Thurman injured; Tszyu to face Fundora

Thurman injured; Tszyu to face Fundora
Tim Tszyu (pictured) will take on Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora for Tszyu’s WBO junior middleweight title (pending approval from the WBO), and the vacant WBC title, headlining a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime Video Saturday, March 30th from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. [*Note - Fundora is coming off a KO loss to Brian Mendoza. Deep on the undercard, Mendoza will fight for the WBC interim belt). Tszyu had originally been scheduled to face former welterweight champion Keith Thurman, who was forced to withdraw after suffering a bicep injury in training. Fundora had already been preparing to compete in the pay-per-view opener before being moved up to the main event. 
 
The pay-per-view will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features WBA 140-pound champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero taking on Mexico's Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, plus WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara dueling Australia’s Michael Zerafa in a twelve-round attraction. The pay-per-view opener will now see WBC flyweight champion Julio César Martínez defending against unbeaten Angelino Cordova. Martinez vs. Cordova had originally been scheduled to appear in prelims action.
 
In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through PPV.com, as well as traditional cable and satellite outlets.
 
Preceding the pay-per-view will be a two-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, topped by rising middleweight Elijah García taking on contender Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis in a 10-round attraction. Kicking off the stream will be exciting 154-pound contenders Serhii Bohachuk and Brian Mendoza battling for the WBC junior middleweight interim title. Bohachuk had been originally scheduled to face Fundora before the changes to the lineup. The two matchups will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are available now through AXS.com. The main event is promoted in association with No Limit Boxing.
 

A few words with Yokasta Valle

A few words with Yokasta Valle
WBO/IBF minimumweight champion Yokasta Valle wants to make history for Costa Rica, but standing in her way is a fellow pound-for-pound queen for whom this rivalry has become personal. Valle will face WBC/WBA champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada in an undisputed minimumweight showdown on Friday, March 29th at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Estrada-Valle will serve as the co-feature to the twelve-round junior lightweight main event between former two-weight champion Oscar Valdez and Liam Wilson. Valdez-Wilson and Estrada-Valle headline a card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.
 
Valle (30-2, 9 KOs) claimed the vacant IBF atomweight world title by defeating Ana Victoria Polo in December 2016. Nearly three years later, she moved up and took the IBF minimumweight world title from Joana Pastrana in August 2019. Valle added the WBO title to her collection with a victory over Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen in September 2022. Since then, she has successfully defended her unified crown four times, including a decision win over Anabel Ortiz in November. Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs), a 13-year pro and two-weight world champion, looks to end a longstanding rivalry by fully unifying the division.
 
Following a recent training session at Wild Card Boxing Club, this is what Valle had to say:
 
“This fight is very important because becoming undisputed champion is a dream of mine and because I’d be making history for Costa Rica and for all Latinos. It’s also important because of the many years of effort in putting women’s boxing where it is now.”
 
“If she’s not concentrated on this fight and is thinking about other things that have nothing to do with it, then it can be to my advantage. If when she steps into the ring she’s thinking about my trainer or about something else, then I feel she will be distracted."
 
"You will see the best version of me in this fight. I’m aggressive, and I’m a warrior. When the bell rings, I like to throw lots of punches. So you will see a Yokasta who is very aggressive and who will throw lots of punches, to the point where she won’t know where they are coming from!”
 
“My coach {Gloria Alvarado} knows her really well. But aside from that, I have an advantage because she is also an excellent trainer. It’s because of that and not because she’s known her since she was a kid. She knows how to work with me. We have a great connection.” 
 

Ergashev is big in Uzbekistan

Ergashev is big in Uzbekistan
In the United States, junior weltertweight contender Shohjahon Ergashev is a popular southpaw puncher, especially in Detroit, where he trains at the Kronk Gym with renowned trainer SugarHill Steward. But in his native Uzbekistan, Ergashev is a celebrity superstar with over 2.7 million Instagram followers. Most recently, the 32-year old starred in a national television commercial for the Chery automobile line. The hard-hitting Ergashev (23-1, 20 KOs) can next be seen taking on Panama City veteran Juan Huertas (17-4-1, 13 KOs) in a ten-round super lightweight bout on Thursday, March 28th at Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit and streamed live on DAZN (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). Presented by Salita Promotions, the second installment of the “Big Time Boxing USA” series is topped by 2016 Colombian Olympian Juan Carrillo putting his unbeaten record on the line against veteran Quinton Rankin in a ten-round light heavyweight bout.
 
Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Wayne State Fieldhouse Box Office.
 
Excited to make his healthy return to boxing, Ergashev says appearing in a car commercial was a perfect fit, considering he is now living in the “Motor City.”
 
“It’s extra special to fight my next fight in Detroit which is not only the capital for boxing but is also the capital for cars,” added Ergashev. “I am speeding towards another world title fight and can’t wait for March 28th.”
 
Ergashev’s long-time promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says the commercial is a perfect lead-up to his fighter’s comeback from injury and defeat.
 
“Detroit is the Automotive Capital of the United States and the timing of this commercial couldn’t be more perfect. Ergashev is a massive star at home and he will have many fans supporting him on March 28. With a strong performance, another world title fight and a rematch with Subriel Matias may be around the corner.”
 
In another chief supporting bout, IBF No. 2 super middleweight contender Vladimir Shishkin returns to battle the always tough Mike Guy over 10-rounds.

Schofield remains undefeated with DQ win

Schofield remains undefeated with DQ win

Schofield remains undefeated with DQ win
Floyd Schofield DQ5 Esteuri Suero... Floyd Schofield remained undefeated with a disqualification win over Esteuri Suero on Saturday night at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. The lightweight contest ended in the fifth round after the Dominican fighter landed repeated low blows. Schofield was dominant despite the tactics of Suero, who came out with a lot of motivation but was overcome by Schofield's skill and ended up getting disqualified. Schofield is now 17-0 with 12 KOs. Suero, meanwhile, moved his record down to 13 wins and 2 losses.

Callum Walsh gets TKO win

Callum Walsh gets TKO win
Callum Walsh TKO9 Dauren Yeleussinov... Cork, Ireland's Callum Walsh overwhelmed durable, experienced and hard hitting Dauren Yeleussinov (11-4-1 with 10 KOs) over nine rounds at the Theater in New York City's Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The referee halted the junior middleweight bout at 1.56 of the ninth. Promoter Tom Loeffler praised the southpaw, saying: “Callum has got to be on point every single time. He had a great performance, because the opponent’s style was very tricky and elusive and difficult to connect a clean punch upon because of all of his amateur experience and Dauren is older and more mature. So, Callum did a great job in figuring out this style, and breaking him down to get the ninth round stoppage."
 
Walsh is trained by International Boxing Hall of Famer Freddie Roach. Loeffler stressed: “With forty two world champions, Freddie knows exactly what he`s talking about and what to expect. When we first talked to Freddie, he said that Callum is one of the most talented fighters that he`s seen and Callum has fully lived up to that. You never know how a fighter is going to react to the bright lights, when you`re fighting on a big stage at Madison Square Garden, headlining a televised broadcast. Callum came through with flying colors. Callum is boxing with an IQ well beyond his years to decipher any style put in front of him.”
 

Alvarez and Munguia to meet the press tomorrow

Alvarez and Munguia to meet the press tomorrow
Undisputed world super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Álvarez and unbeaten all-action star and former 154-pound champion Jaime Munguía will preview their upcoming showdown during a Los Angeles press conference, as Canelo Promotions presents a battle of Mexican superstars on Saturday, May 4th headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo vs. Munguía is the first four-belt undisputed title fight between Mexican combatants and harkens back to the great Mexico vs. Mexico matchups of the past. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.
 

