Spotlight on Smith vs. Bauderlique |
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This weekend in Saudi Arabia, as part of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II undercard, Callum Smith (pictured) fights Mathieu Bauderlique in a twelve-round light heavywight contest. The bout will be a WBC eliminator, but the path to a title shot remains uncertain, even for the winner. Artur Beterbiev holds the WBC, WBO and IBF championships and therefore has less pressure to honor a mandatory defense requirement. The IBF is queueing up its own eliminator, Jean Pascal vs. Joshua Buatsi, while Beterbiev also may be tempted to unify vs. WBA champion Dmitriy Bivol. Smoith is 28-1, a former super middleweight champion whose only loss came against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Bauderlique, from France, is 2016 Oympian with a 27-3 record that includes nine World Series of Boxing professional bouts. He has not lost since 2017. Here is what Smith and Bauderliquie had to say at the final press conference this week in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Callum Smith:
“It’s must-win. I think every fight is must-win at this stage in your career. I’m in a busy division, a packed division where there’s a lot of fighters waiting for a shot at the World Title. A loss here puts me at the back of the queue – and it’s a very big queue to go to the back of. A win here puts me at the front of the queue, it puts me next in line to fight for the World Title. That’s the goal. I’ve been there before down at 168 and I believe I’m good enough to do it at 175. It’s a must-win and I’m excited, it’s a big show and a big platform to perform on. Hopefully I can get the business done and move onto a World Title. It’s been good to be here and good to get back here. Obviously I’ve got the best memories from being here, becoming a World Champion. There’s a good buzz around the place this time round. Obviously it’s a great main event but I’m here to do a job and that’s win. I left here last time as a World Champion. I believe I’ll leave here this time ready to fight for a new one.”
Mathieu Bauderlique:
“First of all I am sorry that I do not speak English, but I am honoured to be here to fight on such a prestigious card. I’ll be able to show all of my skills in front of a big stage. I am a warrior first and foremost. It’s in my DNA. I’m always here to win and I’m ready for a good fight.”
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Spotlight on Smith vs. Bauderlique
This weekend in Saudi Arabia, as part of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II undercard, Callum Smith (pictured) fights Mathieu Bauderlique in a twelve-round light heavywight contest. The bout will be a WBC eliminator, but the path to a title shot remains uncertain, even for the winner. Artur Beterbiev holds the WBC, WBO and IBF championships and therefore has less pressure to honor a mandatory defense requirement. The IBF is queueing up its own eliminator, Jean Pascal vs. Joshua Buatsi, while Beterbiev also may be tempted to unify vs. WBA champion Dmitriy Bivol. Smoith is 28-1, a former super middleweight champion whose only loss came against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Bauderlique, from France, is 2016 Oympian with a 27-3 record that includes nine World Series of Boxing professional bouts. He has not lost since 2017. Here is what Smith and Bauderliquie had to say at the final press conference this week in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Callum Smith:
“It’s must-win. I think every fight is must-win at this stage in your career. I’m in a busy division, a packed division where there’s a lot of fighters waiting for a shot at the World Title. A loss here puts me at the back of the queue – and it’s a very big queue to go to the back of. A win here puts me at the front of the queue, it puts me next in line to fight for the World Title. That’s the goal. I’ve been there before down at 168 and I believe I’m good enough to do it at 175. It’s a must-win and I’m excited, it’s a big show and a big platform to perform on. Hopefully I can get the business done and move onto a World Title. It’s been good to be here and good to get back here. Obviously I’ve got the best memories from being here, becoming a World Champion. There’s a good buzz around the place this time round. Obviously it’s a great main event but I’m here to do a job and that’s win. I left here last time as a World Champion. I believe I’ll leave here this time ready to fight for a new one.”
Mathieu Bauderlique:
“First of all I am sorry that I do not speak English, but I am honoured to be here to fight on such a prestigious card. I’ll be able to show all of my skills in front of a big stage. I am a warrior first and foremost. It’s in my DNA. I’m always here to win and I’m ready for a good fight.”
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IBF orders purse bid for Pascal vs. Buatsi |
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On July 22, 2022, the IBF ordered light heavyweight contenders Joshua Buatsi and Jean Pascal to begin negotiations for an IBF final elimination bout. An agreement for the two men to fight each ither was not be reached within the time frame set forth in the IBF's order. The IBF has now ordered a purse bid scheduled for Tuesday, August 30th at 12:00 PM EST. Pascal (pictured) is a former world champion, while Buatsi is an undefeated up-and-comer. The IBF light heavyweight champion is Artur Beterbiev, who also holds the WBC and WBO championships.
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IBF orders purse bid for Pascal vs. Buatsi
On July 22, 2022, the IBF ordered light heavyweight contenders Joshua Buatsi and Jean Pascal to begin negotiations for an IBF final elimination bout. An agreement for the two men to fight each ither was not be reached within the time frame set forth in the IBF's order. The IBF has now ordered a purse bid scheduled for Tuesday, August 30th at 12:00 PM EST. Pascal (pictured) is a former world champion, while Buatsi is an undefeated up-and-comer. The IBF light heavyweight champion is Artur Beterbiev, who also holds the WBC and WBO championships.
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A few words with Juan Francisco Estrada |
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WBA super flyweight champion Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada will defend his title against Argi Cortes on September 3rd in Hermosillo, Mexico's Multiple Use Center. Estrada (42-3, 28 KOs) will face Cortés (23-2-2, 10 KOs) on a show to be promoted by Zanfer, Matchroom and 2M Promotions, and broadcast live on Azteca 7, as well as to Latin America by ESPN Knock Out, and by DAZN globally. Estrada (42-3) was also the WBC champion as of his last fight, a unification bout that he narrowly won against Roman Gonzalez, but the WBC has since stripped Estrada. Cortes, from Mexico, is 23-2-2 and has not lost since dropping a pair of four rounders in 2014 and 2015. Here is what he had to say at press conference on Wednesday:
“I am very excited for this show, where we can finally get into the ring after more than a year without fighting. I expect a difficult rival, I know that Argi Cortés will arrive very well prepared, and will have a man in the corner who knows everything, a. trainer with great experience and achievements-- Nacho Beristain. But we have made great preparations, and for the first time in six years, I have made it through camp without injuries, and that has me very motivated."
"El Gallo" is excited because he holds the attendance record for this the venue, the Hermosillo Multipurpose Center, from the first defense he made of his title against Dewayne Beamon in August of 2019, and he hopes that his fight on Saturday, September 3rd will break his own mark. “I hope the fans join us on Saturday the 3rd. My fight against Cortés will be a war, and the rest of the fight card will be very exciting: two more world championships, very good prospects, and some home talent with my teammates here, Christian Olivo and Omar Salcido. It will be a historic event that people cannot miss, I hope to see all my people at the venue.”
Estrada's trainer, Alfredo Caballero, expects a very complicated fight against Cortés. “In addition to the fact that he will arrive with excellent preparation, training with Don Nacho, he is a boxer with very good technique and who knows how to take advantage at the right moments of the fight. He has great talent, he knows how to fight both inside and outside and he is also very good defensively. Everything is for the benefit of the fans who will see a great fight,” said Caballero.
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A few words with Juan Francisco Estrada
WBA super flyweight champion Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada will defend his title against Argi Cortes on September 3rd in Hermosillo, Mexico's Multiple Use Center. Estrada (42-3, 28 KOs) will face Cortés (23-2-2, 10 KOs) on a show to be promoted by Zanfer, Matchroom and 2M Promotions, and broadcast live on Azteca 7, as well as to Latin America by ESPN Knock Out, and by DAZN globally. Estrada (42-3) was also the WBC champion as of his last fight, a unification bout that he narrowly won against Roman Gonzalez, but the WBC has since stripped Estrada. Cortes, from Mexico, is 23-2-2 and has not lost since dropping a pair of four rounders in 2014 and 2015. Here is what he had to say at press conference on Wednesday:
“I am very excited for this show, where we can finally get into the ring after more than a year without fighting. I expect a difficult rival, I know that Argi Cortés will arrive very well prepared, and will have a man in the corner who knows everything, a. trainer with great experience and achievements-- Nacho Beristain. But we have made great preparations, and for the first time in six years, I have made it through camp without injuries, and that has me very motivated."
"El Gallo" is excited because he holds the attendance record for this the venue, the Hermosillo Multipurpose Center, from the first defense he made of his title against Dewayne Beamon in August of 2019, and he hopes that his fight on Saturday, September 3rd will break his own mark. “I hope the fans join us on Saturday the 3rd. My fight against Cortés will be a war, and the rest of the fight card will be very exciting: two more world championships, very good prospects, and some home talent with my teammates here, Christian Olivo and Omar Salcido. It will be a historic event that people cannot miss, I hope to see all my people at the venue.”
Estrada's trainer, Alfredo Caballero, expects a very complicated fight against Cortés. “In addition to the fact that he will arrive with excellent preparation, training with Don Nacho, he is a boxer with very good technique and who knows how to take advantage at the right moments of the fight. He has great talent, he knows how to fight both inside and outside and he is also very good defensively. Everything is for the benefit of the fans who will see a great fight,” said Caballero.
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Magnesi to defend IBO title against Cacace |
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On September 24th at the AO Arena in Manchester, England, heavyweight cotneders Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker (an ex-WBO title holder) will be fighting fin the main event. Amanda Serrano will be bidding to add an additional featherweight championship to her collection when the Puerto Rican superstar battles unbeaten Sarah Mahfoud. A third title fight has been added, as Italy's Michael Magnesi (21-0, 13 KOs) will defend his IBO 130-pound title against Anthony Cacace (19-1, 7 KOs). The 27 year-old Magnesi, from Lazio, won the title by defeating Dennis Contreras in April. Also on the card, British and Commonwealth welterweight champion Ekow Essuman (17-0, 7 KOs) will be making a third defense of his belts against Samuel Antwi (14-1, 6 KOs).
Essuman, age 33, last defended in April at Wembley Stadium with a points verdict over Darren Tetley, having won his British and Commonwealth titles by defeating Chris Jenkins via stoppage in July of last year. Antwi won the vacant English title against Tetley in February 2021 and made a successful defense in February of this year with a unanimous decision win over Conah Walker.
Stoke middleweight Nathan Heaney (15-0, 6 KOs) will face Bolton’s Jack Flatley (19-2, 4 KOs), a recent European title challenger at 154 pounds. Heaney, 33, who is striving towards a major title challenge at the home of his beloved Stoke City, got a seventh-round stoppage of Sladan Janjanin in November 2021 and returned to action in April in Telford and survived a first-round scare to ultimately overcome Diego Ramirez by a significant margin over ten rounds. Former English champion Flatley, known as ‘Quiet Storm’, will come into the fight off two straight victories following his EBU title defeat to Kerman Lejarraga in December of last year. Flatley has a draw on his record against the current British 154-pound champion Troy Williamson.
The Queen of Queensberry, featherweight Raven Chapman (3-0, 2) moves up in opposition level against Argentina’s Jorgelina Guanini (10-4-2, 1 KO). The 28-year-old Chapman, known as ‘The Omen’, made her Queensberry debut in May in explosive fashion when she stopped Gabriella Mezei in less than a minute. She will be stepping up in levels against Guanini, a former IBF champion at super flyweight, who recently defeated then-unbeaten Brit Stevi Levy. The 30 year-old has previously lost on points to British opposition in Rachel Ball and Ellie Scotney.
The new British super middleweight champion Mark Heffron (28-2-1, 22) from Oldham will also feature on the card in an eight-round contest. Liverpudlian James Heneghan (7-0) is back out in a six-rounder, while the card is finished off with up-and-coming Queensberry fighters Amaar Akbar (3-0) and Tommy Fletcher (1-0) both in four-round action.
“It is certainly going to be an all-action on BT Sport Box Office in the lead-up to the big heavyweight showdown at the top of the bill in Manchester,” said promoter Frank Warren. “I am thrilled to deliver a major fight for Anthony Cacace after his obvious disappointment over missing out at Wembley Stadium in April and winning this title against an unbeaten champion will put him in such a strong position in the super featherweight division.
“Ekow Essuman will be able to call the British title belt his own if he overcomes a strong challenger from Samuel Antwi in what is his mandatory defence of the belt. The impressive Ekow will quickly be able to move on to European and world honours if he can do the business at the AO Arena.
“It will be exciting to see Nathan Heaney in a good domestic scrap against the tough and very capable Jack Flatley. Nathan has developed and improved enormously in three tricky assignments against overseas opposition, and I am sure his army of fans will be looking forward to this one.
“Our current First Lady, Raven Chapman, really looked the part on her Queensberry debut in May when her opponent was blitzed in just 58 seconds. It showed us that Raven is ready for a step up and former world champion Jorgelina Guanini will provide a stern test of her credentials, with a WBC title on the line.
“Mark Heffron, fresh from his brutal stoppage of Lennox Clarke in July, is fully deserving of a fight closer to home and it will be good to see him really building some momentum as he heads into significant title action later this year.
“Add these four title fights to the four belts being on the line between Amanda Serrano and Sarah Mahfoud, plus the high-stakes heavyweight collision between Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker at the top of the bill and we should be in for a thrilling night of top-class action on September 24 that is not to be missed.”
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Magnesi to defend IBO title against Cacace
On September 24th at the AO Arena in Manchester, England, heavyweight cotneders Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker (an ex-WBO title holder) will be fighting fin the main event. Amanda Serrano will be bidding to add an additional featherweight championship to her collection when the Puerto Rican superstar battles unbeaten Sarah Mahfoud. A third title fight has been added, as Italy's Michael Magnesi (21-0, 13 KOs) will defend his IBO 130-pound title against Anthony Cacace (19-1, 7 KOs). The 27 year-old Magnesi, from Lazio, won the title by defeating Dennis Contreras in April. Also on the card, British and Commonwealth welterweight champion Ekow Essuman (17-0, 7 KOs) will be making a third defense of his belts against Samuel Antwi (14-1, 6 KOs).
Essuman, age 33, last defended in April at Wembley Stadium with a points verdict over Darren Tetley, having won his British and Commonwealth titles by defeating Chris Jenkins via stoppage in July of last year. Antwi won the vacant English title against Tetley in February 2021 and made a successful defense in February of this year with a unanimous decision win over Conah Walker.
Stoke middleweight Nathan Heaney (15-0, 6 KOs) will face Bolton’s Jack Flatley (19-2, 4 KOs), a recent European title challenger at 154 pounds. Heaney, 33, who is striving towards a major title challenge at the home of his beloved Stoke City, got a seventh-round stoppage of Sladan Janjanin in November 2021 and returned to action in April in Telford and survived a first-round scare to ultimately overcome Diego Ramirez by a significant margin over ten rounds. Former English champion Flatley, known as ‘Quiet Storm’, will come into the fight off two straight victories following his EBU title defeat to Kerman Lejarraga in December of last year. Flatley has a draw on his record against the current British 154-pound champion Troy Williamson.
The Queen of Queensberry, featherweight Raven Chapman (3-0, 2) moves up in opposition level against Argentina’s Jorgelina Guanini (10-4-2, 1 KO). The 28-year-old Chapman, known as ‘The Omen’, made her Queensberry debut in May in explosive fashion when she stopped Gabriella Mezei in less than a minute. She will be stepping up in levels against Guanini, a former IBF champion at super flyweight, who recently defeated then-unbeaten Brit Stevi Levy. The 30 year-old has previously lost on points to British opposition in Rachel Ball and Ellie Scotney.
The new British super middleweight champion Mark Heffron (28-2-1, 22) from Oldham will also feature on the card in an eight-round contest. Liverpudlian James Heneghan (7-0) is back out in a six-rounder, while the card is finished off with up-and-coming Queensberry fighters Amaar Akbar (3-0) and Tommy Fletcher (1-0) both in four-round action.
“It is certainly going to be an all-action on BT Sport Box Office in the lead-up to the big heavyweight showdown at the top of the bill in Manchester,” said promoter Frank Warren. “I am thrilled to deliver a major fight for Anthony Cacace after his obvious disappointment over missing out at Wembley Stadium in April and winning this title against an unbeaten champion will put him in such a strong position in the super featherweight division.
“Ekow Essuman will be able to call the British title belt his own if he overcomes a strong challenger from Samuel Antwi in what is his mandatory defence of the belt. The impressive Ekow will quickly be able to move on to European and world honours if he can do the business at the AO Arena.
“It will be exciting to see Nathan Heaney in a good domestic scrap against the tough and very capable Jack Flatley. Nathan has developed and improved enormously in three tricky assignments against overseas opposition, and I am sure his army of fans will be looking forward to this one.
“Our current First Lady, Raven Chapman, really looked the part on her Queensberry debut in May when her opponent was blitzed in just 58 seconds. It showed us that Raven is ready for a step up and former world champion Jorgelina Guanini will provide a stern test of her credentials, with a WBC title on the line.
“Mark Heffron, fresh from his brutal stoppage of Lennox Clarke in July, is fully deserving of a fight closer to home and it will be good to see him really building some momentum as he heads into significant title action later this year.
“Add these four title fights to the four belts being on the line between Amanda Serrano and Sarah Mahfoud, plus the high-stakes heavyweight collision between Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker at the top of the bill and we should be in for a thrilling night of top-class action on September 24 that is not to be missed.”
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Wilder to fight Helenius on Oct. 15th in Brooklyn |
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Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay "The Bronze Bomber'' Wilder will take on Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a twelve-round WBC eliminator between ferocious punchers on a Fox Sports PBC pay-per-view Saturday, Oct. 15th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. In the co-feature, former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant faces former two-time WBC title holder Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a WBC eliminator between 168-pound rivals. Two additional pay-per-view undercard bouts will be announced to round out the four-fight lineup presented by PBC. Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, Aug. 19th at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com.
