MVP announces another huge women's show |
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Most Valuable Promotions announced a double main event show women's show for May 30th at El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas, live on ESPN. Future hall of famer and multi-division champion Amanda Serrano will defend her world featherweight championship against Germany's Cheyenne Hanson (17-2). Alongside her, WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han headlines in her hometown against boxing legend Holly Holm in an immediate rematch. On the same show, Australia's Desley Robinson defends her WBO / IBF unified middleweight titles against Canada's Mary Spencer, who once held the WBA junior middleweight title, and Lourdes Juarez defends her WBC junior flyweight world title against WBC minimumweight champion Yokasta Valle.
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MVP announces another huge women's show
Most Valuable Promotions announced a double main event show women's show for May 30th at El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas, live on ESPN. Future hall of famer and multi-division champion Amanda Serrano will defend her world featherweight championship against Germany's Cheyenne Hanson (17-2). Alongside her, WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han headlines in her hometown against boxing legend Holly Holm in an immediate rematch. On the same show, Australia's Desley Robinson defends her WBO / IBF unified middleweight titles against Canada's Mary Spencer, who once held the WBA junior middleweight title, and Lourdes Juarez defends her WBC junior flyweight world title against WBC minimumweight champion Yokasta Valle.
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Welcome to Fury vs. Makhmudov fight week |
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Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has made a career out of turning chaos into control. Now, he’s stepping back into the ring against a man built to do the opposite. On Saturday, April 11th, Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) returns for a heavyweight collision with Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs), a knockout artist whose fights rarely make it out of the early rounds. The bout headlines a stacked card streaming live on Netflix, with Conor Benn facing Regis Prograis as chief support and a full line-up of heavyweight and cruiserweight matchups underneath. Around the ring, the broadcast leans just as big, with host Elle Duncan joined by Lennox Lewis, Laila Ali, and Carl Froch, while Mauro Ranallo calls the action alongside David Haye and Andre Ward.
Fury is boxing’s ultimate anomaly. At 6-foot-9, he moves with the fluidity of a smaller fighter, pairing slick footwork with surprisingly quick hands — a combination that has allowed him to outmaneuver elite opponents like Deontay Wilder and Wladimir Klitschko. This fight also marks a homecoming. Fury returns to a British ring for the first time in more than three years, since his December 2022 TKO victory over Derek Chisora. But if the setting is familiar, the challenge is not. Makhmudov represents a very different kind of threat — one built on power. “If I fight a pudding, I don’t get turned on by that,” Fury said at the April 11 press conference. “I have to fight somebody dangerous to make me want to even train, make me want to even take it seriously. So now I know I’ve got a dangerous knockout artist in front of me … I’m looking forward to coming here, putting on a real show at Tottenham. And most of all, I’m looking forward to punching his face right in.”
Makhmudov strips heavyweight boxing down to its most dangerous elements. At 6-foot-6, he fights with relentless forward pressure and punishing power, walking opponents down until there’s nowhere left to go. You don’t rack up 19 knockouts without elite impact, and Makhmudov wastes nothing. There’s also a sense of arrival. At the press conference, Makhmudov reflected on a photo the two took nearly a decade ago, when he was still a fan and Fury was already a world champion. Now, the moment has come full circle — respect intact, but ambition sharpened. “He’s a legend, but I came here to make my legacy.”
Fury and Makhmudov meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London, the same venue where Fury last fought on home soil in December 2022, defeating Derek Chisora to retain his WBC title. This time, the setting sets the tone: a homecoming for Fury, and a hostile stage for anyone standing across from him. But Makhmudov isn’t interested in comfort. He’s already proven he can thrive in enemy territory, pointing to his October 2025 bout against Dave Allen in Sheffield, where a crowd of 10,000 backed his opponent. “The arena was against me,” he said. “Good with me. It doesn’t matter who is against me … all the world can be against me.”
That tension — control versus pressure, home advantage versus indifference — carries into how each fighter sees the outcome. Makhmudov is preparing for anything. “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the fight, but I’m prepared for all distances,” he said.
Fury, as always, is more specific. “[Makhmudov] is dangerous. I understand that,” Fury said. “I want an explosive knockout, and I believe I’m going to knock him spark out … probably a big right-hand KO in round six.”
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Welcome to Fury vs. Makhmudov fight week
Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has made a career out of turning chaos into control. Now, he’s stepping back into the ring against a man built to do the opposite. On Saturday, April 11th, Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) returns for a heavyweight collision with Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs), a knockout artist whose fights rarely make it out of the early rounds. The bout headlines a stacked card streaming live on Netflix, with Conor Benn facing Regis Prograis as chief support and a full line-up of heavyweight and cruiserweight matchups underneath. Around the ring, the broadcast leans just as big, with host Elle Duncan joined by Lennox Lewis, Laila Ali, and Carl Froch, while Mauro Ranallo calls the action alongside David Haye and Andre Ward.
Fury is boxing’s ultimate anomaly. At 6-foot-9, he moves with the fluidity of a smaller fighter, pairing slick footwork with surprisingly quick hands — a combination that has allowed him to outmaneuver elite opponents like Deontay Wilder and Wladimir Klitschko. This fight also marks a homecoming. Fury returns to a British ring for the first time in more than three years, since his December 2022 TKO victory over Derek Chisora. But if the setting is familiar, the challenge is not. Makhmudov represents a very different kind of threat — one built on power. “If I fight a pudding, I don’t get turned on by that,” Fury said at the April 11 press conference. “I have to fight somebody dangerous to make me want to even train, make me want to even take it seriously. So now I know I’ve got a dangerous knockout artist in front of me … I’m looking forward to coming here, putting on a real show at Tottenham. And most of all, I’m looking forward to punching his face right in.”
Makhmudov strips heavyweight boxing down to its most dangerous elements. At 6-foot-6, he fights with relentless forward pressure and punishing power, walking opponents down until there’s nowhere left to go. You don’t rack up 19 knockouts without elite impact, and Makhmudov wastes nothing. There’s also a sense of arrival. At the press conference, Makhmudov reflected on a photo the two took nearly a decade ago, when he was still a fan and Fury was already a world champion. Now, the moment has come full circle — respect intact, but ambition sharpened. “He’s a legend, but I came here to make my legacy.”
Fury and Makhmudov meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London, the same venue where Fury last fought on home soil in December 2022, defeating Derek Chisora to retain his WBC title. This time, the setting sets the tone: a homecoming for Fury, and a hostile stage for anyone standing across from him. But Makhmudov isn’t interested in comfort. He’s already proven he can thrive in enemy territory, pointing to his October 2025 bout against Dave Allen in Sheffield, where a crowd of 10,000 backed his opponent. “The arena was against me,” he said. “Good with me. It doesn’t matter who is against me … all the world can be against me.”
That tension — control versus pressure, home advantage versus indifference — carries into how each fighter sees the outcome. Makhmudov is preparing for anything. “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the fight, but I’m prepared for all distances,” he said.
Fury, as always, is more specific. “[Makhmudov] is dangerous. I understand that,” Fury said. “I want an explosive knockout, and I believe I’m going to knock him spark out … probably a big right-hand KO in round six.”
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Estrada goes to war in Japan this week |
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The boxing world sets its sights on the iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, where a golden chapter in the historic rivalry between Mexico and Japan will be written this Saturday, April 11th. It will be a WBC final eliminator in the bantamweight division, as the legendary Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada (45-4, 28 KOs), a former two-division champion and one of the most respected warriors of the last decade, arrives in Japan with a clear mission: to defeat sporting and media phenomenon Tenshin Nasukawa (7-1, 2 KOs) . Nasukawa will be facing the most rigorous test of his professional career, a high-stakes showdown that will determine the official challenger for the reigning WBC monarch, Takuma Inoue.
Having faced the greatest names in contemporary boxing, the aging Estrada (pitcutred) seeks to reaffirm his elite status and join the select group of legends who have captured world titles in three different divisions. Age 35, Estrada scored a trmendous win against a fellow Hall of Famer to be, Roman Gonzalez, in a superflyweight championship bout in 2022. But he has only fought twicw since then, going 1-1.
Following a brave previous attempt against Takuma Inoue, the Japanese idol Nasukawa has focused his training on mobility and speed to decipher the technical and aggressive style of the Sonoran warrior.
The fight will be broadcast on ESPN KnockOut and Disney+ (Latin America), Prime Video Boxing 15 (Japan).
The undercard features high-impact bouts that reinforce the sporting brotherhood between both nations: Tomoya Tsuboi vs. Pedro Guevara: a clash of experience and youth in the super flyweight division.... Kyosuke Takami vs. Ángel “Camaleón” Ayala: a strategic flyweight duel that promises fireworks.
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Estrada goes to war in Japan this week
The boxing world sets its sights on the iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, where a golden chapter in the historic rivalry between Mexico and Japan will be written this Saturday, April 11th. It will be a WBC final eliminator in the bantamweight division, as the legendary Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada (45-4, 28 KOs), a former two-division champion and one of the most respected warriors of the last decade, arrives in Japan with a clear mission: to defeat sporting and media phenomenon Tenshin Nasukawa (7-1, 2 KOs) . Nasukawa will be facing the most rigorous test of his professional career, a high-stakes showdown that will determine the official challenger for the reigning WBC monarch, Takuma Inoue.
Having faced the greatest names in contemporary boxing, the aging Estrada (pitcutred) seeks to reaffirm his elite status and join the select group of legends who have captured world titles in three different divisions. Age 35, Estrada scored a trmendous win against a fellow Hall of Famer to be, Roman Gonzalez, in a superflyweight championship bout in 2022. But he has only fought twicw since then, going 1-1.
Following a brave previous attempt against Takuma Inoue, the Japanese idol Nasukawa has focused his training on mobility and speed to decipher the technical and aggressive style of the Sonoran warrior.
The fight will be broadcast on ESPN KnockOut and Disney+ (Latin America), Prime Video Boxing 15 (Japan).
The undercard features high-impact bouts that reinforce the sporting brotherhood between both nations: Tomoya Tsuboi vs. Pedro Guevara: a clash of experience and youth in the super flyweight division.... Kyosuke Takami vs. Ángel “Camaleón” Ayala: a strategic flyweight duel that promises fireworks.
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Zuffa Boxing 06: Bohachuk vs. Mosley Jr. |
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Zuffa Boxing has announced that its sixth show will take place on Sunday May 10th at the Apex, the same Las Vegas venue that has hosted the previous five editions. In the main event, Shane Mosley Jr. (22-5) will challenge Serhii Bohachuk (27-3) in a middleweight bout. The chief support will see Julian "Hammer Hands" Rodriguez (25-1) against James Perrella (21-0) at welterweight. Also on the card will be a battle of unbeaten middleweights pitting Misael Rodriguez against Andreas Katzourakis, both of whom have pro records of 16-0.
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Zuffa Boxing 06: Bohachuk vs. Mosley Jr.
Zuffa Boxing has announced that its sixth show will take place on Sunday May 10th at the Apex, the same Las Vegas venue that has hosted the previous five editions. In the main event, Shane Mosley Jr. (22-5) will challenge Serhii Bohachuk (27-3) in a middleweight bout. The chief support will see Julian "Hammer Hands" Rodriguez (25-1) against James Perrella (21-0) at welterweight. Also on the card will be a battle of unbeaten middleweights pitting Misael Rodriguez against Andreas Katzourakis, both of whom have pro records of 16-0.
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Sheeraz and Begic to clash for vacant super middleweight belt |
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His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and The Ring Magazine announced details of the undercard for ‘Glory in Giza’ taking place in Egypt on Saturday May 23rd supported by Matchroom Boxing. World heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk faces former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven as the headline bout, live worldwide on DAZN. Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1) and Alem Begic (29-0-1) lead the undercard in a clash of unbeaten fighters for the vacant WBO super middleweight title, with Sheeraz returning to the ring for the first time in 2026 following a fifth-round knockout of Edgar Berlanga in New York last July. The title was vacated when wrold champion Terence Crawford retired last year.
Jack Catterall (32-2) will faces Uzbek contender Shakhram Giyasov (17-0-0) for the WBA regular welterweight title, with Catterall coming off a victory over Ekow Essuman in November... Cuban contender Frank Sanchez (25-1) will take on unbeaten Olympic silver medallist Richard Torrez Jr. (14-0) in an IBF heavyweight eliminator... Mizuki Hiruta (10–0) will defend her WBO super flyweight title against Egyptian-born Australian Mai Soliman (10–1). This will be Hiruta’s seventh straight defense of her WBO belt, which she won back in September 2022, and her first bout on a major card... Egyptian cruiserweight Basem Mamdouh (10-2) is set to compete on home soil, taking on undefeated American Jamar Talley (6-0-0)... The undercard will also showcase emerging Egyptian talents with Mahmoud Mobark facing Michael Kalyalya and Omar Hikal taking on Ali Sserunkuma.
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Sheeraz and Begic to clash for vacant super middleweight belt
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and The Ring Magazine announced details of the undercard for ‘Glory in Giza’ taking place in Egypt on Saturday May 23rd supported by Matchroom Boxing. World heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk faces former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven as the headline bout, live worldwide on DAZN. Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1) and Alem Begic (29-0-1) lead the undercard in a clash of unbeaten fighters for the vacant WBO super middleweight title, with Sheeraz returning to the ring for the first time in 2026 following a fifth-round knockout of Edgar Berlanga in New York last July. The title was vacated when wrold champion Terence Crawford retired last year.
Jack Catterall (32-2) will faces Uzbek contender Shakhram Giyasov (17-0-0) for the WBA regular welterweight title, with Catterall coming off a victory over Ekow Essuman in November... Cuban contender Frank Sanchez (25-1) will take on unbeaten Olympic silver medallist Richard Torrez Jr. (14-0) in an IBF heavyweight eliminator... Mizuki Hiruta (10–0) will defend her WBO super flyweight title against Egyptian-born Australian Mai Soliman (10–1). This will be Hiruta’s seventh straight defense of her WBO belt, which she won back in September 2022, and her first bout on a major card... Egyptian cruiserweight Basem Mamdouh (10-2) is set to compete on home soil, taking on undefeated American Jamar Talley (6-0-0)... The undercard will also showcase emerging Egyptian talents with Mahmoud Mobark facing Michael Kalyalya and Omar Hikal taking on Ali Sserunkuma.
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Preview of Friday's show in Newark, NJ |
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This Friday, April 10th, (7:30 pm EDT/4:30 pm PDT) ProBoxTV is at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Presented by Rising Star Promotions and Pro Box Promotions, the ten-round middleweight main even features Brazil's Hebert Conceicao Sousa (10-0, 5 KOs) in his toughest career test to date against Johan “The Chelo Manotas” Gonzalez (36-5, 34 KOs) of Las Vegas via Venezuela. And in the ten-round co-feature, ProBoxTV fan favorites Francisco “Bebu” Daniel Veron (16-1-1, 10 KOs) of Buenos Aires and Raul Garcia (15-2-1 12 KOs) of the Dominican Republic will trade power punches in a guaranteed junior middleweight slugfest. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and prucenter.com.
Before turning professional in 2022, 28-year-old Hebert Conceicao won a middleweight gold medal at the 2021 Olympics and took bronze in the 2019 World Amateur Championships. In ten pro fights, Conceicao has already beaten two prominent Brazilian countrymen: the 2012 London Olympic-medal-winning brothers, Esquiva and Yamaguchi Falcao. In June 2024, in just his sixth fight, Conceicao won a unanimous ten-round decision over younger brother and silver medalist Esquiva and in September of last year, he prevailed against older brother and bronze medalist Yamaguchi to win the Brazilian super middleweight title. Conceicao was last seen in December of last year with a nearly flawless ten-round unanimous decision over veteran Elias Espadas in Fort Lauderdale, live on ProBoxTV.
After turning professional in 2017, the 34-year-old Johan Gonzalez won his first 22 fights by knockout. In March 2025, he won a ten-round split decision over former unified junior middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd. Gonzalez has made two previous appearances on ProBoxTV. In August 2023, he stopped Ricardo Ruben Villalbain five rounds, and then in November of that year, he scored a majority ten-round decision over then 16-1-2 Guido Schramm. Both fights were held at the Whitesands Events Center in Plant City, Florida.
In a ten-round supporting bout, junior lightweight William Foster III (19-3, 11 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut, will face Joshafat Ortiz (13-3, 6 KOs) of Reading, Pennsylvania....
Opening the televised action will be a six-round junior welterweight battle between Gabriel Gerena (8-1, 6 KOs) of Piscataway, New Jersey, and Rani Jalomo (7-0-1, 4 KOs) of Chicago...
A six-round bantamweight tilt will feature Emmanuel Chance (3-0, 1 KO) of East Orange, New Jersey against Angel Munoz (3-2, 2 KOs) of Baldwin Park, California.
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Preview of Friday's show in Newark, NJ
This Friday, April 10th, (7:30 pm EDT/4:30 pm PDT) ProBoxTV is at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Presented by Rising Star Promotions and Pro Box Promotions, the ten-round middleweight main even features Brazil's Hebert Conceicao Sousa (10-0, 5 KOs) in his toughest career test to date against Johan “The Chelo Manotas” Gonzalez (36-5, 34 KOs) of Las Vegas via Venezuela. And in the ten-round co-feature, ProBoxTV fan favorites Francisco “Bebu” Daniel Veron (16-1-1, 10 KOs) of Buenos Aires and Raul Garcia (15-2-1 12 KOs) of the Dominican Republic will trade power punches in a guaranteed junior middleweight slugfest. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and prucenter.com.
Before turning professional in 2022, 28-year-old Hebert Conceicao won a middleweight gold medal at the 2021 Olympics and took bronze in the 2019 World Amateur Championships. In ten pro fights, Conceicao has already beaten two prominent Brazilian countrymen: the 2012 London Olympic-medal-winning brothers, Esquiva and Yamaguchi Falcao. In June 2024, in just his sixth fight, Conceicao won a unanimous ten-round decision over younger brother and silver medalist Esquiva and in September of last year, he prevailed against older brother and bronze medalist Yamaguchi to win the Brazilian super middleweight title. Conceicao was last seen in December of last year with a nearly flawless ten-round unanimous decision over veteran Elias Espadas in Fort Lauderdale, live on ProBoxTV.
After turning professional in 2017, the 34-year-old Johan Gonzalez won his first 22 fights by knockout. In March 2025, he won a ten-round split decision over former unified junior middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd. Gonzalez has made two previous appearances on ProBoxTV. In August 2023, he stopped Ricardo Ruben Villalbain five rounds, and then in November of that year, he scored a majority ten-round decision over then 16-1-2 Guido Schramm. Both fights were held at the Whitesands Events Center in Plant City, Florida.
In a ten-round supporting bout, junior lightweight William Foster III (19-3, 11 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut, will face Joshafat Ortiz (13-3, 6 KOs) of Reading, Pennsylvania....
