Donaire says unification vs. Casimero is next |
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WBC bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire says he will be unifying against his IBF counterpart, John Riel Casimero. Donaire tweeted, "My team does magic. Thank you to Richard Schaefer, Rachel Donaire, PBC, TGB and Showtime. Started camp last week. Belt #2 coming soon." The fight will reportedly take place on August 14th on Showtime, with Donaire standing in for Casimero's scheduled foe, former 122-pound champion Guillermo Rigondeaux.
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Donaire says unification vs. Casimero is next
WBC bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire says he will be unifying against his IBF counterpart, John Riel Casimero. Donaire tweeted, "My team does magic. Thank you to Richard Schaefer, Rachel Donaire, PBC, TGB and Showtime. Started camp last week. Belt #2 coming soon." The fight will reportedly take place on August 14th on Showtime, with Donaire standing in for Casimero's scheduled foe, former 122-pound champion Guillermo Rigondeaux.
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ESPN Weigh-in report from Las Vegas |
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Here is Top Rank's weigh-in report for Saturday's ESPN show at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The three top bouts are on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT). The preliminary bouts will be shown on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
WBA/IBF Bantamweight World Titles — 12 Rounds
Naoya Inoue 118 pounds vs. Michael Dasmarinas 117.4
Judges: Tim Cheatham, Patricia Morse Jarman and Don Trella; Referee: Russell Mora
WBO Junior Lightweight World Title— 10 Rounds
Mikaela Mayer 129.8 vs. Erica Farias 128.2
Judges: Max De Luca, Eric Cheek and Lisa Giampa; Referee: Mike Ortega
Adam Lopez 126 vs. Isaac Dogboe 125.4 (10 rounds)
Judges: Chris Migliore, Dave Moretti and Don Trella; Referee: Celestino Ruiz
(ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT):
Lindolfo Delgado 141.6 vs. Salvador Briceno 141.2 (8 Rounds);
Eric Puente 136 lbs vs. Jose Antonio Meza 136.6 (6 Rounds);
Omar Rosario 140.5 lbs vs. JJ Mariano 140 (4 Rounds);
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ESPN Weigh-in report from Las Vegas
Here is Top Rank's weigh-in report for Saturday's ESPN show at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The three top bouts are on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT). The preliminary bouts will be shown on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
WBA/IBF Bantamweight World Titles — 12 Rounds
Naoya Inoue 118 pounds vs. Michael Dasmarinas 117.4
Judges: Tim Cheatham, Patricia Morse Jarman and Don Trella; Referee: Russell Mora
WBO Junior Lightweight World Title— 10 Rounds
Mikaela Mayer 129.8 vs. Erica Farias 128.2
Judges: Max De Luca, Eric Cheek and Lisa Giampa; Referee: Mike Ortega
Adam Lopez 126 vs. Isaac Dogboe 125.4 (10 rounds)
Judges: Chris Migliore, Dave Moretti and Don Trella; Referee: Celestino Ruiz
(ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT):
Lindolfo Delgado 141.6 vs. Salvador Briceno 141.2 (8 Rounds);
Eric Puente 136 lbs vs. Jose Antonio Meza 136.6 (6 Rounds);
Omar Rosario 140.5 lbs vs. JJ Mariano 140 (4 Rounds);
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De La Hoya to box retired MMA champ Belfort in September |
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Triller today announced that former multi-division champion Oscar De La Hoya will return to the ring to face former UFC superstar Vitor Belfort on Saturday, September 11th in Las Vegas, as part of the new TrillerVerz, the first-ever festival bringing together the power of Verzuz and Fight Club into one weekend festival. De La Hoya is 48 years old and has not boxed since a 2008 loss to Many Pacquiao. De La Hoya never boxed above 160 pounds. Bellfort is 44 and last fought in an MMA ring in 2018, a loss to Lyoto Machida. For that fight, Bellfort weighed in at 184 pounds.
"I am ready to return to the ring, I and am proud to be part of Triller and Verzuz and their game-changing model of reimagining the boxing business as four-quadrant entertainment," De La Hoya said. "I have nothing but the utmost respect for a champion like Vitor Belfort as we show the world what high level boxing is all about."
Said Belfort, "It will be a pleasure to represent MMA again, this time in the ring against one of the biggest names in
the history of boxing. It will be a war not to be missed and a fight my kids will be talking about. This is certain to
make combat sports history."
Brazilian MMA fighter Vitor Belfort is known to fight fans as "The Phenom" for his explosive striking power that helped him secure the UFC light heavyweight title and tie for third for the most finishes in UFC history.
This will be the first of the TrillerVerz festivals. The inaugural TrillerVerz will launch Friday, September 10th with a live Verzuz, followed by a full Saturday festival concert lineup with fight night entertainment produced by "So You Think You Can Dance" co-creator Nigel Lythgoe.
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De La Hoya to box retired MMA champ Belfort in September
Triller today announced that former multi-division champion Oscar De La Hoya will return to the ring to face former UFC superstar Vitor Belfort on Saturday, September 11th in Las Vegas, as part of the new TrillerVerz, the first-ever festival bringing together the power of Verzuz and Fight Club into one weekend festival. De La Hoya is 48 years old and has not boxed since a 2008 loss to Many Pacquiao. De La Hoya never boxed above 160 pounds. Bellfort is 44 and last fought in an MMA ring in 2018, a loss to Lyoto Machida. For that fight, Bellfort weighed in at 184 pounds.
"I am ready to return to the ring, I and am proud to be part of Triller and Verzuz and their game-changing model of reimagining the boxing business as four-quadrant entertainment," De La Hoya said. "I have nothing but the utmost respect for a champion like Vitor Belfort as we show the world what high level boxing is all about."
Said Belfort, "It will be a pleasure to represent MMA again, this time in the ring against one of the biggest names in
the history of boxing. It will be a war not to be missed and a fight my kids will be talking about. This is certain to
make combat sports history."
Brazilian MMA fighter Vitor Belfort is known to fight fans as "The Phenom" for his explosive striking power that helped him secure the UFC light heavyweight title and tie for third for the most finishes in UFC history.
This will be the first of the TrillerVerz festivals. The inaugural TrillerVerz will launch Friday, September 10th with a live Verzuz, followed by a full Saturday festival concert lineup with fight night entertainment produced by "So You Think You Can Dance" co-creator Nigel Lythgoe.
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Do you know boxing better than a 14 year old? Week 7 |
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Mike Borao, Jr. had a lot of work ahead of him this week with five major cards planned. The shocking postponement of the Teofimo Lopez-George Kambosos card made life a little easier, but the youngster still had to make eleven predictions for tonight. As a reward for his hard work, we gave Mike an easy one to predict, Paul Gallen vs. Justis Hun in Australia on Wednesday. Mike not only got the winner right (Huni), which was no big deal, he also correctly guessed the fight would go rounds, even though many thought Huni would win quickly. That win boosted Mike to 28-8 going into a busy Saturday...
Naoya Inoue vs. Michael Dasmarinas (IBF and WBA bantamweight titles)... Prediction: Inoue by early KO
Multi-weight champion and current unified WBA and IBF bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue defends his titles against his IBF mandatory, Michael Dasmarinas. Inoue is coming off a spectacular knockout victory over Jason Moloney, whilst Dasmarinas is coming off a mid-round knockout victory over journeyman Artid Bamrungauea. I see Inoue easily winning this fight just based on his sheer power, and experience at the top level. Inoue should stop Dasmarinas from rounds one to round six.
Jermall Charlo vs. Juan Macias Montiel (WBC middleweight title)... Prediction: Charlo by early KO
Former IBF junior middleweight champion and current WBC middleweight champion defends his title against the hard-hitting Mexican contender Juan Macias Montiel. Charlo is coming off a career-best unanimous decision victory over Serhiy Derevyanchenko, while Montiel is coming off an explosive first-round knockout victory over James Kirkland. Although Montiel has tremendous power-- his career record is 22-4-2 with 22 wins by KO-- I think he's not ready for the sheer skill, speed, and power that Charlo possesses. Charlo should stop Montiel from rounds one to round six.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Anderson Silva (cruiserweights)... Prediction: Chavez by mid-round KO
Former WBC middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. battles former UFC champion Anderson Silva in an eight-round cruiserweight bout. Chavez's last fight was a comeback knockout victory over Jeyson Minda. This fight had a contracted weight of 182, and Chavez, who used to make 160, came in heavy. Silva has one boxing match on his resume, a second-round knockout victory over unknown Julio Cesar De Jesus in 2005. Although Silva was a tremendous mixed martial artist, I don’t think that will really translate into boxing. Plus, Silva is 46 years old more than a decade older than Chavez, who is 35. Chavez Jr. should stop Silva somewhere in rounds four to round six.
Jaime Munguia vs. Kamil Szeremeta (middleweights)... Prediction: Munguia by mid-round KO
Former WBO 154-poundchampion Jaime Munguia battles former Kamil Szeremeta in a twelve round middleweight bout. Munguia is coming off a lackluster sixth -ound knockout victory over Tureano Johnson, whilst Szeremeta is coming off his first defeat by knockout to the best current middleweight, IBF champion Gennadiy Golovkin. I see Munguia using his sheer power, speed and size to defeat Szeremeta. Munguia should stop Szeremeta from rounds four to round eight.
Kudratillo Abdukakhorov vs. Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo (welterweights)... Prediction: Abdukakhorov by decision
Uzbek welterweight contender Kudratillo Abdukakhorov battles the forty-one fight veteran Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo in a ten-round welterweight bout. Abdukakhorov is coming off an eighth-round stoppage victory over Javier Flores. Barrionuevo is coming off a first-round knockout victory over Juan Eleuterio Lencina, but that was in 2019. I see the far more active Abdukakhorov defeating Barrionuevo by unanimous decision with scores ranging from 99-91 to 97-93.
Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Gabriel Rosado (super middleweights)... Prediction: Melikuziev by decision
Unbeaten Uzbek amateur star Bektemir Melikuziev takes on his toughest test as a pro in the tough, rugged, and battle tested veteran Gabriel Rosado in a twelve-round super middleweight bout. Melikuziev is coming off an early knockout victory over Morgan Fitch, whilst Rosado is coming off a controversial split decision loss to former middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs. I see the younger, stronger, and faster Melikuziev defeating the veteran Rosado by a clear unanimous decision. I envision scores of 118-110, 117-111, and 116-112.
Angelo Leo vs. Aaron Alameda (junior featherweights)... Prediction: Leo by decision
Former WBO junior featherweight champion battles former Aaron Alameda in a ten-round junior featherweight bout. Leo is coming off his first defeat, a loss to current world champion Stephen Fulton by a clear unanimous decision, while Alameda is coming off his first defeat to former world champion Luis Nery by controversial unanimous decision. Alameda came in overweight for the fight. I see Leo working on the inside to grind out a unanimous decision victory. I can envision scores of 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94.
Isaac Cruz vs. Francisco Vargas (lightweights)... Prediction: Cruz by late-round knockout
Former WBC junior lightweight champion Francisco Vargas in in against rising lightweight Isaac Cruz battles in a ten rounder. Cruz is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Jose Matias Romero, whilst Vargas is coming off an early knockout victory over Otto Gamez. I see this being a very close fight until Cruz’s work on the inside really starts to do damage on Vargas. Cruz should stop Vargas from rounds six to round ten.
Adam Lopez vs. Isaac Dogboe, 10 rounds, featherweights...Prediction: Dogboe by decision
Former WBO junior featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe faces the battle tested fringe contender Adam Lopez in a ten-round featherweight bout. Dogoe is coming off an eighth-round knockout victory over Chris Avalos. Lopez is coming off a close and competitive majority decision victory over Jason Sanchez. I see Dogboe utilizing his experience at the top level to get a close unanimous decision victory by winning six of the ten rounds.
Felix Sturm vs. James Kraft (super middleweights)... Prediction: Sturm by decision
Former champion Felix Sturm takes his second fight after four years off. The 42 year-old battles the young and unbeaten James Kraft in a ten-round super middleweight bout. Sturm is coming off a wide unanimous decision victory over Timo Rost, while Kraft is coming off an early stoppage victory over Malkhaz Sujashvili. Although Sturm is eighteen years older than Kraft, I believe that he will use his experience to get a unanimous decision victory. I can envision scores of 99-91, 98-92, and 97-93.
Yuri Foreman vs. Jimmy Williams (super welterweights)... Prediction: Foreman by decision
Former WBA 154-pound champion Yuri Foreman battles the relatively unknown Jimmy Williams in an eight-round super welterweight bout. Foreman is coming off a lackluster split-decision victory over (11-9) Jeremy Ramos, whilst Williams is coming off a first-round knockout victory over Clifford McPherson. Although Foreman is forty years old and relatively inactive, I believe that he has enough to pull off a close unanimous decision victory. I can envision scores of 78-74 and 77-75.
Paul Gallen vs. Justis Huni (heavyweights)... Prediction: Huni by decision
Former rugby player Paul Gallen (11-0-1) battles Australian amateur sensation Justis Huni in a ten-round heavyweight bout before Huni leaves for the Olympics. The fight takes place in Australia on Wednesday morning (US time). Gallen is coming off a career-defining first-round knockout victory over former WBA regular heavyweight champion Lucas Browne, while Huni (4-0 as a pro) is fresh off a wide unanimous decision victory over the durable Christian Ndize Tsoye. I see the younger, faster, and stronger Huni breaking down the former rugby player throughout the fight to get a unanimous decision victory, possibly a late stoppage. I can envision scores of 97-93 and 98-92 for Huni.
ACTUAL RESULT: Huni by late KO.
***
WEEK 6: Results for week: 3-1; Overall: 27-8
Shakur Stevenson vs. Jeremiah Nakathila (WBO interim junior lightweight title)... Prediction: Stevenson by decision
Former WBO featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson battles Namibian policeman Jeremiah Nakathila in a twelve rounder for the WBO interim title at 130 pounds. Stevenson, age 23, is coming off an impressive wide unanimous decision victory over Toka Kahn Clary, while the 31 year-old Nakathila is coming off an early knockout victory over Emmanuel Amos in Namibia. Nakathila has one loss, in 2016 by majority decision in Russia. I see the younger, faster, and more slick Stevenson outclassing Nakathila to win a unanimous decision. I can envision scores of 120-108 and 119-109.
ACTUAL RESULT: Stevenson by decision
Jose Pedraza vs. Julian Rodriguez (junior welterweights)... Prediction: Pedraza by decision
Former two-division champion Jose Pedraza battles the unbeaten Julian Rodriguez in a ten round junior welterweight bout. Pedraza is coming off a clear unanimous decision victory over Javier Molina, while Rodriguez is coming off an early knockout victory over Jose Lopez. I see Pedraza, who has been in the ring with Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tank Davis and won four other world title fights, using his experience at the top level to his advantage to get a unanimous decision victory. I can envision scores of 97-93 and 96-94.
ACTUAL RESULT: Pedraza by late stoppage
Jeremias Ponce vs. Lewis Ritson (IBF junior welterweight eliminator)... Prediction: Ritson by decision
Former IBO junior welterweight champion Jeremias Ponce takes on the battle tested Brit Lewis Ritson in a twelve rounder that will be an IBF junior welterweight final eliminator. This is a tough fight to pick because Ponce is coming off a close unanimous decision victory over Jonathan Jose Eniz, while Ritson is coming off a controversial split decision victory over Miguel Vasquez that many criticized as home cooking. Still, I see Ritson using his come forward style to his advantage to get a unanimous decision victory. I envision scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 117-111.
ACTUAL RESULT: Ponce by late stoppage
Thomas Patrick Ward vs. Edy Valencia Mercado (featherweights)... Prediction: Ward by decision
In the DAZN co-feature from England, unbeaten Brit Thomas Patrick Ward faces the battle-tested Mexican Edy Valencia Mercado in a ten rounder in the featherweight division. Ward is coming off a disappointing technical draw to 10-6 Thomas Essomba, while Mercado is coming off a split decision victory over Jose Ramon Olmeda who was 16-0 at the time. Despite some recent upsets by Mexicans in England, I see Ward using his footwork and hand speed to get a unanimous decision victory winning about seven to nine of the scheduled ten rounds.
ACTUAL RESULT: Ward by decision
WEEK 5: Results for week: 4-1; Overall: 24-7
Daniel Dubois vs. Bogdan Dinu (WBA interim heavyweight title)... Prediction: Dubois by early KO
Young British heavyweight Daniel Dubois returns from an eye injury to faces Romanian heavyweight Bogdan Dinu in a twelve rounder for the vacant WBA interim heavyweight championship. Dubois is coming off a knockout defeat to Joe Joyce. in which he stopped fighting due to the eye injury. Dinu is coming off an early stoppage victory over Frank Bluemle but has lost to Kubrat Pulev and Jarrell Miller in the not-too-distant past. I see the younger, faster, and stronger Dubois stopping Dinu to get back into the winning circle. Dubois should stop Dinu inside the first five rounds. RESULT: Dubois by early KO
Jarrett Hurd vs. Luis Arias (junior middleweights)... Prediction: Hurd by decision
Former unified WBA and IBF 154-pound champion Jarett Hurd battles twenty-one fight veteran Luis Arias in a ten-round middleweight bout on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul. Hurd is coming off a wide unanimous decision victory over Francisco Santana, while Arias is coming off a shock defeat on points against Luke Keeler. I see the more experienced Hurd comfortably beating Arias by wide unanimous decision. I envision scores of 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92. RESULT: Arias by decision
Badou Jack vs. Dervin Colina (light heavyweights)... Prediction: Jack by late KO
Former WBC super middleweight champion Badou Jack battles late replacement Dervin Colina (12-0) in a ten-round light heavyweight contest. Jack is coming off a wide unanimous decision victory over Blake McKernan on the Tyson vs. Jones show, whilst the Venezuelan Colina is coming off an early knockout victory over the unknown William Contreras. I see the more experienced Jack easily defeating Colina by late stoppage, possibly a wide unanimous decision. With Jack having a full camp, I'll predict Jack will stop Colina in rounds six to round ten. RESULT: Jack by early KO
Fedor Chudinov vs. Ryno Liebenberg (super middleweights)... Prediction: Chudinov by decision
Former WBA regular super middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov hosts the seasoned South African Ryno Liebenberg in Chudinov's home country, Russia. Chudinov is coming off a draw with Isaac Chilemba, while Liebenberg is coming off an upset over apreviously unbeaten Rowan Campbell, so this fight is not a sure thing on paper. However, I see the younger, stronger, and faster Chudinov defeating Liebenberg with ease by unanimous decision. A late stoppage isn’t out of the picture, but since Liebenbeg has only been stopped twice in his seven defeats, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he will lose by scores in the range of 117-111 through 120-108. Result: Chudinov by decision
David Lemieux vs. David Zegarra.. Prediction: Lemieux by early KO
Former IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux takes on the veteran David Zegarra (34-4) in a ten-round super middleweight bout in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Lemieux is coming off a mid-round knockout victory over Francy Ntetu, whilst Zegarra is coming off a mid-round knockout loss against Stefan Haertel. I see Lemieux winning this fight just based on his sheer power, and experience at the top level that Zegarra does not have. Lemieux should stop Zegarra inside the first five rounds. RESULT: Lemieux by early KO
WEEK 4: Results for week: 7-3; Overall: 20-6
Nordine Oubaali vs. Nonito Donaire (WBC bantamweight championship)... Prediction: Oubaali by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Donaire by early KO
Devin Haney vs. Jorge Linares (WBC regular lightweight championship)... Prediction: Haney by late KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Haney by decision
Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Jovanie Santiago... Prediction: Russell by unanimous decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Russell by mid-round stoppage
Chantelle Cameron vs. Melissa Hernandez (WBC junior welterweight championship)...Prediction: Cameron by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Cameron by mid-round stoppage
Subriel Matias vs. Batyrzhan Jukembayev (IBF junior welterweight eliminator)... Prediction: Matias by mid-round KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Matias by mid-round KO
Martin Joseph Ward vs. Azinga Fuzile (IBF super featherweight eliminator)... Prediction: Fuzile by mid-round stoppage
ACTUAL RESULT: Fuzile by mid-round stoppage
Shane Mosley Jr. vs. Jason Quigley (middeweights)... Prediction: Mosley by unanimous decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Quigley by decision
Artur Spilka vs. Lukasz Rozanski (heavyweights)... Prediction: Rozanski by early KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Rozanski by early KO
Carlos Canizales vs. Esteban Bermudez (WBA regular light flyweight championship)... Prediction: Canizales by mid-round KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Bermudez by mid-round KO
Justis Huni vs. Christian Ndzie Tsoye (heavyweights)... Prediction: Huni by early KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Huni by decision
WEEK THREE: Result: 4-2; Overall: 13-3.
Jose Carlos Ramirez vs. Josh Taylor (Four-belt world junior welterweight championship)... Prediction: Taylor by majority decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Taylor by decision
Carlos Molina vs. Same Eggington (middleweights)... Prediction: Eggington by unanimous decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Eggington by unanimous decision
Jose Zepeda vs. Hank Lundy (junior welterweights)... Prediction: Zepeda by mid-round stoppage
ACTUAL RESULT: Zeoeda by decision
Elvis Rodriguez vs. Kenneth Sims Jr. (junior welterweights)... Prediction: Rodriguez by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Sims by decision
Dmitriy Kudryashov vs. Evgeny Romanov (WBC bridgerweight eliminator)... Prediction: Romanov by early stoppage
ACTUAL RESULT: Romanov by decision.
Nkosinathi Joyi vs. Ayanda Ndulani (IBO minimumweight championship)... Prediction: Joyi by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Ndulani by early knockout.
***
WEEK TWO: Result: 6-1; Overall: 9:1
Mahmoud Charr vs. Christopher Lovejoy (WBA heavyweight championship in recess)... Prediction: Charr by early KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Charr by early KO
Joshua Buatsi vs. Daniel Blenda Dos Santos (light heavyweights)... Prediction: Buatsi by mid-round KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Buatsi by mid-round KO
Luis Nery vs. Brandon Figueroa (WBC super bantamweight title)... Prediction: Nery by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Figueroa by mid-round KO
Daniel Roman vs. Ricardo Espinoza Franco (super bantamweights)... Prediction: Roman by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Roman by decision
Xavier Martinez vs. Juan Carlos Burgos (junior lightweights)... Prediction: Martinez by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Martinez by decision
BONUS ROUND: little-known heavyweights
Jacek Piatek vs. Viktor Vykhyrst (heavyweights)... Prediction: Vykhyrst by mid-round KO.
