Josh Kelly signs with Matchroom |
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Matchroom Boxing announced that IBF junior middleweight champion Josh Kelly has signed a new, multi-fight contract extension. ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly realised his boyhood dream when he defeated Bakhram Murtazaliev by majority decision to capture the title in his native North-East back in January at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Then, earlier this summer in July, the Sunderland fighter returned to the ring in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and succesfully retained his crown by defeating the then-unbeaten Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko by unanimous decision over a dozen rounds. Now Kelly, spurred on by his brand new deal, has his sights on landing more big fight nights – and the chance to win more titles. [The rumors say Kelly will face Jaron "Boots" Ennis in a unification bout next].
“I’m world champion and I am very excited about the future with Matchroom Boxing,” said Kelly.“Now I only want the biggest fights in the division. Unifications. Bring it on. Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN is the only place to be.”
A former Team GB Olympian, the 32-year old represented his country at the Rio 2016 Games before embarking on his professional career in 2017. Trained by Adam Booth, Kelly quickly established himself as one of British boxing’s most exciting prospects, earning a reputation for his speed, movement and technical ability.
Kelly won the Commonwealth welterweight championship in 2018 with victory over Kris George. After moving up to junior middleweight, he claimed the British title by defeating Troy Williamson in December 2022 and continued his progress with victories over Gabriel Alberto Corzo and Placido Ramirez.
Now, with his new agreement in place, Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn believes Kelly is ready for a career-defining year in 2027. “We are thrilled to extend Josh Kelly’s contract with Matchroom Boxing,” said Hearn. “He is an elite operator and one of the pound-for-pound best the UK has to offer. It is no secret that we have some huge plans ahead for Josh in 2027, where he will be aiming to add more world titles to his collection.”
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Josh Kelly signs with Matchroom
Matchroom Boxing announced that IBF junior middleweight champion Josh Kelly has signed a new, multi-fight contract extension. ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly realised his boyhood dream when he defeated Bakhram Murtazaliev by majority decision to capture the title in his native North-East back in January at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Then, earlier this summer in July, the Sunderland fighter returned to the ring in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and succesfully retained his crown by defeating the then-unbeaten Irish challenger Caoimhin Agyarko by unanimous decision over a dozen rounds. Now Kelly, spurred on by his brand new deal, has his sights on landing more big fight nights – and the chance to win more titles. [The rumors say Kelly will face Jaron "Boots" Ennis in a unification bout next].
“I’m world champion and I am very excited about the future with Matchroom Boxing,” said Kelly.“Now I only want the biggest fights in the division. Unifications. Bring it on. Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN is the only place to be.”
A former Team GB Olympian, the 32-year old represented his country at the Rio 2016 Games before embarking on his professional career in 2017. Trained by Adam Booth, Kelly quickly established himself as one of British boxing’s most exciting prospects, earning a reputation for his speed, movement and technical ability.
Kelly won the Commonwealth welterweight championship in 2018 with victory over Kris George. After moving up to junior middleweight, he claimed the British title by defeating Troy Williamson in December 2022 and continued his progress with victories over Gabriel Alberto Corzo and Placido Ramirez.
Now, with his new agreement in place, Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn believes Kelly is ready for a career-defining year in 2027. “We are thrilled to extend Josh Kelly’s contract with Matchroom Boxing,” said Hearn. “He is an elite operator and one of the pound-for-pound best the UK has to offer. It is no secret that we have some huge plans ahead for Josh in 2027, where he will be aiming to add more world titles to his collection.”
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WBA to address Figueroa featherweight debacle |
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WBA statement on Brandon Figueroa failing to make weight and then dropping out of his title fight against Japan's Tomoki Kameda on Saturday: "The World Boxing Association regrets that the scheduled WBA Featherweight World Championship between Brandon Figueroa and Tomoki Kameda did not take place in Las Vegas. Mr. Figueroa did not make the 126-pound limit at the official weigh-in and, in accordance with WBA rules, lost his championship. We wish him a full recovery following his medical complications. Tomoki Kameda did everything asked of a professional. He trained for months and made weight. The WBA Championships Committee will meet on Monday, October 19th, and his situation will be its first priority, together with the rights of our rated contenders. The WBA is also working with the Nevada State Athletic Commission and other commissions to align weigh-in procedures, so that every boxer competes under clear and consistent rules."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
OCT. 17, 2026: After weighing in yesterday-- and missing the featherweight limit-- Brandon Figueroa has suddenly "fallen ill" and has withdrawn from fighting Tomoki Kameda on today's PBC card in Las Vegas. Figuroa may have committed career suicide with this move. Before yesterday's weigh-in, he was the WBA featherweight champion, and had he defeated ex-bantamweight champ Kameda today, Figueroa would have been well-positioned for a career defining fight and payday vs. Kameda's countryman -- world super bantamweight champion Naoya "Monster" Inoue. Instead, Figueroa lost the WBA featherweight title on the scales yesterday and by pulling out of the fight today, he has branded himself to promoters and networks as an unreliable performer.
All of this is totally unfair to Kameda. The most logical move would be for the WBA to allow Kameda to fight Inoue for the vacant featherweight title.
Here is the PBC announcement: The previously scheduled Brandon Figueroa vs. Tomoki Kameda bout is now off after Figueroa fell ill overnight. The new co-feature will now see former super middleweight champion Armando Resendiz battling Australia's Koen Mazoudier..."
OCT. 16, 2026: Brandon Figueroa has lost the WBA featherweight title on the scales. On Friday in Las Vegas, Figueroa weighed in at 126.8 pounds in advance of Saturday's scheduled fight against former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda of Japan. If Kameda wins, he will win the now-vacant title. If Figueroa wins or the fight is declared a draw, the title will remain vacant.
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WBA to address Figueroa featherweight debacle
WBA statement on Brandon Figueroa failing to make weight and then dropping out of his title fight against Japan's Tomoki Kameda on Saturday: "The World Boxing Association regrets that the scheduled WBA Featherweight World Championship between Brandon Figueroa and Tomoki Kameda did not take place in Las Vegas. Mr. Figueroa did not make the 126-pound limit at the official weigh-in and, in accordance with WBA rules, lost his championship. We wish him a full recovery following his medical complications. Tomoki Kameda did everything asked of a professional. He trained for months and made weight. The WBA Championships Committee will meet on Monday, October 19th, and his situation will be its first priority, together with the rights of our rated contenders. The WBA is also working with the Nevada State Athletic Commission and other commissions to align weigh-in procedures, so that every boxer competes under clear and consistent rules."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
OCT. 17, 2026: After weighing in yesterday-- and missing the featherweight limit-- Brandon Figueroa has suddenly "fallen ill" and has withdrawn from fighting Tomoki Kameda on today's PBC card in Las Vegas. Figuroa may have committed career suicide with this move. Before yesterday's weigh-in, he was the WBA featherweight champion, and had he defeated ex-bantamweight champ Kameda today, Figueroa would have been well-positioned for a career defining fight and payday vs. Kameda's countryman -- world super bantamweight champion Naoya "Monster" Inoue. Instead, Figueroa lost the WBA featherweight title on the scales yesterday and by pulling out of the fight today, he has branded himself to promoters and networks as an unreliable performer.
All of this is totally unfair to Kameda. The most logical move would be for the WBA to allow Kameda to fight Inoue for the vacant featherweight title.
Here is the PBC announcement: The previously scheduled Brandon Figueroa vs. Tomoki Kameda bout is now off after Figueroa fell ill overnight. The new co-feature will now see former super middleweight champion Armando Resendiz battling Australia's Koen Mazoudier..."
OCT. 16, 2026: Brandon Figueroa has lost the WBA featherweight title on the scales. On Friday in Las Vegas, Figueroa weighed in at 126.8 pounds in advance of Saturday's scheduled fight against former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda of Japan. If Kameda wins, he will win the now-vacant title. If Figueroa wins or the fight is declared a draw, the title will remain vacant.
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Lewkowicz defends controversial Fundora KO ruling |
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Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz says he disagrees with critics of referee Thomas Taylor’s decision to award WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora a last-round knockout over Ermal Hadribeaj on Saturday night. After a gritty and physical war of attrition, from the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Fundora (25-1-1, 17 KOs), overcame a slow start to successfully defend his title for the fourth time by knocking out mandatory challenger Hadribeaj (23-1-1, 8 KOs), with a series of left hands capped by a “buzzer beater” punch that dropped his foe just as/after the final bell sounded to end the 12-round fight. Albania’s Hadribeaj rose at the count of nine, but Taylor assessed his condition as spent and waved the fight over immediately, making the official result a KO 12 at 2:59. There is no dispute as to who should have been the winner, as the eleven scored rounds later revealed Fundora was on his way to winning a clear unanimous decision (he was ahead by107-100, 109-98 and 108-99 at the time of the KO). But many voiced post-fight that the verdict should have been determined as a decision on the scorecards because Hadribeaj literally went the distance, given he was able to get back to his feet after the knockdown.
Lewkowicz says Taylor reacted correctly to the unusual circumstances. “The rules say a fighter cannot be saved by the bell in any round including the twelfth. If the referee ruled the fighter was not fit to continue, and if he would have stopped it immediately if it happened at any other point in the fight, he would be letting Hadribeaj be saved by the bell if he didn’t stop it, regardless of the clock. That was the right thing to do for a fighter who is not in shape to keep fighting. People are saying Hadribeaj was robbed of going the distance. If Thomas Taylor hadn’t waved it off, he would have been robbing Sebastian Fundora of a knockout he earned in the ring. It goes both ways.”
“Not everyone in boxing will ever agree on everything,” Lewkowicz added, but Hadribeaj was so badly hurt he was taken to the hospital on a stretcher after the fight. Safety must come before all else in boxing. Thankfully he was released the next morning and will fight another day.”
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Lewkowicz defends controversial Fundora KO ruling
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz says he disagrees with critics of referee Thomas Taylor’s decision to award WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora a last-round knockout over Ermal Hadribeaj on Saturday night. After a gritty and physical war of attrition, from the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Fundora (25-1-1, 17 KOs), overcame a slow start to successfully defend his title for the fourth time by knocking out mandatory challenger Hadribeaj (23-1-1, 8 KOs), with a series of left hands capped by a “buzzer beater” punch that dropped his foe just as/after the final bell sounded to end the 12-round fight. Albania’s Hadribeaj rose at the count of nine, but Taylor assessed his condition as spent and waved the fight over immediately, making the official result a KO 12 at 2:59. There is no dispute as to who should have been the winner, as the eleven scored rounds later revealed Fundora was on his way to winning a clear unanimous decision (he was ahead by107-100, 109-98 and 108-99 at the time of the KO). But many voiced post-fight that the verdict should have been determined as a decision on the scorecards because Hadribeaj literally went the distance, given he was able to get back to his feet after the knockdown.
Lewkowicz says Taylor reacted correctly to the unusual circumstances. “The rules say a fighter cannot be saved by the bell in any round including the twelfth. If the referee ruled the fighter was not fit to continue, and if he would have stopped it immediately if it happened at any other point in the fight, he would be letting Hadribeaj be saved by the bell if he didn’t stop it, regardless of the clock. That was the right thing to do for a fighter who is not in shape to keep fighting. People are saying Hadribeaj was robbed of going the distance. If Thomas Taylor hadn’t waved it off, he would have been robbing Sebastian Fundora of a knockout he earned in the ring. It goes both ways.”
“Not everyone in boxing will ever agree on everything,” Lewkowicz added, but Hadribeaj was so badly hurt he was taken to the hospital on a stretcher after the fight. Safety must come before all else in boxing. Thankfully he was released the next morning and will fight another day.”
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Collazo must decide whether to return to 105 |
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With Oscar Collazo's flyweight title shot called off due to his injury, he must now decide whether he wants to return to minimumweight. Collazo holds both the WBO and WBA titles at minimumweight (105 pounds).The WBO World Championships Committee has formally ordered negotiations between Collazo and WBO interim champion Ryusei Matsumoto (9-0) of Japan to fulfill the mandatory championship obligation and promptly terminate the interim championship status. Matsumoto becam einterim champion last month by defeating Russell Acosta Sivleira in a battle of unbeatens. Representatives of Collazo and Matsumto have fifteen days to reach an agreement. Should negotiations prove unsuccessful, the WBO will order purse bid proceedings.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT 19, 2026: Puerto Rico's Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo, who holds two of the four world titles at miniumweight has withdrawn from his scheduled flyweight title challenge due to a rib injury sustained in training camp. Collazo was scheduled to move up two weight classes to challenge another two-belt champion, Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval, on October 10th at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. According to Collazo's promoter, Golden Boy, the show will proceed with undefeated lightweights Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield III (19-0, 13 KOs) and “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) meeting in the main event for the vacant WBA lightweight title. Golden Boy and Most Valuable Promotions said additional details concerning the October 10th undercard will be announced once confirmed.
SEPT. 15, 2026: The flyweight division takes center stage on Saturday, October 10th at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago as Mexico’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval puts his WBC / WBA unified championship on the line in against undefeated minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo, with the action broadcasting live worldwide on DAZN. Sandoval (27-2, 18 KOs) enters this fight ain his boxing prime. The Mexican warrior reached the summit last July after traveling to Japan and dethroning Kenshiro Teraji on his home turf. Coming in as the favorite thanks to his natural height, reach, and power advantages at 112 pounds, Sandoval aims to prove he remains the man to beat in the division. It won’t be an easy night, however, as standing in his way is Óscar “El Pupilo” Collazo. The Puerto Rican star, a WBO/WBA champion at 105 pounds, is making a daring jump up two weight classes to etch his name into the history books of boxing. He is moving up in weight after attempts to make a big fight at minimumweght fell through. Collazo relies on his speed, refined technique, and sharp precision to offset Sandoval’s physical strength in what promises to be an action-packed tactical battle full of explosive combinations. Collazo enters the ring with an unbeaten record.
JUNE 22, 2026: Oscar Collazo made an unplanned move up to flyweight and came away with a second-round knockout win over 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. The resulted in Valdez being brought in as a replacement with the fight being held at 112 pounds instead of 105. There was a big gulf in class between the two fighters with Valdez being knocked down three times before he was pulled out of the fight by his corner in the second round.
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Collazo must decide whether to return to 105
With Oscar Collazo's flyweight title shot called off due to his injury, he must now decide whether he wants to return to minimumweight. Collazo holds both the WBO and WBA titles at minimumweight (105 pounds).The WBO World Championships Committee has formally ordered negotiations between Collazo and WBO interim champion Ryusei Matsumoto (9-0) of Japan to fulfill the mandatory championship obligation and promptly terminate the interim championship status. Matsumoto becam einterim champion last month by defeating Russell Acosta Sivleira in a battle of unbeatens. Representatives of Collazo and Matsumto have fifteen days to reach an agreement. Should negotiations prove unsuccessful, the WBO will order purse bid proceedings.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT 19, 2026: Puerto Rico's Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo, who holds two of the four world titles at miniumweight has withdrawn from his scheduled flyweight title challenge due to a rib injury sustained in training camp. Collazo was scheduled to move up two weight classes to challenge another two-belt champion, Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval, on October 10th at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. According to Collazo's promoter, Golden Boy, the show will proceed with undefeated lightweights Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield III (19-0, 13 KOs) and “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) meeting in the main event for the vacant WBA lightweight title. Golden Boy and Most Valuable Promotions said additional details concerning the October 10th undercard will be announced once confirmed.
SEPT. 15, 2026: The flyweight division takes center stage on Saturday, October 10th at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago as Mexico’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval puts his WBC / WBA unified championship on the line in against undefeated minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo, with the action broadcasting live worldwide on DAZN. Sandoval (27-2, 18 KOs) enters this fight ain his boxing prime. The Mexican warrior reached the summit last July after traveling to Japan and dethroning Kenshiro Teraji on his home turf. Coming in as the favorite thanks to his natural height, reach, and power advantages at 112 pounds, Sandoval aims to prove he remains the man to beat in the division. It won’t be an easy night, however, as standing in his way is Óscar “El Pupilo” Collazo. The Puerto Rican star, a WBO/WBA champion at 105 pounds, is making a daring jump up two weight classes to etch his name into the history books of boxing. He is moving up in weight after attempts to make a big fight at minimumweght fell through. Collazo relies on his speed, refined technique, and sharp precision to offset Sandoval’s physical strength in what promises to be an action-packed tactical battle full of explosive combinations. Collazo enters the ring with an unbeaten record.
JUNE 22, 2026: Oscar Collazo made an unplanned move up to flyweight and came away with a second-round knockout win over 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. The resulted in Valdez being brought in as a replacement with the fight being held at 112 pounds instead of 105. There was a big gulf in class between the two fighters with Valdez being knocked down three times before he was pulled out of the fight by his corner in the second round.
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Pryce Taylor to face Tsotne Rogava |
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Heavyweight Pryce Taylor (13-0, 8 KOs) has followed the ageless boxing process during the past two years and on November 7th in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Brooklyn heavyweight will battle 2021 Ukraine Olympian Tsotne “Mr. T” Rogava (13-1, 8 KOs). A confident Taylor said, “Now I have my shot. A win should get me in the WBC ratings and that’s when I can get some big fights.” The 6’ 3”, 265-pound Rogava represents a major step up for Taylor, the 6’ 4”, 275-pounder who was a standout amateur boxer as was Rogava. They will throw down in the ten-round main event, streaming live from Kiva Auditorium. In July, Taylor proved he could go ten hard rounds and on Nov. 7th, he has a chance to prove he’s a world-class fighter.
“Pryce Taylor continues to climb the heavyweight ladder, and [this] is another significant step toward our ultimate goal of a world title,” added manager Keith Sullivan. “Pryce has the size, talent, discipline, and determination to become a major force in the heavyweight division. We have been deliberate on building his career, and now he’s entering the stage where every fight carries greater significance. This is about making a statement that Pryce Taylor is a legitimate future contender for the heavyweight championship of the world. We believe the sky is the limit for this young man.”
A former New York State Athletic Commission Deputy Commissioner, Sullivan also manages two-division champion Miyo Yoshida (19-5, 1 KO), Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga (21-2, 21 KOs), Serbian heavyweight Sanel Hasanovic (10-1-1, 8 KOs), Staten Island light heavyweight Artan Iseni (6-0, 5 KOs), Bronx NYPD officer Nisa Rodriguez (4-1, 2 KOs), lightweight Fei Faiva (6-0-1, 4 KOs) and junior featherweight Brooklyn “The Big Deal” Barwick (5-1, 5 KOs). Sullivan also co-manages welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (16-2, 12 KOs) and his cousin, middleweight Jim Donovan (2-0, 1 KO), alongside coach and ex-world champion Andy Lee.
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Pryce Taylor to face Tsotne Rogava
Heavyweight Pryce Taylor (13-0, 8 KOs) has followed the ageless boxing process during the past two years and on November 7th in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Brooklyn heavyweight will battle 2021 Ukraine Olympian Tsotne “Mr. T” Rogava (13-1, 8 KOs). A confident Taylor said, “Now I have my shot. A win should get me in the WBC ratings and that’s when I can get some big fights.” The 6’ 3”, 265-pound Rogava represents a major step up for Taylor, the 6’ 4”, 275-pounder who was a standout amateur boxer as was Rogava. They will throw down in the ten-round main event, streaming live from Kiva Auditorium. In July, Taylor proved he could go ten hard rounds and on Nov. 7th, he has a chance to prove he’s a world-class fighter.
“Pryce Taylor continues to climb the heavyweight ladder, and [this] is another significant step toward our ultimate goal of a world title,” added manager Keith Sullivan. “Pryce has the size, talent, discipline, and determination to become a major force in the heavyweight division. We have been deliberate on building his career, and now he’s entering the stage where every fight carries greater significance. This is about making a statement that Pryce Taylor is a legitimate future contender for the heavyweight championship of the world. We believe the sky is the limit for this young man.”
A former New York State Athletic Commission Deputy Commissioner, Sullivan also manages two-division champion Miyo Yoshida (19-5, 1 KO), Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga (21-2, 21 KOs), Serbian heavyweight Sanel Hasanovic (10-1-1, 8 KOs), Staten Island light heavyweight Artan Iseni (6-0, 5 KOs), Bronx NYPD officer Nisa Rodriguez (4-1, 2 KOs), lightweight Fei Faiva (6-0-1, 4 KOs) and junior featherweight Brooklyn “The Big Deal” Barwick (5-1, 5 KOs). Sullivan also co-manages welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (16-2, 12 KOs) and his cousin, middleweight Jim Donovan (2-0, 1 KO), alongside coach and ex-world champion Andy Lee.
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Shakur Stevenson blinks, declares free agency rather than fight Devin Haney |
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Four-division champion Shakur Stevenson says he is free from his promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing before he even had one fight under the deal. The reigning WBO 140-pound champion released a YouTube video stating: "I've been in camp for like eight weeks preparing for fights that I was told was going to happen and have not happened. It is what it is, this is the business of boxing. I'm not mad at anyone, I'm not pointing no fingers. But upon all of these issues and things going on, I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing. Now over the weekend, my request has been granted and I am officially a free agent. I am now taking my career in my own hands and I'm starting my own promotional company. I'm willing to work with other promoters and anybody else that's out there who is willing to be serious about my career, as I am. I'm excited to be in this position, to be starting a new journey, but the mission is still the same: I want the biggest fights available at 135 pounds or 140 pounds, where I hold my title. Give it a year or two and I will get to 147 pounds... I will get there but on my time."
The final straw in the three-month Zuffa / Stevenson relationship seemed to be that after agreeing to fight at 145 pounds, Stevenson was unwilling to move up the final two pounds to make a super fight against three-division, and current WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney as a full welterweight. Here is last week's Twitter exchange between the two undefeated champions:
Haney: "Let’s do this 145, no rehydration clause, Shakur Stevenson ... let’s see who’s the real p*ssy! December 2026 InshaAllah [God willing]."
Stevenson: "145, you got a deal!"
Stevenson [later]: "At the 11th hour, after agreeing to 144 and then 145, DeeHoe had his lawyer e-mail and say that he would only fight at 147. Big waste of everybody's time.
Haney: "You’re cap.. I agreed to 145, you went missing for days. Tried to put a rehydration clause on me. I wasted 6 months negotiating with you. I been negotiating with you since I was gonna sign to Zuffa. Y'all did every thing for this fight not to happen, even tried to throw [ex-lightweight title holder] Keyshawn [Davis] in my way."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
JULY 10, 2026: Zuffa boxing announced a huge signing on Thursday, coming to terms with undefeated, four-division champion Shakur Stevenson. Zuffa social media provided the following quote from the 29 year-old Stevenson: "Now that I'm with Zuffa, we can make any fight happen. There are no restrictions. Boxing ain't the same anymore. Zuffa is about the best fighting the best. So, let's do it." Stevenson's last fight was in February in New York City's Madison Square Garden. In that outing, he won the world junior welterweight championship, routing Teofimo Lopez over twelve one-sided rounds. All three judges agreed on a tally of 119-109 for Stevenson (27-0 including the World Series of Boxing). Punchstat numbers favored Stevenson by a wide margin, 165-72 in punches landed.
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Shakur Stevenson blinks, declares free agency rather than fight Devin Haney
Four-division champion Shakur Stevenson says he is free from his promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing before he even had one fight under the deal. The reigning WBO 140-pound champion released a YouTube video stating: "I've been in camp for like eight weeks preparing for fights that I was told was going to happen and have not happened. It is what it is, this is the business of boxing. I'm not mad at anyone, I'm not pointing no fingers. But upon all of these issues and things going on, I requested to be released from Zuffa Boxing. Now over the weekend, my request has been granted and I am officially a free agent. I am now taking my career in my own hands and I'm starting my own promotional company. I'm willing to work with other promoters and anybody else that's out there who is willing to be serious about my career, as I am. I'm excited to be in this position, to be starting a new journey, but the mission is still the same: I want the biggest fights available at 135 pounds or 140 pounds, where I hold my title. Give it a year or two and I will get to 147 pounds... I will get there but on my time."
The final straw in the three-month Zuffa / Stevenson relationship seemed to be that after agreeing to fight at 145 pounds, Stevenson was unwilling to move up the final two pounds to make a super fight against three-division, and current WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney as a full welterweight. Here is last week's Twitter exchange between the two undefeated champions:
Haney: "Let’s do this 145, no rehydration clause, Shakur Stevenson ... let’s see who’s the real p*ssy! December 2026 InshaAllah [God willing]."
Stevenson: "145, you got a deal!"
Stevenson [later]: "At the 11th hour, after agreeing to 144 and then 145, DeeHoe had his lawyer e-mail and say that he would only fight at 147. Big waste of everybody's time.
Haney: "You’re cap.. I agreed to 145, you went missing for days. Tried to put a rehydration clause on me. I wasted 6 months negotiating with you. I been negotiating with you since I was gonna sign to Zuffa. Y'all did every thing for this fight not to happen, even tried to throw [ex-lightweight title holder] Keyshawn [Davis] in my way."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
JULY 10, 2026: Zuffa boxing announced a huge signing on Thursday, coming to terms with undefeated, four-division champion Shakur Stevenson. Zuffa social media provided the following quote from the 29 year-old Stevenson: "Now that I'm with Zuffa, we can make any fight happen. There are no restrictions. Boxing ain't the same anymore. Zuffa is about the best fighting the best. So, let's do it." Stevenson's last fight was in February in New York City's Madison Square Garden. In that outing, he won the world junior welterweight championship, routing Teofimo Lopez over twelve one-sided rounds. All three judges agreed on a tally of 119-109 for Stevenson (27-0 including the World Series of Boxing). Punchstat numbers favored Stevenson by a wide margin, 165-72 in punches landed.
