Martinez to face Plantic in battle of undefeateds |
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WBC interim super middleweight champion Lester Martinez will make his first interim title defense against Croatia’s Luka Plantic. Guatemala will be in the house and undefeated 0’s will be on the line on Saturday, August 29th, for Martinez-Plantic, which will be streamed live on ProBoxTV (7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT) from Los Angeles From Guatemala City, Martinez (20-0-1 with 16 KOs) and Zagreb's Plantic (13-0 with 10 KOs) will meet in the twelve-round main event. The show will also feature light heavyweight Najee Lopez (16-0 with 13 KOs) taking on Colombian slugger Juan Carrillo (15-0 with 11 KOs).
Martinez, age 30, won his interim title in March of this year with a unanimous decision over Immanuwel Aleem in a sold-out event at the Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, California.
Plantic, age 29, was last seen in November 2025 winning via over formerly undefeated Shadiri Musa Bwogi.
In his most recent ring appearance, a Puerto Rican from Atlanta, won a battle against Manuel Gallegos in March 2026.
A 2016 Olympian, Carrillo was last seen in May scoring a fourth-round knockout over Marlon Delgado on the undercard of the David Benavidez vs. “Zurdo” Ramirez superfight.
More supporting matchups, including appearances by popular sluggers Ramon Cardenas, Luis Torres and Weljon Mindoro, plus a full lineup of “Future Stars” series prospects will be announced shortly.
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Martinez to face Plantic in battle of undefeateds
WBC interim super middleweight champion Lester Martinez will make his first interim title defense against Croatia’s Luka Plantic. Guatemala will be in the house and undefeated 0’s will be on the line on Saturday, August 29th, for Martinez-Plantic, which will be streamed live on ProBoxTV (7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT) from Los Angeles From Guatemala City, Martinez (20-0-1 with 16 KOs) and Zagreb's Plantic (13-0 with 10 KOs) will meet in the twelve-round main event. The show will also feature light heavyweight Najee Lopez (16-0 with 13 KOs) taking on Colombian slugger Juan Carrillo (15-0 with 11 KOs).
Martinez, age 30, won his interim title in March of this year with a unanimous decision over Immanuwel Aleem in a sold-out event at the Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, California.
Plantic, age 29, was last seen in November 2025 winning via over formerly undefeated Shadiri Musa Bwogi.
In his most recent ring appearance, a Puerto Rican from Atlanta, won a battle against Manuel Gallegos in March 2026.
A 2016 Olympian, Carrillo was last seen in May scoring a fourth-round knockout over Marlon Delgado on the undercard of the David Benavidez vs. “Zurdo” Ramirez superfight.
More supporting matchups, including appearances by popular sluggers Ramon Cardenas, Luis Torres and Weljon Mindoro, plus a full lineup of “Future Stars” series prospects will be announced shortly.
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Jermall Charlo: "I feel more comfortable at 168" |
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Former two-division champion Jermall Charlo held a media workout in Houston on Wednesday in anticipation of his fight in Australia, scheduled for Saturday, July 25th at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. Charlo is currently in training camp alongside ex-welterweight champion Errol Spence and trainer Ronnie Shields. Charlo will return to action against Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight clash that will be part of a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video. Here is what Charlo had to say Wednesday from Houston:
“I’m one of the few fighters that have barely lost any rounds in my career, let alone lost a fight. It’s my game plan to just go out there and dominate. If he makes the wrong move, he’s gonna get knocked out.
“I’ve been training really hard and staying at peace. I can tell it’s working by the way my body’s flowing. Everything is just really clicking.
“I normally am one of the few guys who like to really study my opponents, but I don’t know anything about him. I’m putting my trust in Ronnie Shields. I’m gonna go in there and be ready to make adjustments.
“Errol and I are kind of total opposites. He doesn’t talk as much as me, he’s just about the work. I like to talk a little more. We used to be roommates in the amateurs and now we have this chance to work around each other in the pros. He works hard and I love training around him.
“I want to go for another world title in a third weight division. I feel a lot more comfortable at 168. It really doesn’t matter who they put in front of me. I feel like I’m gonna have my advantages in this division. I’m planning to make this quarter of my career the best one.
“At this point I’ve seen every style in boxing. My focus is just different now. I’ve eliminated distractions. I feel fresh at this point in my career. I’m doing all of the things that I’m supposed to be doing.
“I just want to give everyone some real fights. I want to get in there with warriors and do it for the fans. I pick my shots precisely and I have the power to hurt you at the end of the day. I’m here for the long run.
“Once we get in the ring, I’m locked in. It doesn’t matter where we’re fighting.”
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Jermall Charlo: "I feel more comfortable at 168"
Former two-division champion Jermall Charlo held a media workout in Houston on Wednesday in anticipation of his fight in Australia, scheduled for Saturday, July 25th at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. Charlo is currently in training camp alongside ex-welterweight champion Errol Spence and trainer Ronnie Shields. Charlo will return to action against Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight clash that will be part of a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video. Here is what Charlo had to say Wednesday from Houston:
“I’m one of the few fighters that have barely lost any rounds in my career, let alone lost a fight. It’s my game plan to just go out there and dominate. If he makes the wrong move, he’s gonna get knocked out.
“I’ve been training really hard and staying at peace. I can tell it’s working by the way my body’s flowing. Everything is just really clicking.
“I normally am one of the few guys who like to really study my opponents, but I don’t know anything about him. I’m putting my trust in Ronnie Shields. I’m gonna go in there and be ready to make adjustments.
“Errol and I are kind of total opposites. He doesn’t talk as much as me, he’s just about the work. I like to talk a little more. We used to be roommates in the amateurs and now we have this chance to work around each other in the pros. He works hard and I love training around him.
“I want to go for another world title in a third weight division. I feel a lot more comfortable at 168. It really doesn’t matter who they put in front of me. I feel like I’m gonna have my advantages in this division. I’m planning to make this quarter of my career the best one.
“At this point I’ve seen every style in boxing. My focus is just different now. I’ve eliminated distractions. I feel fresh at this point in my career. I’m doing all of the things that I’m supposed to be doing.
“I just want to give everyone some real fights. I want to get in there with warriors and do it for the fans. I pick my shots precisely and I have the power to hurt you at the end of the day. I’m here for the long run.
“Once we get in the ring, I’m locked in. It doesn’t matter where we’re fighting.”
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WBO orders Kreps vs. Ali for vacant 122-pound title |
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The WBO has ordered negotiations for the vacant WBO female junior featherweight championship between Mikiah Kreps and Ramla Ali. The title was recently vacated by world champion Ellie Scotney, who also vacated the WBC title at 122 pounds to move up to 126. Kreps, from the Buffalo, New York area, is 11-0 for her career. The Somalian-born Ali now lives in London, and her record is 11-2, including two straight wins since a failed 2024 title bid vs. Yamileth Mercado.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 20, 2026: Undisputed super bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney (12-0) has made the official decision to move up a weight class and pursue new challenges in her professional career. Scotney confirmed herself as one of the best female fighters in the world by unifying all the 122-pound titles, but she advised the WBC she would be relinquishing her championship. The WBC will grant Scotney the immediate right to contest the featherweight championship in her new division. Consequently, the winner of the upcoming bout between Tiara Brown (20-0) and Hannah Rapp (8-0-1) must defend the WBC crown by directly facing Scotney next. Brown-Rapp is sert for June 13th in Orlando, Florida, In Scotney's most recent bout, this past April 26th at Madison Square Garden in New York, she defeated Mexico's Mayelli Flores via unanimous decision.
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WBO orders Kreps vs. Ali for vacant 122-pound title
The WBO has ordered negotiations for the vacant WBO female junior featherweight championship between Mikiah Kreps and Ramla Ali. The title was recently vacated by world champion Ellie Scotney, who also vacated the WBC title at 122 pounds to move up to 126. Kreps, from the Buffalo, New York area, is 11-0 for her career. The Somalian-born Ali now lives in London, and her record is 11-2, including two straight wins since a failed 2024 title bid vs. Yamileth Mercado.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 20, 2026: Undisputed super bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney (12-0) has made the official decision to move up a weight class and pursue new challenges in her professional career. Scotney confirmed herself as one of the best female fighters in the world by unifying all the 122-pound titles, but she advised the WBC she would be relinquishing her championship. The WBC will grant Scotney the immediate right to contest the featherweight championship in her new division. Consequently, the winner of the upcoming bout between Tiara Brown (20-0) and Hannah Rapp (8-0-1) must defend the WBC crown by directly facing Scotney next. Brown-Rapp is sert for June 13th in Orlando, Florida, In Scotney's most recent bout, this past April 26th at Madison Square Garden in New York, she defeated Mexico's Mayelli Flores via unanimous decision.
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Quick Draw Randall to headline Buford Promotions debut |
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Buford Promotions is gearing up for it's first ever show, "No Peace, Just Pressure" this Saturday night, June 27th in Houston. It is a full card, as there are eight bouts scheduled in total. Seven fighters are scheduled to make their professional debuts. The main event will pit rough and tough "Nino de Oro" Chucho Jesus Maldonado (9-16-1) of Laredo, Texas against former USA Boxing team captain Quinton "Quick Draw" Randall (16-3-1) in a six-round middleweight clash. Randall will be fighting in his hometown. The opening bell is set for 6PM and the action will take place at the Purcell Buford Sr. Gym. The ring announcer will be Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt. For tickets, call (832) 910-3898 or click here.
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Quick Draw Randall to headline Buford Promotions debut
Buford Promotions is gearing up for it's first ever show, "No Peace, Just Pressure" this Saturday night, June 27th in Houston. It is a full card, as there are eight bouts scheduled in total. Seven fighters are scheduled to make their professional debuts. The main event will pit rough and tough "Nino de Oro" Chucho Jesus Maldonado (9-16-1) of Laredo, Texas against former USA Boxing team captain Quinton "Quick Draw" Randall (16-3-1) in a six-round middleweight clash. Randall will be fighting in his hometown. The opening bell is set for 6PM and the action will take place at the Purcell Buford Sr. Gym. The ring announcer will be Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt. For tickets, call (832) 910-3898 or click here.
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Mayweather calls off exhibition before Court rules |
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Rather than wait for a New York court to issue a ruling on the preliminary injunction request filed by CSI Entertainment and related entities, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. called off this weekend’s exhibition bout between himself and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis, which was scheduled for Athens. Upon receiving this news, Judge Vernon S. Broderick said he would hold any ruling on CSI's motion in abeyance until he heard from the parties concerning the need for an immediate ruling and a proposed expedited schedule for discovery, briefing, and a preliminary injunction hearing. Earlier on Thursday, one of Mayweather's attorney advised the court that, "Because of CSI's motion [for a preliminary injunction seeking to halt the exhibition] remains pending without a ruling, the Mayweather-Zambidis event will no longer proceed in Athens, Greece as planned on Saturday evening. CSI's commencement of this [lawsuit] and filing of the motion for a preliminary injunction, as well as their legal threats domestically and in Greece, have effectively stopped any promotion or distribution plans for the event and halted ticket sales. Due to the fluid situation on the ground in Athens and significant damage to the commercial viability of the event, and given the time difference and imminence of its scheduled start time on June 27th, the difficult decision was made to cancel the exhibition fight. Depending on the Court’s ruling, the event may be rescheduled for a later date."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 24, 2026: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. filed his opposition papers to the preliminary injunction request of CSI Entertainment and related entities, who are seeking a court order that would halt this weekend’s exhibition bout between Mayweather and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis. The exhibition is set for Saturday in Athens, but the court battle is taking place in New York, with a hearing scheduled today (Wednesday).
Here is Mayweather’s argument to the court as to why the exhibition should go forward despite CSI’s legal claims for breach of a promotional contract:
CSI’s claimed emergency is one of their own making. By their own admission, CSI has known about Mayweather’s June 27th fight against Zambidis in Athens since February 3, 2026 – over four and a half months ago – but made a tactical decision to stop the fight through Greek counsel. CSI has no explanation, reasonable or otherwise, for waiting until eight days before the scheduled fight to move for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the Mayweather-Zambidis event from taking place.
First, CSI cannot demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. CSI’s agreements pertaining to Mayweather’s fights are void because they contemplate CSI’s operation as an unlicensed boxing promoter, in violation of New York and federal law. CSI also contracted with [co-defendant] Frist Apex Ventures LLC, a company owned by a friend of Jona Rechnitz [who is] Mayweather’s now estranged former manager and [according to Mayweather] a proven fraudster. At the time, Mayweather was not aware of all the representations being made by Frist Apex and Rechnitz to CSI. Moreover, CSI continued to transact business with Rechnitz and Frist Apex even after learning that Rechnitz had retained all monies paid by CSI as “advances” to Mayweather, negotiated conflicting agreements with multiple parties and generally acted in bad faith.
Even setting aside these substantial questions concerning the validity and enforceability of the agreements, CSI never had the ability to produce [fights for] Mayweather [against] Mike Tyson or Manny Pacquiao. In fact, CSI entered into a separate agreement conceding the right of a different entity to put on the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas in September 2026 and distribute the fight on Netflix.
Second, CSI cannot establish it is likely to suffer irreparable harm. In fact, its months-long delay in seeking injunctive relief after learning about the Mayweather-Zambidis fight on February 3, 2026 and affirming a September 2026 date for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in February 2026 directly contradicts the claim of irreparable harm. Nor does the substance of CSI’s alleged injury support emergency relief. CSIs’ claimed harm is highly speculative and, at best, has only attenuated links to the Zambidis fight or the Pacquiao fight — the latter of which has no scheduled date and may not occur at all. Moreover, even assuming such harm were to occur, the claimed harm is wholly economic in nature. CSI has an adequate remedy at law: monetary damages.
Third, the balance of the equities is not in CSIs’ favor. CSIs’ lack of diligence in pursuing injunctive relief weighs against them. As opposed to the hypothetical harm they may suffer if the court denies their Motion, a temporary restraining order preventing the Zambidis fight from going forward or a preliminary injunction prohibiting the Pacquiao fight will certainly cause significant harm to Mayweather.
Fourth, granting the injunction is not in the public’s interest. Shutting down the Mayweather-Zambidis event (and a hypothetical future Mayweather-Pacquiao fight) punishes millions of innocent ticket holders and viewers, as well as those who have invested significant resources in producing these events. For these reasons, Mayweather requests that the court deny CSI’s motion in full.
MAY 22, 2026: On Friday, CSI Entertainment and some related business entities asked a federal court in New York’s Southern District to issue a preliminary injunction barring Floyd Mayweather from fighting kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition bout in Athens this Saturday (June 27th). A hearing was originally scheduled to take place in New York today (Monday) but was moved to Wednesday, leaving precious little time for a court to act prior to Saturday's exhibition. CSI, represented by high-powered boxing attorney Judd Burstein, also asked the court to prohibit Mayweather from “taking any steps in furtherance of the Zambidis fight, prohibiting Mayweather from fighting anyone else other than Mike Tyson before he honors his obligation to fight Tyson as his next fight in an event broadcast by CSI; and preventing Mayweather from fighting anyone other than Manny Pacquiao or a fighter acceptable to CSI as his next fight immediately after Tyson in a bout to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
According to the legal papers submitted by CSI:
In 1997, Richard and Craig Miele founded the CSI Sports business, which is operated through a number of entities under the Fight Sports and CSI brands. Mayweather is an undefeated boxing legend and widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport’s history. Mayweather retired in 2017 with a 50-0 record. On August 10, 2025, CSI secured the exclusive rights to the services of Mayweather to fight Tyson in the spring of 2026. Obtaining exclusivity rights to premiere fighters is a crucial industry practice that was used extensively by HBO and ESPN at times when they were the leading names in broadcast boxing. Securing exclusive rights enables a sports company to become a destination for viewers seeking premium content and to strengthen its reputation with a global audience, both of which are essential to building the business and its brand. Obtaining exclusive broadcast rights for the Tyson fight was especially impactful for CSI and its brands. The fight will be a major event featuring two of boxing’s biggest stars. The announcement of the Tyson Fight received extraordinary media attention, surpassing nearly all other recent sports announcements. The resulting publicity and reputational benefit to CSI cannot be underestimated. This is especially so because in reliance on the Mayweather exclusive agreements, CSI / Fight Sports is launching a sports network in the USA with the Mayweather vs. Tyson fight on the most widely distributed platforms in the country.
If the exclusive rights CSI announced with Mayweather were put into question, it would likely terminate any and all plans by the platforms to carry/distribute the CSI / Fight Sports network and the harm to CSI would be terminable and non-reversible. At Mayweather’s direction, CSI Sports Events contracted with Frist for Mayweather’s services and Mayweather signed an inducement letter agreeing to the terms. This is standard industry practice. On August 11, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. This was just an advance as Mayweather, through Frist, was entitled to $14 million in total compensation under the Tyson Agreement. On November 6, 2025, CSI secured the rights to Mayweather’s next fight after Tyson to be against Pacquiao, or another suitable opponent, under an exclusive fight agreement, which expressly provides that a loss of these rights would give rise to irreparable harm.
A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be even more significant than Mayweather-Tyson because Mayweather and Pacquiao are two of the greatest fighters in boxing history and they competed in similar weight classes. Even more importantly, it will be a rematch of their 2015 bout which Mayweather won by unanimous decision and, because it will be a twelve-round professional fight, Mayweather’s undefeated 50-0 record will be on the line.
On November 6, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2.5 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. Again, this was just an advance. Mayweather stood to earn $50 million or more under the exclusive fight agreement.
On December 12, 2025, less than a month after CSI paid Frist $2.5 million, Mayweather surreptitiously signed a contract with third parties “Everwonder.” The Everwonder contract contemplated that Mayweather would fight Pacquiao on Netflix, in violation of CSI Entertainment Events’ exclusive rights. Under the Everwonder contract, Mayweather received a $2,750,000 advance in connection with a proposed Pacquiao fight to take place in the Fall of 2026. However, just one month earlier, on November 6, 2025, CSI Entertainment Events had paid Mayweather, through Frist, a $2.5 million advance for a fight against Pacquiao or another suitable opponent – i.e., the exact same fight. On information and belief, Mayweather then proceeded, through Frist, to take an additional $5.8 million advance from a third party lender against the Everwonder contract.
On January 7th, CSI learned about the Everwonder contract. Rather than sue Mayweather immediately, Plaintiffs sent Everwonder a cease-and-desist notice and engaged in negotiations with Mayweather’s representative seeking to preserve the extraordinarily valuable relationship. In connection with those discussions, Mayweather approved a press release which attributed the following quote to Mayweather: “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing – from my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards – no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – than my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports / Fight Sports.”
After the press release, CSI then entered into a series of related agreements with Mayweather, Frist, and Everwonder. On February 22nd, CSI Sports Events, Mayweather, and Frist signed an amendment to the Tyson Agreement that extended the date by when the Tyson fight had to proceed (absent an injury extension) from April 25, 2026, to May 31, 2026. CSI also gave up certain rights in connection with the Pacquiao Fight, while retaining other valuable rights and receiving new rights. Most importantly, CSI was granted exclusive rights to Mayweather’s next fight immediately after the Pacquiao Fight. It did not have those rights before.
[CSI alleges that through this amendment process,] Mayweather was now contracted to fight Pacquiao on September 19th, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be Mayweather’s next fight after the Tyson Fight, and Mayweather would not participate in any intervening fights before the Tyson Fight, or after the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and before Mayweather’s next fight, to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
CSI’s agreement to this plan was also premised on receiving the same logo credits, signage, and public announcements afforded to Mayweather’s and Pacquiao’s promotional companies in connection with a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight – as televised worldwide on Netflix On March 1st, CSI paid a $150,000 installment that was due because Mayweather had completed his medicals for the fight. On March 2nd, the very day after he accepted the $150,000 installment payment, Mayweather posted on his Instagram account that he would be fighting Zambidis in Greece on June 27th. The proposed Zambidis Fight was a breach of the bar against interim fights under. Indeed, Mayweather breached merely by posting about it. In response, CSI retained counsel in Greece to take steps to prevent the Zambidis fight from going forward.
CSI says it later came to the understanding that Mayweather had backed down on the Zambidis fight. However, on May 7th, Mayweather held a press conference where he made it clear that he did, in fact, intend to go ahead with the Zambidis fight on June 27th. Meanwhile, Tyson had injured his hand and would be unable to fight on May 30th, but would be available to fight within the next six months and that consequently the Tyson agreement was effectively tolled, meaning that Mayweather was barred from participating in any other bout.
On June 16th, DAZN and CSI reached an agreement in principle that DAZN would not broadcast the Zambidis Fight and DAZN removed the Zambidis fight offering, poster, and marketing from its platform.
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Mayweather calls off exhibition before Court rules
Rather than wait for a New York court to issue a ruling on the preliminary injunction request filed by CSI Entertainment and related entities, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. called off this weekend’s exhibition bout between himself and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis, which was scheduled for Athens. Upon receiving this news, Judge Vernon S. Broderick said he would hold any ruling on CSI's motion in abeyance until he heard from the parties concerning the need for an immediate ruling and a proposed expedited schedule for discovery, briefing, and a preliminary injunction hearing. Earlier on Thursday, one of Mayweather's attorney advised the court that, "Because of CSI's motion [for a preliminary injunction seeking to halt the exhibition] remains pending without a ruling, the Mayweather-Zambidis event will no longer proceed in Athens, Greece as planned on Saturday evening. CSI's commencement of this [lawsuit] and filing of the motion for a preliminary injunction, as well as their legal threats domestically and in Greece, have effectively stopped any promotion or distribution plans for the event and halted ticket sales. Due to the fluid situation on the ground in Athens and significant damage to the commercial viability of the event, and given the time difference and imminence of its scheduled start time on June 27th, the difficult decision was made to cancel the exhibition fight. Depending on the Court’s ruling, the event may be rescheduled for a later date."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 24, 2026: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. filed his opposition papers to the preliminary injunction request of CSI Entertainment and related entities, who are seeking a court order that would halt this weekend’s exhibition bout between Mayweather and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis. The exhibition is set for Saturday in Athens, but the court battle is taking place in New York, with a hearing scheduled today (Wednesday).
Here is Mayweather’s argument to the court as to why the exhibition should go forward despite CSI’s legal claims for breach of a promotional contract:
CSI’s claimed emergency is one of their own making. By their own admission, CSI has known about Mayweather’s June 27th fight against Zambidis in Athens since February 3, 2026 – over four and a half months ago – but made a tactical decision to stop the fight through Greek counsel. CSI has no explanation, reasonable or otherwise, for waiting until eight days before the scheduled fight to move for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the Mayweather-Zambidis event from taking place.
First, CSI cannot demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. CSI’s agreements pertaining to Mayweather’s fights are void because they contemplate CSI’s operation as an unlicensed boxing promoter, in violation of New York and federal law. CSI also contracted with [co-defendant] Frist Apex Ventures LLC, a company owned by a friend of Jona Rechnitz [who is] Mayweather’s now estranged former manager and [according to Mayweather] a proven fraudster. At the time, Mayweather was not aware of all the representations being made by Frist Apex and Rechnitz to CSI. Moreover, CSI continued to transact business with Rechnitz and Frist Apex even after learning that Rechnitz had retained all monies paid by CSI as “advances” to Mayweather, negotiated conflicting agreements with multiple parties and generally acted in bad faith.
Even setting aside these substantial questions concerning the validity and enforceability of the agreements, CSI never had the ability to produce [fights for] Mayweather [against] Mike Tyson or Manny Pacquiao. In fact, CSI entered into a separate agreement conceding the right of a different entity to put on the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas in September 2026 and distribute the fight on Netflix.
Second, CSI cannot establish it is likely to suffer irreparable harm. In fact, its months-long delay in seeking injunctive relief after learning about the Mayweather-Zambidis fight on February 3, 2026 and affirming a September 2026 date for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in February 2026 directly contradicts the claim of irreparable harm. Nor does the substance of CSI’s alleged injury support emergency relief. CSIs’ claimed harm is highly speculative and, at best, has only attenuated links to the Zambidis fight or the Pacquiao fight — the latter of which has no scheduled date and may not occur at all. Moreover, even assuming such harm were to occur, the claimed harm is wholly economic in nature. CSI has an adequate remedy at law: monetary damages.
Third, the balance of the equities is not in CSIs’ favor. CSIs’ lack of diligence in pursuing injunctive relief weighs against them. As opposed to the hypothetical harm they may suffer if the court denies their Motion, a temporary restraining order preventing the Zambidis fight from going forward or a preliminary injunction prohibiting the Pacquiao fight will certainly cause significant harm to Mayweather.
Fourth, granting the injunction is not in the public’s interest. Shutting down the Mayweather-Zambidis event (and a hypothetical future Mayweather-Pacquiao fight) punishes millions of innocent ticket holders and viewers, as well as those who have invested significant resources in producing these events. For these reasons, Mayweather requests that the court deny CSI’s motion in full.
