Flashback Boxing News Stories From
The Boxing Twins
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Vasiliy Lomachenko and Jose Pedraza ready to square off in New York City for the unified Lightweight title
By Alexander R. Rinaldi
On Saturday, December 8th, in the heart of the Christmas Season, all eleven floors at Macy’s Department Store located at Herald Square in New York City, will be adorned with a variety of gifts, colorful tapestries, and bright decorations. Merriment, shopping, and jolly good cheer will abound in the city as if capsulized in a holiday snow globe.
While this is going on, about a block away at the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden, there will be no jollies, there will be no shopping, and there will be no presents. Instead, in its place will be volleys of swift jabs, right crosses, and left hooks, with the only good cheer coming from the enthusiastic crowd assembled to watch one of the biggest lightweight battles in years. For on this date, at this time, in the midst of thousands of toasts to one’s good health, two of boxing best, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Jose Pedraza, will bravely engage in an anxiously awaited unification bout for the 135-pound title.
Following the Heisman Trophy presentation on ESPN, the Top Rank fight card is all set to capture not only the preceding sports audience, but also the imagination and viewership of boxing fans around the globe.
Already a household name, Vasiliy Lomachenko (11-1, 9 KO’s), who hails from the Ukraine, but now resides in Oxnard, California, is a former two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time world boxing champion, who currently holds the WBA lightweight title. Although he will be squaring off against the tough WBO lightweight king Jose Pedraza, he, nevertheless, looks to expand his trophy cabinet by adding Pedraza’s WBO belt to one of the shelves.
Pedraza, of Puerto Rico, He is far from an easy mark. Besides being the present WBO lightweight champ, he was also a former IBF junior lightweight champ, and sports an impressive ledger of 25-1 (12 KO’s). Pedraza won the WBO title by decisioning Raymundo Beltran this past August where he knocked the champion Beltran down in the eleventh round to seal the deal.
As their records indicate, both fighters are knockout punchers who make no bones about the fact they each possess dynamite in their fists.
“I am ready to fight an excellent opponent like Jose Pedraza,” said Lomachenko. My goal has always been to unify the titles, and Pedraza is standing in my way.”
This bout also represents Lomachenko’s fourth time fighting in either the big room in Madison Square Garden or at its Hulu Theatre. “There is something special about fighting in New York City and Madison Square Garden,” revealed Lomachenko who is also arguably considered the most talented amateur boxing in history with a posted record of 396-1. “The fans in New York City are true boxing fans, and I can’t wait to put on another spectacular performance for them.”
With a reach advantage of 5 ½ inches, Pedraza is just as confident as Lomachenko is. “I am grateful to have this opportunity since I didn’t get a chance to unify titles when I was champion in the junior lightweight division,” said Pedraza. “In this division, I will achieve my goal, and I will do it against one of the best boxers in the world. There will be a surprise on December 8th.”
The winner of this bout will have two of the four major boxing titles in the lightweight division, with Mikey Garcia holding the two other belts, namely the WBC and IBF titles. There has already been great interest in Lomachenko fighting Garcia, but first the Ukraine superstar has to first get past Pedraza who has no intention of leaving the bout a loser.
On the undercard will be WBO super-bantamweight champion Isaac Dogbane (20-0, 14 KO’s) defending his crown and lightweight prospect Teatime Lopez (10-0, 8 KO’s) going for his eleventh straight win.
Terence Crawford demolishes former Champ Kell Brook to retain WBO Welterweight Title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas
By Alex and John Rinaldi
LAS VEGAS — It is common knowledge that the state of Nebraska’s most widely known and grown crop is corn, which is used to feed livestock and poultry, as well as make the industrial chemical known as ethanol.
After the corn is grown and harvested – the next most important part of the process is the husking of corn, which is the removal of its outer leafy-like layers leaving remaining only the cob or seed rack of the corn. This husking is not only part of the process, it also becomes a communal ritual in some parts of the state.
That is why the University of Nebraska football team is famously known as the Cornhuskers.
It is equally well known that the WBO Welterweight Champion Terence Crawford also happens to hail from Nebraska.
But make no mistake about it, the closest Crawford will ever come to being a Cornhusker is when his fists crash through his opponents’ layers of defense with the goal of turning their battered, smashed faces into cornbread.
Terence Crawford (L) pounds Kell Brook (R) with a hard left to the ear.
And like the Grim Reaper the only thing Crawford is reaping lately is pain and destruction.
Defending his WBO welterweight title for the fourth time, on November 14, Crawford knew that his opponent was not some undeserving or unqualified challenger. Instead staring at him from the other side of the ring stood Kell Brook, from Sheffield England, who had previously won the IBF welterweight title from Shawn Porter in 2014, then defended it successfully three times until losing it to Errol Spence three years later in 2017.
Brook, 147, also had three things going for him: One, lack of fear of any man; Two, the skills and desire to win back the welterweight title, and, Three, knockout powered fists that caused 27 men in his 39 wins to never hear the sound of the final bell.
Still the WBO Welterweight Champion of the World – Terence Crawford.
Besides that, the Brit looked be chiseled out of the same Brimham Rocks found near his hometown of Sheffield. In short, he looked to be in wonderful condition and ready to take on his American adversary.
Though the odds makers had him a +1100 chance to win, by fight time, when the English money finally made its way to the Las Vegas Strip, the odds in Brook’s favor increased to +700.
As for Crawford, 146.4, who entered the ring at odds of -225 to retain his title by knockout, and wearing black trunks with gold trim, he had one thing on his mind – a mission as old as the wars of men and might, to seek and annihilate his challenger before the bell tolled 12.
A few minutes later, when the bell rang loud in the near COVID deserted MGM Bubble, Brook started the fight confident behind left jabs and rights to the head and body. When Crawford, a natural southpaw, came out initially as a righty, Brook took advantage of this to score often with the left jab.
In round two, Terence switched back to lefty and began landing some hard right jabs and combinations. Brook, meanwhile, connected well with straight rights to attack Crawford’s southpaw stance and even managed to pull out of his arsenal an uppercut or two.
The give and take continued in round three, when Brook, wearing white trunks with blue and red trim, continued throwing punches to Crawford’s head and midsection. This time the champion began to pick up the pace, and even stunned Brook with a hard right to the chin near the round’s end.
That right hand punch would prove to be a harbinger of things to come, and like a firestorm tearing up a prairie, it would soon spell doom to anyone in its path.
For the challenger Brook, that doom came for him in round four.
After a fairly close beginning of the round, at around the 2:17 mark, Brook went to throw a left jab…then it happened.
Like meteor on target to strike planet Earth, Crawford countered over the left with a right cross that collided with Brook’s jaw and crushed it as if struck by a cinder block thrown off the top of a farm silo.
Immediately Brook, who never actually saw the punch coming or landing, flew across the ring and into the ropes. Though the ropes at first appeared to be protecting him from falling to the canvas, at the same time it also trapped him like a spider’s web.
Seeing Brook helpless and hurt, Crawford pounced on him with a hard flurry of punches until the referee Tony Weeks interceded to give the British challenger a merciful eight count.
With his eyes still rolling in his head like gumballs, and his face taking on the gray mask of a man about to take the long walk down the hall to the electric chair, Brook bravely continued the fight.
Unfortunately for Brook, Crawford not only wanted to continue the fight – he also wanted to end it.
And end it he did.
His punches shot out like bullets from a Tommy Gun, consisting of a right to the head, followed by three jarring left hooks, culminating with one final right hand that put Brook somewhere between an ether forced sleep and the curved resting bench of a guillotine.
Thankfully Weeks saw enough and jumped in to save both Brook and his career in the fight game.
The time of the stoppage was 1:14 of round four.
Although Brook (39-3, 27 KOs) was leading on two of three judges’ cards entering the fourth round, it was Crawford (37-0, 28 KOs) who ended Brook’s challenge forever.
Crawford, who pocketed a cool $4 million for his night’s work, has now won eight straight fights by knockout dating back to July 2016.
As for Brook, the first thing he said to his corner after the fight was, “What happened?”
Well, Terence Crawford happened…and he keeps on happening fight after fight.
“I already said who I want {next}. I want Pacquiao. I want to revisit that fight,” Crawford said. “That was a fight that should’ve happened right now. But being that the pandemic happened, and they weren’t going to allow fans in the Middle East, they had to put a hold to that. Everything was 95 percent done. We had the venue. The money was almost there. It wasn’t quite there. That was the only thing we were waiting on.
“Kell is a tremendous talent. He came and he tried to take my title. He was in shape. He made the weight. There were no excuses to be put on the table. He came off of three wins.”
Added Brook, “Never in my career, nobody has ever done that to me in sparring or anything.
“It was one of them… I got caught with a shot I didn’t see. I’m gutted because nobody could’ve gotten me in better condition. I was bang on the limit. Maybe I could’ve been a bit more relaxed and looser and let the shots go.”
The only saving grace for the game and talented brooks was that he went home $2 million richer.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said, “Terence Crawford showed, once again, why he is the best welterweight in the world. It was a dominating performance over a very good fighter in Kell Brook. Terence ranks up there with all the great welterweights I’ve promoted.”
Franco-Moloney 2 Ends in Controversy
In one of the strangest events in recent boxing history, Joshua Franco, of San Antonio, Texas, and Andrew Moloney, of Melbourne, Australia, fought to a no-decision thereby permitting Franco to retain his WBA jr. bantamweight title.
In a fight that saw Moloney, 114.7, stabbing his jab at the Champion Franco, and throwing punches in bunches to his head and midsection, the Australian appeared dominant and on the top of his game.
Then trouble emerged after Moloney connected with some hard blows to the right eye of Franco, 114.5, The champion’s eyed swelled almost immediately prompting referee to Russell Mora to seemingly incorrectly rule that there was an accidental headbutt.
In round two, Moloney, (21-1, 14 KO’s) who was trying to avenge the loss of his title to Franco last June, continued his two-fisted assault as Franco battled heroically through his quickly closing eye. At the end of the round, the ring doctor stopped the fight.
After a 26-minute replay review, controversy reigned supreme. WBA super flyweight world champion Joshua Franco, (17-1-2, 1ND, 8 KO’s) retained title via no decision over Andrew Moloney. Franco dethroned Moloney back in June via unanimous decision, and in the rematch, Moloney controlled the first two rounds before the bout was stopped. The injury sustained by Franco in the first round caused the fight to be halted following the conclusion of the second.
Joshua Franco sporting the closed right eye that ended the fight.
Moloney said, “They took this away from me. The injury was caused by a punch. I can’t believe this.
“I was in control of the fight and on my way to a clear victory. I deserved this win. I landed 50 punches on that eye. It was not even close.”
Added Arum, “This is an absolute disgrace. There was no head butt. Andrew Moloney should be the new champion.”
In undercard bouts:
Bantamweight: Joshua Greer Jr. (22-2-2, 12 KOs) Majority Draw 8 Rounds Edwin Rodriguez (11-5-2, 5 KOs). Scores: 77-75 Rodriguez and 76-76 2x. Noted spoiler Rodriguez nearly pulled another upset, but Greer closed the bout strong to salvage the draw. Rodriguez is 2-0-2 in his last four fights, all of which came against undefeated fighters.Middleweight: Tyler Howard (19-0, 11 KOs) UD 8 KeAndrae Leatherwood (22-8-1, 13 KOs). Scores: 77-73, 77-74 and 76-74. “Hercules” Howard returned from a nearly 18-month layoff to pick up the most significant victory of his career. In a closely contested bout, Howard dropped Leatherwood in the closing stages of the eighth round to clinch the decision.
Joshua Greer Jr. (R) lands a right to the jaw of Edwin Rodriguez (L).
Featherweight: Duke Ragan (3-0, 1 KO) UD 4 Sebastian Gutierrez (2-1-1). Scores: 40-35 2x. Ragan, a top prospect from Cincinnati, Ohio, cruised to the win after knocking down Gutierrez in the second round.
Bantamweight: Vegas Larfield (2-0, 2 KOs) TKO 3 Juan Alberto Flores (2-1-1), 1:07. Larfield, who trained with Andrew Moloney to prepare for this bout, made a memorable American debut, scoring two knockdowns in the third round. Entering the third round, two judges had the fight even, while the third had Flores ahead 20-18.
Lightweight: Raymond Muratalla (11-0, 9 KOs) TKO 3 Luis Porozo (15-5, 8 KOs), 2:40. Muratalla upped his KO streak to six with a statement-making performance over the former Ecuadorian Olympian. Muratalla, who is trained by Robert Garcia, notched a pair of knockdowns in the third round.
Photos courtesy of Top Rank
DEONTAY WILDER VS. TYSON FURY II LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight Champion Wilder & Undefeated Lineal Heavyweight Champion Fury Preview Highly Anticipated Rematch Taking Place Saturday, February 22 in FOX Sports PPV & ESPN+ PPV from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
LOS ANGELES (January 13, 2020) – Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and undefeated lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury continued their war of words and previewed their much anticipated rematch at a Los Angeles press conference on Monday before they square off Saturday, February 22 in a historic, joint FOX Sports PPV & ESPN+ PPV from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Wilder vs. Fury II will come 14 months after their thrilling first fight that saw Wilder retain the title via split draw, after Fury miraculously rose from a 12th round knockdown to finish the fight. It is one of the most memorable moments in recent heavyweight history, and on February 22 the two undefeated titans will take their war of words back into the ring to stake their claim as the best heavyweight in the world.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions, Top Rank and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.
The charismatic stars put their magnetic personalities on display at the press conference, each laying claim to a rightful victory in their first contest, while also declaring their intent on finishing the rematch with an emphatic knockout victory. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Monday from The Novo by Microsoft at L.A. Live:
DEONTAY WILDER
“It’s great to be back for another big event. This is the biggest title fight of this era for sure and I can’t wait. I’m always in my element. I’m always in the zone. Right now I just can’t wait for February 22.
“My body feels like its walking into the sixth week of camp instead of the third week. It’s been amazing to have the quick turnaround after the Ortiz fight in November. I’m coming in shape. I put shape on top of shape and it’s allowed me to prepare even harder for Fury.
“We all know in rematches I’m always sharp because I’ve been in there before and I know what my opponent is capable of doing and what they plan on doing. I’m prepared more than ever for this fight.
“I knocked him out the first time we fought. I told him two years ago I was going to baptize him. Rising up is part of the baptism. But this a different story. This is unfinished business. Because he’s in WWE I’m going to make sure he gets knocked out of the ring, I might even come down with a flying elbow from the top rope.
“Fury not wanting the rematch me immediately definitely made this fight bigger. We had two warmups. I had a lot more dangerous road than he had though. He played it safe, while I went to the mountain top and climbed it. I’m building for my legacy.
“If he beat me, then why all the new trainers? Every day it changes. Firing and hiring. He wants to talk about being out of shape the first time, but he was in great shape. He spent 100,000 pounds on all those camps. I still to this day have the same people with me and I don’t need to change it.
“When you’re facing power there’s no way around it. You can’t prepare for that. You just have to hope that when it lands, it doesn’t do that much damage. He doesn’t even know how he got on the ground or how he got up in the first fight. He’s been dealing with feeling ever since the end of the first fight.
“I’m going to do exactly what I said I would do. I’m going to knock him out. I’m the lion. I’m the king of the jungle. I’m going to rip his head off his body. Everyone sit tight and buckle up. It’s going to be a fun ride on the way to giving everyone the best fight you’ve seen in your lives.
“This is a major fight for the public and everyone should be excited. It doesn’t’ get any better than this. Two giants and two champions, putting it all on the line for everyone’s entertainment. We’re leaving it all in the ring to see who is the king.
“There’s so many things that go through my head as I take my time to adjust and time my opponent’s movements. I’m building the data I need to set him up for that perfect punch. There’s a lot of things that come with skills. Not just the average fundamentals. There are a lot of different things and that’s what makes boxing what it is. My ring IQ is very high and that’s how I set them up. I know everything he wants to do. He gave me 100% of him already.
“He believes in his heart that he’ll knock me out. I always teach people to speak it, believe it and receive it. The magic of it all is in the belief. Though he’s saying those things, I don’t feel in his energy that he believes that. I feel like he’s nervous because of what happened the first time.
“I just learned from the first fight that I need to be calmer. I’m going to be a lot more patient in this fight, just like in the second Luis Ortiz fight. The object of boxing is to win, not just to win rounds. And I win in devastating fashion.”
TYSON FURY
“The consensus is either he knocks me out, or I win on points. Usually when people have that opinion, it goes the opposite way around. Expect him to box and me to be looking for the knockout.
“He thinks I’m going to come out herky-jerky with my famous style, but I want him to meet me in the center of the ring and have a slugfest, best man wins. I didn’t have the gas to finish him in the last fight, but this time I can turn that screwdriver until he’s gone. Let’s make it a Marvin Hagler vs. Tommy Hearns type of fight. I’ll meet you Inthe middle of the ring on February 22. Just watch out for the right hand, because you’re going to sleep in two rounds.
“We finally have the rematch and I can’t remember a bigger heavyweight fight in a long time. Maybe Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson was the last big one like this and that was another U.S. vs. U.K. showdown.
“Deontay Wilder hasn’t been returning my calls or messages since I beat him last time. He’s trying to keep his distance. He didn’t want to be around me so I can get in his head. But I don’t think you can really get in anyone’s head. At the end of the end of the day, it’s just talk. It doesn’t really matter what we say. It matters what happens on February 22.
“What’s going to happen in this fight is that I’m going to get what I rightfully won last time. I’m going to get the green belt and keep my lineal title. And if he wants to rematch me after, I’ll beat him again. I’ve already beat him once, and I know I can beat him three times in a row.
“I’m going to win, that’s what I do. Deontay Wilder can make all the excuses he wants to make. Everyone on his team can tell him he won that fight, but as a fighting man, you know when you win and lose a fight. I’m going to go out there give him a boxing lesson and knock him out.
“You’re never a finished article, you can always improve. I like to keep freshening things up every now and again. I don’t make excuses. I won fair and square and we get to do it again. I’m ready for a fight today.
“I’m the best of my era and I took that title from Wladimir Klitschko. Nobody disputed he was the best and I took that from him, until someone beats me, that’s my title.
“He’s going to try to and the right hand. If I’m stupid enough to get hit with it, I deserve to lose. I hit the floor twice in the first fight, but it’s all about how you respond, I’m a fighting man. If he can’t finish me, I’m going to eat him up.
“I’m looking for a knockout. That’s why I hired Sugarhill. He gets you to sit down on that big right hand. That’s what I’m looking for. There’s the game plan. If I wasn’t looking for a knockout, I would have sharpened up what I did in the last fight. I’m not coming for that. I’m looking for my 21st knockout.
“When I get him in there again, I’m going to make him feel the fury. I’ve never been as sure of anything in my whole life. As sure as I was this morning putting this suit on. 100 percent he can’t win He’s got a puncher’s chance like anyone else. I’m much sharper and more fit now. I’m ready to rumble right now. I hope he train hard and goes to bed sleeping thinking about me.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“On February 22, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, it’s going to be bombs away. We have two superstars here. The best two heavyweights in the world. Both fighters are going to show a lot of passion at this press conference and all the way leading up to this fight because there is so much at stake.
“These are the best in boxing. There is nothing like a big heavyweight championship fight. We have the undefeated hardest punching, the most feared heavyweight in the world and I believe one of the all-time great heavyweights in Deontay Wilder.
“There is a reason Fury and his team didn’t want the immediate rematch right after the first fight. He’s taken a couple of tune-up fights instead because he felt that power on December 1. That’s not going to change this time, he can just ask Luis Ortiz.
I was lucky enough to promote the first fight and I believe we have something special in this rematch. I look forward to a fantastic fight on February 22 and we’ll see everyone there.”
TODD DUBOEF, President of Top Rank
“We talk about boxing having a renaissance, but it’s really about the heavyweight division. That’s what is going to create that renaissance more than anything right now.
“Tyson is so true, so gritty and he backs it up with everything he does. When you combine it with Deontay Wilder, you have two great personalities. This is really the beginning of the next super heavyweight run for the sport of boxing.”
