Timur Kerefov back in less than three weeks |
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This Friday (March 5th) at 8:00 pm Eastern time, Salita Promotions’ YouTube Channel will have a live boxing match mixed in with its pay-per-view pre-show. One supporting bout will be broadcast, free of charge, a ten-round middleweight battle between Russia’s Timur Kerefov (10-0, 5 KO) and Florida's Manny Woods (16-10-1, 6 KO). Kerefov, who is promoted by Salita, fought just two weeks ago, knocking out previously undefeated Fernando Ezequiel Farias in the first round. The fight will be part of a teaser for the Claressa Shields vs. Marie-Eve Dicaire, a 154-pound unification fight. Hosted by the broadcast commentary team including boxing & MMA star Holly Holm, Dan Canobbio, Justin Shackil, Claudia Trejos and Ray Flores, coverage will include behind-the-scenes reporting of the final hour leading up to the fight, as well as interviews and commentary live from the site.
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Timur Kerefov back in less than three weeks
This Friday (March 5th) at 8:00 pm Eastern time, Salita Promotions’ YouTube Channel will have a live boxing match mixed in with its pay-per-view pre-show. One supporting bout will be broadcast, free of charge, a ten-round middleweight battle between Russia’s Timur Kerefov (10-0, 5 KO) and Florida's Manny Woods (16-10-1, 6 KO). Kerefov, who is promoted by Salita, fought just two weeks ago, knocking out previously undefeated Fernando Ezequiel Farias in the first round. The fight will be part of a teaser for the Claressa Shields vs. Marie-Eve Dicaire, a 154-pound unification fight. Hosted by the broadcast commentary team including boxing & MMA star Holly Holm, Dan Canobbio, Justin Shackil, Claudia Trejos and Ray Flores, coverage will include behind-the-scenes reporting of the final hour leading up to the fight, as well as interviews and commentary live from the site.
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Bohachuk-Adams presser quotes |
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Ring City USA is just two days away from its 2021 inaugural event headlined by Serhii Bohachuk against Brandon Adams on Thursday, March 4th in a ten-round junior middleweight fight, live from the Felix Pintor Gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. The full card, which features six matchups, will stream live around the world on Twitch at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The three-fight main card will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Network in the United States and Puerto Rico, and on Twitch for fans outside of the U.S. In Thursday’s co-feature Danielito Zorilla (14-0, 11 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will meet Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Madiyev (13-1 5 KOs) in a ten-round junior welterweight fight, while in the telecast opener on NBC Sports Network, Puerto Rico’s Bryan Chevalier (14-1-1, 11 KOs) will face Carlos Zambrano (26-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight contest.
The Twitch undercard kicks off at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT featuring Fernando Vargas Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) against Salome Flores Torres (0-2) in a four-round super middleweight fight, Harold Laguna (1-0, 1 KO) against Darwin Alvarez (pro debut) in a four-round lightweight fight and two fighters making their professional debuts when Jorge Diaz faces Felipe Munoz in a four-round super lightweight fight. Below are quotes from today’s virtual press conference:
SERHII BOHACHUK
On his nickname: “When I started professional boxing, I started at 147 pounds. I have always been very skinny so I called myself ‘Flaco.’ I am a good boxer so it doesn’t matter if I am skinny.”
On getting coronavirus: “I am feeling very good. I am feeling fresh. I got Coronavirus before the last fight. At the beginning I was really, really upset. But then I gathered my thoughts together and rested. It’s all for the best so now I am ready. I rested a couple of weeks and now I am feeling fresh and hungry. I want to work, work, work and win this fight.
On Brandon’s last opponent: “(Sonny) Duversonne was not a hard opponent. Brandon does not have hard opponents. I knew it would only go a few rounds.”
On extending his knockout streak: “I don’t look for knockouts. I am boxing. I do my job. I will do 10 rounds, 12 rounds, knockout. It’s OK. Brandon Adams is a good boxer. I watched his fights. This is not an easy fight for me.”
On being from the Ukraine: “Ukraine has a lot of good professionals – Lomachenko, Usyk. I have a different style of boxing, but I have the same mentality.”
BRANDON ADAMS
On his nickname: “I got my nickname ‘Cannon’ from the video game Fight Night Champions. I used to always create my character and every time I created my character; I would try to find a nickname that went with my name. One time I was playing, and I saw a cannon on the trunks, and it all went. Brandon ‘The Cannon.’ This was before I was even fighting.”
On his preparation: “I’ve been ready since December 3. Everyday that passes I am able to tame that inner beast and control myself a lot more. I feel that I am willing and able to get in the ring with anyone and this time around it’s Serhii Bohachuk. I believe that I have everything that I need to go into this fight and pull out a victory.”
On Bohachuk’s record: “For me, when I think of his record, it’s very impressive. If I was so worried about records, I wouldn’t have taken the fight with Jermall Charlo in his backyard. This was different, getting called out. I’ve never been called out before. Now we are living through it and it’s playing out. I am excited to fight. I am dialed in.”
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Bohachuk-Adams presser quotes
Ring City USA is just two days away from its 2021 inaugural event headlined by Serhii Bohachuk against Brandon Adams on Thursday, March 4th in a ten-round junior middleweight fight, live from the Felix Pintor Gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. The full card, which features six matchups, will stream live around the world on Twitch at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The three-fight main card will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Network in the United States and Puerto Rico, and on Twitch for fans outside of the U.S. In Thursday’s co-feature Danielito Zorilla (14-0, 11 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will meet Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Madiyev (13-1 5 KOs) in a ten-round junior welterweight fight, while in the telecast opener on NBC Sports Network, Puerto Rico’s Bryan Chevalier (14-1-1, 11 KOs) will face Carlos Zambrano (26-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight contest.
The Twitch undercard kicks off at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT featuring Fernando Vargas Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) against Salome Flores Torres (0-2) in a four-round super middleweight fight, Harold Laguna (1-0, 1 KO) against Darwin Alvarez (pro debut) in a four-round lightweight fight and two fighters making their professional debuts when Jorge Diaz faces Felipe Munoz in a four-round super lightweight fight. Below are quotes from today’s virtual press conference:
SERHII BOHACHUK
On his nickname: “When I started professional boxing, I started at 147 pounds. I have always been very skinny so I called myself ‘Flaco.’ I am a good boxer so it doesn’t matter if I am skinny.”
On getting coronavirus: “I am feeling very good. I am feeling fresh. I got Coronavirus before the last fight. At the beginning I was really, really upset. But then I gathered my thoughts together and rested. It’s all for the best so now I am ready. I rested a couple of weeks and now I am feeling fresh and hungry. I want to work, work, work and win this fight.
On Brandon’s last opponent: “(Sonny) Duversonne was not a hard opponent. Brandon does not have hard opponents. I knew it would only go a few rounds.”
On extending his knockout streak: “I don’t look for knockouts. I am boxing. I do my job. I will do 10 rounds, 12 rounds, knockout. It’s OK. Brandon Adams is a good boxer. I watched his fights. This is not an easy fight for me.”
On being from the Ukraine: “Ukraine has a lot of good professionals – Lomachenko, Usyk. I have a different style of boxing, but I have the same mentality.”
BRANDON ADAMS
On his nickname: “I got my nickname ‘Cannon’ from the video game Fight Night Champions. I used to always create my character and every time I created my character; I would try to find a nickname that went with my name. One time I was playing, and I saw a cannon on the trunks, and it all went. Brandon ‘The Cannon.’ This was before I was even fighting.”
On his preparation: “I’ve been ready since December 3. Everyday that passes I am able to tame that inner beast and control myself a lot more. I feel that I am willing and able to get in the ring with anyone and this time around it’s Serhii Bohachuk. I believe that I have everything that I need to go into this fight and pull out a victory.”
On Bohachuk’s record: “For me, when I think of his record, it’s very impressive. If I was so worried about records, I wouldn’t have taken the fight with Jermall Charlo in his backyard. This was different, getting called out. I’ve never been called out before. Now we are living through it and it’s playing out. I am excited to fight. I am dialed in.”
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Yuri Foreman to face Jimmy Williams this weekend |
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Former WBA 154-pound champion Yuri Foreman (pictured), who has fought sporadically since the main part of his career ended in 2011, will compete in an eight-round bout this Saturday at the Kentucky Center for African Americans in Louisville, Kentucky. Foreman (35-3) will face Connecticut's Jimmy "Quiet Storm" Williams (16-5-2). Foreman captured his world title in 2009, winning a unanimous twelve-round decision against defending champion Daniel Santos (32-3-1).
Williams looks at this fight as the opportunity of his career. "We sparred back when I was a kid when I trained at the Joe Grier Boxing Academy in Patterson, New Jersey," Williams explained. "Joe was the one who gave me my nickname, 'Quiet Storm.' Yuri is a true world champion. I basically have come from nowhere to share the ring with a world champion. What we're doing is what boxing is all about. It's not about age; he's 40 and I'm 34. Age doesn't mean anything. I'm not a top dog, which is probably why they offered me the fight, but I'm a real fighter who will be in with a world champ. This is my world title fight! Win, lose, or draw, I'll be fighting a world champion. I'm not scared of anybody. It's not about money, it's who I am, and I always step up to the challenge. This is going to be a great fight."
Williams is proud to be one of the rare football players who has succeeded in boxing. He was a standout cornerback at Southern Connecticut State University and invited to several NFL tryout camps. He came close to making the cut with the then-Oakland Raiders. "I've always been a boxer at heart," Williams said, "so football was easy for me. It was great getting calls from NFL scouts. I walked away from football for boxing. I'm a former Division 2 college football player fighting a world champion. I knew when it was time to leave football, but I'm not ready to leave boxing yet. I don't need to box. I'm educated, work in the community, and I'm a father. I'm blessed to be boxing and I'll know when it's time to hang up my gloves."
Williams didn't box until after his mother, Belinda, was murdered in 2008 and her case remains unsolved. He lost his father to cancer.
"This fight for Jimmy is by far the biggest of his career," Williams' manager Ryan Roach (Fighter Locker) remarked. "It's a must win to get him back on track. He knows what he has to do. He made a move to Veloz Boxing in Rhode Island and he's a different fighter from what he was in his last two fights. Just being around 'Boo Boo' (world champion Demetrious Andrade) and those guys there has Jimmy where he needs to be for this fight."
Williams has been promoted by Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES) since he turned pro in 2013.
"We have a close relationship," Burchfield commented. "I turned him pro, got him on national television a few times, and even attended his wedding. I'm very proud of him. He's been tremendously loyal to CES as we have to him. This is a great opportunity. He didn't hesitate a minute to take this fight. He has a new trainer, Brian Johnson, and Jimmy has been driving bad and forth from New Haven to Providence to train. I think he's in the top shape of his life, because he knows the importance of this fight. He deserves to have this opportunity.
Something special about his fight this Saturday night against Foreman for Williams, an African American, is fighting at this venue (Kentucky Center for African Americans) in the hometown of his hero, Muhammad Ali. "I'm paying homage to all people who've lived my dream," Williams remarked. "It is what I represent. We've lost a lot of people in the last year. Fighting in Louisville is big for me because it's the home of 'The Greatest,' Muhammad Ali. I look at Ali more for his character and what he stood for than his boxing. He stood for something and lost the prime of his career because of it. I try to be like him in terms of who I am. He gave me the confidence be who I want to be in life. I've read every book about him. I refuse to give up like Ali. I'm a throwback fighter."
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Yuri Foreman to face Jimmy Williams this weekend
Former WBA 154-pound champion Yuri Foreman (pictured), who has fought sporadically since the main part of his career ended in 2011, will compete in an eight-round bout this Saturday at the Kentucky Center for African Americans in Louisville, Kentucky. Foreman (35-3) will face Connecticut's Jimmy "Quiet Storm" Williams (16-5-2). Foreman captured his world title in 2009, winning a unanimous twelve-round decision against defending champion Daniel Santos (32-3-1).
Williams looks at this fight as the opportunity of his career. "We sparred back when I was a kid when I trained at the Joe Grier Boxing Academy in Patterson, New Jersey," Williams explained. "Joe was the one who gave me my nickname, 'Quiet Storm.' Yuri is a true world champion. I basically have come from nowhere to share the ring with a world champion. What we're doing is what boxing is all about. It's not about age; he's 40 and I'm 34. Age doesn't mean anything. I'm not a top dog, which is probably why they offered me the fight, but I'm a real fighter who will be in with a world champ. This is my world title fight! Win, lose, or draw, I'll be fighting a world champion. I'm not scared of anybody. It's not about money, it's who I am, and I always step up to the challenge. This is going to be a great fight."
Williams is proud to be one of the rare football players who has succeeded in boxing. He was a standout cornerback at Southern Connecticut State University and invited to several NFL tryout camps. He came close to making the cut with the then-Oakland Raiders. "I've always been a boxer at heart," Williams said, "so football was easy for me. It was great getting calls from NFL scouts. I walked away from football for boxing. I'm a former Division 2 college football player fighting a world champion. I knew when it was time to leave football, but I'm not ready to leave boxing yet. I don't need to box. I'm educated, work in the community, and I'm a father. I'm blessed to be boxing and I'll know when it's time to hang up my gloves."
Williams didn't box until after his mother, Belinda, was murdered in 2008 and her case remains unsolved. He lost his father to cancer.
"This fight for Jimmy is by far the biggest of his career," Williams' manager Ryan Roach (Fighter Locker) remarked. "It's a must win to get him back on track. He knows what he has to do. He made a move to Veloz Boxing in Rhode Island and he's a different fighter from what he was in his last two fights. Just being around 'Boo Boo' (world champion Demetrious Andrade) and those guys there has Jimmy where he needs to be for this fight."
Williams has been promoted by Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES) since he turned pro in 2013.
"We have a close relationship," Burchfield commented. "I turned him pro, got him on national television a few times, and even attended his wedding. I'm very proud of him. He's been tremendously loyal to CES as we have to him. This is a great opportunity. He didn't hesitate a minute to take this fight. He has a new trainer, Brian Johnson, and Jimmy has been driving bad and forth from New Haven to Providence to train. I think he's in the top shape of his life, because he knows the importance of this fight. He deserves to have this opportunity.
Something special about his fight this Saturday night against Foreman for Williams, an African American, is fighting at this venue (Kentucky Center for African Americans) in the hometown of his hero, Muhammad Ali. "I'm paying homage to all people who've lived my dream," Williams remarked. "It is what I represent. We've lost a lot of people in the last year. Fighting in Louisville is big for me because it's the home of 'The Greatest,' Muhammad Ali. I look at Ali more for his character and what he stood for than his boxing. He stood for something and lost the prime of his career because of it. I try to be like him in terms of who I am. He gave me the confidence be who I want to be in life. I've read every book about him. I refuse to give up like Ali. I'm a throwback fighter."
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Germany's Deniz Ilbay books first fight in UK |
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German welterweight Deniz Ilbay plans on marking his first fight in the UK an upset win when he faces Lewis Crocker on the March 12th edition of MTK Fight Night. Ilbay (22-2, 10 KOs) challenges unbeaten Crocker (12-0, 7 KOs) at the University of Bolton Stadium next Friday, live in the US on ESPN+, and worldwide on IFL TV. Germany’s Ilbay went the distance with former world title challenger Egidijus Kavaliauskas back in 2016, and he’s warned Crocker to expect a fiery encounter.
Ilbay said: “I’m excited to be standing in the ring again and to be able to deliver fireworks. In the past year I have become stronger and improved on a lot of things. I’m so excited to fight in front of such a huge audience, even if they are only behind their TVs. We have had a lot of great sparring with fighters of the highest level. I had a lot of fight cancellations in 2020 due to COVID, but I stayed in fight mode because I knew it will pay off one day, and now it has. I will be pleased once I’m sitting on the airplane on the way back from the UK to Germany, because that means the fight did happen. Winning is all I want right now, that’s my main focus.”
Elsewhere on the March 12th MTK Fight Night, Gary Cully squares off with Viktor Kotochigov at lightweight, Isaac Lowe returns, Sahir Iqbal faces Liam Wells, Jordan Reynolds makes his professional debut against Robbie Chapman, Adam Azim is back in action, plus Carl Fail enters the paid ranks for the first time too.
It kicks off a huge 7 days, as on March 19th, another MTK Fight Night takes place, as Lee McGregor challenges Karim Guerfi for his European bantamweight title, and Maxi Hughes meets Paul Hyland Jr. for the vacant British lightweight title. The event on March 19th also sees Padraig McCrory face Germaine Brown in a clash of unbeaten super middleweights, Shabaz Masoud goes up against Louis Norman, Jamie Robinson fights Billy Allington, Paul Ryan makes his professional debut against Kyle Hughes, and William Hamilton returns.
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Germany's Deniz Ilbay books first fight in UK
German welterweight Deniz Ilbay plans on marking his first fight in the UK an upset win when he faces Lewis Crocker on the March 12th edition of MTK Fight Night. Ilbay (22-2, 10 KOs) challenges unbeaten Crocker (12-0, 7 KOs) at the University of Bolton Stadium next Friday, live in the US on ESPN+, and worldwide on IFL TV. Germany’s Ilbay went the distance with former world title challenger Egidijus Kavaliauskas back in 2016, and he’s warned Crocker to expect a fiery encounter.
Ilbay said: “I’m excited to be standing in the ring again and to be able to deliver fireworks. In the past year I have become stronger and improved on a lot of things. I’m so excited to fight in front of such a huge audience, even if they are only behind their TVs. We have had a lot of great sparring with fighters of the highest level. I had a lot of fight cancellations in 2020 due to COVID, but I stayed in fight mode because I knew it will pay off one day, and now it has. I will be pleased once I’m sitting on the airplane on the way back from the UK to Germany, because that means the fight did happen. Winning is all I want right now, that’s my main focus.”
Elsewhere on the March 12th MTK Fight Night, Gary Cully squares off with Viktor Kotochigov at lightweight, Isaac Lowe returns, Sahir Iqbal faces Liam Wells, Jordan Reynolds makes his professional debut against Robbie Chapman, Adam Azim is back in action, plus Carl Fail enters the paid ranks for the first time too.
