Lopez vs. Romero post-fight analysis |
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After losing his WBA welterweight championship to Teofimo Lopez by majority decision, now ex-champ Rolando Romero expressed his disagreement with the verdict. "I got hit with two punches the whole fight that barely grazed me,” said Romero. “I was never in any trouble. When I heard 114-114 I knew it was a robbery." The numbers did not support Romero's claim. Other than round five, Romero never put together a serious offensive charge, which was reflected in the CompuBox stats: Romero failed to land double digit punches in all but the fifth round. Overall, Lopez enjoyed a 124 to 73 edge in punches and landed a career-high 62 jabs to keep Romero at bay.
Meanwhile, Lopez, now a three-division champion, shared an inspirational message about his return from defeat to world champion."If you lost and you come back, then you never lost, because you're a winner,” said Lopez. “I'm a true example of what winning is. It's about not giving up.”
Round five featured the most dramatic moment of the fight, as Romero opened up a significant cut over Lopez’s right eye, and hurt him with a series of punches that included a left hook and a looping right hand. A bloodied Lopez showed impressive boxing IQ to survive the ensuing onslaught from Romero, and was able to make it to the next round. "I expected something similar to this, but more combinations from Rolly,” said Lopez. “He was staying composed and listening to his corner. We had to push the fight. He hit me with a shot that woke me up. I told him he has to do better than that. I was just buzzed. I got right back to it. I stayed cool, calm and collected. We have the ring experience. That's what's helped me throughout my journey.”
From there, it was Lopez’s speed and boxing ability that took over, as he consistently used his footwork to flummox Romero’s offense.
Romero looked to have gained some of his momentum back in the waning seconds of round eleven when he knocked Lopez off balance again with a left hook heading into the final frame. After another highly-competitive round, the judges scored the fight 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112.
"I just had to stay busy and keep my range against a strong puncher,” said Lopez. “I'm just looking forward to the next thing."
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Lopez vs. Romero post-fight analysis
After losing his WBA welterweight championship to Teofimo Lopez by majority decision, now ex-champ Rolando Romero expressed his disagreement with the verdict. "I got hit with two punches the whole fight that barely grazed me,” said Romero. “I was never in any trouble. When I heard 114-114 I knew it was a robbery." The numbers did not support Romero's claim. Other than round five, Romero never put together a serious offensive charge, which was reflected in the CompuBox stats: Romero failed to land double digit punches in all but the fifth round. Overall, Lopez enjoyed a 124 to 73 edge in punches and landed a career-high 62 jabs to keep Romero at bay.
Meanwhile, Lopez, now a three-division champion, shared an inspirational message about his return from defeat to world champion."If you lost and you come back, then you never lost, because you're a winner,” said Lopez. “I'm a true example of what winning is. It's about not giving up.”
Round five featured the most dramatic moment of the fight, as Romero opened up a significant cut over Lopez’s right eye, and hurt him with a series of punches that included a left hook and a looping right hand. A bloodied Lopez showed impressive boxing IQ to survive the ensuing onslaught from Romero, and was able to make it to the next round. "I expected something similar to this, but more combinations from Rolly,” said Lopez. “He was staying composed and listening to his corner. We had to push the fight. He hit me with a shot that woke me up. I told him he has to do better than that. I was just buzzed. I got right back to it. I stayed cool, calm and collected. We have the ring experience. That's what's helped me throughout my journey.”
From there, it was Lopez’s speed and boxing ability that took over, as he consistently used his footwork to flummox Romero’s offense.
Romero looked to have gained some of his momentum back in the waning seconds of round eleven when he knocked Lopez off balance again with a left hook heading into the final frame. After another highly-competitive round, the judges scored the fight 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112.
"I just had to stay busy and keep my range against a strong puncher,” said Lopez. “I'm just looking forward to the next thing."
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Teofimo Lopez now a three-division champ |
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Teofimo Lopez W12 Rolly Romero... Teofimo Lopez outworked Rolly Romero at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to capture the WBA welterweight world title and become a three-division champion. Weathering a few rocky moments early on, Lopez, 147 pounds, dominated a tactical battle with jabs, footwork and a consistent attack to the body. Romero, 146.5, demonstrated he clearly had the power to hurt Lopez, but he spent too much of the bout in a shell in search of counter opportunities.
In round four, Romero caught Lopez with a sneaky counter left hook that stunned the New Yorker. In the next stanza, it was an overhand right that badly hurt and wobbled Lopez. Romero rushed in with a flurry of power punches but was a bit overzealous in his attack and pushed Lopez to the canvas for no knockdown. A blood-spattered Lopez returned to his corner with a cut over his right eye. However, Romero failed to capitalize on this success, as Lopez dominated the remainder of the contest as the busier fighter.
A questionable tally of 114-114 was overruled by scorecards of 116-112 and 115-113 to give Lopez (23-2 with 13 KOs), the majority decision victory. A dejected Romero, now 17-3 with 13 KOs, abruptly left the ring electing not to provide post-fight comments.
Originally from Broolyn, New York, Lopez was fighting in Romero's hometown. Lopez was previously the world champion at 135 pounds and 140 pounds by virtue of victories over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor.
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Teofimo Lopez now a three-division champ
Teofimo Lopez W12 Rolly Romero... Teofimo Lopez outworked Rolly Romero at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to capture the WBA welterweight world title and become a three-division champion. Weathering a few rocky moments early on, Lopez, 147 pounds, dominated a tactical battle with jabs, footwork and a consistent attack to the body. Romero, 146.5, demonstrated he clearly had the power to hurt Lopez, but he spent too much of the bout in a shell in search of counter opportunities.
In round four, Romero caught Lopez with a sneaky counter left hook that stunned the New Yorker. In the next stanza, it was an overhand right that badly hurt and wobbled Lopez. Romero rushed in with a flurry of power punches but was a bit overzealous in his attack and pushed Lopez to the canvas for no knockdown. A blood-spattered Lopez returned to his corner with a cut over his right eye. However, Romero failed to capitalize on this success, as Lopez dominated the remainder of the contest as the busier fighter.
A questionable tally of 114-114 was overruled by scorecards of 116-112 and 115-113 to give Lopez (23-2 with 13 KOs), the majority decision victory. A dejected Romero, now 17-3 with 13 KOs, abruptly left the ring electing not to provide post-fight comments.
Originally from Broolyn, New York, Lopez was fighting in Romero's hometown. Lopez was previously the world champion at 135 pounds and 140 pounds by virtue of victories over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor.
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Yoenli Hernandez wins Vegas co-feature |
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Yoenli Hernandez Francisco Daniel Veron... Cuban middleweight Yoenli Hernandez, 159.2 pounds, secured a majority decision victory over a tough Francisco Daniel Veron, 159.6, of Buenos Aires, in the co-feature before the Romero-Lopez clash. Hernandez, now based out of Providence, RI, fought aggressively from the opening bell, regularly unleashing heavy power shots. Veron stayed composed, using a steady volume of jabs to the head and body in an attempt to outbox his foe. Ultimately, Hernandez's explosive offensive bursts proved to be the difference. While one judge scored the bout a 95-95 draw, the remaining two widely favored Hernandez with lopsided tallies of 99-91 and 98-92. With the win, Hernandez improved to 11-0 with 9 KOs. Currently ranked high across all major sanctioning bodies—including #1 by the WBO and WBA, a world title shot looms in his near future. Meanwhile, Veron, who moved up from junior middleweight for this contest, drops to 17-2-1 with 10 KOs) after a gritty performance at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena.
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Yoenli Hernandez wins Vegas co-feature
Yoenli Hernandez Francisco Daniel Veron... Cuban middleweight Yoenli Hernandez, 159.2 pounds, secured a majority decision victory over a tough Francisco Daniel Veron, 159.6, of Buenos Aires, in the co-feature before the Romero-Lopez clash. Hernandez, now based out of Providence, RI, fought aggressively from the opening bell, regularly unleashing heavy power shots. Veron stayed composed, using a steady volume of jabs to the head and body in an attempt to outbox his foe. Ultimately, Hernandez's explosive offensive bursts proved to be the difference. While one judge scored the bout a 95-95 draw, the remaining two widely favored Hernandez with lopsided tallies of 99-91 and 98-92. With the win, Hernandez improved to 11-0 with 9 KOs. Currently ranked high across all major sanctioning bodies—including #1 by the WBO and WBA, a world title shot looms in his near future. Meanwhile, Veron, who moved up from junior middleweight for this contest, drops to 17-2-1 with 10 KOs) after a gritty performance at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena.
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Russell takes interim title from Santillan |
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Gary Antonio Russell W12 Victor Santillan.... In just his third fight since his lone defeat in October 2022, Gary Antonio Russell captured the interim WBA super bantamweight title via unanimous decision against Victor Santillan of the Dominican Republic. At the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Russell, 121.2 lbs., of Capitol Heights, MD, was the busier fighter throughout, landing flurries of punches on the inside. Santillan, 121.6 lbs., pressed forward for much of this battle of southpaws, but could not keep up with Russell’s pace. Russell, now 22-1 with 13 KOs, punctuated his victory with a twelfth-round knockdown, catching Santillan with a counter right hook to the chin. The scores were 119-108 (twice) and 118-109. Suffering his first loss outside of Japan, Santillan saw his record drop to 16-3 with 7 KOs. While Russell claimed his first title, Naoya Inoue remains the undisputed super bantamweight world champion and has been since 2023.
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Russell takes interim title from Santillan
Gary Antonio Russell W12 Victor Santillan.... In just his third fight since his lone defeat in October 2022, Gary Antonio Russell captured the interim WBA super bantamweight title via unanimous decision against Victor Santillan of the Dominican Republic. At the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Russell, 121.2 lbs., of Capitol Heights, MD, was the busier fighter throughout, landing flurries of punches on the inside. Santillan, 121.6 lbs., pressed forward for much of this battle of southpaws, but could not keep up with Russell’s pace. Russell, now 22-1 with 13 KOs, punctuated his victory with a twelfth-round knockdown, catching Santillan with a counter right hook to the chin. The scores were 119-108 (twice) and 118-109. Suffering his first loss outside of Japan, Santillan saw his record drop to 16-3 with 7 KOs. While Russell claimed his first title, Naoya Inoue remains the undisputed super bantamweight world champion and has been since 2023.
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Colombia's Carlos Utria wins by split decision |
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Carlos Utria W10 Israel Mercado... To open up the PBC pay-per-view broadcast in Las Vegas, Colombia's Carlos Utria, 140.8 pounds, escaped with his undefeated record intact by narrowly outpointing Israel Mercado, 139.4, of Montclair, CA. Throughout the contest from the T-Mobile Arena, both Utria and Mercado were intent on throwing wild haymakers, making for some exciting moments. Because Utria (15-0, 11 KOs) mostly fought with his hands near his waist, leaving his chin wide open, Mercado tagged him with some eye-catching stingers. Utria is a hard puncher but his skills are still raw. He won the WBC Grand Prix tournament in Saudi Arabia last year, and played the aggressor for much of tonight's bout. Early on, Mercado fought on the backfoot focused on counter opportunities. Taking advantage whenever Utria’s punch output waned, Mercado really upped his tempo in the later rounds. The judges’ scorecards read 96-94 each way, with a somewhat wide 97-93 tally for Utria to give him the split decision verdict. Mercado saw his record dip to 13-2-2, 7 KOs.
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Colombia's Carlos Utria wins by split decision
Carlos Utria W10 Israel Mercado... To open up the PBC pay-per-view broadcast in Las Vegas, Colombia's Carlos Utria, 140.8 pounds, escaped with his undefeated record intact by narrowly outpointing Israel Mercado, 139.4, of Montclair, CA. Throughout the contest from the T-Mobile Arena, both Utria and Mercado were intent on throwing wild haymakers, making for some exciting moments. Because Utria (15-0, 11 KOs) mostly fought with his hands near his waist, leaving his chin wide open, Mercado tagged him with some eye-catching stingers. Utria is a hard puncher but his skills are still raw. He won the WBC Grand Prix tournament in Saudi Arabia last year, and played the aggressor for much of tonight's bout. Early on, Mercado fought on the backfoot focused on counter opportunities. Taking advantage whenever Utria’s punch output waned, Mercado really upped his tempo in the later rounds. The judges’ scorecards read 96-94 each way, with a somewhat wide 97-93 tally for Utria to give him the split decision verdict. Mercado saw his record dip to 13-2-2, 7 KOs.
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Undercard results from Las Vegas |
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Marco Romero TKO1 Kahlil Mitchell... With pressure and aggression, Marco Romero, 164 lbs., of Olathe, KS, destroyed southpaw Kahlil Mitchell, 164 lbs., of Chattanooga, TN, inside the opening frame. Swarming his prey from the bell, Romero (15-0, 13 KOs) quickly trapped Mitchell in a neutral corner, unloading a barrage of leather until the referee halted the action at the 2:33 mark. Romero was a national Golden Gloves champion, winning 23 national amateur titles overall. Mitchell left the ring at 6-2-0, 4 KOs.
Joseph Brown W6 Alton Wiggins... Junior middleweight Joseph Brown, 157.4 lbs., who holds dual citizenship between the U.S. and Canada, outpointed southpaw Alton Wiggins, 156.8 lbs., of Modesto, CA, over eight dominant rounds. All three judges tallied 60-54. Trained by his father, Martin, the 19-year-old Brown improved to 8-0-0, 5 KOs. Wiggins is now 3-3-1. Before turning to pro boxing in 2023, Brown excelled in amateur taekwondo, kickboxing and muay thai.
Aldo Blancas W4 Ricky Mamone... Aldo Blancas, 140.2 lbs., the 19-year-old younger brother of super middleweight Daniel Blancas, defeated Ricky Mamone, 142 lbs., of Salt Lake City, via four-round unanimous decision. The scorecards read 40-35, and 39-36 (twice). Blancas, of Milwaukee, dropped Mamone, now 0-0-1, in round two with a left hook to the ribs. Trained by his father, Ignacio, and Jose Benavidez Sr., Blancas, 3-0-0, 2 KOs, was a five-time national amateur champion.
Benjamin Johnson W6 Jose Gabriel Rodriguez... Benjamin Johnson, 149.4 lbs., a 21-year-old welterweight from Springdale, MD, was taken the distance for the first time, earning a six-round unanimous decision against Jose Gabriel Rodriguez, 150 lbs., of Guayaquil, Ecuador. A twelve-time national amateur champion, Johnson is trained by Lamont Roach Sr. With scores of 60-54 twice, and 59-55, Johnson earned a unanimous decision to improve to 8-0-0, 7 KOs. Rodriguez’s record evened out at 4-4-1, 3 KOs.
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Undercard results from Las Vegas
Marco Romero TKO1 Kahlil Mitchell... With pressure and aggression, Marco Romero, 164 lbs., of Olathe, KS, destroyed southpaw Kahlil Mitchell, 164 lbs., of Chattanooga, TN, inside the opening frame. Swarming his prey from the bell, Romero (15-0, 13 KOs) quickly trapped Mitchell in a neutral corner, unloading a barrage of leather until the referee halted the action at the 2:33 mark. Romero was a national Golden Gloves champion, winning 23 national amateur titles overall. Mitchell left the ring at 6-2-0, 4 KOs.
Joseph Brown W6 Alton Wiggins... Junior middleweight Joseph Brown, 157.4 lbs., who holds dual citizenship between the U.S. and Canada, outpointed southpaw Alton Wiggins, 156.8 lbs., of Modesto, CA, over eight dominant rounds. All three judges tallied 60-54. Trained by his father, Martin, the 19-year-old Brown improved to 8-0-0, 5 KOs. Wiggins is now 3-3-1. Before turning to pro boxing in 2023, Brown excelled in amateur taekwondo, kickboxing and muay thai.
Aldo Blancas W4 Ricky Mamone... Aldo Blancas, 140.2 lbs., the 19-year-old younger brother of super middleweight Daniel Blancas, defeated Ricky Mamone, 142 lbs., of Salt Lake City, via four-round unanimous decision. The scorecards read 40-35, and 39-36 (twice). Blancas, of Milwaukee, dropped Mamone, now 0-0-1, in round two with a left hook to the ribs. Trained by his father, Ignacio, and Jose Benavidez Sr., Blancas, 3-0-0, 2 KOs, was a five-time national amateur champion.
Benjamin Johnson W6 Jose Gabriel Rodriguez... Benjamin Johnson, 149.4 lbs., a 21-year-old welterweight from Springdale, MD, was taken the distance for the first time, earning a six-round unanimous decision against Jose Gabriel Rodriguez, 150 lbs., of Guayaquil, Ecuador. A twelve-time national amateur champion, Johnson is trained by Lamont Roach Sr. With scores of 60-54 twice, and 59-55, Johnson earned a unanimous decision to improve to 8-0-0, 7 KOs. Rodriguez’s record evened out at 4-4-1, 3 KOs.
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Serrano pushed; edges Manzur by majority decision |
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Amanda Serrano W12 Lucrecia Manzur... Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California hosted an MVP Promotions show, headlined by Amanda Serrano surviving twelve hard rounds with Argentina’s Lucrecia Manzur to keep her world featherweight championship and collect the fiftieth win of her career. Serrano won via majority decision, with scores of 114-114 and 116-112 (twice). Serrano last fought in May, defeating Cheyenne Hanson and tying the legendary Christy Martin for the most knockouts in women’s boxing with 32. She was unable to get the record-breaking stoppage against Manzur.
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Serrano pushed; edges Manzur by majority decision
Amanda Serrano W12 Lucrecia Manzur... Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California hosted an MVP Promotions show, headlined by Amanda Serrano surviving twelve hard rounds with Argentina’s Lucrecia Manzur to keep her world featherweight championship and collect the fiftieth win of her career. Serrano won via majority decision, with scores of 114-114 and 116-112 (twice). Serrano last fought in May, defeating Cheyenne Hanson and tying the legendary Christy Martin for the most knockouts in women’s boxing with 32. She was unable to get the record-breaking stoppage against Manzur.
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New champion alert: Melissa Mortensen reign begins |
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Melissa Mortensen W10 Mayelli Flores ... The night’s other title fight at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California produced a new champion, as Denmark's Melissa Mortensen climbed off the deck from a knockdown to edge Mayelli Flores of Mexico by split decision and claim the vacant WBA super bantamweight belt. In round two, Flores landed a hook to the body that dropped Mortensen. By round seven, blood was flowing from Mortensen’s nose. In the end however, Mortensen defeated Flores via scores of 95-94 (twice) and 94-95. She improves to 10-0 and claimed the vacant WBA 122-pound title. Flores (13-4-1) formerly held this title, but lost it to Ellie Scotney in April. Scotney then moved up to featherweight, allowing Mortensen and Flores to vie for the vacant title.
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New champion alert: Melissa Mortensen reign begins
Melissa Mortensen W10 Mayelli Flores ... The night’s other title fight at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California produced a new champion, as Denmark's Melissa Mortensen climbed off the deck from a knockdown to edge Mayelli Flores of Mexico by split decision and claim the vacant WBA super bantamweight belt. In round two, Flores landed a hook to the body that dropped Mortensen. By round seven, blood was flowing from Mortensen’s nose. In the end however, Mortensen defeated Flores via scores of 95-94 (twice) and 94-95. She improves to 10-0 and claimed the vacant WBA 122-pound title. Flores (13-4-1) formerly held this title, but lost it to Ellie Scotney in April. Scotney then moved up to featherweight, allowing Mortensen and Flores to vie for the vacant title.
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Weigh-in report from Las Vegas |
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Here are the boxers' official weights for Saturday night's pay-per-view card in Las Vegas:
Rolando Romero, 146.6 pounds -vs.- Teofimo Lopez, 147 (WBA welterweight title, twelve rounds);
Yoenli Hernandez, 159.2 pounds -vs.- Francisco Daniel Veron, 159.6 (middleweight, ten rounds);
Victor Santillan, 121.6 pounds -vs.- Gary Antonio Russell, 121.2 (WBA super bantamweight title, twelve rounds);
Carlos Utria, 140.8 pounds -vs.- Israel Mercado, 139.4 (junior welterweight, ten rounds);
Marco Romero, 164 pounds -vs.- Kahlil Mitchell, 164 (middleweight, eight rounds);
Joseph Brown, 157.4 pounds -vs.- Alton Wiggins, 156.8 (junior middleweight, six rounds);
Aldo Blancas, 140.2 pounds -vs.- Ricky Mamone, 142 (junior welterweight, four rounds);
Benjamin Johnson, 149.4 pounds -vs.- Jose Gabriel Rodriguez, 150 (welterweight, six rounds).
