Topps to issue boxing trading cards |
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Topps has announced it will be issuing a set of boxing trading cards: "Our first boxing set since 1951 is here. Topps Chrome Boxing features legends, rookies and stars, and is the first boxing release in history to be officially licensed by multiple boxing promotions. Available for pre-order on August 11th." So far, Topps has shown cards featuring Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury, Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Jake Paul.
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Topps to issue boxing trading cards
Topps has announced it will be issuing a set of boxing trading cards: "Our first boxing set since 1951 is here. Topps Chrome Boxing features legends, rookies and stars, and is the first boxing release in history to be officially licensed by multiple boxing promotions. Available for pre-order on August 11th." So far, Topps has shown cards featuring Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury, Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Jake Paul.
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Granite Chin comes to Revere, MA next week |
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An August 16th show, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), takes place at Oceanside Events Center (formerly the Wonderland Ballroom) in Revere, Massachusetts. All the action will be streamed on www.bxngtv.com. Throwback fighters James “Pitbull” Perkins (13-3-1, 9 KOs) and Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (7-4, 3 KOs) will clash in the eight-round light heavyweight main event.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Quincy Firefighters Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide unwavering support to firefighters and their families as they face the challenges of occupational cancer, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and assistance they need. Go to www.quincyfirecancerfoundation.com for information. “Promoting in the North Shore has been something that was always in the works, but all the pieces had to be there to put on a great event,” GCP promoter Chris Traiettiexplained. “You only get one chance to make at making a good impression. I am incredibly pleased with how this card turned out. It will be an awesome night of the area’s most popular fighters and Granite Chin will once again be raising money for a great cause, the Quincy Fore Cancer Foundation... Shea Willcox will make his home debut, and the local fight scene will come together to support our local firefighters.”
Perkins vs. Andreozzi is a terrific match-up of entertaining fighters. The 32-year-old Perkins, A gravedigger from nearby Lynn (MA), is a powerfully aggressive puncher who doesn’t mind taking a few punches to land one damaging shot, while former Massachusetts middleweight champion Andreozzi, of Swansea (MA), is a grinder who enjoys exchanging punches from start to finish.
Two of the most popular and promising prospects in New England, Everett (MA) junior welterweight “Showtime” Shea Willcox (3-0, 3 KOs) and Mansfield (MA) junior middleweight James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (19-0, 13 KOs), will fight in separate bouts on the undercard. The 23-year-old Willcox, a member of two Everett High’s Super Bowl, Division One football championship teams, is arguably the most popular pro boxer in the Northeast. A standout amateur boxer, he was also selected as the “Most Outstanding Boxer” at last year’s New England Golden Gloves Championships, in addition to being a 2018 Rocky Marciano Tournament Champion. He will throw down in a four rounder against Aldimar Silva (22-28, 14 KOs), of Brazil.
Perella, 32, was a celebrated amateur career (120-20)who captured 3 New England Golden Gloves titles, as well as a silver medal at the prestigious National PAL Tournament. The gifted fighter with one of the best nicknames will take on Saul “Navajo” Corral (31-24, 20 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight attraction.
Fighting on the undercard, all in four rounders, are Hyde Park (MA) junior featherweight Jennifer Perella (2-1, 1 KO), the 2024 New England Golden Gloves silver medalist, vs. Sarah “Switch Kick” Click (2-10-1, 0 KOs); unbeaten Springfield (MA) welterweight Eric “The Gladiator” Goff (7-0, 5 KOs) versus “Jabbin” Joe Wilson, Jr. (3-8, 0 KOs), Lawrence (MA) junior middleweight Dimas “Jimmy” Colon makes his pro debut versus Javonni Bennett (0-2), and South Boston cruiserweight Charlie “The City Point Sicilian” LoGrasso (1-0, 1 KO) meets Erick Alves.
Card subject to change. Tickets are available for purchase at www.Granite-Chin-Promotions.ticketleap.com.
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Granite Chin comes to Revere, MA next week
An August 16th show, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), takes place at Oceanside Events Center (formerly the Wonderland Ballroom) in Revere, Massachusetts. All the action will be streamed on www.bxngtv.com. Throwback fighters James “Pitbull” Perkins (13-3-1, 9 KOs) and Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (7-4, 3 KOs) will clash in the eight-round light heavyweight main event.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Quincy Firefighters Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide unwavering support to firefighters and their families as they face the challenges of occupational cancer, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and assistance they need. Go to www.quincyfirecancerfoundation.com for information. “Promoting in the North Shore has been something that was always in the works, but all the pieces had to be there to put on a great event,” GCP promoter Chris Traiettiexplained. “You only get one chance to make at making a good impression. I am incredibly pleased with how this card turned out. It will be an awesome night of the area’s most popular fighters and Granite Chin will once again be raising money for a great cause, the Quincy Fore Cancer Foundation... Shea Willcox will make his home debut, and the local fight scene will come together to support our local firefighters.”
Perkins vs. Andreozzi is a terrific match-up of entertaining fighters. The 32-year-old Perkins, A gravedigger from nearby Lynn (MA), is a powerfully aggressive puncher who doesn’t mind taking a few punches to land one damaging shot, while former Massachusetts middleweight champion Andreozzi, of Swansea (MA), is a grinder who enjoys exchanging punches from start to finish.
Two of the most popular and promising prospects in New England, Everett (MA) junior welterweight “Showtime” Shea Willcox (3-0, 3 KOs) and Mansfield (MA) junior middleweight James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (19-0, 13 KOs), will fight in separate bouts on the undercard. The 23-year-old Willcox, a member of two Everett High’s Super Bowl, Division One football championship teams, is arguably the most popular pro boxer in the Northeast. A standout amateur boxer, he was also selected as the “Most Outstanding Boxer” at last year’s New England Golden Gloves Championships, in addition to being a 2018 Rocky Marciano Tournament Champion. He will throw down in a four rounder against Aldimar Silva (22-28, 14 KOs), of Brazil.
Perella, 32, was a celebrated amateur career (120-20)who captured 3 New England Golden Gloves titles, as well as a silver medal at the prestigious National PAL Tournament. The gifted fighter with one of the best nicknames will take on Saul “Navajo” Corral (31-24, 20 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight attraction.
Fighting on the undercard, all in four rounders, are Hyde Park (MA) junior featherweight Jennifer Perella (2-1, 1 KO), the 2024 New England Golden Gloves silver medalist, vs. Sarah “Switch Kick” Click (2-10-1, 0 KOs); unbeaten Springfield (MA) welterweight Eric “The Gladiator” Goff (7-0, 5 KOs) versus “Jabbin” Joe Wilson, Jr. (3-8, 0 KOs), Lawrence (MA) junior middleweight Dimas “Jimmy” Colon makes his pro debut versus Javonni Bennett (0-2), and South Boston cruiserweight Charlie “The City Point Sicilian” LoGrasso (1-0, 1 KO) meets Erick Alves.
Card subject to change. Tickets are available for purchase at www.Granite-Chin-Promotions.ticketleap.com.
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Boxing / MMA show set for Orange County, CA on Aug. 28th |
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Six different weight divisions-- from cruiserweight to featherweight-- headline a big seven-bout boxing / MMA Fight Club OC show on Thursday, August 28th at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. In the featured boxing match, Santa Ana’s Jesse “Lobito” Gonzalez (7-4-1 with 2 KOs) battles Carson's Christian Seals (4-2-2 with 2 KOs). How about two undefeated cruiserweights to get your attention? Yes, it will be the return of one of Fight Club OC’s favorite MMA fighters, Curtis Millender, who fought for the UFC and Bellator, and now will put on ten-ounce boxing gloves and face Anthony De La Cruz (4-0) out of Ventura.
Other boxing bouts will see the return of Alfredo Quinones (3-0-1) from is big on June 19th as he faces Hawaii's Jovan Alayon (2-0-1). Riverside's Nate Palencia returns to face Noah Davis from Hollywood. Davis is an MMA fighter making his pro boxing debut. Light Heavyweights Patrick Ogbebor and Devon Cooley will both be making their pro debut's on the 28th.
There will be two solid MMA bouts on this hybrid show, as Fullerton’s Jeong-Joo Choi faces Fontana’s Adryen Spinks, and Christopher Cruz faces Robert Duran in a bantamweight match up.
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Boxing / MMA show set for Orange County, CA on Aug. 28th
Six different weight divisions-- from cruiserweight to featherweight-- headline a big seven-bout boxing / MMA Fight Club OC show on Thursday, August 28th at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. In the featured boxing match, Santa Ana’s Jesse “Lobito” Gonzalez (7-4-1 with 2 KOs) battles Carson's Christian Seals (4-2-2 with 2 KOs). How about two undefeated cruiserweights to get your attention? Yes, it will be the return of one of Fight Club OC’s favorite MMA fighters, Curtis Millender, who fought for the UFC and Bellator, and now will put on ten-ounce boxing gloves and face Anthony De La Cruz (4-0) out of Ventura.
Other boxing bouts will see the return of Alfredo Quinones (3-0-1) from is big on June 19th as he faces Hawaii's Jovan Alayon (2-0-1). Riverside's Nate Palencia returns to face Noah Davis from Hollywood. Davis is an MMA fighter making his pro boxing debut. Light Heavyweights Patrick Ogbebor and Devon Cooley will both be making their pro debut's on the 28th.
There will be two solid MMA bouts on this hybrid show, as Fullerton’s Jeong-Joo Choi faces Fontana’s Adryen Spinks, and Christopher Cruz faces Robert Duran in a bantamweight match up.
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Boxing show planned for Zimbabwe |
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Zimbabwean bantamweight Bongani Makovora (7-5 with 3 KOs) is set to headline in Harare on August 30th. (Harare is the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe. It is located in the northeastern part of the country). The 27 year-old Makovora will face Musa Kananji (2-1 with 1 KO) from Malawi on a card promoted by Judgement Day Promotions. Makovora turned professional in 2021 and won his first three bouts before running into a rough spell with four straight defeats. He has since rebounded well, winning four of his last five, only losing a decision on away ground to Tanzania's Oscar Duge this past February. If he can emerge victorious on August 30th, he can make the case that his mediocre record is deceiving.
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Boxing show planned for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean bantamweight Bongani Makovora (7-5 with 3 KOs) is set to headline in Harare on August 30th. (Harare is the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe. It is located in the northeastern part of the country). The 27 year-old Makovora will face Musa Kananji (2-1 with 1 KO) from Malawi on a card promoted by Judgement Day Promotions. Makovora turned professional in 2021 and won his first three bouts before running into a rough spell with four straight defeats. He has since rebounded well, winning four of his last five, only losing a decision on away ground to Tanzania's Oscar Duge this past February. If he can emerge victorious on August 30th, he can make the case that his mediocre record is deceiving.
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Eubank vs. Benn rematch on track for November |
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According to a Ring Magazine social media post that was retweeted by Turki Alalshikh, Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will meet for a rematch on November 15th at Tottenham Stadium in England. The venue will be the same as their earlier encounter, which was won by Eubank. Benn responded to the news by tweeting, "I was ready in September but I’ll be even more ready for November. See you soon, Chris Eubank Jr. #redemption." Alalshikh, the head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, bankrolled the first fight and is likely doing the same for the rematch.
In April, Eubank triumphed over Benn by unanimous decision after an exciting twelve-round battle. Both men had their moments of success, but in the end it was Eubank who came out victorious by a trio of 116-112 scorecards. It was a worthy third chapter to the family feud that includes two bouts between the boxers' father, Chris Eubank, Sr. and Nigel Benn, both former champions. In those two fights, Eubank got a win and a draw. The sons could be headed for a rematch.
If Benn does get the chance to avenge the loss, he knows exactly what he will need to do to defeat Eubank. "[It was my] first fight at 160. I had Eubank hurt multiple times, three, four times in there," the former welterweight said. "I just couldn’t get a finish. I’ll make sure for next time that a finish is there."
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Eubank vs. Benn rematch on track for November
According to a Ring Magazine social media post that was retweeted by Turki Alalshikh, Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will meet for a rematch on November 15th at Tottenham Stadium in England. The venue will be the same as their earlier encounter, which was won by Eubank. Benn responded to the news by tweeting, "I was ready in September but I’ll be even more ready for November. See you soon, Chris Eubank Jr. #redemption." Alalshikh, the head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, bankrolled the first fight and is likely doing the same for the rematch.
In April, Eubank triumphed over Benn by unanimous decision after an exciting twelve-round battle. Both men had their moments of success, but in the end it was Eubank who came out victorious by a trio of 116-112 scorecards. It was a worthy third chapter to the family feud that includes two bouts between the boxers' father, Chris Eubank, Sr. and Nigel Benn, both former champions. In those two fights, Eubank got a win and a draw. The sons could be headed for a rematch.
If Benn does get the chance to avenge the loss, he knows exactly what he will need to do to defeat Eubank. "[It was my] first fight at 160. I had Eubank hurt multiple times, three, four times in there," the former welterweight said. "I just couldn’t get a finish. I’ll make sure for next time that a finish is there."
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Interim featherweight bout happening in Benghazi |
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Tomorrow (Friday, August 8th), Argentina’s Mirco Cuello (15-0, 12 KOs) will have the biggest fight of his career, squaring off against Mexico’s Sergio Ríos Jiménez (19-0, 7 KOs) for the WBA interim featherweight title. The bout will take place at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, Libya, as part of the WBA Future program, an initiative aimed at expanding professional boxing into new territories. Cuello, age 24, hails from Arroyo Seco, is coming off a TKO victory over Christian Olivo in February. A Youth Olympic medalist at Buenos Aires 2018, Cuello has wins in Uruguay and the United States. This will be his seventh straight bout outside Argentina and he now seeks to claim an interim belt on African soil. Nick Ball holds the WBA featherweight championship.
Ríos Jiménez, also unbeaten at 24, is nown for his technical skill. The Mexican is riding a 19-fight win streak and is eager to make a statement in his first fight abroad.
The undercard packs additional international action, including Albert Ramírez (21-0, 18 KOs) vs. Jerome Pampellone in a WBA light heavyweight eliminator, Soufiane Oumiha vs. Francisco Fonseca at lightweight, Josué Agüero vs. Diego Alemán at junior lightweight, and Mike Pérez vs. Fernely Feliz Jr. at bridgerweight.
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Interim featherweight bout happening in Benghazi
Tomorrow (Friday, August 8th), Argentina’s Mirco Cuello (15-0, 12 KOs) will have the biggest fight of his career, squaring off against Mexico’s Sergio Ríos Jiménez (19-0, 7 KOs) for the WBA interim featherweight title. The bout will take place at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, Libya, as part of the WBA Future program, an initiative aimed at expanding professional boxing into new territories. Cuello, age 24, hails from Arroyo Seco, is coming off a TKO victory over Christian Olivo in February. A Youth Olympic medalist at Buenos Aires 2018, Cuello has wins in Uruguay and the United States. This will be his seventh straight bout outside Argentina and he now seeks to claim an interim belt on African soil. Nick Ball holds the WBA featherweight championship.
Ríos Jiménez, also unbeaten at 24, is nown for his technical skill. The Mexican is riding a 19-fight win streak and is eager to make a statement in his first fight abroad.
The undercard packs additional international action, including Albert Ramírez (21-0, 18 KOs) vs. Jerome Pampellone in a WBA light heavyweight eliminator, Soufiane Oumiha vs. Francisco Fonseca at lightweight, Josué Agüero vs. Diego Alemán at junior lightweight, and Mike Pérez vs. Fernely Feliz Jr. at bridgerweight.
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Oscar Valdez to start new title quest next month |
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Former two-time champion Oscar Valdez hopes to kickstart another world title run when he returns to action against San Antonio, Texas native Ricky "El Castigo" Medina in a ten-round junior lightweight main event on Saturday, Sept. 6th at Domo Binacional in Valdez's hometown of Nogales, Mexico. A two-time Mexican Olympian, Valdez has not fought on home soil since 2013. “Oscar Valdez is a proud warrior, and this is a great opportunity for him to return home and prove he still has what it takes to contend at 130 pounds,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Oscar has been with Top Rank since he turned pro, and we are in his corner as he attempts to become a three-time world champion.”
Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) captured the WBO featherweight championship with a knockout win over Matias Rueda and defended it six times. He then moved up to junior lightweight, where he scored a highlight-reel knockout against Miguel Berchelt in February 2021 to claim the WBC crown. The 34-year old suffered his first pro loss in an April 2022 unification showdown against Shakur Stevenson. He returned to form with a decision over Adam Lopez the following May, setting up an all-Mexico clash with Emanuel Navarrete in August 2023. Valdez dropped a unanimous decision to Navarrete, and following a TKO win over Liam Wilson, lost the Navarrete rematch by sixth-round knockout.
Medina (16-3, 9 KOs) went 13-0 with seven knockouts before a decision loss to eventual champion Raymond Ford in June 2022. He rebounded later that year with a first-round stoppage of Steve Garagarza and outpointed Juan Antonio Lopez the following May. Medina suffered back-to-back decision losses, first on enemy turf against SoCal native George Acosta in December 2023, then to unbeaten contender Geo Lopez last September. Medina bounced back in December by dispatching Angel Hernandez Pillado in three.
Promoted by Zanfer Boxing and Top Rank, tickets to Valdez-Medina are available now via www.xticket.mx.
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Oscar Valdez to start new title quest next month
Former two-time champion Oscar Valdez hopes to kickstart another world title run when he returns to action against San Antonio, Texas native Ricky "El Castigo" Medina in a ten-round junior lightweight main event on Saturday, Sept. 6th at Domo Binacional in Valdez's hometown of Nogales, Mexico. A two-time Mexican Olympian, Valdez has not fought on home soil since 2013. “Oscar Valdez is a proud warrior, and this is a great opportunity for him to return home and prove he still has what it takes to contend at 130 pounds,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Oscar has been with Top Rank since he turned pro, and we are in his corner as he attempts to become a three-time world champion.”
Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) captured the WBO featherweight championship with a knockout win over Matias Rueda and defended it six times. He then moved up to junior lightweight, where he scored a highlight-reel knockout against Miguel Berchelt in February 2021 to claim the WBC crown. The 34-year old suffered his first pro loss in an April 2022 unification showdown against Shakur Stevenson. He returned to form with a decision over Adam Lopez the following May, setting up an all-Mexico clash with Emanuel Navarrete in August 2023. Valdez dropped a unanimous decision to Navarrete, and following a TKO win over Liam Wilson, lost the Navarrete rematch by sixth-round knockout.