Opening the televised action will be a six-round junior welterweight battle between Gabriel Gerena (8-1, 6 KOs) of Piscataway, New Jersey, and Rani Jalomo (7-0-1, 4 KOs) of Chicago...
A six-round bantamweight tilt will feature Emmanuel Chance (3-0, 1 KO) of East Orange, New Jersey against Angel Munoz (3-2, 2 KOs) of Baldwin Park, California.
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Bachkov gets TKO win in Dubai |
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Hovhannes Bachkov TKO4 Luis Arcón... In a display of precision and punching power, Armenia’s Hovhannes Bachkov registered a fourth-round technical knockout victory over Venezuela’s Luis Arcón. The junior welterweight bout, held in Dubai last weekend, marked a reunion between two former Olympic circuit rivals, with the European once again asserting his dominance. From the opening bell, Bachkov (9-0, 8 KOs) controlled the center of the ring, using his polished technique to break down Arcón’s guard as the Venezuelan attempted to answer back with his trademark aggression. However, the Tokyo Olympic medalist’s hand speed proved decisive, as he fired off sharp combinations that quickly began to wear down Arcon.
The end came in the fourth round. Following a sustained barrage capped by a powerful combination to the head, Arcón was sent to the canvas. Though he tried to beat the count, the accumulated punishment and Bachkov’s clear superiority prompted the referee to wave it off, awarding the Armenian his ninth professional victory. With the win, Bachkov further solidifies his standing as one of the most dangerous punchers in the 140-pound division. For Arcón (16-1-1, 12 KOs), the loss marks the first defeat of his professional career, in a bout where Bachkov’s technical edge ultimately proved decisive—echoing their amateur meeting a decade ago on the road to Rio 2016, where the Armenian prevailed by split decision.
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Bachkov gets TKO win in Dubai
Hovhannes Bachkov TKO4 Luis Arcón... In a display of precision and punching power, Armenia’s Hovhannes Bachkov registered a fourth-round technical knockout victory over Venezuela’s Luis Arcón. The junior welterweight bout, held in Dubai last weekend, marked a reunion between two former Olympic circuit rivals, with the European once again asserting his dominance. From the opening bell, Bachkov (9-0, 8 KOs) controlled the center of the ring, using his polished technique to break down Arcón’s guard as the Venezuelan attempted to answer back with his trademark aggression. However, the Tokyo Olympic medalist’s hand speed proved decisive, as he fired off sharp combinations that quickly began to wear down Arcon.
The end came in the fourth round. Following a sustained barrage capped by a powerful combination to the head, Arcón was sent to the canvas. Though he tried to beat the count, the accumulated punishment and Bachkov’s clear superiority prompted the referee to wave it off, awarding the Armenian his ninth professional victory. With the win, Bachkov further solidifies his standing as one of the most dangerous punchers in the 140-pound division. For Arcón (16-1-1, 12 KOs), the loss marks the first defeat of his professional career, in a bout where Bachkov’s technical edge ultimately proved decisive—echoing their amateur meeting a decade ago on the road to Rio 2016, where the Armenian prevailed by split decision.
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Japanese update: a win for Midorikawa, age 39 |
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Tsukuru Midorikawa TKO7 Hisashi Kato... Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall was the stage for a night of boxing this past April 3rd, featuring the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) junior middleweight championship. In an event presented by the prestigious Teiken Promotions, reigning monarch Tsukuru Midorikawa successfully defended his crown against the tough challenger Hisashi Kato. From the opening bell, Midorikawa demonstrated the experience and power that keep the prestigious regional belt around his waist, controlling the attacks of a relentless Kato. The conclusion came at 2:12 of the seventh round, when referee Takeru Okaniwa determined the challenger could not continue, decreeing a Technical Knockout victory for Midorikawa. With this result, the 39 year-old champion moves to 6-0. Kate is now 13-15-2.
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Japanese update: a win for Midorikawa, age 39
Tsukuru Midorikawa TKO7 Hisashi Kato... Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall was the stage for a night of boxing this past April 3rd, featuring the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) junior middleweight championship. In an event presented by the prestigious Teiken Promotions, reigning monarch Tsukuru Midorikawa successfully defended his crown against the tough challenger Hisashi Kato. From the opening bell, Midorikawa demonstrated the experience and power that keep the prestigious regional belt around his waist, controlling the attacks of a relentless Kato. The conclusion came at 2:12 of the seventh round, when referee Takeru Okaniwa determined the challenger could not continue, decreeing a Technical Knockout victory for Midorikawa. With this result, the 39 year-old champion moves to 6-0. Kate is now 13-15-2.
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Medford, Massachusetts card on tap for Great American Beer Hall |
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This Friday, April 10th, the Great American Beer Hall in Medford, Massachusetts will play host to a pro boxing when undefeated Irishman Thomas “The Kid” O’Toole takes on puncher Jeremy Cullors of Virginia in a super middleweight contest. O’Toole (15-0, 10 KOs), a Braintree resident and a fan favorite among Boston’s strong Irish community, enters the bout riding the momentum of a dominant performance last November, where he stopped Ismael Ocles in four rounds. A southpaw standing an imposing 6’3”, O’Toole has steadily developed his punching power. Across the ring, Cullors (8-2, 8 KOs) represents a dangerous test. Despite having fewer bouts, he boasts a menacing résumé in that every one of his victories has come by knockout. Cullors is the kind of fighter who can change the course of a fight with a single shot. His game plan is straightforward: close the distance and force exchanges that will test the chin of the unbeaten Irishman.
O’Toole will need to make full use of his reach advantage and footwork, keeping Cullors at bay behind a sharp jab while avoiding getting trapped along the ropes, where the American is at his most dangerous. Cullors, meanwhile, will look to apply relentless pressure, hunting for that one decisive blow that could silence the crowd.
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Medford, Massachusetts card on tap for Great American Beer Hall
This Friday, April 10th, the Great American Beer Hall in Medford, Massachusetts will play host to a pro boxing when undefeated Irishman Thomas “The Kid” O’Toole takes on puncher Jeremy Cullors of Virginia in a super middleweight contest. O’Toole (15-0, 10 KOs), a Braintree resident and a fan favorite among Boston’s strong Irish community, enters the bout riding the momentum of a dominant performance last November, where he stopped Ismael Ocles in four rounds. A southpaw standing an imposing 6’3”, O’Toole has steadily developed his punching power. Across the ring, Cullors (8-2, 8 KOs) represents a dangerous test. Despite having fewer bouts, he boasts a menacing résumé in that every one of his victories has come by knockout. Cullors is the kind of fighter who can change the course of a fight with a single shot. His game plan is straightforward: close the distance and force exchanges that will test the chin of the unbeaten Irishman.
O’Toole will need to make full use of his reach advantage and footwork, keeping Cullors at bay behind a sharp jab while avoiding getting trapped along the ropes, where the American is at his most dangerous. Cullors, meanwhile, will look to apply relentless pressure, hunting for that one decisive blow that could silence the crowd.
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Dirty Boxing reveals full line-up for Friday |
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Dirty Boxing Championship returns this Friday, April 10th with DBX6 headlined by Michael Garcia vs. Rob “The Wolf” Perez for the orgnaization's interim heavyweight title live from the James L. Knight Center and streaming live and for free beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT on the Dirty Boxing Championship YouTube Channel. In the co-feature, Montavious Ware (4-0 in traditional boxing) looks for a second DBX win against Luis Saldana in a battle of fighters sporting 1-0 DBX records. Also st for action is Miami fan-favorite Bryan “El Gallo” Duran, who steps into the ring against veteran boxer Tristan Gallichan (6-5-2 in traditional boxing). Rounding out main card action is rising 6’7” star Tibaba Progress, who steps into the ring against 6’6” boxing veteran Blake LaCaze and 2-0 DBX competitor Milos “The Cobra” Janicic looking to keep his perfect record intact against Taylor “The Wyldman” Burley.
For ticket information and event details, visit https://dirtyboxingchampionship.com/.
The live streaming action also features a loaded lineup of prelims that will see former UFC competitor A.J. “The Savage” Cunningham facing Indiana’s Gabriel “Tag” Eurit (1-0 DBX) in a 145-pound duel, NFL turned combat sports athlete Zachary “The High Chief” Pauga (1-0 DBX) battling Joseph White in a heavyweight tilt, Jaleel “The Realest” Willis (1-0 DBX) dueling North Carolina’s Ryan Jett in a 170-pound matchup and Korean brawler Seung Jun Lee (1-0 DBX) facing Arizona’s Steven Gurrola in a heavyweight bout.
Rounding out the card is Dustin “Hollywood” Bailey (1-0 DBX) in 185-pound action against fellow DBX unbeaten Jeff “Insidious” Craig (1-0 DBX), plus Monte Ogbonna-Morrison (1-0 DBX) facing Leonardo Acanda in a 185-pound matchup and Ago “The Bosnian Dragon” Huskic in a 155-pound bout against Jeremy Henry.
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Dirty Boxing reveals full line-up for Friday
Dirty Boxing Championship returns this Friday, April 10th with DBX6 headlined by Michael Garcia vs. Rob “The Wolf” Perez for the orgnaization's interim heavyweight title live from the James L. Knight Center and streaming live and for free beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT on the Dirty Boxing Championship YouTube Channel. In the co-feature, Montavious Ware (4-0 in traditional boxing) looks for a second DBX win against Luis Saldana in a battle of fighters sporting 1-0 DBX records. Also st for action is Miami fan-favorite Bryan “El Gallo” Duran, who steps into the ring against veteran boxer Tristan Gallichan (6-5-2 in traditional boxing). Rounding out main card action is rising 6’7” star Tibaba Progress, who steps into the ring against 6’6” boxing veteran Blake LaCaze and 2-0 DBX competitor Milos “The Cobra” Janicic looking to keep his perfect record intact against Taylor “The Wyldman” Burley.
For ticket information and event details, visit https://dirtyboxingchampionship.com/.
The live streaming action also features a loaded lineup of prelims that will see former UFC competitor A.J. “The Savage” Cunningham facing Indiana’s Gabriel “Tag” Eurit (1-0 DBX) in a 145-pound duel, NFL turned combat sports athlete Zachary “The High Chief” Pauga (1-0 DBX) battling Joseph White in a heavyweight tilt, Jaleel “The Realest” Willis (1-0 DBX) dueling North Carolina’s Ryan Jett in a 170-pound matchup and Korean brawler Seung Jun Lee (1-0 DBX) facing Arizona’s Steven Gurrola in a heavyweight bout.
Rounding out the card is Dustin “Hollywood” Bailey (1-0 DBX) in 185-pound action against fellow DBX unbeaten Jeff “Insidious” Craig (1-0 DBX), plus Monte Ogbonna-Morrison (1-0 DBX) facing Leonardo Acanda in a 185-pound matchup and Ago “The Bosnian Dragon” Huskic in a 155-pound bout against Jeremy Henry.
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Santiago remains unified champ with another road win |
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Rene Santiago W12 Masataka Taniguchi... Puerto Rico's René “El Chulo” Santiago fadded to his legacy as a Japanese spoiler by successfully defending his unified WBA and WBO light flyweight world titles with a unanimous decision victory over former champion Masataka Taniguchi. The high-level tactical battle took place Friday, April 3rd at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall, marking Santiago’s third consecutive win on Japanese soil. After twelve rounds, the judges confirmed Santiago’s command with scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 114-113, all in favor of the defending champion. With the victory, Santiago improves to 16-4 with 9 knockouts and joins fellow standouts like Oscar Collazo and Xander Zayas as part of the new wave of Puerto Rican fighters holding unified world titles. Taniguchi, a former 105-pound title holder, falls to 21-6.
The bout unfolded in two distinct phases. In the early rounds, Taniguchi used his southpaw stance and superior hand speed to trouble the champion, landing sharp combinations that gave him a slight edge on the scorecards. However, the turning point came in the fifth round, when Santiago landed a perfectly timed counter right hook that sent the Japanese fighter to the canvas. Though Taniguchi rose quickly, the knockdown dramatically shifted the momentum and psychology of the fight.
From that moment on, “El Chulo” took full control. Showcasing ring IQ and composure, the Humacao native relied on lateral movement and a tight defensive shell to neutralize the challenger’s offense. In the championship rounds, Santiago displayed excellent conditioning, maintaining his punch output while avoiding the kind of risky exchanges Taniguchi desperately needed to turn the tide.
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Santiago remains unified champ with another road win
Rene Santiago W12 Masataka Taniguchi... Puerto Rico's René “El Chulo” Santiago fadded to his legacy as a Japanese spoiler by successfully defending his unified WBA and WBO light flyweight world titles with a unanimous decision victory over former champion Masataka Taniguchi. The high-level tactical battle took place Friday, April 3rd at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall, marking Santiago’s third consecutive win on Japanese soil. After twelve rounds, the judges confirmed Santiago’s command with scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 114-113, all in favor of the defending champion. With the victory, Santiago improves to 16-4 with 9 knockouts and joins fellow standouts like Oscar Collazo and Xander Zayas as part of the new wave of Puerto Rican fighters holding unified world titles. Taniguchi, a former 105-pound title holder, falls to 21-6.
The bout unfolded in two distinct phases. In the early rounds, Taniguchi used his southpaw stance and superior hand speed to trouble the champion, landing sharp combinations that gave him a slight edge on the scorecards. However, the turning point came in the fifth round, when Santiago landed a perfectly timed counter right hook that sent the Japanese fighter to the canvas. Though Taniguchi rose quickly, the knockdown dramatically shifted the momentum and psychology of the fight.
From that moment on, “El Chulo” took full control. Showcasing ring IQ and composure, the Humacao native relied on lateral movement and a tight defensive shell to neutralize the challenger’s offense. In the championship rounds, Santiago displayed excellent conditioning, maintaining his punch output while avoiding the kind of risky exchanges Taniguchi desperately needed to turn the tide.
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Dubois defeats Harper to become unified champion |
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Caroline Dubois W10 Terri Harper ... Caroline Dubois dropped Terri Harper en route to beating her rival by unanimous decision in a unification bout. After a cagey start, Dubois made a breakthrough in the sixth round when she dropped Harper to the canvas. They fought fiercely through the closing stages of the bout with Dubois taking the unanimous verdict: 98-91 (twice) and 97-92 to unify the WBC and WBO world lightweight championships. Harper is a three-weight world champion and established on the British boxing scene. But Dubois, the WBC titlist going in to the match-up at Kensington's Olympia, hadn't hesitated to dismiss her achievements and threaten an early knockout.
Neither however rushed in the first round, both reluctant to make a mistake. They looked for jabs and Harper examined Dubois' southpaw style. Dubois padded Harper's jab down and the Londoner launched a sudden double right and rapid left, only for it to sail wide. Dubois feinted but didn't draw much from Harper. Her right hook though grazed the top of Harper's head, prompting the WBO champion to step in with fast straight shots. Dubois bounded smartly clear. She slammed a left hook around Harper's guard and the Yorkshirewoman smiled and stuck out her tongue.
Dubois reached for the body with a one-two combination, then a solid right from Harper shot to her stomach. The Londoner blocked a heavy cross from Harper and rolled under a left hook to land her right. Dubois slid away from straight punches but Harper smiled at her again when Dubois' left fell short. Harper kept moving, looking to make Dubois work. Her plan was to drain Dubois' energy and she did land solidly before the end of the fourth round.
Dubois strode forward with a powerful one-two, but was breathing heavily as she sat on her stool. Holding the center of the ring, Dubois darted forward to apply body shots. A left hook caught Dubois as she backed out. Stranded up close, they put spite into punches but couldn't find the target. There was little separate them at the halfway stage. Dubois curved her left down. She moved in with the backhand again. Harper kept pedalling away, but Dubois was getting ever closer. She struck hard in the sixth round, hitting the body first before going upstairs, a crunching left hook to the head putting Harper down.
Harper looked to respond, fighting back in the next round. But as she came forward, Dubois could settle herself and time shots. She cranked another heavy left into Harper's glove and then whipped in more backhands. She attacked the body as Harper retreated and snagged her jab into the head.
A cut, opening on the left eyebrow, gave Harper yet another problem to contend with. Dubois smashed in a right hook and continued her pursuit. A cruel right uppercut landed and a big left from Dubois hit hard. Dubois kept her eyes locked on Harper and she set about her. She fired in a combination as Harper leant back into the ropes.
Harper was under pressure now. She stood her ground and reeled off a right hook. They exchanged vicious shots in the ninth round and Harper landed to head. She smacked a left in too as the bell sounded. In the last round, Harper repeated left hooks and brought in her right. Those shots caught Dubois but she rattled Harper with own fast right hook. They went blow for blow, both refusing to back off, Dubois' left landing strongly.
Harper had provided Dubois with her sternest professional examination yet. But it was one the young Briton passed. "What an atmosphere. Women's boxing has always been on the backburner but today we put it at the forefront, so thanks to everyone who turned up and fought on the card. I couldn't do it without you," Dubois told Sky Sports.
"I know the Terri Harper fans will be upset but she put on a good show and is a very good boxer. This was never personal for me, it was personal for Terri. I am an entertainer and put myself out there for you guys."
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Dubois defeats Harper to become unified champion
Caroline Dubois W10 Terri Harper ... Caroline Dubois dropped Terri Harper en route to beating her rival by unanimous decision in a unification bout. After a cagey start, Dubois made a breakthrough in the sixth round when she dropped Harper to the canvas. They fought fiercely through the closing stages of the bout with Dubois taking the unanimous verdict: 98-91 (twice) and 97-92 to unify the WBC and WBO world lightweight championships. Harper is a three-weight world champion and established on the British boxing scene. But Dubois, the WBC titlist going in to the match-up at Kensington's Olympia, hadn't hesitated to dismiss her achievements and threaten an early knockout.
Neither however rushed in the first round, both reluctant to make a mistake. They looked for jabs and Harper examined Dubois' southpaw style. Dubois padded Harper's jab down and the Londoner launched a sudden double right and rapid left, only for it to sail wide. Dubois feinted but didn't draw much from Harper. Her right hook though grazed the top of Harper's head, prompting the WBO champion to step in with fast straight shots. Dubois bounded smartly clear. She slammed a left hook around Harper's guard and the Yorkshirewoman smiled and stuck out her tongue.
Dubois reached for the body with a one-two combination, then a solid right from Harper shot to her stomach. The Londoner blocked a heavy cross from Harper and rolled under a left hook to land her right. Dubois slid away from straight punches but Harper smiled at her again when Dubois' left fell short. Harper kept moving, looking to make Dubois work. Her plan was to drain Dubois' energy and she did land solidly before the end of the fourth round.
Dubois strode forward with a powerful one-two, but was breathing heavily as she sat on her stool. Holding the center of the ring, Dubois darted forward to apply body shots. A left hook caught Dubois as she backed out. Stranded up close, they put spite into punches but couldn't find the target. There was little separate them at the halfway stage. Dubois curved her left down. She moved in with the backhand again. Harper kept pedalling away, but Dubois was getting ever closer. She struck hard in the sixth round, hitting the body first before going upstairs, a crunching left hook to the head putting Harper down.