SUGARHILL STEWARD, Fury’s Trainer
“This fight here is one of those fights that you don’t want to miss. The first one was one not to miss as well and I’m sure you all watched the replay. You have two great champions here going at each other. Both fighters left the ring still undefeated last time and still wanting to settle the store. On February 22, the score will be settled.
“The heavyweight division is still the biggest and most powerful division in boxing. It always will be. Everyone wants to see the fighters throwing the big blows. Wilder is one of the hardest hitters in history and Tyson is one of the best boxers. I’m happy to be training. with Tyson Fury. It’s been about 10 years since we trained together. He trained with me and Emanuel Steward and I’m here to complete what Emmanuel started.”
Unified Junior Welterweight World Champion Josh Taylor Signs Promotional Pact with Top Rank
Taylor to make Top Rank on ESPN debut in 2020
(Jan. 9, 2020) — The 2020 forecast is in, and “The Tartan Tornado” is coming to Top Rank and ESPN.
WBA/IBF junior welterweight world champion Josh Taylor, fresh off his tour de force in the World Boxing Super Series, has signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank. Taylor, from Edinburgh, Scotland, will make his Top Rank on ESPN debut in 2020 as he continues his quest to become the undisputed junior welterweight king.
“Josh Taylor is one of the world’s best fighters, and he is a fight fan’s fighter, a tough guy willing to fight anyone we put in front of him,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Whether it’s Jose Ramirez in a fight for the undisputed junior welterweight title or any of the welterweights out there, he’s ready for the biggest challenges. I want to thank Josh’s advisors at MTK Global, who have the same goal as us, which is to make him an international star.”
“A new year, a new decade with lots of new beginnings, and I’m starting this new decade with a big bang,” Taylor said. “2019 was a huge year for me, but 2020 looks set to be even bigger and I’m delighted to have signed a deal with Top Rank and ESPN and an advisory contract with MTK Global. I believe I am with the best team to take my career to the next level. I couldn’t ask for a better partnership, and I know the future looks bright with this team lighting the way.”
Said Jamie Conlan, MTK Global’s Professional Development Coordinator: “Josh Taylor was the 2019 Fighter of the Year, winning the World Boxing Super Series in fantastic fashion with his win over Regis Prograis. Now linking up with Top Rank and MTK Global, his sights are solely set on unifying the division and becoming a global star.”
ESPN’s Max on Boxing will feature an exclusive Max Kellerman interview with Taylor this Friday, January 10 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Taylor (16-0, 12 KOs), who turned pro in July 2015, soon established himself as one of Great Britain’s pugilistic prodigies, winning Commonwealth honors in October 2016 in only his seventh bout. In 2017, he knocked off fellow unbeaten prospect Ohara Davies via seventh-round stoppage and knocked out former world champion Miguel Vazquez in nine rounds.
In late 2018, following a decision win over former world champion Viktor Postol, he entered the World Boxing Super Series tournament. Taylor knocked out then-unbeaten Ryan Martin in the quarterfinals and scored a convincing decision over Ivan Baranchyk in the semifinals to win the IBF world title. Taylor authored his career-best win last October in the World Boxing Super Series championship, grinding out a majority decision over Prograis to unify titles and establish himself as a pound-for-pound player.
Conference Call Transcript: Jesse Smith/Joe Smith Jr.
Hart-Smith and Steven Nelson-Cem Kilic two-fight telecast to air on ESPN this Saturday night
Two of the light heavyweight division’s biggest punchers, Jesse “Hollywood” Hart and Joe Smith Jr., are prepared for a toe-to-toe battle in a 10-rounder Saturday evening (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from the Etess Arena at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, N.J.
Hart, Smith, Top Rank president Todd duBoef and Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia (Smith’s promoter) hosted a conference call Tuesday to kick off fight week. This is what they had to say.
duBoef
When we announced the fight and did our {2020 kickoff press conference} in New York in December, I got up at the press conference there, and there was a lot of tension between these two guys. So I think one writer came to me and said, “You know, I was really excited for this fight.” I was kind of excited. I wasn’t sure what was going to come of it, but after the press conference and seeing both the passion and the determination Jesse and Joe have towards this match, and really where they are in a hot division that is rich with great fighters and obviously great punchers, it came true to form in their press conference style. It’s an exciting way to start off the year. Nothing like starting it out with big punchers. I’d like to introduce Joe DeGuardia, who is a long-time friend and business partner of Top Rank, who has developed and guided Joe Smith’s career. Let him make a couple comments, and then we’ll open this up to all of you guys to ask questions.
DeGuardia
Thank you very much, Todd. I want to thank you guys. It’s always a pleasure working with Top Rank and you and Bob. I’m looking forward to another thrilling night of ESPN action that’s being provided. This Saturday night, I’m thrilled to have Joe Smith Jr. headlining the card. I can’t wait to see Jesse Hart and Joe Smith. As you mentioned, these are two of the hardest-punching light heavyweights in the game, in a division that’s stacked with talent, and both of these guys have over 40 knockouts between them. They are really fighting each other for another world championship opportunity. Two guys are world title challengers fighting each other for another shot. I always love watching Joe Smith Jr. fight. He’s so exciting, and I know he’s bringing down carloads of fans that are going to be in Atlantic City to watch him. Working class people coming down to see a true working man fight. And I am really looking forward to this fight, really looking forward to Saturday night, and I think the fans are in for a treat.
Jesse Hart
The fight is beyond like… I’m not looking at what’s next. I’m not looking at a world title challenge next. With this fight starting off the year, it’s been rough on me since 2016 since that Joe Smith-Bernard Hopkins fight happened. I’m not looking at nothing else. This is, like I said at the press conference, is not business. This is not business. This is not for bragging rights neither. This is something that my family put on me. This fight is more of a family thing. With family, it’s personal. That’s family, so at the end of the day, for me on my end, this is for my family. This is not only for myself. This is my family. This is my big brother, Bernard Hopkins. January 11th is so close. You know, it’s time. Training’s been going good. No injuries. Everything is really, really great. Everything just went good this training camp. I think I’ve been more focused than I’ve ever been because once something becomes personal, aside from business, it doesn’t matter about the politics of it. It doesn’t matter about the ratings or none of that. This is, like I said, it’s probably business for him, probably just another fight. For me, it’s not. I don’t look at what’s next. When I asked Todd duBoef, Bob Arum and Carl Moretti for this fight, I looked at it from this is something I had to do for myself. So January 11th is close, so like I said, I’m in the best condition I can be in. I’m prepared. We’ll see what happens January 11th.
Joe Smith Jr.
Training camp went well. It’s one of my best camps so far. Definitely in my best shape ever, and I know I have a lot to prove. I’m looking at this fight as a chance to get myself out there again, to show that I belong in title fights. I’m looking to prove that, so I want to put on a great show for the fans, and hopefully get a title shot or something else big after this. It’s always personal with me as well. Personal for me, and I’m also fighting for my family and other things. I want to better my life, and the way to do it is by getting in there, putting on a great show and moving forward with my career.
Q:
Joe, when you hear Jesse talk about his mentality of not caring about getting a title fight, or not using this as a springboard for a bigger fight, but just wanting to avenge the loss that his mentor and friend Bernard Hopkins took against you, what do you think about that? It’s kind of an unusual circumstance, it seems to me, in a significant boxing event.
Smith
Yeah, I mean, I don’t really understand it. I understand it to a point, I guess, but either way, he’s still in it to prove himself and do what he has to do.
Q:
When they said he wanted to fight you, did you know what the reason was at that time, or you didn’t know that until he said what he said at the press conference?
Smith:
I was told that was the reason.
Q:
And when they told you that, what was your initial reaction?
Smith:
I mean, if that’s what he feels he’s fighting for, good for him. I mean, but me, I’m fighting to become a world champion.
Q:
Jesse, you mentioned of course how this is a more personal bout. Has there been a target on Joe’s back since that 2016 fight? Describe your emotions when you saw your big brother go down like that.
Hart:
It definitely put a target on Joe’s back. I was just at the right time. Timing’s everything. When I saw that, I was really really hurt because like how Todd just explained it. He was the poster boy, but he inspired me, he inspired the little kids to be great, not to be average, not to be good, but to be great. And it’s very hard to do that in the poverty-stricken area of North Philly that we come from. My father {Eugene “Cyclone” Hart}, he was there, but he never got the chance to fight for a world title so my dad would look at Bernard like, “That’s how it’s supposed to be done. This is how it’s supposed to be.”
My dad is Cyclone Hart, but he’s my coach. My dad is telling me he did it right, how Bernard handled things. How he takes care of his body, how he fights, how he models himself. What he came from, just because you come from the poverty-stricken area of North Philly doesn’t mean you lay down. It doesn’t mean you stop fighting. So when you got that, and then at 9 years old, Bernard Hopkins was calling my father, and they would have talks. My dad would put Bernard on the phone with me, and he would always encourage me. “It’s time to get in the gym. You gotta start running another mile, Jesse.” These are the things Bernard told me. That inspiration. We’re all inspired by somebody, whoever it may be. When I was a little boy, that was my inspiration. That’s the guy that I model. That’s the guy who, in 2022, they’re gonna build a statue of Bernard in North Philadelphia for all the things he accomplished. What he came from, and he didn’t lay down. So that’s the thing that inspires me.
Q:
Joe, describe what it would do for your career to bounce back from the Dmitry Bivol loss and take out a top fighter like Jesse Hart. What will that mean for your career?
Smith:
It will mean a lot. I believe it will prove I belong with the top guys in the division, and I believe I can get another title shot out of it.
Q:
Jesse, how much more confident do you come into this fight knowing you pretty much dominated Sullivan Barrera and knowing he pretty much dominated Joe?
Hart:
Fighters adapt. I’m coming in confident.
I might not fight the way I fought Sullivan Barrera. Who knows? I might step to Joe. I might go blow for blow. We both got power. That’s what I wanna do. I don’t know what nobody else thinks about this but this a fight. If you listen to Todd duBoef when he talks about how the fight got made… Jesse called and asked for Joe Smith. This wasn’t about rankings, this wasn’t about politics. This wasn’t about I gotta fight this guy to take a step further to be line for a title shot. This wasn’t about none of that.This was simply, “Yo, see if we can get Joe Smith.” So that mentality I’m taking in there. Let’s go. Let’s fight. It’s a fight. It’s not a boxing match. It’s none of that. It’s not strategic. It wasn’t strategically planned. The strategy would be to fight Eleider Alvarez because, you know, no, that’s out the window. Get Joe Smith on the line, that’s who I want to fight. Please, can y’all make it happen?
He lost to a guy I beat, but I’m not gonna fight like that come January 11th. You might get me to step to Joe. We might see Joe get floored. We don’t know.
Q:
Joe, is there motivation that maybe you have something left to prove after the losses to Dmitry and Sullivan? Do you kinda feel like you’re being overlooked, not necessarily by Jesse but from other people maybe because you haven’t had a lot of success ever since you beat Bernard Hopkins?
Smith:
Yeah, I definitely believe I’ve been overlooked. People always go back to the Barrera fight, but no one ever thinks about that I fought 10 rounds with a broken jaw in that fight and made it through the fight against a top contender with a broken jaw. Not many people do that. There’s been a lot of fighters, after they get a little hair fracture, they quit. My jaw was completely broken on both sides in half and just hanging and I made it through that fight. So for me to do that…. I won that fight in my view. With this fight hearing about how Jesse was inspired by Bernard Hopkins growing up, it gives me inspiration and it motivates me to put on a great show to inspire other people who are watching me. I want people to talk about me like Jesse’s talking about Hopkins. So that’s my goal when I come out January 11th.
Q:
Jesse, obviously you spent years fighting at 168, and then you move up against Sullivan Barrera. From a physical standpoint or a boxing standpoint, how do you feel fighting at 175 as compared to when you were at super middleweight?
Hart:
I feel much more stronger. I believe my body is more mature. We were doing something in the gym yesterday, me and Bernard, we were doing some pullups and Bernard hit 25, straight from the door at {54} years old. I hit 35 and in the gym we do this thing called repetition workout. We do the pullups, and then we do pushups, and then we do the situps, all in one thing. So it was like with more weight on my body, it’s evening out. As far as my upper body strength, it’s all coming together at this time. Like I said, evening out like that at 168, my upper body might have been stronger but my legs couldn’t handle that, or it was just I’m top heavy. I couldn’t put that much weight on my legs because of the weight I had to be at 168. With this, the weight is much more evened out. Legs are strong, upper body is strong, everything is physically and mentally ready to go.
Q:
My question is for Joe, actually. We’ve heard on this media call about Hart’s motivation being behind Hopkins. Can you elaborate by chance on your motivation for this fight, besides that it’s a world title shot?
Smith:
Besides a world title shot, what’s my motivation? Like I was just saying a minute ago, to inspire others to get out there and give it their best and work hard every day.
Q:
Jesse, you’ve spoken extensively about how this fight is about getting revenge for Bernard Hopkins. How important was it for you to have this fight take place in Atlantic City where pretty much all of Philadelphia can come out and raise up?
Hart:
That was very very important. I even wanted it in New York or Philadelphia. I mean, Philadelphia, New York or Atlantic City. They picked Atlantic City. That’s neutral ground. That’s not too far from New York and definitely not far from Philadelphia. That was very important because I want everybody to see the 10 rounds that take place with this fight. Again, that wasn’t important to me because if the fight had to be in Joe Smith Jr.’s backyard, I would have showed up. I’m talking about inside his home or his backyard because it’s that personal. There could have been no fans, just a bunch of dogs back there, and we still would have gotten it on. That’s how personal this is to me.
Q:
Joe, I have a question for you. Obviously it’s no secret you haven’t been the most active fighter in recent years, especially coming off the win with Bernard Hopkins, it’s just been basically one fight a year. What can you see that can help change that in 2020? Obviously aside from winning on Saturday night.
Smith:
Yeah, I have to get past Jesse Hart on Saturday night. You know I’m hoping to stay busy this year. I want to fight a few times. I want to make 2020 my year. I’m really looking forward to it.
Q:
Was there anything specific holding you back or is it just a matter of like searching for the best opportunities as opposed to staying active?
Smith:
The best opportunities and, after the Bivol fight, I wanted to take some time to clear my head, and I did that and took off the summer, and I came back and I’ve been feeling great since. I feel stronger and better than ever.
Q:
Jesse, obviously you want to snatch the win and that’s very important to you, but what would be personally the most satisfying way to get it. Would you want to get in there and do a Wilder-Breazeale first-round knockout or would you want an extended fight where you’re dominant? What would be your most satisfying way to win this fight?
Hart:
To win this fight in a dominating fashion, all the way around the board. From the first round to the last round is the plan now. I know there’s no quit in Joe. He showed that with Sullivan Barrera. He fought with a broken jaw. I want to dig down. I want to take Joe to that Ali-Frazier III type of knock-down, drag-out fight. Where Ali said it was the closest he was to death. I want to see if he quits then. That’s how far I want to push Joe. I want to stay in there, and I want to see where it’s at. I wanna see if he’s going to quit then with me. I know what I”m looking to do. I know I’m not looking to quit that night under no circumstances.
Q:
Joe, clearly this is an important fight for Hart to win and for the city and for himself, but is it a personal motivator to have two significant wins over notable Philly fighters?
Smith:
Yeah, definitely. It’s gonna be a great night for me. I’m looking to come out on top, but I would like to do it in fashion, wearing the common man boxing trunks and beating another Philly fighter that underestimated me. I don’t see Jesse underestimating me, but being that he is a big fan of someone who did, and he’s from Philly… I’m just really looking forward to it. I want to put on a great show for everyone.
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Star Boxing, tickets priced at $100, $60, $40 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (January 6, 2020) – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. will defend his 126-pound crown against unbeaten mandatory challenger Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar Saturday, February 8 live on SHOWTIME from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.
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THE FIGHT IS ON! TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH BETWEEN UNBEATEN WBC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER & UNDEFEATED LINEAL CHAMPION TYSON FURY
Saturday, February 22 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena
in Las Vegas on FOX Sports PPV & ESPN+ PPV
Wilder vs. Fury II Tickets on Sale Tomorrow, Saturday,
December 28 at 10 a.m. PT!
LAS VEGAS (December 27, 2019) — The long-awaited rematch of heavyweight titans is set, as undefeated WBC champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and unbeaten lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury will continue their rivalry in the ring on Saturday, February 22 live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in a historic, joint FOX Sports PPV & ESPN+ PPV.
Tickets are on sale tomorrow, Saturday, December 28th at 10 AM PT, 1 PM ET and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions, Top Rank and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.
“I’m happy and I’m excited that the rematch is finally happening,” said Wilder. “I want to give the fans what they want to see. I’ve been doing it with my last three outings – Fury, Breazeale and Ortiz. They’ve been spectacular events – from my ring walks where I gather all the energy of the people, to my uniforms that I wear to help spread that energy. Then I give them what they all come for – the knockouts, and my knockouts have been amazing. I proved myself the first time and I’m ready to do it again. It was a very controversial fight. I promise my fans that there won’t be any controversy with this one. I’m going to finish it.”
“There’s no more ducking and diving,” said Fury. “The date has been set, and the ‘Bomb Squad’ is about to be securely detonated and the real champion crowned as the world watches on for the most anticipated fight in years. This is unfinished business for me, but come February 22, this dosser will finally get what’s coming to him, and I can’t wait!”
Wilder vs. Fury II has been highly anticipated since their first meeting, when Wilder retained his title via split draw after Fury miraculously rose from a 12th-round knockdown to finish the fight. It is one of the most memorable moments in heavyweight history and has raised the historical stakes heading into the rematch February 22.
Undefeated and Unified World Junior Welterweight Champion Jose Ramirez Re-Ups with Top Rank
(Dec. 14, 2019) — Unified junior welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez, the undefeated pride of California’s Central Valley, today announced he has signed a new multi-year deal with Top Rank. Ramirez turned pro with Top Rank after representing the United States at the 2012 London Olympics.
This new deal is among boxing’s most lucrative long-term promotional pacts and keeps Ramirez in the fold for Top Rank on ESPN main events for years to come.
“I turned pro with Top Rank, and this is where I want to be,” Ramirez said. “Thank you to Bob Arum, Todd duBoef, the entire Top Rank team and my manager, Rick Mirigian, for believing in me. While I am a unified 140-pound world champion, there is so much for me still to accomplish. I want to become undisputed champion in 2020, and I am confident that my dream will become a reality.”
“Top Rank developed Jose as a professional, and we are thrilled to continue our working relationship with them for the foreseeable future,” Mirigian said. “Matchmakers Brad Goodman and Bruce Trampler gave Jose the experience he needed from a young age, and when it came time to fight for a world title, he was ready. What this contract represents is Jose’s standing atop the 140-pound division and as one of the world’s truly elite fighters.”
“I don’t know if I have ever come across a young man who is as well-rounded as Jose Ramirez,” Arum said. “He is a hero in the Central Valley of California, a champion who uses his platform to lift up everyone around him. He’s a great fighter, but he’s an even better human being. Jose is Fresno’s professional sports franchise, and he will conquer the rest of the globe, beginning in China Feb. 1 against Viktor Postol live on ESPN. He is only beginning to scratch the surface as a fighter, and the impact he will have as a humanitarian will be felt for years to come.
“A special thank you to Rick Mirigian, who worked tirelessly closing this deal and developing Jose into one of the sport’s great attractions.”
Ramirez (25-0, 17 KOs), from Avenal, Calif., has made three defenses of the WBC world title he won in March 2018. He cemented his status as one of the world’s elite pugilists in July when he knocked out Maurice Hooker to unify the WBC and WBO titles. He will defend against WBC mandatory and former world champion Postol Feb. 1 (Feb. 2 local time in China) and hopes to unify all major world title belts by fighting, and defeating, IBF/WBA junior welterweight world champion Josh Taylor.
