WBA making a long-term play to control Olympic boxing? |
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The president of the WBA, Gilberto Jesús Mendoza, signed an agreement with Umar Kremlev, president of the [troubled amateur boxing federation] International Boxing Association (IBA) on Saturday morning in Mexico City. [As a result of documented IBA corruption, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) withdrew the IBA's right to administer the Olympic process, including determination of the qualifying crtieria and the Olympic boxing tournament itself for 2024-- just as it barred IBA from the 2021 games in Tokyo. While boxing is still on the schedule for the Paris 2024 Olympics, it will be governed by an IOC-appointed task force, following the precedent set at the Tokyo Olympics. Even worse, the future of boxing in the Olympics is in jeopardy because it has not yet been approved for the 2028 Olympics. As previously reported by the Guardian and elsewhere, the IOC told IBA in writing that it had “significant concerns” about IBA's governance and financing. This latest alliance between the WBA and IBA may be an attempt to whitewash IBA's corruption and allow the WBA to gain a position as the governing body of Olympic and amateur world championship boxing.]
The WBA announced that it will cooperate with IBA at the world level after reaching an agreement within the framework of the WBA's “One Boxing” project, one of the flagships of Mendoza’s management since he assumed the leadership of the WBA in 2015. “This agreement with IBA is something that will bring many benefits to boxing. I have always had the slogan that Boxing is One and being able to bring the most important entity of professional boxing closer to the most outstanding of amateur boxing is a huge step towards achieving our goals and integrating this great sport,” Mendoza said during his meeting with Kremlev.
Both leaders signed an agreement with 10 key points that seeks to promote amateur boxing and the integration of both branches for the systematic development of the sport. “Within IBA, we are building a global home of boxing. The cooperation between IBA and WBA can provide the future of boxing as a sport, our goal is to build the bridge between the two organizations and give more opportunities to all boxers worldwide,” Kremlev said.
Among the most important points is the development of the WBA Academy, which through integration with the IBA will manage and organize different events. The agreement also includes cooperation in the development of amateur athletes and their integration into professional boxing through specific programs.
A strategy will be studied to implement the World Boxing Tour program, in which the WBA will provide advice to the IBA and which will consist of a series of events that will award points to the fighters for the IBA world ranking. Another important element will be the mutual cooperation on protocols and medical issues for the safety and health of the fighters. In the development aspect, training camps for officials will also be promoted and their training and constant updating will be sought. A WBA/IBA development program for trainers will also be implemented and an analysis of the regulations will be sought to update technical rules in official competitions.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE OF IBA
SEPTEMBER 26, 2022: With boxing in jeopardy as an Olympic sport for the 2028 games, the corrupt governing body IBA has given a vote of confidence to the same president who has brought the amateur sport to the brink of disaster. Here is the announcement just issued by IBA: "The Congress of IBA reconfirmed the vote of confidence for President Umar Kremlev at its extraordinary meeting in Yerevan, Armenia. Congress voted against the new elections. Delegates cast 106 votes against, which is 75%, 36 votes for, and 4 abstained out of 146 eligible National Federations. According to the Congress’ decision, Kremlev is to hold his position for 4-years term.
‘I thank National Federations for their trust. This is the full stop in all governance issues within IBA, Congress showed its will clearly in a transparent manner. I respect the decision of our National Federations and will do everything possible to support them, as well as our athletes and coaches,’ said Kremlev.
‘I want to send a clear message today. IBA is an independent and strong organization. Our Congress has proved today that we are on a right track. Now I will present a 4-years development plan today at the Board of Directors meeting. I have a clear vision of what we have to do to achieve our goals,’ he added.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2022: The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that a new boxing qualification system for the 2024 Olympic Games was approved after last week's full update on the situation of boxing, including governance issues within the International Boxing Association (IBA). After deciding last June that the boxing qualifying events and competitions for Paris 2024 would NOT be run under the [corrupt] authority of the IBA, the EB was presented with an additional qualification model, which was approved during its meeting in Lausanne, Switzwerland.
Designed by the IOC in close collaboration with boxing experts, the new qualification system is based on direct qualification through selected competitions, including the use of National Olympic Committee (NOC) regional multisport events as Olympic boxing qualification tournaments. The responsibility for the boxing competitions in the following events will therefore not lie with the IBA, and alternative arrangements will be put in place with the respective event organizers:
Pan-American Games – Santiago 2023;
European Games – Krakow 2023;
Pacific Games – Honiara 2023;
Asian Games – Hangzhou (taking place in 2023); and
ANOCA (Africa) multisport event (to be confirmed).
Following the continental phase of the quota place allocation, two world qualification tournaments are planned to be held in 2024.
The new Olympic qualification process puts boxers first, lowering the complexity of the qualification process by using existing regional events and giving up to three qualification opportunities, ultimately achieving a fair and equal pathway for all boxers.
Remaining concerns over IBA: The various IOC concerns around the governance of the IBA, including the refereeing and judging process and the IBA’s financial dependency on the state-owned company Gazprom, are still ongoing. The EB today received a report on the issues related to competition management and refereeing and judging processes highlighted by independent experts during the boxing competition at the recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
It also noted that no clear efforts have been made by the IBA to respect and fully implement the roadmap set out by the IOC EB in December 2021 with regard to the IBA’s governance.
As a consequence, the EB has sent a letter to the IBA informing it of the IOC’s ongoing grave concern. Boxing is currently not included in the sports programme of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 and, considering the absence of any real evolution, the IOC Executive Board is not in a position to reverse its decision. This letter will be shared with the NOCs and national boxing federations.
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WBA making a long-term play to control Olympic boxing?
The president of the WBA, Gilberto Jesús Mendoza, signed an agreement with Umar Kremlev, president of the [troubled amateur boxing federation] International Boxing Association (IBA) on Saturday morning in Mexico City. [As a result of documented IBA corruption, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) withdrew the IBA's right to administer the Olympic process, including determination of the qualifying crtieria and the Olympic boxing tournament itself for 2024-- just as it barred IBA from the 2021 games in Tokyo. While boxing is still on the schedule for the Paris 2024 Olympics, it will be governed by an IOC-appointed task force, following the precedent set at the Tokyo Olympics. Even worse, the future of boxing in the Olympics is in jeopardy because it has not yet been approved for the 2028 Olympics. As previously reported by the Guardian and elsewhere, the IOC told IBA in writing that it had “significant concerns” about IBA's governance and financing. This latest alliance between the WBA and IBA may be an attempt to whitewash IBA's corruption and allow the WBA to gain a position as the governing body of Olympic and amateur world championship boxing.]
The WBA announced that it will cooperate with IBA at the world level after reaching an agreement within the framework of the WBA's “One Boxing” project, one of the flagships of Mendoza’s management since he assumed the leadership of the WBA in 2015. “This agreement with IBA is something that will bring many benefits to boxing. I have always had the slogan that Boxing is One and being able to bring the most important entity of professional boxing closer to the most outstanding of amateur boxing is a huge step towards achieving our goals and integrating this great sport,” Mendoza said during his meeting with Kremlev.
Both leaders signed an agreement with 10 key points that seeks to promote amateur boxing and the integration of both branches for the systematic development of the sport. “Within IBA, we are building a global home of boxing. The cooperation between IBA and WBA can provide the future of boxing as a sport, our goal is to build the bridge between the two organizations and give more opportunities to all boxers worldwide,” Kremlev said.
Among the most important points is the development of the WBA Academy, which through integration with the IBA will manage and organize different events. The agreement also includes cooperation in the development of amateur athletes and their integration into professional boxing through specific programs.
A strategy will be studied to implement the World Boxing Tour program, in which the WBA will provide advice to the IBA and which will consist of a series of events that will award points to the fighters for the IBA world ranking. Another important element will be the mutual cooperation on protocols and medical issues for the safety and health of the fighters. In the development aspect, training camps for officials will also be promoted and their training and constant updating will be sought. A WBA/IBA development program for trainers will also be implemented and an analysis of the regulations will be sought to update technical rules in official competitions.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE OF IBA
SEPTEMBER 26, 2022: With boxing in jeopardy as an Olympic sport for the 2028 games, the corrupt governing body IBA has given a vote of confidence to the same president who has brought the amateur sport to the brink of disaster. Here is the announcement just issued by IBA: "The Congress of IBA reconfirmed the vote of confidence for President Umar Kremlev at its extraordinary meeting in Yerevan, Armenia. Congress voted against the new elections. Delegates cast 106 votes against, which is 75%, 36 votes for, and 4 abstained out of 146 eligible National Federations. According to the Congress’ decision, Kremlev is to hold his position for 4-years term.
‘I thank National Federations for their trust. This is the full stop in all governance issues within IBA, Congress showed its will clearly in a transparent manner. I respect the decision of our National Federations and will do everything possible to support them, as well as our athletes and coaches,’ said Kremlev.
‘I want to send a clear message today. IBA is an independent and strong organization. Our Congress has proved today that we are on a right track. Now I will present a 4-years development plan today at the Board of Directors meeting. I have a clear vision of what we have to do to achieve our goals,’ he added.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2022: The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that a new boxing qualification system for the 2024 Olympic Games was approved after last week's full update on the situation of boxing, including governance issues within the International Boxing Association (IBA). After deciding last June that the boxing qualifying events and competitions for Paris 2024 would NOT be run under the [corrupt] authority of the IBA, the EB was presented with an additional qualification model, which was approved during its meeting in Lausanne, Switzwerland.
Designed by the IOC in close collaboration with boxing experts, the new qualification system is based on direct qualification through selected competitions, including the use of National Olympic Committee (NOC) regional multisport events as Olympic boxing qualification tournaments. The responsibility for the boxing competitions in the following events will therefore not lie with the IBA, and alternative arrangements will be put in place with the respective event organizers:
Pan-American Games – Santiago 2023;
European Games – Krakow 2023;
Pacific Games – Honiara 2023;
Asian Games – Hangzhou (taking place in 2023); and
ANOCA (Africa) multisport event (to be confirmed).
Following the continental phase of the quota place allocation, two world qualification tournaments are planned to be held in 2024.
The new Olympic qualification process puts boxers first, lowering the complexity of the qualification process by using existing regional events and giving up to three qualification opportunities, ultimately achieving a fair and equal pathway for all boxers.
Remaining concerns over IBA: The various IOC concerns around the governance of the IBA, including the refereeing and judging process and the IBA’s financial dependency on the state-owned company Gazprom, are still ongoing. The EB today received a report on the issues related to competition management and refereeing and judging processes highlighted by independent experts during the boxing competition at the recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
It also noted that no clear efforts have been made by the IBA to respect and fully implement the roadmap set out by the IOC EB in December 2021 with regard to the IBA’s governance.
As a consequence, the EB has sent a letter to the IBA informing it of the IOC’s ongoing grave concern. Boxing is currently not included in the sports programme of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 and, considering the absence of any real evolution, the IOC Executive Board is not in a position to reverse its decision. This letter will be shared with the NOCs and national boxing federations.
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It's fight week for Williamson vs. Kelly |
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The British junor middleweight title bout will be decided this Friday December 2nd in Newcastle when Josh Kelly (12-2-1 including the World Series of Boxing) looks to dethrone current champion Troy Williamson (19-0-1) at the Utilita Arena, live on Channel 5. Kelly is coming off a unanimous decision win over Lucas Bastida back in July, which saw thwe origins of this bout ignite when he squared off with Williamson in the ring post-fight and showed his desire to take the Darlington man’s Lonsdale belt.
Following a good training camp, Kelly is confident he is in the best condition to end his opponent’s unbeaten record. Williamson is a tremendously talented athlete, but all of the hours committed to the gym are something that ‘PBK’ and his team believe guarantee him a win on Friday night. "Camp has been nothing short of phenomenal. Every ounce of my being has gone into this fight and what the reward is at the end of it all will make it worth it. I'm used to sacrifice but i have taken it to new heights this time around,” said Kelly. "I've always been a professional and treated my preparations in a way that reflects that, but this is an improved Josh Kelly that is going to tick the British Title off his Christmas list before going on to challenge the world's best."
His relationship with coach Adam Booth has been integral in Kelly’s renaissance that has seen him stop Peter Kramer within four rounds in June of this year, along with his win over Bastida the following month. Booth has made constant appearances alongside some of the country’s greatest boxers and world champions like former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye, along with George Groves, and Kelly is looking to be the next name to such a list. As much as the coach will only want to be a part of someone they have full faith in, Kelly sees his trainer as a tremendously important part of going on to reach the pinnacle of his division.
"What Adam provides is more than just all of his unmatched knowledge and tactics regarding boxing; he lets you know your worth,” said Kelly. “My self-confidence is never lacking but having a man who is only accustomed to world champion boxers investing the time in you makes you realise what level you are on personally. I have top level facilities and a top-level coach, and you'll see a top-level performance on Friday night."
“Of course I’m confident. I’ve been preparing my whole life for big nights and I’ve already experienced plenty of them too,” continued Kelly. “This is exactly where I want to be and just the first of many belts to add to the collection.”
There is going to be a fairy-tale night in store for one of these athletes, and speaking to Kelly will absolutely make you believe it is going to be the man from Sunderland. This fight lends itself to being the catalyst in the next phase of Kelly’s career, and this is the perfect stage to kickstart the hunt for world honours once again.
“The champion of my country, in my home of the North East, the script is written for a dream night.”
Williamson vs. Kelly for the British 154-pound championship will top a huge night of boxing in the North-East on Friday December 2nd at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle. ‘Magic’ Matty Harris looks to continue his KO streak... Former champion Katharina Thanderz (14-1, 2 KOs), local rising star Ben Marksby (5-0) and Newcastle's Jordan Barker-Porter (5-1, 1 KO) all feature on the unbdercard... Junior middleweight Bobby Dalton (2-0), junior welterweight Travis Walker, Ewan Mckenzie (5-0, 3 KOs) and super middleweight Joe Laws (12-2, 5 KOs) are also added to make up a stacked card. Co-promoted by Wasserman Boxing and Probellum in association with William Hill and Infinitum Entertainment, all the action will be shown live and free on Channel
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It's fight week for Williamson vs. Kelly
The British junor middleweight title bout will be decided this Friday December 2nd in Newcastle when Josh Kelly (12-2-1 including the World Series of Boxing) looks to dethrone current champion Troy Williamson (19-0-1) at the Utilita Arena, live on Channel 5. Kelly is coming off a unanimous decision win over Lucas Bastida back in July, which saw thwe origins of this bout ignite when he squared off with Williamson in the ring post-fight and showed his desire to take the Darlington man’s Lonsdale belt.
Following a good training camp, Kelly is confident he is in the best condition to end his opponent’s unbeaten record. Williamson is a tremendously talented athlete, but all of the hours committed to the gym are something that ‘PBK’ and his team believe guarantee him a win on Friday night. "Camp has been nothing short of phenomenal. Every ounce of my being has gone into this fight and what the reward is at the end of it all will make it worth it. I'm used to sacrifice but i have taken it to new heights this time around,” said Kelly. "I've always been a professional and treated my preparations in a way that reflects that, but this is an improved Josh Kelly that is going to tick the British Title off his Christmas list before going on to challenge the world's best."
His relationship with coach Adam Booth has been integral in Kelly’s renaissance that has seen him stop Peter Kramer within four rounds in June of this year, along with his win over Bastida the following month. Booth has made constant appearances alongside some of the country’s greatest boxers and world champions like former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye, along with George Groves, and Kelly is looking to be the next name to such a list. As much as the coach will only want to be a part of someone they have full faith in, Kelly sees his trainer as a tremendously important part of going on to reach the pinnacle of his division.
"What Adam provides is more than just all of his unmatched knowledge and tactics regarding boxing; he lets you know your worth,” said Kelly. “My self-confidence is never lacking but having a man who is only accustomed to world champion boxers investing the time in you makes you realise what level you are on personally. I have top level facilities and a top-level coach, and you'll see a top-level performance on Friday night."
“Of course I’m confident. I’ve been preparing my whole life for big nights and I’ve already experienced plenty of them too,” continued Kelly. “This is exactly where I want to be and just the first of many belts to add to the collection.”
There is going to be a fairy-tale night in store for one of these athletes, and speaking to Kelly will absolutely make you believe it is going to be the man from Sunderland. This fight lends itself to being the catalyst in the next phase of Kelly’s career, and this is the perfect stage to kickstart the hunt for world honours once again.
“The champion of my country, in my home of the North East, the script is written for a dream night.”
Williamson vs. Kelly for the British 154-pound championship will top a huge night of boxing in the North-East on Friday December 2nd at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle. ‘Magic’ Matty Harris looks to continue his KO streak... Former champion Katharina Thanderz (14-1, 2 KOs), local rising star Ben Marksby (5-0) and Newcastle's Jordan Barker-Porter (5-1, 1 KO) all feature on the unbdercard... Junior middleweight Bobby Dalton (2-0), junior welterweight Travis Walker, Ewan Mckenzie (5-0, 3 KOs) and super middleweight Joe Laws (12-2, 5 KOs) are also added to make up a stacked card. Co-promoted by Wasserman Boxing and Probellum in association with William Hill and Infinitum Entertainment, all the action will be shown live and free on Channel
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Late result: Stephan Shaw is now 18-0 |
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Stephan Shaw W8 Rydell Booker... Last Tuesday night at The Edison Ballroom in New York City, heavyweight Stephan Shaw remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over 41 year-old Rydell Booker in a heavyweight bout. Shaw, managed by Split-T Management, dominated the action and boxed very well. He busted up Booker with good jabs and right hands so that Booker’s nose was bleeding in the seventh round. From St. Louis, the 234-pound Shaw, won by scores of 80-72 on all three cards and is now 18-0. Booker, a former cruiserweight who is up to 256.6 pounds, falls to 26-7-1. Booker is now 0-5-1 in hils last six bouts, although he fights a very high level of competition. Shaw is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank.
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Late result: Stephan Shaw is now 18-0
Stephan Shaw W8 Rydell Booker... Last Tuesday night at The Edison Ballroom in New York City, heavyweight Stephan Shaw remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over 41 year-old Rydell Booker in a heavyweight bout. Shaw, managed by Split-T Management, dominated the action and boxed very well. He busted up Booker with good jabs and right hands so that Booker’s nose was bleeding in the seventh round. From St. Louis, the 234-pound Shaw, won by scores of 80-72 on all three cards and is now 18-0. Booker, a former cruiserweight who is up to 256.6 pounds, falls to 26-7-1. Booker is now 0-5-1 in hils last six bouts, although he fights a very high level of competition. Shaw is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank.
