Nicholas Walters revives career with big win

Nicholas Walters revives career with big win
Nicholas Walters W10 Joseph Adorno... Former featherweight champion Nicholas Walters is back at the world level after taking more than six years off from boxing during 2015-2022. Now fighting as a lightweight, Walters took a unanimous decision from Joseph Adorno in Plant City Florida. The Jamaican prevailed by scores of 95-94, 97-92 and 98-91. This is the third win of Walter's comeback, but Adorno was several levels above Walters' last two opponents. Adorno (18-4-2) was penalized a point for hitting Walters after the bell sounded to end round nine. The 38 year-old Walters had a very strong round ten to put an exclamation point on his career-reviving win. 
 

Shigeoka brothers to share the bill on March 31st

Shigeoka brothers to share the bill on March 31st
Yudai Shigeoka (8-0, 5 KOs) defends his WBC minimumweight title for the first time against Filipino Melvin Jersusalem (24-3, 12 KOs) on the last day of March at the International Conference Hall in Nayoya, Japan. Yudai’s younger brother Ginjiro, also a southpaw, with a record of 10-0, 8 KOs, defends his IBF title against ArAr Andales (14–3, 6 KOs) on the same show. Yudai's amateur record was 82-10, 20 KO’s. He won four national titles, and in 2018, he won the All Japan Boxing Championship at light flyweight. He wanted to compete in the last Olympics, but his weight category was scrubbed, so without further ado, he turned pro.
 
Yudai was looking forward to fighting Panya Pradabsri for the WBC championship, but the veteran Thai fell ill with strep throat and a temperature. So Yudai fought Wilfredo Mendez for the WBC interim title. He knocked down Mendez in the fifth and seventh and Mendez was counted out. Then, Yudai fought and convincingly defeated Panya via unanimous decision. All the more remarkable, because in round five, he fractured both hands, yet persevered to triumph. Still aged twenty six, he’s four years younger than his challenger Jerusalem, who is a former world champion himself.
 
Jerusalem is a former WBO champion at 105 pounds.
 
 

Final Presser quotes for Top Rank's ESPN show

Final Presser quotes for Top Rank's ESPN show
Mexican warrior Oscar Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) will lock horns against Australia's Liam Wilson (13-2, 7 KOs) for the WBO interim junior lightweight title this Friday, March 29th at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.  In the co-feature, WBC/WBA champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs) and WBO/IBF ruler Yokasta Valle (30-2, 9 KOs) will collide for the undisputed world minimumweight crown. Valdez-Wilson & Estrada-Valle headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. First bell is set for 6:10 p.m. ET/3:10 p.m. PT, and the co-feature will begin at approximately 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.
 
The undercard will feature lightweight Raymond "Danger" Muratalla (19-0, 16 KOs), who returns in a ten-rounder versus Xolisani Ndongeni (31-4, 18 KOs), and Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado (19-0, 14 KOs), who will face compatriot Carlos Sanchez (25-2, 19 KOs) in a ten-round junior welterweight showdown.
 
Additionally, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-rounder against Don Haynesworth (18-8-1, 16 KOs), while lightweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (8-0, 7 KOs) takes on Nelson Hampton (10-8, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder.
 
Phoenix-based Sergio Rodriguez (10-0-1, 8 KOs) will square off against Sanny Duversonne (12-6-2, 9 KOs) in a six-round middleweight tilt.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.
 
At Wednesday's press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.
 
Oscar Valdez
 
“I’m going to be ready. I was preparing myself for a world championship fight. Then we got the news that it’s now for an Interim title. So, I’m more than excited and prepared, and we’re going to show that.” 
“I was taking this fight as seriously as a world championship fight. I know Liam Wilson. He’s a tough fighter. I was there when he fought Emanuel Navarrete, and he sent him to the canvas. So you better believe that I’m coming with everything because I’m expecting that same Liam Wilson.”
 
“Liam Wilson is a dangerous fighter. But that makes it more exciting. And the Interim title adds fuel to the fire. I’m very motivated, and I will do everything possible to win this fight.”
 
Liam Wilson
 
“Every fight for me now is a world title fight. So, I’ve prepared really hard for it. This is my second run at a world title. And I’ve shown in the past that if I can get a second run, I can be very dangerous. I’m very ready for this fight.”
 
"I’m glad he was there {for my fight against Navarrete}. The whole world saw what happened. I should have already become world champion. This fight between me and Valdez should have already happened. I won the belt that night. It wasn’t awarded to me. But that’s just the way things played out. But, we’re here now and we’re going to settle the score.”
 
“I’ve grown as a person. I’ve grown as a fighter. I’ve had a year to reassess my abilities. So, I’m better prepared now. It has all led to my second run at a title.”
 
Seniesa Estrada
 
“This means everything. This is something that I have been wanting for a long time. It’s something that my team and I have worked so hard for, so I’m not going to let this moment slip away."
 
“For me it’s personal, but I’m still professional. I’m not trying to fight her on stage or anything. We had our back and forth. But the talk is over. It’s time for us to get in there.”
 
“Now it’s about women’s boxing. It’s about us getting in there on Friday night and putting on a great performance for everybody. And it’s about showing the world that women’s boxing is here, it’s on the rise, and we are great."
 
Yokasta Valle
 
"For me, it would be a dream come true to make history for women, for boxing. I'm more than enthusiastic for this week, and I'm looking forward to it."
“On my end, it’s been professional. That’s the way I see it. I’ve trained hard for a great fight. This isn’t personal. I respect her as the champion that she is. And in the ring, we will see who is the real champion.”
 
Raymond Muratalla
 
"These last two fights have been impressive. I believe I'm ready for that title shot."
 
"Come Friday, it's going to amazing in Arizona. I can't wait to put on a show. I can't wait to feed off the crowd."
 
Lindolfo Delgado
 
"I'm on a mission with myself to be the best version of myself. I haven't reached that version yet. So, I have to push myself each time, and for that, I have to get better with each fight, not worse. I have to keep moving forward to try and improve with each camp and each fight."
 
"He's a good fighter, and we know him as he was a teammate of mine on the Mexican national team. We went to different places to compete. But now this is a totally different thing. We're concentrated and we're prepared. We know it's going to be a hard fight, but we're prepared."
 
Richard Torrez Jr.
 
"Every time, you're just trying to get better from your previous self. And do I think I'm getting better from my previous self."
 
“It’s really hard for me to picture the long-term plan. Because I have so many short-term goals in front of me. So, I just want to keep winning. Whatever Top Rank has in store, it’s up to them and my dad. On my end, I will get through any obstacle.”
 
Sergio Rodriguez
 
"This is what I want to do, and I want to continue to do it as long as I can."
 
"I want to put on another great performance. Even if it's not a knockout, I want my people to be happy with my fight."
 
Emiliano Fernando Vargas
 
“I want to dominate. There’s something about Arizona fans. It’s something special about here. I’m young. I’m hungry. I know where I’m supposed to be. I just want to be great. That’s all I want to do.”
 
"I'm just grateful to have this support system behind me. This sport gets lonely. If I'm cutting weight, if I'm doing my miles, I'm calling my brothers and saying, 'Come run with me!' It doesn't matter if it's 12 in the morning, if it's one in the morning, if it's two in the morning. That's my support. That's my backbone. If they're throwing four punches on the bag, I'm throwing six, and that's how we've always been."
  
Friday, March 29
 
FIRST BELL: ESPN+ (6:10 p.m. ET/3:10 p.m. PT) 
 
Oscar Valdez vs. Liam Wilson, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Interim Junior Lightweight World Title
 
Seniesa Estrada vs. Yokasta Valle 10 rounds, Undisputed Minimumweight Championship
 
Raymond Muratalla vs. Xolisani Ndongeni 10 rounds, Lightweight
 
Lindolfo Delgado vs. Carlos Sanchez, 10 rounds, Junior Welterweight
 
Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Don Haynesworth, 8 rounds, Heavyweight 
 
Sergio Rodriguez vs. Sanny Duversonne, 6 rounds, Middleweight
 
Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Nelson Hampton, 6 rounds, Lightweight
 
Alan Garcia vs. Gonzalo Fuenzalida, 6 rounds, Lightweight
 
Art Barrera Jr. vs. Keven Soto, 4 rounds, Junior Welterweight
 
Ricardo Ruvalcaba vs. Avner Hernandez-Molina, 6 rounds, Junior Welterweight
 

Beatriz Ferreira's goal: win world title then Olympic gold

Beatriz Ferreira's goal: win world title then Olympic gold

Beatriz Ferreira's goal: win world title then Olympic gold
Brazilian amateur star turned 4-0 professional Beatriz Ferreira will face Argentina’s Yanina del Carmen Lescano for the vacant IBF lightweight title at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on Saturday April 27th – live worldwide on DAZN. The title most recently belonged to Katie Taylor, who appears to have moved up to 140 pounds. Ferreira, who captured a silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics, put pen to paper on a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in July 2022 before making her much pro debut at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland later that year. The 31-year-old from Sao Paulo returns to fight in the UK for the second time following her points win over Karla Ramos Zamora at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in July 2023, aiming to capture a world title in just her fifth professional fight before turning her attention to winning gold at the Paris 2024 games this summer.
 
