Ryan Garcia and Golden Boy put their lawsuit on hold |
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Golden Boy Promotions and lightweight contender Ryan Garcia (pictured) have agreed to put their lawsuit on hold and will attempt to work out their differences with a mediator. Garcia’s attorney, Guadalupe Valencia, also a defendant in the lawsuit filed by Golden Boy, will also participate on the mediation (as a party, not as an attorney). Garcia last fought in April, a loss to Gervonta “Tank” Davis is a lucrative pay-per-view fight. In the wake o0f the loss, the relationship between promoter and boxer quickly deteriorated. Golden Boy filed the lawsuit in federal court in Nevada on June 16th. Garcia and Valencia each filed separate motions to dismiss on August 21st, but Golden Boy filed an amended complaint on September 1st. Shortly afterwards, the two sides’ positions seemed to soften as Golden Boy offered mediation, and Garcia tweeted, “fighting at the end of this year... Ooooowweeeeeeee! One more for 2023! Let’s see who!" There has still been no fight announcement, but Garcia and Valencia agreed to stay the lawsuit and go to mediation last week. The court agreed to this request, writing, “Case is stayed until further order of this court.” If the mediation fails, Golden Boy will have to respond to at least one, and probably two motions to dismiss. PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE SEPT. 13, 2023: In a federal lawsuit filed in Nevada, Golden Boy Promotions is seeking to protect its promotional rights to the career of Ryan Garcia. The defendants are Garcia himself plus his attorney Lupe Valencia. Despite the lawsuit, it looks like Garcia will still be working with Golden Boy, because earlier this week, the lightweight / junior welterweight contender tweeted, "Fighting at the end of this year... Ooooowweeeeeeee! One more for 2023! Let’s see who!"
In the lawsuit, Golden Boy alleges that it has a valid, ongoing and enforceable promotional agreement with Garcia that gives it the exclusive right to promote Garcia’s boxing matches, including to find opponents, negotiate deals, and arrange his bouts. The Agreement forbids Garcia and his agents, including Valencia, from negotiating and contracting for any fights other than those promoted by Golden Boy. The Agreement also provides that Garcia shall not withhold his approval for certain opponents and bouts proposed by Golden Boy. According to the amended complaint Golden Boy filed earlier this month, Golden Boy has fulfilled all of its contractual obligations and helped to build Garcia into one of the most recognizable and sought-after boxers in the world. “In short,” the lawsuit says, “Garcia’s career has flourished under Golden Boy’s direction.”
The lawsuit goes on to allege that Garcia’s advisors have convinced him he does not need Golden Boy anymore. "Valencia, has for the last year or more, has directly interfered with Golden Boy’s ability to communicate with Garcia and to negotiate the best deals and fights for Garcia. In fact, Valencia, in direct violation of the Agreement, has engaged in negotiations with other promoters and boxers for Garcia’s fights. Valencia has done so despite explicitly knowing of the Agreement and its terms and has orchestrated an effort to drive a wedge between Garcia and Golden Boy by inducing his breach of the Agreement."
Since the lawsuit was filed in June, Golden Boy says, “Garcia now takes the position that he does not dispute the Agreement’s present validity and enforceability and that, pursuant to that Agreement, Golden Boy should have first mediated their dispute before coming to the Court [… But] Garcia continues this bad faith conduct to this day as Golden Boy is attempting to arrange a bout for November 2023. Golden Boy was thus forced to commence this lawsuit to enforce and protect its rights under the Agreement… Now that Garcia appears to take the position that the agreement may be enforceable for some period of time, GBP has initiated a mediation with Garcia. Golden Boy is awaiting Garcia’s response regarding that mediation.”
JUNE 2, 2023: Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes Ryan Garcia, issued a rant against Garcia on Twitter on Thursday... "Wtf, Ryan Garcia. It’s been almost two months [since you got stopped by Gervonta "Tank" Davis] and youre still crying about the post-fight presser? The blame for your loss is on YOU and your advisor Lupe [Valencia]. He is the only one who pushed you to accept that insane rehydration [post-weigh-in weight] clause and that is the reason you lost. Man up. Own that....Also, you keep saying Tank's team offered more support for you, blah blah blah. Bro they set you up to lose with that rehydration clause and most importantly… [Davis' de facto promoter] Al Haymon didn't even show up the entire week. Actually, he never shows up. How’s that for “support” ??? Garcia's response: "Weren’t you just promoting the fake Pac [Manny Pacquiao vs. Ryan Garcia] fight that I already told you I’m not accepting? You really think ima fall for that bull twice?"
De La Hoya: "Not going to argue over social media. When you have time to sit down, man to man, we can get you another huge payday."
APRIL 23, 2023: Gervonta “Tank” Davis, the five-time, three-division world champion, earned the biggest victory of his career tonight in front of 20,842 fans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, handing Ryan Garcia his first defeat by way of emphatic seventh-round knockout. Davis improved to 29-0 (27 KOs), while Ryan’s record suffered its first blemish, dipping to 23-1 (19 KOs).
In what turned out to be a tactical boxing match, both Davis and Garcia stayed poised looking to land their signature power punches. Ryan captured the first round as the more active fighter, moving forward and sticking with his jab. Davis was content to stay on the backfoot waiting for the right time to strike. That moment came in round two when Davis countered a wide right hook that missed from Garcia with his own left hook clean on the chin. Garcia once again found himself on the canvas in round two, similar to when he fought Luke Campbell in January 2021. Unlike in the Campbell fight, Ryan never regained control of the contest. Davis consistently targeted the body with his straight left, which ultimately proved to be the right strategy.
Garcia found some success in round six, landing a few stinging right hands, but they did little to deter a motivated Davis. In the seventh, while to two were tangled in a clinch, Davis landed a sneaky left hook to Garcia’s ribcage. In a delayed reaction, Garcia felt the shot then retreated into a neutral corner and took a knee for a full count. The knockout came at the 1:44 mark of the frame.
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Ryan Garcia and Golden Boy put their lawsuit on hold
Golden Boy Promotions and lightweight contender Ryan Garcia (pictured) have agreed to put their lawsuit on hold and will attempt to work out their differences with a mediator. Garcia’s attorney, Guadalupe Valencia, also a defendant in the lawsuit filed by Golden Boy, will also participate on the mediation (as a party, not as an attorney). Garcia last fought in April, a loss to Gervonta “Tank” Davis is a lucrative pay-per-view fight. In the wake o0f the loss, the relationship between promoter and boxer quickly deteriorated. Golden Boy filed the lawsuit in federal court in Nevada on June 16th. Garcia and Valencia each filed separate motions to dismiss on August 21st, but Golden Boy filed an amended complaint on September 1st. Shortly afterwards, the two sides’ positions seemed to soften as Golden Boy offered mediation, and Garcia tweeted, “fighting at the end of this year... Ooooowweeeeeeee! One more for 2023! Let’s see who!" There has still been no fight announcement, but Garcia and Valencia agreed to stay the lawsuit and go to mediation last week. The court agreed to this request, writing, “Case is stayed until further order of this court.” If the mediation fails, Golden Boy will have to respond to at least one, and probably two motions to dismiss. PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE SEPT. 13, 2023: In a federal lawsuit filed in Nevada, Golden Boy Promotions is seeking to protect its promotional rights to the career of Ryan Garcia. The defendants are Garcia himself plus his attorney Lupe Valencia. Despite the lawsuit, it looks like Garcia will still be working with Golden Boy, because earlier this week, the lightweight / junior welterweight contender tweeted, "Fighting at the end of this year... Ooooowweeeeeeee! One more for 2023! Let’s see who!"
In the lawsuit, Golden Boy alleges that it has a valid, ongoing and enforceable promotional agreement with Garcia that gives it the exclusive right to promote Garcia’s boxing matches, including to find opponents, negotiate deals, and arrange his bouts. The Agreement forbids Garcia and his agents, including Valencia, from negotiating and contracting for any fights other than those promoted by Golden Boy. The Agreement also provides that Garcia shall not withhold his approval for certain opponents and bouts proposed by Golden Boy. According to the amended complaint Golden Boy filed earlier this month, Golden Boy has fulfilled all of its contractual obligations and helped to build Garcia into one of the most recognizable and sought-after boxers in the world. “In short,” the lawsuit says, “Garcia’s career has flourished under Golden Boy’s direction.”
The lawsuit goes on to allege that Garcia’s advisors have convinced him he does not need Golden Boy anymore. "Valencia, has for the last year or more, has directly interfered with Golden Boy’s ability to communicate with Garcia and to negotiate the best deals and fights for Garcia. In fact, Valencia, in direct violation of the Agreement, has engaged in negotiations with other promoters and boxers for Garcia’s fights. Valencia has done so despite explicitly knowing of the Agreement and its terms and has orchestrated an effort to drive a wedge between Garcia and Golden Boy by inducing his breach of the Agreement."
Since the lawsuit was filed in June, Golden Boy says, “Garcia now takes the position that he does not dispute the Agreement’s present validity and enforceability and that, pursuant to that Agreement, Golden Boy should have first mediated their dispute before coming to the Court [… But] Garcia continues this bad faith conduct to this day as Golden Boy is attempting to arrange a bout for November 2023. Golden Boy was thus forced to commence this lawsuit to enforce and protect its rights under the Agreement… Now that Garcia appears to take the position that the agreement may be enforceable for some period of time, GBP has initiated a mediation with Garcia. Golden Boy is awaiting Garcia’s response regarding that mediation.”
JUNE 2, 2023: Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes Ryan Garcia, issued a rant against Garcia on Twitter on Thursday... "Wtf, Ryan Garcia. It’s been almost two months [since you got stopped by Gervonta "Tank" Davis] and youre still crying about the post-fight presser? The blame for your loss is on YOU and your advisor Lupe [Valencia]. He is the only one who pushed you to accept that insane rehydration [post-weigh-in weight] clause and that is the reason you lost. Man up. Own that....Also, you keep saying Tank's team offered more support for you, blah blah blah. Bro they set you up to lose with that rehydration clause and most importantly… [Davis' de facto promoter] Al Haymon didn't even show up the entire week. Actually, he never shows up. How’s that for “support” ??? Garcia's response: "Weren’t you just promoting the fake Pac [Manny Pacquiao vs. Ryan Garcia] fight that I already told you I’m not accepting? You really think ima fall for that bull twice?"
De La Hoya: "Not going to argue over social media. When you have time to sit down, man to man, we can get you another huge payday."
APRIL 23, 2023: Gervonta “Tank” Davis, the five-time, three-division world champion, earned the biggest victory of his career tonight in front of 20,842 fans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, handing Ryan Garcia his first defeat by way of emphatic seventh-round knockout. Davis improved to 29-0 (27 KOs), while Ryan’s record suffered its first blemish, dipping to 23-1 (19 KOs).
In what turned out to be a tactical boxing match, both Davis and Garcia stayed poised looking to land their signature power punches. Ryan captured the first round as the more active fighter, moving forward and sticking with his jab. Davis was content to stay on the backfoot waiting for the right time to strike. That moment came in round two when Davis countered a wide right hook that missed from Garcia with his own left hook clean on the chin. Garcia once again found himself on the canvas in round two, similar to when he fought Luke Campbell in January 2021. Unlike in the Campbell fight, Ryan never regained control of the contest. Davis consistently targeted the body with his straight left, which ultimately proved to be the right strategy.
Garcia found some success in round six, landing a few stinging right hands, but they did little to deter a motivated Davis. In the seventh, while to two were tangled in a clinch, Davis landed a sneaky left hook to Garcia’s ribcage. In a delayed reaction, Garcia felt the shot then retreated into a neutral corner and took a knee for a full count. The knockout came at the 1:44 mark of the frame.
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Matchroom to hold fight cards in Japan |
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Matchroom Boxing confirmed an agreement with Rakuten Ticket, Inc. and international company NSN (Never Say Never) that will bring a series of major events to Japan. The milestone deal will see Matchroom stage three major world-class events per year in Japan – all live worldwide to DAZN subscribers (excluding Asia) – over the next three years, featuring the best international and domestic fighters. The historic partnership will help supercharge the exciting future of the sport in Japan, providing a series of unmissable sporting spectacles for fight fans.
Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith, said: “The future of boxing in Japan is incredibly bright. We are delighted to seal this historic partnership with Rakuten Ticket, Inc and NSN. Japan is an important, strategic market for us to operate in and by bringing our world-class boxing events to this great country, we will not only showcase some of the finest fighters on the planet, but we will help establish some of the country’s leading domestic talents who will undoubtedly prosper on the world’s stage in years to come.”
Rakuten Ticket, Inc. President Joe Umemoto added: “We are very happy to contribute to the development of boxing in our country. The partnership with NSN and Matchroom will provide many opportunities for Japanese boxers”.
President and founder of NSN, Joel Borràs, said: “It is a huge source of pride for our company, after three years installed in Japan, to be involved in such an important project that will allow the Japanese public to enjoy a first-class show”.
A press conference will be held in Tokyo in the coming days where more details of this monumental deal will be announced.
Rakuten Ticket is a ticket reservation and sales website managed by Rakuten Ticket, Inc., a Rakuten Group company. The site offers reservation and general sales of tickets for various events, including sports, live performances, concerts and theatre/stage performances. In addition to enabling users to earn and use Rakuten Points, the Rakuten Group aims to maximize users’ entertainment experiences by providing a range of original value-added services.
NSN (Never say Never) is a global company specialising in blurring the boundaries between sport and entertainment to create new opportunities for brands and talent. Founded in 2018, NSN started as a representation and intermediary agency in the football business, with players such as Andrés Iniesta, Brahim Díaz, Bojan Krkić, Sergi Samper or Junior Firpo. Throughout its five years of existence, it has been diversifying its activity by entering the field of entertainment and currently represents footballers, produces audiovisual content and documentaries, promotes its own projects such as Capitten as well as investing in startups such as Vicio; organises entertainment events such as OMG! together with LaLiga or the match between Vissel Kobe and FC Barcelona in Tokyo; it is a sponsorship activation agency with TP Vision and Stage Front, and manages eSports accounts for clubs such as RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad. NSN is currently a global entertainment and sports marketing company with different verticals that aims to respond to the service, communication and content needs of its clients such as Sony Pictures, Rakuten, TP Vision, Stage Front, Ifeel, Konami, Springfield and Wallapop, among others. The company develops business from Barcelona and Madrid (Spain), Kobe (Japan), Lima (Peru), Seoul (South Korea), Mexico City (Mexico) and New York (USA).
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Matchroom to hold fight cards in Japan
Matchroom Boxing confirmed an agreement with Rakuten Ticket, Inc. and international company NSN (Never Say Never) that will bring a series of major events to Japan. The milestone deal will see Matchroom stage three major world-class events per year in Japan – all live worldwide to DAZN subscribers (excluding Asia) – over the next three years, featuring the best international and domestic fighters. The historic partnership will help supercharge the exciting future of the sport in Japan, providing a series of unmissable sporting spectacles for fight fans.
Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith, said: “The future of boxing in Japan is incredibly bright. We are delighted to seal this historic partnership with Rakuten Ticket, Inc and NSN. Japan is an important, strategic market for us to operate in and by bringing our world-class boxing events to this great country, we will not only showcase some of the finest fighters on the planet, but we will help establish some of the country’s leading domestic talents who will undoubtedly prosper on the world’s stage in years to come.”
Rakuten Ticket, Inc. President Joe Umemoto added: “We are very happy to contribute to the development of boxing in our country. The partnership with NSN and Matchroom will provide many opportunities for Japanese boxers”.
President and founder of NSN, Joel Borràs, said: “It is a huge source of pride for our company, after three years installed in Japan, to be involved in such an important project that will allow the Japanese public to enjoy a first-class show”.
A press conference will be held in Tokyo in the coming days where more details of this monumental deal will be announced.
Rakuten Ticket is a ticket reservation and sales website managed by Rakuten Ticket, Inc., a Rakuten Group company. The site offers reservation and general sales of tickets for various events, including sports, live performances, concerts and theatre/stage performances. In addition to enabling users to earn and use Rakuten Points, the Rakuten Group aims to maximize users’ entertainment experiences by providing a range of original value-added services.
