Stephen “Breadman” Edwards-- a former Boxingtalk writer who now trains WBA/IBF junior middleweight champion Julian "JRock" Williams-- talks about Williams' upcoming title defense versus the Dominican Republic's Jeison “Banana” Rosario.

 

Ivan Montiel: Talk to us about Williams vs Rosario, what can we expect?

 

Stephen Edwards: It’s a good fight, Rosario is a big puncher, he’s on a winning hot streak, he’s a young guy.  Rosario will be very motivated to win the title in his first title shot.

 

IM: Did you get a chance to see my interview with Rosario?

 

SE: I read a little bit of it but I try not to pay attention to what fighters have to say leading into a fight.

 

IM: Fair enough.  What about how this fight will play out? 

 

SE: I think it’s going to be a really tough fight.  I predict Julian Williams is going to win.  I believe Williams is the better all-around fighter.  I don’t want to get into how and all that kind of stuff since you know we never know how a fight will play out. 

 

IM: Williams is the main guy in the 154-pound division since he defeated Jarrett Hurd. But Hurd who could be a future opponent for a rematch.  We also have WBC champion Tony Harrison taking on the man he beat for his title, Jermell Charlo once again.  Your thoughts on Harrison versus Charlo rematch?

 

SE: I think it’s a very tough fight.  I think Charlo is the stronger and more explosive guy. I think Harrison is the more skilled and better boxer.  Harrison has the edge mentally especially since he won that first fight.  Charlo seems upset [about the loss] and man, it’s hard to fight being angry.  Either guy can win it all depends on which guy is on that night.  Charlo will be looking to land a big shot all night.  If Charlo doesn’t control his emotions I can see Harrison outboxing him.  It’s a 50/50 fight.

 

IM: Now I don’t want to get past your upcoming fight but let’s say everything goes smoothly against Rosario. Is there any chance Williams could be facing the winner between Harrison versus Charlo?

 

SE: We already signed to fight the winner of that rematch.  The only reason it didn’t happen earlier is because Harrison versus Charlo got postponed.  Hurd [said he] wanted a rematch with us but he pulled out.  It [unification vs. the Harrison-Charlo II winner] is already a done deal.

 

IM: That’s news to me.  Thanks for letting us know.  We can’t wait till 2020!  Julian Williams is the man for always looking forward to fighting tough competition.

 

Dominic Boesel TKO11 Sven Fornling... Germany’s Dominic Boesel won the WBA light heavy interim title by stopping Sweden’s Sven Fornling (15-2) in round eleven. The fight took place at the Halle Messe Arena in Hallle, in front of a large crowd. The 30 year-old Boesel, a former European champion is now 30-1. Fornling's career my be over, but happily, Swedish media reports he was released from the hospital. "We just got the news that he can go home," wrote manager Christoffer Cederblad in a text message to the news site Expressen.se. On Sunday, there were reports from the hospital that Fornling had suffered a head bleed, which was later dismissed by Cederblad. "We feared it would be something really bad like a brain hemorrhage, but it's not. Sven is not feeling well, but is on the road to improvement. source: wba / Expressen.se

 

 

 

 

A rejuvenated Ohara Davies (19-2) is ready to "shut the mouths" of critics and blast ahead towards a world title shot. Davies, from London, is one of the favorites for the Golden Contract junior welterweight tournament that kicks off this week, with Tuesday’s opponent selection paving the way for fight night at York Hall on Friday; live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the USA. Having rejoined former coach Tony Cesay and shelved a lavish lifestyle in favor of renewed discipline, Davies feels primed to fulfill his potential.

 

Davies said: “Being back under Tony Cesay now, I feel like it was just waiting to happen, and now the whole world is going to see what I can do for real. I believe I can become a world champion, 100 per cent. As much as people doubt me now – and I’ve been looking on online and seeing what they’re saying about me – people think I’m more of an entertainer than a boxer, but that’s up to me to shut their mouths and change their minds.

 

“I’m going for a world title. I’m going for everything I can get and I know I can become one [world champion]. The first step is going to be on November 22nd. I’m not thinking about the money, I’m just going back to how I was in the past, thinking about fighting. That’s the only thing that really matters. I remember as an amateur, I never got paid, but I fought week after week, month after month, and I just loved it. It’s not about what platform I’m on, it’s not about how much I’m getting paid, or this or that. It’s literally about training, being the best I can be, and then getting the win.”

 

Joining Davies in the draw on Tuesday, are the likes of Tyrone McKenna, Mohamed Mimoune, Darren Surtees, Kieran Gething, Logan Yoon, Lewis Benson and Mikey Sakyi.

 

 

 

 

 

Star Boxing has signed William "Baby Face" Silva (27-2, 15 KOs), who will close out 2019 against California-born, Arnold Barboza, Jr. (22-0, 9 KOs) at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on November 30th, to be featured on ESPN. Hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, the junior welterweight Silva began his boxing career well before his professional debut in 2006. At the age of 7, Silva's father brought him to a local boxing gym and he never looked back. "My father was a boxer" said Silva, "he fought, as did my brothers." Silva's brother, Michele Silva is a professional boxer, fighting out of Brazil. As an amateur, Silva represented his home country as a member of the Brazil Olympic training team. He boasted a stellar amateur record of 135-5.

 

Campaigning most of his career at lightweight, Silva has had great success since moving from his native Brazil, making Florida his home away from home. Fighting prospects such as Felix Verdejo and Teofimo Lopez, Silva never hides from a challenge. In his last two bouts, Silva steamrolled Joe Forero, dominating the entire fight, ending with a ninth-round TKO, and in February, he dominated a ten-round bout against Juan Ramon Solis (then 25-13 9KO's). 

 

Silva said this about signing with Star Boxing, "I am extremely excited and grateful to sign a contract with Star Boxing and feel really motivated to show the world that I belong in World Championship fights. I live and train in Plant City Florida, with a great coach Jose Rodriguez, my manager Jody Caliguire, and our entire team is awesome. I am ready to get back to the top of the rankings. I know I can beat anyone in the world."

 

Caliguire had this to say about Silva signing with Star Boxing, "Team Silva is very happy to have signed promotional contract with Star Boxing. We look forward to competing on great events and having the opportunity to compete soon for a world title. At 27-2, with 15 KOs, Silva is a proven excellent boxer. We want a world title shot in the near future. Silva, now lives and trains in Florida, and we have the team in place to insure each time he walks in the ring he will be ready to win and convincingly. This man is a true professional and great boxer."

 

Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia said this about signing Silva, "Silva is a very talented fighter who we are very excited to work with. We believe that with the team we have in place, the sky is the limit for Silva, and we are looking forward to closing out 2019 with a great fight in Las Vegas on ESPN."

 

Chris Billam-Smith has vowed to silence the crowd at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday when he clashes with local cruiserweight Craig Glover (10-2, 8 KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth crown, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. "The Gentleman" found himself on the wrong end of a split decision against big-hitting Londoner Richard Riakporhe in a close battle in July and will be aiming to bounce back with a win against his former sparring partner, Glover. Undeterred by his first professional loss, Billam-Smith (9-1, 8 KOs) hopes that a win over the Tony Bellew-managed Scouser will lead to a future rematch with Riakporhe, who meets Jack Massey for the vacant British title at York Hall on December 19.

 

“I’m going straight back into a big domestic fight and that’s exactly what I wanted,” said Billam-Smith. “It can’t be a bad fight. We both like to let our hands go, we both like to get stoppages, throw big shots, there’s not any running from either of us. He’s not going to be holding and stuff like Riakporhe was. It will be a very physical fight but a lot less grappling and a lot more big shots going in.

 

“Last time at The O2 was a great experience, it was a good fight, one we thought that we won. We felt comfortable when the final bell went. That’s obviously a rematch that I’d like in the future. He’s going for the British title next month so maybe we can get it on for that in the new year. First up it’s Craig and he has my full attention and respect.

 

“We’ve sparred before and Craig is a great lad but this is business and it can only be a cracking fight, I’m certain of that. We only sparred the once and it was only six rounds but it was a close spar, it was a good spar and a good one to watch. It was competitive the whole time and we both came out of it thinking that we would box each other for a title and here we are.”

