WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will take on unified WBO and IBF middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (pictured) on a PBC pay-per-view on Prime Video on Saturday, December 6th at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. The pay-per-view action will also feature two-division champion Stephen Fulton Jr., the reigning WBC featherweight champion, moving up to take on WBC junior lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster, a native of Orange, Texas, for Foster's title. Plus Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. duels top contender Shane Mosley Jr. for the WBC interim middleweight title opening the pay-per-view at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. These three bouts lead up to the previously announced main event that will see  former 140-pound champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz step into the ring against reigning WBA 130-pound champion Lamont Roach for the WBC interim 140-pound title.

Back to the chief support... two reigning champions will look for 160-pound supremacy as WBA champion Lara faces WBO / IBF champion Alimkhanuly in the biggest middleweight match-up in years. Lara vs. Alimkhanuly is promoted in association with Top Rank.

After representing his native Kazakhstan in the 2016 Olympics, Alimkhanuly (19-0 including the World Series of Boxing) embarked on his pro career in October of that year, quickly rising up the rankings by taking on a slew of contenders from the outset. He won an interim title May 2022 by knocking out the previously unbeaten Danny Dignum, and was later elevated to world champion. He followed that up with a unanimous decision over Denzel Bentley and a KO of Steven Butler, before successfully unifying world titles with a stoppage of then undefeated Vincenzo Gualtieri in October 2023. The 32-year-old, who now trains in California, has beaten three-straight undefeated opponents, most recently taking down Andrei Mikhailovich in October 2020 ahead of his most recent outing that ended with a TKO of Anauel Ngamissengue in a hometown fight in Kazakhstan this past April.

“My goal is to unify four belts and make my name a part of history,” said Alimkhanuly. “I’ve been working tirelessly on this path. I’ve been calling out champions for a long time, and Lara agreed. The big fight is on December 6! God willing, I’ll win my third title. History is almost made!"

Inactive since September of last year, Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs) has been dominant in his run at 160-pounds, showing off his ability to go toe-to-toe and end a fight with one punch, after establishing himself as one of boxing’s best technical fighters throughout the first part of his career. His last fight saw one of the best performances of his career as he stopped the durable former two-division world champion Danny Garcia in September 2024. He captured his WBA title with a first-round knockout of Thomas LaManna in May 2021, before KO’ing Gary O’Sullivan and Michael Zerafa. Prior to his middleweight exploits, Lara was the longest reigning 154-pound world champion before he lost a tough split-decision to Jarrett Hurd in a 2018 title unification match that earned “Fight of the Year” from the BWAA. Lara returned from that fight and battled former 154-pound world titleholder Brian Castaño to an exciting draw in another narrow fight that could have gone Lara’s way. He faced a slew of the top 154-pounders in the sport, including Canelo Álvarez, ahead of his middleweight debut.

“I’ve faced the best throughout my career and this is no different,” said Lara. “Janibek is a strong, skilled opponent, but I’ve never backed down from a challenge. On December 6, I will become unified middleweight champion of the world and take one step closer toward securing my place in the Hall of Fame. Don’t miss this fight!”

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.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. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with MP Promotions, ProBox Promotions and Box Starz.

Former world heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, made an emotional visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), coinciding with the 51st anniversary of the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” bout, which redefined boxing history in 1974. Tyson landed in Kinshasa to pay a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, whose names united Africa and the world of sport under a single emotion in what was then Zaire. The former champion was received by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, underscoring the importance and historical significance of this visit.

With his characteristic energy, Tyson toured the iconic locations linked to that historic confrontation in which Ali regained the world heavyweight championship y stopping Foreman. Tyson also dedicated some time to share with young local boxers, encouraging them to “keep the passion alive” that inspired millions around the world.

During his stay, Tyson also held meetings with Congolese authorities and sports representatives. The goal of these encounters was to explore ways to promote boxing as a tool for social development and youth training in the DRC. Tyson highlighted the profound warmth of the Congolese people and expressed his firm desire to “contribute to the future of boxing in Africa.”

The former champion’s return is not just an act of nostalgia; it symbolizes a bridge between two glorious eras: that of the heroes of the squared circle who forged history and that of the new African talents seeking to make their way in world boxing.

In Tyson’s own words, the “Rumble in the Jungle” was more than just a fight: it was “a lesson in courage and hope that still resonates.” With this visit, the former champion reaffirms his connection to the spiritual roots of boxing and to a continent that, half a century later, continues to be a source of inspiration and talent for the world’s great sports figures.

The Dominican Republic's Javier "El Abejón" Fortuna (39-6-1, 28 KOs) is out to prove he still has plenty of sting left when he returns to the ring on Saturday, November 1st to challenge "Speedy" Rashidi Ellis (27-1, 18 KOs) in a welterweight battle at Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Arena. The ten-round bout co-headlines CES Autumn Classic 2025. Tickets are available at CES Fights, Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Arena website. The first bout is scheduled for 6pm EST. ‘El Abejon,’ or ‘The Hornet,’ is a monicker Fortuna earned in the gym as an amateur. "It’s a nickname they gave me when I was a kid because I was fast and strong, and I would swarm my opponents," says Fortuna. That speed and explosiveness carried Javier from an amateur star to two world titles, making him one of the Dominican Republic’s most accomplished fighters of his generation.

Fortuna’s career began at age 9 in the Dominican city of La Romana, where boxing was practically a family business. "My brother, my uncles and my cousins boxed," recalls Fortuna. "I would fight a lot in the neighborhood and at school, but my brother didn’t want me to box, so I started training behind his back. He only realized that I was boxing when my name was announced during my first fight. I lost that night, but I won the rematch and went six years without losing."

Fortuna went on to represent the Dominican Republic internationally, earning medals in the Pan American Games before turning professional in 2009. Three years later, 'El Abejon' captured the WBA interim featherweight title against previously unbeaten Patrick Hyland on the Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Manny Pacquiao IV undercard in Las Vegas – an achievement that remains his proudest moment. "That fight opened many doors for me," explains Fortuna. "I thought, ‘From here on out we’re going to get down to business: I’m leaving my house to my mom, buying myself a house, and I’m taking care of my family.’"

Fortuna lost that title on the scales in his next fight, a one round blowout of Miguel Zamudio. Feeling that he had outgrown the 126-pound division, Fortuna set out to conquer 130. Six wins later, Javier defeated Bryan Vasquez by unanimous decision in 2015 to win the WBA regular title.

"Guys like Joan Guzman, Claudio Marrero, Juan Carlos Payano, Lenin Castillo, Felix Guzman and I gave a boost to all the young Dominican boxers who are emerging now," says Fortuna of the next wave of Dominican standouts, including Carlos Adames, the Cedeno brothers, Alberto Puello and Rohan Polanco. "These are fighters who are enthusiastic, committed and extraordinarily focused on winning world titles and taking it to the next level. They know that I always support them and if I was able to win 2 world titles, I hope they win 4, 5, and 6 world titles so that they elevate the Dominican Republic on the world stage. I know the sacrifices that a Dominican boxer makes to get to the United States and win a world title. We have to do twice as much as Americans to stand out and even get a corner feature in a magazine."

