Tomorrow: Dubois vs. Wardley II |
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On Saturday (Oct. 17th), at London’s o2 Arena, a classic heavyweight rematch takes place between Daniel Dubois (pictured) and Fabio Wardley, who'll be going at it hammer and tongs. Back in May, they engaged in one of the best heavyweight encounters in recent memory. Dubois survived a pair of knockdowns and came back to stop Wardley by eleventh-round technical knockout in Manchester, England. With the win, Dubois took Wardley's WBO championship and became a two-time champion. Although he scored the only two knockdowns of the encounter, it was Wardley who absorbed a terrifying amount of punishment.
If the rematch wasn’t contracted with Wardley calling in his rematch clause within days of taking his first career loss, the rematch would be the subject of public demand.
With the inevitable departure from the scene of Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua over the next year or two at most, the heavyweight division has been presented with pretty much a blank canvas. Still considered the world champion, Usyk took a step back by vacating his title belts, which opened up doors for the likes of Dubois, Wardley, Agit Kabayel, Murat Gassiev and Filip Hrgovic.
Should he win on Saturday, Wardley will join Dubois, Fury and Joshua in the record books as being a two-time heavyweight champion from Great Britain. It is not the way he would have chosen to pick up the accolade, but it will look good in the history books nonetheless.
Dubois has now proudly held the WBA Regular - if you choose to count it - plus the IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles. You could make an argument that he is currently The Man of the division, with his title successes and triumphs over the likes of the previously unbeaten Jarrell Miller, Hrgovic and Wardley, along with Joshua.
This new unfolding heavyweight era is that it is largely shaping up on British soil. Saturday will be the third heavyweight championship event to be staged in the UK so far this year. And then we’ve got Fury and Joshua finally coming to blows in December.
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Tomorrow: Dubois vs. Wardley II
On Saturday (Oct. 17th), at London’s o2 Arena, a classic heavyweight rematch takes place between Daniel Dubois (pictured) and Fabio Wardley, who'll be going at it hammer and tongs. Back in May, they engaged in one of the best heavyweight encounters in recent memory. Dubois survived a pair of knockdowns and came back to stop Wardley by eleventh-round technical knockout in Manchester, England. With the win, Dubois took Wardley's WBO championship and became a two-time champion. Although he scored the only two knockdowns of the encounter, it was Wardley who absorbed a terrifying amount of punishment.
If the rematch wasn’t contracted with Wardley calling in his rematch clause within days of taking his first career loss, the rematch would be the subject of public demand.
With the inevitable departure from the scene of Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua over the next year or two at most, the heavyweight division has been presented with pretty much a blank canvas. Still considered the world champion, Usyk took a step back by vacating his title belts, which opened up doors for the likes of Dubois, Wardley, Agit Kabayel, Murat Gassiev and Filip Hrgovic.
Should he win on Saturday, Wardley will join Dubois, Fury and Joshua in the record books as being a two-time heavyweight champion from Great Britain. It is not the way he would have chosen to pick up the accolade, but it will look good in the history books nonetheless.
Dubois has now proudly held the WBA Regular - if you choose to count it - plus the IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles. You could make an argument that he is currently The Man of the division, with his title successes and triumphs over the likes of the previously unbeaten Jarrell Miller, Hrgovic and Wardley, along with Joshua.
This new unfolding heavyweight era is that it is largely shaping up on British soil. Saturday will be the third heavyweight championship event to be staged in the UK so far this year. And then we’ve got Fury and Joshua finally coming to blows in December.
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Boxingtalk's Kirk Lang honored in Connecticut |
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A multi-decade writer for Boxingtalk.com, Kirk Lang was honored with the George Smith Contribution to Boxing Award from the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame this past Saturday. He was one of seven award winners recognized in addition to the inductees. The Contribution to Boxing Award was renamed some years back to honor the late George Smith, who was both a sportswriter and a boxing judge. He was also one of the founding members of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. In addition to Lang, the following were also honored: Kamarre Kemp (The Roland Roy Amateur Boxer of the Year); Chordale Booker (Marlon Starling Boxer of the Year); Marilyn Rosa (Amateur Official of the Year); Phyllis Roy (The William Hutt Official of the Year); Paul Cichon (Brian Clark Trainer of the Year) and Marcky “The Fighter” Foster (The Willie Pep Courage Award). Foster battled Embryonal with Multi-layered Rosettes, a rare, aggressive form of cancer, before passing away on June 22, just before his 5th birthday.
The Professional Boxer of the Year Award was just renamed to honor former welterweight champion Marlon Starling, who presented the award to Booker, and the Trainer of the Year Award was just renamed to honor longtime New Haven-based trainer Brian Clark, who passed away in January. The most famous boxer to come out of Clark’s Ring One gym was former light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson. “Congratulations to each and every one of you,” said newly elected President Peter Hary Jr.. “Your accomplishments and contributions to boxing have earned you this moment and we’re proud to celebrate you tonight.”
A writer / photographer, Lang was an invited guest at the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Las Vegas this month and had plans to attend. However, upon finding out he would be receiving the Contribution to Boxing Award from the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame – and that the ceremony was taking place on the same day as the women’s Hall event– he had to scrap the Vegas trip.
In front of numerous members of his family, including his daughters Alyssa and Laila, who were stage-side helping to capture the moment for him, Lang said, “I really appreciate this award. I want to thank Peter Hary and everybody on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame for all that you do and for honoring me with this award. I’ve been doing this for a while and I appreciate the recognition.”
Lang kept his speech brief and didn’t go into his career highlights. However, he did note that a desire to meet his idol, former three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, influenced his decision to get into boxing journalism. Initially majoring in physical education in college, numerous trips to the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekends in Canastota, New York with his dad further cemented his journalistic aspirations. Lang has covered or interviewed numerous legends of the sport, including Sugar Ray Leonard; George Foreman; Roy Jones Jr.; Joe Frazier; Floyd Mayweather Jr; Bernard Hopkins, Arturo Gatti; Evander Holyfield; Pernell Whitaker; Felix Trinidad; Oscar de la Hoya; Manny Pacquiao; Laila Ali; Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
A few stand-out moments of Lang’s career include covering the historic all-female card at Madison Square Garden last year, which was headlined by Taylor-Serrano III; covering former heavyweight champion George Foreman’s final fight; being ringside for numerous Roy Jones bouts; covering a fight card at a castle in downtown Boston; being asked to be a pallbearer for the 1940s featherweight legend Willie Pep; and providing a few lines to actor James Madio that would be used in Madio’s portrayal of Pep in the movie “The Featherweight.”
After accepting his award and largely staying near the stage to cover the ceremony – taking photos and recording speeches – he was given silent auction items at the end of the evening his family had won for him, including the fight program for Ali-Frazier III “The Thrilla in Manila,” Ring magazines from the 1950s and a pair of gloves from the Ali Center.
The CTBHOF honor took place inside the Earth Ballroom at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT in front of crowd of nearly 400 attendees. The silent auction raised over $4,000, a record, according to Hary, and the 50/50 raffle netted $1,000. Every dollar raised helps the Hall support the boxing community through its charitable giving program, which allows the organization to support amateur boxing in Connecticut, and to help fighters in need.
In addition to the award recipients, the followed were immortalized with induction Saturday night: 1930s and ‘40s era light heavyweight Melio Bettina; promoter Rich Cappiello; timekeeper Lou Dell; referee Ken Ezzo; former heavyweight contender Fernely Feliz; former USA New England featherweight and super featherweight champion Joey Negron; trainer Luis Rosa Sr.; and New London-based trainer Kent Ward, who established a program for boxers with disabilities, such as Parkinson’s Disease.
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Boxingtalk's Kirk Lang honored in Connecticut
A multi-decade writer for Boxingtalk.com, Kirk Lang was honored with the George Smith Contribution to Boxing Award from the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame this past Saturday. He was one of seven award winners recognized in addition to the inductees. The Contribution to Boxing Award was renamed some years back to honor the late George Smith, who was both a sportswriter and a boxing judge. He was also one of the founding members of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. In addition to Lang, the following were also honored: Kamarre Kemp (The Roland Roy Amateur Boxer of the Year); Chordale Booker (Marlon Starling Boxer of the Year); Marilyn Rosa (Amateur Official of the Year); Phyllis Roy (The William Hutt Official of the Year); Paul Cichon (Brian Clark Trainer of the Year) and Marcky “The Fighter” Foster (The Willie Pep Courage Award). Foster battled Embryonal with Multi-layered Rosettes, a rare, aggressive form of cancer, before passing away on June 22, just before his 5th birthday.
The Professional Boxer of the Year Award was just renamed to honor former welterweight champion Marlon Starling, who presented the award to Booker, and the Trainer of the Year Award was just renamed to honor longtime New Haven-based trainer Brian Clark, who passed away in January. The most famous boxer to come out of Clark’s Ring One gym was former light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson. “Congratulations to each and every one of you,” said newly elected President Peter Hary Jr.. “Your accomplishments and contributions to boxing have earned you this moment and we’re proud to celebrate you tonight.”
A writer / photographer, Lang was an invited guest at the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Las Vegas this month and had plans to attend. However, upon finding out he would be receiving the Contribution to Boxing Award from the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame – and that the ceremony was taking place on the same day as the women’s Hall event– he had to scrap the Vegas trip.
In front of numerous members of his family, including his daughters Alyssa and Laila, who were stage-side helping to capture the moment for him, Lang said, “I really appreciate this award. I want to thank Peter Hary and everybody on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame for all that you do and for honoring me with this award. I’ve been doing this for a while and I appreciate the recognition.”
Lang kept his speech brief and didn’t go into his career highlights. However, he did note that a desire to meet his idol, former three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, influenced his decision to get into boxing journalism. Initially majoring in physical education in college, numerous trips to the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekends in Canastota, New York with his dad further cemented his journalistic aspirations. Lang has covered or interviewed numerous legends of the sport, including Sugar Ray Leonard; George Foreman; Roy Jones Jr.; Joe Frazier; Floyd Mayweather Jr; Bernard Hopkins, Arturo Gatti; Evander Holyfield; Pernell Whitaker; Felix Trinidad; Oscar de la Hoya; Manny Pacquiao; Laila Ali; Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
A few stand-out moments of Lang’s career include covering the historic all-female card at Madison Square Garden last year, which was headlined by Taylor-Serrano III; covering former heavyweight champion George Foreman’s final fight; being ringside for numerous Roy Jones bouts; covering a fight card at a castle in downtown Boston; being asked to be a pallbearer for the 1940s featherweight legend Willie Pep; and providing a few lines to actor James Madio that would be used in Madio’s portrayal of Pep in the movie “The Featherweight.”
After accepting his award and largely staying near the stage to cover the ceremony – taking photos and recording speeches – he was given silent auction items at the end of the evening his family had won for him, including the fight program for Ali-Frazier III “The Thrilla in Manila,” Ring magazines from the 1950s and a pair of gloves from the Ali Center.
The CTBHOF honor took place inside the Earth Ballroom at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT in front of crowd of nearly 400 attendees. The silent auction raised over $4,000, a record, according to Hary, and the 50/50 raffle netted $1,000. Every dollar raised helps the Hall support the boxing community through its charitable giving program, which allows the organization to support amateur boxing in Connecticut, and to help fighters in need.
In addition to the award recipients, the followed were immortalized with induction Saturday night: 1930s and ‘40s era light heavyweight Melio Bettina; promoter Rich Cappiello; timekeeper Lou Dell; referee Ken Ezzo; former heavyweight contender Fernely Feliz; former USA New England featherweight and super featherweight champion Joey Negron; trainer Luis Rosa Sr.; and New London-based trainer Kent Ward, who established a program for boxers with disabilities, such as Parkinson’s Disease.
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Final presser quotes from Las Vegas |
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WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and his unbeaten challenger Ermal Hadribeaj went face to face at the final press conference on Thursday before they headline “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN this Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The press conference also featured WBA featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda, who duel in the co-feature, all-action former title holder Armando “Toro” Reséndiz, who battles Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight showdown, plus rising star Marco Romero and Uruguay’s Matias Ferreira, who meet in the eight-round super middleweight opening attraction at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The fourth installment of the live monthly boxing series will be broadcast in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.
TNT Sports and DAZN today announced an all-star announce team for Saturday’s event with Todd Grisham hosting studio coverage alongside undefeated five-division champion Terence Crawford, International Boxing Hall of Famer Tim Bradley Jr. and former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter. Corey Erdman will handle play-by-play duties alongside analysts Sergio Mora, a former champion, and veteran boxing journalist Chris Mannix. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“This Saturday we have everything on this card. Make sure to tune in, because we’re gonna make it a knockout of a weekend.
“He’s an undefeated fighter. He’s hungry, but we’ve seen that before. We’ve fought champions. This is the major leagues of boxing and we’re here to prove again why we’ll remain the champion.
“I’ve been in this sport for a while. I’ve been fighting for 22 years. It’s been a lot of learning and now we’re showing you guys.
“This is gonna be a great fight. He’s undefeated and he only knows how to win. But we’re here to break him.
“Losing to Brian Mendoza made me realize some things. Obviously if you make mistakes, you’re gonna get hurt. It’s not just about realizing the mistake, but learning from it.
“Future fights only get in my mind because of everyone asking us about them. We have Ermal in front of us and we’re not overlooking him at all. You can’t overlook anyone. After Saturday, you can ask me all the questions.
“I’m very comfortable making weight. I ate breakfast today. This is Fundora fight week and we’re ready to go.”
ERMAL HADRIBEAJ
“I want to show that I’m an exciting fighter that people are going to want to watch Tell the fans around the world that ‘The Albanian Sniper’ is coming for Sebastian Fundora.
“I met Fundora three years ago and I want to shake his hand and let him know that the respect is there. We knew that we’d want to fight him, but I wasn’t ready at that moment. Now I’ve proven that I belong here.
“We worked a lot in training camp and I think we have the key. If that key doesn’t work, I have another key in my pocket. I have everything I need. I’m fast, I’m strong, I work hard and I have punch resistance. Everyone thinks he has the advantage, but his only advantage is that he’s tall.
“I’m able to out box him and I have the power to hurt him as well. I’m very unpredictable so I can’t say now how it will happen.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“I’m just ready. We prepared 110%. Just like what I did in the UK, going out there against all odds, nothing is gonna come between me and keeping this belt. I’ve lost it before and gained it back, now I don’t plan on losing it again.
“I will give the best of me in every fight. I can’t wait to let my hands fly and do what I was born to do.
“I wanted to get to the top level and fight the best of the best, that’s why I teamed up with Manny Robles. We went over there with all of the odds against me. But as a champion, you take it on the chin and figure it out. You have to overcome obstacles.
“I’m just getting better every fight. Everyone is going to see on Saturday everything that I’ve worked for. This belt isn’t going anywhere. I promise you that.
“He’s got a lot of experience and he’s been in there with a lot of champions. But I’m a hungry, young fighter and I’m strong. I’m going in there with everything and ready to showcase what I have in the tank.
“Everyone is on my hit list. Line them up. I want all of them. That’s what I’m here for. The belts are nice, but I want the names. I want people to say I fought the champions and beat them all.”
TOMOKI KAMEDA
“’El Mexicanito’ is back once again. I’m very thankful for this great opportunity. I’m so happy to be back here in Las Vegas once again. I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready to be world champion once again.
“I’ve been training for nine months now. Now I’m here and more ready than ever. I can guarantee you that.
“I learned a lot from the loss to Angelo Leo. I was able to use those lessons in my preparation for this fight. On Saturday I’m going to show that I’m the superior fighter and come out on top.
“On Saturday night I’m going to prove that in boxing, anything is possible and that I’m willing and able to come out on top.
“I have to take advantage of this great opportunity. Chances like this don’t come around too often so I have to be 100% focused.”
ARMANDO RESENDIZ
“I’m always ready for a challenge. I just want to seek out the best. It makes me really proud to be on a prestigious card like this. I’m always in the gym so this was an opportunity I’m 100% ready for.
“There is a lot that I want to accomplish. I want to keep getting into the ring and being the best version of myself that I can be.
“It’s been a roller coaster for me, but I’ve proven that I will always get back up. There’s always a next chapter.
“I have full confidence in myself and my team. After Saturday night we’re going to look to move closer to becoming a world champion again.
“He’s a strong fighter who has a lot of heart. He’s very tough. The fans are going to end up being the true winners of the night.”
MARCO ROMERO
“I’m excited to be fighting alongside these champions and put on a great performance. He better live up to his words, because if he doesn’t it’s gonna be a long night for him.
“He thinks he has more experience than me, but with my amateur experience, that’s more than he’s had. He says he’s gonna come in and play my game, but I don’t think that’s a good game plan. You’re gonna get bit by the shark.
“He can believe whatever he wants. I’m going to go in there and do my job. I’m gonna let the shark go on the hunt. When I get the opportunity for the kill shot, don’t blink.
“I’m progressing and heading towards the top 10 and get to the world title level. A lot of guys I fight tend to move more, but if he comes in and brawl, that’s perfect for me. I’ll be ready for sure.”
MATIAS FERREIRA
“I’m going to be out there showing my speed from the first minute of the fight. I’ve been training hard for months now and I’m coming to knock him out before the fourth round. The fans are going to be in for a show.
“He’s a really good fighter, but he’s not going to be able to keep up with my speed. He doesn’t have the experience yet. I’m gonna come out and smother him from round one. I’ve trained hard and I know what I’m capable of.
“He struggles with the distance. I’ve seen how he likes to engage from short distance, but I’m going to play his game and make my speed count more.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“We’re all very excited to be here promoting ‘The Fight’ on TNT. This card has a little bit of everything on it.
“With our main event, you have Sebastian ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora taking on his mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj. He can’t look past his opponent who’s young and undefeated. The scary thing about Fundora is that he’s just getting better and better. His fights are always exciting and he’ll give fight fans everything they want in a fight night.”
“In the co-main event we have Brandon Figueroa, who went over the UK to win his WBA Featherweight World Title and upset Nick Ball. Now he’s back with a strong veteran fighter and former world champion in Tomoki Kameda.
“Plus we have a former world champion in Armando Resendiz returning for the first time since losing his title and he’s got a tough Australian in Koen Mazoudier to deal with. And we open the night with one of the top prospects in boxing today in Marco Romero. He’s definitely someone to keep your eye on.”
BRITTON HARDIN, Head of Boxing, North America, DAZN
“This is the perfect time for us to be bringing in new boxing fans with the partnership with TNT and this is an exciting card to do that with. You get the full gamut of what boxing has with these matchups that we’re able to put together.
“I’m really excited for Saturday night. Everyone up here knows the level of competition and I can’t wait to see what we have.”
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Final presser quotes from Las Vegas
WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and his unbeaten challenger Ermal Hadribeaj went face to face at the final press conference on Thursday before they headline “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN this Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The press conference also featured WBA featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda, who duel in the co-feature, all-action former title holder Armando “Toro” Reséndiz, who battles Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight showdown, plus rising star Marco Romero and Uruguay’s Matias Ferreira, who meet in the eight-round super middleweight opening attraction at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The fourth installment of the live monthly boxing series will be broadcast in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.
TNT Sports and DAZN today announced an all-star announce team for Saturday’s event with Todd Grisham hosting studio coverage alongside undefeated five-division champion Terence Crawford, International Boxing Hall of Famer Tim Bradley Jr. and former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter. Corey Erdman will handle play-by-play duties alongside analysts Sergio Mora, a former champion, and veteran boxing journalist Chris Mannix. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“This Saturday we have everything on this card. Make sure to tune in, because we’re gonna make it a knockout of a weekend.
“He’s an undefeated fighter. He’s hungry, but we’ve seen that before. We’ve fought champions. This is the major leagues of boxing and we’re here to prove again why we’ll remain the champion.
“I’ve been in this sport for a while. I’ve been fighting for 22 years. It’s been a lot of learning and now we’re showing you guys.
“This is gonna be a great fight. He’s undefeated and he only knows how to win. But we’re here to break him.
“Losing to Brian Mendoza made me realize some things. Obviously if you make mistakes, you’re gonna get hurt. It’s not just about realizing the mistake, but learning from it.
“Future fights only get in my mind because of everyone asking us about them. We have Ermal in front of us and we’re not overlooking him at all. You can’t overlook anyone. After Saturday, you can ask me all the questions.
“I’m very comfortable making weight. I ate breakfast today. This is Fundora fight week and we’re ready to go.”
ERMAL HADRIBEAJ
“I want to show that I’m an exciting fighter that people are going to want to watch Tell the fans around the world that ‘The Albanian Sniper’ is coming for Sebastian Fundora.
“I met Fundora three years ago and I want to shake his hand and let him know that the respect is there. We knew that we’d want to fight him, but I wasn’t ready at that moment. Now I’ve proven that I belong here.
“We worked a lot in training camp and I think we have the key. If that key doesn’t work, I have another key in my pocket. I have everything I need. I’m fast, I’m strong, I work hard and I have punch resistance. Everyone thinks he has the advantage, but his only advantage is that he’s tall.
“I’m able to out box him and I have the power to hurt him as well. I’m very unpredictable so I can’t say now how it will happen.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“I’m just ready. We prepared 110%. Just like what I did in the UK, going out there against all odds, nothing is gonna come between me and keeping this belt. I’ve lost it before and gained it back, now I don’t plan on losing it again.
“I will give the best of me in every fight. I can’t wait to let my hands fly and do what I was born to do.
“I wanted to get to the top level and fight the best of the best, that’s why I teamed up with Manny Robles. We went over there with all of the odds against me. But as a champion, you take it on the chin and figure it out. You have to overcome obstacles.
“I’m just getting better every fight. Everyone is going to see on Saturday everything that I’ve worked for. This belt isn’t going anywhere. I promise you that.
“He’s got a lot of experience and he’s been in there with a lot of champions. But I’m a hungry, young fighter and I’m strong. I’m going in there with everything and ready to showcase what I have in the tank.
“Everyone is on my hit list. Line them up. I want all of them. That’s what I’m here for. The belts are nice, but I want the names. I want people to say I fought the champions and beat them all.”
TOMOKI KAMEDA
“’El Mexicanito’ is back once again. I’m very thankful for this great opportunity. I’m so happy to be back here in Las Vegas once again. I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready to be world champion once again.
“I’ve been training for nine months now. Now I’m here and more ready than ever. I can guarantee you that.
“I learned a lot from the loss to Angelo Leo. I was able to use those lessons in my preparation for this fight. On Saturday I’m going to show that I’m the superior fighter and come out on top.
“On Saturday night I’m going to prove that in boxing, anything is possible and that I’m willing and able to come out on top.
“I have to take advantage of this great opportunity. Chances like this don’t come around too often so I have to be 100% focused.”
ARMANDO RESENDIZ
“I’m always ready for a challenge. I just want to seek out the best. It makes me really proud to be on a prestigious card like this. I’m always in the gym so this was an opportunity I’m 100% ready for.
“There is a lot that I want to accomplish. I want to keep getting into the ring and being the best version of myself that I can be.
“It’s been a roller coaster for me, but I’ve proven that I will always get back up. There’s always a next chapter.
“I have full confidence in myself and my team. After Saturday night we’re going to look to move closer to becoming a world champion again.
“He’s a strong fighter who has a lot of heart. He’s very tough. The fans are going to end up being the true winners of the night.”
MARCO ROMERO
“I’m excited to be fighting alongside these champions and put on a great performance. He better live up to his words, because if he doesn’t it’s gonna be a long night for him.
“He thinks he has more experience than me, but with my amateur experience, that’s more than he’s had. He says he’s gonna come in and play my game, but I don’t think that’s a good game plan. You’re gonna get bit by the shark.
“He can believe whatever he wants. I’m going to go in there and do my job. I’m gonna let the shark go on the hunt. When I get the opportunity for the kill shot, don’t blink.
“I’m progressing and heading towards the top 10 and get to the world title level. A lot of guys I fight tend to move more, but if he comes in and brawl, that’s perfect for me. I’ll be ready for sure.”
MATIAS FERREIRA
“I’m going to be out there showing my speed from the first minute of the fight. I’ve been training hard for months now and I’m coming to knock him out before the fourth round. The fans are going to be in for a show.
“He’s a really good fighter, but he’s not going to be able to keep up with my speed. He doesn’t have the experience yet. I’m gonna come out and smother him from round one. I’ve trained hard and I know what I’m capable of.
“He struggles with the distance. I’ve seen how he likes to engage from short distance, but I’m going to play his game and make my speed count more.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“We’re all very excited to be here promoting ‘The Fight’ on TNT. This card has a little bit of everything on it.
“With our main event, you have Sebastian ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora taking on his mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj. He can’t look past his opponent who’s young and undefeated. The scary thing about Fundora is that he’s just getting better and better. His fights are always exciting and he’ll give fight fans everything they want in a fight night.”
“In the co-main event we have Brandon Figueroa, who went over the UK to win his WBA Featherweight World Title and upset Nick Ball. Now he’s back with a strong veteran fighter and former world champion in Tomoki Kameda.
“Plus we have a former world champion in Armando Resendiz returning for the first time since losing his title and he’s got a tough Australian in Koen Mazoudier to deal with. And we open the night with one of the top prospects in boxing today in Marco Romero. He’s definitely someone to keep your eye on.”
BRITTON HARDIN, Head of Boxing, North America, DAZN
“This is the perfect time for us to be bringing in new boxing fans with the partnership with TNT and this is an exciting card to do that with. You get the full gamut of what boxing has with these matchups that we’re able to put together.
“I’m really excited for Saturday night. Everyone up here knows the level of competition and I can’t wait to see what we have.”
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Jamel Herring defends bare knuckle title this weekend |
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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) returns to Newark, New Jersey this weekend with BKFC 95 on Saturday at the Prudential Center, live worldwide on The BKFC App. Former junior lightweight champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring defends his BKFC bantamweight (135-pound) title for the first time against BKFC flyweight (125-pound) champion John “The Magician” Dodson. Both fighters have been undefeated since entering BKFC's squared circle, boasting a combined 6-0-1 record.
On the undercard, Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera will be headhunting for a second straight stoppage victory at the expense of the battle-tested Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer, who’s gunning for a fourth win under the BKFC banner... Tony “Loco” Soto throws down against hard-hitting Anthony “The Pistol” Pike, who’s eager to rack up a second straight finish against his toughest challenge yet, in a must-see matchup at 155 pounds.
BKFC 95 on Saturday will also feature a slate of rookies to the BKFC Squared Circle and the return of established fan-favorite fighters, like Dalvin “Hippy Disciple” Blair, Paris “PDott Da Knockout Artist” Boyd, Phil “Hitman” Caracappa, Booke “Bare Knuckle Brooke” Evans, “Relentless” Jeff Lentz, Eduardo Peralta, Gabrielle Roman, Nicholas Saragosa and Anthony “The Devil’s Advocate” Yost, all LIVE worldwide on The BKFC App.
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Jamel Herring defends bare knuckle title this weekend
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) returns to Newark, New Jersey this weekend with BKFC 95 on Saturday at the Prudential Center, live worldwide on The BKFC App. Former junior lightweight champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring defends his BKFC bantamweight (135-pound) title for the first time against BKFC flyweight (125-pound) champion John “The Magician” Dodson. Both fighters have been undefeated since entering BKFC's squared circle, boasting a combined 6-0-1 record.
