him for the first time on June 13th was simple. “They’re going to have a new favorite boxer,” he said. “You don’t want to blink.”
“Josh Popper is exactly what this series is about,” said promoter Larry Goldberg of Boxing Insider Promotions. “A local kid who chased a dream, took the hard road, and is now headlining a heavyweight main event in his own backyard against another undefeated local. Two unbeaten South Jersey heavyweights willing to fight each other, that does not happen at this level. June 13 is going to be a special night for Atlantic City boxing.”
|
|
|
|
Heavyweight Josh Popper looking to conquer New Jersey
On Saturday, June 13th, heavyweight Josh “The Hammer” Popper (7-0, 6 KOs) headlines a Boxing Insider Promotions card at the Tropicana Atlantic City (New Jersey) Showroom against fellow unbeaten South Jersey heavyweight Bruce “2.0” Seldon Jr. It is the kind of all-local, all-undefeated main event the sport rarely produces, and for Popper it is a homecoming years in the making. Popper is a South Jersey product through and through. He grew up minutes from the boardwalk and starred in football and basketball at Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, where he played defensive end on the Spartans team that won the 2011 New Jersey state championship alongside future NFL players. The pride runs deep. “I bleed blue and gold,” Popper told Josh Hennig on 973 ESPN’s “Hanging with Hennig.” “I’m a Spartan until I die.” He recently returned to speak to students at his old high school, closing a loop on a journey that started there.
From Holy Spirit, Popper went on to Rowan University, where he became an All American and All-Conference defensive lineman and earned rookie minicamp invitations from the Arizona Cardinals and the Indianapolis Colts. When pro football did not work out, he moved to New York City, took up boxing in his late twenties, and opened his own gym, Bredwinners, in Manhattan. He was a standout amateur fast, winning the 2023 New York Ring Masters Championship and the 2023 New York Boxing Tournament before turning pro in late 2024.
The nickname tells the deeper story. “The Hammer” is a tribute to his late father, Michael, a home builder whose hammer Popper now wears tattooed on his back. He has been open that boxing began, in part, as a way to cope with his father’s death, and that he carries his dad and his younger sisters into the ring with him every time out.
Popper turned pro in October 2024 in Nashville and has stopped nearly everyone since, building to a 7-0 record with 6 knockouts. Two of those wins have come right at the Tropicana, including a first-round stoppage of Dillon Pumphrey in March. In April he went the full six rounds for the first time, outpointing veteran Rydell Booker in a fight that proved his conditioning and ring savvy as much as his power. He has not stopped since. “I haven’t taken any time off,” Popper said on 973 ESPN. “I feel like I’ve just been rolling right through.”
Behind him is a team built for the long climb. Popper is managed by Marty Hopwood of TMA Management, the New York-based outfit that also guides the careers of fighters like Terell Bostic and Jacob Solis, and he is trained by former pro Jose Luis Guzman, who also works with star Amanda Serrano. Popper is a coach himself, working with amateurs and pros, including three-time world champion Miyo Yoshida, and he credits that teaching eye for sharpening his own ring IQ.
For all the boxing, Popper first reached a national audience outside the ring during a high-profile relationship with pop icon Madonna, who was a ringside fixture at his amateur fights. He has never run from the attention, but he has made clear he intends to be known for what he does between the ropes.
The Seldon matchup carries a personal edge that only a hyper-local main event can. As Popper revealed on 973 ESPN, the two actually faced each other in high school football, Holy Spirit against Absegami, and Popper does not mind reminding people how that one went. Now they meet again as grown men, both undefeated, both with knockout power, and both unwilling to leave it to the judges.
Popper’s message to anyone watching him for the first time on June 13th was simple. “They’re going to have a new favorite boxer,” he said. “You don’t want to blink.”
“Josh Popper is exactly what this series is about,” said promoter Larry Goldberg of Boxing Insider Promotions. “A local kid who chased a dream, took the hard road, and is now headlining a heavyweight main event in his own backyard against another undefeated local. Two unbeaten South Jersey heavyweights willing to fight each other, that does not happen at this level. June 13 is going to be a special night for Atlantic City boxing.”
|
Weigh-in report from Arlington, Texas |
|
Tomorrow night, Friday, June 5th (7:30 pm EDT), ProBoxTV is at UTA’s College Park in Arlington, TX, for another night of The Contender Series. Fort Worth’s two-time world title challenger Edward Vazquez (19-3, 6 KOs), will continue his comeback at home against Mexican veteran Daniel Lugo (28-3-1, 19 KOs) in the ten-round main event. Undefeated super middleweight knockout artist Weljon “Triggerman” Mindoro (16-0-1, 16 KOs) from The Philippines takes on Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas (23-8-1, 16 KOs) from Yucatán, in the 10-round co-feature. Here are the boxers' weights for the full show:
Edward Vazquez 130 pounds vs. Daniel Lugo 130;
Weljon Mindoro 162.6 vs. Elias Espadas 162.4;
Alan Garcia 137 vs. Bryan Jimenez 136.4;
Guillermo Keb 137.4 vs. James Bernadin 139;
Malachi Ross 153.4 vs. Derrick Whitley Jr. 155.2; and
Figo Ramirez 121.6 vs. Roberto Tapia 122.
Promoters: Garry Jonas (Pro Box Promotions), Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing)
Venue: College Park Center, Arlington, Texas
TV: ProBoxTV (7:30 pm EDT)
Matchmakers: Ramiro Hernandez, Joseph Rotonda, Daniel Rubin
|
|
|
|
Weigh-in report from Arlington, Texas
Tomorrow night, Friday, June 5th (7:30 pm EDT), ProBoxTV is at UTA’s College Park in Arlington, TX, for another night of The Contender Series. Fort Worth’s two-time world title challenger Edward Vazquez (19-3, 6 KOs), will continue his comeback at home against Mexican veteran Daniel Lugo (28-3-1, 19 KOs) in the ten-round main event. Undefeated super middleweight knockout artist Weljon “Triggerman” Mindoro (16-0-1, 16 KOs) from The Philippines takes on Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas (23-8-1, 16 KOs) from Yucatán, in the 10-round co-feature. Here are the boxers' weights for the full show:
Edward Vazquez 130 pounds vs. Daniel Lugo 130;
Weljon Mindoro 162.6 vs. Elias Espadas 162.4;
Alan Garcia 137 vs. Bryan Jimenez 136.4;
Guillermo Keb 137.4 vs. James Bernadin 139;
Malachi Ross 153.4 vs. Derrick Whitley Jr. 155.2; and
Figo Ramirez 121.6 vs. Roberto Tapia 122.
Promoters: Garry Jonas (Pro Box Promotions), Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing)
Venue: College Park Center, Arlington, Texas
TV: ProBoxTV (7:30 pm EDT)
Matchmakers: Ramiro Hernandez, Joseph Rotonda, Daniel Rubin
|
Roach to face Zepeda for vacant lightweight title |
|
Two of boxing’s elite lightweights are set to collide with a world title on the line as uncrowned champion Lamont “The Reaper” Roach Jr. (25-1-3, 10 KOs) of Washington D.C. and Mexico's William “El Camarón” Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) battle for the vacant WBC lightweight championship on Saturday, Aug. 1st at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. [The title has been vacant since Shakur Stevenson moved up to junior welterweight]. “This is my fourth consecutive world title fight coming up in a different weight class,” said Roach (pictured) “No doubt, I am bringing boxing back, and I’m coming for the top spot. I want the P4P belt layer.”
Headlining TNT Sports and DAZN’s “The Fight,” a new monthly live boxing series, the twelve-round championship showdown will be broadcast co-exclusively in the United States on TNT and truTV and worldwide on DAZN. The general on-sale for tickets begins Friday, June 5th at 10:00 am PT. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or GoldenBoy.com. Fans can access the special pre-sale on Thursday, June 4 with code: GBPVIP
“We’ve been working hard since my last fight. We’re at the forefront of the lightweight division, and we know every opponent at this level presents a serious challenge,” said Zepeda. “Once again, we’ve been given the opportunity to fight for a world championship, and we’re ready to show the world exactly who ‘El Camarón’ Zepeda is. I hope Lamont comes fully prepared, because we’re going to put on a great show for the fans.”
“William Zepeda has earned every bit of this opportunity,” said promoter Oscar De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy. “For years, he has taken on every challenge put in front of him and established himself as one of the most exciting fighters in boxing with his relentless pressure, incredible work rate, and fan-friendly style. On August 1st, fans are going to witness two world-class fighters battle for the WBC Lightweight World Championship, and I expect William Zepeda to show the world why he is one of the very best fighters in the sport today.”
“Lamont Roach has proven he belongs among the very top of the sport. On August 1st, he faces a massive challenge in the relentless William Zepeda,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Lamont is a world-class champion with incredible boxing acumen and D.C. grit. He’ll need every bit of it to turn back one of the most dangerous contenders in the lightweight division in Zepeda. It’s a classic matchup of skill versus pressure but I expect Lamont to fight fire with fire, which means fans at the Virgin hotel and those watching on TNT Sports and DAZN are in for a special night of boxing.”
Additional information on the undercard and media credentials will be announced in the coming weeks.
Roach is one of boxing’s most respected champions, earning recognition for his skill, toughness and willingness to take on the sport’s biggest challenges. Fighting out of and representing the Nation’s Capitol of Washington DC with a record of 25-1-3 (10 KOs), he has competed at the highest level across multiple weight divisions. Roach Jr.’s profile surged in March 2025 when he moved up to lightweight to challenge Gervonta Davis for the WBA lightweight championship. The highly anticipated bout went the distance and ended in a controversial majority draw after twelve competitive rounds, with many fans and observers in the sport believing Roach Jr. had done enough to win. This made Roach an uncrowned champion. Later that year, he tested himself once again by moving up to junior welterweight to face Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, battling to another majority draw.
Before those marquee matchups, Roach captured the WBA junior lightweight championship with a split-decision victory over Hector Luis Garcia, completing a remarkable comeback after the lone loss of his professional career against Jamel Herring in 2019. Today, “The Reaper” remains one of boxing’s most accomplished and battle-tested competitors, continuing to pursue championship success on the sport’s biggest stages.
Zepeda has established himself as one of the lightweight division’s elite contenders, earning a reputation as one of boxing’s most relentless pressure fighters. Most recently, Zepeda challenged the undefeated Shakur Stevenson for the WBC lightweight championship in New York City, pushing the champion with his trademark high-volume attack over twelve competitive rounds. Although the scorecards favored Stevenson, Zepeda’s performance reinforced his standing among the division’s best and elevated his profile on the world stage. The title opportunity came on the heels of a career-defining run that saw Zepeda capture and successfully defend the WBC interim title against former 130-pound champion Tevin Farmer. In November 2024, Zepeda overcame the first knockdown of his professional career to edge Farmer by split decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, claiming the interim title. Four months later, he settled the rivalry in Cancun, Mexico, retaining the belt via decision.
Before his championship run, Zepeda built a strong resume in the lightweight division. His breakout performance came in October 2022 against former 130-pound champion and Olympian Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, where he not only earned a signature victory, but also shattered three CompuBox lightweight records for total punches thrown, jabs attempted in a round and total attempted jabs. He continued his rise with victories over notable names including former world champion Rene Alvarado, former world title challenger Mercito Gesta and former world champion Maxi Hughes. Representing San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, Zepeda has become a fan favorite thanks to his relentless, action-packed style. The Mexican southpaw combines nonstop pressure, elite conditioning and knockout power, making him one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport and a dangerous challenge for anyone in the lightweight division. With his stock rising and valuable experience gained against the sport’s top competition, “Camaron” remains firmly in the world title picture as he looks toward the next chapter of his career.
|
|
|
|
Roach to face Zepeda for vacant lightweight title
Two of boxing’s elite lightweights are set to collide with a world title on the line as uncrowned champion Lamont “The Reaper” Roach Jr. (25-1-3, 10 KOs) of Washington D.C. and Mexico's William “El Camarón” Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) battle for the vacant WBC lightweight championship on Saturday, Aug. 1st at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. [The title has been vacant since Shakur Stevenson moved up to junior welterweight]. “This is my fourth consecutive world title fight coming up in a different weight class,” said Roach (pictured) “No doubt, I am bringing boxing back, and I’m coming for the top spot. I want the P4P belt layer.”
Headlining TNT Sports and DAZN’s “The Fight,” a new monthly live boxing series, the twelve-round championship showdown will be broadcast co-exclusively in the United States on TNT and truTV and worldwide on DAZN. The general on-sale for tickets begins Friday, June 5th at 10:00 am PT. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or GoldenBoy.com. Fans can access the special pre-sale on Thursday, June 4 with code: GBPVIP
“We’ve been working hard since my last fight. We’re at the forefront of the lightweight division, and we know every opponent at this level presents a serious challenge,” said Zepeda. “Once again, we’ve been given the opportunity to fight for a world championship, and we’re ready to show the world exactly who ‘El Camarón’ Zepeda is. I hope Lamont comes fully prepared, because we’re going to put on a great show for the fans.”
“William Zepeda has earned every bit of this opportunity,” said promoter Oscar De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy. “For years, he has taken on every challenge put in front of him and established himself as one of the most exciting fighters in boxing with his relentless pressure, incredible work rate, and fan-friendly style. On August 1st, fans are going to witness two world-class fighters battle for the WBC Lightweight World Championship, and I expect William Zepeda to show the world why he is one of the very best fighters in the sport today.”
“Lamont Roach has proven he belongs among the very top of the sport. On August 1st, he faces a massive challenge in the relentless William Zepeda,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Lamont is a world-class champion with incredible boxing acumen and D.C. grit. He’ll need every bit of it to turn back one of the most dangerous contenders in the lightweight division in Zepeda. It’s a classic matchup of skill versus pressure but I expect Lamont to fight fire with fire, which means fans at the Virgin hotel and those watching on TNT Sports and DAZN are in for a special night of boxing.”
Additional information on the undercard and media credentials will be announced in the coming weeks.
Roach is one of boxing’s most respected champions, earning recognition for his skill, toughness and willingness to take on the sport’s biggest challenges. Fighting out of and representing the Nation’s Capitol of Washington DC with a record of 25-1-3 (10 KOs), he has competed at the highest level across multiple weight divisions. Roach Jr.’s profile surged in March 2025 when he moved up to lightweight to challenge Gervonta Davis for the WBA lightweight championship. The highly anticipated bout went the distance and ended in a controversial majority draw after twelve competitive rounds, with many fans and observers in the sport believing Roach Jr. had done enough to win. This made Roach an uncrowned champion. Later that year, he tested himself once again by moving up to junior welterweight to face Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, battling to another majority draw.
Before those marquee matchups, Roach captured the WBA junior lightweight championship with a split-decision victory over Hector Luis Garcia, completing a remarkable comeback after the lone loss of his professional career against Jamel Herring in 2019. Today, “The Reaper” remains one of boxing’s most accomplished and battle-tested competitors, continuing to pursue championship success on the sport’s biggest stages.