One American who has struggled to earn a title shot is Fortuna’s opponent on November 1st. Ellis is a talented fighter from Lynn, Massachusetts who took the opposite route. Ellis fought several times in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico as a prospect to build momentum in his career before returning to the United States.

"Rashidi is a tremendous boxer," acknowledges Fortuna. "I used to see him in the gyms in the Dominican Republic years ago when I was at 126 and 130. I compare Rashidi with pure boxers I fought like Derrick Wilson and Yaundale Evans. These are boxers I knocked out early, but they are fast and make you think constantly throughout a fight. It’s been years, but now that I live in Massachusetts, I see him when I train in Boston. He’s an outstanding fighter – he’s very fast, but I've seen him fight on several occasions and I know how to beat him. We’re working on that game plan and preparing to execute it."

Despite facing a career welterweight, the 5’7 Fortuna shrugs off any size disadvantage. "We’re almost the same size," insists Fortuna. "He’s 5’8. It isn’t a big difference, especially when we’re in the ring positioning and exchanging. Besides, I prefer fighting bigger guys."

A veteran of 46 professional fights, the 36-year-old believes experience will be the more important factor on fight night. "I have much more experience than he does," asserts Fortuna. "His best opponent was Romain Villa, which was his only loss. In that fight, Villa used his experience and intelligence to prevail, but that doesn't matter when we fight. I will simply be 100% prepared, he’s going to be 100% prepared, and it’s going to be a great fight. I’ll use my intelligence, my boxing skills, and my experience to put on a good show and leave with the victory."

Fortuna believes that a victory over Ellis will catapult him to one more title shot. "If I win this fight, I’m not going to stay at welterweight for good," he said. "I’m going to go down to 135 or 140, which is my natural weight. I’d like to fight any of the champions at 135 or 140."

Still fierce and focused after 15 years as a professional, Fortuna sees his matchup with Ellis as another chance to remind the world why they call him ‘El Abejón’: "Come see a great fight on November 1st," concludes Fortuna. "Nothing is written in that ring, but I am 100% focused on winning this fight and after that, I will capture a world title in a third weight class." 

On Thursday, Mikaela Mayer will have the chance to become a three-divison champion but will have to do so on enemy soil. Mayer will challenge Canadian fan favorite Mary Spencer for the WBA 154-pound title this Thursday, Oct. 30th at Montreal Casino. The vacant WBC and WBO belts will also be up for grabs in what has become a three-title showdown. Mayer (21-2, 5 KOs) is the current WBO champ at welterweight, having defeated Sandy Ryan via majority decision in September 2024 before securing a more decisive triumph in March's rematch. Spencer (10-2, 6 KOs), a 2012 Olympian, defended her title in April with a unanimous decision over former featherweight title holder Ogleidis Suarez. Promoted by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank, Spencer-Mayer and select undercard bouts will stream on Top Rank Classics in the U.S. beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Top Rank Classics is free and available on major FAST hubs. To watch on mobile or desktop, visit trboxing.co/TopRankClassics. To watch on your smart TV, check the availability of FAST channel apps and look for the Top Rank Classics channel.

At Tuesday's press conference, this is what the main event fighters said:

Mary Spencer

“I saw the odds. I know that I'm the underdog according to the bookies, but I mean, they get it wrong often. I don't feel like an underdog. I feel like this fight is a gift.”

“I know where I'm at as far as training, where I'm at in my life, and I felt even before this fight was matched that the next opponent was going to be in trouble, whoever that was. And now the situation is even more exciting because it's Mikaela, because of the style that she brings.”

“I get to be here at home. I get to really show a hometown crowd my best, and I'm very excited for that.”

“I think the key to victory is going to be me staying comfortable and being myself in the ring, and just being calm.”

Mikaela Mayer

“I’m really happy to be back here in Canada. I haven't fought in Canada since my amateur days, back when I first learned of Mary Spencer. It's great to be back."

"I have a big job to do on Thursday night. It's always been my goal in this sport to go and search out the best fights possible, the biggest names possible."

“I’ve had a great career so far. I did my thing at 130. I moved up to 147 and became a champion there, but my goal is to go undisputed. I couldn't get that undisputed fight against Lauren Price at 147, so my goal is to find the next best challenge for me. And when Mary Spencer's name came up, I said, yep, let's go to 154. Let's take that challenge.”

“She's a worthy opponent. She's done a lot in the sport. You know, I remember her name from back in the day. She was the it girl back in the amateurs, so those are the type of names I want to add to my resume, and we got the fight done, so I'm happy to be here.”

“I plan on getting my hand raised Thursday night, becoming a three-division world champion, and then me and my team will decide what we'll do from there."

"There are lots of big fights ahead of me, but the number one goal right now is to put on a great performance, show everyone that even though I'm the smaller fighter, skills pay the bills. Size doesn't win fights, skill does."

"So, that's what I'm going to do Thursday night. I'm going to trust my corner and trust the game plan that we have. It was a really long camp. We put in a lot of work in, so I'll be ready to put on a great show for you guys.”

UNDERCARD

Wilkens Mathieu vs. Shakeel Phinn, ten rounds, super middleweights;

Arthur Biyarslanov vs. Sergey Lipinets, ten rounds, ten rounds, junior middleweights;

Mehmet Unal vs. Ralf Vilcans, ten rounds, light heavyweights; and

Christopher Guerrero vs. Williams Andres Herrera, ten rounds, welterweights.

‍Cuban junior middleweight Yoelvis Gómez will see action this Saturday night at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida, against unbeaten local contender Antraveous Ingram. Gómez enters the bout with a record of 9 wins, 1 loss, and 7 knockouts, while Ingram stands at 12-0 with 6 KOs. Both men have plenty on the line — one looking to consolidate his resurgence, the other aiming to make a statement on home soil. The 28 year-old “Joya” Gómez will return to the ring after an August triumph when he edged Edwine Humaine by majority decision in the same venue. Since suffering the first loss of his career to Marquis Taylor in 2023, Gómez has been on a solid comeback trail. He’s picked up three straight wins, two of them by knockout, and he's gotten some exposure on major cards and renewed momentum in the world rankings.

Across the ring will be Ingram, a 27 year-old native of Kissimmee, Florida, who remains undefeated since turning professional in 2022. Having fought most of his bouts at the Caribe Royale, Ingram will be on familiar turf. In his last outing, he stopped Jeremiah Robinson on September 19th, showing sharp timing and confidence heading into the biggest fight of his career.

