Junior lightweight title overview |
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Here is a look at the recent lineage of the four major championships in the junior lightweight (130-pound) weight class. The current champions are Emanuel Navarrete (WBO / IBF), O'Shaquie Foster (WBC) and James Dickens (WBA). On March 14th, Dickens faces Anthony Cacace, who won the IBF title in 2024, then vacated it and hasn't lost since. Cacace is recognized as the IBO champion. Boxingtalk will be updating and expanding this recent history of the junior lightweight division from time to time.
MARCH 1, 2026 / WBO & IBF: Emanuel Navarrete unified the junior lightweight crowns with a TKO triumph over now former-IBF champion Eduardo Nunez. The pair arrived at Glendale, Arizona's's Desert Diamond Arena each seeking a second strap amid a crowded division scene. But it was Navarrete who added the additional belt to his collection, with an assured performance. A series of heavy blows in the ninth round damaged Nunez, forcing the doctors to check in on him before the contest was allowed to continue. Navarrete, already a three-weight champion, exploited the issue however, leaving his foe with swollen eyes. The contest was waved off shortly after. Now a two-belt champ and already a three-division champ, the win inches Navarrete closer to Hall of Fame credentials.
WBA / DEC. 8, 2025: James "Jazza" Dickens (36-5) reported that the WBA has promoted him from interim junior lightweight champion to junior lighweight champion. The upgrade was made possible by the WBA unfairly stripping Lamont Roach of the WBA junior lightweight championship. On Saturday, Roach fought Isaac Cruz at junior welterweight in a fight that was scored a draw. The WBA then immediately stripped him, although in other cases, it has allowed boxers to retain their title while fighting at a higher weight. Dickens wrote, "Today I became WBA world champion. The second longest ever wait (14 years, 319 days) after Archie Moore (17 years). No help from promoter, TV network, steroids, no mention from British media. Just a small team of good people, guided by god! Praise be to the king of kings Jesus Christ!"
DEC. 7, 2025 / WBC: On the PBC pay-per-view show in San Antonio, reigning WBC junior lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster (24-3, 12 KOs), fighting at lightweight, dominated on his way to a unanimous decision over former two-division champion Stephen Fulton Jr. (23-2, 8 KOs). After twelve rounds the judges scored the fight 119-109, 118-110 and 117-111, all for Foster. The win added the questionable WBC interim lightweight title to Foster's collection, although he remains the WBC's 130-pound champion. Fulton came in two pounds above the 130-pound weight limit and the WBC shockingly accomodated this failure by creating the interim title yesterday.
WBA INTERIM / JULY 2, 2025: In an upset, British veteran James “Jazza” Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) handed 2021 Olympic champion Albert Batyrgaziev (14-1 including IBA pro fights) his first professional loss with a stunning knockout victory to claim the WBA interim junior lightweight world title. The bout headlined Wednesday night’s IBA card at the Rixos Tersane in Istanbul. The finish was as dramatic as it was decisive. Dickens, age 34 and a former IBO featherweight titleholder, timed a perfect combination in the fourth round that left Russian Batyrgaziev unable to respond, forcing his corner to throw in the towel after two knockdowns. Up until that moment, the fight had been tightly contested. Batyrgaziev showcased his usual precision and range control, while Dickens pressed forward, banking on pressure and attrition. But in the fourth, the Liverpool native found the moment he was looking for. A sharp left hook followed by a straight right hand that sent Batyrgaziev to the canvas for the first time in his professional career.
IBF / MAY 28, 2025: In Yokohama, Japan, Eduardo Nunez of Mexico beat Masanori Rikiishi to claim the vacant IBF junior lightweight title over twelve rounds. Nunez picked up the unanimous decision win with the scorecards reading 115-113, 116-112 and 117-111. Nunez is now 28-1 with 27 KOs, meaning this was the first fight he won by decision. The title was vacated by Anthony Cacace, who chose to fight former featherweight titlist Leigh Wood rather than Nunez.
WBO / MAY 10, 2025: Emanuel Navarrete controversially retained his WBO junior lightweight world title Saturday evening with an eighth-round technical decision over Filipino contender Charly Suarez. The fight was halted early due to a cut over Navarrete’s left eye, which referee Edward Collantes ruled was caused by an accidental headbutt. However, instant replay showed Suarez landed a punch just before Suarez's follow through caused a very slight clash of heads. It was difficult to tell whether the punch or the head caused the cut, and the California State Athletic Commission conducted an instant replay review. Boxingtalk is of the opinion that the punch caused the cut, which would have given Suarez the championship by TKO. It was a very difficult decision to make, and Suarez deserves a rematch. The headbutt ruling meant that the winner wouldbe determined on the scorecards. Navarrete prevailed by scores of 77-76 (twice) and 78-75.
IBO / MAY 10, 2025: Ex-IBF junior lightweight champion Anthony Cacace has seemingly brought an end to Leigh Wood's career after stopping the former WBA featherweight champion in round nine in Nottingham, England. The end came with Wood runing away from Cacace and the towel flying in from Wood's corner. Cacace (24-1) retained his IBO junior lightweight title, and now has dispatched Joe Cordina, Josh Warrington and Wood in his last three outings. Wood is now 28-4.
WBA / MARCH 23, 2025: In front of a sold-out crowd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, amateur rivals Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont “The Reaper” Roach engaged in an exciting lightweight brawl over twelve competitive rounds that ended was scored a draw. The outcome of the fight was swayed by a missed knockdown call when Davis took a knee. It was a slow-paced fight early on, but built to a crescendo by the end, as Roach withstood Davis' power and fearlessly battled back in the exchanges, sometimes getting the better of them. As usual, the southpaw Davis’ punch output was measured at first then increased round by round, whether planting straight lefts to the body or letting Roach lead so he could launch a powerful counter attack. Roach, who remains the reigning WBA junior lightweight champion, earned the respect of fans and pundits alike.
IBF / FEB 1, 2025: Anthony Cacace has vacated the IBF 130-pound title to avoid facing his mandatory contender, Mexico's Eduardo Nunez. Here is how Cacace defended the move: "Becoming a world champion was an absolute dream and incredibly proud moment for me. However, at this stage of my career, I only want the biggest fights possible, regardless of the belt on the line. I’m a prize fighter, and my aim is now to secure mine and families future, and to create a legacy for myself in boxing by being involved in massive fights that fans will remember. I look forward to announcing my next fight very soon."
WBO / DEC. 8, 2024: In Phoenix, Emanuel Navarrete stopped Oscar Valdez in round six with a left hook to the body, retaining his WBO junior lightweight world title. Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) had already bested Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) once, by decision in August 2023, but this time, the fighting pride of Nogales, Mexico, did not see the final bell. Navarrete knocked down Valdez three times, including at the end of the opening round. While Valdez succeeded in small pockets, the three-division champion landed the harder, more telling blows. It was a return to form for Navarrete, who bounced back from May's decision loss to Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight title. He came back to the junior lightweight ranks and used his awkward style and looping punches to once again blunt Valdez's aggression.
WBC / NOV. 3, 2024: O'Shaquie Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) is now a two-time junior lightweight champion. Foster regained the WBC world title with a split decision victory over Robson Conceição (19-3-1, 9 KOs) on Saturday evening at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Two judges scored it 115-113 for Foster, while one scored it 115-113 for Conceição. Conceição dethroned Foster with a hard-fought verdict in July, prompting the rematch less than four months later. By the seventh, Foster began to wear down Conceição. The Brazilian fired back, but Foster consistently defended against Conceição’s right hand, countering sharply with a right of his own. In the tenth, Foster buzzed Conceição with a one-two, but Conceição survived before trading blows in the championship rounds.
WBC / JULY 26, 2024: The WBC Board of Governors has ordered a direct rematch between WBC 130-pound champion Robson Conceciao and the man he controversially beat for the title last month, former champ O'Shaquie Foster. On July 6th, Conceicao upset Foster by split decision to win the WBC title in a tactical affair. Conceicao fell short in world title bids three times before but this time, the judges though he did just enough to win. The verdict that sparked immediate debate. Conceicao (19-2-1, 9 KOs) prevailed by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Foster held a 116-112 edge on the third card. Boxingtalk reviewed the fight and scored it 115-113 for Foster.
IBF / MAY 19, 2024: Anthony Cacace (22-1, 8 KOs) is now the IBF champion after stopping Wales' Joe Cordina (17-1, 9 KOs) in round eight in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. Cacace, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, became a world champion at the advanced age of 35. Punchstats credited Cacace with outlanding Cordina, 282 punches to 113. Cacace was breaking down Cordina against the ropes when the referee delcared the bout over and Cacace the new champion.
WBO / MAY 19, 2024: He tried moving up to 135 pounds, but Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) failed in his attempt to become a four-division champion.On the same day Oleksandr Usyk captured the undisputed world heavyweight championsip, Usyk's 2012 Olympic temmate, Denys Berinchyk defeated Navarrete by split decision to win the vacant WBO lightweight world title in San Diego. Berinchyk prevailed by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Navarrete won the third card, 116-112. Navarrete remains the WBO 130-pound champion.
WBA / NOV. 26, 2023: In Las Vegas, Lamont Roach wrested away Héctor García’s WBA super featherweight title in his second attempt at a belt. Roach dropped García in the twelfth round and wound up winning a split decision by scores of 116-111, 114-113 and 113-114 in a technical and strategic fight. [The result is controversial as Roach appeared to knock Garcia down with an improper blow to the back of the head]. The knockdown caused the WBA title to change hands as it allowed Roach to avoid a split-draw. The punch in question was a the left hook that landed with 1:20 left in the fight and drove García into the canvas for the second time in his career. In 2019, Roach came up short in his first title shot against Jamel Herring, also a southpaw
WBO / NOV. 16, 2023... Robson Conceicao of Brazil showed incredible heart, battling through two knockdowns and an apparent broken nose to get a draw against WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete. Conceicao, age 35, is a three-time Olympian, gold medal winner and three time world title challenger. After a legitimate loss to Shakur Stevenson and a controversial one to Oscar Valdez in prior title fights, Conceicao was all smiles after the bruising stalemate. Official scores were 113-113 (twice) and 114-112 (Navarrete). With the draw, Navarrete retains his title.
IBF / NOV. 4, 2023: The IBF 130-pound title remained with Joe Cordina of Wales who edged Edward Vazquez of Texas via a debatable majority decision. After twelve exciting and very competitive rounds in Monte Carlo, the three neutral judges scored it 114-114 and 116-112 (twice) for Cordina. Now 19-2 including the World Series of Boxing, Cordina is regarded as one of the best British fighters today and is a two-time champion. Cordina's first reign ended due to injury, and both of his losses date back to the Word Series of Boxing. Vazquez returns to Texas at 15-2, with both losses being controversial. Most feel Vazquez was robbed against Raymond Ford in 2022.
WBC / OCT. 29, 2023: O'Shaquie Foster was in position to lose by split decision before gaining a thrilling twelfth-round technical knockout victory over Eduardo Hernandez on Saturday. Fighting a Mexican in Cancun, Mexico, Foster and Hernandez went to war in round eleven. Foster was then three minutes away from losing his title to some very bad judging, as he entered the final round trailing on two of the official scorecards by 110-99 and 107-102. Foster led on the third scorecard by 106-103 but that would not have been enought to save his title. So he came out aggressively and kept his WBC super featherweight championship by knocking Hernandez down and then stopping him. It was dramatic stuff from the Houston resident, who is now 21-2 on ths his career. Boxingtalk salutes Hernandez, who is now 34-2, as well as Foster.
WBO / AUG. 12, 2023: Emanuel Navarrete defeated former two-division champion Oscar Valdez in a classic Mexican war held in Glendale, Arizona. Navarrete, a three-division champion, retained the WBO junior lightweight championship by unanimous decision. The official scores were 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109. Navarrete threw 1038 punches according to Compubox, outlanding Valdez 216-140. Valdez finished with swelling plus a deep bruise under his right eye. Valdez has now failed in his last two title fights, vs. Shakur Stevenson and now Navarrete.
IBF/ APRIL 24, 2023: Joe Cordina became a two-time IBF 130-pound champion, winning a unanimous decision over Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in a thriller of a bout held in Cordina's native Wales. The two men both entered the fight undefeated, as Cordina briefly held the title last year but had to give it up due to injury. The vacant belt was then won by Rakhimov last November, setting up Saturday's match
WBC / FEB. 12, 2023: With the words “ice water” and “shock the world” etched on his trunks, O’Shaquie Foster produced the fight of his life, coolly and methodically outboxing two-division champion Rey Vargas to capture the vacant WBC junior lightweight championship in his first title shot at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Foster, who normally switches to southpaw in his fights, fought orthodox for the entire twelve rounds with the objective of befuddling Vargas. He won by scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 119-109 in a dominant, albeit very competitive win. “I can’t put it into words (what this means),” Foster said in the ring afterward. “I know my mom, my uncle, my grandpa, they are all looking down on me.” Vargas was returning to the Alamodome after winning the WBC featherweight championship in his last bout with a decision victory over Mark Magsayo at the same venue last July. He still holds that title, so a return to 126 pounds may be in the cards for Vargas.
WBO / FEB. 4, 2023: In Glendale, Arizona, Mexico's Emanuel Navarrete (37-1) survived a knockdown and stopped Australia's Liam Wilson (11-2) in a thriller to earn the vacant WBO 130-pound championship. By claiming the title recently vacated by Shakur Stevenson, Navarrete become a three-division champion. Though Wilson lost, he established himself as a skillful and exciting boxer, and earned a return invitiation to the world stage. In round four, Navarrete was knocked down for the first time in his career. As Navarrete lunged forward with a punch, Wilson caught him with a combination that floored and hurt Navarrete. Luckily for him, Navarrete got critical extra seconds of recovery time as his mouth piece needed to be replaced, and Navarrete struggled to put in correctly. Round seven saw Navarrete swing the momentum his way, as blood began to flow freely from Wilson's nose. In round eight, Wilson appeared to be fighting the wrong kind of fight, looking for one big shot while Navarrete landed multiple blows upstairs and downstairs. Navarrete's body work paid off in round nine, as he knocked down Wilson in the first minute with a one-two combination. Wilson got up, but was clearly drained. He absorbed a lot of hard punches, stumbled badly in the middle of the ring, and seemed unable to tie up Navarrete up. When Navarrete trapped Wilson against the rope and began raining in punches, the referee had no choice but to stop the bout.
WBA / JAN. 8, 2023: In Washington D.C., Gervonta Davis defeated WBA 130-pound champion Hector Luis Garcia in a 135-pound bout in which Garcia's title was not at stake. Davis' feared punching power did not produce the knockout the fans were looking for, but it nonetheless proved to be Garcia's undoing. After seven competitive rounds, Davis began consistently landing power punches in round eight. Garcia was staggered but survived until the end of the round. Garcia was guided back to his corner in clear distress and told trainer Bob Santos he could not see. Garcia did not come out for round ten, and Davis was the winner by technical knockout. Davis remains the WBA regular title holder in the lightweight division, while the battered Garcia also retains the WBA junior lightweight title, which was not on the line because this was a lightweight bout. Davis led the cards at the time of the stoppage, 78-74 (twice) and 79-73. Punchstats gave Davis the lead in punches landed, 99-55.
IBF / NOV 6, 2022: In Abu Dhabi, Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov won the vacant IBF 130-pound title after the IBF stripped Joe Cordina for having hand surgery. Rakhimov defeated Zelfa Barrett by ninth-round technical knockout. The new champ is from Tajikistan and boasts a pro record of 16-0-1 with the draw coming in a prior IBF title shot vs. Joseph "JoJo" Diaz last year. Barrett was doing well in the fight as a whole, even knocking Rakhimov down with a huge uppercut early in the contest. But according to DAZN, something happened in the ninth round and Barrett's leg appeared to be injured. It looked like Barrett couldn't put full weight on his right leg, and Rakhimov took advantage with a flurry of hard shots to knock Barrett down twice. At the point the fight was stopped, the referee did not administer a count, although Barrett's corner was ready to throw in the towel. The British Barrett is now 28-2.
IBF / OCT. 5, 2022: Joe Cordina had this to say about getting stripped by the IBF of his 130-pound championship because he had hand surgery (he posted a picture on social media to prove it): "Absolutely gutted. Worked my whole life to become a world champion and I haven’t even had the chance to defend the title Feel like I’ve been robbed !!" Zelfa Barrett will face Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov for the vacant IBF 130-pound championship on a Matchroom show at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5th. Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) gets a second opportunity to fight for the 130-pound crown following his draw with an overweight Joseph Diaz last year.
WBC & WBO / SEPT. 23, 2022: At Thursday's weigh-in in Newark, New Jersey, hometown hero Shakur Stevenson could not get below 131.6 pounds, and therefore lost the WBO and WBC 130-pound championships on the scale. His ESPN main event vs. Robson Conceição is still on, with the Brazilian challenger still eligible to win the titles. If Stevenson wins the twelve-round bout, the two titles become vacant. Conceição made weight with a bit to spare at 129.6. [Stevenson won the fight, so the titles remained vacant until February 2023 when O'Shaquie Foster defeated Rey Vargas for the WBC and Emanuel Navarrete stopped Liam WIlson for the WBO].
WBA / AUG. 21, 2022: Hector Luis Garcia of the Dominican Republic dethroned Roger Gutierrez for the WBA 130-pound championship. From San Juan de la Maguana, Garcia (16-0) proved that his dominant win against Chris Colbert in February wasn’t a fluke. Garcia, a former Olympian, dictated the action and survived a late rally to wrest the WBA title from Gutierrez via unanimous decision. Scores were 117-111 (twice) and 118-110.
IBF / JUNE 4, 2022: Wales has a new world champion as Joe Cordina had a dream-come-true moment in Cardiff. Fightng in front of a passionate hometown crowd, Cordina claimed the IBF 130-pound championship from Japan's Kenichi Ogawa with a turn-out-the-lights right hand. The one-punch, knockout-of-the-year candidate came in round two and saw Ogawa struggling to stand up, only to fall back down as the referee reched the ten count. Cordina was outboxed in the first round, but he made it all irrelevant with one punch a round later. He's been credited as the 13th world champion from Wales. Cordina is listed as 15-0, but Boxingtalk recognizes the World Series of Boxing as professional, so we report him as 17-1. Ogawa, a former drug cheat in 2017, is now 26-2-1.
WBC & WBO / MAY 21, 2022: WBO junior lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson unified two titles when he outboxed WBC champion Oscar Valdez via unanimous decision on Saturday in front of 10,102 fans in Las Vegas. After twelve rounds, the judges declared Newark, New Jersey's Stevenson the winner by scores of 118-109 (twice) and 117-110. Stevenson (20-0 including the World Series of Boxing) established the southpaw jab in the early going, and Valdez (30-1, 23 KOs) could not get his offense going outside of pockets of success in the third round. In the sixth, Stevenson spun Valdez into the ropes and knocked him down with a right hand. It was all Stevenson in the second half of the fight, who built an insurmountable lead on the cards. Valdez won the final round on all three judges' cards, but it was too little, too late.
IBF / NOV. 21, 2021... In the Madison Square Garden co-feature, Japan's Kenichi Ogawa became the new IBF super featherweight champion, dropping South Africa's Azinga Fuzile three times on the way to a unanimous decision. Official scores were 115-110 (twice) and 114-111 for Ogawa to claim the vacant title. A former drug cheat, Ogawa is now 26-1-1 but also has a no contest after testing positive in a fight vs. Tevin Farmer in 2017. Fuzile is now 15-2. The title became vacant ealier this year when JoJo Diaz failed to make the 130-pound limit for a fight.
WBO / OCT. 24, 2021: In Atlanta, Shakur Stevenson stopped Jamel Herring (23-3, 11 KOs) on cuts in round ten to become the new WBO junior lightweight champion. There were no knockdowns, but Herring was well behind on the cards and a cut over his left eye was rapidly worsening from Stevenson's punches. Although he was not badly hurt, Herring did not complain much about referee Mark Nelson's stoppage. The undefeated Stevenson is now a two-division title holder (as well as an Olympic silver medalist), having previously won a featherweight title before moving up in weight. As soon as the fight ended, talk began about Stevenson's next foe. The top name on his list is the WBC champion at 130 pounds, Mexico's Oscar Valdez.
WBC / SEPT. 11, 2021: In Tucson, Arizona, WBC 130-pound champion Oscar Valdez started slow but got some home cooking to help him remain a champion. Robson Conceicao was fighting the fight of his life, likely winning the first five rounds although not getting credit from the judges for it. The champion then turned it around. Valdez retained his title Friday evening with a unanimous decision over 2016 Brazilian Olympian gold medalist Conceicao. Official scores were 115-112 (twice) and a corrupt or incompetent 117-110. [Punchstat numbers favored Conceicao widely, 141 punches landed to 83. Valdez's face was completely marked up from the punches he absorbed. The referee did his part to assist Valdez by making a ridiculous and unjustified point deduction againt the challenger for a minor tap to the back of the head. Not even a warning for Conceicao but Valdez did the same thing and suffered no penalty. Valdez probably should not have even been allowed to fight, as he tested positive for a VADA-banned substance last week.
WBO / APRIL 23, 2021: Jamel Herring stops and retires the respected Carl Frampton a former two-division champion. With the win, Herring retained his WBO championship.
WBC / FEB. 20, 2021: In Las Vegas, Oscar Valdez and Miguel Berchelt promised an all-Mexican clash for the ages. They delivered. Valdez knocked out Berchelt with a left hook at the end of the tenth round to win the WBC super featherweight title from Berchelt, who was making his seventh title defense. The hook crumpled Berchelt, who fell face-first to the canvas, and referee Russell Mora immediately waved off the fight. Valdez, a former WBO featherweight champion, is now a two-division champion and a major star in boxing. Berchelt (38-2, 34 KOs) had been badly hurt and knocked down in the fourth, but steadied himself and continued to pressure Valdez (29-0, 23 KOs) throughout the middle rounds. Valdez turned the tide once again in the ninth with a knockdown, and with the tenth round in hand, he lowered the boom.
WBA / JAN. 2, 2021: Venezuela's Roger Gutierrez defeated Nicaragua's Rene Alvarado by an extremely narrow unanimous decision in Dallas on Saturday. Gutierrez, who had a prior loss to Alvarado in 2017, scored three knockdowns this time around and needed every one of them to capture the three scorecards by 113-112. It was a very close fight that had Alvarez ahead but things were still up for grabs going into the final round. A twelfth-round left hook from Gutierrez sent Alvarado to the canvas for the third time and proved to be the difference on the scorecards. With the win, Gutierrez acquires the WBA regular junior lightweight title in a situation hopelessly mucked up by the WBA. Right now Gervonta Davis holds the WBA super championship in this division and also the WBA regular championship at lightweight, but under the WBA rules, a super championship in at 130 pounds should never have been issued. So Gutierrez has a stronger claim to being the WBA 130-pound champion than Davis.
WBA / NOV. 24, 2019: A confrontation between veterans ended with a technical knockout in favor of Nicaragua's Rene Alvarado, who defeated California's Andrew Cancio to become the WBA junior lightweight champion. Alvarado (32-8), never considered true world-class material, surprised the fans in Indio, California by dominating Cancio for seven rounds. As soon as round seven ended, referee Raul Caiz, Sr. made a wise decision and stopped the bout. Alvarado broke down in tears in his corner. At one point, Alvarado was 24-8 but has now reeled off eight straight wins. Alvarado's twin brother is Felix Alvarado, the IBF 108-pound champion, meaning they have duplicated the Charlo brothers' feat as simultaneous twin champions.
WBA / JUNE 22, 2019: A boxing Cinderella story continued in true Arturo Gatti fashion on Friday in Indio, California. In an immediate rematch, Andrew Cancio fought through a bad cut to knock out Alberto Machado and retain his WBA regular 130-pound championship. Cancio, who is not hard to hit, suffered a cut forhead in round two, but he immediately began walking Machado down, landing hard body punches that quickly took all the steam out of Machado. Cutman Carlos Vargas did a phenomenal job stopping the bleeding, and Cancio picked up right where he left off to start round three. A nasty Cancio left hook to the side put his opponent down on one knee, and the deflated Machado got up an instant after the referee reached the ten count. No controversy. The result is similar to their first fight, in which Cancio's body attack stopped Machado in four rounds. Cancio is an unlikely champion: he retired from boxing in 2016 and remains a full-time employee of California Gas & Electric. Cancio (20-4-2) holds a title that it listed by the WBA as secondary to Gervonta Davis' super championship, but Cancio's title is no less legitimate than Davis', as Cancio beat a reigning title holder (Machado) to get his belt while Davis beat a non-champion who had lost his prior fight (Jesus Cuellar) to acquire the super championship
WBO / MAY 26, 2019: Marine Corps veteran Jamel Herring completed his Hollywood story, upsetting WBO junior lightweight champion Masayuki Ito via unanimous decision Saturday evening at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. It was a highly active yet largely tactical match-up between Ito (25-2-1, 13 KOs) and Herring (20-2, 10 KOs). With Herring’s stamina fading slightly down the stretch, Ito’s best rounds came in the final quarter of the fight, however it was too little too late as Herring won a unanimous decision by scores of 116-112 and 118-110 (twice). Herring accomplished his championship dream on Memorial Day weekend in front of a host of active and reserve U.S. Marines.
WBO / JULY 29, 2018: Masayuki Ito traveled halfway around the world but he will return home with the WBO 130-pound championship. Ito, from Tokyo, defeated Puerto Rico's Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz via unanimous decision (116-111, 117-110, 118-109) on Saturday evening at the Kissimmee (Florida) Civic Center. Ito claimed the title that had been vacated by Vasyl Lomachenko. Ito (24-1-1, 12 KOs) knocked down Diaz (23-1, 15 KOs) in the fourth round and controlled the tempo of the fight. Ito, who was fighting for the first time outside of Japan, was not fazed by the pro-Diaz crowd
WBC / JAN 29, 2017: The WBC 130-pound title now belongs to Miguel Berchelt, who punished Francisco Vargas in Indio, California. The HBO Boxing After Dark fight went on a couple of rounds too long as Berchelt turned Vargas’ face into a bloody wreck. The ringside physician declined two opportunities to stop the fight, and when it was over, the cut above Vargas’ left eye was longer than the eye itself. Berchelt is now 30-1, with lone loss coming in 2014 to non-contender Luis Eduardo Florez. Bechelt’s first defense could be against former WBC champion Takashi Miura, who won an eliminator on the undercard. Another possibility is Orlando Salido, a former featherweight champion who recently drew with Vargas. Meanwhile, Vargas is now 23-1-1, and showed some effects from back-to-back wars vs. Miura and Salido.
IBF / JAN. 14, 2017: Baltimore's Gervonta "Tank" Davis (17-0 with 16 KOs) punished and stopped Jose Pedraza (22-1 with 12 KOs) to claim the IBF 130-pound championship. Just 22 years old, Davis is built like Mike Tyson. He certainly fought in a Tysonesque manner, bulling forward to take the Puerto Rican Pedraza's title in round seven. Davis started aggressively and landed some hard shots in the opening round. Davis continued to show he meant business, hitting Pedraza when Pedraza was down on a slip in round two and engaging in rabbit punches in round three. In the fourth round, Pedraza made some adjustments, landing enough to make Davis shake his head no, trying to indicate he wasn't hurt. In the fifth, Pedraza controlled the action for most of the round until both men put on a display of machismo, thrilling the crowd by trading punches with their hands down. Davis hurt Pedraza badly with a left hook to the ribs, forcing Pedraza to fight the remainder of the round with his right hand down to cover the rib. Davis punished the one-handed Pedraza accordingly, and it looked as though the fight might be stopped by the ringside doctor between rounds. The seventh round eventually got started, and the weakened Pedraza could no nothing but absorb punishment against the ropes. A hard combination punctuated by a right decked Pedraza. The Puerto Rican beat the count but the referee wisely ended the bout immediately.
WBO / JUNE 11, 2016: Ukrainian Vasiliy Lomachenko defeated Roman "Rocky" Martinez in a fifth-round knockout at Madison Square Garden to become the WBO junior lightweight champion. Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic champion, is now a two-division professional champion. Lomachenko made a successful debut at 130 pounds with a spectacular, fifth-round knockout of Martinez. WBC / JUNE 6, 2016: Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido fight to a draw, allowing Vargas to retain his WBC title. WBC / NOV. 21, 2015: In Las Vegas, Francisco Vargas and Takashi Miura gave boxing fans an instant classic. The Mexican Vargas (23-0-1) took the WBC 130-pound championship from Japan's Takashi Miura (29-3-2). In round one, Vargas nearly knocked Takashi down with a looping right hand. Despite doing his best to make it an early night, Vargas was unable to finish Miura off. Soon, Miura began to time his left hand and he dropped Vargas with a straight right hand at the end of round four. After being cut under his right eye by an accidental clash of heads in the earlier rounds, Miura opened a cut on top of Vargas' eye turning his face into a bloody mask. Rounds 5-8 were all Miura, as the soon-to-be-ex champ landed the cleaner, harder shots for the majority of those frames. But Vargas was not to be denied. He came out blazing in the ninth and dropped Miura with a series of heavy shots. After flopping around on the canvas, Miura made it to his feet and his found his balance. After not punching back for nearly 30 seconds, referee Tony Weeks appeared to stop the bout just when it seemed Miura was getting his feet back under him. IBF / JUNE 14, 2015: In the opening bout of the Showtime doubleheader from Birmingham, Alabama, Jose Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) dominated Andrey Klimov (20-1, 9 KOs) from the opening bell to claim the vacant IBF junior lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory. The Puerto Rican Pedraza, making his 2015 debut, triumphed by the scores of 120-108 (twice) and 119-109. The IBF title was last held by Cuba's Rances Barthelemy. WBO/ APRIL 11, 2015: Score one for Puerto Rico in its boxing rivalry vs. Mexico. In San Juan, Roman "Rocky" Martinez won the WBO 130-pound championship by unanimous decision over Mexico's Orlando Salido. Martinez knocked Salido down in the third and fifth rounds, and Salido was also penalized for low blows in the eleventh. Martinez carried the scorecards by tallies of 115-110, 114-111 and 116-109. Salido previously had great success over Puerto Rican rivals, including Juan Manuel Lopez, but having turned pro at age 15, the now 34 year-old Salido has absorbed a lot of punishment over his career. He was taken to the hospital after the fight. Salido is now 42-13-2 with 1 no contest in a long and honorable career. Martinez (29-2-2) now begins his third reign as the WBO 130-pound champion. Both times, his title was taken from him under dubious circumstances (vs. Ricky Burns in 2010 and Mikey Garcia in 2013). WBO / OCT. 17, 2014: Orlando Salido has earned his warrior stripes many times over, but this week, he got a free pass to a paper championship. The WBO handed Salido a title belt in the 130-pound weight class. Salido, who held featherweight titles on multiple occasions, was handed the title because the prior titlist, Mikey Garcia, is embroiled in a lawsuit with Top Rank over his promotional rights, and Garcia intends to move up to 140 pounds anyway. Garcia has not fought since January and has no fight on the horizon. Garcia beat Salido controversially at 126 pounds in 2013 when Garcia, ahead on points, quit on his stool after eight rounds. The bout was allowed to go to the scorecards when it appeared that Salido, although losing most rounds, should have won by technical knockout because the injury to Garcia was caused by a punch. In any event, Garcia moved up to 130 and took the WBO title from Roman Martinez. Last month, with Garcia on the sideline due to the lawsuit, Salido defeated Terdsak Kokietgym of Thailand for an interim title. That title has now been updated from interim to full.
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Junior lightweight title overview
Here is a look at the recent lineage of the four major championships in the junior lightweight (130-pound) weight class. The current champions are Emanuel Navarrete (WBO / IBF), O'Shaquie Foster (WBC) and James Dickens (WBA). On March 14th, Dickens faces Anthony Cacace, who won the IBF title in 2024, then vacated it and hasn't lost since. Cacace is recognized as the IBO champion. Boxingtalk will be updating and expanding this recent history of the junior lightweight division from time to time.
MARCH 1, 2026 / WBO & IBF: Emanuel Navarrete unified the junior lightweight crowns with a TKO triumph over now former-IBF champion Eduardo Nunez. The pair arrived at Glendale, Arizona's's Desert Diamond Arena each seeking a second strap amid a crowded division scene. But it was Navarrete who added the additional belt to his collection, with an assured performance. A series of heavy blows in the ninth round damaged Nunez, forcing the doctors to check in on him before the contest was allowed to continue. Navarrete, already a three-weight champion, exploited the issue however, leaving his foe with swollen eyes. The contest was waved off shortly after. Now a two-belt champ and already a three-division champ, the win inches Navarrete closer to Hall of Fame credentials.
WBA / DEC. 8, 2025: James "Jazza" Dickens (36-5) reported that the WBA has promoted him from interim junior lightweight champion to junior lighweight champion. The upgrade was made possible by the WBA unfairly stripping Lamont Roach of the WBA junior lightweight championship. On Saturday, Roach fought Isaac Cruz at junior welterweight in a fight that was scored a draw. The WBA then immediately stripped him, although in other cases, it has allowed boxers to retain their title while fighting at a higher weight. Dickens wrote, "Today I became WBA world champion. The second longest ever wait (14 years, 319 days) after Archie Moore (17 years). No help from promoter, TV network, steroids, no mention from British media. Just a small team of good people, guided by god! Praise be to the king of kings Jesus Christ!"