Harper looked to respond, fighting back in the next round. But as she came forward, Dubois could settle herself and time shots. She cranked another heavy left into Harper's glove and then whipped in more backhands. She attacked the body as Harper retreated and snagged her jab into the head.
A cut, opening on the left eyebrow, gave Harper yet another problem to contend with. Dubois smashed in a right hook and continued her pursuit. A cruel right uppercut landed and a big left from Dubois hit hard. Dubois kept her eyes locked on Harper and she set about her. She fired in a combination as Harper leant back into the ropes.
Harper was under pressure now. She stood her ground and reeled off a right hook. They exchanged vicious shots in the ninth round and Harper landed to head. She smacked a left in too as the bell sounded. In the last round, Harper repeated left hooks and brought in her right. Those shots caught Dubois but she rattled Harper with own fast right hook. They went blow for blow, both refusing to back off, Dubois' left landing strongly.
Harper had provided Dubois with her sternest professional examination yet. But it was one the young Briton passed. "What an atmosphere. Women's boxing has always been on the backburner but today we put it at the forefront, so thanks to everyone who turned up and fought on the card. I couldn't do it without you," Dubois told Sky Sports.
"I know the Terri Harper fans will be upset but she put on a good show and is a very good boxer. This was never personal for me, it was personal for Terri. I am an entertainer and put myself out there for you guys."
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Bloodied Lauren Price defeats Stephanie Pineiro |
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Lauren Price W10 Stephanie Piñeiro Aquino.... In a fight that began as a technical showcase and turned into a grueling test of grit and resolve, Wales’ Lauren Price retained her unified welterweight world titles with a unanimous decision victory over Puerto Rico’s Stephanie Piñeiro Aquino. The bout, held Saturday night at Utilita Arena Cardiff, left the champion bloodied but unbroken, her belts still firmly in her possession. After ten hard-fought rounds, the judges returned scores of 98-92, 99-91, and 98-92, all in favor of theundefeated Price, who is recognozed as a world champion by al the major organizations save the WBO, who have Mikaela Mayer as champ.
From the opening bell, Price (10-0, 2 KOs) put her Olympic pedigree on full display. Using superior hand speed and constant lateral movement, she controlled the first four rounds, snapping Piñeiro’s head back with crisp right hooks and straight lefts. Despite holding a noticeable height advantage, Piñeiro (10-1, 3 KOs) struggled to pin down the elusive Welsh fighter at range. The fight took a dramatic turn in the fifth round. An accidental clash of heads opened a deep cut over Price’s right eyebrow and left her mouth bloodied, with blood pouring heavily. Sensing opportunity, Piñeiro ramped up the pressure, trapping the champion along the ropes in the sixth and seventh rounds and landing heavy combinations that tested Price’s durability. Unfazed by the blood staining her white trunks, Price showed the heart of a true champion in the championship rounds. In the ninth and tenth, she abandoned her hit-and-move approach and stood her ground, trading in the center of the ring with sharp, surgical precision that ultimately halted the challenger’s momentum.
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Bloodied Lauren Price defeats Stephanie Pineiro
Lauren Price W10 Stephanie Piñeiro Aquino.... In a fight that began as a technical showcase and turned into a grueling test of grit and resolve, Wales’ Lauren Price retained her unified welterweight world titles with a unanimous decision victory over Puerto Rico’s Stephanie Piñeiro Aquino. The bout, held Saturday night at Utilita Arena Cardiff, left the champion bloodied but unbroken, her belts still firmly in her possession. After ten hard-fought rounds, the judges returned scores of 98-92, 99-91, and 98-92, all in favor of theundefeated Price, who is recognozed as a world champion by al the major organizations save the WBO, who have Mikaela Mayer as champ.
From the opening bell, Price (10-0, 2 KOs) put her Olympic pedigree on full display. Using superior hand speed and constant lateral movement, she controlled the first four rounds, snapping Piñeiro’s head back with crisp right hooks and straight lefts. Despite holding a noticeable height advantage, Piñeiro (10-1, 3 KOs) struggled to pin down the elusive Welsh fighter at range. The fight took a dramatic turn in the fifth round. An accidental clash of heads opened a deep cut over Price’s right eyebrow and left her mouth bloodied, with blood pouring heavily. Sensing opportunity, Piñeiro ramped up the pressure, trapping the champion along the ropes in the sixth and seventh rounds and landing heavy combinations that tested Price’s durability. Unfazed by the blood staining her white trunks, Price showed the heart of a true champion in the championship rounds. In the ninth and tenth, she abandoned her hit-and-move approach and stood her ground, trading in the center of the ring with sharp, surgical precision that ultimately halted the challenger’s momentum.
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Andres Cortes takes Zuffa Boxing 05 main event |
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Andres Cortes W10 Eridson Garcia... In the main event at Zuffa Boxing 05 in Las Vegas, local lightweight Andres Cortes claimed a dominant decision victory over the Dominican Republic's Eridson Garcia over ten rounds. Cortes kept Garcia guessing early by staying at range, then blitzing in with two- or three-punch combinations, before sliding back out of range to avoid Garcia’s attempted counters. Cortes’s approach started to cause problems for Garcia, who was repeatedly warned for holding through round three, and between round referee Thomas Taylor warned his corner that a point deduction could follow if he continues to hold. And, sure enough, in round four, Garcia was hit with a point sanction by the official after again failing to let go on the call of break. It exacerbated things for the Dominican fighter, who was already struggling to keep up with his undefeated opponent.
From the mid-point of the fight, Cortes switched tactics and opted to close the distance, and Garcia seemingly had no answer to Cortes whenever the pair fought on the inside, with the Las Vegas native feasting at close quarters, ripping Garcia to the body and head. By the end of the seventh round, Cortes was exuding the confidence of a man who knew he had his opponent’s number. That didn’t change through the final three rounds, as Cortes comfortably negotiated the final nine minutes of the fight to claim a decision by scores of 97-92, 96-93 and 95-94 and move to 25-0 for his career.
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Andres Cortes takes Zuffa Boxing 05 main event
Andres Cortes W10 Eridson Garcia... In the main event at Zuffa Boxing 05 in Las Vegas, local lightweight Andres Cortes claimed a dominant decision victory over the Dominican Republic's Eridson Garcia over ten rounds. Cortes kept Garcia guessing early by staying at range, then blitzing in with two- or three-punch combinations, before sliding back out of range to avoid Garcia’s attempted counters. Cortes’s approach started to cause problems for Garcia, who was repeatedly warned for holding through round three, and between round referee Thomas Taylor warned his corner that a point deduction could follow if he continues to hold. And, sure enough, in round four, Garcia was hit with a point sanction by the official after again failing to let go on the call of break. It exacerbated things for the Dominican fighter, who was already struggling to keep up with his undefeated opponent.
From the mid-point of the fight, Cortes switched tactics and opted to close the distance, and Garcia seemingly had no answer to Cortes whenever the pair fought on the inside, with the Las Vegas native feasting at close quarters, ripping Garcia to the body and head. By the end of the seventh round, Cortes was exuding the confidence of a man who knew he had his opponent’s number. That didn’t change through the final three rounds, as Cortes comfortably negotiated the final nine minutes of the fight to claim a decision by scores of 97-92, 96-93 and 95-94 and move to 25-0 for his career.
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Cameron becomes two-weight champ |
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Chantelle Cameron W10 Michaela Kotaskova ... At London's Olympia, Chantelle Cameron defeated Michaela Kotaskova to win the WBO junior middleweight title. Cameron won first women's world title fight to be contested over three-minute rounds on United Kingdom soil. With the win, Cameron also became a two-weight world champion as she secured the vacant WBO title with a unanimous decision victory over Kotaskova of the Czech Republic. Cameron, a former undisputed world champion at 140 pounds and the sole professional conqueror of Katie Taylor, was stepping up to 154 pounds for this fight. She came into her own at that distance, winning a unanimous decision, 100-90 and 99-91 (twice), after ten three-minute rounds. Afterwards, Cameron called for Mikaela Mayer next although Mayer is currently a champion one division below Cameron.
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Cameron becomes two-weight champ
Chantelle Cameron W10 Michaela Kotaskova ... At London's Olympia, Chantelle Cameron defeated Michaela Kotaskova to win the WBO junior middleweight title. Cameron won first women's world title fight to be contested over three-minute rounds on United Kingdom soil. With the win, Cameron also became a two-weight world champion as she secured the vacant WBO title with a unanimous decision victory over Kotaskova of the Czech Republic. Cameron, a former undisputed world champion at 140 pounds and the sole professional conqueror of Katie Taylor, was stepping up to 154 pounds for this fight. She came into her own at that distance, winning a unanimous decision, 100-90 and 99-91 (twice), after ten three-minute rounds. Afterwards, Cameron called for Mikaela Mayer next although Mayer is currently a champion one division below Cameron.
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Magsayo wins lightweight debut |
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Mark Magsayo TKO5 Feargal McCrory ... In the Zuffa Boxing co-feature in Las Vegas, former featherweight champion Mark Magsayo successfully moved up to lightweight by finishing off Ireland’s Feargal McCrory. Cheered on by his Filipino following inside the Meta Apex, Magsayo made sure McCrory tasted his power early as he cracked the Irishman with two thumping right hands towards the end of the opening round. And, while McCrory gamely looked to step into range to land shots of his own, he struggled to connect with anything meaningful early on as Magsayo eased into the contest.
Magsayo continued to look a class above McCrory through the second and third rounds, and he came close to stopping the Irishman late in the fourth with a series of clean, hard shots that seemed to rock, but not drop, his man.
And, after McCrory’s corner warned him that they would pull him out of the fight if he continued to take damage, the call from head coach Colin Morgan came 21 seconds into the fifth round after Magsayo lit up McCrory with more power shots.
Elated, Magsayo celebrated a stoppage victory in his first Zuffa Boxing appearance, while McCrory was clearly gutted at his corner’s decision to pull him from the fight. In truth, it looked like a merciful decision from his team in order to give the brave Irishman the chance to potentially return to compete again. And, on the flip-side, it looks like Zuffa Boxing has a legitimate contender in Magsayo, who declared after his win that lightweight is his division, and that he’s ready to challenge for a world title.
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Magsayo wins lightweight debut
Mark Magsayo TKO5 Feargal McCrory ... In the Zuffa Boxing co-feature in Las Vegas, former featherweight champion Mark Magsayo successfully moved up to lightweight by finishing off Ireland’s Feargal McCrory. Cheered on by his Filipino following inside the Meta Apex, Magsayo made sure McCrory tasted his power early as he cracked the Irishman with two thumping right hands towards the end of the opening round. And, while McCrory gamely looked to step into range to land shots of his own, he struggled to connect with anything meaningful early on as Magsayo eased into the contest.
Magsayo continued to look a class above McCrory through the second and third rounds, and he came close to stopping the Irishman late in the fourth with a series of clean, hard shots that seemed to rock, but not drop, his man.
And, after McCrory’s corner warned him that they would pull him out of the fight if he continued to take damage, the call from head coach Colin Morgan came 21 seconds into the fifth round after Magsayo lit up McCrory with more power shots.
Elated, Magsayo celebrated a stoppage victory in his first Zuffa Boxing appearance, while McCrory was clearly gutted at his corner’s decision to pull him from the fight. In truth, it looked like a merciful decision from his team in order to give the brave Irishman the chance to potentially return to compete again. And, on the flip-side, it looks like Zuffa Boxing has a legitimate contender in Magsayo, who declared after his win that lightweight is his division, and that he’s ready to challenge for a world title.
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Scotney cleans up the 122-pound title situation |
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Ellie Scotney W10 Mayelli Flores... In London, Ellie Scotney prevailed in a thunderous ten-round battle with Mayelli Flores to become the undisputed super bantamweight world champion. Winning by unanimous decision, she unified Flores' WBA belt with the WBO, WBC and IBF world championships she already held. That earned her a place in British boxing history: Scotney, age 28, is the UK's youngest undisputed world champion, male or female, in the four-belt era. Flores had an eye on making her own history. She was battling to become the first Mexican woman to win the undisputed championship and would not let up for an instant. Two of the judges scored it overly generously for Scotney, 100-90 twice, and the third marked it 96-94 in her favour. It was though an unrelentingly intense battle with no breathing room for Scotney. A devout Christian, Scotney had been to church on the morning of Easter Sunday before fighting for her place in British boxing legend in the evening.
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Scotney cleans up the 122-pound title situation
Ellie Scotney W10 Mayelli Flores... In London, Ellie Scotney prevailed in a thunderous ten-round battle with Mayelli Flores to become the undisputed super bantamweight world champion. Winning by unanimous decision, she unified Flores' WBA belt with the WBO, WBC and IBF world championships she already held. That earned her a place in British boxing history: Scotney, age 28, is the UK's youngest undisputed world champion, male or female, in the four-belt era. Flores had an eye on making her own history. She was battling to become the first Mexican woman to win the undisputed championship and would not let up for an instant. Two of the judges scored it overly generously for Scotney, 100-90 twice, and the third marked it 96-94 in her favour. It was though an unrelentingly intense battle with no breathing room for Scotney. A devout Christian, Scotney had been to church on the morning of Easter Sunday before fighting for her place in British boxing legend in the evening.
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Zuffa Boxing 05 undercard results: Hovhannisyan overcomes adversity |
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Azat Hovhannisyan W10 Eduardo Baez... On the Zuffa Boxing 05 undercard in Las Vegas, Armenia’s “Crazy A” Azat Hovhannisyan had to do it the hard way, but he fought through adversity to claim a majority decision win on his first Zuffa Boxing appearance. Hovhannisyan faced Mexico’s Eduardo Baez in a 126-pound featherweight matchup, and looked to be in trouble after the opening round when he appeared to injure his left arm. Baez appeared to pick up on his opponent’s issue, and put his foot on the gas and unloaded power shots as he comprehensively outstruck the Armenian through the first two rounds. The third and fourth saw “Crazy A” gradually adapt his style to accommodate his injury, as he started to fight more competitively. But with Hovhannisyan clearly still only able to throw power with one hand, Baez continued to boss the action.
However, round five saw Hovhannisyan turn up the aggression as he drew Baez in, then looked to counter with big right hands as he seemed to settle on an alternative fighting style that worked for him. And, as the middle rounds played out, the action became much closer to call with Hovhannisyan enjoying some success with his right hand, while Baez’s work became increasingly more scrappy. And, despite fighting almost with one arm for much of the fight, Hovhannisyan battled all the way through to the final round to claim a majority decision verdict, with the judges scoring the fight 95-95, 96-94, 97-93 to give Hovhannisyan the 23rd, and perhaps the hardest-earned, victory of his fifteen-year career.
Alexis De La Cerda KO3 Ervin Fuller III... Alexis De La Cerda added an early candidate for the Zuffa Boxing highlight reel with a huge one-shot knockout of Ervin Fuller III in their featherweight matchup. The two undefeated 126-pounders went head-to-head with a combined record of 20-0, but it was De La Cerda’s punch power that proved the difference-maker as he starched Fuller with a sledgehammer of a short right hook that sent his man face-first into the canvas late in the third round. Fuller actually started the fight well, and may have edged the opening three minutes. But De La Cerda started to find his rhythm in the second as he loaded up with shots and went toe to toe with Fuller through round two. Then, in the third, De La Cerda hit the jackpot. After drawing Fuller into a close-quarters exchange, the 22-year-old from Federal Way, Washington unloaded a huge right hook that connected clean and ended the fight instantly. It gave De La Cerda the ninth win, and fifth knockout, of his undefeated career, as he claimed a statement win on his Zuffa Boxing debut.
Tony Hirsch Jr. W8 Robert Meriwether III... Tony Hirsch Jr. won the battle of the unbeaten lightweights as he defeated Robert Meriwether III via majority decision after eight action-packed rounds in their 135-pound matchup. The pair came out of the gates at full throttle and immediately went toe to toe in a breathless opening three minutes as they met in the center of the ring and traded combinations. Hirsch’s shots to the body looked particularly effective early on for the Zuffa Boxing debutant, while Meriwether appeared to have the slight edge in speed. It set things up for a high-octane encounter as Hirsch continually pushed the pace on Meriwether and refused to let “King” get a free shot. Through the fight, Hirsch’s greatest successes came from working behind his excellent jab, while Meriwether performed best from range, where he could put his shots together. But with most of the action coming in close, it became a battle of wills as the pair traded heavy combinations on the inside, both switching from head to body to excellent effect during the contest. And, as the fight wore on, it appeared that Hirsch’s work was more effective as he took charge of the closing rounds. With two rounds to go, Meriwether’s father, Robert Meriwether Jr., told his son that he needed to finish the fight. But despite pushing hard to find a fight-changing shot, he couldn’t break the relentless Hirsch, who ran out the majority decision winner with scores of 76-76, 76-75, 78-74. It improved “The Phantom’s” record to 8-0-2, while Meriwether suffered the first defeat of his professional career to take his record to 10-1.
Jorge Maravillo TKO5 Elias Diaz... California welterweights went head to head as undefeated Jorge Maravillo recovered from a sluggish start to stop Elias Diaz in the fifth round of their 148-pound matchup. Diaz started the stronger as he pushed the pace and connected with heavy shots through the first six minutes. One right hand over the top connected clean mid-way through the second round as the 32-year-old found his range the better of the two in the early going. Over the course of a competitive first four rounds, Diaz’s shots carried the greater weight as he edged Maravillo in terms of scoring shots landed as he opened up an early lead on the scorecards. But that all changed in the fifth when Maravillo, spurred on by his corner to let his hands go, did exactly that as he rocked Diaz with a huge right hand that forced the San Diego native to hold on. Maravillo kept the pressure on and eventually overwhelmed Diaz, who went to the canvas and took an eight count. Diaz beat the count, but was still badly rocked and, after Maravillo closed in and unloaded more power shots, referee Thomas Taylor stepped in to wave off the fight and spare Diaz any further punishment. It gave Maravillo the TKO victory as the undefeated 26-year-old improved his record to 12-0-1 with the ninth stoppage win of his career. Zuffa Boxing color commentator and pound-for-pound great Andre Ward said it best: “It ain’t how you start. It’s how you finish.”
Troy Nash W8 Bryan Rodriguez... In the opening bout of the evening, Colorado Springs featherweight Troy Nash added to his Zuffa Boxing debut win with a second victory, courtesy of a majority decision verdict over Bryan “Pretty Boy” Rodriguez. Fighting in his first career eight-rounder, Nash took the first couple of rounds to take a look at 19-year-old Rodriguez, and flashed some impressive hand speed as he offered a glimpse of his slick boxing. A Texas native, Rodriguez walked forward almost constantly in search of openings, but Nash controlled the range smartly off the back foot and scored more consistently as he beat the teenager to the punch throughout the contest. Rodriguez attempted to pick up the pace and intensity through the final three rounds, but Nash showcased some soldi defensive skills as he made his man miss, then punished him with well-timed counters. By the end of the penultimate round, Nash was putting his shots together beautifully as he landed cleanly with some eye-catching multi-punch combinations. Surprisingly, one judge scored the fight even at 76-76, but the other two cards more accurately reflected the action, with totals of 79-73 and 80-72 in Nash’s favor, as the undefeated Colorado native improved his record to 7-0-1 with a smart, controlled performance.