Stevenson says he's willing to fight Zepeda in July

Stevenson says he's willing to fight Zepeda in July

Stevenson says he's willing to fight Zepeda in July
WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, who will likely fight in July, tried his hand at matchmaking on Twitter: "Me vs. William Zepeda and Abdullah Mason vs. Floyd Schofield in July. [That would be two fights of] Top Rank vs. Golden Boy. Oscar De La Hoya and Bob Arum, let’s give the fans what they want."
 
Stevenson made that comment after fellow Top Rank lightweight Abdullah Mason (12-0) tweeted: "Floyd Schofield said in a recent interview that he was ready to fight me to get to Shakur. [Tell his] promoter Oscar De La Hoya I’ll accept that fight, cut Schofield loose for July."
 
Stevenson had earlier tried to talk WBC junior welterweight champion Devin Haney into a fight, only to get shot down by Haney's father and manager, Bill Haney: "Shakur ain’t made a single fight happen, not one real fight yet with nobody at all because [promoter] Bob [Arum] makes his fights happen, not him. I wouldn’t waste my time negotiating or even talking to that dude ever again in life. He can take his B.S energy and work it on somebody else."
 
Stevenson responded: "Bill  just told y’all he will never negotiate a fight between me and his son Devin ever. If that’s not ducking then I don't know what is. But good luck to y'all. I wish y'all nothing but the best. I’m not going nowhere, I’m here to stay."
 
Of course, Haney already has a big fight scheduled: "I negotiated with dude and nothing happened. I put a deal on the table he didn’t take the deal or counter it. I’m not doing the twitter beef again. April 20th is Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia" 

Whyte returns with a win after PED-related absence

Whyte returns with a win after PED-related absence

Dillian Whyte TKO3 Christian Hammer... British heavyweight Dillian Whyte returned to the ring on Sunday for his first action since 2022. Whyte's 2023 saw a huge rematch vs. Anthony Joshua cancelled due to peformance enhancing drug issues. Fighting in Ireland, Whyte battered Christian Hammer for three rounds, with Hammer failing to come out for round four. Now 27-10 overall, the Romanian-born Hammer has lost four of his last five, albeit against top competition. Whyte, a former WBC interim title holder, is now 30-3 as a pro, with the losses coming against Joshua, Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin.

A few words with Rolly Romero

A few words with Rolly Romero
WBA 140-pound champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero will defend his title vs. Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz on a PBC pay-per-view available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 30th from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Romero's hometown. Romero will make the first defense of his world title after capturing the belt last May with a ninth-round TKO of Ismael Barroso. Here is what Romero had to say Thursday:
 
“If you want to come right at me and get cracked, go for it. He can do all that stuff with the small guys he fights, but I’m a big fighter and I hit harder than anyone at the weight class. I’m always here to go for the knockout and to go for the kill. I’m not here to just touch you, I want to pop you.
 
“He’s not that unique. I fight guys like him all the time. This has probably been the easiest time I’ve ever had finding sparring in my life. He can be replicated, I can’t. My style goes hand in hand with my personality, it’s unique.
 
“We’ll see who the coward is on March 30th. Once he gets cracked by me a few times, he’s not gonna come forward like that anymore. I’m gonna knock him out. He’s gonna come forward and I’m gonna stop him. He gets hit with everything, so it could be any kind of punch.
 
“I used to train with Ismael Salas before I turned pro, so it felt good to go back to basics for this training camp with him and get back to being me. Salas has had so many champions and I feel very comfortable being back with him.
 
“I know the Mexican fans are gonna be riding with him, but no matter what, it’s gonna be a spectacular fight and fireworks for sure.”
 

Tommy Hyde wins in California

Tommy Hyde wins in California

Tommy Hyde wins in California
Tommy Hyde TKO5 Craig McCarthy... Irish super middleweight Tommy “The Governor” Hyde (8-0, 5 KOs) defeated Craig “BTL” McCarthy (10-2-1, 2 KOs), to take the Boxing Union of Ireland Celtic title, outside of San Francisco at Fox Theater in Redwood City, California. The 24-year-old Hyde prevailed in the fifth round on a card presented by Westside Promotions. Hyde was comfortable from the opening bell, establishing his range in round one, and then controlling the action with slick counter-punching. McCarthy started to break down and was floored in the second round. Hyde pounded his opponent, nearly stopping him at the end of rounds three and four, before he closed the show thirty seconds into round five when referee David Irvine halted the action.
 
“It’s always a great feeling to win but winning with a title on the line and bringing it home makes that feeling even better,” Hyde said. “I’m happy with my performance. I didn’t waste any shots and felt dominant. It was unreal to finally fight in San Francisco. I have made a lot of friends here and made a lot more this week. I’ll definitely fight here again.”
 
“This was probably my best performance so far,” Hyde noted. “I fought a tough opponent and won the fight convincingly. I trained very hard for this fight, and I think that showed under the lights.
 
A celebrated Irish amateur boxer, Hyde participated in more than 100 amateur matches, reached the quarterfinals of the prestigious World Junior Championships in 2015, in addition to capturing three Irish National Championships, three Celtic Cup titles and the 2019 Haringey Box Cup.
 
Tommy’s father, international boxing manager Gary Hyde, commented: “I am very proud of my son Tommy’s performance on Saturday night. Tommy fought intelligently, hurting his opponent continuously before closing the show at the beginning of the fifth round. Tommy is officially the number 1 super middleweight in Ireland so the Boxing Union of Ireland will decide who he will fight for the vacant Irish Super middleweight title.” 
 
 

Watch: Zepeda wins IBF lightweight eliminator

Watch: Zepeda wins IBF lightweight eliminator

William Zepeda TKO4 Maxi Hughes... Mexico's William “El Camarón” Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs) defeated former IBO champion Maxi “Maximus” Hughes (26-7-2, 5 KOs) in an IBF / WBA lightweight elimination bout. The action took place at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and was broadcast on DAZN. Zepeda unleashed a strong body attack that convinced Hughes' corner to stop the fight after the fourth round. 

Heaney retains British title by drawing with Paulis

Heaney retains British title by drawing with Paulis

Nathan Heaney D12 Brad Pauls... Nathan Heaney and Brad Pauls fought to a thrilling draw in Birmngham, England. The stalemate allows Heaney to retain the British middleweight title. Heaney is now 18-0-1 while Pauls is 18-1-1. A rematch is already being talked about.

Watch: Joe Joyce returns with late KO of Kash Ali

Watch: Joe Joyce returns with late KO of Kash Ali

Watch: Joe Joyce returns with late KO of Kash Ali

Joe Joyce KO10 Kash Ali... Heavyweight Joe Joyce got the win he desperately needed after a disastrous 2023 campaign, knocking out Kash Ali with about seven seconds left in the tenth and final round in Birmingham, England. Coming off two knockout losses to Zhilei Zhang, the former Olympic silver medal winner gained confidence as the rounds wore on. Joyce looked heavy and slow but took Ali's shots well and doled out the first stoppage loss of Ali's career. Ali landed a few big punches but no combinations, and was unable to stop Joyce from coming forward in his usual "Juggernaut" style. Ali (21-3) was coming off a loss to Bohdan Myronets.

