Boxing Hall of Fame Editors John and Alex Rinaldi present the fans of pugilism with a rich and extraordinary array of stories, videos, cartoons, comics, book reviews, columns, photos, and writings from their award-winning staff for the mutual enjoyment and benefit to the serious Boxing Fan!

The Website where Boxing and its Legends come to Life!

 

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Former World Champion Tevin Farmer Takes on Oscar Barajas This Friday Night at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Undefeated Oluwfemi Oyeleye & Joshua Jones in Action

Allen Otto Takes on James Abraham in Battle of Undefeated Fighters

Philadelphia (September 25, 2023) –- This Friday night, former lightweight world champion, Tevin Farmer gets back into the ring for the second time in three months when he takes on Oscar Barajas in an eight-round lightweight bout at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The seven-bout card is promoted by R & B Promotions.

Farmer of Philadelphia is 31-5-1 with six knockouts. The 33-year-old Framer defeated Angelo Ward (1-0), Tim Witherspoon Jr. (6-1-1), Tyrone Luckey (4-1-1), Camilo Perez (9-0), Noel Echevarria (11-10), Emmanuel Gomez (14-0), Viktor Chermous (15-1-1), Angel Luna (10-0-1), Daulis Prescott (30-2), former world champion Gamailei Diaz, Ivan Redkach (19-1-1) and Dardan Zenunaj (12-2).

On August 3, 2018, Farmer traveled to New South Wales, Australia, and defeated Billy Dib (44-4) to win the IBF Junior League championship. Farmer defended the title four times with wins over James Tennyson (22-2), Francisco Fonseca (22-1-1), Jono Carroll (16-0-1) and Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1). Farmer came back after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus with a 10-round unanimous decision over Avery Sparrow on June 24th at the 2300 Arena.

Barajas of Zamora, Mexico has a record of 19-8-1. The 33-year-old Barajas has wins over Roxie Lam (7-1) as well as three big upset wins over Philly fighters Jerome Conquest and Damon Allen (16-1-1) as well as a decision win over Roberto Gomez (5-1) on March 4th in Newtown, PA.

In Six-Round Bouts:

Oluwafemi Oyeleye (13-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles takes on Jimmy Williams (18-12-2, 6 KOs) of New Haven, CT in a junior middleweight bout.

Carlos Rosario (9-3, 4 KOs) of Somerdale, NJ fights Phillip Davis (3-6-2) of Worcester, MA in a lightweight bout.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Joshua Jones (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Jonathan Perez (41-37, 33 KOs) of Barranquilla, COL in a lightweight contest.

In a battle of undefeated middleweights, Allen Otto (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pennsauken, NJ fights James Abraham (2-0, 2 KOs) of Queens, NY

Daniel Bean (2-1, 2 KOs) of Old Bridge, NJ scraps with Rob Perez (1-0) of Worcester, MA in a a heavyweight tussle.

Gandi Romain (0-1) of Irvington, NJ takes on debuting Beni Beguy of New York in a welterweight contest.

The fight will be streamed at

CLICK FOR STREAM

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Khalil Coe Remains Undefeated with Second Round Stoppage over Kenmon Evans in Orlando

NEW YORK (September 25, 2023) – Khalil “Big Steppa” Coe remained undefeated as he stopped Kenmon Evans in round two of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

The bout took place at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

At the beginning of round two, Coe dropped Evans with a right hook. Coe ended things when he landed a right to the side of the head and the bout was stopped as he fell to the ground at 1:21.

Coe, 179.6 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 7-0-1 with five knockouts. Evans, 179.8 lbs of New Smyrna Beach, FL is 10-2-1.

Coe is is co-managed by Split-T Management Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Photos by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

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The USA Boxing News Book Review

TONY CANZONERI

The Boxing Life of a Five-Time World Champion

By Mark Allen Baker

McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers

 (www. mcfarlandpub.com) – 224 pp

Reviewed by John Rinaldi and Alex Rinaldi

Sadly, every day the pages of history of championship pugilists from yesteryear do not just fade away, they disintegrate into a pile of forgotten ashes. The exploits of heavyweight rulers from over 60 years in the past may still be remembered, such as Rocky Marciano, John L. Sullivan, Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Jack Dempsey, Max Schmeling, James J. Corbett, Max Baer, James J. Braddock, and some others, but epic stories of the title holders of the lighter weights have been relatively obliterated.

Luckily for boxing purists and sports lovers, Mark Allen Baker has a knack and innate talent to somehow resurrect them and pump life into their legends.

One such ring immortal whose story has been reanimated by Mr. Baker for boxing fans of today is Tony Canzoneri. Every time we think we know about a fighter; Mr. Baker gives us hundreds more details that capture the imagination of the reader. In his newest tome, TONY CANZONERI – The Boxing Life of a Five-Time World Champion, the author takes the reader on a fistic journey through the Roaring Twenties and throughout the Great Depression. It is unbelievable that Canzoneri (1908-1959) was not only engaging in professional prizefighting while underage, but he was also fighting for a world title when he was only a mere 18 years old!

Canzoneri’s first shot at world title honors was when he faced the veteran NBA Bantamweight Champion Bud Taylor on March 26, 1927. Although he lost by a 10-round draw, it was a tremendous fight, and one of many that Mr. Baker has creatively brought to life in the pages of his newest book.

Mr. Baker’s style is that of a literary archeologist as he tirelessly unearths thrilling details that few authors do. Tony Canzoneri has become the latest boxing archeology discovery, like the findings of King Tutankhamun!

Even before we came out with the award-winning publication, The USA Boxing News, we were avid readers of books about the wonderful sport of boxing. Unfortunately, many times we would read a book and learn very little about the older fighters and their ring battles since a lot of writings were either simply rehashed versions of the same old lifeless stories or literally glossed over entirely. Even when they did talk about the fights the exciting details were either left unmentioned or often just skimmed over.

Not so with Mr. Baker.  When one peruses his works, vast knowledge of the subject is learned. The boundless information is not just focused on the book, in this case the immortal triple champion Tony Canzoneri, but of all the men he encountered in the roped square. Canzoneri faced 18 world champions and nearly every contender from the bantamweights all the way to the welterweights. Names of Billy Petrolle, Kid Chocolate, Barney Ross, Jimmy McLarnin, Lou Ambers, Johnny Jadick, Battling Shaw, Jackie “Kid” Berg, Johnny Dundee, Al Singer, Philly Griffin, Sammy Mandell, Benny Bass, Andre Routis and the aforementioned Bud Taylor are revivified back to life by lightning through the pages of Mr. Baker’s book.

Canzoneri was a masterful boxer who compiled a remarkable 137-24-10 (44 KO’s) record. Unbelievably, Tony was only stopped once in his career, and that was on a third-round TKO by the fists of welterweight KO artist Al “Bummy” Davis in his last fight on November 1, 1939, at Madison Square Garden.

In a book full of highlights, we enjoyed reading Tony’s battles with Jimmy McLarnin, Barney Ross, Bud Taylor and Andre Routis. You can feel the punches landing and hear the crowd screaming with excitement.

Who would have thought that following his esteem boxing career, Canzoneri would become a popular vaudeville and nightclub comic as part of a comedy team with Joey Adams and Mark Plant?

This is the type of book that once you read through it, you will go back and pore over various chapters again and enjoy the prizefighting adventures of Canzoneri.

If you are a boxing fan who yearns to learn something new and enjoy stories of fistic history, this is the book to read. It will also make a great Birthday, Hanukkah, or Christmas present.

This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

On a personal note, our grandfather Alex Giglia and his brothers Nick Giglia and Charlie Giglia use to frequent Tony Canzoneri’s Bar and Grill and eventually became great friends with him. For years they use to talk about him as one of the greatest fighters they ever saw. One aspect of his bar that they recalled was the huge photo of Canzoneri in his fighting prime that hung in his establishment with the words “This is Me” below it.

Thankfully, Mr. Baker has brought one more great fighter such as Tony Canzoneri back to life.

Other wonderful books by Mark Allen Baker include WILLIE PEP – A Biography of the 20^th Century’s Greatest Featherweight, The Fighting Times of Abe Attell, LOU AMBERS – A Biography of the World Lightweight Champion and Hall of Famer, The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937, CONNECTICUT BOXING – THE FIGHTS, THE FIGHTERS AND THE FIGHT GAME, Between the Ropes at Madison Square Garden, and Battling Nelson – The Durable Dane.

Mr. Baker’s books can be purchased in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon, in paperback and Nook Book versions at Barnes and Noble bookstores, Barnes and Noble’s website, and at bookstores around the globe.

On a side note, we were very touched by the author’s mention of his recently departed brother Matthew Robert Baker. For those who have lost a loved one, it welled our eyes up into tears.

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Tiger Johnson, Tyshawn Denson and Trinidad Vargas Get Wins over The Weekend

NEW YORK (September 19, 2023) – Three Split-T Management fighters got big victories over the weekend.

In Corpus Christi, Texas, Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with a eight-round majority decision over Ricardo Quiroz in a junior welterweight fight.

Johnson, 141,7 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 79-73 twice and 76076 and is now 10-0. Quiroz, 141.6 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 13-3.

In Mexico, 2023 National Golden Glove champion in junior lightweight Tyshawn Denson was impressive in winning a four-round unanimous decision over Jesus Gutierrez.

Densom scored a knockdown in round two and won by scores of 40-35 on all cards.

Denson of Akron, Ohio took home the 132-pound title this past May in Chester, Pennsylvania.

The 19-year-old began boxing at the age of four as he followed his great grandfather (amateur), father (professional) and older brother (amateur) into the sport. He then racked up an impressive mark of 143-12. In addition to winning the National Golden Gloves, Denson also was a 2019 Junior Olympic Qualifier, and 2016 Junior Olympic champion

In the same card, super flyweight Trinidad Vargas of Grand Prairie, Texas went to 4-0 with a four-round unanimous decision over Angel Morales.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards.

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Former World Title Challenger Bandon Adams Signs with Wise Owl Boxing Management

LOS ANGELES (SEPTEMBER 19, 2023)–Wise Owl Boxing Management has signed former world title challenger Brandon Adams.

Adams of Los Angeles has a record of 23-3 with 15 knockouts. The 34-year-old Adams is a distinguished fighter in the junior middleweight and middleweight divisions.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to manage Brandon. Brandon is an elite fighter at the pinnacle of his career and his time is now. He’s hungry and motivated and has a new team behind him to push him to the next level. He’s proven himself as a force to be reckoned with and has shared the ring with some of the very best fighters in the world. He showed that he is willing to fight anybody as he jumped in there with Charlo at middleweight on four week’s notice. His charismatic personality shines inside and outside of the ring. I can’t wait to see him in action where he can showcase his skills and show the world who he is,” said Mark Habibi of Wise Owl Management

“”I am super excited to be working with Mark and Wise Owl Boxing. This is an opportunity to start fresh and get straight to work. I am looking forward to seeing what is out there for me,” said Adams.

Adams began boxing at the age of 18 and had a very brief amateur career that saw him go 4-2.

Adams won his first 12 bouts before entering the Boxcino Tournament. Adams defeated distinguished fighters Daniel Edouard (23-4-2) and Raymond Gatica (14-2) before losing to Willie Monroe Jr. in the final.

The very next year, Adams dropped down to junior middleweight and made it to the finals of that tournament with wins over Alex Perez (18-1) and Vito Gasparyan (15-3-5).

The third time was the charm as Adams then starred on The Contender series as he was crowned champion as he defeated Tyrone Brunson (26-6-2), Ievgen Khytrov (17-1), Eric Walker (17-1) and 10-round beatdown of Shane Mosley Jr. (13-2) in the final.

That win parlayed Adams to a shot at WBC Middleweight champion Jermall Charlo.

After his spirited effort against Charlo on June 29, 2019, Adams came back with two impressive wins as he stopped Sanny Duversonne (11-2-2) in two rounds, and then on March 4, 2021, Adams stopped undefeated knockout artist Serhii Bohachuk in Puerto Rico.

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REPEAT!!

Joey Dawejko Decisions Colby Madison for Second Time in Four-Months and Captures WBC U.S. Heavyweight Title

Albright, Williams, McTamney, Watson, Johns, Morrison and Robinson Win at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia

Philadelphia (September 19, 2023) –For the second time in four months, Joey Dawejko won a unanimous decision over Colby Madison in a heavyweight bout a Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.

The eight-round win garnered Dawejko the WBC U.S. Heavyweight title and headlined an eight-bout card that was promoted by King’s Promotions.

Dawejko dominated the action by landing quick power shots that kept Madison at bay. Dawejko’s shots had Madison thinking twice about trying to attack. in round eight, Dawejko scored two knockdowns to sew up the victory.

Dawejko of Philadelphia won by scores of 80-70, 79-71 and 78-72 and is now 26-10-4. Madison of Baltimore is 11-6-2.

The fight was a rematch of a May 2nd fight for which Dawejko also won a unanimous decision at the same venue.

Quadir Albright dropped Demarcus Layton twice en-route to an 82 second stoppage in a six-round welterweight bout.

Albright of Philadelphia is 9-1 with nine knockouts. Layton of Little Rock, Arkansas is 9-6-1.

Dewayne Williams scored a mild upset as he stopped Brendan O’Callaghan in round two of their six-round middleweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 42 seconds for Williams of Philadelphia, who is now 4-7-1 with four knockouts. O’Callaghan of Philadelphia is 5-3-1.

Jackie McTamney made a successful pro debut with a fourth and final round stoppage over Brittany Dukes in a featherweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 59 seconds of the final frame for the Philadelphia native McTamney who is 1-0 with one knockout. Dukes of Kansas City is 0-5-1.

Tevon Watson dropped Tyler Zwicharowski three times, and that was the difference in their four-round middleweight bout.

Watson of Fort Worth, Texas took the unanimous decision by scores of 38-35 on all cards to go to 1-0. Zwicharowski of Philadelphia is 1-2.

Najeem Johns won a six-round unanimous decision over Muhammad Robinson in a battle of undefeated super lightweights.

Johns of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 5-0. Robinson of Baltimore is 6-1.

Canar Morrison won a four-round unanimous decision over Vincent Floyd in a middleweight bout.

Morrison of Harrisburg, PA won by scores of 40-36 twice and 40-35 and is now 5-1. Floyd of Philadelphia is 5-16-1.

Ibrahim Robinson took a six-round unanimous decision over Elizer Olmeda in a welterweight fight.

Robinson of Baltimore won by tallies of 60-53 twice and 59-54 and is 6-0-1. Olmeda of Gloucester, NJ is 3-4.

 

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World Boxing announces four more members

(September 13 ) The National Federations for boxing in Denmark, Mongolia, Panama and French Polynesia have been confirmed as the latest four members of World Boxing, the new international federation, established to keep boxing at the heart of the Olympic Movement and support the growth and development of the sport at local, regional, national and international levels.

The addition of four more countries means World Boxing now has 16 members.

Mongolia, which has a proud tradition in boxing and has won seven Olympic medals since 1988, is the first National Federation from Asia to join World Boxing and means it now has members from five continents.

The National Federation for French Polynesia is a new organization that has been approved by the country’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) and Sports Ministry. It has never been affiliated to IBA and is the first National Federation to be recognized by World Boxing that has not been a member of IBA.

All of the members have completed a rigorous application process to join World Boxing. They are deemed to be in good standing and, through their statutes and operating processes, able to demonstrate:

• A transparent and open election process for the appointment of office bearing roles

• The existence and operation of WADA-recognized anti-doping policies and processes

• Evidence of a structured, dispute resolution and appeals process that is either fully independent or subject to external input

• Formal recognition by either their National Olympic Committee (NOC) or Ministry for Sport

• Have a solid national and international boxing sports program

The applications were approved by the Executive Board of World Boxing and will be ratified at the organization’s inaugural Congress in November 2023.

All of World Boxing’s members will be invited to attend the Congress and have had the opportunity to nominate candidates for the offices of President, Vice President (VP) and places on World Boxing’s Executive Board and the Chairs of the Sport and Competition Committee, the Medical and Anti-Doping Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee. All full members will have voting rights at the Congress.

World Boxing’s Secretary General, Simon Toulson, said: “This is the third cohort of countries to join World Boxing in the last month and is a sign of both the desire for change that exists across the sport and the recognition by National Federations of the critical importance of boxing remaining at the heart of the Olympic movement.

“We have letters of intent from a healthy number of National Federations that plan to join World Boxing and are currently processing a backlog of additional membership applications, so it is clear that there are many countries that want to work with an international federation that is committed to integrity, honesty and excellence and creating a better future for the sport.”

World Boxing was publicly launched in April 2023 and aims to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement. It will seek recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and plans to work constructively and collaboratively to develop a pathway that will preserve boxing’s ongoing place on the Olympic competition program at Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.

Further information on World Boxing is available at www.worldboxing.org. 

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Dawejko vs Madison 2 Fight Week Schedule

King’s Promotions Press Conference on Wednesday, September 13th at Live! Casino & Hotel at 6 PM ET

Weigh In Friday at 6 PM ET

Joey Dawejko Rematches Colby Madison on Friday, September 15th at Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia

MEDIA MEMBERS PLEASE READ BOTTOM FOR CREDENTIAL DEADLINES AND INFORMATION

Philadelphia (September 13, 2023) –Below is the fight week schedule for a big night of boxing on Friday, September 15th at Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH–FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE

LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL PHILADELPHIA

LIBERTY ROOM (2ND LEVEL)

5:30 MEDIA ARRIVAL

6:00 PM PRESS CONFERENCE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH–WEIGH-IN

LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL PHILADELPHIA

LIBERTY ROOM (2ND LEVEL)

3:00 MEDIA ARRIVAL

3:30 FIGHTERS ON THE SCALE

(Get To Live! Early as Eagles Have Their Home Opener)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH–FIGHT NIGHT

6:00 PM Doors Open

7:00–First Bell

ABOUT SEPTEMBER 15TH

In a rematch of one of the more entertaining fights of the year, heavyweights Joey Dawejko and Colby Madison will once again do battle on Friday night, September 15th at the Event Center at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

The first crowd pleasing bout took place on May 2nd and saw Dawejko pound out a six-round unanimous decision at the same venue. This time the fight will be scheduled for eight-rounds.

Dawejko of Philadelphia has a record of 25-10-4 with 14 knockouts. The 33 year-old former World Junior Amateur champion has been a professional for 14 years and has had thrilling victories over Ricardo Johnson (1-0), John Lennox (6-0), Derric Rossy (28-7), Mark Rideout (4-0-2), Enobong Umohette (9-2), Natu Visinia (11-1), Demetrius Banks (9-1) and Kelvin Nunez (15-0). Dawejko is riding a four-fight winning streak, with his last win coming on June 17th as he starched Dennis Vance in the opening round in Atlantic City.

Madison of Baltimore is 11-5-2 with seven knockouts. The 40 year-old is looking to get even with Dawejko as that was his last ring appearance.

In six-round Bouts:

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Muhammad Robinson (6-0, 2 KOs) of Baltimore fights Najeem Johns (4-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia.

Quadir Albright (8-1, 8 KOs) of Chester, PA fights DeMarcus Layton (9-5-1, 6 KOs) of Little Rock, Arkansas in a welterweight bout.

Brendan O’Callaghan (5-2-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on DeWayne Williams (3-7-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight clash.

Ibrahim Robinson (5-0-1, 5 KOs) of Baltimore takes on Eliezer Olmeda (3-3) of Gloucster, NJ in a welterweight contest.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Tyler Zwicharowski (1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights debuting Tevin Watson in a super welterweight contest.

Canar Marrison (4-1, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA fights Vincent Floyd (5-15-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight rematch of a fight that saw Morrison score a fourth-round stoppage in March

Jaclyne Mctamney of Southampton, PA will make her pro debut against Brittany Dukes (0-4-1) of Kansas City in a featherweight contest.

TICKETS ARE $50, $75 and $125 and can be purchased at the Following link

CLICK FOR TICKETS

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A star is born!

Undefeated Bader “ The Master” SamreenStops Jose Paez Gonzales in 5^th round

Rising Stars Arabia results from Abu Dhabi, UAE

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (September 10, 2023) –Rising Jordanian lightweight Bader “The Master” Samreen (9-0, 8 KOs) made a loud statement in last night’s main event against veteran Jose “Cuate” Paez Gonzales (16-3-2, 12 KOs) in the inaugural event in the Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) series, the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The milestone event, sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission, was promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

 

The first professional boxer from Jordan, Samreen was a solid amateur boxer, highlighted by his bronze medal at the prestigious 2018 AIBA Youth World Championships, but he moved his base to Dubai when he turned pro because Jordan didn’t have proper boxing facilities for professionals.

The 23-year-old Samreen took full advantage of the opportunity to fight in the main event on a card, when Moussa Gholam suffered an injury during training camp that prevented him headlining the RSA card that was streamed live on DAZN from Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena.   

Samreen won the first four rounds versus Gonzales, who had lost only once in his previous 13 fights, until he closed the show with a technical knockout midway through round five.

In the co-featured event, local favorite Sultan Al Nuaimi (10-0, 6 KOs) made the most of his first 10-round bout, taking a convincing 10-round decision from super flyweight Jemsi Kibazange (19-4, 5 KOs). Al Nuaimi overcame an opening-round knockdown, closing the show by taking control in the final four rounds.

The beat continued for undefeated cruiserweight Mohammed “The Destroyer” Bekhash (26-0, 23 KOs), who lived up to his nickname, extending his win streak to 26 with his 23^rd knockout against Musa “Hitman” Ntege (8-5, 6 KOs). A native of Syria who fights out of Germany, Bekhash won his 14^th straight fight by stoppage.

Undefeated Jordanian Bishara Sabbar (7-0, 4 KOs) captured the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Silver World super featherweight title with an impressive eight-round unanimous decision over dangerous Mohd Azahar (8-6-1, 7 KOs).

The local boxing commission overruled an apparent first – round stoppage of welterweight Sheldon Schultz (pro debut) by Egyptian Olympian Marwan Mohamad Madboly (2-0, 1 KO) near the end of round one. Madboly dropped Schultz but the commission declared the outcome a no contest , because Madboly unintentionally punched Schultz when he was down on the canvas.  

Another Egyptian Olympian, Yousef Karrar (2-0, 1 KO), registered his first knockout as a professional boxer, when heavyweight Muhammad Muzeei (0-1) was unable to continue after two rounds.

Iranian welterweight Benyamin Moradzadeh (1-0) turned in an auspicious pro debut, taking a dominant six-round unanimous decision from previously unbeaten Rohit Choudhary (4-1-2, 0 KOs).

Yousuf Ali (3-0, 0 KOs), of Bahrain, defeated featherweight Semugenyi Alex (0-2) by way of a four-round unanimous decision.

UAB middleweight Fahad Al Koori (2-0, 2 KOs) opened the show with a technical knockout win over Ibrahime Junior Lubege (0-2) midway through the opening round.

Complete results below:

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Unbeaten Dina Thorslund semi-unifies the Female Bantam Title with 10-round points win over Yuliahn Luna Avila

Story by Per-Ake Persson

Holstebro, Denmark. WBO female bantamweight champion Dina Thorslund, now 20-0, underlined her world class status on September 1, as she clearly outscored WBC counterpart Yuliahn Avila Luna (25-4-1) to unify the titles in the headliner of TK Promotions and Disrupt Promotions show at the Grakjaer Arena. Thorslund, 29, of Struer, Denmark, can be called one-dimensional and one-paced, but she is top fit and what she does she does well and what she does is put pressure on her opponents every second of the rounds. Avila, 29, of Gomez Palacio, Durango, MX, boxed sharply behind her jab but could never keep her opponent away for long, At the end it was scored 97-93, 99-91 and 98-92.

 “I would like to give an applause to Luna, because I want to be the best, and that means I have to meet the best. I just want to thank her for an amazing fight. This is what real boxers want, the tough fights,” Thorslund remarked after the victory.

When asked about WBA champ Nina Hughes, who was doing the commentary and then met with Thorslund in the ring, Dina said, “Me and Nina want to meet. But she wants to meet Ebanie (Bridges) first to take the IBF and keep the WBA, then we can meet and fight for the four belts.”

Super middleweight Jakob Bank, 11-0, knocked out Almir Skrijeli, 18-6, from Montenegro 32 seconds in the second round of a scheduled eight-rounder. Bank was in full control all the way and early in the second he floored Skrijeli with an uppercut. Almir got up but as Bank put on the pressure he went down again and was counted out.

Brazilian super middle Herbert Sousa, 5-0 impressed as he took apart Polish veteran Robert Talarek, 27-22-3, Sousa won Olympic Gold in the 2021 and was much too good for a worn-out club fighter like Talarek, who still gave it all he had but after two knockdowns in the second it was stopped at 1:35.

In the show opener featherweight Mikkel Gribsholt, 2-0, showed promise as he stopped Georgian Bchao Jintcharadze, 2-7, 2:30 into the fourth and final round. 

Irish super lightweight Steven Cairns, 6-0, stopped Pole Marian Wiesolowski, 3-8-1, 15 seconds into the second of a scheduled six-rounder. Cairns hurt his opponent, who staggered into the ropes where the referee seemed to give him a standing eight count – and then it was stopped and ruled as a knockout win for Cairns.

 

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Undefeated Dominic Valle in Action TONIGHT in Plant City, Florida

Valle takes on Damian Alcala

NEW YORK (September 6, 2023) – TONIGHT at the White Sands Event Center in Plant City, Florida, Undefeated featherweight Dominic Valle will be back in action as he tales on Damian Alcala in a six-round bout.

Valle, who is managed by Split-T Management is 6-09 with five knockouts.

The 22 year-old Valle is from Lutz, Florida and scored a sixth round stoppage over Carlos Rosario (6-1) in Plant City.

Alcala of Chula Vista, California is 7-2 with one knockout. The 29 year-old Alcala has a win over Nestor Luna Alonso. Alcala has won three straight fights, which includes a six-round decision over Eduardo Olorza Rivas on April 28th in Tijuana, Mexico.