DEC. 7, 2025 / WBC: On the PBC pay-per-view show in San Antonio, reigning WBC junior lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster (24-3, 12 KOs), fighting at lightweight, dominated on his way to a unanimous decision over former two-division champion Stephen Fulton Jr. (23-2, 8 KOs). After twelve rounds the judges scored the fight 119-109, 118-110 and 117-111, all for Foster. The win added the questionable WBC interim lightweight title to Foster's collection, although he remains the WBC's 130-pound champion. Fulton came in two pounds above the 130-pound weight limit and the WBC shockingly accomodated this failure by creating the interim title yesterday.
WBA INTERIM / JULY 2, 2025: In an upset, British veteran James “Jazza” Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) handed 2021 Olympic champion Albert Batyrgaziev (14-1 including IBA pro fights) his first professional loss with a stunning knockout victory to claim the WBA interim junior lightweight world title. The bout headlined Wednesday night’s IBA card at the Rixos Tersane in Istanbul. The finish was as dramatic as it was decisive. Dickens, age 34 and a former IBO featherweight titleholder, timed a perfect combination in the fourth round that left Russian Batyrgaziev unable to respond, forcing his corner to throw in the towel after two knockdowns. Up until that moment, the fight had been tightly contested. Batyrgaziev showcased his usual precision and range control, while Dickens pressed forward, banking on pressure and attrition. But in the fourth, the Liverpool native found the moment he was looking for. A sharp left hook followed by a straight right hand that sent Batyrgaziev to the canvas for the first time in his professional career.
IBF / MAY 28, 2025: In Yokohama, Japan, Eduardo Nunez of Mexico beat Masanori Rikiishi to claim the vacant IBF junior lightweight title over twelve rounds. Nunez picked up the unanimous decision win with the scorecards reading 115-113, 116-112 and 117-111. Nunez is now 28-1 with 27 KOs, meaning this was the first fight he won by decision. The title was vacated by Anthony Cacace, who chose to fight former featherweight titlist Leigh Wood rather than Nunez.
WBO / MAY 10, 2025: Emanuel Navarrete controversially retained his WBO junior lightweight world title Saturday evening with an eighth-round technical decision over Filipino contender Charly Suarez. The fight was halted early due to a cut over Navarrete’s left eye, which referee Edward Collantes ruled was caused by an accidental headbutt. However, instant replay showed Suarez landed a punch just before Suarez's follow through caused a very slight clash of heads. It was difficult to tell whether the punch or the head caused the cut, and the California State Athletic Commission conducted an instant replay review. Boxingtalk is of the opinion that the punch caused the cut, which would have given Suarez the championship by TKO. It was a very difficult decision to make, and Suarez deserves a rematch. The headbutt ruling meant that the winner wouldbe determined on the scorecards. Navarrete prevailed by scores of 77-76 (twice) and 78-75.
IBO / MAY 10, 2025: Ex-IBF junior lightweight champion Anthony Cacace has seemingly brought an end to Leigh Wood's career after stopping the former WBA featherweight champion in round nine in Nottingham, England. The end came with Wood runing away from Cacace and the towel flying in from Wood's corner. Cacace (24-1) retained his IBO junior lightweight title, and now has dispatched Joe Cordina, Josh Warrington and Wood in his last three outings. Wood is now 28-4.
WBA / MARCH 23, 2025: In front of a sold-out crowd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, amateur rivals Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont “The Reaper” Roach engaged in an exciting lightweight brawl over twelve competitive rounds that ended was scored a draw. The outcome of the fight was swayed by a missed knockdown call when Davis took a knee. It was a slow-paced fight early on, but built to a crescendo by the end, as Roach withstood Davis' power and fearlessly battled back in the exchanges, sometimes getting the better of them. As usual, the southpaw Davis’ punch output was measured at first then increased round by round, whether planting straight lefts to the body or letting Roach lead so he could launch a powerful counter attack. Roach, who remains the reigning WBA junior lightweight champion, earned the respect of fans and pundits alike.
IBF / FEB 1, 2025: Anthony Cacace has vacated the IBF 130-pound title to avoid facing his mandatory contender, Mexico's Eduardo Nunez. Here is how Cacace defended the move: "Becoming a world champion was an absolute dream and incredibly proud moment for me. However, at this stage of my career, I only want the biggest fights possible, regardless of the belt on the line. I’m a prize fighter, and my aim is now to secure mine and families future, and to create a legacy for myself in boxing by being involved in massive fights that fans will remember. I look forward to announcing my next fight very soon."
WBO / DEC. 8, 2024: In Phoenix, Emanuel Navarrete stopped Oscar Valdez in round six with a left hook to the body, retaining his WBO junior lightweight world title. Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) had already bested Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) once, by decision in August 2023, but this time, the fighting pride of Nogales, Mexico, did not see the final bell. Navarrete knocked down Valdez three times, including at the end of the opening round. While Valdez succeeded in small pockets, the three-division champion landed the harder, more telling blows. It was a return to form for Navarrete, who bounced back from May's decision loss to Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight title. He came back to the junior lightweight ranks and used his awkward style and looping punches to once again blunt Valdez's aggression.
WBC / NOV. 3, 2024: O'Shaquie Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) is now a two-time junior lightweight champion. Foster regained the WBC world title with a split decision victory over Robson Conceição (19-3-1, 9 KOs) on Saturday evening at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Two judges scored it 115-113 for Foster, while one scored it 115-113 for Conceição. Conceição dethroned Foster with a hard-fought verdict in July, prompting the rematch less than four months later. By the seventh, Foster began to wear down Conceição. The Brazilian fired back, but Foster consistently defended against Conceição’s right hand, countering sharply with a right of his own. In the tenth, Foster buzzed Conceição with a one-two, but Conceição survived before trading blows in the championship rounds.
WBC / JULY 26, 2024: The WBC Board of Governors has ordered a direct rematch between WBC 130-pound champion Robson Conceciao and the man he controversially beat for the title last month, former champ O'Shaquie Foster. On July 6th, Conceicao upset Foster by split decision to win the WBC title in a tactical affair. Conceicao fell short in world title bids three times before but this time, the judges though he did just enough to win. The verdict that sparked immediate debate. Conceicao (19-2-1, 9 KOs) prevailed by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Foster held a 116-112 edge on the third card. Boxingtalk reviewed the fight and scored it 115-113 for Foster.
IBF / MAY 19, 2024: Anthony Cacace (22-1, 8 KOs) is now the IBF champion after stopping Wales' Joe Cordina (17-1, 9 KOs) in round eight in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. Cacace, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, became a world champion at the advanced age of 35. Punchstats credited Cacace with outlanding Cordina, 282 punches to 113. Cacace was breaking down Cordina against the ropes when the referee delcared the bout over and Cacace the new champion.
WBO / MAY 19, 2024: He tried moving up to 135 pounds, but Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) failed in his attempt to become a four-division champion.On the same day Oleksandr Usyk captured the undisputed world heavyweight championsip, Usyk's 2012 Olympic temmate, Denys Berinchyk defeated Navarrete by split decision to win the vacant WBO lightweight world title in San Diego. Berinchyk prevailed by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Navarrete won the third card, 116-112. Navarrete remains the WBO 130-pound champion.
WBA / NOV. 26, 2023: In Las Vegas, Lamont Roach wrested away Héctor García’s WBA super featherweight title in his second attempt at a belt. Roach dropped García in the twelfth round and wound up winning a split decision by scores of 116-111, 114-113 and 113-114 in a technical and strategic fight. [The result is controversial as Roach appeared to knock Garcia down with an improper blow to the back of the head]. The knockdown caused the WBA title to change hands as it allowed Roach to avoid a split-draw. The punch in question was a the left hook that landed with 1:20 left in the fight and drove García into the canvas for the second time in his career. In 2019, Roach came up short in his first title shot against Jamel Herring, also a southpaw
WBO / NOV. 16, 2023... Robson Conceicao of Brazil showed incredible heart, battling through two knockdowns and an apparent broken nose to get a draw against WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete. Conceicao, age 35, is a three-time Olympian, gold medal winner and three time world title challenger. After a legitimate loss to Shakur Stevenson and a controversial one to Oscar Valdez in prior title fights, Conceicao was all smiles after the bruising stalemate. Official scores were 113-113 (twice) and 114-112 (Navarrete). With the draw, Navarrete retains his title.
IBF / NOV. 4, 2023: The IBF 130-pound title remained with Joe Cordina of Wales who edged Edward Vazquez of Texas via a debatable majority decision. After twelve exciting and very competitive rounds in Monte Carlo, the three neutral judges scored it 114-114 and 116-112 (twice) for Cordina. Now 19-2 including the World Series of Boxing, Cordina is regarded as one of the best British fighters today and is a two-time champion. Cordina's first reign ended due to injury, and both of his losses date back to the Word Series of Boxing. Vazquez returns to Texas at 15-2, with both losses being controversial. Most feel Vazquez was robbed against Raymond Ford in 2022.
WBC / OCT. 29, 2023: O'Shaquie Foster was in position to lose by split decision before gaining a thrilling twelfth-round technical knockout victory over Eduardo Hernandez on Saturday. Fighting a Mexican in Cancun, Mexico, Foster and Hernandez went to war in round eleven. Foster was then three minutes away from losing his title to some very bad judging, as he entered the final round trailing on two of the official scorecards by 110-99 and 107-102. Foster led on the third scorecard by 106-103 but that would not have been enought to save his title. So he came out aggressively and kept his WBC super featherweight championship by knocking Hernandez down and then stopping him. It was dramatic stuff from the Houston resident, who is now 21-2 on ths his career. Boxingtalk salutes Hernandez, who is now 34-2, as well as Foster.
WBO / AUG. 12, 2023: Emanuel Navarrete defeated former two-division champion Oscar Valdez in a classic Mexican war held in Glendale, Arizona. Navarrete, a three-division champion, retained the WBO junior lightweight championship by unanimous decision. The official scores were 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109. Navarrete threw 1038 punches according to Compubox, outlanding Valdez 216-140. Valdez finished with swelling plus a deep bruise under his right eye. Valdez has now failed in his last two title fights, vs. Shakur Stevenson and now Navarrete.
IBF/ APRIL 24, 2023: Joe Cordina became a two-time IBF 130-pound champion, winning a unanimous decision over Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in a thriller of a bout held in Cordina's native Wales. The two men both entered the fight undefeated, as Cordina briefly held the title last year but had to give it up due to injury. The vacant belt was then won by Rakhimov last November, setting up Saturday's match
WBC / FEB. 12, 2023: With the words “ice water” and “shock the world” etched on his trunks, O’Shaquie Foster produced the fight of his life, coolly and methodically outboxing two-division champion Rey Vargas to capture the vacant WBC junior lightweight championship in his first title shot at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Foster, who normally switches to southpaw in his fights, fought orthodox for the entire twelve rounds with the objective of befuddling Vargas. He won by scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 119-109 in a dominant, albeit very competitive win. “I can’t put it into words (what this means),” Foster said in the ring afterward. “I know my mom, my uncle, my grandpa, they are all looking down on me.” Vargas was returning to the Alamodome after winning the WBC featherweight championship in his last bout with a decision victory over Mark Magsayo at the same venue last July. He still holds that title, so a return to 126 pounds may be in the cards for Vargas.
WBO / FEB. 4, 2023: In Glendale, Arizona, Mexico's Emanuel Navarrete (37-1) survived a knockdown and stopped Australia's Liam Wilson (11-2) in a thriller to earn the vacant WBO 130-pound championship. By claiming the title recently vacated by Shakur Stevenson, Navarrete become a three-division champion. Though Wilson lost, he established himself as a skillful and exciting boxer, and earned a return invitiation to the world stage. In round four, Navarrete was knocked down for the first time in his career. As Navarrete lunged forward with a punch, Wilson caught him with a combination that floored and hurt Navarrete. Luckily for him, Navarrete got critical extra seconds of recovery time as his mouth piece needed to be replaced, and Navarrete struggled to put in correctly. Round seven saw Navarrete swing the momentum his way, as blood began to flow freely from Wilson's nose. In round eight, Wilson appeared to be fighting the wrong kind of fight, looking for one big shot while Navarrete landed multiple blows upstairs and downstairs. Navarrete's body work paid off in round nine, as he knocked down Wilson in the first minute with a one-two combination. Wilson got up, but was clearly drained. He absorbed a lot of hard punches, stumbled badly in the middle of the ring, and seemed unable to tie up Navarrete up. When Navarrete trapped Wilson against the rope and began raining in punches, the referee had no choice but to stop the bout.
WBA / JAN. 8, 2023: In Washington D.C., Gervonta Davis defeated WBA 130-pound champion Hector Luis Garcia in a 135-pound bout in which Garcia's title was not at stake. Davis' feared punching power did not produce the knockout the fans were looking for, but it nonetheless proved to be Garcia's undoing. After seven competitive rounds, Davis began consistently landing power punches in round eight. Garcia was staggered but survived until the end of the round. Garcia was guided back to his corner in clear distress and told trainer Bob Santos he could not see. Garcia did not come out for round ten, and Davis was the winner by technical knockout. Davis remains the WBA regular title holder in the lightweight division, while the battered Garcia also retains the WBA junior lightweight title, which was not on the line because this was a lightweight bout. Davis led the cards at the time of the stoppage, 78-74 (twice) and 79-73. Punchstats gave Davis the lead in punches landed, 99-55.
IBF / NOV 6, 2022: In Abu Dhabi, Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov won the vacant IBF 130-pound title after the IBF stripped Joe Cordina for having hand surgery. Rakhimov defeated Zelfa Barrett by ninth-round technical knockout. The new champ is from Tajikistan and boasts a pro record of 16-0-1 with the draw coming in a prior IBF title shot vs. Joseph "JoJo" Diaz last year. Barrett was doing well in the fight as a whole, even knocking Rakhimov down with a huge uppercut early in the contest. But according to DAZN, something happened in the ninth round and Barrett's leg appeared to be injured. It looked like Barrett couldn't put full weight on his right leg, and Rakhimov took advantage with a flurry of hard shots to knock Barrett down twice. At the point the fight was stopped, the referee did not administer a count, although Barrett's corner was ready to throw in the towel. The British Barrett is now 28-2.
IBF / OCT. 5, 2022: Joe Cordina had this to say about getting stripped by the IBF of his 130-pound championship because he had hand surgery (he posted a picture on social media to prove it): "Absolutely gutted. Worked my whole life to become a world champion and I haven’t even had the chance to defend the title Feel like I’ve been robbed !!" Zelfa Barrett will face Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov for the vacant IBF 130-pound championship on a Matchroom show at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5th. Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) gets a second opportunity to fight for the 130-pound crown following his draw with an overweight Joseph Diaz last year.
WBC & WBO / SEPT. 23, 2022: At Thursday's weigh-in in Newark, New Jersey, hometown hero Shakur Stevenson could not get below 131.6 pounds, and therefore lost the WBO and WBC 130-pound championships on the scale. His ESPN main event vs. Robson Conceição is still on, with the Brazilian challenger still eligible to win the titles. If Stevenson wins the twelve-round bout, the two titles become vacant. Conceição made weight with a bit to spare at 129.6. [Stevenson won the fight, so the titles remained vacant until February 2023 when O'Shaquie Foster defeated Rey Vargas for the WBC and Emanuel Navarrete stopped Liam WIlson for the WBO].
WBA / AUG. 21, 2022: Hector Luis Garcia of the Dominican Republic dethroned Roger Gutierrez for the WBA 130-pound championship. From San Juan de la Maguana, Garcia (16-0) proved that his dominant win against Chris Colbert in February wasn’t a fluke. Garcia, a former Olympian, dictated the action and survived a late rally to wrest the WBA title from Gutierrez via unanimous decision. Scores were 117-111 (twice) and 118-110.
IBF / JUNE 4, 2022: Wales has a new world champion as Joe Cordina had a dream-come-true moment in Cardiff. Fightng in front of a passionate hometown crowd, Cordina claimed the IBF 130-pound championship from Japan's Kenichi Ogawa with a turn-out-the-lights right hand. The one-punch, knockout-of-the-year candidate came in round two and saw Ogawa struggling to stand up, only to fall back down as the referee reched the ten count. Cordina was outboxed in the first round, but he made it all irrelevant with one punch a round later. He's been credited as the 13th world champion from Wales. Cordina is listed as 15-0, but Boxingtalk recognizes the World Series of Boxing as professional, so we report him as 17-1. Ogawa, a former drug cheat in 2017, is now 26-2-1.
WBC & WBO / MAY 21, 2022: WBO junior lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson unified two titles when he outboxed WBC champion Oscar Valdez via unanimous decision on Saturday in front of 10,102 fans in Las Vegas. After twelve rounds, the judges declared Newark, New Jersey's Stevenson the winner by scores of 118-109 (twice) and 117-110. Stevenson (20-0 including the World Series of Boxing) established the southpaw jab in the early going, and Valdez (30-1, 23 KOs) could not get his offense going outside of pockets of success in the third round. In the sixth, Stevenson spun Valdez into the ropes and knocked him down with a right hand. It was all Stevenson in the second half of the fight, who built an insurmountable lead on the cards. Valdez won the final round on all three judges' cards, but it was too little, too late.
IBF / NOV. 21, 2021... In the Madison Square Garden co-feature, Japan's Kenichi Ogawa became the new IBF super featherweight champion, dropping South Africa's Azinga Fuzile three times on the way to a unanimous decision. Official scores were 115-110 (twice) and 114-111 for Ogawa to claim the vacant title. A former drug cheat, Ogawa is now 26-1-1 but also has a no contest after testing positive in a fight vs. Tevin Farmer in 2017. Fuzile is now 15-2. The title became vacant ealier this year when JoJo Diaz failed to make the 130-pound limit for a fight.
WBO / OCT. 24, 2021: In Atlanta, Shakur Stevenson stopped Jamel Herring (23-3, 11 KOs) on cuts in round ten to become the new WBO junior lightweight champion. There were no knockdowns, but Herring was well behind on the cards and a cut over his left eye was rapidly worsening from Stevenson's punches. Although he was not badly hurt, Herring did not complain much about referee Mark Nelson's stoppage. The undefeated Stevenson is now a two-division title holder (as well as an Olympic silver medalist), having previously won a featherweight title before moving up in weight. As soon as the fight ended, talk began about Stevenson's next foe. The top name on his list is the WBC champion at 130 pounds, Mexico's Oscar Valdez.
WBC / SEPT. 11, 2021: In Tucson, Arizona, WBC 130-pound champion Oscar Valdez started slow but got some home cooking to help him remain a champion. Robson Conceicao was fighting the fight of his life, likely winning the first five rounds although not getting credit from the judges for it. The champion then turned it around. Valdez retained his title Friday evening with a unanimous decision over 2016 Brazilian Olympian gold medalist Conceicao. Official scores were 115-112 (twice) and a corrupt or incompetent 117-110. [Punchstat numbers favored Conceicao widely, 141 punches landed to 83. Valdez's face was completely marked up from the punches he absorbed. The referee did his part to assist Valdez by making a ridiculous and unjustified point deduction againt the challenger for a minor tap to the back of the head. Not even a warning for Conceicao but Valdez did the same thing and suffered no penalty. Valdez probably should not have even been allowed to fight, as he tested positive for a VADA-banned substance last week.
WBO / APRIL 23, 2021: Jamel Herring stops and retires the respected Carl Frampton a former two-division champion. With the win, Herring retained his WBO championship.
WBC / FEB. 20, 2021: In Las Vegas, Oscar Valdez and Miguel Berchelt promised an all-Mexican clash for the ages. They delivered. Valdez knocked out Berchelt with a left hook at the end of the tenth round to win the WBC super featherweight title from Berchelt, who was making his seventh title defense. The hook crumpled Berchelt, who fell face-first to the canvas, and referee Russell Mora immediately waved off the fight. Valdez, a former WBO featherweight champion, is now a two-division champion and a major star in boxing. Berchelt (38-2, 34 KOs) had been badly hurt and knocked down in the fourth, but steadied himself and continued to pressure Valdez (29-0, 23 KOs) throughout the middle rounds. Valdez turned the tide once again in the ninth with a knockdown, and with the tenth round in hand, he lowered the boom.
WBA / JAN. 2, 2021: Venezuela's Roger Gutierrez defeated Nicaragua's Rene Alvarado by an extremely narrow unanimous decision in Dallas on Saturday. Gutierrez, who had a prior loss to Alvarado in 2017, scored three knockdowns this time around and needed every one of them to capture the three scorecards by 113-112. It was a very close fight that had Alvarez ahead but things were still up for grabs going into the final round. A twelfth-round left hook from Gutierrez sent Alvarado to the canvas for the third time and proved to be the difference on the scorecards. With the win, Gutierrez acquires the WBA regular junior lightweight title in a situation hopelessly mucked up by the WBA. Right now Gervonta Davis holds the WBA super championship in this division and also the WBA regular championship at lightweight, but under the WBA rules, a super championship in at 130 pounds should never have been issued. So Gutierrez has a stronger claim to being the WBA 130-pound champion than Davis.
WBA / NOV. 24, 2019: A confrontation between veterans ended with a technical knockout in favor of Nicaragua's Rene Alvarado, who defeated California's Andrew Cancio to become the WBA junior lightweight champion. Alvarado (32-8), never considered true world-class material, surprised the fans in Indio, California by dominating Cancio for seven rounds. As soon as round seven ended, referee Raul Caiz, Sr. made a wise decision and stopped the bout. Alvarado broke down in tears in his corner. At one point, Alvarado was 24-8 but has now reeled off eight straight wins. Alvarado's twin brother is Felix Alvarado, the IBF 108-pound champion, meaning they have duplicated the Charlo brothers' feat as simultaneous twin champions.
WBA / JUNE 22, 2019: A boxing Cinderella story continued in true Arturo Gatti fashion on Friday in Indio, California. In an immediate rematch, Andrew Cancio fought through a bad cut to knock out Alberto Machado and retain his WBA regular 130-pound championship. Cancio, who is not hard to hit, suffered a cut forhead in round two, but he immediately began walking Machado down, landing hard body punches that quickly took all the steam out of Machado. Cutman Carlos Vargas did a phenomenal job stopping the bleeding, and Cancio picked up right where he left off to start round three. A nasty Cancio left hook to the side put his opponent down on one knee, and the deflated Machado got up an instant after the referee reached the ten count. No controversy. The result is similar to their first fight, in which Cancio's body attack stopped Machado in four rounds. Cancio is an unlikely champion: he retired from boxing in 2016 and remains a full-time employee of California Gas & Electric. Cancio (20-4-2) holds a title that it listed by the WBA as secondary to Gervonta Davis' super championship, but Cancio's title is no less legitimate than Davis', as Cancio beat a reigning title holder (Machado) to get his belt while Davis beat a non-champion who had lost his prior fight (Jesus Cuellar) to acquire the super championship
WBO / MAY 26, 2019: Marine Corps veteran Jamel Herring completed his Hollywood story, upsetting WBO junior lightweight champion Masayuki Ito via unanimous decision Saturday evening at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. It was a highly active yet largely tactical match-up between Ito (25-2-1, 13 KOs) and Herring (20-2, 10 KOs). With Herring’s stamina fading slightly down the stretch, Ito’s best rounds came in the final quarter of the fight, however it was too little too late as Herring won a unanimous decision by scores of 116-112 and 118-110 (twice). Herring accomplished his championship dream on Memorial Day weekend in front of a host of active and reserve U.S. Marines.
WBO / JULY 29, 2018: Masayuki Ito traveled halfway around the world but he will return home with the WBO 130-pound championship. Ito, from Tokyo, defeated Puerto Rico's Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz via unanimous decision (116-111, 117-110, 118-109) on Saturday evening at the Kissimmee (Florida) Civic Center. Ito claimed the title that had been vacated by Vasyl Lomachenko. Ito (24-1-1, 12 KOs) knocked down Diaz (23-1, 15 KOs) in the fourth round and controlled the tempo of the fight. Ito, who was fighting for the first time outside of Japan, was not fazed by the pro-Diaz crowd
WBC / JAN 29, 2017: The WBC 130-pound title now belongs to Miguel Berchelt, who punished Francisco Vargas in Indio, California. The HBO Boxing After Dark fight went on a couple of rounds too long as Berchelt turned Vargas’ face into a bloody wreck. The ringside physician declined two opportunities to stop the fight, and when it was over, the cut above Vargas’ left eye was longer than the eye itself. Berchelt is now 30-1, with lone loss coming in 2014 to non-contender Luis Eduardo Florez. Bechelt’s first defense could be against former WBC champion Takashi Miura, who won an eliminator on the undercard. Another possibility is Orlando Salido, a former featherweight champion who recently drew with Vargas. Meanwhile, Vargas is now 23-1-1, and showed some effects from back-to-back wars vs. Miura and Salido.
IBF / JAN. 14, 2017: Baltimore's Gervonta "Tank" Davis (17-0 with 16 KOs) punished and stopped Jose Pedraza (22-1 with 12 KOs) to claim the IBF 130-pound championship. Just 22 years old, Davis is built like Mike Tyson. He certainly fought in a Tysonesque manner, bulling forward to take the Puerto Rican Pedraza's title in round seven. Davis started aggressively and landed some hard shots in the opening round. Davis continued to show he meant business, hitting Pedraza when Pedraza was down on a slip in round two and engaging in rabbit punches in round three. In the fourth round, Pedraza made some adjustments, landing enough to make Davis shake his head no, trying to indicate he wasn't hurt. In the fifth, Pedraza controlled the action for most of the round until both men put on a display of machismo, thrilling the crowd by trading punches with their hands down. Davis hurt Pedraza badly with a left hook to the ribs, forcing Pedraza to fight the remainder of the round with his right hand down to cover the rib. Davis punished the one-handed Pedraza accordingly, and it looked as though the fight might be stopped by the ringside doctor between rounds. The seventh round eventually got started, and the weakened Pedraza could no nothing but absorb punishment against the ropes. A hard combination punctuated by a right decked Pedraza. The Puerto Rican beat the count but the referee wisely ended the bout immediately.
WBO / JUNE 11, 2016: Ukrainian Vasiliy Lomachenko defeated Roman "Rocky" Martinez in a fifth-round knockout at Madison Square Garden to become the WBO junior lightweight champion. Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic champion, is now a two-division professional champion. Lomachenko made a successful debut at 130 pounds with a spectacular, fifth-round knockout of Martinez. WBC / JUNE 6, 2016: Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido fight to a draw, allowing Vargas to retain his WBC title. WBC / NOV. 21, 2015: In Las Vegas, Francisco Vargas and Takashi Miura gave boxing fans an instant classic. The Mexican Vargas (23-0-1) took the WBC 130-pound championship from Japan's Takashi Miura (29-3-2). In round one, Vargas nearly knocked Takashi down with a looping right hand. Despite doing his best to make it an early night, Vargas was unable to finish Miura off. Soon, Miura began to time his left hand and he dropped Vargas with a straight right hand at the end of round four. After being cut under his right eye by an accidental clash of heads in the earlier rounds, Miura opened a cut on top of Vargas' eye turning his face into a bloody mask. Rounds 5-8 were all Miura, as the soon-to-be-ex champ landed the cleaner, harder shots for the majority of those frames. But Vargas was not to be denied. He came out blazing in the ninth and dropped Miura with a series of heavy shots. After flopping around on the canvas, Miura made it to his feet and his found his balance. After not punching back for nearly 30 seconds, referee Tony Weeks appeared to stop the bout just when it seemed Miura was getting his feet back under him. IBF / JUNE 14, 2015: In the opening bout of the Showtime doubleheader from Birmingham, Alabama, Jose Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) dominated Andrey Klimov (20-1, 9 KOs) from the opening bell to claim the vacant IBF junior lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory. The Puerto Rican Pedraza, making his 2015 debut, triumphed by the scores of 120-108 (twice) and 119-109. The IBF title was last held by Cuba's Rances Barthelemy. WBO/ APRIL 11, 2015: Score one for Puerto Rico in its boxing rivalry vs. Mexico. In San Juan, Roman "Rocky" Martinez won the WBO 130-pound championship by unanimous decision over Mexico's Orlando Salido. Martinez knocked Salido down in the third and fifth rounds, and Salido was also penalized for low blows in the eleventh. Martinez carried the scorecards by tallies of 115-110, 114-111 and 116-109. Salido previously had great success over Puerto Rican rivals, including Juan Manuel Lopez, but having turned pro at age 15, the now 34 year-old Salido has absorbed a lot of punishment over his career. He was taken to the hospital after the fight. Salido is now 42-13-2 with 1 no contest in a long and honorable career. Martinez (29-2-2) now begins his third reign as the WBO 130-pound champion. Both times, his title was taken from him under dubious circumstances (vs. Ricky Burns in 2010 and Mikey Garcia in 2013). WBO / OCT. 17, 2014: Orlando Salido has earned his warrior stripes many times over, but this week, he got a free pass to a paper championship. The WBO handed Salido a title belt in the 130-pound weight class. Salido, who held featherweight titles on multiple occasions, was handed the title because the prior titlist, Mikey Garcia, is embroiled in a lawsuit with Top Rank over his promotional rights, and Garcia intends to move up to 140 pounds anyway. Garcia has not fought since January and has no fight on the horizon. Garcia beat Salido controversially at 126 pounds in 2013 when Garcia, ahead on points, quit on his stool after eight rounds. The bout was allowed to go to the scorecards when it appeared that Salido, although losing most rounds, should have won by technical knockout because the injury to Garcia was caused by a punch. In any event, Garcia moved up to 130 and took the WBO title from Roman Martinez. Last month, with Garcia on the sideline due to the lawsuit, Salido defeated Terdsak Kokietgym of Thailand for an interim title. That title has now been updated from interim to full.
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Brian Norman co-founds Throwback Boxing Promotions |
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Former WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. has formed a new promotional company, Throwback Boxing Promotions, along with veteran boxing promoter Jolene Mizzone. They have also announced the new outfit’s first signing, Edwin De Los Santos. With the combined experience of Norman, who fought his way up the rankings from unknown to WBO champion, and Mizzone, who worked her way up in the sport while contributing to every facet of the business, Throwback Boxing Promotions will seek to put the interests of fighters ahead of all else, both inside of and outside the ring. This perspective on the often-chaotic nature of boxing promotion has the company saying that it will take a smaller percentage of fighter earnings.
“This is Throwback Boxing Promotions and that word throwback means so much to me,” said the company CEO Norman. “There are a lot of old school fighters that lost to the business of boxing and couldn’t get an opportunity to show their talents. We will be the ones that give those hidden gems their opportunity to shine. We are doing this for you.”
“When Brian asked me to come on board, we spoke a lot about the name and how we need to be different than others,” said Mizzone, who will serve as the President of Throwback Boxing Promotions. “We both decided that the way to be different is to always have the fighters’ best interest. We don’t win unless our fighters win. We take less so they can earn more – because real leadership isn’t about percentages, it’s about principles. We stand on loyalty, transparency and truly protecting fighters who trust us with their careers. We both started from the bottom and worked our way up. Why can’t others do the same?”
Norman and Mizzone have wasted no time making a splash, getting right into the thick of the business by signing De Los Santos to a co-promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing. De Los Santos has scored upsets over numerous previously unbeaten fighters, including ex-champ “Rayo” Valenzuela. De Los Santos also performed well in a loss to challenge yet to undefeated four-division champion Shakur Stevenson.
With this new team at his back, De Los Santos looks forward to dominating the ring and ascending to the top of the sport in 2026. “I’m excited to work with Brian Norman Jr.,” said De Los Santos. “He has shown to be a brother in this transition. I consider myself a throwback fighter. I’ll fight the best, anywhere, anytime. The name fits who we are. Respect to Zuffa & Throwback Boxing Promotions.”
“Edwin De La Santos being the first signee of Throwback Promotions speaks volumes,” said Norman. “He is the epitome of what we represent. Rugged hard work and a strong mind. The sky's the limit for him!”
“I want to thank Edwin for having faith in us and trusting us,” said Mizzone. “He is the type of fighter that makes my job fun. He will fight anyone, anytime, anywhere! I am looking forward to this journey with him.”
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Brian Norman co-founds Throwback Boxing Promotions
Former WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. has formed a new promotional company, Throwback Boxing Promotions, along with veteran boxing promoter Jolene Mizzone. They have also announced the new outfit’s first signing, Edwin De Los Santos. With the combined experience of Norman, who fought his way up the rankings from unknown to WBO champion, and Mizzone, who worked her way up in the sport while contributing to every facet of the business, Throwback Boxing Promotions will seek to put the interests of fighters ahead of all else, both inside of and outside the ring. This perspective on the often-chaotic nature of boxing promotion has the company saying that it will take a smaller percentage of fighter earnings.
“This is Throwback Boxing Promotions and that word throwback means so much to me,” said the company CEO Norman. “There are a lot of old school fighters that lost to the business of boxing and couldn’t get an opportunity to show their talents. We will be the ones that give those hidden gems their opportunity to shine. We are doing this for you.”
“When Brian asked me to come on board, we spoke a lot about the name and how we need to be different than others,” said Mizzone, who will serve as the President of Throwback Boxing Promotions. “We both decided that the way to be different is to always have the fighters’ best interest. We don’t win unless our fighters win. We take less so they can earn more – because real leadership isn’t about percentages, it’s about principles. We stand on loyalty, transparency and truly protecting fighters who trust us with their careers. We both started from the bottom and worked our way up. Why can’t others do the same?”
Norman and Mizzone have wasted no time making a splash, getting right into the thick of the business by signing De Los Santos to a co-promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing. De Los Santos has scored upsets over numerous previously unbeaten fighters, including ex-champ “Rayo” Valenzuela. De Los Santos also performed well in a loss to challenge yet to undefeated four-division champion Shakur Stevenson.