Zepeda has established himself as one of the lightweight division’s elite contenders, earning a reputation as one of boxing’s most relentless pressure fighters. Most recently, Zepeda challenged the undefeated Shakur Stevenson for the WBC lightweight championship in New York City, pushing the champion with his trademark high-volume attack over twelve competitive rounds. Although the scorecards favored Stevenson, Zepeda’s performance reinforced his standing among the division’s best and elevated his profile on the world stage. The title opportunity came on the heels of a career-defining run that saw Zepeda capture and successfully defend the WBC interim title against former 130-pound champion Tevin Farmer. In November 2024, Zepeda overcame the first knockdown of his professional career to edge Farmer by split decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, claiming the interim title. Four months later, he settled the rivalry in Cancun, Mexico, retaining the belt via decision.
Before his championship run, Zepeda built a strong resume in the lightweight division. His breakout performance came in October 2022 against former 130-pound champion and Olympian Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, where he not only earned a signature victory, but also shattered three CompuBox lightweight records for total punches thrown, jabs attempted in a round and total attempted jabs. He continued his rise with victories over notable names including former world champion Rene Alvarado, former world title challenger Mercito Gesta and former world champion Maxi Hughes. Representing San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, Zepeda has become a fan favorite thanks to his relentless, action-packed style. The Mexican southpaw combines nonstop pressure, elite conditioning and knockout power, making him one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport and a dangerous challenge for anyone in the lightweight division. With his stock rising and valuable experience gained against the sport’s top competition, “Camaron” remains firmly in the world title picture as he looks toward the next chapter of his career.
|
Rozicki: "To get more money, I gotta fight outside Canada” |
|
|
If you were going to cast a real-life boxer in the next installment of the Creed movie franchise and wanted the key antagonist to be an intense “silent assassin” type, you’d do well to find someone who fits the bill better than Ryan Rozicki.The Canadian isn’t here to wave to fans and kiss babies. He’s here to get in the ring, flatten his opponent, then head home with a winner’s check in his back pocket. It’s something Rozicki has done very successfully in his career so far. In 23 professional fights, “The Bruiser” has won 21, drawn one, and lost just once — on points to Oscar Rivas, a former bridgerweight champion who outweighed him by 20 pounds. Of Rozicki’s 21 wins, 20 have come via knockout. On Saturday night, the 31-year-old Canadian will step under the lights of a Zuffa Boxing event for the first time as he takes on former cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith in the Englishman’s hometown of Bournemouth. It’s his first professional assignment outside of his native Canada, and one that he accepts knowing that victory could lead to bigger, more lucrative opportunities down the line. “To get more money, I gotta go fight outside Canada,” he said.
That short, direct response mirrors his fighting style. When you step in the ring with Ryan Rozicki, you know exactly what you’re going to get. He plans on showcasing his heavy-handed, no-frills brand of violence against the best in the world as part of Zuffa Boxing’s cruiserweight roster. The chance to fight the best and avoid boxing politics was the driving factor in his decision to sign for Zuffa Boxing in the first place. “I get to face the best fighters, I get to fight all the best in the division and nobody gets to pick and choose who they want to fight," Rozicki said. "That's why I'm here."
His first appearance overseas pits Rozicki against another cruiserweight with a well-earned reputation as a hard-nosed operator. Billam-Smith has made his name by being able to wear down and beat some of the best in the world at 200 pounds, as his world title success proved. The stylistic matchup between the pair - an irresistible force going up against an immovable object - offers a mouthwatering main event contest at the Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday night. That, Rozicki said, is exactly why the pair were matched together by the Zuffa Boxing brass. “They know it's a good fight,” he said. “They know this fight can only be a war, can only be a good fight, so I believe that's why they made the fight.”
The pair went head-to-head in a fascinating face-to-face interview on Sky Sports in the UK, where Rozicki’s simmering intensity could be felt through the screen. During the interview, he told the story of how he got into boxing as a troubled youth who was court-mandated to enlist in a sport. A young Rozicki wanted to go into hockey, but his father insisted he go into boxing. Since then, he’s put food on the table with his fists and now finds himself as one of the most dangerous cruiserweights on the planet.
While learning his trade as a boxer, Rozicki used to watch footage of the legends of yesteryear and immediately gravitated to the no-nonsense approach of former world heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey, whose fighting style helped influence his own. Rozicki explained that his way of fighting is very much a throwback to that era of the sport. “Brutal, violent, reminiscent of the greats of the early 20s," he said. "Probably early-20s to early-30s, with a little bit of modern too. I base my whole style on Jack Dempsey, as most people know, so expect to see things that you'd only see in a black-and-white film."
"[The fans] can think whatever they want," he continued. "I'm here to win. I'm not here to please anybody. I'm here to win the fight, and hopefully it's a great fight. I guess I have to say I hope they enjoy the fight, but I know they will.” And while he didn’t go into chapter and verse when asked what the fans can expect, his answer left no room for ambiguity. “[Expect] a lot of action,” he said. “It’ll be brutal for as long as it lasts.”
|
|
|
|
Rozicki: "To get more money, I gotta fight outside Canada”
If you were going to cast a real-life boxer in the next installment of the Creed movie franchise and wanted the key antagonist to be an intense “silent assassin” type, you’d do well to find someone who fits the bill better than Ryan Rozicki.The Canadian isn’t here to wave to fans and kiss babies. He’s here to get in the ring, flatten his opponent, then head home with a winner’s check in his back pocket. It’s something Rozicki has done very successfully in his career so far. In 23 professional fights, “The Bruiser” has won 21, drawn one, and lost just once — on points to Oscar Rivas, a former bridgerweight champion who outweighed him by 20 pounds. Of Rozicki’s 21 wins, 20 have come via knockout. On Saturday night, the 31-year-old Canadian will step under the lights of a Zuffa Boxing event for the first time as he takes on former cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith in the Englishman’s hometown of Bournemouth. It’s his first professional assignment outside of his native Canada, and one that he accepts knowing that victory could lead to bigger, more lucrative opportunities down the line. “To get more money, I gotta go fight outside Canada,” he said.
That short, direct response mirrors his fighting style. When you step in the ring with Ryan Rozicki, you know exactly what you’re going to get. He plans on showcasing his heavy-handed, no-frills brand of violence against the best in the world as part of Zuffa Boxing’s cruiserweight roster. The chance to fight the best and avoid boxing politics was the driving factor in his decision to sign for Zuffa Boxing in the first place. “I get to face the best fighters, I get to fight all the best in the division and nobody gets to pick and choose who they want to fight," Rozicki said. "That's why I'm here."
His first appearance overseas pits Rozicki against another cruiserweight with a well-earned reputation as a hard-nosed operator. Billam-Smith has made his name by being able to wear down and beat some of the best in the world at 200 pounds, as his world title success proved. The stylistic matchup between the pair - an irresistible force going up against an immovable object - offers a mouthwatering main event contest at the Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday night. That, Rozicki said, is exactly why the pair were matched together by the Zuffa Boxing brass. “They know it's a good fight,” he said. “They know this fight can only be a war, can only be a good fight, so I believe that's why they made the fight.”
The pair went head-to-head in a fascinating face-to-face interview on Sky Sports in the UK, where Rozicki’s simmering intensity could be felt through the screen. During the interview, he told the story of how he got into boxing as a troubled youth who was court-mandated to enlist in a sport. A young Rozicki wanted to go into hockey, but his father insisted he go into boxing. Since then, he’s put food on the table with his fists and now finds himself as one of the most dangerous cruiserweights on the planet.
While learning his trade as a boxer, Rozicki used to watch footage of the legends of yesteryear and immediately gravitated to the no-nonsense approach of former world heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey, whose fighting style helped influence his own. Rozicki explained that his way of fighting is very much a throwback to that era of the sport. “Brutal, violent, reminiscent of the greats of the early 20s," he said. "Probably early-20s to early-30s, with a little bit of modern too. I base my whole style on Jack Dempsey, as most people know, so expect to see things that you'd only see in a black-and-white film."
"[The fans] can think whatever they want," he continued. "I'm here to win. I'm not here to please anybody. I'm here to win the fight, and hopefully it's a great fight. I guess I have to say I hope they enjoy the fight, but I know they will.” And while he didn’t go into chapter and verse when asked what the fans can expect, his answer left no room for ambiguity. “[Expect] a lot of action,” he said. “It’ll be brutal for as long as it lasts.”
|
UFC and Paramount reach deal for Canadian broadcast rights |
|
Paramount and UFC the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, announced an expansion of their media rights partnership that makes Paramount+ the exclusive home of UFC "numbered event" main cards (traditionally known as pay-per-views) in Canada for the next six years beginning in 2027. Details on the first UFC events to stream live on Paramount+ in Canada will be announced later this year. This new partnership with Paramount will provide UFC fans across Canada with exclusive access to all thirteen marquee UFC numbered event main cards live, at no additional cost to Paramount+ subscribers. This announcement expands on Paramount’s landmark seven-year, multi-territory UFC media rights partnership announced in 2025. UFC numbered events typically feature championship bouts on the main cards and showcase UFC’s biggest stars.
“Beginning in 2027, Paramount+ subscribers in Canada will get every UFC numbered event main card live, at no additional cost,” said UFC president and CEO Dana White. “Paramount has been an incredible partner that understands the power of UFC, and together we’re going to make it easier than ever for fans in Canada to watch the biggest fights in the sport. I love Canada and I’m very excited for the fans to be able to enjoy the Paramount experience.”
"UFC is one of the most dynamic live sports properties in the world and we are thrilled to bring Paramount+ subscribers in Canada into the Octagon in 2027 for no additional cost,” said Rodrigo Mazón, Paramount+’s Head of Direct-To-Consumer in Latin America and Canada. “Expanding our partnership into Canada lets us serve a deeply engaged MMA audience, while reinforcing what Paramount+ is built for: premium live sports and globally relevant entertainment."
To date, over 10 million households have watched more than 100 million hours of UFC programming on Paramount+—delivering viewership more than 15x the average pay-per-view event over the past two years. Since debuting in Canada with UFC 83 in 2008, UFC has held 37 premier sporting events across 11 cities in the Great White North. Canadian cards have featured legendary athletes like Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, Jose Aldo, Valentina Shevchenko and Max Holloway.
|
|
|
|
UFC and Paramount reach deal for Canadian broadcast rights
Paramount and UFC the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, announced an expansion of their media rights partnership that makes Paramount+ the exclusive home of UFC "numbered event" main cards (traditionally known as pay-per-views) in Canada for the next six years beginning in 2027. Details on the first UFC events to stream live on Paramount+ in Canada will be announced later this year. This new partnership with Paramount will provide UFC fans across Canada with exclusive access to all thirteen marquee UFC numbered event main cards live, at no additional cost to Paramount+ subscribers. This announcement expands on Paramount’s landmark seven-year, multi-territory UFC media rights partnership announced in 2025. UFC numbered events typically feature championship bouts on the main cards and showcase UFC’s biggest stars.
“Beginning in 2027, Paramount+ subscribers in Canada will get every UFC numbered event main card live, at no additional cost,” said UFC president and CEO Dana White. “Paramount has been an incredible partner that understands the power of UFC, and together we’re going to make it easier than ever for fans in Canada to watch the biggest fights in the sport. I love Canada and I’m very excited for the fans to be able to enjoy the Paramount experience.”
"UFC is one of the most dynamic live sports properties in the world and we are thrilled to bring Paramount+ subscribers in Canada into the Octagon in 2027 for no additional cost,” said Rodrigo Mazón, Paramount+’s Head of Direct-To-Consumer in Latin America and Canada. “Expanding our partnership into Canada lets us serve a deeply engaged MMA audience, while reinforcing what Paramount+ is built for: premium live sports and globally relevant entertainment."
To date, over 10 million households have watched more than 100 million hours of UFC programming on Paramount+—delivering viewership more than 15x the average pay-per-view event over the past two years. Since debuting in Canada with UFC 83 in 2008, UFC has held 37 premier sporting events across 11 cities in the Great White North. Canadian cards have featured legendary athletes like Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, Jose Aldo, Valentina Shevchenko and Max Holloway.
|
Ex-champ JoJo Diaz staring down a crossroads fight |
|
Former 130-pound champion Joseph "JoJo" Diaz (35-10-1, 15 KOs including the World Series of Boxing) is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for a pivotal crossroads fight against Ashton "H2O" Sylve (13-1, 10 KOs) in a scheduled ten-round junior welterweight bout on Friday, June 19th at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. The event, promoted by MF PRO, will stream live worldwide on DAZN. A veteran of multiple world title fights and one of the most accomplished fighters of his generation, Diaz understands the significance of this matchup. At 33 years old, the former champion remains motivated by unfinished business and is determined to prove that he still belongs among boxing's elite.
With fight night less than three weeks away, Diaz believes he is benefiting from one of the most productive and disciplined training camps of his professional career. Reflecting on his preparation, Diaz expressed confidence in the work he has put in behind the scenes. "This training camp has been exactly what I needed," said Diaz. "I've gotten back to doing the little things right and focused on improving every part of my game. At this age, I'm still hungry to succeed, and if anything, I'm more motivated now because I know how important this fight is for my career. I've been working hard every day in the gym, getting into great shape, improving my defense, and making sure I'm mentally ready. Sometimes you have to take an honest look at yourself and make changes, and that's what I've done. I feel energized, focused, and ready to remind everyone that I still have a lot left to give in this sport."
Diaz knows he faces a dangerous and ambitious opponent in Sylve, a younger fighter looking to make a statement against a former world champion. Discussing the matchup, Diaz acknowledged Sylve's strengths while making it clear that experience could prove to be the deciding factor. "Sylve is a young fighter who's trying to make a name for himself, and I respect that because I was in that same position early in my career," said Diaz. "He's talented, confident, and coming into this fight with a lot of motivation. But I've been in the ring with some of the best fighters in the world and have competed on boxing's biggest stages. Those experiences teach you things that you can't learn any other way. I know he's going to come ready to fight, but so am I. I still have a lot left to prove, and I want to show the fans that I can still perform at a high level and compete with anybody in the division."
With many observers viewing the bout as a defining moment in his career, Diaz understands the importance of delivering a statement victory. Speaking about the impact a win could have, Diaz emphasized that he views this fight as the start of a new chapter. "A win on June 19th would mean a lot to me because it would show people that I still belong at a high level in this sport," said Diaz. "I know some people have counted me out because of some tough losses, but I've never lost faith in myself. I've been through ups and downs before, and I've always found a way to come back stronger. Sylve is a young fighter with a lot of ambition, so beating him would prove that I can still compete with the new generation of fighters. More than anything, this fight is a chance for me to get my career moving in the right direction again. I still have big goals, and I believe I have a lot left to give to boxing.”
