G. Leon Scott Shaffer Stephen Edwards Benny Henderson jr. Bert Sugar Ray Campbell Darren Nichols Christian Schmidt Socrates Palmer Doveed Linder Matthew Goldstein Rob Soucy Tommy Canez Mike Walters The Nonpareli Hilario Michael Herron Cara Castronuova Alonzo Benezra Michael Gonzalez Cory Rapacz Wyatt Johnston Ramon Rodriguez Hector Linares Dontae Williams Alex Stone Tim Schluter Dan Rodkewich Tiffany Leon Jenny Nichols Rick Pineda

After a few days of conflicting reports, it has now been confirmed that trainer Enzo Calzaghe has passed away at age 69. Calzaghe was the father and trainer of Joe Calzaghe, the former super middleweight and light heavyweight champion who is arguably the greatest British boxer of all time. Enzo trained Joe throughout his entire career, which is an incredible accomplishment made even more astonishing by the fact that Enzo never boxed in his life. Under Enzo's guidance, Joe had a career record of 46-0 including wins over Jeff Lacy, Mikkel Kessler, Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins. Although critics said Joe made Enzo, not the other way around, Enzo also trained three other world title holders from Wales: Enzo Maccarinelli, Gavin Rees and Nathan Cleverly. Eventually, Enzo got his  due, being named trainer of the year in both Britain and the USA.  He is survived by his wife and three children. Boxingtalk sends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of Enzo Calzaghe. source: wbc/ the guardian

According to ESPN, WBC 168-pound champion David Benavidez has tested positive for cocaine as part of the VADA testing program.  According to the report, the test was conducted in August and the B sample has not yet been tested to confirm the initial positive test result. Benavidez (20-0) won his world title in 2017 at the age of 20. He is supposed to make a mandatory defense on a date not yet determined against Anthony Dirrell, but with this news, the fight has to be in jeopardy, at least for the time being. --Scott Shaffer

Former WBC 154-pound champion Sergio Mora: If those post fight pics you see of GGG weren’t edited or enhanced, then the champ’s face serves as the truest scorecard of them all. #CaneloGGG2

Leading trainer John Scully: [Sergio Mora,] you're a fighter, you KNOW that doesn't mean anything. Some guys bruise easier, some not at all. Julian Jackson MURDERED guys but some didnt even have redness.

There have been so many Hartford (Connecticut) based boxing trainers/coaches over the years, from John Datro, Bill Gore and Walter Brown to Pepe Vazquez, Wesley Shuff and Desi Clark but I think most people familiar with Hartford boxing have one man's name come to mind when they think of trainers in the city-- that being the legend, Julio"The Duke" Julio Gallucci, better known as Johnny Duke.

Press Release: The New York chapter of the National Alliance of Mental Illness will recognize the commitment of Showtime boxing announcer Mauro Ranallo for raising awareness of what it

means to live with a mental illness. Since 2007, Mauro has been a part of the CBS Broadcasting family and in 2012, was chosen as the play-by-play announcer for Championship Boxing on Showtime. The next year, Mauro's wit and booming voice earned him the Boxing Announcer of the Year Award from Yahoo sports. Mauro has also made history as the only sports broadcaster ever to call every major combat sport on national television: Boxing, Kickboxing, MMA, and Professional Wrestling. Mauro has bi-polar disorder and is the subject of the Showtime documentary Bipolar Rock "N" Roller, which is one of the most honest and gripping films ever made on the experience of living with a serious mental illness. 

Press Release: Sampson Boxing announced the signing of a trio of undefeated Dominicans to promotional contracts: featherweight Ranfis Javier Encarnacion (13-0, 10 KOs), super featherweight Michael "La Salsa Michell" Rivera (14-0, 9 KOs), and junior welterweight Starling "Exparquison" Castillo (6-0, 5 KOs).

Press Release: Two of the world's top amateur boxing powerhouses will meet in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for two separate duels taking place Saturday, October 6th and Friday, Oct. 12th at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The duels will feature some of the top male and female boxers from both the United States and Germany, as they prepare for the Olympics in 2020. The two events will take place alongside this year's Eastern Elite Qualifier & Regional Open Championships, which is expected to have more than 650 boxers, aged 8-40, compete from Oct. 8-13.

Press Release: Dear Fight Fans, On the night of Saturday, September 15, fans were set to be treated to what sports should be all about: the two best athletes in a sport squaring off against each other with the winner earning the title of the best in the business. This kind of an event - where an individual can be called the best in any sport -- is truly rare.

