Santiago ordered to provide injury details |
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The WBO has requested medical documentation from WBO/WBA junior flyweight champion René Santiago after being advised that he suffered an elbow injury during training that will prevent him from participating in his scheduled title defense. [No title defense has been publicly announced but Santiago was ordered by the WBA to make a mandatory defense against Daiya Kira of Jaoan]. In a letter dated July 20th, WBO Championship Committee Chairman Luis Batista Salas directed Santiago's team to submit a certified medical report within ten days detailing the nature and extent of the injury, the prescribed course of treatment, and the attending physician's prognosis, including an estimated timetable for the champion's return to full training and competition. The Committee cautioned that compliance with its directive is mandatory and warned that failure to timely provide the requested medical certification could result in further action under the organization's championship regulations, including any rulings deemed necessary to protect the interests of the championship.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE MAY 4, 2026: The WBA Championship Committee has officially ordered the mandatory bout between its light flyweight champion René Santiago and the WBA top-ranked contender, Daiya Kira. The sanctioning body issued formal notification to the respective teams of both fighters, granting a thirty-day negotiation period to reach terms for the bout. Said period will expire on June 2nd, 2026 Santiago is a unified champion who won the WBA title on December 17, 2025. Santiago is on a spectacular run. But little over a year ago, he seemed to be a journeyman who was fortunate to get a title shot. Then he upset Shokichi Iwata in March 2025 to win the WBO title and followed that up with a title unification win vs. Kyosuke Takami later in 2025. He launched his 2026 campaign with a third road win in Japan, this time over ex-champ Masataka Taniguchi. Kira is mostly unknown, with a pro record of just 4-0. According to the WBA, Santiago's mandatory defense has been overdue since April 16th, and he is therefore required to face Kira. Furthermore, under WBA Rule C.13, Santiago may not engage in a contest against a boxer who is not the official challenger within sixty (60) days following the expiration of the mandatory defense period. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement within the established timeframe, or if either party refuses to execute the contract, the WBA has the right to proceed to a purse bid in accordance with its internal regulations.
APRIL 6, 2026: Puerto Rico's René “El Chulo” Santiago added to his legacy as a Japanese spoiler by successfully defending his unified WBA and WBO light flyweight world titles with a unanimous decision victory over former champion Masataka Taniguchi. The high-level tactical battle took place Friday, April 3rd at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall, marking Santiago’s third consecutive win on Japanese soil. After twelve rounds, the judges confirmed Santiago’s command with scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 114-113, all in favor of the defending champion. With the victory, Santiago improves to 16-4 with 9 knockouts and joins fellow standouts like Oscar Collazo and Xander Zayas as part of the new wave of Puerto Rican fighters holding unified world titles. Taniguchi, a former 105-pound title holder, falls to 21-6.
The bout unfolded in two distinct phases. In the early rounds, Taniguchi used his southpaw stance and superior hand speed to trouble the champion, landing sharp combinations that gave him a slight edge on the scorecards. However, the turning point came in the fifth round, when Santiago landed a perfectly timed counter right hook that sent the Japanese fighter to the canvas. Though Taniguchi rose quickly, the knockdown dramatically shifted the momentum and psychology of the fight. From that moment on, “El Chulo” took full control. Showcasing ring IQ and composure, the Humacao native relied on lateral movement and a tight defensive shell to neutralize the challenger’s offense. In the championship rounds, Santiago displayed excellent conditioning, maintaining his punch output while avoiding the kind of risky exchanges Taniguchi desperately needed to turn the tide.
DEC. 18, 2025: Puerto Rico’s Rene Santiago delivered one of the most significant victories of his career, edging Japan’s Kyosuke Takami by split decision to capture the WBA light flyweight in a hard-fought battle at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. The scorecards reflected the razor-thin margins of the contest: 117-111 and 115-113 for Santiago, while one judge saw it 116-112 for Takami. The bout unified Santiago’s WBA crown with the WBO title already in his possession. It was a clash of styles from the opening bell. Takami, unbeaten going in and widely regarded as one of Japan’s emerging talents, sought to impose his trademark aggression, pressing forward behind a stiff jab and digging combinations to the body. Santiago, however, displayed poise and tactical maturity, relying on footwork, rhythm changes, and sharp counterpunching to blunt the local favorite’s advances.
Takami attempted to cut off the ring and force exchanges, but the Puerto Rican answered with straight shots upstairs and well-timed hooks that repeatedly checked the champion’s momentum. The fight remained competitive through the early rounds, though Santiago began to seize control from the sixth onward by capitalizing on defensive lapses and landing the cleaner, more eye-catching punches.
In the championship rounds, Santiago returned to his original blueprint: lateral movement, straight punches, and tempo control. That tactical discipline ultimately made the difference on the scorecards, rewarding his ability to adapt and execute more effective boxing when it mattered most. With the win, Santiago capped off a stellar year, earning his second victory of the year in Japan, both over previously unbeaten champions. (He defeated Shokichi Iwata in March to become WBO champion). Despite his 16-4 record, this win cemented Santiago's status as a major player in the 108-pound division. Takami (10-1), despite the setback, showed grit and quality, and his youth suggests a swift return to the upper tier of the division.
MARCH 14, 2025: Puerto Rico has a new boxing champion as René “Chulo” Santiago was crowned the WBO junior flyweight champion with a big road upset over Japan's Shokichi Iwata by unanimous decision at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. The 32 year-old Santiago is just 14-4 in his career, and barely a year removed from a failed title bid against Iwata's predecessor, Jonathan Gonzalez. Santiago dominated the twelve-round fight and the official scorecards favored him by scores of 116-112, 117-111, and 118-110. There was a moment of confusion when the referee mistakenly raised Iwata’s arm at the end of the fight, but quickly corrected himself. Iwata's title reign ended after just five months, and his record falls to 14-2.
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Santiago ordered to provide injury details
The WBO has requested medical documentation from WBO/WBA junior flyweight champion René Santiago after being advised that he suffered an elbow injury during training that will prevent him from participating in his scheduled title defense. [No title defense has been publicly announced but Santiago was ordered by the WBA to make a mandatory defense against Daiya Kira of Jaoan]. In a letter dated July 20th, WBO Championship Committee Chairman Luis Batista Salas directed Santiago's team to submit a certified medical report within ten days detailing the nature and extent of the injury, the prescribed course of treatment, and the attending physician's prognosis, including an estimated timetable for the champion's return to full training and competition. The Committee cautioned that compliance with its directive is mandatory and warned that failure to timely provide the requested medical certification could result in further action under the organization's championship regulations, including any rulings deemed necessary to protect the interests of the championship.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE MAY 4, 2026: The WBA Championship Committee has officially ordered the mandatory bout between its light flyweight champion René Santiago and the WBA top-ranked contender, Daiya Kira. The sanctioning body issued formal notification to the respective teams of both fighters, granting a thirty-day negotiation period to reach terms for the bout. Said period will expire on June 2nd, 2026 Santiago is a unified champion who won the WBA title on December 17, 2025. Santiago is on a spectacular run. But little over a year ago, he seemed to be a journeyman who was fortunate to get a title shot. Then he upset Shokichi Iwata in March 2025 to win the WBO title and followed that up with a title unification win vs. Kyosuke Takami later in 2025. He launched his 2026 campaign with a third road win in Japan, this time over ex-champ Masataka Taniguchi. Kira is mostly unknown, with a pro record of just 4-0. According to the WBA, Santiago's mandatory defense has been overdue since April 16th, and he is therefore required to face Kira. Furthermore, under WBA Rule C.13, Santiago may not engage in a contest against a boxer who is not the official challenger within sixty (60) days following the expiration of the mandatory defense period. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement within the established timeframe, or if either party refuses to execute the contract, the WBA has the right to proceed to a purse bid in accordance with its internal regulations.
APRIL 6, 2026: Puerto Rico's René “El Chulo” Santiago added to his legacy as a Japanese spoiler by successfully defending his unified WBA and WBO light flyweight world titles with a unanimous decision victory over former champion Masataka Taniguchi. The high-level tactical battle took place Friday, April 3rd at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall, marking Santiago’s third consecutive win on Japanese soil. After twelve rounds, the judges confirmed Santiago’s command with scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 114-113, all in favor of the defending champion. With the victory, Santiago improves to 16-4 with 9 knockouts and joins fellow standouts like Oscar Collazo and Xander Zayas as part of the new wave of Puerto Rican fighters holding unified world titles. Taniguchi, a former 105-pound title holder, falls to 21-6.
The bout unfolded in two distinct phases. In the early rounds, Taniguchi used his southpaw stance and superior hand speed to trouble the champion, landing sharp combinations that gave him a slight edge on the scorecards. However, the turning point came in the fifth round, when Santiago landed a perfectly timed counter right hook that sent the Japanese fighter to the canvas. Though Taniguchi rose quickly, the knockdown dramatically shifted the momentum and psychology of the fight. From that moment on, “El Chulo” took full control. Showcasing ring IQ and composure, the Humacao native relied on lateral movement and a tight defensive shell to neutralize the challenger’s offense. In the championship rounds, Santiago displayed excellent conditioning, maintaining his punch output while avoiding the kind of risky exchanges Taniguchi desperately needed to turn the tide.
DEC. 18, 2025: Puerto Rico’s Rene Santiago delivered one of the most significant victories of his career, edging Japan’s Kyosuke Takami by split decision to capture the WBA light flyweight in a hard-fought battle at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. The scorecards reflected the razor-thin margins of the contest: 117-111 and 115-113 for Santiago, while one judge saw it 116-112 for Takami. The bout unified Santiago’s WBA crown with the WBO title already in his possession. It was a clash of styles from the opening bell. Takami, unbeaten going in and widely regarded as one of Japan’s emerging talents, sought to impose his trademark aggression, pressing forward behind a stiff jab and digging combinations to the body. Santiago, however, displayed poise and tactical maturity, relying on footwork, rhythm changes, and sharp counterpunching to blunt the local favorite’s advances.
Takami attempted to cut off the ring and force exchanges, but the Puerto Rican answered with straight shots upstairs and well-timed hooks that repeatedly checked the champion’s momentum. The fight remained competitive through the early rounds, though Santiago began to seize control from the sixth onward by capitalizing on defensive lapses and landing the cleaner, more eye-catching punches.
In the championship rounds, Santiago returned to his original blueprint: lateral movement, straight punches, and tempo control. That tactical discipline ultimately made the difference on the scorecards, rewarding his ability to adapt and execute more effective boxing when it mattered most. With the win, Santiago capped off a stellar year, earning his second victory of the year in Japan, both over previously unbeaten champions. (He defeated Shokichi Iwata in March to become WBO champion). Despite his 16-4 record, this win cemented Santiago's status as a major player in the 108-pound division. Takami (10-1), despite the setback, showed grit and quality, and his youth suggests a swift return to the upper tier of the division.
MARCH 14, 2025: Puerto Rico has a new boxing champion as René “Chulo” Santiago was crowned the WBO junior flyweight champion with a big road upset over Japan's Shokichi Iwata by unanimous decision at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. The 32 year-old Santiago is just 14-4 in his career, and barely a year removed from a failed title bid against Iwata's predecessor, Jonathan Gonzalez. Santiago dominated the twelve-round fight and the official scorecards favored him by scores of 116-112, 117-111, and 118-110. There was a moment of confusion when the referee mistakenly raised Iwata’s arm at the end of the fight, but quickly corrected himself. Iwata's title reign ended after just five months, and his record falls to 14-2.
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Spence makes his "grand arrival" in Sydney |
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Former unified welterweight champion Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. (pictured) and former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu kicked off fight week Tuesday with their grand arrivals ahead of Saturday's pay-per-view event Saturday at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. The two fighters met face-to-face for the first time during fight week with the Sydney Opera House serving as the backdrop for their opening staredown. The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing, The Rose Brothers, Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions. Here is what the two main event combatants had to say:
Errol Spence Jr.
"I don't think he's gonna try to shake my hand this time. He knows what it is. I know he's trying to be a gentleman, but he's said stuff about breaking my eye and then wants to shake my hand. He's talking about retiring me, so I'm not trying to shake your hand. You said what you said, now stand on it.
"Training camp was hard. There were times where I just wanted to go home. It took a while for my body to really get adjusted to pushing the pace and going all out.
"It feels good to be in Australia. The people have been great. I'm ready to put on a show for everyone.
"People can think what they want about the [increased] weight [limit of 160 pounds], but on fight night they're gonna see something different."
Tim Tszyu
"There's nothing personal from me. This is such a big moment in my life. I just want to do some damage and get myself to the next level.
"Instead of a tactical fight, I want this to be a fight that makes him ask himself, 'How bad do you really want this?' When you've made all that money and had some time off, what's your real motivation? Do you really want to keep going when it gets hard? For me, I'm all in.
"I've had a couple of these big moments. The first was the Jeff Horn fight, then Tony Harrison. Even with the Sebastian Fundora fights, it didn't feel like this. This feels like something different.
"I just want to get in there. I'm here to do what I've got to do, and that's fight. I'm very grateful to have that opportunity.
"I've watched Spence's fights against Kell Brook, Mikey Garcia and Danny Garcia. But what I bring to the ring is completely different. And I'm going to be even more different than I was in my last fight."
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Spence makes his "grand arrival" in Sydney
Former unified welterweight champion Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. (pictured) and former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu kicked off fight week Tuesday with their grand arrivals ahead of Saturday's pay-per-view event Saturday at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. The two fighters met face-to-face for the first time during fight week with the Sydney Opera House serving as the backdrop for their opening staredown. The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing, The Rose Brothers, Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions. Here is what the two main event combatants had to say:
Errol Spence Jr.
"I don't think he's gonna try to shake my hand this time. He knows what it is. I know he's trying to be a gentleman, but he's said stuff about breaking my eye and then wants to shake my hand. He's talking about retiring me, so I'm not trying to shake your hand. You said what you said, now stand on it.
"Training camp was hard. There were times where I just wanted to go home. It took a while for my body to really get adjusted to pushing the pace and going all out.
"It feels good to be in Australia. The people have been great. I'm ready to put on a show for everyone.
"People can think what they want about the [increased] weight [limit of 160 pounds], but on fight night they're gonna see something different."
Tim Tszyu
"There's nothing personal from me. This is such a big moment in my life. I just want to do some damage and get myself to the next level.
"Instead of a tactical fight, I want this to be a fight that makes him ask himself, 'How bad do you really want this?' When you've made all that money and had some time off, what's your real motivation? Do you really want to keep going when it gets hard? For me, I'm all in.
"I've had a couple of these big moments. The first was the Jeff Horn fight, then Tony Harrison. Even with the Sebastian Fundora fights, it didn't feel like this. This feels like something different.
"I just want to get in there. I'm here to do what I've got to do, and that's fight. I'm very grateful to have that opportunity.
"I've watched Spence's fights against Kell Brook, Mikey Garcia and Danny Garcia. But what I bring to the ring is completely different. And I'm going to be even more different than I was in my last fight."
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Reminder: its Joshua vs. Prenga fight week |
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British heavyweight superstar Anthony Joshua returns to the ring for the first time this year when he faces Kristian Prenga in Jeddah. The two-time ex-champ's fight with Prenga will take place on Saturday, July 25th at the Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Prenga is an unknown name, but for Joshua, it's a chance to find out where he is physically and mentally after being involved in a tragic car crash last December where two of his closest friends lost their lives. The pair will clash live on DAZN pay-per-view and Ultimate, and for Joshua there is a huge incentive to perform in some style. As long as he gets past Prenga unscathed, a showdown with British rival Tyson Fury will likely become a reality towards the end of the year.
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Reminder: its Joshua vs. Prenga fight week
British heavyweight superstar Anthony Joshua returns to the ring for the first time this year when he faces Kristian Prenga in Jeddah. The two-time ex-champ's fight with Prenga will take place on Saturday, July 25th at the Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Prenga is an unknown name, but for Joshua, it's a chance to find out where he is physically and mentally after being involved in a tragic car crash last December where two of his closest friends lost their lives. The pair will clash live on DAZN pay-per-view and Ultimate, and for Joshua there is a huge incentive to perform in some style. As long as he gets past Prenga unscathed, a showdown with British rival Tyson Fury will likely become a reality towards the end of the year.
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Boxing returns to Reno on Aug. 28th |
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Let’s Get It On Promotions and the Silver Legacy Resort Casino will bring professional boxing back to downtown Reno, Nevada on Friday, August 28th. Fresh off of his successful return home this past March, Reno’s “Biggest Lil’ Bomber” Kenny Davis Jr. aims to make another local splash in a ten-round lightweight bout against battle-tested Matt Conway (23-5-1, 10 KOs) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“It feels great to be defending my [regional] title again in Reno, Nevada,” says an excited Davis. “Reno is in for a treat as they will get a chance to witness firsthand the most dangerous Kenny Davis anyone has seen yet. I am ready to go to war.”
Northern Nevada’s top professional talents will also be on display. After successful pro debuts here in March, Carson City’s Miguel "Tito" Elizondo and Reno’s Joshua Nelson will make their ring returns in separate four-round bouts. A former amateur star, Elizondo (2-0) will be looking for win number three in a four-round junior lightweight bout against an opponent to be announced, while Nelson (1-0, 1 KO) will meet Fresno, CA’s Darion Hall (1-2) in a four-round lightweight attraction.
Two more of Reno’s homegrown warriors will get to make their hometown debuts in separate contests as Mario Hernandez will take on spoiler Frankie Solomon Jr. of Tampa, FL in a six-round light heavyweight bout and junior welterweight Harley Sampson will see action in a four-rounder against an opponent yet to be announced.
Carson City’s road warrior Christian Avalos will also see action in a four-round lightweight attraction, with more bouts to be announced.
After fighting away from home for the majority of his career, Reno’s Davis (16-2-1, 4 KOs) packed the Grande Exposition Hall in March and sent them home happy with an eight-round decision win over Orlando Zepeda. "The majority of my fights have been on the road, so to display my skills in my backyard was a very special moment for me,” recalls Davis. “To be a part of bringing professional boxing back to Northern Nevada was a huge moment for me.”
Conway could be the toughest opponent in Davis' career to date. “Matt Conway is game and I am expecting him to come in at his best,” says Davis. “I am expecting a determined Matt Conway to show up on August 28th but I have firm belief that my skills are among the best in the world. My name belongs with the top lightweights in the world and I will demonstrate that fight night.”
Tickets are available now and can be purchased at the Silver Legacy box office or by visiting ticketmaster.com.
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Boxing returns to Reno on Aug. 28th
Let’s Get It On Promotions and the Silver Legacy Resort Casino will bring professional boxing back to downtown Reno, Nevada on Friday, August 28th. Fresh off of his successful return home this past March, Reno’s “Biggest Lil’ Bomber” Kenny Davis Jr. aims to make another local splash in a ten-round lightweight bout against battle-tested Matt Conway (23-5-1, 10 KOs) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“It feels great to be defending my [regional] title again in Reno, Nevada,” says an excited Davis. “Reno is in for a treat as they will get a chance to witness firsthand the most dangerous Kenny Davis anyone has seen yet. I am ready to go to war.”
Northern Nevada’s top professional talents will also be on display. After successful pro debuts here in March, Carson City’s Miguel "Tito" Elizondo and Reno’s Joshua Nelson will make their ring returns in separate four-round bouts. A former amateur star, Elizondo (2-0) will be looking for win number three in a four-round junior lightweight bout against an opponent to be announced, while Nelson (1-0, 1 KO) will meet Fresno, CA’s Darion Hall (1-2) in a four-round lightweight attraction.
Two more of Reno’s homegrown warriors will get to make their hometown debuts in separate contests as Mario Hernandez will take on spoiler Frankie Solomon Jr. of Tampa, FL in a six-round light heavyweight bout and junior welterweight Harley Sampson will see action in a four-rounder against an opponent yet to be announced.
Carson City’s road warrior Christian Avalos will also see action in a four-round lightweight attraction, with more bouts to be announced.
After fighting away from home for the majority of his career, Reno’s Davis (16-2-1, 4 KOs) packed the Grande Exposition Hall in March and sent them home happy with an eight-round decision win over Orlando Zepeda. "The majority of my fights have been on the road, so to display my skills in my backyard was a very special moment for me,” recalls Davis. “To be a part of bringing professional boxing back to Northern Nevada was a huge moment for me.”
Conway could be the toughest opponent in Davis' career to date. “Matt Conway is game and I am expecting him to come in at his best,” says Davis. “I am expecting a determined Matt Conway to show up on August 28th but I have firm belief that my skills are among the best in the world. My name belongs with the top lightweights in the world and I will demonstrate that fight night.”
Tickets are available now and can be purchased at the Silver Legacy box office or by visiting ticketmaster.com.
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Argentina's Alan Chaves added to New Jersey card |
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Argentina's Alan Chaves will face Eridson Garcia of the Dominican Republic in a lightweight bout on Friday, September 4th at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. It will be part of the third installment of TNT Sports and DAZN's "The Fight" monthly boxing series. The card is headlined by former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz, who returns to face Poland's Damian Knyba. The southpaw Chaves (22-0, 19 KOs) returns following his third-round knockout of Miguel Madueno in Las Vegas in April. The 25-year old will be seeking his sixth consecutive victory inside the distance.
Garcia (23-2, 14 KOs) looks to rebound after dropping a ten-round decision in Las Vegas in April that snapped a six-fight winning streak. "I appreciate Eridson accepting the fight when others didn't," said Chaves. "He earned the opportunity. Now he has to earn the victory—and that's a much harder task."
"Alan Chaves is undefeated, dangerous and coming off a knockout everyone is talking about," said Garcia. "Good. That means there will be no excuses when I beat him. He has never faced anyone with my experience or the ability to take away his weapons.
