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Source: PBC | January 21, 2025

PBC adds three title bouts to March 1st Davis vs. Roach undercard
WBA junior welterweight champion Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela will defend against Gary Antuanne Russell on March 1st in Brooklyn, New York's Barclay Center. Valenzuela-Russell will serve as the chief supporting bout for Gervonta "Tank" Davis' WBA lighweight title defense against junior lightweight titlist Lamont Roach. A second junior welterweight title fight will be part of that night's show, as WBC champion Alberto Puello defends his title against mandatory challenger Sandor Martin. Kicking off the pay-per-view broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, will be Yoenis Tellez against former two-belt junior middkeweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams. The winner of Tellez-Williams will be recognized as the WBA interim champion at junior middleweight.
	PBC adds three title bouts to March 1st Davis vs. Roach undercard WBA junior welterweight champion Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela will defend against Gary Antuanne Russell on March 1st in Brooklyn, New York's Barclay Center. Valenzuela-Russell will serve as the chief supporting bout for Gervonta "Tank" Davis' WBA lighweight title defense against junior lightweight titlist Lamont Roach. A second junior welterweight title fight will be part of that night's show, as WBC champion Alberto Puello defends his title against mandatory challenger Sandor Martin. Kicking off the pay-per-view broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, will be Yoenis Tellez against former two-belt junior middkeweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams. The winner of Tellez-Williams will be recognized as the WBA interim champion at junior middleweight.

Source: WBA | January 21, 2025

Yuko Kuroki now a three-time champion
Yuko Kuroki W10 Ye Kyeng Seo... Yuko Kuroki is now a three-time champion. On Tuesday at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, she won the vacant WBA minimumweight championship with a ten-round unanimous decision over Ye Kyeng Seo of Korea on Tue. After ten rounds of action, the home fighter earned 96-94 scorecards from all three judges to win the 105-pound title. Kuroki had prior reigns as WBC minimumweight champion from 2015-2017 and WBO atomweight champion from 2023-2024. Kuroki’s goal was to become a champion again after losing her 102-pound title last January to Eri Matsuda by split decision. Getting this opportunity, she knew she did not have an easy challenge against the Korean but she was able to take the victory. With the victory, the 33 year-old Japanese fighter reached 24 wins against 8 defeats and 2 draws. The previously untested Seo, fighting outside of Korea for the first time, now has a record of 7 wins, 1 loss and 3 draws.
	Yuko Kuroki now a three-time champion Yuko Kuroki W10 Ye Kyeng Seo... Yuko Kuroki is now a three-time champion. On Tuesday at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, she won the vacant WBA minimumweight championship with a ten-round unanimous decision over Ye Kyeng Seo of Korea on Tue. After ten rounds of action, the home fighter earned 96-94 scorecards from all three judges to win the 105-pound title. Kuroki had prior reigns as WBC minimumweight champion from 2015-2017 and WBO atomweight champion from 2023-2024. Kuroki’s goal was to become a champion again after losing her 102-pound title last January to Eri Matsuda by split decision. Getting this opportunity, she knew she did not have an easy challenge against the Korean but she was able to take the victory. With the victory, the 33 year-old Japanese fighter reached 24 wins against 8 defeats and 2 draws. The previously untested Seo, fighting outside of Korea for the first time, now has a record of 7 wins, 1 loss and 3 draws.

Source: WBA | January 21, 2025

Najee Lopez to headline in Plant City on Friday
Puerto Rican light heavyweight Najee Lopez will face Dominican Gilbert Castillo this Friday on a ProBox TV event that will take place in Plant City, Florida. Lopez is an undefeated puncher who debuted in 2021 and has fought all of his pro bouts in the United States. The 25-year old fighter has 12 wins in his professional career, 9 of which have been by knockout. He won three fights during 2024, two of them against good level opponents. Castillo has a record of 25 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw and 19 wins by knockout. He is the most experienced opponent Lopez has faced. Catillo has fought the likes of Dmitry Bivol, Callum Smith, Marcus Browne, and currently undefeated Albert Ramirez, among others. He will try to use all that experience to his advantage even though he is no monger in the prime of his career.
	Najee Lopez to headline in Plant City on Friday Puerto Rican light heavyweight Najee Lopez will face Dominican Gilbert Castillo this Friday on a ProBox TV event that will take place in Plant City, Florida. Lopez is an undefeated puncher who debuted in 2021 and has fought all of his pro bouts in the United States. The 25-year old fighter has 12 wins in his professional career, 9 of which have been by knockout. He won three fights during 2024, two of them against good level opponents. Castillo has a record of 25 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw and 19 wins by knockout. He is the most experienced opponent Lopez has faced. Catillo has fought the likes of Dmitry Bivol, Callum Smith, Marcus Browne, and currently undefeated Albert Ramirez, among others. He will try to use all that experience to his advantage even though he is no monger in the prime of his career.

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Injured Chamberlain withdraws from Feb. 1st bout

Press Release | January 21, 2025

Injured Chamberlain withdraws from Feb. 1st bout
Isaac Chamberlain has withdrawn from his upcoming bout with Viddal Riley due to injury. Riley and Chamberlain were set to meet in a cruiserweight clash on Saturday, February 1st on the undercard of Adam Azim’s bout against ex-champ Sergey Lipinets at the OVO Arena Wembley (London). An injury sustained by Chamberlain while training for his grudge match with English champion Riley has ruled the Brixton-boxer out of the contest. Promoter Ben Shalom said: “Unfortunately Isaac has suffered an injury in training camp and is unable to box on February 1st. The fight between Viddal and Isaac has been a long time coming. We were excited to finally see them in the ring and are disappointed that won’t be happening next week as planned. We wish Isaac a speedy recovery. News on what’s next for Viddal will follow soon.’’ Fights fans can still look forward to a night of boxing as Adam Azim steps up to face Lipinets for the IBO juior welterweight championship. Any fans wishing to receive a refund should contact their point of purchase. Remaining tickets are still available via BOXXER.com
	Injured Chamberlain withdraws from Feb. 1st bout Isaac Chamberlain has withdrawn from his upcoming bout with Viddal Riley due to injury. Riley and Chamberlain were set to meet in a cruiserweight clash on Saturday, February 1st on the undercard of Adam Azim’s bout against ex-champ Sergey Lipinets at the OVO Arena Wembley (London). An injury sustained by Chamberlain while training for his grudge match with English champion Riley has ruled the Brixton-boxer out of the contest. Promoter Ben Shalom said: “Unfortunately Isaac has suffered an injury in training camp and is unable to box on February 1st. The fight between Viddal and Isaac has been a long time coming. We were excited to finally see them in the ring and are disappointed that won’t be happening next week as planned. We wish Isaac a speedy recovery. News on what’s next for Viddal will follow soon.’’ Fights fans can still look forward to a night of boxing as Adam Azim steps up to face Lipinets for the IBO juior welterweight championship. Any fans wishing to receive a refund should contact their point of purchase. Remaining tickets are still available via BOXXER.com

Source: WBC | January 21, 2025

Welcome to Inoue vs. Kim fight week
Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed world super bantamweight crown against Korean challenger Ye Joon Kim this Friday, Jan. 24th at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Inoue was scheduled to face undefeated Australian Sam Goodman, but Goodman withdrew from the bout twice due to cuts sustained during sparring. Kim, who is 2-0 on Japanese soil, stepped in at short notice to face the pound-for-pound man dubbed "Monster." Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) began his four-belt legacy in December 2022 when he stopped Paul Butler to unify all the bantamweight titles. Then, within a little over a year, the 31-year old knocked out champ Stephen Fulton in July 2023 and king Marlon Tapales that December to achieve undisputed glory in a second weight class. He made history again last May by headlining the first boxing card at the Tokyo Dome since the historic Mike Tyson-Buster Douglas showdown, overcoming a first-round knockdown before icing former two-division champion Luis Nery in six. In September, he registered a seventh-round TKO over one-time super bantamweight title holder TJ Doheny. Kim (21-2-2, 13 KOs) turned pro in 2012 and has spent most of his career fighting in Korea. He has won two straight since a majority decision defeat to veteran Rob Diezel in Auburn, Washington. One of those wins saw Kim knocked out Rakesh Lohchab in the fifth round.
	Welcome to Inoue vs. Kim fight week Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed world super bantamweight crown against Korean challenger Ye Joon Kim this Friday, Jan. 24th at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Inoue was scheduled to face undefeated Australian Sam Goodman, but Goodman withdrew from the bout twice due to cuts sustained during sparring. Kim, who is 2-0 on Japanese soil, stepped in at short notice to face the pound-for-pound man dubbed "Monster." Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) began his four-belt legacy in December 2022 when he stopped Paul Butler to unify all the bantamweight titles. Then, within a little over a year, the 31-year old knocked out champ Stephen Fulton in July 2023 and king Marlon Tapales that December to achieve undisputed glory in a second weight class. He made history again last May by headlining the first boxing card at the Tokyo Dome since the historic Mike Tyson-Buster Douglas showdown, overcoming a first-round knockdown before icing former two-division champion Luis Nery in six. In September, he registered a seventh-round TKO over one-time super bantamweight title holder TJ Doheny. Kim (21-2-2, 13 KOs) turned pro in 2012 and has spent most of his career fighting in Korea. He has won two straight since a majority decision defeat to veteran Rob Diezel in Auburn, Washington. One of those wins saw Kim knocked out Rakesh Lohchab in the fifth round.

Source: DAZN | January 21, 2025

DAZN features battle of unbeaten super middles
Las Vegas will host a battle of unbeaten super middleweights when Diego Pacheco (22-0) takes on Steven Nelson (20-0) in Las Vegas on Saturday at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Chelsea Ballroom. Pacheco last saw action in a win over Maciej Sulecki in August. Nelson's last victory over Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez in the same month. DAZN will stream the action starting at 7 pm Eastern time on Saturday. Here are the bouts scheduled for the undercard: Andy Cruz vs. Omar Salcido Gamez (lightweights); Ernesto Mercado vs. Jose Pedraza (junior welterweights); Leonardo Rubalcava vs. Israel Mercado (junior welterweights); Harley Merderos vs. Arturo de Isla (lightweights); Nishant Dev vs. Alton Wiggins (junior middleweights; and Zaquin Moses vs. Alex Pallette (junior lightweights).
	DAZN features battle of unbeaten super middles Las Vegas will host a battle of unbeaten super middleweights when Diego Pacheco (22-0) takes on Steven Nelson (20-0) in Las Vegas on Saturday at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Chelsea Ballroom. Pacheco last saw action in a win over Maciej Sulecki in August. Nelson's last victory over Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez in the same month. DAZN will stream the action starting at 7 pm Eastern time on Saturday. Here are the bouts scheduled for the undercard: Andy Cruz vs. Omar Salcido Gamez (lightweights); Ernesto Mercado vs. Jose Pedraza (junior welterweights); Leonardo Rubalcava vs. Israel Mercado (junior welterweights); Harley Merderos vs. Arturo de Isla (lightweights); Nishant Dev vs. Alton Wiggins (junior middleweights; and Zaquin Moses vs. Alex Pallette (junior lightweights).

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Omar Chavez to face undefeated Misael Rodriguez on Saturday

Source: DAZN | January 21, 2025

Omar Chavez to face undefeated Misael Rodriguez on Saturday
Omar Chavez, son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez, will finally step in the ring with Misael Rodriguez this weekend as the main event of the card in San Luis Potosi. The original clash was postponed after Chavez refused a second weigh-in and the fight was thrown out amid bickering from both corners. DAZN will stream the fight card on Saturday with a 10 pm start time in the United States. Chavez (41-8-1) last fought in May, defeating Michi Munoz for his third victory in a row. Rodriguez (14-0) beat Ricardo Banuelos last June. The following bouts are shceduled for the undercard Luis Rodriguez vs. J. Amaro J. Aceves vs. Jorge Ascanio C. Zamorano vs. Yoselyn Perez F. Perez vs. D. Portilla
	Omar Chavez to face undefeated Misael Rodriguez on Saturday Omar Chavez, son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez, will finally step in the ring with Misael Rodriguez this weekend as the main event of the card in San Luis Potosi. The original clash was postponed after Chavez refused a second weigh-in and the fight was thrown out amid bickering from both corners. DAZN will stream the fight card on Saturday with a 10 pm start time in the United States. Chavez (41-8-1) last fought in May, defeating Michi Munoz for his third victory in a row. Rodriguez (14-0) beat Ricardo Banuelos last June. The following bouts are shceduled for the undercard Luis Rodriguez vs. J. Amaro J. Aceves vs. Jorge Ascanio C. Zamorano vs. Yoselyn Perez F. Perez vs. D. Portilla

