De Los Santos to appeal KO loss to Valenzuela |
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Fighters First Management CEO Adrian Clark, manager of Edwin De Los Santos, has announced his intent to appeal the results of De Los Santos’ loss to Jose Valenzuela this past Sunday with the Nevada Athletic Commission. Replays if the end of the lightweight bout show Valenzuela throwing and connecting with a punch after De Los Santos was already down on the canvas. “Rules are rules. It doesn’t matter where the shot landed or how hard it was,” said Clark. “When a fighter is on a knee or down, it is illegal to hit him. Edwin was robbed of the opportunity to recover from the blatantly illegal shot. It’s my job to make this appeal. The punch that knocked him down was a good shot by Valenzuela. However, if De Los Santos was out, the referee would have immediately waived the count and called the fight. Everyone watching that fight knows that is a foul."
Clark continued, “My petition is based around the protection of fighters. If the commission for the state that lands a majority of the big fights says that an illegal shot has no bearing on the outcome of a fight, that’s a problem for the sport.”
Clark also pointed out that when De Los Santos and Valenzuela first met in 2022, De Los Santos was penalized for hitting Valenzuela while he was down. “A situation similar to this occurred in their first fight. Edwin landed a punch after Valenzuela was through the ropes. The difference is, the foul was recognized, called, Edwin was deducted a point and Valenzuela had time to recover.”
[Valenzuela went on to win and lose a 140-pound world title prior to last weekend's rematch].
De Los Santos stated that no matter how the process plays out, he plans to pursue another fight with Valenzuela to settle the score for good. “I will let the appeal go through the proper channels, but I am not going to focus on the illegal hit,” said De Los Santos. “I got caught with a good shot. I was stunned, but not hurt. I won’t make any excuses. Eventually I’m going to get the opportunity to fight him again.”
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
JUNE 28, 2026... In the Zuffa Boxing main event, ex-junior welterweight champion Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela avenged a defeat with a second-round knockout of Edwin De Los Santos. In 2022, De Los Santos took the win in their first meeting when he knocked out Valenzuela in the third round in a fight that saw both men hit the canvas. But in the rematch four years later, Valenzuela showed his evolution as he knocked out De Los Santos in the second round to deliver a statement to the rest of the lightweight division. A sharp start from De Los Santos almost ended in disaster at the end of the opening round when Valenzuela connected with a huge left hand that badly wobbled the Dominican in the closing seconds. Another follow-up left hand wobbled De Los Santos again, but the round came to a close before “Rayo” was able to take full advantage.
Having seen the results of his power punches late in the first round, Valenzuela resumed his attack in the second and clipped De Los Santos again as he stalked his man around the ring. Valenzuela stayed composed and landed again, which drew De Los Santos off the ropes and into a wild battle of hooks. Valenzuela covered up well and unleashed a perfectly-timed right hook that sent De Los Santos down to the canvas for the count of ten.
It gave Valenzuela the most satisfying, and important, victory of this chapter of his career as the former 140-pound world champion proved himself as a legitimate contender for 135-pound championship gold. And after improving his career record to 16-3 with the 10th knockout of his career, “Rayo” capped off his night by making clear what he wants next – a fight with pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson.
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De Los Santos to appeal KO loss to Valenzuela
Fighters First Management CEO Adrian Clark, manager of Edwin De Los Santos, has announced his intent to appeal the results of De Los Santos’ loss to Jose Valenzuela this past Sunday with the Nevada Athletic Commission. Replays if the end of the lightweight bout show Valenzuela throwing and connecting with a punch after De Los Santos was already down on the canvas. “Rules are rules. It doesn’t matter where the shot landed or how hard it was,” said Clark. “When a fighter is on a knee or down, it is illegal to hit him. Edwin was robbed of the opportunity to recover from the blatantly illegal shot. It’s my job to make this appeal. The punch that knocked him down was a good shot by Valenzuela. However, if De Los Santos was out, the referee would have immediately waived the count and called the fight. Everyone watching that fight knows that is a foul."
Clark continued, “My petition is based around the protection of fighters. If the commission for the state that lands a majority of the big fights says that an illegal shot has no bearing on the outcome of a fight, that’s a problem for the sport.”
Clark also pointed out that when De Los Santos and Valenzuela first met in 2022, De Los Santos was penalized for hitting Valenzuela while he was down. “A situation similar to this occurred in their first fight. Edwin landed a punch after Valenzuela was through the ropes. The difference is, the foul was recognized, called, Edwin was deducted a point and Valenzuela had time to recover.”
[Valenzuela went on to win and lose a 140-pound world title prior to last weekend's rematch].
De Los Santos stated that no matter how the process plays out, he plans to pursue another fight with Valenzuela to settle the score for good. “I will let the appeal go through the proper channels, but I am not going to focus on the illegal hit,” said De Los Santos. “I got caught with a good shot. I was stunned, but not hurt. I won’t make any excuses. Eventually I’m going to get the opportunity to fight him again.”
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
JUNE 28, 2026... In the Zuffa Boxing main event, ex-junior welterweight champion Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela avenged a defeat with a second-round knockout of Edwin De Los Santos. In 2022, De Los Santos took the win in their first meeting when he knocked out Valenzuela in the third round in a fight that saw both men hit the canvas. But in the rematch four years later, Valenzuela showed his evolution as he knocked out De Los Santos in the second round to deliver a statement to the rest of the lightweight division. A sharp start from De Los Santos almost ended in disaster at the end of the opening round when Valenzuela connected with a huge left hand that badly wobbled the Dominican in the closing seconds. Another follow-up left hand wobbled De Los Santos again, but the round came to a close before “Rayo” was able to take full advantage.
Having seen the results of his power punches late in the first round, Valenzuela resumed his attack in the second and clipped De Los Santos again as he stalked his man around the ring. Valenzuela stayed composed and landed again, which drew De Los Santos off the ropes and into a wild battle of hooks. Valenzuela covered up well and unleashed a perfectly-timed right hook that sent De Los Santos down to the canvas for the count of ten.
It gave Valenzuela the most satisfying, and important, victory of this chapter of his career as the former 140-pound world champion proved himself as a legitimate contender for 135-pound championship gold. And after improving his career record to 16-3 with the 10th knockout of his career, “Rayo” capped off his night by making clear what he wants next – a fight with pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson.
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Lopez looking to challenge Romero next |
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Boxing managers Keith Connolly and Mike Borao posted on Facebook: "Breaking news! Teofimo Lopez has just announced he has verbally agreed to a huge fight against Rolly Romero for the WBA welterweight championship of the world live on DAZN." Lopez, whose record is 22-2, was a world champion at both 135 and 140 pounds. In January, he lost the world 140-pound championship to Shakur Stevenson. Romero (17-2) hasn't fought since May 2025, but that was a big win over Ryan Garcia for ther vacant WBA title. The WBA has not required Romero to do any mandatories since then and there is no confirmation Romero has agreed to fight Lopez yet.
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Lopez looking to challenge Romero next
Boxing managers Keith Connolly and Mike Borao posted on Facebook: "Breaking news! Teofimo Lopez has just announced he has verbally agreed to a huge fight against Rolly Romero for the WBA welterweight championship of the world live on DAZN." Lopez, whose record is 22-2, was a world champion at both 135 and 140 pounds. In January, he lost the world 140-pound championship to Shakur Stevenson. Romero (17-2) hasn't fought since May 2025, but that was a big win over Ryan Garcia for ther vacant WBA title. The WBA has not required Romero to do any mandatories since then and there is no confirmation Romero has agreed to fight Lopez yet.
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Martinez vs. Plantic presser quotes |
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WBC interim super middleweight champion Lester Martinez and his upcoming challenger, Luka “The Thunder” Plantic, went face to face for the first time today, at a press conference to promote their August 29th showdown, live on ProBoxTV (7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT) from the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Martinez (20-0-1 with 16 KOs) of Guatemala City and Zagreb, Croatia’s Plantic (13-0 with 10 KOs), will meet in the twelve-round main event on a card that also features light-heavyweight Najee Lopez (16-0 with 13 KOs), taking on Colombian slugger Juan Carrillo (15-0 with 11 KOs). Also scheduled is an appearance by super bantamweight Ramon Cardenas, as well fan-friendly warriors Luis “Koreano” Torres and Weljon Mindoro in separate bouts, plus a full lineup of “Future Stars” series prospects who will be announced shortly. Here is what the fighters andtheir trainers,had to say:
Lester Martinez
First and foremost, good afternoon. Thank you everybody for being here. I will be defending my title on August 29th. There's no doubt the title is staying in Guatemala and I'm gonna continue being the world champion. That I can assure you.
There was a lot of pressure last time out. There was a lot of pressure winning the belt and performing. There were other things, but we learned from them… there's always room for improvement. Aleem showed good resistance (he was) a very good, strong opponent. But this time around, we're gonna do things much better, trust me.
We’re fighting a very dangerous opponent. There’s a reason he’s here. He’s in the top 10. He undefeated and he’s earned that. But we’re going to make the adjustments. Our camp is going to be longer this time.
Of course, I'm going to be looking at this fight coming up with Canelo and Mbilli. I'm going to be one of the most interested… (but) right now, my immediate focus is on Luka and taking care of business on August 29th, defending my title. Then we can look forward to that tremendous fight and hope that, yes, or yes, we fight the winner.
I'm gonna train very hard. I'm gonna do everything I can to make things work, so I can defend my title, and then move on to fight either the rematch (against Mbilli) or the fight against Canelo. I hope that after my fight, my defense, that's the fight that comes next. And we will be more than ready for that fight too.
This will be my third time as a main event on ProBoxTV. I'm very grateful for the opportunities the platform has given me. And this is gonna be a great fight. There's gonna be tremendous attendance, and not just our fight. The undercard, as well, is gonna be very good.
I don’t care about fighting Jaime Munguia.
Luka Plantic
I know he’s a good fighter, and we will prepare very good for him. We are looking at his every move, his every punch. I study him. I don't see anything (Martinez does wrong). I only see in the ring, and that's it. I’ll see you in the ring and the belt is coming to Croatia. I’m here for the WBC interim title and to face Canelo next.
Yes, I feel I will steal the show. You will see a war. I will show all of you on August 29. We are going to change Guatemala night to Croatia night.
I see a great fight. I see great fighters, and I know me. I know everything will be mine. I know I’m going up. This is a 50/50 fight. Thank you for supporting me in Croatia. We are going for the belt, and the belt is coming home.
Najee Lopez
Every fight now is a tough fight. But this fight lines me up. It gives me a line for a world title, so I'm really excited. (Carrillo is) definitely a good fighter, a smart guy, but I'm just too smart, too fast, too strong. And the question is, will he be able to handle it?
There's no pressure at all. I put the work in, my team, we focus. We're super focused. We are super locked in for whatever challenges is in our way. It's just the journey. So, I understand that every fight, from now on, is gonna be on that level.
Man, my grandparents is from Puerto Rico, from the island. My dad was my trainer and my teacher. Everything he taught me was from those roots. So, every time I walk in a walk in a ring, not only am I representing where I'm from, Atlanta, Georgia, but I also, when you have the last name Lopez, I'm representing the island. I'm representing my roots. Puerto Rico has to know I love my people. I rep my last name with everything in me.bShout out to ProBox. It's going to be an amazing card. August 29th. Be there.
Juan Carrillo
First of all, I want to thank God. I want to thank ProBox for giving me this opportunity. Yes, I was an Olympian and this opportunity, I'm taking it like the best opportunity in my in my life and my career, and you guys will see.
He's playing with my family's food. I am going to go out there and show the world that I am the next big name out there and gonna be the next superstar.
I'm very excited. I'm very happy to be part of this event. All the Latinos in this area are going to enjoy a great night of boxing. Everybody come out August 29th. You’re going to see a great spectacle.
Bob Santos (Juan Carrillo's Trainer)
I love his ability to fight on all three levels. He can fight on the inside; he can fight at a distance; he can fight at the mid-range. So, what is there not to love? You know, you got a Colombian, Olympian southpaw, and a full-grown man in his prime, so we're expecting a tremendous fight. We know Najee's a tremendous talent, too. The winner is going to be the fans, so we're really excited about that.
Marc Farrait (Najee Lopez Trainer)
Najee has a great foundation as his father said, you know, when he was here. Najee is a kid that gives everything in the gym, very disciplined outside the ring. Najee is easy to train. As you saw in this last fight, if you train hard, you’re disciplined and you're devoted to the sport, you have outcomes like his last fight.
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Martinez vs. Plantic presser quotes
WBC interim super middleweight champion Lester Martinez and his upcoming challenger, Luka “The Thunder” Plantic, went face to face for the first time today, at a press conference to promote their August 29th showdown, live on ProBoxTV (7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT) from the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Martinez (20-0-1 with 16 KOs) of Guatemala City and Zagreb, Croatia’s Plantic (13-0 with 10 KOs), will meet in the twelve-round main event on a card that also features light-heavyweight Najee Lopez (16-0 with 13 KOs), taking on Colombian slugger Juan Carrillo (15-0 with 11 KOs). Also scheduled is an appearance by super bantamweight Ramon Cardenas, as well fan-friendly warriors Luis “Koreano” Torres and Weljon Mindoro in separate bouts, plus a full lineup of “Future Stars” series prospects who will be announced shortly. Here is what the fighters andtheir trainers,had to say:
Lester Martinez
First and foremost, good afternoon. Thank you everybody for being here. I will be defending my title on August 29th. There's no doubt the title is staying in Guatemala and I'm gonna continue being the world champion. That I can assure you.
There was a lot of pressure last time out. There was a lot of pressure winning the belt and performing. There were other things, but we learned from them… there's always room for improvement. Aleem showed good resistance (he was) a very good, strong opponent. But this time around, we're gonna do things much better, trust me.
We’re fighting a very dangerous opponent. There’s a reason he’s here. He’s in the top 10. He undefeated and he’s earned that. But we’re going to make the adjustments. Our camp is going to be longer this time.
Of course, I'm going to be looking at this fight coming up with Canelo and Mbilli. I'm going to be one of the most interested… (but) right now, my immediate focus is on Luka and taking care of business on August 29th, defending my title. Then we can look forward to that tremendous fight and hope that, yes, or yes, we fight the winner.
I'm gonna train very hard. I'm gonna do everything I can to make things work, so I can defend my title, and then move on to fight either the rematch (against Mbilli) or the fight against Canelo. I hope that after my fight, my defense, that's the fight that comes next. And we will be more than ready for that fight too.
This will be my third time as a main event on ProBoxTV. I'm very grateful for the opportunities the platform has given me. And this is gonna be a great fight. There's gonna be tremendous attendance, and not just our fight. The undercard, as well, is gonna be very good.
I don’t care about fighting Jaime Munguia.
Luka Plantic
I know he’s a good fighter, and we will prepare very good for him. We are looking at his every move, his every punch. I study him. I don't see anything (Martinez does wrong). I only see in the ring, and that's it. I’ll see you in the ring and the belt is coming to Croatia. I’m here for the WBC interim title and to face Canelo next.
Yes, I feel I will steal the show. You will see a war. I will show all of you on August 29. We are going to change Guatemala night to Croatia night.
I see a great fight. I see great fighters, and I know me. I know everything will be mine. I know I’m going up. This is a 50/50 fight. Thank you for supporting me in Croatia. We are going for the belt, and the belt is coming home.
Najee Lopez
Every fight now is a tough fight. But this fight lines me up. It gives me a line for a world title, so I'm really excited. (Carrillo is) definitely a good fighter, a smart guy, but I'm just too smart, too fast, too strong. And the question is, will he be able to handle it?
There's no pressure at all. I put the work in, my team, we focus. We're super focused. We are super locked in for whatever challenges is in our way. It's just the journey. So, I understand that every fight, from now on, is gonna be on that level.
Man, my grandparents is from Puerto Rico, from the island. My dad was my trainer and my teacher. Everything he taught me was from those roots. So, every time I walk in a walk in a ring, not only am I representing where I'm from, Atlanta, Georgia, but I also, when you have the last name Lopez, I'm representing the island. I'm representing my roots. Puerto Rico has to know I love my people. I rep my last name with everything in me.bShout out to ProBox. It's going to be an amazing card. August 29th. Be there.
Juan Carrillo
First of all, I want to thank God. I want to thank ProBox for giving me this opportunity. Yes, I was an Olympian and this opportunity, I'm taking it like the best opportunity in my in my life and my career, and you guys will see.
He's playing with my family's food. I am going to go out there and show the world that I am the next big name out there and gonna be the next superstar.
I'm very excited. I'm very happy to be part of this event. All the Latinos in this area are going to enjoy a great night of boxing. Everybody come out August 29th. You’re going to see a great spectacle.
Bob Santos (Juan Carrillo's Trainer)
I love his ability to fight on all three levels. He can fight on the inside; he can fight at a distance; he can fight at the mid-range. So, what is there not to love? You know, you got a Colombian, Olympian southpaw, and a full-grown man in his prime, so we're expecting a tremendous fight. We know Najee's a tremendous talent, too. The winner is going to be the fans, so we're really excited about that.
Marc Farrait (Najee Lopez Trainer)
Najee has a great foundation as his father said, you know, when he was here. Najee is a kid that gives everything in the gym, very disciplined outside the ring. Najee is easy to train. As you saw in this last fight, if you train hard, you’re disciplined and you're devoted to the sport, you have outcomes like his last fight.
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Suslenkov: beating Joyce will be a career changer |
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Russian heavyweight Artem Suslenkov (17-1 including IBA Pro and World Series of Boxing bouts) believes a victory over 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce can take him to a new level of international recognition. Their 12-round bout will serve take place on July 11th at VTB Arena in Moscow. Suslenkov, a fringe contender with a win over Michael Hunter, said, “Joyce is a good opponent with a strong record. Boxers of this level have not come to Russia for a long time. When I was offered this fight, there was no hesitation. We spoke with the team and immediately decided to go for it. “Joyce’s strength is that he always comes forward. But I also come forward — that is my strength as well. Two forces will collide, and I like that. I will not have to chase my opponent around the ring, as is usually the case. My team and I are doing everything to make sure I can win this fight by knockout. I am not afraid of losing and losing my zero in the loss column. It has stayed there, and it will stay there."
Suslenkov added, “I am the best boxer in Russia and I will prove it on July 11th. You will see everything for yourselves, and after that people will be talking about me,” Suslenkov said. In his most recent fight, the 30 year-old Suslenkov stopped Artur Mann of Germany by technical knockout in Serpukhov in April..
Joyce remains one of the best-known British heavyweights of recent years. During his professional career, he has faced Daniel Dubois, Zhang Zhilei, Filip Hrgovic, Derek Chisora, Carlos Takam, Joseph Parker, Christian Hammer, Bryant Jennings, Alexander Ustinov and Bermane Stiverne. Before turning professional, Joyce won Olympic silver in 2016, World Championships bronze, European Games gold and European Championships bronze.
In the 2016 Olympic final, Joyce lost to Tony Yoka of France, who will headline IBA.PRO 19 in Moscow against WBA regular heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev.
PRIOR BOXNGTALK COVERAGE
JUNE 9, 2026: Joe Joyce will end a year-plus hiatus from the ring when he faces Russian heavyweight Artem Suslenkov (17-1 including IBA Pro and World Series of Boxing bouts) this July in Moscow. The 2016 Olympic silver medal winner will form part of the undercard beneath gold-medal rival Tony Yoka's headline bout with WBA regular champion Murat Gassiev. Joyce faced questions about his future after his last bout, when he suffered a unanimous decision loss against Filip Hrgovic in Manchester. But despite having lost four of his past five fights, the Olympian is determined to fight on, and believes he can deliver the goods in his comeback. "I've spent the last year preparing, training and wanting to be back in the ring," Joyce was quoted by Sky Sports News. "My team and I are locked in."
Suslenkov echoed his rival's sentiments, and suggested that an opponent of the Briton's calibre would allow him to showcase his own pro growth. "Joyce is a powerful opponent with strong technique and vast experience," Suslenkov said. This is a serious challenge. I feel both excitement and full focus.
"Meticulous preparation and the right tactics to neutralise his strengths will be crucial. This is a chance to show my level and give the fans something to cheer about."
Forty years old and determined to prove he still belongs among the glamour division's bigger names, Joe Joyce is finally back in action. Truthfully, many had wondered if the star had opted to quietly reverse his original call to fight on since last April's loss to Hrgovic. Throw in his defeat to Derek Chisora, and those two reverses against Zhilei Zhang, and there must be questions for the star's team.
Joyce has arguably looked a shadow of his former self in his last few outings. Frank Warren raised concerns after his last outing. But for now, Joyce will soldier on, ironically back in the reach of his old amateur foe Tony Yoka from a decade ago.
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Suslenkov: beating Joyce will be a career changer
Russian heavyweight Artem Suslenkov (17-1 including IBA Pro and World Series of Boxing bouts) believes a victory over 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce can take him to a new level of international recognition. Their 12-round bout will serve take place on July 11th at VTB Arena in Moscow. Suslenkov, a fringe contender with a win over Michael Hunter, said, “Joyce is a good opponent with a strong record. Boxers of this level have not come to Russia for a long time. When I was offered this fight, there was no hesitation. We spoke with the team and immediately decided to go for it. “Joyce’s strength is that he always comes forward. But I also come forward — that is my strength as well. Two forces will collide, and I like that. I will not have to chase my opponent around the ring, as is usually the case. My team and I are doing everything to make sure I can win this fight by knockout. I am not afraid of losing and losing my zero in the loss column. It has stayed there, and it will stay there."
Suslenkov added, “I am the best boxer in Russia and I will prove it on July 11th. You will see everything for yourselves, and after that people will be talking about me,” Suslenkov said. In his most recent fight, the 30 year-old Suslenkov stopped Artur Mann of Germany by technical knockout in Serpukhov in April..
Joyce remains one of the best-known British heavyweights of recent years. During his professional career, he has faced Daniel Dubois, Zhang Zhilei, Filip Hrgovic, Derek Chisora, Carlos Takam, Joseph Parker, Christian Hammer, Bryant Jennings, Alexander Ustinov and Bermane Stiverne. Before turning professional, Joyce won Olympic silver in 2016, World Championships bronze, European Games gold and European Championships bronze.
In the 2016 Olympic final, Joyce lost to Tony Yoka of France, who will headline IBA.PRO 19 in Moscow against WBA regular heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev.
PRIOR BOXNGTALK COVERAGE
JUNE 9, 2026: Joe Joyce will end a year-plus hiatus from the ring when he faces Russian heavyweight Artem Suslenkov (17-1 including IBA Pro and World Series of Boxing bouts) this July in Moscow. The 2016 Olympic silver medal winner will form part of the undercard beneath gold-medal rival Tony Yoka's headline bout with WBA regular champion Murat Gassiev. Joyce faced questions about his future after his last bout, when he suffered a unanimous decision loss against Filip Hrgovic in Manchester. But despite having lost four of his past five fights, the Olympian is determined to fight on, and believes he can deliver the goods in his comeback. "I've spent the last year preparing, training and wanting to be back in the ring," Joyce was quoted by Sky Sports News. "My team and I are locked in."
Suslenkov echoed his rival's sentiments, and suggested that an opponent of the Briton's calibre would allow him to showcase his own pro growth. "Joyce is a powerful opponent with strong technique and vast experience," Suslenkov said. This is a serious challenge. I feel both excitement and full focus.
"Meticulous preparation and the right tactics to neutralise his strengths will be crucial. This is a chance to show my level and give the fans something to cheer about."
Forty years old and determined to prove he still belongs among the glamour division's bigger names, Joe Joyce is finally back in action. Truthfully, many had wondered if the star had opted to quietly reverse his original call to fight on since last April's loss to Hrgovic. Throw in his defeat to Derek Chisora, and those two reverses against Zhilei Zhang, and there must be questions for the star's team.
Joyce has arguably looked a shadow of his former self in his last few outings. Frank Warren raised concerns after his last outing. But for now, Joyce will soldier on, ironically back in the reach of his old amateur foe Tony Yoka from a decade ago.
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Gustavo Trujillo continues his winning ways |
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Gustavo Trujillo KO7 Calvin Barnett... Heavyweight Gustavo "The Cuban Assassin" Trujillo continued his high-activity pace, improving to 12-0 with 11 knockouts after a seventh-round knockout over Calvin Barnett (7-6, 4 KOs) in a scheduled ten rounder on Sunday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The event was promoted by Kris Lawrence's The Heavyweight Factory Promotions. Also the reigning BKB [bare knuckles] heavyweight champion (a sport in which he is 8-0 with 8 KOs), Trujillo once again showcased why he is a dangerous man. From the opening bell, Trujillo controlled every aspect of the fight with his educated jab, punishing body attack, and relentless pressure. After systematically breaking Barnett down over six rounds, Trujillo closed the show in the seventh with a straight right hand to the head, sending Barnett crashing to the canvas. Unable to beat the count, Barnett was counted out, giving Trujillo his eleventh knockout victory in twelve professional fights.
Afterwards, Trujillo said his goal is to continue improving while giving fans the exciting finishes they have come to expect. "Every time I step into the ring, I want to put on a performance that shows how much I've grown as a fighter," said Trujillo. "Getting another knockout is always satisfying, but what I'm most proud of is staying patient and following the game plan. My team prepared me to break my opponent down round by round, and that's exactly what happened. Once I saw he was slowing down, I knew it was time to finish the job. I respect every opponent I face, but when the opportunity presents itself, I'm going to take it. I believe every fight is another step toward becoming a complete heavyweight, and tonight was another major statement."
Discussing his future, Trujillo issued a confident message to the heavyweight division. "I'm ready for anyone in the top ten," Trujillo said. "I don't care where they're ranked or what their name is. My job is to fight whoever is put in front of me and prove I belong with the best heavyweights in the world. I know I still have things to learn, but I also know I have the talent, power, and confidence to compete with anyone. If a top-ten fighter wants the challenge, I'm ready. These are the kinds of fights I've been working toward my entire career, and I believe my time is coming."
