ESPN to stream June 19th title doubleheader from Tokyo |
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Brian “The Assassin” Norman Jr. will defend his WBO welterweight title against Japan's Jin Sasaki on Thursday, June 19th, at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo. In the first fight on the ESPN+ stream, Filipino southpaw Cristian Araneta (25-2, 20 KOs) and Thailand’s Thanongsak Simsri (38-1, 34 KOs) collide for the vacant IBF junior flyweight world title. Araneta enters the bout riding a six-fight win streak, while Simsri looks to build on 14 straight victories since his lone defeat in 2022.In the co-feature, Sora Tanaka (3-0, 3 KOs) steps up to twelve rounds in just his fourth pro fight against veteran Takeru Kobata (14-7-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant OPBF welterweight title. Norman-Sasaki, Tanaka-Kobata, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. beginning at 4 a.m. ET/1 a.m. PT, with the main event starting at approximately 7:15 a.m. ET/4:15 a.m. PT. Norman (27-0, 21 KOs) is a 24 year-old Atlanta native who began honing his craft as a paid professional at 17, racking up more than a dozen early wins in Mexico. He kept building with a string of stateside victories, including five stoppages in his home state, before signing with Top Rank in early 2023. A year later, he faced Giovani Santillan for the vacant interim title and silenced the San Diego faithful with a statement-making 10th-round knockout. Three months later, he was elevated to full champion and returned in March to dispatch Puerto Rico's Derrieck Cuevas in three rounds.
Sasaki (19-1-1, 17 KOs) is undefeated as a welterweight, having picked up nine wins and seven knockouts since the only defeat on his resume. In January 2023, he registered a one-round destruction of Ryota Toyoshima. He also racked wins via the fast route over Joe Noynay and Qamil Balla in 2024. In January, he went twelve rounds for the first time, decisioning Shoki Sakai on the Naoya Inoue-Ye Joon Kim undercard.
In additional undercard action, local rivals Yuki Onu (8-0-2, 5 KOs) and former world title challenger Reiya Abe (26-4-2, 10 KOs) will vie for the vacant Japanese featherweight title. Both look to rebound from draws, with Onu going eight rounds with Kyohei Tonomoto last November and Abe battling Satoshi Shimizu over 10 rounds in March.
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ESPN to stream June 19th title doubleheader from Tokyo
Brian “The Assassin” Norman Jr. will defend his WBO welterweight title against Japan's Jin Sasaki on Thursday, June 19th, at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo. In the first fight on the ESPN+ stream, Filipino southpaw Cristian Araneta (25-2, 20 KOs) and Thailand’s Thanongsak Simsri (38-1, 34 KOs) collide for the vacant IBF junior flyweight world title. Araneta enters the bout riding a six-fight win streak, while Simsri looks to build on 14 straight victories since his lone defeat in 2022.In the co-feature, Sora Tanaka (3-0, 3 KOs) steps up to twelve rounds in just his fourth pro fight against veteran Takeru Kobata (14-7-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant OPBF welterweight title. Norman-Sasaki, Tanaka-Kobata, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. beginning at 4 a.m. ET/1 a.m. PT, with the main event starting at approximately 7:15 a.m. ET/4:15 a.m. PT. Norman (27-0, 21 KOs) is a 24 year-old Atlanta native who began honing his craft as a paid professional at 17, racking up more than a dozen early wins in Mexico. He kept building with a string of stateside victories, including five stoppages in his home state, before signing with Top Rank in early 2023. A year later, he faced Giovani Santillan for the vacant interim title and silenced the San Diego faithful with a statement-making 10th-round knockout. Three months later, he was elevated to full champion and returned in March to dispatch Puerto Rico's Derrieck Cuevas in three rounds.
Sasaki (19-1-1, 17 KOs) is undefeated as a welterweight, having picked up nine wins and seven knockouts since the only defeat on his resume. In January 2023, he registered a one-round destruction of Ryota Toyoshima. He also racked wins via the fast route over Joe Noynay and Qamil Balla in 2024. In January, he went twelve rounds for the first time, decisioning Shoki Sakai on the Naoya Inoue-Ye Joon Kim undercard.
In additional undercard action, local rivals Yuki Onu (8-0-2, 5 KOs) and former world title challenger Reiya Abe (26-4-2, 10 KOs) will vie for the vacant Japanese featherweight title. Both look to rebound from draws, with Onu going eight rounds with Kyohei Tonomoto last November and Abe battling Satoshi Shimizu over 10 rounds in March.
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Spotlight on Johnson vs. Metcalfe world championship fight |
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On Friday, July 11th, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III will stream live globally on Netflix. The show will be broadcast on all Netflix plans at no additional cost. The all-women show is scheduled to see 21 world title belts contested across five championship bouts. One of the fights on this Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) show will be a four-belt world championship fight. Cherneka ‘Sugar Neekz’ Johnson (pictured), a two-weight champion, will defend her WBA bantamweight championship against Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs), whose IBF title will be on the line. The WBC and WBO will also recognize the winner as their champion, as both of their 118-pound titles have apparently been vacated by Dina Thorslund.
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Spotlight on Johnson vs. Metcalfe world championship fight
On Friday, July 11th, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III will stream live globally on Netflix. The show will be broadcast on all Netflix plans at no additional cost. The all-women show is scheduled to see 21 world title belts contested across five championship bouts. One of the fights on this Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) show will be a four-belt world championship fight. Cherneka ‘Sugar Neekz’ Johnson (pictured), a two-weight champion, will defend her WBA bantamweight championship against Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs), whose IBF title will be on the line. The WBC and WBO will also recognize the winner as their champion, as both of their 118-pound titles have apparently been vacated by Dina Thorslund.
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Golden Boy returns to Chicago on August 2nd |
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Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (29-2-1, 23 KOs), known for his relentless pressure and knockout power, will go toe-to-toe with Chicago’s own Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs), a slick technician with everything to prove in front of a hometown crowd. The two junior welterweights will have nowhere to run during the twelve-round main event that takes place Saturday, August 2nd, live worldwide on DAZN from Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Originally scheduled for November 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the bout was postponed due to Sims Jr.’s knee injury during training camp. Presented in association with Cancun Boxing, the event also marks Golden Boy’s return to the Windy City after more than a decade's absence.
“I feel very happy and motivated to be the main event on August 2nd against Sims Jr., an opponent I had previously scheduled to fight, but due to fate, the fight was postponed,” said Duarte. “I want to take this opportunity to thank Oscar de la Hoya, Eric Gómez, and the entire Golden Boy team for their trust. We are going all out, going for that win to get closer to a world championship.” Most recently, Duarte returned to the ring to take on the hard-hitting Miguel Madueño, in an all-Mexican, crowd-pleasing brawl in February 2025. In that bout, Duarte became the first fighter to stop Madueño, securing a seventh-round knockout. An amateur standout and former Team USA member, Sims' amateur career saw him become a nine-time national champion and make an appearance in the 2012 Olympic Trials where he lost a one-point decision to eventual Olympian and future pro champion Jose Ramirez. He later continued to win the 2013 U.S. National Championships to earn a spot on the USA Boxing National Team. Sims Jr. was soon traveling the world with his teammates, visiting locations such as Ukraine, Ireland, Chile and Puerto Rico, culminating with an appearance in the 2013 World Championships in Kazakhstan. Sims Jr. decided to go professional in March 2014 and quickly amassed a winning streak. With only two losses and a draw as blemishes on his record, he rebuilt himself to be one of the toughest super lightweights in the division. His breakout performance was an upset win against previously undefeated prospect Elvis Rodriguez on May 22, 2021. Since then, he has added six more victories to his resume. The ‘Bossman’ made his mark once again on the Duarte-Madueño undercard at the Honda Center on Feb. 15, 2025, claiming a unanimous decision victory in an action-packed fight.
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Golden Boy returns to Chicago on August 2nd
Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (29-2-1, 23 KOs), known for his relentless pressure and knockout power, will go toe-to-toe with Chicago’s own Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs), a slick technician with everything to prove in front of a hometown crowd. The two junior welterweights will have nowhere to run during the twelve-round main event that takes place Saturday, August 2nd, live worldwide on DAZN from Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Originally scheduled for November 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the bout was postponed due to Sims Jr.’s knee injury during training camp. Presented in association with Cancun Boxing, the event also marks Golden Boy’s return to the Windy City after more than a decade's absence.
“I feel very happy and motivated to be the main event on August 2nd against Sims Jr., an opponent I had previously scheduled to fight, but due to fate, the fight was postponed,” said Duarte. “I want to take this opportunity to thank Oscar de la Hoya, Eric Gómez, and the entire Golden Boy team for their trust. We are going all out, going for that win to get closer to a world championship.” Most recently, Duarte returned to the ring to take on the hard-hitting Miguel Madueño, in an all-Mexican, crowd-pleasing brawl in February 2025. In that bout, Duarte became the first fighter to stop Madueño, securing a seventh-round knockout. An amateur standout and former Team USA member, Sims' amateur career saw him become a nine-time national champion and make an appearance in the 2012 Olympic Trials where he lost a one-point decision to eventual Olympian and future pro champion Jose Ramirez. He later continued to win the 2013 U.S. National Championships to earn a spot on the USA Boxing National Team. Sims Jr. was soon traveling the world with his teammates, visiting locations such as Ukraine, Ireland, Chile and Puerto Rico, culminating with an appearance in the 2013 World Championships in Kazakhstan. Sims Jr. decided to go professional in March 2014 and quickly amassed a winning streak. With only two losses and a draw as blemishes on his record, he rebuilt himself to be one of the toughest super lightweights in the division. His breakout performance was an upset win against previously undefeated prospect Elvis Rodriguez on May 22, 2021. Since then, he has added six more victories to his resume. The ‘Bossman’ made his mark once again on the Duarte-Madueño undercard at the Honda Center on Feb. 15, 2025, claiming a unanimous decision victory in an action-packed fight.
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Turki: "more fighting, less running" |
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Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, tweeted that he wants more fighting and less running in the fights he pays for; "From this point on, I don’t want to see any more Tom and Jerry-type boxing matches where one fighter is running around the ring and the other is chasing him. We can longer support these kind of fights with Riyadh Season and The Ring. We want to support fighters who leave it all in the ring and fight with heart and pride."
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Turki: "more fighting, less running"
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, tweeted that he wants more fighting and less running in the fights he pays for; "From this point on, I don’t want to see any more Tom and Jerry-type boxing matches where one fighter is running around the ring and the other is chasing him. We can longer support these kind of fights with Riyadh Season and The Ring. We want to support fighters who leave it all in the ring and fight with heart and pride."
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Late results from England: O'Leary earns Euro honors |
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Pierce O’Leary W12 Liam Dillon... In the chief support bout on the Fabio Ward vs. Justis Huni undercard in Ipswich, England last weekend, Ireland gained a new European champion. Pierce O’Leary earned continental junior welterweight honors when he outgunned Liam Dillon over a dozen rounds. O'Leary is now 17-0 while Dillon falls to 15-3-1. The title was vacated by Dalton Smith earlier this year.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS: Albanian giant Nelson Hysa reminded everyone why he should be considered a serious player in the heavyweight division. Hysa (23-0) scored a resounding second-round victory over Patrick Korte (22-5-1). Afterwards, Hysa took to the microphone to publicly call out young heavyweight star Moses Itauma.... Surprisingly, Commonwealth junior middleweight champion Sam Gilley (18-1-1) was held to a draw against late replacement opponent Gideon Onyenani (7-5-1), with the referee’s card being returned at 76-76 following an eight-rounder... British Olympian and bronze medalist Lewis Richardson launched his professional journey in style with a convincing victory over six rounds against Dmitri Protkunas (8-21-1) at middleweight... Young featherweight Umar Khan took himself to 12-0 by defeating Moises Garcia (12-14-1) over eight rounds.
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Late results from England: O'Leary earns Euro honors
Pierce O’Leary W12 Liam Dillon... In the chief support bout on the Fabio Ward vs. Justis Huni undercard in Ipswich, England last weekend, Ireland gained a new European champion. Pierce O’Leary earned continental junior welterweight honors when he outgunned Liam Dillon over a dozen rounds. O'Leary is now 17-0 while Dillon falls to 15-3-1. The title was vacated by Dalton Smith earlier this year.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS: Albanian giant Nelson Hysa reminded everyone why he should be considered a serious player in the heavyweight division. Hysa (23-0) scored a resounding second-round victory over Patrick Korte (22-5-1). Afterwards, Hysa took to the microphone to publicly call out young heavyweight star Moses Itauma.... Surprisingly, Commonwealth junior middleweight champion Sam Gilley (18-1-1) was held to a draw against late replacement opponent Gideon Onyenani (7-5-1), with the referee’s card being returned at 76-76 following an eight-rounder... British Olympian and bronze medalist Lewis Richardson launched his professional journey in style with a convincing victory over six rounds against Dmitri Protkunas (8-21-1) at middleweight... Young featherweight Umar Khan took himself to 12-0 by defeating Moises Garcia (12-14-1) over eight rounds.
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Netflix formally announces Alvarez vs. Crawford |
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When two pound-for-pound kings step into the ring, history doesn’t wait — it swings. The undisputed face of Mexican boxing will square off against the undefeated American phenom in a historic showdown, and it’s all happening live on Netflix. On Saturday, Sept. 13th, Netflix will stream the blockbuster bout between Mexico’s Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) and undefeated American superstar Terence “Bud” Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), live from Las Vegas. The high-stakes match-up was announced by Netflix, Turki Alalshikh (Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation), Sela and Dana White of TKO. It will be available to all Netflix subscribers globally, included in all memberships at no additional cost. Ahead of this epic Saturday fight night, Canelo and Crawford will stage a three-city international press tour, kicking off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 20th before heading to the United States for stops at Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center in New York City on Sunday, June 22nd, and at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, June 27th.
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Netflix formally announces Alvarez vs. Crawford
When two pound-for-pound kings step into the ring, history doesn’t wait — it swings. The undisputed face of Mexican boxing will square off against the undefeated American phenom in a historic showdown, and it’s all happening live on Netflix. On Saturday, Sept. 13th, Netflix will stream the blockbuster bout between Mexico’s Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) and undefeated American superstar Terence “Bud” Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), live from Las Vegas. The high-stakes match-up was announced by Netflix, Turki Alalshikh (Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation), Sela and Dana White of TKO. It will be available to all Netflix subscribers globally, included in all memberships at no additional cost. Ahead of this epic Saturday fight night, Canelo and Crawford will stage a three-city international press tour, kicking off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 20th before heading to the United States for stops at Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center in New York City on Sunday, June 22nd, and at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, June 27th.
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Box Fan Expo to return for its eighth event |
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The Box Fan Expo has announced its return to Las Vegas and its Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo. The event, open to fans, will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Saturday, September 13th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Mexican Independence Day weekend. The Boxing Expo will coincide with the mega-fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford that will take place later that evening.The Box Fan Expo is an annual event that coincides with some of the sports' legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather-Maidana II, Mayweather-Berto, Alvarez-Chavez Jr., Alvarez-Golovkin II, Alvarez-Jacobs, Alvarez-Golovkin III and Alvarez-Munguia. The doors are open to boxing fans from all over the world, as well to all major boxing companies, promoters and industry people during this Mexican holiday weekend. Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online here.
The Last Box Fan Expo that took place in 2024 was another huge success. Boxing fans from all over the globe had a chance to meet and greet some of their favorite fighters, including current and former world champions, top fighters of today, and many of the boxing celebrities such as Roberto Duran, Roy Jones Jr., Lennox Lewis, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Teofimo Lopez, Edgar Berlanga, Claressa Shields, Rolando Romero, Oscar Valdez, Fernando Vargas, Riddick Bowe, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Vinny Paz, Chiquita Gonzalez, Jessie Vargas, Nico Ali Walsh, Mia St. John and others. Those fighters plus more boxing celebrities took pictures, signed autographs for their fans who attended the Box Fan Expo. Fans also had an opportunity to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from fighters and companies involved with the sport of boxing.