 

Glover has experienced mixed fortunes since turning over to the professional ranks in May 2016 on the Bellew vs. Makabu World title blockbuster at Goodison Park. He lost in just his third pro outing before being dropped and stopped by Vaclav Pejsar in Liverpool earlier this year.

 

Despite this, the 28-year-old is remains highly-rated by many in the fight game, including former WBC Cruiserweight king Bellew. Billam-Smith is familiar with fighting on Merseyside and believes he has what it takes to silence Glover’s fans once more.

 

“I boxed at the M&S Bank Arena as an amateur in the ABA’s so I’m familiar with the place and the city as well. I love it up there, I love Liverpool as a city. The fans are very passionate people. Craig is a good lad and most scousers are. They’re all very nice people but unfortunately I’m going to have to silence them on the night.

 

“It’s going to be a bit more of a partisan crowd this time being in Liverpool but I’ll be bringing a few up from Bouremouth and London. My brother was actually there when Craig got stopped and he said it was very noisy up until the stoppage. That’s obviously the plan for me, to silence the crowd. It’s a cracking fight and we’re both exciting to watch with come-forward styles. I believe that it will be an absolute barnburner while it lasts.”

 

Glover vs. Billam-Smith is part of a bill topped by Liverpool’s Callum Smith (26-0, 19 KOs) defending his WBA super middleweight title against John Ryder (28-4, 16 KOs), 

 

Jonathan Oquendo W10 Charles Huerta... Last Thursday, Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo won a unanimous decision in the super featherweight division over Charles Huerta of California. The ten-round bout, held in Los Angeles, was scored a shutout for Oquendo (31-6). Oquendo was coming off a loss to Lamont Roach, Jr. in a fight that propelled Roach to a WBO title shot against Jamel Herring. (Roach lost). Huerta's record dips to 21-7. source: wbo

Richard Medina KO1 Guadalupe Perez... Nineteen year-old featherweight Richard Medina (5-0, 4 KOs), fighting in his hometown of San Antonio, TX, picked up a first-round knockout over Guadalupe Perez (2-23) of Garland, TX, in a scheduled six-round bout. This was the type of performance I was looking for and I feel I made at statement," said Medina. "I feel unstoppable." source: Prince Ranch Boxing

Greg Leon: What makes you think getting in a boxing ring with KSI is a good idea?  Grag Of War: Fighting is my business!  I have the number one street fighting YouTube channel in the world Stelka Street Fight, I have a fighting background with training and out of all the YouTubers around the world I have the highest watched Street Fight Network. It makes all the sense in the world to bring exposure, excitement and international flavor to these events. And I am going to win!"  GL: How many rounds have you boxed in your life?  GOW: I have much more knowledge of the sport then Logan Paul and KSI...Professional rounds 0,  but I was training more 5 years when I was 24 in Professional Boxing school in Saint-Petersburg so I have a solid foundation.  I train in boxing gyms now and love the sport."

 

GL: Do you think it might be a good idea to get a fight in first to get your feet wet? 

 

GOW: "Is not important in order to beat celebrity YouTube bloggers."

 

GL: What did you think of his fight with Logan Paul?

 

GOW: "I think these guys were cool and young, the fight it was very high level for not Pro boxers. They are bloggers and have a very young audience 18-24 years old on Youtube main.  On my channel, we have 53% 24-44 years men, the peoples who love watching fights and this important for this story, DAZN and for the growth of sport of boxing."

 

GL: Do you think he deserved to win the fight?

 

GOW:  "I think Real Boxing is when your enemy wins if he drops you in a knockout."

 

GL: If you can't fight KSI would you be interested in fighting Paul?

 

GOW: "The first England breakfast, the second fight with Big American yeti."

 

GL: Who are your favorite boxers?

 

GOW: "Muhammad Ali, Rocky in Movie, and Creed looks good like an actor."

 

GL: Why do you want the fight to happen on DAZN?

 

GOW: "DAZN looks like a strong , young company with real vision for the future and this is someone I want to be associated with."

 

GL: Closing thoughts. 

 

GOW: "I rang guys from "Salita Boxing promotion" and say about the idea of this fight because these guys know how to make things happen on a high level.  I guarantee this is going to be exciting from beginning to end ! 

Pakistan's Muhammad Waseem has received the support of another Pakistan sports legend Wasim Akram ahead of his return to the ring on Friday’s Rotunda Rumble2 card at Caesars Bluewater in Dubai. Waseem (9-1, 7 KOs) goes up against [faded] former 108-pound title holder Ganigan Lopez (36-10). The event will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ and worldwide on IFL TV. Waseem's only loss came in a 2018 flyweight title bid vs. Moruti Mthlane look, but now he is looking to build on the momentum he secured in September when he knocked out Conrado Tanamor in 62 seconds. He now turns his attention to Lopez.

 

Cricket superstar Akram has heaped praise on his countryman Waseem. Akram said: “Muhammad Waseem won his last fight in 62 seconds and I’m looking forward to seeing him hopefully win his upcoming fight. He’s fighting with a former world champion and I’m really proud of him. I believe he’ll win this fight too and go onto be a successful champion.”

 

[Lopez os coming off a bad loss, a first-round stoppage vs. 25-18 Armando Torres].

 

Along with Pakistan hero Waseem, also featured on Friday’s huge bill are Jack Catterall, Thomas Patrick Ward, Indian star Vijender Singh, Kazakhstan's Abilkhaiyr Shegaliyev and Irish favorite Rohan Date.

 

One day after his December 21st opponent Kyotaro Fujimoto compared British heavyweight Daniel Dubois to a bear, and unveiled a man in a panda suit as his sparring partner, Dubois has warned that Fujimoto needs to be careful. Referencing his foes taunts, Daniel continued “he might be expecting a panda, but what he’ll get is a grizzly. He says he wants to change his life and make a name for himself. That’s not a problem. On December 21st, I’ll make him famous.”

 

Dubois, 13-0 with 12 KO’s, has the credentials to do just that and is coming off a first-round stoppage over previously undefeated Ghanaian Ebenezer Tetteh. Danel admitted that he didn’t “fully understand” the reasons behind Fujimoto’s bizarre press conference performance, but later added “it won’t matter once I knock him out.”

 

Despite planning an assault on a world title in the near future, Daniel is eager to let his Japanese opponent know that he is taking this next fight seriously. He said: “‘I hope he doesn’t think we’re taking this fight lightly. Preparation is key with all these things. We are bringing world class sparring in from America, people i’ve never sparred before.”

 

But with experts predicting the break-up of the heavyweight belts in 2020, it is hard for talk not to return to world championships.

 

When pushed on his intentions Dubois insisted: “I’m laser focused, i’m ready for Fujimoto” but did admit that he intended to “use this fight as a stepping stone to rise up the rankings, and set my sights on a world title”

 

Away from bear chat, Kyotaro was also keen to let the world know that he was willing to channel the spirit of fictional fighter Rocky Balboa to get the win against his heavy-hitting and much younger opponent.

 

When asked about that quote particularly, Daniel responded: “He thinks he’s going to be Rocky Balboa? if he starts getting hit with the type of shots Rocky got hit with in the films then it’s going to be a short night.”

 

With tensions continuing to rise between the two fighters, the Copper Box Arena is sure to be nothing less than a bear pit for ‘The Fight Before Christmas’ on December 21st.

DiBella Entertainment's Broadway Boxing series, now in its 17th year, returns to Manhattan with its annual New York City Holiday Show at Terminal 5 in Hell's Kitchen on Thursday, December 5th. The 112th edition of Broadway Boxing will be live streamed on UFC Fight Pass, with a main event of O'Shaquie "Ice Water" Foster (16-2, 10 KOs), vs. Alberto "The Transformer" Mercado (16-3-1, 3 KOs) Puerto Rico. Foster vs. Mercado will be a ten rounder in the super featherweight division. The co-feature will be a women's championship bout with former world champion Ana Laura "La Monita" Esteche (14-5-3, 2KOs) of Argentina battling "Merciless" Mary McGee (25-3, 13 KOs) for the vacant IBF 140-pound title.