Gomez is putting the final touches on training camp. Gomez, known for his explosive punching power and aggressive style, is currently riding a 3-fight winning streak. He gives his thoughts on his recent training camp, his matchup with Ingram, what a win will do for his career, and more. “This has been one of the most intense and focused camps of my career,” said Gomez, who just finished camp with a renewed sense of urgency. “Coach Salas and I worked on every detail—conditioning, movement, timing, and defense. I did everything possible to be at my best because I know Ingram is coming to win.”

The 26-year-old from Havana understands the opportunity in front of him. With DAZN broadcasting the fight live, a statement victory will quickly catapult him into contender status in the stacked 154-pound division. “I learned a lot from my last few fights,” he continued. “Now, I’m smarter, more patient, and hungry to prove I’m the best in the division. I respect Ingram, he’s undefeated for a reason and has an awkward style, but I’ve faced guys like him before. I’m going in there to show who I really am as a fighter.”

Ingram, fighting in his home state and carrying an unbeaten record, presents a real threat, but Gomez thrives on high-pressure environments. “This is my moment to remind everyone why they called me ‘La Joya,’” Gomez concluded. “I’ve been in pressure fights before, and that’s where I thrive. Winning this fight puts me in the mix for big names and bigger opportunities. I don’t care that he’s undefeated, fighting at home, I’ve trained like I’m fighting for a world title. When that bell rings, I’ll show him there are levels to this. I will defend my title with pride, and my hands will be raised in victory.

Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, emphasized the importance of this fight for Gomez’s career trajectory. “This is a huge fight for Yoelvis,” said Piedra. “He’s facing an undefeated fighter on a major stage, and it’s the kind of matchup that shows what a fighter is really made of. We’ve seen his power, but his discipline and maturity as a fighter has grown over his last few fights. Defending his title here puts him in a great position to climb the rankings. The division is full of talent, and Yoelvis has the tools to be a real player. Now it’s time to go out there and prove it.”

On Saturday, bare knuckle boxing breaks new ground in the state of Michigan with BKFC Fight Night Michigan at the legendary Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant. The BKFC app will stream the action live. The future of the BKFC cruiserweight division will be on full display as Michigan's own Esteban “Mohawk” Rodriguez locks horns with Zac Cavender of Las Vegas. Rodriguez has won four of his first five BKFC fights, with all of his victories coming by stoppage. He most recently made history with a jaw-dropping, three-second KO in July. Cavender is unbeaten in his first two trips to the squared circle, with both victories ending in less than 65 seconds.

Two of the sport's most dangerous featherweights, Nathan “The Reaper” Rivera and Tommy “The Farmer” Strydom, collide in Saturday's co-feature. An Atlanta product, Rivera is undefeated in his first four BKFC fights, with all but one of those wins coming by stoppage. Staring down “The Reaper” is Strydom, who is 4-1 with three knockouts. The South African's sole loss came in his most recent matchup against “King” Kai Stewart in their clash for the BKFC featherweight championship.

Saturday's action at the Soaring Eagle features an exciting mix of hungry prospects and established BKFC fan-favorite fighters like Taylor “The Ragin’” Bull, Joseph “Dark Knight” Creer, AJ “A-Train” Craig, Erick “El Travieso” Lozano, David “Tha Sandman” Sanchez and Justin “The Nightmare” Street.

Fifty years ago, the world stood still. On the morning of October 1, 1975, in Manila’s Araneta Coliseum, two titans — Muhammad Ali (pictured) and Joe Frazier — battled through 14 brutal rounds in what would go down as one of the greatest fights in boxing history: The Thrilla in Manila. For those who witnessed it firsthand, the fight was not just a sporting event — it was a moment etched forever in memory, sweat, and typewriter ink. Among the few Filipino journalists who had ringside access was Jun Engracia, then a 22-year-old sportswriter for the Philippines Daily Express. IBA’s Taruka Srivastav spoke with now a veteran journalist and former News Editor at the Philippine Daily Inquirer, who was honored with the Lifetime Award in Sports Journalism by the Philippine Sportswriters Association. A distinguished figure in Philippine media and an alumnus of the University of the Philippines, Engracia reflects on his unforgettable experience covering the historic 1975 Thrilla in Manila between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, and shares his thoughts on its enduring legacy as the boxing world marks its 50th anniversary. Today, five decades later, he reflects on what it was like to cover the “fight of the century” — and what it means to see a new Thrilla in Manila take shape in 2025.

Q: Jun, take us back to 1975. You were only 22 when you covered the Thrilla in Manila. How did it all begin?

A: It started, as many great stories do, with pure impulse. On the morning of September 15, 1975, Muhammad Ali landed in Manila. My colleague, photographer Eddie Alfonso, and I decided — on a hunch — to follow his motorcade from the airport to the Manila Hilton. We were just two young reporters hoping for a quote or a picture. When we got there, the elevator opened on the ninth floor — and standing right in front of us was Rahman Ali, the champion’s brother. Moments later, we were knocking on the door of the presidential suite. It opened, and there he was — Muhammad Ali, barefoot, in a yellow bathrobe, brushing his hair, larger than life.

Eddie started clicking pictures. Ali looked into the mirror and kept saying, “I’m more handsome than that gorilla,” meaning Joe Frazier. That’s the only line I can still hear in his booming voice. It was my first scoop. I was a nervous kid interviewing the world’s biggest star — and he was utterly magnetic.

Q: So, you met Ali before the world even knew the term “Thrilla in Manila.” How did that phrase come about?

A: It actually came from one of Ali’s spontaneous rhymes. A few days earlier, he was bantering with the press and came up with: 'It will be a killa, chilla, thrilla when I get that gorilla in Manila.' He was playful, theatrical, and knew how to own the stage. That line stuck — and “The Thrilla in Manila” was born. Nobody could sell a fight like Ali.

Q: What was the mood like in Manila leading up to the fight?

A: It was electric — and chaotic. For two weeks, the city turned into a travelling circus. The Folk Arts Theater became Ali’s gym; the air smelled of sweat, liniment oil, and adrenaline. Ali taunted Frazier relentlessly — once pointing a toy gun at his hotel balcony, another time sneaking into Frazier’s training camp. He even accepted an honorary doctorate from a questionable university and told the media, “Who would have thought an uneducated black man would become a doctor?” He was always performing, always provoking. Meanwhile, the Frazier camp kept things quiet and serious. Frazier was all business — no jokes, no theatrics. It was the perfect storm: charisma versus stoicism, poetry versus punishment.

Q: What do you remember most from fight day?

A: The heat. The tension. And the feeling that we were watching history. By 10:30 a.m., the Araneta Coliseum was bursting with over 25,000 people. President Fernando Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos were there. The air conditioning couldn’t keep up. Reporters from The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Associated Press, BBC — the gods of sportswriting — were all on press row. Ali started strong, but by the middle rounds, Frazier’s relentless hooks turned it into a war. The sound of punches — thudding, echoing through the dome — still rings in my ears. In the 13th, Ali landed a cross that sent Frazier’s mouthpiece flying across ringside. By the 14th, Frazier could hardly see. His trainer, Eddie Futch, stopped the fight, whispering, “Son, no one will ever forget what you did here today.” Ali collapsed in exhaustion, whispering later: “Fighting Joe Frazier is the closest thing to dying.” That line still gives me chills.