On the undercard, Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera will be headhunting for a second straight stoppage victory at the expense of the battle-tested Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer, who’s gunning for a fourth win under the BKFC banner... Tony “Loco” Soto throws down against hard-hitting Anthony “The Pistol” Pike, who’s eager to rack up a second straight finish against his toughest challenge yet, in a must-see matchup at 155 pounds.
BKFC 95 on Saturday will also feature a slate of rookies to the BKFC Squared Circle and the return of established fan-favorite fighters, like Dalvin “Hippy Disciple” Blair, Paris “PDott Da Knockout Artist” Boyd, Phil “Hitman” Caracappa, Booke “Bare Knuckle Brooke” Evans, “Relentless” Jeff Lentz, Eduardo Peralta, Gabrielle Roman, Nicholas Saragosa and Anthony “The Devil’s Advocate” Yost, all LIVE worldwide on The BKFC App.
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Teremoana vs. Ahio booked for Melbourne |
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Matchroom Boxing returns to Australia on Wednesday, November 18th at Pullman Melbourne Albert Park as undefeated heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana takes on Hemi Ahio (25-1, 19 KOs) on live on Fox Sports and DAZN’sKayo Sports in Australia. A towering Aussie, Teremoana has won all 12 of his professional fights to date by way of knockout and has been heralded by promoter Eddie Hearn as a future champion. Teremoana is relishing the challenge as he prepares to headline in Melbourne. “I’m excited to be fighting again down in Melbourne and this time headlining against a strong opponent from New Zealand in Hemi Ahio,” he said. “I am really looking forward to the challenge he will bring. Nothing changes for me. I am here to prove I am the best and Ahio is the next obstacle in my way. I respect what he’s achieved but he shouldn’t have taken this fight.
Teremoana continued, “I’ve been training hard and with another five weeks of preparation until fight night I plan to show the difference in levels. God willing, I will be victorious.”
However, Ahio – nicknamed ’The Heat’ – has warned Teremoana that he is ready to crank up the temperature and unleash everything he has when the two collide. “I’m in great shape, maybe in the best shape I have been my entire career,” said Ahio. “There’s going to be fireworks, and we will both be dropping big bombs. I’m ready to throw down with the big man. Let’s go!”
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is looking forward to big night Down Under with a card stacked with homegrown talent. “Australian boxing is flying and I am excited to be returning to Melbourne for what promises to be a brilliant fight card, headlined by the country’s most destructive fighter,” said Hearn. “We seriously have a superstar on our hands in Teremoana. He must close out this year with another big statement – but he’ll need to be at his best as Hemi Ahio is a very dangerous operator with plenty of experience. Teremoana truly has the potential to go far in the heavyweight division. I honestly believe he has the tools to go on and become a future champion. He is a man Australia needs to get behind.”
The undercard features local favorite Mitch Leek (14-0, 8 KOs) as he takes on Joel ‘Camo KO’ Camilleri (31-8, 15 KOs) ina middleweight contest.
The vacant Australian junior middleweight title is on the line as Melbourne’s Ky Hodgson (7-1) goes up against Victor Adis-Iosifidis (3-1, 1 KO).
Plus, unbeaten 21 year-old Omar El-Abdallah (6-0, 5 KOs) faces Lilo Telepe (6-1, 6 KOs) in a middleweight shootout.
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Teremoana vs. Ahio booked for Melbourne
Matchroom Boxing returns to Australia on Wednesday, November 18th at Pullman Melbourne Albert Park as undefeated heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana takes on Hemi Ahio (25-1, 19 KOs) on live on Fox Sports and DAZN’sKayo Sports in Australia. A towering Aussie, Teremoana has won all 12 of his professional fights to date by way of knockout and has been heralded by promoter Eddie Hearn as a future champion. Teremoana is relishing the challenge as he prepares to headline in Melbourne. “I’m excited to be fighting again down in Melbourne and this time headlining against a strong opponent from New Zealand in Hemi Ahio,” he said. “I am really looking forward to the challenge he will bring. Nothing changes for me. I am here to prove I am the best and Ahio is the next obstacle in my way. I respect what he’s achieved but he shouldn’t have taken this fight.
Teremoana continued, “I’ve been training hard and with another five weeks of preparation until fight night I plan to show the difference in levels. God willing, I will be victorious.”
However, Ahio – nicknamed ’The Heat’ – has warned Teremoana that he is ready to crank up the temperature and unleash everything he has when the two collide. “I’m in great shape, maybe in the best shape I have been my entire career,” said Ahio. “There’s going to be fireworks, and we will both be dropping big bombs. I’m ready to throw down with the big man. Let’s go!”
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is looking forward to big night Down Under with a card stacked with homegrown talent. “Australian boxing is flying and I am excited to be returning to Melbourne for what promises to be a brilliant fight card, headlined by the country’s most destructive fighter,” said Hearn. “We seriously have a superstar on our hands in Teremoana. He must close out this year with another big statement – but he’ll need to be at his best as Hemi Ahio is a very dangerous operator with plenty of experience. Teremoana truly has the potential to go far in the heavyweight division. I honestly believe he has the tools to go on and become a future champion. He is a man Australia needs to get behind.”
The undercard features local favorite Mitch Leek (14-0, 8 KOs) as he takes on Joel ‘Camo KO’ Camilleri (31-8, 15 KOs) ina middleweight contest.
The vacant Australian junior middleweight title is on the line as Melbourne’s Ky Hodgson (7-1) goes up against Victor Adis-Iosifidis (3-1, 1 KO).
Plus, unbeaten 21 year-old Omar El-Abdallah (6-0, 5 KOs) faces Lilo Telepe (6-1, 6 KOs) in a middleweight shootout.
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Nothing But Sportz institutes quality control procedures |
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Nothing But Sportz, the television, streaming and technology company founded by Steven Marcano, has announced it will not televise the October 24th boxing event featuring Maureen Shea after her scheduled opponent withdrew and a suitable replacement could not be secured within an acceptable promotional period. Effective immediately, NBS will require all essential athlete, promotional, production and broadcast agreements to be fully executed at least ten weeks prior to any scheduled live event. The policy is designed to ensure adequate preparation, marketing support, and audience development.
Entering its second year, NBS is transitioning from an early-stage entrepreneurial model into an institutionally structured television, streaming, and technology enterprise. The company is implementing enhanced governance standards, standardized contracting procedures, and centralized operational oversight, creating a foundation for national growth and long-term sustainability. NBS intends to televise Shea’s January 2027 return, with American Dream Presents remaining promotional company of record, subject to finalized agreements.
Two world-class championship boxing events are under negotiation for March and June 2027. Alongside promotional partnerships, NBS will acquire and license independently promoted boxing events targeting one major live event each month.
The company is expanding its programming interests into table tennis, pickleball, horse racing, motorcycle racing, motocross, tennis, flag football, volleyball, and surfing. NBS is also exploring the licensing of sporting events connected to U.S. Armed Forces sports programs. A major table tennis competition is targeted for February 2027.
Beyond live sports, NBS is developing original intellectual property, including King Carter, a vertical short-form project, Ring Card Girls and Scrap City, an interactive video game. The company is actively seeking submissions and distribution partnerships from independent filmmakers, documentary producers, digital content creators, and artificial intelligence companies. Its technology initiatives emphasize AI-powered sports analytics, interactive programming, personalized content discovery, and enhanced fan engagement. Building on existing distribution relationships with Roku, Apple, Amazon, Truth Plus, and KlowdTV, NBS is accelerating expansion across linear and digital platforms.
By the end of 2027, NBS is targeting distribution access across 85 percent of the linear television market and full digital platform availability. These are stated goals, not current market share. During its inaugural year, the company secured programming involving internationally recognized talent including Yuriorkis Gamboa, Guillermo Rigondeaux, and high-profile sports entertainment personalities.
The company has received substantial digital engagement, which management believes demonstrates the potential for a competitive position if its 2027 distribution and programming objectives are realized.
NBS is preparing its first eight-figure financing initiative with management reporting exploratory discussions with hedge funds and family offices as it advances its institutional growth strategy. Nothing But Sportz remains firmly committed to championship boxing while building a diversified sports media and technology platform. It is not moving away from boxing, it is building beyond it. With institutional standards, expanding content verticals, and a long-term distribution strategy, NBS is positioning itself for a defining second year. Nothing But Sportz — building the future of sports, television, streaming, and technology
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Nothing But Sportz institutes quality control procedures
Nothing But Sportz, the television, streaming and technology company founded by Steven Marcano, has announced it will not televise the October 24th boxing event featuring Maureen Shea after her scheduled opponent withdrew and a suitable replacement could not be secured within an acceptable promotional period. Effective immediately, NBS will require all essential athlete, promotional, production and broadcast agreements to be fully executed at least ten weeks prior to any scheduled live event. The policy is designed to ensure adequate preparation, marketing support, and audience development.
Entering its second year, NBS is transitioning from an early-stage entrepreneurial model into an institutionally structured television, streaming, and technology enterprise. The company is implementing enhanced governance standards, standardized contracting procedures, and centralized operational oversight, creating a foundation for national growth and long-term sustainability. NBS intends to televise Shea’s January 2027 return, with American Dream Presents remaining promotional company of record, subject to finalized agreements.
Two world-class championship boxing events are under negotiation for March and June 2027. Alongside promotional partnerships, NBS will acquire and license independently promoted boxing events targeting one major live event each month.
The company is expanding its programming interests into table tennis, pickleball, horse racing, motorcycle racing, motocross, tennis, flag football, volleyball, and surfing. NBS is also exploring the licensing of sporting events connected to U.S. Armed Forces sports programs. A major table tennis competition is targeted for February 2027.
Beyond live sports, NBS is developing original intellectual property, including King Carter, a vertical short-form project, Ring Card Girls and Scrap City, an interactive video game. The company is actively seeking submissions and distribution partnerships from independent filmmakers, documentary producers, digital content creators, and artificial intelligence companies. Its technology initiatives emphasize AI-powered sports analytics, interactive programming, personalized content discovery, and enhanced fan engagement. Building on existing distribution relationships with Roku, Apple, Amazon, Truth Plus, and KlowdTV, NBS is accelerating expansion across linear and digital platforms.
By the end of 2027, NBS is targeting distribution access across 85 percent of the linear television market and full digital platform availability. These are stated goals, not current market share. During its inaugural year, the company secured programming involving internationally recognized talent including Yuriorkis Gamboa, Guillermo Rigondeaux, and high-profile sports entertainment personalities.
The company has received substantial digital engagement, which management believes demonstrates the potential for a competitive position if its 2027 distribution and programming objectives are realized.
NBS is preparing its first eight-figure financing initiative with management reporting exploratory discussions with hedge funds and family offices as it advances its institutional growth strategy. Nothing But Sportz remains firmly committed to championship boxing while building a diversified sports media and technology platform. It is not moving away from boxing, it is building beyond it. With institutional standards, expanding content verticals, and a long-term distribution strategy, NBS is positioning itself for a defining second year. Nothing But Sportz — building the future of sports, television, streaming, and technology
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Abraham Perez to headline in Albuquerque Nov. 7th |
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Abraham Perez will defend his WBA interim flyweight title in a homecoming showdown with Yankiel Rivera at Albuquerque's Kiva Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 7th live on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT. Perez returns for his first defense just two years after a near-fatal drowning incident left him in a coma eight days prior to the biggest fight of his career in August 2024. Facing the grim diagnosis that he may never walk again, Perez persevered, returned to boxing in 2025 and won the interim title in June on DAZN over defending interim champion Jonathan Gonzalez. Now Perez (15-0, 7 KOs) returns with the hopes of following in the footsteps of New Mexico legends Johnny Tapia and Danny Romero, fellow lower-weight class champions who established Albuquerque as a homebase for major events. Tickets for the Nov. 7th event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions and Legacy Boxing Promotions in association with Wynn Records, are available on ticketmaster.com.
“Most athletes dream to be in the current situation I am in - defending a belt in their hometown,” Perez said. “It means a whole lot to not only me, but the local fans who get to see the fight. I did not let what happened to me stop the dream of becoming a world champion, I could've quit boxing or even swimming, but it's the optimism, the fight in me, and the love I have for the sport that kept me going. I will never be Tapia or Romero, I can only aspire to be the best version of myself. So while there is a Tapia, a Romero, there is also a Perez.”
The 27 year-old “Hammer” Perez was a stellar amateur, having won the 2021 Olympic Trials at 114 pounds and the 2019 National Golden Gloves. He turned pro in 2021 and was moved quickly, earning his first title opportunity in his 14th professional fight.
Rivera (8-1-1, 4 KOs) was the only boxer from Puerto Rico to qualify for 2021 Olympics and finished his amateur career with a 133-14 record. He was also moved swiftly since turning professional in 2022, fighting for an interim flyweight championship in only his eighth professional fight, a draw with then-undefeated Angelino Cordova. In his next fight he was upset in a decision loss zagainst Gonzalez for the WBA interim belt. The 29-year old is coming off a first-round knockout last month over Francisco Vargas Martinez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. “You will see a 100 percent Yankiel Rivera - completely focused, prepared and completely motivated,” Rivera said. “I know some are skeptical after my defeat, but I will show them that a defeat does not define me. With the exception of a very small group, every fighter faces a loss. It is not the loss that defines you, it is what you do afterwards.
“I see this fight as an opportunity to beat the guy who beat me. A victory will vindicate that defeat and will show that I belong in the mix with the elite fighters in the 112-pound division. My name has to be on that list. I’m ready to fight and defeat the best of the division.”
Albuquerque has a history as a boxing hotbed that has bred some of America’s best lower weight division champions - Hall of Famer and three division champion Johnny Tapia, who was a titlist at super flyweight, bantamweight and featherweight, and two division champion Danny Romero, a flyweight and junior bantamweight champion. Now the city has it’s newest champion in Perez, who looks to establish his own legacy as a young rising star in New Mexico.
“Albuquerque is one of America’s legendary boxing cities,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Our goal is to reignite that fire - both locally and nationally. We are proud to feature hometown world champion Abraham Perez, along with talented fighters from Albuquerque’s great local gyms. By teaming up with Legacy Boxing Promotions, we hope to build a lasting partnership and bring championship boxing back to this historic fight town.”
Added Aaron Perez and Gabriel Carlin of Legacy Promotions: “From day one, Legacy Promotions’ goal has been to put New Mexico back on the map as a destination for championship boxing. In 2024, we were proud to bring a world championship fight to Albuquerque. Now, we're honored to bring another world championship fight home - this time in partnership with Salita Promotions and DAZN, the premier boxing network in the world - with our own champion, Abraham Perez.
“After his latest victory, we asked Abraham what he wanted next. He said he wanted a big fight in Albuquerque, for a city that has been through a lot since the pandemic. We're excited to make that happen and give our city a night to remember."
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Abraham Perez to headline in Albuquerque Nov. 7th
Abraham Perez will defend his WBA interim flyweight title in a homecoming showdown with Yankiel Rivera at Albuquerque's Kiva Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 7th live on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT. Perez returns for his first defense just two years after a near-fatal drowning incident left him in a coma eight days prior to the biggest fight of his career in August 2024. Facing the grim diagnosis that he may never walk again, Perez persevered, returned to boxing in 2025 and won the interim title in June on DAZN over defending interim champion Jonathan Gonzalez. Now Perez (15-0, 7 KOs) returns with the hopes of following in the footsteps of New Mexico legends Johnny Tapia and Danny Romero, fellow lower-weight class champions who established Albuquerque as a homebase for major events. Tickets for the Nov. 7th event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions and Legacy Boxing Promotions in association with Wynn Records, are available on ticketmaster.com.
“Most athletes dream to be in the current situation I am in - defending a belt in their hometown,” Perez said. “It means a whole lot to not only me, but the local fans who get to see the fight. I did not let what happened to me stop the dream of becoming a world champion, I could've quit boxing or even swimming, but it's the optimism, the fight in me, and the love I have for the sport that kept me going. I will never be Tapia or Romero, I can only aspire to be the best version of myself. So while there is a Tapia, a Romero, there is also a Perez.”
The 27 year-old “Hammer” Perez was a stellar amateur, having won the 2021 Olympic Trials at 114 pounds and the 2019 National Golden Gloves. He turned pro in 2021 and was moved quickly, earning his first title opportunity in his 14th professional fight.
Rivera (8-1-1, 4 KOs) was the only boxer from Puerto Rico to qualify for 2021 Olympics and finished his amateur career with a 133-14 record. He was also moved swiftly since turning professional in 2022, fighting for an interim flyweight championship in only his eighth professional fight, a draw with then-undefeated Angelino Cordova. In his next fight he was upset in a decision loss zagainst Gonzalez for the WBA interim belt. The 29-year old is coming off a first-round knockout last month over Francisco Vargas Martinez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. “You will see a 100 percent Yankiel Rivera - completely focused, prepared and completely motivated,” Rivera said. “I know some are skeptical after my defeat, but I will show them that a defeat does not define me. With the exception of a very small group, every fighter faces a loss. It is not the loss that defines you, it is what you do afterwards.
“I see this fight as an opportunity to beat the guy who beat me. A victory will vindicate that defeat and will show that I belong in the mix with the elite fighters in the 112-pound division. My name has to be on that list. I’m ready to fight and defeat the best of the division.”
Albuquerque has a history as a boxing hotbed that has bred some of America’s best lower weight division champions - Hall of Famer and three division champion Johnny Tapia, who was a titlist at super flyweight, bantamweight and featherweight, and two division champion Danny Romero, a flyweight and junior bantamweight champion. Now the city has it’s newest champion in Perez, who looks to establish his own legacy as a young rising star in New Mexico.
“Albuquerque is one of America’s legendary boxing cities,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Our goal is to reignite that fire - both locally and nationally. We are proud to feature hometown world champion Abraham Perez, along with talented fighters from Albuquerque’s great local gyms. By teaming up with Legacy Boxing Promotions, we hope to build a lasting partnership and bring championship boxing back to this historic fight town.”
Added Aaron Perez and Gabriel Carlin of Legacy Promotions: “From day one, Legacy Promotions’ goal has been to put New Mexico back on the map as a destination for championship boxing. In 2024, we were proud to bring a world championship fight to Albuquerque. Now, we're honored to bring another world championship fight home - this time in partnership with Salita Promotions and DAZN, the premier boxing network in the world - with our own champion, Abraham Perez.
“After his latest victory, we asked Abraham what he wanted next. He said he wanted a big fight in Albuquerque, for a city that has been through a lot since the pandemic. We're excited to make that happen and give our city a night to remember."
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Introducing Hawaii's Azariah Cottrell |
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Azariah Cottrell KO2 Karla Valenzuela Garcia... Hawaiian amateur standout Azariah Cottrell made a winning entrance into traditional professional boxing, scoring a second-round knockout over Karla Valenzuela Garcia (3-42-3, 1 KO) in their four-round lightweight bout. Cottrell entered the professional ranks after establishing herself as a childhood boxing prodigy, a USA Boxing national champion and a standout in Team Boxing League. Rather than allowing the moment to overwhelm her, Cottrell embraced it. Facing an opponent with nearly 50 professional fights, Cottrell displayed the confidence and experience developed through years of high-level competition. She took control of the fight before ending matters in the second round, officially beginning her traditional professional career at 1-0 with one knockout.
For Cottrell, however, the victory was less about making a statement and more about finally taking the first step toward a dream she has carried since childhood. “It was a special feeling,” said Cottrell. I've been boxing since I was a little girl, so I've dreamed about this moment for a long time. Once the bell rang, I just trusted my training and did what I know how to do. Getting the knockout was exciting but getting that first professional win is what really means the most to me.”
Long before Cottrell became a professional, she was already making history. At only 10 years old, Cottrell was ranked #1 nationally at 75 pounds in the 9-10 girls division in the 2018 National Silver Gloves final rankings. She became the first girl from Hawaii to win the Silver Gloves Tournament and later captured a USA Boxing National Championship as a teenager.
Her accomplishments earned recognition from the State of Hawaii and established Cottrell as one of the islands' promising young boxing talents. She later gained another valuable layer of experience through Team Boxing League, compiling a 16-2 record before making the transition into traditional professional boxing.
Despite everything she accomplished before turning professional, Cottrell views herself as a fighter starting over with plenty still to prove. “Everything I did in the amateurs and Team Boxing League prepared me for this, but now I'm starting a new journey,” she added. “I'm 1-0, and that's it. I still have so much to learn and prove. I'm hungry to keep fighting, keep getting better and see how far I can take this.”
No matter where boxing takes her, Cottrell remains deeply connected to her Hawaiian roots. Her success as a young amateur allowed her to represent Hawaii on the national stage. Now, as a professional, she hopes to continue carrying that identity with her while inspiring another generation of young fighters from the islands. “Hawaii is always with me,” Cottell continued. “I'm proud of where I come from and everything my family and the people back home have done for me. Every time I fight, I want to represent them the right way. Hopefully, young girls back home can watch my journey and believe they can chase their dreams too.”
Cottrell isn't hiding what she ultimately wants from professional boxing. But after spending most of her life around the sport, she also understands that championship opportunities are earned through development, consistency and increasingly difficult fights. “I want to be a world champion one day,” she concluded. “That's always been the dream. But I'm not trying to rush past the work it takes to get there. I want to stay active, keep learning and take it fight by fight. This was the first one. Now I'm ready for the next.”
Bobby Harrison, CEO of BiYu Promotions, believes Cottrell's combination of youth, experience and competitive mentality gives her an opportunity to develop into one of women's boxing's notable young fighters. After watching her deliver a knockout in her professional debut, Harrison is excited about what comes next. “Azariah has something special,” Harrison said. “She has been competing at a high level since she was a kid, so even though this was her pro debut, she didn't look like someone who was new to the ring. She stayed composed, did her job and got the knockout. She's young, she's hungry and she wants to learn. That's what excites me the most. We're going to keep her active, develop her the right way and give her opportunities to grow. I believe she has a very bright future in women's boxing.”
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Introducing Hawaii's Azariah Cottrell
Azariah Cottrell KO2 Karla Valenzuela Garcia... Hawaiian amateur standout Azariah Cottrell made a winning entrance into traditional professional boxing, scoring a second-round knockout over Karla Valenzuela Garcia (3-42-3, 1 KO) in their four-round lightweight bout. Cottrell entered the professional ranks after establishing herself as a childhood boxing prodigy, a USA Boxing national champion and a standout in Team Boxing League. Rather than allowing the moment to overwhelm her, Cottrell embraced it. Facing an opponent with nearly 50 professional fights, Cottrell displayed the confidence and experience developed through years of high-level competition. She took control of the fight before ending matters in the second round, officially beginning her traditional professional career at 1-0 with one knockout.
For Cottrell, however, the victory was less about making a statement and more about finally taking the first step toward a dream she has carried since childhood. “It was a special feeling,” said Cottrell. I've been boxing since I was a little girl, so I've dreamed about this moment for a long time. Once the bell rang, I just trusted my training and did what I know how to do. Getting the knockout was exciting but getting that first professional win is what really means the most to me.”
Long before Cottrell became a professional, she was already making history. At only 10 years old, Cottrell was ranked #1 nationally at 75 pounds in the 9-10 girls division in the 2018 National Silver Gloves final rankings. She became the first girl from Hawaii to win the Silver Gloves Tournament and later captured a USA Boxing National Championship as a teenager.
Her accomplishments earned recognition from the State of Hawaii and established Cottrell as one of the islands' promising young boxing talents. She later gained another valuable layer of experience through Team Boxing League, compiling a 16-2 record before making the transition into traditional professional boxing.
Despite everything she accomplished before turning professional, Cottrell views herself as a fighter starting over with plenty still to prove. “Everything I did in the amateurs and Team Boxing League prepared me for this, but now I'm starting a new journey,” she added. “I'm 1-0, and that's it. I still have so much to learn and prove. I'm hungry to keep fighting, keep getting better and see how far I can take this.”
No matter where boxing takes her, Cottrell remains deeply connected to her Hawaiian roots. Her success as a young amateur allowed her to represent Hawaii on the national stage. Now, as a professional, she hopes to continue carrying that identity with her while inspiring another generation of young fighters from the islands. “Hawaii is always with me,” Cottell continued. “I'm proud of where I come from and everything my family and the people back home have done for me. Every time I fight, I want to represent them the right way. Hopefully, young girls back home can watch my journey and believe they can chase their dreams too.”
Cottrell isn't hiding what she ultimately wants from professional boxing. But after spending most of her life around the sport, she also understands that championship opportunities are earned through development, consistency and increasingly difficult fights. “I want to be a world champion one day,” she concluded. “That's always been the dream. But I'm not trying to rush past the work it takes to get there. I want to stay active, keep learning and take it fight by fight. This was the first one. Now I'm ready for the next.”
Bobby Harrison, CEO of BiYu Promotions, believes Cottrell's combination of youth, experience and competitive mentality gives her an opportunity to develop into one of women's boxing's notable young fighters. After watching her deliver a knockout in her professional debut, Harrison is excited about what comes next. “Azariah has something special,” Harrison said. “She has been competing at a high level since she was a kid, so even though this was her pro debut, she didn't look like someone who was new to the ring. She stayed composed, did her job and got the knockout. She's young, she's hungry and she wants to learn. That's what excites me the most. We're going to keep her active, develop her the right way and give her opportunities to grow. I believe she has a very bright future in women's boxing.”
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Weigh-in report from Phoenix |
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From the Rawhide Event Center in Phoenix, Arizona, here are the boxers' official weights for the ProBox show, beginning at 7 PM Eastern time on Friday:
Joshua Kevin Anton, 152.9 pounds -vs.- Freudis Rojas, 151.4;
Justin Pauldo, 134.1 -vs.- Rene Tellez Giron, 134;
Bryan Acosta, 125.3 -vs.- Carlos Andres Arteaga Orona, 126.1;
Charles Harris Jr., 138.1 -vs.- Misael Cabrera Urias, 138;
Heidan Martinez Morillo, 139 -vs.- Willmank Canonico Brito, 139.1;
Trini Ochoa, 147.8 -vs.- Alex Martin, 146.7;
Trenton Bradford, 161 -vs.- Aaron Mick, 159.2;
Rahman Muhamad, 146.6 -vs.- Jose Valenzuela Alvarado, 146;
Trevor Kotara, 233.1 -vs.- Aurek Anderson, 218.7; and
Siupeli Anau, 254.2 -vs.- Bryan Hall, 263.5.