The Box Fan Expo also played host to the fourth edition of “Box Fan Expo Invitational 2024”. This was an incredible amateur show which showcased several highly ranked and top USA amateur boxers who competed against the best in their division and more importantly in front of all the boxing fans that attended the meet and greet at the Expo. Those invited to compete had a chance to get huge exposure and get noticed by top boxing companies as well as industry people that were present that day during the event.
The event also honored Barry's Boxing Center which was founded by Pat and Dawn Barry, with a mission to help the youth of the Las Vegas community, on their path of physical and moral excellence. Barry’s Boxing Center is an environment that exemplifies the values of hard work, and respect. It gives the youths a safe place to go during critical out-of-school hours. In affiliation and coordination with USA Boxing, Barry’s Boxing center persist and insist on promoting safety in boxing as well as the development and encouragement of young men and women in their pursuit of excellence in the sport of boxing both in and out of the ring.
Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.
Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.
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Box Fan Expo to return for its eighth event
The Box Fan Expo has announced its return to Las Vegas and its Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo. The event, open to fans, will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Saturday, September 13th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Mexican Independence Day weekend. The Boxing Expo will coincide with the mega-fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford that will take place later that evening.The Box Fan Expo is an annual event that coincides with some of the sports' legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather-Maidana II, Mayweather-Berto, Alvarez-Chavez Jr., Alvarez-Golovkin II, Alvarez-Jacobs, Alvarez-Golovkin III and Alvarez-Munguia. The doors are open to boxing fans from all over the world, as well to all major boxing companies, promoters and industry people during this Mexican holiday weekend. Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online here.
The Last Box Fan Expo that took place in 2024 was another huge success. Boxing fans from all over the globe had a chance to meet and greet some of their favorite fighters, including current and former world champions, top fighters of today, and many of the boxing celebrities such as Roberto Duran, Roy Jones Jr., Lennox Lewis, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Teofimo Lopez, Edgar Berlanga, Claressa Shields, Rolando Romero, Oscar Valdez, Fernando Vargas, Riddick Bowe, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Vinny Paz, Chiquita Gonzalez, Jessie Vargas, Nico Ali Walsh, Mia St. John and others. Those fighters plus more boxing celebrities took pictures, signed autographs for their fans who attended the Box Fan Expo. Fans also had an opportunity to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from fighters and companies involved with the sport of boxing.
The Box Fan Expo also played host to the fourth edition of “Box Fan Expo Invitational 2024”. This was an incredible amateur show which showcased several highly ranked and top USA amateur boxers who competed against the best in their division and more importantly in front of all the boxing fans that attended the meet and greet at the Expo. Those invited to compete had a chance to get huge exposure and get noticed by top boxing companies as well as industry people that were present that day during the event.
The event also honored Barry's Boxing Center which was founded by Pat and Dawn Barry, with a mission to help the youth of the Las Vegas community, on their path of physical and moral excellence. Barry’s Boxing Center is an environment that exemplifies the values of hard work, and respect. It gives the youths a safe place to go during critical out-of-school hours. In affiliation and coordination with USA Boxing, Barry’s Boxing center persist and insist on promoting safety in boxing as well as the development and encouragement of young men and women in their pursuit of excellence in the sport of boxing both in and out of the ring.
Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.
Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.
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Team USA begins tournament in Czech Republic |
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The brackets have been announced for the World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem (Czech Republic). The competition begins today (Wednesday) with two of Team USA’s eleven athletes in action on the opening day. Jajaira Gonzalez (women’s lightweight) and Rene Camacho (men’s welterweight) will start things off for USA Boxing in the opening rounds of their respective brackets.Gonzalez will step in the ring on Wednesday against Croatia’s Sara Beram. Gonzalez will make her 2025 international debut after missing the World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025 due to injury. The Glendora, Calif., native is on the hunt for an explosive start to the 2025 competition calendar after earning a win at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Gonzalez will aim to utilize her extensive international experience to overcome her bracket and will also need four wins to claim a gold medal. Closing out the slate on opening day for the Red, White and Blue is Camacho, who will make his Elite international debut for Team USA. Camacho was recently elevated to the Elite High Performance competition roster and will take on Hungary’s Milan Petriman in bout eight of Wednesday’s session in ring two. Within his bracket, Camacho is one of fifteen competitors and must also capture four victories to earn a gold medal for the USA. Bout one at the World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem 2025 will get underway at approximately 7 a.m. ET. Each round of the World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem 2025 will be broadcast live on the Czech Boxing Association’s YouTube channel. To watch all the action throughout the tournament, click HERE.
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Team USA begins tournament in Czech Republic
The brackets have been announced for the World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem (Czech Republic). The competition begins today (Wednesday) with two of Team USA’s eleven athletes in action on the opening day. Jajaira Gonzalez (women’s lightweight) and Rene Camacho (men’s welterweight) will start things off for USA Boxing in the opening rounds of their respective brackets.Gonzalez will step in the ring on Wednesday against Croatia’s Sara Beram. Gonzalez will make her 2025 international debut after missing the World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025 due to injury. The Glendora, Calif., native is on the hunt for an explosive start to the 2025 competition calendar after earning a win at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Gonzalez will aim to utilize her extensive international experience to overcome her bracket and will also need four wins to claim a gold medal. Closing out the slate on opening day for the Red, White and Blue is Camacho, who will make his Elite international debut for Team USA. Camacho was recently elevated to the Elite High Performance competition roster and will take on Hungary’s Milan Petriman in bout eight of Wednesday’s session in ring two. Within his bracket, Camacho is one of fifteen competitors and must also capture four victories to earn a gold medal for the USA. Bout one at the World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem 2025 will get underway at approximately 7 a.m. ET. Each round of the World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem 2025 will be broadcast live on the Czech Boxing Association’s YouTube channel. To watch all the action throughout the tournament, click HERE.
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Hrgovic vs. Sanchez purse bid postponed yet again |
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UPDATE: The IBF has yet again postponed a purse bid for a proposed heavyweight elimination bout between Frank Sanchez and Filip Hrgovic. Already delayed from May 15th to May 22nd and again until June 10th, the new scheduled date for the auction process is now June 17th. PRIOR COVERAGE: May 22, 2025: The IBF has again postponed a purse bid for a proposed heavyweight elimination bout between Frank Sanchez and Filip Hrgovic. Already delayed from May 15th to May 22nd, the new scheduled date for the auction process is now June 10th. May 5th, 2025: On April 14th, the IBF ordered heavyweight contenders Frank Sanchez and Filip Hrgovic to begin negotiations for a bout that will determine the IBF's #1 ranking in the division. The IBF reports that an agreement has not yet been reached. The IBF has therefore scheduled a purse bid for Thursday, May 15th. Hrgovic is coming off a win over Joe Joyce, while Sanchez lost his last major fight to Agit Kabayel but returned with a very low-level win over Ramon Olivas Echevarria in February. The IBF heavyweight championship is currently held by Daniel Dubois. In July, Dubois will unify the titles against Oleksandr Usyk, the holder of the other three major heavyweight titles as well as the generally recognized world heavyweight champion. Usyk defeated Dubois in 2023.
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Hrgovic vs. Sanchez purse bid postponed yet again
UPDATE: The IBF has yet again postponed a purse bid for a proposed heavyweight elimination bout between Frank Sanchez and Filip Hrgovic. Already delayed from May 15th to May 22nd and again until June 10th, the new scheduled date for the auction process is now June 17th. PRIOR COVERAGE: May 22, 2025: The IBF has again postponed a purse bid for a proposed heavyweight elimination bout between Frank Sanchez and Filip Hrgovic. Already delayed from May 15th to May 22nd, the new scheduled date for the auction process is now June 10th. May 5th, 2025: On April 14th, the IBF ordered heavyweight contenders Frank Sanchez and Filip Hrgovic to begin negotiations for a bout that will determine the IBF's #1 ranking in the division. The IBF reports that an agreement has not yet been reached. The IBF has therefore scheduled a purse bid for Thursday, May 15th. Hrgovic is coming off a win over Joe Joyce, while Sanchez lost his last major fight to Agit Kabayel but returned with a very low-level win over Ramon Olivas Echevarria in February. The IBF heavyweight championship is currently held by Daniel Dubois. In July, Dubois will unify the titles against Oleksandr Usyk, the holder of the other three major heavyweight titles as well as the generally recognized world heavyweight champion. Usyk defeated Dubois in 2023.
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IBF upgrades Raymond Muratalla to lighweight champion |
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The IBF received official notification on June 5th that Vasily Lomachenko was retiring from the sport of boxing, thereby relinquishing his title as IBF lightweight world champion. The IBF is proud and honored to count Mr. Lomachenko among its roster of former champions. His achievements in the ring, as both a professional and an amateur, are truly exceptional. He has built a legacy marked by determination, skill, and sportsmanship that will continue to inspire generations of fighters to come. We extend our sincere gratitude to Loma for his contributions to the sport and to the IBF. We wish him all the best and every success in his future endeavors. Raymond Muratalla, formerly the IBF interim lightweight world champion, has officially been elevated to full IBF lightweight world champion status. The scheduled elimination bout for the #1 position in the IBF lightweight ratings between Andy Cruz and Hinonori Mishiro on June 14th, will determine the mandatory challenger who will face Muratalla in his first mandatory defense of the title.
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IBF upgrades Raymond Muratalla to lighweight champion
The IBF received official notification on June 5th that Vasily Lomachenko was retiring from the sport of boxing, thereby relinquishing his title as IBF lightweight world champion. The IBF is proud and honored to count Mr. Lomachenko among its roster of former champions. His achievements in the ring, as both a professional and an amateur, are truly exceptional. He has built a legacy marked by determination, skill, and sportsmanship that will continue to inspire generations of fighters to come. We extend our sincere gratitude to Loma for his contributions to the sport and to the IBF. We wish him all the best and every success in his future endeavors. Raymond Muratalla, formerly the IBF interim lightweight world champion, has officially been elevated to full IBF lightweight world champion status. The scheduled elimination bout for the #1 position in the IBF lightweight ratings between Andy Cruz and Hinonori Mishiro on June 14th, will determine the mandatory challenger who will face Muratalla in his first mandatory defense of the title.
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Resendiz takes a victory lap in Guayabitos, Mexico |
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A wave of hometown pride swept through Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico, as Armando “Toro” Rezendiz (16-2, 11 KOs) returned home following his career-changing win over Caleb “Sweethands” Plant to capture the WBA interim super middleweight title. In a packed press conference followed by a parade attended by family, friends, fans, and local media, Rezendiz spoke from the heart about the significance of this victory and what lies ahead in his promising career. This win was monumental for Rezendiz, who is managed by Jesse Rodriguez and promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Warriors Boxing. Resendiz stated, “This belt means everything—it’s a testament to years of hard work and perseverance. Before this fight, I was just another contender trying to prove myself. Now, as a world champion, I feel like I’ve reached a new level. It’s given me confidence and opened doors I never thought possible. But most importantly, it’s shown me that when you truly believe in yourself and your team, nothing is impossible.”
Resendiz and the love for his hometown is strong and as he says, “Every time I fight, I carry the name of Guayabitos with me. We’re a small town, but we have big hearts and big dreams. I’m proud of where I’m from, and I hope this victory shows the kids back home that no dream is too big. This isn’t just my win—it’s a win for everyone who’s ever believed in me and for the people of Nayarit who have always supported me.”
On what’s next in his journey, Rezendiz continued, “This title is only the beginning. I want to keep pushing forward, defending this belt and challenging the best in the division. My goal is to unify the titles and prove that I can stand with anyone in the world. Right now, I’m staying focused, humble, and working even harder in the gym. Whoever comes next, I’ll be ready.”
The atmosphere at the press conference was electric, with chants of “Toro! Toro!” echoing through the room as Armando fielded questions and posed for photos with his new championship belt. Fans lined up for autographs and selfies, while family members shared emotional embraces with the newly crowned champion.
Rezendiz also took a moment to thank his team, his promoters and supporters, emphasizing that this victory was the result of a collective effort, stating, “I couldn’t do this without the backing of my entire team. Everyone, my promoters, my manager, my trainers and family, we won this world title together. I’m truly grateful for their support.”
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Resendiz takes a victory lap in Guayabitos, Mexico
A wave of hometown pride swept through Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico, as Armando “Toro” Rezendiz (16-2, 11 KOs) returned home following his career-changing win over Caleb “Sweethands” Plant to capture the WBA interim super middleweight title. In a packed press conference followed by a parade attended by family, friends, fans, and local media, Rezendiz spoke from the heart about the significance of this victory and what lies ahead in his promising career. This win was monumental for Rezendiz, who is managed by Jesse Rodriguez and promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Warriors Boxing. Resendiz stated, “This belt means everything—it’s a testament to years of hard work and perseverance. Before this fight, I was just another contender trying to prove myself. Now, as a world champion, I feel like I’ve reached a new level. It’s given me confidence and opened doors I never thought possible. But most importantly, it’s shown me that when you truly believe in yourself and your team, nothing is impossible.”
Resendiz and the love for his hometown is strong and as he says, “Every time I fight, I carry the name of Guayabitos with me. We’re a small town, but we have big hearts and big dreams. I’m proud of where I’m from, and I hope this victory shows the kids back home that no dream is too big. This isn’t just my win—it’s a win for everyone who’s ever believed in me and for the people of Nayarit who have always supported me.”
On what’s next in his journey, Rezendiz continued, “This title is only the beginning. I want to keep pushing forward, defending this belt and challenging the best in the division. My goal is to unify the titles and prove that I can stand with anyone in the world. Right now, I’m staying focused, humble, and working even harder in the gym. Whoever comes next, I’ll be ready.”
The atmosphere at the press conference was electric, with chants of “Toro! Toro!” echoing through the room as Armando fielded questions and posed for photos with his new championship belt. Fans lined up for autographs and selfies, while family members shared emotional embraces with the newly crowned champion.
Rezendiz also took a moment to thank his team, his promoters and supporters, emphasizing that this victory was the result of a collective effort, stating, “I couldn’t do this without the backing of my entire team. Everyone, my promoters, my manager, my trainers and family, we won this world title together. I’m truly grateful for their support.”
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Former European champion James Cook passes away at 66 |
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The WBC and Commonwealth Boxing Council are reporting that former European and British super middleweight champion James Cook MBE has lost his battle with cancer. According to Wikipedia, Cook was 66 year old. Cook turned pro in 1982 and won the British super middleweight title in 1990 away from home against Belfast's Sam Storey. He won the European championship, also away from home in Germany against Pierre Frank Winterstein in 1991. His final career record was 25-10. More importantly, Cook was a fine human being. After his career ended in 1994, Cook formed a boxing club, the Pedro Club, in Hackney that worked with disadvantaged youngsters. It was for that work that Cook was honored with a well-deserved MBE by Queen Elizabeth II. He was also a member of the ‘Legends of Boxing’ choir which recorded the song, ‘Never Give Up. Never Give In’ at Abbey Road Studios in 2019 in aid of the boxing Charity, the Ringside Charitable Trust.
Boxingtalk joins Simon Block of the Commonwealth Boxing Council, as well as the WBC, in sending its deepest sympathies to the firends and family of James Cook.
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Former European champion James Cook passes away at 66
The WBC and Commonwealth Boxing Council are reporting that former European and British super middleweight champion James Cook MBE has lost his battle with cancer. According to Wikipedia, Cook was 66 year old. Cook turned pro in 1982 and won the British super middleweight title in 1990 away from home against Belfast's Sam Storey. He won the European championship, also away from home in Germany against Pierre Frank Winterstein in 1991. His final career record was 25-10. More importantly, Cook was a fine human being. After his career ended in 1994, Cook formed a boxing club, the Pedro Club, in Hackney that worked with disadvantaged youngsters. It was for that work that Cook was honored with a well-deserved MBE by Queen Elizabeth II. He was also a member of the ‘Legends of Boxing’ choir which recorded the song, ‘Never Give Up. Never Give In’ at Abbey Road Studios in 2019 in aid of the boxing Charity, the Ringside Charitable Trust.