For all Ramirez has accomplished in the ring, he’s remained committed to numerous social causes impacting his home region. He’s fought for water rights for area farmers, spoken out on behalf of immigrants in his community and in 2015 established a scholarship fund at Fresno State University to help graduates of Avenal High School pursue their dreams of higher education. The theme of his February 2019 title defense against Jose Zepeda at Fresno’s Save Mart Center was “KO Cancer,” and a portion of proceeds benefitted the Community Cancer Institute in Clovis, Calif. Ramirez also auctioned off his fight-worn outfit to benefit the cause. And, in September, a life-size statue of Ramirez was unveiled at the Fresno County Historical Museum to honor his charitable contributions to the Central Valley.
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USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame Reception another KO
Class of 2019: Mark Breland, Joe Frazier, Al Mitchell & Ray Rodgers
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 19, 2019) – The Class of 2019 was inducted into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame this past Friday night at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
The HOF reception was held in conjunction with the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing and 2019 National Championships. Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Bernstein from Showtime Sports served once again as the event’s emcee.
Olympic gold-medalists Mark Breland and “Smokin'” Joe Frazier along with decorated coach Al Mitchell and famed cut-man Ray Rodgers, were inducted during the 3rd annual USA Boxing Alumni Association HOF reception.
Sen. John McCain was posthumously presented a special Lifetime Achievement Award. His daughter, Megan McCain, sent an acceptance video on behalf of her family that was played for the audience.
“We are extremely thankful for the hundreds of USA Boxing Alumni who showed up to support this year’s Hall of Fame class and enjoy an incredible evening of reflection, camaraderie, and joy,” said USA Boxing Alumni Association Director Chris Cugliari. “Unfortunately, George Foreman was unable to attend the event, so we will be sure to honor him at a later date. However, the legacies of Ray Rodgers, Al Mitchell, Joe Frazier, Mark Breland, and Senator John McCain were celebrated with passion and gratitude. It was an evening to remember, and we look forward to a strong 2020 for the USA Boxing Alumni Association.”
The ceremony was well attended, with over 200 traveling to Lake Charles in celebration of this year’s class. 1988 Eastern Olympic Qualifier Champion John “Iceman” Scully, 1972 Olympic gold medalist Sugar Ray Seales, 1984 Olympic gold medalist Frank Tate, former middleweight and light heavyweight champion “Sweet” Reggie Johnson, and 1992 Olympian Raul Marquez celebrated amongst peers from their amateur days.
To watch the entire ceremony, go HERE
Below are quotes from the inductees, or those representing inductees, with pictures:
CLASS OF 2019
MARK BRELAND
Mark Breland: “I enjoy boxing, it’s a lot of fun. I’m glad to be here because I’ve seen a lot of fighters I grew up with in the amateurs. I enjoy boxing because it kept me off the streets. I wasn’t a street guy., My father would have beaten me up if I had gotten into trouble in the streets. Boxing kept me off the streets, kept me in the gym. I guess I was good at it. I had a fight with a bully when I was 14 and I beat him up. I went to the gym the same day and my coach asked me what happened. My knuckles were shredded with blood. I told him I had a fight in the street. He said you can’t fight in the street. Then I realized boxing and street fighting are two different things.
Shelly Finkel (his manager), when he came into my life, changed a lot of things. Things changed a lot. I focused more on boxing, focused on the Olympic Games, and won championships. Every tournament I went into, I won, but it was a lot of fun. I wanted to inspire youths. I hope I can inspire some amateurs coming up. To keep going, stay off the streets, and do something that can change your life in a good way., Eddie Futch for life!”
JOE FRAZIER
Marvis Frazier (Joe’s son, pictured): “It is so good today to speak about my father, what he meant to me, and Joe Frazier always said to me, ‘There’s no right way to do wrong, no wrong way to do right.’ He said, if you don’t do right, you’re going to smell this, putting his left fist right to my nose. When it was time for me to do bad, it wasn’t me, wasn’t Marvis Frazier. So, today, I’m still smelling it even if he’s not here.
“I just love to talk boxing. As an amateur I was 46-1 and then when I turned pro, I beat the guy who had knocked me out. I love my father. He was a good guy and a champion. I know everybody know Muhammad Ali and I know everybody know ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier.”
AL MITCHELL
Al Mitchell: “I got rid of anybody over 16 who didn’t want to go to school. I’ve been doing this the longest time and I want to thank the coaches. I had three or four who didn’t care about boxing, but they wanted their kids to get an education. Izzy Acosta is one. I got a perfect record at Marquette High, they’ve all graduated. I have four kids with master’s degrees, I’ve got 14 who have degrees, and four guys who are policemen and no way they should be policemen. I’m blessed.
“Old coaches would tell one you’re only as good as your memories. It’s crazy with kids 14, 14, 15. I had a kid named Vernon Forrest, a four-time world champion., It’s not just about boxing. It’s getting an education and after ten years they have a good life. I want to thank you all for putting me in the Hall of Fame.”
RAY RODGERS
Michael Rodgers (Ray’s son, pictured): “First, I want to apologize for my father for not being here. He hurt his back over the weekend working a boxing match, believe it or not, and he apologizes for not being here.
“I want to thank USA Boxing and the Alumni Association for recognizing my father for this award. And when he heard about this, he said he didn’t do any of these things during the 72 years he’s been in the sport for awards. He just did what he did for the love this sport and he did what needed to be done.”
USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Mike McAtee, Executive Director, USA Boxing (pictured): “On behalf of the Board of Directors, President Tyson Lee, I can only say thank you, thank you, and thank you. Tonight, is a culmination of work between our members, our alumni association, but I have to recognize a couple of people. This great event wouldn’t be done without Chris Cugliari, Al Valenti and Nicole Anderson, our Alumni Association Coordinator.
“I have the honor of talking about boxing and obviously we have passion. When Marvis Frazier said this was a brotherhood, a sisterhood, and none of us, quite frankly, who’ve stepped in the ring – I include myself in that – we’re not right. Takes a special person to climb in the ropes. You all can give yourselves a hand for not being right.
“USA Boxing is proud of our history, but more proud of our future, and I can tell you the young men and women battling at the elite levels, we started at 104 and that will be taken down to 13 by Sunday evening. But, more importantly, we’re going to be breeding the next generation of champions, because this is closing the chapter of 2020, but starting the chapter of 2024, and ultimately, when the Olympic Games comeback here in 2028. This is a special time.”
Chris Cugliari, Executive Director, USA Boxing Alumni Association: “Three years ago a group of us sat around a table in Kansas City at the National Championships and this idea was hatched: John Brown, Al Valenti, John Scully, Christy Halbert, Mike McAtee and a few others. So, it’s something I’m very proud of and an organization I’m proud to lead with the support of all of you.
“A quick update of the Alumni Association, we’re at about 1200 members right now and this is our third year. We had events across the country the past year, honoring Micky Ward and Vinny Pazianza in the New England area. We gathered in Chicago. We honored Izzy Acosta at the Junior Olympics in Wisconsin, as well as Buster Douglas and coach Mike Stafford at the Ohio Legends celebration, and here we are today honoring our third Hall of Fame class. We’ve come a long way. Our theme in 2020 is two missions: First, we want to take this down to the grassroots level, second is supporting our athletes and their families as they travel to the 2020 Olympic Games.”
Al Valenti, Special Projects Consultant for USA Boxing: “USA Boxing is the one fundamental difference that makes a difference in a young person’s life. The path to self-confidence, the path to self-respect, discipline, victory, and how to accept defeat all comes through amateur boxing.
“Tonight, the story will be told. Tonight, we will take you on a path, of amateur boxing in the United States that rivals no other nation. Gold medalists, silver medalists, coaches, officials, doctors…they’re all here. It’s like Woodstock for boxing; everybody’s here!”
Al Bernstein, Master of Ceremonies: “I’m delighted to be back here for my third year at USA Boxing’s Alumni Association Hall of Fame. I hosted a lot of events, MC’d a lot of events, and this is the final event because it’s in the end of December. It’s definitely my favorite.”
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events host by the Alumni Association, including the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.
To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.
CLASS OF 2017: The charter class was headed by Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield, in addition to veteran coaches Roosevelt Sanders and Tom Coulter.
CLASS OF 2018: U.S. Olympic Team medalists and world (professional) champions Roy Jones, Jr., Andre Ward and Claressa Shields, as well as former USA Boxing National Director of Coaching Emanuel Steward and veteran USA Boxing official Tom Cleary.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
ABOUT USA BOXING: The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.
Super Nova Signs: Unbeaten Super Featherweight Abraham Nova Inks Deal with Top Rank
Multi-fight deal is part of co-promotional pact with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion
Nova to make Top Rank debut Jan. 18 LIVE on ESPN+
(Dec. 20, 2019) — Abraham “El Super” Nova, the undefeated Puerto Rican-born 130-pound contender with the signature bleached blond beard, has signed a multi-fight promotional agreement with Top Rank.
Nova’s first fight of the deal, which will see Top Rank serve as co-promoter along with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion, will be Saturday, Jan. 18 live on ESPN+.
“I’m excited that the world will see my talent on major platforms like ESPN and ESPN+,” Nova said. “It’s time for everyone to see what I am about. I want to fight for a world title soon, and I believe 2020 is the year I receive that opportunity. Top Rank has a lot of big names at 130, and I don’t duck or dodge anybody.”
“Abraham is an extraordinarily gifted young fighter who fits right into the mix at 130 pounds,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He has talent, charisma and an engaging personality. 2020 is going to be a big year for the young man.”
“Abraham Nova is a very talented fighter with big knockout power. We’ve just begun to see how good he can be,” said Ken Casey, President/Founder, Murphys Boxing. “With Top Rank, we’ve found a great co-promoter to take Abraham to a world championship.”
The 25-year-old Nova (17-0, 13 KOs) was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico and moved to Albany, N.Y. with his family as an infant. One of 10 children born to an evangelical minister father, Nova started from humble beginnings, with his family of 12 squeezed into a two-bedroom apartment. He began boxing at the age of 12 and had nearly 200 amateur fights.
Nova turned pro in April 2016 and has had a well-traveled pro career, including five bouts in Belgium, where he has become a local favorite. He is ranked in the top 10 by two of the major sanctioning organizations and won all three of his 2019 bouts by KO, including a first-round stoppage over Luis Ronaldo Castillo in defense of his NABA super featherweight belt. He was one of Teofimo Lopez’s primary sparring partners as Lopez prepared for his Dec. 14 title-winning showdown against Richard Commey.
Nova, whose parents were born in the Dominican Republic, is fiercely proud of his Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. His blond beard was inspired by the 2017 Puerto Rican World Baseball Classic team, who all dyed their hair blond as a show of team unity.
Said Nova: “When I fought with the beard, a lot of people remembered me. It became a cool marketing thing, but it started as an homage to Puerto Rico. I am proud to be Puerto Rican and Dominican, and I can’t wait to get started on the next chapter of my pro career.”
Garden Brawl: Crawford Knocks Out Mean Machine
Teofimo Lopez blows out Richard Commey to capture lightweight world title
Michael Conlan earns grudge match win over Vladimir Nikitin
Pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford (R) knocks down “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas.
NEW YORK CITY (Dec. 14, 2019) — Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas was game, but pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford was too much.Crawford (36-0, 27 KOs) defended his WBO welterweight world title, knocking down Kavaliauskas three times en route to a ninth-round TKO in front of 10,101 fans at Madison Square Garden.
“I thought I had to entertain ya’ll for a little bit. He’s a strong fighter, durable, and I thought I’d give the crowd something to cheer for,” Crawford said. “I wasn’t hurt at all. I got up and went straight to him. I wasn’t hurt by no means. I walked through everything he threw all night.
“I’m not ducking anyone on the PBC side or Top Rank platform. I want to fight all the top guys.”
Kavaliauskas (21-1-1, 17 KOs) had some success early, even buzzing Crawford in the third round with a near-knockdown. Crawford rebounded, reloaded and dominated per usual, cementing his status at the top of the welterweight and pound-for-pound heap.
Teofimo Lopez Blows Out Richard Commey
A superstar was born.
Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) blitzed Richard Commey (29-3, 26 KOs) in two rounds to win the IBF lightweight world title. Lopez knocked Commey down with a right hand in the second round and followed up with a savage combination that forced referee David Fields to stop the fight.
Lopez made history in becoming the first boxer of Honduran descent to win a world title. He is now on track to challenge unified champion Vasiliy Lomachenko in a fight that would crown an undisputed champion in 2020.
“I’m at a loss for words right now. This is a dream come true,” Lopez said. “{Commey} is a bad man. His shot could’ve done the same to me if he hit me with that shot.
“You all know who I want to fight next. 2020 is going to be a big year. ‘The Takeover’ has arrived, and you haven’t seen anything yet.”
Said Lomachenko: “We want to ‘unificate’ all four titles. Now he’s a world champion and now he’s in position to fight me.”
Conlan Wins Grudge Match
Revenge came for Michael “Mick” Conlan, but it was wasn’t easy. The pride of Belfast, Conlan earned a 10-round unanimous decision over Vladimir Nikitin to retain his WBO Intercontinental featherweight belt by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92. Conlan controlled the bout, but Nikitin had his moments and found a home for his overhand right.
Nikitin (3-1, 0 KOs) was the beneficiary of a controversial decision over Conlan (13-0, 7 KOs) at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a decision that sparked an international firestorm and set up this highly anticipated grudge match.
“It was a lot of pressure going into that fight, but it’s nice to get it done. I just needed to get that one back,” Conlan said. “I needed to right this wrong. Full credit to Nikitin, who fought his heart out. There’s no bad blood. There never was. Now, we can put this chapter of my career behind me.”
— This wasn’t unlucky number 13. Super middleweight sensation Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga (13-0, 13 KOs) scored the 13th consecutive first-round knockout to begin his career, icing the normally durable Cesar Nunez (16-2-1, 8 KOs) in only 2:45. Berlanga notched a pair of knockdowns before the referee halted the bout.
Berlanga said he came into the fight determined to keep his first-round knockout streak going in honor of his late cousin, Anthony Santana, who was murdered during training camp.
“It feels amazing to be able to represent {Puerto Rico} on such a big and important stage as Madison Square Garden,” Berlanga said. “My cousin was killed while I was preparing for this fight and that’s why I wanted to dedicate this fight to him. I wanted to keep my first-round knockout streak going for him. I did it. I promise that for the next one I will go more rounds and I will be able to show all my skills. I’m not just a puncher.”
— Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (16-1, 9 KOs), the Bronx product, put on a show in front of the home fans and bested former sparring partner Noel Murphy (14-2-1, 2 KOs) via unanimous decision (98-92 3X) to win the vacant IBF North American junior welterweight title.
“What a blessing to fight in front of my home fans and put on a show for them and everyone watching on ESPN+,” Vargas said. “The belt means the world to me. I know this isn’t a world title, but I am on my way. To be 21 years old and fight at The Garden is truly special.”
— Super lightweight prospect Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs) cruised to an eight-round unanimous decision (80-71 2x and 79-72) over the game Manuel Mendez (16-7-3, 11 KOs), who was knocked down in the opening round.
— Undefeated lightweight contender George “Ferocious” Kambosos Jr. (18-0, 10 KOs) took home the most significant win of his career, edging former world champion Mickey Bey (23-3-1, 11 KOs) via split decision.
January 18: Eleider Alvarez-Michael Seals Light Heavyweight Slugfest to be Broadcast LIVE on ESPN and ESPN App (in Spanish)
Live from Turning Stone Casino beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
VERONA, N.Y. (Dec. 12, 2019) — The previously announced light heavyweight showdown between former world champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (24-1, 12 KOs) and Michael “Cannon Handz” Seals (24-2, 18 KOs)— Saturday, Jan. 18 from Turning Stone Resort Casino — will air live on ESPN and the ESPN App (in Spanish) beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m.
Alvarez-Seals will be part of Top Rank on ESPN’s 2020 January kickoff schedule that also includes the Jan. 11 light heavyweight battle between Jesse “Hollywood” Hart (26-2, 21 KOs) and Joe Smith Jr. (24-3, 20 KOs) on ESPN, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Alvarez-Seals and a soon-to-be-announced co-feature will follow the undercard stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets priced at $89, $75, $69, $62, $59 and $40 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.
For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
Use the hashtag #AlvarezSeals to join the conversation on social media.
About Turning Stone Resort Casino
Host of the January 18th event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year caliber boxing. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including The Lounge with Caesars Sports, its new sports book in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, four hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.
Henderson and Pllana battle to majority draw
World Ranked Marcus Bates decisions Pedroza
Pllana took a card 79-73, while two cards read even at 76-76.
Marcus Bates
Shinard Bunch
Martino Jules
Devar Ferhadi
January 11: Steven Nelson-Cem Kilic Set for Hart-Smith Jr. Co-Feature Live on ESPN
Two-fight telecast to begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Dec. 9, 2019) — Steven “So Cold” Nelson and Cem “Champ” Kilic were set to tangle Saturday evening in a battle of unbeaten super middleweights on Terence Crawford’s undercard, but an unexpected injury changed their plans.
Nelson and Kilic will now fight in a 10-rounder for the vacant NABO title Saturday, Jan. 11 as the co-feature to the Jesse Hart-Joe Smith Jr. main event at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena (ESPN & streaming on the ESPN App (Spanish), 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The co-feature slot became available after Rob “Bravo” Brant, who was set to fight Habib “Wild Hurricane” Ahmed, suffered a torn biceps.
“This is one of those moments. When this opportunity presented itself, I knew I had to take it,” Nelson said. “I compare this to when Terence Crawford got the late call to fight Breidis Prescott on HBO. He took advantage of that opportunity, and I am going to take advantage of the ESPN spotlight.”
“While I’m disappointed not to fight on the Dec. 14 card, I am beyond excited to showcase my talent to an even bigger audience just four weeks later on ESPN,” Kilic said. “I have been working hard in Florida with Buddy McGirt so all sports fans can see the best Cem Kilic on fight night!”
Nelson (15-0, 12 KOs), from Omaha, Neb., is part of one of boxing’s great stables, the Brian “BoMac” McIntyre-trained crew that also includes Crawford and junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring. A 2012 U.S. Olympic team alternate and a U.S. Army veteran, Nelson took up the sport in 2010. He won the first 14 bouts of his career as a light heavyweight before moving down to super middleweight. In his super middleweight debut, Sept. 1 in Omaha, Nelson blew away Derrick Findley in four rounds. Kilic (14-0, 9 KOs) is a Los Angeles-based native of Germany who has won four of his last five by stoppage, most recently stopping Martez McGregor June 15 on the Tyson Fury-Tom Schwarz undercard.
The winner of this battle of world-ranked 168-pounders will position himself for a shot at one of the world titles. Nelson and Kilic have to wait four more weeks for the fight of their lives.
January 11: Rob Brant Returns Against Habib Ahmed as Hart-Smith Jr. Co-Feature Live on ESPN
The Adorno Brothers, Sonny Conto and Xander Zayas to see action on the undercard LIVE on ESPN+
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Dec. 5, 2019) – Rob “Bravo” Brant’s quest to regain a world title will begin on the Boardwalk. Brant, a former middleweight world champion, will make his ring return against former super middleweight world title challenger Habib “Wild Hurricane” Ahmed Saturday, Jan 11 as the co-feature to the Jesse Hart-Joe Smith Jr. main event at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena (ESPN & streaming on the ESPN App (Spanish), 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).
Brant is fighting for the first time losing his belt via second-round stoppage to Ryota Murata, the man he upset to win the WBA middleweight title in October 2018. Following the Murata defeat, Brant enlisted the services of trainer/manager Brian “BoMac” McIntyre and has been training alongside pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford, WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring and former junior welterweight world champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker.
“I am excited to be back fighting under the Top Rank banner with a new team,” Brant said. “Training in Colorado Springs has shown me what it’s like to work with a coaching staff that have mastered their craft. I am expecting a tough fight with Ahmed, as he has proven to be a dangerous Ghanaian fighter. I’m confident my team will train me to showcase my talent. There hasn’t been a day that has gone by that I haven’t thought about regaining my title. None of that happens until I conquer the task at hand. I will reign again as a world champion.”