It kicks off a huge 7 days, as on March 19th, another MTK Fight Night takes place, as Lee McGregor challenges Karim Guerfi for his European bantamweight title, and Maxi Hughes meets Paul Hyland Jr. for the vacant British lightweight title. The event on March 19th also sees Padraig McCrory face Germaine Brown in a clash of unbeaten super middleweights, Shabaz Masoud goes up against Louis Norman, Jamie Robinson fights Billy Allington, Paul Ryan makes his professional debut against Kyle Hughes, and William Hamilton returns.
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Introducing heavyweight DaCarree “MacTruck” Scott |
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Greg Cohen Promotions has announced the signing of 22 year-old heavyweight DaCarree “MacTruck” Scott to a long-term promotional contract. Born in Denver and raised in Decatur, Georgia, Scott (4-0, 4 KOs) has impressive handd speed and destructive power based on training videos. Standing a squat 5’ 10”, but weighing over 250 pounds, Scott has a naturally husky frame that makes it difficult to find foes that match his age and weight. “I’ve always sparred grown men and professionals,” said Scott, “one day I was sparring a pro. I probably had four amateur fights at the time, and I dropped him and ran him out of the ring. My trainer said, ‘man you run people over like a Mack Truck!’”
Scott had a successful 35-fight amateur career that saw him take silver at the US Nationals and compete in the 2019 Olympic Qualifiers. However, realizing his heavy-fisted style would be better suited in the hurt-for-pay business, he turned professional in early 2020 and has already registered four quick-knockout victories.
Working hard at Champs Boxing and Fitness in Smyrna, Georgia with trainer Pete Crumpley, Scott aspires to be an old-school technician in the James Toney realm with subtle but effective defense,, a penchant for attacking the body, and a crowd-pleasing flare for showmanship. “When I get in the ring, you can expect flash and style,” Scott continued. “Everybody is begging for a new Mike Tyson – a short heavyweight who can dominate. I believe I can do that. I’m unique. I will bring some excitement to the heavyweight division. I’m not just some wild puncher; I have the skills and speed of a middleweight.”
Scott says signing with GCP is the first of many milestones on his journey to winning the heavyweight championship. “Greg has real experience in building heavyweights,” he said. “Talking to Greg made me feel very comfortable. He told me what he can do for me and I believe him. I’ll be fighting better competition to show all my skills. I need about three more years of developing and getting experience, but I’m here to stay. I’m not just an internet sensation. I want to be champion.”
“Mac is the kind of fighter people love,” said Greg Cohen. “He’s a shorter heavyweight with a big punch that can flatten men twice his size. He’s got a great personality and an entertaining style. The fans in Georgia already love him. We’re just going to show the rest of the world what they already know.”
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Introducing heavyweight DaCarree “MacTruck” Scott
Greg Cohen Promotions has announced the signing of 22 year-old heavyweight DaCarree “MacTruck” Scott to a long-term promotional contract. Born in Denver and raised in Decatur, Georgia, Scott (4-0, 4 KOs) has impressive handd speed and destructive power based on training videos. Standing a squat 5’ 10”, but weighing over 250 pounds, Scott has a naturally husky frame that makes it difficult to find foes that match his age and weight. “I’ve always sparred grown men and professionals,” said Scott, “one day I was sparring a pro. I probably had four amateur fights at the time, and I dropped him and ran him out of the ring. My trainer said, ‘man you run people over like a Mack Truck!’”
Scott had a successful 35-fight amateur career that saw him take silver at the US Nationals and compete in the 2019 Olympic Qualifiers. However, realizing his heavy-fisted style would be better suited in the hurt-for-pay business, he turned professional in early 2020 and has already registered four quick-knockout victories.
Working hard at Champs Boxing and Fitness in Smyrna, Georgia with trainer Pete Crumpley, Scott aspires to be an old-school technician in the James Toney realm with subtle but effective defense,, a penchant for attacking the body, and a crowd-pleasing flare for showmanship. “When I get in the ring, you can expect flash and style,” Scott continued. “Everybody is begging for a new Mike Tyson – a short heavyweight who can dominate. I believe I can do that. I’m unique. I will bring some excitement to the heavyweight division. I’m not just some wild puncher; I have the skills and speed of a middleweight.”
Scott says signing with GCP is the first of many milestones on his journey to winning the heavyweight championship. “Greg has real experience in building heavyweights,” he said. “Talking to Greg made me feel very comfortable. He told me what he can do for me and I believe him. I’ll be fighting better competition to show all my skills. I need about three more years of developing and getting experience, but I’m here to stay. I’m not just an internet sensation. I want to be champion.”
“Mac is the kind of fighter people love,” said Greg Cohen. “He’s a shorter heavyweight with a big punch that can flatten men twice his size. He’s got a great personality and an entertaining style. The fans in Georgia already love him. We’re just going to show the rest of the world what they already know.”
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Thursday: John Vera vs. Cleotis Pendarvis |
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RJJ Boxing will promote a show this Thursday, streaming live on UFC Fight Pass, from Biloxi, Mississippi with a main event featuring John “The Phenom” Vera (19-1, 11 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas vs. California's Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (21-7-2, 9 KOs). The bout will be an eight rounder in the welterweight division. The co-feautre, in the same weight class, is an all-Texas six rounder between Christon Edwards (11-2, 6 KOs) and Jonathan Steele. The card also features a battle between undefeated 130 pounders, namely Eridson Garcia (10-0, 7 KOs) of the Dominican Republic vs. Jose Miguel Diaz Valenzuala (6-0, 1 KO) of Phoenix. Two six-round junior welterweight bouts will also take place: Tennessee's Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Argentina's Ricardo Ocampo (12-10, 7 KOs) and North Carolina's Michael “Boy Wonder” Williams, Jr. (14-0, 10 KOs) vs. Mike “King” Tutt (10-3-1, 4 KOs) of Houston.
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Thursday: John Vera vs. Cleotis Pendarvis
RJJ Boxing will promote a show this Thursday, streaming live on UFC Fight Pass, from Biloxi, Mississippi with a main event featuring John “The Phenom” Vera (19-1, 11 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas vs. California's Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (21-7-2, 9 KOs). The bout will be an eight rounder in the welterweight division. The co-feautre, in the same weight class, is an all-Texas six rounder between Christon Edwards (11-2, 6 KOs) and Jonathan Steele. The card also features a battle between undefeated 130 pounders, namely Eridson Garcia (10-0, 7 KOs) of the Dominican Republic vs. Jose Miguel Diaz Valenzuala (6-0, 1 KO) of Phoenix. Two six-round junior welterweight bouts will also take place: Tennessee's Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Argentina's Ricardo Ocampo (12-10, 7 KOs) and North Carolina's Michael “Boy Wonder” Williams, Jr. (14-0, 10 KOs) vs. Mike “King” Tutt (10-3-1, 4 KOs) of Houston.
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FightNight Live returns under FloSports banner |
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FightNight Live has rebranded itself under the FloSports banner. Beginning with a Saturday, March 6th boxing show, the platform makes FloCombat its new home with a blockbuster multi-event deal. FightNight Live plans to deliver two combat sports shows per month – 24 boxing and MMA cards per year – via the subscription-based FloSports platform. Fight fans can purchase live streams at flocombat.com/. As previously reported, the March 6th card features junior welterweight Shinard Bunch (13-1, 12 KOs) against tough veteran Cameron Krael (17-17-3, 4 KOs) in the eight-round main event.
"We’re excited to begin our multi-event FloCombat partnership on Saturday with the heavy-hitting Shinard Bunch and the many Philly and Jersey prospects that Rodney Rice has on the card, which should be a great one called by the incomparable Michael Woods, two-time world champion Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham and veteran broadcaster Marc Abrams... Our series lives on, and we hope it will provide more opportunities for up-and-coming fighters under this new umbrella as we all adapt to the continuing effects of this global pandemic," said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media.
Bunch, 21 of Trenton, N.J., has kept an ambitious schedule. He will be fighting for the 14th time in 22 months, and Saturday marks his fourth fight already in 2021. The 27 year-old Krael is a ten-year veteran who has more then held his own against top competition, which includes a staggering 17 undefeated opponents, including world champions Maurice Hooker and Jamal James. Rashiem Jefferson Jr. (4-0) of Philadelphia, Nahir Albright (9-1, 3 KOs) of Sicklerville, N.J., undefeated cruiserweight Jakub Sowirko (2-0, 1 KO) of Trenton, N.J. and Nasir Mickens (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will also be featured.
“I think this is a very intriguing card with some step-up fights for some of boxing’s future stars,” said promoter Rodney Rice of RDR Promotions. “This is a special night of boxing that the spectators will remember, and those who miss it will want to see later.”
Additional Spring 2021 shows on FloSports will be officially announced in the coming weeks as athletic commissions approve event dates.
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FightNight Live returns under FloSports banner
FightNight Live has rebranded itself under the FloSports banner. Beginning with a Saturday, March 6th boxing show, the platform makes FloCombat its new home with a blockbuster multi-event deal. FightNight Live plans to deliver two combat sports shows per month – 24 boxing and MMA cards per year – via the subscription-based FloSports platform. Fight fans can purchase live streams at flocombat.com/. As previously reported, the March 6th card features junior welterweight Shinard Bunch (13-1, 12 KOs) against tough veteran Cameron Krael (17-17-3, 4 KOs) in the eight-round main event.
"We’re excited to begin our multi-event FloCombat partnership on Saturday with the heavy-hitting Shinard Bunch and the many Philly and Jersey prospects that Rodney Rice has on the card, which should be a great one called by the incomparable Michael Woods, two-time world champion Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham and veteran broadcaster Marc Abrams... Our series lives on, and we hope it will provide more opportunities for up-and-coming fighters under this new umbrella as we all adapt to the continuing effects of this global pandemic," said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media.
Bunch, 21 of Trenton, N.J., has kept an ambitious schedule. He will be fighting for the 14th time in 22 months, and Saturday marks his fourth fight already in 2021. The 27 year-old Krael is a ten-year veteran who has more then held his own against top competition, which includes a staggering 17 undefeated opponents, including world champions Maurice Hooker and Jamal James. Rashiem Jefferson Jr. (4-0) of Philadelphia, Nahir Albright (9-1, 3 KOs) of Sicklerville, N.J., undefeated cruiserweight Jakub Sowirko (2-0, 1 KO) of Trenton, N.J. and Nasir Mickens (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will also be featured.
“I think this is a very intriguing card with some step-up fights for some of boxing’s future stars,” said promoter Rodney Rice of RDR Promotions. “This is a special night of boxing that the spectators will remember, and those who miss it will want to see later.”
Additional Spring 2021 shows on FloSports will be officially announced in the coming weeks as athletic commissions approve event dates.
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Cully looking to move up the lightweight ladder |
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Ireland's Gary Cully sees his battle with Viktor Kotochigov as the first step towards a future lightweight title shot ahead of their showdown on the March 12th MTK Fight Night event. Cully (11-0, 5 KOs) faces Kotochigov (12-1, 5 KOs) at the University of Bolton Stadium next Friday, live in the US on ESPN+ and worldwide on IFL TV. The Irishman is excited about the huge opportunity ahead of him. Cully said: “This is a massive fight... I fought at 140lbs in my last fight, so to be back at lightweight is fantastic as well. I want to start climbing up those rankings, and then hopefully I can be within touching distance of a world title shot this time next year.”
Elsewhere on the huge #MTKFightNight on March 12, Lewis Crocker defends his WBO European welterweight title against Deniz Ilbay, Isaac Lowe returns, Sahir Iqbal faces Liam Wells, Jordan Reynolds makes his professional debut against Robbie Chapman, Adam Azim is back in action, plus Carl Fail enters the paid ranks for the first time too.
It kicks off a huge 7 days, as on March 19, a massive #MTKFightNight takes place, as Lee McGregor challenges Karim Guerfi for his European bantamweight title, and Maxi Hughes meets Paul Hyland Jnr for the vacant British lightweight title.
The event on March 19 also sees Padraig McCrory face Germaine Brown in a clash of unbeaten super-middleweights, Shabaz Masoud goes up against Louis Norman, Jamie Robinson fights Billy Allington, Paul Ryan makes his professional debut against Kyle Hughes, and William Hamilton returns.
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Cully looking to move up the lightweight ladder
Ireland's Gary Cully sees his battle with Viktor Kotochigov as the first step towards a future lightweight title shot ahead of their showdown on the March 12th MTK Fight Night event. Cully (11-0, 5 KOs) faces Kotochigov (12-1, 5 KOs) at the University of Bolton Stadium next Friday, live in the US on ESPN+ and worldwide on IFL TV. The Irishman is excited about the huge opportunity ahead of him. Cully said: “This is a massive fight... I fought at 140lbs in my last fight, so to be back at lightweight is fantastic as well. I want to start climbing up those rankings, and then hopefully I can be within touching distance of a world title shot this time next year.”
Elsewhere on the huge #MTKFightNight on March 12, Lewis Crocker defends his WBO European welterweight title against Deniz Ilbay, Isaac Lowe returns, Sahir Iqbal faces Liam Wells, Jordan Reynolds makes his professional debut against Robbie Chapman, Adam Azim is back in action, plus Carl Fail enters the paid ranks for the first time too.
It kicks off a huge 7 days, as on March 19, a massive #MTKFightNight takes place, as Lee McGregor challenges Karim Guerfi for his European bantamweight title, and Maxi Hughes meets Paul Hyland Jnr for the vacant British lightweight title.
The event on March 19 also sees Padraig McCrory face Germaine Brown in a clash of unbeaten super-middleweights, Shabaz Masoud goes up against Louis Norman, Jamie Robinson fights Billy Allington, Paul Ryan makes his professional debut against Kyle Hughes, and William Hamilton returns.
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Ramirez-Taylor four-belt unification booked for May 22nd |
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Two junior welterweight kings, one undisputed title. The stakes don’t get any higher. WBC/WBO champion Jose Ramirez (pictured), the pride of California’s Central Valley, will fight Scotland’s IBF/WBA champion Josh Taylor for the undisputed world 140-pound championship Saturday, May 22nd. The winner will become only the second undisputed junior welterweight champion of the four-belt era, joining pound-for-pound great Terence “Bud” Crawford. Ramirez-Taylor will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (and simulcast on ESPN+) starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT. The location, venue, and undercard information will be announced shortly.
“This is the best boxing has to offer, two elite fighters in the prime of their careers colliding in a legacy-defining matchup for the undisputed championship of the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “It’s a true 50-50 fight, one that the fans and both fighters demanded.”
Ramirez (26-0, 17 KOs) has been a champion since March 2018, when he toppled Amir Imam via unanimous decision to win the vacant WBC strap. Following the Imam victory, he hired noted trainer Robert Garcia, and the duo has combined to go 4-0 in title defenses. Ramirez knocked out Maurice Hooker in July 2019 to add the WBO title and defended his belts last August with a majority decision over Viktor Postol. Ramirez, a proud son of Mexican immigrants who hails from Avenal, Calif., is an agent of social change in his community. He’s devoted his time and resources to myriad causes, including cancer research, water rights for area farmers, and COVID-19 relief for Central Valley field workers.
“I look forward to making history by becoming the first boxer of Mexican descent to hold all four major world title belts,” Ramirez said. “I dedicate this fight to the Central Valley farm workers, who are out there every day helping feed the world. This fight is big, but nothing is bigger than getting vaccinations to the farm workers right now in the Central Valley.”
"No excuses, no fake social media promises, no grandstanding. This is the best fighting the best at their absolute best,” said Rick Mirigian, Ramirez’s manager. “Jose will have his hand raised in the end, solidifying his status as a Hall of Famer.”
Like Ramirez, Taylor (17-2 including the World Series of Boxing, 13 KOs) fought as a lightweight at the 2012 London Olympics, where he advanced to the round of 16. Taylor toppled Postol by unanimous decision in 2018 and won the IBF title the following year with a decision over Ivan Baranchyk. He unified the IBF and WBA titles in October 2019, edging Regis Prograis by majority decision in a brutal masterpiece. He made his first defense as a unified champion last September, blasting out mandatory challenger Apinun Khongsong in the first round. Taylor hopes to make a little history of his own as the first undisputed, four-belt Scottish champion.
Taylor said, “I’m excited it’s been finalized and over the line. I can’t wait to get in there for the biggest fight of my career. Fighting for the undisputed title is something all boxers dream about.”
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Ramirez-Taylor four-belt unification booked for May 22nd
Two junior welterweight kings, one undisputed title. The stakes don’t get any higher. WBC/WBO champion Jose Ramirez (pictured), the pride of California’s Central Valley, will fight Scotland’s IBF/WBA champion Josh Taylor for the undisputed world 140-pound championship Saturday, May 22nd. The winner will become only the second undisputed junior welterweight champion of the four-belt era, joining pound-for-pound great Terence “Bud” Crawford. Ramirez-Taylor will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (and simulcast on ESPN+) starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT. The location, venue, and undercard information will be announced shortly.
“This is the best boxing has to offer, two elite fighters in the prime of their careers colliding in a legacy-defining matchup for the undisputed championship of the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “It’s a true 50-50 fight, one that the fans and both fighters demanded.”
Ramirez (26-0, 17 KOs) has been a champion since March 2018, when he toppled Amir Imam via unanimous decision to win the vacant WBC strap. Following the Imam victory, he hired noted trainer Robert Garcia, and the duo has combined to go 4-0 in title defenses. Ramirez knocked out Maurice Hooker in July 2019 to add the WBO title and defended his belts last August with a majority decision over Viktor Postol. Ramirez, a proud son of Mexican immigrants who hails from Avenal, Calif., is an agent of social change in his community. He’s devoted his time and resources to myriad causes, including cancer research, water rights for area farmers, and COVID-19 relief for Central Valley field workers.
“I look forward to making history by becoming the first boxer of Mexican descent to hold all four major world title belts,” Ramirez said. “I dedicate this fight to the Central Valley farm workers, who are out there every day helping feed the world. This fight is big, but nothing is bigger than getting vaccinations to the farm workers right now in the Central Valley.”