NSN (Never say Never) is a global company specialising in blurring the boundaries between sport and entertainment to create new opportunities for brands and talent. Founded in 2018, NSN started as a representation and intermediary agency in the football business, with players such as Andrés Iniesta, Brahim Díaz, Bojan Krkić, Sergi Samper or Junior Firpo. Throughout its five years of existence, it has been diversifying its activity by entering the field of entertainment and currently represents footballers, produces audiovisual content and documentaries, promotes its own projects such as Capitten as well as investing in startups such as Vicio; organises entertainment events such as OMG! together with LaLiga or the match between Vissel Kobe and FC Barcelona in Tokyo; it is a sponsorship activation agency with TP Vision and Stage Front, and manages eSports accounts for clubs such as RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad. NSN is currently a global entertainment and sports marketing company with different verticals that aims to respond to the service, communication and content needs of its clients such as Sony Pictures, Rakuten, TP Vision, Stage Front, Ifeel, Konami, Springfield and Wallapop, among others. The company develops business from Barcelona and Madrid (Spain), Kobe (Japan), Lima (Peru), Seoul (South Korea), Mexico City (Mexico) and New York (USA).
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Tevin Farmer comeback continues this Frday |
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On Friday night, former junior lightweight champion Tevin Farmer gets back into the ring for the second time in three months when he takes on Oscar Barajas in an eight-round lightweight bout at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The seven-bout card is promoted by R & B Promotions. Farmer, from Philadelphia, is 31-5-1 with six knockouts. On August 3, 2018, Farmer, age 33, traveled to Australia and defeated Billy Dib (44-4) to win the IBF 130-pound championship. Farmer defended the title four times with wins over James Tennyson (22-2), Francisco Fonseca (22-1-1), Jono Carroll (16-0-1) and Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1). He came back after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus with a ten-round unanimous decision over Avery Sparrow on June 24th at the 2300 Arena.
Barajas of Zamora, Mexico has a record of 19-8-1. The 33-year-old Barajas has wins over Roxie Lam (7-1) as well as three big upset wins over Philly fighters Jerome Conquest and Damon Allen (16-1-1) as well as a decision win over Roberto Gomez (5-1) on March 4th in Newtown, PA.
In six-round bouts Oluwafemi Oyeleye (13-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles takes on Jimmy Williams (18-12-2, 6 KOs) of New Haven, CT in a junior middleweight bout; and
Carlos Rosario (9-3, 4 KOs) of Somerdale, NJ fights Phillip Davis (3-6-2) of Worcester, MA in a lightweight bout.
In four-round bouts, Joshua Jones (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Colombia's Jonathan Perez (41-37, 33 KOs) in a lightweight contest.
In a battle of undefeated middleweights, Allen Otto (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pennsauken, NJ fights James Abraham (2-0, 2 KOs) of Queens, NY.
Daniel Bean (2-1, 2 KOs) of Old Bridge, NJ scraps with Rob Perez (1-0) of Worcester, MA in a a heavyweight tussle, and
Gandi Romain (0-1) of Irvington, NJ takes on debuting Beni Beguy of New York in a welterweight contest.
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Tevin Farmer comeback continues this Frday
On Friday night, former junior lightweight champion Tevin Farmer gets back into the ring for the second time in three months when he takes on Oscar Barajas in an eight-round lightweight bout at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The seven-bout card is promoted by R & B Promotions. Farmer, from Philadelphia, is 31-5-1 with six knockouts. On August 3, 2018, Farmer, age 33, traveled to Australia and defeated Billy Dib (44-4) to win the IBF 130-pound championship. Farmer defended the title four times with wins over James Tennyson (22-2), Francisco Fonseca (22-1-1), Jono Carroll (16-0-1) and Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1). He came back after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus with a ten-round unanimous decision over Avery Sparrow on June 24th at the 2300 Arena.
Barajas of Zamora, Mexico has a record of 19-8-1. The 33-year-old Barajas has wins over Roxie Lam (7-1) as well as three big upset wins over Philly fighters Jerome Conquest and Damon Allen (16-1-1) as well as a decision win over Roberto Gomez (5-1) on March 4th in Newtown, PA.
In six-round bouts Oluwafemi Oyeleye (13-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles takes on Jimmy Williams (18-12-2, 6 KOs) of New Haven, CT in a junior middleweight bout; and
Carlos Rosario (9-3, 4 KOs) of Somerdale, NJ fights Phillip Davis (3-6-2) of Worcester, MA in a lightweight bout.
In four-round bouts, Joshua Jones (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Colombia's Jonathan Perez (41-37, 33 KOs) in a lightweight contest.
In a battle of undefeated middleweights, Allen Otto (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pennsauken, NJ fights James Abraham (2-0, 2 KOs) of Queens, NY.
Daniel Bean (2-1, 2 KOs) of Old Bridge, NJ scraps with Rob Perez (1-0) of Worcester, MA in a a heavyweight tussle, and
Gandi Romain (0-1) of Irvington, NJ takes on debuting Beni Beguy of New York in a welterweight contest.
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Hall of Fame writer Bernard Fernandez releases new book |
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Award-winning sportswriter, author, and Hall of Fame inductee Bernard Fernandez has just released the fourth book of his popular boxing anthology, Championship Rounds, Round 4 (RKMA Publishing), a history-spanning compilation of Fernandez's finest work covering the sweet science, with a foreword by Ron Borges. Championship Rounds, Round 4, (as well as his three previous collections) is available at major retail book outlets, including Amazon, Amazon UK,and Barnes & Noble. Fernandez's first major book signing will take place this Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino during the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame's Fight Fan Experience, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET.
Many of the stories hail from Fernandez's 28-year tenure at the Philadelphia Daily News during the sports department's golden era where Fernandez and his colleagues were recognized for their unparalleled reporting and writing that always matched up and usually surpassed its national competition.
Highlights of Round 4 include:
No Mas Fight Showed Every Fighter Fears Something: Fernandez's take on why a relentless warrior such as Roberto Duran thought it preferable to quit in mid-fight in his rematch against Sugar Ray Leonard than to endure the one-sided shellacking he was being served, only to find out that are worse things than being beaten bloody and getting knocked out.
Mystery of the Orient: Fernandez's report of his onsite coverage of the Mike Tyson-Buster Douglas fight week in Tokyo, an adventure complete with interesting sidelights in addition to the' upset of the century.'
Arguello, Pryor Not Really Such an Odd Couple: Alexis Arguello and Aaron Pryor will go through boxing history linked because of their two epic ring battles. Fernandez follows them on how they became friends in retirement and discovered they had more reason to like each other than to harbor any lingering resentment.
Manute Bol Stands Up to a Tall Challenge: In addition to boxing, Fernandez has also included a section on other sports he has covered. This one is about the 7' 7" Bol's journey from Africa to the minor league USBL and ultimately the NBA, where he enjoyed quasi stardom.
"After 55 years as a married couple and 58-plus years together, I don't think I can really detect any line of demarcation separating Anne and me," Fernandez said. "If there ever were such a line, I'm pretty sure it has been permanently erased. Which is just as well, as she has been the very best part of me for almost as far back as I can remember. Dedicating my fourth -- and, I think, the best yet -- boxing anthology to her might be the easiest thing I've ever done."
A native of New Orleans and a longtime resident of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, Fernandez now splits his time between his hometown and adopted hometown. A five-term president of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), he is an inductee of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, as well as the New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City Halls of Fame. Honors he has received include the Nat Fleischer Award for career excellence in boxing journalism and the Barney Nagler Award for long and meritorious service to boxing.
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Hall of Fame writer Bernard Fernandez releases new book
Award-winning sportswriter, author, and Hall of Fame inductee Bernard Fernandez has just released the fourth book of his popular boxing anthology, Championship Rounds, Round 4 (RKMA Publishing), a history-spanning compilation of Fernandez's finest work covering the sweet science, with a foreword by Ron Borges. Championship Rounds, Round 4, (as well as his three previous collections) is available at major retail book outlets, including Amazon, Amazon UK,and Barnes & Noble. Fernandez's first major book signing will take place this Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino during the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame's Fight Fan Experience, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET.
Many of the stories hail from Fernandez's 28-year tenure at the Philadelphia Daily News during the sports department's golden era where Fernandez and his colleagues were recognized for their unparalleled reporting and writing that always matched up and usually surpassed its national competition.
Highlights of Round 4 include:
No Mas Fight Showed Every Fighter Fears Something: Fernandez's take on why a relentless warrior such as Roberto Duran thought it preferable to quit in mid-fight in his rematch against Sugar Ray Leonard than to endure the one-sided shellacking he was being served, only to find out that are worse things than being beaten bloody and getting knocked out.
Mystery of the Orient: Fernandez's report of his onsite coverage of the Mike Tyson-Buster Douglas fight week in Tokyo, an adventure complete with interesting sidelights in addition to the' upset of the century.'
Arguello, Pryor Not Really Such an Odd Couple: Alexis Arguello and Aaron Pryor will go through boxing history linked because of their two epic ring battles. Fernandez follows them on how they became friends in retirement and discovered they had more reason to like each other than to harbor any lingering resentment.
Manute Bol Stands Up to a Tall Challenge: In addition to boxing, Fernandez has also included a section on other sports he has covered. This one is about the 7' 7" Bol's journey from Africa to the minor league USBL and ultimately the NBA, where he enjoyed quasi stardom.
"After 55 years as a married couple and 58-plus years together, I don't think I can really detect any line of demarcation separating Anne and me," Fernandez said. "If there ever were such a line, I'm pretty sure it has been permanently erased. Which is just as well, as she has been the very best part of me for almost as far back as I can remember. Dedicating my fourth -- and, I think, the best yet -- boxing anthology to her might be the easiest thing I've ever done."
A native of New Orleans and a longtime resident of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, Fernandez now splits his time between his hometown and adopted hometown. A five-term president of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), he is an inductee of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, as well as the New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City Halls of Fame. Honors he has received include the Nat Fleischer Award for career excellence in boxing journalism and the Barney Nagler Award for long and meritorious service to boxing.
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McCaskill retains title with controversial draw |
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Jessica McCaskill W10 Sandy Ryan ... This Saturday at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, world welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill of Chicago and Sandy Ryan of England drew after ten tremendously competitive rounds. Ryan took advantage of her loftier height and her extra reach, using her jab and combinations to tag her opponent. McCaskill showed, as in all of her fights, great physical condition, always looking to attack while moving forward. It was a difficult fight to score because both women showed great qualities in the ring. Judge Mark Streisand scored it 97-93 in favor of McCaskill. Judge Mike Ross scored it 96-94 in favor of Ryan and Barry Lindenman had it even at 95-95. Editor's note: most neutral observers believe Ryan deserved the decision.
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McCaskill retains title with controversial draw
Jessica McCaskill W10 Sandy Ryan ... This Saturday at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, world welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill of Chicago and Sandy Ryan of England drew after ten tremendously competitive rounds. Ryan took advantage of her loftier height and her extra reach, using her jab and combinations to tag her opponent. McCaskill showed, as in all of her fights, great physical condition, always looking to attack while moving forward. It was a difficult fight to score because both women showed great qualities in the ring. Judge Mark Streisand scored it 97-93 in favor of McCaskill. Judge Mike Ross scored it 96-94 in favor of Ryan and Barry Lindenman had it even at 95-95. Editor's note: most neutral observers believe Ryan deserved the decision.
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Late results from Florida: wins for Williams, Coe |
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Austin Williams W10 Steve Rolls ... Middleweight Austin Williams continued his climb up the division by defeating veteran Steve Rolls (22-3 with 12 KOs) on Saturday at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Williams, from Milwaukee won via unanimous decision, with three 97-93 scorecards from the judges The Milwaukee native is 27 years old and his record now stands at 15 wins, no losses and 10 KOs. Source: WBA
Khalil Coe TKO2 Kenmon Evans ... Khalil "Big Steppa" Coe remained undefeated as he stopped Kenmon Evans in round two of their eight-round light heavyweight bout. The bout took place at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. At the beginning of round two, Coe dropped Evans with a right hook. Coe ended things when he landed a right to the side of the head and the bout was stopped as he fell to the ground at 1:21. Coe, 179.6 pounds, is from Jersey City, New Jersey. His record is now 7-0-1 with five knockouts. Evans, from New Smyrna Beach, FL, is 10-2-1. Source: Split-T Management
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Late results from Florida: wins for Williams, Coe
Austin Williams W10 Steve Rolls ... Middleweight Austin Williams continued his climb up the division by defeating veteran Steve Rolls (22-3 with 12 KOs) on Saturday at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Williams, from Milwaukee won via unanimous decision, with three 97-93 scorecards from the judges The Milwaukee native is 27 years old and his record now stands at 15 wins, no losses and 10 KOs. Source: WBA
Khalil Coe TKO2 Kenmon Evans ... Khalil "Big Steppa" Coe remained undefeated as he stopped Kenmon Evans in round two of their eight-round light heavyweight bout. The bout took place at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. At the beginning of round two, Coe dropped Evans with a right hook. Coe ended things when he landed a right to the side of the head and the bout was stopped as he fell to the ground at 1:21. Coe, 179.6 pounds, is from Jersey City, New Jersey. His record is now 7-0-1 with five knockouts. Evans, from New Smyrna Beach, FL, is 10-2-1. Source: Split-T Management
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Dublin's Pierce O'Leary moves up to 14-0 |
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Pierce O’ Leary W10 Kane Gardner ... Irish junior welterweight Pierce O’ Leary (13-0) defeated British boxer Kane Gardner (16-3) under the bright lights of Wembley Stadium in London over the weekend. The fight took place on the undercard of the Zhilei Zhang-Joe Joyce II event presented by Queensbury Promotions. Despite Wembley being down the road from the Ibox gym in which he trains and a quick hop over the sea from his hometown of Dublin – the British Kane Gardner did his best to make O’ Leary feel like the outsider and remind him whose country he was in.
O’ Leary registered a first round knockdown of his opponent. As he grew more confident, O’Leary began to unleash his arsenal in the fourth round. Despite O’ Leary winning the round, Gardner landed accurate left hooks and a right hand. These led to a cut opening up on O’ Leary’s left eye. The Dublin native stayed on his opponent and made him answer for the cut, landing a big left hook to Gardner’s temple in the sixth round – visibly hurting him.
Gardner managed to stay in the fight through the later rounds, with both men showing a commendable account of themselves. O’ Leary was able to land the heavier shots and more of them – leading to his unanimous decision victory from the judges. The contest gave the 23 year old O’ Leary a good test whilst further preparing him for more big-time boxing events in the near-future. He commented: “It was a tough old fight; I had to dig deep in there. He’s 28 years of age, a lot of people ducked him – bundles of experience over me. It just goes to show that tonight I digged in deep, pulled the win out of the bag and we move on to the next stage. It was amazing -the atmosphere was like home. On the ringwalk with my team around me, I was like “this is home from home”. I knew I got a big fan base with me and a bigger fan base after a performance like that.
I really, really enjoyed it; I loved every minute of it. If I can bring 100 -150 people over every time; imagine what we can do back in Dublin; sell arenas out all day long. I’m only gonna keep climbing the ranks and getting tough opponents. I keep showing that we levelled every time; level upon level. Listen, got the win, me and my team are happy; we done what we had to do – we nailed the gameplan. We want to chase European titles next year, we keep on pushing on. keep getting up in those rankings. Hopefully at 24 years old, I’ll be ready for them world titles.”
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Dublin's Pierce O'Leary moves up to 14-0
Pierce O’ Leary W10 Kane Gardner ... Irish junior welterweight Pierce O’ Leary (13-0) defeated British boxer Kane Gardner (16-3) under the bright lights of Wembley Stadium in London over the weekend. The fight took place on the undercard of the Zhilei Zhang-Joe Joyce II event presented by Queensbury Promotions. Despite Wembley being down the road from the Ibox gym in which he trains and a quick hop over the sea from his hometown of Dublin – the British Kane Gardner did his best to make O’ Leary feel like the outsider and remind him whose country he was in.
O’ Leary registered a first round knockdown of his opponent. As he grew more confident, O’Leary began to unleash his arsenal in the fourth round. Despite O’ Leary winning the round, Gardner landed accurate left hooks and a right hand. These led to a cut opening up on O’ Leary’s left eye. The Dublin native stayed on his opponent and made him answer for the cut, landing a big left hook to Gardner’s temple in the sixth round – visibly hurting him.