ACTUAL RESULT: Vykhyrst by first-round KO.
Demsey McKean vs. Kiko Toa Leutele (heavyweights)... Prediction: McKean by late KO
ACTUAL RESULT: McKean by decision
*** WEEK 1: Result: 3-0
Canelo Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders (WBA, WBC and WBO super middleweight championships)... Prediction: Alvarez by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Alvarez by mid-round KO.
Elwin Soto vs. Katsunari Takayama (WBO junior flyweight championship)... Prediction: Soto by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Soto by premature stoppage
Frank Sanchez vs. Nagy Aguilera (heavyweights)... Prediction: Sanchez by late KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Sanchez by mid-round KO when Aguilera claims he was fouled
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Do you know boxing better than a 14 year old? Week 7
Mike Borao, Jr. had a lot of work ahead of him this week with five major cards planned. The shocking postponement of the Teofimo Lopez-George Kambosos card made life a little easier, but the youngster still had to make eleven predictions for tonight. As a reward for his hard work, we gave Mike an easy one to predict, Paul Gallen vs. Justis Hun in Australia on Wednesday. Mike not only got the winner right (Huni), which was no big deal, he also correctly guessed the fight would go rounds, even though many thought Huni would win quickly. That win boosted Mike to 28-8 going into a busy Saturday...
Naoya Inoue vs. Michael Dasmarinas (IBF and WBA bantamweight titles)... Prediction: Inoue by early KO
Multi-weight champion and current unified WBA and IBF bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue defends his titles against his IBF mandatory, Michael Dasmarinas. Inoue is coming off a spectacular knockout victory over Jason Moloney, whilst Dasmarinas is coming off a mid-round knockout victory over journeyman Artid Bamrungauea. I see Inoue easily winning this fight just based on his sheer power, and experience at the top level. Inoue should stop Dasmarinas from rounds one to round six.
Jermall Charlo vs. Juan Macias Montiel (WBC middleweight title)... Prediction: Charlo by early KO
Former IBF junior middleweight champion and current WBC middleweight champion defends his title against the hard-hitting Mexican contender Juan Macias Montiel. Charlo is coming off a career-best unanimous decision victory over Serhiy Derevyanchenko, while Montiel is coming off an explosive first-round knockout victory over James Kirkland. Although Montiel has tremendous power-- his career record is 22-4-2 with 22 wins by KO-- I think he's not ready for the sheer skill, speed, and power that Charlo possesses. Charlo should stop Montiel from rounds one to round six.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Anderson Silva (cruiserweights)... Prediction: Chavez by mid-round KO
Former WBC middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. battles former UFC champion Anderson Silva in an eight-round cruiserweight bout. Chavez's last fight was a comeback knockout victory over Jeyson Minda. This fight had a contracted weight of 182, and Chavez, who used to make 160, came in heavy. Silva has one boxing match on his resume, a second-round knockout victory over unknown Julio Cesar De Jesus in 2005. Although Silva was a tremendous mixed martial artist, I don’t think that will really translate into boxing. Plus, Silva is 46 years old more than a decade older than Chavez, who is 35. Chavez Jr. should stop Silva somewhere in rounds four to round six.
Jaime Munguia vs. Kamil Szeremeta (middleweights)... Prediction: Munguia by mid-round KO
Former WBO 154-poundchampion Jaime Munguia battles former Kamil Szeremeta in a twelve round middleweight bout. Munguia is coming off a lackluster sixth -ound knockout victory over Tureano Johnson, whilst Szeremeta is coming off his first defeat by knockout to the best current middleweight, IBF champion Gennadiy Golovkin. I see Munguia using his sheer power, speed and size to defeat Szeremeta. Munguia should stop Szeremeta from rounds four to round eight.
Kudratillo Abdukakhorov vs. Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo (welterweights)... Prediction: Abdukakhorov by decision
Uzbek welterweight contender Kudratillo Abdukakhorov battles the forty-one fight veteran Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo in a ten-round welterweight bout. Abdukakhorov is coming off an eighth-round stoppage victory over Javier Flores. Barrionuevo is coming off a first-round knockout victory over Juan Eleuterio Lencina, but that was in 2019. I see the far more active Abdukakhorov defeating Barrionuevo by unanimous decision with scores ranging from 99-91 to 97-93.
Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Gabriel Rosado (super middleweights)... Prediction: Melikuziev by decision
Unbeaten Uzbek amateur star Bektemir Melikuziev takes on his toughest test as a pro in the tough, rugged, and battle tested veteran Gabriel Rosado in a twelve-round super middleweight bout. Melikuziev is coming off an early knockout victory over Morgan Fitch, whilst Rosado is coming off a controversial split decision loss to former middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs. I see the younger, stronger, and faster Melikuziev defeating the veteran Rosado by a clear unanimous decision. I envision scores of 118-110, 117-111, and 116-112.
Angelo Leo vs. Aaron Alameda (junior featherweights)... Prediction: Leo by decision
Former WBO junior featherweight champion battles former Aaron Alameda in a ten-round junior featherweight bout. Leo is coming off his first defeat, a loss to current world champion Stephen Fulton by a clear unanimous decision, while Alameda is coming off his first defeat to former world champion Luis Nery by controversial unanimous decision. Alameda came in overweight for the fight. I see Leo working on the inside to grind out a unanimous decision victory. I can envision scores of 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94.
Isaac Cruz vs. Francisco Vargas (lightweights)... Prediction: Cruz by late-round knockout
Former WBC junior lightweight champion Francisco Vargas in in against rising lightweight Isaac Cruz battles in a ten rounder. Cruz is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Jose Matias Romero, whilst Vargas is coming off an early knockout victory over Otto Gamez. I see this being a very close fight until Cruz’s work on the inside really starts to do damage on Vargas. Cruz should stop Vargas from rounds six to round ten.
Adam Lopez vs. Isaac Dogboe, 10 rounds, featherweights...Prediction: Dogboe by decision
Former WBO junior featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe faces the battle tested fringe contender Adam Lopez in a ten-round featherweight bout. Dogoe is coming off an eighth-round knockout victory over Chris Avalos. Lopez is coming off a close and competitive majority decision victory over Jason Sanchez. I see Dogboe utilizing his experience at the top level to get a close unanimous decision victory by winning six of the ten rounds.
Felix Sturm vs. James Kraft (super middleweights)... Prediction: Sturm by decision
Former champion Felix Sturm takes his second fight after four years off. The 42 year-old battles the young and unbeaten James Kraft in a ten-round super middleweight bout. Sturm is coming off a wide unanimous decision victory over Timo Rost, while Kraft is coming off an early stoppage victory over Malkhaz Sujashvili. Although Sturm is eighteen years older than Kraft, I believe that he will use his experience to get a unanimous decision victory. I can envision scores of 99-91, 98-92, and 97-93.
Yuri Foreman vs. Jimmy Williams (super welterweights)... Prediction: Foreman by decision
Former WBA 154-pound champion Yuri Foreman battles the relatively unknown Jimmy Williams in an eight-round super welterweight bout. Foreman is coming off a lackluster split-decision victory over (11-9) Jeremy Ramos, whilst Williams is coming off a first-round knockout victory over Clifford McPherson. Although Foreman is forty years old and relatively inactive, I believe that he has enough to pull off a close unanimous decision victory. I can envision scores of 78-74 and 77-75.
Paul Gallen vs. Justis Huni (heavyweights)... Prediction: Huni by decision
Former rugby player Paul Gallen (11-0-1) battles Australian amateur sensation Justis Huni in a ten-round heavyweight bout before Huni leaves for the Olympics. The fight takes place in Australia on Wednesday morning (US time). Gallen is coming off a career-defining first-round knockout victory over former WBA regular heavyweight champion Lucas Browne, while Huni (4-0 as a pro) is fresh off a wide unanimous decision victory over the durable Christian Ndize Tsoye. I see the younger, faster, and stronger Huni breaking down the former rugby player throughout the fight to get a unanimous decision victory, possibly a late stoppage. I can envision scores of 97-93 and 98-92 for Huni.
ACTUAL RESULT: Huni by late KO.
***
WEEK 6: Results for week: 3-1; Overall: 27-8
Shakur Stevenson vs. Jeremiah Nakathila (WBO interim junior lightweight title)... Prediction: Stevenson by decision
Former WBO featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson battles Namibian policeman Jeremiah Nakathila in a twelve rounder for the WBO interim title at 130 pounds. Stevenson, age 23, is coming off an impressive wide unanimous decision victory over Toka Kahn Clary, while the 31 year-old Nakathila is coming off an early knockout victory over Emmanuel Amos in Namibia. Nakathila has one loss, in 2016 by majority decision in Russia. I see the younger, faster, and more slick Stevenson outclassing Nakathila to win a unanimous decision. I can envision scores of 120-108 and 119-109.
ACTUAL RESULT: Stevenson by decision
Jose Pedraza vs. Julian Rodriguez (junior welterweights)... Prediction: Pedraza by decision
Former two-division champion Jose Pedraza battles the unbeaten Julian Rodriguez in a ten round junior welterweight bout. Pedraza is coming off a clear unanimous decision victory over Javier Molina, while Rodriguez is coming off an early knockout victory over Jose Lopez. I see Pedraza, who has been in the ring with Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tank Davis and won four other world title fights, using his experience at the top level to his advantage to get a unanimous decision victory. I can envision scores of 97-93 and 96-94.
ACTUAL RESULT: Pedraza by late stoppage
Jeremias Ponce vs. Lewis Ritson (IBF junior welterweight eliminator)... Prediction: Ritson by decision
Former IBO junior welterweight champion Jeremias Ponce takes on the battle tested Brit Lewis Ritson in a twelve rounder that will be an IBF junior welterweight final eliminator. This is a tough fight to pick because Ponce is coming off a close unanimous decision victory over Jonathan Jose Eniz, while Ritson is coming off a controversial split decision victory over Miguel Vasquez that many criticized as home cooking. Still, I see Ritson using his come forward style to his advantage to get a unanimous decision victory. I envision scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 117-111.
ACTUAL RESULT: Ponce by late stoppage
Thomas Patrick Ward vs. Edy Valencia Mercado (featherweights)... Prediction: Ward by decision
In the DAZN co-feature from England, unbeaten Brit Thomas Patrick Ward faces the battle-tested Mexican Edy Valencia Mercado in a ten rounder in the featherweight division. Ward is coming off a disappointing technical draw to 10-6 Thomas Essomba, while Mercado is coming off a split decision victory over Jose Ramon Olmeda who was 16-0 at the time. Despite some recent upsets by Mexicans in England, I see Ward using his footwork and hand speed to get a unanimous decision victory winning about seven to nine of the scheduled ten rounds.
ACTUAL RESULT: Ward by decision
WEEK 5: Results for week: 4-1; Overall: 24-7
Daniel Dubois vs. Bogdan Dinu (WBA interim heavyweight title)... Prediction: Dubois by early KO
Young British heavyweight Daniel Dubois returns from an eye injury to faces Romanian heavyweight Bogdan Dinu in a twelve rounder for the vacant WBA interim heavyweight championship. Dubois is coming off a knockout defeat to Joe Joyce. in which he stopped fighting due to the eye injury. Dinu is coming off an early stoppage victory over Frank Bluemle but has lost to Kubrat Pulev and Jarrell Miller in the not-too-distant past. I see the younger, faster, and stronger Dubois stopping Dinu to get back into the winning circle. Dubois should stop Dinu inside the first five rounds. RESULT: Dubois by early KO
Jarrett Hurd vs. Luis Arias (junior middleweights)... Prediction: Hurd by decision
Former unified WBA and IBF 154-pound champion Jarett Hurd battles twenty-one fight veteran Luis Arias in a ten-round middleweight bout on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul. Hurd is coming off a wide unanimous decision victory over Francisco Santana, while Arias is coming off a shock defeat on points against Luke Keeler. I see the more experienced Hurd comfortably beating Arias by wide unanimous decision. I envision scores of 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92. RESULT: Arias by decision
Badou Jack vs. Dervin Colina (light heavyweights)... Prediction: Jack by late KO
Former WBC super middleweight champion Badou Jack battles late replacement Dervin Colina (12-0) in a ten-round light heavyweight contest. Jack is coming off a wide unanimous decision victory over Blake McKernan on the Tyson vs. Jones show, whilst the Venezuelan Colina is coming off an early knockout victory over the unknown William Contreras. I see the more experienced Jack easily defeating Colina by late stoppage, possibly a wide unanimous decision. With Jack having a full camp, I'll predict Jack will stop Colina in rounds six to round ten. RESULT: Jack by early KO
Fedor Chudinov vs. Ryno Liebenberg (super middleweights)... Prediction: Chudinov by decision
Former WBA regular super middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov hosts the seasoned South African Ryno Liebenberg in Chudinov's home country, Russia. Chudinov is coming off a draw with Isaac Chilemba, while Liebenberg is coming off an upset over apreviously unbeaten Rowan Campbell, so this fight is not a sure thing on paper. However, I see the younger, stronger, and faster Chudinov defeating Liebenberg with ease by unanimous decision. A late stoppage isn’t out of the picture, but since Liebenbeg has only been stopped twice in his seven defeats, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he will lose by scores in the range of 117-111 through 120-108. Result: Chudinov by decision
David Lemieux vs. David Zegarra.. Prediction: Lemieux by early KO
Former IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux takes on the veteran David Zegarra (34-4) in a ten-round super middleweight bout in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Lemieux is coming off a mid-round knockout victory over Francy Ntetu, whilst Zegarra is coming off a mid-round knockout loss against Stefan Haertel. I see Lemieux winning this fight just based on his sheer power, and experience at the top level that Zegarra does not have. Lemieux should stop Zegarra inside the first five rounds. RESULT: Lemieux by early KO
WEEK 4: Results for week: 7-3; Overall: 20-6
Nordine Oubaali vs. Nonito Donaire (WBC bantamweight championship)... Prediction: Oubaali by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Donaire by early KO
Devin Haney vs. Jorge Linares (WBC regular lightweight championship)... Prediction: Haney by late KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Haney by decision
Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Jovanie Santiago... Prediction: Russell by unanimous decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Russell by mid-round stoppage
Chantelle Cameron vs. Melissa Hernandez (WBC junior welterweight championship)...Prediction: Cameron by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Cameron by mid-round stoppage
Subriel Matias vs. Batyrzhan Jukembayev (IBF junior welterweight eliminator)... Prediction: Matias by mid-round KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Matias by mid-round KO
Martin Joseph Ward vs. Azinga Fuzile (IBF super featherweight eliminator)... Prediction: Fuzile by mid-round stoppage
ACTUAL RESULT: Fuzile by mid-round stoppage
Shane Mosley Jr. vs. Jason Quigley (middeweights)... Prediction: Mosley by unanimous decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Quigley by decision
Artur Spilka vs. Lukasz Rozanski (heavyweights)... Prediction: Rozanski by early KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Rozanski by early KO
Carlos Canizales vs. Esteban Bermudez (WBA regular light flyweight championship)... Prediction: Canizales by mid-round KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Bermudez by mid-round KO
Justis Huni vs. Christian Ndzie Tsoye (heavyweights)... Prediction: Huni by early KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Huni by decision
WEEK THREE: Result: 4-2; Overall: 13-3.
Jose Carlos Ramirez vs. Josh Taylor (Four-belt world junior welterweight championship)... Prediction: Taylor by majority decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Taylor by decision
Carlos Molina vs. Same Eggington (middleweights)... Prediction: Eggington by unanimous decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Eggington by unanimous decision
Jose Zepeda vs. Hank Lundy (junior welterweights)... Prediction: Zepeda by mid-round stoppage
ACTUAL RESULT: Zeoeda by decision
Elvis Rodriguez vs. Kenneth Sims Jr. (junior welterweights)... Prediction: Rodriguez by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Sims by decision
Dmitriy Kudryashov vs. Evgeny Romanov (WBC bridgerweight eliminator)... Prediction: Romanov by early stoppage
ACTUAL RESULT: Romanov by decision.
Nkosinathi Joyi vs. Ayanda Ndulani (IBO minimumweight championship)... Prediction: Joyi by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Ndulani by early knockout.
***
WEEK TWO: Result: 6-1; Overall: 9:1
Mahmoud Charr vs. Christopher Lovejoy (WBA heavyweight championship in recess)... Prediction: Charr by early KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Charr by early KO
Joshua Buatsi vs. Daniel Blenda Dos Santos (light heavyweights)... Prediction: Buatsi by mid-round KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Buatsi by mid-round KO
Luis Nery vs. Brandon Figueroa (WBC super bantamweight title)... Prediction: Nery by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Figueroa by mid-round KO
Daniel Roman vs. Ricardo Espinoza Franco (super bantamweights)... Prediction: Roman by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Roman by decision
Xavier Martinez vs. Juan Carlos Burgos (junior lightweights)... Prediction: Martinez by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Martinez by decision
BONUS ROUND: little-known heavyweights
Jacek Piatek vs. Viktor Vykhyrst (heavyweights)... Prediction: Vykhyrst by mid-round KO.
ACTUAL RESULT: Vykhyrst by first-round KO.
Demsey McKean vs. Kiko Toa Leutele (heavyweights)... Prediction: McKean by late KO
ACTUAL RESULT: McKean by decision
*** WEEK 1: Result: 3-0
Canelo Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders (WBA, WBC and WBO super middleweight championships)... Prediction: Alvarez by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Alvarez by mid-round KO.
Elwin Soto vs. Katsunari Takayama (WBO junior flyweight championship)... Prediction: Soto by decision
ACTUAL RESULT: Soto by premature stoppage
Frank Sanchez vs. Nagy Aguilera (heavyweights)... Prediction: Sanchez by late KO
ACTUAL RESULT: Sanchez by mid-round KO when Aguilera claims he was fouled
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It will be Steven Ortiz vs. Damon Allen in all-Philly main event |
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"Philly Favorites" Steven Ortiz and Damon Allen Jr. headline an RDR Promotions' night of boxing on Saturday, July 24th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The lightweight fight will top the bill on the second night of back-to-back shows at the 2300 Arena. The Friday, July 23rd show was announced earlier in the week. The bout is the most anticipated "Philly vs. Philly" main event matchup since Derek Ennis took a 12-round majority decision over Gabriel Rosado on July, 30 2010 at the same venue. Ortiz is 12-0 with three knockouts. The 27 year-old is a six-year professional, who has wins over Tyrome Jones (4-0), Joshua Davis (11-2), Wesley Ferrer (12-0-1), Jeremy Cuevas (11-0), Alejandro Salinas (10-2). In his last outing, Ortiz took an eight-round unanimous decision over Jeremy Hill (14-0) in Uncasville, Connectcut. Allen is 16-1-1 with five knockouts. the 28 year-old is an eight-year professional who has victories over former champion Gamaliel Diaz, Jayro Duran, Martin Honorio and his last outing, a six-round unanimous decision over Diemerci Nzau. However, that was in October of 2019.
UNDERCARD
In a six-round bout, Rasheen Brown (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Roberto Pucheta (10-18-2) of Jalisco, Mexico in a super bantamweight contest...
In four-round bouts: Paul Koon (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia squares off with Antonio Robertson (4-7-1, 2 KOs) of Raleigh, NC in a heavyweight fight...
Also appearing against opponents to be named will be undefeated welterweight Mark Dawson Jr., junior welterweight Nicolas Sullivan (3-0, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA; light heavyweight David Stevens (5-0, 4 KOs) of Reading, PA and pro debuting super featherweight Iman Lee of Yonkers, NY.
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It will be Steven Ortiz vs. Damon Allen in all-Philly main event
"Philly Favorites" Steven Ortiz and Damon Allen Jr. headline an RDR Promotions' night of boxing on Saturday, July 24th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The lightweight fight will top the bill on the second night of back-to-back shows at the 2300 Arena. The Friday, July 23rd show was announced earlier in the week. The bout is the most anticipated "Philly vs. Philly" main event matchup since Derek Ennis took a 12-round majority decision over Gabriel Rosado on July, 30 2010 at the same venue. Ortiz is 12-0 with three knockouts. The 27 year-old is a six-year professional, who has wins over Tyrome Jones (4-0), Joshua Davis (11-2), Wesley Ferrer (12-0-1), Jeremy Cuevas (11-0), Alejandro Salinas (10-2). In his last outing, Ortiz took an eight-round unanimous decision over Jeremy Hill (14-0) in Uncasville, Connectcut. Allen is 16-1-1 with five knockouts. the 28 year-old is an eight-year professional who has victories over former champion Gamaliel Diaz, Jayro Duran, Martin Honorio and his last outing, a six-round unanimous decision over Diemerci Nzau. However, that was in October of 2019.
UNDERCARD
In a six-round bout, Rasheen Brown (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Roberto Pucheta (10-18-2) of Jalisco, Mexico in a super bantamweight contest...
In four-round bouts: Paul Koon (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia squares off with Antonio Robertson (4-7-1, 2 KOs) of Raleigh, NC in a heavyweight fight...
Also appearing against opponents to be named will be undefeated welterweight Mark Dawson Jr., junior welterweight Nicolas Sullivan (3-0, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA; light heavyweight David Stevens (5-0, 4 KOs) of Reading, PA and pro debuting super featherweight Iman Lee of Yonkers, NY.
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Spotlight on Leo-Alameda, tonight on Showtime |
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Tonight (Saturday) on Showtime, former WBO 122-pound champion Angelo Leo (20-1) returns to take on Mexico's Aaron Alameda (26-8 including the World Series of Boxing) in the ten-round telecast opener. Alameda failed to make the 122-pound weight limit on Friday, but fight is still on. The main event sees WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo takes on Juan Macias Montiel in a show from Charlo's hometown, Houston. Both Leo and Alameda have somethin to prove, as they are coming off losses in world title fights. Here is what they said at the final press conference, which occurred before the weigh-in:
ANGELO LEO
“It’s a pleasure to be fighting in Houston, Texas. I came up short in my last fight, but this camp we’ve improved my strength and conditioning. I’m a lot stronger and a lot wiser from the experience I had against Stephen Fulton [Leo lost his title to Fulton in January by unanimous decision].
“Training camp with my dad has been great. We’re ready to go and put on a show for Houston on Saturday.
“I had COVID-19 about six weeks before the Fulton fight. As a fighter, I wanted to put on a show for the fans no matter what. In that fight, I didn’t have the same stamina that I had in the previous fight. I feel fully healed now and we’re going to deliver a good performance.
“I have a lot of motivation knowing that I’ve been champion once and that I can reach that height again. I just want to prove to everyone that I’m still at the top level of this division and a serious threat to anybody.”