The victory also represents another important milestone as Trujillo continues climbing the world rankings. Reflecting on what the win means for his career, Trujillo believes his momentum continues to build. "Every win is important, but victories like this help move my career forward," Trujillo, who is a promotional free agent explained. "I'm continuing to build experience, improve my rankings, and show people that I'm serious about becoming a world champion. My confidence keeps growing because I see the hard work paying off every time I fight. I know bigger opportunities are coming, and I'll be ready when they arrive. My focus remains the same, keep winning, stay active, and keep putting on performances that make people remember my name."
While Trujillo's professional boxing career continues its upward trajectory, he remains proud of simultaneously holding the BKB Heavyweight Championship. Speaking about balancing success in both sports, Trujillo welcomed the opportunity to remain active. "It's a great feeling to be ranked in the top 15 by the WBO while also being the BKB Heavyweight Champion," said Trujillo. "I'm proud of everything I've accomplished in both sports because they've helped make me a better fighter. Right now, my focus is on continuing to climb the boxing rankings while defending my BKB title later this August. Staying active keeps me sharp, and every time I compete, I gain more experience. No matter which ring I'm in, my goal is always the same, to win and represent my team, my family, and Cuba with pride."
Visionary Sports Group manager Abe Swidan believes Trujillo is only beginning to reach his enormous potential. "Gustavo continues to prove that he's one of the most exciting heavyweights in the sport," said Swidan. "What impresses me isn't just the knockouts, it's how much he improves every time he fights. He got some good rounds in tonight. His composure, discipline, and ability to follow a game plan are developing at an incredible pace. He's becoming a complete heavyweight, and that's exactly what you want to see from a future contender."
Swidan also believes Trujillo's ceiling remains extraordinarily high. "The sky is truly the limit for Gustavo," Swidan continued. "He's undefeated, he's world ranked, he's a champion in another combat sport, and he's only scratching the surface of what he's can accomplish. He has all the physical tools, an outstanding work ethic, and the mentality of a champion. We believe it's only a matter of time before he's fighting for major titles against the biggest names in the heavyweight division. We're excited about what's ahead because Gustavo is proving with every performance that he belongs on boxing's biggest stage."
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Gustavo Trujillo continues his winning ways
Gustavo Trujillo KO7 Calvin Barnett... Heavyweight Gustavo "The Cuban Assassin" Trujillo continued his high-activity pace, improving to 12-0 with 11 knockouts after a seventh-round knockout over Calvin Barnett (7-6, 4 KOs) in a scheduled ten rounder on Sunday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The event was promoted by Kris Lawrence's The Heavyweight Factory Promotions. Also the reigning BKB [bare knuckles] heavyweight champion (a sport in which he is 8-0 with 8 KOs), Trujillo once again showcased why he is a dangerous man. From the opening bell, Trujillo controlled every aspect of the fight with his educated jab, punishing body attack, and relentless pressure. After systematically breaking Barnett down over six rounds, Trujillo closed the show in the seventh with a straight right hand to the head, sending Barnett crashing to the canvas. Unable to beat the count, Barnett was counted out, giving Trujillo his eleventh knockout victory in twelve professional fights.
Afterwards, Trujillo said his goal is to continue improving while giving fans the exciting finishes they have come to expect. "Every time I step into the ring, I want to put on a performance that shows how much I've grown as a fighter," said Trujillo. "Getting another knockout is always satisfying, but what I'm most proud of is staying patient and following the game plan. My team prepared me to break my opponent down round by round, and that's exactly what happened. Once I saw he was slowing down, I knew it was time to finish the job. I respect every opponent I face, but when the opportunity presents itself, I'm going to take it. I believe every fight is another step toward becoming a complete heavyweight, and tonight was another major statement."
Discussing his future, Trujillo issued a confident message to the heavyweight division. "I'm ready for anyone in the top ten," Trujillo said. "I don't care where they're ranked or what their name is. My job is to fight whoever is put in front of me and prove I belong with the best heavyweights in the world. I know I still have things to learn, but I also know I have the talent, power, and confidence to compete with anyone. If a top-ten fighter wants the challenge, I'm ready. These are the kinds of fights I've been working toward my entire career, and I believe my time is coming."
The victory also represents another important milestone as Trujillo continues climbing the world rankings. Reflecting on what the win means for his career, Trujillo believes his momentum continues to build. "Every win is important, but victories like this help move my career forward," Trujillo, who is a promotional free agent explained. "I'm continuing to build experience, improve my rankings, and show people that I'm serious about becoming a world champion. My confidence keeps growing because I see the hard work paying off every time I fight. I know bigger opportunities are coming, and I'll be ready when they arrive. My focus remains the same, keep winning, stay active, and keep putting on performances that make people remember my name."
While Trujillo's professional boxing career continues its upward trajectory, he remains proud of simultaneously holding the BKB Heavyweight Championship. Speaking about balancing success in both sports, Trujillo welcomed the opportunity to remain active. "It's a great feeling to be ranked in the top 15 by the WBO while also being the BKB Heavyweight Champion," said Trujillo. "I'm proud of everything I've accomplished in both sports because they've helped make me a better fighter. Right now, my focus is on continuing to climb the boxing rankings while defending my BKB title later this August. Staying active keeps me sharp, and every time I compete, I gain more experience. No matter which ring I'm in, my goal is always the same, to win and represent my team, my family, and Cuba with pride."
Visionary Sports Group manager Abe Swidan believes Trujillo is only beginning to reach his enormous potential. "Gustavo continues to prove that he's one of the most exciting heavyweights in the sport," said Swidan. "What impresses me isn't just the knockouts, it's how much he improves every time he fights. He got some good rounds in tonight. His composure, discipline, and ability to follow a game plan are developing at an incredible pace. He's becoming a complete heavyweight, and that's exactly what you want to see from a future contender."
Swidan also believes Trujillo's ceiling remains extraordinarily high. "The sky is truly the limit for Gustavo," Swidan continued. "He's undefeated, he's world ranked, he's a champion in another combat sport, and he's only scratching the surface of what he's can accomplish. He has all the physical tools, an outstanding work ethic, and the mentality of a champion. We believe it's only a matter of time before he's fighting for major titles against the biggest names in the heavyweight division. We're excited about what's ahead because Gustavo is proving with every performance that he belongs on boxing's biggest stage."
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Coley holds Toussaint to a draw |
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Wendy Toussaint D10 Aaron Coley... In Star Boxing's ten-round main event over the weekend, junior middleweight Wendy "The Haitian Fire" Toussaint of Huntington, New York, was pushed to the limit by veteran Aaron Coley of Oakland, California, battling to a hard-earned majority draw in a highly technical and closely contested fight in Toussaint's hometown. One judge scored the bout 97-95 for Toussaint, while the remaining two judges each scored it 95-95, resulting in a majority draw. From the opening bell, both fighters tool turns controlling the action in a tactical contest where every round was competitive and little separated the two throughout the evening. Toussaint's record now stands at 17-4-1 with 7 KOs, while Coley moves to 17-5-1 with 7 KOs.
ADDITONAL RESULTS
The co-feature brought together fan favorites with proud ethnic backgrounds as Zay Flaherty of Queens squared off against Micky Scala of Mesa, Arizona, in an entertaining eight-round junior middleweight contest. Flaherty came out aggressively, pinning Scala against the ropes for much of the opening round before dropping him with a crushing overhand right late in the frame. Scala showed tremendous heart, surviving the knockdown and battling back throughout the contest. Flaherty maintained a high-volume attack over the middle rounds, while Scala continued searching for opportunities to turn the fight around. The eighth and final round produced one of the night's most exciting moments as Scala unleashed his best combinations in a desperate attempt to score a knockout. The sold-out crowd rose to its feet as Flaherty weathered the late assault before earning a well-deserved unanimous decision. Flaherty improves to 9-1 with 4 KOs, while Scala falls to 13-2 with 7 KOs.
Long Island native Ralph Clemente thrilled his hometown supporters with a fifth-round stoppage of Kasimu Yakubu (3-4) in their scheduled six-round super middleweight bout. The fight featured heavy exchanges from the outset, with both men enjoying moments of success in an entertaining back-and-forth battle. With the contest still hanging in the balance, Clemente landed a left hook in the fifth round that badly hurt Yakubu. Sensing the finish, Clemente poured on the offense, forcing referee Pat Sullivan to stop the bout. Clemente improves to a 5-0 with 5 KOs.
Making his professional debut, Yousef Zazae of Danbury, Connecticut, scored a stoppage victory over Elijah Grant in a scheduled four-round middleweight bout. The opening two rounds were highly competitive before Grant complained of dizziness following the second round. After being examined by the ringside physician, the bout was halted before the start of round three, giving Zazae a successful professional debut. while Grant falls to 1-2 with 1 KO.
The evening opened with an action-packed four-round super middleweight battle between professional debutants Alex Garcia of Huntington and Pawel Zawistowski of Ridgewood. Both fighters exchanged heavy punches throughout an entertaining contest that immediately energized the sold-out crowd. Garcia scored a flash knockdown in the second round and maintained his composure over the remaining rounds to earn a hard-fought decision victory.
"This is exactly what Rockin' Fights has become known for," said Joe DeGuardia, president and CEO of Star Boxing. "Competitive fights, hungry fighters, and an incredible atmosphere where every bout intrigues fans. Once again, our fans were treated to an outstanding night of boxing and entertainment." Fans who were unable to attend—or who want to relive the excitement—can watch the entire Rockin' Fights 54 event on demand now at StarBoxing.tv. The next installment of the acclaimed Rockin' Fights series will be October 10, 2026.
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Coley holds Toussaint to a draw
Wendy Toussaint D10 Aaron Coley... In Star Boxing's ten-round main event over the weekend, junior middleweight Wendy "The Haitian Fire" Toussaint of Huntington, New York, was pushed to the limit by veteran Aaron Coley of Oakland, California, battling to a hard-earned majority draw in a highly technical and closely contested fight in Toussaint's hometown. One judge scored the bout 97-95 for Toussaint, while the remaining two judges each scored it 95-95, resulting in a majority draw. From the opening bell, both fighters tool turns controlling the action in a tactical contest where every round was competitive and little separated the two throughout the evening. Toussaint's record now stands at 17-4-1 with 7 KOs, while Coley moves to 17-5-1 with 7 KOs.
ADDITONAL RESULTS
The co-feature brought together fan favorites with proud ethnic backgrounds as Zay Flaherty of Queens squared off against Micky Scala of Mesa, Arizona, in an entertaining eight-round junior middleweight contest. Flaherty came out aggressively, pinning Scala against the ropes for much of the opening round before dropping him with a crushing overhand right late in the frame. Scala showed tremendous heart, surviving the knockdown and battling back throughout the contest. Flaherty maintained a high-volume attack over the middle rounds, while Scala continued searching for opportunities to turn the fight around. The eighth and final round produced one of the night's most exciting moments as Scala unleashed his best combinations in a desperate attempt to score a knockout. The sold-out crowd rose to its feet as Flaherty weathered the late assault before earning a well-deserved unanimous decision. Flaherty improves to 9-1 with 4 KOs, while Scala falls to 13-2 with 7 KOs.
Long Island native Ralph Clemente thrilled his hometown supporters with a fifth-round stoppage of Kasimu Yakubu (3-4) in their scheduled six-round super middleweight bout. The fight featured heavy exchanges from the outset, with both men enjoying moments of success in an entertaining back-and-forth battle. With the contest still hanging in the balance, Clemente landed a left hook in the fifth round that badly hurt Yakubu. Sensing the finish, Clemente poured on the offense, forcing referee Pat Sullivan to stop the bout. Clemente improves to a 5-0 with 5 KOs.
Making his professional debut, Yousef Zazae of Danbury, Connecticut, scored a stoppage victory over Elijah Grant in a scheduled four-round middleweight bout. The opening two rounds were highly competitive before Grant complained of dizziness following the second round. After being examined by the ringside physician, the bout was halted before the start of round three, giving Zazae a successful professional debut. while Grant falls to 1-2 with 1 KO.
The evening opened with an action-packed four-round super middleweight battle between professional debutants Alex Garcia of Huntington and Pawel Zawistowski of Ridgewood. Both fighters exchanged heavy punches throughout an entertaining contest that immediately energized the sold-out crowd. Garcia scored a flash knockdown in the second round and maintained his composure over the remaining rounds to earn a hard-fought decision victory.
"This is exactly what Rockin' Fights has become known for," said Joe DeGuardia, president and CEO of Star Boxing. "Competitive fights, hungry fighters, and an incredible atmosphere where every bout intrigues fans. Once again, our fans were treated to an outstanding night of boxing and entertainment." Fans who were unable to attend—or who want to relive the excitement—can watch the entire Rockin' Fights 54 event on demand now at StarBoxing.tv. The next installment of the acclaimed Rockin' Fights series will be October 10, 2026.
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Italian update: Priolo wins split decision in his hometown |
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Fiorenzo Priolo W8 Leonard Bajrami... On Sunday in Turin, Italy, boxing fans saw an exciting junior welterweight clash between warriors Fiorenzo Priolo and Leonard Bajrami. Fighting in his hometown, Priolo secured what was reported as a split decision victory, in a fight that saw the combatants put on a show with constant back-and-forth action. Bajrami had moments of great boxing but the key to the match lay in Priolo’s conditioning and heart. He got the upper hand in the final stretch of the fight, imposing his pace and closing with an aggressiveness that ultimately tilted the judges’ scorecards in his favor. Priolo (14-1 with 6 KOs) was a participant in the WBC Grand Prix tournament, where he advanced to the quarterfinal round. Bajrami sees his record fall to 7-2 with 2 KO, but leaves with his head held high.
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Italian update: Priolo wins split decision in his hometown
Fiorenzo Priolo W8 Leonard Bajrami... On Sunday in Turin, Italy, boxing fans saw an exciting junior welterweight clash between warriors Fiorenzo Priolo and Leonard Bajrami. Fighting in his hometown, Priolo secured what was reported as a split decision victory, in a fight that saw the combatants put on a show with constant back-and-forth action. Bajrami had moments of great boxing but the key to the match lay in Priolo’s conditioning and heart. He got the upper hand in the final stretch of the fight, imposing his pace and closing with an aggressiveness that ultimately tilted the judges’ scorecards in his favor. Priolo (14-1 with 6 KOs) was a participant in the WBC Grand Prix tournament, where he advanced to the quarterfinal round. Bajrami sees his record fall to 7-2 with 2 KO, but leaves with his head held high.
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Kudryashov wins bare knuckles debut in Moscow |
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IBA Bare Knuckle 5 took place over the weekend at CSKA Arena in Moscow. The main event featured a rematch between Samat Abdyrakhmanov of Kyrgyzstan and Russia's Islam Kadiev, while ex-cruiserweight contender Dmitry Kudryashov made his bare-knuckle debut against Hasan Yousefi of Iran in the co-feature. In the main event, Abdyrakhmanov defeated Kadiev by unanimous decision after five rounds. Initially, Abdyrakhmanov constantly changed the rhythm, stopping his opponent with the jab, bursting forward with two- and three-punch combinations, and preventing Kadiev from settling at a comfortable range. Kadiev tried to respond and kept applying pressure, but Abdyrakhmanov’s advantage became increasingly clear as the contest progressed. While Abdyrakhmanov continued to increase the volume of accurate punches, Kadiev showed character and continued to answer back even in difficult moments, but Abdyrakhmanov was calmer and cleaner in his work. In the closing rounds, he controlled the range, avoided return attacks at the right moments and secured victory on the scorecards.
As for the Russian Kudryashov, he had a difficult start against Yousefi. The Iranian fighter met Kudryashov actively and landed several accurate shots, forcing his opponent to look for the right moment to take over the initiative. In the second round, Yousefi continued to move forward and managed to force Kudryashov back to the ropes. However, the Russian athlete absorbed the pressure, gradually wore down his opponent and began to find more opportunities to counter. The decisive moment came in the third round. Kudryashov landed a powerful shot that sent Yousefi to the canvas. The Iranian fighter managed to get back to his feet, but only seconds later he absorbed another heavy punch and was unable to continue. Kudryashov claimed a knockout victory in a bout that had not been straightforward for him. Kudryashov is 26-6 as a traditonal boxer but has not fought sinvre 2023. He holds some notable wins at cruiserweight and heavyweight, including against Juan Carlods Gomez and Ola Duradola.
One of the fastest finishes of the evening came as Yakov Bukin (RUS) defeated Suleyman Makhmadov (TJK). Bukin took the centre of the ring from the opening seconds, worked aggressively on the front foot and quickly forced his opponent into heavy exchanges. After a pause caused by a strike to a prohibited area, the bout resumed, but the finish came almost immediately: Bukin landed a powerful left hand, and Makhmadov was unable to beat the count. After the bout, Makhmadov thanked the fans for their support and said he would like a rematch, noting that he had competed in an unfamiliar weight class.
Sulambek Shakhgiriev (RUS) defeated Yassel Reyes (CUB) by knockout. The contest opened with heavy exchanges and pressure from both fighters. In one exchange, the referee counted a knockdown against Reyes, but the Cuban was able to return to his feet and continue. Soon after, however, Shakhgiriev landed another heavy shot, and the referee stopped the contest. Reyes disagreed with the stoppage and called for a rematch after the bout.
Aleksandr Nekrash (BLR) opened the tournament with a victory over Riccardo Allegretti (ITA). The Italian came forward aggressively from the opening seconds and tried to take the initiative early, but Nekrash remained composed, absorbed the initial pressure and began to respond with greater accuracy. He dropped his opponent in the first round and continued to work effectively in the clinch in the second, landing uppercuts to the body and head. After absorbing a series of punches, Allegretti withdrew from the contest, giving Nekrash the victory by technical knockout.
Oleg Zharkov (RUS) defeated Keyvan Safari (IRI) by unanimous decision. Safari came forward from the opening seconds and applied constant pressure, but Zharkov moved well, chose the right moments to counter and sent his opponent down with a heavy knockdown following one accurate combination. In the following rounds, the Iranian continued to attack and regularly targeted the body, but two rule infringements significantly complicated his task. Zharkov survived a difficult closing stretch and secured the win on points.
Bekzat Saabyr (KAZ) earned a unanimous decision victory over Matvey Kokorev (RUS). The bout remained tactically restrained for long periods and only began to open up in the second round. Saabyr gradually increased the pressure, while Kokorev tried to work off the back foot and use his physical advantages. In the third round, the Russian’s attempt to move forward resulted in a series of body shots landing against him, which ultimately confirmed Saabyr’s advantage.
Farid Yadullaev (RUS) defeated Seryozha Harutyunyan (ARM) by unanimous decision in one of the most mobile bouts of the evening. Harutyunyan made his IBA bare knuckle debut and immediately showed good footwork, but Yadullaev was more active in the key exchanges. The pace increased in the second round, the bout became more emotional, and Yadullaev landed several accurate right hands. The third round was fought through exchanges and a battle for the initiative. Both fighters moved constantly and tried to take control of the closing stages, but after three rounds the judges unanimously awarded the victory to Yadullaev.
Maksim Butorin (RUS) defeated Joilton Lutterbach (BRA) by unanimous decision. After a cautious start, Butorin began to force his opponent towards the ropes more often and moved well, constantly stepping outside the lead foot. Lutterbach, who has extensive combat sports experience, gradually began to read the feints better and answer with his own punches. Butorin hurt his opponent in one exchange, but the finish remained tense as Lutterbach increased his output and landed several clean shots. Nevertheless, the judges unanimously awarded the victory to Butorin.
In an all-Russian contest, Aleksandr Perevyazko defeated Sulim Bisultanov by unanimous decision in an emotional and entertaining bout. Perevyazko sent his opponent to the canvas twice in the opening round. Bisultanov was able to recover and return to the contest, while the break between the first and second rounds was extended after the ropes were damaged following one of the exchanges. In the second round, Bisultanov tried to change the course of the bout through aggression and pressure. He fought emotionally and continued to come forward even after absorbing punches, but Perevyazko remained calm and was more accurate in the exchanges. In the third round, both fighters began to absorb more punches, and Bisultanov did plenty to make the bout memorable for the fans. However, the advantage Perevyazko had built early in the contest remained intact until the final bell.
Commenting on the events of the night, Chris Roberts OBE, IBA CEO & Secretary General said: “IBA Bare Knuckle once again proved why it has become one of the most exciting platforms in combat sports. Tonight in Moscow we saw elite athletes from different fighting backgrounds test themselves under the purest conditions possible, delivering courage, skill and unforgettable moments for the fans. Congratulations to all the winners, and especially to Samat Abdyrakhmanov on an outstanding performance in the main event, as well as Dmitry Kudryashov on a memorable and successful bare-knuckle debut. We now look forward to bringing this momentum to Miami for IBA Bare Knuckle 6.”
The evening in Moscow brought together experienced boxers, MMA fighters, kickboxers and combat sambo athletes, while the main bouts created several storylines for the future — from Abdyrakhmanov’s confident victory in the rematch to Kudryashov’s successful debut and the possibility of further meetings after a number of emotional finishes.
The next tournament in the series, IBA Bare Knuckle 6, will take place on July 18th in Miami, Florida.
Among the guests in attendance were leading figures from the world of combat sports: former UFC champions Jon Jones and Petr Yan, UFC heavyweight Alexander Volkov, leading UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan, and Adlan Amagov, a well-known Russian MMA fighter who competed in the UFC and Strikeforce. Their presence highlighted the status of the evening, which brought together representatives of boxing, MMA, kickboxing, combat sambo and bare-knuckle fighting. “It is a pleasure to be at a tournament like this. Of course, bare-knuckle fighting is not for everyone; it is a personal choice for established athletes. I wish them to get through it without injuries, although that is almost impossible in this sport. To the fans, I wish a great atmosphere: support the fighters, they feed off your energy. Thank you very much,” Petr Yan said.
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Kudryashov wins bare knuckles debut in Moscow
IBA Bare Knuckle 5 took place over the weekend at CSKA Arena in Moscow. The main event featured a rematch between Samat Abdyrakhmanov of Kyrgyzstan and Russia's Islam Kadiev, while ex-cruiserweight contender Dmitry Kudryashov made his bare-knuckle debut against Hasan Yousefi of Iran in the co-feature. In the main event, Abdyrakhmanov defeated Kadiev by unanimous decision after five rounds. Initially, Abdyrakhmanov constantly changed the rhythm, stopping his opponent with the jab, bursting forward with two- and three-punch combinations, and preventing Kadiev from settling at a comfortable range. Kadiev tried to respond and kept applying pressure, but Abdyrakhmanov’s advantage became increasingly clear as the contest progressed. While Abdyrakhmanov continued to increase the volume of accurate punches, Kadiev showed character and continued to answer back even in difficult moments, but Abdyrakhmanov was calmer and cleaner in his work. In the closing rounds, he controlled the range, avoided return attacks at the right moments and secured victory on the scorecards.
As for the Russian Kudryashov, he had a difficult start against Yousefi. The Iranian fighter met Kudryashov actively and landed several accurate shots, forcing his opponent to look for the right moment to take over the initiative. In the second round, Yousefi continued to move forward and managed to force Kudryashov back to the ropes. However, the Russian athlete absorbed the pressure, gradually wore down his opponent and began to find more opportunities to counter. The decisive moment came in the third round. Kudryashov landed a powerful shot that sent Yousefi to the canvas. The Iranian fighter managed to get back to his feet, but only seconds later he absorbed another heavy punch and was unable to continue. Kudryashov claimed a knockout victory in a bout that had not been straightforward for him. Kudryashov is 26-6 as a traditonal boxer but has not fought sinvre 2023. He holds some notable wins at cruiserweight and heavyweight, including against Juan Carlods Gomez and Ola Duradola.
One of the fastest finishes of the evening came as Yakov Bukin (RUS) defeated Suleyman Makhmadov (TJK). Bukin took the centre of the ring from the opening seconds, worked aggressively on the front foot and quickly forced his opponent into heavy exchanges. After a pause caused by a strike to a prohibited area, the bout resumed, but the finish came almost immediately: Bukin landed a powerful left hand, and Makhmadov was unable to beat the count. After the bout, Makhmadov thanked the fans for their support and said he would like a rematch, noting that he had competed in an unfamiliar weight class.
Sulambek Shakhgiriev (RUS) defeated Yassel Reyes (CUB) by knockout. The contest opened with heavy exchanges and pressure from both fighters. In one exchange, the referee counted a knockdown against Reyes, but the Cuban was able to return to his feet and continue. Soon after, however, Shakhgiriev landed another heavy shot, and the referee stopped the contest. Reyes disagreed with the stoppage and called for a rematch after the bout.
Aleksandr Nekrash (BLR) opened the tournament with a victory over Riccardo Allegretti (ITA). The Italian came forward aggressively from the opening seconds and tried to take the initiative early, but Nekrash remained composed, absorbed the initial pressure and began to respond with greater accuracy. He dropped his opponent in the first round and continued to work effectively in the clinch in the second, landing uppercuts to the body and head. After absorbing a series of punches, Allegretti withdrew from the contest, giving Nekrash the victory by technical knockout.
Oleg Zharkov (RUS) defeated Keyvan Safari (IRI) by unanimous decision. Safari came forward from the opening seconds and applied constant pressure, but Zharkov moved well, chose the right moments to counter and sent his opponent down with a heavy knockdown following one accurate combination. In the following rounds, the Iranian continued to attack and regularly targeted the body, but two rule infringements significantly complicated his task. Zharkov survived a difficult closing stretch and secured the win on points.
Bekzat Saabyr (KAZ) earned a unanimous decision victory over Matvey Kokorev (RUS). The bout remained tactically restrained for long periods and only began to open up in the second round. Saabyr gradually increased the pressure, while Kokorev tried to work off the back foot and use his physical advantages. In the third round, the Russian’s attempt to move forward resulted in a series of body shots landing against him, which ultimately confirmed Saabyr’s advantage.