MAY 22, 2026: On Friday, CSI Entertainment and some related business entities asked a federal court in New York’s Southern District to issue a preliminary injunction barring Floyd Mayweather from fighting kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition bout in Athens this Saturday (June 27th). A hearing was originally scheduled to take place in New York today (Monday) but was moved to Wednesday, leaving precious little time for a court to act prior to Saturday's exhibition. CSI, represented by high-powered boxing attorney Judd Burstein, also asked the court to prohibit Mayweather from “taking any steps in furtherance of the Zambidis fight, prohibiting Mayweather from fighting anyone else other than Mike Tyson before he honors his obligation to fight Tyson as his next fight in an event broadcast by CSI; and preventing Mayweather from fighting anyone other than Manny Pacquiao or a fighter acceptable to CSI as his next fight immediately after Tyson in a bout to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
According to the legal papers submitted by CSI:
In 1997, Richard and Craig Miele founded the CSI Sports business, which is operated through a number of entities under the Fight Sports and CSI brands. Mayweather is an undefeated boxing legend and widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport’s history. Mayweather retired in 2017 with a 50-0 record. On August 10, 2025, CSI secured the exclusive rights to the services of Mayweather to fight Tyson in the spring of 2026. Obtaining exclusivity rights to premiere fighters is a crucial industry practice that was used extensively by HBO and ESPN at times when they were the leading names in broadcast boxing. Securing exclusive rights enables a sports company to become a destination for viewers seeking premium content and to strengthen its reputation with a global audience, both of which are essential to building the business and its brand. Obtaining exclusive broadcast rights for the Tyson fight was especially impactful for CSI and its brands. The fight will be a major event featuring two of boxing’s biggest stars. The announcement of the Tyson Fight received extraordinary media attention, surpassing nearly all other recent sports announcements. The resulting publicity and reputational benefit to CSI cannot be underestimated. This is especially so because in reliance on the Mayweather exclusive agreements, CSI / Fight Sports is launching a sports network in the USA with the Mayweather vs. Tyson fight on the most widely distributed platforms in the country.
If the exclusive rights CSI announced with Mayweather were put into question, it would likely terminate any and all plans by the platforms to carry/distribute the CSI / Fight Sports network and the harm to CSI would be terminable and non-reversible. At Mayweather’s direction, CSI Sports Events contracted with Frist for Mayweather’s services and Mayweather signed an inducement letter agreeing to the terms. This is standard industry practice. On August 11, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. This was just an advance as Mayweather, through Frist, was entitled to $14 million in total compensation under the Tyson Agreement. On November 6, 2025, CSI secured the rights to Mayweather’s next fight after Tyson to be against Pacquiao, or another suitable opponent, under an exclusive fight agreement, which expressly provides that a loss of these rights would give rise to irreparable harm.
A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be even more significant than Mayweather-Tyson because Mayweather and Pacquiao are two of the greatest fighters in boxing history and they competed in similar weight classes. Even more importantly, it will be a rematch of their 2015 bout which Mayweather won by unanimous decision and, because it will be a twelve-round professional fight, Mayweather’s undefeated 50-0 record will be on the line.
On November 6, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2.5 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. Again, this was just an advance. Mayweather stood to earn $50 million or more under the exclusive fight agreement.
On December 12, 2025, less than a month after CSI paid Frist $2.5 million, Mayweather surreptitiously signed a contract with third parties “Everwonder.” The Everwonder contract contemplated that Mayweather would fight Pacquiao on Netflix, in violation of CSI Entertainment Events’ exclusive rights. Under the Everwonder contract, Mayweather received a $2,750,000 advance in connection with a proposed Pacquiao fight to take place in the Fall of 2026. However, just one month earlier, on November 6, 2025, CSI Entertainment Events had paid Mayweather, through Frist, a $2.5 million advance for a fight against Pacquiao or another suitable opponent – i.e., the exact same fight. On information and belief, Mayweather then proceeded, through Frist, to take an additional $5.8 million advance from a third party lender against the Everwonder contract.
On January 7th, CSI learned about the Everwonder contract. Rather than sue Mayweather immediately, Plaintiffs sent Everwonder a cease-and-desist notice and engaged in negotiations with Mayweather’s representative seeking to preserve the extraordinarily valuable relationship. In connection with those discussions, Mayweather approved a press release which attributed the following quote to Mayweather: “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing – from my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards – no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – than my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports / Fight Sports.”
After the press release, CSI then entered into a series of related agreements with Mayweather, Frist, and Everwonder. On February 22nd, CSI Sports Events, Mayweather, and Frist signed an amendment to the Tyson Agreement that extended the date by when the Tyson fight had to proceed (absent an injury extension) from April 25, 2026, to May 31, 2026. CSI also gave up certain rights in connection with the Pacquiao Fight, while retaining other valuable rights and receiving new rights. Most importantly, CSI was granted exclusive rights to Mayweather’s next fight immediately after the Pacquiao Fight. It did not have those rights before.
[CSI alleges that through this amendment process,] Mayweather was now contracted to fight Pacquiao on September 19th, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be Mayweather’s next fight after the Tyson Fight, and Mayweather would not participate in any intervening fights before the Tyson Fight, or after the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and before Mayweather’s next fight, to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
CSI’s agreement to this plan was also premised on receiving the same logo credits, signage, and public announcements afforded to Mayweather’s and Pacquiao’s promotional companies in connection with a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight – as televised worldwide on Netflix On March 1st, CSI paid a $150,000 installment that was due because Mayweather had completed his medicals for the fight. On March 2nd, the very day after he accepted the $150,000 installment payment, Mayweather posted on his Instagram account that he would be fighting Zambidis in Greece on June 27th. The proposed Zambidis Fight was a breach of the bar against interim fights under. Indeed, Mayweather breached merely by posting about it. In response, CSI retained counsel in Greece to take steps to prevent the Zambidis fight from going forward.
CSI says it later came to the understanding that Mayweather had backed down on the Zambidis fight. However, on May 7th, Mayweather held a press conference where he made it clear that he did, in fact, intend to go ahead with the Zambidis fight on June 27th. Meanwhile, Tyson had injured his hand and would be unable to fight on May 30th, but would be available to fight within the next six months and that consequently the Tyson agreement was effectively tolled, meaning that Mayweather was barred from participating in any other bout.
On June 16th, DAZN and CSI reached an agreement in principle that DAZN would not broadcast the Zambidis Fight and DAZN removed the Zambidis fight offering, poster, and marketing from its platform.
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Ali Akhmedov books Kazakhstan fight for July 25th |
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According to the IBO, Ali Akhmedov and Asemahle Wellem are on a collision course for the IBO interim light heavyweight title on July 25th in Kazakhstan, live on ESPN+. Akhmedov is 25-2 with two straight wins since an upset loss to Maciej Sulecki in February 2025. He'll be fighting in his home country. Wellem is a 25 year-old from South Africa with a record of 11-2-1, including a tune-up win last month.
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Ali Akhmedov books Kazakhstan fight for July 25th
According to the IBO, Ali Akhmedov and Asemahle Wellem are on a collision course for the IBO interim light heavyweight title on July 25th in Kazakhstan, live on ESPN+. Akhmedov is 25-2 with two straight wins since an upset loss to Maciej Sulecki in February 2025. He'll be fighting in his home country. Wellem is a 25 year-old from South Africa with a record of 11-2-1, including a tune-up win last month.
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IBA bare knuckles coming to Miami on July 18th |
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IBA Bare Knuckle is set to make its United States debut on July 18th at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. Further announcements regarding the official fight card, ticket sales and fight week activities will be released soon. Representing a significant milestone in the IBA's global expansion, the event will feature MMA legend Jon “Bones” Jones on the sidelines as the official ambassador and host for the evening. IBA Bare Knuckle aims to bring together elite athletes from various combat sports disciplines, champions from multi-sport backgrounds, world-class coaches, and prominent combat sports personalities onto a single unified global stage.
Since its inception in 2025, IBA Bare Knuckle has staged four events in the CIS region, generating widespread international engagement, selling out venues, and accumulating more than 500 million digital views and engagements across its media platforms. The latest iteration, IBA Bare Knuckle 4, which was headlined by former UFC champion Yoel Romero, achieved, according to IBA, over 120 million views and interactions worldwide. The upcoming Miami event brings this momentum directly into the American market. The premium fight night at the James L. Knight Center will blend elite bare-knuckle competition with high-end sports entertainment, capturing the unique energy of Miami.
Chris Roberts OBE, IBA Secretary General and CEO, expressed his confidence in the significance of hosting the event in the USA: “Our entry into the United States represents a pivotal moment in the global expansion of the IBA. We are not just bringing a world-class sport entertainment platform to Miami; we are establishing a sustainable pipeline for elite combat sports athletes on a truly international scale. The American market has an immense appetite for high-calibre, authentic combat sport events, and IBA Bare Knuckle is ready to deliver exactly that.”
The US debut signals IBA Bare Knuckle’s global ambitions and its commitment to introducing its fighter-first model to the Western combat sports market. The organisation plans to steadily continue its international expansion throughout 2026 and beyond, with the Miami event serving as the primary launchpad for American audiences, athletes, media, and industry partners.
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IBA bare knuckles coming to Miami on July 18th
IBA Bare Knuckle is set to make its United States debut on July 18th at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. Further announcements regarding the official fight card, ticket sales and fight week activities will be released soon. Representing a significant milestone in the IBA's global expansion, the event will feature MMA legend Jon “Bones” Jones on the sidelines as the official ambassador and host for the evening. IBA Bare Knuckle aims to bring together elite athletes from various combat sports disciplines, champions from multi-sport backgrounds, world-class coaches, and prominent combat sports personalities onto a single unified global stage.
Since its inception in 2025, IBA Bare Knuckle has staged four events in the CIS region, generating widespread international engagement, selling out venues, and accumulating more than 500 million digital views and engagements across its media platforms. The latest iteration, IBA Bare Knuckle 4, which was headlined by former UFC champion Yoel Romero, achieved, according to IBA, over 120 million views and interactions worldwide. The upcoming Miami event brings this momentum directly into the American market. The premium fight night at the James L. Knight Center will blend elite bare-knuckle competition with high-end sports entertainment, capturing the unique energy of Miami.
Chris Roberts OBE, IBA Secretary General and CEO, expressed his confidence in the significance of hosting the event in the USA: “Our entry into the United States represents a pivotal moment in the global expansion of the IBA. We are not just bringing a world-class sport entertainment platform to Miami; we are establishing a sustainable pipeline for elite combat sports athletes on a truly international scale. The American market has an immense appetite for high-calibre, authentic combat sport events, and IBA Bare Knuckle is ready to deliver exactly that.”
The US debut signals IBA Bare Knuckle’s global ambitions and its commitment to introducing its fighter-first model to the Western combat sports market. The organisation plans to steadily continue its international expansion throughout 2026 and beyond, with the Miami event serving as the primary launchpad for American audiences, athletes, media, and industry partners.
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Read Mayweather's sworn statement saying $4.75M was stolen from him |
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On Thursday, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. submitted a statement under the penalty of perjury, to a New York court that is considering whether to allow Mayweather's exhibition fight to take place on Sautrday in Athens.Here is what Mayweather said:
"I am generally familiar with the allegations against me in this case. It is my understanding that [CSI Entertainment and related companies] claims I received advances that were allegedly paid by them to [a company named] Frist Apex Ventures LLC in August 2025 ($2 million advance) and November 2025 ($2.5 million advance). That is not correct. I did not receive either the $2 million payment or the $2.5 million payment from Frist Apex, Plaintiffs, or anyone acting on their behalf. I am informed and believe [CSI] has filed proof showing that those payments were made to Frist Apex. I do not know what Frist Apex did with those funds.
"After I spoke with [CSI's] Richard Milele and informed him that I had not received the $2 million or $2.5 million payments, Mr. Milele and I agreed to execute a letter of direction for future payments. I requested that protection because I had not received the prior CSI payments and because of concerns that funds paid to Frist Apex had been misappropriated and/or stolen. I have requested from Frist Apex a reconciliation of all payments received or made in connection with my boxing events, including any CSI-related payments, but I have not received that reconciliation to date.
"In late February or early March of this year, I completed my medicals for the fight with Mike Tyson. The plan was for the fight to happen in the spring of 2026. I was ready, willing and able to participate in the exhibition fight against Mike Tyson this spring. I am informed that Plaintiffs also allege that I accepted a $2.75 million advance from EverWonder and took a $5.8 million advance from a third-party lender against a contract with EverWonder. Neither statement is correct. To the best of my knowledge, those advances or loan proceeds were paid to Frist Apex or others, not to me or Mayweather Promotions. I did not receive those funds and do not know what was done with them.
My former manager Jona Rechnitz hid information from me and misled me about a lot of things, including the deals he was negotiating with CSI for fights against Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao. Unfortunately, I still trusted him at the time because I did not know about his shady dealings. When Jona asked me to sign an inducement letter, he did not tell me specifics regarding the deal between Frist Apex and Plaintiffs. Because of my trust in Jona at the time, I signed the inducement letter without knowledge of the deal terms. After I discovered evidence that Jona was taking advantage of, lying to and stealing from me, I hired Walter Jordan to be my business manager in February 2026."
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Read Mayweather's sworn statement saying $4.75M was stolen from him
On Thursday, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. submitted a statement under the penalty of perjury, to a New York court that is considering whether to allow Mayweather's exhibition fight to take place on Sautrday in Athens.Here is what Mayweather said:
"I am generally familiar with the allegations against me in this case. It is my understanding that [CSI Entertainment and related companies] claims I received advances that were allegedly paid by them to [a company named] Frist Apex Ventures LLC in August 2025 ($2 million advance) and November 2025 ($2.5 million advance). That is not correct. I did not receive either the $2 million payment or the $2.5 million payment from Frist Apex, Plaintiffs, or anyone acting on their behalf. I am informed and believe [CSI] has filed proof showing that those payments were made to Frist Apex. I do not know what Frist Apex did with those funds.
"After I spoke with [CSI's] Richard Milele and informed him that I had not received the $2 million or $2.5 million payments, Mr. Milele and I agreed to execute a letter of direction for future payments. I requested that protection because I had not received the prior CSI payments and because of concerns that funds paid to Frist Apex had been misappropriated and/or stolen. I have requested from Frist Apex a reconciliation of all payments received or made in connection with my boxing events, including any CSI-related payments, but I have not received that reconciliation to date.
"In late February or early March of this year, I completed my medicals for the fight with Mike Tyson. The plan was for the fight to happen in the spring of 2026. I was ready, willing and able to participate in the exhibition fight against Mike Tyson this spring. I am informed that Plaintiffs also allege that I accepted a $2.75 million advance from EverWonder and took a $5.8 million advance from a third-party lender against a contract with EverWonder. Neither statement is correct. To the best of my knowledge, those advances or loan proceeds were paid to Frist Apex or others, not to me or Mayweather Promotions. I did not receive those funds and do not know what was done with them.
My former manager Jona Rechnitz hid information from me and misled me about a lot of things, including the deals he was negotiating with CSI for fights against Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao. Unfortunately, I still trusted him at the time because I did not know about his shady dealings. When Jona asked me to sign an inducement letter, he did not tell me specifics regarding the deal between Frist Apex and Plaintiffs. Because of my trust in Jona at the time, I signed the inducement letter without knowledge of the deal terms. After I discovered evidence that Jona was taking advantage of, lying to and stealing from me, I hired Walter Jordan to be my business manager in February 2026."
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Spence: "I'm taking things one fight at a time" |
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Former unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. held a media workout in Houston on Wednesday ahead his comeback fight, which takes place Saturday, July 25 in a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video from Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. Spence is currently in training camp with trainer Ronnie Shields, for his big junior middleweight match-up against former champion Tim Tszyu. Here is what Spence (28-1), who has not fought since a 2023 loss to multi-division champion Terence Crawford, had to say Wednesday from Houston:
“Camp has been great. I can’t complain at all. We’re putting in the work and leaving no stone unturned. I’m excited.
“Ronnie’s style fits me well. I’ve always been a huge fan of Jermall and how he fights. Plus Ronnie has the experience too. I listened to Ronnie’s concept of training and I felt like it fit me to a T. When we worked out, the chemistry felt really good.
“I had my first world title fight overseas, plus countless amateur fights. So it’s something I’ve always been comfortable with. I’m not worried about the fans or anything like that, because at the end of the day it’s just me and him in there.
“This was the right time to come back, and against the right opponent. My body feels good, so I said why not?
“[Jermall] Charlo [Spence's training partner who is fighting on the same show] and I were in the amateurs together as kids, so it’s dope to have somebody that I’ve known a long time in the same gym here and on the same card. We’re focused on the task at hand and that’s conquering Australia.
“My motivation to come back is about myself and my personal goals. Everything about training just excites me. You’ve gotta enjoy it while it lasts, because one day it’ll be over. I’m taking it one fight at a time.”
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Spence: "I'm taking things one fight at a time"
Former unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. held a media workout in Houston on Wednesday ahead his comeback fight, which takes place Saturday, July 25 in a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video from Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. Spence is currently in training camp with trainer Ronnie Shields, for his big junior middleweight match-up against former champion Tim Tszyu. Here is what Spence (28-1), who has not fought since a 2023 loss to multi-division champion Terence Crawford, had to say Wednesday from Houston:
“Camp has been great. I can’t complain at all. We’re putting in the work and leaving no stone unturned. I’m excited.
“Ronnie’s style fits me well. I’ve always been a huge fan of Jermall and how he fights. Plus Ronnie has the experience too. I listened to Ronnie’s concept of training and I felt like it fit me to a T. When we worked out, the chemistry felt really good.
“I had my first world title fight overseas, plus countless amateur fights. So it’s something I’ve always been comfortable with. I’m not worried about the fans or anything like that, because at the end of the day it’s just me and him in there.
“This was the right time to come back, and against the right opponent. My body feels good, so I said why not?
“[Jermall] Charlo [Spence's training partner who is fighting on the same show] and I were in the amateurs together as kids, so it’s dope to have somebody that I’ve known a long time in the same gym here and on the same card. We’re focused on the task at hand and that’s conquering Australia.
“My motivation to come back is about myself and my personal goals. Everything about training just excites me. You’ve gotta enjoy it while it lasts, because one day it’ll be over. I’m taking it one fight at a time.”
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Jerwin Ancajas now campaigning at featherweight |
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Sunday night's Zuffa Boxing 08 co-feature in Las Vegas a battle between traditional boxing rival nations Mexico and the Philippines as the undefeated Omar Trinidad returns to face former super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancas (pictured) in a pivotal meeting in the Zuffa Boxing featherweight division. Trinidad (20-0-2, 14 KOs) stamped his mark on Zuffa Boxing on his promotional debut with a tenth round knockout of Max Ornelas at Zuffa Boxing 01, and he returns to action looking to claim back to back victories. But standing in his way is one of the toughest tests of his career. Ancajas has signed with Zuffa Boxing and made the move up to featherweight to kickstart a new chapter in his career. The Filipino star has a record of 38-4-2, with 25 wins by knockout, and made nine successful defenses of his super flyweight title, which he held for more than five years. Now “Pretty Boy” plans on making an instant impact in his new weight class.
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Jerwin Ancajas now campaigning at featherweight
Sunday night's Zuffa Boxing 08 co-feature in Las Vegas a battle between traditional boxing rival nations Mexico and the Philippines as the undefeated Omar Trinidad returns to face former super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancas (pictured) in a pivotal meeting in the Zuffa Boxing featherweight division. Trinidad (20-0-2, 14 KOs) stamped his mark on Zuffa Boxing on his promotional debut with a tenth round knockout of Max Ornelas at Zuffa Boxing 01, and he returns to action looking to claim back to back victories. But standing in his way is one of the toughest tests of his career. Ancajas has signed with Zuffa Boxing and made the move up to featherweight to kickstart a new chapter in his career. The Filipino star has a record of 38-4-2, with 25 wins by knockout, and made nine successful defenses of his super flyweight title, which he held for more than five years. Now “Pretty Boy” plans on making an instant impact in his new weight class.
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Shields dropping down to middleweight |
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Claressa Shields continues to look for new challenges. It was announced on Wednesday that Shields will drop back down to middleweight for the first time since June 2023 when she challenges WBA/WBC champion Kaye Scott on Saturday. Aug. 15th at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, live and exclusively on DAZN. Back in February, Shields (18-0, 3 KOs) dominated Franchon Crews-Dezurn to retain her undisputed heavyweight titles (176 pounds + for women). The decision was made to return to middleweight for the two-time Olympic gold medalist, five-division champion, undisputed heavyweight champion, and the first boxer in the four-belt era—male or female—to become undisputed champion in three weight classes because Shields wants to continue to cement her standing among the greats. "At this point in my career, every fight is about legacy," Shields said in a statement. Every fight now is about pushing the boundaries of what's possible—for myself, for women's boxing, and for the next generation coming behind me through Claressa Shields Promotions. Kaye Scott is a champion, and I respect what she's accomplished. But becoming undisputed at 160 pounds again starts with beating the best. That's always been my mindset. I don't chase easy fights, I choose meaningful ones.”
For Scott (5-1-1), this represents the biggest fight of her career. The native of Australia understands what's in front of her and plans on showing the world what she's all about. “I’ve dedicated my life to the sport of boxing, achieving success with the Australian National Team and as a professional, " Scott said. I’m extremely proud to defend my WBC and WBA world title belts against Claressa Shields. “I believe the bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity, and on August 15, I have the chance to show the world exactly what I’m capable of. I’m in the best shape of my life and ready to test myself against the very best. I’m excited, motivated, and prepared to step into that ring and prove that I am the best middleweight in the world.”
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Shields dropping down to middleweight
Claressa Shields continues to look for new challenges. It was announced on Wednesday that Shields will drop back down to middleweight for the first time since June 2023 when she challenges WBA/WBC champion Kaye Scott on Saturday. Aug. 15th at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, live and exclusively on DAZN. Back in February, Shields (18-0, 3 KOs) dominated Franchon Crews-Dezurn to retain her undisputed heavyweight titles (176 pounds + for women). The decision was made to return to middleweight for the two-time Olympic gold medalist, five-division champion, undisputed heavyweight champion, and the first boxer in the four-belt era—male or female—to become undisputed champion in three weight classes because Shields wants to continue to cement her standing among the greats. "At this point in my career, every fight is about legacy," Shields said in a statement. Every fight now is about pushing the boundaries of what's possible—for myself, for women's boxing, and for the next generation coming behind me through Claressa Shields Promotions. Kaye Scott is a champion, and I respect what she's accomplished. But becoming undisputed at 160 pounds again starts with beating the best. That's always been my mindset. I don't chase easy fights, I choose meaningful ones.”
For Scott (5-1-1), this represents the biggest fight of her career. The native of Australia understands what's in front of her and plans on showing the world what she's all about. “I’ve dedicated my life to the sport of boxing, achieving success with the Australian National Team and as a professional, " Scott said. I’m extremely proud to defend my WBC and WBA world title belts against Claressa Shields. “I believe the bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity, and on August 15, I have the chance to show the world exactly what I’m capable of. I’m in the best shape of my life and ready to test myself against the very best. I’m excited, motivated, and prepared to step into that ring and prove that I am the best middleweight in the world.”
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Yoka says he's fully rebounded from losing streak |
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French heavyweight Tony Yoka (pictured) needed only three hours to accept the opportunity to challenge Murat Gassiev for the WBA regular heavyweight title. The 2016 Olympic champion will face Gassiev in the main event of IBA Pro 19 on Saturday, July 11th at the VTB Arena in Moscow. The opportunity arose after Yoka’s scheduled April contest against Lawrence Okolie was cancelled [due to a positive test for banned substances by Okolie]. His manager called shortly afterwards with an offer to face Gassiev, and the Frenchman consulted his family and team before giving an answer. “I think it took me about three hours,” Yoka said. “I spoke with my father, my brothers and the rest of my team, and then we accepted the challenge.” The timing meant that Yoka was already in fighting condition. He had completed most of his preparations for the Okolie bout and took only one week away from the gym before beginning work towards his world title challenge.
“My training camp is going really well,” he said. “I was ready for a big fight in April, so I took a week of rest and went straight back into training. I feel that I will be even better prepared for this fight than I was for April. I will be more than ready.”
The primary focus of the camp is conditioning. Yoka expects Gassiev to apply consistent pressure and understands that he may be required to maintain his movement and punch output across the full championship distance. Rather than concentrating on maximal strength or heavy lifting, Yoka is working on his ability to repeat technically demanding actions without losing speed or accuracy. “I am not really doing heavy lifts,” he explained. “I am focusing more on repeating actions. I need to be able to do that for twelve rounds, and that is where my main focus is. I know it is going to be a tough fight. Murat is going to come forward, so I need to be able to repeat my work until the end.”
Gassiev enters the contest with a professional record of 33 wins and two defeats, including 26 victories inside the distance. The 32-year old claimed the WBA regular heavyweight title by stopping Kubrat Pulev in the sixth round and will now make his first defence in front of the Moscow crowd.