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IBF postpones lightweight purse bid until Thursday |
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UPDATE: The IBF has postponed the purse bid for its vacant lightweight title fight until Thursday. On September 7th, the IBF ordered Artur Subhankulov of Russia and Andy Cruz of Cuba to begin negotiations for the vacant IBF lightweight championship. The previous champion, Raymond Muratalla, has vacated the title. Subhankulov's record is most accurately described as 15-3 if you include the World Series of Boxing and IBA Pro bouts. Cruz's record is best described as 23-1 if you include the World Series of Boxing. Cruz's one loss came against Muratalla, but Cruz bounced back with a win over Abraham Montoya in July. An agreement between the boxers' representatives was not reached within the timeframe set forth by the IBF, so a purse bid has been scheduled for October 20th.
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IBF postpones lightweight purse bid until Thursday
UPDATE: The IBF has postponed the purse bid for its vacant lightweight title fight until Thursday. On September 7th, the IBF ordered Artur Subhankulov of Russia and Andy Cruz of Cuba to begin negotiations for the vacant IBF lightweight championship. The previous champion, Raymond Muratalla, has vacated the title. Subhankulov's record is most accurately described as 15-3 if you include the World Series of Boxing and IBA Pro bouts. Cruz's record is best described as 23-1 if you include the World Series of Boxing. Cruz's one loss came against Muratalla, but Cruz bounced back with a win over Abraham Montoya in July. An agreement between the boxers' representatives was not reached within the timeframe set forth by the IBF, so a purse bid has been scheduled for October 20th.
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Soro to defend IBO title vs. Liddard in Monaco |
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George Liddard will challenge Michel Soro for the IBO middleweight title at Monte Carlo on Saturday, December 12th, live worldwide on DAZN. Promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, the stunning Salle des Étoiles at Sporting Monte-Carlo hosts a defining evening for the 24-year-old Essex, England fighter, whose rise through the middleweight ranks has brought him to the brink of IBO honors. Standing in his way is Soro, the experienced Frenchman who has a pro record of 39-4-2.
And, just 24 hours after Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury’s blockbuster clash in Cardiff, an action-packed undercard in Monaco promises to deliver another early festive treat for fight fans. Britain’s Josh Padley takes on Spain’s Moussa Gholam for the WBA interim junior lightweight title, with the Yorkshireman chasing another major milestone in a career that has taken a remarkable route from being a former electrician to lighting up the world stage.
Rising heavyweight Leo Atang will light up Monte-Carlo after he fights first in Sheffield next week on October 24. The 19-year-old’s visit to Monaco represents his third international outing, having shone previously on the road in Ghana last December and in July, where he produced a second-round stoppage over Glen Williams on his US debut.
And an all-British shootout between Yorkshire rivals Ishmael Davis and Junaid Boston awaits with Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn declaring Monte-Carlo Showdown VII as one of the most exciting cards of the year. “This fight night is always one of the highlights on our calendar, and this brilliant card certainly doesn’t disappoint,” said Hearn. "Over the years we have been treated to the likes of Dmitry Bivol, Gennady Golovkin, Joe Cordina, Zhilei Zhang and Derek Chisora. Now George Liddard has a golden opportunity to etch his name into history when he takes on a very tough Michel Soro for the IBO crown. Josh Padley has enjoyed a remarkable rise too, and he now faces a career-defining night as he fights for an Interim World Title. Bostan vs Davis will be a real humdinger of a fight. And, less than 24 hours after the Battle of Britain in Cardiff between AJ and Fury, we get to witness two of the country’s most promising Heavyweights light up the Principality as David Adeleye and Leo Atang underline why they are ones to watch.”
Liddard (15-0, 9 KOs) has built an unbeaten record with a series of statement performances. The Tony Sims-trained man claimed the vacant European middleweight title back in August with an impressive eighth-round stoppage over Dario Morello, adding to the British and Commonwealth titles he won by stopping Kieron Conway in the tenth round in October 2025, before a successful points victory defence over Tyler Denny last March.
Yet France’s evergreen Soro represents a significant step up as Liddard looks to convert domestic and European success into a World Championship.
Soro brings more than 17 years of professional experience to the contest. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and raised in France, the seasoned contender has competed at 154 and 160 pounds, challenging Brian Castaño for the interim WBA junuior middleweight title in 2017 before facing Israil Madrimov twice in 2021 and 2022.
In June, Soro celebrated a crowning glory in his birth city of Abidjan, stopping Hassan Mwakinyo in the ninth round to claim the IBO middleweight title. However, Liddard is confident he will prise the belt away from Soro and enjoy a triumphant away day. “These are the fights I have looked forward to throughout my career,” said Liddard. "I am putting everything on the line in such a prestigious place. This is ‘The Monaco Job’, and I’m coming back home to Britain with the win and that IBO strap.”
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Soro to defend IBO title vs. Liddard in Monaco
George Liddard will challenge Michel Soro for the IBO middleweight title at Monte Carlo on Saturday, December 12th, live worldwide on DAZN. Promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, the stunning Salle des Étoiles at Sporting Monte-Carlo hosts a defining evening for the 24-year-old Essex, England fighter, whose rise through the middleweight ranks has brought him to the brink of IBO honors. Standing in his way is Soro, the experienced Frenchman who has a pro record of 39-4-2.
And, just 24 hours after Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury’s blockbuster clash in Cardiff, an action-packed undercard in Monaco promises to deliver another early festive treat for fight fans. Britain’s Josh Padley takes on Spain’s Moussa Gholam for the WBA interim junior lightweight title, with the Yorkshireman chasing another major milestone in a career that has taken a remarkable route from being a former electrician to lighting up the world stage.
Rising heavyweight Leo Atang will light up Monte-Carlo after he fights first in Sheffield next week on October 24. The 19-year-old’s visit to Monaco represents his third international outing, having shone previously on the road in Ghana last December and in July, where he produced a second-round stoppage over Glen Williams on his US debut.
And an all-British shootout between Yorkshire rivals Ishmael Davis and Junaid Boston awaits with Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn declaring Monte-Carlo Showdown VII as one of the most exciting cards of the year. “This fight night is always one of the highlights on our calendar, and this brilliant card certainly doesn’t disappoint,” said Hearn. "Over the years we have been treated to the likes of Dmitry Bivol, Gennady Golovkin, Joe Cordina, Zhilei Zhang and Derek Chisora. Now George Liddard has a golden opportunity to etch his name into history when he takes on a very tough Michel Soro for the IBO crown. Josh Padley has enjoyed a remarkable rise too, and he now faces a career-defining night as he fights for an Interim World Title. Bostan vs Davis will be a real humdinger of a fight. And, less than 24 hours after the Battle of Britain in Cardiff between AJ and Fury, we get to witness two of the country’s most promising Heavyweights light up the Principality as David Adeleye and Leo Atang underline why they are ones to watch.”
Liddard (15-0, 9 KOs) has built an unbeaten record with a series of statement performances. The Tony Sims-trained man claimed the vacant European middleweight title back in August with an impressive eighth-round stoppage over Dario Morello, adding to the British and Commonwealth titles he won by stopping Kieron Conway in the tenth round in October 2025, before a successful points victory defence over Tyler Denny last March.
Yet France’s evergreen Soro represents a significant step up as Liddard looks to convert domestic and European success into a World Championship.
Soro brings more than 17 years of professional experience to the contest. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and raised in France, the seasoned contender has competed at 154 and 160 pounds, challenging Brian Castaño for the interim WBA junuior middleweight title in 2017 before facing Israil Madrimov twice in 2021 and 2022.
In June, Soro celebrated a crowning glory in his birth city of Abidjan, stopping Hassan Mwakinyo in the ninth round to claim the IBO middleweight title. However, Liddard is confident he will prise the belt away from Soro and enjoy a triumphant away day. “These are the fights I have looked forward to throughout my career,” said Liddard. "I am putting everything on the line in such a prestigious place. This is ‘The Monaco Job’, and I’m coming back home to Britain with the win and that IBO strap.”
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Herring retains BKFC title via split decision |
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Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring defended his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) bantamweight (135-pound) title for the first time with a split-decision victory over the previously undefeated John “The Magician” Dodson at the sold-out Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, worldwide on The BKFC App. Two judges scored the fight in favor of Herring (48-47, 49-46) and one scored it for Dodson (49-46), who entered fight night as the BKFC World Flyweight Champion. The Coram, NY product Herring, formerly a WBO 130-pound champion champ in his career as a gloved boxer, is now 3-0 under the BKFC banner. The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title challenger Dodson, who hails from Albuquerque, NM, is now 4-1-1. “I think this is my first big test and I’m still getting better,” Herring said in his post-fight interview. “I understand it’s a decision, but it is what it is; the right man got the victory.”
It was announced on the BKFC 95 broadcast that BKFC interim flyweight (125-pound) champion Andrew “Legend” Strode will be the next challenger for Herring’s crown at 135 pounds as the two squared off after Saturday’s main event.
In the co-feature, Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera smashed his way to 4-2-1 under the BKFC banner by knocking out Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer. The Ramsey, NJ product Rivera dropped Meyer twice en route to the stoppage 46 seconds into the fourth round. Meyer, who represents Omaha, NE, is now 3-5 in his BKFC career. Rivera, an 11-time UFC vet, left the door open to another run at BKFC featherweight champion Kai Stewart: “Jersey, let me hear you! Mr. Feldman, you keep coming to Prudential and I’ll keep coming back.”
Tony “Loco” Soto upped his record to 7-4 with a second-round KO over Anthony “The Pistol” Pike. The stoppage came 40 seconds into the second frame. Pike, who hails from Tucson, AZ, is now 1-2. The Hickory, NC fighter Soto took aim at fellow combat sports superstar Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson in his post-fight interview: “Tony Ferguson, I want you to come to BKFC! You think you’re ‘El Cucuy,’ but I’m (expletive) ‘Loco!’ Come through!”
On the BKFC 95 broadcast, it was announced that combat sports superstar Derek “The One” Brunson is taking his talents to the BKFC squared circle at BKFC Fight Night Myrtle Beach on Nov. 20th, live worldwide on The BKFC App from Myrtle Beach Sports Center in Myrtle Beach, SC. Brunson is widely known and respected for his 21-fight tenure with UFC. His opponent will be announced soon.
Here are some highlights from BKFC Founder/President David Feldman at the BKFC 95 Post-Event Press Conference.
“Great night of fights here at Prudential Center again. Great crowd, and the fighters really, really brought it … Prudential Center and the State of New Jersey are going to be big homes for us. We’re really happy with how everything went tonight, and really excited for the future.”
Attendance: 8,392.
Performance of the Night: Brooke Evans.
Knockouts of the Night: Cole Cameron, Jimmie Rivera, Tony Soto.
Staten Island, NY’s Santo Curatolo turned heads in his BKFC premiere by knocking out Anthony “The Devil's Advocate” Yost 37 seconds into the second round of their flyweight matchup. Curatolo floored Yost twice before the fight was halted. Yost, who represents Pensacola, FL, is now 2-2.
Mays Landing, NJ lightweight Dalvin “The Hippy Disciple” Blair cruised to 3-1 with an 82-second KO victory at the expense of Paris Boyd. All of Blair’s wins have come in the opening round. Boyd, who hails from Detroit, is now 1-1.
Blacksburg, VA’s Dustin “Hollywood” Bailey and “Too Tall” Noah Getahoun of Boonton, NJ fought to a Unanimous Draw in their back-and-forth middleweight bout. All three judges agreed on the 28-28 decision. Getahoun logged the sole knockdown of the fight. Both fighters were making their first trip to the Squared Circle.
Neptune City, NJ’s Cole Cameron was victorious in his BKFC debut after stopping Phil “Hitman” Caracappa in the opening round of their bantamweight clash. Cameron recorded a pair of knockdowns before the fight was called to a halt at 1:44 of Round 1. Caracappa, who hails from Freehold, NJ, is now 1-2-1 under the BKFC banner.
Jersey City, NJ’s Mike Medrano earned the win in his BKFC debut with a split-decision victory over seven-fight UFC veteran Rob “The Saint” Emerson in welterweight action. Two judges scored the fight for Medrano (30-27, 29-28) and one judge scored it for the Phoenix, AZ fighter Emerson (30-27), who was also making his BKFC debut.
Dylan Pitt of Bronx, NY was victorious in his BKFC debut after Nick “One Shot” Saragosa couldn’t continue their lightweight battle due to injury. Pitt scored a pair of knockdowns before the ringside physician called a stop to the fight 52 seconds into the opening round. The Kaneohe, HI product Saragosa is now 1-1.
Edgewood, KY’s “Bare Knuckle” Brooke Evans smashed her way to 2-0 under the BKFC banner with a five-knockdown TKO victory over Gabrielle Roman in the women’s flyweight division. The fight was stopped with one second remaining in the second round. Roman, who represents Perth Amboy, NJ, is now 2-4-1 in her BKFC career.
BKFC 95 Results
(C) Jamel Herring def. John Dodson via Unanimous Decision (46-49, 48-47, 49-46) (defends BKFC bantamweight title);
Jimmie Rivera def. Brandon Meyer via KO in Round 4 (0:46);
Tony Soto def. Anthony Pike via KO in Round 2 (0:40);
Santo Curatolo def. Anthony Yost via KO in Round 2 (0:37);
Dalvin Blair def. Paris Boyd via KO in Round 1 (1:22);
Dustin Bailey vs. Noah Getahoun declared Unanimous Draw (28-28x3);
Cole Cameron def. Phil Caracappa via KO in Round 1 (1:44);
Mike Medrano def. Rob Emerson via Split Decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28);
Dylan Pitt def. Nick Saragosa via TKO in Round 1 (0:52); and
Brooke Evans def. Gabrielle Roman via TKO in Round 2 (1:59).
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Herring retains BKFC title via split decision
Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring defended his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) bantamweight (135-pound) title for the first time with a split-decision victory over the previously undefeated John “The Magician” Dodson at the sold-out Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, worldwide on The BKFC App. Two judges scored the fight in favor of Herring (48-47, 49-46) and one scored it for Dodson (49-46), who entered fight night as the BKFC World Flyweight Champion. The Coram, NY product Herring, formerly a WBO 130-pound champion champ in his career as a gloved boxer, is now 3-0 under the BKFC banner. The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title challenger Dodson, who hails from Albuquerque, NM, is now 4-1-1. “I think this is my first big test and I’m still getting better,” Herring said in his post-fight interview. “I understand it’s a decision, but it is what it is; the right man got the victory.”
It was announced on the BKFC 95 broadcast that BKFC interim flyweight (125-pound) champion Andrew “Legend” Strode will be the next challenger for Herring’s crown at 135 pounds as the two squared off after Saturday’s main event.
In the co-feature, Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera smashed his way to 4-2-1 under the BKFC banner by knocking out Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer. The Ramsey, NJ product Rivera dropped Meyer twice en route to the stoppage 46 seconds into the fourth round. Meyer, who represents Omaha, NE, is now 3-5 in his BKFC career. Rivera, an 11-time UFC vet, left the door open to another run at BKFC featherweight champion Kai Stewart: “Jersey, let me hear you! Mr. Feldman, you keep coming to Prudential and I’ll keep coming back.”
Tony “Loco” Soto upped his record to 7-4 with a second-round KO over Anthony “The Pistol” Pike. The stoppage came 40 seconds into the second frame. Pike, who hails from Tucson, AZ, is now 1-2. The Hickory, NC fighter Soto took aim at fellow combat sports superstar Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson in his post-fight interview: “Tony Ferguson, I want you to come to BKFC! You think you’re ‘El Cucuy,’ but I’m (expletive) ‘Loco!’ Come through!”
On the BKFC 95 broadcast, it was announced that combat sports superstar Derek “The One” Brunson is taking his talents to the BKFC squared circle at BKFC Fight Night Myrtle Beach on Nov. 20th, live worldwide on The BKFC App from Myrtle Beach Sports Center in Myrtle Beach, SC. Brunson is widely known and respected for his 21-fight tenure with UFC. His opponent will be announced soon.
Here are some highlights from BKFC Founder/President David Feldman at the BKFC 95 Post-Event Press Conference.
“Great night of fights here at Prudential Center again. Great crowd, and the fighters really, really brought it … Prudential Center and the State of New Jersey are going to be big homes for us. We’re really happy with how everything went tonight, and really excited for the future.”
Attendance: 8,392.
Performance of the Night: Brooke Evans.
Knockouts of the Night: Cole Cameron, Jimmie Rivera, Tony Soto.
Staten Island, NY’s Santo Curatolo turned heads in his BKFC premiere by knocking out Anthony “The Devil's Advocate” Yost 37 seconds into the second round of their flyweight matchup. Curatolo floored Yost twice before the fight was halted. Yost, who represents Pensacola, FL, is now 2-2.
Mays Landing, NJ lightweight Dalvin “The Hippy Disciple” Blair cruised to 3-1 with an 82-second KO victory at the expense of Paris Boyd. All of Blair’s wins have come in the opening round. Boyd, who hails from Detroit, is now 1-1.
Blacksburg, VA’s Dustin “Hollywood” Bailey and “Too Tall” Noah Getahoun of Boonton, NJ fought to a Unanimous Draw in their back-and-forth middleweight bout. All three judges agreed on the 28-28 decision. Getahoun logged the sole knockdown of the fight. Both fighters were making their first trip to the Squared Circle.
Neptune City, NJ’s Cole Cameron was victorious in his BKFC debut after stopping Phil “Hitman” Caracappa in the opening round of their bantamweight clash. Cameron recorded a pair of knockdowns before the fight was called to a halt at 1:44 of Round 1. Caracappa, who hails from Freehold, NJ, is now 1-2-1 under the BKFC banner.
Jersey City, NJ’s Mike Medrano earned the win in his BKFC debut with a split-decision victory over seven-fight UFC veteran Rob “The Saint” Emerson in welterweight action. Two judges scored the fight for Medrano (30-27, 29-28) and one judge scored it for the Phoenix, AZ fighter Emerson (30-27), who was also making his BKFC debut.
Dylan Pitt of Bronx, NY was victorious in his BKFC debut after Nick “One Shot” Saragosa couldn’t continue their lightweight battle due to injury. Pitt scored a pair of knockdowns before the ringside physician called a stop to the fight 52 seconds into the opening round. The Kaneohe, HI product Saragosa is now 1-1.
Edgewood, KY’s “Bare Knuckle” Brooke Evans smashed her way to 2-0 under the BKFC banner with a five-knockdown TKO victory over Gabrielle Roman in the women’s flyweight division. The fight was stopped with one second remaining in the second round. Roman, who represents Perth Amboy, NJ, is now 2-4-1 in her BKFC career.
BKFC 95 Results
(C) Jamel Herring def. John Dodson via Unanimous Decision (46-49, 48-47, 49-46) (defends BKFC bantamweight title);
Jimmie Rivera def. Brandon Meyer via KO in Round 4 (0:46);
Tony Soto def. Anthony Pike via KO in Round 2 (0:40);
Santo Curatolo def. Anthony Yost via KO in Round 2 (0:37);
Dalvin Blair def. Paris Boyd via KO in Round 1 (1:22);
Dustin Bailey vs. Noah Getahoun declared Unanimous Draw (28-28x3);
Cole Cameron def. Phil Caracappa via KO in Round 1 (1:44);
Mike Medrano def. Rob Emerson via Split Decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28);
Dylan Pitt def. Nick Saragosa via TKO in Round 1 (0:52); and
Brooke Evans def. Gabrielle Roman via TKO in Round 2 (1:59).
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Atif Oberlton to meet Deon Nicholson in key 175-pound bout |
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Undefeated light heavyweight Atif Oberlton will face Deon Nicholson in a matchup of hard-hitting 175-pounders on Saturday, Nov. 7th live on DAZN from Albuquerque. The ten-round showdown will serve as the co-feature prior to Abraham Perez’s homecoming title defense against Yankiel Rivera at Kiva Auditorium. Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions and Legacy Boxing Promotions in association with Wynn Records, are available on ticketmaster.com. Philadelphia’s Oberlton (17-0, 14 KOs) scored a shutout decision over Roamer Alexis Angulo on the Claressa Shields undercard in August, going the distance for the first time since 2024 after knocking out eight straight opponents. The 28 year-old southpaw, who is trained by Hall of Fame trainer Tom Yankello Jr., will face his toughest opponent to date in Nicholson, a fellow power-puncher who was previously scheduled to face former undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev. The 6-foot-3 Oberlton looks to make a statement against Nicholson to prove he belongs amongst the world’s top light heavyweights, with an eye toward bouts against Dmitry Bivol, Ben Whitaker and the other top 175-pounders in the wide-open division.
“My focus is the same as it’s always been, but every fight is another step up,” Oberlton said. “Going 10 rounds for the first time in my last fight gave me even more confidence. Nicholson doesn’t present anything I feel I can’t handle. Every fight is a step up and beating him on November 7 will keep me climbing the light heavyweight division and moving closer to a world title shot. I’m coming to show why my name belongs with the best.
“Since signing with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, I’ve been active, and that’s exactly where I wanted to be. Having that support pushes me to keep getting better because I know what we’re working toward. I always knew the time would come for the world to see who Atif Oberlton really is. Nicholson is the next step, and I’m coming to put myself one step closer to a world title shot.”
Nicholson (23-1, 19 KO), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., is a power-punching product of Jay Deas, the original and long-time trainer of former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in Tuscaloosa. Nicholson was scheduled to fight Beterbiev on a Riyadh Season card in Saudi Arabia in November of 2025 before Beterbiev reportedly pulled out of the fight. The 36-year old has knockouts in six of his last nine fights, and owns a career-best win over Craig Baker, who had previously fought Edwin Rodriguez and Oleksandr Gvozdyk. “This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for,” Nicholson said. “I’ve been in camp, ready to fight, and I’m already in shape. This win will put the boxing world on notice that I deserve the biggest opportunities.”
Said promoter Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions: “Atif Olberlton is one of the best light heavyweights in the world, with a unique style, a standout personality and a burning desire to become a world champion. Representing the historic fight city of Philadelphia, he is ready to join boxing’s elite with a statement performance against the hard-hitting Deon Nicholson on Nov. 7.”
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Atif Oberlton to meet Deon Nicholson in key 175-pound bout
Undefeated light heavyweight Atif Oberlton will face Deon Nicholson in a matchup of hard-hitting 175-pounders on Saturday, Nov. 7th live on DAZN from Albuquerque. The ten-round showdown will serve as the co-feature prior to Abraham Perez’s homecoming title defense against Yankiel Rivera at Kiva Auditorium. Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions and Legacy Boxing Promotions in association with Wynn Records, are available on ticketmaster.com. Philadelphia’s Oberlton (17-0, 14 KOs) scored a shutout decision over Roamer Alexis Angulo on the Claressa Shields undercard in August, going the distance for the first time since 2024 after knocking out eight straight opponents. The 28 year-old southpaw, who is trained by Hall of Fame trainer Tom Yankello Jr., will face his toughest opponent to date in Nicholson, a fellow power-puncher who was previously scheduled to face former undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev. The 6-foot-3 Oberlton looks to make a statement against Nicholson to prove he belongs amongst the world’s top light heavyweights, with an eye toward bouts against Dmitry Bivol, Ben Whitaker and the other top 175-pounders in the wide-open division.
“My focus is the same as it’s always been, but every fight is another step up,” Oberlton said. “Going 10 rounds for the first time in my last fight gave me even more confidence. Nicholson doesn’t present anything I feel I can’t handle. Every fight is a step up and beating him on November 7 will keep me climbing the light heavyweight division and moving closer to a world title shot. I’m coming to show why my name belongs with the best.
“Since signing with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, I’ve been active, and that’s exactly where I wanted to be. Having that support pushes me to keep getting better because I know what we’re working toward. I always knew the time would come for the world to see who Atif Oberlton really is. Nicholson is the next step, and I’m coming to put myself one step closer to a world title shot.”
Nicholson (23-1, 19 KO), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., is a power-punching product of Jay Deas, the original and long-time trainer of former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in Tuscaloosa. Nicholson was scheduled to fight Beterbiev on a Riyadh Season card in Saudi Arabia in November of 2025 before Beterbiev reportedly pulled out of the fight. The 36-year old has knockouts in six of his last nine fights, and owns a career-best win over Craig Baker, who had previously fought Edwin Rodriguez and Oleksandr Gvozdyk. “This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for,” Nicholson said. “I’ve been in camp, ready to fight, and I’m already in shape. This win will put the boxing world on notice that I deserve the biggest opportunities.”
Said promoter Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions: “Atif Olberlton is one of the best light heavyweights in the world, with a unique style, a standout personality and a burning desire to become a world champion. Representing the historic fight city of Philadelphia, he is ready to join boxing’s elite with a statement performance against the hard-hitting Deon Nicholson on Nov. 7.”
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Fundora retains title, but should not be credited with a KO |
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Sebastian Fundora KO12 Ermal Hadribeaj... Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora closed the PBC show in style on Saturday night in Las Vegas, retaining his WBC 154-pound championship. Fundora was credited with a final second twelfth-round knockout of previously undefeated Ermal Hadribeaj, although the knockout punch landed just after the bell sounded and Hadribeaj beat the count. Referee Thomas Taylor, already having a bad night with point deductions, ignored the bell and ruled it a knockout. Fundora would've won by decision anyway. "It was an interesting fight,” said Fundora. “I had to go back and fight on the inside and show everyone again that I can still do that. It was dramatic to knock him out at the last second. But we'll go back to the gym and fix some things.”
Fundora’s (25-1-1, 17 KOs) fourth world title defense saw him weather an early storm from a game Hadribeaj (23-1-1, 8 KOs), who was determined to end the night as Albania’s first boxing world champion. After round one saw him effectively circle and jab his towering opponent, the fight quickly turned into a phone booth battle with both men looking to do damage on the inside.