“Deontay Wilder has established himself as must-see, live or on TV, because of his incredible knockout prowess. To have him make his return to boxing against another power puncher in Robert Helenius at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, adds another element of excitement to an outstanding card,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Caleb Plant vs. Anthony Dirrell is an old-fashioned slugfest that is sure to deliver drama with two highly-skilled fighters squaring off. With two more sensational matchups to be added to the PPV, fans that tune into FOX Sports PBC PPV or attend live at Barclays Center will be treated to an incredible night of boxing.’’
Wilder (42-2-1, 41 KOs) is on a mission to become a two-time world heavyweight champion following a first reign that included ten title defenses, a feat accomplished by only seven heavyweights in boxing history. The “Bronze Bomber” now returns to Barclays Center, a venue where he has fought four times and thrilled the crowd with some of his most spectacular knockouts. The 36-year-old slugger from Tuscaloosa, Alabama earned his moniker by winning bronze at the 2008 Olympics. He rejuvenated the heavyweight division when he captured the WBC belt in January 2015, becoming one of boxing’s biggest stars with an all-time heavyweight best 91.1% knockout percentage and a captivating personality to match. Coming off an epic trilogy with Tyson Fury, Wilder remains must-see television and one of the greatest fighters of this era.
“It’s been a long journey for me and as of today it continues. I thought so many times about whether I should stay out of the business or come back,’’ said Wilder. “Once I got my statue in my hometown and saw so many people arrive and celebrate with me and my family, to see all the emotions, grown men crying in front of their children and saying he is a real true king, made me feel like my job is not done. So, here I am once again, looking forward to returning to the ring. I am looking forward to coming to Barclays Center, a place where I have had my most devastating knockouts and a place I consider my second home. So where all my Bombzquad people at? It’s time to put on your war gear. And let’s go to work, baby. Bombzquad is back!”
Helenius (30-3, 19 KOs) stamped himself as a legitimate contender with consecutive stoppage wins over the previously unbeaten Adam Kownacki, including an October 2021 sixth-round TKO win over Kownacki in Helenius’ last outing. Born in Sweden and fighting out of Mariehamn, Finland, Helenius established himself as one of Europe’s top heavyweights prior to making his U.S. debut in 2019. The 38-year-old “Nordic Nightmare” has won six of his last seven bouts.
“It’s great to be back at Barclays Center in an even bigger fight than my last one. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and I’m going to be ready,’’ said Helenius. “I’m going to produce an even bigger upset than I did with Kownacki. I’m going for the belt, so this is a fight to prepare me to achieve that goal. I can only become the best heavyweight in the world by beating the best and that’s what I intend to do on October 15.’’
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Wilder to fight Helenius on Oct. 15th in Brooklyn
Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay "The Bronze Bomber'' Wilder will take on Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a twelve-round WBC eliminator between ferocious punchers on a Fox Sports PBC pay-per-view Saturday, Oct. 15th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. In the co-feature, former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant faces former two-time WBC title holder Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a WBC eliminator between 168-pound rivals. Two additional pay-per-view undercard bouts will be announced to round out the four-fight lineup presented by PBC. Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, Aug. 19th at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com.
“Deontay Wilder has established himself as must-see, live or on TV, because of his incredible knockout prowess. To have him make his return to boxing against another power puncher in Robert Helenius at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, adds another element of excitement to an outstanding card,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Caleb Plant vs. Anthony Dirrell is an old-fashioned slugfest that is sure to deliver drama with two highly-skilled fighters squaring off. With two more sensational matchups to be added to the PPV, fans that tune into FOX Sports PBC PPV or attend live at Barclays Center will be treated to an incredible night of boxing.’’
Wilder (42-2-1, 41 KOs) is on a mission to become a two-time world heavyweight champion following a first reign that included ten title defenses, a feat accomplished by only seven heavyweights in boxing history. The “Bronze Bomber” now returns to Barclays Center, a venue where he has fought four times and thrilled the crowd with some of his most spectacular knockouts. The 36-year-old slugger from Tuscaloosa, Alabama earned his moniker by winning bronze at the 2008 Olympics. He rejuvenated the heavyweight division when he captured the WBC belt in January 2015, becoming one of boxing’s biggest stars with an all-time heavyweight best 91.1% knockout percentage and a captivating personality to match. Coming off an epic trilogy with Tyson Fury, Wilder remains must-see television and one of the greatest fighters of this era.
“It’s been a long journey for me and as of today it continues. I thought so many times about whether I should stay out of the business or come back,’’ said Wilder. “Once I got my statue in my hometown and saw so many people arrive and celebrate with me and my family, to see all the emotions, grown men crying in front of their children and saying he is a real true king, made me feel like my job is not done. So, here I am once again, looking forward to returning to the ring. I am looking forward to coming to Barclays Center, a place where I have had my most devastating knockouts and a place I consider my second home. So where all my Bombzquad people at? It’s time to put on your war gear. And let’s go to work, baby. Bombzquad is back!”
Helenius (30-3, 19 KOs) stamped himself as a legitimate contender with consecutive stoppage wins over the previously unbeaten Adam Kownacki, including an October 2021 sixth-round TKO win over Kownacki in Helenius’ last outing. Born in Sweden and fighting out of Mariehamn, Finland, Helenius established himself as one of Europe’s top heavyweights prior to making his U.S. debut in 2019. The 38-year-old “Nordic Nightmare” has won six of his last seven bouts.
“It’s great to be back at Barclays Center in an even bigger fight than my last one. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and I’m going to be ready,’’ said Helenius. “I’m going to produce an even bigger upset than I did with Kownacki. I’m going for the belt, so this is a fight to prepare me to achieve that goal. I can only become the best heavyweight in the world by beating the best and that’s what I intend to do on October 15.’’
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Bash Boxing has competitive card scheduled for Friday |
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This Friday (Aug. 19th) at The Commerce Casino in Commerce, California, Bash Boxing presents a show headlined by junior welterweight Luis Feliciano (15-0) against Alejandro Frias Rodriguez (14-6-2). The co-feature sees welterweight Vlad Panin (14-1) taking on Reggie Harris Jr. (7-1).
Additional confirmed bouts:
Robin Sirwar Safar vs. Antonio Brown;
Mathias Radcliffe vs. Uriel Ortiz;
Tayden Beltran vs. Benji Gomez;
Jose Zamora Soto vs. Jose Lopez;
Felix Soria vs. Noah Kidd; and
Lupita Medina vs. Jennifer Morales.
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Bash Boxing has competitive card scheduled for Friday
This Friday (Aug. 19th) at The Commerce Casino in Commerce, California, Bash Boxing presents a show headlined by junior welterweight Luis Feliciano (15-0) against Alejandro Frias Rodriguez (14-6-2). The co-feature sees welterweight Vlad Panin (14-1) taking on Reggie Harris Jr. (7-1).
Additional confirmed bouts:
Robin Sirwar Safar vs. Antonio Brown;
Mathias Radcliffe vs. Uriel Ortiz;
Tayden Beltran vs. Benji Gomez;
Jose Zamora Soto vs. Jose Lopez;
Felix Soria vs. Noah Kidd; and
Lupita Medina vs. Jennifer Morales.
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Jorge Lugo Cota to face Jesus Antonio Rubio in Los Mochis |
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Mexican junior welterweight Jorge Lugo Cota (8-0, 6 KOs), a member of Mexico’s fighting Montiel family, will be fighting at home August 19th on the next installment of the Canela Boxeo series, at Centennial Sports Center in Los Mochis, Sonora, Mexico. Canela Boxeo will be held and streamed live for free the third Friday evening every month, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT in Mexico. The eight-round co-feature will showcase the 20 year-old Cota against Jesus Antonio “Chino” Rubio (13-5-2, 7 KOs). In 2021, Rubio went twelve rounds in a losing effort to Alberto Cuello for a WBA interim title challenge. In a bitter Sinaloa vs. Sonora main event, Manuel Gallegos (19-1, 16 KOs, also fighting out of Los Mochis, takes on light heavyweight Jesus “Mazo” Moroyoqui (10-1, 7 KOs), of Navojoa, Sonora, in the eight-round main event.
Cota was a standout amateur boxer who compiled a record of 155-10, along with numerous state and national championships. Jorge’s uncle, former champion Fernando Montiel (54,6 39 KOs) is the color analyst for Canela Boxeo. “I feel very happy to fight in my city, Los Mochis, with my people and family,” Cota said. “I am ready to give a great fight for all the fans and friends. I’m not concerned about fighting in my first scheduled 8-rounder.I feel happy. It’s not something that worries me. I really want to fight and, if the fight goes the distance, I’ll be ready. I don’t feel pressure (as a member of the Montiel family), to the contrary, I feel well supported by one of the best teams in the world. I know if I give my best, the result will be positive. I’ve learned many things from my family: work hard - we always work hard in the gym – discipline and, above all, a winning mentality. Fighting on Canela.TV will be very good for me so that people throughout the United States and all of Latin America can watch me fight for free. I saw the last event they did in Hermosillo, and it looked very good. I feel very motivated to get into the ring.”
WCBS promoter/matchmaker Guy Taylor isn’t concerned about pushing Cota too fast, saying: “Jorge isn’t your typical stereotype of what a ‘Mexican fighter’ should be. He’s very elusive with great defense and countering abilities. Jorge has yet to lose a single round during his young pro career. I’ve always been known as an aggressive matchmaker, but this might be too aggressive, even for me. We (WCBS) have total confidence in Jorge and the Montiel family. A victory over a former [interim] title challenger on Canela Boxeo will be a huge statement to the boxing world.”
Rubio is a formidable foe. In 2021, he defeated Sonny Fredrickson (21-3), earning the opportunity to challenge undefeated Alberto Puello (20-0). “I don’t know too much about my opponent,” Cota added. “I know that he fought in Los Mochis last year and for a world championship, but I’m not used to seeing my opponents. I do what my family tells me to do in the ring and gym. I’m going to knock him out, probably between the fifth and seventh rounds.”
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Jorge Lugo Cota to face Jesus Antonio Rubio in Los Mochis
Mexican junior welterweight Jorge Lugo Cota (8-0, 6 KOs), a member of Mexico’s fighting Montiel family, will be fighting at home August 19th on the next installment of the Canela Boxeo series, at Centennial Sports Center in Los Mochis, Sonora, Mexico. Canela Boxeo will be held and streamed live for free the third Friday evening every month, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT in Mexico. The eight-round co-feature will showcase the 20 year-old Cota against Jesus Antonio “Chino” Rubio (13-5-2, 7 KOs). In 2021, Rubio went twelve rounds in a losing effort to Alberto Cuello for a WBA interim title challenge. In a bitter Sinaloa vs. Sonora main event, Manuel Gallegos (19-1, 16 KOs, also fighting out of Los Mochis, takes on light heavyweight Jesus “Mazo” Moroyoqui (10-1, 7 KOs), of Navojoa, Sonora, in the eight-round main event.
Cota was a standout amateur boxer who compiled a record of 155-10, along with numerous state and national championships. Jorge’s uncle, former champion Fernando Montiel (54,6 39 KOs) is the color analyst for Canela Boxeo. “I feel very happy to fight in my city, Los Mochis, with my people and family,” Cota said. “I am ready to give a great fight for all the fans and friends. I’m not concerned about fighting in my first scheduled 8-rounder.I feel happy. It’s not something that worries me. I really want to fight and, if the fight goes the distance, I’ll be ready. I don’t feel pressure (as a member of the Montiel family), to the contrary, I feel well supported by one of the best teams in the world. I know if I give my best, the result will be positive. I’ve learned many things from my family: work hard - we always work hard in the gym – discipline and, above all, a winning mentality. Fighting on Canela.TV will be very good for me so that people throughout the United States and all of Latin America can watch me fight for free. I saw the last event they did in Hermosillo, and it looked very good. I feel very motivated to get into the ring.”
WCBS promoter/matchmaker Guy Taylor isn’t concerned about pushing Cota too fast, saying: “Jorge isn’t your typical stereotype of what a ‘Mexican fighter’ should be. He’s very elusive with great defense and countering abilities. Jorge has yet to lose a single round during his young pro career. I’ve always been known as an aggressive matchmaker, but this might be too aggressive, even for me. We (WCBS) have total confidence in Jorge and the Montiel family. A victory over a former [interim] title challenger on Canela Boxeo will be a huge statement to the boxing world.”
Rubio is a formidable foe. In 2021, he defeated Sonny Fredrickson (21-3), earning the opportunity to challenge undefeated Alberto Puello (20-0). “I don’t know too much about my opponent,” Cota added. “I know that he fought in Los Mochis last year and for a world championship, but I’m not used to seeing my opponents. I do what my family tells me to do in the ring and gym. I’m going to knock him out, probably between the fifth and seventh rounds.”
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Bentley to defend British middleweight title vs. Marcus Morrison |
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British middleweight champion Denzel Bentley will defend his title against Marcus Morrison at London's York Hall on Friday September 16th, live on BT Sport. Battersea man Bentley (16-1-1, 13 KOs) seized back his treasured Lonsdale belt when he beat the previously undefeated Linus Udofia back in May, having lost his title-holding status against Felix Cash just over a year before. Bentley, 27, is now revved up and ready to go again against the 29 year-old Morrison (24-5, 16 KOs), who is back at middleweight after trying his luck at 168 pounds but losing to Zach Parker in November of last year.
Morrison’s career ignited with a stunning knockout of Emanuele Blandamura in 2019. Two wins later, he accepted the challenge of taking on Chris Eubank Jr. and was defeated on points over ten rounds.
Also in action in Bethnal Green will be Boxxer cruiserweight series winner Ellis Zorro, taking on a tough operator in Dec Spelman. Zorro (14-0, 6 KOs), age 29, kickstarted his cruiserweight mission by teaming up with the team at the Peacock Gym in Epping and, in May, threw his name into the hat for the Boxxer Series up in Manchester, leading to triumphs over James Farrell and the unbeaten pair of Jamie Smith and Ricky Reeves.
His tournament success resulted in being signed up by Frank Warren and his Queensberry journey begins over eight rounds against former English light heavyweight champion Spelman (18-5, 9 KOs), who has moved up to cruiserweight after taking on both Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde at 175 pounds.
Also featuring at York Hall is teenager Royston Barney-Smith (2-0) taking on Birmingham’s Paul Holt (8-14, 2 KOs) over six rounds in his third professional fight at super featherweight. Willy Hutchinson (14-1, 10 KOs) will be looking to continue his revival at light heavyweight after making a successful comeback in June with a third-round stoppage of Karel Horejsek in Telford.
Liverpudlian bantamweight Andrew Cain (10-0, 9 KOs) is scheduled to appear. His last two fights have resulted in first-round stoppages against statistically durable opponents Pablo Ariel Gomez and Luis Moreno.... Hackney super featherweight Frank Arnold (9-0-1, 3 KOs) will fight over eight rounds... Buckhurst Hill super bantam Adan Mohamed (4-0, 1 KO) and welterweight Khalid Ali (3-0, 2 KOs) from Brick Lane in London will fight in separate six-round contests, with Belvedere cruiserweight Arnold Obodai (1-0, 1 KO) and the debut-making middleweight Joel Kodua from Beckinham fighting in four-rounders.
“I am delighted to be putting on a show in London the week before all eyes will be trained on Manchester for the big Joyce-Parker heavyweight showdown,” said promoter Frank Warren.
“Denzel Bentley defending his British middleweight title against a dangerous challenger in Marcus Morrison is a proper York Hall scrap where entertainment is guaranteed. Denzel’s stock is on the up again and we were all proud of the way he reclaimed his belt against a good unbeaten opponent as the away fighter.
“Andrew Cain is quickly falling into the ‘must watch’ category of fighters and he is proving to be an incredible talent who is gaining fans all over the country, while I am also looking forward to launching the Queensberry career of our new cruiserweight Ellis Zorro and he will quickly be in meaningful title action if he can overcome the challenge of the tough Dec Spelman, who we know well from his previous appearances on our show.
“Our little superstar Royston Barney-Smith is definitely one to watch and I am also excited to be bringing Willy Hutchinson back towards title contention once again.”
Tickets for Bentley vs Morrison at York Hall on Friday, September 16th are on sale now, available exclusively from ticketmaster.co.uk.
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Bentley to defend British middleweight title vs. Marcus Morrison
British middleweight champion Denzel Bentley will defend his title against Marcus Morrison at London's York Hall on Friday September 16th, live on BT Sport. Battersea man Bentley (16-1-1, 13 KOs) seized back his treasured Lonsdale belt when he beat the previously undefeated Linus Udofia back in May, having lost his title-holding status against Felix Cash just over a year before. Bentley, 27, is now revved up and ready to go again against the 29 year-old Morrison (24-5, 16 KOs), who is back at middleweight after trying his luck at 168 pounds but losing to Zach Parker in November of last year.
Morrison’s career ignited with a stunning knockout of Emanuele Blandamura in 2019. Two wins later, he accepted the challenge of taking on Chris Eubank Jr. and was defeated on points over ten rounds.
Also in action in Bethnal Green will be Boxxer cruiserweight series winner Ellis Zorro, taking on a tough operator in Dec Spelman. Zorro (14-0, 6 KOs), age 29, kickstarted his cruiserweight mission by teaming up with the team at the Peacock Gym in Epping and, in May, threw his name into the hat for the Boxxer Series up in Manchester, leading to triumphs over James Farrell and the unbeaten pair of Jamie Smith and Ricky Reeves.