With this new team at his back, De Los Santos looks forward to dominating the ring and ascending to the top of the sport in 2026. “I’m excited to work with Brian Norman Jr.,” said De Los Santos. “He has shown to be a brother in this transition. I consider myself a throwback fighter. I’ll fight the best, anywhere, anytime. The name fits who we are. Respect to Zuffa & Throwback Boxing Promotions.”
“Edwin De La Santos being the first signee of Throwback Promotions speaks volumes,” said Norman. “He is the epitome of what we represent. Rugged hard work and a strong mind. The sky's the limit for him!”
“I want to thank Edwin for having faith in us and trusting us,” said Mizzone. “He is the type of fighter that makes my job fun. He will fight anyone, anytime, anywhere! I am looking forward to this journey with him.”
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Boxingtalk belatedly salutes two-division champ Edith Soledad Matthysse |
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Boxingtalk belatedly salutes Argentina's Edith Soledad Matthysse, who etched a second championship reign into her career at the age of 45, three weight classes up from her original championship division. On February 22nd, Matthysse captured the WBA junior welterweight world title with a commanding performance over previously undefeated American contender Samantha Worthington. The bout came to an abrupt conclusion when Worthington’s corner informed the referee that their fighter would not answer the bell for the ninth round at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Worthington’s team cited accumulated punishment and their fighter’s inability to respond effectively to the Argentine’s sustained dominance. Matthysse, who has a very ordinary record of 21-16-1, is the older sister of former welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse. She turned pro in 2007 and reigned as the WBA featherweight champion from 2013, adding the WBC title in a unification bout vs. Jelena Mrdjenovich. Matthysse's championship run ended the following year when she lost a rematch to Mrdjenovich.
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Boxingtalk belatedly salutes two-division champ Edith Soledad Matthysse
Boxingtalk belatedly salutes Argentina's Edith Soledad Matthysse, who etched a second championship reign into her career at the age of 45, three weight classes up from her original championship division. On February 22nd, Matthysse captured the WBA junior welterweight world title with a commanding performance over previously undefeated American contender Samantha Worthington. The bout came to an abrupt conclusion when Worthington’s corner informed the referee that their fighter would not answer the bell for the ninth round at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Worthington’s team cited accumulated punishment and their fighter’s inability to respond effectively to the Argentine’s sustained dominance. Matthysse, who has a very ordinary record of 21-16-1, is the older sister of former welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse. She turned pro in 2007 and reigned as the WBA featherweight champion from 2013, adding the WBC title in a unification bout vs. Jelena Mrdjenovich. Matthysse's championship run ended the following year when she lost a rematch to Mrdjenovich.
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Welter fighting at middleweight on Friday |
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Polish middleweight Karol Welter will see action this Friday against Venezuela’s Evander Castillo at the Hotel Terminal in Wroclaw, Poland. Welter brings a record of 20-1 with 8 knockouts into the bout, while Castillo stands at 21-4 with a formidable 19 wins coming by way of knockout. Welter enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, going 3-for-3 against quality opposition and stopping all three. The 30 year-old native of Legnica now steps a pivotal moment that could elevate his standing in the 160-pound division. Castillo, age 24, hails from Anzoátegui and enters on a hot streak of his own, riding three consecutive knockout victories. The heavy-handed Venezuelan, however, faces a significantly tougher assignment this time on the road. Castillo’s power is real, and he’ll look to make it travel as he attempts to spring the upset on European soil.
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Welter fighting at middleweight on Friday
Polish middleweight Karol Welter will see action this Friday against Venezuela’s Evander Castillo at the Hotel Terminal in Wroclaw, Poland. Welter brings a record of 20-1 with 8 knockouts into the bout, while Castillo stands at 21-4 with a formidable 19 wins coming by way of knockout. Welter enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, going 3-for-3 against quality opposition and stopping all three. The 30 year-old native of Legnica now steps a pivotal moment that could elevate his standing in the 160-pound division. Castillo, age 24, hails from Anzoátegui and enters on a hot streak of his own, riding three consecutive knockout victories. The heavy-handed Venezuelan, however, faces a significantly tougher assignment this time on the road. Castillo’s power is real, and he’ll look to make it travel as he attempts to spring the upset on European soil.
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Golden Boy vs. Ortiz headed to arbitration: Who Holds the Stronger Hand? |
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Promotional disputes in boxing often play out in interviews and social media posts. Contracts, however, are not decided in public. They are decided by the language in the wrtten agreement — and by what that language requires. On Monday, a federal court ordered the dispute between junior middleweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Golden Boy Promotions to arbitration. The outcome will likely turn on a single provision: section 10(g) of the Promotional Rights Agreement (PRA) that Ortiz signed. As quoted in paragraph 19 of Ortiz's lawsuit, section 10(g) of the PRA provides that Ortiz can terminate the agreement if Golden Boy's “distribution relationship with DAZN terminates, for any reason,” and there was no agreement in principle in place with an alternative broadcaster. At first glance, the dispute appears to hinge on whether Golden Boy’s written agreement with DAZN expired on December 31, 2025. But expiration is not the contractual test. The operative phrase is “distribution relationship.” And that distinction may decide the case.
The Threshold Question
A disciplined arbitrator will not begin with public positioning, and the entire arbitration will be held behind closed doors, unlike a lawsuit which is public. The first question will be direct: Did Golden Boy’s distribution relationship with DAZN terminate? If the answer is no, Ortiz’s termination right never activates and he is still under contract to Golden Boy. If the answer is yes, the analysis turns to whether Golden Boy had an agreement in principle with an alternative broadcaster. But there really is no alternate broadcaster in play, so the arbitration likely rises or falls at that first inquiry.
What Golden Boy Must Show
Golden Boy does not need to prove that a fully executed 2026 master agreement existed before Ortiz sent his termination notice (we know it did not). That is because section 10(g) does not require a signed contract. It requires that the distribution relationship not terminate. Thereofre, to prevail, Golden Boy must demonstrate continuity in substance. Public listings show Golden Boy promoted events scheduled on DAZN in early 2026, including: January 16th– Rocha vs. Curiel II; January 23rd– Friday Night Fights card; and February 21st – Barrios vs. Garcia (DAZN pay-per view). Those events were publicly integrated into DAZN’s broadcast schedule. To be clear, scheduling alone, however, is not enough. Arbitrators look for economic reality.
Golden Boy must establish: whether the three 2026 events were covered under the old contract or a new agreement; real financial commitment behind those events; agreed rights fees or budget structures; production and operational allocations; and evidence that material 2026 terms were mutually accepted. If material terms — including duration, financial structure, exclusivity, and scope — were agreed before expiration, the absence of finalized long-form documentation becomes less significant.
What Does “Agreement in Principle” Mean Under Nevada Law?
Nevada courts do not require a fully signed contract for an agreement to exist. What matters is whether the parties reached a meeting of the minds on the essential terms. An “agreement in principle” generally means that the core business terms have been settled — even if lawyers are still drafting the final paperwork. If the parties agree on key elements such as duration, financial structure, exclusivity, and overall scope, a court may treat the agreement as sufficiently formed, even if minor or technical provisions remain unresolved.
There is, however, an important limitation. Nevada law does not enforce a mere “agreement to agree.” If significant terms remain open, or if either side is free to walk away without consequence, then no binding understanding exists. The practical inquiry is straightforward, and the arbitrator will want to determine whether the essential economic terms were locked in, or were negotiations still ongoing? In the context of Section 10(g), that distinction is pivotal. If Golden Boy and DAZN agreed on the core 2026 economic framework before the prior deal expired, the distribution relationship may be viewed as continuing. If not, the termination clause may have been triggered.
The Importance of Continuity
Perhaps most significant is operational continuity. If Golden Boy events were broadcast seamlessly on DAZN after December 31st, that uninterrupted performance strongly supports the conclusion that the distribution relationship did not terminate. A contract may lapse. A commercial relationship may continue. Where confirmed 2026 events are tied to binding economic structure and exclusive platform integration, the argument that the relationship “ended” becomes considerably more difficult to sustain.
Ortiz’s position is structurally straightforward. He argues: the written DAZN agreement expired; there was no fully executed renewal existed on January 8th; therefore, the distribution relationship terminated “for any reason”; there was no alternative broadcaster; Ortiz's termination right to end the PRA was triggered. This is a formalist reading of the contract. Its force depends on equating expiration of a written agreement with termination of a broader commercial relationship.
But Section 10(g), as pleaded in Paragraph 19 of the Complaint, does not reference a written agreement. It references a “distribution relationship.” That phrasing suggests a functional inquiry rather than a mechanical one.
Where the Arbitration Will Likely Turn
Ultimately, the arbitrator will focus on one practical question: was DAZN economically and operationally committed to broadcast Golden Boy shows in 2026? If the record reflects confirmed events backed by agreed financial structure and seamless broadcast continuity, an arbitrator may conclude that the relationship did not terminate in substance — even if documentation was still being finalized. If, however, the evidence shows only tentative scheduling without binding economic commitment, the contractual trigger may have been validly exercised. Given publicly confirmed 2026 DAZN events and assuming they are supported by demonstrable economic commitment, the continuity argument presents a meaningful obstacle to the termination claim. The distinction is narrow. But in arbitration, narrow distinctions often carry decisive consequences.
Closing Perspective
This dispute will not be resolved by press conferences, social media arguments, or even by the expiration date printed on a contract. It will be resolved by whether Golden Boy can demonstrate that its commercial partnership with DAZN rolled forward with economic substance and uninterrupted performance. Section 10(g), as quoted in the Complaint, poses a functional question: did the distribution relationship truly end? If the evidence shows continuity backed by financial obligation and operational integration, an arbitrator may reasonably view the partnership as having continued despite renewal mechanics. If it does not, the termination provision will be enforced as written. In arbitration, leverage follows documentation — and documentation will determine who ultimately holds the stronger hand.
The author, Charles Muniz, is not a member of the bar, but he is among the few individuals in boxing who have personally litigated civil actions in federal court. As a pro se plaintiff in the Southern District of Florida and in Pennsylvania state court, he has navigated contractual disputes under judicial scrutiny — experience that provides a practical foundation for the analysis that appears in this story.
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Golden Boy vs. Ortiz headed to arbitration: Who Holds the Stronger Hand?
Promotional disputes in boxing often play out in interviews and social media posts. Contracts, however, are not decided in public. They are decided by the language in the wrtten agreement — and by what that language requires. On Monday, a federal court ordered the dispute between junior middleweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Golden Boy Promotions to arbitration. The outcome will likely turn on a single provision: section 10(g) of the Promotional Rights Agreement (PRA) that Ortiz signed. As quoted in paragraph 19 of Ortiz's lawsuit, section 10(g) of the PRA provides that Ortiz can terminate the agreement if Golden Boy's “distribution relationship with DAZN terminates, for any reason,” and there was no agreement in principle in place with an alternative broadcaster. At first glance, the dispute appears to hinge on whether Golden Boy’s written agreement with DAZN expired on December 31, 2025. But expiration is not the contractual test. The operative phrase is “distribution relationship.” And that distinction may decide the case.
The Threshold Question
A disciplined arbitrator will not begin with public positioning, and the entire arbitration will be held behind closed doors, unlike a lawsuit which is public. The first question will be direct: Did Golden Boy’s distribution relationship with DAZN terminate? If the answer is no, Ortiz’s termination right never activates and he is still under contract to Golden Boy. If the answer is yes, the analysis turns to whether Golden Boy had an agreement in principle with an alternative broadcaster. But there really is no alternate broadcaster in play, so the arbitration likely rises or falls at that first inquiry.
What Golden Boy Must Show
Golden Boy does not need to prove that a fully executed 2026 master agreement existed before Ortiz sent his termination notice (we know it did not). That is because section 10(g) does not require a signed contract. It requires that the distribution relationship not terminate. Thereofre, to prevail, Golden Boy must demonstrate continuity in substance. Public listings show Golden Boy promoted events scheduled on DAZN in early 2026, including: January 16th– Rocha vs. Curiel II; January 23rd– Friday Night Fights card; and February 21st – Barrios vs. Garcia (DAZN pay-per view). Those events were publicly integrated into DAZN’s broadcast schedule. To be clear, scheduling alone, however, is not enough. Arbitrators look for economic reality.
Golden Boy must establish: whether the three 2026 events were covered under the old contract or a new agreement; real financial commitment behind those events; agreed rights fees or budget structures; production and operational allocations; and evidence that material 2026 terms were mutually accepted. If material terms — including duration, financial structure, exclusivity, and scope — were agreed before expiration, the absence of finalized long-form documentation becomes less significant.
What Does “Agreement in Principle” Mean Under Nevada Law?
Nevada courts do not require a fully signed contract for an agreement to exist. What matters is whether the parties reached a meeting of the minds on the essential terms. An “agreement in principle” generally means that the core business terms have been settled — even if lawyers are still drafting the final paperwork. If the parties agree on key elements such as duration, financial structure, exclusivity, and overall scope, a court may treat the agreement as sufficiently formed, even if minor or technical provisions remain unresolved.
There is, however, an important limitation. Nevada law does not enforce a mere “agreement to agree.” If significant terms remain open, or if either side is free to walk away without consequence, then no binding understanding exists. The practical inquiry is straightforward, and the arbitrator will want to determine whether the essential economic terms were locked in, or were negotiations still ongoing? In the context of Section 10(g), that distinction is pivotal. If Golden Boy and DAZN agreed on the core 2026 economic framework before the prior deal expired, the distribution relationship may be viewed as continuing. If not, the termination clause may have been triggered.
The Importance of Continuity
Perhaps most significant is operational continuity. If Golden Boy events were broadcast seamlessly on DAZN after December 31st, that uninterrupted performance strongly supports the conclusion that the distribution relationship did not terminate. A contract may lapse. A commercial relationship may continue. Where confirmed 2026 events are tied to binding economic structure and exclusive platform integration, the argument that the relationship “ended” becomes considerably more difficult to sustain.
Ortiz’s position is structurally straightforward. He argues: the written DAZN agreement expired; there was no fully executed renewal existed on January 8th; therefore, the distribution relationship terminated “for any reason”; there was no alternative broadcaster; Ortiz's termination right to end the PRA was triggered. This is a formalist reading of the contract. Its force depends on equating expiration of a written agreement with termination of a broader commercial relationship.
But Section 10(g), as pleaded in Paragraph 19 of the Complaint, does not reference a written agreement. It references a “distribution relationship.” That phrasing suggests a functional inquiry rather than a mechanical one.
Where the Arbitration Will Likely Turn
Ultimately, the arbitrator will focus on one practical question: was DAZN economically and operationally committed to broadcast Golden Boy shows in 2026? If the record reflects confirmed events backed by agreed financial structure and seamless broadcast continuity, an arbitrator may conclude that the relationship did not terminate in substance — even if documentation was still being finalized. If, however, the evidence shows only tentative scheduling without binding economic commitment, the contractual trigger may have been validly exercised. Given publicly confirmed 2026 DAZN events and assuming they are supported by demonstrable economic commitment, the continuity argument presents a meaningful obstacle to the termination claim. The distinction is narrow. But in arbitration, narrow distinctions often carry decisive consequences.
Closing Perspective
This dispute will not be resolved by press conferences, social media arguments, or even by the expiration date printed on a contract. It will be resolved by whether Golden Boy can demonstrate that its commercial partnership with DAZN rolled forward with economic substance and uninterrupted performance. Section 10(g), as quoted in the Complaint, poses a functional question: did the distribution relationship truly end? If the evidence shows continuity backed by financial obligation and operational integration, an arbitrator may reasonably view the partnership as having continued despite renewal mechanics. If it does not, the termination provision will be enforced as written. In arbitration, leverage follows documentation — and documentation will determine who ultimately holds the stronger hand.
The author, Charles Muniz, is not a member of the bar, but he is among the few individuals in boxing who have personally litigated civil actions in federal court. As a pro se plaintiff in the Southern District of Florida and in Pennsylvania state court, he has navigated contractual disputes under judicial scrutiny — experience that provides a practical foundation for the analysis that appears in this story.
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Sebastian Fundora training camp report |
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WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora has his sights set on re-establishing himself as the top fighter at 154 pounds when he takes on former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman on Saturday, March 28th headlining a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Fundora and Thurman had originally been scheduled to meet last October, before a Fundora hand injury that the reigning champ has since recovered from. “Camp has been good since recovering from the hand injury,” said Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs). “We never stopped training, we just slowed down on some things that we do. We always figure out ways to work, because this is an all year sport. This isn’t seasonal. I don’t think about this is a training camp, this is my job. This is a lifestyle.
“Having more time to focus on one opponent is always a blessing. We wish it didn’t happen this way with the injury, but we’ll take advantage of the extra time. It was disappointing to have to postpone the fight, but things happen in boxing and in life. You just have to roll with the punches. Not being able to use my hands as much as I wanted was challenging. For a period of time, we couldn’t do that. So I had to figure out a way to make sense of it.”
Fundora returns to the ring after sandwiching a pair of victories over Australia's Tim Tszyu around a March 2025 stoppage of Chordale Booker. Last July, Fundora delivered perhaps the best performance of his career, stopping Tszyu in their rematch with a dominant display. Now he hopes to pick up where he left off on that triumphant night last summer. “Beating this former world champion will make a big statement,” said Fundora. “I still feel like I’m at the top of the division. I don’t think we’ve lost any momentum, we just had to reschedule. We’re not hiding from anybody. This is gonna remind everyone that we are at the top.”
In Thurman, Fundora faces without a doubt the most accomplished foe of his career. Thurman had a long reign as the king of the 147-pound division, before officially debuting at 154 with a knockout of Brock Jarvis last March. In the build up to their matchup, Fundora named one of Thurman’s best victory, a decision over fellow then-unbeaten welterweight world champion Danny Garcia, as his favorite performance of his upcoming opponent.
“I liked Thurman’s performance against Danny Garcia,” said Fundora. “Garcia was also a top name and those two clashing together was a great fight and Thurman getting the victory showed how great of a fighter he was.”
Fundora vs. Thurman not only presents a unique clash inside of the ring, but outside of it as well, with the soft-spoken, “gentle giant” Fundora going up against the bombastic and outspoken Thurman. While Thurman has tried to poke at Fundora during pre-fight activities, Fundora has no problem brushing the talk to the side.
“Keith’s trash talk is good for TV, that’s what I’ll say,” said Fundora. “He’s always been the bad guy going into a fight because of that. And he backs it up a lot. But this time he’s not gonna be able to back it up.
“I’m not distracted by the talking. It doesn’t bother me one bit. Maybe if he wasn’t as well-known as he is, it could have caught me off guard. But when I step into the ring with these guys, I expect them to hate my guts. I expect that they wanna get rid of me. That’s boxing. We’re in a competitive sport and we want to do the same thing to each other. It’s nothing personal, but we both gotta do what we gotta do.”
A native of Coachella, California, Fundora’s career has been led by his father and trainer Freddy Fundora, who runs the champion’s training camp from their mountain home. The unique landscape for the Fundora’s has helped give Sebastian a boost throughout his career.
“This isn’t easy living right here in the mountains,” said Fundora. “I don’t even know how much snow we have, but it’s a lot. It’s past my ankles already, and we ran in it this morning. There are lots of obstacles training up here, but we still work and come to win and be the best.”
Another advantage for Fundora’s training is that he works alongside his younger sister, undisputed world champion Gabriela Fundora. With Gabriela fighting a couple of weeks before Sebastian gets into the ring, the combined training efforts of the siblings helps boost each up to be their best.
“Having Gabriela training alongside me is a good reminder that show’s me what’s working and what needs to be done,” said Fundora. “Watching her fight is gonna give me a good IQ lesson for what can work for me in this fight and what can’t.”
With a big name opponent and boxing’s historic stage, the MGM Grand Garden Arena, set for Fundora’s arrival, the 28-year-old plans to make the most of this opportunity and continue to lay his claim as king of the 154 pounders.
“This is the Fundora’s first pay-per-view main event as the A-side,” said Fundora. “We’re very blessed that Las Vegas is taking us in with open arms. I think every time we fought in Vegas and at MGM, it’s been a great fight. I’m fighting one of the best fighters of this era, so make sure you tune in and watch this live. You’re gonna see the king of 154 do his thing all over again.”
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Sebastian Fundora training camp report
WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora has his sights set on re-establishing himself as the top fighter at 154 pounds when he takes on former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman on Saturday, March 28th headlining a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Fundora and Thurman had originally been scheduled to meet last October, before a Fundora hand injury that the reigning champ has since recovered from. “Camp has been good since recovering from the hand injury,” said Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs). “We never stopped training, we just slowed down on some things that we do. We always figure out ways to work, because this is an all year sport. This isn’t seasonal. I don’t think about this is a training camp, this is my job. This is a lifestyle.
“Having more time to focus on one opponent is always a blessing. We wish it didn’t happen this way with the injury, but we’ll take advantage of the extra time. It was disappointing to have to postpone the fight, but things happen in boxing and in life. You just have to roll with the punches. Not being able to use my hands as much as I wanted was challenging. For a period of time, we couldn’t do that. So I had to figure out a way to make sense of it.”
Fundora returns to the ring after sandwiching a pair of victories over Australia's Tim Tszyu around a March 2025 stoppage of Chordale Booker. Last July, Fundora delivered perhaps the best performance of his career, stopping Tszyu in their rematch with a dominant display. Now he hopes to pick up where he left off on that triumphant night last summer. “Beating this former world champion will make a big statement,” said Fundora. “I still feel like I’m at the top of the division. I don’t think we’ve lost any momentum, we just had to reschedule. We’re not hiding from anybody. This is gonna remind everyone that we are at the top.”
In Thurman, Fundora faces without a doubt the most accomplished foe of his career. Thurman had a long reign as the king of the 147-pound division, before officially debuting at 154 with a knockout of Brock Jarvis last March. In the build up to their matchup, Fundora named one of Thurman’s best victory, a decision over fellow then-unbeaten welterweight world champion Danny Garcia, as his favorite performance of his upcoming opponent.
“I liked Thurman’s performance against Danny Garcia,” said Fundora. “Garcia was also a top name and those two clashing together was a great fight and Thurman getting the victory showed how great of a fighter he was.”
Fundora vs. Thurman not only presents a unique clash inside of the ring, but outside of it as well, with the soft-spoken, “gentle giant” Fundora going up against the bombastic and outspoken Thurman. While Thurman has tried to poke at Fundora during pre-fight activities, Fundora has no problem brushing the talk to the side.
“Keith’s trash talk is good for TV, that’s what I’ll say,” said Fundora. “He’s always been the bad guy going into a fight because of that. And he backs it up a lot. But this time he’s not gonna be able to back it up.
“I’m not distracted by the talking. It doesn’t bother me one bit. Maybe if he wasn’t as well-known as he is, it could have caught me off guard. But when I step into the ring with these guys, I expect them to hate my guts. I expect that they wanna get rid of me. That’s boxing. We’re in a competitive sport and we want to do the same thing to each other. It’s nothing personal, but we both gotta do what we gotta do.”
A native of Coachella, California, Fundora’s career has been led by his father and trainer Freddy Fundora, who runs the champion’s training camp from their mountain home. The unique landscape for the Fundora’s has helped give Sebastian a boost throughout his career.
“This isn’t easy living right here in the mountains,” said Fundora. “I don’t even know how much snow we have, but it’s a lot. It’s past my ankles already, and we ran in it this morning. There are lots of obstacles training up here, but we still work and come to win and be the best.”
Another advantage for Fundora’s training is that he works alongside his younger sister, undisputed world champion Gabriela Fundora. With Gabriela fighting a couple of weeks before Sebastian gets into the ring, the combined training efforts of the siblings helps boost each up to be their best.
“Having Gabriela training alongside me is a good reminder that show’s me what’s working and what needs to be done,” said Fundora. “Watching her fight is gonna give me a good IQ lesson for what can work for me in this fight and what can’t.”
With a big name opponent and boxing’s historic stage, the MGM Grand Garden Arena, set for Fundora’s arrival, the 28-year-old plans to make the most of this opportunity and continue to lay his claim as king of the 154 pounders.
“This is the Fundora’s first pay-per-view main event as the A-side,” said Fundora. “We’re very blessed that Las Vegas is taking us in with open arms. I think every time we fought in Vegas and at MGM, it’s been a great fight. I’m fighting one of the best fighters of this era, so make sure you tune in and watch this live. You’re gonna see the king of 154 do his thing all over again.”
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Gabe Rosado to fight on a Misfit show this Saturday |
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Gabe Rosado (pictured) will become the latest fighter to make his Misfits debut this weekend when he faces Ty Mitchell in Derby, England this Saturday, live on DAZN. Rosado, a former contender at middleweight and super middleweight, is now 40 years old. After a long losing streak, he returned weith two wins in 2025 to raise his record back up to 28-17-1. The popular Philadelphia fighter will be hoping his experience from sharing the ring with the likes of Gennadiy Golovkin and Danny Jacobs will be enough when he faces Mitchell, who is listed as 5-2. Mitchell was considered a light heavyweight prospect in England before doing a long prison stretch that kept him out of the ring for about fourteen years. He's now 35 years old..
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Gabe Rosado to fight on a Misfit show this Saturday
Gabe Rosado (pictured) will become the latest fighter to make his Misfits debut this weekend when he faces Ty Mitchell in Derby, England this Saturday, live on DAZN. Rosado, a former contender at middleweight and super middleweight, is now 40 years old. After a long losing streak, he returned weith two wins in 2025 to raise his record back up to 28-17-1. The popular Philadelphia fighter will be hoping his experience from sharing the ring with the likes of Gennadiy Golovkin and Danny Jacobs will be enough when he faces Mitchell, who is listed as 5-2. Mitchell was considered a light heavyweight prospect in England before doing a long prison stretch that kept him out of the ring for about fourteen years. He's now 35 years old..
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Bryce Mills continues to pack 'em in at the Turning Stone |
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Bryce Mills KO4 Tobias Green ... More than 3000 fans were in a 3400-seat building on Saturday night at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. Most were there to see Bryce Mills (21-1-, 8 KOs), a 24 year-old junior welterweight who put on the best performance of his five-year career with a fourth-round knockout over Tobias Green of Rochester, NY. Green, age 29, is 12-4-1 and had never previously been stopped. Promoter Russell Peltz (pictured) commented, "I have been around boxing for more than half a century and I cannot recall such love and adoration for a boxer. Turning Stone comes alive when Bryce enters the ring and it stays that way for hours after the fight. The mob outside his dressing room afterward made it difficult for him to move. Cell phones clicked endlessly for photos; souvenir gloves were signed; backslaps; well wishes; hugs like I've never seen before. He is a rock star at Turning Stone, where he is unbeaten in seven fights.It was another one of those nights when you fall in love with boxing all over again. It made me remember why I fell in love with this sport when I was 12. Wish there were more nights like this!" Also celebrating was Bryce's friend Damiana Andrello, a bantamweight (118) who notched her second straight win on the undercard, going to 2-1-1 as a pro.
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Bryce Mills continues to pack 'em in at the Turning Stone
Bryce Mills KO4 Tobias Green ... More than 3000 fans were in a 3400-seat building on Saturday night at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. Most were there to see Bryce Mills (21-1-, 8 KOs), a 24 year-old junior welterweight who put on the best performance of his five-year career with a fourth-round knockout over Tobias Green of Rochester, NY. Green, age 29, is 12-4-1 and had never previously been stopped. Promoter Russell Peltz (pictured) commented, "I have been around boxing for more than half a century and I cannot recall such love and adoration for a boxer. Turning Stone comes alive when Bryce enters the ring and it stays that way for hours after the fight. The mob outside his dressing room afterward made it difficult for him to move. Cell phones clicked endlessly for photos; souvenir gloves were signed; backslaps; well wishes; hugs like I've never seen before. He is a rock star at Turning Stone, where he is unbeaten in seven fights.It was another one of those nights when you fall in love with boxing all over again. It made me remember why I fell in love with this sport when I was 12. Wish there were more nights like this!" Also celebrating was Bryce's friend Damiana Andrello, a bantamweight (118) who notched her second straight win on the undercard, going to 2-1-1 as a pro.
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Late result: Ramos deals first loss to Smalls |
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Abel Ramos W10 Tahmir Smalls... On Saturday night, veteran welterweight Abel Ramos captured a split-decision victory over previously unbeaten Tahmir Smalls. The bout took place at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. From the opening bell, Ramos (29-6-3) attacked consistently to the body to neutralize Smalls’ speed and early aggression. Smalls, from Philadelphia, looked to establish his rhythm behind punch volume, but Ramos remained composed, picking his spots and capitalizing in the pocket during mid-range exchanges. As the rounds progressed, Ramos’ steady pressure began to shift the momentum. The local favorite, Ramos methodically wore down Smalls (16-1), forcing him into grinding exchanges that favored experience over explosiveness. The final rounds were fought at a spirited pace, both men standing their ground and trading in center ring. After ten hard-fought rounds, the judges’ scorecards reflected the competitive nature of the contest: tallies of 98-92 and 97-93 favored Ramos, while a third judge saw it 96-94 for Smalls.
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Late result: Ramos deals first loss to Smalls
Abel Ramos W10 Tahmir Smalls... On Saturday night, veteran welterweight Abel Ramos captured a split-decision victory over previously unbeaten Tahmir Smalls. The bout took place at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. From the opening bell, Ramos (29-6-3) attacked consistently to the body to neutralize Smalls’ speed and early aggression. Smalls, from Philadelphia, looked to establish his rhythm behind punch volume, but Ramos remained composed, picking his spots and capitalizing in the pocket during mid-range exchanges. As the rounds progressed, Ramos’ steady pressure began to shift the momentum. The local favorite, Ramos methodically wore down Smalls (16-1), forcing him into grinding exchanges that favored experience over explosiveness. The final rounds were fought at a spirited pace, both men standing their ground and trading in center ring. After ten hard-fought rounds, the judges’ scorecards reflected the competitive nature of the contest: tallies of 98-92 and 97-93 favored Ramos, while a third judge saw it 96-94 for Smalls.
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De-Kang Wang continues to advance at 122 lbs. |
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De-Kang Wang TKO11 Herlan Gómez... Chinese super bantamweight De-Kang Wang rang up an eleventh-round technical knockout over Filipino Herlan Gómez. The bout was held on Thursday, February 26th in Wenshan, China. Gómez came out aggressively, pressing the action early and forcing Wang onto the back foot in the opening rounds. Gomez landed heavy shots that tested Wang’s chin and composure. But once the fight reached its midpoint, the hometown man made the necessary adjustments. Behind a steady, piston-like jab and sharp, well-timed combinations, Wang gradually reclaimed control of the ring and began to sap Gómez’s stamina. By the time they entered the championship rounds, Wang’s command was unmistakable. The finish came in the eleventh, thanks to a sustained barrage that left Gómez without an effective response, prompting the referee to step in at 2:52 of the round. With the victory, Wang improves to 13-1 as a professional. Gómez, meanwhile, falls to 14-4 with his third straight loss, although all against good competition.
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De-Kang Wang continues to advance at 122 lbs.
De-Kang Wang TKO11 Herlan Gómez... Chinese super bantamweight De-Kang Wang rang up an eleventh-round technical knockout over Filipino Herlan Gómez. The bout was held on Thursday, February 26th in Wenshan, China. Gómez came out aggressively, pressing the action early and forcing Wang onto the back foot in the opening rounds. Gomez landed heavy shots that tested Wang’s chin and composure. But once the fight reached its midpoint, the hometown man made the necessary adjustments. Behind a steady, piston-like jab and sharp, well-timed combinations, Wang gradually reclaimed control of the ring and began to sap Gómez’s stamina. By the time they entered the championship rounds, Wang’s command was unmistakable. The finish came in the eleventh, thanks to a sustained barrage that left Gómez without an effective response, prompting the referee to step in at 2:52 of the round. With the victory, Wang improves to 13-1 as a professional. Gómez, meanwhile, falls to 14-4 with his third straight loss, although all against good competition.
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Haney vs. Romero unification under discussion? |
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Bill Haney (pictured, left), the father and manager of undefeated WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, seems to be very interested in having his son unify against WBA champion Rolly Romero. Bill Haney tweeted, "Just got off the phone with Louie DeCubas [of PBC]. Romero, the ball’s back in your court. May 30th." The other two welterweight champions are Ryan Garcia (WBC) and Lewis Crocker (IBF).
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Haney vs. Romero unification under discussion?
Bill Haney (pictured, left), the father and manager of undefeated WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, seems to be very interested in having his son unify against WBA champion Rolly Romero. Bill Haney tweeted, "Just got off the phone with Louie DeCubas [of PBC]. Romero, the ball’s back in your court. May 30th." The other two welterweight champions are Ryan Garcia (WBC) and Lewis Crocker (IBF).
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Court blocks Ortiz from signing for Ennis fight |
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Judge Cristina Silva of United States District Court in Nevada has blocked junior middleweight contender Vergil Ortiz from taking one of the most attractive fights the sport of boxing has to offer right now, a fight against former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis. Silva issued a preliminary injunction barring Ortiz from signing for a fight without the consent of Golden Boy Promotions. Ortiz filed the federal lawsuit in January, arguing that his contract with Golden Boy ended when Golden Boy's broadcast deal with the DAZN streaming service expired. Golden Boy's position was that the contract remained in force because Golden Boy was negotiating a new deal with DAZN. Although she did not decide the ultimate winner of the lawsuit, Judge Silva disagreed with Ortiz, effectively enforcing Golden Boy's exclusive promtional contract with Ortiz, at least for the time being. She also referred the dispute to arbitration, which will take place behind closed doors unlike a lawsuit. Silva wrote: "I grant Golden Boy’s motion to compel arbitration. Further, because I find that this action is arbitrable, injunctive relief is necessary to preserve the status quo. Thus, I also grant Golden Boy’s request for interim injunctive relief to allow for meaningful arbitration, so I hereby order that Ortiz may not negotiate or contract with third parties for future fights before the arbitrator addresses the parties’ dispute set forth in this action... Golden Boy will suffer irreparable harm that goes beyond mere monetary damages."