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Weigh-in report from Las Vegas
Here are the boxers' official weights for Saturday night's pay-per-view card in Las Vegas:
Rolando Romero, 146.6 pounds -vs.- Teofimo Lopez, 147 (WBA welterweight title, twelve rounds);
Yoenli Hernandez, 159.2 pounds -vs.- Francisco Daniel Veron, 159.6 (middleweight, ten rounds);
Victor Santillan, 121.6 pounds -vs.- Gary Antonio Russell, 121.2 (WBA super bantamweight title, twelve rounds);
Carlos Utria, 140.8 pounds -vs.- Israel Mercado, 139.4 (junior welterweight, ten rounds);
Marco Romero, 164 pounds -vs.- Kahlil Mitchell, 164 (middleweight, eight rounds);
Joseph Brown, 157.4 pounds -vs.- Alton Wiggins, 156.8 (junior middleweight, six rounds);
Aldo Blancas, 140.2 pounds -vs.- Ricky Mamone, 142 (junior welterweight, four rounds);
Benjamin Johnson, 149.4 pounds -vs.- Jose Gabriel Rodriguez, 150 (welterweight, six rounds).
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The Boxingtalk scoreboard: MVP undercard results |
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Jahmal Harvey KO2 Hammet Keb... Jahmal Harvey stayed perfect at 4-0, ending his lightweight bout with Hammet Keb in spectacular fashion via a right hand that left the Mexican flat on the canvas at 2:48 of the second round. The 2021 World Amateur champion and Paris Olympian dominated from the opening bell, breaking Keb down with combinations upstairs and heavy body work before landing the finishing blow. Keb, who had knocked out an unbeaten opponent in 27 seconds in May, drops to 7-3-1.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Avious Griffin moved to 20-1 after breaking down Jackson Marinez in a welterweight showdown between two veterans, dropping the Dominican twice in a decisive fifth round. Marinez had held his own early behind steady left hands and body work, but Griffin took over as the fight wore on, trapping him on the ropes and landing sharp right hands to score both knockdowns. Marinez beat the count each time, but his corner pulled him out before the sixth, handing him a fifth career loss at 23-5.
Keno Marley made it three straight wins to open his pro career, dropping Braylan Brooks with a thunderous right hand at 1:46 of the third round for the knockout. The two-time Brazilian Olympian took over early, staggering Brooks in the opening round and controlling the cruiserweight bout with a steady stream of left hands and body shots. Brooks, who debuted just 20 days earlier, went to a knee and could not beat the count, falling to 1-1.
Nelvie Tiafack remained perfect at 5-0, overwhelming previously unbeaten Salvador Zavala with relentless volume before the referee waved it off 55 seconds into the third round. The 2024 Olympic bronze medalist controlled the fight from the opening bell, pinning Zavala on the ropes and piling up left hands and body work while the American — fighting for the first time since April 2023 — struggled to mount any sustained offense. Zavala falls to 7-1 in his return from a long layoff.
Brook Sibrian pulled off the upset, handing 12-0 Lupita Medina the first defeat of her career with a punishing eight-round performance built on volume combinations and relentless body work. Sibrian set the pace from the opening bell and took control down the stretch, backing Medina up repeatedly while landing the cleaner, harder shots in close. All three judges favored Sibrian, scoring the bout 77-75 and 78-74 twice, as she improved to 10-3 and Medina fell to 12-1.
Cinderella Linnear pulled off the upset in her first fight in a year, taking a narrow split decision over former Misfits Boxing cruiserweight champion Jully “Poca” Oliveira. The 32-year-old worked behind consistent pressure and body shots across the four rounds, while Oliveira countered effectively from the outside with hooks and right hands in a fight that stayed close throughout. Two judges scored it 39-37 for Linnear and the third had Oliveira ahead 39-37, moving Linnear to 2-0 and handing Poca her first official pro loss.
Iyana “Roxy” Verduzco moved to 8-0 after surviving a grueling eight-round battle with Dominican Olympian Miguelina Hernandez, taking a split decision in a fight that could have gone either way. Verduzco built an early lead with body work and combinations, but Hernandez surged in the second half, opening a cut around Verduzco’s nose in the fifth and pressing the action down the stretch. Two judges sided with Verduzco at 77-75 and 78-74, while the third had Hernandez ahead 78-74, handing the 4-0 Dominican her first professional loss.
Jocelyn Camarillo pushed her record to 7-0, outworking Mexico’s Ashley Felix over six competitive rounds in their minimumweight matchup. The former U.S. national champion mixed steady left hands with consistent body work, hurting Felix in the third and fourth rounds, though the veteran kept firing back and made Camarillo earn every minute. The judges scored it 58-56, 59-55 and 60-54 for Camarillo, with Felix falling to 7-5.
Paolo Barredo remained unbeaten at 7-0, controlling Jorge Garcia across six rounds of lightweight action in Florida with a steady diet of left hands and heavy body work. The 19-year-old repeatedly cracked Garcia with flush right hands, particularly in the fifth round, but the durable Mexican survived every scare and kept pressing forward to the final bell. All three judges favored Barredo, scoring the bout 60-54 (twice) and 59-55, as Garcia dropped to 3-2.
Albina Moldazhanova needed just 81 seconds to hand Sheila Liesegang the first loss of her career, walking the Uruguayan down to the ropes and dropping her with a punishing body shot that forced an immediate stoppage. The win moves the 2024 European Championships silver medalist to 5-0 with five knockouts, while Liesegang falls to 6-1.
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The Boxingtalk scoreboard: MVP undercard results
Jahmal Harvey KO2 Hammet Keb... Jahmal Harvey stayed perfect at 4-0, ending his lightweight bout with Hammet Keb in spectacular fashion via a right hand that left the Mexican flat on the canvas at 2:48 of the second round. The 2021 World Amateur champion and Paris Olympian dominated from the opening bell, breaking Keb down with combinations upstairs and heavy body work before landing the finishing blow. Keb, who had knocked out an unbeaten opponent in 27 seconds in May, drops to 7-3-1.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Avious Griffin moved to 20-1 after breaking down Jackson Marinez in a welterweight showdown between two veterans, dropping the Dominican twice in a decisive fifth round. Marinez had held his own early behind steady left hands and body work, but Griffin took over as the fight wore on, trapping him on the ropes and landing sharp right hands to score both knockdowns. Marinez beat the count each time, but his corner pulled him out before the sixth, handing him a fifth career loss at 23-5.
Keno Marley made it three straight wins to open his pro career, dropping Braylan Brooks with a thunderous right hand at 1:46 of the third round for the knockout. The two-time Brazilian Olympian took over early, staggering Brooks in the opening round and controlling the cruiserweight bout with a steady stream of left hands and body shots. Brooks, who debuted just 20 days earlier, went to a knee and could not beat the count, falling to 1-1.
Nelvie Tiafack remained perfect at 5-0, overwhelming previously unbeaten Salvador Zavala with relentless volume before the referee waved it off 55 seconds into the third round. The 2024 Olympic bronze medalist controlled the fight from the opening bell, pinning Zavala on the ropes and piling up left hands and body work while the American — fighting for the first time since April 2023 — struggled to mount any sustained offense. Zavala falls to 7-1 in his return from a long layoff.
Brook Sibrian pulled off the upset, handing 12-0 Lupita Medina the first defeat of her career with a punishing eight-round performance built on volume combinations and relentless body work. Sibrian set the pace from the opening bell and took control down the stretch, backing Medina up repeatedly while landing the cleaner, harder shots in close. All three judges favored Sibrian, scoring the bout 77-75 and 78-74 twice, as she improved to 10-3 and Medina fell to 12-1.
Cinderella Linnear pulled off the upset in her first fight in a year, taking a narrow split decision over former Misfits Boxing cruiserweight champion Jully “Poca” Oliveira. The 32-year-old worked behind consistent pressure and body shots across the four rounds, while Oliveira countered effectively from the outside with hooks and right hands in a fight that stayed close throughout. Two judges scored it 39-37 for Linnear and the third had Oliveira ahead 39-37, moving Linnear to 2-0 and handing Poca her first official pro loss.
Iyana “Roxy” Verduzco moved to 8-0 after surviving a grueling eight-round battle with Dominican Olympian Miguelina Hernandez, taking a split decision in a fight that could have gone either way. Verduzco built an early lead with body work and combinations, but Hernandez surged in the second half, opening a cut around Verduzco’s nose in the fifth and pressing the action down the stretch. Two judges sided with Verduzco at 77-75 and 78-74, while the third had Hernandez ahead 78-74, handing the 4-0 Dominican her first professional loss.
Jocelyn Camarillo pushed her record to 7-0, outworking Mexico’s Ashley Felix over six competitive rounds in their minimumweight matchup. The former U.S. national champion mixed steady left hands with consistent body work, hurting Felix in the third and fourth rounds, though the veteran kept firing back and made Camarillo earn every minute. The judges scored it 58-56, 59-55 and 60-54 for Camarillo, with Felix falling to 7-5.
Paolo Barredo remained unbeaten at 7-0, controlling Jorge Garcia across six rounds of lightweight action in Florida with a steady diet of left hands and heavy body work. The 19-year-old repeatedly cracked Garcia with flush right hands, particularly in the fifth round, but the durable Mexican survived every scare and kept pressing forward to the final bell. All three judges favored Barredo, scoring the bout 60-54 (twice) and 59-55, as Garcia dropped to 3-2.
Albina Moldazhanova needed just 81 seconds to hand Sheila Liesegang the first loss of her career, walking the Uruguayan down to the ropes and dropping her with a punishing body shot that forced an immediate stoppage. The win moves the 2024 European Championships silver medalist to 5-0 with five knockouts, while Liesegang falls to 6-1.
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Introducing British junior middleweight Odel Kamara |
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Junior middleweight Odel Kamara has officially turned professional and has signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. The 22-year old from Liverpool will be trained by Tony Sims in Essex and news of his debut will be announced imminently. As an amateur, Kamara represented Great Britain, fighting out of Salisbury Amateur Boxing Club, where he won seven national titles, including the coveted Senior Elite Championship. That success earned him a place on the GB Boxing programme, where he continued to develop against some of the world’s leading amateur fighters.
The proud Merseyside man enjoyed a breakthrough 2024 on the international circuit, winning gold at the Dacal Memorial World Cup before claiming the 71kg title at the World Boxing Cup Finals in Sheffield. In the final, he defeated Japan’s Sewon Okazawa by unanimous decision to secure one of the biggest victories of his amateur career. His most significant achievement came last year, when he represented England at the World Boxing Championships in his home city of Liverpool.
Competing at 70kg, Kamara went on to claim a bronze medal, including a unanimous decision victory over Canada’s Kuwardeep Manu after flooring his opponent just three seconds into the opening round.
Now that Matchroom Boxing has won the race for his signature, Kamara is ready to unleash his skills on the paid stage. Kamara said: “After my decision to turn professional, my attention was firmly on who I thought was best to guide me to the very top of this sport. I met with Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith and I knew straight away that Matchroom Boxing was the place for me.”
A date for Kamara’s eagerly anticipated debut will be announced in due course – and he has promised fans he will provide plenty of bang for their buck. “Expect fireworks because I want to give the fans value for money every time I’m in the ring,” Kamara added. “I want to become a superstar in the sport and I know I’m in the right place and the right platform with DAZN to do just that. See you all soon.”
Matchroom sport chairman Eddie Hearn is delighted to have secured Kamara’s services and expects him to live up to the hype. Hearn said: “Kamara is one of the future faces of British boxing. This kid has got it all: he has got the looks, the personality, the power, and, above all, he can really fight. I think Kamara will be in the conversation over time as one of the most exciting stars we’ve ever produced in this country. We had a lot of competition to sign him and I am thrilled he chose Matchroom Boxing. This young man is going to bring some major nights to Liverpool and, believe me, he is going to light up the world’s stage before long.”
Kamara’s Boxing Advisor Sam Jones believes his man will fulfil his potential and go on to achieve his goal of becoming a household name in the sport. Jones said: “There’s no secret every manager and promoter in the world wanted Odel so I was delighted to secure his signature. Myself and Odel spoke to promoters but Matchroom Boxing made their intentions very clear from the off and that reflected with the offer they made to us. I am personally delighted to get this long-term deal done with Matchroom Boxing and I’d like to thank Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith, Jai Singh and Tom Grant for getting this huge deal done. Odel is superstar in the making that I truly believe will go mainstream. The journey starts now.”
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Introducing British junior middleweight Odel Kamara
Junior middleweight Odel Kamara has officially turned professional and has signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. The 22-year old from Liverpool will be trained by Tony Sims in Essex and news of his debut will be announced imminently. As an amateur, Kamara represented Great Britain, fighting out of Salisbury Amateur Boxing Club, where he won seven national titles, including the coveted Senior Elite Championship. That success earned him a place on the GB Boxing programme, where he continued to develop against some of the world’s leading amateur fighters.
The proud Merseyside man enjoyed a breakthrough 2024 on the international circuit, winning gold at the Dacal Memorial World Cup before claiming the 71kg title at the World Boxing Cup Finals in Sheffield. In the final, he defeated Japan’s Sewon Okazawa by unanimous decision to secure one of the biggest victories of his amateur career. His most significant achievement came last year, when he represented England at the World Boxing Championships in his home city of Liverpool.
Competing at 70kg, Kamara went on to claim a bronze medal, including a unanimous decision victory over Canada’s Kuwardeep Manu after flooring his opponent just three seconds into the opening round.
Now that Matchroom Boxing has won the race for his signature, Kamara is ready to unleash his skills on the paid stage. Kamara said: “After my decision to turn professional, my attention was firmly on who I thought was best to guide me to the very top of this sport. I met with Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith and I knew straight away that Matchroom Boxing was the place for me.”
A date for Kamara’s eagerly anticipated debut will be announced in due course – and he has promised fans he will provide plenty of bang for their buck. “Expect fireworks because I want to give the fans value for money every time I’m in the ring,” Kamara added. “I want to become a superstar in the sport and I know I’m in the right place and the right platform with DAZN to do just that. See you all soon.”
Matchroom sport chairman Eddie Hearn is delighted to have secured Kamara’s services and expects him to live up to the hype. Hearn said: “Kamara is one of the future faces of British boxing. This kid has got it all: he has got the looks, the personality, the power, and, above all, he can really fight. I think Kamara will be in the conversation over time as one of the most exciting stars we’ve ever produced in this country. We had a lot of competition to sign him and I am thrilled he chose Matchroom Boxing. This young man is going to bring some major nights to Liverpool and, believe me, he is going to light up the world’s stage before long.”
Kamara’s Boxing Advisor Sam Jones believes his man will fulfil his potential and go on to achieve his goal of becoming a household name in the sport. Jones said: “There’s no secret every manager and promoter in the world wanted Odel so I was delighted to secure his signature. Myself and Odel spoke to promoters but Matchroom Boxing made their intentions very clear from the off and that reflected with the offer they made to us. I am personally delighted to get this long-term deal done with Matchroom Boxing and I’d like to thank Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith, Jai Singh and Tom Grant for getting this huge deal done. Odel is superstar in the making that I truly believe will go mainstream. The journey starts now.”
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Teo to Rolly: "All the times we sparred, I took it light on you" |
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WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero and former two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez went face-to-face during a tense final press conference on Thursday to preview their world title clash that headlines a pay-per-view event available on DAZN and Prime Video this Saturday, August 22nd from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. During Thursday’s press conference the two longtime friends promised to leave that friendship aside when the fight begins, and had a heated exchange about the details of their shared history. The tensions nearly boiled over between the fighter’s respective teams as well, with insults being thrown across the stage between Romero’s trainer Ismael Salas and Lopez’s father and trainer Teofimo Sr. The press conference also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including unbeaten middleweight Yoenli Hernandez and Argentina's Francisco Daniel Veron, who meet in the ten-round co-feature, plus interim WBA super bantamweight titlist Victor Santillan and Gary Antonio Russell, who duel in a twelve-round attraction, and junior welterweighgts Carlos Utria and Israel Mercado, who opens the pay-per-view card with a ten-round matchup at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:
ROLLY ROMERO
“I know he didn’t want to take this fight, but I’m thankful he took it. It’s gonna be a great show on Saturday night. Don’t miss it.
“I tried to fight everybody else, all the top guys. I wanted a big fight and this is the only guy who stepped up.
“You ever punch someone you loved in the face? If they give me a hundred million dollars I’ll punch my dad in the face right now. The friendship doesn’t matter to me at all when the bell rings.
“They talk about the four kings? They’re four queens and I’m a black knight. I’m gonna show everyone on Saturday night.
“I won the whole fight against Ryan Garcia and I was winning the whole fight against ‘Tank’ Davis too and he hit me with one shot. I wasn’t even supposed to be at that weight anymore. Now I’m at my natural weight and everyone sees what I can do.”
TEOFIMO LOPEZ
“This guy is not in my league. He never was in my league and he never will be.
“Rolly and I go way back. We’ve known each other since the amateurs. We’ve shared a lot of rounds in the ring, and now we’re here 10 years later. He’s the best fighter at 147 and the hardest puncher. I’m the type of guy who goes after those challenges.
“I’m determined, I’m ready and I’m focused on this fight. I know what it takes. He’s a heavy-handed fighter and he’s smart. He’s gotten better throughout the years. Any punch could end this fight, literally.
“Saturday night friendship goes out the window. This is about the dream of being the best in the sport. We’re here to put on a show.
“All the times we sparred, I took it light on you. We’re not gonna do that anymore. I’m gonna put you down. It’s time.
“Right now I’m just focused on climbing the ladder. I’m laser focused. I’m just staying on course and ready to do what I need to do. We’re gonna let our hands do most of the talking.”
YOENLI HERNANDEZ
“I’m not here to prove anything. I don’t need to. I came here to win on August 22.
“I showed in my last fight that no matter who you put in front of me, I’m gonna stream roll them. It doesn’t matter to me.
“I don’t need to showcase anything. I need to get this win and keep moving toward those world title fights.
“I’m not aiming for any specific fighter. All I want are the belts. Whoever has the belts is who I want to face.”
FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON
“I want everyone to know that I’m here to represent Argentina. We have a great legacy to uphold and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.
“I’m coming into this fight better than I’ve ever been. My preparation has been incredible and I’m gonna show everyone on Saturday.
“His power remains to be seen. We’re gonna see inside the ring. We’re going to try to out box him and see what the fight brings. We’ll be ready to adjust on the fly.”
VICTOR SANTILLAN
“I’m here to prove that Dominican boxing is at its best right now. We’re not gonna stop until we get to the top.
He’s a predictable fighter. If I rely on my preparation and stick to my game plan, I’m gonna come out with my hand raised.
“He really shows his cards whenever you’re on top of him. He doesn’t really know what to do. That’s what I see.”
GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL
“Come Saturday I’m looking to come out victorious and in spectacular fashion. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m ready to give everyone a great show.
“I’m real anxious to get this belt. I’m ready to get back in the ring and stay active. It’s all been leading up to this.
“Victor is a good tough opponent. He stays disciplined behind his jab. I see very easily how he can be exposed. We’re just gonna capitalize on our game plan.”
CARLOS UTRIA
“I’m here and ready to represent Colombia. My country has been going through a rough time, but I’m here to show that Colombians are resilient. I’m going to show that resiliency on Saturday night.
“I prepared extremely well. This is the perfect opponent to face on such a big card. We’re gonna see what he brings to the ring. I’ll be ready for everything."
ISRAEL MERCADO
“This is gonna be a great fight on Saturday. I’m very thankful for this opportunity. This is an undefeated opponent, but I’m here to make a statement. I’m gonna expose him on Saturday.
“Every time I face an undefeated fighter, I prevail and come through. This time around, I’m gonna make sure it doesn’t go to the judges hands.
“He’s an explosive fighter, but he’s inexperienced. I believe I’m gonna capitalize on that.”
ISMAEL SALAS, Rolly’s Trainer
“It’s such a pleasure to be here. I’ve always admired Teofimo and his family, but the time has come and it’s time to fight.
“I actually think this fight is going to be like a chess match. Let’s see who can place the pieces in the right position and come out with the win. May the best man win.”
TEOFIMO LOPEZ SR., Lopez’s Father and Trainer
“This fight sells itself. We have two great fighters at 147 pounds. I’m just here to guide my son like always. He’s gonna be a three-time world champion come Saturday. I have no doubt about that.