Yoka believes the champion remains at his physical peak but is confident that his own dimensions and technical qualities will present Gassiev with a different challenge from those he has encountered in the heavyweight division. “Of course, I think he is at his peak because he is only 32 years old,” Yoka said. “For a heavyweight, 32 can be just the beginning. But I also believe I am better than the opponents he has faced at heavyweight. He is going to meet someone who is around two meters tall, weighs 117 kilograms and has good technique. I think it will be completely different from his recent fights.”
The French challenger sees the contrast between their styles as one of the most intriguing elements of the contest. Gassiev is known for his physical strength, pressure and concussive punching power, while Yoka intends to use his height, footwork and technical background to control the distance. “I feel Murat’s style is a perfect match for me because he comes forward and likes to fight,” Yoka said. “I am taller, and I believe I have better movement and technique. I think our two styles make for a perfect match-up.”
Before entering the professional ranks, Yoka established himself as one of the leading amateur heavyweights of his generation. He won gold at the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships before defeating Joe Joyce in the final of the 2016 Olympic Games. His professional career was cratered by three successive defeats between 2022 and 2023 against Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam and Ryad Merhy.
Yoka believes that difficult period was caused by several problems occurring at the same time rather than one individual weakness. “Everything was going badly for me in 2022 and 2023,” he admitted. “It was a little bit of everything. There were boxing issues, I was too light, I was working with the wrong people and the wrong promoter, and I also had problems in my family. But I have moved past it. I have now won four fights in a row, and I do not think about that period anymore. I believe I am entering the final chapter of my career, and I hope it will be a beautiful one.”
That run began after Yoka’s defeat to Merhy [now a bridgerweight title holder] in Paris in December 2023. Since then, the Olympic champion has rebuilt his momentum with victories over Amine Boucetta in London in July 2024, Lamah Griggs in Swindon in September 2024, Arslan Yallyev at Adidas Arena in Paris in May 2025 and Patrick Korte in Lagos in December 2025. The fight in Moscow now gives him an opportunity to turn that recovery into the defining achievement of his professional career.
Yoka also believes the heavyweight division is entering a period of transition. He regards Oleksandr Usyk as one of the greatest names in the history of the weight class but does not believe there is currently one obvious contender who will dominate its next era. “I do not really see one person as the best heavyweight for the years ahead,” he said. “I think it is a new era.”
Yoka pointed to Filip Hrgovic, Agit Kabayel, Daniel Dubois, Martin Bakole and Moses Itauma as potential leading figures in the division over the coming years — and firmly included himself among them. Before considering any future possibilities, however, he must overcome a defending champion whose power has established him as one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the sport. Yoka is not predicting a particular round or method of victory. He is instead relying on the work completed in camp and the conviction that carried him to Olympic gold. “I am not going to trash-talk or say which round I will win in, as Muhammad Ali used to do,” Yoka said. “I am simply ready for this fight and for this big opportunity. I have been working hard. I know what I have been through, and I know I am going to shock the world because nobody is ready for what is coming. I know what I am capable of. I have been blessed in this sport, and I believe I have a great destiny. I became an Olympic champion for a reason. On July 11th, I will be ready to step up.”
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Yoka says he's fully rebounded from losing streak
French heavyweight Tony Yoka (pictured) needed only three hours to accept the opportunity to challenge Murat Gassiev for the WBA regular heavyweight title. The 2016 Olympic champion will face Gassiev in the main event of IBA Pro 19 on Saturday, July 11th at the VTB Arena in Moscow. The opportunity arose after Yoka’s scheduled April contest against Lawrence Okolie was cancelled [due to a positive test for banned substances by Okolie]. His manager called shortly afterwards with an offer to face Gassiev, and the Frenchman consulted his family and team before giving an answer. “I think it took me about three hours,” Yoka said. “I spoke with my father, my brothers and the rest of my team, and then we accepted the challenge.” The timing meant that Yoka was already in fighting condition. He had completed most of his preparations for the Okolie bout and took only one week away from the gym before beginning work towards his world title challenge.
“My training camp is going really well,” he said. “I was ready for a big fight in April, so I took a week of rest and went straight back into training. I feel that I will be even better prepared for this fight than I was for April. I will be more than ready.”
The primary focus of the camp is conditioning. Yoka expects Gassiev to apply consistent pressure and understands that he may be required to maintain his movement and punch output across the full championship distance. Rather than concentrating on maximal strength or heavy lifting, Yoka is working on his ability to repeat technically demanding actions without losing speed or accuracy. “I am not really doing heavy lifts,” he explained. “I am focusing more on repeating actions. I need to be able to do that for twelve rounds, and that is where my main focus is. I know it is going to be a tough fight. Murat is going to come forward, so I need to be able to repeat my work until the end.”
Gassiev enters the contest with a professional record of 33 wins and two defeats, including 26 victories inside the distance. The 32-year old claimed the WBA regular heavyweight title by stopping Kubrat Pulev in the sixth round and will now make his first defence in front of the Moscow crowd.
Yoka believes the champion remains at his physical peak but is confident that his own dimensions and technical qualities will present Gassiev with a different challenge from those he has encountered in the heavyweight division. “Of course, I think he is at his peak because he is only 32 years old,” Yoka said. “For a heavyweight, 32 can be just the beginning. But I also believe I am better than the opponents he has faced at heavyweight. He is going to meet someone who is around two meters tall, weighs 117 kilograms and has good technique. I think it will be completely different from his recent fights.”
The French challenger sees the contrast between their styles as one of the most intriguing elements of the contest. Gassiev is known for his physical strength, pressure and concussive punching power, while Yoka intends to use his height, footwork and technical background to control the distance. “I feel Murat’s style is a perfect match for me because he comes forward and likes to fight,” Yoka said. “I am taller, and I believe I have better movement and technique. I think our two styles make for a perfect match-up.”
Before entering the professional ranks, Yoka established himself as one of the leading amateur heavyweights of his generation. He won gold at the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships before defeating Joe Joyce in the final of the 2016 Olympic Games. His professional career was cratered by three successive defeats between 2022 and 2023 against Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam and Ryad Merhy.
Yoka believes that difficult period was caused by several problems occurring at the same time rather than one individual weakness. “Everything was going badly for me in 2022 and 2023,” he admitted. “It was a little bit of everything. There were boxing issues, I was too light, I was working with the wrong people and the wrong promoter, and I also had problems in my family. But I have moved past it. I have now won four fights in a row, and I do not think about that period anymore. I believe I am entering the final chapter of my career, and I hope it will be a beautiful one.”
That run began after Yoka’s defeat to Merhy [now a bridgerweight title holder] in Paris in December 2023. Since then, the Olympic champion has rebuilt his momentum with victories over Amine Boucetta in London in July 2024, Lamah Griggs in Swindon in September 2024, Arslan Yallyev at Adidas Arena in Paris in May 2025 and Patrick Korte in Lagos in December 2025. The fight in Moscow now gives him an opportunity to turn that recovery into the defining achievement of his professional career.
Yoka also believes the heavyweight division is entering a period of transition. He regards Oleksandr Usyk as one of the greatest names in the history of the weight class but does not believe there is currently one obvious contender who will dominate its next era. “I do not really see one person as the best heavyweight for the years ahead,” he said. “I think it is a new era.”
Yoka pointed to Filip Hrgovic, Agit Kabayel, Daniel Dubois, Martin Bakole and Moses Itauma as potential leading figures in the division over the coming years — and firmly included himself among them. Before considering any future possibilities, however, he must overcome a defending champion whose power has established him as one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the sport. Yoka is not predicting a particular round or method of victory. He is instead relying on the work completed in camp and the conviction that carried him to Olympic gold. “I am not going to trash-talk or say which round I will win in, as Muhammad Ali used to do,” Yoka said. “I am simply ready for this fight and for this big opportunity. I have been working hard. I know what I have been through, and I know I am going to shock the world because nobody is ready for what is coming. I know what I am capable of. I have been blessed in this sport, and I believe I have a great destiny. I became an Olympic champion for a reason. On July 11th, I will be ready to step up.”
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Late result: a win for 2016 Olympian Melian |
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Alberto E. Melian W8 Sebastián Caucaman... 2016 Olympian Alberto Ezequiel “Impacto” Melian achieved a unanimous decision victory over Chile's Sebastián Caucaman in a lightweight contest held in Argentina last weekend. Melian (24-6-1 including World Series of Boxing and IBA pro bouts) prevailed over Caucaman (5-2-1) in a highly competitive clash. The closely contested nature of the bout was reflected in the judges’ scorecards. After eight hard-fought rounds, Melian earned the nod by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 (twice).
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Late result: a win for 2016 Olympian Melian
Alberto E. Melian W8 Sebastián Caucaman... 2016 Olympian Alberto Ezequiel “Impacto” Melian achieved a unanimous decision victory over Chile's Sebastián Caucaman in a lightweight contest held in Argentina last weekend. Melian (24-6-1 including World Series of Boxing and IBA pro bouts) prevailed over Caucaman (5-2-1) in a highly competitive clash. The closely contested nature of the bout was reflected in the judges’ scorecards. After eight hard-fought rounds, Melian earned the nod by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 (twice).
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BKB prelim card to be streamed on TikTok |
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Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) announced a broadcast partnership that will bring this weekend's BKB 55 "Carnage in Cardiff" preliminary card directly to fans through a live stream on TikTok. The prelims will stream on BKB's own TikTok channel with interactive, real-time commentary and reactions from power slapper Ellie Dempster and digital creator Taylor Feingold. The brand-new show runs alongside the main broadcast and delivers a live, interactive watch-along built for the TikTok generation. The fan-centric chat takes center stage as the driving force of the show, turning passive viewers into active participants and giving sponsors a native, real-time integration point inside the conversation. Fans can join at 11 AM ET, 4 PM BST on fight night, Saturday, June 27th at TikTok.com/@bkbbareknuckle.
The BKB 55 preliminary card features five match-ups leading into a main card headlined by the bare knuckle debut of former IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby at the Vindico Arena in Cardiff. Selby faces undefeated Italian and kickboxing star Antonio Rizzo. In the co-feature, Welsh knockout artist Dan Lerwell meets UFC veteran Danny Mitchell in the cruiserweight division. And former BKB champions go head-to-head when Dan Podmore and Jarome Hatch square off for the number one contender slot in the bridgerweight division. The undercard includes undefeated Welshmen Ethan George and Geraint Goodridge, alongside bare knuckle mainstays Tom Pratt, Dan Matthews, and Corey Healey.
Said BKB CEO David Tetreault: "This is a transformative partnership with one of the largest platforms in the world, and it lets us take our product directly to the fans who are driving the growth of this sport. We have created a high-energy, fan-first experience built around reactions and personality rather than stat sheets. Once again, BKB is on the forefront of revolutionizing how combat sport is consumed, humanizing our fighters, integrating our fans, and mainstreaming the sport of bare knuckle boxing. BKB was tailor-made for the modern generation, and there is no better way to reach them than with fun, knowledgeable, and genuinely relatable personalities like Ellie and Taylor."
Visit bkbbareknuckle.com and follow @bkbbareknuckle for tickets, information, and all the ways to watch. Watch prelims live at tiktok.com/@bkbbareknuckle at 4 PM BST / 11 AM ET. The main card will air live at 7 PM BST / 2 PM ET on talkSPORT in the UK and Ireland, and elsewhere on VICE TV’s YouTube Channel. It will re-air on cable in prime time in the US and Canada on VICE TV. Visit bkbbareknuckle.com/watch for all viewing links.
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BKB prelim card to be streamed on TikTok
Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) announced a broadcast partnership that will bring this weekend's BKB 55 "Carnage in Cardiff" preliminary card directly to fans through a live stream on TikTok. The prelims will stream on BKB's own TikTok channel with interactive, real-time commentary and reactions from power slapper Ellie Dempster and digital creator Taylor Feingold. The brand-new show runs alongside the main broadcast and delivers a live, interactive watch-along built for the TikTok generation. The fan-centric chat takes center stage as the driving force of the show, turning passive viewers into active participants and giving sponsors a native, real-time integration point inside the conversation. Fans can join at 11 AM ET, 4 PM BST on fight night, Saturday, June 27th at TikTok.com/@bkbbareknuckle.
The BKB 55 preliminary card features five match-ups leading into a main card headlined by the bare knuckle debut of former IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby at the Vindico Arena in Cardiff. Selby faces undefeated Italian and kickboxing star Antonio Rizzo. In the co-feature, Welsh knockout artist Dan Lerwell meets UFC veteran Danny Mitchell in the cruiserweight division. And former BKB champions go head-to-head when Dan Podmore and Jarome Hatch square off for the number one contender slot in the bridgerweight division. The undercard includes undefeated Welshmen Ethan George and Geraint Goodridge, alongside bare knuckle mainstays Tom Pratt, Dan Matthews, and Corey Healey.
Said BKB CEO David Tetreault: "This is a transformative partnership with one of the largest platforms in the world, and it lets us take our product directly to the fans who are driving the growth of this sport. We have created a high-energy, fan-first experience built around reactions and personality rather than stat sheets. Once again, BKB is on the forefront of revolutionizing how combat sport is consumed, humanizing our fighters, integrating our fans, and mainstreaming the sport of bare knuckle boxing. BKB was tailor-made for the modern generation, and there is no better way to reach them than with fun, knowledgeable, and genuinely relatable personalities like Ellie and Taylor."
Visit bkbbareknuckle.com and follow @bkbbareknuckle for tickets, information, and all the ways to watch. Watch prelims live at tiktok.com/@bkbbareknuckle at 4 PM BST / 11 AM ET. The main card will air live at 7 PM BST / 2 PM ET on talkSPORT in the UK and Ireland, and elsewhere on VICE TV’s YouTube Channel. It will re-air on cable in prime time in the US and Canada on VICE TV. Visit bkbbareknuckle.com/watch for all viewing links.
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Mayweather tells court Saturday's exhibition vs. Zambidis should move forward |
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Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has filed his opposition papers to the preliminary injunction request of CSI Entertainment and related entities, who are seeking a court order to halt this weekend’s exhibition bout between Mayweather and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis. The exhibition is set for Saturday in Athens, but the court battle is taking place in New York, with a hearing scheduled today (Wednesday). Here is Mayweather’s argument to the court as to why the exhibition should go forward despite CSI’s legal claims for breach of a promotional contract:
CSI’s claimed emergency is one of their own making. By their own admission, CSI has known about Mayweather’s June 27th fight against Zambidis in Athens since February 3, 2026 – over four and a half months ago – but made a tactical decision to stop the fight through Greek counsel. CSI has no explanation, reasonable or otherwise, for waiting until eight days before the scheduled fight to move for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the Mayweather-Zambidis event from taking place.
First, CSI cannot demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. CSI’s agreements pertaining to Mayweather’s fights are void because they contemplate CSI’s operation as an unlicensed boxing promoter, in violation of New York and federal law. CSI also contracted with [co-defendant] Frist Apex Ventures LLC, a company owned by a friend of Jona Rechnitz [who is] Mayweather’s now estranged former manager and [according to Mayweather] a proven fraudster. At the time, Mayweather was not aware of all the representations being made by Frist Apex and Rechnitz to CSI. Moreover, CSI continued to transact business with Rechnitz and Frist Apex even after learning that Rechnitz had retained all monies paid by CSI as “advances” to Mayweather, negotiated conflicting agreements with multiple parties and generally acted in bad faith.
Even setting aside these substantial questions concerning the validity and enforceability of the agreements, CSI never had the ability to produce [fights for] Mayweather [against] Mike Tyson or Manny Pacquiao. In fact, CSI entered into a separate agreement conceding the right of a different entity to put on the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas in September 2026 and distribute the fight on Netflix.
Second, CSI cannot establish it is likely to suffer irreparable harm. In fact, its months-long delay in seeking injunctive relief after learning about the Mayweather-Zambidis fight on February 3, 2026 and affirming a September 2026 date for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in February 2026 directly contradicts the claim of irreparable harm. Nor does the substance of CSI’s alleged injury support emergency relief. CSIs’ claimed harm is highly speculative and, at best, has only attenuated links to the Zambidis fight or the Pacquiao fight — the latter of which has no scheduled date and may not occur at all. Moreover, even assuming such harm were to occur, the claimed harm is wholly economic in nature. CSI has an adequate remedy at law: monetary damages.
Third, the balance of the equities is not in CSIs’ favor. CSIs’ lack of diligence in pursuing injunctive relief weighs against them. As opposed to the hypothetical harm they may suffer if the court denies their Motion, a temporary restraining order preventing the Zambidis fight from going forward or a preliminary injunction prohibiting the Pacquiao fight will certainly cause significant harm to Mayweather.
Fourth, granting the injunction is not in the public’s interest. Shutting down the Mayweather-Zambidis event (and a hypothetical future Mayweather-Pacquiao fight) punishes millions of innocent ticket holders and viewers, as well as those who have invested significant resources in producing these events. For these reasons, Mayweather requests that the court deny CSI’s motion in full.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 22, 2026: On Friday, CSI Entertainment and some related business entities asked a federal court in New York’s Southern District to issue a preliminary injunction barring Floyd Mayweather from fighting kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition bout in Athens this Saturday (June 27th). A hearing was originally scheduled to take place in New York today (Monday) but was moved to Wednesday, leaving precious little time for a court to act prior to Saturday's exhibition. CSI, represented by high-powered boxing attorney Judd Burstein, also asked the court to prohibit Mayweather from “taking any steps in furtherance of the Zambidis fight, prohibiting Mayweather from fighting anyone else other than Mike Tyson before he honors his obligation to fight Tyson as his next fight in an event broadcast by CSI; and preventing Mayweather from fighting anyone other than Manny Pacquiao or a fighter acceptable to CSI as his next fight immediately after Tyson in a bout to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
According to the legal papers submitted by CSI:
In 1997, Richard and Craig Miele founded the CSI Sports business, which is operated through a number of entities under the Fight Sports and CSI brands. Mayweather is an undefeated boxing legend and widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport’s history. Mayweather retired in 2017 with a 50-0 record. On August 10, 2025, CSI secured the exclusive rights to the services of Mayweather to fight Tyson in the spring of 2026. Obtaining exclusivity rights to premiere fighters is a crucial industry practice that was used extensively by HBO and ESPN at times when they were the leading names in broadcast boxing. Securing exclusive rights enables a sports company to become a destination for viewers seeking premium content and to strengthen its reputation with a global audience, both of which are essential to building the business and its brand. Obtaining exclusive broadcast rights for the Tyson fight was especially impactful for CSI and its brands. The fight will be a major event featuring two of boxing’s biggest stars. The announcement of the Tyson Fight received extraordinary media attention, surpassing nearly all other recent sports announcements. The resulting publicity and reputational benefit to CSI cannot be underestimated. This is especially so because in reliance on the Mayweather exclusive agreements, CSI / Fight Sports is launching a sports network in the USA with the Mayweather vs. Tyson fight on the most widely distributed platforms in the country.
If the exclusive rights CSI announced with Mayweather were put into question, it would likely terminate any and all plans by the platforms to carry/distribute the CSI / Fight Sports network and the harm to CSI would be terminable and non-reversible. At Mayweather’s direction, CSI Sports Events contracted with Frist for Mayweather’s services and Mayweather signed an inducement letter agreeing to the terms. This is standard industry practice. On August 11, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. This was just an advance as Mayweather, through Frist, was entitled to $14 million in total compensation under the Tyson Agreement. On November 6, 2025, CSI secured the rights to Mayweather’s next fight after Tyson to be against Pacquiao, or another suitable opponent, under an exclusive fight agreement, which expressly provides that a loss of these rights would give rise to irreparable harm.
A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be even more significant than Mayweather-Tyson because Mayweather and Pacquiao are two of the greatest fighters in boxing history and they competed in similar weight classes. Even more importantly, it will be a rematch of their 2015 bout which Mayweather won by unanimous decision and, because it will be a twelve-round professional fight, Mayweather’s undefeated 50-0 record will be on the line.
On November 6, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2.5 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. Again, this was just an advance. Mayweather stood to earn $50 million or more under the exclusive fight agreement.
On December 12, 2025, less than a month after CSI paid Frist $2.5 million, Mayweather surreptitiously signed a contract with third parties “Everwonder.” The Everwonder contract contemplated that Mayweather would fight Pacquiao on Netflix, in violation of CSI Entertainment Events’ exclusive rights. Under the Everwonder contract, Mayweather received a $2,750,000 advance in connection with a proposed Pacquiao fight to take place in the Fall of 2026. However, just one month earlier, on November 6, 2025, CSI Entertainment Events had paid Mayweather, through Frist, a $2.5 million advance for a fight against Pacquiao or another suitable opponent – i.e., the exact same fight. On information and belief, Mayweather then proceeded, through Frist, to take an additional $5.8 million advance from a third party lender against the Everwonder contract.
On January 7th, CSI learned about the Everwonder contract. Rather than sue Mayweather immediately, Plaintiffs sent Everwonder a cease-and-desist notice and engaged in negotiations with Mayweather’s representative seeking to preserve the extraordinarily valuable relationship. In connection with those discussions, Mayweather approved a press release which attributed the following quote to Mayweather: “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing – from my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards – no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – than my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports / Fight Sports.”
After the press release, CSI then entered into a series of related agreements with Mayweather, Frist, and Everwonder. On February 22nd, CSI Sports Events, Mayweather, and Frist signed an amendment to the Tyson Agreement that extended the date by when the Tyson fight had to proceed (absent an injury extension) from April 25, 2026, to May 31, 2026. CSI also gave up certain rights in connection with the Pacquiao Fight, while retaining other valuable rights and receiving new rights. Most importantly, CSI was granted exclusive rights to Mayweather’s next fight immediately after the Pacquiao Fight. It did not have those rights before.
[CSI alleges that through this amendment process,] Mayweather was now contracted to fight Pacquiao on September 19th, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be Mayweather’s next fight after the Tyson Fight, and Mayweather would not participate in any intervening fights before the Tyson Fight, or after the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and before Mayweather’s next fight, to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
CSI’s agreement to this plan was also premised on receiving the same logo credits, signage, and public announcements afforded to Mayweather’s and Pacquiao’s promotional companies in connection with a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight – as televised worldwide on Netflix On March 1st, CSI paid a $150,000 installment that was due because Mayweather had completed his medicals for the fight. On March 2nd, the very day after he accepted the $150,000 installment payment, Mayweather posted on his Instagram account that he would be fighting Zambidis in Greece on June 27th. The proposed Zambidis Fight was a breach of the bar against interim fights under. Indeed, Mayweather breached merely by posting about it. In response, CSI retained counsel in Greece to take steps to prevent the Zambidis fight from going forward.
CSI says it later came to the understanding that Mayweather had backed down on the Zambidis fight. However, on May 7th, Mayweather held a press conference where he made it clear that he did, in fact, intend to go ahead with the Zambidis fight on June 27th. Meanwhile, Tyson had injured his hand and would be unable to fight on May 30th, but would be available to fight within the next six months and that consequently the Tyson agreement was effectively tolled, meaning that Mayweather was barred from participating in any other bout.
On June 16th, DAZN and CSI reached an agreement in principle that DAZN would not broadcast the Zambidis Fight and DAZN removed the Zambidis fight offering, poster, and marketing from its platform.
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Mayweather tells court Saturday's exhibition vs. Zambidis should move forward
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has filed his opposition papers to the preliminary injunction request of CSI Entertainment and related entities, who are seeking a court order to halt this weekend’s exhibition bout between Mayweather and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis. The exhibition is set for Saturday in Athens, but the court battle is taking place in New York, with a hearing scheduled today (Wednesday). Here is Mayweather’s argument to the court as to why the exhibition should go forward despite CSI’s legal claims for breach of a promotional contract:
CSI’s claimed emergency is one of their own making. By their own admission, CSI has known about Mayweather’s June 27th fight against Zambidis in Athens since February 3, 2026 – over four and a half months ago – but made a tactical decision to stop the fight through Greek counsel. CSI has no explanation, reasonable or otherwise, for waiting until eight days before the scheduled fight to move for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the Mayweather-Zambidis event from taking place.
First, CSI cannot demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. CSI’s agreements pertaining to Mayweather’s fights are void because they contemplate CSI’s operation as an unlicensed boxing promoter, in violation of New York and federal law. CSI also contracted with [co-defendant] Frist Apex Ventures LLC, a company owned by a friend of Jona Rechnitz [who is] Mayweather’s now estranged former manager and [according to Mayweather] a proven fraudster. At the time, Mayweather was not aware of all the representations being made by Frist Apex and Rechnitz to CSI. Moreover, CSI continued to transact business with Rechnitz and Frist Apex even after learning that Rechnitz had retained all monies paid by CSI as “advances” to Mayweather, negotiated conflicting agreements with multiple parties and generally acted in bad faith.