Boxingtalk joins Simon Block of the Commonwealth Boxing Council, as well as the WBC, in sending its deepest sympathies to the firends and family of James Cook.
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Star Boxing previews Saturday's show |
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Star Boxing hosted a live press conference at Empire Harley Davidson in New Rochelle, New York to previewing this Saturday’s fight card at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. The card’s featured contestants—Rajon “Picasso” Chance and undefeated Yan Carlos “El Baka” Perez —stood face-to-face in a tense stare-down, previewing their super bantamweight main event. Popular fan favorites, undefeated Harley Burke, a Yonkers Irish-American and his opponent, Bronx battler and FDNY's Louis Maietta also faced off. Also in attendance were Rodrigo Marte of the Dominican Republic, alongside New Yorkers Austin Cassese and Sharif One.
President & CEO of Star Boxing, Joe DeGuardia, emphasized the spirit of the event and its synergy with the venue: “We are proud to collaborate with Harley-Davidson, a historic brand that has long represented freedom, strength, independence, and heart. That same spirit is at the core of boxing and what we do at Star Boxing. We’re recreating the old-school magic on June 14th. We’ve got 50/50 matchups like Chance vs. Perez and O’Rourke vs. Sylla, and local battles that make this card unique—Burke vs. Maietta is one of those gritty, Yonkers vs. Bronx, pride-on-the-line clashes you rarely see these days. These are real fights, not padded records, and that’s what boxing needs.”
Press Conference Quotes
Rajon 'Picasso' Chance vs. Yan Carlos 'El Baka' Perez:
"This is going to be a great fight, and I'm ready to give you the best version of myself" Yan-Carlos Perez.
"I'm excited for this fight, and I'm very happy to be back under the bright lights. I like the Boxer vs. Puncher theme... there's only one way to find out who can really punch, so I can't wait until Saturday Night," Rajon 'Picasso' Chance.
Harley Burke vs. Louis Maietta:
"Irish vs. Italian. Yonkers vs. Bronx. I think the fight sells itself..." Harley Burke.
"Look forward to Saturday! We'll put on a Hell of a performance," Lou Maietta.
Ryan O'Rourke (Dublin, Ireland), Boubacar Sylla (Cincinnati, Ohio), Austin Spivey (Miami, Florida) and Eduardo Monrreal (El Paso, Texas) are flying into NY later this week and could not appear at the press conference.
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Star Boxing previews Saturday's show
Star Boxing hosted a live press conference at Empire Harley Davidson in New Rochelle, New York to previewing this Saturday’s fight card at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. The card’s featured contestants—Rajon “Picasso” Chance and undefeated Yan Carlos “El Baka” Perez —stood face-to-face in a tense stare-down, previewing their super bantamweight main event. Popular fan favorites, undefeated Harley Burke, a Yonkers Irish-American and his opponent, Bronx battler and FDNY's Louis Maietta also faced off. Also in attendance were Rodrigo Marte of the Dominican Republic, alongside New Yorkers Austin Cassese and Sharif One.
President & CEO of Star Boxing, Joe DeGuardia, emphasized the spirit of the event and its synergy with the venue: “We are proud to collaborate with Harley-Davidson, a historic brand that has long represented freedom, strength, independence, and heart. That same spirit is at the core of boxing and what we do at Star Boxing. We’re recreating the old-school magic on June 14th. We’ve got 50/50 matchups like Chance vs. Perez and O’Rourke vs. Sylla, and local battles that make this card unique—Burke vs. Maietta is one of those gritty, Yonkers vs. Bronx, pride-on-the-line clashes you rarely see these days. These are real fights, not padded records, and that’s what boxing needs.”
Press Conference Quotes
Rajon 'Picasso' Chance vs. Yan Carlos 'El Baka' Perez:
"This is going to be a great fight, and I'm ready to give you the best version of myself" Yan-Carlos Perez.
"I'm excited for this fight, and I'm very happy to be back under the bright lights. I like the Boxer vs. Puncher theme... there's only one way to find out who can really punch, so I can't wait until Saturday Night," Rajon 'Picasso' Chance.
Harley Burke vs. Louis Maietta:
"Irish vs. Italian. Yonkers vs. Bronx. I think the fight sells itself..." Harley Burke.
"Look forward to Saturday! We'll put on a Hell of a performance," Lou Maietta.
Ryan O'Rourke (Dublin, Ireland), Boubacar Sylla (Cincinnati, Ohio), Austin Spivey (Miami, Florida) and Eduardo Monrreal (El Paso, Texas) are flying into NY later this week and could not appear at the press conference.
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Marco Romero back in Maine for his third fight there |
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Kansas super middleweight Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (7-0, 6 KOs) started his pro career a year ago on Father’s Day Weekend in Portland, Maine, and on Saturday, he returns for his third fight in The Forest City. Despite the Cross Insurance Arena being more than 1,500 miles from his home in Olathe, Kansas, the 19-year old feels that Portland has become his second home, where he kickstarted his pro career, and has developed a surprisingly growing fan base. Romero stopped Jonathan Gary (2-1) on June 15, 2024, in the second round at Cross Insurance Arena. Last October, Romero defeated Orlando Salgado (3-5) in Portland by way of a third-round technical knockout at the Exposition Building. This Saturday, he faces “The Conqueror” Nafys Anas Garner (4-2, 3 KOs), fighting out of Sacramento (CA) in a scheduled six-round bout at Cross Insurance Arena.
“I’m more motivated than ever and couldn’t be happier to see the plan unfolding like we talked about a couple of years ago with Coach John (Brown, manager/head trainer), Uncle Al (Valenti, advisor), my father (Salvatore Romero, assistant trainer) and Sergio (Flores, assistant trainer).
“I’m ready and excited to be fighting again in Portland. I would love to bring a world title fight to Portland, where people appreciate good boxing. Traveling to fight is something I’m used to from my amateur days. Portland is like my second home because I’ve been treated so well there by everyone. I have big respect for Bobby Russo (promoter). He’s an amazing guy who has shown me respect from the start. He gave me my Golden Boy (Most Outstanding Boxer Award, Russo is President of the National Golden Gloves), when I won my division at the (2024) National Golden Gloves.”
“Marco is excited to be fighting again in his adoptive city of Portland, which has the best fight fans in America,” Brown remarked. “He’s hoping to display the talents that will eventually lead him to a world title. Marco’s been lucky to fight every two months all over America, which is helping him build a national fan base.”
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Marco Romero back in Maine for his third fight there
Kansas super middleweight Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (7-0, 6 KOs) started his pro career a year ago on Father’s Day Weekend in Portland, Maine, and on Saturday, he returns for his third fight in The Forest City. Despite the Cross Insurance Arena being more than 1,500 miles from his home in Olathe, Kansas, the 19-year old feels that Portland has become his second home, where he kickstarted his pro career, and has developed a surprisingly growing fan base. Romero stopped Jonathan Gary (2-1) on June 15, 2024, in the second round at Cross Insurance Arena. Last October, Romero defeated Orlando Salgado (3-5) in Portland by way of a third-round technical knockout at the Exposition Building. This Saturday, he faces “The Conqueror” Nafys Anas Garner (4-2, 3 KOs), fighting out of Sacramento (CA) in a scheduled six-round bout at Cross Insurance Arena.
“I’m more motivated than ever and couldn’t be happier to see the plan unfolding like we talked about a couple of years ago with Coach John (Brown, manager/head trainer), Uncle Al (Valenti, advisor), my father (Salvatore Romero, assistant trainer) and Sergio (Flores, assistant trainer).
“I’m ready and excited to be fighting again in Portland. I would love to bring a world title fight to Portland, where people appreciate good boxing. Traveling to fight is something I’m used to from my amateur days. Portland is like my second home because I’ve been treated so well there by everyone. I have big respect for Bobby Russo (promoter). He’s an amazing guy who has shown me respect from the start. He gave me my Golden Boy (Most Outstanding Boxer Award, Russo is President of the National Golden Gloves), when I won my division at the (2024) National Golden Gloves.”
“Marco is excited to be fighting again in his adoptive city of Portland, which has the best fight fans in America,” Brown remarked. “He’s hoping to display the talents that will eventually lead him to a world title. Marco’s been lucky to fight every two months all over America, which is helping him build a national fan base.”
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Last weekend's BKFC results |
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David “Redneck” Mundell made history on Friday by defending his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) middleweight title for the record fourth time with a dominant unanimous decision over Donald Sanchez at the sold-out Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mundell entered fight night atop the media’s BKFC pound-for-pound rankings. The Oldsmar, Florida product lived up to that billing by dropping the hometown fighter Sanchez twice in the opening frame and once more in the third stanza. Two judges scored the fight 49-43 while one had it 50-42, all in favor of Mundell. Mundell is now 10-1 in the BKFC squared circle on the strength of eight straight wins. He entered Friday’s action hunting for his sixth straight stoppage victory. Mundell called out BKFC king of violence champion “Platinum” Mike Perry (5-0) in his post-fight interview. “I’ve been on top and I’m here to stay,” he told the jam-packed Tingley Coliseum. “If you’re going to keep giving me bums, at least give me a famous one. Mike Perry, where you at?” Sanchez is now 4-2 under the BKFC banner.
Russian-born Albuquerque cruiserweight Murat “SamBeast” Kilimetov steamrolled his way to 3-0 in his BKFC career with a third straight stoppage victory over his toughest challenge yet, Leo “Bushido” Bercier (who is 8-20 as a boxer). Kilimetov dropped Bercier once en route to the standing TKO stoppage at the 1:36 mark in the opening frame before calling out BKFC cruiserweight champion Chris Camozzi (4-1) in his post-fight interview. “I need the belt,” Kilimetov told the rocking Tingley Coliseum. “Chris, let's go. Bring me my belt. I'm ready.”
Belen NM’s Derek “Rage” Perez earned his second straight BKFC victory with a third-round TKO over “Slick” Rick Caruso in featherweight action. Perez dropped Caruso twice, paving the way for the stoppage in the closing seconds of the third frame. Perez is now 4-4 in his BKFC career, while the Princeton, WV fighter Caruso falls to 2-5, 1 NC.
Albuquerque’s Felipe “Flip” Chavez returned to the win column and upped his BKFC record to 3-1 with a unanimous decision over Brandon “The Downs Warrior” Honsvick in welterweight action. Chavez, a cousin of combat sports legend Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez, recorded the sole knockdown of the fight in the opening round. Honsvick, who hails from Hurricane, Utah, is now 1-2 under the BKFC banner.
William “Wild Bill” Albrecht picked himself up off the canvas en route to a TKO victory over Kyle “The Irishman” McElroy in their battle of Albuquerque light heavyweights. The ringside physician called a stop to the bout at the conclusion of the second round. Albrecht is now 3-1 in his BKFC career, with all of those wins coming by stoppage; McElroy is now 2-6.
Crooksville, Ohio’s Skyler Mauller lived up to his surname in his BKFC premiere, needing just 43 seconds to roll through “Irish” Bryant McClain in middleweight action. The Rio Rancho, NM product McClain is now 0-2 under the BKFC banner.
Broward County, FL’s Bobby “B3” Henry turned heads in his BKFC premiere with a come-from-behind, one-punch knockout over Kasey “Cornbread” Yates in their welterweight matchup. Henry picked himself up off the canvas in the fourth round and stopped Yates with 29 seconds remaining in the fifth frame. Henry is the younger brother of undefeated BKFC superstar Bryce “Baba Yaga” Henry (5-0). Yates, who hails from Albuquerque, is now 0-2 in his BKFC career.
Here are some highlights from BKFC Founder/President David Feldman in his post-BKFC 75 Press Conference.
“Another great night here in Albuquerque. We had about seven guys pull out of this card in the last few weeks so it was tough to keep this one together, but it was a great night of finishes and a great Main Event. Donald Sanchez got dropped three times, got up and finished strong, just didn't have enough. David Mundell just keeps walking through guys and proved that he’s going to be hard to beat.”
“This was the loudest crowd we’ve ever had in Albuquerque. The fans are sensational here.”
“We just finalized our return to Italy this week, and we just got a new date locked in for Dubai. Our seventh year in business is certainly going to be our biggest and best year yet.”
Knockout of the Night: Bobby Henry
Performance Bonuses: Murat Kilimetov and Skyler Mauller
BKFC 75 Results
David Mundell def. Donald Sanchez via Unanimous Decision (49-43x2, 50-42) -- defends BKFC World Middleweight Title
Murat Kilimetov def. Leo Bercier via TKO in Round 1 (1:36)
Derek Perez def. Rick Caruso via TKO in Round 3
Felipe Chavez def. Brandon Honsvick via Unanimous Decision
William Albrecht def. Kyle McElroy via TKO in Round 2 (2:00)
Skyler Mauller def. Bryant McClain via TKO in Round 1 (0:43)
Bobby Henry def. Kasey Yates via KO in Round 5 (1:31)
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Last weekend's BKFC results
David “Redneck” Mundell made history on Friday by defending his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) middleweight title for the record fourth time with a dominant unanimous decision over Donald Sanchez at the sold-out Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mundell entered fight night atop the media’s BKFC pound-for-pound rankings. The Oldsmar, Florida product lived up to that billing by dropping the hometown fighter Sanchez twice in the opening frame and once more in the third stanza. Two judges scored the fight 49-43 while one had it 50-42, all in favor of Mundell. Mundell is now 10-1 in the BKFC squared circle on the strength of eight straight wins. He entered Friday’s action hunting for his sixth straight stoppage victory. Mundell called out BKFC king of violence champion “Platinum” Mike Perry (5-0) in his post-fight interview. “I’ve been on top and I’m here to stay,” he told the jam-packed Tingley Coliseum. “If you’re going to keep giving me bums, at least give me a famous one. Mike Perry, where you at?” Sanchez is now 4-2 under the BKFC banner.
Russian-born Albuquerque cruiserweight Murat “SamBeast” Kilimetov steamrolled his way to 3-0 in his BKFC career with a third straight stoppage victory over his toughest challenge yet, Leo “Bushido” Bercier (who is 8-20 as a boxer). Kilimetov dropped Bercier once en route to the standing TKO stoppage at the 1:36 mark in the opening frame before calling out BKFC cruiserweight champion Chris Camozzi (4-1) in his post-fight interview. “I need the belt,” Kilimetov told the rocking Tingley Coliseum. “Chris, let's go. Bring me my belt. I'm ready.”
Belen NM’s Derek “Rage” Perez earned his second straight BKFC victory with a third-round TKO over “Slick” Rick Caruso in featherweight action. Perez dropped Caruso twice, paving the way for the stoppage in the closing seconds of the third frame. Perez is now 4-4 in his BKFC career, while the Princeton, WV fighter Caruso falls to 2-5, 1 NC.
Albuquerque’s Felipe “Flip” Chavez returned to the win column and upped his BKFC record to 3-1 with a unanimous decision over Brandon “The Downs Warrior” Honsvick in welterweight action. Chavez, a cousin of combat sports legend Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez, recorded the sole knockdown of the fight in the opening round. Honsvick, who hails from Hurricane, Utah, is now 1-2 under the BKFC banner.
William “Wild Bill” Albrecht picked himself up off the canvas en route to a TKO victory over Kyle “The Irishman” McElroy in their battle of Albuquerque light heavyweights. The ringside physician called a stop to the bout at the conclusion of the second round. Albrecht is now 3-1 in his BKFC career, with all of those wins coming by stoppage; McElroy is now 2-6.
Crooksville, Ohio’s Skyler Mauller lived up to his surname in his BKFC premiere, needing just 43 seconds to roll through “Irish” Bryant McClain in middleweight action. The Rio Rancho, NM product McClain is now 0-2 under the BKFC banner.
Broward County, FL’s Bobby “B3” Henry turned heads in his BKFC premiere with a come-from-behind, one-punch knockout over Kasey “Cornbread” Yates in their welterweight matchup. Henry picked himself up off the canvas in the fourth round and stopped Yates with 29 seconds remaining in the fifth frame. Henry is the younger brother of undefeated BKFC superstar Bryce “Baba Yaga” Henry (5-0). Yates, who hails from Albuquerque, is now 0-2 in his BKFC career.