"They call him 'Veneno,' but I'm bringing the antidote, and I'm coming to hand him the first loss of his career."
Chaves vs. Garcia joins an undercard that includes New Jersey's Vito Mielnicki Jr. against Austin "Ammo" Williams in the co-feature, Zaquin Moses in his first eight-round bout, Dennis Thompson in the second eight-round bout of his career and welterweight Brooke Mullen.
"September 4th in New Jersey just got even better with Alan Chaves being added to the card," said promoter Eddie Hearn. "Alan proved in April that he is a must-watch talent in the sport with his incredible KO of the year contender. Eridson is the latest man to try to stop his rapid ascent and can crash into the Lightweight rankings in a big way with a win, so this has all the hallmarks of a show-stealing fight in an already stacked card."
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Argentina's Alan Chaves added to New Jersey card
Argentina's Alan Chaves will face Eridson Garcia of the Dominican Republic in a lightweight bout on Friday, September 4th at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. It will be part of the third installment of TNT Sports and DAZN's "The Fight" monthly boxing series. The card is headlined by former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz, who returns to face Poland's Damian Knyba. The southpaw Chaves (22-0, 19 KOs) returns following his third-round knockout of Miguel Madueno in Las Vegas in April. The 25-year old will be seeking his sixth consecutive victory inside the distance.
Garcia (23-2, 14 KOs) looks to rebound after dropping a ten-round decision in Las Vegas in April that snapped a six-fight winning streak. "I appreciate Eridson accepting the fight when others didn't," said Chaves. "He earned the opportunity. Now he has to earn the victory—and that's a much harder task."
"Alan Chaves is undefeated, dangerous and coming off a knockout everyone is talking about," said Garcia. "Good. That means there will be no excuses when I beat him. He has never faced anyone with my experience or the ability to take away his weapons.
"They call him 'Veneno,' but I'm bringing the antidote, and I'm coming to hand him the first loss of his career."
Chaves vs. Garcia joins an undercard that includes New Jersey's Vito Mielnicki Jr. against Austin "Ammo" Williams in the co-feature, Zaquin Moses in his first eight-round bout, Dennis Thompson in the second eight-round bout of his career and welterweight Brooke Mullen.
"September 4th in New Jersey just got even better with Alan Chaves being added to the card," said promoter Eddie Hearn. "Alan proved in April that he is a must-watch talent in the sport with his incredible KO of the year contender. Eridson is the latest man to try to stop his rapid ascent and can crash into the Lightweight rankings in a big way with a win, so this has all the hallmarks of a show-stealing fight in an already stacked card."
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Masuda edges Higa by split decision |
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Riku Masuda W12 Daigo Higa… Riku Masuda captured the WBA regular bantamweight championship with a split decision over former flyweight champion Daigo Higa after twelve rounds at Kokugikan in Tokyo. Masuda won on two scores of 117-111 which overruled a 115-113 card in Higa's favor. From the opening round, Masuda (11-1) used his height and reach advantage to establish his jab and straight left hand from distance, while Higa pressed forward behind hooks to the body and head. As the fight progressed, Masuda's counterpunching and accuracy enabled him to offset Higa's pressure. Although the former champion continued to press the action at close range, Masuda consistently landed the cleaner punches to earn the decision. Higa falls to 21-4-3.
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Masuda edges Higa by split decision
Riku Masuda W12 Daigo Higa… Riku Masuda captured the WBA regular bantamweight championship with a split decision over former flyweight champion Daigo Higa after twelve rounds at Kokugikan in Tokyo. Masuda won on two scores of 117-111 which overruled a 115-113 card in Higa's favor. From the opening round, Masuda (11-1) used his height and reach advantage to establish his jab and straight left hand from distance, while Higa pressed forward behind hooks to the body and head. As the fight progressed, Masuda's counterpunching and accuracy enabled him to offset Higa's pressure. Although the former champion continued to press the action at close range, Masuda consistently landed the cleaner punches to earn the decision. Higa falls to 21-4-3.
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Pavlov dogs Paredes in one round |
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Yevgeniy Pavlov KO1 Albeiro Paredes… On July 18th, Jeter Promotions presented its 21st show at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Maryland. Former international amateur standout Yevgeniy Pavlov (12-0) quickly dispatched of Colombia's Albeiro Paredes (14-3). Paredes entered the bout coming off two straight losses. From the opening bell, the Kazakh Pavlov established control with a sharp jab and punishing straight left hands to the body. Then, during a heated exchange less than a minute into the opening round, Pavlov landed a straight left hand to the jaw that sent Paredes crashing to the canvas. Paredes was unable to beat the count, giving Pavlov a spectacular first-round knockout victory. The victory marks Pavlov’s second win in just four months under the Jeter Promotions banner. With another dominant performance, he now sets his sights on re-entering the world rankings and continuing his march toward a championship opportunity.
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Pavlov dogs Paredes in one round
Yevgeniy Pavlov KO1 Albeiro Paredes… On July 18th, Jeter Promotions presented its 21st show at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Maryland. Former international amateur standout Yevgeniy Pavlov (12-0) quickly dispatched of Colombia's Albeiro Paredes (14-3). Paredes entered the bout coming off two straight losses. From the opening bell, the Kazakh Pavlov established control with a sharp jab and punishing straight left hands to the body. Then, during a heated exchange less than a minute into the opening round, Pavlov landed a straight left hand to the jaw that sent Paredes crashing to the canvas. Paredes was unable to beat the count, giving Pavlov a spectacular first-round knockout victory. The victory marks Pavlov’s second win in just four months under the Jeter Promotions banner. With another dominant performance, he now sets his sights on re-entering the world rankings and continuing his march toward a championship opportunity.
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Matchroom announces a slew of new fights |
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London, Dublin, Manchester, Birmingham and Sheffield are all set to stage major fight nights as Matchroom Boxing proudly confirms today its upcoming, action-packed UK and Ireland schedule from August to October 2026 – broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. It gets underway on Saturday, August 22nd at London's East End home of British boxing, York Hall, when George Liddard (14-0, 8 KOs) challenges Italy’s Dario Morello (26-1, 4 KOs) for the European middleweight championship. Then it is over to Dublin on Saturday, September 5th for Katie Taylor’s historic farewell in front of 80,000 fans at Croke Park when she faces Flora Pili for the Undisputed Super Lightweight Championship. On Saturday, September 19th, Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-Op Live hosts a brilliant domestic dust-up as John Hedges (12-0, 3 KOs) meets Pat Brown (6-0, 6 KOs) for the British & Commonwealth cruiserweight belts. Ben Whittaker (12-0-1, 9 KOs), fresh from his stunning US debut last month, returns to home soil at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Saturday, October 3rd as he looks ahead to his toughest test to date when he goes up against Australia’s Conor Wallace (17-1, 12 KOs) in a final eliminator for the IBF light heavyweight title.
And, on Saturday, October 24th, the Steel City King is back in his hometown of Sheffield as Dalton ’Thunder’ Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) gets set to defend his WBC140-pound championship for the first time in a rescheduled clash with ex-champ Alberto Puello (24-1, 10 KOs) at the Utilita Arena.
All the action – including this Saturday’s ’The Comeback’ headlined by two-time heavyweight king Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, plus Teremoana Teremoana vs. DeAndre Savage in Australia’s Gold Coast on August 12th and former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz’s New Jersey showdown with Damian Kynba on September 4th – is available to watch on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn, said: “It really is an unrivalled schedule across the UK & Ireland, showcasing the future flag bearers of British boxing. “George Liddard – fighting on a brilliant card of up-and-coming stars at York Hall on August 22 – begins his ascent to the top with the European gold on the line against Dario Morello. Then Pat Brown and John Hedges go head-to-head in a proper North vs South tear-up in Manchester on September 19 with British bragging rights at stake in the Cruiserweight division. The winner will be set for some major nights ahead.
“Ben Whittaker, who once again had the world of Boxing on its feet with his breathtaking performance in New York, has World Titles in his sights – he’s got the toughest test of his career to date on home soil in Birmingham on October 3 against a hungry Conor Wallace. And, on October 24, a man who has shown the way to all of those young British fighters by realising his World Title dream earlier this year, in Dalton Smith returns home to Sheffield to fight his dangerous WBC mandatory Alberto Puello.
“The big nights keep on coming. And they are all available for fight fans around the world to watch live and exclusively at the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”
Liddard successfully defended his British and Commonwealth middleweight belts back in March at London’s Copperbox Arena when he defeated Tyler Denny with a unanimous points victory.
Now he looks forward to returning to the scene of his crowning glory in November 2025 where he dethroned Kieron Conway at York Hall, this time challenging Italian ’Spartan’ Dario Morello.
Liddard said: “I am looking forward to picking up another major title and taking another huge step towards becoming a World Champion. Expect a vicious and dominant performance for as long as it lasts at York Hall.”
Liddard has relinquished his Commonwealth strap, meaning stablemate Jimmy Sains (12-0, 10 KOs) will now battle Newark’s Tom Cowling (15-1, 4 KOs) – who stunned Aaron Bowen in a thriller last November in Birmingham – for the honours.
Sains has sacrificed his English title in the process, meaning undefeated, 21-year-old starlet – and East End native – Leli Buttigieg (12-0, 4 KOs) will square off against unbeaten Harwich fighter PA Gordon (9-0, 1 KO) for the belt.
The teenage female superstar in the making, labeled by the legendary Katie Taylor as the future Greatest of All Time, Tiah Mai Ayton (6-0, 5 KOs) bids for her first big championship when she collides with Donacaster’s Ellie Hellewell (7-1, 1 KO) for the vacant Commonwealth featherweight title.
Plus, joining the stellar supporting card on August 22nd, Team GB Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack (8-1, 6 KOs) returns to action looking to resurrect his rise up the welterweight rankings following his defeat by Conah Walker in Monte-Carlo last December.
And rising stars Connor Mitchell, Ioan Croft, Harley Burrows and Louie Ward join the card for York Hall, all out to continue their impressive starts to life in the professional ranks.
On September 19th, Manchester’s Co-Op Live plays host to an eagerly awaited, powderkeg Main Event as John ‘The Gentleman’ Hedges collides with Sale’s own, Pat ’The Bomber’ Brown for the British & Commonwealth Cruiserweight Championships – and, with great epectations, Essex boy Hedges insists he is ready to silence the home crowd.
Hedges said: “I’m very happy for a date and location for my fight versus Pat to finally be announced, it’s been a long time coming.
“Everyone is counting me out but I’m here to show them that John Hedges will be the new British Cruiserweight Champion come September 19th. I’m a proud fighting man and I’ll fight anybody, anywhere. This is just the start of my big nights. Those belts are coming back to Takeley.”
Olympian Brown – undefeated since he turned pro last year with a flawless record of 6-0 – is unfazed and expects to have the Co-Op Live roaring him on to victory.
Brown said: “This is the biggest fight of my career so far and there’s no better arena for it to be in. The Co-Op Live in Manchester will be loud on September 19th and I can’t wait for it.
“The Lonsdale belt is so prestigious, every British boxer wants to take it home and that’s exactly what I’ll be doing on the night.”
The brilliant Ben Whittaker dazzled on his American debut last month with a two-round demolition of Richard ‘Popeye’ Rivera at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. He has his sights firmly set on defeating Aussie, Dublin-born, Conor Wallace to lay down a marker in the Light Heavyweight division, in front of his home fans at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Saturday, October 3rd.
Whittaker said: “I am delighted to be bringing a big night back to Birmingham again after a successful trip to the States. This is a proper step up on my way to becoming World Champion and I’m excited to put on a special performance for you all again. See you all on October 3.”
On Saturday, October 24th, Sheffield’s Utilita Arena stages what promises to be yet another special night in the Steel City as Dalton Smith finally defends his WBC belt for the first time when takes on the Dominican southpaw, Alberto Puello.
Two-time champion Puello is desperate to reclaim the title he surrendered in a majority decision defeat to Subriel Matias in July last year.
Matias failed to hold the hardware for long, however, as Smith delivered one of the most memorable away victories in British boxing history last January.
‘Thunder’ Smith realised his boyhood dream of becoming a World Champion, leaving the Barclays Center in Brooklyn with a stunning stoppage to end a breathtaking firefight with a ferocious fifth-round knockout.
Now Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) – fully recovered from the injury which put paid to this fight happening in May – wants to put Puello (24-1, 10 KOs) to task and ensure a happy homecoming in front of his legion of fans, as he edges closer to his ultimate goal of fighting at the Hillsborough home of his beloved Sheffield Wednesday FC.
Smith said: “I’m delighted the fight is finally back on and that we’ll be defending my WBC world title on October 24th in Sheffield.
“It was obviously frustrating to pick up the injury when I was in such a good place, especially after all the hard work that had gone into camp. But injuries are part of boxing. The important thing is that I’ve taken the time to recover properly, listened to the medical advice and now I’m back training, feeling strong and ready to go again.
“Becoming World Champion was something I’d dreamed about my whole life, but winning the belt was never the end goal. I want to build a legacy, and that starts with defending the title against the best challengers in the division.
“Puello has been a World Champion before and earned his mandatory position, so I know exactly how tough this fight will be. I’ll be giving him the respect he deserves in training, but once that first bell goes, it’ll be about showing why I’m the WBC World Champion.
“I want to thank everyone for their patience and support over the last few months. The messages meant a lot during my recovery, and I’m looking forward to getting back in front of my home fans. I have Eddie’s word that we sell this arena out in October then Hillsborough will be happening next Summer.
“October 24 can’t come soon enough. I’ll be ready to put on a statement performance in Sheffield.”
A hungry Puello, however, is determined to spoil the party for Smith in his bid to become a three-time World Champion.
Puello said: “I’m excited to be fighting for my title again. I’m looking forward to becoming a three-time World Champion and making history in the United Kingdom in front of its wonderful fan base.
“[Dalton] Smith is a good boxer. I’m excited to share the ring with him and give the fans a great fight.”
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Matchroom announces a slew of new fights
London, Dublin, Manchester, Birmingham and Sheffield are all set to stage major fight nights as Matchroom Boxing proudly confirms today its upcoming, action-packed UK and Ireland schedule from August to October 2026 – broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. It gets underway on Saturday, August 22nd at London's East End home of British boxing, York Hall, when George Liddard (14-0, 8 KOs) challenges Italy’s Dario Morello (26-1, 4 KOs) for the European middleweight championship. Then it is over to Dublin on Saturday, September 5th for Katie Taylor’s historic farewell in front of 80,000 fans at Croke Park when she faces Flora Pili for the Undisputed Super Lightweight Championship. On Saturday, September 19th, Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-Op Live hosts a brilliant domestic dust-up as John Hedges (12-0, 3 KOs) meets Pat Brown (6-0, 6 KOs) for the British & Commonwealth cruiserweight belts. Ben Whittaker (12-0-1, 9 KOs), fresh from his stunning US debut last month, returns to home soil at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Saturday, October 3rd as he looks ahead to his toughest test to date when he goes up against Australia’s Conor Wallace (17-1, 12 KOs) in a final eliminator for the IBF light heavyweight title.
And, on Saturday, October 24th, the Steel City King is back in his hometown of Sheffield as Dalton ’Thunder’ Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) gets set to defend his WBC140-pound championship for the first time in a rescheduled clash with ex-champ Alberto Puello (24-1, 10 KOs) at the Utilita Arena.
All the action – including this Saturday’s ’The Comeback’ headlined by two-time heavyweight king Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, plus Teremoana Teremoana vs. DeAndre Savage in Australia’s Gold Coast on August 12th and former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz’s New Jersey showdown with Damian Kynba on September 4th – is available to watch on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn, said: “It really is an unrivalled schedule across the UK & Ireland, showcasing the future flag bearers of British boxing. “George Liddard – fighting on a brilliant card of up-and-coming stars at York Hall on August 22 – begins his ascent to the top with the European gold on the line against Dario Morello. Then Pat Brown and John Hedges go head-to-head in a proper North vs South tear-up in Manchester on September 19 with British bragging rights at stake in the Cruiserweight division. The winner will be set for some major nights ahead.
“Ben Whittaker, who once again had the world of Boxing on its feet with his breathtaking performance in New York, has World Titles in his sights – he’s got the toughest test of his career to date on home soil in Birmingham on October 3 against a hungry Conor Wallace. And, on October 24, a man who has shown the way to all of those young British fighters by realising his World Title dream earlier this year, in Dalton Smith returns home to Sheffield to fight his dangerous WBC mandatory Alberto Puello.
“The big nights keep on coming. And they are all available for fight fans around the world to watch live and exclusively at the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”
Liddard successfully defended his British and Commonwealth middleweight belts back in March at London’s Copperbox Arena when he defeated Tyler Denny with a unanimous points victory.
Now he looks forward to returning to the scene of his crowning glory in November 2025 where he dethroned Kieron Conway at York Hall, this time challenging Italian ’Spartan’ Dario Morello.
Liddard said: “I am looking forward to picking up another major title and taking another huge step towards becoming a World Champion. Expect a vicious and dominant performance for as long as it lasts at York Hall.”
Liddard has relinquished his Commonwealth strap, meaning stablemate Jimmy Sains (12-0, 10 KOs) will now battle Newark’s Tom Cowling (15-1, 4 KOs) – who stunned Aaron Bowen in a thriller last November in Birmingham – for the honours.
Sains has sacrificed his English title in the process, meaning undefeated, 21-year-old starlet – and East End native – Leli Buttigieg (12-0, 4 KOs) will square off against unbeaten Harwich fighter PA Gordon (9-0, 1 KO) for the belt.
The teenage female superstar in the making, labeled by the legendary Katie Taylor as the future Greatest of All Time, Tiah Mai Ayton (6-0, 5 KOs) bids for her first big championship when she collides with Donacaster’s Ellie Hellewell (7-1, 1 KO) for the vacant Commonwealth featherweight title.
Plus, joining the stellar supporting card on August 22nd, Team GB Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack (8-1, 6 KOs) returns to action looking to resurrect his rise up the welterweight rankings following his defeat by Conah Walker in Monte-Carlo last December.
And rising stars Connor Mitchell, Ioan Croft, Harley Burrows and Louie Ward join the card for York Hall, all out to continue their impressive starts to life in the professional ranks.
On September 19th, Manchester’s Co-Op Live plays host to an eagerly awaited, powderkeg Main Event as John ‘The Gentleman’ Hedges collides with Sale’s own, Pat ’The Bomber’ Brown for the British & Commonwealth Cruiserweight Championships – and, with great epectations, Essex boy Hedges insists he is ready to silence the home crowd.
Hedges said: “I’m very happy for a date and location for my fight versus Pat to finally be announced, it’s been a long time coming.
“Everyone is counting me out but I’m here to show them that John Hedges will be the new British Cruiserweight Champion come September 19th. I’m a proud fighting man and I’ll fight anybody, anywhere. This is just the start of my big nights. Those belts are coming back to Takeley.”
Olympian Brown – undefeated since he turned pro last year with a flawless record of 6-0 – is unfazed and expects to have the Co-Op Live roaring him on to victory.
Brown said: “This is the biggest fight of my career so far and there’s no better arena for it to be in. The Co-Op Live in Manchester will be loud on September 19th and I can’t wait for it.
“The Lonsdale belt is so prestigious, every British boxer wants to take it home and that’s exactly what I’ll be doing on the night.”
The brilliant Ben Whittaker dazzled on his American debut last month with a two-round demolition of Richard ‘Popeye’ Rivera at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. He has his sights firmly set on defeating Aussie, Dublin-born, Conor Wallace to lay down a marker in the Light Heavyweight division, in front of his home fans at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Saturday, October 3rd.
Whittaker said: “I am delighted to be bringing a big night back to Birmingham again after a successful trip to the States. This is a proper step up on my way to becoming World Champion and I’m excited to put on a special performance for you all again. See you all on October 3.”
On Saturday, October 24th, Sheffield’s Utilita Arena stages what promises to be yet another special night in the Steel City as Dalton Smith finally defends his WBC belt for the first time when takes on the Dominican southpaw, Alberto Puello.
Two-time champion Puello is desperate to reclaim the title he surrendered in a majority decision defeat to Subriel Matias in July last year.
Matias failed to hold the hardware for long, however, as Smith delivered one of the most memorable away victories in British boxing history last January.
‘Thunder’ Smith realised his boyhood dream of becoming a World Champion, leaving the Barclays Center in Brooklyn with a stunning stoppage to end a breathtaking firefight with a ferocious fifth-round knockout.
Now Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) – fully recovered from the injury which put paid to this fight happening in May – wants to put Puello (24-1, 10 KOs) to task and ensure a happy homecoming in front of his legion of fans, as he edges closer to his ultimate goal of fighting at the Hillsborough home of his beloved Sheffield Wednesday FC.
Smith said: “I’m delighted the fight is finally back on and that we’ll be defending my WBC world title on October 24th in Sheffield.
“It was obviously frustrating to pick up the injury when I was in such a good place, especially after all the hard work that had gone into camp. But injuries are part of boxing. The important thing is that I’ve taken the time to recover properly, listened to the medical advice and now I’m back training, feeling strong and ready to go again.
“Becoming World Champion was something I’d dreamed about my whole life, but winning the belt was never the end goal. I want to build a legacy, and that starts with defending the title against the best challengers in the division.
“Puello has been a World Champion before and earned his mandatory position, so I know exactly how tough this fight will be. I’ll be giving him the respect he deserves in training, but once that first bell goes, it’ll be about showing why I’m the WBC World Champion.
“I want to thank everyone for their patience and support over the last few months. The messages meant a lot during my recovery, and I’m looking forward to getting back in front of my home fans. I have Eddie’s word that we sell this arena out in October then Hillsborough will be happening next Summer.
“October 24 can’t come soon enough. I’ll be ready to put on a statement performance in Sheffield.”