“You have to tune into this one if you can’t see it live. Rolly comes to fight, but my son is too technical, too smart and too strong for Rolly.”
TOM BROWN, President TGB Promotions
“It’s been a real fun promotion, but now it’s time to put up or shut up. We’ve got two great personalities in Rolly and Teofimo and two guys who are always willing to put it on the line. These guys are both built for this stage.
“You’re gonna want to be in your seats early on Saturday night. There are a number of rising stars who are looking to break out on this undercard.”
BRITTON HARDIN, Head of Boxing, North America, DAZN
“I have a feeling about this one. We have two very dynamic fighters up here on this stage. Teofimo Lopez is powerful, twitchy, strong, fast, and Rolly is a brutal knockout puncher. I don’t think either one of these guys are gonna let friendship get in the way of legacy.
“When you think about friends who fight in this sport, you either get a classic or a sparring match. But these guys’ sparring matches are classics. I’m really excited to see how this unfolds on Saturday night.
“These guys are both talking about legacy. They’re talking about being in the Hall of Fame. They’re talking about undisputed at 147 pounds. They want to join that legacy of great welterweight champions.”
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Teo to Rolly: "All the times we sparred, I took it light on you"
WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero and former two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez went face-to-face during a tense final press conference on Thursday to preview their world title clash that headlines a pay-per-view event available on DAZN and Prime Video this Saturday, August 22nd from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. During Thursday’s press conference the two longtime friends promised to leave that friendship aside when the fight begins, and had a heated exchange about the details of their shared history. The tensions nearly boiled over between the fighter’s respective teams as well, with insults being thrown across the stage between Romero’s trainer Ismael Salas and Lopez’s father and trainer Teofimo Sr. The press conference also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including unbeaten middleweight Yoenli Hernandez and Argentina's Francisco Daniel Veron, who meet in the ten-round co-feature, plus interim WBA super bantamweight titlist Victor Santillan and Gary Antonio Russell, who duel in a twelve-round attraction, and junior welterweighgts Carlos Utria and Israel Mercado, who opens the pay-per-view card with a ten-round matchup at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:
ROLLY ROMERO
“I know he didn’t want to take this fight, but I’m thankful he took it. It’s gonna be a great show on Saturday night. Don’t miss it.
“I tried to fight everybody else, all the top guys. I wanted a big fight and this is the only guy who stepped up.
“You ever punch someone you loved in the face? If they give me a hundred million dollars I’ll punch my dad in the face right now. The friendship doesn’t matter to me at all when the bell rings.
“They talk about the four kings? They’re four queens and I’m a black knight. I’m gonna show everyone on Saturday night.
“I won the whole fight against Ryan Garcia and I was winning the whole fight against ‘Tank’ Davis too and he hit me with one shot. I wasn’t even supposed to be at that weight anymore. Now I’m at my natural weight and everyone sees what I can do.”
TEOFIMO LOPEZ
“This guy is not in my league. He never was in my league and he never will be.
“Rolly and I go way back. We’ve known each other since the amateurs. We’ve shared a lot of rounds in the ring, and now we’re here 10 years later. He’s the best fighter at 147 and the hardest puncher. I’m the type of guy who goes after those challenges.
“I’m determined, I’m ready and I’m focused on this fight. I know what it takes. He’s a heavy-handed fighter and he’s smart. He’s gotten better throughout the years. Any punch could end this fight, literally.
“Saturday night friendship goes out the window. This is about the dream of being the best in the sport. We’re here to put on a show.
“All the times we sparred, I took it light on you. We’re not gonna do that anymore. I’m gonna put you down. It’s time.
“Right now I’m just focused on climbing the ladder. I’m laser focused. I’m just staying on course and ready to do what I need to do. We’re gonna let our hands do most of the talking.”
YOENLI HERNANDEZ
“I’m not here to prove anything. I don’t need to. I came here to win on August 22.
“I showed in my last fight that no matter who you put in front of me, I’m gonna stream roll them. It doesn’t matter to me.
“I don’t need to showcase anything. I need to get this win and keep moving toward those world title fights.
“I’m not aiming for any specific fighter. All I want are the belts. Whoever has the belts is who I want to face.”
FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON
“I want everyone to know that I’m here to represent Argentina. We have a great legacy to uphold and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.
“I’m coming into this fight better than I’ve ever been. My preparation has been incredible and I’m gonna show everyone on Saturday.
“His power remains to be seen. We’re gonna see inside the ring. We’re going to try to out box him and see what the fight brings. We’ll be ready to adjust on the fly.”
VICTOR SANTILLAN
“I’m here to prove that Dominican boxing is at its best right now. We’re not gonna stop until we get to the top.
He’s a predictable fighter. If I rely on my preparation and stick to my game plan, I’m gonna come out with my hand raised.
“He really shows his cards whenever you’re on top of him. He doesn’t really know what to do. That’s what I see.”
GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL
“Come Saturday I’m looking to come out victorious and in spectacular fashion. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m ready to give everyone a great show.
“I’m real anxious to get this belt. I’m ready to get back in the ring and stay active. It’s all been leading up to this.
“Victor is a good tough opponent. He stays disciplined behind his jab. I see very easily how he can be exposed. We’re just gonna capitalize on our game plan.”
CARLOS UTRIA
“I’m here and ready to represent Colombia. My country has been going through a rough time, but I’m here to show that Colombians are resilient. I’m going to show that resiliency on Saturday night.
“I prepared extremely well. This is the perfect opponent to face on such a big card. We’re gonna see what he brings to the ring. I’ll be ready for everything."
ISRAEL MERCADO
“This is gonna be a great fight on Saturday. I’m very thankful for this opportunity. This is an undefeated opponent, but I’m here to make a statement. I’m gonna expose him on Saturday.
“Every time I face an undefeated fighter, I prevail and come through. This time around, I’m gonna make sure it doesn’t go to the judges hands.
“He’s an explosive fighter, but he’s inexperienced. I believe I’m gonna capitalize on that.”
ISMAEL SALAS, Rolly’s Trainer
“It’s such a pleasure to be here. I’ve always admired Teofimo and his family, but the time has come and it’s time to fight.
“I actually think this fight is going to be like a chess match. Let’s see who can place the pieces in the right position and come out with the win. May the best man win.”
TEOFIMO LOPEZ SR., Lopez’s Father and Trainer
“This fight sells itself. We have two great fighters at 147 pounds. I’m just here to guide my son like always. He’s gonna be a three-time world champion come Saturday. I have no doubt about that.
“You have to tune into this one if you can’t see it live. Rolly comes to fight, but my son is too technical, too smart and too strong for Rolly.”
TOM BROWN, President TGB Promotions
“It’s been a real fun promotion, but now it’s time to put up or shut up. We’ve got two great personalities in Rolly and Teofimo and two guys who are always willing to put it on the line. These guys are both built for this stage.
“You’re gonna want to be in your seats early on Saturday night. There are a number of rising stars who are looking to break out on this undercard.”
BRITTON HARDIN, Head of Boxing, North America, DAZN
“I have a feeling about this one. We have two very dynamic fighters up here on this stage. Teofimo Lopez is powerful, twitchy, strong, fast, and Rolly is a brutal knockout puncher. I don’t think either one of these guys are gonna let friendship get in the way of legacy.
“When you think about friends who fight in this sport, you either get a classic or a sparring match. But these guys’ sparring matches are classics. I’m really excited to see how this unfolds on Saturday night.
“These guys are both talking about legacy. They’re talking about being in the Hall of Fame. They’re talking about undisputed at 147 pounds. They want to join that legacy of great welterweight champions.”
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Friday: Bare knuckle action in Connecticut |
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On Friday, BKFC returns to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut for the seventh time with another night of bare knuckle action. Bryce “Baba Yaga” Henry and Carlos Trinidad-Snake will throw hands in Friday’s main event. The fight is set for the 165-pound division. Henry is undefeated in his first seven trips to the BKFC squared circle, and Trinidad-Snake is 7-1, with his only loss coming against former BKFC welterweight champion (and former traditional boxing 154-pound champion) Austin “No Doubt” Trout.
Two of BKFC’s most dangerous light heavyweights collide on the show as Joseph “Dark Knight” Creer (6-3) and Cody Vidal (4-1-1)... Tommy “The Farmer” Strydom (4-2) and Joey “The Raging Warrior” Gambino (1-0) meet in Friday’s featured fight.... BKFC Fight Night Mohegan Sun also features the return of fan-favorite fighters like Alexandra “The Great” Ballou, Brandon Bushaw, Nash “The Ghost” Diederichs, “Nasty” Nate Ghareeb, Sophia Hayes, Michael “Hurricane” Hernandez, Lardy “Sito” Navarro and more, all live worldwide on The BKFC App.
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Friday: Bare knuckle action in Connecticut
On Friday, BKFC returns to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut for the seventh time with another night of bare knuckle action. Bryce “Baba Yaga” Henry and Carlos Trinidad-Snake will throw hands in Friday’s main event. The fight is set for the 165-pound division. Henry is undefeated in his first seven trips to the BKFC squared circle, and Trinidad-Snake is 7-1, with his only loss coming against former BKFC welterweight champion (and former traditional boxing 154-pound champion) Austin “No Doubt” Trout.
Two of BKFC’s most dangerous light heavyweights collide on the show as Joseph “Dark Knight” Creer (6-3) and Cody Vidal (4-1-1)... Tommy “The Farmer” Strydom (4-2) and Joey “The Raging Warrior” Gambino (1-0) meet in Friday’s featured fight.... BKFC Fight Night Mohegan Sun also features the return of fan-favorite fighters like Alexandra “The Great” Ballou, Brandon Bushaw, Nash “The Ghost” Diederichs, “Nasty” Nate Ghareeb, Sophia Hayes, Michael “Hurricane” Hernandez, Lardy “Sito” Navarro and more, all live worldwide on The BKFC App.
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Reina Tellez training camp report |
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Featherweight Reina Tellez (13-1-1, 5 KOs) is putting the finishing touches on a demanding training camp in Glendale, Arizona, alongside trainer Jr. Lopez, as she prepares for one of the most significant opportunities of her professional career. Tellez will square off against British contender Jessica Barry (10-1, 2 KOs) in a ten-round showdown on Saturday, August 29th in Birmingham, England. The bout is on the MVPW-06 main card, which is headlined by title unification clash at 154 pounds between the USA's unified WBA and WBC champion Mikaela Mayer, and the UK's WBO champion Chantelle Cameron. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and ESPN+ in the United States.
With weeks of hard work nearly complete, Tellez believes her time in Arizona with Lopez has strengthened her both physically and mentally. Rather than reinventing herself for the biggest stage, the focus throughout camp has been on sharpening the qualities that have carried her to this point while correcting the small details that can make the difference at the elite level. "This has been one of the most focused camps of my career, and I'm extremely grateful to Coach Jr. Lopez for everything he's poured into me," said Tellez. "We've worked on the little things every day, my timing, movement, combinations, conditioning, and staying disciplined from the first round to the last. Coach has pushed me when I've needed to be pushed, but he's also helped me understand the importance of being patient and trusting my abilities. I feel like I've grown during this camp, and I'm excited to put that work on display."
Standing across the ring from Tellez will be Barry, who enters the contest with just one professional defeat and the added motivation of competing on home soil. Tellez understands the challenge that awaits her in Birmingham and has approached her preparation with respect for both her opponent and the magnitude of the occasion. "Jessica Barry is a fighter that I know is coming with her best," Tellez said. "She's going to be fighting at home with the crowd behind her, and I know she's going to be motivated. That's exactly why I've prepared the way I have. I'm not going over there expecting anything to be given to me. I'm going there prepared to earn everything. I believe in myself and my team, but I also understand that I have to prove it when the bell rings."
The UK vs. USA theme adds another dimension to a matchup already carrying major implications in the featherweight division. For Tellez, wearing the American colors on an international stage is a responsibility she embraces with tremendous pride. "To travel to England and represent the United States is something I'm very proud of," Tellez explained. "There are so many great fighters in America who could have been given this opportunity, so I don't take it lightly that I'm one of the fighters chosen to represent our country. I'm going into her backyard, and I know the atmosphere is going to be incredible. I want to represent myself, my team, my family, and the USA with class and give the fans a great fight."
At 13-1-1, Tellez has already established herself as a serious contender, but she recognizes that a victory over Barry on an internationally televised card could propel her career to another level. With the featherweight division offering increasingly significant opportunities for women's boxing, Tellez views August 29th as a chance to demonstrate that she belongs in the conversation for the division's biggest fights.
"A win here would mean a lot to my career because this is the type of fight that can open doors," Tellez said. "My goal is to become a world champion, and I understand that you have to take risks and perform in big moments to get there. I'm thankful to MVP, Boxlab Promotions, my team, and everyone who helped make this opportunity possible. I don't want to look too far ahead because Jessica Barry deserves my full attention. Right now, August 29 is the only thing that matters."
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, believes Tellez's willingness to travel overseas and face a talented opponent in hostile territory speaks to both her confidence and her championship ambitions. "Reina has conducted herself throughout this process with the maturity and professionalism of a true warrior," said Piedra. "Representing the United States on an international platform carries a certain responsibility, and she understands the significance of that distinction. She's entering a talented opponent's home country, before a passionate British audience, and embracing the challenge rather than shying away from it. Those are the moments that reveal a fighter's character, and we have tremendous confidence in Reina's ability to rise to the occasion."
Piedra also expressed his appreciation to Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) for providing Tellez with an opportunity to showcase her abilities before audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. "We're sincerely grateful to MVP for believing in Reina and providing her with this opportunity," Piedra continued. "Women's boxing continues to advance because meaningful opportunities are being created for talented fighters to test themselves against quality opposition on major stages. MVP has demonstrated a genuine commitment to that progression. For Reina to represent the United States on a UK vs. USA card, live on Sky Sports and ESPN+, is an opportunity we deeply appreciate, and one we intend to make the most of."
With training camp coming to a close, the hard work has been done. Tellez will now turn her attention toward Birmingham, where an important test, an international audience, and the opportunity to take another major step toward a world championship await. For Tellez, however, the mission remains simple…stay humble, trust the preparation, and make every round count.
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Reina Tellez training camp report
Featherweight Reina Tellez (13-1-1, 5 KOs) is putting the finishing touches on a demanding training camp in Glendale, Arizona, alongside trainer Jr. Lopez, as she prepares for one of the most significant opportunities of her professional career. Tellez will square off against British contender Jessica Barry (10-1, 2 KOs) in a ten-round showdown on Saturday, August 29th in Birmingham, England. The bout is on the MVPW-06 main card, which is headlined by title unification clash at 154 pounds between the USA's unified WBA and WBC champion Mikaela Mayer, and the UK's WBO champion Chantelle Cameron. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and ESPN+ in the United States.
With weeks of hard work nearly complete, Tellez believes her time in Arizona with Lopez has strengthened her both physically and mentally. Rather than reinventing herself for the biggest stage, the focus throughout camp has been on sharpening the qualities that have carried her to this point while correcting the small details that can make the difference at the elite level. "This has been one of the most focused camps of my career, and I'm extremely grateful to Coach Jr. Lopez for everything he's poured into me," said Tellez. "We've worked on the little things every day, my timing, movement, combinations, conditioning, and staying disciplined from the first round to the last. Coach has pushed me when I've needed to be pushed, but he's also helped me understand the importance of being patient and trusting my abilities. I feel like I've grown during this camp, and I'm excited to put that work on display."
Standing across the ring from Tellez will be Barry, who enters the contest with just one professional defeat and the added motivation of competing on home soil. Tellez understands the challenge that awaits her in Birmingham and has approached her preparation with respect for both her opponent and the magnitude of the occasion. "Jessica Barry is a fighter that I know is coming with her best," Tellez said. "She's going to be fighting at home with the crowd behind her, and I know she's going to be motivated. That's exactly why I've prepared the way I have. I'm not going over there expecting anything to be given to me. I'm going there prepared to earn everything. I believe in myself and my team, but I also understand that I have to prove it when the bell rings."
The UK vs. USA theme adds another dimension to a matchup already carrying major implications in the featherweight division. For Tellez, wearing the American colors on an international stage is a responsibility she embraces with tremendous pride. "To travel to England and represent the United States is something I'm very proud of," Tellez explained. "There are so many great fighters in America who could have been given this opportunity, so I don't take it lightly that I'm one of the fighters chosen to represent our country. I'm going into her backyard, and I know the atmosphere is going to be incredible. I want to represent myself, my team, my family, and the USA with class and give the fans a great fight."
At 13-1-1, Tellez has already established herself as a serious contender, but she recognizes that a victory over Barry on an internationally televised card could propel her career to another level. With the featherweight division offering increasingly significant opportunities for women's boxing, Tellez views August 29th as a chance to demonstrate that she belongs in the conversation for the division's biggest fights.
"A win here would mean a lot to my career because this is the type of fight that can open doors," Tellez said. "My goal is to become a world champion, and I understand that you have to take risks and perform in big moments to get there. I'm thankful to MVP, Boxlab Promotions, my team, and everyone who helped make this opportunity possible. I don't want to look too far ahead because Jessica Barry deserves my full attention. Right now, August 29 is the only thing that matters."
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, believes Tellez's willingness to travel overseas and face a talented opponent in hostile territory speaks to both her confidence and her championship ambitions. "Reina has conducted herself throughout this process with the maturity and professionalism of a true warrior," said Piedra. "Representing the United States on an international platform carries a certain responsibility, and she understands the significance of that distinction. She's entering a talented opponent's home country, before a passionate British audience, and embracing the challenge rather than shying away from it. Those are the moments that reveal a fighter's character, and we have tremendous confidence in Reina's ability to rise to the occasion."
Piedra also expressed his appreciation to Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) for providing Tellez with an opportunity to showcase her abilities before audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. "We're sincerely grateful to MVP for believing in Reina and providing her with this opportunity," Piedra continued. "Women's boxing continues to advance because meaningful opportunities are being created for talented fighters to test themselves against quality opposition on major stages. MVP has demonstrated a genuine commitment to that progression. For Reina to represent the United States on a UK vs. USA card, live on Sky Sports and ESPN+, is an opportunity we deeply appreciate, and one we intend to make the most of."
With training camp coming to a close, the hard work has been done. Tellez will now turn her attention toward Birmingham, where an important test, an international audience, and the opportunity to take another major step toward a world championship await. For Tellez, however, the mission remains simple…stay humble, trust the preparation, and make every round count.
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OPBF Results from Tokyo |
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Takero Kitano W10 Erson Trinidad... Takero Kitano defeated visiting Filipino Erson Trinidad (10-6-1) by unanimous decision to win the OPBF minimumweight title at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The judges scored the fight 99-91 and 100-90 (twice). Kitano (11-1-1) controlled the distance behind his right jab and left hand. He led 50-45 (twice) and 49-46 on the midway open scoring cards and maintained his advantage during the second half of the fight to earn the decision.
Ryang Ho Han W10 Kyotaro Yoshida... On the same show, South Korea's Ryang Ho Han (6-1) defeated Kyotaro Yoshida (8-5) by majority decision to win the OPBF super flyweight title. The judges scored the fight 96-94, (twice) and 95-95. Han applied pressure and worked the body with combinations from the opening rounds. Yoshida rallied during the closing rounds, but Han's work over the course of the fight was enough to earn the majority decision.
Keita Nakayama TKO5 Hijiri Oka... Keita Nakayama (5-0, 5 KOs) stopped Hijiri Oka at 1:58 of round five to win the vacant OPBF bantamweight title. Nakayama attacked the body and landed combinations during the opening rounds. In the fifth, he hurt Oka (3-1) with a right uppercut and followed with a series of unanswered punches against the ropes, prompting referee Katsuhiko Nakamura to stop the fight.
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OPBF Results from Tokyo
Takero Kitano W10 Erson Trinidad... Takero Kitano defeated visiting Filipino Erson Trinidad (10-6-1) by unanimous decision to win the OPBF minimumweight title at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The judges scored the fight 99-91 and 100-90 (twice). Kitano (11-1-1) controlled the distance behind his right jab and left hand. He led 50-45 (twice) and 49-46 on the midway open scoring cards and maintained his advantage during the second half of the fight to earn the decision.
Ryang Ho Han W10 Kyotaro Yoshida... On the same show, South Korea's Ryang Ho Han (6-1) defeated Kyotaro Yoshida (8-5) by majority decision to win the OPBF super flyweight title. The judges scored the fight 96-94, (twice) and 95-95. Han applied pressure and worked the body with combinations from the opening rounds. Yoshida rallied during the closing rounds, but Han's work over the course of the fight was enough to earn the majority decision.