Farid Yadullaev (RUS) defeated Seryozha Harutyunyan (ARM) by unanimous decision in one of the most mobile bouts of the evening. Harutyunyan made his IBA bare knuckle debut and immediately showed good footwork, but Yadullaev was more active in the key exchanges. The pace increased in the second round, the bout became more emotional, and Yadullaev landed several accurate right hands. The third round was fought through exchanges and a battle for the initiative. Both fighters moved constantly and tried to take control of the closing stages, but after three rounds the judges unanimously awarded the victory to Yadullaev.
Maksim Butorin (RUS) defeated Joilton Lutterbach (BRA) by unanimous decision. After a cautious start, Butorin began to force his opponent towards the ropes more often and moved well, constantly stepping outside the lead foot. Lutterbach, who has extensive combat sports experience, gradually began to read the feints better and answer with his own punches. Butorin hurt his opponent in one exchange, but the finish remained tense as Lutterbach increased his output and landed several clean shots. Nevertheless, the judges unanimously awarded the victory to Butorin.
In an all-Russian contest, Aleksandr Perevyazko defeated Sulim Bisultanov by unanimous decision in an emotional and entertaining bout. Perevyazko sent his opponent to the canvas twice in the opening round. Bisultanov was able to recover and return to the contest, while the break between the first and second rounds was extended after the ropes were damaged following one of the exchanges. In the second round, Bisultanov tried to change the course of the bout through aggression and pressure. He fought emotionally and continued to come forward even after absorbing punches, but Perevyazko remained calm and was more accurate in the exchanges. In the third round, both fighters began to absorb more punches, and Bisultanov did plenty to make the bout memorable for the fans. However, the advantage Perevyazko had built early in the contest remained intact until the final bell.
Commenting on the events of the night, Chris Roberts OBE, IBA CEO & Secretary General said: “IBA Bare Knuckle once again proved why it has become one of the most exciting platforms in combat sports. Tonight in Moscow we saw elite athletes from different fighting backgrounds test themselves under the purest conditions possible, delivering courage, skill and unforgettable moments for the fans. Congratulations to all the winners, and especially to Samat Abdyrakhmanov on an outstanding performance in the main event, as well as Dmitry Kudryashov on a memorable and successful bare-knuckle debut. We now look forward to bringing this momentum to Miami for IBA Bare Knuckle 6.”
The evening in Moscow brought together experienced boxers, MMA fighters, kickboxers and combat sambo athletes, while the main bouts created several storylines for the future — from Abdyrakhmanov’s confident victory in the rematch to Kudryashov’s successful debut and the possibility of further meetings after a number of emotional finishes.
The next tournament in the series, IBA Bare Knuckle 6, will take place on July 18th in Miami, Florida.
Among the guests in attendance were leading figures from the world of combat sports: former UFC champions Jon Jones and Petr Yan, UFC heavyweight Alexander Volkov, leading UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan, and Adlan Amagov, a well-known Russian MMA fighter who competed in the UFC and Strikeforce. Their presence highlighted the status of the evening, which brought together representatives of boxing, MMA, kickboxing, combat sambo and bare-knuckle fighting. “It is a pleasure to be at a tournament like this. Of course, bare-knuckle fighting is not for everyone; it is a personal choice for established athletes. I wish them to get through it without injuries, although that is almost impossible in this sport. To the fans, I wish a great atmosphere: support the fighters, they feed off your energy. Thank you very much,” Petr Yan said.
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Alvarez comeback delayed until october |
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DAZN has confirmed that former four-division champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez's challenge of WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli has now been pushed back to October, but no specific date was provided. DAZN intends to broadcast the fight on a pay-per-view basis. The legendary Mexican was scheduled to return to the ring on September 12th, which would have been his first fight since losing his world championship to Terence Crawford in September 2025. [Crawford then retired and vacated the four major titles].
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 24, 2026: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez will challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title on September 12th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Mexican launched his latest bid for the summit at a press conference on Saturday ahead of his bout with Christian M'billi. After he lost his world 168-pound championship to Terence Crawford last year, questions have been asked over whether Canelo still has the drive to succeed after his major loss to Terence Crawford last year. But amid a lively back-and-forth with his opponent at Saturday's press conference in Egypt, the Mexican legend doubled down on his belief that he can be world champion once more. "I'm very confident," he said. "I still want it. I feel like I'm fifteen years old. I'm always confident because I know where I am.cHe's a champion, and he's a dangerous fighter. I like that kind of fight, I love it. He's a good fighter, but he's zero percent [to win]."
M'billi, meanwhile, paid respect to his opponent, but insisted his age and experience would not count for anything when they meet. "The facts are my ability to box, and his ability," he added. "I'll keep my style, and we'll see if he can deal with it. I'm an amazing fighter. My goal was to be a world champion and fight Canelo, so the last six months have been incredible. I've the power and speed to win."
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Alvarez comeback delayed until october
DAZN has confirmed that former four-division champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez's challenge of WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli has now been pushed back to October, but no specific date was provided. DAZN intends to broadcast the fight on a pay-per-view basis. The legendary Mexican was scheduled to return to the ring on September 12th, which would have been his first fight since losing his world championship to Terence Crawford in September 2025. [Crawford then retired and vacated the four major titles].
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 24, 2026: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez will challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title on September 12th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Mexican launched his latest bid for the summit at a press conference on Saturday ahead of his bout with Christian M'billi. After he lost his world 168-pound championship to Terence Crawford last year, questions have been asked over whether Canelo still has the drive to succeed after his major loss to Terence Crawford last year. But amid a lively back-and-forth with his opponent at Saturday's press conference in Egypt, the Mexican legend doubled down on his belief that he can be world champion once more. "I'm very confident," he said. "I still want it. I feel like I'm fifteen years old. I'm always confident because I know where I am.cHe's a champion, and he's a dangerous fighter. I like that kind of fight, I love it. He's a good fighter, but he's zero percent [to win]."
M'billi, meanwhile, paid respect to his opponent, but insisted his age and experience would not count for anything when they meet. "The facts are my ability to box, and his ability," he added. "I'll keep my style, and we'll see if he can deal with it. I'm an amazing fighter. My goal was to be a world champion and fight Canelo, so the last six months have been incredible. I've the power and speed to win."
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Ex-champ Mora gets into Twitter dispute with Ortiz |
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Junior middleweight contender Vergil Ortiz, Jr. is quite salty that his promotional disputes led to Xander Zayas fighting Jaron Ennis instead of Ortiz himself. After Ennis defeated Zayas, Ortiz was particularly harsh on the loser: "Xander you looked straight to your corner after you got dropped that last time. You’re a pu**y -- you did better than I thought you were gonna do but you’re a quitter. I can’t believe I just saw you do that."
Ex-champ Sergio Mora (pictured) responded negatively to Ortiz: "Woulda, coulda, shoulda... Those saying Zayas quit are dead wrong! At 23, the champ simply got beat by a superior fighter after giving it his all! That’s NOT quitting! Quitting can come in many ways, but having the fight beaten the hell out of you in an entertaining fight is NOT one of them!"
Ortiz responded to Mora: "Sorry I wasn’t given free belts with one of the weakest résumés in boxing! And sorry for clowning on the guy who has been clowning me for invalid reasons for over a year. If those circumstances make me look bad in your eyes then you’re just ignorant. I earned my shot before Xander did a thousand times over, you’re gonna blame ME for not winning a title? You’re gonna blame ME for not receiving those fights against those people who 99% of the boxing world probably can’t name? If I had won those belts from those opponents, everyone would be clowning the credibility of my belts. Out of everyone on that broadcast I at least expected the boxer to understand."
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Ex-champ Mora gets into Twitter dispute with Ortiz
Junior middleweight contender Vergil Ortiz, Jr. is quite salty that his promotional disputes led to Xander Zayas fighting Jaron Ennis instead of Ortiz himself. After Ennis defeated Zayas, Ortiz was particularly harsh on the loser: "Xander you looked straight to your corner after you got dropped that last time. You’re a pu**y -- you did better than I thought you were gonna do but you’re a quitter. I can’t believe I just saw you do that."
Ex-champ Sergio Mora (pictured) responded negatively to Ortiz: "Woulda, coulda, shoulda... Those saying Zayas quit are dead wrong! At 23, the champ simply got beat by a superior fighter after giving it his all! That’s NOT quitting! Quitting can come in many ways, but having the fight beaten the hell out of you in an entertaining fight is NOT one of them!"
Ortiz responded to Mora: "Sorry I wasn’t given free belts with one of the weakest résumés in boxing! And sorry for clowning on the guy who has been clowning me for invalid reasons for over a year. If those circumstances make me look bad in your eyes then you’re just ignorant. I earned my shot before Xander did a thousand times over, you’re gonna blame ME for not winning a title? You’re gonna blame ME for not receiving those fights against those people who 99% of the boxing world probably can’t name? If I had won those belts from those opponents, everyone would be clowning the credibility of my belts. Out of everyone on that broadcast I at least expected the boxer to understand."
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Watch: Valenzuela KOs De Los Santos |
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Jose Valenzuela KO2 Edwin De Los Santos... In the Zuffa Boxing main event, ex-junior welterweight champion Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela avenged a defeat with a second-round knockout of Edwin De Los Santos. In 2022, De Los Santos took the win in their first meeting when he knocked out Valenzuela in the third round in a fight that saw both men hit the canvas. But in the rematch four years later, Valenzuela showed his evolution as he knocked out De Los Santos in the second round to deliver a statement to the rest of the lightweight division. A sharp start from De Los Santos almost ended in disaster at the end of the opening round when Valenzuela connected with a huge left hand that badly wobbled the Dominican in the closing seconds. Another follow-up left hand wobbled De Los Santos again, but the round came to a close before “Rayo” was able to take full advantage.
Having seen the results of his power punches late in the first round, Valenzuela resumed his attack in the second and clipped De Los Santos again as he stalked his man around the ring. Valenzuela stayed composed and landed again, which drew De Los Santos off the ropes and into a wild battle of hooks. Valenzuela covered up well and unleashed a perfectly-timed right hook that sent De Los Santos down to the canvas for the count of ten.
It gave Valenzuela the most satisfying, and important, victory of this chapter of his career as the former 140-pound world champion proved himself as a legitimate contender for 135-pound championship gold. And after improving his career record to 16-3 with the 10th knockout of his career, “Rayo” capped off his night by making clear what he wants next – a fight with pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson.
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Watch: Valenzuela KOs De Los Santos
Jose Valenzuela KO2 Edwin De Los Santos... In the Zuffa Boxing main event, ex-junior welterweight champion Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela avenged a defeat with a second-round knockout of Edwin De Los Santos. In 2022, De Los Santos took the win in their first meeting when he knocked out Valenzuela in the third round in a fight that saw both men hit the canvas. But in the rematch four years later, Valenzuela showed his evolution as he knocked out De Los Santos in the second round to deliver a statement to the rest of the lightweight division. A sharp start from De Los Santos almost ended in disaster at the end of the opening round when Valenzuela connected with a huge left hand that badly wobbled the Dominican in the closing seconds. Another follow-up left hand wobbled De Los Santos again, but the round came to a close before “Rayo” was able to take full advantage.
Having seen the results of his power punches late in the first round, Valenzuela resumed his attack in the second and clipped De Los Santos again as he stalked his man around the ring. Valenzuela stayed composed and landed again, which drew De Los Santos off the ropes and into a wild battle of hooks. Valenzuela covered up well and unleashed a perfectly-timed right hook that sent De Los Santos down to the canvas for the count of ten.
It gave Valenzuela the most satisfying, and important, victory of this chapter of his career as the former 140-pound world champion proved himself as a legitimate contender for 135-pound championship gold. And after improving his career record to 16-3 with the 10th knockout of his career, “Rayo” capped off his night by making clear what he wants next – a fight with pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson.
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Brandun Lee and Jerwin Ancajas both lose in Vegas |
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Cain Sandoval W10 Brandun Lee... In the main card opener of Zuffa Boxing 07 in Las Vegas, Cain Sandoval bounced back from a prior defeat to Julian Rodriguez with a hard-earned majority decision win over Brandun Lee in their ten-round welterweight matchup. Lee entered this but with a record of 30-0. Sandoval’s tactical adjustments and relentless approach proved too much for Lee, who fought hard, but simply had no answer to Sandoval’s determination, particularly through the second half of the fight. Sandoval started out in a noticeably different style from his fight with Rodriguez as he worked from the outside, rather than closing in to fight at close range. Lee, meanwhile, looked relaxed and comfortable as he established his range, utilizing a smart double-jab. After four closely-contested rounds, Sandoval turned up the intensity and boxed a superb fifth round as he returned to the high-pressure approach we saw in the Rodriguez fight.
That approach continued through rounds six and seven as Sandoval repeatedly worked Lee to the body in a bid to break his opponent. And in a fiercely contested eighth round, both men went toe to toe and swung for the fences as Sandoval threatened to overwhelm Lee with shots in a breathless final exchange. That fast pace continued through the final two rounds as both fighters left it all in the ring as they battled all the way to the final bell. When the scorecards were announced, there was a degree of surprise inside the arena at how close the scores were, but there was no controversy as to the victor, as Sandoval claimed scores of 95-95, 96-94, 97-93 to seal his first victory under the Zuffa Boxing banner.
Omar Trinidad W10 Jerwin Ancajas... Featherweight Omar Trinidad claimed the most significant victory of his career to date with a unanimous decision win over former super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas. Trinidad made full use of his physical advantages of height and reach, while Ancajas utilized his marginally superior speed as the pair engaged in a fascinating orthodox-versus-southpaw chess match, with both men scoring with solid, well-timed shots. All three judges scored the ten rounder 97-93 for Trinidad. As the fight moved into the middle rounds, Trinidad’s heavier shots started to slow the former world champion, whose counters still found their mark, but at the higher weight didn’t carry the same fight-altering power they did when he competed at 115 pounds. And in the closing stages of the final round, it looked like Trinidad might just claim a late stoppage when he rocked Ancajas and poured on the pressure in a bid to get the finish. But, with referee Tony Weeks watching closely, Ancajas was allowed to continue, and the Filipino warrior fired back with big shots of his own as the pair stood and traded all the way to the final bell.
In the end, Trinidad’s superior strike rate and heavier work through the second half of the fight proved crucial. The victory moved him to 21-0-2.
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Brandun Lee and Jerwin Ancajas both lose in Vegas
Cain Sandoval W10 Brandun Lee... In the main card opener of Zuffa Boxing 07 in Las Vegas, Cain Sandoval bounced back from a prior defeat to Julian Rodriguez with a hard-earned majority decision win over Brandun Lee in their ten-round welterweight matchup. Lee entered this but with a record of 30-0. Sandoval’s tactical adjustments and relentless approach proved too much for Lee, who fought hard, but simply had no answer to Sandoval’s determination, particularly through the second half of the fight. Sandoval started out in a noticeably different style from his fight with Rodriguez as he worked from the outside, rather than closing in to fight at close range. Lee, meanwhile, looked relaxed and comfortable as he established his range, utilizing a smart double-jab. After four closely-contested rounds, Sandoval turned up the intensity and boxed a superb fifth round as he returned to the high-pressure approach we saw in the Rodriguez fight.
That approach continued through rounds six and seven as Sandoval repeatedly worked Lee to the body in a bid to break his opponent. And in a fiercely contested eighth round, both men went toe to toe and swung for the fences as Sandoval threatened to overwhelm Lee with shots in a breathless final exchange. That fast pace continued through the final two rounds as both fighters left it all in the ring as they battled all the way to the final bell. When the scorecards were announced, there was a degree of surprise inside the arena at how close the scores were, but there was no controversy as to the victor, as Sandoval claimed scores of 95-95, 96-94, 97-93 to seal his first victory under the Zuffa Boxing banner.
Omar Trinidad W10 Jerwin Ancajas... Featherweight Omar Trinidad claimed the most significant victory of his career to date with a unanimous decision win over former super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas. Trinidad made full use of his physical advantages of height and reach, while Ancajas utilized his marginally superior speed as the pair engaged in a fascinating orthodox-versus-southpaw chess match, with both men scoring with solid, well-timed shots. All three judges scored the ten rounder 97-93 for Trinidad. As the fight moved into the middle rounds, Trinidad’s heavier shots started to slow the former world champion, whose counters still found their mark, but at the higher weight didn’t carry the same fight-altering power they did when he competed at 115 pounds. And in the closing stages of the final round, it looked like Trinidad might just claim a late stoppage when he rocked Ancajas and poured on the pressure in a bid to get the finish. But, with referee Tony Weeks watching closely, Ancajas was allowed to continue, and the Filipino warrior fired back with big shots of his own as the pair stood and traded all the way to the final bell.
In the end, Trinidad’s superior strike rate and heavier work through the second half of the fight proved crucial. The victory moved him to 21-0-2.
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Zuffa Boxing preliminary results |
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Andres Teran TKO6 Floyd Diaz ... On the Zuffa Boxing undercard in Las Vegas, Andres Teran bided his time, waited his moment, and eventually found the punch that mattered as he turned the tables on undefeated Floyd Diaz in their ten-round bantamweight contest. Diaz settled quickly and landed stiff shots during an impressive start, but nothing he landed deterred Teran from stalking him around the ring. By the mid-way point of Round 2, the Mexican had found his range and was responding to Diaz’s shots in kind, but the Las Vegas-based Peruvian’s activity and more eye-catching shots ensured he held the early advantage. Teran kept him honest throughout and cut off the ring pretty effectively, but Diaz always managed to do just enough to keep him one step ahead of his more experienced opponent as he found the right shots at the right time to prevent Teran from teeing off on him. But that all changed in round six, when Teran connected clean with a right hand that spun Diaz’s chin and put the Peruvian in big trouble. Teran saw his moment and poured on the pressure to eventually force referee Thomas Taylor to step in to spare Diaz further punishment. The end came with Teran 5-0 down on all three scorecards, as “Loquillo” scored a huge come-from-behind victory to take his record to 19-2 with the 14th knockout of his career.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Tony Hirsch Jr continued his emergence as a bona fide talent in the Zuffa Boxing lightweight division with a highlight-reel knockout of fellow unbeaten prospect Jaybrio Pe Benito taking his record to 9-0-2 (5 KOs). Both men entered the ring having already picked up notable victories inside the Zuffa Boxing ring, and it was Pe Benito who started the faster of the pair as he quickly got to work, throwing combinations. But, after gauging his opponent’s timing, Hirsch started to counter effectively, with one ramrod straight right connecting clean for the most eye-catching shot of the first two rounds. By the third round, Hirsch had seen enough, and the Oakland native put his foot on the accelerator as he lined up Pe Benito, then finished him in highlight-reel fashion. Three jab-to-right-hand combinations found their mark in quick succession, with the final shot sending Pe Benito face-first to the canvas for a show-stopping knockout.
The welterweight bout between Damoni Cato-Cain and Vernon “Sub-Zero” Brown served up a classic boxer-versus-puncher matchup, and after eight rounds of non-stop action, it was the boxer who was left with his hand raised in victory as Cato-Cain claimed his tenth professional win. Brown fought like a man with full faith in his knockout power as he loaded up with heavy shots throughout the fight. But Cato-Cain was the sharper, slicker fighter, and he used those skills to good effect throughout the contest as he utilized his six-inch reach advantage and superior speed to consistently score with smart combinations. From the mid-point of the fight onward, Brown tried to up the aggression, and ended each round with a vicious salvo as he landed his best punches of the fight in the last thirty seconds of rounds fourt through six. But, despite Brown’s heavy shots, Cato-Cain’s chin held up well, while his conditioning ensured that he was half a step ahead throughout. A left hand in close saw Cato-Cain touch down in the final round, but referee Allen Huggins ruled it a trip, rather than a knockdown. Once the action resumed, Cato-Cain happily stood in the pocket with Brown who, despite his best efforts, couldn’t find a punch to turn the fight in his favor. After a brief wait while the commission studied replay footage of the potential knockdown, the no-knockdown verdict stood, and the final scorecards reflected the level of success each man had in the fight, with Cato-Cain getting the victory with scores of 78-74 (twice) and 79-73.
Undefeated lightweights Brady Ochoa and Adrian Serrano battled to a majority draw after six entertaining rounds at Zuffa Boxing 04 back in March, and at The Chelsea the pair ran it back in an action-packed rematch, with Serrano eventually emerging as the winner via unanimous decision. Unsurprisingly, given how well they already knew each other, there was no feeling-out process as both fighters planted their feet and threw with vicious intent early. Serrano was the aggressor, pushing forward, throwing heavy shots, but Ochoa countered smartly with sharp, accurate shots at the end of Serrano’s flurries. By the third round, Serrano’s relentless forward pressure and power punching had started to have an effect on Ochoa’s output, with the teenager noticeably less able to respond with power shots of his own. The back-and-forth action continued through the fourth round, but in the fifth, Ochoa found his second wind as he came out of the corner and unloaded a punishing salvo of power shots in a bid to slow the relentless pace of Serrano. But, in the closing minute of the round, Serrano was still there, walking forward and landing clean, crisp shots as the pair went toe-to-toe in a thrilling penultimate round. It set things up for a potentially crucial final frame, and both fighters emptied the tank and battled all the way to the judges’ scorecards once again. This time there was a winner, with Serrano getting the nod from all three ringside judges, who returned scores of 59-55 (twice) and 58-56 for “El Diamante”, who moves on to 7-0-2. Ochoa, meanwhile, takes the first loss of his career. But, given the sheer entertainment the pair delivered in their first two matchups, few would complain if they met in a trilogy bout further down the line.
The night kicked off with a battle of undefeated southpaw heavyweights, and it didn’t take long for the heavy leather to start flying as Uzbekistan’s Jakhongir Zokirov stopped American Zach Spiller in the second round. A beautiful one-two combination from Zokirov landed clean and sent Spiller to the canvas just as the ten-second clapper sounded at the end of the first round. That knockdown at the end of the round gave Zokirov the encouragement to up his output in Round 2, and he started to connect with Spiller at will. Spiller hung tough, and even landed a big counter left of his own that gave the Uzbek a moment’s pause, but Zokirov was determined to get the finish, and he completed the job with a vicious flurry of unanswered shots that forced referee Tony Weeks to step in at the 2:02 mark.
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Zuffa Boxing preliminary results
Andres Teran TKO6 Floyd Diaz ... On the Zuffa Boxing undercard in Las Vegas, Andres Teran bided his time, waited his moment, and eventually found the punch that mattered as he turned the tables on undefeated Floyd Diaz in their ten-round bantamweight contest. Diaz settled quickly and landed stiff shots during an impressive start, but nothing he landed deterred Teran from stalking him around the ring. By the mid-way point of Round 2, the Mexican had found his range and was responding to Diaz’s shots in kind, but the Las Vegas-based Peruvian’s activity and more eye-catching shots ensured he held the early advantage. Teran kept him honest throughout and cut off the ring pretty effectively, but Diaz always managed to do just enough to keep him one step ahead of his more experienced opponent as he found the right shots at the right time to prevent Teran from teeing off on him. But that all changed in round six, when Teran connected clean with a right hand that spun Diaz’s chin and put the Peruvian in big trouble. Teran saw his moment and poured on the pressure to eventually force referee Thomas Taylor to step in to spare Diaz further punishment. The end came with Teran 5-0 down on all three scorecards, as “Loquillo” scored a huge come-from-behind victory to take his record to 19-2 with the 14th knockout of his career.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Tony Hirsch Jr continued his emergence as a bona fide talent in the Zuffa Boxing lightweight division with a highlight-reel knockout of fellow unbeaten prospect Jaybrio Pe Benito taking his record to 9-0-2 (5 KOs). Both men entered the ring having already picked up notable victories inside the Zuffa Boxing ring, and it was Pe Benito who started the faster of the pair as he quickly got to work, throwing combinations. But, after gauging his opponent’s timing, Hirsch started to counter effectively, with one ramrod straight right connecting clean for the most eye-catching shot of the first two rounds. By the third round, Hirsch had seen enough, and the Oakland native put his foot on the accelerator as he lined up Pe Benito, then finished him in highlight-reel fashion. Three jab-to-right-hand combinations found their mark in quick succession, with the final shot sending Pe Benito face-first to the canvas for a show-stopping knockout.
The welterweight bout between Damoni Cato-Cain and Vernon “Sub-Zero” Brown served up a classic boxer-versus-puncher matchup, and after eight rounds of non-stop action, it was the boxer who was left with his hand raised in victory as Cato-Cain claimed his tenth professional win. Brown fought like a man with full faith in his knockout power as he loaded up with heavy shots throughout the fight. But Cato-Cain was the sharper, slicker fighter, and he used those skills to good effect throughout the contest as he utilized his six-inch reach advantage and superior speed to consistently score with smart combinations. From the mid-point of the fight onward, Brown tried to up the aggression, and ended each round with a vicious salvo as he landed his best punches of the fight in the last thirty seconds of rounds fourt through six. But, despite Brown’s heavy shots, Cato-Cain’s chin held up well, while his conditioning ensured that he was half a step ahead throughout. A left hand in close saw Cato-Cain touch down in the final round, but referee Allen Huggins ruled it a trip, rather than a knockdown. Once the action resumed, Cato-Cain happily stood in the pocket with Brown who, despite his best efforts, couldn’t find a punch to turn the fight in his favor. After a brief wait while the commission studied replay footage of the potential knockdown, the no-knockdown verdict stood, and the final scorecards reflected the level of success each man had in the fight, with Cato-Cain getting the victory with scores of 78-74 (twice) and 79-73.