A hungry Puello, however, is determined to spoil the party for Smith in his bid to become a three-time World Champion.
Puello said: “I’m excited to be fighting for my title again. I’m looking forward to becoming a three-time World Champion and making history in the United Kingdom in front of its wonderful fan base.
“[Dalton] Smith is a good boxer. I’m excited to share the ring with him and give the fans a great fight.”
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Q&A: Shakur Stevenson |
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On Monday, undefeated, four-division champion Shakur Stevenson, who recently signed with Zuffa Boxing, answered random questions from fans on Twitter. Here is what Shakur had to say:
Q: I have a question Shakur. You’re right handed, but box out of a southpaw stance. What made you decide to do that? Or was that a coaching decision? I never knew the story behind that.
A: Nah it was just my grandfather allowing me to be free.. But I do wonder what it would be like being orthodox lol
Q: Who was a tougher opponent, Edwin De La Santos or William Zepeda?
A: Zepeda. I feel like DLS was only harder for me because of circumstances I was under.
Q: Could you theoretically win a boxing match fighting orthodox the whole fight? I’m wondering if you guys drill both stances in training camp.
A: Yeah I think I can do it depending on the caliber of fighter I’m facing
Q: How you see the fight going between Keyshawn Davis and Devin Haney? Who do you have winning and how?
A: I think it’s a tremendous fight. I think Key is more skilled and talented, Dev got more experience but I don’t think he can deal with the boxing brain Key has.. Keyshawn by decision. LOL.
Q: Is October your set fight date?
A: Yeah, I think so, I think that’s when I’m back!
Q: What’s your dream fight you would’ve wanted to see in person?
A: Floyd Mayweather vs. Arturo Gatti (in 2005). [Floyd’s] speed and combinations looked crazy on video.
Q: Will you become a coach after you retire?
A: I got so much game in my arsenal, With all due respect, I would be a blessing to any young fighter pursuing this dream but I don’t know yet. There’s a lot of money to be made inside my sport.
We will see in the future
Q: How do you see Rolly Romero vs Teofimo Lopez going?
A: I talk sh*t bout Teo but he for sure should win although I did pick Ryan Garcia to beat Rolly [and I was wrong]. But I got more faith in Teo to be honest.
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Q&A: Shakur Stevenson
On Monday, undefeated, four-division champion Shakur Stevenson, who recently signed with Zuffa Boxing, answered random questions from fans on Twitter. Here is what Shakur had to say:
Q: I have a question Shakur. You’re right handed, but box out of a southpaw stance. What made you decide to do that? Or was that a coaching decision? I never knew the story behind that.
A: Nah it was just my grandfather allowing me to be free.. But I do wonder what it would be like being orthodox lol
Q: Who was a tougher opponent, Edwin De La Santos or William Zepeda?
A: Zepeda. I feel like DLS was only harder for me because of circumstances I was under.
Q: Could you theoretically win a boxing match fighting orthodox the whole fight? I’m wondering if you guys drill both stances in training camp.
A: Yeah I think I can do it depending on the caliber of fighter I’m facing
Q: How you see the fight going between Keyshawn Davis and Devin Haney? Who do you have winning and how?
A: I think it’s a tremendous fight. I think Key is more skilled and talented, Dev got more experience but I don’t think he can deal with the boxing brain Key has.. Keyshawn by decision. LOL.
Q: Is October your set fight date?
A: Yeah, I think so, I think that’s when I’m back!
Q: What’s your dream fight you would’ve wanted to see in person?
A: Floyd Mayweather vs. Arturo Gatti (in 2005). [Floyd’s] speed and combinations looked crazy on video.
Q: Will you become a coach after you retire?
A: I got so much game in my arsenal, With all due respect, I would be a blessing to any young fighter pursuing this dream but I don’t know yet. There’s a lot of money to be made inside my sport.
We will see in the future
Q: How do you see Rolly Romero vs Teofimo Lopez going?
A: I talk sh*t bout Teo but he for sure should win although I did pick Ryan Garcia to beat Rolly [and I was wrong]. But I got more faith in Teo to be honest.
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Sheeraz has tune-up title defense lined up for Saturday |
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It's been just two months since Hamzah Sheeraz (23-0) finally became a champion, but he returns on Saturday night to make the first defense of his WBO super middleweight title. He will be facing Germany's Simon Zachenhuber (29-1) on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga, which will be broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view and Ultimate Tier. For Sheeraz, this should be a routine defense, and if all goes well, it could set up a possible meeting with former multi-division champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez as long as Alvarez beats Christian Mbilli later this year. For Sheeraz, this is just his third fight at super middleweight after beating Edgar Berlanga on his debut and then Alem Begic for the vacant WBO title. He will be expected to make easy work of Zachenhuber who lost to Pawel August in April before bouncing back with a win two months later against Armin Ajrulai. Accordingly, Sheeraz is a huge favorite to retain his world super middleweight title with the odds at 1/16.
FULL BOUT LISTING
Anthony Joshua -vs.- Kristian Prenga (heavyweight);
Hamzah Sheeraz -vs.- Simon Zachenhuber (WBO super middleweight title);
Josh Kelly -vs.- Caoimhin Agyarko (IBF junior middleweight title);
Reito Tsutsumi -vs.- Alvino Herrera (junior lightweight);
Jakob Bank -vs.- Pawel August (middleweight); and
Nishant Dev -vs.- Cesar Diaz (junior middleweight).
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Sheeraz has tune-up title defense lined up for Saturday
It's been just two months since Hamzah Sheeraz (23-0) finally became a champion, but he returns on Saturday night to make the first defense of his WBO super middleweight title. He will be facing Germany's Simon Zachenhuber (29-1) on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga, which will be broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view and Ultimate Tier. For Sheeraz, this should be a routine defense, and if all goes well, it could set up a possible meeting with former multi-division champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez as long as Alvarez beats Christian Mbilli later this year. For Sheeraz, this is just his third fight at super middleweight after beating Edgar Berlanga on his debut and then Alem Begic for the vacant WBO title. He will be expected to make easy work of Zachenhuber who lost to Pawel August in April before bouncing back with a win two months later against Armin Ajrulai. Accordingly, Sheeraz is a huge favorite to retain his world super middleweight title with the odds at 1/16.
FULL BOUT LISTING
Anthony Joshua -vs.- Kristian Prenga (heavyweight);
Hamzah Sheeraz -vs.- Simon Zachenhuber (WBO super middleweight title);
Josh Kelly -vs.- Caoimhin Agyarko (IBF junior middleweight title);
Reito Tsutsumi -vs.- Alvino Herrera (junior lightweight);
Jakob Bank -vs.- Pawel August (middleweight); and
Nishant Dev -vs.- Cesar Diaz (junior middleweight).
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Charly Suarez deserves a world title shot |
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Charly Suarez KO1 Manuel Avila… Charly Suarez (19-0, 11 KOs) knocked out Manuel Avila (26-4-1, 9 KOs) at 2:31 of the opening round Saturday night at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California. The Filipino junior lightweight, who entered the bout as the WBO's #1 contender after nearly fourteen months out of the ring, dominated from the opening bell before ending the contest with a crushing right hand. Following the victory, Suarez and his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz called on the WBO to enforce its previous order directing unified WBO and IBF junior lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete to begin negotiations for a rematch.
Suarez and Navarrete first met in May 2025. The bout was initially ruled a technical decision victory for Navarrete after it was stopped in the eighth round because of a cut over the champion's left eye that officials believed resulted from an accidental clash of heads. The California State Athletic Commission later reviewed video and determined the cut had been caused by a punch. The official result was changed to a no contest, and the WBO subsequently ordered a rematch. Before that rematch could take place, Navarrete unified the WBO title by stopping then-IBF champion Eduardo Nunez in the eleventh round.
"By destroying Manuel Avila, Charly Suarez proved once again he is the top contender to Emanuel Navarrete, and we ask the WBO to enforce their order and direct his team to start negotiating for a rematch," said Lewkowicz. "Thank you to Garry Jonas and ProBoxTV for giving Charly this high-profile opportunity to show his talents and make a strong case for another title shot. Charly's dream is to become a world champion, and we believe he deserves another opportunity," said Suarez's manager and trainer, Delfin Boholst. "Avila was a capable opponent, and Charly had no problem with him. We are ready for another shot at the world title."
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Charly Suarez deserves a world title shot
Charly Suarez KO1 Manuel Avila… Charly Suarez (19-0, 11 KOs) knocked out Manuel Avila (26-4-1, 9 KOs) at 2:31 of the opening round Saturday night at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California. The Filipino junior lightweight, who entered the bout as the WBO's #1 contender after nearly fourteen months out of the ring, dominated from the opening bell before ending the contest with a crushing right hand. Following the victory, Suarez and his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz called on the WBO to enforce its previous order directing unified WBO and IBF junior lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete to begin negotiations for a rematch.
Suarez and Navarrete first met in May 2025. The bout was initially ruled a technical decision victory for Navarrete after it was stopped in the eighth round because of a cut over the champion's left eye that officials believed resulted from an accidental clash of heads. The California State Athletic Commission later reviewed video and determined the cut had been caused by a punch. The official result was changed to a no contest, and the WBO subsequently ordered a rematch. Before that rematch could take place, Navarrete unified the WBO title by stopping then-IBF champion Eduardo Nunez in the eleventh round.
"By destroying Manuel Avila, Charly Suarez proved once again he is the top contender to Emanuel Navarrete, and we ask the WBO to enforce their order and direct his team to start negotiating for a rematch," said Lewkowicz. "Thank you to Garry Jonas and ProBoxTV for giving Charly this high-profile opportunity to show his talents and make a strong case for another title shot. Charly's dream is to become a world champion, and we believe he deserves another opportunity," said Suarez's manager and trainer, Delfin Boholst. "Avila was a capable opponent, and Charly had no problem with him. We are ready for another shot at the world title."
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WBO sends Haney vs. Davis to a July 27th purse bid |
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The WBO World Championship Committee has officially ordered purse bid proceedings for the WBO welterweight championship contest between reigning champion Devin Haney and mandatory contender Keyshawn Davis, pursuant to the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests. The minimum bid is US $200,000, with the purse distribution established at 75% to Haney and 25% to Davis. The purse bid will be conducted on Monday, July 27th at WBO headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and will be live streamed across the WBO’s official social media platforms. Haney (33-0) acquired the WBO title in November by defeating Brian Norman Jr. That win made him a three-division champion. Davis (15-0) is a former WBO lightweight champion who lost his title on the scales. His last win was a unanimous decision over Nahrir Albright in May.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
JULY 1, 2026: The WBO Championship Committee has officially ordered a WBO mandatory title defense in the welterweight division between champion Devin Haney (pictured) and WBO #1 rated Keyshawn Davis. The terms of the WBO's order are that "the parties are granted twenty days to reach an agreement. Failing such agreement, purse bid proceedings may be requested, with the purse split to be distributed 75% to the champion and 25% to the challenger, in accordance with the WBO Rules."
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WBO sends Haney vs. Davis to a July 27th purse bid
The WBO World Championship Committee has officially ordered purse bid proceedings for the WBO welterweight championship contest between reigning champion Devin Haney and mandatory contender Keyshawn Davis, pursuant to the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests. The minimum bid is US $200,000, with the purse distribution established at 75% to Haney and 25% to Davis. The purse bid will be conducted on Monday, July 27th at WBO headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and will be live streamed across the WBO’s official social media platforms. Haney (33-0) acquired the WBO title in November by defeating Brian Norman Jr. That win made him a three-division champion. Davis (15-0) is a former WBO lightweight champion who lost his title on the scales. His last win was a unanimous decision over Nahrir Albright in May.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
JULY 1, 2026: The WBO Championship Committee has officially ordered a WBO mandatory title defense in the welterweight division between champion Devin Haney (pictured) and WBO #1 rated Keyshawn Davis. The terms of the WBO's order are that "the parties are granted twenty days to reach an agreement. Failing such agreement, purse bid proceedings may be requested, with the purse split to be distributed 75% to the champion and 25% to the challenger, in accordance with the WBO Rules."
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Iwata survives knockdown to retain 105-pound title |
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Shokichi Iwata TKO11 Erik Badillo… Shokichi Iwata (17-2, 14 KOs) retained the WBC minimumweight championship with an eleventh-round technical knockout of Erik Badillo (19-1, 8 KOs) on a Teiken Promotions card at Kokugikan in Tokyo. Iwata successfully defended his title for the first time, overcoming a fourth-round knockdown to stop the previously unbeaten Mexican challenger. The opening rounds were competitive as Badillo pressed the action while Iwata used his jab and straight right hand to keep the challenger at range. Badillo enjoyed his best moment in the fourth round, dropping Iwata with a left hook late in the round. The champion rose quickly and survived the remainder of the round. Iwata gradually regained control beginning in the sixth, increasing his punch output while targeting Badillo's body. By the seventh and eighth rounds, the champion's combinations were beginning to wear down the challenger, who continued to press forward despite absorbing sustained punishment.
Iwata took command over the next two rounds, landing repeated right hands against a tiring Badillo before forcing the stoppage in the eleventh. After Badillo slipped under pressure, referee Laurence Cole halted the bout as Iwata continued to land unanswered punches. The victory marked Iwata's first successful defense of the WBC minimumweight title (this is his second reign) and handed Badillo the first defeat of his professional career.
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Iwata survives knockdown to retain 105-pound title
Shokichi Iwata TKO11 Erik Badillo… Shokichi Iwata (17-2, 14 KOs) retained the WBC minimumweight championship with an eleventh-round technical knockout of Erik Badillo (19-1, 8 KOs) on a Teiken Promotions card at Kokugikan in Tokyo. Iwata successfully defended his title for the first time, overcoming a fourth-round knockdown to stop the previously unbeaten Mexican challenger. The opening rounds were competitive as Badillo pressed the action while Iwata used his jab and straight right hand to keep the challenger at range. Badillo enjoyed his best moment in the fourth round, dropping Iwata with a left hook late in the round. The champion rose quickly and survived the remainder of the round. Iwata gradually regained control beginning in the sixth, increasing his punch output while targeting Badillo's body. By the seventh and eighth rounds, the champion's combinations were beginning to wear down the challenger, who continued to press forward despite absorbing sustained punishment.
Iwata took command over the next two rounds, landing repeated right hands against a tiring Badillo before forcing the stoppage in the eleventh. After Badillo slipped under pressure, referee Laurence Cole halted the bout as Iwata continued to land unanswered punches. The victory marked Iwata's first successful defense of the WBC minimumweight title (this is his second reign) and handed Badillo the first defeat of his professional career.
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Grandy twins headed to Tampa for training camp |
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The Grandy Twins have spent much of their lives in front of a camera. At five years old, Steven Grandy (4-0, 4 KOs) and Daniel Grandy (4-0, 3 KOs) became internet sensations after videos of their boxing skills spread across social media, introducing millions to the twin brothers. Their popularity led to national television appearances and recognition from prominent figures in sports and entertainment. Now, more than a decade later, the 17 year-old brothers are preparing for their August 14th return to the ring by training in Tampa, Florida, with International Boxing Hall of Famers Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright. The training camp comes ahead of BiYu Promotions' show at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas, where the brothers will compete in separate four-round bouts.
Steven, a junior lightweight, will face Gerardo Chavez Reyes (3-5, 2 KOs). "This is something we've dreamed about," said Steven. "Growing up, we watched Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright compete against the best fighters in the world. Now they're taking time to teach us, correct us and help us improve. That's something we don't take lightly. We're undefeated, but we know we still have a lot to learn," he continued. "That's why we're here. We want to become complete fighters."
Daniel, a lightweight, will face Eduardo Tarango (1-5). "Being around champions changes the way you think," Daniel said. "Coach Tarver and Coach Winky have seen everything in boxing. They're teaching us little details that make a huge difference. It's not just about throwing punches. It's about being smarter, staying disciplined and understanding the sport at another level. We're grateful for this opportunity because a lot of young fighters never get this kind of experience. We're going to take everything we learn here and bring it back home on August 14th."
Promoter Bobby Harrison believes the camp will help prepare the brothers for the next stage of their careers. "Steven and Daniel have always had talent," Harrison said. "Learning from fighters like Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright gives them something you can't teach overnight. Those men understand what it takes to compete at the highest level, and they're helping prepare these young fighters for where we believe they're headed."
The Grandy Twins will return to the ring on August 14th at Constellation Field in Sugar Land as part of BiYu Promotions' "Fights Under the Lights."
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Grandy twins headed to Tampa for training camp
The Grandy Twins have spent much of their lives in front of a camera. At five years old, Steven Grandy (4-0, 4 KOs) and Daniel Grandy (4-0, 3 KOs) became internet sensations after videos of their boxing skills spread across social media, introducing millions to the twin brothers. Their popularity led to national television appearances and recognition from prominent figures in sports and entertainment. Now, more than a decade later, the 17 year-old brothers are preparing for their August 14th return to the ring by training in Tampa, Florida, with International Boxing Hall of Famers Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright. The training camp comes ahead of BiYu Promotions' show at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas, where the brothers will compete in separate four-round bouts.
Steven, a junior lightweight, will face Gerardo Chavez Reyes (3-5, 2 KOs). "This is something we've dreamed about," said Steven. "Growing up, we watched Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright compete against the best fighters in the world. Now they're taking time to teach us, correct us and help us improve. That's something we don't take lightly. We're undefeated, but we know we still have a lot to learn," he continued. "That's why we're here. We want to become complete fighters."
Daniel, a lightweight, will face Eduardo Tarango (1-5). "Being around champions changes the way you think," Daniel said. "Coach Tarver and Coach Winky have seen everything in boxing. They're teaching us little details that make a huge difference. It's not just about throwing punches. It's about being smarter, staying disciplined and understanding the sport at another level. We're grateful for this opportunity because a lot of young fighters never get this kind of experience. We're going to take everything we learn here and bring it back home on August 14th."
Promoter Bobby Harrison believes the camp will help prepare the brothers for the next stage of their careers. "Steven and Daniel have always had talent," Harrison said. "Learning from fighters like Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright gives them something you can't teach overnight. Those men understand what it takes to compete at the highest level, and they're helping prepare these young fighters for where we believe they're headed."
The Grandy Twins will return to the ring on August 14th at Constellation Field in Sugar Land as part of BiYu Promotions' "Fights Under the Lights."
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Akane Fujiwara wins in Tokyo |
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Akane Fujiwara W8 Jittamat Phomta… Akane Fujiwara captured the vacant OPBF female junior featherweight championship with a unanimous decision over Thailand's Jittamat Phomta on July 18th at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. Fujiwara (10-5-1) moved up from bantamweight to claim the 122-pound regional title against Phomta (11-15-1). Both fighters were competitive from the opening round, but Fujiwara's accuracy and ring generalship proved decisive over eight rounds. The judges scored the bout 77-75 and 78-74 (twice) in favor of the Japanese fighter. The victory earned Fujiwara her first OPBF title.
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Akane Fujiwara wins in Tokyo
Akane Fujiwara W8 Jittamat Phomta… Akane Fujiwara captured the vacant OPBF female junior featherweight championship with a unanimous decision over Thailand's Jittamat Phomta on July 18th at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. Fujiwara (10-5-1) moved up from bantamweight to claim the 122-pound regional title against Phomta (11-15-1). Both fighters were competitive from the opening round, but Fujiwara's accuracy and ring generalship proved decisive over eight rounds. The judges scored the bout 77-75 and 78-74 (twice) in favor of the Japanese fighter. The victory earned Fujiwara her first OPBF title.
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Lorenzo Hunt is BKFC's first three-division champ |
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On Saturday, Lorenzo “The Juggernaut” Hunt became the first fighter to ever hold Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) world titles in three weight classes by beating Walter “The Kraken” Pugliesi in their matchup for the inaugural BKFC ironweight title at BKFC 91 at the sold-out Arena Flegrea in Naples, Italy. Hunt, who entered fight night as #1 on the BKFC pound-forpPound Rankings, picked himself up off the canvas in the opening round and rallied for the fourth-round stoppage over the previously unbeaten Pugliesi. Time of the KO finish was 1:09. Hunt, who represents Jacksonville, FL, also currently holds the BKFC light heavyweight title and previously held the BKFC cruiserweight title. With the win, he upped his overall bare knuckle fighting record to 14-2. Pugliesi, a product of Milan, Italy, is now 2-1 under the BKFC banner.
Hunt called out BKFC superstar “Platinum” Mike Perry, who was seated ringside, in his post-fight interview before the two squared off: “In order to be the best in the world — to be the face of the organization that I’ve worked so hard for — me and ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry need to get in this ring and sort out who is the King of BKFC.”
Jindrich Byrtus, the 21-year-old sensation from Opava, Czech Republic, won the inaugural BKFC European cruiserweight title in Saturday’s Co-Main Event by beating Ernesto “Big 20” Papa. Byrtus picked himself up off the canvas twice in the opening round and responded with a second-round knockdown. Papa’s corner threw in the towel at the conclusion of the second stanza. Byrtus is now 11-2 in his bare knuckle fighting career; Papa, who hails from Monsummano Terme, Italy, is now 2-1. Byrtus took aim at BKFC world cruiserweight champion Esteban “Mohawk” Rodriguez in his post-fight interview: “I only want to fight the best of the best at BKFC.”
Unbeaten Tomas Melis defeated Toni “Young Wolf” Estorer to win the inaugural BKFC European light heavyweight title. The TKO stoppage came 25 seconds into the second round and followed a pair of knockdowns by the hands of Melis. Melis, who represents Žilina, Slovakia, now boasts a 6-0 record in his bare knuckle fighting career, while the Aachen, Germany fighter Estorer is now 5-3. “It was God’s plan for me,” Melis said in his post-fight interview. “Thank you, Jesus, I’m coming for it all.”
