Harlem Eubank books an end to 11-month inactivity |
|
British junior welterweight Harlem Eubank will return to the ring on Friday, October 25th in Bolton, England, live and free-to-air on Channel 5. The unbeaten Eubank meets former French welterweight champion Nurali Erdogan (16-3) next month. Eubank has been inactive since he delivered a career-best performance in Brighton last year in front of a TV audience of two million, is ready to make up for lost time ahead of big nights in his hometown early next year. The 30-year old signed a new multi-fight deal with Wasserman Boxing, last week, and follows that up by confirming the 20th bout of his unblemished career. Erdogan is comingoff a split decisin loss to undefeated Faizan Anwar.
Also, scheduled for the Wasserman Boxing event in Bolton is British junior middleweight Dan Toward (4-0),junior welterweight Khaleel Majid and heavyweight hope Matty Harris. The exciting Niall Brown is also on the card, along with Codie Smith, Ben Marksby, local hero Alex Murphy and Sophie Alisch. But it will be the returning Eubank, out of the ring since November, who headlines on Channel 5 with the welterweight puncher looking to become the first man to stop Erdogan.
Eubank said: “Hot on the heels of my new deal with Wasserman Boxing, I am thrilled to be able to confirm my return to the ring. I cannot wait to get my career moving again and October 25 represents the start of the biggest chapter in my boxing story and the beginning of my journey at welterweight. I will have been out of the ring for almost year, so I plan on issuing a timely reminder as to what I am all about, live to the nation on Channel 5.”
Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “Harlem Eubank gets back to business on October 25, live and free on Channel 5. Harlem is one of the biggest names in British boxing and his return to the ring has been long overdue. We’re thrilled he signed a new deal with Wasserman Boxing and delighted to deliver him a fight date straight away. Harlem drew a huge TV audience for his last fight on Channel 5 and UK fight fans are sure to tune-in again for his long-awaited return. Expect a performance that sends a warning shot to the welterweight division.”
Alex Apati, from sponsor Ladbrokes, said: "British boxing has been eagerly anticipating Harlem's return to the ring and he'll no doubt be heading to Bolton with a point to prove. We'd expect plenty of punters to get behind the Brit in what looks set to be another fantastic night with Wasserman Boxing."
|
|
|
|
Harlem Eubank books an end to 11-month inactivity
British junior welterweight Harlem Eubank will return to the ring on Friday, October 25th in Bolton, England, live and free-to-air on Channel 5. The unbeaten Eubank meets former French welterweight champion Nurali Erdogan (16-3) next month. Eubank has been inactive since he delivered a career-best performance in Brighton last year in front of a TV audience of two million, is ready to make up for lost time ahead of big nights in his hometown early next year. The 30-year old signed a new multi-fight deal with Wasserman Boxing, last week, and follows that up by confirming the 20th bout of his unblemished career. Erdogan is comingoff a split decisin loss to undefeated Faizan Anwar.
Also, scheduled for the Wasserman Boxing event in Bolton is British junior middleweight Dan Toward (4-0),junior welterweight Khaleel Majid and heavyweight hope Matty Harris. The exciting Niall Brown is also on the card, along with Codie Smith, Ben Marksby, local hero Alex Murphy and Sophie Alisch. But it will be the returning Eubank, out of the ring since November, who headlines on Channel 5 with the welterweight puncher looking to become the first man to stop Erdogan.
Eubank said: “Hot on the heels of my new deal with Wasserman Boxing, I am thrilled to be able to confirm my return to the ring. I cannot wait to get my career moving again and October 25 represents the start of the biggest chapter in my boxing story and the beginning of my journey at welterweight. I will have been out of the ring for almost year, so I plan on issuing a timely reminder as to what I am all about, live to the nation on Channel 5.”
Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “Harlem Eubank gets back to business on October 25, live and free on Channel 5. Harlem is one of the biggest names in British boxing and his return to the ring has been long overdue. We’re thrilled he signed a new deal with Wasserman Boxing and delighted to deliver him a fight date straight away. Harlem drew a huge TV audience for his last fight on Channel 5 and UK fight fans are sure to tune-in again for his long-awaited return. Expect a performance that sends a warning shot to the welterweight division.”
Alex Apati, from sponsor Ladbrokes, said: "British boxing has been eagerly anticipating Harlem's return to the ring and he'll no doubt be heading to Bolton with a point to prove. We'd expect plenty of punters to get behind the Brit in what looks set to be another fantastic night with Wasserman Boxing."
|
Shakur Stevenson undergoes hand surgery |
|
WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson will not be able to defend his title in October after suffering a hand injury and undergoing emergency surgery. The undefeated Stevenson was scheduled to defend against former junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina, as part of the October 12th card also featuring the undisputed light heavyweight championship fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. “God works in mysterious ways through the ups and downs. I’m hungry and more motivated than ever. 2024 has been my best year yet. The surgery went great, it’s a small setback to a great comeback,” Stevenson wrote on his social media.
|
|
|
|
Shakur Stevenson undergoes hand surgery
WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson will not be able to defend his title in October after suffering a hand injury and undergoing emergency surgery. The undefeated Stevenson was scheduled to defend against former junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina, as part of the October 12th card also featuring the undisputed light heavyweight championship fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. “God works in mysterious ways through the ups and downs. I’m hungry and more motivated than ever. 2024 has been my best year yet. The surgery went great, it’s a small setback to a great comeback,” Stevenson wrote on his social media.
|
Weigh-in report from Massachusetts |
|
All fighters made weight for Friday night’s Granite Chin Promotions show at the Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The spotlight is on pro-debuting “Showtime” Shea Willcox, fighting out of Everett, MA, in a four-round junior welterweight bout versus Travis Crain. Willcox was this year’s New England Golden Gloves Champion, as well as the Most Outstanding Boxer of the championship final.
Official Weights are below:
“Showtime” Shea Willcox (pro debut), Massachusetts, 139.4 pounds -vs.- Travis Crain (0-4), Illinois 139.4 (fur rounds);
Ryan Clark (4-6, 2 KOs), New Hampshire, 162.3 -vs.- Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (7-4, 3 KOs), Massachusetts, 164;
Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (2-10-2), Rhode Island, 158.8 -vs.- Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-26-1, 5 KOs), Puerto Rico (will weigh in tomorrow);
Stephen Davis (1-3, 1 KO), Massachusetts, MA 136 -vs.- Brandon Sandoval (2-4, 1 KO), originally from Mexico 134.4.
|
|
|
|
Weigh-in report from Massachusetts
All fighters made weight for Friday night’s Granite Chin Promotions show at the Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The spotlight is on pro-debuting “Showtime” Shea Willcox, fighting out of Everett, MA, in a four-round junior welterweight bout versus Travis Crain. Willcox was this year’s New England Golden Gloves Champion, as well as the Most Outstanding Boxer of the championship final.
Official Weights are below:
“Showtime” Shea Willcox (pro debut), Massachusetts, 139.4 pounds -vs.- Travis Crain (0-4), Illinois 139.4 (fur rounds);
Ryan Clark (4-6, 2 KOs), New Hampshire, 162.3 -vs.- Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (7-4, 3 KOs), Massachusetts, 164;
Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (2-10-2), Rhode Island, 158.8 -vs.- Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-26-1, 5 KOs), Puerto Rico (will weigh in tomorrow);
Stephen Davis (1-3, 1 KO), Massachusetts, MA 136 -vs.- Brandon Sandoval (2-4, 1 KO), originally from Mexico 134.4.
|
Star Boxing's Saturday show is a go for Long Island |
|
On Saturday, Sept 14th, Star Boxing returns to the Paramount in Huntignton (Long Island), New York with a show headlined by Brooklyn native, Junior Younan (20-0, 12 KOs). In super middleweight action, Youan will take on tough & gritty Alexis ‘The Punisher’ Gaytan (15-9, 5 KOs) from Texas. The undercard features a battle of undefeated super bantamweights Erick ‘El Canete’ Perez (2-0, 1 KO) and Joseph ‘GI Joe’ Elzey (2-0, 1 KO).
Additional bouts
New York City native Ronny Reyes (4-1, 1 KO) takes on Yan Carlos Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) of the Dominican Republic in a featherweight bout...
Rodrigo Marte (3-0, 2 KOs) of the Dominican Republic takes on Ezequiel Flores (5-3) in another featherweight bout...
David Malul of Queens, New York will make his pro debut against Lucien Hannah (0-1) of Kingston, New York in a junior middleweight bout and...
Fan favorite Lou Maietta, a New York City firefighter, makes his return against Beni Beguy in a super middleweight bout. This will be a Bronx versus Mount Vernon matchup.
|
|
|
|
Star Boxing's Saturday show is a go for Long Island
On Saturday, Sept 14th, Star Boxing returns to the Paramount in Huntignton (Long Island), New York with a show headlined by Brooklyn native, Junior Younan (20-0, 12 KOs). In super middleweight action, Youan will take on tough & gritty Alexis ‘The Punisher’ Gaytan (15-9, 5 KOs) from Texas. The undercard features a battle of undefeated super bantamweights Erick ‘El Canete’ Perez (2-0, 1 KO) and Joseph ‘GI Joe’ Elzey (2-0, 1 KO).
Additional bouts
New York City native Ronny Reyes (4-1, 1 KO) takes on Yan Carlos Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) of the Dominican Republic in a featherweight bout...
Rodrigo Marte (3-0, 2 KOs) of the Dominican Republic takes on Ezequiel Flores (5-3) in another featherweight bout...
David Malul of Queens, New York will make his pro debut against Lucien Hannah (0-1) of Kingston, New York in a junior middleweight bout and...
Fan favorite Lou Maietta, a New York City firefighter, makes his return against Beni Beguy in a super middleweight bout. This will be a Bronx versus Mount Vernon matchup.
|
BKFC title fight headlines in Florida today |
|
BKFC 66 goes down today (Friday) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, streamed live on the BKFC App. The two best bantamweights in bare knuckle fighting collide in the main event as Alberto “El Indio” Blas (5-0) defends his BKFC title for the first time against "Royal" Ryan Reber (6-0). [In BKFC, bantamweight is 135 pounds]. All of Blas' wins have come by stoppage in the first round. He won his BKFC title in June with a 70-second KO over previously undefeated Keith Richardson. None of Blas' fights have lasted longer than 72 seconds. Reber is undoubtedly Blas' toughest task yet as he looks to rack up his fifth stoppage victory in the squared circle.
In the co-feature, Howard "HD" Davis battles the undefeated James "Get Down" Brown, who is 3-0 with 2 KOs. But wins don’t come easily against Davis, who’s headhunting for his seventh triumph in BKFC.
The ringside judges almost certainly won't be needed when surging heavyweight Leonardo "El Zombo" Perdomo looks to up his record to 5-0 with a fifth straight, first-round finish against his toughest challenge yet, Steve “Panda” Banks. All of Banks’ wins have also come by stoppage, and his sole loss came against reigning BKFC heavyweight champion Mick Terrill.
The #3 contender in BKFC's bantamweight division, Justin "Joy Boy" Ibarrola (4-0), also returns to action Friday as he meets Justin "The Nightmare" Street (1-0). BKFC 66 includes a mix of other unbeaten prospects, like bantamweight Dameko “Lotto” Labon (2-0), and established bare knuckle fan-favorites, like Jeremy "Pitbull" Smith (3-2) and Stephen "Tomahawk" Townsel (3-4), who lock horns in a cruiserweight battle. All the action, as always, streams LIVE globally on The BKFC App.
|
|
|
|
BKFC title fight headlines in Florida today
BKFC 66 goes down today (Friday) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, streamed live on the BKFC App. The two best bantamweights in bare knuckle fighting collide in the main event as Alberto “El Indio” Blas (5-0) defends his BKFC title for the first time against "Royal" Ryan Reber (6-0). [In BKFC, bantamweight is 135 pounds]. All of Blas' wins have come by stoppage in the first round. He won his BKFC title in June with a 70-second KO over previously undefeated Keith Richardson. None of Blas' fights have lasted longer than 72 seconds. Reber is undoubtedly Blas' toughest task yet as he looks to rack up his fifth stoppage victory in the squared circle.
In the co-feature, Howard "HD" Davis battles the undefeated James "Get Down" Brown, who is 3-0 with 2 KOs. But wins don’t come easily against Davis, who’s headhunting for his seventh triumph in BKFC.
The ringside judges almost certainly won't be needed when surging heavyweight Leonardo "El Zombo" Perdomo looks to up his record to 5-0 with a fifth straight, first-round finish against his toughest challenge yet, Steve “Panda” Banks. All of Banks’ wins have also come by stoppage, and his sole loss came against reigning BKFC heavyweight champion Mick Terrill.
The #3 contender in BKFC's bantamweight division, Justin "Joy Boy" Ibarrola (4-0), also returns to action Friday as he meets Justin "The Nightmare" Street (1-0). BKFC 66 includes a mix of other unbeaten prospects, like bantamweight Dameko “Lotto” Labon (2-0), and established bare knuckle fan-favorites, like Jeremy "Pitbull" Smith (3-2) and Stephen "Tomahawk" Townsel (3-4), who lock horns in a cruiserweight battle. All the action, as always, streams LIVE globally on The BKFC App.
|
NY vs. NJ match-up headlines Newark's next show |
|
A welterweight showdown will headline the next installment of Brick City Fight Night Series at Newark, New Jersey's Prudential Center on Saturday, October 12th when local favorite Michael “Slick” Anderson faces Daniel “El Gallo” Gonzalez of Queens, N.Y. in a ten-round bout. Brick City Fight Night Series will be presented by Rising Star Promotions with twelve bouts scheduled. Tickets can be purchased at www.prucenter.com or www.Ticketmaster.com. Anderson (24-3-1, 18 knockouts) is riding a seven fight win streak, including six straight knockouts, underscoring the Newark native’s punching power and exciting style. Anderson was last in the ring in December, knocking out Eudy Bernardo in five rounds at Prudential Center.
“People will always doubt you but they have to remember that your opponent still has to get punched in the face,” said Anderson.
Gonzalez (21-4-1, 7 KOs) of the Woodhaven section of Queens will be the most experienced opponent that Anderson has faced in his 18-year career, having previously went the ten round distance with former WBO junior welterweight titleholder Chris Algieri in a close but losing decision.
“This fight is a great opportunity to test my skills. I am fighting a tough guy but I know I can beat anyone because my will and grit is unmatched. My resume and my experience with top tier opposition will be the difference when he faces my caliber of fighter. I’m too strong and I am ready for war. I know I will leave with the big win on October 12,” said Gonzalez, who is promoted by Star Boxing.
“This is a true crossroads fight between two veterans in the game. Despite Mike Anderson age, he’s never been at the level that Danny González has fighting on ESPN and DAZN, but when the lights come on, we’ll see him show up,” said Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna, President of Rising Star Promotions and WBA Middleweight Gold World Champion. “I commend the both of them for taking the challenge at this stage of their careers.”
“This should be an exciting fight and a fan-friendly night at a terrific venue. Danny Gonzalez has always shown the heart of a lion and has given us so many memorable fights. We look forward to another tenacious performance by Danny against Michael Anderson in a true crossroads fight for these two worthy veterans,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing.
UNDERCARD
In the co-feature, hometown favorite Emmanuel “Salserito” Rodriguez (15-2, 8 KOs) of Newark, N.J. will face Brooklyn’s Khalid Twaiti (13-0, 5 KOs) in a ten-round bantamweight bout...
New Jersey bragging rights will be at stake as unbeaten prospects Gabriel Gerena and “Dangerous” Danny Gonzalez meet in a six round junior welterweight bout. Gerena (6-0, 5 KOs) of Piscataway, N.J. is riding a three fight knockout streak, while Gonzalez (3-0, 3 KOs) of Iselin, N.J. has knocked out all of his opponents to date, including a third round stoppage of Zachary Davis last Saturday in Carteret. Both fighters are former amateur champions, with Gonzalez winning the 2023 N.J. Golden Gloves title at 147 pounds, and Gerena representing the state at the 2021 National Golden Gloves tournament.