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Super flyweight Robert Paradero takes road assignment |
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South Africa's Gcina Makhoba (8-1-1) will be in for his biggest challenge to date on Saturday, December 3rd. Makhoba, a super flyweight, will be fighting in his hometown, Dundee in KwaZulu-Natal but in the opposing corner will be Filipino Robert Paradero (18-3-1), a man with much more world-level experience than the local man. Paradero, age 26, twice challenged for WBA titles last year, losing by split decision to Victorio Saludar for the regular title and by fifth-round stoppage to Thammanoon Niyomtrong for the super championship. He will likely fancy his chances against an opponent who has yet to compete at his level. HLE-jobe Promotions will present the show at Majuba College Hall in Dundee, South Africa.
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Super flyweight Robert Paradero takes road assignment
South Africa's Gcina Makhoba (8-1-1) will be in for his biggest challenge to date on Saturday, December 3rd. Makhoba, a super flyweight, will be fighting in his hometown, Dundee in KwaZulu-Natal but in the opposing corner will be Filipino Robert Paradero (18-3-1), a man with much more world-level experience than the local man. Paradero, age 26, twice challenged for WBA titles last year, losing by split decision to Victorio Saludar for the regular title and by fifth-round stoppage to Thammanoon Niyomtrong for the super championship. He will likely fancy his chances against an opponent who has yet to compete at his level. HLE-jobe Promotions will present the show at Majuba College Hall in Dundee, South Africa.
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Boxingtalk salutes 12 world youth amateur champions |
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On Friday, twelve newly crowned IBA youth world champions earned gold medals at the Ciudad Deportiva Camilo Cano arena in La Nucía, Spain. Gulsevar Ganieva from Uzbekistan celebrated the first victory of the day in the women’s 48 kilogram (106-pound) category. She topped Bhawna Sharma from India with a unanimous decision. After the first round, Ganieva had an advantage on three of five scorecards. She won unanimously in the second round and was able to keep leading until the end of the fight... In men’s 48kg (106-pound), India's Vishvanath Suresh met Ronel Suyom from the Philippines. Both athletes demonstrated impressive speed in the ring in their exchanges. Suresh was more precise in his punches and wom via a split decision 4-1.
Suresh said afterwards, I am very happy I got the gold and this is my last youth tournament. My parents will be very happy, along with my people from the village and everyone else who supported me. The opponent was good, but I faced tougher bouts in the earlier stage of the tournament. I am very excited that I won the bout unanimously."
Defending Youth European Champion, Serbia's Sara Cirkovic was too strong for Sofie Vinther Rosshaug of Denmark. The 18 year-old Cirkovic secured a lead after two rounds, and in the third, she finished a victorious fight in a confident manner. "I can’t say that I didn’t expect the gold because since we started, that was the only thing on our minds, and we really prepared a lot, I think we deserved the gold. This is my biggest success so far, this year I won European gold and was declared the best female boxer at the European Championships. This year passes without a single defeat and I had 21 bouts," Cirkovic said emotionally.
In the next fight of the evening, Mexico met Cuba in men’s 51kg (112 pounds). In the spectacular fight between Ari Bonilla and Ewart Andres Marin Hernandez, the Mexican led the bout and celebrated his first international victory with a split decision 4-1. After the fight, Bonilla dedicated his medal to his brother Andrey Bonilla who also took part in the IBA Youth World Championships in 54kg and lost in his quarterfinal bout. "I am very happy with my gold medal and dedicate it to my brother. Now my goal is to become a winner in all future competitions," Ari Bonilla claimed.
In women’s 52kg (115-pound) category, Lauren Mackie from England defeated India's Devika Satyajit Ghorpade, who didn’t have much of a chance. She won with confidence and said after the fight that she missed her dad who is waiting for her at home. She dedicated her gold to him and her coaches.
India's Ashish was very well-prepared for the competition and demonstrated that in the ring against Japanese Yuta Sakai in men’s 54kg (119 pounds). However, after two rounds the score was equal, and the third round was the decisive one. Ashish bravely went ahead with his fast punches, but Sakai was more successful in his attacks. After the bout review, the Japanese celebrated the victory with a split decision.
Kazakhstan’s Elina Bazarova faced Germany’s Chrisovalantou Koutsochristou in one of the most exciting bouts of the day in women’s 54kg (119 pounds). The first two rounds were taken by Bazarova, and the referee counted twice for the German athlete. It didn’t stop Koutsochristou, and she kept going forward. However, this was not enough to win, as the Kazakh athlete showed her best and celebrated a victory 5-0.
Bakhtiyor Asadov unanimously defeated his Mexican rival Gael Ezequiel Cabrera Urias in men’s 57kg (126 pounds). He thanked his coaches for hard work done to prepare for this tournament.
Asya Ari from Germany met with Yoseline Guadalupe Perez of the United States and the Germa lost by RSC in the first round. The winner told that it made this victory special. ‘It feels amazing,’ Perez was almost crying. ‘There is no greater feeling in the world. I said I am going to do this, and I did this. I want to dedicate this medal to my family back home, it’s been weeks since I have last seen them. But I take them anywhere with me and feel their support."
Armenia's Erik Israyelyan triumphed in the men’s 60kg (132-pound) final Georgia's Gocha Gordulava. The referee admoinistered two counts to the Georgian, and Israyelyan made it with a unanimous victory. He couldn’t hide his emotions after he earned the gold medal.
Maud van der Toorn from the Netherlands met with Ukrainian boxer Tetiana Dovhal in the final fight in women’s 60kg (132-pound). She didn’t leave much to chance for her opponent. Van der Toorn’s parents were at the arena supporting their daughter. She said that this support was crucial for her.
In the last bout of the evening, India's Vanshaj fought against Demur Kajaia from Georgia in 65.3kg (144-pound). The athletes had some exciting exchanges, but Vanshaj was stronger today and won by unanimous decision. "I feel very proud of my country, I am waiting for the moment to hear my anthem on the podium. That will be the biggest moment of my life. I was very confident from the first bout, my main focus was on the gold medal," Vanshaj claimed.
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Boxingtalk salutes 12 world youth amateur champions
On Friday, twelve newly crowned IBA youth world champions earned gold medals at the Ciudad Deportiva Camilo Cano arena in La Nucía, Spain. Gulsevar Ganieva from Uzbekistan celebrated the first victory of the day in the women’s 48 kilogram (106-pound) category. She topped Bhawna Sharma from India with a unanimous decision. After the first round, Ganieva had an advantage on three of five scorecards. She won unanimously in the second round and was able to keep leading until the end of the fight... In men’s 48kg (106-pound), India's Vishvanath Suresh met Ronel Suyom from the Philippines. Both athletes demonstrated impressive speed in the ring in their exchanges. Suresh was more precise in his punches and wom via a split decision 4-1.
Suresh said afterwards, I am very happy I got the gold and this is my last youth tournament. My parents will be very happy, along with my people from the village and everyone else who supported me. The opponent was good, but I faced tougher bouts in the earlier stage of the tournament. I am very excited that I won the bout unanimously."
Defending Youth European Champion, Serbia's Sara Cirkovic was too strong for Sofie Vinther Rosshaug of Denmark. The 18 year-old Cirkovic secured a lead after two rounds, and in the third, she finished a victorious fight in a confident manner. "I can’t say that I didn’t expect the gold because since we started, that was the only thing on our minds, and we really prepared a lot, I think we deserved the gold. This is my biggest success so far, this year I won European gold and was declared the best female boxer at the European Championships. This year passes without a single defeat and I had 21 bouts," Cirkovic said emotionally.
In the next fight of the evening, Mexico met Cuba in men’s 51kg (112 pounds). In the spectacular fight between Ari Bonilla and Ewart Andres Marin Hernandez, the Mexican led the bout and celebrated his first international victory with a split decision 4-1. After the fight, Bonilla dedicated his medal to his brother Andrey Bonilla who also took part in the IBA Youth World Championships in 54kg and lost in his quarterfinal bout. "I am very happy with my gold medal and dedicate it to my brother. Now my goal is to become a winner in all future competitions," Ari Bonilla claimed.
In women’s 52kg (115-pound) category, Lauren Mackie from England defeated India's Devika Satyajit Ghorpade, who didn’t have much of a chance. She won with confidence and said after the fight that she missed her dad who is waiting for her at home. She dedicated her gold to him and her coaches.
India's Ashish was very well-prepared for the competition and demonstrated that in the ring against Japanese Yuta Sakai in men’s 54kg (119 pounds). However, after two rounds the score was equal, and the third round was the decisive one. Ashish bravely went ahead with his fast punches, but Sakai was more successful in his attacks. After the bout review, the Japanese celebrated the victory with a split decision.
Kazakhstan’s Elina Bazarova faced Germany’s Chrisovalantou Koutsochristou in one of the most exciting bouts of the day in women’s 54kg (119 pounds). The first two rounds were taken by Bazarova, and the referee counted twice for the German athlete. It didn’t stop Koutsochristou, and she kept going forward. However, this was not enough to win, as the Kazakh athlete showed her best and celebrated a victory 5-0.
Bakhtiyor Asadov unanimously defeated his Mexican rival Gael Ezequiel Cabrera Urias in men’s 57kg (126 pounds). He thanked his coaches for hard work done to prepare for this tournament.
Asya Ari from Germany met with Yoseline Guadalupe Perez of the United States and the Germa lost by RSC in the first round. The winner told that it made this victory special. ‘It feels amazing,’ Perez was almost crying. ‘There is no greater feeling in the world. I said I am going to do this, and I did this. I want to dedicate this medal to my family back home, it’s been weeks since I have last seen them. But I take them anywhere with me and feel their support."
Armenia's Erik Israyelyan triumphed in the men’s 60kg (132-pound) final Georgia's Gocha Gordulava. The referee admoinistered two counts to the Georgian, and Israyelyan made it with a unanimous victory. He couldn’t hide his emotions after he earned the gold medal.
Maud van der Toorn from the Netherlands met with Ukrainian boxer Tetiana Dovhal in the final fight in women’s 60kg (132-pound). She didn’t leave much to chance for her opponent. Van der Toorn’s parents were at the arena supporting their daughter. She said that this support was crucial for her.
In the last bout of the evening, India's Vanshaj fought against Demur Kajaia from Georgia in 65.3kg (144-pound). The athletes had some exciting exchanges, but Vanshaj was stronger today and won by unanimous decision. "I feel very proud of my country, I am waiting for the moment to hear my anthem on the podium. That will be the biggest moment of my life. I was very confident from the first bout, my main focus was on the gold medal," Vanshaj claimed.
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Boxingtalk's Sunday fight predictions |
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Here are Boxingtalk's Sunday fight predictions, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Lerrone Richards (16-0) vs. Zak Chelli (12-1-1) (super middleweights) … Prediction: Richards by wide unanimous decision;'
Ryo Miyazaki (26-3-3) vs. Toma Kondo (8-7-2) (super flyweights) … Prediction: Miyazaki by clear unanimous decision;
Mitsuro Brandon Tajima (2-0) vs. Nattapon Plangpimai (16-3) (heavyweights) … Prediction: Tajima by early knockout;
Keisuke Iwasaki (7-3-2) vs. Yuto Akamura (11-6-2) (super flyweights) … Prediction: Iwasaki by split decision;
Luis J. Rodriguez Fernandez (10-0) vs. Roger Guerrero (17-3-1) (super middleweights) … Prediction: Fernandez by early knockout;
Thomas Oosthuizen (30-3-2) vs. Mussa Ajibu (29-18-5) (cruiserweights) … Prediction: Oosthuizen by early knockout;
Mchanja Yohana (13-4) vs. Hashimu Zuberi (15-6) (flyweights) … Prediction: Yohana by early to mid-round knockout;
Mikael Lawal (16-0) vs. David Jamieson (9-1) II (cruiserweights) … Prediction: Lawal by clear unanimous decision;
Sam Gilley (14-1) vs. Sean Robinson (11-1-1) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Gilley by clear unanimous decision;
Rhys Edwards (12-0) vs. Alexis Boureima Kabore (29-6) (super bantamweights) … Prediction: Edwards by wide unanimous decision; and
Adam Azim (12-0) vs. Rylan Charlton (9-3-1) (junior welterweights) … Prediction: Azim by mid to late knockout.
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Boxingtalk's Sunday fight predictions
Here are Boxingtalk's Sunday fight predictions, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Lerrone Richards (16-0) vs. Zak Chelli (12-1-1) (super middleweights) … Prediction: Richards by wide unanimous decision;'
Ryo Miyazaki (26-3-3) vs. Toma Kondo (8-7-2) (super flyweights) … Prediction: Miyazaki by clear unanimous decision;
Mitsuro Brandon Tajima (2-0) vs. Nattapon Plangpimai (16-3) (heavyweights) … Prediction: Tajima by early knockout;
Keisuke Iwasaki (7-3-2) vs. Yuto Akamura (11-6-2) (super flyweights) … Prediction: Iwasaki by split decision;
Luis J. Rodriguez Fernandez (10-0) vs. Roger Guerrero (17-3-1) (super middleweights) … Prediction: Fernandez by early knockout;
Thomas Oosthuizen (30-3-2) vs. Mussa Ajibu (29-18-5) (cruiserweights) … Prediction: Oosthuizen by early knockout;
Mchanja Yohana (13-4) vs. Hashimu Zuberi (15-6) (flyweights) … Prediction: Yohana by early to mid-round knockout;
Mikael Lawal (16-0) vs. David Jamieson (9-1) II (cruiserweights) … Prediction: Lawal by clear unanimous decision;
Sam Gilley (14-1) vs. Sean Robinson (11-1-1) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Gilley by clear unanimous decision;
Rhys Edwards (12-0) vs. Alexis Boureima Kabore (29-6) (super bantamweights) … Prediction: Edwards by wide unanimous decision; and
Adam Azim (12-0) vs. Rylan Charlton (9-3-1) (junior welterweights) … Prediction: Azim by mid to late knockout.
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Prograis dominates Zepeda to claim vacant title |
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Regis Prograis TKO11 Jose Zepeda ... Regis Prograis easily defeated Jose Zepeda for the vacant WBC 140-pound championship in Carson, California on Saturday. Prograis (28-1) bled from his nose and right ear, but looks were deceiving as Prograis won most of the rounds, including the tenth, which was the most fiercly contested three minutes of the fight. Zepeda (35-3) spent most of his remaining energy in the tenth, and Prograis landed a huge overhand left in the eleventh that staggered Zepeda. Prograis immediately jumped on Zepeda, firing punches until the referee stepped in just as Zepeda fell to the canvas. Compubox gave Prograis a ninety-punch lead in punches landed, 156-66. With the win, Prograis can once again proudly call himself a champion. He previously held the WBA version of the junior welterweight championship, losing a competitive unification fight to Josh Taylor of Scotland in 2019. Taylor went on to unify all four major championships but vacated the WBC version, leaving Prograis and Zepeda to fight for it.
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Prograis dominates Zepeda to claim vacant title
Regis Prograis TKO11 Jose Zepeda ... Regis Prograis easily defeated Jose Zepeda for the vacant WBC 140-pound championship in Carson, California on Saturday. Prograis (28-1) bled from his nose and right ear, but looks were deceiving as Prograis won most of the rounds, including the tenth, which was the most fiercly contested three minutes of the fight. Zepeda (35-3) spent most of his remaining energy in the tenth, and Prograis landed a huge overhand left in the eleventh that staggered Zepeda. Prograis immediately jumped on Zepeda, firing punches until the referee stepped in just as Zepeda fell to the canvas. Compubox gave Prograis a ninety-punch lead in punches landed, 156-66. With the win, Prograis can once again proudly call himself a champion. He previously held the WBA version of the junior welterweight championship, losing a competitive unification fight to Josh Taylor of Scotland in 2019. Taylor went on to unify all four major championships but vacated the WBC version, leaving Prograis and Zepeda to fight for it.
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Yokasta Valle becomes three-division champ |
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Yokasta Valle W10 Evelin Bermudez... Yokasta Valle is now a three-division champion as a result of her majority decision victory over Argentina's Evelin Bermudez. The official scores were 95-95, 99-91 and 97-93, giving Valle control over the IBF and WBO light flyweight (108-pound) championships that previously belonged to Bermudez. Born in Nicaragua but now calling Costa Rica home, Valle is now 29-2. Her former titles were the IBF atomweight (102-pound) and the IBF and WBO minimumweight (105-pound) titles. Bermude is now 17-1-1.
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Yokasta Valle becomes three-division champ
Yokasta Valle W10 Evelin Bermudez... Yokasta Valle is now a three-division champion as a result of her majority decision victory over Argentina's Evelin Bermudez. The official scores were 95-95, 99-91 and 97-93, giving Valle control over the IBF and WBO light flyweight (108-pound) championships that previously belonged to Bermudez. Born in Nicaragua but now calling Costa Rica home, Valle is now 29-2. Her former titles were the IBF atomweight (102-pound) and the IBF and WBO minimumweight (105-pound) titles. Bermude is now 17-1-1.
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Whyte edges Franklin by majority decision |
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Dillian Whyte W12 Jermaine Franklin ... Dillian Whyte edged Jermaine Franklin in a twelve-round heavyweight bout in Wembley, England. There was one official score of 115-115 but that judge was overruled by two who scored it 116-112 for Whyte. Coming off a loss to WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury last April, Whyte is now 29-3 and remains a heavyweight contender. Franklin heads back to the United States with a record of 21-1.
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Whyte edges Franklin by majority decision
Dillian Whyte W12 Jermaine Franklin ... Dillian Whyte edged Jermaine Franklin in a twelve-round heavyweight bout in Wembley, England. There was one official score of 115-115 but that judge was overruled by two who scored it 116-112 for Whyte. Coming off a loss to WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury last April, Whyte is now 29-3 and remains a heavyweight contender. Franklin heads back to the United States with a record of 21-1.
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Jalolov knocks outs Harper |
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Bakhodir Jalolov KO4 Curtis Harper Heavyweight hopeful Bakhodir "The Big Uzbek" Jalolov knocked out Curtis Harper in round four in Casron, California. According to Compubox, Jalolov landed 39 punches to just 5 for Harper with the winner enjoying a 41% connect percentage. Jalolov is billed as having a pro record of 12-0 but he also fought in the World Series of Boxing, making 15-3 a more accurate pro record. Harper is now 14-9 for his career.
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Jalolov knocks outs Harper
Bakhodir Jalolov KO4 Curtis Harper Heavyweight hopeful Bakhodir "The Big Uzbek" Jalolov knocked out Curtis Harper in round four in Casron, California. According to Compubox, Jalolov landed 39 punches to just 5 for Harper with the winner enjoying a 41% connect percentage. Jalolov is billed as having a pro record of 12-0 but he also fought in the World Series of Boxing, making 15-3 a more accurate pro record. Harper is now 14-9 for his career.
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Ryder wins interim title when Parker hurts hand |
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John Ryder TKO4 Zach Parker... John Ryder captured the WBO interim super middleweight title by technical knockout when Zach Parker suffered a hand injury. The fight was cut short at the end of the fourth round with the previously unbeaten Parker ahead 39-37 on two of the scorecards, and the other card being even. It was a disappointment for the fans inside London's O2 Arena and especially for Parker. “Zach started well, got behind the job well and was peppering me a bit there,” reacted Ryder afterwards. “I felt like the tide might be starting to turn and I was getting more on top, but these things happen in boxing. It is a bad injury for him and it feels like half a robbery victory for me.”
