Ajagba stops Martin in four |
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Efe Ajagba TKO4 Charles Martin... In Zuffa Boxing's main event from Las Vegas, Nigerian heavyweight Efe Ajagba calmly dismantled former IBF champion Charles Martin in just four rounds. Martin started out with a slick one-two as he showed off his speed in the early moments, then used his quickness to counter effectively as the round wore on. But, as the round came to a close, Ajagba started to find a home for his shots as Martin got his first taste of "The Silent Roller's" heavy punch power. Martin boxed smartly from the outside through the second round, scoring frequently as Ajagba tried to walk him down to throw big shots. Then, late in the round, Martin briefly seemed to stun Ajagba with a well-timed left cross, but despite a crisp follow-up combination, he couldn't quite make the breakthrough as the round came to a close.
The bout exploded into life in the third. Martin was boxing well and scoring from the outside, and had connected with a couple of solid left hands when Ajagba stepped in and dropped him hard with a big right hand. Martin beat the count, but looked far from steady on his feet as the bout resumed. But, despite looking close to being finished, Martin showed guts and determination to survive the round.
Ajagba picked up in the fourth where he left off in the third as he stalked Martin around the ring, landing big shots. Another right hand dropped Martin once again and, after the American managed beat the count again, Ajagba eventually forced referee Thomas Taylor to step in after another barrage of heavy shots found their mark. The finish gave Ajagba his 15th career stoppage victory as he improved his record to 21-1-1 to put the rest of the heavyweight division on notice.
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Ajagba stops Martin in four
Efe Ajagba TKO4 Charles Martin... In Zuffa Boxing's main event from Las Vegas, Nigerian heavyweight Efe Ajagba calmly dismantled former IBF champion Charles Martin in just four rounds. Martin started out with a slick one-two as he showed off his speed in the early moments, then used his quickness to counter effectively as the round wore on. But, as the round came to a close, Ajagba started to find a home for his shots as Martin got his first taste of "The Silent Roller's" heavy punch power. Martin boxed smartly from the outside through the second round, scoring frequently as Ajagba tried to walk him down to throw big shots. Then, late in the round, Martin briefly seemed to stun Ajagba with a well-timed left cross, but despite a crisp follow-up combination, he couldn't quite make the breakthrough as the round came to a close.
The bout exploded into life in the third. Martin was boxing well and scoring from the outside, and had connected with a couple of solid left hands when Ajagba stepped in and dropped him hard with a big right hand. Martin beat the count, but looked far from steady on his feet as the bout resumed. But, despite looking close to being finished, Martin showed guts and determination to survive the round.
Ajagba picked up in the fourth where he left off in the third as he stalked Martin around the ring, landing big shots. Another right hand dropped Martin once again and, after the American managed beat the count again, Ajagba eventually forced referee Thomas Taylor to step in after another barrage of heavy shots found their mark. The finish gave Ajagba his 15th career stoppage victory as he improved his record to 21-1-1 to put the rest of the heavyweight division on notice.
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Watch: Dzambekov gets highlight reel KO of Elibali |
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Umar Dzambekov KO2 Ahmed Elbiali... At Zuffa Boxing 03 in Las Vegas, undefeated Austrian light heavyweight Umar Dzambekov scored a jaw-dropping knockout of Egyptian-American Ahmed Elbiali. Dzambekov quickly settled into his work in the opening round, and in the second he exploded with a huge knockout. Dzambekov had already found his mark with a body shot when Elbiali stepped in, looking to find an answer. But all he found was a colossal upper cut from Dzambekov that knocked Elbiali out cold from the moment it landed. Elbiali needed a little time to regain consciousness before being able to sit up. After extending his perfect professional record to 14-0 with his tenth career knockout, Dzambekov said he was ready to take on whatever challenges the Zuffa Boxing matchmakers throw his way. After a win like that, it's sure to be must-see TV, regardless of the opponent.
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Watch: Dzambekov gets highlight reel KO of Elibali
Umar Dzambekov KO2 Ahmed Elbiali... At Zuffa Boxing 03 in Las Vegas, undefeated Austrian light heavyweight Umar Dzambekov scored a jaw-dropping knockout of Egyptian-American Ahmed Elbiali. Dzambekov quickly settled into his work in the opening round, and in the second he exploded with a huge knockout. Dzambekov had already found his mark with a body shot when Elbiali stepped in, looking to find an answer. But all he found was a colossal upper cut from Dzambekov that knocked Elbiali out cold from the moment it landed. Elbiali needed a little time to regain consciousness before being able to sit up. After extending his perfect professional record to 14-0 with his tenth career knockout, Dzambekov said he was ready to take on whatever challenges the Zuffa Boxing matchmakers throw his way. After a win like that, it's sure to be must-see TV, regardless of the opponent.
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Zuffa Boxing 03 undercard results |
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Jaybrio Pe Benito TKO3 Abel Mejia... Undefeated lightweights went head-to-head in the main card opener and served up a spectacular finish as Jaybrio Pe Benito made a mockery of his underdog status to stop Abel Mejia in the third round. Pe Benito showcased his hand speed from the opening bell, and connected with some solid shots early as he used his quickness to consistently beat Mejia to the punch. And, with Mejia stepping in to go toe to toe in a bid to impose himself in the second round, Pe Benito timed a superb short left hook to put Mejia down and onto the seat of his pants right at the end of the round. Mejia came out of the corner for round three looking to re-establish himself, and the pair quickly got involved in another heavy-handed exchange. And, just as we saw at the end of the second round, Pe Benito stood firm, planted his feet, and answered with a huge shot. This time it was a huge right hand that spun Mejia's jaw and sent him down the canvas. Mejia gamely beat the count, but the referee saw that he was in no position to continue and mercifully waved off the contest 48 seconds into the round to spark wild scenes as Pe Benito celebrated a TKO victory. Pe Benito's finish improved his career record to 7-0, with five knockouts as he handed Mejia the first defeat of his career to send him home with his record reading 10-1.
Leo Ruiz TKO4 Casey Streeter ... Experienced middleweights went head to head in the final preliminary card matchup of the night, as Leo Ruiz claimed a fourth-round TKO victory over Casey Streeter in their eight-round 157-pound catchweight matchup. Streeter focused on speed and volume as he worked several multi-punch combinations through the opening rounds, while Mexico's Ruiz looked to dip and duck into range before ripping hard to the body and coming upstairs with clubbing shots. Following a tactical adjustment from his corner, Streeter started Round 3 looking to stay on the outside, but it appeared to have a detrimental effect on the Portland, Maine fighter's effectiveness, as he found himself out of range for his combinations. But, once he stepped back in and started to land his work again, Ruiz loaded up and hurt Streeter badly as he came close to finishing the fight. After a tough third round, Streeter's corner told him in no uncertain terms that if he continued to get clipped hard, he'd be pulled out of the fight, but in the end, it was the referee who made the decision before the corner. Ruiz loaded up and cracked Streeter with a huge straight right, and the official decided he'd seen enough and waved off the fight at the 1:23 mark of Round 4. Ruiz's fight-ending punch was his 100th shot to Streeter's head over those four punishing rounds. It gave Ruiz the ninth stoppage victory of his career as he improved his record to 17-1.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS Texas middleweight Mark Beuke battled all the way to the scorecards with Antonio Woods (14-2) to claim the biggest win of his career. Beuke, whose three career defeats came via either split- or majority decision, battled to the final bell to earn a split-decision verdict that fell in his favor. After eight hard-fought rounds, the judges were called into action to decide the victor, and it was Beuke who got the nod, with the scorecards reading 77-75, 75-77, 77-75 to give the Texan a 13-3 record and extend his active win streak to ten fights.
Undefeated Mexican lightweight Oswaldo Molina used his physical advantages to great effect as he pitched a shutout on the scorecards to comprehensively outbox nineteen-year old Joshua Clark in their six-round lightweight contest. Molina is now 9-0.
Eighteen-year-old Mexican Emiliano Alvarado showed potential as he claimed a fourth round victory over New Jersey's Devin Gantt in their 122-pound matchup. The matchup was Alvarado's first bout against a southpaw, and a thumping left hook to the body quickly told the teenager he would have to keep his defenses in check against Gantt, who started aggressively and outstruck the Mexican through the first three minutes. Alvarado turned up the pressure in the fourth round as he forced Gantt backward with more heavy punches. Gantt attempted to stem the tide with some stiff shots of his own, but he was unable to halt the Mexican's relentless attacks. Eventually, an overwhelmed Gantt took an eight count from the referee and, when asked if he could continue, admitted that he could not. The bout was promptly waved off at the 1:24 mark, with Alvarado claiming the 10th win of his professional career.
In the opening bout of the night, undefeated Russian lightweight Dariial Kuchmenov extended his perfect professional record to 10-0 with a fourth-round TKO victory over Mexico's Jorge Lagunas (19-8)
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Zuffa Boxing 03 undercard results
Jaybrio Pe Benito TKO3 Abel Mejia... Undefeated lightweights went head-to-head in the main card opener and served up a spectacular finish as Jaybrio Pe Benito made a mockery of his underdog status to stop Abel Mejia in the third round. Pe Benito showcased his hand speed from the opening bell, and connected with some solid shots early as he used his quickness to consistently beat Mejia to the punch. And, with Mejia stepping in to go toe to toe in a bid to impose himself in the second round, Pe Benito timed a superb short left hook to put Mejia down and onto the seat of his pants right at the end of the round. Mejia came out of the corner for round three looking to re-establish himself, and the pair quickly got involved in another heavy-handed exchange. And, just as we saw at the end of the second round, Pe Benito stood firm, planted his feet, and answered with a huge shot. This time it was a huge right hand that spun Mejia's jaw and sent him down the canvas. Mejia gamely beat the count, but the referee saw that he was in no position to continue and mercifully waved off the contest 48 seconds into the round to spark wild scenes as Pe Benito celebrated a TKO victory. Pe Benito's finish improved his career record to 7-0, with five knockouts as he handed Mejia the first defeat of his career to send him home with his record reading 10-1.
Leo Ruiz TKO4 Casey Streeter ... Experienced middleweights went head to head in the final preliminary card matchup of the night, as Leo Ruiz claimed a fourth-round TKO victory over Casey Streeter in their eight-round 157-pound catchweight matchup. Streeter focused on speed and volume as he worked several multi-punch combinations through the opening rounds, while Mexico's Ruiz looked to dip and duck into range before ripping hard to the body and coming upstairs with clubbing shots. Following a tactical adjustment from his corner, Streeter started Round 3 looking to stay on the outside, but it appeared to have a detrimental effect on the Portland, Maine fighter's effectiveness, as he found himself out of range for his combinations. But, once he stepped back in and started to land his work again, Ruiz loaded up and hurt Streeter badly as he came close to finishing the fight. After a tough third round, Streeter's corner told him in no uncertain terms that if he continued to get clipped hard, he'd be pulled out of the fight, but in the end, it was the referee who made the decision before the corner. Ruiz loaded up and cracked Streeter with a huge straight right, and the official decided he'd seen enough and waved off the fight at the 1:23 mark of Round 4. Ruiz's fight-ending punch was his 100th shot to Streeter's head over those four punishing rounds. It gave Ruiz the ninth stoppage victory of his career as he improved his record to 17-1.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS Texas middleweight Mark Beuke battled all the way to the scorecards with Antonio Woods (14-2) to claim the biggest win of his career. Beuke, whose three career defeats came via either split- or majority decision, battled to the final bell to earn a split-decision verdict that fell in his favor. After eight hard-fought rounds, the judges were called into action to decide the victor, and it was Beuke who got the nod, with the scorecards reading 77-75, 75-77, 77-75 to give the Texan a 13-3 record and extend his active win streak to ten fights.
Undefeated Mexican lightweight Oswaldo Molina used his physical advantages to great effect as he pitched a shutout on the scorecards to comprehensively outbox nineteen-year old Joshua Clark in their six-round lightweight contest. Molina is now 9-0.
Eighteen-year-old Mexican Emiliano Alvarado showed potential as he claimed a fourth round victory over New Jersey's Devin Gantt in their 122-pound matchup. The matchup was Alvarado's first bout against a southpaw, and a thumping left hook to the body quickly told the teenager he would have to keep his defenses in check against Gantt, who started aggressively and outstruck the Mexican through the first three minutes. Alvarado turned up the pressure in the fourth round as he forced Gantt backward with more heavy punches. Gantt attempted to stem the tide with some stiff shots of his own, but he was unable to halt the Mexican's relentless attacks. Eventually, an overwhelmed Gantt took an eight count from the referee and, when asked if he could continue, admitted that he could not. The bout was promptly waved off at the 1:24 mark, with Alvarado claiming the 10th win of his professional career.
In the opening bout of the night, undefeated Russian lightweight Dariial Kuchmenov extended his perfect professional record to 10-0 with a fourth-round TKO victory over Mexico's Jorge Lagunas (19-8)
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Tonight: Ajagba looks to erase bad memories of Bakle draw |
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Nigerian heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba is still smarting from his controversial draw in his last fight. Now he’s ready to step through the ropes and make a statement at Zuffa Boxing 03. Ajagba is in Las Vegas for his Zuffa Boxing debut where he’ll take on Charles Martin in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 03 at the Meta Apex on February 15th. It’s a chance for Ajagba to put things right after he battled to a majority draw with Martin Bakole last May in a fight many believed Ajagba had done enough to win. Prior to that fight in Riyadh, Ajagba had won five straight to take his career record to 20-1. And while he has a loss on his record from earlier in his career, the draw with Bakole still sticks in his craw, and he’s determined to put it firmly in the rearview mirror with a big performance against Martin on Sunday night.
'Everybody knows that I won my last fight,” he stated. “But we move forward to this fight, and I all can think of is sticking to my gameplan and stuff like that. I’ve been working hard in training camp, in sparring, all that stuff. So my main focus is to just go to the ring and do what I’ve got to do.”
Ajagba thought his plan had worked out well against Bakole, as he used his movement to keep his heavier, less mobile opponent guessing as he made a great start to the matchup. But, as the rounds started to mount up, Ajagba started to slow in the closing rounds, which allowed Bakole enough of an opening to claim enough rounds in the judges’ eyes to earn a draw.
As far as Ajagba saw it, it was a solid execution of his pre-fight plan, and was only let down by the scoring. “My gameplan was perfect,” he said. “Everything we did in that fight was moving around, because the guy loves to fight, he loves to punch. He’s a big guy, so of course, he doesn’t want to move. He wanted me to stand in front of him to fight. My game plan was just to move, move, move; punch, punch, punch. But, at the end of the day, they made the fight a draw. It’s a disappointing result (but) I have to take it. It is what it is.”
Now with his record reading 20-1-1, with 14 knockouts, Ajagba is set to showcase his skills against 35-fight veteran Martin, who hasn’t fought since 2024. As a former IBF champion, Martin has plenty of pedigree, but Ajagba said he’ll just have too much for the American on fight night. “He’s not a tough opponent, but he’s a former champion. So, he’s fought a lot of great fighters, but at the same time, he lost… When he steps into the ring with me, it’s gonna be another defeat for him. That’s it.”
Ajagba knows he has the power to give Martin problems, but he said he wouldn’t go chasing the knockout. Instead, he said he’ll stick to his plan, and the knockout will eventually come. “Sometimes you don’t think about the knockout. I just go in there (and) do my thing,” he said. “Start with the jab to see his reaction, to see his weakness, and then just find his weakness – that’s what a boxer is looking for. When you see the weakness, that’s when you’re going to finish them off. So, my gameplan is just touch him, touch him, touch him. Whatever is hurting him, I can finish him off from there. That’s how the knockout comes.”
With Ajagba determined to rebound from his scorecard woe last time out, and with a former world champion standing across the ring from him, all the ingredients are in place for an exciting fight as “The Silent Roller” looks to let his fists do the talking.
But he did leave us with a quick rallying call to boxing fans to make sure they’re in front of a screen when he steps through the ropes on Sunday night. “You don’t want to miss this fight,” he said. “Buy your ticket, sit on your chair and you’ll be entertained – trust me. This is gonna be a great fight.”
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Tonight: Ajagba looks to erase bad memories of Bakle draw
Nigerian heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba is still smarting from his controversial draw in his last fight. Now he’s ready to step through the ropes and make a statement at Zuffa Boxing 03. Ajagba is in Las Vegas for his Zuffa Boxing debut where he’ll take on Charles Martin in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 03 at the Meta Apex on February 15th. It’s a chance for Ajagba to put things right after he battled to a majority draw with Martin Bakole last May in a fight many believed Ajagba had done enough to win. Prior to that fight in Riyadh, Ajagba had won five straight to take his career record to 20-1. And while he has a loss on his record from earlier in his career, the draw with Bakole still sticks in his craw, and he’s determined to put it firmly in the rearview mirror with a big performance against Martin on Sunday night.
'Everybody knows that I won my last fight,” he stated. “But we move forward to this fight, and I all can think of is sticking to my gameplan and stuff like that. I’ve been working hard in training camp, in sparring, all that stuff. So my main focus is to just go to the ring and do what I’ve got to do.”
Ajagba thought his plan had worked out well against Bakole, as he used his movement to keep his heavier, less mobile opponent guessing as he made a great start to the matchup. But, as the rounds started to mount up, Ajagba started to slow in the closing rounds, which allowed Bakole enough of an opening to claim enough rounds in the judges’ eyes to earn a draw.
As far as Ajagba saw it, it was a solid execution of his pre-fight plan, and was only let down by the scoring. “My gameplan was perfect,” he said. “Everything we did in that fight was moving around, because the guy loves to fight, he loves to punch. He’s a big guy, so of course, he doesn’t want to move. He wanted me to stand in front of him to fight. My game plan was just to move, move, move; punch, punch, punch. But, at the end of the day, they made the fight a draw. It’s a disappointing result (but) I have to take it. It is what it is.”
Now with his record reading 20-1-1, with 14 knockouts, Ajagba is set to showcase his skills against 35-fight veteran Martin, who hasn’t fought since 2024. As a former IBF champion, Martin has plenty of pedigree, but Ajagba said he’ll just have too much for the American on fight night. “He’s not a tough opponent, but he’s a former champion. So, he’s fought a lot of great fighters, but at the same time, he lost… When he steps into the ring with me, it’s gonna be another defeat for him. That’s it.”
Ajagba knows he has the power to give Martin problems, but he said he wouldn’t go chasing the knockout. Instead, he said he’ll stick to his plan, and the knockout will eventually come. “Sometimes you don’t think about the knockout. I just go in there (and) do my thing,” he said. “Start with the jab to see his reaction, to see his weakness, and then just find his weakness – that’s what a boxer is looking for. When you see the weakness, that’s when you’re going to finish them off. So, my gameplan is just touch him, touch him, touch him. Whatever is hurting him, I can finish him off from there. That’s how the knockout comes.”
With Ajagba determined to rebound from his scorecard woe last time out, and with a former world champion standing across the ring from him, all the ingredients are in place for an exciting fight as “The Silent Roller” looks to let his fists do the talking.
But he did leave us with a quick rallying call to boxing fans to make sure they’re in front of a screen when he steps through the ropes on Sunday night. “You don’t want to miss this fight,” he said. “Buy your ticket, sit on your chair and you’ll be entertained – trust me. This is gonna be a great fight.”
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Court Temporarily Blocks Ortiz From Negotiating Ennis Fight as Golden Boy Wins TRO |
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A federal judge has temporarily restrained Vergil Ortiz Jr. from negotiating or signing any deal for a fight with former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, granting an emergency restraining order requested by Golden Boy Promotions. The ruling, issued February 13th in federal court in Nevada, freezes Ortiz’s ability to contract with third parties for the Ennis bout while a contract dispute plays out between Golden Boy and Ortiz. The next court hearing is scheduled for February 20th, when both sides will appear for oral arguments. For boxing fans, the decision immediately puts one of the most anticipated potential matchups in the welterweight division on ice. Until the court or an arbitrator says otherwise, Ortiz is barred from making any independent deal for the Ennis fight, keeping control of his next move firmly tied to the legal battle with Golden Boy, his longtime promoter.