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Zuffa Boxing 05 undercard results: Hovhannisyan overcomes adversity
Azat Hovhannisyan W10 Eduardo Baez... On the Zuffa Boxing 05 undercard in Las Vegas, Armenia’s “Crazy A” Azat Hovhannisyan had to do it the hard way, but he fought through adversity to claim a majority decision win on his first Zuffa Boxing appearance. Hovhannisyan faced Mexico’s Eduardo Baez in a 126-pound featherweight matchup, and looked to be in trouble after the opening round when he appeared to injure his left arm. Baez appeared to pick up on his opponent’s issue, and put his foot on the gas and unloaded power shots as he comprehensively outstruck the Armenian through the first two rounds. The third and fourth saw “Crazy A” gradually adapt his style to accommodate his injury, as he started to fight more competitively. But with Hovhannisyan clearly still only able to throw power with one hand, Baez continued to boss the action.
However, round five saw Hovhannisyan turn up the aggression as he drew Baez in, then looked to counter with big right hands as he seemed to settle on an alternative fighting style that worked for him. And, as the middle rounds played out, the action became much closer to call with Hovhannisyan enjoying some success with his right hand, while Baez’s work became increasingly more scrappy. And, despite fighting almost with one arm for much of the fight, Hovhannisyan battled all the way through to the final round to claim a majority decision verdict, with the judges scoring the fight 95-95, 96-94, 97-93 to give Hovhannisyan the 23rd, and perhaps the hardest-earned, victory of his fifteen-year career.
Alexis De La Cerda KO3 Ervin Fuller III... Alexis De La Cerda added an early candidate for the Zuffa Boxing highlight reel with a huge one-shot knockout of Ervin Fuller III in their featherweight matchup. The two undefeated 126-pounders went head-to-head with a combined record of 20-0, but it was De La Cerda’s punch power that proved the difference-maker as he starched Fuller with a sledgehammer of a short right hook that sent his man face-first into the canvas late in the third round. Fuller actually started the fight well, and may have edged the opening three minutes. But De La Cerda started to find his rhythm in the second as he loaded up with shots and went toe to toe with Fuller through round two. Then, in the third, De La Cerda hit the jackpot. After drawing Fuller into a close-quarters exchange, the 22-year-old from Federal Way, Washington unloaded a huge right hook that connected clean and ended the fight instantly. It gave De La Cerda the ninth win, and fifth knockout, of his undefeated career, as he claimed a statement win on his Zuffa Boxing debut.
Tony Hirsch Jr. W8 Robert Meriwether III... Tony Hirsch Jr. won the battle of the unbeaten lightweights as he defeated Robert Meriwether III via majority decision after eight action-packed rounds in their 135-pound matchup. The pair came out of the gates at full throttle and immediately went toe to toe in a breathless opening three minutes as they met in the center of the ring and traded combinations. Hirsch’s shots to the body looked particularly effective early on for the Zuffa Boxing debutant, while Meriwether appeared to have the slight edge in speed. It set things up for a high-octane encounter as Hirsch continually pushed the pace on Meriwether and refused to let “King” get a free shot. Through the fight, Hirsch’s greatest successes came from working behind his excellent jab, while Meriwether performed best from range, where he could put his shots together. But with most of the action coming in close, it became a battle of wills as the pair traded heavy combinations on the inside, both switching from head to body to excellent effect during the contest. And, as the fight wore on, it appeared that Hirsch’s work was more effective as he took charge of the closing rounds. With two rounds to go, Meriwether’s father, Robert Meriwether Jr., told his son that he needed to finish the fight. But despite pushing hard to find a fight-changing shot, he couldn’t break the relentless Hirsch, who ran out the majority decision winner with scores of 76-76, 76-75, 78-74. It improved “The Phantom’s” record to 8-0-2, while Meriwether suffered the first defeat of his professional career to take his record to 10-1.
Jorge Maravillo TKO5 Elias Diaz... California welterweights went head to head as undefeated Jorge Maravillo recovered from a sluggish start to stop Elias Diaz in the fifth round of their 148-pound matchup. Diaz started the stronger as he pushed the pace and connected with heavy shots through the first six minutes. One right hand over the top connected clean mid-way through the second round as the 32-year-old found his range the better of the two in the early going. Over the course of a competitive first four rounds, Diaz’s shots carried the greater weight as he edged Maravillo in terms of scoring shots landed as he opened up an early lead on the scorecards. But that all changed in the fifth when Maravillo, spurred on by his corner to let his hands go, did exactly that as he rocked Diaz with a huge right hand that forced the San Diego native to hold on. Maravillo kept the pressure on and eventually overwhelmed Diaz, who went to the canvas and took an eight count. Diaz beat the count, but was still badly rocked and, after Maravillo closed in and unloaded more power shots, referee Thomas Taylor stepped in to wave off the fight and spare Diaz any further punishment. It gave Maravillo the TKO victory as the undefeated 26-year-old improved his record to 12-0-1 with the ninth stoppage win of his career. Zuffa Boxing color commentator and pound-for-pound great Andre Ward said it best: “It ain’t how you start. It’s how you finish.”
Troy Nash W8 Bryan Rodriguez... In the opening bout of the evening, Colorado Springs featherweight Troy Nash added to his Zuffa Boxing debut win with a second victory, courtesy of a majority decision verdict over Bryan “Pretty Boy” Rodriguez. Fighting in his first career eight-rounder, Nash took the first couple of rounds to take a look at 19-year-old Rodriguez, and flashed some impressive hand speed as he offered a glimpse of his slick boxing. A Texas native, Rodriguez walked forward almost constantly in search of openings, but Nash controlled the range smartly off the back foot and scored more consistently as he beat the teenager to the punch throughout the contest. Rodriguez attempted to pick up the pace and intensity through the final three rounds, but Nash showcased some soldi defensive skills as he made his man miss, then punished him with well-timed counters. By the end of the penultimate round, Nash was putting his shots together beautifully as he landed cleanly with some eye-catching multi-punch combinations. Surprisingly, one judge scored the fight even at 76-76, but the other two cards more accurately reflected the action, with totals of 79-73 and 80-72 in Nash’s favor, as the undefeated Colorado native improved his record to 7-0-1 with a smart, controlled performance.
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Team Boxing League announces huge expansion for 2027 |
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Team Boxing League ("TBL") announced a groundbreaking global expansion set to launch for Season 5 in 2027, marking the league's most ambitious growth to date. The expansion will introduce eight new franchises across the United States and Europe transforming TBL into a fully international competition. Beginning in 2027, TBL will expand into San Diego, Chicago, Detroit, San Juan, Dublin, Birmingham, London, and Manchester, creating a truly global platform where European teams will compete directly against their U.S. counterparts. The introduction of a European Division marks the first time in league history that international teams will be fully integrated into regular season competition, setting the stage for cross-continental matchups and a broader global audience. The expanded league will feature 96 events in 2027, a significant increase from the 56 events held during Seasons 3 and 4, reflecting TBL's rapid growth and increasing demand.
"This is a defining moment for TBL," said Cassidy. "We are not just expanding - we are evolving into a global league. By bringing international teams into direct competition with our U.S. markets, we are elevating the sport, creating new rivalries, and delivering a world-class experience for fighters and fans alike."
The full list of teams for 2027 are as follows:
West Division
San Diego Tj's
Phoenix Fury
Las Vegas Hustle
Los Angeles Dynasty
Midwest Division
Chicago Gladiators
Nashville Smash
Atlanta Attack
Dallas Enforcers
East Division
NYC Attitude
Boston Butchers
Detroit Power Punchers
Philly Smoke
European Division
Dublin Rebels
Birmingham Blitz
Manchester Maulers
London Storm
South Division
Houston Hitmen
San Antonio Snipers
Miami Assassins
San Juan Strikers
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Team Boxing League announces huge expansion for 2027
Team Boxing League ("TBL") announced a groundbreaking global expansion set to launch for Season 5 in 2027, marking the league's most ambitious growth to date. The expansion will introduce eight new franchises across the United States and Europe transforming TBL into a fully international competition. Beginning in 2027, TBL will expand into San Diego, Chicago, Detroit, San Juan, Dublin, Birmingham, London, and Manchester, creating a truly global platform where European teams will compete directly against their U.S. counterparts. The introduction of a European Division marks the first time in league history that international teams will be fully integrated into regular season competition, setting the stage for cross-continental matchups and a broader global audience. The expanded league will feature 96 events in 2027, a significant increase from the 56 events held during Seasons 3 and 4, reflecting TBL's rapid growth and increasing demand.
"This is a defining moment for TBL," said Cassidy. "We are not just expanding - we are evolving into a global league. By bringing international teams into direct competition with our U.S. markets, we are elevating the sport, creating new rivalries, and delivering a world-class experience for fighters and fans alike."
The full list of teams for 2027 are as follows:
West Division
San Diego Tj's
Phoenix Fury
Las Vegas Hustle
Los Angeles Dynasty
Midwest Division
Chicago Gladiators
Nashville Smash
Atlanta Attack
Dallas Enforcers
East Division
NYC Attitude
Boston Butchers
Detroit Power Punchers
Philly Smoke
European Division
Dublin Rebels
Birmingham Blitz
Manchester Maulers
London Storm
South Division
Houston Hitmen
San Antonio Snipers
Miami Assassins
San Juan Strikers
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Slimmed down Chris Thomas wins for the first time since 2020 |
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Chris Thomas W6 Greg Hackett... Chris “Sandman” Thomas is back in the win column. He reunited with his longtime coach, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Famer Shawn Darling and improver to 16-3-2, with 10 KOs He defeated Philadelphia’s Greg Hackett (4-25-1) via a six-round unanimous decision at Harrahs in Chester, Pennsylvania. After turning pro at 18, Thomas took about five years off from the sport and went 0-2-1 at heavyweight. He is hoping to bounce back from six years in boxing's wilderness. His last fight prior to this win was a second-round KO loss to Otto Wallin. But he just lost seventy five pounds and is down to cruiserweight. He is planning for his next fight this to be at light heavyweight this fall.
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Slimmed down Chris Thomas wins for the first time since 2020
Chris Thomas W6 Greg Hackett... Chris “Sandman” Thomas is back in the win column. He reunited with his longtime coach, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Famer Shawn Darling and improver to 16-3-2, with 10 KOs He defeated Philadelphia’s Greg Hackett (4-25-1) via a six-round unanimous decision at Harrahs in Chester, Pennsylvania. After turning pro at 18, Thomas took about five years off from the sport and went 0-2-1 at heavyweight. He is hoping to bounce back from six years in boxing's wilderness. His last fight prior to this win was a second-round KO loss to Otto Wallin. But he just lost seventy five pounds and is down to cruiserweight. He is planning for his next fight this to be at light heavyweight this fall.
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Shutout win for Tim Tszyu |
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Tim Tszyu W10 Denis Nurja... Former 154-pound champion Tim Tszyu earned a second consecutive unanimous decision victory as he overwhelmed previously unbeaten Denis Nurja in the main event of a PBC show on Saturday night (U.S. time) from the Wollongong Entertainment Centre in Australia. “He’s tough and I expected that,” said Tszyu (27-3, 18 KOs). “He came in with the perfect record, so I knew he was no joke. I had him a couple times but he didn’t drop. Those were some good rounds. I was trying to take him out, he’s just tough. Big respect.”
In his second fight with trainer Pedro Diaz, Tszyu continued his rise back to world title contention at 154 pounds with a strong overall performance that saw him dominate early and often. Tszyu faced some adversity early in round four when a headbutt caused a cut under his left eye, but he quickly bounced back just a minute later when he caught Nurja (20-1, 9 KOs) with a left hook that put Nurja on the mat.
Nurja was able to rise to his feet, but continued to take punishment, including an overhand right in round six that wobbled the Albanian. In round seven, a desperate Nurja was deducted a point for excessive holding. Tszyu continued to pour the offense on across the last three rounds, wobbling Nurja in the final ten seconds.
After ten rounds, Tszyu won the shutout decision with the score of 100-88 in the eyes of all three judges before turning his attention to future action in the ring.
“I feel like I’m up for Errol Spence Jr,” said Tszyu. “I think that would be one hell of a fight. That’s a banger. I don’t take a backward step. If he’s ready to meet me there, bring it on. I’m coming to catch the big fish. Let’s go fishing.”
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Shutout win for Tim Tszyu
Tim Tszyu W10 Denis Nurja... Former 154-pound champion Tim Tszyu earned a second consecutive unanimous decision victory as he overwhelmed previously unbeaten Denis Nurja in the main event of a PBC show on Saturday night (U.S. time) from the Wollongong Entertainment Centre in Australia. “He’s tough and I expected that,” said Tszyu (27-3, 18 KOs). “He came in with the perfect record, so I knew he was no joke. I had him a couple times but he didn’t drop. Those were some good rounds. I was trying to take him out, he’s just tough. Big respect.”
In his second fight with trainer Pedro Diaz, Tszyu continued his rise back to world title contention at 154 pounds with a strong overall performance that saw him dominate early and often. Tszyu faced some adversity early in round four when a headbutt caused a cut under his left eye, but he quickly bounced back just a minute later when he caught Nurja (20-1, 9 KOs) with a left hook that put Nurja on the mat.
Nurja was able to rise to his feet, but continued to take punishment, including an overhand right in round six that wobbled the Albanian. In round seven, a desperate Nurja was deducted a point for excessive holding. Tszyu continued to pour the offense on across the last three rounds, wobbling Nurja in the final ten seconds.
After ten rounds, Tszyu won the shutout decision with the score of 100-88 in the eyes of all three judges before turning his attention to future action in the ring.
“I feel like I’m up for Errol Spence Jr,” said Tszyu. “I think that would be one hell of a fight. That’s a banger. I don’t take a backward step. If he’s ready to meet me there, bring it on. I’m coming to catch the big fish. Let’s go fishing.”
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Wilder outslugs Chisora in punishing thriller |
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Deontay Wilder W12 Derek Chisora... London's O2 Arena saw a punishing and highly entertaining bout in which former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder defeated hometown favorite Derek Chisora. Wilder scored at least one knockdowns to win an absolute slugfest between two well-past-their-prime legends. Wilder claimed a twelve-round split decision verdict by scores of 112-115, 115-111 and 115-113. DAZN News scored the fight 114-111 for Wilder. Chisora said before hand that retirement was next for him, win, lose, or draw, but no one is sure if that promise will be kept. Wilder made no such vow, and in light of this win, a long sought-after fight vs. former champ Anthony Joshua seems like a no brainer. Joshua, who was ringside to cheer on Chisora, would be a definite favorite vs. Wilder.
A sensational eighth round saw Chisora on the verge of being stopped, with Wilder finally knocking him down and halfway through the ropes. Chisora beat the count, with the help of his corner pushing him up (that could have been a disqualification) from the ring floor. Chisora showed incredible resolve to flip the momentum away from back-pedalling to forcing Wilder on to the ropes.Wilder was also penalized a point that round, keeping Chisora's hopes of winning a decision alive. An even ninth round was backed up by Wilder trying and failing to line up his rival in a round ten which ended with a Chisora looping right landing. Chisora was again knocked down and almost through the ropes midway through round eleven before Wilder went down, but neither was officially counted as knockdown even though they appeared to be legitimate.
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Wilder outslugs Chisora in punishing thriller
Deontay Wilder W12 Derek Chisora... London's O2 Arena saw a punishing and highly entertaining bout in which former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder defeated hometown favorite Derek Chisora. Wilder scored at least one knockdowns to win an absolute slugfest between two well-past-their-prime legends. Wilder claimed a twelve-round split decision verdict by scores of 112-115, 115-111 and 115-113. DAZN News scored the fight 114-111 for Wilder. Chisora said before hand that retirement was next for him, win, lose, or draw, but no one is sure if that promise will be kept. Wilder made no such vow, and in light of this win, a long sought-after fight vs. former champ Anthony Joshua seems like a no brainer. Joshua, who was ringside to cheer on Chisora, would be a definite favorite vs. Wilder.
A sensational eighth round saw Chisora on the verge of being stopped, with Wilder finally knocking him down and halfway through the ropes. Chisora beat the count, with the help of his corner pushing him up (that could have been a disqualification) from the ring floor. Chisora showed incredible resolve to flip the momentum away from back-pedalling to forcing Wilder on to the ropes.Wilder was also penalized a point that round, keeping Chisora's hopes of winning a decision alive. An even ninth round was backed up by Wilder trying and failing to line up his rival in a round ten which ended with a Chisora looping right landing. Chisora was again knocked down and almost through the ropes midway through round eleven before Wilder went down, but neither was officially counted as knockdown even though they appeared to be legitimate.
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PBC undercard: Goodman wins IBF eliminator |
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Sam Goodman W12 Rodrigo Ruiz ... In the PBC co-feature in Wollongong, Australia, local man Sam Goodman (22-1, 8 KOs) took home a unanimous decision victory over Argentina’s Rodrigo Ruiz (23-2, 17 KOs) in a twelve-round IBF 122-pound title eliminator. A former world title challenger, the hometown favorite Goodman was buoyed on by the crowd as he showed off his versatile game against the rugged, come forward style of Ruiz. Goodman was especially effective landing power shots, connecting on over 51% while out landing Ruiz overall 225 to 157. Ruiz found success with left hands, especially early in the bout, but Goodman was able to adjust and stay out of danger, while consistently working in pot shots with the right hand. In the end, all three judges saw the bout in Goodman’s favor, with scores of 118-110, 116-112 and 115-113.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Rugby star turned heavyweight brawler Nelson Asofa Solomona (2-0, 2 Kos) defeat Jarrod Wallace (0-1) by third-round stoppage in their heavyweight slugfest. While Wallace had some success landing right hands across the first two rounds, Solomona found a home for a sharp right hand in round three that sent Wallace down, before following up with a second knockdown that ended the fight 1:03 into the frame.
2024 Australian Olympian Callum Peters (6-0. 6 KOs) took down the previously unbeaten Delio Mouzinho (4-1, 4 KOs) in the second round of their fast-paced middleweight clash. Peters and Mouzinho wasted no time going toe-to-toe, with Peters getting the best of the all-out brawl before punctuating the round with a series of thudding shots that put Mouzinho down. While his opponent was able to rise to his feet, Peters went right back to work early in round two, eventually connecting on a blistering straight right that dropped Mouzinho again and forced the stoppage 57 seconds into the round.