Q: You were part of the Philippines Daily Express team that broke the story first. What was that newsroom experience like?

A: Frenetic, thrilling, and sleepless. Remember, this was before computers. We were using typewriters, telephones, and motorcycles Our photographers developed film in darkrooms while couriers raced 13 kilometers through near-empty streets to get pictures to the newsroom. I was dictating color copy down a hotline while my editor typed it in real time. Within 15 minutes of the final bell, our Evening Express headline screamed “ALI WINS!” across Manila. By the time I stepped out of the arena, newsboys were already selling the paper. That was our victory — the journalists’ fight.

Q: You’ve lived through the golden age of boxing and journalism. How does it feel to see “Thrilla in Manila” remembered 50 years later?

A: It feels surreal. That fight defined a generation — not just for boxing, but for storytelling. It was courage, endurance, and humanity in its rawest form. And to see the name return — fifty years later — reminds me that legends never fade. They echo. Manila became immortal that day. For us Filipinos, it wasn’t just Ali vs Frazier. It was Manila’s moment on the world stage — under martial law, under heat, under the eyes of the world. And for a young sportswriter like me, it was the day I learned what greatness — and grit — really looked like.

Q: What are you most excited about for Thrilla in Manila 2.0, the upcoming boxing event here?

A: I’m genuinely excited to see how history will echo itself in this new chapter. The first Thrilla in Manila was more than just a boxing match — it was a cultural moment that defined an era. Now, 50 years later, to have Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, step into the same arena where his grandfather made history feels incredibly symbolic. It’s as if the spirit of the original fight is being rekindled for a new generation. I’m also curious to see how the event merges heritage with modern spectacle — the storytelling, technology, and global broadcast possibilities today can bring that same Filipino passion for boxing to a worldwide audience once again. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about honoring legacy while showcasing the Philippines as a world-class stage for boxing in 2025.

                                                          ***

Fifty years on, The Thrilla in Manila still stands as a monument to willpower, pain, and poetry in motion. For Jun Engracia and the few who witnessed it from ringside, it wasn’t just a fight — it was the day the written word caught lightning in a bottle. And as the boxing world prepares for a new “Thrilla in Manila,” perhaps the spirit of Ali and Frazier — and the ink-stained hands of reporters like Jun — will once again rise to remind us what true greatness looks like. Jun will be attending the Thrilla in Manila 2.0 and we look forward to having him.

One of New England’s most talented fighters returns to the squared circle this Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, with a plan to put on a show.  “I like to have fun in there,” said welterweight contender “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis, who cites Prince Naseem Hamed, Roy Jones Jr. and Meldrick Taylor among his favorite fighters. Ellis (27-1) will be taking on battle-tested Javier Fortuna (39-6-1) of the Dominican Republic.

Fortuna has fought, among others, Ryan Garcia and ex-champ Joseph “JoJo” Diaz. “He’s a little awkward and crafty, but I’m going to pick him apart,” said Ellis. “He might be a little tricky in the beginning but I’m gonna get him in maybe the fourth round, once I get the timing right.” Fortuna lost his last fight, to Alfredo Santiago earlier this year.

Ellis is on a three-fight win streak- all by stoppage - since losing a majority decision to Roiman Villa in in January 2023. That was an exciting twelve-round IBF title eliminator that seemed to be going Ellis’ way until he hit the canvas twice in the twelfth round. Two judges scored the bout 114-112 for Villa while the third saw it a draw, 113-113. It was Ellis’ first professional setback.

“I’ve been calling for a rematch,” said Ellis, who is from Lynn,Massachusetts. “I even contacted him for a rematch and nothing came of it.”

Ellis admits he’s not a math expert, but he knows basic math, and said if rounds were judged fairly and honestly, he believes he would have walked away with the victory, despite the twelfth round not going his way.  “I won almost every round, and considering it’s a twelve-round fight, it doesn’t add up,” he said.

Ellis said he was never hurt. “I was good,” he said. “They were like flash knockdowns, and I got right back up. You could see it, and the second one was more like a push.”

Every time he comes to the ring, Ellis brings the excitement and seems to be having a lot of fun in there. One of five brothers and sisters, his brother Ronald fights as a pro on the west coast and his sister, Rashida, was a 2020 Olympian. She entered the official pro ranks earlier this month, and before that, fought in Team Combat League competition, winning all 16 of her one-round bouts.

“Our parents, Margaret and Ronald, raised us very tough,” said Ellis, “I guess that helped us out with boxing as well.”

Ellis had nearly 100 amateur fights, was a national P.AL. champion and also won a silver medal at the Independent Cup in the Dominican Republic in 2013, before going pro that year.

Ellis has won some minor and regional belts along the way to his 27-1 (18) record, and he gives them all to “Mama.”

If he wins a world welterweight title belt, might he keep that one on display in his home? “She’s keeping that as well, she gets all of them,” said Ellis. “I’ll probably get a picture of it, but she can have it.”

Ellis has the benefit of being able to train full-time in boxing, without having to juggle training and a full-time job. Asked if he has a manger helping to make that happen, he replied, “I’ve got myself (laughs). I find a way.”

Besides his actual fights, Ellis has gained valuable experience sparring for years with the likes of Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. He almost got to spar with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. “I was supposed to go spar him when he was fighting Floyd,” said Ellis. “I got the phone call and everything. They put it in the newspaper, and said I was going to go over there, but something happened. I don’t know what happened. Miscommunication, I’m not sure. I didn’t end up going.”

Ellis has his sights set on the champions of the 147-pound division: Brian Norman Jr. (WBO); Rolando Romero (WBA); Mario Barrios (WBC); and Lewis Crocker (IBF). However, he said he will be keeping a close watch on Norman’s upcoming title defense against former two-division champion Devin Haney, since he is moving up to 147.

Ellis is on the cusp of fighting for a world title, a childhood dream that will likely come true in the very near future. He’s gained a bit of fame but hasn’t let the hype or anything get to his head. Asked how he stays focused as he moves up in the ranks, Ellis responded, “It’s easy for me because I have fun with it. I don’t even look at it as a job for me, so I just have fun with it and stay dedicated, and keep focused, and do what I have to do.”

And getting past Javier Fortuna is part of the mission, a step along the way to greater things. “November 1st, it’s going to be an exciting fight,” said Ellis.

