Dumb statement: UKAD reduces drug testing... and tells boxers about it! |
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Official statement from UKAD, the British drug testing authority: UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive Nicole Sapstead said: “We are acutely aware of the effect that the COVID-19 virus is having on society, sport and the wider sporting community, both here in the UK and globally.bWith the cancellation of sporting events and recent UK Government advice concerning the control of the virus, we have reviewed our operational activity and are announcing a significant reduction in our testing program. bThis is a difficult decision and one that has not been taken lightly. Our priority is the health and welfare of athletes, and our own staff and doping control officers (DCO). As an organization our ongoing responsibility remains to protect clean sport, but we must give precedence to health and welfare and act responsibly in line with government advice during this unprecedented time. We will continue to process intelligence and will act on that information. If anyone has information that could be of interest to UKAD and its investigations on any matter, please do contact us as usual.”
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Dumb statement: UKAD reduces drug testing... and tells boxers about it!
Official statement from UKAD, the British drug testing authority: UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive Nicole Sapstead said: “We are acutely aware of the effect that the COVID-19 virus is having on society, sport and the wider sporting community, both here in the UK and globally.bWith the cancellation of sporting events and recent UK Government advice concerning the control of the virus, we have reviewed our operational activity and are announcing a significant reduction in our testing program. bThis is a difficult decision and one that has not been taken lightly. Our priority is the health and welfare of athletes, and our own staff and doping control officers (DCO). As an organization our ongoing responsibility remains to protect clean sport, but we must give precedence to health and welfare and act responsibly in line with government advice during this unprecedented time. We will continue to process intelligence and will act on that information. If anyone has information that could be of interest to UKAD and its investigations on any matter, please do contact us as usual.”
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German card set for March 28th bites the dust |
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The WBA posted an announcement that SES Sport Events has cancelled a fight card to be held on March 28th in Germany. The main event had a WBA interim light heavyweight contest between interim champion Dominic Boesel and challenger Zac Dunn. The WBA was notified by the promoter through official channels and is another measure the boxing world has taken to protect the safety of the athletes and the general population from the chaos of the Coronavirus. Boesel was to make the first defense of the crown he won on November 16th last year. Now, the SES Sports Events will wait for the right moment to reschedule the fight and will provide the details as soon as possible.
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German card set for March 28th bites the dust
The WBA posted an announcement that SES Sport Events has cancelled a fight card to be held on March 28th in Germany. The main event had a WBA interim light heavyweight contest between interim champion Dominic Boesel and challenger Zac Dunn. The WBA was notified by the promoter through official channels and is another measure the boxing world has taken to protect the safety of the athletes and the general population from the chaos of the Coronavirus. Boesel was to make the first defense of the crown he won on November 16th last year. Now, the SES Sports Events will wait for the right moment to reschedule the fight and will provide the details as soon as possible.
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Jimenez officially stripped; Crews-Dezurn restored as champion |
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The WBO World Championship Committee has stripped Alejandra Jimenez of the WBO super middleweight title and reinstated Franchon Crews-Dezurn (pictured) as the champion. Here is the WBO's ruling on the subject: Both Ms. Jimenez and Ms. Crews-Dezurn enrolled in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency program (VADA), whereby they were subject to testing. For Ms. Jimenez, the VADA test confirmed the presence of the anabolic steroid "Eztanozolol" in said participant who was the subject to one or more specimens collected and analyzed on January 10th 2020, to detect usage of performance-enhancing drugs. The use or consumption of said substance is prohibited and, therefore, all interested parties, including the WBO, were duly notified.
Accordingly, these circumstances triggered the WBO Regulations [and] Jimenez was granted due process through an official letter whereby she was advised through her official promoter, of the underlying facts, possible violations, and applicable procedure to challenge why the WBO World Championship Committee should not vacate the title in light of her actions.
Ms. Jimenez was granted a ten (10) day period to respond and warned that failure to comply would constitute a waiver of any other right thereto and with the Committee having the right to issue any further ruling deem necessary, helpful or convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO regulations. Ms. Jimenez’s promoter acknowledged receipt of the show cause letter, but no other further response or evidence whatsoever was forwarded to this Committee.
Conversely, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Commission [...] determined that as a result of Ms. Jimenez’s adverse finding, the official bout result of a split decision win for Jimenez be changed to a “No Decision” and issued a suspension for Jimenez until April 11th 2020.
This ruling triggered the Committee by issuing a second notice to Ms. Jimenez and advising said participant that the WBO must adhere and abide by the local boxing commission with jurisdiction over the bout, its ruling and determinations. Therefore, Ms. Jimenez was granted a final five (5) day time frame to provide any supporting evidence in her defense as to why we should not declare the title vacant.
On both occasions, Ms. Jimenez failed to comply with this Committee’s orders [but she] filed two email communications with no reliable, credible, or relevant supporting evidence in her defense, rather unfounded averments and allegations unsupported in the record. Lastly, Ms. Jimenez requested advice as to the procedure for an appeal with the Texas Commission and a hearing with the
WBO, albeit the time frame for any possible challenge to this Committee’s ruling had elapsed. In light of these events, Ms. Franchon Crews-Dezurn requested that as result of the local boxing commission nullifying the official bout result to a No Decision, Ms. Crews-Dezurn should be reinstated as champion.
[On March 17th, the WBO granted Dezurn's request and restored the WBO super middleweight championship to her].
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Jimenez officially stripped; Crews-Dezurn restored as champion
The WBO World Championship Committee has stripped Alejandra Jimenez of the WBO super middleweight title and reinstated Franchon Crews-Dezurn (pictured) as the champion. Here is the WBO's ruling on the subject: Both Ms. Jimenez and Ms. Crews-Dezurn enrolled in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency program (VADA), whereby they were subject to testing. For Ms. Jimenez, the VADA test confirmed the presence of the anabolic steroid "Eztanozolol" in said participant who was the subject to one or more specimens collected and analyzed on January 10th 2020, to detect usage of performance-enhancing drugs. The use or consumption of said substance is prohibited and, therefore, all interested parties, including the WBO, were duly notified.
Accordingly, these circumstances triggered the WBO Regulations [and] Jimenez was granted due process through an official letter whereby she was advised through her official promoter, of the underlying facts, possible violations, and applicable procedure to challenge why the WBO World Championship Committee should not vacate the title in light of her actions.
Ms. Jimenez was granted a ten (10) day period to respond and warned that failure to comply would constitute a waiver of any other right thereto and with the Committee having the right to issue any further ruling deem necessary, helpful or convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO regulations. Ms. Jimenez’s promoter acknowledged receipt of the show cause letter, but no other further response or evidence whatsoever was forwarded to this Committee.
Conversely, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Commission [...] determined that as a result of Ms. Jimenez’s adverse finding, the official bout result of a split decision win for Jimenez be changed to a “No Decision” and issued a suspension for Jimenez until April 11th 2020.
This ruling triggered the Committee by issuing a second notice to Ms. Jimenez and advising said participant that the WBO must adhere and abide by the local boxing commission with jurisdiction over the bout, its ruling and determinations. Therefore, Ms. Jimenez was granted a final five (5) day time frame to provide any supporting evidence in her defense as to why we should not declare the title vacant.
On both occasions, Ms. Jimenez failed to comply with this Committee’s orders [but she] filed two email communications with no reliable, credible, or relevant supporting evidence in her defense, rather unfounded averments and allegations unsupported in the record. Lastly, Ms. Jimenez requested advice as to the procedure for an appeal with the Texas Commission and a hearing with the
WBO, albeit the time frame for any possible challenge to this Committee’s ruling had elapsed. In light of these events, Ms. Franchon Crews-Dezurn requested that as result of the local boxing commission nullifying the official bout result to a No Decision, Ms. Crews-Dezurn should be reinstated as champion.
[On March 17th, the WBO granted Dezurn's request and restored the WBO super middleweight championship to her].
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Herring to defend vs. Frampton, hopefully in June |
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Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank have already reached agreement for former world featherweight champion Carl Frampton to challenge Jamel Herring (pictured) for the WBO 130-pound championship in Belfast in June. This event was due to be announced this week. At this moment in time, we are still hopeful of being able to stage this event in June, however, we will monitor the ever-changing landscape surrounding the Covid-19 Pandemic. Details of the date, venue and location will be announced in due course.
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Herring to defend vs. Frampton, hopefully in June
Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank have already reached agreement for former world featherweight champion Carl Frampton to challenge Jamel Herring (pictured) for the WBO 130-pound championship in Belfast in June. This event was due to be announced this week. At this moment in time, we are still hopeful of being able to stage this event in June, however, we will monitor the ever-changing landscape surrounding the Covid-19 Pandemic. Details of the date, venue and location will be announced in due course.
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Dubois-Joyce postponed to July 11th, still in London |
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Official statement of Queensberry Promotions: Our "Seek and Destroy" event being headlined by Daniel Dubois vs. Joe Joyce on April 11th at London's O2 Arena has now been rescheduled to Saturday July 11th, still at the O2 Arena. Tickets will remain valid for the new date however, people who cannot attend the new date can obtain a refund from their original point of purchase. WBA / IBF 140-pound champion Josh Taylor’s homecoming, scheduled for May 2nd at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow will no longer take place on this date. Refunds are available from the point of purchase. We are currently working with the SSE Hydro, Top Rank and MTK Global to identify a suitable alternative date to reschedule the event for the Scottish fans.
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Dubois-Joyce postponed to July 11th, still in London
Official statement of Queensberry Promotions: Our "Seek and Destroy" event being headlined by Daniel Dubois vs. Joe Joyce on April 11th at London's O2 Arena has now been rescheduled to Saturday July 11th, still at the O2 Arena. Tickets will remain valid for the new date however, people who cannot attend the new date can obtain a refund from their original point of purchase. WBA / IBF 140-pound champion Josh Taylor’s homecoming, scheduled for May 2nd at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow will no longer take place on this date. Refunds are available from the point of purchase. We are currently working with the SSE Hydro, Top Rank and MTK Global to identify a suitable alternative date to reschedule the event for the Scottish fans.
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Roger Mayweather, 1961-2020 |
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Former world champion and legendary trainer Roger Mayweather has passed away after a long battle with diabetes. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Roger Mayweather was a two-division champion, winning world titles at super featherweight and junior welterweight while earning 59 wins in a nearly 20-year career. Mayweather fought many, many difficult opponents, including Julio Cesar Chavez (twice), Pernell Whitaker, Sammy Serrano, Rocky Lockridge, Vinny Pazienza, Rene Arredondo, Kostya Tszyu and Livingstone Bramble. Along with his brother Floyd Sr., he helped guide the illustrious career of his nephew Floyd Mayweather Jr. and was in Floyd's corner for some of the most memorable and important moments in boxing history. Roger is also survived by his brother Jeff, a former boxer and trainer in his own right.
“My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring,” said Mayweather, who is still grieving from the loss of his children’s mother Josie Harris. “Roger was a great champion and one of the best trainers in boxing. Unfortunately, his health was failing him for several years and now he can finally rest in peace. Roger meant the world to me, my father Floyd Sr., my uncle Jeff, our whole family, everyone in and around the Mayweather Boxing Gym and the entire boxing world. It is a terrible loss for all of us.”
“This is a sad day for the Mayweather Promotions family because that is truly what Roger was to us,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions who worked side-by-side with Roger for some of Floyd’s biggest fights. “On top of being a phenomenal fighter in his own career, Roger was one of the most essential parts of guiding Floyd to the incredible career he had in becoming the best ever. We hope you keep Floyd and the entire Mayweather family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
The Mayweather family, who will forever be part of the sweet science’s history, is asking that you respect their privacy at this time until more information becomes available. “We are thankful for all the love and well-wishes we have already received as word traveled about Roger’s passing,” said Mayweather. “It helps me to see that he was able to touch so many people through his life in boxing, because he gave so much to the sport which was his first and longtime love.”
Roger's trademark phrase: "Most people don't know shit about boxing!"
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Roger Mayweather, 1961-2020
Former world champion and legendary trainer Roger Mayweather has passed away after a long battle with diabetes. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Roger Mayweather was a two-division champion, winning world titles at super featherweight and junior welterweight while earning 59 wins in a nearly 20-year career. Mayweather fought many, many difficult opponents, including Julio Cesar Chavez (twice), Pernell Whitaker, Sammy Serrano, Rocky Lockridge, Vinny Pazienza, Rene Arredondo, Kostya Tszyu and Livingstone Bramble. Along with his brother Floyd Sr., he helped guide the illustrious career of his nephew Floyd Mayweather Jr. and was in Floyd's corner for some of the most memorable and important moments in boxing history. Roger is also survived by his brother Jeff, a former boxer and trainer in his own right.
“My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring,” said Mayweather, who is still grieving from the loss of his children’s mother Josie Harris. “Roger was a great champion and one of the best trainers in boxing. Unfortunately, his health was failing him for several years and now he can finally rest in peace. Roger meant the world to me, my father Floyd Sr., my uncle Jeff, our whole family, everyone in and around the Mayweather Boxing Gym and the entire boxing world. It is a terrible loss for all of us.”
“This is a sad day for the Mayweather Promotions family because that is truly what Roger was to us,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions who worked side-by-side with Roger for some of Floyd’s biggest fights. “On top of being a phenomenal fighter in his own career, Roger was one of the most essential parts of guiding Floyd to the incredible career he had in becoming the best ever. We hope you keep Floyd and the entire Mayweather family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
The Mayweather family, who will forever be part of the sweet science’s history, is asking that you respect their privacy at this time until more information becomes available. “We are thankful for all the love and well-wishes we have already received as word traveled about Roger’s passing,” said Mayweather. “It helps me to see that he was able to touch so many people through his life in boxing, because he gave so much to the sport which was his first and longtime love.”
Roger's trademark phrase: "Most people don't know shit about boxing!"
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Boxingtalk's heavyweight rankings as of March 16, 2020 |
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1. Tyson Fury (pictured): The clear and indisputable #1 heavyweight in the world after the punishment he dealt out to Deontay Wilder in February. By the way, he's the WBC champion but Boxingtalk does not recognize Fury's lineal championship claim and we will be watching the latest PED allegations (relating to a 2015 fight) closely. Next up: a third fight vs. #4 Wilder.
2. Anthony Joshua: The WBA super champion and WBO/ IBF/ IBO champion deserves a lot of credit for winning an immediate rematch vs. his June conqueror Andy Ruiz. In light of the safety-first performance in the second Ruiz fight, it's difficult to rank him ahead of his countryman Fury. Next up: IBF mandatory vs. #6 Kubrat Pulev
3. Dillian Whyte: He was cleared of PED charges and had wins over Mariusz Wach and previously undefeated Oscar Rivas in 2019. Only loss is to Joshua and he deserves a big fight soon. Next up: #9 Alexander Povetkin.
4. Deontay Wilder: He was dominated by Tyson Fury, almost to the point of looking amateurish, but with his power, Wilder only has to be perfect for three seconds to knock anyone out. As bad as he looked, his body of work still has two wins over Luis Ortiz. Next up: a third fight vs. #1 Fury, scheduled for July.
5. Luis Ortiz: With few of the other contenders fighting each other, the old man of the division nabs the last spot in the top five. Had a quality win over Christian Hammer before losing to Wilder.
6. Kubrat Pulev: Marked his time as the IBF mandatory contender, doing just enough in 2019 (wins over Rydell Booker and Bogdan Dinu) to avoid falling in the ratings. His mandatory status was rewarded with the fight of a lifetime. Next up: #2 Anthony Joshua.
7. Oleksandr Usyk: Much respect to the former world cruiserweight champion, but a win over semi-retired Chazz Witherspoon shouldn't mean much in the rankings. Gets a top ten spot based on a 2017 cruiserweight win over Michael Hunter, who has done well as a heavyweight (see below). Usyk also holds a 2013 professional win over Joe Joyce in the World Series of Boxing. Next up: #16 Dereck Chisora.
8. Andy Ruiz: The disappointment in his training effort for the Joshua rematch cannot be overstated. I have a feeling we wont see Ruiz back in the ring until his money starts running low.
9. Alexander Povetkin: Perennial contender dropped a few notches due to the draw with Michael Hunter last time out. Still, the 2004 Olympic champion continues to fight tough competition and his only two career losses were to champions Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko. Next up: #3 Dillian Whyte.
10. Michael Hunter: Forced his way into the top ten with wins over Sergey Kuzmin and Fabio Maldonado and a draw vs. Povetkin. His willingness to fight the best puts him ahead of the current crop of prospects.