Valle is promoted by Pro Box Promotions. The bout can be seen on Pro Box TV at 8 PM ET.

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Undefeated Jordanian lightweight prospect Bader “The Master” Samreen

New headliner against Jose Paez Gonzalez

 Rising Stars Arabia boxing series launches this Saturday in Abu Dhabi, UAE

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (September 6, 2023) – Due to a training camp injury suffered by Moussa Gholam, undefeated Jordanian lightweight prospect Bader “The Master” Samreen (8-0, 7 KOs) has been elevated to the 10-round main event for this Saturday’s launch of the Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) series, the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Samreen will face veteran Mexican fighter Jose “Cuate” Paez Gonzales (16-2-2, 12 KOs) in the milestone event, promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), steaming live on DAZN from Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena. It is sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission.

The first professional boxer from Jordan, Samreen embodies the spirit of the new RSA series, which will be a game-changer in the Arab boxing world, providing a platform to showcase the best of Arab boxing talent to international and regional audiences. The gifted Jordanian boxer captured a bronze medal at the prestigious 2018 AIBA Youth World Championships as an amateur. When he turned pro in 2021, he moved to Dubai because Jordan didn’t have proper boxing facilities for professionals.

Samreen gained invaluable exposure in the boxing world fighting on the undercard of two major pay-per-view events held in Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk-Anthony Joshua II, and Jake Paul-Tommy Fury.

Gonzales has a 10-1-2 record in his last 13 fights.

The 10-round co-featured event, UAE super flyweight prospect Sultan Al Nuaimi (9-0, 6 KOs) meets Jemsi Kibazange (18-6-3, 5KOs), of Tanzania. Al Nuaimi, known for his speed and agility, is a hometown favorite in UAE, where he is one of only a few professional boxers in addition to being an amateur champion there.

Undefeated cruiserweight force Mohammed “The Destroyer” Bekdash (25-0, 22 KOs), fighting out of Germany by way of his native Syria, has been added to the card in an eight-round bout versus Musa “Hitman” Ntege (8-4,, 6 KOs), of Uganda. The hard-hitting Bekdash is riding a 13-fight knockout streak dating back to 2015.

Another Jordanian boxer, Bishara Sabbar (6-0-0, 4KOs), is matched against India’s Mohd Azahar (8-5-1, 7KOs) in an eight-round bout for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World super featherweight title.

Also fighting on the undercard are a pair of Egyptian Olympians, welterweight Marwan Mohamad Madboly (2-0, 1 KOs) and heavyweight Youssef Karrar (1-0, 0 KOs, fighting in six and four-round matches, respectively, against South African Sheldon Schultz (4-4, 4 KOs), and pro-debuting Muhammad Muzeei, of Uganda.  

Unbeaten welterweight Rohit Choudhary (4-0-2,  KOs), of India, is matched against Iran’s pro-debuting Benyamin Moradzadeh in a six-rounder, while Bahrain featherweight Yousuf Ali (2-0, 0 KOs) faces Semugenyi Alex (0-1), of Uganda, in a four-round contest.  

AAM Seddiqi Sports has been promoting and managing fighters in the region for 10 years and it has a growing stable of more than 30 gifted regional and global talents. Its events include five world title shows that have been broadcasted globally on ESPN, Sky Sports, and other major networks.

DCT Abu Dhabi is responsible for promoting, protecting, and progressing the emirate by driving the strategic and sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors. As part of its mandate, the department is responsible for promoting regional and global sporting events in the emirate.

Tickets to Rising Stars Arabia are on sale now at abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net. Leading up to the event, fans can find updates on the AAM Seddiqi Sports Instagram channel @seddiqiboxing and on seddiqiboxing.com.

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Fans flock to the Showboat Hotel on the Atlantic City Boardwalk to witness fistful action of fun staged by Joe Frazier Jr. Promotions

Story by Janine Rinaldi

Photographs by John Rinaldi

Atlantic City, NJ. Joe Frazier Jr. and Mis Downing promoted a fun-packed card at the Bourbon Room in the Showboat Hotel on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in Atlantic City on August 26. The promotion had what fans love to see – plenty of aggressive fighting and exciting knockouts.

The summer months in Atlantic City make it a special spot to witness boxing matches. The beaches are free, there are tons of amusements, and the historic Boardwalk alone is worth the visit.

On this night, there were five bouts that featured up-and-coming pugilists fighting their hearts out. On account of this, the fans on hand had a rousing good time.

The first bout of the evening featured welterweights Khaalid “Brown Sugar” Billings, of Rockaway, Queens, NY, facing local Atlantic City fighter Aaron Newmones.

Billings, 149.7, wasted little time in going after Newmones, 145.1, as he blasted away with spearing jabs and right-hand smashes. Before one could even blink an eye, Newmones was knocked to the canvas. Although Aaron managed to beat referee David Franciosi’s count, his reprieve turned out to be a truly short one.

Once the action resumed, Billings (3-0, 2 KO’s) went on the warpath and barely gave Newmones a chance to throw his punches to defend himself.

Suddenly, Khaalid unloaded with a smashing right hand that sent his adversary down for the second time. Like a ring phoenix, the Atlantic City fighter once again got to his feet, but the Fat Lady was about to sing her tune as Billings opened up with a fury of rights and lefts as he pummeled Newmones into the ropes. That was all for Franciosi to witness, as he halted the bout at 1:34 of Round 1.

It was a very impressive performance by Billings, and he will be back again at the Showboat on September 29 to face Jamall Williams.

Newmones fell to 1-4 with the loss.

In another welterweight contest, Nimal Farmer remained unbeaten with a 6-round unanimous decision over Nelson “Nelly” Morales by identical scores of 60-54.

Farmer, 146, is a big puncher who occasionally switches from orthodox to a southpaw position to get his foes off track. Against Morales (4-9, 1 KO), Farmer, of Lindenwold, NJ, was effective with right jabs to the head and belly of his rival. Though Morales, 145.9, bravely punched back, he was often driven into ropes where he took a lathering of leather.

Morales, of the Dominican Republic, but now residing in Scranton, PA, had his supporters in the audience who cheered him on like a war hero. They even made fun of Farmer’s trunks as they yelled out, “Get him man, he’s wearing a skirt!”

To his credit, Farmer tried his utmost to finish off his man and Morales was able to hold up to all his shots. While Nelson took a terrific beating, he was still not afraid to trade blows with his aggressive foe.

By the fifth round, Farmer was in control, but Morales made a good fight of it. The crowd wanted a knockout, so much so that a comment shouted by a fan of Nimal could be heard saying, “Take him to dinner later.”

After five rounds of domination, Farmer, 23, came out for the sixth and final round virtually exhausted. Morales, 31, noticed that his opponent was winded and tried to take advantage of the situation by increasing his punch rate and landing combinations. As a testament to his grit, Nimal simply would not be deterred and sucked it up and had the best of the exchanges.

With the win, Farmer improved to 5-0 (4 KO’s) and already has two bouts lined up at Harrah’s Philadelphia, in Chester, PA, on October 21 and December 9. Farmer is a fighter to follow.

The third bout featured Kevin Traynor, who ventured all the way from Denny, Scotland, only to be battered by Devin “The Most Dangerous” Gantt in four rounds of the scheduled six super bantamweight contest.

Gantt, 126, of Sicklerville, NJ, is an unbeaten KO artist who does not waste any time bombarding his foe. In the opening round, the southpaw Gantt gave his Highlander rival a painful welcome by sending Traynor crashing to the canvas with a terrific right hand. The Scotsman courageously got up to his feet and boldly fired back at Gantt. Traynor, 133, extended his U.S. visit a little longer by taking a fusillade of punches as he lasted out the opening frame.

Over the next two rounds, Gantt, 28, was in total control, even though Traynor, 35, bravely stood up and punched back. Although he was getting outgunned and outmanned, the Scotsman held up under the onslaught by Gannt.

Traynor’s luck eventually ran out in Round 4 when he took a savage beating that sent him crumbling to the canvas as if struck by a train. Seeing enough punishment, referee Shada Murdaugh mercifully stopped matters at 1:18 of Round 4.

One almost expected to hear a bagpipes rendition of Taps for the mournful Scott.

With the victory, Gantt kept a perfect KO record of 5-0 (5 KO’s), while Traynor tumbled to 1-5 (1 KO).

The thrilling knockouts continued in the fourth contest when Shinard “Showtime” Bunch, of Brooklyn, NY squared off against Abraham Afful, of Accra, Ghana, in an 8-round super lightweight fight.

Both fighters were big bangers, so you knew that there would be fireworks in the ring.

The opening frame was non-stop action as the two clashed with both fists. Bunch, 149, was the sharper puncher and made Afful, 142.1, pay for every punch he attempted to land. Shinard’s blows packed the bigger wallop and he repeatedly stopped Afful in his tracks with his 1-2 combination of a jolting jab followed by a crackling right hand.

In Round 2, Bunch increased his pressure and forced his rival into the ropes with a barrage of fists. Then, midway through the session, Shinard landed a thunderbolt right hand that dropped Afful to the ring floor.

Referee Shada Murdaugh began his count and tolled the fatal “10” while Afful (12-6-1, 12 KO’s) rising on legs that appeared to be replaced by corn stalks barely got to one knee.

The sudden and explosive ending came at the 1:35 mark of the second round.

 “I feel good,” said Bunch (21-2, 17 KO’s). “A lot of people look for a knockout when I fight, so I ended this in the second.”

The main event of the evening featured Christopher Pearson, of Selma, TX, taking on Derrick “Take it to the Bank” Webster, of Glassboro, NJ, for the vacant NBA Super Middleweight Championship.

The NBA is a fine organization that is run by Damon Gonzalez. NBA title fights have a history of action fights mixed with upsets.

On this night, the pattern remained intact as Christopher Pearson, who has not fought since being KO’d by Carlos Gongora over two years ago on April 17, 2021, held Derrick Webster to a 10-round majority draw.

Since Pearson tipped the scales above the super middle limit at 172, he would not have been able to win the title, but he sure as heck came to win.

Webster, 166, was the fan favorite in this battle of southpaws and scored well with speedy right jabs. Pearson meanwhile concentrated on a steady body attack.

Over the first half of the bout, Webster was in control as he outscored his man with quick shots from the outside.

In the sixth round, the fans wanted to see more action, and one screeched out from the darkness, “It’s past my bedtime!” Hearing this, Pearson slowly took control as he began stalking Webster and forcing him back with right hands to the head and ribs.

Over the final four rounds, Pearson appeared to take command of the fight as he repeatedly outpunched the backpedaling Webster. Each frame brought a higher level of confidence to Pearson, who may have engaged in one of the best fights of his pugilistic career.

At the bell ending the tenth and final round, it was felt that Pearson may have closed the gap that Webster opened in the early going.

One judge had Webster winning at 96-94, the other official had Pearson the victor at 96-94, while the deciding judge had it a draw at 95-95, thereby making the fight a majority draw decision.

The USA Boxing News also scored the bout 95-95.

For someone who was given little chance to win, Pearson did a remarkable job in obtaining the draw verdict.

“I felt Webster was busy, but he made a lot of pauses that gave me the chance to win,” said Pearson (17-3-1, 12 KO’s). “Not having fought in two years, I was rusty. I was trying to wait for one shot. He [Webster] was a good fighter.”

As for Webster (29-4-1, 14 KO’s), he was another class act afterwards. “I don’t have any excuses. I made a lot rounds closer than they had to be. A majority draw is a fair verdict. I would like to fight Pearson again,” remarked Webster.

It looks as if Joe Frazier Jr. Promotions will try to get the two fighters back in the ring before the end of the year. Next up for Webster is a fight against Daniel Aduka at the Showboat in Atlantic City on September 29.

The bouts ended at 11 PM, which was early enough to catch the Showboat Water Park After Party! That is exactly what separates Atlantic City from all the other venues – the excitement continues well after the clang of the final bell.

 

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Boxing’s disappearing champion Oleksandr Usyk finally shows his face again in the ring after a year’s absence to KO Daniel Dubois in 9 to retain WBO/WBA/IBF/IBO heavyweight titles

Story by Per-Ake Persson

August 26 – Wroclaw, Poland. When talks of a fight between WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk and WBC counterpart Tyson Fury collapsed, K2 and Queensberry quickly came to an agreement about Usyk (21-0, 14 KO’s) fighting WBA mandatory challenger (and secondary champ) Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois (19-2, 18 KO’s) in Wroclaw, Poland, near the Ukrainian border.

It was a big night for Usyk, and for war-torn Ukraine, as he retained the titles with a ninth-round knockout over a good, but not overly brave challenger.

The fight was off to quick start with Usyk, a southpaw, consitently moving well and scoring with his potent right jab, which alone is an excellent weapon. Although Dubois looked well prepared for his challenge, it was the champion who got off first and won the rounds.

In the fourth Dubois, of Greenwich, London, UK, did better as Usyk, of Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine (but now residing in Oxnard, CA) slowed down a bit and early in the fifth the Englishman scored with a right hook/uppercut that to some landed on the belt line, but to others looked like a blatantly low punch. Usyk immediately went down to the canvas in pain as the referee Luis Pabon made what seemed as a correct ruling that the punch was low – and that the blow was accidental. Usyk was down for several minutes, but finally got up and took almost four minutes to recover. 

The fight eventually resumed, and Usyk survived the round with Dubois again looking to score to the body, but he missed, or the punches were blocked – so he strayed low again, but Mr. Pabon would have none of it.

As much as Daniel Dubois was younger, bigger, and stronger, Usyk had something for him and the challenger faded a bit and then tired some more. Considering that the fight was barely passed the halfway point, there was no excuse for the challenger’s lack of wind and courage. To make matter worse, under heavy pressure Dubois often seemed to lose his balance and took a knee to get out of trouble, which, of course, was ruled a knockdown.

The writing was soon on the wall and in the ninth round Usyk, 36, poured it on again going after the challenger as if he stole the Ukrainian’s sheep. Like deja vu, but in a bad way, Dubois once more was under pressure and off balance and looking very disoriented as the champion landed a jab, hard and clean, that landed on Dubois’ jaw and caused him to sit down in a quitter’s retreat where he was counted out at 48 seconds into the ninth.

Promoter Frank Warren said they would file a protest and ask for the fight to be declared a no contest and have an immediate rematch ordered.  That is what a promoter is supposed to do. He is to look after his fighter, but to most observers the punch in round five was low and Dubois’ lack of heart when going got tough should rule him out and he should be told to fight his way back into contender status.

The disappointed Dubois said after the fight about the punch that sent the heavyweight champion to the canvas, “I didn’t think that was a low blow, I thought it landed.”

Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren remarked, “It was a complete home decision. I like Usyk, but he was not fit to go on and they gave him a couple of minutes to recover.”

Usyk was down on the canvas for 3 minutes and 45 seconds!

Editor’s Note: While apparently ducking Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, Usyk has only made two defenses of his heavyweight “championship” over the past two years. No wonder that the average boxing fan does not know who he is, or worse yet simply does not care. The only true heavyweight king out there is Tyson Fury. Usyk can hold most of the title belts, but his inactivity is just making him look like paper champion, or tin soldier. One has a better chance of seeing Halley’s Comet return then to see Usyk take on either Fury or Wilder – both of whom should be able to knock him out for the ten-count – and easy at that.

In the chief support Denys Berinchuk (18-0) and Anthony Yigit (27-4-1) met again, eleven years after they met in the 2012 Olympics in London. Back then Berinchuk won by one single punch (this was during the days of the points machine) and advanced to win a Silver Medal. He stayed in the amateurs and was late with turning pro but now at 35 he is ready to make his move even if his progress has been slow mainly due to Corona Virus and the war against Russia.

Yigit on the other hand turned pro in 2013 and won the EBU title and has challenged for a world title twice but his career is on a downhill trend especially after a loss to Keyshawn Davies where he soaked up a bad beating.

Berinchuk vs. Yigit became a tense tactical battle where the Ukrainian, switching between southpaw and orthodox, picked his shots well, stalked the Swede but often did not work hard enough while Yigit, a southpaw, moved well and moved fast and for a while an upset looked likely. However, Yigit faded in the later rounds and Berinchyk picked up the pace and secured a unanimous decision on the scores of 117-111, 116-112 and a too close 115-113. Yigit finished with a cut eye and a busted-up face. Berinchyk retained the WBO International title.

Tall British middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz (18-0) impressed as he defended the WBC Silver title against a brave but outclassed opponent in Dmytro Mytrofanov (13-1-1). The Ukrainian was down three times in the first and once in the second and had no defense against the sharp punches from Sheeraz.

Light heavy Daniel Lapin (8-0) won the vacant IBO Continental title by stopping German Aro Schwarz (20-7-1) in the fourth. Lapin, a tall, rangy, fighter used his reach well and did not allow Schwarz to come near him. The German went down in the fourth and the towel came in.

In a fight between unbeaten fighters, Frenchman Anauel Ngamissengue (13-0) showed what hard work and determination can do against a technically superior opponent. Ukrainian Fiodor Czerkaszyn (22-1) boxed very well but went down twice in the third and from then on it became a life and death struggle for him as Ngamissengue just kept coming, ate punches, was made to miss badly but kept a very fast pace and that won the fight for him. It was scored 76-74, 78-72 and 75-75 at the end of this exciting eight-rounder.

The son of Prince Naseem Hamed, Adam Hamed, made his pro debut and stopped Vojtech Hrdy (1-3) in the first round. Hrdy froze against the ropes and was retired by his corner.

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Natural growth major reason for Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez moving up to cruiserweight division

Oct. 7^th vs. Joe Smith, Jr. on DAZN from Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (September 1, 2023) –- At the age of 32 and coupled with 14 years as a professional boxer, natural growth has forced former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) to move up in weight to the cruiserweight division from light heavyweight.

“Zurdo” will make his cruiserweight debut on October 7^th versus former world light heavyweight champion Joe “The Common Man” Smith, Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) at a 190-pound catchweight, headlining a Golden Boy Promotions event to be streamed live on DAZN from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Ramirez, fighting out of Mazatlán, Mexico, has simply outgrown the 175-pound weight class. In several of his most recent fights, “Zurdo” has entered the ring nearing just shy of 200-pounds, despite officially making weight the day before.

“This fight marks my move up to the cruiserweight division,” Ramirez explained. “This decision is based on a combination of factors that my team and I carefully considered. One of the main reasons is my natural growth and development as an athlete. As I’ve progressed during my career, I’ve gained muscle mass and strength, making it more suitable for me to compete in the cruiserweight division.

“Additionally, we believe that this move will provide exciting new challenges and opportunities for me. The cruiserweight division is known for its competitive and diverse talent pool, and I’m eager to test my skills against opponents with different styles and strengths. This transition also aligns with my long-term goals in the sport, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to make a positive impact in this new weight class. I’ve worked closely with my coaches and trainers to ensure a smooth transition in terms of training, strategy, and overall preparation. While it is a new chapter in my career, I’m embracing the change and looking forward to proving myself at cruiserweight.”

Ramirez hasn’t fought since his unsuccessful challenge last November against World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitriy Bivol (20-0), dropping a 12-round unanimous decision in Abu Dhabi. “Zurdo” was scheduled to fight March 18^th as a light heavyweight versus Gabe Rosado, but their fight was canceled when Ramirez came in overweight.

Rather than take a tune-up fight in his new weight class, “Zurdo” will take on Smith, who has defeated Bernard Hopkins, Andrzej Fonfara and Eleider Alvarez, among the more notables. The dangerous New Yorker from Long Island has stopped 22 of the 28 opponents he has defeated to date.

“I have nothing but respect for Joe,” Ramirez said. “He is a hard hitter and former world champion. But when I made this move to cruiserweight, I specifically asked my promoter for the toughest guys in the division to create a path to a world title fight. I’m a fighter and there has never been a fight I’ve dodged or turned down in my career and this is no different.

“Of course, any fight at this level will definitely shape the future and the next possible steps. I know how hard the stakes are and I want to prove to myself that I can be a world champion in this division.”

Ramirez was still highly rated as a light heavyweight when he announced his decision to campaign as a cruiserweight: The Ring #4, WBO #6, and WBA #7.  

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CountryBox Inks Major Distribution Deal

Wildly Popular Series To be Shown Live on All Major Cable and Satellite Providers Beginning with This Tuesday Night’s, September 5th card

Undefeated Justin Biggs in Action

Chann Thonson Takes on Nikolai Buzolin for WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (August 31, 2023)–Jimmy Adams Promotions is pleased to announce a distribution deal that will see the popular CountryBox series be televised all over the United States on all major Cable television and Satellite providers.

The deal will begin with this Tuesday night’s (September 5th) six bout card from the Troubadour in Nashville, Tennessee.

The card will go into 100 million homes on the following channels on each Cable/Satellite Provider:

Dish Network–Channel 218

Comcast/Xfinity –Channel 1495

Fios–Channel 662

Frontier–Channel 162

ATT U-Verse–Channel 459/1459

Spectrum–Channel 189

GCI–Channel 142

Cincinnati Bell–636

Buckeye Cable–Channels 161/572

Direct TV–Channel 242

Plus on the web on www.countrybox247.com and FITE.TV

The fight card will feature undefeated Junior Middleweight Justin Biggs (12-0, 10 KOs) vs Eric Bossler (6-4, 5 KOs)

llightweight Chann Thonson (14-0, 11 KOs) talking on Nikolai Buzolin (9-5-1, 5 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas Title

Plus undefeated fighters Erick Arrellano (6-0, 4 KOs), Emes Orta (4-0, 4 KOs) and Jaquan Carty (2-0, 1 KO) plus local favorite Kevin Torian.

Fans watching will also be treated to the sounds of country music star Rodney Collins.

The action begins at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT and 5 PT.

The fights will be called by Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame broadcaster Marc Abrams and two-time NFL All-Pro Albert Haynesworth.

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Undefeated Prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum Fighting in LA for first time in initial 8-rounder

LOS ANGELES (August 31, 2023) – Undefeated prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (6-0, 6 KOs) will experience a few firsts on September 16^th in his toughest test to date during his young professional career versus veteran Mexican fighter Ricardo Adrian “Tyson” Luna (25-10-2, 16 KOs) at Commerce Casino and Hotel in Los Angeles.

The 26-year-old Fulghum, who is a promotional free agent, will be fighting in L.A. for the first time in his first scheduled eight-round bout.

“I’m excited to be fighting on a good card on DAZN,” Fulghum commented. “I’ve built a good network there (in LA at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood) and I’ll have a lot of people coming from home (Texas), too.

“Nothing really changes in training (preparing for his first eight-rounder at a lighter weight). Every time I had a four or six round fight, I prepared for it like it was a 12-round fight. Same for this fight but with even more focus.”

Luna has become a “gatekeeper” having fought top prospects at various stages of their respective careers such as (16-0) Albert Ramirez, (19-0) Diego Pacheco, (30-0) Eric Bazinyan and (16-3) Ryota Murata. Luna’s most notable fight was a draw with 21-2 Vyacheslav Shabranskyy.

“I’m not putting pressure on myself to get a knockout,” Fulghum said, “Every fighter will tell you, if a knockout comes, it comes. My style is wear-and-tear to break down my opponent. Will I take a knockout? Yes, but I’m not planning for it.”

Fulghum will be fighting for his fourth time in five months, a pace that perfectly suits “DFG” as he transitions from light heavyweight to super middleweight, fighting Luna at a 172-pound catchweight.

“I’d like to ramp it up even more because it builds my experience,” Fulghum explained his accelerated pace of development. “I haven’t suffered any damage in my fights and I’m always in the gym training.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. All of his amateur accomplishments were achieved while he attended college.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), NABA super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

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Austin Brooks improves to 11-0 with KO of Anthony Chavez in round six at sold-out

Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma

TACOMA, Wash. (August 27, 2023) – A sold-out crowd of nearly 2,000 fans enjoyed a memorable night of boxing last night, presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

“I will remember this show for a long, long time,” co-promoter Whit Haydon said. “It was a special night that I will have a hard time forgetting and that same sentiment was imparted to me as well by many others in the building”

Boxing spotlight back to the Great Northwest and rising super featherweight prospect Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs), making his debut as a headliner in his first scheduled 10-round fight versus dangerous Anthony Chavez (11-4-1, 3 KOs) in the main event.

The 27-year-old Brooks, fighting out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, stepped up in class against Chavez, a 2015 USA National Championships bronze medalist as an amateur.

Brooks, who has already fought several times on the ESPN platform, cemented his reputation as a rising star with an electric knockout of Chavez in the sixth round, culminating an epic evening of boxing at Emerald Queen.

Brooks vs. Chavez was a strategic battle that abruptly ended in the sixth round, when Brooks trapped Chavez in a corner with his hands down. Brooks, a southpaw, cracked Chavez with a powerful left that sent Chavez to the canvas. He was able to beat the count, however, Brooks attacked his dazed opponent, unloading a barrage of unanswered punches until referee Joel Scobee waved off the fight.

The co-featured event couldn’t have been more evenly matched as Seattle featherweight Gregory Cruz (5-2-1, 3 KOs) and Roberto Negrete (4-2-1, 2 KOs) fought to a six-round split-draw. Cruz and Negrete traded blows from start to finish, throwing more than 1500 combined punches, according to a ringside statistician, in an immensely entertaining confrontation.

Undefeated Portland super lightweight prospect Lorenza Caldera (7-0, 4 KOs) responded in a positive manner in the stiffest test of his young pro career, stopping Filipino veteran boxer Jake “D’ Twins” Bornea (14-5-1, 7 KOs), the former WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight Champion, in the second round.

Fan favorite Joshua Cadena (2-0, 1 KO), a lightweight fighting out of nearby Auburn (WA), much to the delight of his many supporters on hand, took an impressive four-round unanimous decision from a gritty Dan Hernandez (2-3, 1 KO) in a war of attrition that was like an old fashioned “barnburner.” The back-and-forth, action-packed fight was compelling for the pumped-up fans who were on their collective feet throughout the entire four rounds, in which Cadena showcased his tremendous skills, energetic style, and promising potential.