“I’m very excited to be fighting for a world title in just my fifth pro fight,” said Ferreira. “A few other opponents didn’t accept the challenge to fight me for the [vacant] title. I don’t understand that attitude but Lescano was brave enough to accept and I know she will be a tough challenge. I want to put on a great show in Liverpool next month and make sure I go to the Olympics in Paris as the reigning World Champion in both the professionals and amateurs. That would be very special. I won Silver at the last Olympics in Tokyo and I am very focused and confident that I can upgrade that medal to Gold in Paris.”
 
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
 
Sunderland’s rising welterweight Pat McCormack (5-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring for his first fight since July 2023 to face Argentina’s William Andres Herrera (16-3, 7 KOs)...
 
Rotherham junior middleweight Junaid Bostan (8-0, 6 KOs) faces Southminster’s Jack Martin (9-1, 4 KOs) in a final eliminator for the English Title...
 
There’s also action for Eltham super flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (5-0), Matchroom’s latest featherweight signing Joe McGrail (9-0, 5 KOs), Walsall flyweight pro debutant Hamza Uddin and Liverpool lightweight Frankie Stringer (6-0).

Mbilli to face Heffron in May

Mbilli to face Heffron in May
Super middleweight contender Christian "Solid" Mbilli, who recently signed a co-promotional contract with Top Rank, has booked a ten rounder against Mark "Kid Dynamite" Heffron on Saturday, May 25th at Gervais Auto Center in Shawinigan, Canada. In the ten-round heavyweight co-feature, Arslanbek Makhmudov, will fight former nemesis Junior Fa. This international event will be presented by Eye of the Tiger will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
 
“It's always a source of pride to bring major fights to Mauricie, but this time, I can undoubtedly say we're reaching another level. These are highly risky international fights we'll present on May 25, where there will be no room for error. But, with Mbilli and Arslanbek, we aim for the top, so we must be ready to face real challenges," said Eye of the Tiger President Camille Estephan.
 
Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) has run roughshod over a host of super middleweights so far, including former world title challenger Nadjib Mohammedi and Ecuadorian puncher Carlos Góngora. Most recently, as the co-feature to the Artur Beterbiev-Callum Smith main event in Quebec City, he battered Rohan Murdock en route to a sixth-round stoppage in front of more than 10,000 spectators.
  
Mbilli said, “No matter where he comes from and who he is, my opponent will have to arrive ready because on May 25th, I will once again demonstrate why I belong with the elite of the super middleweights. Mark Heffron is just another boxer on my path. I respect him, but I won't be gentle with him, just like with the others. I am convinced that we will deliver quite a fight in Shawinigan, but victory is the only option for me.”
 
Heffron (30-3-1, 24 KOs), from Oldham, England, is a former British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion who once fought to a draw with Denzel Bentley. He rebounded from last September’s TKO defeat to Jack Cullen with February’s second-round TKO over Serhii Ksendzov.
 
Heffron said, "I am incredibly excited to be coming over to Canada to box Christian Mbilli. I have followed Christian's career and always thought we would end up boxing each other. We are two of the most exciting super middleweights out there, so this will be an excellent fight that the fans will love. I am very confident of winning this fight. I wouldn't be traveling all the way to Canada if I wasn't sure of the win.”
 
Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) steps back into the ring in Shawinigan to restart his conquest of the heavyweight division. After suffering a knockout defeat and a double-hand fracture against Agit Kabayel last October, he will attempt to settle an old score. Fa bested Makhmudov via five-round decision in 2012 in India, as part of the World Series of Boxing.
 
"I've already faced him in a very close fight that he won when we were amateurs, so I am more than determined to avenge that defeat," Makhmudov said.
 
Fa (20-3, 11 KOs) is an eight-year pro who started his career 19-0 before dropping a decision to fellow New Zealander Joseph Parker in 2021. He was part of last December's “Day of Reckoning” super event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hanging tough before being knocked out in the seventh round by unbeaten contender Frank Sanchez. 
 
Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. ET this Friday, March 29, on the Ovation network at www.ovation.qc.ca. The full card, which will also feature Mauritian adoptees Wilkens Mathieu and Mehmet Unal, as well as Alexandre Gaumont, Luis Santana, Christopher Guerrero, and Jhon Orobio, will be unveiled at a later date.
 
 

Scoby to square off with Linger on April 19th

Scoby to square off with Linger on April 19th
Junior welterweight slugger Kurt Scoby (13-0, 11 KOs) will return to the ring at the Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta on April 19th. Scoby will be facing off against Dakota Linger (13-6-3, 9 KOs) of Buckhannon, West Virginia, in a scheduled eight-round main event. This fight, promoted by OTX (Overtime Boxing), will be televised live on DAZN. Training in the gritty depths of Brooklyn's infamous Gleason's Boxing Gym, Scoby's grinding away with trainers Don Saxby and Leon "Cat" Taylor.  Scoby, who tends to keep his words short and to the point, sums up his feelings about his reputation and training regimen saying, "“I’ll never be satisfied!”
 
Co-managers Brandon Stump and Daniel Gonzalez, alongside promoter Lou DiBella, believe Scoby has every attribute to become something special in the ring. With their combined efforts, they have confidence that they will strategically guide Scoby's journey to the top of the boxing world. Here is what they had to say. “Kurt Scoby has been making a lot of noise training in New York, everyone is talking about him,” stated Stump, the president of CTB Athletics. “Everyone watching live in Atlanta or on DAZN is going to see his explosiveness. There is no doubt in my mind that Scooby will become the face of boxing in New York City, it's just a matter of time.”
 
“Kurt Scoby is a world class athlete with world class discipline and world class talent,” said Gonzalez. “2024 is going to be an amazing year for him and for OTX Boxing. There is no doubt in my mind that he will move from being a prospect to being a real contender in the loaded super lightweight division.
 
“Kurt Scoby is one of the best prospects in boxing right now at 140 pounds,” added Dibella, from NYC. “He’s also an explosive puncher. He had a stellar 2023 and will begin 2024 back on Overtime in a tough contest, on April 19, against an upset-minded Dakota Linger. A win here helps push Scooby further up the world ratings."
 

Gerula vs. Casamassa headlines in Western PA

Gerula vs. Casamassa headlines in Western PA

Gerula vs. Casamassa headlines in Western PA
Gionta Management will present pro boxing championship in Western Pennsylvania this Saturday night (March 30) as Mary Casamassa battles Olivia Gerula in the ten-round super middleweight main event at Steamfitters 449 Union Hall in Harmony, Pennsylvania. In the co-feature, Pittsburgh’s popular super middleweight “Pretty” Richie Cantolina (7-0-1, 3 KOs) faces Jonathan Ryan Burrs (4-8-1, 1 KO) in a six-round bout. “Brawl at the Hall,” presented by Gionta Management, will be streamed live on www.CombatSportsNow.com for $19.99.
 
Casamassa (4-0, 1 KO) is a 24-year-old southpaw from Pittsburgh. “I am very excited to be headlining this card, and I am looking forward to the challenge of fighting someone with as much experience as Olivia,” Casamassa commented. “It’s a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait.”
 
Gerula (19-20-3, 3 KOs) is a veteran Canadian boxer who is a former WBC super featherweight champion. Now 44 years old, she has fought in multiple championship matches and her opponents’ list is a virtual who’s who of women’s boxing: Amanda Serrano, Mia. St. John, Kathy Collins, Jaime Clampitt, Jennifer Han, Maureen Shea, and Jelena Mrdjenovich, who Gerula defeated to capture her world title.
 
“Training camp is running smoothly,” Gerula noted. “I am focused on fighting a southpaw for the first time in my 26+ years. I’m so excited for this fight. I moved from Winnipeg to Las Vegas in 2020 with the singular goal of winning my next World Title – March 30th is the day! All talk aside, I will let my hands do the talking from the first bell to the very last.”
 