11. Joseph Parker: Only fought once in 2019, a win over tough but limited Alex Leapai. Looked good in 2020 return from a spider bite as he stopped competent but undersized Shawndell Winters.
12. Daniel Dubois: Just 22 years of age, Dubois looks to be the best of the up-and-comers. Had five wins in 2019 all against decent competition. Next up: #18 Joe Joyce.
13. Filip Hrgovic: Croatian big man had three wins in 2019 but needs to step up his competition. Next up: gatekeeper Jerry Forrest (26-3).
14. Charles Martin: Ex-IBF title holder re-entered the top twenty with a win over Gerald Washington.
15. Agit Kabayel: He remains unknown to American boxing fans, but he is the undefeated European champion and holds a narrow win over Dereck Chisora.
16. Dereck Chisora: A bit of a wild card with nine losses on his record but had three decent wins on the British circuit in 2019. Next up: #7 Oleksandr Usyk.
17. Oscar Rivas: Former Colombian Olympian started 2019 with a dramatic come-from-behind win vs. Bryant Jennings but then lost to Whyte in July and hasn’t fought since.
18. Joe Joyce: The strong-but-slow Brit had three big names on his 2019 record: Jennings, Bermane Stiverne and Alexander Ustinov. However, all three were on the back nine of their careers. Next up: #12 Daniel Dubois.
19. Robert Helenius: Despite a recent loss to Gerald Washington, Finnish big man gains entry into the top 20 by stopping Adam Kownacki.
20. Otto Wallin: In light of Fury's demolition of Wilder, Wallin's more-competitive loss to Fury demanded that his ranking be reconsidered. Welcome to the top twenty.
21. Christian Hammer: Hammer’s last fight of 2018 was a win over previously undated Michael Wallisch, but then Hammer lost to Ortiz. Hammer got a stay-busy win over Saul Farah in late December, but he's really just a place holder until Tony Yoka gets even a decent win in 2020.
22. Frank Sanchez: Ex-Cuban national champ showed rare boxing skills for a heavyweight in beating tough Joey Dawejko easily.
23. Hughie Fury: Has three losses vs. "the Killer Ps" (Parker, Pulev, Povetkin), and rebounded from the Povetkin loss by beating the decent Pavel Sour.
24. Adam Kownacki: His rating takes a big hit, falling from near-top ten after losing to Robert Helenius. Wins over Charles Martin and Gerald Washington keep Kownacki somewhat relevant/
25. Gerald Washington: looked bad in his last fight, a stoppage loss to Charles Martin, but credit is due for his recent win over Robert Helenius.
Next ten: Jarrell Miller (ineligible/ PED issues), Tony Yoka, Efe Ajagba, Apti Davtaev, Carlos Takam, Tom Schwarz, Stephan Shaw, Bakhodor Jalolov, Zhilei Zhang, Simon Kean.
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Boxingtalk's heavyweight rankings as of March 16, 2020
1. Tyson Fury (pictured): The clear and indisputable #1 heavyweight in the world after the punishment he dealt out to Deontay Wilder in February. By the way, he's the WBC champion but Boxingtalk does not recognize Fury's lineal championship claim and we will be watching the latest PED allegations (relating to a 2015 fight) closely. Next up: a third fight vs. #4 Wilder.
2. Anthony Joshua: The WBA super champion and WBO/ IBF/ IBO champion deserves a lot of credit for winning an immediate rematch vs. his June conqueror Andy Ruiz. In light of the safety-first performance in the second Ruiz fight, it's difficult to rank him ahead of his countryman Fury. Next up: IBF mandatory vs. #6 Kubrat Pulev
3. Dillian Whyte: He was cleared of PED charges and had wins over Mariusz Wach and previously undefeated Oscar Rivas in 2019. Only loss is to Joshua and he deserves a big fight soon. Next up: #9 Alexander Povetkin.
4. Deontay Wilder: He was dominated by Tyson Fury, almost to the point of looking amateurish, but with his power, Wilder only has to be perfect for three seconds to knock anyone out. As bad as he looked, his body of work still has two wins over Luis Ortiz. Next up: a third fight vs. #1 Fury, scheduled for July.
5. Luis Ortiz: With few of the other contenders fighting each other, the old man of the division nabs the last spot in the top five. Had a quality win over Christian Hammer before losing to Wilder.
6. Kubrat Pulev: Marked his time as the IBF mandatory contender, doing just enough in 2019 (wins over Rydell Booker and Bogdan Dinu) to avoid falling in the ratings. His mandatory status was rewarded with the fight of a lifetime. Next up: #2 Anthony Joshua.
7. Oleksandr Usyk: Much respect to the former world cruiserweight champion, but a win over semi-retired Chazz Witherspoon shouldn't mean much in the rankings. Gets a top ten spot based on a 2017 cruiserweight win over Michael Hunter, who has done well as a heavyweight (see below). Usyk also holds a 2013 professional win over Joe Joyce in the World Series of Boxing. Next up: #16 Dereck Chisora.
8. Andy Ruiz: The disappointment in his training effort for the Joshua rematch cannot be overstated. I have a feeling we wont see Ruiz back in the ring until his money starts running low.
9. Alexander Povetkin: Perennial contender dropped a few notches due to the draw with Michael Hunter last time out. Still, the 2004 Olympic champion continues to fight tough competition and his only two career losses were to champions Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko. Next up: #3 Dillian Whyte.
10. Michael Hunter: Forced his way into the top ten with wins over Sergey Kuzmin and Fabio Maldonado and a draw vs. Povetkin. His willingness to fight the best puts him ahead of the current crop of prospects.
11. Joseph Parker: Only fought once in 2019, a win over tough but limited Alex Leapai. Looked good in 2020 return from a spider bite as he stopped competent but undersized Shawndell Winters.
12. Daniel Dubois: Just 22 years of age, Dubois looks to be the best of the up-and-comers. Had five wins in 2019 all against decent competition. Next up: #18 Joe Joyce.
13. Filip Hrgovic: Croatian big man had three wins in 2019 but needs to step up his competition. Next up: gatekeeper Jerry Forrest (26-3).
14. Charles Martin: Ex-IBF title holder re-entered the top twenty with a win over Gerald Washington.
15. Agit Kabayel: He remains unknown to American boxing fans, but he is the undefeated European champion and holds a narrow win over Dereck Chisora.
16. Dereck Chisora: A bit of a wild card with nine losses on his record but had three decent wins on the British circuit in 2019. Next up: #7 Oleksandr Usyk.
17. Oscar Rivas: Former Colombian Olympian started 2019 with a dramatic come-from-behind win vs. Bryant Jennings but then lost to Whyte in July and hasn’t fought since.
18. Joe Joyce: The strong-but-slow Brit had three big names on his 2019 record: Jennings, Bermane Stiverne and Alexander Ustinov. However, all three were on the back nine of their careers. Next up: #12 Daniel Dubois.
19. Robert Helenius: Despite a recent loss to Gerald Washington, Finnish big man gains entry into the top 20 by stopping Adam Kownacki.
20. Otto Wallin: In light of Fury's demolition of Wilder, Wallin's more-competitive loss to Fury demanded that his ranking be reconsidered. Welcome to the top twenty.
21. Christian Hammer: Hammer’s last fight of 2018 was a win over previously undated Michael Wallisch, but then Hammer lost to Ortiz. Hammer got a stay-busy win over Saul Farah in late December, but he's really just a place holder until Tony Yoka gets even a decent win in 2020.
22. Frank Sanchez: Ex-Cuban national champ showed rare boxing skills for a heavyweight in beating tough Joey Dawejko easily.
23. Hughie Fury: Has three losses vs. "the Killer Ps" (Parker, Pulev, Povetkin), and rebounded from the Povetkin loss by beating the decent Pavel Sour.
24. Adam Kownacki: His rating takes a big hit, falling from near-top ten after losing to Robert Helenius. Wins over Charles Martin and Gerald Washington keep Kownacki somewhat relevant/
25. Gerald Washington: looked bad in his last fight, a stoppage loss to Charles Martin, but credit is due for his recent win over Robert Helenius.
Next ten: Jarrell Miller (ineligible/ PED issues), Tony Yoka, Efe Ajagba, Apti Davtaev, Carlos Takam, Tom Schwarz, Stephan Shaw, Bakhodor Jalolov, Zhilei Zhang, Simon Kean.
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Matchroom events join cancellation list |
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Official Matchroom Boxing statement: Following advice from the Government and the BBBoC relating to COVID-19, Matchroom Boxing have postponed all events scheduled to be taking place in March and April, including David Avanesyan vs. Josh Kelly at The O2 in London on March 28, Lewis Ritson vs. Miguel Vazquez at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on April 4 and Terri Harper vs. Natasha Jonas at the Doncaster Dome on April 24th. Fights scheduled to take place on the Avanesyan vs. Kelly show will be merged into future cards, with ticket refunds for March 28 available at the original point of purchase. Ritson’s clash with Vazquez has been rescheduled to Saturday June 27th, while Harper’s all-British World Title showdown with Jonas has also been rescheduled to June, with a date to be confirmed shortly. Tickets will be valid for these rescheduled dates or refunds will be available from your point of purchase. Further events may also be subject to change.
The health and safety of the boxers, staff, event contractors and fans involved with our events is the top priority for Matchroom Boxing and we thank everyone for their understanding. We look forward to bringing world class boxing events back to these shores as soon as it is safe to do so. Our thoughts are with everybody affected by the COVID-19 outbreak at this difficult time.
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Matchroom events join cancellation list
Official Matchroom Boxing statement: Following advice from the Government and the BBBoC relating to COVID-19, Matchroom Boxing have postponed all events scheduled to be taking place in March and April, including David Avanesyan vs. Josh Kelly at The O2 in London on March 28, Lewis Ritson vs. Miguel Vazquez at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on April 4 and Terri Harper vs. Natasha Jonas at the Doncaster Dome on April 24th. Fights scheduled to take place on the Avanesyan vs. Kelly show will be merged into future cards, with ticket refunds for March 28 available at the original point of purchase. Ritson’s clash with Vazquez has been rescheduled to Saturday June 27th, while Harper’s all-British World Title showdown with Jonas has also been rescheduled to June, with a date to be confirmed shortly. Tickets will be valid for these rescheduled dates or refunds will be available from your point of purchase. Further events may also be subject to change.
The health and safety of the boxers, staff, event contractors and fans involved with our events is the top priority for Matchroom Boxing and we thank everyone for their understanding. We look forward to bringing world class boxing events back to these shores as soon as it is safe to do so. Our thoughts are with everybody affected by the COVID-19 outbreak at this difficult time.
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Top Rank cancels all shows through end of April |
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Official Top Rank statement: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Top Rank has postponed all events scheduled for March and April. We are monitoring the situation closely and will reschedule the shows as soon as it’s safe and reasonable to do so. “The health and safety of our fighters, staff and ESPN’s incredible production team is the most important thing as we plan our next steps,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We look forward to the day when we can bring our loyal fans world-class boxing once again, but exercising caution is the most prudent thing to do at this moment.”
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Top Rank cancels all shows through end of April
Official Top Rank statement: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Top Rank has postponed all events scheduled for March and April. We are monitoring the situation closely and will reschedule the shows as soon as it’s safe and reasonable to do so. “The health and safety of our fighters, staff and ESPN’s incredible production team is the most important thing as we plan our next steps,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We look forward to the day when we can bring our loyal fans world-class boxing once again, but exercising caution is the most prudent thing to do at this moment.”
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PBC cancels all remaining March and April shows |
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Official statement from Premier Boxing Champions: Due to the growing concerns over COVID-19, Premier Boxing Champions scheduled events for March and April have been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date. At this time there's no information regarding future shows. "The health and safety of the boxers, fans and those working the events are of utmost importance to us," said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions and lead promoter for the cancelled shows. "We are all disappointed and as we get more information we will address future events.''
Ticket Refund Information: All ticket orders will be refunded from your original point of purchase. If you have purchased online through Ticketmaster, all orders will be refunded automatically. Orders purchased with a credit card will be refunded to the credit card used for purchase. For third party purchases, please reach out to your original point of purchase for information regarding your credit. Please allow up to 30 days for this refund to reflect with your financial institution. If you have any questions, please contact Ticketmaster's Customer Service line at 1-800-653-8000.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. For more details and updates, visit PremierBoxingChampions.com.
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PBC cancels all remaining March and April shows
Official statement from Premier Boxing Champions: Due to the growing concerns over COVID-19, Premier Boxing Champions scheduled events for March and April have been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date. At this time there's no information regarding future shows. "The health and safety of the boxers, fans and those working the events are of utmost importance to us," said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions and lead promoter for the cancelled shows. "We are all disappointed and as we get more information we will address future events.''
Ticket Refund Information: All ticket orders will be refunded from your original point of purchase. If you have purchased online through Ticketmaster, all orders will be refunded automatically. Orders purchased with a credit card will be refunded to the credit card used for purchase. For third party purchases, please reach out to your original point of purchase for information regarding your credit. Please allow up to 30 days for this refund to reflect with your financial institution. If you have any questions, please contact Ticketmaster's Customer Service line at 1-800-653-8000.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. For more details and updates, visit PremierBoxingChampions.com.
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Fury drug allegations surface |
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A doping scandal is emerging surrounding WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and his cousin Hughie Fury. According to the British publication the Daily Mail, in February 2015 both Furys failed drugs tests in February 2015 for the prohibited substance nandrolone, which is a steroid. Tyson had Christian Hammer and Hughie had just defeated Andriy Rudenko. In November 2015, Tyson would defeat Wladimir Klitschko to become the world heavyweight champion. However, charges were not brought until June 2016. There is also an allegation Tyson refused to take a drug test in 2016. Tyson did not fight again until 2018, blaming a number of injuries and personal problems, but the steroid issue was never in the public forefront. Hughie remained active with no apparent limit on his ability totake fights. The charges were not resolved until December 2017, when according to the Daily Mail, that the matter with UKAD [the British doping testing authority] was resolved, with a deal that saw UKAD issue two-year suspensions, BACKDATED to December 2015, meaning the boxers were never blocked from fights and were given a very lenient, some might say non-existent sentence. The leniency and secretiveness has been attributed to UKAD allegedly making errors in the manner in which the case was brought.
The suspensions were not generally reported, but have come to light now as an elderly British farmer named Martin Carefoot has told the Daily Mail that he agreed to a payment of about $30,000 in exchange for signing documents drafted by the Furys' attorneys saying he supplied the Furies with meat from a wild, uncastrated boar that caused the positive tests. Carefoot now says he never supplied the boars to the Furys and also that the Fury's never paid him the money he was promised. Carefoot therefore is admitting he lied about supplying the boars, so his credibility is suspect-- however it is not yet disproven.
In light of the article published on Sunday regarding Tyson Fury, promoter Frank Warren has issued the following statement: “The farmer making these outrageous allegations sent me a letter last October, full of errors and basically telling me he had committed perjury by signing statements under oath and lying. When I called him, he asked for money. I told him to clear off and get in contact with UKAD. He chose not to speak to UKAD but instead speak to a newspaper. How anybody can take this man seriously is beyond belief. Tyson has never met this man in his life. What a load of rubbish. We’ll leave this with UKAD to look into and don’t expect it to go any further. It looks like while the football season has been paused, there’s nothing to write about and silly season has instead commenced.“
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Fury drug allegations surface
A doping scandal is emerging surrounding WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and his cousin Hughie Fury. According to the British publication the Daily Mail, in February 2015 both Furys failed drugs tests in February 2015 for the prohibited substance nandrolone, which is a steroid. Tyson had Christian Hammer and Hughie had just defeated Andriy Rudenko. In November 2015, Tyson would defeat Wladimir Klitschko to become the world heavyweight champion. However, charges were not brought until June 2016. There is also an allegation Tyson refused to take a drug test in 2016. Tyson did not fight again until 2018, blaming a number of injuries and personal problems, but the steroid issue was never in the public forefront. Hughie remained active with no apparent limit on his ability totake fights. The charges were not resolved until December 2017, when according to the Daily Mail, that the matter with UKAD [the British doping testing authority] was resolved, with a deal that saw UKAD issue two-year suspensions, BACKDATED to December 2015, meaning the boxers were never blocked from fights and were given a very lenient, some might say non-existent sentence. The leniency and secretiveness has been attributed to UKAD allegedly making errors in the manner in which the case was brought.