His tournament success resulted in being signed up by Frank Warren and his Queensberry journey begins over eight rounds against former English light heavyweight champion Spelman (18-5, 9 KOs), who has moved up to cruiserweight after taking on both Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde at 175 pounds.
Also featuring at York Hall is teenager Royston Barney-Smith (2-0) taking on Birmingham’s Paul Holt (8-14, 2 KOs) over six rounds in his third professional fight at super featherweight. Willy Hutchinson (14-1, 10 KOs) will be looking to continue his revival at light heavyweight after making a successful comeback in June with a third-round stoppage of Karel Horejsek in Telford.
Liverpudlian bantamweight Andrew Cain (10-0, 9 KOs) is scheduled to appear. His last two fights have resulted in first-round stoppages against statistically durable opponents Pablo Ariel Gomez and Luis Moreno.... Hackney super featherweight Frank Arnold (9-0-1, 3 KOs) will fight over eight rounds... Buckhurst Hill super bantam Adan Mohamed (4-0, 1 KO) and welterweight Khalid Ali (3-0, 2 KOs) from Brick Lane in London will fight in separate six-round contests, with Belvedere cruiserweight Arnold Obodai (1-0, 1 KO) and the debut-making middleweight Joel Kodua from Beckinham fighting in four-rounders.
“I am delighted to be putting on a show in London the week before all eyes will be trained on Manchester for the big Joyce-Parker heavyweight showdown,” said promoter Frank Warren.
“Denzel Bentley defending his British middleweight title against a dangerous challenger in Marcus Morrison is a proper York Hall scrap where entertainment is guaranteed. Denzel’s stock is on the up again and we were all proud of the way he reclaimed his belt against a good unbeaten opponent as the away fighter.
“Andrew Cain is quickly falling into the ‘must watch’ category of fighters and he is proving to be an incredible talent who is gaining fans all over the country, while I am also looking forward to launching the Queensberry career of our new cruiserweight Ellis Zorro and he will quickly be in meaningful title action if he can overcome the challenge of the tough Dec Spelman, who we know well from his previous appearances on our show.
“Our little superstar Royston Barney-Smith is definitely one to watch and I am also excited to be bringing Willy Hutchinson back towards title contention once again.”
Tickets for Bentley vs Morrison at York Hall on Friday, September 16th are on sale now, available exclusively from ticketmaster.co.uk.
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Caleb Plant vs. Anthony Dirrell to serve as Wilder-Helenius co-feature |
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PBC announced a Fox Sports pay-per-view show for Saturday, October 15th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The main event has former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder facing Robert Helenius, with a chief supporting bout matching former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant against former two-time WBC title holder Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a WBC eliminator between 168-pound rivals. The 30-year-old Plant (21-1, 12 KOs) used his boxing skills to rise through the ranks of the super middleweight division. In his first championship fight, the Ashland City, Tennessee-native Plant, who now lives and trains in Las Vegas, took the fight to veteran Jose Uzcategui and won the title in a hard-fought unanimous decision in 2019. Plant dropped the first match of his career in his last fight, losing to Canelo Alvarez in an undisputed super middleweight championship fight last November 6. He will look to rebound and get back on the world title track in a grudge match against his rival, Dirrell.
“I’m looking forward to fighting at Barclays Center for the first time,” said Plant. “I know the fight fans in Brooklyn are going to come out for this card. I’m feeling good and I’ve been in the gym working hard since my last fight. I’m going to put on an excellent performance and retire this guy.”
Dirrell (34-2, 25 KOs) is a two-time super middleweight world champion who won one of the toughest battles of his life when he beat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2008. The 37-year-old from Flint, Michigan won his first world title with a unanimous decision victory over Sakio Bika in 2014. He lost the title the next year via majority decision to Badou Jack. He would have to wait four years for another opportunity but successfully regained it with a technical split-decision over Avni Yildirim. He lost the title again, this time on a ninth-round TKO to David Benavidez in 2019. Dirrell is coming off of a fourth-round KO victory over Marcos Hernandez in his most recent match on November 6.
“I’m real excited to be back in the ring on October 15th,” said Dirrell. “I’m especially excited to be fighting at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. This is a special place for me. I fought Sakio Bika for a world title at this same venue, so I’m happy to be back. This fight means even more to me because it’s one day after my birthday, which is October 14. So I’m looking forward to giving the fans a great show, getting the big victory on Fox Sports PBC Pay-Per-View and then celebrating it all after.”
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Caleb Plant vs. Anthony Dirrell to serve as Wilder-Helenius co-feature
PBC announced a Fox Sports pay-per-view show for Saturday, October 15th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The main event has former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder facing Robert Helenius, with a chief supporting bout matching former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant against former two-time WBC title holder Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a WBC eliminator between 168-pound rivals. The 30-year-old Plant (21-1, 12 KOs) used his boxing skills to rise through the ranks of the super middleweight division. In his first championship fight, the Ashland City, Tennessee-native Plant, who now lives and trains in Las Vegas, took the fight to veteran Jose Uzcategui and won the title in a hard-fought unanimous decision in 2019. Plant dropped the first match of his career in his last fight, losing to Canelo Alvarez in an undisputed super middleweight championship fight last November 6. He will look to rebound and get back on the world title track in a grudge match against his rival, Dirrell.
“I’m looking forward to fighting at Barclays Center for the first time,” said Plant. “I know the fight fans in Brooklyn are going to come out for this card. I’m feeling good and I’ve been in the gym working hard since my last fight. I’m going to put on an excellent performance and retire this guy.”
Dirrell (34-2, 25 KOs) is a two-time super middleweight world champion who won one of the toughest battles of his life when he beat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2008. The 37-year-old from Flint, Michigan won his first world title with a unanimous decision victory over Sakio Bika in 2014. He lost the title the next year via majority decision to Badou Jack. He would have to wait four years for another opportunity but successfully regained it with a technical split-decision over Avni Yildirim. He lost the title again, this time on a ninth-round TKO to David Benavidez in 2019. Dirrell is coming off of a fourth-round KO victory over Marcos Hernandez in his most recent match on November 6.
“I’m real excited to be back in the ring on October 15th,” said Dirrell. “I’m especially excited to be fighting at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. This is a special place for me. I fought Sakio Bika for a world title at this same venue, so I’m happy to be back. This fight means even more to me because it’s one day after my birthday, which is October 14. So I’m looking forward to giving the fans a great show, getting the big victory on Fox Sports PBC Pay-Per-View and then celebrating it all after.”
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New opponent for Cassius Chaney this Saturday |
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CES Boxing announced a new opponent for the main event at Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Arena this Saturday. 6'6" heavyweight Cassius Chaney (21-1) will now face California's Matthew McKinney (9-5-3). The 41 year-old McKinney fought twice in June of this year, garnering a win and a draw. McKinney replaces originally announced opponent Shawn Miller (18-7-1). Chaney is coming off his first pro setback, a negative decision against George Arias. Saturday's co-feature is an eight-round heavyweight bout between Juiseppe Cusumano (20-4) and Dennis Ventura (4-1).
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New opponent for Cassius Chaney this Saturday
CES Boxing announced a new opponent for the main event at Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Arena this Saturday. 6'6" heavyweight Cassius Chaney (21-1) will now face California's Matthew McKinney (9-5-3). The 41 year-old McKinney fought twice in June of this year, garnering a win and a draw. McKinney replaces originally announced opponent Shawn Miller (18-7-1). Chaney is coming off his first pro setback, a negative decision against George Arias. Saturday's co-feature is an eight-round heavyweight bout between Juiseppe Cusumano (20-4) and Dennis Ventura (4-1).
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Hrgovic looking forward to fighting Zhang |
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Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic (pictured) spoke at the press conference in Saudi Arabia a few days before he comes up against China’s Zhilei Zhang (24-0-1, 19 KOs) in an IBF final eliminator. The fight previously fell through [in the wake of Hrgovic's father's death], but everyone is excited as both fighters look ahead to Saturday. “It’s great to be a part of this huge event, I’ve been waiting for this fight for almost two years,” said Hrgovic. “Like you said, we’ve been through a whole list where a lot of fighters didn’t want to fight with me, and I’m glad we’ve found someone who wants it. Thanks to Zhang and his team.” Hrgovic is listed as 14-0 but professional bouts in the World Series of Boxing put his true record more accurately at 40-4.
Zhang is a difficult southpaw, with power in his hands, and someone who shares the confidence of his Croatian opponent having never tasted defeat in his professional career. It is the confidence in his conditioning that Hrgovic believes will separate these two fighters. A mutual respect has been apparent throughout from both camps, but he believes Zhang will struggle to maintain the pace that will be put on him.
“We are both big guys, we are both big punchers,” said Hrgovic. “The thing is that he’s dangerous over a few rounds, whereas I am dangerous over the whole fight. I’m dangerous for twelve rounds, that is the difference.” He continued, “I am going to be the co-main event alongside all these ex-champions and contenders, it is a really big honour for me. I’m thankful for the opportunity, and you’re not going to regret it. We will produce an incredible fight.”
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Hrgovic looking forward to fighting Zhang
Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic (pictured) spoke at the press conference in Saudi Arabia a few days before he comes up against China’s Zhilei Zhang (24-0-1, 19 KOs) in an IBF final eliminator. The fight previously fell through [in the wake of Hrgovic's father's death], but everyone is excited as both fighters look ahead to Saturday. “It’s great to be a part of this huge event, I’ve been waiting for this fight for almost two years,” said Hrgovic. “Like you said, we’ve been through a whole list where a lot of fighters didn’t want to fight with me, and I’m glad we’ve found someone who wants it. Thanks to Zhang and his team.” Hrgovic is listed as 14-0 but professional bouts in the World Series of Boxing put his true record more accurately at 40-4.
Zhang is a difficult southpaw, with power in his hands, and someone who shares the confidence of his Croatian opponent having never tasted defeat in his professional career. It is the confidence in his conditioning that Hrgovic believes will separate these two fighters. A mutual respect has been apparent throughout from both camps, but he believes Zhang will struggle to maintain the pace that will be put on him.
“We are both big guys, we are both big punchers,” said Hrgovic. “The thing is that he’s dangerous over a few rounds, whereas I am dangerous over the whole fight. I’m dangerous for twelve rounds, that is the difference.” He continued, “I am going to be the co-main event alongside all these ex-champions and contenders, it is a really big honour for me. I’m thankful for the opportunity, and you’re not going to regret it. We will produce an incredible fight.”
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Lomachenko returns from Ukraine; intends to fight this year |
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Vasiliy Lomachenko, the three-weight world champion and former pound-for-pound king, arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday. Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KOs), who spent several months serving with the Belgorod-Dnestrovsky Territorial Defense Battalion in his native Ukraine, is ready to resume his boxing career and will return to the ring later this year against a to-be-determined opponent.
A former featherweight, junior lightweight and unified lightweight champion, Lomachenko regained his career momentum in 2021 with dominant victories over Masayoshi Nakatani and Richard Commey. He will begin training camp at his Southern California residence with an eye on his ultimate goal of ruling the lightweight division. In the eight months since his points win over Commey, 23-year-old prodigy Devin "The Dream" Haney toppled George Kambosos Jr. to become the undisputed king.
"I pray every day for Ukraine, for the people.... and stop the war. When I came back to Ukraine, I believe it was the second day of war. Your mind changes because you see a different life. It's a different life. Nobody knows what happened on this day. It's very bad. It's very bad for the world," Lomachenko said. "I've prepared for this moment, and I need this chance. I need this fight... undisputed. Undisputed world champion."
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Lomachenko returns from Ukraine; intends to fight this year
Vasiliy Lomachenko, the three-weight world champion and former pound-for-pound king, arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday. Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KOs), who spent several months serving with the Belgorod-Dnestrovsky Territorial Defense Battalion in his native Ukraine, is ready to resume his boxing career and will return to the ring later this year against a to-be-determined opponent.
A former featherweight, junior lightweight and unified lightweight champion, Lomachenko regained his career momentum in 2021 with dominant victories over Masayoshi Nakatani and Richard Commey. He will begin training camp at his Southern California residence with an eye on his ultimate goal of ruling the lightweight division. In the eight months since his points win over Commey, 23-year-old prodigy Devin "The Dream" Haney toppled George Kambosos Jr. to become the undisputed king.
"I pray every day for Ukraine, for the people.... and stop the war. When I came back to Ukraine, I believe it was the second day of war. Your mind changes because you see a different life. It's a different life. Nobody knows what happened on this day. It's very bad. It's very bad for the world," Lomachenko said. "I've prepared for this moment, and I need this chance. I need this fight... undisputed. Undisputed world champion."
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Serrano to unify vs. Mahfoud on Sept. 24th |
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Amanda Serrano (pictured) will bid to add another featherweight championship belt to her collection when she takes on the IBF champion Sarah Mahfoud at the AO Arena in Manchester, England on September 24th. The unification bout is part of a show topped by the huge heavyweight collision between Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office. Seven-weight champion Serrano (42-2-1, 30 KOs) is the reigning WBO, WBC and IBO champion at 126 pounds. Having won titles in every division between 115 and 140 pounds, Serrano, a Puerto Rican southpaw from Brooklyn, holds the Guinness World Record for most women’s boxing world championships (7) won in different weight classes.
Her narrow split-decision loss to Katie Taylor in a lightweight championship bout at Madison Square Garden was the first women’s fight in history to headline at the World's Most Famous Arena. Drawing a sold-out crowd of 19,187, Serrano nearly finished Taylor off with a barrage of punches in the fifth round, before ultimately dropping a split decision.
The Danish Mahfoud (11-0, 3 KOs) defended her IBF title back in April by defeating Nina Meinkeover over ten rounds in Copenhagen, having previously won the interim title with victory over Brenda Karen Carabajal in February 2020. Mahfoud was elevated to full world champion status in July of the same year.
Recognition of Serrano’s talents and accomplishments has been turbo-charged in recent times by her friendship and promotional association with Jake Paul and the pair fought on the same show in August 2021 in Cleveland where she defeated Yamileth Mercado.
“I am so excited over the prospect of fighting in the UK,” said Amanda Serrano. “It has been on my to-do list for a long time, with the amazing fans who really get behind the sport, as well as the huge growth in women’s boxing. To be fighting in the biggest arena on a big heavyweight night will make it an amazing occasion to win a fourth world championship belt at featherweight.” I would like to thank Frank Warren and Queensberry, along with Jake Paul and MVP, for making this possible for me and I promise the UK fans will not be disappointed.”
Mahfoud said, this is an amazing opportunity for me to fight for four world title belts against one of the biggest stars in the sport of boxing. It will be an experience like no other to win three more belts in England and then take them all home to Denmark. It will be my first fight outside of Denmark and I cannot think of a better place to fully introduce myself and my talent to the wider world than beating Amanda Serrano in Manchester. I would like to send my appreciation to everybody involved for making this happen.”
Queensberry's Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren said: “I am delighted to welcome a modern boxing icon in Amanda Serrano onto our huge September 24card with four world title belts on the line. The stakes are obviously very high, which fits in nicely with the main event between Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker fighting for the right to take on the winner out of Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua. I am looking forward to seeing Amanda fight in person once again after being present for her fight in Cleveland and what she has achieved in boxing is quite remarkable. She is bidding to become a four-belt world champion at featherweight against an unbeaten champion in Sarah Mahfoud, which makes it a superb attraction to add to our BT Sport Box Office event at the AO Arena in Manchester. We look forward to working with Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions again as Jake has cultivated an incredible following and is drawing them into the sport of boxing. When I was over in Cleveland with Daniel and Tommy you couldn’t fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm and fervour of the audience, who were in their seats and gripped from the start of the show right through to the main event.”
Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, from Most Valuable Promotions, added: “We cannot wait to have Amanda Serrano fight in front of the UK boxing fans on September 24th in Manchester live on BT Sport Box Office. It will be an incredible experience for both Amanda and the fans at the AO Arena. To see her win a fourth world championship belt at featherweight against an unbeaten opponent in Sarah Mahfoud will be very special and to do it on the same card as a huge heavyweight showdown will only add to the occasion and it will be a magnificent showcase for Amanda. Thank you to Frank and George Warren for placing Amanda on the BT Sport Box Office platform in the UK.”
Southpaw Serrano, 33, won her first world title back in 2011 at super featherweight with a second-round stoppage of Kimberly Connor. The Puerto Rican, based in New York, has since competed in 15 further world championship fights sanctioned by the major governing bodies, winning 13. Her last title challenge, up at lightweight, came at Madison Square Garden in April when she took on Katie Taylor in a fight which, in some quarters, was described as ‘Fight of the Century’. A classic encounter was declared in Taylor’s favor via a split decision on the judge’s scorecards.
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Serrano to unify vs. Mahfoud on Sept. 24th
Amanda Serrano (pictured) will bid to add another featherweight championship belt to her collection when she takes on the IBF champion Sarah Mahfoud at the AO Arena in Manchester, England on September 24th. The unification bout is part of a show topped by the huge heavyweight collision between Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office. Seven-weight champion Serrano (42-2-1, 30 KOs) is the reigning WBO, WBC and IBO champion at 126 pounds. Having won titles in every division between 115 and 140 pounds, Serrano, a Puerto Rican southpaw from Brooklyn, holds the Guinness World Record for most women’s boxing world championships (7) won in different weight classes.