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Weigh-in report from Phoenix
From the Rawhide Event Center in Phoenix, Arizona, here are the boxers' official weights for the ProBox show, beginning at 7 PM Eastern time on Friday:
Joshua Kevin Anton, 152.9 pounds -vs.- Freudis Rojas, 151.4;
Justin Pauldo, 134.1 -vs.- Rene Tellez Giron, 134;
Bryan Acosta, 125.3 -vs.- Carlos Andres Arteaga Orona, 126.1;
Charles Harris Jr., 138.1 -vs.- Misael Cabrera Urias, 138;
Heidan Martinez Morillo, 139 -vs.- Willmank Canonico Brito, 139.1;
Trini Ochoa, 147.8 -vs.- Alex Martin, 146.7;
Trenton Bradford, 161 -vs.- Aaron Mick, 159.2;
Rahman Muhamad, 146.6 -vs.- Jose Valenzuela Alvarado, 146;
Trevor Kotara, 233.1 -vs.- Aurek Anderson, 218.7; and
Siupeli Anau, 254.2 -vs.- Bryan Hall, 263.5.
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Olascuaga gets hometown title defense |
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WBO flyweight champion Anthony Olascuaga has signed a multi-fight co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Teiken Promotions, and will defend his title against Yuberjen Martinez on November 14th at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The bout wil be aired on TNT Sports and DAZN’s “The Fight,” the new monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN just prior to the main event, Diego Pacheco’s super middleweight showdown with Darius Fulghum. Olascuaga (12-1 with 9 KOs) defends his title for the sixth time and does so in his first fight in his Los Angeles home, having had five of his last six fights in Japan. The 27-year old won the title in Tokyo in July 2024 with a third-round KO of Riku Kano in Tokyo and has returned to Japan for four of his defenses, the last being a ninth-round stoppage of Jukiya Iimura in March.
‘Princesa’ is thrilled to be fighting in LA for the first time in his career. “I’m so excited to be fighting in Los Angeles,” said Olascuaga. “It feels amazing to fight in the city and on the streets where I grew up. LA is home, and fighting in front of my people makes this one extra special. I am very grateful to [Teiken's) Mr. Honda and everyone at Teiken for their continued support, and I’m also very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom team once again. I’m ready to put on a great show and give everyone a night to remember! Come out, show your love, and support me — I can’t wait to see you all there!”
Martinez (14-0 including the World Series of Boxing) is gearing up for his first world title shot following a glittering amateur career. The two-time Colombian Olympian and 2016 silver medalist ramped up his pro game in May with his seventh stoppage win in seven pro outings, and the Colombian has vowed to add world title glory to stuffed trophy cabinet from his amateur days. “I’m very happy with this huge opportunity to fight for the WBO title,” said Martinez. “After winning Silver at the Rio Olympics, my dream has been to become a champion. I have been training to fight on November 20th in my home country, when I received the call from my promoter for this fight, I got very exited because I’m ready. We will finish camp at Nacho Berestain Romanza Gym in Mexico City and come November 14th, we will be ready for war.”
Olascuaga’s defense leads a stacked undercard that starts with the Matchroom and US debut of David Adeleye, who faces Alexander Flores over ten rounds. Adeleye (14-2, 13 KOs) put pen to paper with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom in September and the Briton’s first assignment sees him tangle with the experienced Californian Flores (21-6-1, 19 KOs) over ten rounds. “I’ve been out the ring far too long and my itchy knuckles are ready to fly,” said Adeleye. “This is the start to the next phase of my career, with Eddie and Matchroom I intend to fulfill my desire to be the best in the world!”
The lightweight division is bubbling up nicely and two Californian’s clash in a showdown that could move the winner into line for a big fight, as Charlie Sheehy and Gabriel Flores Jr meet over ten. Sheehy (13-0 8 KOs) fights under the Matchroom banner for the second time having impressed with a stoppage win in Houston in May over Nike Theran, while Flores Jr. (27-3 8 KOs) will be itching to get back to winning ways after going the distance with former 130-pound champ Joe Cordina in December in Stockton, CA. “This is a big opportunity that I’ve been waiting for,” said Sheehy. “I’m ready to make a statement and take another step closer to becoming a champion.” This fight will be a breakout performance; my time is now,” said Flores. All my experience goes into this fight, and that can be the difference.”
A packed show will features a stack of rising stars on the prelims, with Zaquin Moses fighting over eight rounds at junior lightweight, Nishant Dev in action over eight rounds at jujnior middleweight, Frank Espinoza getting out over six rounds at middleweight and Pacheco’s brother Federico ready for eight rounds at heavyweight, with all opponents to be confirmed in due course.
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Olascuaga gets hometown title defense
WBO flyweight champion Anthony Olascuaga has signed a multi-fight co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Teiken Promotions, and will defend his title against Yuberjen Martinez on November 14th at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The bout wil be aired on TNT Sports and DAZN’s “The Fight,” the new monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN just prior to the main event, Diego Pacheco’s super middleweight showdown with Darius Fulghum. Olascuaga (12-1 with 9 KOs) defends his title for the sixth time and does so in his first fight in his Los Angeles home, having had five of his last six fights in Japan. The 27-year old won the title in Tokyo in July 2024 with a third-round KO of Riku Kano in Tokyo and has returned to Japan for four of his defenses, the last being a ninth-round stoppage of Jukiya Iimura in March.
‘Princesa’ is thrilled to be fighting in LA for the first time in his career. “I’m so excited to be fighting in Los Angeles,” said Olascuaga. “It feels amazing to fight in the city and on the streets where I grew up. LA is home, and fighting in front of my people makes this one extra special. I am very grateful to [Teiken's) Mr. Honda and everyone at Teiken for their continued support, and I’m also very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom team once again. I’m ready to put on a great show and give everyone a night to remember! Come out, show your love, and support me — I can’t wait to see you all there!”
Martinez (14-0 including the World Series of Boxing) is gearing up for his first world title shot following a glittering amateur career. The two-time Colombian Olympian and 2016 silver medalist ramped up his pro game in May with his seventh stoppage win in seven pro outings, and the Colombian has vowed to add world title glory to stuffed trophy cabinet from his amateur days. “I’m very happy with this huge opportunity to fight for the WBO title,” said Martinez. “After winning Silver at the Rio Olympics, my dream has been to become a champion. I have been training to fight on November 20th in my home country, when I received the call from my promoter for this fight, I got very exited because I’m ready. We will finish camp at Nacho Berestain Romanza Gym in Mexico City and come November 14th, we will be ready for war.”
Olascuaga’s defense leads a stacked undercard that starts with the Matchroom and US debut of David Adeleye, who faces Alexander Flores over ten rounds. Adeleye (14-2, 13 KOs) put pen to paper with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom in September and the Briton’s first assignment sees him tangle with the experienced Californian Flores (21-6-1, 19 KOs) over ten rounds. “I’ve been out the ring far too long and my itchy knuckles are ready to fly,” said Adeleye. “This is the start to the next phase of my career, with Eddie and Matchroom I intend to fulfill my desire to be the best in the world!”
The lightweight division is bubbling up nicely and two Californian’s clash in a showdown that could move the winner into line for a big fight, as Charlie Sheehy and Gabriel Flores Jr meet over ten. Sheehy (13-0 8 KOs) fights under the Matchroom banner for the second time having impressed with a stoppage win in Houston in May over Nike Theran, while Flores Jr. (27-3 8 KOs) will be itching to get back to winning ways after going the distance with former 130-pound champ Joe Cordina in December in Stockton, CA. “This is a big opportunity that I’ve been waiting for,” said Sheehy. “I’m ready to make a statement and take another step closer to becoming a champion.” This fight will be a breakout performance; my time is now,” said Flores. All my experience goes into this fight, and that can be the difference.”
A packed show will features a stack of rising stars on the prelims, with Zaquin Moses fighting over eight rounds at junior lightweight, Nishant Dev in action over eight rounds at jujnior middleweight, Frank Espinoza getting out over six rounds at middleweight and Pacheco’s brother Federico ready for eight rounds at heavyweight, with all opponents to be confirmed in due course.
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Rest in Peace Jorge Castro |
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The WBC announced the passing of former middleweight champion Jorge Castro, who passed away at the age of 59 in Buenos Aires. Wikipedia suggests Castro died from the effects of hypoglycemia. Born on August 18, 1967, in Caleta Olivia, Santa Cruz (Argentina), Castro built one of the most courageous, enduring, and memorable careers in South American boxing history. A relentless and confirmed warrior of the ring, he fought in 144 professional bouts, compiling a now-unthinkable record of 130 victories, 11 losses and 3 draws.
Castro's career had some incredible moments: he lost early-1990 title shots to Terry Norris and Roy Jones but garnered the WBA middleweight title in 1994 by defeating Reggie Johnson. Castro defeated Johnson in a rematch and then lost his title to Shinji Takehara. But Castro will always be remembered for one of the greatest turnarounds in boxing history. Castro was in dire straits against John David Jackson. The annoucers were calling for the fight to be stopped due to the punishment absorbed by Castro. Jackson closed in to finish off the wounded and badly cut Castro in round nine when Castro landed a thunderous left that floored Jackson. Castro scored two more knocdowns in short order to complete the stunning comeback.
Later in his career, Castro put on a lot of weight but managed to split two fights with Hall of Famer Roberto Duran and lose 190-pound title fights to Juan Carlos Gomez and Vassily Jirov.
Beyond his glory inside the squared ring and the endearing charisma that made him a beloved national idol, “Locomotora” Castro was known for his huge heart outside the ring, dedicating much of his post-retirement life to community work and supporting soup kitchens to help those most in need.
Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of Jorge Castro.
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Rest in Peace Jorge Castro
The WBC announced the passing of former middleweight champion Jorge Castro, who passed away at the age of 59 in Buenos Aires. Wikipedia suggests Castro died from the effects of hypoglycemia. Born on August 18, 1967, in Caleta Olivia, Santa Cruz (Argentina), Castro built one of the most courageous, enduring, and memorable careers in South American boxing history. A relentless and confirmed warrior of the ring, he fought in 144 professional bouts, compiling a now-unthinkable record of 130 victories, 11 losses and 3 draws.
Castro's career had some incredible moments: he lost early-1990 title shots to Terry Norris and Roy Jones but garnered the WBA middleweight title in 1994 by defeating Reggie Johnson. Castro defeated Johnson in a rematch and then lost his title to Shinji Takehara. But Castro will always be remembered for one of the greatest turnarounds in boxing history. Castro was in dire straits against John David Jackson. The annoucers were calling for the fight to be stopped due to the punishment absorbed by Castro. Jackson closed in to finish off the wounded and badly cut Castro in round nine when Castro landed a thunderous left that floored Jackson. Castro scored two more knocdowns in short order to complete the stunning comeback.
Later in his career, Castro put on a lot of weight but managed to split two fights with Hall of Famer Roberto Duran and lose 190-pound title fights to Juan Carlos Gomez and Vassily Jirov.
Beyond his glory inside the squared ring and the endearing charisma that made him a beloved national idol, “Locomotora” Castro was known for his huge heart outside the ring, dedicating much of his post-retirement life to community work and supporting soup kitchens to help those most in need.
Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of Jorge Castro.
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WBC appeases Zuffa by delaying Adames mandatory |
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The WBC has reversed its postion on the mandatory defense obligations of its middleweight champion, Carlos Adames, just days after Adames signed a promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing. Just prior to Adames inking his Zuffa deal, the WBC ordered him to make his next defense against Meiirim Nursultanov. On Wednseaday, however, ihe WBC approved Adames’ petition to instead participate in a non-title fight on November 17th. The WBC further promised to review Adames’ mandatory obligations during its upcoming annual convention, to be held in Acapulco, Mexico from November 8th through 13th. Nursultanov won a WBC eliminator in 2023 and has not fought since then while waiting, and then having the Ramos fight fall out. Today's development means he wont get a title shot until 2027. Nursultanov's record is 32-1 including paid bouts in the World Series of Boxing.
According to the WBC announcement, the current status of the WBC middleweight championship is that if Adames loses the November 17th fight, the title will be declared vacant. If he wins, Adames must make the mandatory defense against Nursultanov, with the winner of the Adames vs. Nursultanov bout then obligated to fight WBC interim champion Jesús Ramos Jr.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE:
OCT. 14, 2026: Zuffa Boxing announced that WBC middleweight champion Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with the company. Adames hails from Elias Piña, Dominican Republic, joins a Zuffa boxing roster that also includes WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley, although Bentley may soon be stripped by the WBO for skipping his mandatory defense obligation. An announcement regarding Adames’ Zuffa Boxing debut will be made shortly. The WBC recently ordered Adames to make a mandatory defense against undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov.
“This is a new chapter in my career, and I’m here to make history. Zuffa Boxing is building something special, and I want to be part of it,” Adames said. “I’m ready to face the best fighters in the world on the biggest stage. The best of ‘Caballo Bronco’ is yet to come.”
Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs), 32, is an eleven-year pro who is unbeaten in seven fights since moving up to middleweight in 2021. He has defended the WBC championship three times, including a hard-fought draw against Hamzah Sheeraz last year and a one-sided decision over Austin “Ammo” Williams in March. Prior to becoming world champion, Adames knocked out former unified s154-pound champion Julian Williams in nine rounds. As an amateur, he won more than 200 fights and competed at the international level, capturing gold at the 2012 Pan American Youth Championships and the 2015 Jose Cheo Aponte Tournament.
SEPT. 25, 2026: Undefeated Kazakh Meiirim Nursultanov is getting a title shot against WBC middleweight monarch Carlos “El Caballo Bronco” Adames. No date has been set for the fight, but the WBC has officially ordered both boxers' camps to begin negotiations, setting October 20th as the deadline to reach an agreement. If a deal is not finalized within the allotted time frame, the WBC will call for a purse bid to award the promotional rights for the fight. The path to this long-awaited matchup accelerated directly following the unfortunate withdrawal of the division’s interim champion, Jesus Ramos, who was unable to compete in the scheduled eliminator against Nursultanov last weekend due to health reasons. Under these circumstances, the WBC granted Nursultanov the direct right as the division’s official mandatory contender.
Adames, from the Dominican Republic is coming off a successful decision defense against Austin “Ammo” Williams in Orlando, Florida. Carrying power and an increasingly cerebral approach, Adames looks to reaffirm his absolute dominance over the division.
Nursultanov, age 33, earned his mandatory challenger status way back in November 2023 with a decisive victory over Chile’s Julio Álamos. Despite the long layoff away from the squared circle, Nursultanov has maintained constant physical preparation while awaiting the final call to fulfill his dream of becoming a champion.
SEPT. 18, 2026: The WBC has ordered its reigning middleweight champion, Carlos Adames of the Dominican Republic (pictured) to make his next title defense against the winner of this weekend's clash between Mexican-American Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. and undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov of Kazakhstan. Ramos is recognized as the WBC interim champion but the WBC ruling officially transforms the showdown at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego into a definitive title eliminator. Adames (27-3-1 including the World Series of Boxing) has had only two fights in the last two years and three months, the last one being a win over Austin Williams in March.
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WBC appeases Zuffa by delaying Adames mandatory
The WBC has reversed its postion on the mandatory defense obligations of its middleweight champion, Carlos Adames, just days after Adames signed a promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing. Just prior to Adames inking his Zuffa deal, the WBC ordered him to make his next defense against Meiirim Nursultanov. On Wednseaday, however, ihe WBC approved Adames’ petition to instead participate in a non-title fight on November 17th. The WBC further promised to review Adames’ mandatory obligations during its upcoming annual convention, to be held in Acapulco, Mexico from November 8th through 13th. Nursultanov won a WBC eliminator in 2023 and has not fought since then while waiting, and then having the Ramos fight fall out. Today's development means he wont get a title shot until 2027. Nursultanov's record is 32-1 including paid bouts in the World Series of Boxing.
According to the WBC announcement, the current status of the WBC middleweight championship is that if Adames loses the November 17th fight, the title will be declared vacant. If he wins, Adames must make the mandatory defense against Nursultanov, with the winner of the Adames vs. Nursultanov bout then obligated to fight WBC interim champion Jesús Ramos Jr.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE:
OCT. 14, 2026: Zuffa Boxing announced that WBC middleweight champion Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with the company. Adames hails from Elias Piña, Dominican Republic, joins a Zuffa boxing roster that also includes WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley, although Bentley may soon be stripped by the WBO for skipping his mandatory defense obligation. An announcement regarding Adames’ Zuffa Boxing debut will be made shortly. The WBC recently ordered Adames to make a mandatory defense against undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov.
“This is a new chapter in my career, and I’m here to make history. Zuffa Boxing is building something special, and I want to be part of it,” Adames said. “I’m ready to face the best fighters in the world on the biggest stage. The best of ‘Caballo Bronco’ is yet to come.”
Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs), 32, is an eleven-year pro who is unbeaten in seven fights since moving up to middleweight in 2021. He has defended the WBC championship three times, including a hard-fought draw against Hamzah Sheeraz last year and a one-sided decision over Austin “Ammo” Williams in March. Prior to becoming world champion, Adames knocked out former unified s154-pound champion Julian Williams in nine rounds. As an amateur, he won more than 200 fights and competed at the international level, capturing gold at the 2012 Pan American Youth Championships and the 2015 Jose Cheo Aponte Tournament.
SEPT. 25, 2026: Undefeated Kazakh Meiirim Nursultanov is getting a title shot against WBC middleweight monarch Carlos “El Caballo Bronco” Adames. No date has been set for the fight, but the WBC has officially ordered both boxers' camps to begin negotiations, setting October 20th as the deadline to reach an agreement. If a deal is not finalized within the allotted time frame, the WBC will call for a purse bid to award the promotional rights for the fight. The path to this long-awaited matchup accelerated directly following the unfortunate withdrawal of the division’s interim champion, Jesus Ramos, who was unable to compete in the scheduled eliminator against Nursultanov last weekend due to health reasons. Under these circumstances, the WBC granted Nursultanov the direct right as the division’s official mandatory contender.
Adames, from the Dominican Republic is coming off a successful decision defense against Austin “Ammo” Williams in Orlando, Florida. Carrying power and an increasingly cerebral approach, Adames looks to reaffirm his absolute dominance over the division.
Nursultanov, age 33, earned his mandatory challenger status way back in November 2023 with a decisive victory over Chile’s Julio Álamos. Despite the long layoff away from the squared circle, Nursultanov has maintained constant physical preparation while awaiting the final call to fulfill his dream of becoming a champion.
SEPT. 18, 2026: The WBC has ordered its reigning middleweight champion, Carlos Adames of the Dominican Republic (pictured) to make his next title defense against the winner of this weekend's clash between Mexican-American Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. and undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov of Kazakhstan. Ramos is recognized as the WBC interim champion but the WBC ruling officially transforms the showdown at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego into a definitive title eliminator. Adames (27-3-1 including the World Series of Boxing) has had only two fights in the last two years and three months, the last one being a win over Austin Williams in March.
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Ex-champ Yuniel Dorticos back in action on Sunday |
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Kris Lawrence and Kelly Baker of the Heavyweight Factory are set to bring "Fists of Fury 13" to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino this Sunday, October 18th, in Hollywood, Florida. The co-feature see ex-cruiserweight champion Yuniel Dorticos (28-3) facing Juan Camilo Novoa (35-15-1) of Bogota, Colombia. Dorticos, originally from Cienfugos, Cuba, lost his last major fight in a WBO cruiserweight title bid vs. Gilberto Ramirez. However, Dorticos came back as a heavyweight in August and defeated Ronald Montes with an early stoppage. Dorticos vs. Novoa will be a ten rounder. The main event will pit Donald Haynesworth (19-10-1) of New York trying to gatekeep against a feared striker, Gustavo "The Cuban Assassin" Trujillo (12-0) in a ten-round heavyweight showdown. Trujillo, now based out of Miami, is simulataneously campaigning in traditional as well as bare knuckles boxing. A total of eleven bouts is scheduled for October 18th. The opening bout is scheduled for 4PM. Tickets are available online. The event's ring announcer will be Boxingtalk's Christian Schmidt.
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Ex-champ Yuniel Dorticos back in action on Sunday
Kris Lawrence and Kelly Baker of the Heavyweight Factory are set to bring "Fists of Fury 13" to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino this Sunday, October 18th, in Hollywood, Florida. The co-feature see ex-cruiserweight champion Yuniel Dorticos (28-3) facing Juan Camilo Novoa (35-15-1) of Bogota, Colombia. Dorticos, originally from Cienfugos, Cuba, lost his last major fight in a WBO cruiserweight title bid vs. Gilberto Ramirez. However, Dorticos came back as a heavyweight in August and defeated Ronald Montes with an early stoppage. Dorticos vs. Novoa will be a ten rounder. The main event will pit Donald Haynesworth (19-10-1) of New York trying to gatekeep against a feared striker, Gustavo "The Cuban Assassin" Trujillo (12-0) in a ten-round heavyweight showdown. Trujillo, now based out of Miami, is simulataneously campaigning in traditional as well as bare knuckles boxing. A total of eleven bouts is scheduled for October 18th. The opening bout is scheduled for 4PM. Tickets are available online. The event's ring announcer will be Boxingtalk's Christian Schmidt.
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MVP going to India in 2027 for Goyat vs. Pettis |
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MVP announced that India’s top pro boxer Neeraj Goyat, will box former UFC champion Anthony Pettis on Saturday, January 23, 2027. The host city will be selected from among Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Chennai. Goyat is 21-4-2 with 9 KOs while Pettis will be making his boxing debut after a 25-14 run in MMA, which included the UFC 155-pound championship. Goyat-Pettis will be a six-round bout at 154 pounds, presented by IPBL Boxing and sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council. The city and venue to be announced in November.
Goyat, age 34, from Haryana, has spent more than a decade taking Indian professional boxing abroad. He was the first Indian boxer to be ranked by the WBC and in 2024, he became the first international fighter to sign with MVP, the American boxing and MMA promotion founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. That November he beat Brazil’s Whindersson Nunes on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card, a night watched live by 108 million people on Netflix. Now comes the biggest fight of his career, at home.
Goyat said: “I have fought in China, in Thailand, in America and in the UK, and every time I was the Indian on somebody else’s card. This time the card is ours. I want to thank MVP and Nakisa Bidarian for believing in me and helping bring this moment to India. Anthony is a real champion and I respect everything he has done, but I have waited my whole career to fight a name like this in front of my own people. I am not giving that night away.”
Pettis, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, won the WEC lightweight title in 2010 and the UFC lightweight (155-pound) championship in 2013, beating Benson Henderson for both. He made his professional debut in January 2007, so fight night falls 20 years after his first professional fight, and days before he turns 40. Outside the ring, Pettis is a co-promoter of the Indian Fight League (IFL), India’s MMA league, and the Indian Pro Boxing League (IPBL), and has spent the last two years helping build combat sports in India.
For Pettis, the fight is also personal. His younger brother, former Bellator champion (Sergio Pettis) fought in Hyderabad at Road to IPBL 2 in March 2025 and lost a unanimous decision to India’s Sabari Jaishankar. Anthony is coming back to India to settle the score.
Pettis said: “I have seen what Indian fighters can do, and Neeraj is the best of them. That is who I want. I have thought a lot about Sergio’s loss. This one is for him, and I am coming to win.”
Together, Goyat and Pettis bring a global boxing show to India, making it the biggest card in the history of Indian boxing. They are joined on the card by the country’s top-ranked boxers, including Akshay Chahal of Rohtak, Faizan Anwar of Kolkata, Pavan Kalyan of Hyderabad, Ritesh Singh of Dehradun and Laldinsanga Ramlawt of Mizoram, along with other leading fighters from across India.
IPBL Boxing is India’s biggest professional boxing promoter and one of its first, with more than ten years of staging fights in the country. It runs the Indian Pro Boxing League, India’s first franchise-based professional boxing league, and the BoxingBay fight series. The men behind it are co-founders Akshar Madhavaram and Prashanth Singh, alongside actor and producer Rana Daggubati. Its events are sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council and have been broadcast live on DAZN, UFC Fight Pass & Aha.
Rana Daggubati said: “Every big sport in this country started with one night that people still talk about years later. This can be that night for boxing. A world champion and India’s best fighter, in front of an Indian crowd. We have never had that before, and I can’t wait to be ringside.”
Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP, said: “We signed Neeraj because we believed he had the potential to become a global boxing star and help put Indian boxing on the world stage. Now he has the opportunity to headline a historic event in his home country against one of the biggest names in combat sports. Anthony Pettis is an MMA icon, but this is boxing, and we expect Neeraj to show exactly why we believed in him from day one.”
Full card, broadcast and ticket details will be announced with the host city in November.
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MVP going to India in 2027 for Goyat vs. Pettis
MVP announced that India’s top pro boxer Neeraj Goyat, will box former UFC champion Anthony Pettis on Saturday, January 23, 2027. The host city will be selected from among Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Chennai. Goyat is 21-4-2 with 9 KOs while Pettis will be making his boxing debut after a 25-14 run in MMA, which included the UFC 155-pound championship. Goyat-Pettis will be a six-round bout at 154 pounds, presented by IPBL Boxing and sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council. The city and venue to be announced in November.
Goyat, age 34, from Haryana, has spent more than a decade taking Indian professional boxing abroad. He was the first Indian boxer to be ranked by the WBC and in 2024, he became the first international fighter to sign with MVP, the American boxing and MMA promotion founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. That November he beat Brazil’s Whindersson Nunes on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card, a night watched live by 108 million people on Netflix. Now comes the biggest fight of his career, at home.
Goyat said: “I have fought in China, in Thailand, in America and in the UK, and every time I was the Indian on somebody else’s card. This time the card is ours. I want to thank MVP and Nakisa Bidarian for believing in me and helping bring this moment to India. Anthony is a real champion and I respect everything he has done, but I have waited my whole career to fight a name like this in front of my own people. I am not giving that night away.”
Pettis, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, won the WEC lightweight title in 2010 and the UFC lightweight (155-pound) championship in 2013, beating Benson Henderson for both. He made his professional debut in January 2007, so fight night falls 20 years after his first professional fight, and days before he turns 40. Outside the ring, Pettis is a co-promoter of the Indian Fight League (IFL), India’s MMA league, and the Indian Pro Boxing League (IPBL), and has spent the last two years helping build combat sports in India.
For Pettis, the fight is also personal. His younger brother, former Bellator champion (Sergio Pettis) fought in Hyderabad at Road to IPBL 2 in March 2025 and lost a unanimous decision to India’s Sabari Jaishankar. Anthony is coming back to India to settle the score.
Pettis said: “I have seen what Indian fighters can do, and Neeraj is the best of them. That is who I want. I have thought a lot about Sergio’s loss. This one is for him, and I am coming to win.”
Together, Goyat and Pettis bring a global boxing show to India, making it the biggest card in the history of Indian boxing. They are joined on the card by the country’s top-ranked boxers, including Akshay Chahal of Rohtak, Faizan Anwar of Kolkata, Pavan Kalyan of Hyderabad, Ritesh Singh of Dehradun and Laldinsanga Ramlawt of Mizoram, along with other leading fighters from across India.
IPBL Boxing is India’s biggest professional boxing promoter and one of its first, with more than ten years of staging fights in the country. It runs the Indian Pro Boxing League, India’s first franchise-based professional boxing league, and the BoxingBay fight series. The men behind it are co-founders Akshar Madhavaram and Prashanth Singh, alongside actor and producer Rana Daggubati. Its events are sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council and have been broadcast live on DAZN, UFC Fight Pass & Aha.