Press Release | January 21, 2025

Results from Philly: Oberlton gets TKO win
Atif Oberlton KO5 Joaquin Berroa Lugo... Atif Oberlton provided a five-round beatdown to previously undefeated Joaquin Berroa at Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia.over the weekend. The entertaining seven-bout card was promoted by King's Promotions. Oberlton dominated the action, working behind a solid jab that was followed up by some strong left hands. Berroa showed a sturdy chin, but Oberlton began to soften up Berroa with a body assault. In round five, Oberlton rocked Berroa and followed up with a right hook that sent Berroa down face first. The bout was over at 2:26. The 26 year-old Philadelphian now boasts a record of 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Berroa who competed for the Dominican Republic at the 2012 Olympic Games is now 6-2 Quaidir Albright TKO6 Damian Rodriguez ... Quaidir Albright stopped Damian Rodriguez at the end of round six of their eight-round welterweight bout. The bout was action-packed with both men showcasing solid offense. Albright started to seize control in the fourth round as his head and body shots started to noticeably affect Rodriguez. Rodriguez began to bleed from the mouth and his punch output slowed down. After he sustained more punishment, the bout was halted in the corner. Albright of Philadelphia is now 12-1 with all wins coming early. Rodriguez of Panama City via Havana, Cuba is 13-3. ADDITIONAL RESULTS Devon Young scored a vicious first-round stoppage over Calvin Barnett in a six-round heavyweight bout. Young was all-over Barnett and landed a nasty combination that knocked Barnett out along the ropes at 2:01. Young of Aiken, South Carolina is now 6-0 with five knockouts. Barnett of Tulsa, Oklahoma is 5-2. MMA star Kayla Hracho made a successful professional boxing debut with a four-round majority decision over Ayesha Green in a super flyweight bout. Hracho of Coconut Creek, Florida via Reading. PA won by scores of 39-37 (twice) and 38-38 and is now 1-0. Green of Princeton, NJ is 0-3. Colby Madison and Ali Ellis fought to a six-round draw in a heavyweight bout. Ellis dropped Madison with a right hand in round three. Madison was able to salvage the draw when he landed a little right hand that seemed to rattle the left eye of Ellis and he took a knee. Scores were 56-56 on all cards. Madison of Baltimore is 11-7-3. Ellis of Baltimore is 6-0-1. Jorge Luis Moracen remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Tariq Green in a super middleweight contest. Moracen of Miami via Cuba won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and he went the distance for the first time while raising his record to 5-0. Green of Philadelphia is 5-3-2. In the opening bout that featured debuting featherweights, Shannel Butler destroyed Ella Duckworth in 48 seconds of the scheduled four-round bout.
	Results from Philly: Oberlton gets TKO win Atif Oberlton KO5 Joaquin Berroa Lugo... Atif Oberlton provided a five-round beatdown to previously undefeated Joaquin Berroa at Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia.over the weekend. The entertaining seven-bout card was promoted by King's Promotions. Oberlton dominated the action, working behind a solid jab that was followed up by some strong left hands. Berroa showed a sturdy chin, but Oberlton began to soften up Berroa with a body assault. In round five, Oberlton rocked Berroa and followed up with a right hook that sent Berroa down face first. The bout was over at 2:26. The 26 year-old Philadelphian now boasts a record of 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Berroa who competed for the Dominican Republic at the 2012 Olympic Games is now 6-2 Quaidir Albright TKO6 Damian Rodriguez ... Quaidir Albright stopped Damian Rodriguez at the end of round six of their eight-round welterweight bout. The bout was action-packed with both men showcasing solid offense. Albright started to seize control in the fourth round as his head and body shots started to noticeably affect Rodriguez. Rodriguez began to bleed from the mouth and his punch output slowed down. After he sustained more punishment, the bout was halted in the corner. Albright of Philadelphia is now 12-1 with all wins coming early. Rodriguez of Panama City via Havana, Cuba is 13-3. ADDITIONAL RESULTS Devon Young scored a vicious first-round stoppage over Calvin Barnett in a six-round heavyweight bout. Young was all-over Barnett and landed a nasty combination that knocked Barnett out along the ropes at 2:01. Young of Aiken, South Carolina is now 6-0 with five knockouts. Barnett of Tulsa, Oklahoma is 5-2. MMA star Kayla Hracho made a successful professional boxing debut with a four-round majority decision over Ayesha Green in a super flyweight bout. Hracho of Coconut Creek, Florida via Reading. PA won by scores of 39-37 (twice) and 38-38 and is now 1-0. Green of Princeton, NJ is 0-3. Colby Madison and Ali Ellis fought to a six-round draw in a heavyweight bout. Ellis dropped Madison with a right hand in round three. Madison was able to salvage the draw when he landed a little right hand that seemed to rattle the left eye of Ellis and he took a knee. Scores were 56-56 on all cards. Madison of Baltimore is 11-7-3. Ellis of Baltimore is 6-0-1. Jorge Luis Moracen remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Tariq Green in a super middleweight contest. Moracen of Miami via Cuba won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and he went the distance for the first time while raising his record to 5-0. Green of Philadelphia is 5-3-2. In the opening bout that featured debuting featherweights, Shannel Butler destroyed Ella Duckworth in 48 seconds of the scheduled four-round bout.

Press Release | January 21, 2025

BKFC: Welcome to Knucklemania V fight week
Bare Knuckle Fight Club (BKFC) is calling this wekeend's show the biggest fight Week in its history. KnuckleMania V happens on Saturday in its hometown of Philadelphia, live worldwide on DAZN from the Wells Fargo Center. The main event pits Philly's own Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez against his heated rival, Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens, in a welterweight matchup [in BKFC, welterweight is 165 pounds].Saturday’s Cofeature has BKFC heavyweight champion Mick Terrill defending against undefeated “Big” Ben Rothwell. Also on the show, two fan-favorite female fighters, Taylor “Killa B” Starling and “Rowdy” Bec Rawlings — square off... Other bouts feature Zach “Shark Attack” Calmus hunting for his fifth straight stoppage victory against his toughest task yet, Patrick “The Brick” Brady in heavyweight action... Saturday's showcase event also features returning fighters Miles “Panda” Banks, Bryan “Iceman” McDowell, Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer, Dustin “The Disciple” Pague, Zach “Lil Mac” Pannell, Travis “The Animal” Thompson, Kaine “Kaine 9” Tomlinson Jr. and others.
	BKFC: Welcome to Knucklemania V fight week Bare Knuckle Fight Club (BKFC) is calling this wekeend's show the biggest fight Week in its history. KnuckleMania V happens on Saturday in its hometown of Philadelphia, live worldwide on DAZN from the Wells Fargo Center. The main event pits Philly's own Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez against his heated rival, Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens, in a welterweight matchup [in BKFC, welterweight is 165 pounds].Saturday’s Cofeature has BKFC heavyweight champion Mick Terrill defending against undefeated “Big” Ben Rothwell. Also on the show, two fan-favorite female fighters, Taylor “Killa B” Starling and “Rowdy” Bec Rawlings — square off... Other bouts feature Zach “Shark Attack” Calmus hunting for his fifth straight stoppage victory against his toughest task yet, Patrick “The Brick” Brady in heavyweight action... Saturday's showcase event also features returning fighters Miles “Panda” Banks, Bryan “Iceman” McDowell, Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer, Dustin “The Disciple” Pague, Zach “Lil Mac” Pannell, Travis “The Animal” Thompson, Kaine “Kaine 9” Tomlinson Jr. and others.

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IBF schedules purse bid for Bakole vs. Ajagba

By Scott Shaffer | January 20, 2025

IBF schedules purse bid for Bakole vs. Ajagba
On November 26, 2024, the IBF ordered Martin Bakole (pictured) and Efe Ajagba to begin negotiations for a heavyweight eliminator to determine the IBF's mandatory contender position. Negotiations were to be concluded on or before December 11th. An agreement was not reached within the time frame allowed. Therefore, the IBF has ordered a purse bid to determine the promotional rights and boxers' purses for the but. It is scheduled for Thursday, January 30th at 12 noon. Bakole, ranked #4 by the IBF, is 21-1 and coming off a career-changing win over previoulsy undefeated Jared Anderson in August. Ajagba, ranked #7 by the IBF, is coming off a very close decision win over Guido Vianello last April. The current IBF heavyweight champion is Daniel Dubois, who is scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker next month.
	IBF schedules purse bid for Bakole vs. Ajagba On November 26, 2024, the IBF ordered Martin Bakole (pictured) and Efe Ajagba to begin negotiations for a heavyweight eliminator to determine the IBF's mandatory contender position. Negotiations were to be concluded on or before December 11th. An agreement was not reached within the time frame allowed. Therefore, the IBF has ordered a purse bid to determine the promotional rights and boxers' purses for the but. It is scheduled for Thursday, January 30th at 12 noon. Bakole, ranked #4 by the IBF, is 21-1 and coming off a career-changing win over previoulsy undefeated Jared Anderson in August. Ajagba, ranked #7 by the IBF, is coming off a very close decision win over Guido Vianello last April. The current IBF heavyweight champion is Daniel Dubois, who is scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker next month.

By Scott Shaffer | January 20, 2025

IBF schedules purse bid for Mbilli vs. Sadjo
On December 18, 2024, the IBF ordered Christian Mbilli and Kevin Lele Sadjo to begin negotiations for a heavyweight eliminator to determine the IBF's mandatory contender in the super middleweight division. Negotiations were to be concluded on or before January 2nd. An agreement was not reached within the time frame allowed. Therefore, the IBF has ordered a purse bid to determine the promotional rights and boxers' purses for the but. It is scheduled for Thursday, January 30th at 12 noon. Mbilli, a Frenchman based in Canada, is 28-0 and has been considered a future champion for some time. He is coming off a win over respected Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Sadjo is a 24-0, bori n in Cameroon and fights out of France. He had three decent wins in 2024. The current IBF heavyweight champion is little-known William Scull, who eked out a highly controversial decision over Vladimir Shishkin to win a title stripped away from the division's true world champion, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.
	IBF schedules purse bid for Mbilli vs. Sadjo On December 18, 2024, the IBF ordered Christian Mbilli and Kevin Lele Sadjo to begin negotiations for a heavyweight eliminator to determine the IBF's mandatory contender in the super middleweight division. Negotiations were to be concluded on or before January 2nd. An agreement was not reached within the time frame allowed. Therefore, the IBF has ordered a purse bid to determine the promotional rights and boxers' purses for the but. It is scheduled for Thursday, January 30th at 12 noon. Mbilli, a Frenchman based in Canada, is 28-0 and has been considered a future champion for some time. He is coming off a win over respected Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Sadjo is a 24-0, bori n in Cameroon and fights out of France. He had three decent wins in 2024. The current IBF heavyweight champion is little-known William Scull, who eked out a highly controversial decision over Vladimir Shishkin to win a title stripped away from the division's true world champion, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.

Source: IBA | January 20, 2025

Undercard results from Armenia
Davit Chaloyan W8 Vitaly Kudukhov ... Heavyweight Davit Chaloyan was the biggest Armenian winner on th eundercard of an IBA pro show held on Friday in his native country. Chaloyan defeated Vitaly Kudukhov (7-3) of Russia by using his longer reach to his advantage, fending off the pressure and responding well to the pockets of success thsy Kudukhov managed. Kudukhov provided a spirited performance and worked hard throughout, but Chaloyan’s footwork and ability to keep his opponent at a distance helped the Armenian win by unanimous decision. Chaloyan is 2-0 as a pro but had a good amateur career, including a win over Tsotne Rogava, who is undefeated as a pro. Khuseyn Baysangurov W10 Leonardo Sanchez ... Khuseyn Baysangurov (25-1) ended the undefeated streak of Venezuela’s Leonardo Sanchez (16-1-1) in their ten-round welterweight contest. Sanchez was victorious in 16 professional matches with one draw, while Baysangurov was aiming for his 25th victory, holding just one professional defeat. A typical Baysangurov display saw the Russian looking stoic, hardly shaken and capable of throwing punches at a ferocious pace within the opening three rounds of the contest, while the Venezuelan was finding little way to push Baysangurov backwards. That was until around the midpoint of the ten-round contest where Sanchez started to enjoy spells of aggression, determined not to make it an inevitable result, but it was in the final two rounds that Sanchez gave judges a lot to think about – coming firm on his feet and startling his opponent. By round eight, both boxers were bloodied and beaten but took the fight all the way to the final bell, where Baysangurov won by majority decision. ADDITIONAL RESULTS As previously reported, the main event saw Russian middleweight Pavel Sosulin get a win with a convincing performance on the IBA pro show against Carlo Bacaro in Yerevan, Armenia. Sosulin landed the defining blows of the fight in the third round, getting a knockout with punches to the body. In the second round, he had already connected a hook to the liver that forced the Filipino to take a knee and receive a count. Although he recovered, he was not the same in the next round, in which a similar blow sent him to the canvas with no chance to recover. With the win, the 28 year-old Sosulin now has 12 wins, 5 of them by knockout, while Bacaro's record dipped to 12 wins and 1 loss. A popular win went the way of Narek Manasyan (1-1), who surpassed Nigeria’s Austine Nnamdi (11-6) at cruiserweight, giving the Armenian his first IBA Champions’ Night triumph. Both boxers contributed to a fantastic six-round bout, peppered with moments of true drama, with difficulty shown throughout. Nnamdi pulled off moments of brilliance that would have brought a lesser athlete into a spin, but Manasyan was able to stand firm. His own highlights led to a win that caused cheers around the arena. Gurgen Madoyan came back from an early shake to defeat Kudratillo Abdukakorov of Uzbekistan by a unanimous decision in the middleweight category. What was an even bout in the opening round turned on its head when Abdukakorov landed an overhand southpaw left to Madoyan which the Uzbek celebrated with a shimmy in the second round. The Uzbek fighter was looking strong and hungry, but equally, the Armenian was defiant when struck. The late rounds saw Madoyan pick up more points and a final round highlight consisting of copious amounts of punches sealed his victory. Anis Chilaev representing Tajikistan was victorious against Armenia’s Karen Tonakanyan at junior welterweight. Chilaev set a precedent early for being the aggressor, finding combinations in the earlier rounds that suggested Tonakanyan would need to rally to come back from thew deficit. However, Chilaev was in control of the bout and was named the winner. Alexandru Paraschiv silenced the home crowd after beating Ararat Harutyunyan in the welterweight division. The Moldovan victor was stronger in the opening couple of rounds and faced little issue, until Harutyunyan changed his game plan to take a more controlled stance to the delight of the crowd. When the Moldovan got on the front foot, he was still susceptible to offence from the Armenian who connected with a sweet right hook in the fifth round on the defence. Chasing a knockdown and an attempt to claw back points, Paraschiv went hard in the final round, but again was struck on the jaw by the home favorite. Little could be found between the pair and what was a tight affair. In the opening contest of the night, Artur Bazeyan was the victor by a unanimous decision in a lively bout with Albania’s Ardit Murja in the lightweight division. The Armenian piled pressure onto his adversary, particularly in rounds four and six, looking likely to knock his opponent down, but Murja lasted the length of the fight, to his credit.
	Undercard results from Armenia Davit Chaloyan W8 Vitaly Kudukhov ... Heavyweight Davit Chaloyan was the biggest Armenian winner on th eundercard of an IBA pro show held on Friday in his native country. Chaloyan defeated Vitaly Kudukhov (7-3) of Russia by using his longer reach to his advantage, fending off the pressure and responding well to the pockets of success thsy Kudukhov managed. Kudukhov provided a spirited performance and worked hard throughout, but Chaloyan’s footwork and ability to keep his opponent at a distance helped the Armenian win by unanimous decision. Chaloyan is 2-0 as a pro but had a good amateur career, including a win over Tsotne Rogava, who is undefeated as a pro. Khuseyn Baysangurov W10 Leonardo Sanchez ... Khuseyn Baysangurov (25-1) ended the undefeated streak of Venezuela’s Leonardo Sanchez (16-1-1) in their ten-round welterweight contest. Sanchez was victorious in 16 professional matches with one draw, while Baysangurov was aiming for his 25th victory, holding just one professional defeat. A typical Baysangurov display saw the Russian looking stoic, hardly shaken and capable of throwing punches at a ferocious pace within the opening three rounds of the contest, while the Venezuelan was finding little way to push Baysangurov backwards. That was until around the midpoint of the ten-round contest where Sanchez started to enjoy spells of aggression, determined not to make it an inevitable result, but it was in the final two rounds that Sanchez gave judges a lot to think about – coming firm on his feet and startling his opponent. By round eight, both boxers were bloodied and beaten but took the fight all the way to the final bell, where Baysangurov won by majority decision. ADDITIONAL RESULTS As previously reported, the main event saw Russian middleweight Pavel Sosulin get a win with a convincing performance on the IBA pro show against Carlo Bacaro in Yerevan, Armenia. Sosulin landed the defining blows of the fight in the third round, getting a knockout with punches to the body. In the second round, he had already connected a hook to the liver that forced the Filipino to take a knee and receive a count. Although he recovered, he was not the same in the next round, in which a similar blow sent him to the canvas with no chance to recover. With the win, the 28 year-old Sosulin now has 12 wins, 5 of them by knockout, while Bacaro's record dipped to 12 wins and 1 loss. A popular win went the way of Narek Manasyan (1-1), who surpassed Nigeria’s Austine Nnamdi (11-6) at cruiserweight, giving the Armenian his first IBA Champions’ Night triumph. Both boxers contributed to a fantastic six-round bout, peppered with moments of true drama, with difficulty shown throughout. Nnamdi pulled off moments of brilliance that would have brought a lesser athlete into a spin, but Manasyan was able to stand firm. His own highlights led to a win that caused cheers around the arena. Gurgen Madoyan came back from an early shake to defeat Kudratillo Abdukakorov of Uzbekistan by a unanimous decision in the middleweight category. What was an even bout in the opening round turned on its head when Abdukakorov landed an overhand southpaw left to Madoyan which the Uzbek celebrated with a shimmy in the second round. The Uzbek fighter was looking strong and hungry, but equally, the Armenian was defiant when struck. The late rounds saw Madoyan pick up more points and a final round highlight consisting of copious amounts of punches sealed his victory. Anis Chilaev representing Tajikistan was victorious against Armenia’s Karen Tonakanyan at junior welterweight. Chilaev set a precedent early for being the aggressor, finding combinations in the earlier rounds that suggested Tonakanyan would need to rally to come back from thew deficit. However, Chilaev was in control of the bout and was named the winner. Alexandru Paraschiv silenced the home crowd after beating Ararat Harutyunyan in the welterweight division. The Moldovan victor was stronger in the opening couple of rounds and faced little issue, until Harutyunyan changed his game plan to take a more controlled stance to the delight of the crowd. When the Moldovan got on the front foot, he was still susceptible to offence from the Armenian who connected with a sweet right hook in the fifth round on the defence. Chasing a knockdown and an attempt to claw back points, Paraschiv went hard in the final round, but again was struck on the jaw by the home favorite. Little could be found between the pair and what was a tight affair. In the opening contest of the night, Artur Bazeyan was the victor by a unanimous decision in a lively bout with Albania’s Ardit Murja in the lightweight division. The Armenian piled pressure onto his adversary, particularly in rounds four and six, looking likely to knock his opponent down, but Murja lasted the length of the fight, to his credit.