“Obviously I am absolutely gutted,” added Parker. “It was at the start of the round, I hit him with an uppercut and you can see from my hand that it is out now. He is obviously a good lad who will go on and do good things in boxing and I will come back stronger. I was warming into the fight and it was becoming a good fight. When the injury happened at the start of that last round I kept having to move because every time I jabbed him it was hurting and clicking.”
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Ryder wins interim title when Parker hurts hand
John Ryder TKO4 Zach Parker... John Ryder captured the WBO interim super middleweight title by technical knockout when Zach Parker suffered a hand injury. The fight was cut short at the end of the fourth round with the previously unbeaten Parker ahead 39-37 on two of the scorecards, and the other card being even. It was a disappointment for the fans inside London's O2 Arena and especially for Parker. “Zach started well, got behind the job well and was peppering me a bit there,” reacted Ryder afterwards. “I felt like the tide might be starting to turn and I was getting more on top, but these things happen in boxing. It is a bad injury for him and it feels like half a robbery victory for me.”
“Obviously I am absolutely gutted,” added Parker. “It was at the start of the round, I hit him with an uppercut and you can see from my hand that it is out now. He is obviously a good lad who will go on and do good things in boxing and I will come back stronger. I was warming into the fight and it was becoming a good fight. When the injury happened at the start of that last round I kept having to move because every time I jabbed him it was hurting and clicking.”
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New champion alert: 40 year-old novice wins WBA title |
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Nina Hughes W12 Jamie Mitchell ... For those who need convincing how little talent there is in certain women's divisions, listen to this: forty year-old Nina Hughes, who turned pro less than one year ago, is the new WBA bantamweight champion after outpointing Jamie Mitchell in Dubai. Just 5-0, Hughes carried the scorecards by 97-93 and 96-94 (twice). Mitchell is now 8-1-2.
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New champion alert: 40 year-old novice wins WBA title
Nina Hughes W12 Jamie Mitchell ... For those who need convincing how little talent there is in certain women's divisions, listen to this: forty year-old Nina Hughes, who turned pro less than one year ago, is the new WBA bantamweight champion after outpointing Jamie Mitchell in Dubai. Just 5-0, Hughes carried the scorecards by 97-93 and 96-94 (twice). Mitchell is now 8-1-2.
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Three Commonwealth titles decided in London |
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Hamzah Sheeraz TKO2 River Wilson-Bent.... Hamzah Sheeraz is the new Commonwealth middleweight champion following a destruction of River Wilson-Bent at London's 02 Arena. Sheeraz, now 17-0, set about his Coventry opponent right from the off with spearing jabs to which Wilson-Bent (13-2-1) had no reply. Sheeraz’s dominance extended into the second round and Wilson-Bent was put down and referee Victor Loughlin decided he had seen enough with 2.55 on the clock.
Sam Noakes TKO4 Calvin McCord... A blitz of body shots from Sam Noakes in the fourth round saw the Maidstone man realise his goal of a perfect 10 wins and 10 KOs with the stoppage of the previously unbeaten Calvin McCord to win the Commonwealth lightweight title. After pretty much dominating the first three rounds, the 25-year-old Noakes went for the jugular in the fourth and McCord went to the canvas on four occasions before referee Victor Loughlin had seen enough after 2.14 of the round.
Dennis McCann TKO8 Joe Ham... Dennis McCann is the new Commonwealth super bantamweight champion following a breaking down of Joe Ham. In what was a mature performance, The Menace was more measured and patient in his work from his typically wide stance. Ham had few answers and was in trouble on each occasion McCann chose to let his hands go in the fourth, fifth and eighth. The eighth turned out to be the last when a right uppercut stunned the Scot and the follow-up assault convinced referee Marcus McDonnell to wave it off with 2.28 on the clock. McCann moves to 14-0 while Ham slides to 17-4.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
‘Big Bang’ Pierce O’Leary won a rugged, hard-fought victory over Emmanuel Mungandjela (16-4-1). The Dubliner moved to 11-0 and, at first, it looked like it might be a speedy night’s work when a massive right from O’Leary saw the Namibian touch down. Mungandjela, while for the most part being overwhelmed, still chose to engage in a firefight and O’Leary took more shots than his trainer Alan Smith would have liked. He actually recovered well in the fifth round and enjoyed some success, but then ended up grounded again just before the bell following a left hook topping up a big right. Mungandjela continued to show remarkable defiance and bravery, looking like he might be out in the ninth when he was rocked again by the right hand of O’Leary. He saw it through until the end when the scorecards read 99-90, 99-89 and an unlikely 96-92.
Tommy Fletcher made it a professional treble with a win in his third fight against Jiri Krejci (1-3-2). He also made quick work of his Czech opponent and the fight was over when the Norfolk Nightmare ripped in a short and devastating left uppercut that left Krejci out for the count after 2.19 of round one.
Sonny Liston Ali successfully negotiated his fifth professional fight and comfortably outpointed Georgi Velichkov (3-7), winning all six rounds.
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Three Commonwealth titles decided in London
Hamzah Sheeraz TKO2 River Wilson-Bent.... Hamzah Sheeraz is the new Commonwealth middleweight champion following a destruction of River Wilson-Bent at London's 02 Arena. Sheeraz, now 17-0, set about his Coventry opponent right from the off with spearing jabs to which Wilson-Bent (13-2-1) had no reply. Sheeraz’s dominance extended into the second round and Wilson-Bent was put down and referee Victor Loughlin decided he had seen enough with 2.55 on the clock.
Sam Noakes TKO4 Calvin McCord... A blitz of body shots from Sam Noakes in the fourth round saw the Maidstone man realise his goal of a perfect 10 wins and 10 KOs with the stoppage of the previously unbeaten Calvin McCord to win the Commonwealth lightweight title. After pretty much dominating the first three rounds, the 25-year-old Noakes went for the jugular in the fourth and McCord went to the canvas on four occasions before referee Victor Loughlin had seen enough after 2.14 of the round.
Dennis McCann TKO8 Joe Ham... Dennis McCann is the new Commonwealth super bantamweight champion following a breaking down of Joe Ham. In what was a mature performance, The Menace was more measured and patient in his work from his typically wide stance. Ham had few answers and was in trouble on each occasion McCann chose to let his hands go in the fourth, fifth and eighth. The eighth turned out to be the last when a right uppercut stunned the Scot and the follow-up assault convinced referee Marcus McDonnell to wave it off with 2.28 on the clock. McCann moves to 14-0 while Ham slides to 17-4.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
‘Big Bang’ Pierce O’Leary won a rugged, hard-fought victory over Emmanuel Mungandjela (16-4-1). The Dubliner moved to 11-0 and, at first, it looked like it might be a speedy night’s work when a massive right from O’Leary saw the Namibian touch down. Mungandjela, while for the most part being overwhelmed, still chose to engage in a firefight and O’Leary took more shots than his trainer Alan Smith would have liked. He actually recovered well in the fifth round and enjoyed some success, but then ended up grounded again just before the bell following a left hook topping up a big right. Mungandjela continued to show remarkable defiance and bravery, looking like he might be out in the ninth when he was rocked again by the right hand of O’Leary. He saw it through until the end when the scorecards read 99-90, 99-89 and an unlikely 96-92.
Tommy Fletcher made it a professional treble with a win in his third fight against Jiri Krejci (1-3-2). He also made quick work of his Czech opponent and the fight was over when the Norfolk Nightmare ripped in a short and devastating left uppercut that left Krejci out for the count after 2.19 of round one.
Sonny Liston Ali successfully negotiated his fifth professional fight and comfortably outpointed Georgi Velichkov (3-7), winning all six rounds.
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BKFC results |
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Here are the results from Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship's show in Newcastle, England:
In a BKFC heavyweight eliminator, Mick Terrill defeated Steve Banks by TKO in round two;
Anthony Holmes defeated Darren Hendry by KO in round four for the vacant BKFC UK cruiserweight title;
Danny Christie stopped Darren Godfrey in round one;
Liam Wilson defeated Will Cairns by KO in round two;
John Ferguson defeated Tom Scott by unanimous decision;
Lee Browne defeated Billy Hawthorn by TKO in round two;
Nathan Owens defeated David Round by unanimous decision
Lewis Keen defeated Lewy Sherriff by third-round TKO;
Melanie Shah defeated Mathilda Wilson by split decision; and
Agi Faulkner defeated Daniel Robson by first round knockout.
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BKFC results
Here are the results from Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship's show in Newcastle, England:
In a BKFC heavyweight eliminator, Mick Terrill defeated Steve Banks by TKO in round two;
Anthony Holmes defeated Darren Hendry by KO in round four for the vacant BKFC UK cruiserweight title;
Danny Christie stopped Darren Godfrey in round one;
Liam Wilson defeated Will Cairns by KO in round two;
John Ferguson defeated Tom Scott by unanimous decision;
Lee Browne defeated Billy Hawthorn by TKO in round two;
Nathan Owens defeated David Round by unanimous decision
Lewis Keen defeated Lewy Sherriff by third-round TKO;
Melanie Shah defeated Mathilda Wilson by split decision; and
Agi Faulkner defeated Daniel Robson by first round knockout.
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Harlem Eubank, Liam Williams win in London |
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Harlem Eubank W10 Tom Farrell... At London's York Hall in Bethnall Green, Harlem Eubank defeated Tom Farrell in a junior welterweight bout. Eubank won the ten rounder via unanimous decision with the scorecards reading 99-92 and 99-91 (twice). Eubank remains undefeated after sixteen pro fights while Farrell falls to 21-6.
Liam Williams TKO2 Nizar Trimech... On the same card, former British champion Liam Williams defeated Nizar Trimech in a middleweight contest. Williams improved to 24-4-1 with a stoppage in the second round. Trimech from France, is now 9-4-2 overall and 0-2-2 in his last four bouts.
UNDERCARD RESULTS
Chloe Watson defeated Minerva Gutierrez via decision - 59-55;
Martin Foru defeated Fran Verdeguer via stoppage in the second round;
Ayoub Zakari defeated Bilal Fawaz via decision - 39-37;
Jesse Brandon defeated Claudio Baldomir via decision - 40-36;
Gelian Rajku defeated. Gennadi Stserbin after Stserbin's corner threw in the towel; and
Bilal Ali defeated Santiago Garces via decision - 39-37.
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Harlem Eubank, Liam Williams win in London
Harlem Eubank W10 Tom Farrell... At London's York Hall in Bethnall Green, Harlem Eubank defeated Tom Farrell in a junior welterweight bout. Eubank won the ten rounder via unanimous decision with the scorecards reading 99-92 and 99-91 (twice). Eubank remains undefeated after sixteen pro fights while Farrell falls to 21-6.
Liam Williams TKO2 Nizar Trimech... On the same card, former British champion Liam Williams defeated Nizar Trimech in a middleweight contest. Williams improved to 24-4-1 with a stoppage in the second round. Trimech from France, is now 9-4-2 overall and 0-2-2 in his last four bouts.
UNDERCARD RESULTS
Chloe Watson defeated Minerva Gutierrez via decision - 59-55;
Martin Foru defeated Fran Verdeguer via stoppage in the second round;
Ayoub Zakari defeated Bilal Fawaz via decision - 39-37;
Jesse Brandon defeated Claudio Baldomir via decision - 40-36;
Gelian Rajku defeated. Gennadi Stserbin after Stserbin's corner threw in the towel; and
Bilal Ali defeated Santiago Garces via decision - 39-37.
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Prograis: "I might cry if I win the the title" |
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Regis Prograis says winning the WBC world title may reduce him to tears. The former WBA champ has waited three years for another shot at glory after losing his belt in a unificiation bout to Josh Taylor that was a tooth-and-nail 2019 classic. Prograis challenges Jose Zepeda for the vacant WBC 140-pound crown in California today and has previously spoken of the torturous gap between title chances. And the 33-year old says the emotion of a victory over Zepeda on Saturday night could be too much. “You know, I might cry!” Prograis told Probellum.com.
“I never cry but I might cry! I don’t really want to visualise that right now. Nancy from the WBC was at the media workout this week, with the belt, but I don’t even want to touch it until it’s mine. Anything can happen so I just don’t want to touch it until it is actually mine. But this is what I’ve been working for.”
The WBC have stated that the winner of Zepeda vs Prograis, must defend the belt against, first, Jose Ramirez, and then the winner of Teofimo Lopez vs Sandor Martin. Prograis says after three years of being pushed to the sidelines, a win this weekend would thrust him back into the mainstream. “For three years, nobody said my name at all,” he said. "Nobody said my name. Everybody was ducking me because I am dangerous, and the value wasn’t there. But after I become a two-time world champion, then the value will be there and everybody will come out of the blue and start saying my name, it’ll be crazy. In front of my mind is only Jose Zepeda and that’s all I’m really focussed on right now. But you know, in a back of your mind, you always wonder what could happen and what comes after.”
And Prograis says it is not a foregone conclusion that Lopez would be waiting in line for a shot at him. “It is definitely a dangerous step up for him, moving from lightweight,” Prograis said.
“He’s fighting Sandor Martin now, but when he was due to fight Jose Pedraza, I thought that was an easy fight for him. Sure, he’s fought some big names and been in some big fights, but I think he’s pretty much done. Teo was supposed to walk through him.
“But Martin is coming off a big win over Mikey Garcia and so, mentally, he will have more in him. If Teo can beat him in dramatic fashion, maybe he could do something at 140lbs but let’s see what happens.”
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Prograis: "I might cry if I win the the title"
Regis Prograis says winning the WBC world title may reduce him to tears. The former WBA champ has waited three years for another shot at glory after losing his belt in a unificiation bout to Josh Taylor that was a tooth-and-nail 2019 classic. Prograis challenges Jose Zepeda for the vacant WBC 140-pound crown in California today and has previously spoken of the torturous gap between title chances. And the 33-year old says the emotion of a victory over Zepeda on Saturday night could be too much. “You know, I might cry!” Prograis told Probellum.com.
“I never cry but I might cry! I don’t really want to visualise that right now. Nancy from the WBC was at the media workout this week, with the belt, but I don’t even want to touch it until it’s mine. Anything can happen so I just don’t want to touch it until it is actually mine. But this is what I’ve been working for.”
The WBC have stated that the winner of Zepeda vs Prograis, must defend the belt against, first, Jose Ramirez, and then the winner of Teofimo Lopez vs Sandor Martin. Prograis says after three years of being pushed to the sidelines, a win this weekend would thrust him back into the mainstream. “For three years, nobody said my name at all,” he said. "Nobody said my name. Everybody was ducking me because I am dangerous, and the value wasn’t there. But after I become a two-time world champion, then the value will be there and everybody will come out of the blue and start saying my name, it’ll be crazy. In front of my mind is only Jose Zepeda and that’s all I’m really focussed on right now. But you know, in a back of your mind, you always wonder what could happen and what comes after.”
And Prograis says it is not a foregone conclusion that Lopez would be waiting in line for a shot at him. “It is definitely a dangerous step up for him, moving from lightweight,” Prograis said.
“He’s fighting Sandor Martin now, but when he was due to fight Jose Pedraza, I thought that was an easy fight for him. Sure, he’s fought some big names and been in some big fights, but I think he’s pretty much done. Teo was supposed to walk through him.
“But Martin is coming off a big win over Mikey Garcia and so, mentally, he will have more in him. If Teo can beat him in dramatic fashion, maybe he could do something at 140lbs but let’s see what happens.”
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Boxingtalk's Saturday fight predictions |
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Here are Boxingtalk's Saturday fight predictions, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Jose Zepeda (35-2) vs. Regis Prograis (27-1) (vacant WBC junior welterweight title) … Prediction: Prograis by close but clear unanimous decision;
Jamie Mitchell (8-0-2) vs. Nina Hughes (4-0) (WBA bantamweight title) … Prediction: Mitchell by clear unanimous decision;
Zach Parker (22-0) vs. John Ryder (31-5) (WBO interim super middleweight title) … Prediction: Parker by split decision;
Dillian Whyte (28-3) vs. Jermaine Franklin (21-0) (Heavyweights) … Prediction: Whyte by mid-round knockout;
Yokasta Valle (26-2) vs. Evelin Nazarena Bermudez (17-0-1) (WBO & IBF light flyweight titles) … Prediction: Valle by decision;
Charles Conwell (17-0) vs. Juan Carlos Abreu (25-6-1) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Conwell by wide unanimous decision;
Bakhodir Jalolov (11-0) vs. Curtis Harper (14-8) (Heavyweights) … Prediction: Jalolov by early knockout;
Fabio Wardley (14-0) vs. Nathan Gorman (19-1) (Heavyweights) … Prediction: Wardley by late knockout;
Francesco Patera (26-3) vs. Giuseppe Carafa (16-5-2) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Patera by wide unanimous decision;
Patrick Teixeira (31-4) vs. Adrian Perez (16-9-1) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Teixeira by early to mid-round knockout;
Lucas Bahdi (12-0) vs. Diego Andrade Chavez (14-8-2) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Bahdi by wide unanimous decision;
Vlad Panin (15-1) vs. Ricardo Lara (22-10-1) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Panin by clear unanimous decision;
Wuzhati Nuerlang (15-3) vs. Yihao Wang (11-4) (Super Middleweights) … Prediction: Nuerlang by mid-round knockout;
Ali El Said (9-1-2) vs. Dmytro Shcherbyna (11-2-1) (Middleweights) … Prediction: Shcherbyna by majority decision;
Emmanuel Martey (17-1) vs. Musah Lawson (9-0) (Middleweights) … Prediction: Martey by clear unanimous decision;
Ebenezer Tetteh (20-1) vs. Ayovi Agbonson (4-0) (Heavyweights) … Prediction: Tetteh by early knockout;
Pietro Rossetti (15-1) vs. Emanuele Cavallucci (13-6-1) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Rossetti by clear unanimous decision;
Oscar Carbajal Gomez (8-2) vs. Joaquin Cruz (13-3-2) (Super Flyweights) … Prediction: Cruz by split decision;
Oscar Ahlin (22-0) vs. Walter Gabriel Sequeira (26-10-1) (Light Heavyweights) … Prediction: Ahlin by close unanimous decision;
Jules Victoriano (11-5) vs. Sachin Dekwal (11-1) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Victoriano by late knockout;
Thanchanok Phanan (12-4) vs. Urvashi Singh (9-3) (Female Super Bantamweights) … Prediction: Singh by clear unanimous decision;
Austine Nnamdi (6-2) vs. Austin Aokuso (4-0) (Cruiserweights) … Prediction: Aokuso by clear unanimous decision;
Armando Martinez Rabi (8-0) vs. Damian Alejandro Rojas (16-2-1) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Rabi by mid to late knockout;
Stephane Fondjo (9-1) vs. Robert Talarek (27-15-3) (Super Middleweights) … Prediction: Fondjo by late knockout;
Nastaran Fathi (7-0) vs. Mea Motu (14-0) (Female Super Bantamweights) … Prediction: Motu by clear but very competitive unanimous decision;
Hamzah Sheeraz (16-0) vs. River Wilson-Bent (13-1-1) (Middleweights) … Prediction: Sheeraz by mid to late knockout;
Dennis McCann (13-0) vs. Joe Ham (17-3) (Super Bantamweights) … Prediction: McCann by wide unanimous decision;
Sam Noakes (9-0) vs. Calvin McCord (12-0) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Noakes by mid to late knockout;
Pierce O’Leary (10-0) vs. Emmanuel Mungangdjela (16-3-1) (junior welterweights) … Prediction: O’Leary by clear unanimous decision;
Sandy Ryan (4-1) vs. Anahi Ester Sanchez (21-5) (junior welterweights) … Prediction: Ryan by clear unanimous decision;
Cheavon Clarke (3-0) vs. Jose Gregorio Ulrich (17-5) (Cruiserweights) … Prediction: Clarke by early to mid-round knockout;
Pat McCormack (2-0) vs. Christian Nicolas Andino (16-5-2) (Welterweights) … Prediction: McCormack by clear unanimous decision;
Dean Sutherland (13-0) vs. Louis Greene (14-3) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Sutherland by split decision;
Billy Stuart (12-1) vs. Gary Ducie (4-0) (Super Bantamweights) … Prediction: Stuart by close unanimous decision;
Marios Matamba (12-2) vs.Maxwell Awuku (48-5-1) (junior welterweights) … Prediction: Matmba by late knockout;
Ruben Torres (19-0) vs. Eduardo Estela (13-1) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Torres by mid to late knockout;
Nathan Rodriguez (9-0) vs. Jerson Ortiz (17-5) (Featherweights) … Prediction: Rodriguez by close unanimous decision;
Mario Ramos (10-0) vs. Geronimo Nahuel Sacco (10-6-1) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Ramos by early knockout;
Austin Brooks (8-0) vs. Jesus Roman (8-5) (Super Featherweights) … Prediction: Brooks by clear unanimous decision.