The ruling gave Golden Boy a large amount of leverage over the dispute, because it can still approve the Ortiz-Ennis fight and is in a position to negotiate a new deal with DAZN as a condition for its approval.
The ruling was a major setback for Ortiz. In previous filings, his manager Rick Mirigian gave the court some inside details of the multi-fight deals that were offered to Ortiz if he were free from the Golden Boy contract. In February, Mirigian submitted the following certification: "Since Ortiz initiated this lawsuit on January 15th, I have been entertaining offers from various boxing promoters on his behalf. Matchroom Boxing offered a three-bout agreement that includes the April 18th bout against Ennis. Although Ortiz’s exact compensation under that offer is dependent on the outcome and economic performance of the bouts, Ortiz would receive at least twelve million dollars and based upon Matchroom’s projections for the economics of the offered bouts, his earnings could approach twenty million dollars for the three fights. Separately, a different promoter offered three-bout deal that guaranteed me sixteen million dollars ($16,000,000), plus upside based on ticket and pay-per-view sales of the bouts. I believe that these agreements were effectively ready to be signed at the time the Court issued the present temporary restraining order on February 13th."
Judge Silva also referred to her previous reasoning, from February 13th, in which she initially granted Golden Boy's request for a temporary restraining order. At that time, the judge wrote: "I find that Golden Boy’s allegations support a finding that it is facing an imminent harm. Ortiz’s complaint makes clear his intention to seek negotiations with third parties. Indeed, in his claim for declaratory relief, Ortiz seeks a determination that the Agreement with Golden Boy has terminated. Further, Ortiz’s representatives are actively seeking to negotiate bouts for him all the while the Agreement is still being disputed. Golden Boy asserts in its motion that three individuals have informed it that Ortiz is on the verge of executing an agreement with third parties for a bout with Jaron 'Boots' Ennis. Golden Boy contends that if Ortiz enters into an agreement with third parties for the Ennis bout, monetary damages could not remedy Golden Boy’s lost broadcast relationships and agreements with DAZN and others. Id. This constitutes irreparable harm. Third, the balance of equities supports granting the TRO. If denied, Golden Boy could suffer irreparable harm if Ortiz enters into an agreement with third parties. Granting this temporary relief will not cause significant hardship to Ortiz because, by its nature, its temporary, and the contract dispute with Golden Boy is ongoing."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
FEB. 19, 2026: As part of Vergil Ortiz's legal efforts to end the court-imposed temporary restraining order that is blocking him from signing a deal to fight Jaron Ennis, Ortiz's manager, Rick Mirigian, submited a sworn declaration to the Nevada federal court. The full text of that declaration, lightly edited, is available below. Ortiz is the WBC interim champion at 154 pounds and is one of the sport’s top undefeated contenders. He has been promoted by Golden Boy since 2016, but in May 2024, the two sides signed a new promotional contract. It was supposed to run for three years, but a termination clause has become the center of this legal dispute. Under the terms of Ortiz’s deal, he could terminate the contract before the three years expired if Golden Boy no longer had a broadcast deal with DAZN. Ortiz and Mirigian usaed that clause to terminate in December, saying Golden Boy's deal with DAZN was over. But Golden Boy fired back, claiming it had a new “agreement in principle” in place. The court issued a temporary restraining order to give it some time to soret out the legal arguments. A hearing on whether to continue the temporary restraining order is scheduled for Friday, with the expectation that the judge will dissolve it and allow Ortiz to sign for a Jaron Ennis fight in April. If that were to happen, Golden Boy could either seek a settlement (although it would have very little leverage) or continue the lawsuit seeking monetarty damages from Ortiz if it can prove he breached his contract.
Here is what Mirigian said in his declaration: "I am a boxing manager and I represent Vergil Ortiz, Jr. ... Following Ortiz’s November 2025 bout against Erickson Lubin, Ortiz instructed his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions and me to negotiate an agreement for a fight between Ortiz and Jaron 'Boots' Ennis."
Mirigian continued, "It was the hope of Ortiz that the bout with Ennis, which was considered to be one of the best matchups in the sport, would attract the eye of Turki Alalshikh, a boxing fan and the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. At Mr. Alalshikh’s direction, Saudi Arabia has been a significant sponsor of boxing matches in the last few years... However, instead of working 'in good faith with all boxing promoters to assure that Ortiz maximizes his exposure and revenue opportunities' [this appears to be a quote from Ortiz's promotional contract], Golden Boy’s founder Oscar De La Hoya publicly attacked Alalshikh and Zuffa Boxing [Alalshikh’s new partner]. In December 2025, De La Hoya posted to his Instagram an expletive filled rant insulting the project and all involved."
Next, Mirigian laid out part of his case against Golden Boy: "I believe that [through] De La Hoya’s attacks and other actions, Golden Boy actively undercut any opportunity to maximize Ortiz’ potential earnings from Saudi-backed sponsorships. In a December 2025 meeting Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy, presented me with an offer for the bout with Ennis, and insisted that if Ortiz did not agree to the fight that he would be 'benched' and not presented with any other opportunity. Golden Boy also threatened that if Ortiz did not agree to the sole offer presented, it would publicly blame Ortiz and me for the fight with Ennis not happening. During that same meeting, Gomez, called Dr. Rakan Al Harthy, CEO of the Saudi Arabian entertainment company Sela. With me on speaker phone, Gomez unsuccessfully pitched the fight between Ortiz and Ennis to Sela. On December 12th, I sent a direct message to Alalshikh on Instagram to ask if he had any interest in sponsoring the Ortiz and Ennis bout. He did not acknowledge it or respond... My attempts to communicate with Alalshikh and Sela in December 2025 were done with Gomez’ participation, knowledge, consent, and approval. Although Golden Boy did not disclose it to [me] during the December 2025 meeting, [I] later came to learn, through public comments of Eddie Hearn that there had already been a meeting between Golden Boy, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN that resulted in a written agreement related to terms for the Ortiz/Ennis fight. Golden Boy never presented this document to Ortiz."
FEB. 17, 2026: Edward McCarthy, the chief operating officer of DAZN, submitted the following sworn statement on behalf of Vergil Ortiz, who is seeking to free himself from a contract with Golden Boy Promotions. Ortiz is seeking to sign a fight with former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, but Golden Boy obtained a temporary restraining order blocking the deal from going through. A federal court in Nevada is considering whether to extend or dissolve the restraining order, and here is what McCarthy had to say on behalf of the DAZN streaming service:
"DAZN has been in the U.S. market since 2018. Since that time Golden Boy Promotions (“GBP”) has been a party to a series of exclusive distribution agreements with DAZN, wherein DAZN had the right to be the sole broadcaster of boxing events promoted by GBP in the United States. As part of these agreements, DAZN provided GBP with an annual budget for events to be agreed and aired pursuant to the terms of the relevant long-term distribution agreement. Notably, GBP was not DAZN’s sole provider of boxing events. The various agreements between GBP and DAZN did not restrict DAZN from airing events from other promoters. DAZN has [also] worked with a number of other promoters, including Matchroom Boxing, Queensberry Promotions, Misfits Boxing and Most Valuable Promotions.
"DAZN’s most recent long-term distribution contract with GBP expired on December 31, 2025, despite DAZN’s offer to extend such long-term distribution contract, whilst the new long-term agreement was finalized and agreed. Since January 1, 2026, there has not been a long-term broadcast distribution relationship between DAZN and GBP, although DAZN aired a GBP-promoted event on January 16th and has contracted to distribute a show on March 14th. These events are 'one off' shows and the parties had and have no commitments to each other beyond those specific events. In the agreement, dated February 17th to broadcast the March 14th event, both DAZN and GBP acknowledged and confirmed this fact.
"Beginning in late 2025, through the present, GBP and DAZN have been discussing terms for a new contract under which the parties could continue their long-term broadcast distribution relationship. To date, GBP and DAZN have not agreed on final terms for such long-term broadcast distribution, although material terms and drafts were well progressed. No contract has been formally agreed, approved or signed by the parties. DAZN is aware that, following the filing of proceedings by Mr. Ortiz against GBP and immediately prior to the recent Court Order, Ortiz was negotiating, and close to executing, an agreement with Matchroom Boxing to fight Ennis on April 18th in an event to air on DAZN. DAZN remains open to seeking to agree and enter into a long-term distribution agreement with GBP on commercially reasonable terms, whether or not GBP has Mr. Ortiz under contract."
FEB. 16, 2026: Over the weekend, Eric Gomez, the president of Golden Boy Promotions, submitted a legal declaration in his company's federal lawsuit against Vergil Ortiz, Jr., the star junior middleweight who is seeking to end his promotional contract with Golden Boy and sign for a huge fight against former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis. Here is what Gomez declared: "Notwithstanding Golden Boy’s ongoing [legal] dispute with Ortiz, Golden Boy remains ready and willing to represent Ortiz in negotiating for and promoting a bout between Ortiz and Ennis. Even after Golden Boy discovered that Ortiz’s manager, Rick Mirigian, was having direct communications with third parties regarding the fight, Golden Boy remained committed to its representation of Ortiz with respect to the fight. In early January 2026, I exchanged emails with Mirigian articulating Golden Boy’s negotiation position. Also in early January, Golden Boy’s counsel, Ricardo P. Cestero, sent a letter to Ortiz’s counsel, Gregory M. Smith, confirming that Golden Boy offered Ortiz a $3 million guarantee plus upside for the Ennis fight."
FEB. 14, 2026: On Friday, a federal judge temporarily restrained Vergil Ortiz Jr. from negotiating or signing any deal for a fight with former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, granting an emergency restraining order requested by Golden Boy Promotions. The ruling, issued February 13th in federal court in Nevada, freezes Ortiz’s ability to contract with third parties for the Ennis bout while a contract dispute plays out between Golden Boy and Ortiz. The next court hearing is scheduled for February 20th, when both sides will appear for oral arguments. For boxing fans, the decision immediately puts one of the most anticipated potential matchups in the welterweight division on ice. Until the court or an arbitrator says otherwise, Ortiz is barred from making any independent deal for the Ennis fight, keeping control of his next move firmly tied to the legal battle with Golden Boy, his longtime promoter.
Ortiz is the WBC interim champion at 154 pounds. He is one of the sport’s top undefeated contenders and has been promoted by Golden Boy since 2016. In May 2024, the two sides signed a new promotional rights agreement that was supposed to run for three years, with guaranteed minimum payments of more than $1 million per fight. At the center of the dispute is a clause tied to Golden Boy’s broadcast relationship with DAZN. That contract with DAZN expired at the end of 2025. Under the terms of Ortiz’s deal, he could terminate his agreement with Golden Boy if the promoter no longer had a distribution deal with DAZN—unless Golden Boy already had an “agreement in principle” in place with another broadcaster, or had agreed on all material terms of a new deal and was finalizing paperwork.
Ortiz sent a letter in early January seeking confirmation that the DAZN deal had ended, signaling his intent to terminate his contract. Golden Boy responded that while the formal contract had expired, the company and DAZN had already agreed on the key terms of a new licensing deal for 2026 and 2027 and were exchanging drafts. On that basis, Golden Boy argued Ortiz had no right to walk away.
Ortiz then filed suit, asking the court to declare the contract over. He also accused Golden Boy of breach of contract and interference with his business opportunities. Among Ortiz's claims: that the company undercut chances to maximize his earnings through Saudi-backed sponsorships and interfered with his ability to negotiate future fights. His complaint also points to public statements and actions by Golden Boy head Oscar De La Hoya, which Ortiz says confused other promoters and the boxing public about who controlled his career.
Golden Boy answered with an emergency motion, telling the court it had learned Ortiz was on the verge of signing a deal with third parties for a fight against Ennis. The company argued that such a move would violate the existing contract and cause irreparable harm—especially by damaging broadcast negotiations and business relationships that cannot simply be repaired with money later. The judge agreed with Golden Boy and granted the temporary restraining order, barring Ortiz, his managers, and representatives from negotiating or entering into any third-party contracts for the Ennis bout. The court emphasized that the order is meant to preserve the “status quo” while the dispute is resolved.
Legally, the case is also complicated by an arbitration clause in the contract that staes that any disputes should be handled through arbitration in Las Vegas. Golden Boy has already started arbitration proceedings, accusing Ortiz of breaching the agreement and interfering with its broadcast relationships. The court made clear that the restraining order does not decide who is right—it simply prevents irreversible business moves before arbitration and further court hearings take place.
From a boxing standpoint, the impact is immediate. Ortiz vs. Ennis is widely viewed as one of the most meaningful fights available in the division—a matchup of two elite, undefeated fighters in their prime. The ruling doesn’t kill the fight, but it removes Ortiz’s ability to make it happen independently. For now, the business has overtaken the sport. The February 20th court date will be the next step in deciding whether this freeze continues or changes, but until then, Ortiz’s future—and the Ennis fight—remains locked in a courtroom rather than a ring.
JAN. 19, 2026: WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. has taken his long-time promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, to federal court—claiming that behind-the-scenes chaos, missed opportunities and public blowups derailed his momentum at a critical moment in his career. The lawsuit was filed in Nevada. At the center of the dispute is Ortiz’s promotional agreement with Golden Boy, which he signed in May 2024. The deal extended Golden Boy’s rights for three years, guaranteed Ortiz million-dollar minimum purses, and was built around Golden Boy’s long-term broadcast relationship with DAZN. Here are the key allegations contained in Ortiz's legal complaint, which at this time are treated as unproven allegations:
Ortiz alleges Golden Boy's relatinship with DAZN was a key reason he stayed with Golden Boy in the first place. Fast forward to the end of 2025. Golden Boy’s DAZN deal expired on December 31st, and Ortiz moved quickly. On January 8, 2026, he exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if Golden Boy lost its exclusive broadcaster. Golden Boy acknowledged that the DAZN deal had ended (this weekend's DAZN show was a one-off with Golden Boy, not part of any long-term deal). Golden Boy took the position that ongoing negotiations for a new DAZN agreement meant Ortiz was still tied to the company. Ortiz disagrees, and the timing is everything. According to the complaint, his team believed that uncertainty over Golden Boy’s broadcast future—and Golden Boy’s strained relationships across the sport—were already costing him major fights and major money.
The biggest missed opportunity, Ortiz claims, was a potential showdown with former welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis. After Ortiz’s November 2025 win over Erickson Lubin, Ennis entered the ring for a face-off, and both fighters publicly said they wanted to fight each other. It was widely viewed as one of the best match-ups the sport of boxing could make across weight classes.
Ortiz wanted Golden Boy to negotiate with Ennis’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and hoped the bout could attract backing from Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, the head of the government's General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh has poured massive money into elite boxing events over the last few years. According to the lawsuit, Ortiz believed a Saudi-backed Ortiz-Ennis fight could have been career-defining.
Instead, Ortiz alleges, Golden Boy sabotaged those possibilities. The complaint points to Golden Boy's principal, Oscar De La Hoya and the public attacks he has made on Alalshikh and the Saudi-backed Zuffa Boxing venture—attacks made on social media during the very period Ortiz’s team was hoping to attract Saudi interest. Ortiz claims those outbursts poisoned the well, making him less attractive to deep-pocketed backers through no fault of his own.
Things escalated in December 2025. Ortiz says Golden Boy presented him with only one fight option—Ennis—despite a contract requirement that required Golden Boy to offer multiple opponents. Worse, Ortiz alleges he was threatened with being “benched” if he didn’t accept the terms and warned that Golden Boy would publicly blame him if the fight fell apart. According to the complaint, Ortiz later learned that Golden Boy, Matchroom and DAZN had already reached written terms for the Ennis fight—terms that were never shared with him, even though his contract required full disclosure and his signature on any deal involving his fights.
After Ortiz terminated the promotional agreement in January, the conflict spilled into public view. De La Hoya posted Instagram videos setting deadlines and monetary demands for the Ennis fight, then declaring negotiations dead when those deadlines passed. Ortiz says none of this was authorized and that Golden Boy no longer had the right to speak for him.
When Ortiz’s manager Rick Mirigian publicly invited other promoters to reach out, De La Hoya responded by asserting control over negotiations and threatening legal action. Ortiz claims these public power plays were designed to create confusion in the industry and scare off potential partners—effectively freezing his career during what should be his prime earning years.
The lawsuit asks the court to confirm that Ortiz is free from Golden Boy and to award damages for lost fights, purses, sponsorships, and momentum. But for boxing fans, the real takeaway is bigger than legal language: this case highlights how promoter politics, broadcast uncertainty, and personal grudges can derail elite fighters—and how even an undefeated champion can find himself fighting outside the ring just to get the biggest fights made.
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Court blocks Ortiz from signing for Ennis fight
Judge Cristina Silva of United States District Court in Nevada has blocked junior middleweight contender Vergil Ortiz from taking one of the most attractive fights the sport of boxing has to offer right now, a fight against former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis. Silva issued a preliminary injunction barring Ortiz from signing for a fight without the consent of Golden Boy Promotions. Ortiz filed the federal lawsuit in January, arguing that his contract with Golden Boy ended when Golden Boy's broadcast deal with the DAZN streaming service expired. Golden Boy's position was that the contract remained in force because Golden Boy was negotiating a new deal with DAZN. Although she did not decide the ultimate winner of the lawsuit, Judge Silva disagreed with Ortiz, effectively enforcing Golden Boy's exclusive promtional contract with Ortiz, at least for the time being. She also referred the dispute to arbitration, which will take place behind closed doors unlike a lawsuit. Silva wrote: "I grant Golden Boy’s motion to compel arbitration. Further, because I find that this action is arbitrable, injunctive relief is necessary to preserve the status quo. Thus, I also grant Golden Boy’s request for interim injunctive relief to allow for meaningful arbitration, so I hereby order that Ortiz may not negotiate or contract with third parties for future fights before the arbitrator addresses the parties’ dispute set forth in this action... Golden Boy will suffer irreparable harm that goes beyond mere monetary damages."
The ruling gave Golden Boy a large amount of leverage over the dispute, because it can still approve the Ortiz-Ennis fight and is in a position to negotiate a new deal with DAZN as a condition for its approval.
The ruling was a major setback for Ortiz. In previous filings, his manager Rick Mirigian gave the court some inside details of the multi-fight deals that were offered to Ortiz if he were free from the Golden Boy contract. In February, Mirigian submitted the following certification: "Since Ortiz initiated this lawsuit on January 15th, I have been entertaining offers from various boxing promoters on his behalf. Matchroom Boxing offered a three-bout agreement that includes the April 18th bout against Ennis. Although Ortiz’s exact compensation under that offer is dependent on the outcome and economic performance of the bouts, Ortiz would receive at least twelve million dollars and based upon Matchroom’s projections for the economics of the offered bouts, his earnings could approach twenty million dollars for the three fights. Separately, a different promoter offered three-bout deal that guaranteed me sixteen million dollars ($16,000,000), plus upside based on ticket and pay-per-view sales of the bouts. I believe that these agreements were effectively ready to be signed at the time the Court issued the present temporary restraining order on February 13th."
Judge Silva also referred to her previous reasoning, from February 13th, in which she initially granted Golden Boy's request for a temporary restraining order. At that time, the judge wrote: "I find that Golden Boy’s allegations support a finding that it is facing an imminent harm. Ortiz’s complaint makes clear his intention to seek negotiations with third parties. Indeed, in his claim for declaratory relief, Ortiz seeks a determination that the Agreement with Golden Boy has terminated. Further, Ortiz’s representatives are actively seeking to negotiate bouts for him all the while the Agreement is still being disputed. Golden Boy asserts in its motion that three individuals have informed it that Ortiz is on the verge of executing an agreement with third parties for a bout with Jaron 'Boots' Ennis. Golden Boy contends that if Ortiz enters into an agreement with third parties for the Ennis bout, monetary damages could not remedy Golden Boy’s lost broadcast relationships and agreements with DAZN and others. Id. This constitutes irreparable harm. Third, the balance of equities supports granting the TRO. If denied, Golden Boy could suffer irreparable harm if Ortiz enters into an agreement with third parties. Granting this temporary relief will not cause significant hardship to Ortiz because, by its nature, its temporary, and the contract dispute with Golden Boy is ongoing."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
FEB. 19, 2026: As part of Vergil Ortiz's legal efforts to end the court-imposed temporary restraining order that is blocking him from signing a deal to fight Jaron Ennis, Ortiz's manager, Rick Mirigian, submited a sworn declaration to the Nevada federal court. The full text of that declaration, lightly edited, is available below. Ortiz is the WBC interim champion at 154 pounds and is one of the sport’s top undefeated contenders. He has been promoted by Golden Boy since 2016, but in May 2024, the two sides signed a new promotional contract. It was supposed to run for three years, but a termination clause has become the center of this legal dispute. Under the terms of Ortiz’s deal, he could terminate the contract before the three years expired if Golden Boy no longer had a broadcast deal with DAZN. Ortiz and Mirigian usaed that clause to terminate in December, saying Golden Boy's deal with DAZN was over. But Golden Boy fired back, claiming it had a new “agreement in principle” in place. The court issued a temporary restraining order to give it some time to soret out the legal arguments. A hearing on whether to continue the temporary restraining order is scheduled for Friday, with the expectation that the judge will dissolve it and allow Ortiz to sign for a Jaron Ennis fight in April. If that were to happen, Golden Boy could either seek a settlement (although it would have very little leverage) or continue the lawsuit seeking monetarty damages from Ortiz if it can prove he breached his contract.
Here is what Mirigian said in his declaration: "I am a boxing manager and I represent Vergil Ortiz, Jr. ... Following Ortiz’s November 2025 bout against Erickson Lubin, Ortiz instructed his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions and me to negotiate an agreement for a fight between Ortiz and Jaron 'Boots' Ennis."
Mirigian continued, "It was the hope of Ortiz that the bout with Ennis, which was considered to be one of the best matchups in the sport, would attract the eye of Turki Alalshikh, a boxing fan and the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. At Mr. Alalshikh’s direction, Saudi Arabia has been a significant sponsor of boxing matches in the last few years... However, instead of working 'in good faith with all boxing promoters to assure that Ortiz maximizes his exposure and revenue opportunities' [this appears to be a quote from Ortiz's promotional contract], Golden Boy’s founder Oscar De La Hoya publicly attacked Alalshikh and Zuffa Boxing [Alalshikh’s new partner]. In December 2025, De La Hoya posted to his Instagram an expletive filled rant insulting the project and all involved."
Next, Mirigian laid out part of his case against Golden Boy: "I believe that [through] De La Hoya’s attacks and other actions, Golden Boy actively undercut any opportunity to maximize Ortiz’ potential earnings from Saudi-backed sponsorships. In a December 2025 meeting Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy, presented me with an offer for the bout with Ennis, and insisted that if Ortiz did not agree to the fight that he would be 'benched' and not presented with any other opportunity. Golden Boy also threatened that if Ortiz did not agree to the sole offer presented, it would publicly blame Ortiz and me for the fight with Ennis not happening. During that same meeting, Gomez, called Dr. Rakan Al Harthy, CEO of the Saudi Arabian entertainment company Sela. With me on speaker phone, Gomez unsuccessfully pitched the fight between Ortiz and Ennis to Sela. On December 12th, I sent a direct message to Alalshikh on Instagram to ask if he had any interest in sponsoring the Ortiz and Ennis bout. He did not acknowledge it or respond... My attempts to communicate with Alalshikh and Sela in December 2025 were done with Gomez’ participation, knowledge, consent, and approval. Although Golden Boy did not disclose it to [me] during the December 2025 meeting, [I] later came to learn, through public comments of Eddie Hearn that there had already been a meeting between Golden Boy, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN that resulted in a written agreement related to terms for the Ortiz/Ennis fight. Golden Boy never presented this document to Ortiz."
FEB. 17, 2026: Edward McCarthy, the chief operating officer of DAZN, submitted the following sworn statement on behalf of Vergil Ortiz, who is seeking to free himself from a contract with Golden Boy Promotions. Ortiz is seeking to sign a fight with former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, but Golden Boy obtained a temporary restraining order blocking the deal from going through. A federal court in Nevada is considering whether to extend or dissolve the restraining order, and here is what McCarthy had to say on behalf of the DAZN streaming service:
"DAZN has been in the U.S. market since 2018. Since that time Golden Boy Promotions (“GBP”) has been a party to a series of exclusive distribution agreements with DAZN, wherein DAZN had the right to be the sole broadcaster of boxing events promoted by GBP in the United States. As part of these agreements, DAZN provided GBP with an annual budget for events to be agreed and aired pursuant to the terms of the relevant long-term distribution agreement. Notably, GBP was not DAZN’s sole provider of boxing events. The various agreements between GBP and DAZN did not restrict DAZN from airing events from other promoters. DAZN has [also] worked with a number of other promoters, including Matchroom Boxing, Queensberry Promotions, Misfits Boxing and Most Valuable Promotions.
"DAZN’s most recent long-term distribution contract with GBP expired on December 31, 2025, despite DAZN’s offer to extend such long-term distribution contract, whilst the new long-term agreement was finalized and agreed. Since January 1, 2026, there has not been a long-term broadcast distribution relationship between DAZN and GBP, although DAZN aired a GBP-promoted event on January 16th and has contracted to distribute a show on March 14th. These events are 'one off' shows and the parties had and have no commitments to each other beyond those specific events. In the agreement, dated February 17th to broadcast the March 14th event, both DAZN and GBP acknowledged and confirmed this fact.
"Beginning in late 2025, through the present, GBP and DAZN have been discussing terms for a new contract under which the parties could continue their long-term broadcast distribution relationship. To date, GBP and DAZN have not agreed on final terms for such long-term broadcast distribution, although material terms and drafts were well progressed. No contract has been formally agreed, approved or signed by the parties. DAZN is aware that, following the filing of proceedings by Mr. Ortiz against GBP and immediately prior to the recent Court Order, Ortiz was negotiating, and close to executing, an agreement with Matchroom Boxing to fight Ennis on April 18th in an event to air on DAZN. DAZN remains open to seeking to agree and enter into a long-term distribution agreement with GBP on commercially reasonable terms, whether or not GBP has Mr. Ortiz under contract."
FEB. 16, 2026: Over the weekend, Eric Gomez, the president of Golden Boy Promotions, submitted a legal declaration in his company's federal lawsuit against Vergil Ortiz, Jr., the star junior middleweight who is seeking to end his promotional contract with Golden Boy and sign for a huge fight against former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis. Here is what Gomez declared: "Notwithstanding Golden Boy’s ongoing [legal] dispute with Ortiz, Golden Boy remains ready and willing to represent Ortiz in negotiating for and promoting a bout between Ortiz and Ennis. Even after Golden Boy discovered that Ortiz’s manager, Rick Mirigian, was having direct communications with third parties regarding the fight, Golden Boy remained committed to its representation of Ortiz with respect to the fight. In early January 2026, I exchanged emails with Mirigian articulating Golden Boy’s negotiation position. Also in early January, Golden Boy’s counsel, Ricardo P. Cestero, sent a letter to Ortiz’s counsel, Gregory M. Smith, confirming that Golden Boy offered Ortiz a $3 million guarantee plus upside for the Ennis fight."
FEB. 14, 2026: On Friday, a federal judge temporarily restrained Vergil Ortiz Jr. from negotiating or signing any deal for a fight with former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, granting an emergency restraining order requested by Golden Boy Promotions. The ruling, issued February 13th in federal court in Nevada, freezes Ortiz’s ability to contract with third parties for the Ennis bout while a contract dispute plays out between Golden Boy and Ortiz. The next court hearing is scheduled for February 20th, when both sides will appear for oral arguments. For boxing fans, the decision immediately puts one of the most anticipated potential matchups in the welterweight division on ice. Until the court or an arbitrator says otherwise, Ortiz is barred from making any independent deal for the Ennis fight, keeping control of his next move firmly tied to the legal battle with Golden Boy, his longtime promoter.
Ortiz is the WBC interim champion at 154 pounds. He is one of the sport’s top undefeated contenders and has been promoted by Golden Boy since 2016. In May 2024, the two sides signed a new promotional rights agreement that was supposed to run for three years, with guaranteed minimum payments of more than $1 million per fight. At the center of the dispute is a clause tied to Golden Boy’s broadcast relationship with DAZN. That contract with DAZN expired at the end of 2025. Under the terms of Ortiz’s deal, he could terminate his agreement with Golden Boy if the promoter no longer had a distribution deal with DAZN—unless Golden Boy already had an “agreement in principle” in place with another broadcaster, or had agreed on all material terms of a new deal and was finalizing paperwork.
Ortiz sent a letter in early January seeking confirmation that the DAZN deal had ended, signaling his intent to terminate his contract. Golden Boy responded that while the formal contract had expired, the company and DAZN had already agreed on the key terms of a new licensing deal for 2026 and 2027 and were exchanging drafts. On that basis, Golden Boy argued Ortiz had no right to walk away.
Ortiz then filed suit, asking the court to declare the contract over. He also accused Golden Boy of breach of contract and interference with his business opportunities. Among Ortiz's claims: that the company undercut chances to maximize his earnings through Saudi-backed sponsorships and interfered with his ability to negotiate future fights. His complaint also points to public statements and actions by Golden Boy head Oscar De La Hoya, which Ortiz says confused other promoters and the boxing public about who controlled his career.
Golden Boy answered with an emergency motion, telling the court it had learned Ortiz was on the verge of signing a deal with third parties for a fight against Ennis. The company argued that such a move would violate the existing contract and cause irreparable harm—especially by damaging broadcast negotiations and business relationships that cannot simply be repaired with money later. The judge agreed with Golden Boy and granted the temporary restraining order, barring Ortiz, his managers, and representatives from negotiating or entering into any third-party contracts for the Ennis bout. The court emphasized that the order is meant to preserve the “status quo” while the dispute is resolved.
Legally, the case is also complicated by an arbitration clause in the contract that staes that any disputes should be handled through arbitration in Las Vegas. Golden Boy has already started arbitration proceedings, accusing Ortiz of breaching the agreement and interfering with its broadcast relationships. The court made clear that the restraining order does not decide who is right—it simply prevents irreversible business moves before arbitration and further court hearings take place.
From a boxing standpoint, the impact is immediate. Ortiz vs. Ennis is widely viewed as one of the most meaningful fights available in the division—a matchup of two elite, undefeated fighters in their prime. The ruling doesn’t kill the fight, but it removes Ortiz’s ability to make it happen independently. For now, the business has overtaken the sport. The February 20th court date will be the next step in deciding whether this freeze continues or changes, but until then, Ortiz’s future—and the Ennis fight—remains locked in a courtroom rather than a ring.
JAN. 19, 2026: WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. has taken his long-time promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, to federal court—claiming that behind-the-scenes chaos, missed opportunities and public blowups derailed his momentum at a critical moment in his career. The lawsuit was filed in Nevada. At the center of the dispute is Ortiz’s promotional agreement with Golden Boy, which he signed in May 2024. The deal extended Golden Boy’s rights for three years, guaranteed Ortiz million-dollar minimum purses, and was built around Golden Boy’s long-term broadcast relationship with DAZN. Here are the key allegations contained in Ortiz's legal complaint, which at this time are treated as unproven allegations:
Ortiz alleges Golden Boy's relatinship with DAZN was a key reason he stayed with Golden Boy in the first place. Fast forward to the end of 2025. Golden Boy’s DAZN deal expired on December 31st, and Ortiz moved quickly. On January 8, 2026, he exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if Golden Boy lost its exclusive broadcaster. Golden Boy acknowledged that the DAZN deal had ended (this weekend's DAZN show was a one-off with Golden Boy, not part of any long-term deal). Golden Boy took the position that ongoing negotiations for a new DAZN agreement meant Ortiz was still tied to the company. Ortiz disagrees, and the timing is everything. According to the complaint, his team believed that uncertainty over Golden Boy’s broadcast future—and Golden Boy’s strained relationships across the sport—were already costing him major fights and major money.
The biggest missed opportunity, Ortiz claims, was a potential showdown with former welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis. After Ortiz’s November 2025 win over Erickson Lubin, Ennis entered the ring for a face-off, and both fighters publicly said they wanted to fight each other. It was widely viewed as one of the best match-ups the sport of boxing could make across weight classes.
Ortiz wanted Golden Boy to negotiate with Ennis’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and hoped the bout could attract backing from Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, the head of the government's General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh has poured massive money into elite boxing events over the last few years. According to the lawsuit, Ortiz believed a Saudi-backed Ortiz-Ennis fight could have been career-defining.
Instead, Ortiz alleges, Golden Boy sabotaged those possibilities. The complaint points to Golden Boy's principal, Oscar De La Hoya and the public attacks he has made on Alalshikh and the Saudi-backed Zuffa Boxing venture—attacks made on social media during the very period Ortiz’s team was hoping to attract Saudi interest. Ortiz claims those outbursts poisoned the well, making him less attractive to deep-pocketed backers through no fault of his own.