Keita Nakayama TKO5 Hijiri Oka... Keita Nakayama (5-0, 5 KOs) stopped Hijiri Oka at 1:58 of round five to win the vacant OPBF bantamweight title. Nakayama attacked the body and landed combinations during the opening rounds. In the fifth, he hurt Oka (3-1) with a right uppercut and followed with a series of unanswered punches against the ropes, prompting referee Katsuhiko Nakamura to stop the fight.
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"You don’t want to miss the Rolly Romero show" |
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WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero and former two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez held a media workout ahead of their world title clash that headlines a PBC pay-per-view event this Saturday, August 22nd from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Romero and Lopez will both enter the ring in the prime of their career, with Romero looking to add a second signature victory to his ledger after beating Ryan Garcia in 2025, while Lopez can become a three-division champion by wresting the title away. Wednesday’s workout also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including unbeaten middleweight Yoenli Hernandez and Argentina's Francisco Daniel Veron, who meet in a ten rounder, plus Interim WBA 122-pound titlsit Victor Santillan and Gary Antonio Russell, who duel in a twelve-round attraction, and junior welterweight Israel Mercado, who opens the pay-per-view card at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. facing Carlos Utria. Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:
ROLLY ROMERO
“I’ve been out of the ring for a minute, but I’m happy to be back on Saturday night. You don’t want to miss the Rolly show. This is the moment for me to make my legacy.
“We’re two completely different fighters than when we sparred together. You’re gonna see what we’re capable of now when that bell rings.
“I’m the one who tries to make all the big fights. Nobody wanted to fight me, for whatever reason. I think everyone knows the real reason. I’m finally at my natural weight.
“I’ve grown up. I’m 30-years-old now. I got some clout and made some money when I was young. Now I’ve changed. I became a better man.
“I was doing Teofimo a favor when we sparred, I was getting him ready for his pro debut. I didn’t even have a fight. But none of that matters now. We’re gonna see on August 22nd.”
TEOFIMO LOPEZ
“We’re here to make great fights. We want to fight the best of the best and give everyone a great show.
“I just want to put on a good show and entertain all the fans. That’s what they deserve. I want to inspire the next generation.
“This is Teofimo Lopez coming back. I’m ready for this fight. It’s put up or shut up at this point.
They wanna see if I still have it. I’m ready to do whatever it takes.
“This is my road to undisputed at welterweight. It starts August 22. I see myself with my hand raised. Nothing but victory.”
YOENLI HERNANDEZ
“This is the time to put up or shut up. If he doesn’t wanna stand on what he’s said about my style, he’ll have to pay in the ring.
“I’m super motivated for this fight. It’s one thing to call the devil, but it’s another thing when he arrives.
“I fear nothing and I’m ready to go after everything. I respect everyone, but I know what I’m capable of.
“You’re not only gonna see what I’m made of, but I’m gonna humble Veron. He’s been talking trash and now he’s gonna see what happens.”
FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON
“I’m glad to have this opportunity. I’m going to give the best of myself and represent Argentina with pride. You can expect to see me at my best
“His reach and height will not affect me. He’s a little bulkier than me, but it can work against him. I feel that I might be able to use speed to my advantage.
“Everyone is gonna see what I bring. I have a lot of courage. Argentinian boxers are among the best in the world and I’m coming to prove it.”
VICTOR SANTILLAN
“This is so exciting for me. This is a huge motivation to see everyone here with all the love they’re giving me. I’m ready to show my best for everyone.
“I’m so ready for this opportunity. I love to face the best and that’s what I’m doing on Saturday. I’m coming to steal the show.”
GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL
“The game plan is to execute our game plan and come out victorious with my hand raised. Whatever it takes.
“I treat every fight as a championship match. I’m coming to put my best foot forward and show everyone what I’m capable of doing.
“My family knows to stay mentally tough and keep grinding and stay resilient through it all. I’m ready to come out victorious. I expect nothing short of a spectacular performance.”
ISRAEL MERCADO
“I have this opportunity and I’m gonna take advantage of it. I’m the most slept on fighter in the game and I’m gonna show everyone why on Saturday.
“This is gonna be a very entertaining fight. I’m here to put on a show. I’m here for a reason and I’m gonna go home with a W.”
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"You don’t want to miss the Rolly Romero show"
WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero and former two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez held a media workout ahead of their world title clash that headlines a PBC pay-per-view event this Saturday, August 22nd from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Romero and Lopez will both enter the ring in the prime of their career, with Romero looking to add a second signature victory to his ledger after beating Ryan Garcia in 2025, while Lopez can become a three-division champion by wresting the title away. Wednesday’s workout also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including unbeaten middleweight Yoenli Hernandez and Argentina's Francisco Daniel Veron, who meet in a ten rounder, plus Interim WBA 122-pound titlsit Victor Santillan and Gary Antonio Russell, who duel in a twelve-round attraction, and junior welterweight Israel Mercado, who opens the pay-per-view card at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. facing Carlos Utria. Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:
ROLLY ROMERO
“I’ve been out of the ring for a minute, but I’m happy to be back on Saturday night. You don’t want to miss the Rolly show. This is the moment for me to make my legacy.
“We’re two completely different fighters than when we sparred together. You’re gonna see what we’re capable of now when that bell rings.
“I’m the one who tries to make all the big fights. Nobody wanted to fight me, for whatever reason. I think everyone knows the real reason. I’m finally at my natural weight.
“I’ve grown up. I’m 30-years-old now. I got some clout and made some money when I was young. Now I’ve changed. I became a better man.
“I was doing Teofimo a favor when we sparred, I was getting him ready for his pro debut. I didn’t even have a fight. But none of that matters now. We’re gonna see on August 22nd.”
TEOFIMO LOPEZ
“We’re here to make great fights. We want to fight the best of the best and give everyone a great show.
“I just want to put on a good show and entertain all the fans. That’s what they deserve. I want to inspire the next generation.
“This is Teofimo Lopez coming back. I’m ready for this fight. It’s put up or shut up at this point.
They wanna see if I still have it. I’m ready to do whatever it takes.
“This is my road to undisputed at welterweight. It starts August 22. I see myself with my hand raised. Nothing but victory.”
YOENLI HERNANDEZ
“This is the time to put up or shut up. If he doesn’t wanna stand on what he’s said about my style, he’ll have to pay in the ring.
“I’m super motivated for this fight. It’s one thing to call the devil, but it’s another thing when he arrives.
“I fear nothing and I’m ready to go after everything. I respect everyone, but I know what I’m capable of.
“You’re not only gonna see what I’m made of, but I’m gonna humble Veron. He’s been talking trash and now he’s gonna see what happens.”
FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON
“I’m glad to have this opportunity. I’m going to give the best of myself and represent Argentina with pride. You can expect to see me at my best
“His reach and height will not affect me. He’s a little bulkier than me, but it can work against him. I feel that I might be able to use speed to my advantage.
“Everyone is gonna see what I bring. I have a lot of courage. Argentinian boxers are among the best in the world and I’m coming to prove it.”
VICTOR SANTILLAN
“This is so exciting for me. This is a huge motivation to see everyone here with all the love they’re giving me. I’m ready to show my best for everyone.
“I’m so ready for this opportunity. I love to face the best and that’s what I’m doing on Saturday. I’m coming to steal the show.”
GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL
“The game plan is to execute our game plan and come out victorious with my hand raised. Whatever it takes.
“I treat every fight as a championship match. I’m coming to put my best foot forward and show everyone what I’m capable of doing.
“My family knows to stay mentally tough and keep grinding and stay resilient through it all. I’m ready to come out victorious. I expect nothing short of a spectacular performance.”
ISRAEL MERCADO
“I have this opportunity and I’m gonna take advantage of it. I’m the most slept on fighter in the game and I’m gonna show everyone why on Saturday.
“This is gonna be a very entertaining fight. I’m here to put on a show. I’m here for a reason and I’m gonna go home with a W.”
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Marco Romero making PBC debut this weekend |
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Marco “El Tiburón (The Shark)” Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) will make his PBC debut this Saturday night fighting for the first time as a prizefighter in Las Vegas. His eight-round fight against Kahlil Mitchell (6-1, 4 KOs), to be contested at a 165-pound catchweight, will be the third and final fight of the preliminary card on Prime Video, live from T-Mobile Arena, preceding the main card headlined by the WBA welterweight championship match between defending champion Rolly Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) against former two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs). “It’s hard for me to put into words how I feel,” Romero admitted. “I’m super excited to be fighting in Las Vegas in my PBC debut. It couldn’t have worked out any better for me. I’ve dreamed of fighting in Las Vegas. Rolly and Teo are two of my favorite fighters. I picked Lomo (Vasyl Lomachenko) to beat Teo, but after that fight I started following Teo. I’ve followed Rolly for a while and it’s crazy we have the same last name.”
The 20 year-old Romero, fighting out of Olathe, Kansas, is not only undefeated, he has won all 35 rounds on the judges’ scorecards. A 23-time U.S. national Champion, Romero had a rich amateur pedigree, backed by his remarkable 130-5 record. The handsome Mexican American boxer hasn’t lost in more than 7 years since June 28, 2019.
Romero credits Team Tiburón for his success: “I need to throw flowers to my team because I couldn’t do it without them.” In no particular order, he thanked (manager/head trainer) John Brown, father/trainer Salvador Romero, trainers Silvio Flores, and Marcus Davidson, advisor Al Valenti, lawyer John Hornwerner, matchmaker Eric Botjer, strength-and-conditioning trainers Chris Calovich and Tom Virgets, and Marco’s mother, Sendy Romero.
“This will be the first fight in which Marco makes a real payday because now we’re with a viable promoter,” Brown explained. “His first fight in Las Vegas is exciting for us and we’re looking forward to his first fight with PBC. Marco is still a boy – 20 -- and we’re getting him ready by building his man strength. It’s coming!
“The key for Marco is not getting hit in the head, a weakness for all fighters, so we’re working on head movement and blocking punches. Marco has a big motor - cardiovascular system – like when I first saw Oscar de la Hoya training as an amateur. He ran like a deer. Marco has also had good sparring since he signed with PBC, something we didn’t always have.”
Brown isn’t concerned that Marco will be overly pumped for his first fight in Las Vegas and all the noise, because he is poised beyond his age and has been for years. “That’s a product of his experience from being in so many amateur fights,” Brown noted. “He’s been able to control his emotions before he turned pro. He’s very good at that.”
The next chapter of Marco Romero’s boxing career starts Saturday.
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Marco Romero making PBC debut this weekend
Marco “El Tiburón (The Shark)” Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) will make his PBC debut this Saturday night fighting for the first time as a prizefighter in Las Vegas. His eight-round fight against Kahlil Mitchell (6-1, 4 KOs), to be contested at a 165-pound catchweight, will be the third and final fight of the preliminary card on Prime Video, live from T-Mobile Arena, preceding the main card headlined by the WBA welterweight championship match between defending champion Rolly Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) against former two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs). “It’s hard for me to put into words how I feel,” Romero admitted. “I’m super excited to be fighting in Las Vegas in my PBC debut. It couldn’t have worked out any better for me. I’ve dreamed of fighting in Las Vegas. Rolly and Teo are two of my favorite fighters. I picked Lomo (Vasyl Lomachenko) to beat Teo, but after that fight I started following Teo. I’ve followed Rolly for a while and it’s crazy we have the same last name.”
The 20 year-old Romero, fighting out of Olathe, Kansas, is not only undefeated, he has won all 35 rounds on the judges’ scorecards. A 23-time U.S. national Champion, Romero had a rich amateur pedigree, backed by his remarkable 130-5 record. The handsome Mexican American boxer hasn’t lost in more than 7 years since June 28, 2019.
Romero credits Team Tiburón for his success: “I need to throw flowers to my team because I couldn’t do it without them.” In no particular order, he thanked (manager/head trainer) John Brown, father/trainer Salvador Romero, trainers Silvio Flores, and Marcus Davidson, advisor Al Valenti, lawyer John Hornwerner, matchmaker Eric Botjer, strength-and-conditioning trainers Chris Calovich and Tom Virgets, and Marco’s mother, Sendy Romero.
“This will be the first fight in which Marco makes a real payday because now we’re with a viable promoter,” Brown explained. “His first fight in Las Vegas is exciting for us and we’re looking forward to his first fight with PBC. Marco is still a boy – 20 -- and we’re getting him ready by building his man strength. It’s coming!
“The key for Marco is not getting hit in the head, a weakness for all fighters, so we’re working on head movement and blocking punches. Marco has a big motor - cardiovascular system – like when I first saw Oscar de la Hoya training as an amateur. He ran like a deer. Marco has also had good sparring since he signed with PBC, something we didn’t always have.”
Brown isn’t concerned that Marco will be overly pumped for his first fight in Las Vegas and all the noise, because he is poised beyond his age and has been for years. “That’s a product of his experience from being in so many amateur fights,” Brown noted. “He’s been able to control his emotions before he turned pro. He’s very good at that.”
The next chapter of Marco Romero’s boxing career starts Saturday.
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Introducing Melanie "Pitbull" Costa |
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Whether she is patrolling the streets of Norton or stalking an opponent inside the ring, Melanie "Pitbull" Costa (3-1, 1 KO) has never been one to back down from a challenge. On Saturday, August 29th, the five-time national amateur champion returns to action for the first time in 18 months to face Brittany Dukes (3-9-2) in a four-round bantamweight showdown on Boston Harbor Fight Night 2, a ten-bout card presented by CES Boxing in association with Granite Chin Promotions. The action takes place at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts.
2025 was a difficult year for the Norton native. In February, Costa suffered the first loss of her professional career. A few months later, her father became ill, prompting Melanie to take time away from the sport. "Family always comes first, and my father was diagnosed with stomach cancer," revealed Costa. "I kept training in the gym, but I put boxing on the back burner. I wasn’t in fighting shape."
With her father's cancer now in remission, Costa is ready to resume the pursuit of her lifelong dream: becoming a world champion. She began boxing at just 12 years old after deciding karate wasn’t intense enough for her. By 13, she was competing in amateur bouts, beginning a journey that eventually developed her into one of the most accomplished female amateur boxers in New England.
Costa became a multiple-time National Golden Gloves champion and competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials during two different Olympic cycles. She reached the final eight of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials at 112 pounds, where she shared the ring with Olympic bronze medalist and future professional world champion Marlen Esparza. Costa made another run at the Olympics at 125 pounds before eventually turning professional in 2023.
Her accomplishments extend beyond the ring. In April 2025, Costa was honored by the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame in Las Vegas as one of the Women Cops Who Box. The event was part of the hall of fame induction weekend festivities, recognizing women who have balanced careers in law enforcement with their pursuit of excellence in boxing.
It is a balancing act Costa knows well. "Whether it’s in the ring or on the job, you have to be ready for anything," said Costa of the similarities between her two professions. "Boxing taught me to push myself through any circumstance, and that mindset followed me into policing. Just like you never know who you’re getting in the ring with, you have to be prepared for anything that can happen as an officer."
While both jobs are physically demanding, it is the mental fortitude that each require that allow Melanie to persevere through difficult times. "In both, you have to be determined to succeed," said Costa. "Just like I want to become a world champion, I want to do the best I can to protect my community. Not every day is going to be easy, but it takes a positive mindset and lots of drive and motivation to push through those tough days."
That mentality will be on display August 29th, when Melanie returns to the ring for the first time since dropping a four-round split decision to the undefeated Shannel Butler. "Mentally, I wasn’t there," reflects Costa of the fight. "I didn’t fight my fight and I let my opponent fight her fight. I took the loss hard, but I thought about what I had to do, got back in the gym, and improved physically and mentally."
Anyone who has watched ‘Pitbull’ fight knows exactly what Costa means by fighting her fight. As her nickname suggests, the 5-foot Costa is naturally an inside fighter. She comes forward behind a high guard, attacks the body, applies constant pressure and looks to turn every bout into the kind of close quarters battle she has enjoyed since she first walked into a boxing gym as a 12-year-old.
"I’m an action-packed fighter," agreed Costa. "I’m aggressive and I keep coming forward. I apply pressure, and I stay on my opponent."
That entertaining style has allowed Melanie to develop a loyal following that has supported her throughout her career. "My crowd goes where I fight," said Costa. "Fighting at Encore will bring more of them out because it’s closer to home. I’m so happy to receive the support of my family, friends and fans."
Most importantly, one person who has been there since the beginning will be beside her every step of the way. "My father will be walking me out to the ring with my coaches, and he will be in my corner for the fight," said Costa. "That gives me all the motivation I need."
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Introducing Melanie "Pitbull" Costa
Whether she is patrolling the streets of Norton or stalking an opponent inside the ring, Melanie "Pitbull" Costa (3-1, 1 KO) has never been one to back down from a challenge. On Saturday, August 29th, the five-time national amateur champion returns to action for the first time in 18 months to face Brittany Dukes (3-9-2) in a four-round bantamweight showdown on Boston Harbor Fight Night 2, a ten-bout card presented by CES Boxing in association with Granite Chin Promotions. The action takes place at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts.
2025 was a difficult year for the Norton native. In February, Costa suffered the first loss of her professional career. A few months later, her father became ill, prompting Melanie to take time away from the sport. "Family always comes first, and my father was diagnosed with stomach cancer," revealed Costa. "I kept training in the gym, but I put boxing on the back burner. I wasn’t in fighting shape."
With her father's cancer now in remission, Costa is ready to resume the pursuit of her lifelong dream: becoming a world champion. She began boxing at just 12 years old after deciding karate wasn’t intense enough for her. By 13, she was competing in amateur bouts, beginning a journey that eventually developed her into one of the most accomplished female amateur boxers in New England.
Costa became a multiple-time National Golden Gloves champion and competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials during two different Olympic cycles. She reached the final eight of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials at 112 pounds, where she shared the ring with Olympic bronze medalist and future professional world champion Marlen Esparza. Costa made another run at the Olympics at 125 pounds before eventually turning professional in 2023.
Her accomplishments extend beyond the ring. In April 2025, Costa was honored by the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame in Las Vegas as one of the Women Cops Who Box. The event was part of the hall of fame induction weekend festivities, recognizing women who have balanced careers in law enforcement with their pursuit of excellence in boxing.
It is a balancing act Costa knows well. "Whether it’s in the ring or on the job, you have to be ready for anything," said Costa of the similarities between her two professions. "Boxing taught me to push myself through any circumstance, and that mindset followed me into policing. Just like you never know who you’re getting in the ring with, you have to be prepared for anything that can happen as an officer."
While both jobs are physically demanding, it is the mental fortitude that each require that allow Melanie to persevere through difficult times. "In both, you have to be determined to succeed," said Costa. "Just like I want to become a world champion, I want to do the best I can to protect my community. Not every day is going to be easy, but it takes a positive mindset and lots of drive and motivation to push through those tough days."
That mentality will be on display August 29th, when Melanie returns to the ring for the first time since dropping a four-round split decision to the undefeated Shannel Butler. "Mentally, I wasn’t there," reflects Costa of the fight. "I didn’t fight my fight and I let my opponent fight her fight. I took the loss hard, but I thought about what I had to do, got back in the gym, and improved physically and mentally."
Anyone who has watched ‘Pitbull’ fight knows exactly what Costa means by fighting her fight. As her nickname suggests, the 5-foot Costa is naturally an inside fighter. She comes forward behind a high guard, attacks the body, applies constant pressure and looks to turn every bout into the kind of close quarters battle she has enjoyed since she first walked into a boxing gym as a 12-year-old.
"I’m an action-packed fighter," agreed Costa. "I’m aggressive and I keep coming forward. I apply pressure, and I stay on my opponent."
That entertaining style has allowed Melanie to develop a loyal following that has supported her throughout her career. "My crowd goes where I fight," said Costa. "Fighting at Encore will bring more of them out because it’s closer to home. I’m so happy to receive the support of my family, friends and fans."
Most importantly, one person who has been there since the beginning will be beside her every step of the way. "My father will be walking me out to the ring with my coaches, and he will be in my corner for the fight," said Costa. "That gives me all the motivation I need."
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Wladimir Klitschko statement |
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Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko issued the following statement regarding the sudden death of his ex-fiance, the noted actress Hayden Panettiere: "Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief. The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya. She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives. To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was. I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon.