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Boxingtalk's Saturday fight predictions
Here are Boxingtalk's Saturday fight predictions, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Jose Zepeda (35-2) vs. Regis Prograis (27-1) (vacant WBC junior welterweight title) … Prediction: Prograis by close but clear unanimous decision;
Jamie Mitchell (8-0-2) vs. Nina Hughes (4-0) (WBA bantamweight title) … Prediction: Mitchell by clear unanimous decision;
Zach Parker (22-0) vs. John Ryder (31-5) (WBO interim super middleweight title) … Prediction: Parker by split decision;
Dillian Whyte (28-3) vs. Jermaine Franklin (21-0) (Heavyweights) … Prediction: Whyte by mid-round knockout;
Yokasta Valle (26-2) vs. Evelin Nazarena Bermudez (17-0-1) (WBO & IBF light flyweight titles) … Prediction: Valle by decision;
Charles Conwell (17-0) vs. Juan Carlos Abreu (25-6-1) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Conwell by wide unanimous decision;
Bakhodir Jalolov (11-0) vs. Curtis Harper (14-8) (Heavyweights) … Prediction: Jalolov by early knockout;
Fabio Wardley (14-0) vs. Nathan Gorman (19-1) (Heavyweights) … Prediction: Wardley by late knockout;
Francesco Patera (26-3) vs. Giuseppe Carafa (16-5-2) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Patera by wide unanimous decision;
Patrick Teixeira (31-4) vs. Adrian Perez (16-9-1) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Teixeira by early to mid-round knockout;
Lucas Bahdi (12-0) vs. Diego Andrade Chavez (14-8-2) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Bahdi by wide unanimous decision;
Vlad Panin (15-1) vs. Ricardo Lara (22-10-1) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Panin by clear unanimous decision;
Wuzhati Nuerlang (15-3) vs. Yihao Wang (11-4) (Super Middleweights) … Prediction: Nuerlang by mid-round knockout;
Ali El Said (9-1-2) vs. Dmytro Shcherbyna (11-2-1) (Middleweights) … Prediction: Shcherbyna by majority decision;
Emmanuel Martey (17-1) vs. Musah Lawson (9-0) (Middleweights) … Prediction: Martey by clear unanimous decision;
Ebenezer Tetteh (20-1) vs. Ayovi Agbonson (4-0) (Heavyweights) … Prediction: Tetteh by early knockout;
Pietro Rossetti (15-1) vs. Emanuele Cavallucci (13-6-1) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Rossetti by clear unanimous decision;
Oscar Carbajal Gomez (8-2) vs. Joaquin Cruz (13-3-2) (Super Flyweights) … Prediction: Cruz by split decision;
Oscar Ahlin (22-0) vs. Walter Gabriel Sequeira (26-10-1) (Light Heavyweights) … Prediction: Ahlin by close unanimous decision;
Jules Victoriano (11-5) vs. Sachin Dekwal (11-1) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Victoriano by late knockout;
Thanchanok Phanan (12-4) vs. Urvashi Singh (9-3) (Female Super Bantamweights) … Prediction: Singh by clear unanimous decision;
Austine Nnamdi (6-2) vs. Austin Aokuso (4-0) (Cruiserweights) … Prediction: Aokuso by clear unanimous decision;
Armando Martinez Rabi (8-0) vs. Damian Alejandro Rojas (16-2-1) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Rabi by mid to late knockout;
Stephane Fondjo (9-1) vs. Robert Talarek (27-15-3) (Super Middleweights) … Prediction: Fondjo by late knockout;
Nastaran Fathi (7-0) vs. Mea Motu (14-0) (Female Super Bantamweights) … Prediction: Motu by clear but very competitive unanimous decision;
Hamzah Sheeraz (16-0) vs. River Wilson-Bent (13-1-1) (Middleweights) … Prediction: Sheeraz by mid to late knockout;
Dennis McCann (13-0) vs. Joe Ham (17-3) (Super Bantamweights) … Prediction: McCann by wide unanimous decision;
Sam Noakes (9-0) vs. Calvin McCord (12-0) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Noakes by mid to late knockout;
Pierce O’Leary (10-0) vs. Emmanuel Mungangdjela (16-3-1) (junior welterweights) … Prediction: O’Leary by clear unanimous decision;
Sandy Ryan (4-1) vs. Anahi Ester Sanchez (21-5) (junior welterweights) … Prediction: Ryan by clear unanimous decision;
Cheavon Clarke (3-0) vs. Jose Gregorio Ulrich (17-5) (Cruiserweights) … Prediction: Clarke by early to mid-round knockout;
Pat McCormack (2-0) vs. Christian Nicolas Andino (16-5-2) (Welterweights) … Prediction: McCormack by clear unanimous decision;
Dean Sutherland (13-0) vs. Louis Greene (14-3) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Sutherland by split decision;
Billy Stuart (12-1) vs. Gary Ducie (4-0) (Super Bantamweights) … Prediction: Stuart by close unanimous decision;
Marios Matamba (12-2) vs.Maxwell Awuku (48-5-1) (junior welterweights) … Prediction: Matmba by late knockout;
Ruben Torres (19-0) vs. Eduardo Estela (13-1) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Torres by mid to late knockout;
Nathan Rodriguez (9-0) vs. Jerson Ortiz (17-5) (Featherweights) … Prediction: Rodriguez by close unanimous decision;
Mario Ramos (10-0) vs. Geronimo Nahuel Sacco (10-6-1) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Ramos by early knockout;
Austin Brooks (8-0) vs. Jesus Roman (8-5) (Super Featherweights) … Prediction: Brooks by clear unanimous decision.
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Yoseline Perez wins gold for USA at World Amateur Youth Championships |
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Yoseline Perez of Houston proved what she has been saying since arriving in La Nucia, Spain, to compete at the 2022 Youth World Championships. Perez picked up the featherweight gold medal following the referee stopping the bout during the first round against Asya Ari of Germany, the 2022 Youth European Champion. Perez gave her opponent two standing eight counts after landing numerous punches to Ari’s body and head, before giving her opponent a third standing eight count, resulting in the referee to stop the bout with two second remaining in the round. This marked her third victory by RSC in these championships. She defeated Azerbijian’s Aysu Devrishova in the first round, Korea’s Hyeji Park in the third round and Kazakhstan’s Ulzhan Sarsenbek by a 4-1 decision. Perez also won her semifinal bout by walkover over Emily Whitworth of England to advance to the championship bout.
USA Boxing’s three bronze medalists, Sa’Rai Brown-El (Marietta, Ga.), Dedrick Crocklem (Tacoma, Wash.) and Cornellio Phipps (Oxford, Pa.) were also awarded their medals during tonight’s session.
USA Boxing National Developmental Coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.) lead the team in Spain, along with assistant coaches Gilberto Garza (San Antonio, Texas), Blanca Gutierrez (Pacifica, Calif.) and Richard Stephenson (Middletown, N.Y.).
73 countries and 593 boxers took part in these Youth World Championships, which is the first Youth World Championships for USA Boxing since 2018, where the team also won four total medals. Click here to look back at Team USA’s time in Spain.
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Yoseline Perez wins gold for USA at World Amateur Youth Championships
Yoseline Perez of Houston proved what she has been saying since arriving in La Nucia, Spain, to compete at the 2022 Youth World Championships. Perez picked up the featherweight gold medal following the referee stopping the bout during the first round against Asya Ari of Germany, the 2022 Youth European Champion. Perez gave her opponent two standing eight counts after landing numerous punches to Ari’s body and head, before giving her opponent a third standing eight count, resulting in the referee to stop the bout with two second remaining in the round. This marked her third victory by RSC in these championships. She defeated Azerbijian’s Aysu Devrishova in the first round, Korea’s Hyeji Park in the third round and Kazakhstan’s Ulzhan Sarsenbek by a 4-1 decision. Perez also won her semifinal bout by walkover over Emily Whitworth of England to advance to the championship bout.
USA Boxing’s three bronze medalists, Sa’Rai Brown-El (Marietta, Ga.), Dedrick Crocklem (Tacoma, Wash.) and Cornellio Phipps (Oxford, Pa.) were also awarded their medals during tonight’s session.
USA Boxing National Developmental Coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.) lead the team in Spain, along with assistant coaches Gilberto Garza (San Antonio, Texas), Blanca Gutierrez (Pacifica, Calif.) and Richard Stephenson (Middletown, N.Y.).
73 countries and 593 boxers took part in these Youth World Championships, which is the first Youth World Championships for USA Boxing since 2018, where the team also won four total medals. Click here to look back at Team USA’s time in Spain.
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Moises Fuentes dies from boxing related injury |
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The WBC announced the death of former champion Moises Fuentes (25-7-1) who passed away this week, apparently from boxing injuries suffered last year. From Mexico City, Fuentes turned pro in 2007. He won the WBO 105-pound title in 2011, defeating Raul Hirales Garcia by split decision. His second title defense was a career-best win, a technical knockout that retired Puerto Rican legend Ivan Calderon. That win cost Fuentes the title, however, because he was less than a pound over the minimumweight limit. Fuentes moved up to 108 pounds, fighting Filippino legend Donnie Nietes to a draw in the Philippines. In 2013, Fuentes topped Omar Salado for an interim title but lost a rematch to Nietes the following year. He lost subsequent title shots at 108 and 112 pounds, and seemingly retired after two knockout losses in 2018. Sadly, on October 16, 2021, he made an ill-advised comeback at super flyweight vs. undefeated David Cuellar. Fuentes suffered a violent knockout loss, with his head crashing hard against the canvas. The WBC reports he suffered a resulting blood clot on his brain. He underwent emergency surgery in Cancun and was transferred to Mexico City to receive care and rehabilitation.Fuentes fought bravely for over a year, but unfortunately he lost his life this on Thursday. Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending our deepest and most sincere condolences to Fuentes' family and many friends.
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Moises Fuentes dies from boxing related injury
The WBC announced the death of former champion Moises Fuentes (25-7-1) who passed away this week, apparently from boxing injuries suffered last year. From Mexico City, Fuentes turned pro in 2007. He won the WBO 105-pound title in 2011, defeating Raul Hirales Garcia by split decision. His second title defense was a career-best win, a technical knockout that retired Puerto Rican legend Ivan Calderon. That win cost Fuentes the title, however, because he was less than a pound over the minimumweight limit. Fuentes moved up to 108 pounds, fighting Filippino legend Donnie Nietes to a draw in the Philippines. In 2013, Fuentes topped Omar Salado for an interim title but lost a rematch to Nietes the following year. He lost subsequent title shots at 108 and 112 pounds, and seemingly retired after two knockout losses in 2018. Sadly, on October 16, 2021, he made an ill-advised comeback at super flyweight vs. undefeated David Cuellar. Fuentes suffered a violent knockout loss, with his head crashing hard against the canvas. The WBC reports he suffered a resulting blood clot on his brain. He underwent emergency surgery in Cancun and was transferred to Mexico City to receive care and rehabilitation.Fuentes fought bravely for over a year, but unfortunately he lost his life this on Thursday. Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending our deepest and most sincere condolences to Fuentes' family and many friends.
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ESPN+ to air Parker vs. Ryder on Saturday |
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ESPN+ will broadcast British boxing on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Super middleweight contenders Zach Parker and John Ryder will collide in a twelve-round main event for the WBO interim title at The O2 in London. The winner is hopeful of a shot at world super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Parker (22-0, 16 KOs) is a former British champion who has been waiting patiently for a signature fight. He was supposed to fight Demetrius Andrade, but the former WBO champion pulled out of a proposed May date with an injury and then declined the fight following a purse bid in September. The out-of-the-ring drama has sidelined Parker for more than a year, as he hasn’t fought since last November’s fourth-round stoppage over Marcus Morrison. Parker has knocked out five straight foes since winning the British title over Darryll Williams via split decision in November 2018.
Ryder (31-5, 17 KOs), from London, has won three bouts since a highly controversial decision loss to Callum Smith for the WBA super middleweight world title. He is coming off an upset split decision win over former middleweight world champion Danny Jacobs in February.
In other streaming action on ESPN+:
Hamzah Sheeraz (16-0, 12 KOs) vs. River Wilson-Bent (13-1-1, 6 KOs), 12 Rounds for the vacant Commonwealth middleweight title;
Dennis McCann (13-0, 7 KOs) vs. Joe Ham (17-3, 6 KOs), 12 Rounds for the vacant Commonwealth junior featherweight title;
Sam Noakes (9-0, 9 KOs) vs. Calvin McCord (12-0, 2 KOs), 12 Roundsfor the vacant Commonwealth lightweight titles; and
Pierce O’Leary (10-0, 6 KOs) vs. Emmanuel Mungandjela (16-3-1, 7 KOs), 10 rounds.
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ESPN+ to air Parker vs. Ryder on Saturday
ESPN+ will broadcast British boxing on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Super middleweight contenders Zach Parker and John Ryder will collide in a twelve-round main event for the WBO interim title at The O2 in London. The winner is hopeful of a shot at world super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Parker (22-0, 16 KOs) is a former British champion who has been waiting patiently for a signature fight. He was supposed to fight Demetrius Andrade, but the former WBO champion pulled out of a proposed May date with an injury and then declined the fight following a purse bid in September. The out-of-the-ring drama has sidelined Parker for more than a year, as he hasn’t fought since last November’s fourth-round stoppage over Marcus Morrison. Parker has knocked out five straight foes since winning the British title over Darryll Williams via split decision in November 2018.
Ryder (31-5, 17 KOs), from London, has won three bouts since a highly controversial decision loss to Callum Smith for the WBA super middleweight world title. He is coming off an upset split decision win over former middleweight world champion Danny Jacobs in February.
In other streaming action on ESPN+:
Hamzah Sheeraz (16-0, 12 KOs) vs. River Wilson-Bent (13-1-1, 6 KOs), 12 Rounds for the vacant Commonwealth middleweight title;
Dennis McCann (13-0, 7 KOs) vs. Joe Ham (17-3, 6 KOs), 12 Rounds for the vacant Commonwealth junior featherweight title;
Sam Noakes (9-0, 9 KOs) vs. Calvin McCord (12-0, 2 KOs), 12 Roundsfor the vacant Commonwealth lightweight titles; and
Pierce O’Leary (10-0, 6 KOs) vs. Emmanuel Mungandjela (16-3-1, 7 KOs), 10 rounds.
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Report: light heavyweight arrested for threatening to shoot up Florida gym |
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CNN reports that 2008 Haitian Olympian Azea Augstama is under arrest for allegedly threatening to shoot up a South Florida gym. Augustama, who hasn't fought since 2017, went so far as to put down a deposit on a semi-automatic weapon. He also reportedly issued direct threats from his Instagram account. CNN wrote, "Augustama is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami on a $3 million bond." For his career, Augustama was a 20-3 light heavyweight with one loss by split decision and one by majority decision.
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Report: light heavyweight arrested for threatening to shoot up Florida gym
CNN reports that 2008 Haitian Olympian Azea Augstama is under arrest for allegedly threatening to shoot up a South Florida gym. Augustama, who hasn't fought since 2017, went so far as to put down a deposit on a semi-automatic weapon. He also reportedly issued direct threats from his Instagram account. CNN wrote, "Augustama is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami on a $3 million bond." For his career, Augustama was a 20-3 light heavyweight with one loss by split decision and one by majority decision.
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Boxing show set for Saturday in Dallas |
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Kingdom Boxing presents "Royal Rounds IV" this Saturday November 26th at the Bomb Factory in Dallas. Seven bouts are scheduled to take place in all. Boxing superstars Roy Jones Jr. and Jeff Mayweather set to be in attendance. "He is a very talented fighter with great punching power speed and looking to capture an audience like Manny Pacquiao but wants to carve out his own name so it will be remembered in the sport" says Mayweather in regards to his fighter Jerick Padsing of Las Vegas, NV who will be making his pro debut against Mario Chavez Tovar(0-4) of Arlington, TX in a four round showdown in the super flyweight division. The main event will be a female bout between Leanne Calderon(1-1-1) of San Marcos, TX taking on Shuretta "Chiccn" Metcalf(10-4-1) of Dallas, TX in a six round bout in the super bantamweight division. Undefeated fighters Fernando "El Terrible" Bunch(12-0) and Zacariah "Duke" Lewis(2-0) trained by Roy Jones Jr are scheduled for different bouts. Doors are scheduled to open at 4:00PM, with the opening bell at 5:00PM at The Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum. Former Boxingtalk.com writer Christian Schmidt set to be the announcer. Promoter Cedric Brown. For more information visit kingdomboxing.pro.