The opportunity to compete in front of his hometown supporters while performing on one of boxing's biggest streaming platforms has provided Diaz with additional motivation. When discussing fighting in Southern California and on DAZN, Diaz spoke passionately about representing the fans who have supported him throughout his career. "Fighting at home in Southern California means a lot to me because this is where it all started," Diaz concluded. "The fans here have supported me throughout my entire career, through the good times and the tough times, and I'm excited to fight in front of them again. Knowing that the fight will be shown live on DAZN and that people all over the world will be watching gives me even more motivation. I want to put on a great performance, get the win, and remind everyone that I still have a lot left to give in the tank. I've been a world champion before, and I know what it takes to get back to that level. This is my chance to prove I'm motivated and able to compete with top fighters.
|
|
|
|
Ex-champ JoJo Diaz staring down a crossroads fight
Former 130-pound champion Joseph "JoJo" Diaz (35-10-1, 15 KOs including the World Series of Boxing) is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for a pivotal crossroads fight against Ashton "H2O" Sylve (13-1, 10 KOs) in a scheduled ten-round junior welterweight bout on Friday, June 19th at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. The event, promoted by MF PRO, will stream live worldwide on DAZN. A veteran of multiple world title fights and one of the most accomplished fighters of his generation, Diaz understands the significance of this matchup. At 33 years old, the former champion remains motivated by unfinished business and is determined to prove that he still belongs among boxing's elite.
With fight night less than three weeks away, Diaz believes he is benefiting from one of the most productive and disciplined training camps of his professional career. Reflecting on his preparation, Diaz expressed confidence in the work he has put in behind the scenes. "This training camp has been exactly what I needed," said Diaz. "I've gotten back to doing the little things right and focused on improving every part of my game. At this age, I'm still hungry to succeed, and if anything, I'm more motivated now because I know how important this fight is for my career. I've been working hard every day in the gym, getting into great shape, improving my defense, and making sure I'm mentally ready. Sometimes you have to take an honest look at yourself and make changes, and that's what I've done. I feel energized, focused, and ready to remind everyone that I still have a lot left to give in this sport."
Diaz knows he faces a dangerous and ambitious opponent in Sylve, a younger fighter looking to make a statement against a former world champion. Discussing the matchup, Diaz acknowledged Sylve's strengths while making it clear that experience could prove to be the deciding factor. "Sylve is a young fighter who's trying to make a name for himself, and I respect that because I was in that same position early in my career," said Diaz. "He's talented, confident, and coming into this fight with a lot of motivation. But I've been in the ring with some of the best fighters in the world and have competed on boxing's biggest stages. Those experiences teach you things that you can't learn any other way. I know he's going to come ready to fight, but so am I. I still have a lot left to prove, and I want to show the fans that I can still perform at a high level and compete with anybody in the division."
With many observers viewing the bout as a defining moment in his career, Diaz understands the importance of delivering a statement victory. Speaking about the impact a win could have, Diaz emphasized that he views this fight as the start of a new chapter. "A win on June 19th would mean a lot to me because it would show people that I still belong at a high level in this sport," said Diaz. "I know some people have counted me out because of some tough losses, but I've never lost faith in myself. I've been through ups and downs before, and I've always found a way to come back stronger. Sylve is a young fighter with a lot of ambition, so beating him would prove that I can still compete with the new generation of fighters. More than anything, this fight is a chance for me to get my career moving in the right direction again. I still have big goals, and I believe I have a lot left to give to boxing.”
The opportunity to compete in front of his hometown supporters while performing on one of boxing's biggest streaming platforms has provided Diaz with additional motivation. When discussing fighting in Southern California and on DAZN, Diaz spoke passionately about representing the fans who have supported him throughout his career. "Fighting at home in Southern California means a lot to me because this is where it all started," Diaz concluded. "The fans here have supported me throughout my entire career, through the good times and the tough times, and I'm excited to fight in front of them again. Knowing that the fight will be shown live on DAZN and that people all over the world will be watching gives me even more motivation. I want to put on a great performance, get the win, and remind everyone that I still have a lot left to give in the tank. I've been a world champion before, and I know what it takes to get back to that level. This is my chance to prove I'm motivated and able to compete with top fighters.
|
Tramaine Williams returns in Connecticut |
|
Featherweight Tramaine Williams (21-3) will return to the ring on June 6th to face Dannis Arias (20-4) in Waterbury, Connecticut. Williams, one of the division’s most experienced contenders, will look to reaffirm his position in the 126-pound class. His last fight was an April stay-busy trip to Mexico, where he defeated an opponent with a losing record. Arias, from the Dominican Republic, has lost two in a row, to ex-world 122-pound champ Guillermo Rigondeaux and Otar Eranosyan.
|
|
|
|
Tramaine Williams returns in Connecticut
Featherweight Tramaine Williams (21-3) will return to the ring on June 6th to face Dannis Arias (20-4) in Waterbury, Connecticut. Williams, one of the division’s most experienced contenders, will look to reaffirm his position in the 126-pound class. His last fight was an April stay-busy trip to Mexico, where he defeated an opponent with a losing record. Arias, from the Dominican Republic, has lost two in a row, to ex-world 122-pound champ Guillermo Rigondeaux and Otar Eranosyan.
|
Negotiations continue between René Santiago and Daiya Kira |
|
The WBA has granted a thirty-day extension to the negotiation period for a light flyweight title bout between champion René Santiago (pictured) of Puerto Rico and Daiya Kira of Japan. The extension followed a request from the parties involved, who continue working toward an agreement for the mandatory championship contest. Santiago is 16-4 but holds the WBO as well as the WBA 108-pound title. Kira is just 4-0 but has fought three quality opponents in his brief pro career.
According to the WBA, Santiago's mandatory defense has been overdue since April 16th, and he is therefore required to face Kira. Furthermore, under WBA Rule C.13, Santiago may not engage in a contest against a boxer who is not the official challenger within sixty (60) days following the expiration of the mandatory defense period. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement within the established timeframe, or if either party refuses to execute the contract, the WBA has the right to proceed to a purse bid in accordance with its internal regulations.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 4, 2026: The WBA Championship Committee has officially ordered the mandatory bout between its light flyweight champion René Santiago and Japan's Daiya Kira. The sanctioning body issued formal notification to the respective teams of both fighters, granting a thirty-day negotiation period to reach terms for the bout. Said period will expire on June 2nd, 2026 Santiago is a unified champion who won the WBA title on December 17, 2025. Santiago is on a spectacular run. But little over a year ago, he seemed to be a journeyman who was fortunate to get a title shot. Then he upset shokichi Iwata in March 2025 to win the WBO title and followed that up with a title unification win vs. Kyosuke Takami later in 2025. He launched his 2026 campaign with a third road win in Japan, this time over ex-champ Masataka Taniguchi. Kira is mostly unknown, with a pro record of just 4-0.
APRIL 6, 2026: Puerto Rico's René “El Chulo” Santiago added to his legacy as a Japanese spoiler by successfully defending his unified WBA and WBO light flyweight world titles with a unanimous decision victory over former champion Masataka Taniguchi. The high-level tactical battle took place Friday, April 3rd at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall, marking Santiago’s third consecutive win on Japanese soil. The turning point came in the fifth round, when Santiago landed a perfectly timed counter right hook that sent the Japanese fighter to the canvas. After twelve rounds, the judges confirmed Santiago’s command with scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 114-113, all in favor of the defending champion. With the victory, Santiago improves to 16-4 with 9 knockouts and joins fellow standouts like Oscar Collazo and Xander Zayas as part of the new wave of Puerto Rican fighters holding unified world titles. Taniguchi, a former 105-pound title holder, falls to 21-6.
DEC. 18, 2025: Puerto Rico’s Rene Santiago delivered one of the most significant victories of his career, edging Japan’s Kyosuke Takami by split decision to capture the WBA light flyweight in a hard-fought battle in Tokyo. The scorecards reflected the razor-thin margins of the contest: 117-111 and 115-113 for Santiago, while one judge saw it 116-112 for Takami. The bout unified the WBA crown with the WBO version already in Santiago's possession. It was a clash of styles from the opening bell. Takami, unbeaten going in and widely regarded as one of Japan’s emerging talents, sought to impose his trademark aggression, pressing forward behind a stiff jab and digging combinations to the body. Santiago, however, displayed poise and tactical maturity, relying on footwork, rhythm changes, and sharp counterpunching to blunt the local favorite’s advances.
Takami attempted to cut off the ring and force exchanges, but the Puerto Rican answered with straight shots upstairs and well-timed hooks that repeatedly checked the champion’s momentum. The fight remained competitive through the early rounds, though Santiago began to seize control from the sixth onward by capitalizing on defensive lapses and landing the cleaner, more eye-catching punches.
In the championship rounds, Santiago returned to his original blueprint: lateral movement, straight punches, and tempo control. That tactical discipline ultimately made the difference on the scorecards, rewarding his ability to adapt and execute more effective boxing when it mattered most. With the win, Santiago capped off a stellar year, earning his second victory in Japan, both over previously unbeaten champions. (He defeated Shokichi Iwata in March to become WBO champion). Despite his 16-4 record, this win cemented Santiago's status as a major player in the 108-pound division. Takami (10-1), despite the setback, showed grit and quality, and his youth suggests a swift return to the upper tier of the division.
MARCH 14, 2025: Puerto Rico has a new boxing champion as René “Chulo” Santiago was crowned the WBO junior flyweight champion with a big road upset over Japan's Shokichi Iwata by unanimous decision at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. The 32 year-old Santiago is just 14-4 in his career, and barely a year removed from a failed title bid against Iwata's predecessor, Jonathan Gonzalez. Santiago dominated the twelve-round fight and the official scorecards favored him by scores of 116-112, 117-111, and 118-110. There was a moment of confusion when the referee mistakenly raised Iwata’s arm at the end of the fight, but quickly corrected himself. Iwata's title reign ended after just five months, and his record falls to 14-2.
|
|
|
|
Negotiations continue between René Santiago and Daiya Kira
The WBA has granted a thirty-day extension to the negotiation period for a light flyweight title bout between champion René Santiago (pictured) of Puerto Rico and Daiya Kira of Japan. The extension followed a request from the parties involved, who continue working toward an agreement for the mandatory championship contest. Santiago is 16-4 but holds the WBO as well as the WBA 108-pound title. Kira is just 4-0 but has fought three quality opponents in his brief pro career.
According to the WBA, Santiago's mandatory defense has been overdue since April 16th, and he is therefore required to face Kira. Furthermore, under WBA Rule C.13, Santiago may not engage in a contest against a boxer who is not the official challenger within sixty (60) days following the expiration of the mandatory defense period. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement within the established timeframe, or if either party refuses to execute the contract, the WBA has the right to proceed to a purse bid in accordance with its internal regulations.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 4, 2026: The WBA Championship Committee has officially ordered the mandatory bout between its light flyweight champion René Santiago and Japan's Daiya Kira. The sanctioning body issued formal notification to the respective teams of both fighters, granting a thirty-day negotiation period to reach terms for the bout. Said period will expire on June 2nd, 2026 Santiago is a unified champion who won the WBA title on December 17, 2025. Santiago is on a spectacular run. But little over a year ago, he seemed to be a journeyman who was fortunate to get a title shot. Then he upset shokichi Iwata in March 2025 to win the WBO title and followed that up with a title unification win vs. Kyosuke Takami later in 2025. He launched his 2026 campaign with a third road win in Japan, this time over ex-champ Masataka Taniguchi. Kira is mostly unknown, with a pro record of just 4-0.
APRIL 6, 2026: Puerto Rico's René “El Chulo” Santiago added to his legacy as a Japanese spoiler by successfully defending his unified WBA and WBO light flyweight world titles with a unanimous decision victory over former champion Masataka Taniguchi. The high-level tactical battle took place Friday, April 3rd at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall, marking Santiago’s third consecutive win on Japanese soil. The turning point came in the fifth round, when Santiago landed a perfectly timed counter right hook that sent the Japanese fighter to the canvas. After twelve rounds, the judges confirmed Santiago’s command with scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 114-113, all in favor of the defending champion. With the victory, Santiago improves to 16-4 with 9 knockouts and joins fellow standouts like Oscar Collazo and Xander Zayas as part of the new wave of Puerto Rican fighters holding unified world titles. Taniguchi, a former 105-pound title holder, falls to 21-6.
DEC. 18, 2025: Puerto Rico’s Rene Santiago delivered one of the most significant victories of his career, edging Japan’s Kyosuke Takami by split decision to capture the WBA light flyweight in a hard-fought battle in Tokyo. The scorecards reflected the razor-thin margins of the contest: 117-111 and 115-113 for Santiago, while one judge saw it 116-112 for Takami. The bout unified the WBA crown with the WBO version already in Santiago's possession. It was a clash of styles from the opening bell. Takami, unbeaten going in and widely regarded as one of Japan’s emerging talents, sought to impose his trademark aggression, pressing forward behind a stiff jab and digging combinations to the body. Santiago, however, displayed poise and tactical maturity, relying on footwork, rhythm changes, and sharp counterpunching to blunt the local favorite’s advances.
Takami attempted to cut off the ring and force exchanges, but the Puerto Rican answered with straight shots upstairs and well-timed hooks that repeatedly checked the champion’s momentum. The fight remained competitive through the early rounds, though Santiago began to seize control from the sixth onward by capitalizing on defensive lapses and landing the cleaner, more eye-catching punches.
In the championship rounds, Santiago returned to his original blueprint: lateral movement, straight punches, and tempo control. That tactical discipline ultimately made the difference on the scorecards, rewarding his ability to adapt and execute more effective boxing when it mattered most. With the win, Santiago capped off a stellar year, earning his second victory in Japan, both over previously unbeaten champions. (He defeated Shokichi Iwata in March to become WBO champion). Despite his 16-4 record, this win cemented Santiago's status as a major player in the 108-pound division. Takami (10-1), despite the setback, showed grit and quality, and his youth suggests a swift return to the upper tier of the division.
MARCH 14, 2025: Puerto Rico has a new boxing champion as René “Chulo” Santiago was crowned the WBO junior flyweight champion with a big road upset over Japan's Shokichi Iwata by unanimous decision at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. The 32 year-old Santiago is just 14-4 in his career, and barely a year removed from a failed title bid against Iwata's predecessor, Jonathan Gonzalez. Santiago dominated the twelve-round fight and the official scorecards favored him by scores of 116-112, 117-111, and 118-110. There was a moment of confusion when the referee mistakenly raised Iwata’s arm at the end of the fight, but quickly corrected himself. Iwata's title reign ended after just five months, and his record falls to 14-2.
|
Post-fight comments from Juarez and Valle |
|
WBC light flyweight champion :ourdes "Little Lulu" Juárez (pictured) attended this week’s WBC Tuesday Coffee to discuss her victory over Yokasta Valle. Last Saturday, Juárez defeated Valle by split decision, successfully defending her 108-pound title. Valle is still listed as the WBC 105-pound champion but here future weight class is less clear. Valle joined the conference remotely and both fighters cordially shared their thoughts on the bout. “I knew it was going to be a war in the ring. Yokasta never gives up; if anything, she rises to the challenge. This fight will leave her with a great learning experience. She is a great champion, and whichever division she decides to stay in, she will do very well. She has a bright future ahead of her,” said Juárez.