Things escalated in December 2025. Ortiz says Golden Boy presented him with only one fight option—Ennis—despite a contract requirement that required Golden Boy to offer multiple opponents. Worse, Ortiz alleges he was threatened with being “benched” if he didn’t accept the terms and warned that Golden Boy would publicly blame him if the fight fell apart. According to the complaint, Ortiz later learned that Golden Boy, Matchroom and DAZN had already reached written terms for the Ennis fight—terms that were never shared with him, even though his contract required full disclosure and his signature on any deal involving his fights.
After Ortiz terminated the promotional agreement in January, the conflict spilled into public view. De La Hoya posted Instagram videos setting deadlines and monetary demands for the Ennis fight, then declaring negotiations dead when those deadlines passed. Ortiz says none of this was authorized and that Golden Boy no longer had the right to speak for him.
When Ortiz’s manager Rick Mirigian publicly invited other promoters to reach out, De La Hoya responded by asserting control over negotiations and threatening legal action. Ortiz claims these public power plays were designed to create confusion in the industry and scare off potential partners—effectively freezing his career during what should be his prime earning years.
The lawsuit asks the court to confirm that Ortiz is free from Golden Boy and to award damages for lost fights, purses, sponsorships, and momentum. But for boxing fans, the real takeaway is bigger than legal language: this case highlights how promoter politics, broadcast uncertainty, and personal grudges can derail elite fighters—and how even an undefeated champion can find himself fighting outside the ring just to get the biggest fights made.
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Boxxer announces two heavyweight fights for Fury undercard |
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Boxxer announced some additional bouts for the Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov undercard on Saturday, April 11th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, live on Netflix. [Previously named as the co-feature was Conor Benn vs. ex-champ Regis Prograis]. Heavyweight roster mates Jeamie TKV and Richard Riakporhe will clash for the British heavyweight title in an encounter between the London rivals. Frazer Clarke returns to action in another heavyweight showdown as he takes on Justis Huni. Tottenham’s TKV begins his reign as British champion after defeating Clarke via split decision to capture the vacant title in a bruising twelve-round contest in Derby last November. TKV proved his pedigree in the hard-fought victory and came close to stopping Clarke in the eleventh round.
Riakporhe, from Walworth in South London, has looked destructive since moving up to heavyweight, having previously held the British title and challenged for world honors at cruiserweight. Fighting on the undercard of the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn II rematch, Riakporhe made short work of Tommy Welch, showcasing his knockout power with a second-round stoppage victory.
Clarke suffered a split-decision defeat to TKV last time out and will be eager to get back to winning ways. The 2021 Olympic bronze medal winner faces a tough assignment against Australia’s Huni, who is also looking to get his promising career back on track following a knockout defeat to Clarke’s former rival Fabio Wardley. Huni was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards and appeared to be cruising towards a points victory when he was dramatically stopped by Wardley, the current WBO champion in the tenth round of their contest for the WBA interim title.
Sidcup welterweight Elliot Whale also features on the card against Tom Hill as he looks to continue his run following a TKO victory over Ashlee Eales in Leeds last December. The unbeaten Whale delivered a composed performance to secure the stoppage win. Fighting in front of a huge crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and live on Netflix represents another important step in Whale’s development.
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Boxxer announces two heavyweight fights for Fury undercard
Boxxer announced some additional bouts for the Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov undercard on Saturday, April 11th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, live on Netflix. [Previously named as the co-feature was Conor Benn vs. ex-champ Regis Prograis]. Heavyweight roster mates Jeamie TKV and Richard Riakporhe will clash for the British heavyweight title in an encounter between the London rivals. Frazer Clarke returns to action in another heavyweight showdown as he takes on Justis Huni. Tottenham’s TKV begins his reign as British champion after defeating Clarke via split decision to capture the vacant title in a bruising twelve-round contest in Derby last November. TKV proved his pedigree in the hard-fought victory and came close to stopping Clarke in the eleventh round.
Riakporhe, from Walworth in South London, has looked destructive since moving up to heavyweight, having previously held the British title and challenged for world honors at cruiserweight. Fighting on the undercard of the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn II rematch, Riakporhe made short work of Tommy Welch, showcasing his knockout power with a second-round stoppage victory.
Clarke suffered a split-decision defeat to TKV last time out and will be eager to get back to winning ways. The 2021 Olympic bronze medal winner faces a tough assignment against Australia’s Huni, who is also looking to get his promising career back on track following a knockout defeat to Clarke’s former rival Fabio Wardley. Huni was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards and appeared to be cruising towards a points victory when he was dramatically stopped by Wardley, the current WBO champion in the tenth round of their contest for the WBA interim title.
Sidcup welterweight Elliot Whale also features on the card against Tom Hill as he looks to continue his run following a TKO victory over Ashlee Eales in Leeds last December. The unbeaten Whale delivered a composed performance to secure the stoppage win. Fighting in front of a huge crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and live on Netflix represents another important step in Whale’s development.
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Bivol purse bid postponed yet again |
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UPDATE: The Bivol vs. Eifert purse bid has been postponed yet again by the IBF, this time until Tuesday, March 10th. This is at least the third postponement of this potential world light heavyweight championship fight. Original story (Feb. 12, 2026): The IBF announced that a purse bid for world light heavyweight champion Dimitrii Bivol's mandatory defense against Michael Eifert of Germany has been rescheduled from February 13th to February 20th. Bivol is the true world champion of the 175-pound division based on his winning the second of two undisputed championship bouts against fellow Russian Artur Beterbiev. But he has not fought since February of 2025. Eifert is very lightly credentialed at 13-1, with his best win coming in March 2023 in an IBF eliminator vs. former world champion Jean Pascal. Eifert has only fought once since then against a nondescript opponent, instead choosing to wait for this IBF title shot to come his way. Bivol is also recognized as champion by the WBA and WBO and actually is the true world 175-pound monarch, so there is little pressure on him to actually fight Eifert if he is not inclined to do so.
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Bivol purse bid postponed yet again
UPDATE: The Bivol vs. Eifert purse bid has been postponed yet again by the IBF, this time until Tuesday, March 10th. This is at least the third postponement of this potential world light heavyweight championship fight. Original story (Feb. 12, 2026): The IBF announced that a purse bid for world light heavyweight champion Dimitrii Bivol's mandatory defense against Michael Eifert of Germany has been rescheduled from February 13th to February 20th. Bivol is the true world champion of the 175-pound division based on his winning the second of two undisputed championship bouts against fellow Russian Artur Beterbiev. But he has not fought since February of 2025. Eifert is very lightly credentialed at 13-1, with his best win coming in March 2023 in an IBF eliminator vs. former world champion Jean Pascal. Eifert has only fought once since then against a nondescript opponent, instead choosing to wait for this IBF title shot to come his way. Bivol is also recognized as champion by the WBA and WBO and actually is the true world 175-pound monarch, so there is little pressure on him to actually fight Eifert if he is not inclined to do so.
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Fox defeats Robinson in battle of veterans |
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Mykal Fox W10 Ray Robinson... In a poised display of ring generalship and distance control, Mykal Fox scored a unanimous decision victory over Ray Robinson on Saturday, February 21st at Live! Casino & Hotel in Maryland. The junior middleweight contest was a chess match between two technically refined southpaws. Fox made full use of his commanding height and reach advantage. Pumping a steady jab and circling laterally with purpose, “The Professor” dictated range and tempo, consistently keeping Robinson at the end of his punches. The Philadelphia native attempted to apply pressure in the middle rounds, digging to the body and trying to collapse the pocket, but Fox’s composure under fire and slick mobility allowed him to sidestep danger and reset exchanges on his terms.
The Maryland-based boxer’s superiority was clearly reflected on the scorecards, which read 97-92, 97-92, and 98-91. The tallies underscored Fox’s sustained control over the ten-round contest, as he landed the cleaner, more eye-catching shots while managing the rhythm with veteran maturity.
With the victory, Fox improves to 26-5. As for Robinson (26-4-2), the setback adds a tough chapter to a battle-tested career — yet he remains a legitimate measuring stick at 154 pounds, a dangerous assignment for any contender willing to share the ring with him.
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Fox defeats Robinson in battle of veterans
Mykal Fox W10 Ray Robinson... In a poised display of ring generalship and distance control, Mykal Fox scored a unanimous decision victory over Ray Robinson on Saturday, February 21st at Live! Casino & Hotel in Maryland. The junior middleweight contest was a chess match between two technically refined southpaws. Fox made full use of his commanding height and reach advantage. Pumping a steady jab and circling laterally with purpose, “The Professor” dictated range and tempo, consistently keeping Robinson at the end of his punches. The Philadelphia native attempted to apply pressure in the middle rounds, digging to the body and trying to collapse the pocket, but Fox’s composure under fire and slick mobility allowed him to sidestep danger and reset exchanges on his terms.
The Maryland-based boxer’s superiority was clearly reflected on the scorecards, which read 97-92, 97-92, and 98-91. The tallies underscored Fox’s sustained control over the ten-round contest, as he landed the cleaner, more eye-catching shots while managing the rhythm with veteran maturity.
With the victory, Fox improves to 26-5. As for Robinson (26-4-2), the setback adds a tough chapter to a battle-tested career — yet he remains a legitimate measuring stick at 154 pounds, a dangerous assignment for any contender willing to share the ring with him.
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Ortiz, eager to sign for Ennis fight, presses court for a ruling |
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Attorneys for Vergil Ortiz, Jr. filed an emergency request with a federal court in Nevada, asking it to confirm that the temporary restraining order that the court entered on February 13th has expired. Oritz's legal team correctly pointed out to the court that under the court's rules of procedure, temporary restraining orders expire in fourteen days unless the court makes a subsequent ruling. Surprisingly, the court has not yet issued a ruling even though it held a hearing on February 20th, so the fourteen days expired on Friday. Ortiz's court filing makes it clear he is ready to sign a contract to fight former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis as soon as the court lifts the restraining order. Ortiz's papers stated, "As of the filing of this emergency motion on March 2, 2026, the Court has not issued any further Orders related to the TRO or a preliminary injunction. In the time since the Court issued the TRO, including within the last weekend, Ennis’ promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed that Ennis was still interested in the bout against Ortiz, however, he cautioned that there were other potential opponents for Ennis and that further delay beyond the 'next few days' in signing the Ortiz/Ennis bout, could cause Ennis to move on."
The legal papers further stated: "there is still the opportunity for Ortiz to face Ennis, but, as Hearn stated, time is running short. Missing this fight, and the opportunity to vanquish what many boxing fans believe could be the best boxer in the weight class, would cause Ortiz irreparable harm. As noted the underlying briefing, Ortiz losing the ability to engage in his craft, and losing the ability to fight a particular fighter, is exactly the type of irreparable harm that should be prevented. Finally, the circumstances are not the fault of Ortiz. He has complied with all orders of this Court, including, but not limited to, the TRO and the briefing schedule therein. He has great respect for this Court, and, while he believes he is free to do so, has not entered into an agreement to box Ennis because of this great respect. Instead Ortiz instead returns to the Court for confirmation that the TRO has expired so as to not inadvertently violate the Court’s orders. It would be patently unjust for Ortiz to make a Hobson’s choice. The risks under either scenario – potentially disrespect or defy the Court, or lose the Ennis fight – are simply too great not to seek, and obtain, emergency treatment."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
FEB. 19,2026: As part of Vergil Ortiz's legal efforts to end the court-imposed temporary restraining order that is blocking him from signing a deal to fight Jaron Ennis, Ortiz's manager, Rick Mirigian, submited a sworn declaration to the Nevada federal court. The full text of that declaration, lightly edited, is available below. Ortiz is the WBC interim champion at 154 pounds and is one of the sport’s top undefeated contenders. He has been promoted by Golden Boy since 2016, but in May 2024, the two sides signed a new promotional contract. It was supposed to run for three years, but a termination clause has become the center of this legal dispute. Under the terms of Ortiz’s deal, he could terminate the contract before the three years expired if Golden Boy no longer had a broadcast deal with DAZN. Ortiz and Mirigian usaed that clause to terminate in December, saying Golden Boy's deal with DAZN was over. But Golden Boy fired back, claiming it had a new “agreement in principle” in place. The court issued a temporary restraining order to give it some time to soret out the legal arguments. A hearing on whether to continue the temporary restraining order is scheduled for Friday, with the expectation that the judge will dissolve it and allow Ortiz to sign for a Jaron Ennis fight in April. If that were to happen, Golden Boy could either seek a settlement (although it would have very little leverage) or continue the lawsuit seeking monetarty damages from Ortiz if it can prove he breached his contract.
Here is what Mirigian said in his declaration: "I am a boxing manager and I represent Vergil Ortiz, Jr. ... Following Ortiz’s November 2025 bout against Erickson Lubin, Ortiz instructed his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions and me to negotiate an agreement for a fight between Ortiz and Jaron 'Boots' Ennis."
Mirigian continued, "It was the hope of Ortiz that the bout with Ennis, which was considered to be one of the best matchups in the sport, would attract the eye of Turki Alalshikh, a boxing fan and the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. At Mr. Alalshikh’s direction, Saudi Arabia has been a significant sponsor of boxing matches in the last few years... However, instead of working 'in good faith with all boxing promoters to assure that Ortiz maximizes his exposure and revenue opportunities' [this appears to be a quote from Ortiz's promotional contract], Golden Boy’s founder Oscar De La Hoya publicly attacked Alalshikh and Zuffa Boxing [Alalshikh’s new partner]. In December 2025, De La Hoya posted to his Instagram an expletive filled rant insulting the project and all involved."
Next, Mirigian laid out part of his case against Golden Boy: "I believe that [through] De La Hoya’s attacks and other actions, Golden Boy actively undercut any opportunity to maximize Ortiz’ potential earnings from Saudi-backed sponsorships. In a December 2025 meeting Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy, presented me with an offer for the bout with Ennis, and insisted that if Ortiz did not agree to the fight that he would be 'benched' and not presented with any other opportunity. Golden Boy also threatened that if Ortiz did not agree to the sole offer presented, it would publicly blame Ortiz and me for the fight with Ennis not happening. During that same meeting, Gomez, called Dr. Rakan Al Harthy, CEO of the Saudi Arabian entertainment company Sela. With me on speaker phone, Gomez unsuccessfully pitched the fight between Ortiz and Ennis to Sela. On December 12th, I sent a direct message to Alalshikh on Instagram to ask if he had any interest in sponsoring the Ortiz and Ennis bout. He did not acknowledge it or respond... My attempts to communicate with Alalshikh and Sela in December 2025 were done with Gomez’ participation, knowledge, consent, and approval. Although Golden Boy did not disclose it to [me] during the December 2025 meeting, [I] later came to learn, through public comments of Eddie Hearn that there had already been a meeting between Golden Boy, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN that resulted in a written agreement related to terms for the Ortiz/Ennis fight. Golden Boy never presented this document to Ortiz."
Finally, Mirigian gave the court some inside details of the multi-fight deals that are at stake for Ortiz: "Since Ortiz initiated this lawsuit on January 15th, I have been entertaining offers from various boxing promoters on his behalf. Matchroom Boxing offered a three-bout agreement that includes the April 18th bout against Ennis. Although Ortiz’s exact compensation under that offer is dependent on the outcome and economic performance of the bouts, Ortiz would receive at least twelve million dollars and based upon Matchroom’s projections for the economics of the offered bouts, his earnings could approach twenty million dollars for the three fights. Separately, a different promoter offered three-bout deal that guaranteed me sixteen million dollars ($16,000,000), plus upside based on ticket and pay-per-view sales of the bouts. I believe that these agreements were effectively ready to be signed at the time the Court issued the present temporary restraining order on February 13th. [If there was no restraining] order, I believe that one of those agreements would already be signed. I declare under the penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct."
FEB. 17, 2026: Edward McCarthy, the chief operating officer of DAZN, submitted the following sworn statement on behalf of Vergil Ortiz, who is seeking to free himself from a contract with Golden Boy Promotions. Ortiz is seeking to sign a fight with former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, but Golden Boy obtained a temporary restraining order blocking the deal from going through. A federal court in Nevada is considering whether to extend or dissolve the restraining order, and here is what McCarthy had to say on behalf of the DAZN streaming service:
"DAZN has been in the U.S. market since 2018. Since that time Golden Boy Promotions (“GBP”) has been a party to a series of exclusive distribution agreements with DAZN, wherein DAZN had the right to be the sole broadcaster of boxing events promoted by GBP in the United States. As part of these agreements, DAZN provided GBP with an annual budget for events to be agreed and aired pursuant to the terms of the relevant long-term distribution agreement. Notably, GBP was not DAZN’s sole provider of boxing events. The various agreements between GBP and DAZN did not restrict DAZN from airing events from other promoters. DAZN has [also] worked with a number of other promoters, including Matchroom Boxing, Queensberry Promotions, Misfits Boxing and Most Valuable Promotions.
"DAZN’s most recent long-term distribution contract with GBP expired on December 31, 2025, despite DAZN’s offer to extend such long-term distribution contract, whilst the new long-term agreement was finalized and agreed. Since January 1, 2026, there has not been a long-term broadcast distribution relationship between DAZN and GBP, although DAZN aired a GBP-promoted event on January 16th and has contracted to distribute a show on March 14th. These events are 'one off' shows and the parties had and have no commitments to each other beyond those specific events. In the agreement, dated February 17th to broadcast the March 14th event, both DAZN and GBP acknowledged and confirmed this fact.
"Beginning in late 2025, through the present, GBP and DAZN have been discussing terms for a new contract under which the parties could continue their long-term broadcast distribution relationship. To date, GBP and DAZN have not agreed on final terms for such long-term broadcast distribution, although material terms and drafts were well progressed. No contract has been formally agreed, approved or signed by the parties. DAZN is aware that, following the filing of proceedings by Mr. Ortiz against GBP and immediately prior to the recent Court Order, Ortiz was negotiating, and close to executing, an agreement with Matchroom Boxing to fight Ennis on April 18th in an event to air on DAZN. DAZN remains open to seeking to agree and enter into a long-term distribution agreement with GBP on commercially reasonable terms, whether or not GBP has Mr. Ortiz under contract."
FEB. 16, 2026: Over the weekend, Eric Gomez, the president of Golden Boy Promotions, submitted a legal declaration in his company's federal lawsuit against Vergil Ortiz, Jr., the star junior middleweight who is seeking to end his promotional contract with Golden Boy and sign for a huge fight against former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis. Here is what Gomez declared: "Notwithstanding Golden Boy’s ongoing [legal] dispute with Ortiz, Golden Boy remains ready and willing to represent Ortiz in negotiating for and promoting a bout between Ortiz and Ennis. Even after Golden Boy discovered that Ortiz’s manager, Rick Mirigian, was having direct communications with third parties regarding the fight, Golden Boy remained committed to its representation of Ortiz with respect to the fight. In early January 2026, I exchanged emails with Mirigian articulating Golden Boy’s negotiation position. Also in early January, Golden Boy’s counsel, Ricardo P. Cestero, sent a letter to Ortiz’s counsel, Gregory M. Smith, confirming that Golden Boy offered Ortiz a $3 million guarantee plus upside for the Ennis fight."
FEB. 14, 2026: On Friday, a federal judge temporarily restrained Vergil Ortiz Jr. from negotiating or signing any deal for a fight with former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, granting an emergency restraining order requested by Golden Boy Promotions. The ruling, issued February 13th in federal court in Nevada, freezes Ortiz’s ability to contract with third parties for the Ennis bout while a contract dispute plays out between Golden Boy and Ortiz. The next court hearing is scheduled for February 20th, when both sides will appear for oral arguments. For boxing fans, the decision immediately puts one of the most anticipated potential matchups in the welterweight division on ice. Until the court or an arbitrator says otherwise, Ortiz is barred from making any independent deal for the Ennis fight, keeping control of his next move firmly tied to the legal battle with Golden Boy, his longtime promoter.
Ortiz is the WBC interim champion at 154 pounds. He is one of the sport’s top undefeated contenders and has been promoted by Golden Boy since 2016. In May 2024, the two sides signed a new promotional rights agreement that was supposed to run for three years, with guaranteed minimum payments of more than $1 million per fight. At the center of the dispute is a clause tied to Golden Boy’s broadcast relationship with DAZN. That contract with DAZN expired at the end of 2025. Under the terms of Ortiz’s deal, he could terminate his agreement with Golden Boy if the promoter no longer had a distribution deal with DAZN—unless Golden Boy already had an “agreement in principle” in place with another broadcaster, or had agreed on all material terms of a new deal and was finalizing paperwork.
Ortiz sent a letter in early January seeking confirmation that the DAZN deal had ended, signaling his intent to terminate his contract. Golden Boy responded that while the formal contract had expired, the company and DAZN had already agreed on the key terms of a new licensing deal for 2026 and 2027 and were exchanging drafts. On that basis, Golden Boy argued Ortiz had no right to walk away.
Ortiz then filed suit, asking the court to declare the contract over. He also accused Golden Boy of breach of contract and interference with his business opportunities. Among Ortiz's claims: that the company undercut chances to maximize his earnings through Saudi-backed sponsorships and interfered with his ability to negotiate future fights. His complaint also points to public statements and actions by Golden Boy head Oscar De La Hoya, which Ortiz says confused other promoters and the boxing public about who controlled his career.
Golden Boy answered with an emergency motion, telling the court it had learned Ortiz was on the verge of signing a deal with third parties for a fight against Ennis. The company argued that such a move would violate the existing contract and cause irreparable harm—especially by damaging broadcast negotiations and business relationships that cannot simply be repaired with money later. The judge agreed with Golden Boy and granted the temporary restraining order, barring Ortiz, his managers, and representatives from negotiating or entering into any third-party contracts for the Ennis bout. The court emphasized that the order is meant to preserve the “status quo” while the dispute is resolved.
Legally, the case is also complicated by an arbitration clause in the contract that staes that any disputes should be handled through arbitration in Las Vegas. Golden Boy has already started arbitration proceedings, accusing Ortiz of breaching the agreement and interfering with its broadcast relationships. The court made clear that the restraining order does not decide who is right—it simply prevents irreversible business moves before arbitration and further court hearings take place.
From a boxing standpoint, the impact is immediate. Ortiz vs. Ennis is widely viewed as one of the most meaningful fights available in the division—a matchup of two elite, undefeated fighters in their prime. The ruling doesn’t kill the fight, but it removes Ortiz’s ability to make it happen independently. For now, the business has overtaken the sport. The February 20th court date will be the next step in deciding whether this freeze continues or changes, but until then, Ortiz’s future—and the Ennis fight—remains locked in a courtroom rather than a ring.
JAN. 19, 2026: WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. has taken his long-time promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, to federal court—claiming that behind-the-scenes chaos, missed opportunities and public blowups derailed his momentum at a critical moment in his career. The lawsuit was filed in Nevada. At the center of the dispute is Ortiz’s promotional agreement with Golden Boy, which he signed in May 2024. The deal extended Golden Boy’s rights for three years, guaranteed Ortiz million-dollar minimum purses, and was built around Golden Boy’s long-term broadcast relationship with DAZN. Here are the key allegations contained in Ortiz's legal complaint, which at this time are treated as unproven allegations:
Ortiz alleges Golden Boy's relatinship with DAZN was a key reason he stayed with Golden Boy in the first place. Fast forward to the end of 2025. Golden Boy’s DAZN deal expired on December 31st, and Ortiz moved quickly. On January 8, 2026, he exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if Golden Boy lost its exclusive broadcaster. Golden Boy acknowledged that the DAZN deal had ended (this weekend's DAZN show was a one-off with Golden Boy, not part of any long-term deal). Golden Boy took the position that ongoing negotiations for a new DAZN agreement meant Ortiz was still tied to the company. Ortiz disagrees, and the timing is everything. According to the complaint, his team believed that uncertainty over Golden Boy’s broadcast future—and Golden Boy’s strained relationships across the sport—were already costing him major fights and major money.
The biggest missed opportunity, Ortiz claims, was a potential showdown with former welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis. After Ortiz’s November 2025 win over Erickson Lubin, Ennis entered the ring for a face-off, and both fighters publicly said they wanted to fight each other. It was widely viewed as one of the best match-ups the sport of boxing could make across weight classes.
Ortiz wanted Golden Boy to negotiate with Ennis’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and hoped the bout could attract backing from Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, the head of the government's General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh has poured massive money into elite boxing events over the last few years. According to the lawsuit, Ortiz believed a Saudi-backed Ortiz-Ennis fight could have been career-defining.
Instead, Ortiz alleges, Golden Boy sabotaged those possibilities. The complaint points to Golden Boy's principal, Oscar De La Hoya and the public attacks he has made on Alalshikh and the Saudi-backed Zuffa Boxing venture—attacks made on social media during the very period Ortiz’s team was hoping to attract Saudi interest. Ortiz claims those outbursts poisoned the well, making him less attractive to deep-pocketed backers through no fault of his own.
Things escalated in December 2025. Ortiz says Golden Boy presented him with only one fight option—Ennis—despite a contract requirement that required Golden Boy to offer multiple opponents. Worse, Ortiz alleges he was threatened with being “benched” if he didn’t accept the terms and warned that Golden Boy would publicly blame him if the fight fell apart. According to the complaint, Ortiz later learned that Golden Boy, Matchroom and DAZN had already reached written terms for the Ennis fight—terms that were never shared with him, even though his contract required full disclosure and his signature on any deal involving his fights.
After Ortiz terminated the promotional agreement in January, the conflict spilled into public view. De La Hoya posted Instagram videos setting deadlines and monetary demands for the Ennis fight, then declaring negotiations dead when those deadlines passed. Ortiz says none of this was authorized and that Golden Boy no longer had the right to speak for him.
When Ortiz’s manager Rick Mirigian publicly invited other promoters to reach out, De La Hoya responded by asserting control over negotiations and threatening legal action. Ortiz claims these public power plays were designed to create confusion in the industry and scare off potential partners—effectively freezing his career during what should be his prime earning years.
The lawsuit asks the court to confirm that Ortiz is free from Golden Boy and to award damages for lost fights, purses, sponsorships, and momentum. But for boxing fans, the real takeaway is bigger than legal language: this case highlights how promoter politics, broadcast uncertainty, and personal grudges can derail elite fighters—and how even an undefeated champion can find himself fighting outside the ring just to get the biggest fights made.
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Ortiz, eager to sign for Ennis fight, presses court for a ruling
Attorneys for Vergil Ortiz, Jr. filed an emergency request with a federal court in Nevada, asking it to confirm that the temporary restraining order that the court entered on February 13th has expired. Oritz's legal team correctly pointed out to the court that under the court's rules of procedure, temporary restraining orders expire in fourteen days unless the court makes a subsequent ruling. Surprisingly, the court has not yet issued a ruling even though it held a hearing on February 20th, so the fourteen days expired on Friday. Ortiz's court filing makes it clear he is ready to sign a contract to fight former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis as soon as the court lifts the restraining order. Ortiz's papers stated, "As of the filing of this emergency motion on March 2, 2026, the Court has not issued any further Orders related to the TRO or a preliminary injunction. In the time since the Court issued the TRO, including within the last weekend, Ennis’ promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed that Ennis was still interested in the bout against Ortiz, however, he cautioned that there were other potential opponents for Ennis and that further delay beyond the 'next few days' in signing the Ortiz/Ennis bout, could cause Ennis to move on."
The legal papers further stated: "there is still the opportunity for Ortiz to face Ennis, but, as Hearn stated, time is running short. Missing this fight, and the opportunity to vanquish what many boxing fans believe could be the best boxer in the weight class, would cause Ortiz irreparable harm. As noted the underlying briefing, Ortiz losing the ability to engage in his craft, and losing the ability to fight a particular fighter, is exactly the type of irreparable harm that should be prevented. Finally, the circumstances are not the fault of Ortiz. He has complied with all orders of this Court, including, but not limited to, the TRO and the briefing schedule therein. He has great respect for this Court, and, while he believes he is free to do so, has not entered into an agreement to box Ennis because of this great respect. Instead Ortiz instead returns to the Court for confirmation that the TRO has expired so as to not inadvertently violate the Court’s orders. It would be patently unjust for Ortiz to make a Hobson’s choice. The risks under either scenario – potentially disrespect or defy the Court, or lose the Ennis fight – are simply too great not to seek, and obtain, emergency treatment."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
FEB. 19,2026: As part of Vergil Ortiz's legal efforts to end the court-imposed temporary restraining order that is blocking him from signing a deal to fight Jaron Ennis, Ortiz's manager, Rick Mirigian, submited a sworn declaration to the Nevada federal court. The full text of that declaration, lightly edited, is available below. Ortiz is the WBC interim champion at 154 pounds and is one of the sport’s top undefeated contenders. He has been promoted by Golden Boy since 2016, but in May 2024, the two sides signed a new promotional contract. It was supposed to run for three years, but a termination clause has become the center of this legal dispute. Under the terms of Ortiz’s deal, he could terminate the contract before the three years expired if Golden Boy no longer had a broadcast deal with DAZN. Ortiz and Mirigian usaed that clause to terminate in December, saying Golden Boy's deal with DAZN was over. But Golden Boy fired back, claiming it had a new “agreement in principle” in place. The court issued a temporary restraining order to give it some time to soret out the legal arguments. A hearing on whether to continue the temporary restraining order is scheduled for Friday, with the expectation that the judge will dissolve it and allow Ortiz to sign for a Jaron Ennis fight in April. If that were to happen, Golden Boy could either seek a settlement (although it would have very little leverage) or continue the lawsuit seeking monetarty damages from Ortiz if it can prove he breached his contract.
Here is what Mirigian said in his declaration: "I am a boxing manager and I represent Vergil Ortiz, Jr. ... Following Ortiz’s November 2025 bout against Erickson Lubin, Ortiz instructed his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions and me to negotiate an agreement for a fight between Ortiz and Jaron 'Boots' Ennis."
Mirigian continued, "It was the hope of Ortiz that the bout with Ennis, which was considered to be one of the best matchups in the sport, would attract the eye of Turki Alalshikh, a boxing fan and the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. At Mr. Alalshikh’s direction, Saudi Arabia has been a significant sponsor of boxing matches in the last few years... However, instead of working 'in good faith with all boxing promoters to assure that Ortiz maximizes his exposure and revenue opportunities' [this appears to be a quote from Ortiz's promotional contract], Golden Boy’s founder Oscar De La Hoya publicly attacked Alalshikh and Zuffa Boxing [Alalshikh’s new partner]. In December 2025, De La Hoya posted to his Instagram an expletive filled rant insulting the project and all involved."
Next, Mirigian laid out part of his case against Golden Boy: "I believe that [through] De La Hoya’s attacks and other actions, Golden Boy actively undercut any opportunity to maximize Ortiz’ potential earnings from Saudi-backed sponsorships. In a December 2025 meeting Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy, presented me with an offer for the bout with Ennis, and insisted that if Ortiz did not agree to the fight that he would be 'benched' and not presented with any other opportunity. Golden Boy also threatened that if Ortiz did not agree to the sole offer presented, it would publicly blame Ortiz and me for the fight with Ennis not happening. During that same meeting, Gomez, called Dr. Rakan Al Harthy, CEO of the Saudi Arabian entertainment company Sela. With me on speaker phone, Gomez unsuccessfully pitched the fight between Ortiz and Ennis to Sela. On December 12th, I sent a direct message to Alalshikh on Instagram to ask if he had any interest in sponsoring the Ortiz and Ennis bout. He did not acknowledge it or respond... My attempts to communicate with Alalshikh and Sela in December 2025 were done with Gomez’ participation, knowledge, consent, and approval. Although Golden Boy did not disclose it to [me] during the December 2025 meeting, [I] later came to learn, through public comments of Eddie Hearn that there had already been a meeting between Golden Boy, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN that resulted in a written agreement related to terms for the Ortiz/Ennis fight. Golden Boy never presented this document to Ortiz."
Finally, Mirigian gave the court some inside details of the multi-fight deals that are at stake for Ortiz: "Since Ortiz initiated this lawsuit on January 15th, I have been entertaining offers from various boxing promoters on his behalf. Matchroom Boxing offered a three-bout agreement that includes the April 18th bout against Ennis. Although Ortiz’s exact compensation under that offer is dependent on the outcome and economic performance of the bouts, Ortiz would receive at least twelve million dollars and based upon Matchroom’s projections for the economics of the offered bouts, his earnings could approach twenty million dollars for the three fights. Separately, a different promoter offered three-bout deal that guaranteed me sixteen million dollars ($16,000,000), plus upside based on ticket and pay-per-view sales of the bouts. I believe that these agreements were effectively ready to be signed at the time the Court issued the present temporary restraining order on February 13th. [If there was no restraining] order, I believe that one of those agreements would already be signed. I declare under the penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct."
FEB. 17, 2026: Edward McCarthy, the chief operating officer of DAZN, submitted the following sworn statement on behalf of Vergil Ortiz, who is seeking to free himself from a contract with Golden Boy Promotions. Ortiz is seeking to sign a fight with former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, but Golden Boy obtained a temporary restraining order blocking the deal from going through. A federal court in Nevada is considering whether to extend or dissolve the restraining order, and here is what McCarthy had to say on behalf of the DAZN streaming service:
"DAZN has been in the U.S. market since 2018. Since that time Golden Boy Promotions (“GBP”) has been a party to a series of exclusive distribution agreements with DAZN, wherein DAZN had the right to be the sole broadcaster of boxing events promoted by GBP in the United States. As part of these agreements, DAZN provided GBP with an annual budget for events to be agreed and aired pursuant to the terms of the relevant long-term distribution agreement. Notably, GBP was not DAZN’s sole provider of boxing events. The various agreements between GBP and DAZN did not restrict DAZN from airing events from other promoters. DAZN has [also] worked with a number of other promoters, including Matchroom Boxing, Queensberry Promotions, Misfits Boxing and Most Valuable Promotions.