Medina (16-3, 9 KOs) went 13-0 with seven knockouts before a decision loss to eventual champion Raymond Ford in June 2022. He rebounded later that year with a first-round stoppage of Steve Garagarza and outpointed Juan Antonio Lopez the following May. Medina suffered back-to-back decision losses, first on enemy turf against SoCal native George Acosta in December 2023, then to unbeaten contender Geo Lopez last September. Medina bounced back in December by dispatching Angel Hernandez Pillado in three.
Promoted by Zanfer Boxing and Top Rank, tickets to Valdez-Medina are available now via www.xticket.mx.
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Recent heavyweight title lineage |
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JULY 19, 2025 / USYK-DUBOIS II: At Wembley Stadium in London, Oleksandr Usyk retained the world heavyweight championsip. The Ukrainian legend looked sensational, knocking out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to reclaim the IBF title and re-unify it with the three other heavyweight titles he already owned. (Usyk previously achieved undisputed glory at cruiserweight and heavyweight but relinquished the IBF heavyweight belt last year). DAZN News had the fight scored 40-36 for Usyk at the time of the stoppage. The win means the undefeated Usyk now has two victories over each of his major rivals: Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and now Dubois and that his ranking among the pantheon of all-time heavyweight greats is ascending. Now 30-0 including the World Series of Boxing, Usyk controlled the opening four rounds with his precision striking and footwork. In the fifth round, Usyk and Dubois were battling in the corner when the 38-year old unloaded a right over the top to send Dubois down to the canvas. Dubois made it back to his feet. But the end was near as Dubois looked out of it with a glazed look in his eyes. Usyk closed the show by looping a scintillating left hook to the head to drop Dubois for the second time. Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) got up to a knee. The referee kept counting, and the 27-year-old was unable to make it back to his feet.
DEC. 22, 2024 / USYK-FURY II: In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury for the second time and retained the world heavyweight championship. Outweighed by about 55 pounds and dwarfed in height, Usyk found a way to beat the 6'9" Fury to the punch and win a unanimous decision by three scores of 116-112. The fight was close enough that a minority thought Fury deserved to win, and Fury himself quickly left the ring in a show of disapproval. The victory puts Usyk, a former Olympic champion and an undefeated, two-division undisputed world champion, in the discussion for the best overall boxer of the century, along with Floyd Mayweather. Now 29-0 including the World Series of Boxing, Usyk indicated his next fight could be a rematch against Daniel Dubois, who now holds the IBF title despite losing to Usyk in 2022.
SEPT. 21, 2024 / DUBOIS-JOSHUA: Daniel Dubois sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division. Defending his IBF title as an underdog to former two-time champion Anthony Joshua, Dubois rose to the occasion on Saturday night, knocking out Joshua at a packed Wembley Stadium. The first round saw Dubois looking to establish the jab early to set up the right hand, and it rocked Joshua before a second right knocked down the two-time champion to the canvas. Wembley Stadium was in shock, and Dubois continued to increase the pressure with his jab, frequently rocking Joshua who had no answer for what was thrown at him. Come the fifth round, Dubois stepped on the gas backed Joshua into a corner, landed a right hand, then a second right which was the final nail in the coffin, sending Joshua to the canvas and unable to meet the referee’s count.
JUNE 6, 2024 / IBF VACATED: All indications are that former three-belt heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will fight Daniel Dubois for the soon-to-be-vacant IBF heavyweight championship at London's Wembley Stadium on September 21st. The reigining world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (pictured) essentially confirmed this today when he posted a video of himself saying "Anthony and Daniel, listen, I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on September 21st." Usyk defeated Joshua twice, winning the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight championships in the process. He then defeated Dubois before adding the WBC title to his collection by defeating Tyson Fury. Usyk will give Fury a rematch rather than make an IBF mandatory defense.
MAY 19, 2024 / USYK-FURY I: In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk made boxing history by becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight champion of the century. The Ukrainian Usyk pretty clearly outboxed Great Britain's Tyson Fury, although it was ruled a split decision. Boxingtalk scored it 115-112 for Usyk, who remains undefeated as a professional. Usyk was trailing at the midway point but turned the momentum back his way and knocked Fury down towards the end of round nine. Usyk added Fury's WBC title to the WBA, WBO and IBF versions he previously owned. Should Fury want a rematch to avenge his first pro loss, he has the contractual right to do so in October. An Olympic gold medal winner as well as undisputed world champion at cruiserweight and now heavyweight, Usyk has to be considered an all-time great.
AUG. 27, 2023 / USYK-DUBOIS I: Fighting in eastern Poland, close to his native, war-torn Ukraine, three-belt heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk stopped British challenger Daniel Dubois in the ninth round of their heavyweight championship fight, but it was not entirely free from controversy. Usyk won nearly every round, but in round five ,Dubois landed a hard shot right on Usyk's belt line. Usyk went down, and the referee quickly ruled it a low blow, giving Usyk plenty of time to recover. The referee apparently believed it was an accidental blow because he did not deduct a point from Dubois. When the action resumed, Dubois could have done a better job of fighting aggressively. Instead, he laid back and Usyk soon recovered. In round eight, Usyk delivered and knockdown punch close to the end of the round. Usyk came out strong in round nine and ended the fight with a short right hand that floored Dubois. He just barely beat the ten count then leaned on the referee a little bit, and the referee quickly waved the fight off. Dubois did not protest the stoppage but in his postfight interview, Dubois argued that he was the rightful winner because the fifth-round body shot should have been [in his opinion] a legal knockout of Usyk.
AUG. 21, 2022 / USYK-JOSHUA II: In Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk retained the WBO, WBA and IBF championships with a split decision win over ex-champ Anthony Joshua. Last September, Usyk produced a dominant display to dethrone Joshua and win the three heavyweight titles. In Saturday's rematch, Joshua made some improvements, but Usyk exemplified his exceptional boxing skills in the championship rounds to beat the Englishman by split decision (113-115, 116-112, 115-113). DAZN had the fight scored 115-113 for Usyk. Joshua looked to be on the verge of closing the show in the ninth round. The former two-time, three-belt heavyweight champion had Usyk on the ropes and nearly out on his feet with one power shot upstairs after another. But Usyk survived the onslaught and came out with a vengeance in the last three rounds. He used his slick techniques to confuse Joshua and almost send him to the canvas in the tenth round. With the fight hanging in the balance in the final round, Usyk didn't put the foot on the gas pedal. Instead, he went right at Joshua with power, combinations, and volume punches. His work in the last three rounds helped him to hold onto the gold and record a successful first title defense. According to CompuBox, in the last three rounds, Usyk threw 232 punches compared to 149 for Joshua and outlanded him 79-29.
OCT. 29, 2021 / FURY-WILDER III: A new chapter in heavyweight history was written in Las Vegas when Tyson Fury knocked out Deontay Wilder in round eleven to retain the WBC championship. This was the third fght between the two rivals, with Fury now holding a 2-0-1 edge. Wilder took a tremendous amount of punishment and was taken to the hospital afterwards but he can hold his head up high knowing he pushed Fury to the brink. There were five knockdowns overall, three scored by Fury and two by Wilder. The first knockdown occurred in round three when Fury sent Wilder down. But in round four, Wilder decked the champion twice. Fury then began to reassert himself, and took control of the fight in rounds six, seven, eight, and nine, outstriking Wilder as the challenger began to appear fatigued. In round ten, Fury landed another heavy right hand that sent Wilder to the canvas for the second time in the fight. Wilder made it to his feet and saw the end of the round. Fury applied more forward pressure in the eleventh, as he hurt Wilder repeatedly at range and in the clinch. Nearing a minute into the round, Fury landed a clean right hand to Wilder's temple, causing the challenger to collapse to the floor. Referee Russell Mora immediately called a stop to the bout, securing a knockout victory for the defending champion Fury.
SEPT. 25, 2021 / USYK-JOSHUA I: Oleksandr Usyk made heavyweight history in London on Saturday. The former cruiserweight champion overcame the odds and defeated Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision to win the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts at the Totteham Hotspur Stadium. The judges scored the bout 117-112, 116-112, and 115-113, which gave the Ukrainian a unanimous decision victory to win the belts held by the Briton. The venue had 60,000 people cheering for the home fighter. Joshua received the support of most of the crowd and combined that motivational factor with the fact that he was bigger (20 pounds heavier), younger, and more experienced in the division- this was only Usyk's third bout as a heavyweight after his historic run cleaning out the cruiserweight division. Usyk is the new unified heavyweight champion and improved his record to 25-0, which includes six wins in the World Series of Boxing. Joshua's record falls to 24 wins and 2 losses.
FEB. 23, 2020 / FURY-WILDER II: Tyson Fury made boxing history in Las Vegas on Saturday, punishing Deontay Wilder to claim Wilder's WBC heavyweight championship. Fury thoroughly outboxed Wilder, knocked him down twice, and punished him until Wilder's corner threw in the towel in round seven to end the fight. Wilder was bleeding profusely from his ear and also had a swollen jaw. His legs were very shaky from the third-round knockdown on, sapping him of his legendary punching power while Fury put on a display of boxing skill never before seen from a man his height (6'8" or 6'9"). Fury emerged from the battle of unbeatens with his "0" intact at 30-0-1 while Wilder is now 42-1-1. "The best man won tonight, but I wish my corner would have let me go out on my shield," said Wilder immediately afterwards. Wilder vaguely referenced pre-existing injuries in his post-fight interview, possibly in one of his legs. No doubt we will hear more about that soon as Wilder and his team build their case for a rematch. Whatever issues Wilder may have had coming in, he will likely need several months to recover from the injuries that Fury inflicted on him.
DEC. 17, 2019 / JOSHUA-RUIZ II: In Saudi Arabia, Anthony Joshua regained the WBO/WBA/IBF heavyweight championships by outboxing a blubbery Andy Ruiz less than six months after Ruiz knocked Joshua out. There were two key differences from Ruiz's win: one, Ruiz was out of shape, gaining 15 pounds since June, and two, Joshua brilliantly executed a stick-and-move game plan. The win wont inspire Joshua's critics, but he and his training team deserve a lot of credit for remaking Joshua's style in just a few months. For twelve rounds, Joshua fought a very disciplined fight, using his jab, foot speed and height to manuever around the 22-foot ring and avoid Ruiz's power. Official scores were 118-108 (twice) and 119-109. Although Ruiz deserves criticism for falling so far out of shape when he had months to prepare for the rematch, he at least put up a decent effort on fight day. A Joshua jab opened a cut on the outside of Ruiz's left eye in round one, and Ruiz had his head snapped back several times during the course of the bout. However, Joshua never pressed for a knockout, instead using the ring to stay away from his slower opponent. It was a good strategy for a man coming off a knockout loss, but it also meant that there were no must-see highlights.
JUNE 2, 2019 / RUIZ-JOSHUA I... Boxing history was made at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday as Andy Ruiz stunned Anthony Joshua via seventh-round technical knockout to win the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight championships. Ruiz, who took the fight as a replacement opponent on less than a month's notice, was overweight and undersized (compared to the 6'6" Joshua), but had faster hands and superior counterpunching. The fight featured a classic third round that saw Joshua knock down Ruiz, only for Ruiz to get up and knock Joshua down twice in the same round. The round ended just after Joshua slowly got up from the second knockdown. Rounds four through six were fairly even, with people starting to grumble that Ruiz let Joshua off the hook. Round seven will be discussed for years, as Ruiz knocked Joshua down twice to win the fight. After the second knockdown, Joshua spit out his mouthpiece and got up at seven. However, he appeared disinterested, and retreated to a corner. Then he failed to step forward when referee Mike Griffin asked him if he was ready to continue. Griffin waved off the bout, and Joshua protested only for a second. Joshua's performance will require a reevaluation of his standing in the boxing world, as he did not show a great chin, and certainly wasted a significant height and reach advantage.
DEC. 1, 2018 / FURY-WILDER I: Undefeated WBC champion Deontay Wilder and undefeated former champion Tyson Fury gave boxing fans a fight of the year candidate and arguably the best heavyweight championship fight since Lewis-Klitschko. Fury's herky jerky style gave Wilder trouble throughout and he clearly won the majority of the rounds. Wilder appeared to be looking for the KO far too much and the knockdown he scored in the ninth round narrowed the scorecards. Going into the twelfth and final round it was clear Wilder needed a knockout to win. Deontay was able to land a left hook that flattened Fury who appeared to go unconscous but then wake up at the count of six. Fury beat the count and finished out the round as the stronger man. Official scores were 115-111 Wilder, 114-110 Fury, 113-113. Boxingtalk scored the fight 114-112 Fury.
MARCH 31, 2018 / JOSHUA-PARKER: It was a heavyweight chess match for the WBA/IBF/WBO/IBO titles between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker but Joshua added Parker's WBO title to his collection of belts. The fight was difficult to score in this scribe's opinion. Joshua was the aggressor, but Parker's jab was the most consistent punch of the fight. Boxingtalk scored it 115-113 for Joshua. Official scores went Joshua's way by the ridiculous tallies of 118-110 (twice) and 119-109.
APRIL 30, 2017 / JOSHUA- W. KLITSCHKO: In front of 90,000 fans at London's Wembley Arena, Anthony Joshua stopped former world champion Wladimir Klitschko in the eleventh round of a thrilling war. In the fifth, Joshua cut and floored Klitschko, but the 41 year-old former champion returned the favor, knocking Joshua down and nearly out in round six. Joshua took a few rounds to recover, but in the eleventh, he came out aggressively, and used uppercuts with body shots mixed in to end the fight. Joshua knocked Klitschko down twice, and though Klitschko got up both times, he clearly had nothing left. With Joshua punishing Klitschko against the ropes, referee David Fields properly jumped in to end the bout. Klitschko was too dazed to protest, and Wembley Stadium erupted into bedlam. At the time of the stoppage, Joshua lead on two scorecards, 96-93 and 95-93 but trailed on the third by 95-93.
JAN. 17, 2015 / WILDER-STIVERNE I: In Las Vegas, Deontay Wilder defeated one of the weakest heavyweight champions of all time, Bermane Stiverne, to capture the WBC championship. Wilder had never gone past the fourth round but had little trouble going twelve hard rounds against Stiverne. Wilder won a unanimous decision by scores of 120-107, 119-108 and 118-109. The win gives Golden Boy Promotions and manager Al Haymon a fraction of the heavyweight championship (although Wladimir Klitschko remains the legitimate world champion). The keys to Wilder's success were his ability to box as well as punch, his ability to take Stiverne's punches, and Stiverne's inability to cut off the ring. Now 33-0, the Alabama-born Wilder became the first American to claim a major heavyweight title in several years. Stiverne, a Canadian-based Haitian, falls to 24-2-1.
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Recent heavyweight title lineage
JULY 19, 2025 / USYK-DUBOIS II: At Wembley Stadium in London, Oleksandr Usyk retained the world heavyweight championsip. The Ukrainian legend looked sensational, knocking out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to reclaim the IBF title and re-unify it with the three other heavyweight titles he already owned. (Usyk previously achieved undisputed glory at cruiserweight and heavyweight but relinquished the IBF heavyweight belt last year). DAZN News had the fight scored 40-36 for Usyk at the time of the stoppage. The win means the undefeated Usyk now has two victories over each of his major rivals: Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and now Dubois and that his ranking among the pantheon of all-time heavyweight greats is ascending. Now 30-0 including the World Series of Boxing, Usyk controlled the opening four rounds with his precision striking and footwork. In the fifth round, Usyk and Dubois were battling in the corner when the 38-year old unloaded a right over the top to send Dubois down to the canvas. Dubois made it back to his feet. But the end was near as Dubois looked out of it with a glazed look in his eyes. Usyk closed the show by looping a scintillating left hook to the head to drop Dubois for the second time. Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) got up to a knee. The referee kept counting, and the 27-year-old was unable to make it back to his feet.
DEC. 22, 2024 / USYK-FURY II: In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury for the second time and retained the world heavyweight championship. Outweighed by about 55 pounds and dwarfed in height, Usyk found a way to beat the 6'9" Fury to the punch and win a unanimous decision by three scores of 116-112. The fight was close enough that a minority thought Fury deserved to win, and Fury himself quickly left the ring in a show of disapproval. The victory puts Usyk, a former Olympic champion and an undefeated, two-division undisputed world champion, in the discussion for the best overall boxer of the century, along with Floyd Mayweather. Now 29-0 including the World Series of Boxing, Usyk indicated his next fight could be a rematch against Daniel Dubois, who now holds the IBF title despite losing to Usyk in 2022.
SEPT. 21, 2024 / DUBOIS-JOSHUA: Daniel Dubois sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division. Defending his IBF title as an underdog to former two-time champion Anthony Joshua, Dubois rose to the occasion on Saturday night, knocking out Joshua at a packed Wembley Stadium. The first round saw Dubois looking to establish the jab early to set up the right hand, and it rocked Joshua before a second right knocked down the two-time champion to the canvas. Wembley Stadium was in shock, and Dubois continued to increase the pressure with his jab, frequently rocking Joshua who had no answer for what was thrown at him. Come the fifth round, Dubois stepped on the gas backed Joshua into a corner, landed a right hand, then a second right which was the final nail in the coffin, sending Joshua to the canvas and unable to meet the referee’s count.
JUNE 6, 2024 / IBF VACATED: All indications are that former three-belt heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will fight Daniel Dubois for the soon-to-be-vacant IBF heavyweight championship at London's Wembley Stadium on September 21st. The reigining world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (pictured) essentially confirmed this today when he posted a video of himself saying "Anthony and Daniel, listen, I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on September 21st." Usyk defeated Joshua twice, winning the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight championships in the process. He then defeated Dubois before adding the WBC title to his collection by defeating Tyson Fury. Usyk will give Fury a rematch rather than make an IBF mandatory defense.
MAY 19, 2024 / USYK-FURY I: In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk made boxing history by becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight champion of the century. The Ukrainian Usyk pretty clearly outboxed Great Britain's Tyson Fury, although it was ruled a split decision. Boxingtalk scored it 115-112 for Usyk, who remains undefeated as a professional. Usyk was trailing at the midway point but turned the momentum back his way and knocked Fury down towards the end of round nine. Usyk added Fury's WBC title to the WBA, WBO and IBF versions he previously owned. Should Fury want a rematch to avenge his first pro loss, he has the contractual right to do so in October. An Olympic gold medal winner as well as undisputed world champion at cruiserweight and now heavyweight, Usyk has to be considered an all-time great.