“This is a great opportunity to prove I am a middleweight to watch,” Ahmed said. “Super middleweight was not my natural weight, and I feel fresher and more powerful since moving down in weight. Rob Brant and his team made the wrong choice for a comeback opponent. I am coming to shock the boxing world and earn another world title shot.”
Brant (25-2, 17 KOs), from St. Paul, Minn., authored one of the biggest upsets of 2018 when he bested Murata over 12 scintillating rounds in Las Vegas. He threw 1,262 punches that evening and followed up his title-winning effort with a dominant 11th-round TKO over Khasan Baysangurov in Hinckley, Minn. In July, he traveled to Osaka, Japan, and Murata flipped the script, engaging in a toe-to-toe battle that lasted 5 minutes, 34 seconds. Murata landed 64 power punches in the second round before referee Luis Pabon stopped the bout.
Ahmed (27-1-1, 18 KOs), from Accra, Ghana, is best known for his February 2018 title challenge against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, which ended via sixth-round TKO defeat. He moved down to middleweight in May, notching a shutout eight-round decision over Juan De Angel in Biloxi, Miss. Ahmed has been training in Miami recently and has sparred with the likes of former world champion Andre Dirrell.
The ESPN+ undercard stream, which begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, will include the following bouts:
- The fighting Adorno brothers will once again appear on the same undercard. Older brother Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0, 12 KOs) will face Hector Garcia (14-7-3, 8 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout, while 18-year-old Jeremy “Magic Hands” Adorno (3-0, 1 KO) will battle Artrimus Sartor (4-3, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at super bantamweight.
- South Jersey native Chris “Sandman” Thomas (13-1-1, 8 KOs) will fight for the sixth time as a pro in Atlantic City versus Samir Barbosa (37-16-3, 26 KOs) in a six-rounder at super middleweight.
- Shinard Bunch (4-1, 4 KOs), the fighting pride of Trenton, N.J., will take on Dennis Okoth (4-2-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round welterweight tilt. Bunch’s only defeat came via close decision in August to unbeaten prospect Paul Kroll.
- Heavyweight prospect Sonny “The Bronco” Conto (5-0, 4 KOs), who hails from South Philadelphia, will make his Atlantic City debut in a four-rounder against an opponent to be named.
- Xander Zayas (2-0, 2 KOs), the 17-year-old welterweight fresh off a first-round TKO Nov. 30 in Las Vegas, will see action in a four-rounder against Antonio Duarte (2-2, 0 KOs). Zayas, a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, won 11 national amateur titles before signing a pro contract with Top Rank at the age of 16.
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Star Boxing, tickets priced at $100, $60, $40 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.
Presser Notes and Quotes: Emanuel Navarrete and Jerwin Ancajas Set for World Title Defenses in Puebla
Navarrete-Francisco Horta and Ancajas-Miguel Gonzalez to headline ESPN+ stream Saturday beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
PUEBLA, Mexico (Dec. 5, 2019) — When it came time for the traditional post-press conference face-off, Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete smiled. He is excited to be home.Navarrete (29-1, 25 KOs) will make his fourth WBO junior featherweight world title defense of 2019 Saturday against Francisco “Panchito” Horta (20-3-1, 10 KOs) from the Auditorio GNP Seguros in Puebla, Mexico (ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Navarrete, who hails from San Juan Zitlaltepec, Distrito Federal, Mexico, won the world title from Isaac Dogboe last December and since taken the mantle as boxing’s most active world champion.
In the co-feature, Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas will make the eighth defense of his IBF junior bantamweight world title against Miguel Gonzalez. In the opening bout on the ESPN+ stream, three-time world title challenger Miguel Marriaga will battle Alfredo Mejia Vargas in an eight-rounder at featherweight.
The fighters went face-to-face for the first time Thursday at the final press conference. This is what they had to say.
Emanuel Navarrete
“We are friends outside the ring, but I am sorry: Horta will pay for all the sacrifices that I have made during training camp. I am going to take it all out this Saturday on ‘Panchito.'”
“I’m just a few days away from completing my first year as world champion. I have to defend this belt that has cost me so much sacrifice, and I will not let anyone take it away from me. I can assure you that I will knock Horta out. That’s what I always try to do every time I get in the ring. He is the challenger, and I’m the champion, but I’m on the hunt. I’m going after Horta!”
“I think that a lot of people talk about Emanuel — and he deserves it — but that doesn’t worry me. I know what I have to do to come out victorious on Saturday.”
“I’m going to do my job, and I’m going to come out with my hand raised. On Sunday, everyone will know who I am.”
“I’m excited to fight here in Mexico. We prepared very hard, and I’m looking forward to a great fight with Gonzalez.”
“I am one of the longest-reigning champions in boxing, and I don’t plan to end my reign yet. I will remain a world champion for a long time.”
ESPN+, Saturday, 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PTEmanuel Navarrete vs. Francisco Horta, 12 rounds, Navarrete’s WBO junior featherweight world title
Jerwin Ancajas vs. Miguel Gonzalez, 12 rounds, Ancajas’ IBF junior bantamweight world title
Miguel Marriaga vs. Alfredo Mejia Vargas, 8 rounds, featherweight
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
Devar Ferhadi squares off with Vincent Baccus in battle of undefeated Super Middleweights
Undefeated Shamar Fulton and Martino Jules in action
“From what I have seen of him, he wings a lot of his shots. At 6’2″ he is my tallest opponent, but I will be his tallest opponent, and he is a brawler. Let’s see how that plays out for him being the shorter man.”
World-Ranked Welterweight Mykal Fox
Men’s Field for 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing Set
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 26, 2019) – Sixty-four of the nation’s top male amateur boxers will compete at the upcoming 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing in Lake Charles, Louisiana, December 9-16.
A total of 479 boxers competed in the four qualifying tournaments with hopes of advancing to Lake Charles. The top two boxers in each weight division will advance to the next stage of the selection procedures this January in Colorado Springs and compete for a chance to represent Team USA at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Here is a closer look at the boxers stepping into the ring in the eight men’s weight divisions.
Flyweight/114 lbs./52 kg
The flyweight division will feature multiple exciting matchups, as all eight boxers will be looking to represent Team USA next year and follow in 2016 Olympic bronze medalists Nico Hernandez’ footsteps. 2019 World Championships team member and 2018 Elite National Champion Michael Angeletti (Spring, Texas) has hopes of using his great deal of international experience he gained this year to lead the pack, while two-time flyweight national champion (’16 and ’17) Fernando Martinez (Phoenix, Ariz.) will want to return to the top of the podium. 2018 Elite National Championships runner-up Abraham Perez (Albuquerque, N.M) has hopes of redemption to take the title. Youngster Ray Ray Robinson (Cincinnati, Ohio) punched his ticket to Lake Charles by winning the Eastern Elite Qualifier in his home state and his elite debut, and Jose Nieves (Avenel, N.J.) grabbed the title at the Last Chance Qualifier in Oxnard over an impressive field. Roscoe Hill is the second boxer from Spring, Texas to qualify in this division following his silver medal-effort at the Western Elite Qualifier in Reno. Los Angeles duo Anthony Herrera and Anthony Olascuaga round out the field. Herrera was victorious in Reno and Olascuaga finished second in Oxnard.
Bantamweight/125 lbs./57 kg
After falling short on his Olympic-qualification run in 2016, Duke Ragan (Cincinnati, Ohio) has been one of Team USA’s most successful boxers leading into the tournament, winning multiple international medals including a silver at the 2017 Elite World Championships and 2019 Pan American Games. However, a mix of youth and veterans will make this division one to watch. David Navarro (Los Angeles, Calif.) finished third at the 2018 Elite National Championships, but punched his ticket following Raymond Ford’s move to the professional ranks. Japhethlee Llamido (Norwalk, Calif.) and Rashiem Jefferson (Philadelphia, Pa.) had impressive runs at the Western and Eastern Qualifiers to earn the championship at those events, while Jonathan Mansour (La Mesa, Calif.) defeated an impressive field in Oxnard, Calif. to head to Lake Charles with momentum on his side. Bruce Carrington (Brooklyn, N.Y.), a competitor in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing, and Kevin Montano (Concord, Calif.), have a great deal of experience on the national and international stage to make things interesting, while Xavian Ramirez (Reading, Pa.) qualified for the trials after just recently moving up to the elite division.
Lightweight/138 lbs./63 kg
Arguably the deepest male division at the trials, the competition for the top two spots will be one of the toughest and most exciting of the week. 2019 Pan American Games and World Championships silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (Norfolk, Va.) has dominated on the national stage the previous two years, and will hope to continue his run, but will have stiff competition from the other seven boxers in this bracket. 2018 USA Boxing Elite National Championships silver medalists Dalis Kaleiopu (Waianae, Hawaii) will be looking for redemption after his close bout in the finals last year against Davis. 2015 Junior World Championships silver medalists Harley Mederos (New York, N.Y) hopes to repeat his impressive performance from the 2019 Eastern Elite Qualifier, while 2019 Western Elite Qualifier Champion Charlie Sheehy (Brisbane, Calif.) looks to return to the USA Boxing High Performance squad after being a member in 2018. 2019 Last Chance Qualifier Champion Ernesto Mercado (Pomona, Calif.) made the transition to the elite division easily after dominating throughout this year on the youth stage, including an international gold medal in March. Israel Rodriguez (Humble, Texas) surprised many when he took the second spot at the 2019 Eastern Qualifier, which will be a huge confidence booster in Lake Charles, and Marcell Davidson (Shawnee, Kan.) has the goods to reach the finals. Another boxer making the transition to elite this year, Daniel Garcia (Westminster, Colo.), secured the final spot after a strong performance in Oxnard, including a close matchup against Mercado in the finals.
Welterweight/152 lbs./69 kg
2017 World Championship bronze medalist Freudis Rojas Jr. (Las Vegas, Nev.) and 2019 Pan American Games bronze medalist Delante Johnson (Cleveland, Ohio) headline a strong welterweight division. Marques Valle (Wesley Chapel, Fla.) surprised many at last year’s Elite National Championships, defeating some of Team USA’s top competitors, to secure his spot. Kelvin Davis (Norfolk, Va.), the older brother of Keyshawn Davis, will be looking to pick up where he left off in Ohio, while Victor Aranda (El Paso, Texas) enters as the Western Elite Qualifier Champion. Lavars Carter (Cincinnati, Ohio) earned the final spot, and could see a potential third matchup against Johnson, as they met in Salt Lake last year and the finals of the Last Chance Qualifier, with Carter winning in Salt Lake and Johnson in Oxnard. Wayne Bourdreaux (Marrero, La.) will be looking for a strong performance, as he is one of the few Louisiana natives in the field, and Morris Young (Chesaning, Mich.) will be hoping to improve on his silver medal performance in Reno.
Middleweight/165 lbs./75 kg
Expected to be another weight division with exciting matchups, the middleweight division has the potential to see a fourth finals matchup between 2019 Pan American Games bronze medalist Troy Isley (Alexandra, Va.) and 2018 Elite National Champion Javier Martinez (Milwaukee, Wisc.). Isley took the national title in 2016 and 2017 over Martinez, while Martinez was victorious in 2018. However, both boxers will have to get through six talented boxers that will be hungry to end their finals runs. Kahshad Elliot (Plainfield, N.J.), Joseph Hicks (Grand Rapids, Mich.) and Antonio Garcia (Anaheim, Calif.) were crowned champions at the three qualifiers, and will look to continue their winning ways in Louisiana. Alexis Chaparro (New York, N.Y.), Francis Hogan (Weymouth, Mass.) and Alex Chisholm (Hialeah Gardens, Fla.) showed why they should not be underestimated with their qualifying performances and will be tough to get through in this bracket.
Light Heavyweight/178 lbs./81 kg
2018 Elite National Champion Rahim Gonzales (Las Vegas, Nev.) has the heart and determination to succeed in Lake Charles after falling short at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing, while Atif Oberlton (Philadelphia, Pa.) has been on the rise following his silver medal performance at last year’s National Championships. Following the shuffling around of boxers who qualified in multiple divisions, Francis Oran (Allentown, Pa.) is the lone regional qualifier champion, taking the title in Oxnard at the Last Chance Qualifier. Orville Crooks (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Amir Ghaffari Nikou (Charlotte, N.C.) and Nasheed Smith (Washington, D.C.) qualified to these trials after finishing second at the Eastern, Last Chance and Western Qualifiers, respectively. Chavon Davis (Mansfield, Ohio) and Robert Magee (Byrnes Mill, Mo.) were added to the field following Javier Martinez and Adrian Tillman, the Eastern and Western Qualifier Champions in this division selected to compete in the other weight class they are qualified in.
Heavyweight/201 lbs./91 kg
After qualifying in two different weight classes, Adrian Tillman (Colorado Springs, Colo.) chose to compete in the heavyweight division with hopes of being one of the two boxers in this division, however, the 2018 Elite National Championships heavyweight silver medalists will have to fend off a tough bracket to advance. Najee Lopez (Ellenwood, Ga.), Brandon Moore (Lakeland, Fla.) and Devon Young (Aiken, S.C.) were crowned champions in the three regional qualifying tournaments and all three will be looking to continue their winning ways in a few weeks, while Joshua Edwards (Houston, Texas), Darius Fulghum (Rosharon, Texas) and Jamar Talley (Camden, N.J.) finished second in the regional qualifiers but could make it an interesting week in Louisiana. 2016 Elite National Champion and 2018 bronze medalists Cymone Kearney (Beaumont, Texas) was a late addition to the field after Jared Anderson moved to the professional ranks and could surprise many.
Super Heavyweight/201+ lbs./ 91+ kg
With the medical exemption of two-time USA Boxing Elite National Champion and 2019 Pan American Games bronze medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (Tulare, Calif.)** being accepted by USA Boxing, the super heavyweight division is wide open for the eight boxers competing in Lake Charles. 2019 Eastern and Western Qualifier Champions Jeremiah Milton (Tulsa, Okla.) and Antonio Mireles (Des Moines, Iowa) will look to be victorious once more after they stood atop the podium at their respective events to qualify, while Dominic Okopie (Houston, Texas) grabbed the Last Chance Qualifier title to secure his spot in the tournament. Luis Alvarado (Keonsha, Wisc.) made an impressive international debut earlier this year and will look to use that valuable experience over the other boxers in this division. Dacarree Scott (Decatur, Ga.), Pryce Taylor (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Kenyon Walker (San Antonio, Texas) punched their tickets to Louisiana by placing second at their respective qualifying event, while Deandre Savage (Las Vegas, Nev.) will return to the national stage after qualifying to last year’s Elite National Championships.
Boxing will begin on Monday, Dec. 9 at the Lake Charles Civic Center, with the finals taking place Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino.
**Boxers who receive medical exemption from the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing will compete on Jan. 4, 2020 in a box-off against the runner-up of their weight division in Colorado Springs, Colo. for the opportunity to advance to the next stage of the athlete selection procedures**
About USA Boxing
The mission of USA Boxing is to promote and grow Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!
The Comeback: Oscar Valdez Gets Off Deck to KO Adam Lopez
Carl Frampton dominates Tyler McCreary over 10 rounds
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 30, 2019) — Former featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez’s super featherweight debut was a doozy. Valdez (27-0, 21 KOs) got off the deck to stop late replacement Adam Lopez in seven rounds in a barnburner of a main event in front of a packed house at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.Valdez was knocked down in the second round, only to come back to knock down Lopez (13-2) with a left hook in the seventh. A follow-up barrage caused referee Russell Mora to stop the bout with seven seconds remaining in the round.
As this was a WBC world title eliminator, Valdez is now in line to face champion Miguel Berchelt, who was seated ringside.
Lopez took the bout Friday afternoon after Valdez’s original opponent, Andres Gutierrez, missed weight by 11 pounds.
“I was very surprised. I take my hat off to Adam Lopez. He’s a great fighter, great warrior, just like his father {the late Hector Lopez} was,” Valdez said. I just got hit. This is boxing. I prepared myself for two, three months for Gutierrez, but that’s no excuse. This kid is a warrior.
“Berchelt is a true champion inside the ring and outside the ring. Fans love him. That’s the one I want to fight. He has that WBC belt, and he’s trying to take it back home.”
Frampton Decisions McCreary
Former two-division world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton returned from a nearly one-year layoff to dominate the previously unbeaten Tyler “The Golden Child” McCreary via 10-round unanimous decision (100-88 3x) in the super featherweight co-feature.
Frampton (27-2, 15 KOs ) knocked down McCreary (16-1-1, 7 KOs) with a body shot in the sixth round and again in the ninth round with a pair of left hooks.
The scorecards were academic, and now Frampton hopes a showdown with WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring is in his future.
“I was happy. That was the plan, to target the body,” Frampton said. “Tyler is pretty tall. We’ve seen that he’s left gaps. My hand wasn’t great coming into the camp as well. It’s always a bit softer hitting the body than the head. I feel like I hurt it again in the second round, so that’s why it wasn’t the most exciting fight in the world, but I just cruised to a points win. I just wanted to be safe with my hands.
“I re-fractured the hand twice in camp, but I knew a lot of people were coming to support me. There was absolutely no way I wasn’t fighting. I know {Jamel} is the champ. I just want to fight for a world title next. I want to be involved in big fights. I would love the opportunity to fight Jamel. I’m not the champion. He’s the champion.”
Said Herring: “Wherever, whenever, I want to fight Carl Frampton. We’re under the same promotional umbrella, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Teixeira Captures Junior Middleweight World Title
Patrick Teixeira overcame brutal cuts to score a unanimous decision over Carlos Adames in a fight for the vacant interim WBO junior middleweight world title. Teixeira (31-1, 22 KOs) knocked down Adames (18-1, 14 KOs) in the seventh round and won the 12th round on two of three judges’ cards to prevail by scores of 116-111 and 114-113 2x.
“I felt like I needed to win the last round. It was a close fight. Every point was crucial, and I won the final round to win the fight,” Teixeira said. “It was tough with the cuts, but I was able to get through it because of my experience. It was a little harder, but my corner did an excellent job on the cuts.”
— Welterweight Xander Zayas (2-0, 2 KOs), the 17-year-old prodigy from San Juan, Puerto Rico, stopped Virgel Windfield (2-3-1, 2 KOs) at 1:48 of the opening round. Zayas scored a pair of knockdowns to end the fight.
“I felt ready to finish the fight early and came out very aggressively to do exactly that,” Zayas said. “I knew he was taller, so I wanted to pressure him to shorten the distance. I kept focused on working on the inside and managed to finish him quickly.”
— Arnold Barboza Jr. (23-0, 10 KOs) retained his Jr. NABF super lightweight belt, as he stopped veteran William Silva (27-3, 15 KOs) with a right hand to the body in the fifth round. Barboza, ranked fifth in the world by the WBO, is 3-0 with three knockouts in 2019.
— Larry Gomez (10-1, 8 KOs) handed welterweight prospect Brian Mendoza (18-1, 13 KOs) the first lost of his career, prevailing by split decision over eight toe-to-toe rounds. The scorecards were as followed: 77-75 Gomez, 77-75 Mendoza and 77-75 Gomez.
— Top heavyweight prospect Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (6-0, 6 KOs) notched another quick KO, stopping Colby Madison (8-2-2, 5 KOs) with a right hand at 44 seconds of the opening round.
— Japanese super lightweight prospect Andy Hiraoka (15-0, 10 KOs) had a successful U.S. debut, knocking out Rogelio Casarez (13-9, 5 KOs) in the second round of a scheduled eight-rounder.
— Heavyweight prospect Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (2-0, 2 KOs) knocked out Stephen Kirnon (2-3-1, 1 KO) at 1:30 of the opening round.
THE DOOLY’S 2020 BOXING SERIES
AT CABARET DU CASINO DE MONTREAL
PRESENTED BY MISE-O-JEU IN, ASSOCIATION WITH VIDEOTRON, AND
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BOXING CANADA
SEASON TICKETS GO ON SALE DEC. 7
MONTREAL (November 29, 2019) – The Dooly’s Boxing Series will be held at Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, presented by Mise-O-Jeu, in association with Videotron and in partnership with Boxing Canada, returns in 2020 with five events on February 8, April 4, June 6, October 17 and December 5.