The Boxingtalk Scoreboard

The Boxingtalk Scoreboard

Dennis McCann W12 Brad Strand... In Birmingham, England on Saturday, a battle of undefeated 122-pounders,saw Dennis McCann add the vacant British title to his Commonwealth title by defeating Brad Strand. McCann (15-0-1) had Strand (11-1) down in round two and went on to win a comfortable twelve-round decision by scores of 118-111, 116-111 and 116-112. McCann succeeds Liam Davies as the British champion after Davies vacated to fight for the IBO world title in the main event tonight.

Zach Parker W10 Tyrone Zeuge... Super middleweight contender Zach Parker (24-1) was down for the first time in his career, but overall had a pretty easy time with Tyrone Zeuge of Germany. Parker won the ten rounder by scores of 96-94, 97-92 and 98-91. Parker may move up to light heavyweight in search of a world title shot. Zeuge is a former WBA regular title holder who is now 27-2-1 for his career.

Owen Cooper TKO9 Eithan James... In another bout between unbeaten boxers, welterweight Owen Cooper improved to 10-0. Cooper hurt Eithan James at the end of the ninth round, and James' trainer decided James should not come out for the tenth round. James falls to 12-1 while Cooper takes home the vacant English title belt.

Boxingtalk's weekend fight predictions

Boxingtalk's weekend fight predictions
Here are Boxingtalk's weekend fight predictions:
 
William Zepeda (29-0) vs. Maxi Hughes (26-6-2) (lightweights) … prediction: Zepeda by mid-round knockout;
 
Liam Davies (15-0) vs. Erik Robles Ayala (15-1) (vacant IBO super bantamweight title) … prediction: Davies by decision;
 
Nathan Heaney (18-0) vs. Brad Pauls (18-1) (British middleweight title) … prediction: Heaney by unanimous decision;
 
Zach Parker (23-1) vs. Tyron Zeuge (27-1-1) (super middleweights) … prediction: Parker by mid to late knockout;
 
Joe Joyce (12-0) vs. Kash Ali (21-2) (heavyweights) … prediction: Joyce by mid to late knockout;
 
Floyd Schofield (16-0) vs. Esteuri Suero (13-1) (lightweights) … prediction: Schofield by unanimous decision; and
 
Eric Priest (12-0) vs. Jose Sanchez Charles (21-4-1) (middleweights) … prediction: Priest by unanimous decision.
 
 
The prognostications for Sunday's action are:
 
Dillian Whyte (29-3) vs. Christian Hammer (27-10) (heavyweights) … prediction: Whyte by unanimous decision; and
 
Spike O’Sullivan (31-5) vs. Sofiane Khati (14-4) (middleweights) … prediction: O’Sullivan by unanimous decision.
 

Baumgardner vs. Persoon purse bid goes for half a million

Baumgardner vs. Persoon purse bid goes for half a million

Baumgardner vs. Persoon purse bid goes for half a million
The WBC held a purse bid on Friday in Mexico City, for the rights to the fight between the world super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner from the United States and Belgium's Delfine Persoon. As a result, the fight will be promoted by Global Combat Collective, who won with a bid of $500,000.For this fight, the WBC will apply its unique rule of a 10% bonus for the winner. That is, $450,000 of the purse bid will be subjec tot a champion / challenger split and the winner will take home $50,000 of the top of the bid. Baumgardner has a record of 15 wins and only one loss, while Persoon has 59 wins and three losses.
 
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
 
MARCH 12, 2024: The WBC will hold a important purse bid on Friday in Mexico City at 1:00 PM, for a women's 130-pound title fight between champion Alycia Baumgardner and mandatory contender Delfine Persoon of Belgium. Baumgardner has a record of 15 wins and only one loss, while Persoon has 59 wins and three losses. In early November, the WBO issued a show-cause order to world 130-pound champion Alycia Baumgardner to provide evidence comcerning her positive test for a banned substance after last fight, a win over a former 140-pound champion, Christina Linardatou. However, on March 9th, Baumgardner posted on her social media account that the Association Of Boxing Commissions (ABC) has lifted her suspension. Baumgardner remains WBO champion at this time and in fact still holds all four major titles.
 
Neither the Michigan Boxing Commission, who had jurisdiction over her last fight, or the other three sanctioning bodies showed any public interest in Baumgarnder's positive test. Baumgarnder acknowledged the failed test, stating, "On August 12th, I was informed that an 'A sample' I provided on July 12th resulted in an adverse analytical finding of mesterolone and methenolone acetate metabolites, two substances I've never heard of or used in any way. The sample provided immediately after my fight on July 15th tested clean and negative. 
 
The WBO published a letter to Baumgardner's promoter saying, "...a pre-fight drug test [was] performed on the above-referenced fighter by Drug Free Sport (“DFS”) surrounding the July 15, 2023, championship bout against Christina Linardatou held at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan, USA. The bout in question was promoted by Matchroom Boxing and conducted under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission (Local Boxing Commission). According to [a] report, a urine sample collected on July 12, 2023, by the referenced testing entity showed an adverse analytical finding of banned substances. The substances in question were Mesterolone Metabolite and 3a-hydroxy-1a-mathyl-5a-androstan-17-one detected. The latter substances
were confirmed as per the test report obtained by the WBO.
 
"On October 9, 2023, Mr. Alex Dombroff of DiBella Entertainment, on behalf of [challenger] Christina Linardatou filed written submittal with supported evidence requesting that (i) Ms. Baumgardner be stripped of her WBO Jr. Lightweight Championship, and (ii) Christina Linardatou be ordered to fight the highest available contender for the vacant championship. The petitioner (DiBella Entertainment) addressed this Committee during the WBO 36th Annual Congress, conducted from October 9 through October 13, 2023, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, arguing in essence that Ms. Baumgardner’s positive test is in violation of Sections 19 and 28 of our governing regulations, and consequently, requested our intervention in the matter.
 
"Having considered the foregoing requests, and having examined the facts stated herein, and having reviewed our governing regulations, our intervention is warranted. The WBO Regulations of
World Championship Contests governs instances when a WBO Participant has tested positive for an illegal or any performance-enhancing drug, including but not limited to steroids and/or anabolic steroids.[...] Based on the alleged facts and potential violations of the relevant governing provisions, Ms. Baumgardner is hereby ordered to “Show Cause” within 30 days upon issuance of this notice as to why the WBO World Championship Committee shall not recommend to the WBO Executive Committee to declare the WBO Female Jr. Lightweight Championship vacant and/ or take any other action take any action deem proper, equitable and just in accordance with our regulations. Failure to comply with this order will result in this Committee proceeding accordingly and having Ms. Baumgardner waive all rights."
 

AUG. 17, 2023: From the WBC website: "The WBC has received a notification of an adverse finding resulting from an anti-doping test conducted in a sample collected from WBC and undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia Baumgardner. The sample collection that resulted in the adverse finding took place in relation with the July 15, 2023 bout between Baumgardner and challenger Christina Linardatou. The adverse finding in questions arose from a sample collection and anti-doping test administered by Drug Free Sport, and not as part of the WBC Clean Boxing Program. Accordingly, the WBC will initiate a notification, investigation, and results management procedures for WBC World Championship bouts consistent with the WBC Rules & Regulations."

Note: Linardatou lost the July 15th bout to Baumgardner by wide unanimous decision. That was a rematch, as Linardatou had defeated Baumgarnder in 2018.