AUG. 27, 2023 / USYK-DUBOIS I: Fighting in eastern Poland, close to his native, war-torn Ukraine, three-belt heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk stopped British challenger Daniel Dubois in the ninth round of their heavyweight championship fight, but it was not entirely free from controversy. Usyk won nearly every round, but in round five ,Dubois landed a hard shot right on Usyk's belt line. Usyk went down, and the referee quickly ruled it a low blow, giving Usyk plenty of time to recover. The referee apparently believed it was an accidental blow because he did not deduct a point from Dubois. When the action resumed, Dubois could have done a better job of fighting aggressively. Instead, he laid back and Usyk soon recovered. In round eight, Usyk delivered and knockdown punch close to the end of the round. Usyk came out strong in round nine and ended the fight with a short right hand that floored Dubois. He just barely beat the ten count then leaned on the referee a little bit, and the referee quickly waved the fight off. Dubois did not protest the stoppage but in his postfight interview, Dubois argued that he was the rightful winner because the fifth-round body shot should have been [in his opinion] a legal knockout of Usyk.
AUG. 21, 2022 / USYK-JOSHUA II: In Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk retained the WBO, WBA and IBF championships with a split decision win over ex-champ Anthony Joshua. Last September, Usyk produced a dominant display to dethrone Joshua and win the three heavyweight titles. In Saturday's rematch, Joshua made some improvements, but Usyk exemplified his exceptional boxing skills in the championship rounds to beat the Englishman by split decision (113-115, 116-112, 115-113). DAZN had the fight scored 115-113 for Usyk. Joshua looked to be on the verge of closing the show in the ninth round. The former two-time, three-belt heavyweight champion had Usyk on the ropes and nearly out on his feet with one power shot upstairs after another. But Usyk survived the onslaught and came out with a vengeance in the last three rounds. He used his slick techniques to confuse Joshua and almost send him to the canvas in the tenth round. With the fight hanging in the balance in the final round, Usyk didn't put the foot on the gas pedal. Instead, he went right at Joshua with power, combinations, and volume punches. His work in the last three rounds helped him to hold onto the gold and record a successful first title defense. According to CompuBox, in the last three rounds, Usyk threw 232 punches compared to 149 for Joshua and outlanded him 79-29.
OCT. 29, 2021 / FURY-WILDER III: A new chapter in heavyweight history was written in Las Vegas when Tyson Fury knocked out Deontay Wilder in round eleven to retain the WBC championship. This was the third fght between the two rivals, with Fury now holding a 2-0-1 edge. Wilder took a tremendous amount of punishment and was taken to the hospital afterwards but he can hold his head up high knowing he pushed Fury to the brink. There were five knockdowns overall, three scored by Fury and two by Wilder. The first knockdown occurred in round three when Fury sent Wilder down. But in round four, Wilder decked the champion twice. Fury then began to reassert himself, and took control of the fight in rounds six, seven, eight, and nine, outstriking Wilder as the challenger began to appear fatigued. In round ten, Fury landed another heavy right hand that sent Wilder to the canvas for the second time in the fight. Wilder made it to his feet and saw the end of the round. Fury applied more forward pressure in the eleventh, as he hurt Wilder repeatedly at range and in the clinch. Nearing a minute into the round, Fury landed a clean right hand to Wilder's temple, causing the challenger to collapse to the floor. Referee Russell Mora immediately called a stop to the bout, securing a knockout victory for the defending champion Fury.
SEPT. 25, 2021 / USYK-JOSHUA I: Oleksandr Usyk made heavyweight history in London on Saturday. The former cruiserweight champion overcame the odds and defeated Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision to win the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts at the Totteham Hotspur Stadium. The judges scored the bout 117-112, 116-112, and 115-113, which gave the Ukrainian a unanimous decision victory to win the belts held by the Briton. The venue had 60,000 people cheering for the home fighter. Joshua received the support of most of the crowd and combined that motivational factor with the fact that he was bigger (20 pounds heavier), younger, and more experienced in the division- this was only Usyk's third bout as a heavyweight after his historic run cleaning out the cruiserweight division. Usyk is the new unified heavyweight champion and improved his record to 25-0, which includes six wins in the World Series of Boxing. Joshua's record falls to 24 wins and 2 losses.
FEB. 23, 2020 / FURY-WILDER II: Tyson Fury made boxing history in Las Vegas on Saturday, punishing Deontay Wilder to claim Wilder's WBC heavyweight championship. Fury thoroughly outboxed Wilder, knocked him down twice, and punished him until Wilder's corner threw in the towel in round seven to end the fight. Wilder was bleeding profusely from his ear and also had a swollen jaw. His legs were very shaky from the third-round knockdown on, sapping him of his legendary punching power while Fury put on a display of boxing skill never before seen from a man his height (6'8" or 6'9"). Fury emerged from the battle of unbeatens with his "0" intact at 30-0-1 while Wilder is now 42-1-1. "The best man won tonight, but I wish my corner would have let me go out on my shield," said Wilder immediately afterwards. Wilder vaguely referenced pre-existing injuries in his post-fight interview, possibly in one of his legs. No doubt we will hear more about that soon as Wilder and his team build their case for a rematch. Whatever issues Wilder may have had coming in, he will likely need several months to recover from the injuries that Fury inflicted on him.
DEC. 17, 2019 / JOSHUA-RUIZ II: In Saudi Arabia, Anthony Joshua regained the WBO/WBA/IBF heavyweight championships by outboxing a blubbery Andy Ruiz less than six months after Ruiz knocked Joshua out. There were two key differences from Ruiz's win: one, Ruiz was out of shape, gaining 15 pounds since June, and two, Joshua brilliantly executed a stick-and-move game plan. The win wont inspire Joshua's critics, but he and his training team deserve a lot of credit for remaking Joshua's style in just a few months. For twelve rounds, Joshua fought a very disciplined fight, using his jab, foot speed and height to manuever around the 22-foot ring and avoid Ruiz's power. Official scores were 118-108 (twice) and 119-109. Although Ruiz deserves criticism for falling so far out of shape when he had months to prepare for the rematch, he at least put up a decent effort on fight day. A Joshua jab opened a cut on the outside of Ruiz's left eye in round one, and Ruiz had his head snapped back several times during the course of the bout. However, Joshua never pressed for a knockout, instead using the ring to stay away from his slower opponent. It was a good strategy for a man coming off a knockout loss, but it also meant that there were no must-see highlights.
JUNE 2, 2019 / RUIZ-JOSHUA I... Boxing history was made at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday as Andy Ruiz stunned Anthony Joshua via seventh-round technical knockout to win the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight championships. Ruiz, who took the fight as a replacement opponent on less than a month's notice, was overweight and undersized (compared to the 6'6" Joshua), but had faster hands and superior counterpunching. The fight featured a classic third round that saw Joshua knock down Ruiz, only for Ruiz to get up and knock Joshua down twice in the same round. The round ended just after Joshua slowly got up from the second knockdown. Rounds four through six were fairly even, with people starting to grumble that Ruiz let Joshua off the hook. Round seven will be discussed for years, as Ruiz knocked Joshua down twice to win the fight. After the second knockdown, Joshua spit out his mouthpiece and got up at seven. However, he appeared disinterested, and retreated to a corner. Then he failed to step forward when referee Mike Griffin asked him if he was ready to continue. Griffin waved off the bout, and Joshua protested only for a second. Joshua's performance will require a reevaluation of his standing in the boxing world, as he did not show a great chin, and certainly wasted a significant height and reach advantage.
DEC. 1, 2018 / FURY-WILDER I: Undefeated WBC champion Deontay Wilder and undefeated former champion Tyson Fury gave boxing fans a fight of the year candidate and arguably the best heavyweight championship fight since Lewis-Klitschko. Fury's herky jerky style gave Wilder trouble throughout and he clearly won the majority of the rounds. Wilder appeared to be looking for the KO far too much and the knockdown he scored in the ninth round narrowed the scorecards. Going into the twelfth and final round it was clear Wilder needed a knockout to win. Deontay was able to land a left hook that flattened Fury who appeared to go unconscous but then wake up at the count of six. Fury beat the count and finished out the round as the stronger man. Official scores were 115-111 Wilder, 114-110 Fury, 113-113. Boxingtalk scored the fight 114-112 Fury.
MARCH 31, 2018 / JOSHUA-PARKER: It was a heavyweight chess match for the WBA/IBF/WBO/IBO titles between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker but Joshua added Parker's WBO title to his collection of belts. The fight was difficult to score in this scribe's opinion. Joshua was the aggressor, but Parker's jab was the most consistent punch of the fight. Boxingtalk scored it 115-113 for Joshua. Official scores went Joshua's way by the ridiculous tallies of 118-110 (twice) and 119-109.
APRIL 30, 2017 / JOSHUA- W. KLITSCHKO: In front of 90,000 fans at London's Wembley Arena, Anthony Joshua stopped former world champion Wladimir Klitschko in the eleventh round of a thrilling war. In the fifth, Joshua cut and floored Klitschko, but the 41 year-old former champion returned the favor, knocking Joshua down and nearly out in round six. Joshua took a few rounds to recover, but in the eleventh, he came out aggressively, and used uppercuts with body shots mixed in to end the fight. Joshua knocked Klitschko down twice, and though Klitschko got up both times, he clearly had nothing left. With Joshua punishing Klitschko against the ropes, referee David Fields properly jumped in to end the bout. Klitschko was too dazed to protest, and Wembley Stadium erupted into bedlam. At the time of the stoppage, Joshua lead on two scorecards, 96-93 and 95-93 but trailed on the third by 95-93.
JAN. 17, 2015 / WILDER-STIVERNE I: In Las Vegas, Deontay Wilder defeated one of the weakest heavyweight champions of all time, Bermane Stiverne, to capture the WBC championship. Wilder had never gone past the fourth round but had little trouble going twelve hard rounds against Stiverne. Wilder won a unanimous decision by scores of 120-107, 119-108 and 118-109. The win gives Golden Boy Promotions and manager Al Haymon a fraction of the heavyweight championship (although Wladimir Klitschko remains the legitimate world champion). The keys to Wilder's success were his ability to box as well as punch, his ability to take Stiverne's punches, and Stiverne's inability to cut off the ring. Now 33-0, the Alabama-born Wilder became the first American to claim a major heavyweight title in several years. Stiverne, a Canadian-based Haitian, falls to 24-2-1.
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Jamaine Ortiz to fight Steve Claggett |
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Massachusetts junior middleweight Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (19-2-1, 9 KOs) will return to the ring on August 23rd to face Calgary veteran Steve Claggett (39-8-2, 27 KOs) in a ten-round bout. It will serve as the co-feature on MVP Fight Night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The event will be televised live on DAZN. Tickets on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com. The technically gifted Ortiz is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Yomar Alamo (22-4-1, 13 KOs) on March 15th.
Now, Ortiz, who is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and CES Boxing, looks to keep that momentum rolling against Claggett, who possesses knockout power and a reputation for pushing opponents to their limits. "It feels great to be back in the ring after my win over Alamo," said Ortiz. "That fight was a reminder to myself and the boxing world of what I can do when I’m locked in. I’m sharper than ever, and I’m coming into this fight with a lot of confidence and purpose."
Ortiz has his eyes firmly set on a world title opportunity. "I’m as hungry as I’ve ever been," Ortiz added. "I truly believe I have what it takes to become a world champion. Every fight from here on out is a step toward that goal, and I’m willing to face whoever I need to in order to get there."
While Ortiz enters as the favorite, he knows Claggett’s experience and rugged style make him a dangerous opponent. "Claggett is a tough, experienced fighter who comes to win every time out," Ortiz noted. "He’s been in there with some of the best, and I know he’s going to test me. But I’ve prepared for every challenge he can bring, and on fight night, I’m going to show why I’m the one walking away with the victory."
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, voiced his excitement for Ortiz’s continued rise and praised the collaboration with CES Boxing. "We’re thrilled to be working with CES Boxing on Jamaine’s career," said Piedra. "He’s a world-class talent who is on the brink of breaking into the world title picture once again. This fight with Claggett is another important step for him, and with his skill set and determination, I believe it’s only a matter of time before Jamaine is fighting for — and winning — a world championship."
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Jamaine Ortiz to fight Steve Claggett
Massachusetts junior middleweight Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (19-2-1, 9 KOs) will return to the ring on August 23rd to face Calgary veteran Steve Claggett (39-8-2, 27 KOs) in a ten-round bout. It will serve as the co-feature on MVP Fight Night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The event will be televised live on DAZN. Tickets on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com. The technically gifted Ortiz is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Yomar Alamo (22-4-1, 13 KOs) on March 15th.
Now, Ortiz, who is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and CES Boxing, looks to keep that momentum rolling against Claggett, who possesses knockout power and a reputation for pushing opponents to their limits. "It feels great to be back in the ring after my win over Alamo," said Ortiz. "That fight was a reminder to myself and the boxing world of what I can do when I’m locked in. I’m sharper than ever, and I’m coming into this fight with a lot of confidence and purpose."
Ortiz has his eyes firmly set on a world title opportunity. "I’m as hungry as I’ve ever been," Ortiz added. "I truly believe I have what it takes to become a world champion. Every fight from here on out is a step toward that goal, and I’m willing to face whoever I need to in order to get there."
While Ortiz enters as the favorite, he knows Claggett’s experience and rugged style make him a dangerous opponent. "Claggett is a tough, experienced fighter who comes to win every time out," Ortiz noted. "He’s been in there with some of the best, and I know he’s going to test me. But I’ve prepared for every challenge he can bring, and on fight night, I’m going to show why I’m the one walking away with the victory."
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, voiced his excitement for Ortiz’s continued rise and praised the collaboration with CES Boxing. "We’re thrilled to be working with CES Boxing on Jamaine’s career," said Piedra. "He’s a world-class talent who is on the brink of breaking into the world title picture once again. This fight with Claggett is another important step for him, and with his skill set and determination, I believe it’s only a matter of time before Jamaine is fighting for — and winning — a world championship."
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IBF schedules purse bid for Murtazaliev vs. Lubin |
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On July 21st, the IBF ordered its junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev and its #1 contender Erickson Lubin to begin negotiations for a mandatory defense. On August 5th, Julian Levitt on behalf Lubin's promoter, Probox Promotions, advised that they would like to proceed directly to a purse bid, which is permitted under IBF rules. As a result, the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for Tuesday, August 19th. Murtazaliev is 23-0 and won the vacant title last year against Jack Culcay after Jermell Charlo vacated. Mustazliev has made one defense so far, against former champ Tim Tszyu.
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IBF schedules purse bid for Murtazaliev vs. Lubin
On July 21st, the IBF ordered its junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev and its #1 contender Erickson Lubin to begin negotiations for a mandatory defense. On August 5th, Julian Levitt on behalf Lubin's promoter, Probox Promotions, advised that they would like to proceed directly to a purse bid, which is permitted under IBF rules. As a result, the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for Tuesday, August 19th. Murtazaliev is 23-0 and won the vacant title last year against Jack Culcay after Jermell Charlo vacated. Mustazliev has made one defense so far, against former champ Tim Tszyu.
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Beterbiev books fight vs. Nicholson in November |
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According to a social media post by Turki Alalshikh, former undisputed world light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev will return to action on November 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Coming off two very compettive fights to Dmitrii Bivol for the unified world championship at 175 pounds (Beterbiev won the first, lost the second), Beterbiev will collide with the hard punching Deon Nicholson (22-1), who has 18 knockouts in his 22 wins. [Alalshikh is in chardge of the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority and is considered the most powerful man in boxing].
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Beterbiev books fight vs. Nicholson in November
According to a social media post by Turki Alalshikh, former undisputed world light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev will return to action on November 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Coming off two very compettive fights to Dmitrii Bivol for the unified world championship at 175 pounds (Beterbiev won the first, lost the second), Beterbiev will collide with the hard punching Deon Nicholson (22-1), who has 18 knockouts in his 22 wins. [Alalshikh is in chardge of the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority and is considered the most powerful man in boxing].
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Cornejo headlines RJJ Boxing show this Saturday |
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This Friday night, RJJ Boxing brings a night of professional boxing action to the Legends Casino and Hotel in Toppenish, Washington. The event will be streamed on the RJJ Boxing YouTube page. Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr, and Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will be doing the play by play. Five bouts are set to take place. The main event will see Natasha Spence (8-8-2, 6 KOs) taking on Maricela Cornejo (19-7, 7 KOs) in a six rounder in the junior middleweight division. Cornejo has a very accomplished resume. In 2015, she fought for the vacant WBC middleweight title against Kali Reis and lost the bout by split decision. She has also fought Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn (twice). The chief support features Roy Jones Jr. trainee Andrew "White Lightning" Murphy (10-0, 7 Kos)taking on Jeremiah Sierra (4-2, 1 Ko) in a eight rounder in the super middleweight division. Undefeated fighters Jason Young and Josh Juarez also set to be in action. Tickets are available at the door and also on Ticketmaster.com.
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Cornejo headlines RJJ Boxing show this Saturday
This Friday night, RJJ Boxing brings a night of professional boxing action to the Legends Casino and Hotel in Toppenish, Washington. The event will be streamed on the RJJ Boxing YouTube page. Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr, and Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will be doing the play by play. Five bouts are set to take place. The main event will see Natasha Spence (8-8-2, 6 KOs) taking on Maricela Cornejo (19-7, 7 KOs) in a six rounder in the junior middleweight division. Cornejo has a very accomplished resume. In 2015, she fought for the vacant WBC middleweight title against Kali Reis and lost the bout by split decision. She has also fought Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn (twice). The chief support features Roy Jones Jr. trainee Andrew "White Lightning" Murphy (10-0, 7 Kos)taking on Jeremiah Sierra (4-2, 1 Ko) in a eight rounder in the super middleweight division. Undefeated fighters Jason Young and Josh Juarez also set to be in action. Tickets are available at the door and also on Ticketmaster.com.
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Tellez to defend interim title vs. Baraou |
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On August 23rd, WBA 154-pound interim Champion, Yoenis “El Bandolero” Tellez (10-0, 7 KOs), originally from Santiago de Cuba and now fighting out of Stafford, Texas, will defend his title against Germany’s Abass Baraou (16-1, 9 KOs) in a twelve-round bout on the MVP Fight Night card at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The event will be televised live worldwide on DAZN. Tickets on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com. [The WBA still recognizes Terence Crawford as its 154-pound champion even though Crawford will challenge Saul "Canelo" Alvarez for the world 168-pound championship next month.]