To purchase tickets for “Autumn Classic 2025,” log onto CESFights.com

UPDATE: The IBF announced that the Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Josh Kelly purse bid scheduled for today has been postponed again. Original story: On August 19th, the IBF ordered its junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev to begin negotiations with Josh Kelly of the United Kingdom for a mandatory title defense. An agreement was not reached within the time frame set forth by the IBF, so the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for October 21st. It was later postponed for an additonal seven days. Originally from Grozny, Russia, Murtazaliev is 23-0 and has two wins in world title fights: Jack Culcay for the vacant IBF title and a successful defense vs. ex-champ Tim Tszyu. Kelly (17-2-1 includin g the World Series of Boxing) has won seven straight since a 2021 loss to William Avanesyan.

CB Promotions will stage its first fight card on Tuesday night, November 25th at The Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey. The plan is for Tuesday Night at the Fights to be a monthly series in East Coast venues. In the main event, local favorite Shinard Bunch (21-3-1, 17 KOs) of Hamilton, New Jersey takes on Juan Heraldez (16-3-1, 10 KOs) of Las Vegas in a eight-round junior welterweight bout. The co-feature will be a welterweight contest between  Arnold Gonzalez (18-1, 9 KOs) and Michael Lee (11-3, 7 KOs) of Newark, NJ.

Also on the show, Daniel Bean (4-2, 2 KOs) of Old Bridge, NJ takes on Conja Nathan 2-0, 1 KO) of Yonkers, NY in a four-round heavyweight bout..

In four-round bouts, Jean Pierre Valencia (4-0, 2 KO) of Irvington, NJ takes on Kenneth James (5-0 2 KO's) of Phoenix at middleweight...

Cornelius Mitchell (1-0-1) of Columbus, Ohio will battle Marquel McMillian (1-0, 1 KO) of Las Vegas in a heavyweight bout...

In a six-round cruiserweight bout Mike Hilton (11-0, 7 KOs) takes on an opponent to be named...

Back to four rounders, junior lightweight Calvary Harris of York, PA makes his debut against an opponent to be named and...

Jasia Kirkpatrick (2-0, 2 KOs) of Port Monmouth, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

A new injury to Erik Bazinyan has forced Eye of the Tiger Management to revise the main event for November 13th. However, the finale will remain 100% Candian, as Montreal’s Stéphane Fondjo will now face two-time title challenger Steven “Bang Bang” Butler at the Casino de Montréal. Butler (36-5-1, 30 KOs), who is finishing the final weeks of training camp in Connecticut, had this to say about the change in opponent. “I’ve been away from my family for weeks, making sacrifices to prepare for my fight against Erik Bazinyan. If he can’t fight, that’s his problem, but I never back down — there was no way I wasn’t fighting on November 13th. I’m not afraid of anyone, and for once, I’ll be facing an opponent just as hungry as I am. Fans will still get a great local fight, but in the end, I’m going to remind everyone — including Fondjo — that I belong on the international level.”

Fondjo (14-1-1, 9 KOs), originally from Cameroon, was also already in training camp for a fight scheduled on November 8th. Standing over 6’3”, he was serving as Shakeel Phinn’s main sparring partner ahead of Phinn’s important fight next Thursday against Wilkens Mathieu. Having previously sparred with Christian Mbilli, Moreno Fendero, and several other Eye of the Tiger fighters, Fondjo sees this bout as an opportunity to prove that he, too, belongs among the elite — not just in the gym, but in the ring. “To accomplish great things, you sometimes have to suffer. I left my family behind eight years ago to cross the Atlantic and one day give them a better life. Every day since, I’ve made sacrifices to achieve that goal. I respect Steven Butler, but I’ve suffered enough to get here and earn this opportunity. So once we’re in the ring on November 13, it’ll be him who suffers,” promised Fondjo.

“Steven Butler is a high-level boxer who’s never turned down a challenge. He’s proving that once again, and I respect him for it. Both camps will bring the will to win, but beyond toughness, I believe Stéphane’s youth and superior athleticism will make the difference,” said Butler’s trainer, Ian MacKillop.

Although an intriguing all-local main event remains in place — and the health of athletes remains EOTTM’s top priority — the team cannot hide its disappointment over this third cancellation. “I won’t hide it: our entire team is extremely disappointed. And we’re even more so for our fans, who have been waiting for this fight for months. Our athletes’ health will always be a priority, but after three consecutive injuries, it’s clear we’ll need to sit down with Erik to evaluate the next steps in his career,” said EOTTM President Camille Estephan.

UNDERCARD

The rest of the November 13th card remains unchanged. In his first career co-main event, Montreal-based Jhon Orobio (15-0, 13 KOs) will face South Africa's Xolisani Ndongeni (33-7, 19 KOs) at junior welterweight.

On the undercard, Quebec’s Luis Santana (14-0, 7 KOs) will face Portugal’s Pedro Manuel Gomes (13-3, 3 KOs), who is coming off a win over Canadian champion Mark Smither...

EOTTM’s Prospect of the Year, Moreno Fendero (12-0, 10 KOs), will fight in his first scheduled ten-round bout against William Langston (14-4-1, 9 KOs) of the United States...

Canadian Olympic medalist Wyatt Sanford (4-0, 2 KOs) will meet Czech fighter Petr Novak (3-0-1, 2 KOs) in a clash of undefeated boxers...

Erik Israyelyan (2-0, 2 KOs) will continue his development against Chile’s Mario Esparza (2-1)...

Finally, Trois-Rivières native Daylen Pepin will make his professional debut in an all-Quebec bout against Alexendre Giraldeau Perron (2-1, 1 KO).

The  event has already sold out on November 13 at the Casino de Montréal. Fans will be able to watch the event starting at 6:30 p.m. on Punching Grace.

Pro boxing will make its way to Fiji this weekend as Suva’s Vodafone Arena hosts a ten-bout show this Saturday night. In the main event, Australia’s veteran Francis Chua will face Mikaele Ravalaca in a junior welterweight bout. The chief support features Junior Binnu Singh against Apichart Klintai in the super bantamweight division. Chua, age 39 and 9-3-1 for his career, is coming off a victory over Xiaotao Su in his most recent bout. He’ll be up against the 22 year-old Ravalaca (6-1), a local boxer whose steady rise and strong record has made him one of Fiji’s most promising young fighters. In the co-feature, local man Binnu Singh (11-2, age 25) battles Thailand’s Apichart Klintai (11-4), a 24-year old making his first appearance outside his home country and eager to spring an upset.

On the heels of becoming a two-division BKB champion and solidifying himself among the top, if not top, pound-for-pound bare knuckle boxers earlier this month BKB 47 in Leeds, England, BKB bridgerweight and super cruiserweight champion Marko Martinjak announced that he will vacate his super cruiserweight title and focus his efforts on BKB's bridgerweight division. His first-round knockout of bridgerweight champion Dan Podmore on Saturday brought the Zagreb, Croatia fighter’s record to 13-2 with 13 knockouts, and made him a bare knuckle boxing champion in an unprecedented five different weight classes: super cruiser and bridger (concurrent), cruiser, super middleweight, and light heavyweight.