"DAZN’s most recent long-term distribution contract with GBP expired on December 31, 2025, despite DAZN’s offer to extend such long-term distribution contract, whilst the new long-term agreement was finalized and agreed. Since January 1, 2026, there has not been a long-term broadcast distribution relationship between DAZN and GBP, although DAZN aired a GBP-promoted event on January 16th and has contracted to distribute a show on March 14th. These events are 'one off' shows and the parties had and have no commitments to each other beyond those specific events. In the agreement, dated February 17th to broadcast the March 14th event, both DAZN and GBP acknowledged and confirmed this fact.
"Beginning in late 2025, through the present, GBP and DAZN have been discussing terms for a new contract under which the parties could continue their long-term broadcast distribution relationship. To date, GBP and DAZN have not agreed on final terms for such long-term broadcast distribution, although material terms and drafts were well progressed. No contract has been formally agreed, approved or signed by the parties. DAZN is aware that, following the filing of proceedings by Mr. Ortiz against GBP and immediately prior to the recent Court Order, Ortiz was negotiating, and close to executing, an agreement with Matchroom Boxing to fight Ennis on April 18th in an event to air on DAZN. DAZN remains open to seeking to agree and enter into a long-term distribution agreement with GBP on commercially reasonable terms, whether or not GBP has Mr. Ortiz under contract."
FEB. 16, 2026: Over the weekend, Eric Gomez, the president of Golden Boy Promotions, submitted a legal declaration in his company's federal lawsuit against Vergil Ortiz, Jr., the star junior middleweight who is seeking to end his promotional contract with Golden Boy and sign for a huge fight against former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis. Here is what Gomez declared: "Notwithstanding Golden Boy’s ongoing [legal] dispute with Ortiz, Golden Boy remains ready and willing to represent Ortiz in negotiating for and promoting a bout between Ortiz and Ennis. Even after Golden Boy discovered that Ortiz’s manager, Rick Mirigian, was having direct communications with third parties regarding the fight, Golden Boy remained committed to its representation of Ortiz with respect to the fight. In early January 2026, I exchanged emails with Mirigian articulating Golden Boy’s negotiation position. Also in early January, Golden Boy’s counsel, Ricardo P. Cestero, sent a letter to Ortiz’s counsel, Gregory M. Smith, confirming that Golden Boy offered Ortiz a $3 million guarantee plus upside for the Ennis fight."
FEB. 14, 2026: On Friday, a federal judge temporarily restrained Vergil Ortiz Jr. from negotiating or signing any deal for a fight with former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, granting an emergency restraining order requested by Golden Boy Promotions. The ruling, issued February 13th in federal court in Nevada, freezes Ortiz’s ability to contract with third parties for the Ennis bout while a contract dispute plays out between Golden Boy and Ortiz. The next court hearing is scheduled for February 20th, when both sides will appear for oral arguments. For boxing fans, the decision immediately puts one of the most anticipated potential matchups in the welterweight division on ice. Until the court or an arbitrator says otherwise, Ortiz is barred from making any independent deal for the Ennis fight, keeping control of his next move firmly tied to the legal battle with Golden Boy, his longtime promoter.
Ortiz is the WBC interim champion at 154 pounds. He is one of the sport’s top undefeated contenders and has been promoted by Golden Boy since 2016. In May 2024, the two sides signed a new promotional rights agreement that was supposed to run for three years, with guaranteed minimum payments of more than $1 million per fight. At the center of the dispute is a clause tied to Golden Boy’s broadcast relationship with DAZN. That contract with DAZN expired at the end of 2025. Under the terms of Ortiz’s deal, he could terminate his agreement with Golden Boy if the promoter no longer had a distribution deal with DAZN—unless Golden Boy already had an “agreement in principle” in place with another broadcaster, or had agreed on all material terms of a new deal and was finalizing paperwork.
Ortiz sent a letter in early January seeking confirmation that the DAZN deal had ended, signaling his intent to terminate his contract. Golden Boy responded that while the formal contract had expired, the company and DAZN had already agreed on the key terms of a new licensing deal for 2026 and 2027 and were exchanging drafts. On that basis, Golden Boy argued Ortiz had no right to walk away.
Ortiz then filed suit, asking the court to declare the contract over. He also accused Golden Boy of breach of contract and interference with his business opportunities. Among Ortiz's claims: that the company undercut chances to maximize his earnings through Saudi-backed sponsorships and interfered with his ability to negotiate future fights. His complaint also points to public statements and actions by Golden Boy head Oscar De La Hoya, which Ortiz says confused other promoters and the boxing public about who controlled his career.
Golden Boy answered with an emergency motion, telling the court it had learned Ortiz was on the verge of signing a deal with third parties for a fight against Ennis. The company argued that such a move would violate the existing contract and cause irreparable harm—especially by damaging broadcast negotiations and business relationships that cannot simply be repaired with money later. The judge agreed with Golden Boy and granted the temporary restraining order, barring Ortiz, his managers, and representatives from negotiating or entering into any third-party contracts for the Ennis bout. The court emphasized that the order is meant to preserve the “status quo” while the dispute is resolved.
Legally, the case is also complicated by an arbitration clause in the contract that staes that any disputes should be handled through arbitration in Las Vegas. Golden Boy has already started arbitration proceedings, accusing Ortiz of breaching the agreement and interfering with its broadcast relationships. The court made clear that the restraining order does not decide who is right—it simply prevents irreversible business moves before arbitration and further court hearings take place.
From a boxing standpoint, the impact is immediate. Ortiz vs. Ennis is widely viewed as one of the most meaningful fights available in the division—a matchup of two elite, undefeated fighters in their prime. The ruling doesn’t kill the fight, but it removes Ortiz’s ability to make it happen independently. For now, the business has overtaken the sport. The February 20th court date will be the next step in deciding whether this freeze continues or changes, but until then, Ortiz’s future—and the Ennis fight—remains locked in a courtroom rather than a ring.
JAN. 19, 2026: WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. has taken his long-time promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, to federal court—claiming that behind-the-scenes chaos, missed opportunities and public blowups derailed his momentum at a critical moment in his career. The lawsuit was filed in Nevada. At the center of the dispute is Ortiz’s promotional agreement with Golden Boy, which he signed in May 2024. The deal extended Golden Boy’s rights for three years, guaranteed Ortiz million-dollar minimum purses, and was built around Golden Boy’s long-term broadcast relationship with DAZN. Here are the key allegations contained in Ortiz's legal complaint, which at this time are treated as unproven allegations:
Ortiz alleges Golden Boy's relatinship with DAZN was a key reason he stayed with Golden Boy in the first place. Fast forward to the end of 2025. Golden Boy’s DAZN deal expired on December 31st, and Ortiz moved quickly. On January 8, 2026, he exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if Golden Boy lost its exclusive broadcaster. Golden Boy acknowledged that the DAZN deal had ended (this weekend's DAZN show was a one-off with Golden Boy, not part of any long-term deal). Golden Boy took the position that ongoing negotiations for a new DAZN agreement meant Ortiz was still tied to the company. Ortiz disagrees, and the timing is everything. According to the complaint, his team believed that uncertainty over Golden Boy’s broadcast future—and Golden Boy’s strained relationships across the sport—were already costing him major fights and major money.
The biggest missed opportunity, Ortiz claims, was a potential showdown with former welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis. After Ortiz’s November 2025 win over Erickson Lubin, Ennis entered the ring for a face-off, and both fighters publicly said they wanted to fight each other. It was widely viewed as one of the best match-ups the sport of boxing could make across weight classes.
Ortiz wanted Golden Boy to negotiate with Ennis’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and hoped the bout could attract backing from Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, the head of the government's General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh has poured massive money into elite boxing events over the last few years. According to the lawsuit, Ortiz believed a Saudi-backed Ortiz-Ennis fight could have been career-defining.
Instead, Ortiz alleges, Golden Boy sabotaged those possibilities. The complaint points to Golden Boy's principal, Oscar De La Hoya and the public attacks he has made on Alalshikh and the Saudi-backed Zuffa Boxing venture—attacks made on social media during the very period Ortiz’s team was hoping to attract Saudi interest. Ortiz claims those outbursts poisoned the well, making him less attractive to deep-pocketed backers through no fault of his own.
Things escalated in December 2025. Ortiz says Golden Boy presented him with only one fight option—Ennis—despite a contract requirement that required Golden Boy to offer multiple opponents. Worse, Ortiz alleges he was threatened with being “benched” if he didn’t accept the terms and warned that Golden Boy would publicly blame him if the fight fell apart. According to the complaint, Ortiz later learned that Golden Boy, Matchroom and DAZN had already reached written terms for the Ennis fight—terms that were never shared with him, even though his contract required full disclosure and his signature on any deal involving his fights.
After Ortiz terminated the promotional agreement in January, the conflict spilled into public view. De La Hoya posted Instagram videos setting deadlines and monetary demands for the Ennis fight, then declaring negotiations dead when those deadlines passed. Ortiz says none of this was authorized and that Golden Boy no longer had the right to speak for him.
When Ortiz’s manager Rick Mirigian publicly invited other promoters to reach out, De La Hoya responded by asserting control over negotiations and threatening legal action. Ortiz claims these public power plays were designed to create confusion in the industry and scare off potential partners—effectively freezing his career during what should be his prime earning years.
The lawsuit asks the court to confirm that Ortiz is free from Golden Boy and to award damages for lost fights, purses, sponsorships, and momentum. But for boxing fans, the real takeaway is bigger than legal language: this case highlights how promoter politics, broadcast uncertainty, and personal grudges can derail elite fighters—and how even an undefeated champion can find himself fighting outside the ring just to get the biggest fights made.
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Watch: Peralta returns with quick-count KO win |
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Yamil Peralta KO2 Juan Díaz ... In a triumphant ring return, two-time Olympian Yamil Peralta of Argentina got a win in the cruiserweight division with a big knockout of Venezuela’s Juan Díaz (13-4). The bout was the featured attraction on February 28th at Casino Buenos Aires. Peralta ended things abruptly in the second round. First, he established his class and reach advantage from the outset. Working behind a sharp jab and smart lateral movement, he neutralized any offensive ambition from Díaz. The Argentine controlled the tempo with poise and authority, dictating the range without absorbing significant return fire. The ending came with less than a minute remaining in the second. Peralta uncorked a left hook to the liver that caused Díaz to gasp for air and take a knee. He got up at nine but referee Emiliano D’Avila waved it off before reaching ten, sealing the knockout victory. Peralta (listed 18-1-1, but Boxingtalk considers him to be 27-8-1 in light of [aid bouts in the World Series of Boxing) was returning to action for the first timer since a 2024 road draw vs. Ryan Rozicki in Canada. Díaz, touted as a dangerous puncher, suffers a setback after failing to solve the technical precision and power of the seasoned Olympian on Buenos Aires soil.
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Watch: Peralta returns with quick-count KO win
Yamil Peralta KO2 Juan Díaz ... In a triumphant ring return, two-time Olympian Yamil Peralta of Argentina got a win in the cruiserweight division with a big knockout of Venezuela’s Juan Díaz (13-4). The bout was the featured attraction on February 28th at Casino Buenos Aires. Peralta ended things abruptly in the second round. First, he established his class and reach advantage from the outset. Working behind a sharp jab and smart lateral movement, he neutralized any offensive ambition from Díaz. The Argentine controlled the tempo with poise and authority, dictating the range without absorbing significant return fire. The ending came with less than a minute remaining in the second. Peralta uncorked a left hook to the liver that caused Díaz to gasp for air and take a knee. He got up at nine but referee Emiliano D’Avila waved it off before reaching ten, sealing the knockout victory. Peralta (listed 18-1-1, but Boxingtalk considers him to be 27-8-1 in light of [aid bouts in the World Series of Boxing) was returning to action for the first timer since a 2024 road draw vs. Ryan Rozicki in Canada. Díaz, touted as a dangerous puncher, suffers a setback after failing to solve the technical precision and power of the seasoned Olympian on Buenos Aires soil.
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Navarrete stops Nunez to unify two belts at 130 |
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Emanuel Navarrete TKO11 Eduardo Nunez... Emanuel Navarrete unified the junior lightweight crowns on Saturday night with a TKO triumph over now frmer-IBF champion Eduardo Nunez. The pair arrived at Glendale, Arizona's's Desert Diamond Arena each seeking to secure a second strap to add to their collection amid a crowded division scene. But it was Navarrete who claimed the second belt, doing so with an assured performance in Arizona. Victory for Navarrete will increase the clamor for him to seek undisputed status across the junior lightweight division. For Nunez, handed just a second professional loss, this is a result that will check his own ambitions, forcing a possible switch of weight. Entering to plenty of fanfare, the Mexican duo traded early on before Navarrete began to find greater purchase heading deeper into the contest. A series of heavy blows in the ninth round damaged Nunez, forcing the doctors to iexamine him before the contest was allowed to continue. Navarrete, already a three-weight champion, exploited the issues however, leaving his foe with a swollen eyes and the contest waved off shortly after. Now a two-belt champ and already a three-division champ, Navarrete inches closer to Hall of Fame credentials.
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Navarrete stops Nunez to unify two belts at 130
Emanuel Navarrete TKO11 Eduardo Nunez... Emanuel Navarrete unified the junior lightweight crowns on Saturday night with a TKO triumph over now frmer-IBF champion Eduardo Nunez. The pair arrived at Glendale, Arizona's's Desert Diamond Arena each seeking to secure a second strap to add to their collection amid a crowded division scene. But it was Navarrete who claimed the second belt, doing so with an assured performance in Arizona. Victory for Navarrete will increase the clamor for him to seek undisputed status across the junior lightweight division. For Nunez, handed just a second professional loss, this is a result that will check his own ambitions, forcing a possible switch of weight. Entering to plenty of fanfare, the Mexican duo traded early on before Navarrete began to find greater purchase heading deeper into the contest. A series of heavy blows in the ninth round damaged Nunez, forcing the doctors to iexamine him before the contest was allowed to continue. Navarrete, already a three-weight champion, exploited the issues however, leaving his foe with a swollen eyes and the contest waved off shortly after. Now a two-belt champ and already a three-division champ, Navarrete inches closer to Hall of Fame credentials.
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Terry Washington gets quality win at junior fly |
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Terry Washington KO2 Eduardo Yudel Reyes... California's unbeaten light flyweight Terry “Terrible” Washington rang up a second-round knockout of seasoned Mexican Eduardo Yudel Reyes (18-5). The bout took place at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, and proved one-sided from the opening bell. Washington set a fast pace immediately, overwhelming Reyes with speed and precision. Reyes, who aimed to extend the fight into the middle rounds to lean on his experience, found himself trapped under the relentless pressure of the unbeaten local fighter. A sharp combination upstairs followed by sustained punishment to the body signaled early that it would be a short night. The end came in round two when Washington (7-0) unleashed a furious barrage that left Reyes defenseless. With the damage mounting rapidly and no meaningful resistance coming back, the referee stepped in to halt the contest, igniting celebrations in the California crowd.
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Terry Washington gets quality win at junior fly
Terry Washington KO2 Eduardo Yudel Reyes... California's unbeaten light flyweight Terry “Terrible” Washington rang up a second-round knockout of seasoned Mexican Eduardo Yudel Reyes (18-5). The bout took place at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, and proved one-sided from the opening bell. Washington set a fast pace immediately, overwhelming Reyes with speed and precision. Reyes, who aimed to extend the fight into the middle rounds to lean on his experience, found himself trapped under the relentless pressure of the unbeaten local fighter. A sharp combination upstairs followed by sustained punishment to the body signaled early that it would be a short night. The end came in round two when Washington (7-0) unleashed a furious barrage that left Reyes defenseless. With the damage mounting rapidly and no meaningful resistance coming back, the referee stepped in to halt the contest, igniting celebrations in the California crowd.
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IBA plans March 12th St. Petersburg show |
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On March 12th, the IBA returns to Saint Petersburg with an international fight card headlined by a junior middleweight clash between Pavel Sosulin and Liberian-born Victor Nagbe. Sosulin (16-0, 8 KOs including World Series of Boxing and IBA pro bouts) steps into the ring at a pivotal stage of his career. Nicknamed “Mex” for his relentless, pressure-heavy style inspired by Mexican boxing traditions, the Angarsk-born fighter has rapidly established himself as a serious threat in the 154-pound division. After a second-round stoppage of Jorge Fortea, Sosulin now sets his sights on the global stage. The opponent has changed, but the mission remains the same. Sosulin now faces Nagbe, who accepted this high-stakes challenge on just two weeks’ notice. Nagbe brings a legitimate arsenal capable of upsetting the home favorite. A decorated kickboxer, Nagbe also boasts a solid professional boxing record of 12-2 with 6 KOs. Short notice notwithstanding, he arrives with finishing power, elite combat experience, and the kind of unpredictability that can turn a main event on its head.
The co-feature is shaping up to be a tactical light heavyweight battle between Vladimir Mironchikov (7-0, 6 KOs) and Ulugbek Sobirov (17-5, 10 KOs). Mironchikov — a world championship bronze medalist and Mediterranean Games champion representing Serbia, has built a reputation for clinical power and composure. His recent three-round stoppage of David Ferko in Turin confirmed his readiness for championship gold. He faces Sobirov, a product of the renowned Uzbek boxing school who brings immense resilience. Having previously gone the distance with amateur world champion Dzhambulat Bizhamov, Sobirov represents the sternest test of Mironchikov’s professional career to date.
The undercard adds further depth to this event. Junior welterweight Ilya Popov (3-0), a reigning amateur world champion, faces Kazakhstan’s Nurtas Azhbenov (14-1) in a significant step up in competition... Local favorite Eduard Savvin is also back in action, taking on Namibian knockout specialist Aime “Avatar” Malungilua.
The Saint Petersburg card is rounded out by a series of compelling cross-border contests featuring hungry prospects and seasoned challengers:
Sergey Koldenkov vs. Abel Lima;
Nikita Kuzmin vs. Vakhtang Harutunian;
Tamerlan Ozdoev vs. Dastan Saaduly; and
Sergey Murachev vs. Khalimzhon Mamosoliev.
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IBA plans March 12th St. Petersburg show
On March 12th, the IBA returns to Saint Petersburg with an international fight card headlined by a junior middleweight clash between Pavel Sosulin and Liberian-born Victor Nagbe. Sosulin (16-0, 8 KOs including World Series of Boxing and IBA pro bouts) steps into the ring at a pivotal stage of his career. Nicknamed “Mex” for his relentless, pressure-heavy style inspired by Mexican boxing traditions, the Angarsk-born fighter has rapidly established himself as a serious threat in the 154-pound division. After a second-round stoppage of Jorge Fortea, Sosulin now sets his sights on the global stage. The opponent has changed, but the mission remains the same. Sosulin now faces Nagbe, who accepted this high-stakes challenge on just two weeks’ notice. Nagbe brings a legitimate arsenal capable of upsetting the home favorite. A decorated kickboxer, Nagbe also boasts a solid professional boxing record of 12-2 with 6 KOs. Short notice notwithstanding, he arrives with finishing power, elite combat experience, and the kind of unpredictability that can turn a main event on its head.
The co-feature is shaping up to be a tactical light heavyweight battle between Vladimir Mironchikov (7-0, 6 KOs) and Ulugbek Sobirov (17-5, 10 KOs). Mironchikov — a world championship bronze medalist and Mediterranean Games champion representing Serbia, has built a reputation for clinical power and composure. His recent three-round stoppage of David Ferko in Turin confirmed his readiness for championship gold. He faces Sobirov, a product of the renowned Uzbek boxing school who brings immense resilience. Having previously gone the distance with amateur world champion Dzhambulat Bizhamov, Sobirov represents the sternest test of Mironchikov’s professional career to date.
The undercard adds further depth to this event. Junior welterweight Ilya Popov (3-0), a reigning amateur world champion, faces Kazakhstan’s Nurtas Azhbenov (14-1) in a significant step up in competition... Local favorite Eduard Savvin is also back in action, taking on Namibian knockout specialist Aime “Avatar” Malungilua.
The Saint Petersburg card is rounded out by a series of compelling cross-border contests featuring hungry prospects and seasoned challengers:
Sergey Koldenkov vs. Abel Lima;
Nikita Kuzmin vs. Vakhtang Harutunian;
Tamerlan Ozdoev vs. Dastan Saaduly; and
Sergey Murachev vs. Khalimzhon Mamosoliev.
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Star Boxing's night of knockouts |
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Jahi Tucker TKO6 Sona Akale... Star Boxing delivered another edition of its long-running “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount in Huntington (Long Island), New York. In the ten-round middleweight main event, Long Island’s Jahi Tucker faced Minnesota's Sona Akale in a high-energy contest from the opening bell. Both fighters were willing to exchange early, with Tucker showcasing crisp combinations and Akale firing back with looping shots. Tucker was deducted a point in the third round for low blows but continued pressing the action. In the sixth round, Tucker unleashed a sustained flurry that forced referee Arthur Mercante Jr. to step in and stop the contest as Akale was backed to the ropes. Akale protested, but the stoppage stood. With the victory, Tucker improves to 16-1-1 (7 KOs). Akale falls to 10-5 (5 KOs).
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Elmont, NY’s fighting marine veteran Peter “Voodoo” Latorre won his Paramount debut against Jose Edgardo Perdomo in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout. Perdomo entered the contest fresh off a knockout victory over previously undefeated Micky Scala at Rockin’ Fights 52 and was expected to test the undefeated Latorre, but Latorre had other plans. Working behind his jab and mixing head and body shots, Latorre trapped Perdomo in the corner and landed a textbook one-two combination that ended the bout instantly. The official time was 1:09 of round one. Latorre improves to 6-0 (6 KOs), while Perdomo drops to 10-10 (6 KOs).
In heavyweight action, Piotr Lacz squared off against Dominique “The Giant Killa” Valera in a scheduled eight-round contest. Both men came forward at the opening bell exchanging heavy shots. Valera landed a sharp uppercut that briefly stunned the undefeated Polish fighter, but Lacz quickly regained control. After connecting with a powerful right hand, Lacz forced Valera into the corner and unleashed a barrage. Referee Arthur Mercante Jr. stepped in to stop the bout at 2:08 of round one. Valera protested the stoppage, but the result was official. Lacz advances to 15-0-1 (11 KOs). Valera falls to 9-2-2 (5 KOs).
Opening the evening, Long Island’s hard-hitting light heavyweight Ralph “The Great Ape” Clemente wasted no time making an impression in his Paramount debut against Thomas Turner in a scheduled four-round bout. Turner attempted to establish his jab early, but Clemente walked him down and landed a right hand that sent Turner to the canvas. After Turner beat the count, Clemente delivered a thunderous overhand right that flattened him. The referee waved off the bout at 1:07 of round one as medical personnel immediately attended to Turner. Clemente improves to 3-0 (3 KOs). Turner drops to 1-2.
“This is exactly what Rockin’ Fights was built for: explosive performances, dramatic moments, and fighters seizing their opportunity on a big stage,” said CEO/President, Joe DeGuardia. “Four knockouts, four Paramount debuts, and a crowd that brought incredible energy from the opening bell. Tucker showed why he’s climbing the rankings, Latorre continues to prove he’s a force, Lacz demonstrated composure under fire, and Clemente set the tone with authority. It was a special night for Star Boxing and for the fans.”
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Star Boxing's night of knockouts
Jahi Tucker TKO6 Sona Akale... Star Boxing delivered another edition of its long-running “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount in Huntington (Long Island), New York. In the ten-round middleweight main event, Long Island’s Jahi Tucker faced Minnesota's Sona Akale in a high-energy contest from the opening bell. Both fighters were willing to exchange early, with Tucker showcasing crisp combinations and Akale firing back with looping shots. Tucker was deducted a point in the third round for low blows but continued pressing the action. In the sixth round, Tucker unleashed a sustained flurry that forced referee Arthur Mercante Jr. to step in and stop the contest as Akale was backed to the ropes. Akale protested, but the stoppage stood. With the victory, Tucker improves to 16-1-1 (7 KOs). Akale falls to 10-5 (5 KOs).
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Elmont, NY’s fighting marine veteran Peter “Voodoo” Latorre won his Paramount debut against Jose Edgardo Perdomo in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout. Perdomo entered the contest fresh off a knockout victory over previously undefeated Micky Scala at Rockin’ Fights 52 and was expected to test the undefeated Latorre, but Latorre had other plans. Working behind his jab and mixing head and body shots, Latorre trapped Perdomo in the corner and landed a textbook one-two combination that ended the bout instantly. The official time was 1:09 of round one. Latorre improves to 6-0 (6 KOs), while Perdomo drops to 10-10 (6 KOs).
In heavyweight action, Piotr Lacz squared off against Dominique “The Giant Killa” Valera in a scheduled eight-round contest. Both men came forward at the opening bell exchanging heavy shots. Valera landed a sharp uppercut that briefly stunned the undefeated Polish fighter, but Lacz quickly regained control. After connecting with a powerful right hand, Lacz forced Valera into the corner and unleashed a barrage. Referee Arthur Mercante Jr. stepped in to stop the bout at 2:08 of round one. Valera protested the stoppage, but the result was official. Lacz advances to 15-0-1 (11 KOs). Valera falls to 9-2-2 (5 KOs).
Opening the evening, Long Island’s hard-hitting light heavyweight Ralph “The Great Ape” Clemente wasted no time making an impression in his Paramount debut against Thomas Turner in a scheduled four-round bout. Turner attempted to establish his jab early, but Clemente walked him down and landed a right hand that sent Turner to the canvas. After Turner beat the count, Clemente delivered a thunderous overhand right that flattened him. The referee waved off the bout at 1:07 of round one as medical personnel immediately attended to Turner. Clemente improves to 3-0 (3 KOs). Turner drops to 1-2.
“This is exactly what Rockin’ Fights was built for: explosive performances, dramatic moments, and fighters seizing their opportunity on a big stage,” said CEO/President, Joe DeGuardia. “Four knockouts, four Paramount debuts, and a crowd that brought incredible energy from the opening bell. Tucker showed why he’s climbing the rankings, Latorre continues to prove he’s a force, Lacz demonstrated composure under fire, and Clemente set the tone with authority. It was a special night for Star Boxing and for the fans.”
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ProBox results from Texas |
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Ruben Aguilar TKO8 Luis Lopez ... Ruben “El Pollito” Aguilar looked ready for another step up in the 147-pound division while dismantling normally durable Luis Lopez over eight brutal rounds. Fighting on ProBoxTV’s latest broadcast from College Park Center at the University of Texas in Arlington, Aguilar (24-0-1, 21 KOs) of Baja California, Mexico, made it look mostly easy against Lopez (16-3-4, 5 KOs) from Corona, California. Normally a test for any welterweight, Lopez was simply no match for the freakishly heavy hands of the tall and lanky 25-year-old Aguilar who pounded away with impunity while brushing off Lopez’s return offerings with little effort. A proven road warrior with an iron chin, Lopez surprisingly went down from a strong Aguilar right hand in round two. Lopez also suffered a serious cut from a clash of heads on his left eye in round four. After eight punishing rounds, with little to no hope of winning and the damage piling up, Lopez’s corner pulled him from the fight before round nine. The official verdict is a TKO 8 at the 3:00 mark.
Edward Vazquez TKO6 Grimardi Machuca ... Former world title challenger Edward “Kid” Vazquez (18-3, 5 KOs) of Fort Worth, surgically dismantled Venezuela’s Grimardi Machuca (17-3, 14 KOs) over five dominant rounds in the junior lightweight division. After an opening round of study, a pressuring Vazquez started throwing short pinpoint counters between the South American opponent’s gloves that landed cleanly, almost at will. Vazquez hurt Machuca in round two, sending him stumbling with a compact left hook to the temple. The beating grew more severe in its intensity with each passing round until a battered Machuca wisely elected not to come out for round six. Fighting in front of his hometown fans, Vazquez put in a nearly flawless performance and reasserted himself in the division. Per Texas commission rules, the official result is a technical knockout at 10 seconds of the sixth round.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Junior lightweight Xavier “The X Man” Bocanegra (10-0, 7 KOs) of Donna, Texas, stayed undefeated with a well-fought six-round unanimous decision over a capable Malik Lewis (8-3, 5 KOs) of Miami. Lewis had a good first round fighting behind a snapping jab. Bocanegra’s more powerful offense found increased success in round two. A closely fought third round was followed by a good action fourth, where both men took turns catching each other with well-placed shots. Bocanegra’s youth and work rate appeared to be wearing on Lewis in rounds five and six and he was able to pull away in a good duel between skilled pro technicians. The scores were 60-54 (twice) and 59-55 for the 22-year-old Texas prospect Bocanegra.
Eight-time national amateur champion Emilio Garcia (4-0, 4 KOs) of Laredo, Texas, made quick work of local welterweight fighter Ociel Vazquez (2-3, 2 KOs) Dallas, Texas, stopping him at 2:15 of round one. A left hook to the body and then one to the head dropped Vazquez hard and a quick follow-up prompted the Vazquez corner to throw in the towel before their man could get seriously hurt.
Promising 21 year-old lightweight Amador Mendez (7-0, 4 KOs) of Austin, Texas, showed his potential while stopping iron-willed but out-gunned opponent Anibal Luna (3-2, 1 KOs) of Montevideo, Uruguay, in five one-sided rounds. True to form, the fan-friendly Mendez came out sharpshooting and dropped Luna with a perfect right uppercut with a minute left in the opening round. To his credit, the gritty South American Luna rose and made it out of the round. For his display of toughness, Luna was rewarded with four more rounds of beating. Finally in round five, Mendez stepped it up and got the stoppage from Referee Laurence Cole at 1:11 of round five just as Luna sunk to the canvas for a second time.
In yet another ProBoxTV classic slugfest, Dallas-based super bantamweight Figo “La Maquina” Ramirez (10-0-1, 4 KOs) won an action-packed and razor-thin six-round split decision over Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico’s Alejandro Mejia Martinez (5-3, 1 KO). After a pair of good rounds for Ramirez to open the bout, the action heated up in round three with both men abandoning technique in favor of taking turns landing heavy shots to each other’s head and body. Out of nowhere, Martinez hurt Ramirez with a left to the body midway through round four that took his wind and doubled him over. Martinez took full advantage and battered the obviously hurt Ramirez relentlessly for the rest of the round, very nearly pulling off a stoppage victory. Showing a serious amount of heart, Ramirez mounted a comeback in rounds five and six, landing the sharper punches amidst the now all-out war between the pair. The two sluggers ended the outstanding fight trading power punches, toe-to-toe, in ring center. A score of 58-56 Martinez was overruled by two 58-56 tallies for Alvarez. The Texas crowd deservedly cheered both fighters.
In the televised opener, former amateur star Ranulfo Bocanegra (5-0, 2 KOs) of Donna, Texas, dominated his four-round super featherweight bout against ultra-tough veteran Kevin “El Negro” Nunez (10-14-1, 2 KOs) of Mexico. The ruthless 20-year-old Bocanegra, who won his last outing with a vicious body-shot stoppage, hurt Nunez with a left to the liver midway through the first and went on to connect with a series of slashing power punches throughout on his iron-chinned foe. The onslaught was nearly non-stop, with Bocanegra landing several lead left hooks that drew “oohs and ahhhs” out of the knowledgeable Texas crowd. A true journeyman warrior, Nunez hung in tough with his taller and younger opponent and never stopped trying, but by the fourth and final round, his left eye had suffered serious damage along with possible orbital bone and nasal fractures. The unanimous decision for Bocanegra was scored 40-36 by all three judges.
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ProBox results from Texas
Ruben Aguilar TKO8 Luis Lopez ... Ruben “El Pollito” Aguilar looked ready for another step up in the 147-pound division while dismantling normally durable Luis Lopez over eight brutal rounds. Fighting on ProBoxTV’s latest broadcast from College Park Center at the University of Texas in Arlington, Aguilar (24-0-1, 21 KOs) of Baja California, Mexico, made it look mostly easy against Lopez (16-3-4, 5 KOs) from Corona, California. Normally a test for any welterweight, Lopez was simply no match for the freakishly heavy hands of the tall and lanky 25-year-old Aguilar who pounded away with impunity while brushing off Lopez’s return offerings with little effort. A proven road warrior with an iron chin, Lopez surprisingly went down from a strong Aguilar right hand in round two. Lopez also suffered a serious cut from a clash of heads on his left eye in round four. After eight punishing rounds, with little to no hope of winning and the damage piling up, Lopez’s corner pulled him from the fight before round nine. The official verdict is a TKO 8 at the 3:00 mark.
Edward Vazquez TKO6 Grimardi Machuca ... Former world title challenger Edward “Kid” Vazquez (18-3, 5 KOs) of Fort Worth, surgically dismantled Venezuela’s Grimardi Machuca (17-3, 14 KOs) over five dominant rounds in the junior lightweight division. After an opening round of study, a pressuring Vazquez started throwing short pinpoint counters between the South American opponent’s gloves that landed cleanly, almost at will. Vazquez hurt Machuca in round two, sending him stumbling with a compact left hook to the temple. The beating grew more severe in its intensity with each passing round until a battered Machuca wisely elected not to come out for round six. Fighting in front of his hometown fans, Vazquez put in a nearly flawless performance and reasserted himself in the division. Per Texas commission rules, the official result is a technical knockout at 10 seconds of the sixth round.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Junior lightweight Xavier “The X Man” Bocanegra (10-0, 7 KOs) of Donna, Texas, stayed undefeated with a well-fought six-round unanimous decision over a capable Malik Lewis (8-3, 5 KOs) of Miami. Lewis had a good first round fighting behind a snapping jab. Bocanegra’s more powerful offense found increased success in round two. A closely fought third round was followed by a good action fourth, where both men took turns catching each other with well-placed shots. Bocanegra’s youth and work rate appeared to be wearing on Lewis in rounds five and six and he was able to pull away in a good duel between skilled pro technicians. The scores were 60-54 (twice) and 59-55 for the 22-year-old Texas prospect Bocanegra.