The rest of the card will feature other top talent from the New Jersey and New York areas, including Anthony Johns (8-1, 6 KOs) of Newark in an eight round flyweight bout, Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga (15-1, 15 KOs) of Edgewater, N.J., Terell Bostic (12-2, 2 KOs) of Wyandanch, N.Y. facing Michael Lee (10-3, 7 KOs) of Jersey City in an eight round bout, plus Paul Bamba (16-3, 15 KOs) of New York City, Ghandi Romain (4-1, 4 KOs) of Irvington, N.J., Kahshad Elliot (2-0, 2 KOs) of Plainfield, N.J., Jean Pierre Valencia (1-0, 1 KO) of Irvington, N.J., Keith Colon (1-0, 1 KO) of Newark and Justin Palmieri (2-0, 1 KO) of Maple Shade, N.J. in separate bouts.
Two New Jersey heavyweights will make their professional debuts against one another as Erasmo Rosado Jr. of Paterson faces Woodbury’s Douglas Walsh.
Brick City Fight Night Series is proudly partnering with the Greater Newark Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, The City of Newark Office of Violence Prevention, González Tullio & Blache, LLC and Trifecta Sports for this event.
Doors for Brick City Fight Night Series open at 6 p.m., with the first bout scheduled to begin at 6:10 p.m.
|
|
|
|
NY vs. NJ match-up headlines Newark's next show
A welterweight showdown will headline the next installment of Brick City Fight Night Series at Newark, New Jersey's Prudential Center on Saturday, October 12th when local favorite Michael “Slick” Anderson faces Daniel “El Gallo” Gonzalez of Queens, N.Y. in a ten-round bout. Brick City Fight Night Series will be presented by Rising Star Promotions with twelve bouts scheduled. Tickets can be purchased at www.prucenter.com or www.Ticketmaster.com. Anderson (24-3-1, 18 knockouts) is riding a seven fight win streak, including six straight knockouts, underscoring the Newark native’s punching power and exciting style. Anderson was last in the ring in December, knocking out Eudy Bernardo in five rounds at Prudential Center.
“People will always doubt you but they have to remember that your opponent still has to get punched in the face,” said Anderson.
Gonzalez (21-4-1, 7 KOs) of the Woodhaven section of Queens will be the most experienced opponent that Anderson has faced in his 18-year career, having previously went the ten round distance with former WBO junior welterweight titleholder Chris Algieri in a close but losing decision.
“This fight is a great opportunity to test my skills. I am fighting a tough guy but I know I can beat anyone because my will and grit is unmatched. My resume and my experience with top tier opposition will be the difference when he faces my caliber of fighter. I’m too strong and I am ready for war. I know I will leave with the big win on October 12,” said Gonzalez, who is promoted by Star Boxing.
“This is a true crossroads fight between two veterans in the game. Despite Mike Anderson age, he’s never been at the level that Danny González has fighting on ESPN and DAZN, but when the lights come on, we’ll see him show up,” said Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna, President of Rising Star Promotions and WBA Middleweight Gold World Champion. “I commend the both of them for taking the challenge at this stage of their careers.”
“This should be an exciting fight and a fan-friendly night at a terrific venue. Danny Gonzalez has always shown the heart of a lion and has given us so many memorable fights. We look forward to another tenacious performance by Danny against Michael Anderson in a true crossroads fight for these two worthy veterans,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing.
UNDERCARD
In the co-feature, hometown favorite Emmanuel “Salserito” Rodriguez (15-2, 8 KOs) of Newark, N.J. will face Brooklyn’s Khalid Twaiti (13-0, 5 KOs) in a ten-round bantamweight bout...
New Jersey bragging rights will be at stake as unbeaten prospects Gabriel Gerena and “Dangerous” Danny Gonzalez meet in a six round junior welterweight bout. Gerena (6-0, 5 KOs) of Piscataway, N.J. is riding a three fight knockout streak, while Gonzalez (3-0, 3 KOs) of Iselin, N.J. has knocked out all of his opponents to date, including a third round stoppage of Zachary Davis last Saturday in Carteret. Both fighters are former amateur champions, with Gonzalez winning the 2023 N.J. Golden Gloves title at 147 pounds, and Gerena representing the state at the 2021 National Golden Gloves tournament.
The rest of the card will feature other top talent from the New Jersey and New York areas, including Anthony Johns (8-1, 6 KOs) of Newark in an eight round flyweight bout, Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga (15-1, 15 KOs) of Edgewater, N.J., Terell Bostic (12-2, 2 KOs) of Wyandanch, N.Y. facing Michael Lee (10-3, 7 KOs) of Jersey City in an eight round bout, plus Paul Bamba (16-3, 15 KOs) of New York City, Ghandi Romain (4-1, 4 KOs) of Irvington, N.J., Kahshad Elliot (2-0, 2 KOs) of Plainfield, N.J., Jean Pierre Valencia (1-0, 1 KO) of Irvington, N.J., Keith Colon (1-0, 1 KO) of Newark and Justin Palmieri (2-0, 1 KO) of Maple Shade, N.J. in separate bouts.
Two New Jersey heavyweights will make their professional debuts against one another as Erasmo Rosado Jr. of Paterson faces Woodbury’s Douglas Walsh.
Brick City Fight Night Series is proudly partnering with the Greater Newark Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, The City of Newark Office of Violence Prevention, González Tullio & Blache, LLC and Trifecta Sports for this event.
Doors for Brick City Fight Night Series open at 6 p.m., with the first bout scheduled to begin at 6:10 p.m.
|
Will Plant run or trade with McCumby on Saturday? |
|
Former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb Plant (pictured) and undefeated Trevor McCumby took part in an open workout on Wednesday and a press conference on Thursday in advance of their boxing match on Saturday, Tehir fight will be part of the pay-per-view broadcast headlined by world super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Álvarez taking on undefeated Edgar Berlanga. Plant is 23-2 including the World Series of Boxing. His IBF title reign spanned 2019-2021. McCumby has had more fights (28-0) but fought a lower level of opposition than Plant. The PBC pay-per-view broadcast will emanate from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:
CALEB PLANT
“He’s not experienced enough for me. I’m ready for the biggest challenges, but first thing’s first, I’m focused on Saturday night and getting that belt around my waist.
“Family is super important to me. My family is always in the gym with me. We’re a boxing family and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Trevor himself knows that I’m not a bum, and that’s why he wants to fight me. He wants to be on the big stage, and that means facing a real fighter. Right now, he’s looking at a real fighter. He’s fought only bums, but he’s not fighting a bum now.
“We’ll see what he brings on Saturday. He’s undefeated and he’s looking to stay that way. So he’ll come motivated.
“Family means the world to me. It means a lot to have my whole family in the gym with me. Having a team like that makes the whole process so much better.
“I know a lot of people say it, but this is the best camp I’ve had and the sharpest I’ve ever boxed. I’ve been staying busy, looking sharp and we’ll see what he’s able to do against it.
“I’m getting that belt around my waist on Saturday night. I’m not looking past that. Whatever happens after that, we’ll be ready.”
“Trevor himself knows that I’m not a bum, and that’s why he wants to fight me. He wants to be on the big stage, and that means facing a real fighter. Right now, he’s looking at a real fighter. He’s fought only bums, but he’s not fighting a bum now.
“We’ll see what he brings on Saturday. He’s undefeated and he’s looking to stay that way. So he’ll come motivated.
“Family means the world to me. It means a lot to have my whole family in the gym with me. Having a team like that makes the whole process so much better.
“I know a lot of people say it, but this is the best camp I’ve had and the sharpest I’ve ever boxed. I’ve been staying busy, looking sharp and we’ll see what he’s able to do against it.
“I’m getting that belt around my waist on Saturday night. I’m not looking past that. Whatever happens after that, we’ll be ready.”
TREVOR MCCUMBY
“I’ve had a lot more sparring and running this camp and I’ve just been doing everything my coach has asked.
“I’m not nervous at all. I’ve done this my whole life and I’m ready for him. I’m ready to meet him in the center of the ring and I’ll be ready if he wants to get on his bike.”
“We’re ready to fight. It’s very motivating to be on a card with all of these great fighters and I’m grateful to be up here with them for this great event.
“There’s no bad blood on my side, I’m just ready to fight. Things are gonna be said at these press conferences and I think Caleb needs to make his opponent the villain when he gets in there. I don’t really let things get in my head like that. I go in there to handle business.
“The back and forth we’ve had adds a little bit of motivation. Caleb is emotional and lets people get into his head too easily.
“On Saturday, you will see what I can do in the ring. There’s no animosity from me, but I’m coming for his heart.
“A win is huge because Caleb is a name. We’re trying to go through each other and that makes it a match made in heaven. I don’t know how he’s gonna come out, but you have to tune into this one, because it’s gonna steal the show.”
|
|
|
|
Will Plant run or trade with McCumby on Saturday?
Former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb Plant (pictured) and undefeated Trevor McCumby took part in an open workout on Wednesday and a press conference on Thursday in advance of their boxing match on Saturday, Tehir fight will be part of the pay-per-view broadcast headlined by world super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Álvarez taking on undefeated Edgar Berlanga. Plant is 23-2 including the World Series of Boxing. His IBF title reign spanned 2019-2021. McCumby has had more fights (28-0) but fought a lower level of opposition than Plant. The PBC pay-per-view broadcast will emanate from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:
CALEB PLANT
“He’s not experienced enough for me. I’m ready for the biggest challenges, but first thing’s first, I’m focused on Saturday night and getting that belt around my waist.
“Family is super important to me. My family is always in the gym with me. We’re a boxing family and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Trevor himself knows that I’m not a bum, and that’s why he wants to fight me. He wants to be on the big stage, and that means facing a real fighter. Right now, he’s looking at a real fighter. He’s fought only bums, but he’s not fighting a bum now.
“We’ll see what he brings on Saturday. He’s undefeated and he’s looking to stay that way. So he’ll come motivated.
“Family means the world to me. It means a lot to have my whole family in the gym with me. Having a team like that makes the whole process so much better.
“I know a lot of people say it, but this is the best camp I’ve had and the sharpest I’ve ever boxed. I’ve been staying busy, looking sharp and we’ll see what he’s able to do against it.
“I’m getting that belt around my waist on Saturday night. I’m not looking past that. Whatever happens after that, we’ll be ready.”
“Trevor himself knows that I’m not a bum, and that’s why he wants to fight me. He wants to be on the big stage, and that means facing a real fighter. Right now, he’s looking at a real fighter. He’s fought only bums, but he’s not fighting a bum now.
“We’ll see what he brings on Saturday. He’s undefeated and he’s looking to stay that way. So he’ll come motivated.
“Family means the world to me. It means a lot to have my whole family in the gym with me. Having a team like that makes the whole process so much better.
“I know a lot of people say it, but this is the best camp I’ve had and the sharpest I’ve ever boxed. I’ve been staying busy, looking sharp and we’ll see what he’s able to do against it.
“I’m getting that belt around my waist on Saturday night. I’m not looking past that. Whatever happens after that, we’ll be ready.”
TREVOR MCCUMBY
“I’ve had a lot more sparring and running this camp and I’ve just been doing everything my coach has asked.
“I’m not nervous at all. I’ve done this my whole life and I’m ready for him. I’m ready to meet him in the center of the ring and I’ll be ready if he wants to get on his bike.”
“We’re ready to fight. It’s very motivating to be on a card with all of these great fighters and I’m grateful to be up here with them for this great event.
“There’s no bad blood on my side, I’m just ready to fight. Things are gonna be said at these press conferences and I think Caleb needs to make his opponent the villain when he gets in there. I don’t really let things get in my head like that. I go in there to handle business.
“The back and forth we’ve had adds a little bit of motivation. Caleb is emotional and lets people get into his head too easily.
“On Saturday, you will see what I can do in the ring. There’s no animosity from me, but I’m coming for his heart.
“A win is huge because Caleb is a name. We’re trying to go through each other and that makes it a match made in heaven. I don’t know how he’s gonna come out, but you have to tune into this one, because it’s gonna steal the show.”
|
Toro Promotions matches Rogava vs. Flores |
|
Toro Promotions has been signing heavyweights over the last year, and now it is preapred to match two of them against each other. Tsotne Rogava (9-0, 7 KOs) and Alexander “The Great” Flores (19-4-1, 17 KOs), will square off in a ten rounder on September 28th to launch Toro’s inaugural “Heartbeat of LA Boxing” series at Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, California. In the other featured bout, Walnut High senior Paolo “Pow” Barredo will make his pro debut in a four-round featherweight bout against Mychaquell Shields (2-5, 0 KOs), of Alpine (CA).
Rogava is 6’ 5”, 270 pounds, while Flores is 6’ 4” and 260. Trained by Hall of Famer Joe Goossen, Rogava was a 2020 Ukraine Olympian who was born in Georgia and raised in Ukraine. The former world-class kickboxing and Muay Thai fighter now lives in Marina del Rey, California.
Flores is one of the toughest opponents I’ve faced,” Rogava said. “He’s experienced and knows how to fight, so this is definitely not going to be an easy fight. But I don’t want easy fights. It’s important for me to grow and prove that I’m ready for serious challenges. Facing Flores is a great opportunity to show what I’m capable of. It’s going to be a tough, intense fight. I’m ready for any outcome, but I’m confident in myself, and hope to finish with a win, maybe, even early.”
Three of the more experienced Flores’ four career losses have been to champions: Charles Martin, Joseph Parker and Luis Ortiz.
“Tsotne has a lot of experience, maybe not as much as the three world champions I’ve faced, but he’s a hungry prospect trying to get to the top,” Flores commented. “Beating Tsonte gets me a step closer to a title shot, so it’s a must win for me. I think it’ll be boxing from the outside and inside fighting, but it will definitely end with my hands rained in the air in victory.”
Toro also promotes heavyweights Kinsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (12-2-1, 10 KOs) and Jay “The Outlaw” May (10-0, 9 KOs), who are slated to throwdown October 19th over ten rounds at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington. Another Toro heavyweight, Dante Stone (17-1, 11 KOs) extended his win streak to 17 with an eight-round unanimous decision over Terrell Jamal Woods last week in Phoenix.
Barredo was a celebrated U.S. amateur boxer who won 90 of 106 matches, highlighted by his 2021 Junior Olympics title-winning performance. He turns 18 two days prior to making his pro debut.
In a pair of six-round matches, Santa Ana (CA) junior lightweight Michael “El Chamuco” Bracamontes (9-2-1, 5 KOs) faces Arsen Poghosyan (3-2-1, 2 KOs), who fights out of Los Angeles, and Mission Hills (CA) junior welterweight Ricardo Sonny Robledo (9-0, 3 KOs) meets Matt Gaver (3-9-2, 1 KO), of Bakersfield (CA). Six additional local fighters will make their pro debuts in four rounders: La Puente (CA) lightweight Alejandro Alvarado, a 2021 California State Silver Mittens Champion, vs. San Diego’s Eduardo Mondragon, Fontana welterweight Jesse Zuniga vs. Riverside’s Oscar Trujillo, and Riverside (CA) bantamweight Hector Oros vs. Alexander Robles, of Modesto (CA).
Card is subject to change. Tickets can be purchased at www.EventBrite.com.
|
|
|
|
Toro Promotions matches Rogava vs. Flores
Toro Promotions has been signing heavyweights over the last year, and now it is preapred to match two of them against each other. Tsotne Rogava (9-0, 7 KOs) and Alexander “The Great” Flores (19-4-1, 17 KOs), will square off in a ten rounder on September 28th to launch Toro’s inaugural “Heartbeat of LA Boxing” series at Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, California. In the other featured bout, Walnut High senior Paolo “Pow” Barredo will make his pro debut in a four-round featherweight bout against Mychaquell Shields (2-5, 0 KOs), of Alpine (CA).