Gardner managed to stay in the fight through the later rounds, with both men showing a commendable account of themselves. O’ Leary was able to land the heavier shots and more of them – leading to his unanimous decision victory from the judges. The contest gave the 23 year old O’ Leary a good test whilst further preparing him for more big-time boxing events in the near-future. He commented: “It was a tough old fight; I had to dig deep in there. He’s 28 years of age, a lot of people ducked him – bundles of experience over me. It just goes to show that tonight I digged in deep, pulled the win out of the bag and we move on to the next stage. It was amazing -the atmosphere was like home. On the ringwalk with my team around me, I was like “this is home from home”. I knew I got a big fan base with me and a bigger fan base after a performance like that.
I really, really enjoyed it; I loved every minute of it. If I can bring 100 -150 people over every time; imagine what we can do back in Dublin; sell arenas out all day long. I’m only gonna keep climbing the ranks and getting tough opponents. I keep showing that we levelled every time; level upon level. Listen, got the win, me and my team are happy; we done what we had to do – we nailed the gameplan. We want to chase European titles next year, we keep on pushing on. keep getting up in those rankings. Hopefully at 24 years old, I’ll be ready for them world titles.”
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Charlo leaves Houston for Las Vegas |
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Undisputed world junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo received a hometown send-off in Houston on Saturday before he headed to Las Vegas to challenge undisputed world super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Álvarez headlining a pay-per-view show on September 30th from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Charlo’s big day began with him holding a boxing clinic for the Stafford Boys & Girls Club as part of the day’s tailgating festivities at Cougar Alley before the University of Houston versus Sam Houston State University game that evening. During the game, Charlo was honored and acknowledged on the field in a formal presentation in front of the crowd at TDECU Stadium.
“Houston means so much to me and it’s extremely motivating to feel their support before I step into the biggest fight of my career,” said Charlo. “Me and my brother Jermall have been putting on for our city for so many years, and on Saturday, September 30 I know I’m gonna have Houston in my corner. I can’t wait to represent what this city is all about.” Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.
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Charlo leaves Houston for Las Vegas
Undisputed world junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo received a hometown send-off in Houston on Saturday before he headed to Las Vegas to challenge undisputed world super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Álvarez headlining a pay-per-view show on September 30th from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Charlo’s big day began with him holding a boxing clinic for the Stafford Boys & Girls Club as part of the day’s tailgating festivities at Cougar Alley before the University of Houston versus Sam Houston State University game that evening. During the game, Charlo was honored and acknowledged on the field in a formal presentation in front of the crowd at TDECU Stadium.
“Houston means so much to me and it’s extremely motivating to feel their support before I step into the biggest fight of my career,” said Charlo. “Me and my brother Jermall have been putting on for our city for so many years, and on Saturday, September 30 I know I’m gonna have Houston in my corner. I can’t wait to represent what this city is all about.” Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.
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Promoter says Joyce will fight on |
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Heavyweight Joe Joyce was put to the canvas for the first time courtesy of a howitzer of a shot from Zhilei Zhang, who more than lived up to his nickname of Big Bang on Saturday at Wembley. Joyce was attempting to win back his valuable WBO interim title bargaining chip from following a first career setback in an April fight vs. Zhang. [Zhang won the first meeting by TKO in April and in Saturday's rematch, he leveled Joyce with a one-punch KO in round three]. Promoter Frank Warren wrote: "Sequels don’t always work out and, sometimes, certain opponents simply have your number. In my book, Joe has unfortunately just encountered his nemesis, his fistic kryptonite, a southpaw code he was unable to crack. There is a tendency in this sport to make sweeping statements or knee-jerk reactions when a fighter, plain and simple, comes off second best. Joe hasn’t, all of a sudden, become shot to bits, as some would have you believe. Pre-Zhang, people were hailing his ability to walk through fire. Now, apparently, it has signalled his demise."
Warren continued, "It doesn’t happen very often, but sometimes – in whatever sport – you just come up against someone you can’t beat. Joe and his team are smart and honest people. He and they will know when his time is up. In the meantime, as his promotional backers, we will do our job, support him and bring him back when he is ready. I said beforehand that the loser was facing a long-ish and windy road back towards mandatory position for a world title opportunity and, in the current state of play, this is the case. However, in the heavyweight division, you are only one big win away from being back involved in highly-lucrative fights. Also, the heavyweight titles could end up being completely unified early next year and ultimately this usually results in them quickly becoming fragmented again. If this happens then Joe would be firmly back in the picture with a good win under his belt."
Warren continued, "I’ve also been made aware of a few post-fight comments on social media alleging a promotional switching of sides. Let’s be clear about this. Zhilei Zhang is a Queensberry fighter and this has been the case from before the first fight and will continue into the future. We have always been prepared to match our fighters up because our job is to make fights. In all sports there are winners and losers and, in cases such as this, we then deal with both outcomes and work out a way forward. Joe, like all fighters following a career setback, will rightly take some time out and consider all his options. Then, as soon as he gives us the nod, we will figure out the most appropriate route to bring him back and push him forward again."
Turning to the winner, Warren wrote, "In the case of Zhilei, our immediate task is to ensure he is in world title action at the earliest opportunity. We will do our utmost for both and that is how, for us, it works in this business."
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Promoter says Joyce will fight on
Heavyweight Joe Joyce was put to the canvas for the first time courtesy of a howitzer of a shot from Zhilei Zhang, who more than lived up to his nickname of Big Bang on Saturday at Wembley. Joyce was attempting to win back his valuable WBO interim title bargaining chip from following a first career setback in an April fight vs. Zhang. [Zhang won the first meeting by TKO in April and in Saturday's rematch, he leveled Joyce with a one-punch KO in round three]. Promoter Frank Warren wrote: "Sequels don’t always work out and, sometimes, certain opponents simply have your number. In my book, Joe has unfortunately just encountered his nemesis, his fistic kryptonite, a southpaw code he was unable to crack. There is a tendency in this sport to make sweeping statements or knee-jerk reactions when a fighter, plain and simple, comes off second best. Joe hasn’t, all of a sudden, become shot to bits, as some would have you believe. Pre-Zhang, people were hailing his ability to walk through fire. Now, apparently, it has signalled his demise."
Warren continued, "It doesn’t happen very often, but sometimes – in whatever sport – you just come up against someone you can’t beat. Joe and his team are smart and honest people. He and they will know when his time is up. In the meantime, as his promotional backers, we will do our job, support him and bring him back when he is ready. I said beforehand that the loser was facing a long-ish and windy road back towards mandatory position for a world title opportunity and, in the current state of play, this is the case. However, in the heavyweight division, you are only one big win away from being back involved in highly-lucrative fights. Also, the heavyweight titles could end up being completely unified early next year and ultimately this usually results in them quickly becoming fragmented again. If this happens then Joe would be firmly back in the picture with a good win under his belt."
Warren continued, "I’ve also been made aware of a few post-fight comments on social media alleging a promotional switching of sides. Let’s be clear about this. Zhilei Zhang is a Queensberry fighter and this has been the case from before the first fight and will continue into the future. We have always been prepared to match our fighters up because our job is to make fights. In all sports there are winners and losers and, in cases such as this, we then deal with both outcomes and work out a way forward. Joe, like all fighters following a career setback, will rightly take some time out and consider all his options. Then, as soon as he gives us the nod, we will figure out the most appropriate route to bring him back and push him forward again."
Turning to the winner, Warren wrote, "In the case of Zhilei, our immediate task is to ensure he is in world title action at the earliest opportunity. We will do our utmost for both and that is how, for us, it works in this business."
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A few words with Erickson "The Hammer" Lubin |
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Hard-hitting Erickson “Hammer” Lubin will look to catapult himself right back to the top of the 154-pound division with a victory over unbeaten Jesus “Mono” Ramos on the Canelo vs. Charlo pay-per-view broadcast on Saturday, September 30th from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “Ramos is nothing that I haven’t seen before, and on fight night, he’s gonna know that I’m the better man,” said Lubin during a short breather from training camp. “He’s a tough southpaw, but I’ve watched enough to dissect him and go out there and execute in the fight. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not perfect. There are a lot of flaws that I can definitely capitalize on and that’s what I’m going to do on September 30th.” Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.
Lubin (25-2, 18 KOs) returned from a defeat to Sebastian Fundora in one of 2022’s best fights to stop contender Luis Arias in June and begin another ascent toward a world title shot. Before stepping into the ring for a pivotal matchup on September 30, Lubin spoke extensively about training camp, Ramos, bouncing back from defeat and more:
On his edge in experience and how it could play out in the fight:
“When it comes to ‘A-side’ or ‘B-side’, it doesn’t really matter in this fight. I’m the one with experience. He wants to be in my spot. He’s young, he’s undefeated, he’s been on big undercards and stuff like that. But they must have given him the ‘A-side’ because of his looks or something because I’m really the ‘A-side’ if it comes down to it. He wants to take what I have. On September 30, it’s my job to stop this young boy’s dreams. He bit off more than he can chew too early. This is an important fight for me. I’m going to show the world that I’m not a gatekeeper in this division. I’m one of the top dogs in this division. Being a gatekeeper doesn’t sit well with me. So I’m motivated. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder and it will show on September 30.”
On training camp in South Florida with head trainer Kevin Cunningham:
“We haven’t done too much differently this training camp. The one thing we have done differently is the game plan. Every training camp we give it our all. We train really hard and that’s just the program and system that we live by. I’ve had over 200 rounds of great sparring with young guys and veterans, so I’m sharp.”
On when he first targeted Ramos as a potential opponent:
“I asked for this fight before Ramos fought Joey Spencer. They told me no. I guess he was still growing, but now is the time for him. I’m excited for it. He’s a young lion and I’m going to show him that I’m a young lion with more experience. I’m hungrier than he is. I just want it more.”
On what taking on this challenge says about him as a fighter:
“Look at my resume. It’s been like this from the beginning. They know what type of fighter I am. I feel I’m one of the best in the world and I want to leave my mark on the sport as one of the greatest to ever do it. I could have been fighting a YouTuber and I still would have trained just as hard. I look at every fight as my most important one, especially while I’m right here, close to a title. I still want to avenge my defeats against Sebastian Fundora and Jermell Charlo, but in order to do that, in order to get another world title shot, I’ve got to go out and prove myself. I’ve got to win in a good fashion.”
On how he’s able to bounce back from his defeats:
“I’m strong mentally. I really believe in myself. I know the talent that I have. I’m very talented. My hiccups only made me better. With the Charlo fight, I was a little bit too young. Charlo was fighting in his 30th fight and it was just my 19th. The experience level was different.
“With the Fundora loss, that was a fight I was winning. My trainer had to throw in the towel because of my face. He cares for me beyond boxing. He saw my face swollen and lumped up and he did what he felt was best. We live to fight another day. I came back, went to the drawing board and got better and smarter. Right now, I’m just entering my prime. I’m 27 years old and the best of me will show on September 30. I’m excited, I’m stoked, and I definitely want to show that I’m the best fighter in the division.”
On how important a statement victory is to him:
“I don’t feel that I have to make a statement, but I will make a statement. I’m always motivated to just win. That’s the only objective. But I feel I will make a statement. With the hard training camp that we had with Kevin Cunningham, who is a zero-tolerance type of trainer, he’s drawn up a great game plan and it always works. So I’m definitely going in there, listening to him, and it’s going to be a great night on September 30.”
On what fighting in the co-main event of a pay-per-view mega fight means to him:
“I’ve been waiting for moments like this. I feel like this is going to bring the best out of me. We put in a hard 10 weeks of camp. I just got back from fighting in June. Activity brings the best out of me. This is what I asked for. It’s the big stage and I’m going to show that I’m a very elite fighter. They know I’m elite, but I’m going to show that I’m one of the best in the world and I’m here to stay. I’ve got this young kid in front of me and he wants to take my spot.”
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A few words with Erickson "The Hammer" Lubin
Hard-hitting Erickson “Hammer” Lubin will look to catapult himself right back to the top of the 154-pound division with a victory over unbeaten Jesus “Mono” Ramos on the Canelo vs. Charlo pay-per-view broadcast on Saturday, September 30th from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “Ramos is nothing that I haven’t seen before, and on fight night, he’s gonna know that I’m the better man,” said Lubin during a short breather from training camp. “He’s a tough southpaw, but I’ve watched enough to dissect him and go out there and execute in the fight. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not perfect. There are a lot of flaws that I can definitely capitalize on and that’s what I’m going to do on September 30th.” Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.
Lubin (25-2, 18 KOs) returned from a defeat to Sebastian Fundora in one of 2022’s best fights to stop contender Luis Arias in June and begin another ascent toward a world title shot. Before stepping into the ring for a pivotal matchup on September 30, Lubin spoke extensively about training camp, Ramos, bouncing back from defeat and more:
On his edge in experience and how it could play out in the fight:
“When it comes to ‘A-side’ or ‘B-side’, it doesn’t really matter in this fight. I’m the one with experience. He wants to be in my spot. He’s young, he’s undefeated, he’s been on big undercards and stuff like that. But they must have given him the ‘A-side’ because of his looks or something because I’m really the ‘A-side’ if it comes down to it. He wants to take what I have. On September 30, it’s my job to stop this young boy’s dreams. He bit off more than he can chew too early. This is an important fight for me. I’m going to show the world that I’m not a gatekeeper in this division. I’m one of the top dogs in this division. Being a gatekeeper doesn’t sit well with me. So I’m motivated. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder and it will show on September 30.”
On training camp in South Florida with head trainer Kevin Cunningham:
“We haven’t done too much differently this training camp. The one thing we have done differently is the game plan. Every training camp we give it our all. We train really hard and that’s just the program and system that we live by. I’ve had over 200 rounds of great sparring with young guys and veterans, so I’m sharp.”
On when he first targeted Ramos as a potential opponent:
“I asked for this fight before Ramos fought Joey Spencer. They told me no. I guess he was still growing, but now is the time for him. I’m excited for it. He’s a young lion and I’m going to show him that I’m a young lion with more experience. I’m hungrier than he is. I just want it more.”
On what taking on this challenge says about him as a fighter:
“Look at my resume. It’s been like this from the beginning. They know what type of fighter I am. I feel I’m one of the best in the world and I want to leave my mark on the sport as one of the greatest to ever do it. I could have been fighting a YouTuber and I still would have trained just as hard. I look at every fight as my most important one, especially while I’m right here, close to a title. I still want to avenge my defeats against Sebastian Fundora and Jermell Charlo, but in order to do that, in order to get another world title shot, I’ve got to go out and prove myself. I’ve got to win in a good fashion.”
On how he’s able to bounce back from his defeats:
“I’m strong mentally. I really believe in myself. I know the talent that I have. I’m very talented. My hiccups only made me better. With the Charlo fight, I was a little bit too young. Charlo was fighting in his 30th fight and it was just my 19th. The experience level was different.
“With the Fundora loss, that was a fight I was winning. My trainer had to throw in the towel because of my face. He cares for me beyond boxing. He saw my face swollen and lumped up and he did what he felt was best. We live to fight another day. I came back, went to the drawing board and got better and smarter. Right now, I’m just entering my prime. I’m 27 years old and the best of me will show on September 30. I’m excited, I’m stoked, and I definitely want to show that I’m the best fighter in the division.”
On how important a statement victory is to him:
“I don’t feel that I have to make a statement, but I will make a statement. I’m always motivated to just win. That’s the only objective. But I feel I will make a statement. With the hard training camp that we had with Kevin Cunningham, who is a zero-tolerance type of trainer, he’s drawn up a great game plan and it always works. So I’m definitely going in there, listening to him, and it’s going to be a great night on September 30.”
On what fighting in the co-main event of a pay-per-view mega fight means to him:
“I’ve been waiting for moments like this. I feel like this is going to bring the best out of me. We put in a hard 10 weeks of camp. I just got back from fighting in June. Activity brings the best out of me. This is what I asked for. It’s the big stage and I’m going to show that I’m a very elite fighter. They know I’m elite, but I’m going to show that I’m one of the best in the world and I’m here to stay. I’ve got this young kid in front of me and he wants to take my spot.”