AARON ALAMEDA ***Failed to make weight on Friday, but fight is still on
“We trained very hard for this fight. I got a lot of good experience from the Luis Nery fight and on Saturday I’m going to show everything that I’ve learned.
“It was a great opportunity against Luis Nery [a unanimous decision loss in September with the WBC title at stake]. I’m going to let my hands go, leave it all in the ring and be victorious on Saturday night. I’m very motivated by my previous experience against Nery. Everyone will see that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win in this fight.”
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Spotlight on Leo-Alameda, tonight on Showtime
Tonight (Saturday) on Showtime, former WBO 122-pound champion Angelo Leo (20-1) returns to take on Mexico's Aaron Alameda (26-8 including the World Series of Boxing) in the ten-round telecast opener. Alameda failed to make the 122-pound weight limit on Friday, but fight is still on. The main event sees WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo takes on Juan Macias Montiel in a show from Charlo's hometown, Houston. Both Leo and Alameda have somethin to prove, as they are coming off losses in world title fights. Here is what they said at the final press conference, which occurred before the weigh-in:
ANGELO LEO
“It’s a pleasure to be fighting in Houston, Texas. I came up short in my last fight, but this camp we’ve improved my strength and conditioning. I’m a lot stronger and a lot wiser from the experience I had against Stephen Fulton [Leo lost his title to Fulton in January by unanimous decision].
“Training camp with my dad has been great. We’re ready to go and put on a show for Houston on Saturday.
“I had COVID-19 about six weeks before the Fulton fight. As a fighter, I wanted to put on a show for the fans no matter what. In that fight, I didn’t have the same stamina that I had in the previous fight. I feel fully healed now and we’re going to deliver a good performance.
“I have a lot of motivation knowing that I’ve been champion once and that I can reach that height again. I just want to prove to everyone that I’m still at the top level of this division and a serious threat to anybody.”
AARON ALAMEDA ***Failed to make weight on Friday, but fight is still on
“We trained very hard for this fight. I got a lot of good experience from the Luis Nery fight and on Saturday I’m going to show everything that I’ve learned.
“It was a great opportunity against Luis Nery [a unanimous decision loss in September with the WBC title at stake]. I’m going to let my hands go, leave it all in the ring and be victorious on Saturday night. I’m very motivated by my previous experience against Nery. Everyone will see that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win in this fight.”
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Showtime weigh-in report: Charlo makes weight on second try |
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Here are the boxers' weights for Saturday's Showtime broadcast from Houston:
WBC Middleweight championship
Jermall Charlo: 160.4 pounds -vs.- Juan Macias Montiel: 159.5 (middleweight limit is 160 pounds). UPDATE: Charlo made 160 pounds even on the second try;
Francisco Vargas: 134 -vs.- Isaac Cruz 133; and
Angelo Leo: 122 -vs.- Aaron Alameda: 123.8 pounds (contracted weight is 122 pounds). UPDATE: Alameda came down only to 123.4 on his second attempt.
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Showtime weigh-in report: Charlo makes weight on second try
Here are the boxers' weights for Saturday's Showtime broadcast from Houston:
WBC Middleweight championship
Jermall Charlo: 160.4 pounds -vs.- Juan Macias Montiel: 159.5 (middleweight limit is 160 pounds). UPDATE: Charlo made 160 pounds even on the second try;
Francisco Vargas: 134 -vs.- Isaac Cruz 133; and
Angelo Leo: 122 -vs.- Aaron Alameda: 123.8 pounds (contracted weight is 122 pounds). UPDATE: Alameda came down only to 123.4 on his second attempt.
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A look at Saturday afternoon's Munguia-Szeremeta card |
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Poland's Kamil Szeremeta (21-1, 5 KOs) will step in to face Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) in a twelve-round bout tomorrow, Saturday, June 19th at The University of Texas at El Paso’s. The show will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/1:30 p.m. MDT/3:30 p.m. ET. In the co-feature, Uzbekistan's Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (7-0, 6 KOs) will face his toughest test to date against former “King” Gabriel Rosado (25-13-1, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia in a twelve-round super middleweight contest. Ibeth “La Roca” Zamora (32-6, 12 KOs) of Mexico will defend her WBC flyweight championship against Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza (9-1, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas in a ten-round fight.
“I take my hat off to Jaime Munguia because he has remained calm and focused on his fight on June 19th despite so many changes,” said promoter Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “I am confident that he will make all the necessary changes and adjustments in order to walk away with his hand raised in victory. Kamil Szeremeta is the perfect challenge to show the world why he deserves a world title opportunity.” “I have a lot of experience when it comes to opponent changes,” said Jaime Munguia. “Obviously, it’s different at this level because the preparation is stronger and more strategic. However, I’ve taken it very calmly, and we are going to make the necessary adjustments to walk away with our hand raised in victory on June 19.”
“I am delighted to be returning in such an important fight against Jaime Munguia,” said Szeremeta. “I understand the situation... However, I’ve been preparing for an opportunity like this, and I will make sure to take it advantage of it. This June 19th, I will score the upset against Munguia.”
“We are ready to show the world that Jaime Munguia is ready to become a two-division world champion,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “But first he will have to prove himself against a strong fighter in Kamil Szeremeta, whose only loss was to one of the best middleweights in recent years. With a resounding victory on June 19, the pride of Tijuana will put all the contenders in the division on notice.” “On June 19, a standout Polish contender will headline a great boxing event against Jaime Munguia,” said Leon Margules, President of Warrior’s Boxing. “However, and contrary to what was expected, it will be Kamil Szeremeta who will represent Poland that night. I look forward to seeing him defeat Munguia and earn himself another world title opportunity.”
UNDERCARD
Welterweight Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will fight Brad “King” Solomon (29-3, 9 KOs) of Lafayette, Louisiana in the ten-round opener of the DAZN stream.
Additional undercard fights will be streamed live via Facebook Watch: Two Golden Boy welterweights, Raul Curiel (9-0, 7 KOs) of Tampico, Mexico and Ferdinand Keroyban (14-1, 9 KOs) of North Hollywood, California meet in a ten-round fight...
Southpaw Alexis “Lex” Rocha (16-1, 10 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will look to bounce back from his first defeat in a ten-round 147-pound battle against Jameson Bacon (26-4, 17 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines...
Tristan Kalkreuth (8-0, 6 KOs) of Duncanville, Texas will return to the ring in a six-round cruiserweight bout against Demetrius Banks (10-10-1, 5 KOs) of Detroit and...
Manuel Flores (9-0, 6 KOs) of Coachella, California will face Daniel Lozano (15-10-1, 11 KOs) of Bowling Green, Florida in a six-round super bantamweight battle...
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A look at Saturday afternoon's Munguia-Szeremeta card
Poland's Kamil Szeremeta (21-1, 5 KOs) will step in to face Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) in a twelve-round bout tomorrow, Saturday, June 19th at The University of Texas at El Paso’s. The show will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/1:30 p.m. MDT/3:30 p.m. ET. In the co-feature, Uzbekistan's Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (7-0, 6 KOs) will face his toughest test to date against former “King” Gabriel Rosado (25-13-1, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia in a twelve-round super middleweight contest. Ibeth “La Roca” Zamora (32-6, 12 KOs) of Mexico will defend her WBC flyweight championship against Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza (9-1, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas in a ten-round fight.
“I take my hat off to Jaime Munguia because he has remained calm and focused on his fight on June 19th despite so many changes,” said promoter Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “I am confident that he will make all the necessary changes and adjustments in order to walk away with his hand raised in victory. Kamil Szeremeta is the perfect challenge to show the world why he deserves a world title opportunity.” “I have a lot of experience when it comes to opponent changes,” said Jaime Munguia. “Obviously, it’s different at this level because the preparation is stronger and more strategic. However, I’ve taken it very calmly, and we are going to make the necessary adjustments to walk away with our hand raised in victory on June 19.”
“I am delighted to be returning in such an important fight against Jaime Munguia,” said Szeremeta. “I understand the situation... However, I’ve been preparing for an opportunity like this, and I will make sure to take it advantage of it. This June 19th, I will score the upset against Munguia.”
“We are ready to show the world that Jaime Munguia is ready to become a two-division world champion,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “But first he will have to prove himself against a strong fighter in Kamil Szeremeta, whose only loss was to one of the best middleweights in recent years. With a resounding victory on June 19, the pride of Tijuana will put all the contenders in the division on notice.” “On June 19, a standout Polish contender will headline a great boxing event against Jaime Munguia,” said Leon Margules, President of Warrior’s Boxing. “However, and contrary to what was expected, it will be Kamil Szeremeta who will represent Poland that night. I look forward to seeing him defeat Munguia and earn himself another world title opportunity.”
UNDERCARD
Welterweight Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will fight Brad “King” Solomon (29-3, 9 KOs) of Lafayette, Louisiana in the ten-round opener of the DAZN stream.
Additional undercard fights will be streamed live via Facebook Watch: Two Golden Boy welterweights, Raul Curiel (9-0, 7 KOs) of Tampico, Mexico and Ferdinand Keroyban (14-1, 9 KOs) of North Hollywood, California meet in a ten-round fight...
Southpaw Alexis “Lex” Rocha (16-1, 10 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will look to bounce back from his first defeat in a ten-round 147-pound battle against Jameson Bacon (26-4, 17 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines...
Tristan Kalkreuth (8-0, 6 KOs) of Duncanville, Texas will return to the ring in a six-round cruiserweight bout against Demetrius Banks (10-10-1, 5 KOs) of Detroit and...
Manuel Flores (9-0, 6 KOs) of Coachella, California will face Daniel Lozano (15-10-1, 11 KOs) of Bowling Green, Florida in a six-round super bantamweight battle...
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Wasserman Boxing signs three British-based boxers |
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Wasserman Boxing, the new British based promoter that acquired Sauerland Event earlier in the year, has announced its first signings: Linus Udofia, Alireza Ghadiri a/k/a Razor Ali and Hosea Stewart. All three are based in the United Kingdom. Udolfia is a Nigerian-born middleweight who has a record of 16-0... Ali is an Iranian-born super featherweight who is 3-0... Burton, 25-2, is a British light heavyweight.
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Wasserman Boxing signs three British-based boxers
Wasserman Boxing, the new British based promoter that acquired Sauerland Event earlier in the year, has announced its first signings: Linus Udofia, Alireza Ghadiri a/k/a Razor Ali and Hosea Stewart. All three are based in the United Kingdom. Udolfia is a Nigerian-born middleweight who has a record of 16-0... Ali is an Iranian-born super featherweight who is 3-0... Burton, 25-2, is a British light heavyweight.
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Inoue-Dasmarinas final presser quotes |
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Naoya "Monster" Inoue is a man of few words, but his devastating knockouts have elevated the Japanese bantamweight to main event status. Inoue will defend his WBA and IBF world titles Saturday against Filipino challenger Michael "Hot and Spicy" Dasmarinas at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Inoue, who also captured titles at light flyweight and junior bantamweight, is 15-0 in world title bouts and looks to continue his dominance against a man who has not tasted defeat since 2014. This is what they had to say:
Naoya Inoue
"Basically, {becoming undisputed champion} means I'm the best in that weight class, the bantamweight division. To prove that, that's why I'm going after all four belts."
"I feel the expectations, and I want to answer those expectations, and I want to have a performance Saturday night to answer to those expectations."
"I'm very happy that the nickname 'Monster' comes before Naoya Inoue. I'm very happy and honored, and I've taken it in myself as far as 'Monster' in the United States as my name."
Michael Dasmarinas
"I did everything I am supposed to do in training, and I am prepared, and I will do whatever it takes to give a good fight to Naoya Inoue."
"It was a long, hard wait {after winning the IBF title eliminator in March 2019}, but patience and perseverance allowed me to get here. I am thankful to everyone that I've been given the chance to fight a great fighter in Naoya Inoue."
"America has to learn about my very hot and spicy punches!"
Promoter Bob Arum
"Monster is back in the United States, and he's fighting a tough Filipino. And I know from experience how tough Filipino fighters are. So this should be a very, very enjoyable fight. I can't wait for Saturday night because the fists will be flying."
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Inoue-Dasmarinas final presser quotes
Naoya "Monster" Inoue is a man of few words, but his devastating knockouts have elevated the Japanese bantamweight to main event status. Inoue will defend his WBA and IBF world titles Saturday against Filipino challenger Michael "Hot and Spicy" Dasmarinas at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Inoue, who also captured titles at light flyweight and junior bantamweight, is 15-0 in world title bouts and looks to continue his dominance against a man who has not tasted defeat since 2014. This is what they had to say:
Naoya Inoue
"Basically, {becoming undisputed champion} means I'm the best in that weight class, the bantamweight division. To prove that, that's why I'm going after all four belts."
"I feel the expectations, and I want to answer those expectations, and I want to have a performance Saturday night to answer to those expectations."
"I'm very happy that the nickname 'Monster' comes before Naoya Inoue. I'm very happy and honored, and I've taken it in myself as far as 'Monster' in the United States as my name."
Michael Dasmarinas
"I did everything I am supposed to do in training, and I am prepared, and I will do whatever it takes to give a good fight to Naoya Inoue."
"It was a long, hard wait {after winning the IBF title eliminator in March 2019}, but patience and perseverance allowed me to get here. I am thankful to everyone that I've been given the chance to fight a great fighter in Naoya Inoue."
"America has to learn about my very hot and spicy punches!"
Promoter Bob Arum
"Monster is back in the United States, and he's fighting a tough Filipino. And I know from experience how tough Filipino fighters are. So this should be a very, very enjoyable fight. I can't wait for Saturday night because the fists will be flying."
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Charlo-Montiel final presser quotes |
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Unbeaten WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo (pictured) went face-to-face with Juan Macias Montiel Thursday during the final press conference before they meet live on Showtime this Saturday, June 19th from Toyota Center in Houston headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event. Charlo has established himself as a force in two divisions and will seek to thrill his hometown crowd against Mexico’s Montiel, in a first-of-its-kind Juneteenth Day boxing celebration. Here is what the main event fighters had to say Thursday:
JERMALL CHARLO
“I’m blessed to be in this position to showcase my talent. Camp was awesome. I’ve had great sparring throughout and I’m ready. On Saturday you can expect a hard fight. If he comes at me the same way everyone comes at me, you’re going to see the same Jermall Charlo. I can deliver explosive knockouts, go 12 rounds or beat you down from start to finish.
“If he’s strong like they say he is, I’ll show you my movement and attack the body. I have all the skills and ability of every other great middleweight throughout history. He’s strong, but I fight strong fighters. I spar heavy fighters all the time. I’m strong too, right? I’m not worried about his power. This is my hometown, and I’m going to stay champion. The talk about his power is just going to make me fight harder.
“This is a real fight. This isn’t James Kirkland or Hugo Centeno Jr. You’re only as good as your last fight. There are levels to this and I’m going to show what level I’m on Saturday. If he’s that good and if his team has a game plan that no one else has used before, then I’ll accept it. But I’ve trained hard for this fight and I’m going to show it.
“I’m honored to be fighting on Juneteenth with the opportunity to represent my people. I get to fight for all my ancestors who fought before me. I love it and I’m focused.
“Every fighter wants the belt. I remember being in that position, but I’m even hungrier now. I’m not sleeping on anybody. I’m still young in my career. I can’t make any mistakes right now. I know he’s coming to fight. I am not overlooking Montiel. Saturday is a holiday and that’s great. But I put my life on the line every time I get into the ring. I can’t overlook this guy. He says he trained hard, but I trained way harder.
“June 19th is going to be a party. Everyone get ready for a show. I’m coming for a fight. I’m putting it all on the line. This is going to be one of the fights where I do what I say I’m going to do.”
JUAN MACIAS MONTIEL
“I had an unbelievable training camp. It was the best camp of my entire career. It was very tough physically, but I feel great right now. We’ve worked hard to bring another world champion to Mexico.
“I plan to show everything we’ve worked on in training camp on Saturday night. We’ve worked on a variety of techniques and styles to use in this fight. I’m excited to show them in the ring.
“I was the underdog in the James Kirkland fight and everyone saw what happened. [Macias won by first-round KO]. I wasn’t training the way I do now when I fought Hugo Centeno Jr. to a draw. I know that I have the best middleweight in front of me, so I knew that I had to train harder than ever for this fight.
“I believe that if he wants to trade punches with me, he’s going to be sorry that he chose that strategy. I’m very thankful for this opportunity. On Saturday night I’m going to fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion. No matter what it takes.”
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Charlo-Montiel final presser quotes
Unbeaten WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo (pictured) went face-to-face with Juan Macias Montiel Thursday during the final press conference before they meet live on Showtime this Saturday, June 19th from Toyota Center in Houston headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event. Charlo has established himself as a force in two divisions and will seek to thrill his hometown crowd against Mexico’s Montiel, in a first-of-its-kind Juneteenth Day boxing celebration. Here is what the main event fighters had to say Thursday:
JERMALL CHARLO
“I’m blessed to be in this position to showcase my talent. Camp was awesome. I’ve had great sparring throughout and I’m ready. On Saturday you can expect a hard fight. If he comes at me the same way everyone comes at me, you’re going to see the same Jermall Charlo. I can deliver explosive knockouts, go 12 rounds or beat you down from start to finish.
“If he’s strong like they say he is, I’ll show you my movement and attack the body. I have all the skills and ability of every other great middleweight throughout history. He’s strong, but I fight strong fighters. I spar heavy fighters all the time. I’m strong too, right? I’m not worried about his power. This is my hometown, and I’m going to stay champion. The talk about his power is just going to make me fight harder.
“This is a real fight. This isn’t James Kirkland or Hugo Centeno Jr. You’re only as good as your last fight. There are levels to this and I’m going to show what level I’m on Saturday. If he’s that good and if his team has a game plan that no one else has used before, then I’ll accept it. But I’ve trained hard for this fight and I’m going to show it.
“I’m honored to be fighting on Juneteenth with the opportunity to represent my people. I get to fight for all my ancestors who fought before me. I love it and I’m focused.
“Every fighter wants the belt. I remember being in that position, but I’m even hungrier now. I’m not sleeping on anybody. I’m still young in my career. I can’t make any mistakes right now. I know he’s coming to fight. I am not overlooking Montiel. Saturday is a holiday and that’s great. But I put my life on the line every time I get into the ring. I can’t overlook this guy. He says he trained hard, but I trained way harder.
“June 19th is going to be a party. Everyone get ready for a show. I’m coming for a fight. I’m putting it all on the line. This is going to be one of the fights where I do what I say I’m going to do.”
JUAN MACIAS MONTIEL
“I had an unbelievable training camp. It was the best camp of my entire career. It was very tough physically, but I feel great right now. We’ve worked hard to bring another world champion to Mexico.
“I plan to show everything we’ve worked on in training camp on Saturday night. We’ve worked on a variety of techniques and styles to use in this fight. I’m excited to show them in the ring.
“I was the underdog in the James Kirkland fight and everyone saw what happened. [Macias won by first-round KO]. I wasn’t training the way I do now when I fought Hugo Centeno Jr. to a draw. I know that I have the best middleweight in front of me, so I knew that I had to train harder than ever for this fight.
“I believe that if he wants to trade punches with me, he’s going to be sorry that he chose that strategy. I’m very thankful for this opportunity. On Saturday night I’m going to fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion. No matter what it takes.”
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Spotlight on Vargas-Cruz all-Mexican lightweight bout |
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The Showtime Championship Boxing broadcast this Saturday, June 19th from Toyota Center in Houston will have an all-Mexican co-feature, a lightweight bout between former 130-pound champion Francisco Vargas and the ascending Isaac Cruz. They will meet in a ten-round bout. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at toyotacenter.com. Here are what Vargas (27-2-2) and Cruz (21-1-1) had to say:
FRANCISCO VARGAS
“I’m very motivated and I can’t wait for Saturday night. I had a great training camp and I know that this is going to be an action-packed fight for the fans.
“We both want to win for our country. Everyone knows what kind of fight this is going to be. Cruz is a strong fighter who comes forward, so I’d say our styles are definitely similar.
“There’s not much that needs to be said. People might think I don’t have anything left, but I’m going to prove on Saturday night that there’s plenty in the tank. Everyone is going to see on June 19.
“This is going to be a very entertaining fight. It definitely could steal the night. It’s shaping up to be that type of fight. When you’ve got two Mexican warriors, you can expect another Fight of the Year. Don’t miss it on Saturday.”
ISAAC CRUZ
“I had a great two and a half months of training and I’m ready for Saturday night. Vargas has a similar style to mine. We both like to stand in front of our opponent, so it’s going to be a great fight.
“I’m planning to put Mexico on top once again. ‘Pitbull’ Cruz is going to show up like I always do. This is going to be a war. I plan to deliver a wonderful gift for all of the fans in Houston. Just like I delivered in San Antonio two fights ago, I’m going to show everyone that same power. I’m coming to win and I’m ready to have my hand raised. I’m not looking past Vargas, but I’ll be ready for whoever is next after I win.”
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Spotlight on Vargas-Cruz all-Mexican lightweight bout
The Showtime Championship Boxing broadcast this Saturday, June 19th from Toyota Center in Houston will have an all-Mexican co-feature, a lightweight bout between former 130-pound champion Francisco Vargas and the ascending Isaac Cruz. They will meet in a ten-round bout. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at toyotacenter.com. Here are what Vargas (27-2-2) and Cruz (21-1-1) had to say:
FRANCISCO VARGAS
“I’m very motivated and I can’t wait for Saturday night. I had a great training camp and I know that this is going to be an action-packed fight for the fans.
“We both want to win for our country. Everyone knows what kind of fight this is going to be. Cruz is a strong fighter who comes forward, so I’d say our styles are definitely similar.
“There’s not much that needs to be said. People might think I don’t have anything left, but I’m going to prove on Saturday night that there’s plenty in the tank. Everyone is going to see on June 19.
“This is going to be a very entertaining fight. It definitely could steal the night. It’s shaping up to be that type of fight. When you’ve got two Mexican warriors, you can expect another Fight of the Year. Don’t miss it on Saturday.”
ISAAC CRUZ
“I had a great two and a half months of training and I’m ready for Saturday night. Vargas has a similar style to mine. We both like to stand in front of our opponent, so it’s going to be a great fight.
“I’m planning to put Mexico on top once again. ‘Pitbull’ Cruz is going to show up like I always do. This is going to be a war. I plan to deliver a wonderful gift for all of the fans in Houston. Just like I delivered in San Antonio two fights ago, I’m going to show everyone that same power. I’m coming to win and I’m ready to have my hand raised. I’m not looking past Vargas, but I’ll be ready for whoever is next after I win.”