Valle expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to compete for the title. “It is a pleasure to be here. I was grateful for the opportunity to fight for the WBC title. I also appreciate the phone call we had after the fight. It was a great battle between two champions. Of course, I am disappointed because I do not like losing, but this is part of the challenges we face in our careers,” she said.
|
|
|
|
Post-fight comments from Juarez and Valle
WBC light flyweight champion :ourdes "Little Lulu" Juárez (pictured) attended this week’s WBC Tuesday Coffee to discuss her victory over Yokasta Valle. Last Saturday, Juárez defeated Valle by split decision, successfully defending her 108-pound title. Valle is still listed as the WBC 105-pound champion but here future weight class is less clear. Valle joined the conference remotely and both fighters cordially shared their thoughts on the bout. “I knew it was going to be a war in the ring. Yokasta never gives up; if anything, she rises to the challenge. This fight will leave her with a great learning experience. She is a great champion, and whichever division she decides to stay in, she will do very well. She has a bright future ahead of her,” said Juárez.
Valle expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to compete for the title. “It is a pleasure to be here. I was grateful for the opportunity to fight for the WBC title. I also appreciate the phone call we had after the fight. It was a great battle between two champions. Of course, I am disappointed because I do not like losing, but this is part of the challenges we face in our careers,” she said.
|
Frank Martin signs with Fighters First |
|
Junior welterweight Frank “The Ghost” Martin has become the latest boxer to join forces with Adrian Clark's Fighters First Management. "Adrian has always been solid to me,” said Martin. “Timing is everything, and I recognized it was time to let him come in and get things in order for my business. I look forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings!" The 31 year-old Martin sports a 19-1-1 record with 13 KOs and burst onto the scene with a dominating run at 135 pounds that lead to a world title opportunity against reigning champion Gervonta Davis in 2024. His list of victories includes Michel Rivera and Artem Harutyunyan.
"Finally! When I first started building Fighters First Management, Frank Martin's name was at the top of our list to sign,” said Clark. “It's an honor to represent Frank. He is one of the top names and top talents in the 140-pound division. I look forward to helping him reach new heights in his career."
After losing the Davis fight, Martin moved up to 140 pounds and debuted in the division with one of 2025’s best knockouts, a fourth-round destruction of two-division champion Rances Barthelemy last December. Most recently Martin stepped into the ring in February and went toe-to-toe with fellow contender Nahir Albright in a fight that was ultimately ruled a unanimous draw.
Martin first came on Clark’s radar through Clark’s longstanding working relationship with pound-for-pound star Errol Spence Jr., who promotes Martin under his Man Down Promotions banner. The signing is the latest boon for Clark during a successful recent run that saw him help guide Brian Norman Jr. to a welterweight world championship, while also adding Edwin De Los Santos, plus undefeated rising stars Domonique Francis and Jessie Fletcher.
|
|
|
|
Frank Martin signs with Fighters First
Junior welterweight Frank “The Ghost” Martin has become the latest boxer to join forces with Adrian Clark's Fighters First Management. "Adrian has always been solid to me,” said Martin. “Timing is everything, and I recognized it was time to let him come in and get things in order for my business. I look forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings!" The 31 year-old Martin sports a 19-1-1 record with 13 KOs and burst onto the scene with a dominating run at 135 pounds that lead to a world title opportunity against reigning champion Gervonta Davis in 2024. His list of victories includes Michel Rivera and Artem Harutyunyan.
"Finally! When I first started building Fighters First Management, Frank Martin's name was at the top of our list to sign,” said Clark. “It's an honor to represent Frank. He is one of the top names and top talents in the 140-pound division. I look forward to helping him reach new heights in his career."
After losing the Davis fight, Martin moved up to 140 pounds and debuted in the division with one of 2025’s best knockouts, a fourth-round destruction of two-division champion Rances Barthelemy last December. Most recently Martin stepped into the ring in February and went toe-to-toe with fellow contender Nahir Albright in a fight that was ultimately ruled a unanimous draw.
Martin first came on Clark’s radar through Clark’s longstanding working relationship with pound-for-pound star Errol Spence Jr., who promotes Martin under his Man Down Promotions banner. The signing is the latest boon for Clark during a successful recent run that saw him help guide Brian Norman Jr. to a welterweight world championship, while also adding Edwin De Los Santos, plus undefeated rising stars Domonique Francis and Jessie Fletcher.
|
WBA orders Cacace vs. Samedov |
|
The WBA, through its Championships Committee, has officially ordered a mandatory junior lightweight title bout between champion Anthony Cacace and interim champion and Elnur Samedov. Both camps will have a thirty-day negotiation period to reach an agreement. The negotiation window begins on June 2nd and will remain open until July 2nd. Cacace (25-1) captured the title on March 14th by defeating James Dickens. Samedov (22-1) has fought twice since November, stopping previously undefeated boxers both times.
|
|
|
|
WBA orders Cacace vs. Samedov
The WBA, through its Championships Committee, has officially ordered a mandatory junior lightweight title bout between champion Anthony Cacace and interim champion and Elnur Samedov. Both camps will have a thirty-day negotiation period to reach an agreement. The negotiation window begins on June 2nd and will remain open until July 2nd. Cacace (25-1) captured the title on March 14th by defeating James Dickens. Samedov (22-1) has fought twice since November, stopping previously undefeated boxers both times.
|
Montreal to host Ramirez vs. Richards interim title bout |
|
On Thursday (June 4th), Albert Ramírez is set to defend his WBA interim light heavyweight belt against the UK's Lerrone Richards (19-1) in Montreal, an intriguing clash between two unbeaten left-handers that promises to be a tactical chess match. The Venezuelan Ramírez (30-2 including the World Series of Boxing) gained secondary title recognition last August in Libya, where he captured the interim belt by stopping previously unbeaten Jerome Pampellone in seven rounds. Against Richards, he will need to impose his aggressive style and punching power with no room for mistakes. His game plan will likely revolve around applying pressure from the opening bell, controlling the center of the ring, and digging hard combinations to the body in an effort to slow Richards’ movement and force the fight into close quarters.
Richards, meanwhile, enters the bout determined to dethrone the champion and take the belt back to the United Kingdom. The British contender is a slick operator known for his airtight defense and cat-like reflexes, attributes that have frustrated power punchers throughout his career. His strategy is expected to be straightforward: stay mobile, avoid becoming a stationary target, use lateral movement, and pump a steady jab to maintain distance while banking rounds on the scorecards.
The key to this title defense will be Ramírez’s ability to cut off the ring. If the champion can trap Richards against the ropes and neutralize his speed, he may create opportunities to retain his title inside the distance. However, if the Brit succeeds in dictating a slower pace and keeping the fight at long range, Ramírez could find himself in a grueling twelve-round battle that demands patience, discipline, and conditioning.
|
|
|
|
Montreal to host Ramirez vs. Richards interim title bout
On Thursday (June 4th), Albert Ramírez is set to defend his WBA interim light heavyweight belt against the UK's Lerrone Richards (19-1) in Montreal, an intriguing clash between two unbeaten left-handers that promises to be a tactical chess match. The Venezuelan Ramírez (30-2 including the World Series of Boxing) gained secondary title recognition last August in Libya, where he captured the interim belt by stopping previously unbeaten Jerome Pampellone in seven rounds. Against Richards, he will need to impose his aggressive style and punching power with no room for mistakes. His game plan will likely revolve around applying pressure from the opening bell, controlling the center of the ring, and digging hard combinations to the body in an effort to slow Richards’ movement and force the fight into close quarters.
Richards, meanwhile, enters the bout determined to dethrone the champion and take the belt back to the United Kingdom. The British contender is a slick operator known for his airtight defense and cat-like reflexes, attributes that have frustrated power punchers throughout his career. His strategy is expected to be straightforward: stay mobile, avoid becoming a stationary target, use lateral movement, and pump a steady jab to maintain distance while banking rounds on the scorecards.
The key to this title defense will be Ramírez’s ability to cut off the ring. If the champion can trap Richards against the ropes and neutralize his speed, he may create opportunities to retain his title inside the distance. However, if the Brit succeeds in dictating a slower pace and keeping the fight at long range, Ramírez could find himself in a grueling twelve-round battle that demands patience, discipline, and conditioning.
|
Two cruiserweight bouts top Saturday's Zuffa card |
|
|
Two of the hardest-hitting cruiserweights in the world will go head-to-head in a clash of contenders on Saturday in Bournemouth, England as Bournemouth’s own former world champion Chris Billam-Smith (pictured) returns home to take on Canada's Ryan Rozicki on Zuffa Boxing 07. Billam-Smith knows what it takes to reach the cruiserweight summit, and plans on repeating the feat as he chases the Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight world championship. To put himself in line for a potential challenge against reigning champion Jai Opetaia, he’ll need to get past one of the division’s most dangerous contenders.
Rozicki brings a special kind of intensity to the ring. The native of Nova Scotia, Canada heads into Billam-Smith’s backyard for his first overseas assignment, and plans on returning home with another knockout victory under his belt. “The Bruiser” has finished 20 of his 21 career victories and has tasted defeat just once, alongside one draw. The 31-year-old is renowned for his punch power and plans to put it to good use against the teak-tough Brit Billam-Smith on Saturday night.
Billam-Smith, meanwhile, knows what it’s like to step into the trenches at the elite level. He holds wins over notable names including Lawrence Okolie, Mateusz Masternak, Richard Riakporhe and former Zuffa Boxing title challenger Brandon Glanton. Now, he’s looking to position himself for a shot at the belt with a statement-making victory on home soil this weekend.
The chief supporting bout will see an all-British cruiserweight battle as former world title challenger and ex-European and Commonwealth champion Jack “One Smack” Massey takes on 2020 Team GB Olympian and former British cruiserweight champion Chev “C4” Clarke.
Massey (23-3, 13 KOs) challenged for world championship gold in October 2024 when he fell short against Jai Opetaia. After a year away from the ring, he returned in decisive fashion with a fourth-round stoppage victory over Argentina’s Ivan Gabriel Garcia last November. He’ll look to edge his way back into world title contention – and a potential rematch with Opetaia – when he faces Clarke (11-2, 8 KOs). The Gravesend, Kent native has his sights set on world glory as he begins the latest chapter of his career.
|
|
|
|
Two cruiserweight bouts top Saturday's Zuffa card
Two of the hardest-hitting cruiserweights in the world will go head-to-head in a clash of contenders on Saturday in Bournemouth, England as Bournemouth’s own former world champion Chris Billam-Smith (pictured) returns home to take on Canada's Ryan Rozicki on Zuffa Boxing 07. Billam-Smith knows what it takes to reach the cruiserweight summit, and plans on repeating the feat as he chases the Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight world championship. To put himself in line for a potential challenge against reigning champion Jai Opetaia, he’ll need to get past one of the division’s most dangerous contenders.
Rozicki brings a special kind of intensity to the ring. The native of Nova Scotia, Canada heads into Billam-Smith’s backyard for his first overseas assignment, and plans on returning home with another knockout victory under his belt. “The Bruiser” has finished 20 of his 21 career victories and has tasted defeat just once, alongside one draw. The 31-year-old is renowned for his punch power and plans to put it to good use against the teak-tough Brit Billam-Smith on Saturday night.
Billam-Smith, meanwhile, knows what it’s like to step into the trenches at the elite level. He holds wins over notable names including Lawrence Okolie, Mateusz Masternak, Richard Riakporhe and former Zuffa Boxing title challenger Brandon Glanton. Now, he’s looking to position himself for a shot at the belt with a statement-making victory on home soil this weekend.
The chief supporting bout will see an all-British cruiserweight battle as former world title challenger and ex-European and Commonwealth champion Jack “One Smack” Massey takes on 2020 Team GB Olympian and former British cruiserweight champion Chev “C4” Clarke.
Massey (23-3, 13 KOs) challenged for world championship gold in October 2024 when he fell short against Jai Opetaia. After a year away from the ring, he returned in decisive fashion with a fourth-round stoppage victory over Argentina’s Ivan Gabriel Garcia last November. He’ll look to edge his way back into world title contention – and a potential rematch with Opetaia – when he faces Clarke (11-2, 8 KOs). The Gravesend, Kent native has his sights set on world glory as he begins the latest chapter of his career.
|
Collazo books June 20th title defense |
|
WBA / WBO minimumweight champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (14-0, 11 KOs) of Villalba, Puerto Rico, will return to Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, Calif., to defend his unified titles against General Santos City, Philippines native Joey Canoy (25-5-2, 15 KOs). The twelve-round championship bout will stream live worldwide on DAZN on Saturday, June 20th, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. Collazo was last seen delivering a title defense against Mexico’s Jesus “Chiquito” Haro, forcing a stoppage at the conclusion of the sixth round after Haro’s corner advised the referee to halt the contest. With his relentless pressure, elite skill set, and growing résumé of championship victories, Collazo continues to grow his status among the sport’s pound-for-pound elite.
“I’m so excited to be back in the ring this June 20th against a great and proven opponent like Joey Canoy,” said Oscar Collazo. “Fights like these are what keep my career going and motivate me to give my all in every training camp and every fight night. I’m always grateful to Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions for keeping me active and for working to get me the best fights for my career. We remain focused, hungry, and ready for another great challenge.”
“I have been dreaming about this all my life,” said Canoy. “Thank you to my team Sanman boxing and Miguel Cotto promotions for giving me a chance to fight for my dream. I am training hard and I have a month to go. I will do everything to get an upset.”
“Oscar Collazo should be at the top of everyone’s pound-for-pound list, and on June 20th, he’s going to remind the world exactly why,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya. “He has already beaten many of the best fighters in the division, and instead of taking the easy road, he continues to seek out the toughest challenges available and is stepping into the ring against a top contender in Joey Canoy because that’s what true champions do. Oscar never shies away from greatness; he runs toward it. From top to bottom, this card is loaded with some of Golden Boy’s most exciting prospects and proven contenders, guaranteeing an action-packed night of world-class boxing that Southern California fight fans will not want to miss.”
“Collazo is among the elite of boxing as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world,” said Chairman of Miguel Cotto Promotions, Miguel Cotto. “On Saturday, June 20, he will test his skill once again against Joey Canoy. It will be a true fireworks display in a clash of styles that fans cannot afford to miss.”
|
|
|
|
Collazo books June 20th title defense
WBA / WBO minimumweight champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (14-0, 11 KOs) of Villalba, Puerto Rico, will return to Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, Calif., to defend his unified titles against General Santos City, Philippines native Joey Canoy (25-5-2, 15 KOs). The twelve-round championship bout will stream live worldwide on DAZN on Saturday, June 20th, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. Collazo was last seen delivering a title defense against Mexico’s Jesus “Chiquito” Haro, forcing a stoppage at the conclusion of the sixth round after Haro’s corner advised the referee to halt the contest. With his relentless pressure, elite skill set, and growing résumé of championship victories, Collazo continues to grow his status among the sport’s pound-for-pound elite.