The suspensions were not generally reported, but have come to light now as an elderly British farmer named Martin Carefoot has told the Daily Mail that he agreed to a payment of about $30,000 in exchange for signing documents drafted by the Furys' attorneys saying he supplied the Furies with meat from a wild, uncastrated boar that caused the positive tests. Carefoot now says he never supplied the boars to the Furys and also that the Fury's never paid him the money he was promised. Carefoot therefore is admitting he lied about supplying the boars, so his credibility is suspect-- however it is not yet disproven.
In light of the article published on Sunday regarding Tyson Fury, promoter Frank Warren has issued the following statement: “The farmer making these outrageous allegations sent me a letter last October, full of errors and basically telling me he had committed perjury by signing statements under oath and lying. When I called him, he asked for money. I told him to clear off and get in contact with UKAD. He chose not to speak to UKAD but instead speak to a newspaper. How anybody can take this man seriously is beyond belief. Tyson has never met this man in his life. What a load of rubbish. We’ll leave this with UKAD to look into and don’t expect it to go any further. It looks like while the football season has been paused, there’s nothing to write about and silly season has instead commenced.“
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Star Boxing cancels April 17th show |
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Statement from Star Boxing: Star Boxing announced today that its boxing show "Catskills Clash" III at Resorts World Catskills scheduled for Friday, April 17th will be postponed to a later date due to growing concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak. Joe DeGuardia, president of Star Boxing stated: "After consultation, we (Star Boxing and Resorts World Catskills) recognize that the safety of the boxers, fans and staffing is our ultimate concern and we join the rest of New York, and the World, in the collaborative effort to contain and fight this virus. Our thoughts and prayers are with all and we will advise of the rescheduled date in due time." Tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date or refunded at the original point of purchase should refund be desired.
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Star Boxing cancels April 17th show
Statement from Star Boxing: Star Boxing announced today that its boxing show "Catskills Clash" III at Resorts World Catskills scheduled for Friday, April 17th will be postponed to a later date due to growing concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak. Joe DeGuardia, president of Star Boxing stated: "After consultation, we (Star Boxing and Resorts World Catskills) recognize that the safety of the boxers, fans and staffing is our ultimate concern and we join the rest of New York, and the World, in the collaborative effort to contain and fight this virus. Our thoughts and prayers are with all and we will advise of the rescheduled date in due time." Tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date or refunded at the original point of purchase should refund be desired.
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Boxingtalk's KO fix: Tua KO1 Ruiz |
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David Tua KO1 John Ruiz... On this date in 1996, on an HBO show entitled "Night the Young Heavyweights," New Zealand's David Tua destroyed John Ruiz in one round. The amazing thing about this KO is that it would be Ruiz, not Tua who would go on to win a heavyweight title. Tua lost a title shot to Lennox Lewis in 2000 while Ruiz would have multiple reigns as a WBA title holder with three fights vs. Evander Holyfield, two vs. Nikolay Valuev and single fights vs. Roy Jones, Hasim Rahman, James Toney, Andrew Golota and more. Tua had his last fight in 2013 and finished up at 52-5-2 while Ruiz fought one of the toughest schedules in heavyweight history until hanging them up in 2010 at 44-9-1.
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Boxingtalk's KO fix: Tua KO1 Ruiz
David Tua KO1 John Ruiz... On this date in 1996, on an HBO show entitled "Night the Young Heavyweights," New Zealand's David Tua destroyed John Ruiz in one round. The amazing thing about this KO is that it would be Ruiz, not Tua who would go on to win a heavyweight title. Tua lost a title shot to Lennox Lewis in 2000 while Ruiz would have multiple reigns as a WBA title holder with three fights vs. Evander Holyfield, two vs. Nikolay Valuev and single fights vs. Roy Jones, Hasim Rahman, James Toney, Andrew Golota and more. Tua had his last fight in 2013 and finished up at 52-5-2 while Ruiz fought one of the toughest schedules in heavyweight history until hanging them up in 2010 at 44-9-1.
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Former pro champion loses in Olympic qualifier |
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Nikoleta Pita, a 22 year-old amateur from Greece, shocked the boxing world by defeating one of the best pro women boxers, Delfine Persoon of Belgium. Persoon uis 44-2 as a pro, and a former WBC lightweight champion. Many thought Persoon deserved the win over now-undisputed world champion Katie Taylor when the two met in a unification bout, but Kaylor won a very close decision. According to olympicchannel.com, Persoon started the three-round bout too slow, losing the first two rounds to Pita. Persoon won the third round but did not get the stoppage she needed to win. source: olympicchannel.com
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Former pro champion loses in Olympic qualifier
Nikoleta Pita, a 22 year-old amateur from Greece, shocked the boxing world by defeating one of the best pro women boxers, Delfine Persoon of Belgium. Persoon uis 44-2 as a pro, and a former WBC lightweight champion. Many thought Persoon deserved the win over now-undisputed world champion Katie Taylor when the two met in a unification bout, but Kaylor won a very close decision. According to olympicchannel.com, Persoon started the three-round bout too slow, losing the first two rounds to Pita. Persoon won the third round but did not get the stoppage she needed to win. source: olympicchannel.com
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March 27th Philadelphia show rescheduled for June |
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According to a social media statement from Raging Babe Promotions: Raging Babe’s Michelle Rosado has elected to postpone her March 27th event at Philadelphia's 2300 Arena. The event has been rescheduled for June 19th, and will feature the same lineup, including an all-Philly main event between Stevie Ortiz and Damon Allen.
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March 27th Philadelphia show rescheduled for June
According to a social media statement from Raging Babe Promotions: Raging Babe’s Michelle Rosado has elected to postpone her March 27th event at Philadelphia's 2300 Arena. The event has been rescheduled for June 19th, and will feature the same lineup, including an all-Philly main event between Stevie Ortiz and Damon Allen.
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40 years ago: 14 USA boxers, 8 officials die in plane crash |
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One of the darkest days in American sports history occurred 40 years ago today, when Polish Airlines flight #7 that had departed John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City crashed a half-mile from Okecie Airport in Warsaw, Poland. All 87 passengers died, including 14 boxers and eight officials on the USA Boxing team, due to a disintegration of a turbine disc in one of the plane's engines that ultimately failed. Team USA was traveling to Poland to compete in two international amateur boxing dual events. The average age of the 14 boxers was only 20 ½, ranging from 27 year-old Walter Harris to 16 year-old Byron Payton. The potential Olympic dreams of the 14 boxers were destroyed in the horrific accident. Although most of the boxers were still in their developmental stage, outside of prospective medal challenger Lemuel Steeples, each member aspired to represent the United States in the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. (The United States eventually led a boycott of the 1980 Olympics because of the Soviet-Afghan War.)
"I remember coming home from my boxing gym on March 14, 1980 and hearing the news of the plane crash on the evening news," stated USA Boxing Executive Director Mike McAtee. "As an aspiring Olympic-style boxer I was shocked and felt a sense of loss like every American boxer, coach and official. Today we are reminded that life is precious, and every day is a blessing. On behalf of USA Boxing's Board of Directors, 48,000 boxers, coaches and officials and the national office staff we remember the 1980 USA Boxing Team Members and Staff. Please keep them, their families and the worldwide Olympic-style boxing family in your thoughts and prayers."
"Down But Not Out... Lost But Not Forgotten"
USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh remembers the crash to this day. "I remember it well, as I was a 16-year-old dreaming of the Olympics," said Walsh. "It was massive news in Europe, a big tragedy with some of the world's best boxers and staff wiped out. We lost a generation of great fighters, and most importantly loved ones."
Patricia Chavis was only seven years old when she learned her father, Sgt. Elliott Chavis, had perished in the crash. She was playing outdoors with friends when she noticed a lot of people crying as they entered and left her home. Her mother called her inside, sat her down with people watching, and said that her father wasn't coming back because he had been killed in a plane crash.
"She asked me if I understood and I did, because we had recently lost my great grandmother and paternal grandfather," an emotional Patricia explained. "I went back outside and told my friends. They were a little older and they didn't understand why I hadn't stayed inside with family. It didn't really hit me that my dad wasn't coming home until my teenage years. I remember sitting in bed and writing letters to him.
"Every year still affects me every March. We usually have a family dinner with my mom and grandchildren. They listen to stories about a man they never met. He's buried in South Carolina and we've laid flowers on his grave. Every year on March 14th it brings back memories and we celebrate his life."
Sgt. Chavis, who died at the age of 25, was stationed at Ft. Bragg (N.C.), where he learned to box. He was a member of the 118th Military Police Company and during his boxing career, the light heavyweight was All-Army and All-Southeastern.
"My parents married young," Patricia continued. "My mom told me he was always athletic. He played football and was a pole vaulter on the track team in high school. But I didn't know anything about his boxing until we went to a reunion at Ft. Bragg. Around the 30th anniversary I got in touch with some of his Army buddies when I saw on Facebook that they were having a reunion. I went there with my mom and listened to stories they told me about his boxing career. I found it so interesting because I hadn't known about that. There are quite a few memorials I've seen on Facebook and I try to get in touch with other family members (of her father's teammates who died in the crash). We'll never forget!"
Below is a complete list of the 1980 U.S. Boxing Delegation who died in the aforementioned plane crash in Warsaw:
The 1980 United States Boxing Delegation to Warsaw, Poland, March 14, 1980
BOXERS
Kelvin Anderson Heavyweight Hartford, CT
Elliott Chavis Light Heavyweight U.S. Army / Ft. Bragg, NC
Walter Harris Light Heavyweight San Francisco, CA
Andrea McCoy Middleweight New Bedford, MA
Byron Payton Light Middleweight Troup, TX
Chuck Robinson Light Middleweight Port Townsend, WA
Paul Palomino Welterweight Westminster, CA
Lemuel Steeples Light Welterweight St. Louis, MO
Byron Linsay Light Welterweight San Diego, CA
Gary Tyrone Clayton Lightweight Philadelphia, PA
Jerome Stewart Bantamweight U.S. Navy / Norfolk, VA
George Pimentel Flyweight Elmhurst, NY
Lonnie Young Flyweight Philadelphia, PA
David Rodriguez Light Flyweight Pomona, CA
OFFICIALS
Joseph F. Bland Team Manager High Point, NC
Col. Bernard Callahan Referee/Judge Carlisle, PA
Thomas "Sarge" Johnson Head Coach Indianapolis, IN
John Radison Referee/Judge St. Louis, MO
Junior Robles Assistant Coach National City, CA
Steve Smigiel Interpreter Boca Raton, FL
Delores Wesson Team Assistant Ocean Springs, MS
Dr. Ray Wesson Team Physician Ocean Springs, MS
Go to www.USABoxing.org to watch a short video tribute
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40 years ago: 14 USA boxers, 8 officials die in plane crash
One of the darkest days in American sports history occurred 40 years ago today, when Polish Airlines flight #7 that had departed John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City crashed a half-mile from Okecie Airport in Warsaw, Poland. All 87 passengers died, including 14 boxers and eight officials on the USA Boxing team, due to a disintegration of a turbine disc in one of the plane's engines that ultimately failed. Team USA was traveling to Poland to compete in two international amateur boxing dual events. The average age of the 14 boxers was only 20 ½, ranging from 27 year-old Walter Harris to 16 year-old Byron Payton. The potential Olympic dreams of the 14 boxers were destroyed in the horrific accident. Although most of the boxers were still in their developmental stage, outside of prospective medal challenger Lemuel Steeples, each member aspired to represent the United States in the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. (The United States eventually led a boycott of the 1980 Olympics because of the Soviet-Afghan War.)
"I remember coming home from my boxing gym on March 14, 1980 and hearing the news of the plane crash on the evening news," stated USA Boxing Executive Director Mike McAtee. "As an aspiring Olympic-style boxer I was shocked and felt a sense of loss like every American boxer, coach and official. Today we are reminded that life is precious, and every day is a blessing. On behalf of USA Boxing's Board of Directors, 48,000 boxers, coaches and officials and the national office staff we remember the 1980 USA Boxing Team Members and Staff. Please keep them, their families and the worldwide Olympic-style boxing family in your thoughts and prayers."
"Down But Not Out... Lost But Not Forgotten"
USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh remembers the crash to this day. "I remember it well, as I was a 16-year-old dreaming of the Olympics," said Walsh. "It was massive news in Europe, a big tragedy with some of the world's best boxers and staff wiped out. We lost a generation of great fighters, and most importantly loved ones."
Patricia Chavis was only seven years old when she learned her father, Sgt. Elliott Chavis, had perished in the crash. She was playing outdoors with friends when she noticed a lot of people crying as they entered and left her home. Her mother called her inside, sat her down with people watching, and said that her father wasn't coming back because he had been killed in a plane crash.
"She asked me if I understood and I did, because we had recently lost my great grandmother and paternal grandfather," an emotional Patricia explained. "I went back outside and told my friends. They were a little older and they didn't understand why I hadn't stayed inside with family. It didn't really hit me that my dad wasn't coming home until my teenage years. I remember sitting in bed and writing letters to him.
"Every year still affects me every March. We usually have a family dinner with my mom and grandchildren. They listen to stories about a man they never met. He's buried in South Carolina and we've laid flowers on his grave. Every year on March 14th it brings back memories and we celebrate his life."
Sgt. Chavis, who died at the age of 25, was stationed at Ft. Bragg (N.C.), where he learned to box. He was a member of the 118th Military Police Company and during his boxing career, the light heavyweight was All-Army and All-Southeastern.
"My parents married young," Patricia continued. "My mom told me he was always athletic. He played football and was a pole vaulter on the track team in high school. But I didn't know anything about his boxing until we went to a reunion at Ft. Bragg. Around the 30th anniversary I got in touch with some of his Army buddies when I saw on Facebook that they were having a reunion. I went there with my mom and listened to stories they told me about his boxing career. I found it so interesting because I hadn't known about that. There are quite a few memorials I've seen on Facebook and I try to get in touch with other family members (of her father's teammates who died in the crash). We'll never forget!"
Below is a complete list of the 1980 U.S. Boxing Delegation who died in the aforementioned plane crash in Warsaw:
The 1980 United States Boxing Delegation to Warsaw, Poland, March 14, 1980
BOXERS
Kelvin Anderson Heavyweight Hartford, CT
Elliott Chavis Light Heavyweight U.S. Army / Ft. Bragg, NC
Walter Harris Light Heavyweight San Francisco, CA
Andrea McCoy Middleweight New Bedford, MA
Byron Payton Light Middleweight Troup, TX
Chuck Robinson Light Middleweight Port Townsend, WA
Paul Palomino Welterweight Westminster, CA
Lemuel Steeples Light Welterweight St. Louis, MO
Byron Linsay Light Welterweight San Diego, CA
Gary Tyrone Clayton Lightweight Philadelphia, PA
Jerome Stewart Bantamweight U.S. Navy / Norfolk, VA
George Pimentel Flyweight Elmhurst, NY
Lonnie Young Flyweight Philadelphia, PA
David Rodriguez Light Flyweight Pomona, CA
OFFICIALS
Joseph F. Bland Team Manager High Point, NC
Col. Bernard Callahan Referee/Judge Carlisle, PA
Thomas "Sarge" Johnson Head Coach Indianapolis, IN
John Radison Referee/Judge St. Louis, MO
Junior Robles Assistant Coach National City, CA
Steve Smigiel Interpreter Boca Raton, FL
Delores Wesson Team Assistant Ocean Springs, MS
Dr. Ray Wesson Team Physician Ocean Springs, MS
Go to www.USABoxing.org to watch a short video tribute
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Introducing Cuban welterweight Enmanuel "The Alpha" Guerra |
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Cuban-born teenager Enmanuel "The Alpha" Guerra is developing quickly ahead of his fourth professional assignment. Although the fight card will likely not go forward on March 20th due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 19 year-old welterweight continues to work out with trainer Jorge Rubio as he prepares to face Antoine Elerson (4-25-3) at Gulfstream Park, Hallandale. Having already reeled off a trio of victories since joining the paid ranks, Guerra is ready to showcase more improvement. Guerra said: “I’ve been getting bigger physically. I’m a lot stronger and a lot faster. Mentally, I’m more mature and relaxed too. I’m training three times a day. I’m boxing in the morning with Jorge Rubio, then in the afternoon I go running or swimming, then later in the evening I do a bit of physical conditioning.
He continued, "I’ve been working on defense with Jorge and improving that all the time. I’m looking to find the right power shots at the right time too. Body work is important. Since I started with Jorge, my boxing has gone from 20 to 100 in terms of technical things. As a result, my power has improved because the greater the technique, the greater the power. He has helped me mentally and he helps me focused. He’s always there making sure I continue to push forward.”