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Australian update: Rohan Murdock fights on Saturday |
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Rohan Murdock and Jack Bowen are back in action in separate bouts at the Nissan Arena in Queensland, Australia, with the event being broadcast live around the world on IFL TV. Murdock (24-2, 17 KOs) is back after fifteen months off following his loss to Zack Parker in a title eliminator last time out. He now turns his attention to Les Sherrington (38-15, 22 KOs). The experienced Sherrington has previously shared the ring with the likes of Michael Zerafa and Sam Soliman, but has been out of action since a loss in February 2020. Bowen (2-0, 2 KOs) is also back, looking to earn his third straight knockout win when he meets Sivan Hermez (6-15). He fights around the super middleweight division as well.
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Australian update: Rohan Murdock fights on Saturday
Rohan Murdock and Jack Bowen are back in action in separate bouts at the Nissan Arena in Queensland, Australia, with the event being broadcast live around the world on IFL TV. Murdock (24-2, 17 KOs) is back after fifteen months off following his loss to Zack Parker in a title eliminator last time out. He now turns his attention to Les Sherrington (38-15, 22 KOs). The experienced Sherrington has previously shared the ring with the likes of Michael Zerafa and Sam Soliman, but has been out of action since a loss in February 2020. Bowen (2-0, 2 KOs) is also back, looking to earn his third straight knockout win when he meets Sivan Hermez (6-15). He fights around the super middleweight division as well.
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Chavez-Silva broadcast team named |
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A world class broadcast team will be ringside calling the live boxing action for the “Tribute to the Kings” pay-per-view event taking place from Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico this Saturday, June 19th. The event features Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. MMA legend Anderson Silva, available via the Fite.Tv website and app in the United States, Canada and select markets world-wide. Handling the blow-by-blow commentary will be Brandon Kyle. Known in the Muay Thai fight business as a broadcaster with Triumphant Combat Sports, he is now a fixture on the Global Sports Streaming (GSS) boxing series, "Best in Boxing." The analysis will be the work of former junior welterweight champion, Chris Algieri. In addition to his championship pedigree, Algieri has quickly established himself as one of the best young analysts.
Also handling commentary will be longtime boxing analyst, Jaime Motta... Marcos Villegas will provide the unofficial scorecard.... Comedian Crystal Marie Denha will handle the reporting. Denha had her own sports show titled “The Fumble”. She left that to start a comedy career, and now is returning to broadcasting since selling The Fumble. She also hosted Australia Breakfast News Program "Sunrise". She is a first-generation US citizen born to Iraqi parents.
Performing play-by-play calls on the Spanish broadcast will be Hall of Famer, Marco Antonio Barrera. Barrera who can be seen and heard on many of the major fights throughout Mexico, will be the team lead for Tribute to the Kings. He will be joined by former world champion Cristian Mijares as well as analyst Goyito Perez. Gerardo Rodriguez will handle the hosting duties at the desk.
Former featherweight contender Chris Martin will analyze the undercard fights on the beIN SPORTS undercard pre-show, while Rodriguez and Motta call the beIN SPORTS undercard show in Spanish.
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Chavez-Silva broadcast team named
A world class broadcast team will be ringside calling the live boxing action for the “Tribute to the Kings” pay-per-view event taking place from Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico this Saturday, June 19th. The event features Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. MMA legend Anderson Silva, available via the Fite.Tv website and app in the United States, Canada and select markets world-wide. Handling the blow-by-blow commentary will be Brandon Kyle. Known in the Muay Thai fight business as a broadcaster with Triumphant Combat Sports, he is now a fixture on the Global Sports Streaming (GSS) boxing series, "Best in Boxing." The analysis will be the work of former junior welterweight champion, Chris Algieri. In addition to his championship pedigree, Algieri has quickly established himself as one of the best young analysts.
Also handling commentary will be longtime boxing analyst, Jaime Motta... Marcos Villegas will provide the unofficial scorecard.... Comedian Crystal Marie Denha will handle the reporting. Denha had her own sports show titled “The Fumble”. She left that to start a comedy career, and now is returning to broadcasting since selling The Fumble. She also hosted Australia Breakfast News Program "Sunrise". She is a first-generation US citizen born to Iraqi parents.
Performing play-by-play calls on the Spanish broadcast will be Hall of Famer, Marco Antonio Barrera. Barrera who can be seen and heard on many of the major fights throughout Mexico, will be the team lead for Tribute to the Kings. He will be joined by former world champion Cristian Mijares as well as analyst Goyito Perez. Gerardo Rodriguez will handle the hosting duties at the desk.
Former featherweight contender Chris Martin will analyze the undercard fights on the beIN SPORTS undercard pre-show, while Rodriguez and Motta call the beIN SPORTS undercard show in Spanish.
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Dogboe-Lopez, Mayer-Farias quotes |
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It was crowded dais Thursday at the final press conference for the ESPN show to be held at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas In the co-feature, Mikaela Mayer will make the first defense of her WBO junior lightweight strap against former two-weight champion Erica Farias. Mayer dethroned Ewa Brodnicka last October. A ten-round featherweight bout will see the return of former WBO junior featherweight champion Isaac "Royal Storm" Dogboe who faces the rising Adam Lopez. Dogboe returned to the ring wars last July with a one-sided victory over Chris Avalos, while Lopez has won toe-to-toe battles against Louie Coria and Jason Sanchez since his valiant loss against Oscar Valdez in 2019. This is what the four featured boxers had to say:
Mikaela Mayer
"We need to hear that promoters and networks want us [women] to go those three-minute rounds and that they see the benefits it would have for women's boxing. And if that's what you want, I'll give it to you, and if that's what will grow women's boxing, we will do it."
"I don't have anything bad to say about Erica Farias. She has been a champion for a long time. She fought at 140 and 147, and now she is coming down in weight. She has a ton of experience, but this is a new era in women's boxing. The experience and the skill that I bring, even though I have less fights than her, is on another level thanks to the Olympics and for women being able to fight at the highest level in the amateurs. This will also be a test for her. I prepared very well and we studied her fights. We always go into fights with a good game plan. If she studied my last fight, it's not going to really help her because every single fight we keep learning and building. I'm looking to become a better fighter every time I go out to the ring."
Erica Farias
"I will take full advantage of this opportunity. I already became world champion in two divisions, and now I'm looking to become champion in the division that I debuted in a couple of years ago. I feel great at this weight."
"I'm very calm. I've been working hard for seven months because I was going to get another opportunity in a higher weight class. That's why we took this challenge. We were close to the division since I've been working very hard for the last couple of months."
Isaac Dogboe
"{You can expect} a firefight as usual. What can I say? I bring excitement. That's exactly what they are expecting. They're expecting Isaac Dogboe to come and fight, so I am going to come and fight. Obviously, the fans are looking forward to an exciting fight, and that's why we're here. At the end of the day, we just want to keep the excitement going. After the fight, they'll be like, 'Yeah, that's Adam Lopez and Isaac Dogboe. That was the fight of the night.'"
"I love working with them, Barry {Hunter} and Boogie {Harris} and Brady. These guys, they are family. I feel great. At first, I was just supposed to pass through a couple of weeks. I ended up telling them, "You know what, I'm gonna stay.' That's how everything began. I feel great. The boys down there are really sharp. They're motivating me. They keep me in shape. I've had a relaxed camp. I feel calm. Saturday, I'm ready to put everything on the line."
"The best Adam Lopez can also be an undisciplined Adam Lopez. I know he is a great fighter. He's gonna stick and move. But at the end of the day, sometimes Adam Lopez gets cute in the ring, so we're looking to exploit that. When he gets a little cute, we'll let him know that it's not a time to get cute."
Adam Lopez
"This is the perfect name I need right now. Isaac is a great champion. He's dedicated to the sport just like I am, and I'm excited to show you what I've been working on. Tune in. It's going to be a great fight."
"That fight alone {against Oscar Valdez} showed me that I got what it takes to be at the top. I took the fight on a day's notice. I was going through a lot of management issues beforehand. I was in a shaky spot in my life. I was not 100 percent there mentally, physically, but it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. It was a fight I always wanted. The way it presented itself was something you never see happen. Nobody comes in 11 pounds heavy {like Valdez's original opponent, Andres Gutierrez}. That's unheard of, so I thought it was meant to be. I jumped on it. I did my thing. I think I showed the world what I got, and that was me on three weeks of training. Saturday night, I got a full camp, so I'm excited."
"I put everything into this camp. I know Isaac is a tough competitor, so you will see the best Adam Lopez Saturday night."
ESPN RUNNING ORDER:
ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Naoya Inoue vs. Michael Dasmarinas, 12 rounds, Inoue's WBA/IBF Bantamweight World Titles
Mikaela Mayer vs. Erica Farias, 10 rounds, Mayer's WBO Junior Lightweight World Title
Adam Lopez vs. Isaac Dogboe, 10 rounds
ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Lindolfo Delgado vs. Salvador Briceno, 8 rounds, junior welterweight
Eric Puente vs. Jose Antonio Meza, 6 rounds, lightweight
Omar Rosario vs. JJ Mariano, 4 rounds, junior welterweight
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Dogboe-Lopez, Mayer-Farias quotes
It was crowded dais Thursday at the final press conference for the ESPN show to be held at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas In the co-feature, Mikaela Mayer will make the first defense of her WBO junior lightweight strap against former two-weight champion Erica Farias. Mayer dethroned Ewa Brodnicka last October. A ten-round featherweight bout will see the return of former WBO junior featherweight champion Isaac "Royal Storm" Dogboe who faces the rising Adam Lopez. Dogboe returned to the ring wars last July with a one-sided victory over Chris Avalos, while Lopez has won toe-to-toe battles against Louie Coria and Jason Sanchez since his valiant loss against Oscar Valdez in 2019. This is what the four featured boxers had to say:
Mikaela Mayer
"We need to hear that promoters and networks want us [women] to go those three-minute rounds and that they see the benefits it would have for women's boxing. And if that's what you want, I'll give it to you, and if that's what will grow women's boxing, we will do it."
"I don't have anything bad to say about Erica Farias. She has been a champion for a long time. She fought at 140 and 147, and now she is coming down in weight. She has a ton of experience, but this is a new era in women's boxing. The experience and the skill that I bring, even though I have less fights than her, is on another level thanks to the Olympics and for women being able to fight at the highest level in the amateurs. This will also be a test for her. I prepared very well and we studied her fights. We always go into fights with a good game plan. If she studied my last fight, it's not going to really help her because every single fight we keep learning and building. I'm looking to become a better fighter every time I go out to the ring."
Erica Farias
"I will take full advantage of this opportunity. I already became world champion in two divisions, and now I'm looking to become champion in the division that I debuted in a couple of years ago. I feel great at this weight."
"I'm very calm. I've been working hard for seven months because I was going to get another opportunity in a higher weight class. That's why we took this challenge. We were close to the division since I've been working very hard for the last couple of months."
Isaac Dogboe
"{You can expect} a firefight as usual. What can I say? I bring excitement. That's exactly what they are expecting. They're expecting Isaac Dogboe to come and fight, so I am going to come and fight. Obviously, the fans are looking forward to an exciting fight, and that's why we're here. At the end of the day, we just want to keep the excitement going. After the fight, they'll be like, 'Yeah, that's Adam Lopez and Isaac Dogboe. That was the fight of the night.'"
"I love working with them, Barry {Hunter} and Boogie {Harris} and Brady. These guys, they are family. I feel great. At first, I was just supposed to pass through a couple of weeks. I ended up telling them, "You know what, I'm gonna stay.' That's how everything began. I feel great. The boys down there are really sharp. They're motivating me. They keep me in shape. I've had a relaxed camp. I feel calm. Saturday, I'm ready to put everything on the line."
"The best Adam Lopez can also be an undisciplined Adam Lopez. I know he is a great fighter. He's gonna stick and move. But at the end of the day, sometimes Adam Lopez gets cute in the ring, so we're looking to exploit that. When he gets a little cute, we'll let him know that it's not a time to get cute."
Adam Lopez
"This is the perfect name I need right now. Isaac is a great champion. He's dedicated to the sport just like I am, and I'm excited to show you what I've been working on. Tune in. It's going to be a great fight."
"That fight alone {against Oscar Valdez} showed me that I got what it takes to be at the top. I took the fight on a day's notice. I was going through a lot of management issues beforehand. I was in a shaky spot in my life. I was not 100 percent there mentally, physically, but it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. It was a fight I always wanted. The way it presented itself was something you never see happen. Nobody comes in 11 pounds heavy {like Valdez's original opponent, Andres Gutierrez}. That's unheard of, so I thought it was meant to be. I jumped on it. I did my thing. I think I showed the world what I got, and that was me on three weeks of training. Saturday night, I got a full camp, so I'm excited."
"I put everything into this camp. I know Isaac is a tough competitor, so you will see the best Adam Lopez Saturday night."
ESPN RUNNING ORDER:
ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Naoya Inoue vs. Michael Dasmarinas, 12 rounds, Inoue's WBA/IBF Bantamweight World Titles
Mikaela Mayer vs. Erica Farias, 10 rounds, Mayer's WBO Junior Lightweight World Title
Adam Lopez vs. Isaac Dogboe, 10 rounds
ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Lindolfo Delgado vs. Salvador Briceno, 8 rounds, junior welterweight
Eric Puente vs. Jose Antonio Meza, 6 rounds, lightweight
Omar Rosario vs. JJ Mariano, 4 rounds, junior welterweight
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Andre Ward visits Mario Barrios in the gym |
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Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs), was paid a visit by former multiple-division world champion and future hall of famer, Andre Ward (Pictured), as Barrios gets ready to do battle with Gervonta “Tank” Davis (24-0, 23 KOs). Barrios holds the WBA secondary title at 140 pounds and trains under the tutelage of Virgil Hunter, Ward’s longtime coach. Barrios felt inspired by seeing Andre, one of boxing’s pound-for-pound greats. “It was nice seeing Andre Ward at the gym,” stated Mario Barrios, who has spent the last eight weeks training with Hunter at Andre Ward's boxing gym in Hayward, CA. “Whenever you’re in the presence of a great fighter like Dre, someone who has conquered the pinnacles of boxing, its like his aura rubs off on you, and you have no choice but to feel great. The words of encouragement he told me put an extra fire in my soul. I’m coming with everything I got against Davis, and the world will see the greatness that God has blessed me with.”
Davis vs. Barrios is set for Saturday, June 26th, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions, televised live on Showtime pay-per-view with a start time at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
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Andre Ward visits Mario Barrios in the gym
Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs), was paid a visit by former multiple-division world champion and future hall of famer, Andre Ward (Pictured), as Barrios gets ready to do battle with Gervonta “Tank” Davis (24-0, 23 KOs). Barrios holds the WBA secondary title at 140 pounds and trains under the tutelage of Virgil Hunter, Ward’s longtime coach. Barrios felt inspired by seeing Andre, one of boxing’s pound-for-pound greats. “It was nice seeing Andre Ward at the gym,” stated Mario Barrios, who has spent the last eight weeks training with Hunter at Andre Ward's boxing gym in Hayward, CA. “Whenever you’re in the presence of a great fighter like Dre, someone who has conquered the pinnacles of boxing, its like his aura rubs off on you, and you have no choice but to feel great. The words of encouragement he told me put an extra fire in my soul. I’m coming with everything I got against Davis, and the world will see the greatness that God has blessed me with.”
Davis vs. Barrios is set for Saturday, June 26th, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions, televised live on Showtime pay-per-view with a start time at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
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Oscar Valdez is sticking with Top Rank |
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WBC super featherweight champion Oscar Valdez, the fighting pride of Nogales, Mexico, has signed a new multi-fight promotional agreement with Top Rank. Valdez (29-0, 23 KOs), a two-time Mexican Olympian, turned pro with Top Rank following the 2012 London Olympics and continues a partnership that has seen him win world titles in two weight classes and become one of the faces of Top Rank on ESPN. A former WBO featherweight champion, the 30 year-old Valdez upset the odds and boxed a brutal masterpiece in his last bout, knocking out Miguel Berchelt in a historic all-Mexican showdown to win the WBC 130-pound title. Valdez is scheduled to return this fall on an ESPN platform.
Valdez said, “I am proud to be part of the Top Rank family. I want to thank Bob Arum and Todd duBoef for their confidence in my abilities. I will not let them down. I also want to thank my manager, Frank Espinoza, for securing a great deal for me. This is a wonderful moment in my career, and I’m grateful to God for my blessings.”
“It’s a pleasure to promote a young athlete like Oscar Valdez. He is a true gentleman who is grateful for the help we’ve provided, and he works collaboratively with the company for the mutual benefit of both parties,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I have been very fond of Oscar from the moment we signed him, and I am proud of everything he has accomplished. I would like to recognize Frank Espinoza, a fantastic manager who has been integral in helping Oscar reach this point.”
Added Espinoza, “We are ecstatic that Top Rank and Oscar Valdez are continuing what has been a long and successful partnership. Bob Arum and Todd duBoef recognize Oscar as a special fighter with all the characteristics to make him an all-time great. Oscar has the discipline and passion it takes to reach the top levels of the sport. We’re very proud of what Oscar has achieved so far, and we’re confident he will delight boxing fans with more exciting and memorable fights.”
Valdez has been involved in some exciting ring battles, participating in 12-round championship wars against the likes of Genesis Servania and Miguel Marriaga. His March 2018 victory over Scott Quigg represents one of the great feats of fistic courage. Quigg shattered Valdez’s jaw in the fifth round, and Valdez finished the fight to secure a convincing decision win. After six defenses of his featherweight world title, he moved up in weight and set his sights on Berchelt, considered the top fighter at 130 pounds. As a roughly 3-to-1 underdog, Valdez knocked out Berchelt with a left hook in the 10th round to solidify his place as a modern Mexican great.
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Oscar Valdez is sticking with Top Rank
WBC super featherweight champion Oscar Valdez, the fighting pride of Nogales, Mexico, has signed a new multi-fight promotional agreement with Top Rank. Valdez (29-0, 23 KOs), a two-time Mexican Olympian, turned pro with Top Rank following the 2012 London Olympics and continues a partnership that has seen him win world titles in two weight classes and become one of the faces of Top Rank on ESPN. A former WBO featherweight champion, the 30 year-old Valdez upset the odds and boxed a brutal masterpiece in his last bout, knocking out Miguel Berchelt in a historic all-Mexican showdown to win the WBC 130-pound title. Valdez is scheduled to return this fall on an ESPN platform.
Valdez said, “I am proud to be part of the Top Rank family. I want to thank Bob Arum and Todd duBoef for their confidence in my abilities. I will not let them down. I also want to thank my manager, Frank Espinoza, for securing a great deal for me. This is a wonderful moment in my career, and I’m grateful to God for my blessings.”
“It’s a pleasure to promote a young athlete like Oscar Valdez. He is a true gentleman who is grateful for the help we’ve provided, and he works collaboratively with the company for the mutual benefit of both parties,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I have been very fond of Oscar from the moment we signed him, and I am proud of everything he has accomplished. I would like to recognize Frank Espinoza, a fantastic manager who has been integral in helping Oscar reach this point.”
Added Espinoza, “We are ecstatic that Top Rank and Oscar Valdez are continuing what has been a long and successful partnership. Bob Arum and Todd duBoef recognize Oscar as a special fighter with all the characteristics to make him an all-time great. Oscar has the discipline and passion it takes to reach the top levels of the sport. We’re very proud of what Oscar has achieved so far, and we’re confident he will delight boxing fans with more exciting and memorable fights.”
Valdez has been involved in some exciting ring battles, participating in 12-round championship wars against the likes of Genesis Servania and Miguel Marriaga. His March 2018 victory over Scott Quigg represents one of the great feats of fistic courage. Quigg shattered Valdez’s jaw in the fifth round, and Valdez finished the fight to secure a convincing decision win. After six defenses of his featherweight world title, he moved up in weight and set his sights on Berchelt, considered the top fighter at 130 pounds. As a roughly 3-to-1 underdog, Valdez knocked out Berchelt with a left hook in the 10th round to solidify his place as a modern Mexican great.
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Romero-Dulay, Aleem-Vidal added to Charlo-Castano broadcast |
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Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño will battle for the four-belt undisputed world junior middleweight championship at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on July 17th with SHowtime broadcasting live. The Showtime Championship Boxing broadcast will also feature WBA interim lightweight belt holder Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero taking on Austin Dulay, plus unbeaten middleweight Amilcar Vidal matching up against Immanuwel Aleem in a ten-round bout that opens the telecast.
“This is going to be a monumental and historic event on July 17th at AT&T Center in San Antonio,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Charlo and Castaño will be vying to become the first undisputed champion at 154-pounds in the four-belt era. This is a big moment for the sport and I’m expecting both fighters to do whatever it takes to accomplish something that’s never been done before. Whoever emerges victorious on July 17, will cement their legacy and become the undisputed top fighter in one of the most stacked divisions in all of boxing.”
After years of scintillating matchups, memorable showdowns and drama-filled bouts, the super welterweight division will crown an undisputed champion on July 17 when the unified champion Charlo puts his three titles on the line against the hard-charging world champion Castaño. The winner of this matchup will become the first four-belt champion of the 154-pound division.
Houston’s Charlo (34-1, 18 KOs) became a unified champion in his last fight, dropping Jeison Rosario three times on his way to an eighth-round knockout that earned him the WBA and IBF titles. Before that fight, Charlo had avenged the only loss of his career, as he reclaimed his WBC belt via an 11th-round knockout of Tony Harrison in one of 2019’s best fights. The 31-year-old is trained by Derrick James in Dallas and won his first world title in his debut fight with James by scoring an eighth-round knockout of John Jackson in 2016. He followed up that victory with three successful defenses, knocking out Erickson Lubin and Charles Hatley, while winning a decision over former world champion Austin Trout.
“I’m more than excited for July 17th,” said Charlo. “I have so much potential and I’m just doing everything I can to get better and do better day by day. I’m hungrier than ever because I know I’m on the verge of capturing this undisputed title and doing something that nobody has ever done before at 154 pounds. There’s nobody out there that’s as fast, strong and elusive as me. Castaño doesn’t possess anything I haven’t seen before, and we’ll see if he can take my power and the pain I’ll bring. But there’s nothing that worries me about this fight. I’m training super hard and aggressive and just taking it one day at a time. I’m so ready for this and more than likely he’ll walk into every shot I throw.”