Ortiz is the WBC interim champion at 154 pounds. He is one of the sport’s top undefeated contenders, has been promoted by Golden Boy since 2016. In May 2024, the two sides signed a new promotional rights agreement that was supposed to run for three years, with guaranteed minimum payments of more than $1 million per fight. At the center of the dispute is a clause tied to Golden Boy’s broadcast relationship with DAZN. That contract with DAZN expired at the end of 2025. Under the terms of Ortiz’s deal, he could terminate his agreement with Golden Boy if the promoter no longer had a distribution deal with DAZN—unless Golden Boy already had an “agreement in principle” in place with another broadcaster, or had agreed on all material terms of a new deal and was finalizing paperwork.
Ortiz sent a letter in early January seeking confirmation that the DAZN deal had ended, signaling his intent to terminate his contract. Golden Boy responded that while the formal contract had expired, the company and DAZN had already agreed on the key terms of a new licensing deal for 2026 and 2027 and were exchanging drafts. On that basis, Golden Boy argued Ortiz had no right to walk away.
Ortiz then filed suit, asking the court to declare the contract over. He also accused Golden Boy of breach of contract and interference with his business opportunities. Among Ortiz's claims: that the company undercut chances to maximize his earnings through Saudi-backed sponsorships and interfered with his ability to negotiate future fights. His complaint also points to public statements and actions by Golden Boy head Oscar De La Hoya, which Ortiz says confused other promoters and the boxing public about who controlled his career.
Golden Boy answered with an emergency motion, telling the court it had learned Ortiz was on the verge of signing a deal with third parties for a fight against Ennis. The company argued that such a move would violate the existing contract and cause irreparable harm—especially by damaging broadcast negotiations and business relationships that cannot simply be repaired with money later. The judge agreed with Golden Boy and granted the temporary restraining order, barring Ortiz, his managers, and representatives from negotiating or entering into any third-party contracts for the Ennis bout. The court emphasized that the order is meant to preserve the “status quo” while the dispute is resolved.
Legally, the case is also complicated by an arbitration clause in the contract that staes that any disputes should be handled through arbitration in Las Vegas. Golden Boy has already started arbitration proceedings, accusing Ortiz of breaching the agreement and interfering with its broadcast relationships. The court made clear that the restraining order does not decide who is right—it simply prevents irreversible business moves before arbitration and further court hearings take place.
From a boxing standpoint, the impact is immediate. Ortiz vs. Ennis is widely viewed as one of the most meaningful fights available in the division—a matchup of two elite, undefeated fighters in their prime. The ruling doesn’t kill the fight, but it removes Ortiz’s ability to make it happen independently. For now, the business has overtaken the sport. The February 20th court date will be the next step in deciding whether this freeze continues or changes, but until then, Ortiz’s future—and the Ennis fight—remains locked in a courtroom rather than a ring.
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Court Temporarily Blocks Ortiz From Negotiating Ennis Fight as Golden Boy Wins TRO
A federal judge has temporarily restrained Vergil Ortiz Jr. from negotiating or signing any deal for a fight with former welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, granting an emergency restraining order requested by Golden Boy Promotions. The ruling, issued February 13th in federal court in Nevada, freezes Ortiz’s ability to contract with third parties for the Ennis bout while a contract dispute plays out between Golden Boy and Ortiz. The next court hearing is scheduled for February 20th, when both sides will appear for oral arguments. For boxing fans, the decision immediately puts one of the most anticipated potential matchups in the welterweight division on ice. Until the court or an arbitrator says otherwise, Ortiz is barred from making any independent deal for the Ennis fight, keeping control of his next move firmly tied to the legal battle with Golden Boy, his longtime promoter.
Ortiz is the WBC interim champion at 154 pounds. He is one of the sport’s top undefeated contenders, has been promoted by Golden Boy since 2016. In May 2024, the two sides signed a new promotional rights agreement that was supposed to run for three years, with guaranteed minimum payments of more than $1 million per fight. At the center of the dispute is a clause tied to Golden Boy’s broadcast relationship with DAZN. That contract with DAZN expired at the end of 2025. Under the terms of Ortiz’s deal, he could terminate his agreement with Golden Boy if the promoter no longer had a distribution deal with DAZN—unless Golden Boy already had an “agreement in principle” in place with another broadcaster, or had agreed on all material terms of a new deal and was finalizing paperwork.
Ortiz sent a letter in early January seeking confirmation that the DAZN deal had ended, signaling his intent to terminate his contract. Golden Boy responded that while the formal contract had expired, the company and DAZN had already agreed on the key terms of a new licensing deal for 2026 and 2027 and were exchanging drafts. On that basis, Golden Boy argued Ortiz had no right to walk away.
Ortiz then filed suit, asking the court to declare the contract over. He also accused Golden Boy of breach of contract and interference with his business opportunities. Among Ortiz's claims: that the company undercut chances to maximize his earnings through Saudi-backed sponsorships and interfered with his ability to negotiate future fights. His complaint also points to public statements and actions by Golden Boy head Oscar De La Hoya, which Ortiz says confused other promoters and the boxing public about who controlled his career.
Golden Boy answered with an emergency motion, telling the court it had learned Ortiz was on the verge of signing a deal with third parties for a fight against Ennis. The company argued that such a move would violate the existing contract and cause irreparable harm—especially by damaging broadcast negotiations and business relationships that cannot simply be repaired with money later. The judge agreed with Golden Boy and granted the temporary restraining order, barring Ortiz, his managers, and representatives from negotiating or entering into any third-party contracts for the Ennis bout. The court emphasized that the order is meant to preserve the “status quo” while the dispute is resolved.
Legally, the case is also complicated by an arbitration clause in the contract that staes that any disputes should be handled through arbitration in Las Vegas. Golden Boy has already started arbitration proceedings, accusing Ortiz of breaching the agreement and interfering with its broadcast relationships. The court made clear that the restraining order does not decide who is right—it simply prevents irreversible business moves before arbitration and further court hearings take place.
From a boxing standpoint, the impact is immediate. Ortiz vs. Ennis is widely viewed as one of the most meaningful fights available in the division—a matchup of two elite, undefeated fighters in their prime. The ruling doesn’t kill the fight, but it removes Ortiz’s ability to make it happen independently. For now, the business has overtaken the sport. The February 20th court date will be the next step in deciding whether this freeze continues or changes, but until then, Ortiz’s future—and the Ennis fight—remains locked in a courtroom rather than a ring.
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Tonight: ex-champ Martin returns for first fight since 2024 |
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Former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin has been around the block more than a few times, but he’s ready to explore a new avenue with Zuffa Boxing. Martin has been away from the ring for more than a year. But when the opportunity arose to get back into active competition with Zuffa Boxing, he leapt at the chance. “It means everything, man,” said a grateful Martin.“I’m very thankful for Dana White and Zuffa Boxing for putting on these amazing fights, starting something amazing (and) giving back to the guys like me that’s at the end of my career. I could have been done, and it would have been over without the help of him. So, I'm very thankful.”
Martin’s new career opportunity means guaranteed fights, and that’s something he hasn’t been too accustomed to over the last decade of his career. “It means everything, for the most part, because I finally got a fight scheduled. They actually give me something to look forward to,” he explained. “Back when I was with traditional boxing, it was kind of like you fight, and then you're unemployed for two years, so it's hard to be motivated and stay in the gym and stay in shape. So, with this being said, I'm gonna stay in shape, man. You know, I'm a high performance Ferrari car so, you know, we're gonna keep it that way.”
Martin may have been away from the ring, but he’s been rebuilding himself as an athlete. Now aged 39, he knows more than ever the importance of staying in shape, particularly as a heavyweight, and he’s put in countless hours in the gym to ensure that he has arrived in Las Vegas for fight week in tip-top form. “It’s always like that. It’s an up and downhill battle, not knowing when's your next time to get back out there and perform. So that was always a struggle for me,” he said.“But, as I get older, I'm realizing, like, hey, health is wealth, you know? I mean, I stay in shape, I eat healthy. So it kind of ties into what I do for a living. So, yeah, it made it that much easier. For instance, this camp, I came in 70 percent in shape. So that made a world of a difference (compared to) when I’d came in at 272 pounds before fights and I’ve gotta fight the scale and train. It’s f***ing hard.
“The last year I've been training. I've been lifting weights all year (and) doing cardio, so it's easy, man. This camp was a breeze. I remember back when I was like an amateur and how things used to just flow, and I could go right into a fight and execute. I feel like that again… I take accountability fully for everything that happens in my life, because I'm the captain of the ship. This is what it is, and this is me standing here right now today, and I'm just thankful, and I'm gonna keep putting in the work until I hang them up.”
It’s a refreshing mindset from an athlete who is fully aware of his advancing age in the context of his career but has made key changes to give himself the best possible chance of success. The new and improved Martin will step into the ring at the Meta APEX on Sunday night when he headlines against hard-hitting Nigerian contender Efe Ajagba in a matchup that could move the winner towards a shot for the Zuffa heavyweight title further down the line.
As comeback fights go, it’s anything but a tune-up, but it’s a challenge Martin is clearly relishing. “He’s good, dude. But you know, he's just in front of me, and I got to keep moving forward. So with that being said, we go in there, seek and destroy, man. Happy hunting.”
As for the hunt itself, Martin has his plan all mapped out, and it finishes with a knockout, and his hand being raised in victory. "I'm just gonna systematically break him down,” he predicted. “I got a lot of tools in my arsenal, so break him down and get him out of there. We don't plan on going 10 rounds, so we gonna make this a knockout. I gotta get this knockout, a spectacular knockout, because I want all the bonuses, I want all the good shit, I want all the praise, and I want the big fights.”
Martin is confident he can get all of the above, based on the tools he’ll carry into battle on Sunday night. With 27 of his 30 career wins coming by knockout, the punch power is certainly there. But now, with Martin newly dedicated to his fitness and speed, he said he’ll enter the Meta APEX as dangerous as he’s ever been in his professional career.
“I’m so light on my feet, man. I’m like a cruiserweight in a heavyweight body,” he explained. “I'm 255 pounds, but I'm definitely moving like a cruiserweight, and I'm cracking like a heavyweight, so that’s a great combination. You can't hit what you can't see. (I’m) very fleet footed, light on my feet, and I'm punching hard, so y’all get ready, man. Stay tuned.”
Martin has been working on his mindset through reading philosophy, which has given him a fresh perspective on his career. But he’s also more than aware that for any pro fighter to have any sort of success, you still have to put in the hard yards in the gym. On that side of things, he’s confident he’ll step into the ring without any rustiness from his time away.
“Oh, ring rust? Well, I got 129 rounds of sparring in the bank, so I doubt if I have any ring rest,” he smiled. “I'm gonna go in there and get the pop in that jab, and moving and sticking and moving and looking. One thing about it, man, when you got a nice arsenal, you have a lot of tools. So I'm really gonna just make the man miss, and then I'll be able to make him pay. Once I know I can make you miss, I'll make you pay. I guarantee I'll make you pay!”
Martin’s return to the ring offers him the chance to win some new fans, while reminding some of his old ones that he’s still got plenty to offer at the sharp end of the heavyweight division.
“’He's back, and he's better than ever.’ You know what I mean?” he grinned. “I'm focused, I'm older. See, a lot of times, the window shuts on people. You get too old and the window shuts. I was blessed enough, you know, God, genetics, whatever you want to call it, but you know, I'm here, and I have all the knowledge of a 40-year-old man in a 29-year-old body.
“It's a blessing, man. This ain't me. This is God, man. This is destiny, and this is the vehicle that’s gonna get me to where I want to go in life. I have a lot of plans that I want to do and a lot of people that I need to help.”
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Tonight: ex-champ Martin returns for first fight since 2024
Former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin has been around the block more than a few times, but he’s ready to explore a new avenue with Zuffa Boxing. Martin has been away from the ring for more than a year. But when the opportunity arose to get back into active competition with Zuffa Boxing, he leapt at the chance. “It means everything, man,” said a grateful Martin.“I’m very thankful for Dana White and Zuffa Boxing for putting on these amazing fights, starting something amazing (and) giving back to the guys like me that’s at the end of my career. I could have been done, and it would have been over without the help of him. So, I'm very thankful.”
Martin’s new career opportunity means guaranteed fights, and that’s something he hasn’t been too accustomed to over the last decade of his career. “It means everything, for the most part, because I finally got a fight scheduled. They actually give me something to look forward to,” he explained. “Back when I was with traditional boxing, it was kind of like you fight, and then you're unemployed for two years, so it's hard to be motivated and stay in the gym and stay in shape. So, with this being said, I'm gonna stay in shape, man. You know, I'm a high performance Ferrari car so, you know, we're gonna keep it that way.”
Martin may have been away from the ring, but he’s been rebuilding himself as an athlete. Now aged 39, he knows more than ever the importance of staying in shape, particularly as a heavyweight, and he’s put in countless hours in the gym to ensure that he has arrived in Las Vegas for fight week in tip-top form. “It’s always like that. It’s an up and downhill battle, not knowing when's your next time to get back out there and perform. So that was always a struggle for me,” he said.“But, as I get older, I'm realizing, like, hey, health is wealth, you know? I mean, I stay in shape, I eat healthy. So it kind of ties into what I do for a living. So, yeah, it made it that much easier. For instance, this camp, I came in 70 percent in shape. So that made a world of a difference (compared to) when I’d came in at 272 pounds before fights and I’ve gotta fight the scale and train. It’s f***ing hard.
“The last year I've been training. I've been lifting weights all year (and) doing cardio, so it's easy, man. This camp was a breeze. I remember back when I was like an amateur and how things used to just flow, and I could go right into a fight and execute. I feel like that again… I take accountability fully for everything that happens in my life, because I'm the captain of the ship. This is what it is, and this is me standing here right now today, and I'm just thankful, and I'm gonna keep putting in the work until I hang them up.”
It’s a refreshing mindset from an athlete who is fully aware of his advancing age in the context of his career but has made key changes to give himself the best possible chance of success. The new and improved Martin will step into the ring at the Meta APEX on Sunday night when he headlines against hard-hitting Nigerian contender Efe Ajagba in a matchup that could move the winner towards a shot for the Zuffa heavyweight title further down the line.
As comeback fights go, it’s anything but a tune-up, but it’s a challenge Martin is clearly relishing. “He’s good, dude. But you know, he's just in front of me, and I got to keep moving forward. So with that being said, we go in there, seek and destroy, man. Happy hunting.”
As for the hunt itself, Martin has his plan all mapped out, and it finishes with a knockout, and his hand being raised in victory. "I'm just gonna systematically break him down,” he predicted. “I got a lot of tools in my arsenal, so break him down and get him out of there. We don't plan on going 10 rounds, so we gonna make this a knockout. I gotta get this knockout, a spectacular knockout, because I want all the bonuses, I want all the good shit, I want all the praise, and I want the big fights.”
Martin is confident he can get all of the above, based on the tools he’ll carry into battle on Sunday night. With 27 of his 30 career wins coming by knockout, the punch power is certainly there. But now, with Martin newly dedicated to his fitness and speed, he said he’ll enter the Meta APEX as dangerous as he’s ever been in his professional career.
“I’m so light on my feet, man. I’m like a cruiserweight in a heavyweight body,” he explained. “I'm 255 pounds, but I'm definitely moving like a cruiserweight, and I'm cracking like a heavyweight, so that’s a great combination. You can't hit what you can't see. (I’m) very fleet footed, light on my feet, and I'm punching hard, so y’all get ready, man. Stay tuned.”
Martin has been working on his mindset through reading philosophy, which has given him a fresh perspective on his career. But he’s also more than aware that for any pro fighter to have any sort of success, you still have to put in the hard yards in the gym. On that side of things, he’s confident he’ll step into the ring without any rustiness from his time away.
“Oh, ring rust? Well, I got 129 rounds of sparring in the bank, so I doubt if I have any ring rest,” he smiled. “I'm gonna go in there and get the pop in that jab, and moving and sticking and moving and looking. One thing about it, man, when you got a nice arsenal, you have a lot of tools. So I'm really gonna just make the man miss, and then I'll be able to make him pay. Once I know I can make you miss, I'll make you pay. I guarantee I'll make you pay!”
Martin’s return to the ring offers him the chance to win some new fans, while reminding some of his old ones that he’s still got plenty to offer at the sharp end of the heavyweight division.
“’He's back, and he's better than ever.’ You know what I mean?” he grinned. “I'm focused, I'm older. See, a lot of times, the window shuts on people. You get too old and the window shuts. I was blessed enough, you know, God, genetics, whatever you want to call it, but you know, I'm here, and I have all the knowledge of a 40-year-old man in a 29-year-old body.
“It's a blessing, man. This ain't me. This is God, man. This is destiny, and this is the vehicle that’s gonna get me to where I want to go in life. I have a lot of plans that I want to do and a lot of people that I need to help.”
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Maihemut gets cruiserweight win in Thailand |
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Muhetaer Maihemut TKO1 Nattapon Plangpimai ... At the Bazaar Hotel in Bangkok, Chinese cruiserweight Muhetaer Maihemut (11-6-1) defeated local fighter Nattapon Plangpimai (24-7) to become the OPBF cruiserweight champion. The card, presented by promoter Wang Fei, lived up to expectations by delivering a very quick finish. Maihemut came out determined to end the fight from the opening bell and the Thai fighter’s resistance was brief against the visitor’s momentum. With a combination, Maihemut managed stopped Plangpimai just 1 minute and 47 seconds into the first round. The referee declared a technical knockout upon seeing that the Thai fighter could not continue.
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Maihemut gets cruiserweight win in Thailand
Muhetaer Maihemut TKO1 Nattapon Plangpimai ... At the Bazaar Hotel in Bangkok, Chinese cruiserweight Muhetaer Maihemut (11-6-1) defeated local fighter Nattapon Plangpimai (24-7) to become the OPBF cruiserweight champion. The card, presented by promoter Wang Fei, lived up to expectations by delivering a very quick finish. Maihemut came out determined to end the fight from the opening bell and the Thai fighter’s resistance was brief against the visitor’s momentum. With a combination, Maihemut managed stopped Plangpimai just 1 minute and 47 seconds into the first round. The referee declared a technical knockout upon seeing that the Thai fighter could not continue.
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Wardley to defend against Dubois on May 9th |
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Two big-punching heavyweights will collide on Saturday May 9th at the Co-op Live in Manchester where WBO champion Fabio Wardley will defend his title against former IBF ruler Daniel Dubois. Wardley and Dubois are two of the most destructive punchers in the whole boxing industry. The final bell is not a familiar sound to either man because they both possess formidable knockout ratios and only one win apiece on each of the two records has come via the scorecards. Now Wardley will defend the WBO world title that was upgraded from Interim status following his October stoppage of Joseph Parker against the man who attempted to become undisputed champion in his last fight against Oleksandr Usyk in July. This Co-op Live occasion is a monumental one for British boxing, with Dubois attempting to become a two-time heavyweight world champion in his second world title fight against a British opponent, following on from his knockout destruction of Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.
Previous all-British heavyweight world title encounters staged on these shores include Tyson Fury defending against Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora, plus David Haye against Audley Harrison. The original Battle of Britain came in 1993 when Lennox Lewis retained his WBC title with a stoppage of Frank Bruno.
“This is another piece of British heavyweight history being made,” said promoter Frank Warren. “This is quite simply the most exciting and explosive fight to be made for Fabio’s first defence of his WBO world title and it is typical of the man that this is the fight he wanted.
“Fabio’s journey has been extraordinary and inspiring and he proves time and time again that you write him off at your peril. He keeps taking on bigger challenges and keeps on delivering the goods, mostly against the odds.