The middleweight fight between Carlisle, England’s Danny “The Bastard” Christie and Enzo “Osso Duro” Tobbia of Chioggia, Italy was declared a No Contest due to an illegal headlock and throw by Christie. The fight was stopped 27 seconds into the second round. Christie, who previously held BKFC United Kingdom titles in the cruiserweight and light-heavyweight divisions, is now 5-3, 1 NC. Tobbia is now 1-1, 1 NC.
Sligo, Ireland lightweight Jimmy “The King” Sweeney upped his historic overall bare knuckle fighting record to 30-6 with a second-round TKO at the expense of Nicholas “The Underdog” Vescio. The stoppage came 22 seconds into the second stanza. The Milan, Italy product Vescio was making his BKFC debut.
Brescia, Italy light-heavyweight Leonardo “Ram” Damiani was spectacular in his BKFC premiere, picking himself up off the canvas four times before stopping Andrea “Italian Thunder” Bicchi. The Florence, Italy product Bicchi failed to answer the bell heading into the fourth round; he is now 4-4 in his bare knuckle fighting career.
Dan “Indian Spice” Chapman of Maesteg, Wales picked himself up off the canvas and rallied for the stoppage over Marco “Barracuda” Giustarini eight seconds into the second round of their featherweight matchup. Chapman is now 7-1 in his bare knuckle fighting career, while the Latina, Italy fighter Giustarini is now 1-2 in the Squared Circle.
Vienna cruiserweight Arbi “Borz” Chakaev smashed his way to 2-1 with a 44-second TKO at the expense of Dominik “Rider” Herold. The Prague, Czech Republic fighter Herold is now 7-2 in his bare knuckle fighting career.
Bari, Italy’s Gianni “The Punisher” Melillo turned heads in his BKFC premiere by stopping Dawid “Macho” Chylinski 47 seconds into the second round of their light-heavyweight battle. Chylinski, who hails from Black Country, England, is now 5-4, 1 NC.
Pawel “The Gorilla” Werszynin of Zgierz, Poland needed just 64 seconds to knock out Ramy Elsayes in light-heavyweight action. Werszynin is now 1-0 under the BKFC banner and 5-2 in his overall bare knuckle fighting career. Elsayes, who represents Rome, Italy, was also making his BKFC debut.
Rome, Italy’s Cristian Sabbatini defeated Charli Marta of Sânnicolau Mare, Romania via decision in their battle of debuting lightweights. Two judges agreed on 29-27 and one judge scored the contest 30-27, all for Sabbatini.
Padua, Italy product Cristian Brinzan won big in his BKFC debut by knocking out Marco Saccaro in the opening round of their middleweight bout. Time of the stoppage was 1:12. The Livorno, Italy fighter Saccaro was also making his BKFC debut.
Santa Maria, Italy featherweight Guglielmo “The Pitbull” Gicco was victorious in his BKFC debut, earning the decision over Antonio “Big Blind Fury” Moscatiello in the opening fight of the night. Two judges scored the fight 29-28 and one scored it 30-27, all for Gicco. Moscatiello, who hails from Milan, Italy, is now 1-1 under the BKFC banner.
BKFC Founder/President David Feldman joined the BKFC Broadcast Booth before Saturday’s Featured Fight.
On BKFC’s return to Italy: “I am so, so excited to be here. The fans came out and the guys fought their (expletive) off. The one language that everybody knows here is violence … I had a great speech for the fighters in the locker room, asking if they wanted to make extra money with the bonuses we give out like we always do, and they were the rowdiest we’ve ever had. This has been an unbelievable night.”
On BKFC’s World’s Baddest Man Tournament on Fox Nation: “Here it is, finally. Fox Nation are unbelievable partners — they’ve been so great to work with — and this is going to be a six-part documentary series with the finale at the end of it.”
On BKFC 92 at Fenway Park in Boston on Aug. 29: “One of the most iconic baseball stadiums in the world and it’s going to be an amazing night. I’m so thrilled to be able to take this project that we’ve been working on for 10 years to Fenway Park in Boston.”
BKFC 91 Results
Lorenzo Hunt def. Walter Pugliesi via KO in Round 4 (1:09);
Wins Inaugural BKFC World Ironweight Title;
Jindrich Byrtus def. Ernesto Papa via TKO in Round 2 (2:00);
Wins Inaugural BKFC European Cruiserweight Title;
Tomas Melis def. Toni Estorer via TKO in Round 2 (0:25);
Wins Inaugural BKFC European Light-Heavyweight Title
Danny Christie vs. Enzo Tobbia declared No Contest in Round 2 (0:27);
Jimmy Sweeney def. Nicholas Vescio via TKO in Round 2 (0:22);
Leonardo Damiani def. Andrea Bicchi via TKO in Round 3 (2:00);
Dan Chapman def. Marco Giustarini via KO in Round 2 (0:08);
Arbi Chakaev def. Dominik Herold via TKO in Round 1 (0:44);
Gianni Melillo def. Dawid Chylinski via TKO in Round 2 (0:47);
Pawel Werszynin def. Ramy Elsayes via KO in Round 1 (1:04);
Cristian Sabbatini def. Charli Marta via Unanimous Decision (29-27 (twice) and 30-27);
Cristian Brinzan def. Marco Saccaro via KO in Round 1 (1:12); and
Guglielmo Gicco def. Antonio Moscatiello via Unanimous Decision (29-28 (twice) and 30-27)
BKFC Founder/President David Feldman joined the BKFC Broadcast Booth before Saturday’s Featured Fight.
On BKFC’s return to Italy: “I am so, so excited to be here. The fans came out and the guys fought their (expletive) off. The one language that everybody knows here is violence … I had a great speech for the fighters in the locker room, asking if they wanted to make extra money with the bonuses we give out like we always do, and they were the rowdiest we’ve ever had. This has been an unbelievable night.”
On BKFC’s World’s Baddest Man Tournament on Fox Nation: “Here it is, finally. Fox Nation are unbelievable partners — they’ve been so great to work with — and this is going to be a six-part documentary series with the finale at the end of it.”
On BKFC 92 at Fenway Park in Boston on Aug. 29: “One of the most iconic baseball stadiums in the world and it’s going to be an amazing night. I’m so thrilled to be able to take this project that we’ve been working on for 10 years to Fenway Park in Boston.”
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Lorenzo Hunt is BKFC's first three-division champ
On Saturday, Lorenzo “The Juggernaut” Hunt became the first fighter to ever hold Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) world titles in three weight classes by beating Walter “The Kraken” Pugliesi in their matchup for the inaugural BKFC ironweight title at BKFC 91 at the sold-out Arena Flegrea in Naples, Italy. Hunt, who entered fight night as #1 on the BKFC pound-forpPound Rankings, picked himself up off the canvas in the opening round and rallied for the fourth-round stoppage over the previously unbeaten Pugliesi. Time of the KO finish was 1:09. Hunt, who represents Jacksonville, FL, also currently holds the BKFC light heavyweight title and previously held the BKFC cruiserweight title. With the win, he upped his overall bare knuckle fighting record to 14-2. Pugliesi, a product of Milan, Italy, is now 2-1 under the BKFC banner.
Hunt called out BKFC superstar “Platinum” Mike Perry, who was seated ringside, in his post-fight interview before the two squared off: “In order to be the best in the world — to be the face of the organization that I’ve worked so hard for — me and ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry need to get in this ring and sort out who is the King of BKFC.”
Jindrich Byrtus, the 21-year-old sensation from Opava, Czech Republic, won the inaugural BKFC European cruiserweight title in Saturday’s Co-Main Event by beating Ernesto “Big 20” Papa. Byrtus picked himself up off the canvas twice in the opening round and responded with a second-round knockdown. Papa’s corner threw in the towel at the conclusion of the second stanza. Byrtus is now 11-2 in his bare knuckle fighting career; Papa, who hails from Monsummano Terme, Italy, is now 2-1. Byrtus took aim at BKFC world cruiserweight champion Esteban “Mohawk” Rodriguez in his post-fight interview: “I only want to fight the best of the best at BKFC.”
Unbeaten Tomas Melis defeated Toni “Young Wolf” Estorer to win the inaugural BKFC European light heavyweight title. The TKO stoppage came 25 seconds into the second round and followed a pair of knockdowns by the hands of Melis. Melis, who represents Žilina, Slovakia, now boasts a 6-0 record in his bare knuckle fighting career, while the Aachen, Germany fighter Estorer is now 5-3. “It was God’s plan for me,” Melis said in his post-fight interview. “Thank you, Jesus, I’m coming for it all.”
The middleweight fight between Carlisle, England’s Danny “The Bastard” Christie and Enzo “Osso Duro” Tobbia of Chioggia, Italy was declared a No Contest due to an illegal headlock and throw by Christie. The fight was stopped 27 seconds into the second round. Christie, who previously held BKFC United Kingdom titles in the cruiserweight and light-heavyweight divisions, is now 5-3, 1 NC. Tobbia is now 1-1, 1 NC.
Sligo, Ireland lightweight Jimmy “The King” Sweeney upped his historic overall bare knuckle fighting record to 30-6 with a second-round TKO at the expense of Nicholas “The Underdog” Vescio. The stoppage came 22 seconds into the second stanza. The Milan, Italy product Vescio was making his BKFC debut.
Brescia, Italy light-heavyweight Leonardo “Ram” Damiani was spectacular in his BKFC premiere, picking himself up off the canvas four times before stopping Andrea “Italian Thunder” Bicchi. The Florence, Italy product Bicchi failed to answer the bell heading into the fourth round; he is now 4-4 in his bare knuckle fighting career.
Dan “Indian Spice” Chapman of Maesteg, Wales picked himself up off the canvas and rallied for the stoppage over Marco “Barracuda” Giustarini eight seconds into the second round of their featherweight matchup. Chapman is now 7-1 in his bare knuckle fighting career, while the Latina, Italy fighter Giustarini is now 1-2 in the Squared Circle.
Vienna cruiserweight Arbi “Borz” Chakaev smashed his way to 2-1 with a 44-second TKO at the expense of Dominik “Rider” Herold. The Prague, Czech Republic fighter Herold is now 7-2 in his bare knuckle fighting career.
Bari, Italy’s Gianni “The Punisher” Melillo turned heads in his BKFC premiere by stopping Dawid “Macho” Chylinski 47 seconds into the second round of their light-heavyweight battle. Chylinski, who hails from Black Country, England, is now 5-4, 1 NC.
Pawel “The Gorilla” Werszynin of Zgierz, Poland needed just 64 seconds to knock out Ramy Elsayes in light-heavyweight action. Werszynin is now 1-0 under the BKFC banner and 5-2 in his overall bare knuckle fighting career. Elsayes, who represents Rome, Italy, was also making his BKFC debut.
Rome, Italy’s Cristian Sabbatini defeated Charli Marta of Sânnicolau Mare, Romania via decision in their battle of debuting lightweights. Two judges agreed on 29-27 and one judge scored the contest 30-27, all for Sabbatini.
Padua, Italy product Cristian Brinzan won big in his BKFC debut by knocking out Marco Saccaro in the opening round of their middleweight bout. Time of the stoppage was 1:12. The Livorno, Italy fighter Saccaro was also making his BKFC debut.
Santa Maria, Italy featherweight Guglielmo “The Pitbull” Gicco was victorious in his BKFC debut, earning the decision over Antonio “Big Blind Fury” Moscatiello in the opening fight of the night. Two judges scored the fight 29-28 and one scored it 30-27, all for Gicco. Moscatiello, who hails from Milan, Italy, is now 1-1 under the BKFC banner.
BKFC Founder/President David Feldman joined the BKFC Broadcast Booth before Saturday’s Featured Fight.
On BKFC’s return to Italy: “I am so, so excited to be here. The fans came out and the guys fought their (expletive) off. The one language that everybody knows here is violence … I had a great speech for the fighters in the locker room, asking if they wanted to make extra money with the bonuses we give out like we always do, and they were the rowdiest we’ve ever had. This has been an unbelievable night.”
On BKFC’s World’s Baddest Man Tournament on Fox Nation: “Here it is, finally. Fox Nation are unbelievable partners — they’ve been so great to work with — and this is going to be a six-part documentary series with the finale at the end of it.”
On BKFC 92 at Fenway Park in Boston on Aug. 29: “One of the most iconic baseball stadiums in the world and it’s going to be an amazing night. I’m so thrilled to be able to take this project that we’ve been working on for 10 years to Fenway Park in Boston.”
BKFC 91 Results
Lorenzo Hunt def. Walter Pugliesi via KO in Round 4 (1:09);
Wins Inaugural BKFC World Ironweight Title;
Jindrich Byrtus def. Ernesto Papa via TKO in Round 2 (2:00);
Wins Inaugural BKFC European Cruiserweight Title;
Tomas Melis def. Toni Estorer via TKO in Round 2 (0:25);
Wins Inaugural BKFC European Light-Heavyweight Title
Danny Christie vs. Enzo Tobbia declared No Contest in Round 2 (0:27);
Jimmy Sweeney def. Nicholas Vescio via TKO in Round 2 (0:22);
Leonardo Damiani def. Andrea Bicchi via TKO in Round 3 (2:00);
Dan Chapman def. Marco Giustarini via KO in Round 2 (0:08);
Arbi Chakaev def. Dominik Herold via TKO in Round 1 (0:44);
Gianni Melillo def. Dawid Chylinski via TKO in Round 2 (0:47);
Pawel Werszynin def. Ramy Elsayes via KO in Round 1 (1:04);
Cristian Sabbatini def. Charli Marta via Unanimous Decision (29-27 (twice) and 30-27);
Cristian Brinzan def. Marco Saccaro via KO in Round 1 (1:12); and
Guglielmo Gicco def. Antonio Moscatiello via Unanimous Decision (29-28 (twice) and 30-27)
BKFC Founder/President David Feldman joined the BKFC Broadcast Booth before Saturday’s Featured Fight.
On BKFC’s return to Italy: “I am so, so excited to be here. The fans came out and the guys fought their (expletive) off. The one language that everybody knows here is violence … I had a great speech for the fighters in the locker room, asking if they wanted to make extra money with the bonuses we give out like we always do, and they were the rowdiest we’ve ever had. This has been an unbelievable night.”
On BKFC’s World’s Baddest Man Tournament on Fox Nation: “Here it is, finally. Fox Nation are unbelievable partners — they’ve been so great to work with — and this is going to be a six-part documentary series with the finale at the end of it.”
On BKFC 92 at Fenway Park in Boston on Aug. 29: “One of the most iconic baseball stadiums in the world and it’s going to be an amazing night. I’m so thrilled to be able to take this project that we’ve been working on for 10 years to Fenway Park in Boston.”
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PBC replaces Charlo bout with Fleming vs. Reda |
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PBC has confirmed that former two-division champion Jermall Charlo was removed from Saturday's show in Sydney, Australia because of visa issues. Charlo's fight will be replaced by a lightweight showdown between Ahmad Reda and Australian Olympian Paul Fleming. The WBA junior lightweight title eliminator between former two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and former world title challenger Liam Wilson has been elevated to the co-feature.The main event features former unified welterweight champion Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. returning to face former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu.
Saturday's PBC event takes place at the Afterpay Arena in Sydney. The event will be available on a pay-per-view basis on Prime Video, DAZN and other pay-per-view platforms.
Reda vs. Fleming will precede the co-feature and follow the opening bout between Australian Olympian Callum Peters and fellow unbeaten Ivan Actis.
Reda (8-0, 6 KOs), of Sydney, turned professional in November 2023 and opened his career by stopping five of his first six opponents. Last August, the 23-year old defeated Bruno Tarimo by unanimous decision to win the Australian junior welterweight championship before stopping Wayne Telepe in the sixth round in his most recent outing.
Fleming (28-1-2, 18 KOs), a 2008 Australian Olympian from Tully, Queensland, suffered his only professional defeat in a 2023 challenge against contender Charly Suarez. Fleming led on all three scorecards before being stopped in the twelfth round. He most recently fought Jake Wyllie to a split draw last November.
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PBC replaces Charlo bout with Fleming vs. Reda
PBC has confirmed that former two-division champion Jermall Charlo was removed from Saturday's show in Sydney, Australia because of visa issues. Charlo's fight will be replaced by a lightweight showdown between Ahmad Reda and Australian Olympian Paul Fleming. The WBA junior lightweight title eliminator between former two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and former world title challenger Liam Wilson has been elevated to the co-feature.The main event features former unified welterweight champion Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. returning to face former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu.
Saturday's PBC event takes place at the Afterpay Arena in Sydney. The event will be available on a pay-per-view basis on Prime Video, DAZN and other pay-per-view platforms.
Reda vs. Fleming will precede the co-feature and follow the opening bout between Australian Olympian Callum Peters and fellow unbeaten Ivan Actis.
Reda (8-0, 6 KOs), of Sydney, turned professional in November 2023 and opened his career by stopping five of his first six opponents. Last August, the 23-year old defeated Bruno Tarimo by unanimous decision to win the Australian junior welterweight championship before stopping Wayne Telepe in the sixth round in his most recent outing.
Fleming (28-1-2, 18 KOs), a 2008 Australian Olympian from Tully, Queensland, suffered his only professional defeat in a 2023 challenge against contender Charly Suarez. Fleming led on all three scorecards before being stopped in the twelfth round. He most recently fought Jake Wyllie to a split draw last November.
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Carlos “Carlito’s Way” Perez set for Mohegan Sun action |
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Undefeated junior welterweight Carlos “Carlito’s Way” Perez of Meriden takes on battle-tested Anthony Mora, of New Britain in an all-Connecticut bout at the Mohegan Sun on July 24th. The main event that night sees the ring return of former world title holder Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, who recently aligned with Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES). Amdrade hasn’t fought in a year-and-a-half, after suffering a stoppage defeat to David Benavidez, not long after losing his mother. Whereas Andrade hopes to return to former glory, Perez, also a CES fighter, wants to become the New England area’s next world champion, so he’s looking to showcase his skills against Mora.
Mora is 7-8-1, but don’t let that humble record fool you. Guys with similar records have given hot prospects surprising losses “We take it like any other fight,” said Mike Conroy, Perez’ trainer. “A person with nothing to lose is the most dangerous person, so you can never let your guard down.”
“I know Anthony comes to fight,” said Perez, who noted the two have sparred before. “But come July 24th, I’m going to put on a show. You do not want to miss it. I’m coming to make a statement.”
Raised by a single mother, and the youngest of four boys, Perez, age 31, grew up in poverty. He wants better for his family, and believes boxing will allow him to accomplish that. He’s banking on it. “I don’t want to go back to that,” said Perez.
“Carlito’s Way” admits he got more serious about boxing four years ago, when his daughter, Alahniz, was born. “She made me get on the right path,” said Perez. “I became a father to a little princess and that’s what really kept me on the right path.”
There was a three-and-a-half year period – between 2021 and 2025 - where Perez was inactive due to an eye injury and other factors, but he has since fought three times in 2025 and once already in 2026. “For a while I got distracted,” said Perez. “I was dibbin’ and dabbin’ in and out of the ring and I did a lot of things to myself. But like I said, once I found out I was going to have a daughter, that’s what really changed my mindset, around, my whole life around. And it’s all really about me, my daughter and my family now.”
Perez is coming off a first-round stoppage of Deonta Williamson in April. He stopped him with a body punch at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. “That was one of my best training camps,” he said, adding his latest camp has been equally good. In other words, Mora better watch out.
What can people expect when they see Carlos “Carlito’s Way” Perez in the ring? “They’re going to see a very hard-working, disciplined guy,” said Perez, “A very talented person and humble person, but once I get in the ring, it’s nothing but fireworks man.”
Perez is definitely a family man now. In two recent fights, he honored the passing of his grandfather on his mother’s side, and his grandmother on his father’s side, with large images of their faces on Puerto Rican flags that were part of his ring entrances.
Perez, a boxer who likes to pressure his opponents, splits his training between Conroy’s gym in North Branford and the Beat The Street Community Center in Meriden, the place he learned to box as a youth from coach Dennis Rivera. Rivera doesn’t have a co-trainer title, but he’s part of Perez’ corner at every fight. “I call him grandpa. He’s like a grandpa to me,” said Perez, adding, “He’s loyal to me and I’m loyal to him as well. He’s family. He’s a role model. He’s everything to me.”
A former Silver Gloves national champion, and ex-Golden Gloves competitor who believes he was the victim of a couple of bad decisions in the amateurs, Perez believes it is now his time, after some hiccups along the way.
“It’s God’s timing,” said Perez.
Conroy believes the sky’s the limit for his fighter. “I’ve trained a lot of people with talent, in boxing and kickboxing, but it is the discipline that gets them over, and Carlito has turned himself around, and he has that discipline now. That’s going to be the difference with Carlito.”
To purchase tickets to the July 24th show, log onto https://cesfights.com/
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Carlos “Carlito’s Way” Perez set for Mohegan Sun action
Undefeated junior welterweight Carlos “Carlito’s Way” Perez of Meriden takes on battle-tested Anthony Mora, of New Britain in an all-Connecticut bout at the Mohegan Sun on July 24th. The main event that night sees the ring return of former world title holder Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, who recently aligned with Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES). Amdrade hasn’t fought in a year-and-a-half, after suffering a stoppage defeat to David Benavidez, not long after losing his mother. Whereas Andrade hopes to return to former glory, Perez, also a CES fighter, wants to become the New England area’s next world champion, so he’s looking to showcase his skills against Mora.
Mora is 7-8-1, but don’t let that humble record fool you. Guys with similar records have given hot prospects surprising losses “We take it like any other fight,” said Mike Conroy, Perez’ trainer. “A person with nothing to lose is the most dangerous person, so you can never let your guard down.”