"No excuses, no fake social media promises, no grandstanding. This is the best fighting the best at their absolute best,” said Rick Mirigian, Ramirez’s manager. “Jose will have his hand raised in the end, solidifying his status as a Hall of Famer.”
Like Ramirez, Taylor (17-2 including the World Series of Boxing, 13 KOs) fought as a lightweight at the 2012 London Olympics, where he advanced to the round of 16. Taylor toppled Postol by unanimous decision in 2018 and won the IBF title the following year with a decision over Ivan Baranchyk. He unified the IBF and WBA titles in October 2019, edging Regis Prograis by majority decision in a brutal masterpiece. He made his first defense as a unified champion last September, blasting out mandatory challenger Apinun Khongsong in the first round. Taylor hopes to make a little history of his own as the first undisputed, four-belt Scottish champion.
Taylor said, “I’m excited it’s been finalized and over the line. I can’t wait to get in there for the biggest fight of my career. Fighting for the undisputed title is something all boxers dream about.”
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Benavídez faces in WBC super middleweight eliminator |
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Two-time WBC super middleweight champion David Benavídez (pictured) faces Ronald Ellis in a twelve-round WBC title eliminator on Saturday, March 13th live on Showtime at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event. [Benavidez's last reign ended when he could not make weight]. The Showtime broadcast will also features two under-25 lightweights Isaac Cruz and Matías Romero in a twelve-round bout. A ten-round junior middleweight affair between Terrell Gausha and Jamontay Clark will open on Showtime.
“The super middleweight division has quickly become red hot with so much talent bubbling to the top. David Benavídez is one of the most talented boxers at 168 pounds, which is proven by the fact that he’s an undefeated two-time 168-pound world champion,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Benavídez is fighting to reclaim his world championship and Ronald Ellis is fighting to claim his spot among the elite at 168 pounds. With that kind of motivation on both sides, this promises to be an explosive match. Isaac Cruz and Matías Romero are fighting to get to the top of the lightweight division and Terrell Gausha and Jamontay Clark are fighting to remain at the top of the super welterweight division. The entire show has intrigue that ripples through some of the best divisions in the sport.”
“On March 13th, David Benavídez will move another step closer to regaining his beloved WBC belt and remind the world he is the best super middleweight in all of boxing,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “There will be no doubt in anyone’s mind after another spectacular performance by David ‘El Bandera Roja’ Benavídez.”
Benavídez (23-0, 20 KOs), from Phoenix, returns to the ring following a stoppage victory over Alexis Angulo at the “Fight Sphere” at Mohegan Sun last August. Benavídez turned pro at 16 and captured his first world title at age 20, becoming the youngest 168-pound world champion in history. He was stripped of his WBC crown due to missing weight against Angulo. With nine of his 20 knockouts coming in the first round, the 24 year-old possesses one of the most devastating arsenals in all of boxing. It was on full display when he captured the super middleweight title for the second time via ninth-round TKO over fellow two-time champion Anthony Dirrell.
“I’ve had an amazing camp in Big Bear and this is the strongest I have ever felt so I’m looking to get an early stoppage against Ellis,” said Benavidez. “I’m glad this is a title eliminator and it’s going to be another step to being a world champion once again.”
The 31 year-old Ellis (18-1-2, 12 KOs) has been calling for the biggest fights at 160 and 168 pounds, and he has landed the toughest challenge of his professional career against Benavidez. Ellis, a native of Lynn, Mass., is fresh off a win over three-time world title challenger Matt Korobov who was forced to retire due to an injury during their December fight. Ellis has exhibited his slick boxing ability in recent outings but also possesses ferocious power, as evidenced by eight first round knockout victories in his career.
“It’s a fight but not just any fight,” said Ellis. “This is the type of fight I have trained for and wanted since I turned pro. He’s going to bring his best on March 13 and that will bring out the best in me.”
Cruz (20-1-1, 15 KOs) returns to the ring following the best performance of his career – a first-round knockout of Diego Magdaleno in October. Fighting out of his hometown of Mexico City, the 22 year-old is quickly climbing the ladder in the lightweight division in pursuit of a title. Cruz turned pro in 2015 at the age of 16 and suffered his lone defeat a year later, but his aggressive ring generalship has kept him unbeaten over the past five years.
“I’m very excited to be fighting on Showtime on March 13th,” said Cruz. “The lightweight division is the hottest in boxing right now. This fight puts me one step closer to my dream of winning a world title for my Dad, Isaac Cruz, Sr. and my country, Mexico.”
Romero (24-0, 8 KOs) will put his perfect record on the line as he attempts to rise from prospect to contender with a win over Cruz. In his most recent fight this past November, Romero of Cordoba, Argentina defeated Javier José Clavero via unanimous decision in a fight at 130 pounds. The 24-year-old Romero’s most recent knockout came in March 2020 over Gabriel Gustavo Ovejero when he scored a fifth-round TKO in his last fight at lightweight. This fight will mark Romero’s U.S. debut.
“I’ve come so far from Argentina to bring myself one step closer to reaching my goal of being a world champion,” said Romero. “I know that Isaac Cruz is a big puncher but he’s never fought anyone with my speed and heart.”
A decorated amateur who represented the United States at the 2012 London Games, Gausha (21-2-1, 10 KOs) continues his quest to win a world title. Following a first-round knockout against Joey Hernández in 2018, Gausha fought former champ Austin Trout to a split draw and lost a decision against Erickson Lubin in back-to-back bouts. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, the 33 year-old now lives and trains out of Encino, Calif., under the tutelage of accomplished trainer Manny Robles.
“I’m just blessed to be able to do what I love to do,” said Gausha. “I’m excited to be back on PBC and Showtime thanks to Al Haymon. On March 13, I’m ready to go out there and show everybody what Terrell Gausha is made of and put on a show.”
Clark (15-1-1, 7 KOs) comes into this fight off a unanimous decision victory against Anthony Lenk last February. Fighting out of his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, the 26-year-old has only lost one professional fight, which came against former unified champion Jeison Rosario in 2018. This will mark the southpaw’s first fight during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s been a while since I was in the ring and I’m just excited to be back taking on someone like Terrell Gausha, who will bring a good challenge and let me display all of my talents,” Clark said. “This is the first step in getting back to regular action and I’m not going to waste this opportunity. I’m going on a big run after I beat Gausha. As McFadden and Whitehead said, ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.’”
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Benavídez faces in WBC super middleweight eliminator
Two-time WBC super middleweight champion David Benavídez (pictured) faces Ronald Ellis in a twelve-round WBC title eliminator on Saturday, March 13th live on Showtime at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event. [Benavidez's last reign ended when he could not make weight]. The Showtime broadcast will also features two under-25 lightweights Isaac Cruz and Matías Romero in a twelve-round bout. A ten-round junior middleweight affair between Terrell Gausha and Jamontay Clark will open on Showtime.
“The super middleweight division has quickly become red hot with so much talent bubbling to the top. David Benavídez is one of the most talented boxers at 168 pounds, which is proven by the fact that he’s an undefeated two-time 168-pound world champion,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Benavídez is fighting to reclaim his world championship and Ronald Ellis is fighting to claim his spot among the elite at 168 pounds. With that kind of motivation on both sides, this promises to be an explosive match. Isaac Cruz and Matías Romero are fighting to get to the top of the lightweight division and Terrell Gausha and Jamontay Clark are fighting to remain at the top of the super welterweight division. The entire show has intrigue that ripples through some of the best divisions in the sport.”
“On March 13th, David Benavídez will move another step closer to regaining his beloved WBC belt and remind the world he is the best super middleweight in all of boxing,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “There will be no doubt in anyone’s mind after another spectacular performance by David ‘El Bandera Roja’ Benavídez.”
Benavídez (23-0, 20 KOs), from Phoenix, returns to the ring following a stoppage victory over Alexis Angulo at the “Fight Sphere” at Mohegan Sun last August. Benavídez turned pro at 16 and captured his first world title at age 20, becoming the youngest 168-pound world champion in history. He was stripped of his WBC crown due to missing weight against Angulo. With nine of his 20 knockouts coming in the first round, the 24 year-old possesses one of the most devastating arsenals in all of boxing. It was on full display when he captured the super middleweight title for the second time via ninth-round TKO over fellow two-time champion Anthony Dirrell.
“I’ve had an amazing camp in Big Bear and this is the strongest I have ever felt so I’m looking to get an early stoppage against Ellis,” said Benavidez. “I’m glad this is a title eliminator and it’s going to be another step to being a world champion once again.”
The 31 year-old Ellis (18-1-2, 12 KOs) has been calling for the biggest fights at 160 and 168 pounds, and he has landed the toughest challenge of his professional career against Benavidez. Ellis, a native of Lynn, Mass., is fresh off a win over three-time world title challenger Matt Korobov who was forced to retire due to an injury during their December fight. Ellis has exhibited his slick boxing ability in recent outings but also possesses ferocious power, as evidenced by eight first round knockout victories in his career.
“It’s a fight but not just any fight,” said Ellis. “This is the type of fight I have trained for and wanted since I turned pro. He’s going to bring his best on March 13 and that will bring out the best in me.”
Cruz (20-1-1, 15 KOs) returns to the ring following the best performance of his career – a first-round knockout of Diego Magdaleno in October. Fighting out of his hometown of Mexico City, the 22 year-old is quickly climbing the ladder in the lightweight division in pursuit of a title. Cruz turned pro in 2015 at the age of 16 and suffered his lone defeat a year later, but his aggressive ring generalship has kept him unbeaten over the past five years.
“I’m very excited to be fighting on Showtime on March 13th,” said Cruz. “The lightweight division is the hottest in boxing right now. This fight puts me one step closer to my dream of winning a world title for my Dad, Isaac Cruz, Sr. and my country, Mexico.”
Romero (24-0, 8 KOs) will put his perfect record on the line as he attempts to rise from prospect to contender with a win over Cruz. In his most recent fight this past November, Romero of Cordoba, Argentina defeated Javier José Clavero via unanimous decision in a fight at 130 pounds. The 24-year-old Romero’s most recent knockout came in March 2020 over Gabriel Gustavo Ovejero when he scored a fifth-round TKO in his last fight at lightweight. This fight will mark Romero’s U.S. debut.
“I’ve come so far from Argentina to bring myself one step closer to reaching my goal of being a world champion,” said Romero. “I know that Isaac Cruz is a big puncher but he’s never fought anyone with my speed and heart.”
A decorated amateur who represented the United States at the 2012 London Games, Gausha (21-2-1, 10 KOs) continues his quest to win a world title. Following a first-round knockout against Joey Hernández in 2018, Gausha fought former champ Austin Trout to a split draw and lost a decision against Erickson Lubin in back-to-back bouts. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, the 33 year-old now lives and trains out of Encino, Calif., under the tutelage of accomplished trainer Manny Robles.
“I’m just blessed to be able to do what I love to do,” said Gausha. “I’m excited to be back on PBC and Showtime thanks to Al Haymon. On March 13, I’m ready to go out there and show everybody what Terrell Gausha is made of and put on a show.”
Clark (15-1-1, 7 KOs) comes into this fight off a unanimous decision victory against Anthony Lenk last February. Fighting out of his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, the 26-year-old has only lost one professional fight, which came against former unified champion Jeison Rosario in 2018. This will mark the southpaw’s first fight during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s been a while since I was in the ring and I’m just excited to be back taking on someone like Terrell Gausha, who will bring a good challenge and let me display all of my talents,” Clark said. “This is the first step in getting back to regular action and I’m not going to waste this opportunity. I’m going on a big run after I beat Gausha. As McFadden and Whitehead said, ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.’”
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Matchroom adds three bouts to March 13th show |
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Raymond Ford, Austin Williams and Otha Jones III have all been added to the undercard of the 115-pound unification rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez that takes place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Saturday March 13th, live worldwide on DAZN. Ford (8-0 4 KOs) closed 2020 out with stoppage wins in Florida and Texas and the 21 year-old takes on fellow unbeaten Aaron "Angel Baby" Perez (10-0 6 KOs) from New Mexico over eight rounds. The show is also highlighted by two previously announced title fights, as Jessica McCaskill (9-2 3 KOs) defends the undisputed world welterweight championship against Cecilia Brækhus (36-1 9 KOs) and Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0 9 KOs) puts his WBA light flyweight title up against Axel Vega (14-3-1 8 KOs).
Williams (7-0 6 KOs) is looking to build on his 2020 campaign where he won all three of his fights via stoppage. "Ammo" will look to continue that streak in his first eight-round bout against California's Aaron Coley (16-3-1 7 KOs).
Jones III (5-0-1 2 KOs) battled to a split draw in Mexico City in his last outing in October, and the Ohio native will look to brush that off in his first eight-round battle against Texas native Jorge David Castaneda (13-1 11 KOs).
“This is a big night for Ray, Ammo and OJ3,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “All eyes are on Dallas with our mouth-watering World title triple-header, but these boys will be out to steal the show. All three of them are top talents, and now they are moving into the next phase of their careers, taking on tougher tests and stepping up to eight rounders and beyond. The pressure is on to shine, and I am sure they are going to rise to the occasion.”
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Matchroom adds three bouts to March 13th show
Raymond Ford, Austin Williams and Otha Jones III have all been added to the undercard of the 115-pound unification rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez that takes place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Saturday March 13th, live worldwide on DAZN. Ford (8-0 4 KOs) closed 2020 out with stoppage wins in Florida and Texas and the 21 year-old takes on fellow unbeaten Aaron "Angel Baby" Perez (10-0 6 KOs) from New Mexico over eight rounds. The show is also highlighted by two previously announced title fights, as Jessica McCaskill (9-2 3 KOs) defends the undisputed world welterweight championship against Cecilia Brækhus (36-1 9 KOs) and Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0 9 KOs) puts his WBA light flyweight title up against Axel Vega (14-3-1 8 KOs).
Williams (7-0 6 KOs) is looking to build on his 2020 campaign where he won all three of his fights via stoppage. "Ammo" will look to continue that streak in his first eight-round bout against California's Aaron Coley (16-3-1 7 KOs).
Jones III (5-0-1 2 KOs) battled to a split draw in Mexico City in his last outing in October, and the Ohio native will look to brush that off in his first eight-round battle against Texas native Jorge David Castaneda (13-1 11 KOs).
“This is a big night for Ray, Ammo and OJ3,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “All eyes are on Dallas with our mouth-watering World title triple-header, but these boys will be out to steal the show. All three of them are top talents, and now they are moving into the next phase of their careers, taking on tougher tests and stepping up to eight rounders and beyond. The pressure is on to shine, and I am sure they are going to rise to the occasion.”
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European title bouts pushed back to April 23rd |
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A European title double-header has been postponed. Andoni Gago's featherweight defense against Gavin McDonnell will now take place on April 23rd, as will Sandor Martin's (36-2, 13 KOs ) junior welterweight defense against Kay Prosper (14-1-1, 7 KOs). McDonnell (22-2-2, 6 KOs) is bidding to become a two-weight European champion ahainst Spain's Andoni Gago (24-3-3, 7 KOs). The bouts will take place on a Matchroom Boxing event at the Pabellón de la Vall d`Hebron in Barcelona, Spain, live on DAZN. Thes how was initially scheduled to take place on March 26th, but due to extended travel restrictions in the country, owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the fight has been pushed back.
Bilbao’s Gago won the belt in his home city back in June 2019, and will face a tough test against the Doncastrian McDonnell when they meet next month.
Also on the card, Torrelavega’s European junior middleweight champion Sergio ‘El Nino’ Garcia (33-0, 14 KOs) will be scheduled for a non-title fight and Bilbao’s former European welterweight ruler Kerman ‘Revolver’ Lejarraga (31-2, 24 KOs) aims to make it four wins in a row since losing his belt to David Avanesyan.
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European title bouts pushed back to April 23rd
A European title double-header has been postponed. Andoni Gago's featherweight defense against Gavin McDonnell will now take place on April 23rd, as will Sandor Martin's (36-2, 13 KOs ) junior welterweight defense against Kay Prosper (14-1-1, 7 KOs). McDonnell (22-2-2, 6 KOs) is bidding to become a two-weight European champion ahainst Spain's Andoni Gago (24-3-3, 7 KOs). The bouts will take place on a Matchroom Boxing event at the Pabellón de la Vall d`Hebron in Barcelona, Spain, live on DAZN. Thes how was initially scheduled to take place on March 26th, but due to extended travel restrictions in the country, owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the fight has been pushed back.
Bilbao’s Gago won the belt in his home city back in June 2019, and will face a tough test against the Doncastrian McDonnell when they meet next month.
Also on the card, Torrelavega’s European junior middleweight champion Sergio ‘El Nino’ Garcia (33-0, 14 KOs) will be scheduled for a non-title fight and Bilbao’s former European welterweight ruler Kerman ‘Revolver’ Lejarraga (31-2, 24 KOs) aims to make it four wins in a row since losing his belt to David Avanesyan.
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Yoka to face Djeko on ESPN this Friday |
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Heavyweight Tony Yoka (pictured), the 2016 Olympic gold medalist from Paris, will battle Belgium-born Joel Tambwe Djeko in a twelve-rounder on Friday at H Arena in Nantes, France. In the ten-round lightweight co-feature, Estelle Yoka Mossely (8-0, 1 KO), the other half of boxing’s most prominent husband-and-wife duo, will fight German contender Verena Kaiser (14-1, 6 KOs). The card will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ beginning at 2:40 p.m. ET/11:40 a.m. PT.
“I am excited to once again showcase my talents live in the United States on ESPN+,” Yoka said. “Djeko is a formidable opponent who I cannot overlook as I continue to move up the rankings.”
Yoka (9-0, 7 KOs) became became the first French boxer to win an Olympic super heavyweight gold medal. Following a six-round decision victory over Jonathan Rice in his second pro bout, he notched six consecutive stoppage wins, including a first-round blitzing of Johann Duhaupas last September. Yoka returned last November on an ESPN+-streamed bill and scored a shutout 10-round decision over Christian Hammer.