The strategy to stay on the inside of Fundora led to Taylor twice taking away points from Hadribeaj for holding (rounds three and eleven), but allowed the challenger to smother much of Fundora’s early offense. As the fight transitioned to the middle rounds, Fundora’s tremendous work rate eventually began to work through as an onslaught of uppercuts and body shots slowly but surely diminished Hadribeaj’s offense. Overall, Fundora out landed Hadribeaj 202-144 and connected on 56 body shots according to CompuBox.
"I told the ref in the fourth round that I was hurting him,” said Fundora. “I kept landing body shots and was looking for that special shot to get him out of there. I was hitting him in the rib cage the whole time with the left hand and when I went up the middle, I heard the noise that he made. So I just kept touching that and knew it would break him.”
Once again showing a tremendous reserve of energy, Fundora kept that work rate up through round 11, landing 18 more power shots. In the end, Fundora was once again too much for his competition, blasting Hadribeaj with a power left just after the final bell sounded that sent Hadribeaj down hard and led to the referee ruling the fight a knockout. The official stoppage came at 2:59 of round twelve.
After the fight, Fundora was asked about a potential undisputed 154-pound matchup against the winner of a Jaron Ennis vs. Josh Kelly unification. "I want to go for undisputed in this division,” said Fundora. “We'll break either Jaron Ennis or Josh Kelly down. Just like the last guy and the guy before that. We'll keep breaking them down."
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Fundora retains title, but should not be credited with a KO
Sebastian Fundora KO12 Ermal Hadribeaj... Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora closed the PBC show in style on Saturday night in Las Vegas, retaining his WBC 154-pound championship. Fundora was credited with a final second twelfth-round knockout of previously undefeated Ermal Hadribeaj, although the knockout punch landed just after the bell sounded and Hadribeaj beat the count. Referee Thomas Taylor, already having a bad night with point deductions, ignored the bell and ruled it a knockout. Fundora would've won by decision anyway. "It was an interesting fight,” said Fundora. “I had to go back and fight on the inside and show everyone again that I can still do that. It was dramatic to knock him out at the last second. But we'll go back to the gym and fix some things.”
Fundora’s (25-1-1, 17 KOs) fourth world title defense saw him weather an early storm from a game Hadribeaj (23-1-1, 8 KOs), who was determined to end the night as Albania’s first boxing world champion. After round one saw him effectively circle and jab his towering opponent, the fight quickly turned into a phone booth battle with both men looking to do damage on the inside.
The strategy to stay on the inside of Fundora led to Taylor twice taking away points from Hadribeaj for holding (rounds three and eleven), but allowed the challenger to smother much of Fundora’s early offense. As the fight transitioned to the middle rounds, Fundora’s tremendous work rate eventually began to work through as an onslaught of uppercuts and body shots slowly but surely diminished Hadribeaj’s offense. Overall, Fundora out landed Hadribeaj 202-144 and connected on 56 body shots according to CompuBox.
"I told the ref in the fourth round that I was hurting him,” said Fundora. “I kept landing body shots and was looking for that special shot to get him out of there. I was hitting him in the rib cage the whole time with the left hand and when I went up the middle, I heard the noise that he made. So I just kept touching that and knew it would break him.”
Once again showing a tremendous reserve of energy, Fundora kept that work rate up through round 11, landing 18 more power shots. In the end, Fundora was once again too much for his competition, blasting Hadribeaj with a power left just after the final bell sounded that sent Hadribeaj down hard and led to the referee ruling the fight a knockout. The official stoppage came at 2:59 of round twelve.
After the fight, Fundora was asked about a potential undisputed 154-pound matchup against the winner of a Jaron Ennis vs. Josh Kelly unification. "I want to go for undisputed in this division,” said Fundora. “We'll break either Jaron Ennis or Josh Kelly down. Just like the last guy and the guy before that. We'll keep breaking them down."
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Dubois destroys Wardley in two |
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Daniel Dubois TKO2 Fabio Wardley... Daniel Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley for the second time this year, but this time around it was easy work for Dubois, who retained his WBO heavyweight championship. Just fifteen seconds into the fight, Dubois stalked Wardley and blasted a double jab, left hook to send Wardley nearly through the ropes. It was scored a knockdown. Dubois poured it on throughout the round. With time winding down, Dubois unloaded a violent right uppercut that staggered Wardley. Dubois went for the kill but Wardley somehow survived. Still, Wardley was shaky going back to the corner. In round two, Wardley was trapped in the corner and Dubois unloaded a barrage of power shots. Wardley's corner saw enough and threw in the towel. It goes in the books as a technical knockout win for Dubois at 2:21 of the second round.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS:
Michael Gomez Jr. D12 Louis O'Doherty... Lightweights Michael Gomez Jr. and Louis O'Doherty fought to a majority draw, but it was a horrendous decision that saw Gomez get robbed. What were these three judges thinking? O'Doherty, at best, won three rounds, which is being generous. Gomez (23-2-1) was more active and landed the harder shots. O'Doherty (12-0-1) didn't do much of anything to win enough rounds. You know the result is a robbery when Gomez stormed out of the ring, and O'Doherty looked relieved. Official scores were 115-114 Gomez and 114-114 (twice). O'Doherty remains the British champion.
Bakhodir Jalolov W10 Solomon Dacres... Two-time Olympic gold medal winner Bakhodir Jalolov defeated Solomon Dacres by unanimous decision. After ten rounds, the scores were 99-90x (twice) and 99-91. "The Big Uzbek" Jalolov dominated from start to finish. He scored a knockdown in the fifth and looked to be ready to put Dacres out. Instead, Jalolov was content to box, and that was just about it. While it is about getting wins, you need to entertain in the process. Jalolov failed to do that. Going to be hard to get him a big bout due to his fighting style
Adam Olaniyan TKO2 Dan Garber... A destruction by Irish heavyweight Adam Olaniyan (5-0). His power proved to be too much throughout. Olaniyan dropped the 41 year-old Dan Garber (14-10) twice in the second to close things out.
Nelson Birchall defeated Levi Giles by TKO at 0:51 of the seventh round.
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Dubois destroys Wardley in two
Daniel Dubois TKO2 Fabio Wardley... Daniel Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley for the second time this year, but this time around it was easy work for Dubois, who retained his WBO heavyweight championship. Just fifteen seconds into the fight, Dubois stalked Wardley and blasted a double jab, left hook to send Wardley nearly through the ropes. It was scored a knockdown. Dubois poured it on throughout the round. With time winding down, Dubois unloaded a violent right uppercut that staggered Wardley. Dubois went for the kill but Wardley somehow survived. Still, Wardley was shaky going back to the corner. In round two, Wardley was trapped in the corner and Dubois unloaded a barrage of power shots. Wardley's corner saw enough and threw in the towel. It goes in the books as a technical knockout win for Dubois at 2:21 of the second round.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS:
Michael Gomez Jr. D12 Louis O'Doherty... Lightweights Michael Gomez Jr. and Louis O'Doherty fought to a majority draw, but it was a horrendous decision that saw Gomez get robbed. What were these three judges thinking? O'Doherty, at best, won three rounds, which is being generous. Gomez (23-2-1) was more active and landed the harder shots. O'Doherty (12-0-1) didn't do much of anything to win enough rounds. You know the result is a robbery when Gomez stormed out of the ring, and O'Doherty looked relieved. Official scores were 115-114 Gomez and 114-114 (twice). O'Doherty remains the British champion.
Bakhodir Jalolov W10 Solomon Dacres... Two-time Olympic gold medal winner Bakhodir Jalolov defeated Solomon Dacres by unanimous decision. After ten rounds, the scores were 99-90x (twice) and 99-91. "The Big Uzbek" Jalolov dominated from start to finish. He scored a knockdown in the fifth and looked to be ready to put Dacres out. Instead, Jalolov was content to box, and that was just about it. While it is about getting wins, you need to entertain in the process. Jalolov failed to do that. Going to be hard to get him a big bout due to his fighting style
Adam Olaniyan TKO2 Dan Garber... A destruction by Irish heavyweight Adam Olaniyan (5-0). His power proved to be too much throughout. Olaniyan dropped the 41 year-old Dan Garber (14-10) twice in the second to close things out.
Nelson Birchall defeated Levi Giles by TKO at 0:51 of the seventh round.
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Undercard results from Vegas: Resendiz wins a war |
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Former super middleweight champion Armando “Toro” Reséndiz (17-3, 11 KOs) earned a unanimous decision over Australia's Koen Mazoudier (16-5-1, 6 KOs) in a slugfest that saw both men land over 150 power punches across ten rounds in the super middleweight division. Reséndiz took the fight by the scores of 98-92 and 97-93 (twice). "We pulled this off because we had great preparation,” said Reséndiz. “This was the kind of fight that I expected.”
"I had a lot of battles coming into this fight stepping up in weight against a tough opponent,” said Mazoudier. “We gave him a hard fight. I thought I won more than two or three rounds, but he's a tough, strong fighter. I hope to be back putting on more shows and get the win next time.”
The action heated up in round two as Reséndiz and Mazoudier each declared their desire to go toe-to-toe, with neither taking a step back across the ensuing rounds. Reséndiz looked in control over the first five rounds, using a strong body attack to open up power shots upstairs on his way to building up a 94-58 edge in power shots. "I had to change my game plan and box and move a little bit because this was a very tough fight,” said Reséndiz.
Mazoudier was able to change the tenor of the fight after proving he could take Reséndiz’s best punches, and used a lead right uppercut to begin to turn the tide. The Australian out landed Reséndiz 76 to 47 in power punches in rounds six through nine to close the gap on his opponent and leave the fight in doubt heading into the final frame.
"There were a lot of close rounds,” said Mazoudier. “I didn't win the rounds clearly enough. He was the better fighter tonight. I'm very grateful to be in this position and to have my team here supporting me. I hope the fans enjoyed it and I hope they have me back. I feel like I gained some new Mexican fans tonight."
"I knew this was going to be a tough fight,” said Reséndiz. “He's an Australian warrior. This is the kind of fight I wanted to give the fans. We clashed in the middle of the ring like warriors.”
Round ten saw Reséndiz land a fight high 32 power shots, including a series of blows in the final moments that sent Mazoudier backwards and seemingly hurt. Mazoudier was able to stay on his feet and see the final bell, but Reséndiz had already done enough to ensure that he’d continue his climb back toward world title contention.
"My corner was urging me that I had to finish strong and that's what I did,” said Reséndiz. “We closed out strong."
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
In another super middleweight contest, Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (16-0, 14 KOs) delivered his third straight first-round knockout as he scored a sensational one-punch KO of Uruguay’s Matias Ferreira (8-4, 3 KOs). Making a quick return to the ring after a dominant performance in August, Romero made Ferreira eat his words after his opponent promised to stop him in four rounds or less at Thursday’s press conference. "This played out amazingly,” said Romero. “Karma came and hit him and I got him out in the first round.” Romero targeted the body early and often (11 body shots landed), eventually opening up an angle for him to deliver a blistering right hand that hurt Ferreira badly and sent him to the canvas. While Ferreira was able to get to his feet, he was still wobbly, forcing referee Tony Weeks to halt the bout. "He was too slow. His speed and experience didn't matter,” said Romero. “I'm here. The 160 division is on notice. There's a new face at middleweight and its 'Tiburón' Romero. "I was digging to the body because I knew he would drop his hands. Once I saw the opening, he got bit by the shark.” After the fight, Romero expressed his desire to continue facing tougher and tougher competition on his way to middleweight gold. "I'm ready to step it up in opposition,” said Romero. “I'm ducking no smoke. I'm here. I feel amazing and I'm being guided the right way. I'm ready for anybody at middleweight."
Opening the telecast, undefeated rising middleweight Jaime Osuna (12-0, 5 KOs) edged the previously unbeaten Cristian Cangelosi (13-1-1, 5 KOs) via majority decision after eight rounds of action. Osuna won with two scores of 77-75 overruling one 76-76 card. "It was a fight that took everything I had from beginning to end,” said Osuna. “I knew my opponent would be good and put me to the test, and I think I was able to show the fans who I am.” Osuna struck first in the battle of unbeatens, as he appeared to stun Cangelosi in round one with a series of power shots. However it was not long until Osuna was forced to face his own adversity as he suffered a cut under his right eyebrow in round two that he dealt with for the remainder of the bout. After Cangelosi got himself back in the fight with a strong round four, Osuna reclaimed control by again catching his opponent and hurting him in the opening moments of round five. Cangelosi closed strong, winning the final two rounds on all three cards, but was in too much of a hole in the judges’ eyes to overcome the hard-charging Osuna. Through the eight rounds Osuna landed 107 power shots to Cangelosi’s 75. “I hope that this is a stepping stone that allows me to fight here in Vegas on cards like this many more times,” said Osuna. “Whoever is next, I’ll be ready.”
The event was promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
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Undercard results from Vegas: Resendiz wins a war
Former super middleweight champion Armando “Toro” Reséndiz (17-3, 11 KOs) earned a unanimous decision over Australia's Koen Mazoudier (16-5-1, 6 KOs) in a slugfest that saw both men land over 150 power punches across ten rounds in the super middleweight division. Reséndiz took the fight by the scores of 98-92 and 97-93 (twice). "We pulled this off because we had great preparation,” said Reséndiz. “This was the kind of fight that I expected.”
"I had a lot of battles coming into this fight stepping up in weight against a tough opponent,” said Mazoudier. “We gave him a hard fight. I thought I won more than two or three rounds, but he's a tough, strong fighter. I hope to be back putting on more shows and get the win next time.”
The action heated up in round two as Reséndiz and Mazoudier each declared their desire to go toe-to-toe, with neither taking a step back across the ensuing rounds. Reséndiz looked in control over the first five rounds, using a strong body attack to open up power shots upstairs on his way to building up a 94-58 edge in power shots. "I had to change my game plan and box and move a little bit because this was a very tough fight,” said Reséndiz.
Mazoudier was able to change the tenor of the fight after proving he could take Reséndiz’s best punches, and used a lead right uppercut to begin to turn the tide. The Australian out landed Reséndiz 76 to 47 in power punches in rounds six through nine to close the gap on his opponent and leave the fight in doubt heading into the final frame.
"There were a lot of close rounds,” said Mazoudier. “I didn't win the rounds clearly enough. He was the better fighter tonight. I'm very grateful to be in this position and to have my team here supporting me. I hope the fans enjoyed it and I hope they have me back. I feel like I gained some new Mexican fans tonight."
"I knew this was going to be a tough fight,” said Reséndiz. “He's an Australian warrior. This is the kind of fight I wanted to give the fans. We clashed in the middle of the ring like warriors.”
Round ten saw Reséndiz land a fight high 32 power shots, including a series of blows in the final moments that sent Mazoudier backwards and seemingly hurt. Mazoudier was able to stay on his feet and see the final bell, but Reséndiz had already done enough to ensure that he’d continue his climb back toward world title contention.
"My corner was urging me that I had to finish strong and that's what I did,” said Reséndiz. “We closed out strong."
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
In another super middleweight contest, Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (16-0, 14 KOs) delivered his third straight first-round knockout as he scored a sensational one-punch KO of Uruguay’s Matias Ferreira (8-4, 3 KOs). Making a quick return to the ring after a dominant performance in August, Romero made Ferreira eat his words after his opponent promised to stop him in four rounds or less at Thursday’s press conference. "This played out amazingly,” said Romero. “Karma came and hit him and I got him out in the first round.” Romero targeted the body early and often (11 body shots landed), eventually opening up an angle for him to deliver a blistering right hand that hurt Ferreira badly and sent him to the canvas. While Ferreira was able to get to his feet, he was still wobbly, forcing referee Tony Weeks to halt the bout. "He was too slow. His speed and experience didn't matter,” said Romero. “I'm here. The 160 division is on notice. There's a new face at middleweight and its 'Tiburón' Romero. "I was digging to the body because I knew he would drop his hands. Once I saw the opening, he got bit by the shark.” After the fight, Romero expressed his desire to continue facing tougher and tougher competition on his way to middleweight gold. "I'm ready to step it up in opposition,” said Romero. “I'm ducking no smoke. I'm here. I feel amazing and I'm being guided the right way. I'm ready for anybody at middleweight."
Opening the telecast, undefeated rising middleweight Jaime Osuna (12-0, 5 KOs) edged the previously unbeaten Cristian Cangelosi (13-1-1, 5 KOs) via majority decision after eight rounds of action. Osuna won with two scores of 77-75 overruling one 76-76 card. "It was a fight that took everything I had from beginning to end,” said Osuna. “I knew my opponent would be good and put me to the test, and I think I was able to show the fans who I am.” Osuna struck first in the battle of unbeatens, as he appeared to stun Cangelosi in round one with a series of power shots. However it was not long until Osuna was forced to face his own adversity as he suffered a cut under his right eyebrow in round two that he dealt with for the remainder of the bout. After Cangelosi got himself back in the fight with a strong round four, Osuna reclaimed control by again catching his opponent and hurting him in the opening moments of round five. Cangelosi closed strong, winning the final two rounds on all three cards, but was in too much of a hole in the judges’ eyes to overcome the hard-charging Osuna. Through the eight rounds Osuna landed 107 power shots to Cangelosi’s 75. “I hope that this is a stepping stone that allows me to fight here in Vegas on cards like this many more times,” said Osuna. “Whoever is next, I’ll be ready.”
The event was promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
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Undercard results from London |
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Michael Gomez Jr. D12 Louis O'Doherty... Lightweights Michael Gomez Jr. and Louis O'Doherty fought to a majority draw, but it was a horrendous decision that saw Gomez get robbed. What were these three judges thinking? O'Doherty, at best, won three rounds, which is being generous. Gomez (23-2-1) was more active and landed the harder shots. O'Doherty (12-0-1) didn't do much of anything to win enough rounds. You know the result is a robbery when Gomez stormed out of the ring, and O'Doherty looked relieved. Official scores were 115-114 Gomez and 114-114 (twice). O'Doherty remains the British champion.
Bakhodir Jalolov W10 Solomon Dacres... Two-time Olympic gold medal winner Bakhodir Jalolov defeated Solomon Dacres by unanimous decision. After ten rounds, the scores were 99-90x (twice) and 99-91. "The Big Uzbek" Jalolov dominated from start to finish. He scored a knockdown in the fifth and looked to be ready to put Dacres out. Instead, Jalolov was content to box, and that was just about it. While it is about getting wins, you need to entertain in the process. Jalolov failed to do that. It may be tough to get him a big bout due to his fighting style
Adam Olaniyan TKO2 Dan Garber... A destruction by Irish heavyweight Adam Olaniyan (5-0). His power proved to be too much throughout. Olaniyan dropped the 41 year-old Dan Garber (14-10) twice in the second to close things out.
Nelson Birchall defeated Levi Giles by TKO at 0:51 of the seventh round.
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Undercard results from London
Michael Gomez Jr. D12 Louis O'Doherty... Lightweights Michael Gomez Jr. and Louis O'Doherty fought to a majority draw, but it was a horrendous decision that saw Gomez get robbed. What were these three judges thinking? O'Doherty, at best, won three rounds, which is being generous. Gomez (23-2-1) was more active and landed the harder shots. O'Doherty (12-0-1) didn't do much of anything to win enough rounds. You know the result is a robbery when Gomez stormed out of the ring, and O'Doherty looked relieved. Official scores were 115-114 Gomez and 114-114 (twice). O'Doherty remains the British champion.
Bakhodir Jalolov W10 Solomon Dacres... Two-time Olympic gold medal winner Bakhodir Jalolov defeated Solomon Dacres by unanimous decision. After ten rounds, the scores were 99-90x (twice) and 99-91. "The Big Uzbek" Jalolov dominated from start to finish. He scored a knockdown in the fifth and looked to be ready to put Dacres out. Instead, Jalolov was content to box, and that was just about it. While it is about getting wins, you need to entertain in the process. Jalolov failed to do that. It may be tough to get him a big bout due to his fighting style
Adam Olaniyan TKO2 Dan Garber... A destruction by Irish heavyweight Adam Olaniyan (5-0). His power proved to be too much throughout. Olaniyan dropped the 41 year-old Dan Garber (14-10) twice in the second to close things out.
Nelson Birchall defeated Levi Giles by TKO at 0:51 of the seventh round.
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Walker to host Rocha in welterweight eliminator |
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Conah Walker will be welcomed home to Wolverhampton when he faces American southpaw Alexis Rocha at The Halls on Saturday, December 5th – live worldwide on DAZN. Walker (18-3-1, 9 KOs) most recently produced a tenth-round stoppage against Sam Eggington in a Fight of The Year contender in May and established himself as one of Britain’s most exciting fighters. The Jamie Moore-trained welterweight, age 31, has seen his stock rise over the past two years – beating the likes of Pat McCormack, Liam Taylor, Harry Scarff and Lewis Ritson – and is riding a five-fight winning streak, with four of those victories coming inside the distance. Now the former British & Commonwealth champion Walker is closing in on his dream of challenging for a top prize in the 147-pound division, but ‘The Wolf’ knows he must first dispatch a game Rocha in this WBA eliminator.
Walker said: “I’m back headlining in Wolverhampton in front my people. They aren’t fans, they are friends and family and I’ll give them another night to remember. From the first bell you know what I bring and this fight won’t be any different. I want to do a right job on Rocha. I’m enjoying every minute of my career and a big win on December 5 puts me one step closer to winning a World Title. Let’s have it!”
Despite the strong home support against him, Golden Boy fighter Rocha insists he is “excited” by the prospect of facing Walker in his backyard.
“First, I want to thank Eric Gomez for this opportunity and for the continued support from him and the entire Golden Boy Promotions team,” said Rocha.
“I also want to thank my management team, Abraham Perez, my coach Hector Lopez and the rest of my coaching staff for everything they do for me.
“I don’t know too much about Conah Walker yet, but I’ve watched some videos of him, and he looks like a strong fighter who likes to come forward. I’m looking forward to getting in the ring with him and put on a great show.
“This is another important step in chasing my dream. I know that a win on December 5 will bring me one step closer to earning a World Title opportunity and that’s why I’m working hard every day.
“I’m excited to travel to the UK, compete in front of the fans and put on a great show. I’m ready to get to work and give everyone a great fight.”
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn believes Walker is ready to compete at the top, but warns he must get the job done against Rocha first. “It really is shaping up to be a December to remember for fight fans,” said Hearn. “This event kickstarts an incredible run of fights over the festive period, with AJ versus Fury to follow just days later, before our annual Monte Carlo extravaganza. Conah Walker is without question, one of the most exciting fighters in the sport today. He has given us so many memorable nights and on Saturday, December 5, he will deliver an early Christmas treat in his hometown of Wolverhampton. The Halls will be absolutely rocking. And I am confident the Wolf will tee up what promises to be an exciting 2027.”
1 29 year-old Californian, Rocha, 29, is on a strong run of results himself. Rocha defeated former 130-pound champion Joseph Diaz by unanimous decision in March, before beating ex-two-belt junior welterweight champion José Ramírez in September.
And Golden Boy Promotions chief Oscar De La Hoya believes Rocha will be ready to spoil Walker’s party. “Alexis Rocha showed tremendous heart and grit in his last fight against Jose Ramirez, and that kind of performance proves he belongs in the mix with the best fighters in the welterweight division,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions De La Hoya. “Conah Walker is a tough, come-forward fighter, and with Alexis heading into his backyard in the UK, I expect an all-action fight.”
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Walker to host Rocha in welterweight eliminator
Conah Walker will be welcomed home to Wolverhampton when he faces American southpaw Alexis Rocha at The Halls on Saturday, December 5th – live worldwide on DAZN. Walker (18-3-1, 9 KOs) most recently produced a tenth-round stoppage against Sam Eggington in a Fight of The Year contender in May and established himself as one of Britain’s most exciting fighters. The Jamie Moore-trained welterweight, age 31, has seen his stock rise over the past two years – beating the likes of Pat McCormack, Liam Taylor, Harry Scarff and Lewis Ritson – and is riding a five-fight winning streak, with four of those victories coming inside the distance. Now the former British & Commonwealth champion Walker is closing in on his dream of challenging for a top prize in the 147-pound division, but ‘The Wolf’ knows he must first dispatch a game Rocha in this WBA eliminator.
Walker said: “I’m back headlining in Wolverhampton in front my people. They aren’t fans, they are friends and family and I’ll give them another night to remember. From the first bell you know what I bring and this fight won’t be any different. I want to do a right job on Rocha. I’m enjoying every minute of my career and a big win on December 5 puts me one step closer to winning a World Title. Let’s have it!”
Despite the strong home support against him, Golden Boy fighter Rocha insists he is “excited” by the prospect of facing Walker in his backyard.
“First, I want to thank Eric Gomez for this opportunity and for the continued support from him and the entire Golden Boy Promotions team,” said Rocha.
“I also want to thank my management team, Abraham Perez, my coach Hector Lopez and the rest of my coaching staff for everything they do for me.
“I don’t know too much about Conah Walker yet, but I’ve watched some videos of him, and he looks like a strong fighter who likes to come forward. I’m looking forward to getting in the ring with him and put on a great show.
“This is another important step in chasing my dream. I know that a win on December 5 will bring me one step closer to earning a World Title opportunity and that’s why I’m working hard every day.
“I’m excited to travel to the UK, compete in front of the fans and put on a great show. I’m ready to get to work and give everyone a great fight.”
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn believes Walker is ready to compete at the top, but warns he must get the job done against Rocha first. “It really is shaping up to be a December to remember for fight fans,” said Hearn. “This event kickstarts an incredible run of fights over the festive period, with AJ versus Fury to follow just days later, before our annual Monte Carlo extravaganza. Conah Walker is without question, one of the most exciting fighters in the sport today. He has given us so many memorable nights and on Saturday, December 5, he will deliver an early Christmas treat in his hometown of Wolverhampton. The Halls will be absolutely rocking. And I am confident the Wolf will tee up what promises to be an exciting 2027.”