Undefeated lightweights Brady Ochoa and Adrian Serrano battled to a majority draw after six entertaining rounds at Zuffa Boxing 04 back in March, and at The Chelsea the pair ran it back in an action-packed rematch, with Serrano eventually emerging as the winner via unanimous decision. Unsurprisingly, given how well they already knew each other, there was no feeling-out process as both fighters planted their feet and threw with vicious intent early. Serrano was the aggressor, pushing forward, throwing heavy shots, but Ochoa countered smartly with sharp, accurate shots at the end of Serrano’s flurries. By the third round, Serrano’s relentless forward pressure and power punching had started to have an effect on Ochoa’s output, with the teenager noticeably less able to respond with power shots of his own. The back-and-forth action continued through the fourth round, but in the fifth, Ochoa found his second wind as he came out of the corner and unloaded a punishing salvo of power shots in a bid to slow the relentless pace of Serrano. But, in the closing minute of the round, Serrano was still there, walking forward and landing clean, crisp shots as the pair went toe-to-toe in a thrilling penultimate round. It set things up for a potentially crucial final frame, and both fighters emptied the tank and battled all the way to the judges’ scorecards once again. This time there was a winner, with Serrano getting the nod from all three ringside judges, who returned scores of 59-55 (twice) and 58-56 for “El Diamante”, who moves on to 7-0-2. Ochoa, meanwhile, takes the first loss of his career. But, given the sheer entertainment the pair delivered in their first two matchups, few would complain if they met in a trilogy bout further down the line.
The night kicked off with a battle of undefeated southpaw heavyweights, and it didn’t take long for the heavy leather to start flying as Uzbekistan’s Jakhongir Zokirov stopped American Zach Spiller in the second round. A beautiful one-two combination from Zokirov landed clean and sent Spiller to the canvas just as the ten-second clapper sounded at the end of the first round. That knockdown at the end of the round gave Zokirov the encouragement to up his output in Round 2, and he started to connect with Spiller at will. Spiller hung tough, and even landed a big counter left of his own that gave the Uzbek a moment’s pause, but Zokirov was determined to get the finish, and he completed the job with a vicious flurry of unanswered shots that forced referee Tony Weeks to step in at the 2:02 mark.
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Zuffa Boxing coming to Ireland |
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Zuffa Boxing is coming to Dublin. On Saturday, August 8th, 3Arena will host Zuffa Boxing 10 — the promotion's first-ever show in Ireland — headlined by Aaron McKenna against Italy's Etinosa Oliha. In the co-feature, unbeaten Cork southpaw Callum Walsh returns to action against Tyler Denny in a ten-round middleweight bout. Tickets are on sale now.
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Zuffa Boxing coming to Ireland
Zuffa Boxing is coming to Dublin. On Saturday, August 8th, 3Arena will host Zuffa Boxing 10 — the promotion's first-ever show in Ireland — headlined by Aaron McKenna against Italy's Etinosa Oliha. In the co-feature, unbeaten Cork southpaw Callum Walsh returns to action against Tyler Denny in a ten-round middleweight bout. Tickets are on sale now.
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Lee Selby wins BKB debut in Wales |
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After weathering a heavy barrage in the first round, former IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby won his bare knuckles fighting debut, following up with several knockdowns before finishing Italy's Antonio Rizzo by second-round knockout. Selby-Rizzo headlined BKB 55 in Cardiff at the Vindico Arena in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday night. Other main card results: Dan Lerwell picked up his thirteenth victory and twelfth knockout while handing UFC veteran Danny Mitchell first bare knuckle loss with a second-round KO... In a featured matchup of former champions, England's Dan Podmore outslugged American Jarome Hatch, stopping him in the fifth round by TKO... Iestyn Edwards, age 22, improved to 2-0 with a unanimous decision over Ashley Williams... After a vicious battle, Joe Morgan caught Joe Smith with a right that knocked him out cold in the fifth round. Mark O’Neil stunned BKB #1 heavyweight contender Kamil Sokolowski with a :26 first-round TKO by doctor’s stoppage and... Ash Devenport improved to 2-0 with a five-round unanimous decision over returning veteran Tony Lafferty.
In preliminary matches, Geraint Goodridge defeated Tom Pratt winning by second-round TKO... Wales’ Ethan George improved to 2-0 with a fifth-round split decision over Lithuania’s Kornelijus Sabaliauskas... Claas Lilie was victorious in his bare knuckle boxing debut with a second-round TKO over Dan Matthews.... Ollie Sentance stays undefeated with a second-round TKO of veteran Corey Healey and... Jordan Bell opened up the prelims with a first-round TKO of Tusolo Williams in a matchup of two Trigon newcomers.
QUICK RESULTS
Selby def. Rizzo - KO2;
Lerwell def. Mitchell- KO2;
Podmore def. Hatch - TKO5;
Edwards def. Williams - UD5;
Morgan def. Smith - KO5;
O'Neil def. Sokolowski - DS/TKO1;
Davenport def. Lafferty - UD5;
Goodridge def. Pratt - TKO2;
George def. Sabaliauskas - SD5;
Lilie def. Matthews - TKO2;
Sentance def. Healey - TKO2; and
Bell def. Williams - TKO1.
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Lee Selby wins BKB debut in Wales
After weathering a heavy barrage in the first round, former IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby won his bare knuckles fighting debut, following up with several knockdowns before finishing Italy's Antonio Rizzo by second-round knockout. Selby-Rizzo headlined BKB 55 in Cardiff at the Vindico Arena in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday night. Other main card results: Dan Lerwell picked up his thirteenth victory and twelfth knockout while handing UFC veteran Danny Mitchell first bare knuckle loss with a second-round KO... In a featured matchup of former champions, England's Dan Podmore outslugged American Jarome Hatch, stopping him in the fifth round by TKO... Iestyn Edwards, age 22, improved to 2-0 with a unanimous decision over Ashley Williams... After a vicious battle, Joe Morgan caught Joe Smith with a right that knocked him out cold in the fifth round. Mark O’Neil stunned BKB #1 heavyweight contender Kamil Sokolowski with a :26 first-round TKO by doctor’s stoppage and... Ash Devenport improved to 2-0 with a five-round unanimous decision over returning veteran Tony Lafferty.
In preliminary matches, Geraint Goodridge defeated Tom Pratt winning by second-round TKO... Wales’ Ethan George improved to 2-0 with a fifth-round split decision over Lithuania’s Kornelijus Sabaliauskas... Claas Lilie was victorious in his bare knuckle boxing debut with a second-round TKO over Dan Matthews.... Ollie Sentance stays undefeated with a second-round TKO of veteran Corey Healey and... Jordan Bell opened up the prelims with a first-round TKO of Tusolo Williams in a matchup of two Trigon newcomers.
QUICK RESULTS
Selby def. Rizzo - KO2;
Lerwell def. Mitchell- KO2;
Podmore def. Hatch - TKO5;
Edwards def. Williams - UD5;
Morgan def. Smith - KO5;
O'Neil def. Sokolowski - DS/TKO1;
Davenport def. Lafferty - UD5;
Goodridge def. Pratt - TKO2;
George def. Sabaliauskas - SD5;
Lilie def. Matthews - TKO2;
Sentance def. Healey - TKO2; and
Bell def. Williams - TKO1.
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Ennis stops Zayas to become two-division champ |
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Jaron Ennis TKO7 Xander Zayas... Jaron "Boots" Ennis added another chapter to Philadelphia's storied boxing history on Saturday. The former welterweight champion traveled about two hours north to Brooklyn, New York's Barclays Center where he defeated Puerto Rico's Xander Zayas to become a two-division champion. Ennis scored three knockdowns, one in each of the first, fifth and seventh rounds, with Zayas' corner electing to stop the fight after the third trip to the canvas. After taking a lot of puishment in round one, Zayas had an excellent third round and landed some hard punches, but Ennis stayed composed and regained control of the fight in round four. Overall, Ennis outlanded Zayas 131 punches to 78, with Ennis landing a highly accurate 49% of his punches. The sky is now the limit for the undefeated Ennis, who got his career-best win, adding Zayas' WBO and WBA 154-pound titles to the two 147-pound titles Ennis previously owned. After winning this battle of undefeateds, Ennis (36-0) deserves consideration near the top of pound-for-pound lists.
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Ennis stops Zayas to become two-division champ
Jaron Ennis TKO7 Xander Zayas... Jaron "Boots" Ennis added another chapter to Philadelphia's storied boxing history on Saturday. The former welterweight champion traveled about two hours north to Brooklyn, New York's Barclays Center where he defeated Puerto Rico's Xander Zayas to become a two-division champion. Ennis scored three knockdowns, one in each of the first, fifth and seventh rounds, with Zayas' corner electing to stop the fight after the third trip to the canvas. After taking a lot of puishment in round one, Zayas had an excellent third round and landed some hard punches, but Ennis stayed composed and regained control of the fight in round four. Overall, Ennis outlanded Zayas 131 punches to 78, with Ennis landing a highly accurate 49% of his punches. The sky is now the limit for the undefeated Ennis, who got his career-best win, adding Zayas' WBO and WBA 154-pound titles to the two 147-pound titles Ennis previously owned. After winning this battle of undefeateds, Ennis (36-0) deserves consideration near the top of pound-for-pound lists.
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WBC e-mails Kabayel its heavyweight title |
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Agit Kabayel has officially been recognized as the new WBC heavyweight champion, effective June 27th. Kabayel’s ascension to the WBC championship is the culmination of nearly a decade of remarkable consistency inside the ring. Undefeated as a professional, the German standout has steadily climbed the ranks while overcoming every challenge placed before him, earning his place among boxing’s elite. “The heavyweight championship has always represented the highest honor in boxing. Agit Kabayel has earned this moment through years of discipline, perseverance, and exceptional performances against world-class opposition,” said WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán. “His rise through the WBC rankings has been a true example of dedication and merit. On behalf of the entire World Boxing Council family, I congratulate Agit on becoming the new WBC heavyweight world champion. We are proud to welcome him into the historic lineage of champions who have worn the green and gold belt, and we wish him a long, successful, and memorable reign.”
Queensberry Promotions tweeted, "Congratulations to Agit Kabayel on being upgraded to full WBC world heavyweight champion! A historic day for boxing in Germany as he becomes the first German world heavyweight champion since Max Schmeling back in 1932."
Born in Leverkusen, Germany, to Kurdish parents, Kabayel first entered the WBC world rankings in May 2017 after capturing the European Boxing Union (EBU) heavyweight championship with a victory over Herve Hubeaux. Later that year, his triumph over Derek Chisora established him among the division’s elite.
His breakthrough on the global stage came in December 2023 during the historic “Day of Reckoning” event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he stopped the previously undefeated Arslanbek Makhmudov in four rounds. Kabayel continued his remarkable rise in May 2024, defeating the undefeated Frank Sánchez by seventh-round knockout. Most recently, Kabayel successfully defended the Interim title on January 10th with a victory over Damian Knyba, further cementing his position as the division’s leading contender.
Additional information regarding the heavyweight division and upcoming championship activities will be announced by the WBC in the coming days.
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WBC e-mails Kabayel its heavyweight title
Agit Kabayel has officially been recognized as the new WBC heavyweight champion, effective June 27th. Kabayel’s ascension to the WBC championship is the culmination of nearly a decade of remarkable consistency inside the ring. Undefeated as a professional, the German standout has steadily climbed the ranks while overcoming every challenge placed before him, earning his place among boxing’s elite. “The heavyweight championship has always represented the highest honor in boxing. Agit Kabayel has earned this moment through years of discipline, perseverance, and exceptional performances against world-class opposition,” said WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán. “His rise through the WBC rankings has been a true example of dedication and merit. On behalf of the entire World Boxing Council family, I congratulate Agit on becoming the new WBC heavyweight world champion. We are proud to welcome him into the historic lineage of champions who have worn the green and gold belt, and we wish him a long, successful, and memorable reign.”
Queensberry Promotions tweeted, "Congratulations to Agit Kabayel on being upgraded to full WBC world heavyweight champion! A historic day for boxing in Germany as he becomes the first German world heavyweight champion since Max Schmeling back in 1932."
Born in Leverkusen, Germany, to Kurdish parents, Kabayel first entered the WBC world rankings in May 2017 after capturing the European Boxing Union (EBU) heavyweight championship with a victory over Herve Hubeaux. Later that year, his triumph over Derek Chisora established him among the division’s elite.
His breakthrough on the global stage came in December 2023 during the historic “Day of Reckoning” event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he stopped the previously undefeated Arslanbek Makhmudov in four rounds. Kabayel continued his remarkable rise in May 2024, defeating the undefeated Frank Sánchez by seventh-round knockout. Most recently, Kabayel successfully defended the Interim title on January 10th with a victory over Damian Knyba, further cementing his position as the division’s leading contender.
Additional information regarding the heavyweight division and upcoming championship activities will be announced by the WBC in the coming days.
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Undercard results from Brooklyn |
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Emiliano Vargas KO4 Bryce Mills... Emiliano Vargas defeated Bryce Mills by knockout at 1:17 of the fourth round in Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The junior welterweight Vargas (18-0) first sent Mills bending backwards to the canvas with a straight left hand. Mills made it back to his feet but didn't seem to be in the right frame of mind. Vargas smelled blood and began teeing off on Mills (22-2). One final shot, a chopping right hand, was all the referee needed to see and stopped the fight. [Mills was still throwing punches even as the fight was stopped]. It's time for Vargas for a higher-caliber opponent. He's still only 22 years old, but he's ready for a top ten foe in his next fight.
Ben Whittaker TKO2 Richard Rivera ... In a light heavyweight bout at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, Ben Whittaker (12-0-1) defeated Richard "Popeye" Rivera by technical knockout in the second round. After a knockdown at the end of the first, Rivera came at the Brit with a slow left hook, but Whittaker zipped one of his own in quicker to drop him for the second time. Rivera (27-3) made it up, but the referee had seen enough, which was the right call. He wasn't going to make it through the round, so the ref saved him. Jahi Tucker W10 Euri Cedeno... New York middleweight Jahi Tucker defeated Euri Cedeno of the Dominican Republic by majority decision in a ten-round bout. The official scores were 95-95, 98-92, 97-93 but DAZN commented, " The judge who scored a draw should have their scorecard removed. Pretty obvious Tucker won the fight." It was a close fight through six rounds, but Tucker's activity was too much for Cedeno. Tucker is now 17-1-1 and he handed Cedeno (14-1-1) the 2021 Dominican Olympian's first pro defeat
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Undercard results from Brooklyn
Emiliano Vargas KO4 Bryce Mills... Emiliano Vargas defeated Bryce Mills by knockout at 1:17 of the fourth round in Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The junior welterweight Vargas (18-0) first sent Mills bending backwards to the canvas with a straight left hand. Mills made it back to his feet but didn't seem to be in the right frame of mind. Vargas smelled blood and began teeing off on Mills (22-2). One final shot, a chopping right hand, was all the referee needed to see and stopped the fight. [Mills was still throwing punches even as the fight was stopped]. It's time for Vargas for a higher-caliber opponent. He's still only 22 years old, but he's ready for a top ten foe in his next fight.
Ben Whittaker TKO2 Richard Rivera ... In a light heavyweight bout at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, Ben Whittaker (12-0-1) defeated Richard "Popeye" Rivera by technical knockout in the second round. After a knockdown at the end of the first, Rivera came at the Brit with a slow left hook, but Whittaker zipped one of his own in quicker to drop him for the second time. Rivera (27-3) made it up, but the referee had seen enough, which was the right call. He wasn't going to make it through the round, so the ref saved him. Jahi Tucker W10 Euri Cedeno... New York middleweight Jahi Tucker defeated Euri Cedeno of the Dominican Republic by majority decision in a ten-round bout. The official scores were 95-95, 98-92, 97-93 but DAZN commented, " The judge who scored a draw should have their scorecard removed. Pretty obvious Tucker won the fight." It was a close fight through six rounds, but Tucker's activity was too much for Cedeno. Tucker is now 17-1-1 and he handed Cedeno (14-1-1) the 2021 Dominican Olympian's first pro defeat
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Weigh-in report from Las Vegas |
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On June 28th, Zuffa Boxing lands at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The main card for Zuffa Boxing 08 opens with a lightweight contest between Edwin De Los Santos of the Dominican Republic and Mexico's Jose Valenzuela, a former champion. It is scheduled for ten rounds. De Los Santos has built a reputation as an aggressive finisher, while Valenzuela brings a well-rounded technical style, making this an interesting stylistic matchup to open the show. The second bout on the card shifts to featherweight, where Mexico's Omar Trinidad faces Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines, also over ten rounds. Prelim action is set to kick off at 5pm ET / 2pm PT and main card bouts scheduled for 8pm ET / 5pm PT. The entire vent can be streamed live on Paramount+. Here are the boxers' weights:
Main Card
Lightweight: Edwin De Los Santos, 134.5 pounds vs. Jose Valenzuela, 134.5 (ten rounds);
Featherweight: Omar Trinidad, 125. vs. Jerwin Ancajas, 125.5 (ten rounds); and
Welterweight: Cain Sandoval, 146.5 vs. Brandun Lee, 146.5 (ten rounds).
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Prelims
Bantamweight: Floyd Diaz, 117.5 vs. Andres Teran, 117 (ten rounds);
Lightweight: Tony Hirsch Jr., 135 vs. Jaybrio Pe Benito, 139 (eight rounds)*;
Welterweight: Damoni Cato-Cain, 146 vs. Vernon Brown, 146.5 (eight rounds);
Lightweight: Brady Ochoa, 133.5 vs. Adrian Serrano, 134.5 (six rounds); and
Heavyweight: Jakhongir Zokirov, 253 vs. Zachary Spiller, 256 (six rounds).
*Jaybrio Pe Benito missed weight.
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Weigh-in report from Las Vegas
On June 28th, Zuffa Boxing lands at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The main card for Zuffa Boxing 08 opens with a lightweight contest between Edwin De Los Santos of the Dominican Republic and Mexico's Jose Valenzuela, a former champion. It is scheduled for ten rounds. De Los Santos has built a reputation as an aggressive finisher, while Valenzuela brings a well-rounded technical style, making this an interesting stylistic matchup to open the show. The second bout on the card shifts to featherweight, where Mexico's Omar Trinidad faces Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines, also over ten rounds. Prelim action is set to kick off at 5pm ET / 2pm PT and main card bouts scheduled for 8pm ET / 5pm PT. The entire vent can be streamed live on Paramount+. Here are the boxers' weights:
Main Card
Lightweight: Edwin De Los Santos, 134.5 pounds vs. Jose Valenzuela, 134.5 (ten rounds);
Featherweight: Omar Trinidad, 125. vs. Jerwin Ancajas, 125.5 (ten rounds); and
Welterweight: Cain Sandoval, 146.5 vs. Brandun Lee, 146.5 (ten rounds).
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Prelims
Bantamweight: Floyd Diaz, 117.5 vs. Andres Teran, 117 (ten rounds);
Lightweight: Tony Hirsch Jr., 135 vs. Jaybrio Pe Benito, 139 (eight rounds)*;
Welterweight: Damoni Cato-Cain, 146 vs. Vernon Brown, 146.5 (eight rounds);
Lightweight: Brady Ochoa, 133.5 vs. Adrian Serrano, 134.5 (six rounds); and
Heavyweight: Jakhongir Zokirov, 253 vs. Zachary Spiller, 256 (six rounds).
*Jaybrio Pe Benito missed weight.
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Martinez vs. Plantic lands on campus of USC |
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UPDATE: The University of Southern California’s Galen Center in Los Angeles has now been confirmed as the venue for WBC interim super middleweight champion Lester Martinez’s first defense against Luka Plantic. It will take place on Saturday, August 29th, and live on ProBoxTV. Located across the street from the USC campus, the Galen Center is the home for USC Trojans basketball and USC volleyball. On fight night, the capacity is expected to be approximately 12,000. Both men's undefeated records will be on the line in Martinez-Plantic, which will be streamed live on ProBoxTV (7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT) from Los Angeles From Guatemala City, Martinez (20-0-1 with 16 KOs) and Zagreb's Plantic (13-0 with 10 KOs) will meet in the twelve-round main event. The show will also feature light heavyweight Najee Lopez (16-0 with 13 KOs) taking on Colombian slugger Juan Carrillo (15-0 with 11 KOs).
Martinez, age 30, won his interim title in March of this year with a unanimous decision over Immanuwel Aleem in a sold-out event at the Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, California.
Plantic, age 29, was last seen in November 2025 winning via over formerly undefeated Shadiri Musa Bwogi.
In his most recent ring appearance, Lopez, a Puerto Rican from Atlanta, won a battle against Manuel Gallegos in March 2026.
A 2016 Olympian, Carrillo was last seen in May scoring a fourth-round knockout over Marlon Delgado on the undercard of the David Benavidez vs. “Zurdo” Ramirez superfight.
More supporting matchups, including appearances by popular sluggers Ramon Cardenas, Luis Torres and Weljon Mindoro, plus a full lineup of “Future Stars” series prospects will be announced shortly.
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Martinez vs. Plantic lands on campus of USC
UPDATE: The University of Southern California’s Galen Center in Los Angeles has now been confirmed as the venue for WBC interim super middleweight champion Lester Martinez’s first defense against Luka Plantic. It will take place on Saturday, August 29th, and live on ProBoxTV. Located across the street from the USC campus, the Galen Center is the home for USC Trojans basketball and USC volleyball. On fight night, the capacity is expected to be approximately 12,000. Both men's undefeated records will be on the line in Martinez-Plantic, which will be streamed live on ProBoxTV (7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT) from Los Angeles From Guatemala City, Martinez (20-0-1 with 16 KOs) and Zagreb's Plantic (13-0 with 10 KOs) will meet in the twelve-round main event. The show will also feature light heavyweight Najee Lopez (16-0 with 13 KOs) taking on Colombian slugger Juan Carrillo (15-0 with 11 KOs).
Martinez, age 30, won his interim title in March of this year with a unanimous decision over Immanuwel Aleem in a sold-out event at the Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, California.
Plantic, age 29, was last seen in November 2025 winning via over formerly undefeated Shadiri Musa Bwogi.
In his most recent ring appearance, Lopez, a Puerto Rican from Atlanta, won a battle against Manuel Gallegos in March 2026.
A 2016 Olympian, Carrillo was last seen in May scoring a fourth-round knockout over Marlon Delgado on the undercard of the David Benavidez vs. “Zurdo” Ramirez superfight.
More supporting matchups, including appearances by popular sluggers Ramon Cardenas, Luis Torres and Weljon Mindoro, plus a full lineup of “Future Stars” series prospects will be announced shortly.
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Tank Davis finally stripped by the WBA |
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The WBA has declared Gervonta "Tank" Davis to be the champion in recess at lightweight while designating Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi to fight for the division’s now-vacant title. The WBA Championships Committee reviewed Davis’ legal situation and reached its decision after determining that the ongoing proceedings could prevent him from fulfilling his championship obligations in the short and medium term. According to publicly available information, Davis is currently facing pending legal proceedings in the United States [see below] that could result in a trial and affect his ability to defend the title within the timeframes established by WBA regulations. As a result, and in accordance with Championship Rules C.21, C.22, and C.27, as well as the provisions of the WBA Code of Ethics, the WBA has [stripped him and] declared him champion in eecess.
Davis captured the WBA lightweight championship in 2019 after previously reigning as the organization’s junior lightweight champion since 2018. The American owns a professional record of 30 wins, one draw, and 28 knockouts.
As part of the resolution, the WBA has ordered Schofield and Bahdi to contest the vacant WBA Lightweight title in a bout that will shape the immediate future of one of boxing’s most competitive divisions. The resolution has been officially communicated to all parties involved. It takes effect immediately and supersedes any previous rulings involving the aforementioned boxers. Any issues that may arise during the process will be resolved in accordance with the WBA’s internal rules and regulations.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 28, 2026: According to a report from TMZ, an arrest warrant has been issued in the state of Maryland for disgraced boxing star Gervonta "Tank" Davis. A Baltimore native who spends a lot of time in Florida (where the majority of his current legal troubles arose), Davis **allegedly** was involved in a strip club altercation in Miami in October of last year, which resulted in serious charges being brought against him. Davis is accused of attacking one of his girlfriends, with some grainy security video appearing to corrobotate at least some of the charges. Davis was already on probation in Maryland for a 2020 hit-and-run incident, and last month, a Maryland judge apparently decided the Miami incident constituted a violation of Davis' terms of probation, and as a result, the Maryland warrant was issued. Davis is still listed as the WBA lightweight champion, but his boxing career has gone off a cliff for now, with a very lucrative exhibition bout against Jake Paul getting cancelled last year due to Davis' bad behavior.
MAY 25, 2026: The WBA Championships Committee has officially ordered the mandatory lightweight title bout between reigning champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis and WBA #1 contender, Floyd Schofield. The sanctioning organization sent formal notification to both camps this Saturday, May 23rd, granting the parties a 30-day negotiation period that will expire on June 22nd. Under WBA Championship Rule C.10 — Title Defense Periods — champions in all divisions outside of heavyweight are required to defend their titles every nine months from the date the championship was obtained. In Davis’ case, his last appearance came on March 1, 2025, when he retained the title via majority draw against Lamont Roach, leaving the mandatory defense significantly overdue. One explanation for Davis' inactivity is his troubling legal situation. See below:
JAN 29, 2026: On Wednesday evening, TMZ broke the news that WBA lightweight champion was arrested in Miami Gardens, Florida on domestic violence charges. Davis was taken into police custody about two weeks after officials put out a warrant for his arrest. It is expected that Davis will be bailed out of jail shortly. The details of the allegations against Davis are as follows: Courtney Rossel and Davis have known each other for a few years. Rossel and Davis were intimately involved for a few months, although they chose not to make their relationship public. On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis came to Rossel at her place of work, a VIP lounge. Next, Davis allegedly grabbed and dragged her through a stairway, through the kitchen and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed. During the incident, Davis allegedly forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge].