In 2019, The Series has enjoyed unprecedented success during five events that saw IBF world champion Marie-Eve Dicaire successfully defend her title twice, Mikael Zewski consolidate his position as a world contender, David Theroux’ triumphant comeback, and Shakeel Phinn becoming NABF champion, in addition to allowing many Quebec hopefuls to stand out. It should be noted that GYM has already organized 73 events in the Casinos du Québec since 2004.
The year 2020 will mark an important turning point in the annals of this popular series. GYM and Boxing Canada are proud to officially announce a unique and creative agreement that will allow three or four members of the Canadian National Team, at each event, to face International teams from Puerto Rico, United States, France, Italy and others in Olympic-caliber clashes.
‘’This partnership is certainly one of the most exciting announcements in decades,” said Pat Fiacco, President of Boxing Canada. “This opportunity will allow national team athletes to demonstrate their Olympic boxing talent at the highest international level, in front of professional boxing fans, and broadcast viewers. These recurring events will certainly generate exponential visibility for our Olympic hopefuls and our sport.’’
“The future and present elite of Canadian boxing in the same ring, a super exciting winning combination,” added Bernard Barré, vice president and head of recruitment at GYM.
GYM President Yvon Michel makes no secret of his enthusiasm: “Our roots at GYM are very deep with amateur boxing in Canada. We have always encouraged boxers to go to the end of their Olympic dreams before embarking on a professional career. This project will allow Canada’s best hopes to grow against the world’s elite, in front of family and friends, giving them the visibility and notoriety they deserve.’’
On the professional side, spectators will have the chance to see the work of hungry boxers filled with hope and determination such as Wilfred Seyi, Francis Lafrenière, Ayaz Hussain, Terry Osias and David Théroux, among others. At each event four to six professional fights will take place.
In 2020, the Pro-Am combination will give the public an opportunity to watch the cream of Canadian boxing, and professionals who will do everything to avoid being overshadowed!
All this in the warm and unique atmosphere of the prestigious Casino Cabaret of Montreal, where the proximity of the ring and fighters provides a perspective and sensations that can not be found anywhere else.
GYM and Boxing Canada Presidents, respectively, Yvon Michel and Pat Fiacco, have agreed to hold a historic press conference on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 11 a.m. ET at the Westin Hotel in Montreal.
In the meantime, the entire population of Canada is invited to attend the Canadian Olympic Qualifiers at the Westin Hotel, Dec. 17-20, the first stop on the road to Tokyo 2020. More than 100 of Canada’s best boxing prospects will try to earn a spoton Team Canada to represent the nation at the continental Olympic qualifiers next March in Argentina.
Tickets will be available starting Dec. 7 at Ticketmaster.ca 514-790-1245 / 1-855-790-1245, starting at $60.00, or directly at the Casino de Montréal box office. You may also purchase your seasonal table for all five events and enjoy a 10% discount by contacting Groupe Yvon Michel directly at 514.383.0666, ext. 5.
Adames-Teixeira and entire undercard to stream on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 22, 2019) — The rising iron-fisted star of the 154-pound division, Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames, will lock horns with Patrick Teixeira in a 12-round WBO junior middleweight title eliminator Saturday, Nov. 30 at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Adames-Teixeira will headline the undercard stream (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m.) before the super featherweight doubleheader featuring former featherweight world Oscar Valdez’s division debut against Andres Gutierrez and Carl Frampton’s showdown against the unbeaten Tyler McCreary (ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).
“A victory on November 30 will mean one of the last steps en route to fulfilling my dream of becoming world champion,” Adames said. “Without a doubt, this fight is the most important of my career. There is no room for mistakes. A victory guarantees me the opportunity to challenge for the world title. That’s why I worked hard and conscientiously with my trainer, Robert García. I assure you that the Dominican Republic will have a world champion very soon.”
“I’m very excited to fight Carlos Adames in Las Vegas in this elimination fight for the world title,” Teixiera said. “I’m very happy for this opportunity. It’s an important fight for me because I will be able to pursue my dream of becoming a world champion.”
Adames (18-0, 14 KOs), the WBO No. 1 contender, is 5-0 with three knockouts since making his Top Rank debut on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jorge Linares undercard in May 2018. A native of Elías Piña, Dominican Republic, he is 3-0 in 2019, including a fourth-round KO over Frank Galarza to win the NABO junior middleweight title. He defended that belt June 28 with a unanimous decision over the late Patrick Day. Teixeira (30-1, 22 KOs), the WBO No. 2 contender, is seeking to become the next world champion from Brazil. He is 4-0 since suffering the lone defeat of his career, a second-round stoppage to Curtis Stevens at middleweight. A southpaw boxer-puncher, he last fought April 13 in Monterrey, Mexico, defending his WBO Latino junior middleweight belt with a majority decision over Mario Alberto Lozano.
In other undercard action:
- In an all-SoCal battle, Glendale native Adam “Blunose” Lopez (13-1, 6 KOs) will make the first defense of his Junior NABF featherweight belt in a 10-rounder versus Moreno Valley’s Luis Coria (12-2, 7 KOs). Lopez is coming off a come-from-behind KO win May 25 against Puerto Rican prospect Jean Carlos Rivera.
- Arnold Barboza Jr. (22-0, 9 KOs), the pride of South El Monte, Calif., will defend his Junior NABF super lightweight belt versus longtime contender William Silva (27-2, 15 KOs). Silva has two in a row since a July 2018 knockout loss to top lightweight contender Teofimo Lopez, while Barboza is looking to score his third knockout win of the year. Barboza stopped former world champion Mike Alvarado April 12 on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Anthony Crolla undercard.
- Japanese super lightweight contender Andy Hiraoka (14-0, 9 KOs), stablemate of pound-for-pound sensation Naoya Inoue, will make his American debut in an eight-rounder against Rogelio Casarez (13-8, 5 KOs).
- Welterweight prospect Brian “La Bala” Mendoza (18-0, 13 KOs) hopes to extend his knockout streak to five against the hard-hitting Larry Gomez (9-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
- Italian heavyweight KO artist Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (5-0, 5 KOs) will fight Colby Madison (8-1-2, 5 KOs) in a six-rounder.
- Jared Anderson (1-0, 1 KO), fresh off a first-round knockout in his pro debut Oct. 26 in Reno, Nev., will return in short order in a four-rounder against Stephen Kirnon (2-2-1, 1 KO). Anderson was Team USA’s top-ranked amateur when he signed with Top Rank in September.
- Xander Zayas (1-0, 1 KO), the 17-year-old welterweight prodigy who scored a first-round KO in his pro debut Oct. 26, will face Virgel Windfield (2-2-1, 2 KOs) in a four-rounder.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Queensberry Promotions and MTK Global, tickets priced at $100, $85, $65, $45 and $20 (general admission) are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000.
Use the hashtags #ValdezGutierrez and #FramptonMcCreary to join the conversation on social media.
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing Women’s Field Finalized
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. (November 22, 2019) — Following four qualifying tournaments that began in December 2018, the field of 40 elite female boxers who will compete next month at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing in Lake Charles, La. is final. A total of 117 elite female boxers competed throughout the year for the 40 available spots. Only ten will advance from the trials competition to the next stage of the selection process and the opportunity to represent Team USA at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Here is a closer look at the field in the five weight classes.
Flyweight/112 lbs./51 kg
2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing champion Virginia Fuchs (Houston, Texas) fell short of advancing to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games during the international qualification but has dominated the flyweight division ever since. Having won eight international medals since those trials, Fuchs could face her biggest competition from the young talent of Heaven Garcia (El Monte, Calif.). Garcia, a two-time World Champion in the junior and youth divisions, has been the one to watch for many years, and these trials could be her coming out party in the elite division. However, Christina Cruz (Hell’s Kitchen, N.Y.), two-time Elite World Championship bronze medalist, will bring experience to her third U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing that will be tough for any boxer that she faces. Mariana Gonzalez (Sunnyvale, Calif.) stood atop the podium at the Western Elite Qualifier, while runner-up Jazzelle Bobadilla (Ewa Beach, Hawaii) has international experience on her side that can help her to upset this division. Jasmine Hampton (Ann Arbor, Mich.) was victorious at the Last Chance Qualifier to punch her ticket to Lake Charles, with Lina Vezzani (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Stephanie Chavez (Orange, Calif.) rounding out the flyweight division.
Featherweight/125 lbs./57 kg
Expected to be the most competitive weight class in the women’s field, the featherweight division has numerous boxers looking to advance to the next stage of the selection process. Five of the eight boxers have World Championship medals, with the last three boxers having impressive performances at their qualifiers. Yarisel Ramirez (Las Vegas, Nev.) won a silver at the 2015 Junior World Championships, as well as a bronze at the 2019 Pan American Games in her first year in the elite division. Two-time Youth World Championships bronze medalists Isamary Aquino (Universal City, Texas) leads the way in the medal count and will look to continue making a name for herself. Lupe Gutierrez (Sacramento, Calif.) and Iyana Verduzco (Los Angeles, Calif.) won gold medals in their World Championship debuts, with Gutierrez winning at the 2015 Junior World Championships and Verduzco at the 2018 Youth World Championships. Mikiah Kreps (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) won the bronze medal at this October’s Elite World Championships in her international debut, and will be using the confidence from that performance in Lake Charles. Andrea Medina (San Diego, Calif.) impressed many in Reno, defeating numerous World Championship medalists on her way to the title, while Destiny Jasso (Dallas, Texas) and Melanie Costa (Norton, Mass.) survived a tough bracket out of the Eastern Elite Qualifier to advance to these trials.
Lightweight/132 lbs./60 kg
Rashida Ellis (Lynn, Mass.) enters the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials with confidence on her side, after an impressive 2019 run that included bronze medals at the 2019 Pan American Games and World Championships. Amelia Moore (Alexandria, Va.) and Stacia Suttles (Bronx, N.Y.) both have World Championship experience, as well as winning international performances to be strong contenders to take the title and advance to the next stage of the qualification to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Ravven Brown (San Antonio, Texas) recently made her international debut at the 2019 Elite World Championships and had a quick rise to success in her short boxing career. Kimberly Carlson (Chicago, Ill.) and Whitney Gomez (Bend, Ore.) left the Western and Last Chance Qualifiers golden, while Jennifer Lopez (Jersey City, N.J.) and Rebecca Maine (Pittsburg, Pa.) round out the field following their silver medal performances in Ohio and California.
Welterweight/152 lbs./69 kg
Oshae Jones (Toledo, Ohio) made history this year with her gold medal at the 2019 Pan American Games and looks to be one of the favorites for the welterweight division. The comeback of a few boxers and the rise of some up and comers will make this another exiting weight class to watch. Two boxers who recently came back to the sport and looking to shake things up are Danyelle Wolf (San Diego, Calif.) and Mary Spencer (Boulder, Colo.). Wolf, a three-time USA Boxing National Champion and two-time Continental Champion made her return to the ring in impressive fashion in Reno this year, while Spencer, who is a dual-citizen, represented Canada at the 2012 Olympic Games and won three World Championships under the Canadian flag, won the Eastern Qualifier to punch her ticket to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing. Sharahya Moreu (Albuquerque, N.M.) may be the youngest in the division at 20-years-old but has a great deal of experience and will use that against her elder opponents. Briana Che (Madison, Wisc.), Arika Skoog (Boston, Mass.) and Jill Stafford (La Mesa, Calif.) all won silver medals in their respective qualifying competitions and could easily surprise many in Lake Charles, while Liz Flores (Woodland Hills, Calif.) grabbed the last spot to compete after Morelle McCain decided to compete in the middleweight division following her qualifying in both weight classes.
Middleweight/165 lbs./75 kg
Since the departure of two-time Olympic Champion Claressa Shields to the professional ranks, Naomi Graham (Fayetteville, N.C.) has been the leader for Team USA in the middleweight division, winning multiple international medals including a silver at the 2019 Pan American Games and a bronze at the 2018 World Championships. 2017 Youth World Champion Citlalli Ortiz (Coachella, Calif.) put on a dominating performance at the recent Last Chance Qualifier, including two wins by RSC, and will be looking to continue her winning ways into Lake Charles, while Morelle McCane (Cleveland, Ohio) had an impressive 2019, taking a bronze in her international debut earlier this year. Alexis Gomez (South San Francisco, Calif.) and Kendra Reeves (Twin Falls, Idaho) picked up titles at the Western and Eastern Qualifiers to punch their tickets to Louisiana and will be looking to have another victorious tournament, while Fallon Farrar (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Melody Popravak (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Rachael Washington (New York, N.Y.) took the silver medals at the three qualifying tournaments and will hope to improve their performances in Lake Charles.
Follow USA Boxing on social media, as well as the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing and 2019 USA Boxing National Championships website for news, results, selection procedures and updates of the tournament by clicking here: http://bit.ly/BoxingTrials20
About USA Boxing
The mission of USA Boxing is to promote and grow Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!
Punching in Puebla: Navarrete-Horta and Ancajas-Gonzalez World Championship Doubleheader LIVE on ESPN+ December 7
Live on ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
PUEBLA, Mexico (Nov. 16, 2019) — Boxing’s busiest world champion, WBO junior featherweight king Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, will make his fourth world title defense in less than seven months against Francisco “Panchito” Horta Saturday, Dec. 7 at Auditorio GNP Seguros in Puebla, Mexico.
Navarrete, from Mexico City, will fight in his home country for the first time since before he won the world title from Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden last December.
In the co-feature, Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas will make the eighth defense of his IBF junior bantamweight world title against Chilean veteran Miguel “Aguja” Gonzalez. The opening bout will showcase three-time world title challenger Miguel Marriaga against Alfredo Mejia Vargas in an eight-round featherweight bout.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Navarrete-Horta, Ancajas-Gonzalez and Marriaga-Vargas will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
“Emanuel Navarrete is one of Mexico’s great young champions, and he’s only getting started,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “At 24 years of age, he is wise beyond his years and hungry to challenge himself against the very best. He’ll have defended his belt four times in 2019, and 2020 is shaping up to be another spectacular year for ‘Vaquero.’”
“I am very excited to close the year by defending my world title in my beloved Mexico,” Navarrete said. “This will be another dream that will be fulfilled, and I assure you another exciting fight. I always go for the knockout. I think it is best to win by knockout, and on Dec.7, the fans in Puebla will see another action-packed fight from ‘El Vaquero.’”
“On Dec. 7, the fans will get to know who I am. This will be guaranteed war because we are both Mexican warriors,” Horta said. “This is a golden opportunity. Definitely a dream that will come true sooner than expected. I will dispute the world title against the best 122-pounder in the world, Emanuel Navarrete. I will win the title at any cost.”
Navarrete (29-1, 25 KOs) made his United States debut last December against Dogboe, but in 2019, he has crisscrossed the western part of the country knocking out top opposition. He repeated the deed in May against Dogboe in Tucson, Ariz., scoring a 12th-round stoppage. In August, headlining the inaugural fight card at Banc of California Stadium in Log Angeles, he stopped the then-unbeaten Francisco De Vaca in three scintillating rounds. Four weeks later, he returned on the Tyson Fury-Otto Wallin card in Las Vegas and knocked out Filipino contender Juan Miguel Elorde in four. The upset-minded Horta (20-3-1, 10 KOs), from Campeche, Mexico, is unbeaten in 13 fights dating back to 2014.
Ancajas (31-1-2, 21 KOs), one of boxing’s longest-reigning world champions, was scheduled to fight Jonathan Rodriguez Nov. 2 in Carson, Calif., but Rodriguez had to withdraw on Thursday of fight week due to visa issues. Ancajas, the Filipino star who won his world title in September 2016, remained in America to prepare for Gonzalez. Ancajas last fought May 4 in Stockton, Calif., knocking out Japanese challenger Ryuichi Funai in six rounds. This will be Ancajas’ first professional bout in Mexico. Gonzalez (31-2, 8 KOs), from Santiago, Chile, has fought only once outside of his home country. He has won two in a row since dropping a WBA world title eliminator earlier this year to Australian standout Andrew Moloney.
“I am ready to defend my world title in front of the great Mexican fans,” Ancajas said. “Since my fight against Rodriguez was canceled, I’ve stayed in America to train, and I am in fantastic shape. Gonzalez is a worthy challenger and has beaten good opposition to earn this title shot.”
“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for,” Gonzalez said. “Ancajas is a great champion, but this is my time.”
Use the hashtags #NavarreteHorta and #AncajasGonzalez to join the conversation on social media.
For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
Weekend Boxing Marathon: Four International Shows Coming to ESPN+
Moloney Brothers to kick things off Friday morning from Australia at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT
Fornling-Bösel interim light heavyweight world title LIVE from Germany Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT
TWO #MTKFightNight shows round out the action
(Nov. 16, 2019) — Get ready for a fistic marathon.
Four fight cards from four nations spread across two days will stream live this weekend on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service.
The previously announced card from Melbourne, Australia, featuring twin brothers Jason and Andrew Moloney, will kick off the weekend starting Friday at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT. From England and Scotland to an interim world title bout in Germany, here’s what’s in store for fight fans.
Rocky Fielding Returns on #MTKFightNight Card in Liverpool
Friday, 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT
Former WBA super middleweight world champion Rocky Fielding (27-2, 15 KOs) will fight for the first time since challenging Canelo Alvarez last December, returning in a 10-rounder against Tanzanian puncher Abdallah Paziwapazi (26-6-1, 23 KOs) at the Olympia. Fielding won the world title last July with a TKO over then-unbeaten Tyron Zeuge, but he fell short against Canelo via third-round stoppage at Madison Square Garden. Paziwapazi is unbeaten in 10 bouts dating back to 2017, having won a pair of regional belts to earn the shot at Fielding.
In other bouts streaming from Liverpool:
- Four-time world title challenger Martin Murray (38-5-1, 17 KOs) will face Sladan Janjanin (27-4, 21 KOs) in an eight-rounder at super middleweight. Murray is best known for his controversial 2013 decision loss to middleweight world champion Sergio Martinez in Martinez’s home country of Argentina.
- Former lightweight world champion Terry Flanagan (35-2, 14 KOs) will face Jayro Duran (14-6, 13 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight tilt.
- Lightweight prospect Ged Carroll (11-0, 0 KOs) will take a step up in class versus Jeff Ofori (9-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
- Super flyweight Blane Hyland will make his long-awaited professional debut against Steven Maguire (0-18-1) in a four-rounder.
Fornling and Bösel to Battle for Interim Light Heavyweight World Title
Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT
Top Rank, in association with SES Boxing, will present a world championship afternoon of boxing from Messe Arena in Halle, Germany.
In the main event, Dominic Bösel (29-1, 11 KOs) will face Swedish contender Sven Fornling (15-1, 7 KOs) for the interim WBA light heavyweight world title. Bösel most recently defended his European crown in April with an eighth-round knockout over Timy Shala. Fornling has won five in a row since the lone loss of his career, most recently winning a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Karo Murat.
Said SES Boxing founder Ulf Steinforth: “I’m excited to give our fighters the opportunity to showcase their skills on the biggest sports platform in the world.”
In other bouts streaming from Germany:
- The fighting pride of Morocco, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Mohammed Rabii (9-0, 5 KOs) will make his ESPN debut against Mexican veteran Jesus Gurrola (27-14-3, 14 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight contest.
- 2012 German Olympian Stefan Haertel (18-1, 2 KOs) will face David Zegarra (34-3, 21 KOs) in a 12-round showdown for the WBO Intercontinental super middleweight title.
- Top heavyweight prospect Peter Kadiru (5-0, 1 KO) will fight Venezuelan upstart Pedro Martinez (11-2, 5 KOs) in a six-rounder.
All-Scottish Bantamweight Battle Headlines #MTKFightNight from Glasgow
Saturday, 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT
This is about more than titles.