“I’m excited to hold a fight of this magnitude here in Pittsburgh for the first time,” promoter Derek Gionta said. “Female boxing is gaining popularity and there are a number of phenomenal female fighters out there to thank for that. Olivia Gerula is battle tested and she recently went eight rounds with a very solid boxer, Olivia Curry. Mary will be at her best and we expect the same from Olivia.”
 
ADDITIONAL BOUTS 
 
Aliquippa (PA) junior middleweight Paul Palombo (6-0, 1 KO), throws down with Devonte Jones (3-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder.... Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts is West Virginia super middleweight Tyler Aincough (2-1, 1 KO) vs. TBD, Pittsburgh featherweight Michaelangelo Turner (0-5) vs. Tyquan Johnson (0-1), and Ambridge. PA junior middleweight Tre Craycraft (6-0, 1 KO) vs. TBD. Card subject to change.
 
Tickets are available to purchase online at www.eventbrite.com (“Brawl at the Hall”) or by calling 1.412.759.0407.
 
 
 
 

A few words with welterweight Louie Lopez

A few words with welterweight Louie Lopez
Welterweight Louie Lopez (14-2-2, 5 KOs), from Corona, California is gearing up for his upcoming fight against fellow Californian Jesus Resendiz (8-0-1, 6 KOs). The scheduled eight-round bout will headline CBN Promotions’ March 30 thcard at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. Lopez, a local fan favorite, will be coming into this fight with a dog mentality as he will be facing another undefeated fighter, the seventh of his professional career. Lopez is coming of a draw against Salvador Briceno (18-7-1, 11 KOs) in his last fight. The entire event will be broadcast live on Fubo Sports and on tape delay on Fox Deportes and Estrella TV. Doors open and at 5:00 pm PT with the first bout beginning at 6:00 pm PT. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cbnpromotions.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810. Here is what Lopez had to say about his recent training camp, his matchup with Resendiz, fighting in another televised main event, and more.
 
On his recent training camp: “After my last fight I was back in the gym training as I wasn’t satisfied with my last performance. For this camp I got superior sparring partners and I’m in better shape. I’m doing things a lot smarter now and I feel these minor changes will make a big difference. Training camp has finally wrapped up and I’m ready to go.” 
 
On his matchup with Resendiz: “This is going to be a tough fight against anther undefeated fighter, but I want to let everyone know that I never turn down a fight. I’m a throwback fighter who is willing to fight anyone, and Resendiz is the type of fighter I look forward to facing, because he’s never tasted defeat. Stylistically, this will be an exciting fight for the fans because we both like to come forward.”
 
On fighting in another televised main event: “I’m truly blessed to be fighting on the national stage once again, and I’m grateful to my promoter Alex Camponovo for the opportunity. I promise I’m going to bring another exciting fight for the fans. When you fight on TV, it always motivates you to come out swinging.”
 
On what a win will do for his career: “A victory will help me get closer to a big fight against someone in the top ten. I know I have to put a few big wins together to accomplish that goal, so I’m going to do everything in my power to win this fight.”
 
 
 

Ex-champ Nicholas Walters in tough tonight

Ex-champ  Nicholas Walters in tough tonight
Ex-featherweight champion Nicholas Walters (28-1-1, 22 KOs) and Joseph Adorno (18-3-2, 15 KOs) are set to leave it all on the line tonight (March 27th) on ProBox TV’s Wednesday Night Fights. The pair meet in a crossroads fight at lightweight. Walters took more than six years off after losing to Vasiliy Lomachenko, but has strung together two low-level wins since embarking on the comeback trail in 2023. In another 50/50 banger tonight, Jesus Saracho (13-1, 11 KOs) clashes with Starling Castillo (18-1-1, 13 KOs) at junior welterweight. Omar Juarez (14-2, 5 KOs) returns from his layoff against local favorite Clarence Booth (21-9, 13 KOs) as Juarez looks to put himself back in contention for a big fight. WNF is available in both English and Spanish with commentary and analysis from former world champions Paulie Malignaggi, Chris Algieri and Juan Manuel Márquez.  

Matias to defend vs. Paro in Puerto Rico

Matias to defend vs. Paro in Puerto Rico

Matias to defend vs. Paro in Puerto Rico
IBF junior welterweight champion Subriel Matías makes a homecoming return to Puerto Rico to defend his title against Liam Paro at the Coliseo Juan Aubín Cruz Abreu in Manatí on Saturday June 15th, live worldwide on DAZN. Matías (20-1, 20 KOs) landed the vacant IBF 140-pound title last February, forcing Jeremias Ponce to retire after five rounds. He defended his title against mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev in November, forcing another retirement, this time after six rounds in Las Vegas, continuing his streak of finishing all of his victories inside the distance.
 
The 31-year old puts the title on the line for the second time in a hotly clash that marks his return to fighting in his homeland for the first time since November 2019. “I am super excited to be able to be in front of my people defending the title that we had such a hard time getting,” said Matías. “The mentality will always be the same and in front of my people I don’t even have to say it, they know me. The Pride of Maternillo.”
 
The Australian Paro (24-0, 15 KOs) is looking to spoil the party in his first world title fight. The 27-year old was at his spiteful best in his last outing, flooring Montana Love twice in a six-round bludgeoning in San Francisco in December. The unbeaten southpaw was previously ruled out of a title fight vs. Regis Prograis through injury, but now lands the chance to rip the title from one of the most feared champions in the sport, and Paro is champing at the bit for his opportunity. “I’ve waited my whole life for this opportunity,” said Paro. “Fighter’s fight and I can’t wait to fight the boogeyman in his backyard.”
 
June 15th represents Matchroom’s first event in Puerto Rico, and it’s the first fight with Matías after he signed a co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Fresh Productions. “Puerto Rico is preparing for a world-class event with the expected second defense of champion Subriel Matias,” said Juan Orengo, Fresh Productions. “We expect a night full of action and excitement for boxing fans. I thank the Mayor of Manatí, Honorable José Sanchez for his commitment and collaboration to make this event at the home of the Osos de Manatí.”
 
“The celebration of this important event headed by Subriel Matias in our city’s coliseum not only highlights local talent, but also has a significant impact on our economy and tourism,” said Mayor of Manatí, Honorable José Sanchez.
 
“Sporting events of this magnitude attract visitors from all over which boost the economic activity of our city through spending on lodging, gastronomy, transportation and other related activities. In addition, by highlighting Manatí as a destination for high-caliber sporting events, we are strengthening our position in the tourism sector and promoting long-term economic growth.
 
“We are excited to see the benefits this event will bring to our city, both in terms of sporting prestige and economic development, and we look forward to welcoming the fans who will come to enjoy this exciting event in our coliseum.
 
“I am so excited to be bringing Subriel back home for his second World title defense,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s an honor for Matchroom to be heading to Puerto Rico for the first time and there’s no doubt that Subriel and Liam will produce an epic battle to mark the occasion.
 
“We want to thank the Mayor of Manatí, Honorable José Sanchez and his office for working with us to make this happen, and we promise to deliver a night to remember on June 15.”
 
Tickets for Matías vs. Paro will go on sale on April 5 via Ticketera.com  
 

Teenage Curmel Moton to face third straight unbeaten foe

Teenage Curmel Moton to face third straight unbeaten foe
Mayweather Promotions’ Curmel Moton takes on fellow unbeaten Anthony Cuba in a six-round super featherweight tilt that highlights the non-televised undercard this Saturday, March 30th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is headlined by a pay-per-view event featuring WBO 154-pound champion Tim Tszyu against Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora. The vacant WBC 154-pound title is also up for grabs in the main event, while WBA 140-pound champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero meets Mexico's Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in the chief support.
 
The highly-touted 17-year-old Moton (2-0, 2 KOs) had made waves by turning pro last year with a pair of knockout victories over previously unbeaten foes. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah and now residing in Las Vegas, Moton ended each of his pro fights in one round, stopping Ezequel Flores in September and Hunter Turbyfill in November.
 
The non-televised undercard will also see Argentina's Mirco Cuello (13-0, 11 KOs) taking on Sulaiman Segawa (16-3-1, 6 KOs) in a ten-round featherweight attraction, plus super featherweight  Justin Viloria (4-0, 3 KOs) battling Erick Benitez (5-5-1, 1 KO) in a six-round duel. Rounding out the lineup is Las Vegas featherweight Kalpo Gallegos (3-0-1, 3 KOs) in a six rounder against St. Louis’ Eric Howard (6-1, 1 KO), and the pro debut of super lightweight Adrian Neaves taking on Steven Walker (0-1) in a four-round showdown.
 