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PPV.com returns with alternate Benavidez-Morrel broadcast

Press Release | January 20, 2025

PPV.com returns with alternate Benavidez-Morrel broadcast
PPV.com, which does not require a subscription, returns for its 2025 season debut when it live streams in the U.S. and Canada an explosive battle between interim WBC light heavyweight champion David "El Monstro" Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) from Phoenix and WBA light heavyweight regular champion David Morrell, Jr. (11-0, 9 KOs), a Cuban native who hails from Minneapolis. The action will be streamed live from T-Mobile Arena in the 'Fight Capital of the World,' Las Vegas on Saturday, February 1st, beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Priced at $79.99, it can be ordered at PPV.com. Hall of Fame boxing commentator Jim Lampley returns to co-host the popular viewer chat in real time throughout the HD live stream. "As soon as I agreed, fifteen months ago, to return to ringside doing live viewer chat with PPV.COM, I began hearing speculation on the exciting possibility of David Benavidez vs. David Morrell. The ringside consensus is that they are two of the biggest punchers in the light heavyweight neighborhood, and the winner may be in position for a megadollars summit meeting with another big puncher, [world champion] Artur Beterbiev. I’m packing to go to Las Vegas for Benavidez vs. Morrell February 1st," said Lampley. Lampley's eagerly anticipated memoir, It Happened!: A Uniquely Lucky Life in Sports Television, will be released on April 15. Joining Lampley on the live viewer chat will be award-winning boxing journalist Lance Pugmire, popular podcast hosts Dan Canobbio, and former WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri. Jim, Lance, Dan, and Chris will also be providing exclusive fight week commentary and reports from Las Vegas for PPV.com's website and social platforms. The Benavidez vs. Morrell pay-per-view live stream undercard will feature three other bouts: the rematch between WBC featherweight champion Brandon Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs), Texas, who is looking to avenge his only pro loss, and Stephen Fulton, Jr. (22-1, 8 KOs), the former WBC/WBO junior featherweight champion from West Philadelphia, who is bidding to become a two-division champion; Mexico City's Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs), a former WBA 140-pound champion vs. Angel Fierro (22-2-2, 17 KOs) from Tijuana, in an all-Mexican ten rounder; and opening up the pay-per-view live stream will be a ten-round middleweight rumble between Jesus "Mono" Ramos, Jr. (21-1, 17 KOs) from Arizona and former two-belt junior middleweight champion Jeison Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs) from the Dominican Republic.
	PPV.com returns with alternate Benavidez-Morrel broadcast PPV.com, which does not require a subscription, returns for its 2025 season debut when it live streams in the U.S. and Canada an explosive battle between interim WBC light heavyweight champion David "El Monstro" Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) from Phoenix and WBA light heavyweight regular champion David Morrell, Jr. (11-0, 9 KOs), a Cuban native who hails from Minneapolis. The action will be streamed live from T-Mobile Arena in the 'Fight Capital of the World,' Las Vegas on Saturday, February 1st, beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Priced at $79.99, it can be ordered at PPV.com. Hall of Fame boxing commentator Jim Lampley returns to co-host the popular viewer chat in real time throughout the HD live stream. "As soon as I agreed, fifteen months ago, to return to ringside doing live viewer chat with PPV.COM, I began hearing speculation on the exciting possibility of David Benavidez vs. David Morrell. The ringside consensus is that they are two of the biggest punchers in the light heavyweight neighborhood, and the winner may be in position for a megadollars summit meeting with another big puncher, [world champion] Artur Beterbiev. I’m packing to go to Las Vegas for Benavidez vs. Morrell February 1st," said Lampley. Lampley's eagerly anticipated memoir, It Happened!: A Uniquely Lucky Life in Sports Television, will be released on April 15. Joining Lampley on the live viewer chat will be award-winning boxing journalist Lance Pugmire, popular podcast hosts Dan Canobbio, and former WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri. Jim, Lance, Dan, and Chris will also be providing exclusive fight week commentary and reports from Las Vegas for PPV.com's website and social platforms. The Benavidez vs. Morrell pay-per-view live stream undercard will feature three other bouts: the rematch between WBC featherweight champion Brandon Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs), Texas, who is looking to avenge his only pro loss, and Stephen Fulton, Jr. (22-1, 8 KOs), the former WBC/WBO junior featherweight champion from West Philadelphia, who is bidding to become a two-division champion; Mexico City's Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs), a former WBA 140-pound champion vs. Angel Fierro (22-2-2, 17 KOs) from Tijuana, in an all-Mexican ten rounder; and opening up the pay-per-view live stream will be a ten-round middleweight rumble between Jesus "Mono" Ramos, Jr. (21-1, 17 KOs) from Arizona and former two-belt junior middleweight champion Jeison Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs) from the Dominican Republic.

Source: IBF | January 19, 2025

Lomachenko update: IBF extends his time for a mandatory defense
On November 14, 2024, IBF lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko requested and was granted a sixty-day medical extension by the IBF. That expired on January 11, 2025, pursuant to rule 5.D.3 of the IBF Rules Governing Championship Contests. On the same day, the IBF received a medical report from Dr. Nelson, N.T on behalf of Lomachenko indicating that he would be unable to compete by the date that the extension expired. Following, Lomachenko requested a [further] medical exception on January 2, 2025. The IBF Directors met and determined that Lomachenko's exception request shall be granted with the following conditions: 1. The IBF will order #2 ranked lightweight Zaur Abdulaev to immediately commence negotiations with #4 ranked Raymond Muratalla for the IBF interim title [#1 is not rated, #3 is Keyshawn Davis, who will be fighting for the WBO title next month]; 2. Lomachenko must defend the IBF lightweight title against the interim champion by October 8th. If he is unable to defend the title against the interim champion by the end of the time permitted under the exception, then the interim champion shall become the champion pursuant to Rule 16.E. 3.The IBF will not grant any further requests to delay the mandatory defense.
	Lomachenko update: IBF extends his time for a mandatory defense On November 14, 2024, IBF lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko requested and was granted a sixty-day medical extension by the IBF. That expired on January 11, 2025, pursuant to rule 5.D.3 of the IBF Rules Governing Championship Contests. On the same day, the IBF received a medical report from Dr. Nelson, N.T on behalf of Lomachenko indicating that he would be unable to compete by the date that the extension expired. Following, Lomachenko requested a [further] medical exception on January 2, 2025. The IBF Directors met and determined that Lomachenko's exception request shall be granted with the following conditions: 1. The IBF will order #2 ranked lightweight Zaur Abdulaev to immediately commence negotiations with #4 ranked Raymond Muratalla for the IBF interim title [#1 is not rated, #3 is Keyshawn Davis, who will be fighting for the WBO title next month]; 2. Lomachenko must defend the IBF lightweight title against the interim champion by October 8th. If he is unable to defend the title against the interim champion by the end of the time permitted under the exception, then the interim champion shall become the champion pursuant to Rule 16.E. 3.The IBF will not grant any further requests to delay the mandatory defense.

Source: WBA | January 19, 2025

Sosulin's body attach propels him to victory
Pavel Sosulin KO3 Carlo Bacaro... Russian middleweight Pavel Sosulin got a win on Friday with a convincing performance on the IBA pro show against Carlo Bacaro in Yerevan, Armenia. Sosulin landed the defining blows of the fight in the third round, getting a knockout with punches to the body. In the second round, he had already connected a hook to the liver that forced the Filipino to take a knee and receive a count. Although he recovered, he was not the same in the next round, in which a similar blow sent him to the canvas with no chance to recover. With the win, the 28 year-old Sosulin now has 12 wins, 5 of them by knockout, while Bacaro's record dipped to 12 wins and 1 loss.
	Sosulin's body attach propels him to victory Pavel Sosulin KO3 Carlo Bacaro... Russian middleweight Pavel Sosulin got a win on Friday with a convincing performance on the IBA pro show against Carlo Bacaro in Yerevan, Armenia. Sosulin landed the defining blows of the fight in the third round, getting a knockout with punches to the body. In the second round, he had already connected a hook to the liver that forced the Filipino to take a knee and receive a count. Although he recovered, he was not the same in the next round, in which a similar blow sent him to the canvas with no chance to recover. With the win, the 28 year-old Sosulin now has 12 wins, 5 of them by knockout, while Bacaro's record dipped to 12 wins and 1 loss.

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Source: BKFC | January 19, 2025