Rana Daggubati said: “Every big sport in this country started with one night that people still talk about years later. This can be that night for boxing. A world champion and India’s best fighter, in front of an Indian crowd. We have never had that before, and I can’t wait to be ringside.”
Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP, said: “We signed Neeraj because we believed he had the potential to become a global boxing star and help put Indian boxing on the world stage. Now he has the opportunity to headline a historic event in his home country against one of the biggest names in combat sports. Anthony Pettis is an MMA icon, but this is boxing, and we expect Neeraj to show exactly why we believed in him from day one.”
Full card, broadcast and ticket details will be announced with the host city in November.
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Fundora on Hadribeaj: “I don’t take anybody lightly" |
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WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and his unbeaten mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj kicked off fight week events on Wednesday with a media workout before they headline “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN this Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The workout also featured WBA featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda, who duel in the co-feature, former super middleweight titlist Armando “Toro” Reséndiz and Australia’s Koen Mazoudier, who battle in a ten-round super middleweight showdown and Kansas' Marco Romero, who faces Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreira in the eight-round super middleweight opening attraction at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The fourth installment of the acclaimed live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, this event will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Radiant Brand Complex in Las Vegas:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“I don’t take anybody lightly. We’re in nothing but championship fights now, so I have to prepare for everyone like they’re coming to rip my head off. That’s what they’re all trying to do.
“I’m gonna go do what I do best. I’m planning on doing what I do and get this guy out of here. Every time I step into the ring that’s what I plan on doing.
“He had to work hard to get into this position to become world champion. It’s unfortunate that we have to break that dream, but it’s a beautiful dream to have.
“We all deal with injuries. We had it last fight and we still kicked butt. I showed off my jab and a lot of people didn’t think I had that.
“I just want to show everyone that I’m better. When I get hit, it just gives me some extra motivation to show that I’m stronger.
“Me against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is the best fight at 154. That’s the fight everyone wants. But we both have fights we have to get through.”
ERMAL HADRIBEAJ
“I don’t think he’s underestimating me, but I don’t think they know me well. They’re about to see on Saturday night.
“I can fight outside, inside, use angles. I can deal with a lot of that. So he has to be ready for me too. It’s not just him fighting inside. It’s me as well. I can fight inside, outside, all angles.
“Becoming Albania’s first world champion is going to be big. That’s what I’m looking forward to. Securing the belt and making history. It’s big. It’s a dream that everybody has.
“I’m an athletic guy, so I like to take a look at a lot of different styles. There was a moment with me where I was fighting like ‘Albanian Lomachenko.’ He was the one they were saying I looked like. It depends. Every fighter has a different style, so I can be one style with one fighter, another style with another. I don’t know what I’m going to be with Fundora on Saturday night.
“They call me the ‘Albanian Sniper’ because I’m very precise and very calculated. I don’t waste my punches. One thing for sure that I know: win or no win, I know for sure that I’m going to land. When I land, it hurts.
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“Kameda is a come-forward, action fighter like me. They call him ‘El Mexicanito’ for a reason. He fights like he has that Mexican blood in him and he’s going to come fight.
“Manny Robles and I have been working really well together. I’ve been with him for a few months now, and you guys are going to see on October 17. We’ve been working on great things. I just want to keep getting better and better every fight.
“Nick Ball was a great performance on my part, but I’m still not satisfied. I still want the bigger, better fights, and I still want to keep proving myself and elevating my game.
“I come to fight. I’m a very hardcore fighter, a traditional, old-school fighter. I’m here to fight all 12 rounds. I’m here to throw a thousand punches. I’m here for whatever it takes. I train really hard for a reason. The way you train is the way you fight, and the way you guys see me fight is the way I train.
“Inoue is the big fight that everyone wants. Everyone is looking for that fight. Like I said, if he’s moving up to featherweight and wants to challenge me, I welcome him to featherweight. I’m out here for the big fights.
“I’m a big 122-pounder and I’m a big 126-pounder. Eventually, I’ll move up to 130 and 135, but right now I want to stay at 126. I feel great and I want to keep defending my belt.”
TOMOKI KAMEDA
“We’re both fighters that come forward. The fans are going to like this fight, and I do believe that they’re going to enjoy great action on Saturday night.
“We’re confident in our strategy. We have a game plan that we can’t wait to show everyone on Saturday night.
“You never know when it might be your last chance, but I do know that you have to take advantage of the opportunities you’re given because they don’t come along that often. I’m going to be a world champion this Saturday night, take full advantage of it and be my best self.
“I thought I did enough to win the fight against Angelo Leo, but I’m mindful of the fact that I failed in a lot of things. I made some mistakes. I took it as a learning experience, and now I’m a better fighter and I’m prepared for Saturday night.
“I feel even better than ever. At 126, I feel right at home compared to when I was at 118 and 122. And on Saturday night, you’re going to see just how well I feel.
“I moved to Mexico when I was 15 and I full embraced the Mexican style of fighting.”
ARMANDO RESENDIZ
“I took from my last fight that I need to keep learning. I got right back into the gym and now I have an opportunity that I’m ready to take advantage of to the fullest. I’m going to show everything that I’ve learned.
“I’m always ready for any opponent. I’m in great shape and I feel prepared. I’m excited about taking on this challenge.
“I’m very excited for this matchup. This is my opportunity to show that I will become a world champion once again.
“Jaime Munguia came in very well prepared and had a great strategy. I think his experience ended up beating us. But I have nothing to hang my head about. It was an experience that I value and now I’m moving forward.
“Caleb Plant gave me an opportunity, so giving him the rematch would be a great chance to pay it forward.
“I want to be world champion again. I don’t care who I have to fight, I’ll be ready.”
KOEN MAZOUDIER
“Reséndiz is a strong, tough, all-around fighter from what I’ve watched. And being a former world champion, you can never take that away from him. This is a massive step up and a door-opener for me.
“We didn’t have much time to change except for the game plan. The talking in the gym and the game plan of what we’re going to do changed a little bit. But the way that we box is the way we box. We make them change around us. We know what we want to do, and that’s what we focus on.
“We expect him to come forward a little bit more. We expect him to engage a little bit more. And that’s what I’m here for. Anyone who’s watched me knows I come to fight. I’m a fighter’s fighter.
“I bring a firefight every fight. Every fight I’m in is an entertaining fight. I’ve been voted Australia’s Most Entertaining Fight and most of my fights have been in Fight of the Year contention.
“I’m a big fan of this sport as much as I’m a competitor. So fighting a Mexican former world champion in Las Vegas is a bucket-list item.”
MARCO ROMERO
“I don’t think I’m too far. I just came back from a camp sparring with Christian Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias. I held my own in there. I definitely held my own in there, and they showed me just a couple things that I need to work on. But it just shows me I’m not too far from that level.
“I’m ready to go all eight rounds if I need to, and I’m ready for that KO. If I see a kill-shot opening, I’m going for it.
“You’re going to see a dominating performance. I’m a calm guy outside the ring, but once I step in there, El Tiburón comes out. The shark comes out. So yeah, expect that on Saturday night
“I think being on this platform is going to give back to Kansas and be able to put Kansas on the map. So that’s what I’m working toward.”
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Fundora on Hadribeaj: “I don’t take anybody lightly"
WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and his unbeaten mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj kicked off fight week events on Wednesday with a media workout before they headline “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN this Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The workout also featured WBA featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda, who duel in the co-feature, former super middleweight titlist Armando “Toro” Reséndiz and Australia’s Koen Mazoudier, who battle in a ten-round super middleweight showdown and Kansas' Marco Romero, who faces Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreira in the eight-round super middleweight opening attraction at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The fourth installment of the acclaimed live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, this event will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Radiant Brand Complex in Las Vegas:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“I don’t take anybody lightly. We’re in nothing but championship fights now, so I have to prepare for everyone like they’re coming to rip my head off. That’s what they’re all trying to do.
“I’m gonna go do what I do best. I’m planning on doing what I do and get this guy out of here. Every time I step into the ring that’s what I plan on doing.
“He had to work hard to get into this position to become world champion. It’s unfortunate that we have to break that dream, but it’s a beautiful dream to have.
“We all deal with injuries. We had it last fight and we still kicked butt. I showed off my jab and a lot of people didn’t think I had that.
“I just want to show everyone that I’m better. When I get hit, it just gives me some extra motivation to show that I’m stronger.
“Me against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is the best fight at 154. That’s the fight everyone wants. But we both have fights we have to get through.”
ERMAL HADRIBEAJ
“I don’t think he’s underestimating me, but I don’t think they know me well. They’re about to see on Saturday night.
“I can fight outside, inside, use angles. I can deal with a lot of that. So he has to be ready for me too. It’s not just him fighting inside. It’s me as well. I can fight inside, outside, all angles.
“Becoming Albania’s first world champion is going to be big. That’s what I’m looking forward to. Securing the belt and making history. It’s big. It’s a dream that everybody has.
“I’m an athletic guy, so I like to take a look at a lot of different styles. There was a moment with me where I was fighting like ‘Albanian Lomachenko.’ He was the one they were saying I looked like. It depends. Every fighter has a different style, so I can be one style with one fighter, another style with another. I don’t know what I’m going to be with Fundora on Saturday night.
“They call me the ‘Albanian Sniper’ because I’m very precise and very calculated. I don’t waste my punches. One thing for sure that I know: win or no win, I know for sure that I’m going to land. When I land, it hurts.
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“Kameda is a come-forward, action fighter like me. They call him ‘El Mexicanito’ for a reason. He fights like he has that Mexican blood in him and he’s going to come fight.
“Manny Robles and I have been working really well together. I’ve been with him for a few months now, and you guys are going to see on October 17. We’ve been working on great things. I just want to keep getting better and better every fight.
“Nick Ball was a great performance on my part, but I’m still not satisfied. I still want the bigger, better fights, and I still want to keep proving myself and elevating my game.
“I come to fight. I’m a very hardcore fighter, a traditional, old-school fighter. I’m here to fight all 12 rounds. I’m here to throw a thousand punches. I’m here for whatever it takes. I train really hard for a reason. The way you train is the way you fight, and the way you guys see me fight is the way I train.
“Inoue is the big fight that everyone wants. Everyone is looking for that fight. Like I said, if he’s moving up to featherweight and wants to challenge me, I welcome him to featherweight. I’m out here for the big fights.
“I’m a big 122-pounder and I’m a big 126-pounder. Eventually, I’ll move up to 130 and 135, but right now I want to stay at 126. I feel great and I want to keep defending my belt.”
TOMOKI KAMEDA
“We’re both fighters that come forward. The fans are going to like this fight, and I do believe that they’re going to enjoy great action on Saturday night.
“We’re confident in our strategy. We have a game plan that we can’t wait to show everyone on Saturday night.
“You never know when it might be your last chance, but I do know that you have to take advantage of the opportunities you’re given because they don’t come along that often. I’m going to be a world champion this Saturday night, take full advantage of it and be my best self.
“I thought I did enough to win the fight against Angelo Leo, but I’m mindful of the fact that I failed in a lot of things. I made some mistakes. I took it as a learning experience, and now I’m a better fighter and I’m prepared for Saturday night.
“I feel even better than ever. At 126, I feel right at home compared to when I was at 118 and 122. And on Saturday night, you’re going to see just how well I feel.
“I moved to Mexico when I was 15 and I full embraced the Mexican style of fighting.”
ARMANDO RESENDIZ
“I took from my last fight that I need to keep learning. I got right back into the gym and now I have an opportunity that I’m ready to take advantage of to the fullest. I’m going to show everything that I’ve learned.
“I’m always ready for any opponent. I’m in great shape and I feel prepared. I’m excited about taking on this challenge.
“I’m very excited for this matchup. This is my opportunity to show that I will become a world champion once again.
“Jaime Munguia came in very well prepared and had a great strategy. I think his experience ended up beating us. But I have nothing to hang my head about. It was an experience that I value and now I’m moving forward.
“Caleb Plant gave me an opportunity, so giving him the rematch would be a great chance to pay it forward.
“I want to be world champion again. I don’t care who I have to fight, I’ll be ready.”
KOEN MAZOUDIER
“Reséndiz is a strong, tough, all-around fighter from what I’ve watched. And being a former world champion, you can never take that away from him. This is a massive step up and a door-opener for me.
“We didn’t have much time to change except for the game plan. The talking in the gym and the game plan of what we’re going to do changed a little bit. But the way that we box is the way we box. We make them change around us. We know what we want to do, and that’s what we focus on.
“We expect him to come forward a little bit more. We expect him to engage a little bit more. And that’s what I’m here for. Anyone who’s watched me knows I come to fight. I’m a fighter’s fighter.
“I bring a firefight every fight. Every fight I’m in is an entertaining fight. I’ve been voted Australia’s Most Entertaining Fight and most of my fights have been in Fight of the Year contention.
“I’m a big fan of this sport as much as I’m a competitor. So fighting a Mexican former world champion in Las Vegas is a bucket-list item.”
MARCO ROMERO
“I don’t think I’m too far. I just came back from a camp sparring with Christian Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias. I held my own in there. I definitely held my own in there, and they showed me just a couple things that I need to work on. But it just shows me I’m not too far from that level.
“I’m ready to go all eight rounds if I need to, and I’m ready for that KO. If I see a kill-shot opening, I’m going for it.
“You’re going to see a dominating performance. I’m a calm guy outside the ring, but once I step in there, El Tiburón comes out. The shark comes out. So yeah, expect that on Saturday night
“I think being on this platform is going to give back to Kansas and be able to put Kansas on the map. So that’s what I’m working toward.”
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Alex Bray making progress at junior middleweight |
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Junior middleweight Alex Bray (12-0, 9 KOs) is building a résumé that took a step forward on August 8th, when he delivered an eighth-round stoppage victory over Antraveous Ingram (13-1-1, 7 KOs) as part of Matchroom Boxing’s Project Series. It was more than another victory for Bray. Against a previously undefeated opponent, Bray produced one of the strongest performances of his professional career, breaking Ingram down before securing the stoppage in the eighth round.
“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I still feel like I’m just getting started,” said Bray. “Beating an undefeated fighter like Ingram... showed me that the work is paying off. At the same time, it made me even hungrier because I know there are bigger fights out there for me.”
Bray welcomes the pressure of reaching the contender stage. Rather than protecting his undefeated record, he wants the type of fights that will reveal how far he can go. “I want to keep stepping up,” he added. “I don’t want easy fights just to stay undefeated. I want to fight guys who are going to push me and make me better. Guys in the top ten. If I want to become a world champion, eventually I have to beat the best, so I’m ready to keep proving myself.”
He has nine stoppages in twelve victories, but Bray understands that power alone will not carry him to the top of one of boxing’s deepest divisions. “The knockouts are great, but I want people to see that I’m becoming a complete fighter,” Bray continued. “I’m learning to stay patient, make adjustments and trust what we worked on in camp. Every fight is teaching me something, and I feel like I’m getting better each time I step in the ring.”
Amaury Piedra, president of Bray's promoter, Boxlab Promotions, believes Bray’s victory over Ingram demonstrated why the promotional company has high expectations. “Alex is developing into a very good fighter, and the Ingram fight was an important step for him,” said Piedra. “He beat an undefeated opponent and showed he could perform when the level of competition went up. He has power, he works hard and, most importantly, he’s still improving. We believe Alex has a very bright future, and our job is to keep putting him in the right fights so he can earn his way toward a world-title opportunity.”
Bray understands there are still significant steps between his current position and a world title opportunity, and he has no intention of trying to skip them. “Becoming a world champion is the dream,” Bray concluded. “That’s why I put in the work every day. I know nobody is going to hand me that opportunity, and I don’t want anything handed to me. I want to earn my way there. Right now, I’m 12-0 but I’m still hungry. I want to keep winning, keep moving up the rankings and keep giving people a reason to watch me. When my opportunity comes, I want to be completely ready for it.”
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Alex Bray making progress at junior middleweight
Junior middleweight Alex Bray (12-0, 9 KOs) is building a résumé that took a step forward on August 8th, when he delivered an eighth-round stoppage victory over Antraveous Ingram (13-1-1, 7 KOs) as part of Matchroom Boxing’s Project Series. It was more than another victory for Bray. Against a previously undefeated opponent, Bray produced one of the strongest performances of his professional career, breaking Ingram down before securing the stoppage in the eighth round.
“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I still feel like I’m just getting started,” said Bray. “Beating an undefeated fighter like Ingram... showed me that the work is paying off. At the same time, it made me even hungrier because I know there are bigger fights out there for me.”
Bray welcomes the pressure of reaching the contender stage. Rather than protecting his undefeated record, he wants the type of fights that will reveal how far he can go. “I want to keep stepping up,” he added. “I don’t want easy fights just to stay undefeated. I want to fight guys who are going to push me and make me better. Guys in the top ten. If I want to become a world champion, eventually I have to beat the best, so I’m ready to keep proving myself.”
He has nine stoppages in twelve victories, but Bray understands that power alone will not carry him to the top of one of boxing’s deepest divisions. “The knockouts are great, but I want people to see that I’m becoming a complete fighter,” Bray continued. “I’m learning to stay patient, make adjustments and trust what we worked on in camp. Every fight is teaching me something, and I feel like I’m getting better each time I step in the ring.”
Amaury Piedra, president of Bray's promoter, Boxlab Promotions, believes Bray’s victory over Ingram demonstrated why the promotional company has high expectations. “Alex is developing into a very good fighter, and the Ingram fight was an important step for him,” said Piedra. “He beat an undefeated opponent and showed he could perform when the level of competition went up. He has power, he works hard and, most importantly, he’s still improving. We believe Alex has a very bright future, and our job is to keep putting him in the right fights so he can earn his way toward a world-title opportunity.”
Bray understands there are still significant steps between his current position and a world title opportunity, and he has no intention of trying to skip them. “Becoming a world champion is the dream,” Bray concluded. “That’s why I put in the work every day. I know nobody is going to hand me that opportunity, and I don’t want anything handed to me. I want to earn my way there. Right now, I’m 12-0 but I’m still hungry. I want to keep winning, keep moving up the rankings and keep giving people a reason to watch me. When my opportunity comes, I want to be completely ready for it.”
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Tickets on sale for Cacace vs. Ball |
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Championship boxing returns to Belfast on December 19th when Anthony Cacace takes on Nick Ball at The O2, with Cacace’s WBA junior lightweight title on the line. Queensberry Promotions announced that tickets are on sale now. It will be a hometown fight in Northern Ireland for Cacace (25-1), a southpaw who has defeated James Dickens, Leigh Wood, Josh Warrington and Anthony Cordina in his last four outings. Ball (23-1-1) is a fomer featherweight champion who list his title to Brandon Figueroa last time out.
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Tickets on sale for Cacace vs. Ball
Championship boxing returns to Belfast on December 19th when Anthony Cacace takes on Nick Ball at The O2, with Cacace’s WBA junior lightweight title on the line. Queensberry Promotions announced that tickets are on sale now. It will be a hometown fight in Northern Ireland for Cacace (25-1), a southpaw who has defeated James Dickens, Leigh Wood, Josh Warrington and Anthony Cordina in his last four outings. Ball (23-1-1) is a fomer featherweight champion who list his title to Brandon Figueroa last time out.
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Carlos Adames signs with Zuffa |
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Zuffa Boxing announced that WBC middleweight champion Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with the company. Adames hails from Elias Piña, Dominican Republic, joins a Zuffa boxing roster that also includes WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley, although Bentley may soon be stripped by the WBO for skipping his mandatory defense obligation. An announcement regarding Adames’ Zuffa Boxing debut will be made shortly. The WBC recently ordered Adames to make a mandatory defense against undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov.
“This is a new chapter in my career, and I’m here to make history. Zuffa Boxing is building something special, and I want to be part of it,” Adames said. “I’m ready to face the best fighters in the world on the biggest stage. The best of ‘Caballo Bronco’ is yet to come.”
Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs), 32, is an eleven-year pro who is unbeaten in seven fights since moving up to middleweight in 2021. He has defended the WBC championship three times, including a hard-fought draw against Hamzah Sheeraz last year and a one-sided decision over Austin “Ammo” Williams in March. Prior to becoming world champion, Adames knocked out former unified s154-pound champion Julian Williams in nine rounds. As an amateur, he won more than 200 fights and competed at the international level, capturing gold at the 2012 Pan American Youth Championships and the 2015 Jose Cheo Aponte Tournament.
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Carlos Adames signs with Zuffa
Zuffa Boxing announced that WBC middleweight champion Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with the company. Adames hails from Elias Piña, Dominican Republic, joins a Zuffa boxing roster that also includes WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley, although Bentley may soon be stripped by the WBO for skipping his mandatory defense obligation. An announcement regarding Adames’ Zuffa Boxing debut will be made shortly. The WBC recently ordered Adames to make a mandatory defense against undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov.
“This is a new chapter in my career, and I’m here to make history. Zuffa Boxing is building something special, and I want to be part of it,” Adames said. “I’m ready to face the best fighters in the world on the biggest stage. The best of ‘Caballo Bronco’ is yet to come.”
Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs), 32, is an eleven-year pro who is unbeaten in seven fights since moving up to middleweight in 2021. He has defended the WBC championship three times, including a hard-fought draw against Hamzah Sheeraz last year and a one-sided decision over Austin “Ammo” Williams in March. Prior to becoming world champion, Adames knocked out former unified s154-pound champion Julian Williams in nine rounds. As an amateur, he won more than 200 fights and competed at the international level, capturing gold at the 2012 Pan American Youth Championships and the 2015 Jose Cheo Aponte Tournament.
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WBA gives Jimenez a pass on fight ordered last month |
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The WBA has granted a special permit to its 115-pound champion David Jiménez of Costa Rica to make a voluntary title defense against Japan’s Seigo Yuri Akui. The fight will tale place on November 29th in Tokyo. Akui is a former WBA flyweight champion. The request to avoid Jimenez's mandatory was submitted on September 22 by Teiken Promotions. The WBA notified Golden Boy Promotions, the company representing mandatory challenger John Ramírez, who opposed the request due to the ongoing negotiation process previously established for his mandatory world title bout. After reviewing the arguments presented by both parties and the provisions of its regulations, the WBA involed its authority to modify the mandatory defense rules and grant special permits under justified circumstances.
The winner of the bout between Jiménez and Akui must face Ramírez in a mandatory title defense within 120 days of the fight. In the event of a draw, Jiménez will still be required to fulfill the mandatory obligation within the same timeframe.
Ramírez has also been authorized to participate in a bout without a title at stake.
Jiménez was elevated to WBA super flyweight champion on June 10, 2026, following Jesse Rodríguez’s move to the bantamweight division, which left the title vacant. The Costa Rican had previously won the WBA interim title on April 20, 2024, defeating Ramírez by unanimous decision in Brooklyn, New York. He subsequently made two successful defenses of that belt. The ruling remains subject to compliance with all other WBA rules and regulatory obligations.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT. 21, 2026: The WBA has ordered a mandatory bout between WBA super flyweight champion David Jimenez and mandatory challenger John "Scrappy" Ramirez of Los Angeles. It would be a rematch, as Jimenez defeated Ramirez to become WBA interim title holder in 2024. In June, Jiménez was elevated to the WBA super flyweight championship after Jesse Rodríguez vacated the title to move up to bantamweight. Ramirez, who started boxing at the age of 20, has gone on a four-fight winning streak since losing to Jimenez. If the parties fail to reach an agreement during the negotiation period, or if either party declines to negotiate, the Championships Committee may call for a purse bid in accordance with the rules of the World Boxing Association.
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WBA gives Jimenez a pass on fight ordered last month
The WBA has granted a special permit to its 115-pound champion David Jiménez of Costa Rica to make a voluntary title defense against Japan’s Seigo Yuri Akui. The fight will tale place on November 29th in Tokyo. Akui is a former WBA flyweight champion. The request to avoid Jimenez's mandatory was submitted on September 22 by Teiken Promotions. The WBA notified Golden Boy Promotions, the company representing mandatory challenger John Ramírez, who opposed the request due to the ongoing negotiation process previously established for his mandatory world title bout. After reviewing the arguments presented by both parties and the provisions of its regulations, the WBA involed its authority to modify the mandatory defense rules and grant special permits under justified circumstances.
The winner of the bout between Jiménez and Akui must face Ramírez in a mandatory title defense within 120 days of the fight. In the event of a draw, Jiménez will still be required to fulfill the mandatory obligation within the same timeframe.
Ramírez has also been authorized to participate in a bout without a title at stake.
Jiménez was elevated to WBA super flyweight champion on June 10, 2026, following Jesse Rodríguez’s move to the bantamweight division, which left the title vacant. The Costa Rican had previously won the WBA interim title on April 20, 2024, defeating Ramírez by unanimous decision in Brooklyn, New York. He subsequently made two successful defenses of that belt. The ruling remains subject to compliance with all other WBA rules and regulatory obligations.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT. 21, 2026: The WBA has ordered a mandatory bout between WBA super flyweight champion David Jimenez and mandatory challenger John "Scrappy" Ramirez of Los Angeles. It would be a rematch, as Jimenez defeated Ramirez to become WBA interim title holder in 2024. In June, Jiménez was elevated to the WBA super flyweight championship after Jesse Rodríguez vacated the title to move up to bantamweight. Ramirez, who started boxing at the age of 20, has gone on a four-fight winning streak since losing to Jimenez. If the parties fail to reach an agreement during the negotiation period, or if either party declines to negotiate, the Championships Committee may call for a purse bid in accordance with the rules of the World Boxing Association.
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Scotney injured; Garcia to unify vs. Delgado |
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Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced updates to MVPW-07, featuring four world title bouts on the ESPN main card, taking place at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 8th, live on ESPN and the ESPN App. A previously scheduled WBC featherweight championship bout between Tiara Brown and Ellie Scotney was cancelled following Scotney’s withdrawal due to injury. Somali-British boxer Ramla Ali (11-2, 3 KOs) will face New York’s Mikiah Kreps (11-0, 3 KOs) in the new co-feature, a ten-round bout for the vacant WBO and IBF super bantamweight world titles. Joining the main card on ESPN will be Mexico’s IBF super flyweight champion Irma Garcia (26-5-1, 6 KOs) vs. Panama’s WBA super flyweight champion Nataly Delgado (21-7-2, 5 KOs) in a ten-round unification bout. The main event remains the same: world 130-pound champion Alycia Baumgardner moves up to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for Turhan's 135-pound lightweight title.
On the preliminary card, Brittany Sims (10-3, 5 KOs) will take on MVP’s newest signee Shera Mae Patricio (10-0, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBA regular world title at 118 pounds (Dina Thorslund remains the WBA super champion) in a ten-round contest.
Dallas featherweight Fernando Garcia (14-5, 8 KOs) will join the card in a six-round bout vs. Alexander Castellano (12-2-2, 2 KOs).
Nat “No Love” Dove (8-0-1, 2 KOs) will return to face Nayeli Rodriguez (7-2-1) in a rematch following their draw in May 2025. The two will meet again in an eight-round flyweight bout, with both fighters looking to settle unfinished business.
Rounding out the card will be a clash of local boxers as Javier Guerrero (7-0, 5 KOs) takes on Aiden Anderson (4-3, 3 KOs).