“I know Anthony comes to fight,” said Perez, who noted the two have sparred before. “But come July 24th, I’m going to put on a show. You do not want to miss it. I’m coming to make a statement.”
Raised by a single mother, and the youngest of four boys, Perez, age 31, grew up in poverty. He wants better for his family, and believes boxing will allow him to accomplish that. He’s banking on it. “I don’t want to go back to that,” said Perez.
“Carlito’s Way” admits he got more serious about boxing four years ago, when his daughter, Alahniz, was born. “She made me get on the right path,” said Perez. “I became a father to a little princess and that’s what really kept me on the right path.”
There was a three-and-a-half year period – between 2021 and 2025 - where Perez was inactive due to an eye injury and other factors, but he has since fought three times in 2025 and once already in 2026. “For a while I got distracted,” said Perez. “I was dibbin’ and dabbin’ in and out of the ring and I did a lot of things to myself. But like I said, once I found out I was going to have a daughter, that’s what really changed my mindset, around, my whole life around. And it’s all really about me, my daughter and my family now.”
Perez is coming off a first-round stoppage of Deonta Williamson in April. He stopped him with a body punch at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. “That was one of my best training camps,” he said, adding his latest camp has been equally good. In other words, Mora better watch out.
What can people expect when they see Carlos “Carlito’s Way” Perez in the ring? “They’re going to see a very hard-working, disciplined guy,” said Perez, “A very talented person and humble person, but once I get in the ring, it’s nothing but fireworks man.”
Perez is definitely a family man now. In two recent fights, he honored the passing of his grandfather on his mother’s side, and his grandmother on his father’s side, with large images of their faces on Puerto Rican flags that were part of his ring entrances.
Perez, a boxer who likes to pressure his opponents, splits his training between Conroy’s gym in North Branford and the Beat The Street Community Center in Meriden, the place he learned to box as a youth from coach Dennis Rivera. Rivera doesn’t have a co-trainer title, but he’s part of Perez’ corner at every fight. “I call him grandpa. He’s like a grandpa to me,” said Perez, adding, “He’s loyal to me and I’m loyal to him as well. He’s family. He’s a role model. He’s everything to me.”
A former Silver Gloves national champion, and ex-Golden Gloves competitor who believes he was the victim of a couple of bad decisions in the amateurs, Perez believes it is now his time, after some hiccups along the way.
“It’s God’s timing,” said Perez.
Conroy believes the sky’s the limit for his fighter. “I’ve trained a lot of people with talent, in boxing and kickboxing, but it is the discipline that gets them over, and Carlito has turned himself around, and he has that discipline now. That’s going to be the difference with Carlito.”
To purchase tickets to the July 24th show, log onto https://cesfights.com/
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France's David Papot wins on enemy turf |
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David Papot W12 Harlem Eubank ... David Papot of France retained his unbeaten record with a hard-fought twelve-round unanimous decision over Harlem Eubank in a welterweight bout at London's Copper Box Arena. In one of the year's best fights, Papot scored an early knockdown before Eubank responded later in the contest with a heavy shot that sent the Frenchman to the canvas. With the outcome still in the balance entering the closing rounds, the 35 year-old Papot finished strongly, dropping Eubank twice more to secure the victory on the scorecards. Papot is now 32-1-1. He was coming off his lone loss, to current IBF champion Liam Paro. Eubank is 22-2, with the other loss handed to him by Jack Caterall, current holder of the WBA regular welterweight title.
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France's David Papot wins on enemy turf
David Papot W12 Harlem Eubank ... David Papot of France retained his unbeaten record with a hard-fought twelve-round unanimous decision over Harlem Eubank in a welterweight bout at London's Copper Box Arena. In one of the year's best fights, Papot scored an early knockdown before Eubank responded later in the contest with a heavy shot that sent the Frenchman to the canvas. With the outcome still in the balance entering the closing rounds, the 35 year-old Papot finished strongly, dropping Eubank twice more to secure the victory on the scorecards. Papot is now 32-1-1. He was coming off his lone loss, to current IBF champion Liam Paro. Eubank is 22-2, with the other loss handed to him by Jack Caterall, current holder of the WBA regular welterweight title.
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Fortuna wins bare knuckles debut on IBA show |
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IBA Bare Knuckle made its United States debut Saturday night at the James L. Knight Center in downtown Miami, marking the promotion's first event in the American market. The card featured athletes from boxing, mixed martial arts and kickboxing, with former boxing interim champion Javier Fortuna of the Dominican Republic making a successful bare knuckles debut, winning a unanimous decision over Colombia's Alejandro Munera. In the main event, Vyacheslav "Slava Claus" Borshchev of Russia won his bare-knuckle debut by unanimous decision over former BKFC champion Elvin Brito of Puerto Rico after five rounds. In the chief support, fellow Russian Alan Salamov stopped Markus Suarez of the United States in the opening round of his bare-knuckle debut.
Former UFC champion Jon Jones serving as event ambassador. Former UFC champions Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos joined veteran broadcaster Mike Goldberg on the commentary team. "Our successful entry into the United States represents a pivotal moment for IBA Bare Knuckle," said Chris Roberts, the IBA's secretary general and CEO. "Miami brought incredible energy, but the real victory was showing that bare-knuckle boxing can operate at the highest level of professionalism and governance. In this organization, we do what is right, not what is easy, and building that trust is what will drive our global expansion forward."
RESULTS
Vyacheslav Borshchev (Russia) UD5 Elvin Brito (Puerto Rico);
Alan Salamov (Russia) TKO1 Markus Suarez (United States);
Javier Fortuna (Dominican Republic) UD Alejandro Munera (Colombia);
George Sosa (United States) TKO3 Coty Cook (United States);
Louis Brewington (United States) TKO2 Ivanieldo Mettendaf (United States);
Alex Cook (United States) TKO3 Kendrick Miree (United States);
Wayna Reid (United States) TKO2 Imani Smith (United States);
Diego Romo (Ecuador) UD Freddy Saavedra (United States); and
Micah Mitchell (United States) TKO Lazaro Lara (United States, corner retirement).
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Fortuna wins bare knuckles debut on IBA show
IBA Bare Knuckle made its United States debut Saturday night at the James L. Knight Center in downtown Miami, marking the promotion's first event in the American market. The card featured athletes from boxing, mixed martial arts and kickboxing, with former boxing interim champion Javier Fortuna of the Dominican Republic making a successful bare knuckles debut, winning a unanimous decision over Colombia's Alejandro Munera. In the main event, Vyacheslav "Slava Claus" Borshchev of Russia won his bare-knuckle debut by unanimous decision over former BKFC champion Elvin Brito of Puerto Rico after five rounds. In the chief support, fellow Russian Alan Salamov stopped Markus Suarez of the United States in the opening round of his bare-knuckle debut.
Former UFC champion Jon Jones serving as event ambassador. Former UFC champions Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos joined veteran broadcaster Mike Goldberg on the commentary team. "Our successful entry into the United States represents a pivotal moment for IBA Bare Knuckle," said Chris Roberts, the IBA's secretary general and CEO. "Miami brought incredible energy, but the real victory was showing that bare-knuckle boxing can operate at the highest level of professionalism and governance. In this organization, we do what is right, not what is easy, and building that trust is what will drive our global expansion forward."
RESULTS
Vyacheslav Borshchev (Russia) UD5 Elvin Brito (Puerto Rico);
Alan Salamov (Russia) TKO1 Markus Suarez (United States);
Javier Fortuna (Dominican Republic) UD Alejandro Munera (Colombia);
George Sosa (United States) TKO3 Coty Cook (United States);
Louis Brewington (United States) TKO2 Ivanieldo Mettendaf (United States);
Alex Cook (United States) TKO3 Kendrick Miree (United States);
Wayna Reid (United States) TKO2 Imani Smith (United States);
Diego Romo (Ecuador) UD Freddy Saavedra (United States); and
Micah Mitchell (United States) TKO Lazaro Lara (United States, corner retirement).
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Visa issues KO Charlo from next Saturday's fight |
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Former two-division champion Jermall Charlo will not take part in his comeback bout, scheduled for next weekend in Australia. Charlo posted on social media, "Unfortunately, I will not be able to fight next Saturday. I’ve been training nonstop for the last three months and was ready to make a statement. I want to apologize to all my fans and let them know I will keep training and be back on a PBC event very soon." Charlo appeared to blame the problem on his inability to obtain a visa to enter Australia. He was booked to fight on Saturday, July 25th (U.S. date) at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia in support of a main event between former unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and Australia's former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu. The still-undefeated Jermall Charlo was going to face Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight battle,
A former champion at 154 and 160 pounds, Charlo (34-0, 23 KOs) is hoping to become a three-division champion, this time in the 168-pound division. He's had one fight in the division, a May 2025 returned from a lengthy layoff to stop veteran Thomas LaManna in six rounds. A native of Houston, Charlo first joined the ranks of world champion in 2015 with a knockout of Cornelius Bundrage, and would go on to defend the title three times, including a stoppage of then-undefeated Julian Williams in December 2016. Trained throughout his career by the renowned Ronnie Shields, Charlo would then begin a middleweight run that saw him earn the WBC championship and add victories over Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Matt Korobov, Hugo Centeno Jr. and more.
The visa denial may have been related to a 2024 drunk driving incident. Charlo lost recognition as WBC middleweight champion after being arrested in March of that year in Pearland, Texas. He was charged with driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of at least 0.15 and fleeing the scene of a crime after an autonobile collision involving damage to another vehicle. Charlo had not defended his title since 2021, missing opportunities for a huge fight vs. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. TMZ.com provided additional details, which is that Charlo crashed his Lamborghini and was eventually arrested after leaving the scene. TMZ also reports that police recorded signs of Charlo's intoxication.
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Visa issues KO Charlo from next Saturday's fight
Former two-division champion Jermall Charlo will not take part in his comeback bout, scheduled for next weekend in Australia. Charlo posted on social media, "Unfortunately, I will not be able to fight next Saturday. I’ve been training nonstop for the last three months and was ready to make a statement. I want to apologize to all my fans and let them know I will keep training and be back on a PBC event very soon." Charlo appeared to blame the problem on his inability to obtain a visa to enter Australia. He was booked to fight on Saturday, July 25th (U.S. date) at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia in support of a main event between former unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and Australia's former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu. The still-undefeated Jermall Charlo was going to face Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight battle,
A former champion at 154 and 160 pounds, Charlo (34-0, 23 KOs) is hoping to become a three-division champion, this time in the 168-pound division. He's had one fight in the division, a May 2025 returned from a lengthy layoff to stop veteran Thomas LaManna in six rounds. A native of Houston, Charlo first joined the ranks of world champion in 2015 with a knockout of Cornelius Bundrage, and would go on to defend the title three times, including a stoppage of then-undefeated Julian Williams in December 2016. Trained throughout his career by the renowned Ronnie Shields, Charlo would then begin a middleweight run that saw him earn the WBC championship and add victories over Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Matt Korobov, Hugo Centeno Jr. and more.
The visa denial may have been related to a 2024 drunk driving incident. Charlo lost recognition as WBC middleweight champion after being arrested in March of that year in Pearland, Texas. He was charged with driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of at least 0.15 and fleeing the scene of a crime after an autonobile collision involving damage to another vehicle. Charlo had not defended his title since 2021, missing opportunities for a huge fight vs. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. TMZ.com provided additional details, which is that Charlo crashed his Lamborghini and was eventually arrested after leaving the scene. TMZ also reports that police recorded signs of Charlo's intoxication.
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Pacheco stops Aleem in eleven |
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Diego Pacheco TKO11 Immanuwel Aleem... Diego Pacheco dominated Immanuwel Aleem at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Pacheco made his case for a world title shot at super middleweight, dominating Aleem throughout in a one-sided match by using the jab. That opened up the power shots, which Pacheco took advantage of in bulldozing Aleem to score a technical knockout at the 2:33 mark of the eleventh round to run his record to 26-0 with 19 knockouts. Pacheco sent Aleem for the first time in the fight with a straight right hand and a glancing blow. Aleem got up, but not for long. One blow after another, punctuated by a right hand, was all referee Ray Corona needed to see, and the fight was waved off. DAZN News had the fight scored 100-90 for Pacheco at the time of the stoppage.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Andy Cruz defeated Abraham Montoya by knockout at 0:54 in the third round;
Albert Gonzalez defeated Aaron Alameda by knockout at 1:52 of the second round; and
Bruno Rios defeated Saul Sanchez by unanimous decision.Official scores were 96-93 (twice) and 95-94.
Leo Atang TKO2 Glen Williams… Leo Atang improved to 9-0 with a second-round technical knockout over Glen Williams (2-3) in his U.S. debut Saturday night in California. The 19-year-old British heavyweight overwhelmed Williams from the outset before trapping him in a corner and unloading unanswered punches, prompting the referee to stop the contest. Atang, regarded as one of Britain's top young heavyweights, was facing the 36-year-old Williams, who entered with a 2-2 record. Although the matchup represented a modest test, Atang handled it impressively, showcasing his power and composure while making a successful first appearance in the United States. The victory is expected to be the first of many appearances for Atang on future Matchroom Boxing cards as the unbeaten heavyweight continues his development.
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Pacheco stops Aleem in eleven
Diego Pacheco TKO11 Immanuwel Aleem... Diego Pacheco dominated Immanuwel Aleem at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Pacheco made his case for a world title shot at super middleweight, dominating Aleem throughout in a one-sided match by using the jab. That opened up the power shots, which Pacheco took advantage of in bulldozing Aleem to score a technical knockout at the 2:33 mark of the eleventh round to run his record to 26-0 with 19 knockouts. Pacheco sent Aleem for the first time in the fight with a straight right hand and a glancing blow. Aleem got up, but not for long. One blow after another, punctuated by a right hand, was all referee Ray Corona needed to see, and the fight was waved off. DAZN News had the fight scored 100-90 for Pacheco at the time of the stoppage.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Andy Cruz defeated Abraham Montoya by knockout at 0:54 in the third round;
Albert Gonzalez defeated Aaron Alameda by knockout at 1:52 of the second round; and
Bruno Rios defeated Saul Sanchez by unanimous decision.Official scores were 96-93 (twice) and 95-94.
Leo Atang TKO2 Glen Williams… Leo Atang improved to 9-0 with a second-round technical knockout over Glen Williams (2-3) in his U.S. debut Saturday night in California. The 19-year-old British heavyweight overwhelmed Williams from the outset before trapping him in a corner and unloading unanswered punches, prompting the referee to stop the contest. Atang, regarded as one of Britain's top young heavyweights, was facing the 36-year-old Williams, who entered with a 2-2 record. Although the matchup represented a modest test, Atang handled it impressively, showcasing his power and composure while making a successful first appearance in the United States. The victory is expected to be the first of many appearances for Atang on future Matchroom Boxing cards as the unbeaten heavyweight continues his development.
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Contender Hannah Rapp killed at age 26 |
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Featherweight contender Hannah Rapp was killed, possibly deliberately, while riding a bicycle in Brazos County. She was just 26 years old and a graduate of Purdue University in Indiana. Just last month, Rapp challenged Tiara Brown for the WBC version of the world title, losing a competitive fight by decision. That loss put Rapp's career mark at 8-1-1. According to KBTX.com, the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said an automobile driver named Charles Medina, passed two bicyclists, one of them being Rapp. But after passing them, investigators said Medina stopped his vehicle, reversed, and struck Rapp.Medina was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Boxingtalk sends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Hanna Rapp.
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Contender Hannah Rapp killed at age 26
Featherweight contender Hannah Rapp was killed, possibly deliberately, while riding a bicycle in Brazos County. She was just 26 years old and a graduate of Purdue University in Indiana. Just last month, Rapp challenged Tiara Brown for the WBC version of the world title, losing a competitive fight by decision. That loss put Rapp's career mark at 8-1-1. According to KBTX.com, the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said an automobile driver named Charles Medina, passed two bicyclists, one of them being Rapp. But after passing them, investigators said Medina stopped his vehicle, reversed, and struck Rapp.Medina was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Boxingtalk sends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Hanna Rapp.
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Watch: British heavyweight Leo Atang reaches 9-0 |
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Leo Atang TKO2 Glen Williams… Teenager Leo Atang (9-0) made a good start in America as his stateside debut went well against Glen Williams in California. Keeping things in perspective, Williams is 2-2 and 36 years old. But Atang is seen as one of Britain’s best prospects at heavyweight and he enhanced that reputation against Williams with a second-round stoppage. Atang was pummeling Williams in a corner when the referee intervened and ended the fight. Still only 19, Atang is likely to feature on many more big Matchroom shows.
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Watch: British heavyweight Leo Atang reaches 9-0
Leo Atang TKO2 Glen Williams… Teenager Leo Atang (9-0) made a good start in America as his stateside debut went well against Glen Williams in California. Keeping things in perspective, Williams is 2-2 and 36 years old. But Atang is seen as one of Britain’s best prospects at heavyweight and he enhanced that reputation against Williams with a second-round stoppage. Atang was pummeling Williams in a corner when the referee intervened and ended the fight. Still only 19, Atang is likely to feature on many more big Matchroom shows.
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Yusniel Abrahante gets quality road win |
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Yusniel Abrahante W6 Luis Coria ... On Saturday, super flyweight Yusniel Abrahante (8-2, 1 KO) traveled into hostile territory and turned in the best victory of his young career, handing hometown favorite Luis Coria (5-1, 5 KOs) hisfirst loss by unanimous decision. It was a six-round bout televised live on ProBox TV from the Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, California. The scorecards read 60-54 and 59-55 (twice), reflecting Abrahante's dominance from start to finish. Coria entered the fight with a perfect record and a 100-percent knockout ratio, but it was Abrahante who controlled every aspect of the contest.
From the opening bell, the Cuban southpaw wasted little time imposing his will. Constantly changing angles, firing combinations from both hands, and refusing to give Coria room to breathe, Abrahante overwhelmed the heavy-handed prospect with relentless pressure. Coria, known for ending fights early, never found the rhythm or distance that had fueled his previous knockout victories as Abrahante dictated the pace over all six rounds.
Instead of fighting cautiously in front of Coria's hometown fans, Abrahante embraced the moment. "I knew exactly what I was walking into," said Abrahante. "I was fighting an undefeated hometown fighter who had knocked out everyone he'd faced, and I knew the crowd was behind him. But once the first bell rings, it's just two fighters in the ring. I wasn't there to survive, I was there to win. I wanted to take the fight to him immediately, make him uncomfortable, and show that I belonged on that stage. To beat him in front of his own fans makes this victory even more satisfying because I had to earn every round."
Abrahante credited months of preparation for his breakout performance, saying his confidence came from the work he put in long before fight night. "This wasn't an accident," Abrahante explained. "My team put together an incredible training camp, and we prepared for every situation we thought we might see. We trained for his power, his pressure, and his style. By the time I got to California, I already believed I had won because I knew the work had been done. When you're prepared mentally and physically, you can fight with confidence, and I think everyone saw that Saturday night."
The victory instantly becomes the biggest of Abrahante's professional career and positions him for bigger opportunities in one of boxing's deepest divisions. "This win changes everything," he said. "People know who I am now. Beating an undefeated fighter on a national stage shows that I belong with the top prospects in the super flyweight division. I'm grateful for this opportunity, but this is only the beginning. I want tougher fights, bigger stages, and eventually I want to fight for championships. Saturday night was a major step toward those goals."
BiYu Promotions President Bobby Harrison believes Abrahante announced himself as one of the division's most dangerous rising contenders. "Yusniel fought exactly the way champions fight," Harrison said. "He wasn't intimidated by the undefeated record, the knockout streak, or fighting in his opponent's hometown. From the opening bell, he took control of the fight and never let Luis Coria get comfortable. That's the sign of a fighter who's growing mentally as much as physically."
Harrison believes Saturday's performance has earned Abrahante a significant step up in competition. "This win opens a lot of doors," Harrison continued. "We've always believed Yusniel had this kind of ability, and now the rest of the boxing world has seen it. We'll sit down with the team, evaluate our options, and look for an even bigger opportunity next. Whether it's another top prospect or a regional title fight, Yusniel has shown he's ready to take that next step."
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Yusniel Abrahante gets quality road win
Yusniel Abrahante W6 Luis Coria ... On Saturday, super flyweight Yusniel Abrahante (8-2, 1 KO) traveled into hostile territory and turned in the best victory of his young career, handing hometown favorite Luis Coria (5-1, 5 KOs) hisfirst loss by unanimous decision. It was a six-round bout televised live on ProBox TV from the Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, California. The scorecards read 60-54 and 59-55 (twice), reflecting Abrahante's dominance from start to finish. Coria entered the fight with a perfect record and a 100-percent knockout ratio, but it was Abrahante who controlled every aspect of the contest.
From the opening bell, the Cuban southpaw wasted little time imposing his will. Constantly changing angles, firing combinations from both hands, and refusing to give Coria room to breathe, Abrahante overwhelmed the heavy-handed prospect with relentless pressure. Coria, known for ending fights early, never found the rhythm or distance that had fueled his previous knockout victories as Abrahante dictated the pace over all six rounds.
Instead of fighting cautiously in front of Coria's hometown fans, Abrahante embraced the moment. "I knew exactly what I was walking into," said Abrahante. "I was fighting an undefeated hometown fighter who had knocked out everyone he'd faced, and I knew the crowd was behind him. But once the first bell rings, it's just two fighters in the ring. I wasn't there to survive, I was there to win. I wanted to take the fight to him immediately, make him uncomfortable, and show that I belonged on that stage. To beat him in front of his own fans makes this victory even more satisfying because I had to earn every round."