“I’m so excited to be back in the ring this June 20th against a great and proven opponent like Joey Canoy,” said Oscar Collazo. “Fights like these are what keep my career going and motivate me to give my all in every training camp and every fight night. I’m always grateful to Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions for keeping me active and for working to get me the best fights for my career. We remain focused, hungry, and ready for another great challenge.”
“I have been dreaming about this all my life,” said Canoy. “Thank you to my team Sanman boxing and Miguel Cotto promotions for giving me a chance to fight for my dream. I am training hard and I have a month to go. I will do everything to get an upset.”
“Oscar Collazo should be at the top of everyone’s pound-for-pound list, and on June 20th, he’s going to remind the world exactly why,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya. “He has already beaten many of the best fighters in the division, and instead of taking the easy road, he continues to seek out the toughest challenges available and is stepping into the ring against a top contender in Joey Canoy because that’s what true champions do. Oscar never shies away from greatness; he runs toward it. From top to bottom, this card is loaded with some of Golden Boy’s most exciting prospects and proven contenders, guaranteeing an action-packed night of world-class boxing that Southern California fight fans will not want to miss.”
“Collazo is among the elite of boxing as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world,” said Chairman of Miguel Cotto Promotions, Miguel Cotto. “On Saturday, June 20, he will test his skill once again against Joey Canoy. It will be a true fireworks display in a clash of styles that fans cannot afford to miss.”
|
WBC pushing hard for Benavidez vs. Mikaelian |
|
[Perhaps in a bid to block Zuffa Boxing from making a fight between uncrowned cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia and WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian], WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman says a three-belt cruiserweight fight between Mikaelian and WBA / WBO champion David Benavidez (pictured) would be a an absolute classic. [Bneavidez still holds the WBC light heavyweight title, and Zuffa Boxing is openly seeking to devalue the four major sanctioning bodies, including the WBC].
According to the WBC: Mikaelian hasn’t been able to secure a voluntary defense and the WBC has ordered him to fight a mandatory against Benavidez. Also the WBC light heavyweight champion, Benavidez surged up to cruiserweight where he took on and defeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez via a dazzling sixth-round TKO, to become a three-division champion. Benavidez and his team have forwarded a petition to the WBC for this showdown vs. Mikaelian, who [the WBC says] has accepted and is keen to show his mettle.
Sulaiman said: “This is a huge moment for Boxing. David Benavidez has... requested to fight for the WBC cruiserweight title. This is humbling, and we will do everything possible to have this fight happen as soon as possible. Noel had a voluntary defense approved, which didn’t happen, so he must now make a mandatory defense. It’s great three belts will be contested. We are looking for a unification, and then an undisputed champion. Noel is a great champion and David is a great champion. It’s a fight of champion vs. champion.”
|
|
|
|
WBC pushing hard for Benavidez vs. Mikaelian
[Perhaps in a bid to block Zuffa Boxing from making a fight between uncrowned cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia and WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian], WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman says a three-belt cruiserweight fight between Mikaelian and WBA / WBO champion David Benavidez (pictured) would be a an absolute classic. [Bneavidez still holds the WBC light heavyweight title, and Zuffa Boxing is openly seeking to devalue the four major sanctioning bodies, including the WBC].
According to the WBC: Mikaelian hasn’t been able to secure a voluntary defense and the WBC has ordered him to fight a mandatory against Benavidez. Also the WBC light heavyweight champion, Benavidez surged up to cruiserweight where he took on and defeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez via a dazzling sixth-round TKO, to become a three-division champion. Benavidez and his team have forwarded a petition to the WBC for this showdown vs. Mikaelian, who [the WBC says] has accepted and is keen to show his mettle.
Sulaiman said: “This is a huge moment for Boxing. David Benavidez has... requested to fight for the WBC cruiserweight title. This is humbling, and we will do everything possible to have this fight happen as soon as possible. Noel had a voluntary defense approved, which didn’t happen, so he must now make a mandatory defense. It’s great three belts will be contested. We are looking for a unification, and then an undisputed champion. Noel is a great champion and David is a great champion. It’s a fight of champion vs. champion.”
|
IBF schedules Nontshinga vs. Suganob II purse bid |
|
On May 12th, the IBF ordered Regie Suganob of the Philppines and Sivenathi Nontshinga of South Africa to begin negotiations for an IBF elimination bout in the junior flyweight division. An agreement was not reached within the timeframe set forth by the IBF, so a purse bid has been scheduled for June 16th. If the fight happens, it would be a rematch. Nontshinga is 14-2 and twice held the IBF junior flyweight title. In 2023, he defeated Suganob in a first-reign title defense. Since then, Nontshinga's gone 2-2 and lost his title. Suganob is 18-1 and has won five straight since losing the title shot. The current IBF champion in this weight class is Willibaldo Garcia, who has a fight scheduled vs. Andrew Mol;oney this weekend.
|
|
|
|
IBF schedules Nontshinga vs. Suganob II purse bid
On May 12th, the IBF ordered Regie Suganob of the Philppines and Sivenathi Nontshinga of South Africa to begin negotiations for an IBF elimination bout in the junior flyweight division. An agreement was not reached within the timeframe set forth by the IBF, so a purse bid has been scheduled for June 16th. If the fight happens, it would be a rematch. Nontshinga is 14-2 and twice held the IBF junior flyweight title. In 2023, he defeated Suganob in a first-reign title defense. Since then, Nontshinga's gone 2-2 and lost his title. Suganob is 18-1 and has won five straight since losing the title shot. The current IBF champion in this weight class is Willibaldo Garcia, who has a fight scheduled vs. Andrew Mol;oney this weekend.
|
Boxer/police officer Daisuke Sugita dead at age 37 |
|
The WBC announced the death of active police officer and professional boxer, Daisuke Sugita, just 37 years old, in Tokyo. A separate source, Yahoo! Japan, listed the cause of death as suicide. Sugita was a featherweight with a record of 11-6. He won a regional title in 2023 and was on a three-fight win streak with his last bout coming in March. According to the WBC, "Sugita was an exceptional example of discipline, successfully balancing an outstanding sports career—which included a brilliant amateur record of 110 victories and a respectable professional run with his noble service within the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department." Boxingtalk joins the WBC in extending its sympathy to the family, friends and fellow police officers of Daisuke Sugita during this painful time.
|
|
|
|
Boxer/police officer Daisuke Sugita dead at age 37
The WBC announced the death of active police officer and professional boxer, Daisuke Sugita, just 37 years old, in Tokyo. A separate source, Yahoo! Japan, listed the cause of death as suicide. Sugita was a featherweight with a record of 11-6. He won a regional title in 2023 and was on a three-fight win streak with his last bout coming in March. According to the WBC, "Sugita was an exceptional example of discipline, successfully balancing an outstanding sports career—which included a brilliant amateur record of 110 victories and a respectable professional run with his noble service within the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department." Boxingtalk joins the WBC in extending its sympathy to the family, friends and fellow police officers of Daisuke Sugita during this painful time.
|
Late result: Ex-champ Hermans back with close win |
|
|
Femke Hermans W10 Arlene Blencowe... Belgian boxer Femke Hermans made a successful return to the ring after a year and a half of inactivity. Fighting at junior middleweight Hermans (19-5) defeated Australia’s Arlene Blencowe (5-7-1) in Hermans' native Belgium. The win was listed as a majority decision, not a good sign for a veteran fighting on home soil. Hermans is a former 154-pound title holder, with wins over Mary Spencer and Nikki Adler, but losses to, among others, Claressa Shields, Savannah Marshall and Oshae Jones.
|
|
|
|
Late result: Ex-champ Hermans back with close win
Femke Hermans W10 Arlene Blencowe... Belgian boxer Femke Hermans made a successful return to the ring after a year and a half of inactivity. Fighting at junior middleweight Hermans (19-5) defeated Australia’s Arlene Blencowe (5-7-1) in Hermans' native Belgium. The win was listed as a majority decision, not a good sign for a veteran fighting on home soil. Hermans is a former 154-pound title holder, with wins over Mary Spencer and Nikki Adler, but losses to, among others, Claressa Shields, Savannah Marshall and Oshae Jones.
|
Carrington to defend featherweight title vs. Palacios |
|
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, undefeated with a record of 17 victories, including 10 knockouts, will defend his WBC featherweight titile against René Santiago Palacios. It will be a battle of undefeated boxers. From Mexico, Palacios has a professional record of 19 victories and one draw, with 10 wins coming by knockout. This will be his first opportunity to fight for a world title. He holds a Janaury win, via split decision, over the respected Sulaiman Segawa. The fight will take place on Saturday, July 4th at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland and will be streamed on DAZN.
UNDERCARD
Abdullah Mason vs. Joe Cordina;
Delante Johnson vs. Christopher Guerrero;
Deric Davis vs. Carlos Ramos;
Abdurrahman Mason vs. Alvaro Huizar; and
Ibrahim Mason vs. Ruben García.
Fighting in his hometown of New York City back in February, Carrington defeated Carlos Castro by knockout in the ninth round to win the vacant WBC featherweight championship. From the Brownsville, Brooklyn section of New York, Carrington landed a flush right hand and followed it up with a four or five-punch combination. He punctuated the combination by landing one more right that sent Castro down for a ten count and the crowd inside Madison Square Garden into a frenzy. Carrington was the WBC interim champion but the win over Castro made him that organization's full champion of the 126-pound division. Carrington became the WBC interim title holder by defeating Mateus Heita in July of 2025, also in New York.
|
|
|
|
Carrington to defend featherweight title vs. Palacios
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, undefeated with a record of 17 victories, including 10 knockouts, will defend his WBC featherweight titile against René Santiago Palacios. It will be a battle of undefeated boxers. From Mexico, Palacios has a professional record of 19 victories and one draw, with 10 wins coming by knockout. This will be his first opportunity to fight for a world title. He holds a Janaury win, via split decision, over the respected Sulaiman Segawa. The fight will take place on Saturday, July 4th at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland and will be streamed on DAZN.
UNDERCARD
Abdullah Mason vs. Joe Cordina;
Delante Johnson vs. Christopher Guerrero;
Deric Davis vs. Carlos Ramos;
Abdurrahman Mason vs. Alvaro Huizar; and
Ibrahim Mason vs. Ruben García.
Fighting in his hometown of New York City back in February, Carrington defeated Carlos Castro by knockout in the ninth round to win the vacant WBC featherweight championship. From the Brownsville, Brooklyn section of New York, Carrington landed a flush right hand and followed it up with a four or five-punch combination. He punctuated the combination by landing one more right that sent Castro down for a ten count and the crowd inside Madison Square Garden into a frenzy. Carrington was the WBC interim champion but the win over Castro made him that organization's full champion of the 126-pound division. Carrington became the WBC interim title holder by defeating Mateus Heita in July of 2025, also in New York.
|
New MMA organization coming soon |
|
Scott Coker, founder and CEO of the new global mixed martial arts promotion [still unnamed], announced the addition of six senior executives to his leadership team as the company continues building toward its highly anticipated launch. Additional details, including league name, competition structure, athlete participation, media partnerships and event schedule, will be announced soon. The appointments follow the promotion’s recently announced launch with $60 million in financing led by Creator Sports Capital, with participation from Griffin Gaming Partners and a group of strategic investors across sport, media, technology and finance. The new league is being built to create a global, athlete-centered MMA promotion rooted in authenticity, competition and respect for the traditions that have shaped the sport from its earliest days.
The executive team, drawn from Coker’s four decades of experience, brings together respected leaders with deep roots in MMA, global sports, media, marketing, athlete relations and communications. Joining the promotion are:
Kevin Kay, Chief Content Officer (Paramount Network, Spike TV)... Tom Fox, Chief Operating Officer (Gatorade, NBA Properties, Arsenal)... Rich Chou, Executive Vice President, Athlete Relations (Strikeforce, Bellator MMA)... Paolo Boccotti, Executive Vice President, European Production & Operations (Fight Code, Bellator MMA)... Lawrence Stuart, Executive Vice President, Media Rights & Business Development (CMP, Screenz, ICM Partners) and... Chris DeBlasio, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Communications (Showtime Sports).
“We have assembled a team of premium sports leaders who share our values and respect for combat sports,” said Coker. “Tom, Kevin, Rich, Paolo, Lawrence and Chris each bring world-class experience and the industry relationships needed to drive MMA forward, while always honoring its roots, the athletes and the fans who supported this sport from the beginning. Collectively, we see where the sport can go and we also know where it comes from.”
Kay joins as Chief Content Officer, bringing nearly three decades of media leadership and franchise-building experience across Viacom, Nickelodeon, Spike TV, Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT. He helped develop and scale major properties including “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Yellowstone” and “The Ultimate Fighter,” and played a central role in bringing UFC to Spike. In his new role, Kay will help shape the league’s storytelling strategy and bring fans closer to the athletes, their journeys and the communities that forge them.
As COO, Fox brings more than 35 years of experience across brand management, sports marketing and global sports operations. His career includes senior roles at Gatorade, NBA Properties, Nike, Wasserman, Arsenal FC, Aston Villa FC, the San Jose Earthquakes, FaZe Clan and Isos Capital, and he helped open the NBA’s first Asia Pacific offices. His background building sports brands with global reach will help guide the league’s commercial and operational foundation.
Chou joins as EVP, Athlete Relations, bringing more than 20 years of experience in MMA promotion, matchmaking and talent relations. He has held senior roles with Rumble on the Rock, EliteXC, Strikeforce and Bellator MMA, where he helped develop many of the biggest stars in modern MMA, and most recently served as Vice President of North America for MMA Inc. His new role will be central to the league’s competition strategy and its commitment to building authentic relationships with fighters and fight teams.
Boccotti brings more than 30 years of experience in global event promotion, television production and live sports entertainment. He helped lead Bellator MMA’s expansion across Europe from 2018 to 2023 and has produced events worldwide across combat sports, martial arts, sports and entertainment, working with brands including Lamborghini, K-Way, Suzuki and Barilla. He is also credited with developing the Flying Cage, an event production innovation that streamlined the transition from cage to ring in approximately 15 minutes.
Stuart joins as EVP, Media Rights and Business Development, with experience in global content distribution, media rights negotiation and deal structuring across U.S. and international markets. As Head of Business Development at Screenz, he launched live television formats and digital products across seven countries and built partnerships with Fox, Sony, Universal Music Group and Reliance Jio. His work will focus on expanding the league’s reach through media partnerships that reflect MMA’s global scale and the authenticity of its athletes’ stories.
DeBlasio joins as EVP, Global Head of Communications, where he will lead communications strategy and corporate, brand and event messaging. He recently supported Paramount+ for its launch of UFC, and previously spent more than 15 years leading communications for Showtime Sports, where he fueled the rise of Strikeforce from regional promotion to global powerhouse. DeBlasio has led publicity and communications strategy for some of combat sports biggest events including Mayweather vs. McGregor and Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. He will help define the promotion’s voice around credibility, transparency, athlete respect and connection with the MMA community.