Rogava is 6’ 5”, 270 pounds, while Flores is 6’ 4” and 260. Trained by Hall of Famer Joe Goossen, Rogava was a 2020 Ukraine Olympian who was born in Georgia and raised in Ukraine. The former world-class kickboxing and Muay Thai fighter now lives in Marina del Rey, California.
Flores is one of the toughest opponents I’ve faced,” Rogava said. “He’s experienced and knows how to fight, so this is definitely not going to be an easy fight. But I don’t want easy fights. It’s important for me to grow and prove that I’m ready for serious challenges. Facing Flores is a great opportunity to show what I’m capable of. It’s going to be a tough, intense fight. I’m ready for any outcome, but I’m confident in myself, and hope to finish with a win, maybe, even early.”
Three of the more experienced Flores’ four career losses have been to champions: Charles Martin, Joseph Parker and Luis Ortiz.
“Tsotne has a lot of experience, maybe not as much as the three world champions I’ve faced, but he’s a hungry prospect trying to get to the top,” Flores commented. “Beating Tsonte gets me a step closer to a title shot, so it’s a must win for me. I think it’ll be boxing from the outside and inside fighting, but it will definitely end with my hands rained in the air in victory.”
Toro also promotes heavyweights Kinsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (12-2-1, 10 KOs) and Jay “The Outlaw” May (10-0, 9 KOs), who are slated to throwdown October 19th over ten rounds at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington. Another Toro heavyweight, Dante Stone (17-1, 11 KOs) extended his win streak to 17 with an eight-round unanimous decision over Terrell Jamal Woods last week in Phoenix.
Barredo was a celebrated U.S. amateur boxer who won 90 of 106 matches, highlighted by his 2021 Junior Olympics title-winning performance. He turns 18 two days prior to making his pro debut.
In a pair of six-round matches, Santa Ana (CA) junior lightweight Michael “El Chamuco” Bracamontes (9-2-1, 5 KOs) faces Arsen Poghosyan (3-2-1, 2 KOs), who fights out of Los Angeles, and Mission Hills (CA) junior welterweight Ricardo Sonny Robledo (9-0, 3 KOs) meets Matt Gaver (3-9-2, 1 KO), of Bakersfield (CA). Six additional local fighters will make their pro debuts in four rounders: La Puente (CA) lightweight Alejandro Alvarado, a 2021 California State Silver Mittens Champion, vs. San Diego’s Eduardo Mondragon, Fontana welterweight Jesse Zuniga vs. Riverside’s Oscar Trujillo, and Riverside (CA) bantamweight Hector Oros vs. Alexander Robles, of Modesto (CA).
Card is subject to change. Tickets can be purchased at www.EventBrite.com.
|
Cruiserweight unification coming to Saudi Arabia in November |
|
Mexico's Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (pictured) and Great Britain's Chris Billam-Smith will face each other on November 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in a cruiserweight unification bout. Ramirez (46-1) holds the WBA championship abd Billam-Smith (20-1) the WBO. The fight was announced by Turki Alalshikh, President of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, and the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya. The fight will headline a card called “Latino Night” as part of Riyadh Season and will feature other attractive fights that will be announced in the coming days. “We are looking forward to organizing our first event as part of our partnership with Golden Boy Promotions with ‘Latino Night’. “This card will feature some of the best Latin fighters and continues our effort to offer top-level boxing events by giving fans around the world the fights they want to see,” Alalshikh said on social media.
|
|
|
|
Cruiserweight unification coming to Saudi Arabia in November
Mexico's Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (pictured) and Great Britain's Chris Billam-Smith will face each other on November 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in a cruiserweight unification bout. Ramirez (46-1) holds the WBA championship abd Billam-Smith (20-1) the WBO. The fight was announced by Turki Alalshikh, President of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, and the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya. The fight will headline a card called “Latino Night” as part of Riyadh Season and will feature other attractive fights that will be announced in the coming days. “We are looking forward to organizing our first event as part of our partnership with Golden Boy Promotions with ‘Latino Night’. “This card will feature some of the best Latin fighters and continues our effort to offer top-level boxing events by giving fans around the world the fights they want to see,” Alalshikh said on social media.
|
Alvarez vs. Berlanga final presser quotes |
|
World super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Álvarez and his challenger, Edgar Berlanga, went face-to-face Wednesday at the final press conference before the Mexcican Alvarez defends his WBC, WBA and WBO titles on a PBC pay-per-view event this Saturday, September 14th from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Alvarez and Berlanga will square off on one of boxing’s biggest fight dates in the latest edition of the historic rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. Looking to follow in the footsteps of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battles such as Salvador Sánchez vs. Wilfredo Gómez and Julio César Chávez Sr. vs. Héctor Camacho, Canelo and Berlanga both reiterated the motivation they have to represent their heritages in style with a knockout victory on Saturday. In addition to the pay-per-view being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase it via DAZN.com and Ppv.com. On top of those options, fans will continue to be able to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:
CANELO ÁLVAREZ
“It’s easy to say you’ll knock me out, but it’s much more difficult to do it. Saturday night is gonna be very difficult for him, for sure. I’ve prepared for the knockout. I love the feeling of a knockout and I’m gonna do my best to get it done.
“I just can’t wait for Saturday night. This is going to be a great matchup for the people. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico is always exciting.
“It’s an honor to fight on this date. Mexican Independence Day is very important for us. It’s very special and I’m very proud to fight for the Mexican people.
“I always put 100% into my fights and into training, no matter who I’m fighting. It’s the same mentality every fight. This is no exception. I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready.
“The fans mean everything to me and I appreciate them. They support me no matter what and I’m thankful for everyone who’s supported me throughout my career.
“I just want to show everyone that I’m still the best. I still love this sport. When I stop loving it, you’ll know. I love my routine and I love going to the gym every day.”
EDGAR BERLANGA
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Team Berlanga. It’s gonna be a firefight this weekend. On Saturday night, I’m gonna make everyone a believer. We have Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and we’re going at it on Saturday night.
“I’m a knockout artist. Every fighter wants the knockout. We know that he’s a legend and we can’t just go swing for the fences. We have to do it the right way. Sixth-round knockout, that’s what we’re going for. But we’re ready for all 12 rounds if we have to.
“It’s gonna be a big fight Saturday and it’s gonna be something amazing. Right now is the calm before the storm. We’re gonna make history and become legends.
“It means everything to be in this position. I’m not supposed to be here. I’ve been doubted since before I turned pro. But I knew that I was bound to end up in this position.
“I could be the face of Puerto Rican boxing after Saturday night. I’ve wanted that for many years and now it’s my turn to do it.”
EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager & Trainer
“We’ve trained hard because we know we are facing a young fighter coming to take our spot. Berlanga is strong and he wants to prove himself against Canelo.
“We’ve been very thorough in training for his fight. We have everything we need for Berlanga and we’re coming to make history.”
MARK FARRAIT, Berlanga’s Trainer
“We’re very happy with this opportunity. We trained very hard, because we know this fight isn’t about physicality or size. It’s about experience and intelligence, which Canelo thinks Edgar has none of. We’re here to make a statement and show the world our patience and our execution.
“I know Canelo is gonna come out and fight smart. He’s not gonna fight Edgar right away. Because if he does, it’s gonna be fireworks early on. This is our opportunity to knock the king off the throne.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“This is one hell of an event lined up for Saturday night. It’s a great card from top to bottom and that is what big-time boxing is all about. We have boxing’s biggest star in Canelo Alvarez headlining Mexican Independence Day Weekend. It doesn’t get any better than that.
“This is a Mexican holiday and Canelo proudly represents the hard-working Mexican fans who come here this holiday weekend to watch their superstar fight. It’s Mexico vs Puerto Rico and they’re fighting for national pride. But on Saturday night, it’s all about Mexican pride.
EDDIE HEARN, Chairman of Matchroom Sport
“This is a special week. I’m excited about this fight. Berlanga has the cojones to take Canelo on for real. You know these guys want to mess each other up.
“Berlanga is here to fight. When I came here yesterday and saw Berlanga, I saw the most confident and determined challenger that I’ve seen take on Canelo yet.”
|
|
|
|
Alvarez vs. Berlanga final presser quotes
World super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Álvarez and his challenger, Edgar Berlanga, went face-to-face Wednesday at the final press conference before the Mexcican Alvarez defends his WBC, WBA and WBO titles on a PBC pay-per-view event this Saturday, September 14th from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Alvarez and Berlanga will square off on one of boxing’s biggest fight dates in the latest edition of the historic rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. Looking to follow in the footsteps of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battles such as Salvador Sánchez vs. Wilfredo Gómez and Julio César Chávez Sr. vs. Héctor Camacho, Canelo and Berlanga both reiterated the motivation they have to represent their heritages in style with a knockout victory on Saturday. In addition to the pay-per-view being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase it via DAZN.com and Ppv.com. On top of those options, fans will continue to be able to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:
CANELO ÁLVAREZ
“It’s easy to say you’ll knock me out, but it’s much more difficult to do it. Saturday night is gonna be very difficult for him, for sure. I’ve prepared for the knockout. I love the feeling of a knockout and I’m gonna do my best to get it done.
“I just can’t wait for Saturday night. This is going to be a great matchup for the people. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico is always exciting.
“It’s an honor to fight on this date. Mexican Independence Day is very important for us. It’s very special and I’m very proud to fight for the Mexican people.
“I always put 100% into my fights and into training, no matter who I’m fighting. It’s the same mentality every fight. This is no exception. I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready.
“The fans mean everything to me and I appreciate them. They support me no matter what and I’m thankful for everyone who’s supported me throughout my career.
“I just want to show everyone that I’m still the best. I still love this sport. When I stop loving it, you’ll know. I love my routine and I love going to the gym every day.”
EDGAR BERLANGA
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Team Berlanga. It’s gonna be a firefight this weekend. On Saturday night, I’m gonna make everyone a believer. We have Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and we’re going at it on Saturday night.
“I’m a knockout artist. Every fighter wants the knockout. We know that he’s a legend and we can’t just go swing for the fences. We have to do it the right way. Sixth-round knockout, that’s what we’re going for. But we’re ready for all 12 rounds if we have to.
“It’s gonna be a big fight Saturday and it’s gonna be something amazing. Right now is the calm before the storm. We’re gonna make history and become legends.
“It means everything to be in this position. I’m not supposed to be here. I’ve been doubted since before I turned pro. But I knew that I was bound to end up in this position.
“I could be the face of Puerto Rican boxing after Saturday night. I’ve wanted that for many years and now it’s my turn to do it.”
EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager & Trainer
“We’ve trained hard because we know we are facing a young fighter coming to take our spot. Berlanga is strong and he wants to prove himself against Canelo.
“We’ve been very thorough in training for his fight. We have everything we need for Berlanga and we’re coming to make history.”
MARK FARRAIT, Berlanga’s Trainer
“We’re very happy with this opportunity. We trained very hard, because we know this fight isn’t about physicality or size. It’s about experience and intelligence, which Canelo thinks Edgar has none of. We’re here to make a statement and show the world our patience and our execution.
“I know Canelo is gonna come out and fight smart. He’s not gonna fight Edgar right away. Because if he does, it’s gonna be fireworks early on. This is our opportunity to knock the king off the throne.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“This is one hell of an event lined up for Saturday night. It’s a great card from top to bottom and that is what big-time boxing is all about. We have boxing’s biggest star in Canelo Alvarez headlining Mexican Independence Day Weekend. It doesn’t get any better than that.
“This is a Mexican holiday and Canelo proudly represents the hard-working Mexican fans who come here this holiday weekend to watch their superstar fight. It’s Mexico vs Puerto Rico and they’re fighting for national pride. But on Saturday night, it’s all about Mexican pride.
EDDIE HEARN, Chairman of Matchroom Sport
“This is a special week. I’m excited about this fight. Berlanga has the cojones to take Canelo on for real. You know these guys want to mess each other up.
“Berlanga is here to fight. When I came here yesterday and saw Berlanga, I saw the most confident and determined challenger that I’ve seen take on Canelo yet.”
|
Andres Cortes off next week's ESPN show |
|
Junior lightweight Andres “Savage” Cortes suffered a training injury and has withdrawn from his ESPN-televised co-feature against fellow unbeaten Charly Suarez underneath the Jaime Munguia-Erik Bazinyan main event on Friday, Sept. 20th at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Suarez (17-0, 9 KOs), from the Philippines, will now face Jorge Castaneda (17-3, 13 KOs) of Texas in a ten rounder on the ESPN+ streamed undercard. The new ESPN co-feature will be the eight-round heavyweight showdown between Olympic silver medal standout Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) and Philadelphia-born Joey Dawejko (28-11-4, 16 KOs). In the eight-round televised opener, junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (11-0, 9 KOs) steps up in class against Ireland's Larry Fryers (13-6-1, 5 KOs).
|
|
|
|
Andres Cortes off next week's ESPN show
Junior lightweight Andres “Savage” Cortes suffered a training injury and has withdrawn from his ESPN-televised co-feature against fellow unbeaten Charly Suarez underneath the Jaime Munguia-Erik Bazinyan main event on Friday, Sept. 20th at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Suarez (17-0, 9 KOs), from the Philippines, will now face Jorge Castaneda (17-3, 13 KOs) of Texas in a ten rounder on the ESPN+ streamed undercard. The new ESPN co-feature will be the eight-round heavyweight showdown between Olympic silver medal standout Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) and Philadelphia-born Joey Dawejko (28-11-4, 16 KOs). In the eight-round televised opener, junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (11-0, 9 KOs) steps up in class against Ireland's Larry Fryers (13-6-1, 5 KOs).
|
San Antonio (and Boxingtalk) salutes the memory of Robert "Pikin" Quiroga |
|
This Saturday September 14th, the public is invited to participate in a celebration honoring the memory of Robert "Pikin" Quiroga. From San Antonio, Texas, Quiroga was a former IBF flyweight champion who's reign stretched from 1990 through 1993. His title defense against "Kid" Akeen Anifowoshe is a legendary war that was 1991's fight of the year. Quiroga was tragically murdered in 2004. The 20-year anniversary of his murder will be commemorated at Rosedale Park in San Antonio.
The event is free and open to the public. Action starts at 3PM and ends at 11PM. Many celebrities set to be in attendance. The purpose of this event is to celebrate his legacy and showcase new local talent. Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will be the announcer.
"The legend lives because of you," says event coordinator Epi Quiroga, the brother of the great champion. The event will feature amateur boxing, food trucks, a motorcycle tribute ride, and a showing of "One Chance," a documentary about the champ's life.
"Pikin" was the first ever world champion from San Antonio boasting an impressive record of (20-2, 11 KOs). His brutal and bloody twelve-round unanimous decision over then-undefeated Anifowoshe put the boxing world on notice and made Quiroga a legend in the Alamo City. Boxingtalk salutes the memory of Robert "Pikin" Quiroga.
|
|
|
|
San Antonio (and Boxingtalk) salutes the memory of Robert "Pikin" Quiroga
This Saturday September 14th, the public is invited to participate in a celebration honoring the memory of Robert "Pikin" Quiroga. From San Antonio, Texas, Quiroga was a former IBF flyweight champion who's reign stretched from 1990 through 1993. His title defense against "Kid" Akeen Anifowoshe is a legendary war that was 1991's fight of the year. Quiroga was tragically murdered in 2004. The 20-year anniversary of his murder will be commemorated at Rosedale Park in San Antonio.
The event is free and open to the public. Action starts at 3PM and ends at 11PM. Many celebrities set to be in attendance. The purpose of this event is to celebrate his legacy and showcase new local talent. Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will be the announcer.