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Boxing show set for Saturday in Dallas
Kingdom Boxing presents "Royal Rounds IV" this Saturday November 26th at the Bomb Factory in Dallas. Seven bouts are scheduled to take place in all. Boxing superstars Roy Jones Jr. and Jeff Mayweather set to be in attendance. "He is a very talented fighter with great punching power speed and looking to capture an audience like Manny Pacquiao but wants to carve out his own name so it will be remembered in the sport" says Mayweather in regards to his fighter Jerick Padsing of Las Vegas, NV who will be making his pro debut against Mario Chavez Tovar(0-4) of Arlington, TX in a four round showdown in the super flyweight division. The main event will be a female bout between Leanne Calderon(1-1-1) of San Marcos, TX taking on Shuretta "Chiccn" Metcalf(10-4-1) of Dallas, TX in a six round bout in the super bantamweight division. Undefeated fighters Fernando "El Terrible" Bunch(12-0) and Zacariah "Duke" Lewis(2-0) trained by Roy Jones Jr are scheduled for different bouts. Doors are scheduled to open at 4:00PM, with the opening bell at 5:00PM at The Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum. Former Boxingtalk.com writer Christian Schmidt set to be the announcer. Promoter Cedric Brown. For more information visit kingdomboxing.pro.
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Liam Smith to face Chris Eubank, Jr. on Jan. 21st |
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Chris Eubank Jr. vs Liam Smith is officially on. Two of Britain’s best middleweights collide on Saturday, January 21st at the AO Arena in Manchester. The bout will be broadcast live in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports Box Office. A former 154-pound title holder, Smith (32-3-1, 19 KOs) heads into this pay-per-view clash following wins over Jesse Vargas, Anthony Fowler and Roberto Garcia. And after his winning his Boxxer debut in September, Smith immediately set his sights on Eubank. Smith, age 34, memorably went toe-to-toe with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in 2016 and comes from a proud, illustrious bloodline of boxers including brothers Paul Smith Jr, Stephen Smith and Callum Smith.
Eubank Jr (32-2-0, 23 KOs) is a man whose family name needs no introduction at all. Son of legendary former world champion Chris Eubank, the 33-year old has successfully carved out his own reputation in the sport. But in Smith, Eubank faces one the toughest tests of his stellar career. The Brighton-based fighter is a former IBO world title holder. Eager to step back inside the ropes after his proposed October bout with Conor Benn was postponed due to Benn's PED issues, Eubank last fought in February when he comfortably outclassed Liam Williams in Cardiff via unanimous decision.
Eubank said: “Has he been in there with some good fighters? Yes. Are they on my level? No. He's a competent fighter, but class beats competence every day of the week. It's a good opportunity for me to show I'm twice the fighter that he is as well as those he has faced. Manchester is an iconic sporting city. It has hosted many legendary fight nights and many memorable fighters have been born there. It'll be a great performance, and the Eubank name will hopefully become a regular feature whenever the boxing history of Manchester is discussed.”
Smith said: “He’s making a big mistake fighting me. Every time he has stepped up to elite level, he has failed. I am elite and he will fall again on January 21st in Manchester. If he was at 60% for the fight that never was against Conor Benn, then he’ll need to be at 160% to be ready to face me, a former world champion, in front of thousands of my fans in the North-West. For Chris this is a high-risk, low-reward. For me, it’s the perfect platform to show I will rule the world again in 2023. He needs to be prepared for the toughest night of his career.”
Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: "Eubank vs Smith is a fight that has been talked about for a very long time. It's an absolute banger of a boxing bonanza to kick off a huge year for the undisputed superstar of the middleweights Chris Eubank Jr, in a year in which we expect him to take over the division. The journey begins in the amazing fight city of Manchester which has been host to so many historic British blockbusters, on January 21st live on Sky Box Office we will witness the next one."
Boxxer CEO and founder Ben Shalom said: “What a way to start the new year. This is the fight that British boxing fans have been calling for. There aren’t many bigger names in the sport than Chris Eubank Jr, who many believe is coming into his prime now. This is his biggest fight in recent memory against a truly world class fighter Liam Smith. Liam is proven at world level and in the form of his life. Many will feel that he is the favourite going into this. It will be a huge occasion for British boxing and we’re delighted to bring this mouthwatering event to the fans in the iconic fight city of Manchester.”
Fight fans can pre-register for tickets today, with the pre-sale date of Tuesday, November 29th. Tickets will be available on general sale on Thursday, December 1st.
Sky Sports Box Office will exclusively screen the bout in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Pricing details, as set by Sky, will be released in due course along with further announcements on the full, exciting undercard for what promises to be a momentous occasion to kickstart 2023.
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Liam Smith to face Chris Eubank, Jr. on Jan. 21st
Chris Eubank Jr. vs Liam Smith is officially on. Two of Britain’s best middleweights collide on Saturday, January 21st at the AO Arena in Manchester. The bout will be broadcast live in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports Box Office. A former 154-pound title holder, Smith (32-3-1, 19 KOs) heads into this pay-per-view clash following wins over Jesse Vargas, Anthony Fowler and Roberto Garcia. And after his winning his Boxxer debut in September, Smith immediately set his sights on Eubank. Smith, age 34, memorably went toe-to-toe with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in 2016 and comes from a proud, illustrious bloodline of boxers including brothers Paul Smith Jr, Stephen Smith and Callum Smith.
Eubank Jr (32-2-0, 23 KOs) is a man whose family name needs no introduction at all. Son of legendary former world champion Chris Eubank, the 33-year old has successfully carved out his own reputation in the sport. But in Smith, Eubank faces one the toughest tests of his stellar career. The Brighton-based fighter is a former IBO world title holder. Eager to step back inside the ropes after his proposed October bout with Conor Benn was postponed due to Benn's PED issues, Eubank last fought in February when he comfortably outclassed Liam Williams in Cardiff via unanimous decision.
Eubank said: “Has he been in there with some good fighters? Yes. Are they on my level? No. He's a competent fighter, but class beats competence every day of the week. It's a good opportunity for me to show I'm twice the fighter that he is as well as those he has faced. Manchester is an iconic sporting city. It has hosted many legendary fight nights and many memorable fighters have been born there. It'll be a great performance, and the Eubank name will hopefully become a regular feature whenever the boxing history of Manchester is discussed.”
Smith said: “He’s making a big mistake fighting me. Every time he has stepped up to elite level, he has failed. I am elite and he will fall again on January 21st in Manchester. If he was at 60% for the fight that never was against Conor Benn, then he’ll need to be at 160% to be ready to face me, a former world champion, in front of thousands of my fans in the North-West. For Chris this is a high-risk, low-reward. For me, it’s the perfect platform to show I will rule the world again in 2023. He needs to be prepared for the toughest night of his career.”
Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: "Eubank vs Smith is a fight that has been talked about for a very long time. It's an absolute banger of a boxing bonanza to kick off a huge year for the undisputed superstar of the middleweights Chris Eubank Jr, in a year in which we expect him to take over the division. The journey begins in the amazing fight city of Manchester which has been host to so many historic British blockbusters, on January 21st live on Sky Box Office we will witness the next one."
Boxxer CEO and founder Ben Shalom said: “What a way to start the new year. This is the fight that British boxing fans have been calling for. There aren’t many bigger names in the sport than Chris Eubank Jr, who many believe is coming into his prime now. This is his biggest fight in recent memory against a truly world class fighter Liam Smith. Liam is proven at world level and in the form of his life. Many will feel that he is the favourite going into this. It will be a huge occasion for British boxing and we’re delighted to bring this mouthwatering event to the fans in the iconic fight city of Manchester.”
Fight fans can pre-register for tickets today, with the pre-sale date of Tuesday, November 29th. Tickets will be available on general sale on Thursday, December 1st.
Sky Sports Box Office will exclusively screen the bout in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Pricing details, as set by Sky, will be released in due course along with further announcements on the full, exciting undercard for what promises to be a momentous occasion to kickstart 2023.
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Cruiserweight fight booked for France on Dec. 2nd |
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On December 2nd at the Zenith De Toulon in Toulon, France, cruiserweights take cetner stage when compatriots Faisal Arrami and Siril Makiadi clash. While its a battle of former French champions, local man Arrami, 20-8-1, is the more accomplished of the two, having fought at both cruiserweight and heavyweight. Of Moroccan descent, “The African King” Arrami has, besides the French national crown, held the African Boxing Union cruiserweight title.
Makiadi, 13-2-2, from Noisy-le-Sec in the eastern suburbs of Paris, lost his pro debut in 2012 but has since only come up short once in the sixteen following bouts. He reigned as French cruiserweight champion between 2017 and 2018, and is now set to take part in his biggest fight to date. Arrami vs. Makiadi is the main event of a show promoted by Graine De Champion Association, preceded by a strong undercard featuring local talent.
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Cruiserweight fight booked for France on Dec. 2nd
On December 2nd at the Zenith De Toulon in Toulon, France, cruiserweights take cetner stage when compatriots Faisal Arrami and Siril Makiadi clash. While its a battle of former French champions, local man Arrami, 20-8-1, is the more accomplished of the two, having fought at both cruiserweight and heavyweight. Of Moroccan descent, “The African King” Arrami has, besides the French national crown, held the African Boxing Union cruiserweight title.
Makiadi, 13-2-2, from Noisy-le-Sec in the eastern suburbs of Paris, lost his pro debut in 2012 but has since only come up short once in the sixteen following bouts. He reigned as French cruiserweight champion between 2017 and 2018, and is now set to take part in his biggest fight to date. Arrami vs. Makiadi is the main event of a show promoted by Graine De Champion Association, preceded by a strong undercard featuring local talent.
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Santa Cruz and Wood still ducking each other |
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[In a fight between two paper champions who have no interest in making a risky defense], the WBA, through its Championships Committee, has granted a period of 15 days to the teams of the WBA 126-pound super champion Leo Santa Cruz and regular champion Leigh Wood, in which they must reach an agreement to fight or else face a purse bid on December 12th in Orlando, Florida during the WBA's Centennial Convention. Santa Cruz has not defended the title or even fought at featherweight for more than three and a half years. Both men have been doing everything in their power to resist the fight.
Last April 6th, the WBA sent an official letter ordering the fight between Santa Cruz and Wood. On July 11th, TGB Promotions requested special permission for Santa Cruz to face Rey Vargas in unification, which was denied by the WBA. Then, on August 12th, TGB and Matchroom informed the WBA that they had reached an agreement and the purse bid was suspended. But on the 22nd of that same month, they reported that they had an agreement for Santa Cruz to fight Vargas and Wood to fight Mauricio Lara, with the winners of both fights facing each other 120 days later. The WBA gave the go-ahead to that agreement but on September 13th, the WBA learned from the media that Wood suffered an injury and could not make the fight against Lara. The WBA requested the medical report to Wood’s team. This report arrived on October 20th, signed by Dr. Usman Rana, who said that the Briton should refrain from strenuous work with his left arm for a period of 4 to 6 weeks to ensure a full recovery and avoid a relapse of the injury. Santa Cruz's fight never materialized.
That six-week period will expire next December 1st, so the WBA championships committee carried out its analysis and considered that it is now time to restart the Santa Cruz-Wood negotiations. The 15-day period will be extended until December 7th and if there is no agreement by that time, the purse bid will be held at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, in the middle of the convention of the pioneer body.
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Santa Cruz and Wood still ducking each other
[In a fight between two paper champions who have no interest in making a risky defense], the WBA, through its Championships Committee, has granted a period of 15 days to the teams of the WBA 126-pound super champion Leo Santa Cruz and regular champion Leigh Wood, in which they must reach an agreement to fight or else face a purse bid on December 12th in Orlando, Florida during the WBA's Centennial Convention. Santa Cruz has not defended the title or even fought at featherweight for more than three and a half years. Both men have been doing everything in their power to resist the fight.
Last April 6th, the WBA sent an official letter ordering the fight between Santa Cruz and Wood. On July 11th, TGB Promotions requested special permission for Santa Cruz to face Rey Vargas in unification, which was denied by the WBA. Then, on August 12th, TGB and Matchroom informed the WBA that they had reached an agreement and the purse bid was suspended. But on the 22nd of that same month, they reported that they had an agreement for Santa Cruz to fight Vargas and Wood to fight Mauricio Lara, with the winners of both fights facing each other 120 days later. The WBA gave the go-ahead to that agreement but on September 13th, the WBA learned from the media that Wood suffered an injury and could not make the fight against Lara. The WBA requested the medical report to Wood’s team. This report arrived on October 20th, signed by Dr. Usman Rana, who said that the Briton should refrain from strenuous work with his left arm for a period of 4 to 6 weeks to ensure a full recovery and avoid a relapse of the injury. Santa Cruz's fight never materialized.
That six-week period will expire next December 1st, so the WBA championships committee carried out its analysis and considered that it is now time to restart the Santa Cruz-Wood negotiations. The 15-day period will be extended until December 7th and if there is no agreement by that time, the purse bid will be held at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, in the middle of the convention of the pioneer body.
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Arnold Khegai added to Crawford undercard |
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The undercard for the BLK Prime pay-per-view fight between WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) and David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs), slated to take place at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska on December 10th, is set. As previously anounced, MMA legend Cris Cyborg (1-0, 1 KO) is scheduled to make her U.S. boxing debut... Newly anounced bouts include a ten-round featherweight bout between once-defeated Arnold Khegai (pictured) of The Ukraine against Eduardo Baez (21-3-2, 7 KOs), of Mexicali... Oklahoma heavyweight Jeremiah “Dreamland” Milton (7-0, 6 KOs) will go toe-to-toe against Ohio's Dajuan Calloway (5-1, 5 KOs) in a scheduled six-round bout... Opening the telecast will be a scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout, showcasing Omaha's Steven Nelson (17-0, 14 KOs) vs. James Ballard (10-4, 3 KOs) of Detroit.
Khegai (18-1-1, 11 KOs) has a fan-friendly style and always comes forward with aggressive pressure. His lone defeat is at the hands of two-belt champion, Stephen Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs), a fight that went twelve full rounds. A victory against Baez will get him right back into title contention. “Baez stands in the way of my goal to become a world champion,” said Khegai. “He’s fought at the championship level and beating him will get me one step closer to landing a big fight. I must win this fight to stay relevant in the world title picture.”
Baez, known for his tremendous toughness, is coming into this fight with his back against the wall. In his last outing, he challenged the monstrous Emanuel Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs) for his WBO world title, a fight where he got caught with a solid body blow. With nothing to lose, Baez sees this fight as a do-or-die situation. “I must win this fight, and I’m going to do everything possible to come out on top,” Baez stated. “Khegai is not invincible, he’s been beaten before. I have the experience needed to win this fight. Those tuning in will see an all-out war, I’m going to make this a Mexican-style slugfest.”
Milton, recognized for his heavy hands, stands 6′ 4″. He trains out of Las Vegas, where he’s shared the sparring ring with Tyson Fury, Luis Ortiz, Joy Joyce, along with a bunch of other top heavyweights. In addition, Milton has multiple knockouts that have gone viral on the internet. "Five fights in one year because I had to! I wouldn't want to end the year any other way. Make sure to drop my name whenever they ask who got next. Dreamland Milton from Tulsa Oklahoma, representing Black Wall St. on BLK Prime."
Calloway has never been stopped and all his wins have come by way of knockout. Standing 6′ 3″, Calloway has the power and durability to give Milton his stiffest test to date. “Going into any fight, my goal is always to score a knockout, and that will be the case when I step in the ring with Milton,” said Calloway. “I’m excited to be fighting on a great card, especially with Terence Crawford, who is the pound-for-pound king right now.”
Nelson, a U.S. Army veteran and former member of the Army World Class Athlete program, is fighting in his hometown hero. He vows to come out victorious with a spectacular performance. “Fighting at home in Omaha is a blessing and the CHI Health Center is always electrifying,” said Nelson. “It’s been two years since my last fight but I’m more than ready to leave everything in the ring against Ballard,” said Nelson. “Winning this fight will put me back in the rankings and in line to fight for a title in the near future. I’ve been training with Terence and the B&B team in Colorado Springs, so best believe I’ll be in the best shape of my life.”
Ballard has faced stiff opposition in his last three fights and is ready for the challenge that is in front of him. He feels he’s gained valuable experience throughout his career that will help him win this fight. “I’ve learned more from my losses than my wins and the experience I’ve gained is what I believe will be the difference in this fight,” said Ballard. “I’m coming into this fight in great shape, and I’ll be letting my hands fly with bad intentions.”
NON-BROADCAST UNDERCARD BOUTS:
Light Heavyweight Edel Gomez (6-0, 6 KOs) of Fremont, Nebraska, will take on Joseph Aguilar (4-1-1, 2 KOs) of Portland, Oregon. (eight rounds);
Welterweight Boubacar Sylla (12-0, 7 KOs), of Cincinnati will look to stay unbeaten when faces Javier Mayoral (4-2, 1 KO), of New Orleans. (six rounds);
Super bantamweight Robert Rodriguez (10-1-2, 5 KOs), of Riverside, California, squares off against Jose Lopez (3-2-1), of Ridgewood, New York. (six rounds);
Opening the card will be a welterweight bout between Alton Alik Wiggins (pro debut), of Oakland, California, vs. Phillip Carmouche (2-3), of Las Vegas. four rounds); and
Lightweight Alan Garcia (7-0, 6 KOs), of Ulysses, Kansas, will battle a fighter TBA. (six rounds).
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Arnold Khegai added to Crawford undercard
The undercard for the BLK Prime pay-per-view fight between WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) and David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs), slated to take place at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska on December 10th, is set. As previously anounced, MMA legend Cris Cyborg (1-0, 1 KO) is scheduled to make her U.S. boxing debut... Newly anounced bouts include a ten-round featherweight bout between once-defeated Arnold Khegai (pictured) of The Ukraine against Eduardo Baez (21-3-2, 7 KOs), of Mexicali... Oklahoma heavyweight Jeremiah “Dreamland” Milton (7-0, 6 KOs) will go toe-to-toe against Ohio's Dajuan Calloway (5-1, 5 KOs) in a scheduled six-round bout... Opening the telecast will be a scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout, showcasing Omaha's Steven Nelson (17-0, 14 KOs) vs. James Ballard (10-4, 3 KOs) of Detroit.
Khegai (18-1-1, 11 KOs) has a fan-friendly style and always comes forward with aggressive pressure. His lone defeat is at the hands of two-belt champion, Stephen Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs), a fight that went twelve full rounds. A victory against Baez will get him right back into title contention. “Baez stands in the way of my goal to become a world champion,” said Khegai. “He’s fought at the championship level and beating him will get me one step closer to landing a big fight. I must win this fight to stay relevant in the world title picture.”