JAN 17, 2026: Earlier this week, an arrest warrant was issued for troubled Gervonta "Tank" Davis by Miami Gardens Police for alleged domestic violence. The charges against Davis stem from a previously reported incident that occurred in October. They include battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping. Police apparently have not yet located Davis in the three days since the warrant was issued. Davis is still recognized as the lightweight champion by the WBA despite his boxing inactivity, reprehensible alleged conduct, the controversy of his last match against Lamont Roach (in which Davis was allowed to take an illegal "time out") and his agreement to a cruiserweight fight vs. Jake Paul. The Paul fight was abruptly called off in November, shortly after the initial domestic violence reports surfaced.
NOV 4., 2025: Jake Paul and MVP canceled Paul's November 14th exhibition vs. WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis over the allegations that Davis committed yet another act of violence against a woman. Paul issued the following statement: "Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots, to the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits. If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit. I didn’t want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account. My company champions women. I’m so sorry to everyone involved. Mostly to the undercard fighters, to my team at MVP and to my team who worked so hard prepping for this fight, sacrificing time with loved ones and kids just for this fool to lose his unintelligent mind again. It’s scary that devilish men like this can rise to the top of culture and sports, including in positions of power. I hope you people moving forward look beyond his fake streetwear pieces and search for something deeper to be a fan of. As for me it’s on to the next one as always. Anyone. Anytime. Any place."
Paul's statement followed on the heels of one issued by his company, which read: "Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix have announced that Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis, originally scheduled for Friday, November 14th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida will no longer be moving forward. 'Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate the situation responsibly,' said MVP's CEO, Nakisa Bedarian. “While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We think Netflix, the Keseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino for their partnership.' MVP appreciates the continued support and understanding of our athletes, partners, sponsors, and fans as we work to finalize updated event plans. Those who purchased tickets via Ticketmaster for the Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis event will get an automatic refund through the original point of purchase within 14 to 21 days. Those who purchased through the secondary market should contact them. MVP thanks everyone for their patience and look forward to delivering an extraordinary boxing event in 2025, live globally only on Netflix."
NOV. 2, 2025: With the heavily criticized Jake Paul vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis exhibition just two weeks away, the event has come under more intense fire due to this week's assault allegations against Davis. Paul's Most Valuable Promotions issued the following statement: Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025. At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved. We will make a determination on next steps once we have completed our review and consult with the appropriate parties. Until then, we will not be commenting further."
OCT. 31, 2025: WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been sued in Florida state court over new allegations of violence against a girlfriend. There is currently no indication of any criminal charges, but the civil lawsuit details an incident that occurred last week, less than a month before Davis’ planned November 14th exhibition fight vs. Jake Paul on Netflix. The plaintiff is a woman named Courtney Rossel, who accuses Davis of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint itself did not contain any specific monetary demand, but a cover sheet filed with the complaint states the amount sought exceeds $100,000.
Here are the details of the lawsuit, which at this time are simply allegations that the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence:
Plaintiff Courtney Rossel is an individual residing in Miami-Dade County, Florida, who conducts business in Miami-Dade County. Defendant, Gervonta Bryant Davis, is an individual who resides at Southwest Ranches, FL. He is a professional boxer known as “Tank”. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendant, and venue is proper because all parties conduct business in Miami-Dade County, and because the incident that took place occurred in Miami-Dade County, Florida. […]
Davis is a professional boxer who has competed in multiple weight divisions. Davis is publicly known for his career in the sport of boxing and for holding multiple championship titles. [But he] has a vast and extensive criminal history, especially instances related to domestic violence and abuse against ex-girlfriends. On September 19, 2017, an arrest warrant was issued due to Davis committing first-degree aggravated assault; on September 14, 2018, Davis was arrested for starting a fight with another man; on February 1, 2020, Davis was arrested on charges of simple battery / domestic violence against his former girlfriend; on December 27, 2022, Davis was arrested on a charge of battery domestic violence; and again on July 11, 2025, Davis was taken into custody following another battery charge. Davis ultimately has a pension for being violent. As a result, it is clear that Davis has a propensity and pattern of violence upon women.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for [a few] years. For approximately five months prior to the incident at issue, Rossel and Davis were intimately involved, although they chose not to make their relationship public. Throughout the five months prior to the incident in question, there were multiple instances of domestic violence, abuse, and threats made by Davis against Rossel concerning her safety and well-being. The incident that occurred on October 27, 2025, was not the first time Davis was violent toward Rossel.
On at least four prior occasions, Davis physically assaulted and choked Rossel, and on two occasions, he threatened in writing to kill her. The first instance of abuse occurred on or about September 2, 2025, when Davis threatened to kill Rossel for failing to respond to his calls and messages. In his communications, Davis accused Rossel of being with another man and used abusive and threatening language, stating that he would kill her for being unresponsive. On or about September 23, 2025, Davis again threatened Rossel’s life, accusing her of infidelity and writing, “I’ll kill you.”
That same day, September 23, 2025, while at Playa Miami, Davis physically assaulted Rossel by choking her in public. The assault at Playa Miami was not the first time Davis had physically attacked Rossel in a public setting. Prior to the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis also violently choked Rossel at her workplace, Tootsies, where she works as a VIP cocktail waitress. There, he found Rossel in a backroom area without cameras in order to conceal the abuse.
On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in the VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge]. Davis has continued to verbally, physically, and psychologically abuse Rossel, causing her to seek medical treatment, therapy, and assistance with daily living, as she remains in constant fear for her life. Rossel and Davis have known each other for approximately five years.
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Tank Davis finally stripped by the WBA
The WBA has declared Gervonta "Tank" Davis to be the champion in recess at lightweight while designating Floyd Schofield and Lucas Bahdi to fight for the division’s now-vacant title. The WBA Championships Committee reviewed Davis’ legal situation and reached its decision after determining that the ongoing proceedings could prevent him from fulfilling his championship obligations in the short and medium term. According to publicly available information, Davis is currently facing pending legal proceedings in the United States [see below] that could result in a trial and affect his ability to defend the title within the timeframes established by WBA regulations. As a result, and in accordance with Championship Rules C.21, C.22, and C.27, as well as the provisions of the WBA Code of Ethics, the WBA has [stripped him and] declared him champion in eecess.
Davis captured the WBA lightweight championship in 2019 after previously reigning as the organization’s junior lightweight champion since 2018. The American owns a professional record of 30 wins, one draw, and 28 knockouts.
As part of the resolution, the WBA has ordered Schofield and Bahdi to contest the vacant WBA Lightweight title in a bout that will shape the immediate future of one of boxing’s most competitive divisions. The resolution has been officially communicated to all parties involved. It takes effect immediately and supersedes any previous rulings involving the aforementioned boxers. Any issues that may arise during the process will be resolved in accordance with the WBA’s internal rules and regulations.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 28, 2026: According to a report from TMZ, an arrest warrant has been issued in the state of Maryland for disgraced boxing star Gervonta "Tank" Davis. A Baltimore native who spends a lot of time in Florida (where the majority of his current legal troubles arose), Davis **allegedly** was involved in a strip club altercation in Miami in October of last year, which resulted in serious charges being brought against him. Davis is accused of attacking one of his girlfriends, with some grainy security video appearing to corrobotate at least some of the charges. Davis was already on probation in Maryland for a 2020 hit-and-run incident, and last month, a Maryland judge apparently decided the Miami incident constituted a violation of Davis' terms of probation, and as a result, the Maryland warrant was issued. Davis is still listed as the WBA lightweight champion, but his boxing career has gone off a cliff for now, with a very lucrative exhibition bout against Jake Paul getting cancelled last year due to Davis' bad behavior.
MAY 25, 2026: The WBA Championships Committee has officially ordered the mandatory lightweight title bout between reigning champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis and WBA #1 contender, Floyd Schofield. The sanctioning organization sent formal notification to both camps this Saturday, May 23rd, granting the parties a 30-day negotiation period that will expire on June 22nd. Under WBA Championship Rule C.10 — Title Defense Periods — champions in all divisions outside of heavyweight are required to defend their titles every nine months from the date the championship was obtained. In Davis’ case, his last appearance came on March 1, 2025, when he retained the title via majority draw against Lamont Roach, leaving the mandatory defense significantly overdue. One explanation for Davis' inactivity is his troubling legal situation. See below:
JAN 29, 2026: On Wednesday evening, TMZ broke the news that WBA lightweight champion was arrested in Miami Gardens, Florida on domestic violence charges. Davis was taken into police custody about two weeks after officials put out a warrant for his arrest. It is expected that Davis will be bailed out of jail shortly. The details of the allegations against Davis are as follows: Courtney Rossel and Davis have known each other for a few years. Rossel and Davis were intimately involved for a few months, although they chose not to make their relationship public. On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis came to Rossel at her place of work, a VIP lounge. Next, Davis allegedly grabbed and dragged her through a stairway, through the kitchen and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed. During the incident, Davis allegedly forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge].
JAN 17, 2026: Earlier this week, an arrest warrant was issued for troubled Gervonta "Tank" Davis by Miami Gardens Police for alleged domestic violence. The charges against Davis stem from a previously reported incident that occurred in October. They include battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping. Police apparently have not yet located Davis in the three days since the warrant was issued. Davis is still recognized as the lightweight champion by the WBA despite his boxing inactivity, reprehensible alleged conduct, the controversy of his last match against Lamont Roach (in which Davis was allowed to take an illegal "time out") and his agreement to a cruiserweight fight vs. Jake Paul. The Paul fight was abruptly called off in November, shortly after the initial domestic violence reports surfaced.
NOV 4., 2025: Jake Paul and MVP canceled Paul's November 14th exhibition vs. WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis over the allegations that Davis committed yet another act of violence against a woman. Paul issued the following statement: "Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots, to the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits. If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit. I didn’t want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account. My company champions women. I’m so sorry to everyone involved. Mostly to the undercard fighters, to my team at MVP and to my team who worked so hard prepping for this fight, sacrificing time with loved ones and kids just for this fool to lose his unintelligent mind again. It’s scary that devilish men like this can rise to the top of culture and sports, including in positions of power. I hope you people moving forward look beyond his fake streetwear pieces and search for something deeper to be a fan of. As for me it’s on to the next one as always. Anyone. Anytime. Any place."
Paul's statement followed on the heels of one issued by his company, which read: "Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix have announced that Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis, originally scheduled for Friday, November 14th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida will no longer be moving forward. 'Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate the situation responsibly,' said MVP's CEO, Nakisa Bedarian. “While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We think Netflix, the Keseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino for their partnership.' MVP appreciates the continued support and understanding of our athletes, partners, sponsors, and fans as we work to finalize updated event plans. Those who purchased tickets via Ticketmaster for the Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis event will get an automatic refund through the original point of purchase within 14 to 21 days. Those who purchased through the secondary market should contact them. MVP thanks everyone for their patience and look forward to delivering an extraordinary boxing event in 2025, live globally only on Netflix."
NOV. 2, 2025: With the heavily criticized Jake Paul vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis exhibition just two weeks away, the event has come under more intense fire due to this week's assault allegations against Davis. Paul's Most Valuable Promotions issued the following statement: Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025. At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved. We will make a determination on next steps once we have completed our review and consult with the appropriate parties. Until then, we will not be commenting further."
OCT. 31, 2025: WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been sued in Florida state court over new allegations of violence against a girlfriend. There is currently no indication of any criminal charges, but the civil lawsuit details an incident that occurred last week, less than a month before Davis’ planned November 14th exhibition fight vs. Jake Paul on Netflix. The plaintiff is a woman named Courtney Rossel, who accuses Davis of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint itself did not contain any specific monetary demand, but a cover sheet filed with the complaint states the amount sought exceeds $100,000.
Here are the details of the lawsuit, which at this time are simply allegations that the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence:
Plaintiff Courtney Rossel is an individual residing in Miami-Dade County, Florida, who conducts business in Miami-Dade County. Defendant, Gervonta Bryant Davis, is an individual who resides at Southwest Ranches, FL. He is a professional boxer known as “Tank”. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendant, and venue is proper because all parties conduct business in Miami-Dade County, and because the incident that took place occurred in Miami-Dade County, Florida. […]
Davis is a professional boxer who has competed in multiple weight divisions. Davis is publicly known for his career in the sport of boxing and for holding multiple championship titles. [But he] has a vast and extensive criminal history, especially instances related to domestic violence and abuse against ex-girlfriends. On September 19, 2017, an arrest warrant was issued due to Davis committing first-degree aggravated assault; on September 14, 2018, Davis was arrested for starting a fight with another man; on February 1, 2020, Davis was arrested on charges of simple battery / domestic violence against his former girlfriend; on December 27, 2022, Davis was arrested on a charge of battery domestic violence; and again on July 11, 2025, Davis was taken into custody following another battery charge. Davis ultimately has a pension for being violent. As a result, it is clear that Davis has a propensity and pattern of violence upon women.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for [a few] years. For approximately five months prior to the incident at issue, Rossel and Davis were intimately involved, although they chose not to make their relationship public. Throughout the five months prior to the incident in question, there were multiple instances of domestic violence, abuse, and threats made by Davis against Rossel concerning her safety and well-being. The incident that occurred on October 27, 2025, was not the first time Davis was violent toward Rossel.
On at least four prior occasions, Davis physically assaulted and choked Rossel, and on two occasions, he threatened in writing to kill her. The first instance of abuse occurred on or about September 2, 2025, when Davis threatened to kill Rossel for failing to respond to his calls and messages. In his communications, Davis accused Rossel of being with another man and used abusive and threatening language, stating that he would kill her for being unresponsive. On or about September 23, 2025, Davis again threatened Rossel’s life, accusing her of infidelity and writing, “I’ll kill you.”
That same day, September 23, 2025, while at Playa Miami, Davis physically assaulted Rossel by choking her in public. The assault at Playa Miami was not the first time Davis had physically attacked Rossel in a public setting. Prior to the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis also violently choked Rossel at her workplace, Tootsies, where she works as a VIP cocktail waitress. There, he found Rossel in a backroom area without cameras in order to conceal the abuse.
On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in the VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge]. Davis has continued to verbally, physically, and psychologically abuse Rossel, causing her to seek medical treatment, therapy, and assistance with daily living, as she remains in constant fear for her life. Rossel and Davis have known each other for approximately five years.
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Usyk vacates his three heavyweight titles |
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World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who holds three of the four major belts, dropped a bombshell on social media today when he said, "I am vacating my unified WBA, IBF and WBC heavyweight world titles ahead of stepping into the ring for my final fight." Usyk made the announcement as the WBC was moving to enforce Usyk's mandatory title defense obligation against undefeated WBC interim title holder Agit Kabayel. Although no announcement has been made, the obvious final fight for Usyk seems to be a rematch against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.
Last month, Usyk had a very difficult time with Verhoeven, and wound up retaining his world heavyweight championship with the help of a poor stoppage by the referee. Verhoeven was seemingly on the verge of an upset of historic proportion when Usyk landed an uppercut with about ten seconds left in round eleven. Before the round could resume, Verhoeven got a little extra rest as his fallen mouthpiece was cleaned. Usyk landed a couple of more punches, and while Verhoeven appeared shaken, there did not seem to be any basis to stop the fight before the round ended. Still, referee Mark Lyson declared it to be a technical knockout at an announced time of 2:59 in round eleven. From the replay, it seems that the bell sounded to end round eleven a second BEFORE the referee ended it. Verhoeven was gracious in defeat, but he had every right to be given the chance to come out for round twelve and see if he could have held on for a decision win. Most observers had Verhoeven ahead on the cards, including Boxingtalk, who had it 97-93 for Verhoeven after ten. According to photos posted on social media, the official scores after ten rounds were 95-95 (twice) and 96-94 Verhoeven.
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Usyk vacates his three heavyweight titles
World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who holds three of the four major belts, dropped a bombshell on social media today when he said, "I am vacating my unified WBA, IBF and WBC heavyweight world titles ahead of stepping into the ring for my final fight." Usyk made the announcement as the WBC was moving to enforce Usyk's mandatory title defense obligation against undefeated WBC interim title holder Agit Kabayel. Although no announcement has been made, the obvious final fight for Usyk seems to be a rematch against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.
Last month, Usyk had a very difficult time with Verhoeven, and wound up retaining his world heavyweight championship with the help of a poor stoppage by the referee. Verhoeven was seemingly on the verge of an upset of historic proportion when Usyk landed an uppercut with about ten seconds left in round eleven. Before the round could resume, Verhoeven got a little extra rest as his fallen mouthpiece was cleaned. Usyk landed a couple of more punches, and while Verhoeven appeared shaken, there did not seem to be any basis to stop the fight before the round ended. Still, referee Mark Lyson declared it to be a technical knockout at an announced time of 2:59 in round eleven. From the replay, it seems that the bell sounded to end round eleven a second BEFORE the referee ended it. Verhoeven was gracious in defeat, but he had every right to be given the chance to come out for round twelve and see if he could have held on for a decision win. Most observers had Verhoeven ahead on the cards, including Boxingtalk, who had it 97-93 for Verhoeven after ten. According to photos posted on social media, the official scores after ten rounds were 95-95 (twice) and 96-94 Verhoeven.
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Weigh-in report from Brooklyn |
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Xander Zayas and Jaron Ennis have come together for the final time before battle at the customary weigh-in. The two-belt junior middleweight battle has the entire boxing population excited, and with the Puerto Rican champion Zayas going against Ennis from Philadelphia, two of boxing’s most prized regions will collide on Saturday, live on DAZN pay-per-view. Friday's weigh-in went off without much in the way of controversy, with every fighter on the card making weight ahead of Saturday's event. However, there was a bit of drama ahead of the weigh-in as Zayas' camp requested that Ennis trim the sizeable beard he had grown, with "Boots" denying the request. The New York State Athletic Commission then got involved and ruled that Ennis will, indeed, have to shave down his facial hair before stepping into the ring.
As DAZN's Sergio Mora explained on the weigh-in broadcast, a beard can act as an advantage for a fighter. "In the amateurs there's a rule that you can't fight with a beard like that," Mora explained. "In the pro ranks, the commission gets involved as well, because [a beard] can serve as a cushion and it hides the target. And if you're not aiming at the target, if you can't even see it, it gets in the fighters' heads. Think of Samson: the hair makes him strong, sometimes the beard does as well."
BOXER WEIGHTS
Xander Zayas vs. Jaron 'Boots' Ennis; For Zayas's WBO and WBA junior middleweight titles
Zayas: 153.8 pounds vs. Ennis: 153 ;
Emiliano Vargas: 138.6 vs. Bryce Mills: 139;
Ben Whittaker: 174.4 vs. Richard Rivera: 173.8; and
Jahi Tucker: 159.8 vs. Euri Cendeno: 158.8.
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Weigh-in report from Brooklyn
Xander Zayas and Jaron Ennis have come together for the final time before battle at the customary weigh-in. The two-belt junior middleweight battle has the entire boxing population excited, and with the Puerto Rican champion Zayas going against Ennis from Philadelphia, two of boxing’s most prized regions will collide on Saturday, live on DAZN pay-per-view. Friday's weigh-in went off without much in the way of controversy, with every fighter on the card making weight ahead of Saturday's event. However, there was a bit of drama ahead of the weigh-in as Zayas' camp requested that Ennis trim the sizeable beard he had grown, with "Boots" denying the request. The New York State Athletic Commission then got involved and ruled that Ennis will, indeed, have to shave down his facial hair before stepping into the ring.
As DAZN's Sergio Mora explained on the weigh-in broadcast, a beard can act as an advantage for a fighter. "In the amateurs there's a rule that you can't fight with a beard like that," Mora explained. "In the pro ranks, the commission gets involved as well, because [a beard] can serve as a cushion and it hides the target. And if you're not aiming at the target, if you can't even see it, it gets in the fighters' heads. Think of Samson: the hair makes him strong, sometimes the beard does as well."
BOXER WEIGHTS
Xander Zayas vs. Jaron 'Boots' Ennis; For Zayas's WBO and WBA junior middleweight titles
Zayas: 153.8 pounds vs. Ennis: 153 ;
Emiliano Vargas: 138.6 vs. Bryce Mills: 139;
Ben Whittaker: 174.4 vs. Richard Rivera: 173.8; and
Jahi Tucker: 159.8 vs. Euri Cendeno: 158.8.
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Interview:Jerwin Ancajas |
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Former super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas has arrived in Zuffa Boxing ready to embark on a new chapter, in a new weight class, but his ultimate goal remains the same – to become a world champion once again. Ancajas had a near-six-year run as a 115-pound champion between 2016 and 2022, and now, as he prepares for his 45th professional fight, he’s ready to stake his claim for a shot at championship glory in Zuffa Boxing. “It means a great deal for me to be here at Zuffa Boxing,” he said during fight week in Las Vegas. "Because I know that it's a bunch of great fighters that are picked to be a part of it. It’s an honor for me to be chosen.”
Ancajas has now moved all the way up to 126 pounds. The latest weight gain came after being stopped by Japan’s Takuma Inoue in February 2024, he made the decision to move up again. “I accept that (Inoue) was the better fighter at that time,” he admitted. “I’m making no excuses, whether it was the weight or any other reason. I’m just ready to move on now.”
Now that Ancajas has settled on featherweight as his new weight class, he’ll make his promotional debut on Sunday night at Zuffa Boxing 08, where he’ll take on the undefeated Omar Trinidad at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. For the 34-year-old, it’s a chance to kickstart a new chapter in his career as he looks to fight his way to Zuffa Boxing gold in the 126-pound division. "I feel really strong and comfortable in this weight class, so this is where we’re going to continue moving forward,” he explained. “It means a great deal to be able to move up to this weight class, because it’s very comfortable for me, compared to when I had to make the previous weight limit. Now I’m much more comfortable.”
For a fighter who has already reached the summit of world boxing, Ancajas is looking to make his career even more special by scaling the mountain again, at a different weight class, with Zuffa Boxing. For him, the thought of bringing another world championship belt back to his homeland represents the ultimate achievement.
“I started boxing at a very young age, and one of my greatest achievements so far is when I held the world championship from 2016 all the way to 2022,” he explained. “I want to hold a championship belt here in Zuffa Boxing for my fans in the Philippines, and I hope my Filipino fans will support me.
“To bring another world title back to the Philippines would be a very big deal. I know my team, and I have worked so hard, so it would mean a lot to be able to win this fight on Sunday and then have another chance at a world title that I can bring back to the Philippines as a Filipino world champion.”
That road to a Zuffa Boxing belt starts Sunday, where he’ll have to hand Trinidad the first defeat of his career. Ancajas and his team are well-versed in preparing for top-level opposition, and he said he’s ready to deliver on fight night. "Omar Trinidad is a strong, aggressive fighter, but I have the upper hand in terms of my experience and my team,” he said. “We have a game plan ready for him, and you’ll see this Sunday.”
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Interview:Jerwin Ancajas
Former super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas has arrived in Zuffa Boxing ready to embark on a new chapter, in a new weight class, but his ultimate goal remains the same – to become a world champion once again. Ancajas had a near-six-year run as a 115-pound champion between 2016 and 2022, and now, as he prepares for his 45th professional fight, he’s ready to stake his claim for a shot at championship glory in Zuffa Boxing. “It means a great deal for me to be here at Zuffa Boxing,” he said during fight week in Las Vegas. "Because I know that it's a bunch of great fighters that are picked to be a part of it. It’s an honor for me to be chosen.”
Ancajas has now moved all the way up to 126 pounds. The latest weight gain came after being stopped by Japan’s Takuma Inoue in February 2024, he made the decision to move up again. “I accept that (Inoue) was the better fighter at that time,” he admitted. “I’m making no excuses, whether it was the weight or any other reason. I’m just ready to move on now.”
Now that Ancajas has settled on featherweight as his new weight class, he’ll make his promotional debut on Sunday night at Zuffa Boxing 08, where he’ll take on the undefeated Omar Trinidad at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. For the 34-year-old, it’s a chance to kickstart a new chapter in his career as he looks to fight his way to Zuffa Boxing gold in the 126-pound division. "I feel really strong and comfortable in this weight class, so this is where we’re going to continue moving forward,” he explained. “It means a great deal to be able to move up to this weight class, because it’s very comfortable for me, compared to when I had to make the previous weight limit. Now I’m much more comfortable.”
For a fighter who has already reached the summit of world boxing, Ancajas is looking to make his career even more special by scaling the mountain again, at a different weight class, with Zuffa Boxing. For him, the thought of bringing another world championship belt back to his homeland represents the ultimate achievement.
“I started boxing at a very young age, and one of my greatest achievements so far is when I held the world championship from 2016 all the way to 2022,” he explained. “I want to hold a championship belt here in Zuffa Boxing for my fans in the Philippines, and I hope my Filipino fans will support me.
“To bring another world title back to the Philippines would be a very big deal. I know my team, and I have worked so hard, so it would mean a lot to be able to win this fight on Sunday and then have another chance at a world title that I can bring back to the Philippines as a Filipino world champion.”
That road to a Zuffa Boxing belt starts Sunday, where he’ll have to hand Trinidad the first defeat of his career. Ancajas and his team are well-versed in preparing for top-level opposition, and he said he’s ready to deliver on fight night. "Omar Trinidad is a strong, aggressive fighter, but I have the upper hand in terms of my experience and my team,” he said. “We have a game plan ready for him, and you’ll see this Sunday.”
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Joe Frazier statue moving to better location |
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On Monday at 10 AM, Creative Philadelphia will unveil a Joe Frazier statue at its new permanent location near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the former heavyweight champion famously trained on one of the city’s most visited destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. Created by sculptor Stephen Layne and first installed in South Philadelphia in 2015, the statue honors Joe Frazier’s lasting contributions to the sport of boxing, the City of Philadelphia, and generations of athletes inspired by his legacy. Its relocation places the monument in one of Philadelphia’s most visited cultural destinations, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can continue to celebrate the life and achievements of one of the city’s greatest champions. Frazier achieved boxing immortality by handing the great Muhammad Ali his first defeat and then engaging in two more battles vs. Ali, including the legendary Thrilla in Manila.