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Hitchins dominates Zepeda |
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Richardson Hitchins W10 José Zepeda ... 2016 Haiti Olympian and rising junior welterweight Richardson Hitchins defeated José Zepeda by unanimous decision on Saturday in Orlando, Florida. The win makes Hitchins (17-0 a legitimate contender at 140 pounds. Now 37-3, Zepeda's only prior losses were in world title bids against Regis Prograis and Jose Carlos Ramirez, the latter a majority decision loss. Hitchins dominated the entire fight against a willing and brave Zepeda, who did not stop seeking the knockout throughout the fight. The scores refelected Hitchins' dominance, 120-108 (twice) and 119-109.
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Hitchins dominates Zepeda
Richardson Hitchins W10 José Zepeda ... 2016 Haiti Olympian and rising junior welterweight Richardson Hitchins defeated José Zepeda by unanimous decision on Saturday in Orlando, Florida. The win makes Hitchins (17-0 a legitimate contender at 140 pounds. Now 37-3, Zepeda's only prior losses were in world title bids against Regis Prograis and Jose Carlos Ramirez, the latter a majority decision loss. Hitchins dominated the entire fight against a willing and brave Zepeda, who did not stop seeking the knockout throughout the fight. The scores refelected Hitchins' dominance, 120-108 (twice) and 119-109.
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Jukembayev defeats Roldan by split decision |
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Batyrzhan Jukembayev W10 Hugo Roldan ... Kazakhstan's Batyrzhan Jukembayev (21-1) defeated Argentina’s Hugo Roldan on Wednesday night in Plant City, Florida. Jukembayev won the junior wlterweight contest by split decision, with the judges’ cards reading 92-97, 96-93 and 95-94. Now age 32, Jukembayev had a big fight in May 2021, but lost against current BF champion Subriel Matias when his corner decided to stop the action in round eight. This fight was Jukembayev's third straoght win since that loss. Roldan in sno 22-2-1.
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Jukembayev defeats Roldan by split decision
Batyrzhan Jukembayev W10 Hugo Roldan ... Kazakhstan's Batyrzhan Jukembayev (21-1) defeated Argentina’s Hugo Roldan on Wednesday night in Plant City, Florida. Jukembayev won the junior wlterweight contest by split decision, with the judges’ cards reading 92-97, 96-93 and 95-94. Now age 32, Jukembayev had a big fight in May 2021, but lost against current BF champion Subriel Matias when his corner decided to stop the action in round eight. This fight was Jukembayev's third straoght win since that loss. Roldan in sno 22-2-1.
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Jugger-not: This time Zhang stops Joyce with the right hand |
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Zhilei Zhang KO3 Joe Joyce... For the second time in five months, Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zang stopped Joe Joyce. In April, Zhilei's repeated lefts closed Joyce's eye but this time at London's Wembely Arena, Zhang scored a one-punch knockout with his right hand. After the third-round knockout, a barely touched Zhang called out WBC champion Tyson Fury. Here is the knockout as seen from Joyce's corner. Afterwards, Zhang posted on social media: "Thank you London! Joe Joyce if we [were] not fighting each other we would have been great friends. Rest up and keep doing your thing. Love you brother. Big Bang is coming for y’all."
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Jugger-not: This time Zhang stops Joyce with the right hand
Zhilei Zhang KO3 Joe Joyce... For the second time in five months, Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zang stopped Joe Joyce. In April, Zhilei's repeated lefts closed Joyce's eye but this time at London's Wembely Arena, Zhang scored a one-punch knockout with his right hand. After the third-round knockout, a barely touched Zhang called out WBC champion Tyson Fury. Here is the knockout as seen from Joyce's corner. Afterwards, Zhang posted on social media: "Thank you London! Joe Joyce if we [were] not fighting each other we would have been great friends. Rest up and keep doing your thing. Love you brother. Big Bang is coming for y’all."
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Boxingtalk's Saturday fight predictions |
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Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for Saturday's fights:
Zhilei Zhang (25-1-1) vs. Joe Joyce (15-1) II (WBO Interim heavyweight title) … prediction: Zhang by mid to late knockout;
Jessica McCaskill (12-3) vs. Sandy Ryan (6-1) (WBC, WBA, WBO, world welterweight titles) … prediction: McCaskill by split decision;
Albert Ramirez (16-0) vs. Gilberto Castillo Rivera (24-4-1) (light heavyweights) … prediction: Ramirez by unanimous decision
Anthony Yarde (23-3) vs. Jorge Silva (22-8) (light heavyweights) … prediction: Yarde by early knockout;
Zach Parker (22-1) vs. Khalid Graidia (10-12-4) (super middleweights) … prediction: Parke by mid to late knockout;
Richardson Hitchins (16-0) vs. Jose Zepeda (37-3) (super lightweights) … prediction: Hitchins by unanimous decision;
Youri Kayembre Kalenga (27-7) vs. Issa Kayembe (0-0) (heavyweights) … prediction: Kalenga by early knockout;
Tom Schwarz (27-1) vs. Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko (10-13-1) (heavyweights) … prediction: Schwarz by unanimous decision;
Tyron Zeuge (26-1-1) vs. Nasser Bukenya (6-3) (super middleweights) … prediction: Zeuge by unanimous decision;
Vitaly Petryakov (15-0) vs. Jabulani Makhense (14-1) (welterweights) … prediction: Petryakov by late knockout;
Emir Basirov (9-0) vs. Tshifhiwa Munayi (36-7-1) (super lightweights) … prediction: Basirov by mid to late knockout;
Pierce O’Leary (12-0) vs. Kane Gardner (16-2) (super lightweights) … prediction: O’Leary by unanimous decision;
Austin Williams (14-0) vs. Steve Rolls (22-2) (middleweights) … prediction: Williams by unanimous decision;
Orestes Velazquez (7-0) vs. Mohamed Soumaoro (13-1) (super lightweights) … prediction: Velasquez by unanimous decision;
Conor Benn (21-0) vs. Rodolfo Orozco (32-3-3) (super welterweights) … prediction: Benn by late knockout;
Khalil Coe (6-0-1) vs. Kenmon Evans (10-1-1) (light heavyweights) … prediction: Coe by unanimous decision.
Zhilei Zhang (25-1-1) vs. Joe Joyce (15-1) II (WBO Interim heavyweight title) … prediction: Zhang by mid to late knockout
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Boxingtalk's Saturday fight predictions
Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for Saturday's fights:
Zhilei Zhang (25-1-1) vs. Joe Joyce (15-1) II (WBO Interim heavyweight title) … prediction: Zhang by mid to late knockout;
Jessica McCaskill (12-3) vs. Sandy Ryan (6-1) (WBC, WBA, WBO, world welterweight titles) … prediction: McCaskill by split decision;
Albert Ramirez (16-0) vs. Gilberto Castillo Rivera (24-4-1) (light heavyweights) … prediction: Ramirez by unanimous decision
Anthony Yarde (23-3) vs. Jorge Silva (22-8) (light heavyweights) … prediction: Yarde by early knockout;
Zach Parker (22-1) vs. Khalid Graidia (10-12-4) (super middleweights) … prediction: Parke by mid to late knockout;
Richardson Hitchins (16-0) vs. Jose Zepeda (37-3) (super lightweights) … prediction: Hitchins by unanimous decision;
Youri Kayembre Kalenga (27-7) vs. Issa Kayembe (0-0) (heavyweights) … prediction: Kalenga by early knockout;
Tom Schwarz (27-1) vs. Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko (10-13-1) (heavyweights) … prediction: Schwarz by unanimous decision;
Tyron Zeuge (26-1-1) vs. Nasser Bukenya (6-3) (super middleweights) … prediction: Zeuge by unanimous decision;
Vitaly Petryakov (15-0) vs. Jabulani Makhense (14-1) (welterweights) … prediction: Petryakov by late knockout;
Emir Basirov (9-0) vs. Tshifhiwa Munayi (36-7-1) (super lightweights) … prediction: Basirov by mid to late knockout;
Pierce O’Leary (12-0) vs. Kane Gardner (16-2) (super lightweights) … prediction: O’Leary by unanimous decision;
Austin Williams (14-0) vs. Steve Rolls (22-2) (middleweights) … prediction: Williams by unanimous decision;
Orestes Velazquez (7-0) vs. Mohamed Soumaoro (13-1) (super lightweights) … prediction: Velasquez by unanimous decision;
Conor Benn (21-0) vs. Rodolfo Orozco (32-3-3) (super welterweights) … prediction: Benn by late knockout;
Khalil Coe (6-0-1) vs. Kenmon Evans (10-1-1) (light heavyweights) … prediction: Coe by unanimous decision.
Zhilei Zhang (25-1-1) vs. Joe Joyce (15-1) II (WBO Interim heavyweight title) … prediction: Zhang by mid to late knockout
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Gvodzyk, Sanchez to resurface on Showtime platforms next week |
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Heavyweight contender Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez will highlight the three-fight Showtime pay-per-view countdown show as he takes on Scott Alexander over ten rounds on Saturday, September 30th leading up to the Canelo Álvarez vs. Jermell Charlo pay-per-view event taking place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The line-up will also see former WBC light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (pictured) battle Brazil’s Isaac Rodrigues in an eight-round duel, while 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha faces KeAndrae Leatherwood in an eight-round middleweight bout. The live stream will begin at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and be available on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel and Showtime Boxing Facebook page. These fights lead into a four-fight pay-per-view telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and headlined by world super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez defending his titles against world junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo in a historic battle of reigning undisputed champions. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.
An amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sánchez (22-0, 15 KOs) now trains in California with the trainer of Canelo Álvarez, Eddy Reynoso. The 31-year-old caught the heavyweight division’s attention when he scored a career-best win in October 2021, dropping the previously unbeaten Efe Ajagba on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Most recently he blasted out Daniel Martz in one round in April. He will be opposed by the 34-year-old Alexander (17-5-2, 9 KOs), who most recently knocked out Jaime Solorio in August 2022. The Los Angeles-native has challenged many contenders throughout his career, including Zhilei Zhang, Carlos Negron and Travis Kauffman.
After earning a bronze medal representing his native Ukraine at the 2012 Olympics, Gvozdyk (19-1, 15 KOs) turned pro in 2014, eventually defeating a slew of contenders to earn a light heavyweight title shot. He went on to become WBC champion with an 11th-round knockout of Adonis Stevenson and defended the title in 2019 by stopping Doudou Ngumbu in round five. Since losing the belt in a unification match against Artur Beterbiev, Gvozdyk has picked up a pair of victories in 2023, besting Josue Obando in February and Ricards Bolotniks in May. He will take on Mocajuba, Para, Brazil’s Rodrigues (28-4, 22 KOs), who most recently dropped a decision to Richard Rivera in February. Rodrigues has also challenged contender Demond Nicholson in a career that dates back to 2005.
A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (23-3-1, 12 KOs) was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, Calif. The 36-year-old has faced tough competition throughout his career, having fought former champion Austin Trout to a draw in 2019 in addition to decision losses against former champion Erislandy Lara, top contender Erickson Lubin and interim champion Tim Tszyu. Gausha has shown impressive power in recent years, blasting out Jamontay Clark in two rounds in 2021 and most recently stopping Brandyn Lynch in round nine in March. He faces Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s Leatherwood (23-8-1, 13 KOs), who has faced numerous former champions and contenders including Caleb Truax, Andy Lee, Hugo Centeno Jr., John Jackson, Steve Rolls and Christian Mbilli.
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
The non-televised undercard will see 140-pound contender Gabriel Valenzuela (27-3-1, 16 KOs) duel Yeis Gabriel Solano (15-2, 10 KOs) in an eight-round attraction, amateur star Curmel Moton in his pro debut taking on Ezequiel Flores (4-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight fight, and super featherweight prospect Justin Viloria (3-0, 3 KOs) stepping in for a six-round match against Chicago’s Angel Barrera (4-2).
Rounding out the lineup is a pair of unbeaten prospects from Kazakhstan as Bek Nurmaganbet (10-0, 8 KOs) squares off against Abimbola Osundairo (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight tilt, while middleweight Abilkhan Amankul (4-0, 4 KOs) faces Joeshon James (7-0-1, 4 KOs) for six rounds of action.
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Gvodzyk, Sanchez to resurface on Showtime platforms next week
Heavyweight contender Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez will highlight the three-fight Showtime pay-per-view countdown show as he takes on Scott Alexander over ten rounds on Saturday, September 30th leading up to the Canelo Álvarez vs. Jermell Charlo pay-per-view event taking place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The line-up will also see former WBC light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (pictured) battle Brazil’s Isaac Rodrigues in an eight-round duel, while 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha faces KeAndrae Leatherwood in an eight-round middleweight bout. The live stream will begin at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and be available on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel and Showtime Boxing Facebook page. These fights lead into a four-fight pay-per-view telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and headlined by world super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez defending his titles against world junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo in a historic battle of reigning undisputed champions. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.
An amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sánchez (22-0, 15 KOs) now trains in California with the trainer of Canelo Álvarez, Eddy Reynoso. The 31-year-old caught the heavyweight division’s attention when he scored a career-best win in October 2021, dropping the previously unbeaten Efe Ajagba on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Most recently he blasted out Daniel Martz in one round in April. He will be opposed by the 34-year-old Alexander (17-5-2, 9 KOs), who most recently knocked out Jaime Solorio in August 2022. The Los Angeles-native has challenged many contenders throughout his career, including Zhilei Zhang, Carlos Negron and Travis Kauffman.
After earning a bronze medal representing his native Ukraine at the 2012 Olympics, Gvozdyk (19-1, 15 KOs) turned pro in 2014, eventually defeating a slew of contenders to earn a light heavyweight title shot. He went on to become WBC champion with an 11th-round knockout of Adonis Stevenson and defended the title in 2019 by stopping Doudou Ngumbu in round five. Since losing the belt in a unification match against Artur Beterbiev, Gvozdyk has picked up a pair of victories in 2023, besting Josue Obando in February and Ricards Bolotniks in May. He will take on Mocajuba, Para, Brazil’s Rodrigues (28-4, 22 KOs), who most recently dropped a decision to Richard Rivera in February. Rodrigues has also challenged contender Demond Nicholson in a career that dates back to 2005.
A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (23-3-1, 12 KOs) was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, Calif. The 36-year-old has faced tough competition throughout his career, having fought former champion Austin Trout to a draw in 2019 in addition to decision losses against former champion Erislandy Lara, top contender Erickson Lubin and interim champion Tim Tszyu. Gausha has shown impressive power in recent years, blasting out Jamontay Clark in two rounds in 2021 and most recently stopping Brandyn Lynch in round nine in March. He faces Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s Leatherwood (23-8-1, 13 KOs), who has faced numerous former champions and contenders including Caleb Truax, Andy Lee, Hugo Centeno Jr., John Jackson, Steve Rolls and Christian Mbilli.
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
The non-televised undercard will see 140-pound contender Gabriel Valenzuela (27-3-1, 16 KOs) duel Yeis Gabriel Solano (15-2, 10 KOs) in an eight-round attraction, amateur star Curmel Moton in his pro debut taking on Ezequiel Flores (4-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight fight, and super featherweight prospect Justin Viloria (3-0, 3 KOs) stepping in for a six-round match against Chicago’s Angel Barrera (4-2).
Rounding out the lineup is a pair of unbeaten prospects from Kazakhstan as Bek Nurmaganbet (10-0, 8 KOs) squares off against Abimbola Osundairo (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight tilt, while middleweight Abilkhan Amankul (4-0, 4 KOs) faces Joeshon James (7-0-1, 4 KOs) for six rounds of action.
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Steve Rolls to face Ammo Williams on Saturday |
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Toronto's Steve Rolls steps back into the ring this Saturday, September 23rd, facing Austin "Ammo" Williams for ten rounds of action. Presented by Matchroom Boxing in association with DiBella Entertainment, this middleweight contest will be broadcast live on DAZN at 8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT, from the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. Rolls' (22-2, 12 KOs) last fight, Rolls fought at home in Toronto defeating Shady Gamhour via ten-round unanimous decision. “I’ve been in the gym,” said Rolls. “You have your goals and you're constantly training and sacrificing. I feel like I’ve had an eight-month training camp.