Baez, known for his tremendous toughness, is coming into this fight with his back against the wall. In his last outing, he challenged the monstrous Emanuel Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs) for his WBO world title, a fight where he got caught with a solid body blow. With nothing to lose, Baez sees this fight as a do-or-die situation. “I must win this fight, and I’m going to do everything possible to come out on top,” Baez stated. “Khegai is not invincible, he’s been beaten before. I have the experience needed to win this fight. Those tuning in will see an all-out war, I’m going to make this a Mexican-style slugfest.”
Milton, recognized for his heavy hands, stands 6′ 4″. He trains out of Las Vegas, where he’s shared the sparring ring with Tyson Fury, Luis Ortiz, Joy Joyce, along with a bunch of other top heavyweights. In addition, Milton has multiple knockouts that have gone viral on the internet. "Five fights in one year because I had to! I wouldn't want to end the year any other way. Make sure to drop my name whenever they ask who got next. Dreamland Milton from Tulsa Oklahoma, representing Black Wall St. on BLK Prime."
Calloway has never been stopped and all his wins have come by way of knockout. Standing 6′ 3″, Calloway has the power and durability to give Milton his stiffest test to date. “Going into any fight, my goal is always to score a knockout, and that will be the case when I step in the ring with Milton,” said Calloway. “I’m excited to be fighting on a great card, especially with Terence Crawford, who is the pound-for-pound king right now.”
Nelson, a U.S. Army veteran and former member of the Army World Class Athlete program, is fighting in his hometown hero. He vows to come out victorious with a spectacular performance. “Fighting at home in Omaha is a blessing and the CHI Health Center is always electrifying,” said Nelson. “It’s been two years since my last fight but I’m more than ready to leave everything in the ring against Ballard,” said Nelson. “Winning this fight will put me back in the rankings and in line to fight for a title in the near future. I’ve been training with Terence and the B&B team in Colorado Springs, so best believe I’ll be in the best shape of my life.”
Ballard has faced stiff opposition in his last three fights and is ready for the challenge that is in front of him. He feels he’s gained valuable experience throughout his career that will help him win this fight. “I’ve learned more from my losses than my wins and the experience I’ve gained is what I believe will be the difference in this fight,” said Ballard. “I’m coming into this fight in great shape, and I’ll be letting my hands fly with bad intentions.”
NON-BROADCAST UNDERCARD BOUTS:
Light Heavyweight Edel Gomez (6-0, 6 KOs) of Fremont, Nebraska, will take on Joseph Aguilar (4-1-1, 2 KOs) of Portland, Oregon. (eight rounds);
Welterweight Boubacar Sylla (12-0, 7 KOs), of Cincinnati will look to stay unbeaten when faces Javier Mayoral (4-2, 1 KO), of New Orleans. (six rounds);
Super bantamweight Robert Rodriguez (10-1-2, 5 KOs), of Riverside, California, squares off against Jose Lopez (3-2-1), of Ridgewood, New York. (six rounds);
Opening the card will be a welterweight bout between Alton Alik Wiggins (pro debut), of Oakland, California, vs. Phillip Carmouche (2-3), of Las Vegas. four rounds); and
Lightweight Alan Garcia (7-0, 6 KOs), of Ulysses, Kansas, will battle a fighter TBA. (six rounds).
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Youth World Championships: USA has one shot at a gold medal |
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Team USA had a mixed day of results during the semifinals of the 2022 Youth World Championships, with three boxers earning bronze medals and only one,Yoseline Perez, advancing to this weekend’s finals in La Nucia, Spain. A featherweight from Houston, Perez advanced to the championship bout following her walkover victory over Emily Whitworth of England. Perez will go for gold during Friday’s first day of finals against Asya Ari of Germany, the 2022 Youth European Champion.
Sa’Rai Brown-El (Marietta, Ga.) will leave these championships with a bronze medal following her bout against India’s Devika Ghorpade. This is Brown-El’s first major international medal won while representing Team USA. The first round was at a slower, more strategic pace; however, all five judges awarded the round to Ghorpade. Ghorpade picked up the second round, 4-1, extending her lead over the American flyweight. Brown-El came back strong to close out the bout, taking four of the five judges’ cards in the final round, however, was not able to overcome Ghorpade’s lead, resulting in a 4-1 decision in favor of Ghorpade.
The second session of the day saw featherweight Cornellio Phipps (Oxford, Pa.) and light welterweight Dedrick Crocklem (Tacoma, Wash.) put up strong performances, however, the judges scored the bouts in favor of their opponents, 4-1 and 3-2, respectively. Phipps took the early 3-2 lead, then was given an eight count after tripping over his opponent, Bakhtiyor Asadov of Uzbekistan, resulting in the round going 4-1 in favor of Asadov. The final round was another closely contested round, however, the judges scored it once again in favor of Asadov by 4-1.
Crocklem came back from being down, 5-0, in the first round to Vanshaj Vanshaj of India, to even the scorecards with his own 5-0 second round. The third round was an exciting one, however, the round went 3-2 in favor of Vanshaj, giving him the overall decision.
Both boxers leave these World Championships with bronze medals, their first international medals.
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Youth World Championships: USA has one shot at a gold medal
Team USA had a mixed day of results during the semifinals of the 2022 Youth World Championships, with three boxers earning bronze medals and only one,Yoseline Perez, advancing to this weekend’s finals in La Nucia, Spain. A featherweight from Houston, Perez advanced to the championship bout following her walkover victory over Emily Whitworth of England. Perez will go for gold during Friday’s first day of finals against Asya Ari of Germany, the 2022 Youth European Champion.
Sa’Rai Brown-El (Marietta, Ga.) will leave these championships with a bronze medal following her bout against India’s Devika Ghorpade. This is Brown-El’s first major international medal won while representing Team USA. The first round was at a slower, more strategic pace; however, all five judges awarded the round to Ghorpade. Ghorpade picked up the second round, 4-1, extending her lead over the American flyweight. Brown-El came back strong to close out the bout, taking four of the five judges’ cards in the final round, however, was not able to overcome Ghorpade’s lead, resulting in a 4-1 decision in favor of Ghorpade.
The second session of the day saw featherweight Cornellio Phipps (Oxford, Pa.) and light welterweight Dedrick Crocklem (Tacoma, Wash.) put up strong performances, however, the judges scored the bouts in favor of their opponents, 4-1 and 3-2, respectively. Phipps took the early 3-2 lead, then was given an eight count after tripping over his opponent, Bakhtiyor Asadov of Uzbekistan, resulting in the round going 4-1 in favor of Asadov. The final round was another closely contested round, however, the judges scored it once again in favor of Asadov by 4-1.
Crocklem came back from being down, 5-0, in the first round to Vanshaj Vanshaj of India, to even the scorecards with his own 5-0 second round. The third round was an exciting one, however, the round went 3-2 in favor of Vanshaj, giving him the overall decision.
Both boxers leave these World Championships with bronze medals, their first international medals.
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Charles Conwell to face Juan Carlos Abreu |
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Charles Conwell faces the experienced Juan Carlos Abreu (25-6-1) in California on Saturday night, in a semi-final eliminator for the WBC junior middleweight title. The unbeaten Conwell, hopes he is two wins away from landing a shot at the belt, which is currently held by Jermell Charlo [the true world champion who holds the four major titles]. Sitting above the American in the WBC ratings are fighters including Sebastien Fundora, Liam Smith and former two-weight champion Danny Garcia. And 2016 Olympian Conwell says he would be happy to face any of those names in a final eliminator – especially Garcia – to keep him on track for ‘superstardom’. “Those are the types of fights I want,” Conwell told Probellum.com.
“I want those ex-world champions, people with experience who have been there before, who've done it. And I know Danny Garcia's a great champion, he's done his thing at two different weight classes, at 140 and 147 and now he's bringing his skills up to 154. But I feel like it's a new time and a new era. A lot of young fighters out there are starting to pop out, around my age group. It's the right time for me to be the next superstar of the super welterweight division and if Danny Garcia is the name I need on my record, then I'll go there and take that.”
But 25 year-old Conwell insists his focus is on Abreu, whom he meets at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson this weekend, on the undercard of the Jose Zepeda vs Regis Prograis world title clash. The stylist has been labelled boxing’s ‘best kept secret’ but Conwell is urging the sport’s ‘casual’ fans to make sure they tune-in to watch him deliver a statement victory over the world ranked Abreu. “Saturday night, I'm going to leave the ring with a new record of 18-0 with 14 knockouts,” Conwell declared. "Just know that I'm going to bring the action. I'm looking to finish this fight in style. No boxing, no dancing around, I'm looking to go out there and dominate every round. For however long it lasts. I possess the speed, the skill, the power, the slickness and everything else that I need to win and get the knockout. It's just a matter of when. I'm looking to put on the best performance of my career so far and really going out there and making a statement. I can't allow this to be fight close; I must dominate every round and make sure that when people talk about the super welterweight division that my name is brought up and brought up as one of the best too.”
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Charles Conwell to face Juan Carlos Abreu
Charles Conwell faces the experienced Juan Carlos Abreu (25-6-1) in California on Saturday night, in a semi-final eliminator for the WBC junior middleweight title. The unbeaten Conwell, hopes he is two wins away from landing a shot at the belt, which is currently held by Jermell Charlo [the true world champion who holds the four major titles]. Sitting above the American in the WBC ratings are fighters including Sebastien Fundora, Liam Smith and former two-weight champion Danny Garcia. And 2016 Olympian Conwell says he would be happy to face any of those names in a final eliminator – especially Garcia – to keep him on track for ‘superstardom’. “Those are the types of fights I want,” Conwell told Probellum.com.
“I want those ex-world champions, people with experience who have been there before, who've done it. And I know Danny Garcia's a great champion, he's done his thing at two different weight classes, at 140 and 147 and now he's bringing his skills up to 154. But I feel like it's a new time and a new era. A lot of young fighters out there are starting to pop out, around my age group. It's the right time for me to be the next superstar of the super welterweight division and if Danny Garcia is the name I need on my record, then I'll go there and take that.”
But 25 year-old Conwell insists his focus is on Abreu, whom he meets at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson this weekend, on the undercard of the Jose Zepeda vs Regis Prograis world title clash. The stylist has been labelled boxing’s ‘best kept secret’ but Conwell is urging the sport’s ‘casual’ fans to make sure they tune-in to watch him deliver a statement victory over the world ranked Abreu. “Saturday night, I'm going to leave the ring with a new record of 18-0 with 14 knockouts,” Conwell declared. "Just know that I'm going to bring the action. I'm looking to finish this fight in style. No boxing, no dancing around, I'm looking to go out there and dominate every round. For however long it lasts. I possess the speed, the skill, the power, the slickness and everything else that I need to win and get the knockout. It's just a matter of when. I'm looking to put on the best performance of my career so far and really going out there and making a statement. I can't allow this to be fight close; I must dominate every round and make sure that when people talk about the super welterweight division that my name is brought up and brought up as one of the best too.”
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Boxingtalk's Friday fight predictons |
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Here are Boxingtalk's Friday fight predictons:
Harlem Eubank (15-0) vs. Tom Farrell (21-5) (Super Lightweights) … Prediction: Eubank by clear unanimous decision;
Liam Williams (23-4-1) vs. Nizar Trimech (9-3-2) (Middleweights) … Prediction: Williams by early to mid round knockout.
David Papot (26-0-1) vs. Bilel Jkitou (15-1) (Super Welterweights) … Prediction: Papot by split decision;
Matteo Hache (9-1) vs. Anauel Ngamissengue (11-0) (Middleweights) … Prediction: Ngamissengue by split decision;
Loic Tajan (7-1) vs. Rosendo Hugo Guarneros (19-5-2) (Bantamweights) … Prediction: Tajan by split decision;
Benjamin Dubois (9-1-1) vs. Jorick Luisetto (12-5) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Luisetto by close unanimous decision;
Anthony Riviere (10-4-1) vs. Mehdi Sellami (15-2) (Super Featherweights) … Prediction: Sellami by majority decision;
Vincenzo Picardi (8-0) vs. Cristian Zara (9-1) (Bantamweights) … Prediction: Picardi by clear unanimous decision;
Angel Talavera Carrillo (10-0) vs. Ernesto Salucedo (14-2) (Super Bantamweights) … Prediction: Carrillo by split decision;
Carlos Manuel Portillo (22-4) vs. Juan Marcos Rodriguez Urtiz (10-5) (Super Lightweights) … Prediction: Urtiz by mid to late knockout; and
Vasily Voysekhovsky (9-0) vs. David Gladun (7-1) (Light Heavyweights) … Prediction: Voysekhovsky by clear unanimous decision.
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Boxingtalk's Friday fight predictons
Here are Boxingtalk's Friday fight predictons:
Harlem Eubank (15-0) vs. Tom Farrell (21-5) (Super Lightweights) … Prediction: Eubank by clear unanimous decision;
Liam Williams (23-4-1) vs. Nizar Trimech (9-3-2) (Middleweights) … Prediction: Williams by early to mid round knockout.
David Papot (26-0-1) vs. Bilel Jkitou (15-1) (Super Welterweights) … Prediction: Papot by split decision;
Matteo Hache (9-1) vs. Anauel Ngamissengue (11-0) (Middleweights) … Prediction: Ngamissengue by split decision;
Loic Tajan (7-1) vs. Rosendo Hugo Guarneros (19-5-2) (Bantamweights) … Prediction: Tajan by split decision;
Benjamin Dubois (9-1-1) vs. Jorick Luisetto (12-5) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Luisetto by close unanimous decision;
Anthony Riviere (10-4-1) vs. Mehdi Sellami (15-2) (Super Featherweights) … Prediction: Sellami by majority decision;
Vincenzo Picardi (8-0) vs. Cristian Zara (9-1) (Bantamweights) … Prediction: Picardi by clear unanimous decision;
Angel Talavera Carrillo (10-0) vs. Ernesto Salucedo (14-2) (Super Bantamweights) … Prediction: Carrillo by split decision;
Carlos Manuel Portillo (22-4) vs. Juan Marcos Rodriguez Urtiz (10-5) (Super Lightweights) … Prediction: Urtiz by mid to late knockout; and
Vasily Voysekhovsky (9-0) vs. David Gladun (7-1) (Light Heavyweights) … Prediction: Voysekhovsky by clear unanimous decision.
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Andreozzi wins Massachusetts main event |
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Anthony Andreozzi W6 Julien Baptiste.... Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi captured the vacant Massachusetts middleweight title on “Jimmy Farrell Fight Night” at the Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater. The inaugural show honored the late boxing trainer who coached many successful amateur and pro boxers in the Boston area during the past four-plus decades. A portion of the show’s proceeds was donated to Old Colony Hospice in Farrell’s memory. The main event matched an aggressive brawler, Andreozzi, against a pure boxer, Julien Baptiste. Andreozzi, of Swansea, took the fight to Woburn’s Baptiste in the opening round, landing the more damaging punches. Switching often between an orthodox and southpaw stance, the entertaining Andreozzi kept up the pace, peppering Baptiste with a wide assortment of punches.
In the third, Andreozzi kept beating Baptiste to the punch, as well as showboating in a display of confidence against a growingly frustrated Baptiste, who did get in a few solid shots in the fourth to get back in the fight. Baptiste started letting his hands go more, cracking Andreozzi several times during some exciting exchanges. Andreozzi rest and went back to what was so successful for him during the first half of the fight, working off the jab and moving forward.
The title belt seemed to be up for grabs going into the sixth and final round, in which the two fighters went toe-to-toe right to the end. Andreozzi (4-2, 1 KO) won a six-round majority decision versus Baptiste (4-3, 2 KOs). Andreozzi vs. Baptiste was supposed to happen this past August, however, Andreozzi fell sick hours before the show and was canceled.
“This feels amazing,” Andreozzi commented after the fight. “I live for this. I have a little cut lip from some incidental headbutts, but I’m a crasher. His trainer’s words (questioning why he didn’t fight in August when he didn’t fight) was the reason I fought like this. His words were in my head since that night. I wrote ‘em on the mirror so I saw it every day when I shaved.”
“Anthony and Julien saved the show,” promoter Chris Traietti added. “People saw a fight they will remember for years. Congratulations to Anthony for coming out on top and that opens things up for his future,. And Julien is not done.”
UNDERCARD RESULTS
Pro-debuting Stephen “Jason” Davis (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of nearby Brockton, and junior welterweight Lucinei Santos (0-6) barely got started when Santos was suddenly decked. He fell awkwardly and was unable to continue at the 51-second mark of round one due to an injury.
New York light heavyweight Scott ”Bombz” Lampert (4-6, 2KOs) came into the ring true to his nickname against Michael Medeiros (0-3), firing bombs from all angles against his overmatched opponent. Medeiros was decked four times, the last set up by a body shot, followed quickly by a perfect left-right combination to the head, resulting in a second-round knockout.
Heavyweight Kirk Wilmont (2-0,2KOs), of Brockton, opened the show with a pounding of Aquilla Prote (0-2). Wilmont dropped Prote twice in the opening round, effectively mixing shots up and down to the head and body. In the second round. Wilmont closed the show with a powerful right that sent Prote to the canvas for the third time. Once again, he barely beat the 10-count but this time he stood on wobbly legs, and referee Melissa Kelly halted the bout.
As for the late Jimy Farrell, this was a nght of tribute. “Jimmy meant a lot to me and so many others in New England boxing,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti said. “We wanted to honor him in a special way. I felt that naming a Pro-Am show after him was the best way to pay tribute to Jimmy. We plan on making this an annual event.”
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Andreozzi wins Massachusetts main event
Anthony Andreozzi W6 Julien Baptiste.... Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi captured the vacant Massachusetts middleweight title on “Jimmy Farrell Fight Night” at the Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater. The inaugural show honored the late boxing trainer who coached many successful amateur and pro boxers in the Boston area during the past four-plus decades. A portion of the show’s proceeds was donated to Old Colony Hospice in Farrell’s memory. The main event matched an aggressive brawler, Andreozzi, against a pure boxer, Julien Baptiste. Andreozzi, of Swansea, took the fight to Woburn’s Baptiste in the opening round, landing the more damaging punches. Switching often between an orthodox and southpaw stance, the entertaining Andreozzi kept up the pace, peppering Baptiste with a wide assortment of punches.
In the third, Andreozzi kept beating Baptiste to the punch, as well as showboating in a display of confidence against a growingly frustrated Baptiste, who did get in a few solid shots in the fourth to get back in the fight. Baptiste started letting his hands go more, cracking Andreozzi several times during some exciting exchanges. Andreozzi rest and went back to what was so successful for him during the first half of the fight, working off the jab and moving forward.
The title belt seemed to be up for grabs going into the sixth and final round, in which the two fighters went toe-to-toe right to the end. Andreozzi (4-2, 1 KO) won a six-round majority decision versus Baptiste (4-3, 2 KOs). Andreozzi vs. Baptiste was supposed to happen this past August, however, Andreozzi fell sick hours before the show and was canceled.