Undefeated Puerto Rican welterweight prospect Axl Melendez Salgado (7-0, 4 KOs) kept his unblemished pro record intact, although highly questionable work by referee Louis Jackvony tarnished the outcome versus Tulsa welterweight Lyle McFarlane (2-2, 1 KO). The competitive match-up was marred by the referee’s overshadowing of the two boxers, ruling three dubious – at best – deductions against McFarlane. Salgado was leading fairly comfortably when Jackvony waved off the fight in the fourth round, unfairly declaring a win for Salgado by disqualification, resulting in a chorus of boos from fans.

Detroit super lightweight Wesley Rivers (1-3) pulled off a mild upset, winning three of four rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards for a four-round unanimous decision victory over Richard Ray Howell (4-3-2, 2 KOs), of  San Antonio (TX). The evenly matched fight was clearly headed to being a draw when Rivers registered a late knockdown for the win.

Compton (CA) super lightweight Angel Rebollar (7-3, 3 KOs) and super lightweight Esteban Munoz (7-4, 4 KOs) set the pace and tone for the evening in the opening bout. Rebollar, who was a 2019 USA Western Regional Junior Open Champion as an amateur, and Chavez stood toe-to-toe, pounding each other from the opening bell to the end of this rare five-round match, which ended in a split decision for Rebollar.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENTS – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs), Coeur d’Alene, ID

WTKO6 (2:43)

Anthony Chavez (11-4-1, 3 KOs), San Bernardino, CA

CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS

Gregory Cruz (5-2-1, 3 KOs), Seattle, WA

SD6 (58-56, 57-57, 56-58)

Roberto Negrete (4-1-2, 2 KOs), West Liberty, IA

WELTERWEIGHTS

Axl Melendez Salgado (7-0, 4 KOs), Ceiba, Puerto Rico

WDQ4 (1:46)

Ean Hernandez (2-3, 1 KO), Riverside, CA

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS

Lorenzo Caldera (7-0, 3 KOs), Portland, OR

WTKO2 (1:19)

Jake Bornea (14-6-1, 7 KOs), General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines

Wesley Rivers (2-3, 0 KOs), Detroit, MI

WUDEC4 (39-36, 39-36, 39-36)

Richard Ray Howell (4-4-2, 2 KOs), San Antonio, TX

Angel Rebollar (7-3, 3 KOs), Compton, CA

WSDEC5 (49-46, 49-46, 47-48)

Esteban Munoz (7-4, 4 KOs), San Bernardino, CA 

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Josue Cadena (1-0, 1 KO), Auburn, WA

WUDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-36)

Dan Hernandez (2-2, 1 KO), Riverside, CA

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Split-T Management Signs Amateur Standout Donte Layne

NEW YORK (August 28, 2023) – Split-T Management is pleased to announce the signing of Donte Layne to an exclusive management contract.

The 20-year-old Layne is a native of Elmont, New York.

Layne began boxing at the age of eight after his family would have backyard fights, and young Donte wanted to go to the gym.

Layne had an 85-fight amateur career that saw him go 74-11. He won the 2015 and 2017 Junior Olympics as well as a 2017 Silver Gloves title. Layne also won four U.S. National titles, which included the 2021 Elite National Championship and the 2022 Elite National Golden Gloves and National Championship.

He competed at 165 pounds and will campaign as a super middleweight in the professional ranks.

“I am excited to sign with Split-T Management. I am ready to show the world who I am, I was an elite amateur and now I am going to show my skills as a professional,” said Layne.

Layne is already preparing for his pro debut, which is slated for August 25th.

“I have been getting a steady flow in camp. I have been working on distance and head movement. I am ready to put on a show on August 25th,”

The 6’1″ Layne is trained by Anthony Santiago and Kenyatta Harris.

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Joe Frazier Jr. and Mis Downing Promotions Championship Boxing Press Conference and Weigh-In at Lucky Snake Arcade & Sports Bar at The Showboat Hotel

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (AUGUST 26, 2023)–TODAY!!!! Joe Frazier Jr. and Mis Downing promotions will host a press conference and weigh-in in conjunction with a championship night of boxing that will take place a night later at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City.

The Press Conference/weigh-in will begin at 12 PM and will feature all fighters that will be participating on the fight card. The featured bout will be a 10-round fight for the NBA Super Middleweight Title between Derrick Webster and Christopher Pearson. Also seeing action will be junior welterweight Shinard Bunch taking on Abraham Afful.

Press conference will take place at the Lucky Snake Arcade & Sports Bar

ABOUT AUGUST 26TH FIGHT CARD

On Saturday night, August 26th, Joe Frazier Jr. and Mis Downing Promotions will present a night of championship boxing that will coincide with the previously announced Ultimate Experience Weekend.

The boxing card will take place at The Showboat Hotel and will be headlined by a 10-round bout featuring Derrick Webster taking on Christopher Pearson for the NBA Super Middleweight championship.

Webster of Glassboro, New Jersey has a record of 29-4 with 14 knockouts. The 41 year-old Webster is a 14 year-professional who has defeated Obodai Sai (23-1), Thomas Awimbono (25-5), Frankie Filippone (22-5-1), Francisco Cordero (38-9) and his last outing when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Christian Thomas on April 29th in Philadelphia.

Pearson of Selma, Texas is 17-3 with 12 knockouts. The 32- year-old Pearson won his first 13 bouts with wins over Arturo Crespin (10-2-1), Acaclo Jose Fereira (13-0-1), Steven Martinez (15-1), Siad El Harrak (12-2) and Janks Trotter (9-1-1). Pearson also has wins over Joshua Okine (28-6-1) and world title challenger Yamaguchi Falcao (16-0).

In the eight-round co-feature, Shinard Bunch will take on Abraham Afful in a super lightweight contest.

Bunch of Trenton, NJ has a record of 20-2-1 with 16 knockouts. The 24 year-old is a four-year professional who has wins over Shyngyskhan Tazhibay (9-1-1) and former world title challenger Hank Lundy. Bunch is coming off a split decision loss to Bryan Flores on April 7th in Brooks, California.

Afful of Accra, Ghana is 12-5-1 with all of his wins coming via knockout. The 26 year-old is a 13 year professional who has a win over Joseph Tagoe (2-0). Attful has lost two straight and is looking to get back in the win column after losing to Angel Beltran Villa on June 23rd in Ontario, California.

In a six-round super bantamweight bout, Devin Gantt (4-0, 4 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ takes on Kevin Traynor (1-4, 1 KO of Denny, Scotland.

Nimal Farmer (4-0, 4 KOs) of Lindenwold, NJ fights Nelson Morales (4-8,1 KO) of Scranton, PA in a junior welterweight contest.

In four-round bouts:

Khaalid Billings (1-0) of Queens,NY takes on Aaron Nemones (1-3) of Atlantic City in a welterweight contest.

Tickets are $150 for Premium Floor, $125 for Premium Balcony, $90 for General Floor and $65 for General Balcony and can be purchased BY CLICKING HERE

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PHILADELPHIA (August 25, 2023)–Banner Promotions has signed junior lightweight contender Destiny Jones.

Jones, 24 years-old of Georgetown, Texas, has a record of 5-1 with two knockouts.

Jones who is known for her all-action and aggressive style who looks for knockouts, is the first female fighter signed to Banner Promotions.

“It is an honor to have Destiny signed to Banner Promotions. My good friend David Watson brought her to us, and she is a very aggressive fighter who makes good fights. She has the talent and ability to become a world champion, and we plan to make that happen for her,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.

“Being the first female fighter to sign with Banner makes me grateful, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent them. My goal is to not only become world champion, but undisputed champion,” said Jones.

Jones started boxing at the age of 13 as he uncle, Nelson Trevino was an amateur boxer. Jones began training in a shed in the backyard. “My uncle was actually trying to get my younger brother to start training, but I wanted to try. I punched my uncle once in the face, and made his nose bleed,” continued Jones.

Destiny had over 100 amateur fights and won tournaments such The National Junior Open Championship, USA Boxing Eastern Elite, and National Women’s Golden Gloves.

Jones turned professional with a four-round unanimous decision over Janina Lopez on September 25, 2021. In Destiny’s most recent outing, she captured the ABF Inter-Continental Junior Lightweight champion with a first round stoppage over Brittany Ordonez on May 5th in San Antonio.

Nicknamed, “Too Sweet”, Jones was a cheerleader before she took up boxing. She is trained and managed by Dave Watson.

Jones has a brother who a a wide receiver for Kansas Sate University.

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A Roughrider in and out of the Ring

Former Light Heavyweight and Cruiser King

Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill

Story by Joseph Rinaldi

Virgil Hill fought his way to the championship stage more than once, becoming both light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion multiple times. His determination, passion, and inspiration for the sport of boxing landed him the coveted North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens. Virgil Hill is the 48^th recipient of the award.

According to the state of North Dakota, the award was established during the 1961 Dakota Territory Centennial. The award recognizes North Dakotans who have been influenced by the state in achieving national recognition in their fields of endeavor, thereby reflecting credit and honor upon North Dakota and its citizens. And this distinction can be seen in Virgil Hill.

 “Quicksilver” was born in Missouri in 1964, but raised in Grand Forks and Williston, North Dakota. It was in the Peace Garden State where he fell in love with the sport and dreamed of fighting his way to the top. Virgil started by winning a silver medal in the middleweight division during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. And that was just the beginning.

Virgil earned his way to the rings in Madison Square Garden, Atlantic City and Las Vegas. He became a five-time world champion, setting the record for the number of light heavyweight title defenses and was a first-round inductee into both the National Boxing Hall of Fame and International Boxing Hall of Fame. He holds a remarkable career professional record of 51 wins, 7 losses, and 23 wins by knockout.

Hill never ducked anyone in his era and fought the likes of Roy Jones Jr., Bobby Czyz, Donny Lalonde, Fabrice Tiozzo, Lou Del Valle, Frank Tate, Dariusz Michalczewski, Adolpho Washington, Leslie Stewart, Thomas Hearns, Jean-Marc Mormeck, and Henry Maske, and those battles are arguably some of the most memorable in the light heavy and cruiser divisions. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum chose Virgil for many reasons, but Hill’s constant honor to his past and history set him apart.

 “His journey from a talented amateur boxer to renowned professional champion and role model for youth exemplifies the power of dedication, determination and a strong connection to one’s roots,” said Burgum. “His impact extends far beyond the boxing ring, making him a champion not only in the sport but also in his commitment to his community and the causes he holds dear.”

According to the state, Hill proudly represented his home state and Native American heritage in all walks of life. The former champion enjoys a close relationship with and the support of MHA Nation in North Dakota. In fights in North Dakota, across the United States and around the world, Hill carried the North Dakota state flag into the ring while wearing a tribal headdress. Thousands of North Dakotans packed venues in Bismarck, Minot, Grand Forks, and Fargo for his home state fights to witness Hill’s impressive feats in the ring. Crowds turned out in North Dakota arenas to witness Hill’s 13 successful defenses of his WBA light heavyweight title. Virgil ended his career with “One Last Stand” in Bismarck at the Civic Center on February 28, 2015, where he won by a 2^nd Round TKO against Jimmy Campbell.

“My whole life has revolved around everything I learned as a kid in North Dakota and trying to pass it on to the next generation,” said Hill, “It’s a huge honor, and I appreciate everyone in North Dakota so much. This award is bigger than any title, any belt, or any medal. To be acknowledged by my home state is amazing. My heart will always be in North Dakota.”

Governor Burgum says the award will be presented later this year with Hill in person at a date and location to be announced soon.

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Road Trip to Manassa, Colorado – The Birthplace of Jack Dempsey

Story by Joseph Rinaldi

Photos by Jackie Rinaldi and Joseph Rinaldi

To really experience what the United States has to offer, I suggest you simply get into your car and drive. Whether you go by yourself, with your family or a friend, it is a life-changing experience. My family members are typically my road trip pals. We pick a destination, pack some of our favorite snacks, and hit the road.

Thanks to my dad and road trip pal, John Rinaldi, and constantly moving for my job as a TV news director, I just needed to cross one more state off my list to visit all 50 states: New Mexico. This summer, I did just that. My mom and I flew to Denver and drove south to New Mexico. The adobe buildings, southwestern food and stunning views were amazing, but one stop is a must, especially for boxing fans: Jack Dempsey’s Birthplace Museum.

You are probably thinking, Jack Dempsey is the Manassa Mauler from Manassa, Colorado. That is not New Mexico; however, it lies on the border between the two states. So, my mom and I took the 2-hour drive from Santa Fe, NM to Manassa, CO.

The drive itself is breathtaking. We saw wildlife, like wolves and pronghorns, and we saw just how beautiful the desert can be. Once you crossed into Colorado, the mountains came up on both sides of our car and we found ourselves in the small town of Manassa.

In Manassa, we found our way to the museum and met the curator, Michelle Richardson. She has been managing the museum for years and has a deep family history to Manassa. Michelle, along with her mother and grandmother even met the boxing giant in their small town. One parade memory also ended with a sweet kiss from the champ himself to her grandmother! He was the champion of the world, but to everyone in Manassa and the valley region of Colorado, he was their hometown hero.

The museum dedicated in 1966 is actually the cabin where the legendary former heavyweight king was born and raised. The house was moved only a few blocks to the location it stands today. Within the four walls of this cabin, there are artifacts from his early days in Colorado to his championship battles in the ring.

 

Dempsey was heavyweight champion from 1919 after knocking out Jesse Willard until 1926, when he lost to Gene Tunney. He reigned king of the ring at the height of boxing during the Roaring Twenties, when the glitz and the glamour of Hollywood and athletes ruled the American popular culture. Jack Dempsey was the best and most popular.

In this museum and around it, you can take a step back in history. Follow his humble roots and heritage and behold how he became the man and the pugilistic immortal he is today. From his Cherokee background to his immediate family, he lived and fought with his heart on his sleeve in Manassa and beyond.

There are heroes and then there are Jack Dempseys. The sport of boxing really catapulted into a world-wide phenomenon thanks to Dempsey.

From the boxing gloves to the shoes he wore, you can see how tough some of those fights were. The gloves and scuffmarks from those famous and historical fights are enough to really comprehend just how tough he was, as well as his iconic competitors.

Remember, heroes do not just pop up in our big cities. Sometimes, they are made in the Heartland by people like you and me. It is important to remember where we come from and just how vital it is to honor and visit the many communities in this country. The hardworking men and women from East to West and in the Heartland work every single day inspiring others. Jack Dempsey once said, “A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t.” He learned that from his childhood in Manassa.

So, if you need a place to explore in our country, look to Colorado and the New Mexico border. There is a ton to see already, but really explore these towns, like Manassa, because these are the places where champions are made every single day.

The Jack Dempsey Birthplace Museum is located at 412 Main Street in Manassa, Colorado. The visiting hours are 10-5 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. It is closed during lunch from 1:00 to 1:30. Admission is free. The contact number is (719)-843-5207.

Tell them you heard about the museum on The USA Boxing News Website.

 

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Jeter Promotions Signs Former Top-Five Rated Middleweight Immanuwel Aleem to A Promotional Deal

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND (AUGUST 18, 2023)–Jeter Promotions is proud to announce the signing of former top-five rated middleweight Immanuwel Aleem to an exclusive promotional Contract.

Aleem, 29 years-old of Richmond, Virginia has a record of 18-3-2 with 11 knockouts.

“I am excited to sign with Jeter Promotions. I have been in the gym with Tony Jeter for the last decade. He has always been great and very hospitable. I see him doing his own shows and he wanted to promote me early on. But now is the right time for that to happen,” said Aleem.

“I am just going to follow suit. This is the first time I have had a promoter. I made it to the top-five without a promoter. Now being with Tony, who is a former fighter, he had big fights, and he knows what it takes to get to the top. He is building an excellent stable of fighters with Elijah Pierce who is a top-10 fighter, and I know he can do the same with me and lead me toward a world title opportunity.”

“I feel that in the last three fights that I needed someone in my corner, and I believe Jeter Promotions will help me in that regard.”

“Not that long ago, Immanuwel was ranked number-five in the world by the WBC at middleweight. I think he has the ability to contend for a world title. Jeter Promotions is happy to sign another world class fighter fighter,” said Tony Jeter of Jeter Promotions.

Aleem began boxing at the age of 12 after his brother wanted to try something new and they were fighting in school, that spawned an amateur career that saw Aleem go 69-17 and become top-three in the nation as a junior.

Aleem turned professional on June 23, 2012 with a first-round stoppage over Jess Noriega in Arlington, Virginia. Aleem won his first 16 bouts that were featured by wins over Oscar Riojas (12-2) and Jonathan Cepeda.

On January 14, 2017, Aleem scored a sixth-round stoppage over highly regarded undefeated Ievgen Khtrov to win the WBC Silver Title. Aleem is coming off a majority decision defeat to Amilcar Vidal on January 17, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas.

Aleem has one child.

He has been in the camps of Errol Spence Jr, and Jermall Charlo.

Aleem trained by his father Omar Aleem.

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Rising Stars Arabia boxing series to unveil The Dawn of Arab Boxing showcasing the UAE’s & Middle East Region’s Elite Talent

September 9^th in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (August 15 2023) – Rising Stars Arabia (RSA), the first fighting series of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is set to host a milestone event on September 9th at Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena, promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism,  Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The new series will be a game-changer in the Arab boxing world, providing a platform to showcase the best of Arab boxing talent to international and regional audiences.

“Seddiqi Sports has pioneered the sport in the region, and we recently celebrated our 10-year anniversary of opening Round 10 boxing club in the UAE,” AAM Seddiqi Sports Founder Ahmed A. Seddiqi said. “It’s time to show the world that in addition to hosting major events in the region, we also have homegrown talents that can perform at the highest level of boxing and become superstars of the sport. We are proud to host this monumental boxing event  in Abu Dhabi and would like to thank DCT Abu Dhabi for believing in us and putting its trust in the RSA platform.”

Sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission, the RSA event will be broadcasted live on regional and international platforms such as Abu Dhabi Sports TV and ESPN Knockout, further bolstering Abu Dhabi’s reputation as the combat sports capital of the Arabian Peninsula.

“The arrival of Rising Stars Arabia in the emirate further cements Abu Dhabi’s status as a regional hub for combat sports and other major athletic events and franchises,” commented HE Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. We remain committed to enabling the development of homegrown talent and are proud to support this impressive line-up of Emirati and Arab fighters who are helping to promote and elevate the sport in the UAE and wider regions. With this ground-breaking fight series, not only are we nurturing a sport, but we are also proving once again that Abu Dhabi is a premier tourism destination offering diverse and exciting entertainment experiences to our residents and visitors from around the world.”

Click on link to view the promo video:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cvw0ofUOsuh/?igshid=NjIwNzIyMDk2Mg==

Headlining the inaugural event is the fight between Moroccan super featherweight Moussa Gholam (20-1-0, 12KOs), currently rated 14th by the World Boxing Council (WBC), against former world title challenger Matias Carlos “La Cobrita” Adrian Rueda (37-2-0, 32KOs), of Argentina, in a 10-round match. This fight marks Gholam’s debut in the Middle East; the winner will position himself as a legitimate world title contender. Gholam, who is a former WBC Youth Silver and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental champion, is eager to establish his hold as the future of Arab boxing. Rueda is a past WBO World featherweight title challenger, as well as a former WBO Latino super featherweight and featherweight titleholder, and South American Featherweight Champion.

The 10-round co-main event will pit undefeated UAE super flyweight prospect Sultan Al Nuaimi (9-0-0, 6KOs) against Jemsi Kibazange (18-6-3, 5KOs), of Tanzania. Al Nuami, known for his speed and agility, made waves with his most impressive career performance at the last event promoted by Matchroom Boxing in Abu Dhabi. He is one of only a few professional boxers in the  UAE, where he was an amateur champion, and he is expected to put on a thrilling show for his home crowd.

Bader Samreen (8-0-0, 7KOs) is a titan from Jordan’s professional boxing scene and a bronze medalist as an amateur at the World Championships. Seven of his eight victories to date as a professional have been by way of jaw-dropping knockouts, each more electrifying than the last. Samreen will be stepping into the ring against a tough, experienced Mexican fighter, lightweight Jose “Cuate” Gonzales (16-2-2, 12KOs), who’s vast skills ensure a memorable fight.

Also fighting on the undercard is another Jordanian boxer, Bishara Sabbar (6-0-0, 4KOs), who takes on India’s Mohd Azahar (8-5-1, 7KOs) in an eight-round bout for the vacant WBC Youth World super featherweight title.

Other fighters participating in this special event include a pair of Egyptian Olympians, cruiserweight Youssef Karrar (1-0-0, 0KO) and welterweight Marwan Mohamad Madboly (2-0-0, 1KO). Additional  bouts will include fighters from Iran, Bahrain,  and Morocco.

AAM Seddiqi Sports has been promoting and managing fighters in the region for 10 years and it has a growing stable of more than 30 gifted regional and global talents. Its events include five world title shows that have been broadcasted globally on ESPN, Sky Sports, and other major networks.

DCT Abu Dhabi is responsible for promoting, protecting, and progressing the emirate by driving the strategic and sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors. As part of its mandate, the department is responsible for promoting regional and global sporting events in the emirate.

Tickets to Rising Stars Arabia are on sale now at abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net. Leading up to the event, fans can find updates on the AAM Seddiqi Sports Instagram channel @seddiqiboxing and on seddiqiboxing.com.

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Elijah Pierce wants Ra’esse Aleem, Sam Goodman

World rated contender Elijah Pierce (18-2, 15 KOs) needed just three rounds to knock out Mike Plania (28-3, 15 KOs) on Friday night. The event was promoted by Overtime Boxing and streamed on DAZN. 

Pierce is currently world rated by the WBC, IBF and WBO. 

The 26 year old southpaw connected with a short and succinct shotgun left hand that dropped Plania, and the Florida-based Filipino fighter failed to pick himself back up from the canvas. This marks the first time Plania has been stopped in 31 fights. 

“I’ve been telling everybody, the power is real. I know I’m the hardest punching super bantamweight in the world. I feel like I’m the only one who can beat Inoue, as once he feels my shots he’ll respect me.”- said Pierce. 

Elijah’s manager Trifon Petrov has been pushing for a big fight for his fighter.

“This was an extremely impressive win for Pierce. He did the unthinkable and stopped Plania. Pierce is on a tear since we started working together, he won 9 in a row, 7 by knockout. He paid his dues, he is ready for the biggest names in the weight class.”- said Trifon Petrov. 

After last week’s win, Pierce proved once again he is a top 5 fighter in the world. He is a high risk fight for all those rated above him, so whenever Elijah Pierce’s name comes up most fighters don’t even want to entertain a conversion about possibly fighting him. 

“I know my manager has been working on trying to make the Ra’esee Aleem fight. I will take this fight in a heart beat. Him and I are the best USA based fighters in the weight class. Let’s run it.” said Pierce. 

When asked about Stephen Fulton, here is what Pierce had to say. 

“Although I think Fulton is a great fighter and I respect him, I have seen a lot of flaws I could exploit and he also showed how he does with big punchers. If he and I ever fight, it would be another one-sided beating just like what Inoue did to him… would he fight me though is the question?”

Pierce wouldn’t mind going overseas and fighting some of the big names there either.

“I’ve gone to people’s hometowns and embarrassed them in front of their families and friends. I wouldn’t mind going to Australia and doing the same to Sam Goodman.”- said Elijah Pierce. 

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Joey Dawejko Rematches Colby Madison on Friday, September 15th at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (AUGUST 15, 2023)–In a rematch of one of the more entertaining fights of the year, heavyweights Joey Dawejko and Colby Madison will once again do battle on Friday night, September 15th at The Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

The first crowd pleasing bout took place on May 2nd and saw Dawejko pound out a six-round unanimous decision at the same venue. This time the fight will be scheduled for eight-rounds.

Dawejko of Philadelphia has a record of 25-10-4 with 14 knockouts. The 33 year-old former World Junior Amateur champion has been a professional for 14 years and has had thrilling victories over Ricardo Johnson (1-0), John Lennox (6-0), Derric Rossy (28-7), Mark Rideout (4-0-2), Enobong Umohette (9-2), Natu Visinia (11-1), Demetrius Banks (9-1) and Kelvin Nunez (15-0). Dawejko is riding a four-fight winning streak, with his last win coming on June 17th as he starched Dennis Vance in the opening round in Atlantic City.

Madison of Baltimore is 11-5-2 with seven knockouts. The 40 year-old is looking to get even with Dawejko as that was his last ring appearance.

In six-round Bouts:

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Muhammad Robinson (6-0, 2 KOs) of Baltimore fights Najeem Johns (4-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia.

Quadir Albright (8-1, 8 KOs) of Chester, PA fights DeMarcus Layton (9-5-1, 6 KOs) of Little Rock, Arkansas in a welterweight bout.

Brendan O’Callaghan (5-2-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on DeWayne Williams (3-7-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight clash.

Ibrahim Robinson (5-0-1, 5 KOs) of Baltimore takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight contest.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Tyler Zwicharowski (1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights debuting Tevin Watson in a super welterweight contest.

Canar Marrison (4-1, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA fights Vincent Floyd (5-15-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight rematch of a fight that saw Morrison score a fourth round stoppage in March

Jaclyne Mctamney of Southampton, PA will make her pro debut against an opponent to be named in a featherweight contest.

TICKETS ARE $50, $75 and $125 and can be purchased at the Following link

CLICK FOR TICKETS

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ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME TEAMS UP WITH HARD HITTING PROMOTIONS FOR LIVE PRO BOXING DURING 2023 INDUCTION WEEKEND

Atlantic City, N.J. – August 15, 2023 – The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) teams up with Hard Hitting Promotions (HHP) for a Fight Night extravaganza at BALLY’S Atlantic City in its acclaimed 6th Floor Grand Ballroom, for a Live Pro Boxing event that will take place on Friday, September 29th, from 8:00pm – 12:00am. Headlining the show in the Main Event is: Branden Pizarro (18-1-10 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA vs. Esteban Garcia of Brawley, CA (16-2-8KO’s) in a 10rd Jr. Welterweight clash and the Co-Main pits: Leanna Cruz (6-0) of Allentown, PA vs. TBD in a 8rd Bantamweight bout and several more exciting fights to round out the card.

Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame 7th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend, a three-day multi-tiered event, is slated to be unparalleled and reflective of the rich boxing history in Atlantic City. The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame and Hard Hitting Promotions collaboration looks to celebrate the magnificent careers of legends in boxing as well as introduce new emerging stars throughout the induction weekend. The ACBHOF Induction Weekend commences at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Friday September 29th with the “Opening Bell” VIP Cocktail Reception 5:00pm – 8:00pm, and Friday Night Fights at Bally’s Atlantic City and Saturday September 30th, Fight Fan Experience & Boxing Exhibits at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City 11:00am – 1:00pm: This event is open to Public.

The Highlight of the weekend is Saturday September 30th, red-carpet formal Awards & Induction Ceremony which takes place inside Sound Waves Theater at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in an award show atmosphere. Join us as we honor all who helped make Atlantic City a worldwide boxing Mecca. Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with boxing royalty and special VIP guests. Pre VIP Cocktail Reception: 5:00pm – 6:30pm and Official Awards & Induction Program 7:00pm – 9:00pm and Post VIP Reception to follow immediately after the Awards Ceremony.  

The 2023 class members include: 

George Foreman, David Tua, Shannon Briggs, Pinklon Thomas, Tracy Harris Patterson, Doug Dewitt, Darroll Wilson, Shamone Alvarez, Jamillia Lawrence, Joe Hand Sr., Matt Howard, Rudy Battle, Benjy Esteves Jr., Arnold Robbins, Joseph Santoliquito, Lee Samuels and Posthumously & Pioneers: Buster Drayton, Marty Feldman, Rocky Castellani, Frankie Polo, Joe Miller, Horace M. Leeds, “KO” Becky O’Neill and Willie O’Neill  

Please visit our website for event tickets, room reservations and full weekend schedule and itinerary by visiting us at: www.acbhof.com  

A special thanks to our sponsors and supporters: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Boardwalk Resorts – Flagship Hotel, Mayor Marty Small Sr., City of Atlantic City, Bare Knuckle Fighting Champions, Hard Hitting Promotions, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, The Irish Pub-Atlantic City, Moustakas & Nelson Law, Quail Hill Realty, Gionta Management LLC, T&K Boxing Promotions, Sparbar Boxing LTD, Patrick Killian Arts, Guzman Gloves, Adams Boxing, WBC, IBF, Icons of Boxing Memorabilia and Fight Night Apparel

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Tyler Howard, David Navarro, Giovanni Marquez and Antonio Mireles Post Wins Over The Weekend

NEW YORK (August 15, 2023) – Four Split-T Management fighters posted big wins over the weekend in Atlanta and Glendale, Arizona.

in Atlanta, Tyler Howard won an eight-round majority decision over Raul Solomon in a middleweight bout.

In round one, Howard dropped Solomon with a left hook to the jaw.

That was the difference in the fight as Howard, 160 lbs of Crosville, Tennessee won by scores of 78-75 twice and 76-76 and is now 19-1. Solomon, 160 1/4 lbs of Long Beach, CA is 12-2.

David Navarro won a six-round unanimous decision over D’Angelo Fuentes in a featherweight bout.

Navarro, 127 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 and is now 6-1. Fuentes, 126.6 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 8-2.

Giovanni Marquez was impressive in stopping Nicky Vitone in round two of their six-round junior welterweight bout.

At the end of round one, Marquez landed a blistering combination that was punctuated by a perfect left hook to the head that sent Vitone to the canvas. In round two, Marquez hurt Vitone with a hard right and uppercut that set off a flurry that forced a referee stoppage at 59 seconds.

Marquez, 141.2 lbs of Houston is 6-0 with four knockouts. Vitone, 140.6 lbs of Pine Brook, NJ is 9-3-1.

Howard, Marquez and Navarro’s fights were part of the second edition of OTX Boxing on DAZN.

In Glendale, Arizona, 6’9″ heavyweight Antonio Mireles stopped DaJuan Calloway in the sixth and final round of their heavyweight bout.

Mireles was vicious in the final round as he landed a bevy of hard punches that snapped the head back of the nearly 400 lb. Calloway, and the fight was stopped at 1:48.

The 270 lb. Mireles of Des Moines, Iowa is now 8-0-1 with seven knockouts. Calloway, who tipped in at 391 lbs, is now 7-3.

Mireles is promoted by Top Rank, and the fight was seen live on ESPN+.

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“Road to Victory”

A Spectacular Boxing Event to Crown a New Champion

August 9 – Atlantic City. Strap on your seat belts and brace yourselves for an adrenaline-pumping night of boxing action like never before! On Saturday, August 26th, 2023, at 7 PM at The Showboat Hotel, the highly-anticipated “Road to Victory” event will take center stage, presented by Joe Frazier Jr. Promotions in association with Mis Downing Promotions.

The event will showcase two extraordinary fighters, Derrick “Take it to the Bank” Webster and Shady Gamhour, both vying for the ultimate prize – the NBA World Title Belt! Under the legendary tutelage of none other than Roy Jones Jr., these skilled warriors have honed their craft to perfection, making this showdown an unparalleled display of grit, determination, and sheer talent.

Expect sparks to fly as these two champions-in-the-making go head-to-head for glory.

Adding an air of magnificent to the event, the iconic Roy Jones Jr. will grace Shady Gamhour’s corner, offering his wealth of experience and championship mindset. Witness the living legend himself guiding Shady towards greatness, making this event an unforgettable opportunity to witness the meeting of past and future boxing legends.

The “Road to Victory” promises to be a night filled with breathtaking moments, heart-stopping action, and a sense of camaraderie that only the sport of boxing can create. Fans from all walks of life are invited to witness this extraordinary display of skill and sportsmanship, where each punch could potentially seal the destiny of the NBA World Title Belt.

Be a part of history as the arena comes alive!!! Grab your tickets now, and secure your spot for one of the most anticipated boxing event of the year.

Join us at The Atlantic City Showboat Hotel on Saturday, August 26th, 2023, at 7 PM, and be prepared to witness greatness unfold in the ring. This “Road to Victory” is set to etch its mark in the annals of boxing history, an event presented by Joe Frazier Jr. Promotions and Mis Downing Promotions that will be talked about for years to come!!

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The Ultimate Experience Weekend Coming To Atlantic City from August 25-August 27

Big Night of Boxing Coming To The Showboat Hotel on Saturday, August 26th

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (AUGUST 9, 2023)–Experience Extravagance and Star Power at the Ultimate Experience Weekend at Showboat Hotel, Atlantic City – Mark your calendars for a weekend of unparalleled luxury and excitement as Showboat Hotel proudly presents the Ultimate Experience Weekend from August 25th to 27th, 2023, in Atlantic City. This exclusive event promises to be a one-of-a-kind celebration featuring the Sweetest Soul of Boxing Gala, The Road to Victory Boxing Show, a Water Park After Party, and the Ultimate Cigar Experience, all set in the iconic backdrop of Atlantic City.

Sweetest Soul of Boxing Gala

The Ultimate Experience Weekend begins with the prestigious Sweetest Soul of Boxing Gala on Friday, August 25th. This evening of elegance is dedicated to honoring the legacy of the Late Great Weatta Frazier Collins, daughter of the legendary “Smokin” Joe Frazier, who founded “The Legacy Exists” Joe Frazier Scholarship fund. Spearheading the movement now are her brother, Joe Frazier Jr., and his wife, Mis Downing Frazier, who continue her legacy with unwavering dedication. Esteemed guests who are being presented with the Sweetest Soul of Boxing humanitarian award include boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. and Atlantic City’s Mayor Marty Small, who will join us for this unforgettable evening filled with enchanting performances, fine dining, and special surprises.

The Road to Victory Boxing Show

On August 26th, immerse yourself in the world of boxing with “The Road to Victory” Boxing Show. Witness an adrenaline-pumping spectacle as elite fighters battle it out for supremacy in the ring. The highlight of the night will be the Main Event, where two formidable contenders, Derrick “Take it to the Bank” Webster, and Shady Gamhour, will compete fiercely for the NBA World Title Belt. Both of these exceptional fighters have been under the tutelage of the Legendary Roy Jones Jr., who will also be in attendance and in the corner of Shady Gamhour. Experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat as these fighters give it their all in the pursuit of glory.

Water Park After Party

Following the intense boxing showdown, the excitement continues with the Water Park After Party on August 26th. This exclusive event will be the first-ever to be held at the Adult section of Showboat’s new Water Park. The night will be ablaze with entertainment, music, and celebrations as guests mingle with boxing enthusiasts, athletes, and the esteemed guests in attendance.

Ultimate Cigar Experience in the Legendary Foundation Room

On the final day, August 27th, the Ultimate Experience Weekend concludes with an indulgent Cigar Social, held in the legendary Foundation Room of the Showboat Hotel. This iconic venue will provide the perfect ambiance to savor a curated selection of premium cigars, fostering an atmosphere of relaxation, camaraderie, and celebration of a weekend well-spent.

Join Us at the Ultimate Experience Weekend

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to partake in the Ultimate Experience Weekend at Showboat Hotel, Atlantic City. Limited tickets are available for each event, ensuring an intimate and exclusive gathering for all attendees.

For ticketing information and more details about the Ultimate Experience Weekend, please visit www.joefrazierjrpromotions.com or email Contact@joefrazierjrpromotions.com.

To speak to someone directly from Joe Frazier Jr Promotions, please contact: Communications Manager Yolanda L. Robinson @ 609-577-1173

Join us as we embrace a weekend filled with opulence, excitement, and the presence of esteemed guests Roy Jones Jr. and Mayor Marty Small. This is a celebration you won’t want to miss!

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Undefeated super featherweight prospect Austin Brooks to headline August 26 eventat Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma

LOS ANGELES (August 9, 2023) – An exciting regional battle pitting undefeated super featherweight prospect Austin Brooks (10-0, 3 KOs) versus Anthony Chavez (11-3-1, 3 KOs), in the 10-round main event on a solid top-to-bottom card, presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, on Saturday night, August 26, at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

The 27-year-old Brooks, fighting out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is a rising star in the 130-pound weight class, who has fought a few times on the ESPN platform. He has yet to fight more than six rounds in any of his pro fights to date.

“I feel blessed for the opportunity to be fighting in the main event,” Brooks remarked. “To get my first 10-round fight against a quality opponent and in the main event is something I’ve been working towards. I will capitalize on this moment.”

The more experienced Chavez, representing Redlands, California, was a bronze medalist at the 2015 USA National Championships. He is a throwback fighter who is trained by the highly respected Henry Ramirez.

A rare match-up featuring two undefeated prospects, Jon Bryant (8-0, 2 KOs) and Axl Melendez Salgado (6-0, 4 KOs), will square off in the six-round, co-featured event. Fighting out of Bremerton (WA), Bryant is coming off an impressive six-round decision win over veteran DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (52-35-1, 28 KOs), the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Light Welterweight World Champion.

“We are very excited to be back at the Emerald Queen Casino,” promoter Azat Torosyan (Toro Promotions) said. “Tacoma, we are crafting another unforgettable show filled with intense action.”

On the undercard in six-round matches, Seattle featherweight Gregory Cruz (5-2, 3 KOs) faces Roberto Negrete (4-1-1, 2 KOs), undefeated Portland super lightweight will take on Filipino Jake “D’ Twins” Bornea (14-5-1, 7 KOs), the former WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight titleholder, and Fife (WA) super middleweight Cameron “The Puerto Rican Bakugo” Seville Rivera meets tough, upset-minded Antonio “Ton The Beast” Hernandez (7-16-2, 4 KOs). The opening bout of the evening will showcase lightweight hopeful Josue Cadena in a good test against California club fighter Dan Hernandez (2-2, 1 KO).

Card subject to change.

Tickets for the event are priced at $100.00, $60.00, and $40.00, and may be purchased by calling (253) 594-7777 or at www.Emeraldqueen.com.

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Rising Star Promotions provides fans with another punch-packed event at their Boardwalk Boxing Show on the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna, Kristian Prenga and Justin “Time” Figueroa headline night of fisticuffs

Story by Janine Rinaldi

Photographs by John Rinaldi

Atlantic City, NJ. In this day and age when it is near impossible to get a bang for your buck, Rising Star Promotions promoted another exciting Boardwalk Boxing Show at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

What was a guy to do on Saturday night? See the opening of Barbie in the theaters? We don’t think so. While that film spent 1 hour and 54 minutes putting down men, the smart ones journeyed to the vibrant Atlantic City Boardwalk to watch hard-punching contenders and up-and-coming boxers provide thrills.

There is something magical that greets fight fans walking down the famed Boardwalk in Atlantic City on their way to a fight. 

Unlike going to Madison Square or some other urban venue, the incoming crowd making their way to Boardwalk Hall passes past the Atlantic Ocean as the waves crash against the shore and the aroma of salt water permeates through the night’s air, beckoning the crowd like a talisman of the wonderful and exciting things to come.

And come they did.

By the time they entered the historic Boardwalk Hall, the enthusiasm and eagerness of the fans got one’s blood pumping and this feeling was surely not lost on the fighters they come to see.

What is great about Rising Star Promotions, is that they are expert matchmakers. No one wants to view a boring chess match, but instead they want to see prizefighters fighting their hearts out and giving their all. That is what happened on a hot, muggy night in Atlantic City this past Saturday on July 22. All six bouts on the card were rip-roaring fun.

The first bout of the evening featured former Female Amateur Champion Sharahya “Pueblo Rican” Taina-Moreu (1-0) making her pro debut against Janaisa Morandin (0-2), of Florianopolis, Brazil.

Right from the start, Taina-Moreu, of Albuquerque, NM, came out stabbing Morandin, 139, with jabs to the face, while Sharahya moved gracefully around the ring as her opponent tried in vain to counter with right hands.

Round Two saw Taina-Moreu, 137, directing her gaze to Morandin’s body with hammering left hooks. Near the end of the session, Sharahya attacked with both fists and stunned Morandin with an overhand right.

Continuing with her assault, Sharahya suddenly dropped Morandin with a right the head. Luckily for the Brazilian the round ended just as she got to her feet.

The fourth and final frame saw Taina-Moreu try her best for a knockout, but the gutsy Morandin would not have any of that and began to trade leather with her rival. Sharahya welcomed the exchanges and the two battled until the bell signaling the conclusion of the bout.

The score was unanimous at 40-35 for Taina-Moreu.

“I am so happy to get this first bout out of the way. It was really cool fighting here in Atlantic City,” said Taina-Moreu.

The second bout of the evening featured another fighter making his pro debut when “Dangerous” Daniel Gonzalez KO’d Michael “The Ninja” Ruiz in the second round.

Gonzalez, of Iselin, NJ, and Ruiz, of Lacey, NJ, came out swinging at the bell. Both were looking for their first pro victory and they slugged away going punch for punch. Midway through the opening frame, Gonzalez, 134, was finding his range with right uppercuts that began to score with some efficiency.  Ruiz, 134 ½, took the shots well and battled back with rights and left hooks.

The action continued in the second round as the two stayed in close and punched away. Gonzalez then fired a terrific right hand that sent Ruiz down to the canvas. Michael bravely was able to get up, but the moment the referee let the fight continue Gonzalez gave his rugged opponent little room to breathe as Ruuiz was soon covered in a blanket of leather.

Within moments, Gonzalez unleashed a vicious left hook that smashed into Ruiz’s jaw that sent him down for the count. The end came at 3:00 of Round Two.

“I tried too hard in the first round and my corner told me to settle down and pick my shots. That is where I started running those big shots,” said Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO). “It was great getting this win out of the way, especially at such a famous arena like Boardwalk Hall. I had a lot of supporters on hand to watch me.”

Ruiz fell to 0-2 with the loss.

The knockouts continued in the third bout of the card when Nadim Salloum (11-1, 5 KO’s) finished off Antonio Ocles (12-13, 3 KO’s) in the second round of a scheduled six-rounder.

Salloum, of Lebanon, but now residing in Brooklyn, NY, is a good boxer with some pop in his punch. Against Ocles, of Quito, Ecuador, Nadim was able to stab his crouching opponent with jabs and stood him up with jolting uppercuts. Ocles, 171, also remained aggressive and heartily swapped blows with Salloum, 168. It was a spirited session that the fans enjoyed.

Nadim upped the ante in Round Two and overwhelmed Ocles with jolting left hooks and overhand rights. Antonio was too busy trying to block and avoid shots, neither which he was successful at, to launch an assault on his own. When the frame was drawing its conclusion, Salloum nailed his adversary with a spearing left and a crackling right to the jaw.

Although the bell sounded to give Ocles a respite, his corner had seen enough and would not allow him to come out for the third round.

With the win, Salloum improved to 11-1 (5 KO’s), while Ocles tumbled to 12-13 (3 KO’s).

The Main Event of the night featured Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna continued his quest for another shot at the middleweight championship. On May 1, 2021, LaManna was TKO’d by Erislandy Lara for the vacant WBA title, and since then he has won six fights in a row.

In his third-round demolition of the gutsy Juan Manuel “El Principito” Witt, the Millville, NJ native may have given his best career performance to date.

Going into the bout, Witt at 33-1-2 (25 KO’s) looked to be a formidable opponent for LaManna, who was obviously the crowd favorite. At the bell, “Cornflake” confidently came out and repeatedly speared his rival with jabs to the face. Witt, of Campana, Argentina, kept trying to move out of way, but LaManna, 160, never gave him a chance to get set as he whacked the Argentine fighter with overhand rights and jarring left hooks.

The battering continued into Round Two as Witt, 36, was quickly becoming a South American punching bag. Seeing this, LaManna unloaded every weapon of his arsenal as he blasted away with both fists on his foe.

At the bell for the third session, LaManna, 31, stormed out and pummeled away at the brave Witt. Seeing that he was hurting his adversary, LaManna threw an overhand right that exploded on the head of Witt, 158 ½, and sent him crashing to the canvas. As referee Ricardo Vera counted, Witt managed to get to his feet. As he dizzily looked forward, another overhand right soon found its mark and exploded on his head, sending him down for the second time. Once again Juan Manuel showed true grit as he heroically rose off the floor. Although he was outmanned and outgunned, the Argentinian had packed a suitcase full of guts and bravely waded forward to confront his baby-faced executioner.

LaManna wasted little time and fired buck shots of leather until his overhand right soared forward and bashed into Witt’s skull, dropping him for the third time!

As Witt was trying to see through an ocean fog in his head, referee Vera had seen enough and ended the beating at 2:47 of the third round.

“It feels great to put on such a performance,” said LaManna (36-5-1, 15 KO’s). “I’m ready for anybody. I don’t think there’s anybody better than me. There’s nothing that can stop me. Witt was very durable and awkward, and I expected him to come forward like a tough Argentinian, but I think my size overpowered him and I took control from the gate.”

With the win, LaManna captured the WBA Fedelatin Middleweight Championship.

LaManna is a colorful fighter with a lot of charisma.  Ranked at #4 by the WBA, he may not have to look too long to get another shot at Lara’s crown. It would sure be a big fight for Atlantic City. Lara has not fought since May of 2022, so he just may be up for a rematch.

The fifth fight of the evening was a “Special Attraction” 6-round bout featuring hometown fighter Justin “Time” Figueroa taking on Jeff “Relentless” Lentz, of the neighboring town of Egg Harbor Township. Figueroa is a lifeguard on Atlantic City Beach, and goes into every contest gunning for a knockout, which makes him a crowd-pleaser.  Wearing playing card-designed trunks, Justin came out attacking with his usual intent to draw down the curtain early with his big right hands, although Lentz scored well with counter shots.

In the second and third rounds, Figueroa, 153, was effective with his popping jab and right-hand smashes. He also appeared to have embraced his opponent’s “Relentless” nickname for he never stopped punching away.

After taking three rounds of a leather pounding, Lentz, 155, began to get more aggressive and engaged Figueroa in spirited exchanges as the audience cheered on the action in Round 4.

By the fifth round, the chants of “Justin-Time!”  floated in the arena compelling Figueroa to shift into fifth gear. Though he saved people in real life as a lifeguard, he was far from saving Lentz as he began punishing him with both fists flailing. To his credit, the gallant Lentz just kept coming forward and soon turned the bout into an action-packed fight, which Figueroa was more than happy to engage in as he continued to bounce his fists off the noggin of his Egg Harbor foe.

In the sixth and final frame, the two boxers made a tremendous effort as they both exchanged punches in a thrilling slugfest. Nevertheless, Figueroa never stopped trying for a knockout with his constant right-hand bombs. At the end, the crowd gave them a tremendous ovation.

The judges scored the fight for Figueroa by tallies of 59-55 (twice) and 58-56. The USA Boxing News had Figueroa winning at 59-57.

Although he lost, Lentz (5-2, 1 KO) gave a good account of himself and should be a welcome guest back at the Boardwalk Hall.

 “Going six rounds with a worthy opponent was phenomenal,” said Figueroa (6-0, 5 KO’s). “The crowd was awesome, and it was good to get the six rounds. I knew Lentz was a worthy opponent. I am happy I got the win. Every fight is like a show, a holiday, and I feel like I’m a pay-per-view fighter. It is great fighting in front of all my people.”

The final bout on the card was another “Special Attraction” that featured Albanian heavyweight KO artist Kristian Prenga, who now resides in Edgewater, NJ. His victim tonight was Santander Sligado, of Arboletes, Colombia.

Prenga is a thrilling fighter that just goes for the KO right at the start. Against Sligado, 236 ½, Prenga went after him swinging for the fences as the bell rang for the opening session. As the Albainian flags waved in the crowd, Prenga, 261, was waving his fists with deadly intentions at his opponent. Then seemingly out of nowhere, Prenga exploded with a right-hand that landed square on Sligado’s chin and dropped him to the canvas on the seat of his trunks like a sack of rice. Barely stirring, the Colombian fighter was counted out at 1:22 of Round 1.

Sligado fell to 32-16 (26 KO’s).

It was another devastating performance by Prenga, who improved to 14-1 (14 KO’s) and looks to be a rising star in the heavyweight division.

“I wanted to do more tonight,” remarked Prenga afterwards. “I wanted to put on a better show for everybody. But sorry, I can’t control my right hand, it’s really strong.”

There was no one complaining on wanting to see “a better show” with such a terrific conclusion.  The heavyweights can never go wrong with knockout performers like Prenga.

All in all, it was another fun night of boxing at the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

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That’s A Wrap

Naoya Inoue Ices Stephen Fulton in 8 at the at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan

Robeisy Ramirez Defends World Title in Featherweight Co-Feature

TOKYO (July 25, 2023) – That’s a wrap.

Naoya Inoue, the talented pound-for-pound great from Japan, knocked out WBC/WBO junior featherweight world champion Stephen Fulton in the eighth round Tuesday at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Inoue is now a four-weight world champion and is 20-0 in world title fights.

“Everything I was thinking about was to fight him this year,” Inoue said. “However, unfortunately, I got injured, and I had to postpone this fight. I am sorry to my team and Fulton’s team,  but thank you so much for accepting this fight once again. I am so happy right now.”

Inoue (25-0, 22 KOs) kept Fulton at bay in the opening round, peppering the Philadelphia native with a stinging jab. Soon enough, Fulton (21-1, 8 KOs) was in retreat mode, and Inoue marched forward. Fulton kept his guard high as Inoue winged left hooks and right hands. In the seventh round, Fulton had small pockets of success, but Inoue came out in round eight intent on blunting his momentum.

Inoue knocked down Fulton with a right-left combination, and when Fulton rose to his feet, “The Monster” went in for the finish. With Fulton pinned against the ropes, Inoue unleashed a blistering combination, punctuated by a fight-finishing left hook. 

El Tren Defends Crown

“El Tren” traveled halfway around the world and authored a devastating performance. In his first title defense, WBO featherweight world champion Robeisy Ramirez dominated Japanese challenger Satoshi Shimizu en route to a fifth-round TKO.

The two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist had little trouble figuring out Shimizu (11-2, 10 KOs), a two-time Olympian who had won three straight fights entering his first world title opportunity. Ramirez (13-1, 8 KOs) stayed in the pocket against his taller foe, ripping Shimizu with uppercuts and right hooks around his high guard.

In the fifth, Ramirez floored Shimizu with a left uppercut. Shimizu rose from the canvas with a bloody nose and had no answer for the follow-up flurry. A pair of right hooks, followed by a crunching left, forced referee Ramon Pena to step in and halt the one-way beating.

Ramirez said,”This was a tremendous experience. It is a blessing to be able to demonstrate my talent in a stadium full of people and in this part of the world. I am grateful and happy. The job is done.

“Now I set my sights on a world title unification clash. I am ready to go to Japan, Scotland, England, Mexico, wherever we have to fight. I will always be available to do my job”

Junior Featherweights: Yoshiki Takei (7-0 7 KOs) TKO 8 Ronnie Baldonado (16-5-1, 9 KOs), 1:08.

Light Flyweights: Kanamu Sakama (8-0 7 KOs) TKO 8 Ryu Horikawa (3-2-2, 1 KO), 2:40.

Photos courtesy of Courtesy: Naoki Fukuda.

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August 26: Efe Ajagba-Zhan Kossobutskiy & Bakhodir Jalolov-Onoriode Ehwarieme Round Out Heavyweight Tripleheader at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa LIVE on ESPN

Jared Anderson-Andriy Rudenko, Ajagba-Kossobutskiy & Jalolov-Ehwarieme will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

TULSA, OK (July 21, 2023) — Heavy-hitting Nigerian contender Efe Ajagba will take on unbeaten Kazakh southpaw Zhan Kossobutskiy in the 10-round co-feature on Saturday, August 26 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Ajagba-Kossobutskiy will be the co-feature to the heavyweight showdown between Toledo-born phenom Jared Anderson and Andriy Rudenko.
 
Uzbek Olympic gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov will make his Top Rank debut in the eight-round televised opener against Nigeria’s Onoriode Ehwarieme.