A native of Los Angeles, Cuba (7-0-2, 3 KOs) added three victories to his ledger in 2023, including most recently dominating Angel Barrera across six rounds on his way to a unanimous decision in December. The 21-year-old has fought professionally since 2020, and put together his three-fight winning streak following a split draw in September 2022. 
 
The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defending against Michael Zerafa, plus WBC flyweight champion Julio César Martínez facing off against unbeaten contender Angelino Cordova in the pay-per-view opener.
 
Preceding the pay-per-view will be a two-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, topped by middleweight Elijah García taking on Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis in a ten-round attraction. Kicking off the stream will be exciting 154-pound contenders Serhii Bohachuk and Brian Mendoza battling for the Interim WBC 154-pound title. The two matchups will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.
 
 
 
 
 

Heavyweight George Arias will take on undefeated Skylar Lacy

Heavyweight George Arias will take on undefeated Skylar Lacy
On Thursday, April 18th, DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing will make its debut in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena. The 121st edition of the longest-running grassroots boxing series will be headlined by heavyweight “Gentleman” George Arias squaring off against the undefeated Skylar Lacy. Tickets for Broadway Boxing are on sale now and can be purchased via www.2300arena.com. The 2300 Arena is located at 2300 S Swanson Street. Dominican George Arias (18-1, 7 KOs), a New York Golden Gloves champion based out of The Bronx, NY, will face his ninth undefeated adversary when he meets Skylar Lacy (8-0-1, 6 KOs), of Indianapolis in the eight-round main event. The card will also feature a high-powered heavyweight clash between Cleveland’s Roney Hines and Tennesee's Robert Hall Jr., scheduled for eight rounds. 
 
Arias is coming off of a spirited battle against top-rated Jared Anderson last year. The six-foot-tall Arias will be giving up a significant height advantage to Lacy at six-foot-seven, though, he has shown he is very capable of dismantling a much taller foe. In December 2021, Arias upset the previously undefeated six-foot-six Cassius Chaney on points, outboxing him with fast hands and deft footwork. Lacy is coming off of a second-round stoppage victory against Hector Coronado on March 16 in Mexico.
 
“I am excited to get back in the ring. I’ve always believed that, as a fighter, one should be able to take risk and dare to be great. My last performance against Jared Anderson was exactly what I needed to understand that more is required of me,” said Arias. “I have been working tirelessly in the gym to perfect my flaws and my style. I am very thankful to my promoter, Lou DiBella, for believing in me and allowing me to develop. I can’t wait to begin a new chapter as a more mature and disciplined fighter on his way to becoming the first Dominican heavyweight champion of the world.”
 
This show will see heavyweight hopeful Hines (13-0-1, 8 KOs) step up his competition level. Hines trains with veteran trainer Eric Brown in Los Angeles and is co-managed by Robert Diaz and Sheer Sports. He is coming off of a unanimous decision win against Jonathan Gruber last November. The 28-year-old Hines had an extensive amateur career that included over 90 fights and a win at the National Golden Gloves, before making his professional debut in July 2018. Hall Jr. (14-2, 11 KOs) last entered the ring in September, when he faced contender Jerry Forrest, losing a unanimous decision over eight rounds.
 
“I’m going to show out,” said Hines of the contest. “I’m not worried about who’s in front of me. They have to deal with me. I was born to fight. You get up and brush your teeth, I get up and box. I just want to be the best.”
 
“I’ve wanted to bring Broadway Boxing to Philadelphia for a long time and I’m thrilled to debut the series at the 2300 Arena, where I know we will have a raucous, passionate crowd,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The heavyweight division remains in flux and is ripe with opportunities to break through. This card will feature two exciting and meaningful heavyweight clashes with contender George Arias making his ring return against an undefeated Skylar Lacy and rising undefeated prospect Roney Hines taking on his toughest assignment in the crafty and experienced Robert Hall Jr. Also, several popular Philadelphia prospects will populate the card, including the hard-hitting, superbly talented Tahmir Smalls as well as Erron Peterson and Romuel Cruz, both undefeated and under the guidance of boxing sage Breadman Edwards. Kestna Davis, a fighter advised by Lennox Lewis, and unbeaten female featherweight contender Tiara Brown will also compete.”
 
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
 
Also on the card, undefeated 24 year-old Philadelphia welterweight Tahmir Smalls (11-0, 8 KOs) will take on Ezequiel Victor Fernandez (29-7-1, 3 KOs) of Argentina, in an eight-round bout. Smalls is a familiar face at the 2300 Arena, having previously fought there five times. With his father, Lawrence Smalls, as his trainer and a former amateur boxer himself, Tahmir has been around the sweet science all of his life and began competing at the age of eight. After winning the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves tournament, Smalls turned pro in September 2019. He trains out of Philly’s Next Champ boxing gym, also known as Bozy’s Dungeon, where Derrick “Bozy” Ennis trains his son, IBF welterweight world champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis. 
 
Featherweight contender Tiara Brown (16-0, 11 KOs), of Lehigh Acres, FL, will compete in a six-round contest. Before moving back to Florida, where she was raised, to fully focus on her boxing career, Brown had been a police officer in Washington D.C., for nearly six years. She was once honored as the Police Officer of the Year by the Metropolitan Police Department of D.C. Brown will be fighting in the U.S. for the first time since 2019. She is coming off of a first-round stoppage victory against Angi Romero on February 17th in Colombia
 
Two unbeaten boxers trained by Stephen “Breadman” Edwards out of James Shuler Memorial Gym in West Philadelphia will appear on the undercard in separate bouts. Six-foot-tall middleweight southpaw Erron “JYD” Peterson (5-0-1, 4 KOs) was an All-City linebacker in high school before turning his full attention to boxing at the age of 21. Following a brief-but-successful amateur campaign, Peterson, managed by his father Salah, turned pro in July 2022. Junior featherweight Romuel “Cuco” Cruz (10-0-1, 4 KOs), promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions, was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, but moved to Philadelphia, PA, as a toddler. He began boxing as a teenager and has been under Edwards’ tutelage since his pro debut in December 2017.
 
Jamaican junior middleweight southpaw Kestna “Hardball” Davis (5-0), based out of Vauxhall, NJ, will box in a four-round bout. He is advised by former undisputed heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Davis moved to the U.S. in 2018. Davis has been mentored by the former world champion since they met in July 2016 through the Lennox Lewis League of Champions Foundation. 
 
“I’m looking forward to seeing Kestna in the ring. He’s been training hard after a while out, so it will be good to see how the work is paying off,” said Lewis.
 
Additional information on the event will be announced shortly.
 

New trainer for Cobbs in hopes of a Broner fight

New trainer for Cobbs in hopes of a Broner fight

New trainer for Cobbs in hopes of a Broner fight
Soon after signing with Don King promotions, Blair "The Flair" Cobbs (16-1-1, 10 KOs), has officially teamed up with boxing coach Justin Gamber. Together, they are working in harmony and the two seem to be a perfect fit for each other. "I'm really liking the way things are going with Coach Justin,” stated Cobbs, who is a native of Philadelphia, but now trains out of Las Vegas.  “We're putting in the work, day in and day out, and I can feel myself improving with each session. Together, I believe we're unstoppable." A fight between Cobbs and Adrien Broner is being worked out and an announcement on who Blair Cobbs will fight next will be revealed shortly. 
 
"Blair has all the tools to compete at the elite level of boxing,” said Gamber. “He’s really hungry to get back in the ring and show everyone he still has a lot of fight left in him. I'm confident that we can achieve great things together."
 
"Blair and Coach Justin make a dynamic team, and I'm thrilled to see them working together towards their shared goals,” Greg Hannely, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing and Cobbs' manager said. “There's no limit to what they can achieve in the ring."
 
 

Ramirez's cruiserweight title shot finally upon him

Ramirez's cruiserweight title shot finally upon him
Notoriously inactive Arsen Goulamirian will defend his WBA cruiserweight belt against former super middleweight title holder Gilberto Ramírez (pictured) this Saturday at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. The Frenchman of Armenian origin will make his debut on American soil and is ready to show what he is capable of. Goulamirian has clogged up the cruiserweight division for years now, defending his title only one time since the onset of the coronavirus era in early 2020. The undefeated 36-year old, who has a long reign at 200 pounds, will make his fifth defense after almost two years of inactivity due to various problems. In his most recent fight, 2022, he defeated Aleksei Egorov in France with a fairly dominant unanimous decision. On the other side will be Ramírez, a well-known boxer in the world who will have a new opportunity for a world title. The Mexican lost a light heavyweight title bid against Dmitry Bivol in 2022 but has now risen to his third weight category. 
Goulamirian has 27 wins, has not known defeat and has knocked out 19 rivals, while Ramírez has 45 wins, 1 loss and 30 knockouts.
 