García is a professional boxer, attorney, police officer and member of the Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City. In the ring, she is both a former and current world champion, having previously won the WBA bantamweight title. She most recently defended her 115-pound title in London in April.
Garcia said: “Thank you to MVP for their trust and for making this tremendous opportunity possible. Pursuing the unification of the world titles represents a major challenge. We are working with discipline, dedication, and a hunger for victory, determined to come out on top. Opportunities are not something you wait for. You work for them, you fight for them, and you seize them. And we have no intention of letting this opportunity slip away.”
Delgado is a 31-year-old pro boxer from Santiago de Veraguas, Panama. She has faced top competition throughout her career, including bouts against now-undisputed world champion Gabriela Fundora and former champions Clara Lescurat and Maribel Ramírez. Delgado won the interim WBA super flyweight title in July 2025 and made two defenses before defeating then-champion Jasmine Artiga to win the WBA world title in June 2026.
Delgado said: “There’s a special meaning behind this next unification bout, and not just because I can be the first Panamanian female boxer to become a unified world champion. As the only Panamanian boxing world champion at this moment in time, it is, once again, an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime… And we’re preparing for it, accordingly. I have MVP and the Republic of Panama counting on me, and, God willing, I won’t disappoint.”
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Scotney injured; Garcia to unify vs. Delgado
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced updates to MVPW-07, featuring four world title bouts on the ESPN main card, taking place at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 8th, live on ESPN and the ESPN App. A previously scheduled WBC featherweight championship bout between Tiara Brown and Ellie Scotney was cancelled following Scotney’s withdrawal due to injury. Somali-British boxer Ramla Ali (11-2, 3 KOs) will face New York’s Mikiah Kreps (11-0, 3 KOs) in the new co-feature, a ten-round bout for the vacant WBO and IBF super bantamweight world titles. Joining the main card on ESPN will be Mexico’s IBF super flyweight champion Irma Garcia (26-5-1, 6 KOs) vs. Panama’s WBA super flyweight champion Nataly Delgado (21-7-2, 5 KOs) in a ten-round unification bout. The main event remains the same: world 130-pound champion Alycia Baumgardner moves up to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for Turhan's 135-pound lightweight title.
On the preliminary card, Brittany Sims (10-3, 5 KOs) will take on MVP’s newest signee Shera Mae Patricio (10-0, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBA regular world title at 118 pounds (Dina Thorslund remains the WBA super champion) in a ten-round contest.
Dallas featherweight Fernando Garcia (14-5, 8 KOs) will join the card in a six-round bout vs. Alexander Castellano (12-2-2, 2 KOs).
Nat “No Love” Dove (8-0-1, 2 KOs) will return to face Nayeli Rodriguez (7-2-1) in a rematch following their draw in May 2025. The two will meet again in an eight-round flyweight bout, with both fighters looking to settle unfinished business.
Rounding out the card will be a clash of local boxers as Javier Guerrero (7-0, 5 KOs) takes on Aiden Anderson (4-3, 3 KOs).
García is a professional boxer, attorney, police officer and member of the Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City. In the ring, she is both a former and current world champion, having previously won the WBA bantamweight title. She most recently defended her 115-pound title in London in April.
Garcia said: “Thank you to MVP for their trust and for making this tremendous opportunity possible. Pursuing the unification of the world titles represents a major challenge. We are working with discipline, dedication, and a hunger for victory, determined to come out on top. Opportunities are not something you wait for. You work for them, you fight for them, and you seize them. And we have no intention of letting this opportunity slip away.”
Delgado is a 31-year-old pro boxer from Santiago de Veraguas, Panama. She has faced top competition throughout her career, including bouts against now-undisputed world champion Gabriela Fundora and former champions Clara Lescurat and Maribel Ramírez. Delgado won the interim WBA super flyweight title in July 2025 and made two defenses before defeating then-champion Jasmine Artiga to win the WBA world title in June 2026.
Delgado said: “There’s a special meaning behind this next unification bout, and not just because I can be the first Panamanian female boxer to become a unified world champion. As the only Panamanian boxing world champion at this moment in time, it is, once again, an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime… And we’re preparing for it, accordingly. I have MVP and the Republic of Panama counting on me, and, God willing, I won’t disappoint.”
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Awe network picks up Thursday's IBO title fight |
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Awe network announced that this Thursday, October 15th, it will be airing live the IBO junior middleweight title fight featuring Milan Prat (30-1-0) versus Brandon Thysse (20-4-1). The fight card, being held in Prat's home country, France, begins at 2 pm Eastern, 11 am Pacific time. Prat is on a ten-fight winning streak. Hailing from South Africa, Thysse is, like Prat, the top-rated 154 pounder in his home country. "We’re thrilled to bring another world title fight featuring two equally talented boxers to AWE viewers," stated Charles Herring, president of Awe. “These two hard slugging fighters haven’t been in the same ring before and it’s time to determine who is the world champ. We expect an all-out brawl for the IBO title.”
Awe has a history of featuring world-class boxing events. For example, on May 30, 2026, AWE exclusively aired in the United States the WBC bridgerweight title fight featuring a rematch of Kevin Lerena versus Ryad Merhy. The fight went the distance with Merhy winning a unanimous decision. Awe expects to feature another world title fight before the end of the year with upwards of a half dozen world-class fight cards in 2027.
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Awe network picks up Thursday's IBO title fight
Awe network announced that this Thursday, October 15th, it will be airing live the IBO junior middleweight title fight featuring Milan Prat (30-1-0) versus Brandon Thysse (20-4-1). The fight card, being held in Prat's home country, France, begins at 2 pm Eastern, 11 am Pacific time. Prat is on a ten-fight winning streak. Hailing from South Africa, Thysse is, like Prat, the top-rated 154 pounder in his home country. "We’re thrilled to bring another world title fight featuring two equally talented boxers to AWE viewers," stated Charles Herring, president of Awe. “These two hard slugging fighters haven’t been in the same ring before and it’s time to determine who is the world champ. We expect an all-out brawl for the IBO title.”
Awe has a history of featuring world-class boxing events. For example, on May 30, 2026, AWE exclusively aired in the United States the WBC bridgerweight title fight featuring a rematch of Kevin Lerena versus Ryad Merhy. The fight went the distance with Merhy winning a unanimous decision. Awe expects to feature another world title fight before the end of the year with upwards of a half dozen world-class fight cards in 2027.
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Cuadrado wins again on Star Boxing show |
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Ray Cuadrado W6 Efstathios Antonas... On Saturday, October 10th, at the Paramount in Huntington (Long Island), New York, firefighter Raymond “The Scientist” Cuadrado (9-0, 3 KOs) of Ridgewood, Queens, earned a hard-fought six-round unanimous-decision win over Efstathios “The Greek God” Antonas (13-4-2, 4 KOs). The old-school New York borough showdown drew passionate supporters from Ridgewood and Astoria as Cuadrado faced a seasoned Greek contender with national championship and European title experience. The junior welterweight Cuadrado rose to the challenge, kept his undefeated professional record intact, and took another important step forward in his boxing career.
ADDITONAL RESULTS
Huntington’s own Ralph Clemente knocked out Brooklyn’s Kamron Humphrey in the first round. Clemente improved to a perfect 6-0 with 6 knockouts...
FDNY firefighter Lou Maietta secured a convincing unanimous decision over Eduardo “Demoledor” Monrreal. The scores were 60-54 by all three judges.
Ra-Leek Born continued his winning start in professional boxing, scoring a first-round technical knockout over Markus Bowes to move to 5-0 with five knockouts.
Yousaf Zazai opened the night's action with a technical knockout victory over professional debutant Robbie Cutler at 2:45 of the second round, improving to 2-0 with two knockouts.
The night also featured a special celebration recognizing Christopher Macchio, “America’s Tenor,” for his years of dedication and memorable performances at Star Boxing events. Macchio received a special commemorative championship belt honoring his longstanding relationship with the Star Boxing family and his contributions to the atmosphere and tradition of Rockin’ Fights.
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Cuadrado wins again on Star Boxing show
Ray Cuadrado W6 Efstathios Antonas... On Saturday, October 10th, at the Paramount in Huntington (Long Island), New York, firefighter Raymond “The Scientist” Cuadrado (9-0, 3 KOs) of Ridgewood, Queens, earned a hard-fought six-round unanimous-decision win over Efstathios “The Greek God” Antonas (13-4-2, 4 KOs). The old-school New York borough showdown drew passionate supporters from Ridgewood and Astoria as Cuadrado faced a seasoned Greek contender with national championship and European title experience. The junior welterweight Cuadrado rose to the challenge, kept his undefeated professional record intact, and took another important step forward in his boxing career.
ADDITONAL RESULTS
Huntington’s own Ralph Clemente knocked out Brooklyn’s Kamron Humphrey in the first round. Clemente improved to a perfect 6-0 with 6 knockouts...
FDNY firefighter Lou Maietta secured a convincing unanimous decision over Eduardo “Demoledor” Monrreal. The scores were 60-54 by all three judges.
Ra-Leek Born continued his winning start in professional boxing, scoring a first-round technical knockout over Markus Bowes to move to 5-0 with five knockouts.
Yousaf Zazai opened the night's action with a technical knockout victory over professional debutant Robbie Cutler at 2:45 of the second round, improving to 2-0 with two knockouts.
The night also featured a special celebration recognizing Christopher Macchio, “America’s Tenor,” for his years of dedication and memorable performances at Star Boxing events. Macchio received a special commemorative championship belt honoring his longstanding relationship with the Star Boxing family and his contributions to the atmosphere and tradition of Rockin’ Fights.
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Bridgerweight action from Amsterdam |
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Angel Raymond Morejón TKO3 Willy Kyakonye ... On Monday, the sold-out Koninklijk Theater Carré in Amsterdam, packed with an enthusiastic crowd of 1,500 fans, saw Ángel Raymond Morejón stop Willy Kyakonye in a battle of undefeated bridgerweights via a third-round technical knockout. After an accidental low blow from Kyakonye, the Cuban-born Morejon returned to action with determination and, with just ten seconds remaining in the opening round, unleashed a powerful combination that sent the Ugandan-born Kyakonye to the canvas. Although Kyakonye beat the count, he was visibly hurt and the round concluded with a decisive 10-8 score. In the second round, Morejón maintained absolute control of the action, dictating the pace with superior reach and precision to secure the round 10-9 on the scorecards.
The end arrived in the third round, when Morejón dropped Kyakonye once again with sharp, accurate combinations. Recognizing the severity of the punishment at 1:08 of the round, Kyakonye’s chief cornerman, Vincent Stikkolorum, immediately threw in the towel to stop the fight and safeguard his fighter’s well-being.
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Bridgerweight action from Amsterdam
Angel Raymond Morejón TKO3 Willy Kyakonye ... On Monday, the sold-out Koninklijk Theater Carré in Amsterdam, packed with an enthusiastic crowd of 1,500 fans, saw Ángel Raymond Morejón stop Willy Kyakonye in a battle of undefeated bridgerweights via a third-round technical knockout. After an accidental low blow from Kyakonye, the Cuban-born Morejon returned to action with determination and, with just ten seconds remaining in the opening round, unleashed a powerful combination that sent the Ugandan-born Kyakonye to the canvas. Although Kyakonye beat the count, he was visibly hurt and the round concluded with a decisive 10-8 score. In the second round, Morejón maintained absolute control of the action, dictating the pace with superior reach and precision to secure the round 10-9 on the scorecards.
The end arrived in the third round, when Morejón dropped Kyakonye once again with sharp, accurate combinations. Recognizing the severity of the punishment at 1:08 of the round, Kyakonye’s chief cornerman, Vincent Stikkolorum, immediately threw in the towel to stop the fight and safeguard his fighter’s well-being.
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New champ alert: Mendoza stuns Sandoval for WBA flyweight title |
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Sergio Mendoza W12 Ricardo Sandoval... In Chicago, Mexico's Sergio “Yoreme” Mendoza delivered a statement-making performance to capture the WBA flyweight world title, stopping hard-nosed Californian Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval by fifth-round technical knockout. Rather than feeling out his opponent from the outside, Mendoza came out aggressively from the opening bell, determined to dictate the action. The turning point came in a wild second round, when the Sonoran fighter landed a pair of powerful, pinpoint shots that sent Sandoval to the canvas twice in quick succession. Despite the punishment and visible signs of being shaken, Sandoval showed tremendous heart, beating the count and weathering the storm to make it to the bell.
Mendoza continued to press the action in the following rounds, steadily cutting off the ring and limiting Sandoval’s escape routes. The Californian tried to trade punches with the relentless Mexican, but his return fire lacked the power he had shown early in the fight. The decisive sequence came in the fifth round, when another flurry, capped by a crushing hook, sent Sandoval to the canvas for the third time that night. Although the courageous Californian managed to get back to his feet with considerable difficulty, his condition prompted the referee to step in and stop the fight to protect his safety. The official technical knockout victory sparked celebrations in Mendoza’s corner as the Mexican was crowned the new WBA flyweight world champion.
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New champ alert: Mendoza stuns Sandoval for WBA flyweight title
Sergio Mendoza W12 Ricardo Sandoval... In Chicago, Mexico's Sergio “Yoreme” Mendoza delivered a statement-making performance to capture the WBA flyweight world title, stopping hard-nosed Californian Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval by fifth-round technical knockout. Rather than feeling out his opponent from the outside, Mendoza came out aggressively from the opening bell, determined to dictate the action. The turning point came in a wild second round, when the Sonoran fighter landed a pair of powerful, pinpoint shots that sent Sandoval to the canvas twice in quick succession. Despite the punishment and visible signs of being shaken, Sandoval showed tremendous heart, beating the count and weathering the storm to make it to the bell.
Mendoza continued to press the action in the following rounds, steadily cutting off the ring and limiting Sandoval’s escape routes. The Californian tried to trade punches with the relentless Mexican, but his return fire lacked the power he had shown early in the fight. The decisive sequence came in the fifth round, when another flurry, capped by a crushing hook, sent Sandoval to the canvas for the third time that night. Although the courageous Californian managed to get back to his feet with considerable difficulty, his condition prompted the referee to step in and stop the fight to protect his safety. The official technical knockout victory sparked celebrations in Mendoza’s corner as the Mexican was crowned the new WBA flyweight world champion.
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WBA hasn’t approved Munguia-Zon |
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The WBA has not approved the Jaime Munguia vs. Nikita Zon bout. Bektemir Melikuziev is the official contender in the super middleweight division but Munguia is seeking to avoid him and fight someone else on the Saul “Canelo” undercard later this month in Saudi Arabia. The WBA stopped short of saying it will strip Munguia of his title if he goes through with the fight, but it did state that it will “review the situation.”
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WBA hasn’t approved Munguia-Zon
The WBA has not approved the Jaime Munguia vs. Nikita Zon bout. Bektemir Melikuziev is the official contender in the super middleweight division but Munguia is seeking to avoid him and fight someone else on the Saul “Canelo” undercard later this month in Saudi Arabia. The WBA stopped short of saying it will strip Munguia of his title if he goes through with the fight, but it did state that it will “review the situation.”
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Fundora, Figueroa quotables |
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WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, WBA featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa (pcitured) and rMarco “El Tiburón” Romero took part in an Instagram Live on Friday to connect with fans and preview their respective matchups featured on “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN this Saturday, October 17th from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The four-fight card begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by Fundora defending his world title against undefeated mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj. In the co-main event, Figueroa makes his first world title defense against former world champion Tomoki Kameda.
The card also features all-action former world champion Armando “Toro” Reséndiz stepping in to face Australia’s Koen Mazoudier for 10 rounds of super middleweight action, plus Romero kicks off the card against Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreira in an eight-round super middleweight clash.
The fourth installment of the acclaimed live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, this event will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
Here is what the fighters had to say Friday during an Instagram Live hosted by Aliyah Orozco:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“This is boxing, you have to fight everyone if you want to be the best. I consider myself the best, so come after me.
“This is what I do. I’m in the gym every day with my family. So when it’s time to step into the ring in front of other people, it’s really just another day for me.
“I’d like to unify. I want the winner between Jaron Ennis and Josh Kelly. I think that’s the best fight in the 154-pound division. I’m ready for whoever.
“My sister Gabriela gives me a lot of motivation. Watching her win the title and become undisputed inspires me. It not only inspired me but I think it’s an inspiration to everyone watching boxing.
“The Thurman win was a good win for me, it did a lot for my career. Now I’m excited to make another defense on October 17.
“I want to be remembered as a gentleman of the sport. We want people to say that we always kept it real.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“It feels amazing to be champion again. I said yes right away to going to the U.K. to face Nick Ball and now we’re here with the belt and ready to defend it.
“Kameda has great experience. He’s been in there with a lot of world champions and he has the grit you need. He’s gonna use his experience, but we’re training 110%. We’re always preparing for anything that can come our way.
“Right now I’m just locked in on my fight. I want to break Tomoki Kameda’s heart. That’s my plan and that’s my mission. I haven’t been home in three months, so I’m just ready to go out and perform and give the fans exciting fights.
“With the style that my dad and my older brother implemented in me from when I was young, combined with the kind of fighters I looked up to, it’s given me this way of fighting that takes a lot of heart and a lot of will. I’m just so aggressive and intense when it comes to tackling my dreams and goals.
“I want to be one of the greatest fighters on the planet. I want to represent my community and help out my community. I want to inspire and motivate the youth in my community and in Mexico as well.
“I’m excited to stay active, keep defending the belt and hopefully unify this division.”
MARCO ROMERO
“I’m excited and more than ready. I just came back from a big camp and I’m more than ready for October 17.
“It’s a dream come true to be on this stage. Coming off the performance that I had in August, I just can’t wait to do it again on October 17.
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity. It shows that my team believes in me and it shows what they expect from me. I’m here to deliver more big performances.
“I’m looking to show that I’m the full package. I can brawl and I can box. I can counterpunch and I have the ring IQ to do anything. If this goes a few more rounds, I’ll be able to demonstrate that to the public.
“Sparring with world champions Osleys Iglesias and Christia
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Fundora, Figueroa quotables
WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, WBA featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa (pcitured) and rMarco “El Tiburón” Romero took part in an Instagram Live on Friday to connect with fans and preview their respective matchups featured on “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN this Saturday, October 17th from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The four-fight card begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by Fundora defending his world title against undefeated mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj. In the co-main event, Figueroa makes his first world title defense against former world champion Tomoki Kameda.
The card also features all-action former world champion Armando “Toro” Reséndiz stepping in to face Australia’s Koen Mazoudier for 10 rounds of super middleweight action, plus Romero kicks off the card against Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreira in an eight-round super middleweight clash.
The fourth installment of the acclaimed live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, this event will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
Here is what the fighters had to say Friday during an Instagram Live hosted by Aliyah Orozco:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“This is boxing, you have to fight everyone if you want to be the best. I consider myself the best, so come after me.
“This is what I do. I’m in the gym every day with my family. So when it’s time to step into the ring in front of other people, it’s really just another day for me.
“I’d like to unify. I want the winner between Jaron Ennis and Josh Kelly. I think that’s the best fight in the 154-pound division. I’m ready for whoever.
“My sister Gabriela gives me a lot of motivation. Watching her win the title and become undisputed inspires me. It not only inspired me but I think it’s an inspiration to everyone watching boxing.
“The Thurman win was a good win for me, it did a lot for my career. Now I’m excited to make another defense on October 17.
“I want to be remembered as a gentleman of the sport. We want people to say that we always kept it real.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“It feels amazing to be champion again. I said yes right away to going to the U.K. to face Nick Ball and now we’re here with the belt and ready to defend it.
“Kameda has great experience. He’s been in there with a lot of world champions and he has the grit you need. He’s gonna use his experience, but we’re training 110%. We’re always preparing for anything that can come our way.
“Right now I’m just locked in on my fight. I want to break Tomoki Kameda’s heart. That’s my plan and that’s my mission. I haven’t been home in three months, so I’m just ready to go out and perform and give the fans exciting fights.
“With the style that my dad and my older brother implemented in me from when I was young, combined with the kind of fighters I looked up to, it’s given me this way of fighting that takes a lot of heart and a lot of will. I’m just so aggressive and intense when it comes to tackling my dreams and goals.
“I want to be one of the greatest fighters on the planet. I want to represent my community and help out my community. I want to inspire and motivate the youth in my community and in Mexico as well.
“I’m excited to stay active, keep defending the belt and hopefully unify this division.”
MARCO ROMERO
“I’m excited and more than ready. I just came back from a big camp and I’m more than ready for October 17.
“It’s a dream come true to be on this stage. Coming off the performance that I had in August, I just can’t wait to do it again on October 17.
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity. It shows that my team believes in me and it shows what they expect from me. I’m here to deliver more big performances.
“I’m looking to show that I’m the full package. I can brawl and I can box. I can counterpunch and I have the ring IQ to do anything. If this goes a few more rounds, I’ll be able to demonstrate that to the public.
“Sparring with world champions Osleys Iglesias and Christia
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New champ alert: Floyd Schofield |
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Floyd Schofield beat Lucas Bahdi by a wide unanimous decision (119-108, 116-110, 115-111) to win the vacant WBA lightweight championship at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. After an unforgettable opening two rounds, Schofield began ramping up the pressure about 30 seconds into the third.
An overhand right to the temple shook Bahdi’s legs. Schofield connected on a multi-punch combination, but Bahdi grabbed a headlock to the ropes. Schofield continued the assault with a looping right hook to the temple, which nearly sent Bahdi to the canvas.
Schofield was looking for the finish. He landed another right hand that sent Bahdi partially through the ropes, which is considered a knockdown.
To Bahdi’s credit, he showed no quit. Near the end of the fourth, an exchange of hooks occurred with Bahdi landing the harder blow that temporarily stopped Schofield in his tracks.
Things started to take a turn in Bahdi’s direction at the end of the sixth round. Schofield landed a flush left hook that looked to put Bahdi in serious trouble. Not so much as Bahdi blasted a flush right hand that looked to have Schofield out on his feet. “Kid Austin” made it through the round, but when he got to his stool, Schofield still looked worse for the wear.
Schofield seemed to get his footing back in the ninth and the tenth. He started using his footwork, popping the jab and wearing out Bahdi.
The momentum shifted again in the eleventh. Bahdi landed an overhand right and stepped on Schofield’s foot. But Schofield went down, and it was ruled a knockdown.
The fight looked to be hanging in the balance in the 12th and final round. Each guy had their moments, with neither guy appearing to be pulling away.
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New champ alert: Floyd Schofield
Floyd Schofield beat Lucas Bahdi by a wide unanimous decision (119-108, 116-110, 115-111) to win the vacant WBA lightweight championship at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. After an unforgettable opening two rounds, Schofield began ramping up the pressure about 30 seconds into the third.
An overhand right to the temple shook Bahdi’s legs. Schofield connected on a multi-punch combination, but Bahdi grabbed a headlock to the ropes. Schofield continued the assault with a looping right hook to the temple, which nearly sent Bahdi to the canvas.
Schofield was looking for the finish. He landed another right hand that sent Bahdi partially through the ropes, which is considered a knockdown.
To Bahdi’s credit, he showed no quit. Near the end of the fourth, an exchange of hooks occurred with Bahdi landing the harder blow that temporarily stopped Schofield in his tracks.
Things started to take a turn in Bahdi’s direction at the end of the sixth round. Schofield landed a flush left hook that looked to put Bahdi in serious trouble. Not so much as Bahdi blasted a flush right hand that looked to have Schofield out on his feet. “Kid Austin” made it through the round, but when he got to his stool, Schofield still looked worse for the wear.
Schofield seemed to get his footing back in the ninth and the tenth. He started using his footwork, popping the jab and wearing out Bahdi.
The momentum shifted again in the eleventh. Bahdi landed an overhand right and stepped on Schofield’s foot. But Schofield went down, and it was ruled a knockdown.
The fight looked to be hanging in the balance in the 12th and final round. Each guy had their moments, with neither guy appearing to be pulling away.
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Craycraft defeats Ali Walsh |
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BiYu Promotions delivered an action-packed night of professional boxing onSaturday, October 10, 2026, as the “Heart of America Pro + Am Boxing Invitational”took center stage at historic Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas.
The action was broadcast live onCombatVisionTV, with the event replay available on the platform.
In the eight-round main event, undefeatedTreavon Craycraft (10-0-1, 3 KOs) scored the biggest victory of his professional career, defeating Nico Ali Walsh (12-3-1, 5 KOs)by unanimous decision. Ali Walsh, the grandson of legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, entered Memorial Hall looking to get back into the win column, but Craycraft had other plans.
The undefeated fighter rose to the occasion over eight rounds, using the opportunity to establish himself against the most recognizable opponent of his young career. Craycraft maintained his composure under the main-event spotlight and did enough throughout the contest to earn the judges’ decision. Scorecards read 78-74, 77-75 twice all in favor of Craycraft.
For Craycraft, defeating Ali Walsh on a nationally and internationally accessible broadcast provided the type of breakthrough opportunity young fighters work toward, and he capitalized when it arrived.
The 8-round co-main event produced one of the evening’s most impressive performances as Baltimore’s undefeated bantamweight contender Dominique Crowder (20-0, 12 KOs) captured theNABA Silver Bantamweight Title with a devastating second-round knockout of Filipino contender Jayson Mama (21-5-1, 10 KOs).
Crowder entered the bout ranked No. 12 by the IBF and looking to prove he was ready to take another significant step toward the upper tier of the bantamweight division. He did exactly that.
Rather than allowing the experienced Mama to settle into the fight, Crowder imposed himself early and ended matters in the second round, becoming the new NABA Silver champion.
The victory adds a championship belt to Crowder’s undefeated résumé and gives the Baltimore contender additional momentum as he pursues bigger fights and an eventual opportunity at a world championship.
It was also a memorable night for Olathe, Kansas brothers Jorge Carlos and Izak Carlos, who both delivered knockout victories in front of their hometown supporters.
In a scheduled 10-round super lightweight contest, Jorge Carlos scored a second-round knockout over experienced Paraguayan Carlos Manuel Portillo (23-11, 17 KOs).
Carlos wasted little time taking control of the fight and finished Portillo in the second round. The victory kept Carlos’ perfect professional record intact at (14-0, 12 KOs)
His brother Izak Carlos needed even less time. Competing at super featherweight, Izak stopped Colombia’s experienced Deivi Julio (29-19, 18 KOs) by first-round knockout.
The victory improved Izak to (9-0, 7KOs), completing a perfect night for the Carlos family as both brothers scored emphatic stoppages close to their Olathe hometown.
Highly decorated Hawaiian amateur standout Azariah Cottrell made an impressive transition into traditional professional boxing, scoring a second-round knockout over veteran Karla Valenzuela Garcia (3-42-3, 1 KO) in their four-round lightweight bout.
Despite making her official professional debut against an opponent with more than 45 professional fights, Cottrell looked comfortable under the lights and ended the contest in the second round. The victory gives Cottrell a (1-0, 1 KO) and officially begins the professional chapter of a boxing journey that started when she was a child in Hawaii.