Anderson-Rudenko, Ajagba-Kossobutskiy & Jalolov-Ehwarieme will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.
 
Ajagba (17-1, 13 KOs), a 2016 Nigerian Olympian, has solidified himself as one of the division’s fiercest punchers. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound slugger debuted as a pro in July 2017 and secured six first-round knockouts in his first eight bouts. He suffered his first defeat in October 2021 against Frank Sanchez. Following the loss, Ajagba had surgery on both his elbows, returning in August 2022 to stop Hungarian veteran Jozsef Darmos in the second round. The 29-year-old is coming off a 10-round decision win against previously unbeaten contender Stephan Shaw in January.
 
“This is a great test for me as I continue my quest to become Nigeria’s next heavyweight champion,” Ajagba said. “I am coming to Tulsa to score a devastating knockout and remind everyone what I’m capable of doing inside the ring.”
 
Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs) is a 34-year-old southpaw from Kostanay, Kazakhstan. He has only gone the distance once in his career, a six-round decision win over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko in September 2018. In 2021, he went 3-0 with three knockouts. In 2022, he dispatched former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas in the fifth round and is coming off a third-round knockout over previously unbeaten contender Hussein Muhamed last November.
 
Kossobutskiy said, “I’m ready to make my debut in the United States against a very strong opponent. I want to show that I can beat the best in the heavyweight division, and to do that, you must overcome very tough challenges. I look forward to showing the world my abilities on August 26.”
 
Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) represented Uzbekistan at the 2016 Olympics before turning pro in May 2018 with a third-round TKO over Hugo Trujillo. He built an 8-0 record before returning to the amateur ranks in the summer of 2021 to capture an Olympic gold medal. Jalolov then tallied four knockout wins in the paid ranks before continuing his remarkable amateur run in May with a gold medal at the 2023 World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The 29-year-old wrecking ball returns to the pro ranks following his fourth-round TKO over Curtis Harper last November.
 
Ehwarieme (20-2, 19 KOs) debuted as a professional with a decision win over Junior Maletino Iakopo in December 2010. He defeated his next 16 opponents by knockout, all within five rounds. He suffered his first loss against Rodney Hernandez in June 2019, but returned in December to stop Ariel Esteban Bracamonte via first-round knockout. Ehwarieme suffered a fourth-round stoppage loss against Kossobutskiy in February 2021, and he is 2-0 with two knockouts since. The 35-year-old, who represented Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics, blasted out Jeff Holcomb in only one round in February 2022.
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard includes some of the sports brightest up-and-coming talents.
 
Rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (8-0, 5 KOs), the latest fistic talent to come from Brownsville, Brooklyn, will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-rounder. Carrington will make his fourth 2023 appearance following an eighth-round TKO win over Luis Porozo in June.
 
Undefeated middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (8-0-1, 5 KOs), grandson of Muhammad Ali, will face Sona Akale (7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder. Ali Walsh will fight in Tulsa for the third time as a pro following an eight-round draw against Danny Rosenberger on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard.
 
19-year-old lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason (9-0, 8 KOs) will make his fourth appearance of 2023 in a six-round duel. Mason was considered one of the brightest U.S. amateur talents before signing with Top Rank in October 2021. The southpaw returns after a second-round TKO win over Alex de Oliveira on July 1.
 
In a 10-round junior lightweight tilt, Filipino Olympian Charly Suarez (15-0, 9 KOs) will put his unbeaten record on the line against hard-hitting Dominican Yohan Vasquez (25-3, 20 KOs). Suarez heads to Tulsa following a 12^th-round TKO win against then-unbeaten Australian Paul Fleming on enemy turf.
 
Kazakh Olympian Ablaikhan Zhussupov (3-0, 2 KOs) returns in a welterweight clash scheduled for eight rounds.

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 Press Conference Notes: George Kambosos Jr. and Maxi Hughes Gear Up for Lightweight Spotlight in Shawnee, Oklahoma

Kambosos-Hughes and Keyshawn Davis-Francesco Patera lightweight co-feature will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

SHAWNEE, OK (July 21, 2023) — Former unified and lineal lightweight king George Kambosos Jr. is eager to reclaim his throne, but English southpaw Maxi Hughes stands in his way.

Kambosos (20-2, 10 KOs) will fight Hughes (26-5-2, 5 KOs) in a 12-round IBF world title eliminator this Saturday at FireLake Arena in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Kambosos will be making his Top Rank debut as he sets his sights toward once again becoming champion. 
 
In the 10-round co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (8-0, 6 KOs) takes a seismic step up in class against Belgian contender and former European champion Francesco Patera (28-3, 10 KOs).

Kambosos-Hughes and Davis-Patera will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (6:15 p.m ET/3:15 p.m. PT) will feature the ring returns of welterweight contender Giovani Santillan, Oklahoma-born heavyweight Jeremiah Milton and middleweight prospect Troy Isley.

Santillan (30-0, 16 KOs) will face Ecuadorian contender Erick Bone (27-6, 14 KOs) in a 10-round battle, and Milton (9-0, 6 KOs) will make his second appearance of 2023 in an eight-round tilt against Willie Harvey (4-2-2, 3 KOs).

Isley (9-0, 4 KOs), a 2020 U.S. Olympian, will fight in an eight-rounder against Antonio Todd (14-8, 8 KOs).

Two competitive eight-round heavyweight matchups will also be featured on the ESPN+-streamed portion.

Orlando, Florida’s Amron Sands (12-2, 9 KOs) returns against New Zealand’s Hemi Ahio (20-1, 15 KOs), and once-beaten contender Stephan Shaw looks to bounce back against Australia’s Joe Goodall (9-1-1, 8 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment and Ferocious Promotions, tickets starting at $39 are on sale at www.stubwire.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

George Kambosos
 
“It’s an absolute pleasure to be here in Oklahoma. I’m very excited. I’m very refreshed because I had three massive fights within 11 months. Big fights take a toll. But I was able to step back, refresh my body, and continue my training. I’m here right now. I’m very excited. I feel fantastic. And we can’t wait to handle business.” 
 
“I’ve never been the kind of fighter who says, ‘Oh, I’ve got a loss. It’s taken my confidence away.’ I lost to Devin Haney. I think the boxing world has forgotten that he’s the only guy I’ve lost to. I’ve got to remind them again. We have learned a lot. And we have worked on a lot. But the biggest thing is that I’ve become a greedy motherf***er now. I’m going to take advantage of every hole there is.”
 
“I’m only focused on Maxi Hughes. We give him the utmost respect. He’s here. We know what he’s going to bring. Whatever there is to come, that will be spoken about after Saturday. But for now, there is only man in front of me.”
 
“I’m going to take his head off. That’s what’s going through my mind. I’m ready. I’m looking to absolutely destroy this man in my path.”
 
Maxi Hughes
 
“It’s been one of my dreams to fight in the U.S. When you turn professional, you see all the big fights in America and you want to be a part of that. I’ve had my tough times in boxing, and I’ve shown a lot of mental strength. I’ve come through that. I’ve earned my right to be on this stage as the main event.”
 
“The preparation has gone very well. My training team has been together for five years. After my last fight in September, I gave myself a week off and went back to the gym. I’m a full-time professional. That’s my job. I don’t just train for fights. I train and learn all the time. And then in February, we got the deal done with George. Since then, George’s face and name has been imprinted in my brain. Preparation went well and I’m very confident.”
 
Keyshawn Davis 
 
“You’re going to see something new. You can watch me fight. You can study me. But you got to really know boxing to know the type of fighter that you’re getting in the ring with when you fight me. I’m 8-0. Ya’ll haven’t even seen the best of me yet. Ya’ll will see something new.”
 
“Every time somebody fights me, it could be a life-changing moment for them. But when they get in the ring, it’s a different story. Just expect the same of what you’ve been seeing out of me.”
 
Francesco Patera
 
“I am very happy to be here and fight in the U.S. This means a lot. I am ready. This can change my life, so I’m going to give it my all on Saturday.”
 
“If you make a name for yourself in the U.S., you make a name for yourself worldwide. So, a victory will give me a good name.”
 
“A win will put me in a world title spot. So, this means a lot. I’ve done it before, and I’m sure I can do it again on Saturday.”
 
Jeremiah Milton 
 
“This is my home state. I’m carrying that weight for the whole state when it comes to boxing. I represent wherever I go. Whether it’s across the sea or whatever, they always know I’m from Tulsa.”
 
“I started late in boxing. I’ve come a long way really fast. I only had about 22 or 23 amateur fights. Now I’m coming through among the best in the game right now. No matter what, if you have people doubting you in the past, and you’ve ended up on this stage, they can now watch me perform on this stage.”
 
Giovani Santillan
 
“I feel good. I’ve just been training for those 11 months that I’ve been away. I’ve been staying ready, and I’ve been waiting for that call. I’m ready, and I feel good. I’m ready for Saturday.”
 
“After this Saturday, I can get a big shot. It depends on how I perform. I’m not taking this fight lightly. Erick Bone has fought a lot of good fighters. And I plan on showing that I’m ready for big fights against the big names.” 
 

World rated featherweight Lisandro Barazarte signs promotional pact with Kings Promotions

Reading, PA (July 21, 2023)–Reading, Pennsylvania; The WBA Fedelatin champion Lisandro “El Gato” Barazarte (10-0 7KOs) has inked multi-year promotional agreement with Kings Promotions. The WBA number 15 rated featherweight is slated to appear this fall in the United States, marking his first fight under the promotional banner. 

“This is the right move for Lisandro at this point of his career. He is a world class talent and at the age of 25 he is ready to make the jump to the United States and chase a world title.” said Trifon Petrov who manages Lisandro Barazarte. 

On July 1st of 2022 in his hometown of Maracay, Lisandro Barazarte scored his most impressive win to date as he captured the WBA Fedelatin title with a 10 round unanimous decision win over undefeated Colombian knockout artist Kevin Piedrahita. Barazarte last fought in February of 2023 in Caracas, where he defended the WBA Fedelatin title with a first round knockout win over Marlembron Acuna. El Gato as he is known in his native Venezuela holds wins over previously unbeaten Kevin Piedrahita, hard hitting Yoni Blanco (14-2) and Otto Gamez (19-6). 

“When my manager Trifon Petrov presented me with the opportunity to sign with Kings Promotions, it was a no brainer. Marshall Kauffman works closely with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Showtime, so I know I will be getting my well deserved TV time and big opportunities in the next year. I am excited to show the American audience that I’m one of the best fighters in the world.” said Lisandro Barazarte. 

“This is another excellent signing for Kings Promotions. Lisandro has all the tools to be the next world champion coming from the country of Venezuela. We are excited to have him as part of the Kings Promotion family” stated Marshall Kauffman. 

Once Lisandro Barazarte makes the move to the United States later this summer, he will be training alongside the hottest prospect in boxing Euri Cedeño in Kings Gym under the guidance of world renowned trainer Sensei Rivera in Reading, Pennsylvania. 

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Boardwalk Boxing

FIGHT NIGHT

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall • Atlantic City, N.J.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J (July 21, 2023) – New Jersey native and #4 World Boxing Association–ranked middleweight title contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will defend his WBA Fedelatin Middleweight Championship in Boardwalk Boxing’s 10-round Main Event against Argentinian Juan Manuel Witt on Saturday, July 22, 7:00 pm at Atlantic City’s historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Presented by Rising Star Promotions in association with the Atlantic City Sports Commission, the action-packed card also features Albanian heavyweight knockout artist Kristian Prenga, an all-Jersey junior middleweight showdown between Justin “Time” Figueroa and Jeff “Relentless” Lentz, and the pro debuts of former amateur standout Sharahya Taina-Moreu, and Iselin, N.J.’s Daniel Gonzalez, a 2023 N.J. Golden Gloves champion.

Doors open at 6:00 pm with tickets ranging from $65 for general reserved up to $250 for VIP first row ringside, which can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations, including Ticketmaster.com and at the US ARMY Box Office at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Boardwalk Boxing July 22 lineup

(bouts and order subject to change)

#6 Special Attraction

WBA Fedecentro Heavyweight Championship

10 Rounds – Heavyweight

Kristian Prenga of Mirdite, Albania (13-1, 13 KOs) vs. Santander Sligado (32-15, 26 KOs) of Arboletes, Colombia

#5 Main Event

WBA Fedelatin Middleweight Championship

10 Rounds – Middleweight

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (35-5-1, 14 KOs) of Millville, N.J. vs. Juan Manuel “El Principito” Witt (33-1-2, 25 KOs) of Campana, Argentina

#4 Special Attraction

6 Rounds – Junior Middleweight

Justin “Time“ Figueroa (5-0, 5 KOs) of Atlantic City, N.J. vs. Jeff “Relentless” Lentz (5-1, 1 KO) of Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

  

#3 Bout

4 Rounds – Lightweight

Sharahya “PuebloRican” Taina-Moreu (Pro Debut) of Albuquerque, N.M. vs. Janaisa Morandin (0-1) of Florianopolis, Brazil

#2 Bout 

8 Rounds – Super Middleweight

Nadim Salloum (10-1, 4 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. vs Antonio Ocles (12-12, 3 KO) of Quito, Ecuador

#1 Bout 

4 Rounds – Lightweight

Daniel Gonzalez (Pro Debut) of Iselin, N.J. vs. Michael Ruiz (0-1) of Toms River, N.J.

Saturday, July 22, 7:00 pm

Boardwalk Boxing

OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN

Open to Public

 Kennedy Plaza Stage

Friday, July 21, 2pm

 

The public is invited to attend the Official Weigh-in being held outdoors on the Boardwalk’s Kennedy Plaza stage on Friday, July 21, at 2pm (2301 Boardwalk across from Boardwalk Hall).

Boxers Recognized in Local Communities

Last week Thomas LaManna and Kristian Prenga (top) each received recognition for their athletic achievements from local officials in their respective communities. Friends and family joined LaManna (middle) at his new gym, Pound 4 Pound, for an open workout where Mayor Jamila Odom Bremmer of Chesilhurst Borough, presented the Millville fighter with an official Proclamation of Appreciation on July 15, 2023. Meanwhile, Prenga (above), was given the Key to the City of Garfield, N.J. by its Mayor Richard Rigogliosoa. The Albanian heavyweight also visited some school children and the town’s police department.

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SUPERMAN BOXING CONNECTION

“The Man of Steel” swoops into Metropolis for the 45^th Annual Superman Celebration

“Superman & Lois” star Tyler Hoechlin leads the group of visiting celebrity visitors

The USA Boxing News’ Superman Jeopardy proves to be a fan-favorite event at the Celebration

Story by John and Alex Rinaldi

Photographs by Janine Rinaldi

“The spirit of Superman is great to have around.” – Brandon Routh (who played Superman in 2006’s Superman Returns film)

METROPOLIS, IL. Since Ray Middleton adorned the costume on July 3, 1939, on “Superman Day” at the New York’s World’s Fair, there have been only a handful of men portraying “The Last Son of Krypton” on Earth.  Luckily, the latest cape-holder, Tyler Hoechlin, star of the huge hit on CW’s Superman & Lois television show arrived at the recent Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois to the delight of “The Man of Tomorrow” fans who ventured around the globe to attend.

Hoechlin displayed a humble Clark Kent-type personality during the various Meet and Greets with the fans, and in his Question-and-Answer session on Saturday. Tyler also revealed what an honor it was to portray the legendary superhero during his Q&A session hosted by John Gleckler

Beforehand, Tyler posed in the town square in front of the imposing and colorful 15 ft. Superman. It was surely a great catch for the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce to obtain an actor who is currently portraying Superman.  There were actors who played the character in the past, but this was the first time that an active Superman was on hand for the festivities. In fact, a few days later, Superman & Lois was renewed for a fourth season on the CW.

2023 was a special year for Superman. It marked the 85^th anniversary of his first appearance in comic books, it was the 45^th anniversary of the classic film, Superman – The Movie, along with Metropolis’ Annual Superman Celebration. It was also the 30^th anniversary of the construction of the Superman statue. Those are wonderful Super milestones to achieve.

Besides Tyler Hoechlin, other celebrities on hand featured Jesse Rath and Nicole Maines, who portrayed Brainiac-5 and Dreamer, respectively, on the Supergirl TV show, that premiered on CBS in 2015 and ended its run in 2021 on the CW for a total of 126 episodes. The final guest on hand was Sam T. Jones who performed the title role in the hit 1980 film Flash Gordon.

On Friday, Jones had a Question-and-Answer session hosted by Chris Brockow.

A great story happened involving two of the celebrities at the Celebration. One of the Superman Jeopardy helpers Kristen has a sister who is disabled. After Jesse Rath and Nicole Maines finished with their Meet and Greets, Kristin approached the two for a big favor – if they could give her sister a quick call. In most cases you can predict what the answer would be, namely a “no”, but then you would not be at the Superman Celebration. Well, Kristin made the call to her sister and Jesse got on the phone first and had a nice conversation in his funny Brainiac-5 persona. Then the phone was handed to Nicole who spoke in the voice of her familiar Dreamer character. It sure was a wonderful gesture by the two Supergirl celebrities, and a phone call that Kristin’s sister would never forget.  That is the kind of goodwill that is constantly taking place during the Superman Celebration. It is a place where pockets of this kind of magic often happens.

Nicole and Jessie held a lively Q&A session hosted by Ray Martinez and Sondra Ruth before a packed tent.

One can never do enough to beautify a town and make it better. Two such individuals are Morgan and Adam Siebert, who own the fabulous Super Museum that is right across the street from the imposing Superman statue. The museum is the must-see destination spot.

Inside the museum are near priceless items of artifacts from the Superman serials of the 1940s, TV shows such as The Adventures of Superman, Lois & Clark, Superboy and Smallville, along with Superman films from the Christopher Reeve era up until the present day.  One can spend hours perusing in the edifice. There are also memorabilia dating from the 1930s onwards. From toys, cereal premiums, original costumes, lunchboxes, records, action figures, movie posters, and nearly everything else one can imagine are on display. It is worth the trip to Metropolis just to see the museum (https://supermuseum.com). Founded by Morgan’s father Jim Hambrick, the museum is beyond super!

Morgan Seibert is not only the person owning and running the Super Museum with her husband Adam but is also a very talented artist. On a wall in the town, she painted a Greeting from Metropolis mural highlighting the town and Superman. On Friday of the Celebration, there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Morgan, Adam, and Jim. It is just another stop to make along the way in Metropolis for a great photo op. 

Other photo ops are the large Superman sign that greets fans when they enter Metropolis and the Lois Lane statue, in honor of the legendary Adventures of Superman star Noel Neill, who portrayed Lois Lane in the classic series from 1953-1958, along with playing Lois in the 1948 Superman serial and the 1950 Atom Man vs. Superman serial. The statue is another spot to catch in Metropolis.

On Friday and Saturday night, fans were treated to an amazing live wrestling by the Tennessee Championship Wrestling group, which is promoted by K.C. Gold. The matches featured “Mr. Marvelous” Mike Mayo, Isiah Cone, Candi Jewel, and Jennifer Justice. The highlight were the two matches with long-time Superman Celebration performers Justin “The Broken Arrow Bad Boy” Lee and Ray “Triple X” Martinez. There was a lot of fun and laughs watching these two characters tangle in the ring. More importantly, it was a free event and the fans on hand were provided with a great time. It is another yearly event that makes the Superman Celebration so special to attend.

The Superman Celebration is a result of a lot of hard work of many volunteers, along with the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce. Two special people who have worked on the Celebration for over a quarter of a century include the dynamic duo sisters Karla Ogle and Lisa Gower. The tireless work of all the volunteers is what makes the Celebration so unique. A super “Thank You” is given to all those dedicated volunteers.

Another popular event was the 13^th Annual Superman Supersite Meet & Greet at Fat Edd’s Roadhouse. Hosted by the site’s owner Neil Cole, it is an event that gives a boatload of Superman-related prizes by raffle tickets and is well worth attending. You can have a nice lunch while waiting for your ticket number to be called for prizes.

Chris and Helen Brockow were on hand again hosting their Stump the Superman Expert game. Chris became a “Superman Expert” from winning the Superman Jeopardy Game a few straight years in the past. This year, Chris made a comeback in winning Saturday’s Superman Jeopardy Game. In their game, Helen and Chris had the audience members trying to stump each other to win prizes. The winner of this year’s game was Jack Canterbury.

Karla Ogle and Lisa Gower hosted The Superman Eating Contest, which featured participants trying to eat a chocolate cheesecake smothered by a heaping pile of whipped cream and M&M candy. It is always quite hilarious watching people stuffing their faces without using their hands as their faces are buried in their plates like rabid bears to honey! After a messy couple of minutes, Ray Martinez took 1^st Place, and John Rinaldi grabbed the 2^nd Place honors. There always historically seems to be a member of the Rinaldi Family in the game, and it usually ends up being John!

Another presentation was Celebration 30 Years – The Super Museum, hosted by Zach Curtis, with Morgan Siebert, Adam Siebert and Jim Hambrick. It was a very fascinating show that gave the audience the inside information of how Jim Hambrick became the biggest Superman collector of all-time and how he took his items and established the remarkable Super Museum. Recently renovated, the museum is not only great, but its gift shop is simply a site to behold.  It is almost a museum in and of itself!

There were so many numerous other events worth attending and plenty of shows for the kids and adults, including, an Artist Alley & Writers Way featuring current comic book artists selling their artwork and doing personal artwork for the fans, and comic book writers, a Super Dog Contest, a Heroes & Villains Costume Contest, a Kids Superhero Contest, a Super Car Show, a Supergirl & Superboy Pageant, a Superhero Training Academy,  Wonder Woman & Green Arrow Archery Shoot, Teen Titan’s Bingo, a Fireworks Spectacular, Cheralyn & Julia Electric Violin Powerhouse Duo, Authors Bonnie Siegler and Helene Stapinski discussing their book THE AMERICAN WAY, Super Space Engineering with NASA engineer Nick Mastramico, and Author Edward Gross promoting his book VOICES FROM KRYPTON.

A major highlight of the Superman Celebration Weekend features those that visit dressed up like their favorite superhero or super villain.  The costumed characters seen at Six Flags, Disney or Universal Parks must take a backseat to those on hand at the Celebration, where they populate the main street posing for photos with anyone who asks. It is a very remarkable experience. This year even saw a someone dressed as The Green Hornet and one costumed as the Planet of the Apes gorilla!

While in most places people get ripped off and taken advantage of – but not in Metropolis. Here there were street vendors selling some fascinating items and food trucks with their flavorful delicacies – all at reasonable prices.

Unlike in Disney World and at other well-known amusement parks where people literally park their wallets at the door, Metropolis is actually very fan and family friendly.

Other Superman and superhero items can be purchased in the various shops in town, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Hidden Gems Novelty and Collectibles store. Hidden Gems (owned by Morgan and Adam Siebert), and the Chamber of Commerce are also like mini museums.

The character of Superman and the Superman Celebration have had a major boxing connection since George Reeves, who portrayed “The Man of Steel” in 104 episodes that aired from September 19, 1952, to April 28, 1958, and whose costumes and film-used items are on display in the Super Museum, was an amateur boxing champion and one of boxing’s rising stars in the 1930s. He gave up his boxing career to enter acting, which later worked in his favor since he turned into not only a legendary Superman on the small screen on a ground-breaking show that is still in reruns today around the planet, but also into a timeless cultural icon.

At the time of his tragic murder in 1959, Reeves was preparing to participate in an exhibition tour with the then reigning light heavyweight boxing king Archie Moore across the country. George was also ready to begin a new season of The Adventures of Superman in the fall of 1959, where he would be filming an additional 26 episodes, along with directing a good share of the new shows.

Another Superman-Boxing connection is Jack O’Halloran who portrayed the famed and unforgettable Kryptonian villain Non, in Superman – The Movie, Superman II, and Superman II – The Richard Donner Cut. O’Halloran was a leading heavyweight contender in the 1970s when the heavyweights were experiencing a classic era of super talent.

Superman also “fought” Muhammad Ali in the popular 1978 comic, Superman vs. Muhammad Ali that featured “The Man of Steel” joining forces with “The Greatest” to save Earth from invading aliens.

In the Super Museum there is also an edition of The USA Boxing News newspaper in The Adventures of Superman Daily Planet prop room.

So next year, if you want a wonderful adventure to go on, just take flight to Metropolis, IL. On June 7-9, 2024. Up, Up and Away for an amazing weekend!

  SUPERMAN JEOPARDY

The Super Game for fans of the world’s greatest superhero!

2023 is a BIG year for The Man of Steel.  It marks Superman’s 85^th Birthday along with the 45th Anniversary of the Superman Celebration’s in Metropolis, Illinois.

It was indeed 85 years after the birth of Action Comics #1 (cover dated June 1938) featuring the first appearance of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s famed creation of Superman. The comic book sold for 10 cents and had a print run of 200,000 copies, all of which immediately sold out on the newsstands.

Not surprisingly, all these years later Superman is still very much alive and kicking and continues to remain a cultural icon and huge part in the entertainment and visual psyche both in America as well as in all the other countries overseas.

Besides these anniversaries, this year also ushered in the 22nd straight year of The USA Boxing News’ Superman Jeopardy Game. As in the previous 21 years, The Superman Jeopardy Game has once again been honored to be a part of the festivities during the Superman Celebration. 

Thanks to the assistance and promotion of the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce along with the help and faith of Jim Hambrick and the Super Museum, for the last nearly quarter of a century The USA Boxing News Superman Jeopardy Game has become the top go-to game to test one’s knowledge of “The Last Son of Krypton” with other fans of the legendary superhero.

The huge fan-favorite event during the Celebration, The Superman Jeopardy Game was sponsored by The USA Boxing News and hosted by Boxing Hall of Famers John and Alex Rinaldi (Editors of The USA Boxing News), along with former Superman Jeopardy Champion Eric Dietrick and Award-Winning Boxing Writer Janine Rinaldi. Three shows were presented on each day of the Celebration, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before packed houses. It was the go-to game to test your knowledge of “The Last Son of Krypton” with other fans of the legendary superhero.