I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say. Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences. Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace. #WeLoveYouHayden.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
AUG. 17, 2026: Hayden Panettiere, the ex-fiancé of former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, has died at the age of 36. She was a successful actress in her own right. Panettiere's father, Skip, announced the actor's death in a statement provided to ABC News Sunday. No cause of death was announced, but it was well documented that Panettiere struggled with alcohol and depression. She and Klitschko had a daughter together in 2014, with Panettiere eventually choosing to give full custody of her daughter to Klitschko. Boxingtalk sends its condolences to the friends and family of Hayden Panettiere.
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Wladimir Klitschko statement
Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko issued the following statement regarding the sudden death of his ex-fiance, the noted actress Hayden Panettiere: "Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief. The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya. She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives. To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was. I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon.
I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say. Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences. Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace. #WeLoveYouHayden.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
AUG. 17, 2026: Hayden Panettiere, the ex-fiancé of former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, has died at the age of 36. She was a successful actress in her own right. Panettiere's father, Skip, announced the actor's death in a statement provided to ABC News Sunday. No cause of death was announced, but it was well documented that Panettiere struggled with alcohol and depression. She and Klitschko had a daughter together in 2014, with Panettiere eventually choosing to give full custody of her daughter to Klitschko. Boxingtalk sends its condolences to the friends and family of Hayden Panettiere.
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Liddard and Morello discuss European title clash |
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A confident George Liddard told Dario Morello that he should enjoy the feeling of holding the European middleweight title whilst it last as the pair came face-to-face for the first time today at Matchroom Boxing HQ. Their clash will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN this Saturday but will now be staged at London’s Copper Box Arena. It is a stone’s throw from Liddard’s beloved West Ham United Football Club and the Billericay Bomber is ready to serve up success for his East End faihful this weekend. As the two rivals stood toe-to-toe this afternoon, both had a hand on the vacant belt – but undefeated Liddard told the experienced Italian to savour the moment, insisting it is the closest he come to getting near it come fight night.
British champion Liddard (14-0, 8 KOs) said: “For me, this challenge is the same as it has always been for me: it is another step towards greatness. I have stepped up every single fight throughout my career. I have never shied away from anything or anyone. As soon as the European title was on the line, I have been calling for a big fight – and after the belt was vacated, Dario Morello is the man who steps inside the ring with me. And he’ll be the man who will get battered on Saturday night.”
Morello, meanwhile, believes he will upset Liddard on his home turf. He said: “I dream about this day and this title and the chance to fight for it. It means everything to me. It is now or never for me. I have to win and leave everything in the ring. Every single sacrifice of my life was for this moment. Liddard is a solid man. Has good fundamentals and his physically strong. I understand him. On August 22nd, I will show you this.
Liddard has relinquished his Commonwealth strap, meaning stablemate Jimmy Sains (12-0, 4 KOs) will battle Newark’s Tom Cowling (15-1, 4 KOs) – who stunned Aaron Bowen in a thriller last November in Birmingham – for the honors this Saturday. Sains has sacrificed his English title in the process, meaning teenager – and East End native – Leli Buttigieg (12-0, 4 KOs) will square off against Harwich fighter PA Gordon (9-0, 1 KO) for the belt in a battle of undefeateds.
Tiah Mai Ayton (6-0, 5 KOs) bids for her first big championship when she collides with Ellie Hellewell (8-1-1, 1 KO) for the vacant Commonwealth featherweight title.
Plus, in more supporting action on August 22nd, Team GB Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack (8-1, 6 KOs) returns to action against Argentina's Brian Maximiliano looking to resurrect his rise up the rankings following his defeat by Conah Walker in Monte-Carlo last December... Connor Mitchell, Ioan Croft, Harley Burrows and Louie Ward will also see action on the card.
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Liddard and Morello discuss European title clash
A confident George Liddard told Dario Morello that he should enjoy the feeling of holding the European middleweight title whilst it last as the pair came face-to-face for the first time today at Matchroom Boxing HQ. Their clash will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN this Saturday but will now be staged at London’s Copper Box Arena. It is a stone’s throw from Liddard’s beloved West Ham United Football Club and the Billericay Bomber is ready to serve up success for his East End faihful this weekend. As the two rivals stood toe-to-toe this afternoon, both had a hand on the vacant belt – but undefeated Liddard told the experienced Italian to savour the moment, insisting it is the closest he come to getting near it come fight night.
British champion Liddard (14-0, 8 KOs) said: “For me, this challenge is the same as it has always been for me: it is another step towards greatness. I have stepped up every single fight throughout my career. I have never shied away from anything or anyone. As soon as the European title was on the line, I have been calling for a big fight – and after the belt was vacated, Dario Morello is the man who steps inside the ring with me. And he’ll be the man who will get battered on Saturday night.”
Morello, meanwhile, believes he will upset Liddard on his home turf. He said: “I dream about this day and this title and the chance to fight for it. It means everything to me. It is now or never for me. I have to win and leave everything in the ring. Every single sacrifice of my life was for this moment. Liddard is a solid man. Has good fundamentals and his physically strong. I understand him. On August 22nd, I will show you this.
Liddard has relinquished his Commonwealth strap, meaning stablemate Jimmy Sains (12-0, 4 KOs) will battle Newark’s Tom Cowling (15-1, 4 KOs) – who stunned Aaron Bowen in a thriller last November in Birmingham – for the honors this Saturday. Sains has sacrificed his English title in the process, meaning teenager – and East End native – Leli Buttigieg (12-0, 4 KOs) will square off against Harwich fighter PA Gordon (9-0, 1 KO) for the belt in a battle of undefeateds.
Tiah Mai Ayton (6-0, 5 KOs) bids for her first big championship when she collides with Ellie Hellewell (8-1-1, 1 KO) for the vacant Commonwealth featherweight title.
Plus, in more supporting action on August 22nd, Team GB Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack (8-1, 6 KOs) returns to action against Argentina's Brian Maximiliano looking to resurrect his rise up the rankings following his defeat by Conah Walker in Monte-Carlo last December... Connor Mitchell, Ioan Croft, Harley Burrows and Louie Ward will also see action on the card.
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PBC adds three-bout free-stream to Saturday's PPV action |
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Undefeated middleweight Marco Romero will enter the ring in an eight-round showdown against the once-beaten Kahlil Mitchell headlining a three-fight PBC Prelims presentation streaming live on DAZN and Prime Video on Saturday, August 22nd from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The streaming presentation begins at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and will also feature junior middleweight Joseph Brown kicking off prelims action in a four or six-round bout against Alton Wiggins, plus junior welterweight Aldo Blancas battles Ricky Mamone in a four-round matchup. Prelims will lead into a four-fight PBC pay-per-view event available on DAZN and Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and headlined by WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against former two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) had a stellar amateur career that included 23-national titles, most notably winning the 2024 National Golden Gloves title where he was named Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament. The 20-year-old turned pro in 2024 and has shown a propensity for ending fights early, with 11 of his 12 KO’s coming within three rounds. Trained by top trainer John Brown, Romero added three victories against increasingly stiff competition in 2026. “I’m super excited to be fighting in Las Vegas, especially on this great PBC card at T-Mobile Arena,” said Romero. “It’s all a little surreal; I pinch myself every morning when I get up. For any fighter, we dream of fighting in Las Vegas. I fought in Las Vegas once as amateur, but this will be my first pro fight here and I can’t wait to get in the ring.”
The 30-year-old Mitchell (6-1, 4 KOs) enters the ring having bounced back from defeat to score knockout victories in back-to-back contests. A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mitchell rode a four-fight winning streak into his only career defeat, which came via a narrow majority decision against Jamar Pemberton in December 2024. “This is a great opportunity for me on August 22,” said Mitchell. “I’m ready to go in there, be at my best, and show Romero something he hasn’t seen before.”
The 19-year-old Brown (7-0, 5 KOs) turned pro in 2023, dominating his early competition. Born in Vero Beach, Florida, Brown’s family moved to Canada shortly after, where his father Martin trained him in multiple combat sports before embarking on an accolade-filled amateur boxing career. His most recent action came in February as he stopped Claudio Adan Gamboa in round one. He will be opposed by the 30-year-old Wiggins (3-2-1), a native of Oakland, California who went 2-1 in 2025 before losing a decision to unbeaten Javier Guerrero Cruz in June.
The younger brother of super middleweight Daniel Blancas, Aldo Blancas (2-0, 2 KOs) has made a successful transition to his pro career in 2026, scoring a pair of quick knockouts in March and May. The 19-year-old Milwaukee-native trains alongside his brother as part of David Benavidez’s camp and will return to fight in Las Vegas for the second time after making his pro debut on the Fundora vs. Thurman card in March. He will be opposed by Hawaii’s Mamone (0-0-1), who made his pro debut in March, fighting the unbeaten Dillan Nguyen to a split-draw. The 22-year-old will bring both professional and extensive amateur MMA experience to the ring against Blancas.
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PBC adds three-bout free-stream to Saturday's PPV action
Undefeated middleweight Marco Romero will enter the ring in an eight-round showdown against the once-beaten Kahlil Mitchell headlining a three-fight PBC Prelims presentation streaming live on DAZN and Prime Video on Saturday, August 22nd from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The streaming presentation begins at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and will also feature junior middleweight Joseph Brown kicking off prelims action in a four or six-round bout against Alton Wiggins, plus junior welterweight Aldo Blancas battles Ricky Mamone in a four-round matchup. Prelims will lead into a four-fight PBC pay-per-view event available on DAZN and Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and headlined by WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against former two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) had a stellar amateur career that included 23-national titles, most notably winning the 2024 National Golden Gloves title where he was named Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament. The 20-year-old turned pro in 2024 and has shown a propensity for ending fights early, with 11 of his 12 KO’s coming within three rounds. Trained by top trainer John Brown, Romero added three victories against increasingly stiff competition in 2026. “I’m super excited to be fighting in Las Vegas, especially on this great PBC card at T-Mobile Arena,” said Romero. “It’s all a little surreal; I pinch myself every morning when I get up. For any fighter, we dream of fighting in Las Vegas. I fought in Las Vegas once as amateur, but this will be my first pro fight here and I can’t wait to get in the ring.”
The 30-year-old Mitchell (6-1, 4 KOs) enters the ring having bounced back from defeat to score knockout victories in back-to-back contests. A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mitchell rode a four-fight winning streak into his only career defeat, which came via a narrow majority decision against Jamar Pemberton in December 2024. “This is a great opportunity for me on August 22,” said Mitchell. “I’m ready to go in there, be at my best, and show Romero something he hasn’t seen before.”
The 19-year-old Brown (7-0, 5 KOs) turned pro in 2023, dominating his early competition. Born in Vero Beach, Florida, Brown’s family moved to Canada shortly after, where his father Martin trained him in multiple combat sports before embarking on an accolade-filled amateur boxing career. His most recent action came in February as he stopped Claudio Adan Gamboa in round one. He will be opposed by the 30-year-old Wiggins (3-2-1), a native of Oakland, California who went 2-1 in 2025 before losing a decision to unbeaten Javier Guerrero Cruz in June.
The younger brother of super middleweight Daniel Blancas, Aldo Blancas (2-0, 2 KOs) has made a successful transition to his pro career in 2026, scoring a pair of quick knockouts in March and May. The 19-year-old Milwaukee-native trains alongside his brother as part of David Benavidez’s camp and will return to fight in Las Vegas for the second time after making his pro debut on the Fundora vs. Thurman card in March. He will be opposed by Hawaii’s Mamone (0-0-1), who made his pro debut in March, fighting the unbeaten Dillan Nguyen to a split-draw. The 22-year-old will bring both professional and extensive amateur MMA experience to the ring against Blancas.
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A few words with middleweight Frank Hogan |
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Francis "Frank the Tank" Hogan (22-0, 17 KOs) will face Ricardo Villalba (20-12-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout on Saturday, August 29th, at Encore Boston Harbor. The bout headlines Boston Harbor Fight Night 2, the second collaboration between CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions at the venue. Hogan previously fought at Encore Boston Harbor in November 2025, defeating Antonio Todd by decision over eight rounds. "The strategy was to keep hitting the hole on him," explained Hogan of his performance. "He was a flat-footed fighter who liked to come forward. Every time he attacked, I would pivot around him, hit the hole and land shots. Once I realized he didn’t have much power, I started breaking him down and by the last few rounds I was walking him down."
Hogan returned in March against Ghana's Patrick Allotey. Hogan dropped Allotey in the fourth round before Allotey was disqualified in the fifth for intentionally kneeing Hogan in the head. "He punched hard and went more rounds than I thought he would, but I wish he would have been a bit more classy with the way things ended," reflected Hogan. "I was breaking him down and I know that I would have gotten him out of there one way or another."
Villalba has competed internationally, including a 2021 victory over Edgar Ghukasyan in Moscow. "It’s Tank time," said Hogan. "The middleweight division is wide open right now, and in this fight, I’m going to show the world that I belong amongst the best fighters in the division."
Hogan, a 6-foot-2 southpaw trained by Mark DeLuca, expects Villalba to attempt to fight at close range. "He’s shorter than me, so he’s going to try and fight inside," said Hogan. "When he does, he’s going to get drilled by my jab. I’ll stay relaxed, keep moving my feet as I throw punches, and break him down."
Hogan had more than 200 amateur bouts and won the 2019 New England Golden Gloves Championship before turning professional in 2020. He stopped 14 of his first 15 professional opponents. "As I started fighting higher-level opponents, I realized that I needed to become a ‘clean’ fighter," admits Hogan. "Mark and I went back to basics: hands up, a stiff jab and good head movement. It’s different, but that’s what I needed to do to be relaxed in the ring. You have to look in the mirror and work on slipping punches and ring generalship."
Hogan has also earned victories over Elvin Ayala and Khiary Gray. He said he eventually wants to face an unbeaten contender and identified IBF middleweight champion Aaron McKenna as a possible opponent. "That would be a great fight, but we’re taking things one step at a time," said Hogan. "First I’ll make a statement against Villalba, then we’ll figure out who’s next."
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A few words with middleweight Frank Hogan
Francis "Frank the Tank" Hogan (22-0, 17 KOs) will face Ricardo Villalba (20-12-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout on Saturday, August 29th, at Encore Boston Harbor. The bout headlines Boston Harbor Fight Night 2, the second collaboration between CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions at the venue. Hogan previously fought at Encore Boston Harbor in November 2025, defeating Antonio Todd by decision over eight rounds. "The strategy was to keep hitting the hole on him," explained Hogan of his performance. "He was a flat-footed fighter who liked to come forward. Every time he attacked, I would pivot around him, hit the hole and land shots. Once I realized he didn’t have much power, I started breaking him down and by the last few rounds I was walking him down."
Hogan returned in March against Ghana's Patrick Allotey. Hogan dropped Allotey in the fourth round before Allotey was disqualified in the fifth for intentionally kneeing Hogan in the head. "He punched hard and went more rounds than I thought he would, but I wish he would have been a bit more classy with the way things ended," reflected Hogan. "I was breaking him down and I know that I would have gotten him out of there one way or another."
Villalba has competed internationally, including a 2021 victory over Edgar Ghukasyan in Moscow. "It’s Tank time," said Hogan. "The middleweight division is wide open right now, and in this fight, I’m going to show the world that I belong amongst the best fighters in the division."
Hogan, a 6-foot-2 southpaw trained by Mark DeLuca, expects Villalba to attempt to fight at close range. "He’s shorter than me, so he’s going to try and fight inside," said Hogan. "When he does, he’s going to get drilled by my jab. I’ll stay relaxed, keep moving my feet as I throw punches, and break him down."
Hogan had more than 200 amateur bouts and won the 2019 New England Golden Gloves Championship before turning professional in 2020. He stopped 14 of his first 15 professional opponents. "As I started fighting higher-level opponents, I realized that I needed to become a ‘clean’ fighter," admits Hogan. "Mark and I went back to basics: hands up, a stiff jab and good head movement. It’s different, but that’s what I needed to do to be relaxed in the ring. You have to look in the mirror and work on slipping punches and ring generalship."
Hogan has also earned victories over Elvin Ayala and Khiary Gray. He said he eventually wants to face an unbeaten contender and identified IBF middleweight champion Aaron McKenna as a possible opponent. "That would be a great fight, but we’re taking things one step at a time," said Hogan. "First I’ll make a statement against Villalba, then we’ll figure out who’s next."
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Change of venue for Matchroom's London show |
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Matchroom Boxing’s upcoming London show next Saturday, August 22nd, headlined by George Liddard vs Dario Morello for the vacant European middleweight title, will now be staged at the Copper Box Arena in London – broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. The decision comes following temporary issues with York Hall which means it is no longer a viable venue. Matchroom Boxing extends its thanks to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), who operates the Copper Box Arena on behalf of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). Further ticket news, including details of additional tickets, will be released on Monday with all prior purchases retaining their tickets.
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Change of venue for Matchroom's London show
Matchroom Boxing’s upcoming London show next Saturday, August 22nd, headlined by George Liddard vs Dario Morello for the vacant European middleweight title, will now be staged at the Copper Box Arena in London – broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. The decision comes following temporary issues with York Hall which means it is no longer a viable venue. Matchroom Boxing extends its thanks to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), who operates the Copper Box Arena on behalf of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). Further ticket news, including details of additional tickets, will be released on Monday with all prior purchases retaining their tickets.
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Hayden Panettiere, ex-fiance of Wladimir Klitschko, dead at 36 |
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Hayden Panettiere, the ex-fiancé of former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, has died at the age of 36. She was a successful actress in her own right. Panettiere's father, Skip, announced the actor's death in a statement provided to ABC News Sunday. No cause of death was announced, but it was well documented that Panettiere struggled with alcohol and depression. She and Klitschko had a daughter together in 2014, with Panettiere eventually choosing to give full custody of her daughter to Klitschko. Boxingtalk sends its condolences to the friends and family of Hayden Panettiere.
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Hayden Panettiere, ex-fiance of Wladimir Klitschko, dead at 36
Hayden Panettiere, the ex-fiancé of former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, has died at the age of 36. She was a successful actress in her own right. Panettiere's father, Skip, announced the actor's death in a statement provided to ABC News Sunday. No cause of death was announced, but it was well documented that Panettiere struggled with alcohol and depression. She and Klitschko had a daughter together in 2014, with Panettiere eventually choosing to give full custody of her daughter to Klitschko. Boxingtalk sends its condolences to the friends and family of Hayden Panettiere.
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Soft defense arranged for Camila Zamorano |
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WBC atomweight champion Camila "La Magnífica" Zamorano will defend her 102-pound title against fellow Mexican Perla Pérez on August 29th in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. At 18 years old, Zamorano became the WBC atomweight champion and has established herself as one of Mexico's top young fighters, quickly running her record up to 14-0. Pérez is 9-9-1, and her last two bouts were wins over women with sub-500 records.
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Soft defense arranged for Camila Zamorano
WBC atomweight champion Camila "La Magnífica" Zamorano will defend her 102-pound title against fellow Mexican Perla Pérez on August 29th in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. At 18 years old, Zamorano became the WBC atomweight champion and has established herself as one of Mexico's top young fighters, quickly running her record up to 14-0. Pérez is 9-9-1, and her last two bouts were wins over women with sub-500 records.
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Shields stops Scott for two middleweight titles |
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Claressa Shields KO6 Kaye Scott... In Atlanta, Claressa Shields (19-0, 4 KOs) added another accomplishment to a Hall of Fame career, dropping down from heavyweight (176+ pounds for women) to win the WBC and WBA middleweight titles. Shields had an easy time of it, too, dethroning Australia's Kaye Scott (5-2-1) in the sixth round. Scott was knocked down once and seemed out on her feet when her corner threw in multiple towels to end the fight. Shields' punches caused a hematoma on Scott's forehead starting in the second round. DAZN reported that attendance at the venue was 16,000.
Shields, already a five-division champ, competed at heavyweight her last time out, dominating Franchon Crews-Dezurn to remain the undisputed champion. Wanting more gold and potentially bigger fights against Lauren Price and Mikayla Mayer, Shields moved down a couple of weight classes to take on Scott, the 42 year-old WBA and WBC champion.
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Shields stops Scott for two middleweight titles
Claressa Shields KO6 Kaye Scott... In Atlanta, Claressa Shields (19-0, 4 KOs) added another accomplishment to a Hall of Fame career, dropping down from heavyweight (176+ pounds for women) to win the WBC and WBA middleweight titles. Shields had an easy time of it, too, dethroning Australia's Kaye Scott (5-2-1) in the sixth round. Scott was knocked down once and seemed out on her feet when her corner threw in multiple towels to end the fight. Shields' punches caused a hematoma on Scott's forehead starting in the second round. DAZN reported that attendance at the venue was 16,000.