The 31-year-old Castaño (17-0-1, 12 KOs) put on a spectacular performance to capture the WBO title in February, as he dominated Patrick Teixeira to wrest the belt away via unanimous decision. A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a win on July 17 would be a monumental achievement in the storied history of Argentine boxing. Prior to winning his title, Castaño fought to a draw against two-division world champion Erislandy Lara in a 2019 action fight, and also owns triumphs over Michel Soro, Cedric Vitu and Wale Omotoso. A highly experienced amateur, Castaño notched victories over unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and top middleweight Sergiy Derevyanchenko before he turned pro.
“This is the biggest opportunity of my life and I won’t let it get away,” said Castaño. “I’ll make Charlo suffer more than he ever thought was possible. I’m training with only one goal in mind, to leave the ring with all of the belts on July 17.''
Romero (13-0, 11 KOs) won his interim title in August 2020 via unanimous decision over then unbeaten Jackson Marinez. The 25-year-old followed that victory up with an impressive seventh-round TKO over Avery Sparrow in January. Representing his hometown of Las Vegas, the undefeated Romero began his pro career with knockouts in 10 of his first 11 fights.
“I’ve watched some clips of Dulay fighting, and he definitely isn’t going to want to get hit by my power,” said Romero. “My trainer Bullit Cromwell and my dad are always by my side in camp, so we haven’t been working on doing too many things differently, we’re just fine-tuning. People said that all I have is power, so in my last fight I carried Sparrow the entire fight so I could show a different side. But for this fight, I don’t think I’m going to need to do that.”
Dulay (14-2, 10 KOs) enters this fight the winner of three out of his last four bouts, as he seeks a career-best triumph over Romero on July 17th. The 25-year-old most recently defeated Jose Gallegos by unanimous decision in November 2020, putting him back in the win column after a decision loss against former title challenger Diego Magdaleno. Fighting out of his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, Dulay’s only other pro loss came against unbeaten rising interim super featherweight champion Chris Colbert.
“I moved my whole camp to Atlanta to focus mentally and to prepare physically for this fight,” said Dulay. “I’m bringing everything I got for this opportunity. But honestly, my training began over 20 years for this. It’s my time!”
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Vidal (12-0, 11 KOs) now fights out of Coachella, California, having beaten previously undefeated fighters in his last three bouts. The 25 year-old made his U.S. debut with a stoppage of Zach Prieto in November 2019, then returned quickly to knock out Leopoldo Reyna in January 2020. Most recently, the undefeated middleweight stopped Edward Ortiz in the second round of their November 2020 clash.
“Training has been going great for July 17,” said Vidal. “This is the best camp of my life. I will be stronger and hit harder than ever before, which is not good news for Immanuwel Aleem. The fans should watch this fight because I have a spectacular knockout to show them. My opponent has excellent experience and is a very good fighter, but I have full confidence in my punching power and my ability to beat him. This is another great opportunity for me. I grew up dreaming of doing exactly this in the ring, fighting in America against great opponents who will test me. This is a chance to be one step closer to reaching my goal of becoming a world champion from Uruguay and I will make the most of it.”
The 27-year-old Aleem (18-2-2, 11 KO) has been sparring with WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo as he prepares to make his return to the ring. Born in East Meadow, New York and now residing in Richmond, Virginia, Aleem will look to bounce back from a draw against Matt Korobov and a majority decision loss against Ronald Ellis in his last two fights. Unbeaten in his first 18 pro bouts, Aleem owns an impressive stoppage victory over then unbeaten Ievgen Khytrov in their memorable 2017 brawl.
“I’m excited to take advantage of this opportunity on July 17th,” said Aleem. “Vidal has an undefeated record, so I know he’s going to come in with confidence, which should make this a great fight. I can’t wait to show off everything I’ve been working on. You’re going to see the very best version of myself in this fight and I’m going to do whatever it takes to have my hand raised.”
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Romero-Dulay, Aleem-Vidal added to Charlo-Castano broadcast
Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño will battle for the four-belt undisputed world junior middleweight championship at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on July 17th with SHowtime broadcasting live. The Showtime Championship Boxing broadcast will also feature WBA interim lightweight belt holder Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero taking on Austin Dulay, plus unbeaten middleweight Amilcar Vidal matching up against Immanuwel Aleem in a ten-round bout that opens the telecast.
“This is going to be a monumental and historic event on July 17th at AT&T Center in San Antonio,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Charlo and Castaño will be vying to become the first undisputed champion at 154-pounds in the four-belt era. This is a big moment for the sport and I’m expecting both fighters to do whatever it takes to accomplish something that’s never been done before. Whoever emerges victorious on July 17, will cement their legacy and become the undisputed top fighter in one of the most stacked divisions in all of boxing.”
After years of scintillating matchups, memorable showdowns and drama-filled bouts, the super welterweight division will crown an undisputed champion on July 17 when the unified champion Charlo puts his three titles on the line against the hard-charging world champion Castaño. The winner of this matchup will become the first four-belt champion of the 154-pound division.
Houston’s Charlo (34-1, 18 KOs) became a unified champion in his last fight, dropping Jeison Rosario three times on his way to an eighth-round knockout that earned him the WBA and IBF titles. Before that fight, Charlo had avenged the only loss of his career, as he reclaimed his WBC belt via an 11th-round knockout of Tony Harrison in one of 2019’s best fights. The 31-year-old is trained by Derrick James in Dallas and won his first world title in his debut fight with James by scoring an eighth-round knockout of John Jackson in 2016. He followed up that victory with three successful defenses, knocking out Erickson Lubin and Charles Hatley, while winning a decision over former world champion Austin Trout.
“I’m more than excited for July 17th,” said Charlo. “I have so much potential and I’m just doing everything I can to get better and do better day by day. I’m hungrier than ever because I know I’m on the verge of capturing this undisputed title and doing something that nobody has ever done before at 154 pounds. There’s nobody out there that’s as fast, strong and elusive as me. Castaño doesn’t possess anything I haven’t seen before, and we’ll see if he can take my power and the pain I’ll bring. But there’s nothing that worries me about this fight. I’m training super hard and aggressive and just taking it one day at a time. I’m so ready for this and more than likely he’ll walk into every shot I throw.”
The 31-year-old Castaño (17-0-1, 12 KOs) put on a spectacular performance to capture the WBO title in February, as he dominated Patrick Teixeira to wrest the belt away via unanimous decision. A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a win on July 17 would be a monumental achievement in the storied history of Argentine boxing. Prior to winning his title, Castaño fought to a draw against two-division world champion Erislandy Lara in a 2019 action fight, and also owns triumphs over Michel Soro, Cedric Vitu and Wale Omotoso. A highly experienced amateur, Castaño notched victories over unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and top middleweight Sergiy Derevyanchenko before he turned pro.
“This is the biggest opportunity of my life and I won’t let it get away,” said Castaño. “I’ll make Charlo suffer more than he ever thought was possible. I’m training with only one goal in mind, to leave the ring with all of the belts on July 17.''
Romero (13-0, 11 KOs) won his interim title in August 2020 via unanimous decision over then unbeaten Jackson Marinez. The 25-year-old followed that victory up with an impressive seventh-round TKO over Avery Sparrow in January. Representing his hometown of Las Vegas, the undefeated Romero began his pro career with knockouts in 10 of his first 11 fights.
“I’ve watched some clips of Dulay fighting, and he definitely isn’t going to want to get hit by my power,” said Romero. “My trainer Bullit Cromwell and my dad are always by my side in camp, so we haven’t been working on doing too many things differently, we’re just fine-tuning. People said that all I have is power, so in my last fight I carried Sparrow the entire fight so I could show a different side. But for this fight, I don’t think I’m going to need to do that.”
Dulay (14-2, 10 KOs) enters this fight the winner of three out of his last four bouts, as he seeks a career-best triumph over Romero on July 17th. The 25-year-old most recently defeated Jose Gallegos by unanimous decision in November 2020, putting him back in the win column after a decision loss against former title challenger Diego Magdaleno. Fighting out of his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, Dulay’s only other pro loss came against unbeaten rising interim super featherweight champion Chris Colbert.
“I moved my whole camp to Atlanta to focus mentally and to prepare physically for this fight,” said Dulay. “I’m bringing everything I got for this opportunity. But honestly, my training began over 20 years for this. It’s my time!”
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Vidal (12-0, 11 KOs) now fights out of Coachella, California, having beaten previously undefeated fighters in his last three bouts. The 25 year-old made his U.S. debut with a stoppage of Zach Prieto in November 2019, then returned quickly to knock out Leopoldo Reyna in January 2020. Most recently, the undefeated middleweight stopped Edward Ortiz in the second round of their November 2020 clash.
“Training has been going great for July 17,” said Vidal. “This is the best camp of my life. I will be stronger and hit harder than ever before, which is not good news for Immanuwel Aleem. The fans should watch this fight because I have a spectacular knockout to show them. My opponent has excellent experience and is a very good fighter, but I have full confidence in my punching power and my ability to beat him. This is another great opportunity for me. I grew up dreaming of doing exactly this in the ring, fighting in America against great opponents who will test me. This is a chance to be one step closer to reaching my goal of becoming a world champion from Uruguay and I will make the most of it.”
The 27-year-old Aleem (18-2-2, 11 KO) has been sparring with WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo as he prepares to make his return to the ring. Born in East Meadow, New York and now residing in Richmond, Virginia, Aleem will look to bounce back from a draw against Matt Korobov and a majority decision loss against Ronald Ellis in his last two fights. Unbeaten in his first 18 pro bouts, Aleem owns an impressive stoppage victory over then unbeaten Ievgen Khytrov in their memorable 2017 brawl.
“I’m excited to take advantage of this opportunity on July 17th,” said Aleem. “Vidal has an undefeated record, so I know he’s going to come in with confidence, which should make this a great fight. I can’t wait to show off everything I’ve been working on. You’re going to see the very best version of myself in this fight and I’m going to do whatever it takes to have my hand raised.”
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Jono Carroll on Triller postponement: "everything is written in the stars" |
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Ireland's Jono Carroll says he will just roll with the punches and keep his positive mindset after his fight with Andy Vences was postponed until August 14th. The two men were scheduled to meet this weekend on the Triller undercard of the world lightweight championship fight between Teofimo Lopez and George Kambosos Jnr, but a positive coronavirus test for Lopez meant the entire card has been pushed back two months. Despite the setback, Carroll believes that everything is written in the stars, and is still promising the best version of himself for the battle with Vences in August.
Carroll said: “A big thank you to everyone who has dropped me messages. I appreciate the love and support. It is what it is unfortunately, but I’ve got a very positive mindset. Everything is written in the stars, and it just wasn’t meant to be. I’ll go home now and see my beautiful family and then it’s straight back to it, we just roll with the punches. I’ve been training twice a day since Christmas. It’s not about going back into camp, I’m never out of camp. I’ve written goals down that I want to accomplish over the next four years, and I’m giving boxing 100%. This fight will happen in August, and I’ll stay committed and dedicated. On August 14th you’ll see the best version of me. I’ll be improving in every fight. I guarantee I’ll be at my best. “
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Jono Carroll on Triller postponement: "everything is written in the stars"
Ireland's Jono Carroll says he will just roll with the punches and keep his positive mindset after his fight with Andy Vences was postponed until August 14th. The two men were scheduled to meet this weekend on the Triller undercard of the world lightweight championship fight between Teofimo Lopez and George Kambosos Jnr, but a positive coronavirus test for Lopez meant the entire card has been pushed back two months. Despite the setback, Carroll believes that everything is written in the stars, and is still promising the best version of himself for the battle with Vences in August.
Carroll said: “A big thank you to everyone who has dropped me messages. I appreciate the love and support. It is what it is unfortunately, but I’ve got a very positive mindset. Everything is written in the stars, and it just wasn’t meant to be. I’ll go home now and see my beautiful family and then it’s straight back to it, we just roll with the punches. I’ve been training twice a day since Christmas. It’s not about going back into camp, I’m never out of camp. I’ve written goals down that I want to accomplish over the next four years, and I’m giving boxing 100%. This fight will happen in August, and I’ll stay committed and dedicated. On August 14th you’ll see the best version of me. I’ll be improving in every fight. I guarantee I’ll be at my best. “
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Galahad, Dickens talk about upcoming rematch |
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Jazza Dickens says he always knew he would cross paths with Kid Galahad again ahead of their IBF featherweight title fight next month. The two men will meet for the vacant belt at Matchroom Fight Camp on August 7th, on week two of a three-week fight series that is broadcast live on DAZN. Galahad won their 2013 encounter by tenth-round TKO, one weight division below featherweight, Dickens said: “It’s been eight years since the first fight. I always knew it would come again, and I’ve been waiting for it a long time. I’ve had losses along the way and I’ve had to build myself back up. There is nothing harder than having to do that, but I’ve worked hard to be here and I’m happy to have this opportunity. I need to thank MTK Global, Tony Bellew, DAZN, and Matchroom. Boxing is a conveyor belt, and it’s a blessing. I will take this chance with both hands and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Galahad said: “Whatever happened in the past has happened. Me and Jazza will start where we left off. The first fight was unbelievable, and the second one will be even better. I know Jazza personally, he lives the life like me. I just believe I’m better in every department. It’s not personal, but we’ll both go in there to try and take each other’s head off.”
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Galahad, Dickens talk about upcoming rematch
Jazza Dickens says he always knew he would cross paths with Kid Galahad again ahead of their IBF featherweight title fight next month. The two men will meet for the vacant belt at Matchroom Fight Camp on August 7th, on week two of a three-week fight series that is broadcast live on DAZN. Galahad won their 2013 encounter by tenth-round TKO, one weight division below featherweight, Dickens said: “It’s been eight years since the first fight. I always knew it would come again, and I’ve been waiting for it a long time. I’ve had losses along the way and I’ve had to build myself back up. There is nothing harder than having to do that, but I’ve worked hard to be here and I’m happy to have this opportunity. I need to thank MTK Global, Tony Bellew, DAZN, and Matchroom. Boxing is a conveyor belt, and it’s a blessing. I will take this chance with both hands and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Galahad said: “Whatever happened in the past has happened. Me and Jazza will start where we left off. The first fight was unbelievable, and the second one will be even better. I know Jazza personally, he lives the life like me. I just believe I’m better in every department. It’s not personal, but we’ll both go in there to try and take each other’s head off.”
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Box Fan Expo to return in September |
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With pandemic restrictions lifting, the Box Fan Expo has announced its return to Las Vegas for its sixth event dedicated to fans and the boxing industry. The event will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Saturday, September 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Mexican Independence weekend. The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports' legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather-Maidana II, Mayweather-Berto, Alvarez-Chavez Jr., Alvarez-Golovkin II and Alvarez-Jacobs. Centered in boxing's long-time home – Las Vegas – this year's Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com - @BoxFanExpo. Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online.
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Box Fan Expo to return in September
With pandemic restrictions lifting, the Box Fan Expo has announced its return to Las Vegas for its sixth event dedicated to fans and the boxing industry. The event will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Saturday, September 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Mexican Independence weekend. The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports' legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather-Maidana II, Mayweather-Berto, Alvarez-Chavez Jr., Alvarez-Golovkin II and Alvarez-Jacobs. Centered in boxing's long-time home – Las Vegas – this year's Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com - @BoxFanExpo. Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online.
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Tursynbay Kulakhmet to host Stan Skorokhod in Kazakhstan |
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Junior middleweight Tursynbay Kulakhmet will take on a dangerous opponent during his homecoming next month – as he meets Stanyslav Skorokhod (20-2, 17 KOs) of the Ukraine when MTK Fight Night heads to Kazakhstan. The event takes place in Almaty on Saturday July 10th, and will be broadcast on ESPN+ in the US, on SportTimeKZ in Kazakhstan, and on IFL TV in the rest of the world. Kulakhmet (3-0, 2 KOs) has had a rapid rise since making his professional debut last August, when he defeated Heber Rondon, Macaulay McGowan and Sagadat Rakhmankul.
Up next for Kulakhmet is Skorokhod who has only two defeats in his professional career, with both of those being controversial split decision losses.
Elsewhere on the bill, joining the already-announced fight between Sultan Zaurbek (10-0, 7 KOs) and Ronnie Clark (21-4-2, 10 KOs), is a clash between Talgat Shayken (4-0, 2 KOs) and Alexander Sharonov (12-5-2, 6 KOs), while Dauren Yeleussinov (8-1-1, 7 KOs) meets Arman Rysbek (7-1, 6 KOs).
The main card also sees Nurtas Azhbenov (11-0, 4 KOs) face an opponent to be named. Lee McGregor is no longer competing at the event. The undercard features some other Kazakhs including Ray Seitzhanov (6-0, 3 KOs), Abay Tolesh (8-1, 5 KOs), Rakhat Seitzhan (5-0, 3 KOs), Aidos Medet (6-0, 4 KOs), Bagdat Uaydayev (5-0, 1 KO), Nurdos Tolebay (5-0, 3 KOs), and more.
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Tursynbay Kulakhmet to host Stan Skorokhod in Kazakhstan
Junior middleweight Tursynbay Kulakhmet will take on a dangerous opponent during his homecoming next month – as he meets Stanyslav Skorokhod (20-2, 17 KOs) of the Ukraine when MTK Fight Night heads to Kazakhstan. The event takes place in Almaty on Saturday July 10th, and will be broadcast on ESPN+ in the US, on SportTimeKZ in Kazakhstan, and on IFL TV in the rest of the world. Kulakhmet (3-0, 2 KOs) has had a rapid rise since making his professional debut last August, when he defeated Heber Rondon, Macaulay McGowan and Sagadat Rakhmankul.
Up next for Kulakhmet is Skorokhod who has only two defeats in his professional career, with both of those being controversial split decision losses.
Elsewhere on the bill, joining the already-announced fight between Sultan Zaurbek (10-0, 7 KOs) and Ronnie Clark (21-4-2, 10 KOs), is a clash between Talgat Shayken (4-0, 2 KOs) and Alexander Sharonov (12-5-2, 6 KOs), while Dauren Yeleussinov (8-1-1, 7 KOs) meets Arman Rysbek (7-1, 6 KOs).
The main card also sees Nurtas Azhbenov (11-0, 4 KOs) face an opponent to be named. Lee McGregor is no longer competing at the event. The undercard features some other Kazakhs including Ray Seitzhanov (6-0, 3 KOs), Abay Tolesh (8-1, 5 KOs), Rakhat Seitzhan (5-0, 3 KOs), Aidos Medet (6-0, 4 KOs), Bagdat Uaydayev (5-0, 1 KO), Nurdos Tolebay (5-0, 3 KOs), and more.
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Marcus Oliveira to face Justin Ridgway on Saturday |
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Justin Ridgway will take his biggest step-up in competition when he faces Marcus Oliveira Saturday, June 19th at the Civic Center in Neosho, Missouri. The eight-round cruiserweight bout will headline an eleven-fight hybrid card that features five pro boxing fights and six mixed martial arts bouts. The popular Ridgway (9-2, 6 knockouts) hails from nearby Springfield, Mo. and has won his last five fights, with the last coming by second-round stoppage of Kent Holland in July of 2019. Oliveira (26-5-1, 21 KOs) of Mayetta, Kansas is by far the most experienced opponent Ridgway will have faced. Oliveira was undefeated when he traveled to Germany in 2013 to face Juergen Braehmer for the WBA light heavyweight belt, losing a decision in his opponent's home country. Oliveira has knockout wins over former cruiserweight champion Kelvin Davis, former title challenger Antwun Echols, plus previously unbeaten fighters Ryan Coyne and Phil Williams.
Also on the card, David Perez (2-0) of Tulsa, Oklahoma will face Luis Galaviz (1-1) of Fayetteville, Arkansas in a four-round junior lightweight bout...
Jake Robinson (3-2-1) of Lee’s Summit, Mo. will face the debuting Martino Grandelious of Springfield, Mo. in a four-round bout and...
Cesar Marquez (1-0-2) and Jody Linthicum (3-8) are looking for opponents for separate bouts.
The Civic Center is located at 109 W Main St in Neosho, Mo. The card is being promoted by Skip Stewart Promotions and tickets to “Rumbe at the Heartland” can be purchased by calling 417-920-4880.
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Marcus Oliveira to face Justin Ridgway on Saturday
Justin Ridgway will take his biggest step-up in competition when he faces Marcus Oliveira Saturday, June 19th at the Civic Center in Neosho, Missouri. The eight-round cruiserweight bout will headline an eleven-fight hybrid card that features five pro boxing fights and six mixed martial arts bouts. The popular Ridgway (9-2, 6 knockouts) hails from nearby Springfield, Mo. and has won his last five fights, with the last coming by second-round stoppage of Kent Holland in July of 2019. Oliveira (26-5-1, 21 KOs) of Mayetta, Kansas is by far the most experienced opponent Ridgway will have faced. Oliveira was undefeated when he traveled to Germany in 2013 to face Juergen Braehmer for the WBA light heavyweight belt, losing a decision in his opponent's home country. Oliveira has knockout wins over former cruiserweight champion Kelvin Davis, former title challenger Antwun Echols, plus previously unbeaten fighters Ryan Coyne and Phil Williams.
Also on the card, David Perez (2-0) of Tulsa, Oklahoma will face Luis Galaviz (1-1) of Fayetteville, Arkansas in a four-round junior lightweight bout...
Jake Robinson (3-2-1) of Lee’s Summit, Mo. will face the debuting Martino Grandelious of Springfield, Mo. in a four-round bout and...
Cesar Marquez (1-0-2) and Jody Linthicum (3-8) are looking for opponents for separate bouts.
The Civic Center is located at 109 W Main St in Neosho, Mo. The card is being promoted by Skip Stewart Promotions and tickets to “Rumbe at the Heartland” can be purchased by calling 417-920-4880.
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Nicaragua's Keyvin Lara set for action vs. Keiver Fernandez |
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Nicaragua's Keyvin Lara, a former world title challenger, and Venezuela's Keiver Fernandez will battle in a super flyweight bout this Saturday in neutral territory, Panama City, at La Bar 12. Lara, a 26 year-old Nicaraguan, has four straight wins and a carrer mark of 30-3-1. He has four straight wins and defeated Ricardo Blandon in his last fight. Lara is best known for losing a 2012 flyweight title shot to Kazuto Ioka. Fernandez has spent a good part of his career in the flyweight division, but he has also fought several bouts at super flyweight. Fernandez is 22-1-1 with two straight wins in his two post-pandemic bouts.