 

Heavyweights will see action as Stephan "Big Shot" Shaw (12-0, 9 KOs), of St. Louis, clashes with Gregory "Bad News" Corbin (15-2, 9 KOs) of Dallas in a scheduled ten-round bout... former 140-pound title challenger Mikkel "Slikk Mikk" LesPierre (21-1-1, 6 KOs), Brooklyn, NY, clashes with Roody Pierre "Rude Boy" Paul (16-5-2, 6 KOs) of Quebec, Canada, in an eight-round bout... and Puerto Rican lightweight Victor "El Turu" Padilla (6-0, 5 KOs), of Berlin, NJ, will face Fredric Bowen (6-3-1, 3 KOs), of Jackson, TN, in a six-round tilt.

 

"I'm thrilled to bring Broadway Boxing back to Manhattan on Thursday, December 5, for a special holiday edition of heated action from Terminal 5 in Hell's Kitchen, streamed live on UFC Fight Pass," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "Coming off of a spectacular knockout-of-the-year candidate, WBC Silver super featherweight champion O'Shaquie Foster is determined to move one step closer to a world title shot facing experienced Puerto Rican southpaw Alberto Mercado in the main event. Women's world championship boxing will be highlighted on this card with Ana Laura Esteche and Mary McGee vying for the vacant IBF super lightweight title. Brooklyn's Mikkel LesPierre returns to the ring following his spirited battle against world champion Maurice Hooker earlier this year. Heavyweight knockout artist Stephan Shaw and future lightweight star Victor Padilla see action as well. A trio of popular New York prospects round out the stacked undercard, including Tom Loeffler-promoted Brian Ceballo along with Brooklyn's Christian Bermudez and Frederic Julan."

 

The 26-year-old Foster, from Houston, won the title by defeating previously unbeaten Jon Fernandez via unanimous decision on September 21, 2018, in a ShoBox bout. The Bobby Benton-trained  contender has been victorious twice this year; a third-round stoppage of Fatiou Fassinou on February 23 followed by a highlight-reel eighth-round knockout of Jesus Bravo on July 17th. 

 

Mercado seeks his way back into the win column following an eight-round decision loss to Chris Colbert on June 23rd, in Brooklyn, NY. Over the course of ten years as a professional, Mercado has fought numerous contenders, including Lamont Roach, Jayson Velez and Braulio Rodriguez.

 

The 29-year-old Esteche will be looking to regain the title she lost to fellow Argentinian Erica Farias in a close ten-round decision on December 29, 2017. In July, Esteche defeated Maria Angelica Ruiz via six-round unanimous decision. Having fought most of her nine-year career in the battlegrounds of Argentina, Esteche will be fighting in the United States for the first time.

 

Riding a five-bout winning streak, the 33-year-old McGee has twice challenged for world titles, coming up short against champions Holly Holm and Farias. Fighting at home on April 6, 2019, she won a six-round unanimous decision against Szilvia Szabados.

 

The 27 year-old Shaw kicked off 2019 with a third-round stoppage of Donovan Dennis on March 2nd, in Columbus, OH. Following that up on August 29th, Shaw knocked out Willie Jake Jr. in the fourth round at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Coming from a family of fighters, the 6-foot-4 Shaw capped his amateur years with 2013 championships at the USA Nationals and the National PAL tournament.

 

The heavy-handed Corbin has losses to ex-IBF champion Charles Martin and contender Filip Hrgovic.

 

The 20 year-old Padilla, recently signed to DiBella Entertainment, won on August 1st when he knocked out Benjamin Borteye in the first round in Monroeville, PA. In his last start on October 4th, the southpaw won a six-round shutout decision against Romain Tomas in Philadelphia, PA. Padilla turned professional in December 2016 after a stellar amateur career that included three National championships and a record of 90-7. The battle-tested Bowen hits the ring following a third-round knockout versus Ronald Rivas on April 27, 2019, in Joliet, IL.

 

 

A professional and fan favorite for seven years, LesPierre looks to rebound from his only loss, a defeat via decision in a world title clash against then-WBO World Champion Maurice Hooker on March 9, 2019. In his last Manhattan appearance, LesPierre won a highly entertaining 10-round unanimous decision versus previously undefeated Noel Murphy on February 7, 2018. When he's not training, LesPierre works full-time as a data specialist at Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he's been employed for the past 10 years in various positions. Nine-year veteran Paul has faced a wealth of top Canadian fighters and will be making his New York City debut against LesPierre. The upset-minded Paul hits the ring following a 10-round decision loss to Steven Wilcox on May 9, 2019, in Toronto, Canada.

 

 

Advance tickets can be purchased by calling 212-947-2577. Terminal 5, one of the premier live music venues in New York City, is located at 610 W. 56th Street (11th Avenue) in New York City. Doors on the night of the event will open at 6:30pm with the first fight scheduled for 7:00pm. For further information, please visit their website, www.Terminal5NYC.com.

Super middleweight Bektemir Melikuziev (listed at 3-0 but more accurately 7-2 due to pro fights in the World Series of Boxing) has signed a co-promotional agreement with Golden Boy and Russia's World of Boxing. Details for his next fight will be announced shortly. Melikuziev is a 23 year-old puncher with an impressive amateur resume, having captured silver medals at the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships and the 2016 Summer Olympics, among other accolades. The native of Uzbekistan made his traditional professional debut in June of this year, and he has remained undefeated in three fights that he has won by knockout. Melikuziev plans to make a quick rise up the super middleweight rankings with Golden Boy and World of Boxing co-prooting him.

 

"I am looking forward to a long and successful career working together with World of Boxing and Golden Boy," said Melikuziev. "It's a pleasure for me to have such a professional team! I have watched many of these great fights on TV and dreamt of one day becoming someone like the boxers that fight in the U.S. Now I have this chance, and I will take full advantage of this opportunity! Don't blink, every one of my fights will be a performance not to miss!"

 

"We are very excited to be working with World of Boxing to promote Bektemir Melikuziev," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. "This man is an absolute beast. He's strong, tough and very quick with his hands and feet, especially for his weight class. We look forward to moving him fairly quickly up the rankings as he puts everybody on notice at 168 pounds."

 

Said Andrei Ryabinskiy, head of World of Boxing, "Bektemir is still young, but already a very experienced boxer that has proven his talent in the amateurs. I am confident that working together with Oscar De La Hoya, who has himself stepped into the highest pro ranks from the Olympic pedestal, we will be able to push Melikuziev's career all the way to the top!"

 

"Bek is a real 'Bully' in the ring, but a very nice and happy person outside of the ring," said Vadim Kornilov, Manager of Melikuziev. "I look forward to working with World of Boxing and Golden Boy to make Bek into the future star that he is already becoming!"

 

 

Arsen Goulamirian KO4 Kane Watts... Arsen Goulamirian, a top cruiserweight but one with a bogus belt, scored a fourth-round knockout over Kane Watts to retain his WBA cruiserweight super championship. The fight took place at the Accor Hotel Arena in Paris, France. Goulamirian (25-0) put his power on display, as he came forward right from the opening bell, stalking the Australian Watts slowly but with determination. He was throwing powerful hooks and straights as he slowly wore down Watts (21-4), who had no offensive answer. It was in the fourth round that Watts was really starting to show the damage taken, and when he took a powerful left hook to the body, he went down to the canvas on one knee and could not beat the count. [Like most of Goulamirian's opponents, Watts was not really on the world level. Goulamirian has one truly world class win, over now 29-1 Ryad Merhy, but he holds the WBA super championship without ever haven beaten another champion]. Goulamirian is of Armenian descent but trains with Abel Sanchez at the famous Big Bear Lake location in California.  source: wba

 

 

 

Michel Soro TKO5 Cedric Vitu... Michel Soro proved he remains a legitimate contender in the 154-pound division by stopping Cedric Vitu (47-4) in an all-French battle at the Accor Hotel Arena in Paris. Soro stopped Vitu in the fifth round, taking the initiative throughout the contest while using his ring intelligence to wear down his opponent as the rounds passed. When the referee stopped the action in round five, Soro improved to 35-2-1. source: wba

 