Tellez is coming off a career-defining performance against former world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams. On March 1st, he dominated the seasoned veteran to capture the WBA interim title. Now, he turns his focus to the dangerous and highly skilled Baraou, who represents the toughest challenge yet in his young career. "Beating Julian Williams gave me a lot of confidence, but I’m not satisfied," said Tellez, who is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Warriors Boxing. "I learned a lot from that fight, and I’m bringing that momentum into the ring against Baraou. He’s a talented fighter, and I respect what he’s done in his career. But on fight night, I’m going to show why I’m the champion."
A victory over Baraou could set the stage for Tellez to be elevated to the full WBA title. "This fight is a major step for me," Tellez continued. "When I win, I’ll be in position to fight as the [full WBA] champion. That means big fights, big opportunities, and a chance to keep proving I’m the best at 154 pounds."
For the second time in less than six months, Tellez will be showcased on DAZN, giving fans worldwide a front-row seat to his journey. "Fighting on DAZN again is huge for me," Tellez added. "It’s a global platform, and I want to keep building my name, so everyone knows who Yoenis Tellez is."
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, articulated his enthusiasm about Tellez’s trajectory and the significance of this fight. "Yoenis has all the tools to be a superstar," Piedra said. "His win over Julian Williams proved he belongs at the top, and a victory against Baraou will put him in line for the WBA [full] title. It’s been incredible working alongside Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian at Most Valuable Promotions—our shared vision for Yoenis’ career is paying off, and the fans are seeing something special unfold."
Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.
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Tellez to defend interim title vs. Baraou
On August 23rd, WBA 154-pound interim Champion, Yoenis “El Bandolero” Tellez (10-0, 7 KOs), originally from Santiago de Cuba and now fighting out of Stafford, Texas, will defend his title against Germany’s Abass Baraou (16-1, 9 KOs) in a twelve-round bout on the MVP Fight Night card at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The event will be televised live worldwide on DAZN. Tickets on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com. [The WBA still recognizes Terence Crawford as its 154-pound champion even though Crawford will challenge Saul "Canelo" Alvarez for the world 168-pound championship next month.]
Tellez is coming off a career-defining performance against former world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams. On March 1st, he dominated the seasoned veteran to capture the WBA interim title. Now, he turns his focus to the dangerous and highly skilled Baraou, who represents the toughest challenge yet in his young career. "Beating Julian Williams gave me a lot of confidence, but I’m not satisfied," said Tellez, who is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Warriors Boxing. "I learned a lot from that fight, and I’m bringing that momentum into the ring against Baraou. He’s a talented fighter, and I respect what he’s done in his career. But on fight night, I’m going to show why I’m the champion."
A victory over Baraou could set the stage for Tellez to be elevated to the full WBA title. "This fight is a major step for me," Tellez continued. "When I win, I’ll be in position to fight as the [full WBA] champion. That means big fights, big opportunities, and a chance to keep proving I’m the best at 154 pounds."
For the second time in less than six months, Tellez will be showcased on DAZN, giving fans worldwide a front-row seat to his journey. "Fighting on DAZN again is huge for me," Tellez added. "It’s a global platform, and I want to keep building my name, so everyone knows who Yoenis Tellez is."
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, articulated his enthusiasm about Tellez’s trajectory and the significance of this fight. "Yoenis has all the tools to be a superstar," Piedra said. "His win over Julian Williams proved he belongs at the top, and a victory against Baraou will put him in line for the WBA [full] title. It’s been incredible working alongside Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian at Most Valuable Promotions—our shared vision for Yoenis’ career is paying off, and the fans are seeing something special unfold."
Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.
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Coming soon: CB Promotions |
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CB Promotions will debut this fall with the first of their monthly series that will originate from East Coast venues. CB Promotions is the brainchild of Trenton, New Jersey area businessman Clevester Blacktone, who wants to establish a monthly series of competitive fights that have meaning. "I have been around boxing for a little while. I helped out some fighters in the past in a management and advisory capacity and I saw there was a need for fight cards that could not only be competitive and entertaining, but have fighters get to the next level. I am in the process of signing a few fighters and also working with any and every promoter and matchmaker in the world. I also am reaching out to the sanctioning organizations as I want this to be a championship boxing series as well," said Blackstone.
"Fans from all over the world will be able to view the shows and we will be announcing a uniqueness about the series that will make it a must-watch for all boxing fans but also bring back some of the old school feel of boxing.
The date, venue, fighters and distribution for the inaugural event will be announced in subsequent press releases.
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Coming soon: CB Promotions
CB Promotions will debut this fall with the first of their monthly series that will originate from East Coast venues. CB Promotions is the brainchild of Trenton, New Jersey area businessman Clevester Blacktone, who wants to establish a monthly series of competitive fights that have meaning. "I have been around boxing for a little while. I helped out some fighters in the past in a management and advisory capacity and I saw there was a need for fight cards that could not only be competitive and entertaining, but have fighters get to the next level. I am in the process of signing a few fighters and also working with any and every promoter and matchmaker in the world. I also am reaching out to the sanctioning organizations as I want this to be a championship boxing series as well," said Blackstone.
"Fans from all over the world will be able to view the shows and we will be announcing a uniqueness about the series that will make it a must-watch for all boxing fans but also bring back some of the old school feel of boxing.
The date, venue, fighters and distribution for the inaugural event will be announced in subsequent press releases.
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BKFC rolls into Edmonton this week |
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On Saturday, a beefed-up Drew Stuve makes his debut in the BKFC middleweight (175-pound) division against Will Santiago on BKFC Fight Night, live worldwide on the BKFC App from the River Cree Resort & Casino in Edmonton, Alberta. Stuve, from Edmonton, is 2-0 with back-to-back, stoppage victories in the Squared Circle, with both wins coming in welterweight (165-pound) action. “I’ve been lifting weights a lot more, so I’ve put on a lot of size and I’m way stronger than before,” Stuve says on the eve of his third trip to the BKFC squared circle. “I still have my speed, but I hit a lot harder now.”
The 28-year old is counting down the seconds until Saturday evening, when he gets to showcase his increased power and strength. “I’m definitely looking for the knockout, absolutely,” he says. “My opponent likes to run, but there will be nowhere for him to run on fight night.”
Stuve sees himself as the first Canadian to hold a BKFC championship belt and loves competing in “The Great White North.” Still, he’s eager to represent his country in international locales in the future. “I’m ready for whoever BKFC has for me, and I’m more than happy to go into anybody’s backyard to take them out,” he says. “This is my time.”
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BKFC rolls into Edmonton this week
On Saturday, a beefed-up Drew Stuve makes his debut in the BKFC middleweight (175-pound) division against Will Santiago on BKFC Fight Night, live worldwide on the BKFC App from the River Cree Resort & Casino in Edmonton, Alberta. Stuve, from Edmonton, is 2-0 with back-to-back, stoppage victories in the Squared Circle, with both wins coming in welterweight (165-pound) action. “I’ve been lifting weights a lot more, so I’ve put on a lot of size and I’m way stronger than before,” Stuve says on the eve of his third trip to the BKFC squared circle. “I still have my speed, but I hit a lot harder now.”
The 28-year old is counting down the seconds until Saturday evening, when he gets to showcase his increased power and strength. “I’m definitely looking for the knockout, absolutely,” he says. “My opponent likes to run, but there will be nowhere for him to run on fight night.”
Stuve sees himself as the first Canadian to hold a BKFC championship belt and loves competing in “The Great White North.” Still, he’s eager to represent his country in international locales in the future. “I’m ready for whoever BKFC has for me, and I’m more than happy to go into anybody’s backyard to take them out,” he says. “This is my time.”
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Parker to Usyk: "Take on me" |
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WBO interim champion Joseph Parker is making his push for a shot at undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Parker, a former WBO champ himself, released a brief but entertaining video on social media lip synching to the 1980s song "Take On Me" by the band A-ha. Parker (36-3) is on quite a roll, having won six straight, including victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole.
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Parker to Usyk: "Take on me"
WBO interim champion Joseph Parker is making his push for a shot at undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Parker, a former WBO champ himself, released a brief but entertaining video on social media lip synching to the 1980s song "Take On Me" by the band A-ha. Parker (36-3) is on quite a roll, having won six straight, including victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole.
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Scotland card to feature European title bout |
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On Saturday, October 4th, Scotland’s undefeated Nathaniel Collins steps into the spotlight at Braehead Arena as he challenges Spain’s Cristobal Lorente (20-2) for the European featherweight title. The undercard includes an unbeaten lightweight clash between Regan Glackin vs Louie O’Doherty, the return of Willy Hutchinson, and a Scottish middleweight title bout between Aston Brown and Paul Kean. Also featured will be Scottish boxers Lee McGregor, Drew Limond, Alex Arthur Jr, Marcus Sutherland, Reese Lynch, and debutant John Joe Carrigan.
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Scotland card to feature European title bout
On Saturday, October 4th, Scotland’s undefeated Nathaniel Collins steps into the spotlight at Braehead Arena as he challenges Spain’s Cristobal Lorente (20-2) for the European featherweight title. The undercard includes an unbeaten lightweight clash between Regan Glackin vs Louie O’Doherty, the return of Willy Hutchinson, and a Scottish middleweight title bout between Aston Brown and Paul Kean. Also featured will be Scottish boxers Lee McGregor, Drew Limond, Alex Arthur Jr, Marcus Sutherland, Reese Lynch, and debutant John Joe Carrigan.
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Yoelvis Gomez books return bout |
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Boxlab Promotions’ and Warriors Boxing’s middleweight Yoelvis Gomez (8-1, 7 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas but originally from Cuba, is set to make his return to the ring in a ten-round showdown against Edwine Humaine Junior (9-1, 7 KOs) from Haiti by way of Springfield, Massachusetts. The fight will take place Friday, August 22nd at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, as part of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 14 card, streaming live on DAZN. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. For Gomez, this fight marks the end of a frustrating [eleven-month] layoff and the beginning of a renewed push toward middleweight contention. "It’s been a long road back, but I’ve been working harder than ever," Gomez said. "This fight is my chance to show everyone that I’m still one of the most dangerous fighters in the division."
Facing Humaine Junior, an equally hard-hitting opponent with nearly identical knockout numbers, Gomez is eager for the challenge. "Edwine is tough, and I respect his power and skillset" Gomez added. "He’s a young hungry fighter and I’ll have to be ready for his aggressive style. This is going to be a war, and he’s going to find out that I’m coming to take him out early. I’ll be letting my hands go from the opening round.
The fight will also be Gomez’s first scheduled ten-rounder since his 2023 loss to Marquis Taylor — a step he sees as both a challenge and an opportunity. "Going ten rounds is a test that I've past,” continued Gomez. “Although my last couple of fights have been 8-rounds, I’ve went the ten round distance twice in my career. I’ve trained for every possible scenario, and I’m prepared to go the distance if I have to."
A victory in Orlando would be more than just another win on his record — it could be the launchpad to bigger fights on an even bigger stage. "A win here puts me right back in the mix for the top names in the middleweight division," concluded Gomez. "This is my time to take control of my career and chase a world title. Fighting on DAZN means the whole world gets to see what I’ve been working on. I’m going to give the fans a memorable performance."
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, expressed his excitement to have Gomez back in action: "We’re thrilled to see Yoelvis return to the ring. He’s got the talent, power, and heart to be a serious contender in the middleweight division, and we believe this fight is just the start of a big drive toward a world title."
This event is brought to you by Most Valuable Promotions in association with Boxlab Promotions.
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Yoelvis Gomez books return bout
Boxlab Promotions’ and Warriors Boxing’s middleweight Yoelvis Gomez (8-1, 7 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas but originally from Cuba, is set to make his return to the ring in a ten-round showdown against Edwine Humaine Junior (9-1, 7 KOs) from Haiti by way of Springfield, Massachusetts. The fight will take place Friday, August 22nd at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, as part of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 14 card, streaming live on DAZN. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. For Gomez, this fight marks the end of a frustrating [eleven-month] layoff and the beginning of a renewed push toward middleweight contention. "It’s been a long road back, but I’ve been working harder than ever," Gomez said. "This fight is my chance to show everyone that I’m still one of the most dangerous fighters in the division."
Facing Humaine Junior, an equally hard-hitting opponent with nearly identical knockout numbers, Gomez is eager for the challenge. "Edwine is tough, and I respect his power and skillset" Gomez added. "He’s a young hungry fighter and I’ll have to be ready for his aggressive style. This is going to be a war, and he’s going to find out that I’m coming to take him out early. I’ll be letting my hands go from the opening round.
The fight will also be Gomez’s first scheduled ten-rounder since his 2023 loss to Marquis Taylor — a step he sees as both a challenge and an opportunity. "Going ten rounds is a test that I've past,” continued Gomez. “Although my last couple of fights have been 8-rounds, I’ve went the ten round distance twice in my career. I’ve trained for every possible scenario, and I’m prepared to go the distance if I have to."
A victory in Orlando would be more than just another win on his record — it could be the launchpad to bigger fights on an even bigger stage. "A win here puts me right back in the mix for the top names in the middleweight division," concluded Gomez. "This is my time to take control of my career and chase a world title. Fighting on DAZN means the whole world gets to see what I’ve been working on. I’m going to give the fans a memorable performance."
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, expressed his excitement to have Gomez back in action: "We’re thrilled to see Yoelvis return to the ring. He’s got the talent, power, and heart to be a serious contender in the middleweight division, and we believe this fight is just the start of a big drive toward a world title."
This event is brought to you by Most Valuable Promotions in association with Boxlab Promotions.
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Yoka looking to continue career rebound with Queensberry |
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Last week, Queensberry signed three boxers to promtional contracts: heavyweight Tony Yoka, two light heavyweights, Joshua Buatsi and European champion Bradley Rea. The signing of Yoka, announced on Wednesday, adds another key fighter to Queensberry's heavyweight roster. Yoka, who also signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry, is listed with a record of 14 wins, 3 losses, and 11 knockouts. [However, Boxingtalk considers the World Series of Boxing to be professional bouts, so that would leave Yoka with a record of 21-11]. Originally from Paris, he won gold at the 2106 Olympics and was expected to be a heavyweight contender. Yoka, age 33, is currently on a three-fight winning streak, but that was preceded by a difficult period in which he lost three straight. Yoka last entered the ring in May, defeating previously undefeated Russian prospect Arslan Yallyev by unanimous decision.
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Yoka looking to continue career rebound with Queensberry
Last week, Queensberry signed three boxers to promtional contracts: heavyweight Tony Yoka, two light heavyweights, Joshua Buatsi and European champion Bradley Rea. The signing of Yoka, announced on Wednesday, adds another key fighter to Queensberry's heavyweight roster. Yoka, who also signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry, is listed with a record of 14 wins, 3 losses, and 11 knockouts. [However, Boxingtalk considers the World Series of Boxing to be professional bouts, so that would leave Yoka with a record of 21-11]. Originally from Paris, he won gold at the 2106 Olympics and was expected to be a heavyweight contender. Yoka, age 33, is currently on a three-fight winning streak, but that was preceded by a difficult period in which he lost three straight. Yoka last entered the ring in May, defeating previously undefeated Russian prospect Arslan Yallyev by unanimous decision.
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Seven golds for Team USA Youth |
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Last Saturday, the United States closed out the 2025 Brandenburg Cup in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, in dominant fashion. After qualifying seven athletes for gold medal rounds, all seven Team USA boxers finished the day with their hands raised after the final bell. All told, the USA secured 11 medals for the week, including seven gold and four bronze. Joscelyn Olayo-Munoz (women’s 48 kilograms | Las Cruces, N.M.) and Alexis Tangaro (women’s 54 kilograms | Waianae, Hawaii) were the two Team USA women's gold medalists on Saturday. Lorenzo Patricio (men’s 50 kg | Waianae, Hawaii), Salim Ellis-Bey (men’s 60 kilograms | Philadelphia, Pa.), Lavant Brownlee (men’s 65 kilograms | Louisville, Ky.), Joseph Awinongya (men’s 80 kilograms | Joliet, Ill.) and Nnajai Wright (men’s 90+ kilograms | Richmond, Va.) found their way atop the podium on the USA men’s side.
Olayo-Munoz opened the day with a flawless performance in the opening bout. She stayed on the attack against her Italian opponent, Amelia Sula, and showed her ability to be the aggressor and deal out punishment throughout the bout. Olayo-Munoz blanked Sula and ultimately earned the unanimous decision victory to earn her first international medal and set the tone for the day for Team USA.
Tangaro checked into the ring two bouts later and followed suit with a 5-0 victory of her own over Lithuania’s Jelizaveta Jakimova. The Waianae, Hawaii, product was poised in the pocket and landed her shots with precision to score the unanimous decision and earn her second win of the tournament. The medal marks the first international honor of her amateur career.
Patricio stepped back into the ring with an extra day of rest behind him and put that additional recovery to good use in his 50-kg title bout. He flustered Australia’s Taj Harrington with his movement and danced around the ring, picking his shots as he circled his foe. As he typically does, Patricio turned up the volume of his attacks throughout the bout and ultimately closed it out with a 5-0 win. After receiving his gold medal, Patricio was also named the Best Technician of the tournament after racking up three wins over the final three days.
Ellis-Bey bullied his Azerbaijan opponent, Babayev Subhan, for three rounds before ultimately scoring the 5-0 win, marking his fourth victory of the week. The Philadelphia, Pa., native applied heavy pressure throughout the bout and damaged his opponent with several heavy-handed shots. Ellis-Bey closed out his first international tournament and claimed the medal that he focused on throughout his 2025 preparations.
Brownlee closed out the week with two 5-0 decisions, one in the opening round and another in the semifinals, one RSC in the quarterfinals, and a walkover decision in Saturday’s championship bout. The 65-kg title also marks the first international medal for the Louisville, Ky., native.
Awinongya impressed the masses once again and earned his second win by abandonment of the week, this time against Australia’s Khaled Bassal. After cooking Bassal for the opening two rounds, Awinongya turned up the heat in the final round and forced another eight count with his powerful right hand, which convinced the Australian team to throw in the towel. Awinongya is no stranger to international success and claims his latest medal after earning three wins throughout the week.
Wright closed the show with an outstanding performance for the United States in the 90+ kg showdown against Germany’s Ahmed Abdulgamidov. While Abdulgamidov held an incredible reach advantage over Wright, the Richmond, Va., native had a strategic game plan in place to pick his German foe apart. Wright once again utilized his agility to find his way inside his opponent’s defense and subsequently landed a flurry of damaging uppercuts. While Abdulgamidov looked strong in the first round, Wright was able to wear him down and drag him into deep waters throughout the second and third rounds. Ultimately, Wright closed the bout with a 3-0 decision, regaining favor from the judges after falling behind early in the bout.