Unbeaten Eric Valencia (8-0, 7 KOs) continued his knockout streak with a first-round KO of Martin Diaz (18-25-2, 8 KOs)in their six-round super lightweight contest.
Valencia entered the fight having stopped six of his first seven professional opponents and once again demonstrated his finishing ability, ending the fight before the opening round concluded.
Middleweight Jamar Pemberton added another stoppage victory to his résumé, knocking out Edwin Gamboa (13-14-2, 6 KOs) after he couldn't return for the sixth round. The 5th round victory improved Pemberton’s professional record to (11-1, 6 KOs)
In super middleweight action, Shomari Wilson remained undefeated with a unanimous decision over veteran Kynndale Prather. Wilson controlled the four-round contest and earned a 40-36 score, moving his professional record to (2-0, 1 KO).
Super lightweight Alan Panduro Anguloimproved to (7-0, 4 KOs) following a six-round unanimous decision victory overNasser Matrane. Angulo went the distance and earned the judges’ decision to keep his undefeated professional record intact.
Ryan Maine (10-0, 7 KOs) added another victory to his undefeated record with a seventh-round technical knockout of David Lobo Ramirez (20-8, 15 KOs). The scheduled eight-round contest provided Maine with valuable rounds against an experienced opponent before he ultimately forced the stoppage in round seven.
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Craycraft defeats Ali Walsh
BiYu Promotions delivered an action-packed night of professional boxing onSaturday, October 10, 2026, as the “Heart of America Pro + Am Boxing Invitational”took center stage at historic Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas.
The action was broadcast live onCombatVisionTV, with the event replay available on the platform.
In the eight-round main event, undefeatedTreavon Craycraft (10-0-1, 3 KOs) scored the biggest victory of his professional career, defeating Nico Ali Walsh (12-3-1, 5 KOs)by unanimous decision. Ali Walsh, the grandson of legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, entered Memorial Hall looking to get back into the win column, but Craycraft had other plans.
The undefeated fighter rose to the occasion over eight rounds, using the opportunity to establish himself against the most recognizable opponent of his young career. Craycraft maintained his composure under the main-event spotlight and did enough throughout the contest to earn the judges’ decision. Scorecards read 78-74, 77-75 twice all in favor of Craycraft.
For Craycraft, defeating Ali Walsh on a nationally and internationally accessible broadcast provided the type of breakthrough opportunity young fighters work toward, and he capitalized when it arrived.
The 8-round co-main event produced one of the evening’s most impressive performances as Baltimore’s undefeated bantamweight contender Dominique Crowder (20-0, 12 KOs) captured theNABA Silver Bantamweight Title with a devastating second-round knockout of Filipino contender Jayson Mama (21-5-1, 10 KOs).
Crowder entered the bout ranked No. 12 by the IBF and looking to prove he was ready to take another significant step toward the upper tier of the bantamweight division. He did exactly that.
Rather than allowing the experienced Mama to settle into the fight, Crowder imposed himself early and ended matters in the second round, becoming the new NABA Silver champion.
The victory adds a championship belt to Crowder’s undefeated résumé and gives the Baltimore contender additional momentum as he pursues bigger fights and an eventual opportunity at a world championship.
It was also a memorable night for Olathe, Kansas brothers Jorge Carlos and Izak Carlos, who both delivered knockout victories in front of their hometown supporters.
In a scheduled 10-round super lightweight contest, Jorge Carlos scored a second-round knockout over experienced Paraguayan Carlos Manuel Portillo (23-11, 17 KOs).
Carlos wasted little time taking control of the fight and finished Portillo in the second round. The victory kept Carlos’ perfect professional record intact at (14-0, 12 KOs)
His brother Izak Carlos needed even less time. Competing at super featherweight, Izak stopped Colombia’s experienced Deivi Julio (29-19, 18 KOs) by first-round knockout.
The victory improved Izak to (9-0, 7KOs), completing a perfect night for the Carlos family as both brothers scored emphatic stoppages close to their Olathe hometown.
Highly decorated Hawaiian amateur standout Azariah Cottrell made an impressive transition into traditional professional boxing, scoring a second-round knockout over veteran Karla Valenzuela Garcia (3-42-3, 1 KO) in their four-round lightweight bout.
Despite making her official professional debut against an opponent with more than 45 professional fights, Cottrell looked comfortable under the lights and ended the contest in the second round. The victory gives Cottrell a (1-0, 1 KO) and officially begins the professional chapter of a boxing journey that started when she was a child in Hawaii.
Unbeaten Eric Valencia (8-0, 7 KOs) continued his knockout streak with a first-round KO of Martin Diaz (18-25-2, 8 KOs)in their six-round super lightweight contest.
Valencia entered the fight having stopped six of his first seven professional opponents and once again demonstrated his finishing ability, ending the fight before the opening round concluded.
Middleweight Jamar Pemberton added another stoppage victory to his résumé, knocking out Edwin Gamboa (13-14-2, 6 KOs) after he couldn't return for the sixth round. The 5th round victory improved Pemberton’s professional record to (11-1, 6 KOs)
In super middleweight action, Shomari Wilson remained undefeated with a unanimous decision over veteran Kynndale Prather. Wilson controlled the four-round contest and earned a 40-36 score, moving his professional record to (2-0, 1 KO).
Super lightweight Alan Panduro Anguloimproved to (7-0, 4 KOs) following a six-round unanimous decision victory overNasser Matrane. Angulo went the distance and earned the judges’ decision to keep his undefeated professional record intact.
Ryan Maine (10-0, 7 KOs) added another victory to his undefeated record with a seventh-round technical knockout of David Lobo Ramirez (20-8, 15 KOs). The scheduled eight-round contest provided Maine with valuable rounds against an experienced opponent before he ultimately forced the stoppage in round seven.
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Welcome to Fundora vs. Hadribeaj fight week |
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Undefeated Ermal Hadribeaj will step into the ring looking to become Albania’s first boxing world champion and fulfill his lifelong dream when he battles WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora on “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN on Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. “I’m very very very motivated to become Albania’s first world champion boxer,” said Hadribeaj. “Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to be a champion, no matter what sport I ended up choosing. Now I have this opportunity in boxing and it’s an opportunity that I’ve been thinking of all my life. This means so much to me.”
The 32 year-old Hadribeaj live and trains in Miami under the guidance of his trainer Donato Demartiis. The pair originally met in 2018 when Hadribeaj was primarily competing in MMA, before Demartiis decided to have his prospective pupil try his hand in the boxing ring. From that day on, the two have stayed in the gym and brought each other to the precipice of world championship glory. “Donato told me to just give boxing a try and put me in to spar a boxer and he saw me beating the guy up,” said Hadribeaj. “Donato saw something in me and came up with a plan for me in this sport. I trusted his words and I committed myself 100% to boxing. I’ve given everything to make this happen because he trusted me since day one. With each fight we were improving. I was giving everything to win. We kept pushing and made sure that we never gave up.”
As he prepares for the biggest bout of his life, Hadribeaj has believes that his success in training camp, and specifically in sparring with Mykal Fox and Ollie Cooper, has helped prepare him for the unique challenge that is Fundora. “Training camp is like a test for the fight,” said Hadribeaj. If you pass the test at training camp, you’re ready for the fight. My sparring partners Mykal Fox and Ollie Cooper have been so supportive for my camp. They’ve been going twelve rounds with me multiple times a week. Ollie brings the pressure and Mykal is more crafty. So it was a great mix for me that helped me a lot. Sparring has been the key to prepare for Fundora’s length. We worked on a lot of different scenarios, like moving around the ring and staying out of range of his jab and his crosses and uppercuts. We have to get the distance right.”
Through watching on television and live in-person, Hadribeaj has gained a familiarity with Fundora, and even says he’s been one of his favorite fighters to watch for years. Throughout that time, Hadribeaj revealed that he doubted many of the tactics Fundora’s opponents have used, and explained what he thinks they get wrong about facing “The Towering Inferno.” “Fundora has been one of my favorite fighters to watch in this division for a while,” said Hadribeaj. “I’ve always thought that he really knows how to fight. But I always ask myself why his opponents choose their strategies and run into his punches. The opponents tend to get too caught up in their ego and try to compete with his height. I feel like they should just have been working on their stuff and not worry as much about what he’s doing. Now I’ll have my shot and I’m gonna do my best.”
Hadribeaj displays an umistakeable air of confidence when he speaks, even when heading into the biggest fight of his career as an underdog. For the unbeaten WBC mandatory challenger, he believes that everything he’s done leading up to this moment will allow him to be at his best when the bell rings. “I’m confident because I worked to get to this position,” said Hadribeaj. “I’m not just confident for no reason. I earned this position and I earned this confidence. We deserve to be here. I trust my skills, I trust my power and I trust my team. I’m not scared to fight anybody. I love the crowd and I love the bright lights. I don’t panic or stress. I try to stay positive all the time. But the most important thing is that my work has been done correctly. If the work is done correctly, then it’s easy for me to stay calm in any position.”
As October 17 nears, Hadribeaj is fully aware of the stage he’s walking onto and is eager to deliver a memorable night on TNT and DAZN. “Fans are going to see a very unique style and a very exciting fighter,” said Hadribeaj. “You’re going to love this fight. We’re definitely going to make this a war. I know that I’m new to the fans and I can’t wait to show them what I’m all about with my performance.”
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Welcome to Fundora vs. Hadribeaj fight week
Undefeated Ermal Hadribeaj will step into the ring looking to become Albania’s first boxing world champion and fulfill his lifelong dream when he battles WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora on “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN on Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. “I’m very very very motivated to become Albania’s first world champion boxer,” said Hadribeaj. “Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to be a champion, no matter what sport I ended up choosing. Now I have this opportunity in boxing and it’s an opportunity that I’ve been thinking of all my life. This means so much to me.”
The 32 year-old Hadribeaj live and trains in Miami under the guidance of his trainer Donato Demartiis. The pair originally met in 2018 when Hadribeaj was primarily competing in MMA, before Demartiis decided to have his prospective pupil try his hand in the boxing ring. From that day on, the two have stayed in the gym and brought each other to the precipice of world championship glory. “Donato told me to just give boxing a try and put me in to spar a boxer and he saw me beating the guy up,” said Hadribeaj. “Donato saw something in me and came up with a plan for me in this sport. I trusted his words and I committed myself 100% to boxing. I’ve given everything to make this happen because he trusted me since day one. With each fight we were improving. I was giving everything to win. We kept pushing and made sure that we never gave up.”
As he prepares for the biggest bout of his life, Hadribeaj has believes that his success in training camp, and specifically in sparring with Mykal Fox and Ollie Cooper, has helped prepare him for the unique challenge that is Fundora. “Training camp is like a test for the fight,” said Hadribeaj. If you pass the test at training camp, you’re ready for the fight. My sparring partners Mykal Fox and Ollie Cooper have been so supportive for my camp. They’ve been going twelve rounds with me multiple times a week. Ollie brings the pressure and Mykal is more crafty. So it was a great mix for me that helped me a lot. Sparring has been the key to prepare for Fundora’s length. We worked on a lot of different scenarios, like moving around the ring and staying out of range of his jab and his crosses and uppercuts. We have to get the distance right.”
Through watching on television and live in-person, Hadribeaj has gained a familiarity with Fundora, and even says he’s been one of his favorite fighters to watch for years. Throughout that time, Hadribeaj revealed that he doubted many of the tactics Fundora’s opponents have used, and explained what he thinks they get wrong about facing “The Towering Inferno.” “Fundora has been one of my favorite fighters to watch in this division for a while,” said Hadribeaj. “I’ve always thought that he really knows how to fight. But I always ask myself why his opponents choose their strategies and run into his punches. The opponents tend to get too caught up in their ego and try to compete with his height. I feel like they should just have been working on their stuff and not worry as much about what he’s doing. Now I’ll have my shot and I’m gonna do my best.”
Hadribeaj displays an umistakeable air of confidence when he speaks, even when heading into the biggest fight of his career as an underdog. For the unbeaten WBC mandatory challenger, he believes that everything he’s done leading up to this moment will allow him to be at his best when the bell rings. “I’m confident because I worked to get to this position,” said Hadribeaj. “I’m not just confident for no reason. I earned this position and I earned this confidence. We deserve to be here. I trust my skills, I trust my power and I trust my team. I’m not scared to fight anybody. I love the crowd and I love the bright lights. I don’t panic or stress. I try to stay positive all the time. But the most important thing is that my work has been done correctly. If the work is done correctly, then it’s easy for me to stay calm in any position.”
As October 17 nears, Hadribeaj is fully aware of the stage he’s walking onto and is eager to deliver a memorable night on TNT and DAZN. “Fans are going to see a very unique style and a very exciting fighter,” said Hadribeaj. “You’re going to love this fight. We’re definitely going to make this a war. I know that I’m new to the fans and I can’t wait to show them what I’m all about with my performance.”
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Pacquiao receives honorary doctorate |
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Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion, Philippine senator and International Boxing Association (IBA) Vice President, has been awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of a life that turned childhood poverty into one of the most remarkable stories in sport. One of Pacquiao's mottos is “Never give up. Great things take time and tremendous effort.” Few careers illustrate that principle better than Pacquiao's own extraordinary journey. The chances of a boy who grew up in extreme poverty, left school as a teenager and travelled to Manila in search of a better life eventually becoming an eight-division world champion, Senator of the Philippines, presidential candidate and IBA vice president would appear almost impossible to calculate.
Yet boxing represents only one part of Pacquiao’s story. Alongside a career that made him one of the most recognisable athletes of his generation, the Filipino repeatedly returned to something that poverty had forced him to leave behind at an early age: education. That journey reached another milestone on September 16th, when Philippine Normal University (PNU) formally conferred on Pacquiao its first-ever Doctor in Physical Education and Sports, Honoris Causa, recognising his achievements in sport, his contribution to national pride and the example his life has provided to generations of Filipinos.
For a man who once had to abandon formal education simply to survive, the ceremony in Manila represented considerably more than another title to add to an already extraordinary collection. Pacquiao’s childhood in the Philippines has become an inseparable part of his story. Growing up in severe poverty, he completed elementary school but was unable to continue his regular education as his family struggled financially.
As a teenager, he left for Manila and turned increasingly towards boxing as a means of supporting himself and his family. The conditions were a long way from the sophisticated training camps, major arenas and multimillion-dollar purses that would eventually define his professional career. Boxing offered Pacquiao a route out of poverty, but the experience of growing up with very little remained fundamental to the way he viewed success long after he had become wealthy and famous.
Over the years, Pacquiao devoted a significant part of his resources to charitable projects in the Philippines. His foundation has supported housing projects and vulnerable communities, while Pacquiao himself has repeatedly linked his philanthropy and public service to his own experience of poverty. The same background also shaped his attitude towards education. Success in boxing had solved the immediate problems that forced him to leave school, but it did not remove his desire to complete what he had started.
By 2007, Pacquiao was already one of the biggest stars in boxing. He had won world titles, fought some of the leading names of his era and established himself as a national sporting hero in the Philippines. At the age of 28, however, he returned to an objective that had nothing to do with another championship belt. In February 2007, Pacquiao took the Department of Education’s Accreditation and Equivalency Test under the Alternative Learning System. After passing the examination, he was formally recognised as a high school graduate and became eligible to pursue higher education.
There was something unusual about the image: a boxer who had already reached the summit of international sport going back to complete an educational qualification that most people receive before their professional careers have even begun. For Pacquiao, however, it became another example of the discipline that had defined his boxing career. Training, fighting, business and eventually politics did not prevent him from continuing his studies.
In 2019, he graduated from the University of Makati with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, majoring in Local Government Administration. By that stage, Pacquiao had already served in the Philippine House of Representatives and had been elected to the Senate, making education directly relevant to a second career that was developing alongside his achievements in boxing.
Three years later, after his first presidential campaign, he completed a Master in Management, majoring in Public Administration, at Philippine Christian University. Pacquiao was 43. “It is never too late to dream bigger dreams,” he said after completing the programme.
The progression was remarkable. The teenager who had been forced out of school by poverty had returned first to complete his secondary education and then continued through undergraduate and postgraduate study while simultaneously building careers in sport and public service.
The latest recognition came from Philippine Normal University, the country’s National Center for Teacher Education. PNU formally conferred on Pacquiao the degree of Doctor in Physical Education and Sports, Honoris Causa, on the 16th of September. The honorary doctorate was awarded in recognition of his sporting achievements and contribution to Philippine sport, as well as the broader influence of a life that the university described as an example of how sport can become a vehicle for personal transformation, social mobility and national pride.
It is important to distinguish the honor from an earned academic doctorate: Pacquiao did not complete a doctoral programme or defend a dissertation. The degree was awarded honoris causa by the university in recognition of his contribution and achievements. But for Pacquiao himself, that distinction did not diminish its significance. “For me, this honorary doctorate is not simply a recognition of what I have achieved. It is a reminder that every blessing comes with a responsibility to give back, to serve, and to help others rise,” he said during the ceremony.
The message was consistent with the way Pacquiao has increasingly spoken about his achievements outside the ring. His success gave him wealth and influence, but he has repeatedly argued that their value ultimately depends on how they are used. PNU reached a similar conclusion when explaining its decision. Pacquiao’s importance to Philippine sport, the university noted, extended beyond victories and championships. His journey demonstrated how sporting excellence could change the trajectory of a life and, in turn, create opportunities to influence the lives of others.
Pacquiao’s academic journey also challenges one of the oldest stereotypes attached to boxing: the idea that intellectual development and fighting somehow belong to separate worlds. In reality, the history of the sport offers numerous examples of boxers who pursued demanding academic careers alongside success in the ring. Former light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in mathematics while building his professional boxing career. Chris Algieri, a former WBO junior welterweight champion who later shared the ring with Pacquiao, earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management before completing a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition.
The Klitschko brothers also combined elite boxing with academic study, with both Vitali and Wladimir earning advanced academic qualifications in sports science.
Perhaps one of the most unusual examples was American heavyweight Harold “Hackie” Reitman. An orthopedic surgeon as well as a professional boxer, Reitman spent years balancing medicine with heavyweight boxing. He eventually recorded 13 professional victories while continuing his medical career, earning the nickname “The Boxing Doctor”.
Their fields could hardly be more different – mathematics, nutrition, medicine, public administration and sports science – but their stories underline a point that is sometimes lost beneath boxing’s physical nature.
At the highest level, boxing demands far more than the ability to punch. A boxer must process information under pressure, recognise patterns, make tactical adjustments in fractions of a second and maintain extraordinary discipline over months and years of preparation. The consequences of a poor decision can be immediate, which is one reason boxing has long been known as the “Sweet Science”. Those qualities do not automatically make every boxer an academic, but neither are sporting intelligence and intellectual curiosity contradictory.
Pacquiao’s story provides an unusually vivid example. Even now, it is difficult to say which chapter of Pacquiao’s career should be considered closed. In July 2025, at the age of 46 and after almost four years away from professional boxing, he returned to challenge American Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. The fight ended in a majority draw, with two judges scoring it 114-114 and the third giving Barrios a narrow 115-113 victory. Pacquiao did not regain the world title, but simply remaining competitive over twelve rounds against a reigning champion 16 years his junior demonstrated why definitive statements about what he can and cannot still accomplish have so often proved unreliable.
His public career has been similarly unpredictable. After serving in both houses of the Philippine Congress, Pacquiao ran for president in 2022 and has continued to play a role in public life. In boxing, he currently serves as an IBA Vice President, bringing the experience accumulated over decades at the highest level of the sport into its administration. What is already established is the distance Pacquiao has travelled. He left formal education because poverty gave him little choice, then returned to it after becoming a world champion. He completed his secondary education at 28, earned a university degree while serving in public office, obtained a master’s degree in his forties and has now received an honorary doctorate recognising a lifetime of achievement in sport and service.
For someone whose earliest opportunities were defined by what his family could not afford, education eventually became another area in which Pacquiao refused to accept that the circumstances of his childhood should determine the limits of his future.
Boxing taught him how to absorb pressure, adapt and continue moving forward. His life outside the ring suggests that he learned to apply much the same philosophy elsewhere. The belts will always form part of Manny Pacquiao’s legacy. So will the eight weight divisions, the great fights and the nights when an entire country stopped to watch him. But the diploma he received in Manila in September tells another part of the story: the boy who had to leave school never stopped learning.
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Pacquiao receives honorary doctorate
Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion, Philippine senator and International Boxing Association (IBA) Vice President, has been awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of a life that turned childhood poverty into one of the most remarkable stories in sport. One of Pacquiao's mottos is “Never give up. Great things take time and tremendous effort.” Few careers illustrate that principle better than Pacquiao's own extraordinary journey. The chances of a boy who grew up in extreme poverty, left school as a teenager and travelled to Manila in search of a better life eventually becoming an eight-division world champion, Senator of the Philippines, presidential candidate and IBA vice president would appear almost impossible to calculate.
Yet boxing represents only one part of Pacquiao’s story. Alongside a career that made him one of the most recognisable athletes of his generation, the Filipino repeatedly returned to something that poverty had forced him to leave behind at an early age: education. That journey reached another milestone on September 16th, when Philippine Normal University (PNU) formally conferred on Pacquiao its first-ever Doctor in Physical Education and Sports, Honoris Causa, recognising his achievements in sport, his contribution to national pride and the example his life has provided to generations of Filipinos.
For a man who once had to abandon formal education simply to survive, the ceremony in Manila represented considerably more than another title to add to an already extraordinary collection. Pacquiao’s childhood in the Philippines has become an inseparable part of his story. Growing up in severe poverty, he completed elementary school but was unable to continue his regular education as his family struggled financially.
As a teenager, he left for Manila and turned increasingly towards boxing as a means of supporting himself and his family. The conditions were a long way from the sophisticated training camps, major arenas and multimillion-dollar purses that would eventually define his professional career. Boxing offered Pacquiao a route out of poverty, but the experience of growing up with very little remained fundamental to the way he viewed success long after he had become wealthy and famous.
Over the years, Pacquiao devoted a significant part of his resources to charitable projects in the Philippines. His foundation has supported housing projects and vulnerable communities, while Pacquiao himself has repeatedly linked his philanthropy and public service to his own experience of poverty. The same background also shaped his attitude towards education. Success in boxing had solved the immediate problems that forced him to leave school, but it did not remove his desire to complete what he had started.
By 2007, Pacquiao was already one of the biggest stars in boxing. He had won world titles, fought some of the leading names of his era and established himself as a national sporting hero in the Philippines. At the age of 28, however, he returned to an objective that had nothing to do with another championship belt. In February 2007, Pacquiao took the Department of Education’s Accreditation and Equivalency Test under the Alternative Learning System. After passing the examination, he was formally recognised as a high school graduate and became eligible to pursue higher education.
There was something unusual about the image: a boxer who had already reached the summit of international sport going back to complete an educational qualification that most people receive before their professional careers have even begun. For Pacquiao, however, it became another example of the discipline that had defined his boxing career. Training, fighting, business and eventually politics did not prevent him from continuing his studies.
In 2019, he graduated from the University of Makati with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, majoring in Local Government Administration. By that stage, Pacquiao had already served in the Philippine House of Representatives and had been elected to the Senate, making education directly relevant to a second career that was developing alongside his achievements in boxing.
Three years later, after his first presidential campaign, he completed a Master in Management, majoring in Public Administration, at Philippine Christian University. Pacquiao was 43. “It is never too late to dream bigger dreams,” he said after completing the programme.
The progression was remarkable. The teenager who had been forced out of school by poverty had returned first to complete his secondary education and then continued through undergraduate and postgraduate study while simultaneously building careers in sport and public service.
The latest recognition came from Philippine Normal University, the country’s National Center for Teacher Education. PNU formally conferred on Pacquiao the degree of Doctor in Physical Education and Sports, Honoris Causa, on the 16th of September. The honorary doctorate was awarded in recognition of his sporting achievements and contribution to Philippine sport, as well as the broader influence of a life that the university described as an example of how sport can become a vehicle for personal transformation, social mobility and national pride.
It is important to distinguish the honor from an earned academic doctorate: Pacquiao did not complete a doctoral programme or defend a dissertation. The degree was awarded honoris causa by the university in recognition of his contribution and achievements. But for Pacquiao himself, that distinction did not diminish its significance. “For me, this honorary doctorate is not simply a recognition of what I have achieved. It is a reminder that every blessing comes with a responsibility to give back, to serve, and to help others rise,” he said during the ceremony.
The message was consistent with the way Pacquiao has increasingly spoken about his achievements outside the ring. His success gave him wealth and influence, but he has repeatedly argued that their value ultimately depends on how they are used. PNU reached a similar conclusion when explaining its decision. Pacquiao’s importance to Philippine sport, the university noted, extended beyond victories and championships. His journey demonstrated how sporting excellence could change the trajectory of a life and, in turn, create opportunities to influence the lives of others.
Pacquiao’s academic journey also challenges one of the oldest stereotypes attached to boxing: the idea that intellectual development and fighting somehow belong to separate worlds. In reality, the history of the sport offers numerous examples of boxers who pursued demanding academic careers alongside success in the ring. Former light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in mathematics while building his professional boxing career. Chris Algieri, a former WBO junior welterweight champion who later shared the ring with Pacquiao, earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management before completing a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition.
The Klitschko brothers also combined elite boxing with academic study, with both Vitali and Wladimir earning advanced academic qualifications in sports science.
Perhaps one of the most unusual examples was American heavyweight Harold “Hackie” Reitman. An orthopedic surgeon as well as a professional boxer, Reitman spent years balancing medicine with heavyweight boxing. He eventually recorded 13 professional victories while continuing his medical career, earning the nickname “The Boxing Doctor”.
Their fields could hardly be more different – mathematics, nutrition, medicine, public administration and sports science – but their stories underline a point that is sometimes lost beneath boxing’s physical nature.
At the highest level, boxing demands far more than the ability to punch. A boxer must process information under pressure, recognise patterns, make tactical adjustments in fractions of a second and maintain extraordinary discipline over months and years of preparation. The consequences of a poor decision can be immediate, which is one reason boxing has long been known as the “Sweet Science”. Those qualities do not automatically make every boxer an academic, but neither are sporting intelligence and intellectual curiosity contradictory.
Pacquiao’s story provides an unusually vivid example. Even now, it is difficult to say which chapter of Pacquiao’s career should be considered closed. In July 2025, at the age of 46 and after almost four years away from professional boxing, he returned to challenge American Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. The fight ended in a majority draw, with two judges scoring it 114-114 and the third giving Barrios a narrow 115-113 victory. Pacquiao did not regain the world title, but simply remaining competitive over twelve rounds against a reigning champion 16 years his junior demonstrated why definitive statements about what he can and cannot still accomplish have so often proved unreliable.
His public career has been similarly unpredictable. After serving in both houses of the Philippine Congress, Pacquiao ran for president in 2022 and has continued to play a role in public life. In boxing, he currently serves as an IBA Vice President, bringing the experience accumulated over decades at the highest level of the sport into its administration. What is already established is the distance Pacquiao has travelled. He left formal education because poverty gave him little choice, then returned to it after becoming a world champion. He completed his secondary education at 28, earned a university degree while serving in public office, obtained a master’s degree in his forties and has now received an honorary doctorate recognising a lifetime of achievement in sport and service.