At its core, the new promotion is designed to expand opportunities for world-class fighters, strengthen the global MMA community, and deliver a fresh international product for fans while honoring the gyms, coaches, athletes, and local fight cultures that fuel the sport’s growth. Backed by leadership experience across sports, media, athlete development, live events, television, global brand building, and communications, the team will work closely with Coker to shape the promotion’s operating structure, athlete recruitment strategy, media partnerships, and international event model. As the league moves toward launch, its mission remains focused on building a global MMA platform rooted in martial arts tradition, connected to athletes and fans, and committed to creating meaningful opportunities for fighters around the world.
|
|
|
|
New MMA organization coming soon
Scott Coker, founder and CEO of the new global mixed martial arts promotion [still unnamed], announced the addition of six senior executives to his leadership team as the company continues building toward its highly anticipated launch. Additional details, including league name, competition structure, athlete participation, media partnerships and event schedule, will be announced soon. The appointments follow the promotion’s recently announced launch with $60 million in financing led by Creator Sports Capital, with participation from Griffin Gaming Partners and a group of strategic investors across sport, media, technology and finance. The new league is being built to create a global, athlete-centered MMA promotion rooted in authenticity, competition and respect for the traditions that have shaped the sport from its earliest days.
The executive team, drawn from Coker’s four decades of experience, brings together respected leaders with deep roots in MMA, global sports, media, marketing, athlete relations and communications. Joining the promotion are:
Kevin Kay, Chief Content Officer (Paramount Network, Spike TV)... Tom Fox, Chief Operating Officer (Gatorade, NBA Properties, Arsenal)... Rich Chou, Executive Vice President, Athlete Relations (Strikeforce, Bellator MMA)... Paolo Boccotti, Executive Vice President, European Production & Operations (Fight Code, Bellator MMA)... Lawrence Stuart, Executive Vice President, Media Rights & Business Development (CMP, Screenz, ICM Partners) and... Chris DeBlasio, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Communications (Showtime Sports).
“We have assembled a team of premium sports leaders who share our values and respect for combat sports,” said Coker. “Tom, Kevin, Rich, Paolo, Lawrence and Chris each bring world-class experience and the industry relationships needed to drive MMA forward, while always honoring its roots, the athletes and the fans who supported this sport from the beginning. Collectively, we see where the sport can go and we also know where it comes from.”
Kay joins as Chief Content Officer, bringing nearly three decades of media leadership and franchise-building experience across Viacom, Nickelodeon, Spike TV, Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT. He helped develop and scale major properties including “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Yellowstone” and “The Ultimate Fighter,” and played a central role in bringing UFC to Spike. In his new role, Kay will help shape the league’s storytelling strategy and bring fans closer to the athletes, their journeys and the communities that forge them.
As COO, Fox brings more than 35 years of experience across brand management, sports marketing and global sports operations. His career includes senior roles at Gatorade, NBA Properties, Nike, Wasserman, Arsenal FC, Aston Villa FC, the San Jose Earthquakes, FaZe Clan and Isos Capital, and he helped open the NBA’s first Asia Pacific offices. His background building sports brands with global reach will help guide the league’s commercial and operational foundation.
Chou joins as EVP, Athlete Relations, bringing more than 20 years of experience in MMA promotion, matchmaking and talent relations. He has held senior roles with Rumble on the Rock, EliteXC, Strikeforce and Bellator MMA, where he helped develop many of the biggest stars in modern MMA, and most recently served as Vice President of North America for MMA Inc. His new role will be central to the league’s competition strategy and its commitment to building authentic relationships with fighters and fight teams.
Boccotti brings more than 30 years of experience in global event promotion, television production and live sports entertainment. He helped lead Bellator MMA’s expansion across Europe from 2018 to 2023 and has produced events worldwide across combat sports, martial arts, sports and entertainment, working with brands including Lamborghini, K-Way, Suzuki and Barilla. He is also credited with developing the Flying Cage, an event production innovation that streamlined the transition from cage to ring in approximately 15 minutes.
Stuart joins as EVP, Media Rights and Business Development, with experience in global content distribution, media rights negotiation and deal structuring across U.S. and international markets. As Head of Business Development at Screenz, he launched live television formats and digital products across seven countries and built partnerships with Fox, Sony, Universal Music Group and Reliance Jio. His work will focus on expanding the league’s reach through media partnerships that reflect MMA’s global scale and the authenticity of its athletes’ stories.
DeBlasio joins as EVP, Global Head of Communications, where he will lead communications strategy and corporate, brand and event messaging. He recently supported Paramount+ for its launch of UFC, and previously spent more than 15 years leading communications for Showtime Sports, where he fueled the rise of Strikeforce from regional promotion to global powerhouse. DeBlasio has led publicity and communications strategy for some of combat sports biggest events including Mayweather vs. McGregor and Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. He will help define the promotion’s voice around credibility, transparency, athlete respect and connection with the MMA community.
At its core, the new promotion is designed to expand opportunities for world-class fighters, strengthen the global MMA community, and deliver a fresh international product for fans while honoring the gyms, coaches, athletes, and local fight cultures that fuel the sport’s growth. Backed by leadership experience across sports, media, athlete development, live events, television, global brand building, and communications, the team will work closely with Coker to shape the promotion’s operating structure, athlete recruitment strategy, media partnerships, and international event model. As the league moves toward launch, its mission remains focused on building a global MMA platform rooted in martial arts tradition, connected to athletes and fans, and committed to creating meaningful opportunities for fighters around the world.
|
Alalshikh using Joshua fight to drive tourism to Saudi Arabia |
|
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and the most powerful man in boxing, affirmed that “The Comeback” bout between British heavyweight Anthony Joshua and Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga, scheduled to take place on July 25th at Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, continues to attract significant media and public attention since its announcement. The event reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing status as a host of major international sporting and entertainment events and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. This came as the official launch press conference for the bout was held in London, marking the first media appearance and first face-off between Joshua and Prenga since the fight was announced. The event drew extensive media coverage and heightened anticipation from boxing fans and international media ahead of one of the most anticipated heavyweight contests of the year.
Alalshikh said: “Today, we are witnessing growing global interest in the events hosted by the Kingdom, and that is clearly reflected in the level of anticipation and attention surrounding this bout since its announcement. We look forward to delivering an exceptional experience for fans through ‘The Comeback’ and to building on the Kingdom’s success in hosting some of the world’s biggest sporting and entertainment events, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a destination for leading international events and personalities.”
The two-time former champion Joshua said: “I would like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for making this fight possible. I have a clear goal in mind, and I fully understand the challenge ahead of me. I remain focused on my preparation and training, and I believe I am in the best shape possible heading into this fight. On July 25, the better man will win. Boxing has given me an incredible opportunity because it is both my profession and my passion. The work I have put in during training has made me stronger, and I look forward to showing everyone what I am capable of inside the ring.”
Prenga said: “I have great respect for Anthony Joshua and everything he has achieved in boxing. He is a great fighter. But everyone has their moment, and I believe this is mine. I have never trained with this level of focus and determination before, and I feel stronger and more prepared than ever. I am ready for this challenge, and I look forward to delivering a statement performance and shocking the world on July 25th in Jeddah.”
Joshua headlines “The Comeback” following a distinguished career that has established him as one of the most prominent heavyweight boxers of the past decade. He holds a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses, including 25 victories by knockout, with his most recent win coming via knockout against American boxer Jake Paul in December 2025.
The London 2012 Olympic gold medallist and former two-time unified heavyweight world champion is regarded as one of boxing’s most influential figures, having secured landmark victories over Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko, New Zealand’s Joseph Parker, Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev, and Mexican-AmericanAndy Ruiz Jr. He has also featured in major bouts against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, Britain’s Daniel Dubois, and Cameroonian Francis Ngannou, headlining major events at iconic venues including Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Meanwhile, the Albanian Prenga enters the contest with an impressive record of 20 wins, all by knockout, and only one defeat. Having turned professional in 2016, Prenga is set to compete in the highest-profile fight of his career and make his first appearance in a major international main event.
The bout forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing success in attracting world-class events. Riyadh Season has established itself as a leading platform for major international sporting and entertainment events, while Jeddah Calendar continues to strengthen its position as a destination for distinctive global experiences, contributing to exceptional entertainment offerings and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s standing on the global events map.
|
|
|
|
Alalshikh using Joshua fight to drive tourism to Saudi Arabia
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and the most powerful man in boxing, affirmed that “The Comeback” bout between British heavyweight Anthony Joshua and Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga, scheduled to take place on July 25th at Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, continues to attract significant media and public attention since its announcement. The event reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing status as a host of major international sporting and entertainment events and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. This came as the official launch press conference for the bout was held in London, marking the first media appearance and first face-off between Joshua and Prenga since the fight was announced. The event drew extensive media coverage and heightened anticipation from boxing fans and international media ahead of one of the most anticipated heavyweight contests of the year.
Alalshikh said: “Today, we are witnessing growing global interest in the events hosted by the Kingdom, and that is clearly reflected in the level of anticipation and attention surrounding this bout since its announcement. We look forward to delivering an exceptional experience for fans through ‘The Comeback’ and to building on the Kingdom’s success in hosting some of the world’s biggest sporting and entertainment events, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a destination for leading international events and personalities.”
The two-time former champion Joshua said: “I would like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for making this fight possible. I have a clear goal in mind, and I fully understand the challenge ahead of me. I remain focused on my preparation and training, and I believe I am in the best shape possible heading into this fight. On July 25, the better man will win. Boxing has given me an incredible opportunity because it is both my profession and my passion. The work I have put in during training has made me stronger, and I look forward to showing everyone what I am capable of inside the ring.”
Prenga said: “I have great respect for Anthony Joshua and everything he has achieved in boxing. He is a great fighter. But everyone has their moment, and I believe this is mine. I have never trained with this level of focus and determination before, and I feel stronger and more prepared than ever. I am ready for this challenge, and I look forward to delivering a statement performance and shocking the world on July 25th in Jeddah.”
Joshua headlines “The Comeback” following a distinguished career that has established him as one of the most prominent heavyweight boxers of the past decade. He holds a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses, including 25 victories by knockout, with his most recent win coming via knockout against American boxer Jake Paul in December 2025.
The London 2012 Olympic gold medallist and former two-time unified heavyweight world champion is regarded as one of boxing’s most influential figures, having secured landmark victories over Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko, New Zealand’s Joseph Parker, Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev, and Mexican-AmericanAndy Ruiz Jr. He has also featured in major bouts against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, Britain’s Daniel Dubois, and Cameroonian Francis Ngannou, headlining major events at iconic venues including Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Meanwhile, the Albanian Prenga enters the contest with an impressive record of 20 wins, all by knockout, and only one defeat. Having turned professional in 2016, Prenga is set to compete in the highest-profile fight of his career and make his first appearance in a major international main event.
The bout forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing success in attracting world-class events. Riyadh Season has established itself as a leading platform for major international sporting and entertainment events, while Jeddah Calendar continues to strengthen its position as a destination for distinctive global experiences, contributing to exceptional entertainment offerings and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s standing on the global events map.
|
Boxing coming to Wisconsin's Ho-Chunk this week |
|
|
This Saturday night, June 6th, live from the Ho-Chunk Wittenberg Casino in Wittenberg, Wisconsin, will host a professional boxing event that will feature seven professional bouts in total. Named "Brawl in the Backwoods," the show will be promoted by Quicksilver Sports and Entertainment. The main event will see Nate Rubin (6-2-1, 2 KOs) of Thief River Falls, Minesota taking on Lorenz Jordan (7-0, 5 KOs) of Green Bay, WI in a junior lightweight six rounder. The card will feature both local fighters and boxers from outside the state of Wisconsin. Olympic Silver Medalist and multiple-time champion, Virgil Hill, a Hall of Famer will be on hand to witness the action in his role with the promotion. The promoter of record is Denean Hill. General admission tickets and tables are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will be the ring announcer.
|
|
|
|
Boxing coming to Wisconsin's Ho-Chunk this week
This Saturday night, June 6th, live from the Ho-Chunk Wittenberg Casino in Wittenberg, Wisconsin, will host a professional boxing event that will feature seven professional bouts in total. Named "Brawl in the Backwoods," the show will be promoted by Quicksilver Sports and Entertainment. The main event will see Nate Rubin (6-2-1, 2 KOs) of Thief River Falls, Minesota taking on Lorenz Jordan (7-0, 5 KOs) of Green Bay, WI in a junior lightweight six rounder. The card will feature both local fighters and boxers from outside the state of Wisconsin. Olympic Silver Medalist and multiple-time champion, Virgil Hill, a Hall of Famer will be on hand to witness the action in his role with the promotion. The promoter of record is Denean Hill. General admission tickets and tables are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will be the ring announcer.
|
Francisco Rodriguez wins first fight after positive doping test |
|
Francisco Rodríguez W12 Angelino Córdova... The WBC continues to support drug cheat Francisco “Chihuas” Rodríguez Jr., who emerged victorious against Venezuela’s Angelino Córdova by unanimous decision in a WBC flyweight final eliminator in San Diego, California. Rodriguez (41-6-1) was stripped of the WBC interim title but kept him in the title mix despite a positive test for heptaminol. The bout featured a constant clash of styles between the Mexican’s pressure and the unbeaten Venezuelan’s technical skills. After twelve highly competitive rounds, the judges scored the fight 116-111 and 115-113 (twice) in favor of Rodríguez. One of the decisive moments came in the final round when Córdova (19-1-2) was deducted a point for punches behind the head, a penalty that ultimately played a role in the outcome of a fight that remained competitive from start to finish.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
APRIL 4, 2026: Despite a two-year suspension from the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) handed out to Mexican flyweight Francisco Rodriguez Jr., the WBC will continue to allow Rodriguez to compete in WBC bouts. The WBC stripped Rodriguez of his interim title last year following a positive test for an illegal substance after a fight against Gala Yafai, but in a new ruling, the WBC accepted Rodriguez's explanation that the banned substance came from a sports drink. Here is the WBC's ruling:
On July 8, 2025, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (“VADA”) notified Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez, Jr. and the WBC that the urine sample collected from him on June 21, 2025, in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in connection with his bout for the interim WBC flyweight championship against Galal Yafai, yielded an adverse analytical finding for Heptaminol (the “Adverse Finding”). Heptaminol is a known cardiac stimulant and vasodilator. Heptaminol is a metabolite of Octodrine. It is also a banned substance. On July 11, 2025, the WBC CBP Results Management Unit notified then-Champion Rodriguez of the Adverse Finding and of the start of its investigation of the circumstances that led to it. Soon after receiving the notification, Rodriguez’s representatives provided photographic evidence of a container and label of an energy enhancement supplement called Lipodrene. There is ample scientific literature support for the fact that supplements containing stimulants have also been found to include and/or be contaminated with Octodrine and other banned substances.
Rodriguez admitted to unintentionally ingesting a supplement that was likely contaminated with Octodrine. A significant extenuating fact is that Rodriguez reported the use of Lipodrene to the WBC CBP on his registration form. Therefore, in the view of the WBC, his consumption of Lipodrene was not an intentional or knowing ingestion of a banned substance with the purpose of enhancing his athletic performance.