“For Daniel to be bidding to become a two-time world champion at the age of just 28 is also remarkable and he also keeps accepting huge heavyweight missions. This will be his sixth world title fight and only Oleksandr Usyk has inflicted defeat on him across this run.
“It is going to be an incredible night at the amazing Co-op Live and a magnificent showcase for British boxing.”
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Wardley to defend against Dubois on May 9th
Two big-punching heavyweights will collide on Saturday May 9th at the Co-op Live in Manchester where WBO champion Fabio Wardley will defend his title against former IBF ruler Daniel Dubois. Wardley and Dubois are two of the most destructive punchers in the whole boxing industry. The final bell is not a familiar sound to either man because they both possess formidable knockout ratios and only one win apiece on each of the two records has come via the scorecards. Now Wardley will defend the WBO world title that was upgraded from Interim status following his October stoppage of Joseph Parker against the man who attempted to become undisputed champion in his last fight against Oleksandr Usyk in July. This Co-op Live occasion is a monumental one for British boxing, with Dubois attempting to become a two-time heavyweight world champion in his second world title fight against a British opponent, following on from his knockout destruction of Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.
Previous all-British heavyweight world title encounters staged on these shores include Tyson Fury defending against Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora, plus David Haye against Audley Harrison. The original Battle of Britain came in 1993 when Lennox Lewis retained his WBC title with a stoppage of Frank Bruno.
“This is another piece of British heavyweight history being made,” said promoter Frank Warren. “This is quite simply the most exciting and explosive fight to be made for Fabio’s first defence of his WBO world title and it is typical of the man that this is the fight he wanted.
“Fabio’s journey has been extraordinary and inspiring and he proves time and time again that you write him off at your peril. He keeps taking on bigger challenges and keeps on delivering the goods, mostly against the odds.
“For Daniel to be bidding to become a two-time world champion at the age of just 28 is also remarkable and he also keeps accepting huge heavyweight missions. This will be his sixth world title fight and only Oleksandr Usyk has inflicted defeat on him across this run.
“It is going to be an incredible night at the amazing Co-op Live and a magnificent showcase for British boxing.”
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Star Boxing reveals Feb. 28th line-up |
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Star Boxing returns to The Paramount in Huntington, New York on Saturday, February 28th, bringing another night of professional boxing to Long Island’s premier fight venue. Headlining in a ten-round middleweight bout, New York’s Jahi Tucker (15-1-1, 6 KOs) makes his Paramount debut, facing Minnesota’s battle-tested Sona Akale (10-4, 5 KOs). Also featured on the card, Long Island's U.S. Marine veteran, and Hofstra University master’s student Peter Latorre (5-0, 5 KOs) puts his perfect 100% KO ratio on the line in a six-round welterweight showdown against Uruguay’s Jose Edgardo Perdomo (10-9-0, 6 KOs). Perdomo is coming off a knockout upset of a previously undefeated boxer at the Paramount and has proven he has the power to end fights early.
Adding to the night’s fireworks, Polish heavyweight Piotr Lacz (14-0-1, 10 KOs) brings his unbeaten record to The Paramount for an eight-round heavyweight clash against New Orleans’ hard-hitting challenger Dominique "Giant Killer"Valera (9-1-2, 5 KOs) in a collision of size, power, and momentum.
Kicking off the action, Huntington’s own knockout artist Ralph Clemente (2-0, 2 KOs) returns to his hometown crowd in a four-round bout, taking on Spanaway, Washington’s Thomas Turner (1-1).
In a four-round welterweight bout, Queens’ fan favorite David Malul (4-0, 2 KOs) looks to keep his undefeated run alive. Tickets for Rockin’ Fights 53 are available now at: StarBoxing.com, Ticketmaster.com or through The Paramount Box Office.
In a four-round welterweight bout, Queens’ fan favorite David Malul (4-0, 2 KOs) looks to keep his undefeated run alive.
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Star Boxing reveals Feb. 28th line-up
Star Boxing returns to The Paramount in Huntington, New York on Saturday, February 28th, bringing another night of professional boxing to Long Island’s premier fight venue. Headlining in a ten-round middleweight bout, New York’s Jahi Tucker (15-1-1, 6 KOs) makes his Paramount debut, facing Minnesota’s battle-tested Sona Akale (10-4, 5 KOs). Also featured on the card, Long Island's U.S. Marine veteran, and Hofstra University master’s student Peter Latorre (5-0, 5 KOs) puts his perfect 100% KO ratio on the line in a six-round welterweight showdown against Uruguay’s Jose Edgardo Perdomo (10-9-0, 6 KOs). Perdomo is coming off a knockout upset of a previously undefeated boxer at the Paramount and has proven he has the power to end fights early.
Adding to the night’s fireworks, Polish heavyweight Piotr Lacz (14-0-1, 10 KOs) brings his unbeaten record to The Paramount for an eight-round heavyweight clash against New Orleans’ hard-hitting challenger Dominique "Giant Killer"Valera (9-1-2, 5 KOs) in a collision of size, power, and momentum.
Kicking off the action, Huntington’s own knockout artist Ralph Clemente (2-0, 2 KOs) returns to his hometown crowd in a four-round bout, taking on Spanaway, Washington’s Thomas Turner (1-1).
In a four-round welterweight bout, Queens’ fan favorite David Malul (4-0, 2 KOs) looks to keep his undefeated run alive. Tickets for Rockin’ Fights 53 are available now at: StarBoxing.com, Ticketmaster.com or through The Paramount Box Office.
In a four-round welterweight bout, Queens’ fan favorite David Malul (4-0, 2 KOs) looks to keep his undefeated run alive.
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WBC throws Lester Martinez a bone |
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Lester Martinez faces Immanuwel “The Chosen One” Aleem on Saturday, March 21st. The stakes for that match-up have been heightened as the fight's promoter reports that the WBC Board of Governors has voted unanimously to sanction the fight for the vacant WBC interim super middleweight championship. Martinez (19-0-1, 16 KOs) from Guatemala, is hoping to eventually become his country’s first-ever world champion when he takes on Virginia’s Aleem (22-3-3, 14 KOs). ProBoxTV will stream the show as part of its “The Contender Series” at 7 pm EST/4 pm PST from the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, California.
“I really thought I won the fight [vs. Christian Mbilli] on September 13th, and it’s been frustrating to not get a rematch with Mbilli,” said Martinez. Martinez vs. Mbnilli was scored a draw but the WBC corruptly named Mbilli as its champion, leaving the scraps for Martinez. “I very much appreciate [WBC president] Mauricio [Sulaiman] and the WBC Board of Governors for giving me this opportunity. It’s been my dream to be the first Guatemalan champion ever. I can’t wait for March 21st.”
It’s been a roller coaster ride to get to this fight for Martinez, who hasn’t been in the ring since his Fight of the Year candidate, a split draw with Mbilli in September. Considered a highlight of the entire show, the fight was televised live on Netflix on the undercard of Terence Crawford’s victory over Canelo Alvarez. Because of the competitive nature of the fight, the WBC ordered an immediate rematch between the two, which was effectively canceled earlier this year after Crawford was abruptly stripped of the WBC belt he won beating Alvarez and Mbilli was elevated to full champion.
Martinez personally petitioned the WBC to elevate his fight with Aleem to an interim title fight earlier this week. His efforts appear to have worked, as the approval is granted. “As President of the WBC, I am thrilled to know such an amazing young man as Lester,” said Mauricio Sulaiman, “We are committed to supporting boxing and its development, worldwide.”
ProBoxTV’s Garry Jonas says he’s happy for Lester and his team, who was one point, or two rounds, away from winning a fight many thought he deserved to win. One judge scored it 97-93 for Martinez, one had it 96-94 for Mbilli, and one saw it even at 95-95. Jonas is also excited to be able to present a world championship fight in his March 21 main event.
“I’d like to thank the WBC for granting Lester this opportunity,” said ProBoxTV CEO and Founder Garry Jonas. “I know it’s not easy doing their job with all the twists and turns that can take place at this level of the sport. This is a fair and reasonable outcome that Lester gets a chance to fight for the same belt he competed with Mbilli for. This is a big deal for Lester and his country. Guatemala has never had a world champion and we’re very hopeful he can bring the belt home on March 21st.”
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WBC throws Lester Martinez a bone
Lester Martinez faces Immanuwel “The Chosen One” Aleem on Saturday, March 21st. The stakes for that match-up have been heightened as the fight's promoter reports that the WBC Board of Governors has voted unanimously to sanction the fight for the vacant WBC interim super middleweight championship. Martinez (19-0-1, 16 KOs) from Guatemala, is hoping to eventually become his country’s first-ever world champion when he takes on Virginia’s Aleem (22-3-3, 14 KOs). ProBoxTV will stream the show as part of its “The Contender Series” at 7 pm EST/4 pm PST from the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, California.
“I really thought I won the fight [vs. Christian Mbilli] on September 13th, and it’s been frustrating to not get a rematch with Mbilli,” said Martinez. Martinez vs. Mbnilli was scored a draw but the WBC corruptly named Mbilli as its champion, leaving the scraps for Martinez. “I very much appreciate [WBC president] Mauricio [Sulaiman] and the WBC Board of Governors for giving me this opportunity. It’s been my dream to be the first Guatemalan champion ever. I can’t wait for March 21st.”
It’s been a roller coaster ride to get to this fight for Martinez, who hasn’t been in the ring since his Fight of the Year candidate, a split draw with Mbilli in September. Considered a highlight of the entire show, the fight was televised live on Netflix on the undercard of Terence Crawford’s victory over Canelo Alvarez. Because of the competitive nature of the fight, the WBC ordered an immediate rematch between the two, which was effectively canceled earlier this year after Crawford was abruptly stripped of the WBC belt he won beating Alvarez and Mbilli was elevated to full champion.
Martinez personally petitioned the WBC to elevate his fight with Aleem to an interim title fight earlier this week. His efforts appear to have worked, as the approval is granted. “As President of the WBC, I am thrilled to know such an amazing young man as Lester,” said Mauricio Sulaiman, “We are committed to supporting boxing and its development, worldwide.”
ProBoxTV’s Garry Jonas says he’s happy for Lester and his team, who was one point, or two rounds, away from winning a fight many thought he deserved to win. One judge scored it 97-93 for Martinez, one had it 96-94 for Mbilli, and one saw it even at 95-95. Jonas is also excited to be able to present a world championship fight in his March 21 main event.
“I’d like to thank the WBC for granting Lester this opportunity,” said ProBoxTV CEO and Founder Garry Jonas. “I know it’s not easy doing their job with all the twists and turns that can take place at this level of the sport. This is a fair and reasonable outcome that Lester gets a chance to fight for the same belt he competed with Mbilli for. This is a big deal for Lester and his country. Guatemala has never had a world champion and we’re very hopeful he can bring the belt home on March 21st.”
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It's almost Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn II fight week |
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Claressa Shields (pictured) holds the most dominant career of any woman in the sport, and this week, her challenge is the former undisputed super middleweight champion, Franchon Crews-Dezurn. Shields met Crews-Dezurn ten years ago and walked away with a unanimous decision victory. That bout was both fighters' first professional fight, and now, a decade later, they complete the circle and will stand face-to-face once again. This time around, Shields' undisputed heavyweight world title is on the line. The bout will take place on Sunday, February 22nd in Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit, Michigan. It will be shown. along with the entire card live on DAZN beginning at 8pm ET, 5pm PT.
Here is the entire fight card:
Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn (for Shields' world heavyweight title);
Atif Oberlton vs. Joeseph George (light heavyweights)
Che Kenneally vs. Danielle Perkins (for Kenneally's WBA light heavyweight title);
Pryce Taylor vs. TBD (heavyweights);
Samantha Worthington vs. Edith Soledad Matthysse (WBA interim junior welterweight title);
Savannah Tini vs. Vaida Masiokaite (junior welterweights);
Garrett Rice Jr. vs. Luis Angel Ledesma (junior lightweights);
Jaquan Mcelroy vs. TBD (middleweights); and
Shannel Butler vs. Danila Ramos (featherweights).
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It's almost Shields vs. Crews-Dezurn II fight week
Claressa Shields (pictured) holds the most dominant career of any woman in the sport, and this week, her challenge is the former undisputed super middleweight champion, Franchon Crews-Dezurn. Shields met Crews-Dezurn ten years ago and walked away with a unanimous decision victory. That bout was both fighters' first professional fight, and now, a decade later, they complete the circle and will stand face-to-face once again. This time around, Shields' undisputed heavyweight world title is on the line. The bout will take place on Sunday, February 22nd in Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit, Michigan. It will be shown. along with the entire card live on DAZN beginning at 8pm ET, 5pm PT.
Here is the entire fight card:
Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn (for Shields' world heavyweight title);
Atif Oberlton vs. Joeseph George (light heavyweights)
Che Kenneally vs. Danielle Perkins (for Kenneally's WBA light heavyweight title);
Pryce Taylor vs. TBD (heavyweights);
Samantha Worthington vs. Edith Soledad Matthysse (WBA interim junior welterweight title);
Savannah Tini vs. Vaida Masiokaite (junior welterweights);
Garrett Rice Jr. vs. Luis Angel Ledesma (junior lightweights);
Jaquan Mcelroy vs. TBD (middleweights); and
Shannel Butler vs. Danila Ramos (featherweights).
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Spotlight on Zuffa Boxing's two supporting bouts |
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The Meta Apex in Las Vegas is set to host Zuffa Boxing 03 on Sunday night. Prior to the heavyweight main event of Efe Ajagba vs. former IBF champion Charles Martin, these will be the featured main card bouts: Umar Dzambekov vs. Ahmed Elbiali in the light heavyweight division and Abel Mejia vs Jaybrio Pe Benito at lightweight. Here is a preview:
Umar Dzambekov vs. Ahmed Elbiali: Austrian light heavyweight Umar Dzambekov will look to extend his erfect professional record to 14-0 when he takes on "The American Pharaoh" Ahmed Elbiali over ten rounds. Now based in Los Angeles, the southpaw Dzambekov has established a reputation for being dangerous early in his fights – all of his nine career knockouts have come inside the first four rounds – and the 28-year old is aiming to add another victory to his resumé when he takes on Egypt's 24-1 prospect Elbiali.
Elbiali, born in Cairo and now age 35, fights out of Las Vegas. He has 19 knockouts among his 24 career victories, and has only seen the scorecards once in the last nine years. His lone defeat during that time came against former world champion Jean Pascal back in 2017, with Elbiali heading into fight night this weekend on an eight-fight win streak. Both men are in top form, both have knockout power, and both will be keen to make an early statement in the Zuffa Boxing light heavyweight division.
Abel Mejia vs Jaybrio Pe Benito: In the main card opener, undefeated lightweights Abel Mejia and Jaybrio Pe Benito go head to head over eight rounds. Fighting out of El Modena, California, Mejia heads into the bout with real momentum, with his second-round knockout victory in November taking his career record to 10-0. The 22-year old has previously campaigned for most of his young career at junior lightweight, but will make the move up to 135 pounds for his Zuffa Boxing debut on Sunday night
Making that same jump in weight is Pe Benito, whose 6-0 career includes four knockouts. Most recently, he defeated Sebastian Gutierrez via unanimous decision after six rounds. Both men have cut their teeth on the California boxing scene, but now they'll make their first appearances in fight capital of the world as they step up to the eight-round duration for the first time in their careers.
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Spotlight on Zuffa Boxing's two supporting bouts
The Meta Apex in Las Vegas is set to host Zuffa Boxing 03 on Sunday night. Prior to the heavyweight main event of Efe Ajagba vs. former IBF champion Charles Martin, these will be the featured main card bouts: Umar Dzambekov vs. Ahmed Elbiali in the light heavyweight division and Abel Mejia vs Jaybrio Pe Benito at lightweight. Here is a preview:
Umar Dzambekov vs. Ahmed Elbiali: Austrian light heavyweight Umar Dzambekov will look to extend his erfect professional record to 14-0 when he takes on "The American Pharaoh" Ahmed Elbiali over ten rounds. Now based in Los Angeles, the southpaw Dzambekov has established a reputation for being dangerous early in his fights – all of his nine career knockouts have come inside the first four rounds – and the 28-year old is aiming to add another victory to his resumé when he takes on Egypt's 24-1 prospect Elbiali.
Elbiali, born in Cairo and now age 35, fights out of Las Vegas. He has 19 knockouts among his 24 career victories, and has only seen the scorecards once in the last nine years. His lone defeat during that time came against former world champion Jean Pascal back in 2017, with Elbiali heading into fight night this weekend on an eight-fight win streak. Both men are in top form, both have knockout power, and both will be keen to make an early statement in the Zuffa Boxing light heavyweight division.
Abel Mejia vs Jaybrio Pe Benito: In the main card opener, undefeated lightweights Abel Mejia and Jaybrio Pe Benito go head to head over eight rounds. Fighting out of El Modena, California, Mejia heads into the bout with real momentum, with his second-round knockout victory in November taking his career record to 10-0. The 22-year old has previously campaigned for most of his young career at junior lightweight, but will make the move up to 135 pounds for his Zuffa Boxing debut on Sunday night
Making that same jump in weight is Pe Benito, whose 6-0 career includes four knockouts. Most recently, he defeated Sebastian Gutierrez via unanimous decision after six rounds. Both men have cut their teeth on the California boxing scene, but now they'll make their first appearances in fight capital of the world as they step up to the eight-round duration for the first time in their careers.
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Introducing the Croft twins, Ioan and Garan, from Wales |
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Matchroom Boxing announced the signing of Welsh twins Ioan and Garan Croft, who have both penned long-term promotional deals that will have them fighting on DAZN. Younger by a minute, Ioan struck gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 before turning pro under trainer and former champion Anthony Crolla, making the big move to Manchester, England from the small Welsh village of Crymych. Ioan is a southpaw middleweight. With a Commonwealth bronze and two European silvers on his amateur record, Garan aims to state his case in the junior middleweight division. Both young men have pro records of 5-0.
Ioan said, “It’s a dream come true to sign with Matchroom Boxing. I’m grateful for the team around me who have made this possible. I want to bring big nights of boxing to Wales and it’s time to show the world what I can do.”
Garan said, “My apprenticeship is almost over, very soon I’ll be challenging for titles. It’s time to make an impact on the 154-pound division. I can’t wait to get started under Matchroom Boxing,” said Garan, who also trains alongside his brother in the North-West.
Celebrating the latest additions to his elite roster, Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn has high hopes for the 24 year-old duo. “I am pleased to welcome Ioan and Garan to the Matchroom Boxing team,” said Hearn. “With a legend in Anthoiny Crolla in their corner, they are two very talented young fighters who are eager to make their own names in the sport – and hopefully bring some major fight nights to Wales. I can’t wait to see them get up and running, as we look to map out an important 2026 for them both.”
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Introducing the Croft twins, Ioan and Garan, from Wales
Matchroom Boxing announced the signing of Welsh twins Ioan and Garan Croft, who have both penned long-term promotional deals that will have them fighting on DAZN. Younger by a minute, Ioan struck gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 before turning pro under trainer and former champion Anthony Crolla, making the big move to Manchester, England from the small Welsh village of Crymych. Ioan is a southpaw middleweight. With a Commonwealth bronze and two European silvers on his amateur record, Garan aims to state his case in the junior middleweight division. Both young men have pro records of 5-0.
Ioan said, “It’s a dream come true to sign with Matchroom Boxing. I’m grateful for the team around me who have made this possible. I want to bring big nights of boxing to Wales and it’s time to show the world what I can do.”
Garan said, “My apprenticeship is almost over, very soon I’ll be challenging for titles. It’s time to make an impact on the 154-pound division. I can’t wait to get started under Matchroom Boxing,” said Garan, who also trains alongside his brother in the North-West.
Celebrating the latest additions to his elite roster, Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn has high hopes for the 24 year-old duo. “I am pleased to welcome Ioan and Garan to the Matchroom Boxing team,” said Hearn. “With a legend in Anthoiny Crolla in their corner, they are two very talented young fighters who are eager to make their own names in the sport – and hopefully bring some major fight nights to Wales. I can’t wait to see them get up and running, as we look to map out an important 2026 for them both.”