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Introducing Cuban welterweight Enmanuel "The Alpha" Guerra
Cuban-born teenager Enmanuel "The Alpha" Guerra is developing quickly ahead of his fourth professional assignment. Although the fight card will likely not go forward on March 20th due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 19 year-old welterweight continues to work out with trainer Jorge Rubio as he prepares to face Antoine Elerson (4-25-3) at Gulfstream Park, Hallandale. Having already reeled off a trio of victories since joining the paid ranks, Guerra is ready to showcase more improvement. Guerra said: “I’ve been getting bigger physically. I’m a lot stronger and a lot faster. Mentally, I’m more mature and relaxed too. I’m training three times a day. I’m boxing in the morning with Jorge Rubio, then in the afternoon I go running or swimming, then later in the evening I do a bit of physical conditioning.
He continued, "I’ve been working on defense with Jorge and improving that all the time. I’m looking to find the right power shots at the right time too. Body work is important. Since I started with Jorge, my boxing has gone from 20 to 100 in terms of technical things. As a result, my power has improved because the greater the technique, the greater the power. He has helped me mentally and he helps me focused. He’s always there making sure I continue to push forward.”
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Super featherweight Zelfa Barrett signs on with Matchroom |
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Super featherweight Zelfa Barrett has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing and is penciled in to fight on the blockbuster Dillian Whyte vs. Alexander Povetkin bill at Manchester Arena on Saturday May 2nd. Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) landed the Commonwealth title with a shutout points win over British rival Lyon Woodstock in Leeds back in June 2019. Nephew of former European champion Pat Barrett, "Brown Flash" is age 26 and hopes to rise to world title contention, starting with a big performance in his home city. “This is a new chapter, there’s some big opportunities for me,” said Barrett. “I want to keep picking up belts and improving, I’ve got the capabilities to go all the way. I believe in my own ability. I’ve had two good wins on the bounce and now I’m looking to push on in 2020 and beyond.
“I wouldn’t waste anyone’s time if I didn’t believe I could win a world title, this is why I’m here – to win a world title. There’s no one in my weight category I fear, I’m ready to fight anyone with the right preparation and notice. I admire fighters in and around my weight but there’s no one I would avoid.
“Fighting in my own city of Manchester is a very important thing for me. May 2 will be a great occasion to mark my Matchroom debut. I’m not just taking part, I’m there boxing on the big stage with Dillian Whyte and Katie Taylor. My style is exciting. I’ve got speed, I can punch. Sometimes I surprise myself with what I can do, the fans will need to sit up and watch every second of every round.”
“I’m delighted to welcome Zelfa to the team – he has a huge future ahead of him,” said Matchroom's Eddie Hearn. “We have recently seen two Manchester World Champions depart from the sport and the city is crying out for a new star – I feel Zelfa is the man to carry the torch and we will give him all the opportunities to make his way to the very top of the sport.”
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Super featherweight Zelfa Barrett signs on with Matchroom
Super featherweight Zelfa Barrett has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing and is penciled in to fight on the blockbuster Dillian Whyte vs. Alexander Povetkin bill at Manchester Arena on Saturday May 2nd. Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) landed the Commonwealth title with a shutout points win over British rival Lyon Woodstock in Leeds back in June 2019. Nephew of former European champion Pat Barrett, "Brown Flash" is age 26 and hopes to rise to world title contention, starting with a big performance in his home city. “This is a new chapter, there’s some big opportunities for me,” said Barrett. “I want to keep picking up belts and improving, I’ve got the capabilities to go all the way. I believe in my own ability. I’ve had two good wins on the bounce and now I’m looking to push on in 2020 and beyond.
“I wouldn’t waste anyone’s time if I didn’t believe I could win a world title, this is why I’m here – to win a world title. There’s no one in my weight category I fear, I’m ready to fight anyone with the right preparation and notice. I admire fighters in and around my weight but there’s no one I would avoid.
“Fighting in my own city of Manchester is a very important thing for me. May 2 will be a great occasion to mark my Matchroom debut. I’m not just taking part, I’m there boxing on the big stage with Dillian Whyte and Katie Taylor. My style is exciting. I’ve got speed, I can punch. Sometimes I surprise myself with what I can do, the fans will need to sit up and watch every second of every round.”
“I’m delighted to welcome Zelfa to the team – he has a huge future ahead of him,” said Matchroom's Eddie Hearn. “We have recently seen two Manchester World Champions depart from the sport and the city is crying out for a new star – I feel Zelfa is the man to carry the torch and we will give him all the opportunities to make his way to the very top of the sport.”
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Italian legend goes down without a fight |
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Amateur legend Clemente Russo has a chance to qualify for his fifth-- fifth!-- Olympic games but he seems to be going down without a fight. Russo, a super heavyweight from Italy with two Olympic silver medals, was a no-show in London for a Tokyo 2020 qualifying bout against Britain's Frazer Clarke on Saturday. According to Reuters, Russo said he was experiencing digestive problems that kept him stuck in his hotel room. There is one more Olympic qualifying tournament remaining, but who knows if that will happen with the coronavirus pandemic?
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Italian legend goes down without a fight
Amateur legend Clemente Russo has a chance to qualify for his fifth-- fifth!-- Olympic games but he seems to be going down without a fight. Russo, a super heavyweight from Italy with two Olympic silver medals, was a no-show in London for a Tokyo 2020 qualifying bout against Britain's Frazer Clarke on Saturday. According to Reuters, Russo said he was experiencing digestive problems that kept him stuck in his hotel room. There is one more Olympic qualifying tournament remaining, but who knows if that will happen with the coronavirus pandemic?
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Tonight's Bethlehem, PA show postponed |
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Statement from King's Promotion: Tonight's King's Promotions boxing event at The Wind Creek Bethlehem Event Center has been postponed due to health concerns in regards to the Pandemic Convid-19 Coronavirus. King's Promotions will announce a make up date very shortly and all tickets will be honored on that date. The fight card will remain the same featuring Martino Jules taking on Anvar Yunusov as well as fights featuring Jonathan Rodriguez, Sonny Conto and Khainell Wheeler.
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Tonight's Bethlehem, PA show postponed
Statement from King's Promotion: Tonight's King's Promotions boxing event at The Wind Creek Bethlehem Event Center has been postponed due to health concerns in regards to the Pandemic Convid-19 Coronavirus. King's Promotions will announce a make up date very shortly and all tickets will be honored on that date. The fight card will remain the same featuring Martino Jules taking on Anvar Yunusov as well as fights featuring Jonathan Rodriguez, Sonny Conto and Khainell Wheeler.
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Adrian Broner arrested for DUI |
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As the world grapples with the constant life-changes gue to the coronavirus pandemic, at least one thing remains constant in the Ubited States: Adrien Broner remains a screw-up. TMZ reports that the fourmer four-division champ was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of alcohol late Friday night in Miami Beach. Broner is 33-4. His last fight was a weak effort in a January 2019 loss to Mannt Pacquiao. His last win came in 2017 over Adrian Granados.
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Adrian Broner arrested for DUI
As the world grapples with the constant life-changes gue to the coronavirus pandemic, at least one thing remains constant in the Ubited States: Adrien Broner remains a screw-up. TMZ reports that the fourmer four-division champ was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of alcohol late Friday night in Miami Beach. Broner is 33-4. His last fight was a weak effort in a January 2019 loss to Mannt Pacquiao. His last win came in 2017 over Adrian Granados.
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Dorticos-Briedis postponed until at least May |
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Statement from Comosa AG, World Boxing Super Series promoter: Local authorities in Latvia have adopted comprehensive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, events with more than 200 people present have been prohibited until April 14th. In regard to the risk of infection, the local authorities have concluded that the WBSS cruiserweight final is a particularly high-risk event, not only for the athletes themselves but also for all local and foreign staff involved in the organisation and conduct of the event. For this reason, the WBSS cruiserweight final between Mairis Briedis and IBF champion Yuniel Dorticos cannot take place as planned. The new date planned for the Final in Arena Riga is May 16th, however, this is, of course, dependent on the current restrictions being lifted.
The health of all those involved to stage this historic event is and will always be the primary concern of the WBSS and we will continue to carefully monitor the situation with the authorities and the athlete’s teams. We very much regret this step and thank all involved, spectators, fans, partners and sponsors for their understanding in this extraordinary and challenging situation. All tickets remain valid for the new date.
Athlete statements:
Mairis Briedis:
“We’ve done great work in preparation until the very last planned training, but it is what it is and we will now adapt to the new situation and keep training to wait for the green light. Looking forward to fighting in front of my fans when it’s safe! Take care of yourself, people!”
Yuniel Dorticos:
“While I was in great shape and looking forward to coming to Latvia to win the Muhammad Ali Trophy, I understood the impracticality and therefore l will have have to wait until May to win the Tournament. I want to thank all my fans for their patience and I ask that everyone be careful and take the necessary steps to stay healthy during these challenging times.”
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Dorticos-Briedis postponed until at least May
Statement from Comosa AG, World Boxing Super Series promoter: Local authorities in Latvia have adopted comprehensive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, events with more than 200 people present have been prohibited until April 14th. In regard to the risk of infection, the local authorities have concluded that the WBSS cruiserweight final is a particularly high-risk event, not only for the athletes themselves but also for all local and foreign staff involved in the organisation and conduct of the event. For this reason, the WBSS cruiserweight final between Mairis Briedis and IBF champion Yuniel Dorticos cannot take place as planned. The new date planned for the Final in Arena Riga is May 16th, however, this is, of course, dependent on the current restrictions being lifted.
The health of all those involved to stage this historic event is and will always be the primary concern of the WBSS and we will continue to carefully monitor the situation with the authorities and the athlete’s teams. We very much regret this step and thank all involved, spectators, fans, partners and sponsors for their understanding in this extraordinary and challenging situation. All tickets remain valid for the new date.
Athlete statements:
Mairis Briedis:
“We’ve done great work in preparation until the very last planned training, but it is what it is and we will now adapt to the new situation and keep training to wait for the green light. Looking forward to fighting in front of my fans when it’s safe! Take care of yourself, people!”
Yuniel Dorticos:
“While I was in great shape and looking forward to coming to Latvia to win the Muhammad Ali Trophy, I understood the impracticality and therefore l will have have to wait until May to win the Tournament. I want to thank all my fans for their patience and I ask that everyone be careful and take the necessary steps to stay healthy during these challenging times.”
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April 4th show in Hamburg, Germany canceled |
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Statement from German promoter Sauerland Event: Due to the global spread of COVID-19, Team Sauerland and Universum Boxpromotion have cancelled their upcoming night of boxing on April 4th in Hamburg. [The main event was set to be Abass Baraou vs. Jack Clappert]. For both promoters, the health and safety of the athletes and everyone else present is the top priority. Even an event without spectators exposes them to unnecessary risks. We thank everyone for their understanding and we will work with our partners to determine when and in what form the event can be rescheduled.
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April 4th show in Hamburg, Germany canceled
Statement from German promoter Sauerland Event: Due to the global spread of COVID-19, Team Sauerland and Universum Boxpromotion have cancelled their upcoming night of boxing on April 4th in Hamburg. [The main event was set to be Abass Baraou vs. Jack Clappert]. For both promoters, the health and safety of the athletes and everyone else present is the top priority. Even an event without spectators exposes them to unnecessary risks. We thank everyone for their understanding and we will work with our partners to determine when and in what form the event can be rescheduled.
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Brandun Lee stops Camilo Prieto |
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Brandun Lee TKO3 Camilo Prieto ... Undefeated 20 year-old junior welterweight Brandun Lee scored a third-round TKO over 33 year-old challenger Camilo Prieto on ShoBox: The New Generation at Hinckley Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minn. The knockout artist Lee, who had stopped 16 of his first 18 professional opponents, eased into Friday’s main event, seeking to take his time and add more rounds to his resume. But after just two rounds, Lee (19-0, 17 KOs) stunned the mobile but overly defensive Prieto (15-3, 10 KOs) with a combination. Lee sensed he had injured his opponent and turned on the jets, scoring the TKO after unleashing a multi-punch barrage against the defenseless and against-the-ropes Prieto.
In a night where the four bouts were contested solely in front of the fighters’ friends and family, referee Mark Nelson intervened to stop the main event at the 2:34 mark of round number three. The numbers reflected the lopsidedness of the fight as Lee led 53-9 in overall punches landed, 17-8 in jabs connected and 36-1 on power shots. Lee landed more power shots in the fight (36) than Prieto attempted (34).
“I don’t think this was any kind of learning experience for Lee,” said Showtime’s Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood. “He needs tougher, more accomplished opponents who can at least give him rounds, if not a competitive fight.”
“I shouldn’t have gone three rounds with that guy,” said Lee, who was fighting on ShoBox for the second time. “I should have gotten him out of there in 40 seconds or a minute tops. But the guy had a game plan and his coach is a former world champion [Glen Johnson] who knew I hadn’t ever been past the fourth round. He was just trying to tire me out. No one wants to watch two guys looking at each other. My defense was a nine out of 10 tonight. But overall I give myself a C-minus. I want to take it to the next level and I’m just super grateful to Showtime and ShoBox for giving me these opportunities.” source: showtime
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Brandun Lee stops Camilo Prieto
Brandun Lee TKO3 Camilo Prieto ... Undefeated 20 year-old junior welterweight Brandun Lee scored a third-round TKO over 33 year-old challenger Camilo Prieto on ShoBox: The New Generation at Hinckley Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minn. The knockout artist Lee, who had stopped 16 of his first 18 professional opponents, eased into Friday’s main event, seeking to take his time and add more rounds to his resume. But after just two rounds, Lee (19-0, 17 KOs) stunned the mobile but overly defensive Prieto (15-3, 10 KOs) with a combination. Lee sensed he had injured his opponent and turned on the jets, scoring the TKO after unleashing a multi-punch barrage against the defenseless and against-the-ropes Prieto.
In a night where the four bouts were contested solely in front of the fighters’ friends and family, referee Mark Nelson intervened to stop the main event at the 2:34 mark of round number three. The numbers reflected the lopsidedness of the fight as Lee led 53-9 in overall punches landed, 17-8 in jabs connected and 36-1 on power shots. Lee landed more power shots in the fight (36) than Prieto attempted (34).
“I don’t think this was any kind of learning experience for Lee,” said Showtime’s Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood. “He needs tougher, more accomplished opponents who can at least give him rounds, if not a competitive fight.”
“I shouldn’t have gone three rounds with that guy,” said Lee, who was fighting on ShoBox for the second time. “I should have gotten him out of there in 40 seconds or a minute tops. But the guy had a game plan and his coach is a former world champion [Glen Johnson] who knew I hadn’t ever been past the fourth round. He was just trying to tire me out. No one wants to watch two guys looking at each other. My defense was a nine out of 10 tonight. But overall I give myself a C-minus. I want to take it to the next level and I’m just super grateful to Showtime and ShoBox for giving me these opportunities.” source: showtime
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Brian Norman Jr. wins technical decision |
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Brian Norman, Jr. W7 Flavio Rodriguez... In Hinckley, Minnesota, an all-action affair between Brian Norman, Jr. (17-0, 14 KOs) and Flavio Rodriguez (9-2-1, 7 KOs) was cut short after an accidental headbutt caused a deep vertical laceration on the forehead of Rodriguez. At the advice of the ringside physician, referee Gary Miezwa stopped the fight at 57 seconds of round number seven. The fight went to the judges’ scorecards with the technical unanimous decision going in Norman’s favor, 69-64 and 68-65 (twice). Norman broke open a competitive fight by outlanding Rodriguez 79-35 overall and 73-20 in power punches in rounds five through seven, a reflection of Norman's superior activity (72.4 punches per round to Rodriguez's 54.4), accuracy (33%-29% overall, 44%-32% power) and body punching (67-50 in connects).
The 19 year-old Norman, who turned pro at the age of 17 and is trained by his father and former pro fighter Brian Norman Sr., showed the skills that give him the reputation of a prospect, but still left the fight feeling unsatisfied. “That headbutt was right before the knockout,” said Norman. “I’m pretty sure everybody saw it. That boy was dead but I give him respect. I believe that seventh round was the knockout round, either by TKO or knockout. I had him dead the round before and drained all the energy out of him.”