Fans and game contestant hopefuls annually flock to The USA Boxing News Superman Jeopardy Game from countries as far off as Australia and England to nearly of all of America’s states bordering from sea to shining sea ranging from California to New York, to all the states in between such as Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Oregon, Montana, Texas, Michigan, New Mexico, Tennessee, Maine, and Boston, to name just a small few.

Besides the game itself, Superman Jeopardy is also known for the wonderful, galactically astonishing prizes that are given out at each and every game both to the contestants as well as to the audience!

In its third decade, the Editors of the world renown publication The USA Boxing News (John and Alex Rinaldi), along with their children Janine, Alexander, Ron John, Juliann, and Joseph Rinaldi, have entertained the visitors at The Annual Superman Celebration with the amazing Superman Jeopardy Game that is a fun-filled event for fans of ALL ages.

Each game had different categories and questions.

Based on the long-running TV game, Superman Jeopardy has a Kryptonian twist where ALL categories are Superman related. SUPERMAN & LOIS, SMALLVILLE, SUPERMAN ON TELEVISION, SUPERMAN I, II, III, AND IV, 21ST CENTURY SUPERMAN MOVIES, SUPERGIRL, SUPERMAN AND BEYOND, MAN OF STEEL, BATMAN v SUPERMAN, AND SUPERMAN POTPOURRI round out the various categories.

As a result, the contestants and fans on hand do not have to necessarily be a Rhodes Scholar to answer the questions. Instead, they have to be something greater, something even more academically versatile, which is nothing less than a true and knowledgeable expert in all things Superman!

To make things even more interesting, each of the three games have different game boards, categories and questions.

Eight contestants were chosen from the audience by answering Superman questions from the hosts. From there, after each question is asked of the contestants, a question is then sent to the audience. 

 “Prize-holder Janine” then gave the audience member a Superman Jeopardy prize if they answer a question correctly. From there, “Smallville Eric” or “Smallville Joe” and other assistants threw out a question regarding the TV series SMALLVILLE to the audience. The audience member who answered the question was then rewarded with a mighty prize.

Asking the kids in the audience questions were “Kids Quizzler Alexander” and “Kids Questionnaire Juliann” both of whom awarded children Super prizes for their correct answers regarding the world’s favorite Superhero!

So, whether you make the stage, or are part of the audience, EVERYONE got a chance to win a Superman Jeopardy prize.

After the last game of the Celebration was completed, those in the audience who did not win a prize were awarded a stupendous Superman Jeopardy prize.

All in all, it was a Super Time to celebrate “The Metropolis Marvel” and win amazing prizes in the process!

Returning to the game were 2022 Superman Jeopardy champions Matthew Vincenty and Daniel Layne.

The competition throughout the 3-day event was fierce and the winners were Scott Duran, of Georgia (on Friday), Chris Brockow, of New Jersey (on Saturday) and Daniel Layne, of Arkansas (on Sunday).  Some of the other participants included Matthew Morelli, Adam Thurmond, Brad Bruhn, Jordan Roy, Morgana Breidt, Ray Martinez and Justin Olininghouse. Ray and Justin were also the star wrestlers and always provided additional entertainment to Superman Jeopardy with their humorous antics.

Next year (2024) will be another big year for Superman Jeopardy and if you tell the hosts that you read this story on The USA Boxing News website (theusaboxingnews.com), they will hand you another prize before the games begin. Every person who attended a game this past year wound up leaving with an incredible Superman Jeopardy prize, whether it was a cooler bag, t-shirt, backpack, color-changing cup, baseball hat, fanny pack, sunglasses and so much more!

The Superman Jeopardy Game is honored with a display in the Super Museum.

During the 2023 Superman Celebration, hundreds of spectators checked out the thrilling Superman Jeopardy Game hosted by the Rinaldi Family and sponsored by The USA Boxing News, and all left the game mighty winners!

As Janine Rinaldi wrote,

In Metropolis, Illinois, the Superman Celebration was near,

And John and Alex, twin brothers, had a great idea, oh dear!

They thought, “Why not host a game, a game of wits and fun, A game of Superman Jeopardy, with prizes for everyone!”

So, they prepared the questions, with categories galore, From “Kryptonian History” to “Villains and More.”

So, if you’re ever in Metropolis, with trivia in your brain,

Make sure you check out the Superman Jeopardy Game.

 

2023 GREETINGS FROM MET ROPOLIS AND THE SUPER MUSEUM

 

x

 

Places of Wonder at the Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois

______________

 

Philly Favorites Tahmir Smalls and Daiyann Butt In Action on Saturday, July 22 at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Oluwafemi Oyeleye takes on Former World Title Challenger Javier Maciel

Undefeated Fighters Deyshawn Williams Squares off with Felix Manzueta as well as Joshua Jones Fights Carlos Rocha

Plus Undefeated Fighters Allen Otto, Juan Marrero, Daniel Bean, and Devin Gantt in Action

Philadelphia (July 14, 2023)–- On Saturday night, July 13th R and B Promotions will be back at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with a big night of boxing.

In a six-round bout, Daiyann Butt (14-2, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Michael Crain (5-6-2, 1 KO) in a junior welterweight fight.

In four-round bouts, Tahmir Smalls (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Andres Viera (11-5, 8 KOs) of Montevideo, Uruguay in a welterweight clash.

Oluwafemi Oyeleye (12-0, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles takes on former world title challenger Javier Maciel (34-20, 23 KOs) of Buenos Aries, Argentina in a junior middleweight fight.

Ezri Turner of Wilmington, DE will make his pro debut against Milton Volter (0-1) of Bronx, NY in a super middleweight fight.

Allen Otto (1-0, 1 KO) of Pennsauken, NJ fights Timothy Tyler (1-3, 1 KO) Camden, NJ in a junior middleweight bout.

Joshua Jones (6-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Carlos Rocha (3-0, 2 KOs) of Sao Paulo, Brazil in a lightweight fight.

Anthony Dill (2-1, 2 KOs) of North Philadelphia fights debuting Ghandi Roman of Union City, New Jersey in a welterweight contest.

Juan Marrero (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Jose Luis Fracica Baron (0-4) of El Vigla, Venezuela in a lightweight fight.

Daniel Bean (2-0, 2 KOs) of Old Bridge, NJ fights Rob Perez of Worcester, MA in a heavyweight bout.

In a bout of undefeated welterweights, Deyshawn Williams (3-0, 2 KOs) of Queens, NY fights Felix Manzueta (3-0, 2 KOs) of Dover, DE.

Devin Gantt (3-0, 3 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ fights debuting Jahron Williams of Bronx, NY in a featherweight fight.

Tickets are $75, $100 and $175 and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

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Jared Anderson-Andriy Rudenko Heavyweight Showdown Set for August 26 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa LIVE on ESPN

Anderson-Rudenko will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

TULSA, OK (July 13, 2023) —There is no rest for the sport’s hottest young heavyweight.  Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson, the fighting pride of Toledo, Ohio, is set to go for his Sweet 16.
 
Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) will take on Ukrainian contender Andriy Rudenko in the 10-round main event on Saturday, August 26 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. The 23-year-old slugger will make his third 2023 appearance less than two months after defeating former world champion Charles Martin in front of 7,234 hometown fans in Toledo.

Anderson-Rudenko and additional fight action will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.
 
“This is another great test for Jared. When you watch him fight, you are seeing a future heavyweight champion of the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Rudenko is a crafty veteran who has been in there with some top guys. The fans at Hard Rock Tulsa are in for a real treat.”

Anderson debuted as a pro in 2019 and has developed into a top contender. He ended his first 14 fights in six rounds or less. His knockout victims included Jerry Forrest and previously unbeaten standouts George Arias and Vladimir Tereshkin. On July 1, he fought for the first time as a pro in his hometown, debuting as a headlining attraction with a 10-round unanimous decision win over Martin. Ranked 7th in the world by the WBO and 9th by the WBC, Anderson is on track to challenge the division’s top dogs.
 
Anderson said, “I want to stay active and make my case that I am the present and future of the heavyweight division. Rudenko is a tough, durable veteran. I respect what he’s accomplished in the game, but on August 26 at Hard Rock Tulsa, he’s going to regret accepting this challenge.”
 
Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs) is a 39-year-old with more than 16 years of pro experience. He was 24-0 before losses to then-undefeated contenders Lucas Browne and Hughie Fury. Rudenko then tallied seven consecutive wins, earning his first regional title in the process. In recent years, he has provided stern tests to some of the sport’s top big men, losing via decision to former world champion Alexander Povetkin, reigning European champion Agit Kabayel, and top contender Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang.
 
Rudenko said, “This is a tremendous opportunity, and I am coming to Tulsa to score the big upset. I dedicate this fight to the people of Ukraine, and I can’t wait to show everyone that I still have what it takes to perform at the highest level.”

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Integrity Fighter Management Presents Huge Night of Action on Saturday, July 22 at The Hollywood Casino at Meadows in Washington, PA

Lyubomyr Pinchuk Takes on Anthony Holloway

Joseph Turk Battles Michael Manna For Nothside Pittsburgh Bragging Rights

Mary Cassamassa fights Christianne Fahey

Pittsburgh, PA (July 13, 2023) – On Saturday night, July 22nd Integrity Fighter Management and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing will collaborate for a big night of boxing that will take place at Hollywood Casino at Meadows in Washington, Pennsylvania.

Featured bouts on the card will highlight some of the best talent in a fertile Pittsburgh fight scene.

In an eight-round cruiserweight fight, Lyubomyr Pinchuk (14-4-1, 8 KOs) of Pittsburgh via Lviv, Ukraine takes on Anthony Holloway (5-4-2, 4 KOs) of Peoria, Illinois.

Pinchuk, who is promoted by Joe DeGuardoa’s Star Boxing, has quality wins over Johnnie Langston (7-0) and Jose Mario Flores (8-2-2).

In a four-round cruiserweight grudge match, Joseph Turk (3-0-1, 1 KO) of Pittsburgh battles Michael Manna (6-4, 4 KOs) also of Pittsburgh. This is a fight that has been brewing for several years, and on July 22nd the score will be settled.

Undefeated female super middleweights, Mary Casamassa (2-0, 1 KO of Pittsburgh fights “the Mad Hatter” Christianne “The Celtic Tiger” Fahey (2-0, 2 KOs) from Glenrothes, Scotland. The winner of this should advance in the world hot super middleweight rankings. Casamassa is managed by Derek Gionta. This will be a six rounder. The hard hitting Scotswoman has stopped both of her opponents within 2 rounds. The heavily avoided southpaw Casamassa is coming off a July 2022 TKO over Leann O’Malley.

Former UFC standout turned pro boxer Khama “The Deathstar” Worthy (2-0) of Pittsburgh takes on Martin Bills III (0-2) of Las Vegas Nevada in four round middleweight action. 

Undefeated Paul Palombo (4-0, 1 KO) of Aliquippa, PA takes on Jesse Addison (5-5-1, 2 KOs) of Indianapolis IN in a four round middleweight bout.

Steve “Tugboat” Cunningham Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) of Pittsburgh via Philadelphia takes on debuting Tyrone Albert Adams in a super welterweight contest.

Cunningham is the son of former two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham.

The fights will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com and Starboxing.tv

Tickets are available at bit.ly/SummerSlugfest for more info call 412-728-3409

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“Punch-Out at Polar Park”

Aug. 4^th Outdoor Pro-Am boxing show in Worcester, MA

 

WORCESTER, Mass. (July 13, 2023) – The official “Punch-Out at Polar Park” press conference was held yesterday at Polar Park to promote the August 4^th (Aug. 5 rain date) Pro-Am boxing event, presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) in conjunction with Kenrick Ball’s Camp Get Right Boxing, at Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Polar Park is the home of the Boston Red Sox Triple-A affiliate Worcester Red Sox (WooSox), voted as the best minor league baseball park in America. A share of the proceeds will be donated to local charities from what is believed to be the first outdoor boxing show in Worcester history.

The inaugural Carlos Garcia Tournament, showcasing some of the area’s top amateur boxers, will open the evening, followed by the pro card.

“Punch-Out at Polar Park” will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com

PRO CARD

Main Event – Light Heavyweights (8)

Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (20-1-3, 12 KOs), Worcester, MA

Oscar “Moustro” Riojas (28-16-3, 16 KOs), Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Co-Feature – Heavyweights (8)

“Don’t Play” Sean Bey (7-0, 7 KOs), Stoughton, MA by way of Providence, RI

Quinton Sumpter (6-1, 4 KOs), Pittsfield, MA

Super Featherweights (6)

“King” Kevin Walsh (9-0, 4 KOs), Brockton, MA

Philip Davis (3-5-2, 0 KOs), Worcester, MA

Welterweights (6)

Josniel “TG” Castro (9-1, 7 KOs), Boca Raton, FL by way of Puerto Rico

Jorge “Tomatito” Martin Garcia (13-11-1, 3 KOs), General LaValle, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Light Heavyweights (4)

Neal Sullivan (0-0-1), Worcester, MA

Michael Medeiros (0-4), Nahant, MA by way of Brazil

Welterweights (4)

Robert Degaetano (pro debut), Douglas, MA

Micheal “Titan” Taylor (1-5, 0 KOs), Cortland, NY

Female Super Bantamweights (4)

Melanie “Pitbull” Costa (1-0, 1 KO), Norton, MA

Amanda Torres Sardinha (0-1), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janiero, Brazil

Lightweights (4)

Tevin “The Hitman” Regis (pro debut), Dorchester, MA

Joshua Zimmerman (0-10), Baltimore, MD

Super Middleweights (4)

James Manor (3-0, 2 KOs), Johnson, RI

Rakeem Johnson (7-20-1, 5 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

(card subject to change)

Doors open at 5 p.m. ET with the first amateur match starting then (6 p.m. ET), the pro card starts at 7 p.m. ET.

Tickets are priced at $205.00 (Field VIP – rows 1-4, all padded seats), $155.00 (VIP), $75.00 (Home Plate Reserved – rows 5 and beyond, not padded seats) and $45.00 (Reserved), and available for purchase at Polar Park’s box office (508.500.8888), and online at www.polarpark.com/boxing.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please email all inquiries for details to ShearnsBoxingPromotions@gmail.com.

Below find fighters’ quotes and a picture gallery:

(L-R) – Promoter Kendrick Ball, Sr., Chuck Shearns & Jimmy Burchfield, Sr.

Chuck Shearns (Shearns Boxing Promotions): “We have had the help of a lot of people. We couldn’t do this without sponsors. I love how this card has really come together. Everybody on this card is in a real fight.”

Kendrick Ball, Sr. (Get Camp Right): I always thought this would be a great place for boxing since I saw my son (Kendrick Ball, Jr.) helping to build it as a Local 243 Union Laborer. I know a lot of people fighting and this is a really exciting card. I’m excited to have joined Chuck and everybody around here. I’m happy we are honoring Carlos Garcia. I’ve watched a lot of promoters and want to give them props.  

Hannah Butler (WooSox Vice President of Special Events: “I’m pleased to be working with Chuck, Ken and others on this great event, the first outdoor boxing show ever held in Worcester. Polar Park was built to do more than just baseball and boxing is here as part of the Polar Park community.”

Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. (CES Boxing): “Kendrick has worked so hard as a boxer and it’s great for him to have this opportunity here in Worcester. This is my 35^th year in boxing and there are a lot of characters in boxing. I truly respect Chuck Shearns. He knows boxing and that this is a business. It’s always a challenge. Thanks to Chuck and Kendrick (Sr.) for allowing me to put my four boxers on this card. They’re all good fighters. People are going to be at this beautiful ballpark to see something never seen before.”

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Banner Promotions Artie Pelullo Saddened By The Passing of Former Fighter Antwun Echols

PHILADELPHIA (July 13, 2023)–Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo would like to send out heartfelt condolences to the family of former fighter and three-time world title challenger Antwun Echols

Echols, who fought under Banner Promotions, unexpectedly passed away in his hometown of Davenport, Iowa at the age of 51.

While with Banner Promotions, Echols captured both the NABF and USBA Middleweight titles, and twice challenged Bernard Hopkins for the IBF Middleweight World Championship. He also dropped a close decision to WBA Super Middleweight champion Anthony Mundine in Australia

“To say I was shocked is understatement,” said Pelullo. “I just spoke to Antwun a couple weeks before he passed. He was doing well. He went back to school and got his degree. He would call the office a handful of times a year and we would have some great conversations. Antwun was a great guy and had a terrific sense of humor. He was a terrific fighter who had an outstanding career. Bernard Hopkins told me that Antwun was the hardest puncher that he had fought, and Antwun gave Bernard two excellent fights. I just want to give condolences to his family.”

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FURY VS NGANNOU: WHO IS THE BADDEST MAN ON THE PLANET?

Heavyweight Titans set to clash October 28th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi, Arabia (July 12, 2023) —TYSON FURY, THE undefeated Lineal and WBC heavyweight champion of the world, and Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, will collide on Saturday, October 28th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in an epic showdown between two giants of their fields following the opening of Riyadh Season.

The clash to find out who is the “Baddest Man on the Planet” will take place under the official rules of professional boxing, with 3 judges ringside adopting the 10-point must system. Both fighters however are promising to meet in the middle of the ring, go to war and win by knockout in devastating fashion.

An agreement has been reached with Queensberry, Top Rank and Ngannou’s promotional banner, GIMIK Fight Promotions, to partner with Riyadh Season to host the history-making event that will capture the imagination of fight fans around the globe.

The world will discover who can rightly claim the title of “Baddest Man on the Planet” in the capital of the Kingdom, when “The Gypsy King” goes up against “The Predator” to determine the true Heavyweight King.

The fight will see the toughest chin in boxing tested by the Most Powerful Punch in the world, as confirmed by the Guinness World Records. This is a matchup where there will be no quarter given.

The mega-fight, one of the richest in history, will take place in a regulation boxing ring under the standard boxing rules in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s largest city.

Tyson Fury: “As soon as that bell goes, it’ll be bombs away! This guy is supposed to be the hardest puncher in the world, but let’s see how he reacts when he gets hit by the Big GK. I can’t wait to get back out there under the lights. I’m looking forward to showing the world that The Gypsy King is the greatest fighter of his generation in an epic battle with another master of his craft. Francis looked tough when he jumped in the ring after the Whyte fight, but there is no one tougher than me, and you’ll all see that in devastating fashion on October 28. I’d like to thank my promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum, my manager Spencer Brown and the guys at Riyadh Season for making this incredible event possible. It’s going to be a fight for the ages. Get up!”

Francis Ngannou: “I’ve been waiting to meet Tyson in the ring for the past three years. My dream was always to box, and to box the best. After becoming the undisputed MMA Heavyweight Champion, this is my opportunity to make that dream come true and cement my position as the baddest man on the planet.  I’d like to thank Riyadh Season and my team at 3Point0 Labs for helping put this event together. All I will say to Tyson for now is he better dance in that ring because if I touch him, he’s going to sleep.”

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh (Chairman of the Board of the General Entertainment Authority and Head of Riyadh Season): “Riyadh Season 2023 is back for its fourth edition of world class experiences and live events — keeping its claim as one of the most anticipated entertainment seasons worldwide. Following its opening ceremony, Riyadh Season 2023 will kick-off with an electrifying boxing match on October 28th, 2023. MMA and boxing audiences will witness the ultimate clash between two champions, Tyson Fury against Francis Ngannou. This face-off will set a new standard for such an event.”

Frank Warren (Queensberry Chairman): “This heavyweight clash has ‘war’ written all over it. Tyson Fury is the most exciting heavyweight on the planet. It is a game changer; we didn’t want to wait for Tyson to get out and here we are at Riyadh Season in a super-fight. Tyson is at his best when he is breaking new boundaries and this event is one of a kind. History will be made in Riyadh with a battle of the giants from the two leading codes of combat fighting. Tyson is the true King of the Ring and Francis Ngannou will present an intriguing challenge as he has the much publicized Most Powerful Punch in the world, this guy has a sledgehammer in each hand. Can Tyson avoid the sledgehammer all fight? What happens if it lands? It will be a truly spectacular event and Riyadh Season will provide a stage fit for two champions in one boxing ring.”

Bob Arum (Top Rank Chairman): “Tyson Fury is one of the finest heavyweight boxers in history, and he now has an opportunity to lock horns with an MMA legend. This will be a historic event, and we know that Tyson Fury will put on a tremendous fight. The people of Riyadh and fight fans around the world are in for a real treat.”

Marquel Martin (Chief Executive Officer, 3Point0 Labs): “Francis has been defeating the odds since he was born and so has Tyson from what I understand. Both are ‘Kings’ of their respective heavyweight divisions in their primes, and we finally get to see whose head is fit to wear the crown. We have all the respect in the world for Tyson and his team, but they are not accustomed to dealing with a force of nature like Francis. He’s simply BUILT DIFFERENT and I think Tyson will feel that in the Ring come October 28th in Riyadh. History is made here and we’re very much looking forward to shocking the world once again.”

Andrew Cutrow (Chief Business Officer, 3Point0 Labs): “All due respect in the world to a heavyweight fighter of Tyson’s calibre, sitting up there with the Mike Tysons and Muhammad Alis of the world, but there is no one with the will and fight that Francis has. He’s beaten every insurmountable challenge in his life, whether in the ring or in life, and it’s fair to say that NO ONE wants to be on the end of one of his punches. Riyadh should get ready for a fight for the ages – one that will go down in history as one of the greatest sporting events of this generation.”

Tyson Fury background:
The undefeated Fury, 34, the 6-foot-9 self-styled Gypsy King with a record of 33-0-1 (24 KOs), first became unified world heavyweight champion back in November 2015 when he toppled the long-standing ruler Wladimir Klitschko.

Dusseldorf, Germany, was the scene of one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight history, when the unified king was befuddled by the bashful Brit. The Ukrainian was completely outfoxed by his younger challenger and Fury wasn’t to be denied. Klitschko was parted from his four belts and Lineal champion status.

After a lengthy period out of the ring, Fury teamed up with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren to plot his route back to heavyweight domination and, after just two return fights, he accepted the challenge of taking on the previous WBC champion and biggest puncher in world boxing, Deontay Wilder, in December 2018.

The outcome was a hotly disputed draw, which ensured the Fury-Wilder chapter still had a couple more pages to run. Fury linked up with Top Rank and ESPN in America, and a rematch with Wilder took place in February 2020. Fury took many experts by surprise by stating his intention to meet the ferocious hitter in the centre of the ring.

To that end, he teamed up with old comrade SugarHill Steward in order to maximize his own offensive weapons. True to his word, Fury rocked Wilder and put him down in the third and fifth before the towel came in from Wilder’s corner just over halfway through the seventh.

An absolute thriller took place in October 2021 in Las Vegas. Fury picked up where he left off and put Wilder to the canvas in the third before a spirited revival from the ‘Bronze Bomber’ saw Fury down twice in the fourth. The champion prevailed convincingly in the end, with Wilder down the 10th and then out for count in the 11th. An epic trilogy had played out before the eyes of the world.

London was calling when a mandatory defense against WBC interim champion Dillian Whyte was called by the governing body. There was only one place fit to stage the homecoming of The Gypsy King and a packed to the rafters Wembley Stadium became Fury’s field of dreams. Wembley is traditionally known as the ‘Home of Legends’ and Fury added his name to the illustrious list with a spectacular sixth-round stoppage in front of 94,000 spectators.

Fury sold out another stadium last December, this time Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with 60,000 people braving the night air to see him overwhelm Derek Chisora for a third time via a 10^th-round stoppage in what represented a third defense of his WBC world championship.

Francis Ngannou background:
Ngannou, 36, 17-3 (12 KOs) has a life-story that most wouldn’t believe possible. The 6’4, 280-pound physical specimen, hailing from Batie, a small village in Cameroon, Africa, grew up working in a sand quarry starting from the age of 10. At 22 years old, harboring a dream to box, Francis decided to leave on foot across the Sahara, traveling on raft across the Strait of Gibraltar on a life-threatening journey, only to find himself homeless on the streets of Paris, walking into a gym. It didn’t take long for his coaches and peers there to realize his raw talents and God-given power to knock people out.

He was encouraged to enter an MMA tournament to make some extra cash in November 2013, and less than 8 years later, Francis would become the UFC’s first-ever African Heavyweight Champion, knocking out arguably the greatest Heavyweight in UFC History, Stipe Miocic, spectacularly in the second round. In January 2022, Ngannou defended his title against the undefeated interim UFC Champion Ciryl Gane, winning the fight via unanimous decision, all while fighting on a torn ACL and MCL against doctors’ guidance.

In late 2022, Ngannou decided to enter free agency and departed the UFC following the end of his contract, subsequently signing an unprecedented mega-deal as a global strategic partner with global MMA co-leader Professional Fighters League (PFL) and their Super Fights Division in 2023, further serving as the Chairman of PFL Africa, set to launch in 2025.

About Riyadh Season:
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment event every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and other unique cultural events. In 2023, Riyadh Season will commence on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and an historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

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SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION^® TO FEATURE

FOUR OF SIX FIGHTERS MAKING THEIR RETURNIN EXCITING TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

July 12,  2023 – Four of six fighters will make their return to SHOBOX: The New Generation to further build a name for themselves as hard-hitting prospect and amateur standout Jordan White (14-1, 10 KOs) and undefeated ex-Navy man Eridson Garcia (17-0, 11 KOs) square off in a 10-round super featherweight main event on Friday, August 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

The exciting tripleheader includes fighters with a combined record of 75-2-2 and 49 knockouts all stepping up and trying to come into their own as top prospects. Philadelphia’s undefeated prospect Paul Kroll (10-0-1, 6 KOs) will mix it up with fellow SHOBOX^® alum Guido Schramm (16-1-1, 9 KOs) of Argentina in the eight-round super welterweight co-feature. The telecast opener pits two up-and-coming unbeaten Pennsylvania fighters with Reading’s Julian Gonzalez (10-0-1, 9 KOs) and Pittsburgh’s Johnny Spell (8-0, 4 KOs) facing off in an eight-round super featherweight battle. White and Gonzalez are also SHOBOX returnees.