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Marco Antonio Barrera will return to Box Fan Expo |
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Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera, who Boxingtalk recognizes as a four-division champion, will appear at the Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 2nd at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will coincide with the big cruiserweight fight between Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez and David Benavidez that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena. Barrera will hold a meet and greet at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend
Barrera will be making his seventh appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Barrera will also have merchandise to sell. Boxing Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as the “Baby Faced Assassin”.
Barrera is a Mexican former professional boxer who competed from 1989 to 2011. He held multiple world championships, including the WBO super bantamweight title three times from 1995 to 2001; the WBC junior lightweight title from 2004 to 2007; and the IBF super featherweight title from 2005 to 2006. Additionally, he held the IBO featherweight title in 2001; and the lineal and Ring featherweight championships 2001 to 2003. Barrera is well known for his trilogy with fellow Mexican legend Erik Morales, as well as his duology with Manny Pacquiao, and rivalry with Juan Manuel Marquez. ESPN ranked Barrera as number 43 on their list of the 50 greatest boxers of all time. Barrera was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017.
Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online.
The last Box Fan Expo that took place in September 2025. It attracted nearly 4000 boxing fans who came to meet and greet some of their favorite fighters, such as Roy Jones Jr., Teofimo Lopez, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Sugar Shane Mosley, James Toney, Riddick Bowe, Shawn Porter, Juan Francisco Estrada and many others …
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Marco Antonio Barrera will return to Box Fan Expo
Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera, who Boxingtalk recognizes as a four-division champion, will appear at the Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 2nd at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will coincide with the big cruiserweight fight between Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez and David Benavidez that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena. Barrera will hold a meet and greet at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend
Barrera will be making his seventh appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Barrera will also have merchandise to sell. Boxing Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as the “Baby Faced Assassin”.
Barrera is a Mexican former professional boxer who competed from 1989 to 2011. He held multiple world championships, including the WBO super bantamweight title three times from 1995 to 2001; the WBC junior lightweight title from 2004 to 2007; and the IBF super featherweight title from 2005 to 2006. Additionally, he held the IBO featherweight title in 2001; and the lineal and Ring featherweight championships 2001 to 2003. Barrera is well known for his trilogy with fellow Mexican legend Erik Morales, as well as his duology with Manny Pacquiao, and rivalry with Juan Manuel Marquez. ESPN ranked Barrera as number 43 on their list of the 50 greatest boxers of all time. Barrera was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017.
Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online.
The last Box Fan Expo that took place in September 2025. It attracted nearly 4000 boxing fans who came to meet and greet some of their favorite fighters, such as Roy Jones Jr., Teofimo Lopez, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Sugar Shane Mosley, James Toney, Riddick Bowe, Shawn Porter, Juan Francisco Estrada and many others …
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Sunday: Efe Ajagba battles ex-champ Charles Martin |
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The Meta Apex in Las Vegas is set to host Zuffa Boxing 03 on Sunday night. The main event will feature two hard-hitting heavyweights as Nigeria's Efe Ajagba (pictured) takes on former IBF champion Charles Martin. Ajagba arrives in Las Vegas looking to bounce back into the win column after battling to a majority draw with Martin Bakolie in Riyadh in March 2025. The matchup was a closely-contested affair over ten rounds, and after the majority draw verdict was announced, many felt Ajagba was unlucky not to have edged the decision on the scorecards. Indeed, the one dissenting judge scored the fight Ajagba's way. Now the Houston-based Nigerian plans to ensure there are no such controversies on the scorecards this time when the former Olympian takes on former world champion Martin, who is ending a 455-day hiatus when he returns to action in Las Vegas this weekend.
Martin held a version of the world heavyweight title for a sanctioning body, but his reign was cut short after just 84 days in 2016 when he was stopped by Anthony Joshua. Martin has since revealed that he went into that fight with a rib injury that played its part in him falling to the first defeat of his career. The 35-fight veteran has 30 career wins, with 27 of them coming by knockout, but he hasn't fought since November 2024. With Zuffa Boxing offering a new avenue to championship glory, Martin is bidding to return to championship form.
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Sunday: Efe Ajagba battles ex-champ Charles Martin
The Meta Apex in Las Vegas is set to host Zuffa Boxing 03 on Sunday night. The main event will feature two hard-hitting heavyweights as Nigeria's Efe Ajagba (pictured) takes on former IBF champion Charles Martin. Ajagba arrives in Las Vegas looking to bounce back into the win column after battling to a majority draw with Martin Bakolie in Riyadh in March 2025. The matchup was a closely-contested affair over ten rounds, and after the majority draw verdict was announced, many felt Ajagba was unlucky not to have edged the decision on the scorecards. Indeed, the one dissenting judge scored the fight Ajagba's way. Now the Houston-based Nigerian plans to ensure there are no such controversies on the scorecards this time when the former Olympian takes on former world champion Martin, who is ending a 455-day hiatus when he returns to action in Las Vegas this weekend.
Martin held a version of the world heavyweight title for a sanctioning body, but his reign was cut short after just 84 days in 2016 when he was stopped by Anthony Joshua. Martin has since revealed that he went into that fight with a rib injury that played its part in him falling to the first defeat of his career. The 35-fight veteran has 30 career wins, with 27 of them coming by knockout, but he hasn't fought since November 2024. With Zuffa Boxing offering a new avenue to championship glory, Martin is bidding to return to championship form.
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IBF pushing Bivol to fight Eifert |
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The IBF announced that a purse bid for light heavyweight champion Dimitrii Bivol's mandatory defense against Michael Eifert of Germany has been rescheduled from February 13th to February 20th. Bivol (pictured) is the true world champion of the 175-pound division based on his winning the second of two undisputed championship bouts against fellow Russian Artur Beterbiev. But he has not fought since February of 2025. Eifert is very lightly credentialed at 13-1, with his best win coming in March 2023 in an IBF eliminator vs. former world champion Jean Pascal. Eifert has only fought once since then, against a nondescript opponent, instead choosing to wait for this IBF title shot to come. Bivol is also recognized as champion by the WBA and WBO, so there is little pressure on him to actually fight Eifert if he is not inclined to do so.
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IBF pushing Bivol to fight Eifert
The IBF announced that a purse bid for light heavyweight champion Dimitrii Bivol's mandatory defense against Michael Eifert of Germany has been rescheduled from February 13th to February 20th. Bivol (pictured) is the true world champion of the 175-pound division based on his winning the second of two undisputed championship bouts against fellow Russian Artur Beterbiev. But he has not fought since February of 2025. Eifert is very lightly credentialed at 13-1, with his best win coming in March 2023 in an IBF eliminator vs. former world champion Jean Pascal. Eifert has only fought once since then, against a nondescript opponent, instead choosing to wait for this IBF title shot to come. Bivol is also recognized as champion by the WBA and WBO, so there is little pressure on him to actually fight Eifert if he is not inclined to do so.
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Let It Be: How Silence Has Always Been the Most Dangerous Choice |
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Last month, Boxingtalk published Charles Muniz's cautionary story about the danger of silence in the face of huge regulatory changes that seem to be coming soon to boxing. The warning was met largely with... silence. Here are Muniz's further thoughts on the subject:
There is a reason certain words endure. They sound gentle. Reassuring. Wise.
Let it be.
It feels like patience. Like maturity. Like the calm voice urging restraint when emotions run high. But history shows us that some of the most damaging choices are made not in anger or ignorance—but in calm, collective silence.
We celebrate voices today that once unsettled their own time. We quote them safely, long after the danger has passed. Their words are carved into stone, taught in classrooms, invoked whenever it is convenient to sound principled. What we forget is how often those same figures were told—explicitly or implicitly—to wait, to temper their message, to stop making things uncomfortable. They were told to let it be.
What if they had?
What if Frederick Douglass had accepted slavery as simply the order of things, and decided that measured silence was wiser than moral confrontation? What if he had softened his words to remain acceptable to those who benefited most from quiet?
What if Abraham Lincoln had chosen unity over justice, postponement over principle, concluding that the country was not ready?
What if Martin Luther King Jr. had waited for a better political moment, or Rosa Parks had stood up and moved to the back of the bus because one seat wasn’t worth the trouble?
What if John Lewis had turned back on that bridge?
What if Medgar Evers had decided that survival mattered more than speaking plainly?
What if Winston Churchill, surrounded by voices urging calm and accommodation, had embraced silence when warning felt impolite?
And beyond the United States—
What if Václav Havel had chosen to live within the lie because truth was inconvenient?
What if Nelson Mandela had accepted freedom on the regime’s terms instead of prison on his own?
What if Lech Wałęsa had decided that challenging power was futile, that silence was safer?
What if César Chávez had concluded that exploitation was simply the price of work, and that gratitude should replace dignity?
History does not give us those versions. Not because silence was unavailable—but because someone, somewhere, refused to confuse quiet with wisdom.
None of these figures were celebrated in their moment. They were disruptive. Inconvenient. Accused of moving too fast, pushing too hard, threatening stability. The advice they received was always the same: be patient, be realistic, don’t force it, don’t make things worse... Let it be.
It sounds peaceful. It isn’t. It is the language every system uses when it wants to remain exactly as it is. Whether in sport, government, or any institution entrusted with oversight, silence has always been power’s most reliable ally.
That is why this question matters now.
In boxing, silence is not accidental—it is learned. Fighters understand quickly that questioning the system can cost opportunities. Officials learn that speaking plainly brings consequences. Promoters learn that compliance preserves access. Over time, resignation begins to feel like professionalism. Survival masquerades as wisdom.
And when someone says, “nobody cares,” what they often mean is not that injustice is invisible—but that speaking carries a price few are willing to pay.
That silence is not theoretical. When concerns about the future of boxing were shared privately with those best positioned to respond—leaders of sanctioning bodies and major promoters—there was no objection, no disagreement, and no acknowledgment. Not because the implications were unclear, but because coordination itself now carries risk. Some speak individually. Few stand collectively.
That is how structural change happens without debate. Not through persuasion, but through fragmentation—where each actor waits for someone else to speak first. In that vacuum, a single, unified entity does not need consensus to reshape a sport. It only needs everyone else to remain separate, cautious, and silent long enough for the future to arrive fully formed.
And if that future arrives endorsed—if Congress, after hearings and revisions, signals that the new structure is compliant with its own changes—then the shift will not merely be cultural. It will be codified.
Courts do not rewrite statutes. They interpret them. If lawmakers declare a model acceptable, the judiciary will have little room to say otherwise. Compliance becomes shield. Consolidation becomes lawful. What once might have been challenged becomes precedent.
That is how eras close. Not with outrage, but with legislative language.
And when the framework changes in Washington without coordinated resistance from those it most affects, the outcome will not feel imposed. It will feel authorized.
So when institutions stay quiet, when oversight becomes optional, when rules exist but are no longer enforced, this is not neutrality. It is acquiescence. It is continuity disguised as inevitability.
Chains are replaced by paperwork. Coercion is replaced by contracts. Silence replaces force. We like to quote that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” What is usually omitted is the truth beneath it: the arc does not bend on its own. It bends because people pull it—against comfort, against convenience, against silence.
And when this period is eventually examined—when the facts are exhumed from the graveyard and a fuller autopsy is performed—the cause of death will not be listed as sudden. It will be described as predictable, even inevitable, but only because inevitability is what silence produces in hindsight.
Boxing will not be said to have died by force.
It will be said to have died quietly. Much like the infamous case of Kitty Genovese in March of 1964, when cries for help echoed into the night and were heard—but not answered. No single witness caused the outcome. That was the point. Each assumed someone else would act. Each waited. Each remained still long enough for tragedy to complete its work. The lesson was never about cruelty.
It was about diffusion of responsibility.
When the cry went out, it was not unanswered because it was unheard.
It was unanswered because it belonged to everyone.
And so, when consolidation is later described as unavoidable—when those who remained silent ask how such a drastic change could have happened—the answer will already be written.
When words of warning were spoken, those with the most to lose chose silence.
They chose not to coordinate.
They chose not to stand together.
They chose to let it be.
History’s most enduring failures were never defended.
They were simply allowed to be.
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Let It Be: How Silence Has Always Been the Most Dangerous Choice
Last month, Boxingtalk published Charles Muniz's cautionary story about the danger of silence in the face of huge regulatory changes that seem to be coming soon to boxing. The warning was met largely with... silence. Here are Muniz's further thoughts on the subject:
There is a reason certain words endure. They sound gentle. Reassuring. Wise.
Let it be.
It feels like patience. Like maturity. Like the calm voice urging restraint when emotions run high. But history shows us that some of the most damaging choices are made not in anger or ignorance—but in calm, collective silence.
We celebrate voices today that once unsettled their own time. We quote them safely, long after the danger has passed. Their words are carved into stone, taught in classrooms, invoked whenever it is convenient to sound principled. What we forget is how often those same figures were told—explicitly or implicitly—to wait, to temper their message, to stop making things uncomfortable. They were told to let it be.
What if they had?
What if Frederick Douglass had accepted slavery as simply the order of things, and decided that measured silence was wiser than moral confrontation? What if he had softened his words to remain acceptable to those who benefited most from quiet?
What if Abraham Lincoln had chosen unity over justice, postponement over principle, concluding that the country was not ready?
What if Martin Luther King Jr. had waited for a better political moment, or Rosa Parks had stood up and moved to the back of the bus because one seat wasn’t worth the trouble?
What if John Lewis had turned back on that bridge?
What if Medgar Evers had decided that survival mattered more than speaking plainly?
What if Winston Churchill, surrounded by voices urging calm and accommodation, had embraced silence when warning felt impolite?
And beyond the United States—
What if Václav Havel had chosen to live within the lie because truth was inconvenient?
What if Nelson Mandela had accepted freedom on the regime’s terms instead of prison on his own?
What if Lech Wałęsa had decided that challenging power was futile, that silence was safer?
What if César Chávez had concluded that exploitation was simply the price of work, and that gratitude should replace dignity?
History does not give us those versions. Not because silence was unavailable—but because someone, somewhere, refused to confuse quiet with wisdom.
None of these figures were celebrated in their moment. They were disruptive. Inconvenient. Accused of moving too fast, pushing too hard, threatening stability. The advice they received was always the same: be patient, be realistic, don’t force it, don’t make things worse... Let it be.
It sounds peaceful. It isn’t. It is the language every system uses when it wants to remain exactly as it is. Whether in sport, government, or any institution entrusted with oversight, silence has always been power’s most reliable ally.
That is why this question matters now.
In boxing, silence is not accidental—it is learned. Fighters understand quickly that questioning the system can cost opportunities. Officials learn that speaking plainly brings consequences. Promoters learn that compliance preserves access. Over time, resignation begins to feel like professionalism. Survival masquerades as wisdom.
And when someone says, “nobody cares,” what they often mean is not that injustice is invisible—but that speaking carries a price few are willing to pay.
That silence is not theoretical. When concerns about the future of boxing were shared privately with those best positioned to respond—leaders of sanctioning bodies and major promoters—there was no objection, no disagreement, and no acknowledgment. Not because the implications were unclear, but because coordination itself now carries risk. Some speak individually. Few stand collectively.
That is how structural change happens without debate. Not through persuasion, but through fragmentation—where each actor waits for someone else to speak first. In that vacuum, a single, unified entity does not need consensus to reshape a sport. It only needs everyone else to remain separate, cautious, and silent long enough for the future to arrive fully formed.
And if that future arrives endorsed—if Congress, after hearings and revisions, signals that the new structure is compliant with its own changes—then the shift will not merely be cultural. It will be codified.
Courts do not rewrite statutes. They interpret them. If lawmakers declare a model acceptable, the judiciary will have little room to say otherwise. Compliance becomes shield. Consolidation becomes lawful. What once might have been challenged becomes precedent.
That is how eras close. Not with outrage, but with legislative language.
And when the framework changes in Washington without coordinated resistance from those it most affects, the outcome will not feel imposed. It will feel authorized.
So when institutions stay quiet, when oversight becomes optional, when rules exist but are no longer enforced, this is not neutrality. It is acquiescence. It is continuity disguised as inevitability.
Chains are replaced by paperwork. Coercion is replaced by contracts. Silence replaces force. We like to quote that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” What is usually omitted is the truth beneath it: the arc does not bend on its own. It bends because people pull it—against comfort, against convenience, against silence.
And when this period is eventually examined—when the facts are exhumed from the graveyard and a fuller autopsy is performed—the cause of death will not be listed as sudden. It will be described as predictable, even inevitable, but only because inevitability is what silence produces in hindsight.
Boxing will not be said to have died by force.
It will be said to have died quietly. Much like the infamous case of Kitty Genovese in March of 1964, when cries for help echoed into the night and were heard—but not answered. No single witness caused the outcome. That was the point. Each assumed someone else would act. Each waited. Each remained still long enough for tragedy to complete its work. The lesson was never about cruelty.
It was about diffusion of responsibility.
When the cry went out, it was not unanswered because it was unheard.
It was unanswered because it belonged to everyone.
And so, when consolidation is later described as unavoidable—when those who remained silent ask how such a drastic change could have happened—the answer will already be written.
When words of warning were spoken, those with the most to lose chose silence.
They chose not to coordinate.
They chose not to stand together.
They chose to let it be.
History’s most enduring failures were never defended.
They were simply allowed to be.
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Lightweight Brandon McCarthy signs with Wise Owl |
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Management company Wise Owl Boxing has announced the signing of undefeated lightweight Brandon McCarthy to its roster of boxers. McCarthy, a decorated Irish standout, brings an accomplished amateur résumé. The 16-time National Champion compiled an amateur record of 200-15, earning widespread recognition throughout Ireland and internationally for his skill, toughness, and championship pedigree. Since turning professional, McCarthy has wasted no time making his mark. He currently stands at 5-0 as a pro and has already shown progression in the paid ranks. After debuting on the ProBox platform in a four-round bout, McCarthy advanced to six-round contests by just his second professional fight — an indication of both his readiness and the confidence his team has in his ability. Now training out of the world-renowned Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California, under Marvin Somodio, McCarthy is sharpening his tools among elite company as he prepares to climb the lightweight ranks.
Wise Owl Boxing owner Mark Habibi says McCarthy is a natural fit for the Wise Owl family. “Brandon is the perfect addition to our stable,” said Habibi. “His amateur career is incredibly impressive — 200 wins doesn’t happen by accident. That experience is exactly why he was able to move into six-round fights so quickly against tough competition. He doesn’t shy away from anyone. I love that killer instinct. He’s going to make a lot of noise at 135 pounds.”
McCarthy is scheduled to make his first appearance under Wise Owl Boxing management in April, on a card to be officially announced in the coming weeks.
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Lightweight Brandon McCarthy signs with Wise Owl
Management company Wise Owl Boxing has announced the signing of undefeated lightweight Brandon McCarthy to its roster of boxers. McCarthy, a decorated Irish standout, brings an accomplished amateur résumé. The 16-time National Champion compiled an amateur record of 200-15, earning widespread recognition throughout Ireland and internationally for his skill, toughness, and championship pedigree. Since turning professional, McCarthy has wasted no time making his mark. He currently stands at 5-0 as a pro and has already shown progression in the paid ranks. After debuting on the ProBox platform in a four-round bout, McCarthy advanced to six-round contests by just his second professional fight — an indication of both his readiness and the confidence his team has in his ability. Now training out of the world-renowned Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California, under Marvin Somodio, McCarthy is sharpening his tools among elite company as he prepares to climb the lightweight ranks.
Wise Owl Boxing owner Mark Habibi says McCarthy is a natural fit for the Wise Owl family. “Brandon is the perfect addition to our stable,” said Habibi. “His amateur career is incredibly impressive — 200 wins doesn’t happen by accident. That experience is exactly why he was able to move into six-round fights so quickly against tough competition. He doesn’t shy away from anyone. I love that killer instinct. He’s going to make a lot of noise at 135 pounds.”