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Nicaragua's Keyvin Lara set for action vs. Keiver Fernandez
Nicaragua's Keyvin Lara, a former world title challenger, and Venezuela's Keiver Fernandez will battle in a super flyweight bout this Saturday in neutral territory, Panama City, at La Bar 12. Lara, a 26 year-old Nicaraguan, has four straight wins and a carrer mark of 30-3-1. He has four straight wins and defeated Ricardo Blandon in his last fight. Lara is best known for losing a 2012 flyweight title shot to Kazuto Ioka. Fernandez has spent a good part of his career in the flyweight division, but he has also fought several bouts at super flyweight. Fernandez is 22-1-1 with two straight wins in his two post-pandemic bouts.
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Saturday is Charlo Day in Houston |
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WBCmMiddleweight champion Jermall Charlo was joined by his twin brother, a three-belt junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo, as they received a special proclamation from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. After the proclamation ceremony, Jermall participated in an open media workout ahead of his world title defense against Juan Macias Montiel taking place this Saturday, June 19th on Showtime at the Toyota Center, also in Houston. Saturday’s event is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at toyotacenter.com. Mayor Turner was presented with a special WBC Juneteenth belt, ahead of Jermall’s Juneteenth Day homecoming title defense. During the ceremony, declared Saturday wil be “Jermell and Jermall Charlo Day” in the city of Houston. Here is what the event participants had to say Wednesday from outside of Toyota Center:
JERMALL CHARLO
“I want to thank everyone for supporting me for all these years. I’m putting my title and my undefeated record on the line, so everyone make sure you get your tickets and tune-in Saturday night.
“This means the world to me. The pressure is on me to bring out the most beautiful crowd boxing has ever seen right here in my hometown of Houston, Texas and we’re going to do it Saturday night.
“It’s so meaningful to see the city embrace me today. Now I know that I have to put on a show for the whole city. I’m going to stay locked in so that I can take over this division.
“There’s no way I’m letting someone come to my backyard and take my bike. I’m taking care of business on Saturday.”
JERMELL CHARLO
“I really appreciate my twin brother for standing by my side. We’ve been boxing since we were eight-years-old and we never gave up this dream. This is what we do. We’re putting on for the city on Saturday, and then I’m going to do it for my city on July 17.
“This day means so much for me, because Saturday is Jermall’s chance to shine and he’s representing for both of us. It’s huge for us.
“Me and my family have celebrated Juneteenth since I was young. A lot of people don’t understand it and don’t give this holiday the recognition it deserves, but this year, because of my brother’s big fight, Houston isn’t going to forget it.
“Right now it’s all about taking over our divisions and supporting our family. There’s a lot more to come from the Charlo Twins.”
HOUSTON MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER
“Houston is so proud to have the Charlo Twins right here in their hometown. This is a proud moment and I’m excited to be here. Saturday night is the big fight and we know Houston is going to be winning that night.
“The Charlo brothers are ambitious and steadfast supporters of their hometown. Together they have formed Lions Only Promotions to help stage their events and help give back to the community here in Houston.
“The city of Houston appreciates and thanks Jermell and Jermall Charlo for their outstanding work and we encourage Houstonians to join in and extend their best wishes for their continued success. I proudly proclaim this day, on Juneteenth 2021, as Jermell and Jermall Charlo Day in the city of Houston.”
RONNIE SHIELDS, Jermall Charlo’s Trainer
“Jermall is always focused. That’s one thing I don’t need to worry about with him. He knows that every fight is important and he doesn’t underestimate anybody. Jermall is going out there to make history.
“I expect Jermall to go out and do what we’ve been working on. We’re going to stick to the game plan. If we stick to that, it’s going to be history again.”
DERRICK JAMES, Jermell Charlo’s Trainer
“I know this acknowledgement means a lot to Jermell and Jermall. We all work to take care of our family, but to be supported by the city, and have the Mayor come out, it’s amazing. It’s a really true affirmation from the city and I know they appreciate it.”
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Saturday is Charlo Day in Houston
WBCmMiddleweight champion Jermall Charlo was joined by his twin brother, a three-belt junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo, as they received a special proclamation from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. After the proclamation ceremony, Jermall participated in an open media workout ahead of his world title defense against Juan Macias Montiel taking place this Saturday, June 19th on Showtime at the Toyota Center, also in Houston. Saturday’s event is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at toyotacenter.com. Mayor Turner was presented with a special WBC Juneteenth belt, ahead of Jermall’s Juneteenth Day homecoming title defense. During the ceremony, declared Saturday wil be “Jermell and Jermall Charlo Day” in the city of Houston. Here is what the event participants had to say Wednesday from outside of Toyota Center:
JERMALL CHARLO
“I want to thank everyone for supporting me for all these years. I’m putting my title and my undefeated record on the line, so everyone make sure you get your tickets and tune-in Saturday night.
“This means the world to me. The pressure is on me to bring out the most beautiful crowd boxing has ever seen right here in my hometown of Houston, Texas and we’re going to do it Saturday night.
“It’s so meaningful to see the city embrace me today. Now I know that I have to put on a show for the whole city. I’m going to stay locked in so that I can take over this division.
“There’s no way I’m letting someone come to my backyard and take my bike. I’m taking care of business on Saturday.”
JERMELL CHARLO
“I really appreciate my twin brother for standing by my side. We’ve been boxing since we were eight-years-old and we never gave up this dream. This is what we do. We’re putting on for the city on Saturday, and then I’m going to do it for my city on July 17.
“This day means so much for me, because Saturday is Jermall’s chance to shine and he’s representing for both of us. It’s huge for us.
“Me and my family have celebrated Juneteenth since I was young. A lot of people don’t understand it and don’t give this holiday the recognition it deserves, but this year, because of my brother’s big fight, Houston isn’t going to forget it.
“Right now it’s all about taking over our divisions and supporting our family. There’s a lot more to come from the Charlo Twins.”
HOUSTON MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER
“Houston is so proud to have the Charlo Twins right here in their hometown. This is a proud moment and I’m excited to be here. Saturday night is the big fight and we know Houston is going to be winning that night.
“The Charlo brothers are ambitious and steadfast supporters of their hometown. Together they have formed Lions Only Promotions to help stage their events and help give back to the community here in Houston.
“The city of Houston appreciates and thanks Jermell and Jermall Charlo for their outstanding work and we encourage Houstonians to join in and extend their best wishes for their continued success. I proudly proclaim this day, on Juneteenth 2021, as Jermell and Jermall Charlo Day in the city of Houston.”
RONNIE SHIELDS, Jermall Charlo’s Trainer
“Jermall is always focused. That’s one thing I don’t need to worry about with him. He knows that every fight is important and he doesn’t underestimate anybody. Jermall is going out there to make history.
“I expect Jermall to go out and do what we’ve been working on. We’re going to stick to the game plan. If we stick to that, it’s going to be history again.”
DERRICK JAMES, Jermell Charlo’s Trainer
“I know this acknowledgement means a lot to Jermell and Jermall. We all work to take care of our family, but to be supported by the city, and have the Mayor come out, it’s amazing. It’s a really true affirmation from the city and I know they appreciate it.”
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Philadelphia show rescheduled |
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The recently announced June 25th RDR Promotions show at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia has been moved to Friday July 23rd, one night before another RDR Promotions show to be formally announced this week. Tickets bought from boxers must be returned to them for a refund. Those tickets will not be honored on July 23rd; Tickets Bought at the 2300 Arena will be honored. In the main event on July 23rd, will be an eight-round lightweight bout between Nahir Albright and Jeremy Hill. Albright of Sicklerville, New Jersey has a record of 12-1 with six knockouts. Hill of New Orleans has a record of 15-1 with 10 knockouts.
The 25 year-old Albright has stopped his last four opponents which includes early wins over Dante Cox (6-1) and Cosme Rivera on May 28th in Rivera's home country of Mexico. Albright also has wins over Danny Murray (1-0), Glenford Nickey (4-1-1) and Roy McGill (6-1-1).
Hiil, 28 years-old is a three-year pro who has wins over Leshawn Alcoks (1-0), Xavier Wilson (11-1-1) and Travis Castellon (16-3-1). Hill is coming of of a fourth round stoppage over Deivi Julio on May 15th in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
In a six-round heavyweight tilt, Garrett Wilson (18-17-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Joel Caudle (8-5-2, 5 KOs) of Raleigh, NC.
Also taking part in an eight-round bout will be Derrick Whitley Jr. taking on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout....
Donald "No Love" Smith (12-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a eight-round featherweight bout.
In four-round Bouts:
Ryan Umberger (4-0, 4 KOs) of Bensalem, PA takes on Ryan Schwartzberg (0-1-1) in a junior middleweight fight.
Afunwa King (3-1, 1 KO) of Bronx, NY takes on Clarence Whitehead (0-2 of Philadelphia in a light heavyweight fight.
Isaiah Johnson (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Damien Robinson (1-0, 1 KO) of North Carolina in a 140-pound contest.
Rashan Adams of Philadelphia makes his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a junior lightweight bout.
Muhsin Cason (7-0, 4 KOs) of Las Vegas will see action in a cruiserweight bout.
Tickets can be purchased from the fighters or emailing rricerivew@yahoo.com
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Philadelphia show rescheduled
The recently announced June 25th RDR Promotions show at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia has been moved to Friday July 23rd, one night before another RDR Promotions show to be formally announced this week. Tickets bought from boxers must be returned to them for a refund. Those tickets will not be honored on July 23rd; Tickets Bought at the 2300 Arena will be honored. In the main event on July 23rd, will be an eight-round lightweight bout between Nahir Albright and Jeremy Hill. Albright of Sicklerville, New Jersey has a record of 12-1 with six knockouts. Hill of New Orleans has a record of 15-1 with 10 knockouts.
The 25 year-old Albright has stopped his last four opponents which includes early wins over Dante Cox (6-1) and Cosme Rivera on May 28th in Rivera's home country of Mexico. Albright also has wins over Danny Murray (1-0), Glenford Nickey (4-1-1) and Roy McGill (6-1-1).
Hiil, 28 years-old is a three-year pro who has wins over Leshawn Alcoks (1-0), Xavier Wilson (11-1-1) and Travis Castellon (16-3-1). Hill is coming of of a fourth round stoppage over Deivi Julio on May 15th in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
In a six-round heavyweight tilt, Garrett Wilson (18-17-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Joel Caudle (8-5-2, 5 KOs) of Raleigh, NC.
Also taking part in an eight-round bout will be Derrick Whitley Jr. taking on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout....
Donald "No Love" Smith (12-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a eight-round featherweight bout.
In four-round Bouts:
Ryan Umberger (4-0, 4 KOs) of Bensalem, PA takes on Ryan Schwartzberg (0-1-1) in a junior middleweight fight.
Afunwa King (3-1, 1 KO) of Bronx, NY takes on Clarence Whitehead (0-2 of Philadelphia in a light heavyweight fight.
Isaiah Johnson (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Damien Robinson (1-0, 1 KO) of North Carolina in a 140-pound contest.
Rashan Adams of Philadelphia makes his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a junior lightweight bout.
Muhsin Cason (7-0, 4 KOs) of Las Vegas will see action in a cruiserweight bout.
Tickets can be purchased from the fighters or emailing rricerivew@yahoo.com
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Teofimo Lopez tweets about coronavirus diagnosis |
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Teofimo Lopez on testing positive for the coronavirus less than a week before his world lightweight championship defense against George Kambosos: "By now you’ve heard the news that I have had to withdraw from the fight due to COVID. Being a champion means doing hard things. NO EXCEPTIONS. And I choose to keep my fellow athletes safe. I am devastated to disappoint so many people. I know the sacrifices we have all made to get here. I believe I am doing the right thing. I don’t want to infect anybody. Sport has power. I choose to use my power to be a good example. The most powerful thing I can do is protect those I love - and I love the sport of boxing and all of the athletes, fans, trainers, my sponsors and promoters. Thank you everyone for your well wishes. I appreciate your support!." Boxingtalk wishes the champ a full and speedy recovery.
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Teofimo Lopez tweets about coronavirus diagnosis
Teofimo Lopez on testing positive for the coronavirus less than a week before his world lightweight championship defense against George Kambosos: "By now you’ve heard the news that I have had to withdraw from the fight due to COVID. Being a champion means doing hard things. NO EXCEPTIONS. And I choose to keep my fellow athletes safe. I am devastated to disappoint so many people. I know the sacrifices we have all made to get here. I believe I am doing the right thing. I don’t want to infect anybody. Sport has power. I choose to use my power to be a good example. The most powerful thing I can do is protect those I love - and I love the sport of boxing and all of the athletes, fans, trainers, my sponsors and promoters. Thank you everyone for your well wishes. I appreciate your support!." Boxingtalk wishes the champ a full and speedy recovery.
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Joe Joyce to face Carlos Takam on July 24th |
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Heavyweight contender Joe Joyce (pictured) will risk a future heavyweight title shot when he goes to battle with Carlos. Takam at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24th, live on BT Sport. The destructive Joyce (listed as 12-0 but more accurately, 26-2 including the World Series of Boxing) is back in action for the first time since his tenth round win against Daniel Dubois last November when he captured the vacant European title and relieved Dubois of his British and Commonwealth titles. Joyce said: “I only want competitive fights but everyone wants to avoid me. Carlos Takam didn’t even want to spar me in Las Vegas, so I’m surprised he’s taken the fight. He has operated at a high level for a long time but on July 24th The Juggernaut will be activated… and I will run him over.”
Warren, who promotes Joyce, said: “it was a great win for Joe against Daniel Dubois. He has been inactive since then because we have been waiting for WBO title situation between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk to be finalized."
Warren continued, “had that fight not happened Joe would have been fighting Usyk for the vacant title, so we had to wait and see what the outcome would be. That situation has been sorted. Joe will become the mandatory challenger for the winner and get his world title fight – should he beat Carlos Takam. It is a testament to Joe’s character that he’d take a fight as difficult as this when a World Title fight is waiting round the corner. This is a dangerous, dangerous fight and Joe needs to make sure he doesn’t let Carlos come in and take everything he’s worked so hard for.”
Joyce would love to better reigning WBC/WBA/IBF champion Anthony Joshua's feat of stopping Takam in the tenth round, which Joshua accomplished in October 2017.
Takam (39-5-1, 28 KOs) will be boxing in Britain for the fourth time when he faces Joyce. He has won four consecutive bouts and most recently beat American Jerry Forrest in Las Vegas. Takam remains ambitious and knows that upsetting Joyce is his route to the top of the heavyweight division.
Joe DeGuardia, whose Star Boxing promotes Takam, said: “Joyce-Takam is a significant and compelling heavyweight fight. Certainly, if Carlos wins it puts him in a position to take Joe Joyce’s #1 world ranking and eventual world title shot, so Carlos is extremely anxious to capitalize on this opportunity”.
Takam added: “I am excited about my fight on July 24th! Hey Joe, let's give the great boxing fans in the UK an exciting fight! Be ready because I am a problem.”
Warren said: “Joe cannot afford to slip up. He is in a tremendous position, but he has to be focused and we want to see an impressive performance from him.
“Everyone knows who Takam is. He really made AJ work when he came in as a late substitute and plenty of people believe the stoppage was slightly premature. Takam is coming with ambition and his recent record shows that the desire is there to succeed at the highest level. It is a good voluntary defence. Given Joe’s position with the WBO he could have taken far easier options than this.”
The lead promoter for the event will be Warren’s Queensberry Promotions in association with DeGaurdia's Star Boxing.
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Joe Joyce to face Carlos Takam on July 24th
Heavyweight contender Joe Joyce (pictured) will risk a future heavyweight title shot when he goes to battle with Carlos. Takam at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24th, live on BT Sport. The destructive Joyce (listed as 12-0 but more accurately, 26-2 including the World Series of Boxing) is back in action for the first time since his tenth round win against Daniel Dubois last November when he captured the vacant European title and relieved Dubois of his British and Commonwealth titles. Joyce said: “I only want competitive fights but everyone wants to avoid me. Carlos Takam didn’t even want to spar me in Las Vegas, so I’m surprised he’s taken the fight. He has operated at a high level for a long time but on July 24th The Juggernaut will be activated… and I will run him over.”
Warren, who promotes Joyce, said: “it was a great win for Joe against Daniel Dubois. He has been inactive since then because we have been waiting for WBO title situation between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk to be finalized."
Warren continued, “had that fight not happened Joe would have been fighting Usyk for the vacant title, so we had to wait and see what the outcome would be. That situation has been sorted. Joe will become the mandatory challenger for the winner and get his world title fight – should he beat Carlos Takam. It is a testament to Joe’s character that he’d take a fight as difficult as this when a World Title fight is waiting round the corner. This is a dangerous, dangerous fight and Joe needs to make sure he doesn’t let Carlos come in and take everything he’s worked so hard for.”
Joyce would love to better reigning WBC/WBA/IBF champion Anthony Joshua's feat of stopping Takam in the tenth round, which Joshua accomplished in October 2017.
Takam (39-5-1, 28 KOs) will be boxing in Britain for the fourth time when he faces Joyce. He has won four consecutive bouts and most recently beat American Jerry Forrest in Las Vegas. Takam remains ambitious and knows that upsetting Joyce is his route to the top of the heavyweight division.
Joe DeGuardia, whose Star Boxing promotes Takam, said: “Joyce-Takam is a significant and compelling heavyweight fight. Certainly, if Carlos wins it puts him in a position to take Joe Joyce’s #1 world ranking and eventual world title shot, so Carlos is extremely anxious to capitalize on this opportunity”.
Takam added: “I am excited about my fight on July 24th! Hey Joe, let's give the great boxing fans in the UK an exciting fight! Be ready because I am a problem.”
Warren said: “Joe cannot afford to slip up. He is in a tremendous position, but he has to be focused and we want to see an impressive performance from him.
“Everyone knows who Takam is. He really made AJ work when he came in as a late substitute and plenty of people believe the stoppage was slightly premature. Takam is coming with ambition and his recent record shows that the desire is there to succeed at the highest level. It is a good voluntary defence. Given Joe’s position with the WBO he could have taken far easier options than this.”
The lead promoter for the event will be Warren’s Queensberry Promotions in association with DeGaurdia's Star Boxing.
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World Boxing Super Series to return with female 130-pound tournament |
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Women’s super featherweights will quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy in Season III of the World Boxing Super Series. WBSS announcd Season III of the World Boxing Super Series; one tournament, one weight class, and one winner to be the first woman to raise the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Details of the full roster and schedule will be made in due course. Editor's note: the reigning champions at 130 pounds are Mikaela Mayer (WBO), Terri Harper (WBC), Maiva Hamadouche (IBF) and Hyun Mi Choi (WBA). Delfine Persoon is considered one of the top pound-for-pound women's boxers. Amanda Serrano lurks one weight class below and one division above there are several other non-champions who might drop down in weight.
Previous Ali Trophy winners Oleksandr Usyk, Callum Smith, Josh Taylor, Naoya Inoue, and Mairis Briedis are testaments to what this sport can be when you match the best fighters in the ring. It catapults our champions into true greatness. It elevates the entire sport.
Below quotes from Wednesday’s WBSS Season III announcement:
Andreas Benz, CEO of WBSS AG:
“Boxing is and has always been much more than a sport. It is a metaphor for life. The fighters walk into the squared circle with big dreams of winning and glory and sometimes even, a better life. In no other sport is so much at stake.”
“In Season I and II we delivered the best tournaments in men’s boxing, but it was always our dream to not only deliver the best tournament in men’s boxing but to prepare a worthy stage for women’s boxing and support these fantastic fighters, too. Now it’s time to realise it!”
“It will be much more than the greatest women’s boxing tournament. We plan to strategically help to broaden women’s boxing, both at the grassroots and elite level, and develop a professional environment where talents and profiles can grow and legacies are born.”
“As always, the WBSS will do everything to deliver the best fights and productions possible and we are dedicated to entertaining boxing fans around the globe. We can’t wait to turn the lights back on!”
Kalle Sauerland, WBSS Chief Boxing Officer:
“It’s been something we have talked about since our inauguration and it gives me great, great pleasure – and us great pleasure at the World Boxing Super Series to announce Season III; the women, the super featherweights.”
“The sport is an amazing place. Competition is hotter than ever. The super featherweights we feel is a division that has such depth and also allows those in the divisions around it to take part. We feel that this is the time, the right time, women’s boxing has never been this good. We are looking forward to a spectacular season.”
“Women’s boxing goes back to a time where it was banned to times where it was non-existing is a male-dominated sport. It goes back to fighting for places on cards to get any sort of attention.
“I remember the first world title fight I promoted for Cecilia Brækhus two decades ago. It took place on an undercard. Cecilia went on to unify the sport and became a headliner in her own right, a national hero, a global ambassador for the sport.”
“Many other greats have also held the flag of female boxing. Going back to Regina Halmich, Jane Couch, Nicola Adams, Holly Holm, Katie Taylor. There are so many. But the opportunity the World Boxing Super Series brings for female boxing is second to none.”
“In short, the quest, another quest, for the Muhammad Ali Trophy has begun. The WBSS is back!”
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World Boxing Super Series to return with female 130-pound tournament
Women’s super featherweights will quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy in Season III of the World Boxing Super Series. WBSS announcd Season III of the World Boxing Super Series; one tournament, one weight class, and one winner to be the first woman to raise the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Details of the full roster and schedule will be made in due course. Editor's note: the reigning champions at 130 pounds are Mikaela Mayer (WBO), Terri Harper (WBC), Maiva Hamadouche (IBF) and Hyun Mi Choi (WBA). Delfine Persoon is considered one of the top pound-for-pound women's boxers. Amanda Serrano lurks one weight class below and one division above there are several other non-champions who might drop down in weight.
Previous Ali Trophy winners Oleksandr Usyk, Callum Smith, Josh Taylor, Naoya Inoue, and Mairis Briedis are testaments to what this sport can be when you match the best fighters in the ring. It catapults our champions into true greatness. It elevates the entire sport.
Below quotes from Wednesday’s WBSS Season III announcement:
Andreas Benz, CEO of WBSS AG:
“Boxing is and has always been much more than a sport. It is a metaphor for life. The fighters walk into the squared circle with big dreams of winning and glory and sometimes even, a better life. In no other sport is so much at stake.”
“In Season I and II we delivered the best tournaments in men’s boxing, but it was always our dream to not only deliver the best tournament in men’s boxing but to prepare a worthy stage for women’s boxing and support these fantastic fighters, too. Now it’s time to realise it!”
“It will be much more than the greatest women’s boxing tournament. We plan to strategically help to broaden women’s boxing, both at the grassroots and elite level, and develop a professional environment where talents and profiles can grow and legacies are born.”