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Joe Frazier statue moving to better location
On Monday at 10 AM, Creative Philadelphia will unveil a Joe Frazier statue at its new permanent location near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the former heavyweight champion famously trained on one of the city’s most visited destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. Created by sculptor Stephen Layne and first installed in South Philadelphia in 2015, the statue honors Joe Frazier’s lasting contributions to the sport of boxing, the City of Philadelphia, and generations of athletes inspired by his legacy. Its relocation places the monument in one of Philadelphia’s most visited cultural destinations, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can continue to celebrate the life and achievements of one of the city’s greatest champions. Frazier achieved boxing immortality by handing the great Muhammad Ali his first defeat and then engaging in two more battles vs. Ali, including the legendary Thrilla in Manila.
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Harper begins campaign at 140 pounds in August |
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Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that former three-division champion, Terri Harper of the UK will challenge the USA’s Miranda Reyes in a junior welterweight bout as Harper moves up in weight to begin her campaign to win a championship in a fourth weight division. MVPW-06 UK vs. USA takes place Saturday, August 29th at BP Pulse Live in Birmingham, England, on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the US. The show will feature a main card entirely composed of UK vs. USA bouts. Harper fights out of Doncaster, England. During her brief career at the amateur level, competing only 17 times, she earned three national titles and won silver at the 2012 European Junior Championships. Harper went on to make her professional debut in 2017 at age 21. Less than two years later in July 2019, she found her first world title opportunity in the super featherweight division at 130lbs, defeating Nozipho Bell by TKO to earn the previously vacant IBO world title. Following a successful first defense, Harper quickly unified her titles against then-WBC champion Eva Wahlstrom in February 2020, winning by unanimous decision. She successfully defended her unified titles twice more before facing a challenging loss to Alycia Baumgardner in November 2021. An unshaken Harper returned to the ring just four months later to earn her next win before moving up four divisions to 154lbs to challenge Hannah Rankin for the WBA and IBO super welterweight world titles, winning by UD. After contesting for the WBO world title at 154lbs, Harper moved down to 135lbs in September 2024, defeating Rhiannon Dixon to capture the WBO lightweight world title. With the win, she became Britain’s first-ever three-division women’s world champion. Harper made her first title defense at 135lbs in May 2025, besting Natalie Zimmermann by unanimous decision. She most recently faced Caroline Dubois on MVPW-01 in April 2026, live on Sky Sports. The 29-year-old is currently ranked as ESPN’s #4 lightweight in the world.
“I’m excited for the quick turn around and grateful to be back out on such a great card,” said Terri Harper. “It’s an honour to be representing team UK alongside some of the best fighters. It’s time to get back to winning ways and push for more world titles.”
Born in El Paso and raised in Northside Houston, Texas by a hard-working Mexican-American family, 24-year-old Miranda “La Alacrana” Reyes has built her professional career facing some of the sport’s most respected names, including unified lightweight champion Caroline Dubois and WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han. Reyes turned pro at 17 without an amateur background, guided by former trainer Hector Rocha, whose belief in her talent and style shaped her confidence until his passing from COVID in 2020. Since then, Reyes has consistently given champions tough tests despite limited guidance, including defeating Hall of Famer Jaime Clampitt in 2022 and former champion Yazmin Rivas in 2023, before challenging Caroline Dubois for the IBO lightweight title at Wembley Stadium in 2024 and now-WBA champion Stephanie Han later that year. Reyes recently found structure and support in a new team, priming her to fully pursue the career she always knew she was meant to have. She made her MVP debut with a UD win on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 16 in October 2025, and most recently earned a UD win over Camila Panatta at MVPW-03 in May 2026.
“I went to the UK and fought Caroline Dubois with little to no training in a ten rounder,” said Miranda Reyes. “Today I’m a different fighter, and I’m going up in weight to retire Terri Harper. I’m younger, faster and with a higher IQ, and representing the USA on this stage is motivating.”
Joining the preliminary card will be Luton, Bedfordshire’s Tysie Gallagher (10-2) against a to-be-announced opponent in a six-round super bantamweight bout... Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire’s Gemma Richardson (4-0, 1 KO) vs. Wolverhampton, West Midlands’ 2x European champion Kirstie Bavington (10-5-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout at 140 pounds, and West Midlands’ Scott Melvin (12-1, 2 KOs) in a rematch against Coventry, West Midlands’ Dylan Cheema (11-3, 3 KOs) over eight round at lightweight.
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Harper begins campaign at 140 pounds in August
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that former three-division champion, Terri Harper of the UK will challenge the USA’s Miranda Reyes in a junior welterweight bout as Harper moves up in weight to begin her campaign to win a championship in a fourth weight division. MVPW-06 UK vs. USA takes place Saturday, August 29th at BP Pulse Live in Birmingham, England, on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the US. The show will feature a main card entirely composed of UK vs. USA bouts. Harper fights out of Doncaster, England. During her brief career at the amateur level, competing only 17 times, she earned three national titles and won silver at the 2012 European Junior Championships. Harper went on to make her professional debut in 2017 at age 21. Less than two years later in July 2019, she found her first world title opportunity in the super featherweight division at 130lbs, defeating Nozipho Bell by TKO to earn the previously vacant IBO world title. Following a successful first defense, Harper quickly unified her titles against then-WBC champion Eva Wahlstrom in February 2020, winning by unanimous decision. She successfully defended her unified titles twice more before facing a challenging loss to Alycia Baumgardner in November 2021. An unshaken Harper returned to the ring just four months later to earn her next win before moving up four divisions to 154lbs to challenge Hannah Rankin for the WBA and IBO super welterweight world titles, winning by UD. After contesting for the WBO world title at 154lbs, Harper moved down to 135lbs in September 2024, defeating Rhiannon Dixon to capture the WBO lightweight world title. With the win, she became Britain’s first-ever three-division women’s world champion. Harper made her first title defense at 135lbs in May 2025, besting Natalie Zimmermann by unanimous decision. She most recently faced Caroline Dubois on MVPW-01 in April 2026, live on Sky Sports. The 29-year-old is currently ranked as ESPN’s #4 lightweight in the world.
“I’m excited for the quick turn around and grateful to be back out on such a great card,” said Terri Harper. “It’s an honour to be representing team UK alongside some of the best fighters. It’s time to get back to winning ways and push for more world titles.”
Born in El Paso and raised in Northside Houston, Texas by a hard-working Mexican-American family, 24-year-old Miranda “La Alacrana” Reyes has built her professional career facing some of the sport’s most respected names, including unified lightweight champion Caroline Dubois and WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han. Reyes turned pro at 17 without an amateur background, guided by former trainer Hector Rocha, whose belief in her talent and style shaped her confidence until his passing from COVID in 2020. Since then, Reyes has consistently given champions tough tests despite limited guidance, including defeating Hall of Famer Jaime Clampitt in 2022 and former champion Yazmin Rivas in 2023, before challenging Caroline Dubois for the IBO lightweight title at Wembley Stadium in 2024 and now-WBA champion Stephanie Han later that year. Reyes recently found structure and support in a new team, priming her to fully pursue the career she always knew she was meant to have. She made her MVP debut with a UD win on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 16 in October 2025, and most recently earned a UD win over Camila Panatta at MVPW-03 in May 2026.
“I went to the UK and fought Caroline Dubois with little to no training in a ten rounder,” said Miranda Reyes. “Today I’m a different fighter, and I’m going up in weight to retire Terri Harper. I’m younger, faster and with a higher IQ, and representing the USA on this stage is motivating.”
Joining the preliminary card will be Luton, Bedfordshire’s Tysie Gallagher (10-2) against a to-be-announced opponent in a six-round super bantamweight bout... Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire’s Gemma Richardson (4-0, 1 KO) vs. Wolverhampton, West Midlands’ 2x European champion Kirstie Bavington (10-5-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout at 140 pounds, and West Midlands’ Scott Melvin (12-1, 2 KOs) in a rematch against Coventry, West Midlands’ Dylan Cheema (11-3, 3 KOs) over eight round at lightweight.
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Albert will answer the Bell vs. Mason on July 4th |
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Abdullah Mason’s Cleveland homecoming will now come with an all-Ohio twist. Former 130-pound champion Joe Cordina was forced to withdraw due to a visa issue, but unbeaten Toledo native Albert Bell has agreed to step in to challenge Mason for the WBO lightweight world title on Saturday, July 4th at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center. Mason-Bell headlines TNT Sports and DAZN’s inaugural The Fight event, a new monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN. The Mason-Bell, Bruce Carrington-Rene Palacios, Tiger Johnson-Christopher Guerrero and Scooter Davis-Carlos Ramos fights will be broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Pulse Boxing and TGB Promotions, tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.
Mason said, “New opponent, same mission. Much respect to Albert Bell for stepping in. Everyone, show up to the Wolstein for my title defense. Appetite for smoke!”
Bell said, “The opportunity was presented, I said yes. If you know my story, it’s been a long road.”
Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) completed one of boxing’s fastest recent climbs last November, dominating previously unbeaten Sam Noakes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to become a world champion less than five months shy of his 22nd birthday. Mason turned pro at 17 in 2021 following an amateur career of approximately 80 fights and surged into title contention in 2025 with three consecutive stoppages. He opened the year with a fourth-round knockout of Manuel Jaimes in February, stopped Carlos Ornelas in the sixth round in April, and blasted out Namibian veteran Jeremia Nakathila in the fifth round in June before the Noakes win.
Bell (28-0, 9 KOs) was scheduled to face Cuban Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz in an IBF lightweight world title final eliminator on July 18 in Carson, California. Instead, the unbeaten Ohioan now gets his first world title opportunity two weeks earlier against Mason. The 33-year-old returns following a 10-round unanimous decision over Keith Hunter last August in his hometown.
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Albert will answer the Bell vs. Mason on July 4th
Abdullah Mason’s Cleveland homecoming will now come with an all-Ohio twist. Former 130-pound champion Joe Cordina was forced to withdraw due to a visa issue, but unbeaten Toledo native Albert Bell has agreed to step in to challenge Mason for the WBO lightweight world title on Saturday, July 4th at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center. Mason-Bell headlines TNT Sports and DAZN’s inaugural The Fight event, a new monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN. The Mason-Bell, Bruce Carrington-Rene Palacios, Tiger Johnson-Christopher Guerrero and Scooter Davis-Carlos Ramos fights will be broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Pulse Boxing and TGB Promotions, tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.
Mason said, “New opponent, same mission. Much respect to Albert Bell for stepping in. Everyone, show up to the Wolstein for my title defense. Appetite for smoke!”
Bell said, “The opportunity was presented, I said yes. If you know my story, it’s been a long road.”
Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) completed one of boxing’s fastest recent climbs last November, dominating previously unbeaten Sam Noakes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to become a world champion less than five months shy of his 22nd birthday. Mason turned pro at 17 in 2021 following an amateur career of approximately 80 fights and surged into title contention in 2025 with three consecutive stoppages. He opened the year with a fourth-round knockout of Manuel Jaimes in February, stopped Carlos Ornelas in the sixth round in April, and blasted out Namibian veteran Jeremia Nakathila in the fifth round in June before the Noakes win.
Bell (28-0, 9 KOs) was scheduled to face Cuban Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz in an IBF lightweight world title final eliminator on July 18 in Carson, California. Instead, the unbeaten Ohioan now gets his first world title opportunity two weeks earlier against Mason. The 33-year-old returns following a 10-round unanimous decision over Keith Hunter last August in his hometown.
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Brandun Lee returns on Sunday |
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Brandun Lee has arrived In Las Vegas for Suday's Zuffa Boxing 08 armed with a perfect record of 30-0 and 23 knockouts to his name. The 27 year-old California native is in his tenth year as a pro, and he feels that Saturday’s showcase represents the perfect opportunity to finally put himself in the championship conversation at 147 pounds. The perennial prospect has only fought twice in the last three years due to promotional difficulties. He hopes Zuffa will end his inactivity issues, and Sunday's fight against "Sugar" Cain Sandoval will be his first test. After Sandoval's Zuffa Boxing debut didn’t go his way, the Californian is back, and hoping to put things right. The 23 year-old (17-1, 15 KOs) was defeated for the first time in his career when he was outpointed by Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez at Zuffa Boxing 01 in January. Now, after taking some time to make some adjustments in the gym, Sandoval is ready to make his return in a bid to get back to winning ways.
Also on Sunday's Zuffa show, a little-known heavyweight propsect will fight in the preliminary portion of the show as Uzbekistan’s six-foot-eight Jakhongir Zokirov takes on American Zach Spiller. The two southpaws will go toe to toe as they look to build valuable experience in the Zuffa Boxing heavyweight division. Zokirov, 23, is 3-0 as a pro (including IBA pro fights), including a win over Agron Smakici. Now the Uzbek heavyweight, who trains out of the Brickhouse Boxing gym in Hollywood, California, will look to make a name for himself in the United States when he faces Spiller, who enters the bout with a 5-0 (4 KOs) record.
It’s been a minute since Lee was in the ring, but now the California native is ready to return, and he’s looking to get to the top quickly. Everything about Lee screams urgency. His answers are delivered with the speed and conviction of a man who knows exactly where he wants to be, and how quickly he wants to get there. Lee has signed with Zuffa Boxing and will make his return from a one-year hiatus when he takes on Sandoval in the main card opener of Zuffa Boxing 08, which takes place Sunday night at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
It’s a fresh start for the undefeated fighter, who wants to carry his talents all the way to the top of the welterweight division and sees Zuffa Boxing as the perfect place to achieve his goals. “I decided to join Zuffa because, I mean, who else is doing it like Zuffa right now? There's really nobody,” he said. "Zuffa is having two to three fights a month to find the best of the best, and that's what we want.”
The increased frequency of fights was also a draw for Lee, who is anxious to get back to a regular fighting schedule after just one fight since the summer of 2024. “Absolutely, 100 percent. Especially the past two years, I've only fought like one or two times, which is pathetic. I've been at home for so long that I taught my dog how to ride a motorcycle...check my Instagram!"
“So far, it’s great. I love it. Talking to you, talking amongst the other people, taking photos – I love it.”
By his own admission, his lack of activity over the last couple of years set him back somewhat. But now, with the promise of more regular competition, Lee is fired up to get back into the mix and build on his already-impressive record. "Once I knock out (Sandoval), I want to get right back in there, with the best of our best. Richardson Hitchins, Conor Benn, the dude that's fighting Richard Hitchens,“ he said.
Sandoval will be determined to bounce back following his unanimous decision loss to Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez in the main event of Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural show back in January. Lee made clear that Sandoval’s motivations or form mean nothing to him. All he’s interested in is getting in the ring and getting the job done. “I give two s**** about the guy, if he lost, if he won. I don't care,” he said. “I'm one there to fight. I'm going there to win.”
Lee was visibly very happy as a result of the move up in weight to 147 pounds. “Look how I look right now,” he said. “My last fight, I was drained. I couldn't even talk to you right now. We're two days, three days away from the weigh-in, and I'm still eating dinner. I'm still having three meals a day. I'm still drinking water, so I feel great.”
Fully fuelled and motivated to make an impact, Lee is all set to make his Zuffa Boxing debut. And by way of a preview, the 27-year-old wrapped up his interview with a mission statement of sorts, as he described how he’ll attack the Zuffa Boxing welterweight division, the statement he’s planning to make on Sunday night, and what he wants to happen after his debut bout. “Whenever Brandun Lee fights, Brandun Lee puts on a great show, whether it's knockouts or a full boxing technician,” he stated. “This weekend, I plan on coming here to let everybody know at Zuffa, and let everybody know in the boxing world that Brandun Lee is back. Brandun Lee’s not f****** around this time.
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Brandun Lee returns on Sunday
Brandun Lee has arrived In Las Vegas for Suday's Zuffa Boxing 08 armed with a perfect record of 30-0 and 23 knockouts to his name. The 27 year-old California native is in his tenth year as a pro, and he feels that Saturday’s showcase represents the perfect opportunity to finally put himself in the championship conversation at 147 pounds. The perennial prospect has only fought twice in the last three years due to promotional difficulties. He hopes Zuffa will end his inactivity issues, and Sunday's fight against "Sugar" Cain Sandoval will be his first test. After Sandoval's Zuffa Boxing debut didn’t go his way, the Californian is back, and hoping to put things right. The 23 year-old (17-1, 15 KOs) was defeated for the first time in his career when he was outpointed by Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez at Zuffa Boxing 01 in January. Now, after taking some time to make some adjustments in the gym, Sandoval is ready to make his return in a bid to get back to winning ways.
Also on Sunday's Zuffa show, a little-known heavyweight propsect will fight in the preliminary portion of the show as Uzbekistan’s six-foot-eight Jakhongir Zokirov takes on American Zach Spiller. The two southpaws will go toe to toe as they look to build valuable experience in the Zuffa Boxing heavyweight division. Zokirov, 23, is 3-0 as a pro (including IBA pro fights), including a win over Agron Smakici. Now the Uzbek heavyweight, who trains out of the Brickhouse Boxing gym in Hollywood, California, will look to make a name for himself in the United States when he faces Spiller, who enters the bout with a 5-0 (4 KOs) record.
It’s been a minute since Lee was in the ring, but now the California native is ready to return, and he’s looking to get to the top quickly. Everything about Lee screams urgency. His answers are delivered with the speed and conviction of a man who knows exactly where he wants to be, and how quickly he wants to get there. Lee has signed with Zuffa Boxing and will make his return from a one-year hiatus when he takes on Sandoval in the main card opener of Zuffa Boxing 08, which takes place Sunday night at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
It’s a fresh start for the undefeated fighter, who wants to carry his talents all the way to the top of the welterweight division and sees Zuffa Boxing as the perfect place to achieve his goals. “I decided to join Zuffa because, I mean, who else is doing it like Zuffa right now? There's really nobody,” he said. "Zuffa is having two to three fights a month to find the best of the best, and that's what we want.”
The increased frequency of fights was also a draw for Lee, who is anxious to get back to a regular fighting schedule after just one fight since the summer of 2024. “Absolutely, 100 percent. Especially the past two years, I've only fought like one or two times, which is pathetic. I've been at home for so long that I taught my dog how to ride a motorcycle...check my Instagram!"
“So far, it’s great. I love it. Talking to you, talking amongst the other people, taking photos – I love it.”
By his own admission, his lack of activity over the last couple of years set him back somewhat. But now, with the promise of more regular competition, Lee is fired up to get back into the mix and build on his already-impressive record. "Once I knock out (Sandoval), I want to get right back in there, with the best of our best. Richardson Hitchins, Conor Benn, the dude that's fighting Richard Hitchens,“ he said.
Sandoval will be determined to bounce back following his unanimous decision loss to Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez in the main event of Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural show back in January. Lee made clear that Sandoval’s motivations or form mean nothing to him. All he’s interested in is getting in the ring and getting the job done. “I give two s**** about the guy, if he lost, if he won. I don't care,” he said. “I'm one there to fight. I'm going there to win.”
Lee was visibly very happy as a result of the move up in weight to 147 pounds. “Look how I look right now,” he said. “My last fight, I was drained. I couldn't even talk to you right now. We're two days, three days away from the weigh-in, and I'm still eating dinner. I'm still having three meals a day. I'm still drinking water, so I feel great.”
Fully fuelled and motivated to make an impact, Lee is all set to make his Zuffa Boxing debut. And by way of a preview, the 27-year-old wrapped up his interview with a mission statement of sorts, as he described how he’ll attack the Zuffa Boxing welterweight division, the statement he’s planning to make on Sunday night, and what he wants to happen after his debut bout. “Whenever Brandun Lee fights, Brandun Lee puts on a great show, whether it's knockouts or a full boxing technician,” he stated. “This weekend, I plan on coming here to let everybody know at Zuffa, and let everybody know in the boxing world that Brandun Lee is back. Brandun Lee’s not f****** around this time.
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Martinez to face Plantic in battle of undefeateds |
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WBC interim super middleweight champion Lester Martinez will make his first interim title defense against Croatia’s Luka Plantic. Guatemala will be in the house and undefeated 0’s will be on the line on Saturday, August 29th, for Martinez-Plantic, which will be streamed live on ProBoxTV (7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT) from Los Angeles From Guatemala City, Martinez (20-0-1 with 16 KOs) and Zagreb's Plantic (13-0 with 10 KOs) will meet in the twelve-round main event. The show will also feature light heavyweight Najee Lopez (16-0 with 13 KOs) taking on Colombian slugger Juan Carrillo (15-0 with 11 KOs).
Martinez, age 30, won his interim title in March of this year with a unanimous decision over Immanuwel Aleem in a sold-out event at the Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, California.
Plantic, age 29, was last seen in November 2025 winning via over formerly undefeated Shadiri Musa Bwogi.
In his most recent ring appearance, Lopez, a Puerto Rican from Atlanta, won a battle against Manuel Gallegos in March 2026.
A 2016 Olympian, Carrillo was last seen in May scoring a fourth-round knockout over Marlon Delgado on the undercard of the David Benavidez vs. “Zurdo” Ramirez superfight.
More supporting matchups, including appearances by popular sluggers Ramon Cardenas, Luis Torres and Weljon Mindoro, plus a full lineup of “Future Stars” series prospects will be announced shortly.
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Martinez to face Plantic in battle of undefeateds
WBC interim super middleweight champion Lester Martinez will make his first interim title defense against Croatia’s Luka Plantic. Guatemala will be in the house and undefeated 0’s will be on the line on Saturday, August 29th, for Martinez-Plantic, which will be streamed live on ProBoxTV (7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT) from Los Angeles From Guatemala City, Martinez (20-0-1 with 16 KOs) and Zagreb's Plantic (13-0 with 10 KOs) will meet in the twelve-round main event. The show will also feature light heavyweight Najee Lopez (16-0 with 13 KOs) taking on Colombian slugger Juan Carrillo (15-0 with 11 KOs).
Martinez, age 30, won his interim title in March of this year with a unanimous decision over Immanuwel Aleem in a sold-out event at the Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, California.
Plantic, age 29, was last seen in November 2025 winning via over formerly undefeated Shadiri Musa Bwogi.
In his most recent ring appearance, Lopez, a Puerto Rican from Atlanta, won a battle against Manuel Gallegos in March 2026.
A 2016 Olympian, Carrillo was last seen in May scoring a fourth-round knockout over Marlon Delgado on the undercard of the David Benavidez vs. “Zurdo” Ramirez superfight.
More supporting matchups, including appearances by popular sluggers Ramon Cardenas, Luis Torres and Weljon Mindoro, plus a full lineup of “Future Stars” series prospects will be announced shortly.
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Jermall Charlo: "I feel more comfortable at 168" |
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Former two-division champion Jermall Charlo held a media workout in Houston on Wednesday in anticipation of his fight in Australia, scheduled for Saturday, July 25th at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. Charlo is currently in training camp alongside ex-welterweight champion Errol Spence and trainer Ronnie Shields. Charlo will return to action against Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight clash that will be part of a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video. Here is what Charlo had to say Wednesday from Houston:
“I’m one of the few fighters that have barely lost any rounds in my career, let alone lost a fight. It’s my game plan to just go out there and dominate. If he makes the wrong move, he’s gonna get knocked out.
“I’ve been training really hard and staying at peace. I can tell it’s working by the way my body’s flowing. Everything is just really clicking.
“I normally am one of the few guys who like to really study my opponents, but I don’t know anything about him. I’m putting my trust in Ronnie Shields. I’m gonna go in there and be ready to make adjustments.
“Errol and I are kind of total opposites. He doesn’t talk as much as me, he’s just about the work. I like to talk a little more. We used to be roommates in the amateurs and now we have this chance to work around each other in the pros. He works hard and I love training around him.
“I want to go for another world title in a third weight division. I feel a lot more comfortable at 168. It really doesn’t matter who they put in front of me. I feel like I’m gonna have my advantages in this division. I’m planning to make this quarter of my career the best one.
“At this point I’ve seen every style in boxing. My focus is just different now. I’ve eliminated distractions. I feel fresh at this point in my career. I’m doing all of the things that I’m supposed to be doing.
“I just want to give everyone some real fights. I want to get in there with warriors and do it for the fans. I pick my shots precisely and I have the power to hurt you at the end of the day. I’m here for the long run.
“Once we get in the ring, I’m locked in. It doesn’t matter where we’re fighting.”
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Jermall Charlo: "I feel more comfortable at 168"
Former two-division champion Jermall Charlo held a media workout in Houston on Wednesday in anticipation of his fight in Australia, scheduled for Saturday, July 25th at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. Charlo is currently in training camp alongside ex-welterweight champion Errol Spence and trainer Ronnie Shields. Charlo will return to action against Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight clash that will be part of a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video. Here is what Charlo had to say Wednesday from Houston:
“I’m one of the few fighters that have barely lost any rounds in my career, let alone lost a fight. It’s my game plan to just go out there and dominate. If he makes the wrong move, he’s gonna get knocked out.
“I’ve been training really hard and staying at peace. I can tell it’s working by the way my body’s flowing. Everything is just really clicking.
“I normally am one of the few guys who like to really study my opponents, but I don’t know anything about him. I’m putting my trust in Ronnie Shields. I’m gonna go in there and be ready to make adjustments.
“Errol and I are kind of total opposites. He doesn’t talk as much as me, he’s just about the work. I like to talk a little more. We used to be roommates in the amateurs and now we have this chance to work around each other in the pros. He works hard and I love training around him.
“I want to go for another world title in a third weight division. I feel a lot more comfortable at 168. It really doesn’t matter who they put in front of me. I feel like I’m gonna have my advantages in this division. I’m planning to make this quarter of my career the best one.
“At this point I’ve seen every style in boxing. My focus is just different now. I’ve eliminated distractions. I feel fresh at this point in my career. I’m doing all of the things that I’m supposed to be doing.
“I just want to give everyone some real fights. I want to get in there with warriors and do it for the fans. I pick my shots precisely and I have the power to hurt you at the end of the day. I’m here for the long run.