McCarthy is scheduled to make his first appearance under Wise Owl Boxing management in April, on a card to be officially announced in the coming weeks.
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Opetaia to face Glanton for inaugural Zuffa championship |
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Zuffa Boxing has announced that, for the main Event in Zuffa Boxing 04, Australia's Jai Opetaia (pictured) and Brandon Glanton of the United States will fight for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight championship. The fight will take place on March 8th at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Opetaia is the reigning IBF champion. His record is 29-0, with three IBF defenses against non-descript challengers in 2025. His efforts at unification have been largely ignored by the other champions and sanctioning bodies. Glanton is 2103 and is coming off a 2025 that saw him lose to former cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith then defeat former light heavyweight champion Marcus Browne.
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Opetaia to face Glanton for inaugural Zuffa championship
Zuffa Boxing has announced that, for the main Event in Zuffa Boxing 04, Australia's Jai Opetaia (pictured) and Brandon Glanton of the United States will fight for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight championship. The fight will take place on March 8th at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Opetaia is the reigning IBF champion. His record is 29-0, with three IBF defenses against non-descript challengers in 2025. His efforts at unification have been largely ignored by the other champions and sanctioning bodies. Glanton is 2103 and is coming off a 2025 that saw him lose to former cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith then defeat former light heavyweight champion Marcus Browne.
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Clutch performance: Veyre holds her way to a title |
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Caroline Veyre W10 Delfine Persoon... Canada's Caroline Veyre defeated Delfine Persoon in a very ugly fight for the vacant WBC junior lightweight championship. Veyre fought like a female John Ruiz, clutching and holding Person excessively throughout the ten rounds. The tactic worked well for Veyre, as referee Rodriguez deducted a total of four points, two from each boxer, but allowed Veyre to negate Persoon's offense. In rounds four and seven, as Veyre held Persoon, the referee unreasonably deducted points from Person for hitting behind the head. Veyre's holding penalties, both richly deserved, came in rounds five and nine/ The verdict of 95-91, 94-92 and 98-88 in Veyre's favor was received with resounding boos from the Grand Rapids, Michigan crowd. The 41 year-old Persoon (50-4, 20 KOs) knows she won't get many more championship opportunities and was extremely upset with the officiating. Veyre (11-1) moved up from featherweight for this opportunity.
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Clutch performance: Veyre holds her way to a title
Caroline Veyre W10 Delfine Persoon... Canada's Caroline Veyre defeated Delfine Persoon in a very ugly fight for the vacant WBC junior lightweight championship. Veyre fought like a female John Ruiz, clutching and holding Person excessively throughout the ten rounds. The tactic worked well for Veyre, as referee Rodriguez deducted a total of four points, two from each boxer, but allowed Veyre to negate Persoon's offense. In rounds four and seven, as Veyre held Persoon, the referee unreasonably deducted points from Person for hitting behind the head. Veyre's holding penalties, both richly deserved, came in rounds five and nine/ The verdict of 95-91, 94-92 and 98-88 in Veyre's favor was received with resounding boos from the Grand Rapids, Michigan crowd. The 41 year-old Persoon (50-4, 20 KOs) knows she won't get many more championship opportunities and was extremely upset with the officiating. Veyre (11-1) moved up from featherweight for this opportunity.
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Pagan continues his lightweight roll |
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Joshua Pagan W10 Bryan Jimenez... On Tuesday on a Salita Promotions card at GLC Live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Joshua Pagan continued his climb in the lightweight rankings, defeating Bryan Jimenez by wide unanimous decision over ten rounds. Pagan was fighting in his hometown, and improved to 15-0. Official scores were 99-91 (twice) and 100-90. Jimenez returns to Nicaragua with a record of 18-3. All three losses came against undefeated boxers.
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Pagan continues his lightweight roll
Joshua Pagan W10 Bryan Jimenez... On Tuesday on a Salita Promotions card at GLC Live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Joshua Pagan continued his climb in the lightweight rankings, defeating Bryan Jimenez by wide unanimous decision over ten rounds. Pagan was fighting in his hometown, and improved to 15-0. Official scores were 99-91 (twice) and 100-90. Jimenez returns to Nicaragua with a record of 18-3. All three losses came against undefeated boxers.
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Interim title doubleheader on Saturday in Russia |
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Georgiy Yunovidov defends the WBA interim bridgerweight title this Saturday against Vartan Arutyunyan in the main event in Chelyabinsk, Russia a city near the Kazakh border. The Russian Yunovidov is known for his technical solidity and durability, boasting a professional record of 12-2 including IBA pro bouts. Arutyunyan is 11-0 but not really tested, with the most notable name on his resume being Dilan Prasovic. The winner will move one step closer to a shot at the regular WBA Bridgerweight title, currently held by fellow Russian Muslim Gadzhimagomedov. On the same show, the WBA creates another interim title as Azerbaijan’s Elnur Samedov squares off against Colombia’s John Lenon Gutiérrez at 130 pounds. Samedov (21-1) enters the matchup with the advantage of fighting on familiar ground, having made Russia his regular base of operations. The Colombian Gutiérrez, meanwhile, is 11-0 but completely untested.
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Interim title doubleheader on Saturday in Russia
Georgiy Yunovidov defends the WBA interim bridgerweight title this Saturday against Vartan Arutyunyan in the main event in Chelyabinsk, Russia a city near the Kazakh border. The Russian Yunovidov is known for his technical solidity and durability, boasting a professional record of 12-2 including IBA pro bouts. Arutyunyan is 11-0 but not really tested, with the most notable name on his resume being Dilan Prasovic. The winner will move one step closer to a shot at the regular WBA Bridgerweight title, currently held by fellow Russian Muslim Gadzhimagomedov. On the same show, the WBA creates another interim title as Azerbaijan’s Elnur Samedov squares off against Colombia’s John Lenon Gutiérrez at 130 pounds. Samedov (21-1) enters the matchup with the advantage of fighting on familiar ground, having made Russia his regular base of operations. The Colombian Gutiérrez, meanwhile, is 11-0 but completely untested.
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Mick Conlan books March fight in Belfast |
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MF Pro brings back Irish hero Mick Conlan on Friday, March 20th at the SSE Arena in Belfast. Conlan will face Kevin Walsh (19-0), who will be crossing the Atlantic from Brockton, Massachusetts, the town that middleweight legend Marvin Hagler called home. In 2023, Conlan suffered back-to-back losses to Luis Alberto Lopez (an IBF title fight) and then Jordan Gill. Conlan returned with two decent wins in 2025. Including the World Series of Boxing, Conlan's pro record is 26-6. Walsh dominated the junior lightweight scene in New England for the past two years, but is taking a step up in class here.
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Mick Conlan books March fight in Belfast
MF Pro brings back Irish hero Mick Conlan on Friday, March 20th at the SSE Arena in Belfast. Conlan will face Kevin Walsh (19-0), who will be crossing the Atlantic from Brockton, Massachusetts, the town that middleweight legend Marvin Hagler called home. In 2023, Conlan suffered back-to-back losses to Luis Alberto Lopez (an IBF title fight) and then Jordan Gill. Conlan returned with two decent wins in 2025. Including the World Series of Boxing, Conlan's pro record is 26-6. Walsh dominated the junior lightweight scene in New England for the past two years, but is taking a step up in class here.
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Tonight: Persoon vs. Veyre for vacant title |
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Delfine Persoon and Caroline Veyre will vie for the vacant WBC junior lightweight championship Tuesday night at GLC Live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and live on DAZN. Persoon (50-3, 20 KOs), a former two-time lightweight world champion, counts world-class experience against the likes of Katie Taylor, Alycia Baumgardner and Christina Linardatou to name a few. The 41 year-old Belgian veteran produced a sixth-round TKO of Ana Maria Lozano in June — her only ring appearance of 2025. Meanwhile, Veyre (10-1) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Licia Boudersa in July. The title was last held by the division's true world champion, Alicia Baumgardner, but the WBC stripped her because it refuses to allow women to take twelve round fights.
DAZN News analyzed the keys to victory for both Persoon and Veyre heading into this title match.
Delfine Persoon’s Keys to Victory
Assert jab without overextending. Persoon throws a blunt jab as part of her fight repertoire and the sooner she is able to assert this weapon, the quicker the Belgian fighter can pressure behind it. That makes it rather imperative for her to start finding a home with the stick early into this championship fight against Caroline Veyre. That being said, Persoon’s challenge is landing the jab without overextending which could leave her vulnerable to stinging counterpunches.
Pressure Veyre into cramped quarters. Once Persoon touches Veyre with that jab, she can start closing the distance between her and the Canadian fighter. Pressuring and locking Veyre into the phone booth, while throwing away the key, gives Persoon her best chance to deliver heavy-handed damage.
Punch in traffic. Within the pressure she is able to generate, Persoon must punch in traffic. Accomplishing this could erode away at Veyre’s amateur sweet science pedigree, even goading the Canadian into a slugfest which would favor Persoon. The former two-time lightweight world champion is adept at roughing up opponents and getting the better of exchanges in the pocket. She can deploy this strategy to tasting super featherweight world title glory.
Caroline Veyre’s Keys to Victory
Pepper Persoon with the jab. Where Persoon is more blunt with her jab, Veyre peppers opponents with her own stick. This touch-and-go tactic with the jab could stifle Persoon, forcing the Belgian fighter to reset her offense with each landing. The jab is where Veyre’s offense should start.
Rely on lateral movement. Another key for Veyre in this fight is her lateral movement as the Canadian fighter tends to be light on her feet, moving around the ring with smooth flow. That is opposed to Persoon who is methodical, but sometimes clunky on her feet. Veyre should look to exploit this advantage and ride it to victory as the better footwork could allow her to get in and out of spots with relative ease, landing her shots while evading harm’s way.
Catch Persoon lunging in. Persoon tends to lunge in behind the jab as her way of producing forward-fighting pressure. Veyre has the ring IQ to time these lunges and catch an incoming Persoon with sharp counterpunches. The sharper these shots are, the better Veyre will do on judges’ scorecards, perhaps pointing her way to the WBC super featherweight crown.
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Tonight: Persoon vs. Veyre for vacant title
Delfine Persoon and Caroline Veyre will vie for the vacant WBC junior lightweight championship Tuesday night at GLC Live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and live on DAZN. Persoon (50-3, 20 KOs), a former two-time lightweight world champion, counts world-class experience against the likes of Katie Taylor, Alycia Baumgardner and Christina Linardatou to name a few. The 41 year-old Belgian veteran produced a sixth-round TKO of Ana Maria Lozano in June — her only ring appearance of 2025. Meanwhile, Veyre (10-1) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Licia Boudersa in July. The title was last held by the division's true world champion, Alicia Baumgardner, but the WBC stripped her because it refuses to allow women to take twelve round fights.
DAZN News analyzed the keys to victory for both Persoon and Veyre heading into this title match.
Delfine Persoon’s Keys to Victory
Assert jab without overextending. Persoon throws a blunt jab as part of her fight repertoire and the sooner she is able to assert this weapon, the quicker the Belgian fighter can pressure behind it. That makes it rather imperative for her to start finding a home with the stick early into this championship fight against Caroline Veyre. That being said, Persoon’s challenge is landing the jab without overextending which could leave her vulnerable to stinging counterpunches.
Pressure Veyre into cramped quarters. Once Persoon touches Veyre with that jab, she can start closing the distance between her and the Canadian fighter. Pressuring and locking Veyre into the phone booth, while throwing away the key, gives Persoon her best chance to deliver heavy-handed damage.
Punch in traffic. Within the pressure she is able to generate, Persoon must punch in traffic. Accomplishing this could erode away at Veyre’s amateur sweet science pedigree, even goading the Canadian into a slugfest which would favor Persoon. The former two-time lightweight world champion is adept at roughing up opponents and getting the better of exchanges in the pocket. She can deploy this strategy to tasting super featherweight world title glory.
Caroline Veyre’s Keys to Victory
Pepper Persoon with the jab. Where Persoon is more blunt with her jab, Veyre peppers opponents with her own stick. This touch-and-go tactic with the jab could stifle Persoon, forcing the Belgian fighter to reset her offense with each landing. The jab is where Veyre’s offense should start.
Rely on lateral movement. Another key for Veyre in this fight is her lateral movement as the Canadian fighter tends to be light on her feet, moving around the ring with smooth flow. That is opposed to Persoon who is methodical, but sometimes clunky on her feet. Veyre should look to exploit this advantage and ride it to victory as the better footwork could allow her to get in and out of spots with relative ease, landing her shots while evading harm’s way.
Catch Persoon lunging in. Persoon tends to lunge in behind the jab as her way of producing forward-fighting pressure. Veyre has the ring IQ to time these lunges and catch an incoming Persoon with sharp counterpunches. The sharper these shots are, the better Veyre will do on judges’ scorecards, perhaps pointing her way to the WBC super featherweight crown.
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March 21st: Liddard to defend British title vs. Denny |
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George Liddard will defend his British & Commonwealth middleweight titles for the first time against Tyler Denny at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday, March 21st, live on DAZN. Liddard was crowned champion last October, just down the road at the East End’s fabled York Hall, when he stopped Kieron Conway in the tenth round. Now the 23-year old, whose sights are firmly set on becoming a future world Champion, is ready to overcome another stern test in what promises to be a sold out arena in Stratford when he comes up against the former European middleweight ruler in Denny.
“I’m really looking forward to March 21 at the Copper Box,” said Liddard. “To be headlining at such a big arena is great and I will put on a performance worthy of it. Tyler is a vastly experienced opponent so I cannot take him or anything lightly going into this. He’s a former European Champion, so when I win this fight it will stand me in good stead to fight for that title next. Let’s get it!”
Midlands man Denny, meanwhile, is confident his experience will help him prevail in the capital. “I’m buzzing to be fighting for the British and Commonwealth Titles and would like to thank Matchroom Boxing for the opportunity,” said Denny, who bounced back last year with two wins over Grant Dennis and Elvis Ahorgah after suffering defeat by Hamzah Sheeraz at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. I’m expecting a tough fight, as I have a lot of respect for George as a fighter. But I will be taking the belts back home with me.”
Giorgio Visioli has been making plenty of noise Stateside after his gym run-in with fellow top prospect Curmel Moton recently. But he returns to the capital on March 21st to make the first defense of his English lightweight title against a seasoned campaigner in Levi Giles. Visioli is earmarked for a bright future after he unanimously overcame Joe Howarth when he headlined at the Indigo at The O2 last December – and he’s eager to kick on for the year ahead. “I’m looking forward to being out again in London defending my English title,” said Visioli. “Levi Giles is a good opponent for me. He’s been in with some well-known English names and he’s got a good record but on fight night I’m going to show exactly where I stand in this division. There are levels to this, and they’ll be shown on March 21st.”
Jimmy Sains is another youngster who is determined to push ahead in 2026 as he looks forward to facing Derrick Osaze. The ‘Brentwood Beterbiev’ is a stablemate of Liddard’s at Tony Sims’ Matchroom Elite Gym in Essex, and he is excited to be kicking off his campaign for the year in east London. “It’s a great card and I am looking forward to a step-up in opponent which gives me the perfect opportunity to show more of my boxing ability and show what level I’m at – and where I’m eventually destined to be.”
Now undefeated in seven fights, with all seven by way of knockout, super middleweight Taylor Bevan will bring his legion of fans from the South Coast – along with local lad, and exciting middleweight, Leli Buttigieg who will have his East End faithful in attendance.
Connor Mitchell – managed by Conor Benn – delivered a strong debut when the 21 year-old featherweight staged a two-round demolition of Fernando Joaquin Valdez just before last Christmas. And Mitchell is hungry to continue his early momentum on March 21, on the doorstep of his beloved West Ham United Football Club. “It’s my second professional bout and the first fight of 2026, in what should be a big year ahead,” said Mitchell. “I’m looking forward to being on another exciting Matchroom Boxing card, live on DAZN, with a host of other great fighters. I can’t wait to pick up from where I left off. Let’s go!”
In the same weight class, the energetic Adam Maca is back for his fifth contest – with all four so far resulting in stoppage wins. A focused Maca said: “This is my first one of 2026. I cannot wait to build off the last performance, where I stopped Brandon Gallardo Vargas in round two back in December, and show what I can do.”
Plus, amateur junior welterweight standout – and 2025 Haringey Box Cup winner – Louie Ward makes his entry to the professional code, under the expert guidance of trainer Tony Sims.
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “George Liddard was destructive against Kieron Conway last October and he’ll need to be back at his best against a game, and experienced, Tyler Denny. I’m looking forward to seeing a host of our exciting young guns on the undercard too. The Copper Box will be absolutely rocking for what will be a cracking fight night live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”
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March 21st: Liddard to defend British title vs. Denny
George Liddard will defend his British & Commonwealth middleweight titles for the first time against Tyler Denny at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday, March 21st, live on DAZN. Liddard was crowned champion last October, just down the road at the East End’s fabled York Hall, when he stopped Kieron Conway in the tenth round. Now the 23-year old, whose sights are firmly set on becoming a future world Champion, is ready to overcome another stern test in what promises to be a sold out arena in Stratford when he comes up against the former European middleweight ruler in Denny.
“I’m really looking forward to March 21 at the Copper Box,” said Liddard. “To be headlining at such a big arena is great and I will put on a performance worthy of it. Tyler is a vastly experienced opponent so I cannot take him or anything lightly going into this. He’s a former European Champion, so when I win this fight it will stand me in good stead to fight for that title next. Let’s get it!”
Midlands man Denny, meanwhile, is confident his experience will help him prevail in the capital. “I’m buzzing to be fighting for the British and Commonwealth Titles and would like to thank Matchroom Boxing for the opportunity,” said Denny, who bounced back last year with two wins over Grant Dennis and Elvis Ahorgah after suffering defeat by Hamzah Sheeraz at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. I’m expecting a tough fight, as I have a lot of respect for George as a fighter. But I will be taking the belts back home with me.”
Giorgio Visioli has been making plenty of noise Stateside after his gym run-in with fellow top prospect Curmel Moton recently. But he returns to the capital on March 21st to make the first defense of his English lightweight title against a seasoned campaigner in Levi Giles. Visioli is earmarked for a bright future after he unanimously overcame Joe Howarth when he headlined at the Indigo at The O2 last December – and he’s eager to kick on for the year ahead. “I’m looking forward to being out again in London defending my English title,” said Visioli. “Levi Giles is a good opponent for me. He’s been in with some well-known English names and he’s got a good record but on fight night I’m going to show exactly where I stand in this division. There are levels to this, and they’ll be shown on March 21st.”
Jimmy Sains is another youngster who is determined to push ahead in 2026 as he looks forward to facing Derrick Osaze. The ‘Brentwood Beterbiev’ is a stablemate of Liddard’s at Tony Sims’ Matchroom Elite Gym in Essex, and he is excited to be kicking off his campaign for the year in east London. “It’s a great card and I am looking forward to a step-up in opponent which gives me the perfect opportunity to show more of my boxing ability and show what level I’m at – and where I’m eventually destined to be.”
Now undefeated in seven fights, with all seven by way of knockout, super middleweight Taylor Bevan will bring his legion of fans from the South Coast – along with local lad, and exciting middleweight, Leli Buttigieg who will have his East End faithful in attendance.
Connor Mitchell – managed by Conor Benn – delivered a strong debut when the 21 year-old featherweight staged a two-round demolition of Fernando Joaquin Valdez just before last Christmas. And Mitchell is hungry to continue his early momentum on March 21, on the doorstep of his beloved West Ham United Football Club. “It’s my second professional bout and the first fight of 2026, in what should be a big year ahead,” said Mitchell. “I’m looking forward to being on another exciting Matchroom Boxing card, live on DAZN, with a host of other great fighters. I can’t wait to pick up from where I left off. Let’s go!”