The WBC and Rodriguez therefore entered into an Adjudication Agreement which: (a) placed him on probation for one year from the date of the sample collection; (b) vacated his WBC interim title; (c) changed the outcome of his victory against Galal Yafai to a No Contest; and (d) ordered a minimum of three random VADA anti-doping tests at Rodriguez’s sole cost during the probationary period. Three anti-doping tests have been conducted and all have yielded negative results.
Rodriguez has also participated in social responsibility events and he and his camp cooperated with the WBC CBP at all stages of the investigation of his adverse finding. He has complied with all conditions in the Adjudication Agreement.
The WBC has learned that on March 30th, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) notified Rodriguez that it had imposed a two-year period of ineligibility for the very same adverse finding described above.
The WBC legal counsel as well as the WBC CBP Results Management Unit have tried several times in prior cases to work together with UKAD in situations similar to Rodriguez’s. UKAD has never responded to the WBC’s overtures and does not recognize the WBC CBP nor its results management rulings or Adjudication Agreements.
The Rodriguez vs. Yafai bout took place under the authority of the WBC [as well as the British Board of Boxing Control]. In light of the WBC/Rodriguez fair and just Adjudication Agreement, the WBC will continue to allow Rodriguez to compete in WBC bouts.
MARCH 30, 2026: According to UKAD, Mexican flyweight Francisco Rodriguez Jr. has been banned from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sports competitions for two years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of prohibited substances. On June 21, 2025, UKAD collected a urine sample from Rodriguez, after his bout against Galal Yafai in Birmingham, England. Analysis of the sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAFs) for the prohibited substances octodrine and its metabolite, heptaminol, in addition to an AAF for oxilofrine. Octodrine, heptaminol and oxilofrine are specified substances that are prohibited in-competition only. The problem here is that Rodriguez won the Yafai bout by unanimous decision, making him the WBC interim champion at the time. The WBC has given Yafai the interim title but still ranks Rodriguez as the #1 contender. Rodriguez won another fight in Mexico in October.
UKAD notified Rodriguez of his adverse analytical findings and imposed a provisional suspension. Having received no response to the notice, UKAD subsequently charged him with both ADRVs. Still, Rodriguez provided UKAD with no response to the charge, despite multiple efforts to contact the boxer across various channels. UKAD did not assert that the ADRVs were intentional and imposed a two-year period of Ineligibility. The ban is deemed to have begun on July 30th 2025 (the date of the provisional suspension) and will expire on July 29, 2027
|
|
|
|
Francisco Rodriguez wins first fight after positive doping test
Francisco Rodríguez W12 Angelino Córdova... The WBC continues to support drug cheat Francisco “Chihuas” Rodríguez Jr., who emerged victorious against Venezuela’s Angelino Córdova by unanimous decision in a WBC flyweight final eliminator in San Diego, California. Rodriguez (41-6-1) was stripped of the WBC interim title but kept him in the title mix despite a positive test for heptaminol. The bout featured a constant clash of styles between the Mexican’s pressure and the unbeaten Venezuelan’s technical skills. After twelve highly competitive rounds, the judges scored the fight 116-111 and 115-113 (twice) in favor of Rodríguez. One of the decisive moments came in the final round when Córdova (19-1-2) was deducted a point for punches behind the head, a penalty that ultimately played a role in the outcome of a fight that remained competitive from start to finish.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
APRIL 4, 2026: Despite a two-year suspension from the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) handed out to Mexican flyweight Francisco Rodriguez Jr., the WBC will continue to allow Rodriguez to compete in WBC bouts. The WBC stripped Rodriguez of his interim title last year following a positive test for an illegal substance after a fight against Gala Yafai, but in a new ruling, the WBC accepted Rodriguez's explanation that the banned substance came from a sports drink. Here is the WBC's ruling:
On July 8, 2025, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (“VADA”) notified Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez, Jr. and the WBC that the urine sample collected from him on June 21, 2025, in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in connection with his bout for the interim WBC flyweight championship against Galal Yafai, yielded an adverse analytical finding for Heptaminol (the “Adverse Finding”). Heptaminol is a known cardiac stimulant and vasodilator. Heptaminol is a metabolite of Octodrine. It is also a banned substance. On July 11, 2025, the WBC CBP Results Management Unit notified then-Champion Rodriguez of the Adverse Finding and of the start of its investigation of the circumstances that led to it. Soon after receiving the notification, Rodriguez’s representatives provided photographic evidence of a container and label of an energy enhancement supplement called Lipodrene. There is ample scientific literature support for the fact that supplements containing stimulants have also been found to include and/or be contaminated with Octodrine and other banned substances.
Rodriguez admitted to unintentionally ingesting a supplement that was likely contaminated with Octodrine. A significant extenuating fact is that Rodriguez reported the use of Lipodrene to the WBC CBP on his registration form. Therefore, in the view of the WBC, his consumption of Lipodrene was not an intentional or knowing ingestion of a banned substance with the purpose of enhancing his athletic performance.
The WBC and Rodriguez therefore entered into an Adjudication Agreement which: (a) placed him on probation for one year from the date of the sample collection; (b) vacated his WBC interim title; (c) changed the outcome of his victory against Galal Yafai to a No Contest; and (d) ordered a minimum of three random VADA anti-doping tests at Rodriguez’s sole cost during the probationary period. Three anti-doping tests have been conducted and all have yielded negative results.
Rodriguez has also participated in social responsibility events and he and his camp cooperated with the WBC CBP at all stages of the investigation of his adverse finding. He has complied with all conditions in the Adjudication Agreement.
The WBC has learned that on March 30th, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) notified Rodriguez that it had imposed a two-year period of ineligibility for the very same adverse finding described above.
The WBC legal counsel as well as the WBC CBP Results Management Unit have tried several times in prior cases to work together with UKAD in situations similar to Rodriguez’s. UKAD has never responded to the WBC’s overtures and does not recognize the WBC CBP nor its results management rulings or Adjudication Agreements.
The Rodriguez vs. Yafai bout took place under the authority of the WBC [as well as the British Board of Boxing Control]. In light of the WBC/Rodriguez fair and just Adjudication Agreement, the WBC will continue to allow Rodriguez to compete in WBC bouts.
MARCH 30, 2026: According to UKAD, Mexican flyweight Francisco Rodriguez Jr. has been banned from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sports competitions for two years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of prohibited substances. On June 21, 2025, UKAD collected a urine sample from Rodriguez, after his bout against Galal Yafai in Birmingham, England. Analysis of the sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAFs) for the prohibited substances octodrine and its metabolite, heptaminol, in addition to an AAF for oxilofrine. Octodrine, heptaminol and oxilofrine are specified substances that are prohibited in-competition only. The problem here is that Rodriguez won the Yafai bout by unanimous decision, making him the WBC interim champion at the time. The WBC has given Yafai the interim title but still ranks Rodriguez as the #1 contender. Rodriguez won another fight in Mexico in October.
UKAD notified Rodriguez of his adverse analytical findings and imposed a provisional suspension. Having received no response to the notice, UKAD subsequently charged him with both ADRVs. Still, Rodriguez provided UKAD with no response to the charge, despite multiple efforts to contact the boxer across various channels. UKAD did not assert that the ADRVs were intentional and imposed a two-year period of Ineligibility. The ban is deemed to have begun on July 30th 2025 (the date of the provisional suspension) and will expire on July 29, 2027
|
MF Pro signs four ahead of California show |
|
MF Pro announced that it has signed four young boxers to promotional contracts. Three of them are undefeated and the fourth will be making her pro debut. The newly signed boxers are J'Hon "Pretty Boy" Ingram (9-0, 7 KOs), Amir "Cashman" Anderson (7-0, 7 KOs), David "Dynamite" Lopez (6-0, 5 KOs), and decorated amateur Kayla "The Truth" Gomez (pro debut). All are scheduled to compete on the company's upcoming event, "Pugilist Revolution," taking place Friday, June 19th at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. The event marks MF Pro's first event on United States soil and signals a significant step forward in the company's vision to showcase emerging talent and future stars of the sport. Headlining that night will be Long Beach native and fan favorite Ashton "H2O" Sylve (13-1, 10 KOs), who returns home to battle former champion Joseph "JoJo" Diaz (34-9-1, 15 KOs) of Covina, California, in a scheduled ten-round junior welterweight main event.
Baltimore's J'Hon "Pretty Boy" Ingram, age 25, has steadily built a reputation as a sharp and technically polished lightweight. Fighting from the orthodox stance and standing 5-foot-5, Ingram combines precision, confidence, and composure in the ring while continuing to prove himself as one of the division's emerging names. Speaking on competing in MF Pro's first event in the United States, Ingram expressed excitement for the opportunity. "This is a huge opportunity for me and something I don't take lightly," said Ingram. "Being part of MF Pro's first event in the United States means being part of something that's starting from the ground up. Those moments matter because people remember who helped build something special. I'm planning on putting on a performance that gets fans talking and shows everyone why they call me 'Pretty Boy.'"
At just 22 years old, Syracuse, New York native Amir "Cashman" Anderson has already shown tremendous knockout power, stopping every opponent he has faced. Standing six feet tall in the middleweight division and fighting out of the orthodox stance, Anderson's combination of athleticism and finishing ability has made him one of the sport's most intriguing young talents. Anderson believes the event provides the perfect stage to continue his rise. "Any time you get a chance to be part of history, you've got to make the most of it," said Anderson. "MF Pro believes in me and I'm excited to show the world why. Fans can expect energy, power, and excitement every time I fight. I’m going to let my hands go and continue proving that I'm one of the most dangerous young fighters coming up right now."
Representing Oakland, 22-year-old David "Dynamite" Lopez enters with an undefeated record of 6-0 with five knockouts. Fighting from the southpaw stance and standing six feet tall in the welterweight division, Lopez has displayed explosive offense and a relentless style that has quickly made him a prospect to watch. Lopez said competing in California only adds motivation. "Fighting on this card means a lot because it's another step toward my goals," said Lopez. "I'm from Oakland, so fighting in California always feels special because I know I'll have support in the building. This is MF Pro's first U.S. event, and I want people to remember my performance as one of the highlights of the night."
Also making headlines will be the professional debut of Kayla "The Truth" Gomez of El Paso, Texas. At just 22 years old, Gomez enters the paid ranks after building an outstanding amateur career that established her as one of Team USA's most accomplished young female fighters. Since signing with USA Boxing in 2018, Gomez has earned multiple national championships and cemented her place in history by capturing the first-ever Junior Pan-American Games female flyweight gold medal for Team USA in 2021. Her professional debut at super flyweight now begins the next chapter of an already impressive journey. "I've worked for this moment for a long time," said Gomez. "Everything I've done in the amateurs was preparing me for this next step. To make my professional debut on MF Pro's first event in the United States makes it even more meaningful because we're all building something together. Fans are going to see someone who's hungry, motivated, and ready to begin a new chapter."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 23, 2026: MF Pro has announced its first American boxing event, “Pugilist Revolution,” set to take place on Friday, June 19th at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. The event will stream live worldwide on DAZN. Headlining will be an all-Southern California showdown as Long Beach native Ashton "H2O" Sylve (13-1, 10 KOs) returns home to face former champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (34-9-1, 15 KOs) of Covina, California, in a scheduled ten rounder in a youth- versus-experience match-up.
For Sylve, the opportunity to headline in his hometown adds extra motivation as he looks to reestablish himself among boxing's top young contenders after a loss. The Long Beach native says fighting in front of his community comes with added responsibility and excitement. "This is a special moment for me because Long Beach raised me and these people have supported me from the beginning," said Sylve. "There's nothing like coming home and putting on great performance for my city. I want everyone who comes out to feel proud and leave knowing they watched something special. I plan on putting on a dominant performance and giving my hometown fans a fight they'll remember. I'm still young, I'm still growing, and my goals haven't changed. I want to climb back up those rankings and put myself right back in position for world title opportunities. Every great journey has challenges, and this fight is another chance for me to prove I'm built for this."
Standing across the ring will be Diaz, a battle-tested former 130-pound champion who believes fighting in Southern California gives him the perfect opportunity to regain a position as a force in the sport. "Southern California has always shown me incredible support throughout my career, and I'm excited to go out there and perform in front of my fans again," Diaz stated. "I've been on the biggest stages and fought world champions, and people know what I bring into the ring. Ashton may be coming home looking for a big moment, but my job is to ruin that homecoming story. That's the reality of boxing. I respect him as a fighter, but I still have goals I want to accomplish and bigger fights I want to land. To get there, I need to make a statement and remind everyone that JoJo Diaz still belongs in major fights."
Following a tremendous event at the O2 Arena in London, where Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora battled in an unforgettable war, MF Pro is determined to bring that same level of energy, passion, and excitement to fight fans in the United States. MF Pro Co-founder Mams Taylor also shared his excitement and optimism surrounding the event and the company's expansion into the United States market. “June 19th in Long Beach is going to be a special event for so many reasons,” said Taylor. “MF Pro proudly launches in the US after a blistering start in the UK and does so with a group of fighters who are going to lead the charge for the next generation of American superstars.vH2O Sylve will remind everyone why he is one of the hottest properties in the States, when he faces former world champion Jose Diaz, while J’hon Ingram and David Lopez are going to continue their electrifying and unbeaten progress. We will be adding more top tier US talents to this card in the coming days, as MF PRO sets out its stall as a coming force in American boxing. And June 19 is, personally, a proud moment for me because these young fighters are guys that I found, spotted their potential and signed to our stable, fully in the belief that they will rise to the very top of the sport. Long Beach is the next stop on their journey to world titles, and I cannot wait for them to showcase what they are all about."
The launch of MF Pro into the United States marks a significant step for the company as it looks to establish itself as a major player in boxing by identifying and developing emerging talent while delivering premium events for fight fans. MF Pro President, Amer Abdallah, expressed tremendous enthusiasm about the company's vision and its future in the sport. "We're extremely excited to officially introduce MF Pro to boxing fans in the United States with an event that reflects who we are and what we plan to build," said Abdallah. "We wanted our first event to immediately make a statement with some of the top prospects in the USA and I believe this main event does exactly that. Sylve vs Diaz is the type of fight fans love because both guys need to make a statement. We've already signed several high-level prospects and some of boxing's brightest young talents, and our vision is to help build future global stars while creating events that fans genuinely look forward to watching both on screen and in person. It’s a unique flare with MF Pro events. Our commitment is to build boxing the way it should be, with top talent fighting competitive fights and showcasing their personalities. That's what true boxing is.”
|
|
|
|
MF Pro signs four ahead of California show
MF Pro announced that it has signed four young boxers to promotional contracts. Three of them are undefeated and the fourth will be making her pro debut. The newly signed boxers are J'Hon "Pretty Boy" Ingram (9-0, 7 KOs), Amir "Cashman" Anderson (7-0, 7 KOs), David "Dynamite" Lopez (6-0, 5 KOs), and decorated amateur Kayla "The Truth" Gomez (pro debut). All are scheduled to compete on the company's upcoming event, "Pugilist Revolution," taking place Friday, June 19th at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. The event marks MF Pro's first event on United States soil and signals a significant step forward in the company's vision to showcase emerging talent and future stars of the sport. Headlining that night will be Long Beach native and fan favorite Ashton "H2O" Sylve (13-1, 10 KOs), who returns home to battle former champion Joseph "JoJo" Diaz (34-9-1, 15 KOs) of Covina, California, in a scheduled ten-round junior welterweight main event.