Yamileth Mercado W10 Fatuma Zarika... Mexico's Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado (15-2-0, 4 KOs) made history by becoming the first Chihuahuan woman to win a world title. Mercado defeated Kenya's Fatuma Zarika (32-13-2, 17 KOss) by unanimous decision to capture the WBC super bantamweight belt at the Poliforo of Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua. This was a rematch, with the now 34 year-old Zarika winning by split decision in Kenya last year. This time, Mercado's non-stop work rate impressed the judges to the tune of scorecards reading 99-91 and 98-92 (twice). The fighter from Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, left no room for doubt hammering out an intelligent, aggressive fight, against a lethargic, listless Zarikat who fought only in  spurts. “I worked a lot on the straight punches, which I had not previously done. We wanted them to be more accurate, managing to maintain control at a more prudent distance, which allowed us to keep up with the fight,” Mercado said. “I am very excited, because being a world champion is something I had dreamed of since I was very young. I always said that I was going to have my first world championship fight aged 20 and I did so. Now a year later, I have become a champion, the youngest in my division.” source: wbc

 

 

Vladimir Tereshkin TKO5 Francisco Silvens... After extreme weather conditions caused a delayed start to an outdoor show in Jamaica, Russia's Vladimir Tereshkin won a battle of undefeated heavyweights, handing hard-hitting Dominican Francisco Silvens his first professional loss. Tereshkin (22-0-1) dropped Silvens (23-1) twice in the fourth frame before Silvens failed to answer to the fifth round bell.

 

Yurik Mamedov TKO3 Eduardo Cordovez.. Yurik Mamedov improved to 12-1 with a stoppage win over Eduardo Cordovez (13-2-1) of Venezuela.  Mamedov was unable to answer the bell for round four. The win fatured strong body work from Mamedov, who earned two knockdowns before the stoppage.

 

Carlos Dixon TKO6 Edinso Torres ... Super featherweight Carlos Dixon (10-1) will return to Louisville, Kentucky with a win after stopping Venezuela's Edinso Torres (12-5) in the sixth round. It was a dominant performance from Dixon, who broke down his opponent before dropping him early in the fifth round with a flurry. Torres would survive that frame, but the end came shortly after the start of the sixth round. source for all results: uprising promotions

 

Lee McGregor W12 Kash Farooq... Scotland's Lee McGregor owns both the British and Commonwealth bantamweight championships after winning a battle with Kash Farooq. After toe-to-toe action for twelve rounds at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow,  McGregor (8-0, 6 KOs) secured the split decision win to hand Farooq (13-1, 6 KOs) the first defeat of his career. Both men are Scottish, with Farooq being born in Pakistan but fighting in his hometown. McGregor, from Edinburgh, said afterwards: “I was willing to do anything in there. I’ve had the hardest week of my life and I still got in there and fought my heart out. I love having fights like that and I am over the moon. I knew it was a close fight so hats off to Kash Farooq. There was no bad blood in the build up and it was total respect.” 

 

Kieran Smith W10 Vincenzo Bevilacqua ... The Scotland card also saw southpaw Kieran Smith (16-0, 7 KOs) win a battle of unbeaten junior middleweights, decisioning Italy's Vincenzo Bevilacqua (16-1) over ten rounds. Smith said: “It was the most frustrating fight ever, but I’m still undefeated and just beat a 16-0 undefeated opponent. Everyone has off nights. Winning on an off night isn’t too bad, so I’ll rest now and come back a lot better in 2020.” source for both results: mtk management 

 

 

 

Katharina Thanderz W10 Danila Ramos... Norway's Katharina Thanderz (13-0, 2 KOs) prevailed in a bloody battle with Danila Ramos (8-2, 1 KO) last night in her nation's capital city, Oslo, to claim the WBC interim title at super featherweight. In a fast-paced and exciting affair, Thanderz had to withstand some early pressure from the Brazilian Ramos, who started strongly, but was able to find her rhythm and land the more decisive shots as the fight progressed In a dramatic final round, blood poured down Thanderz’s face following a clash of heads, which saw Ramos deducted a point by the referee, and after the final bell, Thanderz was awarded a split decision win (97-93, 96-93 and 93-95). Finland's Eva Wahlstrom (22-1-2) holds the primary WBC super featherweight championship.

 

Thanderz follows in the footsteps of current world welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus and former WBO cruiserweight champion Magne Havnaa.  “I am very happy to get the victory,” said Thanderz. “It was a war from the start to the finish. I couldn’t really see anything in the last round but I knew I had to give it my all. To win [an interim] title feels completely indescribable.” source: sauerland event

 

 

WBO junior featherweight king Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will make his fourth world title defense in less than seven months against Francisco “Panchito” Horta Saturday, Dec. 7th at Auditorio GNP Seguros in Puebla, Mexico. In the co-feature, Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas will make the eighth defense of his IBF junior bantamweight world title against Chile's Miguel “Aguja” Gonzalez. The opening bout will showcase former Olympian Miguel Marriaga against Alfredo Mejia Vargas in an eight-round featherweight bout. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, the show will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

 

Navarrete, from Mexico City, will fight in his home country for the first time since before he won the world title from Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe last December.

 

“Emanuel Navarrete is one of Mexico’s great young champions, and he’s only getting started,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “At 24 years of age, he is wise beyond his years and hungry to challenge himself against the very best. He’ll have defended his belt four times in 2019, and 2020 is shaping up to be another spectacular year for Vaquero.”

 

“I am very excited to close the year by defending my world title in my beloved Mexico,” Navarrete said. “This will be another dream that will be fulfilled, and I assure you another exciting fight. I always go for the knockout. I think it is best to win by knockout, and on Dec. 7th, the fans in Puebla will see another action-packed fight from 'El Vaquero.'”

 

“On Dec. 7th, the fans will get to know who I am. This will be guaranteed war because we are both Mexican warriors,” Horta said. “This is a golden opportunity. Definitely a dream that will come true sooner than expected. I will dispute the world title against the best 122-pounder in the world, Emanuel Navarrete. I will win the title at any cost.” Horta (20-3-1, 10 KOs), from Campeche, Mexico, is unbeaten in 13 fights dating back to 2014.

 

Navarrete (29-1, 25 KOs) made his United States debut last December against Dogboe, but in 2019, he has crisscrossed the western part of the country knocking out top opposition. He repeated the deed in May against Dogboe in Tucson, Ariz., scoring a twelfth-round stoppage. In August, headlining the inaugural fight card at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, he stopped the then-unbeaten Francisco De Vaca in three rounds. Four weeks later, he knocked out Filipino contender Juan Miguel Elorde in four. The 

 

Ancajas (31-1-2, 21 KOs), one of boxing’s longest-reigning world champions, was scheduled to fight Jonathan Rodriguez on Nov. 2nd in Carson, Calif., but Rodriguez had to withdraw on Thursday of fight week due to visa issues. Ancajas, the Filipino star who won his world title in September 2016, remained in America to prepare for Gonzalez. Ancajas last fought May 4th in Stockton, Calif., knocking out Japanese challenger Ryuichi Funai in six rounds. This will be Ancajas’ first professional bout in Mexico. Gonzalez (31-2, 8 KOs), from Santiago, Chile, has fought only once outside of his home country. He has won two in a row since dropping a WBA title eliminator earlier this year to Australian standout Andrew Moloney. 

 

“I am ready to defend my world title in front of the great Mexican fans,” Ancajas said. “Since my fight against Rodriguez was canceled, I’ve stayed in America to train, and I am in fantastic shape. Gonzalez is a worthy challenger and has beaten good opposition to earn this title shot.”

 

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for,” Gonzalez said. “Ancajas is a great champion, but this is my time.”

 

Kai Robin Havnaa W10 Mariano Angel Gudino... Kai Robin Havnaa (16-0, 13 KOs), the son of former WBO cruiserweight champion Magne Havnaa, had to overcome a tough test to retain his undefeated record. [The main event also ended in a split decision win for a Norwegian boxer]. Havnaa defeated Argentina's Mariano Angel Gudino (13-4, 8 KOs) by split decision after the Argentinian threw everything at Havnaa.  The winner called it a valuable learning fight. “It’s been a hell of a week after the last minute change of opponent,” said Havnaa, who was originally scheduled to face American Al Sands. “But that’s not an excuse because these things can happen in boxing. I learned a lot from this fight. Gudino was a tough opponent and it feels great to get the win.”