Baumgardner social media statment: "On August 12th, I was informed that an 'A sample' I provided on July 12th resulted in an adverse analytical finding of mesterolone and methenolone acetate metabolites, two substances I've never heard of or used in any way. The sample provided immediately after my fight on July 15th tested clean and negative for all ban substances as did my sample on June 16th, which makes the July 12th result essentially impossible. 

"To be abundantly clear, I know that I never have, never would and never will take this or any other drug. Not only would doing should be unethical but it would also be completely contrary to how I’ve trained my entire career. As a professional athlete, I and I alone am responsible for what I put in my body, and my body is a temple. I am also a proud role model for any young woman or girl who seeks to follow in my footsteps. I take those responsibilities very seriously – which is why I know that I did not and would never put these substances in my body. 
 
"I have a lot more to say about my journey and why the very idea of me taking an illegal, banned or even dangerous substance would never make sense. So I have no intention of sitting back and silent and letting this 'play out.' I plan to keep you all updated every step of the way as a work to ensure my reputation as a clean athlete remains fully intact."

 

 

Weigh-in report from Las Vegas

Weigh-in report from Las Vegas

Lightweight contenders William Zepeda and Maxi Hughes both made weight for Saturday's show in Las Vegas. Zepeda was 133.8 pounds, a bit lighter than Hughes' 134.6. The action will be streamed on DAZN, with the card starting at 8 pm Eastern time. Zepeda is undefeated, while Hughes is coming off a controversial loss to former world champion George Kambosos.

IBA pro boxing coming to Madrid

IBA pro boxing coming to Madrid
Top amateurs continue to take pro bouts under the IBA umbrella. On May 4th, Spanish featherweight Jose Quiles (1-0) will headline IBA Champions’ Night at the Madrid Arena in the Spanish capital. The European Games silver medalist will face Javier Ibanez, a Cuban representing Bulgaria in an eight-round bout. Both men have strong amanteur backgrounds as well as history with each other. Ibanez, a European Games winner, upset Quiles during the final in Krakow, although they both received their tickets to Paris 2024. This is a great opportunity  to see who is stronger in a pro-style format.
 
IBA world championships bronze medallist Enmanuel Reyes Pla from Spain will be featured against Uzbekistan’s Shohjahon Abduallev in the 202-pound category. They recently fought in an amateur tournament, and the Spanish boxer is hungry for a rematch in front of his home crowd.
 
At flyweight, IBA world championships bronze medalist Martin Molina from Spain will face off against Bilal Bennama from France, who is a three-time world amateur championships medalist. Bennama has the edge in their previous bouts with two victories against Molina. The rivals didn’t have a chance to meet at the latest world championships in Tashkent, however, this IBA Champions’ Night will be a great chance to determine the strongest boxer in the pro-style format.
 
‘This event is a great testimony of Spanish boxing power and its prospects, as the country constantly progresses with their performances,’ IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE said. ‘We will see Spanish boxers in action at our IBA Champions’ Night having an opportunity to celebrate their excellence in front of their home crowd. This night promises unforgettable bouts, showcasing the very essence of boxing and its power to unite and inspire. We are proud to bring such a high-calibre event to Madrid, and I am confident that each athlete will elevate this sport to new heights, leaving a legacy for future generations.’
 
President of the Royal Spanish Boxing Federation Felipe Martínez added that ‘It is not easy to be able to host an event like this, although Spain has demonstrated its solvency in recent years, helping to organize major competitions such as the Women’s European Championships in Alcobendas or the IBA Youth World Championships in La Nucía. The excellent development of these tournaments and the outstanding moment of Spanish boxing, which has just achieved a third participant for Paris, have been key factors for this IBA Champions’ Night to land in the capital of our country. I think it’s going to be a great event, in every way, and I hope for the wide spread support for Spanish boxing from our sporting fans.’
 
Three more Spanish boxers are going to take part in the IBA Champions’ Night in Madrid, they will be announced within next few weeks along with their rivals.
 
The live stream is available at night.iba.sport.
 

Popeye Rivera taking on another undefeated foe after quiet loss

Popeye Rivera taking on another undefeated foe after quiet loss

Popeye Rivera taking on another undefeated foe after quiet loss
Star Boxing returns to the Mohegan Sun Arena on April 6th when light heavyweight Richie "Popeye the Sailor Man" Rivera (25-2, 19 KOs) returns to his home state of Connecticut against undefeated Nigerian Mathew "Wise Man" Obinna (23-0, 23 KOs), in a ten rounder. Rivera, from East Hartford, lost a split decision at cruiserweight to Badou Jack in 2022, and Jack went on to win a world title in his next fight. Rivera moved back down to light heavyweight but quietly lost his last fight in the Dominican Republic to undefeated Luis Antonio Tejada (9-0-1). Rivera has been an all-around notable athlete, playing football, baseball, basketball and having earned all-state honors as a swimmer in high school. His athleticism has translated to the boxing ring.
 
Opposing Rivera is Obinna, who has a perfect 100% KO ratio, having knocked out every man put in front of him in his professional career. Dubbed “The Wise Man” because his right hand has no problem teaching you a lesson, Obinna will be making his US debut in what is by far the biggest opportunity of his professional career.
 
Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia had this to say about the Rivera-Obinna main event, “We are excited to be back at the beautiful Mohegan Sun on April 6th with this exciting fight card featuring Richie (Popeye) Rivera, our world rated light heavyweight. Popeye entertains in and out of the ring and the undefeated Mathew Obinna promises he will bring firepower against Popeye. Popeye is just steps away from a major title fight, and he aims to prove it against a fighter with a perfect KO ratio. Be sure to get tickets as you won’t want to miss this show!”
 
Tickets to “Slugfest at the Sun” are on sale now at www.StarBoxing.com.  
 
 

Congolese light heavies to do battle in South Africa

Congolese light heavies to do battle in South Africa
Two South Africa-based Congolese warriors will clash at light heavyweight on March 27th at the Turffontein Racecourse in Johannesburg. Up-and-coming Jason Medi, 6-1 with 2 KOs, takes on battle-tested Jimmy “The Beast” Mabundji, 10-7 with 8 KOs), who is by far the most accomplished opponent Medi will have faced. Medi lost his pro debut in July of 2022, a decision to undefeated Asemahle Wellem, but has looked impressive since and is now primed and ready for the most significant fight of his career so far. Like Medi, Mabundji has been based in South Africa since turning pro, and, except for one fight in Zimbabwe, all his bouts have taken place there. In June of 2017 he got a quality win at middleweight title with a first-round demolition of Dido Mukanya. Medi is arguably the fresher of the two, but the experience and toughness of Mabundji will be a tough task for him to overcome. The fight headlines Breakthrough V, a show promoted by BRD Boxing Promotions.
 

Alvarez-Munguia tickets on sale now

Alvarez-Munguia tickets on sale now
Tickets are on sale now for a showdown between Mexican superstars as Canelo Promotions presents a Cinco de Mayo weekend event that will see Saul "Canelo" Álvarez put his undisputed super middleweight world championship on the line against unbeaten former 154-pound champion Jaime Munguía on a pay-per-view event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4th from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Tickets can be purchased through AXS.com. In addition to the broadcast being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase it via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.
 
Canelo vs. Munguía is the first four-belt undisputed title fight between Mexican combatants and harkens back to the great Mexico vs. Mexico matchups of the past including classics such as Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera, Carlos Zárate vs. Alfonso Zamora and Jesús Castillo vs. Rubén Olivares, amongst many others. Canelo has already etched himself in history alongside the greatest Mexican fighters to enter the ring and can add to that legacy on May 4th, while Munguía hopes to move himself up the pedestal and make his own lasting mark in the boxing annals with a signature victory Cinco de Mayo weekend.
 