In one of the biggest all-Scottish clashes in a long time, Commonwealth bantamweight champion Lee McGregor will take on British champion Ukashir Farooq in a 12-round showdown from Emirates Arena in Farooq’s home city of Glasgow. McGregor, meanwhile, hails from Edinburgh, a roughly one-hour train ride away.
The 22-year-old McGregor (7-0, 6 KOs) defended his Commonwealth title in June with an eighth-round TKO over Scott Allan in a bout that streamed live on ESPN+. Farooq (13-0, 6 KOs) last fought in August, making the third successful defense of his British title with a first-round blitzing of Duane Winters.
Said McGregor: “This is the biggest fight in Scotland for a long, long time. You have to go back to Alex Arthur’s reign to find a comparison. It’s massive for me, for Kash and for all the Scottish boxing fans.”
In other bouts streaming from Scotland:
- The unbeaten Kieran Smith (15-0, 7 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBC International silver super welterweight belt against Italian challenger Vincenzo Bevilacqua (16-0, 0 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
- In an eight-round light heavyweight tilt, Tommy Philbin (12-0, 4 KOs) will take on the 18-year-old Nicolas Holcapfel (11-1, 9 KOs).
- Former Irish amateur superstar Pierce O’Leary (1-0, 0 KOs) will fight the battle-tested Chris Adaway (9-61-4, 1 KO) in a four-round super lightweight bout.
- Top Rank-signed Irish welterweight sensation Paddy “Real Deal” Donovan (1-0, 1 KO), who turned pro last month with a first-round stoppage, will fight Danny Mendoza (6-5, 4 KOs) in a scheduled six-rounder.
Fresno Firepower: Jamel Herring Retains Title
Herring decisions Lamont Roach Jr. to retain WBO junior lightweight title
Kubrat Pulev decisions Rydell Booker in heavyweight co-feature
• CLICK HERE for PHOTOS
(Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/ Top Rank)
FRESNO, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2019) — Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, retained his WBO junior lightweight world title with a Veterans Day Weekend unanimous decision (115-113 and 117-111 2X) win over top contender Lamont Roach Jr. in front of 7,412 fans at Chukchansi Park.
Herring controlled the action early, but Roach landed a hellacious right hand at the end of the 11th that nearly sent Herring through the ropes. Roach pressed the action in the 12th, but it was too little, too late, as “The Fighting Marine” made his first successful title defense.
“I won {the title} on Memorial Day Weekend and I defended it on Veterans Day Weekend, so it definitely means a lot to all of our troops out there defending our country and still in harm’s way,” Herring said. “This is for ya’ll. I couldn’t lose it on our weekend. It means a lot to still be a world champion.
“Like I said, Miguel Berchelt is considered number one, the best super featherweight in the world. In order to be the best, you have to keep testing yourself.”
Said Roach: “We knew we had to dig down. When I hurt him, all that was on my mind was finishing him. I’m coming into unchartered territory.”
Pulev Decisons Booker
IBF No. 1 heavyweight contender Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs) had his way against Detroit-based veteran Rydell Booker (26-3, 13 KOs), winning a clear unanimous decision (99-91 and 98-92 2X) in the co-feature. Pulev, who challenged Wladimir Klitschko for the unified heavyweight title in November 2014, moved one step closer to potentially challenging the winner of the upcoming Andy Ruiz Jr.-Anthony Joshua rematch.
After the fight, his message was clear. He wants to fight for the title next. Pulev has now won eight in a row since the Klitschko defeat.
“It’s been eight months from my last fight. I think my opponent was not bad,” Pulev said. “I respect him. It was a very nice fight.
“I controlled the whole fight, and I was the much better boxer. I showed everyone I’m at the world level, and I must fight the winner of Joshua and Ruiz.”
— Former world title challenger Amir Imam (22-2, 19 KOs) returned from a nearly two-year layoff, knocking out Marcos Mojica (16-5-2, 12 KOs) with a right hand in the fourth round of a scheduled eight-rounder. Imam hadn’t fought since challenging Jose Ramirez for the vacant WBC super lightweight world title in March 2018.
“I just have to be consistent at this point in my career. I’m coming back in January, and I need to take advantage of the opportunities that are given to me,” Imam said.
— Gabriel Flores Jr. (16-0, 6 KOs), the 19-year-old sensation from Stockton, Calf., dominated Aelio Mesquita (19-5, 17 KOs) over the eight-round distance, winning by identical scores of 80-72 in a lightweight bout.
— Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (8-0, 4 KOs) successfully defended his WBO Global and WBC Continental Americas middleweight titles, stopping Albert Onolunose (24-3-1, 8 KOs) in the sixth round of a scheduled 10-rounder.
— Two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez (1-1, 1 KO) rebounded from the shocking loss in his pro debut to stop Fernando Ibarra (2-2, 0 KOs) in the sixth round of a featherweight tilt.
“I have a new trainer, Ismael Salas, and we worked hard in the gym together,” Ramirez said. “What happened in my pro debut is in the past. I am looking forward to a bright future.”
— Undefeated middleweight contender Esquiva Falcao (25-0, 17 KOs) knocked out veteran Manny Woods (16-9-1, 6 KOs) in the third round.
Alexander “The Great” Flores destroys Mario Heredia in 6
RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®
OFFICIAL RESULTS
TUCSON, Arizona (November 9, 2019) – Heavy-handed California heavyweight Alexander “The Great” Flores returned to the ring last Thursday night with a vengeance, knocking out Mario “Chabelo” Heredia in the sixth round of the RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS main event, outdoors Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater in Tucson, Arizona.
Alexander “The Great” Flores (L) pounds Mario Heredia (R).
RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS was streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.
The 29-year-old Flores (18-2-1, 16 KOs) hadn’t fought since last December in New Zealand, when he lost a controversial fight to former world champion Joseph Parker, in which Parker struck Flores numerous times below the belt, leading to a knockout.
Knockout-artist Flores floored his Mexican opponent, Heredia, three times during their fight in the third, fifth and the finisher in the sixth. Flores, who is a former World Boxing Council (WBC) World Youth champion, used a vicious body attack, resulting in the last two knockdowns, against the 282-pound Heredia (16-8-1, 13 KOs).
Flores’ only two losses have been to world champions Parker and Charles Martin. Heredia, a former WBC FECOMBOX champion, who only three fights ago won a split decision over former WBC heavyweight world champion and Nigerian Olympian Samuel Peter.
In the co-featured event, red-hot Mexican welterweight Santiago Dominguez (20-0, 16 KOs) blasted Ravshan Hudayhazarov (17-3, 13 KOs), the Uzbekistan fighter, stopping him only 43-seconds into the opening round in a devastating performance.
In his RJJ Boxing Promotions debut, undefeated California super middleweight Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs) pitched a complete shutout victory, winning each round on all three-judges’ scorecards, in a unanimous decision over Phoenix veteran Fidel Hernandez (20-8-1, 11 KOs), who announced before the fight that this would be his last.
In the UFC FIGHT PASS opener, unbeaten Tucson welterweight Christopher Gonzalez (6-0-1, 1 KO) pulled off a mild upset, taking an eight-round unanimous decision from Marcos “Nazzy” Dominguez (11-2-1, 10 KOs), the younger brother of Santiago.
Local fan favorite Briana ”Amenaza” Sanchez (2-0-1, 2 KOs) and pro-debuting junior flyweight Amanda Borg (0-0-1), of Albuquerque, battled to a four-round majority draw in the opening, off UFC FIGHT PASS fight of evening.
Official results:
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Alexander Flores (18-2-1, 16 KOs), Rowland Heights, CA
WTKO6 (1:33)
Mario Heredia (16-8-1, 13 KOs), Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
CO-FEATURE – VACANT WBC US SILVER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Santiago Dominguez (20-0, 16 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
WKO1 (0:43)
Ravshan Hudaynazarov (17-3, 13 KOs), Las Vegas, NV by way of Uzbekistan
(Dominguez won WBC Silver welterweight title)
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Juan Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs), Victorville, CA
WDEC8 (80-71, 80-71, 80-71)
Fidel Hernandez (20-8-1, 11 KOs), Phoenix, AZ.
WELTERWEIGHTS
Christopher Gonzalez (6-0-1), Tucson, AZ
WDEC8 (78-75, 77-75, 77-75)
Marcos Dominguez (11-2-1, 10 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
FEMALE JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS
Briana Sanchez (2-0-1, 2 KOs), Tucson, AZ
D4 (39-37, 38-38, 38-38)
Amanda Borg (0-0-1, 0 KOs), Albuquerque, NM
Unbeaten Mykquan Williams learned invaluable lesson for future
Mykquan Williams
MANCHESTER, Conn. (November 4, 2019) – The true test for a genuine boxing prospect is how he or she responds to adversity, whether it included a loss, cut, knockdown or, in the case of “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams, a disputed decision that tarnished his perfect pro record.
The 21-year-old Williams, now 15-0-1 (7 KOs), was recently on the short end of a highly disputed eight-round draw with Tre’Sean Wiggins (11-4-3, 6 KOs), in the “Broadway Boxing” main event held at Generoso Pope Athletic Complex on the campus of St. Francis College in Brooklyn.
Nobody claimed the questionable decision was highway robbery, yet, most non-partisan fans at the show, or those watching live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, felt Williams rightfully deserved to have his arms raised in victory. Despite having a blemish placed on his pro record, he didn’t suffer a loss, and did retain his World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight title.
Williams’ opponent was a southpaw with a five-inch height advantage. Once he felt Williams’ power, especially in the liver, Wiggins went into survival mode, clutching and grabbing every time Williams got close.
Neither Williams nor his head trainer, Paul Cichon, was pleased when the judges’ scores were announced – 77-75 in favor of Williams, 76-76 twice – for a majority draw. Never-the-less, both feel that this developmental lesson will pay dividends down the road.
“The plan was for me to work inside,” Williams said after the fight. “The first and second were feeling out rounds and then I’d adjust. I didn’t feel from the start that he could hurt me. I wanted to get inside and beat him with body punches. I did that but I think I played to the crowd a little too much. I’d change that if I could go back. And I would have let my hands go more, but I won this fight because I landed the harder, cleaner more effective shots throughout the fight. He just wanted to hold.
“I’m disappointed because I was defending my title, but I didn’t lose the fight and I still have my belt. I ll have a lot to learn and I’ll be back in the gym soon to fix errors I made so that I won’t have those issues my next fight.”
Cichon felt that Williams won five if not six rounds because he was the aggressor throughout the match. “I was surprised,” he admitted. “Mykye was the champion and I thought that he (Wiggins) would have needed to win convincingly to win rounds. He didn’t. Mykye started using his double jab to get inside and then he killed his opponent’s body. The body shots brought Wiggins’ hands down. Mykye stalked and hurt him a few times.
“Mykye learned a valuable lesson like not letting the crowd get to him, and never letting up on the gas.
Wiggins was smart. Every time Mykye got close to him, he grabbed him, especially after he felt Mykye’s powerful body shots. It may have been ugly, but he fought smart.
Team Williams agrees that there’s no sense rushing Williams, after all, he’s only 21, but that 2020 should be an active, career-changing year for the East Hartford (CT) fighter.
“I’m ready to fight at the next level,” Williams concluded. “Time will tell. Styles make fights but I hurt him (Wiggins) several times.”
“We’ll jump back in the ring in early 2020,” Cichon added. “We’re looking to fight opponents with winning records, but not another six-foot southpaw.”
“I was very proud of Mykey,” Williams’ manager Jackie Kallen commented. It was a learning experience that will make him an even greater fighter. He is still undefeated and one of the top young prospects in the 140-pound division. The next year will be a pivotal one for him.”
Saturday: Conrad Cummings-Danny Dignum Middleweight Clash to Headline Latest Edition of #MTKFightNight on ESPN+
Stream to begin at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT
(Nov. 7, 2019) — Conrad “Mr. Dynamite” Cummings and the unbeaten Danny Dignum will square off in a can’t-miss 10-round tilt for the vacant WBO European middleweight title Saturday from London’s York Hall on the latest edition of #MTKFightNight.
Cummings-Dignum and a stacked undercard will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, starting at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.
Cummings (17-3-1, 7 KOs) hopes to capture the WBO European middleweight belt for the third time. His second reign ended in March via unanimous decision to top contender Luke Keeler, but he returned to the win column in October with a six-round points victory over veteran Adam Grabiec. Dignum (11-0, 5 KOs), from Essex, England, will make his middleweight debut after fighting at super middleweight and light heavyweight. This is his first scheduled 10-round bout, and he is coming off an eight-round decision over former world title challenger and European welterweight champion Rafal Jackiewicz.
In other action on the ESPN+ stream:
- Welterweight contender Michael “The Problem” McKinson (17-0, 2 KOs) will face fellow unbeaten Luis Alberto Varon (17-0-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
- Former world title challenger Liam Walsh (22-1, 15 KOs) will fight longtime British fan-favorite Maxi Hughes (19-4-2, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBO European lightweight belt. Walsh challenged Gervonta Davis for the IBF junior lightweight world title in May 2017 and was knocked out in the third round. He has fought once since taking a nearly two-year sabbatical from the ring. Before facing Davis, he captured British and Commonwealth honors at 130 pounds.
- Chantelle Cameron (11-0, 7 KOs) will clash with Argentinian veteran and former two-weight world champion Anahi Ester “La Indiecita” Sanchez (19-4, 11 KOs) in a 10-round final eliminator for the WBC super lightweight world title.
Use the hashtag #MTKFightNight to join the conversation on social media.
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About ESPN+
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Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.
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Jamel Herring Set for Ballpark Title Defense Against Lamont Roach Jr.
Herring to defend WBO junior lightweight title LIVE on ESPN+ Saturday evening (10 p.m. ET) from Fresno, Calif.
No. 1 heavyweight contender Kubrat Pulev to put ranking on the line against Rydell Booker
FRESNO, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2019) — Under the bright lights, above where a pitcher’s mound normally stands, Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring will enter the ring for the first time as a champion.Herring, who makes the first defense of his WBO junior lightweight world title against Lamont Roach Jr. Saturday evening (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+) at Chukchansi Park (home of the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies), is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two tours of duty in Iraq. He won the world title on Memorial Day Weekend earlier this year and, in fitting fashion, will defend his belt on Veterans Day Weekend and the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday.
In the 10-round co-feature, IBF No. 1 heavyweight contender Kubrat Pulev (27-1, 14 KOs), seeking a 2020 world title shot, will face Detroit-based veteran Rydell Booker (26-2, 13 KOs). Pulev is angling for a shot at the winner of the Andy Ruiz Jr.-Anthony Joshua rematch, while the 38-year-old Booker is 4-1 since coming back to the ring following a 12-year prison sentence.
In other action, after the main event takes place, 19-year-old lightweight sensation Gabriel Flores Jr. (15-0, 6 KOs) will face Aelio Mesquita (19-4, 17 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Flores, from nearby Stockton, Calif., will have a rabid cheering section.
At Thursday’s final press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.
Jamel Herring
On sparring with the likes of Terence Crawford and Maurice Hooker
“Those guys, they really helped. {Super middleweight contender} Steven Nelson being a veteran helped as well. He motivated me and pushed me… camp has been great. It’s probably been one of the best camps that I’ve had.”
On defending his title on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday
“It’s all about what happens in the ring. All that will go in vain if I don’t play my part and perform to the best of my abilities and handle my business. It’s definitely great to be a Marine and basically be one of the only Marines on this type of platform. Of course, that’s a great feeling.”
Lamont Roach Jr.
“It’s truly a blessing fighting on Veterans Day weekend just to honor my cousin, who was my late trainer. He was in the Army and dedicated his life to boxing. He was an All-Army champ in, I think, 1983, one of those years. Way before I was born. But he learned the game from them, and he gave the game to me. That old Army training is definitely in me. This weekend is a big weekend for all vets, but at the end of the day, it all boils down to one thing to me, and that’s inside the ring. It’s for that belt right there. Julie {Goldsticker, Herring’s publicist}, hold that belt up for me. It’s gonna go home with me, and I am going to go celebrate with the Washington Nationals and the Mystics, who won the WNBA championship.”
“I’m glad that my promotional company moved me the right way. I earned this spot. I wasn’t given this spot. All the hard work that I put in from 9 years old to now is going to show.”
“We know Jamel is a crafty fighter, but we’re gonna bring it to him. I think I can do anything in the ring better than him. I can be a better, taller fighter than him even though I’m shorter than him. I can beat him on the inside, I can beat him all around the ring. So, we’re going to see.”
Kubrat Pulev
“This is boxing. Nothing is sure, but I am here to fight, and I am here to win. That is why I prepared well, and I believe in myself. I know who I am. I’m one of the best in the heavyweight division. And, yeah, my opponent is good also, but I think I’m much, much better.”
“For me, this is one fight and more experience. I must stay in the ring and wait to fight the winner of Joshua and Ruiz. Who wins, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m now concentrated on Booker. He’s a serious opponent.”
Rydell Booker
“This {opportunity} means a lot. Everyone understands my story. I went away to prison for 12 years. In two years home, I’ve been very active. This fight couldn’t have come at a better time because I was just in camp with {Oleksandr} Usyk when I got the call. I left Usyk’s camp and went to Deontay Wilder’s camp, and so I stayed busy. I get a lot of calls to go help the greats. I was just in camp with Anthony Joshua, learning something from him and vice versa. So I’ve been around the game 31 years, and I come to bring my experience and talents.”
“I don’t take nothing away from nobody’s talent because everybody has their own talent in certain ways. He hasn’t fought a heavyweight like me, slick as me. I understand he lost to {Wladimir} Klitschko. Klitschko was taught by a great who taught me and my coach, Emanuel Steward. They still don’t have the athleticism that I have. I’ll let my talents speak for itself.”
Gabriel Flores Jr.
“This means a lot to me. I’ve fought in Fresno a few times already, and every time I come to Fresno, they treat me real well. It’s like a second home to me. I enjoy it here, and I feel the love. To fight on Veterans Day {Weekend} means a lot because I get to pay some respect to veterans. That’s something I always wanted to do, and to go to the veterans hospital {VA Central California} and talk to them and shake their hands, it was nice… just to hear their stories. I met a man who was a 100 years old, so it was nice to interact with them.”
“Each fight, I get better and better. I fix my mistakes. Every fight, there are mistakes. It’s hard to be perfect. Not everyone sees {my mistakes}. Maybe my father and I do, so come Saturday night, you’re going to see another step up from Gabriel Flores. To beat him, I just have to be myself. He’s got a nice right hand, but it takes more than a right hand to beat me.”
ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Jamel Herring vs. Lamont Roach Jr., 12 rounds, Herring’s WBO junior lightweight world title
Kubrat Pulev vs. Rydell Booker, 10 rounds, heavyweight
ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT
David Kaminsky vs. Travis Jerig, 6/4 rounds, middleweight
Robeisy Ramirez vs. Fernando Ibarra, 6 rounds, featherweight
Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Albert Onolunose, 10 rounds, Alimkhanuly’s WBC Continental Americas and WBO Global middleweight titles
Esquiva Falcao vs. Manny Woods, 10/8 rounds, middleweight
Amir Imam vs. Marcos Mojica, 8 rounds, welterweight
OFF TV (After Herring-Roach)
Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Aelio Mesquita, 8 rounds, lightweight
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Golden Boy, tickets are priced at $200, $96, $46 and $29 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased by visiting mpv.tickets.com, charge by phone at 559.320.TIXS (8497) or at the Chukchansi Park box office (open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m PT to 5 p.m. PT). In honor of Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday, any active or retired service members will receive up to four free tickets to the event by presenting their military ID at the Chukchansi Park box office (while supplies last).
West Point Boxing Fall Classic
FACT SHEET
This Sunday afternoon at Anthony’s in Malden, Mass.
WHAT: West Point Boxing Fall Classic amateur boxing
MAIN EVENT – 165 LBS. – OPEN CLASS = 3 ROUNDS
Luca Loconte Botis, Army West Point (Sr.), Winchester, MA
vs.