Eight-time national amateur champion Emilio Garcia (4-0, 4 KOs) of Laredo, Texas, made quick work of local welterweight fighter Ociel Vazquez (2-3, 2 KOs) Dallas, Texas, stopping him at 2:15 of round one. A left hook to the body and then one to the head dropped Vazquez hard and a quick follow-up prompted the Vazquez corner to throw in the towel before their man could get seriously hurt.
Promising 21 year-old lightweight Amador Mendez (7-0, 4 KOs) of Austin, Texas, showed his potential while stopping iron-willed but out-gunned opponent Anibal Luna (3-2, 1 KOs) of Montevideo, Uruguay, in five one-sided rounds. True to form, the fan-friendly Mendez came out sharpshooting and dropped Luna with a perfect right uppercut with a minute left in the opening round. To his credit, the gritty South American Luna rose and made it out of the round. For his display of toughness, Luna was rewarded with four more rounds of beating. Finally in round five, Mendez stepped it up and got the stoppage from Referee Laurence Cole at 1:11 of round five just as Luna sunk to the canvas for a second time.
In yet another ProBoxTV classic slugfest, Dallas-based super bantamweight Figo “La Maquina” Ramirez (10-0-1, 4 KOs) won an action-packed and razor-thin six-round split decision over Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico’s Alejandro Mejia Martinez (5-3, 1 KO). After a pair of good rounds for Ramirez to open the bout, the action heated up in round three with both men abandoning technique in favor of taking turns landing heavy shots to each other’s head and body. Out of nowhere, Martinez hurt Ramirez with a left to the body midway through round four that took his wind and doubled him over. Martinez took full advantage and battered the obviously hurt Ramirez relentlessly for the rest of the round, very nearly pulling off a stoppage victory. Showing a serious amount of heart, Ramirez mounted a comeback in rounds five and six, landing the sharper punches amidst the now all-out war between the pair. The two sluggers ended the outstanding fight trading power punches, toe-to-toe, in ring center. A score of 58-56 Martinez was overruled by two 58-56 tallies for Alvarez. The Texas crowd deservedly cheered both fighters.
In the televised opener, former amateur star Ranulfo Bocanegra (5-0, 2 KOs) of Donna, Texas, dominated his four-round super featherweight bout against ultra-tough veteran Kevin “El Negro” Nunez (10-14-1, 2 KOs) of Mexico. The ruthless 20-year-old Bocanegra, who won his last outing with a vicious body-shot stoppage, hurt Nunez with a left to the liver midway through the first and went on to connect with a series of slashing power punches throughout on his iron-chinned foe. The onslaught was nearly non-stop, with Bocanegra landing several lead left hooks that drew “oohs and ahhhs” out of the knowledgeable Texas crowd. A true journeyman warrior, Nunez hung in tough with his taller and younger opponent and never stopped trying, but by the fourth and final round, his left eye had suffered serious damage along with possible orbital bone and nasal fractures. The unanimous decision for Bocanegra was scored 40-36 by all three judges.
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Oleksandr Usyk to face kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt |
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On May 23rd, world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will box former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven at the pyramids in Egypt, live worldwide on DAZN.bUsyk and Verhoeven's upcoming bout, dubbed "Glory in Giza," was announced on Friday by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Ring Magazine. The unique setting matches boxing's current heavyweight ruler against one of the most prolific kickboxers of all time, with Verhoeven having held the Glory heavyweight title longer than anyone else in the promotion's history. Verhoeven returns to boxing after a twelve-year absence, and he meets the undefeated Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) with gold on the line.
“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport. Rico is one of them — a powerful athlete and a great champion," Usyk said in a statement. "Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline, and belief. I respect his journey — he’s truly the King of Kickboxing. But this is boxing — a different game, with its own rules and its own kings. I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It’s going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming!”
Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KO) acknowledged the challenge he has put in front of himself, and he is betting on himself against the two-weight undisputed boxing champion. “I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish," Verhoeven said. "But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it. I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best.”
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Oleksandr Usyk to face kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt
On May 23rd, world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will box former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven at the pyramids in Egypt, live worldwide on DAZN.bUsyk and Verhoeven's upcoming bout, dubbed "Glory in Giza," was announced on Friday by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Ring Magazine. The unique setting matches boxing's current heavyweight ruler against one of the most prolific kickboxers of all time, with Verhoeven having held the Glory heavyweight title longer than anyone else in the promotion's history. Verhoeven returns to boxing after a twelve-year absence, and he meets the undefeated Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) with gold on the line.
“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport. Rico is one of them — a powerful athlete and a great champion," Usyk said in a statement. "Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline, and belief. I respect his journey — he’s truly the King of Kickboxing. But this is boxing — a different game, with its own rules and its own kings. I’m ready and really looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It’s going to be a unique experience for both of us, and I know the fans are excited too. A big night is coming!”
Verhoeven (1-0, 1 KO) acknowledged the challenge he has put in front of himself, and he is betting on himself against the two-weight undisputed boxing champion. “I spent twelve years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish," Verhoeven said. "But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it. I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best.”
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Robeisy Ramirez declares free agency |
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Former WBO featherweight champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez has declared promotional free agency. He tweeted, "My promotional contract has expired. I believe this change will be good for my career and the opportunities ahead. I appreciate the last six years and wish Top Rank success as they sort out their next chapter." Ramirez has not fought since a December 2024 loss to current WBO monarch Rafael Espinoza.
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Robeisy Ramirez declares free agency
Former WBO featherweight champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez has declared promotional free agency. He tweeted, "My promotional contract has expired. I believe this change will be good for my career and the opportunities ahead. I appreciate the last six years and wish Top Rank success as they sort out their next chapter." Ramirez has not fought since a December 2024 loss to current WBO monarch Rafael Espinoza.
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Spotlight on Saturday's Navarrete vs. Nunez unification bout |
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The junior lightweight division is going to heat up Saturday night when Emanuel Navarrete (pictured) and Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez fight in what is bound to be an all-action title unification bout at Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, and live on DAZN. Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs), the WBO champion, is coming off a controversial no contest with Charly Suarez in May. Navarrete was originally awarded a technical decision after a ringside doctor ended the fight due to a cut over the Mexican fighter’s left eye. But it was ruled that the referee incorrectly deemed the cut was caused by a headbutt, when it was really opened up due to a punch, thus changing the verdict to a no contest. If he is to notch his 40th professional victory, Navarrete will have to overcome the power of IBF titleholder Nunez (29-1, 27 KOs) who last scored a unanimous decision over Christopher Diaz in September. Will Navarrete’s high volume of punching lead to the first championship unification of his career? Or will Nunez walk exit with two titles in tow? DAZN News examines who has the edge in this high-stakes matchup.
Boxing Styles: Navarrete and Nunez each let their hands fly in different ways. Navarrete is one to apply pressure with volume, leading with a long jab but more than willing to attach looping left uppercuts and sweeping right hands as stinging combinations. Meanwhile, Nunez does not waste time walking opponents down and ripping the body with punishing shots. He is also equipped with a corkscrew uppercut that he manages to leverage with maximum impact due to its compact delivery. This clash of styles is truly intriguing with the slightest edge going to Navarrete on the strength of his four-inch reach advantage which could be used to pick off an incoming Nunez if executed efficiently. Edge: Navarrete
Power: From the way he ravages the body or throws his uppercuts and hooks with blunt force, ‘Sugar’ Nunez does not have any sweetness to his style, especially his power. The IBF titleholder is a mean, ferocious puncher as evidenced by 27 of his 29 wins coming by way of knockout. Navarrete has power too with 32 of his 39 wins coming by knockout. Nunez’ power is on another level, though. He takes this category comfortably. Edge: Nunez
Mental Warfare: Navarrete has fought against the likes of Oscar Valdez twice, Denys Berinchyk, Robson Conceicao and Joet Gonzalez to name a few. With those fights come plenty of experience and confidence that ‘Vaquero’ has accrued over the years. Nunez is brimming with confidence of his own as an absolute terror for any man sharing the ring with him. But perhaps Navarrete, who has dealt with unrelenting stalking fighters before, has the savvy to curb Nunez. He has the rounds of experience to draw from and gets another slight nod here. Edge: Navarrete
Who has the edge in Navarrete vs. Nunez? Whether Navarrete is successful teeing off on Nunez with hard combinations or Nunez throws ‘Vaquero’ into the pressure cooker, this matchup stylistically should be about as fan-pleasing as any fight this year. Despite Nunez being installed as the favorite by most oddsmakers, Navarrete has the hard-hitting guile to have his hand raised. But it certainly feels like a 50-50 fight. Will one of these all-action fighters stop the other? Or will they throw hands and go the distance? We are about to find out.
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Spotlight on Saturday's Navarrete vs. Nunez unification bout
The junior lightweight division is going to heat up Saturday night when Emanuel Navarrete (pictured) and Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez fight in what is bound to be an all-action title unification bout at Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, and live on DAZN. Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs), the WBO champion, is coming off a controversial no contest with Charly Suarez in May. Navarrete was originally awarded a technical decision after a ringside doctor ended the fight due to a cut over the Mexican fighter’s left eye. But it was ruled that the referee incorrectly deemed the cut was caused by a headbutt, when it was really opened up due to a punch, thus changing the verdict to a no contest. If he is to notch his 40th professional victory, Navarrete will have to overcome the power of IBF titleholder Nunez (29-1, 27 KOs) who last scored a unanimous decision over Christopher Diaz in September. Will Navarrete’s high volume of punching lead to the first championship unification of his career? Or will Nunez walk exit with two titles in tow? DAZN News examines who has the edge in this high-stakes matchup.
Boxing Styles: Navarrete and Nunez each let their hands fly in different ways. Navarrete is one to apply pressure with volume, leading with a long jab but more than willing to attach looping left uppercuts and sweeping right hands as stinging combinations. Meanwhile, Nunez does not waste time walking opponents down and ripping the body with punishing shots. He is also equipped with a corkscrew uppercut that he manages to leverage with maximum impact due to its compact delivery. This clash of styles is truly intriguing with the slightest edge going to Navarrete on the strength of his four-inch reach advantage which could be used to pick off an incoming Nunez if executed efficiently. Edge: Navarrete
Power: From the way he ravages the body or throws his uppercuts and hooks with blunt force, ‘Sugar’ Nunez does not have any sweetness to his style, especially his power. The IBF titleholder is a mean, ferocious puncher as evidenced by 27 of his 29 wins coming by way of knockout. Navarrete has power too with 32 of his 39 wins coming by knockout. Nunez’ power is on another level, though. He takes this category comfortably. Edge: Nunez
Mental Warfare: Navarrete has fought against the likes of Oscar Valdez twice, Denys Berinchyk, Robson Conceicao and Joet Gonzalez to name a few. With those fights come plenty of experience and confidence that ‘Vaquero’ has accrued over the years. Nunez is brimming with confidence of his own as an absolute terror for any man sharing the ring with him. But perhaps Navarrete, who has dealt with unrelenting stalking fighters before, has the savvy to curb Nunez. He has the rounds of experience to draw from and gets another slight nod here. Edge: Navarrete
Who has the edge in Navarrete vs. Nunez? Whether Navarrete is successful teeing off on Nunez with hard combinations or Nunez throws ‘Vaquero’ into the pressure cooker, this matchup stylistically should be about as fan-pleasing as any fight this year. Despite Nunez being installed as the favorite by most oddsmakers, Navarrete has the hard-hitting guile to have his hand raised. But it certainly feels like a 50-50 fight. Will one of these all-action fighters stop the other? Or will they throw hands and go the distance? We are about to find out.
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Smith hopes win over Morrell leads to shot at Bivol |
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Ex-super middleweight chmpion Callum Smith believes the long and winding road back to Liverpool will guide him to the ultimate fight in the light heavyweight division against world champion Dmitry Bivol. The 35 year-old Smith is determined to realize his dream of becoming a two-weight champion and faces David Morrell in a mega-fight at the City’s M&S Bank Arena on Saturday, April 18th – live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN – for the WBO Interim Title. And ‘Mundo’ Smith, part of the famous Scouse Smith fighting family, knows he faces a challenging night in front of his Merseyside faithful when he collides with his Cuban rival – but is ready to put on a performance worthy of his first on Merseyside for six years.
“This fight has been long overdue,” said Smith, speaking to Matchroom Boxing. “Obviously I’ve come off of a good win [against Joshua Buatsi] and didn’t expect to be out of the ring for this long. But it’s a good fight and a fight I am really looking forward to. It’s nice to finally see my own face on a fight poster and get confirmation it’s happening. So it’s going well and I am looking forward to putting on a performance.
“It was 2019 the last time I fought in Liverpool, so I’m excited to be boxing again in front of my own fans. I’ve enjoyed fighting all over the world, but this one is long overdue to be back. I’m a big fan of fighting abroad, but nothing beats fighting in front of your own in Liverpool. It’s a big fight and a big fight to bring back to the City, so I’m sure they will all get behind myself and the other fighters on the card. Hopefully we can get a great crowd there for it.”
Tickets are officially on General Sale now with promoter, and Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn expecting a bumper crowd following the exciting undercard additions of Peter and Joe McGrail (who faces Aaron Hayden), Molly McCann’s first Boxing fight on Merseyside as she takes on Ashleigh Johnson, plus young Heavyweight sensation Leo Atang and popular Runcorn Middleweight Jack Power.
Smith is confident he will do the business – but knows Morrell is coming with the intention of spoiling his homecoming parade. “He [David Morrell] is a good fighter with good skills,” said Smith. “He has good experience and has fought at a good level since his second or third fight in, which shows just how good a fighter he is. So he is going to pose some problems for me. But I believe I can beat anyone in the world, and the goal for me is still the same to become a two-weight World Champion. To do that, I need to beat David Morrell. Stylistically, I think it will be a very good fight to watch and we should gel pretty well. But it is a fight that I fully expect to come out on top.”
Although Smith does not want to underestimate Morrell by looking too far ahead, he concedes that he does have another mega-fight on his mind – in a dream match with Dmitry Bivol. “For the time being, Dmitry Bivol is the man in the division,” added Smith. “He’s got most of the belts, so it all depends on what he is going to do. For the winner of this fight, they could fight him or get elevated for the belt. I wouldn’t mind either option, to be honest with you!
“To become a world champion again is the biggest goal of mine. But ideally I would love to fight the man in Dmitry Bivol. He’s a great fighter and someone who I have shared the ring with as an amateur for a long time, so he’s someone I would love to fight as a pro. I think our styles will make a great fight. So, there is a big carrot dangling – but I know I just need to beat David Morrell first. The wait for this fight has taken a little longer than I would have expected but I am very confident that I will win and go on to become a two-weight world champion.”
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Smith hopes win over Morrell leads to shot at Bivol
Ex-super middleweight chmpion Callum Smith believes the long and winding road back to Liverpool will guide him to the ultimate fight in the light heavyweight division against world champion Dmitry Bivol. The 35 year-old Smith is determined to realize his dream of becoming a two-weight champion and faces David Morrell in a mega-fight at the City’s M&S Bank Arena on Saturday, April 18th – live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN – for the WBO Interim Title. And ‘Mundo’ Smith, part of the famous Scouse Smith fighting family, knows he faces a challenging night in front of his Merseyside faithful when he collides with his Cuban rival – but is ready to put on a performance worthy of his first on Merseyside for six years.
“This fight has been long overdue,” said Smith, speaking to Matchroom Boxing. “Obviously I’ve come off of a good win [against Joshua Buatsi] and didn’t expect to be out of the ring for this long. But it’s a good fight and a fight I am really looking forward to. It’s nice to finally see my own face on a fight poster and get confirmation it’s happening. So it’s going well and I am looking forward to putting on a performance.
“It was 2019 the last time I fought in Liverpool, so I’m excited to be boxing again in front of my own fans. I’ve enjoyed fighting all over the world, but this one is long overdue to be back. I’m a big fan of fighting abroad, but nothing beats fighting in front of your own in Liverpool. It’s a big fight and a big fight to bring back to the City, so I’m sure they will all get behind myself and the other fighters on the card. Hopefully we can get a great crowd there for it.”
Tickets are officially on General Sale now with promoter, and Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn expecting a bumper crowd following the exciting undercard additions of Peter and Joe McGrail (who faces Aaron Hayden), Molly McCann’s first Boxing fight on Merseyside as she takes on Ashleigh Johnson, plus young Heavyweight sensation Leo Atang and popular Runcorn Middleweight Jack Power.
Smith is confident he will do the business – but knows Morrell is coming with the intention of spoiling his homecoming parade. “He [David Morrell] is a good fighter with good skills,” said Smith. “He has good experience and has fought at a good level since his second or third fight in, which shows just how good a fighter he is. So he is going to pose some problems for me. But I believe I can beat anyone in the world, and the goal for me is still the same to become a two-weight World Champion. To do that, I need to beat David Morrell. Stylistically, I think it will be a very good fight to watch and we should gel pretty well. But it is a fight that I fully expect to come out on top.”
Although Smith does not want to underestimate Morrell by looking too far ahead, he concedes that he does have another mega-fight on his mind – in a dream match with Dmitry Bivol. “For the time being, Dmitry Bivol is the man in the division,” added Smith. “He’s got most of the belts, so it all depends on what he is going to do. For the winner of this fight, they could fight him or get elevated for the belt. I wouldn’t mind either option, to be honest with you!
“To become a world champion again is the biggest goal of mine. But ideally I would love to fight the man in Dmitry Bivol. He’s a great fighter and someone who I have shared the ring with as an amateur for a long time, so he’s someone I would love to fight as a pro. I think our styles will make a great fight. So, there is a big carrot dangling – but I know I just need to beat David Morrell first. The wait for this fight has taken a little longer than I would have expected but I am very confident that I will win and go on to become a two-weight world champion.”
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Star Boxing show set for Saturday in New York |
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Fight night arrives in Huntington (Long Island), New York on Saturday, February 28th. Headlining the Star Boxing show is a ten-round main event in the middleweight division. New York’s Jahi Tucker (15-1-1, 6 KOs) makes his Paramount debut and looks to climb the rankings, facing Minnesota’s Sona Akale (10-4, 5 KOs).
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Star Boxing show set for Saturday in New York
Fight night arrives in Huntington (Long Island), New York on Saturday, February 28th. Headlining the Star Boxing show is a ten-round main event in the middleweight division. New York’s Jahi Tucker (15-1-1, 6 KOs) makes his Paramount debut and looks to climb the rankings, facing Minnesota’s Sona Akale (10-4, 5 KOs).
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Weigh-in results from Arlington, Texas |
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Here are the boxers' weights for Friday's ProBoxTV show at the University of Texas in Arlington:
Edward Vazquez 129.8 pounds vs. Grimardi Machuca 130.8;
Ruben Eduardo Aguilar 146 vs. Luis Lopez 146.6;
Xavier Bocanegra 130 vs. Malik Lewis 128.2;
Emilio Garcia 145.8 vs. Ociel Vazquez 146;
Hugo Amador Mendez 136.8 vs. Christian Anibal Luna 138.4;
Ranulfo Bocanegra 129.6 vs. Kevin Ronquillo Nunez 132.8;
Damylo Scott 130.8 vs. Polk Jacquez 137.6;
Jahyden Franklin Britton 177 vs. Symari Alexander 181.2;
Figo Ramirez 121.4 vs. Antonio Alejandro Mejia Martinez 120.2;
Alex Holley 153.4 vs. Ignacio Peralta 150; and
Javier Guerrero Cruz 152.6 vs. Linomar Rios-Santiago 152.4.
Venue: College Park Center in the University of Texas in Arlington
TV: ProBoxTV 7:00 pm EST
Promoters: Garry Jonas (Pro Box Promotions), Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing)
Matchmakers: Ramiro Hernandez, Daniel Rubin
Tickets: available from UTATickets.com or by clicking HERE.
Two-time title challenger Edward Vazquez (18-3, 5 KOs) makes his homecoming against Grimardi Machuca (17-3, 14 KOs) of Camden, New Jersey, via Guarico, Venezuela, in the ten-round main event.
Welterweight Ruben Eduardo “El Pollito” Aguilar (23-0-1, 20 KOs) from Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, is matched against upset specialist Luis Lopez (16-2-4, 5 KOs) from Corona, California in the ten-round co-feature.
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Weigh-in results from Arlington, Texas
Here are the boxers' weights for Friday's ProBoxTV show at the University of Texas in Arlington:
Edward Vazquez 129.8 pounds vs. Grimardi Machuca 130.8;
Ruben Eduardo Aguilar 146 vs. Luis Lopez 146.6;
Xavier Bocanegra 130 vs. Malik Lewis 128.2;
Emilio Garcia 145.8 vs. Ociel Vazquez 146;
Hugo Amador Mendez 136.8 vs. Christian Anibal Luna 138.4;
Ranulfo Bocanegra 129.6 vs. Kevin Ronquillo Nunez 132.8;
Damylo Scott 130.8 vs. Polk Jacquez 137.6;
Jahyden Franklin Britton 177 vs. Symari Alexander 181.2;
Figo Ramirez 121.4 vs. Antonio Alejandro Mejia Martinez 120.2;
Alex Holley 153.4 vs. Ignacio Peralta 150; and
Javier Guerrero Cruz 152.6 vs. Linomar Rios-Santiago 152.4.
Venue: College Park Center in the University of Texas in Arlington
TV: ProBoxTV 7:00 pm EST
Promoters: Garry Jonas (Pro Box Promotions), Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing)
Matchmakers: Ramiro Hernandez, Daniel Rubin
Tickets: available from UTATickets.com or by clicking HERE.
Two-time title challenger Edward Vazquez (18-3, 5 KOs) makes his homecoming against Grimardi Machuca (17-3, 14 KOs) of Camden, New Jersey, via Guarico, Venezuela, in the ten-round main event.
Welterweight Ruben Eduardo “El Pollito” Aguilar (23-0-1, 20 KOs) from Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, is matched against upset specialist Luis Lopez (16-2-4, 5 KOs) from Corona, California in the ten-round co-feature.
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Roy Jones, Jr. added to Box Fan Expo roster |
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Multi-division champion Roy Jones, Jr. will appear at the Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 2nd at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will coincide with the mega fight between Zurdo Ramirez and David Benavidez that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena. Jones will hold a meet-and-greet with his fans. The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports' legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas. Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online. Jones will be making his sixth appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. He will also have merchandise to sell. Jones joins José Luis Castillo, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more stars to be announced.
Jones is an American professional boxer who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of fame in Canastota on June 12th, 2022. Jones captured numerous championships in the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. He is the only boxer in history to start his career as a junior middleweight, and go on to win a heavyweight title. He is also noted for holding the WBC, WBA and IBF light heavyweight championships. Jones left his mark in boxing history when he won the WBA heavyweight title, becoming the first former middleweight champion to win a Heavyweight title in 106 years. As of February 2018, Jones holds the record for the most wins in unified light heavyweight title bouts in boxing history, at twelve. The Ring magazine named Jones the Fighter of the Year in 1994, and the World Boxing Hall of Fame named him the Fighter of the Year for 2003. He is also a three-time winner of the Best Boxer ESPY Award (1996, 2000, and 2003). Jones was named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 1990s by the Boxing Writers Association of America.
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Roy Jones, Jr. added to Box Fan Expo roster
Multi-division champion Roy Jones, Jr. will appear at the Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 2nd at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will coincide with the mega fight between Zurdo Ramirez and David Benavidez that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena. Jones will hold a meet-and-greet with his fans. The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports' legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas. Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online. Jones will be making his sixth appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. He will also have merchandise to sell. Jones joins José Luis Castillo, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more stars to be announced.
Jones is an American professional boxer who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of fame in Canastota on June 12th, 2022. Jones captured numerous championships in the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. He is the only boxer in history to start his career as a junior middleweight, and go on to win a heavyweight title. He is also noted for holding the WBC, WBA and IBF light heavyweight championships. Jones left his mark in boxing history when he won the WBA heavyweight title, becoming the first former middleweight champion to win a Heavyweight title in 106 years. As of February 2018, Jones holds the record for the most wins in unified light heavyweight title bouts in boxing history, at twelve. The Ring magazine named Jones the Fighter of the Year in 1994, and the World Boxing Hall of Fame named him the Fighter of the Year for 2003. He is also a three-time winner of the Best Boxer ESPY Award (1996, 2000, and 2003). Jones was named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 1990s by the Boxing Writers Association of America.
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Netflix adds Benn vs. Prograis to Fury undercard |
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Conor “The Destroyer” Benn and Regis “Rougarou” Prograis have been added as the chief support for the upcoming heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Arsalanbek Makhmudov, live globally on Netflix on Saturday, April 11th. The event will stream live from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London. Benn (24-1, 14 KOs) returns to the ring following his headline-making appearance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year, while former two-division champion Prograis (30-3, 24 KOs) brings knockout power and championship pedigree to the stacked April card.
The main event sees former two-time heavyweight world champion Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) face fearsome puncher Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs) in a high-stakes clash promoted by The Ring.
“April 11th can’t come soon enough,” Benn told Netflix. “Returning to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium again, where I made history against Eubank Jr., means everything to me. My last fight there showed the world exactly who I am and what I’m about. Fighting on the biggest stages, in the biggest shows, I fear no one. I’m fully locked in and ready to deliver another statement performance.”
Benn’s confidence is met head-on by Prograis, who framed the matchup as both a professional escalation and a personal reckoning. A former world champion with knockout power and deep big-fight experience, Prograis made it clear he views the April 11 co-main event not as a showcase, but as a correction — and a chance to close the gap between past and present on his own terms.
“Last time I fought in London, Conor Benn was on my undercard,” Prograis said. “So this is a full-circle moment for me. But this circle will close with me teaching him a lesson on April 11th. He’s not fighting some weight-drained super middleweight. I am in shape and will bring home this victory.”
Tickets for the event are on sale now via Ticketmaster. Fans can also visit the official Netflix title page and click Remind Me to receive a notification when the fight begins on April 11.
Additional bouts on the Fury vs. Makhmudov fight card will be announced soon.
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Netflix adds Benn vs. Prograis to Fury undercard
Conor “The Destroyer” Benn and Regis “Rougarou” Prograis have been added as the chief support for the upcoming heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Arsalanbek Makhmudov, live globally on Netflix on Saturday, April 11th. The event will stream live from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London. Benn (24-1, 14 KOs) returns to the ring following his headline-making appearance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year, while former two-division champion Prograis (30-3, 24 KOs) brings knockout power and championship pedigree to the stacked April card.
The main event sees former two-time heavyweight world champion Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) face fearsome puncher Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs) in a high-stakes clash promoted by The Ring.
“April 11th can’t come soon enough,” Benn told Netflix. “Returning to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium again, where I made history against Eubank Jr., means everything to me. My last fight there showed the world exactly who I am and what I’m about. Fighting on the biggest stages, in the biggest shows, I fear no one. I’m fully locked in and ready to deliver another statement performance.”
Benn’s confidence is met head-on by Prograis, who framed the matchup as both a professional escalation and a personal reckoning. A former world champion with knockout power and deep big-fight experience, Prograis made it clear he views the April 11 co-main event not as a showcase, but as a correction — and a chance to close the gap between past and present on his own terms.
“Last time I fought in London, Conor Benn was on my undercard,” Prograis said. “So this is a full-circle moment for me. But this circle will close with me teaching him a lesson on April 11th. He’s not fighting some weight-drained super middleweight. I am in shape and will bring home this victory.”
Tickets for the event are on sale now via Ticketmaster. Fans can also visit the official Netflix title page and click Remind Me to receive a notification when the fight begins on April 11.
Additional bouts on the Fury vs. Makhmudov fight card will be announced soon.
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Yoka to host Okolie in Paris on April 25th |
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Queensberry continues its international expansion on Saturday, April 25th, bringing a night of boxing to Paris’ state-of-the-art Adidas Arena will stage ‘Le Double’, a co-promotion with Samake Promotion, headlined by the nation’s two biggest boxing stars. Live worldwide on DAZN, a blockbuster heavyweight clash dubbed boxing’s own version of Le Crunch, as France faces England. Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka (pictured) returns to his home city to face former two-division title holder Lawrence Okolie (22-1, 16 KOs) in what promises to be an explosive collision. The card also features undefeated local junior middleweight Bakary Samake (19-0, 11 KOs) takes the crucial next step towards a WBC world title shot, contesting a final eliminator against unbeaten, US-based Albanian Ermal Hadribeaj (22-0-1, 8 KOs).
“I am thrilled to be extending our reach to the French capital,” said promoter Frank Warren. “As in Britain and Germany, the passion for boxing in France runs deep. “In Tony Yoka and Bakary Samake, we have two major stars capable of reigniting the sport in an important and historic boxing territory. There was immense pressure on Tony when he turned professional following his Olympic success, carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. While he performed in sold-out arenas, perhaps the expectations came too soon. Now training in London, he returns as a revitalised, confident fighter, and his homecoming clash with Lawrence Okolie will be a cracker. Bakary, meanwhile, is... in a final eliminator against a tough and experienced opponent in Ermal Hadribeaj. Victory would see another French star firmly established and help secure a bright future for boxing in France.”
Yoka, 33, won Olympic gold in 2016 and turned professional the following year. After winning his first 11 bouts, he suffered three consecutive defeats but has since rebuilt his career while training in England and now enters the contest on a four-fight winning streak.
Okolie, also 33, is a two-weight champion, having won titles at cruiserweight and bridgerweight. Now campaigning at heavyweight, he has fought three times at his third professional weight. His most recent defence came against Kevin Lerena at Wembley Stadium last July.
Samake, 22, from Seine-Saint-Denis, captured the WBC Silver super welterweight title with an eighth-round stoppage of Wade Ryan in November 2024, before successfully defending the belt with an eighth-round knockout of Roarke Knapp.
Hadribeaj, 32 — known as The Albanian Sniper — lives in Miami Beach and has held the WBC International super welterweight title since November 2022, making eight successful defences. In his most recent outing, fighting in his hometown of Tirana, the southpaw earned a unanimous decision victory over Placido Ramirez.
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Yoka to host Okolie in Paris on April 25th
Queensberry continues its international expansion on Saturday, April 25th, bringing a night of boxing to Paris’ state-of-the-art Adidas Arena will stage ‘Le Double’, a co-promotion with Samake Promotion, headlined by the nation’s two biggest boxing stars. Live worldwide on DAZN, a blockbuster heavyweight clash dubbed boxing’s own version of Le Crunch, as France faces England. Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka (pictured) returns to his home city to face former two-division title holder Lawrence Okolie (22-1, 16 KOs) in what promises to be an explosive collision. The card also features undefeated local junior middleweight Bakary Samake (19-0, 11 KOs) takes the crucial next step towards a WBC world title shot, contesting a final eliminator against unbeaten, US-based Albanian Ermal Hadribeaj (22-0-1, 8 KOs).
“I am thrilled to be extending our reach to the French capital,” said promoter Frank Warren. “As in Britain and Germany, the passion for boxing in France runs deep. “In Tony Yoka and Bakary Samake, we have two major stars capable of reigniting the sport in an important and historic boxing territory. There was immense pressure on Tony when he turned professional following his Olympic success, carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. While he performed in sold-out arenas, perhaps the expectations came too soon. Now training in London, he returns as a revitalised, confident fighter, and his homecoming clash with Lawrence Okolie will be a cracker. Bakary, meanwhile, is... in a final eliminator against a tough and experienced opponent in Ermal Hadribeaj. Victory would see another French star firmly established and help secure a bright future for boxing in France.”
Yoka, 33, won Olympic gold in 2016 and turned professional the following year. After winning his first 11 bouts, he suffered three consecutive defeats but has since rebuilt his career while training in England and now enters the contest on a four-fight winning streak.
Okolie, also 33, is a two-weight champion, having won titles at cruiserweight and bridgerweight. Now campaigning at heavyweight, he has fought three times at his third professional weight. His most recent defence came against Kevin Lerena at Wembley Stadium last July.
Samake, 22, from Seine-Saint-Denis, captured the WBC Silver super welterweight title with an eighth-round stoppage of Wade Ryan in November 2024, before successfully defending the belt with an eighth-round knockout of Roarke Knapp.
Hadribeaj, 32 — known as The Albanian Sniper — lives in Miami Beach and has held the WBC International super welterweight title since November 2022, making eight successful defences. In his most recent outing, fighting in his hometown of Tirana, the southpaw earned a unanimous decision victory over Placido Ramirez.
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"Unrepairable rift" between Turki and Queensberry |
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Ring Magazine, owned by Turki Alalshikh (pictured), the most powerful man in boxing and the head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, put out the following apparent propaganda, which includes a false statement but shows the shifting alliances in the boxing world: "Rumors are circulating in the boxing world, that Queensberry is in financial trouble without a continued business relationship with Sela [A Saudi entity] and TKO [relayed to UFC/Zuffa which has burst onto the boxing scene as a promoter in 2026]. The loss of those relationships has influenced Queensberry's threat to sue Sela and TKO.Rumors indicate that their announcement to the media of legal action was timed before their Wardley v. Dubois press conference, which took place today, for an event which is struggling to sell tickets. Queensberry have not been promoting any Riyadh Season fights since last November, and there are no plans for the two sides to work together in the future. There has been intensified concern among the stable within Queensberry, when it was learned that they were not being used as a promotional entity for Tyson Fury’s big UK comeback in April, and this concern has led to a scenario where a number of their fighters are seeking other promoters. Turki Alalshikh and Sela were made aware that the rumors of litigation were leaked from Queensberry and this has created an unrepairable rift, due to Queensberry's cordial communications in the open and being volatile behind the scenes."