“I know I won more rounds than that,” said the 29year-old Rodriguez, who also feels a knockout was imminent, but in his favor. “I definitely know I won more rounds. I was hitting him with power shots and if we didn’t have that accidental headbutt I felt I could have gotten him out of there.” source: showtime
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Brian Norman Jr. wins technical decision
Brian Norman, Jr. W7 Flavio Rodriguez... In Hinckley, Minnesota, an all-action affair between Brian Norman, Jr. (17-0, 14 KOs) and Flavio Rodriguez (9-2-1, 7 KOs) was cut short after an accidental headbutt caused a deep vertical laceration on the forehead of Rodriguez. At the advice of the ringside physician, referee Gary Miezwa stopped the fight at 57 seconds of round number seven. The fight went to the judges’ scorecards with the technical unanimous decision going in Norman’s favor, 69-64 and 68-65 (twice). Norman broke open a competitive fight by outlanding Rodriguez 79-35 overall and 73-20 in power punches in rounds five through seven, a reflection of Norman's superior activity (72.4 punches per round to Rodriguez's 54.4), accuracy (33%-29% overall, 44%-32% power) and body punching (67-50 in connects).
The 19 year-old Norman, who turned pro at the age of 17 and is trained by his father and former pro fighter Brian Norman Sr., showed the skills that give him the reputation of a prospect, but still left the fight feeling unsatisfied. “That headbutt was right before the knockout,” said Norman. “I’m pretty sure everybody saw it. That boy was dead but I give him respect. I believe that seventh round was the knockout round, either by TKO or knockout. I had him dead the round before and drained all the energy out of him.”
“I know I won more rounds than that,” said the 29year-old Rodriguez, who also feels a knockout was imminent, but in his favor. “I definitely know I won more rounds. I was hitting him with power shots and if we didn’t have that accidental headbutt I felt I could have gotten him out of there.” source: showtime
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More ShoBox results from Hinckley, MN |
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Alejandro Guerrero W8 Jose Angulo ... In the second fight of the four-fight ShoBox telecast, lightweight Alejandro “Pork Chop” Guerrero (12-0, 9 KOs) won a majority decision over Jose Angulo (12-2, 5 KOs). The judges scored the slugfest 76-76, 79-73 and 78-74. In the highly entertaining fight that pitted the aggressive Guerrero against the counter-punching Angulo, two of the judges were seemingly impressed more by Guerrero’s aggression and slightly better power punching (he led 109-104 in power punch connects) than by Angulo’s activity (89.3 punches per round to Guerrero’s 68.9), mobility and diverse combination punching. With both men going past six rounds for the first time in their careers, it was Guerrero who was able to finish with more energy. He hurt Angulo with a strong right hand in the sixth round and nearly closed the show late in the eighth and final round, but the Ecuadorian who was making his U.S. debut was able to stay on his feet.
“That was probably the toughest fight I’ve had,” said the 22-year-old Guerrero. “I’ve fought at 140 before so his punch power wasn’t too much. Just his heart; you can tell when a fighter has heart and they just want to sit there and bang it out. I didn’t think it was an even fight. I was landing the better shots and I was the better man out there. I gave myself a seven. I can do way better. I just need more conditioning. Whoever’s next, I’ll take on the best in my weight division.”
Aram Avagyan W8 Dagoberto Aguero ... In a battle of unbeaten featherweights making their ShoBox debuts, Armenian Olympian Aram Avagyan (10-0-1, 4 KOs) overcame knockdowns in both the first and second rounds to earn a hard-fought majority decision over Dominican Republic’s Dagoberto Aguero (15-1, 10 KOs). The judges scored the bout 75-75, 76-74 and 77-74. For the second consecutive fight, Avagyan, who is trained by Sugar Hill Steward at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit, started slow and was knocked down in the first round. The 29-year-old also hit the canvas in round two when Aguero connected on a chopping overhand right. Starting in the third round, through an impressive body attack (98-42 in connects), better power accuracy (39%-35%) and his ability to induce a rugged inside fight, Avagyan was able to gradually empty the gas tank of Aguero, who had never been past six rounds.
A heavy right cross appeared to score a knockdown of Aguero in the seventh, but referee Gary Ritter ruled it a slip. Aguero led 55-24 in overall connects and 55-20 in power punches landed after two rounds, but Avagyan came on strong in rounds six through eight (83-44 overall, 80-48 power) to score the comeback victory. Aguero became the 192nd fighter to lose their undefeated record on ShoBox.
“After the second knockdown I just knew I needed to settle down and it would be okay,” said Avagyan. “I had to just come back strong and keep applying the pressure and I did that. The knockdowns were big on points so I knew it would be tough to come back. I thought the performance was just okay. I can show more, and I will in the future.” source for both results: showtime
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More ShoBox results from Hinckley, MN
Alejandro Guerrero W8 Jose Angulo ... In the second fight of the four-fight ShoBox telecast, lightweight Alejandro “Pork Chop” Guerrero (12-0, 9 KOs) won a majority decision over Jose Angulo (12-2, 5 KOs). The judges scored the slugfest 76-76, 79-73 and 78-74. In the highly entertaining fight that pitted the aggressive Guerrero against the counter-punching Angulo, two of the judges were seemingly impressed more by Guerrero’s aggression and slightly better power punching (he led 109-104 in power punch connects) than by Angulo’s activity (89.3 punches per round to Guerrero’s 68.9), mobility and diverse combination punching. With both men going past six rounds for the first time in their careers, it was Guerrero who was able to finish with more energy. He hurt Angulo with a strong right hand in the sixth round and nearly closed the show late in the eighth and final round, but the Ecuadorian who was making his U.S. debut was able to stay on his feet.
“That was probably the toughest fight I’ve had,” said the 22-year-old Guerrero. “I’ve fought at 140 before so his punch power wasn’t too much. Just his heart; you can tell when a fighter has heart and they just want to sit there and bang it out. I didn’t think it was an even fight. I was landing the better shots and I was the better man out there. I gave myself a seven. I can do way better. I just need more conditioning. Whoever’s next, I’ll take on the best in my weight division.”
Aram Avagyan W8 Dagoberto Aguero ... In a battle of unbeaten featherweights making their ShoBox debuts, Armenian Olympian Aram Avagyan (10-0-1, 4 KOs) overcame knockdowns in both the first and second rounds to earn a hard-fought majority decision over Dominican Republic’s Dagoberto Aguero (15-1, 10 KOs). The judges scored the bout 75-75, 76-74 and 77-74. For the second consecutive fight, Avagyan, who is trained by Sugar Hill Steward at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit, started slow and was knocked down in the first round. The 29-year-old also hit the canvas in round two when Aguero connected on a chopping overhand right. Starting in the third round, through an impressive body attack (98-42 in connects), better power accuracy (39%-35%) and his ability to induce a rugged inside fight, Avagyan was able to gradually empty the gas tank of Aguero, who had never been past six rounds.
A heavy right cross appeared to score a knockdown of Aguero in the seventh, but referee Gary Ritter ruled it a slip. Aguero led 55-24 in overall connects and 55-20 in power punches landed after two rounds, but Avagyan came on strong in rounds six through eight (83-44 overall, 80-48 power) to score the comeback victory. Aguero became the 192nd fighter to lose their undefeated record on ShoBox.
“After the second knockdown I just knew I needed to settle down and it would be okay,” said Avagyan. “I had to just come back strong and keep applying the pressure and I did that. The knockdowns were big on points so I knew it would be tough to come back. I thought the performance was just okay. I can show more, and I will in the future.” source for both results: showtime
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Haye: "Chisora isn’t going to try and outbox Usyk, he is going to drag him into a dogfight" |
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On May 23rd, London's O2 Arena will host a huge heavyweight clash between former wrold cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk against Derek "War" Chisora. The fight was scheduled for earlier in the year but got pushed back due to an Usyk injury. Here is what Chisora and his manager David Haye (pictured) had to say at a pres conference on Friday:
David Haye:
“I think this has worked in Derek’s favor, the fight being pushed back, as it has given him an opportunity over the six-month period to consistently train. We’re not talking training so he will be burned out come fight night but periodic training. We are working on his engine, his punch quality and week by week he has improved. He has looked so good that we had to give him a vacation.
“He has done his first spar and we now have ourselves a situation with an exceptional Cruiserweight, perhaps even the best ever moving into a division where he hasn’t done anything yet. He touched on it as an amateur, but that is long range and about boxing skills.
“Derek isn’t going to try and outbox Usyk, he is going to drag him into a dogfight from the first bell. I feel he is brave enough to hold his feet because he feels he is significantly better than Derek but he is going to be in there with a completely different animal.
“Sometimes skills can be overridden by size, heart and desire. I don’t feel that Usyk has been in a rough fight which he will be in on May 23rd. We are going to cause a massive upset and I feel that Usyk has miscalculated Derek heading into this fight. who would have thought that Derek would have been in the ring with a pound for pound king in Usyk a couple of years back? Usyk does not realise what Derek is about! His coach will not allow him in sparring to do what Derek will be doing to him with 10oz gloves on. This will be a special fight.”
Derek Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs):
“I want to thank Oleksandr for taking this fight. I am fighting one of the best fighters out there! The guy knows how to box and I can’t get sparring partners who can box like him. I will chuck whatever I can chuck. I want to take his golden ticket and I want to take what he has and make it mine. I think the way he wins this fight is by knocking me out but that is not going to happen because I am going to keep coming. I am so chuffed for this fight.
“The guy has good foot movement and If I box his way he is going to win it. I just need to land a couple of punches to slow him down and it is going to be an exciting fight. I am ready to go! I will step in them ropes, bite down on the gumshield and catch this man.”
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Haye: "Chisora isn’t going to try and outbox Usyk, he is going to drag him into a dogfight"
On May 23rd, London's O2 Arena will host a huge heavyweight clash between former wrold cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk against Derek "War" Chisora. The fight was scheduled for earlier in the year but got pushed back due to an Usyk injury. Here is what Chisora and his manager David Haye (pictured) had to say at a pres conference on Friday:
David Haye:
“I think this has worked in Derek’s favor, the fight being pushed back, as it has given him an opportunity over the six-month period to consistently train. We’re not talking training so he will be burned out come fight night but periodic training. We are working on his engine, his punch quality and week by week he has improved. He has looked so good that we had to give him a vacation.
“He has done his first spar and we now have ourselves a situation with an exceptional Cruiserweight, perhaps even the best ever moving into a division where he hasn’t done anything yet. He touched on it as an amateur, but that is long range and about boxing skills.
“Derek isn’t going to try and outbox Usyk, he is going to drag him into a dogfight from the first bell. I feel he is brave enough to hold his feet because he feels he is significantly better than Derek but he is going to be in there with a completely different animal.
“Sometimes skills can be overridden by size, heart and desire. I don’t feel that Usyk has been in a rough fight which he will be in on May 23rd. We are going to cause a massive upset and I feel that Usyk has miscalculated Derek heading into this fight. who would have thought that Derek would have been in the ring with a pound for pound king in Usyk a couple of years back? Usyk does not realise what Derek is about! His coach will not allow him in sparring to do what Derek will be doing to him with 10oz gloves on. This will be a special fight.”
Derek Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs):
“I want to thank Oleksandr for taking this fight. I am fighting one of the best fighters out there! The guy knows how to box and I can’t get sparring partners who can box like him. I will chuck whatever I can chuck. I want to take his golden ticket and I want to take what he has and make it mine. I think the way he wins this fight is by knocking me out but that is not going to happen because I am going to keep coming. I am so chuffed for this fight.
“The guy has good foot movement and If I box his way he is going to win it. I just need to land a couple of punches to slow him down and it is going to be an exciting fight. I am ready to go! I will step in them ropes, bite down on the gumshield and catch this man.”
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British champion Anthony Cacace signs with Queensberry Promotions |
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British super featherweight champion Anthony Cacace (18-1) has signed with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions platform. An announcement on Anthony Cacace’s next fight will be made soon. The Belfast, Northern Ireland southpaw, 31, seized his Lonsdale belt with the memorable defeat then-unbeaten Sam Bowen in Birmingham back in November. The stylish Cacace has long been an avoided fighter and the sole loss on his card, a split decision to defeat to Martin J Ward in his first British title challenge, led to a period of inactivity before he was mandated to fight Bowen.
“I am delighted to be signing with such a big promoter who will give me the chances to be on big shows,” responded Cacace to his new beginning. “At my age and with my experience, it is what I need. I am just excited for the future. I have actually never worked with a promoter and this is my first time – I just feel that now I’ve got the opportunity to fulfil my potential or at least know where I am going.”
While Cacace obviously falls outside the prospect or young contender category, he insists he has plenty left in front of him and doesn’t have miles on the clock. “That’s it, I am a fresh 31-year-old and I’ve never been in wars. The Bowen fight was the hardest one I have ever been in and there is a lot more in me, so we have got to see how it works out. I like to think of myself as being a smart boxer. If I have to fight, I will fight, but I will do it effectively and won’t just go in with my head and lose brain cells for nothing! The Bowen fight, for me, was 50 percent of what I can actually do and I perform better in the gym. I still got the job done on the night and was good enough to beat him.
“Hopefully over the next year or two you will be able to see what I can do fully. A defence of my title is the likely option next and the likes of (Archie) Sharp and (Zelfa) Barrett I would fight them both in the morning. It is just getting them to face me.”
Hall of fame promoter Frank Warren added: “I am delighted to be working with Anthony. He showed us last year that he is a brilliant fighter when he upset Sam Bowen and won the British title on our show. Now he’s got the backing of BT Sport and Queensberry Promotions, I am confident we can take Anthony to the next level and build on his British title success.”
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British champion Anthony Cacace signs with Queensberry Promotions
British super featherweight champion Anthony Cacace (18-1) has signed with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions platform. An announcement on Anthony Cacace’s next fight will be made soon. The Belfast, Northern Ireland southpaw, 31, seized his Lonsdale belt with the memorable defeat then-unbeaten Sam Bowen in Birmingham back in November. The stylish Cacace has long been an avoided fighter and the sole loss on his card, a split decision to defeat to Martin J Ward in his first British title challenge, led to a period of inactivity before he was mandated to fight Bowen.
“I am delighted to be signing with such a big promoter who will give me the chances to be on big shows,” responded Cacace to his new beginning. “At my age and with my experience, it is what I need. I am just excited for the future. I have actually never worked with a promoter and this is my first time – I just feel that now I’ve got the opportunity to fulfil my potential or at least know where I am going.”
While Cacace obviously falls outside the prospect or young contender category, he insists he has plenty left in front of him and doesn’t have miles on the clock. “That’s it, I am a fresh 31-year-old and I’ve never been in wars. The Bowen fight was the hardest one I have ever been in and there is a lot more in me, so we have got to see how it works out. I like to think of myself as being a smart boxer. If I have to fight, I will fight, but I will do it effectively and won’t just go in with my head and lose brain cells for nothing! The Bowen fight, for me, was 50 percent of what I can actually do and I perform better in the gym. I still got the job done on the night and was good enough to beat him.
“Hopefully over the next year or two you will be able to see what I can do fully. A defence of my title is the likely option next and the likes of (Archie) Sharp and (Zelfa) Barrett I would fight them both in the morning. It is just getting them to face me.”
Hall of fame promoter Frank Warren added: “I am delighted to be working with Anthony. He showed us last year that he is a brilliant fighter when he upset Sam Bowen and won the British title on our show. Now he’s got the backing of BT Sport and Queensberry Promotions, I am confident we can take Anthony to the next level and build on his British title success.”
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March 20th Massachusetts card called off |
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Statement from Shearns Boxing Promotions: "Fight Night In Framingham", scheduled to be held (Mar. 20th) at Sheraton Framingham Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts, has been postponed indefinitely due to growing safety and health concerns associated with the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. "We had been working with the venue very closely to insure the best possible controlled environment," Shearns Boxing Promotions president Chuck Shearns explained, "but at this point the right thing to do is to take no chances. Health and safety are our top priorities. We have followed suit with other promoters and indefinitely postponed this event. "This is truly a postponement for Shearns Boxing. Our intent is to reschedule this event, the first pro boxing event ever held in Framingham, as soon as there are no health issues and all restrictions are lifted, along with state sanctioning, of course, and venue availability." All tickets sold in advance may be refunded at point of purchase, either online at EverBrite.com, or through the individual fighters.
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March 20th Massachusetts card called off
Statement from Shearns Boxing Promotions: "Fight Night In Framingham", scheduled to be held (Mar. 20th) at Sheraton Framingham Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts, has been postponed indefinitely due to growing safety and health concerns associated with the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. "We had been working with the venue very closely to insure the best possible controlled environment," Shearns Boxing Promotions president Chuck Shearns explained, "but at this point the right thing to do is to take no chances. Health and safety are our top priorities. We have followed suit with other promoters and indefinitely postponed this event. "This is truly a postponement for Shearns Boxing. Our intent is to reschedule this event, the first pro boxing event ever held in Framingham, as soon as there are no health issues and all restrictions are lifted, along with state sanctioning, of course, and venue availability." All tickets sold in advance may be refunded at point of purchase, either online at EverBrite.com, or through the individual fighters.