“This feels amazing,” Andreozzi commented after the fight. “I live for this. I have a little cut lip from some incidental headbutts, but I’m a crasher. His trainer’s words (questioning why he didn’t fight in August when he didn’t fight) was the reason I fought like this. His words were in my head since that night. I wrote ‘em on the mirror so I saw it every day when I shaved.”
“Anthony and Julien saved the show,” promoter Chris Traietti added. “People saw a fight they will remember for years. Congratulations to Anthony for coming out on top and that opens things up for his future,. And Julien is not done.”
UNDERCARD RESULTS
Pro-debuting Stephen “Jason” Davis (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of nearby Brockton, and junior welterweight Lucinei Santos (0-6) barely got started when Santos was suddenly decked. He fell awkwardly and was unable to continue at the 51-second mark of round one due to an injury.
New York light heavyweight Scott ”Bombz” Lampert (4-6, 2KOs) came into the ring true to his nickname against Michael Medeiros (0-3), firing bombs from all angles against his overmatched opponent. Medeiros was decked four times, the last set up by a body shot, followed quickly by a perfect left-right combination to the head, resulting in a second-round knockout.
Heavyweight Kirk Wilmont (2-0,2KOs), of Brockton, opened the show with a pounding of Aquilla Prote (0-2). Wilmont dropped Prote twice in the opening round, effectively mixing shots up and down to the head and body. In the second round. Wilmont closed the show with a powerful right that sent Prote to the canvas for the third time. Once again, he barely beat the 10-count but this time he stood on wobbly legs, and referee Melissa Kelly halted the bout.
As for the late Jimy Farrell, this was a nght of tribute. “Jimmy meant a lot to me and so many others in New England boxing,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti said. “We wanted to honor him in a special way. I felt that naming a Pro-Am show after him was the best way to pay tribute to Jimmy. We plan on making this an annual event.”
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Jalolov believes he can become world heavyweight champion |
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Heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov believes he can be the undisputed world heavyweight champion within two years. The hammer-fisted Uzbek rates Tyson Fury as the leading big man in boxing right now but he is confident that he will, one day soon, takeover from the ‘Gypsy King’. Jalolov, the 2021 Olympic champion, has won all of his traditional professional contests by KO and looks to add American Curtis Harper to his hit-list on Saturday night, when they meet in tha Los Angeles area on the undercard of the Jose Zepeda vs Regis Prograis world title fight. [Boxingtalk counts the World Series of Boxing as pro fights, which makes Jalolov's record 14-3].
The 28-year old has warned his rivals that he possesses a potent combination of devastating punch power allied with movement, footwork and boxing intelligence. “I think the Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight in the world, and Oleksandr Usyk is very good, obviously, too,” Jalolov told Probellum.com. “Fury for his size, he moves unbelievably. He has unbelievable movement and once again, he is big and heavy. Usyk is a great boxer, but obviously he's small for the weight class. For me, I'm not a hero in Uzbekistan for winning the Olympics, I'm not there yet. But once I become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world at that time, maybe they'll call me a hero. Maybe it's not going to happen tomorrow, but maybe it's going to be next year or in two years. But God bless, it is going to happen.”
“I'm not just a puncher,“ Jalolov added. “Of course, I can punch, and I know that I have power because every time I land, people go down. But I have much more than that. I have a great footwork, feeling of distance and timing and speed. And my style is not to take nine shots to land 10. I'm not working like that. Instead of winning 10-9, I'll win 1-0. I'll land one, but I'm not going to get hit and that's my goal. Boxing is about hit and don't get hit.”
Jalolov says former two-time heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko is his all-time favorite fighter and rates Dr. Steelhammer’s win over David Haye as his best victory. “Wladimir Klitschko was tall and fought really smart, he fought behind the jab and was very intelligent,” said Jalolov. “He was also a good person, in and out of the ring. Klitschko [set] a great, great example. A long time ago, I had a nickname, the ‘Uzbek Klitschko’. And, God bless, soon he'll know my name and who I am.”
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Jalolov believes he can become world heavyweight champion
Heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov believes he can be the undisputed world heavyweight champion within two years. The hammer-fisted Uzbek rates Tyson Fury as the leading big man in boxing right now but he is confident that he will, one day soon, takeover from the ‘Gypsy King’. Jalolov, the 2021 Olympic champion, has won all of his traditional professional contests by KO and looks to add American Curtis Harper to his hit-list on Saturday night, when they meet in tha Los Angeles area on the undercard of the Jose Zepeda vs Regis Prograis world title fight. [Boxingtalk counts the World Series of Boxing as pro fights, which makes Jalolov's record 14-3].
The 28-year old has warned his rivals that he possesses a potent combination of devastating punch power allied with movement, footwork and boxing intelligence. “I think the Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight in the world, and Oleksandr Usyk is very good, obviously, too,” Jalolov told Probellum.com. “Fury for his size, he moves unbelievably. He has unbelievable movement and once again, he is big and heavy. Usyk is a great boxer, but obviously he's small for the weight class. For me, I'm not a hero in Uzbekistan for winning the Olympics, I'm not there yet. But once I become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world at that time, maybe they'll call me a hero. Maybe it's not going to happen tomorrow, but maybe it's going to be next year or in two years. But God bless, it is going to happen.”
“I'm not just a puncher,“ Jalolov added. “Of course, I can punch, and I know that I have power because every time I land, people go down. But I have much more than that. I have a great footwork, feeling of distance and timing and speed. And my style is not to take nine shots to land 10. I'm not working like that. Instead of winning 10-9, I'll win 1-0. I'll land one, but I'm not going to get hit and that's my goal. Boxing is about hit and don't get hit.”
Jalolov says former two-time heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko is his all-time favorite fighter and rates Dr. Steelhammer’s win over David Haye as his best victory. “Wladimir Klitschko was tall and fought really smart, he fought behind the jab and was very intelligent,” said Jalolov. “He was also a good person, in and out of the ring. Klitschko [set] a great, great example. A long time ago, I had a nickname, the ‘Uzbek Klitschko’. And, God bless, soon he'll know my name and who I am.”
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Late results from last weekend |
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Pablo Corzo TKO3 Fernando Brito... With knockdowns from both corners, tense exchanges, plus a lively audience in Catamarca, Argentina, local suoer middleweight Pablo Corzo (13-0) defeated Venezuela's Fernando Brito (10-1) by technical knockout in the third round. In the win, Corzo experienced the first knockdown of his career. In an exchange of attacks that turned the first round into one to remember, both landed cleanly on each other’s chin, one causing Brito’s retreat to the ropes and another engendering Corzo’s fall. Brito returned to his corner with a bloody nose.
By the second round, Corzo recovered thanks to his good physical condition, and he returned the favor with a knockdown of Brito that left Brito short of breath and with a nosebleed that would not subside. Corzo kept at a long and medium distance to connect with quick combinations for the rest of round two. At the start of the third round, Brito was slow to come out and the ring authority applied the rules and started counting in the corner. Thhat led to a Corzo win by technical knockout.
Francis Frometa TKO8 Javier Herrera ... Over the weekend, Francis Frometa (17-0) of the Dominican Republic defeated Argentina's Javier Herrera (17-7-1) by technical knockout in the eighth round. The lightweight bout was held in Montevideo, Uruguay. In his first international fight, Frometa showed boxing style with good arm reach and coordinated foot movements. With a speedy jab keying his combinations, Frometa managed to weaken Herrera, who was trying to shorten the distance and bring the fight in close. From the sixth round on, Frometa was able to rock Herrera with his combinations. By round eight, the wear and tear was evident and Herrera's corner threw in the towel.
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Late results from last weekend
Pablo Corzo TKO3 Fernando Brito... With knockdowns from both corners, tense exchanges, plus a lively audience in Catamarca, Argentina, local suoer middleweight Pablo Corzo (13-0) defeated Venezuela's Fernando Brito (10-1) by technical knockout in the third round. In the win, Corzo experienced the first knockdown of his career. In an exchange of attacks that turned the first round into one to remember, both landed cleanly on each other’s chin, one causing Brito’s retreat to the ropes and another engendering Corzo’s fall. Brito returned to his corner with a bloody nose.
By the second round, Corzo recovered thanks to his good physical condition, and he returned the favor with a knockdown of Brito that left Brito short of breath and with a nosebleed that would not subside. Corzo kept at a long and medium distance to connect with quick combinations for the rest of round two. At the start of the third round, Brito was slow to come out and the ring authority applied the rules and started counting in the corner. Thhat led to a Corzo win by technical knockout.
Francis Frometa TKO8 Javier Herrera ... Over the weekend, Francis Frometa (17-0) of the Dominican Republic defeated Argentina's Javier Herrera (17-7-1) by technical knockout in the eighth round. The lightweight bout was held in Montevideo, Uruguay. In his first international fight, Frometa showed boxing style with good arm reach and coordinated foot movements. With a speedy jab keying his combinations, Frometa managed to weaken Herrera, who was trying to shorten the distance and bring the fight in close. From the sixth round on, Frometa was able to rock Herrera with his combinations. By round eight, the wear and tear was evident and Herrera's corner threw in the towel.
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Twitter chatter: Alimkhanuly calls out Munguia |
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WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly wants to defend his title against current middleweight contender and former junior middleweight title holder Jamie Munguia. Alimkhanuly tweeted today: "He has a record of 41-0 but he is not a world champion. I have a record of 13-0 and I am [WBO] world champion! Does he sell tickets? Guys if I fight in Kazakhstan, I can easily sell 50 thousand tickets."
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Twitter chatter: Alimkhanuly calls out Munguia
WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly wants to defend his title against current middleweight contender and former junior middleweight title holder Jamie Munguia. Alimkhanuly tweeted today: "He has a record of 41-0 but he is not a world champion. I have a record of 13-0 and I am [WBO] world champion! Does he sell tickets? Guys if I fight in Kazakhstan, I can easily sell 50 thousand tickets."
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Boxingtalk's Wednesday fight predictions |
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Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for Wednesday, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Michael Zerafa (30-4) vs. Danilo Creati (8-0) (middleweights) … Prediction: Zerafa by mid-round knockout;
Ty Telford (8-1-1) vs. Joel Taylor (8-0) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Telford by clear unanimous decision;
Paulo Aokuso (2-0) vs. David Zegarra (35-8-1) (Light Heavyweights) … Prediction: Aokuso by early knockout;
Koen Mazoudier (10-2) vs. Wade Ryan (20-10) II (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Ryan by clear unanimous decision;
Paul Gallen (14-2-1) vs. Justin Hodges (5-2) II (heavyweights) … Prediction: Gallen by mid-round knockout;
Tywarna Campbell (3-0-1) vs. Deanha Hobbs (10-2) (super featherweights) … Prediction: Hobbs by split decision;
Brandon Higgins (9-2) vs. Nicholas Molina (11-0) (junior welterweights) … Prediction: Molina by clear unanimous decision.
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Boxingtalk's Wednesday fight predictions
Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for Wednesday, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Michael Zerafa (30-4) vs. Danilo Creati (8-0) (middleweights) … Prediction: Zerafa by mid-round knockout;
Ty Telford (8-1-1) vs. Joel Taylor (8-0) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Telford by clear unanimous decision;
Paulo Aokuso (2-0) vs. David Zegarra (35-8-1) (Light Heavyweights) … Prediction: Aokuso by early knockout;
Koen Mazoudier (10-2) vs. Wade Ryan (20-10) II (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Ryan by clear unanimous decision;
Paul Gallen (14-2-1) vs. Justin Hodges (5-2) II (heavyweights) … Prediction: Gallen by mid-round knockout;
Tywarna Campbell (3-0-1) vs. Deanha Hobbs (10-2) (super featherweights) … Prediction: Hobbs by split decision;
Brandon Higgins (9-2) vs. Nicholas Molina (11-0) (junior welterweights) … Prediction: Molina by clear unanimous decision.
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Prograis determined to claim junior welterweight supremacy |
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Regis Prograis has listed the reasons why he believes he will defeat Jose Zepeda this weekend, Prograis faces Zepeda in Carson, California on Saturday night, with the vacant WBC junior welterweight title up for grabs. The 33 year-old Prograis, a former WBA title holder, respects Zepeda but is adamant he will be too much to handle at the Dignity Health Sports Park this weekend. And ‘Rougarou’ says victory will not only secure him one of the four recognized world belts, but also re-establish him as the best 140-pound boxer on the planet. “Zepeda's never fought a southpaw this elusive, a southpaw that is strong like I am, a southpaw that has defence and a southpaw who has a chin on top of that,” Prograis told Probellum.com. “I feel like you can hit me with anything, it's not going to do anything. But the main thing is he hasn't fought a workhorse like me, it is one of my strongest suits. I work so hard in training camp, I kill myself. And on top of that, there is my hunger.”
Prograis was rconsidered by many to be the #1 boxer in his weight division when he headed into his 2019 unification blockbuster with [current world champion] Josh Taylor in London. The American lost a classic contest on points that night and insists that by reclaiming one of the world titles, this weekend, he will once again have a strong case to also be known as the best 140-pounder around. “When people introduce me, they do so as 'the former champ' you but I want to be the current champion, and not only that, I want to be known as the best in the world in my division,” Prograis said. “That is even more important to me than being a champion, it's to be the best in the world in my division. There will always be debates but after Saturday, my name will be really, really high on the list. You have other fighters that are good, but I think after Saturday, my name should be at the top of the 140-pound list.”
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Prograis determined to claim junior welterweight supremacy
Regis Prograis has listed the reasons why he believes he will defeat Jose Zepeda this weekend, Prograis faces Zepeda in Carson, California on Saturday night, with the vacant WBC junior welterweight title up for grabs. The 33 year-old Prograis, a former WBA title holder, respects Zepeda but is adamant he will be too much to handle at the Dignity Health Sports Park this weekend. And ‘Rougarou’ says victory will not only secure him one of the four recognized world belts, but also re-establish him as the best 140-pound boxer on the planet. “Zepeda's never fought a southpaw this elusive, a southpaw that is strong like I am, a southpaw that has defence and a southpaw who has a chin on top of that,” Prograis told Probellum.com. “I feel like you can hit me with anything, it's not going to do anything. But the main thing is he hasn't fought a workhorse like me, it is one of my strongest suits. I work so hard in training camp, I kill myself. And on top of that, there is my hunger.”
Prograis was rconsidered by many to be the #1 boxer in his weight division when he headed into his 2019 unification blockbuster with [current world champion] Josh Taylor in London. The American lost a classic contest on points that night and insists that by reclaiming one of the world titles, this weekend, he will once again have a strong case to also be known as the best 140-pounder around. “When people introduce me, they do so as 'the former champ' you but I want to be the current champion, and not only that, I want to be known as the best in the world in my division,” Prograis said. “That is even more important to me than being a champion, it's to be the best in the world in my division. There will always be debates but after Saturday, my name will be really, really high on the list. You have other fighters that are good, but I think after Saturday, my name should be at the top of the 140-pound list.”
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PBC books Showtime triple-header for Dec. 17th |
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Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera and Frank “The Ghost” Martin will clash in an intriguing WBA lightweight eliminator live on Showtime on Saturday, December 17th in a Premier Boxing Champions event at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see former champion José Uzcátegui return to action against unbeaten Vladimir Shishkin in a twelve-round IBF super middleweight eliminator. Plus, bantamweights face off as Vincent Astrolabio and Nikolai Potapov battle in another IBF eliminator that kicks off the telecast.
“Michel Rivera vs. Frank Martin is one of the best matchups that can be made in the stacked lightweight division and the fans watching on Showtime and at The Cosmopolitan are surely in for a treat on December 17,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Each has shown immense skill and heart in earning their status as contenders, and they’ve proven that they’re ready to fight whoever it takes to become world champion. Adding in two closely matched bouts on the televised undercard makes this a night of drama that fight fans will not want to miss.” Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla., Rivera (24-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his United States debut with a victory over Rene Tellez Giron. The 24-year-old continued his ascent with five more victories in 2020 and 2021, including knockouts of Jon Fernandez and Anthony Mercado. Most recently he outboxed Jerry Perez, earning a unanimous decision victory in October after dominating the previously unbeaten Joseph Adorno on his way to a unanimous decision in March.
“This is the type of fight that I’ve been asking for and I can’t wait to get into the ring,” said Rivera. “Martin is a strong opponent with a good record, but I’m ready to show that I am the future of the lightweight division. I’ve been training hard in Miami so that I’m ready for anything that Martin brings. Make sure you tune in to this fight!”
The 27-year-old Martin (16-0, 12 KOs) became known in 2021 with a pair of quality victories before delivering a New Year’s Day KO over veteran Romero Duno. In April 2021, Martin knocked out the previously unbeaten Jerry Perez in a dominating performance before earning a unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczweski in August. He produced a methodical destruction of Jackson Mariñez in July when he stopped him in the 10th round, showing the skill set that has made him one of the most highly touted contenders at lightweight. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., Martin now trains in the Dallas area under the guidance of Derrick James alongside his promoter and unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.
“I’m excited to be able to go out there and prove to myself and prove to the fans how great I am,” said Martin. “Michel Rivera is a good fighter. He’s technically sound and seems to have a determined mentality which means he’s going to come out and give a good fight on December 17. I’m just a few steps ahead of Rivera as far as having speed, power and ring IQ. I feel I have more in the arsenal. This is going to be an action-packed fight. There is going to be a lot of excitement, and a lot of hard shots are going to be dished out, so if you want to see a bang ’em fight, get ready to see two hungry, undefeated fighters go at it. Just remember: Every underdog had to go outside to an uncomfortable situation to become the top dog.”
Born in Venezuela and fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, Uzcátegui (32-4, 27 KOs) captured a 168-pound world title in March of 2018 by stopping veteran contender Andre Dirrell after eight rounds. The 31-year-old put himself in position to fight for a title with four straight stoppage victories from 2015 through 2016, including a win over then unbeaten Julius Jackson. Since losing the title to unbeaten champion Caleb Plant in January 2019, Uzcátegui has rebounded to win four of his last five fights, including most recently knocking out Felipe Romero in May.
“I am thrilled to be returning to fight on Showtime on December 17th,” said Uzcátegui. “That is where I won my world title and I can’t wait to put on another great performance. I am looking at this fight against Shishkin as my chance to reclaim my belt. I’m leaving it all in the ring in this fight. It’s all or nothing for me once I step between the ropes.”
Now fighting out of the resurgent Detroit boxing scene under the guidance of the renowned SugarHill Steward, Shishkin (13-0, 8 KOs) is a Russian native who turned pro in 2016 following a prolific amateur career. The 31-year-old stopped veteran contender Nadjib Mohammedi in October 2018 before putting together his most recent five victories in stateside bouts. That run includes three appearances on SHOBOX: The New Generation and started with an eighth-round stoppage of DeAndre Ware in 2019, a 2020 triumph over the previously unbeaten Ulises Sierra and most recently a sixth-round TKO of Jeyson Minda in March.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me to get closer to my ultimate dream of becoming world champion,” said Shishkin. “My opponent is a strong former champion with a proven record and an excellent skill set. However, me and my team are doing everything we can to be 100% on December 17. I believe that I’m facing a great opponent who will allow me to showcase my style of fighting.”