Said Martinjak, “Championships, to me, are a means to an end – and that is to become the best ever to do it. In order to be the best, you have to beat the best. There is a reason I am called the ‘Emperor of Bare Knuckle.’ I have the highest boxing skillset, the highest boxing IQ, and the highest boxing mindset of anyone in the sport, and every fight, I am better than my last. I am the greatest pound-for-pound bare knuckle boxer in the world. Not LT Nelson, not Gustavo Trujillo, not any of those washed up MMA clowns in the other organization.”

He continued, “Now, I am working my way through the upper weight classes. I can fight at Heavyweight, but I won’t go down any more. I’ve proven all I’ve needed to prove in super cruiserweight, and now it’s time I assert my domination over the bridgers. I am vacating my super cruiserweight title. Line them up. Anyone who wants it, can try to come get it.”

With the Emperor’s abjuration, BKB Hall of Fame Matchmaker Mel Valenzuela announced that BKB’s #1 ranked super cruiserweight Yordan Fuentes and #2 ranked Julian Fernandez will now fight for the vacant title at BKB 48 in South Florida on November 22nd.

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Former eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao has been appointed as vice president of the International Boxing Association (IBA), marking a rare transition from sporting legend to sports governor on the world stage. The appointment, made official during the IBA Board of Directors meeting held in Manila, positions Pacquiao at the heart of boxing’s next chapter as the [former amateur sanctioning] organization pushes forward in its to professionalize the sport. Pacquiao, revered as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in history, will work alongside IBA president Umar Kremlev to develop athlete-first programs and grow boxing in Asia and beyond.

Kremlev said, “Manny Pacquiao is widely beloved around the globe, he is a true boxing legend who wants to leave legacy beyond the ring. His life story mirrors the spirit of IBA’s mission: giving every young boxer a fair chance to have achieve their dreams. We have been helping children as an organization, while Manny has been doing it all alone. Now, we will continue to help our children together as a united IBA boxing family and extend Manny’s programs beyond the borders.”

Pacquiao added, “Under the visionary leadership of President Umar Kremlev, the IBA has entered a golden era where every boxer, from every country, can dream, fight, and succeed on equal terms. I am proud to join this mission — to make sure no young boxer is left behind, no champion is forgotten, and no nation is excluded. As Vice President, I will dedicate myself to building bridges — between amateurs and professionals, between East and West, between generations and cultures. I believe boxing can unite people in ways that politics never can. It can change lives, transform communities, and bring peace where there is division.”

In the super flyweight division, Japan’s Ayumu Sano (11-0-1, 5 KOs) claimed a commanding unanimous decision victory over the Philippines’ Reymart Tagacanao (11-1, 9 KOs) on October 25th at the Bishkek Arena in Kyrgyzstan. The judges’ scorecards told the story: 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108, all in favor of Sano, who showcased complete control over twelve rounds. The 22 year-old Japanese product executed a brilliant tactical game plan from the opening bell. Using sharp footwork, precise distance control, and pinpoint counterpunching, Sano effectively neutralized Tagacanao’s knockout power (the Filipino had entered the bout riding an eight-fight KO streak). For Tagacanao, the defeat is a setback but not the end of the road. At 26, he still possesses legitimate knockout power and the potential to bounce back stronger with refined tactics and valuable international experience.

Pedro Taduran W12 Christian Balunan ... In a rare all-Filipino title fight, Pedro Taduran remains the IBF 105-pound champion after a unanimous decision victory over Christian Balunan at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila. After twelve rounds of action that saw Balunan bloodied, the judges scored it 117-111 and 118-110 (twice) for Taduran. According to Philstar.com, an accidental headbutt opened a cut on the right part of Balunan’s face in the fourth round. Taduran is now 19-4-1. He won his third straight title fight, after ending the career of his predecessor, Ginjiro Shigeoka. Balunan is now 12-1.

 Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is the heavier man ahead of facing Fabio Wardley on Saturday, which will be available exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view.  The tensions have slowly been ramping up during fight week with Parker getting more and more agitated. The two heavyweights took part in the traditional weigh-in on Friday and it was Wardley, the WBA interim title holder, who stepped on to the scales first.He registered 242.7 pounds before the Parker, the WBO interim title holder, scaled in nearly 20 pounds heavier at 262.4. The winner is being tipped for  shot at world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk next.

On Thursday, Matchroom tweeted, "Purse bid won. Andy Cruz will challenge for Raymond Muratalla’s IBF world 135-pound title in early 2026 [to be broadcast] on DAZN Boxing." In June, after the IBF received notification that its lightweight champion, the great Vasily Lomachenko, was retiring, Muratalla was upgraded from interim lightweight champion to full IBF lightweight  champion status. Muratalla has a pro record of 23-0. Later in June, Cruz defeated Hironori Mishiro to become the mandatory challenger. From Cuba, Cruz is listed as 6-0, but Boxingtalk recognizes his record as 22-0 due to paid bouts in the World Series of Boxing.

Boxing Insider Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City with Local Talent and Regional Prospects on November 7th. Tickets are on sale now. Heavyweight veteran Otto Wallin (pictured, 27-3), who has faced Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, returns to Atlantic City for his third appearance. He'll meet New Jersey’s Chris Thomas (15-2-2) in a ten-round heavyweight bout. Thomas, known for his power punching, seeks to make the most of this matchup. Also on the show, heavyweight Bruce Seldon Jr. (7-0, 6 KOs), son of former WBA heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon, faces Jose Medina (8-2, 3 KOs) in a scheduled six-round contest. The nominal main event will feature Justin Figueroa (13-0, 10 KOs), a local favorite making his fifth appearance at Tropicana. Coming off a win in August, the junior middleweight is matched for the bout, but officials are awaiting signed contracts before announcing the opponent.

UNDERCARD

Lia Lewandowski vs. Chantal Sumrall: Berlin, N.J.’s Lia Lewandowski (2-0, 1 TKO), a 25-year-old flyweight trained by former pro Milton Davis at The Kennel gym in South Jersey, makes her third professional appearance. A graduate of Eastern Regional High School and Drexel University, she was once ranked fifth among U.S. female amateurs at 114 pounds. Chantall Sumrall is 1-1-1.

Julio Sanchez III vs. Mike Randolph: Pleasantville’s Julio Sanchez III, a 22-year-old welterweight and former standout basketball player at Pleasantville High School and Coalinga College, competes under the guidance of his father and coach, Julio Sanchez Jr. Opponent Mike Randolph is just 2-6.

Elijah Lugo vs. Josue Silva: Featherweight Elijah Lugo, holder of 26 USA Boxing national titles and five international championships, continues his transition to the professional ranks.

Nathan Lugo vs. Diego Lablonski: Super middleweight Nathan Lugo (5-0, 5 KOs) from Marietta, Ga., debuted professionally in April 2024 after an amateur career that included 25 national titles and qualification for the 2022 U.S. Olympic Trials.