The USA Boxing Youth High Performance team has successfully concluded its international schedule for 2025. Of the 13 athletes in competition at the Brandenburg Cup, 11 left with medals. All 14 athletes on the Youth High Performance roster have shown tremendous potential throughout the year and are sure to leave a lasting legacy within the USA Boxing High Performance department throughout the current Olympic cycle.
Team USA is led by head coach Edward Fonteneaux (Fayetteville, N.C.), and assisted by Jason Hamilton (Spanaway, Wash.), Ronald Wright (Columbus, Ga.) and Yessenia Montalvo (Bloomfield, N.J.).
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Seven golds for Team USA Youth
Last Saturday, the United States closed out the 2025 Brandenburg Cup in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, in dominant fashion. After qualifying seven athletes for gold medal rounds, all seven Team USA boxers finished the day with their hands raised after the final bell. All told, the USA secured 11 medals for the week, including seven gold and four bronze. Joscelyn Olayo-Munoz (women’s 48 kilograms | Las Cruces, N.M.) and Alexis Tangaro (women’s 54 kilograms | Waianae, Hawaii) were the two Team USA women's gold medalists on Saturday. Lorenzo Patricio (men’s 50 kg | Waianae, Hawaii), Salim Ellis-Bey (men’s 60 kilograms | Philadelphia, Pa.), Lavant Brownlee (men’s 65 kilograms | Louisville, Ky.), Joseph Awinongya (men’s 80 kilograms | Joliet, Ill.) and Nnajai Wright (men’s 90+ kilograms | Richmond, Va.) found their way atop the podium on the USA men’s side.
Olayo-Munoz opened the day with a flawless performance in the opening bout. She stayed on the attack against her Italian opponent, Amelia Sula, and showed her ability to be the aggressor and deal out punishment throughout the bout. Olayo-Munoz blanked Sula and ultimately earned the unanimous decision victory to earn her first international medal and set the tone for the day for Team USA.
Tangaro checked into the ring two bouts later and followed suit with a 5-0 victory of her own over Lithuania’s Jelizaveta Jakimova. The Waianae, Hawaii, product was poised in the pocket and landed her shots with precision to score the unanimous decision and earn her second win of the tournament. The medal marks the first international honor of her amateur career.
Patricio stepped back into the ring with an extra day of rest behind him and put that additional recovery to good use in his 50-kg title bout. He flustered Australia’s Taj Harrington with his movement and danced around the ring, picking his shots as he circled his foe. As he typically does, Patricio turned up the volume of his attacks throughout the bout and ultimately closed it out with a 5-0 win. After receiving his gold medal, Patricio was also named the Best Technician of the tournament after racking up three wins over the final three days.
Ellis-Bey bullied his Azerbaijan opponent, Babayev Subhan, for three rounds before ultimately scoring the 5-0 win, marking his fourth victory of the week. The Philadelphia, Pa., native applied heavy pressure throughout the bout and damaged his opponent with several heavy-handed shots. Ellis-Bey closed out his first international tournament and claimed the medal that he focused on throughout his 2025 preparations.
Brownlee closed out the week with two 5-0 decisions, one in the opening round and another in the semifinals, one RSC in the quarterfinals, and a walkover decision in Saturday’s championship bout. The 65-kg title also marks the first international medal for the Louisville, Ky., native.
Awinongya impressed the masses once again and earned his second win by abandonment of the week, this time against Australia’s Khaled Bassal. After cooking Bassal for the opening two rounds, Awinongya turned up the heat in the final round and forced another eight count with his powerful right hand, which convinced the Australian team to throw in the towel. Awinongya is no stranger to international success and claims his latest medal after earning three wins throughout the week.
Wright closed the show with an outstanding performance for the United States in the 90+ kg showdown against Germany’s Ahmed Abdulgamidov. While Abdulgamidov held an incredible reach advantage over Wright, the Richmond, Va., native had a strategic game plan in place to pick his German foe apart. Wright once again utilized his agility to find his way inside his opponent’s defense and subsequently landed a flurry of damaging uppercuts. While Abdulgamidov looked strong in the first round, Wright was able to wear him down and drag him into deep waters throughout the second and third rounds. Ultimately, Wright closed the bout with a 3-0 decision, regaining favor from the judges after falling behind early in the bout.
The USA Boxing Youth High Performance team has successfully concluded its international schedule for 2025. Of the 13 athletes in competition at the Brandenburg Cup, 11 left with medals. All 14 athletes on the Youth High Performance roster have shown tremendous potential throughout the year and are sure to leave a lasting legacy within the USA Boxing High Performance department throughout the current Olympic cycle.
Team USA is led by head coach Edward Fonteneaux (Fayetteville, N.C.), and assisted by Jason Hamilton (Spanaway, Wash.), Ronald Wright (Columbus, Ga.) and Yessenia Montalvo (Bloomfield, N.J.).
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Trainer John Brown honored in Kansas City |
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The Kansas City Royals baseball team recently honored legendary boxing trainer John Brown for his longtime community service as the owner/operator of Turner Boxing Academy in Kansas City. Turner, age 78, received the prestigious Buck O’Neil Legacy Award during a special ceremony at Kauffman Stadium for his contributions during the past two decades to the community, where he has trained more than 1,000 youths. “It was a great day,” Brown said. “I have been a Royals fan for years and loved the George Brett era. I would like to thank everyone with the Kansas City Royals for such a nice honor.”
Brown has led Turner Boxing Academy as director and head coach since founding it in 2005. With more than 60 years of experience in the sport, his involvement spans every level of boxing as an athlete, coach, and trainer. Beyond coaching, John is also a pioneer in boxing equipment. He founded Ringside in 1977, developing and marketing gear that became widely used in the sport. His leadership has extended to national and local organizations, having served as President and Vice President of USA Boxing, held key roles in the local LBC, and acted as franchise delegate and Vice President of KC Golden Gloves.
Brown believes his greatest legacy lies in mentoring young athletes and guiding them to succeed, both inside the ring and beyond. Brown has served as manager/head trainer for only two professionals, the late world heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison and now Marco Romero.
Turner Boxing Academy is promoting “The Homecoming,” a professional/amateur boxing card, on September 6th at Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Olathe, Kansas. Local star Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (9-0, 8 KOs), a 23-time national amateur champion who lives in Olathe, will headline the event in an eight-round middleweight bout.
“The Homecoming” is a fundraiser for the Turner Boxing Academy. The primary sponsor of this event is McCarthy Auto Group, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Safe Kids Johnson County. Tickets are on sale now at www.Eventbrite.com. A USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card, starting at 6:30 p.m. CT, will precede the pro card.
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Trainer John Brown honored in Kansas City
The Kansas City Royals baseball team recently honored legendary boxing trainer John Brown for his longtime community service as the owner/operator of Turner Boxing Academy in Kansas City. Turner, age 78, received the prestigious Buck O’Neil Legacy Award during a special ceremony at Kauffman Stadium for his contributions during the past two decades to the community, where he has trained more than 1,000 youths. “It was a great day,” Brown said. “I have been a Royals fan for years and loved the George Brett era. I would like to thank everyone with the Kansas City Royals for such a nice honor.”
Brown has led Turner Boxing Academy as director and head coach since founding it in 2005. With more than 60 years of experience in the sport, his involvement spans every level of boxing as an athlete, coach, and trainer. Beyond coaching, John is also a pioneer in boxing equipment. He founded Ringside in 1977, developing and marketing gear that became widely used in the sport. His leadership has extended to national and local organizations, having served as President and Vice President of USA Boxing, held key roles in the local LBC, and acted as franchise delegate and Vice President of KC Golden Gloves.
Brown believes his greatest legacy lies in mentoring young athletes and guiding them to succeed, both inside the ring and beyond. Brown has served as manager/head trainer for only two professionals, the late world heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison and now Marco Romero.
Turner Boxing Academy is promoting “The Homecoming,” a professional/amateur boxing card, on September 6th at Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Olathe, Kansas. Local star Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (9-0, 8 KOs), a 23-time national amateur champion who lives in Olathe, will headline the event in an eight-round middleweight bout.
“The Homecoming” is a fundraiser for the Turner Boxing Academy. The primary sponsor of this event is McCarthy Auto Group, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Safe Kids Johnson County. Tickets are on sale now at www.Eventbrite.com. A USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card, starting at 6:30 p.m. CT, will precede the pro card.
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Results from Venezuela |
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Douglas González TKO1 Starling Martínez ... On Saturday, August 2nd at the Hotel Tamanaco in Caracas, Venezuela’s Douglas “La Guabina” González (9-0, 9 KOs) preserved his perfect record in a featherweight bout against Starling Martínez (15-6, 14 KOs) of the Dominican Republic.rom the opening bell, the Venezuelan displayed superior technique and punching power, targeting the body with crisp combinations that quickly broke Martínez down. The bout ended in the first round when the referee stepped in, unable to ignore the local fighter’s clear dominance. With this win, González further cements his status as one of the country’s top prospects and positions himself for opportunities on the international stage.
Iván García TKO10 Jesús Laya... On the same show, Mexico’s Iván García (13-4-1, 5 KOs) stopped Venezuela’s Jesús “El Rayo” Laya (9-4-1, 8 KOs) via tenth-round TKO in a light flyweight battle. García controlled the fight with steady pace, precision punching, and sharp tactical awareness. Laya, buoyed by the home crowd, showed courage and resilience, but he couldn’t halt the Mexican’s relentless advance. A late flurry of punches forced the referee to wave off the contest with 1:38 left in the final round. The show featured the presence of boxing greats Evander Holyfield, Jorge Arce and Emanuel Navarrete.
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Results from Venezuela
Douglas González TKO1 Starling Martínez ... On Saturday, August 2nd at the Hotel Tamanaco in Caracas, Venezuela’s Douglas “La Guabina” González (9-0, 9 KOs) preserved his perfect record in a featherweight bout against Starling Martínez (15-6, 14 KOs) of the Dominican Republic.rom the opening bell, the Venezuelan displayed superior technique and punching power, targeting the body with crisp combinations that quickly broke Martínez down. The bout ended in the first round when the referee stepped in, unable to ignore the local fighter’s clear dominance. With this win, González further cements his status as one of the country’s top prospects and positions himself for opportunities on the international stage.
Iván García TKO10 Jesús Laya... On the same show, Mexico’s Iván García (13-4-1, 5 KOs) stopped Venezuela’s Jesús “El Rayo” Laya (9-4-1, 8 KOs) via tenth-round TKO in a light flyweight battle. García controlled the fight with steady pace, precision punching, and sharp tactical awareness. Laya, buoyed by the home crowd, showed courage and resilience, but he couldn’t halt the Mexican’s relentless advance. A late flurry of punches forced the referee to wave off the contest with 1:38 left in the final round. The show featured the presence of boxing greats Evander Holyfield, Jorge Arce and Emanuel Navarrete.
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Ajagba vs. Sanchez purse bid update |
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When Filip Hrgovic pulled out of the IBF heavyweight elimination process, the IBF ordered #3 ranked Efe Ajagba and #4 ranked Frank Sanchez to begin negotiations for an eliminator for the vacant #1 position. Derek Chisora sits at #2. Carl Moretti of Top Rank, representing Ajagba, confirmed that Ajagba would like to proceed straight to a purse bid, which is permitted under IBF rules. The IBF initially scheduled a purse for Tuesday, August 5th but that has now been pushed back one week until August 12th. Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version.
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Ajagba vs. Sanchez purse bid update
When Filip Hrgovic pulled out of the IBF heavyweight elimination process, the IBF ordered #3 ranked Efe Ajagba and #4 ranked Frank Sanchez to begin negotiations for an eliminator for the vacant #1 position. Derek Chisora sits at #2. Carl Moretti of Top Rank, representing Ajagba, confirmed that Ajagba would like to proceed straight to a purse bid, which is permitted under IBF rules. The IBF initially scheduled a purse for Tuesday, August 5th but that has now been pushed back one week until August 12th. Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version.
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Jalapeno Hernandez wins by late stoppage |
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Victor Hernandez TKO10 Jayvon Garnett... Victor “Jalapeno” Hernandez (14-0, 12 KOs) used relentless pressure and high-volume punching to wear down and stop Jayvon “Jigsaw” Garnett (10-2, 5 KOs) in the tenth and final round of a featherweight contest on Saturday night at the Fairgrounds Arena in Nashville. Fighting in the main event of Christy Martin Promotions’ show, Hernandez dominated the capable Garnett in every minute of every round, firing hard punches to the head and body with abandon. The end came at 2:23 of the tenth when referee Duane Edwards rescued the exhausted Garnett as he slowly sank to the canvas. “I trained just to be hot and spicy,” said a happy Hernandez, postfight. “You know what happens when you take a bite of a jalapeno and it’s too hot? It burns your ass. He just didn’t know that. Anybody that wants to give me an opportunity, get in touch with Christy Martin or Lisa Holewyne,” continued Hernandez. “Whoever wants it, let’s do it. I want them all.”
UNDERCARD
Popular junior welterweight Louui IV Spencer (2-0, 1 KO) of Clarksville, Tennessee, won a wide four-round unanimous decision over Cody Jenkins (0-6) of Virginia. After getting the better in the first two rounds, Spencer dropped Jenkins with a two-punch salvo to the body in round three and then followed up with a barrage that had Jenkins down again at the end of the frame. A left hook to the body put Jenkins down again in round four, but the multi-sport Virginian tough guy was able to last the distance. The scores were 40-33 and 40-34 (twice).
Super bantamweight southpaw Yoruba “The Slim Reaper” Moreu made a successful pro debut, scoring a second-round TKO over 1-16 Ndira “Paco” Spearman of Lavergne, Tennessee. Spearman has not won a bout in more than nine years. A former amateur champion from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Moreu sent Spearman down a total of five times from a mix of l right hooks to the head and body in round one. Spearman was down twice more in round two before Referee Duane Edwards indicated he’d finally seen enough at 1:45 of the second. “I feel like I could have worked better off the jab, but it’s my pro debut,” said Moreu after the fight. “It’s all part of the game. I’ll go back to the gym and fix up my little tweaks and be good. I don’t care if you’re big, strong, little, whatever... I’m going to that body. You have to protect that body at all times or I will snatch it, for sure.”
Fan-favorite welterweight Hadrian Phillips (2-0, 2 KOs) of nearby Clarksville, Tennessee, made quick work of winless Keith Foreman (0-7-1) of Harlingen, Texas, knocking him out with a two-piece combo at 1:13 of the opening round. “It can’t get much better than that,” said Phillips, post-fight. “I felt good in there and came out and did what I had to do. Boxing is a hard sport and a lonely sport, and I have nothing but love for everyone who supports me.”
In the opening fight of the night, light heavyweight Bryan “King” Goldsby II (2-0, 2 KOs) stayed undefeated with a second-round TKO over “Mr. Composure” El Av Yashar'El (11-41-3, 6 KOs). Goldsby showed good punching power, as Yashar'El was down twice from hard right hands in round one. When Goldsby opened up again in round two, his heavy-handed barrage convinced Referee Anthony Bryant to wave the fight off at 1:46 of the second.
In the four-round “double pro debut” light heavyweight walkout bout, Guy Stanford Jr. of Clarksville, Tennessee, moved to 1-0, 1 KO by stopping Covington, Tennessee’s Jalen Fayne at 30 seconds of round two. Stanford dropped Fayne with a left hook to the body late in round one and finished him with a follow-up barrage to the body early in round two.
In an entertaining, albeit abbreviated slugfest, junior middleweight Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield (13-1, 9 KOs) of Atlanta scored a second-round stoppage of Jeremiah Robinson (8-6, 8 KOs) of Saint Louis. Holyfield dropped Robinson with a left hook to the liver late in round one. To his credit, Robinson came out firing in round two and may have briefly stunned Holyfield before Holyfield regained his composure and dropped him again with an uppercut to the pit of the stomach. Sensing the end was near, Holyfield moved in for the kill with guns blazing late in the round. Referee Anthony Bryant waved it off as Robinson sank to the canvas for a third time. The time of Holyfield’s TKO victory was 2:58 of the second. In just his second fight since undergoing open-heart surgery, Holyfield expressed his gratitude for even being back in the ring. “Two years ago, if you had asked me would I be in the ring I would have said ‘I don’t know,’ he said. “It’s been a turbulent up and down roller coaster, but here I am.”
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Jalapeno Hernandez wins by late stoppage
Victor Hernandez TKO10 Jayvon Garnett... Victor “Jalapeno” Hernandez (14-0, 12 KOs) used relentless pressure and high-volume punching to wear down and stop Jayvon “Jigsaw” Garnett (10-2, 5 KOs) in the tenth and final round of a featherweight contest on Saturday night at the Fairgrounds Arena in Nashville. Fighting in the main event of Christy Martin Promotions’ show, Hernandez dominated the capable Garnett in every minute of every round, firing hard punches to the head and body with abandon. The end came at 2:23 of the tenth when referee Duane Edwards rescued the exhausted Garnett as he slowly sank to the canvas. “I trained just to be hot and spicy,” said a happy Hernandez, postfight. “You know what happens when you take a bite of a jalapeno and it’s too hot? It burns your ass. He just didn’t know that. Anybody that wants to give me an opportunity, get in touch with Christy Martin or Lisa Holewyne,” continued Hernandez. “Whoever wants it, let’s do it. I want them all.”
UNDERCARD
Popular junior welterweight Louui IV Spencer (2-0, 1 KO) of Clarksville, Tennessee, won a wide four-round unanimous decision over Cody Jenkins (0-6) of Virginia. After getting the better in the first two rounds, Spencer dropped Jenkins with a two-punch salvo to the body in round three and then followed up with a barrage that had Jenkins down again at the end of the frame. A left hook to the body put Jenkins down again in round four, but the multi-sport Virginian tough guy was able to last the distance. The scores were 40-33 and 40-34 (twice).
Super bantamweight southpaw Yoruba “The Slim Reaper” Moreu made a successful pro debut, scoring a second-round TKO over 1-16 Ndira “Paco” Spearman of Lavergne, Tennessee. Spearman has not won a bout in more than nine years. A former amateur champion from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Moreu sent Spearman down a total of five times from a mix of l right hooks to the head and body in round one. Spearman was down twice more in round two before Referee Duane Edwards indicated he’d finally seen enough at 1:45 of the second. “I feel like I could have worked better off the jab, but it’s my pro debut,” said Moreu after the fight. “It’s all part of the game. I’ll go back to the gym and fix up my little tweaks and be good. I don’t care if you’re big, strong, little, whatever... I’m going to that body. You have to protect that body at all times or I will snatch it, for sure.”