Bare Knuckle results from California
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made its 2025 premiere on Saturday at the sold-out Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. Evgeny "The Sailor" Kurdanov earned a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over former BKFC welterweight champion Elvin "El Bandido" Brito. Two judges scored every round for the Russian-born Los Angeles fighter (50-45), and one judge had it 49-46. He is now 5-2 in his bare knuckle fighting career. Brito, who hails from Maunabo, Puerto Rico, is now 6-6 under the BKFC banner. “This has been a long time coming. Thank you, everyone,” a gracious Kurdanov told the jam-packed Pechanga Resort Casino. “This is a great moment in my career. Bare knuckle fighting is the No. 1 combat sport in the world.” Escondido, California’s Robbie "Problems" Peralta upped his BKFC record to 4-2 with a highly entertaining unanimous decision over JorDan "Hayes Haymaker" Christensen. Two judges scored the lightweight matchup 50-45 and one had it 49-46, all in favor of Peralta. Christensen, who represents Las Vegas, is now 3-6 in his BKFC career. “It feels great to be back in the win column in my hometown. I’ve got my family here, everybody behind me, and I couldn’t be happier to make them proud and put on a show,” the UFC veteran Peralta told the sold-out Temecula crowd. Humboldt County, California welterweight Ryan “Ryu” Petersen improved to 3-0 in his bare knuckle fighting career with a hard-fought, action-packed unanimous decision over Matt “The Hawk” Socholotiuk. Two judges scored the bout 49-46, while one had it 50-45, all in favor of Petersen. The Montreal-based Canadian Socholotiuk falls to 2-1 with the loss. Glendora, CA welterweight Rodney Thomas logged a pair of knockdowns over Art "The Berzerker" Driscoll en route to bringing home his first BKFC victory. Two judges scored the bout 49-44 and one had it 48-45, all in favor of Thomas, who improved to 1-2 in victory. Driscoll, who hails from Hudson, FL, is now 0-3 under the BKFC banner. Escondido, CA’s Mike Andaya made a positive first impression, winning by TKO in his BKFC debut at the expense of Dan “Maxbet” Godoy in the lightweight division. The stoppage came 45 seconds into the second round. Godoy, who represents New Port Richey, FL, is now 0-3 in the Squared Circle. Valley Center, CA’s Caleb "Panda" Avila earned his first BKFC victory with a five-knockdown performance over Tyler "Red Bird" Sijohn in their action-packed heavyweight matchup. Time of the TKO was 1:25 in the third round. Avila is now 1-1 with BKFC. Sijohn, who represents The Coeur d'Alene Tribe in Idaho, is now 0-2 in his BKFC career. Los Angeles heavyweight newcomer Iman "Monstero" Williams turned heads in his BKFC debut with a first-round KO at the expense of Gabriel “Manos De Piedra” Mota. Time of the stoppage was 1:54 in the opening frame. Mota, who represents Hammond, IN, is now 1-3 under the BKFC banner. Odessa, TX’s Jeremy "The Warrior" Sauceda smashed his way back into the win column with a 38-second TKO over Luis "El Jefe" Villasenor in middleweight action. Sauceda sent Villasenor to the canvas twice. A leg injury appeared to prevent the San Diego, CA-based Villasenor from being able to continue. Sauceda is now 2-2, while Villasenor’s BKFC record dropped to 1-2. In the first BKFC bout of 2025, Wichita, KS’s Justyn Martinez earned his long-awaited first BKFC victory with a 65-second TKO over Alex “Prince” Gutierrez in their flyweight matchup. The ringside doctor called a stop to the bout after an apparent back injury rendered Gutierrez unable to continue. Martinez is now 1-5, 1 NC under the BKFC banner. Gutierrez, who hails from Temecula, sees his record fall to 1-1 with the loss. BKFC Fight Night Pechanga Results Evgeny Kurdanov def. Elvin Brito via Unanimous Decision (50-45x2, 49-46) Robbie Peralta def. JorDan Christensen via Unanimous Decision (50-45x2, 49-46) Ryan Petersen def. Matt Socholotiuk via Unanimous Decision (49-46x2, 50-45) Rodney Thomas def. Art Driscoll via Unanimous Decision (49-44x2, 48-45) Mike Andaya def. Dan Godoy via TKO in Round 2 (0:45) Caleb Avila def. Tyler Sijohn via TKO in Round 3 (1:25) Iman Williams def. Gabriel Mota via KO in Round 1 (1:54) Jeremy Sauceda def. Luis Villasenor via TKO in Round 1 (0:38) Justyn Martinez def. Alex Gutierrez via TKO in Round 1 (1:05)
	Bare Knuckle results from California Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made its 2025 premiere on Saturday at the sold-out Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. Evgeny "The Sailor" Kurdanov earned a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over former BKFC welterweight champion Elvin "El Bandido" Brito. Two judges scored every round for the Russian-born Los Angeles fighter (50-45), and one judge had it 49-46. He is now 5-2 in his bare knuckle fighting career. Brito, who hails from Maunabo, Puerto Rico, is now 6-6 under the BKFC banner. “This has been a long time coming. Thank you, everyone,” a gracious Kurdanov told the jam-packed Pechanga Resort Casino. “This is a great moment in my career. Bare knuckle fighting is the No. 1 combat sport in the world.” Escondido, California’s Robbie "Problems" Peralta upped his BKFC record to 4-2 with a highly entertaining unanimous decision over JorDan "Hayes Haymaker" Christensen. Two judges scored the lightweight matchup 50-45 and one had it 49-46, all in favor of Peralta. Christensen, who represents Las Vegas, is now 3-6 in his BKFC career. “It feels great to be back in the win column in my hometown. I’ve got my family here, everybody behind me, and I couldn’t be happier to make them proud and put on a show,” the UFC veteran Peralta told the sold-out Temecula crowd. Humboldt County, California welterweight Ryan “Ryu” Petersen improved to 3-0 in his bare knuckle fighting career with a hard-fought, action-packed unanimous decision over Matt “The Hawk” Socholotiuk. Two judges scored the bout 49-46, while one had it 50-45, all in favor of Petersen. The Montreal-based Canadian Socholotiuk falls to 2-1 with the loss. Glendora, CA welterweight Rodney Thomas logged a pair of knockdowns over Art "The Berzerker" Driscoll en route to bringing home his first BKFC victory. Two judges scored the bout 49-44 and one had it 48-45, all in favor of Thomas, who improved to 1-2 in victory. Driscoll, who hails from Hudson, FL, is now 0-3 under the BKFC banner. Escondido, CA’s Mike Andaya made a positive first impression, winning by TKO in his BKFC debut at the expense of Dan “Maxbet” Godoy in the lightweight division. The stoppage came 45 seconds into the second round. Godoy, who represents New Port Richey, FL, is now 0-3 in the Squared Circle. Valley Center, CA’s Caleb "Panda" Avila earned his first BKFC victory with a five-knockdown performance over Tyler "Red Bird" Sijohn in their action-packed heavyweight matchup. Time of the TKO was 1:25 in the third round. Avila is now 1-1 with BKFC. Sijohn, who represents The Coeur d'Alene Tribe in Idaho, is now 0-2 in his BKFC career. Los Angeles heavyweight newcomer Iman "Monstero" Williams turned heads in his BKFC debut with a first-round KO at the expense of Gabriel “Manos De Piedra” Mota. Time of the stoppage was 1:54 in the opening frame. Mota, who represents Hammond, IN, is now 1-3 under the BKFC banner. Odessa, TX’s Jeremy "The Warrior" Sauceda smashed his way back into the win column with a 38-second TKO over Luis "El Jefe" Villasenor in middleweight action. Sauceda sent Villasenor to the canvas twice. A leg injury appeared to prevent the San Diego, CA-based Villasenor from being able to continue. Sauceda is now 2-2, while Villasenor’s BKFC record dropped to 1-2. In the first BKFC bout of 2025, Wichita, KS’s Justyn Martinez earned his long-awaited first BKFC victory with a 65-second TKO over Alex “Prince” Gutierrez in their flyweight matchup. The ringside doctor called a stop to the bout after an apparent back injury rendered Gutierrez unable to continue. Martinez is now 1-5, 1 NC under the BKFC banner. Gutierrez, who hails from Temecula, sees his record fall to 1-1 with the loss. BKFC Fight Night Pechanga Results Evgeny Kurdanov def. Elvin Brito via Unanimous Decision (50-45x2, 49-46) Robbie Peralta def. JorDan Christensen via Unanimous Decision (50-45x2, 49-46) Ryan Petersen def. Matt Socholotiuk via Unanimous Decision (49-46x2, 50-45) Rodney Thomas def. Art Driscoll via Unanimous Decision (49-44x2, 48-45) Mike Andaya def. Dan Godoy via TKO in Round 2 (0:45) Caleb Avila def. Tyler Sijohn via TKO in Round 3 (1:25) Iman Williams def. Gabriel Mota via KO in Round 1 (1:54) Jeremy Sauceda def. Luis Villasenor via TKO in Round 1 (0:38) Justyn Martinez def. Alex Gutierrez via TKO in Round 1 (1:05)

Compiled By Scott Shaffer | January 18, 2025

Did Haney and Garcia just reveal their next opponents?
On a very slow boxing weeekend, Devin Haney was busy on Twitter attacking his rivals, and both responded, possibly revealing some inside information... Devin Haney (pictured): "Ryan [Garcia] said he would sign up for drug testing..' he hasn’t signed up for [drug testing organizations] VADA or USADA. That’s what’s holding everything up. Maybe he’s trying to get clean." Ryan Garcia: "I’m bringing an explosive fight in my fight comeback. Pitbull ex 140-pound champ Isaac Cruz] has always been considered a tough opponent. Tougher match up then Haney to be honest." Haney, next tweet: "Why didn’t [Teofimo Lopez] fight Subriel Matias?" Teofimo Lopez: "Because Top Rank wanted to host it on the West Coast when it should be in New York City and forced it to be on pay-per-view. Lastly, [they] offered $2.8 million when I am the last star power they have left. All roads are leaning toward Keyshawn Davis as their next pupil." Haney: "You will get it.. once I beat [Jose Carlos?] Ramirez & Ryan [Garcia], you will be next... but you knew that already, you just clout chasing."
	Did Haney and Garcia just reveal their next opponents? On a very slow boxing weeekend, Devin Haney was busy on Twitter attacking his rivals, and both responded, possibly revealing some inside information... Devin Haney (pictured): "Ryan [Garcia] said he would sign up for drug testing..' he hasn’t signed up for [drug testing organizations] VADA or USADA. That’s what’s holding everything up. Maybe he’s trying to get clean." Ryan Garcia: "I’m bringing an explosive fight in my fight comeback. Pitbull ex 140-pound champ Isaac Cruz] has always been considered a tough opponent. Tougher match up then Haney to be honest." Haney, next tweet: "Why didn’t [Teofimo Lopez] fight Subriel Matias?" Teofimo Lopez: "Because Top Rank wanted to host it on the West Coast when it should be in New York City and forced it to be on pay-per-view. Lastly, [they] offered $2.8 million when I am the last star power they have left. All roads are leaning toward Keyshawn Davis as their next pupil." Haney: "You will get it.. once I beat [Jose Carlos?] Ramirez & Ryan [Garcia], you will be next... but you knew that already, you just clout chasing."

Source: PBC | January 18, 2025

Spotlight on Yoenli Hernandez vs. Angel Ruiz
As part of the prelims broadcast lineup prior to PBC's February 1st pay-per-view from Las Vegas, middleweight Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez will try to keep his perfect record intact against hard-hitting Angel Ruiz in a ten rounder. A two-bout prelims broadcast will be live-streamed on Prime Video beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the pay-per-view card it leads into. Hernandez (7-0, 6 KOs including IBA pro bouts) is yet another in a long line of sensational amateur fighters to come from the Cuban program, with his long resume before turning pro featuring a 2021 gold medal at AIBA World Boxing Championships. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba and now fighting out of Miami, Hernandez turned pro in May 2022 with a pair of stoppage victories and continued to dominate his competition on his way to earning a WBA #1 ranking. The 27-year-old returned in 2024 with four U.S. fights, including a stoppage of the veteran contender Alejandro Barrera in June and a TKO over the previously unbeaten Bryce Henry in October. “I’m very thankful for this great opportunity to showcase my skills on the big stage on this great card with my Cuban brother David Morrell Jr. headlining,” said Hernandez. “I’m working hard in the gym every day to be at my best and show the world why I’m the future of the middleweight division.” The 27-year-old Ruiz (18-3-1, 13 KOs) has faced either an unbeaten fighter or a former world champion in five of his last six outings, including an April 2023 sixth-round knockout of the former champion Luis Collazo, for a 2-2-1 record with 1 no contest during that stretch. A native of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico who now fights out of Los Angeles, Ruiz has fought professionally since 2015. He made a successful U.S. debut in 2017 and has gone on to compete stateside in nine of his last 10 bouts. “I’m very motivated by this opportunity to compete and display my talent on such a great card with so many of the best fighters in boxing,” said Ruiz. “Everyone who’s seen me in the ring knows that my fights are never boring, and I’ll be aiming to bring fans non-stop action once again on February 1st.”
	Spotlight on Yoenli Hernandez vs. Angel Ruiz As part of the prelims broadcast lineup prior to PBC's February 1st pay-per-view from Las Vegas, middleweight Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez will try to keep his perfect record intact against hard-hitting Angel Ruiz in a ten rounder. A two-bout prelims broadcast will be live-streamed on Prime Video beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the pay-per-view card it leads into. Hernandez (7-0, 6 KOs including IBA pro bouts) is yet another in a long line of sensational amateur fighters to come from the Cuban program, with his long resume before turning pro featuring a 2021 gold medal at AIBA World Boxing Championships. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba and now fighting out of Miami, Hernandez turned pro in May 2022 with a pair of stoppage victories and continued to dominate his competition on his way to earning a WBA #1 ranking. The 27-year-old returned in 2024 with four U.S. fights, including a stoppage of the veteran contender Alejandro Barrera in June and a TKO over the previously unbeaten Bryce Henry in October. “I’m very thankful for this great opportunity to showcase my skills on the big stage on this great card with my Cuban brother David Morrell Jr. headlining,” said Hernandez. “I’m working hard in the gym every day to be at my best and show the world why I’m the future of the middleweight division.” The 27-year-old Ruiz (18-3-1, 13 KOs) has faced either an unbeaten fighter or a former world champion in five of his last six outings, including an April 2023 sixth-round knockout of the former champion Luis Collazo, for a 2-2-1 record with 1 no contest during that stretch. A native of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico who now fights out of Los Angeles, Ruiz has fought professionally since 2015. He made a successful U.S. debut in 2017 and has gone on to compete stateside in nine of his last 10 bouts. “I’m very motivated by this opportunity to compete and display my talent on such a great card with so many of the best fighters in boxing,” said Ruiz. “Everyone who’s seen me in the ring knows that my fights are never boring, and I’ll be aiming to bring fans non-stop action once again on February 1st.”

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Misfits crossover boxing takes center stage today

Source: DAZN | January 18, 2025

Misfits crossover boxing takes center stage today
Darren Till vs. Anthony Taylor and the whole Misfits X Series 20 fight card will be streamed live on DAZN today. After the collapse of Till's bout with Tommy Fury, originally scheduled to lead the action, The Gorilla will now meet with PrettyBoy in a catchweight clash. Till is a former UFC fighter with an overall MMA record of 18-5-1. Taylor is also an MMA fighter, but he is 3-3 as a boxer, including a 2021 loss to Tommy Fury.
	Misfits crossover boxing takes center stage today Darren Till vs. Anthony Taylor and the whole Misfits X Series 20 fight card will be streamed live on DAZN today. After the collapse of Till's bout with Tommy Fury, originally scheduled to lead the action, The Gorilla will now meet with PrettyBoy in a catchweight clash. Till is a former UFC fighter with an overall MMA record of 18-5-1. Taylor is also an MMA fighter, but he is 3-3 as a boxer, including a 2021 loss to Tommy Fury.

By Scott Shaffer | January 17, 2025

IBF orders purse bid for Lubin vs. Holmes eliminator
On December 13, 2024, the IBF ordered Erickson Lubin (ranked #3 by the IBF) and Ardreal Holmes Jr. (ranked #8 by the IBF) to begin negotiations for a junior middleweight elimination bout for the #1 ranking. Negotiations were to be concluded on or before December 28th. Because an agreement was not be made by that deadline, the IBF has now ordered a purse bid that is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 28th. Lubin is 26-2 and had an excellent win over previously undefeated Jesus Ramos Jr. in September 2023, but he has been inactive since then. Holmes is 17-0 and has had six straight quality wins since 2022. The reigning IBF champion in this weight class Bakhram Murtazaliev.
	IBF orders purse bid for Lubin vs. Holmes eliminator On December 13, 2024, the IBF ordered Erickson Lubin (ranked #3 by the IBF) and Ardreal Holmes Jr. (ranked #8 by the IBF) to begin negotiations for a junior middleweight elimination bout for the #1 ranking. Negotiations were to be concluded on or before December 28th. Because an agreement was not be made by that deadline, the IBF has now ordered a purse bid that is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 28th. Lubin is 26-2 and had an excellent win over previously undefeated Jesus Ramos Jr. in September 2023, but he has been inactive since then. Holmes is 17-0 and has had six straight quality wins since 2022. The reigning IBF champion in this weight class Bakhram Murtazaliev.