“Once we get in the ring, I’m locked in. It doesn’t matter where we’re fighting.”
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WBO orders Kreps vs. Ali for vacant 122-pound title |
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The WBO has ordered negotiations for the vacant WBO female junior featherweight championship between Mikiah Kreps and Ramla Ali. The title was recently vacated by world champion Ellie Scotney, who also vacated the WBC title at 122 pounds to move up to 126. Kreps, from the Buffalo, New York area, is 11-0 for her career. The Somalian-born Ali now lives in London, and her record is 11-2, including two straight wins since a failed 2024 title bid vs. Yamileth Mercado.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE: MAY 20, 2026: Undisputed super bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney (12-0) has made the official decision to move up a weight class and pursue new challenges in her professional career. Scotney confirmed herself as one of the best female fighters in the world by unifying all the 122-pound titles, but she advised the WBC she would be relinquishing her championship. The WBC will grant Scotney the immediate right to contest the featherweight championship in her new division. Consequently, the winner of the upcoming bout between Tiara Brown (20-0) and Hannah Rapp (8-0-1) must defend the WBC crown by directly facing Scotney next. Brown-Rapp is sert for June 13th in Orlando, Florida, In Scotney's most recent bout, this past April 26th at Madison Square Garden in New York, she defeated Mexico's Mayelli Flores via unanimous decision.
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WBO orders Kreps vs. Ali for vacant 122-pound title
The WBO has ordered negotiations for the vacant WBO female junior featherweight championship between Mikiah Kreps and Ramla Ali. The title was recently vacated by world champion Ellie Scotney, who also vacated the WBC title at 122 pounds to move up to 126. Kreps, from the Buffalo, New York area, is 11-0 for her career. The Somalian-born Ali now lives in London, and her record is 11-2, including two straight wins since a failed 2024 title bid vs. Yamileth Mercado.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE: MAY 20, 2026: Undisputed super bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney (12-0) has made the official decision to move up a weight class and pursue new challenges in her professional career. Scotney confirmed herself as one of the best female fighters in the world by unifying all the 122-pound titles, but she advised the WBC she would be relinquishing her championship. The WBC will grant Scotney the immediate right to contest the featherweight championship in her new division. Consequently, the winner of the upcoming bout between Tiara Brown (20-0) and Hannah Rapp (8-0-1) must defend the WBC crown by directly facing Scotney next. Brown-Rapp is sert for June 13th in Orlando, Florida, In Scotney's most recent bout, this past April 26th at Madison Square Garden in New York, she defeated Mexico's Mayelli Flores via unanimous decision.
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Quick Draw Randall headlines Buford Promotions debut |
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Buford Promotions is gearing up for it's first ever show, "No Peace, Just Pressure" this Saturday night, June 27th in Houston. It is a full card, as there are eight bouts scheduled in total. Seven fighters are scheduled to make their professional debuts. The main event will pit rough and tough "Nino de Oro" Chucho Jesus Maldonado (9-16-1) of Laredo, Texas against former USA Boxing team captain Quinton "Quick Draw" Randall (16-3-1) in a six-round middleweight clash. Randall will be fighting in his hometown. The opening bell is set for 6PM and the action will take place at the Purcell Buford Sr. Gym. The ring announcer will be Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt. For tickets, call (832) 910-3898 or click here.
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Quick Draw Randall headlines Buford Promotions debut
Buford Promotions is gearing up for it's first ever show, "No Peace, Just Pressure" this Saturday night, June 27th in Houston. It is a full card, as there are eight bouts scheduled in total. Seven fighters are scheduled to make their professional debuts. The main event will pit rough and tough "Nino de Oro" Chucho Jesus Maldonado (9-16-1) of Laredo, Texas against former USA Boxing team captain Quinton "Quick Draw" Randall (16-3-1) in a six-round middleweight clash. Randall will be fighting in his hometown. The opening bell is set for 6PM and the action will take place at the Purcell Buford Sr. Gym. The ring announcer will be Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt. For tickets, call (832) 910-3898 or click here.
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Mayweather calls off exhibition before Court rules |
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Rather than wait for a New York court to issue a ruling on the preliminary injunction request filed by CSI Entertainment and related entities, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. called off this weekend’s exhibition bout between himself and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis, which was scheduled for Athens. Upon receiving this news, Judge Vernon S. Broderick said he would hold any ruling on CSI's motion in abeyance until he heard from the parties concerning the need for an immediate ruling and a proposed expedited schedule for discovery, briefing, and a preliminary injunction hearing. Earlier on Thursday, one of Mayweather's attorney advised the court that, "Because of CSI's motion [for a preliminary injunction seeking to halt the exhibition] remains pending without a ruling, the Mayweather-Zambidis event will no longer proceed in Athens, Greece as planned on Saturday evening. CSI's commencement of this [lawsuit] and filing of the motion for a preliminary injunction, as well as their legal threats domestically and in Greece, have effectively stopped any promotion or distribution plans for the event and halted ticket sales. Due to the fluid situation on the ground in Athens and significant damage to the commercial viability of the event, and given the time difference and imminence of its scheduled start time on June 27th, the difficult decision was made to cancel the exhibition fight. Depending on the Court’s ruling, the event may be rescheduled for a later date."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 24, 2026: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. filed his opposition papers to the preliminary injunction request of CSI Entertainment and related entities, who are seeking a court order that would halt this weekend’s exhibition bout between Mayweather and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis. The exhibition is set for Saturday in Athens, but the court battle is taking place in New York, with a hearing scheduled today (Wednesday).
Here is Mayweather’s argument to the court as to why the exhibition should go forward despite CSI’s legal claims for breach of a promotional contract:
CSI’s claimed emergency is one of their own making. By their own admission, CSI has known about Mayweather’s June 27th fight against Zambidis in Athens since February 3, 2026 – over four and a half months ago – but made a tactical decision to stop the fight through Greek counsel. CSI has no explanation, reasonable or otherwise, for waiting until eight days before the scheduled fight to move for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the Mayweather-Zambidis event from taking place.
First, CSI cannot demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. CSI’s agreements pertaining to Mayweather’s fights are void because they contemplate CSI’s operation as an unlicensed boxing promoter, in violation of New York and federal law. CSI also contracted with [co-defendant] Frist Apex Ventures LLC, a company owned by a friend of Jona Rechnitz [who is] Mayweather’s now estranged former manager and [according to Mayweather] a proven fraudster. At the time, Mayweather was not aware of all the representations being made by Frist Apex and Rechnitz to CSI. Moreover, CSI continued to transact business with Rechnitz and Frist Apex even after learning that Rechnitz had retained all monies paid by CSI as “advances” to Mayweather, negotiated conflicting agreements with multiple parties and generally acted in bad faith.
Even setting aside these substantial questions concerning the validity and enforceability of the agreements, CSI never had the ability to produce [fights for] Mayweather [against] Mike Tyson or Manny Pacquiao. In fact, CSI entered into a separate agreement conceding the right of a different entity to put on the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas in September 2026 and distribute the fight on Netflix.
Second, CSI cannot establish it is likely to suffer irreparable harm. In fact, its months-long delay in seeking injunctive relief after learning about the Mayweather-Zambidis fight on February 3, 2026 and affirming a September 2026 date for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in February 2026 directly contradicts the claim of irreparable harm. Nor does the substance of CSI’s alleged injury support emergency relief. CSIs’ claimed harm is highly speculative and, at best, has only attenuated links to the Zambidis fight or the Pacquiao fight — the latter of which has no scheduled date and may not occur at all. Moreover, even assuming such harm were to occur, the claimed harm is wholly economic in nature. CSI has an adequate remedy at law: monetary damages.
Third, the balance of the equities is not in CSIs’ favor. CSIs’ lack of diligence in pursuing injunctive relief weighs against them. As opposed to the hypothetical harm they may suffer if the court denies their Motion, a temporary restraining order preventing the Zambidis fight from going forward or a preliminary injunction prohibiting the Pacquiao fight will certainly cause significant harm to Mayweather.
Fourth, granting the injunction is not in the public’s interest. Shutting down the Mayweather-Zambidis event (and a hypothetical future Mayweather-Pacquiao fight) punishes millions of innocent ticket holders and viewers, as well as those who have invested significant resources in producing these events. For these reasons, Mayweather requests that the court deny CSI’s motion in full.
MAY 22, 2026: On Friday, CSI Entertainment and some related business entities asked a federal court in New York’s Southern District to issue a preliminary injunction barring Floyd Mayweather from fighting kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition bout in Athens this Saturday (June 27th). A hearing was originally scheduled to take place in New York today (Monday) but was moved to Wednesday, leaving precious little time for a court to act prior to Saturday's exhibition. CSI, represented by high-powered boxing attorney Judd Burstein, also asked the court to prohibit Mayweather from “taking any steps in furtherance of the Zambidis fight, prohibiting Mayweather from fighting anyone else other than Mike Tyson before he honors his obligation to fight Tyson as his next fight in an event broadcast by CSI; and preventing Mayweather from fighting anyone other than Manny Pacquiao or a fighter acceptable to CSI as his next fight immediately after Tyson in a bout to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
According to the legal papers submitted by CSI:
In 1997, Richard and Craig Miele founded the CSI Sports business, which is operated through a number of entities under the Fight Sports and CSI brands. Mayweather is an undefeated boxing legend and widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport’s history. Mayweather retired in 2017 with a 50-0 record. On August 10, 2025, CSI secured the exclusive rights to the services of Mayweather to fight Tyson in the spring of 2026. Obtaining exclusivity rights to premiere fighters is a crucial industry practice that was used extensively by HBO and ESPN at times when they were the leading names in broadcast boxing. Securing exclusive rights enables a sports company to become a destination for viewers seeking premium content and to strengthen its reputation with a global audience, both of which are essential to building the business and its brand. Obtaining exclusive broadcast rights for the Tyson fight was especially impactful for CSI and its brands. The fight will be a major event featuring two of boxing’s biggest stars. The announcement of the Tyson Fight received extraordinary media attention, surpassing nearly all other recent sports announcements. The resulting publicity and reputational benefit to CSI cannot be underestimated. This is especially so because in reliance on the Mayweather exclusive agreements, CSI / Fight Sports is launching a sports network in the USA with the Mayweather vs. Tyson fight on the most widely distributed platforms in the country.
If the exclusive rights CSI announced with Mayweather were put into question, it would likely terminate any and all plans by the platforms to carry/distribute the CSI / Fight Sports network and the harm to CSI would be terminable and non-reversible. At Mayweather’s direction, CSI Sports Events contracted with Frist for Mayweather’s services and Mayweather signed an inducement letter agreeing to the terms. This is standard industry practice. On August 11, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. This was just an advance as Mayweather, through Frist, was entitled to $14 million in total compensation under the Tyson Agreement. On November 6, 2025, CSI secured the rights to Mayweather’s next fight after Tyson to be against Pacquiao, or another suitable opponent, under an exclusive fight agreement, which expressly provides that a loss of these rights would give rise to irreparable harm.
A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be even more significant than Mayweather-Tyson because Mayweather and Pacquiao are two of the greatest fighters in boxing history and they competed in similar weight classes. Even more importantly, it will be a rematch of their 2015 bout which Mayweather won by unanimous decision and, because it will be a twelve-round professional fight, Mayweather’s undefeated 50-0 record will be on the line.
On November 6, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2.5 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. Again, this was just an advance. Mayweather stood to earn $50 million or more under the exclusive fight agreement.
On December 12, 2025, less than a month after CSI paid Frist $2.5 million, Mayweather surreptitiously signed a contract with third parties “Everwonder.” The Everwonder contract contemplated that Mayweather would fight Pacquiao on Netflix, in violation of CSI Entertainment Events’ exclusive rights. Under the Everwonder contract, Mayweather received a $2,750,000 advance in connection with a proposed Pacquiao fight to take place in the Fall of 2026. However, just one month earlier, on November 6, 2025, CSI Entertainment Events had paid Mayweather, through Frist, a $2.5 million advance for a fight against Pacquiao or another suitable opponent – i.e., the exact same fight. On information and belief, Mayweather then proceeded, through Frist, to take an additional $5.8 million advance from a third party lender against the Everwonder contract.
On January 7th, CSI learned about the Everwonder contract. Rather than sue Mayweather immediately, Plaintiffs sent Everwonder a cease-and-desist notice and engaged in negotiations with Mayweather’s representative seeking to preserve the extraordinarily valuable relationship. In connection with those discussions, Mayweather approved a press release which attributed the following quote to Mayweather: “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing – from my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards – no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – than my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports / Fight Sports.”
After the press release, CSI then entered into a series of related agreements with Mayweather, Frist, and Everwonder. On February 22nd, CSI Sports Events, Mayweather, and Frist signed an amendment to the Tyson Agreement that extended the date by when the Tyson fight had to proceed (absent an injury extension) from April 25, 2026, to May 31, 2026. CSI also gave up certain rights in connection with the Pacquiao Fight, while retaining other valuable rights and receiving new rights. Most importantly, CSI was granted exclusive rights to Mayweather’s next fight immediately after the Pacquiao Fight. It did not have those rights before.
[CSI alleges that through this amendment process,] Mayweather was now contracted to fight Pacquiao on September 19th, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be Mayweather’s next fight after the Tyson Fight, and Mayweather would not participate in any intervening fights before the Tyson Fight, or after the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and before Mayweather’s next fight, to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
CSI’s agreement to this plan was also premised on receiving the same logo credits, signage, and public announcements afforded to Mayweather’s and Pacquiao’s promotional companies in connection with a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight – as televised worldwide on Netflix On March 1st, CSI paid a $150,000 installment that was due because Mayweather had completed his medicals for the fight. On March 2nd, the very day after he accepted the $150,000 installment payment, Mayweather posted on his Instagram account that he would be fighting Zambidis in Greece on June 27th. The proposed Zambidis Fight was a breach of the bar against interim fights under. Indeed, Mayweather breached merely by posting about it. In response, CSI retained counsel in Greece to take steps to prevent the Zambidis fight from going forward.
CSI says it later came to the understanding that Mayweather had backed down on the Zambidis fight. However, on May 7th, Mayweather held a press conference where he made it clear that he did, in fact, intend to go ahead with the Zambidis fight on June 27th. Meanwhile, Tyson had injured his hand and would be unable to fight on May 30th, but would be available to fight within the next six months and that consequently the Tyson agreement was effectively tolled, meaning that Mayweather was barred from participating in any other bout.
On June 16th, DAZN and CSI reached an agreement in principle that DAZN would not broadcast the Zambidis Fight and DAZN removed the Zambidis fight offering, poster, and marketing from its platform.
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Mayweather calls off exhibition before Court rules
Rather than wait for a New York court to issue a ruling on the preliminary injunction request filed by CSI Entertainment and related entities, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. called off this weekend’s exhibition bout between himself and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis, which was scheduled for Athens. Upon receiving this news, Judge Vernon S. Broderick said he would hold any ruling on CSI's motion in abeyance until he heard from the parties concerning the need for an immediate ruling and a proposed expedited schedule for discovery, briefing, and a preliminary injunction hearing. Earlier on Thursday, one of Mayweather's attorney advised the court that, "Because of CSI's motion [for a preliminary injunction seeking to halt the exhibition] remains pending without a ruling, the Mayweather-Zambidis event will no longer proceed in Athens, Greece as planned on Saturday evening. CSI's commencement of this [lawsuit] and filing of the motion for a preliminary injunction, as well as their legal threats domestically and in Greece, have effectively stopped any promotion or distribution plans for the event and halted ticket sales. Due to the fluid situation on the ground in Athens and significant damage to the commercial viability of the event, and given the time difference and imminence of its scheduled start time on June 27th, the difficult decision was made to cancel the exhibition fight. Depending on the Court’s ruling, the event may be rescheduled for a later date."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 24, 2026: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. filed his opposition papers to the preliminary injunction request of CSI Entertainment and related entities, who are seeking a court order that would halt this weekend’s exhibition bout between Mayweather and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis. The exhibition is set for Saturday in Athens, but the court battle is taking place in New York, with a hearing scheduled today (Wednesday).
Here is Mayweather’s argument to the court as to why the exhibition should go forward despite CSI’s legal claims for breach of a promotional contract:
CSI’s claimed emergency is one of their own making. By their own admission, CSI has known about Mayweather’s June 27th fight against Zambidis in Athens since February 3, 2026 – over four and a half months ago – but made a tactical decision to stop the fight through Greek counsel. CSI has no explanation, reasonable or otherwise, for waiting until eight days before the scheduled fight to move for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the Mayweather-Zambidis event from taking place.
First, CSI cannot demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. CSI’s agreements pertaining to Mayweather’s fights are void because they contemplate CSI’s operation as an unlicensed boxing promoter, in violation of New York and federal law. CSI also contracted with [co-defendant] Frist Apex Ventures LLC, a company owned by a friend of Jona Rechnitz [who is] Mayweather’s now estranged former manager and [according to Mayweather] a proven fraudster. At the time, Mayweather was not aware of all the representations being made by Frist Apex and Rechnitz to CSI. Moreover, CSI continued to transact business with Rechnitz and Frist Apex even after learning that Rechnitz had retained all monies paid by CSI as “advances” to Mayweather, negotiated conflicting agreements with multiple parties and generally acted in bad faith.
Even setting aside these substantial questions concerning the validity and enforceability of the agreements, CSI never had the ability to produce [fights for] Mayweather [against] Mike Tyson or Manny Pacquiao. In fact, CSI entered into a separate agreement conceding the right of a different entity to put on the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas in September 2026 and distribute the fight on Netflix.
Second, CSI cannot establish it is likely to suffer irreparable harm. In fact, its months-long delay in seeking injunctive relief after learning about the Mayweather-Zambidis fight on February 3, 2026 and affirming a September 2026 date for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in February 2026 directly contradicts the claim of irreparable harm. Nor does the substance of CSI’s alleged injury support emergency relief. CSIs’ claimed harm is highly speculative and, at best, has only attenuated links to the Zambidis fight or the Pacquiao fight — the latter of which has no scheduled date and may not occur at all. Moreover, even assuming such harm were to occur, the claimed harm is wholly economic in nature. CSI has an adequate remedy at law: monetary damages.
Third, the balance of the equities is not in CSIs’ favor. CSIs’ lack of diligence in pursuing injunctive relief weighs against them. As opposed to the hypothetical harm they may suffer if the court denies their Motion, a temporary restraining order preventing the Zambidis fight from going forward or a preliminary injunction prohibiting the Pacquiao fight will certainly cause significant harm to Mayweather.
Fourth, granting the injunction is not in the public’s interest. Shutting down the Mayweather-Zambidis event (and a hypothetical future Mayweather-Pacquiao fight) punishes millions of innocent ticket holders and viewers, as well as those who have invested significant resources in producing these events. For these reasons, Mayweather requests that the court deny CSI’s motion in full.
MAY 22, 2026: On Friday, CSI Entertainment and some related business entities asked a federal court in New York’s Southern District to issue a preliminary injunction barring Floyd Mayweather from fighting kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition bout in Athens this Saturday (June 27th). A hearing was originally scheduled to take place in New York today (Monday) but was moved to Wednesday, leaving precious little time for a court to act prior to Saturday's exhibition. CSI, represented by high-powered boxing attorney Judd Burstein, also asked the court to prohibit Mayweather from “taking any steps in furtherance of the Zambidis fight, prohibiting Mayweather from fighting anyone else other than Mike Tyson before he honors his obligation to fight Tyson as his next fight in an event broadcast by CSI; and preventing Mayweather from fighting anyone other than Manny Pacquiao or a fighter acceptable to CSI as his next fight immediately after Tyson in a bout to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
According to the legal papers submitted by CSI:
In 1997, Richard and Craig Miele founded the CSI Sports business, which is operated through a number of entities under the Fight Sports and CSI brands. Mayweather is an undefeated boxing legend and widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport’s history. Mayweather retired in 2017 with a 50-0 record. On August 10, 2025, CSI secured the exclusive rights to the services of Mayweather to fight Tyson in the spring of 2026. Obtaining exclusivity rights to premiere fighters is a crucial industry practice that was used extensively by HBO and ESPN at times when they were the leading names in broadcast boxing. Securing exclusive rights enables a sports company to become a destination for viewers seeking premium content and to strengthen its reputation with a global audience, both of which are essential to building the business and its brand. Obtaining exclusive broadcast rights for the Tyson fight was especially impactful for CSI and its brands. The fight will be a major event featuring two of boxing’s biggest stars. The announcement of the Tyson Fight received extraordinary media attention, surpassing nearly all other recent sports announcements. The resulting publicity and reputational benefit to CSI cannot be underestimated. This is especially so because in reliance on the Mayweather exclusive agreements, CSI / Fight Sports is launching a sports network in the USA with the Mayweather vs. Tyson fight on the most widely distributed platforms in the country.
If the exclusive rights CSI announced with Mayweather were put into question, it would likely terminate any and all plans by the platforms to carry/distribute the CSI / Fight Sports network and the harm to CSI would be terminable and non-reversible. At Mayweather’s direction, CSI Sports Events contracted with Frist for Mayweather’s services and Mayweather signed an inducement letter agreeing to the terms. This is standard industry practice. On August 11, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. This was just an advance as Mayweather, through Frist, was entitled to $14 million in total compensation under the Tyson Agreement. On November 6, 2025, CSI secured the rights to Mayweather’s next fight after Tyson to be against Pacquiao, or another suitable opponent, under an exclusive fight agreement, which expressly provides that a loss of these rights would give rise to irreparable harm.
A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be even more significant than Mayweather-Tyson because Mayweather and Pacquiao are two of the greatest fighters in boxing history and they competed in similar weight classes. Even more importantly, it will be a rematch of their 2015 bout which Mayweather won by unanimous decision and, because it will be a twelve-round professional fight, Mayweather’s undefeated 50-0 record will be on the line.
On November 6, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2.5 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. Again, this was just an advance. Mayweather stood to earn $50 million or more under the exclusive fight agreement.
On December 12, 2025, less than a month after CSI paid Frist $2.5 million, Mayweather surreptitiously signed a contract with third parties “Everwonder.” The Everwonder contract contemplated that Mayweather would fight Pacquiao on Netflix, in violation of CSI Entertainment Events’ exclusive rights. Under the Everwonder contract, Mayweather received a $2,750,000 advance in connection with a proposed Pacquiao fight to take place in the Fall of 2026. However, just one month earlier, on November 6, 2025, CSI Entertainment Events had paid Mayweather, through Frist, a $2.5 million advance for a fight against Pacquiao or another suitable opponent – i.e., the exact same fight. On information and belief, Mayweather then proceeded, through Frist, to take an additional $5.8 million advance from a third party lender against the Everwonder contract.
On January 7th, CSI learned about the Everwonder contract. Rather than sue Mayweather immediately, Plaintiffs sent Everwonder a cease-and-desist notice and engaged in negotiations with Mayweather’s representative seeking to preserve the extraordinarily valuable relationship. In connection with those discussions, Mayweather approved a press release which attributed the following quote to Mayweather: “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing – from my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards – no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – than my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports / Fight Sports.”
After the press release, CSI then entered into a series of related agreements with Mayweather, Frist, and Everwonder. On February 22nd, CSI Sports Events, Mayweather, and Frist signed an amendment to the Tyson Agreement that extended the date by when the Tyson fight had to proceed (absent an injury extension) from April 25, 2026, to May 31, 2026. CSI also gave up certain rights in connection with the Pacquiao Fight, while retaining other valuable rights and receiving new rights. Most importantly, CSI was granted exclusive rights to Mayweather’s next fight immediately after the Pacquiao Fight. It did not have those rights before.
[CSI alleges that through this amendment process,] Mayweather was now contracted to fight Pacquiao on September 19th, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be Mayweather’s next fight after the Tyson Fight, and Mayweather would not participate in any intervening fights before the Tyson Fight, or after the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and before Mayweather’s next fight, to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
CSI’s agreement to this plan was also premised on receiving the same logo credits, signage, and public announcements afforded to Mayweather’s and Pacquiao’s promotional companies in connection with a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight – as televised worldwide on Netflix On March 1st, CSI paid a $150,000 installment that was due because Mayweather had completed his medicals for the fight. On March 2nd, the very day after he accepted the $150,000 installment payment, Mayweather posted on his Instagram account that he would be fighting Zambidis in Greece on June 27th. The proposed Zambidis Fight was a breach of the bar against interim fights under. Indeed, Mayweather breached merely by posting about it. In response, CSI retained counsel in Greece to take steps to prevent the Zambidis fight from going forward.
CSI says it later came to the understanding that Mayweather had backed down on the Zambidis fight. However, on May 7th, Mayweather held a press conference where he made it clear that he did, in fact, intend to go ahead with the Zambidis fight on June 27th. Meanwhile, Tyson had injured his hand and would be unable to fight on May 30th, but would be available to fight within the next six months and that consequently the Tyson agreement was effectively tolled, meaning that Mayweather was barred from participating in any other bout.
On June 16th, DAZN and CSI reached an agreement in principle that DAZN would not broadcast the Zambidis Fight and DAZN removed the Zambidis fight offering, poster, and marketing from its platform.
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Ali Akhmedov books Kazakhstan fight for July 25th |
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According to the IBO, Ali Akhmedov and Asemahle Wellem are on a collision course for the IBO interim light heavyweight title on July 25th in Kazakhstan, live on ESPN+. Akhmedov is 25-2 with two straight wins since an upset loss to Maciej Sulecki in February 2025. He'll be fighting in his home country. Wellem is a 25 year-old from South Africa with a record of 11-2-1, including a tune-up win last month.