The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.
 
 

The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

Taylor injured; Caterall rematch delayed

Taylor injured; Caterall rematch delayed

Taylor injured; Caterall rematch delayed
Former world junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor has suffered an injury in his training camp and his upcoming fight with Jack Catterall on April 27th has been postponed. The fight has been immediately rescheduled for May 25th at the same venue in Leeds – live on DAZN. Tickets remain valid for the revised date with refunds for the sold-out event at the First Direct Arena also available, in line with the terms and conditions of our ticket agency partners. Peter McGrail’s rematch with Ja’Rico O’Quinn will now take place on April 27th at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. Full details will be announced by Matchroom in due course.
 
 

McCaskill to defend championship against Olympic gold medal winner

McCaskill to defend championship against Olympic gold medal winner
Still considered the world junior welterweight champion despite a draw and a welterweight loss in her last two bouts, Jessica McCaskill will defend the WBA and IBO belts against Olympic gold medal winner Lauren Price on Saturday, May 11th at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA. McCaskill won the world championship, including five major title belts, from Cecilia Braekhus in 2020. The majority of those belts have scattered, but McCaskill has not lost a bout at 140 pounds since becoming champion. 
 
As for Price, she is following a glittering amateur career that saw her claim Commonwealth, European and world glory on route to making history as the first Welsh boxer to win Olympic gold. Now 6-0 as a pro, Price can write her name in the record books again by becoming Wales’ first female world champion. The 29-year old from Ystrad Mynach is yet to lose a round in the professional ranks but will face by far her toughest career test when she attempts to dethrone current welterweight ruler McCaskill (12-3-1, 5 KOs). 
 
McCaskill, from Chicago, is a two-weight champion, who unified the WBA and WBC 140-pound titles before moving up in weight to end Brækhus’ decade long reign at the top of the welterweight division. Toppling Braekhus with back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022, McCaskill became undisputed champion at 147 pounds. McCaskill has previously challenged Katie Taylor for the WBA lightweight Title in 2017 and Chantelle Cameron for the undisputed junior welterweight titles in 2022, losing both times. Most recently, McCaskill fought to a draw with Britain’s Sandy Ryan in a fiercely contested welterweight clash.
 

Queensberry's Magnificient 7 show ready for Birmingham

Queensberry's Magnificient 7 show ready for Birmingham
Birmingham, England's the Resorts World Arena hosts Queensberry's "Magnificent 7" show this weekend, with the headliner being Nathan Heaney (18-0) defending the British middleweight against the English champion Brad Pauls (18-1), the big-punching Cornishman, who is known as the Newquay Bomb. Heaney gained recognition in his last fight, a majority decision win against the repsected Denzel Bentley. There will also be a dash of world title action in the super bantamweight division where Liam Davies will challenge for the IBO belt against the reigning Erik Robles Ayala. The Mexican Ayala made a name for himself over here by winning the vacant title against Lee McGregor.
 
Sticking at super bantamweight, the show also has a British title fight between Dennis McCann and Brad Strand, two top class unbeaten Brits. Dennis has enjoyed all the fanfare and acclaim since turning pro, while Brad has quietly gone about his business at the renowned Everton Red Triangle Gym in Liverpool alongside his teammates Nick Ball and Andrew Cain.
 
At welterweight, two unbeaten youngsters, Eithan James and Owen Cooper collide with the English title at stake.
 
At 140 pounds, Dublin's Pierce O’Leary is in tough against the also unbeaten Belgian Hovhannes Martirosyanl
 
Super middleweight contender Zach Parker wil be taking on former WBA regular title holder Tyron Zeuge.
 
The show also has light heavyweight Ezra Taylor fighting the Ghanaian southpaw Prince Oko Narty.
 
Saving the biggest til last, The Juggernaut, Joe Joyce is back in business in Birmingham against Kash Ali and having him back in the heavyweight fold is such an exciting prospect for us all. We want to get Joe right back in the mix with all the heavyweight activity currently playing out and he deserves to be a part of it.
 
 

Tickets for Anderson-Merhy in Corpus Christi on sale today

Tickets for Anderson-Merhy in Corpus Christi on sale today

Tickets for Anderson-Merhy in Corpus Christi on sale today
Tickets for the ten-round heavyweight showdown between unbeaten Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson and Belgium's Ryad Merhy — Saturday, April 13th at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas — go on sale today (March 15th) at 12 p.m. CST via Ticketmaster.com. The heavyweight co-feature is a battle of 2016 Olympians, as Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba (19-1, 14 KOs) looks to take down Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (12-1-1, 10 KOs) of Italy. The eight-round televised opener features three-time world title challenger Robson Conceicao (17-2-1, 8 KOs), as he looks to keep his junior lightweight world title hopes alive against the upset-minded Jose Guardado (15-1-1, 5 KOs). Anderson-Merhy, Ajagba-Vianello and Conceição Guardado will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Two of Corpus Christi’s local talents hope to impress the home fans on the ESPN+-streamed undercard, as welterweight John Rincon (8-0, 2 KOs) fights in a six-rounder and National Golden Gloves champion Julian Delgado makes his much-anticipated professional debut in a four-round middleweight contest.
 

Olympic champ Shakhobidin Zoirov gets big opportunity in Mexico

Olympic champ Shakhobidin Zoirov gets big opportunity in Mexico

A ten-round battle between Mexico's Israel Gonzalez and Uzbekistan's Shakhobidin Zoirov will determine the IBA pro championhip at  super bantamweight. Zoirov is a 2016 Olympic gold medal winner who also fought in the 2021 games. As a pro, he's listed as 5-0 but he has four wins in the World Series of Boxing, including one over former champion Robeisy Ramirez, so 9-0 is a more accurate record. Gonzalez (28-5-2) will have home field advantage at the first-ever IBA Champions’ Night in Mexico, which is set to take place in Aguascalientes on April 6th at the Palenque de la Feria Nacional de San Marcos arena.

Gonzalez has failed in four lighter-weight title shots throughout his career, losing to Jesse Rodriguez, Roman Gonzalez, Khalid Yafai and Jerwin Ancajas.

The IBA event will also feature six more Mexicans. Pan-American champion Marco Verde will face Pan-American bronze medallist Jorge Cuellar of Cuba at to dispute the IBA American Champion title at middleweight.  

Mexican feathewrweight Bryan Acosta (20–0) battles Alberto Ezequiel Melian from Argentina (11-2).  

Mexican Junior middleweight Jose Miguel Borrego (20-4) has already taken part in IBA Champions’ Night and scored one victory and one loss. Joselito Collado from the Dominican Republic (17-3) will be his rival in the eight-round ranking fight.

In a 190-pound bout, Rogelio Romero from Mexico is to face Marlo Delgado (7-0) from Ecuador in a six rounder. Romero had a strong amateur career but was 3-3 in the World Series of Boxing.

At cruiserweight, Mexico's Francisco Cantabrana Soto (8-1) will face off against a seasoned boxer Julio Castillo from Ecuador, who is the IBA World Championships silver medallist.

In the opening bout, Mexican featherweight Carlos Vargas Jaquez (17-2) meets with Shon Mondragon (8-0-1) from the USA (8-0-1) in a six-round ranking fight.