Here are some highlights from BKFC Founder/President David Feldman in his post-BKFC 75 Press Conference.
“Another great night here in Albuquerque. We had about seven guys pull out of this card in the last few weeks so it was tough to keep this one together, but it was a great night of finishes and a great Main Event. Donald Sanchez got dropped three times, got up and finished strong, just didn't have enough. David Mundell just keeps walking through guys and proved that he’s going to be hard to beat.”
“This was the loudest crowd we’ve ever had in Albuquerque. The fans are sensational here.”
“We just finalized our return to Italy this week, and we just got a new date locked in for Dubai. Our seventh year in business is certainly going to be our biggest and best year yet.”
Knockout of the Night: Bobby Henry
Performance Bonuses: Murat Kilimetov and Skyler Mauller
BKFC 75 Results
David Mundell def. Donald Sanchez via Unanimous Decision (49-43x2, 50-42) -- defends BKFC World Middleweight Title
Murat Kilimetov def. Leo Bercier via TKO in Round 1 (1:36)
Derek Perez def. Rick Caruso via TKO in Round 3
Felipe Chavez def. Brandon Honsvick via Unanimous Decision
William Albrecht def. Kyle McElroy via TKO in Round 2 (2:00)
Skyler Mauller def. Bryant McClain via TKO in Round 1 (0:43)
Bobby Henry def. Kasey Yates via KO in Round 5 (1:31)
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Netflix to stream Alvarez vs. Crawford on Sept. 13th |
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Netflix announced that the highly anticipated world super middleweight championship bout between defending champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and undefeated multi-dvision champion Terence "Bud" Crawford will take place on September 13th and will be shown on the Netflix streaming service. This was Netflix's tweet: "Two boxing legends. One legacy on the line. Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford. Saturday September 13th. Live globally on Netflix." he bout has been previously tipped to take place in Las Vegas, but that was not confirmed by Netflix. However, Crawford soon tweeted the bout would be in Las Vegas: "The time has come. Canelo, you’re in my way… and I’m not leaving Vegas without that win. See you September 13 at the Riyadh Season Card in Las Vegas."
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Netflix to stream Alvarez vs. Crawford on Sept. 13th
Netflix announced that the highly anticipated world super middleweight championship bout between defending champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and undefeated multi-dvision champion Terence "Bud" Crawford will take place on September 13th and will be shown on the Netflix streaming service. This was Netflix's tweet: "Two boxing legends. One legacy on the line. Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford. Saturday September 13th. Live globally on Netflix." he bout has been previously tipped to take place in Las Vegas, but that was not confirmed by Netflix. However, Crawford soon tweeted the bout would be in Las Vegas: "The time has come. Canelo, you’re in my way… and I’m not leaving Vegas without that win. See you September 13 at the Riyadh Season Card in Las Vegas."
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Lopez distances self from Alalshikh, Haney fight |
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World junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez posted a social media video of himself wearing a PBC baseball hat. Lopez did not speak in the video, but there was a graphic on the video reading "8.16" an apparent reference to the tentative date for a big PBC show that will hopefully feature Tank Davis-Lamont Roach II. The video looks to be an act that further distances Lopez from Saudi Arabian promoter Turki Alalshikh and a much-discussed fight between Lopez and former two-division champion Devin Haney that Alalshikh was planning for August. Late last week, Lopez's co-manager Keith Connolly sought to soften the public relations blow of Lopez turning down the Haney fight by issuing the following statement: "Unfortunately, Teo won’t be fighting in August for personal reasons that I will keep confidential. We want to thank his Excellency (Turki Alalshikh) for the opportunity and everything he has done for Teo. We planned on fighting, but with what was going on, he wanted to make sure he was 100% right mentally and physically and August was just too quick of a turnaround. I expect Teo to be back later this year, bigger and better than ever."
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Lopez distances self from Alalshikh, Haney fight
World junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez posted a social media video of himself wearing a PBC baseball hat. Lopez did not speak in the video, but there was a graphic on the video reading "8.16" an apparent reference to the tentative date for a big PBC show that will hopefully feature Tank Davis-Lamont Roach II. The video looks to be an act that further distances Lopez from Saudi Arabian promoter Turki Alalshikh and a much-discussed fight between Lopez and former two-division champion Devin Haney that Alalshikh was planning for August. Late last week, Lopez's co-manager Keith Connolly sought to soften the public relations blow of Lopez turning down the Haney fight by issuing the following statement: "Unfortunately, Teo won’t be fighting in August for personal reasons that I will keep confidential. We want to thank his Excellency (Turki Alalshikh) for the opportunity and everything he has done for Teo. We planned on fighting, but with what was going on, he wanted to make sure he was 100% right mentally and physically and August was just too quick of a turnaround. I expect Teo to be back later this year, bigger and better than ever."
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Nakatani TKOs Nishida for second bantamweight belt |
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Junto Nakatani TKO6 Ryosuke Nishida ... Junto “Big Bang” Nakatani demonstrated his dominance in the 118-pound weight class by defeating Ryosuke Nishida on Sunday at Tokyo's Ariake Colosseum. The win gave Nakatani the IBF bantamweight crown, unifying it with the WBC version he already owned. From the early rounds, Nakatani landed powerful blows to Nishida’s face, causing Nishida's right eye to gradually close. Although Nishida managed to land some body blows, by the fifth round the damage to his eye was becoming apparent, and by the end of the sixth round, it was completely closed. The doctor entered the ring to examine the injury and ruled that it was best for Nishida (10-1) not to continue. Nakatani, already a three-dvision champion, improved his undefeated record to 31 wins and 24 KOs. Naoya Inoue, the undisputed world super bantamweight champion and Nakatani’s possible next opponent, was present at the fight.
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Nakatani TKOs Nishida for second bantamweight belt
Junto Nakatani TKO6 Ryosuke Nishida ... Junto “Big Bang” Nakatani demonstrated his dominance in the 118-pound weight class by defeating Ryosuke Nishida on Sunday at Tokyo's Ariake Colosseum. The win gave Nakatani the IBF bantamweight crown, unifying it with the WBC version he already owned. From the early rounds, Nakatani landed powerful blows to Nishida’s face, causing Nishida's right eye to gradually close. Although Nishida managed to land some body blows, by the fifth round the damage to his eye was becoming apparent, and by the end of the sixth round, it was completely closed. The doctor entered the ring to examine the injury and ruled that it was best for Nishida (10-1) not to continue. Nakatani, already a three-dvision champion, improved his undefeated record to 31 wins and 24 KOs. Naoya Inoue, the undisputed world super bantamweight champion and Nakatani’s possible next opponent, was present at the fight.
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Big win for Labinot Xhoxhaj has him rising in the heavyweight rankings |
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Labinot Xhoxhaj W12 Mourad Aliev... The Universum Gym in Hamburg, Germany, witnessed Labinot Xhoxhaj defeat fromer French Olympian and previouisly undefeated Mourad Aliev over twelve rounds by unanimous decision. Xhoxhaj, who is listed as 6'0" tall compared to 6'7" for Aliev, successfully defended the European heavyweight championship for the first time. The fight was scored 115-113, 114-113, and 115-112 in favor of Xhoxhaj. Xhoxhaj has an undefeated record of 21 wins, 16 of them by knockout. Following his victory, Labinot issued the following press statement: “After twelve hard-fought rounds, I remain undefeated [and European champion]. This is not only my victory, but that of everyone who believed in me from day one. Thank you to my family, who has supported me every step of the way, both on difficult days and in the most beautiful moments. Thank you to my team, coaches, and close staff who worked day and night for this moment. A huge thank you to the sponsors who supported me and believed in my journey. To my compatriots around the world: I felt your hearts in every second of this fight! And above all, to my Albanian nation: this victory carries with it the pride, strength, and spirit of an entire people who never give up! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything. Together we have so much to achieve. This is just the beginning.”
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Big win for Labinot Xhoxhaj has him rising in the heavyweight rankings
Labinot Xhoxhaj W12 Mourad Aliev... The Universum Gym in Hamburg, Germany, witnessed Labinot Xhoxhaj defeat fromer French Olympian and previouisly undefeated Mourad Aliev over twelve rounds by unanimous decision. Xhoxhaj, who is listed as 6'0" tall compared to 6'7" for Aliev, successfully defended the European heavyweight championship for the first time. The fight was scored 115-113, 114-113, and 115-112 in favor of Xhoxhaj. Xhoxhaj has an undefeated record of 21 wins, 16 of them by knockout. Following his victory, Labinot issued the following press statement: “After twelve hard-fought rounds, I remain undefeated [and European champion]. This is not only my victory, but that of everyone who believed in me from day one. Thank you to my family, who has supported me every step of the way, both on difficult days and in the most beautiful moments. Thank you to my team, coaches, and close staff who worked day and night for this moment. A huge thank you to the sponsors who supported me and believed in my journey. To my compatriots around the world: I felt your hearts in every second of this fight! And above all, to my Albanian nation: this victory carries with it the pride, strength, and spirit of an entire people who never give up! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything. Together we have so much to achieve. This is just the beginning.”
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Mike Perez still a factor at cruiserweight |
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Mike Pérez TKO9 Steven Ward... Former heavyweight and cruiserweight contender Mike “The Rebel” Pérez, now 39 years old, took a step towards returning to the world level on Saturday night in Ipswich, England. Reminding the boxing world that he’s still a force in the cruiserweight division. The Cuban veteran broke down and ultimately stopped Steven Ward (15-4) via ninth-round TKO. From the opening bell, Pérez came forward with bad intentions. Digging to the body and applying steady pressure, Perez showed he wasn’t there for rounds. Ward tried to manage the distance behind a long jab, but the Cuban’s relentless pursuit and ring generalship gradually tilted the fight in his favor. The tide fully turned in the eighth, where Pérez upped the tempo and dropped Ward twice with punishing combinations. Though the British fighter showed heart, the damage had piled up. By the ninth, it was clear Ward was fading. Pérez closed the show with a right hand to the chin that floored Ward once again. With their fighter visibly dazed and taking more punishment, Ward’s corner wisely threw in the towel, giving Pérez the stoppage win.
With the victory, Pérez improves his record to 31-3-1 and plants his flag firmly back among the division’s contenders. As a heavyweight, Perez ended the career of Magomed Abdusalamov in 2013. As a cruiserweight, he lost a competitive title shot to Mairis Briedis in 2017. Perez has not lost since then, although he took nearly three years off from 2018-2021.
Once a feared name in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight ranks, the Cuban now finds himself knocking on the door of a world title shot. “I’ve been working hard, and I’m ready for the big fights again,” said Pérez after the win. “I want the champions — I know I belong with them.”
Ward, for his part, accepted the setback with class, acknowledging Pérez’s dominance and vowing to rebuild stronger.
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Mike Perez still a factor at cruiserweight
Mike Pérez TKO9 Steven Ward... Former heavyweight and cruiserweight contender Mike “The Rebel” Pérez, now 39 years old, took a step towards returning to the world level on Saturday night in Ipswich, England. Reminding the boxing world that he’s still a force in the cruiserweight division. The Cuban veteran broke down and ultimately stopped Steven Ward (15-4) via ninth-round TKO. From the opening bell, Pérez came forward with bad intentions. Digging to the body and applying steady pressure, Perez showed he wasn’t there for rounds. Ward tried to manage the distance behind a long jab, but the Cuban’s relentless pursuit and ring generalship gradually tilted the fight in his favor. The tide fully turned in the eighth, where Pérez upped the tempo and dropped Ward twice with punishing combinations. Though the British fighter showed heart, the damage had piled up. By the ninth, it was clear Ward was fading. Pérez closed the show with a right hand to the chin that floored Ward once again. With their fighter visibly dazed and taking more punishment, Ward’s corner wisely threw in the towel, giving Pérez the stoppage win.
With the victory, Pérez improves his record to 31-3-1 and plants his flag firmly back among the division’s contenders. As a heavyweight, Perez ended the career of Magomed Abdusalamov in 2013. As a cruiserweight, he lost a competitive title shot to Mairis Briedis in 2017. Perez has not lost since then, although he took nearly three years off from 2018-2021.
Once a feared name in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight ranks, the Cuban now finds himself knocking on the door of a world title shot. “I’ve been working hard, and I’m ready for the big fights again,” said Pérez after the win. “I want the champions — I know I belong with them.”
Ward, for his part, accepted the setback with class, acknowledging Pérez’s dominance and vowing to rebuild stronger.
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Josh Kelly KOs Flavius Biea in first round |
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Josh Kelly KO1 Flavius Biea... British junior middleweight Josh Kelly stopped Flavius Biea of Romania inside the opening round at Utilita Arena Newcastle to deliver a two-minute victory to his fans. Kelly threw a left hook that had Biea on his knees. Biea (24-2) started to rise but sunk to all fours as the referee reached the ten count. Kelly, a former Olympian, is now 17-2-1 including the World Series of Boxing and is clearly ready for a tougher test.
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Josh Kelly KOs Flavius Biea in first round
Josh Kelly KO1 Flavius Biea... British junior middleweight Josh Kelly stopped Flavius Biea of Romania inside the opening round at Utilita Arena Newcastle to deliver a two-minute victory to his fans. Kelly threw a left hook that had Biea on his knees. Biea (24-2) started to rise but sunk to all fours as the referee reached the ten count. Kelly, a former Olympian, is now 17-2-1 including the World Series of Boxing and is clearly ready for a tougher test.
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Bryce Mills KO makes Russel Peltz a happy man |
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Bryce Mills KO1 Aaron Aponte... Every so often--but not often enough--something happens to make me fall in love all over again with the sometimes wonderful, sometimes wretched world of professional boxing. That's what happened to me last Friday night at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY, when a straight right hand from Bryce Mills landed on Aaron Aponte's chin. As Aponte headed down, Mills clocked him with a beauty of a left hook and it was all over at 2.59 of the first round. The way the crowd reacted you would have thought we were in Times Square on New Years Eve. [My wife] Linda and I jumped into each other's arms just as we had nine years ago this month when Jason Sosa came from far behind to knock out Javier Fortuna in Beijing to win the WBA junior lightweight title. But this was not a world title fight. Rather it was simply a scheduled eight-round junior welterweight contest, buried on the non-TV portion of the Salita Boxing Promotions card, but it became so much more.
Mills is from nearby Liverpool, NY, and he is The Franchise at Turning Stone. That right-left combination transformed him from a popular ticket seller into a legitimate threat at 140 pounds. He is 19-1 with 6 KOs, and people are going to look at him differently now. I had obsessed about this fight for weeks, fearing I had made a mistake by agreeing to have him fight another young prospect. Aponte, 23, of Hialeah, FL, was 12-2-1 with 3 KOs, against better opposition than Mills had fought. In addition, Aponte had an extensive amateur career with several regional and national titles under his belt. Why not fight a grizzled veteran on the way down than another youngster on the rise? But trainers James Andrello and Armando Munoz both liked the fight so I went ahead, nervously. Then the bell rang and the 6-foot Aponte was jabbing and moving and Bryce had some difficulty cutting off the ring and getting inside to work Aponte's body. With time running out in the first round, Bryce caught Aponte in a neutral corner and bingo!
Aponte was motionless for about six seconds before he struggled to rise but it was all over. I am not ashamed to say that after 56 years in this business I was so happy I could have cried. I've been close to a lot of fighters in my career. I'm not going to tell you that the Mills family is the nicest I've ever worked with, but I will tell you that no group was ever nicer. His dad, Steven Mills, his mom, Donelle, are almost like family at this point and I couldn't have been happier for them.
Bryce wanted this test. He refuses to fight guys with losing records. He wants to find out now if he has what it takes to be a champion. His attitude reminds me of another fighter I promoted, a guy by the name of Jeff Chandler, who once lectured me for matching him with an inferior opponent years ago in Atlantic City. "Don't ever embarrass me again in front of my fans," he said. I remember in 1983 when he was training to defend against tough Gaby Canizales, Jeff took a shovel to the gym after a snowstorm and shoveled his way to the front door so he wouldn't miss a day of training. Bryce has that same attitude. And the best part: He's only 23.