By Scott Shaffer | January 17, 2025

Errol Spence update: "I’ll be back when I'm ready"
Inactive since a punishing loss to Terence Crawford in 2023, former champion Errol Spence, Jr. tweeted, "I’ll be back when I'm ready." Spence was responding to a Twitter storm started by Gustavo Oliveri, president of the WBO, who ruled out a WBO sanction for a fight between Spence WBO/WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora, a proposed fight that seems to have imploded anyway. Oliveri tweeted this about Spence: "ESPN has reported that the [Sebastian] Fundora vs. Spence bout is now off. The WBO would not sanction the fight because (1) Spence has been inactive for one year and five months; (2) he lost his last fight via brutal TKO [in a welterweight unification bout vs. Terence Crawford]; (3) Spence is not rated at 154 pounds, and 4) Spence has never fought at 154 pounds. Ruling otherwise would be a disservice to the other top fifteen world-rated contenders in the WBO junior middleweight division."
	Errol Spence update: "I’ll be back when I'm ready" Inactive since a punishing loss to Terence Crawford in 2023, former champion Errol Spence, Jr. tweeted, "I’ll be back when I'm ready." Spence was responding to a Twitter storm started by Gustavo Oliveri, president of the WBO, who ruled out a WBO sanction for a fight between Spence WBO/WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora, a proposed fight that seems to have imploded anyway. Oliveri tweeted this about Spence: "ESPN has reported that the [Sebastian] Fundora vs. Spence bout is now off. The WBO would not sanction the fight because (1) Spence has been inactive for one year and five months; (2) he lost his last fight via brutal TKO [in a welterweight unification bout vs. Terence Crawford]; (3) Spence is not rated at 154 pounds, and 4) Spence has never fought at 154 pounds. Ruling otherwise would be a disservice to the other top fifteen world-rated contenders in the WBO junior middleweight division."

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Alalshikh puts Joshua vs. Wilder in play

By Scott Shaffer | January 17, 2025

Alalshikh puts Joshua vs. Wilder in play
With ex-champ Tyson Fury seemingly out of the picture due to retirement, Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, posted on Twitter that he now intends to make a different battle of ex-champs, Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder. Alashikh's tweet read: “I want to see Joshua and Wilder now. If Tyson is not available, why not Joshua and Wilder?” Fury, age 36, announced his retirement in an eighteen-second video posted on social media on Monday: "Hi everybody, I'm gonna make this short and sweet. I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing. It's been a blast. I've loved every single minute of it. I'm gonna end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask! God bless everybody, I'll see you on the other side." The cryptic reference to Turpin is unclear but Turpin apparently was a British highway robber in the 1700s who became immortalized in a famous novel that was written in the 1800s. Time will tell whether Fury, coming off two competitive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, will remain retired or whether this is a bargaining ploy.
	Alalshikh puts Joshua vs. Wilder in play With ex-champ Tyson Fury seemingly out of the picture due to retirement, Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, posted on Twitter that he now intends to make a different battle of ex-champs, Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder. Alashikh's tweet read: “I want to see Joshua and Wilder now. If Tyson is not available, why not Joshua and Wilder?” Fury, age 36, announced his retirement in an eighteen-second video posted on social media on Monday: "Hi everybody, I'm gonna make this short and sweet. I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing. It's been a blast. I've loved every single minute of it. I'm gonna end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask! God bless everybody, I'll see you on the other side." The cryptic reference to Turpin is unclear but Turpin apparently was a British highway robber in the 1700s who became immortalized in a famous novel that was written in the 1800s. Time will tell whether Fury, coming off two competitive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, will remain retired or whether this is a bargaining ploy.

Source: IBA | January 17, 2025

Pro boxing show in Armenia today
An eight-match fight card is set for the first IBA Champions’ Night of 2025 today, as Yerevan, Armenia plays host again, with the main event seeing Pavel Sosulin of Russia face Carlo Bacaro of the Philippines in a middleweight bout. Sosulin remains undefeated in 11 professional bouts and will look to win his third IBA contest after victories against Uzbek Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in Kirov and Fatih Keles of Türkiye in Serpukhov last year. A 100% record may fall as Bacaro sits on an impressive 12-match winning streak, which includes eight knockouts, which in turn will be tested for the first time outside of his home country in the 10-round bout. Armenian hopes lie with IBA World Championships silver medallist Davit Chaloyan, who looks to build on a win last year in Yerevan. He meets Vitaly Kudukhov from Russia this time in the heavyweight division over eight rounds, who has seven wins and two losses to his name. Narek Manasyan will be looking for his first IBA Champions’ Night win as he goes six rounds with Nigeria’s Austine Nnamdi (11-5). Manasyan made his IBA Pro debut in Monte Carlo in 2023 in a losing effort to Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine in the 92kg division but will be hopeful a home crowd can spur him on past Nnamdi who has won by knockout 10 times from his 11 victories. His IBA Pro debut saw him narrowly lose by majority decision to Russia’s Alexander Dorofeev in Serpukhov last year. Russia’s Khuseyn Baysangurov and Venezuela’s Leonardo Sanchez fight over 10 rounds in the welterweight division. Baysangurov continues to be one of the most impressive boxers to ever grace IBA Champions’ Night, holding a superb record of 24-1, which includes 20 knockouts. His last victory came at IBA Champions’ Night La Guaira, Venezuela, where he defeated Nicolas Jara convincingly. Fittingly, he will take on a Venezuelan this time in the form of Leonardo Sanchez (16-0-1) who has fought out of his home country so far during his career but has experienced going the whole 10 rounds. Gurgen Madoyan and Kudratillo Abdukakhorov of Uzbekistan are to meet over six rounds in the 71kg division. Madoyan’s first IBA Pro match saw him lose by split decision to the highly-regarded Roniel Iglesias from Cuba and will look to bounce back against Abdukakhorov (20-5). Karen Tonakanyan is set for his 63.5kg contest with Anis Chilaev representing Tajikistan over six rounds. Tonakanyan (5-1) returns to IBA Champions’ Night after more than two years, losing at the very first edition of the event in Abu Dhabi to the esteemed Sofiane Ouimha from France; and in that time has delivered two more victories as a professional. Chilaev is undefeated in 11 contests as a professional but is set to box outside of Russia where he resides for the first time. Ararat Harutyunyan and Alexandru Paraschiv of Moldova are scheduled for a six-round bout in the 67kg division. It is set to be Harutyunyan’s professional debut as he will be hoping for the Yerevan crowd to push their compatriot to a win. Paraschiv will be looking to win this time after defeat on his IBA Champions’ Night debut in Monte Carlo in 2023 to Lasha Guruli from Georgia. Finally, Artur Bazeyan will be aiming to continue the success of his IBA Champions’ Night debut last time out in Yerevan as he meets the Albanian Ardit Murja (15-2) in the 60kg division. Bazeyan’s first professional contest saw him win by knockout in the final round against Victor Vacula from Moldova in October, while Murja’s only IBA contest to date saw a losing effort on points to Jose Quiles from Spain. That said, Murja’s professional record is impressive and should not be underestimated.
	Pro boxing show in Armenia today An eight-match fight card is set for the first IBA Champions’ Night of 2025 today, as Yerevan, Armenia plays host again, with the main event seeing Pavel Sosulin of Russia face Carlo Bacaro of the Philippines in a middleweight bout. Sosulin remains undefeated in 11 professional bouts and will look to win his third IBA contest after victories against Uzbek Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in Kirov and Fatih Keles of Türkiye in Serpukhov last year. A 100% record may fall as Bacaro sits on an impressive 12-match winning streak, which includes eight knockouts, which in turn will be tested for the first time outside of his home country in the 10-round bout. Armenian hopes lie with IBA World Championships silver medallist Davit Chaloyan, who looks to build on a win last year in Yerevan. He meets Vitaly Kudukhov from Russia this time in the heavyweight division over eight rounds, who has seven wins and two losses to his name. Narek Manasyan will be looking for his first IBA Champions’ Night win as he goes six rounds with Nigeria’s Austine Nnamdi (11-5). Manasyan made his IBA Pro debut in Monte Carlo in 2023 in a losing effort to Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine in the 92kg division but will be hopeful a home crowd can spur him on past Nnamdi who has won by knockout 10 times from his 11 victories. His IBA Pro debut saw him narrowly lose by majority decision to Russia’s Alexander Dorofeev in Serpukhov last year. Russia’s Khuseyn Baysangurov and Venezuela’s Leonardo Sanchez fight over 10 rounds in the welterweight division. Baysangurov continues to be one of the most impressive boxers to ever grace IBA Champions’ Night, holding a superb record of 24-1, which includes 20 knockouts. His last victory came at IBA Champions’ Night La Guaira, Venezuela, where he defeated Nicolas Jara convincingly. Fittingly, he will take on a Venezuelan this time in the form of Leonardo Sanchez (16-0-1) who has fought out of his home country so far during his career but has experienced going the whole 10 rounds. Gurgen Madoyan and Kudratillo Abdukakhorov of Uzbekistan are to meet over six rounds in the 71kg division. Madoyan’s first IBA Pro match saw him lose by split decision to the highly-regarded Roniel Iglesias from Cuba and will look to bounce back against Abdukakhorov (20-5). Karen Tonakanyan is set for his 63.5kg contest with Anis Chilaev representing Tajikistan over six rounds. Tonakanyan (5-1) returns to IBA Champions’ Night after more than two years, losing at the very first edition of the event in Abu Dhabi to the esteemed Sofiane Ouimha from France; and in that time has delivered two more victories as a professional. Chilaev is undefeated in 11 contests as a professional but is set to box outside of Russia where he resides for the first time. Ararat Harutyunyan and Alexandru Paraschiv of Moldova are scheduled for a six-round bout in the 67kg division. It is set to be Harutyunyan’s professional debut as he will be hoping for the Yerevan crowd to push their compatriot to a win. Paraschiv will be looking to win this time after defeat on his IBA Champions’ Night debut in Monte Carlo in 2023 to Lasha Guruli from Georgia. Finally, Artur Bazeyan will be aiming to continue the success of his IBA Champions’ Night debut last time out in Yerevan as he meets the Albanian Ardit Murja (15-2) in the 60kg division. Bazeyan’s first professional contest saw him win by knockout in the final round against Victor Vacula from Moldova in October, while Murja’s only IBA contest to date saw a losing effort on points to Jose Quiles from Spain. That said, Murja’s professional record is impressive and should not be underestimated.

Source: Star Boxing | January 17, 2025

Joe Smith to comeback vs. TBA on Feb. 13th
Star Boxing will celebrate the 50th show in its Rockin’ Fights series on Thursday, February 13th at The Paramount in Huntington (Long Island), New York. Headlining the show will be former WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr. (28-5, 22 KOs) of Long Island, NY, who will make his return to The Paramount in a ten-round cruiserweight fight against an opponent to be announced. Smith has not fought since his October 2023 cruiserweight debut against Gilberto Ramirez. Smith lost by decision and Ramirez went on to become a two-belt champion. Prior to the Ramirez loss, Smith was stopped in two by world light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev in June 2022. Fighting four previous times at the venue, Smith Jr. scored show-stopping knockouts with each appearance in front of his loyal fan base. Smith earned his world title via decision over Maxim Vlasov on April 10, 2021. Smith’s resume includes a knockout victory over boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, in an HBO classic, knocking Hopkins out of the ring in becoming the only man to stop the two-division world champion in his entire career. In addition, Smith has also defeated top contenders Jesse Hart, Andrzej Fonfara and Eleider Alvarez UNDERCARD Junior middleweight Micky Scala, (11-0, 6 KOs), of Mesa, AZ returns to The Paramount in a scheduled eight round against Victor Toney, (8-3-1, 6 KOs), of Youngstown, OH. In November, Scala won a shut-out six-round decision over Luis Caraballo Ramos. A cousin of boxing legend James Toney, Victor looks to start another winning streak after a loss to undefeated Jordan Panthen on June 20, 2024. Also featured at Rockin’ Fights 50 in an eight-round junior welterweight clash of Dominican fighters, Yan Carlos Perez, (4-0, 2 KOs), of Guaricano faces Yeuri ‘Dinamita’ Andujar (7-6-1, 4 KOs) of San Cristobal. Fighting at The Paramount on Rockin’ Fights 48, Perez defeated Ronny Reyes over six rounds in a unanimous decision victory. Most recently he was victorious on December 19, 2024 winning an eight-round decision over Jose Santoya in Santo Domingo, D.R. Currently riding a two-fight winning streak, Andujar knocked out Christian Otero in the fourth round on December 16, 2023 in New York City, following up with a six-round decision over Ronny Reyes at The Paramount on May 11, 2024. Fighting in a four round welterweight bout, ‘King’ David Malul, (2-0, 2 KOs), of Queens, NY battles Shaquille Rushing, (0-1), of Lakeside, FL. The hard-hitting Malul made his pro debut on September 14, 2024, stopping Lucien Hannah in the opening stanza after being dropped himself twice in a candidate for round of the year. Following up on November 23, 2024, Malul halted Zachary Davis in the third stanza. German light heavyweight Granit Stein, (18-1-1, 10 KOs), will make his debut at The Paramount in a scheduled eight-rounder against an opponent to be announced. Stein is looking to bounce back from a split decision loss to Anthony Holloway on December 6, 2024 in Queens, NY, his first fight in the United States. In a battle of undefeated junior lightweights, ‘G.I.’ Joe Elzey, (3-0, 1 KOs), of Bronx, NY faces 18-year-old Jordy Suarez Gonzalez, (1-0, 1 KO), of Nashville, TN. Elzey returns to action following a four round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Erick Perez at The Paramount. Over a 14-year period, Star Boxing has promoted the series to develop numerous world champions and top contenders while providing the best and longest running sold-out boxing series in the tri-state area. Aside from the 50 shows in this Rockin’ Fights series, Star Boxing has been the longest-running promoter in New York, having been consistently providing professional boxing in New York for over 30 years. Having promoted over 500 shows and thousands of boxers, its CEO, Joe DeGuardia is considered the OG of New York boxing. “It’s been a very rewarding fourteen years of promoting world class fights here at the best fight club in New York” said Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “I’m very proud that world champions such as Joe Smith Jr., Chris Algieri and Demetrius Andrade and numerous world ranked contenders have been developed and fought many times on this series.” “Many of the loyal fans in the area come to every show and that has validated our mission to provide a great night of fights and entertainment. Our 50th Event Anniversary is a big benchmark for us and we look forward to continuing the series at The Paramount in the years ahead.”
	Joe Smith to comeback vs. TBA on Feb. 13th Star Boxing will celebrate the 50th show in its Rockin’ Fights series on Thursday, February 13th at The Paramount in Huntington (Long Island), New York. Headlining the show will be former WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr. (28-5, 22 KOs) of Long Island, NY, who will make his return to The Paramount in a ten-round cruiserweight fight against an opponent to be announced. Smith has not fought since his October 2023 cruiserweight debut against Gilberto Ramirez. Smith lost by decision and Ramirez went on to become a two-belt champion. Prior to the Ramirez loss, Smith was stopped in two by world light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev in June 2022. Fighting four previous times at the venue, Smith Jr. scored show-stopping knockouts with each appearance in front of his loyal fan base. Smith earned his world title via decision over Maxim Vlasov on April 10, 2021. Smith’s resume includes a knockout victory over boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, in an HBO classic, knocking Hopkins out of the ring in becoming the only man to stop the two-division world champion in his entire career. In addition, Smith has also defeated top contenders Jesse Hart, Andrzej Fonfara and Eleider Alvarez UNDERCARD Junior middleweight Micky Scala, (11-0, 6 KOs), of Mesa, AZ returns to The Paramount in a scheduled eight round against Victor Toney, (8-3-1, 6 KOs), of Youngstown, OH. In November, Scala won a shut-out six-round decision over Luis Caraballo Ramos. A cousin of boxing legend James Toney, Victor looks to start another winning streak after a loss to undefeated Jordan Panthen on June 20, 2024. Also featured at Rockin’ Fights 50 in an eight-round junior welterweight clash of Dominican fighters, Yan Carlos Perez, (4-0, 2 KOs), of Guaricano faces Yeuri ‘Dinamita’ Andujar (7-6-1, 4 KOs) of San Cristobal. Fighting at The Paramount on Rockin’ Fights 48, Perez defeated Ronny Reyes over six rounds in a unanimous decision victory. Most recently he was victorious on December 19, 2024 winning an eight-round decision over Jose Santoya in Santo Domingo, D.R. Currently riding a two-fight winning streak, Andujar knocked out Christian Otero in the fourth round on December 16, 2023 in New York City, following up with a six-round decision over Ronny Reyes at The Paramount on May 11, 2024. Fighting in a four round welterweight bout, ‘King’ David Malul, (2-0, 2 KOs), of Queens, NY battles Shaquille Rushing, (0-1), of Lakeside, FL. The hard-hitting Malul made his pro debut on September 14, 2024, stopping Lucien Hannah in the opening stanza after being dropped himself twice in a candidate for round of the year. Following up on November 23, 2024, Malul halted Zachary Davis in the third stanza. German light heavyweight Granit Stein, (18-1-1, 10 KOs), will make his debut at The Paramount in a scheduled eight-rounder against an opponent to be announced. Stein is looking to bounce back from a split decision loss to Anthony Holloway on December 6, 2024 in Queens, NY, his first fight in the United States. In a battle of undefeated junior lightweights, ‘G.I.’ Joe Elzey, (3-0, 1 KOs), of Bronx, NY faces 18-year-old Jordy Suarez Gonzalez, (1-0, 1 KO), of Nashville, TN. Elzey returns to action following a four round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Erick Perez at The Paramount. Over a 14-year period, Star Boxing has promoted the series to develop numerous world champions and top contenders while providing the best and longest running sold-out boxing series in the tri-state area. Aside from the 50 shows in this Rockin’ Fights series, Star Boxing has been the longest-running promoter in New York, having been consistently providing professional boxing in New York for over 30 years. Having promoted over 500 shows and thousands of boxers, its CEO, Joe DeGuardia is considered the OG of New York boxing. “It’s been a very rewarding fourteen years of promoting world class fights here at the best fight club in New York” said Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “I’m very proud that world champions such as Joe Smith Jr., Chris Algieri and Demetrius Andrade and numerous world ranked contenders have been developed and fought many times on this series.” “Many of the loyal fans in the area come to every show and that has validated our mission to provide a great night of fights and entertainment. Our 50th Event Anniversary is a big benchmark for us and we look forward to continuing the series at The Paramount in the years ahead.”