“I can’t even put into words how it feels to be getting back into the ring,” continued Rolls. “A lot of people in Toronto and around the world are going to tune into DAZN for the fight.”
Standing in Rolls' way is the formidable Williams (14-0, 10 KOs), whose style has garnered him a reputation as a prospect to watch.
“Steve Rolls always gives his all whenever he fights. After his last bout, he went right back to the gym, staying in shape,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Ammo Williams is a very capable fighter with a promising future, but Steve has been in the ring against the very best at middleweight. I am confident that his experience will make for a competitive match with Rolls’ hand raised in victory. I look forward to an exciting fight tomorrow night.”
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Steve Rolls to face Ammo Williams on Saturday
Toronto's Steve Rolls steps back into the ring this Saturday, September 23rd, facing Austin "Ammo" Williams for ten rounds of action. Presented by Matchroom Boxing in association with DiBella Entertainment, this middleweight contest will be broadcast live on DAZN at 8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT, from the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. Rolls' (22-2, 12 KOs) last fight, Rolls fought at home in Toronto defeating Shady Gamhour via ten-round unanimous decision. “I’ve been in the gym,” said Rolls. “You have your goals and you're constantly training and sacrificing. I feel like I’ve had an eight-month training camp.
“I can’t even put into words how it feels to be getting back into the ring,” continued Rolls. “A lot of people in Toronto and around the world are going to tune into DAZN for the fight.”
Standing in Rolls' way is the formidable Williams (14-0, 10 KOs), whose style has garnered him a reputation as a prospect to watch.
“Steve Rolls always gives his all whenever he fights. After his last bout, he went right back to the gym, staying in shape,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Ammo Williams is a very capable fighter with a promising future, but Steve has been in the ring against the very best at middleweight. I am confident that his experience will make for a competitive match with Rolls’ hand raised in victory. I look forward to an exciting fight tomorrow night.”
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Petitjean and Signani to defend European titles on same show |
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Young wolf Adam Azim (9-0, 6 KOs) heads to Wolverhampton, England on Saturday, November 18th to sink his teeth into European junior welterweight champion Franck Petitjean (24-6-3, 6 KOs), live and exclusive on Sky Sports. Having been guided by Boxxer, the 21 year-old Azim is gunning for European gold in just his tenth professional bout. If victorious, he will follow in the footsteps of his oft-cited inspiration Naseem Hamed in winning an EBU title while barely into his twenties. After winning the French national championship and mounting three successful defenses, southpaw Petitjean successfully stepped up to European level for his first stint as EBU 140-pound king. He then challenged Mohamed Mimoune for the IBO world title in 2018, losing by decision. He reclaimed the EBU title in June this year and will make the first defense of his second reign against Azim on November 18th. Also entering the wolf’s lair on November 18th is European middleweight champion Matteo Signani (32-6-3, 12 KOs). Signani will defend his title against the Black Country’s own Tyler Denny (17-2, 3 KOs), who hails from nearby Birmingham and will have an enormous wolfpack of supporters behind him when he enters the ring.
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Petitjean and Signani to defend European titles on same show
Young wolf Adam Azim (9-0, 6 KOs) heads to Wolverhampton, England on Saturday, November 18th to sink his teeth into European junior welterweight champion Franck Petitjean (24-6-3, 6 KOs), live and exclusive on Sky Sports. Having been guided by Boxxer, the 21 year-old Azim is gunning for European gold in just his tenth professional bout. If victorious, he will follow in the footsteps of his oft-cited inspiration Naseem Hamed in winning an EBU title while barely into his twenties. After winning the French national championship and mounting three successful defenses, southpaw Petitjean successfully stepped up to European level for his first stint as EBU 140-pound king. He then challenged Mohamed Mimoune for the IBO world title in 2018, losing by decision. He reclaimed the EBU title in June this year and will make the first defense of his second reign against Azim on November 18th. Also entering the wolf’s lair on November 18th is European middleweight champion Matteo Signani (32-6-3, 12 KOs). Signani will defend his title against the Black Country’s own Tyler Denny (17-2, 3 KOs), who hails from nearby Birmingham and will have an enormous wolfpack of supporters behind him when he enters the ring.
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Brandon Adams signs management deal |
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Wise Owl Boxing Management has signed Brandon Adams of Los Angeles. Adams, age 34, has a record of 23-3 with 15 knockouts and campaigned in the junior middleweight and middleweight divisions. Adams began boxing at the age of 18 and had a very brief amateur career that saw him go 4-2. Adams won his first 12 bouts before entering the Boxcino Tournament. Adams defeated distinguished fighters Daniel Edouard (23-4-2) and Raymond Gatica (14-2) before losing to Willie Monroe Jr. in the final. The very next year, Adams dropped down to junior middleweight and made it to the finals of that tournament with wins over Alex Perez (18-1) and Vito Gasparyan (15-3-5).
The third time was the charm as Adams then starred on The Contender series as he was crowned champion as he defeated Tyrone Brunson (26-6-2), Ievgen Khytrov (17-1), Eric Walker (17-1) and ten-round beatdown of Shane Mosley Jr. (13-2) in the final.
That win parlayed Adams to a shot at WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo. After his failed effort against Charlo on June 29, 2019, Adams came back with two impressive wins as he stopped Sanny Duversonne (11-2-2) in two rounds, and then on March 4, 2021, Adams stopped undefeated knockout artist Serhii Bohachuk in Puerto Rico.
"I’m very excited about the opportunity to manage Brandon. Brandon is an elite fighter at the pinnacle of his career and his time is now. He’s hungry and motivated and has a new team behind him to push him to the next level. He’s proven himself as a force to be reckoned with and has shared the ring with some of the very best fighters in the world. He showed that he is willing to fight anybody as he jumped in there with Charlo at middleweight on four week's notice. His charismatic personality shines inside and outside of the ring. I can’t wait to see him in action where he can showcase his skills and show the world who he is," said Mark Habibi of Wise Owl Management
""I am super excited to be working with Mark and Wise Owl Boxing. This is an opportunity to start fresh and get straight to work. I am looking forward to seeing what is out there for me," said Adams.
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Brandon Adams signs management deal
Wise Owl Boxing Management has signed Brandon Adams of Los Angeles. Adams, age 34, has a record of 23-3 with 15 knockouts and campaigned in the junior middleweight and middleweight divisions. Adams began boxing at the age of 18 and had a very brief amateur career that saw him go 4-2. Adams won his first 12 bouts before entering the Boxcino Tournament. Adams defeated distinguished fighters Daniel Edouard (23-4-2) and Raymond Gatica (14-2) before losing to Willie Monroe Jr. in the final. The very next year, Adams dropped down to junior middleweight and made it to the finals of that tournament with wins over Alex Perez (18-1) and Vito Gasparyan (15-3-5).
The third time was the charm as Adams then starred on The Contender series as he was crowned champion as he defeated Tyrone Brunson (26-6-2), Ievgen Khytrov (17-1), Eric Walker (17-1) and ten-round beatdown of Shane Mosley Jr. (13-2) in the final.
That win parlayed Adams to a shot at WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo. After his failed effort against Charlo on June 29, 2019, Adams came back with two impressive wins as he stopped Sanny Duversonne (11-2-2) in two rounds, and then on March 4, 2021, Adams stopped undefeated knockout artist Serhii Bohachuk in Puerto Rico.
"I’m very excited about the opportunity to manage Brandon. Brandon is an elite fighter at the pinnacle of his career and his time is now. He’s hungry and motivated and has a new team behind him to push him to the next level. He’s proven himself as a force to be reckoned with and has shared the ring with some of the very best fighters in the world. He showed that he is willing to fight anybody as he jumped in there with Charlo at middleweight on four week's notice. His charismatic personality shines inside and outside of the ring. I can’t wait to see him in action where he can showcase his skills and show the world who he is," said Mark Habibi of Wise Owl Management
""I am super excited to be working with Mark and Wise Owl Boxing. This is an opportunity to start fresh and get straight to work. I am looking forward to seeing what is out there for me," said Adams.
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Ex-boxer Erin Toughill hired as matchmaker and VP |
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On July 20, 2000, Erin Toughill made her pro boxing debut on a Roy Englebrecht Promotions Battle at the Irvine Marriott in California. Today, 23 years later, Englebrecht announced that he has hired Toughill to be the new Vice President of Fighter Relations and Matchmaking for his Southern California based company. She will take over for Englebrecht’s boxing matchmaker Chuck Bosecker who is taking some time off, and current Englebrecht Promotions & Event MMA matchmaker Mel Valenzuela who will continue his matchmaking work for BYB Bare Knuckle and A1 Combat. “Talk about coming full circle,” said Englebrecht. “Erin has been a friend since she debuted for me and she has attended many of our Fight Club OC shows over the years. What makes this hiring unique is that Erin will be the only boxing and MMA matchmaker that was a pro fighter herself and will be able to speak to fighters on their level. She will bring a skill level to her position that most matchmakers do not have in dealing with fighters and understanding them. I couldn’t be happier for her. This hiring is historic as Erin will be the first matchmaker in combative sports history that was both a pro boxer and pro MMA fighter.”
Toughill has been involved in combat sports for nearly 30 years, having competed in three disciplines: boxing, mixed martial arts, and bareknuckle boxing. She is the first and only woman to be ranked in the Top Five in both MMA and boxing simultaneously. She fought Laila Ali on national television for the first ever women’s WBC Super Middleweight belt in 2005. She was the #1 ranked MMA fighter at 155 pounds and was signed by Strikeforce in 2008 but did not compete for the San Jose company because of an injury. Erin knocked out future Bellator champion Marloes Coenon in a war in Japan in 2004. For the last 20 years Toughill has trained both male and female fighters in all combat sports and for the past four years has been mentoring under Hall of Fame boxing coach Buddy McGirt.
“I am honored that Roy Englebrecht has asked me to join his company as Vice President of Fighter Relations & Matchmaking,” said Toughill. “As a former fighter, I am extremely passionate about boxing and MMA as well as the welfare of the combatants. Female athletes have made huge advancements in combat sports over the last decade, and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity where I can continue to provide value to the sport in a different capacity. My goal is to cultivate strong relationships between myself and the fighters and to assist in their growth and visibility.”
“Without a doubt my son Drew and I have been blessed to have had Chuck and Mel handle our matchmaking over the past 10+ years and we have witnessed some of the best fights to date. They are one of the reasons Fight Club OC is considered the premier club fight promotion in the country and ‘the most fun you can have on a Thursday night in Orange County’ and I know with a doubt Erin will continue on with this tradition… Fights Guaranteed,” continued Englebrecht.
The next Fight Club OC show is Thursday, October 26th with tickets available at www.socafights.com.
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Ex-boxer Erin Toughill hired as matchmaker and VP
On July 20, 2000, Erin Toughill made her pro boxing debut on a Roy Englebrecht Promotions Battle at the Irvine Marriott in California. Today, 23 years later, Englebrecht announced that he has hired Toughill to be the new Vice President of Fighter Relations and Matchmaking for his Southern California based company. She will take over for Englebrecht’s boxing matchmaker Chuck Bosecker who is taking some time off, and current Englebrecht Promotions & Event MMA matchmaker Mel Valenzuela who will continue his matchmaking work for BYB Bare Knuckle and A1 Combat. “Talk about coming full circle,” said Englebrecht. “Erin has been a friend since she debuted for me and she has attended many of our Fight Club OC shows over the years. What makes this hiring unique is that Erin will be the only boxing and MMA matchmaker that was a pro fighter herself and will be able to speak to fighters on their level. She will bring a skill level to her position that most matchmakers do not have in dealing with fighters and understanding them. I couldn’t be happier for her. This hiring is historic as Erin will be the first matchmaker in combative sports history that was both a pro boxer and pro MMA fighter.”
Toughill has been involved in combat sports for nearly 30 years, having competed in three disciplines: boxing, mixed martial arts, and bareknuckle boxing. She is the first and only woman to be ranked in the Top Five in both MMA and boxing simultaneously. She fought Laila Ali on national television for the first ever women’s WBC Super Middleweight belt in 2005. She was the #1 ranked MMA fighter at 155 pounds and was signed by Strikeforce in 2008 but did not compete for the San Jose company because of an injury. Erin knocked out future Bellator champion Marloes Coenon in a war in Japan in 2004. For the last 20 years Toughill has trained both male and female fighters in all combat sports and for the past four years has been mentoring under Hall of Fame boxing coach Buddy McGirt.
“I am honored that Roy Englebrecht has asked me to join his company as Vice President of Fighter Relations & Matchmaking,” said Toughill. “As a former fighter, I am extremely passionate about boxing and MMA as well as the welfare of the combatants. Female athletes have made huge advancements in combat sports over the last decade, and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity where I can continue to provide value to the sport in a different capacity. My goal is to cultivate strong relationships between myself and the fighters and to assist in their growth and visibility.”
“Without a doubt my son Drew and I have been blessed to have had Chuck and Mel handle our matchmaking over the past 10+ years and we have witnessed some of the best fights to date. They are one of the reasons Fight Club OC is considered the premier club fight promotion in the country and ‘the most fun you can have on a Thursday night in Orange County’ and I know with a doubt Erin will continue on with this tradition… Fights Guaranteed,” continued Englebrecht.
The next Fight Club OC show is Thursday, October 26th with tickets available at www.socafights.com.
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Welcome to Zhang vs. Joyce II fight week... Fury makes his prediction |
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Joe Joyce is gearing up for an immediate rematch against Zhilei Zhang (pictured) at London's Wembley Arena on September 23rd, seeking to avenge the loss he suffered in April. The bout takes place at Wembley and will be shown exclusively live on TNT Sports. Zhang's dominance and size thwarted Joyce's previous plans, but 'Juggernaut' is determined to regain his WBO interim heavyweight belt. Zhang, an Olympic silver medallist like Joyce, showcased his size, power, and skill in the first match-up, defeating Joyce in six rounds after the fight was stopped due to the Brit's heavily swollen eye. Promptly after the defeat, 'Juggernaut' wasted no time in pursuing a rematch, invoking the contractual clause with the goal of recapturing his WBO interim heavyweight title as the loss also derailed his plans to face Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.
WBC champion Tyson Fury made a prediction that Zhang will win again. Fury said in a video interview, “tough fight again. 50/50, but you’d have to favor the champion. One, he’s beat him already, knocked him out, and two, his confidence will be high knowing he can win. Before he wasn’t sure. Now he knows. You have to favor the Chinese man, purely on the fact he’s already beat him once, and if [Joyce] goes down the same road he’ll beat him again.”
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Welcome to Zhang vs. Joyce II fight week... Fury makes his prediction
Joe Joyce is gearing up for an immediate rematch against Zhilei Zhang (pictured) at London's Wembley Arena on September 23rd, seeking to avenge the loss he suffered in April. The bout takes place at Wembley and will be shown exclusively live on TNT Sports. Zhang's dominance and size thwarted Joyce's previous plans, but 'Juggernaut' is determined to regain his WBO interim heavyweight belt. Zhang, an Olympic silver medallist like Joyce, showcased his size, power, and skill in the first match-up, defeating Joyce in six rounds after the fight was stopped due to the Brit's heavily swollen eye. Promptly after the defeat, 'Juggernaut' wasted no time in pursuing a rematch, invoking the contractual clause with the goal of recapturing his WBO interim heavyweight title as the loss also derailed his plans to face Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.
WBC champion Tyson Fury made a prediction that Zhang will win again. Fury said in a video interview, “tough fight again. 50/50, but you’d have to favor the champion. One, he’s beat him already, knocked him out, and two, his confidence will be high knowing he can win. Before he wasn’t sure. Now he knows. You have to favor the Chinese man, purely on the fact he’s already beat him once, and if [Joyce] goes down the same road he’ll beat him again.”
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Dawejko defeats Madison again |
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Joey Dawejko W8 Colby Madison... For the second time in four months, Joey Dawejko won a unanimous decision over Colby Madison in a heavyweight bout at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Philadelphia. Dawejko dominated the eight rounds of action by landing quick power shots that kept Madison at bay. In round eight, Dawejko scored two knockdowns to secure the victory. Dawejko of Philadelphia won by scores of 80-70, 79-71 and 78-72 and is now 26-10-4. Madison of Baltimore is 11-6-2. The fight was a rematch of a May 2nd fight for which Dawejko also won a unanimous decision at the same venue.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
On the eight-bout card promoted by King's Promotions, Quadir Albright dropped Demarcus Layton twice en-route to an 82-second stoppage in a six-round welterweight bout. Albright of Philadelphia is 9-1 with nine knockouts. Layton of Little Rock, Arkansas is 9-6-1.