It’s the second time that SHOBOX will travel to Wind Creek Event Center this year under promoter Marshall Kauffman’s King’s Promotions.

“SHOBOX is a developmental series that prides itself on uncovering today’s top prospects who are looking to become tomorrow’s world champions,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “The August 4^th card includes four returning fighters who we feel are all worth a second look. The ceiling is high for these young and talented fighters trying to raise their profiles on SHOBOX. Credit to the returning fighters for continuing to seek out the toughest challenges and good luck to the fighters experiencing SHOBOX for the first time.”

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

White vs. Garcia – 10-Round Super Featherweight Main Event

The Washington, D.C. native White, 25, was a former No. 1-ranked amateur, amassing a 145-16 record with wins over contenders Brandun Lee and Vergil Ortiz, Jr. He was teammates with future world champions Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson on the Junior National travel squad, competing in the Junior World Championships in Kiev, Ukraine in 2013. White turned professional at 18, winning his first four bouts, three by knockout before losing a decision to fellow undefeated foe Adam Lopez. White has since bounced back by winning 10 fights in a row, including a seventh-round TKO over previously unbeaten prospect Ronaldo Solis and an impressive sixth-round TKO over previously undefeated Misael Lopez (11-1, 5 KOs) in his SHOBOX debut in March of 2021.

“This is my time, but Garcia is coming into our territory,” White said. “He is another in front of me on the way to where I need to be. A win over Garcia gets me ranked high in the WBC and another big opportunity on SHOWTIME to be able to showcase all my skills. I will show the world what they have been missing.”

The Dominican Republic native Garcia started boxing at 14 and is a former highly decorated amateur. Currently living and training in Houston, the southpaw Garcia, 29, has sparred with former Olympian and unified champion Stevenson and up-and-coming SHOBOX alum Giovanni Marquez. Garcia was 270-30 and won multiple medals in national events in the early 2010s in the amateurs. From 2012-2017, Garcia served in the Dominican Republic Navy and won two second-place medals in the Military Games. He turned professional in 2017 and came to the United States in 2020 after seven pro bouts. Garcia won a 10-round unanimous decision over Armando Frausto two years ago to capture the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Super Featherweight Championship.

“I feel great about this fight on August 4,” Garcia said. “I have been watching videos on White, and he looks like a good fighter. I feel extremely grateful, happy and excited about fighting on SHOWTIME. This is the biggest fight of my career. This is a stepping-stone to enhance my career, and it’s a great opportunity to show everybody what a great fighter I am.”

Kroll vs. Schramm – Eight-Round Super Welterweight Bout

Representing the fighting city of Philadelphia, Kroll is a five-year pro who already owns impressive wins over highly regarded SHOBOX alum Shinard Bunch and previously undefeated Philadelphian southpaw Mark Dawson. In his SHOBOX debut in February of 2022, Kroll and Marquis Taylor fought to a spirited split draw. Kroll also owns a 10-round victory over Lucas Santamaria as he overcame a knockdown in the second round to earn the unanimous decision. A highly touted amateur with a record of 123-17, Kroll won the U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials in 2015 and has sparred with standout former champions Julian Williams, Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia.

“It’s another good opportunity for me fighting on SHOBOX,” Kroll said. “This time I will capitalize on it and look like I am supposed to. This is an opportunity to get bigger and better fights. I love fighting close to home and in front of my family, fans and friends. I get a lot of love from the people that want to see me win. I am looking to win a world title in under 15 fights and become unified in about 20-25 fights.” 

The 27-year-old Schramm (16-1-1, 9 KOs) is promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz’s Sampson Boxing. Known as a pressure fighter who comes forward, Schramm started boxing late at 17 and finished his amateur career with a record of 45-4 and won six amateur titles in Argentina. For the past three years, Schramm has trained in Los Angeles under Lionel Lara, and previously trained alongside former world champion Brian Castaño. In his last fight on SHOBOX in April, Schramm won a majority decision over previously unbeaten Jahyae Brown (13-1, 9 KOs) coming on strong in the later stages of the fight with his aggressive style.

“I am working hard on a daily basis for this fight on August 4, and hopefully I will get the victory and impress the viewers at home and fans in attendance,” Schramm said. “Being on SHOBOX, I want to show the world what I have. I have a lot to prove still, and I want to show why I’m going to be the next Argentinian world champion.”

Gonzalez vs. Spell – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout

Gonzalez, from Reading, Pa., just over 40 miles from Bethlehem, will feel right at home on August 4. The 21-year-old has fought three times already at Wind Creek Event Center in his young career, scoring first and second-round stoppages before a fourth-round TKO in his SHOBOX debut against Rosalindo Morales, his toughest opponent to date, in January. Gonzalez showed his power punch early dropping Morales in the first round and halting him with a stiff right hand to all but end the contest in the opening seconds of the fourth round. Gonzalez fought five times in 2021, the year he turned pro. The lone blemish on Gonzalez’s record is a six-round draw against Cuban prospect Ivan Jimenez. Going by the ring moniker “Gifted,” Gonzalez has sparred with Philadelphia’s unified 122-pound world champion Stephen Fulton Jr.

“We are back on SHOWTIME and back on the big stage,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t know much about Spell. I know he is an undefeated fighter and now I have to take another undefeated guy from Pittsburgh out. My profile went up with a knockout on SHOBOX but that does not go to my head – that can mess with you. This is just another person that is in my way.”

The unbeaten 27-year-old Spell from Pittsburgh is trained by his father Johnny Spell, Jr., a former professional fighter. Spell has been a regular in camp with multiple world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and has sparred with world-ranked super bantamweight (WBA No. 5) Oleh Dovhun. He last fought in March when he decisioned Antonio Dunton El Jr. at Wind Creek Events Center over six rounds.

“I am ready for this and know it’s a big fight with another good fighter,” Spell said. “This will show who is built for the next level. The story line is that I am the underdog. This is my first TV fight and I am excited. I have seen him fight two times. He fought my friend from my city of Pittsburgh [Rosalindo Morales] and I feel like he is a good fighter who I have seen make a couple mistakes that I know I can capitalize on. Fighting on SHOBOX is a big opportunity for my city, as not many from Pittsburgh have fought on SHOWTIME. A win will put my career on the next level.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT co-host Brian Campbell will serve as ringside expert analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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DKO Boxing’s Undefeated and World Ranked Junior Lightweight William Foster III to face Fradimil Macayo TONIGHT in Plant City, Florida

New Haven, CT (July 12, 2023)–World ranked junior lightweight contender William Foster III will be back in action TONIGHT when he takes on Fradamil Macayo at The Probox Event Center in Plant City, Fl.

The fight will headline a card on ProBox TV beginning at 7:30 PM ET 

Foster has a record of 15-0 with nine knockouts. The 29 year-old is ranked number 15 by the WBA. His resume includes wins over Sulaiman Segawa (10-0), Angel Suarez (8-2), Jahmal Dyer (9-2), Donald Smith (10-0), world rated and fast rising contender Edwin De Los Santos (13-0) and in his most recent bout he scored a convincing win over Avery Sparrow on July 23, 2022 in Philadelphia.

Macayo is a power punching southpaw from Venezuela who has a record of 16-1 with 13 knockouts. Macayo has wins over undefeated fighters Jose Luis Marcano (9-0) and Armando Ramirez Almanza (5-0-1).

“We are excited to see the best William Foster the world has seen to date on July 12. He gets better every time he steps in the ring. He has had a great camp and his coach always has him fully prepared for battle. William is a true warrior who is ready and willing to take on any of the division’s elite. This bout is for two regional titles (WBA Fedecentro and WBO Global). He is already ranked in the WBA and with a win over Macayo he will crack the WBO world ratings which means he is then one phone call away from a well-deserved world title opportunity. His recent victories over Edwin De Los Santos and Avery Sparrow coupled with an impressive showing against Macayo should catapult William up the world rankings. His resume of victories is quite impressive for someone with only 15 fights! By facing and defeating such stiff competition William is fully prepared for anything that he sees in the ring. It is just a matter of time before William is recognized as the class of the 130 pound division!”, stated David Dubinsky of DKO Boxing, Foster’s Co-Manager.

Said Foster, “Camp went really well. I sparred more than 78 rounds for this fight and I sparred with different types of fighters, my coach always pushes me beyond my limits. I expect Macayo to be the pressure fighter and try to take the fight to me but he seems smart enough to not go straight in. I’m going to surprise him with my speed and skills that I have developed over the years and with a victory I am hopeful to get a world title fight next. I’ve been in the business long enough and it’s time to get my shot at the title.”

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August 12: Raymond Muratalla-Diego Torres Lightweight Battle Confirmed as Co-Feature to Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez World Title Showdown at Desert Diamond Arena
Navarrete-Valdez, Muratalla-Torres, and Richard Torrez Jr.-Willie Jake Jr. tripleheader will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT 
Tickets starting at $50 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com

“I’m away from any distractions [here in the United States], and I’m sacrificing. When I’m sacrificing, I always bring out this more relentless hunger out of me. I’m going home to a makeshift house that the team is living in, and we’re watching fights and studying fights. If we come up with something, we go into the backyard and start working on it. This a 24/7 warzone. We’re sacrificing with hard work, and July 22, I’m back.”
 
“Since the Devin Haney fights, I’ve gotten sharper. I’ve become a better boxer. I’m better on my feet. I’m better all around. I’ve been able to sit back and add more artillery to the game. I’ve been able to watch so much more footage from different fights. I’m a better fighter.”
 
“I know that Maxi Hughes is coming off a seven-fight win streak against guys that I’ve never really heard of. It’s okay. Whatever he’s coming with, that’s no problem. I’m coming in with what I’m coming in with. Just look at my last three fights. Don’t worry about the wins and losses. Just look at the names. Even prior to that. Look at my last five fights.”
 
“I’m going to make an emphatic statement. I’m going to show that I’m back. I’m going to show that I’ve become a better fighter. I’m going to knock out Maxi Hughes.”
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment and Ferocious Promotions, tickets are on sale at www.stubwire.com.

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OVERSEAS BOXING 

By Per-Ake Persson

In a rousing battle between two leading contenders, Vincenzo Gualtieri beats Esquiva Falcao over 12 hard-fought rounds to capture vacant IBF middleweight title to top thrilling AGON Sports show in Wuppertal, Germany

Wuppertal, Germany. AGON Sports returned to the Unihalle in Wuppertal on the first of July for a show headlined by local hero and official challenger for the vacant IBF middleweight title Vincenzo Gualtieri (21-0-1) who was in against Brazilian star Esquiva Falcao (30-1). Falcao was a big favorite going into the fight but Gualtieri, fighting in front of his fans, was up for it and won a unanimous decision on scores of 116-110 twice and 117-109 but it was not without controversy.

Falcao went down in the second courtesy of Gualtieri’s sharp left hooks but got up and continued to stalk his opponent scoring well to the body and head with his southpaw left. The fight went back and forth with the German boxing on the move, often trying to set traps for the Brazilian along the ropes where he would counter his opponent – and sometimes did so well.

In the seventh both men strayed low with their punches and Gualtieri responded with a very low punch and Falcao dropped to the canvas in pain. How real the pain was is hard to say but the blow was very low, and it looked deliberate. The referee first counted over Falcao then called a timeout with no further action taken. Falcao got to his feet but looked badly shaken and after a few minutes the fight was on again without any ruling from the referee.

In the tenth Falcao slipped and went down – and it was ruled a knockdown and by now the fight was lost for the Brazilian, an excellent amateur in his day, who looked fatigued while Gualtieri danced around scoring with short bursts of punches and won the fight. This reporter scored the fight a draw and did not score the “knockdown” in the tenth 10-8 as all three judges did. With a point deduction in the seventh Gualtieri could well have lost the contest, although he fought the fight of his life putting on a career best performance. Falcao was good but showed no fire and often just followed his opponent around.

AGON got another world champ when Italian Etinosa Oliha (18-0) won the vacant IBO middleweight title by outpointing Chilean Julio Alamos (16-1) in a hard fought no knockdown affair that was scored 115-113 twice and 116-112. Oliha coasted in the final round and that made it a little closer than it was. Alamos showed some excellent boxing moves but Oliha, a strong compact fighter, stayed close to him and was the stronger man on the inside – and just a little bit faster than his opponent, who was cut on the nose and bled from the right ear. It was a tough fight for both, and they kept it up for the full distance.

Super welterweight “Golden” Jack Culcay (33-4) knocked out overmatched Argentinian Juan Adrian Monzon (8-5-3) at 51 seconds of the second in a scheduled eight-rounder. Monzon was down twice in the first as well and Culcay, ranked #2 with the IBF, looked sharp.

Light heavyweight Martin Houben (16-2) is not promoted by AGON but comes from Wuppertal and thus got the chance to fight on the show and he outscored Venezuelan Omar Garcia over eight but looked a bit gun-shy in doing so. Garcia was a late sub and in top shape and an upset could have been likely.

Cruiserweight Dariusz Lassotta (2-0) was in against Eduardo Sacramento da Silveira (1-4) who cannot fight much but knows how to spoil a fight and that is what he did against Lassotta. Sacramento did not come out for the fourth due to an injured arm or hand and thus saved us from two more rounds of wrestling and holding.

Super bantams Yeiler Vazquez (3-1-1) and Farlin Condori (6-1-1) drew over six but Vazquez, from Italy, came on strong in the later rounds as Condori, from Spain, was unable to keep his opponent away.

Big Cuban heavyweight Carlos Castillo (3-0) outscored durable Italian Alfonso Damiani (7-4) over six. Castillo showed a lot of talent during the fight but could never hurt his opponent.

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Buckeye Bonanza!!

Tiger Johnson, Dante Benjamin and DeAndre Ware Pick up Home State wins in Toledo

TOLEDO, OHIO (July 6, 2023) – Three Split-T Management fighters from the state of Ohio emerged victorious on Saturday night with wins in their home state at The Huntington Center in Toledo.

2020 United States Olympian Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Montrel in a junior welterweight bout.

In round three, the left eye of Montrel began to swell.

The eye continued to worsen as the doctor checked on it before round seven commenced. The right side of Montrel’s forehead became a bloody mess in round seven.

Johnson, 141.2 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 9-0. Montrel, 140.6 lbs of New Orleans is now 15-2.

Dante Benjamin Jr. remained undefeated by stopping Mirandy Zola in round one of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Benjamin landed a big left hand that was followed by a right to the chin that put Zola on his back. Benjamin came forward and landed a big right that snapped Zola’s head back and the bout was stopped at 1:56.

Benjamin, 173.3 lbs of Cleveland is 7-0 with six knockouts. Zola, 173.9 lbs of Columbus, OH is 4-3..

DeAndre Ware won a six-round unanimous decision over DeCarlo Perez in a super middleweight bout.

Ware, 167.9 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now 16-4-2. Perez, 167.5 lbs of Atlantic City, NJ is 19-9-1.

Johnson and Benjamin are promoted by Top Rank.

The fights were streamed live on ESPN+.

Photos Courtesy: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

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Undefeated Gabriel “The Menace” Morales & Luke “The Quiet Storm” Iannuccilli added to Stacked “Veterans Stadium Showcase” card

Outdoors on August 11^th in Quincy, MA

QUINCY, Mass. (July 6, 2023) – Undefeated prospects Gabriel “The Menace” Morales (7-0, 4 KOs), a lightweight, and middleweight Luke “The Quiet Storm” Iannuccilli (6-0, 3 KOs) have been added to the already stacked “Veterans Stadium Showcase” Pro-Am card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), on Friday night, August 11th (Aug. 12th rain date), at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, Massachusetts.

“The future of local boxing is promoters working together not against each other,” GCP president Chris Traietti remarked. “When we combine resources, we can make the shows that fans want to see. Mike Reyes has been great to work with and we are honored to have three of his fighters on this card, one of which is headlining, Gigliotti.”

“It’s a pleasure for Reyes Boxing to be pairing up with Granite Chin to make amazing local fights that people deserve. Gabby, Harry and Luke all look forward to offering the crowd an amazing show.”

Morales, a union carpenter from Lowell (MA), is fighting in a six-rounder.

“I’m pretty excited about fighting on this show,” Morales said. “I think fighting outdoors will help. I do all my running outside. No roof and cleaner air than if we were fighting indoors in a crowded room. I’m a boxer-puncher who has good output and I can box. I want to keep this train rolling. I was supposed to fight a 5-0 opponent on a show a couple of weeks ago that was canceled. I’m fighting on this show to stay active. I’ll take my time, pick my spots, and get more comfortable in the ring.

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man, Ohan, Jr. (18-2, 9 KOs), of Holbrook, and Haverhill’s Harry “The Hitman” Gigliotti (9-4, 3 KOs), reigning ABF Atlantic super lightweight title holder, will battle in the eight-round, main event in a non-title fight.

Gigliotti, Morales and Iannuccilli are Reyes Boxing stablemates

“Lowell has always been a special part of me. I want to continue what Micky (Ward) did for our city. There’s no added pressure on me. I’m more honored because Lowell people chose me to watch. I’ve always been around Micky and his brother (Dicky Eklund), because a lot of my family grew up with them.”  

Iannuccilli meets the always tough Maine middleweight Ryan Thomas Clark (2-4, 1 KO) in a six-round fight. Luke recently changed jobs and his position as janitor for the Town of Methuen has enabled him to be fresher during training sessions.

“It’s (changing jobs) made a tremendous difference,” Iannuccilli explained. “I worked manual jobs and then would go straight to the gym after work. That was physically draining. This job isn’t as physically demanding and I get out at 2 o’clock, so I get a nice break, and go to the gym refreshed.

“I’ve never fought outdoors, and I’m really excited about it. I’ve seen posts and pictures of outdoor shows and it’s always been an interest of mine. Outside will help with fresh air, no AC or heat, or fighting in a stuffy room. It’ll play big unless we have a super sunny, hot night.

“I respect all my opponents, but want to fight bigger names, and go after a local title. I was supposed to fight Baptiste (Julien, USBF Middleweight Champion), but it didn’t happen. If we both win on August 11^th, I’d definitely be interested in fighting him down the road.”

Baptiste (5-3, 2 KOs), of Woburn, and Massachusetts titleholder Jamer Jones (3-1, 3 KOs), of Pittsfield, are in a middleweight unification bout for their two titles in the eight-round co-featured event.

Undefeated middleweight prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (14-0, 13 KOs), of nearby Weymouth (MA), will provide chief support in an eight-round bout. Hogan, who was a 2020 USA Boxing Olympic Team alternate, will bring “Tank Time” to Quincy.

Also slated to fight on the undercard are undefeated Irish light heavyweights Tommy “The Governor” Hyde (5-0, 4 KOs) and Thomas “The Kid” O’Toole (7-0, 4 KOs) in a pair of six-round matches, as well as Scituate heavyweight Kevin Nagle (2-0, 2 KOs).

Card subject to change.

Tickets for “Veterans Stadium Showcase,” are on sale and available for purchase online at www.EventBrite.com.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Traietti at chris@granite-chin-promotions.com for details.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET with the amateur matches starting  at 6:30 p.m. ET, pro card commences at 8 pm. ET.

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George Kambosos Jr: “I’m Coming to Knock Out Maxi Hughes!” 
 Kambosos to make Top Rank debut on Saturday, July 22 at FireLake Arena in Shawnee, Oklahoma, LIVE on ESPN

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East-West Massachusetts Boxing Showdown

Lynn’s James Perkins vs. Pittsfield’s Steven Sumpter title fight to Headline “Pandemonium at The Palladium”

 August 19^th in Worcester

QUINCY, Mass. (June 28, 2023) – East meets West! On August 19^th on the “Pandemonium at The Palladium” pro boxing card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), a pair of unbeaten boxers, James “Pitbull” Perkins (12-0-1, 9 KOs) and Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (8-0, 7 KOs), put their sterling records on the line at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Perkins vs. Sumpter will be the eight-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Super Middleweight Championship.

“Pandemonium at The Palladium” will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com.

Perkins is a gravedigger from Lynn, which is located on the east coast of the Bay State, while Sumpter hails from Pittsfield in Western Massachusetts. they will be fighting in Central Mass., in Worcester.

It’s so rare in boxing today that unbeaten prospects square off against each other, rather than take the less risky route to build-up records.

“I am excited to be hosting my first show in Worcester at the historic Palladium,” GCP president Chris Traietti said. “The Palladium hosted a bunch of unforgettable events, and this is going to be added to the list.”

An old saying in boxing is that styles make fights. If that’s the case, Perkins vs. Sumpter has the potential to be an instant classic, because Perkins is a seek-and-destroy fighter and Sumpter a solid boxer-puncher.

Perkins, 30, fought to a draw in his 2019 pro debut and he’s won his last 12 fights in a row, including a four-round knockout of Larry Smith this past June 30.

“I’m looking forward to this fight with Sumpter,” Perkins said. “I think it’s going to be my toughest test so far and I welcome the challenge. I think it’s going to be a fun fight night for the fans as well.”

The 29-year-old Sumpter moved up in weight last November, capturing the vacant Massachusetts light heavyweight title by taking an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Edet Mkpanam (8-0).  Sumpter recently knocked out Miguel Angel Suarez in the opening round of his most recent fight.

“I think this fight is a great opportunity,” Sumpter remarked. “Another chance at fighting yet another undefeated fighter early in my career just makes me go even harder than I did before. To be headlining a good distance away from home is still a good feeling. I have a lot of supporters and I know they’ll make the trip regardless.

“I don’t know a lot about Perkins. I’ve seen him fight once and I wasn’t impressed. I think he’s a pretty good fighter, but I don’t think he has what it takes to come out on top.”

Other fighters slated to be in action on “Pandemonium at The Palladium” include two undefeated Holyoke boxers, Massachusetts Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (11-0, 6 KOs) and super welterweight Carlos Castillo (7-0, 4 KOs), two unbeaten Springfield fighters, super featherweight Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz (6-0, 4 KOs) and (his brother) super lightweight Calixto Cruz (2-0, 0 KOs), and former celebrated amateur Felix Parrilla (7-0, 6 KOs), the New Haven (CT) featherweight.

Additional fights and fighters will soon be announced.

Tickets are on sale and available for purchase online at www.ThePalladium.net.

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Tickets ON SALE TODAY for Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez Junior Lightweight World Title Showdown August 12 at Desert Diamond Arena

 Richard Torrez Jr.-Willie Jake Jr. heavyweight battle will be part of the ESPN-televised tripleheader 

GLENDALE, Ariz. (June 28, 2023) – Tickets go on sale TODAY for the August 12 junior lightweight title showdown between WBO world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
 
U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. will open the televised tripleheader in a six-round heavyweight tilt against Willie Jake Jr. The bout was initially scheduled for March, but Torrez tore his oblique in training.

Navarrete-Valdez, a to-be-announced co-feature, and Torrez-Jake will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $50 go on sale TODAY at 12 p.m. PT via Ticketmaster.com.
 
Torrez (5-0, 5 KOs) made his pro debut last year with a second-round stoppage win against Allen Melson. He scored three additional knockouts in 2022 before making his triumphant 2023 debut by blasting out James Bryant in the opening round. Jake (11-3-2, 3 KOs), from Indianapolis, Indiana, is a seven-year pro who has won three straight fights.
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard includes some of the sports brightest young talents.
 
Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado (17-0, 13 KOs), a 2016 Mexican Olympian, puts his unbeaten record on the line against compatriot Jair Valtierra (16-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Last August, Delgado authored a career-best victory over then-unbeaten prospect Omar Aguilar and is coming off a decision win over Florida veteran Clarence Booth at Desert Diamond Arena in February.
 
Undefeated lightweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas (5-0, 4 KOs) will face an opponent to be named in a four-rounder. “El General” began his 2023 campaign with a decision win over Francisco Duque in February at Desert Diamond Arena. He then stopped Edgar Uvalle in two rounds in April before beating Rafael Jasso via second-round knockout the following month on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard.
 
In a six-round super middleweight dual between two of Phoenix’s crowd favorites, Sergio Rodriguez (7-0-1, 6 KOs) and Eduardo Ayala (9-3-1, 3 KOs), will meet for intra-city bragging rights.
 
Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (8-0-1, 2 KOs), who trains out of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, will fight Isaiah Wise (11-2-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight clash.
 
Rising junior welterweight prospect Ricardo Ruvalcaba (9-0-1, 8 KOs) will make his fourth appearance of 2023 in a scheduled six-rounder. Ruvalcaba scored first-round knockouts against Kenny Williams in January, Marco Cardenas in March and Ramon Duarte Marquez in May.
                                                                                                     
Heavyweight knockout artist Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (7-0, 6 KOs) returns in a six-rounder against Dajuan Calloway (7-2, 7 KOs). In March, the 6-foot-9, 270-pound southpaw rose off the canvas to edge Patrick Mailata by split decision.

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Middleweights Julien Baptiste & Jamer Jones

Both bringing belts into the ring for unification

 “Veterans Stadium Showcase”

Outdoors on August 11^th in Quincy

QUINCY, Mass. (June 27, 2023) – Newly crowned  United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Champion Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (5-3, 2 KOs) and Massachusetts titleholder Jamer Jones (3-1, 3 KOs) both believe two title belts are better than one.

Baptiste vs. Jones will be the eight-round, co-featured event on the August 11^th (Aug. 12 rain date) “Veterans Memorial Showcase” Pro-Am card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), for their aforementioned middleweight titles. The outdoor show will be held at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, Massachusetts, for the benefit of Operation Homefront.

“This fight makes too much sense for both guys,” GCP president Chris Traietti said. “Both are looking to establish themselves as the best middleweight in Massachusetts and after August 11^th, one of them will be able to say that. It will be such a contract in styles, which typically leads to an action-packed fight.”

Baptiste, of Woburn, Pittsfield’s Jones both believe that the winner will move on to fight outside New England in the near future.

Baptiste had to overcome performance anxiety issues in his last fight, in which he captured his USBF crown with an impressive six-round unanimous decision over Ryan Clark this past June 10^th.