Even setting aside these substantial questions concerning the validity and enforceability of the agreements, CSI never had the ability to produce [fights for] Mayweather [against] Mike Tyson or Manny Pacquiao. In fact, CSI entered into a separate agreement conceding the right of a different entity to put on the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas in September 2026 and distribute the fight on Netflix.
Second, CSI cannot establish it is likely to suffer irreparable harm. In fact, its months-long delay in seeking injunctive relief after learning about the Mayweather-Zambidis fight on February 3, 2026 and affirming a September 2026 date for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in February 2026 directly contradicts the claim of irreparable harm. Nor does the substance of CSI’s alleged injury support emergency relief. CSIs’ claimed harm is highly speculative and, at best, has only attenuated links to the Zambidis fight or the Pacquiao fight — the latter of which has no scheduled date and may not occur at all. Moreover, even assuming such harm were to occur, the claimed harm is wholly economic in nature. CSI has an adequate remedy at law: monetary damages.
Third, the balance of the equities is not in CSIs’ favor. CSIs’ lack of diligence in pursuing injunctive relief weighs against them. As opposed to the hypothetical harm they may suffer if the court denies their Motion, a temporary restraining order preventing the Zambidis fight from going forward or a preliminary injunction prohibiting the Pacquiao fight will certainly cause significant harm to Mayweather.
Fourth, granting the injunction is not in the public’s interest. Shutting down the Mayweather-Zambidis event (and a hypothetical future Mayweather-Pacquiao fight) punishes millions of innocent ticket holders and viewers, as well as those who have invested significant resources in producing these events. For these reasons, Mayweather requests that the court deny CSI’s motion in full.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 22, 2026: On Friday, CSI Entertainment and some related business entities asked a federal court in New York’s Southern District to issue a preliminary injunction barring Floyd Mayweather from fighting kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition bout in Athens this Saturday (June 27th). A hearing was originally scheduled to take place in New York today (Monday) but was moved to Wednesday, leaving precious little time for a court to act prior to Saturday's exhibition. CSI, represented by high-powered boxing attorney Judd Burstein, also asked the court to prohibit Mayweather from “taking any steps in furtherance of the Zambidis fight, prohibiting Mayweather from fighting anyone else other than Mike Tyson before he honors his obligation to fight Tyson as his next fight in an event broadcast by CSI; and preventing Mayweather from fighting anyone other than Manny Pacquiao or a fighter acceptable to CSI as his next fight immediately after Tyson in a bout to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
According to the legal papers submitted by CSI:
In 1997, Richard and Craig Miele founded the CSI Sports business, which is operated through a number of entities under the Fight Sports and CSI brands. Mayweather is an undefeated boxing legend and widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport’s history. Mayweather retired in 2017 with a 50-0 record. On August 10, 2025, CSI secured the exclusive rights to the services of Mayweather to fight Tyson in the spring of 2026. Obtaining exclusivity rights to premiere fighters is a crucial industry practice that was used extensively by HBO and ESPN at times when they were the leading names in broadcast boxing. Securing exclusive rights enables a sports company to become a destination for viewers seeking premium content and to strengthen its reputation with a global audience, both of which are essential to building the business and its brand. Obtaining exclusive broadcast rights for the Tyson fight was especially impactful for CSI and its brands. The fight will be a major event featuring two of boxing’s biggest stars. The announcement of the Tyson Fight received extraordinary media attention, surpassing nearly all other recent sports announcements. The resulting publicity and reputational benefit to CSI cannot be underestimated. This is especially so because in reliance on the Mayweather exclusive agreements, CSI / Fight Sports is launching a sports network in the USA with the Mayweather vs. Tyson fight on the most widely distributed platforms in the country.
If the exclusive rights CSI announced with Mayweather were put into question, it would likely terminate any and all plans by the platforms to carry/distribute the CSI / Fight Sports network and the harm to CSI would be terminable and non-reversible. At Mayweather’s direction, CSI Sports Events contracted with Frist for Mayweather’s services and Mayweather signed an inducement letter agreeing to the terms. This is standard industry practice. On August 11, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. This was just an advance as Mayweather, through Frist, was entitled to $14 million in total compensation under the Tyson Agreement. On November 6, 2025, CSI secured the rights to Mayweather’s next fight after Tyson to be against Pacquiao, or another suitable opponent, under an exclusive fight agreement, which expressly provides that a loss of these rights would give rise to irreparable harm.
A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be even more significant than Mayweather-Tyson because Mayweather and Pacquiao are two of the greatest fighters in boxing history and they competed in similar weight classes. Even more importantly, it will be a rematch of their 2015 bout which Mayweather won by unanimous decision and, because it will be a twelve-round professional fight, Mayweather’s undefeated 50-0 record will be on the line.
On November 6, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2.5 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. Again, this was just an advance. Mayweather stood to earn $50 million or more under the exclusive fight agreement.
On December 12, 2025, less than a month after CSI paid Frist $2.5 million, Mayweather surreptitiously signed a contract with third parties “Everwonder.” The Everwonder contract contemplated that Mayweather would fight Pacquiao on Netflix, in violation of CSI Entertainment Events’ exclusive rights. Under the Everwonder contract, Mayweather received a $2,750,000 advance in connection with a proposed Pacquiao fight to take place in the Fall of 2026. However, just one month earlier, on November 6, 2025, CSI Entertainment Events had paid Mayweather, through Frist, a $2.5 million advance for a fight against Pacquiao or another suitable opponent – i.e., the exact same fight. On information and belief, Mayweather then proceeded, through Frist, to take an additional $5.8 million advance from a third party lender against the Everwonder contract.
On January 7th, CSI learned about the Everwonder contract. Rather than sue Mayweather immediately, Plaintiffs sent Everwonder a cease-and-desist notice and engaged in negotiations with Mayweather’s representative seeking to preserve the extraordinarily valuable relationship. In connection with those discussions, Mayweather approved a press release which attributed the following quote to Mayweather: “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing – from my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards – no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – than my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports / Fight Sports.”
After the press release, CSI then entered into a series of related agreements with Mayweather, Frist, and Everwonder. On February 22nd, CSI Sports Events, Mayweather, and Frist signed an amendment to the Tyson Agreement that extended the date by when the Tyson fight had to proceed (absent an injury extension) from April 25, 2026, to May 31, 2026. CSI also gave up certain rights in connection with the Pacquiao Fight, while retaining other valuable rights and receiving new rights. Most importantly, CSI was granted exclusive rights to Mayweather’s next fight immediately after the Pacquiao Fight. It did not have those rights before.
[CSI alleges that through this amendment process,] Mayweather was now contracted to fight Pacquiao on September 19th, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be Mayweather’s next fight after the Tyson Fight, and Mayweather would not participate in any intervening fights before the Tyson Fight, or after the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and before Mayweather’s next fight, to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
CSI’s agreement to this plan was also premised on receiving the same logo credits, signage, and public announcements afforded to Mayweather’s and Pacquiao’s promotional companies in connection with a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight – as televised worldwide on Netflix On March 1st, CSI paid a $150,000 installment that was due because Mayweather had completed his medicals for the fight. On March 2nd, the very day after he accepted the $150,000 installment payment, Mayweather posted on his Instagram account that he would be fighting Zambidis in Greece on June 27th. The proposed Zambidis Fight was a breach of the bar against interim fights under. Indeed, Mayweather breached merely by posting about it. In response, CSI retained counsel in Greece to take steps to prevent the Zambidis fight from going forward.
CSI says it later came to the understanding that Mayweather had backed down on the Zambidis fight. However, on May 7th, Mayweather held a press conference where he made it clear that he did, in fact, intend to go ahead with the Zambidis fight on June 27th. Meanwhile, Tyson had injured his hand and would be unable to fight on May 30th, but would be available to fight within the next six months and that consequently the Tyson agreement was effectively tolled, meaning that Mayweather was barred from participating in any other bout.
On June 16th, DAZN and CSI reached an agreement in principle that DAZN would not broadcast the Zambidis Fight and DAZN removed the Zambidis fight offering, poster, and marketing from its platform.
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Liam Paro now a two-division champion |
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Liam Paro W12 Lewis Crocker... Australia's Liam Paro is now a two-division champion after winning a thrilling unanimous decision victory over Lewis Crocker in Brisbane, Australia. Paro wrested the IBF welterweight title away from Crocker by three scores of 115-113. Now 28-1, Paro held the IBF junior welterweight title in 2024, defeating Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico and then losing his first defense to Richardson Hitchins by split decision. According to Australia's Daily Telegraph, Paro's performance "will go down in history as one of the gutsiest efforts in a world title challenge in Australian boxing – and a contender for fight of the year." Paro joins the great Jeff Fenechas the only Australian men to win world titles in multiple weight classes, according to the Daily Telegraph. (Fenech was a three-dvision champion). Crocker, a warrior in his own right, returns home to Belfast in Northern Ireland with the first loss of his 23-fight career.
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Liam Paro now a two-division champion
Liam Paro W12 Lewis Crocker... Australia's Liam Paro is now a two-division champion after winning a thrilling unanimous decision victory over Lewis Crocker in Brisbane, Australia. Paro wrested the IBF welterweight title away from Crocker by three scores of 115-113. Now 28-1, Paro held the IBF junior welterweight title in 2024, defeating Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico and then losing his first defense to Richardson Hitchins by split decision. According to Australia's Daily Telegraph, Paro's performance "will go down in history as one of the gutsiest efforts in a world title challenge in Australian boxing – and a contender for fight of the year." Paro joins the great Jeff Fenechas the only Australian men to win world titles in multiple weight classes, according to the Daily Telegraph. (Fenech was a three-dvision champion). Crocker, a warrior in his own right, returns home to Belfast in Northern Ireland with the first loss of his 23-fight career.
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Zauerbek vs. England eliminator announced for July 17th |
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On June 18th, the IBF scheduled a purse bid for a 130-pound elimination bout between Sultan Zaurbek (20-0) of Kazakhstan and Jackson England (19-3) of Australia. The two were originally scheduled to duel it out for the IBF junior lightweight mandatory position on December 15, 2025, but the bout did not take place. Although the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for June 30th, it appears the fighters have reached an agreement to fight each other on July 17th in Perth, Australia. Pathway Boxing and the Perth High Performance Centre currently have tickets on sale for that date. Here is the venue's listing of the full card:
Pathway Boxing returns with an explosive international fight card headlined by Australia's own Jackson England as he takes on undefeated international contender Sultan Zaurbek in a high-stakes IBF world title eliminator. With a world title opportunity on the line, there is no room for error. The winner moves one step closer to boxing immortality. The stacked undercard features some of Australia's most exciting boxing talent, including:
Billy Polkinghorn will fight an opponent to be named later...
Viviana Ruiz Corredor takes on Micael Milagros Lujan...
Jude Grant takes on Hayden Emerson...
Nathaniel May makes a return to the ring...
Rahim CJ Mundine (Anthony Munidne's son) will be featured for the first time in Perth, and...
Yusuf Chothia, the Australian Olympian, will be making his professional debut.
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Zauerbek vs. England eliminator announced for July 17th
On June 18th, the IBF scheduled a purse bid for a 130-pound elimination bout between Sultan Zaurbek (20-0) of Kazakhstan and Jackson England (19-3) of Australia. The two were originally scheduled to duel it out for the IBF junior lightweight mandatory position on December 15, 2025, but the bout did not take place. Although the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for June 30th, it appears the fighters have reached an agreement to fight each other on July 17th in Perth, Australia. Pathway Boxing and the Perth High Performance Centre currently have tickets on sale for that date. Here is the venue's listing of the full card:
Pathway Boxing returns with an explosive international fight card headlined by Australia's own Jackson England as he takes on undefeated international contender Sultan Zaurbek in a high-stakes IBF world title eliminator. With a world title opportunity on the line, there is no room for error. The winner moves one step closer to boxing immortality. The stacked undercard features some of Australia's most exciting boxing talent, including:
Billy Polkinghorn will fight an opponent to be named later...
Viviana Ruiz Corredor takes on Micael Milagros Lujan...
Jude Grant takes on Hayden Emerson...
Nathaniel May makes a return to the ring...
Rahim CJ Mundine (Anthony Munidne's son) will be featured for the first time in Perth, and...
Yusuf Chothia, the Australian Olympian, will be making his professional debut.
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A few words with Boots Ennis |
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Ex-welterweight champ Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis says he’s ready to take over the junior middleweight division as he closes in on his title-challenge showdown with two-belt champion Xander Zayas at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN pay-per-view. Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) fights at his new weight for the second time having demolished Uisma Lima inside a round of his first bout at the weight in Philadelphia in October, having said goodbye to welterweight as a unified champion after dominating Eimantas Stanionis in six rounds of their unification battle in Atlantic City last April. The Philly star can become a two-weight unified champion on Saturday night, the day after he turns 29, but faces a formidable challenge in Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs), who defends his WBA and WBO world titles for the first time after unifying the division at home in Puerto Rico in January against Abass Baraou.
“I feel great this weight,” said Ennis. “I’m more comfortable and I do what I want on June 27th. Whatever he thinks he does well, I do better. You cannot jab better than me. You are not faster than me. You are not slicker than me. You are not stronger than me. Your defense is not better than mine. Your footwork is not better than mine. It’s levels.
“I’m just excited to be fighting a guy that got two belts, one of the top guys in the division and I’m ready to shut everybody up. Those belts are coming back home to Philly. It’s time to have fun, make it easy work, look phenomenal, and come home with a big knockout.
“I’m expecting him to do what he always does. And I’m going to capitalize on every mistake that he makes. I’m going to show show him what I’m really like, and he is going to see the difference.
“I’m the man in any division I fight in. I feel like I’m taking over boxing, starting this Saturday, and you will hear the words ‘and the new’.”
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A few words with Boots Ennis
Ex-welterweight champ Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis says he’s ready to take over the junior middleweight division as he closes in on his title-challenge showdown with two-belt champion Xander Zayas at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN pay-per-view. Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) fights at his new weight for the second time having demolished Uisma Lima inside a round of his first bout at the weight in Philadelphia in October, having said goodbye to welterweight as a unified champion after dominating Eimantas Stanionis in six rounds of their unification battle in Atlantic City last April. The Philly star can become a two-weight unified champion on Saturday night, the day after he turns 29, but faces a formidable challenge in Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs), who defends his WBA and WBO world titles for the first time after unifying the division at home in Puerto Rico in January against Abass Baraou.
“I feel great this weight,” said Ennis. “I’m more comfortable and I do what I want on June 27th. Whatever he thinks he does well, I do better. You cannot jab better than me. You are not faster than me. You are not slicker than me. You are not stronger than me. Your defense is not better than mine. Your footwork is not better than mine. It’s levels.
“I’m just excited to be fighting a guy that got two belts, one of the top guys in the division and I’m ready to shut everybody up. Those belts are coming back home to Philly. It’s time to have fun, make it easy work, look phenomenal, and come home with a big knockout.
“I’m expecting him to do what he always does. And I’m going to capitalize on every mistake that he makes. I’m going to show show him what I’m really like, and he is going to see the difference.
“I’m the man in any division I fight in. I feel like I’m taking over boxing, starting this Saturday, and you will hear the words ‘and the new’.”
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Unbeaten Ataev takes on Uzcategui |
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One of Russia's most accomplished amateur stars, Sharabutdin Ataev (10-0 including IBA pro bouts), will take another major step in his professional journey when he faces Venezuela’s Jose “Bolivita” Uzcátegui (34-5, 29 KOs) at IBA Pro 19 on July 11th at the VTB Arena in Moscow. Uzcategui is a former IBF interim champion at super middleweight who split two bouts with ex-champ Andre Dirrell and then lost a title shot to Caleb Plant in 2019. The light heavyweight bout supports a card headlined by WBA regular heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev’s title defense against Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka. It will provide Ataev with an opportunity to establish himself among the sport’s rising professional contenders. Ataev enters the contest carrying an outstanding pedigree. The Dagestani boxer captured gold in the cruiserweight division at the 2023 IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships and later added the European title to his collection in 2024, cementing his reputation as one of the best of his generation. Now transitioning his success onto the professional stage, Ataev faces a dangerous and experienced opponent in Uzcátegui, who has won two straight bouts. The Venezuelan has built his reputation through an aggressive style, heavy punching power and years of experience against high-level opposition. With more than 70 percent of his victories coming inside the distance, Uzcátegui represents the kind of challenge capable of testing every aspect of Ataev’s skillset.
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Unbeaten Ataev takes on Uzcategui
One of Russia's most accomplished amateur stars, Sharabutdin Ataev (10-0 including IBA pro bouts), will take another major step in his professional journey when he faces Venezuela’s Jose “Bolivita” Uzcátegui (34-5, 29 KOs) at IBA Pro 19 on July 11th at the VTB Arena in Moscow. Uzcategui is a former IBF interim champion at super middleweight who split two bouts with ex-champ Andre Dirrell and then lost a title shot to Caleb Plant in 2019. The light heavyweight bout supports a card headlined by WBA regular heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev’s title defense against Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka. It will provide Ataev with an opportunity to establish himself among the sport’s rising professional contenders. Ataev enters the contest carrying an outstanding pedigree. The Dagestani boxer captured gold in the cruiserweight division at the 2023 IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships and later added the European title to his collection in 2024, cementing his reputation as one of the best of his generation. Now transitioning his success onto the professional stage, Ataev faces a dangerous and experienced opponent in Uzcátegui, who has won two straight bouts. The Venezuelan has built his reputation through an aggressive style, heavy punching power and years of experience against high-level opposition. With more than 70 percent of his victories coming inside the distance, Uzcátegui represents the kind of challenge capable of testing every aspect of Ataev’s skillset.
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Bahrain federation hires Amer Abdallah as an advisor |
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The Bahrain Boxing Federation has announced the appointment of Amer Abdallah as an advisor, marking a step forward in the federation's continued efforts to establish Bahrain as a premier destination for boxing development and excellence. Abdallah brings with him decades of experience in combat sports and a track record of building boxing infrastructure, developing talent, and executing major international events across multiple continents. He played an instrumental role in expanding the sport throughout the region during a critical period of growth. In 2019, Abdallah helped launch the first-ever professional boxing and kickboxing event in Dubai under Badou Jack Promotions, a landmark moment for combat sports in the UAE. He was also involved in some of the earliest professional boxing events held in both the United Arab Emirates and Libya, helping establish a foundation that would contribute to the region's emergence as a global boxing hub.
Previously, Abdallah was appointed Head of Boxing for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by Prince Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, whose vision and leadership transformed Saudi Arabia into one of the world's most important destinations for major combat sports events. During that historic period, Abdallah played a role in the growth of boxing within the Kingdom as Saudi Arabia successfully hosted globally acclaimed events including Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz II, Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk II, and Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury, events that captured worldwide attention and demonstrated the region's ability to host boxing on the grandest stage.
Today, Abdallah continues to serve the sport in multiple capacities as a Global Boxing Advisor, President of MF Pro Boxing, and Managing Member of the legendary Kronk Gym, one of boxing's most iconic institutions.
The Bahrain Boxing Federation believes Abdallah's extensive international experience and deep industry relationships will further accelerate the nation's ambitious goals. "We are delighted to welcome Mr. Amer Abdallah to the Bahraini Boxing Association family. His joining us at this stage represents a quality and core addition that is in line with our ambitious vision of developing the game in the Kingdom. We are completely confident that his extensive international experience and extended relationships in the boxing world will be a strong impetus to elevate the level of our boxers and strengthen the Kingdom of Bahrain as a prominent regional and international center for the sport," said Rashid Feleyfel, President of the Bahrain Boxing Federation.
The appointment comes after more than a year of strategic planning and collaboration between Abdallah and the federation's leadership. Together, they have been working to implement a long-term development model designed to elevate Bahrain's national boxing program and create sustainable success on both the regional and international stages. "It’s truly a career honor to work with His Excellency Rashid Feleyfel and his team at the Bahrain Boxing Federation. Over the past year, we’ve worked on the blueprint and strategy on taking the team to a new level. We’ve recruited and brought on an elite head coach in John Conlan of Ireland (Father of Jaime and Mike Conlan) and are putting a couple of other power positions in place in the near future. Mark my words, Bahrain’s boxing program will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it," said Abdallah.
Under the newly implemented development strategy, Bahrain has already begun strengthening its coaching infrastructure and talent development pathways. The addition of respected Irish coach John Conlan represents one of several key initiatives aimed at building a world-class boxing program capable of producing elite amateur and professional talent.
Abdallah's appointment signals Bahrain's commitment to investing in high-level expertise as it continues positioning itself among the leading nations in regional and international boxing. With a combination of visionary leadership, strategic planning, and world-class resources, the Bahrain Boxing Federation is poised to enter a new era of growth and achievement.
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Bahrain federation hires Amer Abdallah as an advisor
The Bahrain Boxing Federation has announced the appointment of Amer Abdallah as an advisor, marking a step forward in the federation's continued efforts to establish Bahrain as a premier destination for boxing development and excellence. Abdallah brings with him decades of experience in combat sports and a track record of building boxing infrastructure, developing talent, and executing major international events across multiple continents. He played an instrumental role in expanding the sport throughout the region during a critical period of growth. In 2019, Abdallah helped launch the first-ever professional boxing and kickboxing event in Dubai under Badou Jack Promotions, a landmark moment for combat sports in the UAE. He was also involved in some of the earliest professional boxing events held in both the United Arab Emirates and Libya, helping establish a foundation that would contribute to the region's emergence as a global boxing hub.
Previously, Abdallah was appointed Head of Boxing for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by Prince Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, whose vision and leadership transformed Saudi Arabia into one of the world's most important destinations for major combat sports events. During that historic period, Abdallah played a role in the growth of boxing within the Kingdom as Saudi Arabia successfully hosted globally acclaimed events including Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz II, Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk II, and Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury, events that captured worldwide attention and demonstrated the region's ability to host boxing on the grandest stage.
Today, Abdallah continues to serve the sport in multiple capacities as a Global Boxing Advisor, President of MF Pro Boxing, and Managing Member of the legendary Kronk Gym, one of boxing's most iconic institutions.
The Bahrain Boxing Federation believes Abdallah's extensive international experience and deep industry relationships will further accelerate the nation's ambitious goals. "We are delighted to welcome Mr. Amer Abdallah to the Bahraini Boxing Association family. His joining us at this stage represents a quality and core addition that is in line with our ambitious vision of developing the game in the Kingdom. We are completely confident that his extensive international experience and extended relationships in the boxing world will be a strong impetus to elevate the level of our boxers and strengthen the Kingdom of Bahrain as a prominent regional and international center for the sport," said Rashid Feleyfel, President of the Bahrain Boxing Federation.
The appointment comes after more than a year of strategic planning and collaboration between Abdallah and the federation's leadership. Together, they have been working to implement a long-term development model designed to elevate Bahrain's national boxing program and create sustainable success on both the regional and international stages. "It’s truly a career honor to work with His Excellency Rashid Feleyfel and his team at the Bahrain Boxing Federation. Over the past year, we’ve worked on the blueprint and strategy on taking the team to a new level. We’ve recruited and brought on an elite head coach in John Conlan of Ireland (Father of Jaime and Mike Conlan) and are putting a couple of other power positions in place in the near future. Mark my words, Bahrain’s boxing program will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it," said Abdallah.
Under the newly implemented development strategy, Bahrain has already begun strengthening its coaching infrastructure and talent development pathways. The addition of respected Irish coach John Conlan represents one of several key initiatives aimed at building a world-class boxing program capable of producing elite amateur and professional talent.
Abdallah's appointment signals Bahrain's commitment to investing in high-level expertise as it continues positioning itself among the leading nations in regional and international boxing. With a combination of visionary leadership, strategic planning, and world-class resources, the Bahrain Boxing Federation is poised to enter a new era of growth and achievement.
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Indiana hosts bare knuckles card on Friday |
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It’s BKFC fight week in Indiana as the bare knuckles figting organization brings the action to The Venue at Horseshoe Hammond Casino in Hammond on Friday. The action airs live worldwide on the BKFC App. Heavy-hitters Cameron “Jumpman” VanCamp and Gregoris “The Venezuelan Viper” Cisneros meet in a welterweight matchup in the main event. Former BKFC heavyweight champion Arnold “Bomaye” Adams rumbles with Steve “Panda” Banks in the co-feature, while Brandon “Stronghold” Conley and Aubrey “Merciless” Mendonca collide in a light heavyweight attraction. BKFC Fight Night Hammond also boasts a full slate of other fan-favorite fighters, including Thomas “The Spider Monkey” Angeloff, Alex “The Rhino” Davis, Natalie Gage, Ronny Hauser, Alexandra “Papa Al” Delgado-Lopez, Brandon “The Voodoo Child” Meneses, Stevo “The Blessed” Morris, Casey “The Lawless” Moses, Gabriel “Mano de Piedra” Mota and Justin “The Nightmare” Street, among others.