Abrahante credited months of preparation for his breakout performance, saying his confidence came from the work he put in long before fight night. "This wasn't an accident," Abrahante explained. "My team put together an incredible training camp, and we prepared for every situation we thought we might see. We trained for his power, his pressure, and his style. By the time I got to California, I already believed I had won because I knew the work had been done. When you're prepared mentally and physically, you can fight with confidence, and I think everyone saw that Saturday night."
The victory instantly becomes the biggest of Abrahante's professional career and positions him for bigger opportunities in one of boxing's deepest divisions. "This win changes everything," he said. "People know who I am now. Beating an undefeated fighter on a national stage shows that I belong with the top prospects in the super flyweight division. I'm grateful for this opportunity, but this is only the beginning. I want tougher fights, bigger stages, and eventually I want to fight for championships. Saturday night was a major step toward those goals."
BiYu Promotions President Bobby Harrison believes Abrahante announced himself as one of the division's most dangerous rising contenders. "Yusniel fought exactly the way champions fight," Harrison said. "He wasn't intimidated by the undefeated record, the knockout streak, or fighting in his opponent's hometown. From the opening bell, he took control of the fight and never let Luis Coria get comfortable. That's the sign of a fighter who's growing mentally as much as physically."
Harrison believes Saturday's performance has earned Abrahante a significant step up in competition. "This win opens a lot of doors," Harrison continued. "We've always believed Yusniel had this kind of ability, and now the rest of the boxing world has seen it. We'll sit down with the team, evaluate our options, and look for an even bigger opportunity next. Whether it's another top prospect or a regional title fight, Yusniel has shown he's ready to take that next step."
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Joe McGrail joins brother Peter at Matchroom |
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British 122-pounder Joe McGrail has signed a new long-term promotional agreement with Matchroom Boxing as the unbeaten Liverpudlian continues his pursuit of major championships, beginning on Saturday, September 5th in Dublin. The 23-year old, the younger brother of fellow Matchroom boxer Peter McGrail, will face unbeaten Matthew Boreland of Coleraine on the Katie Taylor undercard at Croke Park before an expected crowd of 80,000, live on DAZN. McGrail (13-0, 6 KOs), who trains at Everton Red Triangle Gym, believes a victory in Dublin will set the stage for bigger opportunities.
"I'm made up to have signed a new long-term deal with Matchroom Boxing," said McGrail. "I had a difficult time with injuries last year, but Matchroom stood by me. I'm very grateful to Frank Smith, Eddie Hearn and my manager, Anto Fitzpatrick, for their support. I'm fully fit again, feeling stronger than ever, and ready to repay that support in the ring. That begins on September 5th on the Katie Taylor undercard. It'll be a huge night at Croke Park against an unbeaten Matthew Boreland in front of 80,000 fans. I fully expect that victory to be the first of many that come my way, and I'm excited about what the future holds."
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn believes McGrail has the ability to compete at the highest level. "Joe is an exciting young fighter with tremendous ability," said Hearn. "He endured a difficult spell with injuries last year, but he's back and ready to remind everyone of his talent. That's why we've made this long-term commitment to him. There are some big nights ahead for Joe, starting on September 5th at Croke Park in Dublin."
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Joe McGrail joins brother Peter at Matchroom
British 122-pounder Joe McGrail has signed a new long-term promotional agreement with Matchroom Boxing as the unbeaten Liverpudlian continues his pursuit of major championships, beginning on Saturday, September 5th in Dublin. The 23-year old, the younger brother of fellow Matchroom boxer Peter McGrail, will face unbeaten Matthew Boreland of Coleraine on the Katie Taylor undercard at Croke Park before an expected crowd of 80,000, live on DAZN. McGrail (13-0, 6 KOs), who trains at Everton Red Triangle Gym, believes a victory in Dublin will set the stage for bigger opportunities.
"I'm made up to have signed a new long-term deal with Matchroom Boxing," said McGrail. "I had a difficult time with injuries last year, but Matchroom stood by me. I'm very grateful to Frank Smith, Eddie Hearn and my manager, Anto Fitzpatrick, for their support. I'm fully fit again, feeling stronger than ever, and ready to repay that support in the ring. That begins on September 5th on the Katie Taylor undercard. It'll be a huge night at Croke Park against an unbeaten Matthew Boreland in front of 80,000 fans. I fully expect that victory to be the first of many that come my way, and I'm excited about what the future holds."
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn believes McGrail has the ability to compete at the highest level. "Joe is an exciting young fighter with tremendous ability," said Hearn. "He endured a difficult spell with injuries last year, but he's back and ready to remind everyone of his talent. That's why we've made this long-term commitment to him. There are some big nights ahead for Joe, starting on September 5th at Croke Park in Dublin."
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Weigh-in report from San Bernardino, CA |
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Here are the boxers' weights from ProBox's marathon-length show at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California:
Bryan Flores 140 pounds vs. Jonathan Navarro 141.4.
Charly Suarez 129 vs. Manuel Avila 130.6;
Adelaida Maria Ruiz 114.6 vs. Ginny Fuchs 113.6 (WBC world title fight);
Joshua Kevin Anton 153.4 vs. Vladimir Hernandez 152.8;
Ruben Eduardo Aguilar 145.8 vs. Tre’Sean Wiggins 145;
Charles Harris Jr. 141.6 vs. Jason Limon 146.4;
Hugo Amador Mendez 134.6 vs. William King 134.6;
KJ Waialae 156.6 vs. Juan Carlos Campos Medina 156.2;
Diego Aviles 114.2 vs. Jaime Jasso 113;
Luis Coria 115 vs. Yusniel Abrahante 114.8;
Christian Tinoco 121.6 vs. Michael Fernandez 121.8; and
Oscar Bonifacino 125.8 vs. Raul Escudero 125.4.
Date: Saturday, July 18th
Venue: NOS Events Center, San Bernardino, California
Broadcast: ProBoxTV, 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET
Promoters: Garry Jonas (Pro Box Promotions), Robert Garcia (House of Champions), Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing) and Paco Damian (Paco Presents)
Matchmakers: Ramiro Hernandez, Daniel Rubin and Joseph Rotonda
About Flores vs. Navarro
The full card is set for the ProBoxTV “The Contender Series” broadcast on Saturday, July 18th, from the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California, headlined by Bryan “Nino Maravilla” Flores against Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro.
Flores (28-1, 16 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Juarez, Mexico, faces Navarro (18-2, 9 KOs) of East Los Angeles in the night's ten-round main event.
In the ten-round co-feature, #1 WBO contender Charly “King's Warrior” Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) of Manila, Philippines, meets Manuel Avila (26-2-1, 9 KOs) of Fairfield, California. Suarez will put his mandatory status and unbeaten record on the line.
Junior middleweight southpaws Joshua Kevin Anton (13-0, 12 KOs) of Palmdale, California, and Vladimir Hernandez (17-7, 7 KOs) of Stockton, California, by way of Durango, Mexico, clash over ten rounds.
Ruben “El Pollito” Aguilar (24-0-1, 21 KOs) of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, takes on Tre'Sean “Trigger” Wiggins (17-5-4, 10 KOs) of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in a ten-round welterweight bout.
WBC women's super flyweight champion Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz (18-1-1, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles faces interim champion Ginny Fuchs (4-0, 1 KO) of Houston in a ten-round world title bout.
The televised Future Stars portion of the card begins with Charles “LOLO” Harris (12-1, 7 KOs) of Rialto, California, facing Jason “El Gallo” Limon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio in an eight-round junior welterweight bout.
Lightweight Hugo Amador Mendez (7-0, 4 KOs) of Austin, Texas, meets William King (6-4-2, 3 KOs) of Lynwood, California, in a six-round bout. Opening the broadcast, junior middleweight KJ Waialae (4-0, 2 KOs) of Hawaii faces Juan Carlos Campos Medina (4-3, 3 KOs) of Mexico over six rounds.
Four additional bouts will take place after the main event and will be streamed live on the ProBoxTV YouTube channel.
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Weigh-in report from San Bernardino, CA
Here are the boxers' weights from ProBox's marathon-length show at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California:
Bryan Flores 140 pounds vs. Jonathan Navarro 141.4.
Charly Suarez 129 vs. Manuel Avila 130.6;
Adelaida Maria Ruiz 114.6 vs. Ginny Fuchs 113.6 (WBC world title fight);
Joshua Kevin Anton 153.4 vs. Vladimir Hernandez 152.8;
Ruben Eduardo Aguilar 145.8 vs. Tre’Sean Wiggins 145;
Charles Harris Jr. 141.6 vs. Jason Limon 146.4;
Hugo Amador Mendez 134.6 vs. William King 134.6;
KJ Waialae 156.6 vs. Juan Carlos Campos Medina 156.2;
Diego Aviles 114.2 vs. Jaime Jasso 113;
Luis Coria 115 vs. Yusniel Abrahante 114.8;
Christian Tinoco 121.6 vs. Michael Fernandez 121.8; and
Oscar Bonifacino 125.8 vs. Raul Escudero 125.4.
Date: Saturday, July 18th
Venue: NOS Events Center, San Bernardino, California
Broadcast: ProBoxTV, 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET
Promoters: Garry Jonas (Pro Box Promotions), Robert Garcia (House of Champions), Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing) and Paco Damian (Paco Presents)
Matchmakers: Ramiro Hernandez, Daniel Rubin and Joseph Rotonda
About Flores vs. Navarro
The full card is set for the ProBoxTV “The Contender Series” broadcast on Saturday, July 18th, from the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California, headlined by Bryan “Nino Maravilla” Flores against Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro.
Flores (28-1, 16 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Juarez, Mexico, faces Navarro (18-2, 9 KOs) of East Los Angeles in the night's ten-round main event.
In the ten-round co-feature, #1 WBO contender Charly “King's Warrior” Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) of Manila, Philippines, meets Manuel Avila (26-2-1, 9 KOs) of Fairfield, California. Suarez will put his mandatory status and unbeaten record on the line.
Junior middleweight southpaws Joshua Kevin Anton (13-0, 12 KOs) of Palmdale, California, and Vladimir Hernandez (17-7, 7 KOs) of Stockton, California, by way of Durango, Mexico, clash over ten rounds.
Ruben “El Pollito” Aguilar (24-0-1, 21 KOs) of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, takes on Tre'Sean “Trigger” Wiggins (17-5-4, 10 KOs) of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in a ten-round welterweight bout.
WBC women's super flyweight champion Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz (18-1-1, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles faces interim champion Ginny Fuchs (4-0, 1 KO) of Houston in a ten-round world title bout.
The televised Future Stars portion of the card begins with Charles “LOLO” Harris (12-1, 7 KOs) of Rialto, California, facing Jason “El Gallo” Limon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio in an eight-round junior welterweight bout.
Lightweight Hugo Amador Mendez (7-0, 4 KOs) of Austin, Texas, meets William King (6-4-2, 3 KOs) of Lynwood, California, in a six-round bout. Opening the broadcast, junior middleweight KJ Waialae (4-0, 2 KOs) of Hawaii faces Juan Carlos Campos Medina (4-3, 3 KOs) of Mexico over six rounds.
Four additional bouts will take place after the main event and will be streamed live on the ProBoxTV YouTube channel.
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Ex-champ Higa fights for meaningless WBA trinket |
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Tokyo will host an all-Japanese showdown on Monday, July 20th, as Riku Masuda and former champion Daigo Higa meet for the WBA reglar bantamweight championship. This will be a bogus title fight, as the WBA already has two champions, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez and Seiya Tsutsumi in the same weight class. Masuda (10-1, 9 KOs) enters the biggest fight of his career after earning his title opportunity with a stoppage victory over former multi-division champion Nonito Donaire in a WBA title eliminator. The 20 year-old southpaw stands 5-foot-9 and owns a 90 percent knockout rate. Masuda will look to establish his jab, capitalize on counterpunching opportunities and use his height, reach and power to keep Higa at range.
Higa (21-3-3, 19 KOs) brings championship experience into another title opportunity. The 30-year-old from Okinawa held the WBC flyweight title from 2017 to 2018, making two successful defenses. He enters the bout following consecutive draws against Tsutsumi and ex-titlist Antonio Vargas. Higa's best chance may be to pressure Masuda from the opening bell, slip the jab with upper-body movement and attack the body in an effort to force the younger fighter into close-range exchanges. For Masuda, the key will be maintaining distance, boxing behind his jab and avoiding prolonged exchanges on the inside. Higa, meanwhile, will need to cut off the ring, withstand Masuda's early power and impose his pressure if he hopes to regain a world championship.
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Ex-champ Higa fights for meaningless WBA trinket
Tokyo will host an all-Japanese showdown on Monday, July 20th, as Riku Masuda and former champion Daigo Higa meet for the WBA reglar bantamweight championship. This will be a bogus title fight, as the WBA already has two champions, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez and Seiya Tsutsumi in the same weight class. Masuda (10-1, 9 KOs) enters the biggest fight of his career after earning his title opportunity with a stoppage victory over former multi-division champion Nonito Donaire in a WBA title eliminator. The 20 year-old southpaw stands 5-foot-9 and owns a 90 percent knockout rate. Masuda will look to establish his jab, capitalize on counterpunching opportunities and use his height, reach and power to keep Higa at range.
Higa (21-3-3, 19 KOs) brings championship experience into another title opportunity. The 30-year-old from Okinawa held the WBC flyweight title from 2017 to 2018, making two successful defenses. He enters the bout following consecutive draws against Tsutsumi and ex-titlist Antonio Vargas. Higa's best chance may be to pressure Masuda from the opening bell, slip the jab with upper-body movement and attack the body in an effort to force the younger fighter into close-range exchanges. For Masuda, the key will be maintaining distance, boxing behind his jab and avoiding prolonged exchanges on the inside. Higa, meanwhile, will need to cut off the ring, withstand Masuda's early power and impose his pressure if he hopes to regain a world championship.
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Badien Hasso remains undefeated |
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Badien Hasso TKO2 David Kerkmann ... Light heavyweight Badien Hasso triumphed with a second-round technical knockout victory over Germany's David Kerkmann on a card promoted by Ahmet Öner at The Address in Mülheim, Germany. Kerkmann (now 32-5) entered the bout with a solid professional résumé but was unable to match Hasso's pace and power. Hasso controlled the action from the outset while performing before Sardar Ismail, General Director of Sports in Kurdistan, who was seated at ringside. The bout ended just 57 seconds into the second round when Hasso (23-0) landed a powerful right hand that dropped Kerkmann to the canvas. Although Kerkmann beat the count, referee Jürgen Langos stopped the contest after determining that the challenger was unable to continue safely.
Following the victory, Hasso, who was born in the Kurdistan region, reiterated his desire to compete under the flag of Kurdistan rather than Iraq. Echoing those sentiments, Ismail discussed plans to bring major professional boxing events to Kurdistan, with the immediate goal of staging a card that would allow Hasso to defend his championship before his home fans.
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Badien Hasso remains undefeated
Badien Hasso TKO2 David Kerkmann ... Light heavyweight Badien Hasso triumphed with a second-round technical knockout victory over Germany's David Kerkmann on a card promoted by Ahmet Öner at The Address in Mülheim, Germany. Kerkmann (now 32-5) entered the bout with a solid professional résumé but was unable to match Hasso's pace and power. Hasso controlled the action from the outset while performing before Sardar Ismail, General Director of Sports in Kurdistan, who was seated at ringside. The bout ended just 57 seconds into the second round when Hasso (23-0) landed a powerful right hand that dropped Kerkmann to the canvas. Although Kerkmann beat the count, referee Jürgen Langos stopped the contest after determining that the challenger was unable to continue safely.
Following the victory, Hasso, who was born in the Kurdistan region, reiterated his desire to compete under the flag of Kurdistan rather than Iraq. Echoing those sentiments, Ismail discussed plans to bring major professional boxing events to Kurdistan, with the immediate goal of staging a card that would allow Hasso to defend his championship before his home fans.
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Two title fights added to Joshua show in Saudi Arabia |
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Turki Alalshikh of Saudi Arabia announced the full undercard for "The Comeback," featuring two world title fights as Hamzah Sheeraz makes the first defense of his WBO super middleweight championship against Simon Zachenhuber (despite a loss earlier this year), while Josh Kelly defends his IBF junior middleweight championship against unbeaten Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko on Saturday, July 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, live worldwide on DAZN. The event, headlined by Anthony Joshua's heavyweight clash with Kristian Prenga, forms part of Jeddah Season in association with Riyadh Season, Matchroom Boxing, SELA and Goldstar.
Kelly makes the first defense of the IBF junior middleweight championship he won by majority decision over Bakhram Murtazaliev in January. The Sunderland, England native now faces Agyarko, who receives his first world title opportunity after his IBF title eliminator earlier this year was canceled.
Joining Kelly on the undercard is fellow Brit Hamzah Sheeraz, fresh off capturing the WBO super middleweight championship in Egypt in May. Sheeraz makes his first title defense against Simon Zachenhuber.
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
Japanese featherweight Reito Tsutsumi returns to Saudi Arabia following a stoppage victory on the "Night of the Samurai" card in Riyadh last December. The unbeaten featherweight faces Alvino Herrera of Mexico, who also enters the bout unbeaten.
Olympic gold medalist Oleksandr Khyzhniak of the Ukraine continues his transition from the amateur ranks. Standing opposite him is unbeaten Lenny Patrach of France in another valuable test for the light heavyweight.
British flyweight Mikie Tallon makes his Saudi Arabian debut after extending his unbeaten record earlier this year. The 23-year-old from Liverpool now looks to continue that momentum against Orlando Pino of Venezuela.
India's unbeaten Olympian Nishant Dev continues his professional career against Cesar Diaz of Peru. The 2024 Olympic bronze medalist looks to continue his rise in the junior middleweight division.
Pawel August caused a major upset on the Fury-Makhmudov card in April by defeating the previously unbeaten Zachenhuber despite stepping in as a late replacement with only a few weeks to prepare. He now faces unbeaten Jacob Bank of Denmark, who owns a 19-0 record and earned the biggest victory of his career in January by defeating former world champion William Scull.
Three of Saudi Arabia's leading professional boxers return to the ring on home soil, with Mohammed Alakel, Ziyad Almaayouf and Sultan Almohammed all returning to action. Alakel faces Lydon Chircop, Almaayouf meets Frank Mango and Almohammed takes on Efren Besalduch.
The card also showcases two of Egypt's rising young fighters. Omar Hikal returns following a victory in his last outing to face Brian Castellano of Spain, while Mohamed Mabrouk meets Bryan Zapata as both continue their professional development.
Fight Week begins on Wednesday, July 22nd with the Grand Arrivals at Jeddah Yacht Club, followed by the official press conference on Thursday and the weigh-in on Friday at Jeddah Promenade. Both events will stream live worldwide on DAZN.
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Two title fights added to Joshua show in Saudi Arabia
Turki Alalshikh of Saudi Arabia announced the full undercard for "The Comeback," featuring two world title fights as Hamzah Sheeraz makes the first defense of his WBO super middleweight championship against Simon Zachenhuber (despite a loss earlier this year), while Josh Kelly defends his IBF junior middleweight championship against unbeaten Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko on Saturday, July 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, live worldwide on DAZN. The event, headlined by Anthony Joshua's heavyweight clash with Kristian Prenga, forms part of Jeddah Season in association with Riyadh Season, Matchroom Boxing, SELA and Goldstar.
Kelly makes the first defense of the IBF junior middleweight championship he won by majority decision over Bakhram Murtazaliev in January. The Sunderland, England native now faces Agyarko, who receives his first world title opportunity after his IBF title eliminator earlier this year was canceled.
Joining Kelly on the undercard is fellow Brit Hamzah Sheeraz, fresh off capturing the WBO super middleweight championship in Egypt in May. Sheeraz makes his first title defense against Simon Zachenhuber.
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
Japanese featherweight Reito Tsutsumi returns to Saudi Arabia following a stoppage victory on the "Night of the Samurai" card in Riyadh last December. The unbeaten featherweight faces Alvino Herrera of Mexico, who also enters the bout unbeaten.
Olympic gold medalist Oleksandr Khyzhniak of the Ukraine continues his transition from the amateur ranks. Standing opposite him is unbeaten Lenny Patrach of France in another valuable test for the light heavyweight.
British flyweight Mikie Tallon makes his Saudi Arabian debut after extending his unbeaten record earlier this year. The 23-year-old from Liverpool now looks to continue that momentum against Orlando Pino of Venezuela.
India's unbeaten Olympian Nishant Dev continues his professional career against Cesar Diaz of Peru. The 2024 Olympic bronze medalist looks to continue his rise in the junior middleweight division.
Pawel August caused a major upset on the Fury-Makhmudov card in April by defeating the previously unbeaten Zachenhuber despite stepping in as a late replacement with only a few weeks to prepare. He now faces unbeaten Jacob Bank of Denmark, who owns a 19-0 record and earned the biggest victory of his career in January by defeating former world champion William Scull.
Three of Saudi Arabia's leading professional boxers return to the ring on home soil, with Mohammed Alakel, Ziyad Almaayouf and Sultan Almohammed all returning to action. Alakel faces Lydon Chircop, Almaayouf meets Frank Mango and Almohammed takes on Efren Besalduch.
The card also showcases two of Egypt's rising young fighters. Omar Hikal returns following a victory in his last outing to face Brian Castellano of Spain, while Mohamed Mabrouk meets Bryan Zapata as both continue their professional development.
Fight Week begins on Wednesday, July 22nd with the Grand Arrivals at Jeddah Yacht Club, followed by the official press conference on Thursday and the weigh-in on Friday at Jeddah Promenade. Both events will stream live worldwide on DAZN.