In the same weight class, the energetic Adam Maca is back for his fifth contest – with all four so far resulting in stoppage wins. A focused Maca said: “This is my first one of 2026. I cannot wait to build off the last performance, where I stopped Brandon Gallardo Vargas in round two back in December, and show what I can do.”
Plus, amateur junior welterweight standout – and 2025 Haringey Box Cup winner – Louie Ward makes his entry to the professional code, under the expert guidance of trainer Tony Sims.
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “George Liddard was destructive against Kieron Conway last October and he’ll need to be back at his best against a game, and experienced, Tyler Denny. I’m looking forward to seeing a host of our exciting young guns on the undercard too. The Copper Box will be absolutely rocking for what will be a cracking fight night live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”
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Reynoso improves to 12-0 in Rhode Island |
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Victor Reynoso W6 Ray Oliveira Jr. ... At the CES Boxing show in Rhode Island, junior middleweight Victor "TAKO" Reynoso extended his perfect record to 12-0 with 7 KOs thanks to a composed six-round unanimous decision over Ray "Prince" Oliveira Jr. (10-5, 2 KOs). The official scores were 60-54 (twice) and 59-55 for the Dominican-born Reynoso. The 32 year-old Reynoso grew up watching Oliveira Jr. compete as an amateur and now found himself across the ring from the same fighter he once studied from the stands. With Oliveira's famous father, Ray Sr., serving as head trainer in his corner, New Bedford, MA’s Ray Jr. started fast, rushing out of his corner at the opening bell to pressure Reynoso behind a high guard. While Reynoso is not one to shy away from a brawl, he promised a disciplined performance beforehand and delivered exactly that.
After feeling Oliveira out in the first, Reynoso began asserting himself with a stiff jab in round two, using his height and reach advantages to create distance and counter effectively with his right hand.
Victor mixed sharp combinations upstairs with thudding hooks to the body in rounds two and three, gradually slowing down Oliveira Jr., who tried repeatedly to pressure his way inside.
Reynoso often beat Ray to the punch, countered cleanly over the top, and never allowed the bout to devolve into a slugfest.
By rounds four and five, Reynoso’s body work had Oliveira backing toward the ropes, and a fourth-round sequence saw Oliveira absorb several heavy shots. Oliveira weathered the storm and continued his march forward whenever Reynoso slowed his pace. Reynoso, however, stayed composed, circling out of danger, and closing strong to earn the unanimous decision. "He knew that the only way he could beat me was to go toe-to-toe, and I wasn’t going to give him that opportunity," said Reynoso immediately after the bout. "I used my jab intelligently and slowed him down to the body so that I could walk him into something up top."
The win sets up a number of possibilities for Reynoso, who is determined to stay active in 2026. "Let CES set them up, and I’ll knock them down," said Reynoso. "I want to fight three more times this year. The more active I am, the better."
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Douglas "El Uno" Marroquin (9-0, 5 KOs) overcame a cut over his right eye to win a competitive majority decision over German Rufus Macauley (4-1, 3 KOs) in a collision of undefeated middleweights. Scores were 58-56 (twice) for Marroquin and 57-57. The bout was a clash of styles, with the stocky, 5’6 Marroquin doing his best work inside and to the body while the 6’0 southpaw Macauley created distance with his wide stance and relied on his long left hand. The half-Guatemalan, half-Mexican Marroquin started strong, snapping a stiff jab and working inside with furious body shots.
A clash of heads in round four cut Marroquin’s right eye, allowing Macauley to find his rhythm. The 28-year-old Berliner showed that he did not fly across the Atlantic just for a paycheck, increasing the pressure in the middle rounds as Marroquin attempted to slow the pace.
Macauley’s late surge made the final rounds tense, but Marroquin’s early work and cleaner counters proved enough to secure the victory. For the Marroquin, who trains in Norfolk under former pro boxer Wilner Mendez, this was less about flash and more about resilience.
"I have grit, I showed heart, and I went up against an undefeated fighter tonight who wouldn’t back down," said the 27-year-old. "I’m going to continue to entertain the fans who spend their hard-earned money to support us."
When Ayowole Tom Jones (1-0-1) and Jhony Dos Santos first met last July at Mohegan Sun Arena, they delivered four rounds of non-stop action that ended in a draw. Saturday’s rematch picked up right where they left off. Jones struck first, dropping Dos Santos with a right uppercut in round one. Dos Santos responded in round two, flooring the 6’2 Jones with a series of head shots. Controversy followed in round three when referee Eddie Claudio ruled what appeared to be a low blow a knockdown scored by Jones – a call that may have been the difference as both men emptied their tanks in the fourth and final round. The judges scored it 37-37 and 37-36 (twice) for Jones, giving him the first win of his professional career via majority decision.
Rhode Island’s own Tyler "My Time" Macari (3-0, 3 KOs) gave his hometown crowd exactly what they braved the cold to see: a quick, emphatic knockout. The 26-year old dropped late replacement Elijah Hasman with a massive left hook midway through the opening round, then poured on body shots until referee Joey Lupino mercifully stepped in at 2:51. It was Macari’s third straight first-round knockout, and another reminder of why the former college basketball standout is becoming one of Rhode Island’s most exciting young boxers.
Locally based Dominican welterweight Kevin Mojica (4-0, 4 KOs) kept his perfect record intact, stopping Mexico’s Ismael Rodriguez with a left hook to the liver. The time was 1:02 of the first stanza.
New Bedford super bantamweight Josh Alvarado (4-1, 2 KOs) made it four straight wins after losing his pro debut, annihilating Michigan’s Michael Thornton with a right hand to the head at 2:12 of the first round. Thornton beat the count but was unwilling to continue after feeling Alvarado’s superior firepower.
In the opening bout of the night, Fall River’s Roberto Colon (1-1) kicked things off in style, dropping Puerto Rico's hapless John Medina (0-5) four times en route to his first professional victory. The stoppage came at 0:22 of round two. This was the first time in five bouts that Medina made it out of the first round.
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Reynoso improves to 12-0 in Rhode Island
Victor Reynoso W6 Ray Oliveira Jr. ... At the CES Boxing show in Rhode Island, junior middleweight Victor "TAKO" Reynoso extended his perfect record to 12-0 with 7 KOs thanks to a composed six-round unanimous decision over Ray "Prince" Oliveira Jr. (10-5, 2 KOs). The official scores were 60-54 (twice) and 59-55 for the Dominican-born Reynoso. The 32 year-old Reynoso grew up watching Oliveira Jr. compete as an amateur and now found himself across the ring from the same fighter he once studied from the stands. With Oliveira's famous father, Ray Sr., serving as head trainer in his corner, New Bedford, MA’s Ray Jr. started fast, rushing out of his corner at the opening bell to pressure Reynoso behind a high guard. While Reynoso is not one to shy away from a brawl, he promised a disciplined performance beforehand and delivered exactly that.
After feeling Oliveira out in the first, Reynoso began asserting himself with a stiff jab in round two, using his height and reach advantages to create distance and counter effectively with his right hand.
Victor mixed sharp combinations upstairs with thudding hooks to the body in rounds two and three, gradually slowing down Oliveira Jr., who tried repeatedly to pressure his way inside.
Reynoso often beat Ray to the punch, countered cleanly over the top, and never allowed the bout to devolve into a slugfest.
By rounds four and five, Reynoso’s body work had Oliveira backing toward the ropes, and a fourth-round sequence saw Oliveira absorb several heavy shots. Oliveira weathered the storm and continued his march forward whenever Reynoso slowed his pace. Reynoso, however, stayed composed, circling out of danger, and closing strong to earn the unanimous decision. "He knew that the only way he could beat me was to go toe-to-toe, and I wasn’t going to give him that opportunity," said Reynoso immediately after the bout. "I used my jab intelligently and slowed him down to the body so that I could walk him into something up top."
The win sets up a number of possibilities for Reynoso, who is determined to stay active in 2026. "Let CES set them up, and I’ll knock them down," said Reynoso. "I want to fight three more times this year. The more active I am, the better."
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Douglas "El Uno" Marroquin (9-0, 5 KOs) overcame a cut over his right eye to win a competitive majority decision over German Rufus Macauley (4-1, 3 KOs) in a collision of undefeated middleweights. Scores were 58-56 (twice) for Marroquin and 57-57. The bout was a clash of styles, with the stocky, 5’6 Marroquin doing his best work inside and to the body while the 6’0 southpaw Macauley created distance with his wide stance and relied on his long left hand. The half-Guatemalan, half-Mexican Marroquin started strong, snapping a stiff jab and working inside with furious body shots.
A clash of heads in round four cut Marroquin’s right eye, allowing Macauley to find his rhythm. The 28-year-old Berliner showed that he did not fly across the Atlantic just for a paycheck, increasing the pressure in the middle rounds as Marroquin attempted to slow the pace.
Macauley’s late surge made the final rounds tense, but Marroquin’s early work and cleaner counters proved enough to secure the victory. For the Marroquin, who trains in Norfolk under former pro boxer Wilner Mendez, this was less about flash and more about resilience.
"I have grit, I showed heart, and I went up against an undefeated fighter tonight who wouldn’t back down," said the 27-year-old. "I’m going to continue to entertain the fans who spend their hard-earned money to support us."
When Ayowole Tom Jones (1-0-1) and Jhony Dos Santos first met last July at Mohegan Sun Arena, they delivered four rounds of non-stop action that ended in a draw. Saturday’s rematch picked up right where they left off. Jones struck first, dropping Dos Santos with a right uppercut in round one. Dos Santos responded in round two, flooring the 6’2 Jones with a series of head shots. Controversy followed in round three when referee Eddie Claudio ruled what appeared to be a low blow a knockdown scored by Jones – a call that may have been the difference as both men emptied their tanks in the fourth and final round. The judges scored it 37-37 and 37-36 (twice) for Jones, giving him the first win of his professional career via majority decision.
Rhode Island’s own Tyler "My Time" Macari (3-0, 3 KOs) gave his hometown crowd exactly what they braved the cold to see: a quick, emphatic knockout. The 26-year old dropped late replacement Elijah Hasman with a massive left hook midway through the opening round, then poured on body shots until referee Joey Lupino mercifully stepped in at 2:51. It was Macari’s third straight first-round knockout, and another reminder of why the former college basketball standout is becoming one of Rhode Island’s most exciting young boxers.
Locally based Dominican welterweight Kevin Mojica (4-0, 4 KOs) kept his perfect record intact, stopping Mexico’s Ismael Rodriguez with a left hook to the liver. The time was 1:02 of the first stanza.
New Bedford super bantamweight Josh Alvarado (4-1, 2 KOs) made it four straight wins after losing his pro debut, annihilating Michigan’s Michael Thornton with a right hand to the head at 2:12 of the first round. Thornton beat the count but was unwilling to continue after feeling Alvarado’s superior firepower.
In the opening bout of the night, Fall River’s Roberto Colon (1-1) kicked things off in style, dropping Puerto Rico's hapless John Medina (0-5) four times en route to his first professional victory. The stoppage came at 0:22 of round two. This was the first time in five bouts that Medina made it out of the first round.
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Friday night boxing comes to Fall River, MA |
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New York junior welterweightTerell Bostic (17-3, 3 KO’s) will be making his third appearance in a Boston Boxing Promotions ring on Friday February 13th at Bernardo’s Event Center in Fall River, Massachusetts as he takes on Rhode Island’s Juan Carlos Pena (32-16-1, 23 KO’s) in an eight rounder. Bostic was last seen on Thanksgiving Eve opening the show with an entertaining eight-round decision victory over Aldimar Silva... On the same show, Venezuelan junior middleweight Jocksan Blanco (9-0) squares off against Daijohn González (14-8). Blanco has shown a notable finishing instinct, building his success around punishing body work and relentless pressure that gradually suffocates his opponents. González, meanwhile, represents the sternest technical test of Blanco’s young career. The Florida native brings a refined boxing pedigree, defined by a sharp, educated jab and footwork that allows him to control the tempo from long range. Tickets are available now at www.BostonBoxingPromotions.com.
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Friday night boxing comes to Fall River, MA
New York junior welterweightTerell Bostic (17-3, 3 KO’s) will be making his third appearance in a Boston Boxing Promotions ring on Friday February 13th at Bernardo’s Event Center in Fall River, Massachusetts as he takes on Rhode Island’s Juan Carlos Pena (32-16-1, 23 KO’s) in an eight rounder. Bostic was last seen on Thanksgiving Eve opening the show with an entertaining eight-round decision victory over Aldimar Silva... On the same show, Venezuelan junior middleweight Jocksan Blanco (9-0) squares off against Daijohn González (14-8). Blanco has shown a notable finishing instinct, building his success around punishing body work and relentless pressure that gradually suffocates his opponents. González, meanwhile, represents the sternest technical test of Blanco’s young career. The Florida native brings a refined boxing pedigree, defined by a sharp, educated jab and footwork that allows him to control the tempo from long range. Tickets are available now at www.BostonBoxingPromotions.com.
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BKFC planning eight-man, one-night tourney |
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On Saturday’s broadcast, BKFC president David Feldman unveiled the organization’s schedule for April, beginning with the inaugural Bare Knuckle Fight Club event on April 7th in Philadelphia. Hailed by Feldman as “the most viral series we’ve ever produced,” the eight-man, one-night tournament winners will be awarded $100,000 BKFC contracts. BKFC’s April schedule also includes events in Honolulu (April 11th), Denver (April 17th), Australia (April 18th) and Clearwater, FL (April 24). Here are some highlights from Feldman’s post-event press conference on Saturday: “18,217 people in the house tonight. We started this thing about a half a mile away in a warehouse with one fight and four people. Tonight we did 18,217. Thank you to the fighters and the fans. I also want to thank my team and thank my family and everyone that helped us get here.” Another great night here in Philadelphia. Some of the fights didn’t live up to expectations and some of them overdelivered.
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BKFC planning eight-man, one-night tourney
On Saturday’s broadcast, BKFC president David Feldman unveiled the organization’s schedule for April, beginning with the inaugural Bare Knuckle Fight Club event on April 7th in Philadelphia. Hailed by Feldman as “the most viral series we’ve ever produced,” the eight-man, one-night tournament winners will be awarded $100,000 BKFC contracts. BKFC’s April schedule also includes events in Honolulu (April 11th), Denver (April 17th), Australia (April 18th) and Clearwater, FL (April 24). Here are some highlights from Feldman’s post-event press conference on Saturday: “18,217 people in the house tonight. We started this thing about a half a mile away in a warehouse with one fight and four people. Tonight we did 18,217. Thank you to the fighters and the fans. I also want to thank my team and thank my family and everyone that helped us get here.” Another great night here in Philadelphia. Some of the fights didn’t live up to expectations and some of them overdelivered.
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Jake Paul angers Puerto Ricans by falsely calling Bad Bunny a "fake American" |
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Cruiserweight and boxing promoter Jake Paul took a big social media misstep today, calling Puerto Rican music superstar Bad Bunny a "fake American" just before Bad Bunny was set to perform at the Super Bowl. Paul lives in Puerto Rico and the most popular boxer on his promotional roster is another beloved Puerto Rican, multi-division champion Amanda Serrano. NOTE: Puerto Ricans are American citizens. Here is what Paul tweeted: "Purposefully turning off the [Super Bowl] halftime show. Let’s rally together and show big corporations they can’t just do whatever they want without consequences (which equals viewership for them). You are their benefit. Realize you have power. Turn off this halftime. A fake American citizen performing who publicly hates America. I cannot support that."
Amanda Serrano responded: "Tonight I am here where I’m supposed to be in my beautiful Island with my people celebrating and watching with awe how well Benito [Bad Bunny] represented us and our culture. I am proud to be Puerto Rican, and I am proud to be an American citizen. Puerto Ricans are not 'fake Americans.' We are citizens who have contributed to this country in every field, from military service to sports, business, science, and the arts, and our identity and citizenship deserve respect. I would not have the opportunities I have today without the support and belief that Most Valuable Promotions and Jake Paul showed in me, and I will always be grateful for the role they have played in helping change my life and in elevating women’s boxing. At the same time, I want to be clear: I do not agree with statements that question the legitimacy or identity of Puerto Rican people, and I cannot support that characterization. It is wrong. I fight with the pride of Puerto Rico and represent my flag every time I step into the ring. I will always stand with my people, with respect for who we are, and with pride in where we come from. I will never change and will forever be a Proud Boricua."
Even Jake's own brother, Logan Paul, took exception: "I love my brother but I don’t agree with this. Puerto Ricans are Americans & I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island."
Women's heavyweight champion Claressa Shields: "Please Jake, not today. Puerto Ricans are not fake citizens. You would think that you of all people would support this as you have so many Puerto Rican women under your umbrella. What’s happening with ICE is terrible and we shouldn’t want to see harm done to anyone who is apart of America & a minority! Do better Jake. This isn’t right."
On Monday morning, Jake Paul tried to walk back the damage, tweeting, "To clarify: I wasn’t calling anyone a 'fake citizen' because they’re from Puerto Rico. I live in Puerto Rico, and I love Puerto Rico. I have used my platform to support Puerto Rico time and time again and will always do so. But if you’re publicly criticizing ICE who are doing their job and openly hating on America, I’m going to speak on it. Period. That’s the same reason I called out [Olympick skiier] Hunter Hess. If you benefit from a country and the platform it gives you, but publicly disrespect it at the same time, that’s what I mean by being a fake citizen. And I agree love is more powerful than hate. Love America."
MVP posted this on Monday: "MVP stands for one thing and one thing only: our fighters. Whether you’re from Puerto Rico or anywhere else in the world, we proudly stand behind you and will always work to elevate you and the pride you bring into the ring."
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Jake Paul angers Puerto Ricans by falsely calling Bad Bunny a "fake American"
Cruiserweight and boxing promoter Jake Paul took a big social media misstep today, calling Puerto Rican music superstar Bad Bunny a "fake American" just before Bad Bunny was set to perform at the Super Bowl. Paul lives in Puerto Rico and the most popular boxer on his promotional roster is another beloved Puerto Rican, multi-division champion Amanda Serrano. NOTE: Puerto Ricans are American citizens. Here is what Paul tweeted: "Purposefully turning off the [Super Bowl] halftime show. Let’s rally together and show big corporations they can’t just do whatever they want without consequences (which equals viewership for them). You are their benefit. Realize you have power. Turn off this halftime. A fake American citizen performing who publicly hates America. I cannot support that."
Amanda Serrano responded: "Tonight I am here where I’m supposed to be in my beautiful Island with my people celebrating and watching with awe how well Benito [Bad Bunny] represented us and our culture. I am proud to be Puerto Rican, and I am proud to be an American citizen. Puerto Ricans are not 'fake Americans.' We are citizens who have contributed to this country in every field, from military service to sports, business, science, and the arts, and our identity and citizenship deserve respect. I would not have the opportunities I have today without the support and belief that Most Valuable Promotions and Jake Paul showed in me, and I will always be grateful for the role they have played in helping change my life and in elevating women’s boxing. At the same time, I want to be clear: I do not agree with statements that question the legitimacy or identity of Puerto Rican people, and I cannot support that characterization. It is wrong. I fight with the pride of Puerto Rico and represent my flag every time I step into the ring. I will always stand with my people, with respect for who we are, and with pride in where we come from. I will never change and will forever be a Proud Boricua."
Even Jake's own brother, Logan Paul, took exception: "I love my brother but I don’t agree with this. Puerto Ricans are Americans & I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island."
Women's heavyweight champion Claressa Shields: "Please Jake, not today. Puerto Ricans are not fake citizens. You would think that you of all people would support this as you have so many Puerto Rican women under your umbrella. What’s happening with ICE is terrible and we shouldn’t want to see harm done to anyone who is apart of America & a minority! Do better Jake. This isn’t right."