 

“Kai wanted a real test, and he got it,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “Not many fighters would have accepted such a hard fight on short notice. He showed a lot of heart and courage in there tonight. I don’t believe it was his best performance but he got the win and we move forward. There is still a lot more to come from Kai.”

 

MORE RESULTS

 

An action packed undercard at Oslo's historic Ekeberghallen saw cruiserweight Kevin Melhus (7-0, 3 KOs) continue his unbeaten run with a unanimous points win over Ossie Jervier (6-11, 5 KOs)...

 

Alexander Hagen (14-2-1, 6 KOs) outpointed Emmanuel Feuzeu (10-11-2, 4 KOs)...

 

Bernard Torres (10-0, 4 KOs) broke into double figures with his tenth pro win coming by unanimous decision against Christian Flores Lopez (11-6-2, 9 KOs) and...

 

Kent Erik Baadstad (6-1, 4 KOs) scored a second-round TKO win over Istvan Kun (7-15-2, 4 KOs). source for all results: sauerland event

 

John Ryder is hoping to prove that size isn’t everything when he challenges Liverpool’s super middleweight king Callum Smith for his WBA super championship at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday November 23rd, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. Smith towered over Ryder at their press conference stare down photos back in September but "The Gorilla" isn’t fazed by the significant size difference in the slightest and even thinks he will be able to use it to his advantage as he bids to lay waste to Smith’s ambitious plans for 2020. “I just think that it’s a fight of two styles isn’t it,” said Ryder. “It’s like the little and large show. You’ve got me, 5′ 9″ and you’ve got him, 6′ 3”. He’s going to try and do what he does best and I’m going to try and do what I do best and get in close. It’s just about who can get their game plan off better on the night.

 

“He’s an absolute unit. He’s a massive man mountain and he’s barely put a foot wrong. He’s had such a good career so far, but I believe that I can derail that. He’s beat good fighters but I believe now is my time and timing is everything in boxing.

 

“I’m going to bring something that he’s probably seen in the amateurs but as a pro I don’t think he’s had the pleasure of. I’m a slick southpaw and I can punch hard with both hands. Height is his advantage but I believe that being shorter is sometimes an advantage as well, getting under the shots and working the body and over to the head, so I believe that will play into my hands as well.”

 

Ryder (28-4, 16 KOs) comes into the title shot off a seventh-round technical knockout win against previously undefeated Russian Andrey Sirotkin in their final eliminator clash in London last October. He then continued his winning ways by stopping Bilal Akkawy to win the vacant interim WBA title last time out on the undercard of Saul Alvarez-Daniel Jacobs at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and in doing so kept himself in line for an all-British showdown for Smith’s crown.

 

“He’s the champion and he deserves to be the champion, he’s beaten a champion and a good fighter to win it and I’ve earned this shot. Many people said that I was trying to avoid him and I was looking for an easier route – no chance. I fought an eliminator for this title, I even fought in another eliminator in Vegas to get this title. I’ve earned this shot now and I deserve to be here.

 

“I feel like I’ve developed all round as a man and a boxer. I just feel so physically and mentally strong. I feel like I’ve become a man over the last couple of years and I’m in the best position that I could possibly be in. Winning a World title would be 19 years of hard work, grit, smiles, tears and heartache all coming together on one big night and a dream come true.”

 

Smith vs. Ryder tops a huge night of action in Liverpool  Craig Glover (10-2, 8 KOs) takes on Chris Billam-Smith (9-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth cruiserweight title, Anthony Fowler (10-1, 8 KOs) meets Harry Scarff (8-0, 1 KO) at 154 pounds, James Tennyson (25-3, 21 KOs) and Craig Evans (20-2-2, 3 KOs) square-off in a final eliminator for the British lightweight title, Tom Farrell (17-2, 5 KOs) clashes with Sean Dodd (16-5-1, 3 KOs) in a must-win encounter for both men, Liverpool light heavy Thomas Whittaker-Hart (3-0, 1 KO) aims to end his first year as a pro in style and Liverpool light welterweight Marcus Molloy (1-0) and Skelmersdale Welterweight Tom Aitchson (1-0) both go for their second win in the pro ranks.

 

Roberson Sports Management has announced the signing of two more boxers: junior welterweight Divante "The Dominator" Jones (9-2) and cruiserweight Garreth Payton. Divante started boxing at the age of seven after getting in to a fight after school on the school bus. "When he got home I told my dad what happened. my dad paused for a moment and asked me if I was alright," said Jones. It was at that time Divante told his dad he was fine, but he wanted to learn how to box. Divante didn't fight in school after that day, but instead he decided to learn how to box and use his talent in the boxing ring.

 

Boxing is a physical and mental sport, explains Divante. "I started following the bent in my family. My father and trainer, Albert Jones, had a very decorated amateur and professional boxing career. Additionally, my uncles and great uncles were all very successful boxing athletes. To be the best you have to become a student of the game of boxing ~ that was my goal."

 

 Divante's amateur record was 83 wins, and 28 losses. Winning three national championships, six regional championships and 10 state championships while winning the Most Outstanding Boxer twice. He decided to turn pro after the 2012 Olympic Trials, where he lost 21-20. After getting tired of the politics in amateur boxing, he decided the next best thing was for him to turn pro. As a professional boxer his current record is 9 wins 2 losses with 7 knockouts. "My ambition in is to be the greatest and successful pound for pound boxer of all time. I have

been told my style is similar to that of Roy Jones, Jr. and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. I consider it a privilege and an honor to be compared to them. My ultimate goal is to become the greatest most successful, pound for pound boxer of all time. I don't have any fear at all, because."

 

 In the future, Divante would like to continue inspiring youth to use their talents and abilities to make a positive impact in their community. As a mentor, he makes public appearances and speaks to youth about boxing and what it  done for him.

 

Payton started boxing in 2012. He has always been a huge fan of the sport of boxing, but he never took time out to really get into it him elf. One day while incarcerated he finally decided to watch some of  boxing matches and wasn't too happy with the performance of Elayn Correctional Center Boxing Team.  Afterwards I said "You know what, I am about to start boxing to show those guys how you represent."

 

With an amateur record of 31-3 with 27 KOs, Payton turned pro after release from incarceration.

 

Payton was trained in prison by Sylvester Sullivan, Vernon Jones, Jonny Evans, Charles Rodgers and Clifford Etienne (a one-time heavyweight contender who fought Mike Tyson before being incarcerated).  His current trainer is Varice Copper who has trained Roy Jones. Jr.

 

Alberto Palmetta TKO10 Erik Vega 2016 Argentinian Olympian Alberto Palmetta put a late exclamation point on a career-best win, scoring a final-round TKO of previously undefeated Mexican welterweight Erik Vega in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation at the WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa. Palmetta is now listed at 13-1, 9 KOs but additional Wolrd Series of Boxing bouts make 17-5 a more accurate record for him He came out of the amateur ranks billed as one of the top prospects in Argentina’s boxing history, broke open a close fight by producing a massive rally that stunned Vega (16-1, 9 KOs) and ultimately led to referee Mark Nelson intervening at the 1:03 mark of the tenth and final scheduled round. Entering that round, Palmetta was leading 87-84 on two of the judges’ scorecards and 86-85 on the other. 

 

Capping off his display in stylish fashion, the 29 year-old southpaw Palmetta led 30-3 in overall punches and 28-1 in power punches in the tenth, increasing his final leads to 170-157 in overall punches landed and 148-24 in power punches landed. “I knew we were up on the scorecards,” said Palmetta. “We didn’t need the knockout, but we wanted it. I had him hurt a couple times in the fight but I didn’t follow up.  In the 10th, I had him out on his feet. It was a good stoppage. He was done.”