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Showtime has live boxing tonight! |
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Junior welterweights Brandun Lee and Camilo Prieto, both made weight a day before their ten-round showdown on Friday, March 13th, live on Showtime (10 p.m. ET/PT) from the Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minn. Lee (18-0, 16 KOs) from La Quinta, Calif., who will be making his second ShoBox appearance and first as the headline attraction, has KO’d all but two of his opponents (88.89 percent). The 33 year-old Prieto (15-2, 10 KOs) is riding a seven-fight win streak with his last loss coming in February 2017. Friday’s four fights include five boxers who have yet to taste defeat with a total record of 107 wins to just four defeats and two draws. In the co-featured bout, undefeated Brian Norman Jr. (16-0, 14 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line as he takes on Flavio Rodriguez (9-1-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup. Undefeated Alejandro Guerrero (11-0, 9 KOs) meets Jose Angulo (12-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight scrap while yet another unbeaten fighter Aram Avagyan (9-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on fellow undefeated Dagoberto Aguero (17-0, 11 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight fight. Here are final quotes from the boxers at Thursday's weigh-in:
Brandun Lee
“This is a huge step-up, a huge opportunity. I just want the world to see me perform and the fact that I am headlining on SHOWTIME is great for my career. I’m looking forward to more opportunities like this and fighting better and better competition each time.
“Every fight, we go back to the drawing board. Each fight, we are continuing to correct. Last fight, when I hurt my opponent, I came in too recklessly. I wasted all my energy and didn’t even get him out. So, we always have things to work on and always have things to learn from each fight.
“You can’t overlook anybody. This is boxing. All it takes is one punch to change everything. I respect every fighter I get in the ring with. Anything can happen.
“I’m a boxer because I love the sport. I love the attention. I love the crowd. I love everything about it. I study and go to school because you always need a Plan B. Boxing won’t last forever.
“I know that my opponent has a Cuban background. Cubans dominate at the Olympics. He’s a natural 147 so I think he’s going to be bigger and stronger than me. But the game plan will be the same. I just want to have fun, work the jab and wait for the right shot. I’m okay with taking my time. I need the rounds but at the end of the day, I’m a fighter. If I have a chance to take the guy out, I’m going to go for it.”
Camilo Prieto
“Growing up, every weekend we would watch boxing at home. With both my parents being Cuban, it was a culture thing. But I started boxing on my own because I wanted to learn how to defend myself. Once I stepped in a boxing gym, I just fell in love with the sport.
“Making it to Showtime is a huge deal for me. Nobody believed in me. I did all of this on my own. I flew myself all around the world with nothing but my gloves. It’s been a long road for me. I didn’t turn pro until the age of 27. I’ve just been hustling, relying on my friends and family. This is a dream for me. I’ve watched SHOWTIME boxing since I was a kid so to have this opportunity on Friday night, it’s a dream. I’m ready. I’m going to leave it all in the ring.
“I’ve been grinding my career out. I’ve been self-managed. I’ve just been training, learning the sport on my own. It’s hard to find fights in the U.S. so I’ve had to travel to different countries and get experience in the ring any way I can.
“Ever since I’ve been with Glen [Johnson], I’ve gotten so much better. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had. He’s really helped me starting with just the fundamentals. He’s helped me mentally. I’ve always been confident and since I’ve been with him my confidence is at another level. My mental strength has built. I feel ready for this mentally, physically and emotionally.
“This is just the beginning for me. Even though I’m 33, this is my first television opportunity. There’s a lot of fighters fighting until they are 40. I believe I have five or six years. This is my time. I feel young and I believe I can, so I will. I’m only as good as I believe I am and I’m only going to accomplish what I believe I can accomplish. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a blessing.”
Brian Norman, Jr.
“I turned pro at 17 so I had to fight a lot of my early fights in Mexico. That gave me great confidence. If you keep knocking guys out in the first round, you’re going to gain confidence. But my last fight where I couldn’t stop him was good for me too. It shows that there are some guys that are just tough to knock out so you need to find another way to win the fight.
“I know I’m on a card with some other good prospects, but I want to be the one to steal the show. I don’t care if I’m co-main event, I want people to say it was my show when the night is over. There are certain qualities that I want to show off in this fight. I know that people know I have power and agility, but I want to show off my footwork and my ring IQ too.
“My last fight was a really good learning experience for me. I thought I was pacing myself. It was good to go the full six rounds and that will help me for this eight-rounder. I was a little frustrated that I didn’t stop the guy. I came out really hard in the first round and I saw that he wasn’t falling, and I realized he would be tough to get out of there. That’s when I switched it up and just out boxed him. It’s about adjusting.
“I’m really excited. This is my first TV fight, so I need to put on a show. This will be my first impression on national boxing fans, so I want them to leave really impressed.”
Flavio Rodriguez
“I’ve had a long road to get here. I’ve fallen in and out of love with the sport of boxing, I stopped fighting for a long time. I gained a ton of weight and went all the way up to 230 pounds. I lost the weight. I’ve been injured. There’s just been so many things that have happened along the way and I am now so grateful and excited for this opportunity. I’m not worried about ring rust at all.
“I think my brain is my biggest weapon. I think I’m smarter than my opponents. I can box. I can slug it out. I assess the way my opponent fights in the first round, and then I adjust from there.
“My opponent looks good. He’s fast. He’s strong. It looks like he has some power. But I believe that I have knockout power too. I know that I’m here because I’m the older guy and I’m the steppingstone fight for him. I know how the game goes; I’ve been around for a while. They expect me to lose but I really feel that I have what it takes to beat him. I don’t think they did their homework right.
“My one loss could have gone either way I think. To be honest. I was headbutted and the blood kept getting in my eye. But he was a tough, good fighter.”
Alejandro Guerrero
“This is a little bit of a step-up fight for me. Fighting on TV is a big deal, and I’m trying to get my name out there. I don’t feel any pressure with this being a TV fight, I’m prepared to do my thing and put on a show. This is a good start but we’re nowhere near where we want to be.
“I work a full time job. I have a really busy day. I leave at four a.m. and don’t get back until 8 o’clock at night. I train in the morning, I go to work a full day, and then I train after work as well.
“I had a lot of ring rust in my last fight. Once I got to the second round, I felt much more comfortable and I made it look easy from there. I just had to get used to the lights again.
“With the style that I have, I think I’m going to rise through the rankings quickly. I bring an aggressiveness and excitement, and I think that’s going to open some eyes. People love to watch the type of fighter I am. I’m willing to go in there and put my life on the line. I like blood. I don’t mind if it’s my own blood. I’m a crowd-pleaser. It’s boring to watch boxers who just go in there and try not to get hit. Boxing to me is about who has more balls in the ring. It’s about who is going to be the last man standing. But I also listen to my coaches and I’m learning to be a smart fighter as well.
“I always want to steal the show. That’s always my goal. I’ve put in a great training camp and I’m excited to face some better, more experienced opponents. That brings out the best in me. I look like a better fighter against guys that can actually fight as opposed to guys that are just trying to survive in there.”
Jose Angulo
“There is a big difference between training in San Jose [Calif.] and training in Ecuador. The intensity has been a lot different. The sparring, the training, the conditioning, is more professional and intense here. There are a lot of good boxers around and I get really good sparring. It has helped my game tremendously and I am in the best shape I have been in.
“There are a lot of people underestimating me as a fighter because the competition back in Ecuador is not strong. Everybody is going to be in for a real surprise on Friday night. I feel the training I have been doing has really sharpened my skills and allowed me to rise to a level I wasn’t able to reach before.
“This is a really big opportunity for me to show everybody what I am able to do. The next step is to sign with a promoter, and this is a showcase for me. I’m not here to just be an opponent for the up-and-coming prospect. I am here to make a name for myself.”
Aram Avagyan
“I have worked my whole life for this. I had a great training camp, I’m dedicated, so nothing can stop me.
“I saw two of his fights on YouTube. He has experience and he was a good amateur fighter. In the ring, we will find out everything. I have a game plan for him. I will listen to my coaches and my corner and do what they tell me.
“This will be my first time on television. It’s great exposure for me. I hope that this fight opens new opportunities.
“When I first started boxing, I wasn’t very good. I was getting hit so much. But I stuck with it, I’m a dedicated person and I’m a warrior so I wanted to keep going and figure it out. There was no way I was going to quit. I love boxing, I love training, and I am here to stay.”
Dagoberto Aguero
“I have fought at bantamweight before and I can still make that weight if it’s necessary, but I feel really comfortable at featherweight right now. I am on weight and feeling really strong.
“I am really prepared for this fight. I don’t necessarily see my opponent as a step-up, I just see him as another opponent. I am always prepared to fight the best talent out there, and this will be no different.
“I’ve been a pro for seven years and it’s a little frustrating that I’m not a little more advanced. There have been some things outside the ring that have slowed me down and not allowed me to fight as much as I wanted to, but I believe my time is now. This is my time to really start advancing and making a name for myself.
“I had an extensive amateur career, and I have fought some really good opponents, including two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Robeisy Ramirez. He is the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced, and I have yet to face that type of competitor as a pro.”
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Showtime has live boxing tonight!
Junior welterweights Brandun Lee and Camilo Prieto, both made weight a day before their ten-round showdown on Friday, March 13th, live on Showtime (10 p.m. ET/PT) from the Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minn. Lee (18-0, 16 KOs) from La Quinta, Calif., who will be making his second ShoBox appearance and first as the headline attraction, has KO’d all but two of his opponents (88.89 percent). The 33 year-old Prieto (15-2, 10 KOs) is riding a seven-fight win streak with his last loss coming in February 2017. Friday’s four fights include five boxers who have yet to taste defeat with a total record of 107 wins to just four defeats and two draws. In the co-featured bout, undefeated Brian Norman Jr. (16-0, 14 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line as he takes on Flavio Rodriguez (9-1-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup. Undefeated Alejandro Guerrero (11-0, 9 KOs) meets Jose Angulo (12-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight scrap while yet another unbeaten fighter Aram Avagyan (9-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on fellow undefeated Dagoberto Aguero (17-0, 11 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight fight. Here are final quotes from the boxers at Thursday's weigh-in:
Brandun Lee
“This is a huge step-up, a huge opportunity. I just want the world to see me perform and the fact that I am headlining on SHOWTIME is great for my career. I’m looking forward to more opportunities like this and fighting better and better competition each time.
“Every fight, we go back to the drawing board. Each fight, we are continuing to correct. Last fight, when I hurt my opponent, I came in too recklessly. I wasted all my energy and didn’t even get him out. So, we always have things to work on and always have things to learn from each fight.
“You can’t overlook anybody. This is boxing. All it takes is one punch to change everything. I respect every fighter I get in the ring with. Anything can happen.
“I’m a boxer because I love the sport. I love the attention. I love the crowd. I love everything about it. I study and go to school because you always need a Plan B. Boxing won’t last forever.
“I know that my opponent has a Cuban background. Cubans dominate at the Olympics. He’s a natural 147 so I think he’s going to be bigger and stronger than me. But the game plan will be the same. I just want to have fun, work the jab and wait for the right shot. I’m okay with taking my time. I need the rounds but at the end of the day, I’m a fighter. If I have a chance to take the guy out, I’m going to go for it.”
Camilo Prieto
“Growing up, every weekend we would watch boxing at home. With both my parents being Cuban, it was a culture thing. But I started boxing on my own because I wanted to learn how to defend myself. Once I stepped in a boxing gym, I just fell in love with the sport.
“Making it to Showtime is a huge deal for me. Nobody believed in me. I did all of this on my own. I flew myself all around the world with nothing but my gloves. It’s been a long road for me. I didn’t turn pro until the age of 27. I’ve just been hustling, relying on my friends and family. This is a dream for me. I’ve watched SHOWTIME boxing since I was a kid so to have this opportunity on Friday night, it’s a dream. I’m ready. I’m going to leave it all in the ring.
“I’ve been grinding my career out. I’ve been self-managed. I’ve just been training, learning the sport on my own. It’s hard to find fights in the U.S. so I’ve had to travel to different countries and get experience in the ring any way I can.
“Ever since I’ve been with Glen [Johnson], I’ve gotten so much better. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had. He’s really helped me starting with just the fundamentals. He’s helped me mentally. I’ve always been confident and since I’ve been with him my confidence is at another level. My mental strength has built. I feel ready for this mentally, physically and emotionally.
“This is just the beginning for me. Even though I’m 33, this is my first television opportunity. There’s a lot of fighters fighting until they are 40. I believe I have five or six years. This is my time. I feel young and I believe I can, so I will. I’m only as good as I believe I am and I’m only going to accomplish what I believe I can accomplish. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a blessing.”
Brian Norman, Jr.
“I turned pro at 17 so I had to fight a lot of my early fights in Mexico. That gave me great confidence. If you keep knocking guys out in the first round, you’re going to gain confidence. But my last fight where I couldn’t stop him was good for me too. It shows that there are some guys that are just tough to knock out so you need to find another way to win the fight.
“I know I’m on a card with some other good prospects, but I want to be the one to steal the show. I don’t care if I’m co-main event, I want people to say it was my show when the night is over. There are certain qualities that I want to show off in this fight. I know that people know I have power and agility, but I want to show off my footwork and my ring IQ too.
“My last fight was a really good learning experience for me. I thought I was pacing myself. It was good to go the full six rounds and that will help me for this eight-rounder. I was a little frustrated that I didn’t stop the guy. I came out really hard in the first round and I saw that he wasn’t falling, and I realized he would be tough to get out of there. That’s when I switched it up and just out boxed him. It’s about adjusting.
“I’m really excited. This is my first TV fight, so I need to put on a show. This will be my first impression on national boxing fans, so I want them to leave really impressed.”
Flavio Rodriguez
“I’ve had a long road to get here. I’ve fallen in and out of love with the sport of boxing, I stopped fighting for a long time. I gained a ton of weight and went all the way up to 230 pounds. I lost the weight. I’ve been injured. There’s just been so many things that have happened along the way and I am now so grateful and excited for this opportunity. I’m not worried about ring rust at all.
“I think my brain is my biggest weapon. I think I’m smarter than my opponents. I can box. I can slug it out. I assess the way my opponent fights in the first round, and then I adjust from there.
“My opponent looks good. He’s fast. He’s strong. It looks like he has some power. But I believe that I have knockout power too. I know that I’m here because I’m the older guy and I’m the steppingstone fight for him. I know how the game goes; I’ve been around for a while. They expect me to lose but I really feel that I have what it takes to beat him. I don’t think they did their homework right.
“My one loss could have gone either way I think. To be honest. I was headbutted and the blood kept getting in my eye. But he was a tough, good fighter.”
Alejandro Guerrero
“This is a little bit of a step-up fight for me. Fighting on TV is a big deal, and I’m trying to get my name out there. I don’t feel any pressure with this being a TV fight, I’m prepared to do my thing and put on a show. This is a good start but we’re nowhere near where we want to be.
“I work a full time job. I have a really busy day. I leave at four a.m. and don’t get back until 8 o’clock at night. I train in the morning, I go to work a full day, and then I train after work as well.
“I had a lot of ring rust in my last fight. Once I got to the second round, I felt much more comfortable and I made it look easy from there. I just had to get used to the lights again.
“With the style that I have, I think I’m going to rise through the rankings quickly. I bring an aggressiveness and excitement, and I think that’s going to open some eyes. People love to watch the type of fighter I am. I’m willing to go in there and put my life on the line. I like blood. I don’t mind if it’s my own blood. I’m a crowd-pleaser. It’s boring to watch boxers who just go in there and try not to get hit. Boxing to me is about who has more balls in the ring. It’s about who is going to be the last man standing. But I also listen to my coaches and I’m learning to be a smart fighter as well.
“I always want to steal the show. That’s always my goal. I’ve put in a great training camp and I’m excited to face some better, more experienced opponents. That brings out the best in me. I look like a better fighter against guys that can actually fight as opposed to guys that are just trying to survive in there.”
Jose Angulo
“There is a big difference between training in San Jose [Calif.] and training in Ecuador. The intensity has been a lot different. The sparring, the training, the conditioning, is more professional and intense here. There are a lot of good boxers around and I get really good sparring. It has helped my game tremendously and I am in the best shape I have been in.
“There are a lot of people underestimating me as a fighter because the competition back in Ecuador is not strong. Everybody is going to be in for a real surprise on Friday night. I feel the training I have been doing has really sharpened my skills and allowed me to rise to a level I wasn’t able to reach before.