Djeko (17-2-1, 8 KOs) has never been stopped in a 20-fight career and has won eight consecutive bouts since a split decision defeat in 2016.
In other streaming action, French middleweight Farrhad Saad (7-0-1), winner of six straight, will take on Bulgarian veteran Borislav Ivanov (9-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder... and
In a six-round junior lightweight bout, Khalil el Hadri (10-0, 6 KOs) will fight Jon Martinez (7-6-5, 1 KO).
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Yoka to face Djeko on ESPN this Friday
Heavyweight Tony Yoka (pictured), the 2016 Olympic gold medalist from Paris, will battle Belgium-born Joel Tambwe Djeko in a twelve-rounder on Friday at H Arena in Nantes, France. In the ten-round lightweight co-feature, Estelle Yoka Mossely (8-0, 1 KO), the other half of boxing’s most prominent husband-and-wife duo, will fight German contender Verena Kaiser (14-1, 6 KOs). The card will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ beginning at 2:40 p.m. ET/11:40 a.m. PT.
“I am excited to once again showcase my talents live in the United States on ESPN+,” Yoka said. “Djeko is a formidable opponent who I cannot overlook as I continue to move up the rankings.”
Yoka (9-0, 7 KOs) became became the first French boxer to win an Olympic super heavyweight gold medal. Following a six-round decision victory over Jonathan Rice in his second pro bout, he notched six consecutive stoppage wins, including a first-round blitzing of Johann Duhaupas last September. Yoka returned last November on an ESPN+-streamed bill and scored a shutout 10-round decision over Christian Hammer.
Djeko (17-2-1, 8 KOs) has never been stopped in a 20-fight career and has won eight consecutive bouts since a split decision defeat in 2016.
In other streaming action, French middleweight Farrhad Saad (7-0-1), winner of six straight, will take on Bulgarian veteran Borislav Ivanov (9-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder... and
In a six-round junior lightweight bout, Khalil el Hadri (10-0, 6 KOs) will fight Jon Martinez (7-6-5, 1 KO).
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ShoBox to have four-fight broadcast next week |
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Brandun Lee will return to the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut when he takes on Samuel Teah Wednesday, March 10th in the junior welterweight main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation telecast. Lee vs. Teah headlines a four-fight card featuring eight promising prospects with a combined record of 102-4-2. The 21 year-old Lee (21-0, 19 KOs) of La Quinta, Calif., will look to extend his KO streak to 13 when he faces Samuel Teah (17-3-1, 7 KOs) over ten rounds. The co-feature will see super featherweight Misael Lopez (11-0, 5 KOs) battle Jordan White (10-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout and two tough undefeated prospects will clash in the second fight of the night as Philadelphia’s Steven Ortiz (11-0, 3 KOs) faces Jeremy Hill (14-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. In the telecast opener, 22 year-old power-puncher Victor Padilla (8-0, 7 KOs) makes his ShoBox debut against another unbeaten Philadelphia native, Thomas Velasquez (10-0-1, 6 KOs), in an eight-round super featherweight contest. The four-fight telecast is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and D&D Boxing.
“Our March 10th ShoBox event, from top to bottom, perfectly represents the philosophy that the series has set forth to accomplish during our 20 years in boxing,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for ShoBox: The New Generation. “The full spectrum of prospects will be on display in this event from coming-of-age newcomers to a fighter at the doorstep of a world championship fight. In the opening bout we have a three-time amateur National Champion in Victor Padilla, who is in the infancy of his promising professional career at 8-0, making his ShoBox debut, while atop the bill is Brandun Lee, one of the most promising prospects in boxing, taking on his toughest challenge against a ShoBox veteran Samuel Teah. ShoBox is the ultimate proving ground for prospects and we will learn a lot about all of these fighters March 10th on Showtime.”
“All eight fighters competing on March 10 th at Mohegan Sun will be tested, and that is exactly what the ShoBox series is all about. I’m proud to promote such an evenly matched event from top to bottom,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "Puerto Rican lightweight Victor Padilla is a knockout artist with blazing fast hands and he’ll be facing unbeaten Philadelphian Thomas Velasquez. Junior lightweight Misael Lopez returns to ShoBox following his series debut, an upset over touted favorite James Wilkins, now taking on heavy-hitter Jordan White. Philadelphia lightweight Steven Ortiz also returns to the series, after debuting with a win against unbeaten Wesley Ferrer, competing against undefeated New Orleans prospect Jeremy Hill. In the main event, towering power-puncher Brandun Lee squares off against crafty veteran Samuel Teah, in his biggest test to date."
Lee vs. Teah
Lee made quick work of the previous two opponents he faced at Mohegan Sun Arena in 2020, scoring a highlight-reel first-round KO of Jimmy Williams on ShoBox in October and a third-round stoppage of Dakota Linger in December. Lee has knocked out all but two of his professional opponents and owns 12 first-round knockouts. Trained by his father Bobby, Lee fought four times in 2020, including a third-round TKO over Camilo Prieto in one of the final live sporting events to take place before the pandemic shut down the sports world for several months in March.
Lee had a decorated amateur career with an estimated record of 196-5. He was the 2015 U.S. Junior National Champion, taking home the gold medal at 145 pounds. With lightning quick hands that pack power, the exciting Lee has sparred with the likes of Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney, Mauricio Herrera, Timothy Bradley Jr., and Thomas Dulorme.
“I’ve just been training in La Quinta, staying safe and healthy and focusing on what I need to do in order to have another impressive performance,” said Lee. “I see that Teah is a good inside puncher and he has good speed. He’s a volume puncher but other than that, I don’t see much that I shouldn’t be able to handle. I’m super excited to be returning to ShoBox in the main event so that my fans can see me live on TV, because the fans want to see knockouts so that’s what I’m going to give them.”
Teah, born in Liberia and fighting out of Philadelphia, has had mixed luck on ShoBox. A three-fight veteran of the developmental series, Teah scored a unanimous decision over then-undefeated O’Shaquie Foster in 2015 but dropped a majority decision to Montana Love in 2018. Most recently on ShoBox, Teah scored a unanimous decision over Kenneth Sims Jr. in November 2018. The 33 year-old Teah, who did not start boxing until the age of 19, also owns an impressive win over Sonny Fredrickson and beat Dieumerci Nzau his last time out in March 2020.
“I don’t mind being the underdog and it won’t be the first time for me,” Teah said. “I have ShoBox wins against O’Shaquie Foster and Kenneth Sims, Jr., and I always seem to perform better when the lights and cameras are focused on me. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Lopez vs. White – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout
Born in Sonora, Mexico, and raised in Denver, Colo., Lopez had a successful amateur career before turning professional in 2016. He compiled an amateur record of 50-5, winning gold at the 2010 Colorado State Silver Gloves Tournament and the Colorado State Golden Gloves Tournament in 2009 and 2015. Lopez’s career-best pro win came on ShoBox in September 2018 when he outboxed the power-punching James Wilkins in a step-up fight. Trained by his father Evenezer, Lopez has added two wins since then, including a first-round TKO over Richard Flores.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be back on ShoBox and, this time, with such a strong team behind me,” said the 24-year-old Lopez. “I respect my promoter, Lou DiBella, a lot and have no doubt that he can put me in the position to become a champion. I’m ready for the challenge and can’t wait for March 10."
The Washington, D.C. native White was a former No. 1-ranked amateur, amassing a 145-16 record. He was teammates with future world champions Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson on the Junior National travel squad, competing in the Junior World Championships in Kiev, Ukraine in 2013. White turned professional at 18, winning his first four bouts, three by way of knockout, before losing a decision to fellow undefeated foe Adam Lopez. White has since bounced back by winning six fights in a row, including a seventh-round TKO over previously unbeaten prospect Ronaldo Solis. White, 23, is the cousin of 2000 U.S. Olympian Clarence Vinson.
"I am honored for this opportunity to fight on Showtime against the undefeated Misael Lopez,” said White. “I respect his fight game, but I am looking forward to displaying my superior skill set. On March 10, there will be lights, cameras, and plenty of action."
Ortiz vs. Hill – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout
The 27 year-old Ortiz has developed a cult following in his hometown region, fighting seven times in the greater Philadelphia area. Ortiz rallied off five straight wins in the “City of Brotherly Love” before making his ShoBox debut in September 2018, a majority decision victory over then-unbeaten Wesley Ferrer in Shawnee, Okla. Ortiz picked up two wins in 2019, including a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Philadelphian Jeremy Cuevas, but did not fight in 2020. An accomplished amateur, Ortiz is a five-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion, a bronze medalist at the National Golden Gloves and a gold medalist at the National Silver Gloves.
"The pandemic was a major setback for me and the careers of many other fighters, of course, but it kept me focused,” said Ortiz. “I stayed in the gym getting ready for when the opportunity came, and here it is. Hill is a tall, awkward fighter, but I am up for the challenge. It doesn’t matter who is in front of me, I am here to fight. This will be my second fight on SHOWTIME and I feel that, this time, I’ll be coming back stronger, both mentally and physically. The audience will see the best of me.”
New Orleans’ Jeremy Hill blends his unique size, accuracy and power in both hands inside the ring with showmanship and charisma outside of it. A successful amateur who rose all the way to the No. 4 ranked U.S. lightweight amateur, Hill won the Male Elite Champion at the Ringside World Championships in 2017 and turned professional in April 2018 after posting a 55-10 record in the unpaid ranks. Hill, 28, is coming off a TKO over Travis Castellon in November but will be facing his first undefeated opponent in Ortiz since beating the 1-0 Lashawn Alcocks in his fourth pro fight. He also owns a unanimous decision over then-once-beaten Xavier Wilson in July, one of Hill’s four wins in 2020.
"I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity,” said Hill. “I’ve been working hard and grinding for a chance like this. I feel like I’m overdue for this type of fight and this kind of exposure, so I’m just ready to show everyone what I can do. I’m about to cut up on national TV."
Padilla vs. Velasquez – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout
Padilla, 22, was born in Vieques, Puerto Rico, and currently lives and fights out of Berlin, N.J. The all-action, power-punching southpaw has stopped all but one of his professional challengers, including six opponents who failed to make it out of the first round. His last time out in January 2020, Padilla needed just 2:46 to stop Israel Suarez-Olmeda. Padilla turned professional in December 2016 after a stellar amateur career that included three National Championships and a record of 90-7. He trains alongside former world champions Tevin Farmer and Jason Sosa under trainer Raul “Chino” Rivas.
"First and foremost, I want to thank God, my family and my team for keeping me positive through these hard times,” said Padilla. “I am very excited for this opportunity to showcase my skills in front of a national audience. I have sacrificed a lot to get to this point in my career. It takes a lot of dedication to the sport and I am confident that it will pay off. It has been 13 long years of working hard to show the world who Victor Padilla is and, on March 10, a new chapter will begin. Thomas Velasquez is a good fighter and this is a good matchup, but may the best man win."
Velasquez, another Philadelphia native, made his professional debut in 2015 and looked to be rapidly rising through the ranks, winning his first nine fights including five by way of knockout. A draw with Tyrome Jones in September 2017 stalled his career to a near standstill, as he did not fight again until 2020 when he scored a third-round KO over veteran Gustavo Molina in his return bout. The 25-year-old will look to regain the momentum he had earlier in his career with a win over the highly regarded Padilla. As an amateur, Velasquez had a 30-3 record and won the Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves. He is trained by Hamza Muhammad, who also trains the newly crowned WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr.
“I could not be happier to have this opportunity to show the world what I can do,” said Velasquez. “It doesn’t matter who is standing in the opposite corner, I fight to provide a better life for my twin daughters. I look forward to putting on a spectacular performance on March 10 and leaving that ring with my unbeaten record intact."
International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer and boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
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ShoBox to have four-fight broadcast next week
Brandun Lee will return to the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut when he takes on Samuel Teah Wednesday, March 10th in the junior welterweight main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation telecast. Lee vs. Teah headlines a four-fight card featuring eight promising prospects with a combined record of 102-4-2. The 21 year-old Lee (21-0, 19 KOs) of La Quinta, Calif., will look to extend his KO streak to 13 when he faces Samuel Teah (17-3-1, 7 KOs) over ten rounds. The co-feature will see super featherweight Misael Lopez (11-0, 5 KOs) battle Jordan White (10-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout and two tough undefeated prospects will clash in the second fight of the night as Philadelphia’s Steven Ortiz (11-0, 3 KOs) faces Jeremy Hill (14-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. In the telecast opener, 22 year-old power-puncher Victor Padilla (8-0, 7 KOs) makes his ShoBox debut against another unbeaten Philadelphia native, Thomas Velasquez (10-0-1, 6 KOs), in an eight-round super featherweight contest. The four-fight telecast is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and D&D Boxing.
“Our March 10th ShoBox event, from top to bottom, perfectly represents the philosophy that the series has set forth to accomplish during our 20 years in boxing,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for ShoBox: The New Generation. “The full spectrum of prospects will be on display in this event from coming-of-age newcomers to a fighter at the doorstep of a world championship fight. In the opening bout we have a three-time amateur National Champion in Victor Padilla, who is in the infancy of his promising professional career at 8-0, making his ShoBox debut, while atop the bill is Brandun Lee, one of the most promising prospects in boxing, taking on his toughest challenge against a ShoBox veteran Samuel Teah. ShoBox is the ultimate proving ground for prospects and we will learn a lot about all of these fighters March 10th on Showtime.”
“All eight fighters competing on March 10 th at Mohegan Sun will be tested, and that is exactly what the ShoBox series is all about. I’m proud to promote such an evenly matched event from top to bottom,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "Puerto Rican lightweight Victor Padilla is a knockout artist with blazing fast hands and he’ll be facing unbeaten Philadelphian Thomas Velasquez. Junior lightweight Misael Lopez returns to ShoBox following his series debut, an upset over touted favorite James Wilkins, now taking on heavy-hitter Jordan White. Philadelphia lightweight Steven Ortiz also returns to the series, after debuting with a win against unbeaten Wesley Ferrer, competing against undefeated New Orleans prospect Jeremy Hill. In the main event, towering power-puncher Brandun Lee squares off against crafty veteran Samuel Teah, in his biggest test to date."
Lee vs. Teah
Lee made quick work of the previous two opponents he faced at Mohegan Sun Arena in 2020, scoring a highlight-reel first-round KO of Jimmy Williams on ShoBox in October and a third-round stoppage of Dakota Linger in December. Lee has knocked out all but two of his professional opponents and owns 12 first-round knockouts. Trained by his father Bobby, Lee fought four times in 2020, including a third-round TKO over Camilo Prieto in one of the final live sporting events to take place before the pandemic shut down the sports world for several months in March.
Lee had a decorated amateur career with an estimated record of 196-5. He was the 2015 U.S. Junior National Champion, taking home the gold medal at 145 pounds. With lightning quick hands that pack power, the exciting Lee has sparred with the likes of Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney, Mauricio Herrera, Timothy Bradley Jr., and Thomas Dulorme.
“I’ve just been training in La Quinta, staying safe and healthy and focusing on what I need to do in order to have another impressive performance,” said Lee. “I see that Teah is a good inside puncher and he has good speed. He’s a volume puncher but other than that, I don’t see much that I shouldn’t be able to handle. I’m super excited to be returning to ShoBox in the main event so that my fans can see me live on TV, because the fans want to see knockouts so that’s what I’m going to give them.”
Teah, born in Liberia and fighting out of Philadelphia, has had mixed luck on ShoBox. A three-fight veteran of the developmental series, Teah scored a unanimous decision over then-undefeated O’Shaquie Foster in 2015 but dropped a majority decision to Montana Love in 2018. Most recently on ShoBox, Teah scored a unanimous decision over Kenneth Sims Jr. in November 2018. The 33 year-old Teah, who did not start boxing until the age of 19, also owns an impressive win over Sonny Fredrickson and beat Dieumerci Nzau his last time out in March 2020.
“I don’t mind being the underdog and it won’t be the first time for me,” Teah said. “I have ShoBox wins against O’Shaquie Foster and Kenneth Sims, Jr., and I always seem to perform better when the lights and cameras are focused on me. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Lopez vs. White – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout
Born in Sonora, Mexico, and raised in Denver, Colo., Lopez had a successful amateur career before turning professional in 2016. He compiled an amateur record of 50-5, winning gold at the 2010 Colorado State Silver Gloves Tournament and the Colorado State Golden Gloves Tournament in 2009 and 2015. Lopez’s career-best pro win came on ShoBox in September 2018 when he outboxed the power-punching James Wilkins in a step-up fight. Trained by his father Evenezer, Lopez has added two wins since then, including a first-round TKO over Richard Flores.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be back on ShoBox and, this time, with such a strong team behind me,” said the 24-year-old Lopez. “I respect my promoter, Lou DiBella, a lot and have no doubt that he can put me in the position to become a champion. I’m ready for the challenge and can’t wait for March 10."
The Washington, D.C. native White was a former No. 1-ranked amateur, amassing a 145-16 record. He was teammates with future world champions Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson on the Junior National travel squad, competing in the Junior World Championships in Kiev, Ukraine in 2013. White turned professional at 18, winning his first four bouts, three by way of knockout, before losing a decision to fellow undefeated foe Adam Lopez. White has since bounced back by winning six fights in a row, including a seventh-round TKO over previously unbeaten prospect Ronaldo Solis. White, 23, is the cousin of 2000 U.S. Olympian Clarence Vinson.
"I am honored for this opportunity to fight on Showtime against the undefeated Misael Lopez,” said White. “I respect his fight game, but I am looking forward to displaying my superior skill set. On March 10, there will be lights, cameras, and plenty of action."
Ortiz vs. Hill – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout
The 27 year-old Ortiz has developed a cult following in his hometown region, fighting seven times in the greater Philadelphia area. Ortiz rallied off five straight wins in the “City of Brotherly Love” before making his ShoBox debut in September 2018, a majority decision victory over then-unbeaten Wesley Ferrer in Shawnee, Okla. Ortiz picked up two wins in 2019, including a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Philadelphian Jeremy Cuevas, but did not fight in 2020. An accomplished amateur, Ortiz is a five-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion, a bronze medalist at the National Golden Gloves and a gold medalist at the National Silver Gloves.