Shields, already a five-division champ, competed at heavyweight her last time out, dominating Franchon Crews-Dezurn to remain the undisputed champion. Wanting more gold and potentially bigger fights against Lauren Price and Mikayla Mayer, Shields moved down a couple of weight classes to take on Scott, the 42 year-old WBA and WBC champion.
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New champion alert: Bernice Ferreira takes WBC 130-pound title by DQ |
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On the Claressa Shields undercard in Atlanta, South Africa's Bernice Ferreira (11-0) defeated Caroline Veyre by disqualification to win the WBC junior lightweight title. In the middle of the eighth round, Veyre (11-2) continued to hold after being warned several times and was disqualified. According to DAZN, the referee made the right decision. The Canadian Veyre was deducted two points before hand. It was no aberration: Veyre held constantly in her last fight, when she was undeservedly won the vacant title against Delfine Persoon.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Troy Isley defeated Joseph Hicks by unanimous decision. Official scores were 97-92 and 96-93 (twice)...
Ashleyann Lozada defeated Paulette Cuesta by unanimous decision. Official scores were 100-90 (twice) and 99-91.
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New champion alert: Bernice Ferreira takes WBC 130-pound title by DQ
On the Claressa Shields undercard in Atlanta, South Africa's Bernice Ferreira (11-0) defeated Caroline Veyre by disqualification to win the WBC junior lightweight title. In the middle of the eighth round, Veyre (11-2) continued to hold after being warned several times and was disqualified. According to DAZN, the referee made the right decision. The Canadian Veyre was deducted two points before hand. It was no aberration: Veyre held constantly in her last fight, when she was undeservedly won the vacant title against Delfine Persoon.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Troy Isley defeated Joseph Hicks by unanimous decision. Official scores were 97-92 and 96-93 (twice)...
Ashleyann Lozada defeated Paulette Cuesta by unanimous decision. Official scores were 100-90 (twice) and 99-91.
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Izaiah Dent wins battle of undefeated light heavyweights |
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Izaiah Dent W10 Chavon Stillwell ... BiYu Promotions presented “Fights Under the Lights” live from Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas on Friday. In the ten-round main event, Izaiah Dent (11-0, 9 KOs) remained undefeated with a split decision victory over Chavon Stillwell (10-1, 8 KOs) at light heavyweight, handing Stillwell the first defeat of his pro career. Both fighters had their moments throughout the competitive bout, but Dent was the busier fighter and did enough to earn the victory. The judges scored the fight 98-92 and 96-94 for Dent, while the third judge had it 96-95 for Stillwell. “I knew I had to stay active and keep the pressure on him,” Dent said. “He came to fight and made me work for every round, but I believed I did enough to get the win. Becoming a champion and giving him his first loss makes this victory even more special. I’m only getting started.”
Jayden Britton W8 Bruno Pola Ruiz... In the eight-round co-feature, Jayden Britton (10-0, 6 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory over Bruno Pola Ruiz (11-5-2, 9 KOs) in a super middleweight bout. Britton consistently landed the cleaner shots throughout the fight, earning scorecards of 80-72, 78-74, and 77-75, all in his favor. “I felt like I controlled the fight from start to finish,” Britton said. “He was a tough opponent, but I stayed composed, landed the cleaner shots, and stuck to the game plan. Winning this title means a lot, but this is only the beginning. I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
UNDERCARD
Daniel Grandy (5-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory over Eduardo Tarango (1-6). Grandy applied relentless pressure throughout the fight, earning scorecards of 40-36, 40-36, and 39-36, all in his favor.
Steven Grandy (5-0, 5 KOs) defeated Gerardo Reyes (3-5, 2 KOs) by second-round TKO. Grandy battered Reyes throughout the opening round, with Reyes suffering a severe cut in the process. Grandy continued to apply pressure in round two before the bout was stopped at the 2:21 mark.
Mauro Sierra (13-0, 7 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory over Miguel Menchaca (4-2-1, 1 KO) in a scheduled six-round bantamweight bout, capturing the ABO title. Sierra used his superior boxing skills and movement to outbox Menchaca throughout the contest, controlling the action and landing the cleaner shots. The judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 50-45, all in favor of Sierra.
John Torres (13-0-1, 8 KOs) defeated Ryan Adams (12-13-1, 7 KOs) by unanimous decision in a scheduled six-round super middleweight bout. Torres faced an early scare when Adams dropped him with a powerful right hook in round two. Torres recovered and began outworking Adams as the fight progressed, taking advantage as Adams faded in the later rounds. The judges scored the bout 57-56 twice and 58-55, all in favor of Torres.
In a battle of undefeated fighters in bout five, Mauricio Quintanilla (8-0, 4 KOs) handed Jerrell Mayweather (5-1, 3 KOs) his first professional defeat, scoring a second-round TKO in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout. Quintanilla dropped Mayweather with an overhand right in the opening round and sent him to the canvas again with a flurry of punches later in the round. Quintanilla continued the pressure in round two, dropping Mayweather for a third time with another barrage to bring the bout to an end at the 1:35 mark.
In bout four, Joshua Franco (5-0, 3 KOs), a southpaw, defeated Roberto Castro (3-5, 1 KO) by fourth-round TKO in a scheduled four-round welterweight bout. After dominating the first three rounds, Franco closed the show with a flurry of combinations, with his straight left proving particularly effective. The stoppage came at the 2:12 mark of round four.
Ivan Vasquez (12-2-2, 9 KOs) defeated Eduy Bernardo (27-12, 19 KOs) by first-round knockout in a scheduled four-round middleweight bout. Vasquez dropped Bernardo with a straight left midway through the opening round before finishing him with a barrage of punches at the 2:54 mark.
Ty Cassell (5-0, 3 KOs) defeated Charles Scott Jr. (1-6, 1 KO) by third-round TKO in a scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout. After two closely contested rounds, Cassell caught Scott with a right-left-right combination that brought the fight to an end at 2:18 of round three.
Roy Knight (4-1, 3 KOs) defeated Bryan Springs (3-19-3, 1 KO) by unanimous decision in a four-round middleweight bout. All three judges scored the fight 40-36.
“Launching CombatVisionTV with Fights Under the Lights is a special moment for us,” said Bobby Harrison of BiYu Promotions. “Our vision is to create a platform that gives fighters greater exposure while bringing boxing fans exciting, competitive fights from around the world. To launch with an event at Constellation Field and have legends like Roy Jones Jr. and Al Bernstein involved makes the night even more meaningful. This is just the beginning for CombatVisionTV and BiYu Promotions.”
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Izaiah Dent wins battle of undefeated light heavyweights
Izaiah Dent W10 Chavon Stillwell ... BiYu Promotions presented “Fights Under the Lights” live from Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas on Friday. In the ten-round main event, Izaiah Dent (11-0, 9 KOs) remained undefeated with a split decision victory over Chavon Stillwell (10-1, 8 KOs) at light heavyweight, handing Stillwell the first defeat of his pro career. Both fighters had their moments throughout the competitive bout, but Dent was the busier fighter and did enough to earn the victory. The judges scored the fight 98-92 and 96-94 for Dent, while the third judge had it 96-95 for Stillwell. “I knew I had to stay active and keep the pressure on him,” Dent said. “He came to fight and made me work for every round, but I believed I did enough to get the win. Becoming a champion and giving him his first loss makes this victory even more special. I’m only getting started.”
Jayden Britton W8 Bruno Pola Ruiz... In the eight-round co-feature, Jayden Britton (10-0, 6 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory over Bruno Pola Ruiz (11-5-2, 9 KOs) in a super middleweight bout. Britton consistently landed the cleaner shots throughout the fight, earning scorecards of 80-72, 78-74, and 77-75, all in his favor. “I felt like I controlled the fight from start to finish,” Britton said. “He was a tough opponent, but I stayed composed, landed the cleaner shots, and stuck to the game plan. Winning this title means a lot, but this is only the beginning. I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
UNDERCARD
Daniel Grandy (5-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory over Eduardo Tarango (1-6). Grandy applied relentless pressure throughout the fight, earning scorecards of 40-36, 40-36, and 39-36, all in his favor.
Steven Grandy (5-0, 5 KOs) defeated Gerardo Reyes (3-5, 2 KOs) by second-round TKO. Grandy battered Reyes throughout the opening round, with Reyes suffering a severe cut in the process. Grandy continued to apply pressure in round two before the bout was stopped at the 2:21 mark.
Mauro Sierra (13-0, 7 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory over Miguel Menchaca (4-2-1, 1 KO) in a scheduled six-round bantamweight bout, capturing the ABO title. Sierra used his superior boxing skills and movement to outbox Menchaca throughout the contest, controlling the action and landing the cleaner shots. The judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 50-45, all in favor of Sierra.
John Torres (13-0-1, 8 KOs) defeated Ryan Adams (12-13-1, 7 KOs) by unanimous decision in a scheduled six-round super middleweight bout. Torres faced an early scare when Adams dropped him with a powerful right hook in round two. Torres recovered and began outworking Adams as the fight progressed, taking advantage as Adams faded in the later rounds. The judges scored the bout 57-56 twice and 58-55, all in favor of Torres.
In a battle of undefeated fighters in bout five, Mauricio Quintanilla (8-0, 4 KOs) handed Jerrell Mayweather (5-1, 3 KOs) his first professional defeat, scoring a second-round TKO in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout. Quintanilla dropped Mayweather with an overhand right in the opening round and sent him to the canvas again with a flurry of punches later in the round. Quintanilla continued the pressure in round two, dropping Mayweather for a third time with another barrage to bring the bout to an end at the 1:35 mark.
In bout four, Joshua Franco (5-0, 3 KOs), a southpaw, defeated Roberto Castro (3-5, 1 KO) by fourth-round TKO in a scheduled four-round welterweight bout. After dominating the first three rounds, Franco closed the show with a flurry of combinations, with his straight left proving particularly effective. The stoppage came at the 2:12 mark of round four.
Ivan Vasquez (12-2-2, 9 KOs) defeated Eduy Bernardo (27-12, 19 KOs) by first-round knockout in a scheduled four-round middleweight bout. Vasquez dropped Bernardo with a straight left midway through the opening round before finishing him with a barrage of punches at the 2:54 mark.
Ty Cassell (5-0, 3 KOs) defeated Charles Scott Jr. (1-6, 1 KO) by third-round TKO in a scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout. After two closely contested rounds, Cassell caught Scott with a right-left-right combination that brought the fight to an end at 2:18 of round three.
Roy Knight (4-1, 3 KOs) defeated Bryan Springs (3-19-3, 1 KO) by unanimous decision in a four-round middleweight bout. All three judges scored the fight 40-36.
“Launching CombatVisionTV with Fights Under the Lights is a special moment for us,” said Bobby Harrison of BiYu Promotions. “Our vision is to create a platform that gives fighters greater exposure while bringing boxing fans exciting, competitive fights from around the world. To launch with an event at Constellation Field and have legends like Roy Jones Jr. and Al Bernstein involved makes the night even more meaningful. This is just the beginning for CombatVisionTV and BiYu Promotions.”
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Hogan to headline Boston show on Aug. 29th |
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CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions return to Encore Boston Harbor on Saturday, August 29th with Boston Harbor Fight Night 2. Undefeated middleweight Francis 'Frank the Tank' Hogan (22-0, 17 KOs) returns to the venue in the eight-round main event against Argentina's Ricardo Villalba (20-12-1, 8 KOs). Villalba has built a reputation as a durable spoiler willing to travel anywhere in the world to face top opposition. The co-feature showcases social media star turned heavyweight Chase DeMoor (6-2-1, 6 KOs), who squares off against Scituate's hard-hitting Kevin Nagle (11-1, 8 KOs).
Topping the undercard is a New England junior welterweight showdown between Dorchester’s Jonathan DePina (15-2, 7 KOs) and New Britain, Connecticut's Anthony Mora (7-9-1, 4 KOs). DePina, riding a three-fight winning streak dating back to 2023, is coming off a dominant win at Encore in November against the previously unbeaten Elijah Peixoto. In Mora, he faces an active veteran who will step into the ring for the fourth time this year.
Londonderry, New Hampshire's Jaydell 'The Pazmanian Devil' Pazmino (9-0, 8 KOs) makes his first start of 2026 against Rhode Island's Keenan Raymond in a six-round junior middleweight contest...
Hyde Park bantamweight Jennifer Perella (5-1, 1 KO) takes on Texas' Chantal Sumrall, while Norton police officer Melanie 'Pitbull' Costa (3-1, 1 KO) looks to rebound from the first loss of her professional career when she takes on Brittany Dukes (3-9-2) of Kansas City.
Several Boston-area fan favorites are also scheduled to appear. Revere's light heavyweight Leonardo Ladeira faces Rhode Island's Everet Desilets, while Hopkinton's Brett Hanlon makes his pro debut against New Yorker Ratavious Thrasher...
Opening up the card is a super middleweight bout between Barrington, New Hampshire's Ryan Clark and Swansea, Massachusetts' Anthony Andreozzi followed by a four-round middleweight slugfest between Brazil’s Jefferson Almeida and New York's Tymar Miles.
"We’re thrilled to return to Encore Boston Harbor for another great night of championship boxing," said Granite Chin Promotion’s Chris Traietti. "From top to bottom, we’ve loaded this card with championship fights, local rivalries, and competitive matchups."
"Francis Hogan has become one of the hottest middleweight prospects in America," added CES Boxing Founder Jimmy Burchfield Sr. "There is no better venue in Boston for him to showcase his skills before challenging for a world title than at Encore Boston Harbor. The fans are in for a treat on August 29th."
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Hogan to headline Boston show on Aug. 29th
CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions return to Encore Boston Harbor on Saturday, August 29th with Boston Harbor Fight Night 2. Undefeated middleweight Francis 'Frank the Tank' Hogan (22-0, 17 KOs) returns to the venue in the eight-round main event against Argentina's Ricardo Villalba (20-12-1, 8 KOs). Villalba has built a reputation as a durable spoiler willing to travel anywhere in the world to face top opposition. The co-feature showcases social media star turned heavyweight Chase DeMoor (6-2-1, 6 KOs), who squares off against Scituate's hard-hitting Kevin Nagle (11-1, 8 KOs).
Topping the undercard is a New England junior welterweight showdown between Dorchester’s Jonathan DePina (15-2, 7 KOs) and New Britain, Connecticut's Anthony Mora (7-9-1, 4 KOs). DePina, riding a three-fight winning streak dating back to 2023, is coming off a dominant win at Encore in November against the previously unbeaten Elijah Peixoto. In Mora, he faces an active veteran who will step into the ring for the fourth time this year.
Londonderry, New Hampshire's Jaydell 'The Pazmanian Devil' Pazmino (9-0, 8 KOs) makes his first start of 2026 against Rhode Island's Keenan Raymond in a six-round junior middleweight contest...
Hyde Park bantamweight Jennifer Perella (5-1, 1 KO) takes on Texas' Chantal Sumrall, while Norton police officer Melanie 'Pitbull' Costa (3-1, 1 KO) looks to rebound from the first loss of her professional career when she takes on Brittany Dukes (3-9-2) of Kansas City.
Several Boston-area fan favorites are also scheduled to appear. Revere's light heavyweight Leonardo Ladeira faces Rhode Island's Everet Desilets, while Hopkinton's Brett Hanlon makes his pro debut against New Yorker Ratavious Thrasher...
Opening up the card is a super middleweight bout between Barrington, New Hampshire's Ryan Clark and Swansea, Massachusetts' Anthony Andreozzi followed by a four-round middleweight slugfest between Brazil’s Jefferson Almeida and New York's Tymar Miles.
"We’re thrilled to return to Encore Boston Harbor for another great night of championship boxing," said Granite Chin Promotion’s Chris Traietti. "From top to bottom, we’ve loaded this card with championship fights, local rivalries, and competitive matchups."
"Francis Hogan has become one of the hottest middleweight prospects in America," added CES Boxing Founder Jimmy Burchfield Sr. "There is no better venue in Boston for him to showcase his skills before challenging for a world title than at Encore Boston Harbor. The fans are in for a treat on August 29th."
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Shields returns to middleweight on Saturday |
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Claressa Shields returns to middleweight Saturday, August 15th, when she challenges Australia's Kaye Scott for the WBA and WBC women's middleweight world titles at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.The undercard includes Troy Isley vs. Joseph Hicks at middleweight. Ashleyann Lozada faces Paulette Cuesta in a super bantamweight bout, while Caroline Veyre defends her WBC women's junior lightweight title against Bernice Ferreira. The card will stream live on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET, with the Shields-Scott ringwalks expected at approximately 11:20 p.m. ET. The bout marks Shields' first appearance at middleweight since 2023. Scott will be making the first defense of her WBA and WBC titles.
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Shields returns to middleweight on Saturday
Claressa Shields returns to middleweight Saturday, August 15th, when she challenges Australia's Kaye Scott for the WBA and WBC women's middleweight world titles at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.The undercard includes Troy Isley vs. Joseph Hicks at middleweight. Ashleyann Lozada faces Paulette Cuesta in a super bantamweight bout, while Caroline Veyre defends her WBC women's junior lightweight title against Bernice Ferreira. The card will stream live on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET, with the Shields-Scott ringwalks expected at approximately 11:20 p.m. ET. The bout marks Shields' first appearance at middleweight since 2023. Scott will be making the first defense of her WBA and WBC titles.
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WBO makes Alimkhanuly the mandatory despite recent PED suspension |
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Former unified middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly has been designated the mandatory challenger for WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz, less than a month after the WBO terminated Alimkhanuly's suspension stemming from an anti-doping violation. In an August 7th resolution, the WBO selected Alimkhanuly as the mandatory over Jacob Bank and ordered the Alimkhanuly and Sheeraz camps to begin negotiations for a mandatory title fight. The parties were given twenty days to reach an agreement, after which the WBO will order a purse bid. The decision is notable because Alimkhanuly's recent PED violation figured prominently in the WBO's analysis. The organization acknowledged that Alimkhanuly committed an anti-doping violation and had been suspended, while noting that he was a first-time offender who cooperated with the WBO investigation, submitted medical documentation in his defense and complied with the conditions imposed upon him. His suspension was terminated effective July 10th.
The ruling means that Alimkhanuly will now have an opportunity to become a two-division world champion against Sheeraz. However, the WBO expressly stated that ending the suspension did not erase the underlying disciplinary matter or amount to a finding that the violation had not occurred. Instead, the organization concluded that Alimkhanuly had completed the disciplinary consequences imposed upon him and was therefore once again eligible to compete in WBO-sanctioned activity.
The WBO then considered whether the PED violation and suspension should count against Alimkhanuly in determining the mandatory challenger. It declined to do so, reasoning that his suspension had already "served its disciplinary purpose" and that reducing his championship opportunities after he had completed the suspension would effectively amount to an additional competitive sanction.
That cleared the way for Alimkhanuly's championship résumé to carry the day over Bank. Alimkhanuly previously held the WBO middleweight world title, made five successful defenses and unified the WBO and IBF titles by defeating Vincenzo Gualtieri. The WBO also relied heavily on its history of giving established world champions special consideration when moving into an adjacent weight division.
Bank's petition to become mandatory challenger was denied despite the WBO recognizing his activity and victories over former IBF champion William Scull and also Tyron Zeuge. The Committee ultimately concluded that Alimkhanuly's championship experience and accomplishments presented the stronger claim.
The WBO returned to the PED issue in its conclusion, stating that it "does not minimize" Alimkhanuly's anti-doping violation, but emphasizing his cooperation, first-offender status and completion of the terms of his suspension. The Committee concluded that the prior suspension no longer presented an impediment to his eligibility and that it could not impose an additional competitive penalty after the disciplinary conditions had been satisfied.
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WBO makes Alimkhanuly the mandatory despite recent PED suspension
Former unified middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly has been designated the mandatory challenger for WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz, less than a month after the WBO terminated Alimkhanuly's suspension stemming from an anti-doping violation. In an August 7th resolution, the WBO selected Alimkhanuly as the mandatory over Jacob Bank and ordered the Alimkhanuly and Sheeraz camps to begin negotiations for a mandatory title fight. The parties were given twenty days to reach an agreement, after which the WBO will order a purse bid. The decision is notable because Alimkhanuly's recent PED violation figured prominently in the WBO's analysis. The organization acknowledged that Alimkhanuly committed an anti-doping violation and had been suspended, while noting that he was a first-time offender who cooperated with the WBO investigation, submitted medical documentation in his defense and complied with the conditions imposed upon him. His suspension was terminated effective July 10th.