PBC's "Gloves Off" premieres on Prime Video

PBC's "Gloves Off" premieres on Prime Video
The inaugural edition of Gloves Off will chronicle the backstories of the four featured boxers appearing on the first-ever PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view event live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 30th. Gloves Off will provide behind-the-scenes access in the lead-up to Kostya Tszyu vs. Keith Thurman and Rolly Romero vs. Isaac Cruz. It will be narrated by Barry Pepper and will premiere on Prime Video this Friday, March 15th. 
 
The two episodes will bring fans compelling footage from the fighters’ lives, interviews from various members of each camp, and training camp activity that will bring the audience closer to the action in the build-up to the Keith Thurman-Tim Tszyu non-title showdown, and the WBA 140-pound title match-up between reigning title-holder Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. The episodes illustrate the personal stakes on the line, and offers an intimate look at these prizefighters headlining the inaugural PBC Pay-Per-View Available on Prime Video fight card set for Saturday, March 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
 
Descriptions:
 
Episode 1 – As the showdown for March 30 draws closer and closer, the episode chronicles the journey of four dynamic fighters – Keith “One Time” Thurman, WBO junior middleweight champion Tim “The Soul Taker” Tszyu, Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Isaac “Pitbull’ Cruz – as they prepare to step into the ring for the first time in 2024. 
 
Episode 2 – Training camp intensifies as four fighters (Thurman, Tszyu, Romero and Cruz) sharpen their game plans in preparation for the formidable challenge that awaits them on fight night in Las Vegas.

Introducing Dominican-American heavyweight Ali Feliz

Introducing Dominican-American heavyweight Ali Feliz
Ali Feliz, a Dominican-American from Danbury, Connecticut, who won gold at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in December, has signed a multi-year promotional pact with Top Rank. Feliz, who is managed by James Prince and co-promoted by Antonio Leonard, will make his pro debut in a four-round clash against an opponent to be named on Saturday, April 13th at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, on the ESPN+-streamed undercard of the Jared Anderson-Ryad Merhy heavyweight main event. “Ali Feliz is one of the most gifted young heavyweights to turn pro in quite some time,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He has tremendous amateur and family pedigree, which will serve him well as he climbs the professional ranks.”
 
Feliz said, “This is very exciting. I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time. Since I was young, I dreamed of signing with a big promoter, and there’s nothing bigger than Top Rank. On this new journey, I want to build a path for the youth so they can follow in my footsteps. I’m excited and ready to get started on April 13th. It will be fireworks. I’m going to be at 100 percent, and I’ll be ready to put on a show.”
 
Feliz will continue his family’s boxing legacy when he enters the paid ranks. His father and trainer, Fernely Sr., had a notable fifteen-year tenure as a heavyweight pro. Fernely Sr. was 23-9 as a pro including losses to future champions Oleg Maskaev and John Ruiz. Ali's older brother, Fernely Jr. (7-0) is forging his own path in the same division. The 20-year old competed in his first fight when he was only 12. He claimed four national titles during his amateur run and bested Steven Williams in the finals of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. 
 

Colombian boxing update

Colombian boxing update
On Saturday in Barranquilla, two Colombian women, Paulina Angel and Monica Henao, will face off in the main event at junior welterweight. Angel has a record of 5-1-2, while Henao is 6-2-6. Also on the show, Albeiro Paredes (8-2 including the World Series of Boxing), a former member of the Colombian national team, will face Manuel Gonzalez (11-5-1) at super featherweight. A third featured bout has super bantamweight Rodolfo Puentes (12-0) squaring off against Venezuela's Victor Malaver (5-10. The event will be broadcast live on local TV and digital platforms.
 

Cuadras vs. A. Moloney and Hughes vs. Johnson added to Perth undercard

Cuadras vs. A. Moloney and Hughes vs. Johnson added to Perth undercard
Two major fights featuring Australian challengers have been added to the super card headlined by the vacant IBF lightweight world title showdown between Vasiliy Lomachenko and George Kambosos Jr. on Sunday, May 12th at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia. Mexican standout Carlos Cuadras will defend his WBC Interim junior bantamweight world title against Andrew Moloney, and, in a bantamweight world title tilt, WBA champion Nina Hughes looks to turn back the challenge of former champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson. Lomachenko-Kambosos, Cuadras-Moloney and Hughes-Johnson will be broadcast in prime time in the United States on Saturday, May 11th at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.  b
 
“Not only is this historic event a first for Australia, with three world championship fights on the same bill, it is truly a fight fan’s card with compelling matchups in each of the featured attractions, promising plenty of action. Both Aussies, Andrew Moloney and Cherneka Johnson, will be extra motivated to reclaim past glory in front of their compatriots. Mexican great Carlos Cuadras is never in a bad fight, and it’s impossible not to root for Nina Hughes, a single mom who continues to defy the odds,” said lead promoter Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.
 
“I can’t wait to arrive in the beautiful city of Perth for this historic event,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Andrew Moloney is in a fantastic fight against one of Mexico’s great champions, and I expect the Hughes-Johnson title fight to be a competitive, dramatic bantamweight battle.”
 
Cuadras (42-5-1, 28 KOs), a 16-year-pro and one of the leading lighter weight fighters of this generation, made six defenses of the WBC 115-pound world title from 2014-2016. Since being dethroned by pound-for-pound great Roman Gonzalez in September 2016, he is 7-4, including decision defeats to Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and Juan Francisco Estrada in bids to regain his WBC world title. Cuadras has won three consecutive fights, most recently traveling to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and edging countryman Pedro Guevara by split decision to win the Interim world title.
 
“I look forward to the challenge of fighting Andrew Moloney in Australia, and I am coming to prove I am still a force at 115 pounds,” Cuadras said. “There are many great champions in my division, but I can’t overlook Moloney, a hungry fighter who will be encouraged by the Australian fans.”
 
Moloney (26-3, 16 KOs) briefly held the WBA junior bantamweight regular title before going 0-2 with a no contest in an eventful trilogy against Joshua Franco from 2020-2021. He then reeled off four consecutive victories, including three on Australian soil, to earn a shot at the vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title last May against Japanese superstar Junto Nakatani. Moloney hung tough, but in the 12th round, Nakatani landed a crunching left hand that ended the fight. He returned to the win column last December, securing a decision over Judy Flores to pick up a regional title.
 
“I’m absolutely pumped to have this fight locked in. Carlos Cuadras has been in with the best of the best at junior bantamweight, and he is the biggest name available in the division,” Moloney said. “I was there live to watch him fight Juan Francisco Estrada nearly seven years ago, and to be fighting him for the Interim world title in Australia is a huge opportunity. To have both Lomachenko and Cuadras fighting in Australia shows how much Australian boxing is flying now, and I’m thrilled to be part of it all. Bring on May 12!”
 
Hughes (6-0, 2 KOs) turned pro in December 2021 at 39 years old. She had a decorated amateur career with more than 70 fights and four national titles. Hughes, a single mother of two, set her sights on a professional career during the COVID-19 pandemic. She won the Commonwealth bantamweight title in her third outing and upset Jamie Mitchell by unanimous decision in November 2022 to capture the WBA bantamweight world title. She made her lone title defense last June, turning away Katie Healy via decision. The ageless Hughes now turns her attention to Johnson, the home country favorite.
 
“I am looking forward to showing the world why I am the WBA bantamweight world champion, and I’m thrilled to be fighting on such a prestigious event in Perth, Western Australia,” Smith said. “Cherneka Johnson is a former world champion, and while it will be a tough assignment, I will not be denied victory. Thank you to DiBella Entertainment and Leon Sudbury at Takeover Sports Management for getting this fight made.”
 