According to Canadian promoter Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Marie-Eve Dicaire (13-0) is the mandatory contender to face IBF women's junior middleweight champion Chris "El Bombon Asesino" Namus (24-4) from Uruguay. Namus has defdended her title twice and after winning it on August 12, 2017 against Argentina's Yamila Esther Reynoso. Now, IBF Championships Committee Chairman Lindsey Tucker has informed Namus, Dicaire and their respective promoters, Osvaldo Rivero of Argentina and Yvon Michel of GYM that the parties have until October 17th to come to an agreement, otherwise a purse bid will be ordered. source: gym

Press Release: Matty Askin is predicting an early night for Lawrence Okolie when the rivals collide for the British cruiserweight title at Wembley Stadium this Saturday September 22nd, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. The Blackpool man has been preparing for his showdown with the 2016 Olympian Okolie by spending time away from his partner and son in his dad’s caravan in Eccleston, Lancashire, and believes his humble surroundings will inspire him to put Okolie in his place.

Press Release: European women's featherweight champion Licia Boudersa will move up to super featherweight on September 29th at the Palais St. Sauveur in her hometown of Lille, France. The 26-year-old Boudersa, 12-1-2, will Hasna Tukic, 10-7, a Bosnian based in Germany who lost a decision to undefeated lightweight Nicole Wesner in July 2017. Boudersa is undefeated since losing her second pro fight in June of 2015. She captured the French national crown less than a year later before becoming European Champion in January of 2017 with a victory over undefeated compatriot Ericka Rousseau (10-0). Also on the bill, France's Samuel Kadje (12-0) takes on Vasil Ducar (6-0-1) from the Czech Republic at cruiserweight. source: wbf

 

Press Release: Miguel "Alacran" Berchelt (34-1) and Miguel "Mickey" Roman (60-12) will fight for Berchelt's WBC super featherweight crown. Berchelt will make the fourth defense of his title on Saturday, November 3rd at the Don Haskins Center on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso. Both men are from Mexico. "I've wanted this fight for a long time" said Berchelt. "Roman has been talking a lot. I cannot wait to be in the ring with him.  I'm happy to fight in El Paso, which is the perfect place for an event  like this. I'll show all the fans that I'm on my way to becoming  one of the greatest Mexican champions."  Roman responded, "Berchelt will get a very big surprise. He's never seen a Mexican warrior like me before, fans will be on my side, and I know I will be the new WBC champion." Tickets go on sale on Friday, September 21st.

Avni Yildirim W12 Lolenga Mock... Turkey's Avni Yildirim (21-1-0) outscored experienced Danish boxer Lolenga Mock (42-15-1) in a super middleweight bout at the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Yildirim started fast and knocked Mock down in the first round. In the following rounds, Mock also showed his power and striking effectiveness. After a close and hard fought contest, Yildirim won by majority decision. Scores were 113-112, 116-111 and 113-113. Avni has been working with Mike Tyson's former coach, Stacey McKinley. For the 46 year-old Congo-born Mock, his amazing eleven-fight win streak came to an end. source: wbc

Brandon Robinson TKO3 Ernest Amuzu... Super middleweight Brandon Robinson (11-1) won his eleventh straight bout as he took out Ernest Amuzu (24-4) in round three this past Friday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Robinson of Upper Darby, PA bided his time until round three, when he landed a body shot that drove Amuzu into the corner.  That set up a furious flurry by Robinson.  Robinson rocked Amuzu several times until he was defenseless, and the bout was stopped at 2:04. 

Anvar Yunusov TKO1 Angel Monreal... Three-time Olympian, Anvar Yunusov (5-0 plus additional World Series of Boxing pro bouts) dropped Angel Monreal (10-11-1) twice in round one, and got the stoppage win at 2:39 of that opening frame. Yunusov scored both knockdowns with hard left hands, with the finishing blow being a left that sent Monreal plummeting to the deck. source for all results: kings promotion

Promoter Lou DiBella: I think Golovkin WON TWICE. Tonight, I can live with. It was close. The first one was an utter robbery, and one guy was jacked up. The third fight will NOT be conclusive. The older guy will be even older and more worn. Canelo is in prime. SAD for Golovkin. BTW, Canelo deserves big props for fighting a smart, exciting Fight and coming away with the W. The three judges deserve props for totally credible cards, whether you agree or disagree. And Golovkin yet again shows why he’s been a credit to #boxing and is a HOFer. 

Journalist Kevin Iole: I gave Golovkin the 12th round and have it 114-114 A DRAW. 

Commentator Al Bernstein:  It was a very exciting g match that continues the great momentum of boxing. I disagreed with the decision. I thought Golovkin won the close decision.