Opening the Prime Video card, Australian Olympian Paulo Aokuso (10-0, 5 KOs) earned a first-round knockout over Thai contender Kittipong Jian Hao Ho (13-2-1,12 KOs) after his opponent appeared to injure his knee in the opening seconds of the fight, before eventually being stopped 2:20 into the round. The light heavyweight Aokuso took advantage of his injured opponent, eventually finding the opening to drop him with just over a minute left in the round. The 28-year-old Aokuso followed up aggressively, quickly scoring a second knockdown that led to the stoppage being called by his opponent’s corner.
The event was promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.
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PBC undercard: Goodman wins IBF eliminator
Sam Goodman W12 Rodrigo Ruiz ... In the PBC co-feature in Wollongong, Australia, local man Sam Goodman (22-1, 8 KOs) took home a unanimous decision victory over Argentina’s Rodrigo Ruiz (23-2, 17 KOs) in a twelve-round IBF 122-pound title eliminator. A former world title challenger, the hometown favorite Goodman was buoyed on by the crowd as he showed off his versatile game against the rugged, come forward style of Ruiz. Goodman was especially effective landing power shots, connecting on over 51% while out landing Ruiz overall 225 to 157. Ruiz found success with left hands, especially early in the bout, but Goodman was able to adjust and stay out of danger, while consistently working in pot shots with the right hand. In the end, all three judges saw the bout in Goodman’s favor, with scores of 118-110, 116-112 and 115-113.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Rugby star turned heavyweight brawler Nelson Asofa Solomona (2-0, 2 Kos) defeat Jarrod Wallace (0-1) by third-round stoppage in their heavyweight slugfest. While Wallace had some success landing right hands across the first two rounds, Solomona found a home for a sharp right hand in round three that sent Wallace down, before following up with a second knockdown that ended the fight 1:03 into the frame.
2024 Australian Olympian Callum Peters (6-0. 6 KOs) took down the previously unbeaten Delio Mouzinho (4-1, 4 KOs) in the second round of their fast-paced middleweight clash. Peters and Mouzinho wasted no time going toe-to-toe, with Peters getting the best of the all-out brawl before punctuating the round with a series of thudding shots that put Mouzinho down. While his opponent was able to rise to his feet, Peters went right back to work early in round two, eventually connecting on a blistering straight right that dropped Mouzinho again and forced the stoppage 57 seconds into the round.
Opening the Prime Video card, Australian Olympian Paulo Aokuso (10-0, 5 KOs) earned a first-round knockout over Thai contender Kittipong Jian Hao Ho (13-2-1,12 KOs) after his opponent appeared to injure his knee in the opening seconds of the fight, before eventually being stopped 2:20 into the round. The light heavyweight Aokuso took advantage of his injured opponent, eventually finding the opening to drop him with just over a minute left in the round. The 28-year-old Aokuso followed up aggressively, quickly scoring a second knockdown that led to the stoppage being called by his opponent’s corner.
The event was promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.
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The Boxingtalk Scoreboard: Riley wins European championship |
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On the undercard at the O2 Arena in London, cruiserweight Viddal Riley defeated Mateusz Masternak to become the European champion. Now 14-0, Riley prevailed by unanimous decision. Scores were 119-109 and 118-110 (twice)... Denzel Bentley defeated Endry Saavedra by technical knockout at 1:38 of the seventh round to become the WBO interim middleweight title holder. The main WBO middleweight title still belongs to Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, whom the WBO refused to strip despite a positive test for a banned substance.... In the heavyweight division, Matty Harris defeated Franklin Ignatius by TKO at 0:20 of the second round... and in a middleweight match-up, Amir Anderson stopped Jordan Dujon by TKO in the eighth round.
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The Boxingtalk Scoreboard: Riley wins European championship
On the undercard at the O2 Arena in London, cruiserweight Viddal Riley defeated Mateusz Masternak to become the European champion. Now 14-0, Riley prevailed by unanimous decision. Scores were 119-109 and 118-110 (twice)... Denzel Bentley defeated Endry Saavedra by technical knockout at 1:38 of the seventh round to become the WBO interim middleweight title holder. The main WBO middleweight title still belongs to Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, whom the WBO refused to strip despite a positive test for a banned substance.... In the heavyweight division, Matty Harris defeated Franklin Ignatius by TKO at 0:20 of the second round... and in a middleweight match-up, Amir Anderson stopped Jordan Dujon by TKO in the eighth round.
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Boxing artist Richard Slone needs our help |
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There are people in boxing who fight under the lights…and there are those who spend a lifetime honoring the sport in ways the public rarely sees, but never forgets once they do. Richard Slone, the distinguished and talented artist, is one of those people. Long before many knew his name, Richard was living the boxing life. As a teenager, he came to the United States with a dream, and found himself under the guidance of the great Joe Frazier. Not just training, but learning. Absorbing the discipline, the sacrifice, and the soul of boxing from one of its greatest champions. That journey continued in Detroit, where Richard was in the gym alongside another icon of the sport, Emanuel Steward, the man who shaped champions from the Kronk Gym, and in many ways, helped shape Richard as well.
But Richard’s true canvas would not be the ring. It would be history itself. Over the years, he became one of boxing’s most respected artists, capturing the spirit, the violence, the beauty, and the humanity of the sport in a way few ever have. His work is not just art. It is preservation. He is the artist behind the iconic imagery associated with the International Boxing Hall of Fame. His paintings, larger than life, have immortalized the legends of this sport for generations to come.
And like so many great artists, he was shaped by greatness. His mentor, LeRoy Neiman, was himself a titan of sports art. That lineage is visible in every stroke of Richard’s work. But now, Richard Slone finds himself in the fight of his life. Recently diagnosed with oral cancer, Richard underwent life-altering surgery in California where approximately 50% of his tongue was removed. Multiple skin graft procedures followed in an effort to reconstruct his ability to speak and swallow.
As of this writing, he remains in the ICU, beginning a long and difficult road to recovery. In the weeks ahead, he will face chemotherapy and radiation, battles that will test him in ways no canvas ever could. And like so many fighters, inside and outside the ring, this fight comes with a burden no one should carry alone.
The medical costs are overwhelming. To those of you who may want to contribute to Richard’s Go Fund Me page, following is the link where you can make a contribution. Every donation, no matter how small, would be appreciated.
Richard has never been one to ask for help. Like many in boxing, he has always been the one giving, his time, his talent, his passion. Now, we are asking on his behalf. Boxing is a sport built on pride. On toughness. On the idea that you handle your business and keep moving forward. But at its best, boxing is also a community.
Richard Slone has spent a lifetime giving something to boxing that cannot be measured in purses or titles. He gave it memory. He gave it identity. He gave it art. Now, the sport, and the people in it, have an opportunity to give something back. If you know Richard, this is personal. If you know boxing, this matters.
Please consider supporting Richard Slone in his fight by contributing to his GoFundMe page and sharing his story with others in the boxing community. Because sometimes, the most important fights don’t happen under the lights. They happen when we decide to stand with one of our own.
Here is a sample of Richard's work:
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Boxing artist Richard Slone needs our help
There are people in boxing who fight under the lights…and there are those who spend a lifetime honoring the sport in ways the public rarely sees, but never forgets once they do. Richard Slone, the distinguished and talented artist, is one of those people. Long before many knew his name, Richard was living the boxing life. As a teenager, he came to the United States with a dream, and found himself under the guidance of the great Joe Frazier. Not just training, but learning. Absorbing the discipline, the sacrifice, and the soul of boxing from one of its greatest champions. That journey continued in Detroit, where Richard was in the gym alongside another icon of the sport, Emanuel Steward, the man who shaped champions from the Kronk Gym, and in many ways, helped shape Richard as well.
But Richard’s true canvas would not be the ring. It would be history itself. Over the years, he became one of boxing’s most respected artists, capturing the spirit, the violence, the beauty, and the humanity of the sport in a way few ever have. His work is not just art. It is preservation. He is the artist behind the iconic imagery associated with the International Boxing Hall of Fame. His paintings, larger than life, have immortalized the legends of this sport for generations to come.
And like so many great artists, he was shaped by greatness. His mentor, LeRoy Neiman, was himself a titan of sports art. That lineage is visible in every stroke of Richard’s work. But now, Richard Slone finds himself in the fight of his life. Recently diagnosed with oral cancer, Richard underwent life-altering surgery in California where approximately 50% of his tongue was removed. Multiple skin graft procedures followed in an effort to reconstruct his ability to speak and swallow.
As of this writing, he remains in the ICU, beginning a long and difficult road to recovery. In the weeks ahead, he will face chemotherapy and radiation, battles that will test him in ways no canvas ever could. And like so many fighters, inside and outside the ring, this fight comes with a burden no one should carry alone.
The medical costs are overwhelming. To those of you who may want to contribute to Richard’s Go Fund Me page, following is the link where you can make a contribution. Every donation, no matter how small, would be appreciated.
Richard has never been one to ask for help. Like many in boxing, he has always been the one giving, his time, his talent, his passion. Now, we are asking on his behalf. Boxing is a sport built on pride. On toughness. On the idea that you handle your business and keep moving forward. But at its best, boxing is also a community.
Richard Slone has spent a lifetime giving something to boxing that cannot be measured in purses or titles. He gave it memory. He gave it identity. He gave it art. Now, the sport, and the people in it, have an opportunity to give something back. If you know Richard, this is personal. If you know boxing, this matters.
Please consider supporting Richard Slone in his fight by contributing to his GoFundMe page and sharing his story with others in the boxing community. Because sometimes, the most important fights don’t happen under the lights. They happen when we decide to stand with one of our own.
Here is a sample of Richard's work:
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Tonight: Prime Video airs Tim Tszyu-headlined card |
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Former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu takes on undefeated Albanian Denis Nurja atop a PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video card from the WIN Entertainment Centre in Australia. Tonight's Prime Video action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT (U.S. time) and will feature five fights in total, including a duel of top super bantamweights as Australia’s Sam Goodman takes on Argentina’s Rodrigo Ruiz in a 12-round IBF eliminator.
Plus, rugby star turned heavyweight Nelson Asofa Solomona steps in against Jarrod Wallace in a bout scheduled for four rounds, while 2024 Australian Olympian Callum Peters will put his perfect record on the line against fellow unbeaten Delio Mouzinho in eight rounds of middleweight action. Kicking off the card is rising Australian Olympian Paulo Aokuso battling veteran Thai contender Kittipong Jian Hao Ho in a ten-round light heavyweight affair.
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Tonight: Prime Video airs Tim Tszyu-headlined card
Former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu takes on undefeated Albanian Denis Nurja atop a PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video card from the WIN Entertainment Centre in Australia. Tonight's Prime Video action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT (U.S. time) and will feature five fights in total, including a duel of top super bantamweights as Australia’s Sam Goodman takes on Argentina’s Rodrigo Ruiz in a 12-round IBF eliminator.
Plus, rugby star turned heavyweight Nelson Asofa Solomona steps in against Jarrod Wallace in a bout scheduled for four rounds, while 2024 Australian Olympian Callum Peters will put his perfect record on the line against fellow unbeaten Delio Mouzinho in eight rounds of middleweight action. Kicking off the card is rising Australian Olympian Paulo Aokuso battling veteran Thai contender Kittipong Jian Hao Ho in a ten-round light heavyweight affair.
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WBC to disregard UKAD suspension of Rodriguez for PEDs |
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Despite a two-year suspension from the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) handed out to Mexican flyweight Francisco Rodriguez Jr., the WBC will continue to allow Rodriguez to compete in WBC bouts. The WBC stripped Rodriguez of his interim title last year following a positive test for an illegal substance after a fight against Gala Yafai, but in a new ruling, the WBC accepted Rodriguez's explanation that the banned substance came from a sports drink. Here is the WBC's ruling:
On July 8, 2025, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (“VADA”) notified Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez, Jr. and the WBC that the urine sample collected from him on June 21, 2025, in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in connection with his bout for the interim WBC flyweight championship against Galal Yafai, yielded an adverse analytical finding for Heptaminol (the “Adverse Finding”). Heptaminol is a known cardiac stimulant and vasodilator. Heptaminol is a metabolite of Octodrine. It is also a banned substance. On July 11, 2025, the WBC CBP Results Management Unit notified then-Champion Rodriguez of the Adverse Finding and of the start of its investigation of the circumstances that led to it. Soon after receiving the notification, Rodriguez’s representatives provided photographic evidence of a container and label of an energy enhancement supplement called Lipodrene. There is ample scientific literature support for the fact that supplements containing stimulants have also been found to include and/or be contaminated with Octodrine and other banned substances.
Rodriguez admitted to unintentionally ingesting a supplement that was likely contaminated with Octodrine. A significant extenuating fact is that Rodriguez reported the use of Lipodrene to the WBC CBP on his registration form. Therefore, in the view of the WBC, his consumption of Lipodrene was not an intentional or knowing ingestion of a banned substance with the purpose of enhancing his athletic performance.
The WBC and Rodriguez therefore entered into an Adjudication Agreement which: (a) placed him on probation for one year from the date of the sample collection; (b) vacated his WBC interim title; (c) changed the outcome of his victory against Galal Yafai to a No Contest; and (d) ordered a minimum of three random VADA anti-doping tests at Rodriguez’s sole cost during the probationary period. Three anti-doping tests have been conducted and all have yielded negative results.
Rodriguez has also participated in social responsibility events and he and his camp cooperated with the WBC CBP at all stages of the investigation of his adverse finding. He has complied with all conditions in the Adjudication Agreement.
The WBC has learned that on March 30th, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) notified Rodriguez that it had imposed a two-year period of ineligibility for the very same adverse finding described above.
The WBC legal counsel as well as the WBC CBP Results Management Unit have tried several times in prior cases to work together with UKAD in situations similar to Rodriguez’s. UKAD has never responded to the WBC’s overtures and does not recognize the WBC CBP nor its results management rulings or Adjudication Agreements.
The Rodriguez vs. Yafai bout took place under the authority of the WBC [as well as the British Board of Boxing Control]. In light of the WBC/Rodriguez fair and just Adjudication Agreement, the WBC will continue to allow Rodriguez to compete in WBC bouts.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MARCH 30, 2026: According to UKAD, Mexican flyweight Francisco Rodriguez Jr. has been banned from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sports competitions for two years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of prohibited substances. On June 21, 2025, UKAD collected a urine sample from Rodriguez, after his bout against Galal Yafai in Birmingham, England. Analysis of the sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAFs) for the prohibited substances octodrine and its metabolite, heptaminol, in addition to an AAF for oxilofrine. Octodrine, heptaminol and oxilofrine are specified substances that are prohibited in-competition only. The problem here is that Rodriguez won the Yafai bout by unanimous decision, making him the WBC interim champion at the time. The WBC has given Yafai the interim title but still ranks Rodriguez as the #1 contender. Rodriguez won another fight in Mexico in October.
UKAD notified Rodriguez of his adverse analytical findings and imposed a provisional suspension. Having received no response to the notice, UKAD subsequently charged him with both ADRVs. Still, Rodriguez provided UKAD with no response to the charge, despite multiple efforts to contact the boxer across various channels. UKAD did not assert that the ADRVs were intentional and imposed a two-year period of Ineligibility. The ban is deemed to have begun on July 30th 2025 (the date of the provisional suspension) and will expire on July 29, 2027
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WBC to disregard UKAD suspension of Rodriguez for PEDs
Despite a two-year suspension from the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) handed out to Mexican flyweight Francisco Rodriguez Jr., the WBC will continue to allow Rodriguez to compete in WBC bouts. The WBC stripped Rodriguez of his interim title last year following a positive test for an illegal substance after a fight against Gala Yafai, but in a new ruling, the WBC accepted Rodriguez's explanation that the banned substance came from a sports drink. Here is the WBC's ruling:
On July 8, 2025, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (“VADA”) notified Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez, Jr. and the WBC that the urine sample collected from him on June 21, 2025, in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in connection with his bout for the interim WBC flyweight championship against Galal Yafai, yielded an adverse analytical finding for Heptaminol (the “Adverse Finding”). Heptaminol is a known cardiac stimulant and vasodilator. Heptaminol is a metabolite of Octodrine. It is also a banned substance. On July 11, 2025, the WBC CBP Results Management Unit notified then-Champion Rodriguez of the Adverse Finding and of the start of its investigation of the circumstances that led to it. Soon after receiving the notification, Rodriguez’s representatives provided photographic evidence of a container and label of an energy enhancement supplement called Lipodrene. There is ample scientific literature support for the fact that supplements containing stimulants have also been found to include and/or be contaminated with Octodrine and other banned substances.
Rodriguez admitted to unintentionally ingesting a supplement that was likely contaminated with Octodrine. A significant extenuating fact is that Rodriguez reported the use of Lipodrene to the WBC CBP on his registration form. Therefore, in the view of the WBC, his consumption of Lipodrene was not an intentional or knowing ingestion of a banned substance with the purpose of enhancing his athletic performance.
The WBC and Rodriguez therefore entered into an Adjudication Agreement which: (a) placed him on probation for one year from the date of the sample collection; (b) vacated his WBC interim title; (c) changed the outcome of his victory against Galal Yafai to a No Contest; and (d) ordered a minimum of three random VADA anti-doping tests at Rodriguez’s sole cost during the probationary period. Three anti-doping tests have been conducted and all have yielded negative results.
Rodriguez has also participated in social responsibility events and he and his camp cooperated with the WBC CBP at all stages of the investigation of his adverse finding. He has complied with all conditions in the Adjudication Agreement.
The WBC has learned that on March 30th, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) notified Rodriguez that it had imposed a two-year period of ineligibility for the very same adverse finding described above.
The WBC legal counsel as well as the WBC CBP Results Management Unit have tried several times in prior cases to work together with UKAD in situations similar to Rodriguez’s. UKAD has never responded to the WBC’s overtures and does not recognize the WBC CBP nor its results management rulings or Adjudication Agreements.
The Rodriguez vs. Yafai bout took place under the authority of the WBC [as well as the British Board of Boxing Control]. In light of the WBC/Rodriguez fair and just Adjudication Agreement, the WBC will continue to allow Rodriguez to compete in WBC bouts.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MARCH 30, 2026: According to UKAD, Mexican flyweight Francisco Rodriguez Jr. has been banned from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sports competitions for two years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of prohibited substances. On June 21, 2025, UKAD collected a urine sample from Rodriguez, after his bout against Galal Yafai in Birmingham, England. Analysis of the sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAFs) for the prohibited substances octodrine and its metabolite, heptaminol, in addition to an AAF for oxilofrine. Octodrine, heptaminol and oxilofrine are specified substances that are prohibited in-competition only. The problem here is that Rodriguez won the Yafai bout by unanimous decision, making him the WBC interim champion at the time. The WBC has given Yafai the interim title but still ranks Rodriguez as the #1 contender. Rodriguez won another fight in Mexico in October.