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Bryce Mills KO makes Russel Peltz a happy man
Bryce Mills KO1 Aaron Aponte... Every so often--but not often enough--something happens to make me fall in love all over again with the sometimes wonderful, sometimes wretched world of professional boxing. That's what happened to me last Friday night at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY, when a straight right hand from Bryce Mills landed on Aaron Aponte's chin. As Aponte headed down, Mills clocked him with a beauty of a left hook and it was all over at 2.59 of the first round. The way the crowd reacted you would have thought we were in Times Square on New Years Eve. [My wife] Linda and I jumped into each other's arms just as we had nine years ago this month when Jason Sosa came from far behind to knock out Javier Fortuna in Beijing to win the WBA junior lightweight title. But this was not a world title fight. Rather it was simply a scheduled eight-round junior welterweight contest, buried on the non-TV portion of the Salita Boxing Promotions card, but it became so much more.
Mills is from nearby Liverpool, NY, and he is The Franchise at Turning Stone. That right-left combination transformed him from a popular ticket seller into a legitimate threat at 140 pounds. He is 19-1 with 6 KOs, and people are going to look at him differently now. I had obsessed about this fight for weeks, fearing I had made a mistake by agreeing to have him fight another young prospect. Aponte, 23, of Hialeah, FL, was 12-2-1 with 3 KOs, against better opposition than Mills had fought. In addition, Aponte had an extensive amateur career with several regional and national titles under his belt. Why not fight a grizzled veteran on the way down than another youngster on the rise? But trainers James Andrello and Armando Munoz both liked the fight so I went ahead, nervously. Then the bell rang and the 6-foot Aponte was jabbing and moving and Bryce had some difficulty cutting off the ring and getting inside to work Aponte's body. With time running out in the first round, Bryce caught Aponte in a neutral corner and bingo!
Aponte was motionless for about six seconds before he struggled to rise but it was all over. I am not ashamed to say that after 56 years in this business I was so happy I could have cried. I've been close to a lot of fighters in my career. I'm not going to tell you that the Mills family is the nicest I've ever worked with, but I will tell you that no group was ever nicer. His dad, Steven Mills, his mom, Donelle, are almost like family at this point and I couldn't have been happier for them.
Bryce wanted this test. He refuses to fight guys with losing records. He wants to find out now if he has what it takes to be a champion. His attitude reminds me of another fighter I promoted, a guy by the name of Jeff Chandler, who once lectured me for matching him with an inferior opponent years ago in Atlantic City. "Don't ever embarrass me again in front of my fans," he said. I remember in 1983 when he was training to defend against tough Gaby Canizales, Jeff took a shovel to the gym after a snowstorm and shoveled his way to the front door so he wouldn't miss a day of training. Bryce has that same attitude. And the best part: He's only 23.
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Welcome to Hitchins vs. Kambosos fight week |
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World title action returns to the Big Apple when IBF 140-pound champion Richardson Hitchins (pictured) attempts to defend his belt against former world lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. After beating Liam Paro to win the IBF belt in December, Hitchins (19-0) will be looking to add another win over an Australian to his resume. Kambosos (22-3) however is a determined fighter and returns to the scene of his greatest triumph where he upset Teofimo Lopez to become the world lightweight champion in 2021. Hitchins vs. Kambosos will take place on Saturday, June 14th at Madison Square Garden's Theater in New York City, with the whole card set to be shown live on DAZN.
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Welcome to Hitchins vs. Kambosos fight week
World title action returns to the Big Apple when IBF 140-pound champion Richardson Hitchins (pictured) attempts to defend his belt against former world lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. After beating Liam Paro to win the IBF belt in December, Hitchins (19-0) will be looking to add another win over an Australian to his resume. Kambosos (22-3) however is a determined fighter and returns to the scene of his greatest triumph where he upset Teofimo Lopez to become the world lightweight champion in 2021. Hitchins vs. Kambosos will take place on Saturday, June 14th at Madison Square Garden's Theater in New York City, with the whole card set to be shown live on DAZN.
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WBO explains title vacancy procedures |
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WBO president Gustavo Olivieri explained his organization's procedure that will be followed to determine a new champion. In particular, the WBO lightweight (135 pounds) title is vacant because Keyshawn Davis failed to make weight for his scheduled title defense last weekend. According to Oilivieri, here are the WBO procedures when any of tyis world titles are declared vacant: (1) the Championships Committee selects the two best-ranked available contenders (or, in some cases, the top four for a box-off) to compete for the vacancy. (2) Once contenders are chosen, they are allotted up to thirty days to negotiate (order) to finalize and sign a contract for the title bout. (3) If no agreement is reached within that period, WBO President or any of the parties may call purse bid, which must occur ten days thereafter. (4) Any of the parties may call purse bid proceedings at any time during the negotiation stage. (5) If a purse bid is held, the winner of bid must conduct the bout in a period no less than 45 days or more than 90 days from the adjudication of the promotional rights.
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WBO explains title vacancy procedures
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri explained his organization's procedure that will be followed to determine a new champion. In particular, the WBO lightweight (135 pounds) title is vacant because Keyshawn Davis failed to make weight for his scheduled title defense last weekend. According to Oilivieri, here are the WBO procedures when any of tyis world titles are declared vacant: (1) the Championships Committee selects the two best-ranked available contenders (or, in some cases, the top four for a box-off) to compete for the vacancy. (2) Once contenders are chosen, they are allotted up to thirty days to negotiate (order) to finalize and sign a contract for the title bout. (3) If no agreement is reached within that period, WBO President or any of the parties may call purse bid, which must occur ten days thereafter. (4) Any of the parties may call purse bid proceedings at any time during the negotiation stage. (5) If a purse bid is held, the winner of bid must conduct the bout in a period no less than 45 days or more than 90 days from the adjudication of the promotional rights.
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Vinny Paz inducted into Hall of Fame |
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CES Boxing celebrates Vinny "The Pazmanian Devil" Paz [a/k/a Vinny Pazienza] on his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 7th in Canastota, New York. A two-division champion, Paz's induction marks a key milestone in his storied career, highlighting his enduring influence and remarkable achievements both inside and outside the ring. Rising to prominence in 1987, Vinny captured the IBF lightweight championship in a fifteen-round war against Greg Haugen. Paz again defied expectations in 1991 by rising three divisions and claiming the WBA junior middleweight world title by defeating Gilbert Dele, thus becoming one of the few boxers to become a two-division world champion. “Vinny embodies the heart and spirit of boxing,"said Jimmy Burchfield Sr., founder and president of CES Boxing, Paz's longtime promoter. “His induction into the Hall of Fame is a tribute not just to his triumphs in the ring, but also to his incredible journey of overcoming adversity. We are beyond proud to celebrate this moment with him.”
Paz’s legacy is best defined by his incredible resilience following a near-fatal car accident in late 1991. Recovering from a broken neck, he defied all odds and made a triumphant return to boxing just over a year later, securing victories against several notable fighters, including two wins over [a late-career] Roberto Duran. This extraordinary comeback became the focus of the 2016 critically acclaimed film Bleed for This.
Paz’s boxing record of 50 wins, including 30 knockouts, underscores a career filled with thrilling encounters against some of the sport's greatest names. Known for his flamboyant entrances and relentless fighting style, he has made an unforgettable impact on fans around the world. Paz’ illustrious career also inspired future Rhode Island stars such as Gary “Tiger” Balletto, Peter Manfredo Jr., and burgeoning prospect Will Guilmette.
"Vinny brought the crowd, the chaos, and the courage," added Burchfield, who promoted Paz for much of his career. “When Vinny had 42 wins, he told me that he wanted to keep fighting until he got to 50. We achieved it together and it was a memorable ride. Saturday’s induction is not just a honor for Vinny. It celebrates a career of overcoming adversity and beating the odds. I coudn't be happier for him.”
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Vinny Paz inducted into Hall of Fame
CES Boxing celebrates Vinny "The Pazmanian Devil" Paz [a/k/a Vinny Pazienza] on his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 7th in Canastota, New York. A two-division champion, Paz's induction marks a key milestone in his storied career, highlighting his enduring influence and remarkable achievements both inside and outside the ring. Rising to prominence in 1987, Vinny captured the IBF lightweight championship in a fifteen-round war against Greg Haugen. Paz again defied expectations in 1991 by rising three divisions and claiming the WBA junior middleweight world title by defeating Gilbert Dele, thus becoming one of the few boxers to become a two-division world champion. “Vinny embodies the heart and spirit of boxing,"said Jimmy Burchfield Sr., founder and president of CES Boxing, Paz's longtime promoter. “His induction into the Hall of Fame is a tribute not just to his triumphs in the ring, but also to his incredible journey of overcoming adversity. We are beyond proud to celebrate this moment with him.”
Paz’s legacy is best defined by his incredible resilience following a near-fatal car accident in late 1991. Recovering from a broken neck, he defied all odds and made a triumphant return to boxing just over a year later, securing victories against several notable fighters, including two wins over [a late-career] Roberto Duran. This extraordinary comeback became the focus of the 2016 critically acclaimed film Bleed for This.
Paz’s boxing record of 50 wins, including 30 knockouts, underscores a career filled with thrilling encounters against some of the sport's greatest names. Known for his flamboyant entrances and relentless fighting style, he has made an unforgettable impact on fans around the world. Paz’ illustrious career also inspired future Rhode Island stars such as Gary “Tiger” Balletto, Peter Manfredo Jr., and burgeoning prospect Will Guilmette.
"Vinny brought the crowd, the chaos, and the courage," added Burchfield, who promoted Paz for much of his career. “When Vinny had 42 wins, he told me that he wanted to keep fighting until he got to 50. We achieved it together and it was a memorable ride. Saturday’s induction is not just a honor for Vinny. It celebrates a career of overcoming adversity and beating the odds. I coudn't be happier for him.”
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Watch: Wardley stops Huni in ten |
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Fabio Wardley TKO10 Justis Huni... Fabio Wardley marked the occasion of fighting in the centre circle of Portman Road - home of his beloved Ipswich Town - by becoming the WBA interim heavyweight title holder. The 30-year old is now undefeated in 20 professional fights following a come-from-behind tenth-round destruction of Australia's Justis Huni. The previously undefeated Huni did, as promised, dictate proceedings for most of the fight, using his more refined boxing skills and knowhow to nullify Wardley and put himself in a comfortable lead on the cards. Huni led 89-82 (twice) and 88-83 on the scorecards after the ninth round. As Wardley promised, his moment would come. He predicted in advance that Huni would have to be perfect for every second of every round, or risk coming unstuck Huni’s lapse came roughly midway through the round when trading right handers. Wardley took his head out of the line of fire, while Huni didn’t and took a mighty, hammer blow that sent him spiralling to the canvas.
The Brisbane man gamely attempted to return to his feet but ran out of time and referee John Latham waved off the fight and signalled delirium across Portman Road.
Wardley, as Interim world champion, is now positioned for a shot at the full champion when the rotation system lands on the WBA. The champion is currently Oleksandr Usyk, but things could dramatically change on July 19th at Wembley Stadium when Usyk faces IBF champion Daniel Dubois.
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Watch: Wardley stops Huni in ten
Fabio Wardley TKO10 Justis Huni... Fabio Wardley marked the occasion of fighting in the centre circle of Portman Road - home of his beloved Ipswich Town - by becoming the WBA interim heavyweight title holder. The 30-year old is now undefeated in 20 professional fights following a come-from-behind tenth-round destruction of Australia's Justis Huni. The previously undefeated Huni did, as promised, dictate proceedings for most of the fight, using his more refined boxing skills and knowhow to nullify Wardley and put himself in a comfortable lead on the cards. Huni led 89-82 (twice) and 88-83 on the scorecards after the ninth round. As Wardley promised, his moment would come. He predicted in advance that Huni would have to be perfect for every second of every round, or risk coming unstuck Huni’s lapse came roughly midway through the round when trading right handers. Wardley took his head out of the line of fire, while Huni didn’t and took a mighty, hammer blow that sent him spiralling to the canvas.
The Brisbane man gamely attempted to return to his feet but ran out of time and referee John Latham waved off the fight and signalled delirium across Portman Road.
Wardley, as Interim world champion, is now positioned for a shot at the full champion when the rotation system lands on the WBA. The champion is currently Oleksandr Usyk, but things could dramatically change on July 19th at Wembley Stadium when Usyk faces IBF champion Daniel Dubois.
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Mason stops Nakathila in his first main event |
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Abdullah Mason TKO5 Jeremia Nakathila... Abdullah Mason, age 21, became a main event fighter by default on Friday after Keyshawn Davis failed to make weight and saw his fight cancelled. This last-minute development allowed Mason, a lightweight from Cleveland to make his headlining debut. He delivered a dominant fifth-round stoppage against respected Namibian Jeremia Nakathila on Saturday night at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) started by measuring his distance with his lead right hand before connecting with straight lefts. Nakathila (26-5, 21 KOs) tried to connect with his signature right hand, but the southpaw had found his rhythm by rounds three and four, cutting the distance with the left hand and right hook before ripping shots to the body.
Nakathila survived the fourth, despite repeatedly being stunned by Mason. Nevertheless, the ringside physician waved it off at the start of the fifth. Mason said, “It was a great fight. I knew that he had some power, so I took my time a little bit and broke him down. We want to get towards those titles. Anything that can be worked out, I’m willing to make it happen."
UNDERCARD
Philadelphia-born Nahir Albright (17-2, 7 KOs) invaded enemy territory and prevailed via ten-round majority decision (95-95, 97-93, and 96-94) over Norfolk native Kelvin Davis (15-1, 8 KOs). Albright had previously given Keyshawn Davis the toughest fight of his career, losing via majority decision in October 2023 before that result was changed to a no contest. This time, however, he came to settle the score with Keyshawn’s older brother. The 29-year-old landed crisp right hands early, snapping Davis’ head back and forcing him to clinch. Davis rallied in the middle rounds and opened a cut above Albright’s right eye, but Albright continued to find a home for his right hand down the stretch.
U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (16-0, 7 KOs) earned his second victory of the year by defeating Janelson Bocachica (17-4-1, 11 KOs) via a lopsided ten-round decision in the welterweight division. Johnson dictated the terms of the fight, forcing Bocachica to come forward so he could counter. Bocachica grew frustrated and tried to bait Johnson, but to no avail. Johnson continued working the outside and landing the occasional shot down the stretch. The judges' scores were 100-90, 97-93, and 98-92.
Troy Isley (15-0, 5 KOs) prevailed with a workmanlike ten-round points verdict against Etoundi Michel William (16-2, 12 KOs). Isley connected more in the exchanges and wobbled William with a combination. William, however, was slippery and didn't allow Isley to capitalize. Scores for this middleweoight contest were 98-92 and 96-94 (twice).
Six months after his pro debut at Scope Arena, Keon Davis (4-0, 3 KOs) earned a second-round knockout against the previously unbeaten Michael Velez (3-1, 2 KOs). It was a welterweight bout that saw Davis towering over Velez and using his large frame to neutralize Velez's offense before firing off precise counters, including a left to the liver that ended the fight. Time of stoppage: 2:22.
In the middleweight division, Dominican Olympian Euri Cedeño (12-0-1, 11 KOs) increased his knockout streak to five, notching a fifth-round TKO over Ecuador’s Abel Mina (18-4-1, 9 KOs). Working from a disciplined high guard, Cedeño applied steady pressure and landed a series of clean left hands that wobbled Mina toward the end of the round. Mina then retired on his stool.
Lightweight Deric Davis (7-0, 7 KOs), who trains under Barry Hunter from nearby Headbangers Boxing Gym in Washington, D.C., authored a second-round knockout against Naheem Parker (5-3, 2 KOs). A counter left to the ribs dropped Parker for the 10-count at the end of the round.