The statement is false because tickets for Fabio Wardley's WBO heavyweight title defense vs. Daniel Dubois have not gone on sale, so they cannot be accurately described as "struggling."
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"Unrepairable rift" between Turki and Queensberry
Ring Magazine, owned by Turki Alalshikh (pictured), the most powerful man in boxing and the head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, put out the following apparent propaganda, which includes a false statement but shows the shifting alliances in the boxing world: "Rumors are circulating in the boxing world, that Queensberry is in financial trouble without a continued business relationship with Sela [A Saudi entity] and TKO [relayed to UFC/Zuffa which has burst onto the boxing scene as a promoter in 2026]. The loss of those relationships has influenced Queensberry's threat to sue Sela and TKO.Rumors indicate that their announcement to the media of legal action was timed before their Wardley v. Dubois press conference, which took place today, for an event which is struggling to sell tickets. Queensberry have not been promoting any Riyadh Season fights since last November, and there are no plans for the two sides to work together in the future. There has been intensified concern among the stable within Queensberry, when it was learned that they were not being used as a promotional entity for Tyson Fury’s big UK comeback in April, and this concern has led to a scenario where a number of their fighters are seeking other promoters. Turki Alalshikh and Sela were made aware that the rumors of litigation were leaked from Queensberry and this has created an unrepairable rift, due to Queensberry's cordial communications in the open and being volatile behind the scenes."
The statement is false because tickets for Fabio Wardley's WBO heavyweight title defense vs. Daniel Dubois have not gone on sale, so they cannot be accurately described as "struggling."
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Former contender Ruben Castillo passes away |
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The boxing world is mourning the loss of Mexico's former contender, Ruben Castillo. In a 67-10-2 professional career with 35 KOs, spanning from 1975 to 1997, Castillo, who broke into the professional ranks at just seventeen years old, fought a total of 540 rounds. Not a single one was boring. He had the misfortune of fighting in a golden era, during which he fearlessly faced and lost on points to Salvador Sánchez and Juan LaPorte, and was stopped by Alexis Argüello and Julio César Chávez Sr. Later one Castillo that his fight against Chávez was, without a doubt the toughest and most demanding. Chaves had just won the WBC 130-pound title and, at only twenty-two years old, was overflowing with power, energy. He came into that fight with a 44-0 record, while Castillo came in at 64-5-2.
The WBC recounted that fight as follows: "For the first four rounds, Ruben held his ground and boxed beautifully. But even at that young age, Chávez showed his prodigious talent as a pressure fighter. He didn't give Rubén a moment's respite, much less a second to breathe. In the fourth round, two hard and precise right hands crossed opened a small but deep cut on Rubén's left eyelid. Then, a left hook landed on Rubén's right cheekbone, fracturing it. Typical of Rubén, he boldly encouraged Julio to continue and challenged him to give his best. Julio did not need a second invitation. By the sixth round, the tide had turned irreversibly. A flurry of blows knocked Rubén down and, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't beat the score. Rubén remembered with a laugh, softened by the years, that the small problem was that he couldn't feel his legs or anything below his waist. Instead of boxing in a boring way, he had attacked by throwing combinations, risking everything, knowing that he would fall on his shield but with his weapons raised. In doing so, he also suffered two broken ribs."
Also an expert television analyst, Castillo introduced boxing fans to his knowledge and sharp wit, generously peppering them with his charming character, jokes and great personality. The father of six children and married to Cindy, he was a wonderful husband and father, and a valuable and unforgettable friend.
Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending its sympathy to the friends and family of Ruben Castillo.
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Former contender Ruben Castillo passes away
The boxing world is mourning the loss of Mexico's former contender, Ruben Castillo. In a 67-10-2 professional career with 35 KOs, spanning from 1975 to 1997, Castillo, who broke into the professional ranks at just seventeen years old, fought a total of 540 rounds. Not a single one was boring. He had the misfortune of fighting in a golden era, during which he fearlessly faced and lost on points to Salvador Sánchez and Juan LaPorte, and was stopped by Alexis Argüello and Julio César Chávez Sr. Later one Castillo that his fight against Chávez was, without a doubt the toughest and most demanding. Chaves had just won the WBC 130-pound title and, at only twenty-two years old, was overflowing with power, energy. He came into that fight with a 44-0 record, while Castillo came in at 64-5-2.
The WBC recounted that fight as follows: "For the first four rounds, Ruben held his ground and boxed beautifully. But even at that young age, Chávez showed his prodigious talent as a pressure fighter. He didn't give Rubén a moment's respite, much less a second to breathe. In the fourth round, two hard and precise right hands crossed opened a small but deep cut on Rubén's left eyelid. Then, a left hook landed on Rubén's right cheekbone, fracturing it. Typical of Rubén, he boldly encouraged Julio to continue and challenged him to give his best. Julio did not need a second invitation. By the sixth round, the tide had turned irreversibly. A flurry of blows knocked Rubén down and, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't beat the score. Rubén remembered with a laugh, softened by the years, that the small problem was that he couldn't feel his legs or anything below his waist. Instead of boxing in a boring way, he had attacked by throwing combinations, risking everything, knowing that he would fall on his shield but with his weapons raised. In doing so, he also suffered two broken ribs."
Also an expert television analyst, Castillo introduced boxing fans to his knowledge and sharp wit, generously peppering them with his charming character, jokes and great personality. The father of six children and married to Cindy, he was a wonderful husband and father, and a valuable and unforgettable friend.
Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending its sympathy to the friends and family of Ruben Castillo.
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March 28th undercard presser quotes |
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Boxer competing on the pay-per-view undercard for the Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman PBC pay-per-view event previewed their respective matchups during a virtual press conference on Wednesday before they step into the ring on Saturday, March 28th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Featured during the virtual presser were heavyweight contenders Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez and unbeaten U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr., who meet in an IBF final eliminator, plus undefeated middleweight Yoenli Hernandez and battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, who duel in a ten-round bout, as well as Elijah Garcia and veteran super middleweight Kevin Newman II, who kick off the pay-per-view action at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
FRANK SANCHEZ
“I just have to go in there and do my job. I’m gonna listen to my corner and do what I need to do. I have a great team and I know they’ll put me in position to get the victory.
“Being the first Cuban heavyweight world champion would mean everything. That’s a step that I’ve always wanted to take. The first thing I have to do is give my best on March 28. Then the door is open for me to give the Cuban people a heavyweight world champion.
“I’ve spent so much time in the gym and I won’t feel any ring rust at all. I’ll rely on my experience and the many fights I’ve had throughout my career.
“My knee is fully healed. I’m completely focused on March 28th. I have an outstanding team backing me up and that allows me to have everything I need to succeed against Richard Torrez Jr.
“Finding an opponent was a process. A lot of fighters don’t want to face me because they consider me dangerous. We went through four or five different opponents. I just remained focused and now I’m ready to seize this chance and make the most of it.
“Training with Eddy [Reynoso] is amazing. Him and the entire team treat me so well. Eddy motivates me and pushes me to go as hard as I can to go after what I want. I know he’s got my back.
RICHARD TORREZ JR.
“I can’t wait to show everyone what I have. This is definitely my toughest fight. Frank Sanchez is fast, strong and has a lot of qualities that stand out in the heavyweight division. This is a great spot for me to show who I am as a fighter and show what I can accomplish.
“I’m very proud of who I am and where I come from, but it’s not my main focus. I’m not trying to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. I just have to go out there and fight. I’m here and ready to show everything that I am.
“The best thing I do is hone in on what makes Richard Torrez, Richard Torrez. I believe that I have the best conditioning in the game. If I stay consistent and follow the game plan, I can show what I’m capable of.
“I want the hardest fights and I want to be the best. Frank is one of the better fighters in the division. He’s shown his skillset and proved himself. I want to prove myself as well. This is the best way to establish myself in the pro game.
“This fight is gonna showcase the Latin style of heavyweights. It’s not something that’s been seen too much before. I’ve got that Mexican style in me and I’m ready to showcase that tenacity and grit against someone slick like Frank. It’s gonna make an exciting clash of styles.
“Last year was a good year. We had a main event and were able to showcase our style. I’m just looking forward to continuing this process.”
YOENLI HERNANDEZ
“I’m excited for this fight and ready to give my career a great boost. I can’t wait to get in the ring on March 28.
“Every fight means a lot to me because I’m on the ascent. I want to go after the best and beat the champions in my quest to earn that title.
“The main thing for me is to feel good about my performance give the fans the show they deserve. I know what Gausha can do and the kind of veteran he is. But I’m ready to go achieve my goal of making it to the top.
“I’m not someone who’s concerned with my opponent’s record. I focus on myself. Kyrone Davis was someone who also fought at the top level and that really helped push me forward. Now I’m focused on being the best version of myself. I’m gonna put on a show. All the work has led up to this.
“I’m here to prove that I’m gonna be champion. I don’t care who’s standing in my way. I’m gonna go out there and demolish everyone.
“I’m up to fight anybody. Bring on all of the champions. I’m ready to fight anyone in the division. I’m here to show that I’m here to stay for a long long time.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
“I’m excited to be on another big card and showcase my talent against a guy like Yoenli. He’s a tough fighter and I’ve been watching him. I’m ready to do what I gotta do.
“He’s a big puncher, but he hasn’t face somebody like me yet. I’m gonna be myself. I’m gonna do what I do and give him problems. I’ve fought every style and I just have to be myself.
“He’s experienced too because of his time in the amateurs. I have to do what I do. He’s just another man with two hands. He doesn’t have anything that I haven’t seen before.
“I feel like I won my last fight. I was more active last fight than I’ve been before. I’ve gotta let my hands know and be more dominant. I’m gonna give it my all. I’ve been training hard for a fight like this.
“For me this is just another fight. This guy is a tough guy and that’s who I like to face. I don’t like to face mediocre opposition. I know he brings the fight and that’s what brings the best out of me.
“I’m also here to show that I’m here to stay. I’ve had some tough breaks, but I’m gonna turn it around on March 28.”
ELIJAH GARCIA
“Kevin is very experienced and I’m ready to put on a great performance. I’m back training with my dad and ready to perform.
“I’ve got a lot of experience under my belt and I know that you can’t underestimate anyone. I know what I’m up against. He’s tough ,experience and crafty. I don’t think I’ve ever fought anybody like Kevin. He’s different.
“I’m gonna do what I do best and fight my fight. At the end of the night I’m gonna do everything to make sure it goes my way.
“I’ve been fighting at 160 since I was 17-years-old. I grew out of middleweight, so now was the perfect time to move up. My last performance wasn’t the best, so I’m looking forward to a new challenge at 168. I’ve never backed down from a challenge.
“I’ve been here before and I’m excited to get back in the ring. A hard fight isn’t new to me. I’m there, I’m game and I’m ready every single time.
“I learned a lot of things fighting Gausha. He’s experienced and has only lost to world champions. We had a close fight and that’s how you learn. The last five, six opponents I’ve had have all been tough. That kind of experience is gonna take me to the world title when it’s time.
“Me and my dad are pretty much the same person. He can tell me something without really saying anything. We’re looking to make this weight and make this fight easy.”
KEVIN NEWMAN II
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m coming to take advantage of it. I’m gonna give the fans a great fight on March 2th8.
I bring some skills and things that Elijah hasn’t seen. I’ve been around a lot time and I’ve soaked up a lot of game. I’m always in the gym getting better.
“He’s a young hungry kid who’s trying to make a mark in the game and I respect him. I’m looking forward to a great fight.
“I’ve had this winning streak because I’ve been able to focus and lock in more. I’ve worked with Roy Jones Jr. since 2020 and he’s really added to my game. We’ve meshed together well. I’m a more complete fighter now.
“Fans can expect fireworks. I think our styles will make this is a great fight. I’m coming to put on a dominant performance and have my hand raised.
“The main thing is the mindset. I have to just go dominate. I’m in a great headspace and can’t wait until March 28th.”
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March 28th undercard presser quotes
Boxer competing on the pay-per-view undercard for the Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman PBC pay-per-view event previewed their respective matchups during a virtual press conference on Wednesday before they step into the ring on Saturday, March 28th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Featured during the virtual presser were heavyweight contenders Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez and unbeaten U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr., who meet in an IBF final eliminator, plus undefeated middleweight Yoenli Hernandez and battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, who duel in a ten-round bout, as well as Elijah Garcia and veteran super middleweight Kevin Newman II, who kick off the pay-per-view action at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
FRANK SANCHEZ
“I just have to go in there and do my job. I’m gonna listen to my corner and do what I need to do. I have a great team and I know they’ll put me in position to get the victory.
“Being the first Cuban heavyweight world champion would mean everything. That’s a step that I’ve always wanted to take. The first thing I have to do is give my best on March 28. Then the door is open for me to give the Cuban people a heavyweight world champion.
“I’ve spent so much time in the gym and I won’t feel any ring rust at all. I’ll rely on my experience and the many fights I’ve had throughout my career.
“My knee is fully healed. I’m completely focused on March 28th. I have an outstanding team backing me up and that allows me to have everything I need to succeed against Richard Torrez Jr.
“Finding an opponent was a process. A lot of fighters don’t want to face me because they consider me dangerous. We went through four or five different opponents. I just remained focused and now I’m ready to seize this chance and make the most of it.
“Training with Eddy [Reynoso] is amazing. Him and the entire team treat me so well. Eddy motivates me and pushes me to go as hard as I can to go after what I want. I know he’s got my back.
RICHARD TORREZ JR.
“I can’t wait to show everyone what I have. This is definitely my toughest fight. Frank Sanchez is fast, strong and has a lot of qualities that stand out in the heavyweight division. This is a great spot for me to show who I am as a fighter and show what I can accomplish.
“I’m very proud of who I am and where I come from, but it’s not my main focus. I’m not trying to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. I just have to go out there and fight. I’m here and ready to show everything that I am.
“The best thing I do is hone in on what makes Richard Torrez, Richard Torrez. I believe that I have the best conditioning in the game. If I stay consistent and follow the game plan, I can show what I’m capable of.
“I want the hardest fights and I want to be the best. Frank is one of the better fighters in the division. He’s shown his skillset and proved himself. I want to prove myself as well. This is the best way to establish myself in the pro game.
“This fight is gonna showcase the Latin style of heavyweights. It’s not something that’s been seen too much before. I’ve got that Mexican style in me and I’m ready to showcase that tenacity and grit against someone slick like Frank. It’s gonna make an exciting clash of styles.
“Last year was a good year. We had a main event and were able to showcase our style. I’m just looking forward to continuing this process.”
YOENLI HERNANDEZ
“I’m excited for this fight and ready to give my career a great boost. I can’t wait to get in the ring on March 28.
“Every fight means a lot to me because I’m on the ascent. I want to go after the best and beat the champions in my quest to earn that title.
“The main thing for me is to feel good about my performance give the fans the show they deserve. I know what Gausha can do and the kind of veteran he is. But I’m ready to go achieve my goal of making it to the top.
“I’m not someone who’s concerned with my opponent’s record. I focus on myself. Kyrone Davis was someone who also fought at the top level and that really helped push me forward. Now I’m focused on being the best version of myself. I’m gonna put on a show. All the work has led up to this.
“I’m here to prove that I’m gonna be champion. I don’t care who’s standing in my way. I’m gonna go out there and demolish everyone.
“I’m up to fight anybody. Bring on all of the champions. I’m ready to fight anyone in the division. I’m here to show that I’m here to stay for a long long time.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
“I’m excited to be on another big card and showcase my talent against a guy like Yoenli. He’s a tough fighter and I’ve been watching him. I’m ready to do what I gotta do.
“He’s a big puncher, but he hasn’t face somebody like me yet. I’m gonna be myself. I’m gonna do what I do and give him problems. I’ve fought every style and I just have to be myself.
“He’s experienced too because of his time in the amateurs. I have to do what I do. He’s just another man with two hands. He doesn’t have anything that I haven’t seen before.
“I feel like I won my last fight. I was more active last fight than I’ve been before. I’ve gotta let my hands know and be more dominant. I’m gonna give it my all. I’ve been training hard for a fight like this.
“For me this is just another fight. This guy is a tough guy and that’s who I like to face. I don’t like to face mediocre opposition. I know he brings the fight and that’s what brings the best out of me.
“I’m also here to show that I’m here to stay. I’ve had some tough breaks, but I’m gonna turn it around on March 28.”
ELIJAH GARCIA
“Kevin is very experienced and I’m ready to put on a great performance. I’m back training with my dad and ready to perform.
“I’ve got a lot of experience under my belt and I know that you can’t underestimate anyone. I know what I’m up against. He’s tough ,experience and crafty. I don’t think I’ve ever fought anybody like Kevin. He’s different.
“I’m gonna do what I do best and fight my fight. At the end of the night I’m gonna do everything to make sure it goes my way.
“I’ve been fighting at 160 since I was 17-years-old. I grew out of middleweight, so now was the perfect time to move up. My last performance wasn’t the best, so I’m looking forward to a new challenge at 168. I’ve never backed down from a challenge.
“I’ve been here before and I’m excited to get back in the ring. A hard fight isn’t new to me. I’m there, I’m game and I’m ready every single time.
“I learned a lot of things fighting Gausha. He’s experienced and has only lost to world champions. We had a close fight and that’s how you learn. The last five, six opponents I’ve had have all been tough. That kind of experience is gonna take me to the world title when it’s time.
“Me and my dad are pretty much the same person. He can tell me something without really saying anything. We’re looking to make this weight and make this fight easy.”
KEVIN NEWMAN II
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m coming to take advantage of it. I’m gonna give the fans a great fight on March 2th8.
I bring some skills and things that Elijah hasn’t seen. I’ve been around a lot time and I’ve soaked up a lot of game. I’m always in the gym getting better.
“He’s a young hungry kid who’s trying to make a mark in the game and I respect him. I’m looking forward to a great fight.
“I’ve had this winning streak because I’ve been able to focus and lock in more. I’ve worked with Roy Jones Jr. since 2020 and he’s really added to my game. We’ve meshed together well. I’m a more complete fighter now.
“Fans can expect fireworks. I think our styles will make this is a great fight. I’m coming to put on a dominant performance and have my hand raised.
“The main thing is the mindset. I have to just go dominate. I’m in a great headspace and can’t wait until March 28th.”
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Ryan Garcia calls out Shakur Stevenson |
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Newly minted WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia just called out the world / WBO junior welterweight champion on social media, and seems to be saying he will go back down to the 140-pound division for the fight. Garcia tweeted: "Forget the catchweight sh*t. Let’s do it for real. I want to take your belt and snatch it right off you, Shakur Stevenson." In a subsequent Tweet, Garcia, exapnded: "To those that are worried about the 140-pound weight. I will tell you this, it was my plan to be able to also win at 140. As long as there’s no rehydration clause things will be going forward. Testing always included, I’ve never shy’d away from that. For Shakur to assume I’m on steroids, that is defamation. So I would advise you to refrain yourself, I know you are deep down scared and you should have fear. I’m coming for you."
Stevenson's response? About steroids, something that Garcia has suspended for in the past: "That’s my opinion. You can’t sue nobody for their opinion. You [are] a boxer champ, wassup with a the suing tactics anyway? About the fight? "140- Let’s do it chump."
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Ryan Garcia calls out Shakur Stevenson
Newly minted WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia just called out the world / WBO junior welterweight champion on social media, and seems to be saying he will go back down to the 140-pound division for the fight. Garcia tweeted: "Forget the catchweight sh*t. Let’s do it for real. I want to take your belt and snatch it right off you, Shakur Stevenson." In a subsequent Tweet, Garcia, exapnded: "To those that are worried about the 140-pound weight. I will tell you this, it was my plan to be able to also win at 140. As long as there’s no rehydration clause things will be going forward. Testing always included, I’ve never shy’d away from that. For Shakur to assume I’m on steroids, that is defamation. So I would advise you to refrain yourself, I know you are deep down scared and you should have fear. I’m coming for you."
Stevenson's response? About steroids, something that Garcia has suspended for in the past: "That’s my opinion. You can’t sue nobody for their opinion. You [are] a boxer champ, wassup with a the suing tactics anyway? About the fight? "140- Let’s do it chump."
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Triller has African pay-per-view action on Friday |
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TrillerTV will air an African boxing show as a $20 pay-per-view show this Friday, February 27th at 11:30 AM Eastern time. The Nigerian show, entitled Nightmare in Nairobi II, has a cruiserweight main event featuring Joshual Wasike of Kenya (6-1) vs. Jacob Mganga of Tanzania (16-19-6). The co-feature will be a heavyweight contest between 43 year-old Morris Akola (13-5) and Hudson Muhumza (9-6-1).
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Triller has African pay-per-view action on Friday
TrillerTV will air an African boxing show as a $20 pay-per-view show this Friday, February 27th at 11:30 AM Eastern time. The Nigerian show, entitled Nightmare in Nairobi II, has a cruiserweight main event featuring Joshual Wasike of Kenya (6-1) vs. Jacob Mganga of Tanzania (16-19-6). The co-feature will be a heavyweight contest between 43 year-old Morris Akola (13-5) and Hudson Muhumza (9-6-1).
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Jose Luis Castillo coming to Box Fan Expo |
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Two-division champion José Luis Castillo will appear at the Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 2nd at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will coincide with the mega fight between Zurdo Ramirez and David Benavidez that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena. Castillo will hold a meet-and-greet with his fans. The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports' legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas. Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online. Castillo will make his first appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. He will also have merchandise to sell.
Castillo joins Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more to be announced. Castillo is a former two-division world champion. Castillo stands as one of Mexico’s most respected and fearless warriors in modern boxing history. Born in Empalme, Sonora, Castillo built a legendary professional career defined by relentless pressure, devastating body punching, and an indomitable fighting spirit. A two-time WBC lightweight champion and a WBC junior welterweight champion, Castillo earned global recognition through unforgettable battles, incuding two against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in which many observers believed Castillo had done enough to win their first encounter. He also delivered an unforgettable 2005 classic against Diego Corrales; a bout widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in boxing history. Castillo shared the ring with world-class talents such as Stevie Johnston, Joel Casamayor and Ricky Hatton, underscoring his reputation as one of the most fearless and respected competitors of his generation. With 66 victories, including 57 knockouts, Castillo’s career reflects durability, heart, and championship excellence. Revered by fans and fighters alike, Castillo remains a proud ambassador of Mexican boxing and a symbol of courage, resilience, and elite-level competition on the world stage.
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Jose Luis Castillo coming to Box Fan Expo
Two-division champion José Luis Castillo will appear at the Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 2nd at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will coincide with the mega fight between Zurdo Ramirez and David Benavidez that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena. Castillo will hold a meet-and-greet with his fans. The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports' legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas. Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online. Castillo will make his first appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. He will also have merchandise to sell.
Castillo joins Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more to be announced. Castillo is a former two-division world champion. Castillo stands as one of Mexico’s most respected and fearless warriors in modern boxing history. Born in Empalme, Sonora, Castillo built a legendary professional career defined by relentless pressure, devastating body punching, and an indomitable fighting spirit. A two-time WBC lightweight champion and a WBC junior welterweight champion, Castillo earned global recognition through unforgettable battles, incuding two against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in which many observers believed Castillo had done enough to win their first encounter. He also delivered an unforgettable 2005 classic against Diego Corrales; a bout widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in boxing history. Castillo shared the ring with world-class talents such as Stevie Johnston, Joel Casamayor and Ricky Hatton, underscoring his reputation as one of the most fearless and respected competitors of his generation. With 66 victories, including 57 knockouts, Castillo’s career reflects durability, heart, and championship excellence. Revered by fans and fighters alike, Castillo remains a proud ambassador of Mexican boxing and a symbol of courage, resilience, and elite-level competition on the world stage.
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I Will Survive? |
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Boxing does not define survival the way other industries do. It defines it in counts: eight...
nine... That suspended second between collapse and choice. The bell does not ring at the first knockdown. It rings when the fighter does not rise before ten. And boxing has always reserved its deepest respect not for the undefeated — but for the unbreakable. In the 1978 disco anthem "I Will Survive," Gloria Gaynor sang about walking away from someone who expected collapse — a refusal to disappear when written off. But survival is not always confrontational.
When Dana White and Zuffa Boxing entered the conversation, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman did not respond with hostility. He did not shut the door. He did not retreat behind it. He did not crumble. He welcomed him. In the face of pointed criticism, Sulaiman chose welcome over confrontation. Whether that was diplomacy, strategy, or confidence, it projected steadiness rather than strain. There is a difference between telling someone they are not welcome — and showing them you are not afraid.
Gaynor's song asks a simple question: did you think I would crumble? Boxing has heard that question before. It has been declared broken. Finished. On life support. Too divided to endure.
And yet it keeps rising before the count reaches ten. Because boxing understands something fundamental about survival.
A granite chin is not anatomy. It is psychology.
It is the mind overruling the moment. Unbreakable fighters do not deny pain. They expect it. They accept it. They redefine it. They reach into reserves their opponent hopes do not exist.
Legendary trainer Cus D’Amato once said, “Born round, don’t die square.” Some fighters bend. Some do not. The late Arturo Gatti was not flawless. But he was unforgettable. Every knockdown felt temporary. Every cut survivable. He did not win every fight. But he refused to surrender in any of them. That archetype now applies beyond the ropes.
Much of the public debate has centered on a visible number — three percent. Sanctioning fees are easy to criticize because they are concrete. But percentages exist within structures. If a centralized contract defines championship-fight compensation at a fixed figure — reportedly $750,000 within the Zuffa boxing framework — the absence of a sanctioning fee does not end the economic conversation. Zero percent of a defined ceiling behaves differently than three percent of an open negotiation.
The question is not whether a toll exists. It is how high the road can go. In boxing's present decentralized model, elite purses are negotiated event by event. In a centralized structure, compensation architecture is defined internally. Those are structural differences, not moral ones.
There is also the matter of statutory protection. Under the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, professional boxing conducted in interstate commerce falls within a federal statutory framework. Jurisdiction is determined by nexus — where the alleged harm occurred and whether it intersects with United States commerce. For fighters evaluating long-term agreements, the distinction between statutory recourse and internal compliance language is not rhetorical. It is structural.
Meanwhile, rhetoric continues. White projects inevitability. Public exchanges escalate. But institutional behavior tells a quieter story. Eddie Hearn extends Matchroom's long-term broadcast backing through DAZN. Oscar De La Hoya asserts Golden Boy's contractual rights in court in a dispute involving Vergil Ortiz Jr. Different personalities.
Different styles. Same posture. None have walked out of the industry's door. That matters.
Because in boxing, survival is not declared. It is demonstrated. There is a moment in every fight when the corner watches closely. The fighter has absorbed punishment. The legs tremble. The breath shortens. There is a similar moment in institutions — when pressure mounts, when critics grow louder, when markets shift.
Some walk away... Some rise... Survival is not always a door slammed shut.. Sometimes it is the quiet refusal to lie down. The ten count does not define a warrior. The response to it does. And in boxing, the legends are not the ones who never touch the canvas. They are the ones who rise before ten.
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I Will Survive?
Boxing does not define survival the way other industries do. It defines it in counts: eight...
nine... That suspended second between collapse and choice. The bell does not ring at the first knockdown. It rings when the fighter does not rise before ten. And boxing has always reserved its deepest respect not for the undefeated — but for the unbreakable. In the 1978 disco anthem "I Will Survive," Gloria Gaynor sang about walking away from someone who expected collapse — a refusal to disappear when written off. But survival is not always confrontational.
When Dana White and Zuffa Boxing entered the conversation, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman did not respond with hostility. He did not shut the door. He did not retreat behind it. He did not crumble. He welcomed him. In the face of pointed criticism, Sulaiman chose welcome over confrontation. Whether that was diplomacy, strategy, or confidence, it projected steadiness rather than strain. There is a difference between telling someone they are not welcome — and showing them you are not afraid.
Gaynor's song asks a simple question: did you think I would crumble? Boxing has heard that question before. It has been declared broken. Finished. On life support. Too divided to endure.
And yet it keeps rising before the count reaches ten. Because boxing understands something fundamental about survival.
A granite chin is not anatomy. It is psychology.
It is the mind overruling the moment. Unbreakable fighters do not deny pain. They expect it. They accept it. They redefine it. They reach into reserves their opponent hopes do not exist.
Legendary trainer Cus D’Amato once said, “Born round, don’t die square.” Some fighters bend. Some do not. The late Arturo Gatti was not flawless. But he was unforgettable. Every knockdown felt temporary. Every cut survivable. He did not win every fight. But he refused to surrender in any of them. That archetype now applies beyond the ropes.
Much of the public debate has centered on a visible number — three percent. Sanctioning fees are easy to criticize because they are concrete. But percentages exist within structures. If a centralized contract defines championship-fight compensation at a fixed figure — reportedly $750,000 within the Zuffa boxing framework — the absence of a sanctioning fee does not end the economic conversation. Zero percent of a defined ceiling behaves differently than three percent of an open negotiation.
The question is not whether a toll exists. It is how high the road can go. In boxing's present decentralized model, elite purses are negotiated event by event. In a centralized structure, compensation architecture is defined internally. Those are structural differences, not moral ones.
There is also the matter of statutory protection. Under the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, professional boxing conducted in interstate commerce falls within a federal statutory framework. Jurisdiction is determined by nexus — where the alleged harm occurred and whether it intersects with United States commerce. For fighters evaluating long-term agreements, the distinction between statutory recourse and internal compliance language is not rhetorical. It is structural.
Meanwhile, rhetoric continues. White projects inevitability. Public exchanges escalate. But institutional behavior tells a quieter story. Eddie Hearn extends Matchroom's long-term broadcast backing through DAZN. Oscar De La Hoya asserts Golden Boy's contractual rights in court in a dispute involving Vergil Ortiz Jr. Different personalities.
Different styles. Same posture. None have walked out of the industry's door. That matters.
Because in boxing, survival is not declared. It is demonstrated. There is a moment in every fight when the corner watches closely. The fighter has absorbed punishment. The legs tremble. The breath shortens. There is a similar moment in institutions — when pressure mounts, when critics grow louder, when markets shift.
Some walk away... Some rise... Survival is not always a door slammed shut.. Sometimes it is the quiet refusal to lie down. The ten count does not define a warrior. The response to it does. And in boxing, the legends are not the ones who never touch the canvas. They are the ones who rise before ten.
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Crocker injury delays title shot for Paro |
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IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker has been forced to delay his first title defense through injury issues, postponing his bout against ex-junior welterweight champ Liam Paro. The pair were expected to meet in the latter's native Australia in early April, with the Belfast man making the first defense of belt. Instead, they are now likely to meet in May or June after Crocker sustained a hand ligament injury during training for his trip down under.
It marks the second cancellation Paro has faced this year, as Paro was previously set to face Paddy Donovan. The star's promoters No Limit Boxing received a medical certificate from Crocker's Matchroom Boxing team, confirming the nature of the injury.
The pair had been expected to fight on the same bill, either in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, as local favourite Tim Tszyu as he plots his own return. The latter is due to face Errol Spence Jr. in an intriguing clash later this year, and is widely thought to be eyeing an imminent tune-up on home soil. The wait goes on for Liam Paro then, as the Australian faces his second aborted bout in the space of four months, much to his irritation.
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Crocker injury delays title shot for Paro
IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker has been forced to delay his first title defense through injury issues, postponing his bout against ex-junior welterweight champ Liam Paro. The pair were expected to meet in the latter's native Australia in early April, with the Belfast man making the first defense of belt. Instead, they are now likely to meet in May or June after Crocker sustained a hand ligament injury during training for his trip down under.
It marks the second cancellation Paro has faced this year, as Paro was previously set to face Paddy Donovan. The star's promoters No Limit Boxing received a medical certificate from Crocker's Matchroom Boxing team, confirming the nature of the injury.
The pair had been expected to fight on the same bill, either in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, as local favourite Tim Tszyu as he plots his own return. The latter is due to face Errol Spence Jr. in an intriguing clash later this year, and is widely thought to be eyeing an imminent tune-up on home soil. The wait goes on for Liam Paro then, as the Australian faces his second aborted bout in the space of four months, much to his irritation.
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Australian update |
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At 1 AM Eastern time on February 26th, TrillerTV will stream boxing action directly from the Bella Vista Hotel in Sydney, Australia. The action is headlined by a battle for the Australian welterweight title, as Marco Romeo (8-1) squares off against Jason Mallia (10-0). In the chief support, Emiliano Tissera (3-1) takes on Alex Naman (9-0) at super bantamweight. Also on the card, are female super bantamweights as Shannel Dargan (10-2-2) and Shannon O'Connell (26-8-1) go toe-to-toe.
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Australian update
At 1 AM Eastern time on February 26th, TrillerTV will stream boxing action directly from the Bella Vista Hotel in Sydney, Australia. The action is headlined by a battle for the Australian welterweight title, as Marco Romeo (8-1) squares off against Jason Mallia (10-0). In the chief support, Emiliano Tissera (3-1) takes on Alex Naman (9-0) at super bantamweight. Also on the card, are female super bantamweights as Shannel Dargan (10-2-2) and Shannon O'Connell (26-8-1) go toe-to-toe.
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