Franchon Crews Dezurn now WBA super super middleweight champion

Franchon Crews Dezurn now WBA super super middleweight champion
The WBA has promoted Franchon Crews Dezurn to super champion in the super middleweight division. Until the end of February 2024, the WBA rankings showed Savanah Marshall as the 168-pound champion and Dezurn as the WBA interim champion. Marshall won the title on July 1, 2023, when she defeated Dezurn by majority decision in the United Kingdom. But on February 29th, the WBA Women’s Committee received an e-mail from Marshall’s representative, John Wischhusen, advising that Marshall is still coming off a hand injury and has plans, other than boxing, before returning to the ring as a boxer, which, “hopefully,” could be around September/October 2024. In addition, Wischhusen expressed that the title could be vacated, and Marshall could be placed among the top ten contenders, at the discretion of the committee.
 
The WBA also added a provision that Dezurn must defend her WBA title against a contender from the top ten in the division at any time prior to one hundred and twenty (120) days, counting from the date she is placed as the sole champion.
 

Argentina's Lescurat books title defense in Australia

Argentina's Lescurat books title defense in Australia

Argentina's Lescurat books title defense in Australia
WBA 115-pound champion Clara Lescurat will have another international title defense. On April 24th, she will defend her title against Australian Linn Sandstrom in Sydney. Lescurat (10-0, 4 KOs) is coming off her third successful defense on February 24th against Mexico's Regina Chavez in what was a challenging fight in her hometown of Buenos Aires. Sandstrom, 32 years old, born in Sweden but based in Australia, will arrive at the match with a record of 8-2-2 with 2 KOs. This will be Sandstrom's biggest career challenge. Going 1-2-1 in her forst four fights, Sandstrom did not have a good start to her career, but she has managed to remain undefeated in her last 8 fights, including her last one against Arisara Wisetwongsa in an eliminator on January 25th in Thailand. 
 

A few words with Jesus Resendiz

A few words with Jesus Resendiz
Jesus Resendiz (8-0-1, 6 KOs) from San Diego, will step into the ring with fellow Californian Louis Lopez (14-2-2, 5 KOs) and the two will clash on CBN Promotions’ March 30th card at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. Resendiz vs. Lopez, a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout, will serve as the main event. Resendiz will be stepping into the ring for the second time in 2024, after scoring a third round knockout against Rosekie Cristobal (15-7, 11 KOs) in January. Resendiz plans to stay busy for the rest of the year. The entire event will be broadcast live on Fubo Sports and on tape delay on Fox Deportes and Estrella TV. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cbnpromotions.com or www.ticketon.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810. Here is what Resendiz had to say about his recent training camp, his matchup with Lopez, putting his undefeated record on the line, and more.
 
On his recent training camp: “This will be my second training camp this year and a lot of hard work has been put in. I feel rejuvenated at this point in my career, and it has shown during this camp. I feel really sharp, and my stamina is at an all time high. I’m in tremendous shape and I’ll be throwing a lot of punches in this fight.”
 
On his matchup with Lopez: “Based off his last few fights, Lopez is a true warrior who brings a lot of passion and energy into the ring. I’m anticipating an all-out slugfest. I’ll be ready to bang it out or battle to the final bell, either way, its going to be a fun fight for the fans to see.”
 
On putting his undefeated record on the line: “Right now, I’m taking all fights presented to me as I feel I’m ready to take my career to the next level. I plan on staying undefeated and I will do everything to make that a reality. It’s now or never for me and I’m going all in.”
 
On what a win will do for his career: “Beating Lopez will certainly help me climb the rankings. My goal is to capture a regional title by the end of the year, and a victory on March 30th will help that cause."

TCL Update: O'Toole joins the Boston Butchers

TCL Update: O'Toole joins the Boston Butchers
Undefeated Irish light heavyweight Thomas O’Toole has signed up with the Boston Butchers of Team Combat League (TCL) and is set to make his mark in a distinctive boxing league. O'Toole is fresh off a victory in Galway over St. Patrick’s weekend and has decided to join this novel venture. In the coming months, O’Toole will represent Boston in the team format competition that features one-round bouts. TCL features teams from various regions competing across six male and two female weight classes. Each fighter engages in one three-minute round, earning a point for their team with a victory. Speaking upon signing with Boston Butchers, O'Toole (9-0, 6 KOs) said: “From Galway, Ireland and living in Boston, this light heavyweight is ready to take on the challenge of Team Combat League and bring a banner back to the Beantown!”
 

Bare knuckle fights in New Mexico on Friday

Bare knuckle fights in New Mexico on Friday

Bare knuckle fights in New Mexico on Friday
It’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Week in New Mexico – BKFC 59 goes down Friday under the bright lights at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, live worldwide on The BKFC App. New Mexico is home to some of the biggest bare knuckle fans on the planet – and many of the game’s most exciting and dangerous fighters. Nobody fits that description better than ABQ’s John “The Magician” Dodson, who defends his BKFC flyweight (125 pounds in bare knuckles) championship for the first time. Standing across from Dodson in the squared circle is Dagoberto Aguero from the Dominican Republic who looked stellar in his BKFC debut victory over Chancy Wilson. Dodson, a former UFC title challenger, is looking to improve to 4-0 with a fourth straight, first-round finish under the BKFC banner. Aguero’s combat resume includes a 15-2 record as a traditional boxer, with 10 of those victories coming by knockout. Aguero's last gloved fight was a 2022 loss to Azat Hovhannisyan.
 
Friday's chief support will be a middleweight showdown between Donald Sanchez and Dallas Davison. Sanchez is riding high with back-to-back wins, most recently taking out Noah Cutter with a 35-second stoppage victory in January. Davison is headhunting for his third finish in the squared circle.
 
Will "The Brown Bomber" Santiago looks to smash his way to 3-0-1 with a third stoppage victory against his toughest challenge yet, the surging James "Knucklehead" Dennis, in a matchup of hard-hitting welterweight contenders. Dennis is looking to notch his third straight finish in the Squared Circle.
 
Friday’s action on The BKFC App features a number of other fan-favorite fighters, like featherweight Marc Entenberg (1-0), welterweight Felipe "Flip" Chavez (1-0) and bantamweight Anthony Sanchez (1-1), among others.
 

Berlanga to appear at Box Fan Expo

Berlanga to appear at Box Fan Expo
Super middleweight Edgar Berlanga will appear at the Seventh Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4th at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega-fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena. Berlanga will hold a meet and greet at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Box Fan Expo coincides with some of the sports' legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs and Canelo vs. GGG III.  Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite -https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024
 
Berlanga will make his first appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Berlanga will also have merchandise to sell. Boxing fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as the “The Chosen One”. 
 
Berlanga joins Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Roy Jones Jr., Erik Morales, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Spinks, Claressa Shields and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.
 
Although born in Brooklyn New York, Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) feels very connected to his parent’s native land of Puerto Rico. Berlanga began boxing at the age of seven. His childhood idol was Puerto Rican legend Felix “Tito” Trinidad, which inspired Berlanga to work hard and gather an impressive amateur record of 162 wins with 17 losses. Berlanga won bronze (2013) and gold (2015) in the US Youth National Championships. Berlanga turned pro in 2016, in Mexico and began his professional career with 16 consecutive first round knockouts.
 

Valdez vs. Wilson to vie for WBO interim title at 130

Valdez vs. Wilson to vie for WBO interim title at 130
The WBO has granted sanction approval for the Oscar Valdez vs. Liam Wilson bout, which is scheduled for Friday, March 29th at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona to be a WBO interim title contest in the 130-pound division. The WBO sanction has the following conditions: (i) the winner of Valdez-Wilson must face the WBO junior lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete. However, Navarrete is currently booked to fight Denis Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight title on May 18th.2 If Navarrete wins the WBO lightweight title on May 18th, he has up ten days to determine in which weight division he wishes to remain WBO champion. If Navarrete defeats Berinchyk and determines to remain at lightweight, the winner of Valdez-Wilson will be elevated to full champion status and must make a mandatory defense within six months. [Confusingly,] if Navarrete loses to Berynchyk, the WBO Championship Committee reserved its right to determine whether the junior lightweight championship will be declared vacant or not.
 