"The legend lives because of you," says event coordinator Epi Quiroga, the brother of the great champion. The event will feature amateur boxing, food trucks, a motorcycle tribute ride, and a showing of "One Chance," a documentary about the champ's life.
"Pikin" was the first ever world champion from San Antonio boasting an impressive record of (20-2, 11 KOs). His brutal and bloody twelve-round unanimous decision over then-undefeated Anifowoshe put the boxing world on notice and made Quiroga a legend in the Alamo City. Boxingtalk salutes the memory of Robert "Pikin" Quiroga.
|
Open workout quotes from Flint, Michigan |
|
Ahead of Thursday night’s "Big Time Boxing USA" event taking place at Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan, homegrown superstar Claressa Shields joined the fighters on the card for a media open workout at Berston Field House today. In-state boxers Leon Lawson III, Da’Velle Smith, DeAndre Savage, and Jaquan McElroy, all showcased their skills. Ardreal Holmes Jr. (15-0, 6 KOs) faces Cuba’s Hugo Noriega (10-2, 5 KOs) in the junior middleweight main event. The co-feature pits Joseph “Sug” Hicks (10-0, 7 KOs) of Grand Rapids, Mich., taking on Detroit’s Ronnie Austion (10-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight bout while fellow Detroit native and SugarHill Steward-trained “Hitman 2.0” Da’Velle Smith (8-0, 6 KOs) collides against Esau Herrera de la Cruz (21-17-1, 8 KOs) at middleweight. Kicking off the televised card on DAZN will be a showdown between Flint's Leon Lawson III (15-1, 8 KOs) and Argentina’s Luis Alberto Veron (20-8-2, 9 KOs). Lawson is the cousin of the Dirrell brothers and his trained by his father, former pro boxer Leon Lawson II. All the action takes place at Dort Financial Center in Flint, with the top four bouts airing live on the premier global sports platform DAZN (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Dort Financial Center Box Office.
Shields, one of the most prominent boxing stars today, accompanied Holmes, who is touted as a future contender from Michigan, into the ring for a star-studded workout.
Dmitry Salita
“Some of the best boxers in the world happen to live here locally. It is so prestigious in Michigan. Claressa Shields, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Thomas Hearns, Chris Byrd, the Dirrell brothers and many others are a testament to that. Fighters like Ardreal Holmes are the future of the sport, and people are going to see that come Thursday as this will be broadcast worldwide live on DAZN.”
“That is what the Big Time Boxing USA series is about — giving the best young prospects and contenders an opportunity to show out in great fighting cities like Flint and before a global television audience. This is how you build the future stars of the sport and develop new boxing fans to keep the sport healthy, vibrant, and growing for years to come.”
Ardreal Holmes Jr.
“It has been a blessing to be able to headline a card in my hometown. It will be excitement come fight night, then I will execute. I’ve watched Claressa [Shields] do it for years, and now I get the opportunity to headline.”
“It means everything to have Claressa here. In addition, I am so excited to be fighting on the same card as my brother [Jaquan McElroy]. I can’t even put into words how excited I am. We’ve been so close to each other for so long, so it’s just an honor to share this moment with him. It’s a dream come true.”
“My dream in this sport is to have every title possible. Once I achieve that in my weight class, I will probably go up and get those titles next.”
On how becoming a father has helped him in his career “I feel like when times get tough, it gives me motivation. I want to show him not to give up, so I have to practice what I preach.”
Claressa Shields
“I respect his [Holmes Jr.] skills. I think he is a very patient fighter. He picks his shots, and he is very strong. He doesn’t mind sitting back and throwing out that jab. He is ready for this next step. In his last fight, he scored a second-round knockout.”
“I’m not the only one who has all this knockout power. All these guys have that power and skill. When holding pads for Ardreal, I could tell he was extremely strong and fast. He is going to get the chance to display his talents this Thursday. I also believe that he rises to the occasion with his opponents. So, when his opponents come with that smoke, he comes with that smoke.”
|
|
|
|
Open workout quotes from Flint, Michigan
Ahead of Thursday night’s "Big Time Boxing USA" event taking place at Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan, homegrown superstar Claressa Shields joined the fighters on the card for a media open workout at Berston Field House today. In-state boxers Leon Lawson III, Da’Velle Smith, DeAndre Savage, and Jaquan McElroy, all showcased their skills. Ardreal Holmes Jr. (15-0, 6 KOs) faces Cuba’s Hugo Noriega (10-2, 5 KOs) in the junior middleweight main event. The co-feature pits Joseph “Sug” Hicks (10-0, 7 KOs) of Grand Rapids, Mich., taking on Detroit’s Ronnie Austion (10-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight bout while fellow Detroit native and SugarHill Steward-trained “Hitman 2.0” Da’Velle Smith (8-0, 6 KOs) collides against Esau Herrera de la Cruz (21-17-1, 8 KOs) at middleweight. Kicking off the televised card on DAZN will be a showdown between Flint's Leon Lawson III (15-1, 8 KOs) and Argentina’s Luis Alberto Veron (20-8-2, 9 KOs). Lawson is the cousin of the Dirrell brothers and his trained by his father, former pro boxer Leon Lawson II. All the action takes place at Dort Financial Center in Flint, with the top four bouts airing live on the premier global sports platform DAZN (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Dort Financial Center Box Office.
Shields, one of the most prominent boxing stars today, accompanied Holmes, who is touted as a future contender from Michigan, into the ring for a star-studded workout.
Dmitry Salita
“Some of the best boxers in the world happen to live here locally. It is so prestigious in Michigan. Claressa Shields, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Thomas Hearns, Chris Byrd, the Dirrell brothers and many others are a testament to that. Fighters like Ardreal Holmes are the future of the sport, and people are going to see that come Thursday as this will be broadcast worldwide live on DAZN.”
“That is what the Big Time Boxing USA series is about — giving the best young prospects and contenders an opportunity to show out in great fighting cities like Flint and before a global television audience. This is how you build the future stars of the sport and develop new boxing fans to keep the sport healthy, vibrant, and growing for years to come.”
Ardreal Holmes Jr.
“It has been a blessing to be able to headline a card in my hometown. It will be excitement come fight night, then I will execute. I’ve watched Claressa [Shields] do it for years, and now I get the opportunity to headline.”
“It means everything to have Claressa here. In addition, I am so excited to be fighting on the same card as my brother [Jaquan McElroy]. I can’t even put into words how excited I am. We’ve been so close to each other for so long, so it’s just an honor to share this moment with him. It’s a dream come true.”
“My dream in this sport is to have every title possible. Once I achieve that in my weight class, I will probably go up and get those titles next.”
On how becoming a father has helped him in his career “I feel like when times get tough, it gives me motivation. I want to show him not to give up, so I have to practice what I preach.”
Claressa Shields
“I respect his [Holmes Jr.] skills. I think he is a very patient fighter. He picks his shots, and he is very strong. He doesn’t mind sitting back and throwing out that jab. He is ready for this next step. In his last fight, he scored a second-round knockout.”
“I’m not the only one who has all this knockout power. All these guys have that power and skill. When holding pads for Ardreal, I could tell he was extremely strong and fast. He is going to get the chance to display his talents this Thursday. I also believe that he rises to the occasion with his opponents. So, when his opponents come with that smoke, he comes with that smoke.”
|
Next up for Nakatani: opponent who is 76-1 |
|
Japan's three-division champion Junto Nakatani (pictured) will return to the ring on October 14th when he defends his WBC bantamweight title against Petch Sor Chitpattana a/k/a Petch CP Freshmart at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, in an event that will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Nakatani (28-0, 21 KOs) will step into the ring for the third time in 2024, making the second defense of his WBC title. The 26-year-old southpaw stopped Vincent Astrolabio in the first round last July. Nakatani captured the belt in his third division in February, dethroning Alexandro Santiago by technical knockout in the sixth round. Nakatani is training at the MT Boxing Gym and wants to prove that he is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters at the moment. Chitpattana (76-1, 53 KOs) is also fighting for the third time this year. In December 2018, the Thai contender fought Takuma Inoue for the interim WBC bantamweight belt, but was unable to secure the victory.
|
|
|
|
Next up for Nakatani: opponent who is 76-1
Japan's three-division champion Junto Nakatani (pictured) will return to the ring on October 14th when he defends his WBC bantamweight title against Petch Sor Chitpattana a/k/a Petch CP Freshmart at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, in an event that will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Nakatani (28-0, 21 KOs) will step into the ring for the third time in 2024, making the second defense of his WBC title. The 26-year-old southpaw stopped Vincent Astrolabio in the first round last July. Nakatani captured the belt in his third division in February, dethroning Alexandro Santiago by technical knockout in the sixth round. Nakatani is training at the MT Boxing Gym and wants to prove that he is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters at the moment. Chitpattana (76-1, 53 KOs) is also fighting for the third time this year. In December 2018, the Thai contender fought Takuma Inoue for the interim WBC bantamweight belt, but was unable to secure the victory.
|
Venezuela's Roiman Villa returns on Saturday |
|
There will be an interesting welterweight fight buried deep on the Canelo Alvarez undercard this Saturday when Roiman Villa and Ricardo Salas meet at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Villa is a Venezuelan puncher coming off his toughest fight against Jaron Ennis, who defeated him by knockout in July last year. After a long and well-deserved rest, the 31-year old is ready for his comeback and wants to make it a winning one. From Mexico, Salas is 25 years old and is someone who will give his all in this bout. He knows that an upset against Villa will put him on the world boxing map and he intends to shine on Mexican independence weekend. Villa has a record of 26 wins, 2 losses and 24 knockouts. For his part, Salas has 19 wins, 2 setbacks, 2 draws and 14 knockouts. He is 3-0-2 over his last five outings.
|
|
|
|
Venezuela's Roiman Villa returns on Saturday
There will be an interesting welterweight fight buried deep on the Canelo Alvarez undercard this Saturday when Roiman Villa and Ricardo Salas meet at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Villa is a Venezuelan puncher coming off his toughest fight against Jaron Ennis, who defeated him by knockout in July last year. After a long and well-deserved rest, the 31-year old is ready for his comeback and wants to make it a winning one. From Mexico, Salas is 25 years old and is someone who will give his all in this bout. He knows that an upset against Villa will put him on the world boxing map and he intends to shine on Mexican independence weekend. Villa has a record of 26 wins, 2 losses and 24 knockouts. For his part, Salas has 19 wins, 2 setbacks, 2 draws and 14 knockouts. He is 3-0-2 over his last five outings.
|
A few words with Xander Zayas |
|
Puerto Rican junior middleweight Xander Zayas is ready for his sixth New York City appearance. Zayas will take on Mexico's Damian Sosa in a ten-rounder on Friday, Sept. 27th at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas-Sosa will be the co-feature to the WBO welterweight title clash between reigning champ Sandy Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs) and former unified junior lightweight queen Mikaela Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs). Brooklyn-born featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) will open the ESPN-televised tripleheader in a ten-rounder versus Sulaiman Segawa (17-4-1, 6 KOs). Ryan-Mayer, Zayas-Sosa, and Carrington-Segawa will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.
“Damian Sosa is a Mexican warrior who brings that work ethic, hunger, and drive to snatch this win from me. He’s coming off a solid victory in his last fight against another Puerto Rican. I know he'll come well-prepared, and that’s exactly what we want. We want the best version of Damian Sosa that night, and I think we’ll get it.”
|
|
|
|
A few words with Xander Zayas
Puerto Rican junior middleweight Xander Zayas is ready for his sixth New York City appearance. Zayas will take on Mexico's Damian Sosa in a ten-rounder on Friday, Sept. 27th at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas-Sosa will be the co-feature to the WBO welterweight title clash between reigning champ Sandy Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs) and former unified junior lightweight queen Mikaela Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs). Brooklyn-born featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) will open the ESPN-televised tripleheader in a ten-rounder versus Sulaiman Segawa (17-4-1, 6 KOs). Ryan-Mayer, Zayas-Sosa, and Carrington-Segawa will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.
“Damian Sosa is a Mexican warrior who brings that work ethic, hunger, and drive to snatch this win from me. He’s coming off a solid victory in his last fight against another Puerto Rican. I know he'll come well-prepared, and that’s exactly what we want. We want the best version of Damian Sosa that night, and I think we’ll get it.”
|
ProBox returns tonight with Martinez vs. James |
|
Wednesday Night Fights returns to ProBox TV today (Sept. 11th) as Joeshon James steps up to face Lester Martinez in a battle of unbeaten super middleweights. Martinez-James will headline a five-fight card featuring six undefeated fighters at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida. Martinez (18-0, 15 KOs), a 28-year old from Guatemala City, is now a legitimate contender at 168 pounds. He will be making his second appearance in Plant City, having knocked out Lucas de Abreu there inside four rounds in July 2023. Most recently, Martinez won a wide ten-round decision over Carlos Gongora in June in Washington, D.C.
|
|
|
|
ProBox returns tonight with Martinez vs. James
Wednesday Night Fights returns to ProBox TV today (Sept. 11th) as Joeshon James steps up to face Lester Martinez in a battle of unbeaten super middleweights. Martinez-James will headline a five-fight card featuring six undefeated fighters at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida. Martinez (18-0, 15 KOs), a 28-year old from Guatemala City, is now a legitimate contender at 168 pounds. He will be making his second appearance in Plant City, having knocked out Lucas de Abreu there inside four rounds in July 2023. Most recently, Martinez won a wide ten-round decision over Carlos Gongora in June in Washington, D.C.
|
PBC to livestream Alvarez-Berlanga fight week events |
|
Premier Boxing Champions will deliver streaming coverage of Canelo Alvarez vs.Edgar Berlanga fight week events on the PBC YouTube page in advance of Saturday's Mexico vs. Puerto Rico showdown featuring pound-for-pound great and Mexican superstar Saul "Canelo" Álvarez putting his unified world super middleweight championship on the line against the undefeated Berlanga. This bout headlines a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime Video taking place this Saturday, Sept. 14th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
|
|
|
|
PBC to livestream Alvarez-Berlanga fight week events
Premier Boxing Champions will deliver streaming coverage of Canelo Alvarez vs.Edgar Berlanga fight week events on the PBC YouTube page in advance of Saturday's Mexico vs. Puerto Rico showdown featuring pound-for-pound great and Mexican superstar Saul "Canelo" Álvarez putting his unified world super middleweight championship on the line against the undefeated Berlanga. This bout headlines a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime Video taking place this Saturday, Sept. 14th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
|
Bree Howling says she is ready for a world title shot |
|
Bree Howling W8 Beata Dudek... Female bantamweight Bree “Bam Bam” Howling (8-0, 2 KOs), from Calgary, Alberta, continues her quest to become a world champion within the next year. Howling delivered a dominant performance this past Friday on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects show at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The Canadian secured a clean sweep victory against Beata Dudek (4-4, 4 KOs), winning every round on the judges' scorecards via 80-72 across the board. The event aired globally on DAZN.
Reflecting on her latest victory, Howling credited her success to the rigorous training camp that preceded the fight. "I felt incredible in there against Dudek," stated Howling, who is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Marshall Kauffman’s King Promotions. "All the hard work I put into this camp paid off, and it showed in my performance. I knew I was prepared, and I executed my game plan perfectly.
As she looks toward the future, Howling has her sights set on a world title in 2025 and expressed her gratitude for the team behind her success. "I’m focused on positioning myself for a world title shot next year,” continued Howling. “I’m ready to take on the best in the division and prove that I belong at the top. I’m incredibly thankful to my promoters, trainers, and everyone on my team who has supported me and believed in me. Their guidance and hard work have been crucial in getting me to this point in my career."
"Bree has the talent, drive, and charisma to become a household name in boxing,’ said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, as he sees immense potential in Howling. “Her performance against Dudek was another decisive step in the right direction. I believe she has what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the sport."