Fan-favorite welterweight Hadrian Phillips (2-0, 2 KOs) of nearby Clarksville, Tennessee, made quick work of winless Keith Foreman (0-7-1) of Harlingen, Texas, knocking him out with a two-piece combo at 1:13 of the opening round. “It can’t get much better than that,” said Phillips, post-fight. “I felt good in there and came out and did what I had to do. Boxing is a hard sport and a lonely sport, and I have nothing but love for everyone who supports me.”
In the opening fight of the night, light heavyweight Bryan “King” Goldsby II (2-0, 2 KOs) stayed undefeated with a second-round TKO over “Mr. Composure” El Av Yashar'El (11-41-3, 6 KOs). Goldsby showed good punching power, as Yashar'El was down twice from hard right hands in round one. When Goldsby opened up again in round two, his heavy-handed barrage convinced Referee Anthony Bryant to wave the fight off at 1:46 of the second.
In the four-round “double pro debut” light heavyweight walkout bout, Guy Stanford Jr. of Clarksville, Tennessee, moved to 1-0, 1 KO by stopping Covington, Tennessee’s Jalen Fayne at 30 seconds of round two. Stanford dropped Fayne with a left hook to the body late in round one and finished him with a follow-up barrage to the body early in round two.
In an entertaining, albeit abbreviated slugfest, junior middleweight Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield (13-1, 9 KOs) of Atlanta scored a second-round stoppage of Jeremiah Robinson (8-6, 8 KOs) of Saint Louis. Holyfield dropped Robinson with a left hook to the liver late in round one. To his credit, Robinson came out firing in round two and may have briefly stunned Holyfield before Holyfield regained his composure and dropped him again with an uppercut to the pit of the stomach. Sensing the end was near, Holyfield moved in for the kill with guns blazing late in the round. Referee Anthony Bryant waved it off as Robinson sank to the canvas for a third time. The time of Holyfield’s TKO victory was 2:58 of the second. In just his second fight since undergoing open-heart surgery, Holyfield expressed his gratitude for even being back in the ring. “Two years ago, if you had asked me would I be in the ring I would have said ‘I don’t know,’ he said. “It’s been a turbulent up and down roller coaster, but here I am.”
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Evan Holyfield prevails by TKO |
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Evan Holyfield TKO2 Jeremiah Robinson... In an entertaining, albeit abbreviated slugfest in Nashville, junior middleweight Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield (13-1, 9 KOs) of Atlanta scored a second-round stoppage of Jeremiah Robinson (8-6, 8 KOs) of Saint Louis. Holyfield dropped Robinson with a left hook to the liver late in round one. To his credit, Robinson came out firing in round two and may have briefly stunned Holyfield before Holyfield regained his composure and dropped him again with an uppercut to the pit of the stomach. Sensing the end was near, Holyfield moved in for the kill with guns blazing late in the round. Referee Anthony Bryant waved it off as Robinson sank to the canvas for a third time. The time of Holyfield’s TKO victory was 2:58 of the second. In just his second fight since undergoing open-heart surgery, Holyfield expressed his gratitude for even being back in the ring. “Two years ago, if you had asked me would I be in the ring I would have said ‘I don’t know,’ he said. “It’s been a turbulent up and down roller coaster, but here I am.”
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Evan Holyfield prevails by TKO
Evan Holyfield TKO2 Jeremiah Robinson... In an entertaining, albeit abbreviated slugfest in Nashville, junior middleweight Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield (13-1, 9 KOs) of Atlanta scored a second-round stoppage of Jeremiah Robinson (8-6, 8 KOs) of Saint Louis. Holyfield dropped Robinson with a left hook to the liver late in round one. To his credit, Robinson came out firing in round two and may have briefly stunned Holyfield before Holyfield regained his composure and dropped him again with an uppercut to the pit of the stomach. Sensing the end was near, Holyfield moved in for the kill with guns blazing late in the round. Referee Anthony Bryant waved it off as Robinson sank to the canvas for a third time. The time of Holyfield’s TKO victory was 2:58 of the second. In just his second fight since undergoing open-heart surgery, Holyfield expressed his gratitude for even being back in the ring. “Two years ago, if you had asked me would I be in the ring I would have said ‘I don’t know,’ he said. “It’s been a turbulent up and down roller coaster, but here I am.”
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Prograis back on track with win over Diaz |
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Regis Prograis W10 Jojo Diaz... On a Golden Boy Promotions show in Chicago, former junior welterweight champion Regis Prograis defeated former junior lightweight champion JoJo Diaz via unanimous decision. The judges scored it 98-92 and 96-94 (twice). Prograis is now 30-3, and got back into the win column coming off a 2024 loss to Jack Catterall. Diaz is now 34-8-1 with four losses in his last five outings. One very interested observer in the fight was junior welterweight contender Arnold Barboza Jr., who tweeted afterwards, "Regardless of the outcome [I am] extremely proud of JoJo!! He went out and proved to everyone he still has something in the tank! Oscar DeLa Hoya... I want to fight Regis. El Monte needs that lick back!"
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Prograis back on track with win over Diaz
Regis Prograis W10 Jojo Diaz... On a Golden Boy Promotions show in Chicago, former junior welterweight champion Regis Prograis defeated former junior lightweight champion JoJo Diaz via unanimous decision. The judges scored it 98-92 and 96-94 (twice). Prograis is now 30-3, and got back into the win column coming off a 2024 loss to Jack Catterall. Diaz is now 34-8-1 with four losses in his last five outings. One very interested observer in the fight was junior welterweight contender Arnold Barboza Jr., who tweeted afterwards, "Regardless of the outcome [I am] extremely proud of JoJo!! He went out and proved to everyone he still has something in the tank! Oscar DeLa Hoya... I want to fight Regis. El Monte needs that lick back!"
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Duarte gets narrow road win over Sims |
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Oscar Duarte W12 Kenneth Sims Jr.... Chicago boxing fans saw Oscar Duarte (30-2-1) edge their local boxer, Kenneth Sims Jr. via majority decision. Official scores for the junior welterweight contest were 114-114 and two for Duarte, 115-113 and 116-112. Sims (22-3-1) said afterwards, "I go out there and give my all every time. I thought I edged the fight but I take my losses like a man. Congratulations Duarte [I] hope we can run it back. Thank you Golden Boy Boxing for giving me the chance to fulfill my dream."
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Duarte gets narrow road win over Sims
Oscar Duarte W12 Kenneth Sims Jr.... Chicago boxing fans saw Oscar Duarte (30-2-1) edge their local boxer, Kenneth Sims Jr. via majority decision. Official scores for the junior welterweight contest were 114-114 and two for Duarte, 115-113 and 116-112. Sims (22-3-1) said afterwards, "I go out there and give my all every time. I thought I edged the fight but I take my losses like a man. Congratulations Duarte [I] hope we can run it back. Thank you Golden Boy Boxing for giving me the chance to fulfill my dream."
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BKFC: Julian Lane wins vacant 165-pound title |
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In the BKFC 79 main event at at the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, Julian “Let Me Bang” Lane won the vacant BKFC welterweight (165-pound) championship with a hard-fought, five-round decision over the division’s former titlist, Gorjan “GoGo” Slaveski. Lane dropped Slaveski in the third and fifth rounds, leading to all judges calling the Clearwater, Florida fighter the winner. Two judges scored it 49-44 and one had it 48-45. Lane, who made his promotional debut at BKFC 4 in 2018, is now 9-8 on the strength of six straight victories in the squared circle. “Without God, none of us would be here and none of this would be possible,” Lane said in his post-fight interview. “David Feldman (BKFC founder/president), I love you. Thank you for making this dream happen. I’ve been broken, I’ve been beat down, but I keep coming back from the dead. They can’t stop me, man.” The Macedonia-born Miami fighter Slaveski is now 6-1 in BKFC.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
South Carolina'sTaylor “Killa Bee” Starling edged out Shelby “Boom Boom” Cannon for the unanimous decision victory. Two judges scored the fight 48-47 and one judge scored it 49-46, all in favor of Starling, a former title challenger in the BKFC women’s flyweight and women’s strawweight divisions. Starling is now 4-4 in the squared circle, and called her shot for a rematch against BKFC women’s strawweight champion Britain Hart. “All respect to Britain. I have so much love for her, but I’ve got to avenge that fight that we had last year. I feel like I deserve it. Britain, you know there’s no competition at 115 except me, and I’m ready to do it again!” Cannon, who hails from Anderson, IN, entered fight night with a 4-1 overall record in her bare knuckle fighting career.
Montana's Corey “What You Talkin' About” Willis improved to 2-0 in the BKFC heavyweight division at the expense of Zach “Shark Attack” Calmus. Willis dropped Calmus in the second round, and the ringside doctor called a halt to the fight at the conclusion of the second round. Both of Willis’ wins have come by stoppage. The Gloucester, MA product Calmus is now 5-4 in the squared circle.
Smith Center, KS’s David Simpson needed just 27 seconds to stop the previously undefeated Brandon “Stronghold” Conley in their light-heavyweight matchup. With the TKO victory, Simpson climbs to 3-4 in the Squared Circle, with all of his wins coming by stoppage. Conley, who hails from Chillicothe, OH, is now 2-1-1 in his BKFC career.
The inaugural BKFC welterweight Champion, Elvin “El Bandido” Brito, returned to the win column with a fourth-round, standing TKO over Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer. Brito sent Meyer to the canvas in the third round before the fight was stopped 32 seconds into the fourth round. The Maunabo, Puerto Rico product is now 7-6 in the Squared Circle. Meyer, who hails from Omaha, NE, is now 3-3 under the BKFC banner.
Sturgis’ Shyanna Bintliff was victorious in her BKFC premiere, picking herself up off the canvas and rallying for the second-round TKO victory at the expense of Marisol Ruelas in their women’s featherweight battle. Time of the stoppage was 1:11 in the second round. Bintliff, who also represents Las Vegas, NV, is now 2-0 in her overall bare knuckle fighting career. Ruelas, a product of Chicago, was also making her BKFC premiere.
Alabama's Bear “The Last Barbarian” Hill smashed his way to 2-0 in the BKFC heavyweight division with a third-round KO versus Billy “Big Sexy” Swanson. Both of Hill’s victories have come by stoppage. The Soddy Daisy, TN heavyweight Swanson was making his BKFC debut.
Sioux Falls, SD featherweight Traevon “Kid Cobra” Kroger upped his BKFC record to 2-0 with a second straight stoppage victory in the Squared Circle. Kroger’s matchup with Daniel “Tower Dog” Pettit of Cheyenne, WY was halted by Pettit’s corner between the first and second rounds. Pettit is now 1-3 under the BKFC banner.
Helena, MT’s Timmy Mason sent AJ “A-Train” Craig of Billings, MT to the canvas twice en route to the TKO victory in their featherweight showdown. The ringside doctor stopped the bout at the end of the opening round, thereby raising Mason’s BKFC record to 2-2. Craig is now 2-1 in the squared circle.
Spearfish, SD cruiserweight upstart Cody Kerr was victorious in his BKFC debut, needing just 61 seconds to score the TKO over Dillon “The Irish Thug” Blaydon. Blaydon, a product of Lincolnton, NC, was also stepping into the Squared Circle for the first time.
Saskatoon, SK, Canada lightweight Dan “The Primal” Godoy recorded his first BKFC victory in the opening matchup of the night, earning the win by TKO over Paco “The Texas Punisher” Castillo. The ringside doctor called a stop to the bout at the conclusion of the third round. Godoy is now 1-3 in the Squared Circle, and Castillo, who hails from Hereford, TX, falls to 0-2 in defeat.
BKFC 79 Results
Julian Lane def. Gorjan Slaveski via Unanimous Decision (49-44 (twice), 49-45)
wins vacant BKFC welterweight title;
Taylor Starling def. Shelby Cannon via Unanimous Decision (48-47 (twice), 49-46);
Corey Willis def. Zach Calmus via TKO in Round 2 (2:00);
David Simpson def. Brandon Conley via TKO in Round 1 (0:27);
Elvin Brito def. Brandon Meyer via TKO in Round 4 (0:32);
Shyanna Bintliff def. Marisol Ruelas via TKO in Round 2 (1:11);
Bear Hill def. Billy Swanson via KO in Round 3 (1:20);
Traevon Kroger def. Daniel Pettit via TKO in Round 1 (2:00);
Timmy Mason def. AJ Craig via TKO in Round 1 (2:00);
Cody Kerr def. Dillon Blaydon via TKO in Round 1 (1:01); and
Dan Godoy def. Paco Castillo via TKO in Round 3 (2:00).
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BKFC: Julian Lane wins vacant 165-pound title
In the BKFC 79 main event at at the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, Julian “Let Me Bang” Lane won the vacant BKFC welterweight (165-pound) championship with a hard-fought, five-round decision over the division’s former titlist, Gorjan “GoGo” Slaveski. Lane dropped Slaveski in the third and fifth rounds, leading to all judges calling the Clearwater, Florida fighter the winner. Two judges scored it 49-44 and one had it 48-45. Lane, who made his promotional debut at BKFC 4 in 2018, is now 9-8 on the strength of six straight victories in the squared circle. “Without God, none of us would be here and none of this would be possible,” Lane said in his post-fight interview. “David Feldman (BKFC founder/president), I love you. Thank you for making this dream happen. I’ve been broken, I’ve been beat down, but I keep coming back from the dead. They can’t stop me, man.” The Macedonia-born Miami fighter Slaveski is now 6-1 in BKFC.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
South Carolina'sTaylor “Killa Bee” Starling edged out Shelby “Boom Boom” Cannon for the unanimous decision victory. Two judges scored the fight 48-47 and one judge scored it 49-46, all in favor of Starling, a former title challenger in the BKFC women’s flyweight and women’s strawweight divisions. Starling is now 4-4 in the squared circle, and called her shot for a rematch against BKFC women’s strawweight champion Britain Hart. “All respect to Britain. I have so much love for her, but I’ve got to avenge that fight that we had last year. I feel like I deserve it. Britain, you know there’s no competition at 115 except me, and I’m ready to do it again!” Cannon, who hails from Anderson, IN, entered fight night with a 4-1 overall record in her bare knuckle fighting career.
Montana's Corey “What You Talkin' About” Willis improved to 2-0 in the BKFC heavyweight division at the expense of Zach “Shark Attack” Calmus. Willis dropped Calmus in the second round, and the ringside doctor called a halt to the fight at the conclusion of the second round. Both of Willis’ wins have come by stoppage. The Gloucester, MA product Calmus is now 5-4 in the squared circle.
Smith Center, KS’s David Simpson needed just 27 seconds to stop the previously undefeated Brandon “Stronghold” Conley in their light-heavyweight matchup. With the TKO victory, Simpson climbs to 3-4 in the Squared Circle, with all of his wins coming by stoppage. Conley, who hails from Chillicothe, OH, is now 2-1-1 in his BKFC career.
The inaugural BKFC welterweight Champion, Elvin “El Bandido” Brito, returned to the win column with a fourth-round, standing TKO over Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer. Brito sent Meyer to the canvas in the third round before the fight was stopped 32 seconds into the fourth round. The Maunabo, Puerto Rico product is now 7-6 in the Squared Circle. Meyer, who hails from Omaha, NE, is now 3-3 under the BKFC banner.
Sturgis’ Shyanna Bintliff was victorious in her BKFC premiere, picking herself up off the canvas and rallying for the second-round TKO victory at the expense of Marisol Ruelas in their women’s featherweight battle. Time of the stoppage was 1:11 in the second round. Bintliff, who also represents Las Vegas, NV, is now 2-0 in her overall bare knuckle fighting career. Ruelas, a product of Chicago, was also making her BKFC premiere.
Alabama's Bear “The Last Barbarian” Hill smashed his way to 2-0 in the BKFC heavyweight division with a third-round KO versus Billy “Big Sexy” Swanson. Both of Hill’s victories have come by stoppage. The Soddy Daisy, TN heavyweight Swanson was making his BKFC debut.
Sioux Falls, SD featherweight Traevon “Kid Cobra” Kroger upped his BKFC record to 2-0 with a second straight stoppage victory in the Squared Circle. Kroger’s matchup with Daniel “Tower Dog” Pettit of Cheyenne, WY was halted by Pettit’s corner between the first and second rounds. Pettit is now 1-3 under the BKFC banner.
Helena, MT’s Timmy Mason sent AJ “A-Train” Craig of Billings, MT to the canvas twice en route to the TKO victory in their featherweight showdown. The ringside doctor stopped the bout at the end of the opening round, thereby raising Mason’s BKFC record to 2-2. Craig is now 2-1 in the squared circle.
Spearfish, SD cruiserweight upstart Cody Kerr was victorious in his BKFC debut, needing just 61 seconds to score the TKO over Dillon “The Irish Thug” Blaydon. Blaydon, a product of Lincolnton, NC, was also stepping into the Squared Circle for the first time.
Saskatoon, SK, Canada lightweight Dan “The Primal” Godoy recorded his first BKFC victory in the opening matchup of the night, earning the win by TKO over Paco “The Texas Punisher” Castillo. The ringside doctor called a stop to the bout at the conclusion of the third round. Godoy is now 1-3 in the Squared Circle, and Castillo, who hails from Hereford, TX, falls to 0-2 in defeat.
BKFC 79 Results
Julian Lane def. Gorjan Slaveski via Unanimous Decision (49-44 (twice), 49-45)
wins vacant BKFC welterweight title;
Taylor Starling def. Shelby Cannon via Unanimous Decision (48-47 (twice), 49-46);
Corey Willis def. Zach Calmus via TKO in Round 2 (2:00);
David Simpson def. Brandon Conley via TKO in Round 1 (0:27);
Elvin Brito def. Brandon Meyer via TKO in Round 4 (0:32);
Shyanna Bintliff def. Marisol Ruelas via TKO in Round 2 (1:11);
Bear Hill def. Billy Swanson via KO in Round 3 (1:20);
Traevon Kroger def. Daniel Pettit via TKO in Round 1 (2:00);
Timmy Mason def. AJ Craig via TKO in Round 1 (2:00);
Cody Kerr def. Dillon Blaydon via TKO in Round 1 (1:01); and
Dan Godoy def. Paco Castillo via TKO in Round 3 (2:00).