Baltimore's J'Hon "Pretty Boy" Ingram, age 25, has steadily built a reputation as a sharp and technically polished lightweight. Fighting from the orthodox stance and standing 5-foot-5, Ingram combines precision, confidence, and composure in the ring while continuing to prove himself as one of the division's emerging names. Speaking on competing in MF Pro's first event in the United States, Ingram expressed excitement for the opportunity. "This is a huge opportunity for me and something I don't take lightly," said Ingram. "Being part of MF Pro's first event in the United States means being part of something that's starting from the ground up. Those moments matter because people remember who helped build something special. I'm planning on putting on a performance that gets fans talking and shows everyone why they call me 'Pretty Boy.'"
At just 22 years old, Syracuse, New York native Amir "Cashman" Anderson has already shown tremendous knockout power, stopping every opponent he has faced. Standing six feet tall in the middleweight division and fighting out of the orthodox stance, Anderson's combination of athleticism and finishing ability has made him one of the sport's most intriguing young talents. Anderson believes the event provides the perfect stage to continue his rise. "Any time you get a chance to be part of history, you've got to make the most of it," said Anderson. "MF Pro believes in me and I'm excited to show the world why. Fans can expect energy, power, and excitement every time I fight. I’m going to let my hands go and continue proving that I'm one of the most dangerous young fighters coming up right now."
Representing Oakland, 22-year-old David "Dynamite" Lopez enters with an undefeated record of 6-0 with five knockouts. Fighting from the southpaw stance and standing six feet tall in the welterweight division, Lopez has displayed explosive offense and a relentless style that has quickly made him a prospect to watch. Lopez said competing in California only adds motivation. "Fighting on this card means a lot because it's another step toward my goals," said Lopez. "I'm from Oakland, so fighting in California always feels special because I know I'll have support in the building. This is MF Pro's first U.S. event, and I want people to remember my performance as one of the highlights of the night."
Also making headlines will be the professional debut of Kayla "The Truth" Gomez of El Paso, Texas. At just 22 years old, Gomez enters the paid ranks after building an outstanding amateur career that established her as one of Team USA's most accomplished young female fighters. Since signing with USA Boxing in 2018, Gomez has earned multiple national championships and cemented her place in history by capturing the first-ever Junior Pan-American Games female flyweight gold medal for Team USA in 2021. Her professional debut at super flyweight now begins the next chapter of an already impressive journey. "I've worked for this moment for a long time," said Gomez. "Everything I've done in the amateurs was preparing me for this next step. To make my professional debut on MF Pro's first event in the United States makes it even more meaningful because we're all building something together. Fans are going to see someone who's hungry, motivated, and ready to begin a new chapter."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 23, 2026: MF Pro has announced its first American boxing event, “Pugilist Revolution,” set to take place on Friday, June 19th at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. The event will stream live worldwide on DAZN. Headlining will be an all-Southern California showdown as Long Beach native Ashton "H2O" Sylve (13-1, 10 KOs) returns home to face former champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (34-9-1, 15 KOs) of Covina, California, in a scheduled ten rounder in a youth- versus-experience match-up.
For Sylve, the opportunity to headline in his hometown adds extra motivation as he looks to reestablish himself among boxing's top young contenders after a loss. The Long Beach native says fighting in front of his community comes with added responsibility and excitement. "This is a special moment for me because Long Beach raised me and these people have supported me from the beginning," said Sylve. "There's nothing like coming home and putting on great performance for my city. I want everyone who comes out to feel proud and leave knowing they watched something special. I plan on putting on a dominant performance and giving my hometown fans a fight they'll remember. I'm still young, I'm still growing, and my goals haven't changed. I want to climb back up those rankings and put myself right back in position for world title opportunities. Every great journey has challenges, and this fight is another chance for me to prove I'm built for this."
Standing across the ring will be Diaz, a battle-tested former 130-pound champion who believes fighting in Southern California gives him the perfect opportunity to regain a position as a force in the sport. "Southern California has always shown me incredible support throughout my career, and I'm excited to go out there and perform in front of my fans again," Diaz stated. "I've been on the biggest stages and fought world champions, and people know what I bring into the ring. Ashton may be coming home looking for a big moment, but my job is to ruin that homecoming story. That's the reality of boxing. I respect him as a fighter, but I still have goals I want to accomplish and bigger fights I want to land. To get there, I need to make a statement and remind everyone that JoJo Diaz still belongs in major fights."
Following a tremendous event at the O2 Arena in London, where Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora battled in an unforgettable war, MF Pro is determined to bring that same level of energy, passion, and excitement to fight fans in the United States. MF Pro Co-founder Mams Taylor also shared his excitement and optimism surrounding the event and the company's expansion into the United States market. “June 19th in Long Beach is going to be a special event for so many reasons,” said Taylor. “MF Pro proudly launches in the US after a blistering start in the UK and does so with a group of fighters who are going to lead the charge for the next generation of American superstars.vH2O Sylve will remind everyone why he is one of the hottest properties in the States, when he faces former world champion Jose Diaz, while J’hon Ingram and David Lopez are going to continue their electrifying and unbeaten progress. We will be adding more top tier US talents to this card in the coming days, as MF PRO sets out its stall as a coming force in American boxing. And June 19 is, personally, a proud moment for me because these young fighters are guys that I found, spotted their potential and signed to our stable, fully in the belief that they will rise to the very top of the sport. Long Beach is the next stop on their journey to world titles, and I cannot wait for them to showcase what they are all about."
The launch of MF Pro into the United States marks a significant step for the company as it looks to establish itself as a major player in boxing by identifying and developing emerging talent while delivering premium events for fight fans. MF Pro President, Amer Abdallah, expressed tremendous enthusiasm about the company's vision and its future in the sport. "We're extremely excited to officially introduce MF Pro to boxing fans in the United States with an event that reflects who we are and what we plan to build," said Abdallah. "We wanted our first event to immediately make a statement with some of the top prospects in the USA and I believe this main event does exactly that. Sylve vs Diaz is the type of fight fans love because both guys need to make a statement. We've already signed several high-level prospects and some of boxing's brightest young talents, and our vision is to help build future global stars while creating events that fans genuinely look forward to watching both on screen and in person. It’s a unique flare with MF Pro events. Our commitment is to build boxing the way it should be, with top talent fighting competitive fights and showcasing their personalities. That's what true boxing is.”
|
Francesca Hennessy extends winning streak |
|
|
Francesca Hennessy KO6 Aurora De Persio... Britain’s Francesca Hennessy delivered a dominant performance in London, stopping Italy’s Aurora De Persio by technical knockout in round six of a bantamweight bout. The 21 year-old Hennessy (9-0) controlled the action from the opening rounds with her high work rate and relentless pressure. Although she suffered swelling under her right eye following several head clashes, she never lost control of the contest. The fight was stopped in the sixth round after the British fighter landed sustained punishment on an outmatched De Persio, obliging the referee to intervene. De Persio is now 8-2.
|
|
|
|
Francesca Hennessy extends winning streak
Francesca Hennessy KO6 Aurora De Persio... Britain’s Francesca Hennessy delivered a dominant performance in London, stopping Italy’s Aurora De Persio by technical knockout in round six of a bantamweight bout. The 21 year-old Hennessy (9-0) controlled the action from the opening rounds with her high work rate and relentless pressure. Although she suffered swelling under her right eye following several head clashes, she never lost control of the contest. The fight was stopped in the sixth round after the British fighter landed sustained punishment on an outmatched De Persio, obliging the referee to intervene. De Persio is now 8-2.
|
Atlantic City, NJ card draws near |
|
|
Tickets are on sale now (through Ticketmaster) for Boxing Insider Promotions’ June 13th show at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The seven-bout card is built around tri-state talent, with fighters from Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York filling out a lineup made up primairly of local boxers. The main event features two undefeated heavyweights set up for a 50/50 war. Bruce “2.0” Seldon Jr., son of former WBA heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon Sr., meets Josh Popper, a South Jersey native now based in New York City, where he founded Breadwinners. Both men carry knockout power, and both are looking to bring the fireworks. With the winner moving to the next level of his career, neither plans on leaving it to the judges.
The co-feature brings a Philadelphia fighter into the spotlight. Daiyaan Butt, of Philadelphia. With a record of 20-4, Butt, a Temple University graduate, is one of the city’s busiest young pros. He'll look to put on a show for the fans who have followed him up the ranks. Standing across from Butt will be Willmank Canonico Brito (13-10-2) in what shapes up as an action-packed eight-rounder between two fighters who come to throw hands.
"This is Boxing Insider's show at the Trop since 2024. In the main event we’ve got two undefeated heavyweights with deep local roots, Josh Popper and Bruce Seldon Jr., fighting each other. That never happens at this level. Add a card full of regional fighters from Jersey, New York, and Philly, and you’ve got old-school boxing in a historic fight town. Get your tickets and come see the fights live,” said promoter Larry Goldberg.
UNDERCARD
Damian Tinnerello, of Berlin, N.J. and an active member of the United States Air Force, vs. Abdalla Nagy, junior middleweights;
Kahshad Elliott, of Plainfield, N.J., vs. Scottie Stockman, junior middleweights;
Julio “Jewelz” Sanchez III, of Pleasantville, N.J., vs. Shawn Rall, lightweights;
Jahanzeb Rizwan, of the Bronx, N.Y., vs. an opponent to be announced, middleweights; and
David Malul, of Queens, N.Y., vs. Julius Thomas, welterweights.
|
|
|
|
Atlantic City, NJ card draws near
Tickets are on sale now (through Ticketmaster) for Boxing Insider Promotions’ June 13th show at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The seven-bout card is built around tri-state talent, with fighters from Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York filling out a lineup made up primairly of local boxers. The main event features two undefeated heavyweights set up for a 50/50 war. Bruce “2.0” Seldon Jr., son of former WBA heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon Sr., meets Josh Popper, a South Jersey native now based in New York City, where he founded Breadwinners. Both men carry knockout power, and both are looking to bring the fireworks. With the winner moving to the next level of his career, neither plans on leaving it to the judges.
The co-feature brings a Philadelphia fighter into the spotlight. Daiyaan Butt, of Philadelphia. With a record of 20-4, Butt, a Temple University graduate, is one of the city’s busiest young pros. He'll look to put on a show for the fans who have followed him up the ranks. Standing across from Butt will be Willmank Canonico Brito (13-10-2) in what shapes up as an action-packed eight-rounder between two fighters who come to throw hands.
"This is Boxing Insider's show at the Trop since 2024. In the main event we’ve got two undefeated heavyweights with deep local roots, Josh Popper and Bruce Seldon Jr., fighting each other. That never happens at this level. Add a card full of regional fighters from Jersey, New York, and Philly, and you’ve got old-school boxing in a historic fight town. Get your tickets and come see the fights live,” said promoter Larry Goldberg.
UNDERCARD
Damian Tinnerello, of Berlin, N.J. and an active member of the United States Air Force, vs. Abdalla Nagy, junior middleweights;
Kahshad Elliott, of Plainfield, N.J., vs. Scottie Stockman, junior middleweights;
Julio “Jewelz” Sanchez III, of Pleasantville, N.J., vs. Shawn Rall, lightweights;
Jahanzeb Rizwan, of the Bronx, N.Y., vs. an opponent to be announced, middleweights; and
David Malul, of Queens, N.Y., vs. Julius Thomas, welterweights.
|
MVP thrilled with Saturday's ESPN show |
|
Nakisa Bidarian, the CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, was thrilled with his company's all-female ESPN-televised show in El Paso, Texas on Saturday night. Here is what Bidarian tweeted: "Amazing night in El Paso. Record setting gate. Every seat sold. Women’s boxing is stronger than ever. Very close fight between Stephanie Han and Holly Holm. [Editor's note: Han won an unpopular decision with Holm landing 107 punches to Han's 70]. I believe it could have gone either way or a draw. Holly was the sharpest she has been since returning to boxing. Stephanie landed more impactful shots than their first fight. Both fighters won, irrespective of the outcome. Amanda Serrano tied the [women's] KO record [held by Christy Martin]. [Two-belt middleweight champion] Desley Robinson stepped up the competition level and showed out. [WBC 105-pound champion] Lourdes Juarez boxed beautifully. Thank you El Paso. We will be back."
|
|
|
|
MVP thrilled with Saturday's ESPN show
Nakisa Bidarian, the CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, was thrilled with his company's all-female ESPN-televised show in El Paso, Texas on Saturday night. Here is what Bidarian tweeted: "Amazing night in El Paso. Record setting gate. Every seat sold. Women’s boxing is stronger than ever. Very close fight between Stephanie Han and Holly Holm. [Editor's note: Han won an unpopular decision with Holm landing 107 punches to Han's 70]. I believe it could have gone either way or a draw. Holly was the sharpest she has been since returning to boxing. Stephanie landed more impactful shots than their first fight. Both fighters won, irrespective of the outcome. Amanda Serrano tied the [women's] KO record [held by Christy Martin]. [Two-belt middleweight champion] Desley Robinson stepped up the competition level and showed out. [WBC 105-pound champion] Lourdes Juarez boxed beautifully. Thank you El Paso. We will be back."
|
Merhy captures bridgerweight championship |
|
Ryad Merhy W12 Kevin Lerena ... Ryad Merhy achieved the greatest victory of his professional career by defeating South Africa’s Kevin Lerena via unanimous decision to capture the WBC bridgerweight championship on Saturday night in Charleroi, Belgium. Fighting in front of his home crowd, Merhy executed a disciplined strategy, using and applying effective pressure and accurate punching, to neutralize the reigning champion. Lerena attempted to establish his rhythm throughout the contest, but in this rematch, Merhy consistently found success with the cleaner and more effective punches. The bout remained competitive over twelve rounds, with both fighters enjoying moments of success. However, Merhy’s consistency and ring control proved decisive, earning him the judges’ decision.
|
|
|
|
Merhy captures bridgerweight championship
Ryad Merhy W12 Kevin Lerena ... Ryad Merhy achieved the greatest victory of his professional career by defeating South Africa’s Kevin Lerena via unanimous decision to capture the WBC bridgerweight championship on Saturday night in Charleroi, Belgium. Fighting in front of his home crowd, Merhy executed a disciplined strategy, using and applying effective pressure and accurate punching, to neutralize the reigning champion. Lerena attempted to establish his rhythm throughout the contest, but in this rematch, Merhy consistently found success with the cleaner and more effective punches. The bout remained competitive over twelve rounds, with both fighters enjoying moments of success. However, Merhy’s consistency and ring control proved decisive, earning him the judges’ decision.
|