On Monday morning, Jake Paul tried to walk back the damage, tweeting, "To clarify: I wasn’t calling anyone a 'fake citizen' because they’re from Puerto Rico. I live in Puerto Rico, and I love Puerto Rico. I have used my platform to support Puerto Rico time and time again and will always do so. But if you’re publicly criticizing ICE who are doing their job and openly hating on America, I’m going to speak on it. Period. That’s the same reason I called out [Olympick skiier] Hunter Hess. If you benefit from a country and the platform it gives you, but publicly disrespect it at the same time, that’s what I mean by being a fake citizen. And I agree love is more powerful than hate. Love America."
MVP posted this on Monday: "MVP stands for one thing and one thing only: our fighters. Whether you’re from Puerto Rico or anywhere else in the world, we proudly stand behind you and will always work to elevate you and the pride you bring into the ring."
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Harper: "Dubois' trash talk means nothing" |
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Caroline Dubois faced off with Terri Harper (pictured) ahead of their lightweight championship clash, while Catford's Ellie Scotney looks to make British boxing history; watch the Dubois vs Harper and Scotney vs Flores bill live on Sky Sports on Sunday April 5th. Dubois took her opportunity to get close and personal with Harper at the press conference to announce their April 5th show, which will be broadcast by Sky Sports. The two Britons both hold lightweight world championships, Dubois the WBC version and Harper the WBO. They will box to unify the two belts at Kensington's Olympia. Their rivalry, though, is becoming increasingly personal, with Dubois heaping "disrespect" on Harper's accomplishments, as the three-division champion sees it. For example, Dubois repeated her claim that she considers Harper "irrelevant" and says victory on April 5th will just be the start of her boxing legacy
The normally softly-spoken Harper declared: "This fight isn't about the belts. For me I just want to fight Caroline. That will be the sweetest victory of my career. She's massively overlooking me and thinks it's going to be an easy night."
Dubois interrupted Harper through the press conference and continued to speak to her as they faced off afterwards. Harper, the taller fighter, glared down at Dubois but then turned away and Dubois stepped into her space to pose for the cameras. "I know I'm going to get past this fight. I believe I'm going to smash her up," Dubois said ominously. "I can't wait. This is the start of my future, of my legacy, of my greatness and I'm going all the way. I called her irrelevant because I believe she is. My legacy starts with becoming undisputed in the lightweight division. Unfortunately for Terri she's the one holding the belt."
Harper remains a proud champion and the jibes from her opponent have motivated her further. "For me it's the disrespect from Caroline," the WBO titlist said. "She's doing a great job at selling the fight, she's doing my job for me. I'm just being my authentic self. All this means nothing-- it's what happens on the night."
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Harper: "Dubois' trash talk means nothing"
Caroline Dubois faced off with Terri Harper (pictured) ahead of their lightweight championship clash, while Catford's Ellie Scotney looks to make British boxing history; watch the Dubois vs Harper and Scotney vs Flores bill live on Sky Sports on Sunday April 5th. Dubois took her opportunity to get close and personal with Harper at the press conference to announce their April 5th show, which will be broadcast by Sky Sports. The two Britons both hold lightweight world championships, Dubois the WBC version and Harper the WBO. They will box to unify the two belts at Kensington's Olympia. Their rivalry, though, is becoming increasingly personal, with Dubois heaping "disrespect" on Harper's accomplishments, as the three-division champion sees it. For example, Dubois repeated her claim that she considers Harper "irrelevant" and says victory on April 5th will just be the start of her boxing legacy
The normally softly-spoken Harper declared: "This fight isn't about the belts. For me I just want to fight Caroline. That will be the sweetest victory of my career. She's massively overlooking me and thinks it's going to be an easy night."
Dubois interrupted Harper through the press conference and continued to speak to her as they faced off afterwards. Harper, the taller fighter, glared down at Dubois but then turned away and Dubois stepped into her space to pose for the cameras. "I know I'm going to get past this fight. I believe I'm going to smash her up," Dubois said ominously. "I can't wait. This is the start of my future, of my legacy, of my greatness and I'm going all the way. I called her irrelevant because I believe she is. My legacy starts with becoming undisputed in the lightweight division. Unfortunately for Terri she's the one holding the belt."
Harper remains a proud champion and the jibes from her opponent have motivated her further. "For me it's the disrespect from Caroline," the WBO titlist said. "She's doing a great job at selling the fight, she's doing my job for me. I'm just being my authentic self. All this means nothing-- it's what happens on the night."
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Arlovski wins BKFC title at age 47 |
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In a battle of fomrer mixed martial arts rivals, 47 year-old Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski dethroned BKFC heavyweight champion “Big” Ben Rothwell at KnuckleMania VI on Saturday at the sold-out Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The ringside doctor called a stop to the contest at 1:14 in the third round. The Belarus-born, Florida resdident product upped his BKFC record to 2-0 with the win. The former UFC heavyweight champion Arlovski also holds two MMA victories over Rothwell. Arlovski was asked in his post-fight interview if he’d like to defend his new championship against undefeated Cuban Leonardo “El Zambo” Perdomo: “I love what I do. Thank you very much to my family for letting me fight. So, like Nike — ‘just do it.’ ”
BKFC light heavyweight champion Lorenzo “The Juggernaut” Hunt solidified his status as the best bare knuckle fighter on the planet by stopping BKFC middleweight champion David “The Redneck” Mundell on Saturday. Mundell entered fight night as the #1 fighter on the BKFC pound-for-pound Rankings, and Hunt held the #2 spot. Hunt dropped Mundell twice before the KO stoppage 29 seconds into the fourth round. Hunt, who represents Jacksonville, FL, upped his bare knuckle fighting record to 13-2 with the win, while the Oldsmar, FL product Mundell fell to 10-2 in defeat, thereby snapping his eight-fight winning streak. Hunt took aim at “Platinum” Mike Perry in his post-fight interview: “I am the true King of Violence!”
Undefeated Philadelphia middleweight John “Johnny Cannolli” Garbarino dropped Kaine “Kaine 9” Tomlinson Jr. seven times to up his record to 4-0 with a fourth straight stoppage victory. The one-sided contest was called to a stop 49 seconds into the fifth round. Tomlinson Jr., a product of Roanoke, VA, is now 2-3 under the BKFC banner.
Former BKFC interim lightweight title holder Ben “The Bomber” Bonner earned another BKFC title opportunity with a unanimous decision victory over Tony “Loco” Soto. Two judges scored the title-eliminator fight 49-46 and one scored the contest 48-47, all in favor of the UK product. Bonner is now 5-2 heading into his earned matchup with former BKFC welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout for the vacant BKFC lightweight championship at a to-be-announced date.
Led to the ring by celebrated comedian/actor Shane Gillis, Philadelphia’s Patrick “The Brick” Brady upped his BKFC record to 3-0 with a hard-fought, unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Bear “The Last Barbarian” Hill in heavyweight action. Brady sent Hill to the canvas three times. He is now 3-0 after all three judges called him the winner of Saturday’s contest (50-42, 49-41, 49-43). Hill, who hails from Ardmore, AL, is now 2-1. Brady announced his retirement in his emotional post-fight interview: “I have a family at home. I have three boys and a daughter, and they need their father. Philadelphia, it's been great. I love you all, but this is the last time you’ll see me fight.”
Knockouts of the Night: Lorenzo Hunt and Cody Russell / Fight of the Night: Pat Brady def. Bear Hill
Jade “Evil Smile” Masson-Wong defeated Crystal “The Rugged Beauty” Pittman. All three judges scored the fight 50-45 for the Quebec City-born Masson-Wong, who is now 4-2 in her BKFC career. Pittman, who hails from Sarasota, FL, is now 3-4, 1 NC under the BKFC banner.
Former BKFC light heavyweight champion Mike “The Marine” Richman edged out Joe “Hitman 187” Elmore for a majority decision victory in their welterweight battle. Two out of the three judges called the Minneapolis fighter Richman the winner (48-46, 49-45) and one judge scored the back-and-forth contest a draw (47-47). Richman logged the sole knockdown of the fight. Richman is now 7-3 in his BKFC career, while the Atlanta fighter Elmore is now 2-5.
Columbus, GA’s “Felony” Charles Bennett floored Pat “The Irishman” Sullivan twice en route to the second-round TKO stoppage in their featherweight matchup. The finish came with just four seconds left in the second frame. Bennett is now 1-3 in BKFC's squared circle. Sullivan, a product of South Philadelphia, is now 1-2.
Led by coach and combat sports legend Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez, Westchester, PA’s Cody “Chaos” Russell cruised to 2-0 in his BKFC career with a TKO over Harrison “The Headhunter” Aiken in middleweight action. Time of the TKO stoppage was 1:16 of the second round and followed three knockdowns by the hands of Russell. Both of Russell’s wins have come by stoppage. Aiken, who hails from Atlanta, is now 3-5 in his bare knuckle career.
Philadelphia lightweight “King” Zedekiah Montanez avenged a loss to Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer with a second-round KO victory on Saturday. Montanez scored three knockdowns to the finish with just one second left in the second round. Montanez is now 1-1 in his BKFC career, while the Omaha, NE product Meyer is now 3-4.
Levittown, PA cruiserweight Lex “The Grizzly Bear” Ludlow upped his BKFC record to 3-0 with a unanimous decision over Zack “Shark Attack” Calmus. All three judges scored the fight 30-26. Calmus, a product of Gloucester, MA, is now 5-5 under the BKFC banner.
BKFC Golden Ticket winner Prince Nyseam was victorious in his BKFC premiere, sending Brett “Showtime” Shoenfelt to the canvas twice en route to a unanimous decision in their middleweight matchup. All three judges agreed on the 30-25 verdict in favor of the debuting Camden, NJ product Nyseam. Shoenfelt, who represents Holidayburg, PA, was also making his bare knuckle fighting debut.
Pembroke, NC’s Joshua “The Preacherman” Oxendine shined in his BKFC debut, earning a unanimous decision victory over his highly experienced opponent, Travis “The Animal” Thompson, in the opening bout of the night. All three judges agreed on the 30-27 verdict. Thompson, who hails from Pottstown, PA, is now 6-8 under the BKFC banner.
KnuckleMania VI Results
Andrei Arlovski def. (C) Ben Rothwell via TKO in Round 3 (1:14) -- Arlovski Wins BKFC World Heavyweight Title
Lorenzo Hunt def. David Mundell via KO in Round 4 (0:29)
John Garbarino def. Kaine Tomlinson Jr. via TKO in Round 5 (0:49)
Ben Bonner def. Tony Soto via Unanimous Decision (49-46x2, 48-47)
Patrick Brady def. Bear Hill via Unanimous Decision (50-42, 49-41, 49-43)
Jade Masson-Wong def. Crystal Pittman via Unanimous Decision (50-45x3)
Mike Richman def. Joe Elmore via Majority Decision (48-46, 49-45, 47-47)
Charles Bennett def. Pat Sullivan via TKO in Round 2 (1:56)
Cody Russell def. Harrison Aiken via TKO in Round 2 (1:16)
Zedekiah Montanez def. Brandon Meyer via KO in Round 2 (1:59)
Lex Ludlow def. Zach Calmus via Unanimous Decision (30-26x3)
Prince Nyseam def. Brett Shoenfelt via Unanimous Decision (30-25x3)
Joshua Oxendine def. Travis Thompson via Unanimous Decision (30-27x3)
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Arlovski wins BKFC title at age 47
In a battle of fomrer mixed martial arts rivals, 47 year-old Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski dethroned BKFC heavyweight champion “Big” Ben Rothwell at KnuckleMania VI on Saturday at the sold-out Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The ringside doctor called a stop to the contest at 1:14 in the third round. The Belarus-born, Florida resdident product upped his BKFC record to 2-0 with the win. The former UFC heavyweight champion Arlovski also holds two MMA victories over Rothwell. Arlovski was asked in his post-fight interview if he’d like to defend his new championship against undefeated Cuban Leonardo “El Zambo” Perdomo: “I love what I do. Thank you very much to my family for letting me fight. So, like Nike — ‘just do it.’ ”
BKFC light heavyweight champion Lorenzo “The Juggernaut” Hunt solidified his status as the best bare knuckle fighter on the planet by stopping BKFC middleweight champion David “The Redneck” Mundell on Saturday. Mundell entered fight night as the #1 fighter on the BKFC pound-for-pound Rankings, and Hunt held the #2 spot. Hunt dropped Mundell twice before the KO stoppage 29 seconds into the fourth round. Hunt, who represents Jacksonville, FL, upped his bare knuckle fighting record to 13-2 with the win, while the Oldsmar, FL product Mundell fell to 10-2 in defeat, thereby snapping his eight-fight winning streak. Hunt took aim at “Platinum” Mike Perry in his post-fight interview: “I am the true King of Violence!”
Undefeated Philadelphia middleweight John “Johnny Cannolli” Garbarino dropped Kaine “Kaine 9” Tomlinson Jr. seven times to up his record to 4-0 with a fourth straight stoppage victory. The one-sided contest was called to a stop 49 seconds into the fifth round. Tomlinson Jr., a product of Roanoke, VA, is now 2-3 under the BKFC banner.
Former BKFC interim lightweight title holder Ben “The Bomber” Bonner earned another BKFC title opportunity with a unanimous decision victory over Tony “Loco” Soto. Two judges scored the title-eliminator fight 49-46 and one scored the contest 48-47, all in favor of the UK product. Bonner is now 5-2 heading into his earned matchup with former BKFC welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout for the vacant BKFC lightweight championship at a to-be-announced date.
Led to the ring by celebrated comedian/actor Shane Gillis, Philadelphia’s Patrick “The Brick” Brady upped his BKFC record to 3-0 with a hard-fought, unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Bear “The Last Barbarian” Hill in heavyweight action. Brady sent Hill to the canvas three times. He is now 3-0 after all three judges called him the winner of Saturday’s contest (50-42, 49-41, 49-43). Hill, who hails from Ardmore, AL, is now 2-1. Brady announced his retirement in his emotional post-fight interview: “I have a family at home. I have three boys and a daughter, and they need their father. Philadelphia, it's been great. I love you all, but this is the last time you’ll see me fight.”
Knockouts of the Night: Lorenzo Hunt and Cody Russell / Fight of the Night: Pat Brady def. Bear Hill
Jade “Evil Smile” Masson-Wong defeated Crystal “The Rugged Beauty” Pittman. All three judges scored the fight 50-45 for the Quebec City-born Masson-Wong, who is now 4-2 in her BKFC career. Pittman, who hails from Sarasota, FL, is now 3-4, 1 NC under the BKFC banner.
Former BKFC light heavyweight champion Mike “The Marine” Richman edged out Joe “Hitman 187” Elmore for a majority decision victory in their welterweight battle. Two out of the three judges called the Minneapolis fighter Richman the winner (48-46, 49-45) and one judge scored the back-and-forth contest a draw (47-47). Richman logged the sole knockdown of the fight. Richman is now 7-3 in his BKFC career, while the Atlanta fighter Elmore is now 2-5.
Columbus, GA’s “Felony” Charles Bennett floored Pat “The Irishman” Sullivan twice en route to the second-round TKO stoppage in their featherweight matchup. The finish came with just four seconds left in the second frame. Bennett is now 1-3 in BKFC's squared circle. Sullivan, a product of South Philadelphia, is now 1-2.
Led by coach and combat sports legend Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez, Westchester, PA’s Cody “Chaos” Russell cruised to 2-0 in his BKFC career with a TKO over Harrison “The Headhunter” Aiken in middleweight action. Time of the TKO stoppage was 1:16 of the second round and followed three knockdowns by the hands of Russell. Both of Russell’s wins have come by stoppage. Aiken, who hails from Atlanta, is now 3-5 in his bare knuckle career.
Philadelphia lightweight “King” Zedekiah Montanez avenged a loss to Brandon “Beastmode” Meyer with a second-round KO victory on Saturday. Montanez scored three knockdowns to the finish with just one second left in the second round. Montanez is now 1-1 in his BKFC career, while the Omaha, NE product Meyer is now 3-4.
Levittown, PA cruiserweight Lex “The Grizzly Bear” Ludlow upped his BKFC record to 3-0 with a unanimous decision over Zack “Shark Attack” Calmus. All three judges scored the fight 30-26. Calmus, a product of Gloucester, MA, is now 5-5 under the BKFC banner.
BKFC Golden Ticket winner Prince Nyseam was victorious in his BKFC premiere, sending Brett “Showtime” Shoenfelt to the canvas twice en route to a unanimous decision in their middleweight matchup. All three judges agreed on the 30-25 verdict in favor of the debuting Camden, NJ product Nyseam. Shoenfelt, who represents Holidayburg, PA, was also making his bare knuckle fighting debut.
Pembroke, NC’s Joshua “The Preacherman” Oxendine shined in his BKFC debut, earning a unanimous decision victory over his highly experienced opponent, Travis “The Animal” Thompson, in the opening bout of the night. All three judges agreed on the 30-27 verdict. Thompson, who hails from Pottstown, PA, is now 6-8 under the BKFC banner.
KnuckleMania VI Results
Andrei Arlovski def. (C) Ben Rothwell via TKO in Round 3 (1:14) -- Arlovski Wins BKFC World Heavyweight Title
Lorenzo Hunt def. David Mundell via KO in Round 4 (0:29)
John Garbarino def. Kaine Tomlinson Jr. via TKO in Round 5 (0:49)
Ben Bonner def. Tony Soto via Unanimous Decision (49-46x2, 48-47)
Patrick Brady def. Bear Hill via Unanimous Decision (50-42, 49-41, 49-43)
Jade Masson-Wong def. Crystal Pittman via Unanimous Decision (50-45x3)
Mike Richman def. Joe Elmore via Majority Decision (48-46, 49-45, 47-47)
Charles Bennett def. Pat Sullivan via TKO in Round 2 (1:56)
Cody Russell def. Harrison Aiken via TKO in Round 2 (1:16)
Zedekiah Montanez def. Brandon Meyer via KO in Round 2 (1:59)
Lex Ludlow def. Zach Calmus via Unanimous Decision (30-26x3)
Prince Nyseam def. Brett Shoenfelt via Unanimous Decision (30-25x3)
Joshua Oxendine def. Travis Thompson via Unanimous Decision (30-27x3)
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Jack Turner climbing the ranks at 115 pounds |
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Jack Turner TKO3 Juan Carlos Martínez... Undefeated British super flyweight Jack Turner added to his fast-rising career at Liverpool’s Echo Arena, where the corner of Juan Carlos Martínez (10-4-1) elected to withdraw their fighter before the start of the fourth round, awarding Turner the victory by retirement (RTD). From the opening round, Turner imposed both aggression and power, flooring Martínez early with a crisp combination. Despite the knockdown, the Mexican attempted to stay in the fight by seeking exchanges, but Turner’s speed and punch variety continued to make the difference. The third round proved both decisive. Amid the sustained pressure, the referee deducted a point from Martínez for repeated holding. At the end of the round, after assessing the accumulated punishment and his fighter’s physical condition, Martínez’s team chose not to allow him to continue, confirming Turner’s triumph. With the win, Jack Turner extends his perfect record to 14-0 with 13 stoppages.
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Jack Turner climbing the ranks at 115 pounds
Jack Turner TKO3 Juan Carlos Martínez... Undefeated British super flyweight Jack Turner added to his fast-rising career at Liverpool’s Echo Arena, where the corner of Juan Carlos Martínez (10-4-1) elected to withdraw their fighter before the start of the fourth round, awarding Turner the victory by retirement (RTD). From the opening round, Turner imposed both aggression and power, flooring Martínez early with a crisp combination. Despite the knockdown, the Mexican attempted to stay in the fight by seeking exchanges, but Turner’s speed and punch variety continued to make the difference. The third round proved both decisive. Amid the sustained pressure, the referee deducted a point from Martínez for repeated holding. At the end of the round, after assessing the accumulated punishment and his fighter’s physical condition, Martínez’s team chose not to allow him to continue, confirming Turner’s triumph. With the win, Jack Turner extends his perfect record to 14-0 with 13 stoppages.