Welcome to Tszyu vs. Fundora fight week

Welcome to Tszyu vs. Fundora fight week

Welcome to Tszyu vs. Fundora fight week
The line-up of broadcasters who will call the inaugural PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video on Saturday, March 30th, headlined by the Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora has been announced.  Providing blow-by-blow for this Las Vegas event will be renowned boxing commentator Mauro Ranallo, with former three-division champion Abner Mares and legendary Hall of Fame trainer Joe Goossen on fight analysis. In the host position will be veteran announcer Brian Custer, while Claudia Trejos and Jordan Plant will each provide ringside reporting. For the Spanish language pay-per-view, Alejandro Luna will deliver the blow-by-blow.
 
Ranallo was the longtime voice of boxing on Showtime, in addition to play-by-play duties for entities including WWE SmackDown and NXT, Bellator MMA and more. A Mexican Olympian and a four-time world champion throughout a career that saw him become one of Southern California’s most popular fighters, Mares worked as an analyst for Showtime from 2020 through 2023. One of boxing’s most celebrated trainers, Goossen has operated the Ten Goose Boxing Gym for many years, training top fighters including Shane Mosley, Amir Khan, Riddick Bowe, Diego Corrales and many more. Behind the mic, Goossen was acclaimed for his commentating with Fox Sports from 2018 through 2022.
 
Custer won two Emmy awards while working at SNY-TV, and currently is a featured ESPN talent appearing on SportsCenter and more. He’s experienced in the fight game as well, as a longtime host of SHOWTIME Championship Boxing. Trejos is a veteran of ESPN and ESPN Deportes broadcasts and is a member of the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame, while Plant was a fixture ringside reporting for FOX Sports boxing events.
 
Luna is a two-time Emmy nominee and has handled Spanish blow-by-blow for Showtime, Fox Sports and Univision.
 
The announcer teams will also be on the call for the two preliminary PBC on Prime Video fights that stream live and for free, regardless of Prime Video membership, beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.
 
The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is topped by rising star and reigning champion Tim Tszyu taking on all-action contender Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora for Tszyu’s WBO title and the vacant WBC 154-pound world title in the main event, plus WBA 140-pound champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz meeting in the co-main event.
 
The pay-per-view will also see Cuban star and reigning WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defend his belt against mandatory challenger Michael Zerafa, plus WBC flyweight champion Julio César Martínez defends his world title against unbeaten contender Angelino Cordova in the pay-per-view opener.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are available now through AXS.com. The main event is promoted in association with No Limit Boxing.
 

A few words with super featherweight Liam Wilson

A few words with super featherweight Liam Wilson
Liam Wilson is eager to claim his spot among the top fighters in the junior lightweight division. The Australian former title challenger will take on former two-division champion Oscar Valdez in a twelve-round attraction this Friday, March 29th at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. In the co-feature, WBC/WBA champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada and WBO/IBF ruler Yokasta Valle will collide  the undisputed world minimumweight championship. Waldez-Wilson and Estrada-Valle will be streamed live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. Wilson (13-2, 7 KOs) is a five-year pro who made his U.S. debut by nearly upsetting Emanuel Navarrete in a bid for the vacant WBO junior lightweight title at Desert Diamond Arena last February. The 28-year old stunned Navarrete with a left hook before flooring him with a flurry of punches in the fourth. Wilson was eventually stopped in the ninth round, but he bounced back with victories over Carlos Alanis in August and Jackson Jon England in December. Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs), a two-time Mexican Olympian, returns following an August defeat against Navarrete at the same venue.
 
Following a recent training session in Henderson, Nevada, this is what Wilson had to say:
 
“I’ve had two fights since the Navarrete fight. I feel much more prepared this time around. I’m going back to the same place. I’m much more familiar with the whole atmosphere there. I’m really looking forward to March 29th.” 
 
“I think he’s going to want to prove himself in this fight. He wants to show that he still has what it takes to be a world champion. So, while I’m not sure what to expect, I know he is well rounded. You don’t become a two-division world champion by being one-dimensional.”
 
“It’s hard to predict what’s going to happen with him. In the past, he’s shown that he likes to go in there and brawl. But he’s also been boxing and moving more in his last couple fights. So, I’m not too sure what to expect from him, but I’m ready for anything.”
 
“He has been in a lot of wars. I have that tendency as well. If a fight gets rough, I get dragged into it. So, I’m ready for anything. I’m going to use my abilities. I’m going to stick to my game plan. But I’m also ready for a war.”
 

Introducing Desi Martinez Promotions

Introducing Desi Martinez Promotions
Desi Martinez Promotions is set for its inaugural show this Saturday night, March 30th, at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. "The best fighters in the world come from Mexico and the United States," said Martinez, referring to how he intends to provide a platform in a good meeting place like San Antonio to showcase North American boxers' skills. Seven bouts are set to take place, including the main event between Giovanni Cabrera (21-1) of Chicago and Ricardo Quiroz (13-3) of Oxnard, California in a ten-round lightweight battle. The opening bell is 5PM.  Former champion Jesse James Leija and media personality Carolina Teague are set to do commentary.  Tickets can be purchased here.
 

Don King back with Miami show on April 27th

Don King back with Miami show on April 27th

Don King back with Miami show on April 27th
Legendary boxing promoter Don King has put together "The Quest for the Best," set to take place on Saturday, April 27th at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai in Miami, Florida. King commented: "In the ring, there's no room for hesitation, only domination. 'The Quest for the Best' will be a testament to the relentless pursuit of greatness in the squared circle." Middleweight Ian Green (18-2, 12 KOs) has been a fan favorite at Casino Miami. In the main event, the New Jersey native aims to win his seventh straight as he takes on Ohio's Roy Barringer (10-4, 6 KOs). Miami's own Ahmed Elbiali (23-1, 18 KOs) will face California's Sergio Jimenez (13-0-1, 11 KOs) in a light heavyweight showdown. The third featured bout will see Pennsylvania lightweight Antonio Perez (9-0, 5 KOs) against Los Angeles’ Oscar Acevedo (9-1).
 
The evening of boxing also will feature four undercard fights. Florida junior welterweight DeVon Williams (4-0, 4 KOs) will face Julio Tanori (1-1, 1 KO)...  
 
Angel Perez (9-0, 7 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA will take on Nigel Fennell (13-3, 8 KOs) of Chula Vista, CA in an eight-round welterweight attraction... 
 
A ten-round bantamweight fight will feature Boynton Beach, Florida's Lawrence Newton (16-0, 7 KOs) challenging Luis Tenorio (10-0, 8 KOs) of Tulua, Colombia and...
 
The final undercard fight is a six-round welterweight attraction will feature Semajay Thomas (11-1, 8 KOs) of Chicago.
 
Tickets are now on sale at www.playcasinomiami.com.  For those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast live on DonKing.com, Fite.tv, and Itube247.com. 

TCL Update: Gabi Morales to be part of NY roster

TCL Update: Gabi Morales to be part of NY roster
As Team Combat League (TCL) gears up for its second season, an interesting anomaly catches attention: Gabi Morales, hailing from Massachusetts, has chosen to fight for the New York team rather than his local Boston squad. “The coach for NYC Attitude called, hit me up and said he would love for me to come down and try out for the team,” explained Morales, a 9-0 lightweight who is signed to Reyes Boxing Promotions. “Me and the family went down to New York after I got the call. It was a good time.”
 
Morales’s decision stems from a lack of intrigue in the Boston team’s dynamics. “I heard they had a Boston team, it didn’t really intrigue me, because I already know how Boston works and they like to move,” Gabi shared. “So I didn’t really care for it all, but when the NY coach called me and told me that he wanted me to come down, that’s what lit the fuse underneath me.”
 
For Morales, this move represents more than just a change in location. “I just never had that camaraderie with any of the Boston fighters,” he explained. “I’ve always took my own path, I don’t like feeling like I’m following the crowd. That’s why originally it wasn’t it my plans.”
 
As Gabi prepares for his TCL debut, followed by a bout in New Hampshire on April 6th, the 28-year-old boxer seeks to continue his undefeated streak and make his mark in the TCL ring.
 