“As always, the WBSS will do everything to deliver the best fights and productions possible and we are dedicated to entertaining boxing fans around the globe. We can’t wait to turn the lights back on!”
Kalle Sauerland, WBSS Chief Boxing Officer:
“It’s been something we have talked about since our inauguration and it gives me great, great pleasure – and us great pleasure at the World Boxing Super Series to announce Season III; the women, the super featherweights.”
“The sport is an amazing place. Competition is hotter than ever. The super featherweights we feel is a division that has such depth and also allows those in the divisions around it to take part. We feel that this is the time, the right time, women’s boxing has never been this good. We are looking forward to a spectacular season.”
“Women’s boxing goes back to a time where it was banned to times where it was non-existing is a male-dominated sport. It goes back to fighting for places on cards to get any sort of attention.
“I remember the first world title fight I promoted for Cecilia Brækhus two decades ago. It took place on an undercard. Cecilia went on to unify the sport and became a headliner in her own right, a national hero, a global ambassador for the sport.”
“Many other greats have also held the flag of female boxing. Going back to Regina Halmich, Jane Couch, Nicola Adams, Holly Holm, Katie Taylor. There are so many. But the opportunity the World Boxing Super Series brings for female boxing is second to none.”
“In short, the quest, another quest, for the Muhammad Ali Trophy has begun. The WBSS is back!”
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Fury-Wilder III: The official press release |
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In anticipation of their third heavyweight showdown, WBC champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and his predecessor Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder appeared face-to-face at a Los Angeles press conference. Fury was relaxed, coming out without a shirt, dancing and smiling. Wilder on the other hand appeared tense and then completely checked out, wearing dark glasses and listening to headphones that appeared to block out the questions he was being asked. He gave a very short opening statement then let his new trainer, Malik Scott, answer questions for him. After Fury spoke and Wilder sulked, the two men engaged in what has to be the longest staredown in the history of combat sports. Neither man said a word, or even moved, while they locked gazes for minutes. Eventually, the boxers were surrounded by security and entourages, and Wilder eventually broke the stare and walked away, leaving Fury grinning triumphantly. Here is what they said: DEONTAY WILDER [Thanks Jesus Christ and his team] "Look, enough said. Time to cut off his head. Come July 24th, there will be blood shed." TYSON FURY "As for all this bloodshed stuff, I'm not so sure. We've heard it all before the last fight and you know what happened." [which Fury won by TKO. Their first fight was scored a draw, although most felt Fury deserved a decision. The second fight was a TKO win for Fury]." [On WIlder's silence]: "It shows how weak of a mental person he is. I don't believe he is mentally, physically or emotionally involved in this fight." THE OFFICIAL QUOTES ACCORDING TO THE PRESS RELEASE:
TYSON FURY:
“It was a crazy roller coaster toward this fight. I always say, ‘you’re never fighting someone, until you’re in the ring opposite them.’ It wasn’t hard for me to adjust to fighting Deontay Wilder again [after the Anthony Joshua fight got called off]. It’s what I’m paid to do. I’m just always training and staying motivated. I’m happy to be living and here right now. I look forward to today. That’s how I manage everything. I’m a ‘living in the moment’ type of person.
“I hope Deontay brings something different for this fight. He needs to, if we’re facing facts. I hope he brings a challenge. Hopefully [new trainer] Malik Scott can bring the best out of Deontay Wilder.
“The beating from the last fight has had a physical, mental and emotional effect on his life. I was worried about him after the way I beat him.
“Deontay Wilder is a one-trick pony. He’s got great one-punch knockout power. I’m going to run him over like I’m an 18-wheeler. I guarantee he doesn’t go past where he did in the second fight. I’m looking for a big knockout straight away.
“He said all this stuff about bloodshed last time and we all know what happened last time. I’m going to keep it short and sweet today.”
DEONTAY WILDER
“Enough has been said. It’s time to cut off his head. Come July the 24th, there will be bloodshed. Get your tickets now and I’ll see you soon.
“A lot of things are going to be different in this fight. On July 24th, the world is going to see. We’re going to reveal everything we’ve been working on.
“I didn’t feel any way about Fury trying to negotiate another fight. We knew we were in the right and we knew they couldn’t run. Silence is golden.
“I’ve been happy and even happier in my time off. I’ve had time to spend with my family and now I’m rejuvenated and ready to go.
“I’ve been training non-stop during the pandemic and I’ve been building. All this time between fights is going to be good for me and bad for him. I’ve had nothing but time to progress.
“Whatever he does on July 24th, we will have an answer for it. I’m training very hard and my mind is very violent. I’m ready to go.”
SUGARHILL STEWARD, Fury’s Trainer
“The amount of time me and Tyson have had together since joining forces hasn’t changed anything. Our chemistry has always been there. The only thing is, is that over that time, he now has the power to knock a man out with one punch.
“I’m glad he’s added that kind of power to go with his boxing skills and IQ. He now has the one-punch knockout power. He just needs to land that one punch.”
MALIK SCOTT, Wilder’s Trainer
“Deontay and I have always had a chemistry and a brotherhood between us. Before we talked about moving forward with me as his trainer, I wanted to make sure we had the same chemistry as trainer and fighter that we had with our brotherhood. Our chemistry as fighter and trainer by far passes it. I’m impressed with how he’s adapted.
“I believe that with a fighter like Deontay, who has naturally raw power, combined with my technically sound background, we just match well together.
“Deontay has made the mental adjustments. All I needed was a receptive athlete. He’s already made the adjustments to do whatever I need him to do in that ring.
“I only see this fight going one way. If you just let Fury do what he wants, he’ll do way more than what you want. I have no doubt that Deontay will become the two-time heavyweight champion of the world and it will come by knockout.”
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Fury-Wilder III: The official press release
In anticipation of their third heavyweight showdown, WBC champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and his predecessor Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder appeared face-to-face at a Los Angeles press conference. Fury was relaxed, coming out without a shirt, dancing and smiling. Wilder on the other hand appeared tense and then completely checked out, wearing dark glasses and listening to headphones that appeared to block out the questions he was being asked. He gave a very short opening statement then let his new trainer, Malik Scott, answer questions for him. After Fury spoke and Wilder sulked, the two men engaged in what has to be the longest staredown in the history of combat sports. Neither man said a word, or even moved, while they locked gazes for minutes. Eventually, the boxers were surrounded by security and entourages, and Wilder eventually broke the stare and walked away, leaving Fury grinning triumphantly. Here is what they said: DEONTAY WILDER [Thanks Jesus Christ and his team] "Look, enough said. Time to cut off his head. Come July 24th, there will be blood shed." TYSON FURY "As for all this bloodshed stuff, I'm not so sure. We've heard it all before the last fight and you know what happened." [which Fury won by TKO. Their first fight was scored a draw, although most felt Fury deserved a decision. The second fight was a TKO win for Fury]." [On WIlder's silence]: "It shows how weak of a mental person he is. I don't believe he is mentally, physically or emotionally involved in this fight." THE OFFICIAL QUOTES ACCORDING TO THE PRESS RELEASE:
TYSON FURY:
“It was a crazy roller coaster toward this fight. I always say, ‘you’re never fighting someone, until you’re in the ring opposite them.’ It wasn’t hard for me to adjust to fighting Deontay Wilder again [after the Anthony Joshua fight got called off]. It’s what I’m paid to do. I’m just always training and staying motivated. I’m happy to be living and here right now. I look forward to today. That’s how I manage everything. I’m a ‘living in the moment’ type of person.
“I hope Deontay brings something different for this fight. He needs to, if we’re facing facts. I hope he brings a challenge. Hopefully [new trainer] Malik Scott can bring the best out of Deontay Wilder.
“The beating from the last fight has had a physical, mental and emotional effect on his life. I was worried about him after the way I beat him.
“Deontay Wilder is a one-trick pony. He’s got great one-punch knockout power. I’m going to run him over like I’m an 18-wheeler. I guarantee he doesn’t go past where he did in the second fight. I’m looking for a big knockout straight away.
“He said all this stuff about bloodshed last time and we all know what happened last time. I’m going to keep it short and sweet today.”
DEONTAY WILDER
“Enough has been said. It’s time to cut off his head. Come July the 24th, there will be bloodshed. Get your tickets now and I’ll see you soon.
“A lot of things are going to be different in this fight. On July 24th, the world is going to see. We’re going to reveal everything we’ve been working on.
“I didn’t feel any way about Fury trying to negotiate another fight. We knew we were in the right and we knew they couldn’t run. Silence is golden.
“I’ve been happy and even happier in my time off. I’ve had time to spend with my family and now I’m rejuvenated and ready to go.
“I’ve been training non-stop during the pandemic and I’ve been building. All this time between fights is going to be good for me and bad for him. I’ve had nothing but time to progress.
“Whatever he does on July 24th, we will have an answer for it. I’m training very hard and my mind is very violent. I’m ready to go.”
SUGARHILL STEWARD, Fury’s Trainer
“The amount of time me and Tyson have had together since joining forces hasn’t changed anything. Our chemistry has always been there. The only thing is, is that over that time, he now has the power to knock a man out with one punch.
“I’m glad he’s added that kind of power to go with his boxing skills and IQ. He now has the one-punch knockout power. He just needs to land that one punch.”
MALIK SCOTT, Wilder’s Trainer
“Deontay and I have always had a chemistry and a brotherhood between us. Before we talked about moving forward with me as his trainer, I wanted to make sure we had the same chemistry as trainer and fighter that we had with our brotherhood. Our chemistry as fighter and trainer by far passes it. I’m impressed with how he’s adapted.
“I believe that with a fighter like Deontay, who has naturally raw power, combined with my technically sound background, we just match well together.
“Deontay has made the mental adjustments. All I needed was a receptive athlete. He’s already made the adjustments to do whatever I need him to do in that ring.
“I only see this fight going one way. If you just let Fury do what he wants, he’ll do way more than what you want. I have no doubt that Deontay will become the two-time heavyweight champion of the world and it will come by knockout.”
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Do you know boxing better than a 14 year old? Special Wednesday edition |
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Paul Gallen vs. Justis Huni (heavyweights)... Prediction: Huni by decision
Former rugby player Paul Gallen (11-0-1) battles Australian amateur sensation Justis Huni in a ten-round heavyweight bout before Huni leaves for the Olympics. The fight takes place in Australia on Wednesday morning (US time). Gallen is coming off a career-defining first-round knockout victory over former WBA regular heavyweight champion Lucas Browne, while Huni (4-0 as a pro) is fresh off a wide unanimous decision victory over the durable Christian Ndize Tsoye. I see the younger, faster, and stronger Huni breaking down the former rugby player throughout the fight to get a unanimous decision victory, possibly a late stoppage. I can envision scores of 97-93 and 98-92 for Huni.
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Do you know boxing better than a 14 year old? Special Wednesday edition
Paul Gallen vs. Justis Huni (heavyweights)... Prediction: Huni by decision
Former rugby player Paul Gallen (11-0-1) battles Australian amateur sensation Justis Huni in a ten-round heavyweight bout before Huni leaves for the Olympics. The fight takes place in Australia on Wednesday morning (US time). Gallen is coming off a career-defining first-round knockout victory over former WBA regular heavyweight champion Lucas Browne, while Huni (4-0 as a pro) is fresh off a wide unanimous decision victory over the durable Christian Ndize Tsoye. I see the younger, faster, and stronger Huni breaking down the former rugby player throughout the fight to get a unanimous decision victory, possibly a late stoppage. I can envision scores of 97-93 and 98-92 for Huni.
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Salita wins Shishkin-Shvedenko purse bid |
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Salita Promotions has won the purse bid to stage an IBF super middleweight elimination fight between two unbeaten contenders, Detroit-based Russian Vladimir Shishkin and Germany-based Russian Evgeny Shvedenko. The winner will be in line to face the winner of the expected unification fight between IBF Champion Caleb Plant and WBC/WBO/WBA champ Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, expected to happen in September. The purse bid, held today on June 15th at the IBF offices in New Jersey, was won by Salita with a bid of $355,000, which eclipsed the bid by Farcher Sport who bid $277,308. The purse bid split will be 60% for Shvedenko and 40% for Shishkin. While no venue or specific date have been hammered down, the IBF further mandates that the fight must take place by Monday, September 13, 2021.
Salita, promoter of Shishkin, said, “winning this purse bid puts Vladimir one fight away from a world championship fight if he wins and, if Canelo wins against Plant, a unified super middleweight championship fight against one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best. But first he has to get past his countryman Shvedenko, whom he knows will not be an easy feat. This will be a very tough fight and we are honored to have won the right to promote it.”
In just 15 fights, the 29 year-old Shishkin, from Serpukhov, Russia, has wins over Gasan Gasanov and Sergey Khomitskiy. He was last seen in February of this year, scoring a dominating unanimous decision over then 23-1 Ghanaian Sena Agbeko. Shishkin stands 6’ 1” and is extremely strong. He boxes with power behind a world-class jab and has excellent defense.
“Vladimir Shishkin is the man to defeat Canelo Alvarez,” added Salita. “I said it while watching him work before I signed him. He has all the tools and experience you need. He’s already in camp with Tyson Fury and (trainer) Sugarhill getting ready for this big showdown because the whole team knows how much it means to win. And he will win.”
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Salita wins Shishkin-Shvedenko purse bid
Salita Promotions has won the purse bid to stage an IBF super middleweight elimination fight between two unbeaten contenders, Detroit-based Russian Vladimir Shishkin and Germany-based Russian Evgeny Shvedenko. The winner will be in line to face the winner of the expected unification fight between IBF Champion Caleb Plant and WBC/WBO/WBA champ Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, expected to happen in September. The purse bid, held today on June 15th at the IBF offices in New Jersey, was won by Salita with a bid of $355,000, which eclipsed the bid by Farcher Sport who bid $277,308. The purse bid split will be 60% for Shvedenko and 40% for Shishkin. While no venue or specific date have been hammered down, the IBF further mandates that the fight must take place by Monday, September 13, 2021.
Salita, promoter of Shishkin, said, “winning this purse bid puts Vladimir one fight away from a world championship fight if he wins and, if Canelo wins against Plant, a unified super middleweight championship fight against one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best. But first he has to get past his countryman Shvedenko, whom he knows will not be an easy feat. This will be a very tough fight and we are honored to have won the right to promote it.”
In just 15 fights, the 29 year-old Shishkin, from Serpukhov, Russia, has wins over Gasan Gasanov and Sergey Khomitskiy. He was last seen in February of this year, scoring a dominating unanimous decision over then 23-1 Ghanaian Sena Agbeko. Shishkin stands 6’ 1” and is extremely strong. He boxes with power behind a world-class jab and has excellent defense.
“Vladimir Shishkin is the man to defeat Canelo Alvarez,” added Salita. “I said it while watching him work before I signed him. He has all the tools and experience you need. He’s already in camp with Tyson Fury and (trainer) Sugarhill getting ready for this big showdown because the whole team knows how much it means to win. And he will win.”
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BEIN network to show seven fights on Saturday |
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The seven-fight undercard for Tribute to the Kings (headlined by Anderson Silva vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.) is coming to beIN Sports Saturday, June 19th. The network announced it will broadcast the undercard live from Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico starting at 7:00 p.m. EST. “World-class boxing has been a key component of our offering since beIN Sports launched and this latest addition to our lineup continues this tradition,” said Antonio Briceño, the North American Managing Director of beIN. “We are excited to bring these highly anticipated matchups to our passionate fans, especially those in our U.S. Hispanic community.”
“Real boxing fans know that beIN Sports is the premier destination for premier fights, so we are pleased to have its global network of sports channels presenting our ‘Tribute to the Kings’ live undercard Saturday, June 19,” said Armando Bareno, CEO and Founder, Global Sports Streaming. “This deal allows us to deliver a complete night of competitive boxing - from the first bout to the Anderson Silva vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Junior marquis matchup – to fight fans all over the world.”
The beIN featured bout will be a super featherweight clash between Jose Acosta and Leonardo Padilla. Acosta of Guadalajara, Mexico is 15-2-1 with 10 knockouts. The 22 year-old is a five-year professional who owns a win over previously undefeated Jorge Zavala. The Venezuelan Padilla has a record of 19-3 with 14 knockouts. The 25 year-old is a seven-year professional, and has a win Daniel Miranda (13-2). He has also fought current WBA 130-pound champion Roger Gutierrez. Padilla is coming off a win over Dionis Martinez on December 19th.
ADDITIONAL BOUTS:
Cesar Gutierrez (11-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico fights Oscar Mejia (14-4, 6 KOs) of Auguscalientes, Mexico in a featherweight contest.
Mario Ramirez (15-1, 4 KOs) of Camalu, Mexico will take on Pedro Castro (8-2, 4 KOs) in a super feather battle.
Jose Vazquez (2-0, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico squares off Jonathan Perez (6-1, 3 KOs) of Morelio, Mexico in a featherweight affair.
Erik Inunza (7-2, 7 KOs) of Culican, Mexico fights Carlos Daniel Acosta (8-4) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a super featherweight fight.
In swing bout action:
Oscar Munguia (9-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico takes on Ricardo Badilo (7-1, 1 KO) in a Featherweight bout.
Karen Rubio (5-1) who is a cousin to the Chavez family of Culican, Mexico will fight Estefany Alegria (1-0) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a bantamweight fight.
Headlining the Tribute to the Kings Pay-Per-View portion of the event will be MMA legend “The Spider” Anderson Silva competing in his first major boxing match vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. The co-feature will see an exhibition between the great Julio Cesar Chavez Senior and Hector “Little Macho” Camacho Jr., the son of the man he beat in the historic boxing match “Chavez vs. Camacho in 1992.
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BEIN network to show seven fights on Saturday
The seven-fight undercard for Tribute to the Kings (headlined by Anderson Silva vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.) is coming to beIN Sports Saturday, June 19th. The network announced it will broadcast the undercard live from Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico starting at 7:00 p.m. EST. “World-class boxing has been a key component of our offering since beIN Sports launched and this latest addition to our lineup continues this tradition,” said Antonio Briceño, the North American Managing Director of beIN. “We are excited to bring these highly anticipated matchups to our passionate fans, especially those in our U.S. Hispanic community.”
“Real boxing fans know that beIN Sports is the premier destination for premier fights, so we are pleased to have its global network of sports channels presenting our ‘Tribute to the Kings’ live undercard Saturday, June 19,” said Armando Bareno, CEO and Founder, Global Sports Streaming. “This deal allows us to deliver a complete night of competitive boxing - from the first bout to the Anderson Silva vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Junior marquis matchup – to fight fans all over the world.”
The beIN featured bout will be a super featherweight clash between Jose Acosta and Leonardo Padilla. Acosta of Guadalajara, Mexico is 15-2-1 with 10 knockouts. The 22 year-old is a five-year professional who owns a win over previously undefeated Jorge Zavala. The Venezuelan Padilla has a record of 19-3 with 14 knockouts. The 25 year-old is a seven-year professional, and has a win Daniel Miranda (13-2). He has also fought current WBA 130-pound champion Roger Gutierrez. Padilla is coming off a win over Dionis Martinez on December 19th.
ADDITIONAL BOUTS:
Cesar Gutierrez (11-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico fights Oscar Mejia (14-4, 6 KOs) of Auguscalientes, Mexico in a featherweight contest.
Mario Ramirez (15-1, 4 KOs) of Camalu, Mexico will take on Pedro Castro (8-2, 4 KOs) in a super feather battle.
Jose Vazquez (2-0, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico squares off Jonathan Perez (6-1, 3 KOs) of Morelio, Mexico in a featherweight affair.
Erik Inunza (7-2, 7 KOs) of Culican, Mexico fights Carlos Daniel Acosta (8-4) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a super featherweight fight.
In swing bout action:
Oscar Munguia (9-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico takes on Ricardo Badilo (7-1, 1 KO) in a Featherweight bout.
Karen Rubio (5-1) who is a cousin to the Chavez family of Culican, Mexico will fight Estefany Alegria (1-0) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a bantamweight fight.
Headlining the Tribute to the Kings Pay-Per-View portion of the event will be MMA legend “The Spider” Anderson Silva competing in his first major boxing match vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. The co-feature will see an exhibition between the great Julio Cesar Chavez Senior and Hector “Little Macho” Camacho Jr., the son of the man he beat in the historic boxing match “Chavez vs. Camacho in 1992.
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Lyndon Arthur to face David Faraci on July 10th |
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England's Lyndon Arthur says he isn’t about to hide from the world’s top light heavyweights. ‘King’ Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) is scheduled to fight Italian champion Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs) at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10th, live on BT Sport. It’s the Manchester man’s first fight since a narrow points win against Anthony Yarde last December, that earned Arthur the #1 spot in the WBO rankings. If Arthur keeps winning he could get a crack at WBO champion Joe Smith next year, but Faraci and Yarde-- who is chasing a quick rematch-- fancy their chances of his precious top spot.
“It’s a world title for Faraci and any of these guys who want to face me because they want my number one ranking,” said Arthur who is also Commonwealth champion. “There is no pressure now that I am number one in the WBO rankings. The goal has always been the same, whether I am ranked number ten or number one. The goal has always been to win a world title. Faraci has got a decent record to be fair. He has beaten some undefeated kids and a few had winning records. He is coming to win and doesn’t know how to lose. I have to show him how to lose so I am excited for the fight.”
Arthur, 30, who is also top ten ranked by the IBF and WBC added: “Joe Smith is the man I want because he has the world title right now. There is talk of him fighting Daniel Jacobs and if he won then he is the man to beat. Smith is good, tough, rugged and comes to fight but I believe I am better than him as I’m supposed to. I just have to keep winning and the big chance will come. I will be the mandatory and the WBO champion will have to fight me.”
Ilford’s Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) who lost a split decision against Arthur also returns on next month’s bill and faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder. He says there is a contract for a rematch with Arthur and wants that soon, but Arthur says: “We will see what happens with the Yarde rematch. I don’t know too much about it and I am not fussed about it. I want a world title fight more than anything. There is no rush for it, but I will fight anyone.
Also on the bill, super middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KOs) faces Uzbekistan's Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs)... super featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) faces Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs)... bantamweight Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzania's John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs)... and 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs).
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Lyndon Arthur to face David Faraci on July 10th
England's Lyndon Arthur says he isn’t about to hide from the world’s top light heavyweights. ‘King’ Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) is scheduled to fight Italian champion Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs) at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10th, live on BT Sport. It’s the Manchester man’s first fight since a narrow points win against Anthony Yarde last December, that earned Arthur the #1 spot in the WBO rankings. If Arthur keeps winning he could get a crack at WBO champion Joe Smith next year, but Faraci and Yarde-- who is chasing a quick rematch-- fancy their chances of his precious top spot.