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Figueroa KOs Ball in 12 for WBA featherweight crown |
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Brandon Figueroa KO12 Nick Ball.... After a close fight, Brandon Figueroa became a two-time champion with a twelfth-round knockout of WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball. The dramatic ending came in Ball's hometown of Liverpool England. After eleven rounds, the verdict seemed like it could go either way. Round twelve began with the fighters embracing each other, but about five seconds later, Ball was face down on the canvas. The 5'2" Ball got up, and referee Steve Gray could have, but did not stop the fight there. A couple of punches later, Figueroa sent Ball through the ropes and it was over. It was Ball's first loss as a professional. Figueroa is now 27-2-1, and starting his second reign as a champion (he was also a WBA regular champion).
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Figueroa KOs Ball in 12 for WBA featherweight crown
Brandon Figueroa KO12 Nick Ball.... After a close fight, Brandon Figueroa became a two-time champion with a twelfth-round knockout of WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball. The dramatic ending came in Ball's hometown of Liverpool England. After eleven rounds, the verdict seemed like it could go either way. Round twelve began with the fighters embracing each other, but about five seconds later, Ball was face down on the canvas. The 5'2" Ball got up, and referee Steve Gray could have, but did not stop the fight there. A couple of punches later, Figueroa sent Ball through the ropes and it was over. It was Ball's first loss as a professional. Figueroa is now 27-2-1, and starting his second reign as a champion (he was also a WBA regular champion).
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Cain wins eliminator despite being floored twice |
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Andrew Cain TKO9 Alejandro Jair Gonzalez... In Liverpool, Andrew Cain defeated Alejandro Jair Gonzalez in a WBC bantamweight eliminator by stoppage despite suffering two knockdowns himself. In round eight, Cain was down twice, the second time right as the round ended. But Cain turned the tables, scoring the first of two knockdowns in round nine. It wasn't a huge blow, and it looked like Gonzalez also slipped on the painted ring logo. But Cain pressed the advantage and soon floored Gonzalez again. The Mexican beat the count but paced around the ring not and failed to make eye contact with the referee, leading to the stoppage. Cain's resurgence to stop Gonzalez in the ninth earned him a shot at the WBC bantamweight title currently held by Takuma Inoue. ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Jack Turner retired Juan Carlos Urbina at the end of round three, moves to 14-0...
Hassan Ishaq moved to 3-0 with his third successive stoppage win, this time against Leonardo Baez... and
Brad Strand kicked off the night with a third-round stoppage of Ruben Lezama Gonzalez.
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Cain wins eliminator despite being floored twice
Andrew Cain TKO9 Alejandro Jair Gonzalez... In Liverpool, Andrew Cain defeated Alejandro Jair Gonzalez in a WBC bantamweight eliminator by stoppage despite suffering two knockdowns himself. In round eight, Cain was down twice, the second time right as the round ended. But Cain turned the tables, scoring the first of two knockdowns in round nine. It wasn't a huge blow, and it looked like Gonzalez also slipped on the painted ring logo. But Cain pressed the advantage and soon floored Gonzalez again. The Mexican beat the count but paced around the ring not and failed to make eye contact with the referee, leading to the stoppage. Cain's resurgence to stop Gonzalez in the ninth earned him a shot at the WBC bantamweight title currently held by Takuma Inoue. ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Jack Turner retired Juan Carlos Urbina at the end of round three, moves to 14-0...
Hassan Ishaq moved to 3-0 with his third successive stoppage win, this time against Leonardo Baez... and
Brad Strand kicked off the night with a third-round stoppage of Ruben Lezama Gonzalez.
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Medina retains WBO bantamweight title |
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Christian Medina W12 Adrien Curiel.... Christian Medina backed up his WBO bantamweight triumph last year with a first defense on home soil as he triumphed against Adrien Curiel. Medina thrilled the Guadalajara crowd, coasting to a unanimous decision at the city's Domo Alcalde across a dozen rounds to retain his belt. Medina won the all-Mexiacn battle by divergent scores of 120-108, 116-112, 115-113. Medina, who stunned Yoshiki Takei in Nagoya back in September to wrestle the strap away from the Japanese talent, had been tipped for success here. Curiel is a former IBF light flyweight champion, but is not highly regarded, and was at least two weight classes above his best. Medina controlled the bulk of their encounter, unlocking straight head-body switch combinations to soften his rival up and pin him back. A crunching right in the eighth round offered a potential opening to finish him off, though Curiel rallied to reach the final bell.
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Medina retains WBO bantamweight title
Christian Medina W12 Adrien Curiel.... Christian Medina backed up his WBO bantamweight triumph last year with a first defense on home soil as he triumphed against Adrien Curiel. Medina thrilled the Guadalajara crowd, coasting to a unanimous decision at the city's Domo Alcalde across a dozen rounds to retain his belt. Medina won the all-Mexiacn battle by divergent scores of 120-108, 116-112, 115-113. Medina, who stunned Yoshiki Takei in Nagoya back in September to wrestle the strap away from the Japanese talent, had been tipped for success here. Curiel is a former IBF light flyweight champion, but is not highly regarded, and was at least two weight classes above his best. Medina controlled the bulk of their encounter, unlocking straight head-body switch combinations to soften his rival up and pin him back. A crunching right in the eighth round offered a potential opening to finish him off, though Curiel rallied to reach the final bell.
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Weigh-in report from Liverpool |
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This Saturday, February 7th, the Echo Arena in Liverpool will host a showdown between undefeated hometown favorite Nick Ball, who is the reigning WBA featherweight champion, and former two-division champion Brandon Figueroa. Both men weighed in at 125.1 pounds on Friday. With both fighters known for their relentless punch output, these are the strategic keys that are likely to decide the outcome:
Distance and range management: Despite being the champion, Nick Ball (23-0-1, 13 KOs) faces a clear physical disadvantage. He stands just 5-foot-2, compared to Figueroa’s 5-foot-9 frame. Still, Ball has built his career by breaking down taller opponents. For the Brit, the key will be closing the distance quickly, shrinking the ring and forcing the fight into close quarters, where his low center of gravity allows him to land hooks and uppercuts from awkward angles that longer fighters struggle to defend.
Fighting on the inside: Unlike many tall fighters, Brandon Figueroa (26-2-1, 19 KOs) is very comfortable fighting on the inside—in fact, it’s his wheelhouse. “The Heartbreaker” thrives in close-range exchanges, using his reach to smother opponents with a constant stream of punches, particularly to the body. If Figueroa chooses to trade with Ball in the center of the ring, the fight could turn into a grueling war of attrition where durability and chin will be decisive.
The battle to the body: Most analysts agree the body will be the primary target. Ball has a tendency to slightly expose his midsection when unleashing power combinations, a vulnerability Figueroa—one of the best left-hook-to-the-body punchers in the division—will look to exploit. On the other side, Ball will aim to slow the American’s movement early, preventing Figueroa from relying on his jab to control distance in the later rounds.
The hometown factor: Nick Ball fights in his hometown, riding the momentum of recent victories over Sam Goodman and TJ Doheny. His aggressive style is designed to break an opponent’s will. Figueroa has warned that he’s no stranger to hostile territory, but he’ll need to stay tactically disciplined to avoid getting swept up in the frenzy that the Liverpool crowd will generate with every surge from their champion.
A fast-paced fight is expected. If Ball can consistently penetrate Figueroa’s guard and sustain the tempo, he enters as the favorite to retain his title by decision. However, if Figueroa manages to impose his size and sustained body attack, a change of power at 126 pounds before the final bell is very much in play.
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Weigh-in report from Liverpool
This Saturday, February 7th, the Echo Arena in Liverpool will host a showdown between undefeated hometown favorite Nick Ball, who is the reigning WBA featherweight champion, and former two-division champion Brandon Figueroa. Both men weighed in at 125.1 pounds on Friday. With both fighters known for their relentless punch output, these are the strategic keys that are likely to decide the outcome:
Distance and range management: Despite being the champion, Nick Ball (23-0-1, 13 KOs) faces a clear physical disadvantage. He stands just 5-foot-2, compared to Figueroa’s 5-foot-9 frame. Still, Ball has built his career by breaking down taller opponents. For the Brit, the key will be closing the distance quickly, shrinking the ring and forcing the fight into close quarters, where his low center of gravity allows him to land hooks and uppercuts from awkward angles that longer fighters struggle to defend.
Fighting on the inside: Unlike many tall fighters, Brandon Figueroa (26-2-1, 19 KOs) is very comfortable fighting on the inside—in fact, it’s his wheelhouse. “The Heartbreaker” thrives in close-range exchanges, using his reach to smother opponents with a constant stream of punches, particularly to the body. If Figueroa chooses to trade with Ball in the center of the ring, the fight could turn into a grueling war of attrition where durability and chin will be decisive.
The battle to the body: Most analysts agree the body will be the primary target. Ball has a tendency to slightly expose his midsection when unleashing power combinations, a vulnerability Figueroa—one of the best left-hook-to-the-body punchers in the division—will look to exploit. On the other side, Ball will aim to slow the American’s movement early, preventing Figueroa from relying on his jab to control distance in the later rounds.
The hometown factor: Nick Ball fights in his hometown, riding the momentum of recent victories over Sam Goodman and TJ Doheny. His aggressive style is designed to break an opponent’s will. Figueroa has warned that he’s no stranger to hostile territory, but he’ll need to stay tactically disciplined to avoid getting swept up in the frenzy that the Liverpool crowd will generate with every surge from their champion.
A fast-paced fight is expected. If Ball can consistently penetrate Figueroa’s guard and sustain the tempo, he enters as the favorite to retain his title by decision. However, if Figueroa manages to impose his size and sustained body attack, a change of power at 126 pounds before the final bell is very much in play.
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New Jersey show booked for March 7th |
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Boxing Insider Promotions will present a professional boxing event at the Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday, March 7th. The event will be headlined by a junior middleweight bout between “Mr. Atlantic City” Justin Figueroa (17-0) vs. James Blake Franklin (17-14-2). Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster. Other confirmed matchups:
Josh Popper vs. Dillon Pumphrey (heavyweight);
John Leonardo vs. Edgar Joe Cortes (junior featherweight);
Lia Lewandowski vs. Indeya “Azucar” Rodriguez (light flyweight);
Jacob Riley Solis vs. Jeremy Ramos (junior middleweight);
Jim Torney vs. Trevor Kotara (heavyweight).
Also scheduled to appear: Julio “Julez” Sanchez III and Jahanzeb Rizwan with more bouts to be announced.
“We are excited to bring our brand of club boxing back to the Boardwalk in 2026,” said Larry Goldberg, promoter of Boxing Insider Promotions. “Tropicana is the best venue in town to watch the fights and this card will not disappoint.”
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New Jersey show booked for March 7th
Boxing Insider Promotions will present a professional boxing event at the Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday, March 7th. The event will be headlined by a junior middleweight bout between “Mr. Atlantic City” Justin Figueroa (17-0) vs. James Blake Franklin (17-14-2). Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster. Other confirmed matchups:
Josh Popper vs. Dillon Pumphrey (heavyweight);
John Leonardo vs. Edgar Joe Cortes (junior featherweight);
Lia Lewandowski vs. Indeya “Azucar” Rodriguez (light flyweight);
Jacob Riley Solis vs. Jeremy Ramos (junior middleweight);
Jim Torney vs. Trevor Kotara (heavyweight).
Also scheduled to appear: Julio “Julez” Sanchez III and Jahanzeb Rizwan with more bouts to be announced.
“We are excited to bring our brand of club boxing back to the Boardwalk in 2026,” said Larry Goldberg, promoter of Boxing Insider Promotions. “Tropicana is the best venue in town to watch the fights and this card will not disappoint.”
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Tonight: WBO bantamweight title fight in Mexico |
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Defending champion Christian Medina and Adrian Curiel headline a high-stakes world title clash when the two Mexicans meet for the WBO bantamweight title in Guadalajara, live on DAZN. With a world belt on the line at 118 pounds, the bout places the bantamweight division firmly in the spotlight, as Medina (26-4) makes the first defense of the title he claimed last September via an upset road win over Yoshiki Takei in Japan. Curiel (26-6-1) briefly held the IBF 108-pound champion, but he lost that title in an immediate rematch to Sivenathi Nontshinga. Curiel then moved up to 112 pounds and was defeated by Sunny Edwards. Curiel has won two low-level fights since then.
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Tonight: WBO bantamweight title fight in Mexico
Defending champion Christian Medina and Adrian Curiel headline a high-stakes world title clash when the two Mexicans meet for the WBO bantamweight title in Guadalajara, live on DAZN. With a world belt on the line at 118 pounds, the bout places the bantamweight division firmly in the spotlight, as Medina (26-4) makes the first defense of the title he claimed last September via an upset road win over Yoshiki Takei in Japan. Curiel (26-6-1) briefly held the IBF 108-pound champion, but he lost that title in an immediate rematch to Sivenathi Nontshinga. Curiel then moved up to 112 pounds and was defeated by Sunny Edwards. Curiel has won two low-level fights since then.
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Mikaelian calls out Opetaia for cruiserweight unification |
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WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Gevor Mikaelian a/k/a Norair Mikaelian visited the WBC in Mexico City to receive the championship belt he earned back in December by dethroning Badou Jack. It was sweet revenge for Miakelian who lost a disputed majority decision to Jack earlier in the year. Accompanied in Mexico City by his manager, Anthony Girges, the slim yet powerful Mikaleian who reportedly speaks Armenian, German, French, Russian and English, delighted the WBC crowd by addressing them in Spanish.
Mikaelian has only lost to champions: Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, Mairis Briedis and first time around to Badou Jack. All three losses were close and competitive points defeats. Mikaelian said of them: “I don’t see them as losses. They were just fights. I won them in the ring. I didn’t get the decisions. They are just paper losses. Champions focus upon moving on. Practically, I’m undefeated.”
As for the future, Mikaelian said, “We are looking to unify the titles, so we are looking to fight [IBF champion] Jai Opetaia or one of the other champions [the only other champion is Gilberto Ramirez, who holds thew WBA and WBO titles]. Boxing is ninety percent mental. I know I can defeat Opetaia and it’ll be the toughest contest for him. He wants a stay busy fight right now, which I don’t understand. A unification is what the fans want and what the division needs. I myself feel great, and in the heavier divisions, you mature later and I feel at my strongest. But, boxing is like a chess match. It’s even more mental than physical. Everyone has a good preparation, so you have to outsmart them and be clever."
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Mikaelian calls out Opetaia for cruiserweight unification
WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Gevor Mikaelian a/k/a Norair Mikaelian visited the WBC in Mexico City to receive the championship belt he earned back in December by dethroning Badou Jack. It was sweet revenge for Miakelian who lost a disputed majority decision to Jack earlier in the year. Accompanied in Mexico City by his manager, Anthony Girges, the slim yet powerful Mikaleian who reportedly speaks Armenian, German, French, Russian and English, delighted the WBC crowd by addressing them in Spanish.
Mikaelian has only lost to champions: Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, Mairis Briedis and first time around to Badou Jack. All three losses were close and competitive points defeats. Mikaelian said of them: “I don’t see them as losses. They were just fights. I won them in the ring. I didn’t get the decisions. They are just paper losses. Champions focus upon moving on. Practically, I’m undefeated.”
As for the future, Mikaelian said, “We are looking to unify the titles, so we are looking to fight [IBF champion] Jai Opetaia or one of the other champions [the only other champion is Gilberto Ramirez, who holds thew WBA and WBO titles]. Boxing is ninety percent mental. I know I can defeat Opetaia and it’ll be the toughest contest for him. He wants a stay busy fight right now, which I don’t understand. A unification is what the fans want and what the division needs. I myself feel great, and in the heavier divisions, you mature later and I feel at my strongest. But, boxing is like a chess match. It’s even more mental than physical. Everyone has a good preparation, so you have to outsmart them and be clever."
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Thurman: "watch what happens when I hit Fundora's chin" |
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WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman went face to face at a press conference in Los Angeles Wednesday to promote their PBC pay-per-view fight scheduled for Saturday, March 28th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Fundora and Thurman were originally scheduled to meet last October, before Fundora suffered a hand contusion in sparring. With Fundora back in action, this matchup will deliver a fascinating clash of styles and an elite level crossroads duel. During the press conference, Thurman implored fans to “watch what happens when I hit this man’s chin, he’s gonna do a pretty little dance,” while the always-stoic Fundora promised to do his talking in the ring. Here is what Thurman had to say Wednesday from Avalon Hollywood:
“I already see the mistakes that he’s unfortunately gonna be making on March 28th. Boxing isn’t about the talk though, it’s about delivering in the ring. Fundora is a man of few words, but many punches. And because of that, you can guarantee that this pay-per-view is a can’t-miss.
“Beating me would be the greatest accomplishment of your career Fundora, don’t lie to yourself…You have been hit and not gotten off the canvas. I’m happy to make you experience it again.
“I’m looking forward to boxing hard and putting on a great performance to get that belt right there.
“To me, the real great champions are the type of champions who stumble, only to rise up again. That’s what I’m trying to do right here right now.
“I’m already a stamped Hall of Famer for what I accomplished at welterweight. But what I love about this fight is that there are only so many fighters from my generation who are still here today. There is a plethora of young fighters that have taken over, including Sebastian Fundora. I believe in my skills and my talent. Say I’m the gatekeeper, but I’m the final boss.
“Sparring is gonna be really solid for this fight. I was starting to get used to the height and reach discrepancy last camp and now I’m just activating that muscle memory for this camp. This was my first time sparring guys that tall, so having this extra time makes me feel more confident.
“My original coach Ben Getty used to say: ‘you do your homework, you pass the test.’ Now that we’ve had more time to study, I plan on passing with flying colors.
“I’m so grateful to be back in the ring. I wanted this dream to come true last year, but sometimes patience is a virtue. We’ve got one thing on our mind this whole camp, and that’s timber!”
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Thurman: "watch what happens when I hit Fundora's chin"
WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman went face to face at a press conference in Los Angeles Wednesday to promote their PBC pay-per-view fight scheduled for Saturday, March 28th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Fundora and Thurman were originally scheduled to meet last October, before Fundora suffered a hand contusion in sparring. With Fundora back in action, this matchup will deliver a fascinating clash of styles and an elite level crossroads duel. During the press conference, Thurman implored fans to “watch what happens when I hit this man’s chin, he’s gonna do a pretty little dance,” while the always-stoic Fundora promised to do his talking in the ring. Here is what Thurman had to say Wednesday from Avalon Hollywood:
“I already see the mistakes that he’s unfortunately gonna be making on March 28th. Boxing isn’t about the talk though, it’s about delivering in the ring. Fundora is a man of few words, but many punches. And because of that, you can guarantee that this pay-per-view is a can’t-miss.
“Beating me would be the greatest accomplishment of your career Fundora, don’t lie to yourself…You have been hit and not gotten off the canvas. I’m happy to make you experience it again.
“I’m looking forward to boxing hard and putting on a great performance to get that belt right there.
“To me, the real great champions are the type of champions who stumble, only to rise up again. That’s what I’m trying to do right here right now.
“I’m already a stamped Hall of Famer for what I accomplished at welterweight. But what I love about this fight is that there are only so many fighters from my generation who are still here today. There is a plethora of young fighters that have taken over, including Sebastian Fundora. I believe in my skills and my talent. Say I’m the gatekeeper, but I’m the final boss.
“Sparring is gonna be really solid for this fight. I was starting to get used to the height and reach discrepancy last camp and now I’m just activating that muscle memory for this camp. This was my first time sparring guys that tall, so having this extra time makes me feel more confident.
“My original coach Ben Getty used to say: ‘you do your homework, you pass the test.’ Now that we’ve had more time to study, I plan on passing with flying colors.
“I’m so grateful to be back in the ring. I wanted this dream to come true last year, but sometimes patience is a virtue. We’ve got one thing on our mind this whole camp, and that’s timber!”
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