"The pandemic was a major setback for me and the careers of many other fighters, of course, but it kept me focused,” said Ortiz. “I stayed in the gym getting ready for when the opportunity came, and here it is. Hill is a tall, awkward fighter, but I am up for the challenge. It doesn’t matter who is in front of me, I am here to fight. This will be my second fight on SHOWTIME and I feel that, this time, I’ll be coming back stronger, both mentally and physically. The audience will see the best of me.”
New Orleans’ Jeremy Hill blends his unique size, accuracy and power in both hands inside the ring with showmanship and charisma outside of it. A successful amateur who rose all the way to the No. 4 ranked U.S. lightweight amateur, Hill won the Male Elite Champion at the Ringside World Championships in 2017 and turned professional in April 2018 after posting a 55-10 record in the unpaid ranks. Hill, 28, is coming off a TKO over Travis Castellon in November but will be facing his first undefeated opponent in Ortiz since beating the 1-0 Lashawn Alcocks in his fourth pro fight. He also owns a unanimous decision over then-once-beaten Xavier Wilson in July, one of Hill’s four wins in 2020.
"I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity,” said Hill. “I’ve been working hard and grinding for a chance like this. I feel like I’m overdue for this type of fight and this kind of exposure, so I’m just ready to show everyone what I can do. I’m about to cut up on national TV."
Padilla vs. Velasquez – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout
Padilla, 22, was born in Vieques, Puerto Rico, and currently lives and fights out of Berlin, N.J. The all-action, power-punching southpaw has stopped all but one of his professional challengers, including six opponents who failed to make it out of the first round. His last time out in January 2020, Padilla needed just 2:46 to stop Israel Suarez-Olmeda. Padilla turned professional in December 2016 after a stellar amateur career that included three National Championships and a record of 90-7. He trains alongside former world champions Tevin Farmer and Jason Sosa under trainer Raul “Chino” Rivas.
"First and foremost, I want to thank God, my family and my team for keeping me positive through these hard times,” said Padilla. “I am very excited for this opportunity to showcase my skills in front of a national audience. I have sacrificed a lot to get to this point in my career. It takes a lot of dedication to the sport and I am confident that it will pay off. It has been 13 long years of working hard to show the world who Victor Padilla is and, on March 10, a new chapter will begin. Thomas Velasquez is a good fighter and this is a good matchup, but may the best man win."
Velasquez, another Philadelphia native, made his professional debut in 2015 and looked to be rapidly rising through the ranks, winning his first nine fights including five by way of knockout. A draw with Tyrome Jones in September 2017 stalled his career to a near standstill, as he did not fight again until 2020 when he scored a third-round KO over veteran Gustavo Molina in his return bout. The 25-year-old will look to regain the momentum he had earlier in his career with a win over the highly regarded Padilla. As an amateur, Velasquez had a 30-3 record and won the Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves. He is trained by Hamza Muhammad, who also trains the newly crowned WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr.
“I could not be happier to have this opportunity to show the world what I can do,” said Velasquez. “It doesn’t matter who is standing in the opposite corner, I fight to provide a better life for my twin daughters. I look forward to putting on a spectacular performance on March 10 and leaving that ring with my unbeaten record intact."
International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer and boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
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Golden Boy signs Zurdo Ramirez |
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Undefeated light heavyweight and former IBF super middleweight champion, Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions. Ramirez is tentatively slated to return to the ring in May and believes he'll receive strong support from Oscar De La Hoya and his team. "Ultimately," the 29 year-old Ramirez explained, "Golden Boy understood the goals and agendas I set for myself and I felt the strong support from Oscar and his team. It's a multi-fight deal with potential for something longer pending this first experience. From all the conversations my team and I have had with Golden Boy, I felt comfortable with them and the future opportunities that will arise from our relationship. Oscar is a great guy and it's been nothing but a pleasure dealing with him and his team. As my relationship with Golden Boy continues to grow, I'm sure we (Oscar) will become closer. He's a champion and one of the greatest to ever lace up the gloves. I look forward to working to him closely."
Ramirez' goal is to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion world, something he will have a better shot of accomplishing with Golden Boy in his corner. "(WBA Super light heavyweight World champion Dmitry) Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) is someone who has always been on the radar and I have full faith in (Golden Boy matchmaker) Robert Diaz to put together the best fights for me," Ramirez added. "Unification has always been the goal. I know I'm the best in the division and hope to make this happens for the history books in the near future."
This past December, Ramirez launched his own promotional company, Zurdo Promotions, which will remain active. "Zurdo Promotions will continue and stay active," Ramirez said. "Going forward, all my fights with Golden Boy will be in association with Zurdo Promotions. I will host fights in Mexico to be a bridge between Latin America and the United States. There's tremendous talent in that region and I hope to use my platform to help and support the underserved fighters in Mexico."
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Golden Boy signs Zurdo Ramirez
Undefeated light heavyweight and former IBF super middleweight champion, Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions. Ramirez is tentatively slated to return to the ring in May and believes he'll receive strong support from Oscar De La Hoya and his team. "Ultimately," the 29 year-old Ramirez explained, "Golden Boy understood the goals and agendas I set for myself and I felt the strong support from Oscar and his team. It's a multi-fight deal with potential for something longer pending this first experience. From all the conversations my team and I have had with Golden Boy, I felt comfortable with them and the future opportunities that will arise from our relationship. Oscar is a great guy and it's been nothing but a pleasure dealing with him and his team. As my relationship with Golden Boy continues to grow, I'm sure we (Oscar) will become closer. He's a champion and one of the greatest to ever lace up the gloves. I look forward to working to him closely."
Ramirez' goal is to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion world, something he will have a better shot of accomplishing with Golden Boy in his corner. "(WBA Super light heavyweight World champion Dmitry) Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) is someone who has always been on the radar and I have full faith in (Golden Boy matchmaker) Robert Diaz to put together the best fights for me," Ramirez added. "Unification has always been the goal. I know I'm the best in the division and hope to make this happens for the history books in the near future."
This past December, Ramirez launched his own promotional company, Zurdo Promotions, which will remain active. "Zurdo Promotions will continue and stay active," Ramirez said. "Going forward, all my fights with Golden Boy will be in association with Zurdo Promotions. I will host fights in Mexico to be a bridge between Latin America and the United States. There's tremendous talent in that region and I hope to use my platform to help and support the underserved fighters in Mexico."
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Dicaire, undefeated champion, will be the underdog on Friday |
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Quebec native Marie-Eve Dicaire is the reigning IBF female 154-pound champion, she is unbeaten, and yet she is the underdog for her fight this week. She says she has fully prepared physically and mentally for this Friday night's unification showdown against undefeated WBC and WBO champion, Claressa Shields (10-0, 2 KOs). The fight will be broadcast live in USA on InDemand pay-per-view and streamed live on Fite.TV, and in Canada On Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Yoop.
Dicaire (17-0), a popular French-Canadian boxer, understands and fully appreciates the significance of this fight-- in Shield's hometown of Flint, Michigan-- and what an upset victory would do for her, particularly outside her native Canada. "I allowed myself to be excited," Dicaire explained. "I know it is a significant fight, but I made sure I'm focused on the task I need to accomplish and not the outcome of the fight. My strategy is based on my skills. Where she puts her focus is up to her. On my side, I did everything I had to get ready for this fight. And I am! I've always said that boxing is a passion, and I am happy to make a living out of it," she said. But, to me, it is more than that. It is a way to inspire people, to change society's mentality. I want to achieve greatness to inspire people to dream big and this is what this fight is all about to me."
Last year, the two-time Olympic gold medalist Shields signed a multi-year deal with mixed-martial-arts promoter PFL. Her transition to MMA will reportedly happen later this year. Dicaire was a world amateur champion in karate before transitioning to boxing, and she defeated five world champions. "My karate background has always been a powerful tool for me in terms of mindset and work ethic," Dicaire commented. "I was built in martial arts and I think it is what made me the strong athlete that I am now."
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Dicaire, undefeated champion, will be the underdog on Friday
Quebec native Marie-Eve Dicaire is the reigning IBF female 154-pound champion, she is unbeaten, and yet she is the underdog for her fight this week. She says she has fully prepared physically and mentally for this Friday night's unification showdown against undefeated WBC and WBO champion, Claressa Shields (10-0, 2 KOs). The fight will be broadcast live in USA on InDemand pay-per-view and streamed live on Fite.TV, and in Canada On Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Yoop.
Dicaire (17-0), a popular French-Canadian boxer, understands and fully appreciates the significance of this fight-- in Shield's hometown of Flint, Michigan-- and what an upset victory would do for her, particularly outside her native Canada. "I allowed myself to be excited," Dicaire explained. "I know it is a significant fight, but I made sure I'm focused on the task I need to accomplish and not the outcome of the fight. My strategy is based on my skills. Where she puts her focus is up to her. On my side, I did everything I had to get ready for this fight. And I am! I've always said that boxing is a passion, and I am happy to make a living out of it," she said. But, to me, it is more than that. It is a way to inspire people, to change society's mentality. I want to achieve greatness to inspire people to dream big and this is what this fight is all about to me."
Last year, the two-time Olympic gold medalist Shields signed a multi-year deal with mixed-martial-arts promoter PFL. Her transition to MMA will reportedly happen later this year. Dicaire was a world amateur champion in karate before transitioning to boxing, and she defeated five world champions. "My karate background has always been a powerful tool for me in terms of mindset and work ethic," Dicaire commented. "I was built in martial arts and I think it is what made me the strong athlete that I am now."
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Christy Martin featured on Last Stand podcast |
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Hall of Fame boxer and now promoter Christy Martin appears on the current Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer. The former champ gives us blow by blow of her near-death experience at the hands of her ex-husband. Martin tells us why she didn't let the shooting keep her out of the ring. She also breaks down how women's boxing can learn from the UFC and gives female fighters some advice. Click here for the interview.
On surviving her ex-husband's attempt to kill her:
"As soon as I came too in the hospital that was the first thing I told everybody, I want to go back to the gym, I’m going back to the ring, I’m going to fight again, but God left me here for a reason and I have to do good on that reason. I go out and speak at jails, domestic violence shelters, any place anytime, where ever. Any opportunity I get to share my story and just bring awareness to domestic violence I do it. And the main thing for people to understand is you cannot wait because you don’t know what date that it’s going to be when that abuser is going to attack you."
What women’s boxing can learn from the UFC:
"I don’t know why boxing can’t use that same road map, but it’s also not using the same road map on making matches either. Over there on the UFC, and I don’t like it, I don’t like the MMA stuff but the best fight the best, and here on boxing sometimes we figure out how the best not to fight the best. And too much is given to that 0 [undefeated record], fighters in the 70s, 80s were all going to fight each other, even the heavyweights they were all willing to take a chance."
Advice to female fighters looking to be main event boxers:
"I think female fighters have to understand it’s business, and so as you’re going through you have to build up your fan base, and that’s what it all comes down too. It’s all about business. Even the guys who are on undercards of pay-per-view fights, it’s the guys who are going to bring attention to the undercard, it’s always about who’s going to bring attention."
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Christy Martin featured on Last Stand podcast
Hall of Fame boxer and now promoter Christy Martin appears on the current Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer. The former champ gives us blow by blow of her near-death experience at the hands of her ex-husband. Martin tells us why she didn't let the shooting keep her out of the ring. She also breaks down how women's boxing can learn from the UFC and gives female fighters some advice. Click here for the interview.
On surviving her ex-husband's attempt to kill her:
"As soon as I came too in the hospital that was the first thing I told everybody, I want to go back to the gym, I’m going back to the ring, I’m going to fight again, but God left me here for a reason and I have to do good on that reason. I go out and speak at jails, domestic violence shelters, any place anytime, where ever. Any opportunity I get to share my story and just bring awareness to domestic violence I do it. And the main thing for people to understand is you cannot wait because you don’t know what date that it’s going to be when that abuser is going to attack you."
What women’s boxing can learn from the UFC:
"I don’t know why boxing can’t use that same road map, but it’s also not using the same road map on making matches either. Over there on the UFC, and I don’t like it, I don’t like the MMA stuff but the best fight the best, and here on boxing sometimes we figure out how the best not to fight the best. And too much is given to that 0 [undefeated record], fighters in the 70s, 80s were all going to fight each other, even the heavyweights they were all willing to take a chance."
Advice to female fighters looking to be main event boxers:
"I think female fighters have to understand it’s business, and so as you’re going through you have to build up your fan base, and that’s what it all comes down too. It’s all about business. Even the guys who are on undercards of pay-per-view fights, it’s the guys who are going to bring attention to the undercard, it’s always about who’s going to bring attention."
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Spotlight on Zorilla-Madiyev |
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Ring City USA begins its three-event residency in Puerto Rico when it takes over the Felix Pintor Gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, to deliver a boxing show headlined by junior middleweight Serhii Bohachuk against Brandon Adams on Thursday, March 4th. The full card, which features seven matchups, will stream live around the world on Twitch at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. The three-fight main card will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Network in the United States and Puerto Rico, and on Twitch for fans outside of the U.S. In Thursday’s co-feature, Danielito Zorilla (14-0, 11 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will meet Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Madiyev (13-2 including the World Series of Boxing with 5 KOs) in a ten-round junior welterweight fight, while in the telecast opener on NBC Sports Network, Puerto Rico’s Bryan Chevalier (14-1-1, 11 KOs) will face Carlos Zambrano (26-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight contest.
The Twitch undercard features four fights including the return of standout Puerto Rican super flyweight Oscar Collazo (2-0, 2 KOs). Also showcased on the undercard is Fernando Vargas Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) against Salome Flores Torres (0-2) in a four-round super middleweight fight, Harold Laguna (1-0, 1 KO) against Darwin Alvarez (pro debut) in a four-round lightweight fight and two fighters making their professional debuts when Jorge Diaz faces Felipe Munoz in a four-round junior welterweight fight.
Here is what Zorilla and Madiyev had to say upon arrival:
DANIELITO ZORILLA
On facing Ruslan Madiyev: “I have seen several of Ruslan Madiyev's fights, he is a strong fighter with good defense and has very good power in both hands. I understand that many fans will notice my skills since I am facing a very tough opponent, but I understand that he will make me work and have to use everything in my arsenal to obtain victory.
On preparations: “My preparations haven't changed as my previous opponent (Rodolfo Puente) had a similar style to Madiyev who likes to fight inside aggressively.
On fighting in Puerto Rico: “I really like fighting in Puerto Rico, it makes me feel good and comfortable, but I have no problems fighting where I have to fight. My main inspirations in boxing will always be Miguel Cotto and Tito Trinidad, who I had the privilege of seeing fight while they were active.”
His prediction: “I understand that we are going to get some fire, but I see myself as the winner either by stoppage or decision. If he makes a mistake he will pay dearly. If I am victorious, I would like to face current 140lb. World Champion Jose Ramirez.”
RUSLAN MADIYEV
On his opponent: “Zorilla is very well regarded, undefeated and fighting in his home country but he’s never faced anyone as tough as me. This is exactly the type of victory to take my career to the next level.”
On the fight: “I’m very excited to be facing Danielito Zorilla this Thursday night in Puerto Rico. We’ve had a very good training camp and I’m prepared for battle as always. I’m also very grateful that my family and fans can watch my fight live in Kazakhstan.
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Spotlight on Zorilla-Madiyev
Ring City USA begins its three-event residency in Puerto Rico when it takes over the Felix Pintor Gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, to deliver a boxing show headlined by junior middleweight Serhii Bohachuk against Brandon Adams on Thursday, March 4th. The full card, which features seven matchups, will stream live around the world on Twitch at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. The three-fight main card will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Network in the United States and Puerto Rico, and on Twitch for fans outside of the U.S. In Thursday’s co-feature, Danielito Zorilla (14-0, 11 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will meet Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Madiyev (13-2 including the World Series of Boxing with 5 KOs) in a ten-round junior welterweight fight, while in the telecast opener on NBC Sports Network, Puerto Rico’s Bryan Chevalier (14-1-1, 11 KOs) will face Carlos Zambrano (26-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight contest.
The Twitch undercard features four fights including the return of standout Puerto Rican super flyweight Oscar Collazo (2-0, 2 KOs). Also showcased on the undercard is Fernando Vargas Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) against Salome Flores Torres (0-2) in a four-round super middleweight fight, Harold Laguna (1-0, 1 KO) against Darwin Alvarez (pro debut) in a four-round lightweight fight and two fighters making their professional debuts when Jorge Diaz faces Felipe Munoz in a four-round junior welterweight fight.
Here is what Zorilla and Madiyev had to say upon arrival:
DANIELITO ZORILLA
On facing Ruslan Madiyev: “I have seen several of Ruslan Madiyev's fights, he is a strong fighter with good defense and has very good power in both hands. I understand that many fans will notice my skills since I am facing a very tough opponent, but I understand that he will make me work and have to use everything in my arsenal to obtain victory.
On preparations: “My preparations haven't changed as my previous opponent (Rodolfo Puente) had a similar style to Madiyev who likes to fight inside aggressively.
On fighting in Puerto Rico: “I really like fighting in Puerto Rico, it makes me feel good and comfortable, but I have no problems fighting where I have to fight. My main inspirations in boxing will always be Miguel Cotto and Tito Trinidad, who I had the privilege of seeing fight while they were active.”
His prediction: “I understand that we are going to get some fire, but I see myself as the winner either by stoppage or decision. If he makes a mistake he will pay dearly. If I am victorious, I would like to face current 140lb. World Champion Jose Ramirez.”
RUSLAN MADIYEV
On his opponent: “Zorilla is very well regarded, undefeated and fighting in his home country but he’s never faced anyone as tough as me. This is exactly the type of victory to take my career to the next level.”