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Ortiz and Zayas social media beef starts to build |
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WBC interim junior middleweight champ Vergil Ortiz Jr. (pictured) and Xander Zayas, the newly minted WBO title holder in the same weght class, are engaging in an entertaining Twitter feud.
Ortiz: Xander Zayas, first off, congratulations on your win and becoming [WBO] champ! You were eventually going to do it, so I’m not surprised. But let’s keep everything 100 percent... you got a gift! My last two opponents were top ten in this division. The opponent you just fought [Jorge Garcia] was a 33-4 and barely scratches the top fifteen mark. All facts here, try and dispute them if you want. If I had won my world title against your opponent, they would be tearing me to shreds right now. It’s ok for you though because you’re young, there’s not a whole lot expected out of you right now. We’re at different levels. My fight against Antonio Orozco (his only loss was to a world champion) back when I was 21 was harder than your last fight, since you wanna talk about what we have done at our ages. The other key difference between your last fight and mine is that for some odd reason my fight against Madrimov (clearly the better fight in terms of skill and popularity) wasn’t made into a world title fight for the vacant belt. Almost like the vacant belt was being held for somebody. You can say all you want that I haven’t achieved anything, but I’ve definitely proved more than you have. I’ve beaten several fighters who’ve became world champion. One who I called for to fight and knew I could beat at 140 while he had a world title but I just never got the opportunity (Maurice Hooker, all love to him, that’s my boy). One who had only just lost to arguably the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world the fight before, even though I was the #1 fighter and next in line for the belt. It’s not like it’s my fault I didn’t get the shot. Enjoy the belt while you have it."
Zayas: "Keep all those excuses to yourself brother, talk to me when you become a world champion."
Ortiz: "Ain’t no excuses, all facts my guy.Talk to me when you fight a top ten opponent."
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Ortiz and Zayas social media beef starts to build
WBC interim junior middleweight champ Vergil Ortiz Jr. (pictured) and Xander Zayas, the newly minted WBO title holder in the same weght class, are engaging in an entertaining Twitter feud.
Ortiz: Xander Zayas, first off, congratulations on your win and becoming [WBO] champ! You were eventually going to do it, so I’m not surprised. But let’s keep everything 100 percent... you got a gift! My last two opponents were top ten in this division. The opponent you just fought [Jorge Garcia] was a 33-4 and barely scratches the top fifteen mark. All facts here, try and dispute them if you want. If I had won my world title against your opponent, they would be tearing me to shreds right now. It’s ok for you though because you’re young, there’s not a whole lot expected out of you right now. We’re at different levels. My fight against Antonio Orozco (his only loss was to a world champion) back when I was 21 was harder than your last fight, since you wanna talk about what we have done at our ages. The other key difference between your last fight and mine is that for some odd reason my fight against Madrimov (clearly the better fight in terms of skill and popularity) wasn’t made into a world title fight for the vacant belt. Almost like the vacant belt was being held for somebody. You can say all you want that I haven’t achieved anything, but I’ve definitely proved more than you have. I’ve beaten several fighters who’ve became world champion. One who I called for to fight and knew I could beat at 140 while he had a world title but I just never got the opportunity (Maurice Hooker, all love to him, that’s my boy). One who had only just lost to arguably the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world the fight before, even though I was the #1 fighter and next in line for the belt. It’s not like it’s my fault I didn’t get the shot. Enjoy the belt while you have it."
Zayas: "Keep all those excuses to yourself brother, talk to me when you become a world champion."
Ortiz: "Ain’t no excuses, all facts my guy.Talk to me when you fight a top ten opponent."
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New champion alert: Canizalez KOs Pradabsri |
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Carlos Cañizales KO5 Panya Pradabsri ... Venezuela's Carlos 'CCC' Cañizales won the WBC junior flyweight championship by dethroning Thailand's Panya Pradabsri in Caracas. Cañizales won a WBC-ordered rematch against Pradabsri, after being a victim of biased judging in Bangkok, Thailand last March. That time, Canizalez lost a majority decision. This time, the Venezuelan had the support of his nation, and won by fifth-round knockout when he landed a right to the body.
Canizalez was dominating the action but in the fourth round, Pradabsri landed a right punch that sent Canizalez to the canvas. Canizalez seened more surprised than hurt and managed to withstand the onslaught and respond with some punches of his own. During the fifth round, Cañizales recovered and came out determined to finish the fight. It didn't take long for the punches to become more intense, including a liver hook, leaving the two-division champ on the canvas for the ten count.
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New champion alert: Canizalez KOs Pradabsri
Carlos Cañizales KO5 Panya Pradabsri ... Venezuela's Carlos 'CCC' Cañizales won the WBC junior flyweight championship by dethroning Thailand's Panya Pradabsri in Caracas. Cañizales won a WBC-ordered rematch against Pradabsri, after being a victim of biased judging in Bangkok, Thailand last March. That time, Canizalez lost a majority decision. This time, the Venezuelan had the support of his nation, and won by fifth-round knockout when he landed a right to the body.
Canizalez was dominating the action but in the fourth round, Pradabsri landed a right punch that sent Canizalez to the canvas. Canizalez seened more surprised than hurt and managed to withstand the onslaught and respond with some punches of his own. During the fifth round, Cañizales recovered and came out determined to finish the fight. It didn't take long for the punches to become more intense, including a liver hook, leaving the two-division champ on the canvas for the ten count.
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European champ Bradley Rea signs with Queensberry |
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European light heavyweight champion Bradley Rea (21-1) has signed promotional terms with Frank Warren’s Queensberry and DAZN. The 27-year old won his EBU belt via a unanimous decision over Shakan Pitters at the end of June after previously suffering a series of misfortunes with opponents dropping out at short notice. Rea, known as ‘The Sting’, jumped up two weights - largely campaigning at middleweight since making his debut in 2018 - following his English title points defeat to Tyler Denny in late 2022. While awaiting a meaningful opportunity, the Manchester man recorded five straight stoppage victories, with only one of them making it into the third round.
Now, with the currency of his European title and the backing of Queensberry, Rea will be seeking to test himself at the highest level. “I am excited because I feel like I am finally at the stage I belong at,” said Rea. “I’ve been wanting to be on these big shows, big platforms and in fights against big names. “I feel like Frank and Queensberry can deliver that for me. So, I am excited about the future, definitely. This is the place to be, especially for the light heavyweights. I want to be in the big fights against the best names, and this is part of the reason why I was so eager to sign with Frank. He can deliver the big fights, and he can deliver the big names.”
“Brad is fully deserving of this opportunity to shine on a major platform in DAZN,” said promoter Frank Warren. “I greatly admire the way he stuck at it and kept himself ready when nothing really was happening for him, through no fault of his own.
“Sometimes it takes a little while for fighters to find their optimum weight and Brad is clearly now a force at light heavyweight, emphasised by his recent European title success.
“The light heavyweight division is booming with so much talent and great matches to be made. Brad will now be part of this, and I am looking forward to getting him going.”
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European champ Bradley Rea signs with Queensberry
European light heavyweight champion Bradley Rea (21-1) has signed promotional terms with Frank Warren’s Queensberry and DAZN. The 27-year old won his EBU belt via a unanimous decision over Shakan Pitters at the end of June after previously suffering a series of misfortunes with opponents dropping out at short notice. Rea, known as ‘The Sting’, jumped up two weights - largely campaigning at middleweight since making his debut in 2018 - following his English title points defeat to Tyler Denny in late 2022. While awaiting a meaningful opportunity, the Manchester man recorded five straight stoppage victories, with only one of them making it into the third round.
Now, with the currency of his European title and the backing of Queensberry, Rea will be seeking to test himself at the highest level. “I am excited because I feel like I am finally at the stage I belong at,” said Rea. “I’ve been wanting to be on these big shows, big platforms and in fights against big names. “I feel like Frank and Queensberry can deliver that for me. So, I am excited about the future, definitely. This is the place to be, especially for the light heavyweights. I want to be in the big fights against the best names, and this is part of the reason why I was so eager to sign with Frank. He can deliver the big fights, and he can deliver the big names.”
“Brad is fully deserving of this opportunity to shine on a major platform in DAZN,” said promoter Frank Warren. “I greatly admire the way he stuck at it and kept himself ready when nothing really was happening for him, through no fault of his own.
“Sometimes it takes a little while for fighters to find their optimum weight and Brad is clearly now a force at light heavyweight, emphasised by his recent European title success.
“The light heavyweight division is booming with so much talent and great matches to be made. Brad will now be part of this, and I am looking forward to getting him going.”
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Matchroom unveils fall shows |
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Matchroom Boxing has announced four new global dates during September to October – live worldwide on the home of boxing, DAZN. A big double header gets the program started on Saturday, September 6th, with Olympic hero Pat McCormack headlining in his hometown of Sunderland when he meets Miguel Parra before we head across the Atlantic to Mexico, where Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez makes the first defence of his IBF junior lightweight title against Christopher Diaz in Los Mochis. Joining McCormack on the card in Sunderland are some of Matchroom Boxing’s finest young talent, includng heavyweight Leo Atang, bantamweights Tiah-Mai Ayton and Adam Maca and lightweight Cameron Vuong – along with the professional debut of York cruiserweight Brad Casey. Also, former welterweight queen Sandy Ryan takes on the undefeated Jade Grierson and English champion Mark Dickinson puts his domestic belt on the line for a first time against fellow North-East rival Troy Williamson.
The following week sees the historic all-Irish World Title showdown at Belfast’s Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park when Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan collide for the vacant IBF welterweight championship on a night that also features the pro debut of Molly McCann, along with cruiserweight Pat Brown and a host of other exciting bouts – including Ishamel Davis vs Caoimhín Agyarko.
October kickstarts with a monumental heavyweight dust-up as the ‘Cinderella Man’ Dave Allen takes center stage at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena to face a 6ft 5½ in beast from the East in Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Just six days later, on Friday, October 17th, a powderkeg main event awaits at London’s iconic York Hall, where Matchroom Boxing returns to the legendary East End venue for the first time since December 2019. Northampton’s Kieron Conway bids to extend his hot streak of five successive victories when he takes on the undefeated middleweight George Liddard for the British and Commonwealth championships.
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Matchroom unveils fall shows
Matchroom Boxing has announced four new global dates during September to October – live worldwide on the home of boxing, DAZN. A big double header gets the program started on Saturday, September 6th, with Olympic hero Pat McCormack headlining in his hometown of Sunderland when he meets Miguel Parra before we head across the Atlantic to Mexico, where Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez makes the first defence of his IBF junior lightweight title against Christopher Diaz in Los Mochis. Joining McCormack on the card in Sunderland are some of Matchroom Boxing’s finest young talent, includng heavyweight Leo Atang, bantamweights Tiah-Mai Ayton and Adam Maca and lightweight Cameron Vuong – along with the professional debut of York cruiserweight Brad Casey. Also, former welterweight queen Sandy Ryan takes on the undefeated Jade Grierson and English champion Mark Dickinson puts his domestic belt on the line for a first time against fellow North-East rival Troy Williamson.
The following week sees the historic all-Irish World Title showdown at Belfast’s Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park when Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan collide for the vacant IBF welterweight championship on a night that also features the pro debut of Molly McCann, along with cruiserweight Pat Brown and a host of other exciting bouts – including Ishamel Davis vs Caoimhín Agyarko.
October kickstarts with a monumental heavyweight dust-up as the ‘Cinderella Man’ Dave Allen takes center stage at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena to face a 6ft 5½ in beast from the East in Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Just six days later, on Friday, October 17th, a powderkeg main event awaits at London’s iconic York Hall, where Matchroom Boxing returns to the legendary East End venue for the first time since December 2019. Northampton’s Kieron Conway bids to extend his hot streak of five successive victories when he takes on the undefeated middleweight George Liddard for the British and Commonwealth championships.
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Queensberry signs Joshua Buatsi |
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Queensberry announced three new signings: former interim light heavyweight title holder, European champion Bradley Rea and former Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka. Buatsi is a 2016 Olympic medalist and former WBO interim, European, British and Commonwealth light heavyweight title holder Having signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, his fights will appear on DAZN. The 32-year old from Croydon suffered a first professional setback in February when he lost his interim title to Callum Smith in a stirring encounter that will come into strong consideration when ‘fight of the year’ contenders are determined. The Riyadh loss secured his interim honors with a defeat of Willy Hutchinson at Wembley Stadium on the Dubois-Joshua card last September, having previously overcome the European champion Dan Azeez seven months earlier to win British and European belts.
Buatsi turned professional in July 2017 and has amassed a record of 19-1 to date, with 13 of his wins coming via KO. His original British title success came against Liam Conroy in March 2019. He also holds a victory over London rival Craig Richards in May 2022.
“After speaking with multiple promoters, Queensberry has a plan I'm comfortable with,” explained Buatsi. “I’m a British fighter, and the support I get from UK fans means everything. There’s nothing like fighting in front of a home crowd - the energy, the passion, it drives me. With Queensberry, I’ve got a team that understands that and backs me properly here in the UK.
“At the same time, their international links mean I can still make moves in the US and globally. Most importantly, they’ve got the right plan for my career - not just big fights, but the right fights, at the right time as I'm on the journey to become a World Champion.”
“I am delighted to bring Joshua on board with us at Queensberry and to showcase him on DAZN,” said promoter Frank Warren. “The light heavyweights possess so much quality, and Josh will be a major mover in the division and right in the mix for world title contention.
“When Bivol and Beterbiev settle their trilogy sequence the division should open up and there will be massive fights to be made. There is also the Benevidez-Yarde world title fight coming up in Riyadh and Josh will be a natural candidate to take on the winner.
“In the meantime, we will keep Josh busy and ready for the major challenges, with regular activity being something he has lacked in recent years.
“I am looking forward to the journey and keep an eye out for pending news of Josh’s next move.”
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Queensberry signs Joshua Buatsi
Queensberry announced three new signings: former interim light heavyweight title holder, European champion Bradley Rea and former Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka. Buatsi is a 2016 Olympic medalist and former WBO interim, European, British and Commonwealth light heavyweight title holder Having signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, his fights will appear on DAZN. The 32-year old from Croydon suffered a first professional setback in February when he lost his interim title to Callum Smith in a stirring encounter that will come into strong consideration when ‘fight of the year’ contenders are determined. The Riyadh loss secured his interim honors with a defeat of Willy Hutchinson at Wembley Stadium on the Dubois-Joshua card last September, having previously overcome the European champion Dan Azeez seven months earlier to win British and European belts.
Buatsi turned professional in July 2017 and has amassed a record of 19-1 to date, with 13 of his wins coming via KO. His original British title success came against Liam Conroy in March 2019. He also holds a victory over London rival Craig Richards in May 2022.
“After speaking with multiple promoters, Queensberry has a plan I'm comfortable with,” explained Buatsi. “I’m a British fighter, and the support I get from UK fans means everything. There’s nothing like fighting in front of a home crowd - the energy, the passion, it drives me. With Queensberry, I’ve got a team that understands that and backs me properly here in the UK.
“At the same time, their international links mean I can still make moves in the US and globally. Most importantly, they’ve got the right plan for my career - not just big fights, but the right fights, at the right time as I'm on the journey to become a World Champion.”
“I am delighted to bring Joshua on board with us at Queensberry and to showcase him on DAZN,” said promoter Frank Warren. “The light heavyweights possess so much quality, and Josh will be a major mover in the division and right in the mix for world title contention.
“When Bivol and Beterbiev settle their trilogy sequence the division should open up and there will be massive fights to be made. There is also the Benevidez-Yarde world title fight coming up in Riyadh and Josh will be a natural candidate to take on the winner.
“In the meantime, we will keep Josh busy and ready for the major challenges, with regular activity being something he has lacked in recent years.
“I am looking forward to the journey and keep an eye out for pending news of Josh’s next move.”
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Olympic champ Mullojonov tests positive |
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The International Testing Agency (ITA) reports that a sample collected from Lazizbek Mullojonov during an out-of-competition doping control on June 11th has returned [positive test result] for methasterone metabolites. Mullojonov is the 2024 Olympic champion. He represented Uzbekistan in the Olympics and is 7-0 as a professional. Methasterone is prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List as S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids. Methasterone is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) and is a non-specified substance. Methasterone is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid associated with the promotion of rapid muscle growth, increased strength and power.
The athlete has been informed of the case and has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample. If the B-sample analysis is requested and confirms the result of the A-sample, the case will be considered as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. If the B-sample analysis is not requested, the case will also go ahead as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. The athlete will have the opportunity to present his explanations for the result.
Further, in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and article 7.4.1 of the World Boxing anti-doping rules, a mandatory provisional suspension has been imposed on the athlete. The athlete has the right to challenge the provisional suspension and ask for its lifting.
Pursuant to the World Boxing’s delegation of its anti-doping program to the ITA, the prosecution of the case is being handled entirely by the ITA. Given that the case is underway, there will be no further comments made.
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Olympic champ Mullojonov tests positive
The International Testing Agency (ITA) reports that a sample collected from Lazizbek Mullojonov during an out-of-competition doping control on June 11th has returned [positive test result] for methasterone metabolites. Mullojonov is the 2024 Olympic champion. He represented Uzbekistan in the Olympics and is 7-0 as a professional. Methasterone is prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List as S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids. Methasterone is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) and is a non-specified substance. Methasterone is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid associated with the promotion of rapid muscle growth, increased strength and power.
The athlete has been informed of the case and has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample. If the B-sample analysis is requested and confirms the result of the A-sample, the case will be considered as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. If the B-sample analysis is not requested, the case will also go ahead as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. The athlete will have the opportunity to present his explanations for the result.
Further, in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and article 7.4.1 of the World Boxing anti-doping rules, a mandatory provisional suspension has been imposed on the athlete. The athlete has the right to challenge the provisional suspension and ask for its lifting.
Pursuant to the World Boxing’s delegation of its anti-doping program to the ITA, the prosecution of the case is being handled entirely by the ITA. Given that the case is underway, there will be no further comments made.
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Roarke Knapp looks to rebuild next week |
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Roarke Knapp is here to rewrite his story. On August 9th, the South African junior middleweight returns to Emperors Palace, his home turf, with a hunger sharpened by a painful memory. His last outing, a brutal KO defeat against Bakary Samake in France, still lingers. “To be very honest,” he reflects, “I processed it quite swiftly, but it hurt. Not just me, it hurt the people around me, those who believe in me, who were rooting for me.” Knapp (17-3-1) has fought and lost before. He’s felt the chill of disappointment. Early in his career, he admits, losses used to crush him. “I’d take them personal, they’d keep me down for quite a while.”