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Indiana hosts bare knuckles card on Friday
It’s BKFC fight week in Indiana as the bare knuckles figting organization brings the action to The Venue at Horseshoe Hammond Casino in Hammond on Friday. The action airs live worldwide on the BKFC App. Heavy-hitters Cameron “Jumpman” VanCamp and Gregoris “The Venezuelan Viper” Cisneros meet in a welterweight matchup in the main event. Former BKFC heavyweight champion Arnold “Bomaye” Adams rumbles with Steve “Panda” Banks in the co-feature, while Brandon “Stronghold” Conley and Aubrey “Merciless” Mendonca collide in a light heavyweight attraction. BKFC Fight Night Hammond also boasts a full slate of other fan-favorite fighters, including Thomas “The Spider Monkey” Angeloff, Alex “The Rhino” Davis, Natalie Gage, Ronny Hauser, Alexandra “Papa Al” Delgado-Lopez, Brandon “The Voodoo Child” Meneses, Stevo “The Blessed” Morris, Casey “The Lawless” Moses, Gabriel “Mano de Piedra” Mota and Justin “The Nightmare” Street, among others.
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The future of Rhode Island boxing on display this weekend |
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Rhode Island has produced its share of boxing stars over the years, from Hall of Famer Vinny Paz to former champion Demetrius Andrade (who returns to action on July 24th at CES Boxing's Championship Jackpot) and longtime contender Peter Manfredo Jr. On Saturday, June 27th, CES Boxing's show at The Park in Cranston will provide fans with an opportunity to witness the next wave of Ocean State talent as Will Guilmette, Tyler Macari and Kevin Mojica continue their ascent through the professional ranks. For all three fighters, this represents a chance to display their skills in front of family, friends, and hometown supporters while carrying forward Rhode Island's rich boxing tradition. Tickets can be purchased at Cesfights.com.
Coventry's Will Guilmette (2-0, 2 KOs) has quickly become an intriguing young New England boxer. By day, the 24-year old works as an apprentice electrician with IBEW Local 99. After a grueling day of work, he trades in his insulating gloves for boxing gloves. It's a balancing act familiar to many fighters from boxing's blue-collar roots, but Guilmette has embraced it. That work ethic has translated into the ring. Guilmette was a multi-sport athlete until age 13, when he first stepped into a boxing gym. It was love at first sight. He immediately left the other sports behind in favor of the sweet science, where he built a strong amateur résumé that included winning the 2022 Southern New England Elite Open Golden Gloves.
Ten years later, the six-foot super middleweight is preparing for another career milestone when he competes in his first professional main event in Cranston, just minutes from where his boxing journey began. Saturday night is another opportunity for the Peter Manfredo Sr. trained Guilmette to show why many local observers believe he has the tools to become Rhode Island's next breakout star.
If anyone on the card understands the significance of fighting at The Park, it's Cranston native Tyler "My Time" Macari (3-0, 3 KOs). The 26-year old's boxing roots run deep. He first entered a boxing gym at just nine years old after being inspired by his father, Mike, a former Golden Gloves champion. What began as a childhood activity gradually evolved into a serious pursuit as Macari discovered both a talent and passion for the sport. Before turning professional, Macari established himself as one of Rhode Island's top amateur fighters. He captured the prestigious Jimmy Burchfield Classic Invitational Tournament three times, earning a reputation for his skill, toughness, and ring IQ. Now a junior middleweight, Macari continues to build momentum while developing a loyal following among Rhode Island boxing fans. The Cranston native will walk into The Park for the second consecutive time surrounded by friends, family, former coaches, and supporters who have watched his journey from the amateur ranks to the professional stage.
Few fighters on the card have generated as much excitement early in their professional careers as Kevin "Kut Throat" Mojica (4-0, 4 KOs). Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Johnston, Mojica has quickly established himself as one of the area's most entertaining young fighters. A tall welterweight at 5-foot-11, the southpaw has compiled an undefeated record while showcasing explosive power and an aggressive style that has made him a fan favorite. In his most recent appearance, he delivered another stoppage victory, ending the night with a crushing body-shot that further enhanced his reputation as one to look out for in the region. CES Boxing has repeatedly highlighted Mojica's ability to bring excitement every time he steps into the ring, and local fans have responded accordingly. His bouts have become must see attractions for those who appreciate offensive-minded fighters willing to take risks and deliver excitement.
One of the most encouraging signs for Rhode Island boxing is that Guilmette, Macari, Mojica, alongside fellow unbeaten CES prospects including junior middleweight Victor Reynoso and super middleweight Ayowole Tom Jones are all only at the beginning of their careers. Together, they represent the next generation of fighters hoping to follow in the footsteps of the champions who came before them while forging legacies of their own. On June 27th at The Park, Rhode Island's boxing future won't be watching from the stands — it will be stepping through the ropes.
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The future of Rhode Island boxing on display this weekend
Rhode Island has produced its share of boxing stars over the years, from Hall of Famer Vinny Paz to former champion Demetrius Andrade (who returns to action on July 24th at CES Boxing's Championship Jackpot) and longtime contender Peter Manfredo Jr. On Saturday, June 27th, CES Boxing's show at The Park in Cranston will provide fans with an opportunity to witness the next wave of Ocean State talent as Will Guilmette, Tyler Macari and Kevin Mojica continue their ascent through the professional ranks. For all three fighters, this represents a chance to display their skills in front of family, friends, and hometown supporters while carrying forward Rhode Island's rich boxing tradition. Tickets can be purchased at Cesfights.com.
Coventry's Will Guilmette (2-0, 2 KOs) has quickly become an intriguing young New England boxer. By day, the 24-year old works as an apprentice electrician with IBEW Local 99. After a grueling day of work, he trades in his insulating gloves for boxing gloves. It's a balancing act familiar to many fighters from boxing's blue-collar roots, but Guilmette has embraced it. That work ethic has translated into the ring. Guilmette was a multi-sport athlete until age 13, when he first stepped into a boxing gym. It was love at first sight. He immediately left the other sports behind in favor of the sweet science, where he built a strong amateur résumé that included winning the 2022 Southern New England Elite Open Golden Gloves.
Ten years later, the six-foot super middleweight is preparing for another career milestone when he competes in his first professional main event in Cranston, just minutes from where his boxing journey began. Saturday night is another opportunity for the Peter Manfredo Sr. trained Guilmette to show why many local observers believe he has the tools to become Rhode Island's next breakout star.
If anyone on the card understands the significance of fighting at The Park, it's Cranston native Tyler "My Time" Macari (3-0, 3 KOs). The 26-year old's boxing roots run deep. He first entered a boxing gym at just nine years old after being inspired by his father, Mike, a former Golden Gloves champion. What began as a childhood activity gradually evolved into a serious pursuit as Macari discovered both a talent and passion for the sport. Before turning professional, Macari established himself as one of Rhode Island's top amateur fighters. He captured the prestigious Jimmy Burchfield Classic Invitational Tournament three times, earning a reputation for his skill, toughness, and ring IQ. Now a junior middleweight, Macari continues to build momentum while developing a loyal following among Rhode Island boxing fans. The Cranston native will walk into The Park for the second consecutive time surrounded by friends, family, former coaches, and supporters who have watched his journey from the amateur ranks to the professional stage.
Few fighters on the card have generated as much excitement early in their professional careers as Kevin "Kut Throat" Mojica (4-0, 4 KOs). Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Johnston, Mojica has quickly established himself as one of the area's most entertaining young fighters. A tall welterweight at 5-foot-11, the southpaw has compiled an undefeated record while showcasing explosive power and an aggressive style that has made him a fan favorite. In his most recent appearance, he delivered another stoppage victory, ending the night with a crushing body-shot that further enhanced his reputation as one to look out for in the region. CES Boxing has repeatedly highlighted Mojica's ability to bring excitement every time he steps into the ring, and local fans have responded accordingly. His bouts have become must see attractions for those who appreciate offensive-minded fighters willing to take risks and deliver excitement.
One of the most encouraging signs for Rhode Island boxing is that Guilmette, Macari, Mojica, alongside fellow unbeaten CES prospects including junior middleweight Victor Reynoso and super middleweight Ayowole Tom Jones are all only at the beginning of their careers. Together, they represent the next generation of fighters hoping to follow in the footsteps of the champions who came before them while forging legacies of their own. On June 27th at The Park, Rhode Island's boxing future won't be watching from the stands — it will be stepping through the ropes.
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Bouts added to Gassiev vs. Yoka undercard |
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On July 11 in Moscow, IBA.Pro 19 will feature a main event between heavyweights Murat Gassiev and Tony Yoka for Gasser's WBA regular title. The card will also include the WBA bridgerweight title defense of Muslim Gadzhimagomedov against amateur rival Julio Cesar La Cruz. Just added to the undercard are two separate bouts between Russian boxers at different stages of their professional journeys as Vyacheslav Rogozin and Alexey Egorov step into the ring against each other. Rogozin (35-3, 7 KOs), one of Russia’s promising young fighters in the bantamweight divisions, will face Filipino opponent RV Deniega (12-3, 8 KOs) in a six-round bout.
While Rogozin seeks to continue his ascent, Alexey Egorov (13-3, 9 KOs) enters with different objectives. The former title challenger remains one of the most recognized names in Russian cruiserweight boxing and will take on compatriot David Dzukaev (11-0, 7 KOs) in a ten rounder. For Egorov, who dropped a 2022 title challenge Arsen Goulamirian, the bout represents an opportunity to reaffirm his status among the country’s leading cruiserweights and move closer to another major title opportunity. Dzukaev, meanwhile, faces the biggest test of his professional career and has the chance to secure a breakthrough victory against one of the division’s most experienced competitors.
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Bouts added to Gassiev vs. Yoka undercard
On July 11 in Moscow, IBA.Pro 19 will feature a main event between heavyweights Murat Gassiev and Tony Yoka for Gasser's WBA regular title. The card will also include the WBA bridgerweight title defense of Muslim Gadzhimagomedov against amateur rival Julio Cesar La Cruz. Just added to the undercard are two separate bouts between Russian boxers at different stages of their professional journeys as Vyacheslav Rogozin and Alexey Egorov step into the ring against each other. Rogozin (35-3, 7 KOs), one of Russia’s promising young fighters in the bantamweight divisions, will face Filipino opponent RV Deniega (12-3, 8 KOs) in a six-round bout.
While Rogozin seeks to continue his ascent, Alexey Egorov (13-3, 9 KOs) enters with different objectives. The former title challenger remains one of the most recognized names in Russian cruiserweight boxing and will take on compatriot David Dzukaev (11-0, 7 KOs) in a ten rounder. For Egorov, who dropped a 2022 title challenge Arsen Goulamirian, the bout represents an opportunity to reaffirm his status among the country’s leading cruiserweights and move closer to another major title opportunity. Dzukaev, meanwhile, faces the biggest test of his professional career and has the chance to secure a breakthrough victory against one of the division’s most experienced competitors.
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Trout bids for second BKFC title |
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Austin “No Doubt” Trout has been in more than his fair share of historic fights over the years. Whether it was during his days as WBA junior middleweight (154-pound) champion during his traditional boxing career or, more recently, his time as undisputed BKFC welterweight champion, the Las Cruces, New Mexico-born fighter is no stranger to the big stage. Trout’s upcoming fight is his biggest bout yet. BKFC recognizes different weight limits. Welterweight in BKFC is 165 pounds. Trout will move down to lightweight (155 pounds in BKFC). Trout will take on the United Kingdom’s Ben “The Bomber” Bonner, for the vacant BKFC lightweight championship in BKFC’s inaugural Liberty Brawl on July 4th at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
“It’s an honor and a blessing that I don’t take lightly to be chosen to represent the United States against the United Kingdom in the main event of this historic event,” Trout says. “I’m going to put on a show and make sure that everyone knows BKFC picked the right fighter to represent the country on America’s 250th birthday.”
Trout is looking to join an elite list of fighters who have held BKFC championships in multiple weight classes. He can already see the belt around his waist — but he isn’t taking Bonner lightly. “He brings a tremendous amount of will and determination as well. This is the biggest fight of his life, and I’m the toughest opponent that he’s had, so I know he’s working hard to rise to the occasion — and that’s only made me work harder,” Trout says.
“I know he’s going to come at me with everything. He’s going to do everything in his power to accomplish his goal, but I’m not going to allow that to happen.”
Trout’s signing with BKFC as a former gloved boxing world champ made headlines in 2023. Five BKFC battles — and five victories — later, Trout is now adored by a whole new generation of combat sports fans. “I’ll be forever grateful to BKFC and our fans,” Trout says. “BKFC has given me a whole new lease on my life in combat sports, and I’ve got a lot left to accomplish here.”
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Trout bids for second BKFC title
Austin “No Doubt” Trout has been in more than his fair share of historic fights over the years. Whether it was during his days as WBA junior middleweight (154-pound) champion during his traditional boxing career or, more recently, his time as undisputed BKFC welterweight champion, the Las Cruces, New Mexico-born fighter is no stranger to the big stage. Trout’s upcoming fight is his biggest bout yet. BKFC recognizes different weight limits. Welterweight in BKFC is 165 pounds. Trout will move down to lightweight (155 pounds in BKFC). Trout will take on the United Kingdom’s Ben “The Bomber” Bonner, for the vacant BKFC lightweight championship in BKFC’s inaugural Liberty Brawl on July 4th at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
“It’s an honor and a blessing that I don’t take lightly to be chosen to represent the United States against the United Kingdom in the main event of this historic event,” Trout says. “I’m going to put on a show and make sure that everyone knows BKFC picked the right fighter to represent the country on America’s 250th birthday.”
Trout is looking to join an elite list of fighters who have held BKFC championships in multiple weight classes. He can already see the belt around his waist — but he isn’t taking Bonner lightly. “He brings a tremendous amount of will and determination as well. This is the biggest fight of his life, and I’m the toughest opponent that he’s had, so I know he’s working hard to rise to the occasion — and that’s only made me work harder,” Trout says.
“I know he’s going to come at me with everything. He’s going to do everything in his power to accomplish his goal, but I’m not going to allow that to happen.”
Trout’s signing with BKFC as a former gloved boxing world champ made headlines in 2023. Five BKFC battles — and five victories — later, Trout is now adored by a whole new generation of combat sports fans. “I’ll be forever grateful to BKFC and our fans,” Trout says. “BKFC has given me a whole new lease on my life in combat sports, and I’ve got a lot left to accomplish here.”
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Desley Robinson to defend titles vs. Tamm Thibeault |
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Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that IBF / WBO middleweight champion Desley Robinson (12-3, 4 KOs) will make her next ten-round title defense against two-time Canadian Olympian, and amateur world champion, Tamm Thibeault (4-0, 3 KOs) on MVPW-05 on Saturday, August 8th at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, live on ESPN and the ESPN App. Robinson (pictured) joins fellow Australian champion Cherneka Johnson as co-headliner, as Thibeault readies for her first world title challenge. Also joining the main card, MVP and Dallas, former champion Shurretta Metcalf (15-5-1, 2 KOs) of texas will face off with Ontario, Canada’s Amanda Galle (12-1-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round super flyweight battle in the suoer flyweight division. Metcalf and Galle each look to prove themselves as a top contender in the new weight division following their recent challenges against Cherneka Johnson for the undisputed bantamweight title. The fifth installment of MVP’s new year-round global platform for women’s boxing is headlined by MVP’s and Australia’s undisputed bantamweight world champion, Johnson (19-2, 8 KOs) vs. Denmark’s former unified champion, Dina Thorslund (24-0, 9 KOs) in a potential Fight of the Year contender. MVPW on ESPN showcases the sport’s most elite female fighters with championship bouts on every card and will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. Tickets for MVPW-05 are on sale today at 11am ET on Ticketmaster.
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Desley Robinson to defend titles vs. Tamm Thibeault
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that IBF / WBO middleweight champion Desley Robinson (12-3, 4 KOs) will make her next ten-round title defense against two-time Canadian Olympian, and amateur world champion, Tamm Thibeault (4-0, 3 KOs) on MVPW-05 on Saturday, August 8th at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, live on ESPN and the ESPN App. Robinson (pictured) joins fellow Australian champion Cherneka Johnson as co-headliner, as Thibeault readies for her first world title challenge. Also joining the main card, MVP and Dallas, former champion Shurretta Metcalf (15-5-1, 2 KOs) of texas will face off with Ontario, Canada’s Amanda Galle (12-1-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round super flyweight battle in the suoer flyweight division. Metcalf and Galle each look to prove themselves as a top contender in the new weight division following their recent challenges against Cherneka Johnson for the undisputed bantamweight title. The fifth installment of MVP’s new year-round global platform for women’s boxing is headlined by MVP’s and Australia’s undisputed bantamweight world champion, Johnson (19-2, 8 KOs) vs. Denmark’s former unified champion, Dina Thorslund (24-0, 9 KOs) in a potential Fight of the Year contender. MVPW on ESPN showcases the sport’s most elite female fighters with championship bouts on every card and will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. Tickets for MVPW-05 are on sale today at 11am ET on Ticketmaster.
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Popeye Rivera ready for Ben Whittaker |
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When Star Boxing signed Richie Rivera, they believed the hard-hitting Connecticut light heavyweight possessed the talent and determination to compete on boxing's biggest stages. Now, with just a few days remaining until June 27th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Rivera (27-2, 20 KOs) gets another opportunity to prove that belief was well founded. Known as "Popeye The Sailor Man," Rivera has forged his reputation the hard way. The Hartford, Connecticut turned pro in 2017 and established himself as one of New England's most reliable and entertaining attractions, combining fan-friendly power with relentless determination. Rivera has scored 20 knockouts in his 27 victories and has consistently proven willing to face difficult challenges whenever opportunity knocks. For many fans, Rivera is best remembered for his 2022 showdown with former two-division champion Badou Jack. Rivera pushed Jack hard before dropping a split decision in a bout marred by a round that went three minutes and fifty-eight seconds. The fight showcased Rivera's toughness and demonstrated that he belonged among the sport's elite.
Now 35 years old, Rivera enters perhaps the most important fight of his career against Olympic silver medalist Ben (The Surgeon) Whittaker (11-0, 8 KOs) of England. The Whittaker-Rivera showdown will take place as part of a championship event headlined by Jaron "Boots" Ennis and Xander Zayas, placing Rivera on one of boxing's biggest stages in a matchup that could have major implications in the light heavyweight division.
While many view Whittaker as a future champion and millions of his social media followers are mesmerized by his in-ring antics, Rivera sees something different: an opportunity. After spending years climbing through the ranks and overcoming setbacks, "Popeye" arrives in Brooklyn determined to spoil the plans of one of boxing's most talked-about prospects.
The nickname that has followed Rivera throughout his career originated from his unusually large forearms as a young boxer. Rather than shy away from it, he embraced the persona, and Popeye's identity is part of his unique brand, often sporting his trademark sailor cap and pipe. Much like the cartoon character himself, Rivera has built his career on resilience, persistence, and a refusal to back down from any challenge.
On June 27th, under the bright lights of Barclays Center, Rivera gets another chance to prove he belongs on boxing's biggest stage. For Whittaker, it's another step toward championship contention. For Rivera, it's an opportunity to turn years of hard work into the signature victory of his career. “The British are coming, the British are coming! If Ben Whittaker thinks he is coming into my backyard to make a statement, history will repeat itself," said Rivera. “I won't need a can of spinach for this fight. Ben Whittaker might have the boxing world fooled, but I'm not convinced" added "Popeye" referencing the spinach tied to his cartoon namesake.
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Popeye Rivera ready for Ben Whittaker
When Star Boxing signed Richie Rivera, they believed the hard-hitting Connecticut light heavyweight possessed the talent and determination to compete on boxing's biggest stages. Now, with just a few days remaining until June 27th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Rivera (27-2, 20 KOs) gets another opportunity to prove that belief was well founded. Known as "Popeye The Sailor Man," Rivera has forged his reputation the hard way. The Hartford, Connecticut turned pro in 2017 and established himself as one of New England's most reliable and entertaining attractions, combining fan-friendly power with relentless determination. Rivera has scored 20 knockouts in his 27 victories and has consistently proven willing to face difficult challenges whenever opportunity knocks. For many fans, Rivera is best remembered for his 2022 showdown with former two-division champion Badou Jack. Rivera pushed Jack hard before dropping a split decision in a bout marred by a round that went three minutes and fifty-eight seconds. The fight showcased Rivera's toughness and demonstrated that he belonged among the sport's elite.
Now 35 years old, Rivera enters perhaps the most important fight of his career against Olympic silver medalist Ben (The Surgeon) Whittaker (11-0, 8 KOs) of England. The Whittaker-Rivera showdown will take place as part of a championship event headlined by Jaron "Boots" Ennis and Xander Zayas, placing Rivera on one of boxing's biggest stages in a matchup that could have major implications in the light heavyweight division.
While many view Whittaker as a future champion and millions of his social media followers are mesmerized by his in-ring antics, Rivera sees something different: an opportunity. After spending years climbing through the ranks and overcoming setbacks, "Popeye" arrives in Brooklyn determined to spoil the plans of one of boxing's most talked-about prospects.
The nickname that has followed Rivera throughout his career originated from his unusually large forearms as a young boxer. Rather than shy away from it, he embraced the persona, and Popeye's identity is part of his unique brand, often sporting his trademark sailor cap and pipe. Much like the cartoon character himself, Rivera has built his career on resilience, persistence, and a refusal to back down from any challenge.
On June 27th, under the bright lights of Barclays Center, Rivera gets another chance to prove he belongs on boxing's biggest stage. For Whittaker, it's another step toward championship contention. For Rivera, it's an opportunity to turn years of hard work into the signature victory of his career. “The British are coming, the British are coming! If Ben Whittaker thinks he is coming into my backyard to make a statement, history will repeat itself," said Rivera. “I won't need a can of spinach for this fight. Ben Whittaker might have the boxing world fooled, but I'm not convinced" added "Popeye" referencing the spinach tied to his cartoon namesake.
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Introducing British super bantamweight Tysie Gallagher |
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MVP announced the signing of Tysie “The First Lady” Gallagher (10-2), the first-ever female British super bantamweight champion and the reigning Commonwealth and British champion. Gallagher becomes the latest athlete to join MVP following the launch of MVPW, the women’s boxing brand, which continues to assemble the deepest roster of champions and contenders in the sport. Gallagher joins fellow British standouts including Ellie Scotney, Caroline Dubois, Chantelle Cameron, Savannah Marshall, Terri Harper, Ramla Ali and Shannon Courtenay on the MVPW roster. A native of Luton, Bedfordshire, England, Gallagher began boxing at age 10 and enjoyed a decorated amateur career spanning 35 bouts, winning two national titles, twice reaching the ABA Senior Elite Championship finals, and representing England on the international stage. Since turning professional, Gallagher has continued to break barriers, becoming the first-ever female British super bantamweight champion while also capturing the Commonwealth title at 122 pounds.
Gallagher has emerged as a contender in the super bantamweight division. In November 2023, she challenged Segolene Lefebvre for the WBO world title in just her eighth pro fight. Known for her toughness, relentless work ethic, and willingness to take on the biggest challenges, Gallagher enters the next chapter of her career with her sights firmly set on becoming a world champion. Outside the ring, she is a proud mother to her seven-year-old daughter, balancing elite-level competition with family life while serving as an inspiration to women and young athletes across the UK. Gallagher most recently earned a unanimous decision win over challenger Ellie Hellewell in September 2025. She was initially scheduled to compete on MVP’s UK debut event, MVPW-01, in April 2026, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.
“Signing a multi-year deal with Most Valuable Promotions is a huge moment in my career, and I want to thank Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul, and Mike Leanardi for this opportunity,” said Tysie Gallagher. “I’m excited to represent Britain on the global stage and become world champion!”
“Few fighters have done more to push British women’s boxing forward than Tysie Gallagher, a fighter who has consistently proven herself against top competition and built one of the strongest resumes in the country,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “From becoming the first-ever female British super bantamweight champion to earning top-five world rankings and challenging for a world title, she has demonstrated the skill, toughness, and determination that embody everything MVP looks for in its athletes. As we continue to strengthen MVPW’s global roster and deepen our roster within the 122lb division, we’re excited to welcome another elite UK fighter and provide the platform for Tysie to pursue her world title ambitions.”
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Introducing British super bantamweight Tysie Gallagher
MVP announced the signing of Tysie “The First Lady” Gallagher (10-2), the first-ever female British super bantamweight champion and the reigning Commonwealth and British champion. Gallagher becomes the latest athlete to join MVP following the launch of MVPW, the women’s boxing brand, which continues to assemble the deepest roster of champions and contenders in the sport. Gallagher joins fellow British standouts including Ellie Scotney, Caroline Dubois, Chantelle Cameron, Savannah Marshall, Terri Harper, Ramla Ali and Shannon Courtenay on the MVPW roster. A native of Luton, Bedfordshire, England, Gallagher began boxing at age 10 and enjoyed a decorated amateur career spanning 35 bouts, winning two national titles, twice reaching the ABA Senior Elite Championship finals, and representing England on the international stage. Since turning professional, Gallagher has continued to break barriers, becoming the first-ever female British super bantamweight champion while also capturing the Commonwealth title at 122 pounds.