Her narrow split-decision loss to Katie Taylor in a lightweight championship bout at Madison Square Garden was the first women’s fight in history to headline at the World's Most Famous Arena. Drawing a sold-out crowd of 19,187, Serrano nearly finished Taylor off with a barrage of punches in the fifth round, before ultimately dropping a split decision.
The Danish Mahfoud (11-0, 3 KOs) defended her IBF title back in April by defeating Nina Meinkeover over ten rounds in Copenhagen, having previously won the interim title with victory over Brenda Karen Carabajal in February 2020. Mahfoud was elevated to full world champion status in July of the same year.
Recognition of Serrano’s talents and accomplishments has been turbo-charged in recent times by her friendship and promotional association with Jake Paul and the pair fought on the same show in August 2021 in Cleveland where she defeated Yamileth Mercado.
“I am so excited over the prospect of fighting in the UK,” said Amanda Serrano. “It has been on my to-do list for a long time, with the amazing fans who really get behind the sport, as well as the huge growth in women’s boxing. To be fighting in the biggest arena on a big heavyweight night will make it an amazing occasion to win a fourth world championship belt at featherweight.” I would like to thank Frank Warren and Queensberry, along with Jake Paul and MVP, for making this possible for me and I promise the UK fans will not be disappointed.”
Mahfoud said, this is an amazing opportunity for me to fight for four world title belts against one of the biggest stars in the sport of boxing. It will be an experience like no other to win three more belts in England and then take them all home to Denmark. It will be my first fight outside of Denmark and I cannot think of a better place to fully introduce myself and my talent to the wider world than beating Amanda Serrano in Manchester. I would like to send my appreciation to everybody involved for making this happen.”
Queensberry's Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren said: “I am delighted to welcome a modern boxing icon in Amanda Serrano onto our huge September 24card with four world title belts on the line. The stakes are obviously very high, which fits in nicely with the main event between Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker fighting for the right to take on the winner out of Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua. I am looking forward to seeing Amanda fight in person once again after being present for her fight in Cleveland and what she has achieved in boxing is quite remarkable. She is bidding to become a four-belt world champion at featherweight against an unbeaten champion in Sarah Mahfoud, which makes it a superb attraction to add to our BT Sport Box Office event at the AO Arena in Manchester. We look forward to working with Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions again as Jake has cultivated an incredible following and is drawing them into the sport of boxing. When I was over in Cleveland with Daniel and Tommy you couldn’t fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm and fervour of the audience, who were in their seats and gripped from the start of the show right through to the main event.”
Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, from Most Valuable Promotions, added: “We cannot wait to have Amanda Serrano fight in front of the UK boxing fans on September 24th in Manchester live on BT Sport Box Office. It will be an incredible experience for both Amanda and the fans at the AO Arena. To see her win a fourth world championship belt at featherweight against an unbeaten opponent in Sarah Mahfoud will be very special and to do it on the same card as a huge heavyweight showdown will only add to the occasion and it will be a magnificent showcase for Amanda. Thank you to Frank and George Warren for placing Amanda on the BT Sport Box Office platform in the UK.”
Southpaw Serrano, 33, won her first world title back in 2011 at super featherweight with a second-round stoppage of Kimberly Connor. The Puerto Rican, based in New York, has since competed in 15 further world championship fights sanctioned by the major governing bodies, winning 13. Her last title challenge, up at lightweight, came at Madison Square Garden in April when she took on Katie Taylor in a fight which, in some quarters, was described as ‘Fight of the Century’. A classic encounter was declared in Taylor’s favor via a split decision on the judge’s scorecards.
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Wednesday fight predictions |
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Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for Wednesday's fight action, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Eliasu Sulley (8-0) vs. Vijender Singh (12-1) (Super Middleweights) … Prediction: Sulley by late knockout;
Sachin Nautiyal (6-2) vs. Faizan Anwar (12-0) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Anwar by early knockout; and
Shaikhom Rebaldo (2-0) vs. Gurpreet Singh (4-0-1) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Singh by clear unanimous decision.
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Wednesday fight predictions
Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for Wednesday's fight action, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Eliasu Sulley (8-0) vs. Vijender Singh (12-1) (Super Middleweights) … Prediction: Sulley by late knockout;
Sachin Nautiyal (6-2) vs. Faizan Anwar (12-0) (Welterweights) … Prediction: Anwar by early knockout; and
Shaikhom Rebaldo (2-0) vs. Gurpreet Singh (4-0-1) (Lightweights) … Prediction: Singh by clear unanimous decision.
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Rob Safar to face Antonio Brown on Friday |
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Cruiserweight, Rob Safar (14-0, 10 KOs) returns to the ring this Friday, August 19th at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, California. Safar, managed by Oliver Cabrera in association with FightStars will face his most dangerous opponent to date, Antonio Brown (8-1, 8 KOs), a power puncher from Phoenix. Safar vs. Brown will be a six-round bout. Safar, who hails from Las Vegas by way of Sweden, has knocked out seven of his last eight opponents. Trained by Ibin Casson in Las Vegas, Safar feels he’s ready to step up in competition.
“When you train in Las Vegas, you are in the mecca of boxing, so you know the sparring out here is second to none,” Safar stated. “I’ve been in the ring with many world champions and top contenders, and I have confidence I can compete at a world class level.”
Brown’s wins have all come by way of knockout. Safar knows he’s in with a dangerous fighter and is not taking him lightly. “Brown has heavy hands, and I'll have to be aware of that,” Safar concluded. "but he hasn't been in the ring with someone like me. I’m expecting an explosive fight and anyone watching will see fireworks on August 19th.”
"I believe Safar is on the path to being a world-class fighter,” said Mike Leanardi, CEO of FightStars. "Brown is a solid test but Safar is going to show everyone what all the talk is about."
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Rob Safar to face Antonio Brown on Friday
Cruiserweight, Rob Safar (14-0, 10 KOs) returns to the ring this Friday, August 19th at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, California. Safar, managed by Oliver Cabrera in association with FightStars will face his most dangerous opponent to date, Antonio Brown (8-1, 8 KOs), a power puncher from Phoenix. Safar vs. Brown will be a six-round bout. Safar, who hails from Las Vegas by way of Sweden, has knocked out seven of his last eight opponents. Trained by Ibin Casson in Las Vegas, Safar feels he’s ready to step up in competition.
“When you train in Las Vegas, you are in the mecca of boxing, so you know the sparring out here is second to none,” Safar stated. “I’ve been in the ring with many world champions and top contenders, and I have confidence I can compete at a world class level.”
Brown’s wins have all come by way of knockout. Safar knows he’s in with a dangerous fighter and is not taking him lightly. “Brown has heavy hands, and I'll have to be aware of that,” Safar concluded. "but he hasn't been in the ring with someone like me. I’m expecting an explosive fight and anyone watching will see fireworks on August 19th.”
"I believe Safar is on the path to being a world-class fighter,” said Mike Leanardi, CEO of FightStars. "Brown is a solid test but Safar is going to show everyone what all the talk is about."
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Tahmir Smalls to headline on Battleship New Jersey |
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The line-up has been set for the inaugural boxing event on board The Battleship New Jersey on Sunday, August 28th in Camden, New Jersey. The card that is promoted by R&B Promotions and will begin at 5 PM ET. In the six-round main event, welterweight Tahmir Smalls of Philadelphia will takes on Joel Guevara. Smalls of Philadelphia, has a record of 8-0 with five knockouts. The 23 year-old is coming off a first-round stoppage over Roque Agustin Junco on June 24th. The 34 year-old Guevara is from West Virginia and has a record of 4-7-1 with three knockouts. He is coming off a loss to Victor Toney on July 31, 2021.
UNDCERCARD
In the six-round co-feature, Danny Murray (5-6) of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey takes on Atlanta's Michael Gibbons (0-0-1) in a junior welterweight fight.
In four-round bouts:
Eliezer Omeda (1-2) of Camden, New Jersey will squabble with Aaron Newmones (1-0) of Atlantic City, New Jersey in a welterweight bout.
Timothy Tyler (0-3) of Camden, New Jersey will take on Davon Hall (0-3) of Wilmington, Delaware in a super middleweight clash.
Tyrone Azeno (0-1) of Philadelphia fights Andre Donovan (1-2, 1 KO) of North Philadelphia, Ohio in a super bantamweight fight.
In a battle of debuting junior middleweights, Anthony Dil of Hatboro, Pennsylvania takes on Ramses Brown of Bellmawr, New Jersey.
Greg Hackett (3-20-1) of Philadelphia fights Tunde Fatiregun (0-2) of Queens, New York in a cruiserweight fight.
Drew Aguilar (1-0) of Cherry Hill, New Jersey takes on Carlos Nunez (0-0-1) of Westchester, New York in a lightweight contest.
Terrick Maven (0-1) of Vineland, New Jersey will square off with pro debuting Daniel Bean of Old Bridge, New Jersey in a heavyweight bout.
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Tahmir Smalls to headline on Battleship New Jersey
The line-up has been set for the inaugural boxing event on board The Battleship New Jersey on Sunday, August 28th in Camden, New Jersey. The card that is promoted by R&B Promotions and will begin at 5 PM ET. In the six-round main event, welterweight Tahmir Smalls of Philadelphia will takes on Joel Guevara. Smalls of Philadelphia, has a record of 8-0 with five knockouts. The 23 year-old is coming off a first-round stoppage over Roque Agustin Junco on June 24th. The 34 year-old Guevara is from West Virginia and has a record of 4-7-1 with three knockouts. He is coming off a loss to Victor Toney on July 31, 2021.
UNDCERCARD
In the six-round co-feature, Danny Murray (5-6) of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey takes on Atlanta's Michael Gibbons (0-0-1) in a junior welterweight fight.
In four-round bouts:
Eliezer Omeda (1-2) of Camden, New Jersey will squabble with Aaron Newmones (1-0) of Atlantic City, New Jersey in a welterweight bout.
Timothy Tyler (0-3) of Camden, New Jersey will take on Davon Hall (0-3) of Wilmington, Delaware in a super middleweight clash.
Tyrone Azeno (0-1) of Philadelphia fights Andre Donovan (1-2, 1 KO) of North Philadelphia, Ohio in a super bantamweight fight.
In a battle of debuting junior middleweights, Anthony Dil of Hatboro, Pennsylvania takes on Ramses Brown of Bellmawr, New Jersey.
Greg Hackett (3-20-1) of Philadelphia fights Tunde Fatiregun (0-2) of Queens, New York in a cruiserweight fight.
Drew Aguilar (1-0) of Cherry Hill, New Jersey takes on Carlos Nunez (0-0-1) of Westchester, New York in a lightweight contest.
Terrick Maven (0-1) of Vineland, New Jersey will square off with pro debuting Daniel Bean of Old Bridge, New Jersey in a heavyweight bout.
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A few words with Los Angeles super featherweight Pedro Valencia |
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Los Angeles super featherweight Pedro Valencia (10-0, 7 KOs) clashes with fellow unbeaten Adrian Corona (9-0-1, 2 KOs) of Rialto, CA this Saturday in Corona, California. Valencia vs. Corona is scheduled for eigh -rounds, with Valencia believing he has a tremendous amount of momentum going into this fight. Here is what Valencia had to say about is recent training camp, his matchup with Adrian Corona, fighting in Southern California, and more:
On his recent training camp: "We've treated this camp like it’s the most important fight of my career because it is essentially just that for us. All the roadwork, sparring, and strength and conditioning has been elevated for this camp. I've been busy and I feel the momentum I have going into this fight is what separates me from my opponent. I am preparing to be in the best shape of my life, so I can go for every minute of every round."
On his matchup with fellow Southern Californian, Adrian Corona: "I know of him. I know he trains with Ben Lira, who is a great trainer. I have seen him fight in the Los Angeles area, and I know what he does. I am sure he knows what I do. The problem for Corona is you can't teach power, and he doesn't hit hard enough to keep me off him. This is the biggest fight to date for me, against another fighter from a neighboring city in Southern California. I know that the fans are going to go crazy for this one since we both have large fanbases that will be in attendance. I believe my power will be the difference in this fight and I see myself with my hands raised afterword."
On what a win will do for his career: "I have a fan-friendly style, and obviously I would like to earn a chance to headline a Thompson Boxing card soon. Making a statement against an unbeaten well-known fighter in the L.A. area would set me up at some point to headline a Thompson Boxing card, which is my goal in 2023. So, what I want to do is win this fight with no shadow of a doubt, and then use that momentum to headline my next fight."
On fighting for Thompson Boxing: "Fighting for Thompson Boxing has been great for my career. They have handled my career well and put me in positions to get into a big money fight. I wouldn't be where I am right now if they hadn't invested in my career, and I am looking to thrill the fans every time I go out on fight night. I love being a pro boxer, and Thompson Boxing allows me to pursue my dream and passion of becoming a world champion."
Tickets will only be available for purchase at the door the day of the event, which will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and Rich Marotta. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.
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A few words with Los Angeles super featherweight Pedro Valencia
Los Angeles super featherweight Pedro Valencia (10-0, 7 KOs) clashes with fellow unbeaten Adrian Corona (9-0-1, 2 KOs) of Rialto, CA this Saturday in Corona, California. Valencia vs. Corona is scheduled for eigh -rounds, with Valencia believing he has a tremendous amount of momentum going into this fight. Here is what Valencia had to say about is recent training camp, his matchup with Adrian Corona, fighting in Southern California, and more:
On his recent training camp: "We've treated this camp like it’s the most important fight of my career because it is essentially just that for us. All the roadwork, sparring, and strength and conditioning has been elevated for this camp. I've been busy and I feel the momentum I have going into this fight is what separates me from my opponent. I am preparing to be in the best shape of my life, so I can go for every minute of every round."
On his matchup with fellow Southern Californian, Adrian Corona: "I know of him. I know he trains with Ben Lira, who is a great trainer. I have seen him fight in the Los Angeles area, and I know what he does. I am sure he knows what I do. The problem for Corona is you can't teach power, and he doesn't hit hard enough to keep me off him. This is the biggest fight to date for me, against another fighter from a neighboring city in Southern California. I know that the fans are going to go crazy for this one since we both have large fanbases that will be in attendance. I believe my power will be the difference in this fight and I see myself with my hands raised afterword."
On what a win will do for his career: "I have a fan-friendly style, and obviously I would like to earn a chance to headline a Thompson Boxing card soon. Making a statement against an unbeaten well-known fighter in the L.A. area would set me up at some point to headline a Thompson Boxing card, which is my goal in 2023. So, what I want to do is win this fight with no shadow of a doubt, and then use that momentum to headline my next fight."
On fighting for Thompson Boxing: "Fighting for Thompson Boxing has been great for my career. They have handled my career well and put me in positions to get into a big money fight. I wouldn't be where I am right now if they hadn't invested in my career, and I am looking to thrill the fans every time I go out on fight night. I love being a pro boxer, and Thompson Boxing allows me to pursue my dream and passion of becoming a world champion."
Tickets will only be available for purchase at the door the day of the event, which will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and Rich Marotta. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.
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African boxing update |
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Two bouts sacntioned by the WBF in a five-day period headline shows in South Africa and Botswana on August 21st and August 26th respectively. On Sunday August 21st at Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Complex in Polokwane, South Africa, lightweight Ayanda Nkosi, (14-1 with 8 KOs), hosts Filipino Carlo Magali (25-13-3 with 13 KOs). Magalio is listed as the reigning Philippines national champion. On Friday, August 26th in Gaborone, Botswana, local hero Steven Bagwasi (7-1 with 2 KOs) faces the vastly more experienced Tanzanian Said Chino (19-9-2 with 14 KOs) in the super featherweight category. Bagwasi is riding a three-fight winning-streak since moving up in weight and suffering his sole defeat, by decision in South Africa, to the aforementioned Nkosi in November of 2018.The Botswanan fight will be the main event of a show promoted by Scud Missile Promotions at UB Indoor Sports Arena, and will be broadcast live by BTV.
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African boxing update
Two bouts sacntioned by the WBF in a five-day period headline shows in South Africa and Botswana on August 21st and August 26th respectively. On Sunday August 21st at Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Complex in Polokwane, South Africa, lightweight Ayanda Nkosi, (14-1 with 8 KOs), hosts Filipino Carlo Magali (25-13-3 with 13 KOs). Magalio is listed as the reigning Philippines national champion. On Friday, August 26th in Gaborone, Botswana, local hero Steven Bagwasi (7-1 with 2 KOs) faces the vastly more experienced Tanzanian Said Chino (19-9-2 with 14 KOs) in the super featherweight category. Bagwasi is riding a three-fight winning-streak since moving up in weight and suffering his sole defeat, by decision in South Africa, to the aforementioned Nkosi in November of 2018.The Botswanan fight will be the main event of a show promoted by Scud Missile Promotions at UB Indoor Sports Arena, and will be broadcast live by BTV.
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Introducing British heavyweight Boma Brown |
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Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions has bolstered its heavyweight contingent with the signing of professional newcomer Boma Brown. The 6' 6″, 250 pounder from North West London is the most recent recruit to a promotional heavyweight brigade that includes WBC champion Tyson Fury, WBA regular title holder Daniel Dubois, contender Joe Joyce, plus Brown's fellow youngsters David Adeleye and George Fox. Brown is trained by Paul Stevenson at the Everton Red Triangle gym in Liverpool, where he counts the formidable trio of Nick Ball, Andrew Cain and Brad Strand as teammates and is looking to emulate their success on the Queensberry and BT Sport platform.