The 25-year-old Astrolabio (17-3, 12 KOs) put himself into title contention with an upset victory over longtime pound-for-pound staple Guillermo Rigondeaux in February. A native of General Santos City in the Philippines, Astrolabio will make his U.S debut on December 17th as he looks to take one step closer to a world title opportunity. Prior to that decision victory in February, Astrolabio’s previous five wins had all come by knockout.
“I am very excited to make my U.S. debut on December 17,” said Astrolabio. “I want to thank my promoter Manny Pacquiao and my whole team for making this dream come true. I’m honored to be fighting in a world title eliminator. I truly feel that I earned this opportunity with my victory over Rigondeaux. This is my first fight on Showtime and I’m training hard to make it a memorable one.”
Potapov (23-2-1, 11 KOs) has held his current training camp in Miami as he is co-trained by John David Jackson while he too looks to solidify his shot at a world title. The Russian native enters the fight on a three-bout winning streak following a narrow decision loss to Joshua Greer in July 2019. The 32-year-old turned pro in 2010 and was unbeaten until a 2016 draw against fellow contender Stephon Young.
“This is an important stage of my career and a fight that I’m putting everything into,” said Potapov. “Winning a world title has always been my dream. I know that this fight is one step away from that dream. I’m going to do everything I can in my power to make it a reality. I hope that my opponent comes into the ring at his best as well, so that we can give the fans a great fight. No matter what, I’m planning on having my hand raised.”
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PBC books Showtime triple-header for Dec. 17th
Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera and Frank “The Ghost” Martin will clash in an intriguing WBA lightweight eliminator live on Showtime on Saturday, December 17th in a Premier Boxing Champions event at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see former champion José Uzcátegui return to action against unbeaten Vladimir Shishkin in a twelve-round IBF super middleweight eliminator. Plus, bantamweights face off as Vincent Astrolabio and Nikolai Potapov battle in another IBF eliminator that kicks off the telecast.
“Michel Rivera vs. Frank Martin is one of the best matchups that can be made in the stacked lightweight division and the fans watching on Showtime and at The Cosmopolitan are surely in for a treat on December 17,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Each has shown immense skill and heart in earning their status as contenders, and they’ve proven that they’re ready to fight whoever it takes to become world champion. Adding in two closely matched bouts on the televised undercard makes this a night of drama that fight fans will not want to miss.” Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla., Rivera (24-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his United States debut with a victory over Rene Tellez Giron. The 24-year-old continued his ascent with five more victories in 2020 and 2021, including knockouts of Jon Fernandez and Anthony Mercado. Most recently he outboxed Jerry Perez, earning a unanimous decision victory in October after dominating the previously unbeaten Joseph Adorno on his way to a unanimous decision in March.
“This is the type of fight that I’ve been asking for and I can’t wait to get into the ring,” said Rivera. “Martin is a strong opponent with a good record, but I’m ready to show that I am the future of the lightweight division. I’ve been training hard in Miami so that I’m ready for anything that Martin brings. Make sure you tune in to this fight!”
The 27-year-old Martin (16-0, 12 KOs) became known in 2021 with a pair of quality victories before delivering a New Year’s Day KO over veteran Romero Duno. In April 2021, Martin knocked out the previously unbeaten Jerry Perez in a dominating performance before earning a unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczweski in August. He produced a methodical destruction of Jackson Mariñez in July when he stopped him in the 10th round, showing the skill set that has made him one of the most highly touted contenders at lightweight. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., Martin now trains in the Dallas area under the guidance of Derrick James alongside his promoter and unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.
“I’m excited to be able to go out there and prove to myself and prove to the fans how great I am,” said Martin. “Michel Rivera is a good fighter. He’s technically sound and seems to have a determined mentality which means he’s going to come out and give a good fight on December 17. I’m just a few steps ahead of Rivera as far as having speed, power and ring IQ. I feel I have more in the arsenal. This is going to be an action-packed fight. There is going to be a lot of excitement, and a lot of hard shots are going to be dished out, so if you want to see a bang ’em fight, get ready to see two hungry, undefeated fighters go at it. Just remember: Every underdog had to go outside to an uncomfortable situation to become the top dog.”
Born in Venezuela and fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, Uzcátegui (32-4, 27 KOs) captured a 168-pound world title in March of 2018 by stopping veteran contender Andre Dirrell after eight rounds. The 31-year-old put himself in position to fight for a title with four straight stoppage victories from 2015 through 2016, including a win over then unbeaten Julius Jackson. Since losing the title to unbeaten champion Caleb Plant in January 2019, Uzcátegui has rebounded to win four of his last five fights, including most recently knocking out Felipe Romero in May.
“I am thrilled to be returning to fight on Showtime on December 17th,” said Uzcátegui. “That is where I won my world title and I can’t wait to put on another great performance. I am looking at this fight against Shishkin as my chance to reclaim my belt. I’m leaving it all in the ring in this fight. It’s all or nothing for me once I step between the ropes.”
Now fighting out of the resurgent Detroit boxing scene under the guidance of the renowned SugarHill Steward, Shishkin (13-0, 8 KOs) is a Russian native who turned pro in 2016 following a prolific amateur career. The 31-year-old stopped veteran contender Nadjib Mohammedi in October 2018 before putting together his most recent five victories in stateside bouts. That run includes three appearances on SHOBOX: The New Generation and started with an eighth-round stoppage of DeAndre Ware in 2019, a 2020 triumph over the previously unbeaten Ulises Sierra and most recently a sixth-round TKO of Jeyson Minda in March.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me to get closer to my ultimate dream of becoming world champion,” said Shishkin. “My opponent is a strong former champion with a proven record and an excellent skill set. However, me and my team are doing everything we can to be 100% on December 17. I believe that I’m facing a great opponent who will allow me to showcase my style of fighting.”
The 25-year-old Astrolabio (17-3, 12 KOs) put himself into title contention with an upset victory over longtime pound-for-pound staple Guillermo Rigondeaux in February. A native of General Santos City in the Philippines, Astrolabio will make his U.S debut on December 17th as he looks to take one step closer to a world title opportunity. Prior to that decision victory in February, Astrolabio’s previous five wins had all come by knockout.
“I am very excited to make my U.S. debut on December 17,” said Astrolabio. “I want to thank my promoter Manny Pacquiao and my whole team for making this dream come true. I’m honored to be fighting in a world title eliminator. I truly feel that I earned this opportunity with my victory over Rigondeaux. This is my first fight on Showtime and I’m training hard to make it a memorable one.”
Potapov (23-2-1, 11 KOs) has held his current training camp in Miami as he is co-trained by John David Jackson while he too looks to solidify his shot at a world title. The Russian native enters the fight on a three-bout winning streak following a narrow decision loss to Joshua Greer in July 2019. The 32-year-old turned pro in 2010 and was unbeaten until a 2016 draw against fellow contender Stephon Young.
“This is an important stage of my career and a fight that I’m putting everything into,” said Potapov. “Winning a world title has always been my dream. I know that this fight is one step away from that dream. I’m going to do everything I can in my power to make it a reality. I hope that my opponent comes into the ring at his best as well, so that we can give the fans a great fight. No matter what, I’m planning on having my hand raised.”
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Team USA clinches three more medals at Youth World Championships |
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Team USA clinched three more medals during the second day of quarterfinals at the 2022 Youth World Championships in La Nucia, Spain, guaranteeing the team four medals total, matching their total from the 2018 Youth World Championships. Sa’Rai Brown-El (Marietta, Ga.) started the day for Team USA on a strong note with a 4-1 decision victory over Mexico’s Alondra Sanchez Rodriguez to advance to the semifinals of the flyweight weight category, as well as secure herself a medal. Brown-El picked up the first round by the slimmest of margins in a 3-2 round, before taking more of a command in the second round to grab four of the five judges’ cards. The American sealed the deal in the final round, landing numerous power punches, as well as giving her opponent a standing eight count before getting the victory to advance to tomorrow’s semifinal bout against India’s Devika Ghorpade.
Featherweight Yoseline Perez (Houston, Texas) picked up her third victory of these World Championships to secure a place in tomorrow’s semifinals, as well as a medal for herself and Team USA. Perez began the fight with a 4-1 advantage after the first round against Kazakhstan’s Ulzhan Sarsenbek. Sarsenbek tried to come back in the second round, with two judges awarding the round to her, however, Perez continued to keep her composure to hold onto the lead heading to the final round. The American closed out the round with strong combinations and body work to take the overall 4-1 decision to set up a semifinal bout with Emily Whitworth of England tomorrow.
Cornellio Phipps (Oxford, Pa.) closed out the day with his own 4-1 decision victory over Ukraine’s Aider Abfurimov to clinch his spot in the semifinals and Team USA’s fourth medal of these World Championships. The featherweight took a slim 3-2 lead after the first round, before picking it up in the second to take that round by 4-1. With a medal on the line, the American closed out the final round strong to take the overall decision to advance to tomorrow’s semifinals against Bakhtiyor Asadov of Uzbekistan.
Dedrick Crocklem (Tacoma, Wash.) will be the fourth member of Team USA to take to the ring in tomorrow’s semifinal bout. The light welterweight will face Vanshaj Vanshaj of India for a place in the gold medal bout on Saturday.
Middleweight Talia Halvorsen (Harwood Heights, Ill.) made her international debut against a tough and experienced opponent, Sunniva Hofstad of Norway, however, could not hold off the two-time European Champion, falling short by way of unanimous decision.
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Team USA clinches three more medals at Youth World Championships
Team USA clinched three more medals during the second day of quarterfinals at the 2022 Youth World Championships in La Nucia, Spain, guaranteeing the team four medals total, matching their total from the 2018 Youth World Championships. Sa’Rai Brown-El (Marietta, Ga.) started the day for Team USA on a strong note with a 4-1 decision victory over Mexico’s Alondra Sanchez Rodriguez to advance to the semifinals of the flyweight weight category, as well as secure herself a medal. Brown-El picked up the first round by the slimmest of margins in a 3-2 round, before taking more of a command in the second round to grab four of the five judges’ cards. The American sealed the deal in the final round, landing numerous power punches, as well as giving her opponent a standing eight count before getting the victory to advance to tomorrow’s semifinal bout against India’s Devika Ghorpade.
Featherweight Yoseline Perez (Houston, Texas) picked up her third victory of these World Championships to secure a place in tomorrow’s semifinals, as well as a medal for herself and Team USA. Perez began the fight with a 4-1 advantage after the first round against Kazakhstan’s Ulzhan Sarsenbek. Sarsenbek tried to come back in the second round, with two judges awarding the round to her, however, Perez continued to keep her composure to hold onto the lead heading to the final round. The American closed out the round with strong combinations and body work to take the overall 4-1 decision to set up a semifinal bout with Emily Whitworth of England tomorrow.
Cornellio Phipps (Oxford, Pa.) closed out the day with his own 4-1 decision victory over Ukraine’s Aider Abfurimov to clinch his spot in the semifinals and Team USA’s fourth medal of these World Championships. The featherweight took a slim 3-2 lead after the first round, before picking it up in the second to take that round by 4-1. With a medal on the line, the American closed out the final round strong to take the overall decision to advance to tomorrow’s semifinals against Bakhtiyor Asadov of Uzbekistan.
Dedrick Crocklem (Tacoma, Wash.) will be the fourth member of Team USA to take to the ring in tomorrow’s semifinal bout. The light welterweight will face Vanshaj Vanshaj of India for a place in the gold medal bout on Saturday.
Middleweight Talia Halvorsen (Harwood Heights, Ill.) made her international debut against a tough and experienced opponent, Sunniva Hofstad of Norway, however, could not hold off the two-time European Champion, falling short by way of unanimous decision.
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MMA star Cris Cyborg added to Crawford undercard |
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MMA superstar Cris Cyborg will return to the boxing ring on December 10th, when she battles Gabrielle Holloway (0-2) in Nebraska on the Terence Crawford vs. David Avanesyan BLK Prime pay-per-view showdown. Cyborg vs. Holloway is a scheduled four-round bout in the lightweight division. Cyborg, UFC's only Grand Slam Champion, comes from a world-class mixed-martial-arts background. In her boxing debut earlier this year, Cyborg defeated Simone Silva by a convincing unanimous decision - throwing clean right hands, pressing forward and unloading punches with Silva against the ropes. “This is a great opportunity for me to make a splash in the boxing world, especially on a card with Terence Crawford, the best boxer in the world,” stated Cyborg, who will be making her USA debut in the squared circle. “Boxing has always been a big part of my training and I feel I can compete at the highest level. I’m expecting Holloway to be in great shape, and I know she’s coming to win. That said, I’m taking this fight very seriously. I feel confident, and I can’t wait to showcase my boxing skills to the world.”
Holloway also comes from an MMA background. Recently fighting in the Bellator system, she joins the undercard of Crawford vs. Avanesyan to establish her place in boxing - taking on a universal women’s fighting icon in Cyborg. “Looking forward to testing my skills against a legend in combat sports, I'm coming fully prepared, conditioning is on point, we are going to steal the show, we are the real main event.” said Holloway.
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MMA star Cris Cyborg added to Crawford undercard
MMA superstar Cris Cyborg will return to the boxing ring on December 10th, when she battles Gabrielle Holloway (0-2) in Nebraska on the Terence Crawford vs. David Avanesyan BLK Prime pay-per-view showdown. Cyborg vs. Holloway is a scheduled four-round bout in the lightweight division. Cyborg, UFC's only Grand Slam Champion, comes from a world-class mixed-martial-arts background. In her boxing debut earlier this year, Cyborg defeated Simone Silva by a convincing unanimous decision - throwing clean right hands, pressing forward and unloading punches with Silva against the ropes. “This is a great opportunity for me to make a splash in the boxing world, especially on a card with Terence Crawford, the best boxer in the world,” stated Cyborg, who will be making her USA debut in the squared circle. “Boxing has always been a big part of my training and I feel I can compete at the highest level. I’m expecting Holloway to be in great shape, and I know she’s coming to win. That said, I’m taking this fight very seriously. I feel confident, and I can’t wait to showcase my boxing skills to the world.”
Holloway also comes from an MMA background. Recently fighting in the Bellator system, she joins the undercard of Crawford vs. Avanesyan to establish her place in boxing - taking on a universal women’s fighting icon in Cyborg. “Looking forward to testing my skills against a legend in combat sports, I'm coming fully prepared, conditioning is on point, we are going to steal the show, we are the real main event.” said Holloway.
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Yamaguchi Falcao books fifth fight of 2022 |
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Brazilian super middleweight Yamaguchi “The Problem” Falcao will battle Ernest Amuzu on Sunday, December 11th at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. The fight takes place as part of the WBA KO Drugs card, which precedes its annual convention. The show will air live on CBS Sports Network at 7 PM eastern. Fighting out of Florida, Falcao (23-1-1 with 9 KOs) last fought on October 29th, a one-sided victory against Alex Tehran. Originally from Ghana but now residing in Florida, Amuzu is 26-7 with 22 KOs. He’s battled several well-known boxers, including Ievgen Khytrov and Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic. Falcao-Amuzu is scheduled for ten rounds.
“This is Yama’s fifth fight of 2022 and I applaud Amuzu for taking the fight,” said Falcao’s promoter Jody Caliguire. We’re going to keep moving up the rankings so these top fighters will either have to fight us or vacate their belts. I’d also like to let it be known Team Falcao immediately accepted a fight with Jaime Mungia for November 19th, but they changed course on us and instead faced an overmatched opponent."
Caliguire also called out the WBA regular champion: “David Morrell is very talented and nobody else in the division seems willing to face him. We’d fight Morrell in his adopted hometown of Minnesota or anywhere in the world because we truly want the best!”
The card is promoted by Boxlab Promotions. Falcao is promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions.
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Yamaguchi Falcao books fifth fight of 2022
Brazilian super middleweight Yamaguchi “The Problem” Falcao will battle Ernest Amuzu on Sunday, December 11th at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. The fight takes place as part of the WBA KO Drugs card, which precedes its annual convention. The show will air live on CBS Sports Network at 7 PM eastern. Fighting out of Florida, Falcao (23-1-1 with 9 KOs) last fought on October 29th, a one-sided victory against Alex Tehran. Originally from Ghana but now residing in Florida, Amuzu is 26-7 with 22 KOs. He’s battled several well-known boxers, including Ievgen Khytrov and Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic. Falcao-Amuzu is scheduled for ten rounds.
“This is Yama’s fifth fight of 2022 and I applaud Amuzu for taking the fight,” said Falcao’s promoter Jody Caliguire. We’re going to keep moving up the rankings so these top fighters will either have to fight us or vacate their belts. I’d also like to let it be known Team Falcao immediately accepted a fight with Jaime Mungia for November 19th, but they changed course on us and instead faced an overmatched opponent."
Caliguire also called out the WBA regular champion: “David Morrell is very talented and nobody else in the division seems willing to face him. We’d fight Morrell in his adopted hometown of Minnesota or anywhere in the world because we truly want the best!”
The card is promoted by Boxlab Promotions. Falcao is promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions.
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Weigh-in report from Massachusetts |
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The official weigh-in was held today for Wednesdays “Jimmy Farrell Fight Night” event, promoted by Granite Chim Promotions, at the Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Tickets are available for purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com. Here are the official weights:
VACANT MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE (6 rounds)
Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (3-2, 1 KO), Swansea, MA 159.4 pounds -vs.- Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-2, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA 158.6;
Lucinei Santons (0-5), Boston 140.2 -vs..- Stephen Davis (Pro Debut), Brockton, 140.8 MA 140.8;
Scott “Bombz” Lampert (3-6, 2 KOs), Dover Plains, NY 173.2 -vs.- Michael Medeiros (0-2), Boston (will weigh in tomorrow)
Kirk Wilmont (1-0, 1 KO), Brockton, MA 264.6 -vs.- Aquilla Prote (Pro Debut), Boston 257.8.
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Weigh-in report from Massachusetts
The official weigh-in was held today for Wednesdays “Jimmy Farrell Fight Night” event, promoted by Granite Chim Promotions, at the Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Tickets are available for purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com. Here are the official weights:
VACANT MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE (6 rounds)
Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (3-2, 1 KO), Swansea, MA 159.4 pounds -vs.- Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-2, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA 158.6;
Lucinei Santons (0-5), Boston 140.2 -vs..- Stephen Davis (Pro Debut), Brockton, 140.8 MA 140.8;
Scott “Bombz” Lampert (3-6, 2 KOs), Dover Plains, NY 173.2 -vs.- Michael Medeiros (0-2), Boston (will weigh in tomorrow)
Kirk Wilmont (1-0, 1 KO), Brockton, MA 264.6 -vs.- Aquilla Prote (Pro Debut), Boston 257.8.
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