Johnson (15-2, 6 KOs) was born in New Zealand but moved to Australia as a pre-teen, and she soon established herself as one of Australia’s standout amateurs. In April 2022, six years after turning pro, she snatched the vacant IBF junior featherweight world title with a majority decision over Melissa Esquivel in Melbourne, Australia. She defended the title six months later on the Devin Haney-Kambosos II undercard in Melbourne, overcoming a brutal cut to beat Susie Ramadan. Johnson lost her title last June in London, where she lost a unanimous decision to Ellie Scotney. Nearly a year later, she returns to bantamweight, motivated to become a two-weight queen.
 
“I am excited to fight for a second world title on this great event alongside boxing legends here in Perth, Western Australia,” Johnson said. “It has been a long journey for me, full of hard work and dedication, and I am determined to become a two-time world champion. It is an honor to fight Nina Hughes, but I am here to win. On fight night, I will show the world what I am made of.”
 

Joe Joyce to fight Kash Ali on Saturday

Joe Joyce to fight Kash Ali on Saturday
Unbeaten Nathan Heaney will defend his British middleweight title against once-beaten Brad Pauls this Saturday, March 16th over twelve rounds at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England. In a twelve-round co-feature, undefeated junior featherweight Liam Davies will lock horns against Mexico’s Erik Robles Ayala. The undercard features feature the return of Joe Joyce (pictured), a 2016 Olympic silver medalist and former interim WBO heavyweight champion, in a scheduled ten-rounder against Kash Ali. Promoted by Queensberry, Heaney-Pauls, Davies-Ayala, Joyce-Ali and additional fight action will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT.
 
Heaney (18-0, 6 KOs) is a six-year pro who is coming off his best win yet, a dozen-round majority decision against former title challenger Denzel Bentley. The 34-year-old will look state his case for a world title shot later this year. Pauls (18-1, 10 KOs) made his pro debut in 2015 and went 16-0 before dropping a ten-round decision against Tyler Denny in February 2023. He bounced back with a points victory over Patryk Polasik last May and an eighth-round TKO versus Mitchell Frearson in September.
 
Davies (15-0, 7 KOs) is on the verge of a world title opportunity. The 27-year-old scored two wins in 2023, a first-round TKO over countryman Jason Cunningham in July and a fifth-round stoppage of then-unbeaten Italian Vincenzo La Femina in November. Ayala (15-1, 9 KOs) upset hometown hero Lee McGregor via unanimous decision in Scotland last July and capitalized on his performance by returning home to decision the previously unbeaten Cesar Vaca Espinoza in December. 
 
IN OTHER STREAMING ACTION:
 
Zach Parker (23-1, 17 KOs) vs. Tyron Zeuge (27-1-1, 15 KOs), 10 rounds, super middleweights...
 
Dennis McCann (14-0-1, 8 KOs) vs. Brad Strand (11-0, 3 KOs), 12/10 rounds, junior featherweights...
 
Eithan James (12-0) vs. Owen Cooper (9-0, 3 KOs), 10 rounds, for the vacant English welterweight title... 
 
Pierce O’Leary (13-0, 7 KOs) vs. Hovhannes Martirosyan (16-0, 10 KOs), 10 rounds, jJunior welterweights.

Watch: Kalajdzic knocks Barrera out of the ring

Watch: Kalajdzic knocks Barrera out of the ring

Radivoje Kalajdzic KO10 Sullivan Barrera... Light heavyweight Radivoje ‘Hot Rod’ Kalajdzic (29-2, 21 KOs) knocked out 42 year-old Sullivan Barrera (22-5, 14K Os) live on ProBox TV in Florida on Wednesday. Kalajdzic's jab closed Barrera's right eye early in the fight, and though Barrera bravely soldiered on, the fight was pretty much all one-way traffic. With less than a minute to go, Barrera became exhausted and Kalajdzic took advantage, delivering four hard punches that sent Barrera through the ropes and onto the apron. Barrera should call it a career.

Blair “The Flair” Cobbs signs with Don King

Blair “The Flair” Cobbs signs with Don King
Blair “The Flair” Cobbs wanted to put “The Flair” back in his boxing game and and he decided to sign a promotional contract with Hall of Famer Don King. The 34 year-old Cobbs was hungry to get back into the ring.   “I’m ready to return to action,” said Cobbs, a Philadelphia- born welterweight, who sports a 16-1-1 record with 10 KOs “And what better way to further my career than to be with the best promoter in the game, Don King. I’m also tired of listening to all the talk out of Adrien Broner. Broner’s talk is cheap. Broner seems to be more comfortable fighting on social media than he is in the ring. There’s no reason not to get in the ring together and I’ll show him who is the boss. I’m looking for bigger and more exciting fights. I’m going to make boxing great again. Real fighters and real boxing. Me and Broner will be the comeback of real boxing. Entertainment at its best. Whooo!”
 
“I’m looking forward to working with Blair and his manager, Greg Hannley,” said King. “We’ll get the “flair” back in his fight game.”
 
Cobbs showed his stuff in his last fight, Aug. 6, 2022, when he won a ten-round unanimous decision against former 140-pound champion Maurice Hooker.
 
Cobbs suffered the first loss of his career on March 19, 2022 to Alexis Rocha, a fight that he took with just one week’s notice. With his popularity, Cobbs still sold out the arena. Cobbs also holds a unanimous decision over Ferdinand Kerobyan on March 21, 2019.  

Feargal McCrory risks undefeated record in NYC

Feargal McCrory risks undefeated record in NYC

Ireland's Feargal McCrory (15-0, 7 KOs) will face Carlos Carlson (25-7, 16 KOs) of Mexico this Friday night in a super featherweight contest to be held at the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York City. The Irishman is 31 years old and has been a professional boxer since 2015. His career was based in the United Kingdom until 2019 but then he was inactive through 2022, at which time he resumed fighting, but on American soil.  Carlson, age 33, represents the grit of Mexican boxing and is far more experienced than his opponent. The Mexican has faced the likes of former champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev, Keenan Carvajal and Genesis Servania, among others. He has an aggressive style and will try to adapt to this heavuer weight class, since his best fights have been at featherweight and super bantamweight. 

Flaz faces Santamaria tonight

Flaz faces Santamaria tonight
Light heavyweight Radivoje ‘Hot Rod’ Kalajdzic (28-2, 20bKOs) returns to action tonight (Wednesday) against Sullivan Barrera (22-4, 14KOs) live on ProBox TV. Joining them on the broadcast from Florida will be Puerto Rican welterweight Nicklaus Flaz (11-2, 7 KOs) looking to continue his success against all-action Luke Santamaria (14-3-1, 7KOs) in a fight that will also elevate the winner to being a potential contender in the welterweight division. The guaranteed action-packed night of boxing also features Top Rank Promoted Kelvin Davis (11-0, 6KOs) and amateur standout Vershaun Lee (1-0, 1KO).
 
 

Laredo show a go for Saturday

Laredo show a go for Saturday
This Saturday. March 18th, Triple A Promotions brings "Unfinished Business" to the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas.  The promotion's goal is to showcase new faces, and also provide a platform for well known fighters.  Several evenly matched fights from fighters in the area set to take place.  Nine bouts in all are scheduled to take place in all.  The co-main event will be hometown product Hector Ferryro Jr. (6-1) against Michael Coronado (3-5-1) in a four-round cruiserweight battle.  The main event will be Carlos "Cash Money" Villareal (15-3) of Zapata, Texas versus another hometwon boxer, Jose Cardenas (7-2), in a eight round junior welterweight battle.  Tickets and tables are available by calling (956)324-4830.  Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will be the show's ring announcer.
 