"Bree Howling is on her way to becoming the next big female boxing star from Canada,” Marshall Kauffman of King Promotions stated. “She has the skill, determination, and star quality that will take her far in this sport. I know she belongs with the elite fighters in her division."
|
|
|
|
Bree Howling says she is ready for a world title shot
Bree Howling W8 Beata Dudek... Female bantamweight Bree “Bam Bam” Howling (8-0, 2 KOs), from Calgary, Alberta, continues her quest to become a world champion within the next year. Howling delivered a dominant performance this past Friday on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects show at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The Canadian secured a clean sweep victory against Beata Dudek (4-4, 4 KOs), winning every round on the judges' scorecards via 80-72 across the board. The event aired globally on DAZN.
Reflecting on her latest victory, Howling credited her success to the rigorous training camp that preceded the fight. "I felt incredible in there against Dudek," stated Howling, who is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Marshall Kauffman’s King Promotions. "All the hard work I put into this camp paid off, and it showed in my performance. I knew I was prepared, and I executed my game plan perfectly.
As she looks toward the future, Howling has her sights set on a world title in 2025 and expressed her gratitude for the team behind her success. "I’m focused on positioning myself for a world title shot next year,” continued Howling. “I’m ready to take on the best in the division and prove that I belong at the top. I’m incredibly thankful to my promoters, trainers, and everyone on my team who has supported me and believed in me. Their guidance and hard work have been crucial in getting me to this point in my career."
"Bree has the talent, drive, and charisma to become a household name in boxing,’ said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, as he sees immense potential in Howling. “Her performance against Dudek was another decisive step in the right direction. I believe she has what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the sport."
"Bree Howling is on her way to becoming the next big female boxing star from Canada,” Marshall Kauffman of King Promotions stated. “She has the skill, determination, and star quality that will take her far in this sport. I know she belongs with the elite fighters in her division."
|
Japan and Algeria join World Boxing |
|
The national federations for boxing in Japan and Algeria have become the latest two countries to join World Boxing. The new international federation, which was established to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement, now has 44 members. Japan and Algeria take the number of countries that have joined World Boxing since the end of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to seven and follows the recent approval of membership applications from Taiwan [Chinese Taipei], Pakistan, Bhutan, Fiji and Ecuador.
All of the national federations have completed a rigorous application process to join World Boxing. They are deemed to be in good standing and, through their statutes and operating processes, able to demonstrate: a transparent and open election process for the appointment of office bearing roles; the existence and operation of WADA-recognized anti-doping polices and processes; evidence of a structured, dispute resolution and appeals process that is either fully independent or subject to external input; formal recognition by either their National Olympic Committee (NOC) or ministry for sport; and a solid national and international boxing sports program
The President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “The additions of Japan and Algeria enhance the global profile of World Boxing by increasing our presence in Asia and Africa. Their decision to join World Boxing is further evidence of the widespread desire for change that exists across our sport and illustrates how important it is that we retain boxing’s place at the heart of the Olympic Movement.
“We are continuing to process applications from a number of countries and it is clear that more and more national federations recognize that joining World Boxing is the only way they can ensure that their boxers will be able to continue to pursue their dream of competing on the biggest stage in sport at the Olympic Games.”
World Boxing was launched in April 2023 and aims to keep Boxing in the Olympic Games. On May 7th, it held the first formal meeting with the IOC which signaled the start of formal collaboration aimed at establishing a pathway for boxing to remain in the Olympic Games.
|
|
|
|
Japan and Algeria join World Boxing
The national federations for boxing in Japan and Algeria have become the latest two countries to join World Boxing. The new international federation, which was established to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement, now has 44 members. Japan and Algeria take the number of countries that have joined World Boxing since the end of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to seven and follows the recent approval of membership applications from Taiwan [Chinese Taipei], Pakistan, Bhutan, Fiji and Ecuador.
All of the national federations have completed a rigorous application process to join World Boxing. They are deemed to be in good standing and, through their statutes and operating processes, able to demonstrate: a transparent and open election process for the appointment of office bearing roles; the existence and operation of WADA-recognized anti-doping polices and processes; evidence of a structured, dispute resolution and appeals process that is either fully independent or subject to external input; formal recognition by either their National Olympic Committee (NOC) or ministry for sport; and a solid national and international boxing sports program
The President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “The additions of Japan and Algeria enhance the global profile of World Boxing by increasing our presence in Asia and Africa. Their decision to join World Boxing is further evidence of the widespread desire for change that exists across our sport and illustrates how important it is that we retain boxing’s place at the heart of the Olympic Movement.
“We are continuing to process applications from a number of countries and it is clear that more and more national federations recognize that joining World Boxing is the only way they can ensure that their boxers will be able to continue to pursue their dream of competing on the biggest stage in sport at the Olympic Games.”
World Boxing was launched in April 2023 and aims to keep Boxing in the Olympic Games. On May 7th, it held the first formal meeting with the IOC which signaled the start of formal collaboration aimed at establishing a pathway for boxing to remain in the Olympic Games.
|
Welcome to Alvarez vs. Berlanga fight week |
|
|
World super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Álvarez (pictured) and unbeaten contender Edgar Berlanga arrive in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand ahead of their epic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico showdown Saturday, September 14th at T-Mobile Arena, in a PBC pay-per-view on Prime Video (5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET). Grand arrivals take place today in the lobby of the MGM Grand. They are open to the public and will begin at 2:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m ET. The event can also be viewed live on the PBC YouTube channel.
Joining Canelo and Berlanga at today's grand arrivals will be all the fighters appearing on the pay-per-view card, which features Erislandy Lara defending his WBA world middleweight title against Danny Garcia, former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb Plant versus the undefeated Trevor McCumby, and former WBA junior welterweight world champion Rolly Romero battling Manuel Jaimes.
Also, Prime Video announced the release of Gloves Off: Canelo vs Berlanga, the fourth edition of the compelling behind-the-scenes presentation, Gloves Off. As momentum builds for a night of PBC pay-per-view action on Prime Video on September 14th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this two-part edition of Gloves Off explores what motivates both main event participants while setting the stage for the latest chapter of the ring rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. The Mexican hero Álvarez brings his world super middleweight championship into the ring for a showdown with undefeated Edgar Berlanga, who is seeking to add another accomplishment to the storied legacy of Puerto Rican boxing. Narrated by Barry Pepper, the program takes fans far beyond the ring. The series blends footage and stories of the fighters’ lives, families, training camp team members and training camp activity as the build-up increases for this highly anticipated 168-pound World Championship battle. Click here to see the trailer.
Having already secured his placed as one of Mexico’s all-time great fighters and destined for the International Boxing Hall of Fame, superstar Canelo Álvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) is putting his unified WBC, WBA and WBO titles on the line against undefeated WBA mandatory contender Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs). The twelve-round battle headlines a Mexican Independence Day weekend celebration in a city well-known for memorable athletic achievement.
|
|
|
|
Welcome to Alvarez vs. Berlanga fight week
World super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Álvarez (pictured) and unbeaten contender Edgar Berlanga arrive in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand ahead of their epic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico showdown Saturday, September 14th at T-Mobile Arena, in a PBC pay-per-view on Prime Video (5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET). Grand arrivals take place today in the lobby of the MGM Grand. They are open to the public and will begin at 2:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m ET. The event can also be viewed live on the PBC YouTube channel.
Joining Canelo and Berlanga at today's grand arrivals will be all the fighters appearing on the pay-per-view card, which features Erislandy Lara defending his WBA world middleweight title against Danny Garcia, former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb Plant versus the undefeated Trevor McCumby, and former WBA junior welterweight world champion Rolly Romero battling Manuel Jaimes.
Also, Prime Video announced the release of Gloves Off: Canelo vs Berlanga, the fourth edition of the compelling behind-the-scenes presentation, Gloves Off. As momentum builds for a night of PBC pay-per-view action on Prime Video on September 14th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this two-part edition of Gloves Off explores what motivates both main event participants while setting the stage for the latest chapter of the ring rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. The Mexican hero Álvarez brings his world super middleweight championship into the ring for a showdown with undefeated Edgar Berlanga, who is seeking to add another accomplishment to the storied legacy of Puerto Rican boxing. Narrated by Barry Pepper, the program takes fans far beyond the ring. The series blends footage and stories of the fighters’ lives, families, training camp team members and training camp activity as the build-up increases for this highly anticipated 168-pound World Championship battle. Click here to see the trailer.
Having already secured his placed as one of Mexico’s all-time great fighters and destined for the International Boxing Hall of Fame, superstar Canelo Álvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) is putting his unified WBC, WBA and WBO titles on the line against undefeated WBA mandatory contender Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs). The twelve-round battle headlines a Mexican Independence Day weekend celebration in a city well-known for memorable athletic achievement.
|
Frank Warren seeking to rebuild Liverpool as a fight town |
|
Promoter Frank Warren wrote: "With his exploits over in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nick Ball has made a name for himself around the world. On October 5th it is time for him to make a big noise on his own doorstep. Yes, on the first Saturday in October we make a return to the M&S Bank Arena – formerly known as The Echo – with our little big man headlining in his home city for the first time. On the night, Nick will make a first defense of the WBA featherweight title he won by defeating Ray Ford in a classic encounter back in June. This time, Ball goes up against the experienced Mexican-American Ronny Rios and he is promising to bring the fire.
"As a company we have been absent from Liverpool since mid-2016 when Liam Smith made a second defence of his WBO super welterweight world title and, a few months before that, when Terry Flanagan defended his WBO world lightweight against local man Derry Mathews. For whatever reason, these nights didn’t capture the imagination of the Liverpool fight fans in terms of attendance and the venue has subsequently been recognised across the industry as a bit of a hard sell. I’ve wanted to alter this perception and make a go of it for some time now, but you obviously need the talent and characters to make it happen.
"To this end we’ve worked very hard in tandem with our friend and colleague Paul Stevenson – who heads up the prolific Everton Red Triangle gym – to develop and shine a light on a particularly fine crop of young fighters who have been with us near enough from the off.
"The names are well known across boxing circles and beyond now, with Nick leading the way since he seized his big moment at Wembley Stadium against Isaac Lowe back in 2022. If it wasn’t for a very serious hand injury that required extensive surgery, Andrew Cain I believe would be on the same level with Nick, but he is up and running at bantamweight and is now the holder of the British and Commonwealth titles. As well as this dynamic and ferocious duo, we also have Brad Strand in the mix at super bantamweight, Boma Brown as a promising heavyweight and a new signing in welterweight Lucas Biswana, who recently demolished all-comers at what used to be known as the senior ABAs.
"Paul Stevenson is doing the business at the 100-plus year old boxing club, make no mistake, although he assures me he isn’t the founding trainer. To strengthen our Liverpool connections, we have also struck up a relationship and signed a couple of top, top prospects from the Rotunda Gym, where Liam Smith learned his trade. Young super feather Jack Turner looks like a real livewire who packs a serious punch, with six of his eight wins ending in first round stoppages. We also have the thrilling Cuban super feather Jadier Herrera, who is already 15-0 – with 13 stoppages – at the age of just 22. They are real ones to watch and they will be performing on October 5th.
"In another fine supporting fight, Henry Turner will challenge for the vacant British super lightweight title against the Commonwealth champion Jack Rafferty, a fighter we rate highly and know to be a real handful. Henry’s WBC International Silver belt will also be on the line.
"This fight has got all the makings of a true belter and it is the perfect fight for both young men at this stage of their careers. Henry is a classy operator who is filling out into a more powerful specimen, while Jack – like Henry, a strong amateur – adopts a more bullish approach and will be looking to make a real fight of it.
"I want to make Liverpool a regular feature in our fight calendar once again and really get the scene firing. With quality fighters like Nick and Andrew leading the way, I see no reason why this shouldn’t become a reality."
|
|
|
|
Frank Warren seeking to rebuild Liverpool as a fight town
Promoter Frank Warren wrote: "With his exploits over in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nick Ball has made a name for himself around the world. On October 5th it is time for him to make a big noise on his own doorstep. Yes, on the first Saturday in October we make a return to the M&S Bank Arena – formerly known as The Echo – with our little big man headlining in his home city for the first time. On the night, Nick will make a first defense of the WBA featherweight title he won by defeating Ray Ford in a classic encounter back in June. This time, Ball goes up against the experienced Mexican-American Ronny Rios and he is promising to bring the fire.
"As a company we have been absent from Liverpool since mid-2016 when Liam Smith made a second defence of his WBO super welterweight world title and, a few months before that, when Terry Flanagan defended his WBO world lightweight against local man Derry Mathews. For whatever reason, these nights didn’t capture the imagination of the Liverpool fight fans in terms of attendance and the venue has subsequently been recognised across the industry as a bit of a hard sell. I’ve wanted to alter this perception and make a go of it for some time now, but you obviously need the talent and characters to make it happen.
"To this end we’ve worked very hard in tandem with our friend and colleague Paul Stevenson – who heads up the prolific Everton Red Triangle gym – to develop and shine a light on a particularly fine crop of young fighters who have been with us near enough from the off.
"The names are well known across boxing circles and beyond now, with Nick leading the way since he seized his big moment at Wembley Stadium against Isaac Lowe back in 2022. If it wasn’t for a very serious hand injury that required extensive surgery, Andrew Cain I believe would be on the same level with Nick, but he is up and running at bantamweight and is now the holder of the British and Commonwealth titles. As well as this dynamic and ferocious duo, we also have Brad Strand in the mix at super bantamweight, Boma Brown as a promising heavyweight and a new signing in welterweight Lucas Biswana, who recently demolished all-comers at what used to be known as the senior ABAs.
"Paul Stevenson is doing the business at the 100-plus year old boxing club, make no mistake, although he assures me he isn’t the founding trainer. To strengthen our Liverpool connections, we have also struck up a relationship and signed a couple of top, top prospects from the Rotunda Gym, where Liam Smith learned his trade. Young super feather Jack Turner looks like a real livewire who packs a serious punch, with six of his eight wins ending in first round stoppages. We also have the thrilling Cuban super feather Jadier Herrera, who is already 15-0 – with 13 stoppages – at the age of just 22. They are real ones to watch and they will be performing on October 5th.
"In another fine supporting fight, Henry Turner will challenge for the vacant British super lightweight title against the Commonwealth champion Jack Rafferty, a fighter we rate highly and know to be a real handful. Henry’s WBC International Silver belt will also be on the line.
"This fight has got all the makings of a true belter and it is the perfect fight for both young men at this stage of their careers. Henry is a classy operator who is filling out into a more powerful specimen, while Jack – like Henry, a strong amateur – adopts a more bullish approach and will be looking to make a real fight of it.
"I want to make Liverpool a regular feature in our fight calendar once again and really get the scene firing. With quality fighters like Nick and Andrew leading the way, I see no reason why this shouldn’t become a reality."
|
Team Combat League to expand for 2025 season |
|
Team Combat League (TCL) has announced their return for another thrilling slate of team-based professional boxing action with their third season scheduled for 2025, which includes the addition of two new teams, the Phoenix Fury and NashvilleSmash to round out the twelve-team configuration. From March 20th of next year, when the New York City Attitude take on the hometown Boston Butchers to open the regular season, to the July 10th final regular season matchup, TCL has scheduled 48 city vs. city matches between the league’s teams featuring male and female rising talent with seasoned veteran boxers competing across eight weight classes in a total of 24 individual one-round contests. TCL Season 3 playoffs will begin on July 19, 2025 with next year’s MegaBrawl 3 Championship set for August 31st to crown the league champion. ATTENTION FIGHTERS: Season 3 tryouts will be starting in late November with more information to be announced soon.
|
|
|
|
Team Combat League to expand for 2025 season
Team Combat League (TCL) has announced their return for another thrilling slate of team-based professional boxing action with their third season scheduled for 2025, which includes the addition of two new teams, the Phoenix Fury and NashvilleSmash to round out the twelve-team configuration. From March 20th of next year, when the New York City Attitude take on the hometown Boston Butchers to open the regular season, to the July 10th final regular season matchup, TCL has scheduled 48 city vs. city matches between the league’s teams featuring male and female rising talent with seasoned veteran boxers competing across eight weight classes in a total of 24 individual one-round contests. TCL Season 3 playoffs will begin on July 19, 2025 with next year’s MegaBrawl 3 Championship set for August 31st to crown the league champion. ATTENTION FIGHTERS: Season 3 tryouts will be starting in late November with more information to be announced soon.
|
Zepeda destroys Redkach |
|
Jose Zepeda TKO2 Ivan Redkach... California's Jose “Chon” Zepeda returned to the victory column by stopping the experienced Ukrainian Ivan Redkach in two rounds this weekend at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California, on a card presented by Marv Nation. In the first round, Zepeda hurt Redkach with a powerful left hook. In the second round, Zepeda constantly harassed Redkach with accurate body blows, which hurt him, sending him to the canvas. The referee stopped the fight at 2:02 minutes of the second round.