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WBO demands explanation from McCann about failed PED test

By Scott Shaffer | January 17, 2025

WBO demands explanation from McCann about failed PED test
On December 13, 2024, it was reported that Dennis McCann tested positive for a banned substance. Consequently, his scheduled bout against Peter McGrail on December 21, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was canceled. The report cited an advisory notice issued by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA), which conducted the tests prior to the bout in question. In accordance with WBO policy, when any WBO [regional] champion or participant tests positive for banned or prohibited substances, it is not necessary for the WBO to demonstrate intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the fighter’s part. This is because it is the fighter’s duty to ensure that no prohibited substances enter their body. Fighters are fully responsible for any prohibited substances found in their system. Based on the alleged facts and potential violations of the relevant governing provisions, Mr. McCann is hereby ordered to show cause within 30 days why the WBO should not exclude him from the WBO lightweight ratings; impose a ban on him from the WBO lightweight ratings for a period of at least two years, and/or issue any other ruling deemed appropriate in accordance with WBO policies, rules, and regulations. ailure to comply with this order will result in the WBO proceeding accordingly, with Mr. McCann waiving all rights to a further hearing and/or citation.
	WBO demands explanation from McCann about failed PED test On December 13, 2024, it was reported that Dennis McCann tested positive for a banned substance. Consequently, his scheduled bout against Peter McGrail on December 21, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was canceled. The report cited an advisory notice issued by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA), which conducted the tests prior to the bout in question. In accordance with WBO policy, when any WBO [regional] champion or participant tests positive for banned or prohibited substances, it is not necessary for the WBO to demonstrate intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the fighter’s part. This is because it is the fighter’s duty to ensure that no prohibited substances enter their body. Fighters are fully responsible for any prohibited substances found in their system. Based on the alleged facts and potential violations of the relevant governing provisions, Mr. McCann is hereby ordered to show cause within 30 days why the WBO should not exclude him from the WBO lightweight ratings; impose a ban on him from the WBO lightweight ratings for a period of at least two years, and/or issue any other ruling deemed appropriate in accordance with WBO policies, rules, and regulations. ailure to comply with this order will result in the WBO proceeding accordingly, with Mr. McCann waiving all rights to a further hearing and/or citation.

Source: King's Promotions | January 17, 2025

Weigh-in results from Philly
Here are the boxers' weights for Friday night's King's Promotions card at Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia: Atif Oberlton 174.8 pounds -vs.- Joaquin Berroa 173; Quadir Albright 147.6 -vs.- Damian Rodriguez 146.6; Shannel Butler 132.2 -vs.- Ella Duckworth 131.2; Devon Young 214 -vs.- Calvin Barnett 270; Jorge Moracen 167.8 -vs.- Tariq Green 168; Colby Madison 250.6 -vs.- Ali Ellis 220.4; and Kayla Hracho 115.6 -vs.- Ayesha Green 114.6.
	Weigh-in results from Philly Here are the boxers' weights for Friday night's King's Promotions card at Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia: Atif Oberlton 174.8 pounds -vs.- Joaquin Berroa 173; Quadir Albright 147.6 -vs.- Damian Rodriguez 146.6; Shannel Butler 132.2 -vs.- Ella Duckworth 131.2; Devon Young 214 -vs.- Calvin Barnett 270; Jorge Moracen 167.8 -vs.- Tariq Green 168; Colby Madison 250.6 -vs.- Ali Ellis 220.4; and Kayla Hracho 115.6 -vs.- Ayesha Green 114.6.

Source: Queensberry Promotions | January 17, 2025

Introducing Puerto Rican lightweight Yandiel Lozano
Frank Warren and Queensberry announced the signing of Puerto Rican amateur star Yandiel Lozano to a promotional agreement, with Lozano now set to join the professional ranks. The lightweight, who recently won the silver medal at the 2024 IBA World Youth Championships, took up the sport at the age of seven and was developed under the guidance of trainers Juan ‘Memo’ Lopez and Jose Garcia. Across his amateur career, Lozano earned an enviable reputation for his relentless dedication to boxing, a strong work ethic, exceptional footwork, defensive skills and formidable punching power. Lozano concludes his amateur journey with a final record of 119 wins against only nine defeats. His honors include being a four-time champion of the Bert Sugar Tournament, Florida Junior Silver Gloves champion, two-time Puerto Rican National Champion, two-time Scholastic Games champion and champion of the Roy Jones Tournament. Lozano will be managed by renowned boxing figure Shelly Finkel. “I am hugely excited to bring yet another exceptional young fighter to Queensberry,” said Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. “With our DAZN broadcast partnership fast approaching, we stated our intention to widen our talent pool beyond the UK and return to promoting in overseas territories. Yandiel will play a big part in our new horizon when he enters the professional ranks with us. We have always enjoyed a strong friendship and long-standing working relationship with his manager Shelly Finkel and I am extremely happy to be working with him to develop the career of Yandiel.”
	Introducing Puerto Rican lightweight Yandiel Lozano Frank Warren and Queensberry announced the signing of Puerto Rican amateur star Yandiel Lozano to a promotional agreement, with Lozano now set to join the professional ranks. The lightweight, who recently won the silver medal at the 2024 IBA World Youth Championships, took up the sport at the age of seven and was developed under the guidance of trainers Juan ‘Memo’ Lopez and Jose Garcia. Across his amateur career, Lozano earned an enviable reputation for his relentless dedication to boxing, a strong work ethic, exceptional footwork, defensive skills and formidable punching power. Lozano concludes his amateur journey with a final record of 119 wins against only nine defeats. His honors include being a four-time champion of the Bert Sugar Tournament, Florida Junior Silver Gloves champion, two-time Puerto Rican National Champion, two-time Scholastic Games champion and champion of the Roy Jones Tournament. Lozano will be managed by renowned boxing figure Shelly Finkel. “I am hugely excited to bring yet another exceptional young fighter to Queensberry,” said Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. “With our DAZN broadcast partnership fast approaching, we stated our intention to widen our talent pool beyond the UK and return to promoting in overseas territories. Yandiel will play a big part in our new horizon when he enters the professional ranks with us. We have always enjoyed a strong friendship and long-standing working relationship with his manager Shelly Finkel and I am extremely happy to be working with him to develop the career of Yandiel.”

Press Release | January 17, 2025

Fight Club OC back for a fifteenth season
The fifteenth season of Fight Club OC shows in The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California will commence with opening night on Thursday, February 13th. It will feature four pro boxing bouts and two pro MMA bouts. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.socafights.com. The boxing matched scheduled are: Billy Timmons vs., Clayton Hibber (lightweights, four rounds); Steven Shareef vs. Oscar Enqriquez Trujillo (welterweights, four rounds); Niguy Simms vs. Nate Palencia (junior welterweights, four rounds); and Jamal Evans vs. Louis Vazquez (middleweights, four rounds). All fans will get to participate in the brand new Hustler Casino $1,000 Knockout Promotion. Before the first bout a lucky fan will be chosen and seated at ringside. If a knockout happens that fan wins $100. If no knockout or stopped by strikes, another fan will be chosen and if a KO happens they win $200. This goes on until the last bout and if still no knockouts or stopped by strikes, this lucky fan wins $1,000 CASH! SOCA Fights and Fight Club OC are aware of the many Orange County families that still struggle to put a decent meal on their table each day. So Fight Club OC has partnered with the OC Food Bank and the David Wilson Family Foundation to launch Knockout OC Hunger at each Fight Club OC show, to not only collect food but also bring awareness to hunger in Orange County. At all shows the OC Food Bank will staff food collection barrels and all fans that bring a food item to a show, that is non-perishable, including canned tuna, chicken and chili, canned fruits and vegetables, breakfast cereal, peanut butter, rice, beans, and pasta will receive a numbered ticket and between each bout one of these numbers will be called and that fan will win $200 cash. Five lucky participating fans will win a total of $1,000 each show, so fans, please put a food item in your car and bring it to the show… and gat a chance to win a prize.
	Fight Club OC back for a fifteenth season The fifteenth season of Fight Club OC shows in The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California will commence with opening night on Thursday, February 13th. It will feature four pro boxing bouts and two pro MMA bouts. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.socafights.com. The boxing matched scheduled are: Billy Timmons vs., Clayton Hibber (lightweights, four rounds); Steven Shareef vs. Oscar Enqriquez Trujillo (welterweights, four rounds); Niguy Simms vs. Nate Palencia (junior welterweights, four rounds); and Jamal Evans vs. Louis Vazquez (middleweights, four rounds). All fans will get to participate in the brand new Hustler Casino $1,000 Knockout Promotion. Before the first bout a lucky fan will be chosen and seated at ringside. If a knockout happens that fan wins $100. If no knockout or stopped by strikes, another fan will be chosen and if a KO happens they win $200. This goes on until the last bout and if still no knockouts or stopped by strikes, this lucky fan wins $1,000 CASH! SOCA Fights and Fight Club OC are aware of the many Orange County families that still struggle to put a decent meal on their table each day. So Fight Club OC has partnered with the OC Food Bank and the David Wilson Family Foundation to launch Knockout OC Hunger at each Fight Club OC show, to not only collect food but also bring awareness to hunger in Orange County. At all shows the OC Food Bank will staff food collection barrels and all fans that bring a food item to a show, that is non-perishable, including canned tuna, chicken and chili, canned fruits and vegetables, breakfast cereal, peanut butter, rice, beans, and pasta will receive a numbered ticket and between each bout one of these numbers will be called and that fan will win $200 cash. Five lucky participating fans will win a total of $1,000 each show, so fans, please put a food item in your car and bring it to the show… and gat a chance to win a prize.

By Scott Shaffer | January 16, 2025

Joe Joyce books fight vs. Patrick Korte for March
Coming off a loss to Derek Chisora, heavyweight Joe Joyce will make his return to the ring on March 1st at Bournemouth International Centre in Bornemouth, England. Joyce, age 39, takes on Patrick Korte of Germany over eight rounds. Korte is 22-4-1 overall, with two low-level wins and a KO Loss to Hughie Fury in 2024.
	Joe Joyce books fight vs. Patrick Korte for March Coming off a loss to Derek Chisora, heavyweight Joe Joyce will make his return to the ring on March 1st at Bournemouth International Centre in Bornemouth, England. Joyce, age 39, takes on Patrick Korte of Germany over eight rounds. Korte is 22-4-1 overall, with two low-level wins and a KO Loss to Hughie Fury in 2024.