“Winning that title was me staying on course in my pro career,” Baptiste said. “I really want to progress and fight my way out of New England. I worked on some mechanisms in camp for my last fight (to get past his performance anxiety). We did some exercises and it all happened in the ring. I made some adjustments, and everything went according to plan. I did feel the difference and I had a lot of support.

“I don’t know too much about my opponent. I know he trains at the same gym as Steve Sumpter and that he’s a game opponent. I know he’s tall with a long reach, but I’ll adjust as we go along. We will see what the future holds.”  

Jones also won his strap in his last fight, taking a first-round TKO win against defending champion Anthony Andreozzi, who suffered a leg injury in their February 18^th fight.

“I usually keep a distance and work everything off my jab,” the 6’ 3” Jones explained. “I have a 75” reach and throw straight punches. My jab is my most important punch. I’ll see what he does, whether he slips, backs up, or goes forward. I’ll use distance to see how my opponent moves.

“I’ve always believed in my skill set. Now, I’m proving to others that I have a lot of talent and potential. He (Baptiste) is a decent fighter with decent skills, but he doesn’t have anything that can give me trouble. I’ll figure out a way. I want to fight on bigger platforms, not local shows, and need to win this fight.”

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man, Ohan, Jr. (18-2, 9 KOs), of Holbrook, takes on Haverhill’s Harry “The Hitman” Gigliotti (9-4, 3 KOs), reigning ABF Atlantic super lightweight title holder, in the eight-round, non-title, main event in an old-fashioned All-Bay State showdown.

The undercard will soon be announced. Card subject to change.

Tickets for “Veterans Stadium Showcase,” are on sale and available for purchase online at www.EventBrite.com.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Traietti at chris@granite-chin-promotions.com for details.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET with the amateur matches starting  at 6:30 p.m. ET, pro card commences at 8 pm. ET.

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Champions Sports and Entertainment provide Boardwalk fans with a fun-filled fight card at Bally’s Atlantic City

Dimash “Lightning” Niyazov loses Super Lightweight Title to Larry “Lethal” Fryers in Main Event

Story by John Rinaldi and Jacob Sites

Photographs by Alex Rinaldi

June 17 – Atlantic City, NJ. On the eve of the summer season on Father’s Day Weekend, Champion Sports and Entertainment along with Fling Boxing gave fans a night of fist-swinging enjoyment at the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk, the same Boardwalk that has been greeting visitors since 1890.

With patrons sunning on the beautiful Jersey Shore at Atlantic City below the Boardwalk, it seemed that one was lost in some sort of time passage intensified by the people swimming, the far-off boats, the planes with their banners tailing behind them, and, of course, the crashing and the rumbling of the ocean waves upon the shore.

It brought one back to the era when fighters such as Jack Dempsey trained there for his July 2, 1921, bout with the Frenchman Georges Carpentier.  

Dempsey arrived in Atlantic City on May 6, 1921, and was housed at the Hotel Alamac. Besides frequent sparring, Dempsey often strolled along the Boardwalk to the delight of the patrons.

One-Hundred and two years later, the sport of boxing still maintains its historic and colorful connection with Atlantic City.

At Bally’s Hotel and Casino, while the patrons were looking for a pot of gold on the New Jersey Shore on the busy casino floor, others ventured into the sixth-floor ballroom to an excursion into the world of prizefighting.

Just like the waves crashing against the shore, fists would soon be crashing against the skulls and bodies of the night’s participants.

In a fight-bout card with prices ranging at $65, $95 and $175, it appeared to be a better substitute than losing at the roulette table or emptying your pockets at unforgiving slot machines.

The first bout of the evening featured Edward “World Dominator” Donovan venturing all the way from Limerick, Ireland to face Nelson Morales, of Scranton, PA. Morales, 146, was tough, but was outgunned by the scrappy Irishman.

Right from the opening bell, Donovan, 146.5, was quite effective with his jab and he repeatedly poked the left into his opponent’s face and torso with ease. After being hit with a left-right combination, Morales quipped at Donovan, “Go Bitch!” Upon hearing the remark, Donovan chuckled and then jolted his adversary with a crackling right uppercut.

By the second and third rounds, Donovan added double left hooks and right hands to his repertoire. When Morales scored with his own left hooks, he was greeted with three right hands to the jaw in return.

As the ring girl came out between the third and fourth frames, with the song, “Evacuate the Dance Floor” blazing through the ballroom’s speakers, Donovan looked up and smiled. He then came out at the bell and battered Morales with blistering right fists to his head and jaw, apparently looking to evacuate his foe from the ring floor.

Though Donovan continued his domination over the final two frames, he is sort of a spray puncher that scores with solid combinations but lacks any weight behind them. Morales (3-7) was sturdy and bravely attempted to trade on various spots, however, he was simply outgunned time and time again.

At the end of six rounds, Donovan won by identical scores of 60-54 from all three judges.

 “The whole experience was great. I look forward to bigger things and in the future and I hope the fans enjoyed the fight,” said Donovan 7-0-1 (1 KO) afterwards.

The second fight featured a pair of cruiserweight Floridians plying their trade through a six-rounder. Victor Darocha, 179.3, and Leandro DaSilva, 180.5, fought to a bruising 6-round majority draw by scores of 59-55 (Darocha) and 57-57 (twice).

Darocha started the contest off aggressively by jabbing and throwing overhand right hands. He scored well with two rights to DaSilva’s belly and ended the first round battering his man with both fists against the ropes.

The southpaw DaSilva came alive in the second round and briefly dropped Darocha with a crisp right to the head. Victor rose without a count but was soon holding off DeSilva’s barrage of head and body blows. Before the bell, Darocha stunned his rival with a right uppercut to the chin.

Over the next two sessions, Darocha (11-6-2, 7 KO’s) loaded up on his overhand right swings that occasionally found their mark on the head of DaSilva (3-7-1). Leandro even managed to counter a few times with his own left-rights, but it did not appear enough to win those frames.

Along with the steady blows he was throwing, Darocha opened a cut along the mouth of DaSilva in the fifth round. Darocha landed most of the punches during the session as DaSilva looked quite winded.

Although both were huffing and puffing in the sixth and final round, they swung away with all they had.  The crowd enjoyed the contest, although they felt that Darocha had deserved the nod.

The third fight on the bill proved to be the most exciting and shortest contest of the night as Joey “The Tank” Dawejko, of Philadelphia, PA, pummeled Dennis Vance in one round.

The two heavyweights came out swinging bombs. Suddenly, a left hook to the ribs sent Vance, of South Bend, MI, crumbling to the canvas. Wincing in pain, Vance, 277, began to rise. Just as Dennis regained his footing, Dawejko, 266.6, moved in and drilled another left hook to his foe’s soft midsection and floored Vance for the second time.

Again, as he grimaced in pain, Vance rose as his adversary adorned in camouflage trunks advanced forward. Vance bravely opened with both fists, but Dawejko’s gloves may have been as camouflaged as his trunks for Vance failed to see the third left hook missile firing towards his right side. Before he knew it, the left hook slammed so hard into his ribs that his legs gave out under him like a collapsible table.

Shaking his head in anguish, the gutsy Vance struggled to his feet to meet his executioner. “The Tank” did not waste any time in steamrolling his opponent as he exploded a left hook to the jaw that dropped Vance down for the fourth time! That was it for the referee as he halted the blitzkrieg at 2:01 of the opening frame.

 “I targeted the body in the fight,” said Dawejko (25-10-4, 14 KO’s). It was the first time I ever knocked someone down with a body shot. It was just what I threw. Vance was a tough guy who came to fight.”

Next up for Dawejko is a fight on September 15 at the LIVE Casino in Philly. His opponent is currently unknown.

The gutsy Vance dropped to 4-10 (2 KO’s) with the loss.

The fourth battle saw middleweight action as Pierre Hubert Dibombe, of France, stopped Derrick Findley, of Gary, Indiana, in four rounds.  Both men came out in fine shape with Dibombe wearing gold trunks with red stripes, while Findley was adorned in black trunks with gold glitter trim. Dibombe opened the contest jabbing away with sharp jabs and left hooks. When Findley slipped briefly to the canvas, the Frenchman clipped him with a right to the head that surprisingly drew no warning from the referee.

In the second round Dibombe drove his rival into the ropes and battered him with both fists. As Findley tried to slip and move away from the onslaught, someone in the audience yelled, “He’s an Andre Ward from Walmart!” Findley, 169, was hurt with a left hook to the body and attacked with a fusillade of blows that shook him near the end of the session.

Dibombe is the type of fighter that adds sound effects with every punch he fires.  The sounds of “Ish, Ish” can be heard as blows whistled their way to their intended target. Findley must have cringed every time he heard those “Ish, Ish” sounds in his ear as pain would soon follow in the form of rollicking shots.

At the start of the fourth round, the ring doctor paused the proceedings as he checked Findley’s swollen right eye. The audience then implored the physician, “Let him fight Doc!”

Once the bout was continued, Dibombe, 167.1, opened up with a blazing barrage that had Findley wobbling along the ropes. The referee then halted the bout to the displeasure of the crowd. Findley was very upset and gave the referee a hard time for acting so quickly to end matters. In this case, the fight may have been stopped a little prematurely.  The end came at 0:31 of Round 4, though the writing was on the wall.

“I feel good with the win,” said Dibombe with the victory as he remained unbeaten at 22-0-1 (11 KO’s). “I am happy to make my American debut.”

Findley tumbled to 35-30-1 (25 KO’s).

The main event of the festivities was for the WBB World Super Lightweight Title as champion Dimash “Lightning” Niyazov, of Shymkent, Kazakhstan, but now residing in Brooklyn, NY, defended his laurels against transplanted Irishman Larry “Lethal” Fryers, who now lives in Yonkers, NY.

Niyazov, 139.8, who has a reputation as a slick boxer, was overwhelmed from the start by the brawling tactics of Fryers, 139.9.  At the onset, the Irishman went at the champion and unloaded punches in bunches that sent Niyazov into the ropes. Maneuvering his way out, the champ moved away firing his jab into the face of Fryers.  The challenger stormed back and battered Dimash into the corner.

At the bell beginning Round 2, Niyazov came out landing two solid left hooks. Fryers then unleashed a right to the head and scored with a crackling right uppercut to the chin. Larry proceeded to back the champion into the ropes when he seemed to intentionally push Niyazov forward, which immediately sent him flying out of the ring!

Luckily, Niyazov’s body landed on top of the broadcast table right in front of TV commentator Gerry Cooney. As the former heavyweight challenger looked surprised, Dimash was even more amazed as he struggled to his feet to get back into the ring. The referee appeared to give him a long time to re-enter. Once the action resumed, Fryers, 32, rushed in with the fury of a jealous husband and blasted away with a fusillade of punches.

Coming into the bout, Fryers at 12-6-1 was considered just another easy foe to pad Niyazov’s record.  Apparently, Fryers did not receive the memo that he had little chance to win. Dimash apparently found this out the hard way as the scrappy Irishman was in there for a victory- and a belt.

The next two rounds featured Fryers staying inside and firing shots that bounced off the head of Niyazov. There was a lot of clinching and holding coming from both participants, although it was clear that Dimash was being sucked into his rival’s trap and instead of moving, he remained on the ropes and took a pummeling. The champion had his moments, but most of the time he was held and clinched. Out from the distance, because of the Irishman’s intense holding and grappling, someone shrieked, “He [Fryers] wants to love you – not fight you!”

Although the challenger was holding, he was also the one throwing most of the blows. Niyazov also did clamp down on the arms of the challenger to hold off the assault, so it was a 2-way street of brawling and holding tactics.

In Round 5, Dimash lost his cool from the crowding and clinching style of Fryers and threw the Irishman to the floor, whereby he was deducted a point by the referee. Fryers attacked again and hurt Nuyazov, 34, along the ropes. The champion then stunned Fryers with another hard right hand, which the Irishman retaliated with a savage, two-fisted attack.

Then it happened.

As Nuyazov was being hammered, he somehow fell out of the ring again! Instead of landing on a table, he bounced onto the ballroom floor. It was not clear what exactly happened. The champion looked to be backing his way out of the barrage he was taking. While many, especially Nuyazov’s fans thought that the challenger may have pushed him, it was simply too close to call.

It felt like an eternity as Nuyazov slowly got to his feet, but still did not yet enter the ring.

Finally with all the confusion, the bout was halted, with only Fryers in the ring. After the conclusion, Nuyazov climbed back into the roped square, rubbing his left shoulder. He apparently was unable to continue. Whether it was an injury, or an inclination to avoid further punishment, one never knows. Since the bout had already completed four rounds, due to the nature of the ending, it went to the judges’ scorecards.

All three officials had Fryers winning at 49-44.

Afterwards promoter Sal Musumeci announced that he plans to rematch the two fighters.

It was a great win for Fryers, who raised his record to 13-6-1 (5 KO’s) and left with the WBB belt.

As for Niyazov, it was a disappointing night as he fell to 14-2-3 (6 KO’s) and looks for another chance at Fryers to seek his revenge in the near future.  

All things considered; it was a great night of boxing as Atlantic City is moving straight ahead to a summer of simmering pugilism.

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Dominic Valle Remains Undefeated With Last Second Stoppage over Carlos Rosario

NEW YORK (JUNE 19, 2023) – Last Wednesday night in Plant City, Florida, Split-T Management super featherweight Dominic Valle remained undefeated with a sixth and final round stoppage over tough and upset-minded Carlos Rosario at The Probox Event Center.

It was a close fight early as Rosario was able to get in a few uppercuts in the opening frame. From there on, Valle began to land hard shots and slowly break down Rosario. In round Six, Rosario turned up the heat and landed a big flurry of punches that had Rosario reeling. Valle baked Rosario into the ropes and landed another barrage of punches and the fight was stopped with just one second remaining at 2:59.

Valle of Lutz, Florida is now 6-0 with five knockouts. Rosario of Winter Haven, Florida is 6-2.

Valle is promoted by Probox Promotions.

Photo Credits ProBox TV

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Granite Chin Promotions to bring  Historic Pro-Am Boxing Card to Quincy

Mike Ohan, Jr. vs. Harry Gigliotti Headliner

“Veterans Stadium Showcase”

Outdoors on August 11^th in QuincyQUINCY, Mass. (June 15, 2023) – Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) is bringing boxing back to Quincy, outdoors at Veterans Memorial Stadium for the benefit of Operation Homefront, on Friday night, August 11 (rain date Aug. 12), at Veterans Memorial Stadium .

“Veterans Stadium Showcase” will showcase many of the best and most popular professional and amateur boxers throughout New England, particularly those from Massachusetts. Quincy has hosted a few outdoor amateur events in the past, but this will be the first in the City of Presidents (Quincy natives John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams) to feature professionals fighting under the lights. Quincy is a coastal city of 100,000, located in the shadows of Boston to the south.

“What a night this is going to be,” GCP president Chris Traietti said. “Not only are fans going to see some of the state’s  best fighters in the ring, but we are also raising money for Operation Homefront to help out veterans and their families. I can’t think of a better spot for this than the beautifully renovated Veterans Memorial Stadium. I want to thank the New England Free Jacks (pro rugby team based in Quincy) for their assistance in making this event happen.”

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man, Ohan, Jr. (18-2, 9 KOs) takes on Harry “The Hitman” Gigliotti (9-4, 3 KOs), reigning ABF Atlantic super lightweight title holder, in a classic Intra-Bay State throw-down rivalry fight between fighters from, respectively, Holbrook versus Haverhill. The eight-round, main event is a non-title junior welterweight bout that promises to have future title implications for the winner.

“I’m excited to headline a big local show,” Ohan commented. “I’m going to go out there and show everyone that I’m a top-level fighter.”

“I’m thrilled to be headlining this show in Quincy,” Gigliotti added. “I know Mike is going to come at me with everything he’s got, but I’m bringing my A-game too, and I’m confident that I can outlast him and win by decision. I’m excited to give the fans a great show. Anything beyond a decision is just a bonus.”

In the co-featured event, two belts will be on the line in another All-Mass. showdown – only Eastern vs. Western – in the eight-round middleweight unification fight between newly crowned USBF Middleweight Champion Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (5-3, 2 KOs), of Woburn, and Massachusetts middleweight title holder Jamer Jones (3-1, 3 KOs), of Pittsfield.

Undefeated middleweight prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (14-0, 13 KOs), of nearby Weymouth (MA), is slated to be in action against an opponent to be determined. Hogan was a celebrated amateur who was a 2020 USA Boxing Olympic Team alternate as well as a 2010 New England Golden Gloves champion.

The undercard will soon be announced.

Boxing in Quincy dates back to the 1880s and Jake Kilrain, a bare-knuckle boxing champion who is inducted in the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame, in addition to the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF). Kilrain, who is buried in Quincy’s St. Mary’s Cemetery, fought legends such as John L. Sullivan and James J. Corbett.

Tickets for “Veterans Stadium Showcase,” will go on sale June 17^th online at www.EventBrite.com.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Traietti at chris@granite-chin-promotions.com for details.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET with the amateur matches starting  at 6:30 p.m. ET, pro card commences at 8 pm. ET.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

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Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste Captures USBF Middleweight Title

“FIGHT NIGHT AT THE VETS CLUB”

OFFICIAL RESULTS

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (June 11, 2023) – Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste turned in the best performance of his pro career last night, capturing the vacant United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Middleweight Championship, defeating Ryan Clark (2-4, 1 KO) by way of a convincing six-round unanimous decision.

Baptiste vs. Clark headlined “Fight Night at the Vets Club,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Baptiste, of Woburn (MA), had worked in training camp on overcoming performance anxiety in the ring. It was apparent from the start that he had accomplished his goal. He came out firing in the opening round as Clark charged forward, setting the stage for an all-action match. Baptise took control in the second landing numerous left hooks and right crosses. A straight right dropped Clark in the second, but the gutsy New Hampshire fighter responded in the third, aggressively going punch-for-punch with his gifted opponent.

In the fourth round, Baptiste consistently beat a tiring yet still dangerous Clark to the punch, as the latter’s face showed visible signs of Baptiste’s onslaught. The two went toe-to-toe in the fifth to set up the sixth and final frame, in which neither fighter let up right to the final bell.

“I’m incredibly proud of Julien through all the adversity and heartaches he’s dealt with during his journey in and out of the ring,” GCP president Chris Traietti said. “He dug deep and pulled it off to keep his career going. Stay tuned for August !”

Celebrated amateur Arika Skoog (2-0-1, 2 KOs) was too much for Orlando lightweight Sara “Switch Kick” Click (1-5-1) to handle. Skoog patiently boxed and established command, trapping Click in the corner and an accumulation of punches resulted in a third-round stoppage.

Skoog, of Roxbury (MA), won a gold medal at the 2020 USA Boxing Elite National Championships in addition to being a 2020 USA Olympic Boxing Team alternate and multiple New England Golden Gloves champion.

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (18-2, 9 KOs), of Holbrook (MA), outclassed game Alaskan welterweight William Parra Smith (4-15-1, 3 KOs) by way of a one-sided unanimous decision. After a “feeling out” first round, Ohan started throwing his sharp counterpunches, up and down on Smith, and Ohan’s devastating boxy attack weakened his opponent. Ohan’s left hook to the body broke-down Smith, who took a knee in the sixth and faded after that moment.

“Ohan was as sharp as I’ve ever seen him,” Traietti noted. “He’s getting better each fight. He’s ready for the deep end of New England boxing and he’s going to do exactly that next.”

Lynn (MA) gravedigger James Perkins (12-0-1, 9 KOs) kept his unbeaten streak intact, knocking out Texas journeyman Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-54-2, 9 KOs) in the fourth round. The heavy-handed Perkins throws each punch with bad intentions, closing the show with a pair of knockdowns in the fourth. First, he caught Smith with a right to the temple, but “Slo Mo” was able to beat the count. He followed with a straight right, which landed right on the button, sending Smith to the canvas where he was counted out.

The opening bout only lasted one minute as Scituate heavyweight Kevin Nagle (2-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Scituate (MA), knocked out Brazilian heavyweight Reinaldo Da Costa Souza (0-2). The 272-pound Nagle decked Souza with a crisp left hook and the end came soon after, when Nagle connected with left hook, right upper cut combination.

(Pictures by Emily Harney / Fightography)

 

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT USBF MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Julien Baptiste (5-3, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA

WDEC6 (59-54, 58-54, 58-55)u.

Ryan Clark (2-4, 1 KO), Berwick, NH

(Baptiste won the  vacant USBF middleweight title)

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Kevin Nagle (2-0, 2 KOs), Scituate, MA

WKO1 (1:00)

Reinaldo Sa Costa Souza (0-2), Boston, MA by way of Brazil

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

James Perkins (12-0-1, 9 KOs), Lynn, MA

WKO4 (2:15)

Larry Smith (13-54-2, 9 KOs), Mesquite, TX

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS

Mike Ohan, Jr. (18-2, 9 KOs), Holbrook, MA

WDEC8 (80-70, 79-72, 79-72)

William Parra Smith (4-15-1, 3 KOs), Anchorage, AK

FEMALE FLYWEIGHTS

Arika Skoog (2-0-1, 2 KOs), Roxbury, MA

WKO3 (1:59)

Sara Click (1-5-1, 0 KOs), Orlando, FL

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Terrific Teo! Lopez Dethrones Taylor in Junior Welterweight Title Showdown

Xander Zayas shines in co-feature

NEW YORK (June 10, 2023) — The Takeover has conquered a second division.

Former unified and lineal lightweight king Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) captured the WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight world titles with a 12-round unanimous decision win against former undisputed champion Josh Taylor (19-1, 13 KOs) Saturday evening before a sold out crowd of 5,151 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. 

In the opening two rounds, Taylor connected with straight left hands and counterpunches to the body. But by rounds three and four, the 32-year-Scotsman began feeling the sting of Lopez’s power.

As a result, his offense became more tentative and the pace of the fight decelerated, allowing Lopez to land his signature power shots.  By rounds five and six, Lopez took a commanding lead as a confused Taylor struggled to find his punching range.

Lopez punctuated his victory in the final rounds with explosive bursts of offense, shades of the vintage ‘Teo’ who had dominated his adversaries as a lightweight.

With scores of 115-113 2x and 117-111, the 25-year old Brooklyn native is now a lineal world champion in two divisions.
 
“Josh Taylor is a tough dude,” said Lopez. “I can see why he beat so many fighters. But you’ve got to counter the counterpuncher. You’ve got to outsmart the man and get in there. And I did that. I think I did enough.This is what it is all about.”

“I questioned myself for a good reason. You guys don’t understand. I’ve always been my worst critic. And you guys got a little glimpse of it. But I’ve just got to ask you one thing, and one thing only. Do I still got it?”
 
“I’m so grateful. This was a bout fixing what we needed to. That’s why I don’t leave my coach. I trust in him a lot.
 
“No excuses,” said Taylor. “It wasn’t my best. The better man won tonight. I’ve got no excuses. I fought to the best of my ability. He was better than me tonight. It is what it is. Congratulations to Teofimo.

“I thought it was a close fight. I’d love to do it again. I definitely know I’m better than that, and I know I can beat him still. I’d love to do it again. But he’s the champ, so the ball is in his court.”

 Zayas Coasts Past Cruz

Junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) kicked off the Puerto Rican Day Parade festivities without a hitch. The 20-year-old scored a dominant eight-round unanimous decision against California-born veteran Ronald “Diablo” Cruz (18-3-1, 12 KOs) to defend his NABF and NABO belts

In the opening stanza, Zayas landed a counter right hand that floored Cruz. Zayas maintained his composure and began boxing off his jab, stopping only to land two and three-punch combinations.

Cruz, who has never been stopped, resorted to a high guard to avoid punishment, and he managed to connect with an occasional right hand. However, Zayas’ versatility made it virtually impossible for Cruz to land as he was outgunned both on the inside and the outside.

With three scores of 80-71, Zayas takes home the second annual Miguel Cotto Award.

“This is a dream come true,” said Zayas. “I’m very happy to have fought during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. He was a tough guy. I was hitting him with everything. He didn’t want to go down. He was here to fight. He was motivated. He was tough. But we passed with flying colors. Unanimous decision. And we made the adjustments we needed to do.

“He brought out the dog in me. I had to dig deep. I had to stay focused. I had to listen to my corner. And most importantly I had to have fun, which was the most important part. I had the crowd here cheering for me, so I was trying to stay as focused as possible.”

Junior Lightweight: Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs) was just beginning to warm up in his scheduled 10-rounder against Nicolas Polanco (20-4-1, 11 KOs), but an accidental headbutt in the second round forced the referee to stop the fight. The bout was ruled a no contest.

Junior Welterweight: Omar Rosario (11-0, 3 KOs), the fighting pride of Caguas, Puerto Rico, tallied a workmanlike eight-round unanimous decision victory against countryman Jan Carlos Rivera (8-2, 6 KOs). Rosario’s aggression and short counterpunches were just enough to overcome Rivera’s free-swinging style. Scores: 77-75 3x.

Heavyweight: Undefeated Polish prospect Damian Knyba (12-0, 7 KOs) defeated Mexico’s Helaman Olguin (9-6-1, 4 KOs) via eight-round unanimous decision. Knyba, a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch reach, got off to a strong start, landing right hands that sent Olguin reeling to the ropes. Scores: 79-73 3x.

Featherweight: Brooklyn-born phenom Bruce Carrington (8-0, 5 KOs) defeated Luis Porozo (16-7, 9 KOs) via eighth-round TKO. Carrington fought at a close distance, mixing in jabs with power shots around Porozo’s guard. Time of stoppage: 2:17.
 
Junior Lightweight: In a battle of southpaws, Puerto Rican standout Henry Lebron (18-0, 10 KOs) scored a 10-round unanimous decision win over Spanish veteran Carlos Ramos (17-3, 10 KOs). After a few feel-out rounds, Lebron’s talent began to overcome Ramos, as he dropped him in the eighth and tenth with right hooks. Scores: 97-91 and 98-90 2x.

(Courtesy: Mikey Williams/Top Rank)

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