Cruiserweight Patrick O'Connor (1-0, 1 KO) entered the paid ranks tonight by punishing Marcus Smith (2-2, 2 KOs) to the body en route to a second-round finish. Time of stoppage: 2:03.
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Mason stops Nakathila in his first main event
Abdullah Mason TKO5 Jeremia Nakathila... Abdullah Mason, age 21, became a main event fighter by default on Friday after Keyshawn Davis failed to make weight and saw his fight cancelled. This last-minute development allowed Mason, a lightweight from Cleveland to make his headlining debut. He delivered a dominant fifth-round stoppage against respected Namibian Jeremia Nakathila on Saturday night at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) started by measuring his distance with his lead right hand before connecting with straight lefts. Nakathila (26-5, 21 KOs) tried to connect with his signature right hand, but the southpaw had found his rhythm by rounds three and four, cutting the distance with the left hand and right hook before ripping shots to the body.
Nakathila survived the fourth, despite repeatedly being stunned by Mason. Nevertheless, the ringside physician waved it off at the start of the fifth. Mason said, “It was a great fight. I knew that he had some power, so I took my time a little bit and broke him down. We want to get towards those titles. Anything that can be worked out, I’m willing to make it happen."
UNDERCARD
Philadelphia-born Nahir Albright (17-2, 7 KOs) invaded enemy territory and prevailed via ten-round majority decision (95-95, 97-93, and 96-94) over Norfolk native Kelvin Davis (15-1, 8 KOs). Albright had previously given Keyshawn Davis the toughest fight of his career, losing via majority decision in October 2023 before that result was changed to a no contest. This time, however, he came to settle the score with Keyshawn’s older brother. The 29-year-old landed crisp right hands early, snapping Davis’ head back and forcing him to clinch. Davis rallied in the middle rounds and opened a cut above Albright’s right eye, but Albright continued to find a home for his right hand down the stretch.
U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (16-0, 7 KOs) earned his second victory of the year by defeating Janelson Bocachica (17-4-1, 11 KOs) via a lopsided ten-round decision in the welterweight division. Johnson dictated the terms of the fight, forcing Bocachica to come forward so he could counter. Bocachica grew frustrated and tried to bait Johnson, but to no avail. Johnson continued working the outside and landing the occasional shot down the stretch. The judges' scores were 100-90, 97-93, and 98-92.
Troy Isley (15-0, 5 KOs) prevailed with a workmanlike ten-round points verdict against Etoundi Michel William (16-2, 12 KOs). Isley connected more in the exchanges and wobbled William with a combination. William, however, was slippery and didn't allow Isley to capitalize. Scores for this middleweoight contest were 98-92 and 96-94 (twice).
Six months after his pro debut at Scope Arena, Keon Davis (4-0, 3 KOs) earned a second-round knockout against the previously unbeaten Michael Velez (3-1, 2 KOs). It was a welterweight bout that saw Davis towering over Velez and using his large frame to neutralize Velez's offense before firing off precise counters, including a left to the liver that ended the fight. Time of stoppage: 2:22.
In the middleweight division, Dominican Olympian Euri Cedeño (12-0-1, 11 KOs) increased his knockout streak to five, notching a fifth-round TKO over Ecuador’s Abel Mina (18-4-1, 9 KOs). Working from a disciplined high guard, Cedeño applied steady pressure and landed a series of clean left hands that wobbled Mina toward the end of the round. Mina then retired on his stool.
Lightweight Deric Davis (7-0, 7 KOs), who trains under Barry Hunter from nearby Headbangers Boxing Gym in Washington, D.C., authored a second-round knockout against Naheem Parker (5-3, 2 KOs). A counter left to the ribs dropped Parker for the 10-count at the end of the round.
Cruiserweight Patrick O'Connor (1-0, 1 KO) entered the paid ranks tonight by punishing Marcus Smith (2-2, 2 KOs) to the body en route to a second-round finish. Time of stoppage: 2:03.
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Nhlapo wins in South Africa |
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Bonginkosi Nhlapo W10 Nelson Mbhele ... Bonginkosi Nhlapo narrowly defeated fellow South African Nelson Mbhele on Saturday night. The South African light heavyweights headlined a show at Event City in Middelburg, in South Africa´s Mpumalanga province, promoted by Rise Boxing Promotions. It was an evenly contested bout, which, although unspectacular, provided good entertainment for the fans watching from ringside. After ten rounds of boxing, judge Gezani Hlungwane couldn't separate them and scored the fight 95-95, but he was overruled by judges Mike Phiri and Phumeza Zinakile who had it 96-94 and 98-92 for Nhlapo. Nhlapo imrpoves his record to 4-2-1, while Mbhele evens out at 5-5.
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Nhlapo wins in South Africa
Bonginkosi Nhlapo W10 Nelson Mbhele ... Bonginkosi Nhlapo narrowly defeated fellow South African Nelson Mbhele on Saturday night. The South African light heavyweights headlined a show at Event City in Middelburg, in South Africa´s Mpumalanga province, promoted by Rise Boxing Promotions. It was an evenly contested bout, which, although unspectacular, provided good entertainment for the fans watching from ringside. After ten rounds of boxing, judge Gezani Hlungwane couldn't separate them and scored the fight 95-95, but he was overruled by judges Mike Phiri and Phumeza Zinakile who had it 96-94 and 98-92 for Nhlapo. Nhlapo imrpoves his record to 4-2-1, while Mbhele evens out at 5-5.
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June 19th Pennsylvania show postponed |
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King's Promotions has postponed the June 19th fight card at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It will be rescheduled for Friday, September 5th. The card was postponed due to injuries suffered by fighters that were scheduled for the card. "Sometimes these things happen in boxing, but we already have the make-up date and many of the same fighters will be ready to perform on September 5th," said Marshall Kauffman, CEO of King's Promotions. Fans who purchased tickets will be able to exchange the tickets for September 5th. A full card announcement will be released shortly.
King's Promotions will be at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on Friday night, June 27th. An announcement on that card will be out shortly.
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June 19th Pennsylvania show postponed
King's Promotions has postponed the June 19th fight card at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It will be rescheduled for Friday, September 5th. The card was postponed due to injuries suffered by fighters that were scheduled for the card. "Sometimes these things happen in boxing, but we already have the make-up date and many of the same fighters will be ready to perform on September 5th," said Marshall Kauffman, CEO of King's Promotions. Fans who purchased tickets will be able to exchange the tickets for September 5th. A full card announcement will be released shortly.
King's Promotions will be at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on Friday night, June 27th. An announcement on that card will be out shortly.
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Bey stops Escandon in three |
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Mickey Bey TKO3 Oscar Escandon... Former lightweight champion Mickey “Time Machine” Bey reasserted his presence in the division with a TKO wing over Oscar Escandon at 2:03 of round three in the main event from the Newtown Sports & Events Center in Newtown, Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia. Bey (26-3-1, 14 KOs) a native of Cleveland who now trains in Philadelphia, looked sharp in battering former WBC interim featherweight title holder Escandon (27-10, 18 KOs).vBey appeared to shake the Colombian Escandon with a left hook and had him bleeding steadily after round one. Bey dropped Escandon with a sharp salvo of shots at the end of round two and again in round three, prompting the responsible stoppage from Referee Eric Dali. “I just had a ball in there like a kid in the candy store,” said Bey, post-fight. “I didn’t want to rush it. I knew he was looking to land something big, so I put the work in, in the gym. I knew what I was doing with my brain, but I just let my body do what I trained for. I’m older now, that’s why I’m the ‘Time Machine.’ I probably have a handful of fights left. I’m here for a good time, not a long time. We have some big plans after this.”
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Hard-hitting 22 year-old Russian super featherweight Dariial Kuchmenov (9-0, 7 KOs) showed off a variety of offensive tools while stopping normally durable Mexican journeyman Diuhl “Elegante” Olguin (17-45-7, 10 KOs) at the end of the sixth round. Now fighting out of Los Angeles via Nalchik, Russia, the 5’ 10” Kuchmenov towered over Olguin and proceeded to unload a furious arsenal of power punches and virtually ignore any return fire until his Mexican Californian opponent signaled he had suffered enough. The official time was 3:00 of round six and all three judges had Kuchmenov winning by 60-54 at the time of the stoppage.
Bantamweight “King” David Garcia-- only sixteen years old-- continued his rise in the professional ranks with a quick demolition of MMA fighter Marcelino Rangel (1-2). Phoenix, Arizona’s Garcia (4-0, 3 KOs), a four-time national champion as an amateur, had too many gifts for Rangel, who crumbled from the powerful onslaught from the teenager at 2:53 of the opening frame.v“It's a blessing. I wasn’t really looking for it but, it just came,” said Garcia of the knockout. “I felt like the time was right. He was moving around a lot, so I had to cut the ring off and land some power shots. I felt the time was right to trap him in the corner and demolish him.”
Rising welterweight Thanjhae Teasley (13-0, 6 KOs) continued his ascension with a clear six-round unanimous decision over Nelson Morales (6-24-1). Teasley, age 26, looked sharp against his former sparring partner Morales, banging him with wilting left hooks to the body and strong combinations to the head throughout the action. The iron-chinned Morales, stopped just two times against a long list of top competitors in his career, was able to survive the onslaught and offered moderate resistance. At the end of the action, the scores were academic at 60-54 by all three judges.
Bantamweight Jonathan Rodriguez (18-3-1, 7 KOs) shook off the rust from 11 months of inactivity and got back in the win column with a unanimous eight-round decision over durable Colombian veteran Jesus Martinez (38-27-1, 16 KOs). Rodriguez got in eight workmanlike rounds of work from the well-traveled Martinez, but the outcome was never in doubt. Upping the pace in the last round, Rodriguez was able to briefly hurt Martinez in a standout round eight for him. The scores were 80-72 (twice) and 79-73.
Eighteen year-old junior welterweight Elijah “Macho” Gonzalez (2-0, 2 KOs) scored an entertaining fourth-round knockout over Codi Chavez (0-2). In against an offensively gifted and younger foe, the game, but outgunned, Chavez was already bleeding from the nose by the end of round one and was dropped twice in round four. The first knockdown came from a perfect Gonzalez left hook and the finishing blow was a flush right to the jaw, which prompted Referee Shawn Clark to wave it off at 1:31 of round four.
To open the night’s action, former amateur standout Rommel “Ro” Dunbar Jr. (1-0) made a successful professional debut at junior lightweight by taking a dominant four-round unanimous decision over Denzel Bowlding (0-6). A three-time state champion before turning pro, Dunbar stayed busy throughout, working especially well to Bowlding’s body against the ropes. All three judges had it 40-36.
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Bey stops Escandon in three
Mickey Bey TKO3 Oscar Escandon... Former lightweight champion Mickey “Time Machine” Bey reasserted his presence in the division with a TKO wing over Oscar Escandon at 2:03 of round three in the main event from the Newtown Sports & Events Center in Newtown, Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia. Bey (26-3-1, 14 KOs) a native of Cleveland who now trains in Philadelphia, looked sharp in battering former WBC interim featherweight title holder Escandon (27-10, 18 KOs).vBey appeared to shake the Colombian Escandon with a left hook and had him bleeding steadily after round one. Bey dropped Escandon with a sharp salvo of shots at the end of round two and again in round three, prompting the responsible stoppage from Referee Eric Dali. “I just had a ball in there like a kid in the candy store,” said Bey, post-fight. “I didn’t want to rush it. I knew he was looking to land something big, so I put the work in, in the gym. I knew what I was doing with my brain, but I just let my body do what I trained for. I’m older now, that’s why I’m the ‘Time Machine.’ I probably have a handful of fights left. I’m here for a good time, not a long time. We have some big plans after this.”
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Hard-hitting 22 year-old Russian super featherweight Dariial Kuchmenov (9-0, 7 KOs) showed off a variety of offensive tools while stopping normally durable Mexican journeyman Diuhl “Elegante” Olguin (17-45-7, 10 KOs) at the end of the sixth round. Now fighting out of Los Angeles via Nalchik, Russia, the 5’ 10” Kuchmenov towered over Olguin and proceeded to unload a furious arsenal of power punches and virtually ignore any return fire until his Mexican Californian opponent signaled he had suffered enough. The official time was 3:00 of round six and all three judges had Kuchmenov winning by 60-54 at the time of the stoppage.
Bantamweight “King” David Garcia-- only sixteen years old-- continued his rise in the professional ranks with a quick demolition of MMA fighter Marcelino Rangel (1-2). Phoenix, Arizona’s Garcia (4-0, 3 KOs), a four-time national champion as an amateur, had too many gifts for Rangel, who crumbled from the powerful onslaught from the teenager at 2:53 of the opening frame.v“It's a blessing. I wasn’t really looking for it but, it just came,” said Garcia of the knockout. “I felt like the time was right. He was moving around a lot, so I had to cut the ring off and land some power shots. I felt the time was right to trap him in the corner and demolish him.”
Rising welterweight Thanjhae Teasley (13-0, 6 KOs) continued his ascension with a clear six-round unanimous decision over Nelson Morales (6-24-1). Teasley, age 26, looked sharp against his former sparring partner Morales, banging him with wilting left hooks to the body and strong combinations to the head throughout the action. The iron-chinned Morales, stopped just two times against a long list of top competitors in his career, was able to survive the onslaught and offered moderate resistance. At the end of the action, the scores were academic at 60-54 by all three judges.
Bantamweight Jonathan Rodriguez (18-3-1, 7 KOs) shook off the rust from 11 months of inactivity and got back in the win column with a unanimous eight-round decision over durable Colombian veteran Jesus Martinez (38-27-1, 16 KOs). Rodriguez got in eight workmanlike rounds of work from the well-traveled Martinez, but the outcome was never in doubt. Upping the pace in the last round, Rodriguez was able to briefly hurt Martinez in a standout round eight for him. The scores were 80-72 (twice) and 79-73.
Eighteen year-old junior welterweight Elijah “Macho” Gonzalez (2-0, 2 KOs) scored an entertaining fourth-round knockout over Codi Chavez (0-2). In against an offensively gifted and younger foe, the game, but outgunned, Chavez was already bleeding from the nose by the end of round one and was dropped twice in round four. The first knockdown came from a perfect Gonzalez left hook and the finishing blow was a flush right to the jaw, which prompted Referee Shawn Clark to wave it off at 1:31 of round four.
To open the night’s action, former amateur standout Rommel “Ro” Dunbar Jr. (1-0) made a successful professional debut at junior lightweight by taking a dominant four-round unanimous decision over Denzel Bowlding (0-6). A three-time state champion before turning pro, Dunbar stayed busy throughout, working especially well to Bowlding’s body against the ropes. All three judges had it 40-36.
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Callum Walsh to face Elias Espadas this month |
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Irish junior middleweight Callum “King” Walsh will defend his undefeated records against Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas on June 26th at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California. Walsh picked up a big win in 2024 when he knocked out Dauren Yeleussinov in the ninth round. Since then, he's rung up three early KOs over decent opposition. Mexico's Espadas has fought at middleweight with a notable win in 2017 against Alan Carrillo, whom he knocked out in the second round. Overall, Callum “King” Walsh has an undefeated record of 13 wins and 11 KOs, while Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas has a record of 23-6-1 with 16 KOs.
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Callum Walsh to face Elias Espadas this month
Irish junior middleweight Callum “King” Walsh will defend his undefeated records against Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas on June 26th at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California. Walsh picked up a big win in 2024 when he knocked out Dauren Yeleussinov in the ninth round. Since then, he's rung up three early KOs over decent opposition. Mexico's Espadas has fought at middleweight with a notable win in 2017 against Alan Carrillo, whom he knocked out in the second round. Overall, Callum “King” Walsh has an undefeated record of 13 wins and 11 KOs, while Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas has a record of 23-6-1 with 16 KOs.