Source: Sky Sports | January 16, 2025

Jonas and Price discuss their three-belt unification fight
Natasha Jonas (pictured) and Lauren Price will unify the WBC, IBF and WBA welterweight championships on March 7th at London's Royal Albert Hall, live on Sky Sports. Jonas added the WBC title to her IBF belt in her last fight, which was against Ivana Habazin. Price, defended her WBA championship for the first time last month with a stoppage victory over previously unbeaten Bexcy Mateus. Price, also an Olympic champion, told Jonas directly she expected to win every round of their contest. The Welsh star is yet to drop a round in her professional career, and intends to keep that run going in her next fight. "I believe that," Price told Sky Sports afterwards. She added: "I believe it's my toughest test. It's just another stepping stone. I do believe that I am too good and I'm too quick." Jonas dismissed that suggestion though. "It doesn't matter until we're in the ring," said Jonas. "She keeps on saying these things. But you're putting pressure on yourself to back it up. You're not going to lose a round? Okay, well what happens when round one goes and you've lost it? What are you going to do then, because you said you weren't going to lose a round? What happens then in round two, three, four, five, six? I would expect [her] to win every round for the opposition that she's had." Jonas insisted Price's claim actually betrayed a lack of self-confidence. "I think she has to tell herself that to make herself believe it. To be like: 'Right, I've got this,'" the Liverpudlian said. "You're trying to convince yourself. I just think you're geeing yourself up. You're telling yourself: 'I can do it.' That's what I believe she's doing.
	Jonas and Price discuss their three-belt unification fight Natasha Jonas (pictured) and Lauren Price will unify the WBC, IBF and WBA welterweight championships on March 7th at London's Royal Albert Hall, live on Sky Sports. Jonas added the WBC title to her IBF belt in her last fight, which was against Ivana Habazin. Price, defended her WBA championship for the first time last month with a stoppage victory over previously unbeaten Bexcy Mateus. Price, also an Olympic champion, told Jonas directly she expected to win every round of their contest. The Welsh star is yet to drop a round in her professional career, and intends to keep that run going in her next fight. "I believe that," Price told Sky Sports afterwards. She added: "I believe it's my toughest test. It's just another stepping stone. I do believe that I am too good and I'm too quick." Jonas dismissed that suggestion though. "It doesn't matter until we're in the ring," said Jonas. "She keeps on saying these things. But you're putting pressure on yourself to back it up. You're not going to lose a round? Okay, well what happens when round one goes and you've lost it? What are you going to do then, because you said you weren't going to lose a round? What happens then in round two, three, four, five, six? I would expect [her] to win every round for the opposition that she's had." Jonas insisted Price's claim actually betrayed a lack of self-confidence. "I think she has to tell herself that to make herself believe it. To be like: 'Right, I've got this,'" the Liverpudlian said. "You're trying to convince yourself. I just think you're geeing yourself up. You're telling yourself: 'I can do it.' That's what I believe she's doing.

Source: WBC | January 16, 2025

Prograis looks to end losing streak next month
Regis Prograis (pictured), twice a 140-pound champion, and Oscar Duarte will face each other in Anaheim, California, on February 15th in an event presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight, at the Honda Center, represents an enticing opportunity for Prograis (29-3) to return to winning ways after consecutive losses to Devin Haney and Jack Catterall. For Duarte (28-2-1), who fought most of his career ar lightweight, this represents another important step up, with Prograis undoubtedly one of the two biggest and most accomplished names Duarte has faced so far. Duarte, from Chihuahua, Mexico, lost in eight rounds to Ryan Garcia in December 2023, but has since bounced back by winning two in a row. Last year, he not only stopped Joseph Diaz in nine rounds, but also outpointed Botirzhon Akhmedov in ten.
	Prograis looks to end losing streak next month Regis Prograis (pictured), twice a 140-pound champion, and Oscar Duarte will face each other in Anaheim, California, on February 15th in an event presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight, at the Honda Center, represents an enticing opportunity for Prograis (29-3) to return to winning ways after consecutive losses to Devin Haney and Jack Catterall. For Duarte (28-2-1), who fought most of his career ar lightweight, this represents another important step up, with Prograis undoubtedly one of the two biggest and most accomplished names Duarte has faced so far. Duarte, from Chihuahua, Mexico, lost in eight rounds to Ryan Garcia in December 2023, but has since bounced back by winning two in a row. Last year, he not only stopped Joseph Diaz in nine rounds, but also outpointed Botirzhon Akhmedov in ten.

Press Release | January 16, 2025

King's Promotions brings boxing to Philly tomorrow
Tomorrow (January 17th), King's Promotions brings boxing to Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia with an excellent undercard headed up by an eight-round bout matching Quadir Albright (11-1, 11 KOs) of Philadelphia against Damian Rodriguez (13-2, 7 KOs) of Panama City in a welterweight bout. In a six-round heavyweight bout, Devon Young (5-0, 4 KOs) South Carolina battles Calvin Barnett (5-1, 2 KOs) of Oklahoma. The main event features undefeated light heavyweights Atif Oberlton and Joaquin Berroa Lugo in a ten rounder. The card will now be streamed live by BXNGTV.com ADDITIONAL BOUTS: Jorge Luis Moracen Sotolongo (4-0, 4 KOs) of Miami via Cuba takes on Tariq Green (5-2-2, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight fight; Colby Madison (11-7-2, 7 KOs) of Baltimore takes on undefeated Ali Ellis (6-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight out; and In a four-round bout, MMA fighter Kayla Hracho of Coconut Creek, Florida via Reading, PA makes her pro debut against Ayeshia Green (0-2) of Princeton, New Jersey in a super flyweight contest. As for the main event, Oberlton of Philadelphia is 11-0 with nine knockouts. The 26-year old is a four-year pro who has amassed wins over Ernest Amuzu (26-5), Christian Thomas (11-0), Artem Brusov (12-0), Juan Francisco Lopez Barajas (8-1), In his last bout, Oberlton stopped Harry Keenan Cruz Cubano in six-rounds on June 8th in Orlando. Lugo of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is 6-0 with four knockouts. the 29 year-old is also a four-year pro. Lugo is coming off a unanimous decision over Cabrera on July 20th in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.
	King's Promotions brings boxing to Philly tomorrow Tomorrow (January 17th), King's Promotions brings boxing to Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia with an excellent undercard headed up by an eight-round bout matching Quadir Albright (11-1, 11 KOs) of Philadelphia against Damian Rodriguez (13-2, 7 KOs) of Panama City in a welterweight bout. In a six-round heavyweight bout, Devon Young (5-0, 4 KOs) South Carolina battles Calvin Barnett (5-1, 2 KOs) of Oklahoma. The main event features undefeated light heavyweights Atif Oberlton and Joaquin Berroa Lugo in a ten rounder. The card will now be streamed live by BXNGTV.com ADDITIONAL BOUTS: Jorge Luis Moracen Sotolongo (4-0, 4 KOs) of Miami via Cuba takes on Tariq Green (5-2-2, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight fight; Colby Madison (11-7-2, 7 KOs) of Baltimore takes on undefeated Ali Ellis (6-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight out; and In a four-round bout, MMA fighter Kayla Hracho of Coconut Creek, Florida via Reading, PA makes her pro debut against Ayeshia Green (0-2) of Princeton, New Jersey in a super flyweight contest. As for the main event, Oberlton of Philadelphia is 11-0 with nine knockouts. The 26-year old is a four-year pro who has amassed wins over Ernest Amuzu (26-5), Christian Thomas (11-0), Artem Brusov (12-0), Juan Francisco Lopez Barajas (8-1), In his last bout, Oberlton stopped Harry Keenan Cruz Cubano in six-rounds on June 8th in Orlando. Lugo of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is 6-0 with four knockouts. the 29 year-old is also a four-year pro. Lugo is coming off a unanimous decision over Cabrera on July 20th in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.

Source: PBC | January 16, 2025

Argentina's Mirco Cuello gets big opportunity on Feb. 1st
Topping the prelims lineup prior to PBC's February 1st pay-per-view from Las Vegas will be Argentinian featherweight Mirco Cuello taking on a young but experienced opponent in Christian Olivo as the two 126-pounders look to make a statement in their ten-round clash. Cuello-Olivo will be live-streamed on Prime Video beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the pay-per-view card it leads into. Representing his native Arroyo Seco, Argentina, Cuello (14-0, 11 KOs) turned pro in 2020 and also competed in the 2021 Olympic Games. As an amatuer, he won a bronze medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. The 24-year old has shown good punching power to match his Olympic skill set since turning pro. He has knockout wims in 11 of his first 12 fights. After dispatching of the previously unbeaten Rudy Garcia via unanimous decision in September 2023, Cuello returned last March to best the respected Sulaiman Segawa with another unanimous decision triumph. “I’m excited to have the chance to show what I’m capable of in front of a large audience against a very skilled opponent,” said Cuello. “I will win this fight because I know what it takes to win at the highest levels. This is the most important fight of my professional career so far and I will be coming into the ring ready to make a name for myself and put the featherweight division on notice.” “Mirco Cuello already beat a top featherweight contender in the world by defeating Sulaiman Segawa, who beat the then-#1 contender Ruben Villa last July and then lost a very controversial decision against the new #1, Bruce Carrington, in his last fight in September,” said promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “After Mirco wins, he will be putting out a challenge to any other featherweight in the world. Mirco Cuello’s time has come.” The 25 year-old Olivo (22-1-1, 8 KOs) has fought professionally since turning pro as a teenager in 2017, and went undefeated in his first 21 pro fights, with just one draw during that run. A native of Hermosillo, Mexico, he now fights out of San Diego as he steps into the ring stateside for the second time on February 1st. His previous U.S. outing saw him drop a decision to undefeated Luis Nunez in April 2023. Olivo bounced back in his last two fights, defeating the previously unbeaten Kevin Barron Crespo by decision in September 2023, before most recently stopping Javier Carrillo Montes in September 2024. “I know that I’m in a tough fight against an accomplished opponent, but every great fighter becomes known by stepping up to their greatest challenges,” said Olivo. “I will be returning to fight in the U.S. as an all-new fighter in the best shape of my life and ready to do whatever it takes to have my hand raised.” Cuello-Olivo is part of the lead-up to the PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video headlined by a clash between light heavyweight stars David “El Monstro” Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The streaming presentation will feature undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello taking on Mexican contender Christian Olivo in a 10-round featherweight matchup, plus WBA #1-ranked middleweight Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez stepping in against Angel Ruiz in a ten-round duel that opens up the live stream. The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features WBC featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defending his title against former unified 122-pound champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights. The pay-per-view will also see former 140-pound title holder Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz dueling the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. against former two-bnelt junior middleweight champion Jeison Rosario in a ten-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
	Argentina's Mirco Cuello gets big opportunity on Feb. 1st Topping the prelims lineup prior to PBC's February 1st pay-per-view from Las Vegas will be Argentinian featherweight Mirco Cuello taking on a young but experienced opponent in Christian Olivo as the two 126-pounders look to make a statement in their ten-round clash. Cuello-Olivo will be live-streamed on Prime Video beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the pay-per-view card it leads into. Representing his native Arroyo Seco, Argentina, Cuello (14-0, 11 KOs) turned pro in 2020 and also competed in the 2021 Olympic Games. As an amatuer, he won a bronze medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. The 24-year old has shown good punching power to match his Olympic skill set since turning pro. He has knockout wims in 11 of his first 12 fights. After dispatching of the previously unbeaten Rudy Garcia via unanimous decision in September 2023, Cuello returned last March to best the respected Sulaiman Segawa with another unanimous decision triumph. “I’m excited to have the chance to show what I’m capable of in front of a large audience against a very skilled opponent,” said Cuello. “I will win this fight because I know what it takes to win at the highest levels. This is the most important fight of my professional career so far and I will be coming into the ring ready to make a name for myself and put the featherweight division on notice.” “Mirco Cuello already beat a top featherweight contender in the world by defeating Sulaiman Segawa, who beat the then-#1 contender Ruben Villa last July and then lost a very controversial decision against the new #1, Bruce Carrington, in his last fight in September,” said promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “After Mirco wins, he will be putting out a challenge to any other featherweight in the world. Mirco Cuello’s time has come.” The 25 year-old Olivo (22-1-1, 8 KOs) has fought professionally since turning pro as a teenager in 2017, and went undefeated in his first 21 pro fights, with just one draw during that run. A native of Hermosillo, Mexico, he now fights out of San Diego as he steps into the ring stateside for the second time on February 1st. His previous U.S. outing saw him drop a decision to undefeated Luis Nunez in April 2023. Olivo bounced back in his last two fights, defeating the previously unbeaten Kevin Barron Crespo by decision in September 2023, before most recently stopping Javier Carrillo Montes in September 2024. “I know that I’m in a tough fight against an accomplished opponent, but every great fighter becomes known by stepping up to their greatest challenges,” said Olivo. “I will be returning to fight in the U.S. as an all-new fighter in the best shape of my life and ready to do whatever it takes to have my hand raised.” Cuello-Olivo is part of the lead-up to the PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video headlined by a clash between light heavyweight stars David “El Monstro” Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The streaming presentation will feature undefeated Argentine Olympian Mirco Cuello taking on Mexican contender Christian Olivo in a 10-round featherweight matchup, plus WBA #1-ranked middleweight Yoenli Feliciano Hernandez stepping in against Angel Ruiz in a ten-round duel that opens up the live stream. The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features WBC featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa defending his title against former unified 122-pound champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a rematch of one of 2021’s best fights. The pay-per-view will also see former 140-pound title holder Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz dueling the hard-charging contender Angel Fierro in an all-Mexican duel, plus rising Mexican star Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. against former two-bnelt junior middleweight champion Jeison Rosario in a ten-round middleweight fight that opens the pay-per-view. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

Source: WBC | January 16, 2025

A few words with Hamzah Sheeraz
At Monday's press conference, middleweight contender Hamzah Sheeraz said he is physically and mentally prepared for his February 22nd title challenge against WBC champion Carlos Adames of the Dominican Republic. The fight takes place on the huge February 22nd show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sheeraz, from England, has a record of 21-0 with 17 KOs and had a great 2024 campaign with wins over Liam Williams, Ammo Williams and Tyler Denny. Adames has a record of 24-1 with 18 KOs and defeated Terrell Gausha in his only fight last year. “This is the opportunity. If I’m not ready now, I don’t think I will ever be,” said Sheeraz. “Since I was eight years old, being that little boy, who wanted to win that [WBC} green and gold belt. On February 22nd, it will be a tall order, I have no illusions about who I have in front of me, but I think I possess everything to win. And on February 22nd, we will have a new WBC middleweight world champion. I always said that once I get the opportunities, once I get the platforms…then I will deliver.”
	A few words with Hamzah Sheeraz At Monday's press conference, middleweight contender Hamzah Sheeraz said he is physically and mentally prepared for his February 22nd title challenge against WBC champion Carlos Adames of the Dominican Republic. The fight takes place on the huge February 22nd show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sheeraz, from England, has a record of 21-0 with 17 KOs and had a great 2024 campaign with wins over Liam Williams, Ammo Williams and Tyler Denny. Adames has a record of 24-1 with 18 KOs and defeated Terrell Gausha in his only fight last year. “This is the opportunity. If I’m not ready now, I don’t think I will ever be,” said Sheeraz. “Since I was eight years old, being that little boy, who wanted to win that [WBC} green and gold belt. On February 22nd, it will be a tall order, I have no illusions about who I have in front of me, but I think I possess everything to win. And on February 22nd, we will have a new WBC middleweight world champion. I always said that once I get the opportunities, once I get the platforms…then I will deliver.”