“This is a really big opportunity for me to show everybody what I am able to do. The next step is to sign with a promoter, and this is a showcase for me. I’m not here to just be an opponent for the up-and-coming prospect. I am here to make a name for myself.”
Aram Avagyan
“I have worked my whole life for this. I had a great training camp, I’m dedicated, so nothing can stop me.
“I saw two of his fights on YouTube. He has experience and he was a good amateur fighter. In the ring, we will find out everything. I have a game plan for him. I will listen to my coaches and my corner and do what they tell me.
“This will be my first time on television. It’s great exposure for me. I hope that this fight opens new opportunities.
“When I first started boxing, I wasn’t very good. I was getting hit so much. But I stuck with it, I’m a dedicated person and I’m a warrior so I wanted to keep going and figure it out. There was no way I was going to quit. I love boxing, I love training, and I am here to stay.”
Dagoberto Aguero
“I have fought at bantamweight before and I can still make that weight if it’s necessary, but I feel really comfortable at featherweight right now. I am on weight and feeling really strong.
“I am really prepared for this fight. I don’t necessarily see my opponent as a step-up, I just see him as another opponent. I am always prepared to fight the best talent out there, and this will be no different.
“I’ve been a pro for seven years and it’s a little frustrating that I’m not a little more advanced. There have been some things outside the ring that have slowed me down and not allowed me to fight as much as I wanted to, but I believe my time is now. This is my time to really start advancing and making a name for myself.
“I had an extensive amateur career, and I have fought some really good opponents, including two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Robeisy Ramirez. He is the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced, and I have yet to face that type of competitor as a pro.”
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Weigh-in report from Minnesota |
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Here are the boxers' weights from Hinckley, Minnesota for tomorrow night's edition of ShoBox: The Next Generation, which will be shown on Showtime:
Junior welterweights, ten-round bout
Brandun Lee – 141 ¾ lbs. -vs.- Camilo Prieto – 141 ½ lbs.
Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Pat Morley (Ill.), Mike Fitzgerald (Wisc.), John Mariano (MN)
Welterweights, eight-round bout
Brian Norman, Jr. – 146 ½ lbs. -vs.- Flavio Rodriguez – 146 ¼ lbs.
Referee: Gary Miezwa; Judges: John Mariano (Minn.), Patrick Morley (Ill.), Tim Taggart (Minn.)
Lightweights, eight-round bout
Alejandro Guerrero – 135 ¼ lbs. -vs.- Jose Angulo – 135 ½ lbs.
Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: John Mariano (Minn.), Eli Staples (Minn.), Tim Taggart (Minn.)
Featherweights, eight-round bout
Aram Avagyan – 125 ¾ lbs. -vs.- Dagoberto Aguero – 125 ½ lbs.
Referee: Gary Ritter; Judges: Mike Fitzgerald (Wisc.), Eli Staples (Minn.), Tim Taggart (Minn.)
The event is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with D&D Boxing and Rapacz Boxing.
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Weigh-in report from Minnesota
Here are the boxers' weights from Hinckley, Minnesota for tomorrow night's edition of ShoBox: The Next Generation, which will be shown on Showtime:
Junior welterweights, ten-round bout
Brandun Lee – 141 ¾ lbs. -vs.- Camilo Prieto – 141 ½ lbs.
Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Pat Morley (Ill.), Mike Fitzgerald (Wisc.), John Mariano (MN)
Welterweights, eight-round bout
Brian Norman, Jr. – 146 ½ lbs. -vs.- Flavio Rodriguez – 146 ¼ lbs.
Referee: Gary Miezwa; Judges: John Mariano (Minn.), Patrick Morley (Ill.), Tim Taggart (Minn.)
Lightweights, eight-round bout
Alejandro Guerrero – 135 ¼ lbs. -vs.- Jose Angulo – 135 ½ lbs.
Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: John Mariano (Minn.), Eli Staples (Minn.), Tim Taggart (Minn.)
Featherweights, eight-round bout
Aram Avagyan – 125 ¾ lbs. -vs.- Dagoberto Aguero – 125 ½ lbs.
Referee: Gary Ritter; Judges: Mike Fitzgerald (Wisc.), Eli Staples (Minn.), Tim Taggart (Minn.)
The event is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with D&D Boxing and Rapacz Boxing.
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Chisora on Usyk fight: "I’m going to eat leather" |
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Derek Chisora says his heavyweight clash with Ukraine’s pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk at The O2 in London on Saturday May 23rd (live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US) will be the hardest fight that he’s ever had. Nicknamed "War," Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs) scored a second-round knockout over Poland’s Artur Szpilka at The O2 in July 2019, a year on from his brutal eighth-round KO win against Carlos Takam at the same venue. He also blitzed fellow Brit David Price in four rounds last October. The fan favorite has breathed new life into his his career over the past 18 months and is now aiming to move himself back into world title contention by claiming an upset win over the former world cruiserweight champion.
“It’s going to be leather,” said Chisora. “I’m already taking dancing lessons. The guy is going to be on fire man. He’s going to be dancing bro. He’s going to be dancing. Where can you get guys who can be sparring like him? Nowhere. The guy is a dancer. He’s going to dance. It’s going to be hard, I’m not going to lie to you. I think this fight will be the hardest fight I’ve ever had. Not because the guy hasn’t got power, but because of the accuracy of his punches and the way he chucks them. When he chucks them he’s unbelievable. I’m going to have to eat leather, I’m not going to lie to you. I’m going to eat leather. I’m probably going to take five before I get one in there, but it is what it is. I eat that sh*t for breakfast. The hunger remains and the dedication is the same.”
A 2012 Olympic gold medallist, Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) cemented his place as one of the finest fighters on the planet with a phenomenal run of victories in his opponents’ backyard that saw him crowned the undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world, and Chisora confesses to being an admirer of his next opponent. “We can’t sell this fight by insulting the guy. It’s a fight for boxing fans. If I say ‘f*ck you’ to him he’s going to think I said, ‘good morning’. He doesn’t understand any English. He’s a good guy. There’s nothing wrong about this guy. He’s a funny guy, he loves life, he likes everything. He’s a boy’s boy – he’s cool. I can’t really say anything bad about this man. He’s done so much in four years. He’s done great for himself. He’s amazing, I’m a big fan of his.”
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Chisora on Usyk fight: "I’m going to eat leather"
Derek Chisora says his heavyweight clash with Ukraine’s pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk at The O2 in London on Saturday May 23rd (live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US) will be the hardest fight that he’s ever had. Nicknamed "War," Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs) scored a second-round knockout over Poland’s Artur Szpilka at The O2 in July 2019, a year on from his brutal eighth-round KO win against Carlos Takam at the same venue. He also blitzed fellow Brit David Price in four rounds last October. The fan favorite has breathed new life into his his career over the past 18 months and is now aiming to move himself back into world title contention by claiming an upset win over the former world cruiserweight champion.
“It’s going to be leather,” said Chisora. “I’m already taking dancing lessons. The guy is going to be on fire man. He’s going to be dancing bro. He’s going to be dancing. Where can you get guys who can be sparring like him? Nowhere. The guy is a dancer. He’s going to dance. It’s going to be hard, I’m not going to lie to you. I think this fight will be the hardest fight I’ve ever had. Not because the guy hasn’t got power, but because of the accuracy of his punches and the way he chucks them. When he chucks them he’s unbelievable. I’m going to have to eat leather, I’m not going to lie to you. I’m going to eat leather. I’m probably going to take five before I get one in there, but it is what it is. I eat that sh*t for breakfast. The hunger remains and the dedication is the same.”
A 2012 Olympic gold medallist, Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) cemented his place as one of the finest fighters on the planet with a phenomenal run of victories in his opponents’ backyard that saw him crowned the undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world, and Chisora confesses to being an admirer of his next opponent. “We can’t sell this fight by insulting the guy. It’s a fight for boxing fans. If I say ‘f*ck you’ to him he’s going to think I said, ‘good morning’. He doesn’t understand any English. He’s a good guy. There’s nothing wrong about this guy. He’s a funny guy, he loves life, he likes everything. He’s a boy’s boy – he’s cool. I can’t really say anything bad about this man. He’s done so much in four years. He’s done great for himself. He’s amazing, I’m a big fan of his.”
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Spotlight on British title fight between Bowes and Brown |
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Commonwealth champion Philip Bowes has criticised opponent Akeem Ennis Brown ahead their bout for the vacant British 140-pound title. Bowes (20-3, 3 KOs) faces Brown (13-0, 1 KO) for both belts on the Golden Contract bill at York Hall on March 20th. The fights will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and on ESPN+ in the US in association with Top Rank. With both men touted as possible future opponents for the winner of Golden Contract final between Ohara Davies and Tyrone McKenna, Brown previously hinted he would be prepared to face Davies and temporarily put their friendship aside.
Brown said: “Would I fight Ohara? We speak about it sometimes. We’re here to feed our family and we’ve sparred hundreds of rounds. Do the fans want to see us put our friendship aside? Money talks! We’d be friends again straight afterwards so it would just depend if the numbers are right.”
Bowes, who is also friends with Davies, offered a different take. He said: “If Ohara wins the tournament – and I’m sure that’s what’s going to happen – I wouldn’t fight him because we are friends. It just wouldn’t happen. Brown saying he would fight Ohara just goes to show he has a price. My friends are priceless to me – I never put money over friends and family. I found Brown rude and ignorant at first to be honest but maybe that was just to sell the show. I’m sure he is a cool guy really… I don’t believe I need to trash talk to sell fights. If you’re a classy fighter just be classy. Class is permanent.”
Brown replied: “I don’t think Philip Bowes is cut out for this sport. It’s a sport for kings. He needs to find another job because he’s just a little baby who throws his toys out of the pram when people don’t want to be his friend. Bowes is a beg. He begs friends of people so he can avoid fighting them. He begs friends with Ohara because he knows if they ever fought, Ohara would take his head off with one punch. He did the same with Robbie Davies Jr to avoid fighting him. The reason he doesn’t like me is because he tried to beg friends with me so he could avoid fighting me but I’m not in this for friends. I’m here to win and get money. Me and Philip can be friends once I’ve beaten him up and I’ve got the titles. It’s business. I’ll fight my Nan, my Grandad; whoever it takes to be the best and claim my place. This runs deeper than money. It’s about legacy. He’s going to know and feel my price – it’s the British & Commonwealth belts. If he wants to be friend afterwards, cool. If not, I don’t really care.”
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Spotlight on British title fight between Bowes and Brown
Commonwealth champion Philip Bowes has criticised opponent Akeem Ennis Brown ahead their bout for the vacant British 140-pound title. Bowes (20-3, 3 KOs) faces Brown (13-0, 1 KO) for both belts on the Golden Contract bill at York Hall on March 20th. The fights will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and on ESPN+ in the US in association with Top Rank. With both men touted as possible future opponents for the winner of Golden Contract final between Ohara Davies and Tyrone McKenna, Brown previously hinted he would be prepared to face Davies and temporarily put their friendship aside.
Brown said: “Would I fight Ohara? We speak about it sometimes. We’re here to feed our family and we’ve sparred hundreds of rounds. Do the fans want to see us put our friendship aside? Money talks! We’d be friends again straight afterwards so it would just depend if the numbers are right.”
Bowes, who is also friends with Davies, offered a different take. He said: “If Ohara wins the tournament – and I’m sure that’s what’s going to happen – I wouldn’t fight him because we are friends. It just wouldn’t happen. Brown saying he would fight Ohara just goes to show he has a price. My friends are priceless to me – I never put money over friends and family. I found Brown rude and ignorant at first to be honest but maybe that was just to sell the show. I’m sure he is a cool guy really… I don’t believe I need to trash talk to sell fights. If you’re a classy fighter just be classy. Class is permanent.”
Brown replied: “I don’t think Philip Bowes is cut out for this sport. It’s a sport for kings. He needs to find another job because he’s just a little baby who throws his toys out of the pram when people don’t want to be his friend. Bowes is a beg. He begs friends of people so he can avoid fighting them. He begs friends with Ohara because he knows if they ever fought, Ohara would take his head off with one punch. He did the same with Robbie Davies Jr to avoid fighting him. The reason he doesn’t like me is because he tried to beg friends with me so he could avoid fighting me but I’m not in this for friends. I’m here to win and get money. Me and Philip can be friends once I’ve beaten him up and I’ve got the titles. It’s business. I’ll fight my Nan, my Grandad; whoever it takes to be the best and claim my place. This runs deeper than money. It’s about legacy. He’s going to know and feel my price – it’s the British & Commonwealth belts. If he wants to be friend afterwards, cool. If not, I don’t really care.”
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Introducing Zambian lightweight Simon Ngoma |
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Despite suffering an unexpected defeat already in his third pro outing, 20 year-old Simon “Hitman” Ngoma (6-1 with 4 KOs), is by many considered one of the most promising Zambian prospects on the scene. On March 28th in his hometown of Lusaka, in a classic youth vs. experience match-up, he takes on former Tanzanian champion Sadiki Momba (27-10-3 with 12 KOs) in a lightweight bout. The fight will be the main event of a card promoted by Exodus Boxing Academy, and is expected to be another tough test for the young hope.
When, at age eighteen, Ngoma lost on points to former Zambian national titlist Peter Pambeni (10-3-1) in March of 2018, Ngoma was not ready for the step-up. Since then he has rebounded well and passed all tests, including victories against Tatenda Paradza (1-0), Ndodana Ncube (5-0) and Israel Kammwamba (11-5-1).
Time will tell if he is now ready for another step-up in class against Momba (age 31), who is coming off two victories and is full of confidence that he can take the up-and-comer man to school.
Ngoma has won his last three fights by knockout, all in the third round, and will be looking to also get rid of Momba in quick time. source: wbf
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Introducing Zambian lightweight Simon Ngoma
Despite suffering an unexpected defeat already in his third pro outing, 20 year-old Simon “Hitman” Ngoma (6-1 with 4 KOs), is by many considered one of the most promising Zambian prospects on the scene. On March 28th in his hometown of Lusaka, in a classic youth vs. experience match-up, he takes on former Tanzanian champion Sadiki Momba (27-10-3 with 12 KOs) in a lightweight bout. The fight will be the main event of a card promoted by Exodus Boxing Academy, and is expected to be another tough test for the young hope.
When, at age eighteen, Ngoma lost on points to former Zambian national titlist Peter Pambeni (10-3-1) in March of 2018, Ngoma was not ready for the step-up. Since then he has rebounded well and passed all tests, including victories against Tatenda Paradza (1-0), Ndodana Ncube (5-0) and Israel Kammwamba (11-5-1).
Time will tell if he is now ready for another step-up in class against Momba (age 31), who is coming off two victories and is full of confidence that he can take the up-and-comer man to school.
Ngoma has won his last three fights by knockout, all in the third round, and will be looking to also get rid of Momba in quick time. source: wbf
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Top Rank changes plans: NYC shows off |
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REVISED Statement from Top Rank: After close consultation with the New York State Athletic Commission, it has been determined that Saturday’s and Tuesday’s events cannot proceed in light of the ongoing Coronavirus crisis. Top Rank will work with the Commission to reschedule the events as soon as it is safe for all involved. [Both events were booked for Madison Square Garden. Saturday was to feature Shakur Stevenson and Tuesday was to be a St. Patrick's day show featuring Michael Conlan]. The health and safety of the fighters and their teams, and everyone involved in the promotion of these events, necessitated taking this step. We thank everyone for their understanding, and we will continue to work with our broadcast/venue partners and state and local officials to decide when the time is right to return.
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Top Rank changes plans: NYC shows off
REVISED Statement from Top Rank: After close consultation with the New York State Athletic Commission, it has been determined that Saturday’s and Tuesday’s events cannot proceed in light of the ongoing Coronavirus crisis. Top Rank will work with the Commission to reschedule the events as soon as it is safe for all involved. [Both events were booked for Madison Square Garden. Saturday was to feature Shakur Stevenson and Tuesday was to be a St. Patrick's day show featuring Michael Conlan]. The health and safety of the fighters and their teams, and everyone involved in the promotion of these events, necessitated taking this step. We thank everyone for their understanding, and we will continue to work with our broadcast/venue partners and state and local officials to decide when the time is right to return.
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Thompson Boxing's California show canceled |
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Statement from Thompson Boxing: We regretfully must cancel our annual Night of Champions dinner and private show set for Saturday, March 14th, due to COVID-19 virus that is affecting the world. The California State Athletic Commission, which sanctions all professional combative sports, is adhering to the recommendations of Governor Gavin Newsom and has cancelled all events through the end of the month. No new date has been set for Night of Champions as we will use common sense and protect our boxers, staff and fans.