Gallagher has emerged as a contender in the super bantamweight division. In November 2023, she challenged Segolene Lefebvre for the WBO world title in just her eighth pro fight. Known for her toughness, relentless work ethic, and willingness to take on the biggest challenges, Gallagher enters the next chapter of her career with her sights firmly set on becoming a world champion. Outside the ring, she is a proud mother to her seven-year-old daughter, balancing elite-level competition with family life while serving as an inspiration to women and young athletes across the UK. Gallagher most recently earned a unanimous decision win over challenger Ellie Hellewell in September 2025. She was initially scheduled to compete on MVP’s UK debut event, MVPW-01, in April 2026, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.
“Signing a multi-year deal with Most Valuable Promotions is a huge moment in my career, and I want to thank Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul, and Mike Leanardi for this opportunity,” said Tysie Gallagher. “I’m excited to represent Britain on the global stage and become world champion!”
“Few fighters have done more to push British women’s boxing forward than Tysie Gallagher, a fighter who has consistently proven herself against top competition and built one of the strongest resumes in the country,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “From becoming the first-ever female British super bantamweight champion to earning top-five world rankings and challenging for a world title, she has demonstrated the skill, toughness, and determination that embody everything MVP looks for in its athletes. As we continue to strengthen MVPW’s global roster and deepen our roster within the 122lb division, we’re excited to welcome another elite UK fighter and provide the platform for Tysie to pursue her world title ambitions.”
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CSI asks court to stop Mayweather vs. Zambidis exhibition |
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On Friday, CSI Entertainment and some related business entities asked a federal court in New York’s Southern District to issue a preliminary injunction barring Floyd Mayweather from fighting kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition bout in Athens this Saturday (June 27th). A hearing was originally scheduled to take place in New York today (Monday) but was moved to Wednesday, leaving precious little time for a court to act prior to Saturday's exhibition. CSI, represented by high-powered boxing attorney Judd Burstein, also asked the court to prohibit Mayweather from “taking any steps in furtherance of the Zambidis fight, prohibiting Mayweather from fighting anyone else other than Mike Tyson before he honors his obligation to fight Tyson as his next fight in an event broadcast by CSI; and preventing Mayweather from fighting anyone other than Manny Pacquiao or a fighter acceptable to CSI as his next fight immediately after Tyson in a bout to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
According to the legal papers submitted by CSI:
In 1997, Richard and Craig Miele founded the CSI Sports business, which is operated through a number of entities under the Fight Sports and CSI brands. Mayweather is an undefeated boxing legend and widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport’s history. Mayweather retired in 2017 with a 50-0 record. On August 10, 2025, CSI secured the exclusive rights to the services of Mayweather to fight Tyson in the spring of 2026. Obtaining exclusivity rights to premiere fighters is a crucial industry practice that was used extensively by HBO and ESPN at times when they were the leading names in broadcast boxing. Securing exclusive rights enables a sports company to become a destination for viewers seeking premium content and to strengthen its reputation with a global audience, both of which are essential to building the business and its brand. Obtaining exclusive broadcast rights for the Tyson fight was especially impactful for CSI and its brands. The fight will be a major event featuring two of boxing’s biggest stars. The announcement of the Tyson Fight received extraordinary media attention, surpassing nearly all other recent sports announcements. The resulting publicity and reputational benefit to CSI cannot be underestimated. This is especially so because in reliance on the Mayweather exclusive agreements, CSI / Fight Sports is launching a sports network in the USA with the Mayweather vs. Tyson fight on the most widely distributed platforms in the country.
If the exclusive rights CSI announced with Mayweather were put into question, it would likely terminate any and all plans by the platforms to carry/distribute the CSI / Fight Sports network and the harm to CSI would be terminable and non-reversible. At Mayweather’s direction, CSI Sports Events contracted with Frist for Mayweather’s services and Mayweather signed an inducement letter agreeing to the terms. This is standard industry practice. On August 11, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. This was just an advance as Mayweather, through Frist, was entitled to $14 million in total compensation under the Tyson Agreement. On November 6, 2025, CSI secured the rights to Mayweather’s next fight after Tyson to be against Pacquiao, or another suitable opponent, under an exclusive fight agreement, which expressly provides that a loss of these rights would give rise to irreparable harm.
A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be even more significant than Mayweather-Tyson because Mayweather and Pacquiao are two of the greatest fighters in boxing history and they competed in similar weight classes. Even more importantly, it will be a rematch of their 2015 bout which Mayweather won by unanimous decision and, because it will be a twelve-round professional fight, Mayweather’s undefeated 50-0 record will be on the line.
On November 6, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2.5 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. Again, this was just an advance. Mayweather stood to earn $50 million or more under the exclusive fight agreement.
On December 12, 2025, less than a month after CSI paid Frist $2.5 million, Mayweather surreptitiously signed a contract with third parties “Everwonder.” The Everwonder contract contemplated that Mayweather would fight Pacquiao on Netflix, in violation of CSI Entertainment Events’ exclusive rights. Under the Everwonder contract, Mayweather received a $2,750,000 advance in connection with a proposed Pacquiao fight to take place in the Fall of 2026. However, just one month earlier, on November 6, 2025, CSI Entertainment Events had paid Mayweather, through Frist, a $2.5 million advance for a fight against Pacquiao or another suitable opponent – i.e., the exact same fight. On information and belief, Mayweather then proceeded, through Frist, to take an additional $5.8 million advance from a third party lender against the Everwonder contract.
On January 7th, CSI learned about the Everwonder contract. Rather than sue Mayweather immediately, Plaintiffs sent Everwonder a cease-and-desist notice and engaged in negotiations with Mayweather’s representative seeking to preserve the extraordinarily valuable relationship. In connection with those discussions, Mayweather approved a press release which attributed the following quote to Mayweather: “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing – from my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards – no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – than my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports / Fight Sports.”
After the press release, CSI then entered into a series of related agreements with Mayweather, Frist, and Everwonder. On February 22nd, CSI Sports Events, Mayweather, and Frist signed an amendment to the Tyson Agreement that extended the date by when the Tyson fight had to proceed (absent an injury extension) from April 25, 2026, to May 31, 2026. CSI also gave up certain rights in connection with the Pacquiao Fight, while retaining other valuable rights and receiving new rights. Most importantly, CSI was granted exclusive rights to Mayweather’s next fight immediately after the Pacquiao Fight. It did not have those rights before.
[CSI alleges that through this amendment process,] Mayweather was now contracted to fight Pacquiao on September 19th, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be Mayweather’s next fight after the Tyson Fight, and Mayweather would not participate in any intervening fights before the Tyson Fight, or after the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and before Mayweather’s next fight, to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
CSI’s agreement to this plan was also premised on receiving the same logo credits, signage, and public announcements afforded to Mayweather’s and Pacquiao’s promotional companies in connection with a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight – as televised worldwide on Netflix On March 1st, CSI paid a $150,000 installment that was due because Mayweather had completed his medicals for the fight. On March 2nd, the very day after he accepted the $150,000 installment payment, Mayweather posted on his Instagram account that he would be fighting Zambidis in Greece on June 27th. The proposed Zambidis Fight was a breach of the bar against interim fights under. Indeed, Mayweather breached merely by posting about it. In response, CSI retained counsel in Greece to take steps to prevent the Zambidis fight from going forward.
CSI says it later came to the understanding that Mayweather had backed down on the Zambidis fight. However, on May 7th, Mayweather held a press conference where he made it clear that he did, in fact, intend to go ahead with the Zambidis fight on June 27th. Meanwhile, Tyson had injured his hand and would be unable to fight on May 30th, but would be available to fight within the next six months and that consequently the Tyson agreement was effectively tolled, meaning that Mayweather was barred from participating in any other bout.
On June 16th, DAZN and CSI reached an agreement in principle that DAZN would not broadcast the Zambidis Fight and DAZN removed the Zambidis fight offering, poster, and marketing from its platform.
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CSI asks court to stop Mayweather vs. Zambidis exhibition
On Friday, CSI Entertainment and some related business entities asked a federal court in New York’s Southern District to issue a preliminary injunction barring Floyd Mayweather from fighting kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition bout in Athens this Saturday (June 27th). A hearing was originally scheduled to take place in New York today (Monday) but was moved to Wednesday, leaving precious little time for a court to act prior to Saturday's exhibition. CSI, represented by high-powered boxing attorney Judd Burstein, also asked the court to prohibit Mayweather from “taking any steps in furtherance of the Zambidis fight, prohibiting Mayweather from fighting anyone else other than Mike Tyson before he honors his obligation to fight Tyson as his next fight in an event broadcast by CSI; and preventing Mayweather from fighting anyone other than Manny Pacquiao or a fighter acceptable to CSI as his next fight immediately after Tyson in a bout to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
According to the legal papers submitted by CSI:
In 1997, Richard and Craig Miele founded the CSI Sports business, which is operated through a number of entities under the Fight Sports and CSI brands. Mayweather is an undefeated boxing legend and widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport’s history. Mayweather retired in 2017 with a 50-0 record. On August 10, 2025, CSI secured the exclusive rights to the services of Mayweather to fight Tyson in the spring of 2026. Obtaining exclusivity rights to premiere fighters is a crucial industry practice that was used extensively by HBO and ESPN at times when they were the leading names in broadcast boxing. Securing exclusive rights enables a sports company to become a destination for viewers seeking premium content and to strengthen its reputation with a global audience, both of which are essential to building the business and its brand. Obtaining exclusive broadcast rights for the Tyson fight was especially impactful for CSI and its brands. The fight will be a major event featuring two of boxing’s biggest stars. The announcement of the Tyson Fight received extraordinary media attention, surpassing nearly all other recent sports announcements. The resulting publicity and reputational benefit to CSI cannot be underestimated. This is especially so because in reliance on the Mayweather exclusive agreements, CSI / Fight Sports is launching a sports network in the USA with the Mayweather vs. Tyson fight on the most widely distributed platforms in the country.
If the exclusive rights CSI announced with Mayweather were put into question, it would likely terminate any and all plans by the platforms to carry/distribute the CSI / Fight Sports network and the harm to CSI would be terminable and non-reversible. At Mayweather’s direction, CSI Sports Events contracted with Frist for Mayweather’s services and Mayweather signed an inducement letter agreeing to the terms. This is standard industry practice. On August 11, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. This was just an advance as Mayweather, through Frist, was entitled to $14 million in total compensation under the Tyson Agreement. On November 6, 2025, CSI secured the rights to Mayweather’s next fight after Tyson to be against Pacquiao, or another suitable opponent, under an exclusive fight agreement, which expressly provides that a loss of these rights would give rise to irreparable harm.
A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be even more significant than Mayweather-Tyson because Mayweather and Pacquiao are two of the greatest fighters in boxing history and they competed in similar weight classes. Even more importantly, it will be a rematch of their 2015 bout which Mayweather won by unanimous decision and, because it will be a twelve-round professional fight, Mayweather’s undefeated 50-0 record will be on the line.
On November 6, 2025, CSI Sports Events paid a $2.5 million advance to Frist on Mayweather’s behalf. Again, this was just an advance. Mayweather stood to earn $50 million or more under the exclusive fight agreement.
On December 12, 2025, less than a month after CSI paid Frist $2.5 million, Mayweather surreptitiously signed a contract with third parties “Everwonder.” The Everwonder contract contemplated that Mayweather would fight Pacquiao on Netflix, in violation of CSI Entertainment Events’ exclusive rights. Under the Everwonder contract, Mayweather received a $2,750,000 advance in connection with a proposed Pacquiao fight to take place in the Fall of 2026. However, just one month earlier, on November 6, 2025, CSI Entertainment Events had paid Mayweather, through Frist, a $2.5 million advance for a fight against Pacquiao or another suitable opponent – i.e., the exact same fight. On information and belief, Mayweather then proceeded, through Frist, to take an additional $5.8 million advance from a third party lender against the Everwonder contract.
On January 7th, CSI learned about the Everwonder contract. Rather than sue Mayweather immediately, Plaintiffs sent Everwonder a cease-and-desist notice and engaged in negotiations with Mayweather’s representative seeking to preserve the extraordinarily valuable relationship. In connection with those discussions, Mayweather approved a press release which attributed the following quote to Mayweather: “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing – from my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards – no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – than my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports / Fight Sports.”
After the press release, CSI then entered into a series of related agreements with Mayweather, Frist, and Everwonder. On February 22nd, CSI Sports Events, Mayweather, and Frist signed an amendment to the Tyson Agreement that extended the date by when the Tyson fight had to proceed (absent an injury extension) from April 25, 2026, to May 31, 2026. CSI also gave up certain rights in connection with the Pacquiao Fight, while retaining other valuable rights and receiving new rights. Most importantly, CSI was granted exclusive rights to Mayweather’s next fight immediately after the Pacquiao Fight. It did not have those rights before.
[CSI alleges that through this amendment process,] Mayweather was now contracted to fight Pacquiao on September 19th, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be Mayweather’s next fight after the Tyson Fight, and Mayweather would not participate in any intervening fights before the Tyson Fight, or after the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and before Mayweather’s next fight, to be broadcast by CSI Entertainment Events.
CSI’s agreement to this plan was also premised on receiving the same logo credits, signage, and public announcements afforded to Mayweather’s and Pacquiao’s promotional companies in connection with a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight – as televised worldwide on Netflix On March 1st, CSI paid a $150,000 installment that was due because Mayweather had completed his medicals for the fight. On March 2nd, the very day after he accepted the $150,000 installment payment, Mayweather posted on his Instagram account that he would be fighting Zambidis in Greece on June 27th. The proposed Zambidis Fight was a breach of the bar against interim fights under. Indeed, Mayweather breached merely by posting about it. In response, CSI retained counsel in Greece to take steps to prevent the Zambidis fight from going forward.
CSI says it later came to the understanding that Mayweather had backed down on the Zambidis fight. However, on May 7th, Mayweather held a press conference where he made it clear that he did, in fact, intend to go ahead with the Zambidis fight on June 27th. Meanwhile, Tyson had injured his hand and would be unable to fight on May 30th, but would be available to fight within the next six months and that consequently the Tyson agreement was effectively tolled, meaning that Mayweather was barred from participating in any other bout.
On June 16th, DAZN and CSI reached an agreement in principle that DAZN would not broadcast the Zambidis Fight and DAZN removed the Zambidis fight offering, poster, and marketing from its platform.
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Welcome to Zayas vs. Ennis fight week |
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Xander Zayas (pictured) defends his WBO and WBA 154-pound titles against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis this Saturday, June 27th, live on DAZN pay-per-view. Zayas is the defending champion In this fight, but Ennis is more expreirenced yet stil in his prime. At an April press event, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, Ennis’ promoter, expressed surprise that the unbeaten 23 year-old Zayas would rush to take the fight against EWnnis, an undefeated former two-belt welterweight champion. Hearn was also pleased that the young champ’s promoter, Top Rank, would book such a risky fight. At the time, Bozy Ennis, Ennis’ dad/trainer, shared admiration for Zayas taking on the title defense but vowed that he’s biting off more than he could chew. Ennis (35-0 with 1 no contest, 31 KOs) insisted “there’s levels” to the sweet science and that he will prove he’s several tiers above Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs), who is five years his junior with 13 fewer fights of experience than Boots. Here are the four featured bouts on the broadcast:
Xander Zayas vs. Jaron 'Boots' Ennis (WBO and WBA junior middleweight titles);
Emiliano Vargas vs. Bryce Mills )junior welterweights);
Ben Whittaker vs. Richard Rivera (cruiserweight); and
Jahi Tucker vs. Euri Cendeno (middleweights).
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Welcome to Zayas vs. Ennis fight week
Xander Zayas (pictured) defends his WBO and WBA 154-pound titles against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis this Saturday, June 27th, live on DAZN pay-per-view. Zayas is the defending champion In this fight, but Ennis is more expreirenced yet stil in his prime. At an April press event, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, Ennis’ promoter, expressed surprise that the unbeaten 23 year-old Zayas would rush to take the fight against EWnnis, an undefeated former two-belt welterweight champion. Hearn was also pleased that the young champ’s promoter, Top Rank, would book such a risky fight. At the time, Bozy Ennis, Ennis’ dad/trainer, shared admiration for Zayas taking on the title defense but vowed that he’s biting off more than he could chew. Ennis (35-0 with 1 no contest, 31 KOs) insisted “there’s levels” to the sweet science and that he will prove he’s several tiers above Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs), who is five years his junior with 13 fewer fights of experience than Boots. Here are the four featured bouts on the broadcast:
Xander Zayas vs. Jaron 'Boots' Ennis (WBO and WBA junior middleweight titles);
Emiliano Vargas vs. Bryce Mills )junior welterweights);
Ben Whittaker vs. Richard Rivera (cruiserweight); and
Jahi Tucker vs. Euri Cendeno (middleweights).
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Itauma to step up to Hrgovic on Aug. 29th |
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A huge heavyweight showdown will take place at The O2 on Saturday August 29th, when the undefeated Moses Itauma (pictured) takes on leading contender Filip Hrgovic, live on DAZN pay-per-view. At just 21 years old, Itauma will take a step up by challenging himself against a seasoned opponent who has only suffered one offivial defeat. Hrgovic, 34 and from Croatia, showed his own ring-readiness in the middle of May at the home of Doncaster FC where he swiftly overcame the threat presented by home favourite Dave Allen via a third round stoppage. The 2016 Olympic medalist made it a third successive win by overcoming Allen, having defeated British heavyweights in Joe Joyce and David Adeleye since his career-first loss against Daniel Dubois in June 2024.
Itauma will be looking to keep his unbeaten record and world title ambitions firmly on track to solidify his status as the best young heavyweight in the sport. He has not heard the final bell since a pair of six-round learning fights back in 2023. Of his ten fights since, six have ended in the first round - including against Dillian Whyte and Demsey McKean - and three in the second. His most recent activity, against Jermaine Franklin Jr in March, extended him to five rounds of action. “This has got all the makings of a classic heavyweight confrontation and we were determined to get it over the line,” said promoter Frank Warren. “This fight is the litmus test Moses is ready for and it is the one he wanted. Filip believes it will be too much too soon for the young star. At The O2 on August 29th we will find out on what will be another incredible night for British boxing.”
"Fans can expect a huge night of heavyweight action on August 29th as one of the most feared men in boxing, Moses Itauma takes on elite heavyweight Filip Hrgovic in a pivotal clash with world title implications, said Alfie Sharman VP DAZN. “Itauma is one of boxing’s brightest young stars, while Hrgovic brings proven world-level experience, making this blockbuster unmissable. Tune in live worldwide only on DAZN PPV."
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Itauma to step up to Hrgovic on Aug. 29th
A huge heavyweight showdown will take place at The O2 on Saturday August 29th, when the undefeated Moses Itauma (pictured) takes on leading contender Filip Hrgovic, live on DAZN pay-per-view. At just 21 years old, Itauma will take a step up by challenging himself against a seasoned opponent who has only suffered one offivial defeat. Hrgovic, 34 and from Croatia, showed his own ring-readiness in the middle of May at the home of Doncaster FC where he swiftly overcame the threat presented by home favourite Dave Allen via a third round stoppage. The 2016 Olympic medalist made it a third successive win by overcoming Allen, having defeated British heavyweights in Joe Joyce and David Adeleye since his career-first loss against Daniel Dubois in June 2024.
Itauma will be looking to keep his unbeaten record and world title ambitions firmly on track to solidify his status as the best young heavyweight in the sport. He has not heard the final bell since a pair of six-round learning fights back in 2023. Of his ten fights since, six have ended in the first round - including against Dillian Whyte and Demsey McKean - and three in the second. His most recent activity, against Jermaine Franklin Jr in March, extended him to five rounds of action. “This has got all the makings of a classic heavyweight confrontation and we were determined to get it over the line,” said promoter Frank Warren. “This fight is the litmus test Moses is ready for and it is the one he wanted. Filip believes it will be too much too soon for the young star. At The O2 on August 29th we will find out on what will be another incredible night for British boxing.”
"Fans can expect a huge night of heavyweight action on August 29th as one of the most feared men in boxing, Moses Itauma takes on elite heavyweight Filip Hrgovic in a pivotal clash with world title implications, said Alfie Sharman VP DAZN. “Itauma is one of boxing’s brightest young stars, while Hrgovic brings proven world-level experience, making this blockbuster unmissable. Tune in live worldwide only on DAZN PPV."
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Collazo makes easy work of late replacement |
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Oscar Collazo TKO2 Neider Valdez... Oscar Collazo made an unplanned move up to flyweight and came away with a second round knockout against Neider Valdez. Collazo was originally set to defend his two minimumweight world titles against Joey Canoy, but visa issues stopped Canoy from entering the country resulting in Valdez being brought in as a replacements with the fight being held at 112 pounds instead of 105. There was a gulf in class between the two fighters with Valdez being knocked down three times before he was pulled out by his corner team in the second round.
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Collazo makes easy work of late replacement
Oscar Collazo TKO2 Neider Valdez... Oscar Collazo made an unplanned move up to flyweight and came away with a second round knockout against Neider Valdez. Collazo was originally set to defend his two minimumweight world titles against Joey Canoy, but visa issues stopped Canoy from entering the country resulting in Valdez being brought in as a replacements with the fight being held at 112 pounds instead of 105. There was a gulf in class between the two fighters with Valdez being knocked down three times before he was pulled out by his corner team in the second round.
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Ryan Garner claims interim title |
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Ryan Garner W12 Michael Magnesi... Ryan Garner took another step towards a junior lightweight title fight on Saturday night when he beat Italy's Michael Magnesi in front of thousands at Southampton's St Mary's stadium in Engand. The win brings Garner the WBC interim title and ups his record to 20-0. Every session of this twelve-round contest saw both men trading punches, leaving the crowd in a state of excitement. Garner's victory was comprehensively confirmed on all three judges' scorecards, but Magnesi (26-3) deserves plenty of plaudits for his courage and determination as he refused to buckle when subjected to thumping shots from Garner.
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Ryan Garner claims interim title
Ryan Garner W12 Michael Magnesi... Ryan Garner took another step towards a junior lightweight title fight on Saturday night when he beat Italy's Michael Magnesi in front of thousands at Southampton's St Mary's stadium in Engand. The win brings Garner the WBC interim title and ups his record to 20-0. Every session of this twelve-round contest saw both men trading punches, leaving the crowd in a state of excitement. Garner's victory was comprehensively confirmed on all three judges' scorecards, but Magnesi (26-3) deserves plenty of plaudits for his courage and determination as he refused to buckle when subjected to thumping shots from Garner.
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BKFC results |
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BKFC made its Tennessee premiere on Friday in Nashville at the sold-out Pinnacle. Upsets took place in the two headline fights. In the main event, JC “Corazon” DeLeon defeated former Tony “Loco” Soto when Soto’s corner called a stop to the fight at the conclusion of the third round. DeLeon, who hails from Fort Worth, TX, is now 3-1 under the BKFC banner. The Hickory, NC product Soto, who entered fight night as the #3 contender in the BKFC lightweight division, is now 6-4 in his BKFC career. “I’m on my way up and he’s on his way out. Respect to Tony Soto; he’s a hell of a fighter. God bless him and his family,” DeLeon said in his post-fight interview, adding, “I hope we put on a show for you all. God bless you all.”
After five back-and-forth rounds produced even scorecards, Friday’s co-feature was decided via a winner-takes-all overtime round, with Tray “Big Dog” Martin upsetting Nathan “The Reaper” Rivera, who was the the #2 contender in BKFC's featherweight division. Martin won the overtime round via judges’ decision. He also recorded the sole knockdown of the fight. Martin, who represents Columbia, MO, is now 2-0, while the Smyrna, GA fighter Rivera is now 5-1. Martin took aim at BKFC featherweight champion “King” Kai Stewart and Bryan “El Gallo” Duran, who was sitting ringside, in his post-fight interview: “I’m here to tell you that there are levels to this. This isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve had 27 pro fights, 18 amateur fights. I’ve got way more experience than any of you people combined. Let’s go!”
Bobby “ODB” Taylor recorded six knockdowns en route to the second-round TKO victory over Angel “OG” Hernandez in lightweight action. The stoppage came 58 seconds into the second stanza. The Pocahontas, TN product is now 7-4 in his bare knuckle fighting career, while Hernandez, who represents Gary, IN, is now 1-2.
In the first ironweight (206-225 pounds) bout in BKFC history, Finland’s Prince McLean defeated Jeramy “The Cowboy” Karshner of Lithopolis, OH via TKO. The bout was stopped with 12 seconds left in the opening frame. Both fighters were stepping into the BKFC squared circle for the first time.
Georgia lightweight Cole Ferrell climbed to 2-1 with a dominant victory over Quintan “The Hitman” Foye. Ferrell recorded three knockdowns before the bout ended 38 seconds into the final round. The Greensboro, NC product Foye is now 2-5 under the BKFC banner.