 

“We don’t make excuses,” said the 24 year-old Vega after his first career professional loss. “I believe the referee was right in stopping the fight. I think I need to practice more and I needed to throw more combinations. This was a great learning experience.  We’ll go back to the drawing board and come back stronger.” source: showtime

 

 

Joe George W10 Marcos Escudero... In an entertaining co-feature on the ShoBox broadcast from Iowa, Houston’s Joe George (10-0, 6 KOs) won a controversial split decision over the much busier Marcos Escudero (10-1, 9 KOs). The judges scored the fight 97-94 (George), 97-93 (George) and 96-94 (Escudero). Argentina’s Escudero began the fight with a bang as his 135 total punches thrown was tied for the seventh most ever recorded by CompuBox in a light heavyweight fight. He kept his blistering pace up throughout the fight, throwing 106 punches in the final round and 911 total punches, but the judges were more impressed by George’s heavier punching and superior accuracy. George stunned Escudero in the ninth round and was accurate on 34 percent of his total punches, compared to just 19 percent for Escudero. The total numbers landed were close, as Escudero landed 177 total punches while George landed 161. Showtime’s Hall of Famer analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood, along with former champion Raul Marquez, all had Escudero winning the fight comfortably on their scorecards.

 

“I’m not surprised at all by the decision,” said George, who is co-managed by seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams. “I knew he was a front runner. I knew he was going to get tired. We wore him down. I made the fight a little harder for myself by staying on the ropes a little too long, but we got through it.  That’s something that we can work on and improve in the gym. I’m really a 168 pounder so that’s where we want to go next. If he wants the rematch, we’ll give it to him but we already beat him.”

 

Escudero, who was riding a six-fight knockout streak entering the fight, was disappointed in both his performance and the judges’ interpretation of the fight. “No excuses.  I didn’t do my job,” he said. “I won the fight 100 percent, but no excuses from us.  That’s boxing.  I never give up.  It’s all part of the game. I want a rematch, 100 percent.”

 

Amilcar Vidal, Jr. TKO1 Zach Prieto... In the televised opener between two power punchers who had combined for ten first-round KOs, knockout specialist Amilcar Vidal, Jr. (10-0, 9 KOs) improved his knockout rate to 90 percent by dropping previously unbeaten Zach Prieto twice en route to another first-round stoppage.  The 23 year-old Vidal, from Montevideo, Uruguay, floored El Paso’s Prieto with a flush left hand with 30 seconds left in the opening round. With Prieto (9-1, 7 KOs) hanging on, Vidal finished the job just before the bell sounded in the opening round, unleashing a flurry of punches capped by a hook to the side of the head that prompted the stoppage from referee Mark Nelson at 2:59. The blow closed out a fight in which Vidal led 22-14 in overall punches and 16-9 in power punches, including margins of 13-1 in overall punches and 10-1 in power punches in the final minute.

 

“I won the fight in the gym,” said Vidal, who was fighting in the United States for the first time. “The ring was easy tonight because of the work we did in the gym. I had a game plan and I executed it to perfection. I had a plan to use the left hook and I waited for the right moment to open up, and when I saw it I threw it perfectly.” source for both results: showtime

 

 

 

 

Andrew Moloney TKO9  Elton Dharry... Australia's Andrew Moloney is the new WBA interim super flyweight title holder after defeating Elton Dharry via technical knockout at the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne. The undefeated 28 year-old got his rival to quit in the ninth round after a dominant display of boxing skill. At the time of the stoppage, the local fighter was up on cards 79-73 (twice) and 78-74. A Guyana native, Dharry had not lost in a decade, but his record falls to 24-6. Moloney is now 21-0. The WBA champion at 115 pounds is England's Kal Yafai. source: wba

 

 

Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis "King Kong" Ortiz shared his final thoughts from training camp before he steps in to rematch WBC champion Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder Saturday, November 23rd in the Fox Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.  Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com. Here is what Ortiz had to say from training camp in Las Vegas with his head coach Herman Caicedo and strength and conditioning coach Larry Wade:

 

On his training camp:

 

"I feel really good going into this fight.  All the hard work is finally coming to an end and now it's time to get the proper rest to be at my best on fight night.  As a team we worked smart during this training camp.  We did things a little different with my diet and I believe that will make me perform at a high level on fight night.  My weight is right where I want it.  All in all, it's been a very productive training camp."

 

On his rematch with Deontay Wilder:

 

"As I've said before, Wilder is the best heavyweight of this decade and until someone beats him, he will remain the top dog.  We have a different strategy in place that I believe will be the difference in this rematch.  I have plans to end this fight before the final bell, but if we need to go the distance, I'm well prepared to take it all the way."

 

On fighting for his family and his Cuban legacy:

 

"I have to say it's been really hard being away from my family during training camp, but I know coming out to Las Vegas was the right move.  If I'm going to become the heavyweight champion of the world, I must make these types of sacrifices.  Everything I do in the ring is for my family.  To become the first Cuban heavyweight champion in boxing history would be a dream come true, not only for me, but for my countrymen back home.  I'm going to leave every ounce of blood, sweat and tears in the ring come November 23rd."

 

On fighting on pay-per-view:

 

"This is a big opportunity to show the world that I'm the best heavyweight on planet earth. All the fans watching are going to see one of the best heavyweight fights in boxing history.  Wilder is coming to fight just like me, which makes for a very entertaining night of boxing.  The fans are going to be the winners in this fight." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The showdown between undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields and Ivana Habazin has been rescheduled for Friday, January 10th live on Showtime from Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J. Shields and Habazin will face off for the vacant WBC and WBO 154-pound world titles as Shields attempts to make history as the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division champion.  Shields and Habazin were scheduled to fight on October 5th in Flint, Michigan, Shields' hometown. The bout was called off less than 36 hours from the opening bell following an altercation at the official weigh-in that resulted in serious injury to Habazin’s trainer, James Ali Bashir [Shields' brother is a suspect]. This is the third date for Shields and Habazin. They were first scheduled to meet on August 17th before Shields withdrew due to a minor knee injury.  

 

The January 10th Showtime telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature a WBA 140-pound eliminator between Shohjahon Ergashev (17-0, 15 KOs) and Keith Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs). The winner becomes the mandatory challenger for the secondary title currently held by Mario Barrios.

 

The 24-year-old Shields (9-0, 2 KOs) became the undisputed middleweight champion with a near-shutout victory over previously undefeated world champion Christina Hammer in April on Showtime. In doing so, the two-division titlist joined Terrence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk and Cecilia Braekhus as the only fighters to have unified all four major world titles in any weight class (Katie Taylor has since joined the prestigious list). On January 10, Shields will seek to make even more history in her sixth headlining appearance on SHOWTIME. With a win over Habazin, Shields would become a three-division champion in just 10 bouts, breaking the record of Vasiliy Lomachenko and Kosei Tanaka, who both accomplished the feat in 12 fights. 

 

“My goal is to become three-division champ faster than any man or woman in history,” Shields said.  “This is a very significant fight for both of us. We have both trained really hard twice and great opportunities await the winner, so hopefully three times is the charm.”

 

Habazin (20-3, 7 KOs), of Zagreb, Croatia, will be making her U.S. debut. Now 30 years old, she won the IBF welterweight title over Sabrina Giuliani in 2014. In her next fight, Habazin dropped a unanimous decision to Braekhus in a unification bout where Braekhus picked up all four major world title belts. Most recently, Habazin avenged one of only three losses in her career to Eva Bajic in Zagreb. 

 

Habazin will train in her native Croatia and has dedicated the fight to Bashir. “I've been thinking about this since October and I have more of an incentive now given what happened,” Habazin said. “I feel like I'm fighting for James Ali Bashir, as well as for my own pride and respect. I’m also fighting for my country. I want to make Croatia proud that I am their daughter, and I feel that I now have their full support. Claressa is just a brief stop on my journey. I have bigger dreams and bigger shoes to fill in my life. I’m on my way to fulfilling my personal legend – being crowned the undisputed women's junior middleweight champion. This is just another step on that journey. Given my faith, I feel that while what happened in October was incredibly unfortunate, this was God’s plan.  And I have faith that my hand will be raised in victory in January.”

 

Shields was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic gold medals. She turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and headlined the first women’s boxing main event in premium television history in just her second professional fight in 2017.  Shields became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight, and a two-division champion in her sixth professional contest.  She was crowned the undisputed 160-pound champion in her ninth fight, less than three years after turning professional following the 2016 Olympics.  

 

“January 10th is going to be an important date in boxing history as Claressa continues her unprecedented journey toward greatness,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “A win over Ivana Habazin would make Claressa – in just her tenth fight – the fastest boxer ever to acquire world title belts in three weight categories. But a very determined, skilled and experienced boxer stands in her way, and Ivana is pursuing her own world championship dream. History will be claimed in the ring on January 10 at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City and live on SHOWTIME.”