“I am buzzing to have signed with Frank and he is somebody who, since I started boxing, I have always looked at and thought it would be nice to meet him one day,” said Brown on his promotional union. “So I was kind of shell shocked more than anything to be meeting him, but it was really nice. He seems like a down-to-earth fella who comes from a humble background, he is somebody I can definitely relate to and want to impress as well, going forward.”
Brown, just turned 27, took up boxing after being inspired by the 2015 Las Vegas Showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. He was based in the Midlands where he was undertaking a degree course in Business and Law at Coventry University, where he ultimately graduated with a 2.1. “I remember watching the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight years ago and it made me want to try out the sport. It sounds like a cliche, but once I tried it, I fell in love with it straight away and never looked back. I took myself to a local gym in Coventry called the Red Corner Boxing Club and did a few classes before they referred me to an amateur club called Bell Green and I boxed there before moving to Birmingham and joining Jewellery Quarter ABC, that was unfortunately closed down during Covid and we all moved to Pat Benson’s Boxing Club, which is the old Small Heath Boxing Club. So I boxed there and had 21 fights, with 14 or 15 wins. I would say I’m a puncher, anybody who has been in the ring with me or sparred me will talk about my power and it is something I do have in abundance. I won two Midlands titles and an Elite Midlands title belt as well.”
All roads led to Liverpool for the diehard Arsenal fan due to his girlfriend – and now new mother to a baby girl – returning to settle in nearby Warrington, so Brown re-established contact with trainer Stevenson after encountering him during his amateur days. “Funnily enough, I boxed one of Paul’s lads in the amateurs and sort of just kept in touch with him on Facebook and stuff like that. Towards the back end of last year he reached out to me and asked what my plans were. With my missus about to have a baby we were moving back to Warrington so things fell into place a little bit. I told Paul the situation and he said to come over to Liverpool to have a few sessions and see how I found it. I did that, it clicked straight away and I have been there for four or five months now. So my life has totally changed and it is funny how things work out, what with moving to Warrington and it being close to Liverpool, leading me to a great gym and trainer. The mentality of the lads in the gym is rubbing off on me massively and you can see why they are doing so well. Being in the gym with them these last few months has been amazing, they have all welcomed me in nicely and I am starting to get the hang of it all. It is going to be a good ride. Frank said to me that he plans to get me started in September-October time and also mentioned that a Dubois or Joyce undercard would be a good place to announce myself.”
Frank Warren added on his new heavyweight: “Boma is going to be an exciting addition to the heavyweight ranks and we are blessed here at Queensberry to have such a stronghold in the division. The fact he is being trained and prepared by Paul Stevenson in Liverpool suggests to me that Boma can make a huge impact and go far in the sport. If Paul can conjure up a heavyweight version of Nick Ball or Andrew Cain then we really will be onto something special. We are getting to the point where we could fill a card with heavyweights and I am looking forward to seeing what Boma brings to the party in the near future.”
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Introducing British heavyweight Boma Brown
Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions has bolstered its heavyweight contingent with the signing of professional newcomer Boma Brown. The 6' 6″, 250 pounder from North West London is the most recent recruit to a promotional heavyweight brigade that includes WBC champion Tyson Fury, WBA regular title holder Daniel Dubois, contender Joe Joyce, plus Brown's fellow youngsters David Adeleye and George Fox. Brown is trained by Paul Stevenson at the Everton Red Triangle gym in Liverpool, where he counts the formidable trio of Nick Ball, Andrew Cain and Brad Strand as teammates and is looking to emulate their success on the Queensberry and BT Sport platform.
“I am buzzing to have signed with Frank and he is somebody who, since I started boxing, I have always looked at and thought it would be nice to meet him one day,” said Brown on his promotional union. “So I was kind of shell shocked more than anything to be meeting him, but it was really nice. He seems like a down-to-earth fella who comes from a humble background, he is somebody I can definitely relate to and want to impress as well, going forward.”
Brown, just turned 27, took up boxing after being inspired by the 2015 Las Vegas Showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. He was based in the Midlands where he was undertaking a degree course in Business and Law at Coventry University, where he ultimately graduated with a 2.1. “I remember watching the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight years ago and it made me want to try out the sport. It sounds like a cliche, but once I tried it, I fell in love with it straight away and never looked back. I took myself to a local gym in Coventry called the Red Corner Boxing Club and did a few classes before they referred me to an amateur club called Bell Green and I boxed there before moving to Birmingham and joining Jewellery Quarter ABC, that was unfortunately closed down during Covid and we all moved to Pat Benson’s Boxing Club, which is the old Small Heath Boxing Club. So I boxed there and had 21 fights, with 14 or 15 wins. I would say I’m a puncher, anybody who has been in the ring with me or sparred me will talk about my power and it is something I do have in abundance. I won two Midlands titles and an Elite Midlands title belt as well.”
All roads led to Liverpool for the diehard Arsenal fan due to his girlfriend – and now new mother to a baby girl – returning to settle in nearby Warrington, so Brown re-established contact with trainer Stevenson after encountering him during his amateur days. “Funnily enough, I boxed one of Paul’s lads in the amateurs and sort of just kept in touch with him on Facebook and stuff like that. Towards the back end of last year he reached out to me and asked what my plans were. With my missus about to have a baby we were moving back to Warrington so things fell into place a little bit. I told Paul the situation and he said to come over to Liverpool to have a few sessions and see how I found it. I did that, it clicked straight away and I have been there for four or five months now. So my life has totally changed and it is funny how things work out, what with moving to Warrington and it being close to Liverpool, leading me to a great gym and trainer. The mentality of the lads in the gym is rubbing off on me massively and you can see why they are doing so well. Being in the gym with them these last few months has been amazing, they have all welcomed me in nicely and I am starting to get the hang of it all. It is going to be a good ride. Frank said to me that he plans to get me started in September-October time and also mentioned that a Dubois or Joyce undercard would be a good place to announce myself.”
Frank Warren added on his new heavyweight: “Boma is going to be an exciting addition to the heavyweight ranks and we are blessed here at Queensberry to have such a stronghold in the division. The fact he is being trained and prepared by Paul Stevenson in Liverpool suggests to me that Boma can make a huge impact and go far in the sport. If Paul can conjure up a heavyweight version of Nick Ball or Andrew Cain then we really will be onto something special. We are getting to the point where we could fill a card with heavyweights and I am looking forward to seeing what Boma brings to the party in the near future.”
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Juan Francisco Estrada to return in September |
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Guillermo Brito from Promocines Zanfer announced the return of WBA super flyweight champion Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada, who will see action against Argi Cortes on September 3rd in Hermosillo, Mexico. Estrada (42-3) was also the WBC champion as of his last fight, a unification bout that he narrowly won against Roman Gonzalez, but the WBC has since stripped Estrada. Cortes, from Mexico, is 23-2-2 and has not lost since dropping a pair of four rounders in 2014 and 2015.
Back in action for the first time since March 2021, Estrada said, “I am very happy and motivated, it will be a very special night, so I am doing a great preparation alongside my coach Alfredo Caballero. I have been training at altitude for some time now and I feel in excellent physical condition. I am a fighter who appreciates that there is no minor rival, so I must always train to the maximum. This is a great opportunity because first I will fight on my turf and it is also a fight that will return me to the path of victory, that night I will give my best, I assure you” -Juan commented-
Nacho Beristain, Cortes' trainer, said that his pupil is going to face the best fighter he has seen in recent times, but that he trusts Cortes' ambition and the preparation they are doing.
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Juan Francisco Estrada to return in September
Guillermo Brito from Promocines Zanfer announced the return of WBA super flyweight champion Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada, who will see action against Argi Cortes on September 3rd in Hermosillo, Mexico. Estrada (42-3) was also the WBC champion as of his last fight, a unification bout that he narrowly won against Roman Gonzalez, but the WBC has since stripped Estrada. Cortes, from Mexico, is 23-2-2 and has not lost since dropping a pair of four rounders in 2014 and 2015.
Back in action for the first time since March 2021, Estrada said, “I am very happy and motivated, it will be a very special night, so I am doing a great preparation alongside my coach Alfredo Caballero. I have been training at altitude for some time now and I feel in excellent physical condition. I am a fighter who appreciates that there is no minor rival, so I must always train to the maximum. This is a great opportunity because first I will fight on my turf and it is also a fight that will return me to the path of victory, that night I will give my best, I assure you” -Juan commented-
Nacho Beristain, Cortes' trainer, said that his pupil is going to face the best fighter he has seen in recent times, but that he trusts Cortes' ambition and the preparation they are doing.
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Twitter chatter: Regis Prograis |
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Former WBA 140-pound champion Regis "Rougarou" Prograis on the possibility of moving down in weight: "My nutritionist said I can make 135 pounds if I didn’t eat so many snacks. I said I rather stay at 140 pounds and keep my snacks."
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Twitter chatter: Regis Prograis
Former WBA 140-pound champion Regis "Rougarou" Prograis on the possibility of moving down in weight: "My nutritionist said I can make 135 pounds if I didn’t eat so many snacks. I said I rather stay at 140 pounds and keep my snacks."
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Boxingtalk salutes Sergey Lipinets for stepping up on short notice |
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Former IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets is grateful for the opportunity to fight Omar Figueroa, a WBC 135-pound champion, on six days' notice in a Showtime main event this Saturday: "That's why you gotta love the sport of boxing There is always an opportunity and I was just given one. Be ready. Fans won't be disappointed. Never said no to a fight in or out of the ring."
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Boxingtalk salutes Sergey Lipinets for stepping up on short notice
Former IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets is grateful for the opportunity to fight Omar Figueroa, a WBC 135-pound champion, on six days' notice in a Showtime main event this Saturday: "That's why you gotta love the sport of boxing There is always an opportunity and I was just given one. Be ready. Fans won't be disappointed. Never said no to a fight in or out of the ring."
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WBC puts Fury on the clock |
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With WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury talking about retirement, the WBC has been in communications with Fury and his promoters (Frank Warren and Bob Arum) regarding his status as WBC heavyweight champion. The WBC has set Friday, August 26th as the final day to receive official written confirmation from them about his intent to defend the title. The other three remaining titles will be contested by Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua on August 20th, which means the deadline gives Fury a few days to strategize. Ex-WBC champion Deontay Wilder is in the process of arranging a comeback fight and could figure in the WBC's plans to fill the title vacancy in the event of Fury's retirement. "No further comments will be made by our organization until then [August 26th]," read the WBC's brief statement.
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WBC puts Fury on the clock
With WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury talking about retirement, the WBC has been in communications with Fury and his promoters (Frank Warren and Bob Arum) regarding his status as WBC heavyweight champion. The WBC has set Friday, August 26th as the final day to receive official written confirmation from them about his intent to defend the title. The other three remaining titles will be contested by Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua on August 20th, which means the deadline gives Fury a few days to strategize. Ex-WBC champion Deontay Wilder is in the process of arranging a comeback fight and could figure in the WBC's plans to fill the title vacancy in the event of Fury's retirement. "No further comments will be made by our organization until then [August 26th]," read the WBC's brief statement.
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Makhmudov to face Takam in Montreal next month |
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Little-known but dangerous heavyweight Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov has signed a multi-year co-promotional contract with Top Rank, who will work in conjunction with Eye of the Tiger Management. Makhmudov, born in Russia and now residing in Montreal, is listed as 14-0 but professional bouts in the World Series of Boxing make 27-3 a more accurate pro record. He has ten knockout wins in the first round. The co-promotional agreement will see Makhmudov fight on Eye of the Tiger-promoted shows in Canada and on Top Rank on ESPN cards. Makhmudov will face Carlos Takam on Friday, Sept. 16th at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal on a card that will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.
“I’m fortunate to work with the top promoters in the world,” Makhmudov said. “This represents an important step toward achieving my goal of becoming a world champion.”
Eye o9f the Tiger's Camille Estephan said, “I am very pleased and look forward to a long-term partnership with Top Rank, a force for decades in boxing. We look forward to adding to the legacy with high-level shows in Canada on ESPN+ and crowning world champions together.”
“Arslanbek Makhmudov has true heavyweight knockout power, and at 6’6 and 260 pounds, he is a force of nature inside the ring,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I look forward to working with Camille and his team at Eye of the Tiger to help Arslanbek achieve his dream of becoming heavyweight champion of the world.”
Makhmudov made his traditional pro debut in December 2017 with a first-round stoppage over Jaime Barajas. He knocked out six of his first seven foes in the opening round, and in 2019, he became the first man to stop noted spoiler Jonnie Rice. Later that year, he iced former title holder Samuel Peter in just 2:23, which started a streak of four consecutive first-round knockouts. He last fought in February in Montreal, where he broke down Mariusz Wach in seven rounds.
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Makhmudov to face Takam in Montreal next month
Little-known but dangerous heavyweight Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov has signed a multi-year co-promotional contract with Top Rank, who will work in conjunction with Eye of the Tiger Management. Makhmudov, born in Russia and now residing in Montreal, is listed as 14-0 but professional bouts in the World Series of Boxing make 27-3 a more accurate pro record. He has ten knockout wins in the first round. The co-promotional agreement will see Makhmudov fight on Eye of the Tiger-promoted shows in Canada and on Top Rank on ESPN cards. Makhmudov will face Carlos Takam on Friday, Sept. 16th at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal on a card that will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.
“I’m fortunate to work with the top promoters in the world,” Makhmudov said. “This represents an important step toward achieving my goal of becoming a world champion.”
Eye o9f the Tiger's Camille Estephan said, “I am very pleased and look forward to a long-term partnership with Top Rank, a force for decades in boxing. We look forward to adding to the legacy with high-level shows in Canada on ESPN+ and crowning world champions together.”
“Arslanbek Makhmudov has true heavyweight knockout power, and at 6’6 and 260 pounds, he is a force of nature inside the ring,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I look forward to working with Camille and his team at Eye of the Tiger to help Arslanbek achieve his dream of becoming heavyweight champion of the world.”
Makhmudov made his traditional pro debut in December 2017 with a first-round stoppage over Jaime Barajas. He knocked out six of his first seven foes in the opening round, and in 2019, he became the first man to stop noted spoiler Jonnie Rice. Later that year, he iced former title holder Samuel Peter in just 2:23, which started a streak of four consecutive first-round knockouts. He last fought in February in Montreal, where he broke down Mariusz Wach in seven rounds.
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Late result: Acosta remains undefeated in Argentina |
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Franco Ezequiel Acosta KO3 Jean Carlos Mina ... Argentinean cruiserweight Franco Ezequiel Acosta advanced his career with a third-round knockout over Jean Carlos Mina at the Polideportivo Islas Malvinas in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The local fighter used a hook to the liver to knockout the Ecuadorian, who had no chance to recover from the powerful blow so early in the fight. Acosta is now 12-0, while Mina returns home with an 8-2 record.
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Late result: Acosta remains undefeated in Argentina
Franco Ezequiel Acosta KO3 Jean Carlos Mina ... Argentinean cruiserweight Franco Ezequiel Acosta advanced his career with a third-round knockout over Jean Carlos Mina at the Polideportivo Islas Malvinas in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The local fighter used a hook to the liver to knockout the Ecuadorian, who had no chance to recover from the powerful blow so early in the fight. Acosta is now 12-0, while Mina returns home with an 8-2 record.
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The Boxingtalk Scoreboard: Results from Houston, Texas |
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At The Bayou Event Center in Houston, Texas, welterweight Giovanni Marquez stopped William Davis in round two of their scheduled four-round bout. Marquez dropped Davis three times in the second round and the bout was stopped at the 2:00 mark. Marquez, the 2021 National Golden Gloves Most Outstanding Boxer is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Davis of Memphis is 5-14-1... On the same show, Luis Acosta stopped tough Abdel Sauceda in round four of their six-round lightweight contest. It was a competitive fight for the first three rounds, but in round four, the power of Acosta was evident as he floored Sauceda three-times. The fight was halted at 2:54. Acosta of Houston is now 13-1 with 12 knockouts. Sauceda of Mexico is now 11-2.... Montreal's Jessica Camara made her first knockout a memorable one, taking out Simone da Silva in the second round of their eight-round lightweight bout. Camara landed a crunching left hook to the ribs that made da Silva scream in pain as she hit the deck, and the fight was waved off at 1:32 of round two. Camara, coming off a failed title bid vs. Kali Reis, is now 9-3 with one knockout. da Silva of Brazil is 17-22.
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The Boxingtalk Scoreboard: Results from Houston, Texas
At The Bayou Event Center in Houston, Texas, welterweight Giovanni Marquez stopped William Davis in round two of their scheduled four-round bout. Marquez dropped Davis three times in the second round and the bout was stopped at the 2:00 mark. Marquez, the 2021 National Golden Gloves Most Outstanding Boxer is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Davis of Memphis is 5-14-1... On the same show, Luis Acosta stopped tough Abdel Sauceda in round four of their six-round lightweight contest. It was a competitive fight for the first three rounds, but in round four, the power of Acosta was evident as he floored Sauceda three-times. The fight was halted at 2:54. Acosta of Houston is now 13-1 with 12 knockouts. Sauceda of Mexico is now 11-2.... Montreal's Jessica Camara made her first knockout a memorable one, taking out Simone da Silva in the second round of their eight-round lightweight bout. Camara landed a crunching left hook to the ribs that made da Silva scream in pain as she hit the deck, and the fight was waved off at 1:32 of round two. Camara, coming off a failed title bid vs. Kali Reis, is now 9-3 with one knockout. da Silva of Brazil is 17-22.