Nashville, TN’s Ravon “Big Shot” Baxter smashed his way to 2-1-1 in his BKFC career with a 93-second TKO victory at the expense of Junior “The Joker” Hicks in the light-heavyweight division. Baxter sent Hicks to the canvas twice. Hicks, who hails from Greenfield, IA, is now 0-2.
Nashville, TN’s Caleb “Batman” Harvey was victorious in his BKFC debut, defeating Josh “Jigsaw” Whiteside via unanimous decision in welterweight action. All three judges agreed on the 30-27 score. Whiteside, who represents Memphis, TN, is now 1-1 under the BKFC banner.
Kentucky light heavyweight Zach “The Ripper” Russ only needed 45 seconds to steamroll Kelvin “Next Level” Rayford in his BKFC premiere. Rayford, who hails from Oklahoma, was also stepping into the squared circle for the first time.
Nashville, TN’s Payton “The Horseman” Hayes turned heads in his BKFC premiere, needing just 101 seconds to stop Julian Valencia in bantamweight action. Hayes logged a pair of knockdowns to the finish. Valencia, who represents Kenosha, WI, is now 0-2 in his BKFC career.
In the first BKFC fight in Tennessee history, Joby “Jobywankenobi” Steffensmeier defeated Robert “Ohteht” Fichtner via split decision in bantamweight action. Two judges scored the fight 29-28 for the Davenport, IA product, while one judge scored the contest 29-28 for the Liberal, KS fighter Fichtner. Steffensmeier is now 1-1 under the BKFC banner. Fichtner was making his promotional debut.
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BKFC results
BKFC made its Tennessee premiere on Friday in Nashville at the sold-out Pinnacle. Upsets took place in the two headline fights. In the main event, JC “Corazon” DeLeon defeated former Tony “Loco” Soto when Soto’s corner called a stop to the fight at the conclusion of the third round. DeLeon, who hails from Fort Worth, TX, is now 3-1 under the BKFC banner. The Hickory, NC product Soto, who entered fight night as the #3 contender in the BKFC lightweight division, is now 6-4 in his BKFC career. “I’m on my way up and he’s on his way out. Respect to Tony Soto; he’s a hell of a fighter. God bless him and his family,” DeLeon said in his post-fight interview, adding, “I hope we put on a show for you all. God bless you all.”
After five back-and-forth rounds produced even scorecards, Friday’s co-feature was decided via a winner-takes-all overtime round, with Tray “Big Dog” Martin upsetting Nathan “The Reaper” Rivera, who was the the #2 contender in BKFC's featherweight division. Martin won the overtime round via judges’ decision. He also recorded the sole knockdown of the fight. Martin, who represents Columbia, MO, is now 2-0, while the Smyrna, GA fighter Rivera is now 5-1. Martin took aim at BKFC featherweight champion “King” Kai Stewart and Bryan “El Gallo” Duran, who was sitting ringside, in his post-fight interview: “I’m here to tell you that there are levels to this. This isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve had 27 pro fights, 18 amateur fights. I’ve got way more experience than any of you people combined. Let’s go!”
Bobby “ODB” Taylor recorded six knockdowns en route to the second-round TKO victory over Angel “OG” Hernandez in lightweight action. The stoppage came 58 seconds into the second stanza. The Pocahontas, TN product is now 7-4 in his bare knuckle fighting career, while Hernandez, who represents Gary, IN, is now 1-2.
In the first ironweight (206-225 pounds) bout in BKFC history, Finland’s Prince McLean defeated Jeramy “The Cowboy” Karshner of Lithopolis, OH via TKO. The bout was stopped with 12 seconds left in the opening frame. Both fighters were stepping into the BKFC squared circle for the first time.
Georgia lightweight Cole Ferrell climbed to 2-1 with a dominant victory over Quintan “The Hitman” Foye. Ferrell recorded three knockdowns before the bout ended 38 seconds into the final round. The Greensboro, NC product Foye is now 2-5 under the BKFC banner.
Nashville, TN’s Ravon “Big Shot” Baxter smashed his way to 2-1-1 in his BKFC career with a 93-second TKO victory at the expense of Junior “The Joker” Hicks in the light-heavyweight division. Baxter sent Hicks to the canvas twice. Hicks, who hails from Greenfield, IA, is now 0-2.
Nashville, TN’s Caleb “Batman” Harvey was victorious in his BKFC debut, defeating Josh “Jigsaw” Whiteside via unanimous decision in welterweight action. All three judges agreed on the 30-27 score. Whiteside, who represents Memphis, TN, is now 1-1 under the BKFC banner.
Kentucky light heavyweight Zach “The Ripper” Russ only needed 45 seconds to steamroll Kelvin “Next Level” Rayford in his BKFC premiere. Rayford, who hails from Oklahoma, was also stepping into the squared circle for the first time.
Nashville, TN’s Payton “The Horseman” Hayes turned heads in his BKFC premiere, needing just 101 seconds to stop Julian Valencia in bantamweight action. Hayes logged a pair of knockdowns to the finish. Valencia, who represents Kenosha, WI, is now 0-2 in his BKFC career.
In the first BKFC fight in Tennessee history, Joby “Jobywankenobi” Steffensmeier defeated Robert “Ohteht” Fichtner via split decision in bantamweight action. Two judges scored the fight 29-28 for the Davenport, IA product, while one judge scored the contest 29-28 for the Liberal, KS fighter Fichtner. Steffensmeier is now 1-1 under the BKFC banner. Fichtner was making his promotional debut.
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H20 Sylve defeats Jojo Diaz |
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Ashton Sylve W10 Joseph Diaz .... MF Pro's inaugural event in the United States saw Ashton "H2O" Sylve improve to 14-1 with a unanimous decision victory over former champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (34-10-1) in a ten-round junior welterweight contest broadcast worldwide on DAZN. The victory served as the centerpiece of a successful U.S. debut for MF Pro before a packed crowd at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. Sylve showcased his speed, movement, and sharp boxing skills early, controlling the action and building a lead on the scorecards through the opening rounds. Diaz, a seasoned veteran, rallied in the second half of the fight and enjoyed success with sustained pressure and effective combinations, but was unable to overcome Sylve’s early advantage. After ten competitive rounds, the judges scored the bout 98-92 and 97-93 (twice), all in favor of Sylve, who earned the biggest victory of his young career with the unanimous decision win. “I knew this was going to be a tough fight because JoJo is a former world champion and a veteran who has seen everything in the sport,” said H2O. “My game plan was to stay disciplined, use my movement, and box smart. He came on strong late, but I felt I controlled the fight and did what I needed to do to get the victory. This win is another step toward becoming a world champion. I’m on my way to the top.”
Devin Cushing W10 J’Hon Ingram (... Lightweight Devin Cushing improved to 19-0 with 14 knockouts after earning a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over J’Hon Ingram (9-1, 7 KOs) in a scheduled ten-round contest. The bout featured competitive, back-and-forth action from the opening bell, with both fighters enjoying moments of success throughout the contest. Ingram showcased his toughness and determination, while Cushing consistently landed the cleaner, more effective punches during the exchanges. Fans were treated to nonstop action in every round as the two lightweights battled at a high pace. After ten entertaining rounds, Cushing’s sharp punching and ring generalship proved to be the difference, earning him a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring the bout 97-93 in his favor. “I knew J’Hon was going to come in prepared and give me a tough fight,” said Cushing. “He’s a talented fighter and he made me work for every round. I stayed patient, listened to my corner, and focused on landing the cleaner shots. I knew I had to box my way to victory, and all the hard work paid off. I’m ready for anyone in the lightweight division, I want all the big names.”
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Amir “Cashman” Anderson remained undefeated with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Jonas Sylvain over ten rounds Anderson (8-0, 7 KOs) showcased his well-rounded skill set, going the distance for the first time in his professional career while handing Sylvain (9-1-1, 5 KOs) the first loss of his career. Using his height, reach, and sharp southpaw jab, Anderson controlled the action from the opening bell. He dictated the pace, managed distance effectively, and consistently found success with precise counterpunching against the previously unbeaten Sylvain. Anderson's technical superiority was evident throughout the contest, as he won virtually every round on all three judges' scorecards. “I feel great,” said Anderson. “This was the first time I've gone 10 rounds as a professional, and it was important for me to show that I can maintain my focus, conditioning, and boxing skills from the first bell to the last. Jonas was a tough opponent, but I stayed patient, followed the game plan, and proved that I can do more than just knock people out... Getting a unanimous decision like this is a big step forward in my career. I’m ready for the next level.”
Junior welterweight contender Ernesto “Tito” Mercado improved to 19-0 with 18 knockouts after scoring a dominant second-round stoppage of veteran Juan Carlos Burgos (36-9-3, 22 KOs). Mercado methodically broke down Burgos before unleashing a right hook-left hook combination that sent the former title challenger to the canvas. Burgos beat the count, but Mercado quickly closed the show, flooring him once more with a blistering combination that prompted the referee to halt the contest at the 2:40 mark of round two. “I knew I had to stay patient and break him down,” said Mercado, the current WBO International Jr. Welterweight champ. “Burgos is a tough, experienced fighter who has been in with some of the best, but I’m different. Once I found my rhythm, I started landing the shots I wanted and knew it was only a matter of time before I got him out of there. Now it’s time for me to fight for the WBO title.”
Welterweight David “Dynamite” Lopez, improved to 9-0 with 7 knockouts and continued his rise with a first-round stoppage of Joey Borrero (12-3, 9 KOs). Lopez wasted no time asserting himself, flooring Borrero with a vicious right hook early in the opening round. Although Borrero managed to beat the count, Lopez unleashed a relentless barrage of power punches that left his opponent defenseless. After approximately 30 more seconds of sustained punishment, the referee stepped in to halt the contest at the 1:41 mark, awarding Lopez the TKO victory. The explosive performance further solidified Lopez’s status as one of boxing’s brightest young prospects. “I came into this fight looking to make a nice impression, and that's exactly what I did,” said Lopez. “My team and I worked hard in camp, and everything came together tonight. I saw the opening, landed the right hook, and once I had him hurt, I knew I had to finish the job. I'm ready for whatever comes next.”
Super flyweight Kayla “The Truth” Gomez won her professional debut, earning a unanimous decision victory over fellow first-time pro Shayntain Creer in a dominant four-round contest. Gomez controlled the action throughout, showcasing her skills and poise en route to a shutout win. Her overhand right was landing at will in dominate fashion. All three judges scored the bout 60-54 in favor of Gomez, improving her record to 1-0, while Creer falls to 0-1. “I felt prepared and confident coming into this fight,” said Gomez. “Getting my first professional win means a lot, and I'm grateful for my team, my promoter, and everyone who supported me. This is just the beginning, and I'm excited to continue growing and improving with each fight.”
Ethan Smith (5-0, 3 KOs) defeated Madrigal Rodriguez (10-11, 8 KOs) by second round knockout in a scheduled six-round super middleweight bout.
Daniel Mercado (1-0, 1 KO) defeated Alejandro Medina (4-10, 4 KOs) by first round knockout in a junior middleweight bout.
Daniel Gudino (5-0, 5 KOs) defeated Alejandro Herrera (5-7-1) by second round knockout in a super bantamweight bout.
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H20 Sylve defeats Jojo Diaz
Ashton Sylve W10 Joseph Diaz .... MF Pro's inaugural event in the United States saw Ashton "H2O" Sylve improve to 14-1 with a unanimous decision victory over former champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (34-10-1) in a ten-round junior welterweight contest broadcast worldwide on DAZN. The victory served as the centerpiece of a successful U.S. debut for MF Pro before a packed crowd at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. Sylve showcased his speed, movement, and sharp boxing skills early, controlling the action and building a lead on the scorecards through the opening rounds. Diaz, a seasoned veteran, rallied in the second half of the fight and enjoyed success with sustained pressure and effective combinations, but was unable to overcome Sylve’s early advantage. After ten competitive rounds, the judges scored the bout 98-92 and 97-93 (twice), all in favor of Sylve, who earned the biggest victory of his young career with the unanimous decision win. “I knew this was going to be a tough fight because JoJo is a former world champion and a veteran who has seen everything in the sport,” said H2O. “My game plan was to stay disciplined, use my movement, and box smart. He came on strong late, but I felt I controlled the fight and did what I needed to do to get the victory. This win is another step toward becoming a world champion. I’m on my way to the top.”
Devin Cushing W10 J’Hon Ingram (... Lightweight Devin Cushing improved to 19-0 with 14 knockouts after earning a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over J’Hon Ingram (9-1, 7 KOs) in a scheduled ten-round contest. The bout featured competitive, back-and-forth action from the opening bell, with both fighters enjoying moments of success throughout the contest. Ingram showcased his toughness and determination, while Cushing consistently landed the cleaner, more effective punches during the exchanges. Fans were treated to nonstop action in every round as the two lightweights battled at a high pace. After ten entertaining rounds, Cushing’s sharp punching and ring generalship proved to be the difference, earning him a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring the bout 97-93 in his favor. “I knew J’Hon was going to come in prepared and give me a tough fight,” said Cushing. “He’s a talented fighter and he made me work for every round. I stayed patient, listened to my corner, and focused on landing the cleaner shots. I knew I had to box my way to victory, and all the hard work paid off. I’m ready for anyone in the lightweight division, I want all the big names.”
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Amir “Cashman” Anderson remained undefeated with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Jonas Sylvain over ten rounds Anderson (8-0, 7 KOs) showcased his well-rounded skill set, going the distance for the first time in his professional career while handing Sylvain (9-1-1, 5 KOs) the first loss of his career. Using his height, reach, and sharp southpaw jab, Anderson controlled the action from the opening bell. He dictated the pace, managed distance effectively, and consistently found success with precise counterpunching against the previously unbeaten Sylvain. Anderson's technical superiority was evident throughout the contest, as he won virtually every round on all three judges' scorecards. “I feel great,” said Anderson. “This was the first time I've gone 10 rounds as a professional, and it was important for me to show that I can maintain my focus, conditioning, and boxing skills from the first bell to the last. Jonas was a tough opponent, but I stayed patient, followed the game plan, and proved that I can do more than just knock people out... Getting a unanimous decision like this is a big step forward in my career. I’m ready for the next level.”
Junior welterweight contender Ernesto “Tito” Mercado improved to 19-0 with 18 knockouts after scoring a dominant second-round stoppage of veteran Juan Carlos Burgos (36-9-3, 22 KOs). Mercado methodically broke down Burgos before unleashing a right hook-left hook combination that sent the former title challenger to the canvas. Burgos beat the count, but Mercado quickly closed the show, flooring him once more with a blistering combination that prompted the referee to halt the contest at the 2:40 mark of round two. “I knew I had to stay patient and break him down,” said Mercado, the current WBO International Jr. Welterweight champ. “Burgos is a tough, experienced fighter who has been in with some of the best, but I’m different. Once I found my rhythm, I started landing the shots I wanted and knew it was only a matter of time before I got him out of there. Now it’s time for me to fight for the WBO title.”
Welterweight David “Dynamite” Lopez, improved to 9-0 with 7 knockouts and continued his rise with a first-round stoppage of Joey Borrero (12-3, 9 KOs). Lopez wasted no time asserting himself, flooring Borrero with a vicious right hook early in the opening round. Although Borrero managed to beat the count, Lopez unleashed a relentless barrage of power punches that left his opponent defenseless. After approximately 30 more seconds of sustained punishment, the referee stepped in to halt the contest at the 1:41 mark, awarding Lopez the TKO victory. The explosive performance further solidified Lopez’s status as one of boxing’s brightest young prospects. “I came into this fight looking to make a nice impression, and that's exactly what I did,” said Lopez. “My team and I worked hard in camp, and everything came together tonight. I saw the opening, landed the right hook, and once I had him hurt, I knew I had to finish the job. I'm ready for whatever comes next.”
Super flyweight Kayla “The Truth” Gomez won her professional debut, earning a unanimous decision victory over fellow first-time pro Shayntain Creer in a dominant four-round contest. Gomez controlled the action throughout, showcasing her skills and poise en route to a shutout win. Her overhand right was landing at will in dominate fashion. All three judges scored the bout 60-54 in favor of Gomez, improving her record to 1-0, while Creer falls to 0-1. “I felt prepared and confident coming into this fight,” said Gomez. “Getting my first professional win means a lot, and I'm grateful for my team, my promoter, and everyone who supported me. This is just the beginning, and I'm excited to continue growing and improving with each fight.”
Ethan Smith (5-0, 3 KOs) defeated Madrigal Rodriguez (10-11, 8 KOs) by second round knockout in a scheduled six-round super middleweight bout.
Daniel Mercado (1-0, 1 KO) defeated Alejandro Medina (4-10, 4 KOs) by first round knockout in a junior middleweight bout.
Daniel Gudino (5-0, 5 KOs) defeated Alejandro Herrera (5-7-1) by second round knockout in a super bantamweight bout.
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More legal woes for Money Mayweather |
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. is facing yet another major legal battle after a new federal lawsuit was filed this week in the the Southern District of New York. Plaintiff CSI Entertainment accused the boxing legend of backing out of exclusive agreements tied to several high-profile comeback fights. The suit was brought by CSI and related companies behind the Fight Sports network. According to the complaint, the companies secured exclusive rights to Mayweather's next bouts and paid him more than $4.5 million in advances to lock in those events, only to have him back out.
The latest lawsuit adds to an increasingly crowded legal calendar for Mayweather. Earlier this year, the former multi-division champion filed two high-profile lawsuits of his own indicating he is running out of money. Those lawsuits claimed Mayweather was the victim of fraud in the amount of $175 million by his former business associates Jona Rechnitz, Ayal Frist and others. The other lawsuit saw Mayweather sue Showtime Networks and executives connected to the network saying they sent his fight payments to accounts over which Mayweather did not control. Separately, Mayweather is currently facing two felony charges in Nevada stemming from allegations that he passed a $200,000 check with insufficient funds to purchase a luxury watch in Las Vegas. Prosecutors have charged him with theft and passing a check with intent to defraud, although the allegations have not been proven and Mayweather has not publicly responded to the criminal case.
At the center of this latest dispute are two blockbuster comeback fights that have generated years of fan speculation: an exhibition fight between Mayweather and Mike Tyson and a "real" professional rematch between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.According to the lawsuit, CSI and Mayweather's representatives reached an agreement in August 2025 for Mayweather to meet Tyson in an exhibition bout. The companies say they later reached another agreement covering Mayweather's first fight after Tyson, which was expected to be a rematch with Pacquiao.
The complaint describes both fights as historic events and says the companies planned to build their future business around them. CSI claims it issued press releases, promoted the events publicly and relied on Mayweather's commitments when investing in the projects. Mayweather, who retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record, has remained active through exhibition bouts. The lawsuit alleges that the Tyson exhibition would have been followed by a return to professional competition against Pacquiao, putting Mayweather's unbeaten record back on the line.
The companies claim that, rather than honoring those agreements, Mayweather pursued other opportunities.As of now, that other opportunity is Mayweather's plan to face Greek kickboxing star Mike Zambidis in Athens next week (June 27th). CSI alleges that its contracts prohibited Mayweather from taking another fight before the Tyson event. The complaint states that after learning of the proposed Zambidis bout, the companies sent cease-and-desist letters to various parties connected with the event and attempted to negotiate a solution. According to the filing, CSI even proposed allowing the Zambidis fight to proceed if the Tyson event happened first and if Fight Sports remained involved in the broadcast. Those efforts ultimately failed.
One allegation involves an agreement with EverWonder Studios and its subsidiary Players Era. According to the complaint, that deal contemplated a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight that would air on Netflix. The lawsuit says CSI eventually negotiated a revised arrangement that would allow the Netflix event while preserving certain branding rights and securing future opportunities.
One of the more unusual allegations concerns a $150,000 payment. CSI says Mayweather requested the installment in cash after completing medical requirements for the Tyson fight. According to the complaint, company executives traveled to California with the money, but Mayweather allegedly did not attend the meeting and instead sent a representative to receive the funds. The companies claim that one day later Mayweather publicly promoted the Zambidis fight.
The lawsuit also states that Tyson later suffered a hand injury, causing the proposed exhibition to be delayed. CSI argues that its agreements allowed the fight to be rescheduled and that Mayweather still could not pursue another bout during that period.
In June 2026, Mayweather's attorneys reportedly sent CSI a notice terminating the relationship. CSI argues that the termination was ineffective because it believes Mayweather had already breached the agreements.
The plaintiffs are asking the court for an injunction that would block Mayweather from proceeding with the June 27 Zambidis fight and require him to honor the Tyson and Pacquiao agreements. They are also seeking damages and, alternatively, repayment of the millions of dollars already advanced.
As of the filing, these are allegations made by CSI and have not been proven in court. Mayweather has not yet filed a response to the complaint.
If the case moves forward, boxing fans could see a courtroom battle over some of the sport's most intriguing potential events. Whether any of the proposed fights ultimately happen remains uncertain, but the lawsuit adds another unexpected chapter to the continuing story of Floyd Mayweather's post-retirement career.
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More legal woes for Money Mayweather
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is facing yet another major legal battle after a new federal lawsuit was filed this week in the the Southern District of New York. Plaintiff CSI Entertainment accused the boxing legend of backing out of exclusive agreements tied to several high-profile comeback fights. The suit was brought by CSI and related companies behind the Fight Sports network. According to the complaint, the companies secured exclusive rights to Mayweather's next bouts and paid him more than $4.5 million in advances to lock in those events, only to have him back out.
The latest lawsuit adds to an increasingly crowded legal calendar for Mayweather. Earlier this year, the former multi-division champion filed two high-profile lawsuits of his own indicating he is running out of money. Those lawsuits claimed Mayweather was the victim of fraud in the amount of $175 million by his former business associates Jona Rechnitz, Ayal Frist and others. The other lawsuit saw Mayweather sue Showtime Networks and executives connected to the network saying they sent his fight payments to accounts over which Mayweather did not control. Separately, Mayweather is currently facing two felony charges in Nevada stemming from allegations that he passed a $200,000 check with insufficient funds to purchase a luxury watch in Las Vegas. Prosecutors have charged him with theft and passing a check with intent to defraud, although the allegations have not been proven and Mayweather has not publicly responded to the criminal case.
At the center of this latest dispute are two blockbuster comeback fights that have generated years of fan speculation: an exhibition fight between Mayweather and Mike Tyson and a "real" professional rematch between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.According to the lawsuit, CSI and Mayweather's representatives reached an agreement in August 2025 for Mayweather to meet Tyson in an exhibition bout. The companies say they later reached another agreement covering Mayweather's first fight after Tyson, which was expected to be a rematch with Pacquiao.
The complaint describes both fights as historic events and says the companies planned to build their future business around them. CSI claims it issued press releases, promoted the events publicly and relied on Mayweather's commitments when investing in the projects. Mayweather, who retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record, has remained active through exhibition bouts. The lawsuit alleges that the Tyson exhibition would have been followed by a return to professional competition against Pacquiao, putting Mayweather's unbeaten record back on the line.
The companies claim that, rather than honoring those agreements, Mayweather pursued other opportunities.As of now, that other opportunity is Mayweather's plan to face Greek kickboxing star Mike Zambidis in Athens next week (June 27th). CSI alleges that its contracts prohibited Mayweather from taking another fight before the Tyson event. The complaint states that after learning of the proposed Zambidis bout, the companies sent cease-and-desist letters to various parties connected with the event and attempted to negotiate a solution. According to the filing, CSI even proposed allowing the Zambidis fight to proceed if the Tyson event happened first and if Fight Sports remained involved in the broadcast. Those efforts ultimately failed.
One allegation involves an agreement with EverWonder Studios and its subsidiary Players Era. According to the complaint, that deal contemplated a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight that would air on Netflix. The lawsuit says CSI eventually negotiated a revised arrangement that would allow the Netflix event while preserving certain branding rights and securing future opportunities.
One of the more unusual allegations concerns a $150,000 payment. CSI says Mayweather requested the installment in cash after completing medical requirements for the Tyson fight. According to the complaint, company executives traveled to California with the money, but Mayweather allegedly did not attend the meeting and instead sent a representative to receive the funds. The companies claim that one day later Mayweather publicly promoted the Zambidis fight.
The lawsuit also states that Tyson later suffered a hand injury, causing the proposed exhibition to be delayed. CSI argues that its agreements allowed the fight to be rescheduled and that Mayweather still could not pursue another bout during that period.
In June 2026, Mayweather's attorneys reportedly sent CSI a notice terminating the relationship. CSI argues that the termination was ineffective because it believes Mayweather had already breached the agreements.
The plaintiffs are asking the court for an injunction that would block Mayweather from proceeding with the June 27 Zambidis fight and require him to honor the Tyson and Pacquiao agreements. They are also seeking damages and, alternatively, repayment of the millions of dollars already advanced.
As of the filing, these are allegations made by CSI and have not been proven in court. Mayweather has not yet filed a response to the complaint.