 

“With five world titles in just nine professional fights, Claressa Shields has been making women’s boxing history at a record pace,” said manager Mark Taffet.  “Now, in her 10th fight on January 10, she seeks to win a world title in a third weight division faster than any man or woman in history, and in remarkable fashion by going down in weight each time. Claressa continues to render the impossible possible. It’s truly Herstory.” 

 

"Ocean is proud to host Shields vs. Habazin inside Ovation Hall this January,” said Michael Donovan, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President, Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City. “We are excited to bring world class boxing to Atlantic City and look forward to more shows in 2020.”

 

Hard-hitting super lightweight Shohjahon Ergashev (17-0, 15 KOs), of Uzbekistan, is ranked in the top-15 in three of the four major sanctioning bodies.  The 27-year-old Ergashev is coming off an impressive fourth round knockout of veteran Abdiel Ramirez this past August on ShoBox: The New Generation.  In his previous appearances on the prospect developmental series, the former member of the Uzbek national team scored a third round knockout against then top-10 rated Sonny Fredrickson, and a 10-round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Mykal Fox.  The hard-hitting southpaw currently trains in Detroit with Javan “Sugar” Hill at the new Kronk Gym with stablemate Vladimir Shishkin.  

 

“My goal is to be the junior welterweight champion of the world in 2020,” Ergashev said.  “After I win this fight I will be just one step away from realizing my dream of bringing the world title home to my country Uzbekistan.”

 

The 27-year-old Hunter is ranked No. 12 in the WBA.  A native of Las Vegas, the 6-foot Hunter will make his national television debut against the first undefeated opponent of his career.  Hunter, who is the younger brother of former Olympian Michael Hunter, trains at Bones Adams Gym in Las Vegas and is co-managed by former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman.  

 

“I’m looking forward to making my national television debut on Showtime,” said Keith “The Bounty” Hunter. “Boxing is in my blood and January 10 will be my chance to take my career to the next level. Ergashev has a bounty on his head, I’m here to collect!”

 

2016 Olympian Alberto Palmetta (12-1, 8 KOs) and Erik Vega (16-0, 9 KOs) both made the welterweight limit prior to tonight (Friday's) ShoBox: The New Generation broadcast from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa. The 24-year-old Vega, of Tijuana, Mexico, will make his U.S. debut against his toughest test to date, Argentinian Olympian Palmetta.  In the co-feature, hard-hitting Marcos Escudero (10-0, 9 KOs) will take on Houston’s Joe George (9-0, 6 KOs) in a ten-round light heavyweight bout, and in the telecast opener, Uruguayan knockout artist Amilcar Vidal Jr. (9-0, 8 KOs) will fight for the first time in the U.S. when he meets Zach Prieto (9-0, 7 KOs) of El Paso, Texas, in an eight-round middleweight bout. The ShoBox tripleheader will immediately follow the 9 p.m. ET/PT premiere of Pariah: The Lives and Deaths of Sonny Liston, a documentary chronicling the rise and precipitous fall of one of the most vilified and misunderstood sports champions of all time.  

 

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

 

Welterweight 10-Round Bout  

Erik Vega – 146 ½ lbs. -vs.- Alberto Palmetta – 146 lbs.  

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Carlos Sucre (Florida), Gloria Martinez-Rizzo (Florida), Bob Lafratte (Iowa)

 

Light Heavyweight 10-Round Bout 

Marcos Escudero – 174 ½ lbs.  -vs.- Joe George – 173 ½ lbs. 

Referee: Adam Pollack; Judges: Carlos Sucre (Florida), Gloria Martinez-Rizzo (Florida), Bob Lafratte (Iowa)

 

Middleweight 8-Round Bout 

Amilcar Vidal Jr. – 160 ½ lbs.  -vs.- Zach Prieto – 160 lbs. 

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Carlos Sucre (Florida), Gloria Martinez-Rizzo (Florida), Bob Lafratte (Iowa)

 

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

ERIK VEGA:

 

“I know how important this fight is for me. Tomorrow, my entire career gets a new start. Everything that has happened in the past doesn’t matter. Tomorrow is all that matters. ShoBox is a great platform and it’s done so much to start the careers for so many fighters. We won’t take this lightly. 

 

“I’m a boxer first but I have a lot of power too. I think I’m the total package. I have a little bit of everything that a boxer needs to be successful. I have skills, I know how to use the angles and I possess knockout power. 

 

“This is a new route for me. All of my fights have been in Mexico but this is a tremendous opportunity for me and that’s why I took the fight. I’ve prepared for this fight very well and I’m taking it very seriously. My opponent is a southpaw, he’s got good skills. But I feel very confident that with the work I put in the gym, I will be victorious tomorrow night.

 

“I know a little bit about my opponent. I know that he’s aggressive and he likes to come forward. If I want to win, I have to listen to my team and do exactly what we worked on in the gym. I have to outbox him.”

 

ALBERTO PALMETTA:

 

“This fight is so important for me. When I left Argentina to come to the U.S. and fight for my dream, my first goal was always to be champion of the world. My team believes in me. Now, we have this opportunity to fight on TV in the main event and get closer to that goal. I’ve trained really hard for this. This is the right moment, the right time, and the right place for me. 

 

“I know that I’m the smaller guy but It’s not important if you are tall or short. It’s more important whether you know how to move and control the distance. In my opinion, if you control the distance, you win the fight. That’s more important than size. 

 

“I’ve watched my opponent a lot. He tries to attack and be aggressive, but we think he’s slow. In my opinion, he doesn’t control his body when he throws his punches. He’s off balance and he reaches. We want to counter every thing he does.

 

“I miss my family and friends a lot in Argentina. But when you have a dream, when you have a goal, you have to fight for it. My family supports me. It was really hard to leave and get on that plane. But I had to do it. I’m chasing my dream and I won’t stop until I accomplish it.

 

“My favorite fighters to watch were Roy Jones and Sergio Martinez from Argentina. My favorite boxer now is [Vasyl] Lomachenko and I try to model myself after him.”

 

MARCOS ESCUDERO:

 

“This fight means everything to me. I know it’s a step-by-step process to make it to the top, and this is the next step. It’s the most important fight of my life. We plan to bring the smoke.

 

“I don’t have any nerves about being on TV. I’m just excited for the world to see my talents. I can’t let the cameras and the lights affect me. I just need to stay calm and stick to the game plan. 

 

“I’ve had a great training camp, and I’ve been working hard in camp for three months straight. My team around me is great. Charles [Mooney] knows what it takes and he has really helped me, especially defensively. 

 

“When I came to the United States, I only had 10 amateur fights. I was a baby, brand new to boxing when I started the World Series of Boxing. I came here without experience. I don’t like to compare the amateurs to the pros too much. They are completely different. 

 

“I grew up in the new generation of boxing. I grew up watching Canelo and Mayweather, and of course the Argentinians Sergio Martinez and Lucas Matthysse. Sergio Martinez was my inspiration but Marcos Maidana is the fighter that my style is closest too. I’m aggressive, a hard puncher and I’m always moving forward.”

 

JOE GEORGE:

 

“Tomorrow night, you’ll see speed, footwork, sharpness, head movement. When I’m in the zone, it’s hard to explain. You just have to witness it. It’s a beautiful thing. I’m more of a boxer, but I can do both. I can brawl but I prefer to show my boxing skills. This guy is going to fight, so I’ll be able to show more of my skill. 

 

“As a kid, I’ve always dreamed of this opportunity. At the time, it felt impossible. It felt like you needed to be superhuman to get the opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME. So to be here is surreal, but I am ready.

 

“I’ve trained hard. I’m ready for whoever is put in front of me. I treat all my opponents as a champion, so I put all my work and effort to be prepared for moments like these. 

 

“I know that my opponent has a high knockout ratio. He’s undefeated, but I don’t know how he’ll respond to a fighter of my quality. I won’t take him lightly.”

 

AMILCAR VIDAL JR.:

 

“I want to be my country’s first world champion. It would mean so much, not only to my country, but to myself and to my family. That is my goal and this is just a step to getting to that ultimate goal.