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Taylor: "Serrano rematch must be at lightweight" |
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World lightweight champion Katie Taylor has blasted Jake Paul’s suggestion that a proposed rematch against Amanda Serrano should be at 126- or 130 pound catchweight. Taylor (21-0, 6 KO’s), who edged out Serrano back in April in an epic women's fight, spoke on Matchroom Boxing’s new podcast Flash Knockdown and stood firm that the rematch will only happen at lightweight. “What is that about?”, said Taylor. "I’ve never heard such nonsense in all my life. I’ve never heard someone say something as stupid as that to be quite honest. I think they’re just trying to play a few games. I’m pretty sure Jake [who co-manages Serrano] knows I’m not going to get down to 126, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a situation in boxing where the champion wins but has the rematch in a lower weight division. It is real nonsense! I don’t know if he’s playing games or it is naivety but the rematch is going to be at 135 pounds. I don’t think Amanda’s recent fight falling through will delay or effect the rematch. I was hoping for the rematch to happen straight after the last fight but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen until next year now. I just want to be involved in the biggest fights possible but I’m not sure who I’m going to be fighting next right now but I’m planning on returning to the ring this year in November / December. The team have been talking to the likes of Cris Cyborg. I only had two or three days off after the Serrano fight so I’m just itching to get back in the ring!”
As well as speaking about the Serrano rematch, Taylor also reflected on the first fight with her Puerto Rican dance parter and her memories of the London Olympics, admitting the whole experience in New York surpassed the emotions she felt when she captured Olympic gold ten years ago this week. “I never thought anything would surpass the London Olympics but I think that night at Madison Square Garden did surpass it! It was definitely the most special experience of my career to date. The atmosphere between the Irish and the Puerto Rican fans was incredible, you couldn’t even hear the bell ringing! It was history making and a huge moment for the sport. In big fights there is always the possibility that you’re going to get hurt at some stage but that’s where all the training and preparation comes into play. I put myself in the trenches everyday and that’s what allows you to show your heart and your courage in the ring. I’m just glad I was able to get through those tough moments in the fifth round and then come on stronger as the fight went on. Thinking about the Olympics, it does and it doesn’t feel ten years ago. I can definitely remember the day as if it was yesterday but a lot has happened in those ten years. It was my childhood dream coming to pass, I was going into the competition with so much pressure on me and the weight of the nation on my shoulders. When I won gold it was just a feeling of relief more than anything! I remember putting on my Olympic kit and thinking how I’d dreamt of this moment. Looking at the Olympic Rings on my shorts and knowing I was about to walk out to represent my country at the Games, it was so special."
Taylor continued, "everyone in Ireland assumed I was going to win gold, I don’t think I slept for a second the night before the final! I don’t think anything will ever compare to the pressure I felt at the Olympic Games. If I got through those games, I can get through anything in life! When I started boxing at ten years old there was no real such thing as women’s boxing but now at home in Ireland when you see all the young girls in the gyms, that means everything to me.
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Taylor: "Serrano rematch must be at lightweight"
World lightweight champion Katie Taylor has blasted Jake Paul’s suggestion that a proposed rematch against Amanda Serrano should be at 126- or 130 pound catchweight. Taylor (21-0, 6 KO’s), who edged out Serrano back in April in an epic women's fight, spoke on Matchroom Boxing’s new podcast Flash Knockdown and stood firm that the rematch will only happen at lightweight. “What is that about?”, said Taylor. "I’ve never heard such nonsense in all my life. I’ve never heard someone say something as stupid as that to be quite honest. I think they’re just trying to play a few games. I’m pretty sure Jake [who co-manages Serrano] knows I’m not going to get down to 126, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a situation in boxing where the champion wins but has the rematch in a lower weight division. It is real nonsense! I don’t know if he’s playing games or it is naivety but the rematch is going to be at 135 pounds. I don’t think Amanda’s recent fight falling through will delay or effect the rematch. I was hoping for the rematch to happen straight after the last fight but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen until next year now. I just want to be involved in the biggest fights possible but I’m not sure who I’m going to be fighting next right now but I’m planning on returning to the ring this year in November / December. The team have been talking to the likes of Cris Cyborg. I only had two or three days off after the Serrano fight so I’m just itching to get back in the ring!”
As well as speaking about the Serrano rematch, Taylor also reflected on the first fight with her Puerto Rican dance parter and her memories of the London Olympics, admitting the whole experience in New York surpassed the emotions she felt when she captured Olympic gold ten years ago this week. “I never thought anything would surpass the London Olympics but I think that night at Madison Square Garden did surpass it! It was definitely the most special experience of my career to date. The atmosphere between the Irish and the Puerto Rican fans was incredible, you couldn’t even hear the bell ringing! It was history making and a huge moment for the sport. In big fights there is always the possibility that you’re going to get hurt at some stage but that’s where all the training and preparation comes into play. I put myself in the trenches everyday and that’s what allows you to show your heart and your courage in the ring. I’m just glad I was able to get through those tough moments in the fifth round and then come on stronger as the fight went on. Thinking about the Olympics, it does and it doesn’t feel ten years ago. I can definitely remember the day as if it was yesterday but a lot has happened in those ten years. It was my childhood dream coming to pass, I was going into the competition with so much pressure on me and the weight of the nation on my shoulders. When I won gold it was just a feeling of relief more than anything! I remember putting on my Olympic kit and thinking how I’d dreamt of this moment. Looking at the Olympic Rings on my shorts and knowing I was about to walk out to represent my country at the Games, it was so special."
Taylor continued, "everyone in Ireland assumed I was going to win gold, I don’t think I slept for a second the night before the final! I don’t think anything will ever compare to the pressure I felt at the Olympic Games. If I got through those games, I can get through anything in life! When I started boxing at ten years old there was no real such thing as women’s boxing but now at home in Ireland when you see all the young girls in the gyms, that means everything to me.
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Star Boxing returns to Huntington, NY in October |
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Star Boxing announced an October 1st show at the Paramount in Huntington, New York. The main event is set for ten rounds of cruiserweight action between Ukrainian-born, Pittsburgh-residing Lyubomyr Pinchuk (14-3, 8 KOs) and Brooklyn, New York’s Joel Shojgreen (13-3, 12 KOs). Pinchuk is coming off a decision loss in April against Simone “Tyson” Federici. Now, Pinchuk is setting his sights on a bounce-back victory. “There is no looking back. I’ve taken the past few months to get stronger and faster,” said Pinchuk. “I’m excited to make my return to the ring this October and start making a move up the cruiserweight rank.”
UNDERCARD
Connecticut's Omar Bordoy (11-1, 3KOs) and Ireland’s Victor Rabei (10-0, 3 KOs) will each be lacing up the gloves for the first time in 2022, going against one another in an eight-round junior welterweight bout...
Returning to The Paramount after dominating in his pro debut with victory this past June, Ronny Reyes (1-0), will face off against Travis Crawford of Corpus Christi, Texas (0-1) in a four-round super featherweight bout...
NYC firefighter Louis Maietta (1-2-1) will make his fifth appearance at The Paramount, in a rematch with Dequint Hill (1-1) after the two went to battle over four rounds in an exciting bout in June. Maietta-Hill will be a four-round light heavyweight bout...
Making the transition from the octagon to the squared circle, mixed martial artist John Gotti III will make his pro debut as a professional boxer. From Oyster Bay, New York, Gotti grew a huge following as on the Northeast MMA circuit with a record of 5-1, four of those wins coming by stoppage. Gotti will be fighting in a four-round light heavyweight bout against an opponent to be revealed soon. Gotti had this to say about the fight: “After almost a two-year layoff I look forward to getting back to competing at a high-level and showing up for my fans who always show up for me.”
“We are excited to be back at The Paramount on October 1st with an action-packed card,” said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia. “Pinchuk and Shojgreen have a lot on the line. Bordoy and Rabei are in a 50/50 fight. John Gotti III makes his highly anticipated pro (boxing) debut following a successful MMA career. This card really has something for everyone. Don't wait to get your tickets as we expect a sell out!"
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Star Boxing returns to Huntington, NY in October
Star Boxing announced an October 1st show at the Paramount in Huntington, New York. The main event is set for ten rounds of cruiserweight action between Ukrainian-born, Pittsburgh-residing Lyubomyr Pinchuk (14-3, 8 KOs) and Brooklyn, New York’s Joel Shojgreen (13-3, 12 KOs). Pinchuk is coming off a decision loss in April against Simone “Tyson” Federici. Now, Pinchuk is setting his sights on a bounce-back victory. “There is no looking back. I’ve taken the past few months to get stronger and faster,” said Pinchuk. “I’m excited to make my return to the ring this October and start making a move up the cruiserweight rank.”
UNDERCARD
Connecticut's Omar Bordoy (11-1, 3KOs) and Ireland’s Victor Rabei (10-0, 3 KOs) will each be lacing up the gloves for the first time in 2022, going against one another in an eight-round junior welterweight bout...
Returning to The Paramount after dominating in his pro debut with victory this past June, Ronny Reyes (1-0), will face off against Travis Crawford of Corpus Christi, Texas (0-1) in a four-round super featherweight bout...
NYC firefighter Louis Maietta (1-2-1) will make his fifth appearance at The Paramount, in a rematch with Dequint Hill (1-1) after the two went to battle over four rounds in an exciting bout in June. Maietta-Hill will be a four-round light heavyweight bout...
Making the transition from the octagon to the squared circle, mixed martial artist John Gotti III will make his pro debut as a professional boxer. From Oyster Bay, New York, Gotti grew a huge following as on the Northeast MMA circuit with a record of 5-1, four of those wins coming by stoppage. Gotti will be fighting in a four-round light heavyweight bout against an opponent to be revealed soon. Gotti had this to say about the fight: “After almost a two-year layoff I look forward to getting back to competing at a high-level and showing up for my fans who always show up for me.”
“We are excited to be back at The Paramount on October 1st with an action-packed card,” said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia. “Pinchuk and Shojgreen have a lot on the line. Bordoy and Rabei are in a 50/50 fight. John Gotti III makes his highly anticipated pro (boxing) debut following a successful MMA career. This card really has something for everyone. Don't wait to get your tickets as we expect a sell out!"
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A few words with lightweight Cristian Baez |
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Lightweight power puncher Cristian Baez (18-1, 17 KOs) is scheduled to battle Ruben “Ace” Torres (18-0, 15 KOs) in the ten-round main event on Thompson Boxing’s August 20th show in Corona, Callifornia. Baez is eager to get back in the ring after over a two-year layoff. The show will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as its Facebook and YouTube pages. Here is what Baez had to say about his recent training camp, his upcoming matchup with Torres, and more.
On his recent training camp: "I have been training non-stop with my coaches, former boxer Arturo Quintero, and Eriky Alvarez at the Relentless Boxing Gym in San Jose, California. When this opportunity came up, I jumped on it. For those who saw the last fight I lost, I just lost focus, I was winning the fight and got caught. I am a different fighter now and because of that loss, I'm ready to shock the world on fight night. I’m finalizing a great training camp and I’m hungrier then ever.
On his match-up with Ruben Torres: "He is a good fighter, talented, and young. I have sparred with a lot of bigger fighters, especially when I go to Hayward, California to spar with elite pros. I am very familiar with the style he has, and he will have to be the best version of himself to be effective, as I have done countless rounds with various fighters to prepare for this fight. I have trained relentlessly for this fight, and I don’t expect this fight to go the distance.”
On what a win will do for his career: "A win changes my life. I am in a position in boxing right now where I must come out victorious. I need to win to continue my dream of being a world champion. I have been out of the ring for some time, and this is a big moment for me to take a chance and skip the line to get back to where I once was. I am taking a big risk because I want the reward. A win here puts me back on television, and closer to fighting for in a world title eliminator."
On fighting for Thompson Boxing: "I am thankful to Thompson Boxing for their professionalism and how they have treated me as a fighter thus far, as well as putting me in the main event spot against their top fighter. They have put forth world-class boxing events for years, and to get a chance to headline a show is a major deal no matter who it is against. I am ready to perform and entertain the fans, the hard part is nearly over, we're getting close to what I love to do, which is fight."
Tickets for the live show will only be available for purchase at the door the day of the event, which will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT.. Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and Rich Marotta. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.
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A few words with lightweight Cristian Baez
Lightweight power puncher Cristian Baez (18-1, 17 KOs) is scheduled to battle Ruben “Ace” Torres (18-0, 15 KOs) in the ten-round main event on Thompson Boxing’s August 20th show in Corona, Callifornia. Baez is eager to get back in the ring after over a two-year layoff. The show will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as its Facebook and YouTube pages. Here is what Baez had to say about his recent training camp, his upcoming matchup with Torres, and more.
On his recent training camp: "I have been training non-stop with my coaches, former boxer Arturo Quintero, and Eriky Alvarez at the Relentless Boxing Gym in San Jose, California. When this opportunity came up, I jumped on it. For those who saw the last fight I lost, I just lost focus, I was winning the fight and got caught. I am a different fighter now and because of that loss, I'm ready to shock the world on fight night. I’m finalizing a great training camp and I’m hungrier then ever.
On his match-up with Ruben Torres: "He is a good fighter, talented, and young. I have sparred with a lot of bigger fighters, especially when I go to Hayward, California to spar with elite pros. I am very familiar with the style he has, and he will have to be the best version of himself to be effective, as I have done countless rounds with various fighters to prepare for this fight. I have trained relentlessly for this fight, and I don’t expect this fight to go the distance.”
On what a win will do for his career: "A win changes my life. I am in a position in boxing right now where I must come out victorious. I need to win to continue my dream of being a world champion. I have been out of the ring for some time, and this is a big moment for me to take a chance and skip the line to get back to where I once was. I am taking a big risk because I want the reward. A win here puts me back on television, and closer to fighting for in a world title eliminator."
On fighting for Thompson Boxing: "I am thankful to Thompson Boxing for their professionalism and how they have treated me as a fighter thus far, as well as putting me in the main event spot against their top fighter. They have put forth world-class boxing events for years, and to get a chance to headline a show is a major deal no matter who it is against. I am ready to perform and entertain the fans, the hard part is nearly over, we're getting close to what I love to do, which is fight."
Tickets for the live show will only be available for purchase at the door the day of the event, which will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT.. Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and Rich Marotta. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.
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WBA convention lands in Orlando |
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The WBA will hold its centennial convention from December 11th through 14th at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The event will mark the celebration of 100 years of existence of boxing’s pioneer sanctioning organization. The WBA had had to postpone its convention for different reasons since 2019, when the 99th was held in Fuzhou, China. Now the United States has been chosen because it was the country where the organization was born, in addition to the fact that the relocation of its offices to North America has begun. The guests and activities will be announced as the months go by.
“Caribe Royale Hotel is proud to welcome the World Boxing Association to Orlando, Florida for their Annual Convention in December, 2022. We are looking forward to hosting Gilberto Jesus Mendoza and the entire team of professionals at the WBA. The entire team at Caribe Royale is looking forward to hosting visitors from around the world as part of this Centennial Celebration of the WBA”, Caribe Royale says.
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WBA convention lands in Orlando
The WBA will hold its centennial convention from December 11th through 14th at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The event will mark the celebration of 100 years of existence of boxing’s pioneer sanctioning organization. The WBA had had to postpone its convention for different reasons since 2019, when the 99th was held in Fuzhou, China. Now the United States has been chosen because it was the country where the organization was born, in addition to the fact that the relocation of its offices to North America has begun. The guests and activities will be announced as the months go by.
“Caribe Royale Hotel is proud to welcome the World Boxing Association to Orlando, Florida for their Annual Convention in December, 2022. We are looking forward to hosting Gilberto Jesus Mendoza and the entire team of professionals at the WBA. The entire team at Caribe Royale is looking forward to hosting visitors from around the world as part of this Centennial Celebration of the WBA”, Caribe Royale says.
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Maryland amateur card set for Aug. 27th |
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Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions returns to the Carroll County Ag Center For “Fight Night in the Country” Saturday, August 27th in Westminster, Maryland. The card will feature a dozen Olympic-style boxing matches and tickets are on sale now at Baltimoreboxing.com/Tickets. During the event, Baltimore Boxing will honor late local legends Murray Smith Sr. and Frank Gilbert. The Father of Jake Smith, Murray Smith Sr. was a longtime event promoter who was well known throughout the Maryland, DC and Virginia. He was a huge supporter of Jake’s career, first as a boxer and later as a promoter. Smith Sr. passed away in 2013 at age 72 following a long battle with cancer.
Gilbert served as a mentor to Smith and was a trainer at the Loch Raven Boxing Club for many years. He also ran the Ring 101 International Veterans Boxing Association. Gilbert passed on March 12, 2018.
“I’m happy to be back in Westminster,” said Smith, who promoted hundreds of pro and amateur boxing shows in the state of Maryland. “August 27 is going to be a fun event with the Westminster country theme. It’ll also be emotional as we honor my late father, Murray Sr., and Mr. Frank Gilbert. Both had huge roles in my life in and out of boxing. I look forward to seeing everybody in a few weeks.”
Popular radio personality Kirk McEwen from 98 Rock will serve as the ring announcer. Doors open at 6:30 and the first fight is scheduled for 8:15. All fans are encouraged to wear country-themed attire on fight night. Baltimore Boxing will present special prizes to the attendees with the best outfits.