For someone whose earliest opportunities were defined by what his family could not afford, education eventually became another area in which Pacquiao refused to accept that the circumstances of his childhood should determine the limits of his future.
Boxing taught him how to absorb pressure, adapt and continue moving forward. His life outside the ring suggests that he learned to apply much the same philosophy elsewhere. The belts will always form part of Manny Pacquiao’s legacy. So will the eight weight divisions, the great fights and the nights when an entire country stopped to watch him. But the diploma he received in Manila in September tells another part of the story: the boy who had to leave school never stopped learning.
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IBA to pay winners of amateur world championships $1 million |
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The International Boxing Association (IBA) held a press conference at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul earlier this week. IBA President Umar Kremlev and Secretary General were among those who addressed international media. The speakers discussed prize money for the organisation’s flagship tournaments, the inaugural IBA President’s Cup and the forthcoming Elective Congress, new projects for boxers and fans, and the IBA’s relations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Boxing. The IBA will stage its next amateur world championships with a prize fund of 20 million US dollars, with each gold medallist receiving one million dollars, the IBA president announced. “The main tournament for the IBA is the world championships. As you will remember, the world championships in Dubai had a prize fund of 8 million US dollars. At the next world championships, we will have a prize fund of 20 million US dollars. The boxer who takes first place will receive one million dollars,” Kremlev said. “Everything the International Boxing Association earns belongs to the coaches and athletes, because it is thanks to them that our international boxing home exists. We must do everything to ensure the best conditions are created for our athletes,” he said.
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IBA to pay winners of amateur world championships $1 million
The International Boxing Association (IBA) held a press conference at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul earlier this week. IBA President Umar Kremlev and Secretary General were among those who addressed international media. The speakers discussed prize money for the organisation’s flagship tournaments, the inaugural IBA President’s Cup and the forthcoming Elective Congress, new projects for boxers and fans, and the IBA’s relations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Boxing. The IBA will stage its next amateur world championships with a prize fund of 20 million US dollars, with each gold medallist receiving one million dollars, the IBA president announced. “The main tournament for the IBA is the world championships. As you will remember, the world championships in Dubai had a prize fund of 8 million US dollars. At the next world championships, we will have a prize fund of 20 million US dollars. The boxer who takes first place will receive one million dollars,” Kremlev said. “Everything the International Boxing Association earns belongs to the coaches and athletes, because it is thanks to them that our international boxing home exists. We must do everything to ensure the best conditions are created for our athletes,” he said.
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Resendiz steps in for injured Charlo to face Mazoudier |
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Mexican action fighter and former world championArmando “Toro” Reséndiz will step in to face Australian contender Koen Mazoudier in a 10-round super middleweight showdown on the latest installment of “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN on Saturday, October 17 from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Two-division world champion Jermall Charlois now out of the previously scheduled bout against Mazoudier due to injury.
The four-fight telecast will also feature unbeaten rising star Marco Romero returning to action to face Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreirain the eight-round super middleweight opening attraction at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The event is headlined by WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his belt against undefeated mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj and also includes WBA Featherweight World ChampionBrandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroamaking the first defense of his title against former world champion Tomoki Kameda in the co-main event.
The fourth installment of the acclaimed live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, this event will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
**ARMANDO RESENDIZ VS. KOEN MAZOUDIER**
In a battle of action fighters, former WBA Super Middleweight World ChampionArmando “Toro” Reséndiz will square off against Australian brawler Koen Mazoudieras Reséndiz looks to put himself back in title contention while Mazoudier seeks a signature victory in his U.S. debut.
The 27-year-old Reséndiz (16-3, 11 KOs) will fight for the first time since relinquishing his title against two-division champion Jaime Munguia in May. Previously, Reséndiz had pulled off one of 2025’s biggest upsets against former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant with a ferocious performance to capture the interim title before being elevated. Trained by the renowned Manny Robles, the native of Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico was unbeaten in his first 12 fights after turning pro in 2018, showing impressive power with an eight-fight knockout streak. After coming up on the short end of a decision to Marcos Hernandez in September 2021, Reséndiz was dominant in stopping the former unified world champion Jarrett Hurd in the 10th-round of their March 2023 matchup. Reséndiz’s only other blemish came against top contender Elijah Garcia in September 2023, before bouncing back to earn a fifth-round TKO of Fernando Paliza in February 2025.
“I’m hungry for a world title shot and I know I have to earn it,” said Reséndiz. “Fighting in Las Vegas on TNT and DAZN means a lot to me and my family. Mazoudier is coming to win and my back is against the wall, so I’ve been pushing myself every day in camp. I want to make everyone who’s stood by me proud. I’m going to let my hands go and give everything I have. The fans can count on that.”
Representing Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia, Mazoudier (16-4-1, 6 KOs) turned pro in 2018 after an accomplished amateur career, reeling off six consecutive victories. Of the blemishes on 30-year-old’s record, two came by narrow majority decisions, with one of his other losses eventually being avenged as he defeated Wade Ryan by unanimous decision in 2022. His other loss came at the hands of undefeated Australian star Nikita Tszyu, younger brother of Tim Tszyu. The 2024 showdown against Tszyu was within two points on two judges’ cards when the bout ended in round nine. Mazoudier has bounced back effectively, winning four-straight fights, including a decision win over Sam Beck on August 26.
“I’m very thankful that I was able to get another world-class opponent on this card,” said Mazoudier. “Fighters fight. My opponent has changed, but the job hasn’t. I’ve been training too hard to sit on the sidelines. Reséndiz is a good fighter with a solid resume, but like I’ve said all along, it doesn’t matter who’s standing across the ring. I’ve done the work and I’m ready to bring war. I’m the real life Rocky. After October 17, the world will know my name and they’ll know that I never back down from a fight.”
**MARCO ROMERO VS. BRAULIO FERREIRA**
Fresh off a dominant first-round stoppage in August in his PBC debut, rising star Marco Romero will look to keep his dominance going against Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreira in the telecast’s eight-round super middleweight opening attraction.
A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Romero (15-0, 13 KOs) had a stellar amateur career that included 23-national titles, most notably winning the 2024 National Golden Gloves title where he was named Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament. The 20-year-old turned pro in 2024 and has shown a propensity for ending fights early, with 12 of his 13 KO’s coming within three rounds. Trained by top trainer John Brown, Romero has added four victories against increasingly stiff competition in 2026. In addition, Romero will enter this fight after his second training visit to Montreal to spar with super middleweight champions Christian Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias.
"I had another great experience at training camp in Montreal,” said Romero. “To be called back to work with two world champions shows that I'm getting closer to being on their level. It’s a big motivation for me to get in the ring with them, watch how they trained, talk with them and understand their mind set. My ring IQ and counter punching have improved. I'm always confident, but I will be even sharper and more mentally prepared to get in the ring on October 17. After training with world champions I feel like Superman; nobody can stop me!"
The 34-year-old Ferreira (8-3, 3 KOs) most recently earned a seventh-round stoppage of the previously unbeaten Ruben Mauricio Marquez in March as he seeks to upset another unbeaten on October 17. A native of Rosario, Uruguay, Ferreira’s defeats have all come against previously unbeaten opponents, making it to the final round in all three fights. This will be Ferreira’s third fight stateside after losses to undefeated fighters Ronny Alvarez and Tyrone James.
“Saturday, October 17 is going to be my night,” said Ferreira. “I’ve been training very hard for this opportunity. I’m ready to go in there and show that I’m no stepping stone for anybody. I’m going to take him out before the sixth round.”
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Resendiz steps in for injured Charlo to face Mazoudier
Mexican action fighter and former world championArmando “Toro” Reséndiz will step in to face Australian contender Koen Mazoudier in a 10-round super middleweight showdown on the latest installment of “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN on Saturday, October 17 from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Two-division world champion Jermall Charlois now out of the previously scheduled bout against Mazoudier due to injury.
The four-fight telecast will also feature unbeaten rising star Marco Romero returning to action to face Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreirain the eight-round super middleweight opening attraction at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The event is headlined by WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his belt against undefeated mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj and also includes WBA Featherweight World ChampionBrandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroamaking the first defense of his title against former world champion Tomoki Kameda in the co-main event.
The fourth installment of the acclaimed live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, this event will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
**ARMANDO RESENDIZ VS. KOEN MAZOUDIER**
In a battle of action fighters, former WBA Super Middleweight World ChampionArmando “Toro” Reséndiz will square off against Australian brawler Koen Mazoudieras Reséndiz looks to put himself back in title contention while Mazoudier seeks a signature victory in his U.S. debut.
The 27-year-old Reséndiz (16-3, 11 KOs) will fight for the first time since relinquishing his title against two-division champion Jaime Munguia in May. Previously, Reséndiz had pulled off one of 2025’s biggest upsets against former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant with a ferocious performance to capture the interim title before being elevated. Trained by the renowned Manny Robles, the native of Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico was unbeaten in his first 12 fights after turning pro in 2018, showing impressive power with an eight-fight knockout streak. After coming up on the short end of a decision to Marcos Hernandez in September 2021, Reséndiz was dominant in stopping the former unified world champion Jarrett Hurd in the 10th-round of their March 2023 matchup. Reséndiz’s only other blemish came against top contender Elijah Garcia in September 2023, before bouncing back to earn a fifth-round TKO of Fernando Paliza in February 2025.
“I’m hungry for a world title shot and I know I have to earn it,” said Reséndiz. “Fighting in Las Vegas on TNT and DAZN means a lot to me and my family. Mazoudier is coming to win and my back is against the wall, so I’ve been pushing myself every day in camp. I want to make everyone who’s stood by me proud. I’m going to let my hands go and give everything I have. The fans can count on that.”
Representing Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia, Mazoudier (16-4-1, 6 KOs) turned pro in 2018 after an accomplished amateur career, reeling off six consecutive victories. Of the blemishes on 30-year-old’s record, two came by narrow majority decisions, with one of his other losses eventually being avenged as he defeated Wade Ryan by unanimous decision in 2022. His other loss came at the hands of undefeated Australian star Nikita Tszyu, younger brother of Tim Tszyu. The 2024 showdown against Tszyu was within two points on two judges’ cards when the bout ended in round nine. Mazoudier has bounced back effectively, winning four-straight fights, including a decision win over Sam Beck on August 26.
“I’m very thankful that I was able to get another world-class opponent on this card,” said Mazoudier. “Fighters fight. My opponent has changed, but the job hasn’t. I’ve been training too hard to sit on the sidelines. Reséndiz is a good fighter with a solid resume, but like I’ve said all along, it doesn’t matter who’s standing across the ring. I’ve done the work and I’m ready to bring war. I’m the real life Rocky. After October 17, the world will know my name and they’ll know that I never back down from a fight.”
**MARCO ROMERO VS. BRAULIO FERREIRA**
Fresh off a dominant first-round stoppage in August in his PBC debut, rising star Marco Romero will look to keep his dominance going against Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreira in the telecast’s eight-round super middleweight opening attraction.
A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Romero (15-0, 13 KOs) had a stellar amateur career that included 23-national titles, most notably winning the 2024 National Golden Gloves title where he was named Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament. The 20-year-old turned pro in 2024 and has shown a propensity for ending fights early, with 12 of his 13 KO’s coming within three rounds. Trained by top trainer John Brown, Romero has added four victories against increasingly stiff competition in 2026. In addition, Romero will enter this fight after his second training visit to Montreal to spar with super middleweight champions Christian Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias.
"I had another great experience at training camp in Montreal,” said Romero. “To be called back to work with two world champions shows that I'm getting closer to being on their level. It’s a big motivation for me to get in the ring with them, watch how they trained, talk with them and understand their mind set. My ring IQ and counter punching have improved. I'm always confident, but I will be even sharper and more mentally prepared to get in the ring on October 17. After training with world champions I feel like Superman; nobody can stop me!"
The 34-year-old Ferreira (8-3, 3 KOs) most recently earned a seventh-round stoppage of the previously unbeaten Ruben Mauricio Marquez in March as he seeks to upset another unbeaten on October 17. A native of Rosario, Uruguay, Ferreira’s defeats have all come against previously unbeaten opponents, making it to the final round in all three fights. This will be Ferreira’s third fight stateside after losses to undefeated fighters Ronny Alvarez and Tyrone James.
“Saturday, October 17 is going to be my night,” said Ferreira. “I’ve been training very hard for this opportunity. I’m ready to go in there and show that I’m no stepping stone for anybody. I’m going to take him out before the sixth round.”
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ProBox adds two more competitive fights to Oct. 16th show |
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Two bouts have been added to ProBoxTV’s next “Championship Series” main card, on Friday, October 16th: Bryan Acosta faces Carlos Orona in a ten-round “All Mexico” slugfest, while Charles Harris and Misael Cabrera go to war in a junior welterweight ten rounder. These two contests will be held in support of Kevin Anton vs. Freudis “Freddy” Rojas in the ten-round junior middleweight main event. Lightweight Justin Pauldo faces Rene Tellez Giron in the ten-round lightweight co-feature that will be broadcast live (8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm MT) from the Rawhide Western Town & Event Center in Phoenix, Arizona
Mexico’s Bryan Acosta, 21-2, 8 KOs, is a 28-year-old who fights out of Las Vegas under highly regarded trainer Bob Santos. A non-stop action fighter, Acosta comes forward and stays in the pocket to initiate toe-to-toe exchanges. Acosta has appeared on ProBoxTV twice, dropping top-ranked Ramon Cardenas once while losing a thin unanimous decision in February 2025 and returning in March of this year to dominate longtime contender Ronny Rios and win a ten-round unanimous decision.
Carlos Orona, 16-1-1, 14 KOs, is a 25-year-old from Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. A durable technician who comes on as the rounds of a fight progress, Orona’s superior conditioning allows him to surge in the late rounds through superior volume and consistent output. This fight against Acosta will serve as a barometer for the untested Orona's prospects in the upper tier of the 126-pound division.
Charles "Lolo" Harris Jr, 13-1, 7 KOs, is a 23-year-old a skilled boxer with strong ring generalship, exceptional close-range fighting, and powerful counterpunching fighting out of Rialto, California.. arris has a strong amateur background that includes a notable win over Floyd Schofield. Trained under the guidance of his father from age eight and now with Brian "Bomac" McIntyre of Team Terence Crawford.Harris is a five-time ProBoxTV alumnus, having defeated Kyle Erwin in May 2024, and Roberto Escobar November 2024, both by unanimous six-round decisions. Harris returned in March 2025 to take a unanimous eight-round decision over Angel Rebollar and repeated the feat with a unanimous decision over Blake Fialka in May of this year. In his most recent ProBoxTV appearance, Harris defeated Jason Limon by eight-round unanimous decision in July.
Misael Cabrera, 18-3-1, 12 KOs, of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico is a highly durable and dangerous slugger, known for his classic Mexican aggression. The 27-year-old Cabrera utilizes a powerful, sweeping overhand right, mixed with forceful left hooks to the head and body to catch opponents off guard.
Tickets to attend live at the Rawhide Western Town & Event Center are on sale now and available through thundertix.com.
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ProBox adds two more competitive fights to Oct. 16th show
Two bouts have been added to ProBoxTV’s next “Championship Series” main card, on Friday, October 16th: Bryan Acosta faces Carlos Orona in a ten-round “All Mexico” slugfest, while Charles Harris and Misael Cabrera go to war in a junior welterweight ten rounder. These two contests will be held in support of Kevin Anton vs. Freudis “Freddy” Rojas in the ten-round junior middleweight main event. Lightweight Justin Pauldo faces Rene Tellez Giron in the ten-round lightweight co-feature that will be broadcast live (8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm MT) from the Rawhide Western Town & Event Center in Phoenix, Arizona
Mexico’s Bryan Acosta, 21-2, 8 KOs, is a 28-year-old who fights out of Las Vegas under highly regarded trainer Bob Santos. A non-stop action fighter, Acosta comes forward and stays in the pocket to initiate toe-to-toe exchanges. Acosta has appeared on ProBoxTV twice, dropping top-ranked Ramon Cardenas once while losing a thin unanimous decision in February 2025 and returning in March of this year to dominate longtime contender Ronny Rios and win a ten-round unanimous decision.
Carlos Orona, 16-1-1, 14 KOs, is a 25-year-old from Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. A durable technician who comes on as the rounds of a fight progress, Orona’s superior conditioning allows him to surge in the late rounds through superior volume and consistent output. This fight against Acosta will serve as a barometer for the untested Orona's prospects in the upper tier of the 126-pound division.
Charles "Lolo" Harris Jr, 13-1, 7 KOs, is a 23-year-old a skilled boxer with strong ring generalship, exceptional close-range fighting, and powerful counterpunching fighting out of Rialto, California.. arris has a strong amateur background that includes a notable win over Floyd Schofield. Trained under the guidance of his father from age eight and now with Brian "Bomac" McIntyre of Team Terence Crawford.Harris is a five-time ProBoxTV alumnus, having defeated Kyle Erwin in May 2024, and Roberto Escobar November 2024, both by unanimous six-round decisions. Harris returned in March 2025 to take a unanimous eight-round decision over Angel Rebollar and repeated the feat with a unanimous decision over Blake Fialka in May of this year. In his most recent ProBoxTV appearance, Harris defeated Jason Limon by eight-round unanimous decision in July.
Misael Cabrera, 18-3-1, 12 KOs, of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico is a highly durable and dangerous slugger, known for his classic Mexican aggression. The 27-year-old Cabrera utilizes a powerful, sweeping overhand right, mixed with forceful left hooks to the head and body to catch opponents off guard.
Tickets to attend live at the Rawhide Western Town & Event Center are on sale now and available through thundertix.com.
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Miyo Yoshida looking to become three-division champ |
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Two-division champion Miyo Yoshida (19-5, 1 KO) is approaching her eighth world title fight and the Japanese boxer will finally get that opportunity on November 8th against WBC super bantamweight champion Skye Nicolson (16-1, 3 KOs) in a ten-round title fight on the “MVP 07” card, airing live on ESPN from Arlington, Texas. Yoshida is a promotional free agent who has fought only twice since 2024. Yoshida said, “I’m very excited. I have no amateur boxing background, but after giving birth to my daughter at the age of 27, I fully committed myself to boxing and eventually became world champion at 115 and 118 pounds. Now, I’m challenging myself to win a world title at 122 pounds and can become a three-divison world champion. I’m grateful to have made it this far. Through this fight I want to show that regardless of age, circumstances, when you started boxing, or the path you’ve taken there are always possibilities if you continue to challenge yourself."
She continued, “I was disappointed when this fight was postponed from September in the UK to (Nov. 7th) Texas. I had been preparing for this world title fight for a long time. After bringing myself to a physical and mental peak, I had to reset and build myself back up again. There are things in boxing that are simply beyond your control. The location has changed from the UK to Texas, but the most important thing for me is getting the opportunity to fight Skye for the world title. No matter where the fight takes place, my job remains the same. Now, I’m looking forward to fighting in Texas.”
“I believe a lot of thanks goes to my manager, Keith Sullivan, whom I trust very much. He has continued to patently support me and never gave up on me. I believe this world title opportunity is something we’ve earned together as a team. I didn’t get here by myself.”
Yoshida won the WBO super flyweight title in 2019 and again in 2021. On December 23, 2024, she stepped in as a late replacement in San Francisco and upset IBF bantamweight Ebanie Bridges (9-1) by a ten-round unanimous decision. On October 23, 2024, Yoshida lost her IBF title on October 23, 2024, in a ten-round rematch against Shurretta Metcalf (13-5-1, 2 KOs), as the judges had disputed scores of 99-91, 96-94, and 96-93. Yoshida’s manager, attorney Keith Sullivan, successfully submitted an appeal to the IBF, asserting that Yoshida’s performance warranted a different outcome.
The IBF ruled in January 2025 it would install Yoshida as its #1, mandatory challenger, ordering Metcalf to defend her crown against Yoshida by October 2025. Metcalf, though, requested and was granted a voluntary defense by the IBF for a unification fight with Cherneka Johnson (19-3, 8 KOs), the WBA super bantamweight champion (18-2, 8 KOs). Johnson stopped Metcalf, leaving Yoshida in dire straits. She was still the IBF #1, mandatory challenger but Johnson, now recognized as champion by all the major organizations, had four mandatory defenses to make, including the IBF.
“Miyo has earned the IBF bantamweight mandatory position,” Sullivan noted, “and we don’t take lightly the fact that we’re pursuing the WBC super-bantamweight world title. But Miyo has never been afraid of a challenge, and neither am I. I didn't want another cycle of inactivity waiting for her title shot while unification fights and other sanctioning body mandatory commitments took place ahead of her IBF title opportunity. So, I seized another title opportunity, a division above. I’ve worked closely with her and know the commitment, toughness and championship mentality she brings every day. Opportunities to make history don’t come around often. I believe enough in Miyo to take this chance at a higher weight division. She’s ready to show the world once again that she belongs at the very top of this sport when she becomes a three-time world champion.”
Team Yoshida jumped at the opportunity to move up to the super bantamweight division to challenge world champion Nicolson for the WBC crown, because of the belief she has in her skills, experience and drive. “I’ve never taken the traditional path in boxing,” Yoshida added. “I’m a little different from most fighters in the boxing world. Moving up is one of the challenges but, on the other hand, I won’t have to cut as much weight which means I can step into the ring with more energy and strength. I believe my strengths are my speed, time and work rate. Rather than trying to match my opponent’s size, I think the most important thing is to fight my own style of boxing, even at 122 pounds.”
Yoshida, known as the "Fighting Single Mother" in Japan, is a respected role model and recipient of Ring Magazine's 2023 Most Inspirational Female Fighter award. She is among just 23 female world champions from Japan and only the sixth to hold world titles in multiple divisions.
A former New York State Athletic Commission Deputy Commissioner, Sullivan also manages undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight Pryce Taylor (13-0, 8 KOs), Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga (21-2, 21 KOs), Serbian heavyweight Sanel Hasanovic (10-1-1, 8 KOs), Staten Island light heavyweight Arjan Iseni (6-0, 5 KOs), Bronx NYPD officer Nisa Rodriguez (4-1, 2 KOs), lightweight Fei Faiva (6-0-1, 4 KOs) and junior featherweight Brooklyn “The Big Deal” Barwick (5-1, 5 KOs). Sullivan also co-manages welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (16-2, 12 KOs) and his cousin, middleweight Jim Donovan (2-0, 1 KO), alongside coach and ex-world champion Andy Lee.
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Miyo Yoshida looking to become three-division champ
Two-division champion Miyo Yoshida (19-5, 1 KO) is approaching her eighth world title fight and the Japanese boxer will finally get that opportunity on November 8th against WBC super bantamweight champion Skye Nicolson (16-1, 3 KOs) in a ten-round title fight on the “MVP 07” card, airing live on ESPN from Arlington, Texas. Yoshida is a promotional free agent who has fought only twice since 2024. Yoshida said, “I’m very excited. I have no amateur boxing background, but after giving birth to my daughter at the age of 27, I fully committed myself to boxing and eventually became world champion at 115 and 118 pounds. Now, I’m challenging myself to win a world title at 122 pounds and can become a three-divison world champion. I’m grateful to have made it this far. Through this fight I want to show that regardless of age, circumstances, when you started boxing, or the path you’ve taken there are always possibilities if you continue to challenge yourself."
She continued, “I was disappointed when this fight was postponed from September in the UK to (Nov. 7th) Texas. I had been preparing for this world title fight for a long time. After bringing myself to a physical and mental peak, I had to reset and build myself back up again. There are things in boxing that are simply beyond your control. The location has changed from the UK to Texas, but the most important thing for me is getting the opportunity to fight Skye for the world title. No matter where the fight takes place, my job remains the same. Now, I’m looking forward to fighting in Texas.”
“I believe a lot of thanks goes to my manager, Keith Sullivan, whom I trust very much. He has continued to patently support me and never gave up on me. I believe this world title opportunity is something we’ve earned together as a team. I didn’t get here by myself.”
Yoshida won the WBO super flyweight title in 2019 and again in 2021. On December 23, 2024, she stepped in as a late replacement in San Francisco and upset IBF bantamweight Ebanie Bridges (9-1) by a ten-round unanimous decision. On October 23, 2024, Yoshida lost her IBF title on October 23, 2024, in a ten-round rematch against Shurretta Metcalf (13-5-1, 2 KOs), as the judges had disputed scores of 99-91, 96-94, and 96-93. Yoshida’s manager, attorney Keith Sullivan, successfully submitted an appeal to the IBF, asserting that Yoshida’s performance warranted a different outcome.
The IBF ruled in January 2025 it would install Yoshida as its #1, mandatory challenger, ordering Metcalf to defend her crown against Yoshida by October 2025. Metcalf, though, requested and was granted a voluntary defense by the IBF for a unification fight with Cherneka Johnson (19-3, 8 KOs), the WBA super bantamweight champion (18-2, 8 KOs). Johnson stopped Metcalf, leaving Yoshida in dire straits. She was still the IBF #1, mandatory challenger but Johnson, now recognized as champion by all the major organizations, had four mandatory defenses to make, including the IBF.
“Miyo has earned the IBF bantamweight mandatory position,” Sullivan noted, “and we don’t take lightly the fact that we’re pursuing the WBC super-bantamweight world title. But Miyo has never been afraid of a challenge, and neither am I. I didn't want another cycle of inactivity waiting for her title shot while unification fights and other sanctioning body mandatory commitments took place ahead of her IBF title opportunity. So, I seized another title opportunity, a division above. I’ve worked closely with her and know the commitment, toughness and championship mentality she brings every day. Opportunities to make history don’t come around often. I believe enough in Miyo to take this chance at a higher weight division. She’s ready to show the world once again that she belongs at the very top of this sport when she becomes a three-time world champion.”
Team Yoshida jumped at the opportunity to move up to the super bantamweight division to challenge world champion Nicolson for the WBC crown, because of the belief she has in her skills, experience and drive. “I’ve never taken the traditional path in boxing,” Yoshida added. “I’m a little different from most fighters in the boxing world. Moving up is one of the challenges but, on the other hand, I won’t have to cut as much weight which means I can step into the ring with more energy and strength. I believe my strengths are my speed, time and work rate. Rather than trying to match my opponent’s size, I think the most important thing is to fight my own style of boxing, even at 122 pounds.”
Yoshida, known as the "Fighting Single Mother" in Japan, is a respected role model and recipient of Ring Magazine's 2023 Most Inspirational Female Fighter award. She is among just 23 female world champions from Japan and only the sixth to hold world titles in multiple divisions.
A former New York State Athletic Commission Deputy Commissioner, Sullivan also manages undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight Pryce Taylor (13-0, 8 KOs), Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga (21-2, 21 KOs), Serbian heavyweight Sanel Hasanovic (10-1-1, 8 KOs), Staten Island light heavyweight Arjan Iseni (6-0, 5 KOs), Bronx NYPD officer Nisa Rodriguez (4-1, 2 KOs), lightweight Fei Faiva (6-0-1, 4 KOs) and junior featherweight Brooklyn “The Big Deal” Barwick (5-1, 5 KOs). Sullivan also co-manages welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (16-2, 12 KOs) and his cousin, middleweight Jim Donovan (2-0, 1 KO), alongside coach and ex-world champion Andy Lee.