Ex-world featherweight champion Carl Frampton: In hindsight a lot of the rounds were close. I edged Golovkin but can we please applaud the smaller man Canelo's chin

Ex-world heavyweight champion George Foreman: Canelo [is] brave as a bull! Congrats! Made a puncher box. I didn’t expect this. Need one more between these great fighters.

Derrick Webster W8 Milton Nunez.... Super middleweight Derrick “Take it to the Bank” Webster (28-1, 14 KOs) was back in action on Saturday night, defeating Milton Nunez (35-20-1) via eight-round unanimous decision. Scores were 80-72 and 79-73 (twice). The card was held at the PAL Center in Hockessin, Delaware.  “He was a tough dude,” Webster said after the win. “He has more than 50 fights, so he knew how to survive. He has been in there with guys like GGG and Danny Jacobs, so we knew he was bringing a lot of experience into the ring tonight." source: Dee Lee Promotions 

Press Release: Josh Warrington will defend his IBF featherweight title against former two-division champ Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd, live on BT Sport Box Office. Warrington (27-0) became Leeds, England's first ever champion when he defeated Lee Selby at Elland Road back in May. The undefeated 27-year-old will now be involved in yet another huge domestic clash this year when he faces the current interim WBO titleholder, Frampton (26-1) subject to IBF sanctioning.

Jose Carlos Ramirez W12 Antonio Orozco ... In an exciting fight in Fresno, California, hometown hero Jose Carlos Ramirez retained the WBC 140-pound championship and handed Antonio Orozco his first pro loss.  Ramirez, who threw over 1000 punches over the twelve rounds, knocked down Orozco twice en route to a wide unanimous decision win. He also landed more than 100 punches than Orozco did. Ramirez is now 23-0 while Orozco falls to 27-1. “I’ve been teaching my kids that, in life, you don’t lose, you learn lessons. And today, I learned a lesson,” said Orozco afterwards. source: top rank social media

Nick DeLomba W8 Chris Singleton... Nick DeLomba got a much-needed win Friday in front of his hometown crowd at Rhode Island's Twin River Casino Hotel.  The 140-pound DeLomba (14-2) topped Louisiana’s Chris Singleton (18-6-2)  via scores of 79-73 (twice) and 78-74 in a unanimous decision win. Orginally slated to face Ireland’s Ray Moylette, DeLomba had to switch up the game plan five weeks before the fight when Moylette suffered a hand injury.  

Press Release: [As previously reported on Boxingtalk] Undisputed world cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC, IBF, WBA and WBO belts against Eng;and's Tony Bellew at Manchester Arena on November 10th, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.  Usyk made history by outclassing Murat Gassiev to become the first cruiserweight to hold all four recognised belts, following his sensational World Boxing Super Series win in July. An announcement on ticket prices and on sale dates will be made in due course.  

Boxingtalk sends its congratulations to top-notch New England-based boxing publicist Bob Trieger on becoming a grandfather. Trieger, who has worked for, among others, Jimmy's Burchfield's Classic Entertainment & Sports (CES), DiBella Entertainment, as well as for Roy Jones Jr's promotional firm, became a grandfather for the first time this past Monday (9/10/18). His granddaughter Amelia Badolato was born to Trieger's daughter, Caitlin, and his son-in-law, Alfredo Badolato, at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital in Melrose, MA.

“They have become friends.”

This is what HBO’s Jim Lampley remarked while recapping the action in the immediate aftermath of the initial encounter between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin on September 16, 2017. Given all the rhetoric in the recent months leading into Saturday’s WBC/WBA middleweight championship rematch at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, that is clearly no longer the case. Mutual respect has become mutual animosity, and it has been heavily used as a marketing tool to build hype. 

Pablo Cesar Cano W5 Ruslan Madiev... Mexico's Pablo "El Demoledor" Cesar Cano (31-7-1, 21 KOs) defeated Kazakhstan's Ruslan Madiev (12-1, 5 KOs) via fifth-round technical decision at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. After a vicious head-butt worsened a nasty cut on the left side of Cano's forehead, the fight was stopped at the end of the fifth round. Cano was awarded the technical decision victory with three scores of 49-46.  

Franchon Crews-Dezurn W10 Maricela Cornejo ... Franchon Crews-Dezurn (4-1, 1 KO) of Baltimore captured the WBC super middleweight title by scoring a ten-round unanimous decision win against Maricela Cornejo (12-3, 5 KOs) in tonight's main event.  "This is for my mom," said Franchon Crews (pictured). "This is the first time, but I knew her will and determination wasn't stronger than mine. There were some rough areas in there, but it's a learning curve and we did everything we could. It seems so much more real. If you believe in yourself, go for it." source for all results: golden boy