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Moore gets heavyweight win at Hall of Fame show |
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Brandon Moore W5 Stanley Wright... Rising American heavyweight Brandon Moore (18-1, 10 KOs) triumphed in the main event of “Hall of Fame Fight Night,” live on DAZN at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Moore faced undefeated Stanley Wright (14-1, 11 KOs). A member of Salita Promotions’ heavyweight roster, Moore scored a second -ound knockdown over Wright. Moore sustained a cut above his eye from an accidental clash of heads in the third round, causing the fight being stopped in the fifth round and going to the judges’ scorecards. Moore secured the victory via unanimous decision, extending his winning streak to four. The scorecards read 49-45 and 50-44 (twice).
Moore said afterwards: “These guys can’t get around my jab. I could tell from the beginning that Wright was jumping in and taking a lot of risks. I want to be the best heavyweight in the United States, and then I’ll go after those English guys... I’m a sexy heavyweight. I come in, look good, and win fights. The guys that I’m fighting might be intimidated by me. I’m American, big, tall, and black. You can’t really beat that. That’s what I bring to the table.”
He continued, “I wish this fight wasn’t stopped. I wanted to get him out of there. You saw that knockdown in the second round. It was only a matter of time. I knew he was going to get up because he is a fighter, but I’m just surprised the referee didn’t stop the fight. He did not look good. I want to go through the long rounds and get that experience. But a win is a win and I’m in the point in my career where I need to take care of myself and everyone knew I was going to win that fight.”
On who he wants next “Jared Anderson.”
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Moore gets heavyweight win at Hall of Fame show
Brandon Moore W5 Stanley Wright... Rising American heavyweight Brandon Moore (18-1, 10 KOs) triumphed in the main event of “Hall of Fame Fight Night,” live on DAZN at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Moore faced undefeated Stanley Wright (14-1, 11 KOs). A member of Salita Promotions’ heavyweight roster, Moore scored a second -ound knockdown over Wright. Moore sustained a cut above his eye from an accidental clash of heads in the third round, causing the fight being stopped in the fifth round and going to the judges’ scorecards. Moore secured the victory via unanimous decision, extending his winning streak to four. The scorecards read 49-45 and 50-44 (twice).
Moore said afterwards: “These guys can’t get around my jab. I could tell from the beginning that Wright was jumping in and taking a lot of risks. I want to be the best heavyweight in the United States, and then I’ll go after those English guys... I’m a sexy heavyweight. I come in, look good, and win fights. The guys that I’m fighting might be intimidated by me. I’m American, big, tall, and black. You can’t really beat that. That’s what I bring to the table.”
He continued, “I wish this fight wasn’t stopped. I wanted to get him out of there. You saw that knockdown in the second round. It was only a matter of time. I knew he was going to get up because he is a fighter, but I’m just surprised the referee didn’t stop the fight. He did not look good. I want to go through the long rounds and get that experience. But a win is a win and I’m in the point in my career where I need to take care of myself and everyone knew I was going to win that fight.”
On who he wants next “Jared Anderson.”
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Crews-Dezurn retains her unified titles |
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Franchon Crews-Dezurn W10 Citlali Ortiz... In her promotional debut with Salita Promotions, Franchón Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KOs) put her unified super middleweight championship on the line against Citlalli Ortiz (4-2, 1 KO) in the Verona, New York's Turning Stone Casino. Representing Mexico in the 2024 Olympic Games, Ortiz went toe-to-toe against the towering Crews-Dezurn but closing distance throughout the fight, Norfolk, Virginia’s Crews-Dezurn successfully defended her WBC and WBA titles via majority decision.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Joshua James Pagan (13-0, 4 KOs) returned to the ring for the second time in 2025 against James Bernadin (13-3-1, 6 KOs). With both competitors trading blows, Pagan showcased his experience in the later rounds, earning a unanimous decision victory and breaking Bernadin’s three fight win streak. The scorecards read 98-92 and 99-91 (twice). Afterwards, Pagan said: “Bernadin had a tricky style. He used the Philly Shell, so I had to figure out a way to deal with that. He countered pretty good off it too. I had to be cautious. He came out really aggressive in some rounds, and I needed to adjust. My jab and straight rights were working. I can tell he was getting frustrated in there. I just needed to stay moving to his weak side and utilize my jab. Once he had his flurry of punches, I noticed he stepped back a little bit and it was my turn to throw a flurry of punches. I got my punches off and I started to move and out box him. This was a great victory to have in front of this big crowd. I met Mauricio Sulaimán and Roy Jones Jr. and they had nothing but great things to say to me. It was an honor.”
Kicking off the action on the main card, Puerto Rico’s first women’s Olympian boxer, Ashleyann Lozada (2-0, 1 KO) had a quick night in the office as she saw her hand raised following a first-round TKO victory over Houston’s Carmen Vargas (5-4-1) in the women’s super bantamweight division. In the opening minute of the bout, Lozada overwhelmed Vargas with a barrage of punches. The winner had this to say about the early win, “I was surprised because I thought this fight would be an all-out war. The thing is that my hands came through. I saw my opponent get a little dizzy, so I told myself this is my moment. I attacked her and finished her.”
Prior to the DAZN-televised portion of the event, fan-favorite Bryce Mills (19-1, 7 KOs) squared off against Hialeah, Fla.’s Aaron Aponte (12-3-1, 3 KOs). After his walkout caused an eruption from the Verona, N.Y. crowd, Liverpool, N.Y.’s Mills registered a first round-knockout after landing a counter right hook.
Recently signed to Salita Promotions, Brooklyn’s Pryce Taylor (8-0, 6 KOs) continued his dominant campaign in the heavyweight division scoring a fourth round TKO victory against Ed Fountain (14-9, 7 KOs). This outing marks his third straight finish in 2025.
In the first fight of the night, “Motor City” Detroit’s Da’Velle Smith (12-0, 8 KOs) shined against Atlanta’s Antonio Todd (17-13, 1 NC, 9 KOs), securing a unanimous decision victory following a tactical performance from the Michigan native (78-74 and two scores of 77-75.)
Lozada: “I was surprised because I thought this fight would be an all-out war. The thing is that my hands came through. I saw my opponent get a little dizzy, so I told myself this is my moment. I attacked her and finished her.”
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Crews-Dezurn retains her unified titles
Franchon Crews-Dezurn W10 Citlali Ortiz... In her promotional debut with Salita Promotions, Franchón Crews-Dezurn (10-2, 2 KOs) put her unified super middleweight championship on the line against Citlalli Ortiz (4-2, 1 KO) in the Verona, New York's Turning Stone Casino. Representing Mexico in the 2024 Olympic Games, Ortiz went toe-to-toe against the towering Crews-Dezurn but closing distance throughout the fight, Norfolk, Virginia’s Crews-Dezurn successfully defended her WBC and WBA titles via majority decision.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Joshua James Pagan (13-0, 4 KOs) returned to the ring for the second time in 2025 against James Bernadin (13-3-1, 6 KOs). With both competitors trading blows, Pagan showcased his experience in the later rounds, earning a unanimous decision victory and breaking Bernadin’s three fight win streak. The scorecards read 98-92 and 99-91 (twice). Afterwards, Pagan said: “Bernadin had a tricky style. He used the Philly Shell, so I had to figure out a way to deal with that. He countered pretty good off it too. I had to be cautious. He came out really aggressive in some rounds, and I needed to adjust. My jab and straight rights were working. I can tell he was getting frustrated in there. I just needed to stay moving to his weak side and utilize my jab. Once he had his flurry of punches, I noticed he stepped back a little bit and it was my turn to throw a flurry of punches. I got my punches off and I started to move and out box him. This was a great victory to have in front of this big crowd. I met Mauricio Sulaimán and Roy Jones Jr. and they had nothing but great things to say to me. It was an honor.”
Kicking off the action on the main card, Puerto Rico’s first women’s Olympian boxer, Ashleyann Lozada (2-0, 1 KO) had a quick night in the office as she saw her hand raised following a first-round TKO victory over Houston’s Carmen Vargas (5-4-1) in the women’s super bantamweight division. In the opening minute of the bout, Lozada overwhelmed Vargas with a barrage of punches. The winner had this to say about the early win, “I was surprised because I thought this fight would be an all-out war. The thing is that my hands came through. I saw my opponent get a little dizzy, so I told myself this is my moment. I attacked her and finished her.”
Prior to the DAZN-televised portion of the event, fan-favorite Bryce Mills (19-1, 7 KOs) squared off against Hialeah, Fla.’s Aaron Aponte (12-3-1, 3 KOs). After his walkout caused an eruption from the Verona, N.Y. crowd, Liverpool, N.Y.’s Mills registered a first round-knockout after landing a counter right hook.
Recently signed to Salita Promotions, Brooklyn’s Pryce Taylor (8-0, 6 KOs) continued his dominant campaign in the heavyweight division scoring a fourth round TKO victory against Ed Fountain (14-9, 7 KOs). This outing marks his third straight finish in 2025.
In the first fight of the night, “Motor City” Detroit’s Da’Velle Smith (12-0, 8 KOs) shined against Atlanta’s Antonio Todd (17-13, 1 NC, 9 KOs), securing a unanimous decision victory following a tactical performance from the Michigan native (78-74 and two scores of 77-75.)
Lozada: “I was surprised because I thought this fight would be an all-out war. The thing is that my hands came through. I saw my opponent get a little dizzy, so I told myself this is my moment. I attacked her and finished her.”
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Toussaint upsets Hicks on Hall of Fame show |
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Wendy Toussaint W10 Joseph Hicks... On a night built to celebrate boxing greatness during the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, junior middleweight Wendy Toussaint carved his own personal laegacy, scoring an upset over previously undefeated Joseph Hicks Jr. The bout took place last night (June 6) at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY, and was broadcast worldwide on DAZN, promoted by Salita Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, in association with All The Smoke Fight, the digital boxing platform led by Hall of Famer Andre Ward. Fighting with purpose and intensity, Toussaint (17-3) imposed his will from the outset, pressuring Hicks and dictating the pace throughout all ten rounds. Hicks (now 12-1), who entered the fight as a highly touted prospect, was unable to establish his rhythm as Toussaint consistently kept him on his heels. The judges scored the bout 97-93 (Eric Marlinski), 96-94 (Don Trella), and a surprising 95-95 (Don Ackerman), awarding Toussaint a majority decision.
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Toussaint upsets Hicks on Hall of Fame show
Wendy Toussaint W10 Joseph Hicks... On a night built to celebrate boxing greatness during the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, junior middleweight Wendy Toussaint carved his own personal laegacy, scoring an upset over previously undefeated Joseph Hicks Jr. The bout took place last night (June 6) at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY, and was broadcast worldwide on DAZN, promoted by Salita Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, in association with All The Smoke Fight, the digital boxing platform led by Hall of Famer Andre Ward. Fighting with purpose and intensity, Toussaint (17-3) imposed his will from the outset, pressuring Hicks and dictating the pace throughout all ten rounds. Hicks (now 12-1), who entered the fight as a highly touted prospect, was unable to establish his rhythm as Toussaint consistently kept him on his heels. The judges scored the bout 97-93 (Eric Marlinski), 96-94 (Don Trella), and a surprising 95-95 (Don Ackerman), awarding Toussaint a majority decision.
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Davis loses title on the scales; main event cancelled |
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The Keyshawn Davis-Edwin De Los Santos fight has been canceled after Davis failed to make weight earlier today. Davis has been stripped of the WBO lightweight world title. Tomorrow’s card at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, will proceed with a new main event, the ten-round lightweight showdown between the unbeaten Abdullah Mason and Namibian contender Jeremia Nakathila. The Kelvin Davis-Nahir Albright junior welterweight fight has been elevated to co-feature. Mason-Nakathila and Davis-Albright will be televised live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The undercard, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+, will now begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.
Patrons seeking a refund should contact their original point of purchase. The deadline for refunds is 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 7.
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Davis loses title on the scales; main event cancelled
The Keyshawn Davis-Edwin De Los Santos fight has been canceled after Davis failed to make weight earlier today. Davis has been stripped of the WBO lightweight world title. Tomorrow’s card at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, will proceed with a new main event, the ten-round lightweight showdown between the unbeaten Abdullah Mason and Namibian contender Jeremia Nakathila. The Kelvin Davis-Nahir Albright junior welterweight fight has been elevated to co-feature. Mason-Nakathila and Davis-Albright will be televised live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The undercard, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+, will now begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.
Patrons seeking a refund should contact their original point of purchase. The deadline for refunds is 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 7.
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Weigh-in report from Norfolk, VA |
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With the Keyshawn Davis vs. Edwin De Los Santos main event canceled after Davis failed to make weight, here are the boxers' weights for Top Rank's ESPN show in Norfolk, Virginia:
Abdullah Mason 134.5 pounds -vs.- Jeremia Nakathila 134.8 (ten rounds);
Kelvin Davis 140 -vs.- Nahir Albright 139 (ten rounds);
Tiger Johnson 146.5 -vs.- Janelson Bocachica 146.8 (ten rounds);
Troy Isley 159.9 -vs.- Etoundi Michel William 159.7 (ten rounds);
Keon Davis 149.2 -vs.- Michael Velez 149.8 (six rounds);
Euri Cedeño 160 -vs.- Abel Mina 158.9 (ten rounds)
Deric Davis 134.2 -vs.- Naheem Parker 136.3 (six rounds); and
Patrick O'Connor 199 -vs.- Marcus Smith 190.6 (four rounds)
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Weigh-in report from Norfolk, VA
With the Keyshawn Davis vs. Edwin De Los Santos main event canceled after Davis failed to make weight, here are the boxers' weights for Top Rank's ESPN show in Norfolk, Virginia:
Abdullah Mason 134.5 pounds -vs.- Jeremia Nakathila 134.8 (ten rounds);
Kelvin Davis 140 -vs.- Nahir Albright 139 (ten rounds);
Tiger Johnson 146.5 -vs.- Janelson Bocachica 146.8 (ten rounds);
Troy Isley 159.9 -vs.- Etoundi Michel William 159.7 (ten rounds);
Keon Davis 149.2 -vs.- Michael Velez 149.8 (six rounds);
Euri Cedeño 160 -vs.- Abel Mina 158.9 (ten rounds)
Deric Davis 134.2 -vs.- Naheem Parker 136.3 (six rounds); and
Patrick O'Connor 199 -vs.- Marcus Smith 190.6 (four rounds)
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Final presser quotes from Norfolk, VA |
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Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) returns to Norfolk’s Scope Arena this Saturday, June 7th to defend his WBO lightweight title against heavy-hitting Dominican Edwin De Los Santos (16-2, 14 KOs). Davis captured the crown in February with a fourth-round stoppage of Denys Berinchyk. Three months earlier, he electrified the Norfolk crowd with a second-round obliteration of Gustavo Lemos before a sold-out crowd of 10,568. Now, he’s back to defend his title in front of his hometown faithful. In the ten-round co-feature, 21 year-old lightweight Abdullah Mason (18-0, 16 KOs) looks to continue his rise against battle-tested Jeremia Nakathila (26-4, 21 KOs) of Namibia. Keyshawn-De Los Santos and Mason-Nakathila will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
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Final presser quotes from Norfolk, VA
Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) returns to Norfolk’s Scope Arena this Saturday, June 7th to defend his WBO lightweight title against heavy-hitting Dominican Edwin De Los Santos (16-2, 14 KOs). Davis captured the crown in February with a fourth-round stoppage of Denys Berinchyk. Three months earlier, he electrified the Norfolk crowd with a second-round obliteration of Gustavo Lemos before a sold-out crowd of 10,568. Now, he’s back to defend his title in front of his hometown faithful. In the ten-round co-feature, 21 year-old lightweight Abdullah Mason (18-0, 16 KOs) looks to continue his rise against battle-tested Jeremia Nakathila (26-4, 21 KOs) of Namibia. Keyshawn-De Los Santos and Mason-Nakathila will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
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Final presser quotes from the Turning Stone |
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Salita Promotions will present a night of fights on today (Friday, June 6th) at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, as part of International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. "Hall of Fame Fight Night," will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. The event is headlined by heavyweight Brandon Moore (17-1, 10 KOs), who will square off against Stanley Wright (14-0, 11 KOs). Moore is entering the fight after a victory over previously undefeated Skylar Lacy, while Wright is coming off a major upset victory over previously undefeated Jeremiah Milton. This clash pits two rising American heavyweights, both eager to carve their names into boxing history. A press conference was held on Thursday that featured Ray Halbritter, Turning Stone Enterprises CEO, Ed Brophy, Executive Director International Boxing Hall of Fame, Christy Martin, 2020 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. Here are the best quotes of the event:
Dmitriy Salita
“We are very grateful to be here. This weekend serves so many important purposes—first and foremost, to honor the great legends of our sport. I’d like to congratulate all the 2025 inductees to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and of course, Christy Martin, who was inducted several years ago. It’s a true honor for all of us to be part of this historic occasion.”