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Crowder getting close to bantamweight title contention |
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Bantamweight Dominique Crowder (19-0, 11 KOs) is putting the finishing touches on training camp as he prepares for one of the most important fights of his professional career. The Baltimore native will face the experienced Jayson Mama (21-4-1, 10 KOs),of General Santos City, Philippines in an eightround bout on Saturday, October 10th on BiYu Promotions’ “Heart of America Pro + Am Boxing Invitational” at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas. Crowder-Mama will serve as the chief support for an eight-round showdown between Nico Ali Walsh (12-2-1, 5 KOs) and Treavon Craycraft (9-0-1, 3 KOs). The action will be broadcast live on CombatVisionTV, giving Crowder an opportunity to showcase his skills as he continues his pursuit of a world title shot.
Crowder believes the work he has put in throughout camp has him ready for the biggest opportunity of his undefeated career. “Camp has been really good,” said Crowder. “We’ve worked hard, got a lot of rounds in, and I feel sharp. At this level, you can't just depend on one thing. You have to be able to box, make adjustments, and stay disciplined for the entire fight. I’m 19-0, but I’m still hungry. I know I have a lot more to prove, and I’m ready to show that on October 10th.”
Crowder respects Mama’s experience but welcomes the challenge of facing an opponent who will test him. “Mama is a good, experienced fighter,” he continued. “He’s coming from the Philippines to win, so I know he’ll be ready. If I say I belong with the best bantamweights in the world, then I have to prove it against good fighters. I'm expecting him to push me, and I'm ready for whatever he brings. I want to leave Kansas City 20-0, but I know I have to go earn it.”
With an IBF ranking putting him closer to bigger opportunities, Crowder wants to use the CombatVisionTV platform to show the boxing world that he belongs among the top bantamweights. “This is a big opportunity for me,” Crowder concluded. “A win moves me closer to the bigger fights I want. Fighting on CombatVisionTV gives more people a chance to see me live, so I want to put on a great performance and show everyone I’m ready for the next level.”
Ticket information is available at BiYuPromotions.com.
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Crowder getting close to bantamweight title contention
Bantamweight Dominique Crowder (19-0, 11 KOs) is putting the finishing touches on training camp as he prepares for one of the most important fights of his professional career. The Baltimore native will face the experienced Jayson Mama (21-4-1, 10 KOs),of General Santos City, Philippines in an eightround bout on Saturday, October 10th on BiYu Promotions’ “Heart of America Pro + Am Boxing Invitational” at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas. Crowder-Mama will serve as the chief support for an eight-round showdown between Nico Ali Walsh (12-2-1, 5 KOs) and Treavon Craycraft (9-0-1, 3 KOs). The action will be broadcast live on CombatVisionTV, giving Crowder an opportunity to showcase his skills as he continues his pursuit of a world title shot.
Crowder believes the work he has put in throughout camp has him ready for the biggest opportunity of his undefeated career. “Camp has been really good,” said Crowder. “We’ve worked hard, got a lot of rounds in, and I feel sharp. At this level, you can't just depend on one thing. You have to be able to box, make adjustments, and stay disciplined for the entire fight. I’m 19-0, but I’m still hungry. I know I have a lot more to prove, and I’m ready to show that on October 10th.”
Crowder respects Mama’s experience but welcomes the challenge of facing an opponent who will test him. “Mama is a good, experienced fighter,” he continued. “He’s coming from the Philippines to win, so I know he’ll be ready. If I say I belong with the best bantamweights in the world, then I have to prove it against good fighters. I'm expecting him to push me, and I'm ready for whatever he brings. I want to leave Kansas City 20-0, but I know I have to go earn it.”
With an IBF ranking putting him closer to bigger opportunities, Crowder wants to use the CombatVisionTV platform to show the boxing world that he belongs among the top bantamweights. “This is a big opportunity for me,” Crowder concluded. “A win moves me closer to the bigger fights I want. Fighting on CombatVisionTV gives more people a chance to see me live, so I want to put on a great performance and show everyone I’m ready for the next level.”
Ticket information is available at BiYuPromotions.com.
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Selby and Askin to feature on BKB 61 |
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BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing has announced the complete twelve-fight card for BKB 61, taking place Saturday, November 14th, live at the indigo at The O2 in London, England. The event will be headlined by two of the United Kingdom’s toughest, as former IBF featherweight champion “Lightning” Lee Selby (1-0, 1 KO in BKB) takes on Ollie “The Death” Sentance (2-0, 2 KOs) in the junior welterweight main event. Reigning BKB bridgerweight champion “Marvelous” Marko Martinjak (13-2, 13 KOs) of Croatia returns to action to put his title on the line against former British cruiserweight champion Matty “The Assassin” Askin (1-0, 1 KO) of the United Kingdom.
A welterweight rematch is also set for the card, as Aaron “The Baron” McCallum (9-6-1, 7 KOs) runs it back with fellow UK native Simey “The Smoke from Stoke” Doherty (10-2-1, 3 KOs) following their split draw at BKB 57 back in July. Also on the card, Ash “Bash” Devenport (3-0, 1 KO) looks to remain undefeated when he takes on Kallum Skhane (2-3, 2 KOs) in a welterweight showdown.
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Selby and Askin to feature on BKB 61
BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing has announced the complete twelve-fight card for BKB 61, taking place Saturday, November 14th, live at the indigo at The O2 in London, England. The event will be headlined by two of the United Kingdom’s toughest, as former IBF featherweight champion “Lightning” Lee Selby (1-0, 1 KO in BKB) takes on Ollie “The Death” Sentance (2-0, 2 KOs) in the junior welterweight main event. Reigning BKB bridgerweight champion “Marvelous” Marko Martinjak (13-2, 13 KOs) of Croatia returns to action to put his title on the line against former British cruiserweight champion Matty “The Assassin” Askin (1-0, 1 KO) of the United Kingdom.
A welterweight rematch is also set for the card, as Aaron “The Baron” McCallum (9-6-1, 7 KOs) runs it back with fellow UK native Simey “The Smoke from Stoke” Doherty (10-2-1, 3 KOs) following their split draw at BKB 57 back in July. Also on the card, Ash “Bash” Devenport (3-0, 1 KO) looks to remain undefeated when he takes on Kallum Skhane (2-3, 2 KOs) in a welterweight showdown.
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Mayweather vs. Garcia talks are happening |
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Although WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia seems headed towards a fight vs. three-division champion Teofimo Lopez next, there appears to be some truth to the rumors of fight discussions between Garcia and legendary multi-division champ Floyd Mayweather. With Mayweather (pictured) known to be experiencing financial difficulties, Garcia tweeted this on Wednesday: "Okay Floyd let’s see how much you love that '0' [undefeated record]... And no I wouldn’t do an exhibition. I want his 0 on the f*cking line. How much does he actually think he got left? I’m ready Floyd, remember you made this call. I’m just returning the favor. Offer is on the table. Accept or not, if not, I move forward as I have been." Still undefeated but now 49 years old, Mayweather's last official fight was in 2017 vs. Conor McGregor, although he has stayed in shape by fighting several exhibitions since then.
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Mayweather vs. Garcia talks are happening
Although WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia seems headed towards a fight vs. three-division champion Teofimo Lopez next, there appears to be some truth to the rumors of fight discussions between Garcia and legendary multi-division champ Floyd Mayweather. With Mayweather (pictured) known to be experiencing financial difficulties, Garcia tweeted this on Wednesday: "Okay Floyd let’s see how much you love that '0' [undefeated record]... And no I wouldn’t do an exhibition. I want his 0 on the f*cking line. How much does he actually think he got left? I’m ready Floyd, remember you made this call. I’m just returning the favor. Offer is on the table. Accept or not, if not, I move forward as I have been." Still undefeated but now 49 years old, Mayweather's last official fight was in 2017 vs. Conor McGregor, although he has stayed in shape by fighting several exhibitions since then.
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Alinkhanuly and Bank agree to terms |
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Gustavo Olivieri, president of the WBO, confirmed receipt of formal written notification from the representatives of Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (pictured) and Jacob Bank that the two have reached a deal to contest the vacant WBO super middleweight championship. Bank, from Denmark, is 20-0. He steps into the title picture after the last champ, Denzel Bentley, vacated rather than fight Alimkhanuly. The combined record of Bank's last six opponents is 120-4-1. In August, Bank petitioned the WBO to be named the mandatory contender for Bentley, but the WBO angered many by selecting Alimkhanuly, a former middleweight champion, over Bank despite the fact that Alimkhnauly had recently tested positive for meldonium, a banned performance enhancing substance. Alimkhanuly, from Kazakhstan, is 19-0 including the World Series of Boxing. His PED issues have left him inactive since an April 2025 win over Anauel Ngamissengue.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT. 23, 2026: In the wake of Hamzah Sheeraz's decision to vacate the WBO super middleweight championship rather than defend against drug cheat Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, the WBO has ordered Alimkhanuly and Jacob Bank to fight for the vacated title. The opportunity fell to the WBO #3-ranked Banks when WBO #2 ranked Diego Pacheco effectively ducked the opportunity by signing for another fight just as it became clear the title would become vacant. The WBO gave the parties fifteen days to negotiate a deal, with the possibility of a purse bid if no agreement is reached. Bentley went through the purse bid process but ultimately turned down an offer of $750,000 to face Alimkhanuly. That decision cost Sheeraz the title, and when the dust settled, Alimkhanuly is left to fight Bank.
SEPT. 19, 2026: The WBO is now paying the price for designating disgraced Zhanibek Alimkhanuly as the mandatory challenger for its 168-pound title. The WBO rewarded the former middleweight champion with the mandatory position despite his recent suspension for a doping violation. Rather than fight Alimkhanuly, Hamzah Sheeraz has voluntarily relinquished the WBO super middleweight championship instead of proceeding with the mandatory defense. It's not a great look for Sheeraz either, as he went through the purse bid process and saw his own promoter win the bid before deciding he didn't want to face Alimkhanuly. According to the WBO, Queensberry Promotions formally notified the organization in writing that Sheeraz made the decision after considering the terms resulting from the purse bid. "I think it's a joke. I think what the WBO has done here is disgraceful to the sport of boxing as well," Sheeraz told The Ariel Helwani Show in August.
The WBO said it respects Sheeraz's decision and a fighter's right to make career decisions in his own best interests, adding that its “doors...will always remain open to Hamzah.” The WBO World Championship Committee said it will issue a ruling on Monday, September 21st determining the status of the now-vacant super middleweight championship and how the division will proceed.
Meanwhile, Alimkhanuly remains willing to fight for the title. His promoter, Top Rank, confirmed in writing to the WBO that he is ready, willing, and able to proceed with the mandatory championship contest against Sheeraz, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the purse bid held on September 16th.
SEPT 17, 2026: The WBO announced the results of its purse bid for a super middleweight title fight. The oranization wrote: "Congratulations to Queensberry Promotions on successfully winning today’s WBO purse bid for the mandatory super middleweight championship contest between WBO champion Hamzah Sheeraz and [former middleweight champion] Zhanibek Alimkhanuly" Queensberry submitted a winning bid of $1,001,809. Under the WBO's 75/25 purse split, Sheeraz is entitled to a purse of $751,356.75 while Alimkhanuly will earn $250,452.25. The disgraced Alimkhanuly was designated the mandatory challenger for WBO despite a recent suspension for a doping violation. The positive doping test effectively cost Alimkhanuly the IBF and WBO middleweight championships, although the WBO has been very tolerant and protective of Alimkhanuly despite the doping.
SEPT. 11, 2026: Disgraced ex-champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly is moving closer to a world title opportunity despite a recent anti-doping violation. Alimkhanuly is the mandatory challenger to Hamzah Sheeraz for Sheeraz's WBO super middleweight title. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri reported that the WBO has received official confirmation from Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank that the parties have been unable to reach an agreement for Sheeraz-Alimkhanuly within the WBO's prescribed negotiation period.Therefore, the WBO has ordered a purse bid auction for Wednesday, September 16th at the WBO Main Offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
AUG. 14, 2026: Former unified middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly has been designated the mandatory challenger for WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz, less than a month after the WBO terminated Alimkhanuly's suspension stemming from an anti-doping violation. In an August 7th resolution, the WBO selected Alimkhanuly as the mandatory over Jacob Bank and ordered the Alimkhanuly and Sheeraz camps to begin negotiations for a mandatory title fight. The parties were given twenty days to reach an agreement, after which the WBO will order a purse bid. The decision is notable because Alimkhanuly's recent PED violation figured prominently in the WBO's analysis. The organization acknowledged that Alimkhanuly committed an anti-doping violation and had been suspended, while noting that he was a first-time offender who cooperated with the WBO investigation, submitted medical documentation in his defense and complied with the conditions imposed upon him. His suspension was terminated effective July 10th.
The ruling means that Alimkhanuly will now have an opportunity to become a two-division world champion against Sheeraz. However, the WBO expressly stated that ending the suspension did not erase the underlying disciplinary matter or amount to a finding that the violation had not occurred. Instead, the organization concluded that Alimkhanuly had completed the disciplinary consequences imposed upon him and was therefore once again eligible to compete in WBO-sanctioned activity.
The WBO then considered whether the PED violation and suspension should count against Alimkhanuly in determining the mandatory challenger. It declined to do so, reasoning that his suspension had already "served its disciplinary purpose" and that reducing his championship opportunities after he had completed the suspension would effectively amount to an additional competitive sanction.
That cleared the way for Alimkhanuly's championship résumé to carry the day over Bank. Alimkhanuly previously held the WBO middleweight world title, made five successful defenses and unified the WBO and IBF titles by defeating Vincenzo Gualtieri. The WBO also relied heavily on its history of giving established world champions special consideration when moving into an adjacent weight division.
Bank's petition to become mandatory challenger was denied despite the WBO recognizing his activity and victories over former IBF champion William Scull and also Tyron Zeuge. The Committee ultimately concluded that Alimkhanuly's championship experience and accomplishments presented the stronger claim.
The WBO returned to the PED issue in its conclusion, stating that it "does not minimize" Alimkhanuly's anti-doping violation, but emphasizing his cooperation, first-offender status and completion of the terms of his suspension. The Committee concluded that the prior suspension no longer presented an impediment to his eligibility and that it could not impose an additional competitive penalty after the disciplinary conditions had been satisfied.
JULY 25, 2026: Heavily favored Hamzah Sheeraz stumbled and barely defeated Simon Zachenhuber by majority decision to retain the WBO super middleweight title. The scores of 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 reflect Sheeraz' showing, and it was not the performance many were expecting from Sheeraz. He was expected to finish Zachenhuber early and with ease. Instead, Sheeraz fought down to the level of his competition.
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Alinkhanuly and Bank agree to terms
Gustavo Olivieri, president of the WBO, confirmed receipt of formal written notification from the representatives of Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (pictured) and Jacob Bank that the two have reached a deal to contest the vacant WBO super middleweight championship. Bank, from Denmark, is 20-0. He steps into the title picture after the last champ, Denzel Bentley, vacated rather than fight Alimkhanuly. The combined record of Bank's last six opponents is 120-4-1. In August, Bank petitioned the WBO to be named the mandatory contender for Bentley, but the WBO angered many by selecting Alimkhanuly, a former middleweight champion, over Bank despite the fact that Alimkhnauly had recently tested positive for meldonium, a banned performance enhancing substance. Alimkhanuly, from Kazakhstan, is 19-0 including the World Series of Boxing. His PED issues have left him inactive since an April 2025 win over Anauel Ngamissengue.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT. 23, 2026: In the wake of Hamzah Sheeraz's decision to vacate the WBO super middleweight championship rather than defend against drug cheat Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, the WBO has ordered Alimkhanuly and Jacob Bank to fight for the vacated title. The opportunity fell to the WBO #3-ranked Banks when WBO #2 ranked Diego Pacheco effectively ducked the opportunity by signing for another fight just as it became clear the title would become vacant. The WBO gave the parties fifteen days to negotiate a deal, with the possibility of a purse bid if no agreement is reached. Bentley went through the purse bid process but ultimately turned down an offer of $750,000 to face Alimkhanuly. That decision cost Sheeraz the title, and when the dust settled, Alimkhanuly is left to fight Bank.
SEPT. 19, 2026: The WBO is now paying the price for designating disgraced Zhanibek Alimkhanuly as the mandatory challenger for its 168-pound title. The WBO rewarded the former middleweight champion with the mandatory position despite his recent suspension for a doping violation. Rather than fight Alimkhanuly, Hamzah Sheeraz has voluntarily relinquished the WBO super middleweight championship instead of proceeding with the mandatory defense. It's not a great look for Sheeraz either, as he went through the purse bid process and saw his own promoter win the bid before deciding he didn't want to face Alimkhanuly. According to the WBO, Queensberry Promotions formally notified the organization in writing that Sheeraz made the decision after considering the terms resulting from the purse bid. "I think it's a joke. I think what the WBO has done here is disgraceful to the sport of boxing as well," Sheeraz told The Ariel Helwani Show in August.
The WBO said it respects Sheeraz's decision and a fighter's right to make career decisions in his own best interests, adding that its “doors...will always remain open to Hamzah.” The WBO World Championship Committee said it will issue a ruling on Monday, September 21st determining the status of the now-vacant super middleweight championship and how the division will proceed.
Meanwhile, Alimkhanuly remains willing to fight for the title. His promoter, Top Rank, confirmed in writing to the WBO that he is ready, willing, and able to proceed with the mandatory championship contest against Sheeraz, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the purse bid held on September 16th.
SEPT 17, 2026: The WBO announced the results of its purse bid for a super middleweight title fight. The oranization wrote: "Congratulations to Queensberry Promotions on successfully winning today’s WBO purse bid for the mandatory super middleweight championship contest between WBO champion Hamzah Sheeraz and [former middleweight champion] Zhanibek Alimkhanuly" Queensberry submitted a winning bid of $1,001,809. Under the WBO's 75/25 purse split, Sheeraz is entitled to a purse of $751,356.75 while Alimkhanuly will earn $250,452.25. The disgraced Alimkhanuly was designated the mandatory challenger for WBO despite a recent suspension for a doping violation. The positive doping test effectively cost Alimkhanuly the IBF and WBO middleweight championships, although the WBO has been very tolerant and protective of Alimkhanuly despite the doping.
SEPT. 11, 2026: Disgraced ex-champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly is moving closer to a world title opportunity despite a recent anti-doping violation. Alimkhanuly is the mandatory challenger to Hamzah Sheeraz for Sheeraz's WBO super middleweight title. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri reported that the WBO has received official confirmation from Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank that the parties have been unable to reach an agreement for Sheeraz-Alimkhanuly within the WBO's prescribed negotiation period.Therefore, the WBO has ordered a purse bid auction for Wednesday, September 16th at the WBO Main Offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
AUG. 14, 2026: Former unified middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly has been designated the mandatory challenger for WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz, less than a month after the WBO terminated Alimkhanuly's suspension stemming from an anti-doping violation. In an August 7th resolution, the WBO selected Alimkhanuly as the mandatory over Jacob Bank and ordered the Alimkhanuly and Sheeraz camps to begin negotiations for a mandatory title fight. The parties were given twenty days to reach an agreement, after which the WBO will order a purse bid. The decision is notable because Alimkhanuly's recent PED violation figured prominently in the WBO's analysis. The organization acknowledged that Alimkhanuly committed an anti-doping violation and had been suspended, while noting that he was a first-time offender who cooperated with the WBO investigation, submitted medical documentation in his defense and complied with the conditions imposed upon him. His suspension was terminated effective July 10th.
The ruling means that Alimkhanuly will now have an opportunity to become a two-division world champion against Sheeraz. However, the WBO expressly stated that ending the suspension did not erase the underlying disciplinary matter or amount to a finding that the violation had not occurred. Instead, the organization concluded that Alimkhanuly had completed the disciplinary consequences imposed upon him and was therefore once again eligible to compete in WBO-sanctioned activity.
The WBO then considered whether the PED violation and suspension should count against Alimkhanuly in determining the mandatory challenger. It declined to do so, reasoning that his suspension had already "served its disciplinary purpose" and that reducing his championship opportunities after he had completed the suspension would effectively amount to an additional competitive sanction.
That cleared the way for Alimkhanuly's championship résumé to carry the day over Bank. Alimkhanuly previously held the WBO middleweight world title, made five successful defenses and unified the WBO and IBF titles by defeating Vincenzo Gualtieri. The WBO also relied heavily on its history of giving established world champions special consideration when moving into an adjacent weight division.
Bank's petition to become mandatory challenger was denied despite the WBO recognizing his activity and victories over former IBF champion William Scull and also Tyron Zeuge. The Committee ultimately concluded that Alimkhanuly's championship experience and accomplishments presented the stronger claim.
The WBO returned to the PED issue in its conclusion, stating that it "does not minimize" Alimkhanuly's anti-doping violation, but emphasizing his cooperation, first-offender status and completion of the terms of his suspension. The Committee concluded that the prior suspension no longer presented an impediment to his eligibility and that it could not impose an additional competitive penalty after the disciplinary conditions had been satisfied.
JULY 25, 2026: Heavily favored Hamzah Sheeraz stumbled and barely defeated Simon Zachenhuber by majority decision to retain the WBO super middleweight title. The scores of 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 reflect Sheeraz' showing, and it was not the performance many were expecting from Sheeraz. He was expected to finish Zachenhuber early and with ease. Instead, Sheeraz fought down to the level of his competition.
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It's Bahdi vs. Schofield fight week |
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MVP heads to Wintrust Arena in Chicago this Saturday, October 10th, live on DAZN. The headliner on the four-bout main card will be a twelve-round fight for the vacant WBA lightweight championship between two undefeated contenders: “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) and Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield III (19-0, 13 KOs). The main card is expected to start at 9:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. local time in Chicago), with main event ringwalks expected around 11:00 p.m. ET.
ADDITIONAL BOUTS:
Jahmal Harvey vs. Pedro Castaneda, lightweights;
Jan Paul Rivera vs. Abraham Perfecto, junior lightweights; and
Naomy Valle vs. Sheyla Moreno, light flyweights.
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It's Bahdi vs. Schofield fight week
MVP heads to Wintrust Arena in Chicago this Saturday, October 10th, live on DAZN. The headliner on the four-bout main card will be a twelve-round fight for the vacant WBA lightweight championship between two undefeated contenders: “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) and Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield III (19-0, 13 KOs). The main card is expected to start at 9:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. local time in Chicago), with main event ringwalks expected around 11:00 p.m. ET.
ADDITIONAL BOUTS:
Jahmal Harvey vs. Pedro Castaneda, lightweights;
Jan Paul Rivera vs. Abraham Perfecto, junior lightweights; and
Naomy Valle vs. Sheyla Moreno, light flyweights.
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Riley to defend European title vs. undefeated Coupe |
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Viddal Riley will put his European cruiserweight title on the line next month, live on DAZN. The unbeaten Riley, defends his EBU crown against mandatory challenger Seydi Coupe (14-0) on November 14th at OVO Arena Wembley in London.MF PRO is serving up a packed Saturday Fight Night with Riley vs. Coupe leading a show that also features Zelfa Barrett vs. Gavin Gwynne, Yaser Al Ghena vs. Ben Marksby and Tom Welland vs. Jack Dillingham.
A rematch dripping with animosity between Dan Toward and Jak Corrie adds needle to the show, with recent MF PRO recruit Cameron Vuong also part of the undercard. But London’s Riley is the star attraction as he takes on the dangerous Coupe.
After winning the title in March, the 29-year-old is fixed on dazzling once more. Riley said: “It’s main event season. It’s taken 14 wins... to make it here and I look forward to owning the moment. I am defending what’s mine as the EBU European champion and I will put on a statement performance to show why I’m mandatory for the IBF.”
Kalle Sauerland, co-founder of MF PRO, said: “The Rilist returns to headline a massive Saturday Fight Night on November 14, live only on DAZN – and the fight is a banger! Viddal could easily have waited patiently for his shot at the IBF world title but off the back of his Mateusz Masternak masterclass, he wanted to keep the show on the road by taking on his mandatory challenger. Coupe is unbeaten and dangerous, but Viddal is a world-champion-in-waiting and we’re expecting a big win, live on DAZN.”
Amer Abdallah, MF PRO President said: “A champion isn’t defined by just winning the belt, but by defending it. On November 14, Viddal Riley will have the opportunity to do exactly that and prove once again why he is the number one cruiserweight in Europe and deserves a world title opportunity. This isn’t just about defending what he’s earned—it’s about making a statement that Viddal Riley is one of the best cruiserweights on the planet.”
Riley, 14-0, has risen to European champion and one of the world’s leading cruisers, having previously won the English and British titles. March’s win over respected gatekeeper Masternak, a unanimous points win at a sold-out O2 Arena, put a marker down to the champions at 200 pounds, with a world title shot in Riley’s sights.
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Riley to defend European title vs. undefeated Coupe
Viddal Riley will put his European cruiserweight title on the line next month, live on DAZN. The unbeaten Riley, defends his EBU crown against mandatory challenger Seydi Coupe (14-0) on November 14th at OVO Arena Wembley in London.MF PRO is serving up a packed Saturday Fight Night with Riley vs. Coupe leading a show that also features Zelfa Barrett vs. Gavin Gwynne, Yaser Al Ghena vs. Ben Marksby and Tom Welland vs. Jack Dillingham.
A rematch dripping with animosity between Dan Toward and Jak Corrie adds needle to the show, with recent MF PRO recruit Cameron Vuong also part of the undercard. But London’s Riley is the star attraction as he takes on the dangerous Coupe.
After winning the title in March, the 29-year-old is fixed on dazzling once more. Riley said: “It’s main event season. It’s taken 14 wins... to make it here and I look forward to owning the moment. I am defending what’s mine as the EBU European champion and I will put on a statement performance to show why I’m mandatory for the IBF.”
Kalle Sauerland, co-founder of MF PRO, said: “The Rilist returns to headline a massive Saturday Fight Night on November 14, live only on DAZN – and the fight is a banger! Viddal could easily have waited patiently for his shot at the IBF world title but off the back of his Mateusz Masternak masterclass, he wanted to keep the show on the road by taking on his mandatory challenger. Coupe is unbeaten and dangerous, but Viddal is a world-champion-in-waiting and we’re expecting a big win, live on DAZN.”
Amer Abdallah, MF PRO President said: “A champion isn’t defined by just winning the belt, but by defending it. On November 14, Viddal Riley will have the opportunity to do exactly that and prove once again why he is the number one cruiserweight in Europe and deserves a world title opportunity. This isn’t just about defending what he’s earned—it’s about making a statement that Viddal Riley is one of the best cruiserweights on the planet.”
Riley, 14-0, has risen to European champion and one of the world’s leading cruisers, having previously won the English and British titles. March’s win over respected gatekeeper Masternak, a unanimous points win at a sold-out O2 Arena, put a marker down to the champions at 200 pounds, with a world title shot in Riley’s sights.
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