On the fight: “I’m very excited to be facing Danielito Zorilla this Thursday night in Puerto Rico. We’ve had a very good training camp and I’m prepared for battle as always. I’m also very grateful that my family and fans can watch my fight live in Kazakhstan.
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Late results from last weekend |
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Money Powell IV W6 William Langston ... Two of Split-T Management's super middleweights recorded wins on Saturday night. Money Powell IV won a tough six-round split decision over William Langston (3-2). The fight took place at The Buckhead Fight Club in Atlanta. Langston was strong and aggressive early, looking to take out Powell with power shots. But that was not to be the case as Powell was able to outbox Langston and slow him down with body shots. The 23 year-old Powell, who is from Alabama, is now 12-1.
Diego Pacheco W8 Rodolfo Gomez Jr. ... Super middleweight Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Rodolfo Gomez Jr. at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, as part of the Canelo Alvarez - Avni Yildirim card. Pacheco showed versatility and ring IQ, landing counters and some sharp right hands against Gomez (14-5-1), who is from Laredo, Texas. Pacheco landed 117 of 382 punches; Gomez was 70 of 351. Pacheco, from Los Angeles, won by scores of 79-73 on all three cards and is now 11-0. source for both results: split-t management
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Late results from last weekend
Money Powell IV W6 William Langston ... Two of Split-T Management's super middleweights recorded wins on Saturday night. Money Powell IV won a tough six-round split decision over William Langston (3-2). The fight took place at The Buckhead Fight Club in Atlanta. Langston was strong and aggressive early, looking to take out Powell with power shots. But that was not to be the case as Powell was able to outbox Langston and slow him down with body shots. The 23 year-old Powell, who is from Alabama, is now 12-1.
Diego Pacheco W8 Rodolfo Gomez Jr. ... Super middleweight Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Rodolfo Gomez Jr. at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, as part of the Canelo Alvarez - Avni Yildirim card. Pacheco showed versatility and ring IQ, landing counters and some sharp right hands against Gomez (14-5-1), who is from Laredo, Texas. Pacheco landed 117 of 382 punches; Gomez was 70 of 351. Pacheco, from Los Angeles, won by scores of 79-73 on all three cards and is now 11-0. source for both results: split-t management
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Haney makes Twitter call-outs |
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Devin Haney is searching for a big fight on Twitter, having the following exchanges with his fellow lightweight contenders:
Haney: "Where tf is Loma at!?!?!?"
Vasiliy Lomachenko (recovering from surgery): "I'm here! I'm waiting for you cowards to decide on a real fight, and not on a Twitter fight."
Haney: "Waiting is not your best bet. I would think u learned that from the Teo fight." [referring to Lomachenko's loss to Teofimo Lopez]
Lomachenko: "Waiting is your favorite action, because you still haven't fought with anyone."
Haney to Jorge Linares: "Let’s be real... a contract was sent to your team? Did you decline because we haven’t heard back?"
Linares: "I don't think you're ready for April but I am and I wait for you."
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Haney makes Twitter call-outs
Devin Haney is searching for a big fight on Twitter, having the following exchanges with his fellow lightweight contenders:
Haney: "Where tf is Loma at!?!?!?"
Vasiliy Lomachenko (recovering from surgery): "I'm here! I'm waiting for you cowards to decide on a real fight, and not on a Twitter fight."
Haney: "Waiting is not your best bet. I would think u learned that from the Teo fight." [referring to Lomachenko's loss to Teofimo Lopez]
Lomachenko: "Waiting is your favorite action, because you still haven't fought with anyone."
Haney to Jorge Linares: "Let’s be real... a contract was sent to your team? Did you decline because we haven’t heard back?"
Linares: "I don't think you're ready for April but I am and I wait for you."
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Saunders believes he has the tools to defeat Alvarez |
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WBO super middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders says his footwork, know-how, skill set, mindset and brain makes him the only boxer who can possibly defeat WBA/WBC champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. The two are scheduled to unify on May 8th when Saunders (30-0, 14 KOs) faces Alvarez (55-1-2, 37 KOs) as a distinct underdog. Saunders knows just how big an opportunity it is, and he is extremely confident that he has the tools required to defeat the Mexican. Saunders said: “Canelo, I’m ready to rock and roll. You have to dare to be great and you aren’t going to be a great if you don’t beat the greats. I believe I am the only one who can unlock that door in Canelo. He’s the main man in the sport and the face of boxing. You have to give him respect, he hasn’t ducked anyone, he’s beaten good names, but nobody is unbeatable. I believe I have got the tools to beat him if I use them properly and if the gameplan comes off that I believe works. I am looking at the golden ticket to cement my legacy, and that’s how you have to go in there to beat him. I’ve won everything from Southern Area to world titles, I could say ‘I’ve won it all, been to the Olympics, I’m unbeaten – I’ll see you later,’ but I’ve only just turned 31, I’ve got no miles on the clock, haven’t taken any punishment – I believe he’s been in harder fights than me and has more miles, so I want to cement my legacy and beat him.”
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Saunders believes he has the tools to defeat Alvarez
WBO super middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders says his footwork, know-how, skill set, mindset and brain makes him the only boxer who can possibly defeat WBA/WBC champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. The two are scheduled to unify on May 8th when Saunders (30-0, 14 KOs) faces Alvarez (55-1-2, 37 KOs) as a distinct underdog. Saunders knows just how big an opportunity it is, and he is extremely confident that he has the tools required to defeat the Mexican. Saunders said: “Canelo, I’m ready to rock and roll. You have to dare to be great and you aren’t going to be a great if you don’t beat the greats. I believe I am the only one who can unlock that door in Canelo. He’s the main man in the sport and the face of boxing. You have to give him respect, he hasn’t ducked anyone, he’s beaten good names, but nobody is unbeatable. I believe I have got the tools to beat him if I use them properly and if the gameplan comes off that I believe works. I am looking at the golden ticket to cement my legacy, and that’s how you have to go in there to beat him. I’ve won everything from Southern Area to world titles, I could say ‘I’ve won it all, been to the Olympics, I’m unbeaten – I’ll see you later,’ but I’ve only just turned 31, I’ve got no miles on the clock, haven’t taken any punishment – I believe he’s been in harder fights than me and has more miles, so I want to cement my legacy and beat him.”
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Five-fight PPV line-up set for Friday with Shields vs. Dicarie on top |
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The complete televised lineup for this week’s all-female pay-per-view event (Friday, March 5th) from the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Mich., has now been revealed with the addition of two more fights, including, in separate bouts, former amateur world champion and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza and undefeated bantamweight Jamie Mitchell. Esparza (8-1, 1 KO) of Houston will return to action for the first time this year against Canada's Shelly Barnett (3-1-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round bantamweight bout. And in the broadcast opener, Mitchell (5-0-2, 3 KO) of Pacific Grove, California, will look to continue her climb up the 118-pound rankings against Florida-based veteran Noemi “La Rebelde / No-No” Bosques (12-15-3, 2 KOs) over six rounds.
Both fights will be presented in support of the ten-round 154-pound unification showdown between three-division and current WBC/WBO 154-pound champion Claressa Shields and her also-unbeaten IBF counterpart Marie-Eve Dicaire.
Already announced for the card was a chief support featuring former amateur standout Danielle Perkins (2-0, 1 KO) of Houston in an eight-round heavyweight rematch against Georgia’s Monika “Lay Em Down” Harrison (2-1, 1 KO). In another intriguing, televised match-up, South Carolina's Logan Holler (9-0-1, 3 KO) takes on Delaware's Schemelle Baldwin (3-1-2, 2 KO) over eight rounds.
Esparza, the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in the women's flyweight division, is the only other American woman besides Claressa Shields to win an Olympic medal in the sport of boxing. Esparza, like Shields, also won an amateur world championship at the 2014 AIBA World Boxing Championships in South Korea. A crossover star, Esparza has an endorsement deal with CoverGirl Cosmetics and has also appeared in a Spanish-language commercial for Coca-Cola. She was featured in Soledad O'Brien's 2011 CNN documentary In Her Corner: Latino in America 2, as well as an extensive profile in the June 2012 issue of The Atlantic. The addition of Esparza makes a total of three former amateur world champions on the card, with Perkins having also won in 2019.
“I'm excited to be fighting on this historic all-women’s card around International Women’s Day and to be reunited with my 2012 Olympic teammate Claressa Shields,” said Esparza. “I also want to thank my opponent for taking this fight. I'm looking forward to representing all female fighters on March 5 and putting on a great performance. I want all my fans to tune in to this pay-per-view. This is a great night for women’s boxing and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
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Five-fight PPV line-up set for Friday with Shields vs. Dicarie on top
The complete televised lineup for this week’s all-female pay-per-view event (Friday, March 5th) from the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Mich., has now been revealed with the addition of two more fights, including, in separate bouts, former amateur world champion and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza and undefeated bantamweight Jamie Mitchell. Esparza (8-1, 1 KO) of Houston will return to action for the first time this year against Canada's Shelly Barnett (3-1-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round bantamweight bout. And in the broadcast opener, Mitchell (5-0-2, 3 KO) of Pacific Grove, California, will look to continue her climb up the 118-pound rankings against Florida-based veteran Noemi “La Rebelde / No-No” Bosques (12-15-3, 2 KOs) over six rounds.
Both fights will be presented in support of the ten-round 154-pound unification showdown between three-division and current WBC/WBO 154-pound champion Claressa Shields and her also-unbeaten IBF counterpart Marie-Eve Dicaire.
Already announced for the card was a chief support featuring former amateur standout Danielle Perkins (2-0, 1 KO) of Houston in an eight-round heavyweight rematch against Georgia’s Monika “Lay Em Down” Harrison (2-1, 1 KO). In another intriguing, televised match-up, South Carolina's Logan Holler (9-0-1, 3 KO) takes on Delaware's Schemelle Baldwin (3-1-2, 2 KO) over eight rounds.
Esparza, the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in the women's flyweight division, is the only other American woman besides Claressa Shields to win an Olympic medal in the sport of boxing. Esparza, like Shields, also won an amateur world championship at the 2014 AIBA World Boxing Championships in South Korea. A crossover star, Esparza has an endorsement deal with CoverGirl Cosmetics and has also appeared in a Spanish-language commercial for Coca-Cola. She was featured in Soledad O'Brien's 2011 CNN documentary In Her Corner: Latino in America 2, as well as an extensive profile in the June 2012 issue of The Atlantic. The addition of Esparza makes a total of three former amateur world champions on the card, with Perkins having also won in 2019.
“I'm excited to be fighting on this historic all-women’s card around International Women’s Day and to be reunited with my 2012 Olympic teammate Claressa Shields,” said Esparza. “I also want to thank my opponent for taking this fight. I'm looking forward to representing all female fighters on March 5 and putting on a great performance. I want all my fans to tune in to this pay-per-view. This is a great night for women’s boxing and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
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Chantelle Cameron postpones title defense due to unspecified injury |
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Chantelle Cameron’s WBC junior welterweight title defense has been postponed after she suffered an injury. Cameron (13-0, 7 KOs) was set to defend against mandatory challenger Melissa Hernandez on March 20th, but the fight is now unable to take place on that date. The British Cameron won the title back in October with a dominant victory over Adriana dos Santos Araujo, and also holds victories over Anahi Ester Sanchez, Anisha Basheel, Jessica Gonzalez and Viviane Obenauf during her career.
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Chantelle Cameron postpones title defense due to unspecified injury
Chantelle Cameron’s WBC junior welterweight title defense has been postponed after she suffered an injury. Cameron (13-0, 7 KOs) was set to defend against mandatory challenger Melissa Hernandez on March 20th, but the fight is now unable to take place on that date. The British Cameron won the title back in October with a dominant victory over Adriana dos Santos Araujo, and also holds victories over Anahi Ester Sanchez, Anisha Basheel, Jessica Gonzalez and Viviane Obenauf during her career.
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Liborio Solis to resume ring activity in Venezuela this weekend |
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On March 6th, in Turmero, Valenzuela, the WBA will sponsor the fifth edition of the Gilberto Mendoza Boxing Festival in honor of its late president. Former WBA / IBF 115-pound champion Liborio Solis (30-6-1) will reappear after a year of inactivity, facing Marlembron Acuña (8-7-1) in the super bantamweight division, scheduled for ten rounds. The main event will be a welterweight contest between two Venezuelans, Johan Gonzalez (25-1) and Luis Romero (9-2-1). The co-feature match Edison Perez (22-5)and Ernesto Martinez (9-4-2) in the bantamweight division,
The rest of the card will feature Carlos Diaz and Daniel Espinoza in the super flyweight division; Jose Aray and Reyes Colon in the featherweight division, and Jefferson Hernandez against Dany Marichales in the junior middleweight division. Six other fights will complete the program... On Friday, March 5th, the atmosphere will heat up with a day of ten amateur fights.
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Liborio Solis to resume ring activity in Venezuela this weekend
On March 6th, in Turmero, Valenzuela, the WBA will sponsor the fifth edition of the Gilberto Mendoza Boxing Festival in honor of its late president. Former WBA / IBF 115-pound champion Liborio Solis (30-6-1) will reappear after a year of inactivity, facing Marlembron Acuña (8-7-1) in the super bantamweight division, scheduled for ten rounds. The main event will be a welterweight contest between two Venezuelans, Johan Gonzalez (25-1) and Luis Romero (9-2-1). The co-feature match Edison Perez (22-5)and Ernesto Martinez (9-4-2) in the bantamweight division,
The rest of the card will feature Carlos Diaz and Daniel Espinoza in the super flyweight division; Jose Aray and Reyes Colon in the featherweight division, and Jefferson Hernandez against Dany Marichales in the junior middleweight division. Six other fights will complete the program... On Friday, March 5th, the atmosphere will heat up with a day of ten amateur fights.
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Impact Network back with Geffrard-Grachev main event |
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Impact Boxing will kick off it's 2021 schedule with a night of boxing on Saturday, March 6th at Delray Beach Boxing Club in Delray Beach, Florida. Headlining will be Steve Geffrard taking on Denis Grachev in the eight-round light heavyweight main event. Also shown on the broadcast will be an eight-round light heavyweight bout between Robin Sirwan Safar (10-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas taking on Demetrius Banks (10-9-1, 5 KOs) of Detroit, a six-round lightweight bout featuring Antonio Williams (13-0-1, 6 KOs) of Richmond, Texas battling Ignacio Perrin (6-4-1, 1 KO) of Argentina, and kicking off the telecast will be heavyweight Jeremiah Milton (2-0, 2KOs) of Las Vegas fighting Zachary Calmus (1-0, 1 KO) of Gloucester, Mass.
Geffrard, 30, of Miami has record of 17-2 with 12 KOs. He has won 17 straight bouts. The eight-year pro has a seventh-round stoppage over Dmitry Sukhotskiy (23-4) and is coming off a fourth-round stoppage over Zoltan Sera on March 23, 2018.
Grachev, 38, now fighting out of San Diego, California, has a record of 20-11-1 with 11 KOs. The 14-year veteran has wins over Azea Augustama (9-0), Vladine Biosse (11-0), Ismayl Sillakh (17-0), former champion Zsolt Erdei (33-0). Grachev has also fought former champions Chad Dawson and Lucian Bute.
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Impact Network back with Geffrard-Grachev main event
Impact Boxing will kick off it's 2021 schedule with a night of boxing on Saturday, March 6th at Delray Beach Boxing Club in Delray Beach, Florida. Headlining will be Steve Geffrard taking on Denis Grachev in the eight-round light heavyweight main event. Also shown on the broadcast will be an eight-round light heavyweight bout between Robin Sirwan Safar (10-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas taking on Demetrius Banks (10-9-1, 5 KOs) of Detroit, a six-round lightweight bout featuring Antonio Williams (13-0-1, 6 KOs) of Richmond, Texas battling Ignacio Perrin (6-4-1, 1 KO) of Argentina, and kicking off the telecast will be heavyweight Jeremiah Milton (2-0, 2KOs) of Las Vegas fighting Zachary Calmus (1-0, 1 KO) of Gloucester, Mass.
Geffrard, 30, of Miami has record of 17-2 with 12 KOs. He has won 17 straight bouts. The eight-year pro has a seventh-round stoppage over Dmitry Sukhotskiy (23-4) and is coming off a fourth-round stoppage over Zoltan Sera on March 23, 2018.
Grachev, 38, now fighting out of San Diego, California, has a record of 20-11-1 with 11 KOs. The 14-year veteran has wins over Azea Augustama (9-0), Vladine Biosse (11-0), Ismayl Sillakh (17-0), former champion Zsolt Erdei (33-0). Grachev has also fought former champions Chad Dawson and Lucian Bute.
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Update on condition of Zhang Zhilei |
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Social media message issued by Terry Lane of Lane Brothers Management, managers of hospitalized heavyweight Zhilei Zhang: "Wow. What a roller coaster of a night. Zhilei Zhang started off better than we could have hoped with three knockdowns in the first three rounds. But credit and respect to the game Jerry Forrest who battled back for a ten-round draw. We are unhappy that a referee's point deduction changed the outcome of the fight from a Zhang win to a draw, but we have bigger immediate issues as it was apparent to us that Zhang was not himself in the second half of the fight. He had a good training camp that included several good sparring sessions. But in the locker room afterward, we noticed some concerning symptoms and took Zhang to the hospital, where he will spend a couple of nights. The good news is that all of his neurological scans are clear. However, he is suffering from anemia, high enzyme levels, and low-level renal failure, which may have been caused by severe dehydration. We will address these issues and Zhang Zhilei will be back. We want to thank everyone for their concern and kind words of support that our team has received. We also want to send a special thank you to Matchroom for providing such wonderful support at this time."