“The International Boxing Hall of Fame plays a vital role in preserving the legacy of boxing—recognizing the icons who inspired generations, while also providing a platform for the sport’s future. Together with Turning Stone Resort Casino, it offers one of the brightest stages in boxing for today’s young fighters, champions, contenders, and rising prospects to showcase their skills. Boxing is in a pivotal and exciting time, and events like this help ensure its continued growth and relevance.”
Brandon Moore
“We’re back at Turning Stone! I’ve won here before. I got a big boy W here. It means a lot to have the opportunity to perform here during hall of fame weekend. It’s crazy that Manny Pacquiao is being inducted. I used to watch him growing up. I feel extremely grateful.”
“I’m the main event of the card. I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I called this seven years ago. I said I was going to be on the top of the sport. It means a lot that I’m here, but I’m supposed to be here.”
“The heavyweight division is missing me. Every time people watch me fight, I entertain. That’s why Dmitriy (Salita) signed me. He saw me endure a big cut above my eye and beg the referee to let me fight.”
“I’m definitely going for the knockout. I’ve seen on social media there have been a lot of people saying that he’s going to get me out of there in the second round. I’m not Jeremiah Milton. I’m not these guys he’s fought before. I’m going to take him into deep water and put him down. It’s not personal. I hope he’s coming in confident. I hope he gives me a good fight.”
Stanley Wright
“I’d like to thank Jesus Christ. Thank you to Salita Promotions for this opportunity. Thank God for my team. I honor God by giving my best performance that I can. I’m not a fighter that likes to disrespect other fighters. It’s true that boxers are the modern-day gladiators. We step into the ring to put on a show for the people. We step in there knowing that there’s a chance we won’t return.”
On how he turns on his killer instinct once the fight starts “It’s always on. I can smile, but the killer instinct is always on.”
Franchón Crews-Dezurn
“Shout out to Salita, DAZN, and everybody for the opportunity to fight here and showcase my skills against Ortiz and continue to push women’s boxing forward.”
“I was presented with the opportunity to work with Salita Promotions, so I decided to join the team. Any situation I’m added to is going to add value. I want to continue to support him and his mission of putting women’s boxing in the spotlight.”
“I’m a top dog with an underdog mentality. Ortiz went to the Olympics; that’s the only thing I didn’t do in my career. So having the opportunity to fight and defeat her is monumental. You’re the third Olympian I have faced so third time is the charm. I need to get this one. Ortiz is going to have to pay for this.”
“Lot of people have a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
Citlalli Ortiz
“I’m very appreciated of the opportunity. Franchón could have chosen anyone to fight, and she chose me. I’m used to being the underdog in many situations throughout my whole career. I’m the shorter fighter. I go to places where they don’t know me, but once I fight, they know my name. It’s very exciting to keep making history. This type of opportunity is what is going to get my career going. That’s why I am so grateful for this huge moment and platform. A lot of boxers dream to be in this situation, so I thank God that I am here. I’m coming to fight.”
“Crews-Dezurn respects my career, but she is probably using me as a tune up fight. If I win this fight, maybe Claressa Shields will turn over and look at me.”
“I’ll probably be the third Olympian you lose to.”
“My whole career, I’ve never had easy fights. I’m always looking for top contenders and big fights. That’s what got me where I am now, and I am ready to showcase that.”
Jospeh Hicks Jr.
“Being able to fight on a card where all these great fighters will be inducted into the hall of fame is amazing to me. It’s a dream come true. It’s good that people think this is a 50/50 fight. I train for a war every time. I don’t go into any fight thinking it’s going to be easy. I’m glad everyone thinks it’s going to be hard because when I go in there and make it look easy, they’ll give me my credit.”
Wendy Toussaint
“Hicks is trying to make himself feel good when he says he’s going to make this look easy. He just doesn’t know it yet. I just have to step up in the ring. People should expect an exciting fight. I’m going to stop him. This fight is revenge. Ardreal Holmes Jr. is your brother, right?”
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Final presser quotes from the Turning Stone
Salita Promotions will present a night of fights on today (Friday, June 6th) at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, as part of International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. "Hall of Fame Fight Night," will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. The event is headlined by heavyweight Brandon Moore (17-1, 10 KOs), who will square off against Stanley Wright (14-0, 11 KOs). Moore is entering the fight after a victory over previously undefeated Skylar Lacy, while Wright is coming off a major upset victory over previously undefeated Jeremiah Milton. This clash pits two rising American heavyweights, both eager to carve their names into boxing history. A press conference was held on Thursday that featured Ray Halbritter, Turning Stone Enterprises CEO, Ed Brophy, Executive Director International Boxing Hall of Fame, Christy Martin, 2020 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. Here are the best quotes of the event:
Dmitriy Salita
“We are very grateful to be here. This weekend serves so many important purposes—first and foremost, to honor the great legends of our sport. I’d like to congratulate all the 2025 inductees to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and of course, Christy Martin, who was inducted several years ago. It’s a true honor for all of us to be part of this historic occasion.”
“The International Boxing Hall of Fame plays a vital role in preserving the legacy of boxing—recognizing the icons who inspired generations, while also providing a platform for the sport’s future. Together with Turning Stone Resort Casino, it offers one of the brightest stages in boxing for today’s young fighters, champions, contenders, and rising prospects to showcase their skills. Boxing is in a pivotal and exciting time, and events like this help ensure its continued growth and relevance.”
Brandon Moore
“We’re back at Turning Stone! I’ve won here before. I got a big boy W here. It means a lot to have the opportunity to perform here during hall of fame weekend. It’s crazy that Manny Pacquiao is being inducted. I used to watch him growing up. I feel extremely grateful.”
“I’m the main event of the card. I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I called this seven years ago. I said I was going to be on the top of the sport. It means a lot that I’m here, but I’m supposed to be here.”
“The heavyweight division is missing me. Every time people watch me fight, I entertain. That’s why Dmitriy (Salita) signed me. He saw me endure a big cut above my eye and beg the referee to let me fight.”
“I’m definitely going for the knockout. I’ve seen on social media there have been a lot of people saying that he’s going to get me out of there in the second round. I’m not Jeremiah Milton. I’m not these guys he’s fought before. I’m going to take him into deep water and put him down. It’s not personal. I hope he’s coming in confident. I hope he gives me a good fight.”
Stanley Wright
“I’d like to thank Jesus Christ. Thank you to Salita Promotions for this opportunity. Thank God for my team. I honor God by giving my best performance that I can. I’m not a fighter that likes to disrespect other fighters. It’s true that boxers are the modern-day gladiators. We step into the ring to put on a show for the people. We step in there knowing that there’s a chance we won’t return.”
On how he turns on his killer instinct once the fight starts “It’s always on. I can smile, but the killer instinct is always on.”
Franchón Crews-Dezurn
“Shout out to Salita, DAZN, and everybody for the opportunity to fight here and showcase my skills against Ortiz and continue to push women’s boxing forward.”
“I was presented with the opportunity to work with Salita Promotions, so I decided to join the team. Any situation I’m added to is going to add value. I want to continue to support him and his mission of putting women’s boxing in the spotlight.”
“I’m a top dog with an underdog mentality. Ortiz went to the Olympics; that’s the only thing I didn’t do in my career. So having the opportunity to fight and defeat her is monumental. You’re the third Olympian I have faced so third time is the charm. I need to get this one. Ortiz is going to have to pay for this.”
“Lot of people have a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
Citlalli Ortiz
“I’m very appreciated of the opportunity. Franchón could have chosen anyone to fight, and she chose me. I’m used to being the underdog in many situations throughout my whole career. I’m the shorter fighter. I go to places where they don’t know me, but once I fight, they know my name. It’s very exciting to keep making history. This type of opportunity is what is going to get my career going. That’s why I am so grateful for this huge moment and platform. A lot of boxers dream to be in this situation, so I thank God that I am here. I’m coming to fight.”
“Crews-Dezurn respects my career, but she is probably using me as a tune up fight. If I win this fight, maybe Claressa Shields will turn over and look at me.”
“I’ll probably be the third Olympian you lose to.”
“My whole career, I’ve never had easy fights. I’m always looking for top contenders and big fights. That’s what got me where I am now, and I am ready to showcase that.”
Jospeh Hicks Jr.
“Being able to fight on a card where all these great fighters will be inducted into the hall of fame is amazing to me. It’s a dream come true. It’s good that people think this is a 50/50 fight. I train for a war every time. I don’t go into any fight thinking it’s going to be easy. I’m glad everyone thinks it’s going to be hard because when I go in there and make it look easy, they’ll give me my credit.”
Wendy Toussaint
“Hicks is trying to make himself feel good when he says he’s going to make this look easy. He just doesn’t know it yet. I just have to step up in the ring. People should expect an exciting fight. I’m going to stop him. This fight is revenge. Ardreal Holmes Jr. is your brother, right?”
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Pacquiao: "I really missed boxing" |
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Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBC welterweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios squared off for the press earlier this week in order to preview their showdown taking place Saturday, July 19th on a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Here is what Pacquaio and Barrios had to say from the two press events Tuesday at The Novo at L.A. Live and Saturday from House of Blues Las Vegas:
MANNY PACQUIAO
“The fire, determination and eagerness to work hard is still there. I’m still enjoying running the mountains. Not every fighter has this feeling. This is a blessing, because I’ve been through so many big fights in my career and I’m still here. I’m back.
“To the boxing fans all over the world, thank you for accepting me again. I hope that on July 19 this fight will entertain everyone. Everyone here is going to work hard in their training camp so that the fans are happy on July 19th.
“Barrios is the kind of fighter who gives people good fights. Me and him together in the ring will satisfy the fans and that’s what I want.
“It would mean a lot for me to become world champion again. Manny Pacquiao is always giving surprises to the fans. That’s my passion and it’s really important to me. I want everyone to be happy with this fight.
“My goal is to leave a legacy to the boxing fans. I want to inspire the young generation who are dreaming of becoming a champion.
“July 19th is gonna be a lot of action. There’s a lot of great fights on this card. I know what Barrios is capable of and I know that we can entertain the fans.
“I’ve been able to rest my body and it’s been good for me. Now I’m back and I’m excited to give the fans a great fight. I know that Barrios is training hard to defend his belt. I’m the challenger, so I know I have to go the extra mile and punish myself in training to win the fight. That’s the goal.
“I’ve been boxing for many years, and even the years I wasn’t boxing, I was still thinking about boxing. I even have a boxing gym in my house and was always working out. I really missed boxing.”
MARIO BARRIOS
“I’m here, I’m ready and I’m the champion for a reason. This is a huge fight that could be Fight of the Year. I can’t wait.
“All the other big fights I’ve had have prepared me for a moment like this. I’m defending my title against a legend and I couldn’t be more honored.
“Facing Manny is something I never pictured unfolding, and now it’s here on one of the biggest cards of the year. July 19 is gonna be a night of boxing that you don’t wanna miss.
“It’s a great honor for a legend like Manny to want to come back and fight for my title. This is my biggest fight so far and I’m excited to take it on.
“Come July 19 I’ll be facing a legend across from me. I have nothing but respect for him outside of the ring. But inside the ring, he’s just another man who’s trying to take what’s mine. I’m the champion for a reason and I’m gonna show that.
“I think I can take a lot that I learned from the Gervonta Davis fight into this one. The way he closes distance and works off his speed, and even the size, are all similar. All of my big fights have really prepared me for this moment.
“I’ve been seeing people face off with Manny at press conferences like this since I was a kid. He’s not very serious, except when he’s in the ring. I know he’s gonna bring it when we get in the ring.”
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Pacquiao: "I really missed boxing"
Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBC welterweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios squared off for the press earlier this week in order to preview their showdown taking place Saturday, July 19th on a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Here is what Pacquaio and Barrios had to say from the two press events Tuesday at The Novo at L.A. Live and Saturday from House of Blues Las Vegas:
MANNY PACQUIAO
“The fire, determination and eagerness to work hard is still there. I’m still enjoying running the mountains. Not every fighter has this feeling. This is a blessing, because I’ve been through so many big fights in my career and I’m still here. I’m back.
“To the boxing fans all over the world, thank you for accepting me again. I hope that on July 19 this fight will entertain everyone. Everyone here is going to work hard in their training camp so that the fans are happy on July 19th.
“Barrios is the kind of fighter who gives people good fights. Me and him together in the ring will satisfy the fans and that’s what I want.
“It would mean a lot for me to become world champion again. Manny Pacquiao is always giving surprises to the fans. That’s my passion and it’s really important to me. I want everyone to be happy with this fight.
“My goal is to leave a legacy to the boxing fans. I want to inspire the young generation who are dreaming of becoming a champion.
“July 19th is gonna be a lot of action. There’s a lot of great fights on this card. I know what Barrios is capable of and I know that we can entertain the fans.
“I’ve been able to rest my body and it’s been good for me. Now I’m back and I’m excited to give the fans a great fight. I know that Barrios is training hard to defend his belt. I’m the challenger, so I know I have to go the extra mile and punish myself in training to win the fight. That’s the goal.
“I’ve been boxing for many years, and even the years I wasn’t boxing, I was still thinking about boxing. I even have a boxing gym in my house and was always working out. I really missed boxing.”
MARIO BARRIOS
“I’m here, I’m ready and I’m the champion for a reason. This is a huge fight that could be Fight of the Year. I can’t wait.
“All the other big fights I’ve had have prepared me for a moment like this. I’m defending my title against a legend and I couldn’t be more honored.
“Facing Manny is something I never pictured unfolding, and now it’s here on one of the biggest cards of the year. July 19 is gonna be a night of boxing that you don’t wanna miss.
“It’s a great honor for a legend like Manny to want to come back and fight for my title. This is my biggest fight so far and I’m excited to take it on.
“Come July 19 I’ll be facing a legend across from me. I have nothing but respect for him outside of the ring. But inside the ring, he’s just another man who’s trying to take what’s mine. I’m the champion for a reason and I’m gonna show that.
“I think I can take a lot that I learned from the Gervonta Davis fight into this one. The way he closes distance and works off his speed, and even the size, are all similar. All of my big fights have really prepared me for this moment.
“I’ve been seeing people face off with Manny at press conferences like this since I was a kid. He’s not very serious, except when he’s in the ring. I know he’s gonna bring it when we get in the ring.”
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Brandon Figueroa training with Manny Robles |
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Former 122-pound champion Brandon Figueroa (25-2-1) will face perennial contender Joet Gonzalez (27-4) on July 19th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Figueroa, who was also "e-mailed" the WBC championship by getting upgraded from interim titlist, is coming off a loss to Stephen Fulton earlier this year. The Figueroa-Gonzalez bout will be part of the Mario Barrios vs. Manny Pacquiao PBC pay-per-view show. Here is what Figueroa had to say at press events earlier this week:
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Brandon Figueroa training with Manny Robles
Former 122-pound champion Brandon Figueroa (25-2-1) will face perennial contender Joet Gonzalez (27-4) on July 19th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Figueroa, who was also "e-mailed" the WBC championship by getting upgraded from interim titlist, is coming off a loss to Stephen Fulton earlier this year. The Figueroa-Gonzalez bout will be part of the Mario Barrios vs. Manny Pacquiao PBC pay-per-view show. Here is what Figueroa had to say at press events earlier this week:
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