Dewayne Williams scored a mild upset as he stopped Brendan O'Callaghan in round two of their six-round middleweight bout. The time of the stoppage was 42 seconds for Williams of Philadelphia, who is now 4-7-1 with four knockouts. O'Callaghan of Philadelphia is 5-3-1.
Jackie McTamney made a successful pro debut with a fourth and final round stoppage over Brittany Dukes in a featherweight bout. The time of the stoppage was 59 seconds of the final frame for the Philadelphia native McTamney who is 1-0 with one knockout. Dukes of Kansas City is 0-5-1.
Tevon Watson dropped Tyler Zwicharowski three times, and that was the difference in their four-round middleweight bout. Watson of Fort Worth, Texas took the unanimous decision by scores of 38-35 on all cards to go to 1-0. Zwicharowski of Philadelphia is 1-2.
Najeem Johns won a six-round unanimous decision over Muhammad Robinson in a battle of undefeated junior welterweights. Johns of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 5-0. Robinson of Baltimore is 6-1.
Canar Morrison won a four-round unanimous decision over Vincent Floyd in a middleweight bout. Morrison of Harrisburg, PA won by scores of 40-36 twice and 40-35 and is now 5-1. Floyd of Philadelphia is 5-16-1.
Ibrahim Robinson took a six-round unanimous decision over Elizer Olmeda in a welterweight fight. Robinson of Baltimore won by tallies of 60-53 twice and 59-54 and is 6-0-1. Olmeda of Gloucester, NJ is 3-4.
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Dawejko defeats Madison again
Joey Dawejko W8 Colby Madison... For the second time in four months, Joey Dawejko won a unanimous decision over Colby Madison in a heavyweight bout at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Philadelphia. Dawejko dominated the eight rounds of action by landing quick power shots that kept Madison at bay. In round eight, Dawejko scored two knockdowns to secure the victory. Dawejko of Philadelphia won by scores of 80-70, 79-71 and 78-72 and is now 26-10-4. Madison of Baltimore is 11-6-2. The fight was a rematch of a May 2nd fight for which Dawejko also won a unanimous decision at the same venue.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
On the eight-bout card promoted by King's Promotions, Quadir Albright dropped Demarcus Layton twice en-route to an 82-second stoppage in a six-round welterweight bout. Albright of Philadelphia is 9-1 with nine knockouts. Layton of Little Rock, Arkansas is 9-6-1.
Dewayne Williams scored a mild upset as he stopped Brendan O'Callaghan in round two of their six-round middleweight bout. The time of the stoppage was 42 seconds for Williams of Philadelphia, who is now 4-7-1 with four knockouts. O'Callaghan of Philadelphia is 5-3-1.
Jackie McTamney made a successful pro debut with a fourth and final round stoppage over Brittany Dukes in a featherweight bout. The time of the stoppage was 59 seconds of the final frame for the Philadelphia native McTamney who is 1-0 with one knockout. Dukes of Kansas City is 0-5-1.
Tevon Watson dropped Tyler Zwicharowski three times, and that was the difference in their four-round middleweight bout. Watson of Fort Worth, Texas took the unanimous decision by scores of 38-35 on all cards to go to 1-0. Zwicharowski of Philadelphia is 1-2.
Najeem Johns won a six-round unanimous decision over Muhammad Robinson in a battle of undefeated junior welterweights. Johns of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 5-0. Robinson of Baltimore is 6-1.
Canar Morrison won a four-round unanimous decision over Vincent Floyd in a middleweight bout. Morrison of Harrisburg, PA won by scores of 40-36 twice and 40-35 and is now 5-1. Floyd of Philadelphia is 5-16-1.
Ibrahim Robinson took a six-round unanimous decision over Elizer Olmeda in a welterweight fight. Robinson of Baltimore won by tallies of 60-53 twice and 59-54 and is 6-0-1. Olmeda of Gloucester, NJ is 3-4.
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Heavyweight Kamil Sokolowski suspended three years for banned substance |
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Sky Sports and other British sources report that heavyweight journeyman Kamil Sokolowski returned an adverse analytical finding, testing positive for a banned substance after a loss to former British Olympian Frazer Clarke in 2022. The result was determined after a urine test following the six-round bout in Manchester last November. Sokolowski (11-28-3) had one fight since then, an April loss to Dusan Veletic in Germany. A UKAD statement read: "Polish professional boxer Kamil Sokolowski has been banned from all sport for a period of three years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance. On 12 November 2022, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Sokolowski after his fight against Frazer Clarke at the AO Arena in Manchester. Analysis of Mr Sokolowski's Sample returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) for the exogenous origin of testosterone and its Metabolites."
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Heavyweight Kamil Sokolowski suspended three years for banned substance
Sky Sports and other British sources report that heavyweight journeyman Kamil Sokolowski returned an adverse analytical finding, testing positive for a banned substance after a loss to former British Olympian Frazer Clarke in 2022. The result was determined after a urine test following the six-round bout in Manchester last November. Sokolowski (11-28-3) had one fight since then, an April loss to Dusan Veletic in Germany. A UKAD statement read: "Polish professional boxer Kamil Sokolowski has been banned from all sport for a period of three years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance. On 12 November 2022, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Sokolowski after his fight against Frazer Clarke at the AO Arena in Manchester. Analysis of Mr Sokolowski's Sample returned Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) for the exogenous origin of testosterone and its Metabolites."
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Junto Nakatani scores three knockdowns to retain title |
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Junto Nakatani W12 Argi Cortes... Japanese southpaw Junto Nakatani (26-0) made his first defense of the WBO super flyweight title (115 pounds) as he scored three knockdowns over Mexican Argi Cortes (25-4-2). Two of the knockdowns came in the fifth round and the third one occurred in the ninth round. Nakatani scored a lopsided decision (119-106 twice, 118-107) in a fight that took place on Monday, September 18th in Tokyo. Nakatani neutralized Cortes, who had just a few good moments during the fight, with his style and jab and making good use of his height and reach advantage.
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Junto Nakatani scores three knockdowns to retain title
Junto Nakatani W12 Argi Cortes... Japanese southpaw Junto Nakatani (26-0) made his first defense of the WBO super flyweight title (115 pounds) as he scored three knockdowns over Mexican Argi Cortes (25-4-2). Two of the knockdowns came in the fifth round and the third one occurred in the ninth round. Nakatani scored a lopsided decision (119-106 twice, 118-107) in a fight that took place on Monday, September 18th in Tokyo. Nakatani neutralized Cortes, who had just a few good moments during the fight, with his style and jab and making good use of his height and reach advantage.
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Teraji gets stoppage after some difficult rounds from Budler |
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Kenshiro Teraji TKO9 Hekkie Budler... Kenshiro Teraji defended his WBA and WBC light flyweight championships with a technical knockout over South Africa's Hekkie Budler on Monday. The Japanese Teraji had to go all out at the Ariake Arena in Koto-Ku to defeat Budler, a former champion at 105 and 108 pounds. As expected, Budler came out strong, putting immense pressure on Teraji and the pace of the fight was frantic with fierce exchanges and good moments for both fighters. The champion relied on his punching power to chip away at the visitor despite taking punishment in the process. Teraji endured tough moments, buthe knew how to fight on the ropes and in the end managed to take Budler down and reduce him to a condition that forced the referee to stop the action (perhaps a bit prematurely). The champion had another brilliant performance and left his record at 22 wins, 1 loss and 14 knockouts. Budler dropped his record to 35 wins, 5 losses and 11 knockouts.
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Teraji gets stoppage after some difficult rounds from Budler
Kenshiro Teraji TKO9 Hekkie Budler... Kenshiro Teraji defended his WBA and WBC light flyweight championships with a technical knockout over South Africa's Hekkie Budler on Monday. The Japanese Teraji had to go all out at the Ariake Arena in Koto-Ku to defeat Budler, a former champion at 105 and 108 pounds. As expected, Budler came out strong, putting immense pressure on Teraji and the pace of the fight was frantic with fierce exchanges and good moments for both fighters. The champion relied on his punching power to chip away at the visitor despite taking punishment in the process. Teraji endured tough moments, buthe knew how to fight on the ropes and in the end managed to take Budler down and reduce him to a condition that forced the referee to stop the action (perhaps a bit prematurely). The champion had another brilliant performance and left his record at 22 wins, 1 loss and 14 knockouts. Budler dropped his record to 35 wins, 5 losses and 11 knockouts.
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Valor Bare Knuckle announces Oct. 27th main event |
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Valor Bare Knuckle has announced the main event for VBK2. Mark "The Hand Of" Godbeer, the VBK1 heavyweight tournament winner from Bridgwater, Somerset, England, will be defending his title against Lavar "Big" Johnson, who fights out of Fresno, California. These warriors have more in common than their ability to deliver knockouts; they both tasted victory at the inaugural VBK 1 event, which took place on Saturday, September 21, 2019 in North Dakota. Their journey from that historic night has led them to this pivotal moment, where they will once again step into the all impressive “Bout Circle” to settle the score. Valor Bare Knuckle 2 is set to take place at the fan friendly University of North Florida (UNF) Center in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 27th.
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Valor Bare Knuckle announces Oct. 27th main event
Valor Bare Knuckle has announced the main event for VBK2. Mark "The Hand Of" Godbeer, the VBK1 heavyweight tournament winner from Bridgwater, Somerset, England, will be defending his title against Lavar "Big" Johnson, who fights out of Fresno, California. These warriors have more in common than their ability to deliver knockouts; they both tasted victory at the inaugural VBK 1 event, which took place on Saturday, September 21, 2019 in North Dakota. Their journey from that historic night has led them to this pivotal moment, where they will once again step into the all impressive “Bout Circle” to settle the score. Valor Bare Knuckle 2 is set to take place at the fan friendly University of North Florida (UNF) Center in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 27th.
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Jonathan Hernandez wins in Buenos Aires |
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Jonathan Hernandez TKO3 Alan Baleta... In action taking place over the weekend in Buenos Aires, Jonathan Hernandez stopped visiting Colombian Alan Baleta in the third-round of a battle of undefeated welterweights. Hernandez, now 12-0, is a Venezuelan who now fights out of Argentina. Although at the beginning the fight was a little difficult due to the styles, Hernandez patiently deciphered Baletafor the first two rounds, In the third, Hernandez connected with force to the face to send Baleta to the canvas. Baleta got up and tried to go on the attack but with more heart than skill. He was punished again until the referee decided to stop the action. Baltea returns home with a record of 7-1-1.
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Jonathan Hernandez wins in Buenos Aires
Jonathan Hernandez TKO3 Alan Baleta... In action taking place over the weekend in Buenos Aires, Jonathan Hernandez stopped visiting Colombian Alan Baleta in the third-round of a battle of undefeated welterweights. Hernandez, now 12-0, is a Venezuelan who now fights out of Argentina. Although at the beginning the fight was a little difficult due to the styles, Hernandez patiently deciphered Baletafor the first two rounds, In the third, Hernandez connected with force to the face to send Baleta to the canvas. Baleta got up and tried to go on the attack but with more heart than skill. He was punished again until the referee decided to stop the action. Baltea returns home with a record of 7-1-1.
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Stefan Nikolic wins in Vienna |
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Stefan Nikolic W10 Samo Jangirov.... At the Hotel InterContinental in Vienna on Saturday, Austria's Stefan Nikolic prevailed in a cruiserweight bout against Sweden's Samo Jangirov. Nikolic won the ten rounder with a wide unanimous decision. Judges Hilmi Bagci and Sven Graefe both scored the fight 99-91, while judge Rainer Schwarz had it a shutout at 100-90. Nikolic's careeer trajectory was hurt by an upset loss to Colombia's Julio Cesar Calimeno almost exactly a year ago at the same venue. This was his third straight victory since (although the last two were against novices), and it improved Nikolic's professional record to 9-1 with 7 KOs. Jangirov, a former Swedish national champion, falls to 8-5-3 with 1 KO. The fight headlined a card promoted by Daniel Nader´s Bounce Boxpromotion.
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Stefan Nikolic wins in Vienna
Stefan Nikolic W10 Samo Jangirov.... At the Hotel InterContinental in Vienna on Saturday, Austria's Stefan Nikolic prevailed in a cruiserweight bout against Sweden's Samo Jangirov. Nikolic won the ten rounder with a wide unanimous decision. Judges Hilmi Bagci and Sven Graefe both scored the fight 99-91, while judge Rainer Schwarz had it a shutout at 100-90. Nikolic's careeer trajectory was hurt by an upset loss to Colombia's Julio Cesar Calimeno almost exactly a year ago at the same venue. This was his third straight victory since (although the last two were against novices), and it improved Nikolic's professional record to 9-1 with 7 KOs. Jangirov, a former Swedish national champion, falls to 8-5-3 with 1 KO. The fight headlined a card promoted by Daniel Nader´s Bounce Boxpromotion.
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Teraji stops Budler to retain 108-pound titles |
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Kenshiro Teraji TKO9 over Hekkie Budler via TKO to retain the WBA and WBC 108-pound championships... Junto Nakatani W12 Argi Cortes via unanimous decision to retain the WBO super flyweight title Official scores were 118-107 and 119-106 (twice)...Tenshin Nasukawa W8 Luis Guzman via unanimous decision. All three scores were 80-70... and Anthony Olascuaga defeated Giemel Magramo via TKO in round seven. [MORE TO COME]...
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Teraji stops Budler to retain 108-pound titles
Kenshiro Teraji TKO9 over Hekkie Budler via TKO to retain the WBA and WBC 108-pound championships... Junto Nakatani W12 Argi Cortes via unanimous decision to retain the WBO super flyweight title Official scores were 118-107 and 119-106 (twice)...Tenshin Nasukawa W8 Luis Guzman via unanimous decision. All three scores were 80-70... and Anthony Olascuaga defeated Giemel Magramo via TKO in round seven. [MORE TO COME]...
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Remembering Whitaker vs. Chavez |
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Last week markedthe 30th anniversary of the historic fight between Pernell Whitaker (pictured) and Julio Cesar Chavez. The fight was officially draw but anyone who saw it knows Whitaker won the the battle of prime Hall fg Famers. Here is the story of the fight, as told by someone who worked on the promotion, the respected Lester Bedford:
I've been waiting to post this gem. It will be long, but fun sharing. So here we go...30 Years ago, September 1993, at the new Alamodome, in San Antonio. The stage was set for Texas' greatest boxing event ever. Julio Cesar Chavez (87-0) vs Pernell Whitaker (32-1) at the new Alamodome. "The Fight" was a rare showdown between the #1 and #2 Pound for Pound fighters in the world. It was truly one of the most anticipated fights in Boxing history. Additionally, the young undefeated star that I managed at the time, Jesse James Leija (24-0-1, San Antonio), would challenge the legendary Hall of Famer, Azuma Nelson for the world title on the undercard. A crowd of 65,000 would witness what would turn out to be one of boxing's greatest and most bizarre events ever.
I was hired by Boxing's premier promoter of that era, the flamboyant Don King, to market the live gate event and assist he and his staff on many fronts.
THE CRAZIEST OF A WILD RIDE TO FIGHT NIGHT
OK, from start to finish, let's just say-- this was a wild ride. I remember meeting Don for the first time. Immediately, upon introduction, he anointed me LESTER BEDFORD, KING OF TEXAS BOXING. Many times, he would just shorten it to KING. But I’m sure I was one of many Kings he anointed. Everything with Don was BIG, as I would find out.
First order of business was for Don's staff and myself, to literally move into the famed La Mansion Hotel three months prior to the event. It was here where we would live/sleep till fight day. During the day, the hotel's elegant ballroom is where we would establish our offices/war room. Maybe 25-30 of us were hunkered down to brainstorm and deal with the vast logistics of a major event like this. You'd think we were trying to build a nuclear bomb, Manhattan Project style. But for sure, there wasn't a nuclear engineer in the group.