UKAD notified Rodriguez of his adverse analytical findings and imposed a provisional suspension. Having received no response to the notice, UKAD subsequently charged him with both ADRVs. Still, Rodriguez provided UKAD with no response to the charge, despite multiple efforts to contact the boxer across various channels. UKAD did not assert that the ADRVs were intentional and imposed a two-year period of Ineligibility. The ban is deemed to have begun on July 30th 2025 (the date of the provisional suspension) and will expire on July 29, 2027
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Weigh-in report from London |
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Some fighters in boxing are content being in the background and doing what the people around them want to do. And there's nothing wrong with doing that, so they can just focus on fighting and nothing else. But some fighters don't want to do it that way and want to be involved in every aspect.Count former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder among the latter group heading into Saturday's battle with British slugger Derek Chisora on Saturday from the O2 Arena in London, live and exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view. "I'm not a sheep," Wilder said on "Wilder, Louder Uncut", which can be seen on DAZN.com. "Most kinds of people in this world are sheep, just follow behind each other because they don't have their own mindset."
At Friday's weigh-in, Chisora (36-23, 23 KOs) came to the scales first and weighed 266.7 pounds. Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) made his way next and tipped the scales at 226.4 pounds.
Just because Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) has that mentality about people, that doesn't mean he doesn't believe they have the potential to step outside of the realm. "We all have a creative mind," Wilder said. "But, it's up to you to use it. And that's free. Some people just disable their mindset, their creativity of what they can do in this world, because they live in fear. I don't live in fear.
Many fighters are afraid to speak their mind because they don't want to ruffle any feathers. Wilder can care less and will always stay true to himself. "I'm unapologetic for the things I say," Wilder said. "Because if I said and I speak from my heart, I meant it. If I do something, I meant it. I live life without regrets."
The Wilder-Chisora fight, which takes place in London, is also included in the DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription package, which means you would not need to purchase this PPV individually at an extra cost.
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Weigh-in report from London
Some fighters in boxing are content being in the background and doing what the people around them want to do. And there's nothing wrong with doing that, so they can just focus on fighting and nothing else. But some fighters don't want to do it that way and want to be involved in every aspect.Count former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder among the latter group heading into Saturday's battle with British slugger Derek Chisora on Saturday from the O2 Arena in London, live and exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view. "I'm not a sheep," Wilder said on "Wilder, Louder Uncut", which can be seen on DAZN.com. "Most kinds of people in this world are sheep, just follow behind each other because they don't have their own mindset."
At Friday's weigh-in, Chisora (36-23, 23 KOs) came to the scales first and weighed 266.7 pounds. Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) made his way next and tipped the scales at 226.4 pounds.
Just because Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) has that mentality about people, that doesn't mean he doesn't believe they have the potential to step outside of the realm. "We all have a creative mind," Wilder said. "But, it's up to you to use it. And that's free. Some people just disable their mindset, their creativity of what they can do in this world, because they live in fear. I don't live in fear.
Many fighters are afraid to speak their mind because they don't want to ruffle any feathers. Wilder can care less and will always stay true to himself. "I'm unapologetic for the things I say," Wilder said. "Because if I said and I speak from my heart, I meant it. If I do something, I meant it. I live life without regrets."
The Wilder-Chisora fight, which takes place in London, is also included in the DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription package, which means you would not need to purchase this PPV individually at an extra cost.
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Full list of bouts for Zuffa 05 |
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Here is the full list of bouts-- in running order-- for Zuffa Boxing 05, which is set for Sunday at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The prelims start at 6:30pm ET/3:30pm PT, followed by the main card 9pm ET/6pm PT.
featherweight - Troy Nash vs Bryan Rodriguez;
Welterweight - Jorge Maravillo vs Elias Diaz;
Lightweight - Robert Meriwether III vs Tony Hirsch Jr.;
Featherweight - Alexis De La Cerda vs Ervin Fuller III;
Featherweight - Azat Hovhannisyan vs Eduardo Baez;
Lightweight - Co-Main Event: Mark Magsayo vs Feargal McCrory; and
Lightweight - Main Event: Andres Cortes vs Eridson Garcia.
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Full list of bouts for Zuffa 05
Here is the full list of bouts-- in running order-- for Zuffa Boxing 05, which is set for Sunday at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The prelims start at 6:30pm ET/3:30pm PT, followed by the main card 9pm ET/6pm PT.
featherweight - Troy Nash vs Bryan Rodriguez;
Welterweight - Jorge Maravillo vs Elias Diaz;
Lightweight - Robert Meriwether III vs Tony Hirsch Jr.;
Featherweight - Alexis De La Cerda vs Ervin Fuller III;
Featherweight - Azat Hovhannisyan vs Eduardo Baez;
Lightweight - Co-Main Event: Mark Magsayo vs Feargal McCrory; and
Lightweight - Main Event: Andres Cortes vs Eridson Garcia.
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McCrory primed for Zuffa boxing on Sunday |
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Lightweight Feargal McCrory plans on delivering on his promises on Sunday night as he makes his Zuffa Boxing debut. A former 130-pound title challenger, McCrory takes on former featherweight champion Mark Magsayo in the co-feature of Zuffa Boxing 05 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, and the straight-talking Irishman already feels right at home in his new surroundings at Zuffa Boxing. “There's no snakes, everything’s straight up, everyone knows what they're doing. There's nothing where people don't know what's happening. You know you're going to be in hard fights. You're going to be in great fights. I believe it's going to bring the glamor back to this sport. The opportunities that I'm craving are the biggest opportunities out there, you know? Give me the biggest fighter you’ve got, and we go, no problem.”
McCrory’s passion for boxing began at an early age, when his father, himself a former boxer, took him to his local boxing club in Tyrone, where the experience of being in an old-school boxing gym left a lasting impression on him. “I was six when I first went,” he remembered. “I’ve had a few breaks in between there as I grew up. But I loved it. I loved the smell. The smell of the bags, the sound of the ropes, the thumping of the bag. I loved it. And what keeps me fighting now is my family. I have a wife and three kids at home, and, yeah, they inspire me.”
He also has vivid memories of his first professional fight, when he pulled on a set of gloves for a pro fight for the very first time. “I remember the gloves came in and I put my hand in the glove, and was my first time putting my hand in that little eight-ounce glove. And I remember thinking, ‘Whoa! This is serious! Now this is it!’ I remember walking out and the crowd, and you always dream of it as you grew up as a kid, of fighting professionally and coming out to the music and the noise and the atmosphere. And I’d sold loads of tickets. I'm so lucky. I'm so, so lucky that my local community and people support me as they do, and I'm so blessed. But the noise when I walked out for my first fight… oh, incredible! And it only lasted like 25 seconds or something! The guy fell down, and I didn't even hit him! I threw a body shot and hit his arm. I distinctly remembered hitting his arm, but I sort of remember saying to myself, ‘I found my range.’ And he went down, and I thought, ‘Yeah, this is easy! This game is easy!’ But you learn as you go on. It's not easy.”
Despite that early realization that life as a professional boxer was going to push him beyond what he thought possible, McCrory embraced the grind as he threw himself into his training. Now, he lives for it. “I miss it when I'm not doing it. I like getting my break, my week, or my two weeks off. I enjoy my break, but I love getting back into it,” he admitted. “I love the structure around training camp. I love the competitiveness of waking up when it's raining outside or snowing outside, but I’ve got to go. I love that. I love that challenge on me. I love the preparation, but I love the fight. I love the fight. I love everything around the fight. And yeah, I'm very happy at what I do.”
That dedication to preparation is one of the major reasons why he’s in Las Vegas this week. The 33-year-old has been a pro for 10 years and has built a record of 17 wins against just one defeat. And on Sunday night, he faces former WBC featherweight champion Magsayo in a huge fight for the Zuffa Boxing lightweight division. It’s a matchup he’s looking forward to immensely. “I think our styles will gel incredibly well,” he suggested. “He comes forward, I come forward. Now, we don’t just bomb forward and throw unnecessary punches and hope. It’s educated pressure. We know what we’re doing. I think it’s a great fight, I really do. The minute it was offered to me, I jumped on it right away.”
And when he did, he threw himself into his training to ensure that he’s prepared for whatever Magsayo can throw at him on fight night. “I believe you have to make yourself comfortable being uncomfortable,” he explained. “Psychologically, going into the fight, I know that no matter what faces me, I've prepared for it. My miles are in my legs, the rounds are in the bank. Everything's ready to go, and it gives you a great sense of belief. Confidence comes through preparation. I prepare the best I can. Like I said about the rain and the snow, and when I go out running on my sprints and my training, and even, like the other day in New York, it was closed down with a blizzard. ‘You can take the day off, Feargal. You don't have to come in.’ Yes, I do. That psychology of ‘nothing else in the world matters’ – as selfishly as that sounds, as I prepare for battle, nothing matters. I have to prepare every day. I don't miss. And when I go into that ring, I know within me that I'm ready to fight. And yeah, especially in a fight like this, I’ve got to be ready.”
McCrory is ready for the challenge ahead, and ultimately, he has his sights set on winning a Zuffa Boxing championship. But first he has to get his Zuffa Boxing career off to a winning start, and that means defeating Magsayo.
In addition to victory, McCrory hopes he can showcase the sort of fighting style that could make him an instant fan-favorite in Zuffa Boxing. “I hope they just see the resilience, the fight, the will to win, the sacrifices I make to be there and to prepare. And yeah, I think they'll fall in love with my style,” he said. “I come to pressure, throw lots of shots. You won't have to go looking for me. For my opponent, I hope I don't have to go looking for you, either, and we can really put a show on for the fans.”
And, having laid out his fighting manifesto ahead of his Zuffa Boxing debut, there’s just one thing he wants the fans to be saying about him as they leave Meta Apex after his fight on Sunday night. “He told you so.”
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McCrory primed for Zuffa boxing on Sunday
Lightweight Feargal McCrory plans on delivering on his promises on Sunday night as he makes his Zuffa Boxing debut. A former 130-pound title challenger, McCrory takes on former featherweight champion Mark Magsayo in the co-feature of Zuffa Boxing 05 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, and the straight-talking Irishman already feels right at home in his new surroundings at Zuffa Boxing. “There's no snakes, everything’s straight up, everyone knows what they're doing. There's nothing where people don't know what's happening. You know you're going to be in hard fights. You're going to be in great fights. I believe it's going to bring the glamor back to this sport. The opportunities that I'm craving are the biggest opportunities out there, you know? Give me the biggest fighter you’ve got, and we go, no problem.”
McCrory’s passion for boxing began at an early age, when his father, himself a former boxer, took him to his local boxing club in Tyrone, where the experience of being in an old-school boxing gym left a lasting impression on him. “I was six when I first went,” he remembered. “I’ve had a few breaks in between there as I grew up. But I loved it. I loved the smell. The smell of the bags, the sound of the ropes, the thumping of the bag. I loved it. And what keeps me fighting now is my family. I have a wife and three kids at home, and, yeah, they inspire me.”
He also has vivid memories of his first professional fight, when he pulled on a set of gloves for a pro fight for the very first time. “I remember the gloves came in and I put my hand in the glove, and was my first time putting my hand in that little eight-ounce glove. And I remember thinking, ‘Whoa! This is serious! Now this is it!’ I remember walking out and the crowd, and you always dream of it as you grew up as a kid, of fighting professionally and coming out to the music and the noise and the atmosphere. And I’d sold loads of tickets. I'm so lucky. I'm so, so lucky that my local community and people support me as they do, and I'm so blessed. But the noise when I walked out for my first fight… oh, incredible! And it only lasted like 25 seconds or something! The guy fell down, and I didn't even hit him! I threw a body shot and hit his arm. I distinctly remembered hitting his arm, but I sort of remember saying to myself, ‘I found my range.’ And he went down, and I thought, ‘Yeah, this is easy! This game is easy!’ But you learn as you go on. It's not easy.”
Despite that early realization that life as a professional boxer was going to push him beyond what he thought possible, McCrory embraced the grind as he threw himself into his training. Now, he lives for it. “I miss it when I'm not doing it. I like getting my break, my week, or my two weeks off. I enjoy my break, but I love getting back into it,” he admitted. “I love the structure around training camp. I love the competitiveness of waking up when it's raining outside or snowing outside, but I’ve got to go. I love that. I love that challenge on me. I love the preparation, but I love the fight. I love the fight. I love everything around the fight. And yeah, I'm very happy at what I do.”
That dedication to preparation is one of the major reasons why he’s in Las Vegas this week. The 33-year-old has been a pro for 10 years and has built a record of 17 wins against just one defeat. And on Sunday night, he faces former WBC featherweight champion Magsayo in a huge fight for the Zuffa Boxing lightweight division. It’s a matchup he’s looking forward to immensely. “I think our styles will gel incredibly well,” he suggested. “He comes forward, I come forward. Now, we don’t just bomb forward and throw unnecessary punches and hope. It’s educated pressure. We know what we’re doing. I think it’s a great fight, I really do. The minute it was offered to me, I jumped on it right away.”
And when he did, he threw himself into his training to ensure that he’s prepared for whatever Magsayo can throw at him on fight night. “I believe you have to make yourself comfortable being uncomfortable,” he explained. “Psychologically, going into the fight, I know that no matter what faces me, I've prepared for it. My miles are in my legs, the rounds are in the bank. Everything's ready to go, and it gives you a great sense of belief. Confidence comes through preparation. I prepare the best I can. Like I said about the rain and the snow, and when I go out running on my sprints and my training, and even, like the other day in New York, it was closed down with a blizzard. ‘You can take the day off, Feargal. You don't have to come in.’ Yes, I do. That psychology of ‘nothing else in the world matters’ – as selfishly as that sounds, as I prepare for battle, nothing matters. I have to prepare every day. I don't miss. And when I go into that ring, I know within me that I'm ready to fight. And yeah, especially in a fight like this, I’ve got to be ready.”
McCrory is ready for the challenge ahead, and ultimately, he has his sights set on winning a Zuffa Boxing championship. But first he has to get his Zuffa Boxing career off to a winning start, and that means defeating Magsayo.
In addition to victory, McCrory hopes he can showcase the sort of fighting style that could make him an instant fan-favorite in Zuffa Boxing. “I hope they just see the resilience, the fight, the will to win, the sacrifices I make to be there and to prepare. And yeah, I think they'll fall in love with my style,” he said. “I come to pressure, throw lots of shots. You won't have to go looking for me. For my opponent, I hope I don't have to go looking for you, either, and we can really put a show on for the fans.”
And, having laid out his fighting manifesto ahead of his Zuffa Boxing debut, there’s just one thing he wants the fans to be saying about him as they leave Meta Apex after his fight on Sunday night. “He told you so.”
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Quincy, MA show booked for May 16th |
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An intriguing light heavyweight bout between contrasting-styled Massachusetts fighters, Bobby “Lights Out” Laing (2-0, 2 KOs) and Russ Kimber (3-3, 1 KO), could steal the May 16th “Rumble at the Rink II” show, presented by Granite Chin Promotions at the Quincy Youth Arena in Quincy, Massachusetts. Fighting out of Braintree, Laing is a ‘graduate’ of Barstool Sports’ now defunct Rough N’ Rowdy events, which Laing described as semi-professional boxing because fighters were paid. He fought in 11 Rough N’ Rowdy fights – it was very popular in the South – and when it dissolved, he turned pro in boxing and has had two fights to date.
“Rough N’ Rowdy was my amateur boxing,” correction officer Laing said. “I’ve carried my popularity into boxing. I hope to be 3-0 after this fight and keep going from there. I want to keep winning and position myself for a big fight. I was known as a brawler, but I’ve changed my style. I think this fight will be pretty fast paced. There are only 4 rounds and no time for feeling out. We’ll start fighting and keep it going all the way.”
Kimber has a much different fighting background than his opponent in their scheduled four-round fight. The fitness instructor who lives in Salem and has strong roots in Peabody is a ‘legacy’ fighter. His father, Dick “The Destroyer” Kimber, and his uncle, Tommy “The Terminator” Kimber, were legendary kickboxers from Lynn (MA). Dick and Tommy, respectively, were three and five-time world champions. “I’ve carried on the Kimber name because I’m a fighter,” Russ explained, “but I’m different from them because I’m a boxer and they were kickboxers. I’ve taken my own path. I know my opponent was in ‘Rough N’ Rowdy’ and that he’s working on his game and craft. I think he’ll come out aggressively until he starts to tier. From his ‘Rough N’ Rowdy’ days, I expect him to come out swinging. I plan to use my boxing skills from the outside. I adapt to my opponent, so I’ll go inside and see how he handles that. I never go into a fight looking for a knockout, I just land my punches.”
Former world-ranked boxer Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (31-6, 11 KOs), four years since his last fight, returns to the ring to headline “Rumble at the Rink II” in an eight-round junior welterweight bout. A 36-year-old MBTA police officer, Kielczweski was a standout amateur boxer with a 118-26 record, winning silver at the 2008 National Golden Gloves and earning two New England Golden Gloves titles. He won his first 22 pro bouts between 2008 and 2015. The lifelong Quincy resident hasn’t fought at home since December 10, 2016. May 16th will be his third pro career fight at home.
Another local favorite, Milton (MA) super bantamweight Jenn Perella, fighting out of nearby Milton, faces Kate Radomska, of Waterford, Ireland. She was a silver medalist in the 2024 National Golden Gloves Tournament, as well as a 2016 New England Golden Gloves Champion. All the action will be streamed on www.BXNGTV.com live from the Quincy Youth Arena.
Granite Chin Promotions has teamed up once again with the Quincy Fire Cancer Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to this non-profit organization whose mission is to provide unwavering support to firefighters and their families as they face the challenges of occupational cancer, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and assistance they need. Go to www.quincyfirecancerfoundation.com for additional information.
Famed combat sports personality Butterbean, will make a special appearance to referee a professional little people's wrestling match between the Cambodian Dragon vs. Walter, presented by Midget Mayhem Wrestling. Granite Chin will also host a “Fan Zone” in which Butterbean and local boxing legend, “Irish” Micky Ward, will hold separate meet-and-greets at 7 p.m. ET for fans in attendance. Also, as part of the experience, Bud Light, WMEX and more to be announced will set up areas featuring giveaways and entertainment to make this night a truly unique experience.
Card subject to change. Tickets are available for purchase at https://events.ticketleap.com/events/granite-chin-promotions.com.
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Quincy, MA show booked for May 16th
An intriguing light heavyweight bout between contrasting-styled Massachusetts fighters, Bobby “Lights Out” Laing (2-0, 2 KOs) and Russ Kimber (3-3, 1 KO), could steal the May 16th “Rumble at the Rink II” show, presented by Granite Chin Promotions at the Quincy Youth Arena in Quincy, Massachusetts. Fighting out of Braintree, Laing is a ‘graduate’ of Barstool Sports’ now defunct Rough N’ Rowdy events, which Laing described as semi-professional boxing because fighters were paid. He fought in 11 Rough N’ Rowdy fights – it was very popular in the South – and when it dissolved, he turned pro in boxing and has had two fights to date.