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Thompson Boxing's California show canceled
Statement from Thompson Boxing: We regretfully must cancel our annual Night of Champions dinner and private show set for Saturday, March 14th, due to COVID-19 virus that is affecting the world. The California State Athletic Commission, which sanctions all professional combative sports, is adhering to the recommendations of Governor Gavin Newsom and has cancelled all events through the end of the month. No new date has been set for Night of Champions as we will use common sense and protect our boxers, staff and fans.
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PBC cancels Maryland show |
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Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, this Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions event on FS1 at MGM National Harbor in Maryland, headlined by James Kirkland vs. Marcos Hernandez and promoted by TGB Promotions, has been cancelled and will be rescheduled until a later date. “In the interest of public health and after reviewing the current information on COVID-19, we have decided the best course of action is to cancel Saturday’s event and reschedule for a later date,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “We understand how disappointing this is to boxing fans and regret any inconvenience.” All ticket orders will be refunded from your original point of purchase. If you have purchased online through Ticketmaster, all orders will be refunded automatically. If you have purchased with a credit card on property or over the phone with MGM, all orders will be refunded automatically.
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PBC cancels Maryland show
Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, this Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions event on FS1 at MGM National Harbor in Maryland, headlined by James Kirkland vs. Marcos Hernandez and promoted by TGB Promotions, has been cancelled and will be rescheduled until a later date. “In the interest of public health and after reviewing the current information on COVID-19, we have decided the best course of action is to cancel Saturday’s event and reschedule for a later date,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “We understand how disappointing this is to boxing fans and regret any inconvenience.” All ticket orders will be refunded from your original point of purchase. If you have purchased online through Ticketmaster, all orders will be refunded automatically. If you have purchased with a credit card on property or over the phone with MGM, all orders will be refunded automatically.
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Tonight's Rhode Island show cancelled! |
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Statement just issued by CES Boxing: Out of concern for all, and following the instructions from Governor Gina Raimondo and public health officials in the wake of the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Twin River Casino Hotel [in Lincoln, Rhode Island] has postponed tonight’s scheduled CES Boxing event at the Event Center. The event will be rescheduled at a later date. Tickets purchased in advance for the March 12th event will be valid on the rescheduled date or for another CES Boxing or CES MMA event. For ticket refunds, contact CES Boxing by phone at 401-724-2253 or e-mail at ticketing@teamces.com. “While we acknowledge that the fighters scheduled to compete tonight worked hard for weeks, even months, to prepare for this event, the health and safety of all parties involved is more important,” CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. “This is a unique, unprecedented, situation affecting not only Rhode Island, but the entire world, and we are committed to ensuring the safety of others above all else.”
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Tonight's Rhode Island show cancelled!
Statement just issued by CES Boxing: Out of concern for all, and following the instructions from Governor Gina Raimondo and public health officials in the wake of the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Twin River Casino Hotel [in Lincoln, Rhode Island] has postponed tonight’s scheduled CES Boxing event at the Event Center. The event will be rescheduled at a later date. Tickets purchased in advance for the March 12th event will be valid on the rescheduled date or for another CES Boxing or CES MMA event. For ticket refunds, contact CES Boxing by phone at 401-724-2253 or e-mail at ticketing@teamces.com. “While we acknowledge that the fighters scheduled to compete tonight worked hard for weeks, even months, to prepare for this event, the health and safety of all parties involved is more important,” CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. “This is a unique, unprecedented, situation affecting not only Rhode Island, but the entire world, and we are committed to ensuring the safety of others above all else.”
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Usyk-Chisora lands in London on May 23rd |
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Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk (pictured) will face British favorite Derek Chisora in a key heavyweight clash at The O2 in London on Saturday May 23rd, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) made the move to heavyweight after dominating at cruiserweight, ending his extraordinary spell at 200 pounds as the undisputed world champion with a phenomenal run of victories in his opponents’ backyard against Marco Huck, Mairis Breidis, Murat Gassiev and Tony Bellew.
The 2012 Olympic gold medalist made his heavyweight debut with a win over [semi-active] Chazz Witherspoon in seven rounds at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago last October. Usyk continues his bid to become a two-weight World Champion when he faces an in-form Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs).
Chisora scored a second-round knockout over Poland’s Artur Szpilka at The O2 in July 2019, a year after his brutal eighth-round KO win against Carlos Takam, before stopping fellow Brit David Price in four rounds last October.
Usyk said, “Boxing in Manchester in 2018 was an amazing experience, now I get to do it in London at the famous O2 Arena and I can’t wait to fight in front of the British fans once again. As a cruiserweight, I reached the highest heights as undisputed champion and now I am following the same path as a heavyweight. I expect a real test in Chisora – he is strong, tough and resilient. I recall being an amateur and watching his fight with Vitali Klitschko. It seemed so big and far away. Now I am myself taking a fight against Chisora. I am working hard in my training camp to show a spectacular performance on May 23rd. Dear friends, I will see you soon!”
“War is coming,” replied Chisora. “Usyk reckons he can step up and survive with the big boys. He may be the Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion of the World but on May 23rd he will find out what it feels like to be hit by a real Heavyweight. He is coming to my backyard, I’m going to remind him exactly why he hid in the Cruiserweight division and also get revenge for my boy, Tony Bellew. This will be war.”
“This has the potential to be one of the great O2 nights – a heavyweight blockbuster that can only be full of drama,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Usyk, who has become a UK fans favourite in his own right, did it all at cruiserweight, becoming undisputed world champion in just 15 fights. Now he attempts the same feat in the glamor division, with the big boys. Has he bitten off more than he can chew with Del Boy, who has consistently proved the doubters wrong and become one of the toughest, explosive Heavyweights in the game. Anything can happen on May 23rd, drop everything and don’t miss it!”
David Haye, the former cruiserweight world champion and heavyweight title holder who manages Chisora, said, “This barn stormer fight against Usyk, the Mandatory Challenger for Anthony Joshua’s WBO world title, has been talked about for more than six months. War Chisora had been written off by all the experts, in reality a couple of years ago people believed his career to be over and many still consider Chisora’s chances of victory on May 23rd as minute, and who can blame them? Derek is a fighter with 9 losses on his professional record, who will be stepping in a ring with a former undisputed cruiserweight world champion and 2012 Olympic Gold medallist – Usyk is a fighter found in everyone’s top five pound-for-pound list. On paper it’s mission impossible, but in reality, Chisora is preparing to bring something Usyk has never seen before, an intensity from a rock solid 119kg wrecking machine, who will bulldoze his way to a victory in his hometown.”
“Oleksandr Usyk against Derek Chisora has all the ingredients for a classic Heavyweight clash,” said Adam Smith, Sky Sports’ Head of Boxing Development. "A certain Anthony Joshua will be keeping a close eye on a potential foe for the future. We’ve got a realhHeavyweight line-up in the coming weeks, with Dillian Whyte’s explosive encounter against Alexander Povetkin, Usyk‘s risky showdown with Chisora and then AJ takes centre stage for his huge World Title fight against Kubrat Pulev.”
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Usyk-Chisora lands in London on May 23rd
Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk (pictured) will face British favorite Derek Chisora in a key heavyweight clash at The O2 in London on Saturday May 23rd, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) made the move to heavyweight after dominating at cruiserweight, ending his extraordinary spell at 200 pounds as the undisputed world champion with a phenomenal run of victories in his opponents’ backyard against Marco Huck, Mairis Breidis, Murat Gassiev and Tony Bellew.
The 2012 Olympic gold medalist made his heavyweight debut with a win over [semi-active] Chazz Witherspoon in seven rounds at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago last October. Usyk continues his bid to become a two-weight World Champion when he faces an in-form Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs).
Chisora scored a second-round knockout over Poland’s Artur Szpilka at The O2 in July 2019, a year after his brutal eighth-round KO win against Carlos Takam, before stopping fellow Brit David Price in four rounds last October.
Usyk said, “Boxing in Manchester in 2018 was an amazing experience, now I get to do it in London at the famous O2 Arena and I can’t wait to fight in front of the British fans once again. As a cruiserweight, I reached the highest heights as undisputed champion and now I am following the same path as a heavyweight. I expect a real test in Chisora – he is strong, tough and resilient. I recall being an amateur and watching his fight with Vitali Klitschko. It seemed so big and far away. Now I am myself taking a fight against Chisora. I am working hard in my training camp to show a spectacular performance on May 23rd. Dear friends, I will see you soon!”
“War is coming,” replied Chisora. “Usyk reckons he can step up and survive with the big boys. He may be the Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion of the World but on May 23rd he will find out what it feels like to be hit by a real Heavyweight. He is coming to my backyard, I’m going to remind him exactly why he hid in the Cruiserweight division and also get revenge for my boy, Tony Bellew. This will be war.”
“This has the potential to be one of the great O2 nights – a heavyweight blockbuster that can only be full of drama,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Usyk, who has become a UK fans favourite in his own right, did it all at cruiserweight, becoming undisputed world champion in just 15 fights. Now he attempts the same feat in the glamor division, with the big boys. Has he bitten off more than he can chew with Del Boy, who has consistently proved the doubters wrong and become one of the toughest, explosive Heavyweights in the game. Anything can happen on May 23rd, drop everything and don’t miss it!”
David Haye, the former cruiserweight world champion and heavyweight title holder who manages Chisora, said, “This barn stormer fight against Usyk, the Mandatory Challenger for Anthony Joshua’s WBO world title, has been talked about for more than six months. War Chisora had been written off by all the experts, in reality a couple of years ago people believed his career to be over and many still consider Chisora’s chances of victory on May 23rd as minute, and who can blame them? Derek is a fighter with 9 losses on his professional record, who will be stepping in a ring with a former undisputed cruiserweight world champion and 2012 Olympic Gold medallist – Usyk is a fighter found in everyone’s top five pound-for-pound list. On paper it’s mission impossible, but in reality, Chisora is preparing to bring something Usyk has never seen before, an intensity from a rock solid 119kg wrecking machine, who will bulldoze his way to a victory in his hometown.”
“Oleksandr Usyk against Derek Chisora has all the ingredients for a classic Heavyweight clash,” said Adam Smith, Sky Sports’ Head of Boxing Development. "A certain Anthony Joshua will be keeping a close eye on a potential foe for the future. We’ve got a realhHeavyweight line-up in the coming weeks, with Dillian Whyte’s explosive encounter against Alexander Povetkin, Usyk‘s risky showdown with Chisora and then AJ takes centre stage for his huge World Title fight against Kubrat Pulev.”
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ShoBox heavily hyping Brandun Lee |
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Junior welterweight Brandun Lee has a growing reputation and can count three accomplished pros among those who believe he is destined for the very top. Former two-division champion Timothy Bradley, Jr., WBC regular lightweight champion Devin Haney and top welterweight Jaron Ennis have seen Lee up close and all believe he will soon be a household name among boxing fans. This Friday, Lee (18-0, 16 KOs) will headline his first ShoBox: The New Generation when he takes on Camilo Prieto (15-2, 10 KOs) in a ten-round bout at the Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minn.
“Brandun is a beast,” said Ennis. “He’s a phenomenal fighter and he’s going to put on a show Friday night. I think he’ll be able to show boxing fans all his skills. He’s a monster. Him being a calm and relaxed fighter sets him apart. He’s really smart as well and has great ring IQ, but you can’t forget about his power because he has the ability to end fights early.”
Bradley and Haney have both sparred with Lee and are amazed by the bright prospect’s talent. Bradley, who appeared on ShoBox four times between 2006-08, including a split-decision over Junior Witter to win the WBC 140-pound championship, recalls sparring with a 14-year-old Lee ahead of Bradley’s fight with Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBO welterweight title in 2013. Bradley’s trainer, Joel Diaz, wanted to replicate Marquez’s counterpunching ability and believed Lee’s hand speed and counterpunching were credible.
“Lee and I sparred four complete rounds and, boy, was I impressed with his ring IQ, speed, timing and movement,” said Bradley. “For a young man with no pro experience, he was able to hold his own. Brandun is from my area so I follow him from afar and I really admire his game. He's undefeated and that's not surprising at all. I believe Lee has the goods to become a world champion and at this point he is still gaining experience and momentum towards his dream.
“There are still questions that need to be answered by Lee. How will he respond if he is ever knocked down? How will he do against someone just like himself; someone undefeated, stern and just as hungry? It's going to be fun to watch him as he continues his journey. He has the skill to rise to the top but we all know it takes more than just skills. He's on the right course and I back him 110 percent.”
Haney believes Lee has the potential to move up the ranks quite quickly as well. “If you haven’t heard of Brandun Lee, you will very soon,” said Haney, now 21 years old. “He has the talent and power to make some real noise in the welterweight division. I sparred him before and trust me, he’s a real dog. I’m looking forward to watching on March 13 and I expect my guy to put on a hell of a performance on ShoBox: The New Generation.”
Lee has also sparred with Oxnard, Calif.’s Mikey Garcia and Mauricio Herrera, who lost a close decision to then-unified champion Danny Garcia in 2014.
Friday’s four-fight ShoBox telecast includes five boxers who have yet to taste defeat with a total record of 107 wins to just four defeats and two draws. In the co-feature, Brian Norman Jr. (16-0, 14 KOs) takes on Flavio Rodriguez (9-1-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup... Alejandro Guerrero (11-0, 9 KOs) meets Jose Angulo (12-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight scrap... and Aram Avagyan (9-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on fellow undefeated Dagoberto Aguero (17-0, 11 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight fight.
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ShoBox heavily hyping Brandun Lee
Junior welterweight Brandun Lee has a growing reputation and can count three accomplished pros among those who believe he is destined for the very top. Former two-division champion Timothy Bradley, Jr., WBC regular lightweight champion Devin Haney and top welterweight Jaron Ennis have seen Lee up close and all believe he will soon be a household name among boxing fans. This Friday, Lee (18-0, 16 KOs) will headline his first ShoBox: The New Generation when he takes on Camilo Prieto (15-2, 10 KOs) in a ten-round bout at the Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minn.
“Brandun is a beast,” said Ennis. “He’s a phenomenal fighter and he’s going to put on a show Friday night. I think he’ll be able to show boxing fans all his skills. He’s a monster. Him being a calm and relaxed fighter sets him apart. He’s really smart as well and has great ring IQ, but you can’t forget about his power because he has the ability to end fights early.”
Bradley and Haney have both sparred with Lee and are amazed by the bright prospect’s talent. Bradley, who appeared on ShoBox four times between 2006-08, including a split-decision over Junior Witter to win the WBC 140-pound championship, recalls sparring with a 14-year-old Lee ahead of Bradley’s fight with Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBO welterweight title in 2013. Bradley’s trainer, Joel Diaz, wanted to replicate Marquez’s counterpunching ability and believed Lee’s hand speed and counterpunching were credible.
“Lee and I sparred four complete rounds and, boy, was I impressed with his ring IQ, speed, timing and movement,” said Bradley. “For a young man with no pro experience, he was able to hold his own. Brandun is from my area so I follow him from afar and I really admire his game. He's undefeated and that's not surprising at all. I believe Lee has the goods to become a world champion and at this point he is still gaining experience and momentum towards his dream.
“There are still questions that need to be answered by Lee. How will he respond if he is ever knocked down? How will he do against someone just like himself; someone undefeated, stern and just as hungry? It's going to be fun to watch him as he continues his journey. He has the skill to rise to the top but we all know it takes more than just skills. He's on the right course and I back him 110 percent.”
Haney believes Lee has the potential to move up the ranks quite quickly as well. “If you haven’t heard of Brandun Lee, you will very soon,” said Haney, now 21 years old. “He has the talent and power to make some real noise in the welterweight division. I sparred him before and trust me, he’s a real dog. I’m looking forward to watching on March 13 and I expect my guy to put on a hell of a performance on ShoBox: The New Generation.”
Lee has also sparred with Oxnard, Calif.’s Mikey Garcia and Mauricio Herrera, who lost a close decision to then-unified champion Danny Garcia in 2014.
Friday’s four-fight ShoBox telecast includes five boxers who have yet to taste defeat with a total record of 107 wins to just four defeats and two draws. In the co-feature, Brian Norman Jr. (16-0, 14 KOs) takes on Flavio Rodriguez (9-1-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup... Alejandro Guerrero (11-0, 9 KOs) meets Jose Angulo (12-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight scrap... and Aram Avagyan (9-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on fellow undefeated Dagoberto Aguero (17-0, 11 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight fight.
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