PRESS CONFERENCE THAT WENT SIDEWAYS
There were many crazy things that happened along the way, but I will share the most bizarre. Our first order of Business was planning the Official Announcement of the event. I strongly recommended it to take place in front of the historic Alamo. Don liked it and assigned me to make all arrangements for the setup. It was quite a scene with a 42 foot stage with a long row of tables draped with white table cloths on top. The Alamo as the backdrop was stunning, visually. All was going well. There were media from all over the world, plus about 2000-3000 fans in Alamo Plaza to witness the spectacle. But two problems-- it was hot as hell (101 degrees) and-- oops, no Julio Cesar Chavez. Don kept delaying the start, promising Julio would be there anytime. After an hour of everyone waiting on Julio, Don went back to the podium and announced-- "I just spoke to the pilot and WHOOO LEEE-OOO is about to land and will be here shortly." Well, another 1.5 hours goes by and still no Julio. Finally, Don stepped back up to the mic and announced that we will have to end the press conference without Julio. He promised to deliver Julio in public later in the day. Immediately after, Don asked me to set something up that night for Julio to meet with the public. I put my crazy thinking cap, because I knew it was gonna get crazy. Still in Alamo Plaza, I walked over to the open air tourist trolley that just happened to have a giant sombrero on top of it. The trolley would pick up tourist in Alamo Plaza and take them on a tour around downtown San Antonio. I asked the driver if we could rent him and the trolley, later that evening. So I called Don in the hotel 30 minutes later and told him my plan.
We would have he and Julio on the trolley, leave from the Alamo and drive up Commerce Street about a mile and then have a Julio rally in front of a large Community Center. A friend ran the Community Center, so that was easy to setup. We had to get a stage and sound there. The I had to notify all media and provide information to the public about Julio's plan to make it up to the fans, but had to get it out to the media in time for the 5:00 and 6:00 TV news. Done. It was all over the TV news casts and radio. Lastly, we had to get security as well as notify SAPD of our plan. They were awesome and all on board. Now we were just hoping the fans would show up by 7:30 pm.
So Julio's private jet finally arrived about 6:30 pm, almost 5 hours late. His limo was escorted by Police to Alamo Plaza. Once there, he and Don would board the trolley and the show was on. As they headed down Commerce Street, adoring fans were coming out of the woodwork along the route. Somehow, in just two hours, an estimated 10,000 people lined the Commerce St. route to greet Julio. I was on the trolley, along with a few other staff. I grabbed the drivers mic, which he used for tours, and handed it to Don. I asked the driver to turn up the volume as loud as he could get it.
Don then took great pleasure in announcing to the fans from the open back of the trolley. I can still here him, as if he were a carnival barker-- "Julio is here! World champion Julio Cesar Chavez, the world's greatest fighter is here!"Then he would start the chant with the fans-- Who-Lee-oh!, Who-Lee Oh!!!. Fans were chanting and literally running behind the bus, trying to shake hands, high five or whatever to get to Julio. Seriously, funny as hell-- driving down the middle of Commerce St. on a trolley with a giant sombrero on top and Don King puttin' on a show all the way to the Community Center. Once there, we had another 1500-2000 for the impromptu rally. To say the least, the dud of a press conference turned into a crazy wild scene that pumped up the City even more. Don was not just happy, but ecstatic. His only regret, he needed a sombrero. Hey, I offered and had one available. But that would have messed up his famous up-do hair. That's how fans knew it was Don. Of course, the wackiness only continued throughout the promotion. There was Don's 60th Birthday party that started at a Whataburger for lunch and ended with a dinner for 30 that night. If you can imagine Don King getting out of a long stretch limo with 12 staff behind him. It was a shock to the customers and staff when he walked in, shouting "WHATABURGER, I LOVE WHATABURGER. LET'S GET SOME OF THIS WHATABURGER." And of course, the Whataburger staff was not pissed that Don threw a couple of $100 bills down as a tip. This is a small sampling of the bizarre. I just don't have the space for all of it.
Finally, we got to fight night. It was an epic scene with 65,000 fans crowding into the newly crowned jewel of San Antonio- The Alamodome. Even the fights ended in crazy fashion. Jesse James Leija should have been crowned world champion that night, but got a suspicious draw. He would eventually beat Azumah in a rematch in Vegas to win his first of two world titles. Pernell Whitaker appeared to have clearly beaten Julio Cesar Chavez, but that ended up in a draw also. So much anticipation for the event and at the end of the day, nothing resolved. The fans loved the event, but wanted a better conclusion.
JESSE JAMES LEIJA...went on to be a two-time World Champion. I managed him 17 wonderful years. We still talk, all the time, and will always be close.
PERNELL WHITAKER...The Chavez fight was one of 16 fights I worked on throughout his career. Sadly, he was killed about two years ago when he stepped off a curb to cross the street and was hit by a car. Heartbreaker!
JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ...I worked on two more of his fights and those were somewhat crazy. To this day, he's still considered Mexico's greatest fighter, ever. He's now a Spanish broadcaster. I also had the pleasure of working on 6 of his son's (Julio Jr.) fights.
DON KING-- He's now 90 and still going, not as strong, but still around. This, despite him saying he was the only male in his family to live past 60. I would eventually work for Don again, but ended up having several disputes with him over broken contracts with Jesse James Leija. Unfortunately, when dealing with Don, the negotiating begins when you sign the contract. Ironically, I would testify against him (in a different matter) in two federal trials in New York City. No sense in going into the details. That's a book in itself. But I do have to share one funny incident that pretty much sums Don up. I was setting in the witness waiting room of the Manhattan courthouse, about to testify and asked to go to the restroom. So I go to the restroom, am standing at the toilet all alone in the room. And who walks in, Don King, in living color. What did he say to me-- "LESTER BEDFORD, KING OF TEXAS BOXING. I'D SHAKE YOUR HAND, BUT I DON'T SHAKE NO MOTHER F__KERS HAND IN NO BATHROOM." That was his last words to me. One minute I was still the King. Ten minutes later, he was starring me down on the witness stand, That’s Don King!!
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Remembering Whitaker vs. Chavez
Last week markedthe 30th anniversary of the historic fight between Pernell Whitaker (pictured) and Julio Cesar Chavez. The fight was officially draw but anyone who saw it knows Whitaker won the the battle of prime Hall fg Famers. Here is the story of the fight, as told by someone who worked on the promotion, the respected Lester Bedford:
I've been waiting to post this gem. It will be long, but fun sharing. So here we go...30 Years ago, September 1993, at the new Alamodome, in San Antonio. The stage was set for Texas' greatest boxing event ever. Julio Cesar Chavez (87-0) vs Pernell Whitaker (32-1) at the new Alamodome. "The Fight" was a rare showdown between the #1 and #2 Pound for Pound fighters in the world. It was truly one of the most anticipated fights in Boxing history. Additionally, the young undefeated star that I managed at the time, Jesse James Leija (24-0-1, San Antonio), would challenge the legendary Hall of Famer, Azuma Nelson for the world title on the undercard. A crowd of 65,000 would witness what would turn out to be one of boxing's greatest and most bizarre events ever.
I was hired by Boxing's premier promoter of that era, the flamboyant Don King, to market the live gate event and assist he and his staff on many fronts.
THE CRAZIEST OF A WILD RIDE TO FIGHT NIGHT
OK, from start to finish, let's just say-- this was a wild ride. I remember meeting Don for the first time. Immediately, upon introduction, he anointed me LESTER BEDFORD, KING OF TEXAS BOXING. Many times, he would just shorten it to KING. But I’m sure I was one of many Kings he anointed. Everything with Don was BIG, as I would find out.
First order of business was for Don's staff and myself, to literally move into the famed La Mansion Hotel three months prior to the event. It was here where we would live/sleep till fight day. During the day, the hotel's elegant ballroom is where we would establish our offices/war room. Maybe 25-30 of us were hunkered down to brainstorm and deal with the vast logistics of a major event like this. You'd think we were trying to build a nuclear bomb, Manhattan Project style. But for sure, there wasn't a nuclear engineer in the group.
PRESS CONFERENCE THAT WENT SIDEWAYS
There were many crazy things that happened along the way, but I will share the most bizarre. Our first order of Business was planning the Official Announcement of the event. I strongly recommended it to take place in front of the historic Alamo. Don liked it and assigned me to make all arrangements for the setup. It was quite a scene with a 42 foot stage with a long row of tables draped with white table cloths on top. The Alamo as the backdrop was stunning, visually. All was going well. There were media from all over the world, plus about 2000-3000 fans in Alamo Plaza to witness the spectacle. But two problems-- it was hot as hell (101 degrees) and-- oops, no Julio Cesar Chavez. Don kept delaying the start, promising Julio would be there anytime. After an hour of everyone waiting on Julio, Don went back to the podium and announced-- "I just spoke to the pilot and WHOOO LEEE-OOO is about to land and will be here shortly." Well, another 1.5 hours goes by and still no Julio. Finally, Don stepped back up to the mic and announced that we will have to end the press conference without Julio. He promised to deliver Julio in public later in the day. Immediately after, Don asked me to set something up that night for Julio to meet with the public. I put my crazy thinking cap, because I knew it was gonna get crazy. Still in Alamo Plaza, I walked over to the open air tourist trolley that just happened to have a giant sombrero on top of it. The trolley would pick up tourist in Alamo Plaza and take them on a tour around downtown San Antonio. I asked the driver if we could rent him and the trolley, later that evening. So I called Don in the hotel 30 minutes later and told him my plan.
We would have he and Julio on the trolley, leave from the Alamo and drive up Commerce Street about a mile and then have a Julio rally in front of a large Community Center. A friend ran the Community Center, so that was easy to setup. We had to get a stage and sound there. The I had to notify all media and provide information to the public about Julio's plan to make it up to the fans, but had to get it out to the media in time for the 5:00 and 6:00 TV news. Done. It was all over the TV news casts and radio. Lastly, we had to get security as well as notify SAPD of our plan. They were awesome and all on board. Now we were just hoping the fans would show up by 7:30 pm.
So Julio's private jet finally arrived about 6:30 pm, almost 5 hours late. His limo was escorted by Police to Alamo Plaza. Once there, he and Don would board the trolley and the show was on. As they headed down Commerce Street, adoring fans were coming out of the woodwork along the route. Somehow, in just two hours, an estimated 10,000 people lined the Commerce St. route to greet Julio. I was on the trolley, along with a few other staff. I grabbed the drivers mic, which he used for tours, and handed it to Don. I asked the driver to turn up the volume as loud as he could get it.
Don then took great pleasure in announcing to the fans from the open back of the trolley. I can still here him, as if he were a carnival barker-- "Julio is here! World champion Julio Cesar Chavez, the world's greatest fighter is here!"Then he would start the chant with the fans-- Who-Lee-oh!, Who-Lee Oh!!!. Fans were chanting and literally running behind the bus, trying to shake hands, high five or whatever to get to Julio. Seriously, funny as hell-- driving down the middle of Commerce St. on a trolley with a giant sombrero on top and Don King puttin' on a show all the way to the Community Center. Once there, we had another 1500-2000 for the impromptu rally. To say the least, the dud of a press conference turned into a crazy wild scene that pumped up the City even more. Don was not just happy, but ecstatic. His only regret, he needed a sombrero. Hey, I offered and had one available. But that would have messed up his famous up-do hair. That's how fans knew it was Don. Of course, the wackiness only continued throughout the promotion. There was Don's 60th Birthday party that started at a Whataburger for lunch and ended with a dinner for 30 that night. If you can imagine Don King getting out of a long stretch limo with 12 staff behind him. It was a shock to the customers and staff when he walked in, shouting "WHATABURGER, I LOVE WHATABURGER. LET'S GET SOME OF THIS WHATABURGER." And of course, the Whataburger staff was not pissed that Don threw a couple of $100 bills down as a tip. This is a small sampling of the bizarre. I just don't have the space for all of it.
Finally, we got to fight night. It was an epic scene with 65,000 fans crowding into the newly crowned jewel of San Antonio- The Alamodome. Even the fights ended in crazy fashion. Jesse James Leija should have been crowned world champion that night, but got a suspicious draw. He would eventually beat Azumah in a rematch in Vegas to win his first of two world titles. Pernell Whitaker appeared to have clearly beaten Julio Cesar Chavez, but that ended up in a draw also. So much anticipation for the event and at the end of the day, nothing resolved. The fans loved the event, but wanted a better conclusion.
JESSE JAMES LEIJA...went on to be a two-time World Champion. I managed him 17 wonderful years. We still talk, all the time, and will always be close.
PERNELL WHITAKER...The Chavez fight was one of 16 fights I worked on throughout his career. Sadly, he was killed about two years ago when he stepped off a curb to cross the street and was hit by a car. Heartbreaker!
JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ...I worked on two more of his fights and those were somewhat crazy. To this day, he's still considered Mexico's greatest fighter, ever. He's now a Spanish broadcaster. I also had the pleasure of working on 6 of his son's (Julio Jr.) fights.
DON KING-- He's now 90 and still going, not as strong, but still around. This, despite him saying he was the only male in his family to live past 60. I would eventually work for Don again, but ended up having several disputes with him over broken contracts with Jesse James Leija. Unfortunately, when dealing with Don, the negotiating begins when you sign the contract. Ironically, I would testify against him (in a different matter) in two federal trials in New York City. No sense in going into the details. That's a book in itself. But I do have to share one funny incident that pretty much sums Don up. I was setting in the witness waiting room of the Manhattan courthouse, about to testify and asked to go to the restroom. So I go to the restroom, am standing at the toilet all alone in the room. And who walks in, Don King, in living color. What did he say to me-- "LESTER BEDFORD, KING OF TEXAS BOXING. I'D SHAKE YOUR HAND, BUT I DON'T SHAKE NO MOTHER F__KERS HAND IN NO BATHROOM." That was his last words to me. One minute I was still the King. Ten minutes later, he was starring me down on the witness stand, That’s Don King!!
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Erika Cruz gets quality win in her new weight class |
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Erika Cruz W10 Melissa Odessa Parker ... Erika Cruz returned to the ring in great shape on Friday and won a super bantamweight bout, defeating Melissa Odessa Parker at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno, in Tijuana, Mexico. Cruz dropped down a weight class, having lost her WBA featherweight title in a February unification bout vs. Amanda Serrano. Against Parker, Cruz prevailed by unanimous decision with cards of 99-91, 99-91 and 98-92. Cruz had to overcme adversity in the form of blood on her face of the winner because of a cut. The 33 year-old Mexican looked very good aand improved here record to 16 wins, 2 losses and 3 knockouts. After a strong start to her career that saw her win the IBO bantamweight title, Parker lost her scond straight to fall to 6-2.
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Erika Cruz gets quality win in her new weight class
Erika Cruz W10 Melissa Odessa Parker ... Erika Cruz returned to the ring in great shape on Friday and won a super bantamweight bout, defeating Melissa Odessa Parker at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno, in Tijuana, Mexico. Cruz dropped down a weight class, having lost her WBA featherweight title in a February unification bout vs. Amanda Serrano. Against Parker, Cruz prevailed by unanimous decision with cards of 99-91, 99-91 and 98-92. Cruz had to overcme adversity in the form of blood on her face of the winner because of a cut. The 33 year-old Mexican looked very good aand improved here record to 16 wins, 2 losses and 3 knockouts. After a strong start to her career that saw her win the IBO bantamweight title, Parker lost her scond straight to fall to 6-2.
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Three more countries leave IBA and join World Boxing |
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The national boxing federations in Denmark, Mongolia, Panama [have left corrupt IBA and have] been confirmed as the latest four members of World Boxing, the new international federation established to keep boxing at the heart of the Olympic movement and support the growth and development of the sport at local, regional, national and international levels. Mongolia, which has a proud tradition in boxing and has won seven Olympic medals since 1988, is the first National Federation from Asia to join World Boxing and means it now has members from five continents. Also, the national federation of French Polynesia is a new organization that has been approved by the country’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) and Sports Ministry. It has never been affiliated to IBA and is the first National Federation to be recognised by World Boxing that has not been a member of IBA. The addition of these four countries means World Boxing now has sixteen members.
World Boxing was launched in April 2023 and will seek recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and plans to work constructively and collaboratively to develop a pathway that will preserve boxing’s ongoing place on the Olympic competition programme at Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.