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Update on condition of Zhang Zhilei
Social media message issued by Terry Lane of Lane Brothers Management, managers of hospitalized heavyweight Zhilei Zhang: "Wow. What a roller coaster of a night. Zhilei Zhang started off better than we could have hoped with three knockdowns in the first three rounds. But credit and respect to the game Jerry Forrest who battled back for a ten-round draw. We are unhappy that a referee's point deduction changed the outcome of the fight from a Zhang win to a draw, but we have bigger immediate issues as it was apparent to us that Zhang was not himself in the second half of the fight. He had a good training camp that included several good sparring sessions. But in the locker room afterward, we noticed some concerning symptoms and took Zhang to the hospital, where he will spend a couple of nights. The good news is that all of his neurological scans are clear. However, he is suffering from anemia, high enzyme levels, and low-level renal failure, which may have been caused by severe dehydration. We will address these issues and Zhang Zhilei will be back. We want to thank everyone for their concern and kind words of support that our team has received. We also want to send a special thank you to Matchroom for providing such wonderful support at this time."
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Alvarez-Saunders announced minutes after Alvarez wins a mismatch |
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WBA/WBC super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez will clash with WBO counterpart Billy Joe Saunders in a unification bout on May 8th, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico). The venue has not yet been determined. Alvarez’s win over the non-competitive Avni Yildirim last night followed hot on the heels of his dominant triumph over Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas. Saunders (30-0 14 KOs) will be putting his WBO strap on the line for the third time, after recently sending Martin Murray into retirement following a comprehensive points win. “We want to unify the division, he’s a world champion, we want to go for it and we need to go for it,” said Canelo. “He’s a very difficult fighter and has a championship, the WBO. People talk but I’m a very mature fighter and I know how to control myself. All I need to do is go into the ring, win and make history.” It’s because it hasn’t been done, no one has done it in Latin America. In the world only a few fighters have done it, the best. I want to make history and be one of the best in the world.”
“Canelo, I’m ready to rock and roll,” said Saunders. “You have to dare to be great and you aren’t going to be a great if you don’t beat the greats. I believe I am the only one with the footwork, knowhow, skillset, mindset and brain to unlock that door in Canelo. He’s the main man in the sport and the face of boxing. You have to give him respect, he hasn’t ducked anyone, he’s beaten good names, but nobody is unbeatable, and I believe I have got the tools to beat him if I use them properly and if the gamelan comes off that I believe works.
“I am looking at the golden ticket to cement my legacy, and that’s how you have to go in there to beat him. I’ve won everything from Southern Area to World titles, I could say ‘I’ve won it all, been to the Olympics, I’m unbeaten – I’ll see you later’. But I’ve only just turned 31, I’ve got no miles on the clock, haven’t taken any punishment – I believe he’s been in harder fights than me and has more miles, so I want to cement my legacy and beat him.”
“This is one of the biggest fights in the sport of boxing,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The pound-for-pound king on the road to undisputed against the unbeaten champion who has long believed he can overcome him. After missing a chance to fight and celebrate on Cinco de Mayo last year this is going to be very special, we look forward to welcoming you for this momentous event.”
“Canelo vs. Saunders is a fascinating matchup of champions with massive international appeal,” said Ed Breeze, DAZN EVP, Rights. “From what we expect to be a fiery promotion to the competition in the ring, we’re thrilled to deliver this fight to DAZN subscribers across the world.”
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Alvarez-Saunders announced minutes after Alvarez wins a mismatch
WBA/WBC super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez will clash with WBO counterpart Billy Joe Saunders in a unification bout on May 8th, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico). The venue has not yet been determined. Alvarez’s win over the non-competitive Avni Yildirim last night followed hot on the heels of his dominant triumph over Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas. Saunders (30-0 14 KOs) will be putting his WBO strap on the line for the third time, after recently sending Martin Murray into retirement following a comprehensive points win. “We want to unify the division, he’s a world champion, we want to go for it and we need to go for it,” said Canelo. “He’s a very difficult fighter and has a championship, the WBO. People talk but I’m a very mature fighter and I know how to control myself. All I need to do is go into the ring, win and make history.” It’s because it hasn’t been done, no one has done it in Latin America. In the world only a few fighters have done it, the best. I want to make history and be one of the best in the world.”
“Canelo, I’m ready to rock and roll,” said Saunders. “You have to dare to be great and you aren’t going to be a great if you don’t beat the greats. I believe I am the only one with the footwork, knowhow, skillset, mindset and brain to unlock that door in Canelo. He’s the main man in the sport and the face of boxing. You have to give him respect, he hasn’t ducked anyone, he’s beaten good names, but nobody is unbeatable, and I believe I have got the tools to beat him if I use them properly and if the gamelan comes off that I believe works.
“I am looking at the golden ticket to cement my legacy, and that’s how you have to go in there to beat him. I’ve won everything from Southern Area to World titles, I could say ‘I’ve won it all, been to the Olympics, I’m unbeaten – I’ll see you later’. But I’ve only just turned 31, I’ve got no miles on the clock, haven’t taken any punishment – I believe he’s been in harder fights than me and has more miles, so I want to cement my legacy and beat him.”
“This is one of the biggest fights in the sport of boxing,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The pound-for-pound king on the road to undisputed against the unbeaten champion who has long believed he can overcome him. After missing a chance to fight and celebrate on Cinco de Mayo last year this is going to be very special, we look forward to welcoming you for this momentous event.”
“Canelo vs. Saunders is a fascinating matchup of champions with massive international appeal,” said Ed Breeze, DAZN EVP, Rights. “From what we expect to be a fiery promotion to the competition in the ring, we’re thrilled to deliver this fight to DAZN subscribers across the world.”
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Pathetic Yildirim shows up just long enough to collect a paycheck |
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Saul Alvarez TKO3 Avni Yildirim ... WBA/WBC super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez dismantled a pathetic challenger, Avni Yildirim of Turkey, in three rounds at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Yildirim made no effort to win. In the third round, Alvarez landed a straight right hand that sent Yildirim to the canvas. Although he got up and was able to finish the round, he decided not to come out for the fourth round. Yildirim had not won a fight since 2018 and was corruptly thrust into this fight by the WBC, who named Yildirim as the mandatory contender. This non-fight was little more than an infomercial for Alvarez's next appearance, which was announced minutes afterwards. Alvarez will face WBO title holder Billy Joe Saunders on May 8th.
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Pathetic Yildirim shows up just long enough to collect a paycheck
Saul Alvarez TKO3 Avni Yildirim ... WBA/WBC super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez dismantled a pathetic challenger, Avni Yildirim of Turkey, in three rounds at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Yildirim made no effort to win. In the third round, Alvarez landed a straight right hand that sent Yildirim to the canvas. Although he got up and was able to finish the round, he decided not to come out for the fourth round. Yildirim had not won a fight since 2018 and was corruptly thrust into this fight by the WBC, who named Yildirim as the mandatory contender. This non-fight was little more than an infomercial for Alvarez's next appearance, which was announced minutes afterwards. Alvarez will face WBO title holder Billy Joe Saunders on May 8th.
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Anthony Dirrell and Kyrone Davis fight to a draw |
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Anthony Dirrell D12 Kyrone Davis ... Two-time super middleweight title holder Anthony “The Dog’’ Dirrell and Kyrone “Shut It Down’’ Davis battled to a twelve-round split draw in a WBC elimination match on Saturday night at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles. It was a tactical match as Dirrell landed the more accurate shots, but Davis matched his work rate on offense. As the fight wore on it became a question of whether the veteran Dirrell would be able to drag the younger man, Davis, out into deep waters and sink him. Davis didn’t let that happen, making Dirrell work for everything he got in the fight. In the end neither man was the clear-cut winner. Judge Patrick Russell scored it 115-113 for Dirrell. Judge Lou Moret scored it 115-113 for Davis and Judge Zachary Young had it 114-114 even.
[Editor's note: the WBC super middleweight situation is a disgrace. Avni Yildirim was the mandatory contender despite nowins since 2018; now that fans were disappointed by Yildirim's pathetic showing against Canelo Alvarez, the WBC sanctioned Dirrell vs. Davis even though Davis had never fught as a super middleweight before. Davis showed up and performed well but that des nit excuse the WBC's conduct with its rankings).
“I thought I won the fight. I pushed the fight, hit him with cleaner punches,” Dirrell said. “He hit gloves a lot. I knew it was going to be a draw—as soon as they said it was going to be a split decision. I can’t control what the judges do and I respect them all because they have different perspectives and angles on what is happening. I was pressing the fight, I wasn’t tired at all. My jab was working. But I can’t stop what the judges think. Davis fought well. He did what he was supposed to, came in with a good game plan. He was boxing, he normally doesn’t do that. But we pressed the action.”
The 36 year-old Dirrell (33-2-2, 24 KOs), a two-time WBC 168-pound champion, had the edge in experience over the 26 year-old Davis, who was fighting for the first time at 168 pounds. The younger brother of Andre Dirrell, a bronze medalist for the 2004 U.S. Olympic boxing team, Dirrell was coming off a hard-fought loss to former champion David Benavidez. Dirrell of Flint, Michigan has cleared several hurdles in his life, including surviving cancer and a horrendous motorcycle accident. He was looking at this as his path back to the championship ranks. And he still is.
“I’m looking for a title. I’m not looking for just another fight. I’m looking for a big fight. That’s the plan,” Dirrell said. “I’ll take whoever has a belt, whoever we can get. I’ll take a Canelo, or a Caleb Plant.”
Davis (15-2-1, 6 KOs) stepped up to the biggest challenge of his career in taking on Dirrell. The most notable victory of his career had come against Marcos Hernandez in 2017. Hernandez was undefeated at the time. In the early rounds against Dirrell, Davis of Wilmington, Delaware seemed a bit hesitant, but settled in as the fight rolled to the middle rounds. He pressed the action at times, but it wasn’t enough to convince two of the judges to give him the decision.
“I thought I won the fight, 116-112. It was a great opportunity. They doubted me. They told me he was going to knock me out. This was supposed to be a showcase for him but it wasn’t,” Davis said. “My body felt well. I felt good. Anthony Dirrell is a two-time world champion. I really wanted to make a statement. A draw is not as bad as a loss but I really don’t like breaking even.
“It was my first 12-rounder so it was a little unfamiliar for me. I knew he was experienced, but I kept my composure and pushed through it. I stuck to the game plan that (trainer) Stephen 'Breadman' Edwards gave me. source: premier boxing champions
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Anthony Dirrell and Kyrone Davis fight to a draw
Anthony Dirrell D12 Kyrone Davis ... Two-time super middleweight title holder Anthony “The Dog’’ Dirrell and Kyrone “Shut It Down’’ Davis battled to a twelve-round split draw in a WBC elimination match on Saturday night at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles. It was a tactical match as Dirrell landed the more accurate shots, but Davis matched his work rate on offense. As the fight wore on it became a question of whether the veteran Dirrell would be able to drag the younger man, Davis, out into deep waters and sink him. Davis didn’t let that happen, making Dirrell work for everything he got in the fight. In the end neither man was the clear-cut winner. Judge Patrick Russell scored it 115-113 for Dirrell. Judge Lou Moret scored it 115-113 for Davis and Judge Zachary Young had it 114-114 even.
[Editor's note: the WBC super middleweight situation is a disgrace. Avni Yildirim was the mandatory contender despite nowins since 2018; now that fans were disappointed by Yildirim's pathetic showing against Canelo Alvarez, the WBC sanctioned Dirrell vs. Davis even though Davis had never fught as a super middleweight before. Davis showed up and performed well but that des nit excuse the WBC's conduct with its rankings).
“I thought I won the fight. I pushed the fight, hit him with cleaner punches,” Dirrell said. “He hit gloves a lot. I knew it was going to be a draw—as soon as they said it was going to be a split decision. I can’t control what the judges do and I respect them all because they have different perspectives and angles on what is happening. I was pressing the fight, I wasn’t tired at all. My jab was working. But I can’t stop what the judges think. Davis fought well. He did what he was supposed to, came in with a good game plan. He was boxing, he normally doesn’t do that. But we pressed the action.”
The 36 year-old Dirrell (33-2-2, 24 KOs), a two-time WBC 168-pound champion, had the edge in experience over the 26 year-old Davis, who was fighting for the first time at 168 pounds. The younger brother of Andre Dirrell, a bronze medalist for the 2004 U.S. Olympic boxing team, Dirrell was coming off a hard-fought loss to former champion David Benavidez. Dirrell of Flint, Michigan has cleared several hurdles in his life, including surviving cancer and a horrendous motorcycle accident. He was looking at this as his path back to the championship ranks. And he still is.
“I’m looking for a title. I’m not looking for just another fight. I’m looking for a big fight. That’s the plan,” Dirrell said. “I’ll take whoever has a belt, whoever we can get. I’ll take a Canelo, or a Caleb Plant.”
Davis (15-2-1, 6 KOs) stepped up to the biggest challenge of his career in taking on Dirrell. The most notable victory of his career had come against Marcos Hernandez in 2017. Hernandez was undefeated at the time. In the early rounds against Dirrell, Davis of Wilmington, Delaware seemed a bit hesitant, but settled in as the fight rolled to the middle rounds. He pressed the action at times, but it wasn’t enough to convince two of the judges to give him the decision.
“I thought I won the fight, 116-112. It was a great opportunity. They doubted me. They told me he was going to knock me out. This was supposed to be a showcase for him but it wasn’t,” Davis said. “My body felt well. I felt good. Anthony Dirrell is a two-time world champion. I really wanted to make a statement. A draw is not as bad as a loss but I really don’t like breaking even.
“It was my first 12-rounder so it was a little unfamiliar for me. I knew he was experienced, but I kept my composure and pushed through it. I stuck to the game plan that (trainer) Stephen 'Breadman' Edwards gave me. source: premier boxing champions
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Forrest battles back from three knockdowns to get a valiant draw |
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Zhilei Zhang W10 Jerry Forrest ... China's Zhilei Zhang and Virginia's Jerry Forrest fought to a majority draw (95-93 Forrest, 93-93, 93-93) on the Canelo Alavarez undercard in souther Florida. The favorite coming in, Zhang sent Forrest to the canvas three times in the first three rounds and arguably won the fourth. Then Zhang's gas tank emptied and Forrest dug down deep, fought exhaustion and landed the harder shots, stunning Zhang on multiple occasions. Forrest deserves massive credit for fighting back from the three knockdowns. However, a referee' point deduction on Zhang for holding in the ninth round changed the fight from a win for Zhang to a draw.
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Forrest battles back from three knockdowns to get a valiant draw
Zhilei Zhang W10 Jerry Forrest ... China's Zhilei Zhang and Virginia's Jerry Forrest fought to a majority draw (95-93 Forrest, 93-93, 93-93) on the Canelo Alavarez undercard in souther Florida. The favorite coming in, Zhang sent Forrest to the canvas three times in the first three rounds and arguably won the fourth. Then Zhang's gas tank emptied and Forrest dug down deep, fought exhaustion and landed the harder shots, stunning Zhang on multiple occasions. Forrest deserves massive credit for fighting back from the three knockdowns. However, a referee' point deduction on Zhang for holding in the ninth round changed the fight from a win for Zhang to a draw.
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Arroyo claims WBC interim flyweight title |
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McWilliams Arroyo TKO5 Abraham Rodriguez ... Puerto Rico's McWilliams Arroyo defeated late-replacement Abraham Rodriguez of Mexico via TKO at 1:40 of the fifth round to become the interim WBC flyweight champion. Rodriguez got the fight when WBC champion Julio Cesar Martinez claimed a hand injury on Thursday. Rodriguez is a natural 105 pounder who jumped up in weight for this opportunity. Arroyo (21-4) dominated the first four rounds, including knocking down Rodriguez (27-3) in the fourth. Arroyo made sure Rodirguez didn't see the end of the fifth. He got Rodriguez against the ropes and started unloading one heavy shot after another. Rodriguez's corner was ready to throw in the towel when the ringside doctor jumped on the apron and told the referee to stop it. source: dazn
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Arroyo claims WBC interim flyweight title
McWilliams Arroyo TKO5 Abraham Rodriguez ... Puerto Rico's McWilliams Arroyo defeated late-replacement Abraham Rodriguez of Mexico via TKO at 1:40 of the fifth round to become the interim WBC flyweight champion. Rodriguez got the fight when WBC champion Julio Cesar Martinez claimed a hand injury on Thursday. Rodriguez is a natural 105 pounder who jumped up in weight for this opportunity. Arroyo (21-4) dominated the first four rounds, including knocking down Rodriguez (27-3) in the fourth. Arroyo made sure Rodirguez didn't see the end of the fifth. He got Rodriguez against the ropes and started unloading one heavy shot after another. Rodriguez's corner was ready to throw in the towel when the ringside doctor jumped on the apron and told the referee to stop it. source: dazn
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Ramos, Mielnicki win on Fox |
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Jesus Ramos KO2 Jesús Emilio Bojórquez... In the Fox on PBC co-feature from Los Angeles, 19 year-old welterweight Jesus Ramos (15-0, 14 KOs) scored a second-round KO victory over Jesús Emilio Bojórquez (24-3, 18 KOs). Ramos, the nephew of welterweight Abel Ramos, landed a sharp right hook that dropped Bojórquez of Mexico and opened a cut along his nose early in the second round. Bojórquez beat the count but was unsteady on his feet. Ramos opened up on Bojórquez as he was pinned against the ropes and referee Thomas Taylor stepped in and stopped the fight at 1:44 of the second round.
“I was surprised he got up from that right hook. I was setting it up, throwing my jab to the body,” Ramos said. “I knew he was expecting another jab but I feinted and came back with the right hook. I didn’t think he would get up but he did and then I finished the job. This was a test run [at 147]. I felt really strong, the weight cut was a lot smoother this time around. I might campaign here. I have to talk to my team and see what they think. I want to be a champion at 21 years of age. That would be next year. I want to step up the competition this year, fight guys with names, and next year fight guys like Yordenis Ugas.”
Ramos’s uncle, Abel, lost a split decision to Ugas last September.