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Maryland amateur card set for Aug. 27th
Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions returns to the Carroll County Ag Center For “Fight Night in the Country” Saturday, August 27th in Westminster, Maryland. The card will feature a dozen Olympic-style boxing matches and tickets are on sale now at Baltimoreboxing.com/Tickets. During the event, Baltimore Boxing will honor late local legends Murray Smith Sr. and Frank Gilbert. The Father of Jake Smith, Murray Smith Sr. was a longtime event promoter who was well known throughout the Maryland, DC and Virginia. He was a huge supporter of Jake’s career, first as a boxer and later as a promoter. Smith Sr. passed away in 2013 at age 72 following a long battle with cancer.
Gilbert served as a mentor to Smith and was a trainer at the Loch Raven Boxing Club for many years. He also ran the Ring 101 International Veterans Boxing Association. Gilbert passed on March 12, 2018.
“I’m happy to be back in Westminster,” said Smith, who promoted hundreds of pro and amateur boxing shows in the state of Maryland. “August 27 is going to be a fun event with the Westminster country theme. It’ll also be emotional as we honor my late father, Murray Sr., and Mr. Frank Gilbert. Both had huge roles in my life in and out of boxing. I look forward to seeing everybody in a few weeks.”
Popular radio personality Kirk McEwen from 98 Rock will serve as the ring announcer. Doors open at 6:30 and the first fight is scheduled for 8:15. All fans are encouraged to wear country-themed attire on fight night. Baltimore Boxing will present special prizes to the attendees with the best outfits.
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Lipinets steps in for Broner to save Showtime main event |
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Former IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets (pictured) has agreed to replace Adrien Broner this weekend and will now face former WBC lightweight champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa Jr. in Showtime Championship Boxing's main event this Saturday, August 20, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida in a Premier Boxing Champions Event. Lipinets (16-2-1, 12 KOs) was in training and already scheduled to appear on the August 20th card before being elevated as a replacement for Broner in the main event. Broner, the former four-division champion, pulled out of the previously scheduled match against Figueroa earlier today, citing mental health issues.
Born in Martuk, Kazakhstan and now living in Woodland Hills, Calif., Lipinets is no stranger to the main stage, having tangled with champions including Lamont Peterson and Mikey Garcia. The 33-year-old defeated Akhiro Kondo for the vacant IBF title in 2017 and lost the title to Garcia by unanimous decision in 2018. He is coming off a loss to Jaron Ennis in a welterweight title in April 2021. “We’ve actually been in camp for almost three months getting ready for whoever they put in front of me,” said Lipinets. “We’ve been training with no particular opponent in mind. There have been a few different guys that have said they wanted to fight me. So, we’ve been sparring with and preparing for all types of styles. And now we get this great news that I get to fight Figueroa this Saturday. I can’t wait to show everyone that I’m still a force to be reckoned with at 140 pounds.”
The Showtime telecast will also feature 140-pounders Alberto Puello and Batyr Akhmedov squaring off for the vacant WBA title in the co-main event and WBA 130-pound champion Roger Gutierrez defending against unbeaten Hector Garcia. In the telecast opener, Brandun Lee, one of the sport’s most exciting prospects and biggest punchers, will take on Will Madera in a ten-round junior welterweight bout opening a four-fight telecast that begins live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Additionally, Showtime will offer live streaming coverage of unbeaten Cuban heavyweight Lenier Peró battling Joel Caudle in an eight-round bout and undefeated middleweight Fiodor Czerkaszyn taking on Gilbert Venegas Jr. in an eight-round duel via the Showtime Sports YouTube channel and Boxing Facebook page prior to the start of the televised quadrupleheader.
As for Broner, the news is not pretty. "Man, I'm going [through] a lot at this moment in my life, but I ain't gonna give up. I set some more goals and I finish what I started but sorry to say this, but I'm not fighting August 20," Broner said in an Instagram post. “Sorry to all my fans but Mental Health is real and I’m not about to play inside the ring … So, I have to step back and overcome this obstacle before I go put my life on the line inside the square circle again. I know I’m far from being finished with the sport.’’
The 32-year-old Figueroa (28-2-1, 19 KOs) is from a fighting family along with his younger brother Brandon, a former super bantamweight world champion. Figueroa won the WBC lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Nihito Arakawa in a 2013 “Fight of the Year” and successfully defended the title two times before moving up to 140 pounds in 2015. Figueroa has also fought at welterweight, earning action-packed victories over Robert Guerrero, John Molina Jr., and Antonio DeMarco. He’ll move back down to junior welterweight on August 20th after back-to-back defeats against Yordenis Ugas and Abel Ramos. His match against Lipinets is a classic crossroads fight.
"This is going to be a great fight against Lipinets and I hope he's ready for what I'm bringing," said Figueroa. "I've made changes in my life and I'm excited to see the kind of fighter that I am now. I'm going to show what I can do now that I have a clear head and a clear path ahead of me. With the opponent change I'm even more ready to take all the frustrations and anger that have built up in camp and bring it into the ring on Saturday and come out victorious."
Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
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Lipinets steps in for Broner to save Showtime main event
Former IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets (pictured) has agreed to replace Adrien Broner this weekend and will now face former WBC lightweight champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa Jr. in Showtime Championship Boxing's main event this Saturday, August 20, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida in a Premier Boxing Champions Event. Lipinets (16-2-1, 12 KOs) was in training and already scheduled to appear on the August 20th card before being elevated as a replacement for Broner in the main event. Broner, the former four-division champion, pulled out of the previously scheduled match against Figueroa earlier today, citing mental health issues.
Born in Martuk, Kazakhstan and now living in Woodland Hills, Calif., Lipinets is no stranger to the main stage, having tangled with champions including Lamont Peterson and Mikey Garcia. The 33-year-old defeated Akhiro Kondo for the vacant IBF title in 2017 and lost the title to Garcia by unanimous decision in 2018. He is coming off a loss to Jaron Ennis in a welterweight title in April 2021. “We’ve actually been in camp for almost three months getting ready for whoever they put in front of me,” said Lipinets. “We’ve been training with no particular opponent in mind. There have been a few different guys that have said they wanted to fight me. So, we’ve been sparring with and preparing for all types of styles. And now we get this great news that I get to fight Figueroa this Saturday. I can’t wait to show everyone that I’m still a force to be reckoned with at 140 pounds.”
The Showtime telecast will also feature 140-pounders Alberto Puello and Batyr Akhmedov squaring off for the vacant WBA title in the co-main event and WBA 130-pound champion Roger Gutierrez defending against unbeaten Hector Garcia. In the telecast opener, Brandun Lee, one of the sport’s most exciting prospects and biggest punchers, will take on Will Madera in a ten-round junior welterweight bout opening a four-fight telecast that begins live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Additionally, Showtime will offer live streaming coverage of unbeaten Cuban heavyweight Lenier Peró battling Joel Caudle in an eight-round bout and undefeated middleweight Fiodor Czerkaszyn taking on Gilbert Venegas Jr. in an eight-round duel via the Showtime Sports YouTube channel and Boxing Facebook page prior to the start of the televised quadrupleheader.
As for Broner, the news is not pretty. "Man, I'm going [through] a lot at this moment in my life, but I ain't gonna give up. I set some more goals and I finish what I started but sorry to say this, but I'm not fighting August 20," Broner said in an Instagram post. “Sorry to all my fans but Mental Health is real and I’m not about to play inside the ring … So, I have to step back and overcome this obstacle before I go put my life on the line inside the square circle again. I know I’m far from being finished with the sport.’’
The 32-year-old Figueroa (28-2-1, 19 KOs) is from a fighting family along with his younger brother Brandon, a former super bantamweight world champion. Figueroa won the WBC lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Nihito Arakawa in a 2013 “Fight of the Year” and successfully defended the title two times before moving up to 140 pounds in 2015. Figueroa has also fought at welterweight, earning action-packed victories over Robert Guerrero, John Molina Jr., and Antonio DeMarco. He’ll move back down to junior welterweight on August 20th after back-to-back defeats against Yordenis Ugas and Abel Ramos. His match against Lipinets is a classic crossroads fight.
"This is going to be a great fight against Lipinets and I hope he's ready for what I'm bringing," said Figueroa. "I've made changes in my life and I'm excited to see the kind of fighter that I am now. I'm going to show what I can do now that I have a clear head and a clear path ahead of me. With the opponent change I'm even more ready to take all the frustrations and anger that have built up in camp and bring it into the ring on Saturday and come out victorious."
Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
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Broner withdraws from this weekend's fight |
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According to his own social media account, former four-dvision champion Adrien Broner has withdrawn from this weekend's scheduled fight vs. former lightweight title holder Omar Figueroa. The bout was scheduled to air on Showtime from Hollywood, California. Broner issued the following statements on his Instagram account: "Man I’m going thru a lot at this moment in my life but I ain’t go give up. I set some more goals and I ain’t stopping until I finish what I started but sorry to say this but I’m not fighting August 20th. Sorry to all my fans but mental health is real and I’m not about to play inside the ring. I’ve watched a lot of people die playing with they boxing career and that is something I won’t do. Just pray for me. I love the sport of boxing to much to not give my all and I feel like I came up short before because my mind wasn’t 100% there and I be dam if I make that mistake again. I need to make some changes for the better instead of worrying about other people feelings and pleasing them when in all reality I have nothing to prove to nobody. I am a world champion in four different weight classes and if I never lace up a pair of gloves again, I feel like it’s safe to say I will be inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame. So I have to step back and overcome this obstacle before I go put my life on the line inside the square circle again. I know I’m far from being finished with the sport. See y’all soon. "
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Broner withdraws from this weekend's fight
According to his own social media account, former four-dvision champion Adrien Broner has withdrawn from this weekend's scheduled fight vs. former lightweight title holder Omar Figueroa. The bout was scheduled to air on Showtime from Hollywood, California. Broner issued the following statements on his Instagram account: "Man I’m going thru a lot at this moment in my life but I ain’t go give up. I set some more goals and I ain’t stopping until I finish what I started but sorry to say this but I’m not fighting August 20th. Sorry to all my fans but mental health is real and I’m not about to play inside the ring. I’ve watched a lot of people die playing with they boxing career and that is something I won’t do. Just pray for me. I love the sport of boxing to much to not give my all and I feel like I came up short before because my mind wasn’t 100% there and I be dam if I make that mistake again. I need to make some changes for the better instead of worrying about other people feelings and pleasing them when in all reality I have nothing to prove to nobody. I am a world champion in four different weight classes and if I never lace up a pair of gloves again, I feel like it’s safe to say I will be inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame. So I have to step back and overcome this obstacle before I go put my life on the line inside the square circle again. I know I’m far from being finished with the sport. See y’all soon. "
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Boxingtalk's Monday fight predictions |
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Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for Monday's boxing action, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Hyun Mi Choi (19-0-1) vs. Aka Ringo (3-0) (WBA super featherweight championship) … Prediction: Choi by clear unanimous decision;
Yurik Mamedov (15-2) vs. Javier Jose Clavero (30-9) (lightweights) … Prediction: Mamedov by close unanimous decision;
Kevin Lele Sadjo (17-0) vs. Badri Gogichashvili (11-18-5) (super middleweights) … Prediction: Sadjo by early knockout; and
Bakary Samake (9-0) vs. Apisit Snagmuang (9-1-1) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Samake by mid-round knockout.
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Boxingtalk's Monday fight predictions
Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for Monday's boxing action, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Hyun Mi Choi (19-0-1) vs. Aka Ringo (3-0) (WBA super featherweight championship) … Prediction: Choi by clear unanimous decision;
Yurik Mamedov (15-2) vs. Javier Jose Clavero (30-9) (lightweights) … Prediction: Mamedov by close unanimous decision;
Kevin Lele Sadjo (17-0) vs. Badri Gogichashvili (11-18-5) (super middleweights) … Prediction: Sadjo by early knockout; and
Bakary Samake (9-0) vs. Apisit Snagmuang (9-1-1) (junior middleweights) … Prediction: Samake by mid-round knockout.
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Parker set to face Joyce, with Sept. 24th the new date |
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The trading of verbal jabs during an opening press conference was an unfamiliar experience for Joseph Parker, as the ex-WBO heavyweight title holder is more used to exchanging pleasantries with forthcoming opponents. But with his proposed collision with Joe Joyce mired in confusion and delay for a considerable period before it was finally made official, there was an undercurrent of tension and ill-feeling in the air at the BT Sport studios when the two heavyweights got together to reveal that an accord had been reached and preparations for September 24th at the AO Arena in Manchester can begin. Parker (pictured) told Dev Sahni in an exclusive UniBet Lowdown interview that he also had to endure the angst of fractured negotiations and he is happy that they will soon be able to trade leather along with insults.
“It was the first press conference I have been involved with that was quite fiery,” said the New Zealander. “Because of the lead up to making this fight happen there is a lot of frustration from both sides. We were outnumbered at the top but, if (manager) David Higgins was here, he would have had a lot to say. Ultimately, it is great the fight is locked in now. We have a date, a venue and there are two guys who want to smash each other’s faces in.”
Joyce promised to inflict ‘dents’ to the facial features of the 30 year-old Parker, who now trains alongside Tyson Fury in the seaside town of Morecambe. Unsurprisingly, Parker says he intends to reciprocate.
“He can try his best! And I am going to do the same to him. He hasn’t fought anyone like me before. I am confident with the new team that I have – nothing wrong with the old team and we achieved great things together – with Andy Lee in my corner and Tyson supporting and helping me. This camp will be by far the best camp I have been involved in. Every other camp was great, but I am going to make this one the best.”
An amusing element of Joyce’s press conference patter was an occasional quack in reference to the thinking that Parker was seeking to duck this fight and seek alternative employment.
Far from it, Parker insists, adding that he wants reflections on his career to centre on his plan to take on all comers. “I want to be remembered as a fighter who fought everyone. A lot of people were saying I wasn’t going to fight Joe Joyce and that I was ducking him, but it was the fight that we wanted and it is why we are here. Credit to him because he could have just waited, waited for his chance to fight for a world title, but he wants to put it on the line. Both fighters see this as the perfect fight and it is the most challenging fight out there for me and for him. It is challenging for me because he hasn’t been beaten and a lot of people think he is invincible and can take every punch out there. They call him the juggernaut, but I will show everyone what I can do in the ring. I am not sure what I am going to do. Whether I dance around and jab his head off, put the pressure on him. It will come together with Andy Lee and he is the person to come up with the perfect game plan. We execute it well and it will be a great night for Team Parker.”
Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on September 24th at the AO Arena, Manchester – are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.
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Parker set to face Joyce, with Sept. 24th the new date
The trading of verbal jabs during an opening press conference was an unfamiliar experience for Joseph Parker, as the ex-WBO heavyweight title holder is more used to exchanging pleasantries with forthcoming opponents. But with his proposed collision with Joe Joyce mired in confusion and delay for a considerable period before it was finally made official, there was an undercurrent of tension and ill-feeling in the air at the BT Sport studios when the two heavyweights got together to reveal that an accord had been reached and preparations for September 24th at the AO Arena in Manchester can begin. Parker (pictured) told Dev Sahni in an exclusive UniBet Lowdown interview that he also had to endure the angst of fractured negotiations and he is happy that they will soon be able to trade leather along with insults.
“It was the first press conference I have been involved with that was quite fiery,” said the New Zealander. “Because of the lead up to making this fight happen there is a lot of frustration from both sides. We were outnumbered at the top but, if (manager) David Higgins was here, he would have had a lot to say. Ultimately, it is great the fight is locked in now. We have a date, a venue and there are two guys who want to smash each other’s faces in.”
Joyce promised to inflict ‘dents’ to the facial features of the 30 year-old Parker, who now trains alongside Tyson Fury in the seaside town of Morecambe. Unsurprisingly, Parker says he intends to reciprocate.
“He can try his best! And I am going to do the same to him. He hasn’t fought anyone like me before. I am confident with the new team that I have – nothing wrong with the old team and we achieved great things together – with Andy Lee in my corner and Tyson supporting and helping me. This camp will be by far the best camp I have been involved in. Every other camp was great, but I am going to make this one the best.”
An amusing element of Joyce’s press conference patter was an occasional quack in reference to the thinking that Parker was seeking to duck this fight and seek alternative employment.
Far from it, Parker insists, adding that he wants reflections on his career to centre on his plan to take on all comers. “I want to be remembered as a fighter who fought everyone. A lot of people were saying I wasn’t going to fight Joe Joyce and that I was ducking him, but it was the fight that we wanted and it is why we are here. Credit to him because he could have just waited, waited for his chance to fight for a world title, but he wants to put it on the line. Both fighters see this as the perfect fight and it is the most challenging fight out there for me and for him. It is challenging for me because he hasn’t been beaten and a lot of people think he is invincible and can take every punch out there. They call him the juggernaut, but I will show everyone what I can do in the ring. I am not sure what I am going to do. Whether I dance around and jab his head off, put the pressure on him. It will come together with Andy Lee and he is the person to come up with the perfect game plan. We execute it well and it will be a great night for Team Parker.”
Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on September 24th at the AO Arena, Manchester – are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.
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Golden Boy Fight Night to feature women's unification bout |
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Tickets are now on sale for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Valle vs. Nguyen. The card will take place on Thursday, September 8th at Ciudad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica and will be broadcast live on DAZN, the Golden Boy Boxing YouTube page and on the MarvNation YouTube page starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET. The main event will feature the first-ever world title unification fight in Costa Rica as IBF minimumweight champion Yokasta “Yoka” Valle (25-2, 9 KOs) gets a big hometown fight vs. WBO champion Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen (5-0, 1 KOs) of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in a ten-round bout.