If the case moves forward, boxing fans could see a courtroom battle over some of the sport's most intriguing potential events. Whether any of the proposed fights ultimately happen remains uncertain, but the lawsuit adds another unexpected chapter to the continuing story of Floyd Mayweather's post-retirement career.
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Full line-up for next weekend's Zuffa Boxing 08 |
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On June 28th, Zuffa Boxing lands at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The main card for Zuffa Boxing 08 is topped by a lightweight contest between Edwin De Los Santos of the Dominican Republic and former title holder Jose Valenzuela of Mexico, scheduled for ten rounds. De Los Santos has built a reputation as an aggressive finisher, while Valenzuela brings a well-rounded technical style, making this an interesting stylistic matchup to open the show. The second bout on the card shifts to featherweight, where Mexico's Omar Trinidad faces another ex-champ, Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines, also over ten rounds. The full fight card is listed below, with prelim action set to kick off at 5pm ET / 2pm PT and main card bouts scheduled for 8pm ET / 5pm PT. The entire vent can be streamed live on Paramount+.
Main Card
Lightweight – 10 Rounds: Edwin De Los Santos vs. Jose Valenzuela;
Featherweight – 10 Rounds: Omar Trinidad vs. Jerwin Ancajas; and
Welterweight – 10 Rounds: Cain Sandoval vs. Brandun Lee.
Prelims
Bantamweight – 10 Rounds: Floyd Diaz vs. Andres Teran;
Lightweight – 8 Rounds: Tony Hirsch Jr. vs. Jaybrio Pe Benito;
Welterweight – 8 Rounds: Damoni Cato-Cain vs. Vernon Brown;
Lightweight – 6 Rounds: Brady Ochoa vs. Adrian Serrano; and
Heavyweight – 6 Rounds: Jakhongir Zokirov vs. Zachary Spiller.
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Full line-up for next weekend's Zuffa Boxing 08
On June 28th, Zuffa Boxing lands at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The main card for Zuffa Boxing 08 is topped by a lightweight contest between Edwin De Los Santos of the Dominican Republic and former title holder Jose Valenzuela of Mexico, scheduled for ten rounds. De Los Santos has built a reputation as an aggressive finisher, while Valenzuela brings a well-rounded technical style, making this an interesting stylistic matchup to open the show. The second bout on the card shifts to featherweight, where Mexico's Omar Trinidad faces another ex-champ, Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines, also over ten rounds. The full fight card is listed below, with prelim action set to kick off at 5pm ET / 2pm PT and main card bouts scheduled for 8pm ET / 5pm PT. The entire vent can be streamed live on Paramount+.
Main Card
Lightweight – 10 Rounds: Edwin De Los Santos vs. Jose Valenzuela;
Featherweight – 10 Rounds: Omar Trinidad vs. Jerwin Ancajas; and
Welterweight – 10 Rounds: Cain Sandoval vs. Brandun Lee.
Prelims
Bantamweight – 10 Rounds: Floyd Diaz vs. Andres Teran;
Lightweight – 8 Rounds: Tony Hirsch Jr. vs. Jaybrio Pe Benito;
Welterweight – 8 Rounds: Damoni Cato-Cain vs. Vernon Brown;
Lightweight – 6 Rounds: Brady Ochoa vs. Adrian Serrano; and
Heavyweight – 6 Rounds: Jakhongir Zokirov vs. Zachary Spiller.
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WBA giving Collazo a hard time over very late replacement opponent |
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The WBA, through its Championship Committee, informs that the bout between WBA /WBO minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo and Mexico’s Neider Valdez has not been approved as a world title fight because Valdez is not currently ranked in the organization’s official ratings. [The WBO has already agreed to sanction the fight.] The decision was communicated by the WBA after learning that Joey Canoy, the challenger originally scheduled to face Collazo, is unable to participate due to visa-related issues. As a result, Valdez was selected as the replacement with about three days' notice before the fight. The WBA wrote: "under current WBA regulations, boxers seeking to compete for a world championship must meet the eligibility requirements established by the organization, including being listed in the corresponding official rankings. For that reason, it has been determined that the bout between Collazo and Valdez cannot be sanctioned as an official title defense. The WBA also expressed its willingness to review any alternative proposal that complies with the organization’s rules and requirements."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE:
Neider Valdez (15-3-3, 12 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico, has answered the call to challenge undefeated WBA / WBO minimumweight champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (14-0, 11 KOs) of Villalba, Puerto Rico. Valdez steps in as a late replacement for the previously announced Joey Canoy, who was forced to withdraw from the bout due to visa-related issues. The twelve-round tw-belt championship bout will stream live worldwide on DAZN on Saturday, June 20th, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions from Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, Calif. “My job is to stay ready for whoever my team puts in the ring,” said Collazo. “While the Canoy fight didn’t happen, my focus has shifted entirely to Neider Valdez this Saturday. Trust me, we’re about to add another unforgettable chapter to the historic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.”
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God, Golden Boy, Cotto Promotions, and my team for this incredible opportunity. When I received the phone call, I couldn’t believe it, but without hesitation, I accepted the challenge,” said Neider Valdez. “I stay in the gym and work hard every day, always waiting for an opportunity like this. I know who Oscar Collazo is—he is the best fighter in his division today, and I have looked up to him for a long time. It is a great honor to share the ring with him on such a big stage. I am ready to deliver the performance of my life and take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.”
Valdez has built his career by facing difficult opposition and making the most out of every opportunity. His aggressive approach and punching power have helped him steadily climb the ranks, recently fighting to a majority draw in a six-round bout in Mexico. Despite falling short in a hard-fought 2024 WBA light flyweight world title bout, he now looks to further establish himself as a threat in the minimumweight division.
In the co-feature Mexico's Yair “Manotas” Gallardo (11-0, 9 KOs) will look to continue his knockout streak when he takes on Canada’s Buneet Bisla (14-1, 7 KOs) in a ten-round light heavyweight clash. Gallardo is coming off a stoppage victory over Elio Heraldo Trosch in Puerto Rico and now faces a durable Bisla, whose lone professional defeat came more than three years ago.
Also featured on the DAZN broadcast, Uzbek Olympian Ruslan Abdullaev (4-0, 2 KOs) will take on Las Vegas’ Orestes Velazquez (8-1, 7 KOs) in a ten-round junior welterweight showdown. U.S. Olympian Joshua “The Rocket” Edwards (6-0, 5 KOs) of Houston returns to action in an eight-round heavyweight contest against New Orleans’ Garreth “Da Lion” Payton (7-2, 4 KOs). Kicking off the DAZN telecast, Coachella fan favorite Cayden Griffiths (8-0, 7 KOs) will square off against Guadalajara, Mexico’s Alan Crisosto (12-6, 8 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight bout.
In preliminary action, Denver’s Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (13-0, 10 KOs) will put his undefeated record on the line against Miami’s Christopher Rodriguez (13-2-1, 11 KOs). Opening the evening, fellow Denver native Lorenzo Garcia will make his professional debut against Columbus, Ohio’s Tylan Smith (1-0-1) in a four-round junior welterweight contest. Tickets for Collazo vs. Valdez can be purchased at AXS.com or GoldenBoy.com.
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WBA giving Collazo a hard time over very late replacement opponent
The WBA, through its Championship Committee, informs that the bout between WBA /WBO minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo and Mexico’s Neider Valdez has not been approved as a world title fight because Valdez is not currently ranked in the organization’s official ratings. [The WBO has already agreed to sanction the fight.] The decision was communicated by the WBA after learning that Joey Canoy, the challenger originally scheduled to face Collazo, is unable to participate due to visa-related issues. As a result, Valdez was selected as the replacement with about three days' notice before the fight. The WBA wrote: "under current WBA regulations, boxers seeking to compete for a world championship must meet the eligibility requirements established by the organization, including being listed in the corresponding official rankings. For that reason, it has been determined that the bout between Collazo and Valdez cannot be sanctioned as an official title defense. The WBA also expressed its willingness to review any alternative proposal that complies with the organization’s rules and requirements."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE:
Neider Valdez (15-3-3, 12 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico, has answered the call to challenge undefeated WBA / WBO minimumweight champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (14-0, 11 KOs) of Villalba, Puerto Rico. Valdez steps in as a late replacement for the previously announced Joey Canoy, who was forced to withdraw from the bout due to visa-related issues. The twelve-round tw-belt championship bout will stream live worldwide on DAZN on Saturday, June 20th, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions from Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, Calif. “My job is to stay ready for whoever my team puts in the ring,” said Collazo. “While the Canoy fight didn’t happen, my focus has shifted entirely to Neider Valdez this Saturday. Trust me, we’re about to add another unforgettable chapter to the historic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.”
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God, Golden Boy, Cotto Promotions, and my team for this incredible opportunity. When I received the phone call, I couldn’t believe it, but without hesitation, I accepted the challenge,” said Neider Valdez. “I stay in the gym and work hard every day, always waiting for an opportunity like this. I know who Oscar Collazo is—he is the best fighter in his division today, and I have looked up to him for a long time. It is a great honor to share the ring with him on such a big stage. I am ready to deliver the performance of my life and take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.”
Valdez has built his career by facing difficult opposition and making the most out of every opportunity. His aggressive approach and punching power have helped him steadily climb the ranks, recently fighting to a majority draw in a six-round bout in Mexico. Despite falling short in a hard-fought 2024 WBA light flyweight world title bout, he now looks to further establish himself as a threat in the minimumweight division.
In the co-feature Mexico's Yair “Manotas” Gallardo (11-0, 9 KOs) will look to continue his knockout streak when he takes on Canada’s Buneet Bisla (14-1, 7 KOs) in a ten-round light heavyweight clash. Gallardo is coming off a stoppage victory over Elio Heraldo Trosch in Puerto Rico and now faces a durable Bisla, whose lone professional defeat came more than three years ago.
Also featured on the DAZN broadcast, Uzbek Olympian Ruslan Abdullaev (4-0, 2 KOs) will take on Las Vegas’ Orestes Velazquez (8-1, 7 KOs) in a ten-round junior welterweight showdown. U.S. Olympian Joshua “The Rocket” Edwards (6-0, 5 KOs) of Houston returns to action in an eight-round heavyweight contest against New Orleans’ Garreth “Da Lion” Payton (7-2, 4 KOs). Kicking off the DAZN telecast, Coachella fan favorite Cayden Griffiths (8-0, 7 KOs) will square off against Guadalajara, Mexico’s Alan Crisosto (12-6, 8 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight bout.
In preliminary action, Denver’s Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (13-0, 10 KOs) will put his undefeated record on the line against Miami’s Christopher Rodriguez (13-2-1, 11 KOs). Opening the evening, fellow Denver native Lorenzo Garcia will make his professional debut against Columbus, Ohio’s Tylan Smith (1-0-1) in a four-round junior welterweight contest. Tickets for Collazo vs. Valdez can be purchased at AXS.com or GoldenBoy.com.
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Jermall Charlo and Stephen Fulton added to Australian card |
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A pair of former two-division champions will take their talents down under as Jermall Charlo (pictured) and Stephen Fulton Jr. return to the ring in separate undercard attractions on a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime Video taking place Saturday, July 25th (U.S. date) from Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. Three matchups will lead up to the 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 will step in to face Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight battle, while former 122 and 126-pound champion Stephen Fulton Jr. will face Australian's Liam Wilson in a ten-round junior lightweight attraction. The pay-per-view will kick off with undefeated rising Australian Olympian Callum Peters entering the ring for ten rounds of middleweight action vs. an opponent to be named later.
"It’s an honor to headline the greatest fight card ever assembled in Australia,” said Tszyu. “It’s an enormous privilege for me because I know how rare this is for fight fans to have a card of this magnitude on home soil. Every time I step into that ring, I'm not just fighting for myself — I'm fighting for Australia and for everyone who's ever believed in me. Errol Spence Jr. is a legend of this sport, one of the greatest to ever do it, but on July 26 I get to take him out once and for all. Moments like this are history making. They are rare, you don’t want to miss it.”
"Make no mistake, this is the greatest fight card ever assembled in Australian boxing history,” said No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose. “Errol Spence Jr. and Jermall Charlo on the same card, in the same city, on the same day — that's a Las Vegas headliner every single day of the week, and we've locked it in for Sydney. This is Australia versus the USA, four times over, and every single one of those fights is legacy-defining. We've built No Limit Boxing by delivering the best events on the biggest stages, and on July 26 we deliver the biggest stage this country has ever seen. The world is sending its biggest names to Tim Tszyu's backyard, to Koen Mazoudier's backyard, to Callum Peters' backyard — and they're about to find out exactly what that means.” The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions.
A former champion at 154 and 160 pounds, Jermall Charlo will make his second consecutive appearance against super middleweight competition as he looks to move closer to a world title opportunity against the upset-minded Koen Mazoudier, who enters this one on a three-bout winning streak. Charlo’s (34-0, 23 KOs) quest to become a three-division champion in the stacked 168-pound division began in May 2025, as he 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.
“It feels great to be back in the ring and to take my talents Down Under to Australia,” said Charlo. “Koen Mazoudier is going to be looking to make a name off me, but he underestimates how hungry I am. These guys ain’t seen nothing like this. It’s the USA vs. Australia and Jermall Charlo is coming to take over. Lock in with me on July 25 and watch me put on a show.”
A native of Blacktown, New South Wales, Australian, Mazoudier (15-4-1, 6 KOs) turned pro in 2018 after an accomplished amateur career, reeling off six consecutive victories. Of the blemishes on 30-year-old’s record, two came by narrow majority decisions, with one of his other losses eventually being avenged as he defeated Wade Ryan by unanimous decision in 2022. His other loss came at the hands of undefeated Australian star Nikita Tszyu, younger brother of Tim Tszyu. The 2024 showdown against Tszyu was within two points on two judges’ cards when the bout ended in round nine. Mazoudier has bounced back effectively, winning three-straight fights in 2025.
"I know I'm the underdog,” said Mazoudier. “Everyone knows I'm the underdog. I don't care. I'm coming to spoil the party and dethrone a legend. I've never taken a backward step in my life, and I'm sure as hell not starting on 26 July. I'm going to bring everything I've got to get the result. I’m the real life Rocky."
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Jermall Charlo and Stephen Fulton added to Australian card
A pair of former two-division champions will take their talents down under as Jermall Charlo (pictured) and Stephen Fulton Jr. return to the ring in separate undercard attractions on a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime Video taking place Saturday, July 25th (U.S. date) from Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. Three matchups will lead up to the 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 will step in to face Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight battle, while former 122 and 126-pound champion Stephen Fulton Jr. will face Australian's Liam Wilson in a ten-round junior lightweight attraction. The pay-per-view will kick off with undefeated rising Australian Olympian Callum Peters entering the ring for ten rounds of middleweight action vs. an opponent to be named later.
"It’s an honor to headline the greatest fight card ever assembled in Australia,” said Tszyu. “It’s an enormous privilege for me because I know how rare this is for fight fans to have a card of this magnitude on home soil. Every time I step into that ring, I'm not just fighting for myself — I'm fighting for Australia and for everyone who's ever believed in me. Errol Spence Jr. is a legend of this sport, one of the greatest to ever do it, but on July 26 I get to take him out once and for all. Moments like this are history making. They are rare, you don’t want to miss it.”
"Make no mistake, this is the greatest fight card ever assembled in Australian boxing history,” said No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose. “Errol Spence Jr. and Jermall Charlo on the same card, in the same city, on the same day — that's a Las Vegas headliner every single day of the week, and we've locked it in for Sydney. This is Australia versus the USA, four times over, and every single one of those fights is legacy-defining. We've built No Limit Boxing by delivering the best events on the biggest stages, and on July 26 we deliver the biggest stage this country has ever seen. The world is sending its biggest names to Tim Tszyu's backyard, to Koen Mazoudier's backyard, to Callum Peters' backyard — and they're about to find out exactly what that means.” The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions.
A former champion at 154 and 160 pounds, Jermall Charlo will make his second consecutive appearance against super middleweight competition as he looks to move closer to a world title opportunity against the upset-minded Koen Mazoudier, who enters this one on a three-bout winning streak. Charlo’s (34-0, 23 KOs) quest to become a three-division champion in the stacked 168-pound division began in May 2025, as he 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.
“It feels great to be back in the ring and to take my talents Down Under to Australia,” said Charlo. “Koen Mazoudier is going to be looking to make a name off me, but he underestimates how hungry I am. These guys ain’t seen nothing like this. It’s the USA vs. Australia and Jermall Charlo is coming to take over. Lock in with me on July 25 and watch me put on a show.”
A native of Blacktown, New South Wales, Australian, Mazoudier (15-4-1, 6 KOs) turned pro in 2018 after an accomplished amateur career, reeling off six consecutive victories. Of the blemishes on 30-year-old’s record, two came by narrow majority decisions, with one of his other losses eventually being avenged as he defeated Wade Ryan by unanimous decision in 2022. His other loss came at the hands of undefeated Australian star Nikita Tszyu, younger brother of Tim Tszyu. The 2024 showdown against Tszyu was within two points on two judges’ cards when the bout ended in round nine. Mazoudier has bounced back effectively, winning three-straight fights in 2025.
"I know I'm the underdog,” said Mazoudier. “Everyone knows I'm the underdog. I don't care. I'm coming to spoil the party and dethrone a legend. I've never taken a backward step in my life, and I'm sure as hell not starting on 26 July. I'm going to bring everything I've got to get the result. I’m the real life Rocky."
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Neider Valdez accepts last-minute title challenge vs. Oscar Collazo |
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Neider Valdez (15-3-3, 12 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico, has answered the call to challenge undefeated WBA / WBO minimumweight champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (14-0, 11 KOs) of Villalba, Puerto Rico. Valdez steps in as a late replacement for the previously announced Joey Canoy, who was forced to withdraw from the bout due to visa-related issues. The twelve-round tw-belt championship bout will stream live worldwide on DAZN on Saturday, June 20th, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions from Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, Calif. “My job is to stay ready for whoever my team puts in the ring,” said Collazo. “While the Canoy fight didn’t happen, my focus has shifted entirely to Neider Valdez this Saturday. Trust me, we’re about to add another unforgettable chapter to the historic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.”
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God, Golden Boy, Cotto Promotions, and my team for this incredible opportunity. When I received the phone call, I couldn’t believe it, but without hesitation, I accepted the challenge,” said Neider Valdez. “I stay in the gym and work hard every day, always waiting for an opportunity like this. I know who Oscar Collazo is—he is the best fighter in his division today, and I have looked up to him for a long time. It is a great honor to share the ring with him on such a big stage. I am ready to deliver the performance of my life and take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.”
Valdez has built his career by facing difficult opposition and making the most out of every opportunity. His aggressive approach and punching power have helped him steadily climb the ranks, recently fighting to a majority draw in a six-round bout in Mexico. Despite falling short in a hard-fought 2024 WBA light flyweight world title bout, he now looks to further establish himself as a threat in the minimumweight division.
In the co-feature Mexico's Yair “Manotas” Gallardo (11-0, 9 KOs) will look to continue his knockout streak when he takes on Canada’s Buneet Bisla (14-1, 7 KOs) in a ten-round light heavyweight clash. Gallardo is coming off a stoppage victory over Elio Heraldo Trosch in Puerto Rico and now faces a durable Bisla, whose lone professional defeat came more than three years ago.
Also featured on the DAZN broadcast, Uzbek Olympian Ruslan Abdullaev (4-0, 2 KOs) will take on Las Vegas’ Orestes Velazquez (8-1, 7 KOs) in a ten-round junior welterweight showdown. U.S. Olympian Joshua “The Rocket” Edwards (6-0, 5 KOs) of Houston returns to action in an eight-round heavyweight contest against New Orleans’ Garreth “Da Lion” Payton (7-2, 4 KOs). Kicking off the DAZN telecast, Coachella fan favorite Cayden Griffiths (8-0, 7 KOs) will square off against Guadalajara, Mexico’s Alan Crisosto (12-6, 8 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight bout.
In preliminary action, Denver’s Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (13-0, 10 KOs) will put his undefeated record on the line against Miami’s Christopher Rodriguez (13-2-1, 11 KOs). Opening the evening, fellow Denver native Lorenzo Garcia will make his professional debut against Columbus, Ohio’s Tylan Smith (1-0-1) in a four-round junior welterweight contest. Tickets for Collazo vs. Valdez can be purchased at AXS.com or GoldenBoy.com.
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Neider Valdez accepts last-minute title challenge vs. Oscar Collazo
Neider Valdez (15-3-3, 12 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico, has answered the call to challenge undefeated WBA / WBO minimumweight champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (14-0, 11 KOs) of Villalba, Puerto Rico. Valdez steps in as a late replacement for the previously announced Joey Canoy, who was forced to withdraw from the bout due to visa-related issues. The twelve-round tw-belt championship bout will stream live worldwide on DAZN on Saturday, June 20th, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions from Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, Calif. “My job is to stay ready for whoever my team puts in the ring,” said Collazo. “While the Canoy fight didn’t happen, my focus has shifted entirely to Neider Valdez this Saturday. Trust me, we’re about to add another unforgettable chapter to the historic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.”
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God, Golden Boy, Cotto Promotions, and my team for this incredible opportunity. When I received the phone call, I couldn’t believe it, but without hesitation, I accepted the challenge,” said Neider Valdez. “I stay in the gym and work hard every day, always waiting for an opportunity like this. I know who Oscar Collazo is—he is the best fighter in his division today, and I have looked up to him for a long time. It is a great honor to share the ring with him on such a big stage. I am ready to deliver the performance of my life and take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.”
Valdez has built his career by facing difficult opposition and making the most out of every opportunity. His aggressive approach and punching power have helped him steadily climb the ranks, recently fighting to a majority draw in a six-round bout in Mexico. Despite falling short in a hard-fought 2024 WBA light flyweight world title bout, he now looks to further establish himself as a threat in the minimumweight division.
In the co-feature Mexico's Yair “Manotas” Gallardo (11-0, 9 KOs) will look to continue his knockout streak when he takes on Canada’s Buneet Bisla (14-1, 7 KOs) in a ten-round light heavyweight clash. Gallardo is coming off a stoppage victory over Elio Heraldo Trosch in Puerto Rico and now faces a durable Bisla, whose lone professional defeat came more than three years ago.
Also featured on the DAZN broadcast, Uzbek Olympian Ruslan Abdullaev (4-0, 2 KOs) will take on Las Vegas’ Orestes Velazquez (8-1, 7 KOs) in a ten-round junior welterweight showdown. U.S. Olympian Joshua “The Rocket” Edwards (6-0, 5 KOs) of Houston returns to action in an eight-round heavyweight contest against New Orleans’ Garreth “Da Lion” Payton (7-2, 4 KOs). Kicking off the DAZN telecast, Coachella fan favorite Cayden Griffiths (8-0, 7 KOs) will square off against Guadalajara, Mexico’s Alan Crisosto (12-6, 8 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight bout.
In preliminary action, Denver’s Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (13-0, 10 KOs) will put his undefeated record on the line against Miami’s Christopher Rodriguez (13-2-1, 11 KOs). Opening the evening, fellow Denver native Lorenzo Garcia will make his professional debut against Columbus, Ohio’s Tylan Smith (1-0-1) in a four-round junior welterweight contest. Tickets for Collazo vs. Valdez can be purchased at AXS.com or GoldenBoy.com.
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Weigh-in report from Long Beach, CA |
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Here are the boxers' weights for Friday's MF Pro show in Long Beach, California (live on DAZN):
Ashton "H2O" Sylve - 140 pounds vs. Jojo Diaz - 139.4;
J'Hon Ingram - 134 vs. Devin Cushing - 134.6;
Amir Anderson - 159.6 vs. Jonas Sylvain - 159;
Ernesto Mercado - 139.4 vs. Juan Carlos Burgos - 139.6;
David Lopez - 146.2 vs. Joey Borrero - 142.8;
Kayla Gomez - 112.8 vs. Shayntain Creer - 114.4;
Ethan Smith - 166.2 vs. Jose Rodriguez - 162.4;
Daniel Mercado - 153.4 vs. Alejandro de la Rosa - 153; and
Daniel Gudino - 120.2 vs. Alejandro Herrera - 120.8.
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Weigh-in report from Long Beach, CA
Here are the boxers' weights for Friday's MF Pro show in Long Beach, California (live on DAZN):
Ashton "H2O" Sylve - 140 pounds vs. Jojo Diaz - 139.4;
J'Hon Ingram - 134 vs. Devin Cushing - 134.6;
Amir Anderson - 159.6 vs. Jonas Sylvain - 159;
Ernesto Mercado - 139.4 vs. Juan Carlos Burgos - 139.6;
David Lopez - 146.2 vs. Joey Borrero - 142.8;
Kayla Gomez - 112.8 vs. Shayntain Creer - 114.4;
Ethan Smith - 166.2 vs. Jose Rodriguez - 162.4;
Daniel Mercado - 153.4 vs. Alejandro de la Rosa - 153; and
Daniel Gudino - 120.2 vs. Alejandro Herrera - 120.8.
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