The ruling means that Alimkhanuly will now have an opportunity to become a two-division world champion against Sheeraz. However, the WBO expressly stated that ending the suspension did not erase the underlying disciplinary matter or amount to a finding that the violation had not occurred. Instead, the organization concluded that Alimkhanuly had completed the disciplinary consequences imposed upon him and was therefore once again eligible to compete in WBO-sanctioned activity.
The WBO then considered whether the PED violation and suspension should count against Alimkhanuly in determining the mandatory challenger. It declined to do so, reasoning that his suspension had already "served its disciplinary purpose" and that reducing his championship opportunities after he had completed the suspension would effectively amount to an additional competitive sanction.
That cleared the way for Alimkhanuly's championship résumé to carry the day over Bank. Alimkhanuly previously held the WBO middleweight world title, made five successful defenses and unified the WBO and IBF titles by defeating Vincenzo Gualtieri. The WBO also relied heavily on its history of giving established world champions special consideration when moving into an adjacent weight division.
Bank's petition to become mandatory challenger was denied despite the WBO recognizing his activity and victories over former IBF champion William Scull and also Tyron Zeuge. The Committee ultimately concluded that Alimkhanuly's championship experience and accomplishments presented the stronger claim.
The WBO returned to the PED issue in its conclusion, stating that it "does not minimize" Alimkhanuly's anti-doping violation, but emphasizing his cooperation, first-offender status and completion of the terms of his suspension. The Committee concluded that the prior suspension no longer presented an impediment to his eligibility and that it could not impose an additional competitive penalty after the disciplinary conditions had been satisfied.
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Romero: "Teo and I are friends but none of that matters" |
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WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero previewed his showdown against former two-division champion Teofimo Lopez, which will be taking place Saturday, August 22nd headlining a PBC pay-per-view event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. While Romero acknowledges his friendship with Lopez, which includes multiple sparring sessions between the two champions, he made it clear that it won’t have any bearings on the outcome when they go toe-to-toe under the bright lights. “Yeah we’re friends and we know each other’s families, but none of that matters on August 22nd,” said Romero. “I’m looking to be a Hall of Famer, just like Teofimo is. The only way to do that is to go through each other! That’s what’s wrong with boxing nowadays. Everybody wants to be friends, but they’re scared to fight each other and instead forget why we all got into this sport to begin with. That’s to become a legend and one of the best of our generation.”
The Las Vegas-native reached the pinnacle of the sport in just 15 pro fights when he challenged lightweight superstar Gervonta Davis in a 2022 super fight. Despite coming up short against Davis, the 30-year old continued to add accolades, becoming a junior welterweight champion with a ninth-round TKO over Ismael Barroso in 2023.
After losing the title to Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in 2024, Romero got back into the win column later that year against Manuel Jaimes, before making his move to 147 pounds. Once again facing a fellow star, Romero pulled off the upset over Ryan Garcia by dropping him in round two on his way to a unanimous decision victory that earned him the WBA title.
As he heads into another career-defining bout, Romero gives much of the credit to his trainer, the famed Ismael Salas, who invoked a game plan that completely shut out Garcia’s usually prolific power-punching. “To me, Salas is the greatest trainer of all time,” said Romero, who’s had Salas in his corner for his last three bouts. “Who has won world titles with more fighters than Salas? He doesn’t ever get the flowers he deserves when they bring up Trainer of the Year. We’ve always had good chemistry together, like peanut butter and jelly. Salas knows exactly how to train me and what we need to work on to get the win. On August 22, we’re going to prove to everybody why nobody should ever bet against us again.”
In Lopez, Romero is faced with an opponent who has equal his experience in big fights, having stepped in for marquee matchups against Shakur Stevenson, Vasily Lomachenko and Josh Taylor throughout his own world title runs at 135 and 140 pounds. With each fighter bringing top-level pedigree and fan-friendly styles, Romero believes August 22 shapes up to be a memorable night for this era of boxing.
This is going to be an action packed, Fight of the Year kind of fight,” said Romero. “Teo and I are always in entertaining fights. We’re the most entertaining fighters in the world. Definitely the best self-promoters in the world. Nobody can ever say we’re runners or we’re in boring fights like some of these other fighters y’all love to praise. We don’t run, we like to punch. And that’s what y’all can expect on August 22, the biggest fight of the year from the sport’s most entertaining fighters.”
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Romero: "Teo and I are friends but none of that matters"
WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero previewed his showdown against former two-division champion Teofimo Lopez, which will be taking place Saturday, August 22nd headlining a PBC pay-per-view event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. While Romero acknowledges his friendship with Lopez, which includes multiple sparring sessions between the two champions, he made it clear that it won’t have any bearings on the outcome when they go toe-to-toe under the bright lights. “Yeah we’re friends and we know each other’s families, but none of that matters on August 22nd,” said Romero. “I’m looking to be a Hall of Famer, just like Teofimo is. The only way to do that is to go through each other! That’s what’s wrong with boxing nowadays. Everybody wants to be friends, but they’re scared to fight each other and instead forget why we all got into this sport to begin with. That’s to become a legend and one of the best of our generation.”
The Las Vegas-native reached the pinnacle of the sport in just 15 pro fights when he challenged lightweight superstar Gervonta Davis in a 2022 super fight. Despite coming up short against Davis, the 30-year old continued to add accolades, becoming a junior welterweight champion with a ninth-round TKO over Ismael Barroso in 2023.
After losing the title to Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in 2024, Romero got back into the win column later that year against Manuel Jaimes, before making his move to 147 pounds. Once again facing a fellow star, Romero pulled off the upset over Ryan Garcia by dropping him in round two on his way to a unanimous decision victory that earned him the WBA title.
As he heads into another career-defining bout, Romero gives much of the credit to his trainer, the famed Ismael Salas, who invoked a game plan that completely shut out Garcia’s usually prolific power-punching. “To me, Salas is the greatest trainer of all time,” said Romero, who’s had Salas in his corner for his last three bouts. “Who has won world titles with more fighters than Salas? He doesn’t ever get the flowers he deserves when they bring up Trainer of the Year. We’ve always had good chemistry together, like peanut butter and jelly. Salas knows exactly how to train me and what we need to work on to get the win. On August 22, we’re going to prove to everybody why nobody should ever bet against us again.”
In Lopez, Romero is faced with an opponent who has equal his experience in big fights, having stepped in for marquee matchups against Shakur Stevenson, Vasily Lomachenko and Josh Taylor throughout his own world title runs at 135 and 140 pounds. With each fighter bringing top-level pedigree and fan-friendly styles, Romero believes August 22 shapes up to be a memorable night for this era of boxing.
This is going to be an action packed, Fight of the Year kind of fight,” said Romero. “Teo and I are always in entertaining fights. We’re the most entertaining fighters in the world. Definitely the best self-promoters in the world. Nobody can ever say we’re runners or we’re in boring fights like some of these other fighters y’all love to praise. We don’t run, we like to punch. And that’s what y’all can expect on August 22, the biggest fight of the year from the sport’s most entertaining fighters.”
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Undefeated cruisers Hedges and Brown to do battle in September |
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John Hedges went deep behind enemy lines and entered the ‘lion’s den’ in Manchester, England as he met rival Pat Brown at his local for a lively Face-Off. The undefeated cruiserweights collide on Saturday, September 19th at Co-op Live – live worldwide on DAZN – for the vacant British and Commonwealth titles. And Essex boy Hedges warmed up for their huge showdown with an away day to Brown’s home turf in Sale, where he was met by a cauldron of noise generated by a partisan crowd at Early Doors in Sale. Cheered on by his vocal faithful, Paris 2024 Olympian Brown promised to deliver a night they will remember for a long time and win his first major championship since turning professional over a year ago.
Brown (6-0, 6 KOs) said: “This is why I box [for his fans]. All of these people have followed me since I was a kid when I had my first fight at 11 years of age. I cannot wait for September 19th. “All this A-side, B-side stuff. I don’t care. All I care about is a K and an O. The British title is on the line and here we are. We are going to get it on in front of all these people like Donkey Kong. This is true Manchester, and that’s all I care about. I’m a true Manc, born and bread. And this is the sort of fight this city needs.”
But the ‘Gentleman’ Hedges insisted he is coming to Manchester to silence the crowd and take the belts back home to Takeley next month. Hedges said: “This is nice for me. It might sound mad because I’m coming in here and getting booed. But you’re all good, working class people and I love the buzz. This is what I’m about. “I have had 12 fights and had 12 wins. I knew this was going to be in Manchester because it makes sense. And I know I will turn up on September 19 at Co-op Live and get the job done.”
Hedges was joined by his manager Adam Morallee, who reminded Team Brown that his man has not lost a fight since he was an amateur at the age of 15. Morallee said: “John hasn’t lost a fight since the age of 15. He doesn’t know how to lose. You are scared.”
However, Brown’s boxing advisor Sam Jones was unfazed and insisted his man will be roared to victory this September. Jones said: “Pat wins. And once Pat wins in the fashion we all believe he will do, then we can all go out for a nice dinner afterwards.”
You can watch the Face-Off – hosted by SJA Award winning broadcaster, Jamie Ward – in full at midday (BST) today, live on Matchroom Boxing’s official YouTube channel.
Tickets for September 19th at Co-op Live are on sale now.
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Undefeated cruisers Hedges and Brown to do battle in September
John Hedges went deep behind enemy lines and entered the ‘lion’s den’ in Manchester, England as he met rival Pat Brown at his local for a lively Face-Off. The undefeated cruiserweights collide on Saturday, September 19th at Co-op Live – live worldwide on DAZN – for the vacant British and Commonwealth titles. And Essex boy Hedges warmed up for their huge showdown with an away day to Brown’s home turf in Sale, where he was met by a cauldron of noise generated by a partisan crowd at Early Doors in Sale. Cheered on by his vocal faithful, Paris 2024 Olympian Brown promised to deliver a night they will remember for a long time and win his first major championship since turning professional over a year ago.
Brown (6-0, 6 KOs) said: “This is why I box [for his fans]. All of these people have followed me since I was a kid when I had my first fight at 11 years of age. I cannot wait for September 19th. “All this A-side, B-side stuff. I don’t care. All I care about is a K and an O. The British title is on the line and here we are. We are going to get it on in front of all these people like Donkey Kong. This is true Manchester, and that’s all I care about. I’m a true Manc, born and bread. And this is the sort of fight this city needs.”
But the ‘Gentleman’ Hedges insisted he is coming to Manchester to silence the crowd and take the belts back home to Takeley next month. Hedges said: “This is nice for me. It might sound mad because I’m coming in here and getting booed. But you’re all good, working class people and I love the buzz. This is what I’m about. “I have had 12 fights and had 12 wins. I knew this was going to be in Manchester because it makes sense. And I know I will turn up on September 19 at Co-op Live and get the job done.”
Hedges was joined by his manager Adam Morallee, who reminded Team Brown that his man has not lost a fight since he was an amateur at the age of 15. Morallee said: “John hasn’t lost a fight since the age of 15. He doesn’t know how to lose. You are scared.”
However, Brown’s boxing advisor Sam Jones was unfazed and insisted his man will be roared to victory this September. Jones said: “Pat wins. And once Pat wins in the fashion we all believe he will do, then we can all go out for a nice dinner afterwards.”
You can watch the Face-Off – hosted by SJA Award winning broadcaster, Jamie Ward – in full at midday (BST) today, live on Matchroom Boxing’s official YouTube channel.
Tickets for September 19th at Co-op Live are on sale now.
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Weigh-in report from Sugar Land, Texas |
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The official weigh-in was held Thursday for BiYu Promotions' "Fights Under the Lights," which takes place Friday, August 14th, at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas. Roy Jones Jr. and Al Bernstein will call the action alongside Hector Camacho Jr. and Jewry Rodriguez live on a CombatVisionTV.com stream. The main event matches unbeaten light heavyweights Chavon Stillwell (10-0, 8 KOs) and Izaiah Dent (10-0, 9 KOs). In the co-feature, Jahyden Britton (9-0, 6 KOs) meets Bruno Pola Ruiz (11-4-2, 9 KOs). Here are the boxers' official weights:
Chavon Stillwell, 174.8 pounds -vs.- Izaiah Dent, 172.6 (light heavyweight, ten rounds);
Jahyden Britton, 167.4 pounds -vs.- Bruno Pola Ruiz, 167.8 (super middleweight, eight rounds);
Mauro Sierra, 117.4 pounds -vs.- Miguel Menchaca, 118 (super flyweight);
John Torres, 167.8 pounds -vs.- Ryan Adams, 167.8 (super middleweight);
Mauricio Quintanilla, 145 pounds -vs.- Jerrell Mayweather, 146.6 (welterweight);
Joshua Franco, 146.4 pounds -vs.- Roberto Castro, 147 (welterweight);
Daniel Grandy, 135 pounds -vs.- Eduardo Tarango, 134.8 (lightweight);
Steven Grandy, 133.6 pounds -vs.- Gerardo Reyes, 134.6 (lightweight);
Ivan Vasquez, 160 pounds -vs.- Eduy Bernardo, 157.6 (middleweight);
Ty Cassel, 136.8 pounds -vs.- Charles Scott Jr., 137.4 (lightweight); and
Roy Knight, 163.4 pounds -vs.- Bryan Springs, 161.8 (middleweight).
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Weigh-in report from Sugar Land, Texas
The official weigh-in was held Thursday for BiYu Promotions' "Fights Under the Lights," which takes place Friday, August 14th, at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas. Roy Jones Jr. and Al Bernstein will call the action alongside Hector Camacho Jr. and Jewry Rodriguez live on a CombatVisionTV.com stream. The main event matches unbeaten light heavyweights Chavon Stillwell (10-0, 8 KOs) and Izaiah Dent (10-0, 9 KOs). In the co-feature, Jahyden Britton (9-0, 6 KOs) meets Bruno Pola Ruiz (11-4-2, 9 KOs). Here are the boxers' official weights:
Chavon Stillwell, 174.8 pounds -vs.- Izaiah Dent, 172.6 (light heavyweight, ten rounds);
Jahyden Britton, 167.4 pounds -vs.- Bruno Pola Ruiz, 167.8 (super middleweight, eight rounds);
Mauro Sierra, 117.4 pounds -vs.- Miguel Menchaca, 118 (super flyweight);
John Torres, 167.8 pounds -vs.- Ryan Adams, 167.8 (super middleweight);
Mauricio Quintanilla, 145 pounds -vs.- Jerrell Mayweather, 146.6 (welterweight);
Joshua Franco, 146.4 pounds -vs.- Roberto Castro, 147 (welterweight);
Daniel Grandy, 135 pounds -vs.- Eduardo Tarango, 134.8 (lightweight);
Steven Grandy, 133.6 pounds -vs.- Gerardo Reyes, 134.6 (lightweight);
Ivan Vasquez, 160 pounds -vs.- Eduy Bernardo, 157.6 (middleweight);
Ty Cassel, 136.8 pounds -vs.- Charles Scott Jr., 137.4 (lightweight); and
Roy Knight, 163.4 pounds -vs.- Bryan Springs, 161.8 (middleweight).
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Ghana's John Laryea ventures into Buenos Aires for an eliminator |
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The WBA KO Drugs festival returns on Saturday, August 15th at the Casino Buenos Aires in Argentina’s capital. In the main event, Argentine featherweight Adrián Robledo (13-1) will square off against Ghana's John Laryea (17-0-1) in a WBA featherweight title eliminator. The winner will earn a shot at the world title currently held by Brandon Figueroa. Meanwhile, the 154-pound division will see a closely contested showdown as Italy’s Piergiulio Ruhe (19-1) and Venezuela’s David Álvarez (18-0) go head-to-head.
At flyweight, Spanish Olympian Samuel Carmona (20-4 including the World Series of Boxing) will face experienced Venezuelan Josber Pérez (24-4). At junior lighweight, French stylist Sofiane Oumiha (16-1 including the World Series of Boxing) will look to showcase his class against rugged local favorite Freddy Laínez (22-5-1). Ouimha was an Olympic silver medal winner 2024.
At 140 pounds, Uruguay’s Javier Cardozo will face Argentina’s Rubén Muñoz... Meanwhile, at 102 pounds, local fighter Aldana Florencia López will take on Mexico’s Elizabeth Cruz.
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Ghana's John Laryea ventures into Buenos Aires for an eliminator
The WBA KO Drugs festival returns on Saturday, August 15th at the Casino Buenos Aires in Argentina’s capital. In the main event, Argentine featherweight Adrián Robledo (13-1) will square off against Ghana's John Laryea (17-0-1) in a WBA featherweight title eliminator. The winner will earn a shot at the world title currently held by Brandon Figueroa. Meanwhile, the 154-pound division will see a closely contested showdown as Italy’s Piergiulio Ruhe (19-1) and Venezuela’s David Álvarez (18-0) go head-to-head.
At flyweight, Spanish Olympian Samuel Carmona (20-4 including the World Series of Boxing) will face experienced Venezuelan Josber Pérez (24-4). At junior lighweight, French stylist Sofiane Oumiha (16-1 including the World Series of Boxing) will look to showcase his class against rugged local favorite Freddy Laínez (22-5-1). Ouimha was an Olympic silver medal winner 2024.
At 140 pounds, Uruguay’s Javier Cardozo will face Argentina’s Rubén Muñoz... Meanwhile, at 102 pounds, local fighter Aldana Florencia López will take on Mexico’s Elizabeth Cruz.
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Prichard Colon passes away |
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The WBC announced the tragic death of Prichard Colón, about eleven years after he suffered a traumatic brain injury in the boxing ring. After the injury, Colon was unable to speak and required full-time care for the rest of his too-short life. Colon was 34 years old. The WBC wrote, and Boxingtalk agrees, that Colon was a "true warrior whose strength, courage, and fighting spirit inspired people around the world." Boxingtalk sends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Prichard Colon, especially his parents.
FULL TEXT OF WBC ANNOUNCEMENT:
With an heavy heart and immense sadness enveloping the entire international boxing community, the World Boxing Council and its President, Mauricio Sulaimán, mourn the passing of former boxer and icon of bravery, Prichard Colón Meléndez. Today is a day of mourning for Puerto Rico, for the WBC family, and above all, for the Colón family, whose unconditional love was the pillar of one of the most moving and outstandingly brave battles for life the world has ever witnessed.
Born on September 19, 1992, Prichard Colón emerged as one of the most dazzling prospects in Caribbean boxing. Blessed with prodigious technical talent, overflowing charisma, and formidable power, he conquered multiple national amateur championships and a Youth Pan American gold medal before turning professional, where he built an impressive record of 16 wins with 13 knockouts. Prichard didn’t just fight with skill; he fought with the elegance and pride of carrying Puerto Rico’s flag to the greatest heights.
On October 17, 2015, on a fateful night in Fairfax, Virginia, Prichard’s life changed forever after suffering severe, illegal blows to the back of the head during his bout, causing a brain hemorrhage and irreversible neurological damage. Though destiny abruptly snatched away his opportunity to be crowned champion inside the ring, Prichard instantly began the most important fight of all: the fight for survival. Supported every step of the way by the superhuman dedication and tireless love of his parents, Nieves and Richard Colón, the “Champion of the Heart” became a global symbol of resilience, faith, and dignity.
Since that tragic day, the WBC and the global boxing family pledged never to let go of Prichard’s hand or that of his loved ones. In recognition of his indomitable spirit and his family’s relentless fight, the WBC named him Honorary World Champion, presenting him with the iconic Green and Gold belt he always deserved.
Prichard’s tragic accident was not in vain: it inspired the WBC to categorically reinforce safety regulations, driving zero tolerance for blows to the back of the head (rabbit punches) and implementing stricter medical protocols to protect the integrity of all fighters around the globe.
President Mauricio Sulaimán, the Board of Governors, and the entire World Boxing Council family extend their deepest condolences, prayers, and a heartfelt embrace to his parents, family, and the heroic people of Puerto Rico during this time of immeasurable grief.
Prichard Colón suffers no more; as today he has hung up his earthly gloves to rest in eternal peace and strap on the immortal crown reserved for true warriors.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
OCT. 18, 2015.. Prichard Colon came into Saturday's fight in Virginia against Terrel Williams at 16-0, and riding a wave of big-time prospect goodwill. Through four rounds, he was cruising, showing what all the buzz was about. But in the seventh round, Williams had Colon reeling, and he caught the Puerto Rican with a shot to the back of the head as Colon turned away. Williams stunned Prichard Colon with two knockdowns in the ninth, and won via disqualification when Colon was unable to answer the bell for the tenth. Then things got really bad for Colon Following the fight, Colon was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital after complaining of dizziness and fainting and vomiting in his dressing room. [Editor's note: The Washington Post reports that Colon is in a coma, with it being unclear whether coma was medically induced. Colon is a fine human being who loved the sport of boxing. If you believe in the power of prayer, please say one for Prichard and his family.]