Erick Fonge Atebezi, USA Boxing New England, Lynn, MA
178 LBS. – OPEN CLASS — 3 ROUNDS
Manny Ahouas, Army West Point (Jr.), Newark, NJ
vs,
Laurent Humes, USA Boxing New England, Springfield, MA
182 LBS. – NOVICE CLASS — 3 ROUNDS
Hunter Dempster, Army West Point (Jr.), Lulling, LA
vs.
Dylan Roda, Westover Air Force Base, Springfield. MA
170 LBS. – OPEN CLASS — 3 ROUNDS
AJ Farrow-Maynie, Army West Point (Jr.), E. Stroudsburg, PA
vs.
Demani Williams (COBA / Hartford, CT
114 LBS. – SUB-NOVICE CLASS — 3 ROUNDS
Jahrycas McClean, Army West Point (Jr.), Brockton, MA
vs.
Imane Bounana, Trinity College (Sr.), Morocco
142 LBS. – OPEN CLASS – 3 ROUNDS
Shane Ferry, Army West Point (Jr.), Panama City, FL
vs.
Delvin Thrice, COBA, Phillipsburg, NJ
165 LBS. – SUB-NOVICE CLASS – 3 ROUNDS
Colin Morgan, Army West Point (Jr.), W. Orange, NJ
vs.
Cris Moya, U. of Hartford (Sr.), Phillipsburg, NJ
140 LBS. – NOVICE CLASS – 3 ROUINDS
Isiah Queen, Army West Point (So.), Chantilly, VA
vs.
Jeremy Rivera, COBA / Hartford, CT
125 LBS. – SUB-NOVICE CLASS – 3 ROUNDS
Menna Mohamed, Army West Point (So.),Staten Island, NY
vs.
Lesley Carabali, U. of Hartford (Jr.) / Norwalk, CT
165 LBS. – SUB-NOVICE – 3 ROUNDS
Amadou Bah, Army West Point (So.),San Antonio, TX
vs.
Silas Holmes, U. of Hartford (So.), Wardsboro, VT
156 LBS. – NOVICE CLASS – 3 ROUNDS
Daren Holloway, Army West Point (So.),San Antonio, TX
vs.
Matt Jane, U. of Connecticut (St.), Westborough, MA
122 LBS. — SUB-NOVICE CLASS – 3 ROUNDS
Lejia Cobb, Army West Point (So.),Richmond, VA
Vs.
Gail Mitchell, U. of Connecticut (St.), Kingston, Jamaica
128 LBS. – SUB-NOVICE CLASS – 3 ROUNDS
KJ Thompson, Army West Point (Fr.), St. Thomas, Virgin Island
vs.
Brandon Stout, COBA, Hartford, CT
162 LBS. – NOVICE CLASS – 3 ROUNDS
Jaquan Byrd, Army West Point (So.), Jackson, MS
vs.
Dante Gilberti, U. of Connecticut (Sr.), Stamford, CT
(all boxers & matches subject to change)
WHERE: Anthony’s in Malden, MassachusettsWHEN: Sunday, Nov. 7, 2019PRESENTED BY: National Club Boxing Association (NCBA)RING ANNOUNCER: John VenaTICKETS: Limited tickets are available for purchase by calling Seacoast Ticket Agency at 1.800.382.5242. $20.00 general admission seats only are available at the door starting at 1 p.m. ETOTHER: Doors open at 2 p.m. ET, first bout 3:00 p.m. ETSPECIAL GUESTS & USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONOREES: 1988 Olympic gold medalist Ray Mercer, three-time Fight of the Year participant “Irish” Micky Ward (Lowell, MA), three-time, two division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera (Worcester, MA), former New England amateur champion and reigning IBA super welterweight champion Greg “The Villain” Vendetti (Stoneham, MA), and NABA super welterweight champion Mark “The Bazooka” DeLuca (Whitman, MA)-30-MEDIA CONTACT:Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, 978.590.0470, @fightpublicist
January 18: Eleider Alvarez and Michael Seals Set for
Light Heavyweight Slugfest LIVE on ESPN+ at Turning Stone Resort Casino
ESPN+ stream to begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
VERONA, N.Y. (Nov. 4, 2019) — Two of the light heavyweight’s division’s most explosive fighters are set for a fistic shootout Saturday, Jan. 18, as former world champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez will face Michael “Cannon Handz” Seals at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
The 10-round showdown will be contested for the vacant WBC Continental Americas title, and the winner is expected to challenge for a world title in 2020.
Alvarez-Seals and a co-feature will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets priced at $89, $75, $69, $62, $59 and $40 go on sale Friday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.
“This is a fantastic fight, a true 50-50 matchup featuring two of the division’s best punchers,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The light heavyweight division is on fire right now, and the winner will be in a tremendous position.”
“I am very happy to get back in the ring after this long layoff,” Alvarez said. “I am looking at Jan. 18 to reboot my career against a strong puncher, Michael Seals, and begin my campaign to once again be on top of the boxing world. I have a lot of respect for my opponent, but in 2020, nothing will stop me from becoming a world champion again.”
“First, I would like to thank Top Rank and ESPN for giving Eleider this opportunity, as well as a plan to be very active in 2020,” said Yvon Michel, Alvarez’s co-promoter. “Eleider had a great run before his last fight, beating three former or current world champions in a row: Lucian Bute, Jean Pascal and Sergey Kovalev. The defeat in his rematch with Kovalev was very painful, but also a great learning lesson. Eleider Alvarez belongs with the elite of the light heavyweight division, and he will prove it starting Jan. 18 in Verona.”
“Uncle Bob and Brad Goodman are giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am going to put on a show for them,” Seals said. “Everyone knows that going the distance is against my religion. I’m going to bring the heat, and that’s no secret. Alvarez made a huge mistake in accepting me for his ‘comeback fight.’ When you sign a contract with me, I’m trying to force-feed you some ZzzQuil. This is a tune-up for him but everything for me. I’m not an opponent for the top fighters. I am a top fighter. I want a world title shot, and I won’t let this guy get in the way. He had his time. It’s my time.”
Alvarez (24-1, 12 KOs), the Colombian-born, Montreal-based boxer-puncher has not fought since Feb. 2, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Sergey Kovalev six months after knocking him out to win the WBO light heavyweight world title. Alvarez’s long layoff is due to a torn foot ligament he suffered in training earlier this year. He hopes a win over Seals will earn him another crack at world championship glory.
Seals (24-2, 18 KOs), a Mobile, Alabama, native who played collegiate football at Alabama A&M, is still one of the division’s heaviest hitters at 37 years of age. An 11-year pro, Seals has been involved in many memorable brawls, including a 2015 Fight of the Year contender versus Edwin Rodriguez that included five knockdowns in three rounds. Despite falling short versus Rodriguez, Seals’ reputation as a fan-friendly was solidified. He has won four in a row, including three by knockout in either first or second round. He is coming off a one-punch, first-round knockout Oct. 18 in Philadelphia against Elio Trosch.
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
Use the hashtag #AlvarezSeals to join the conversation on social media.
Berchelt Stops Sosa to Retain Super Featherweight Title
Javier Molina KOs Hiroki Okada in 1
Berchelt (L) smashes Sosa (R) with a hard left to the body.
CARSON, Calif (Nov. 2, 2019) — Miguel Berchelt defended his WBC super featherweight world title for a sixth time, stopping the game but overmatched former world champion Jason Sosa in the fourth round at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Berchelt (37-1, 33 KOs) knocked down Sosa (23-4-4, 16 KOs) in the second round and kept the pressure coming, ultimately forcing a corner stoppage with four seconds left in the fourth.Berchelt has his eyes on lucky defense number seven, and former featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez is on his radar.
“It was a great performance. I want to congratulate Jason,” Berchelt said. “He came to put on a great fight, and I have a lot of love for him.
“I want to wait until Valdez fights on Nov. 30. If he wants this belt, come and get it.”
Said Sosa: “He’s a great champion. He’s defended it six times. He has serious power.”
Berchelt Stops Sosa to Retain Super Featherweight Title Javier Molina KOs Hiroki Okada in 4th round.
Molina KOs
Javier Molina (21-2, 9 KOs) seized the moment. The 2008 U.S. Olympian knocked down Hiroki Okada twice and scored the knockout only 65 seconds into the scheduled 10-round super lightweight fight. Molina knocked down Okada (19-2, 13 KOs) with a left hook in the opening minute, then finished things off with an overhand right.
Molina-Okada was elevated to co-feature status Thursday after Jonathan Rodriguez’s visa issue forced the cancellation of his junior bantamweight title challenge against IBF kingpin Jerwin Ancajas.
Berchelt (R) scores with a right uppercut to the chin of Sosa (L).
“I caught him early. When I had him hurt, I jumped on him,” Molina said. “Whoever’s next, we want to go for a world title. I showed everyone what I’m made of. This was my moment.”
— The return of super lightweight Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo (29-1, 19 KOs) was a triumphant one, as the former world title challenger knocked out Rod Salka (24-6, 4 KOs) with a left hook to the body in the opening round. This was the first fight for Saucedo since falling short to then-champion Maurice Hooker nearly one year ago.
“It was great to be back. I wanted to get some rounds in, but the knockout came, so it is what it is,” Saucedo said. “I hope to be back in the ring very soon.”
— Crowd favorite Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (9-0, 7 KOs), from nearby Fontana, Calif., knocked out fellow Californian Arnulfo Becerra (7-3, 5 KOs) in the fifth round of a lightweight fight.
— Australian prospect Daniel Lewis (5-0, 3 KOs) cruised to an eight-round decision over Alexis Gaytan (6-5, 2 KOs) in his American debut. Scores for the middleweight bout were as followed: 80-72 2X and 79-73.
— In a fight featuring a pair of unbeaten super lightweights, Abram Martinez (8-0, 6 KOs) dropped Ruben Rodriguez (9-1, 3 KOs) twice in the third round en route to the stoppage.
— Freddie Roach-trained welterweight prospect Gor Yeritsyan (12-0, 10 KOs) defeated Shoki Sakai (23-11-2, 13 KOs) by eight-round unanimous decision (80-72, 79-73 and 77-75).
— Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez (5-0-1, 5 KOs) opened the evening in fine fashion, knocking out Chilean veteran Luis Norambuena (4-5-1, 0 KOs) in the fourth-round of a scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.
Shakur Stevenson is crowned world champion in Reno
Stevenson completely neutralized Joet Gonzalez in front of 2,828
fans at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center to become the first male
Olympian from the 2016 Rio Olympic Games to become a world champion.
RENO, Nev. (Oct. 26, 2019) — Shakur Stevenson is a world champion. The former Olympic medalist displayed all his boxing skills and completely neutralized Joet Gonzalez (his girlfriend’s brother) to conquer the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title in front of 2,828 fans at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
Shakur Stephenson (R) smashes a right to the jaw of Joet Gonzalez
Stevenson became the first Team USA male fighter of the 2016 Rio Olympics to conquer a world title.
“This is a great feeling. One of the best feelings of my life,” said Stevenson. “I have a lot of respect for Joet. He is a great fighter. I have nothing against him. If he decides to be cool with me, I’ll be cool with him.”
Stevenson already knows what he wants the next challenge in his career to be.
“Josh Warrington! You are a champion, now I am a champion. Let’s do this! I want to unify titles.”
Shakur Stevenson (R) bangs a rightto the body of Joet Gonzalez
MAYER DOMINATES ZAMORA
Mikaela Mayer, the former Olympian and now one of the biggest attractions in women’s boxing, defeated Alejandra Zamora by technical knockout in the sixth round to retain her NABF super featherweight title.
Mayer was the aggressor from the opening bell and connected strong blows looking to finish the fight early, but surprisingly Zamora took everything Mayer threw at her. It was not until the end of the fifth round that Zamora’s corner did not allow the Argentinian to continue fighting.
“I am ready for the next challenge. I want a world title,” said Mayer. “I think that for the last two years I have shown that I am ready for a world title. I have shown it by easily dispatching all the fighters that have been put in front of me. I know I’m ready.”
GREER DECISIONS NIEVES
Undefeated bantamweight contender Joshua ‘Night Night’ Greer retained his World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas title and captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) NABO belt by defeating Antonio Nieves by unanimous decision.
Greer, who improved to 22-1-1, 12 KOs, raised the intensity level from the sixth round on and took control of the fight. Nieves dropped Greer in the final round, but Greer recovered without problems and managed to finish the fight.
“I am a champion. I know how to win,” said Greer. “At the end of the day, I go home a winner, and he will go home a loser. I am ready for a world title opportunity. It doesn’t matter who they put in front of me, I will get the job done and I will be victorious.”
OTHER RESULTS:
• Super feather contender Albert Bell (16-0, 5 KOs) dominated Frank De Alba from bell to bell to secure an easy win by unanimous decision in an eight-round fight. CARDS: 80-72 (x3)
• In his pro debut, former Team USA’s top-ranked heavyweight and now highly touted heavyweight prospect Jared “Big Baby” Anderson (1-0, 1 KO) scored a first-round knockout against Daniel Infante.
“I felt great in my pro debut! I took control of the fight and dominated my opponent with my jab right from the very first bell. I got him with a solid body shot and he went down for the count, but if he had gotten back up, I was going to take him out of there quickly anyway.”
• Promising 17-year-old Puerto Rican prospect, Xander Zayas (1-0, 1 KO), dropped Genesis Wynn a couple of times on his way to a first-round knockout victory, in his pro debut. Zayas knocked down Wynn with a quick straight right hand and immediately repeated the dose, forcing the referee to stop the fight at 1:24 of the first episode.
“I felt super great. Even though it was my pro debut, I was very relaxed and focused because I knew we had done the hard work in the gym. I just followed the game plan my team established. I have a great team around me. This is just the beginning.”
• Super featherweight contender Andy ‘El Tiburon’ Vences (23-1-1, 12 KOs) bounced back from the first defeat of his career by scoring a unanimous decision victory against Mark Bernaldez. CARDS: 79-73 (x3)
• Former world title challenger Jason Sanchez(15-1, 8 KOs) returned to the winning route by securing a fourth-round knockout against Brazil’s Adeilson Dos Santos in an eight-round featherweight match. The end of the bout came at 2:59 after Sanchez sent Dos Santos to the canvas for the count.
• Francisco Esparza Jr. defeated Matt Conway by split decision in an eight-round lightweight contest. CARDS: 76-75 (x2) for Esparza Jr., 76-75 for Conway.
• Mike Sánchez improved his record to 6-0, 3 KOs, and stunned local prospect Diego Elizondo with a unanimous decision victory. CARDS: 38-37 (x2), 39-36
• Reno’s own, welterweight prospect J.J. Mariano (2-0, 1 KO) scored a unanimous decision win over Sean Cerveny.
Super Middleweight Brandon Robinson
Avril Mathie
Former Unified Bantamweight World Champion Ryan Burnett Announces Retirement
The Belfast native went 20-1 with 10 knockouts during his six-year professional career
(Oct. 25, 2019) — Former unified bantamweight world champion Ryan Burnett today announces his retirement from professional boxing. Over the last few years, he has dealt with injuries sustained during competition and in training. Negotiating these setbacks has become more challenging and, with considerable thought, Burnett has rightly prioritized his health and well-being.
“Although my retirement is forced through injuries, I carry a heart full of satisfaction and gratitude,” Burnett said. “I have achieved my childhood dream and secured my future health, which is something no amount of money or titles can provide. I would like to thank everyone at MTK, Top Rank, Sky Sports and Matchroom for providing me the opportunity to fulfill my potential as a fighter.”
Burnett (20-1, 10 KOs) won the IBF world bantamweight title in June 2017 with a dominant decision win over Lee Haskins, then unified four months later with a unanimous decision over WBA super world bantamweight champion Zhanat Zhakiyanov. He lost his title when a back injury forced him to retire on his stool against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire. Burnett ended his career on a winning note, knocking out Jelbirt Gomera in six rounds back in May
Avril Mathie
Philadelphia, PA (October 25, 2019)– This Friday night, Avril Mathie will risk her undefeated record when she takes on 24-fight veteran Karen Dulin in a four-round bantamweight contest which will serve as the co-feature of a nine-bout card at
The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.
Avril Mathie
In 2014, she was Miss Swimsuit International, and the very next year, she took home the prize of in the Las Vegas Model Search.
Weigh-In Results: Shakur Stevenson vs. Joet Gonzalez
Reno-Sparks Convention Center (Reno, Nev.)
TOMORROW at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN+
Undercard Streaming on ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT
(Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/ Top Rank)ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET)Shakur Stevenson 126 lbs vs. Joet Gonzalez 125.2 lbs
(Vacant WBO Featherweight world title – 12 Rounds) Mikaela Mayer 129.6 lbs vs. Alejandra Zamora 129.4 lbs
(Mayer’s NABF Super Featherweight title – 10 Rounds) Joshua Greer Jr. 117.8 lbs vs. Antonio Nieves 117.8 lbs
(Greer’s NABO and WBC Continental Americas Bantamweight titles – 10 Rounds)ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET) Albert Bell 132 lbs vs. Frank De Alba 132.6 lbs
(Lightweight – 10/8 Rounds) Francisco Esparza Jr. 132 lbs vs. Matt Conway 131.6 lbs
(Lightweight – 8 Rounds) Xander Zayas 145.8 lbs vs. Genesis Wynn 144.6 lbs
(Welterweight- 4 Rounds)Andy Vences 131.4 lbs vs. Mark Bernaldez 130.4 lbs
(Super Featherweight – 10/8 Rounds)
Jason Sanchez 125.6 lbs vs. Adeilson Dos Santos 125.2 lbs
(Featherweight- 10/8 Rounds)
Jared Anderson 233.2 lbs vs. Daniel Infante 232 lbs
(Heavyweight – 4 Rounds)
SWING BOUTS
JJ Mariano 142.6 lbs vs. Sean Cerveny 144.4 lbs
(Welterweight – 4 Rounds)
Diego Elizondo 135 lbs vs. Mike Sanchez 133.6 lbs
(Lightweight – 4 Rounds)
i
- WBO: Jr. Featherweight World Champion Emanuel Navarrete honored at 22nd WBO Golf Tournament
GUAYAMA, Puerto Rico – Current Junior Featherweight Champion Emanuel ‘El Vaquero’ Navarrete was recognized by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) today, during the 22nd Annual WBO Golf Tournament at ‘El Legado Golf Club’ in Guayama. This edition of the annual golf competition serves as preamble to the Thirty-Second Annual WBO Convention, which will be held in the city of Tokyo, Japan, from December 2 until Thursday, December 5, 2019.
Emanuel Navarrete
Heavyweight Darmani Rock
The bout headlined an eight-bout card that was promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions and Live Nation.
Rock dominated the abbreviated bout by using his quick jab, and in round two started mixing in some hard right hands. Smith never seemed to be in serious trouble but for some reason pulled the plug on the bout following the 2nd frame.
Heavyweight Darmani Rock (L) pounding Maurenzo Smith
Rock of Philadelphia is now 17-0 with 12 knockouts. Smith of Houston is 21-12-4.
Jeremy Cuevas stopped Rondale Hubbert in round four of their scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.
In round three, Cuevas whacked Hubbert with a huge left that sent him to the canvas. Seconds later, it was a booming left that sent Hubbert down a second time. Hubbert was sent to the deck again in the round with a left to the body.
Cuevas ended thing with another body shot in the 4th frame that put Hubbert down again, and referee Benjy Esteves stopped the bout at 1:46.
Cuevas of Philadelphia is now 12-1 with nine knockouts. Hubbert of Minneapolis, MN is 13-10,
Gadwin Rosa stopped Danny Flores in round two of their scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.
Rosa landed hard head and body shots until referee Eric Dali stopped the fight at 1:10.
Rosa of Ocala, FL is 11-1 with nine knockouts. Flores of Mexico City is 15-18.
Christian Tapia remained perfect by stopping Jorge Santos in round two of a six-round super featherweight contest.
Tapia dropped Santos with a thudding left hook to the body for which Santos could not beat the 10-count at 1:56.