1 29 year-old Californian, Rocha, 29, is on a strong run of results himself. Rocha defeated former 130-pound champion Joseph Diaz by unanimous decision in March, before beating ex-two-belt junior welterweight champion José Ramírez in September.
And Golden Boy Promotions chief Oscar De La Hoya believes Rocha will be ready to spoil Walker’s party. “Alexis Rocha showed tremendous heart and grit in his last fight against Jose Ramirez, and that kind of performance proves he belongs in the mix with the best fighters in the welterweight division,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions De La Hoya. “Conah Walker is a tough, come-forward fighter, and with Alexis heading into his backyard in the UK, I expect an all-action fight.”
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Disgraceful: Figueroa pulls out on fight day |
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After weighing in yesterday-- and missing the featherweight limit-- Brandon Figueroa has suddenly "fallen ill" and has withdrawn from fighting Tomoki Kameda on today's PBC card in Las Vegas. Figuroa may have committed career suicide with this move. Before yesterday's weigh-in, he was the WBA featherweight champion, and had he defeated ex-bantamweight champ Kameda today, Figueroa would have been well-positioned for a career defining fight and payday vs. Kameda's countryman -- world super bantamweight champion Naoya "Monster" Inoue. Instead, Figueroa lost the WBA featherweight title on the scales yesterday and by pulling out of the fight today, he has branded himself to promoters and networks as an unreliable performer.
All of this is totally unfair to Kameda. The most logical move would be for the WBA to allow Kameda to fight Inoue for the vacant featherweight title.
Here is the PBC announcement: The previously scheduled Brandon Figueroa vs. Tomoki Kameda bout is now off after Figueroa fell ill overnight. The new co-feature will now see former super middleweight champion Armando Resendiz battling Australia's Koen Mazoudier. Preceding that matchup is undefeated Marco Romero dueling Uruguay's Matias Ferreira in an eight-round super middleweight clash, plus undefeated middleweights Jaime Osuna and Cristian Cangelosi will now meet in the eight-round opening bout."
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Disgraceful: Figueroa pulls out on fight day
After weighing in yesterday-- and missing the featherweight limit-- Brandon Figueroa has suddenly "fallen ill" and has withdrawn from fighting Tomoki Kameda on today's PBC card in Las Vegas. Figuroa may have committed career suicide with this move. Before yesterday's weigh-in, he was the WBA featherweight champion, and had he defeated ex-bantamweight champ Kameda today, Figueroa would have been well-positioned for a career defining fight and payday vs. Kameda's countryman -- world super bantamweight champion Naoya "Monster" Inoue. Instead, Figueroa lost the WBA featherweight title on the scales yesterday and by pulling out of the fight today, he has branded himself to promoters and networks as an unreliable performer.
All of this is totally unfair to Kameda. The most logical move would be for the WBA to allow Kameda to fight Inoue for the vacant featherweight title.
Here is the PBC announcement: The previously scheduled Brandon Figueroa vs. Tomoki Kameda bout is now off after Figueroa fell ill overnight. The new co-feature will now see former super middleweight champion Armando Resendiz battling Australia's Koen Mazoudier. Preceding that matchup is undefeated Marco Romero dueling Uruguay's Matias Ferreira in an eight-round super middleweight clash, plus undefeated middleweights Jaime Osuna and Cristian Cangelosi will now meet in the eight-round opening bout."
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ProBox results from Phoenix |
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Joshua Kevin Anton W10 Freudis Rojas... On Friday at Rawhide Western Town & Event Center in Phoenix, Joshua Kevin Anton pressured, bullied and then exhausted Freudis Rojas to win a unanimous ten-round decision in the junior welterweight division. A Guatemalan-American, Anton (15-0, 12 KOs), got stronger every round to quickly overtake the advantage from Rojas (15-2, 11 KOs) of Las Vegas. Rojas showed his slick southpaw boxing skills in the first two rounds but progressively wilted as Anton’s conditioning and superior power took over the flow after that. By mid-fight, the punishment worsened, but referee Joey Chavez allowed things to continue. Under-powered Rojas, forced to sprint to keep world-class fighters off him from the start of fights, has now run out of gas midway through his last two fights and did well to (hopefully) escape lasting damage in this one. The judges agreed on the winner, with scores of 98-91 (twice) and 97-92.
It's always different when you find someone with that kind of style,” said Anton after the fight. “Freddy and I both had similar styles from the get-go and I just want to give him thanks. He was the late replacement, but I don't look away from the challenge. He put up a great challenge, and I knew he was a great fighter, so we had to adjust. We're here to give our all. Long live Guatemala!”
Justin Pauldo W10 Rene Tellez Giron... In the co-feature, Justin Pauldo won a ten-round split decision over fan-favored Rene Tellez Giron. Showing “ready for primetime” skills, Pauldo (20-2, 10 KOs) of Houston was able to outfight Tellez Giron (23-5 with 14 KOs), on the well-known Mexican slugger’s terms, nullifying his own size advantage to stand inside and trade with Tellez Giron. In a tense fight throughout, most punches were met with an equal reply and neither man perceptibly seizing control for long. In fact, the two normally entertaining styles produced a surprisingly tame affair with both contenders having moments, but not taking control. Pauldo worked slightly harder. Tellez Giron was more accurate. After the announcement of a score of 96-94 for Tellez Giron being overruled by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 for Pauldo.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
In a ten-round “ProBoxTV-typical” featherweight war between Mexican sluggers, Carlos Arteaga moved to 17-1-1 with 14 KOs, with a fourth-round stoppage of Bryan Acosta (21-3, 8 KOs). Acosta was badly rocked by an Arteaga hook inside his own wider hook midway through the first and showed inhuman levels of durability to withstand a savage follow-up beating for the remainder of the opener. So brutal was the pasting Acosta took, he was examined extensively by the ringside physician before the start of round two. Despite still being clearly dazed, Acosta collected himself enough in round two to stage a power-punching rally and probably edged out the action-packed round purely out of instinct and fighting heart. Coming back to life more in round three, Acosta took control of the action by outfighting a seemingly tiring Arteaga with a two-fisted assault. Appearing to be losing momentum, Arteaga suddenly discovered his uppercut in round four, slamming several of them to the jaw of Acosta and dropping him late in the frame. Acosta bravely rose from the knockdown, but referee Chris Flores decided he’d seen enough. The end of the fan-friendly battle came at 2:12 of round four.
Junior welterweight Charles “LoLo” Harris Jnr put his educated skills on display in an entertaining but convincing unanimous decision over Misael Cabrera. Fighting in his first ten-rounder, Harris (13-1, 7 KOs), of San Bernardino utilized a strong body attack and his ring IQ to overcome Cabrera (18-3-1, 12 KOs), of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. Harris, who fights out of Brian "BoMac" McIntyre’s BoMac's B&B Boxing Gym in Omaha, Nebraska, showed why the award-winning trainer freely touts the 23 year-old's potential by nullifying Cabrera’s offense with two-handed shots to the liver and solar plexus. Cabrera fought with determination and landed several strong shots, but Harris showed no reaction. The scores were 99-91 (twice) and 98-92.
In an eight-round junior welterweight bout to open the broadcast, Heidan Martinez stayed undefeated by winning a “southpaw vs. southpaw” showdown against Willmank Canonico Brito by unanimous decision. In an awkwardly fought puncher’s duel, the Bob Santos-trained Martinez, 19-0 (17 KOs), of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, got off to a slow start against Canonico Brito, 14-11-2 (12 KOs), of Caracas, Venezuela. Canonico Brito was able to frustrate the 22-year-old Martinez, especially early on. Martinez was warned for several fouls including hitting after the bell and using his forearm and was finally deducted a point by referee Jonathan Puu for a low blow in the fight’s final round. Beginning in round six, Martinez found a rhythm by moving forward against his crafty foe and slowly gained the clear advantage as the fight progressed. The scores were 78-73 and 77-74 (twice).
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ProBox results from Phoenix
Joshua Kevin Anton W10 Freudis Rojas... On Friday at Rawhide Western Town & Event Center in Phoenix, Joshua Kevin Anton pressured, bullied and then exhausted Freudis Rojas to win a unanimous ten-round decision in the junior welterweight division. A Guatemalan-American, Anton (15-0, 12 KOs), got stronger every round to quickly overtake the advantage from Rojas (15-2, 11 KOs) of Las Vegas. Rojas showed his slick southpaw boxing skills in the first two rounds but progressively wilted as Anton’s conditioning and superior power took over the flow after that. By mid-fight, the punishment worsened, but referee Joey Chavez allowed things to continue. Under-powered Rojas, forced to sprint to keep world-class fighters off him from the start of fights, has now run out of gas midway through his last two fights and did well to (hopefully) escape lasting damage in this one. The judges agreed on the winner, with scores of 98-91 (twice) and 97-92.
It's always different when you find someone with that kind of style,” said Anton after the fight. “Freddy and I both had similar styles from the get-go and I just want to give him thanks. He was the late replacement, but I don't look away from the challenge. He put up a great challenge, and I knew he was a great fighter, so we had to adjust. We're here to give our all. Long live Guatemala!”
Justin Pauldo W10 Rene Tellez Giron... In the co-feature, Justin Pauldo won a ten-round split decision over fan-favored Rene Tellez Giron. Showing “ready for primetime” skills, Pauldo (20-2, 10 KOs) of Houston was able to outfight Tellez Giron (23-5 with 14 KOs), on the well-known Mexican slugger’s terms, nullifying his own size advantage to stand inside and trade with Tellez Giron. In a tense fight throughout, most punches were met with an equal reply and neither man perceptibly seizing control for long. In fact, the two normally entertaining styles produced a surprisingly tame affair with both contenders having moments, but not taking control. Pauldo worked slightly harder. Tellez Giron was more accurate. After the announcement of a score of 96-94 for Tellez Giron being overruled by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 for Pauldo.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
In a ten-round “ProBoxTV-typical” featherweight war between Mexican sluggers, Carlos Arteaga moved to 17-1-1 with 14 KOs, with a fourth-round stoppage of Bryan Acosta (21-3, 8 KOs). Acosta was badly rocked by an Arteaga hook inside his own wider hook midway through the first and showed inhuman levels of durability to withstand a savage follow-up beating for the remainder of the opener. So brutal was the pasting Acosta took, he was examined extensively by the ringside physician before the start of round two. Despite still being clearly dazed, Acosta collected himself enough in round two to stage a power-punching rally and probably edged out the action-packed round purely out of instinct and fighting heart. Coming back to life more in round three, Acosta took control of the action by outfighting a seemingly tiring Arteaga with a two-fisted assault. Appearing to be losing momentum, Arteaga suddenly discovered his uppercut in round four, slamming several of them to the jaw of Acosta and dropping him late in the frame. Acosta bravely rose from the knockdown, but referee Chris Flores decided he’d seen enough. The end of the fan-friendly battle came at 2:12 of round four.
Junior welterweight Charles “LoLo” Harris Jnr put his educated skills on display in an entertaining but convincing unanimous decision over Misael Cabrera. Fighting in his first ten-rounder, Harris (13-1, 7 KOs), of San Bernardino utilized a strong body attack and his ring IQ to overcome Cabrera (18-3-1, 12 KOs), of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. Harris, who fights out of Brian "BoMac" McIntyre’s BoMac's B&B Boxing Gym in Omaha, Nebraska, showed why the award-winning trainer freely touts the 23 year-old's potential by nullifying Cabrera’s offense with two-handed shots to the liver and solar plexus. Cabrera fought with determination and landed several strong shots, but Harris showed no reaction. The scores were 99-91 (twice) and 98-92.
In an eight-round junior welterweight bout to open the broadcast, Heidan Martinez stayed undefeated by winning a “southpaw vs. southpaw” showdown against Willmank Canonico Brito by unanimous decision. In an awkwardly fought puncher’s duel, the Bob Santos-trained Martinez, 19-0 (17 KOs), of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, got off to a slow start against Canonico Brito, 14-11-2 (12 KOs), of Caracas, Venezuela. Canonico Brito was able to frustrate the 22-year-old Martinez, especially early on. Martinez was warned for several fouls including hitting after the bell and using his forearm and was finally deducted a point by referee Jonathan Puu for a low blow in the fight’s final round. Beginning in round six, Martinez found a rhythm by moving forward against his crafty foe and slowly gained the clear advantage as the fight progressed. The scores were 78-73 and 77-74 (twice).
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Weigh-in report from Las Vegas |
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Here are the boxers' weights for the PBC show at the Chelsea in Las Vegas:
Sebastian Fundora, 152.8 pounds -vs.- Ermal Hadribeaj, 152.4 (WBC junior middleweight title, twelve rounds);
Brandon Figueroa, 126.8 -vs.- Tomoki Kameda, 125.8 (WBA featherweight title on the line for Kameda only twelve rounds);
Armando Reséndiz, 167 -vs.- Koen Mazoudier, 166.8 (super middleweights, ten rounds);
Marco Romero, 164.2 -vs.- Matias Ferreira, 162.8 (super middleweights, eight rounds);
Jaime Enrique Osuna, 161.2 -vs.- Cristian Cangelosi, 160.8 (middleweights, eight rounds); and
David Garcia, 127.8 -vs.- Ángel Carrillo, 126.8 (featherweights, six rounds).
TV: TNT Sports, Saturday, October 17th, 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.
Here are the boxers' weights for the PBC show at the Chelsea in Las Vegas:
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Weigh-in report from Las Vegas
Here are the boxers' weights for the PBC show at the Chelsea in Las Vegas:
Sebastian Fundora, 152.8 pounds -vs.- Ermal Hadribeaj, 152.4 (WBC junior middleweight title, twelve rounds);
Brandon Figueroa, 126.8 -vs.- Tomoki Kameda, 125.8 (WBA featherweight title on the line for Kameda only twelve rounds);
Armando Reséndiz, 167 -vs.- Koen Mazoudier, 166.8 (super middleweights, ten rounds);
Marco Romero, 164.2 -vs.- Matias Ferreira, 162.8 (super middleweights, eight rounds);
Jaime Enrique Osuna, 161.2 -vs.- Cristian Cangelosi, 160.8 (middleweights, eight rounds); and
David Garcia, 127.8 -vs.- Ángel Carrillo, 126.8 (featherweights, six rounds).
TV: TNT Sports, Saturday, October 17th, 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.
Here are the boxers' weights for the PBC show at the Chelsea in Las Vegas:
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WBC gives Okolie a pass on growth hormone finding |
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The WBC will take no disciplinary action against heavyweight Lawrence Okolie for testing positive for a banned, performance-enhancing substance in April. The WBC accepted Okolie's claim that "the prohibited substance entered his system as a result of the actions of a third party." The positive test caused Okolie's bout vs. Tony Yoka to be cancelled by Queensberry Promotions, and neither man has fought since then. According to The Times of London and the New York Times, Okolie tested positive for a GHRP 2, a synthetic growth hormone that releases a peptide known to help muscle recovery, increase muscle mass and assist in fat loss. Okolie still has not been cleared to fight by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) or the British Board of Boxing Control.
On Friday, the WBC announced an "Adjudication Agreement" with Okolie regarding the former cruiserweight and bridgerweight champion's adverse analytical finding under the WBC Clean Boxing Program. The WBC says it conducted a "thorough and detailed review of the nature of the substance and the circumstances of the adverse finding. Throughout the process, Mr. Okolie fully cooperated with the WBC review and provided mitigating evidence supporting his position that the prohibited substance entered his system as a result of the actions of a third party, without his knowledge or consent. In reaching the agreed resolution, the WBC took into consideration this mitigating evidence, along with Mr. Okolie's impeccable evidence record and his cooperation throughout the process."
The WBC press release contained the following statement from Okolie: "Clean sport has always been extremely important to me. I have fully cooperated throughout the entire process and remain committed to the highest standards of integrity in boxing. I look forward to the next chapter of my career and to being actively involved in the sport again in the coming months, while using this experience to help educate other athletes about the importance of understanding and monitoring everything that goes into their bodies."
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán stated:"The WBC Clean Boxing Program exists to protect athletes and the integrity of our sport. We appreciate Mr. Okolie's cooperation throughout this process and commend his commitment to helping educate fighters about anti-doping compliance and athlete responsibility. As part of the agreed resolution, Mr. Okolie will remain available for further testing and to work with the WBC in support of education, awareness, and compliance with anti-doping requirements among professional and amateur boxers."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
APRIL 21, 2026: Queensberry Promotions revealed that "the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has informed Queensberry that heavyweight Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following ant anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris [scheduled for] this Saturday. A further update regarding the event will be made in due course." A few hours later, Queensberry announced that "Due to circumstances outside of our control, Queensberry and DAZN have regrettably made the decision to cancel this Saturday's scheduled event in Paris. For refunds, please contact your ticket [vendor]." Okolie, who has held world titles at cruiserweight and bridgerweight, was set to fight former Olympic champion Tony Yoka in Yoka's hometown this weekend.
Okolie posted the following statement on his Instagram account: "Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp. I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails. I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon."
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WBC gives Okolie a pass on growth hormone finding
The WBC will take no disciplinary action against heavyweight Lawrence Okolie for testing positive for a banned, performance-enhancing substance in April. The WBC accepted Okolie's claim that "the prohibited substance entered his system as a result of the actions of a third party." The positive test caused Okolie's bout vs. Tony Yoka to be cancelled by Queensberry Promotions, and neither man has fought since then. According to The Times of London and the New York Times, Okolie tested positive for a GHRP 2, a synthetic growth hormone that releases a peptide known to help muscle recovery, increase muscle mass and assist in fat loss. Okolie still has not been cleared to fight by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) or the British Board of Boxing Control.
On Friday, the WBC announced an "Adjudication Agreement" with Okolie regarding the former cruiserweight and bridgerweight champion's adverse analytical finding under the WBC Clean Boxing Program. The WBC says it conducted a "thorough and detailed review of the nature of the substance and the circumstances of the adverse finding. Throughout the process, Mr. Okolie fully cooperated with the WBC review and provided mitigating evidence supporting his position that the prohibited substance entered his system as a result of the actions of a third party, without his knowledge or consent. In reaching the agreed resolution, the WBC took into consideration this mitigating evidence, along with Mr. Okolie's impeccable evidence record and his cooperation throughout the process."
The WBC press release contained the following statement from Okolie: "Clean sport has always been extremely important to me. I have fully cooperated throughout the entire process and remain committed to the highest standards of integrity in boxing. I look forward to the next chapter of my career and to being actively involved in the sport again in the coming months, while using this experience to help educate other athletes about the importance of understanding and monitoring everything that goes into their bodies."
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán stated:"The WBC Clean Boxing Program exists to protect athletes and the integrity of our sport. We appreciate Mr. Okolie's cooperation throughout this process and commend his commitment to helping educate fighters about anti-doping compliance and athlete responsibility. As part of the agreed resolution, Mr. Okolie will remain available for further testing and to work with the WBC in support of education, awareness, and compliance with anti-doping requirements among professional and amateur boxers."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
APRIL 21, 2026: Queensberry Promotions revealed that "the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has informed Queensberry that heavyweight Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following ant anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris [scheduled for] this Saturday. A further update regarding the event will be made in due course." A few hours later, Queensberry announced that "Due to circumstances outside of our control, Queensberry and DAZN have regrettably made the decision to cancel this Saturday's scheduled event in Paris. For refunds, please contact your ticket [vendor]." Okolie, who has held world titles at cruiserweight and bridgerweight, was set to fight former Olympic champion Tony Yoka in Yoka's hometown this weekend.
Okolie posted the following statement on his Instagram account: "Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp. I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails. I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon."
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Bayamon hosts Vazquez vs. Pineiro two-belt title fight |
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Litzy Vazquez (9-0) and Stephanie Piñeiro (10-1) will fight for the WBC and WBA junior welterweight championships vacated by the recently retired Katie Taylor. The two-belt title fight is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5th as part of a Big Time Boxing event live on Wynn Records Network at 8 p.m. ET from Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The undisputed world champion at 140 pounds, Taylor vacated all four major titles when she retired in September in a massive farewell event witnessed by more than 80,000 fans at Dublin’s Croke Park. Now Vazquez, the WBA interim champion from Mexico, and Piñeiro, the hometown favorite, will look to honor Taylor’s legacy and impact on women’s boxing in a Mexico vs. Puerto Rico showdown for the WBA and WBC belts. Pineioro's lone loss came in a welterweight title bid vs. Lauren Price. The event is promoted by Salita Promotions and Universal Promotions, in association with Wynn Records. The Wynn Records Network broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET and streams worldwide at www.wynnrecordsnetwork.com.
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Bayamon hosts Vazquez vs. Pineiro two-belt title fight
Litzy Vazquez (9-0) and Stephanie Piñeiro (10-1) will fight for the WBC and WBA junior welterweight championships vacated by the recently retired Katie Taylor. The two-belt title fight is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5th as part of a Big Time Boxing event live on Wynn Records Network at 8 p.m. ET from Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The undisputed world champion at 140 pounds, Taylor vacated all four major titles when she retired in September in a massive farewell event witnessed by more than 80,000 fans at Dublin’s Croke Park. Now Vazquez, the WBA interim champion from Mexico, and Piñeiro, the hometown favorite, will look to honor Taylor’s legacy and impact on women’s boxing in a Mexico vs. Puerto Rico showdown for the WBA and WBC belts. Pineioro's lone loss came in a welterweight title bid vs. Lauren Price. The event is promoted by Salita Promotions and Universal Promotions, in association with Wynn Records. The Wynn Records Network broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET and streams worldwide at www.wynnrecordsnetwork.com.
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Tonight: Fundora vs. Hadribeaj |
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Tonight (Oct. 17th), TNT Sports and DAZN will present the next installment of The Fight, featuring a championshi bouts airing live on TNT and DAZN at 8 p.m. ET from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in a Premier Boxing Champions event. Headlining will be WBC 154-pound champion Sebastián Fundora (24-1-1, 16 KOs) putting his title on the line against unbeaten Ermal Hadribeaj (23-0-1, 8 KOs). The elongated southpaw Fundora will seek another successful title defense following his sixth-round stoppage of former champion Keith Thurman in March. Hadribeaj enters the biggest fight of his career after defeating previously unbeaten Bakary Samake in May. In the other scheduled world title bout, two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa (27-2-1, 20 KOs) was stripped of his WBA featherweight championship for failure to make weight and has declined to fight former bantamweight title holder Tomoki Kameda (42-5, 23 KOs). The bout was cancelled on fight day.
The main card will also feature a pair of super middleweight matchups. Former WBA title holder Armando Reséndiz (16-3, 11 KOs), who scored an upset victory over Caleb Plant in 2025, will face Australia’s Koen Mazoudier (16-4-1, 6 KOs) in a ten-round bout and Marco Romero (15-0, 13 KOs) will put his perfect record on the line against Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreira (8-3, 3 KOs) in an eight rounder.
Todd Grisham will host studio coverage alongside undefeated five-division world champion Terence Crawford, International Boxing Hall of Famer Tim Bradley Jr. and former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter, providing analysis and reactions throughout the evening. Corey Erdman will handle play-by-play duties alongside ex-champ Sergio Mora and veteran boxing journalist Chris Mannix. Leading up to Saturday’s action, truTV will join today’s pre-fight press conference in progress following its MLB postseason coverage, with the press conference also airing in its entirety at 7 p.m. ET. truTV will present live coverage of the official weigh-in on Friday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. ET.
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Tonight: Fundora vs. Hadribeaj
Tonight (Oct. 17th), TNT Sports and DAZN will present the next installment of The Fight, featuring a championshi bouts airing live on TNT and DAZN at 8 p.m. ET from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in a Premier Boxing Champions event. Headlining will be WBC 154-pound champion Sebastián Fundora (24-1-1, 16 KOs) putting his title on the line against unbeaten Ermal Hadribeaj (23-0-1, 8 KOs). The elongated southpaw Fundora will seek another successful title defense following his sixth-round stoppage of former champion Keith Thurman in March. Hadribeaj enters the biggest fight of his career after defeating previously unbeaten Bakary Samake in May. In the other scheduled world title bout, two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa (27-2-1, 20 KOs) was stripped of his WBA featherweight championship for failure to make weight and has declined to fight former bantamweight title holder Tomoki Kameda (42-5, 23 KOs). The bout was cancelled on fight day.
The main card will also feature a pair of super middleweight matchups. Former WBA title holder Armando Reséndiz (16-3, 11 KOs), who scored an upset victory over Caleb Plant in 2025, will face Australia’s Koen Mazoudier (16-4-1, 6 KOs) in a ten-round bout and Marco Romero (15-0, 13 KOs) will put his perfect record on the line against Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreira (8-3, 3 KOs) in an eight rounder.
Todd Grisham will host studio coverage alongside undefeated five-division world champion Terence Crawford, International Boxing Hall of Famer Tim Bradley Jr. and former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter, providing analysis and reactions throughout the evening. Corey Erdman will handle play-by-play duties alongside ex-champ Sergio Mora and veteran boxing journalist Chris Mannix. Leading up to Saturday’s action, truTV will join today’s pre-fight press conference in progress following its MLB postseason coverage, with the press conference also airing in its entirety at 7 p.m. ET. truTV will present live coverage of the official weigh-in on Friday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. ET.
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Brandon Figueroa loses title on the scales |
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Brandon Figueroa has lost the WBA featherweight title on the scales. On Friday in Las Vegas, Figueroa weighed in at 126.8 pounds in advance of Saturday's scheduled fight against former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda of Japan. If Kameda wins, he will win the now-vacant title. If Figueroa wins or the fight is declared a draw, the title will remain vacant.