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Serrano vs. Manzur set for twelve two-minute rounds |
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Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and TikTok Live announced a collaboration that will bring championship boxing to TikTok Live for the first time on Friday, August 21st at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. The event is headlined by unified world featherweight champion Amanda "The Real Deal" Serrano (49-4-1, 32 KOs), who faces Lucrecia Manzur (14-4, 7 KOs) of Argentina as she attempts to set the all-time women's knockout record. Serrano vs. Manzur will also mark the first unified women's world championship contested over twelve two-minute rounds for the unified WBA and WBO featherweight championships. Already a seven-division champion, the first Puerto Rican undisputed world champion, and the first woman to headline Madison Square Garden, Serrano (pictured) previously became the first champion to defend unified titles under the same rules as men's championship bouts. She now has the opportunity to become the first unified boxing champion to compete in a twelve two-minute round title fight while also headlining the first championship boxing event streamed live on TikTok Live. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.
Serrano is the first Puerto Rican undisputed world champion and the most decorated fighter in women's boxing history. She currently holds the WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine featherweight championships and recently tied the all-time women's boxing knockout record by scoring her 32nd professional knockout against Cheyenne Hanson in May.
"I've dedicated my career to creating opportunities for women's boxing and bringing our sport to the biggest stages possible, so to headline the first championship boxing event on TikTok is incredibly meaningful," said Serrano. "Women's boxing deserves to be seen by as many people around the world as possible, and this partnership gives us the opportunity to introduce our sport to a massive global audience. I'm also proud that Lucrecia and I will make history in the first unified women's world championship contested over twelve two-minute rounds.
"Every time I step into the ring, I'm fighting for Puerto Rico. On Friday, August 21st, I have the opportunity to make history for my island, break the all-time women's knockout record and defend my world championships. This will be a night to remember for Temecula and boxing fans around the world."
Manzur, age 27, made her professional debut in 2020 and has steadily climbed the featherweight ranks by capturing Argentine and South American championships before earning the WBO Latino featherweight title. She enters the bout following a series of successful title defenses.
"I've been asking for this opportunity for a very long time," said Manzur. "Ever since I started boxing, I've dreamed of fighting for a world championship, and now I have the chance against one of the sport's true icons. I have tremendous respect for everything Amanda has accomplished, but once we step into the ring, my focus is on winning. I'm confident in my preparation, my abilities and the work we've put in together. In one month, I believe Tucumán and all of Argentina will be celebrating a new world champion."
"From day one, MVP has challenged the traditional boxing model by creating major opportunities for fighters while finding new ways to bring the sport to fans around the world," said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. "Partnering with TikTok to deliver the first championship boxing event on TikTok Live is another step toward making championship boxing more accessible than ever.
"This would not be possible without Amanda Serrano, whose accomplishments have helped redefine women's boxing. On Friday, August 21st, she has another opportunity to make history."
"This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing compelling live sports to our global community while giving fans new ways to engage with athletes they love," said Shen Gao, Head of Live Operations, Americas at TikTok. "We're excited to bring the first championship boxing event to TikTok Live alongside MVP as Amanda Serrano pursues another historic achievement."
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Serrano vs. Manzur set for twelve two-minute rounds
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and TikTok Live announced a collaboration that will bring championship boxing to TikTok Live for the first time on Friday, August 21st at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. The event is headlined by unified world featherweight champion Amanda "The Real Deal" Serrano (49-4-1, 32 KOs), who faces Lucrecia Manzur (14-4, 7 KOs) of Argentina as she attempts to set the all-time women's knockout record. Serrano vs. Manzur will also mark the first unified women's world championship contested over twelve two-minute rounds for the unified WBA and WBO featherweight championships. Already a seven-division champion, the first Puerto Rican undisputed world champion, and the first woman to headline Madison Square Garden, Serrano (pictured) previously became the first champion to defend unified titles under the same rules as men's championship bouts. She now has the opportunity to become the first unified boxing champion to compete in a twelve two-minute round title fight while also headlining the first championship boxing event streamed live on TikTok Live. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.
Serrano is the first Puerto Rican undisputed world champion and the most decorated fighter in women's boxing history. She currently holds the WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine featherweight championships and recently tied the all-time women's boxing knockout record by scoring her 32nd professional knockout against Cheyenne Hanson in May.
"I've dedicated my career to creating opportunities for women's boxing and bringing our sport to the biggest stages possible, so to headline the first championship boxing event on TikTok is incredibly meaningful," said Serrano. "Women's boxing deserves to be seen by as many people around the world as possible, and this partnership gives us the opportunity to introduce our sport to a massive global audience. I'm also proud that Lucrecia and I will make history in the first unified women's world championship contested over twelve two-minute rounds.
"Every time I step into the ring, I'm fighting for Puerto Rico. On Friday, August 21st, I have the opportunity to make history for my island, break the all-time women's knockout record and defend my world championships. This will be a night to remember for Temecula and boxing fans around the world."
Manzur, age 27, made her professional debut in 2020 and has steadily climbed the featherweight ranks by capturing Argentine and South American championships before earning the WBO Latino featherweight title. She enters the bout following a series of successful title defenses.
"I've been asking for this opportunity for a very long time," said Manzur. "Ever since I started boxing, I've dreamed of fighting for a world championship, and now I have the chance against one of the sport's true icons. I have tremendous respect for everything Amanda has accomplished, but once we step into the ring, my focus is on winning. I'm confident in my preparation, my abilities and the work we've put in together. In one month, I believe Tucumán and all of Argentina will be celebrating a new world champion."
"From day one, MVP has challenged the traditional boxing model by creating major opportunities for fighters while finding new ways to bring the sport to fans around the world," said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. "Partnering with TikTok to deliver the first championship boxing event on TikTok Live is another step toward making championship boxing more accessible than ever.
"This would not be possible without Amanda Serrano, whose accomplishments have helped redefine women's boxing. On Friday, August 21st, she has another opportunity to make history."
"This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing compelling live sports to our global community while giving fans new ways to engage with athletes they love," said Shen Gao, Head of Live Operations, Americas at TikTok. "We're excited to bring the first championship boxing event to TikTok Live alongside MVP as Amanda Serrano pursues another historic achievement."
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ProBox presents nine hours of boxing on Saturday |
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On Saturday, July 18th, ProBox TV will present a nine-hour live boxing broadcast from the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California, beginning at 4 p.m. EDT. In the ten-round main event, Bryan "Nino Maravilla" Flores (28-1, 16 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Juarez, Mexico, faces Jonathan "Thunder" Navarro (18-2, 9 KOs) of East Los Angeles in a junior welterweight bout.... Current WBC super flyweight champion Adelaida "La Cobra" Ruiz (18-1-1, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles faces interim champion Ginny Fuchs (4-0, 1 KO) of Houston in a ten-round bout...... Also, Charly "King's Warrior" Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) of Manila meets Manuel Avila (26-2-1, 9 KOs) of Fairfield, California, in a ten-round junior lightweight contest.... In supporting action, junior middleweights Joshua Kevin Anton (13-0, 12 KOs) of Palmdale, California, and Vladimir Hernandez (17-7, 7 KOs) originally from Durango, Mexico, clash in a ten-round bout.... Also scheduled, Ruben "El Pollito" Aguilar (24-0-1, 21 KOs) of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, takes on Tre'Sean "Trigger" Wiggins (17-5-4, 10 KOs) of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in a ten-round welterweight bout.
In another ten-round junior middleweight contest, unbeaten Yan Marcos (15-0, 10 KOs) of Miami by way of Cuba faces Guido Emmanuel Schramm (17-4-3, 10 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Argentina... The televised Future Stars portion of the card opens with Charles "Lolo" Harris (12-1, 7 KOs) of Rialto, California, facing Jason "El Gallo" Limon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio in an eight-round junior welterweight bout... Also scheduled, lightweight Amador Mendez (7-0, 4 KOs) of Austin, Texas, faces William King (6-4-2, 3 KOs) of Lynwood, California, in a six-round lightweight bout.... Opening the broadcast, Hawaii's KJ Wailele (4-0, 2 KOs) meets Juan Carlos Campos Medina (4-3, 3 KOs) of Mexico in a six-round junior middleweight contest.
The event will stream free on Amazon, Fubo, Tubi and Pluto TV.
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ProBox presents nine hours of boxing on Saturday
On Saturday, July 18th, ProBox TV will present a nine-hour live boxing broadcast from the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California, beginning at 4 p.m. EDT. In the ten-round main event, Bryan "Nino Maravilla" Flores (28-1, 16 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Juarez, Mexico, faces Jonathan "Thunder" Navarro (18-2, 9 KOs) of East Los Angeles in a junior welterweight bout.... Current WBC super flyweight champion Adelaida "La Cobra" Ruiz (18-1-1, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles faces interim champion Ginny Fuchs (4-0, 1 KO) of Houston in a ten-round bout...... Also, Charly "King's Warrior" Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) of Manila meets Manuel Avila (26-2-1, 9 KOs) of Fairfield, California, in a ten-round junior lightweight contest.... In supporting action, junior middleweights Joshua Kevin Anton (13-0, 12 KOs) of Palmdale, California, and Vladimir Hernandez (17-7, 7 KOs) originally from Durango, Mexico, clash in a ten-round bout.... Also scheduled, Ruben "El Pollito" Aguilar (24-0-1, 21 KOs) of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, takes on Tre'Sean "Trigger" Wiggins (17-5-4, 10 KOs) of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in a ten-round welterweight bout.
In another ten-round junior middleweight contest, unbeaten Yan Marcos (15-0, 10 KOs) of Miami by way of Cuba faces Guido Emmanuel Schramm (17-4-3, 10 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Argentina... The televised Future Stars portion of the card opens with Charles "Lolo" Harris (12-1, 7 KOs) of Rialto, California, facing Jason "El Gallo" Limon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio in an eight-round junior welterweight bout... Also scheduled, lightweight Amador Mendez (7-0, 4 KOs) of Austin, Texas, faces William King (6-4-2, 3 KOs) of Lynwood, California, in a six-round lightweight bout.... Opening the broadcast, Hawaii's KJ Wailele (4-0, 2 KOs) meets Juan Carlos Campos Medina (4-3, 3 KOs) of Mexico in a six-round junior middleweight contest.
The event will stream free on Amazon, Fubo, Tubi and Pluto TV.
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Buddy McGirt sings the praises of Diego Pacheco |
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Trainer (and former two-division champ) Buddy McGirt believes his new charge, Diego Pacheco, has only begun to tap into his potential as the pair begin their partnership on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, where Pacheco faces Immanuwel Aleem live worldwide on DAZN. Pacheco (25-0, 18 KOs) enters the bout after signing a new promotional agreement with Matchroom. The Los Angeles native returns to the venue known as the War Grounds for the second time after stopping Maciej Sulecki there in 2024. Aleem (22-4-3, 14 KOs) is seeking the biggest victory of his career and looks to rebound from a March defeat to Lester Martinez in a bout for the interim WBC title.
McGirt, who has trained many of boxing's biggest stars, completed his first training camp with Pacheco and believes the 25-year old possesses untapped abilities as he continues pursuing a world title opportunity at super middleweight. "I don't believe he's scratched the surface yet with his talent," said McGirt. "He's gotten by doing what he's been doing, but the key is to make him better and make the fights much easier. He has the talent to make fights easier instead of making them hard. Once he starts using all the tools he has and gains confidence in them, everything becomes much easier. On Saturday, I expect him to be Diego, but I also expect him to show some of the things we've worked on. Not everything, because you can't expect that in the first fight together, but if he does one or two of those things, it'll be a very successful night. First, you've got to build the relationship. Then you learn what makes him tick. This young man has a tremendous amount of talent, a long future and a lot to offer. There are things he can do that I don't think he realizes he can do yet. The key is not to throw everything at him all at once. He's willing to learn. A lot of fighters always have an answer, 'Yeah, I know, but….' Well, if you know, you don't need me. Diego listens, tries to apply what I teach him, and if he makes a mistake, he'll point it out before I do."
"\I felt like I needed someone who's competed at the highest level, someone who's been a world champion and worked the corner in major championship fights," said Pacheco. "Buddy was the perfect guy. In the past, I felt some coaches let things slide because of my height and the things I could do. They thought I could get away with certain habits. Buddy is old school. Everything has to be on point. I love his boxing IQ and the emphasis he places on the jab. That's exactly what I needed to reach the next level. This is my first camp with Buddy. We've spent a lot of time learning and correcting little things that weren't addressed before. Some of what he wanted me to work on felt awkward at first because it was new, but once I became comfortable with it, I started feeling really sharp."
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Buddy McGirt sings the praises of Diego Pacheco
Trainer (and former two-division champ) Buddy McGirt believes his new charge, Diego Pacheco, has only begun to tap into his potential as the pair begin their partnership on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, where Pacheco faces Immanuwel Aleem live worldwide on DAZN. Pacheco (25-0, 18 KOs) enters the bout after signing a new promotional agreement with Matchroom. The Los Angeles native returns to the venue known as the War Grounds for the second time after stopping Maciej Sulecki there in 2024. Aleem (22-4-3, 14 KOs) is seeking the biggest victory of his career and looks to rebound from a March defeat to Lester Martinez in a bout for the interim WBC title.
McGirt, who has trained many of boxing's biggest stars, completed his first training camp with Pacheco and believes the 25-year old possesses untapped abilities as he continues pursuing a world title opportunity at super middleweight. "I don't believe he's scratched the surface yet with his talent," said McGirt. "He's gotten by doing what he's been doing, but the key is to make him better and make the fights much easier. He has the talent to make fights easier instead of making them hard. Once he starts using all the tools he has and gains confidence in them, everything becomes much easier. On Saturday, I expect him to be Diego, but I also expect him to show some of the things we've worked on. Not everything, because you can't expect that in the first fight together, but if he does one or two of those things, it'll be a very successful night. First, you've got to build the relationship. Then you learn what makes him tick. This young man has a tremendous amount of talent, a long future and a lot to offer. There are things he can do that I don't think he realizes he can do yet. The key is not to throw everything at him all at once. He's willing to learn. A lot of fighters always have an answer, 'Yeah, I know, but….' Well, if you know, you don't need me. Diego listens, tries to apply what I teach him, and if he makes a mistake, he'll point it out before I do."
"\I felt like I needed someone who's competed at the highest level, someone who's been a world champion and worked the corner in major championship fights," said Pacheco. "Buddy was the perfect guy. In the past, I felt some coaches let things slide because of my height and the things I could do. They thought I could get away with certain habits. Buddy is old school. Everything has to be on point. I love his boxing IQ and the emphasis he places on the jab. That's exactly what I needed to reach the next level. This is my first camp with Buddy. We've spent a lot of time learning and correcting little things that weren't addressed before. Some of what he wanted me to work on felt awkward at first because it was new, but once I became comfortable with it, I started feeling really sharp."
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Introducing DAZN's Project Series |
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Matchroom and DAZN have announced the launch of the new Project Series in association with Boxlab Promotions, with the inaugural event taking place at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, August 28th, headlined by Corey Marksman against Christian Barreto in a lightweight showdown. Project Series is designed to develop boxing's emerging talent by matching young fighters in competitive bouts while providing a platform for upcoming boxers on DAZN. The co-feature pits Florida rivals Alex Bray against Antraveous "Yamz" Ingram in a ten-round junior middleweight contest. Bray (11-0, 8 KOs) went the distance in his first scheduled ten-round bout in February, improving to 11-0 as a professional. Ingram (13-0-1, 7 KOs) returns to Caribe Royale for the 11th consecutive time, looking to hand Bray the first defeat of his career. Also confirmed for the inaugural Project Series card, Kaipo Gallegos (12-0-1, 9 KOs) meets Desmond Lyons (11-3, 2 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout, while Carlos DeLeon (8-0, 6 KOs) of Puerto Rico faces Maxwel Montes (13-5-1, 7 KOs) of Nicaragua in an eight-round junior lightweight contest.
Marksman (13-0-1, 9 KOs) returns to Caribe Royale after defeating Jaycob Gomez in March. The 25-year old enters his tenth appearance at the Orlando venue looking to build on his momentum in his second scheduled ten-round bout. "My time has come," said Marksman. "Everything I've been asking and working for—main event Marksman has arrived!"
Barreto (15-0, 9 KOs) makes his first scheduled ten-round appearance. The Puerto Rican, promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions, will be fighting for the third time in the United States and his second at Caribe Royale. "I'm very happy for this opportunity and truly grateful to my team and the WBA and WBO for making it possible," said Barreto. "This is exactly the kind of fight I've been looking for. I'm more than ready to show the world what I'm made of and come out victorious. The fans are going to enjoy every second because, as I always say, whenever you watch El Capitán, you're guaranteed action."
"We're very excited about this fight for Christian against Corey Marksman," said Héctor Soto, President of Miguel Cotto Promotions & H2 Entertainment. "It's the opportunity he wanted to show the world his talent. We know his discipline and ability, and on August 28th everyone will see what he's capable of."
For the co-feature, "Being undefeated is something I've earned through hard work, discipline and staying focused every single day," said Bray. "On August 28th, I plan to protect that record and show everyone I'm ready for bigger opportunities. I respect Antraveous for stepping into the ring, but once the fight starts my goal is to put on a dominant performance. My plan is to take him out."
"It's Yamz season—anything in my way must fall," said Ingram. "I'm representing my city. On August 28th I'll win big and make my name at 154 pounds."
"I am delighted to launch the Project Series live on DAZN," said Matchroom's Eddie Hearn. "Giving young fighters and contenders a platform to showcase their skills on the global home of boxing is vital to their development, while matching them in competitive fights creates great events for subscribers. There is no better partner for this series than Amaury Piedra, Caribe Royale and Boxlab Promotions. This continues our successful relationship and further establishes Caribe Royale as one of the premier boxing venues in the United States."
"Caribe Royale is proud to partner with Matchroom Boxing to launch the Project Series," said Amaury Piedra, CEO of Boxlab Promotions. "These events align with Caribe Royale's strategy of providing guests and local residents with world-class entertainment. By partnering with Matchroom, we believe this series will become one of boxing's most exciting platforms for developing future champions. The entire Caribe Royale team looks forward to launching another venture that helps keep Orlando at the center of boxing in Florida and throughout the Southeast."
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Introducing DAZN's Project Series
Matchroom and DAZN have announced the launch of the new Project Series in association with Boxlab Promotions, with the inaugural event taking place at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, August 28th, headlined by Corey Marksman against Christian Barreto in a lightweight showdown. Project Series is designed to develop boxing's emerging talent by matching young fighters in competitive bouts while providing a platform for upcoming boxers on DAZN. The co-feature pits Florida rivals Alex Bray against Antraveous "Yamz" Ingram in a ten-round junior middleweight contest. Bray (11-0, 8 KOs) went the distance in his first scheduled ten-round bout in February, improving to 11-0 as a professional. Ingram (13-0-1, 7 KOs) returns to Caribe Royale for the 11th consecutive time, looking to hand Bray the first defeat of his career. Also confirmed for the inaugural Project Series card, Kaipo Gallegos (12-0-1, 9 KOs) meets Desmond Lyons (11-3, 2 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout, while Carlos DeLeon (8-0, 6 KOs) of Puerto Rico faces Maxwel Montes (13-5-1, 7 KOs) of Nicaragua in an eight-round junior lightweight contest.
Marksman (13-0-1, 9 KOs) returns to Caribe Royale after defeating Jaycob Gomez in March. The 25-year old enters his tenth appearance at the Orlando venue looking to build on his momentum in his second scheduled ten-round bout. "My time has come," said Marksman. "Everything I've been asking and working for—main event Marksman has arrived!"
Barreto (15-0, 9 KOs) makes his first scheduled ten-round appearance. The Puerto Rican, promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions, will be fighting for the third time in the United States and his second at Caribe Royale. "I'm very happy for this opportunity and truly grateful to my team and the WBA and WBO for making it possible," said Barreto. "This is exactly the kind of fight I've been looking for. I'm more than ready to show the world what I'm made of and come out victorious. The fans are going to enjoy every second because, as I always say, whenever you watch El Capitán, you're guaranteed action."
"We're very excited about this fight for Christian against Corey Marksman," said Héctor Soto, President of Miguel Cotto Promotions & H2 Entertainment. "It's the opportunity he wanted to show the world his talent. We know his discipline and ability, and on August 28th everyone will see what he's capable of."
For the co-feature, "Being undefeated is something I've earned through hard work, discipline and staying focused every single day," said Bray. "On August 28th, I plan to protect that record and show everyone I'm ready for bigger opportunities. I respect Antraveous for stepping into the ring, but once the fight starts my goal is to put on a dominant performance. My plan is to take him out."
"It's Yamz season—anything in my way must fall," said Ingram. "I'm representing my city. On August 28th I'll win big and make my name at 154 pounds."
"I am delighted to launch the Project Series live on DAZN," said Matchroom's Eddie Hearn. "Giving young fighters and contenders a platform to showcase their skills on the global home of boxing is vital to their development, while matching them in competitive fights creates great events for subscribers. There is no better partner for this series than Amaury Piedra, Caribe Royale and Boxlab Promotions. This continues our successful relationship and further establishes Caribe Royale as one of the premier boxing venues in the United States."
"Caribe Royale is proud to partner with Matchroom Boxing to launch the Project Series," said Amaury Piedra, CEO of Boxlab Promotions. "These events align with Caribe Royale's strategy of providing guests and local residents with world-class entertainment. By partnering with Matchroom, we believe this series will become one of boxing's most exciting platforms for developing future champions. The entire Caribe Royale team looks forward to launching another venture that helps keep Orlando at the center of boxing in Florida and throughout the Southeast."