With this victory, Zepeda breaks a two-fight losing streak, that saw him fail against against Richardson Hitchins and Dalton Smith, to improve his record to 38-5, with 29 knockouts. For his part, Redkach fell to 24-8-1, with 19 knockouts.
|
|
|
|
Zepeda destroys Redkach
Jose Zepeda TKO2 Ivan Redkach... California's Jose “Chon” Zepeda returned to the victory column by stopping the experienced Ukrainian Ivan Redkach in two rounds this weekend at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California, on a card presented by Marv Nation. In the first round, Zepeda hurt Redkach with a powerful left hook. In the second round, Zepeda constantly harassed Redkach with accurate body blows, which hurt him, sending him to the canvas. The referee stopped the fight at 2:02 minutes of the second round.
With this victory, Zepeda breaks a two-fight losing streak, that saw him fail against against Richardson Hitchins and Dalton Smith, to improve his record to 38-5, with 29 knockouts. For his part, Redkach fell to 24-8-1, with 19 knockouts.
|
Atomweight fight result |
|
Esneidy Rodriguez Olmos W10 Sana Hazuki ... In a rare atomweight (102 pounds) fight, Mexico's Esneidy Rodriguez Olmos defeated Japan's Sana Hazuki by unanimous decision, at the Benito Juarez Auditorium in Veracruz, Mexico. Rodriguez Olmos and Hazuki put on an exciting ten-round fight, although Rodriguez Olmos, encouraged by her fans, landed more punches and kept her distance from Hazuki. The fight went to the Mexican woman by unanimous decision with scores of 96-94 and 97-93 (twice).
|
|
|
|
Atomweight fight result
Esneidy Rodriguez Olmos W10 Sana Hazuki ... In a rare atomweight (102 pounds) fight, Mexico's Esneidy Rodriguez Olmos defeated Japan's Sana Hazuki by unanimous decision, at the Benito Juarez Auditorium in Veracruz, Mexico. Rodriguez Olmos and Hazuki put on an exciting ten-round fight, although Rodriguez Olmos, encouraged by her fans, landed more punches and kept her distance from Hazuki. The fight went to the Mexican woman by unanimous decision with scores of 96-94 and 97-93 (twice).
|
R and B Promotions hosts big Philly show this Saturday |
|
This Saturday night, R and B Promotions returns to the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with a thirteen-bout card. In a featured six rounder, rising junior middleweight Oluwafemi Oyeleye will take on Ricardo Villalba. Oyeleye, age 29, of Philadelphia, has a record of 16-0 with 10 knockouts. He holds wins over Alberto Beltran (17-1-2), Victus Kenover (10-1-2), Juan Ramon Guzman (11-0-1) and his last bout when he stopped Leonardo Di Stefano (13-3) on June 22nd at The 2300 Arena. Villalba, age 34 ad from Buenos Aires, is 20-11-1 with eight knockouts. The 14 year-pro has wins over Cristian Nestor Romero (11-2), Henri David Polanco (8-0), Davi Eliasquevici (13-3-1), Hector Saldivia (46-4-1) and Edgar Ghukesyan (8-2-1). Villalba is coming of a loss to Joseph Hicks on February 20th in Detroit.
In six-round bouts, Joshua Jones (9-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Giovani Gutierrez (11-10-1, 6 KOs) of Nicaragua at lightweight...
Quaseem Carter (5-1, 4 KOs) of East Newark, NJ takes on Dewayne Williams (4-8-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight contest...
In four rounders, no one's 0 has to go as Noah Norman (2-0, 2 KOs) of Coatesville, PA battles Benjy Gomez (0-2) of Oxnard, CA in a junior welterweight bout...
Daniel Bean (3-2, 2 KOs) of Old Bridge, NJ fights Jesse Hayward (2-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight bout.
Richard Johnson (2-0, 1 KO) fights Jamar Leach (1-1) in an all Philadelphoia junior middleweight contest...
Juan Marrero (5-0, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Ezra Rabin (1-6, 1 KO) of Oakland in a lightweight contest...
Junior welterweights Anibal Mercado and Omayki Torres square off in their pro debuts...
Lia Lewandowski of Berlin, NJ makes her pro debut against Amarlis Adorno (1-13) of Puerto Rico at flyweight...
Debuting fighters Shera May Patricio of Waianae, Hawaii and Ayeshia Green of Princeton, New Jersey fight in a bantamweight fight and...
The pro section will be preceded by a fifteen-fight amateur show that begins at 3 PM/ and it will feature some of the top amateur boxers in the Tri-State Area.
|
|
|
|
R and B Promotions hosts big Philly show this Saturday
This Saturday night, R and B Promotions returns to the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with a thirteen-bout card. In a featured six rounder, rising junior middleweight Oluwafemi Oyeleye will take on Ricardo Villalba. Oyeleye, age 29, of Philadelphia, has a record of 16-0 with 10 knockouts. He holds wins over Alberto Beltran (17-1-2), Victus Kenover (10-1-2), Juan Ramon Guzman (11-0-1) and his last bout when he stopped Leonardo Di Stefano (13-3) on June 22nd at The 2300 Arena. Villalba, age 34 ad from Buenos Aires, is 20-11-1 with eight knockouts. The 14 year-pro has wins over Cristian Nestor Romero (11-2), Henri David Polanco (8-0), Davi Eliasquevici (13-3-1), Hector Saldivia (46-4-1) and Edgar Ghukesyan (8-2-1). Villalba is coming of a loss to Joseph Hicks on February 20th in Detroit.
In six-round bouts, Joshua Jones (9-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Giovani Gutierrez (11-10-1, 6 KOs) of Nicaragua at lightweight...
Quaseem Carter (5-1, 4 KOs) of East Newark, NJ takes on Dewayne Williams (4-8-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight contest...
In four rounders, no one's 0 has to go as Noah Norman (2-0, 2 KOs) of Coatesville, PA battles Benjy Gomez (0-2) of Oxnard, CA in a junior welterweight bout...
Daniel Bean (3-2, 2 KOs) of Old Bridge, NJ fights Jesse Hayward (2-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight bout.
Richard Johnson (2-0, 1 KO) fights Jamar Leach (1-1) in an all Philadelphoia junior middleweight contest...
Juan Marrero (5-0, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Ezra Rabin (1-6, 1 KO) of Oakland in a lightweight contest...
Junior welterweights Anibal Mercado and Omayki Torres square off in their pro debuts...
Lia Lewandowski of Berlin, NJ makes her pro debut against Amarlis Adorno (1-13) of Puerto Rico at flyweight...
Debuting fighters Shera May Patricio of Waianae, Hawaii and Ayeshia Green of Princeton, New Jersey fight in a bantamweight fight and...
The pro section will be preceded by a fifteen-fight amateur show that begins at 3 PM/ and it will feature some of the top amateur boxers in the Tri-State Area.
|
Conceição vs. Foster II booked for Nov. 2nd |
|
As the debate over their first encounter remains intense, Robson Conceição and O'Shaquie Foster are wasting no time running it back. Conceição will defend his WBC junior lightweight title against Foster on Saturday, Nov. 2nd, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Conceição dethroned Foster via split decision in a fiercely contested matchup in July. In the ten-round co-feature, lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla returns against the upset-hungry Jesus Perez. Conceição-Foster II and Muratalla-Perez will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.
|
|
|
|
Conceição vs. Foster II booked for Nov. 2nd
As the debate over their first encounter remains intense, Robson Conceição and O'Shaquie Foster are wasting no time running it back. Conceição will defend his WBC junior lightweight title against Foster on Saturday, Nov. 2nd, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Conceição dethroned Foster via split decision in a fiercely contested matchup in July. In the ten-round co-feature, lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla returns against the upset-hungry Jesus Perez. Conceição-Foster II and Muratalla-Perez will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.
|
DAZN to air boxing action from Malta |
|
Pakistan's Muhammad Waseem will battle South Africa's Sabelo Cebekhulu in a bantamweight main event at the Intercontinental Hotel in St. Julians, Malta on October 4th. The show will be presented by Blockone and broadcast worldwide by DAZN and FightZone TV. For Waseem (12-2 with 8 KOs), he is hoping that third time is the charm for him after two previous failed world title attempts. In 2018 in Malaysia, he lost a close decision to Cebekhulu´s compatriot Moruti Mthalane for the vacant IBF flyweight title. Almost four years later he came up short again, for the same title, when Sunny Edwards, who had beaten Mthalane, decisioned him in Dubai.
Cebekhulu is 7-0 with 3 KOs after turning pro in 2019.
A heavyweight contest on the show will pit Malta-based German Renke Wittke (3-0 3 KOs) against experienced Colombian Juan Camilo Novoa (32-12-1 with 29 KOs).
In another undercard bout, Romanian teenager Andrei Cristian Florian (5-0, (3 KOs), is set to face another Colombian veteran in Jose Miguel Torres (38-21 with 29 KOs) at light heavyweight. title at stake.
|
|
|
|
DAZN to air boxing action from Malta
Pakistan's Muhammad Waseem will battle South Africa's Sabelo Cebekhulu in a bantamweight main event at the Intercontinental Hotel in St. Julians, Malta on October 4th. The show will be presented by Blockone and broadcast worldwide by DAZN and FightZone TV. For Waseem (12-2 with 8 KOs), he is hoping that third time is the charm for him after two previous failed world title attempts. In 2018 in Malaysia, he lost a close decision to Cebekhulu´s compatriot Moruti Mthalane for the vacant IBF flyweight title. Almost four years later he came up short again, for the same title, when Sunny Edwards, who had beaten Mthalane, decisioned him in Dubai.
Cebekhulu is 7-0 with 3 KOs after turning pro in 2019.
A heavyweight contest on the show will pit Malta-based German Renke Wittke (3-0 3 KOs) against experienced Colombian Juan Camilo Novoa (32-12-1 with 29 KOs).
In another undercard bout, Romanian teenager Andrei Cristian Florian (5-0, (3 KOs), is set to face another Colombian veteran in Jose Miguel Torres (38-21 with 29 KOs) at light heavyweight. title at stake.
|
Assault In The Ring Documentary to air on Sept. 13th |
|
The 2010 Emmy Award-winning documentary Assault in the Ring is set for a September 13th release on Apple TV, just in time for the film’s 15th anniversary. Directed by investigative filmmaker Eric Drath, Assault in the Ring examines one of boxing’s most tragic and controversial scandals – a 1983 bout between unbeaten prospect Billy Collins Jr. and Luis Resto. What began as a boxing match turned into a life-altering moment for both fighters as Collins suffered a career-ending injury while Resto and his trainer Panama Lewis landed in prison for their illegal actions. The film revisits the scandal that shook the sport of boxing by delving into new evidence tying Resto, Lewis, and others together in the vicious crime. Consistently ranked among the best boxing documentaries ever made, Assault in the Ring was produced by Live Star Entertainment. It was originally distributed by HBO, before airing on ESPN and Showtime.
|
|
|
|
Assault In The Ring Documentary to air on Sept. 13th
The 2010 Emmy Award-winning documentary Assault in the Ring is set for a September 13th release on Apple TV, just in time for the film’s 15th anniversary. Directed by investigative filmmaker Eric Drath, Assault in the Ring examines one of boxing’s most tragic and controversial scandals – a 1983 bout between unbeaten prospect Billy Collins Jr. and Luis Resto. What began as a boxing match turned into a life-altering moment for both fighters as Collins suffered a career-ending injury while Resto and his trainer Panama Lewis landed in prison for their illegal actions. The film revisits the scandal that shook the sport of boxing by delving into new evidence tying Resto, Lewis, and others together in the vicious crime. Consistently ranked among the best boxing documentaries ever made, Assault in the Ring was produced by Live Star Entertainment. It was originally distributed by HBO, before airing on ESPN and Showtime.
|
Queensberry inks Commonwealth junior middleweight champ Sam Gilley |
|
Commonwealth junior middleweight champion Sam Gilley has signed a promotional agreement with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions. ‘Magic Man’ Gilley holds a record of 17-1 with 8 KOs. He last saw action at York Hall in October of last year when he overcame Louis Greene over twelve rounds to secure his Commonwealth status. Previously the 30-year old became English champion at the end of 2021 with a stoppage victory over Evaldas Korsakas and went on to make two successful defenses of the belt against Drew Brown and Sean Robinson. The only blot on the card of Gilley, from Walthamstow, came on a Queensberry card during the lockdown period in early 2021 when he took on Danny Ball and was edged out on points over ten rounds at the Copper Box Arena.
“Oh mate, it is a dream come true, really,” said the mandatory challenger for the British title, against Louis Greene again, on his link up with Frank Warren. “I am now 30 years old, which is scary to say, and it is the first time I have been actually signed by a promoter. So to be signed by Frank, with what he is doing in British boxing, is massive. I think it is going to be a good team-up with this being the main three years of my career coming up, so I am ecstatic and I just can’t wait to get going. I have been ready to go for a year and I have been promised fight dates that haven’t happened, so thankfully Frank has taken me on and I can start getting some regular fights and putting on some good shows. We have been mandatory for the British for a long time. I had an injury at the start of the year that stopped me fighting Jack McGann, which is why Louis jumped in. We obviously know what Louis done and now I am stuck with him again!
“I am not like a flashy boxer,” Gilley added on his entertainment value. “I throw a lot of bombs and, of my last five or six opponents, every one of them has been on the floor and I’ve been in two fight of the year contenders in that time. So I am always in exciting fights and people do enjoy it when I am in the ring.”
Warren added: “I am delighted to add Sam to our ranks because he is a quality and an exciting fighter who wants to be in big fights. He has clearly shown his pedigree over recent years with some excellent wins and he will now be given every opportunity to push on and step up in class. I am confident that Sam will quickly add more belts to his collection and become an exciting and very popular feature on Queensberry and TNT Sports shows.”
|
|
|
|
Queensberry inks Commonwealth junior middleweight champ Sam Gilley
Commonwealth junior middleweight champion Sam Gilley has signed a promotional agreement with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions. ‘Magic Man’ Gilley holds a record of 17-1 with 8 KOs. He last saw action at York Hall in October of last year when he overcame Louis Greene over twelve rounds to secure his Commonwealth status. Previously the 30-year old became English champion at the end of 2021 with a stoppage victory over Evaldas Korsakas and went on to make two successful defenses of the belt against Drew Brown and Sean Robinson. The only blot on the card of Gilley, from Walthamstow, came on a Queensberry card during the lockdown period in early 2021 when he took on Danny Ball and was edged out on points over ten rounds at the Copper Box Arena.