Yoel Angeloni vs. Brandon Diaz-Campos: 21-year-old Italian-Cuban southpaw welterweight Yoel Angeloni, who boasts a 140-2 amateur record, looks to advance his pro career.

Patrick O’Connor vs. Anthony Michael Trejo: Cruiserweight Patrick O’Connor (2-0), a 20-year-old former national champion from Waldorf, Md., trains at Oxon Hill Boxing Club faces Anthony Michael Trejo, who also has a 2-0 record.

“We’re excited to bring professional boxing back to Atlantic City with a mix of local talent and promising prospects,” said Larry Goldberg, Boxing Insider promoter. “This card highlights fighters who could shape the sport’s future.”

Boxing Insider also partners with AC PAL for an amateur event on Sunday, November 9, with all proceeds supporting AC PAL youth programs. Tickets for the amateur event are $30 and $40, available at AC PAL, the November 7 event, or at the door.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on November 7, with the card streaming live on DAZN. Tickets start at $50 and are available through the Tropicana Atlantic City box office or Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.com/boxing-insider-live-professional-boxing-atlantic-city-new-jersey-11-07-2025/event/02006337A4E93B1B).

For updates, visit BoxingInsider.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Longtime Detroit promoter Carlos Llinas of CLIP Boxing will put on two professional boxing shows in a span of just eight days at Sound Board in MotorCity Casino Hotel. On Friday, October 24th, “Night of Knockouts XXXVI” will featureToronto's Jaquan Carty (10-0, 7 KOs) against Chicago’s Semajay Thomas (11-1, 8 KOs) in a ten-round junior middleweight main event. A former national champion who was widely known as “Canada Best Amateur Boxer” before turning pro in 2023, the 27 year-old Carty was last seen scoring a second-round stoppage over previously undefeated  Graham Tirrell in August. Thomas, age 33, won the United States National light welterweight amateur championship in 2011 and was once considered a blue-chip prospect. Thomas, however, is coming off six-year period of inactivity and will be looking to resume his promising career with an eye-catching victory over the formidable Carty.

Also on the card, Daishaun Bundrage (1-0, 1 KO), the son of Detroit’s former IBF junior middleweight champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage, will have his second professional fight against Bossier City, Louisiana, veteran Lamar Bolden (2-12-2). On the undercard will be local fan favorites Josiah Shackleford (7-2, 4 KOs), Wesley Rivers (10-6, 4 KOs), Kevin Carree (5-0-1, 3 KOs), Ferris Dixon (6-1, 3 KOs), Marcus Wilson (5-0-1, 2 KOs) and several others.

The most active and consistent boxing promoter in Detroit over the last two decades and the leading name in keeping the storied history of Motown boxing alive, Llinas says he’s excited for this show, as every episode of his popular and long-running Night of Knockouts series has sold out. “Night of Knockouts 36 will be one of the best shows we’ve ever presented at this incredible venue in Downtown Detroit,” said Llinas.

A resident of Detroit, Llinas says the main event alone is worth the price of admission. “Jaquan Carty is rising like a rocket in the sport right now,” he said “but Semajay Thomas and his fantastic resume could be ready to pull off an upset. There are so many variables in this fight and so much intrigue. The winner of this fight will take a huge step up the ladder in the sport. It’s going to be an all-action thriller. When you factor in K9’s son and all the great names we have on the undercard, this show can not miss!”

On November 1st at the same Sound Board in MotorCity Casino Hotel, Llinas' CLIP Boxing will present “Night of Knockouts XXXVII,” featuring a hybrid night of professional boxing and kickboxing. On the boxing portion of the show will be Grand Rapids, Michigan junior middleweight Justin Lacey-Pierce (12-0, 7 KOs) taking on all-action veteran Courtney Pennington (17-10-3, 7 KOs) of Brooklyn in a guaranteed eight-round thriller, as well as Pontiac, Michigan’s Samuel Rizzo (9-1, 6 KOs) in six-round battle against St. Louis scrapper Deonta Williamson (2-4, 2 KOs).

Also appearing will be undefeated Toledo-based knockout artist Jeffery Hudson (5-0, 5 KOs) looking to keep his featherweight record perfect in a four-round fight against St. Louis’s Rashad Hicks (2-4-1, 1 KO) and Grand Rapids welterweight Ulysses Campos (3-0, 3 KOs) putting his hard-punching skill against an opponent TBA in a four-round battle. In addition to these boxing bouts will be a full-throttle night of kickboxing to satisfy Detroit’s thriving kickboxing scene and its many fans.

Tickets for Night of Knockouts XXXVII start at $51 and are available at Ticketmaster and the MotorCity Casino Hotel Box Office.

On Saturday, November 1st, CES Boxing returns to Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Arena with its 2025 Autumn Classic. The show will be headlined by a world-class welterweight showdown between "Speedy" Rashidi Ellis (27-1, 18 KOs) of Lynn, Massachusetts and former secondary champion Javier "El Abejón" Fortuna (39-6-1, 28 KOs) of the Dominican Republic. The chief support will be a featherweight contest between Kevin Walsh (18-0, 10 KOs) and Jesus Sosa (8-1, 8 KOs). Tickets are available at CES Fights, Ticketmaster or the Mohegan Sun Arena website. 

Ellis continues his pursuit of a world title shot against WBO champion Brian Norman, Jr. Standing in his way is the dangerous Fortuna, a former WBA junior lightweight regular champion from the Dominican Republic now based in Braintree, MA. Fortuna, known for his crafty southpaw style and explosive power, owns wins over Sharif Bogere and Jesus Cuellar.  

Walsh (18-0, 10 KOs), from Brockton, MA, makes his fourth start of 2025 against Sosa (8-1, 8 KOs), a Dominican knockout artist. Walsh is coming off a first-round knockout of veteran Angel Luna last month.

UNDERCARD

Joseph "J-Elite" Chisholm (5-1, 5 KOs) of Stratford, Connecticut, looks to rebound from his first professional defeat in a can’t-miss intra-state firefight against Anthony Ortiz (5-2, 5 KOs) of Hartford....

Someone’s ‘0’ has to go when Tevin Regis (6-0, 5 KOs) of Dorchester, MA collides with New Haven, CT’s Anuel Rosa (6-0-1, 4 KOs) in a lightweight showdown.

Two Stamford standouts are also in action, as "Dangerous" Douglas Marroquin (7-0, 4 KOs) returns in a middleweight contest against Mexico’s Jesus Silva (6-4, 1 KO) and..

Poland's Slawomir Bohdziewicz (6-0, 5 KOs) faces Milwaukee’s hard-hitting Cesar Ugarte (6-5, 6 KOs) in a cruiserweight clash.

New Haven boxing fans are in for a treat when Carlos Perez (4-0) and Giani Liguori (3-0-1) return to action in bouts soon to be announced.