Tapia of Coamo, PR is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Santos of Monterrey, MEX is 7-9.
Benjamin Sinakin stopped Ferris Golden in round three of a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.
Sinakin battered Golden in the 3rd frame until the fight was stopped at 1:43.
Sinakin of Philadelphia is 5-0 with three knockouts. Golden of Findley, Ohio is 1-1.
In an action filled round, Jan Carlos Rivera stopped Ricardo Escaeda in their four-round welterweight bout.
After a furious exchange to begin the bout, Rivera floored Escaeda with a thunderous left hand.. Moments later, it was a crushing left to the head that sent Escaeda down on his back, and the fight was stopped at 1:43.
Rivera of Philadelphia is 4-0 with four knockouts. Escaeda of Monterrey, Mexico 4-17-1.
Alejandro Jimenez remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Jerrod Minor in a bantamweight fight.
Jimenez of New Hope, PA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice, and is now 5-0-1. Minor of Philadelphia is 1-8-2.
Saleem Kelly remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Jordan Rosario in a welterweight contest.
Kelly, 148 3/4 lbs of Cliffwood, NJ won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Rosario, 146 3/4 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 3-10.
November 30: Oscar Valdez and Carl Frampton Headline Super Featherweight Doubleheader at The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas LIVE on ESPN+
Valdez-Andres Gutierrez and Frampton-Tyler McCreary to stream exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 15, 2019) — Two of boxing’s foremost action stars are set to light up the Las Vegas Strip for a Thanksgiving Weekend fistic bash Saturday, November 30 at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
In the main event, former featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez will make his long-awaited super featherweight debut in a 10-rounder against former world title challenger Andres “Jaguarcito” Gutierrez.
The co-feature will see the fighting pride of Belfast, former two-division world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton, take on the unbeaten Tyler “The Golden Child” McCreary a 10-round super featherweight contest (128-pound catchweight).
Valdez-Gutierrez and Frampton-McCreary will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The undercard will stream on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Queensberry Promotions and MTK Global, tickets priced at $100, $85, $65, $45 and $20 (general admission) go on sale Friday, October 18, at 10 a.m. PT and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000.
“This a tremendous super featherweight doubleheader, and both Valdez and Frampton have their hands full against tough opponents,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “If Valdez and Frampton win, world title opportunities await them in 2020.”
‘I’m looking forward to November 30, as it’s my first fight as a super featherweight,” Valdez said. “I know my opponent is tough, but I plan on putting on a show for the fans. This is my third camp with Eddy Reynoso, and it’s going great. This is an important first step towards another world title, and I plan to make the most of it. Don’t miss it!”
“I am going to take full advantage of this opportunity,” Gutierrez said. “I hope Valdez is prepared for a super featherweight war. I’m now training in Las Vegas with the professor, Ismael Salas, and ‘Memo’ Heredia. Boxing fans, get ready for a true Mexican-style battle!”
Valdez (26-0, 20 KOs) made six successful defenses of his WBO featherweight world title, a reign highlighted by all-action brawls against Miguel Marriaga, Scott Quigg and Genesis Servania. A two-time Mexican Olympian, Valdez is seeking new challenges in a weight class loaded with premier talent. He closed out his featherweight world title reign with a pair of wins over then-unbeaten foes earlier this year, knocking out Carmine Tommasone in February and scoring a unanimous decision over Jason Sanchez in June. Valdez is 6-0 with six knockouts when fighting in Las Vegas and is looking for lucky number seven. Gutierrez (38-2-1, 25 KOs) has won three consecutive fights since dropping a technical decision to Abner Mares in October 2017 for the WBA featherweight world title. He last fought June 22 in San Juan del Río, Mexico, decisioning former world champion Tomas Rojas over 12 rounds.
Frampton (26-2, 15 KOs), a former super bantamweight and featherweight world champion, is ready to make his 2019 debut. He last fought December 2018 in Manchester, England, losing by unanimous decision to IBF world champion Josh Warrington in a Fight of the Year contender. He was scheduled to fight August 10 in Philadelphia against Emmanuel Dominguez but was forced to drop out the week of the fight after a concrete pillar fell on his hand at the fight hotel. Frampton is making his first appearance in Las Vegas since January 2017, when thousands of Northern Irish fans made the trip across the pond for his rematch against Leo Santa Cruz. One of his nation’s most decorated fighters, Frampton holds victories over Santa Cruz, Quigg, Nonito Donaire and Kiko Martinez.
McCreary (16-0-1, 7 KOs), from Toledo, Ohio, is a five-year pro who, at 26 years of age, is entering the prime of his career. In his last fight, July 19 in Oxon Hill, Maryland, he overcame a stiff challenge from Jessie Cris Rosales to prevail via eight-round split decision. In search of a signature win, McCreary will take a quantum leap in class, but he is confident that his youth and athleticism will prevail.
“I’m delighted to be making a comeback after what has been a horrific year in my career,” Frampton said. “I didn’t get the Top Rank deal off to an ideal start, but coming back in Vegas is great for me, especially against a really strong opponent. It needed to be someone who would test me. It’s what I want, it’s what ESPN wants, what MTK Global wants and what Top Rank wants, so I’m 100 percent confident it’s the right move for me. McCreary is a quality opponent, but if I want to be competing against the top guys in the world, which I believe I can, then I need to be beating guys like him and doing it in style.”
“I’m delighted we’ve got Carl out again before the end of the year,” said Frank Warren, Frampton’s co-promoter. “He had a tough time of it in August with the freak injury, which meant he couldn’t fight as planned. In this fight against McCreary, I believe Carl will prove that he is still an elite fighter and will be fighting for world titles again before long.”
“It’s a big step up for me, but I feel that I’m ready for it,” McCreary said. “It’s an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, and I feel that every fight is a risk. This is one where, if anything, I would love to risk my undefeated record against a fighter like Frampton. A win here means a world title shot next.
“I was in the gym training for my October 26 fight and my trainer {Lamar Wright} said we got a call that Carl Frampton was looking for a fight. They didn’t have anyone, and I said, ‘I’ll take it.’ I didn’t hesitate.”
King Artur: Beterbiev KOs Gvozdyk
Artur Beterbiev unifies WBC/IBF light heavyweight titles
with 10th-round TKO over Oleksandr Gvozdyk
PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 18, 2019) — It was a savage light heavyweight battle that lived up to the Philadelphia billing. Artur Beterbeiv, in a back-a-forth affair, knocked out Oleksandr Gvozdyk in the 10th round to unify the WBC/IBF light heavyweight titles Saturday evening at the Liacouras Center.
Beterbiev knocked down Gvozdyk three times in the 10th, as referee Gary Rosato immediately waved off the fight following the third knockdown.
Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs) was behind on two of the three judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage.
“We work in the gym We work hard, and we have some targets,” Beterbiev said. “My first target, second target and other one comes soon.
“It doesn’t matter {who I fight next.} Anyone. I’m focused on title, not on name.”
Abdukakhorov Defeats Collazo
Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (17-0, 9 KOs) maintained his status as the IBF No. 1 welterweight contender, scoring a unanimous technical decision (99-91, 98-92 and 97-93) over former world title challenger Luis Collazo (39-8, 20 KOs) after a cut opened up above Collazo’s right eye in the 10th and final round.
“I am the IBF No. 1 contender, and I would like to fight for the title fight next,” Abdukakhorov said. “I wanted to fight Errol Spence Jr., but unfortunately he got in a car accident. I wish him a speedy recovery, and if he’s ready to fight soon, I would like to fight him. If he has to vacate the title, then I will fight whoever they put in front of me.”
Collazo injured his biceps in the fifth round and was unable to throw his left hand much throughout the second half of the fight.
“Hey, it is what it is. This is part of the sport,” Collazo said. “We’ll see what’s next.”
— South Philadelphia-born heavyweight sensation Sonny “The Bronco” Conto (5-0, 4 KOs) knocked out Steven Lyons (5-6, 2 KOs) following the conclusion of the first round after Lyons cited an injury.
— Light heavyweight contender Michael Seals (24-2, 18 KOs) knocked out Elio Trosch (14-9-2, 7 KOs) with a left hook at 1:38 of the opening round. Seals has won three in a row by knockout.
— Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0, 12 KOs) made quick work of Damian Sosa (9-3, 7 KOs), knocking out the Argentine veteran in the second round of a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.
— Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (15-1, 9 KOs) won his ninth consecutive bout, securing an eight-round unanimous decision (80-72 3X) over Johnny Rodriguez (9-5-1, 6 KOs).
— Super bantamweight prospect Jeremy “Magic Hands” Adorno (3-0, 1 KO) cruised to a four-round unanimous decision over Misael Reyes (1-3, 0 KOs) by scores of 40-35 2X and 38-37.
— Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (18-0, 12 KOs) notched his second victory in three months, knocking out Leonardo Doronio (17-17-3, 11 KOs) in the sixth round of a super lightweight fight.
Cody “The Crippler” Crowley improves to 18-0
“HOMECOMING V: GOING GLOBAL”
OFFICIAL RESULTS
PETERBOROUGH, Ottawa, Canada (October 21, 2019) – Hometown hero and world-rated Canadian boxer Cody “The Crippler” Crowley made a major statement last night before a sold-out crowd, headlining a loaded “Homecoming V: Going Global” card, at Peterborough Memorial Centre in Peterborough, Canada.
“Homecoming V: Going Global”, presented by CCC Promotions, was the first boxing event streamed live and exclusively from Canada on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.
Crowley (18-0, 10 KOs), rated No. 9 in the world as a welterweight by the World Boxing Association (WBA), is a bonafide Peterborough sports franchise ready to take on the next level of world-class opponents.
The 26-year-old Irish Canadian boxer came out strong from the opening bell and the aggressive southpaw never let up en route to a 10-round shutout (100-90 X 3) triumph against his over-matched challenger from Montreal, “Super” Mian Hussain (16-2, 6 KOs). Crowley retained his CPNC National super welterweight crown with a totally dominate performance.
“It’s hard to knock a guy out when he goes into survival mode in the second round,” Crowley said after the fight. “People keep telling me they are going to come and fight, so I prepare for a dogfight every single time, but these guys don’t want to fight for some reason when I get in there. So, I have to go to the worst part of my game, which is boxing. I feel like I put on a good clinic. I was touching his head and touching his body. I was even pulling back my punches and changing direction.
“I had so much pressure on me. I had Dana White, the biggest promoter in the world, watching Peterborough tonight. Who would have thought that? I’m beyond happy. My team, UFC FIGHT PASS…..this is just the start of our journey together.
“It was a great performance and a great show. I give myself an A- on performance and A+ on the promotion (Crowley is co-founder of CCC Promotions).”
Popular Canadian lightweight Tony “The Lightning” Luis (29-3, 10 KOs), past Interim World title challenger, won an eight-round unanimous decision over Ricardo “Riky” Lara (22-6, 10 KOs), of Mexico, in the co-featured event.
Canadian super lightweight Lucas Bahdi (5-0, 5 KOs) kept his perfect pro record intact, knocking out Mexican Victor Manuel “El Pimientas” Campos (6-9, 2 KOs) in the opening round.
Four-time New Zealand amateur champion Patrick “Magic” Mailata (3-0, 2 KOs) remained undefeated, winning all four rounds on the three judges’ scorecards, versus previously unbeaten Jorge Sevilla “Bombon” Acosta (2-0, 2 KOs).
In the UFC FIGHT NIGHT opener, New York heavyweight Moses Johnson (5-0, 5 KOs) extended his perfect pro record, stopping Mexican Jose Manuel “Dinamita” Paredes (3-4-3) in round
Undefeated Canadian super lightweight Mazlum Akdeniz (10-0, 4 KOs) impressed against Hungarian knockout artist Adam “Bad Boy” Mate (28-16, 21 KOs), registering a second-round knockout.
United Kingdom super lightweight Adam “Hitman” Hague (16-1-1, 2 KOs) won a six-round unanimous decision versus his previously undefeated Mexican foe, Alan “Superman” Ayala (7-1, 3 Kos).
In the opening match of the night, Canadian super lightweight Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (7-1, 0 KOs) decisioned Beatriz Jimenez (6-3, 1 KO), of Mexico.
Complete results below:
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – CPBC NATIONAL SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Cody Crowley (18-0, 10 KOs), Champion, Peterborough, Ottawa Canada
WDEC10 (100-90, 100-90, 100-90)
Mian Hussain (16-2, 6 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
(Crowley CPC National super lightweight title)
CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS
Tony Luis (29-3, 10 KOs), Cornwell, Ontario, Canada
WDEC8 (78-74, 77-75, 77-75)
Ricardo Lara (22-7, 10 KOs), El Grullo, Jalisco, Mexico
SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Lucas Bahdi (5-0, 5 KOs), Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
WKO1
Victor Manuel Campos (6-9, 2 KOs), Jesus Maria, Aquascalientes, Mexico
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Patrick Mailata (3-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV by way of Samoa and New Zealand
Wdec4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Jorge Seveilla Acosta (2-1, 2 KOs), Campeche, Mexico
Moses Johnson (5-0, 5 KOs), Huntington, NY, USA
WTKO2
Jose Manuel Paredes (3-4-3, 2 KOs), Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
WELTERWEIGHTS
Mazlum Akdeniz (10-0, 5 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
WTKO2
Adam Mate (28-16, 21 KOs), Budapest, Hungary
SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Adam Hague (16-1-1, 2 KOs), Glossop, Derbyshire, UK
WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 59-55)
Alan Ayala (7-1, 3 KOs), Guadalahara, Jalisco, Mexico
FEMALE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Jessica Camara (7-1, 0 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
WDEC6 (59-55, 59-55, 58-56)
Beatriz Jimenez (6-3, 1 KO), Tlalnepantia, Mexico.
Dawson Defeats Grachev
By Kirk Lang
October 11, 2019 – Hartford, CT – Returning to the ring for the second time following a two-year layoff, former light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson looked sharp in taking an eight-round unanimous decision over Russian-born Denis Grachev at the Connecticut Convention Center.
The winner – Chad Dawson.
Dawson took far less punches than he did back in June against Quinton Rankin, who caught him numerous times with straight lefts and dropped him and almost stopped him with a left uppercut in the fifth round of their eight-round affair at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Dawson boxed beautifully against Grachev, even if that meant giving the crowd less action than it hoped for. When Grachev tried to pressure Dawson, the 37-year-old New Haven pugilist sidestepped like a light heavyweight Willie Pep or stepped back just enough to be out of range of the shorter Grachev’s punches.
Former light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (L) lands a straight left to the jaw of Denis Grachev (R).
Someone in the crowd yelled out “Let’s get this party started,” at the start of the third round, apparently displeased with the lack of back-and-forth action and Dawson’s unwillingness to unnecessarily put himself in harm’s way over the first two frames. Dawson knew how close he came to losing in his previous fight, so he made sure this time out to keep his opponent at the end of his punches, at the end of his longer arms.
Halfway through the third stanza however, Dawson began to get a bit more aggressive, clearly putting more steam on his punches. The fourth was another good round for Dawson and in the fifth, he displayed some shifty movement that had Grachev punching at air.
Main Events-promoted heavyweight Cassius Chaney (L) scored a first-round knockout of former cruiserweight title challenger Santander Silgado (R).
Grachev had his best moment of the fight halfway through round six when he countered a hard left uppercut from Dawson with a hard right hand. Grachev followed up with more leather as Dawson seemed content to try Muhammad Ali’s rope-a-dope technique employed against George Foreman in 1974. Before the round was over, Dawson was off the ropes and landing some good shots to end the round, including another uppercut and a quick one-two combination just before the bell to end the stanza.
Fifteen seconds into the 7th round, Dawson ripped Grachev with a three-punch combination and as the round progressed, Dawson showcased some slick footwork, making the man who thought he was going to frustrate Dawson with pressure look foolish. Dawson closed the round with some impressive straight left hands. The eighth and final round was another dominant three minutes from the former champion.
Dawson was announced the winner by scores of 80-72 (twice) and 79-73.
“I’m 37 years old but I feel like I’m 25,” said Dawson,” who is once again reunited with his amateur trainer Brian Clark, who was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame last year. Dawson, who will be inducted into the same Hall on Nov. 9, added, “I’m ready for any of the big guys at the top. If any of these guys wanna test me, the better the competition, the better I’m gonna perform.”
With his latest victory, Dawson wins the vacant WBC USNBC light heavyweight title and improves to 36-5 (19), with two no-contests. Grachev is now 19-9-1 (10).
In the night’s co-feature, unbeaten Main Events-promoted heavyweight Cassius Chaney scored a first-round knockout of former cruiserweight title challenger Santander Silgado. Following a couple of jabs with the first right hand he threw, Silgado, 28-8 (22), fell flat on his back and was laid out, positioned like he was in the midst of making a snow angel. He didn’t move for a minute or two but eventually got up with some kindly assistance and left the ring on his own accord.
Chaney said he had wanted to get some rounds in, “but once he threw a few punches my thoughts changed.”
Chaney added, “He wanted to land something sneaky so I felt I needed to land something clean that he felt. And I threw a basic double jab-right hand combination. He saw the jab but the right hand landed right on the chin and I knew he was done.”
The official time of the stoppage was 1:03. Chaney improved to 17-0 (11). A former University of New Haven basketball star, Chaney turned to pro boxing at a later age than most. However, this 32-year-old, who doesn’t drink, smoke or do any other drugs, is determined to do everything it takes to achieve his goal of becoming heavyweight champion, and this year has been an impressive one. His win over Silgado was preceded by an ESPN+-televised performance back in July in which Chaney knocked Joel Caudle out of the ring before stopping him a short time later. This New England prospect is on the fast track to reaching contender status.
- Patrick Day was knocked out in the 10th round of his bout vs Charles Conwell
- He subsequently underwent brain surgery following the fight in Chicago
- The tributes have already flooded in following Wednesday’s tragic news
October 17 – Boxer Patrick Day has died after suffering serious brain injuries in his defeat against Charles Conwell in Chicago on Saturday.
The American, 27, had been in a coma after being knocked out in the 10th round of his super welterweight clash on a
n Eddie Hearn card. He passed away on Wednesday evening.
Hearn tweeted: ‘Devastated to hear the news of the passing of Patrick Day. I met him for the first time last Thursday, what a charming young man with a dream and a smile that lit up the room.
Patrick Day (left) has tragically died after sustaining brain injuries in his fight on Saturday
Day was taken to a hospital after getting knocked out in the 10th round by Charles Conwell
‘Our deepest prayers are with his family, his trainer Joe Higgins, Charles Conwell and promoter Lou DiBella.’
A statement from promoter DiBella read: ‘It becomes very difficult to explain away or justify the dangers of boxing at a time like this. This is not a time where edicts or pronouncements are appropriate, or the answers are readily available.
‘It is, however, a time for a call to action. While we don’t have the answers, we certainly know many of the questions, have the means to answer them, and have the opportunity to respond responsibly and accordingly and make boxing safer for all who participate. This is a way we can honour the legacy of Pat Day.’
Day had previously been knocked down twice in the contest before succumbing again to a left hook midway through the 10th round.
He was treated on the canvas for several minutes before being removed from the ring on a stretcher, and underwent surgery that night.
Conwell had penned an emotional message on Instagram praying for Day’s recovery
He was treated by a doctor in the ring and then was rushed off on a stretcher by paramedics
Conwell had written an emotional letter on Instagram praying for Day’s recovery and revealing he was considering quitting the sport.
Former British boxer Frank Bruno tweeted: ‘This is very sobering. Sadly, Patrick Day has lost his toughest fight. Like every man who climbs through the ropes chasing the glory, he risked it all.
‘My thoughts & condolences are with his friends and family at this very tough time. May he rest in eternal peace.’
The World Boxing Council tweeted: ‘Rest In Peace. Patrick Day was always kind, happy and an exceptional good man who was outstandingly passionate about boxing.
‘We will always remember you for all of that.’
And finally, the World Boxing Organisation tweeted: ‘The WBO family is heartbroken with the news of the passing of Patrick Day. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May he rest in peace.’