The newly announced co-main event will feature a bad-blood rematch between WBC interim super flyweight titleholder Sonia Osorio (15-7-2, 2 KOs) and Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz (11-0-1, 6 KOs). The two will meet again after their first bout ended in a technical draw following an early stoppage that was due to a cut above Osorio’s left eye that was caused by an accidental headbutt.
Osorio captured the WBC interim bely in October 2019 when she outboxed Estrella Valverde en route to a unanimous decision. She has faced top fighters such as Seniesa Estrada and Marlen Esparza and plans to retain her title for a second time against Ruiz. “I’m very happy to once again fight against Adelaida Ruiz,” said Sonia Osorio. “It’s a fight that has been a long time in the making. Like always, I am working hard. I’m a professional, and I hope to deliver a great fight. I know it will be a great event, and I will retain my title because that’s why I have been training so hard.”
Ruiz’s only blemish is the technical draw against Osorio. The Los Angeles native immediately bounced back with knockout victories over Nancy Franco and Edith Flores. She is determined to become champion on Sept. 8th.
“This fight means a lot to me,” said Adelaida Ruiz. “I’ve wanted this fight for more than a year. I felt like they took the title away from me when I fought her in Mexico, but God has given me another opportunity to fight for the title. It’s a big step forward in my career, and I’m willing to sacrifice everything to win. We are training very hard for this fight. Sonia will see a different ‘Cobra,’ both mentally and physically.”
The following undercard bouts are also scheduled to take place:
Mexico City’s Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-5, 4 KOs) will return in a ten-round flyweight bout against Maria “La Imparable” Santizo (9-1, 5 KOs) of Guatemala City,.. opening up the televised card, Angel “El Moreno” Rodriguez (11-1, 8 KOs) of Pico Rivera, Calif. will battle Ivan Delgado (5-0, 3 KOs) of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico in a six-round lightweight bout... Raul “Money” Salomon (11-1, 9 KOs) of Long Beach, Calif. will return in a six-round super middleweight fight and ... Jose Garcia (15-1-1, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico will participate in an eight-round super lightweight fight.
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Golden Boy Fight Night to feature women's unification bout
Tickets are now on sale for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Valle vs. Nguyen. The card will take place on Thursday, September 8th at Ciudad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica and will be broadcast live on DAZN, the Golden Boy Boxing YouTube page and on the MarvNation YouTube page starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET. The main event will feature the first-ever world title unification fight in Costa Rica as IBF minimumweight champion Yokasta “Yoka” Valle (25-2, 9 KOs) gets a big hometown fight vs. WBO champion Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen (5-0, 1 KOs) of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in a ten-round bout.
The newly announced co-main event will feature a bad-blood rematch between WBC interim super flyweight titleholder Sonia Osorio (15-7-2, 2 KOs) and Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz (11-0-1, 6 KOs). The two will meet again after their first bout ended in a technical draw following an early stoppage that was due to a cut above Osorio’s left eye that was caused by an accidental headbutt.
Osorio captured the WBC interim bely in October 2019 when she outboxed Estrella Valverde en route to a unanimous decision. She has faced top fighters such as Seniesa Estrada and Marlen Esparza and plans to retain her title for a second time against Ruiz. “I’m very happy to once again fight against Adelaida Ruiz,” said Sonia Osorio. “It’s a fight that has been a long time in the making. Like always, I am working hard. I’m a professional, and I hope to deliver a great fight. I know it will be a great event, and I will retain my title because that’s why I have been training so hard.”
Ruiz’s only blemish is the technical draw against Osorio. The Los Angeles native immediately bounced back with knockout victories over Nancy Franco and Edith Flores. She is determined to become champion on Sept. 8th.
“This fight means a lot to me,” said Adelaida Ruiz. “I’ve wanted this fight for more than a year. I felt like they took the title away from me when I fought her in Mexico, but God has given me another opportunity to fight for the title. It’s a big step forward in my career, and I’m willing to sacrifice everything to win. We are training very hard for this fight. Sonia will see a different ‘Cobra,’ both mentally and physically.”
The following undercard bouts are also scheduled to take place:
Mexico City’s Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-5, 4 KOs) will return in a ten-round flyweight bout against Maria “La Imparable” Santizo (9-1, 5 KOs) of Guatemala City,.. opening up the televised card, Angel “El Moreno” Rodriguez (11-1, 8 KOs) of Pico Rivera, Calif. will battle Ivan Delgado (5-0, 3 KOs) of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico in a six-round lightweight bout... Raul “Money” Salomon (11-1, 9 KOs) of Long Beach, Calif. will return in a six-round super middleweight fight and ... Jose Garcia (15-1-1, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico will participate in an eight-round super lightweight fight.
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Boxingtalk's Sunday fight predictions |
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Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for Sunday's action, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Andres Campos (13-0) vs. Gilberto Pedroza (21-9-2) (Flyweights) … Prediction: Campos by clear unanimous decision;
Ryuya Yamanaka (17-3) vs. Jonathan Taconing (29-4-1) (Flyweights) … Prediction: Yamanaka by clear unanimous decision;
Kazuki Anaguchi (2-0) vs. Ranelio Quizo (10-2) (Bantamweights) … Prediction: Anaguchi by mid-round knockout;
Jun Blazo (16-6-3) vs. Takahiro Tai (3-1) (Super Flyweights) … Prediction: Tai by clear unanimous decision;
Masanori Rikiishi (11-1) vs. Tomjune Mangubat (15-3-1) (Super Featherweights) … Prediction: Rikiishi by late knockout;
Brandon Mitsuro Tajima (1-0) vs. Sung Min Lee (7-2-1) (Heavyweights) … Prediction: tajima by clear unanimous decision;
Sora Fukunaga (10-0) vs. Kenya Yamashita (14-5) (Featherweights) … Prediction: Fukunaga by mid-round knockout;
Hiroshige Osawa (37-5-4) vs. Jeo Santisima (21-4) (Super Featherweights) … Prediction: Santisima by close unanimous decision;
Ryo Miyazaki (26-2-3) vs. Azael Villar (18-1-3) (Flyweights) … Prediction: Miyazaki by mid-round knockout;
Hugo Hernandez Aguilar (18-7-1) vs. Juan Alejo Zuniga (25-11-1) (Flyweights) … Prediction: Aguilar by wide unanimous decision;
Kewin Gruchala (8-0) vs. Nabil Zaky (8-1) (Super Middleweights) … Prediction: Gruchala by clear unanimous decision.
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Boxingtalk's Sunday fight predictions
Here are Boxingtalk's predictions for Sunday's action, courtesy of MB Boxing Official:
Andres Campos (13-0) vs. Gilberto Pedroza (21-9-2) (Flyweights) … Prediction: Campos by clear unanimous decision;
Ryuya Yamanaka (17-3) vs. Jonathan Taconing (29-4-1) (Flyweights) … Prediction: Yamanaka by clear unanimous decision;
Kazuki Anaguchi (2-0) vs. Ranelio Quizo (10-2) (Bantamweights) … Prediction: Anaguchi by mid-round knockout;
Jun Blazo (16-6-3) vs. Takahiro Tai (3-1) (Super Flyweights) … Prediction: Tai by clear unanimous decision;
Masanori Rikiishi (11-1) vs. Tomjune Mangubat (15-3-1) (Super Featherweights) … Prediction: Rikiishi by late knockout;
Brandon Mitsuro Tajima (1-0) vs. Sung Min Lee (7-2-1) (Heavyweights) … Prediction: tajima by clear unanimous decision;
Sora Fukunaga (10-0) vs. Kenya Yamashita (14-5) (Featherweights) … Prediction: Fukunaga by mid-round knockout;
Hiroshige Osawa (37-5-4) vs. Jeo Santisima (21-4) (Super Featherweights) … Prediction: Santisima by close unanimous decision;
Ryo Miyazaki (26-2-3) vs. Azael Villar (18-1-3) (Flyweights) … Prediction: Miyazaki by mid-round knockout;
Hugo Hernandez Aguilar (18-7-1) vs. Juan Alejo Zuniga (25-11-1) (Flyweights) … Prediction: Aguilar by wide unanimous decision;
Kewin Gruchala (8-0) vs. Nabil Zaky (8-1) (Super Middleweights) … Prediction: Gruchala by clear unanimous decision.
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Lopez begins junior welterweight campaign with a win |
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Teofimo Lopez TKO7 Pedro Campa... Teofimo Lopez, the former world lightweight champion, knocked out Pedro Campa in the seventh round Saturday evening in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,553 at Resorts World Las Vegas. Beginning his campaign at junior welrterweight, Lopez shook off the ring rust in his first fight since losing the lightweight title to George Kambosos Jr. Campa (34-2-1, 23 KOs) weathered the early storm, but in the seventh, lightning struck in the form of a left-right combination. Campa rose to his fight, but Lopez connected on more than a half-dozen power shots to end the fight in conclusive fashion.
Lopez said, “I was at 135 pounds for nine years. It was killing my body, since I was a teenage kid, man. We want [world champion] Josh Taylor. We want these guys. We want {Regis} Prograis. We want {Jose} Zepeda. We want all the belts. We want to become two-time undisputed champion.”
There was another interested observer ringside, Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes Ryan Garcia. Lopez wants the biggest challenges and has no issue with a Garcia super fight.
“If Josh Taylor is too busy with his wedding and there’s nobody else around because the WBA belt is taken and the WBC is going to be fought with Zepeda and Prograis, then so fuc*ng be it," Lopez said.
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Lopez begins junior welterweight campaign with a win
Teofimo Lopez TKO7 Pedro Campa... Teofimo Lopez, the former world lightweight champion, knocked out Pedro Campa in the seventh round Saturday evening in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,553 at Resorts World Las Vegas. Beginning his campaign at junior welrterweight, Lopez shook off the ring rust in his first fight since losing the lightweight title to George Kambosos Jr. Campa (34-2-1, 23 KOs) weathered the early storm, but in the seventh, lightning struck in the form of a left-right combination. Campa rose to his fight, but Lopez connected on more than a half-dozen power shots to end the fight in conclusive fashion.
Lopez said, “I was at 135 pounds for nine years. It was killing my body, since I was a teenage kid, man. We want [world champion] Josh Taylor. We want these guys. We want {Regis} Prograis. We want {Jose} Zepeda. We want all the belts. We want to become two-time undisputed champion.”
There was another interested observer ringside, Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes Ryan Garcia. Lopez wants the biggest challenges and has no issue with a Garcia super fight.
“If Josh Taylor is too busy with his wedding and there’s nobody else around because the WBA belt is taken and the WBC is going to be fought with Zepeda and Prograis, then so fuc*ng be it," Lopez said.
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Undercard results from Las Vegas: Zayas wins again |
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Xander Zayas KO5 Elias Espadas ... Promising Puerto Rican junior middleweight Xander Zayas (14-0, 9 KOs) picked up a fifth-round knockout over Elias Espadas (22-5, 15 KOs). Zayas knocked down Espadas with a left hook in the opening round and finished the fight in the fifth with a sweeping right hand. The bout was the co-feature on Top Rank's Las Vegas show. Espadas, a ten-year pro, was stopped for the first time in his career. Zayas said, “I feel amazing. I’m glad to be back with a strap around me, a regional title, something amazing. It’s special to me to bring my first belt to the island. It's a step closer to my goal of becoming world champion.
“I promise it wasn’t intentional. I wasn’t trying to hit him low. I guess the punches were just landing there. Referee {Russell Mora}, I want to thank him. He gave me a chance. I just listened to the corner, and they told me, ‘Hey, forget about the body.’ Let’s get these head shots and then we’ll start working the body. And that’s what we did in round four on.”
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Featherweight Jose Enrique Vivas SD 8 Edy Valencia (19-8-6, 7 KOs), Scores: 77-75 Valencia, 77-75 Vivas, and 78-74 Vivas. Mexican got back on the winning track with razor-thin split decision in a fight that was spent mostly in close quarters.
Junior lightweight Andres Cortes (18-0, 10 KOs) UD 8 Abraham Montoya (20-4-1, 14 KOs), Scores: 79-73 (thrice). Las Vegas native Cortes had a satisfying homecoming, outworking the Mexican veteran over eight rounds. Cortes landed 42 percent of his power shots and outlanded Montoya in all but one round. Montoya stunned Cortes against the ropes in the sixth round, but his success was fleeting, as Cortes buckled down in the seventh and eighth rounds to remain undefeated.
Middleweight Troy Isley (7-0, 4 KOs) UD 6 Victor Toney (6-2-1, 5 KOs), Scores: 60-54 and 59-55 2x. U.S. Olympian Isley did not blow away Toney, but he got some hard-earned rounds en route to a convincing points verdict. He faced a little adversity in the fourth round courtesy of a pair of Toney right hands, securing his fourth win of 2022.
Featherweight Duke Ragan (7-0, 1 KO) UD 6 D'Angelo Fuentes (7-1, 4 KOs). Scores: 59-55 2x and 58-56 2x. The U.S. Olympic silver medalist passed the stiffest test of his young career, using a stiff jab and lateral movement to prevail in the battle of unbeatens. Fuentes had a big moment in the second round, momentarily stunning Ragan with a left hook. The Cincinnati native shook off the blow and closed strong down the stretch.
Junior welterweight Omar Rosario (8-0, 2 KOs) UD 6 Esteban Munoz (6-2, 4 KOs), Scores: 58-56 3x. Puerto Rican star Rosario picked up his fourth straight decision with a tougher-than-expected battle against Munoz, who entered the fight riding a four-fight winning streak.
Lightweight Charlie Sheehy (4-0, 3 KOs) UD 4 Juan Castaneda (2-1-2), Scores: 40-36 3x. Bay Area product Sheehy went the distance for the first time as a pro, batting away the constant pressure of Castaneda en route to the shutout decision.
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Undercard results from Las Vegas: Zayas wins again
Xander Zayas KO5 Elias Espadas ... Promising Puerto Rican junior middleweight Xander Zayas (14-0, 9 KOs) picked up a fifth-round knockout over Elias Espadas (22-5, 15 KOs). Zayas knocked down Espadas with a left hook in the opening round and finished the fight in the fifth with a sweeping right hand. The bout was the co-feature on Top Rank's Las Vegas show. Espadas, a ten-year pro, was stopped for the first time in his career. Zayas said, “I feel amazing. I’m glad to be back with a strap around me, a regional title, something amazing. It’s special to me to bring my first belt to the island. It's a step closer to my goal of becoming world champion.
“I promise it wasn’t intentional. I wasn’t trying to hit him low. I guess the punches were just landing there. Referee {Russell Mora}, I want to thank him. He gave me a chance. I just listened to the corner, and they told me, ‘Hey, forget about the body.’ Let’s get these head shots and then we’ll start working the body. And that’s what we did in round four on.”
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Featherweight Jose Enrique Vivas SD 8 Edy Valencia (19-8-6, 7 KOs), Scores: 77-75 Valencia, 77-75 Vivas, and 78-74 Vivas. Mexican got back on the winning track with razor-thin split decision in a fight that was spent mostly in close quarters.
Junior lightweight Andres Cortes (18-0, 10 KOs) UD 8 Abraham Montoya (20-4-1, 14 KOs), Scores: 79-73 (thrice). Las Vegas native Cortes had a satisfying homecoming, outworking the Mexican veteran over eight rounds. Cortes landed 42 percent of his power shots and outlanded Montoya in all but one round. Montoya stunned Cortes against the ropes in the sixth round, but his success was fleeting, as Cortes buckled down in the seventh and eighth rounds to remain undefeated.
Middleweight Troy Isley (7-0, 4 KOs) UD 6 Victor Toney (6-2-1, 5 KOs), Scores: 60-54 and 59-55 2x. U.S. Olympian Isley did not blow away Toney, but he got some hard-earned rounds en route to a convincing points verdict. He faced a little adversity in the fourth round courtesy of a pair of Toney right hands, securing his fourth win of 2022.
Featherweight Duke Ragan (7-0, 1 KO) UD 6 D'Angelo Fuentes (7-1, 4 KOs). Scores: 59-55 2x and 58-56 2x. The U.S. Olympic silver medalist passed the stiffest test of his young career, using a stiff jab and lateral movement to prevail in the battle of unbeatens. Fuentes had a big moment in the second round, momentarily stunning Ragan with a left hook. The Cincinnati native shook off the blow and closed strong down the stretch.
Junior welterweight Omar Rosario (8-0, 2 KOs) UD 6 Esteban Munoz (6-2, 4 KOs), Scores: 58-56 3x. Puerto Rican star Rosario picked up his fourth straight decision with a tougher-than-expected battle against Munoz, who entered the fight riding a four-fight winning streak.
Lightweight Charlie Sheehy (4-0, 3 KOs) UD 4 Juan Castaneda (2-1-2), Scores: 40-36 3x. Bay Area product Sheehy went the distance for the first time as a pro, batting away the constant pressure of Castaneda en route to the shutout decision.
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IBF schedules purse bid for Taylor vs. Ponce |
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On July 7th, the IBF ordered Josh Taylor, the world champion, and Jeremias Ponce to begin negotiations for the IBF 140-pound championship mandatory defense. An agreement was not reached within the time frame set forth by the IBF. Accordingly, the IBF has ordered a purse bid scheduled for Tuesday, August 23rd at 12:00 PM Eastern time.
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IBF schedules purse bid for Taylor vs. Ponce
On July 7th, the IBF ordered Josh Taylor, the world champion, and Jeremias Ponce to begin negotiations for the IBF 140-pound championship mandatory defense. An agreement was not reached within the time frame set forth by the IBF. Accordingly, the IBF has ordered a purse bid scheduled for Tuesday, August 23rd at 12:00 PM Eastern time.
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