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Brandon Figueroa loses title on the scales
Brandon Figueroa has lost the WBA featherweight title on the scales. On Friday in Las Vegas, Figueroa weighed in at 126.8 pounds in advance of Saturday's scheduled fight against former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda of Japan. If Kameda wins, he will win the now-vacant title. If Figueroa wins or the fight is declared a draw, the title will remain vacant.
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Tomorrow: Dubois vs. Wardley II |
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On Saturday (Oct. 17th), at London’s o2 Arena, a classic heavyweight rematch takes place between Daniel Dubois (pictured) and Fabio Wardley, who'll be going at it hammer and tongs. Back in May, they engaged in one of the best heavyweight encounters in recent memory. Dubois survived a pair of knockdowns and came back to stop Wardley by eleventh-round technical knockout in Manchester, England. With the win, Dubois took Wardley's WBO championship and became a two-time champion. Although he scored the only two knockdowns of the encounter, it was Wardley who absorbed a terrifying amount of punishment.
If the rematch wasn’t contracted with Wardley calling in his rematch clause within days of taking his first career loss, the rematch would be the subject of public demand.
With the inevitable departure from the scene of Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua over the next year or two at most, the heavyweight division has been presented with pretty much a blank canvas. Still considered the world champion, Usyk took a step back by vacating his title belts, which opened up doors for the likes of Dubois, Wardley, Agit Kabayel, Murat Gassiev and Filip Hrgovic.
Should he win on Saturday, Wardley will join Dubois, Fury and Joshua in the record books as being a two-time heavyweight champion from Great Britain. It is not the way he would have chosen to pick up the accolade, but it will look good in the history books nonetheless.
Dubois has now proudly held the WBA Regular - if you choose to count it - plus the IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles. You could make an argument that he is currently The Man of the division, with his title successes and triumphs over the likes of the previously unbeaten Jarrell Miller, Hrgovic and Wardley, along with Joshua.
This new unfolding heavyweight era is that it is largely shaping up on British soil. Saturday will be the third heavyweight championship event to be staged in the UK so far this year. And then we’ve got Fury and Joshua finally coming to blows in December.
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Tomorrow: Dubois vs. Wardley II
On Saturday (Oct. 17th), at London’s o2 Arena, a classic heavyweight rematch takes place between Daniel Dubois (pictured) and Fabio Wardley, who'll be going at it hammer and tongs. Back in May, they engaged in one of the best heavyweight encounters in recent memory. Dubois survived a pair of knockdowns and came back to stop Wardley by eleventh-round technical knockout in Manchester, England. With the win, Dubois took Wardley's WBO championship and became a two-time champion. Although he scored the only two knockdowns of the encounter, it was Wardley who absorbed a terrifying amount of punishment.
If the rematch wasn’t contracted with Wardley calling in his rematch clause within days of taking his first career loss, the rematch would be the subject of public demand.
With the inevitable departure from the scene of Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua over the next year or two at most, the heavyweight division has been presented with pretty much a blank canvas. Still considered the world champion, Usyk took a step back by vacating his title belts, which opened up doors for the likes of Dubois, Wardley, Agit Kabayel, Murat Gassiev and Filip Hrgovic.
Should he win on Saturday, Wardley will join Dubois, Fury and Joshua in the record books as being a two-time heavyweight champion from Great Britain. It is not the way he would have chosen to pick up the accolade, but it will look good in the history books nonetheless.
Dubois has now proudly held the WBA Regular - if you choose to count it - plus the IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles. You could make an argument that he is currently The Man of the division, with his title successes and triumphs over the likes of the previously unbeaten Jarrell Miller, Hrgovic and Wardley, along with Joshua.
This new unfolding heavyweight era is that it is largely shaping up on British soil. Saturday will be the third heavyweight championship event to be staged in the UK so far this year. And then we’ve got Fury and Joshua finally coming to blows in December.
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Boxingtalk's Kirk Lang honored in Connecticut |
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A multi-decade writer for Boxingtalk.com, Kirk Lang was honored with the George Smith Contribution to Boxing Award by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame this past Saturday. He was one of seven award winners recognized in addition to the inductees. The Contribution to Boxing Award was renamed some years back to honor the late George Smith, who was both a sportswriter and a boxing judge. He was also one of the founding members of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. In addition to Lang, the following were also honored: Kamarre Kemp (The Roland Roy Amateur Boxer of the Year); Chordale Booker (Marlon Starling Boxer of the Year); Marilyn Rosa (Amateur Official of the Year); Phyllis Roy (The William Hutt Official of the Year); Paul Cichon (Brian Clark Trainer of the Year) and Marcky “The Fighter” Foster (The Willie Pep Courage Award). Foster battled an embryonal tumor with multi-layered rosettes, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that strikes young children. He passed away on June 22nd, just before his 5th birthday.
The Professional Boxer of the Year Award was just renamed to honor former welterweight champion Marlon Starling, who presented the award to Booker, and the Trainer of the Year Award was just renamed to honor longtime New Haven-based trainer Brian Clark, who passed away in January. The most famous boxer to come out of Clark’s Ring One gym was former light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson. “Congratulations to each and every one of you,” said newly elected President Peter Hary Jr.. “Your accomplishments and contributions to boxing have earned you this moment and we’re proud to celebrate you tonight.”
A writer / photographer, Lang was an invited guest at the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Las Vegas this month and had plans to attend. However, upon finding out he would be receiving the Contribution to Boxing Award from the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame – and that the ceremony was taking place on the same day as the women’s Hall event– he had to scrap the Vegas trip.
In front of numerous members of his family, including his daughters Alyssa and Laila, who were stage-side helping to capture the moment for him, Lang said, “I really appreciate this award. I want to thank Peter Hary and everybody on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame for all that you do and for honoring me with this award. I’ve been doing this for a while and I appreciate the recognition.”
Lang kept his speech brief and didn’t go into his career highlights. However, he did note that a desire to meet his idol, former three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, influenced his decision to get into boxing journalism. Initially majoring in physical education in college, numerous trips to the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekends in Canastota, New York with his dad further cemented his journalistic aspirations. Lang has covered or interviewed numerous legends of the sport, including Sugar Ray Leonard; George Foreman; Roy Jones Jr.; Joe Frazier; Floyd Mayweather Jr; Bernard Hopkins, Arturo Gatti; Evander Holyfield; Pernell Whitaker; Felix Trinidad; Oscar de la Hoya; Manny Pacquiao; Laila Ali; Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
A few stand-out moments of Lang’s career include covering the historic all-female card at Madison Square Garden last year, which was headlined by Taylor-Serrano III; covering former heavyweight champion George Foreman’s final fight; being ringside for numerous Roy Jones bouts; covering a fight card at a castle in downtown Boston; being asked to be a pallbearer for the 1940s featherweight legend Willie Pep; and providing a few lines to actor James Madio that would be used in Madio’s portrayal of Pep in the movie “The Featherweight.”
After accepting his award and largely staying near the stage to cover the ceremony – taking photos and recording speeches – he was given silent auction items at the end of the evening his family had won for him, including the fight program for Ali-Frazier III “The Thrilla in Manila,” Ring magazines from the 1950s and a pair of gloves from the Ali Center.
The CTBHOF honor took place inside the Earth Ballroom at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT in front of crowd of nearly 400 attendees. The silent auction raised over $4,000, a record, according to Hary, and the 50/50 raffle netted $1,000. Every dollar raised helps the Hall support the boxing community through its charitable giving program, which allows the organization to support amateur boxing in Connecticut, and to help fighters in need.
In addition to the award recipients, the followed were immortalized with induction Saturday night: 1930s and ‘40s era light heavyweight Melio Bettina; promoter Rich Cappiello; timekeeper Lou Dell; referee Ken Ezzo; former heavyweight contender Fernely Feliz; former USA New England featherweight and super featherweight champion Joey Negron; trainer Luis Rosa Sr.; and New London-based trainer Kent Ward, who established a program for boxers with disabilities, such as Parkinson’s Disease.
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Boxingtalk's Kirk Lang honored in Connecticut
A multi-decade writer for Boxingtalk.com, Kirk Lang was honored with the George Smith Contribution to Boxing Award by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame this past Saturday. He was one of seven award winners recognized in addition to the inductees. The Contribution to Boxing Award was renamed some years back to honor the late George Smith, who was both a sportswriter and a boxing judge. He was also one of the founding members of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. In addition to Lang, the following were also honored: Kamarre Kemp (The Roland Roy Amateur Boxer of the Year); Chordale Booker (Marlon Starling Boxer of the Year); Marilyn Rosa (Amateur Official of the Year); Phyllis Roy (The William Hutt Official of the Year); Paul Cichon (Brian Clark Trainer of the Year) and Marcky “The Fighter” Foster (The Willie Pep Courage Award). Foster battled an embryonal tumor with multi-layered rosettes, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that strikes young children. He passed away on June 22nd, just before his 5th birthday.
The Professional Boxer of the Year Award was just renamed to honor former welterweight champion Marlon Starling, who presented the award to Booker, and the Trainer of the Year Award was just renamed to honor longtime New Haven-based trainer Brian Clark, who passed away in January. The most famous boxer to come out of Clark’s Ring One gym was former light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson. “Congratulations to each and every one of you,” said newly elected President Peter Hary Jr.. “Your accomplishments and contributions to boxing have earned you this moment and we’re proud to celebrate you tonight.”
A writer / photographer, Lang was an invited guest at the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Las Vegas this month and had plans to attend. However, upon finding out he would be receiving the Contribution to Boxing Award from the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame – and that the ceremony was taking place on the same day as the women’s Hall event– he had to scrap the Vegas trip.
In front of numerous members of his family, including his daughters Alyssa and Laila, who were stage-side helping to capture the moment for him, Lang said, “I really appreciate this award. I want to thank Peter Hary and everybody on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame for all that you do and for honoring me with this award. I’ve been doing this for a while and I appreciate the recognition.”
Lang kept his speech brief and didn’t go into his career highlights. However, he did note that a desire to meet his idol, former three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, influenced his decision to get into boxing journalism. Initially majoring in physical education in college, numerous trips to the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekends in Canastota, New York with his dad further cemented his journalistic aspirations. Lang has covered or interviewed numerous legends of the sport, including Sugar Ray Leonard; George Foreman; Roy Jones Jr.; Joe Frazier; Floyd Mayweather Jr; Bernard Hopkins, Arturo Gatti; Evander Holyfield; Pernell Whitaker; Felix Trinidad; Oscar de la Hoya; Manny Pacquiao; Laila Ali; Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
A few stand-out moments of Lang’s career include covering the historic all-female card at Madison Square Garden last year, which was headlined by Taylor-Serrano III; covering former heavyweight champion George Foreman’s final fight; being ringside for numerous Roy Jones bouts; covering a fight card at a castle in downtown Boston; being asked to be a pallbearer for the 1940s featherweight legend Willie Pep; and providing a few lines to actor James Madio that would be used in Madio’s portrayal of Pep in the movie “The Featherweight.”
After accepting his award and largely staying near the stage to cover the ceremony – taking photos and recording speeches – he was given silent auction items at the end of the evening his family had won for him, including the fight program for Ali-Frazier III “The Thrilla in Manila,” Ring magazines from the 1950s and a pair of gloves from the Ali Center.
The CTBHOF honor took place inside the Earth Ballroom at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT in front of crowd of nearly 400 attendees. The silent auction raised over $4,000, a record, according to Hary, and the 50/50 raffle netted $1,000. Every dollar raised helps the Hall support the boxing community through its charitable giving program, which allows the organization to support amateur boxing in Connecticut, and to help fighters in need.
In addition to the award recipients, the followed were immortalized with induction Saturday night: 1930s and ‘40s era light heavyweight Melio Bettina; promoter Rich Cappiello; timekeeper Lou Dell; referee Ken Ezzo; former heavyweight contender Fernely Feliz; former USA New England featherweight and super featherweight champion Joey Negron; trainer Luis Rosa Sr.; and New London-based trainer Kent Ward, who established a program for boxers with disabilities, such as Parkinson’s Disease.
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Final presser quotes from Las Vegas |
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WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and his unbeaten challenger Ermal Hadribeaj went face to face at the final press conference on Thursday before they headline “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN this Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The press conference also featured WBA featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda, who duel in the co-feature, all-action former title holder Armando “Toro” Reséndiz, who battles Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight showdown, plus rising star Marco Romero and Uruguay’s Matias Ferreira, who meet in the eight-round super middleweight opening attraction at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The fourth installment of the live monthly boxing series will be broadcast in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.
TNT Sports and DAZN today announced an all-star announce team for Saturday’s event with Todd Grisham hosting studio coverage alongside undefeated five-division champion Terence Crawford, International Boxing Hall of Famer Tim Bradley Jr. and former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter. Corey Erdman will handle play-by-play duties alongside analysts Sergio Mora, a former champion, and veteran boxing journalist Chris Mannix. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“This Saturday we have everything on this card. Make sure to tune in, because we’re gonna make it a knockout of a weekend.
“He’s an undefeated fighter. He’s hungry, but we’ve seen that before. We’ve fought champions. This is the major leagues of boxing and we’re here to prove again why we’ll remain the champion.
“I’ve been in this sport for a while. I’ve been fighting for 22 years. It’s been a lot of learning and now we’re showing you guys.
“This is gonna be a great fight. He’s undefeated and he only knows how to win. But we’re here to break him.
“Losing to Brian Mendoza made me realize some things. Obviously if you make mistakes, you’re gonna get hurt. It’s not just about realizing the mistake, but learning from it.
“Future fights only get in my mind because of everyone asking us about them. We have Ermal in front of us and we’re not overlooking him at all. You can’t overlook anyone. After Saturday, you can ask me all the questions.
“I’m very comfortable making weight. I ate breakfast today. This is Fundora fight week and we’re ready to go.”
ERMAL HADRIBEAJ
“I want to show that I’m an exciting fighter that people are going to want to watch Tell the fans around the world that ‘The Albanian Sniper’ is coming for Sebastian Fundora.
“I met Fundora three years ago and I want to shake his hand and let him know that the respect is there. We knew that we’d want to fight him, but I wasn’t ready at that moment. Now I’ve proven that I belong here.
“We worked a lot in training camp and I think we have the key. If that key doesn’t work, I have another key in my pocket. I have everything I need. I’m fast, I’m strong, I work hard and I have punch resistance. Everyone thinks he has the advantage, but his only advantage is that he’s tall.
“I’m able to out box him and I have the power to hurt him as well. I’m very unpredictable so I can’t say now how it will happen.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“I’m just ready. We prepared 110%. Just like what I did in the UK, going out there against all odds, nothing is gonna come between me and keeping this belt. I’ve lost it before and gained it back, now I don’t plan on losing it again.
“I will give the best of me in every fight. I can’t wait to let my hands fly and do what I was born to do.
“I wanted to get to the top level and fight the best of the best, that’s why I teamed up with Manny Robles. We went over there with all of the odds against me. But as a champion, you take it on the chin and figure it out. You have to overcome obstacles.
“I’m just getting better every fight. Everyone is going to see on Saturday everything that I’ve worked for. This belt isn’t going anywhere. I promise you that.
“He’s got a lot of experience and he’s been in there with a lot of champions. But I’m a hungry, young fighter and I’m strong. I’m going in there with everything and ready to showcase what I have in the tank.
“Everyone is on my hit list. Line them up. I want all of them. That’s what I’m here for. The belts are nice, but I want the names. I want people to say I fought the champions and beat them all.”
TOMOKI KAMEDA
“’El Mexicanito’ is back once again. I’m very thankful for this great opportunity. I’m so happy to be back here in Las Vegas once again. I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready to be world champion once again.
“I’ve been training for nine months now. Now I’m here and more ready than ever. I can guarantee you that.
“I learned a lot from the loss to Angelo Leo. I was able to use those lessons in my preparation for this fight. On Saturday I’m going to show that I’m the superior fighter and come out on top.
“On Saturday night I’m going to prove that in boxing, anything is possible and that I’m willing and able to come out on top.
“I have to take advantage of this great opportunity. Chances like this don’t come around too often so I have to be 100% focused.”
ARMANDO RESENDIZ
“I’m always ready for a challenge. I just want to seek out the best. It makes me really proud to be on a prestigious card like this. I’m always in the gym so this was an opportunity I’m 100% ready for.
“There is a lot that I want to accomplish. I want to keep getting into the ring and being the best version of myself that I can be.
“It’s been a roller coaster for me, but I’ve proven that I will always get back up. There’s always a next chapter.
“I have full confidence in myself and my team. After Saturday night we’re going to look to move closer to becoming a world champion again.
“He’s a strong fighter who has a lot of heart. He’s very tough. The fans are going to end up being the true winners of the night.”
MARCO ROMERO
“I’m excited to be fighting alongside these champions and put on a great performance. He better live up to his words, because if he doesn’t it’s gonna be a long night for him.
“He thinks he has more experience than me, but with my amateur experience, that’s more than he’s had. He says he’s gonna come in and play my game, but I don’t think that’s a good game plan. You’re gonna get bit by the shark.
“He can believe whatever he wants. I’m going to go in there and do my job. I’m gonna let the shark go on the hunt. When I get the opportunity for the kill shot, don’t blink.
“I’m progressing and heading towards the top 10 and get to the world title level. A lot of guys I fight tend to move more, but if he comes in and brawl, that’s perfect for me. I’ll be ready for sure.”
MATIAS FERREIRA
“I’m going to be out there showing my speed from the first minute of the fight. I’ve been training hard for months now and I’m coming to knock him out before the fourth round. The fans are going to be in for a show.
“He’s a really good fighter, but he’s not going to be able to keep up with my speed. He doesn’t have the experience yet. I’m gonna come out and smother him from round one. I’ve trained hard and I know what I’m capable of.
“He struggles with the distance. I’ve seen how he likes to engage from short distance, but I’m going to play his game and make my speed count more.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“We’re all very excited to be here promoting ‘The Fight’ on TNT. This card has a little bit of everything on it.
“With our main event, you have Sebastian ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora taking on his mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj. He can’t look past his opponent who’s young and undefeated. The scary thing about Fundora is that he’s just getting better and better. His fights are always exciting and he’ll give fight fans everything they want in a fight night.”
“In the co-main event we have Brandon Figueroa, who went over the UK to win his WBA Featherweight World Title and upset Nick Ball. Now he’s back with a strong veteran fighter and former world champion in Tomoki Kameda.
“Plus we have a former world champion in Armando Resendiz returning for the first time since losing his title and he’s got a tough Australian in Koen Mazoudier to deal with. And we open the night with one of the top prospects in boxing today in Marco Romero. He’s definitely someone to keep your eye on.”
BRITTON HARDIN, Head of Boxing, North America, DAZN
“This is the perfect time for us to be bringing in new boxing fans with the partnership with TNT and this is an exciting card to do that with. You get the full gamut of what boxing has with these matchups that we’re able to put together.
“I’m really excited for Saturday night. Everyone up here knows the level of competition and I can’t wait to see what we have.”
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Final presser quotes from Las Vegas
WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and his unbeaten challenger Ermal Hadribeaj went face to face at the final press conference on Thursday before they headline “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN this Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The press conference also featured WBA featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda, who duel in the co-feature, all-action former title holder Armando “Toro” Reséndiz, who battles Australia’s Koen Mazoudier in a ten-round super middleweight showdown, plus rising star Marco Romero and Uruguay’s Matias Ferreira, who meet in the eight-round super middleweight opening attraction at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The fourth installment of the live monthly boxing series will be broadcast in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.
TNT Sports and DAZN today announced an all-star announce team for Saturday’s event with Todd Grisham hosting studio coverage alongside undefeated five-division champion Terence Crawford, International Boxing Hall of Famer Tim Bradley Jr. and former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter. Corey Erdman will handle play-by-play duties alongside analysts Sergio Mora, a former champion, and veteran boxing journalist Chris Mannix. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“This Saturday we have everything on this card. Make sure to tune in, because we’re gonna make it a knockout of a weekend.
“He’s an undefeated fighter. He’s hungry, but we’ve seen that before. We’ve fought champions. This is the major leagues of boxing and we’re here to prove again why we’ll remain the champion.
“I’ve been in this sport for a while. I’ve been fighting for 22 years. It’s been a lot of learning and now we’re showing you guys.
“This is gonna be a great fight. He’s undefeated and he only knows how to win. But we’re here to break him.
“Losing to Brian Mendoza made me realize some things. Obviously if you make mistakes, you’re gonna get hurt. It’s not just about realizing the mistake, but learning from it.
“Future fights only get in my mind because of everyone asking us about them. We have Ermal in front of us and we’re not overlooking him at all. You can’t overlook anyone. After Saturday, you can ask me all the questions.
“I’m very comfortable making weight. I ate breakfast today. This is Fundora fight week and we’re ready to go.”
ERMAL HADRIBEAJ
“I want to show that I’m an exciting fighter that people are going to want to watch Tell the fans around the world that ‘The Albanian Sniper’ is coming for Sebastian Fundora.
“I met Fundora three years ago and I want to shake his hand and let him know that the respect is there. We knew that we’d want to fight him, but I wasn’t ready at that moment. Now I’ve proven that I belong here.
“We worked a lot in training camp and I think we have the key. If that key doesn’t work, I have another key in my pocket. I have everything I need. I’m fast, I’m strong, I work hard and I have punch resistance. Everyone thinks he has the advantage, but his only advantage is that he’s tall.
“I’m able to out box him and I have the power to hurt him as well. I’m very unpredictable so I can’t say now how it will happen.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“I’m just ready. We prepared 110%. Just like what I did in the UK, going out there against all odds, nothing is gonna come between me and keeping this belt. I’ve lost it before and gained it back, now I don’t plan on losing it again.
“I will give the best of me in every fight. I can’t wait to let my hands fly and do what I was born to do.
“I wanted to get to the top level and fight the best of the best, that’s why I teamed up with Manny Robles. We went over there with all of the odds against me. But as a champion, you take it on the chin and figure it out. You have to overcome obstacles.
“I’m just getting better every fight. Everyone is going to see on Saturday everything that I’ve worked for. This belt isn’t going anywhere. I promise you that.
“He’s got a lot of experience and he’s been in there with a lot of champions. But I’m a hungry, young fighter and I’m strong. I’m going in there with everything and ready to showcase what I have in the tank.
“Everyone is on my hit list. Line them up. I want all of them. That’s what I’m here for. The belts are nice, but I want the names. I want people to say I fought the champions and beat them all.”
TOMOKI KAMEDA
“’El Mexicanito’ is back once again. I’m very thankful for this great opportunity. I’m so happy to be back here in Las Vegas once again. I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready to be world champion once again.
“I’ve been training for nine months now. Now I’m here and more ready than ever. I can guarantee you that.
“I learned a lot from the loss to Angelo Leo. I was able to use those lessons in my preparation for this fight. On Saturday I’m going to show that I’m the superior fighter and come out on top.
“On Saturday night I’m going to prove that in boxing, anything is possible and that I’m willing and able to come out on top.
“I have to take advantage of this great opportunity. Chances like this don’t come around too often so I have to be 100% focused.”
ARMANDO RESENDIZ
“I’m always ready for a challenge. I just want to seek out the best. It makes me really proud to be on a prestigious card like this. I’m always in the gym so this was an opportunity I’m 100% ready for.
“There is a lot that I want to accomplish. I want to keep getting into the ring and being the best version of myself that I can be.
“It’s been a roller coaster for me, but I’ve proven that I will always get back up. There’s always a next chapter.
“I have full confidence in myself and my team. After Saturday night we’re going to look to move closer to becoming a world champion again.
“He’s a strong fighter who has a lot of heart. He’s very tough. The fans are going to end up being the true winners of the night.”
MARCO ROMERO
“I’m excited to be fighting alongside these champions and put on a great performance. He better live up to his words, because if he doesn’t it’s gonna be a long night for him.
“He thinks he has more experience than me, but with my amateur experience, that’s more than he’s had. He says he’s gonna come in and play my game, but I don’t think that’s a good game plan. You’re gonna get bit by the shark.
“He can believe whatever he wants. I’m going to go in there and do my job. I’m gonna let the shark go on the hunt. When I get the opportunity for the kill shot, don’t blink.
“I’m progressing and heading towards the top 10 and get to the world title level. A lot of guys I fight tend to move more, but if he comes in and brawl, that’s perfect for me. I’ll be ready for sure.”
MATIAS FERREIRA
“I’m going to be out there showing my speed from the first minute of the fight. I’ve been training hard for months now and I’m coming to knock him out before the fourth round. The fans are going to be in for a show.
“He’s a really good fighter, but he’s not going to be able to keep up with my speed. He doesn’t have the experience yet. I’m gonna come out and smother him from round one. I’ve trained hard and I know what I’m capable of.
“He struggles with the distance. I’ve seen how he likes to engage from short distance, but I’m going to play his game and make my speed count more.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“We’re all very excited to be here promoting ‘The Fight’ on TNT. This card has a little bit of everything on it.
“With our main event, you have Sebastian ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora taking on his mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj. He can’t look past his opponent who’s young and undefeated. The scary thing about Fundora is that he’s just getting better and better. His fights are always exciting and he’ll give fight fans everything they want in a fight night.”
“In the co-main event we have Brandon Figueroa, who went over the UK to win his WBA Featherweight World Title and upset Nick Ball. Now he’s back with a strong veteran fighter and former world champion in Tomoki Kameda.
“Plus we have a former world champion in Armando Resendiz returning for the first time since losing his title and he’s got a tough Australian in Koen Mazoudier to deal with. And we open the night with one of the top prospects in boxing today in Marco Romero. He’s definitely someone to keep your eye on.”
BRITTON HARDIN, Head of Boxing, North America, DAZN
“This is the perfect time for us to be bringing in new boxing fans with the partnership with TNT and this is an exciting card to do that with. You get the full gamut of what boxing has with these matchups that we’re able to put together.