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Atlantic City Hall of Fame details |
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Tickets are now on sale and the guests are confirmed for Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) 10th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend to be held Friday September 25th, Saturday September 26th, and Sunday September 27th, 2026 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. The 2026 induction class consists of: Miguel Cotto, Ray Mancini, Zab Judah, Orlando Canizales, Charles Williams, Harold Knight, Mike Tinley and Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Lou Dibella {promoter}, Melvina Lathan {judge}, Earl Brown {referee}, Craig Johnson {manager} and John Scully {humanitarian/trainer/fighter}. Posthumous inductees are: James Shuler {fighter}, Georgie Navarro {fighter}, Wesley Mouzon {trainer} and Chuck Betson {media}. In the pioneer category are Juan Carlos Tapia {international media} John Fitzpatrick {referee} and Al Soifer {promoter}.
“We proudly look ahead to the induction of these outstanding individuals selected for the 2026 Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. It is with great excitement that we prepare to celebrate and honor this remarkable group, whose contributions have helped shape Atlantic City into one of the sport’s true boxing meccas.” – Ray McCline, President & Founder, Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame
The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame 10th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend will offer cocktail receptions, meet and greets and a fight fan experience showcasing artwork, exhibits and boxing memorabilia. The pinnacle of the weekend will be the Awards & Induction red-carpet ceremony, set in an award-show atmosphere.
"It is a tremendous honor to be part of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. This recognition not only celebrates my career, but also the sacrifice of my family, my team, and everyone who believed in me. I carried the pride of Puerto Rico in the ring in each of my fights to all the fans” – Miguel Cotto
“I’m truly honored and excited to be inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. I want to sincerely thank Commissioner Larry Hazzard Sr., for always being great to me and for taking care of Team Judah. He’s given us the opportunity to showcase ourselves to the world, and I’m very grateful for that. I can’t wait to see everyone—it’s going to be a fabulous night.” - Zab Judah
“I am deeply humbled and honored to be inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame—a place where I truly made my bones as a professional fighter. From my first title fight at Bally’s Park Place in October 1981 through my next two bouts there, Atlantic City always made me feel like a champion. The fans are true fight fans who showed me incredible love and support. Thank you for this great honor. I am truly grateful and deeply touched.” - Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini
Confirmed special guest list of our previous honorees and former champions as well as other boxing and entertainment personalities that will be in attendance includes: Roberto Duran, Michael Spinks, Rafael Marquez, Iran Barkley, Pipino Cuevas, Ray Mercer, Shannon Briggs, Nate Campbell, Vinny Paz, Junior Jones, Kelly Pavlik, Al Cole, James Toney, Dave Tiberi, Eva Jones-Young, Pinklon Thomas Michael Olajide, Tracy Harris Patterson, Monte Barrett, Nate Miller, Butterbean, Michael Nunn, Tony Weeks and Hip Hop Pioneer Roxanne Shante, to name a few,
Weekend at a Glance:
The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) Weekend commences at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Friday September 25th, with our “Opening Bell” VIP Cocktail Reception Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm | Location: The Balcony - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Friday September 25th, Karaoke Night at: Sixty’s Lounge – Flagship Hotel Atlantic City | Time: 9:00pm – 12:00am | No Entry Fee
Saturday, September 26th Fight Fan Experience | Location: Hollywood Ballroom 2nd Floor - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Time | 10:00am – 2:00pm | Free & Open to Public
The Highlight of the weekend is Saturday, evening September 26th, red-carpet formal Induction Ceremony which takes place in an award show atmosphere in the beautiful Sound Wave Theater. Come mix & mingle in our Pre - Cocktail Reception: Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Location: The Balcony. Ticket Holders & Invited Guests Only | 10th Annual Awards & Induction Ceremony Time: 7:00pm Doors & Seating | 7:45pm – 10:00pm Awards & Induction Ceremony | Location: Sound Wave Theater
Sunday, September 27th “Closing Bell” Sunday Knockout Cigar and Wine Tasting with Legends | Location: Kennedy Cellars Winery – 839 13th St Hammonton, NJ | Time: 12:00pm – 6:00pm |
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Atlantic City Hall of Fame details
Tickets are now on sale and the guests are confirmed for Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) 10th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend to be held Friday September 25th, Saturday September 26th, and Sunday September 27th, 2026 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. The 2026 induction class consists of: Miguel Cotto, Ray Mancini, Zab Judah, Orlando Canizales, Charles Williams, Harold Knight, Mike Tinley and Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Lou Dibella {promoter}, Melvina Lathan {judge}, Earl Brown {referee}, Craig Johnson {manager} and John Scully {humanitarian/trainer/fighter}. Posthumous inductees are: James Shuler {fighter}, Georgie Navarro {fighter}, Wesley Mouzon {trainer} and Chuck Betson {media}. In the pioneer category are Juan Carlos Tapia {international media} John Fitzpatrick {referee} and Al Soifer {promoter}.
“We proudly look ahead to the induction of these outstanding individuals selected for the 2026 Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. It is with great excitement that we prepare to celebrate and honor this remarkable group, whose contributions have helped shape Atlantic City into one of the sport’s true boxing meccas.” – Ray McCline, President & Founder, Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame
The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame 10th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend will offer cocktail receptions, meet and greets and a fight fan experience showcasing artwork, exhibits and boxing memorabilia. The pinnacle of the weekend will be the Awards & Induction red-carpet ceremony, set in an award-show atmosphere.
"It is a tremendous honor to be part of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. This recognition not only celebrates my career, but also the sacrifice of my family, my team, and everyone who believed in me. I carried the pride of Puerto Rico in the ring in each of my fights to all the fans” – Miguel Cotto
“I’m truly honored and excited to be inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. I want to sincerely thank Commissioner Larry Hazzard Sr., for always being great to me and for taking care of Team Judah. He’s given us the opportunity to showcase ourselves to the world, and I’m very grateful for that. I can’t wait to see everyone—it’s going to be a fabulous night.” - Zab Judah
“I am deeply humbled and honored to be inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame—a place where I truly made my bones as a professional fighter. From my first title fight at Bally’s Park Place in October 1981 through my next two bouts there, Atlantic City always made me feel like a champion. The fans are true fight fans who showed me incredible love and support. Thank you for this great honor. I am truly grateful and deeply touched.” - Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini
Confirmed special guest list of our previous honorees and former champions as well as other boxing and entertainment personalities that will be in attendance includes: Roberto Duran, Michael Spinks, Rafael Marquez, Iran Barkley, Pipino Cuevas, Ray Mercer, Shannon Briggs, Nate Campbell, Vinny Paz, Junior Jones, Kelly Pavlik, Al Cole, James Toney, Dave Tiberi, Eva Jones-Young, Pinklon Thomas Michael Olajide, Tracy Harris Patterson, Monte Barrett, Nate Miller, Butterbean, Michael Nunn, Tony Weeks and Hip Hop Pioneer Roxanne Shante, to name a few,
Weekend at a Glance:
The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) Weekend commences at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Friday September 25th, with our “Opening Bell” VIP Cocktail Reception Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm | Location: The Balcony - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Friday September 25th, Karaoke Night at: Sixty’s Lounge – Flagship Hotel Atlantic City | Time: 9:00pm – 12:00am | No Entry Fee
Saturday, September 26th Fight Fan Experience | Location: Hollywood Ballroom 2nd Floor - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Time | 10:00am – 2:00pm | Free & Open to Public
The Highlight of the weekend is Saturday, evening September 26th, red-carpet formal Induction Ceremony which takes place in an award show atmosphere in the beautiful Sound Wave Theater. Come mix & mingle in our Pre - Cocktail Reception: Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Location: The Balcony. Ticket Holders & Invited Guests Only | 10th Annual Awards & Induction Ceremony Time: 7:00pm Doors & Seating | 7:45pm – 10:00pm Awards & Induction Ceremony | Location: Sound Wave Theater
Sunday, September 27th “Closing Bell” Sunday Knockout Cigar and Wine Tasting with Legends | Location: Kennedy Cellars Winery – 839 13th St Hammonton, NJ | Time: 12:00pm – 6:00pm |
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California offers boxing license plates to aid retired boxers |
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The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) announced that boxing or MMA license plates now available to reserve from the state of California. Anyone with a current California-registered vehicle, including cars, trucks, SUVs, trailers, motorcycles and commercial vehicles, is eligible to reserve the plate and show their support for retired boxers and mixed martial arts fighters who fought in California during their career. The plate can be reserved at CAFighterPlate.dca.ca.gov. Proceeds from sales of the plate will help fund the MMA Retirement Benefit Fund and the Professional Boxer’s Pension Plan. CSAC is the first licensing agency in the United States to introduce a pension plan for retired MMA fighters.
“California strives to be an industry leader for combat fighters,” CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster said. “The Commission continues its ongoing mission to support, protect and ensure the long-term longevity of fighters once they leave their gloves in the ring for good.”
The pension plans are funded through event ticket revenue and will be bolstered from sales of the license plates. These plates feature the phrase “Support Retired Fighters” across the bottom. At least 7,500 plates must be reserved before orders are processed. For more information, to read answers to frequently asked questions and find out how to reserve your license plate, visit CAFighterPlate.dca.ca.gov.
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California offers boxing license plates to aid retired boxers
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) announced that boxing or MMA license plates now available to reserve from the state of California. Anyone with a current California-registered vehicle, including cars, trucks, SUVs, trailers, motorcycles and commercial vehicles, is eligible to reserve the plate and show their support for retired boxers and mixed martial arts fighters who fought in California during their career. The plate can be reserved at CAFighterPlate.dca.ca.gov. Proceeds from sales of the plate will help fund the MMA Retirement Benefit Fund and the Professional Boxer’s Pension Plan. CSAC is the first licensing agency in the United States to introduce a pension plan for retired MMA fighters.
“California strives to be an industry leader for combat fighters,” CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster said. “The Commission continues its ongoing mission to support, protect and ensure the long-term longevity of fighters once they leave their gloves in the ring for good.”
The pension plans are funded through event ticket revenue and will be bolstered from sales of the license plates. These plates feature the phrase “Support Retired Fighters” across the bottom. At least 7,500 plates must be reserved before orders are processed. For more information, to read answers to frequently asked questions and find out how to reserve your license plate, visit CAFighterPlate.dca.ca.gov.
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Ryan Garcia to face Conor Benn on Sept. 12th |
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Zuffa Boxing's Dana White took to social media on Wednesday to confirm the much-anticipated boxing showdown between Ryan Garcia (pictured) and Conor Benn. “Alright everybody, it is official,” White announced on his social media channels. “Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn is signed and is taking place September 12th, live from T-Mobile Arena here in Las Vegas. “Garcia is the [WBC] world welterweight champion... He has 25 wins and 20 of those came by knockout. He is facing Conor Benn, who has 25-1 with14 knockouts. His only loss is to Eubanks Jr, and he immediately avenged that loss. These guys have been going back and forth on social media and this fight is going to be awesome. Live on Mexican Independence Weekend September 12th, live globally on Paramount+, and on DAZN in the UK and Ireland.”
Editor's Note:Both boxers have had issues with performance enhancing substances in the past.
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Ryan Garcia to face Conor Benn on Sept. 12th
Zuffa Boxing's Dana White took to social media on Wednesday to confirm the much-anticipated boxing showdown between Ryan Garcia (pictured) and Conor Benn. “Alright everybody, it is official,” White announced on his social media channels. “Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn is signed and is taking place September 12th, live from T-Mobile Arena here in Las Vegas. “Garcia is the [WBC] world welterweight champion... He has 25 wins and 20 of those came by knockout. He is facing Conor Benn, who has 25-1 with14 knockouts. His only loss is to Eubanks Jr, and he immediately avenged that loss. These guys have been going back and forth on social media and this fight is going to be awesome. Live on Mexican Independence Weekend September 12th, live globally on Paramount+, and on DAZN in the UK and Ireland.”
Editor's Note:Both boxers have had issues with performance enhancing substances in the past.
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Spence refuses to shake Tszyu's hand |
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In a newly released conversation, former unified welterweight champion Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. (pictured) and Australian former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu exchanged verbal jabs in a special edition of PBC Face to Face ahead of their PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime Video and DAZN on Saturday, July 25th from Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. The full conversation is available on the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube channel and opens with Spence and Tszyu discussing the tense moment when Spence declined to shake Tszyu's hand during their announcement press conference. "I respect him, but we're gearing up for war," said Spence. "I'm coming into his home country. He's looking to retire me, and I'm looking to disappoint him and his fans. I'll shake his hand after the fight, but right now it's time to go."
"If we're going to play like that, it's alright," responded Tszyu. "Everyone's different. I get it. I'm fine with that. It's not war yet, but it will be on fight night. It made me a little less happy and a little more focused. I'm locked in."
Asked by host, former champion Shawn Porter, why he chose Tszyu for his return after a three-year absence, Spence said the challenge—and doing it in Australia—made the fight impossible to pass up. "This fight came at the perfect moment," said Spence. "This was the first time I started training continuously and kept waking up every day feeling like I was ready to come back. I didn't want a tune-up, so when Tim Tszyu got brought up, I said I'd fight him in Australia. That's what I do. We've been doing it since the amateurs. This is nothing new to me. I enjoy it. I love hearing the fans boo. I'm ready for it."
When asked why he wouldn't ease back into competition after three years away, Spence remained adamant that he performs best when facing elite opposition. "I want to fight someone people doubt I can beat. That's what motivates me. They have to ask whether I'm still the same killer. I'm coming to prove to myself and everybody else that I still belong at the top."
Tszyu said he now refers to himself as the "Phoenix" as he looks to rise from recent setbacks and reestablish himself among boxing's elite. He also emphasized the opportunity to deliver the biggest victory of his career in front of his home fans.
"Every fight is do or die," said Tszyu. "With everything I've gone through and the position I'm in now, this is a real spread-your-wings-and-fly moment. I intend to grab it with both hands. I've fought on the stages I dreamed about as a little kid. Now we're bringing what I believe is the biggest boxing match ever held in Australia. That's another proud moment, but the biggest moment will be winning this fight."
Both fighters also enter the bout with new trainers. Spence has joined forces with Ronnie Shields, while Tszyu has teamed with Australian former three-division champion Jeff Fenech. Each believes the change has added new dimensions to an already accomplished skill set. "I feel like I'm in school when I'm working with Ronnie," said Spence. "I'm learning a lot. It gets me excited to get back in the gym every day. I'd been doing the same thing for 15 years. By the second day, I knew I was sticking with him."
"Over the years I've learned a lot of different things," said Tszyu. "As Spence said, insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. That's why I changed my team. I'm learning new things with Jeff, but I'm bringing everything I've learned throughout my boxing life into this fight."
The interview concluded with another tense exchange after Porter asked whether each believed his opponent was ready. Spence answered yes, while Tszyu replied, "We shall see..." prompting Spence to accuse him of being dismissive.
"You know how I come," said Spence before challenging Tszyu to an impromptu sparring session.
"When it comes to fight night, all the plans change when you get hit," said Tszyu. "I respect everything you've accomplished, but you haven't fought in three years. How can I honestly say I know you're ready?"
The verbal sparring continued through the closing moments of the interview, setting the stage for what promises to be an explosive showdown on July 25th.
"Just be ready," said Spence. "I'm looking forward to coming to Australia and disappointing you and your fans."
"Good. Talk is cheap," replied Tszyu. "I'll let my actions do the talking."
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Spence refuses to shake Tszyu's hand
In a newly released conversation, former unified welterweight champion Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. (pictured) and Australian former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu exchanged verbal jabs in a special edition of PBC Face to Face ahead of their PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime Video and DAZN on Saturday, July 25th from Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. The full conversation is available on the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube channel and opens with Spence and Tszyu discussing the tense moment when Spence declined to shake Tszyu's hand during their announcement press conference. "I respect him, but we're gearing up for war," said Spence. "I'm coming into his home country. He's looking to retire me, and I'm looking to disappoint him and his fans. I'll shake his hand after the fight, but right now it's time to go."
"If we're going to play like that, it's alright," responded Tszyu. "Everyone's different. I get it. I'm fine with that. It's not war yet, but it will be on fight night. It made me a little less happy and a little more focused. I'm locked in."
Asked by host, former champion Shawn Porter, why he chose Tszyu for his return after a three-year absence, Spence said the challenge—and doing it in Australia—made the fight impossible to pass up. "This fight came at the perfect moment," said Spence. "This was the first time I started training continuously and kept waking up every day feeling like I was ready to come back. I didn't want a tune-up, so when Tim Tszyu got brought up, I said I'd fight him in Australia. That's what I do. We've been doing it since the amateurs. This is nothing new to me. I enjoy it. I love hearing the fans boo. I'm ready for it."
When asked why he wouldn't ease back into competition after three years away, Spence remained adamant that he performs best when facing elite opposition. "I want to fight someone people doubt I can beat. That's what motivates me. They have to ask whether I'm still the same killer. I'm coming to prove to myself and everybody else that I still belong at the top."
Tszyu said he now refers to himself as the "Phoenix" as he looks to rise from recent setbacks and reestablish himself among boxing's elite. He also emphasized the opportunity to deliver the biggest victory of his career in front of his home fans.
"Every fight is do or die," said Tszyu. "With everything I've gone through and the position I'm in now, this is a real spread-your-wings-and-fly moment. I intend to grab it with both hands. I've fought on the stages I dreamed about as a little kid. Now we're bringing what I believe is the biggest boxing match ever held in Australia. That's another proud moment, but the biggest moment will be winning this fight."
Both fighters also enter the bout with new trainers. Spence has joined forces with Ronnie Shields, while Tszyu has teamed with Australian former three-division champion Jeff Fenech. Each believes the change has added new dimensions to an already accomplished skill set. "I feel like I'm in school when I'm working with Ronnie," said Spence. "I'm learning a lot. It gets me excited to get back in the gym every day. I'd been doing the same thing for 15 years. By the second day, I knew I was sticking with him."
"Over the years I've learned a lot of different things," said Tszyu. "As Spence said, insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. That's why I changed my team. I'm learning new things with Jeff, but I'm bringing everything I've learned throughout my boxing life into this fight."
The interview concluded with another tense exchange after Porter asked whether each believed his opponent was ready. Spence answered yes, while Tszyu replied, "We shall see..." prompting Spence to accuse him of being dismissive.
"You know how I come," said Spence before challenging Tszyu to an impromptu sparring session.
"When it comes to fight night, all the plans change when you get hit," said Tszyu. "I respect everything you've accomplished, but you haven't fought in three years. How can I honestly say I know you're ready?"
The verbal sparring continued through the closing moments of the interview, setting the stage for what promises to be an explosive showdown on July 25th.
"Just be ready," said Spence. "I'm looking forward to coming to Australia and disappointing you and your fans."
"Good. Talk is cheap," replied Tszyu. "I'll let my actions do the talking."
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Two-time champion Jose Legra passes away |
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The WBC announced the passing of José Legrá, a two-time featherweight champion. Born in Baracoa, Cuba, and later becoming a Spanish citizen, José Adolfo Legrá Utría was a shining star of excellence, perseverance, and sporting greatness. Known to fans as “The Puma of Baracoa,” he first captured the WBC 126-pound title with a 1968 win over the great Howard Winstone. The following year, Legra lost his laurels to Johnny Famechon, but became a two-time champion in 1972 by defeating Clemente Sanchez. Legra lost to Eder Jofre in 1973 and retired later that year after a loss to another great, Alexis Arguello. Legra's final record stands at an amazing 129-11-4.
The WBC wrote: "Throughout his remarkable professional career, he accumulated countless victories and accolades, earning his place as a true legend of international boxing. His impact extended far beyond his achievements in the ring, inspiring generations of fighters through his fabulous life story, discipline, and love for our sport."
Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of Jose Legra.
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Two-time champion Jose Legra passes away
The WBC announced the passing of José Legrá, a two-time featherweight champion. Born in Baracoa, Cuba, and later becoming a Spanish citizen, José Adolfo Legrá Utría was a shining star of excellence, perseverance, and sporting greatness. Known to fans as “The Puma of Baracoa,” he first captured the WBC 126-pound title with a 1968 win over the great Howard Winstone. The following year, Legra lost his laurels to Johnny Famechon, but became a two-time champion in 1972 by defeating Clemente Sanchez. Legra lost to Eder Jofre in 1973 and retired later that year after a loss to another great, Alexis Arguello. Legra's final record stands at an amazing 129-11-4.
The WBC wrote: "Throughout his remarkable professional career, he accumulated countless victories and accolades, earning his place as a true legend of international boxing. His impact extended far beyond his achievements in the ring, inspiring generations of fighters through his fabulous life story, discipline, and love for our sport."
Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of Jose Legra.
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Johnny Fisher signs with Zuffa |
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Zuffa Boxing lands in London on September 26 with Zuffa Boxing 11, featuring the promotional debut of newly signed heavyweight Johnny Fisher. The 27 year-old Essex native, known as "The Romford Bull," enters with a professional record of 14-1 with 12 knockouts. Fisher has built his career largely in London, having already fought twice at the Copper Box Arena, including his 2024 stoppage win over Alen Babic. [After a loss to Dave Allen,] his most recent bout came in December 2025, a fourth-round knockout of Ivan Balaz in Monte Carlo. Fisher's addition to the Zuffa Boxing roster marks the promotion's continued push into the UK heavyweight scene, with further undercard announcements to follow.
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Johnny Fisher signs with Zuffa
Zuffa Boxing lands in London on September 26 with Zuffa Boxing 11, featuring the promotional debut of newly signed heavyweight Johnny Fisher. The 27 year-old Essex native, known as "The Romford Bull," enters with a professional record of 14-1 with 12 knockouts. Fisher has built his career largely in London, having already fought twice at the Copper Box Arena, including his 2024 stoppage win over Alen Babic. [After a loss to Dave Allen,] his most recent bout came in December 2025, a fourth-round knockout of Ivan Balaz in Monte Carlo. Fisher's addition to the Zuffa Boxing roster marks the promotion's continued push into the UK heavyweight scene, with further undercard announcements to follow.
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