Several Rhode Island boxers will also take center stage, as Cranston’s Tyler Macari (1-0, 1 KO), Coventry’s Will Guilmette (1-0, 1 KO), and Johnston’s Kevin Mojica (2-0, 2 KOs) showcase their skills.

A portion of the night’s proceeds will benefit cancer research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston in honor of JoAnne Sullivan, mother of CES Director of Operations Patrick Sullivan. Fans are encouraged to wear pink on the night and can join the fight by donating here: The JoAnne Sullivan Memorial Fund.

Jim Donovan KO1 Bartlomiej Wlodarczyk... Last Saturday night, Irish middleweight Jim Donovan (2-0, 1 KO) turned in a memorable performance in his first pro boxing match in his native Ireland, registering an opening-round knockout in Letterkenny, County Donegal. Fighting just five weeks after his pro debut in Belfast, the 21 year-old southpaw from Limerick quickly blasted out his Polish opponent, Bartlomiej Wlodarczyk (2-6, 1 KO), dropping him in the opening round with a left and closing the show with a right at the 1:44 mark of round one, when referee Paul McCollough halted the fight.

“A new day, new experience,” Donovan described his pro boxing debut in Ireland. “He’s a tough opponent who came to win, but obviously skills pay the bills. I feel like I’ve been a pro for the last four or five years because I’ve been in a professional boxing gym since I was 14 years old. The debut was a long time coming and hopefully, I’ll be 3-0 by the end of the year with a big 2026 coming.

“Andy (Lee, James’ head trainer and co-manager) is the mastermind behind it all and a big thank you to my manager, Keith Sullivan, too. My two training camps as a professional boxer have been with Paddy for his big one and Joseph Parker for his fight this weekend.”

On September 13th in Belfast, Donovan scored a unanimous decision over veteran Lukasz Barabasz (4-18) in Belfast, in which his cousin Paddy Donovan lost a disputed decision to Lewis Crocker for the vacant IBF welterweight title. “Paddy will bounce back in a flash,” Jim predicted. “Paddy will be world champion in 2026, he should have been world champion on March 5th, but controversy is controversy. The second fight was what it was; Paddy should have been up on the scorecards and he’s going to bounce right back.”

Jim Donovan was an outstanding Irish amateur boxer with a 160-7 record, including 10 Irish National Championships, as well as earning prestigious medals from the 2018 European Boxing Championship Schoolboys and 2022 IBA World Youth Championships.

“A great performance,” manager Sullivan commented. “An excellent showing in Windsor Park and tonight he got his first knockout. Jim Donovan is a diamond in the rough. He’s going to be the next Irish superstar and carry the Donovan name in front of the big Irish boxing crowd. But there’s only one Jim Donovan!”

Reports are that Jim’s next fight could be right at home in Limerick before the end of 2025. “Limerick has missed out on professional boxing for years, Donovan noted. “There are some great fighters there like Paddy, Eddie Donovan, me, and Kian Henderman. There hasn’t been a professional fight night in Limerick for years and something should be done. Boxing fans in Munster and Limerick are hectic. Any venue in Limerick will fill out.”

“We have some irons in the fire if it doesn’t happen in Limerick so we can get him to 3-0 before the end of this year,” Sullivan concluded.

Reymart Tagacanao of the Philippines and Ayumu Sano of Japan will step into the ring this Saturday at the Bishkek Arena in Kyrgyzstan in a super flyweight contest. This bout is set to be one of the highlights of the event, pitting two undefeated young fighters against each other. At 26 years old, Tagacanao (11-0) will be facing the toughest opponent of his career, at least on paper. The Filipino has fought twice in the last ten months. Facing him is 22 year-old Sano (10-0-1), who is coming off a dominant fourth-round knockout of Thailand’s Nattapong Jankaew in March. Sano's draw came in his first pro bout.

The WBA junior middleweight world title showdown between reigning champion Mary Spencer and two-weight queen Mikaela Mayer (pictured) will take place on Thursday, Oct. 30th at Montreal Casino in Montreal. It will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on the Top Rank Classics' FAST channel. Top Rank Classics is free and available on major FAST hubs. Spencer-Mayer and select undercard bouts will stream on Top Rank Classics beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Mayer (21-2, 5 KOs) is the reigning WBO welterweight champion, a title she won last September with a majority decision over British standout Sandy Ryan. She defeated Ryan by unanimous decision in March’s rematch. Spencer (10-2, 6 KOs), a 2012 Olympian and three-time amateur world champion as a Team Canada amateur standout, made the first defense of her championship in April with a unanimous decision over former world champion Ogleidis Suarez.

UNDERCARD

The Top Rank Classics stream is also scheduled to include the following undercard bouts:

Wilkens Mathieu (14-0, 10 KOs) vs. Shakeel Phinn (27-3-2, 17 KOs), super middleweights;

Arthur Biyarslanov (19-0, 16 KOs) vs. Sergey Lipinets (18-4-1, 13 KOs), junior welterweights;

Mehmet Unal (13-0, 11 KOs) vs. Ralfs Vilcans (18-2, 7 KOs), light heavyweights; and

Christopher Guerrero (15-0, 9 KOs) vs. Williams Andres Herrera (17-4, 7 KOs), welterweights.

Joseph Parker (pictured) and Fabio Wardley square off in just a matter of days in a career-defining fight for both heavyweights this Saturday night, October 25th at London's The O2 Arena. The New Zealander and the Briton are the WBO and WBA interim heavyweight champions respectively, meaning this bout is an elimination battle for a world title shot and it is live and exclusive on DAZN pay-per-view. The victor will either fight the great Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed world championship or the Ukrainian will give up his WBO crown, meaning Parker or Wardley would be upgraded to be named the new WBO champion in the near future. As a former WBO champion himself, the more experienced Parker will enter as the narrow favorite.

Parker will hope to make better memories at The O2 this time around, after losing to another Brit in Dillian Whyte by unanimous decision at the venue back in 2018.

A particularly cordial relationship has bloomed across the past few months between the two fighters, built on a respect and appreciation for their craft in the ring. Parker paid tribute to Wardley's decision to take a bout that marks a gamble for both men, speaking to him as part of DAZN's Face-Off ahead of their incoming fight. "There's a lot of fighters who say that they'll want to fight anyone," he stated. "But they just say it. He's shown in his career that he steps up, and he finds a way to win."

Wardley repaid the compliments, suggesting that the Kiwi is operating at the top of his game, and reflecting on his ability to improve the more he takes out his foes. I think he's in his prime. Early on in his career, he was a great fighter, but he was still finding his feet. Now, his ambition shows he must love the sport again."

UNDERCARD BOUTS

Lewis Edmonson vs. Ezra Taylor (light heavyweights);

Juergen Uldedaj vs. Rolly Lambert Fogoum (cruiserweights);

Danny Quartermaine vs. Royston Barney-Smith (junior lightweights); and

Mitchell Smith vs. Arnie Dawson (junior lightweights).