“It’s a world title for Faraci and any of these guys who want to face me because they want my number one ranking,” said Arthur who is also Commonwealth champion. “There is no pressure now that I am number one in the WBO rankings. The goal has always been the same, whether I am ranked number ten or number one. The goal has always been to win a world title. Faraci has got a decent record to be fair. He has beaten some undefeated kids and a few had winning records. He is coming to win and doesn’t know how to lose. I have to show him how to lose so I am excited for the fight.”
Arthur, 30, who is also top ten ranked by the IBF and WBC added: “Joe Smith is the man I want because he has the world title right now. There is talk of him fighting Daniel Jacobs and if he won then he is the man to beat. Smith is good, tough, rugged and comes to fight but I believe I am better than him as I’m supposed to. I just have to keep winning and the big chance will come. I will be the mandatory and the WBO champion will have to fight me.”
Ilford’s Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) who lost a split decision against Arthur also returns on next month’s bill and faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder. He says there is a contract for a rematch with Arthur and wants that soon, but Arthur says: “We will see what happens with the Yarde rematch. I don’t know too much about it and I am not fussed about it. I want a world title fight more than anything. There is no rush for it, but I will fight anyone.
Also on the bill, super middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KOs) faces Uzbekistan's Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs)... super featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) faces Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs)... bantamweight Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzania's John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs)... and 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs).
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Blair Cobbs training camp report |
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Welterweight Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs), battles Brad Solomon (29-3, 9 KOs) this Saturday, June 19th at the University of Texas at El Paso. The ten-round bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, will be the opening fight on the DAZN broadcast of the Jaime Munguia vs. Kamil Szeremeta card. Cobbs, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, gives his thoughts on his matchup with Solomon, training camp, and more, as he wraps up the final days of training camp from the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles with new trainer Freddie Roach.
On his recent training camp: “I’ll be well prepared going into this fight as I’ve put in the necessary work that is needed to compete at this level. Since I got with Freddie Roach, I’ve added some wrinkles to my game. All my sparring partners have been world class fighters so there is nothing that Solomon will bring to this fight that I haven’t already seen. My weight is good and I’ll be ready to throw down.”
On his match-up with Brad Solomon: “I have a lot of respect for Solomon, as I do all fighters, and I know he’s coming with his best, but I’m going to show him that I’m a different animal. The angles I’m going to be coming at him with are going to give him some major problems. I know he’s been in the ring with some great fighters, so I’m not taking him lightly. I’m going to jump on him if I get him hurt at anytime during this fight. My goal is to not let this fight go the distance.”
On making his 2021 debut: “It’s been frustrating not being able to fight during the pandemic. I had to shake off a lot of rust during camp, but my timing is good right now. Even though this year is almost halfway done, I want to finish strong with at least three more fights if I can stay healthy.”
On what a win will do for his career: “This is a big opportunity for me and I’m hoping a victory will put me in the top ten of all sanctioning organizations. Solomon is not an easy fight and I believe this win will lead to some more meaningful fights. I’m ready to fight anyone, all I want is the opportunity.”
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Blair Cobbs training camp report
Welterweight Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs), battles Brad Solomon (29-3, 9 KOs) this Saturday, June 19th at the University of Texas at El Paso. The ten-round bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, will be the opening fight on the DAZN broadcast of the Jaime Munguia vs. Kamil Szeremeta card. Cobbs, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, gives his thoughts on his matchup with Solomon, training camp, and more, as he wraps up the final days of training camp from the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles with new trainer Freddie Roach.
On his recent training camp: “I’ll be well prepared going into this fight as I’ve put in the necessary work that is needed to compete at this level. Since I got with Freddie Roach, I’ve added some wrinkles to my game. All my sparring partners have been world class fighters so there is nothing that Solomon will bring to this fight that I haven’t already seen. My weight is good and I’ll be ready to throw down.”
On his match-up with Brad Solomon: “I have a lot of respect for Solomon, as I do all fighters, and I know he’s coming with his best, but I’m going to show him that I’m a different animal. The angles I’m going to be coming at him with are going to give him some major problems. I know he’s been in the ring with some great fighters, so I’m not taking him lightly. I’m going to jump on him if I get him hurt at anytime during this fight. My goal is to not let this fight go the distance.”
On making his 2021 debut: “It’s been frustrating not being able to fight during the pandemic. I had to shake off a lot of rust during camp, but my timing is good right now. Even though this year is almost halfway done, I want to finish strong with at least three more fights if I can stay healthy.”
On what a win will do for his career: “This is a big opportunity for me and I’m hoping a victory will put me in the top ten of all sanctioning organizations. Solomon is not an easy fight and I believe this win will lead to some more meaningful fights. I’m ready to fight anyone, all I want is the opportunity.”
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Alex Vargas signs with Star Boxing |
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Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing announced it has come to terms on a promotional agreement with Long Island, New York junior welterweight Alex "El Toro" Vargas (10-0, 4 KOs). Star Boxing calls Vargas a boxer who can stick and move on command with superior footwork and hand speed. Vargas made a name for himself in the amateur circuit, claiming two Junior Olympic Titles, two NY Metro Titles, and the 2013 NY Golden Gloves Championship at 162 pounds. He was named the Mark Breland Fighter of the Tournament. Despite his success in the ring, Vargas put down the gloves and picked up a textbook for nearly four and a half years. After attending Suffolk Community College, Alex attended SUNY Cortland and earned a degree in teaching English as a second language. From there, Alex would earn a bilingual certificate from the Institute of International Language in Colombia, South America. Upon returning to the US, Alex picked up the gloves and got right back to work, finishing as a 2018 NY Golden Gloves finalist at 152 pounds.
After a victory in his pro debut in September of 2018, Vargas has improved his record to 10-0. He credits his team, trainer/father Michael Vargas, trainer Andre Rozier, and strength and conditioning coach, Anthony Tuminello of Pro-Fit (Deer Park) for keeping him in shape and busy during the pandemic. He managed to secure four victories during the pandemic. Sparring with the likes of Chris Colbert, ex-champions Chris Algieri and Richard Commey has allowed Vargas to stay ready for any and every opportunity.
Star Boxing plans to have Vargas fight on September 4th in Huntingon, Long Island.
“I’m happy to have finally worked out a deal with Star Boxing,” said Alex Vargas. “It made the most sense seeing what Star Boxing has done with Joe Smith Jr. and Chris Algieri, being two Long Island guys who came up the same way I am. Star Boxing has produced 2 out of the 4 world champions from Long Island and I’m hoping to be the next. I am excited to be back in the ring at The Paramount. I can’t wait to go out there and put on a show in front of all of my fans and hear them chanting for the first time since February of 2020.”
Mike Vargas had this to say about the signing, “We’re happy to finally agree on a contract with Star Boxing. I can’t wait to have my son fight on Long Island again. I’m sure his fans are going to be louder than ever. Thank you to Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for all their effort. See you in September when ‘El Toro’ makes his return!”
“Alex has grown a great following through the “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount, and we are happy to ink this deal with him and his team,” said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia. “Alex is a hardworking and talented fighter who is well schooled both in and out of the ring. We hope to continue to grow his fan-base with the “Rockin’ Fights” series and put him on the same path that was so successful with guys like Joe Smith Jr. and Chris Algieri, our other world champions, who developed at the Paramount. September 4th is going to be a great night as Star Boxing brings boxing back to New York!”
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Alex Vargas signs with Star Boxing
Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing announced it has come to terms on a promotional agreement with Long Island, New York junior welterweight Alex "El Toro" Vargas (10-0, 4 KOs). Star Boxing calls Vargas a boxer who can stick and move on command with superior footwork and hand speed. Vargas made a name for himself in the amateur circuit, claiming two Junior Olympic Titles, two NY Metro Titles, and the 2013 NY Golden Gloves Championship at 162 pounds. He was named the Mark Breland Fighter of the Tournament. Despite his success in the ring, Vargas put down the gloves and picked up a textbook for nearly four and a half years. After attending Suffolk Community College, Alex attended SUNY Cortland and earned a degree in teaching English as a second language. From there, Alex would earn a bilingual certificate from the Institute of International Language in Colombia, South America. Upon returning to the US, Alex picked up the gloves and got right back to work, finishing as a 2018 NY Golden Gloves finalist at 152 pounds.
After a victory in his pro debut in September of 2018, Vargas has improved his record to 10-0. He credits his team, trainer/father Michael Vargas, trainer Andre Rozier, and strength and conditioning coach, Anthony Tuminello of Pro-Fit (Deer Park) for keeping him in shape and busy during the pandemic. He managed to secure four victories during the pandemic. Sparring with the likes of Chris Colbert, ex-champions Chris Algieri and Richard Commey has allowed Vargas to stay ready for any and every opportunity.
Star Boxing plans to have Vargas fight on September 4th in Huntingon, Long Island.
“I’m happy to have finally worked out a deal with Star Boxing,” said Alex Vargas. “It made the most sense seeing what Star Boxing has done with Joe Smith Jr. and Chris Algieri, being two Long Island guys who came up the same way I am. Star Boxing has produced 2 out of the 4 world champions from Long Island and I’m hoping to be the next. I am excited to be back in the ring at The Paramount. I can’t wait to go out there and put on a show in front of all of my fans and hear them chanting for the first time since February of 2020.”
Mike Vargas had this to say about the signing, “We’re happy to finally agree on a contract with Star Boxing. I can’t wait to have my son fight on Long Island again. I’m sure his fans are going to be louder than ever. Thank you to Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for all their effort. See you in September when ‘El Toro’ makes his return!”
“Alex has grown a great following through the “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount, and we are happy to ink this deal with him and his team,” said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia. “Alex is a hardworking and talented fighter who is well schooled both in and out of the ring. We hope to continue to grow his fan-base with the “Rockin’ Fights” series and put him on the same path that was so successful with guys like Joe Smith Jr. and Chris Algieri, our other world champions, who developed at the Paramount. September 4th is going to be a great night as Star Boxing brings boxing back to New York!”
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Wilder is non-responsive at press conference! |
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In anticipation of their third heavyweight championship showdown, WBC champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and his predecessor Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder appeared face-to-face at a Los Angeles press conference. Fury was relaxed, coming out without a shirt, dancing and smiling. Wilder on the other hand appeared tense and then completely checked out, wearing dark glasses and listening to headphones that appeared to block out the questions he was being asked. He gave a very short opening statement then let his new trainer, Malik Scott, answer questions for him. After Fury spoke and Wilder sulked, the two men engaged in what has to be the longest staredown in the history of combat sports. Neither man said a word, or even moved, while they locked gazes for minutes. Eventually, the boxers were surrounded by security and entourages, and Wilder eventually broke the stare and walked away, leaving Fury grinning triumphantly. Here is what they said: DEONTAY WILDER [Thanks Jesus Christ and his team] "Look, enough said. Time to cut off his head. Come July 24th, there will be blood shed." TYSON FURY "As for all this bloodshed stuff, I'm not so sure. We've heard it all before the last fight and you know what happened." [which Fury won by TKO. Their first fight was scored a draw, although most felt Fury deserved a decision. The second fight was a TKO win for Fury]." [On WIlder's silence]: "It shows how weak of a mental person he is. I don't believe he is mentally, physically or emotionally involved in this fight."
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Wilder is non-responsive at press conference!
In anticipation of their third heavyweight championship showdown, WBC champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and his predecessor Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder appeared face-to-face at a Los Angeles press conference. Fury was relaxed, coming out without a shirt, dancing and smiling. Wilder on the other hand appeared tense and then completely checked out, wearing dark glasses and listening to headphones that appeared to block out the questions he was being asked. He gave a very short opening statement then let his new trainer, Malik Scott, answer questions for him. After Fury spoke and Wilder sulked, the two men engaged in what has to be the longest staredown in the history of combat sports. Neither man said a word, or even moved, while they locked gazes for minutes. Eventually, the boxers were surrounded by security and entourages, and Wilder eventually broke the stare and walked away, leaving Fury grinning triumphantly. Here is what they said: DEONTAY WILDER [Thanks Jesus Christ and his team] "Look, enough said. Time to cut off his head. Come July 24th, there will be blood shed." TYSON FURY "As for all this bloodshed stuff, I'm not so sure. We've heard it all before the last fight and you know what happened." [which Fury won by TKO. Their first fight was scored a draw, although most felt Fury deserved a decision. The second fight was a TKO win for Fury]." [On WIlder's silence]: "It shows how weak of a mental person he is. I don't believe he is mentally, physically or emotionally involved in this fight."
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Report: Teofimo Lopez has the coronavirus |
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Credible reports are circulating that world lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has tested positive for the coronavirus, necessaitating the postponement of this weekend's big Triller pay-per-view show in Miami. An August 14th rescheduled date is being considered. MORE TO FOLLOW...
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Report: Teofimo Lopez has the coronavirus
Credible reports are circulating that world lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has tested positive for the coronavirus, necessaitating the postponement of this weekend's big Triller pay-per-view show in Miami. An August 14th rescheduled date is being considered. MORE TO FOLLOW...
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Fury-Wilder III tickets on sale today |
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Two heavyweights are set for a third world title showdown as undefeated WBC champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury puts his title on the line against his predecessor, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder on Saturday, July 24th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The resumption of one of the great heavyweight feuds, Fury vs. Wilder III will be broadcast live on pay-per-view. Tickets go on sale TODAY, June 15th at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at www.t-mobilearena.com.
“I’m excited to once again be fighting in Las Vegas, the home of The Gypsy King,” Fury said. “For the last 18 months, I’ve been living rent free in Wilder’s head. He got smashed to pieces in our last fight, and for some reason, he wants it again. Let’s go. The Big Dosser is getting knocked spark out.”
Wilder said, “Nothing has changed. It’s still one face, one name, one champion – Deontay Wilder. I’m in the best shape of my life. July 24th, I’m going to show the people why I’m still the baddest man on the planet.''
Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs), from Manchester, England, won the lineal heavyweight crown against Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015. His comeback from substance abuse and mental health issues inspired millions, and it was the two fights against Wilder that propelled him back to the top of the heavyweight heap. Their December 2018 draw — with Fury rising off the deck in the climactic twelfth round — elevated both men to the forefront of the boxing world. Fury knocked out Wilder in the seventh round of their one-sided February 2020 rematch; however, Wilder wanted an immediate third crack at his 6’9, 270-pound adversary.
Wilder (42-1, 41 KOs), a 2008 U.S. Olympic bronze medalist from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, won the WBC title in January 2015, captivating fans with his electrifying power. Wilder held the WBC heavyweight title for more than five years, notching 10 consecutive successful defenses, while earning a reputation as one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history. Nine of his 10 title defenses ended via knockout, including a pair of come-from-behind victories over Cuban star Luis Ortiz and a one-punch, first-round demolition over 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale. Wilder’s knockout ratio of more than 93 percent still stands as the highest for any heavyweight champion, past or present.
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Fury-Wilder III tickets on sale today
Two heavyweights are set for a third world title showdown as undefeated WBC champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury puts his title on the line against his predecessor, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder on Saturday, July 24th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The resumption of one of the great heavyweight feuds, Fury vs. Wilder III will be broadcast live on pay-per-view. Tickets go on sale TODAY, June 15th at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at www.t-mobilearena.com.
“I’m excited to once again be fighting in Las Vegas, the home of The Gypsy King,” Fury said. “For the last 18 months, I’ve been living rent free in Wilder’s head. He got smashed to pieces in our last fight, and for some reason, he wants it again. Let’s go. The Big Dosser is getting knocked spark out.”
Wilder said, “Nothing has changed. It’s still one face, one name, one champion – Deontay Wilder. I’m in the best shape of my life. July 24th, I’m going to show the people why I’m still the baddest man on the planet.''
Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs), from Manchester, England, won the lineal heavyweight crown against Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015. His comeback from substance abuse and mental health issues inspired millions, and it was the two fights against Wilder that propelled him back to the top of the heavyweight heap. Their December 2018 draw — with Fury rising off the deck in the climactic twelfth round — elevated both men to the forefront of the boxing world. Fury knocked out Wilder in the seventh round of their one-sided February 2020 rematch; however, Wilder wanted an immediate third crack at his 6’9, 270-pound adversary.
Wilder (42-1, 41 KOs), a 2008 U.S. Olympic bronze medalist from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, won the WBC title in January 2015, captivating fans with his electrifying power. Wilder held the WBC heavyweight title for more than five years, notching 10 consecutive successful defenses, while earning a reputation as one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history. Nine of his 10 title defenses ended via knockout, including a pair of come-from-behind victories over Cuban star Luis Ortiz and a one-punch, first-round demolition over 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale. Wilder’s knockout ratio of more than 93 percent still stands as the highest for any heavyweight champion, past or present.
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Matchroom details three-show Fight Camp run |
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Matchroom and DAZN announced a three-week schedule for the second instalment of Fight Camp – boxing based at the stunning Matchroom headquarters in a mansion in Brentwood, Essex. Last summer, the unique outdoor setting played host to world, British and Commonwealth title showdowns. Here is the latest informaton on the three shows:
JULY 31st: Fight Camp returns on Saturday July 31th as rising welterweight Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs) battles Adrian Grandos (21-8-3, 15 KOs) following Benn's first-round KO win over Samuel Vargas... Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith(12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a huge showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles... Avni Yildrim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his [embarrassing] loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs)... Liverpool junior middleweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs)... newly-crowned WBA bantamweight champion Shannon Courtenay (7-1, 3 KOs) puts her title on the line for the first time... Manchester lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks... and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at junior welterweight.
AUGUST 7th: Sheffield’s Kid Galahad (27-1, 16 KOs) and Liverpool’s Jazza Dickens (30-3, 11 KOs) meet in an all-British clash for the vacant IBF featherweight world title... the ‘Albanian King’ Florian Marku (8-0-1, 6 KOs) fights Maxim Prodan (19-0-1, 15 KOs) at welterweight... ‘The Savage’ Alen Babic (7-0, 7 KOs) looks to extend his KO streak against Mark Bennett (7-1, 1 KO)... popular Australian Ebanie Bridges (5-1, 2 KOs) went to war in loss vs. Shannon Courtenay last time out and returns to the UK to face Bec Connolly (3-9) over eight rounds... Ipswich heavyweight Fabio Wardley (11-0, 10 KOs) fights TBA after stopping Eric Molina in five rounds... Catford talent Ellie Scotney (2-0) looks to impress again... Romford heavyweight Johnny Fisher (2-0, 2 KOs) goes for another knockout against Josh Sandland (5-3-1)... and Oldham prospect Aqib Fiaz (6-0) fights for the first time in 2021.
AUGUST 14th: Fight Camp concludes with a night of boxing that sees Joshua Buatsi (14-0, 12 KOs) against the winner of the MTK Global Golden Contract winner Richard Bolotniks (18-5-1, 8 KOs)... undefeated New Jersey featherweight Raymond Ford (8-0-1, 4 KOs) fights in the UK for the second time against Reece Bellotti (14-4, 12 KOs)... Portsmouth’s Michael McKinson (20-0, 2 KOs) is matched against welterweight Poland’s Przemyslaw Runowski (19-1, 5 KOs) following McKinson's breakout win over Chris Kongo in Gibraltar... Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (10-0, 8 KOs) makes the second defence of her WBO middleweight title as she pushes for unification fights... Wokingham’s Felix Cash (14-0, 10 KOs) is scheduled to compete... Glasgow bantamweight slickster Kash Farooq (15-1, 6 KOs), Tasha Jonas (9-2-1, 7 KOs) and featherweight talent Hopey Price are still looking for opponents.
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Matchroom details three-show Fight Camp run
Matchroom and DAZN announced a three-week schedule for the second instalment of Fight Camp – boxing based at the stunning Matchroom headquarters in a mansion in Brentwood, Essex. Last summer, the unique outdoor setting played host to world, British and Commonwealth title showdowns. Here is the latest informaton on the three shows:
JULY 31st: Fight Camp returns on Saturday July 31th as rising welterweight Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs) battles Adrian Grandos (21-8-3, 15 KOs) following Benn's first-round KO win over Samuel Vargas... Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith(12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a huge showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles... Avni Yildrim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his [embarrassing] loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs)... Liverpool junior middleweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs)... newly-crowned WBA bantamweight champion Shannon Courtenay (7-1, 3 KOs) puts her title on the line for the first time... Manchester lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks... and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at junior welterweight.
AUGUST 7th: Sheffield’s Kid Galahad (27-1, 16 KOs) and Liverpool’s Jazza Dickens (30-3, 11 KOs) meet in an all-British clash for the vacant IBF featherweight world title... the ‘Albanian King’ Florian Marku (8-0-1, 6 KOs) fights Maxim Prodan (19-0-1, 15 KOs) at welterweight... ‘The Savage’ Alen Babic (7-0, 7 KOs) looks to extend his KO streak against Mark Bennett (7-1, 1 KO)... popular Australian Ebanie Bridges (5-1, 2 KOs) went to war in loss vs. Shannon Courtenay last time out and returns to the UK to face Bec Connolly (3-9) over eight rounds... Ipswich heavyweight Fabio Wardley (11-0, 10 KOs) fights TBA after stopping Eric Molina in five rounds... Catford talent Ellie Scotney (2-0) looks to impress again... Romford heavyweight Johnny Fisher (2-0, 2 KOs) goes for another knockout against Josh Sandland (5-3-1)... and Oldham prospect Aqib Fiaz (6-0) fights for the first time in 2021.
AUGUST 14th: Fight Camp concludes with a night of boxing that sees Joshua Buatsi (14-0, 12 KOs) against the winner of the MTK Global Golden Contract winner Richard Bolotniks (18-5-1, 8 KOs)... undefeated New Jersey featherweight Raymond Ford (8-0-1, 4 KOs) fights in the UK for the second time against Reece Bellotti (14-4, 12 KOs)... Portsmouth’s Michael McKinson (20-0, 2 KOs) is matched against welterweight Poland’s Przemyslaw Runowski (19-1, 5 KOs) following McKinson's breakout win over Chris Kongo in Gibraltar... Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (10-0, 8 KOs) makes the second defence of her WBO middleweight title as she pushes for unification fights... Wokingham’s Felix Cash (14-0, 10 KOs) is scheduled to compete... Glasgow bantamweight slickster Kash Farooq (15-1, 6 KOs), Tasha Jonas (9-2-1, 7 KOs) and featherweight talent Hopey Price are still looking for opponents.
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