“Oh mate, it is a dream come true, really,” said the mandatory challenger for the British title, against Louis Greene again, on his link up with Frank Warren. “I am now 30 years old, which is scary to say, and it is the first time I have been actually signed by a promoter. So to be signed by Frank, with what he is doing in British boxing, is massive. I think it is going to be a good team-up with this being the main three years of my career coming up, so I am ecstatic and I just can’t wait to get going. I have been ready to go for a year and I have been promised fight dates that haven’t happened, so thankfully Frank has taken me on and I can start getting some regular fights and putting on some good shows. We have been mandatory for the British for a long time. I had an injury at the start of the year that stopped me fighting Jack McGann, which is why Louis jumped in. We obviously know what Louis done and now I am stuck with him again!
“I am not like a flashy boxer,” Gilley added on his entertainment value. “I throw a lot of bombs and, of my last five or six opponents, every one of them has been on the floor and I’ve been in two fight of the year contenders in that time. So I am always in exciting fights and people do enjoy it when I am in the ring.”
Warren added: “I am delighted to add Sam to our ranks because he is a quality and an exciting fighter who wants to be in big fights. He has clearly shown his pedigree over recent years with some excellent wins and he will now be given every opportunity to push on and step up in class. I am confident that Sam will quickly add more belts to his collection and become an exciting and very popular feature on Queensberry and TNT Sports shows.”
|
Scotney to defend title on Caterall-Prograis undercard |
|
Ellie Scotney will defend her IBF, WBO and IBO 122-pound titles against New Zeland's Mea Motu on the undercard of Jack Catterall’s blockbuster junior welterweight showdown with ex-champ Regis Progais at Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday October 26th, shown live worldwide on DAZN.
Catford’s Scotney (9-0) captured the IBF title by dethroning Cherneka Johnson back in June 2023 before unifying against France’s former WBO champion Segolene Lefebvre in April. The 26-year old now faces her undefeated IBF mandatory Motu (19-0, 7 KOs) – her second unbeaten opponent in a row – with the promise of further unification clashes against WBA champion Nazarena Romero and WBC ruler Yamileth Mercado should she get past the New Zealander.
“I’ve been desperate to get back in the ring since I unified the division in Manchester back in April,” said Scotney. “That night was a dream come true for me and it seems like the city is becoming a second home. Right now all that matters is October 26th where I’m fully focused on defending what’s mine. I’m ready to prove I’m the number one in the super bantamweight division.”
Watford’s Reece Bellotti (19-5, 14 KOs) looks to continue his strong run when he defends his British and Commonwealth junior lightweight titles for the second time against Manchester favorite Michael Gomez Jr. (21-1, 6 KOs).
The 33 year-old Bellotti’s resurgence began at London's York Hall in April 2022 where he stopped Dean Dodge in seven rounds to pick up the Southern Area title. Two years and four wins later ‘Bomber’ can take another step towards winning the prestigious British Title outright should he become just the second man to defeat Gomez Jr.
Hyde junior welterweight Campbell Hatton (14-1, 5 KOs), now training under Barry Smith at the Ben Davison Performance Centre in Harlow, Essex, jumps straight back into a rematch with Doncaster’s James Flint (14-2-2, 3 KOs), looking to avenge the first loss of his professional career. ‘Hurricane’ Hatton was soundly beaten by Flint in Sheffield in March, but armed with a new training team, the 23 year-old Manchester City fanatic is aiming to get his career back on track by silencing his doubters.
Sunderland welterweight Pat McCormack (5-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring for his first fight since July 2023 to face Argentina’s William Andres Herrera (16-3, 7 KOs) and there’s action on the card for Leeds junior middleweight Ishmael Davis (13-0, 6 KOs), Manchester junior middleweight William Crolla (5-0, 4 KOs), Liverpool middleweight Ste Clarke (4-0, 1 KO), Liverpool featherweight Joe McGrail (10-0, 5 KOs) and Heywood bantamweight debutant Emily Whitworth.
Tickets for Catterall vs. Prograis are available to purchase via Stage Front and Co-op Live.
|
|
|
|
Scotney to defend title on Caterall-Prograis undercard
Ellie Scotney will defend her IBF, WBO and IBO 122-pound titles against New Zeland's Mea Motu on the undercard of Jack Catterall’s blockbuster junior welterweight showdown with ex-champ Regis Progais at Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday October 26th, shown live worldwide on DAZN.
Catford’s Scotney (9-0) captured the IBF title by dethroning Cherneka Johnson back in June 2023 before unifying against France’s former WBO champion Segolene Lefebvre in April. The 26-year old now faces her undefeated IBF mandatory Motu (19-0, 7 KOs) – her second unbeaten opponent in a row – with the promise of further unification clashes against WBA champion Nazarena Romero and WBC ruler Yamileth Mercado should she get past the New Zealander.
“I’ve been desperate to get back in the ring since I unified the division in Manchester back in April,” said Scotney. “That night was a dream come true for me and it seems like the city is becoming a second home. Right now all that matters is October 26th where I’m fully focused on defending what’s mine. I’m ready to prove I’m the number one in the super bantamweight division.”
Watford’s Reece Bellotti (19-5, 14 KOs) looks to continue his strong run when he defends his British and Commonwealth junior lightweight titles for the second time against Manchester favorite Michael Gomez Jr. (21-1, 6 KOs).
The 33 year-old Bellotti’s resurgence began at London's York Hall in April 2022 where he stopped Dean Dodge in seven rounds to pick up the Southern Area title. Two years and four wins later ‘Bomber’ can take another step towards winning the prestigious British Title outright should he become just the second man to defeat Gomez Jr.
Hyde junior welterweight Campbell Hatton (14-1, 5 KOs), now training under Barry Smith at the Ben Davison Performance Centre in Harlow, Essex, jumps straight back into a rematch with Doncaster’s James Flint (14-2-2, 3 KOs), looking to avenge the first loss of his professional career. ‘Hurricane’ Hatton was soundly beaten by Flint in Sheffield in March, but armed with a new training team, the 23 year-old Manchester City fanatic is aiming to get his career back on track by silencing his doubters.
Sunderland welterweight Pat McCormack (5-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring for his first fight since July 2023 to face Argentina’s William Andres Herrera (16-3, 7 KOs) and there’s action on the card for Leeds junior middleweight Ishmael Davis (13-0, 6 KOs), Manchester junior middleweight William Crolla (5-0, 4 KOs), Liverpool middleweight Ste Clarke (4-0, 1 KO), Liverpool featherweight Joe McGrail (10-0, 5 KOs) and Heywood bantamweight debutant Emily Whitworth.
Tickets for Catterall vs. Prograis are available to purchase via Stage Front and Co-op Live.
|
WBO orders Espinoza vs. Ramirez II at featherweight |
|
Earlier this week, the WBO ordered a mandatory title fight in the featherweight division. Champion Rafael Espinoza of Mexico was instructed to begin a thirty-day negotiation period with his predecessor, Robeisy Ramirez of Cuba. Espinoza claimed the title last December when he defeated Ramirez by majority decision. Both men have won one fight since then to set up a rematch. Although a deal is expected to be reached in the next thirty days, a purse bid is a possibility if the negotiations period expires.
|
|
|
|
WBO orders Espinoza vs. Ramirez II at featherweight
Earlier this week, the WBO ordered a mandatory title fight in the featherweight division. Champion Rafael Espinoza of Mexico was instructed to begin a thirty-day negotiation period with his predecessor, Robeisy Ramirez of Cuba. Espinoza claimed the title last December when he defeated Ramirez by majority decision. Both men have won one fight since then to set up a rematch. Although a deal is expected to be reached in the next thirty days, a purse bid is a possibility if the negotiations period expires.
|
Granite Chin show in Massachusetts on Friday |
|
Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) returns September 13th with the “Fight Night at the Vets Club 2” card, featuring the pro debut of 2024 New England Golden Gloves Champion “Showtime” Shea Willcox, at the Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The newest member of Granite Chin’s stable, Everett (MA) junior welterweight Willcox, will make his pro debut in a four-round match against Travis Crain. Willcox captured top honors in this past February’s New England Golden Gloves Championships, in which he not only was crowned champion in his weight class, but also named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Boxer.
“Everyone is excited about Shea turning pro on the 13th,” GCP promoter Chris Traietti said. “He has a huge fan base, and they are all turning out for what will be the first step in a very successful career. He has a great team around him and the sky’s the limit. This is going to be a great night with a bunch of action-packed fights. The card is chalk full of real ‘tough guys’ from this area who don’t shy away from real fights.”
In a rematch of an exciting fight at the same venue on June 6, 2023, Massachusetts middleweight champion Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (7-4, 3 KOs), of Woburn (MA), meets Maine’s Ryan Clark (4-6, 2 KOs), in an eight-rounder. Baptiste won their original fight by way of a six-round unanimous decision.
The Fight of the Night could turn out to be a four-round, junior middleweight match between a pair of boxers who literally will fight anybody, anywhere, anytime – Rhode Island’s Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (2-10-2) and Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-26-1, 5 KOs), of Puerto Rico.
Also fighting in a pair four-round bouts are New York junior middleweight Austin Cassese (1-0, 1 KO) vs. 12-fight veteran Jay Gregory, and Brockton lightweight Stephen Davis (1-3, 1 KO) vs. Brandon Sandoval (2-4, 1 KO), fighting out of Salem (MA) by way of Mexico.
A portion of the proceeds will go to the Fire For Effect Foundation (www.ffefinc.org). Its mission is to honor and empower veterans, first responders, and their families by providing essential resources, support, and community-building initiatives that foster resilience, restore hope, and strengthen the fabric of the local community. Card subject to change.
Tickets are available for purchase at www.ticketleap.com
|
|
|
|
Granite Chin show in Massachusetts on Friday
Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) returns September 13th with the “Fight Night at the Vets Club 2” card, featuring the pro debut of 2024 New England Golden Gloves Champion “Showtime” Shea Willcox, at the Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The newest member of Granite Chin’s stable, Everett (MA) junior welterweight Willcox, will make his pro debut in a four-round match against Travis Crain. Willcox captured top honors in this past February’s New England Golden Gloves Championships, in which he not only was crowned champion in his weight class, but also named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Boxer.
“Everyone is excited about Shea turning pro on the 13th,” GCP promoter Chris Traietti said. “He has a huge fan base, and they are all turning out for what will be the first step in a very successful career. He has a great team around him and the sky’s the limit. This is going to be a great night with a bunch of action-packed fights. The card is chalk full of real ‘tough guys’ from this area who don’t shy away from real fights.”
In a rematch of an exciting fight at the same venue on June 6, 2023, Massachusetts middleweight champion Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (7-4, 3 KOs), of Woburn (MA), meets Maine’s Ryan Clark (4-6, 2 KOs), in an eight-rounder. Baptiste won their original fight by way of a six-round unanimous decision.
The Fight of the Night could turn out to be a four-round, junior middleweight match between a pair of boxers who literally will fight anybody, anywhere, anytime – Rhode Island’s Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (2-10-2) and Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-26-1, 5 KOs), of Puerto Rico.
Also fighting in a pair four-round bouts are New York junior middleweight Austin Cassese (1-0, 1 KO) vs. 12-fight veteran Jay Gregory, and Brockton lightweight Stephen Davis (1-3, 1 KO) vs. Brandon Sandoval (2-4, 1 KO), fighting out of Salem (MA) by way of Mexico.
A portion of the proceeds will go to the Fire For Effect Foundation (www.ffefinc.org). Its mission is to honor and empower veterans, first responders, and their families by providing essential resources, support, and community-building initiatives that foster resilience, restore hope, and strengthen the fabric of the local community. Card subject to change.
Tickets are available for purchase at www.ticketleap.com
|
Tim Tszyu lands title shot at Bakhram Murtazaliev |
|
Former champion Tim Tszyu (pictured) of Australia will challenge IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in the twelve-round main event of PBC on Prime Video action on Saturday, October 19th live from the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The event will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the action streaming exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Tszyu, who formerly held the WBO title, will look to regain his status as world champion against the reigning unbeaten titleholder Murtazaliev. Additional undercard bouts available on Prime Video will be announced shortly.
Now residing in Oxnard, California, the Russian Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs) joined the ranks of world champion in his last outing as he looks to make his first title defense on October 19th. Murtazaliev defeated Jack Culcay on his home turf of Germany in April of this year to win the IBF title with a dramatic eleventh-round stoppage. The 31-year-old has fought professionally since 2014. Murtazaliev continued his climb with a three-win 2019 campaign that culminated in a unanimous decision over Jorge Fortea in November that earned him the mandatory slot with the IBF. He’d go on to add four more victories between September 2020 and December 2022 before stepping into the title showdown against Culcay.
Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) lost his WBO title in his last outing, as he took an elbow from Sebastian Fundora in round three that opened up one a grisly cut that severely hampered Tszyu on his way to losing a narrow split-decision on March 30th.
Tickets for the live event go on sale on Wednesday, September 4th at 12 p.m. ET through Ticketmaster. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. The main event is promoted in association with No Limit Boxing and Main Events.
“Tim Tszyu is one of the most fan-friendly fighters in the sport and he proved it again in his last outing by battling through a gruesome cut to give fans twelve rounds of action,” said promoter Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Most fighters would have bowed out, but Tszyu kept pushing forward and will bring that same mentality into this matchup against the reigning IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev. The junior middleweight division is absolutely loaded with talent and the winner of this fight will be in excellent position to face the other big names at 154-pounds. It’s the perfect fight to headline action on Prime Video on Saturday, October 19th at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando.”
“Even before his spectacular win against Jack Culcay to earn the IBF title in Germany, Bakhram made it clear that he wanted Tim Tszyu next,” said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. “He also said he wanted the matchup to happen in the U.S. so that everyone could see him fight, so I’m really happy that this deal came together to take place in front of a wide audience on Prime Video. Both of these fighters tend to come forward and engage and I would not be surprised if this turns out to be the Fight of the Year.”
“There are very few fighters in the world that can endure what Tim went through in his last fight and come out bigger, better and stronger than before,” said George Rose, CEO of No Limit Boxing. “Tim Tszyu is that guy. He lives to fight and has a warrior spirit that is completely unbreakable. You won’t want to miss this. He is about to remind everyone why he is the best 154 pounder in the world on October 19.”
The 29 year-old son of International Boxing Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, he came into that fight off a red-hot 2023 campaign that saw him elevated to world champion at 154-pounds while defeating former world champion Tony Harrison, top contender Brian Mendoza and former title challenger Carlos Ocampo. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S debut against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in March 2022, earning a unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion.
“At this level, you have to take everyone out and Bakhram is the next guy standing in my way,” said Tszyu. “The world knows me and they know what I’m about. I’m thankful to my team for putting me in this position to prove why I’m still the man at 154 pounds. Bakhram has what I want and I plan on taking it from him in spectacular fashion. It’s time to become a two-time world champion.”
“I’m extremely happy and excited to defend my world title on Prime Video against a strong opponent like Tim Tszyu,” said Murtazaliev. “I just want Tim to be in the best shape possible and not get any injuries so we can give this fight to the fans.”
|
|
|
|
Tim Tszyu lands title shot at Bakhram Murtazaliev
Former champion Tim Tszyu (pictured) of Australia will challenge IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in the twelve-round main event of PBC on Prime Video action on Saturday, October 19th live from the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The event will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the action streaming exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Tszyu, who formerly held the WBO title, will look to regain his status as world champion against the reigning unbeaten titleholder Murtazaliev. Additional undercard bouts available on Prime Video will be announced shortly.
Now residing in Oxnard, California, the Russian Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs) joined the ranks of world champion in his last outing as he looks to make his first title defense on October 19th. Murtazaliev defeated Jack Culcay on his home turf of Germany in April of this year to win the IBF title with a dramatic eleventh-round stoppage. The 31-year-old has fought professionally since 2014. Murtazaliev continued his climb with a three-win 2019 campaign that culminated in a unanimous decision over Jorge Fortea in November that earned him the mandatory slot with the IBF. He’d go on to add four more victories between September 2020 and December 2022 before stepping into the title showdown against Culcay.
Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) lost his WBO title in his last outing, as he took an elbow from Sebastian Fundora in round three that opened up one a grisly cut that severely hampered Tszyu on his way to losing a narrow split-decision on March 30th.
Tickets for the live event go on sale on Wednesday, September 4th at 12 p.m. ET through Ticketmaster. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. The main event is promoted in association with No Limit Boxing and Main Events.
“Tim Tszyu is one of the most fan-friendly fighters in the sport and he proved it again in his last outing by battling through a gruesome cut to give fans twelve rounds of action,” said promoter Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Most fighters would have bowed out, but Tszyu kept pushing forward and will bring that same mentality into this matchup against the reigning IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev. The junior middleweight division is absolutely loaded with talent and the winner of this fight will be in excellent position to face the other big names at 154-pounds. It’s the perfect fight to headline action on Prime Video on Saturday, October 19th at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando.”
“Even before his spectacular win against Jack Culcay to earn the IBF title in Germany, Bakhram made it clear that he wanted Tim Tszyu next,” said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. “He also said he wanted the matchup to happen in the U.S. so that everyone could see him fight, so I’m really happy that this deal came together to take place in front of a wide audience on Prime Video. Both of these fighters tend to come forward and engage and I would not be surprised if this turns out to be the Fight of the Year.”
“There are very few fighters in the world that can endure what Tim went through in his last fight and come out bigger, better and stronger than before,” said George Rose, CEO of No Limit Boxing. “Tim Tszyu is that guy. He lives to fight and has a warrior spirit that is completely unbreakable. You won’t want to miss this. He is about to remind everyone why he is the best 154 pounder in the world on October 19.”
The 29 year-old son of International Boxing Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, he came into that fight off a red-hot 2023 campaign that saw him elevated to world champion at 154-pounds while defeating former world champion Tony Harrison, top contender Brian Mendoza and former title challenger Carlos Ocampo. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S debut against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in March 2022, earning a unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion.
“At this level, you have to take everyone out and Bakhram is the next guy standing in my way,” said Tszyu. “The world knows me and they know what I’m about. I’m thankful to my team for putting me in this position to prove why I’m still the man at 154 pounds. Bakhram has what I want and I plan on taking it from him in spectacular fashion. It’s time to become a two-time world champion.”
“I’m extremely happy and excited to defend my world title on Prime Video against a strong opponent like Tim Tszyu,” said Murtazaliev. “I just want Tim to be in the best shape possible and not get any injuries so we can give this fight to the fans.”
|
Ten-bout show set for Houston today |
|
P4P Entertainment is set to invade Houston on Saturday, September 7th with an action-packed evening of professional boxing. "The Takeover 5" is set to feature ten bouts. The main event will pit Michael Chase Nielsen(21-2-1) of Mansfield, Ohio against local man Miguel Flores (25-5-1) a ten-round featherweight showdown. The co-feature will be a battle of undefeateds as Reina Tellez (9-0-1) of San Antonio faces Jermesha Poke(5-0) of St. Louis in a eight-round super bantamweight. "It is going to be epic," says matchmaker Luey Villereal. Many match ups have very similar records."
"Our card features 50-50 fights," says promoter Santiago Chago Martinez. The event will be broadcast by TV Azteca Texas and will be available to be viewed on their YouTube channel, Facebook page, and App. Former champions brothers Orlando and Gaby Canizales will be doing the play-by-play. For tickets call (832)648-0454. Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will be the ring announcer. The action gets underway at 7PM at the Bayou Event Center.
|
|
|
|
Ten-bout show set for Houston today
P4P Entertainment is set to invade Houston on Saturday, September 7th with an action-packed evening of professional boxing. "The Takeover 5" is set to feature ten bouts. The main event will pit Michael Chase Nielsen(21-2-1) of Mansfield, Ohio against local man Miguel Flores (25-5-1) a ten-round featherweight showdown. The co-feature will be a battle of undefeateds as Reina Tellez (9-0-1) of San Antonio faces Jermesha Poke(5-0) of St. Louis in a eight-round super bantamweight. "It is going to be epic," says matchmaker Luey Villereal. Many match ups have very similar records."
"Our card features 50-50 fights," says promoter Santiago Chago Martinez. The event will be broadcast by TV Azteca Texas and will be available to be viewed on their YouTube channel, Facebook page, and App. Former champions brothers Orlando and Gaby Canizales will be doing the play-by-play. For tickets call (832)648-0454. Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will be the ring announcer. The action gets underway at 7PM at the Bayou Event Center.
|
Niyomtrong extends boxing's longest-running title reign |
|
Thammanoon Niyomtrong W12 Alex Winwood... In Perth, Australia, WBA minimumweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong a/k/a Knockout CP Freshmart remained the longest reigning title holder in boxing, gaining a tough road win over Australia's Alex Winwood. The Thai champion squeezed out a majority decision win by scores of 113-113 and 114-112 (twice). Niyomtrong is now 25-0 and has reigned as WBA champ since 2016. A unification fight would seem to be in order. Winwood, fighting for just the fifth time as a pro, fell just short in his bid to unseat the legendary Jeff Fenech's record as the quickest Australian to win a world title. (Fenech did it in his seventh bout).
|
|
|
|
Niyomtrong extends boxing's longest-running title reign
Thammanoon Niyomtrong W12 Alex Winwood... In Perth, Australia, WBA minimumweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong a/k/a Knockout CP Freshmart remained the longest reigning title holder in boxing, gaining a tough road win over Australia's Alex Winwood. The Thai champion squeezed out a majority decision win by scores of 113-113 and 114-112 (twice). Niyomtrong is now 25-0 and has reigned as WBA champ since 2016. A unification fight would seem to be in order. Winwood, fighting for just the fifth time as a pro, fell just short in his bid to unseat the legendary Jeff Fenech's record as the quickest Australian to win a world title. (Fenech did it in his seventh bout).
|
Dixon to defend lightweight title vs. ex-champ Harper |
|
|
Rising heavyweight Johnny Fisher has sustained an injury, causing his scheduled contest with Andriy Rudenko to be cancelled. However, the planned broadcast will move forward on Saturday, September 28th, live worldwide on DAZN, as Rhiannon Dixon makes the first defense of her WBO lightweight title against domestic rival Terri Harper in what promises to be an electric all-British match-up. Queensberry Promotions has changed the venue from London to the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield, England.
Warrington’s Dixon (10-0, 1 KO) picked up the vacant WBO crown by outpointing Karen Elizabeth Carabajal over ten rounds on the undercard of Zelfa Barrett’s win over Jordan Gill at the AO Arena in Manchester last April – adding a world title to her Commonwealth and European Titles at 135 pounds.
Denaby Main’s Harper (14-2-2, 6 KOs), a former champion at super featherweight and junior middleweight, will be looking to bounce back from her stoppage loss to WBO welterweight champion Sandy Ryan last time out at Sheffield Arena in March.
|
|
|
|
Dixon to defend lightweight title vs. ex-champ Harper
Rising heavyweight Johnny Fisher has sustained an injury, causing his scheduled contest with Andriy Rudenko to be cancelled. However, the planned broadcast will move forward on Saturday, September 28th, live worldwide on DAZN, as Rhiannon Dixon makes the first defense of her WBO lightweight title against domestic rival Terri Harper in what promises to be an electric all-British match-up. Queensberry Promotions has changed the venue from London to the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield, England.
Warrington’s Dixon (10-0, 1 KO) picked up the vacant WBO crown by outpointing Karen Elizabeth Carabajal over ten rounds on the undercard of Zelfa Barrett’s win over Jordan Gill at the AO Arena in Manchester last April – adding a world title to her Commonwealth and European Titles at 135 pounds.
Denaby Main’s Harper (14-2-2, 6 KOs), a former champion at super featherweight and junior middleweight, will be looking to bounce back from her stoppage loss to WBO welterweight champion Sandy Ryan last time out at Sheffield Arena in March.
|
Okolie to face purse bid for Lerena defense |
|
The WBC has been notified that the mandatory bridgerweight title fight between champion Lawrence Okolie and interim champion Kevin Lerena could not be agreed upon. Therefore, a purse bid will be held by the WBC on September 20th in London. The British Okolie (pictured) captured the WBC bridgerweight title by defeating former champion Lukasz Rozanski in the first round back in May. Okolie (22-2 including the World Series of Boxing) is a two-division champ, having held the WBO cruiserweight title from 2021-2023. The South African Lerena (30-3, 14 KO), in his most recent fight, suffered a close loss at heavyweight, in a competitive battle against Justis Huni. He became WBC interim bridgerweight title holder by defeating Ryad Merhy in 2023.
|
|
|
|
Okolie to face purse bid for Lerena defense
The WBC has been notified that the mandatory bridgerweight title fight between champion Lawrence Okolie and interim champion Kevin Lerena could not be agreed upon. Therefore, a purse bid will be held by the WBC on September 20th in London. The British Okolie (pictured) captured the WBC bridgerweight title by defeating former champion Lukasz Rozanski in the first round back in May. Okolie (22-2 including the World Series of Boxing) is a two-division champ, having held the WBO cruiserweight title from 2021-2023. The South African Lerena (30-3, 14 KO), in his most recent fight, suffered a close loss at heavyweight, in a competitive battle against Justis Huni. He became WBC interim bridgerweight title holder by defeating Ryad Merhy in 2023.
|
Reyes Boxing coming to Springfield, MA |
|
Reyes Boxing Inc., the steadily rising six-year-old promotional company, is bringing boxing to the big room at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts on Sept. 14th. “We’ve already done Maine, New Hampshire and the Boston area and so we are now heading on to Springfield,” said Reyes Boxing's president Michael Reyes. Tickets can be purchased here. "We have plans to get to Connecticut and Rhode Island. It’s a New England series, so we plan to hit every New England state. Springfield is literally just over the border from Connecticut so it could be just a matter of time before Reyes Boxing is doing shows at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, two of the biggest casinos in the country.
Reyes, a former officer with the United States Marine Corps., is pleased with how far his company has come in a short amount of time. “We’ve learned. We’ve built. We’ve had some really quality fights with some really quality guys. A lot of my guys have fought on Showtime, ESPN and DAZN.” He added, “So, as far as a six-year-old company, we’ve done a lot and we’ve been to a lot of places, especially in the last three years. We’re happy with our growth. We’re happy to see where we’re going.”
Reyes is also a former amateur fighter and loved boxing since his early years, "I didn't know that there was a calling when I was kid to be a boxing promoter. But now that I'm here, I love it. I'm addicted and I'm all in."
Next Saturday's show, entitled “Down and Dirty XI,” marks the first time boxing is taking place in the Arena at the Mass Mutual Center, which is located across the street from MGM Springfield and just a few blocks away from I-91. Headlining the twelve-bout card will be Springfield’s own Anthony Velazquez in a junior middleweight contest against France’s Florent Dervis (10-1). Beloved by the Puerto Rican community in his hometown, Velazquez looks to gain wider support with and each and every victory. His record currently stands at 14-0-1. Velazquez is on a two-fight win streak since an April 2023 draw with Rashid Stevens at Mohegan Sun, on a card that was promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s CES Boxing. His two victories since that draw have been by knockout, eliminating the suspense of scorecards.
“This is the first time boxing’s taking place in the Mass Mutual stadium, which they call the Arena,” said Reyes. “I think this is going to be the best show Massachusetts has all year long. I think the talent pool is deep with guys we have fighting and I’m excited. I’m excited to be in the Arena. I’m excited to bring big-time boxing out to western Massachusetts and push further down.” If Reyes pushes down beyond Connecticut, New York City promoters may have some competition.
|
|
|
|
Reyes Boxing coming to Springfield, MA
Reyes Boxing Inc., the steadily rising six-year-old promotional company, is bringing boxing to the big room at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts on Sept. 14th. “We’ve already done Maine, New Hampshire and the Boston area and so we are now heading on to Springfield,” said Reyes Boxing's president Michael Reyes. Tickets can be purchased here. "We have plans to get to Connecticut and Rhode Island. It’s a New England series, so we plan to hit every New England state. Springfield is literally just over the border from Connecticut so it could be just a matter of time before Reyes Boxing is doing shows at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, two of the biggest casinos in the country.
Reyes, a former officer with the United States Marine Corps., is pleased with how far his company has come in a short amount of time. “We’ve learned. We’ve built. We’ve had some really quality fights with some really quality guys. A lot of my guys have fought on Showtime, ESPN and DAZN.” He added, “So, as far as a six-year-old company, we’ve done a lot and we’ve been to a lot of places, especially in the last three years. We’re happy with our growth. We’re happy to see where we’re going.”
Reyes is also a former amateur fighter and loved boxing since his early years, "I didn't know that there was a calling when I was kid to be a boxing promoter. But now that I'm here, I love it. I'm addicted and I'm all in."
Next Saturday's show, entitled “Down and Dirty XI,” marks the first time boxing is taking place in the Arena at the Mass Mutual Center, which is located across the street from MGM Springfield and just a few blocks away from I-91. Headlining the twelve-bout card will be Springfield’s own Anthony Velazquez in a junior middleweight contest against France’s Florent Dervis (10-1). Beloved by the Puerto Rican community in his hometown, Velazquez looks to gain wider support with and each and every victory. His record currently stands at 14-0-1. Velazquez is on a two-fight win streak since an April 2023 draw with Rashid Stevens at Mohegan Sun, on a card that was promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s CES Boxing. His two victories since that draw have been by knockout, eliminating the suspense of scorecards.
“This is the first time boxing’s taking place in the Mass Mutual stadium, which they call the Arena,” said Reyes. “I think this is going to be the best show Massachusetts has all year long. I think the talent pool is deep with guys we have fighting and I’m excited. I’m excited to be in the Arena. I’m excited to bring big-time boxing out to western Massachusetts and push further down.” If Reyes pushes down beyond Connecticut, New York City promoters may have some competition.
|
Biyarslanov and Khataev win in Montreal |
|
|
Arthur Biyarslanov TKO3 Tamas Kiliti ... Arthur Biyarslanov dominated previously undefeated Tamas Kiliti in a junior welterweight bout on Thursday night at the Casino de Montreal. A Russian fighting out of Toronto, Biyarslanov knocked Kiliti down twice in the first round and once late in the second. The fight was eventually stopped after a fourth knockdown in the third round. With this victory, Biyarslanov improves his record to 16-0, with 14 knockouts, while Kiliti fell to 10-1, 6 knockouts.
Imam Khataev TKO7 Ezequiel Maderna...On the same show, Russian light heavyweight Imam Khataev defeated Ezequiel Maderna (31-13, 21 knockouts) of Argentina in the seventh round. The time of the stoppage was 45 seconds into the seventh round. Khataev won a bronze medal in the 2021 Olympics. Though listed at 8-0, paid bouts in the World Series of Boxing make 10-1 a more accurate record.
|
|
|
|
Biyarslanov and Khataev win in Montreal
Arthur Biyarslanov TKO3 Tamas Kiliti ... Arthur Biyarslanov dominated previously undefeated Tamas Kiliti in a junior welterweight bout on Thursday night at the Casino de Montreal. A Russian fighting out of Toronto, Biyarslanov knocked Kiliti down twice in the first round and once late in the second. The fight was eventually stopped after a fourth knockdown in the third round. With this victory, Biyarslanov improves his record to 16-0, with 14 knockouts, while Kiliti fell to 10-1, 6 knockouts.
Imam Khataev TKO7 Ezequiel Maderna...On the same show, Russian light heavyweight Imam Khataev defeated Ezequiel Maderna (31-13, 21 knockouts) of Argentina in the seventh round. The time of the stoppage was 45 seconds into the seventh round. Khataev won a bronze medal in the 2021 Olympics. Though listed at 8-0, paid bouts in the World Series of Boxing make 10-1 a more accurate record.
|