The first cohort of World Boxing members was made-up of USA Boxing, New Zealand Boxing, Boxing Australia, GB Boxing, England Boxing and the Dutch Boxing Federation. They were joined in August 2023 by the National Federations for boxing in Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Honduras and Sweden.
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Three more countries leave IBA and join World Boxing
The national boxing federations in Denmark, Mongolia, Panama [have left corrupt IBA and have] been confirmed as the latest four members of World Boxing, the new international federation established to keep boxing at the heart of the Olympic movement and support the growth and development of the sport at local, regional, national and international levels. Mongolia, which has a proud tradition in boxing and has won seven Olympic medals since 1988, is the first National Federation from Asia to join World Boxing and means it now has members from five continents. Also, the national federation of French Polynesia is a new organization that has been approved by the country’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) and Sports Ministry. It has never been affiliated to IBA and is the first National Federation to be recognised by World Boxing that has not been a member of IBA. The addition of these four countries means World Boxing now has sixteen members.
World Boxing was launched in April 2023 and will seek recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and plans to work constructively and collaboratively to develop a pathway that will preserve boxing’s ongoing place on the Olympic competition programme at Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.
The first cohort of World Boxing members was made-up of USA Boxing, New Zealand Boxing, Boxing Australia, GB Boxing, England Boxing and the Dutch Boxing Federation. They were joined in August 2023 by the National Federations for boxing in Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Honduras and Sweden.
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Late result: Rigoberto Hermosillo wins in CA. |
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Rigoberto Hermosillo W8 Alexis De Luna ... CBN Promotions reports on social media: [At] our Sept 9th show, in the eight-round featherweight main event, Rigoberto Hermosillo (14-4-1, 9 KOs) from Victorville, California, defeated Alexis De Luna (10-2, 5 KOs) from Bakersfield, CA, in a very close fight. Both fighters engaged in back-and-forth action, giving the fans an all-out war."
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Late result: Rigoberto Hermosillo wins in CA.
Rigoberto Hermosillo W8 Alexis De Luna ... CBN Promotions reports on social media: [At] our Sept 9th show, in the eight-round featherweight main event, Rigoberto Hermosillo (14-4-1, 9 KOs) from Victorville, California, defeated Alexis De Luna (10-2, 5 KOs) from Bakersfield, CA, in a very close fight. Both fighters engaged in back-and-forth action, giving the fans an all-out war."
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Boxingtalk's Monday fight predictions |
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Here are Boxingtalk's prognostications for Monday's big fight card in Japan:
Kenshiro Teraji (21-1) vs. Hekkie Budler (35-4) (WBC & WBA light flyweight titles) … prediction: Teraji by late knockout;
Junto Nakatani (25-0) vs. Argi Cortes (25-3-2) (WBO super flyweight title) … prediction: Nakatani by late knockout;
Giemel Magramo (28-3) vs. Anthony Olascuaga (5-1) (super flyweights) … prediction: Magramo by decision; and
Tenshin Nasukawa (1-0) vs. Luis Guzman Flores (10-2) (featherweights) … prediction: Nasukawa by unanimous decision.
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Boxingtalk's Monday fight predictions
Here are Boxingtalk's prognostications for Monday's big fight card in Japan:
Kenshiro Teraji (21-1) vs. Hekkie Budler (35-4) (WBC & WBA light flyweight titles) … prediction: Teraji by late knockout;
Junto Nakatani (25-0) vs. Argi Cortes (25-3-2) (WBO super flyweight title) … prediction: Nakatani by late knockout;
Giemel Magramo (28-3) vs. Anthony Olascuaga (5-1) (super flyweights) … prediction: Magramo by decision; and
Tenshin Nasukawa (1-0) vs. Luis Guzman Flores (10-2) (featherweights) … prediction: Nasukawa by unanimous decision.
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Zepeda continues his march up lightweight ladder |
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William Zepeda TKO6 Mercito Gesta ... Lightweight contender William Zepeda laid a merciless beating on durable Mercito Gesta on Saturday in Commerce, California, stopping the veteran in round six. Gesta was exhausted and referee Jack Reis waited too long to stop the fight, intervening only when Gesta's cornerman stepped up to the ring apron to end the punishment. Zepeda is now 29-0, while Gesta drops to 34-4-3 and needs a long rest.
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Zepeda continues his march up lightweight ladder
William Zepeda TKO6 Mercito Gesta ... Lightweight contender William Zepeda laid a merciless beating on durable Mercito Gesta on Saturday in Commerce, California, stopping the veteran in round six. Gesta was exhausted and referee Jack Reis waited too long to stop the fight, intervening only when Gesta's cornerman stepped up to the ring apron to end the punishment. Zepeda is now 29-0, while Gesta drops to 34-4-3 and needs a long rest.
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Fierro wins by split decision in Mexico |
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Angel Fierro W10 Brayan Zamarripa... On Friday night in Mexico, Angel Fierro clashed with Brayan Zamarripa in a lightweight contest. Throughout the fight's ten rounds, both men exchanged big shots, but despite significant damage being absorbed, neither fighter hit the canvas. In the end it was Fierro who was declared the winner via a split decision and he extends his professional record to 22-1-2. Zanarripa falls to 13-2 and sees a ten-fight win streak snapped.
The full fight card results from the two events can be found below:
Angel Fierro bt. Brayan Zamarripa; Lightweight
Erika Cruz bt. Melissa Oddessa Parker; Women's super bantamweight
Christian Olivo Barreda bt. Kevin Barron Crespo; Featherweight
Skye Nicolson bt. Sabrina Maribel Perez; Women's featherweight
Federico Pacheco Jr. bt. Carlos Cardenas; Heavyweight
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Fierro wins by split decision in Mexico
Angel Fierro W10 Brayan Zamarripa... On Friday night in Mexico, Angel Fierro clashed with Brayan Zamarripa in a lightweight contest. Throughout the fight's ten rounds, both men exchanged big shots, but despite significant damage being absorbed, neither fighter hit the canvas. In the end it was Fierro who was declared the winner via a split decision and he extends his professional record to 22-1-2. Zanarripa falls to 13-2 and sees a ten-fight win streak snapped.
The full fight card results from the two events can be found below:
Angel Fierro bt. Brayan Zamarripa; Lightweight
Erika Cruz bt. Melissa Oddessa Parker; Women's super bantamweight
Christian Olivo Barreda bt. Kevin Barron Crespo; Featherweight
Skye Nicolson bt. Sabrina Maribel Perez; Women's featherweight
Federico Pacheco Jr. bt. Carlos Cardenas; Heavyweight
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Lopez retains IBF featherweight title |
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Luis Alberto Lopez W12 Joet Gonzalez ... Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs) kicked off Mexican Independence Day Weekend by defending his IBF featherweight title against Joet Gonzalez (26-4, 15 KOs) Friday evening at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Lopez hoped to become the first person to stop Gonzalez, but he was met with a stiff challenge and refused to take a backward step. In the opening round, Gonzalez pressured Lopez with punches to the body. By rounds three and four, though, Lopez found his distance and began using his legs to set up shots from the outside.
Gonzalez’s high guard made it difficult for Lopez to connect with his signature leaping punches, but occasional counter punches on the inside kept Gonzalez from gaining momentum. Lopez seemed to fade in the later rounds, and Gonzalez, with a sense of urgency, began pressuring Lopez as he did in the opening round. However, it was not enough to win the fight. Lopez retained his belt with scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112.
Lopez said, “We knew that Joet Gonzalez is a very dangerous fighter. He never stops attacking. He can take anything you throw at him. We knew that’s what he came to do and that he came with a lot of hunger to take the title away from me, but I also am very hungry to remain champion. I hurt him. I saw that I hurt him. But, as I’ve said, he’s a warrior who can take anything you throw at him, even the bucket. He is still standing, and my respects to him. It was a very close fight. We know that Joet Gonzalez was coming forward. He wouldn’t take a step back. I know it was a tough fight, but I know that I won.”
Gonzalez said, “I thought the scores should have been a little closer. Overall, I am very disappointed in my performance. I felt that I could have done a lot better. By far, this is the worst performance of my title fights, even though I prepared to the fullest. I am truly disappointed in my performance.
“I felt like in the other world title fights I did better. I felt like I got hit less. I did feel like I landed some good shots, but I feel like I’ve could have done a lot better.”
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Lopez retains IBF featherweight title
Luis Alberto Lopez W12 Joet Gonzalez ... Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs) kicked off Mexican Independence Day Weekend by defending his IBF featherweight title against Joet Gonzalez (26-4, 15 KOs) Friday evening at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Lopez hoped to become the first person to stop Gonzalez, but he was met with a stiff challenge and refused to take a backward step. In the opening round, Gonzalez pressured Lopez with punches to the body. By rounds three and four, though, Lopez found his distance and began using his legs to set up shots from the outside.
Gonzalez’s high guard made it difficult for Lopez to connect with his signature leaping punches, but occasional counter punches on the inside kept Gonzalez from gaining momentum. Lopez seemed to fade in the later rounds, and Gonzalez, with a sense of urgency, began pressuring Lopez as he did in the opening round. However, it was not enough to win the fight. Lopez retained his belt with scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112.
Lopez said, “We knew that Joet Gonzalez is a very dangerous fighter. He never stops attacking. He can take anything you throw at him. We knew that’s what he came to do and that he came with a lot of hunger to take the title away from me, but I also am very hungry to remain champion. I hurt him. I saw that I hurt him. But, as I’ve said, he’s a warrior who can take anything you throw at him, even the bucket. He is still standing, and my respects to him. It was a very close fight. We know that Joet Gonzalez was coming forward. He wouldn’t take a step back. I know it was a tough fight, but I know that I won.”
Gonzalez said, “I thought the scores should have been a little closer. Overall, I am very disappointed in my performance. I felt that I could have done a lot better. By far, this is the worst performance of my title fights, even though I prepared to the fullest. I am truly disappointed in my performance.
“I felt like in the other world title fights I did better. I felt like I got hit less. I did feel like I landed some good shots, but I feel like I’ve could have done a lot better.”
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Trainer Diego Arua dies during boxing match |
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Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the WBC reported: "It is with deep sadness that we have been informed of the sudden death of trainer Diego Arua, a trainer from Argentina, who suffered a fatal heart attack during the Sabrina Pérez fight in Tijuana. The medical services personnel did everything possible but he died at the hospital." Age 58, Arua was working the corner of his wife, Sabrina Perez during her loss to Skye Nicolson. DAZN tweeted, "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of trainer Diego Arua, after his passing." Boxingtalk joins the rest of the boxing world in sending its deepest sympathy to Sabrina Perez, the rest of Arua's family, and his friends.
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Trainer Diego Arua dies during boxing match
Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the WBC reported: "It is with deep sadness that we have been informed of the sudden death of trainer Diego Arua, a trainer from Argentina, who suffered a fatal heart attack during the Sabrina Pérez fight in Tijuana. The medical services personnel did everything possible but he died at the hospital." Age 58, Arua was working the corner of his wife, Sabrina Perez during her loss to Skye Nicolson. DAZN tweeted, "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of trainer Diego Arua, after his passing." Boxingtalk joins the rest of the boxing world in sending its deepest sympathy to Sabrina Perez, the rest of Arua's family, and his friends.
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Nicolson decisions Perez in Mexico |
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Skye Nicolson W10 Sabrina Maribel Pérez ... Australia's Skye Nicolson was crowned interim WBC featherweight champion after she defeated Argentina's Sabrina Maribel Pérez by decision on Friday in Tijuana. Nicolson (8-0, 0 KOs) has fought three times in the United States and the United Kingdom and once in her homeland. The Australian fought effectively from the beginning of the fight and little by little she took over the ring, with the judges’ cards favoring her by 98-92, 99-91 and 97-93. Perez drops to 18-2-1.
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Nicolson decisions Perez in Mexico
Skye Nicolson W10 Sabrina Maribel Pérez ... Australia's Skye Nicolson was crowned interim WBC featherweight champion after she defeated Argentina's Sabrina Maribel Pérez by decision on Friday in Tijuana. Nicolson (8-0, 0 KOs) has fought three times in the United States and the United Kingdom and once in her homeland. The Australian fought effectively from the beginning of the fight and little by little she took over the ring, with the judges’ cards favoring her by 98-92, 99-91 and 97-93. Perez drops to 18-2-1.
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Broner to face Howard on Nov. 4th in Miami |
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Promoter Don King, who just celebrated his 92nd birthday, has been working to put together a boxing card as a birthday celebration. On Saturday, November 4th at Casino Miami Jai Alai in Florida. Adrien “The Problem” Broner, a four-division champion, continues his return to the top of the welterweight division as he meets another Cincinnati fighter in Chris Howard (18-2-1, 8 KOs). Broner (35-4-1, 24 KOs) made his return to the ring on June 9th a successful one in winning a unanimous decision over William “Hutch” Hutchinson. It was Broner’s first fight in nearly 26 months. Martin fought in January, ending a six-year layoff.
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Broner to face Howard on Nov. 4th in Miami
Promoter Don King, who just celebrated his 92nd birthday, has been working to put together a boxing card as a birthday celebration. On Saturday, November 4th at Casino Miami Jai Alai in Florida. Adrien “The Problem” Broner, a four-division champion, continues his return to the top of the welterweight division as he meets another Cincinnati fighter in Chris Howard (18-2-1, 8 KOs). Broner (35-4-1, 24 KOs) made his return to the ring on June 9th a successful one in winning a unanimous decision over William “Hutch” Hutchinson. It was Broner’s first fight in nearly 26 months. Martin fought in January, ending a six-year layoff.
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Cuello tops Garcia in battle of undefeated featherweights |
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Mirco Cuello W10 Rudy Garcia ...Mirco Cuello defeated Rudy Garcia by wide unanimous decision in a featherweight bout on Friday night. The Argentinian returned to the United States and gave a great performance to win the decision on three 99-90 scorecards. Despite the wide decision, Cuello did not have an easy night in San Antonio, Texas and Garcia represented a real test for him. Garcia was an opponent who moved a lot, counterattacked well and managed to evade the attack of the Argentinean. Cuello had to figure Garcia out and deal with a slightly swollen eye from the start but gradually found his way with his powerful left and body shots. Cuello (13-0) scored a knockdown with a nice jab to the abdomen in the middle part of the fight. Garcia falls to 15-1.
Ramón Cárdenas KO2 Rafael Pedroza ... Super bantamweight Ramón Cárdenas knocked out previously undefeated Rafael Pedroza in two rounds on Friday at the Boeing Center at Tech Port, in San Antonio, Texas. The left hook was key for the Mexican-American, who found the Panamanian’s chin during an exchange and sent him to the canvas. Although his opponent got up, it was only seconds before Cardenas connected again with the same punch and this time the referee did not make the count. The 27-year-old Cardenas is now 23-1 with 12 KOs. Pedroza, meanwhile, left with his record at 15 wins, 1 loss and 11 knockouts.
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Cuello tops Garcia in battle of undefeated featherweights
Mirco Cuello W10 Rudy Garcia ...Mirco Cuello defeated Rudy Garcia by wide unanimous decision in a featherweight bout on Friday night. The Argentinian returned to the United States and gave a great performance to win the decision on three 99-90 scorecards. Despite the wide decision, Cuello did not have an easy night in San Antonio, Texas and Garcia represented a real test for him. Garcia was an opponent who moved a lot, counterattacked well and managed to evade the attack of the Argentinean. Cuello had to figure Garcia out and deal with a slightly swollen eye from the start but gradually found his way with his powerful left and body shots. Cuello (13-0) scored a knockdown with a nice jab to the abdomen in the middle part of the fight. Garcia falls to 15-1.
Ramón Cárdenas KO2 Rafael Pedroza ... Super bantamweight Ramón Cárdenas knocked out previously undefeated Rafael Pedroza in two rounds on Friday at the Boeing Center at Tech Port, in San Antonio, Texas. The left hook was key for the Mexican-American, who found the Panamanian’s chin during an exchange and sent him to the canvas. Although his opponent got up, it was only seconds before Cardenas connected again with the same punch and this time the referee did not make the count. The 27-year-old Cardenas is now 23-1 with 12 KOs. Pedroza, meanwhile, left with his record at 15 wins, 1 loss and 11 knockouts.
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