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Ali Akhmedov books Kazakhstan fight for July 25th
According to the IBO, Ali Akhmedov and Asemahle Wellem are on a collision course for the IBO interim light heavyweight title on July 25th in Kazakhstan, live on ESPN+. Akhmedov is 25-2 with two straight wins since an upset loss to Maciej Sulecki in February 2025. He'll be fighting in his home country. Wellem is a 25 year-old from South Africa with a record of 11-2-1, including a tune-up win last month.
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IBA bare knuckles coming to Miami on July 18th |
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IBA Bare Knuckle is set to make its United States debut on July 18th at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. Further announcements regarding the official fight card, ticket sales and fight week activities will be released soon. Representing a significant milestone in the IBA's global expansion, the event will feature MMA legend Jon “Bones” Jones on the sidelines as the official ambassador and host for the evening. IBA Bare Knuckle aims to bring together elite athletes from various combat sports disciplines, champions from multi-sport backgrounds, world-class coaches, and prominent combat sports personalities onto a single unified global stage.
Since its inception in 2025, IBA Bare Knuckle has staged four events in the CIS region, generating widespread international engagement, selling out venues, and accumulating more than 500 million digital views and engagements across its media platforms. The latest iteration, IBA Bare Knuckle 4, which was headlined by former UFC champion Yoel Romero, achieved, according to IBA, over 120 million views and interactions worldwide. The upcoming Miami event brings this momentum directly into the American market. The premium fight night at the James L. Knight Center will blend elite bare-knuckle competition with high-end sports entertainment, capturing the unique energy of Miami.
Chris Roberts OBE, IBA Secretary General and CEO, expressed his confidence in the significance of hosting the event in the USA: “Our entry into the United States represents a pivotal moment in the global expansion of the IBA. We are not just bringing a world-class sport entertainment platform to Miami; we are establishing a sustainable pipeline for elite combat sports athletes on a truly international scale. The American market has an immense appetite for high-calibre, authentic combat sport events, and IBA Bare Knuckle is ready to deliver exactly that.”
The US debut signals IBA Bare Knuckle’s global ambitions and its commitment to introducing its fighter-first model to the Western combat sports market. The organisation plans to steadily continue its international expansion throughout 2026 and beyond, with the Miami event serving as the primary launchpad for American audiences, athletes, media, and industry partners.
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IBA bare knuckles coming to Miami on July 18th
IBA Bare Knuckle is set to make its United States debut on July 18th at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. Further announcements regarding the official fight card, ticket sales and fight week activities will be released soon. Representing a significant milestone in the IBA's global expansion, the event will feature MMA legend Jon “Bones” Jones on the sidelines as the official ambassador and host for the evening. IBA Bare Knuckle aims to bring together elite athletes from various combat sports disciplines, champions from multi-sport backgrounds, world-class coaches, and prominent combat sports personalities onto a single unified global stage.
Since its inception in 2025, IBA Bare Knuckle has staged four events in the CIS region, generating widespread international engagement, selling out venues, and accumulating more than 500 million digital views and engagements across its media platforms. The latest iteration, IBA Bare Knuckle 4, which was headlined by former UFC champion Yoel Romero, achieved, according to IBA, over 120 million views and interactions worldwide. The upcoming Miami event brings this momentum directly into the American market. The premium fight night at the James L. Knight Center will blend elite bare-knuckle competition with high-end sports entertainment, capturing the unique energy of Miami.
Chris Roberts OBE, IBA Secretary General and CEO, expressed his confidence in the significance of hosting the event in the USA: “Our entry into the United States represents a pivotal moment in the global expansion of the IBA. We are not just bringing a world-class sport entertainment platform to Miami; we are establishing a sustainable pipeline for elite combat sports athletes on a truly international scale. The American market has an immense appetite for high-calibre, authentic combat sport events, and IBA Bare Knuckle is ready to deliver exactly that.”
The US debut signals IBA Bare Knuckle’s global ambitions and its commitment to introducing its fighter-first model to the Western combat sports market. The organisation plans to steadily continue its international expansion throughout 2026 and beyond, with the Miami event serving as the primary launchpad for American audiences, athletes, media, and industry partners.
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Read Mayweather's sworn statement saying $4.5M was stolen from him |
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On Thursday, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. submitted a statement under the penalty of perjury, to a New York court that is considering whether to allow Mayweather's exhibition fight to take place on Sautrday in Athens.Here is what Mayweather said:
"I am generally familiar with the allegations against me in this case. It is my understanding that [CSI Entertainment and related companies] claims I received advances that were allegedly paid by them to [a company named] Frist Apex Ventures LLC in August 2025 ($2 million advance) and November 2025 ($2.5 million advance). That is not correct. I did not receive either the $2 million payment or the $2.5 million payment from Frist Apex, Plaintiffs, or anyone acting on their behalf. I am informed and believe [CSI] has filed proof showing that those payments were made to Frist Apex. I do not know what Frist Apex did with those funds.
"After I spoke with [CSI's] Richard Milele and informed him that I had not received the $2 million or $2.5 million payments, Mr. Milele and I agreed to execute a letter of direction for future payments. I requested that protection because I had not received the prior CSI payments and because of concerns that funds paid to Frist Apex had been misappropriated and/or stolen. I have requested from Frist Apex a reconciliation of all payments received or made in connection with my boxing events, including any CSI-related payments, but I have not received that reconciliation to date.
"In late February or early March of this year, I completed my medicals for the fight with Mike Tyson. The plan was for the fight to happen in the spring of 2026. I was ready, willing and able to participate in the exhibition fight against Mike Tyson this spring. I am informed that Plaintiffs also allege that I accepted a $2.75 million advance from EverWonder and took a $5.8 million advance from a third-party lender against a contract with EverWonder. Neither statement is correct. To the best of my knowledge, those advances or loan proceeds were paid to Frist Apex or others, not to me or Mayweather Promotions. I did not receive those funds and do not know what was done with them.
My former manager Jona Rechnitz hid information from me and misled me about a lot of things, including the deals he was negotiating with CSI for fights against Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao. Unfortunately, I still trusted him at the time because I did not know about his shady dealings. When Jona asked me to sign an inducement letter, he did not tell me specifics regarding the deal between Frist Apex and Plaintiffs. Because of my trust in Jona at the time, I signed the inducement letter without knowledge of the deal terms. After I discovered evidence that Jona was taking advantage of, lying to and stealing from me, I hired Walter Jordan to be my business manager in February 2026."
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Read Mayweather's sworn statement saying $4.5M was stolen from him
On Thursday, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. submitted a statement under the penalty of perjury, to a New York court that is considering whether to allow Mayweather's exhibition fight to take place on Sautrday in Athens.Here is what Mayweather said:
"I am generally familiar with the allegations against me in this case. It is my understanding that [CSI Entertainment and related companies] claims I received advances that were allegedly paid by them to [a company named] Frist Apex Ventures LLC in August 2025 ($2 million advance) and November 2025 ($2.5 million advance). That is not correct. I did not receive either the $2 million payment or the $2.5 million payment from Frist Apex, Plaintiffs, or anyone acting on their behalf. I am informed and believe [CSI] has filed proof showing that those payments were made to Frist Apex. I do not know what Frist Apex did with those funds.
"After I spoke with [CSI's] Richard Milele and informed him that I had not received the $2 million or $2.5 million payments, Mr. Milele and I agreed to execute a letter of direction for future payments. I requested that protection because I had not received the prior CSI payments and because of concerns that funds paid to Frist Apex had been misappropriated and/or stolen. I have requested from Frist Apex a reconciliation of all payments received or made in connection with my boxing events, including any CSI-related payments, but I have not received that reconciliation to date.
"In late February or early March of this year, I completed my medicals for the fight with Mike Tyson. The plan was for the fight to happen in the spring of 2026. I was ready, willing and able to participate in the exhibition fight against Mike Tyson this spring. I am informed that Plaintiffs also allege that I accepted a $2.75 million advance from EverWonder and took a $5.8 million advance from a third-party lender against a contract with EverWonder. Neither statement is correct. To the best of my knowledge, those advances or loan proceeds were paid to Frist Apex or others, not to me or Mayweather Promotions. I did not receive those funds and do not know what was done with them.
My former manager Jona Rechnitz hid information from me and misled me about a lot of things, including the deals he was negotiating with CSI for fights against Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao. Unfortunately, I still trusted him at the time because I did not know about his shady dealings. When Jona asked me to sign an inducement letter, he did not tell me specifics regarding the deal between Frist Apex and Plaintiffs. Because of my trust in Jona at the time, I signed the inducement letter without knowledge of the deal terms. After I discovered evidence that Jona was taking advantage of, lying to and stealing from me, I hired Walter Jordan to be my business manager in February 2026."
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Spence: "I'm taking things one fight at a time" |
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Former unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. held a media workout in Houston on Wednesday ahead his comeback fight, which takes place Saturday, July 25 in a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video from Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. Spence is currently in training camp with trainer Ronnie Shields, for his big junior middleweight match-up against former champion Tim Tszyu. Here is what Spence (28-1), who has not fought since a 2023 loss to multi-division champion Terence Crawford, had to say Wednesday from Houston:
“Camp has been great. I can’t complain at all. We’re putting in the work and leaving no stone unturned. I’m excited.
“Ronnie’s style fits me well. I’ve always been a huge fan of Jermall and how he fights. Plus Ronnie has the experience too. I listened to Ronnie’s concept of training and I felt like it fit me to a T. When we worked out, the chemistry felt really good.
“I had my first world title fight overseas, plus countless amateur fights. So it’s something I’ve always been comfortable with. I’m not worried about the fans or anything like that, because at the end of the day it’s just me and him in there.
“This was the right time to come back, and against the right opponent. My body feels good, so I said why not?
“[Jermall] Charlo [Spence's training partner who is fighting on the same show] and I were in the amateurs together as kids, so it’s dope to have somebody that I’ve known a long time in the same gym here and on the same card. We’re focused on the task at hand and that’s conquering Australia.
“My motivation to come back is about myself and my personal goals. Everything about training just excites me. You’ve gotta enjoy it while it lasts, because one day it’ll be over. I’m taking it one fight at a time.”
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Spence: "I'm taking things one fight at a time"
Former unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. held a media workout in Houston on Wednesday ahead his comeback fight, which takes place Saturday, July 25 in a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video from Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. Spence is currently in training camp with trainer Ronnie Shields, for his big junior middleweight match-up against former champion Tim Tszyu. Here is what Spence (28-1), who has not fought since a 2023 loss to multi-division champion Terence Crawford, had to say Wednesday from Houston:
“Camp has been great. I can’t complain at all. We’re putting in the work and leaving no stone unturned. I’m excited.
“Ronnie’s style fits me well. I’ve always been a huge fan of Jermall and how he fights. Plus Ronnie has the experience too. I listened to Ronnie’s concept of training and I felt like it fit me to a T. When we worked out, the chemistry felt really good.
“I had my first world title fight overseas, plus countless amateur fights. So it’s something I’ve always been comfortable with. I’m not worried about the fans or anything like that, because at the end of the day it’s just me and him in there.
“This was the right time to come back, and against the right opponent. My body feels good, so I said why not?
“[Jermall] Charlo [Spence's training partner who is fighting on the same show] and I were in the amateurs together as kids, so it’s dope to have somebody that I’ve known a long time in the same gym here and on the same card. We’re focused on the task at hand and that’s conquering Australia.
“My motivation to come back is about myself and my personal goals. Everything about training just excites me. You’ve gotta enjoy it while it lasts, because one day it’ll be over. I’m taking it one fight at a time.”
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Jerwin Ancajas now campaigning at featherweight |
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Sunday night's Zuffa Boxing 08 co-feature in Las Vegas a battle between traditional boxing rival nations Mexico and the Philippines as the undefeated Omar Trinidad returns to face former super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancas (pictured) in a pivotal meeting in the featherweight division. Trinidad (20-0-2, 14 KOs) stamped his mark on Zuffa Boxing on his promotional debut with a tenth round knockout of Max Ornelas at Zuffa Boxing 01, and he returns to action looking to claim back to back victories. But standing in his way is one of the toughest tests of his career. Ancajas has signed with Zuffa Boxing and made the move up to featherweight to kickstart a new chapter in his career. The Filipino star has a record of 38-4-2, with 25 wins by knockout, and made nine successful defenses of his super flyweight title, which he held for more than five years. Now “Pretty Boy” plans on making an instant impact in his new weight class.
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Jerwin Ancajas now campaigning at featherweight
Sunday night's Zuffa Boxing 08 co-feature in Las Vegas a battle between traditional boxing rival nations Mexico and the Philippines as the undefeated Omar Trinidad returns to face former super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancas (pictured) in a pivotal meeting in the featherweight division. Trinidad (20-0-2, 14 KOs) stamped his mark on Zuffa Boxing on his promotional debut with a tenth round knockout of Max Ornelas at Zuffa Boxing 01, and he returns to action looking to claim back to back victories. But standing in his way is one of the toughest tests of his career. Ancajas has signed with Zuffa Boxing and made the move up to featherweight to kickstart a new chapter in his career. The Filipino star has a record of 38-4-2, with 25 wins by knockout, and made nine successful defenses of his super flyweight title, which he held for more than five years. Now “Pretty Boy” plans on making an instant impact in his new weight class.
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Shields dropping down to middleweight |
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Claressa Shields continues to look for new challenges. It was announced on Wednesday that Shields will drop back down to middleweight for the first time since June 2023 when she challenges WBA/WBC champion Kaye Scott on Saturday. Aug. 15th at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, live and exclusively on DAZN. Back in February, Shields (18-0, 3 KOs) dominated Franchon Crews-Dezurn to retain her undisputed heavyweight titles (176 pounds + for women). The decision was made to return to middleweight for the two-time Olympic gold medalist, five-division champion, undisputed heavyweight champion, and the first boxer in the four-belt era—male or female—to become undisputed champion in three weight classes because Shields wants to continue to cement her standing among the greats. "At this point in my career, every fight is about legacy," Shields said in a statement. Every fight now is about pushing the boundaries of what's possible—for myself, for women's boxing, and for the next generation coming behind me through Claressa Shields Promotions. Kaye Scott is a champion, and I respect what she's accomplished. But becoming undisputed at 160 pounds again starts with beating the best. That's always been my mindset. I don't chase easy fights, I choose meaningful ones.”
For Scott (5-1-1), this represents the biggest fight of her career. The native of Australia understands what's in front of her and plans on showing the world what she's all about. “I’ve dedicated my life to the sport of boxing, achieving success with the Australian National Team and as a professional, " Scott said. I’m extremely proud to defend my WBC and WBA world title belts against Claressa Shields. “I believe the bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity, and on August 15, I have the chance to show the world exactly what I’m capable of. I’m in the best shape of my life and ready to test myself against the very best. I’m excited, motivated, and prepared to step into that ring and prove that I am the best middleweight in the world.”
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Shields dropping down to middleweight
Claressa Shields continues to look for new challenges. It was announced on Wednesday that Shields will drop back down to middleweight for the first time since June 2023 when she challenges WBA/WBC champion Kaye Scott on Saturday. Aug. 15th at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, live and exclusively on DAZN. Back in February, Shields (18-0, 3 KOs) dominated Franchon Crews-Dezurn to retain her undisputed heavyweight titles (176 pounds + for women). The decision was made to return to middleweight for the two-time Olympic gold medalist, five-division champion, undisputed heavyweight champion, and the first boxer in the four-belt era—male or female—to become undisputed champion in three weight classes because Shields wants to continue to cement her standing among the greats. "At this point in my career, every fight is about legacy," Shields said in a statement. Every fight now is about pushing the boundaries of what's possible—for myself, for women's boxing, and for the next generation coming behind me through Claressa Shields Promotions. Kaye Scott is a champion, and I respect what she's accomplished. But becoming undisputed at 160 pounds again starts with beating the best. That's always been my mindset. I don't chase easy fights, I choose meaningful ones.”
For Scott (5-1-1), this represents the biggest fight of her career. The native of Australia understands what's in front of her and plans on showing the world what she's all about. “I’ve dedicated my life to the sport of boxing, achieving success with the Australian National Team and as a professional, " Scott said. I’m extremely proud to defend my WBC and WBA world title belts against Claressa Shields. “I believe the bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity, and on August 15, I have the chance to show the world exactly what I’m capable of. I’m in the best shape of my life and ready to test myself against the very best. I’m excited, motivated, and prepared to step into that ring and prove that I am the best middleweight in the world.”
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Yoka says he's fully rebounded from losing streak |
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French heavyweight Tony Yoka (pictured) needed only three hours to accept the opportunity to challenge Murat Gassiev for the WBA regular heavyweight title. The 2016 Olympic champion will face Gassiev in the main event of IBA Pro 19 on Saturday, July 11th at the VTB Arena in Moscow. The opportunity arose after Yoka’s scheduled April contest against Lawrence Okolie was cancelled [due to a positive test for banned substances by Okolie]. His manager called shortly afterwards with an offer to face Gassiev, and the Frenchman consulted his family and team before giving an answer. “I think it took me about three hours,” Yoka said. “I spoke with my father, my brothers and the rest of my team, and then we accepted the challenge.” The timing meant that Yoka was already in fighting condition. He had completed most of his preparations for the Okolie bout and took only one week away from the gym before beginning work towards his world title challenge.
“My training camp is going really well,” he said. “I was ready for a big fight in April, so I took a week of rest and went straight back into training. I feel that I will be even better prepared for this fight than I was for April. I will be more than ready.”
The primary focus of the camp is conditioning. Yoka expects Gassiev to apply consistent pressure and understands that he may be required to maintain his movement and punch output across the full championship distance. Rather than concentrating on maximal strength or heavy lifting, Yoka is working on his ability to repeat technically demanding actions without losing speed or accuracy. “I am not really doing heavy lifts,” he explained. “I am focusing more on repeating actions. I need to be able to do that for twelve rounds, and that is where my main focus is. I know it is going to be a tough fight. Murat is going to come forward, so I need to be able to repeat my work until the end.”
Gassiev enters the contest with a professional record of 33 wins and two defeats, including 26 victories inside the distance. The 32-year old claimed the WBA regular heavyweight title by stopping Kubrat Pulev in the sixth round and will now make his first defence in front of the Moscow crowd.
Yoka believes the champion remains at his physical peak but is confident that his own dimensions and technical qualities will present Gassiev with a different challenge from those he has encountered in the heavyweight division. “Of course, I think he is at his peak because he is only 32 years old,” Yoka said. “For a heavyweight, 32 can be just the beginning. But I also believe I am better than the opponents he has faced at heavyweight. He is going to meet someone who is around two meters tall, weighs 117 kilograms and has good technique. I think it will be completely different from his recent fights.”
The French challenger sees the contrast between their styles as one of the most intriguing elements of the contest. Gassiev is known for his physical strength, pressure and concussive punching power, while Yoka intends to use his height, footwork and technical background to control the distance. “I feel Murat’s style is a perfect match for me because he comes forward and likes to fight,” Yoka said. “I am taller, and I believe I have better movement and technique. I think our two styles make for a perfect match-up.”
Before entering the professional ranks, Yoka established himself as one of the leading amateur heavyweights of his generation. He won gold at the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships before defeating Joe Joyce in the final of the 2016 Olympic Games. His professional career was cratered by three successive defeats between 2022 and 2023 against Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam and Ryad Merhy.
Yoka believes that difficult period was caused by several problems occurring at the same time rather than one individual weakness. “Everything was going badly for me in 2022 and 2023,” he admitted. “It was a little bit of everything. There were boxing issues, I was too light, I was working with the wrong people and the wrong promoter, and I also had problems in my family. But I have moved past it. I have now won four fights in a row, and I do not think about that period anymore. I believe I am entering the final chapter of my career, and I hope it will be a beautiful one.”
That run began after Yoka’s defeat to Merhy [now a bridgerweight title holder] in Paris in December 2023. Since then, the Olympic champion has rebuilt his momentum with victories over Amine Boucetta in London in July 2024, Lamah Griggs in Swindon in September 2024, Arslan Yallyev at Adidas Arena in Paris in May 2025 and Patrick Korte in Lagos in December 2025. The fight in Moscow now gives him an opportunity to turn that recovery into the defining achievement of his professional career.
Yoka also believes the heavyweight division is entering a period of transition. He regards Oleksandr Usyk as one of the greatest names in the history of the weight class but does not believe there is currently one obvious contender who will dominate its next era. “I do not really see one person as the best heavyweight for the years ahead,” he said. “I think it is a new era.”
Yoka pointed to Filip Hrgovic, Agit Kabayel, Daniel Dubois, Martin Bakole and Moses Itauma as potential leading figures in the division over the coming years — and firmly included himself among them. Before considering any future possibilities, however, he must overcome a defending champion whose power has established him as one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the sport. Yoka is not predicting a particular round or method of victory. He is instead relying on the work completed in camp and the conviction that carried him to Olympic gold. “I am not going to trash-talk or say which round I will win in, as Muhammad Ali used to do,” Yoka said. “I am simply ready for this fight and for this big opportunity. I have been working hard. I know what I have been through, and I know I am going to shock the world because nobody is ready for what is coming. I know what I am capable of. I have been blessed in this sport, and I believe I have a great destiny. I became an Olympic champion for a reason. On July 11th, I will be ready to step up.”
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Yoka says he's fully rebounded from losing streak
French heavyweight Tony Yoka (pictured) needed only three hours to accept the opportunity to challenge Murat Gassiev for the WBA regular heavyweight title. The 2016 Olympic champion will face Gassiev in the main event of IBA Pro 19 on Saturday, July 11th at the VTB Arena in Moscow. The opportunity arose after Yoka’s scheduled April contest against Lawrence Okolie was cancelled [due to a positive test for banned substances by Okolie]. His manager called shortly afterwards with an offer to face Gassiev, and the Frenchman consulted his family and team before giving an answer. “I think it took me about three hours,” Yoka said. “I spoke with my father, my brothers and the rest of my team, and then we accepted the challenge.” The timing meant that Yoka was already in fighting condition. He had completed most of his preparations for the Okolie bout and took only one week away from the gym before beginning work towards his world title challenge.
“My training camp is going really well,” he said. “I was ready for a big fight in April, so I took a week of rest and went straight back into training. I feel that I will be even better prepared for this fight than I was for April. I will be more than ready.”
The primary focus of the camp is conditioning. Yoka expects Gassiev to apply consistent pressure and understands that he may be required to maintain his movement and punch output across the full championship distance. Rather than concentrating on maximal strength or heavy lifting, Yoka is working on his ability to repeat technically demanding actions without losing speed or accuracy. “I am not really doing heavy lifts,” he explained. “I am focusing more on repeating actions. I need to be able to do that for twelve rounds, and that is where my main focus is. I know it is going to be a tough fight. Murat is going to come forward, so I need to be able to repeat my work until the end.”
Gassiev enters the contest with a professional record of 33 wins and two defeats, including 26 victories inside the distance. The 32-year old claimed the WBA regular heavyweight title by stopping Kubrat Pulev in the sixth round and will now make his first defence in front of the Moscow crowd.
Yoka believes the champion remains at his physical peak but is confident that his own dimensions and technical qualities will present Gassiev with a different challenge from those he has encountered in the heavyweight division. “Of course, I think he is at his peak because he is only 32 years old,” Yoka said. “For a heavyweight, 32 can be just the beginning. But I also believe I am better than the opponents he has faced at heavyweight. He is going to meet someone who is around two meters tall, weighs 117 kilograms and has good technique. I think it will be completely different from his recent fights.”
The French challenger sees the contrast between their styles as one of the most intriguing elements of the contest. Gassiev is known for his physical strength, pressure and concussive punching power, while Yoka intends to use his height, footwork and technical background to control the distance. “I feel Murat’s style is a perfect match for me because he comes forward and likes to fight,” Yoka said. “I am taller, and I believe I have better movement and technique. I think our two styles make for a perfect match-up.”
Before entering the professional ranks, Yoka established himself as one of the leading amateur heavyweights of his generation. He won gold at the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships before defeating Joe Joyce in the final of the 2016 Olympic Games. His professional career was cratered by three successive defeats between 2022 and 2023 against Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam and Ryad Merhy.
Yoka believes that difficult period was caused by several problems occurring at the same time rather than one individual weakness. “Everything was going badly for me in 2022 and 2023,” he admitted. “It was a little bit of everything. There were boxing issues, I was too light, I was working with the wrong people and the wrong promoter, and I also had problems in my family. But I have moved past it. I have now won four fights in a row, and I do not think about that period anymore. I believe I am entering the final chapter of my career, and I hope it will be a beautiful one.”
That run began after Yoka’s defeat to Merhy [now a bridgerweight title holder] in Paris in December 2023. Since then, the Olympic champion has rebuilt his momentum with victories over Amine Boucetta in London in July 2024, Lamah Griggs in Swindon in September 2024, Arslan Yallyev at Adidas Arena in Paris in May 2025 and Patrick Korte in Lagos in December 2025. The fight in Moscow now gives him an opportunity to turn that recovery into the defining achievement of his professional career.
Yoka also believes the heavyweight division is entering a period of transition. He regards Oleksandr Usyk as one of the greatest names in the history of the weight class but does not believe there is currently one obvious contender who will dominate its next era. “I do not really see one person as the best heavyweight for the years ahead,” he said. “I think it is a new era.”
Yoka pointed to Filip Hrgovic, Agit Kabayel, Daniel Dubois, Martin Bakole and Moses Itauma as potential leading figures in the division over the coming years — and firmly included himself among them. Before considering any future possibilities, however, he must overcome a defending champion whose power has established him as one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the sport. Yoka is not predicting a particular round or method of victory. He is instead relying on the work completed in camp and the conviction that carried him to Olympic gold. “I am not going to trash-talk or say which round I will win in, as Muhammad Ali used to do,” Yoka said. “I am simply ready for this fight and for this big opportunity. I have been working hard. I know what I have been through, and I know I am going to shock the world because nobody is ready for what is coming. I know what I am capable of. I have been blessed in this sport, and I believe I have a great destiny. I became an Olympic champion for a reason. On July 11th, I will be ready to step up.”
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