“I’m really excited for Saturday night. Everyone up here knows the level of competition and I can’t wait to see what we have.”
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Jamel Herring defends bare knuckle title this weekend |
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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) returns to Newark, New Jersey this weekend with BKFC 95 on Saturday at the Prudential Center, live worldwide on The BKFC App. Former junior lightweight champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring defends his BKFC bantamweight (135-pound) title for the first time against BKFC flyweight (125-pound) champion John “The Magician” Dodson. Both fighters have been undefeated since entering BKFC's squared circle, boasting a combined 6-0-1 record.
On the undercard, Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera will be headhunting for a second straight stoppage victory at the expense of the battle-tested Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer, who’s gunning for a fourth win under the BKFC banner... Tony “Loco” Soto throws down against hard-hitting Anthony “The Pistol” Pike, who’s eager to rack up a second straight finish against his toughest challenge yet, in a must-see matchup at 155 pounds.
BKFC 95 on Saturday will also feature a slate of rookies to the BKFC Squared Circle and the return of established fan-favorite fighters, like Dalvin “Hippy Disciple” Blair, Paris “PDott Da Knockout Artist” Boyd, Phil “Hitman” Caracappa, Booke “Bare Knuckle Brooke” Evans, “Relentless” Jeff Lentz, Eduardo Peralta, Gabrielle Roman, Nicholas Saragosa and Anthony “The Devil’s Advocate” Yost, all LIVE worldwide on The BKFC App.
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Jamel Herring defends bare knuckle title this weekend
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) returns to Newark, New Jersey this weekend with BKFC 95 on Saturday at the Prudential Center, live worldwide on The BKFC App. Former junior lightweight champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring defends his BKFC bantamweight (135-pound) title for the first time against BKFC flyweight (125-pound) champion John “The Magician” Dodson. Both fighters have been undefeated since entering BKFC's squared circle, boasting a combined 6-0-1 record.
On the undercard, Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera will be headhunting for a second straight stoppage victory at the expense of the battle-tested Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer, who’s gunning for a fourth win under the BKFC banner... Tony “Loco” Soto throws down against hard-hitting Anthony “The Pistol” Pike, who’s eager to rack up a second straight finish against his toughest challenge yet, in a must-see matchup at 155 pounds.
BKFC 95 on Saturday will also feature a slate of rookies to the BKFC Squared Circle and the return of established fan-favorite fighters, like Dalvin “Hippy Disciple” Blair, Paris “PDott Da Knockout Artist” Boyd, Phil “Hitman” Caracappa, Booke “Bare Knuckle Brooke” Evans, “Relentless” Jeff Lentz, Eduardo Peralta, Gabrielle Roman, Nicholas Saragosa and Anthony “The Devil’s Advocate” Yost, all LIVE worldwide on The BKFC App.
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Teremoana vs. Ahio booked for Melbourne |
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Matchroom Boxing returns to Australia on Wednesday, November 18th at Pullman Melbourne Albert Park as undefeated heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana takes on Hemi Ahio (25-1, 19 KOs) on live on Fox Sports and DAZN’sKayo Sports in Australia. A towering Aussie, Teremoana has won all 12 of his professional fights to date by way of knockout and has been heralded by promoter Eddie Hearn as a future champion. Teremoana is relishing the challenge as he prepares to headline in Melbourne. “I’m excited to be fighting again down in Melbourne and this time headlining against a strong opponent from New Zealand in Hemi Ahio,” he said. “I am really looking forward to the challenge he will bring. Nothing changes for me. I am here to prove I am the best and Ahio is the next obstacle in my way. I respect what he’s achieved but he shouldn’t have taken this fight.
Teremoana continued, “I’ve been training hard and with another five weeks of preparation until fight night I plan to show the difference in levels. God willing, I will be victorious.”
However, Ahio – nicknamed ’The Heat’ – has warned Teremoana that he is ready to crank up the temperature and unleash everything he has when the two collide. “I’m in great shape, maybe in the best shape I have been my entire career,” said Ahio. “There’s going to be fireworks, and we will both be dropping big bombs. I’m ready to throw down with the big man. Let’s go!”
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is looking forward to big night Down Under with a card stacked with homegrown talent. “Australian boxing is flying and I am excited to be returning to Melbourne for what promises to be a brilliant fight card, headlined by the country’s most destructive fighter,” said Hearn. “We seriously have a superstar on our hands in Teremoana. He must close out this year with another big statement – but he’ll need to be at his best as Hemi Ahio is a very dangerous operator with plenty of experience. Teremoana truly has the potential to go far in the heavyweight division. I honestly believe he has the tools to go on and become a future champion. He is a man Australia needs to get behind.”
The undercard features local favorite Mitch Leek (14-0, 8 KOs) as he takes on Joel ‘Camo KO’ Camilleri (31-8, 15 KOs) ina middleweight contest.
The vacant Australian junior middleweight title is on the line as Melbourne’s Ky Hodgson (7-1) goes up against Victor Adis-Iosifidis (3-1, 1 KO).
Plus, unbeaten 21 year-old Omar El-Abdallah (6-0, 5 KOs) faces Lilo Telepe (6-1, 6 KOs) in a middleweight shootout.
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Teremoana vs. Ahio booked for Melbourne
Matchroom Boxing returns to Australia on Wednesday, November 18th at Pullman Melbourne Albert Park as undefeated heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana takes on Hemi Ahio (25-1, 19 KOs) on live on Fox Sports and DAZN’sKayo Sports in Australia. A towering Aussie, Teremoana has won all 12 of his professional fights to date by way of knockout and has been heralded by promoter Eddie Hearn as a future champion. Teremoana is relishing the challenge as he prepares to headline in Melbourne. “I’m excited to be fighting again down in Melbourne and this time headlining against a strong opponent from New Zealand in Hemi Ahio,” he said. “I am really looking forward to the challenge he will bring. Nothing changes for me. I am here to prove I am the best and Ahio is the next obstacle in my way. I respect what he’s achieved but he shouldn’t have taken this fight.
Teremoana continued, “I’ve been training hard and with another five weeks of preparation until fight night I plan to show the difference in levels. God willing, I will be victorious.”
However, Ahio – nicknamed ’The Heat’ – has warned Teremoana that he is ready to crank up the temperature and unleash everything he has when the two collide. “I’m in great shape, maybe in the best shape I have been my entire career,” said Ahio. “There’s going to be fireworks, and we will both be dropping big bombs. I’m ready to throw down with the big man. Let’s go!”
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is looking forward to big night Down Under with a card stacked with homegrown talent. “Australian boxing is flying and I am excited to be returning to Melbourne for what promises to be a brilliant fight card, headlined by the country’s most destructive fighter,” said Hearn. “We seriously have a superstar on our hands in Teremoana. He must close out this year with another big statement – but he’ll need to be at his best as Hemi Ahio is a very dangerous operator with plenty of experience. Teremoana truly has the potential to go far in the heavyweight division. I honestly believe he has the tools to go on and become a future champion. He is a man Australia needs to get behind.”
The undercard features local favorite Mitch Leek (14-0, 8 KOs) as he takes on Joel ‘Camo KO’ Camilleri (31-8, 15 KOs) ina middleweight contest.
The vacant Australian junior middleweight title is on the line as Melbourne’s Ky Hodgson (7-1) goes up against Victor Adis-Iosifidis (3-1, 1 KO).
Plus, unbeaten 21 year-old Omar El-Abdallah (6-0, 5 KOs) faces Lilo Telepe (6-1, 6 KOs) in a middleweight shootout.
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Nothing But Sportz institutes quality control procedures |
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Nothing But Sportz, the television, streaming and technology company founded by Steven Marcano, has announced it will not televise the October 24th boxing event featuring Maureen Shea after her scheduled opponent withdrew and a suitable replacement could not be secured within an acceptable promotional period. Effective immediately, NBS will require all essential athlete, promotional, production and broadcast agreements to be fully executed at least ten weeks prior to any scheduled live event. The policy is designed to ensure adequate preparation, marketing support, and audience development.
Entering its second year, NBS is transitioning from an early-stage entrepreneurial model into an institutionally structured television, streaming, and technology enterprise. The company is implementing enhanced governance standards, standardized contracting procedures, and centralized operational oversight, creating a foundation for national growth and long-term sustainability. NBS intends to televise Shea’s January 2027 return, with American Dream Presents remaining promotional company of record, subject to finalized agreements.
Two world-class championship boxing events are under negotiation for March and June 2027. Alongside promotional partnerships, NBS will acquire and license independently promoted boxing events targeting one major live event each month.
The company is expanding its programming interests into table tennis, pickleball, horse racing, motorcycle racing, motocross, tennis, flag football, volleyball, and surfing. NBS is also exploring the licensing of sporting events connected to U.S. Armed Forces sports programs. A major table tennis competition is targeted for February 2027.
Beyond live sports, NBS is developing original intellectual property, including King Carter, a vertical short-form project, Ring Card Girls and Scrap City, an interactive video game. The company is actively seeking submissions and distribution partnerships from independent filmmakers, documentary producers, digital content creators, and artificial intelligence companies. Its technology initiatives emphasize AI-powered sports analytics, interactive programming, personalized content discovery, and enhanced fan engagement. Building on existing distribution relationships with Roku, Apple, Amazon, Truth Plus, and KlowdTV, NBS is accelerating expansion across linear and digital platforms.
By the end of 2027, NBS is targeting distribution access across 85 percent of the linear television market and full digital platform availability. These are stated goals, not current market share. During its inaugural year, the company secured programming involving internationally recognized talent including Yuriorkis Gamboa, Guillermo Rigondeaux, and high-profile sports entertainment personalities.
The company has received substantial digital engagement, which management believes demonstrates the potential for a competitive position if its 2027 distribution and programming objectives are realized.
NBS is preparing its first eight-figure financing initiative with management reporting exploratory discussions with hedge funds and family offices as it advances its institutional growth strategy. Nothing But Sportz remains firmly committed to championship boxing while building a diversified sports media and technology platform. It is not moving away from boxing, it is building beyond it. With institutional standards, expanding content verticals, and a long-term distribution strategy, NBS is positioning itself for a defining second year. Nothing But Sportz — building the future of sports, television, streaming, and technology
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Nothing But Sportz institutes quality control procedures
Nothing But Sportz, the television, streaming and technology company founded by Steven Marcano, has announced it will not televise the October 24th boxing event featuring Maureen Shea after her scheduled opponent withdrew and a suitable replacement could not be secured within an acceptable promotional period. Effective immediately, NBS will require all essential athlete, promotional, production and broadcast agreements to be fully executed at least ten weeks prior to any scheduled live event. The policy is designed to ensure adequate preparation, marketing support, and audience development.
Entering its second year, NBS is transitioning from an early-stage entrepreneurial model into an institutionally structured television, streaming, and technology enterprise. The company is implementing enhanced governance standards, standardized contracting procedures, and centralized operational oversight, creating a foundation for national growth and long-term sustainability. NBS intends to televise Shea’s January 2027 return, with American Dream Presents remaining promotional company of record, subject to finalized agreements.
Two world-class championship boxing events are under negotiation for March and June 2027. Alongside promotional partnerships, NBS will acquire and license independently promoted boxing events targeting one major live event each month.
The company is expanding its programming interests into table tennis, pickleball, horse racing, motorcycle racing, motocross, tennis, flag football, volleyball, and surfing. NBS is also exploring the licensing of sporting events connected to U.S. Armed Forces sports programs. A major table tennis competition is targeted for February 2027.
Beyond live sports, NBS is developing original intellectual property, including King Carter, a vertical short-form project, Ring Card Girls and Scrap City, an interactive video game. The company is actively seeking submissions and distribution partnerships from independent filmmakers, documentary producers, digital content creators, and artificial intelligence companies. Its technology initiatives emphasize AI-powered sports analytics, interactive programming, personalized content discovery, and enhanced fan engagement. Building on existing distribution relationships with Roku, Apple, Amazon, Truth Plus, and KlowdTV, NBS is accelerating expansion across linear and digital platforms.
By the end of 2027, NBS is targeting distribution access across 85 percent of the linear television market and full digital platform availability. These are stated goals, not current market share. During its inaugural year, the company secured programming involving internationally recognized talent including Yuriorkis Gamboa, Guillermo Rigondeaux, and high-profile sports entertainment personalities.
The company has received substantial digital engagement, which management believes demonstrates the potential for a competitive position if its 2027 distribution and programming objectives are realized.
NBS is preparing its first eight-figure financing initiative with management reporting exploratory discussions with hedge funds and family offices as it advances its institutional growth strategy. Nothing But Sportz remains firmly committed to championship boxing while building a diversified sports media and technology platform. It is not moving away from boxing, it is building beyond it. With institutional standards, expanding content verticals, and a long-term distribution strategy, NBS is positioning itself for a defining second year. Nothing But Sportz — building the future of sports, television, streaming, and technology
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Abraham Perez to headline in Albuquerque Nov. 7th |
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Abraham Perez will defend his WBA interim flyweight title in a homecoming showdown with Yankiel Rivera at Albuquerque's Kiva Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 7th live on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT. Perez returns for his first defense just two years after a near-fatal drowning incident left him in a coma eight days prior to the biggest fight of his career in August 2024. Facing the grim diagnosis that he may never walk again, Perez persevered, returned to boxing in 2025 and won the interim title in June on DAZN over defending interim champion Jonathan Gonzalez. Now Perez (15-0, 7 KOs) returns with the hopes of following in the footsteps of New Mexico legends Johnny Tapia and Danny Romero, fellow lower-weight class champions who established Albuquerque as a homebase for major events. Tickets for the Nov. 7th event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions and Legacy Boxing Promotions in association with Wynn Records, are available on ticketmaster.com.
“Most athletes dream to be in the current situation I am in - defending a belt in their hometown,” Perez said. “It means a whole lot to not only me, but the local fans who get to see the fight. I did not let what happened to me stop the dream of becoming a world champion, I could've quit boxing or even swimming, but it's the optimism, the fight in me, and the love I have for the sport that kept me going. I will never be Tapia or Romero, I can only aspire to be the best version of myself. So while there is a Tapia, a Romero, there is also a Perez.”
The 27 year-old “Hammer” Perez was a stellar amateur, having won the 2021 Olympic Trials at 114 pounds and the 2019 National Golden Gloves. He turned pro in 2021 and was moved quickly, earning his first title opportunity in his 14th professional fight.
Rivera (8-1-1, 4 KOs) was the only boxer from Puerto Rico to qualify for 2021 Olympics and finished his amateur career with a 133-14 record. He was also moved swiftly since turning professional in 2022, fighting for an interim flyweight championship in only his eighth professional fight, a draw with then-undefeated Angelino Cordova. In his next fight he was upset in a decision loss zagainst Gonzalez for the WBA interim belt. The 29-year old is coming off a first-round knockout last month over Francisco Vargas Martinez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. “You will see a 100 percent Yankiel Rivera - completely focused, prepared and completely motivated,” Rivera said. “I know some are skeptical after my defeat, but I will show them that a defeat does not define me. With the exception of a very small group, every fighter faces a loss. It is not the loss that defines you, it is what you do afterwards.
“I see this fight as an opportunity to beat the guy who beat me. A victory will vindicate that defeat and will show that I belong in the mix with the elite fighters in the 112-pound division. My name has to be on that list. I’m ready to fight and defeat the best of the division.”
Albuquerque has a history as a boxing hotbed that has bred some of America’s best lower weight division champions - Hall of Famer and three division champion Johnny Tapia, who was a titlist at super flyweight, bantamweight and featherweight, and two division champion Danny Romero, a flyweight and junior bantamweight champion. Now the city has it’s newest champion in Perez, who looks to establish his own legacy as a young rising star in New Mexico.
“Albuquerque is one of America’s legendary boxing cities,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Our goal is to reignite that fire - both locally and nationally. We are proud to feature hometown world champion Abraham Perez, along with talented fighters from Albuquerque’s great local gyms. By teaming up with Legacy Boxing Promotions, we hope to build a lasting partnership and bring championship boxing back to this historic fight town.”
Added Aaron Perez and Gabriel Carlin of Legacy Promotions: “From day one, Legacy Promotions’ goal has been to put New Mexico back on the map as a destination for championship boxing. In 2024, we were proud to bring a world championship fight to Albuquerque. Now, we're honored to bring another world championship fight home - this time in partnership with Salita Promotions and DAZN, the premier boxing network in the world - with our own champion, Abraham Perez.
“After his latest victory, we asked Abraham what he wanted next. He said he wanted a big fight in Albuquerque, for a city that has been through a lot since the pandemic. We're excited to make that happen and give our city a night to remember."
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Abraham Perez to headline in Albuquerque Nov. 7th
Abraham Perez will defend his WBA interim flyweight title in a homecoming showdown with Yankiel Rivera at Albuquerque's Kiva Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 7th live on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT. Perez returns for his first defense just two years after a near-fatal drowning incident left him in a coma eight days prior to the biggest fight of his career in August 2024. Facing the grim diagnosis that he may never walk again, Perez persevered, returned to boxing in 2025 and won the interim title in June on DAZN over defending interim champion Jonathan Gonzalez. Now Perez (15-0, 7 KOs) returns with the hopes of following in the footsteps of New Mexico legends Johnny Tapia and Danny Romero, fellow lower-weight class champions who established Albuquerque as a homebase for major events. Tickets for the Nov. 7th event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions and Legacy Boxing Promotions in association with Wynn Records, are available on ticketmaster.com.
“Most athletes dream to be in the current situation I am in - defending a belt in their hometown,” Perez said. “It means a whole lot to not only me, but the local fans who get to see the fight. I did not let what happened to me stop the dream of becoming a world champion, I could've quit boxing or even swimming, but it's the optimism, the fight in me, and the love I have for the sport that kept me going. I will never be Tapia or Romero, I can only aspire to be the best version of myself. So while there is a Tapia, a Romero, there is also a Perez.”
The 27 year-old “Hammer” Perez was a stellar amateur, having won the 2021 Olympic Trials at 114 pounds and the 2019 National Golden Gloves. He turned pro in 2021 and was moved quickly, earning his first title opportunity in his 14th professional fight.
Rivera (8-1-1, 4 KOs) was the only boxer from Puerto Rico to qualify for 2021 Olympics and finished his amateur career with a 133-14 record. He was also moved swiftly since turning professional in 2022, fighting for an interim flyweight championship in only his eighth professional fight, a draw with then-undefeated Angelino Cordova. In his next fight he was upset in a decision loss zagainst Gonzalez for the WBA interim belt. The 29-year old is coming off a first-round knockout last month over Francisco Vargas Martinez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. “You will see a 100 percent Yankiel Rivera - completely focused, prepared and completely motivated,” Rivera said. “I know some are skeptical after my defeat, but I will show them that a defeat does not define me. With the exception of a very small group, every fighter faces a loss. It is not the loss that defines you, it is what you do afterwards.
“I see this fight as an opportunity to beat the guy who beat me. A victory will vindicate that defeat and will show that I belong in the mix with the elite fighters in the 112-pound division. My name has to be on that list. I’m ready to fight and defeat the best of the division.”
Albuquerque has a history as a boxing hotbed that has bred some of America’s best lower weight division champions - Hall of Famer and three division champion Johnny Tapia, who was a titlist at super flyweight, bantamweight and featherweight, and two division champion Danny Romero, a flyweight and junior bantamweight champion. Now the city has it’s newest champion in Perez, who looks to establish his own legacy as a young rising star in New Mexico.
“Albuquerque is one of America’s legendary boxing cities,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Our goal is to reignite that fire - both locally and nationally. We are proud to feature hometown world champion Abraham Perez, along with talented fighters from Albuquerque’s great local gyms. By teaming up with Legacy Boxing Promotions, we hope to build a lasting partnership and bring championship boxing back to this historic fight town.”
Added Aaron Perez and Gabriel Carlin of Legacy Promotions: “From day one, Legacy Promotions’ goal has been to put New Mexico back on the map as a destination for championship boxing. In 2024, we were proud to bring a world championship fight to Albuquerque. Now, we're honored to bring another world championship fight home - this time in partnership with Salita Promotions and DAZN, the premier boxing network in the world - with our own champion, Abraham Perez.
“After his latest victory, we asked Abraham what he wanted next. He said he wanted a big fight in Albuquerque, for a city that has been through a lot since the pandemic. We're excited to make that happen and give our city a night to remember."
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Introducing Hawaii's Azariah Cottrell |
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Azariah Cottrell KO2 Karla Valenzuela Garcia... Hawaiian amateur standout Azariah Cottrell made a winning entrance into traditional professional boxing, scoring a second-round knockout over Karla Valenzuela Garcia (3-42-3, 1 KO) in their four-round lightweight bout. Cottrell entered the professional ranks after establishing herself as a childhood boxing prodigy, a USA Boxing national champion and a standout in Team Boxing League. Rather than allowing the moment to overwhelm her, Cottrell embraced it. Facing an opponent with nearly 50 professional fights, Cottrell displayed the confidence and experience developed through years of high-level competition. She took control of the fight before ending matters in the second round, officially beginning her traditional professional career at 1-0 with one knockout.
For Cottrell, however, the victory was less about making a statement and more about finally taking the first step toward a dream she has carried since childhood. “It was a special feeling,” said Cottrell. I've been boxing since I was a little girl, so I've dreamed about this moment for a long time. Once the bell rang, I just trusted my training and did what I know how to do. Getting the knockout was exciting but getting that first professional win is what really means the most to me.”
Long before Cottrell became a professional, she was already making history. At only 10 years old, Cottrell was ranked #1 nationally at 75 pounds in the 9-10 girls division in the 2018 National Silver Gloves final rankings. She became the first girl from Hawaii to win the Silver Gloves Tournament and later captured a USA Boxing National Championship as a teenager.
Her accomplishments earned recognition from the State of Hawaii and established Cottrell as one of the islands' promising young boxing talents. She later gained another valuable layer of experience through Team Boxing League, compiling a 16-2 record before making the transition into traditional professional boxing.
Despite everything she accomplished before turning professional, Cottrell views herself as a fighter starting over with plenty still to prove. “Everything I did in the amateurs and Team Boxing League prepared me for this, but now I'm starting a new journey,” she added. “I'm 1-0, and that's it. I still have so much to learn and prove. I'm hungry to keep fighting, keep getting better and see how far I can take this.”
No matter where boxing takes her, Cottrell remains deeply connected to her Hawaiian roots. Her success as a young amateur allowed her to represent Hawaii on the national stage. Now, as a professional, she hopes to continue carrying that identity with her while inspiring another generation of young fighters from the islands. “Hawaii is always with me,” Cottell continued. “I'm proud of where I come from and everything my family and the people back home have done for me. Every time I fight, I want to represent them the right way. Hopefully, young girls back home can watch my journey and believe they can chase their dreams too.”
Cottrell isn't hiding what she ultimately wants from professional boxing. But after spending most of her life around the sport, she also understands that championship opportunities are earned through development, consistency and increasingly difficult fights. “I want to be a world champion one day,” she concluded. “That's always been the dream. But I'm not trying to rush past the work it takes to get there. I want to stay active, keep learning and take it fight by fight. This was the first one. Now I'm ready for the next.”
Bobby Harrison, CEO of BiYu Promotions, believes Cottrell's combination of youth, experience and competitive mentality gives her an opportunity to develop into one of women's boxing's notable young fighters. After watching her deliver a knockout in her professional debut, Harrison is excited about what comes next. “Azariah has something special,” Harrison said. “She has been competing at a high level since she was a kid, so even though this was her pro debut, she didn't look like someone who was new to the ring. She stayed composed, did her job and got the knockout. She's young, she's hungry and she wants to learn. That's what excites me the most. We're going to keep her active, develop her the right way and give her opportunities to grow. I believe she has a very bright future in women's boxing.”
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Introducing Hawaii's Azariah Cottrell
Azariah Cottrell KO2 Karla Valenzuela Garcia... Hawaiian amateur standout Azariah Cottrell made a winning entrance into traditional professional boxing, scoring a second-round knockout over Karla Valenzuela Garcia (3-42-3, 1 KO) in their four-round lightweight bout. Cottrell entered the professional ranks after establishing herself as a childhood boxing prodigy, a USA Boxing national champion and a standout in Team Boxing League. Rather than allowing the moment to overwhelm her, Cottrell embraced it. Facing an opponent with nearly 50 professional fights, Cottrell displayed the confidence and experience developed through years of high-level competition. She took control of the fight before ending matters in the second round, officially beginning her traditional professional career at 1-0 with one knockout.
For Cottrell, however, the victory was less about making a statement and more about finally taking the first step toward a dream she has carried since childhood. “It was a special feeling,” said Cottrell. I've been boxing since I was a little girl, so I've dreamed about this moment for a long time. Once the bell rang, I just trusted my training and did what I know how to do. Getting the knockout was exciting but getting that first professional win is what really means the most to me.”
Long before Cottrell became a professional, she was already making history. At only 10 years old, Cottrell was ranked #1 nationally at 75 pounds in the 9-10 girls division in the 2018 National Silver Gloves final rankings. She became the first girl from Hawaii to win the Silver Gloves Tournament and later captured a USA Boxing National Championship as a teenager.
Her accomplishments earned recognition from the State of Hawaii and established Cottrell as one of the islands' promising young boxing talents. She later gained another valuable layer of experience through Team Boxing League, compiling a 16-2 record before making the transition into traditional professional boxing.
Despite everything she accomplished before turning professional, Cottrell views herself as a fighter starting over with plenty still to prove. “Everything I did in the amateurs and Team Boxing League prepared me for this, but now I'm starting a new journey,” she added. “I'm 1-0, and that's it. I still have so much to learn and prove. I'm hungry to keep fighting, keep getting better and see how far I can take this.”