 
 

Michell Banquez continues career rebound

Michell Banquez continues career rebound
Michell Banquez W10 Kevin Muñoz ... Venezuelan bantamweight Michell Banquez got a big road win, defeating Kevin Muñoz by unanimous decision this weekend in Buenos Aires. After ten rounds of action, Banquez carried all three scorecards by tallies of 96-94. Banquez’s record is 22 wins, 4 losses and 5 knockouts, while Munoz left with his record at 16 wins, 3 setbacks and 6 knockouts. The Venezuelan is in a new stage of his career after going 0-3 in the United States from 2022-2023. This was his second consecutive fight in Argentina, where he has found a new lease on life 
 
 
 
 

Team Combat league's second season starts this week

Team Combat league's second season starts this week
Francis Ngannou’s coach, Dewey Cooper, announced that the second season of Team Combat League (TCL) is set to premiere on March 28th, 2024. TCL made waves in the boxing world when it was first introduced in 2023, offering a fresh and innovative take on the sport. With 24 rounds of intense professional boxing action, the league pits two teams against each other to determine which city boasts the best fighters. According to Cooper, each team consists of both male and female fighters, with each round presenting a new opportunity for competitors to showcase their skills and dominate their opponents. The team with the highest cumulative points at the end of the 24 rounds emerges victorious, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
 
The inaugural season of TCL featured renowned fighters like 2012 Olympian Michael Hunter, and the upcoming season is expected to showcase even more talent. Former IBF flyyweight champion Ava Knight of the Las Vegas Hustle team and former NFL player and UFC fighter Greg Hardy are among the notable names set to compete in the league.
 
The reigning champions, the New York City Attitude team, are gearing up to defend their title after clinching victory in season one. However, they’ll face stiff competition from rival teams eager to dethrone them and claim the championship for themselves.
 
TCL's championship finals are scheduled to take place in London later in the year.
 
In Cooper’s words, TCL offers “insanity in a great boxing package,” promising fans an unforgettable experience filled with electrifying matchups and jaw-dropping moments.
 
 

Big update on Saudi June 1st show

Big update on Saudi June 1st show

The Matchroom vs. Queensberry 5 vs. 5 show will take place on June 1st in support of the world light heavyweight championship unification fight between Artur Beterviev and Dmitri Bivol. The 5 vs. 5 between the British promotional rivals will support the show. In a video today, the five weight classes were selected, with the match-ups to be announced at a press conference on April 15th. Queensberry's Frank Warren selected the heavyweight and middleweight divisions. Matchroom's Eddie Hearn chose the featherweight and light heavyweight categories. Saudi moneyman, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, said the fifth fight would be another heavyweight fight, but allowed Matchroom to go out and draft a boxer to join the Matchroom team for that day. The two rumored heavyweight fights on social media have been Filip Hrgovic vs. Daniel Dubois and Zhilei Zhang vs. Deontay Wilder, but there was no confirmation given on today's video relese.Alalshikh also said he was beginning to plan a big show to London's Wembley Stadium in September.

RDR Promotions returns this weekend

RDR Promotions returns this weekend
RDR Promotions returns to the Harrahs Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack in Chester, Pennsylvania on Saturday night, March 30th. In the eight-round main event, junior welterweight Greg Outlaw Jr, (13-2, 7 KOs) of Bowie, Maryland takes on tough veteran Rondale Hubbert (16-28-3, 10 KOs) of Duluth, Minnesota. In the six-round co-feature, highly regarded super flyweight LeAnna Cruz (7-0) of Allentown, PA fights Beata Dudek (3-1, 3 KOs) of Miskolc, Hungary. Cruz won an eight-round unanimous decision over Tania Walters on November 10th in Philadelphia. Dudek is coming off her first blemish as she dropped a six-round decision to Brittany Sims on March 1st in El Paso, Texas.
 
Outlaw has quality wins over Kashon Hutchinson (2-0), Mack Allison IV (8-1-1), Edgar Torres (8-1-1), Johnathan Montrel (12-0) and his last fight when he scored an opening round knockout over Sebastian Gabriel Chaves on November 10th in Philadelphia. Hubbert is a twelve year-pro and has wins over Winston Anderson (4-0), RJ Lasse (12-1), Tony Lee (11-2-1) and his last bout when he took out Marklin Bailey in three rounds on February 16th in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
 
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
 
In four-round bouts, Rashan Adams (5-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Ryan Picou (3-15-1 of Las Vegas in a super featherweight contest...
 
Trinidad Vargas (4-0, 1 KO) of Grand Prairie, Texas fights Robin Ellis (6-2, 5 KOs) of New York in a super flyweight contest...
 
Nasheed H. Harris (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington, DC takes on Twon Smith (3-8, 2 KOs) of Oklahoma City in a light heavyweight bout...
 
Deric Davis (2-0,2 KOs) of Fort Washington, Maryland will square off with Emond Driver (1-2, 1 KO) of Indianapolis in a lightweight contest...
 
Hakeem Harmon (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Christopher Puryear (2-1) of Jacksonville, Florida in a lightweight fight...
 
Steve Cunningham Jr, (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pittsburgh takes on Jeremiah Kendrick (1-3, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout...
 
Lamar Smith of Philadelphia makes his pro debut against Anthony Young (0-7) of Philadelphia in a junior welterweight bout...
 
Also in a six-round bout, undefeated cruiserweight Stanley Johnson (3-0, 2 KOs) of Houston, Texas will take on an opponent to be named...
 
Juan Davila (4-0, 2 KOs) of Franklinville, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a lightweight fight...
 
Tyshwan Denson (2-0, 1 KO) of Akron, Ohio takes on an opponent to be named in a super featherweight fight and ...
 
Deutrell Perry of Hatfield, PA will make his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a lightweight fight.
 

Ryan stops Harper after just three rounds

Ryan stops Harper after just three rounds
Sandy Ryan TKO3 Terri Harper ... Sandy Ryan retained her WBO welterweight championship in Sheffield, England when Terri Harper was pulled out of the fight by her corner following the third round. "I know Terri Harper and I knew I had to take it to her early," Ryan said as quoted by the DAZN website. "I had to be more smart in my work, but I knew I had to take it to her and stick to the game plan."   
 
Harper, who remains the WBA junior middleweight champion tweeted: “Sometimes the journey is better than the destination. The biggest thank you to Sandy Ryan, [promoter] Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for the opportunity. I had the best camp and preparation for this fight, [there was] nothing more I could’ve done. Sometimes you just get beat by the better person. A big thank you to all my team and [trainer] Stefy Bull for having my health as priority. Thank you to my sponsors and everyone who came out to support last night, I'm gutted to not get the win. Going to switch off and spend my time with loved ones before getting back in the gym to rebuild. I’m home and safe and that’s all that matters. In the end I only took 
Ryan for a paddle [and not into] deep waters. Congrats, champ."
 

Rogava wins in California

Rogava wins in California
Tsotne Rogava KO1 Antonio Brown... Toro Promotions’ three heavyweights all turned in knockout performances on Saturday night at LumColor Phoenix Center in Ontario, California. The 6’ 5”, 264-pound Tsotne Rogava kept his pro record perfect with his sixth victory in six fights, all won by early knockouts.  Born in Georgia, the fast-rising Rogava absolutely destroyed Antonio Brown (8-5, 8 KOs), dropping him three times in the opening round for his third straight first-round stoppage of an opponent. A former Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer, Rogava simply overpowered Brown, who also has knockout power based on his career record. Rogava has boxed a grand total of only eight rounds in his six pro fights, with nobody getting through two complete rounds yet.
 
Alexander Flores KO3 Josue Vargas ... California's Alexander Flores rebounded from his ten-round unanimous decision loss to Dante Stone this past January by landing at will and closing the show in the third round against Josue Vargas (5-7-2, 2 KOs). Three of Flores' other pro career losses have all been to champions: Luis Ortiz, Joseph Parker, and Charles Martin.
 
Kingsley Ibeh KO1 Derek Cardenas ... Nigeria's Kingsley Ibeh, who lives in Phoenix, who stands 6’ 4” and tips the scales at 299 pounds, extended his win streak to seven with a first-round knockout of a game Derek Cardenas (9-12, 2 KOs). Ibeh, whose cousin is the infamous heavyweight Ike Ibeabuchi decked Cardenas twice in round one to improve to 12-2-1 with 10 KOs.
 
 

Marc Castro to battle Abraham Montoya on April 6th

Marc Castro to battle Abraham Montoya on April 6th
Super featherweight Marc Castro told Matchroom’s ‘Flash Knockdown’ podcast that he has a spring in his step in training today after being told he will fight Abraham Montoya at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Saturday April 6th, shown live worldwide on DAZN. Castro (11-0 8 KOs) recorded another stoppage win in his first ten round clash in November in Los Angeles, only needing seven of the scheduled ten to get Gonzalo Fuenalida out of there. The Fresno talent and former amateur stud made his pro debut in December 2020 in San Antonio but acknowledged on the podcast that taking on Montoya (22-5-1, 14 KOs) represents a significant step-up.
 