But somewhere along the line, something changed. “I realised nothing good comes from staying stuck in that feeling. The world keeps turning, and the next fight rolls in whether you’re ready or not. So you get back on the horse, fix the mistakes, and right your wrongs.”
Roarke’s upcoming opponent, Jhun Rick Carcedo (11-3) of the Philippines, is a southpaw who brings fire. “They come to fight. That’s all I need to know,” Knapp says with clarity.
He doesn’t obsess over opponents. Not because he’s careless, but because he’s careful; careful with his energy, careful with where he places his focus. “I try not to overthink. Otherwise you start creating scenarios that don’t even exist. I deal with what’s in front of me when I get there.”
But make no mistake, Knapp is prepared. And he’s candid about what went wrong last time. That fight in France was no ordinary loss. He came in confident, sharp, even a little injured, but committed. “I hurt my hand in camp,” he says. “No sparring for about five weeks leading up. I protected my hand so I could use it when it mattered. I wasn’t gonna let that stop me, come hell or high water, I was going to fight.”
The game plan? It was dialled in. He knew what to expect, especially his opponent’s signature combo: a left hook to the body followed by a shot upstairs. “We trained for that,” Knapp says. “Every time he touched the body, we countered.”
And it worked. Until the eighth round. Knapp describes the moment with startling honesty. “I pushed the pace, maybe a little too much. He’d caught me with a break shot that drained me a bit, and I paused, just to catch my breath. My feet rested for a split second, and boom, that was enough. He caught me behind the ear, on the way down. A textbook body shot, nothing I could do. Credit to him.”
Still, Knapp saw flashes of his potential in that fight. “Each round, I came back to the corner and was told I was behind on points. I couldn’t understand. I was outlanding him, outboxing him, outhooking him in places. I genuinely thought I had it. I dug deep. I stood up for the eighth round thinking, ‘I’m on my way. Just keep going.’”
Then came the shot. And everything changed. That loss could’ve shattered him. It didn’t. If anything, it revealed something raw and resilient in Knapp, something he plans to weaponise in this next bout. “I’m just going to win,” he declares. “Whether early or late, distance or KO, it’s about winning at all costs. Textbook boxing. Clean. Clinical. No mistakes.”
He’s not chasing revenge. He’s chasing progress. “I don’t believe I should be losing fights. That’s not arrogance, that’s just belief in my abilities. That loss taught me I belong at that level. I just need a few adjustments. And those are done.”
Knapp’s story is not just one of grit, it’s also grounded in gratitude. “I’m very grateful to be doing what I love,” he says. “Grateful for my talent, for the support system around me. No matter what happens, I’ll never take this opportunity for granted.”
That support system will be in full force at Emperors Palace, a venue he calls his home. “There’s nothing better than having a well-earned victory and going home to your family,” Knapp, now a young father, says. “Fighting at home gives me the edge. The fans, the familiar faces, the energy, it’s part of my rhythm.”
Even if the fight were in a parking lot in Kempton Park or a nightclub in Boksburg, Knapp would show up. But Emperors is special. “I’ve got great support there. Loyal fans. It’s personal.”
This upcoming fight is critical, not because a title is on the line, but because Knapp is on the line. His resilience. His reputation. His rebound. A win won’t just mend the bruises from his last outing. It will be a declaration that he’s still climbing, still learning, still dangerous.
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Roarke Knapp looks to rebuild next week
Roarke Knapp is here to rewrite his story. On August 9th, the South African junior middleweight returns to Emperors Palace, his home turf, with a hunger sharpened by a painful memory. His last outing, a brutal KO defeat against Bakary Samake in France, still lingers. “To be very honest,” he reflects, “I processed it quite swiftly, but it hurt. Not just me, it hurt the people around me, those who believe in me, who were rooting for me.” Knapp (17-3-1) has fought and lost before. He’s felt the chill of disappointment. Early in his career, he admits, losses used to crush him. “I’d take them personal, they’d keep me down for quite a while.”
But somewhere along the line, something changed. “I realised nothing good comes from staying stuck in that feeling. The world keeps turning, and the next fight rolls in whether you’re ready or not. So you get back on the horse, fix the mistakes, and right your wrongs.”
Roarke’s upcoming opponent, Jhun Rick Carcedo (11-3) of the Philippines, is a southpaw who brings fire. “They come to fight. That’s all I need to know,” Knapp says with clarity.
He doesn’t obsess over opponents. Not because he’s careless, but because he’s careful; careful with his energy, careful with where he places his focus. “I try not to overthink. Otherwise you start creating scenarios that don’t even exist. I deal with what’s in front of me when I get there.”
But make no mistake, Knapp is prepared. And he’s candid about what went wrong last time. That fight in France was no ordinary loss. He came in confident, sharp, even a little injured, but committed. “I hurt my hand in camp,” he says. “No sparring for about five weeks leading up. I protected my hand so I could use it when it mattered. I wasn’t gonna let that stop me, come hell or high water, I was going to fight.”
The game plan? It was dialled in. He knew what to expect, especially his opponent’s signature combo: a left hook to the body followed by a shot upstairs. “We trained for that,” Knapp says. “Every time he touched the body, we countered.”
And it worked. Until the eighth round. Knapp describes the moment with startling honesty. “I pushed the pace, maybe a little too much. He’d caught me with a break shot that drained me a bit, and I paused, just to catch my breath. My feet rested for a split second, and boom, that was enough. He caught me behind the ear, on the way down. A textbook body shot, nothing I could do. Credit to him.”
Still, Knapp saw flashes of his potential in that fight. “Each round, I came back to the corner and was told I was behind on points. I couldn’t understand. I was outlanding him, outboxing him, outhooking him in places. I genuinely thought I had it. I dug deep. I stood up for the eighth round thinking, ‘I’m on my way. Just keep going.’”
Then came the shot. And everything changed. That loss could’ve shattered him. It didn’t. If anything, it revealed something raw and resilient in Knapp, something he plans to weaponise in this next bout. “I’m just going to win,” he declares. “Whether early or late, distance or KO, it’s about winning at all costs. Textbook boxing. Clean. Clinical. No mistakes.”
He’s not chasing revenge. He’s chasing progress. “I don’t believe I should be losing fights. That’s not arrogance, that’s just belief in my abilities. That loss taught me I belong at that level. I just need a few adjustments. And those are done.”
Knapp’s story is not just one of grit, it’s also grounded in gratitude. “I’m very grateful to be doing what I love,” he says. “Grateful for my talent, for the support system around me. No matter what happens, I’ll never take this opportunity for granted.”
That support system will be in full force at Emperors Palace, a venue he calls his home. “There’s nothing better than having a well-earned victory and going home to your family,” Knapp, now a young father, says. “Fighting at home gives me the edge. The fans, the familiar faces, the energy, it’s part of my rhythm.”
Even if the fight were in a parking lot in Kempton Park or a nightclub in Boksburg, Knapp would show up. But Emperors is special. “I’ve got great support there. Loyal fans. It’s personal.”
This upcoming fight is critical, not because a title is on the line, but because Knapp is on the line. His resilience. His reputation. His rebound. A win won’t just mend the bruises from his last outing. It will be a declaration that he’s still climbing, still learning, still dangerous.
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Weigh-in report from Venezuela: Pradabsri vs. Canizalez II |
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The WBC light flyweight title will be on the line in Venezuela today. Defending champion Panya “Petchmanee CP Freshmart” Pradabsri weighed in at 107.8 pounds, while the home fighter, Carlos “CCC” Cañizales weighed in at 107.5. Pradabsri, from Thailand, defeated Chayaphon Moonsri by unanimous decision to claim the WBC minimumweight world title in 2020. After a three-year reign, he lost the belt in October 2023. Moving up in weight, Pradabsri fought Canizalez for the vacant WBC light flyweight championship in December of last year. After twleve rounds, he won a highly controversial majority decision in his home county. The rematch was ordered almost immediately.
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Weigh-in report from Venezuela: Pradabsri vs. Canizalez II
The WBC light flyweight title will be on the line in Venezuela today. Defending champion Panya “Petchmanee CP Freshmart” Pradabsri weighed in at 107.8 pounds, while the home fighter, Carlos “CCC” Cañizales weighed in at 107.5. Pradabsri, from Thailand, defeated Chayaphon Moonsri by unanimous decision to claim the WBC minimumweight world title in 2020. After a three-year reign, he lost the belt in October 2023. Moving up in weight, Pradabsri fought Canizalez for the vacant WBC light flyweight championship in December of last year. After twleve rounds, he won a highly controversial majority decision in his home county. The rematch was ordered almost immediately.
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Matias to get belted today |
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On Friday, August 1st, Subriel “Pride of Maternillo” Matías will officially receive his WBC championship belt, that certifies and celebrates him as the WBC 140-pound world champion. The ceremony will take place at La Fortaleza in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and will be led by WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán. The press conference is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. (local time) and will be attended by governor Jennifer González. On July 12th in New York, Matías defeated Dominican fighter Alberto “Avispa” Puello by unanimous decision in a twelve-round battle, claiming the 140-pound crown.
But Matías’ story goes far beyond the ring. In his youth, a series of poor choices led him to prison. It was there that he found boxing—a path to redemption and a chance to rebuild his life.b“If I weren’t a boxer, I’d probably be dead,” he confessed in an interview with Medio Tiempo. With a professional record of 23 wins, 2 losses, and 22 knockouts, Matías has become one of the most explosive fighters in boxing today. His journey is a testament to resilience, discipline, and the amelioration of second chances.
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Matias to get belted today
On Friday, August 1st, Subriel “Pride of Maternillo” Matías will officially receive his WBC championship belt, that certifies and celebrates him as the WBC 140-pound world champion. The ceremony will take place at La Fortaleza in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and will be led by WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán. The press conference is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. (local time) and will be attended by governor Jennifer González. On July 12th in New York, Matías defeated Dominican fighter Alberto “Avispa” Puello by unanimous decision in a twelve-round battle, claiming the 140-pound crown.
But Matías’ story goes far beyond the ring. In his youth, a series of poor choices led him to prison. It was there that he found boxing—a path to redemption and a chance to rebuild his life.b“If I weren’t a boxer, I’d probably be dead,” he confessed in an interview with Medio Tiempo. With a professional record of 23 wins, 2 losses, and 22 knockouts, Matías has become one of the most explosive fighters in boxing today. His journey is a testament to resilience, discipline, and the amelioration of second chances.
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BKFC welterweight title up for grabs on Saturday |
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Gorjan Slaveski is preparing for the biggest match of his career, but pre-fight nerves aren’t an issue for the undefeated stoic. In the main event of Saturday’s BKFC 79 at the legendary motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, the unbeaten Slaveski battles Julian Lane for the vacant BKFC welterweight title, live worldwide on DAZN. Slaveski, 8-2 in traditional boxing, initially won the belt with a unanimous decision over Jake Lindsey at BKFC 49 in 2023 before being stripped of the title as he pursued opportunities in pro karate.
“I’m not excited; I’m grateful,” the Macedonia-born Miami fighter says upon his return to the BKFC squared circle. “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long, long time. Now that it’s here, I’m grateful, and I’m blessed with this opportunity. I’m not excited; I’m just ready to do my job.”
Slaveski’s confidence is driven in part by his talent and partly by the years that he’s worked tirelessly to perfect his craft. “I think things have gone smoothly so far because of my natural ability,” says Slaveski, who's undefeated in his first six BKFC encounters.
“I’ve been working extremely hard to be prepared for this fight specifically, but my confidence is based on a lifetime of fighting, plus sparring sessions, roadwork, strength-and-conditioning training — all the work that’s been put in behind the scenes, away from the spotlight.”
Now that Slaveski returns to the BKFC spotlight for the first time in nearly two years on Saturday, he’s dialed in to make up for lost time. “I’m going to win by knockout,” he says with a smile. “I’m going to get my title back, I’m going to defend it against any challenger that BKFC has for me, and I’m going to be a face of the organization for the rest of my combat sports career.”
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BKFC welterweight title up for grabs on Saturday
Gorjan Slaveski is preparing for the biggest match of his career, but pre-fight nerves aren’t an issue for the undefeated stoic. In the main event of Saturday’s BKFC 79 at the legendary motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, the unbeaten Slaveski battles Julian Lane for the vacant BKFC welterweight title, live worldwide on DAZN. Slaveski, 8-2 in traditional boxing, initially won the belt with a unanimous decision over Jake Lindsey at BKFC 49 in 2023 before being stripped of the title as he pursued opportunities in pro karate.
“I’m not excited; I’m grateful,” the Macedonia-born Miami fighter says upon his return to the BKFC squared circle. “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long, long time. Now that it’s here, I’m grateful, and I’m blessed with this opportunity. I’m not excited; I’m just ready to do my job.”
Slaveski’s confidence is driven in part by his talent and partly by the years that he’s worked tirelessly to perfect his craft. “I think things have gone smoothly so far because of my natural ability,” says Slaveski, who's undefeated in his first six BKFC encounters.
“I’ve been working extremely hard to be prepared for this fight specifically, but my confidence is based on a lifetime of fighting, plus sparring sessions, roadwork, strength-and-conditioning training — all the work that’s been put in behind the scenes, away from the spotlight.”
Now that Slaveski returns to the BKFC spotlight for the first time in nearly two years on Saturday, he’s dialed in to make up for lost time. “I’m going to win by knockout,” he says with a smile. “I’m going to get my title back, I’m going to defend it against any challenger that BKFC has for me, and I’m going to be a face of the organization for the rest of my combat sports career.”
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Joshua vs. Paul being "actively discussed" |
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According to Sky Sports, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (pictured) is considering fighting Youtuber-turned cruiserweight Jake Paul. Sky Sports talked to Nakisa Bidarian, who is Paul's business partner in MVP Promotions, and here is what Bidarian had to say: ""I think the fight can absolutely happen, I'm looking at it as Jake versus Joshua, which is quite biblical, and it's quite impactful in many ways. I think size wise, we can get comfortable with it, and I think experience wise, Jake is learning very fast and growing, and Joshua is a little long in the tooth. So it could be a very interesting matchup, and we're actively discussing it with Matchroom."
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Joshua vs. Paul being "actively discussed"
According to Sky Sports, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (pictured) is considering fighting Youtuber-turned cruiserweight Jake Paul. Sky Sports talked to Nakisa Bidarian, who is Paul's business partner in MVP Promotions, and here is what Bidarian had to say: ""I think the fight can absolutely happen, I'm looking at it as Jake versus Joshua, which is quite biblical, and it's quite impactful in many ways. I think size wise, we can get comfortable with it, and I think experience wise, Jake is learning very fast and growing, and Joshua is a little long in the tooth. So it could be a very interesting matchup, and we're actively discussing it with Matchroom."
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A few words with WBA bantamweight champion Antonio Vargas |
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As a big part of an unforgettable night of championship boxing at the Buntai Arena, WBA bantamweight champion Antonio Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs) showed the heart of a true warrior, retaining his title with a dramatic draw against hometown favorite Daigo Higa (23-3-3, 19 KOs), in a fight broadcast live on DAZN. Vargas, co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Matchroom Boxing, faced adversity early, hitting the canvas in round four after a sharp left hook landed by Higa, a former flyweight champion. But the champ didn’t fold—he showed resilience and continued to fight with vigor. “Getting dropped lit a fire in me,” Vargas said. “I knew I had to shake it off and do my best to win the rest of that round—and every round after that. Champions don’t fold…we fight back.”
From the fifth to the tenth, Vargas pushed forward with a steady, calculated pace, refusing to let the pressure rattle him in front of the roaring Japanese crowd. “I stayed locked in,” Vargas continued. “This wasn’t about flash—it was about focus. I kept my head down, worked my jab, fought on the inside, and stayed disciplined. That’s how you survive on enemy turf.”
Then came the final round—a defining moment. With just over a minute left, Vargas unleashed a vicious combination, dropping Higa to the canvas with a right uppercut, turning the tide of the bout. “I dug deep and left it all out there,” said Vargas. “That knockdown wasn’t just a punch—it was a statement moment. It’s what kept my belt around my waist. All glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Though the fight was ruled a draw, the knockdown in the twelfth secured Vargas the edge he needed to retain his world title—and win the respect of fans worldwide. “Antonio showed the world what it means to be a true champion,” said Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra. “To go into hostile territory, get knocked down, and come back to finish strong—that takes courage, discipline, and heart. We’re unbelievably proud of him. He went to Japan with a mission and proved he’s one of the best bantamweights on the planet. The belt stays with Team Vargas.”
As for what’s next, Vargas stated. "I’ll let my team work on that and then we’ll decide. Whether it be a defense or unification bout, I’ll be ready!"
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A few words with WBA bantamweight champion Antonio Vargas
As a big part of an unforgettable night of championship boxing at the Buntai Arena, WBA bantamweight champion Antonio Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs) showed the heart of a true warrior, retaining his title with a dramatic draw against hometown favorite Daigo Higa (23-3-3, 19 KOs), in a fight broadcast live on DAZN. Vargas, co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Matchroom Boxing, faced adversity early, hitting the canvas in round four after a sharp left hook landed by Higa, a former flyweight champion. But the champ didn’t fold—he showed resilience and continued to fight with vigor. “Getting dropped lit a fire in me,” Vargas said. “I knew I had to shake it off and do my best to win the rest of that round—and every round after that. Champions don’t fold…we fight back.”
From the fifth to the tenth, Vargas pushed forward with a steady, calculated pace, refusing to let the pressure rattle him in front of the roaring Japanese crowd. “I stayed locked in,” Vargas continued. “This wasn’t about flash—it was about focus. I kept my head down, worked my jab, fought on the inside, and stayed disciplined. That’s how you survive on enemy turf.”
Then came the final round—a defining moment. With just over a minute left, Vargas unleashed a vicious combination, dropping Higa to the canvas with a right uppercut, turning the tide of the bout. “I dug deep and left it all out there,” said Vargas. “That knockdown wasn’t just a punch—it was a statement moment. It’s what kept my belt around my waist. All glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Though the fight was ruled a draw, the knockdown in the twelfth secured Vargas the edge he needed to retain his world title—and win the respect of fans worldwide. “Antonio showed the world what it means to be a true champion,” said Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra. “To go into hostile territory, get knocked down, and come back to finish strong—that takes courage, discipline, and heart. We’re unbelievably proud of him. He went to Japan with a mission and proved he’s one of the best bantamweights on the planet. The belt stays with Team Vargas.”
As for what’s next, Vargas stated. "I’ll let my team work on that and then we’ll decide. Whether it be a defense or unification bout, I’ll be ready!"
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