By Scott Shaffer | January 15, 2025

WBO orders Goodman to show proof of injury
On January 11th, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri, Esq., received an e-mail regarding Australian super bantamweight Sam Goodman reporting an injury sustained during training. The injury, affecting his left eye, preventedf him from participating in a scheduled world championship bout against Naoya Inoue on January 22nd in Tokyo. [Goodman was the WBO's mandatory contender. Inoue, who holds all four major titles, will fight a late replacement, Ye Joon Kim, on the same date]. According to the e-mail, Goodman is prohibited from engaging in any physical contact until April 11th and his availability to compete is projected for either May or June. In response the WBO has requested that, in order to have his WBO mandatory challenger status upheld, he must submit, within the next ten days, a detailed explanation of his injury, including medical findings, recovery prognosis, and a statement from his licensed physician specifying when he will be physically and medically cleared to return to active competition. Failure to comply will result in the WBO stripping Goodman of his madnatory contender status without further notice or hearing.
	WBO orders Goodman to show proof of injury On January 11th, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri, Esq., received an e-mail regarding Australian super bantamweight Sam Goodman reporting an injury sustained during training. The injury, affecting his left eye, preventedf him from participating in a scheduled world championship bout against Naoya Inoue on January 22nd in Tokyo. [Goodman was the WBO's mandatory contender. Inoue, who holds all four major titles, will fight a late replacement, Ye Joon Kim, on the same date]. According to the e-mail, Goodman is prohibited from engaging in any physical contact until April 11th and his availability to compete is projected for either May or June. In response the WBO has requested that, in order to have his WBO mandatory challenger status upheld, he must submit, within the next ten days, a detailed explanation of his injury, including medical findings, recovery prognosis, and a statement from his licensed physician specifying when he will be physically and medically cleared to return to active competition. Failure to comply will result in the WBO stripping Goodman of his madnatory contender status without further notice or hearing.

January 15, 2025

Crawford puts Davis in his place
Terence Crawford, a four-division and current WBA 154-pound champion, reacting to being called out, in a very disrespectful manner, by Gervonta "Tank" Davis, a two-division and current 135-pound champion: "Gervonta, look I got bigger fish to fry. Grow some balls and fight Shakur Stevenson or Keyshawn Davis and stop being scared." Crawford is reportedly seeking to fight world super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez for a fifth weight-division title.
	Crawford puts Davis in his place Terence Crawford, a four-division and current WBA 154-pound champion, reacting to being called out, in a very disrespectful manner, by Gervonta "Tank" Davis, a two-division and current 135-pound champion: "Gervonta, look I got bigger fish to fry. Grow some balls and fight Shakur Stevenson or Keyshawn Davis and stop being scared." Crawford is reportedly seeking to fight world super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez for a fifth weight-division title.

By Scott Shaffer | January 15, 2025

Benn's manager confirms Eubank vs. Benn is "done" for April
UPDATE: Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, reports that Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn is "done" for April in London. He tweeted, "Soon I will announce the day and the location, it will be The Ring’s first card in collaboration with the video game and SNK, and I will push to make pay-per-view price 19.99 Great British pounds [approximately $24.50] for the fans, with tough undercard…Lets get boxing great again and wait for huge announcement soon." Benn's manager Keith Connolly confirmed the news on Facebook, saying, "Delivered Conor Benn the mega fight! It’s signed, sealed and delivered for this April in London. Huge thanks to Turki Alalshikh, Team Benn, Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith and Matchroom Boxing who all came together to get the big one done." PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE Earlier on Jan. 14, 2025: Chris Eubank Jr. is deep into negotiations for a big all-British, son-of-champions fight against Conor Benn, who has had performance-enhancing substance issues in the past. Eubank complained, "Just so you all know… these two rats Conor Benn and [his promoter] Eddie Hearn are now trying to enforce a rehydration restriction [i.e., an additional weigh-in to be held on the day of the fight] on me to make the fight. They talk a big game but when it actually comes down to it… just a pair of [cat emojis]."
	Benn's manager confirms Eubank vs. Benn is "done" for April UPDATE: Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, reports that Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn is "done" for April in London. He tweeted, "Soon I will announce the day and the location, it will be The Ring’s first card in collaboration with the video game and SNK, and I will push to make pay-per-view price 19.99 Great British pounds [approximately $24.50] for the fans, with tough undercard…Lets get boxing great again and wait for huge announcement soon." Benn's manager Keith Connolly confirmed the news on Facebook, saying, "Delivered Conor Benn the mega fight! It’s signed, sealed and delivered for this April in London. Huge thanks to Turki Alalshikh, Team Benn, Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith and Matchroom Boxing who all came together to get the big one done." PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE Earlier on Jan. 14, 2025: Chris Eubank Jr. is deep into negotiations for a big all-British, son-of-champions fight against Conor Benn, who has had performance-enhancing substance issues in the past. Eubank complained, "Just so you all know… these two rats Conor Benn and [his promoter] Eddie Hearn are now trying to enforce a rehydration restriction [i.e., an additional weigh-in to be held on the day of the fight] on me to make the fight. They talk a big game but when it actually comes down to it… just a pair of [cat emojis]."

Source: Golden Boy | January 15, 2025

Eric Priest to face Tyler Howard this month
On January 23rd, Golden Boy Promotions has a show at the Commerce Casino & Hotel in Commerce, California. The headline bout will see Eric Priest (14-0, 8 KOs) of Kansas City in a middleweight ten rounder against Tennessee's Tyler "Hercules" Howard (20-2, 11 KOs). DAZN will broadcast. Priest's last ring action was an August win over Luka Lozo, while Howard is coming off a ten-round decision loss to undefeated Troy Isley in Novewmber.
	Eric Priest to face Tyler Howard this month On January 23rd, Golden Boy Promotions has a show at the Commerce Casino & Hotel in Commerce, California. The headline bout will see Eric Priest (14-0, 8 KOs) of Kansas City in a middleweight ten rounder against Tennessee's Tyler "Hercules" Howard (20-2, 11 KOs). DAZN will broadcast. Priest's last ring action was an August win over Luka Lozo, while Howard is coming off a ten-round decision loss to undefeated Troy Isley in Novewmber.

Source: WBC | January 15, 2025

Zhang takes friendly approach to Kabayel
The WBC interim heavyweight title will be fought out on February 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between Zhilei Zhang of China (pictured, 27-2-1 with 22 KOs) and Agit Kabayel of Germany (25-0 with 17 KOs). “I am ready for the next challenge,” Kabayel said. “I am training hard for the fight. Let’s go. I think this fight is very good. The winner of this fight will become [interim] world champion.” At Monday's press conference in London, Zhang gave Kabayel a red envelope, a sign that the Chinese New Year is fast approaching. The red envelope contained new year's greetings and a photo of Zhang. It was given as a token of affection according to the time honored Chinese tradition. “After the press conference, we will both return to our camps and train like crazy,” Zhang said. “A month later, we will meet in the ring and the whole world will see and witness, what Chinese power is all about.”
	Zhang takes friendly approach to Kabayel The WBC interim heavyweight title will be fought out on February 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between Zhilei Zhang of China (pictured, 27-2-1 with 22 KOs) and Agit Kabayel of Germany (25-0 with 17 KOs). “I am ready for the next challenge,” Kabayel said. “I am training hard for the fight. Let’s go. I think this fight is very good. The winner of this fight will become [interim] world champion.” At Monday's press conference in London, Zhang gave Kabayel a red envelope, a sign that the Chinese New Year is fast approaching. The red envelope contained new year's greetings and a photo of Zhang. It was given as a token of affection according to the time honored Chinese tradition. “After the press conference, we will both return to our camps and train like crazy,” Zhang said. “A month later, we will meet in the ring and the whole world will see and witness, what Chinese power is all about.”

Press Release | January 15, 2025

Introducing featherweight Julius “JuJu” Ballo
OTX, Overtime Boxing, and Top Rank announced today that they will co-promote Team USA amateur standout Julius “JuJu” Ballo. It’s the first co-promotional pact between the leading promoters, who will collaborate in guiding Ballo’s in-ring development and burgeoning social media profile. The San Diego-born Ballo, who is managed by James Prince, will turn pro as a featherweight and debut on a to-be-announced OTX card.“As OTX continues to grow, we’re looking to work with fighters who know not only how to fight in the ring but who can also captivate their audiences out of the ring on social media,” said OTX GM Brandon Rhodes. “Partnering with Top Rank on this co-promotion was a seamless decision as they bring their legacy and expertise to the table, while we bring our digital-first prowess and younger audience.” “Julius Ballo is the entire package, a sensational young fighter with the ability and personality to be a superstar in the sport,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Top Rank is thrilled to be working with OTX, a forward-thinking brand that excels in connecting with a younger demographic.” Ballo enters the paid ranks following a storied amateur run culminating in May’s gold medal at the National Golden Gloves. He won the USA National Championships in 2022 and 2021 and captured gold at the 2021 Junior Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia. Ballo holds amateur victories over many notable names, including Top Rank stablemate Steven Navarro, 2024 U.S. Olympian Jahmal Harvey, and undefeated puncher Jhon Orobio. “OTX has built a platform for the next generation of boxing fans. Combining that with Top Rank's prestige, I knew this was the perfect team to help launch my professional career," Ballo said. “I represent a new school of fighters looking to revamp the sport, and I’m looking forward to building my way to the top.”
	Introducing featherweight Julius “JuJu” Ballo OTX, Overtime Boxing, and Top Rank announced today that they will co-promote Team USA amateur standout Julius “JuJu” Ballo. It’s the first co-promotional pact between the leading promoters, who will collaborate in guiding Ballo’s in-ring development and burgeoning social media profile. The San Diego-born Ballo, who is managed by James Prince, will turn pro as a featherweight and debut on a to-be-announced OTX card.“As OTX continues to grow, we’re looking to work with fighters who know not only how to fight in the ring but who can also captivate their audiences out of the ring on social media,” said OTX GM Brandon Rhodes. “Partnering with Top Rank on this co-promotion was a seamless decision as they bring their legacy and expertise to the table, while we bring our digital-first prowess and younger audience.” “Julius Ballo is the entire package, a sensational young fighter with the ability and personality to be a superstar in the sport,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Top Rank is thrilled to be working with OTX, a forward-thinking brand that excels in connecting with a younger demographic.” Ballo enters the paid ranks following a storied amateur run culminating in May’s gold medal at the National Golden Gloves. He won the USA National Championships in 2022 and 2021 and captured gold at the 2021 Junior Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia. Ballo holds amateur victories over many notable names, including Top Rank stablemate Steven Navarro, 2024 U.S. Olympian Jahmal Harvey, and undefeated puncher Jhon Orobio. “OTX has built a platform for the next generation of boxing fans. Combining that with Top Rank's prestige, I knew this was the perfect team to help launch my professional career," Ballo said. “I represent a new school of fighters looking to revamp the sport, and I’m looking forward to building my way to the top.”

PBC adds three title bouts to March 1st Davis vs. Roach undercard

PBC adds three title bouts to March 1st Davis vs. Roach undercard

Yuko Kuroki now a three-time champion

Yuko Kuroki now a three-time champion

Najee Lopez to headline in Plant City on Friday

Najee Lopez to headline in Plant City on Friday

Injured Chamberlain withdraws from Feb. 1st bout

Injured Chamberlain withdraws from Feb. 1st bout

Welcome to Inoue vs. Kim fight week

Welcome to Inoue vs. Kim fight week

DAZN features battle of unbeaten super middles

DAZN features battle of unbeaten super middles

Omar Chavez to face undefeated Misael Rodriguez on Saturday

Omar Chavez to face undefeated Misael Rodriguez on Saturday

Results from Philly: Oberlton gets TKO win

Results from Philly: Oberlton gets TKO win

BKFC: Welcome to Knucklemania V fight week

BKFC: Welcome to Knucklemania V fight week

IBF schedules purse bid for Bakole vs. Ajagba

IBF schedules purse bid for Bakole vs. Ajagba

IBF schedules purse bid for Mbilli vs. Sadjo

IBF schedules purse bid for Mbilli vs. Sadjo

Undercard results from Armenia

Undercard results from Armenia

PPV.com returns with alternate Benavidez-Morrel broadcast

PPV.com returns with alternate Benavidez-Morrel broadcast

Lomachenko update: IBF extends his time for a mandatory defense

Lomachenko update: IBF extends his time for a mandatory defense

Sosulin's body attach propels him to victory

Sosulin's body attach propels him to victory

Bare Knuckle results from California

Bare Knuckle results from California

Did Haney and Garcia just reveal their next opponents?

Did Haney and Garcia just reveal their next opponents?

Spotlight on Yoenli Hernandez vs. Angel Ruiz

Spotlight on Yoenli Hernandez vs. Angel Ruiz

Misfits crossover boxing takes center stage today

Misfits crossover boxing takes center stage today

IBF orders purse bid for Lubin vs. Holmes eliminator

IBF orders purse bid for Lubin vs. Holmes eliminator

Errol Spence update: "I’ll be back when I'm ready"

Errol Spence update: "I’ll be back when I'm ready"

Alalshikh puts Joshua vs. Wilder in play

Alalshikh puts Joshua vs. Wilder in play

Pro boxing show in Armenia today

Pro boxing show in Armenia today

Joe Smith to comeback vs. TBA on Feb. 13th

Joe Smith to comeback vs. TBA on Feb. 13th

WBO demands explanation from McCann about failed PED test

WBO demands explanation from McCann about failed PED test

Weigh-in results from Philly

Weigh-in results from Philly

Introducing Puerto Rican lightweight Yandiel Lozano

Introducing Puerto Rican lightweight Yandiel Lozano

Fight Club OC back for a fifteenth season

Fight Club OC back for a fifteenth season

Joe Joyce books fight vs. Patrick Korte for March

Joe Joyce books fight vs. Patrick Korte for March

Jonas and Price discuss their three-belt unification fight

Jonas and Price discuss their three-belt unification fight

Prograis looks to end losing streak next month

Prograis looks to end losing streak next month

King's Promotions brings boxing to Philly tomorrow

King's Promotions brings boxing to Philly tomorrow

Argentina's Mirco Cuello gets big opportunity on Feb. 1st

Argentina's Mirco Cuello gets big opportunity on Feb. 1st

A few words with Hamzah Sheeraz

A few words with Hamzah Sheeraz

WBO orders Goodman to show proof of injury

WBO orders Goodman to show proof of injury

Crawford puts Davis in his place

Crawford puts Davis in his place

Benn's manager confirms Eubank vs. Benn is "done" for April

Benn's manager confirms Eubank vs. Benn is "done" for April

Eric Priest to face Tyler Howard this month

Eric Priest to face Tyler Howard this month

Zhang takes friendly approach to Kabayel

Zhang takes friendly approach to Kabayel

Introducing featherweight Julius “JuJu” Ballo

Introducing featherweight Julius “JuJu” Ballo