No matter where boxing takes her, Cottrell remains deeply connected to her Hawaiian roots. Her success as a young amateur allowed her to represent Hawaii on the national stage. Now, as a professional, she hopes to continue carrying that identity with her while inspiring another generation of young fighters from the islands. “Hawaii is always with me,” Cottell continued. “I'm proud of where I come from and everything my family and the people back home have done for me. Every time I fight, I want to represent them the right way. Hopefully, young girls back home can watch my journey and believe they can chase their dreams too.”
Cottrell isn't hiding what she ultimately wants from professional boxing. But after spending most of her life around the sport, she also understands that championship opportunities are earned through development, consistency and increasingly difficult fights. “I want to be a world champion one day,” she concluded. “That's always been the dream. But I'm not trying to rush past the work it takes to get there. I want to stay active, keep learning and take it fight by fight. This was the first one. Now I'm ready for the next.”
Bobby Harrison, CEO of BiYu Promotions, believes Cottrell's combination of youth, experience and competitive mentality gives her an opportunity to develop into one of women's boxing's notable young fighters. After watching her deliver a knockout in her professional debut, Harrison is excited about what comes next. “Azariah has something special,” Harrison said. “She has been competing at a high level since she was a kid, so even though this was her pro debut, she didn't look like someone who was new to the ring. She stayed composed, did her job and got the knockout. She's young, she's hungry and she wants to learn. That's what excites me the most. We're going to keep her active, develop her the right way and give her opportunities to grow. I believe she has a very bright future in women's boxing.”
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Weigh-in report from Phoenix |
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From the Rawhide Event Center in Phoenix, Arizona, here are the boxers' official weights for the ProBox show, beginning at 7 PM Eastern time on Friday:
Joshua Kevin Anton, 152.9 pounds -vs.- Freudis Rojas, 151.4;
Justin Pauldo, 134.1 -vs.- Rene Tellez Giron, 134;
Bryan Acosta, 125.3 -vs.- Carlos Andres Arteaga Orona, 126.1;
Charles Harris Jr., 138.1 -vs.- Misael Cabrera Urias, 138;
Heidan Martinez Morillo, 139 -vs.- Willmank Canonico Brito, 139.1;
Trini Ochoa, 147.8 -vs.- Alex Martin, 146.7;
Trenton Bradford, 161 -vs.- Aaron Mick, 159.2;
Rahman Muhamad, 146.6 -vs.- Jose Valenzuela Alvarado, 146;
Trevor Kotara, 233.1 -vs.- Aurek Anderson, 218.7; and
Siupeli Anau, 254.2 -vs.- Bryan Hall, 263.5.
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Weigh-in report from Phoenix
From the Rawhide Event Center in Phoenix, Arizona, here are the boxers' official weights for the ProBox show, beginning at 7 PM Eastern time on Friday:
Joshua Kevin Anton, 152.9 pounds -vs.- Freudis Rojas, 151.4;
Justin Pauldo, 134.1 -vs.- Rene Tellez Giron, 134;
Bryan Acosta, 125.3 -vs.- Carlos Andres Arteaga Orona, 126.1;
Charles Harris Jr., 138.1 -vs.- Misael Cabrera Urias, 138;
Heidan Martinez Morillo, 139 -vs.- Willmank Canonico Brito, 139.1;
Trini Ochoa, 147.8 -vs.- Alex Martin, 146.7;
Trenton Bradford, 161 -vs.- Aaron Mick, 159.2;
Rahman Muhamad, 146.6 -vs.- Jose Valenzuela Alvarado, 146;
Trevor Kotara, 233.1 -vs.- Aurek Anderson, 218.7; and
Siupeli Anau, 254.2 -vs.- Bryan Hall, 263.5.
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Olascuaga gets hometown title defense |
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WBO flyweight champion Anthony Olascuaga has signed a multi-fight co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Teiken Promotions, and will defend his title against Yuberjen Martinez on November 14th at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The bout wil be aired on TNT Sports and DAZN’s “The Fight,” the new monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN just prior to the main event, Diego Pacheco’s super middleweight showdown with Darius Fulghum. Olascuaga (12-1 with 9 KOs) defends his title for the sixth time and does so in his first fight in his Los Angeles home, having had five of his last six fights in Japan. The 27-year old won the title in Tokyo in July 2024 with a third-round KO of Riku Kano in Tokyo and has returned to Japan for four of his defenses, the last being a ninth-round stoppage of Jukiya Iimura in March.
‘Princesa’ is thrilled to be fighting in LA for the first time in his career. “I’m so excited to be fighting in Los Angeles,” said Olascuaga. “It feels amazing to fight in the city and on the streets where I grew up. LA is home, and fighting in front of my people makes this one extra special. I am very grateful to [Teiken's) Mr. Honda and everyone at Teiken for their continued support, and I’m also very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom team once again. I’m ready to put on a great show and give everyone a night to remember! Come out, show your love, and support me — I can’t wait to see you all there!”
Martinez (14-0 including the World Series of Boxing) is gearing up for his first world title shot following a glittering amateur career. The two-time Colombian Olympian and 2016 silver medalist ramped up his pro game in May with his seventh stoppage win in seven pro outings, and the Colombian has vowed to add world title glory to stuffed trophy cabinet from his amateur days. “I’m very happy with this huge opportunity to fight for the WBO title,” said Martinez. “After winning Silver at the Rio Olympics, my dream has been to become a champion. I have been training to fight on November 20th in my home country, when I received the call from my promoter for this fight, I got very exited because I’m ready. We will finish camp at Nacho Berestain Romanza Gym in Mexico City and come November 14th, we will be ready for war.”
Olascuaga’s defense leads a stacked undercard that starts with the Matchroom and US debut of David Adeleye, who faces Alexander Flores over ten rounds. Adeleye (14-2, 13 KOs) put pen to paper with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom in September and the Briton’s first assignment sees him tangle with the experienced Californian Flores (21-6-1, 19 KOs) over ten rounds. “I’ve been out the ring far too long and my itchy knuckles are ready to fly,” said Adeleye. “This is the start to the next phase of my career, with Eddie and Matchroom I intend to fulfill my desire to be the best in the world!”
The lightweight division is bubbling up nicely and two Californian’s clash in a showdown that could move the winner into line for a big fight, as Charlie Sheehy and Gabriel Flores Jr meet over ten. Sheehy (13-0 8 KOs) fights under the Matchroom banner for the second time having impressed with a stoppage win in Houston in May over Nike Theran, while Flores Jr. (27-3 8 KOs) will be itching to get back to winning ways after going the distance with former 130-pound champ Joe Cordina in December in Stockton, CA. “This is a big opportunity that I’ve been waiting for,” said Sheehy. “I’m ready to make a statement and take another step closer to becoming a champion.” This fight will be a breakout performance; my time is now,” said Flores. All my experience goes into this fight, and that can be the difference.”
A packed show will features a stack of rising stars on the prelims, with Zaquin Moses fighting over eight rounds at junior lightweight, Nishant Dev in action over eight rounds at jujnior middleweight, Frank Espinoza getting out over six rounds at middleweight and Pacheco’s brother Federico ready for eight rounds at heavyweight, with all opponents to be confirmed in due course.
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Olascuaga gets hometown title defense
WBO flyweight champion Anthony Olascuaga has signed a multi-fight co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Teiken Promotions, and will defend his title against Yuberjen Martinez on November 14th at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The bout wil be aired on TNT Sports and DAZN’s “The Fight,” the new monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN just prior to the main event, Diego Pacheco’s super middleweight showdown with Darius Fulghum. Olascuaga (12-1 with 9 KOs) defends his title for the sixth time and does so in his first fight in his Los Angeles home, having had five of his last six fights in Japan. The 27-year old won the title in Tokyo in July 2024 with a third-round KO of Riku Kano in Tokyo and has returned to Japan for four of his defenses, the last being a ninth-round stoppage of Jukiya Iimura in March.
‘Princesa’ is thrilled to be fighting in LA for the first time in his career. “I’m so excited to be fighting in Los Angeles,” said Olascuaga. “It feels amazing to fight in the city and on the streets where I grew up. LA is home, and fighting in front of my people makes this one extra special. I am very grateful to [Teiken's) Mr. Honda and everyone at Teiken for their continued support, and I’m also very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom team once again. I’m ready to put on a great show and give everyone a night to remember! Come out, show your love, and support me — I can’t wait to see you all there!”
Martinez (14-0 including the World Series of Boxing) is gearing up for his first world title shot following a glittering amateur career. The two-time Colombian Olympian and 2016 silver medalist ramped up his pro game in May with his seventh stoppage win in seven pro outings, and the Colombian has vowed to add world title glory to stuffed trophy cabinet from his amateur days. “I’m very happy with this huge opportunity to fight for the WBO title,” said Martinez. “After winning Silver at the Rio Olympics, my dream has been to become a champion. I have been training to fight on November 20th in my home country, when I received the call from my promoter for this fight, I got very exited because I’m ready. We will finish camp at Nacho Berestain Romanza Gym in Mexico City and come November 14th, we will be ready for war.”
Olascuaga’s defense leads a stacked undercard that starts with the Matchroom and US debut of David Adeleye, who faces Alexander Flores over ten rounds. Adeleye (14-2, 13 KOs) put pen to paper with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom in September and the Briton’s first assignment sees him tangle with the experienced Californian Flores (21-6-1, 19 KOs) over ten rounds. “I’ve been out the ring far too long and my itchy knuckles are ready to fly,” said Adeleye. “This is the start to the next phase of my career, with Eddie and Matchroom I intend to fulfill my desire to be the best in the world!”
The lightweight division is bubbling up nicely and two Californian’s clash in a showdown that could move the winner into line for a big fight, as Charlie Sheehy and Gabriel Flores Jr meet over ten. Sheehy (13-0 8 KOs) fights under the Matchroom banner for the second time having impressed with a stoppage win in Houston in May over Nike Theran, while Flores Jr. (27-3 8 KOs) will be itching to get back to winning ways after going the distance with former 130-pound champ Joe Cordina in December in Stockton, CA. “This is a big opportunity that I’ve been waiting for,” said Sheehy. “I’m ready to make a statement and take another step closer to becoming a champion.” This fight will be a breakout performance; my time is now,” said Flores. All my experience goes into this fight, and that can be the difference.”
A packed show will features a stack of rising stars on the prelims, with Zaquin Moses fighting over eight rounds at junior lightweight, Nishant Dev in action over eight rounds at jujnior middleweight, Frank Espinoza getting out over six rounds at middleweight and Pacheco’s brother Federico ready for eight rounds at heavyweight, with all opponents to be confirmed in due course.
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Rest in Peace Jorge Castro |
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The WBC announced the passing of former middleweight champion Jorge Castro, who passed away at the age of 59 in Buenos Aires. Wikipedia suggests Castro died from the effects of hypoglycemia. Born on August 18, 1967, in Caleta Olivia, Santa Cruz (Argentina), Castro built one of the most courageous, enduring, and memorable careers in South American boxing history. A relentless and confirmed warrior of the ring, he fought in 144 professional bouts, compiling a now-unthinkable record of 130 victories, 11 losses and 3 draws.
Castro's career had some incredible moments: he lost early-1990 title shots to Terry Norris and Roy Jones but garnered the WBA middleweight title in 1994 by defeating Reggie Johnson. Castro defeated Johnson in a rematch and then lost his title to Shinji Takehara. But Castro will always be remembered for one of the greatest turnarounds in boxing history. Castro was in dire straits against John David Jackson. The annoucers were calling for the fight to be stopped due to the punishment absorbed by Castro. Jackson closed in to finish off the wounded and badly cut Castro in round nine when Castro landed a thunderous left that floored Jackson. Castro scored two more knocdowns in short order to complete the stunning comeback.
Later in his career, Castro put on a lot of weight but managed to split two fights with Hall of Famer Roberto Duran and lose 190-pound title fights to Juan Carlos Gomez and Vassily Jirov.
Beyond his glory inside the squared ring and the endearing charisma that made him a beloved national idol, “Locomotora” Castro was known for his huge heart outside the ring, dedicating much of his post-retirement life to community work and supporting soup kitchens to help those most in need.
Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of Jorge Castro.
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Rest in Peace Jorge Castro
The WBC announced the passing of former middleweight champion Jorge Castro, who passed away at the age of 59 in Buenos Aires. Wikipedia suggests Castro died from the effects of hypoglycemia. Born on August 18, 1967, in Caleta Olivia, Santa Cruz (Argentina), Castro built one of the most courageous, enduring, and memorable careers in South American boxing history. A relentless and confirmed warrior of the ring, he fought in 144 professional bouts, compiling a now-unthinkable record of 130 victories, 11 losses and 3 draws.
Castro's career had some incredible moments: he lost early-1990 title shots to Terry Norris and Roy Jones but garnered the WBA middleweight title in 1994 by defeating Reggie Johnson. Castro defeated Johnson in a rematch and then lost his title to Shinji Takehara. But Castro will always be remembered for one of the greatest turnarounds in boxing history. Castro was in dire straits against John David Jackson. The annoucers were calling for the fight to be stopped due to the punishment absorbed by Castro. Jackson closed in to finish off the wounded and badly cut Castro in round nine when Castro landed a thunderous left that floored Jackson. Castro scored two more knocdowns in short order to complete the stunning comeback.
Later in his career, Castro put on a lot of weight but managed to split two fights with Hall of Famer Roberto Duran and lose 190-pound title fights to Juan Carlos Gomez and Vassily Jirov.
Beyond his glory inside the squared ring and the endearing charisma that made him a beloved national idol, “Locomotora” Castro was known for his huge heart outside the ring, dedicating much of his post-retirement life to community work and supporting soup kitchens to help those most in need.
Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of Jorge Castro.
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WBC appeases Zuffa by delaying Adames mandatory |
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The WBC has reversed its postion on the mandatory defense obligations of its middleweight champion, Carlos Adames, just days after Adames signed a promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing. Just prior to Adames inking his Zuffa deal, the WBC ordered him to make his next defense against Meiirim Nursultanov. On Wednseaday, however, ihe WBC approved Adames’ petition to instead participate in a non-title fight on November 17th. The WBC further promised to review Adames’ mandatory obligations during its upcoming annual convention, to be held in Acapulco, Mexico from November 8th through 13th. Nursultanov won a WBC eliminator in 2023 and has not fought since then while waiting, and then having the Ramos fight fall out. Today's development means he wont get a title shot until 2027. Nursultanov's record is 32-1 including paid bouts in the World Series of Boxing.
According to the WBC announcement, the current status of the WBC middleweight championship is that if Adames loses the November 17th fight, the title will be declared vacant. If he wins, Adames must make the mandatory defense against Nursultanov, with the winner of the Adames vs. Nursultanov bout then obligated to fight WBC interim champion Jesús Ramos Jr.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE:
OCT. 14, 2026: Zuffa Boxing announced that WBC middleweight champion Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with the company. Adames hails from Elias Piña, Dominican Republic, joins a Zuffa boxing roster that also includes WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley, although Bentley may soon be stripped by the WBO for skipping his mandatory defense obligation. An announcement regarding Adames’ Zuffa Boxing debut will be made shortly. The WBC recently ordered Adames to make a mandatory defense against undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov.
“This is a new chapter in my career, and I’m here to make history. Zuffa Boxing is building something special, and I want to be part of it,” Adames said. “I’m ready to face the best fighters in the world on the biggest stage. The best of ‘Caballo Bronco’ is yet to come.”
Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs), 32, is an eleven-year pro who is unbeaten in seven fights since moving up to middleweight in 2021. He has defended the WBC championship three times, including a hard-fought draw against Hamzah Sheeraz last year and a one-sided decision over Austin “Ammo” Williams in March. Prior to becoming world champion, Adames knocked out former unified s154-pound champion Julian Williams in nine rounds. As an amateur, he won more than 200 fights and competed at the international level, capturing gold at the 2012 Pan American Youth Championships and the 2015 Jose Cheo Aponte Tournament.
SEPT. 25, 2026: Undefeated Kazakh Meiirim Nursultanov is getting a title shot against WBC middleweight monarch Carlos “El Caballo Bronco” Adames. No date has been set for the fight, but the WBC has officially ordered both boxers' camps to begin negotiations, setting October 20th as the deadline to reach an agreement. If a deal is not finalized within the allotted time frame, the WBC will call for a purse bid to award the promotional rights for the fight. The path to this long-awaited matchup accelerated directly following the unfortunate withdrawal of the division’s interim champion, Jesus Ramos, who was unable to compete in the scheduled eliminator against Nursultanov last weekend due to health reasons. Under these circumstances, the WBC granted Nursultanov the direct right as the division’s official mandatory contender.
Adames, from the Dominican Republic is coming off a successful decision defense against Austin “Ammo” Williams in Orlando, Florida. Carrying power and an increasingly cerebral approach, Adames looks to reaffirm his absolute dominance over the division.
Nursultanov, age 33, earned his mandatory challenger status way back in November 2023 with a decisive victory over Chile’s Julio Álamos. Despite the long layoff away from the squared circle, Nursultanov has maintained constant physical preparation while awaiting the final call to fulfill his dream of becoming a champion.
SEPT. 18, 2026: The WBC has ordered its reigning middleweight champion, Carlos Adames of the Dominican Republic (pictured) to make his next title defense against the winner of this weekend's clash between Mexican-American Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. and undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov of Kazakhstan. Ramos is recognized as the WBC interim champion but the WBC ruling officially transforms the showdown at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego into a definitive title eliminator. Adames (27-3-1 including the World Series of Boxing) has had only two fights in the last two years and three months, the last one being a win over Austin Williams in March.
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WBC appeases Zuffa by delaying Adames mandatory
The WBC has reversed its postion on the mandatory defense obligations of its middleweight champion, Carlos Adames, just days after Adames signed a promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing. Just prior to Adames inking his Zuffa deal, the WBC ordered him to make his next defense against Meiirim Nursultanov. On Wednseaday, however, ihe WBC approved Adames’ petition to instead participate in a non-title fight on November 17th. The WBC further promised to review Adames’ mandatory obligations during its upcoming annual convention, to be held in Acapulco, Mexico from November 8th through 13th. Nursultanov won a WBC eliminator in 2023 and has not fought since then while waiting, and then having the Ramos fight fall out. Today's development means he wont get a title shot until 2027. Nursultanov's record is 32-1 including paid bouts in the World Series of Boxing.
According to the WBC announcement, the current status of the WBC middleweight championship is that if Adames loses the November 17th fight, the title will be declared vacant. If he wins, Adames must make the mandatory defense against Nursultanov, with the winner of the Adames vs. Nursultanov bout then obligated to fight WBC interim champion Jesús Ramos Jr.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE:
OCT. 14, 2026: Zuffa Boxing announced that WBC middleweight champion Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with the company. Adames hails from Elias Piña, Dominican Republic, joins a Zuffa boxing roster that also includes WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley, although Bentley may soon be stripped by the WBO for skipping his mandatory defense obligation. An announcement regarding Adames’ Zuffa Boxing debut will be made shortly. The WBC recently ordered Adames to make a mandatory defense against undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov.
“This is a new chapter in my career, and I’m here to make history. Zuffa Boxing is building something special, and I want to be part of it,” Adames said. “I’m ready to face the best fighters in the world on the biggest stage. The best of ‘Caballo Bronco’ is yet to come.”
Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs), 32, is an eleven-year pro who is unbeaten in seven fights since moving up to middleweight in 2021. He has defended the WBC championship three times, including a hard-fought draw against Hamzah Sheeraz last year and a one-sided decision over Austin “Ammo” Williams in March. Prior to becoming world champion, Adames knocked out former unified s154-pound champion Julian Williams in nine rounds. As an amateur, he won more than 200 fights and competed at the international level, capturing gold at the 2012 Pan American Youth Championships and the 2015 Jose Cheo Aponte Tournament.
SEPT. 25, 2026: Undefeated Kazakh Meiirim Nursultanov is getting a title shot against WBC middleweight monarch Carlos “El Caballo Bronco” Adames. No date has been set for the fight, but the WBC has officially ordered both boxers' camps to begin negotiations, setting October 20th as the deadline to reach an agreement. If a deal is not finalized within the allotted time frame, the WBC will call for a purse bid to award the promotional rights for the fight. The path to this long-awaited matchup accelerated directly following the unfortunate withdrawal of the division’s interim champion, Jesus Ramos, who was unable to compete in the scheduled eliminator against Nursultanov last weekend due to health reasons. Under these circumstances, the WBC granted Nursultanov the direct right as the division’s official mandatory contender.
Adames, from the Dominican Republic is coming off a successful decision defense against Austin “Ammo” Williams in Orlando, Florida. Carrying power and an increasingly cerebral approach, Adames looks to reaffirm his absolute dominance over the division.
Nursultanov, age 33, earned his mandatory challenger status way back in November 2023 with a decisive victory over Chile’s Julio Álamos. Despite the long layoff away from the squared circle, Nursultanov has maintained constant physical preparation while awaiting the final call to fulfill his dream of becoming a champion.
SEPT. 18, 2026: The WBC has ordered its reigning middleweight champion, Carlos Adames of the Dominican Republic (pictured) to make his next title defense against the winner of this weekend's clash between Mexican-American Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. and undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov of Kazakhstan. Ramos is recognized as the WBC interim champion but the WBC ruling officially transforms the showdown at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego into a definitive title eliminator. Adames (27-3-1 including the World Series of Boxing) has had only two fights in the last two years and three months, the last one being a win over Austin Williams in March.
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Ex-champ Yuniel Dorticos back in action on Sunday |
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Kris Lawrence and Kelly Baker of the Heavyweight Factory are set to bring "Fists of Fury 13" to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino this Sunday, October 18th, in Hollywood, Florida. The co-feature see ex-cruiserweight champion Yuniel Dorticos (28-3) facing Juan Camilo Novoa (35-15-1) of Bogota, Colombia. Dorticos, originally from Cienfugos, Cuba, lost his last major fight in a WBO cruiserweight title bid vs. Gilberto Ramirez. However, Dorticos came back as a heavyweight in August and defeated Ronald Montes with an early stoppage. Dorticos vs. Novoa will be a ten rounder. The main event will pit Donald Haynesworth (19-10-1) of New York trying to gatekeep against a feared striker, Gustavo "The Cuban Assassin" Trujillo (12-0) in a ten-round heavyweight showdown. Trujillo, now based out of Miami, is simulataneously campaigning in traditional as well as bare knuckles boxing. A total of eleven bouts is scheduled for October 18th. The opening bout is scheduled for 4PM. Tickets are available online. The event's ring announcer will be Boxingtalk's Christian Schmidt.
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Ex-champ Yuniel Dorticos back in action on Sunday
Kris Lawrence and Kelly Baker of the Heavyweight Factory are set to bring "Fists of Fury 13" to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino this Sunday, October 18th, in Hollywood, Florida. The co-feature see ex-cruiserweight champion Yuniel Dorticos (28-3) facing Juan Camilo Novoa (35-15-1) of Bogota, Colombia. Dorticos, originally from Cienfugos, Cuba, lost his last major fight in a WBO cruiserweight title bid vs. Gilberto Ramirez. However, Dorticos came back as a heavyweight in August and defeated Ronald Montes with an early stoppage. Dorticos vs. Novoa will be a ten rounder. The main event will pit Donald Haynesworth (19-10-1) of New York trying to gatekeep against a feared striker, Gustavo "The Cuban Assassin" Trujillo (12-0) in a ten-round heavyweight showdown. Trujillo, now based out of Miami, is simulataneously campaigning in traditional as well as bare knuckles boxing. A total of eleven bouts is scheduled for October 18th. The opening bout is scheduled for 4PM. Tickets are available online. The event's ring announcer will be Boxingtalk's Christian Schmidt.
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MVP going to India in 2027 for Goyat vs. Pettis |
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MVP announced that India’s top pro boxer Neeraj Goyat, will box former UFC champion Anthony Pettis on Saturday, January 23, 2027. The host city will be selected from among Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Chennai. Goyat is 21-4-2 with 9 KOs while Pettis will be making his boxing debut after a 25-14 run in MMA, which included the UFC 155-pound championship. Goyat-Pettis will be a six-round bout at 154 pounds, presented by IPBL Boxing and sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council. The city and venue to be announced in November.
Goyat, age 34, from Haryana, has spent more than a decade taking Indian professional boxing abroad. He was the first Indian boxer to be ranked by the WBC and in 2024, he became the first international fighter to sign with MVP, the American boxing and MMA promotion founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. That November he beat Brazil’s Whindersson Nunes on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card, a night watched live by 108 million people on Netflix. Now comes the biggest fight of his career, at home.
Goyat said: “I have fought in China, in Thailand, in America and in the UK, and every time I was the Indian on somebody else’s card. This time the card is ours. I want to thank MVP and Nakisa Bidarian for believing in me and helping bring this moment to India. Anthony is a real champion and I respect everything he has done, but I have waited my whole career to fight a name like this in front of my own people. I am not giving that night away.”
Pettis, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, won the WEC lightweight title in 2010 and the UFC lightweight (155-pound) championship in 2013, beating Benson Henderson for both. He made his professional debut in January 2007, so fight night falls 20 years after his first professional fight, and days before he turns 40. Outside the ring, Pettis is a co-promoter of the Indian Fight League (IFL), India’s MMA league, and the Indian Pro Boxing League (IPBL), and has spent the last two years helping build combat sports in India.
For Pettis, the fight is also personal. His younger brother, former Bellator champion (Sergio Pettis) fought in Hyderabad at Road to IPBL 2 in March 2025 and lost a unanimous decision to India’s Sabari Jaishankar. Anthony is coming back to India to settle the score.
Pettis said: “I have seen what Indian fighters can do, and Neeraj is the best of them. That is who I want. I have thought a lot about Sergio’s loss. This one is for him, and I am coming to win.”