“Rough N’ Rowdy was my amateur boxing,” correction officer Laing said. “I’ve carried my popularity into boxing. I hope to be 3-0 after this fight and keep going from there. I want to keep winning and position myself for a big fight. I was known as a brawler, but I’ve changed my style. I think this fight will be pretty fast paced. There are only 4 rounds and no time for feeling out. We’ll start fighting and keep it going all the way.”
Kimber has a much different fighting background than his opponent in their scheduled four-round fight. The fitness instructor who lives in Salem and has strong roots in Peabody is a ‘legacy’ fighter. His father, Dick “The Destroyer” Kimber, and his uncle, Tommy “The Terminator” Kimber, were legendary kickboxers from Lynn (MA). Dick and Tommy, respectively, were three and five-time world champions. “I’ve carried on the Kimber name because I’m a fighter,” Russ explained, “but I’m different from them because I’m a boxer and they were kickboxers. I’ve taken my own path. I know my opponent was in ‘Rough N’ Rowdy’ and that he’s working on his game and craft. I think he’ll come out aggressively until he starts to tier. From his ‘Rough N’ Rowdy’ days, I expect him to come out swinging. I plan to use my boxing skills from the outside. I adapt to my opponent, so I’ll go inside and see how he handles that. I never go into a fight looking for a knockout, I just land my punches.”
Former world-ranked boxer Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (31-6, 11 KOs), four years since his last fight, returns to the ring to headline “Rumble at the Rink II” in an eight-round junior welterweight bout. A 36-year-old MBTA police officer, Kielczweski was a standout amateur boxer with a 118-26 record, winning silver at the 2008 National Golden Gloves and earning two New England Golden Gloves titles. He won his first 22 pro bouts between 2008 and 2015. The lifelong Quincy resident hasn’t fought at home since December 10, 2016. May 16th will be his third pro career fight at home.
Another local favorite, Milton (MA) super bantamweight Jenn Perella, fighting out of nearby Milton, faces Kate Radomska, of Waterford, Ireland. She was a silver medalist in the 2024 National Golden Gloves Tournament, as well as a 2016 New England Golden Gloves Champion. All the action will be streamed on www.BXNGTV.com live from the Quincy Youth Arena.
Granite Chin Promotions has teamed up once again with the Quincy Fire Cancer Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to this non-profit organization whose mission is to provide unwavering support to firefighters and their families as they face the challenges of occupational cancer, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and assistance they need. Go to www.quincyfirecancerfoundation.com for additional information.
Famed combat sports personality Butterbean, will make a special appearance to referee a professional little people's wrestling match between the Cambodian Dragon vs. Walter, presented by Midget Mayhem Wrestling. Granite Chin will also host a “Fan Zone” in which Butterbean and local boxing legend, “Irish” Micky Ward, will hold separate meet-and-greets at 7 p.m. ET for fans in attendance. Also, as part of the experience, Bud Light, WMEX and more to be announced will set up areas featuring giveaways and entertainment to make this night a truly unique experience.
Card subject to change. Tickets are available for purchase at https://events.ticketleap.com/events/granite-chin-promotions.com.
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Twelve-bout show set for San Antonio on Saturday |
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Fists and Glory is set to bring a full night of professional boxing action this Saturday night in San Antonio. Twelve bouts in all are scheduled to take place. The main event will be a rematch between Corey Caad (9-9, 3 KOs) of Seguin, Texas against Jesus "Nino de Oro" Maldonado (8-16-1. 4 KOs) of Laredo, Texas. It will be a rematch, in the middleweight division, of their previous encounter in December when Maldonado was victorious via majority decision. Tickets can be purchased at Fistsandglory.com. Opening bell is 7PM and the event will take place at Rancho El Chema. Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will serve as the ring announcer.
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Twelve-bout show set for San Antonio on Saturday
Fists and Glory is set to bring a full night of professional boxing action this Saturday night in San Antonio. Twelve bouts in all are scheduled to take place. The main event will be a rematch between Corey Caad (9-9, 3 KOs) of Seguin, Texas against Jesus "Nino de Oro" Maldonado (8-16-1. 4 KOs) of Laredo, Texas. It will be a rematch, in the middleweight division, of their previous encounter in December when Maldonado was victorious via majority decision. Tickets can be purchased at Fistsandglory.com. Opening bell is 7PM and the event will take place at Rancho El Chema. Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will serve as the ring announcer.
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Chisora says he will retire Wilder on Saturday, then retire himself |
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Heavyweight legends Derek Chisora and ex-champ Deontay Wilder square off this Saturday, April 4th at London's O2 Arena, exclusively on DAZN PPV. Once a villain but now a hero, Chisora has loved being a fan favorite during a rollercoaster career. On Saturday night, he walks to the ring one last time, to face the former longtime WBC champion. A fiftieth pro bout for both men, Chisora has vowed he will retire regardless of the outcome. Wilder, on the other hand, still has his sights set on winning another world title. Chisora has other thoughts: "He thinks it's just me retiring after this, he's wrong!"
The days of throwing tables during press conferences and biting opponents appear to be long gone for Chisora. But the Finchley slugger, age 42, cannot wait to hear his name ring around a familiar venue once again. And as you would expect, he is relishing his post-fight ritual of tucking into a Five Guys after boxing at the arena for the eleventh time. Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, Del Boy said: “The O2 is beautiful, man. I love it. “It’s a good feeling to hear my name chanted. They used to boo me. I’d walk out to boos and I was like f—k me, they hate me. But I didn’t give a s—t because they were paying to watch me. Now, they love me, which is nice. It's a good feeling.”
Despite claims from the likes of Carl Froch that Wilder is a spent force, a fighter boasting 43 knockouts from 44 victories cannot be underestimated. Whether it turns out to be a quick night’s work or a twelve-round slugfest, Chisora admits it will be an evening of mixed feelings. He added: “It will be an emotional, stressful night. As for Froch, he needs to stop talking c—p and fight John Fury. My money is on Fury [if that fight happens]."
Many boxers find retirement hard to handle and can be lured back into the ring for one final hurrah — or even more. But Chisora maintains this is the last time we will see him in action. He said: “I’m done. I thought I'd be done by 25 fights. But the game is so addictive I had to carry on. Now, though, I’m done. Make sure you tune in on DAZN pay-per-view. You don't want to miss this — it’s going to be delicious.”
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Chisora says he will retire Wilder on Saturday, then retire himself
Heavyweight legends Derek Chisora and ex-champ Deontay Wilder square off this Saturday, April 4th at London's O2 Arena, exclusively on DAZN PPV. Once a villain but now a hero, Chisora has loved being a fan favorite during a rollercoaster career. On Saturday night, he walks to the ring one last time, to face the former longtime WBC champion. A fiftieth pro bout for both men, Chisora has vowed he will retire regardless of the outcome. Wilder, on the other hand, still has his sights set on winning another world title. Chisora has other thoughts: "He thinks it's just me retiring after this, he's wrong!"
The days of throwing tables during press conferences and biting opponents appear to be long gone for Chisora. But the Finchley slugger, age 42, cannot wait to hear his name ring around a familiar venue once again. And as you would expect, he is relishing his post-fight ritual of tucking into a Five Guys after boxing at the arena for the eleventh time. Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, Del Boy said: “The O2 is beautiful, man. I love it. “It’s a good feeling to hear my name chanted. They used to boo me. I’d walk out to boos and I was like f—k me, they hate me. But I didn’t give a s—t because they were paying to watch me. Now, they love me, which is nice. It's a good feeling.”
Despite claims from the likes of Carl Froch that Wilder is a spent force, a fighter boasting 43 knockouts from 44 victories cannot be underestimated. Whether it turns out to be a quick night’s work or a twelve-round slugfest, Chisora admits it will be an evening of mixed feelings. He added: “It will be an emotional, stressful night. As for Froch, he needs to stop talking c—p and fight John Fury. My money is on Fury [if that fight happens]."
Many boxers find retirement hard to handle and can be lured back into the ring for one final hurrah — or even more. But Chisora maintains this is the last time we will see him in action. He said: “I’m done. I thought I'd be done by 25 fights. But the game is so addictive I had to carry on. Now, though, I’m done. Make sure you tune in on DAZN pay-per-view. You don't want to miss this — it’s going to be delicious.”
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Ex-champ Magsayo returns on Sunday |
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On Sunday in Las Vegas, Zuffa Boxing returns with its fifth show (Zuffa Boxing 05) in Las Vegas. Filipino fan-favorite Mark Magsayo returns to action against Ireland’s Feargal McCrory in a ten-round matchup at 135 pounds. Magsayo (pictured) is a former WBC featherweight champion, having defeated long-time champ Gary Russell in 2022 then losing his first defense to Rey Vargas. A Filipino fan-favorite, Magsayo heads into Sunday night with a 28-2 resumé that includes 18 knockouts. The 30-year old has been away from the ring for more than eight months, but he's now a Las Vegas-based lightweight looking to build on a four-fight win streak following a 2023 loss to Brandon Figueroa.
Magsayo will face off against McCrory, who is ending his own one-year hiatus and will be making his Zuffa Boxing debut. The 33-year-old, who fights out of New York, arrives in Vegas with a 17-1 record, and a reputation for getting into the trenches with his opponents. McCrory’s lone defeat came in a 130-pound title challenge against Lamont Roach in 2024, but since then, the Irishman has bounced back since, getting off the canvas to stop Keenan Carbajal in the eighth round on St Patrick’s Day 2025.
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Ex-champ Magsayo returns on Sunday
On Sunday in Las Vegas, Zuffa Boxing returns with its fifth show (Zuffa Boxing 05) in Las Vegas. Filipino fan-favorite Mark Magsayo returns to action against Ireland’s Feargal McCrory in a ten-round matchup at 135 pounds. Magsayo (pictured) is a former WBC featherweight champion, having defeated long-time champ Gary Russell in 2022 then losing his first defense to Rey Vargas. A Filipino fan-favorite, Magsayo heads into Sunday night with a 28-2 resumé that includes 18 knockouts. The 30-year old has been away from the ring for more than eight months, but he's now a Las Vegas-based lightweight looking to build on a four-fight win streak following a 2023 loss to Brandon Figueroa.
Magsayo will face off against McCrory, who is ending his own one-year hiatus and will be making his Zuffa Boxing debut. The 33-year-old, who fights out of New York, arrives in Vegas with a 17-1 record, and a reputation for getting into the trenches with his opponents. McCrory’s lone defeat came in a 130-pound title challenge against Lamont Roach in 2024, but since then, the Irishman has bounced back since, getting off the canvas to stop Keenan Carbajal in the eighth round on St Patrick’s Day 2025.
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Martinez looks to rehabilitate his career after PED issues |
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Wise Owl Boxing anounced the signing of former champion Julio César Martínez. Once recognized as one of boxing’s most fan-friendly fighters, Martinez now joins Wise Owl, a company headed by Mark Habibi. Martinez will be co-managed by respected boxing figure Miguel Lopez. Together, the team is committed to guiding Martinez back to the pinnacle of the sport. Martinez (20-4) fought once in 2025 in Mexico. He vacated his flyweight title in 2024 and was caught with banned performance-enhancing substances in his system. According to ESPN in June 2024, Martinez was suspended for nine months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after testing positive for three banned substances (diuretics and masking agents).
“We’re very excited about this signing,” said Habibi. “Julio Cesar Martinez is a proven world champion with a massive fan base and a style that fans love. He brings energy, personality, and excitement every time he steps into the ring. Our goal is clear — to bring him back to the championship level and help him regain a world title.”
With Wise Owl Boxing now steering his career, Martinez is positioned for a strong return, with major opportunities on the horizon. “This is a huge addition to our team,” Habibi added. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Wise Owl family and excited for what’s ahead.”
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
AUG. 14, 2024: Disgraced former WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martínez opened up to the press and talked about his experience of the positive doping test that caused him to be stripped of his title. Martinez said it was very painful when he was told that he had tested positive for doping, because in his opinion he had only taken a tea that would help him lose the last few kilos to make the weight, without knowing that it contained a prohibited substance. He recognized his responsibility, because as an athlete he knows that he should know everything he consumes and avoid trusting people who put at risk not only his health but also his rival’s. At this point, the president of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaiman, paused to recognize Martinez, claiming the ex-champ showed courage, since not many boxers do so and prefer to hide without talking about the subject.
MAY 23, 2024: Mexico's Julio César “Rey” Martínez has notified the WBC that he will vacate its flyweight championship in order to move up to the super flyweight division. Martínez (21-2-2, 15 KOs) won the title in 2019 and made seven successful defenses of his crown. He fought his most recent bout on March 30th, vanquishing the previously unbeaten Angelino Cordova of Venezuela. During his 112-pound reign, Martinez ventured up to 115 pounds once, losing to Roman Gonzaez in 2022.
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Martinez looks to rehabilitate his career after PED issues
Wise Owl Boxing anounced the signing of former champion Julio César Martínez. Once recognized as one of boxing’s most fan-friendly fighters, Martinez now joins Wise Owl, a company headed by Mark Habibi. Martinez will be co-managed by respected boxing figure Miguel Lopez. Together, the team is committed to guiding Martinez back to the pinnacle of the sport. Martinez (20-4) fought once in 2025 in Mexico. He vacated his flyweight title in 2024 and was caught with banned performance-enhancing substances in his system. According to ESPN in June 2024, Martinez was suspended for nine months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after testing positive for three banned substances (diuretics and masking agents).
“We’re very excited about this signing,” said Habibi. “Julio Cesar Martinez is a proven world champion with a massive fan base and a style that fans love. He brings energy, personality, and excitement every time he steps into the ring. Our goal is clear — to bring him back to the championship level and help him regain a world title.”
With Wise Owl Boxing now steering his career, Martinez is positioned for a strong return, with major opportunities on the horizon. “This is a huge addition to our team,” Habibi added. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Wise Owl family and excited for what’s ahead.”
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
AUG. 14, 2024: Disgraced former WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martínez opened up to the press and talked about his experience of the positive doping test that caused him to be stripped of his title. Martinez said it was very painful when he was told that he had tested positive for doping, because in his opinion he had only taken a tea that would help him lose the last few kilos to make the weight, without knowing that it contained a prohibited substance. He recognized his responsibility, because as an athlete he knows that he should know everything he consumes and avoid trusting people who put at risk not only his health but also his rival’s. At this point, the president of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaiman, paused to recognize Martinez, claiming the ex-champ showed courage, since not many boxers do so and prefer to hide without talking about the subject.
MAY 23, 2024: Mexico's Julio César “Rey” Martínez has notified the WBC that he will vacate its flyweight championship in order to move up to the super flyweight division. Martínez (21-2-2, 15 KOs) won the title in 2019 and made seven successful defenses of his crown. He fought his most recent bout on March 30th, vanquishing the previously unbeaten Angelino Cordova of Venezuela. During his 112-pound reign, Martinez ventured up to 115 pounds once, losing to Roman Gonzaez in 2022.
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Talk of Bivol vs. Beterbiev III in Moscow |
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Umar Kremlev, the president of the IBA, has expressed the organization’s readiness to stage a third bout between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Both Bivol, thge current world champion, and Beterbiev, the former world champion, are widely regarded as the top two in the light heavyweight division (particularly with David Benavidez moving up to cruiserweight), and their rivalry has already achieved mass global recognition within the modern professional boxing landscape. Kremlev noted that, prior to meeting for a third time, each Russian boxer is expected to take part in an interim bout. Following this, the parties involved would be in a position to proceed with detailed discussions regarding the timing and format of the trilogy fight. Preliminary talks may commence towards the end of the year. Kremlev identified Moscow as the preferred host city for the potential bout, stating that it meets all the necessary high quality criteria for staging an event of such magnitude.
Bivol and Beterbiev squared off in 2024 and 2025, both claose majority decisions, with Beterbiev winning the first encounter and Bivol the second.
Kremlev stated: “IBA stands ready to organize a trilogy fight between Bivol and Beterbiev. These are two of the finest boxers in the world, and their rivalry represents a truly global sporting historical event. However, both fighters are expected to complete one interim bout before facing each other again. Thereafter, by the end of the year, it should be possible to move forward with firm planning and organisation of the third fight. Our priority is to stage this trilogy in Russia. In my view, hosting such a bout is entirely feasible at present. Given the current global circumstances, Moscow represents a suitable and secure venue for an event of this scale, with all the necessary infrastructure in place to deliver it at the very highest level.”
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Talk of Bivol vs. Beterbiev III in Moscow
Umar Kremlev, the president of the IBA, has expressed the organization’s readiness to stage a third bout between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Both Bivol, thge current world champion, and Beterbiev, the former world champion, are widely regarded as the top two in the light heavyweight division (particularly with David Benavidez moving up to cruiserweight), and their rivalry has already achieved mass global recognition within the modern professional boxing landscape. Kremlev noted that, prior to meeting for a third time, each Russian boxer is expected to take part in an interim bout. Following this, the parties involved would be in a position to proceed with detailed discussions regarding the timing and format of the trilogy fight. Preliminary talks may commence towards the end of the year. Kremlev identified Moscow as the preferred host city for the potential bout, stating that it meets all the necessary high quality criteria for staging an event of such magnitude.
Bivol and Beterbiev squared off in 2024 and 2025, both claose majority decisions, with Beterbiev winning the first encounter and Bivol the second.
Kremlev stated: “IBA stands ready to organize a trilogy fight between Bivol and Beterbiev. These are two of the finest boxers in the world, and their rivalry represents a truly global sporting historical event. However, both fighters are expected to complete one interim bout before facing each other again. Thereafter, by the end of the year, it should be possible to move forward with firm planning and organisation of the third fight. Our priority is to stage this trilogy in Russia. In my view, hosting such a bout is entirely feasible at present. Given the current global circumstances, Moscow represents a suitable and secure venue for an event of this scale, with all the necessary infrastructure in place to deliver it at the very highest level.”
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Introducing French junior lightweight Yoni Valverde |
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Team Magnesi, together with promoter A&B Events, announced the signing of France's Yoni Valverde, a move that marks the beginning of an ambitious Franco-Italian project. This agreement aims to develop a solid and competitive career for Valverde at both European and world level, with a structured and long-term plan. Valverde holds a record of 17-1 with 4 knockouts. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a technical fighter, with a strong pace and good ring intelligence. Among his most notable achievements are the French junior lightweight title and his competition in the WBC Grand Prix at featherweight, although his team believes his best version is at 130 pounds, where his future development will be focused.
“Yoni has already shown great qualities. He has experience, mindset, and important titles. We believe he can reach his full potential at super featherweight,” said A&B Eevents' Alessandra Branco.
A key role in the project is played by the synergy between Branco and Davide Bianchi, who serves as manager and close collaborator in planning the boxer’s career. Training camps will take place in Civitavecchia under the technical supervision of coach Gesumino Aglioti.
Meanwhile, Hamid Zaim, who has guided Valverde’s career so far, will continue to be an important part of the team. “This agreement is based on a clear vision and a strong international strategy between Italy and France,” Branco concluded.