Williams, although similarly unbeaten at 14-0 with 12 KOs, was fighting for just the third time after a nearly two-year layoff. At 31, he couldn’t be considered a prospect anymore. But after falling behind through four rounds, he then made up for lost time.
In a fight with many twists and turns, Williams emerged victorious at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, when Colon was disqualified following the ninth round.
Williams gained two late knockdowns of Colon in Round 9, after which Colon's corner began to remove the fighter's gloves. Realizing the mistake, Colon's team hurredly tried to get the gloves back on for the final round, but to no avail. A representative from the Virginia boxing commission instructed referee Joe Cooper to DQ Colon for failing to answer the bell.
Early on, Colon was slick, sharp and easily in control of the distance, picking Williams off with jabs from outside and countering every time he tried to get inside.
But then, in the fifth round, Williams started putting the pressure on and muscling his way in. Colon responded with a low blow that dropped Williams like a cannonball. Cooper ruled the shot intentional and took two points from Colon as Williams writhed on the ground in obvious agony.
Williams was incensed, and he battered Colon over the next two rounds.
In the seventh, Williams had Colon reeling, and he caught the Puerto Rican with a shot to the back of the head as Colon turned away. Colon dropped and clutched his head. For the second time in the fight, Cooper awarded a fighter five minutes to recover from a foul, and Colon took it. Meanwhile, Cooper took a point away from Williams, who argued the penalty.
The break seemed to refresh Colon, who finished the round strong and came back even stronger in the eighth.
In the ninth, Williams got Colon on the ropes and unloaded. Colon dropped and Cooper started counting. Colon got to his feet, but Williams planted and landed a left uppercut to the body that sent Colon sprawling forward. Williams then caught Colon with a right to the back of the head as the 23-year-old Puerto Rican fell to the canvas.
This time, the damage was clear. Colon was blooded and dazed, but he got back on his feet and returned to his corner for Round 10. Once the mix-up with his gloves occurred, however, the fight was over.
"I performed well, and I would have liked to have gotten the TKO, but I got the win, which is the most important thing,” Williams said. “It was a rough-and-tough fight, but I did what I needed to do to win." source: premier boxing champions / washington post
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Prichard Colon passes away
The WBC announced the tragic death of Prichard Colón, about eleven years after he suffered a traumatic brain injury in the boxing ring. After the injury, Colon was unable to speak and required full-time care for the rest of his too-short life. Colon was 34 years old. The WBC wrote, and Boxingtalk agrees, that Colon was a "true warrior whose strength, courage, and fighting spirit inspired people around the world." Boxingtalk sends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Prichard Colon, especially his parents.
FULL TEXT OF WBC ANNOUNCEMENT:
With an heavy heart and immense sadness enveloping the entire international boxing community, the World Boxing Council and its President, Mauricio Sulaimán, mourn the passing of former boxer and icon of bravery, Prichard Colón Meléndez. Today is a day of mourning for Puerto Rico, for the WBC family, and above all, for the Colón family, whose unconditional love was the pillar of one of the most moving and outstandingly brave battles for life the world has ever witnessed.
Born on September 19, 1992, Prichard Colón emerged as one of the most dazzling prospects in Caribbean boxing. Blessed with prodigious technical talent, overflowing charisma, and formidable power, he conquered multiple national amateur championships and a Youth Pan American gold medal before turning professional, where he built an impressive record of 16 wins with 13 knockouts. Prichard didn’t just fight with skill; he fought with the elegance and pride of carrying Puerto Rico’s flag to the greatest heights.
On October 17, 2015, on a fateful night in Fairfax, Virginia, Prichard’s life changed forever after suffering severe, illegal blows to the back of the head during his bout, causing a brain hemorrhage and irreversible neurological damage. Though destiny abruptly snatched away his opportunity to be crowned champion inside the ring, Prichard instantly began the most important fight of all: the fight for survival. Supported every step of the way by the superhuman dedication and tireless love of his parents, Nieves and Richard Colón, the “Champion of the Heart” became a global symbol of resilience, faith, and dignity.
Since that tragic day, the WBC and the global boxing family pledged never to let go of Prichard’s hand or that of his loved ones. In recognition of his indomitable spirit and his family’s relentless fight, the WBC named him Honorary World Champion, presenting him with the iconic Green and Gold belt he always deserved.
Prichard’s tragic accident was not in vain: it inspired the WBC to categorically reinforce safety regulations, driving zero tolerance for blows to the back of the head (rabbit punches) and implementing stricter medical protocols to protect the integrity of all fighters around the globe.
President Mauricio Sulaimán, the Board of Governors, and the entire World Boxing Council family extend their deepest condolences, prayers, and a heartfelt embrace to his parents, family, and the heroic people of Puerto Rico during this time of immeasurable grief.
Prichard Colón suffers no more; as today he has hung up his earthly gloves to rest in eternal peace and strap on the immortal crown reserved for true warriors.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
OCT. 18, 2015.. Prichard Colon came into Saturday's fight in Virginia against Terrel Williams at 16-0, and riding a wave of big-time prospect goodwill. Through four rounds, he was cruising, showing what all the buzz was about. But in the seventh round, Williams had Colon reeling, and he caught the Puerto Rican with a shot to the back of the head as Colon turned away. Williams stunned Prichard Colon with two knockdowns in the ninth, and won via disqualification when Colon was unable to answer the bell for the tenth. Then things got really bad for Colon Following the fight, Colon was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital after complaining of dizziness and fainting and vomiting in his dressing room. [Editor's note: The Washington Post reports that Colon is in a coma, with it being unclear whether coma was medically induced. Colon is a fine human being who loved the sport of boxing. If you believe in the power of prayer, please say one for Prichard and his family.]
Williams, although similarly unbeaten at 14-0 with 12 KOs, was fighting for just the third time after a nearly two-year layoff. At 31, he couldn’t be considered a prospect anymore. But after falling behind through four rounds, he then made up for lost time.
In a fight with many twists and turns, Williams emerged victorious at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, when Colon was disqualified following the ninth round.
Williams gained two late knockdowns of Colon in Round 9, after which Colon's corner began to remove the fighter's gloves. Realizing the mistake, Colon's team hurredly tried to get the gloves back on for the final round, but to no avail. A representative from the Virginia boxing commission instructed referee Joe Cooper to DQ Colon for failing to answer the bell.
Early on, Colon was slick, sharp and easily in control of the distance, picking Williams off with jabs from outside and countering every time he tried to get inside.
But then, in the fifth round, Williams started putting the pressure on and muscling his way in. Colon responded with a low blow that dropped Williams like a cannonball. Cooper ruled the shot intentional and took two points from Colon as Williams writhed on the ground in obvious agony.
Williams was incensed, and he battered Colon over the next two rounds.
In the seventh, Williams had Colon reeling, and he caught the Puerto Rican with a shot to the back of the head as Colon turned away. Colon dropped and clutched his head. For the second time in the fight, Cooper awarded a fighter five minutes to recover from a foul, and Colon took it. Meanwhile, Cooper took a point away from Williams, who argued the penalty.
The break seemed to refresh Colon, who finished the round strong and came back even stronger in the eighth.
In the ninth, Williams got Colon on the ropes and unloaded. Colon dropped and Cooper started counting. Colon got to his feet, but Williams planted and landed a left uppercut to the body that sent Colon sprawling forward. Williams then caught Colon with a right to the back of the head as the 23-year-old Puerto Rican fell to the canvas.
This time, the damage was clear. Colon was blooded and dazed, but he got back on his feet and returned to his corner for Round 10. Once the mix-up with his gloves occurred, however, the fight was over.
"I performed well, and I would have liked to have gotten the TKO, but I got the win, which is the most important thing,” Williams said. “It was a rough-and-tough fight, but I did what I needed to do to win." source: premier boxing champions / washington post
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Rahman comeback opponent named |
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Former world heavyweight champion Hasim "The Rock" Rahman will begin his comeback against 40 year-old Phillip Triantafillo on Thursday, September 24th at the Hammond Sportsplex in Hammond, Indiana. The six-round fight The fight will be streamed world-wide on Combat Sports Now and is presented by Trojen Fight League. Triantafillo of Los Angles is 4-4 with one knockout. He is coming off a win over Ryan Diaz in December and has also faced former IBF heavyweight title holder Charles Martin, who stopped Triantafillo in two rounds back in 2013. Rahman, now age 53, will be making his first ring appearance in just over twelve-years. His record stands at 50-9-2 with 41 knockouts. Rahman became heavyweight champion when he knocked out Lennox Lewis on April 27, 2001. Rahman had a second reign when he won the vacant WBC title on August 13, 2005 when he won a unanimous decision over Monte Barrett.
"I am excited to be starting this journey to make history. I am still in good shape and continued to stay in the gym during my time away from the sport. I feel with a few fights, that I can get in position for a major opportunity to make history. We had a brief hiccup as we wanted to start this in Rochester, New York, but we will start this in Indiana and I am ready to show the world that I still have the ability to compete, at the highest level. I want to give thanks to Joe Fantauzzo and J-Payne Promotions for believing in me and supporting this historical run," said Rahman.
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Rahman comeback opponent named
Former world heavyweight champion Hasim "The Rock" Rahman will begin his comeback against 40 year-old Phillip Triantafillo on Thursday, September 24th at the Hammond Sportsplex in Hammond, Indiana. The six-round fight The fight will be streamed world-wide on Combat Sports Now and is presented by Trojen Fight League. Triantafillo of Los Angles is 4-4 with one knockout. He is coming off a win over Ryan Diaz in December and has also faced former IBF heavyweight title holder Charles Martin, who stopped Triantafillo in two rounds back in 2013. Rahman, now age 53, will be making his first ring appearance in just over twelve-years. His record stands at 50-9-2 with 41 knockouts. Rahman became heavyweight champion when he knocked out Lennox Lewis on April 27, 2001. Rahman had a second reign when he won the vacant WBC title on August 13, 2005 when he won a unanimous decision over Monte Barrett.
"I am excited to be starting this journey to make history. I am still in good shape and continued to stay in the gym during my time away from the sport. I feel with a few fights, that I can get in position for a major opportunity to make history. We had a brief hiccup as we wanted to start this in Rochester, New York, but we will start this in Indiana and I am ready to show the world that I still have the ability to compete, at the highest level. I want to give thanks to Joe Fantauzzo and J-Payne Promotions for believing in me and supporting this historical run," said Rahman.
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Triple A books 24-bout show on Saturday in San Antonio |
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Triple A Promotions is looking to end the summer with a bang, presenting a day of both amatuer and professional boxing this Saturday night (August 15th) at The Shrine in San Antonio, Texas. There will be fifteen amateur bouts starting at 1PM that showcase gyms from all throughout South Texas. The professional portion of the show will feature nine bouts including San Antonio's own Javier Fernandez (20-0, 9 KOs) taking on Bryan Rodriguez (8-2, 1 KO) of the Rio Grande Valley in a eight-round junior lightweight showdown. The undefeated Fernandez is considered to be the next big thing from the Alamo City behind Marrio Barrios and Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez. The show will also feature a female bout with Lizzete Ramos of San Antonio taking on Naomi Pulliam of Kalamazoo, Michigan over four rounds and minimumweight. The chief support will pit super bantamweight Eric Messer of Killeen, TX in his pro debut against Santiago Vasquez (3-0, 2 KOs) of Poteet, TX, also set for four rounds. Cesar Cantu (3-5-2, 1 KO) of Weslaco, TX will tussle with Aseel Martinez (7-1-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio in a four-round lightweight bout. Boxingtalk's Christian Schmidt will be the ring announcer. This event will not be streamed. The opening bell for the professional bouts will be at 7:30PM. Tickets can be purchased by calling (210) 605-8933.
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Triple A books 24-bout show on Saturday in San Antonio
Triple A Promotions is looking to end the summer with a bang, presenting a day of both amatuer and professional boxing this Saturday night (August 15th) at The Shrine in San Antonio, Texas. There will be fifteen amateur bouts starting at 1PM that showcase gyms from all throughout South Texas. The professional portion of the show will feature nine bouts including San Antonio's own Javier Fernandez (20-0, 9 KOs) taking on Bryan Rodriguez (8-2, 1 KO) of the Rio Grande Valley in a eight-round junior lightweight showdown. The undefeated Fernandez is considered to be the next big thing from the Alamo City behind Marrio Barrios and Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez. The show will also feature a female bout with Lizzete Ramos of San Antonio taking on Naomi Pulliam of Kalamazoo, Michigan over four rounds and minimumweight. The chief support will pit super bantamweight Eric Messer of Killeen, TX in his pro debut against Santiago Vasquez (3-0, 2 KOs) of Poteet, TX, also set for four rounds. Cesar Cantu (3-5-2, 1 KO) of Weslaco, TX will tussle with Aseel Martinez (7-1-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio in a four-round lightweight bout. Boxingtalk's Christian Schmidt will be the ring announcer. This event will not be streamed. The opening bell for the professional bouts will be at 7:30PM. Tickets can be purchased by calling (210) 605-8933.
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Interim title up for grabs in Mexicali |
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This Friday, August 14th, the city of Mexicali, Baja California, will roll out the red carpet for a compelling championship showdown as Alma Meraz Rodríguez and hard-charging Elizabeth López Corzo go toe-to-toe for the WBA interim light flyweight world championship. (The main WBA champion on the division is Estefany Alegria Osorio). Rodríguez (11-4-2) will step through the ropes with the full backing of her hometown crowd in the capital of Baja California. Meraz is known for her highly disciplined boxing style, precise use of the long jab to control distance and fluid footwork that allows her to evade incoming attacks before firing back with effective counters. For the local fighter, the key in Mexicali will be maintaining her tactical composure, controlling the pace from long range and capitalizing on defensive openings to build a clear lead on the scorecards from the early rounds.
Standing across the ring will be Corzo (12-8-5), a strong fighter who brings an aggressive style and relentless pressure. López will arrive in Mexicali intent on constantly pressing forward, cutting off the ring to neutralize Meraz’s movement and forcing exchanges at close range, where her body hooks can steadily wear down opponents as the fight progresses. Defensive discipline and command of space during the championship rounds could prove decisive in determining the fate of the 108-pound crown.
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Interim title up for grabs in Mexicali
This Friday, August 14th, the city of Mexicali, Baja California, will roll out the red carpet for a compelling championship showdown as Alma Meraz Rodríguez and hard-charging Elizabeth López Corzo go toe-to-toe for the WBA interim light flyweight world championship. (The main WBA champion on the division is Estefany Alegria Osorio). Rodríguez (11-4-2) will step through the ropes with the full backing of her hometown crowd in the capital of Baja California. Meraz is known for her highly disciplined boxing style, precise use of the long jab to control distance and fluid footwork that allows her to evade incoming attacks before firing back with effective counters. For the local fighter, the key in Mexicali will be maintaining her tactical composure, controlling the pace from long range and capitalizing on defensive openings to build a clear lead on the scorecards from the early rounds.
Standing across the ring will be Corzo (12-8-5), a strong fighter who brings an aggressive style and relentless pressure. López will arrive in Mexicali intent on constantly pressing forward, cutting off the ring to neutralize Meraz’s movement and forcing exchanges at close range, where her body hooks can steadily wear down opponents as the fight progresses. Defensive discipline and command of space during the championship rounds could prove decisive in determining the fate of the 108-pound crown.
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Mironchikov vs. Bizhamov should be a good one |
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Serbian super middleweight Vladimir Mironchikov (8-0) believes boxing fans are in for a night of high-calibre action at IBA Pro on August 14th in Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia. He will be competing in the headline bout against Djambulat Bizhamov of Russia in a ten-round clash. Bizhamov enters the tournament with a 5-0 professional record (including IBA Pro bouts) as one of the most decorated boxers on the card. Over the past five years, the Russian has claimed gold at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships alongside silver medals at both the European and World Championships.
Mironchikov's 8-0 record includes a win over former WBO title challenger Walter Kautondakwa. “I believe our fight will be the best on the card. Even by [world class] Russian boxing standards, there haven’t been fights like this in a long time,” Mironchikov said. “I prepared specifically for Djambulat. He is an excellent boxer. It will be a great 10-round professional duel. Come and support us and watch some beautiful boxing.”
“I have been living with this kind of pressure for a long time, so there is no psychological burden. I am used to people always expecting me to win. Naturally, my mindset is always to win,” Bizhamov said.
The show will also feature Russian super middleweight Sergey Sergeev. For the 25 year-old, this will be much more than another professional appearance: the Naberezhnye Chelny native will step into the ring in front of his hometown crowd for the very first time. Sergeev is a gold medallist at the 2024 BRICS Games, and the Russian champion and 2026 Russian Cup winner. He has won both of his professional contests inside the distance. “This is huge motivation and a big responsibility, but also a great joy for me. I will be thrilled to see everyone in the stands and hear my name called,” Sergeev said. “This tournament is a major step forward for boxing in Chelny. People will see that we have a strong boxing culture here with incredible talent. The younger generation looks up to me and wants to take up the sport. They can see that boxing offers a livelihood, helps you earn a living, and gives you an opportunity to develop.”
Sergeev will face Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov in a six-round bout for the Mayor’s Cup. Salimov won silver at the 2022 Asian U22 Championships, competed at two IBA world amateur championships and reached the quarter-finals at the 2023 World Championships in Dubai, where he was stopped by two-time Olympic champion Arlen Lopez. The Tajik boxer also holds two victories under the IBA Pro banner.
“You cannot underestimate your opponent,” Sergeev added. “He has competed at two World Championships and reached the quarter-finals. I think fans will see a highly competitive and entertaining fight. I am 100 per cent ready. I spent a month and a half preparing and gave everything in training so I wouldn’t let the people of Chelny down.”
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Mironchikov vs. Bizhamov should be a good one
Serbian super middleweight Vladimir Mironchikov (8-0) believes boxing fans are in for a night of high-calibre action at IBA Pro on August 14th in Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia. He will be competing in the headline bout against Djambulat Bizhamov of Russia in a ten-round clash. Bizhamov enters the tournament with a 5-0 professional record (including IBA Pro bouts) as one of the most decorated boxers on the card. Over the past five years, the Russian has claimed gold at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships alongside silver medals at both the European and World Championships.
Mironchikov's 8-0 record includes a win over former WBO title challenger Walter Kautondakwa. “I believe our fight will be the best on the card. Even by [world class] Russian boxing standards, there haven’t been fights like this in a long time,” Mironchikov said. “I prepared specifically for Djambulat. He is an excellent boxer. It will be a great 10-round professional duel. Come and support us and watch some beautiful boxing.”
“I have been living with this kind of pressure for a long time, so there is no psychological burden. I am used to people always expecting me to win. Naturally, my mindset is always to win,” Bizhamov said.
The show will also feature Russian super middleweight Sergey Sergeev. For the 25 year-old, this will be much more than another professional appearance: the Naberezhnye Chelny native will step into the ring in front of his hometown crowd for the very first time. Sergeev is a gold medallist at the 2024 BRICS Games, and the Russian champion and 2026 Russian Cup winner. He has won both of his professional contests inside the distance. “This is huge motivation and a big responsibility, but also a great joy for me. I will be thrilled to see everyone in the stands and hear my name called,” Sergeev said. “This tournament is a major step forward for boxing in Chelny. People will see that we have a strong boxing culture here with incredible talent. The younger generation looks up to me and wants to take up the sport. They can see that boxing offers a livelihood, helps you earn a living, and gives you an opportunity to develop.”
Sergeev will face Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov in a six-round bout for the Mayor’s Cup. Salimov won silver at the 2022 Asian U22 Championships, competed at two IBA world amateur championships and reached the quarter-finals at the 2023 World Championships in Dubai, where he was stopped by two-time Olympic champion Arlen Lopez. The Tajik boxer also holds two victories under the IBA Pro banner.
“You cannot underestimate your opponent,” Sergeev added. “He has competed at two World Championships and reached the quarter-finals. I think fans will see a highly competitive and entertaining fight. I am 100 per cent ready. I spent a month and a half preparing and gave everything in training so I wouldn’t let the people of Chelny down.”
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