Together, Goyat and Pettis bring a global boxing show to India, making it the biggest card in the history of Indian boxing. They are joined on the card by the country’s top-ranked boxers, including Akshay Chahal of Rohtak, Faizan Anwar of Kolkata, Pavan Kalyan of Hyderabad, Ritesh Singh of Dehradun and Laldinsanga Ramlawt of Mizoram, along with other leading fighters from across India.
IPBL Boxing is India’s biggest professional boxing promoter and one of its first, with more than ten years of staging fights in the country. It runs the Indian Pro Boxing League, India’s first franchise-based professional boxing league, and the BoxingBay fight series. The men behind it are co-founders Akshar Madhavaram and Prashanth Singh, alongside actor and producer Rana Daggubati. Its events are sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council and have been broadcast live on DAZN, UFC Fight Pass & Aha.
Rana Daggubati said: “Every big sport in this country started with one night that people still talk about years later. This can be that night for boxing. A world champion and India’s best fighter, in front of an Indian crowd. We have never had that before, and I can’t wait to be ringside.”
Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP, said: “We signed Neeraj because we believed he had the potential to become a global boxing star and help put Indian boxing on the world stage. Now he has the opportunity to headline a historic event in his home country against one of the biggest names in combat sports. Anthony Pettis is an MMA icon, but this is boxing, and we expect Neeraj to show exactly why we believed in him from day one.”
Full card, broadcast and ticket details will be announced with the host city in November.
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MVP going to India in 2027 for Goyat vs. Pettis
MVP announced that India’s top pro boxer Neeraj Goyat, will box former UFC champion Anthony Pettis on Saturday, January 23, 2027. The host city will be selected from among Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Chennai. Goyat is 21-4-2 with 9 KOs while Pettis will be making his boxing debut after a 25-14 run in MMA, which included the UFC 155-pound championship. Goyat-Pettis will be a six-round bout at 154 pounds, presented by IPBL Boxing and sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council. The city and venue to be announced in November.
Goyat, age 34, from Haryana, has spent more than a decade taking Indian professional boxing abroad. He was the first Indian boxer to be ranked by the WBC and in 2024, he became the first international fighter to sign with MVP, the American boxing and MMA promotion founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. That November he beat Brazil’s Whindersson Nunes on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card, a night watched live by 108 million people on Netflix. Now comes the biggest fight of his career, at home.
Goyat said: “I have fought in China, in Thailand, in America and in the UK, and every time I was the Indian on somebody else’s card. This time the card is ours. I want to thank MVP and Nakisa Bidarian for believing in me and helping bring this moment to India. Anthony is a real champion and I respect everything he has done, but I have waited my whole career to fight a name like this in front of my own people. I am not giving that night away.”
Pettis, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, won the WEC lightweight title in 2010 and the UFC lightweight (155-pound) championship in 2013, beating Benson Henderson for both. He made his professional debut in January 2007, so fight night falls 20 years after his first professional fight, and days before he turns 40. Outside the ring, Pettis is a co-promoter of the Indian Fight League (IFL), India’s MMA league, and the Indian Pro Boxing League (IPBL), and has spent the last two years helping build combat sports in India.
For Pettis, the fight is also personal. His younger brother, former Bellator champion (Sergio Pettis) fought in Hyderabad at Road to IPBL 2 in March 2025 and lost a unanimous decision to India’s Sabari Jaishankar. Anthony is coming back to India to settle the score.
Pettis said: “I have seen what Indian fighters can do, and Neeraj is the best of them. That is who I want. I have thought a lot about Sergio’s loss. This one is for him, and I am coming to win.”
Together, Goyat and Pettis bring a global boxing show to India, making it the biggest card in the history of Indian boxing. They are joined on the card by the country’s top-ranked boxers, including Akshay Chahal of Rohtak, Faizan Anwar of Kolkata, Pavan Kalyan of Hyderabad, Ritesh Singh of Dehradun and Laldinsanga Ramlawt of Mizoram, along with other leading fighters from across India.
IPBL Boxing is India’s biggest professional boxing promoter and one of its first, with more than ten years of staging fights in the country. It runs the Indian Pro Boxing League, India’s first franchise-based professional boxing league, and the BoxingBay fight series. The men behind it are co-founders Akshar Madhavaram and Prashanth Singh, alongside actor and producer Rana Daggubati. Its events are sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council and have been broadcast live on DAZN, UFC Fight Pass & Aha.
Rana Daggubati said: “Every big sport in this country started with one night that people still talk about years later. This can be that night for boxing. A world champion and India’s best fighter, in front of an Indian crowd. We have never had that before, and I can’t wait to be ringside.”
Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP, said: “We signed Neeraj because we believed he had the potential to become a global boxing star and help put Indian boxing on the world stage. Now he has the opportunity to headline a historic event in his home country against one of the biggest names in combat sports. Anthony Pettis is an MMA icon, but this is boxing, and we expect Neeraj to show exactly why we believed in him from day one.”
Full card, broadcast and ticket details will be announced with the host city in November.
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Fundora on Hadribeaj: “I don’t take anybody lightly" |
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WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and his unbeaten mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj kicked off fight week events on Wednesday with a media workout before they headline “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN this Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The workout also featured WBA featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda, who duel in the co-feature, former super middleweight titlist Armando “Toro” Reséndiz and Australia’s Koen Mazoudier, who battle in a ten-round super middleweight showdown and Kansas' Marco Romero, who faces Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreira in the eight-round super middleweight opening attraction at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The fourth installment of the acclaimed live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, this event will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Radiant Brand Complex in Las Vegas:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“I don’t take anybody lightly. We’re in nothing but championship fights now, so I have to prepare for everyone like they’re coming to rip my head off. That’s what they’re all trying to do.
“I’m gonna go do what I do best. I’m planning on doing what I do and get this guy out of here. Every time I step into the ring that’s what I plan on doing.
“He had to work hard to get into this position to become world champion. It’s unfortunate that we have to break that dream, but it’s a beautiful dream to have.
“We all deal with injuries. We had it last fight and we still kicked butt. I showed off my jab and a lot of people didn’t think I had that.
“I just want to show everyone that I’m better. When I get hit, it just gives me some extra motivation to show that I’m stronger.
“Me against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is the best fight at 154. That’s the fight everyone wants. But we both have fights we have to get through.”
ERMAL HADRIBEAJ
“I don’t think he’s underestimating me, but I don’t think they know me well. They’re about to see on Saturday night.
“I can fight outside, inside, use angles. I can deal with a lot of that. So he has to be ready for me too. It’s not just him fighting inside. It’s me as well. I can fight inside, outside, all angles.
“Becoming Albania’s first world champion is going to be big. That’s what I’m looking forward to. Securing the belt and making history. It’s big. It’s a dream that everybody has.
“I’m an athletic guy, so I like to take a look at a lot of different styles. There was a moment with me where I was fighting like ‘Albanian Lomachenko.’ He was the one they were saying I looked like. It depends. Every fighter has a different style, so I can be one style with one fighter, another style with another. I don’t know what I’m going to be with Fundora on Saturday night.
“They call me the ‘Albanian Sniper’ because I’m very precise and very calculated. I don’t waste my punches. One thing for sure that I know: win or no win, I know for sure that I’m going to land. When I land, it hurts.
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“Kameda is a come-forward, action fighter like me. They call him ‘El Mexicanito’ for a reason. He fights like he has that Mexican blood in him and he’s going to come fight.
“Manny Robles and I have been working really well together. I’ve been with him for a few months now, and you guys are going to see on October 17. We’ve been working on great things. I just want to keep getting better and better every fight.
“Nick Ball was a great performance on my part, but I’m still not satisfied. I still want the bigger, better fights, and I still want to keep proving myself and elevating my game.
“I come to fight. I’m a very hardcore fighter, a traditional, old-school fighter. I’m here to fight all 12 rounds. I’m here to throw a thousand punches. I’m here for whatever it takes. I train really hard for a reason. The way you train is the way you fight, and the way you guys see me fight is the way I train.
“Inoue is the big fight that everyone wants. Everyone is looking for that fight. Like I said, if he’s moving up to featherweight and wants to challenge me, I welcome him to featherweight. I’m out here for the big fights.
“I’m a big 122-pounder and I’m a big 126-pounder. Eventually, I’ll move up to 130 and 135, but right now I want to stay at 126. I feel great and I want to keep defending my belt.”
TOMOKI KAMEDA
“We’re both fighters that come forward. The fans are going to like this fight, and I do believe that they’re going to enjoy great action on Saturday night.
“We’re confident in our strategy. We have a game plan that we can’t wait to show everyone on Saturday night.
“You never know when it might be your last chance, but I do know that you have to take advantage of the opportunities you’re given because they don’t come along that often. I’m going to be a world champion this Saturday night, take full advantage of it and be my best self.
“I thought I did enough to win the fight against Angelo Leo, but I’m mindful of the fact that I failed in a lot of things. I made some mistakes. I took it as a learning experience, and now I’m a better fighter and I’m prepared for Saturday night.
“I feel even better than ever. At 126, I feel right at home compared to when I was at 118 and 122. And on Saturday night, you’re going to see just how well I feel.
“I moved to Mexico when I was 15 and I full embraced the Mexican style of fighting.”
ARMANDO RESENDIZ
“I took from my last fight that I need to keep learning. I got right back into the gym and now I have an opportunity that I’m ready to take advantage of to the fullest. I’m going to show everything that I’ve learned.
“I’m always ready for any opponent. I’m in great shape and I feel prepared. I’m excited about taking on this challenge.
“I’m very excited for this matchup. This is my opportunity to show that I will become a world champion once again.
“Jaime Munguia came in very well prepared and had a great strategy. I think his experience ended up beating us. But I have nothing to hang my head about. It was an experience that I value and now I’m moving forward.
“Caleb Plant gave me an opportunity, so giving him the rematch would be a great chance to pay it forward.
“I want to be world champion again. I don’t care who I have to fight, I’ll be ready.”
KOEN MAZOUDIER
“Reséndiz is a strong, tough, all-around fighter from what I’ve watched. And being a former world champion, you can never take that away from him. This is a massive step up and a door-opener for me.
“We didn’t have much time to change except for the game plan. The talking in the gym and the game plan of what we’re going to do changed a little bit. But the way that we box is the way we box. We make them change around us. We know what we want to do, and that’s what we focus on.
“We expect him to come forward a little bit more. We expect him to engage a little bit more. And that’s what I’m here for. Anyone who’s watched me knows I come to fight. I’m a fighter’s fighter.
“I bring a firefight every fight. Every fight I’m in is an entertaining fight. I’ve been voted Australia’s Most Entertaining Fight and most of my fights have been in Fight of the Year contention.
“I’m a big fan of this sport as much as I’m a competitor. So fighting a Mexican former world champion in Las Vegas is a bucket-list item.”
MARCO ROMERO
“I don’t think I’m too far. I just came back from a camp sparring with Christian Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias. I held my own in there. I definitely held my own in there, and they showed me just a couple things that I need to work on. But it just shows me I’m not too far from that level.
“I’m ready to go all eight rounds if I need to, and I’m ready for that KO. If I see a kill-shot opening, I’m going for it.
“You’re going to see a dominating performance. I’m a calm guy outside the ring, but once I step in there, El Tiburón comes out. The shark comes out. So yeah, expect that on Saturday night
“I think being on this platform is going to give back to Kansas and be able to put Kansas on the map. So that’s what I’m working toward.”
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Fundora on Hadribeaj: “I don’t take anybody lightly"
WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and his unbeaten mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj kicked off fight week events on Wednesday with a media workout before they headline “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN this Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The workout also featured WBA featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and former bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda, who duel in the co-feature, former super middleweight titlist Armando “Toro” Reséndiz and Australia’s Koen Mazoudier, who battle in a ten-round super middleweight showdown and Kansas' Marco Romero, who faces Uruguay’s Braulio Ferreira in the eight-round super middleweight opening attraction at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The fourth installment of the acclaimed live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, this event will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Radiant Brand Complex in Las Vegas:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“I don’t take anybody lightly. We’re in nothing but championship fights now, so I have to prepare for everyone like they’re coming to rip my head off. That’s what they’re all trying to do.
“I’m gonna go do what I do best. I’m planning on doing what I do and get this guy out of here. Every time I step into the ring that’s what I plan on doing.
“He had to work hard to get into this position to become world champion. It’s unfortunate that we have to break that dream, but it’s a beautiful dream to have.
“We all deal with injuries. We had it last fight and we still kicked butt. I showed off my jab and a lot of people didn’t think I had that.
“I just want to show everyone that I’m better. When I get hit, it just gives me some extra motivation to show that I’m stronger.
“Me against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is the best fight at 154. That’s the fight everyone wants. But we both have fights we have to get through.”
ERMAL HADRIBEAJ
“I don’t think he’s underestimating me, but I don’t think they know me well. They’re about to see on Saturday night.
“I can fight outside, inside, use angles. I can deal with a lot of that. So he has to be ready for me too. It’s not just him fighting inside. It’s me as well. I can fight inside, outside, all angles.
“Becoming Albania’s first world champion is going to be big. That’s what I’m looking forward to. Securing the belt and making history. It’s big. It’s a dream that everybody has.
“I’m an athletic guy, so I like to take a look at a lot of different styles. There was a moment with me where I was fighting like ‘Albanian Lomachenko.’ He was the one they were saying I looked like. It depends. Every fighter has a different style, so I can be one style with one fighter, another style with another. I don’t know what I’m going to be with Fundora on Saturday night.
“They call me the ‘Albanian Sniper’ because I’m very precise and very calculated. I don’t waste my punches. One thing for sure that I know: win or no win, I know for sure that I’m going to land. When I land, it hurts.
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“Kameda is a come-forward, action fighter like me. They call him ‘El Mexicanito’ for a reason. He fights like he has that Mexican blood in him and he’s going to come fight.
“Manny Robles and I have been working really well together. I’ve been with him for a few months now, and you guys are going to see on October 17. We’ve been working on great things. I just want to keep getting better and better every fight.
“Nick Ball was a great performance on my part, but I’m still not satisfied. I still want the bigger, better fights, and I still want to keep proving myself and elevating my game.
“I come to fight. I’m a very hardcore fighter, a traditional, old-school fighter. I’m here to fight all 12 rounds. I’m here to throw a thousand punches. I’m here for whatever it takes. I train really hard for a reason. The way you train is the way you fight, and the way you guys see me fight is the way I train.
“Inoue is the big fight that everyone wants. Everyone is looking for that fight. Like I said, if he’s moving up to featherweight and wants to challenge me, I welcome him to featherweight. I’m out here for the big fights.
“I’m a big 122-pounder and I’m a big 126-pounder. Eventually, I’ll move up to 130 and 135, but right now I want to stay at 126. I feel great and I want to keep defending my belt.”
TOMOKI KAMEDA
“We’re both fighters that come forward. The fans are going to like this fight, and I do believe that they’re going to enjoy great action on Saturday night.
“We’re confident in our strategy. We have a game plan that we can’t wait to show everyone on Saturday night.
“You never know when it might be your last chance, but I do know that you have to take advantage of the opportunities you’re given because they don’t come along that often. I’m going to be a world champion this Saturday night, take full advantage of it and be my best self.
“I thought I did enough to win the fight against Angelo Leo, but I’m mindful of the fact that I failed in a lot of things. I made some mistakes. I took it as a learning experience, and now I’m a better fighter and I’m prepared for Saturday night.
“I feel even better than ever. At 126, I feel right at home compared to when I was at 118 and 122. And on Saturday night, you’re going to see just how well I feel.
“I moved to Mexico when I was 15 and I full embraced the Mexican style of fighting.”
ARMANDO RESENDIZ
“I took from my last fight that I need to keep learning. I got right back into the gym and now I have an opportunity that I’m ready to take advantage of to the fullest. I’m going to show everything that I’ve learned.
“I’m always ready for any opponent. I’m in great shape and I feel prepared. I’m excited about taking on this challenge.
“I’m very excited for this matchup. This is my opportunity to show that I will become a world champion once again.
“Jaime Munguia came in very well prepared and had a great strategy. I think his experience ended up beating us. But I have nothing to hang my head about. It was an experience that I value and now I’m moving forward.
“Caleb Plant gave me an opportunity, so giving him the rematch would be a great chance to pay it forward.
“I want to be world champion again. I don’t care who I have to fight, I’ll be ready.”
KOEN MAZOUDIER
“Reséndiz is a strong, tough, all-around fighter from what I’ve watched. And being a former world champion, you can never take that away from him. This is a massive step up and a door-opener for me.
“We didn’t have much time to change except for the game plan. The talking in the gym and the game plan of what we’re going to do changed a little bit. But the way that we box is the way we box. We make them change around us. We know what we want to do, and that’s what we focus on.
“We expect him to come forward a little bit more. We expect him to engage a little bit more. And that’s what I’m here for. Anyone who’s watched me knows I come to fight. I’m a fighter’s fighter.
“I bring a firefight every fight. Every fight I’m in is an entertaining fight. I’ve been voted Australia’s Most Entertaining Fight and most of my fights have been in Fight of the Year contention.
“I’m a big fan of this sport as much as I’m a competitor. So fighting a Mexican former world champion in Las Vegas is a bucket-list item.”
MARCO ROMERO
“I don’t think I’m too far. I just came back from a camp sparring with Christian Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias. I held my own in there. I definitely held my own in there, and they showed me just a couple things that I need to work on. But it just shows me I’m not too far from that level.
“I’m ready to go all eight rounds if I need to, and I’m ready for that KO. If I see a kill-shot opening, I’m going for it.
“You’re going to see a dominating performance. I’m a calm guy outside the ring, but once I step in there, El Tiburón comes out. The shark comes out. So yeah, expect that on Saturday night
“I think being on this platform is going to give back to Kansas and be able to put Kansas on the map. So that’s what I’m working toward.”
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Alex Bray making progress at junior middleweight |
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Junior middleweight Alex Bray (12-0, 9 KOs) is building a résumé that took a step forward on August 8th, when he delivered an eighth-round stoppage victory over Antraveous Ingram (13-1-1, 7 KOs) as part of Matchroom Boxing’s Project Series. It was more than another victory for Bray. Against a previously undefeated opponent, Bray produced one of the strongest performances of his professional career, breaking Ingram down before securing the stoppage in the eighth round.
“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I still feel like I’m just getting started,” said Bray. “Beating an undefeated fighter like Ingram... showed me that the work is paying off. At the same time, it made me even hungrier because I know there are bigger fights out there for me.”
Bray welcomes the pressure of reaching the contender stage. Rather than protecting his undefeated record, he wants the type of fights that will reveal how far he can go. “I want to keep stepping up,” he added. “I don’t want easy fights just to stay undefeated. I want to fight guys who are going to push me and make me better. Guys in the top ten. If I want to become a world champion, eventually I have to beat the best, so I’m ready to keep proving myself.”
He has nine stoppages in twelve victories, but Bray understands that power alone will not carry him to the top of one of boxing’s deepest divisions. “The knockouts are great, but I want people to see that I’m becoming a complete fighter,” Bray continued. “I’m learning to stay patient, make adjustments and trust what we worked on in camp. Every fight is teaching me something, and I feel like I’m getting better each time I step in the ring.”
Amaury Piedra, president of Bray's promoter, Boxlab Promotions, believes Bray’s victory over Ingram demonstrated why the promotional company has high expectations. “Alex is developing into a very good fighter, and the Ingram fight was an important step for him,” said Piedra. “He beat an undefeated opponent and showed he could perform when the level of competition went up. He has power, he works hard and, most importantly, he’s still improving. We believe Alex has a very bright future, and our job is to keep putting him in the right fights so he can earn his way toward a world-title opportunity.”
Bray understands there are still significant steps between his current position and a world title opportunity, and he has no intention of trying to skip them. “Becoming a world champion is the dream,” Bray concluded. “That’s why I put in the work every day. I know nobody is going to hand me that opportunity, and I don’t want anything handed to me. I want to earn my way there. Right now, I’m 12-0 but I’m still hungry. I want to keep winning, keep moving up the rankings and keep giving people a reason to watch me. When my opportunity comes, I want to be completely ready for it.”
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Alex Bray making progress at junior middleweight
Junior middleweight Alex Bray (12-0, 9 KOs) is building a résumé that took a step forward on August 8th, when he delivered an eighth-round stoppage victory over Antraveous Ingram (13-1-1, 7 KOs) as part of Matchroom Boxing’s Project Series. It was more than another victory for Bray. Against a previously undefeated opponent, Bray produced one of the strongest performances of his professional career, breaking Ingram down before securing the stoppage in the eighth round.
“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I still feel like I’m just getting started,” said Bray. “Beating an undefeated fighter like Ingram... showed me that the work is paying off. At the same time, it made me even hungrier because I know there are bigger fights out there for me.”
Bray welcomes the pressure of reaching the contender stage. Rather than protecting his undefeated record, he wants the type of fights that will reveal how far he can go. “I want to keep stepping up,” he added. “I don’t want easy fights just to stay undefeated. I want to fight guys who are going to push me and make me better. Guys in the top ten. If I want to become a world champion, eventually I have to beat the best, so I’m ready to keep proving myself.”
He has nine stoppages in twelve victories, but Bray understands that power alone will not carry him to the top of one of boxing’s deepest divisions. “The knockouts are great, but I want people to see that I’m becoming a complete fighter,” Bray continued. “I’m learning to stay patient, make adjustments and trust what we worked on in camp. Every fight is teaching me something, and I feel like I’m getting better each time I step in the ring.”
Amaury Piedra, president of Bray's promoter, Boxlab Promotions, believes Bray’s victory over Ingram demonstrated why the promotional company has high expectations. “Alex is developing into a very good fighter, and the Ingram fight was an important step for him,” said Piedra. “He beat an undefeated opponent and showed he could perform when the level of competition went up. He has power, he works hard and, most importantly, he’s still improving. We believe Alex has a very bright future, and our job is to keep putting him in the right fights so he can earn his way toward a world-title opportunity.”
Bray understands there are still significant steps between his current position and a world title opportunity, and he has no intention of trying to skip them. “Becoming a world champion is the dream,” Bray concluded. “That’s why I put in the work every day. I know nobody is going to hand me that opportunity, and I don’t want anything handed to me. I want to earn my way there. Right now, I’m 12-0 but I’m still hungry. I want to keep winning, keep moving up the rankings and keep giving people a reason to watch me. When my opportunity comes, I want to be completely ready for it.”
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Tickets on sale for Cacace vs. Ball |
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Championship boxing returns to Belfast on December 19th when Anthony Cacace takes on Nick Ball at The O2, with Cacace’s WBA junior lightweight title on the line. Queensberry Promotions announced that tickets are on sale now. It will be a hometown fight in Northern Ireland for Cacace (25-1), a southpaw who has defeated James Dickens, Leigh Wood, Josh Warrington and Anthony Cordina in his last four outings. Ball (23-1-1) is a fomer featherweight champion who list his title to Brandon Figueroa last time out.
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Tickets on sale for Cacace vs. Ball
Championship boxing returns to Belfast on December 19th when Anthony Cacace takes on Nick Ball at The O2, with Cacace’s WBA junior lightweight title on the line. Queensberry Promotions announced that tickets are on sale now. It will be a hometown fight in Northern Ireland for Cacace (25-1), a southpaw who has defeated James Dickens, Leigh Wood, Josh Warrington and Anthony Cordina in his last four outings. Ball (23-1-1) is a fomer featherweight champion who list his title to Brandon Figueroa last time out.
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Carlos Adames signs with Zuffa |
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Zuffa Boxing announced that WBC middleweight champion Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with the company. Adames hails from Elias Piña, Dominican Republic, joins a Zuffa boxing roster that also includes WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley, although Bentley may soon be stripped by the WBO for skipping his mandatory defense obligation. An announcement regarding Adames’ Zuffa Boxing debut will be made shortly. The WBC recently ordered Adames to make a mandatory defense against undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov.
“This is a new chapter in my career, and I’m here to make history. Zuffa Boxing is building something special, and I want to be part of it,” Adames said. “I’m ready to face the best fighters in the world on the biggest stage. The best of ‘Caballo Bronco’ is yet to come.”
Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs), 32, is an eleven-year pro who is unbeaten in seven fights since moving up to middleweight in 2021. He has defended the WBC championship three times, including a hard-fought draw against Hamzah Sheeraz last year and a one-sided decision over Austin “Ammo” Williams in March. Prior to becoming world champion, Adames knocked out former unified s154-pound champion Julian Williams in nine rounds. As an amateur, he won more than 200 fights and competed at the international level, capturing gold at the 2012 Pan American Youth Championships and the 2015 Jose Cheo Aponte Tournament.
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Carlos Adames signs with Zuffa
Zuffa Boxing announced that WBC middleweight champion Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with the company. Adames hails from Elias Piña, Dominican Republic, joins a Zuffa boxing roster that also includes WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley, although Bentley may soon be stripped by the WBO for skipping his mandatory defense obligation. An announcement regarding Adames’ Zuffa Boxing debut will be made shortly. The WBC recently ordered Adames to make a mandatory defense against undefeated Meiirim Nursultanov.
“This is a new chapter in my career, and I’m here to make history. Zuffa Boxing is building something special, and I want to be part of it,” Adames said. “I’m ready to face the best fighters in the world on the biggest stage. The best of ‘Caballo Bronco’ is yet to come.”
Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs), 32, is an eleven-year pro who is unbeaten in seven fights since moving up to middleweight in 2021. He has defended the WBC championship three times, including a hard-fought draw against Hamzah Sheeraz last year and a one-sided decision over Austin “Ammo” Williams in March. Prior to becoming world champion, Adames knocked out former unified s154-pound champion Julian Williams in nine rounds. As an amateur, he won more than 200 fights and competed at the international level, capturing gold at the 2012 Pan American Youth Championships and the 2015 Jose Cheo Aponte Tournament.
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