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Introducing French junior lightweight Yoni Valverde
Team Magnesi, together with promoter A&B Events, announced the signing of France's Yoni Valverde, a move that marks the beginning of an ambitious Franco-Italian project. This agreement aims to develop a solid and competitive career for Valverde at both European and world level, with a structured and long-term plan. Valverde holds a record of 17-1 with 4 knockouts. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a technical fighter, with a strong pace and good ring intelligence. Among his most notable achievements are the French junior lightweight title and his competition in the WBC Grand Prix at featherweight, although his team believes his best version is at 130 pounds, where his future development will be focused.
“Yoni has already shown great qualities. He has experience, mindset, and important titles. We believe he can reach his full potential at super featherweight,” said A&B Eevents' Alessandra Branco.
A key role in the project is played by the synergy between Branco and Davide Bianchi, who serves as manager and close collaborator in planning the boxer’s career. Training camps will take place in Civitavecchia under the technical supervision of coach Gesumino Aglioti.
Meanwhile, Hamid Zaim, who has guided Valverde’s career so far, will continue to be an important part of the team. “This agreement is based on a clear vision and a strong international strategy between Italy and France,” Branco concluded.
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Filip Hrgovic to face Dave Allen in May |
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Doncaster, England’s own Dave Allen takes center stage on Saturday, May 16th as he returns home to headline at Eco-Power Stadium against heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic (pictured), live on DAZN. ‘The White Rhino’, one of Britain’s most popular heavyweights, is enjoying a career resurgence and now faces the biggest test of his career on familiar ground in front of a passionate home crowd in South Yorkshire. Tickets for ‘Dave vs Goliath’ are on sale at doncasterroversfc.co.uk. Allen’s revival has been driven by his compelling two-fight rivalry with Johnny Fisher. After suffering a controversial points defeat in their first meeting in Riyadh at the end of 2024, the 34-year-old emphatically settled the score five months later, stopping Fisher in the fifth round at the Copper Box Arena.
That momentum led Allen into a high-level clash with the formidable Arslanbek Makhmudov in Sheffield, where he pushed the towering Russian over twelve rounds before coming up short on the cards. He bounced back in explosive fashion in February, needing less than a minute to dispatch Karim Berredjem in Nottingham. Remarkably, despite a 35-fight career, Allen has fought in his hometown of Doncaster only once before, back in 2015. Now, he returns as the headline attraction at the home of Doncaster Rovers for what promises to be a landmark night.
Standing in his way is the dangerous Hrgovic, a former world title challenger who arrives in strong form. The Croatian, known as ‘El Animal’, secured back-to-back wins over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye.
The 33-year-old from Zagreb had previously been on the brink of an IBF world title opportunity before falling to Daniel Dubois in an interim title fight in 2024, with Dubois later upgraded to full champion following his victory over Anthony Joshua.
Hrgovic’s clash with Allen will mark his fourth successive bout against British opposition, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the Doncaster favourite “May 16th will be a magical experience for Dave Allen,” said promoter Frank Warren. “He is taking on a world-class operator in Filip Hrgovic, but he gets to do it on his own doorstep at Doncaster Rovers. This will be a huge occasion for the city of Doncaster and for the fans who have backed Dave throughout his career. Filip has got into a habit of beating British heavyweights, so this really is a ‘Dave vs Goliath’ battle.”
“This is everything I’ve wanted,” Allen added. “A big fight, at home, in front of my own people. Nights like this don’t come around often, and I’m not letting it pass me by. I know how tough Hrgovic is, but I believe in myself and I’ll be ready to give Doncaster a night to remember.”
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Filip Hrgovic to face Dave Allen in May
Doncaster, England’s own Dave Allen takes center stage on Saturday, May 16th as he returns home to headline at Eco-Power Stadium against heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic (pictured), live on DAZN. ‘The White Rhino’, one of Britain’s most popular heavyweights, is enjoying a career resurgence and now faces the biggest test of his career on familiar ground in front of a passionate home crowd in South Yorkshire. Tickets for ‘Dave vs Goliath’ are on sale at doncasterroversfc.co.uk. Allen’s revival has been driven by his compelling two-fight rivalry with Johnny Fisher. After suffering a controversial points defeat in their first meeting in Riyadh at the end of 2024, the 34-year-old emphatically settled the score five months later, stopping Fisher in the fifth round at the Copper Box Arena.
That momentum led Allen into a high-level clash with the formidable Arslanbek Makhmudov in Sheffield, where he pushed the towering Russian over twelve rounds before coming up short on the cards. He bounced back in explosive fashion in February, needing less than a minute to dispatch Karim Berredjem in Nottingham. Remarkably, despite a 35-fight career, Allen has fought in his hometown of Doncaster only once before, back in 2015. Now, he returns as the headline attraction at the home of Doncaster Rovers for what promises to be a landmark night.
Standing in his way is the dangerous Hrgovic, a former world title challenger who arrives in strong form. The Croatian, known as ‘El Animal’, secured back-to-back wins over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye.
The 33-year-old from Zagreb had previously been on the brink of an IBF world title opportunity before falling to Daniel Dubois in an interim title fight in 2024, with Dubois later upgraded to full champion following his victory over Anthony Joshua.
Hrgovic’s clash with Allen will mark his fourth successive bout against British opposition, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the Doncaster favourite “May 16th will be a magical experience for Dave Allen,” said promoter Frank Warren. “He is taking on a world-class operator in Filip Hrgovic, but he gets to do it on his own doorstep at Doncaster Rovers. This will be a huge occasion for the city of Doncaster and for the fans who have backed Dave throughout his career. Filip has got into a habit of beating British heavyweights, so this really is a ‘Dave vs Goliath’ battle.”
“This is everything I’ve wanted,” Allen added. “A big fight, at home, in front of my own people. Nights like this don’t come around often, and I’m not letting it pass me by. I know how tough Hrgovic is, but I believe in myself and I’ll be ready to give Doncaster a night to remember.”
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Promoter wants Itauma to fight again in July |
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Promoter Frank Warren had this to say about young heavyweight Moses Itauma in the wake of Itauma's knockout of Jermaine Franklin last Saturday in Manchester, England: "Moses Itauma has proved himself to be an absolutely natural headline attraction at just 21 years of age. I actually think this young man has got it all and it is hard to think of a fighting attribute he doesn’t possess. Size, speed, skill, power, accuracy, athleticism, to name some that immediately spring to mind. Without wanting this to sound like a blatant promotional plug, I really recommend watching him live in person and up close to truly comprehend the magnitude of the talent we are lucky enough to be watching.
"Moses is that good and, even after just 14 fights and not that many as an amateur, there is hardly anyone I wouldn’t put him in with now. There is no need to rush into anything for the sake of it though. The best thing for Moses now - and us as boxing fans - is to just keep him fighting and give more and more people the chance to be part of the journey. The WBO have installed Moses at #1 and I believe the WBA will do likewise, which will make it easier when it comes to forcing a world title shot. In the shorter term the plan is to get Moses back out in July and to build on his performance against Franklin.
"Credit to Franklin, he did what we hoped he would do and that was to provide some resistance and give Moses something to think about. We knew he was a tough customer and nobody’s fall guy. And so it proved. Moses has made another statement and it is interesting to see that leading fighters from across the world, particularly in the US, are sitting up and taking notice now.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MARCH 29, 2026: On Saturday night, Moses Itauma continued to flash future champion potential when he beat tough American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin by knockout. Landing the final blow in the fifth round, Itauma wore his opponent down, sending him to the canvas in the third before finishing off Franklin two sessions later, inflicting the first stoppage defeat of Franklin’s career. For those thousands in attendance, it was a performance to behold, and one which launches Itauma into sporting superstardom. Itauma begin his attack by targeting Franklin’s body, two lefts put the British southpaw in charge.
While Franklin’s corner was urging their man into the centre of the ring, Itauma had him backed up and methodically picked his shots with serious spite. The closing seconds of the first saw the 21-year-old land two successive right-left combinations and Franklin was already on the ropes. The second saw Franklin attempt to take the fight to Itauma, but his attempted swings to the body were easily blocked.
A thumping Itauma right dug into Franklin’s midriff, but he still stood in front of his foe who pressed on. Backed on to the ropes, Franklin attempted to gain his opponent’s respect by throwing some shots, albeit none landed. Itauma’s right hand had Franklin in trouble in round three. The American was trying his best to force Itauma back off the ropes, but with every jab, Itauma went on the front foot and made him a sitting duck.
The first knockdown came with around 25 seconds to go, a left faint, followed by a right hand had Franklin down, but he managed to meet the referee’s count.
In the fourth session, Itauma kept up the intensity, and the crowd backed it up with chants of ‘Moses Itauma’, making the Co-op Live a bear pit for what was becoming a beatdown. Franklin landed a rare jab, which had little effect. But he did hit Itauma with a right hand of his own, and for the first time in the fight, Franklin had some success.
The knockout blow came in round five when Itauma hit a left uppercut, leaving Franklin emotionless before finishing him off with a straight right with 87 seconds remaining on the clock.
The crowd went into raptures following the finish, and Itauma bowed to the crowd, knowing he put on a performance fitting for a superstar.
Questions were answered, Itauma showcased what he can do past the early rounds, and did not get caught in the headlights following the first knockdown in round three. Instead of going reckless in search of the kill, Itauma continued to be methodical with his shot selection.
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Promoter wants Itauma to fight again in July
Promoter Frank Warren had this to say about young heavyweight Moses Itauma in the wake of Itauma's knockout of Jermaine Franklin last Saturday in Manchester, England: "Moses Itauma has proved himself to be an absolutely natural headline attraction at just 21 years of age. I actually think this young man has got it all and it is hard to think of a fighting attribute he doesn’t possess. Size, speed, skill, power, accuracy, athleticism, to name some that immediately spring to mind. Without wanting this to sound like a blatant promotional plug, I really recommend watching him live in person and up close to truly comprehend the magnitude of the talent we are lucky enough to be watching.
"Moses is that good and, even after just 14 fights and not that many as an amateur, there is hardly anyone I wouldn’t put him in with now. There is no need to rush into anything for the sake of it though. The best thing for Moses now - and us as boxing fans - is to just keep him fighting and give more and more people the chance to be part of the journey. The WBO have installed Moses at #1 and I believe the WBA will do likewise, which will make it easier when it comes to forcing a world title shot. In the shorter term the plan is to get Moses back out in July and to build on his performance against Franklin.
"Credit to Franklin, he did what we hoped he would do and that was to provide some resistance and give Moses something to think about. We knew he was a tough customer and nobody’s fall guy. And so it proved. Moses has made another statement and it is interesting to see that leading fighters from across the world, particularly in the US, are sitting up and taking notice now.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MARCH 29, 2026: On Saturday night, Moses Itauma continued to flash future champion potential when he beat tough American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin by knockout. Landing the final blow in the fifth round, Itauma wore his opponent down, sending him to the canvas in the third before finishing off Franklin two sessions later, inflicting the first stoppage defeat of Franklin’s career. For those thousands in attendance, it was a performance to behold, and one which launches Itauma into sporting superstardom. Itauma begin his attack by targeting Franklin’s body, two lefts put the British southpaw in charge.
While Franklin’s corner was urging their man into the centre of the ring, Itauma had him backed up and methodically picked his shots with serious spite. The closing seconds of the first saw the 21-year-old land two successive right-left combinations and Franklin was already on the ropes. The second saw Franklin attempt to take the fight to Itauma, but his attempted swings to the body were easily blocked.
A thumping Itauma right dug into Franklin’s midriff, but he still stood in front of his foe who pressed on. Backed on to the ropes, Franklin attempted to gain his opponent’s respect by throwing some shots, albeit none landed. Itauma’s right hand had Franklin in trouble in round three. The American was trying his best to force Itauma back off the ropes, but with every jab, Itauma went on the front foot and made him a sitting duck.
The first knockdown came with around 25 seconds to go, a left faint, followed by a right hand had Franklin down, but he managed to meet the referee’s count.
In the fourth session, Itauma kept up the intensity, and the crowd backed it up with chants of ‘Moses Itauma’, making the Co-op Live a bear pit for what was becoming a beatdown. Franklin landed a rare jab, which had little effect. But he did hit Itauma with a right hand of his own, and for the first time in the fight, Franklin had some success.
The knockout blow came in round five when Itauma hit a left uppercut, leaving Franklin emotionless before finishing him off with a straight right with 87 seconds remaining on the clock.
The crowd went into raptures following the finish, and Itauma bowed to the crowd, knowing he put on a performance fitting for a superstar.
Questions were answered, Itauma showcased what he can do past the early rounds, and did not get caught in the headlights following the first knockdown in round three. Instead of going reckless in search of the kill, Itauma continued to be methodical with his shot selection.
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Tszyu days away from facing unbeaten Nurja |
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Former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu (pictured) kicked off fight week in Australia on Tuesday by facing off against undefeated Denis Nurja before they meet in the ring on a PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video stream this Saturday, April 4th from the WIN Entertainment Centre. The event will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with the action streaming on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Join today or start a free trial to catch the card.
Also featured on Prime Video will be a duel of super bantamweight contenders as Australia’s Sam Goodman takes on Argentina’s Rodrigo Ruiz in an IBF eliminator. Also, 2024 Australian Olympian Callum Peters will put his perfect record on the line against fellow unbeaten Delio Mouzinho in middleweight action. The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.
Tszyu will enter the ring for the second time with new trainer Pedro Diaz, who’s prepared the Australian star in Miami. Tszyu is looking to continue his climb back to a world title whereas Nurja, a 20-0 Albanian who arrived down under on Sunday, is upset-minded and looking to make his own name in the 154-pound division. Here is what the fighters, along with No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose, had to say Tuesday during a media workout in Sydney:
TIM TSZYU
“Finally, someone my height. Usually I’m looking up, so it’s nice to have someone your own height. Nurja seems ready, which is good. At least he’s here nice and early.
“It’s unbelievable to be back home in Australia. I’m loving being back home. Australia is always going to be home for me. Even though I’m travelling nonstop and putting myself in uncomfortable positions at times, being back home is comforting.
“Everything is at risk. Your whole career. That’s what you do in this sport. You put everything on the line every time. The biggest risk is not just losing, but your health. You’re always one punch away, so I prepare strong every time because I know what’s ahead.
“I wouldn’t say I fear losing, but it’s not a good feeling and it’s not something I want to experience again. My motivation throughout this training camp, and in life right now, is victory by any means necessary.
“The word annihilation has been in my head and repeated in my head for the last seven weeks. That’s all I want to do. My whole purpose right now is just to annihilate.
“I need to win. And the win comes from the way I want to do it.”
DENIS NURJA
“I’ve had a fantastic training camp. I’ve trained hard for this, in Italy and in London. I’m ready. I respect Tim. I think he’s still in great shape, still a good level fighter and I respect him.
“This is no problem. I will be ready, Tim will be ready and the ring will decide it, not the talking.
“I understand these thoughts, but he still has to pass through me before thinking about Errol Spence Jr., which is no easy task.
“It’s better not to talk about what’s next or the plans before a fight. We have a lot of plans we want to carry out and don’t want to give away anything.”
GEORGE ROSE, CEO of No Limit Boxing
““We’ve got a massive fight this Easter Sunday, live from the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong. It will be the first time Timmy has fought in Wollongong, so that’s very exciting.
“He’s coming up against the number 12 ranked fighter in the world in Denis Nurja. It’s a very tough fight, but a fight that can set him up for huge things later in the year.
“It’s just great to have Timmy back here. I think when you’ve had someone around for so long, you can almost take it for granted, but when he’s overseas in camp you realize how much you miss those opportunities to watch him train live, be around him and feel that energy.
“When Tim Tszyu is back in town, there’s a real aura about him. He’s coming up against an undefeated fighter who has that undefeated strut about him, so it’s a very tough fight this weekend.”
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Tszyu days away from facing unbeaten Nurja
Former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu (pictured) kicked off fight week in Australia on Tuesday by facing off against undefeated Denis Nurja before they meet in the ring on a PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video stream this Saturday, April 4th from the WIN Entertainment Centre. The event will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with the action streaming on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Join today or start a free trial to catch the card.
Also featured on Prime Video will be a duel of super bantamweight contenders as Australia’s Sam Goodman takes on Argentina’s Rodrigo Ruiz in an IBF eliminator. Also, 2024 Australian Olympian Callum Peters will put his perfect record on the line against fellow unbeaten Delio Mouzinho in middleweight action. The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.
Tszyu will enter the ring for the second time with new trainer Pedro Diaz, who’s prepared the Australian star in Miami. Tszyu is looking to continue his climb back to a world title whereas Nurja, a 20-0 Albanian who arrived down under on Sunday, is upset-minded and looking to make his own name in the 154-pound division. Here is what the fighters, along with No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose, had to say Tuesday during a media workout in Sydney:
TIM TSZYU
“Finally, someone my height. Usually I’m looking up, so it’s nice to have someone your own height. Nurja seems ready, which is good. At least he’s here nice and early.
“It’s unbelievable to be back home in Australia. I’m loving being back home. Australia is always going to be home for me. Even though I’m travelling nonstop and putting myself in uncomfortable positions at times, being back home is comforting.
“Everything is at risk. Your whole career. That’s what you do in this sport. You put everything on the line every time. The biggest risk is not just losing, but your health. You’re always one punch away, so I prepare strong every time because I know what’s ahead.
“I wouldn’t say I fear losing, but it’s not a good feeling and it’s not something I want to experience again. My motivation throughout this training camp, and in life right now, is victory by any means necessary.
“The word annihilation has been in my head and repeated in my head for the last seven weeks. That’s all I want to do. My whole purpose right now is just to annihilate.
“I need to win. And the win comes from the way I want to do it.”
DENIS NURJA
“I’ve had a fantastic training camp. I’ve trained hard for this, in Italy and in London. I’m ready. I respect Tim. I think he’s still in great shape, still a good level fighter and I respect him.
“This is no problem. I will be ready, Tim will be ready and the ring will decide it, not the talking.
“I understand these thoughts, but he still has to pass through me before thinking about Errol Spence Jr., which is no easy task.
“It’s better not to talk about what’s next or the plans before a fight. We have a lot of plans we want to carry out and don’t want to give away anything.”
GEORGE ROSE, CEO of No Limit Boxing
““We’ve got a massive fight this Easter Sunday, live from the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong. It will be the first time Timmy has fought in Wollongong, so that’s very exciting.
“He’s coming up against the number 12 ranked fighter in the world in Denis Nurja. It’s a very tough fight, but a fight that can set him up for huge things later in the year.
“It’s just great to have Timmy back here. I think when you’ve had someone around for so long, you can almost take it for granted, but when he’s overseas in camp you realize how much you miss those opportunities to watch him train live, be around him and feel that energy.
“When Tim Tszyu is back in town, there’s a real aura about him. He’s coming up against an undefeated fighter who has that undefeated strut about him, so it’s a very tough fight this weekend.”
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