In the televised opener, another teenage welterweight, Vito Mielnicki, Jr. (8-0, 5 KOs), displayed poise, patience and power en route to a TKO victory over Mexico’s Nóe López (10-4-1, 4 KOs) when referee Gerard White stopped the contest at 2:50 of the third round. In the second, the 18-year-old Mielnicki floored López when he rolled under a lazy jab and landed a lightning quick straight right hand that dropped López on the seat of his pants. The 34 year-old López rose at the count of six by referee Gerald White. Mielnicki of Roseland, N.J. picked up the pace and continued to pound Noe in the third round. He landed a barrage of hard punches at will that frame, forcing White to call a halt to the assault with 10 seconds remaining in the round, handing Mielnicki the stoppage victory.
“I felt strong tonight. I don’t know how long I’ll be at 147, moving up may be in my future. For this fight, I give myself an ‘A.’ I got him out of there, a guy who said was a step-up, a guy who they said would carry me into the later rounds. But I expect nothing less of myself because I know I’m going to be great,’’ Mielnicki said.
“I’m just going to keep learning. I’m still young. I’m still 18 so we’re not in a rush. We’re going to keep building and see where that takes us. I’m 8-0 with 5 knockouts and I’m not injured or anything so I’m ready to get back in the ring as soon as possible.”
MORE RESULTS
In other televised action, Dominican lightweight Michel Rivera (20-0, 13 KOs) looks like he has moved up to junior welterweight. Rivera pounded Puerto Rico’s Anthony Mercado (13-5, 11 KOs) and scored a TKO victory when referee Edward Collantes stopped the fight at 2:26 of the eighth round...
Anthony Cuba (1-0-1, 1 KO) and Diego Elizondo (3-2-3) fought to a four-round majority draw. source for all results: premier boxing champions
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Ramos, Mielnicki win on Fox
Jesus Ramos KO2 Jesús Emilio Bojórquez... In the Fox on PBC co-feature from Los Angeles, 19 year-old welterweight Jesus Ramos (15-0, 14 KOs) scored a second-round KO victory over Jesús Emilio Bojórquez (24-3, 18 KOs). Ramos, the nephew of welterweight Abel Ramos, landed a sharp right hook that dropped Bojórquez of Mexico and opened a cut along his nose early in the second round. Bojórquez beat the count but was unsteady on his feet. Ramos opened up on Bojórquez as he was pinned against the ropes and referee Thomas Taylor stepped in and stopped the fight at 1:44 of the second round.
“I was surprised he got up from that right hook. I was setting it up, throwing my jab to the body,” Ramos said. “I knew he was expecting another jab but I feinted and came back with the right hook. I didn’t think he would get up but he did and then I finished the job. This was a test run [at 147]. I felt really strong, the weight cut was a lot smoother this time around. I might campaign here. I have to talk to my team and see what they think. I want to be a champion at 21 years of age. That would be next year. I want to step up the competition this year, fight guys with names, and next year fight guys like Yordenis Ugas.”
Ramos’s uncle, Abel, lost a split decision to Ugas last September.
In the televised opener, another teenage welterweight, Vito Mielnicki, Jr. (8-0, 5 KOs), displayed poise, patience and power en route to a TKO victory over Mexico’s Nóe López (10-4-1, 4 KOs) when referee Gerard White stopped the contest at 2:50 of the third round. In the second, the 18-year-old Mielnicki floored López when he rolled under a lazy jab and landed a lightning quick straight right hand that dropped López on the seat of his pants. The 34 year-old López rose at the count of six by referee Gerald White. Mielnicki of Roseland, N.J. picked up the pace and continued to pound Noe in the third round. He landed a barrage of hard punches at will that frame, forcing White to call a halt to the assault with 10 seconds remaining in the round, handing Mielnicki the stoppage victory.
“I felt strong tonight. I don’t know how long I’ll be at 147, moving up may be in my future. For this fight, I give myself an ‘A.’ I got him out of there, a guy who said was a step-up, a guy who they said would carry me into the later rounds. But I expect nothing less of myself because I know I’m going to be great,’’ Mielnicki said.
“I’m just going to keep learning. I’m still young. I’m still 18 so we’re not in a rush. We’re going to keep building and see where that takes us. I’m 8-0 with 5 knockouts and I’m not injured or anything so I’m ready to get back in the ring as soon as possible.”
MORE RESULTS
In other televised action, Dominican lightweight Michel Rivera (20-0, 13 KOs) looks like he has moved up to junior welterweight. Rivera pounded Puerto Rico’s Anthony Mercado (13-5, 11 KOs) and scored a TKO victory when referee Edward Collantes stopped the fight at 2:26 of the eighth round...
Anthony Cuba (1-0-1, 1 KO) and Diego Elizondo (3-2-3) fought to a four-round majority draw. source for all results: premier boxing champions
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South African report: Makhoba breaks Gumed's rib |
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Gcina Makhoba TKO3 Thulani Gumede ... In Durban, South Africa, super flyweight Gcina Makhoba put on a destructive performance when he stopped fellow KwaZulu-Natal resident Thulani Gumede in the third round on Saturday. Makhoba improved his professional record to 6-1-1, while the challenger falls to 7-2-1. Showing class, maturity and power, Makhoba went straight to work from the first bell and clearly won the first two rounds. Gumede tried his best to turn the tide, but always seemed a step behind. In round three, Makhoba landed a body shot which made Gumede turn his back, grimacing in pain, forcing referee Elroy Marshall to jump in and wave the fight off at 0:48. It was later revealed that Gumede had broken a rib. The fight headlined a card promoted by Starline Boxing Promotions. source: wbf
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South African report: Makhoba breaks Gumed's rib
Gcina Makhoba TKO3 Thulani Gumede ... In Durban, South Africa, super flyweight Gcina Makhoba put on a destructive performance when he stopped fellow KwaZulu-Natal resident Thulani Gumede in the third round on Saturday. Makhoba improved his professional record to 6-1-1, while the challenger falls to 7-2-1. Showing class, maturity and power, Makhoba went straight to work from the first bell and clearly won the first two rounds. Gumede tried his best to turn the tide, but always seemed a step behind. In round three, Makhoba landed a body shot which made Gumede turn his back, grimacing in pain, forcing referee Elroy Marshall to jump in and wave the fight off at 0:48. It was later revealed that Gumede had broken a rib. The fight headlined a card promoted by Starline Boxing Promotions. source: wbf
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Kunkabayev wins when Emurlaev quits |
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Kamshybek Kunkabayev TKO6 Server Emurlaev... Kazakhstan cruiserweight Kamshybek Kunkabayev defeated Server Emurlaev on the MTK Fight Night taking place at the Tynyshpayev Academy of Transport and Communications in Almaty, Kazakhstan. In just his third professional fight, Kunkabayev (3-0, 3 KOs) was in control throughout, forcing Emurlaev (23-2, 8 KOs) to retire at the end of the sixth round. It is the latest big win for Kunkabayev, with his three opponents in his professional career so far having a combined record of 50-8, showing how quickly he wants to progress in the paid ranks. source: mtk
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Kunkabayev wins when Emurlaev quits
Kamshybek Kunkabayev TKO6 Server Emurlaev... Kazakhstan cruiserweight Kamshybek Kunkabayev defeated Server Emurlaev on the MTK Fight Night taking place at the Tynyshpayev Academy of Transport and Communications in Almaty, Kazakhstan. In just his third professional fight, Kunkabayev (3-0, 3 KOs) was in control throughout, forcing Emurlaev (23-2, 8 KOs) to retire at the end of the sixth round. It is the latest big win for Kunkabayev, with his three opponents in his professional career so far having a combined record of 50-8, showing how quickly he wants to progress in the paid ranks. source: mtk
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Undercard results from Almaty, Kazakhstan |
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On the MTK Fight Night undercard in Kazakhstan, Nurtas Azhbenov (11-0, 4 KOs) defeated Evgeny Smirnov (13-2-3, 3 KOs) by unanimous decision. The ten-round fight was contested in the lightweight division, with official scroes of 100-90, 99-91 and 96-94... Welterweight Talghat Shayken (4-0, 2 KOs) picked up a good win, defeating Evgeny Pavko (18-4-1, 13 KOs) on points after eight rounds... Also on the show, there was a huge fifth-round knockout win for Abay Tolesh (7-1, 5 KOs) against Vasily Shytk (2-3, 2 KOs) in the middleweight division... In the featherweight division, Bagdat Uaydayev improved to 3-0, shutting out Sagyndyk Moldashev over six rounds with all three scorecards having it 60-54. Moldashev drops to 2-1. source for all results: mtk global
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Undercard results from Almaty, Kazakhstan
On the MTK Fight Night undercard in Kazakhstan, Nurtas Azhbenov (11-0, 4 KOs) defeated Evgeny Smirnov (13-2-3, 3 KOs) by unanimous decision. The ten-round fight was contested in the lightweight division, with official scroes of 100-90, 99-91 and 96-94... Welterweight Talghat Shayken (4-0, 2 KOs) picked up a good win, defeating Evgeny Pavko (18-4-1, 13 KOs) on points after eight rounds... Also on the show, there was a huge fifth-round knockout win for Abay Tolesh (7-1, 5 KOs) against Vasily Shytk (2-3, 2 KOs) in the middleweight division... In the featherweight division, Bagdat Uaydayev improved to 3-0, shutting out Sagyndyk Moldashev over six rounds with all three scorecards having it 60-54. Moldashev drops to 2-1. source for all results: mtk global
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Joseph Parker defeats Junior Fa in New Zealand |
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Joseph Parker W12 Junior Fa ... Former WBO title holder Joseph Parker won a competitive, medium-paced heavyweight fight over previously undefeated Junior Fa at the Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday. The boxers showed good hand speed but there was a fair amount of clinching as Parker won a twelve-round unanimous decision. Official scores were an unfair 119-109 and more realistic scores of 117-111 and 115-113. Parker was hurt in the third round but landed the better punches throughout to improve his record to 28-2. He remains in or very near the top ten heavyweights in the world. Fa fought through a cut near his left eye. His record drops to 17-1 but he acquitted himself as a legitimate heavyweight.
Undercard results:
Hemi Ahio KO7 Julius Long
David Nyika TKO1 Jesse Maio
Nik Charalampous D6 Panuve Helu (56-58, 57-57, 58-56)
Jerome Pampellone KO1 Antz Amouta
source: dazn
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Joseph Parker defeats Junior Fa in New Zealand
Joseph Parker W12 Junior Fa ... Former WBO title holder Joseph Parker won a competitive, medium-paced heavyweight fight over previously undefeated Junior Fa at the Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday. The boxers showed good hand speed but there was a fair amount of clinching as Parker won a twelve-round unanimous decision. Official scores were an unfair 119-109 and more realistic scores of 117-111 and 115-113. Parker was hurt in the third round but landed the better punches throughout to improve his record to 28-2. He remains in or very near the top ten heavyweights in the world. Fa fought through a cut near his left eye. His record drops to 17-1 but he acquitted himself as a legitimate heavyweight.
Undercard results:
Hemi Ahio KO7 Julius Long
David Nyika TKO1 Jesse Maio
Nik Charalampous D6 Panuve Helu (56-58, 57-57, 58-56)
Jerome Pampellone KO1 Antz Amouta
source: dazn
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Alvarez and Yildirim make weight |
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Both Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Avni Yildirim (21-2 12 KOs) made weight for Saturday's title fight at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN and on TV Azteca in Mexico. Alvarez (54-1-2 36 KOs) will be defending his WBC and WBA super middleweight championships as part of his campaign to consolidate the four major titles. Both Alvarez and Yildirim weighed in 167.6, slightly below the divisional limit of 168 pounds. In the heavyweight bout, China's Zhilei Zhang will enjoy a size and weight advantage against Jerry Forrest. Zhang, a former Olympic silver medalist outweighed Forrest by about twenty pounds, 256.2 to 236.6.
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Alvarez and Yildirim make weight
Both Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Avni Yildirim (21-2 12 KOs) made weight for Saturday's title fight at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN and on TV Azteca in Mexico. Alvarez (54-1-2 36 KOs) will be defending his WBC and WBA super middleweight championships as part of his campaign to consolidate the four major titles. Both Alvarez and Yildirim weighed in 167.6, slightly below the divisional limit of 168 pounds. In the heavyweight bout, China's Zhilei Zhang will enjoy a size and weight advantage against Jerry Forrest. Zhang, a former Olympic silver medalist outweighed Forrest by about twenty pounds, 256.2 to 236.6.
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McWilliams Arroyo to fight for interim title tomorrow |
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In light of WBC 112-pound champion Julio Cesar Martinez's mysterious hand injury, the WBC will move forward with an interim title fight on Saturday's DAZN broadcast. Martinez's scheduled opponent, McWilliams Arroyo of Puerto Rico will now face Abraham Rodriguez of Mexico for the interim belt. Arroyo is 20-4, inactive since late 2019 but on a three-fight win streak against good opposition. Rodriguez, inactive for about a year, has had most of his fights in the 108-pound division. His record overall is 27-2 including a failed WBO title bid to Angel Acosta in 2018.
On Thursday, a tight-lipped Matchroom Twitter post confirmed that Martinez-Arroyo was off: "Julio Cesar Martinez has withdrawn from our February 27th show in Miami due to a hand injury. More to follow." Martinez was set to fight Arroyo in the chief supporting bout for DAZN's huge Canelo Alvarez vs. Avni Yildirim broadcast.
Martinez was seen jogging around the hotel pool on Thursday morning and particpated in Matchroom's press conference early in the afternoon, two occurrences that call the claim of a hand injury into question. Martinez posted a picture of a swollen hand on his social media account, but his face was not in the picture nor could the date of the photo be confirmed. These clues lead to speculation that Martinez realized he would not make the 112-pound flyweight limit and chose to withdraw rather lose his title on the scales.
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McWilliams Arroyo to fight for interim title tomorrow
In light of WBC 112-pound champion Julio Cesar Martinez's mysterious hand injury, the WBC will move forward with an interim title fight on Saturday's DAZN broadcast. Martinez's scheduled opponent, McWilliams Arroyo of Puerto Rico will now face Abraham Rodriguez of Mexico for the interim belt. Arroyo is 20-4, inactive since late 2019 but on a three-fight win streak against good opposition. Rodriguez, inactive for about a year, has had most of his fights in the 108-pound division. His record overall is 27-2 including a failed WBO title bid to Angel Acosta in 2018.
On Thursday, a tight-lipped Matchroom Twitter post confirmed that Martinez-Arroyo was off: "Julio Cesar Martinez has withdrawn from our February 27th show in Miami due to a hand injury. More to follow." Martinez was set to fight Arroyo in the chief supporting bout for DAZN's huge Canelo Alvarez vs. Avni Yildirim broadcast.
Martinez was seen jogging around the hotel pool on Thursday morning and particpated in Matchroom's press conference early in the afternoon, two occurrences that call the claim of a hand injury into question. Martinez posted a picture of a swollen hand on his social media account, but his face was not in the picture nor could the date of the photo be confirmed. These clues lead to speculation that Martinez realized he would not make the 112-pound flyweight limit and chose to withdraw rather lose his title on the scales.
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Weigh-in report from Kazakhstan |
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Saturday is the day for MTK Fight Night in Almaty, Kazakhstan, which will be shown live in the US on ESPN+ and worldwide on IFL TV beginning at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT. The weigh-in took part on Friday, with undefeated Kamshybek Kunkabayev (2-0, 2 KOs) and Server Emurlaev (23-1, 8 KOs) both making weight for their cruiserweight main event. Kunkabayev looked in superb shape as he came in at 90.6kg (199.7 pounds), while Emurlaiev was slightly heavier at 90.7kg (199.9). Elsewhere on the card, Nurtas Azhbenov (10-0, 4 KOs) and Evgeny Smirnov (13-1-3, 3 KOs) will wage war at lightweight, with both men weighing in identically at a ready 61.2kg (134.9lbs). source: mtk global
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Weigh-in report from Kazakhstan
Saturday is the day for MTK Fight Night in Almaty, Kazakhstan, which will be shown live in the US on ESPN+ and worldwide on IFL TV beginning at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT. The weigh-in took part on Friday, with undefeated Kamshybek Kunkabayev (2-0, 2 KOs) and Server Emurlaev (23-1, 8 KOs) both making weight for their cruiserweight main event. Kunkabayev looked in superb shape as he came in at 90.6kg (199.7 pounds), while Emurlaiev was slightly heavier at 90.7kg (199.9). Elsewhere on the card, Nurtas Azhbenov (10-0, 4 KOs) and Evgeny Smirnov (13-1-3, 3 KOs) will wage war at lightweight, with both men weighing in identically at a ready 61.2kg (134.9lbs). source: mtk global
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JC Martinez pulls out of tomorrow's co-feature with suspicious story |
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A tight-lipped Matchroom Twitter post confirmed that tomorrow's WBC flyweight title fight is off. Champion "Julio Cesar Martinez has withdrawn from our February 27th show in Miami due to a hand injury. More to follow." Martinez was set to fight McWilliams Arroyo in the chief supporting bout for DAZN's huge Canelo Alvarez vs. Avni Yildirim broadcast. Martinez was seen jogging around the hotel pool on Thursday morning and particpated in Matchroom's press conference early in the afternoon, two occurrences that call the claim of a hand injury into question. Martinez posted a picture of a swollen hand on his social media account, but his face was not in the picture nor could the date of the photo be confirmed. These clues lead to speculation that Martinez realized he would not make the 112-pound flyweight limit and chose to withdraw rather lose his title on the scales.
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JC Martinez pulls out of tomorrow's co-feature with suspicious story
A tight-lipped Matchroom Twitter post confirmed that tomorrow's WBC flyweight title fight is off. Champion "Julio Cesar Martinez has withdrawn from our February 27th show in Miami due to a hand injury. More to follow." Martinez was set to fight McWilliams Arroyo in the chief supporting bout for DAZN's huge Canelo Alvarez vs. Avni Yildirim broadcast. Martinez was seen jogging around the hotel pool on Thursday morning and particpated in Matchroom's press conference early in the afternoon, two occurrences that call the claim of a hand injury into question. Martinez posted a picture of a swollen hand on his social media account, but his face was not in the picture nor could the date of the photo be confirmed. These clues lead to speculation that Martinez realized he would not make the 112-pound flyweight limit and chose to withdraw rather lose his title on the scales.
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