 
 
 
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Dillian Whyte coming back this weekend in Ireland

Dillian Whyte coming back this weekend in Ireland
Former heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte (29-3) is set to make his return to the ring [this weekend after PED difficulties] against Christian Hammer (27-10). This match-up is scheduled as part of a boxing event dubbed “Once Upon A Time In The West,” on St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17th, at the TF Royal Castlebar, in County Mayo, Ireland. Platform Sport will promote the show, which also features Castlebar’s own Ray Moylette (13-2) stepping into the ring for one last fight, marking the end of his career as a professional boxer and former amateur European and world gold medallist. Moylette, a junior welterweight, faces Jake Tinklin (11-2) of Wales.
 
Whyte will fight for the first time since late 2022. Hammer has also been inactive since a 2022 loss to Joe Joyce. Speaking to Sky Sports, Whyte expressed his excitement about his return, “I’m just glad to be back, doing what I love doing. I’m not getting any younger,” he stated. “I still want to fight all of these guys and show that I’m still one of the best heavyweights around.“
 
Moylette, a former world amateur junior gold medallist is delighted to have Whyte on the card and said it will bring worldwide attention to the Castlebar venue. Moylette commented; “The TF will be on everyone’s lips on St Patrick’s night. The boxing world will be tuned in to see the action and the atmosphere and I know the Mayo and Irish boxing fans will create a noise and an energy like no other.
 
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
 
The event also features:
 
Heavyweight Thomas Carty, who has been making waves and establishing himself as a sought-after sparring partner with legends like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Dillian Whyte...
 
Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan making his return after losing to Erislandy Lara in a WBA  regular middleweight title clash in 2022 and...
 
Undefeated Dubliner Daniel O’Sullivan aiming for the Celtic junior middleweight title.
 

Formal announcement for Alvarez vs. Munguia

Formal announcement for Alvarez vs. Munguia
Mexican superstars will go toe-to-toe as Canelo Promotions presents a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster that will see pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez put his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former 154-pound champion Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.
 
Canelo vs. Munguía is the first four-belt undisputed title fight between Mexican combatants and harkens back to the great Mexico vs. Mexico matchups of the past including classics such as Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera, Carlos Zárate vs. Alfonso Zamora and Jesús Castillo vs. Rubén Olivares, amongst many others. Canelo has already etched himself in history alongside the greatest Mexican fighters to enter the ring and can add to that legacy on May 4, while Munguía hopes to move himself up the pedestal and make his own lasting mark in the boxing annals with a signature victory Cinco de Mayo weekend.
 
Pre-sale tickets are available Thursday, March 14 from 10 a.m. PT until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: PBC
 
Public on-sale begins Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.
 
“We are very excited to return on May 4, especially with a Mexican opponent,” said Eddy Reynoso, Canelo’s Manager and Trainer. “This will be a 100% Mexican celebration! There has been a long time since two Mexicans have faced each other in an event like this. It’s going to be a grand fight. Jamie Munguia is an ex-champion who’s been winning fights and demonstrating great things. That tells me it’s going to be an exciting fight. I am very happy and grateful to Jamie that he agreed to make this happen.”
 
“Cinco de Mayo weekend is a crown jewel in the boxing calendar, and this year will be one of the most anticipated in recent memory with this all-Mexico showdown between undisputed champion and future Hall of Famer Canelo Álvarez taking on the undefeated power-puncher Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Saturday, May 4 at T-Mobile Arena will be the highlight of what is always one of the city’s biggest weekends. Fans know that when an all-time great like Canelo faces a hungry action fighter like Munguía, the chances for drama and fireworks are through the roof.”
 
“An all-Mexican championship showdown on Cinco de Mayo weekend between two guys with immense pride for their country and at the top of their games — it doesn’t get any better for the sport of boxing,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Given Jaime’s incredible offensive attack, Canelo’s unmatched counterpunching and both guys’ tremendous power, fans are in for an absolute barn burner. We at Golden Boy are proud to have been able to work with our partners at DAZN to help make this massive battle and potential instant classic in Las Vegas that you don’t want to miss!”
 
“Jaime Munguía continues to make history as he paves his way in the sport,” said Fernando Beltrán, CEO of Zanfer Boxing Promotions. “There will be an overflow of Mexican pride in Las Vegas. This fight was accomplished for the people of México between two of the top Mexican fighters in boxing.”
 

Christian Mbilli joins forces with Top Rank

Christian Mbilli joins forces with Top Rank
Super middleweight contender Christian Mbilli, the Cameroon-born, Montreal-based wrecking ball, has inked a long-term co-promotional agreement with Top Rank, who will work with Eye of the Tiger. Mbilli (29-0, 24 KOs including the World Series of Boxing) is scheduling his next fight, which will be announced by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank in the coming weeks. "It is an honor for me that this co-promotion is taking place with Top Rank,” Mbilli said. “We all know the power of promoters and the significant role they play in the boxing world. So, with Top Rank and Eye of the Tiger joining forces, I certainly have an unbeatable team as I head towards a world championship. A big thank you to my team, which once again demonstrates their hard work with this incredible partnership!”
 
‘’I’m thrilled to be partnering with Top Rank. I believe synergy is key to achieving great things. With the right synergy, 1+1 equals 100. We have an ace, and we’re going after the big names,” said Eye of the Tiger President Camille Estephan.
 
“I had a ringside seat for Christian’s latest fight, and I was amazed with his power and ferocious nature inside the ring,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He is a special super middleweight talent, and I am pleased to collaborate with our good friends at Eye of the Tiger to help this talented young man achieve his world championship dreams.”
 
Mbilli moved from Cameroon to France at 11 years old and began boxing at 15. He soon become one of France’s great amateurs, winning a national title and advancing to the quarterfinals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Following the Olympics, he moved to Montreal to turn professional under the guidance of decorated trainer Marc Ramsay. Mbilli scored seven knockouts in his first year as a pro and captured his first regional title in May 2018. He notched a one-punch knockout over former world title challenger Nadjib Mohammedi in 2022 and grinded out a 10-round decision over Ecuadorian puncher Carlos Gongora the following year. Mbilli had a breakout performance on the Artur Beterbiev-Callum Smith ESPN-televised co-feature in January, beating down Rohan Murdock en route to a sixth-round TKO.
 

Sullivan Barrera, age 42, fights tonight

Sullivan Barrera, age 42, fights tonight
Wednesday night’s headlining fight at the Whitesands Events Center in Plant City, Florida, will feature Radivoje Kalajdzic and Sullivan Barrera battling in the light heavyweight division. Kalajdzic has 28 wins, 2 losses and 20 knockouts, while Barrera has 22 wins, 4 losses and 14 knockouts. The bout promises plenty of action between two veteran fighters looking for another big fight. Kalajdzic is a native of Serbia but has settled in the United States and has spent much of his career in this country. The 32-year old comes in with four wins in a row and has not lost since 2019 when he succumbed to current three-belt champion Arthur Beterbiev. Barrera is 42 years old. The Cuban is not at his peak since he has two defeats in a row but they have been against world-level opponents Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, a former 168-pound champion, and Jesse Hart. Other losses on his resue include champions Dmitry Bivol or Andre Ward, which show his experience and his great professional career.