Castro said, "my team, Matchroom and my manager Keith Connolly all feel like I am ready for this. We’re moving as a unit and that’s the most important thing to me... I treat this like a job, I am here to do my job. Sometimes you don’t want to go to work but at the end of the day you get it done and that’s how I look at it. It’s most definitely my toughest test. I know he has been in there with some great boxers at super featherweight, he has a win over Lopez the current [IBF featherweight] champion, so he has a great resume and he’s never been stopped. I am always thinking about the best-case scenario which is the KO and that’s what we train for, but at the end of the day we’re training for the ten rounds, and I know that he’s coming to fight.
 
“I feel most comfortable at super featherweight. Trying to figure out the weights was a bit of an issue, but now we’ve got that sorted we’ll be rocking and rolling. I can be at peak condition at 130 pounds, fast and strong, with a lot of agility. I’ve been training since the last fight. I’ve just been keeping ready for whenever Matchroom could get me out and that’s April 6 so you will see the improvements in me. Las Vegas is so special, I always get my fans spending their hard-earned money to come and watch me fight, that means the world to me, seeing them coming together for every fight. My support is growing tremendously, it makes me really happy. I’ve learned a lot about myself from training, in the ring, out of the ring and my public image, all of that. The main thing I’ve learned is treating every day like a regular day, trying to make the most of every day and keep everything the same so once fight night comes, it’s just another day at the office, and that includes keeping my circle small.”
 
Castro takes on Montoya on a stacked card in Las Vegas which is topped by a double-header featuring two more of Matchroom’s hottest young fighters as Richardson Hitchins takes on Gustavo Lemos in a final eliminator for the IBF 140-pound title and Diego Pacheco faces Shawn McCalman at super niddleweight...  Briton’s Olympic gold medal star Galal Yafai goes back-to-back in the US as he will enter the ring against Agustin Mauro Gauto, while World title action on the card could see Skye Nicolson become a world champion at the first attempt as she tackles former ruler Sarah Mahfoud for the vacant WBC featherweight title.
 
Harley Mederos kicks off the action on April 6 over six rounds at Super-Featherweight against Pedro Vicente, the same distance that former Team USA talent Steven Navarro will make his pro debut at Super-Flyweight against Jose Lopez.
 

Starling Castillo faces Jesus Saracho on Wednesday

Starling Castillo faces Jesus Saracho on Wednesday
Starling Castillo (18-1-1, 13 KOs), a junior welterweight from the Dominican Republic who trains under the tutelage of Bob Santos in Las Vegas,will face off against Jesus Saracho (13-1, 11 KOs) from Mexico n Wednesday, March 27th.  The ten-round bout will take place at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida and will be broadcast internationally on ProBox TV's Wednesday Night Fights.
 
Castillo, known for his high ring IQ and superior boxing skills, has fought just once in the last seventeen months. "A victory in this fight will get me back in contention to compete for a world title in the 140-pound division,” said Castillo, who is promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz. “I've been training hard alongside coach Santos, and I'm confident that all the hard work we’ve put in will pay off. This is a pivotal moment in my career, and I'm ready to seize the opportunity."
 
Santos praised Castillo's progress, stating, "I've been impressed with Starling's dedication and work ethic over the past year. He's made significant improvements in his technique and conditioning, and I have full confidence in his ability to deliver a standout performance in this bout. He's ready to make a statement in this fight."
 
Castillo also reflected on his return to the ring after a prolonged layoff, saying, "It's been a challenging journey getting back into fighting shape, but I'm thrilled to be returning to the ring. The time away has me extremely hungry to come out on top, and I can't wait to showcase the improvements I've made."
 
 

Stevenson confesses he had no discipline

Stevenson confesses he had no discipline

Shakur Stevenson says he became a three-division champion with no discipline. He also says he has a fight date booked [but no opponent]: "Had no discipline for the first half of my career and done a lot of amazing things off of being talented. We are now entering the second stage of my career where I dedicate my life to this like I been supposed to do.. July 6th will be movie."

Alimkhanuly calls out Benavidez

Alimkhanuly calls out Benavidez

WBO/IBF middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly tweeted that if former WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez is willing to fight him, he will move up to super middleweight: "Benavidez if you want to fight with the best, let's make a fight! Our fight will be at the highest level! You and the fans know this! If you can't make the weight, I'm ready to fight at 168! Easy work!

It will be Turner vs. Townsend on April 20th in London

It will be Turner vs. Townsend on April 20th in London
At London's York Hall on Saturday April 20th, live on TNT Sports, junior welterweight Henry Turner (12-0, 4 KOs) will battle fellow unbeaten Bradley Townsend (16-0, 2 KOs). The knockout streak of Turner, age 23, was halted back in November when he went up against the former Southern Area and English champion Billy Allington, although Turner prevailed comfortably on the scorecards. He now takes on an undefeated opponent in Witney’s Townsend, 28, for the first time in his professional career. No opponent announced yet, but British lightweight champion Sam Noakes will also appear, defending his title on the show. Liverpool firebrand Andrew Cain (10-1, 9 KOs) will make his return from a serious hand injury in eight-round action at bantamweight.
 
Last time out in February, Noakes (13-0, 13), from Maidstone, won a brutal four-round destruction of the previously unbeaten Lewis Sylvester.Cain, 27, had his run at bantamweight ended by Ionut Baluta a year ago in Telford. The KO-artist put the Romanian down twice in the first round only to suffer a fractured hand in the process and was ultimately subject to a highly-disputed loss on points. Extensive surgery to his hand followed that has kept him out of the ring for a prolonged period of time.
 
Also featuring on the card, explosive cruiserweight Aloys Jr (6-1, 6 KOs) will have his first fight over the eight-round distance and big-punching junior middleweight Ben Fail (5-0, 4 KOs) will fight over six.
 
“This is another card where our elite young band of highly talented fighters get the chance to shine,” said promoter Frank Warren. “These shows are quite literally the making of our young stars and we always make sure these development cards are topped by significant title action, this time featuring Sam Noakes and Henry Turner."
 
 

Boxingtalk's Saturday fight predictions

Boxingtalk's Saturday fight predictions
Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for a slow Saturday of fights:
 
Sandy Ryan (6-1-1) vs. Terri Harper (14-1-2) (WBO welterweight title) … prediction: Ryan by decision;
 
Dalton Smith (15-0) vs. Jose Zepeda (37-4) (junior welterweights) … prediction: Smith by unanimous decision;
 
Ishmael Davis (12-0) vs. Troy Williamson (20-2-1) (junior middleweights) … prediction: Davis by decision; and
 
Campbell Hatton (14-0) vs. James Flint (13-1-2) (junior welterweights)  … prediction: Hatton by unanimous decision.
 

Yamil Peralta emerging as 200-pound contender

Yamil Peralta emerging as 200-pound contender
Yamil Peralta W10 Thabiso Mchunu... Argentina's Yamil Peralta, Argentine, the South American and Argentinean cruiserweight champion, got a split decision win on the road. Pearlata defeated Thabiso Mchunu by split decision over rounds on Friday in the Olive Convention Center in Durban, South Africa. The first half othe 200-pound bout was balanced but as the rounds ticked by, the clearest and most decisive blows came from Peralta, cornering the local and cutting off the ring. The judges scored it:  97-93 for Peralta, 97-93 for Mchunu, and 96-94 for Peralta. Mchunu (23-7) has had just two fights in the last three years, both split decision losses. Peralta is now 17-1 with the only loss coming to contender Ryan Rozicki by split decision in Candad, Rozicki's home nation.
 
 

Rikiishi gets big road win over Magnesi

Rikiishi gets big road win over Magnesi
Masanori Rikiishi W12 Michael Magnesi... This Friday at the Palazzetto Romboli in Colleferro, Italy, Japanese junior lightweight Masanori Rikiishi (15-1) got a significant road win, defeating Italy's Michael Magnesi (23-2) by technical knockout. The first two thirds of the fight were dominated by Magnesi, the former IBO title holder who utilized excellent waist movement and powerful blows that landed on his Japanese rival. But the tenth round was a key turning point, as both men exchanged blows in the center of the ring, with Magnesi showing great fatigue, and Masanori taking advantage of the weariness. From there on, Rikiishi dominated, but he attacked with economy of precision. In the twelfth round, Magnesi was knocked down hard with a combination of punches, and although he courageously managed to get back to his feet, it was a matter of time. The Japanese fighter continued punishing him relentlessly, which forced referee Hector Afu to stop the fight.