 

“My father was a boxer. My brother was a boxer. I was born in the ring. I started boxing when I was 6 years old and I realized I had a natural talent. As a pro, I was knocking everybody out. My last opponent was the first one that went the distance with me. I wasn’t frustrated that I didn’t knock him out. I still dropped him.

 

“I’m prepared. I’ve seen a couple of my opponent’s fights. He’s very strong and he has more amateur experience than I do. I know that he’s a knockout artist too, and I’m coming to knock him out. I need to take advantage of every opportunity I get.

 

“This is my first fight on TV, but I’m calm. I’m not anxious. I know this is a very important fight for me and I’m ready to go.

 

“I was hit by a car in 2015. I broke my pelvis and my humerus bone in my arm. I was in the hospital for two months and it took a year to fully recover. But I’m 100 percent now and I’m so grateful to be here and have this opportunity.”

 

ZACH PRIETO:

 

“We’ve been at it for a while. I’ve trained nearly my whole life for this. I’ve always been involved in the sport, and to finally have an opportunity like this means the world.

 

“I like the quick knockouts. You never know what’s going to happen in a fight, so the quicker I can end it the better. But I need to be smart with this guy. I can’t expose myself and open myself up to get hit. I’m prepared to go eight rounds and it’s important for me to stay calm while I’m in there.

 

“I view this as an audition. Of course, I would love to sign with a promoter. I want the fans to remember who I am when they see me, and I want them to say: ‘Where did this guy come from? I like what he has.’ I really like to ‘wow’ the crowd. As a fan growing up, I always liked those underdogs. 

 

“I’ve learned a lot from Austin Trout. How to stay busy, how to keep moving, how to manage your angles, manage distance. He’s been great for me. One of the biggest things he’s taught me is how to stay up on your feet. I’ve sparred countless rounds with him.

 

“This is my first fight on TV but I’ve seen it all fighting in Mexico. In my eyes, a fight is a fight. The nerves are always going to be there, that’s never going to change. You’re stepping into a dangerous situation and you need to manage your feelings.” 

 

***

Former world 122-pound champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and former IBF 115-pound title holder Liborio Solis will battle on Saturday, December 21st on Fox and Fox Deportes at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. At stake will be the WBA regular title in the bantamweight (118-pound) division. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see rising heavyweight Efe Ajagba taking on Iago Kiladze in a ten-round opening attraction. The event is is headlined by the WBC 154-pound title rematch between Tony "Superbad'' Harrison and Jermell "Iron Man'' Charlo. Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

 

Rigondeaux (19-1, 13 KOs) will be moving down in weight while showing off the masterful technical skills that made him a unified 122-pound world champion and perennial member of the pound-for-pound list. A two-time Olympic gold medalist for his native Cuba, Rigondeaux made his name with victories over the likes of Nonito Donaire, Rico Ramos and Joseph Agbeko. Most recently, Rigondeaux scored an exciting eighth-round stoppage of former champion Julio Ceja in June.

 

Born in Venezuela and fighting out of Panama, Solis (30-5-1, 14 KOs) will make his U.S. debut on December 21 while riding a five-fight winning streak. Solis captured the IBF super flyweight title in 2013 amidst a 14-bout unbeaten run. He has lost by decision in his two previous attempts at 118-pound title, including a controversial loss to Jamie McDonnell, which he has bounced back from on his current win streak.

 

Nigeria's Ajagba (11-0, 9 KOs) most recently passed the toughest test of his professional career when he defeated fellow 2016 Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen by ten-round unanimous decision in July. The 25-year-old Ajagba gained widespread notoriety in August 2018 when his opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring after touching gloves to start the first round. Ajagba won the fight without throwing a punch as Harper was disqualified. Living in Stafford, Texas and training with Ronnie Shields, Ajagba has steadily increased his competition and added knockouts wins over Amir Mansour and Michael Wallisch this year.

 

The 33-year-old Kiladze (26-4-1, 18 KOs) broke a three-fight losing streak by fighting to a split draw in May against undefeated heavyweight Robert Alfonso. Kiladze's losses had come against top heavyweight Adam Kownacki, Michael Hunter and Joe Joyce, who own a combined 34-1 record. Originally from Georgia and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Kiladze won six straight fights between 2014 and 2018.

 

Katharina Thanderz (12-0, 2 KOs) and Danila Ramos (8-1, 1 KO) both made weight today ahead of their interim WBC interim super featherweight title fight on Saturday at the Ekeberghallen in Oslo, Norway. Thanderz weighed in at 129.2 pounds, a little more than a pound above Ramos (128.1). The card also features Norway’s number one male boxer, Kai Robin Havnaa (15-0, 13 KOs) in a cruiserweight clash against Argentina’s Mariano Angel Gudino (13-3, 8 KOs). Havnaa came in at 199.5 pounds, a bit lower than Gudino, who matched the cruiserweight limit of 200.

 

MORE BOUTS:

 

Cruiserweight – 6 Rounds: 

Kevin Melhus: 197.8  -vs.- Ossie Jervier: 198.2

 

Light Heavyweight – 8 Rounds:  

Alexander Hagen: 174.8 --vs.- Emmanuel Feuzeu: 177.9.

 

source: sauerland event

 

Tonight, two boxers managed by Split-T Management will be in action at The Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah. Welterweight Ivan Golub takes on Janer Gonzalez (19-2-1) in a ten-round contest, while undefeated junior middleweight Ardreal Holmes battles Jose Antonio Abreu (14-6) in a eight-round bout. Golub weighed in at 146,2 pounds and Gonzalez weighed in over the welterweight limit at 149.4, but the fight will go on. Holmes came in at 155.4, compared to Abreu's 158.4 pounds at Thursday's weigh-in. In previously announced bouts on the same show, heavyweight Junior Fa (18-0, 10 KOs) will take on former US Olympian Devin Vargas (21-5, 9 KOs) while another heavyweight bout features Hemi Ahio (15-0, 10 KOs) against Joshua "Too Tuff" Tufte (19-3, 9 KOs). 

 

Weights for the heavyweight bouts were Junior Fa: 267.6 pounds vs. Devin Vargas, 218.6 lbs and Hemi Ahio 231.6 vs. Joshua Tufte 269. The fights can be seen live on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 11 PM ET. 

 

          

 

Golub of Brooklyn, New York via Goravoka, Ukraine is 17-1 with 13 knockouts.  The hard punching Golub is on a four-fight winning streak and over his five-year career, the 30 year-old has wins over Kirk Huff (3-0), Tyson Harrison (2-0), Juan Rodriguez Jr (12-3), Marlon Aguas (9-0) and James Stevenson (23-2). In his last bout, Golub stopped Joaquim Cameiro on August 1st in Monroeville, PA. 

 

Gonzalez of Colombia has wins over Victor Coronado (4-1), Devis Caceres (14-2) and Carlos Galven (9-1-1).  A former Colombian champion, Gonzalez [has dropped two straight and] is coming off a loss to contender Jamal James on February 23rd in Minneapolis.

 

Holmes of Flint, Michigan, has a record of 10-0 with four knockouts.  Holmes, who was a heralded amateur, was a National Golden Gloves Finalist, and has a win over Bryan Goldsby (4-1).  Holmes is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Walter Wright on October 11 in Warren, Michigan.   

 

Abreu of La Romana, Dominican Republic has a record of 14-6 with eight knockouts. The 31 year-old Abreu has quality wins on his resume over Euri Ginzalez (24-6-1) and Wesley Tucker (14-2). Abreu is coming off a defeat to Eric Walker on August 1st in Monroeville, PA. 

 

 

 

 

 

Hemi Ahio 231.6 lbs. vs. Joshua Tufte 269 lbs. (Photo Credit: Mason McEwen/DiBella Entertainment)     

 

Four fight cards from around the world will stream live this weekend on the ESPN+ streaming service. Melbourne, Australia will be the first stop, as twin brothers Jason and Andrew Moloney will kick off the weekend starting Friday at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT...  Rocky Fielding will see action in Liverpool for the first time losing to Saul "Canelo" Alvarez... From Germany, Dominic Bösel (29-1, 11 KOs) will face Sweden's Sven Fornling (15-1, 7 KOs) for the interim WBA light heavyweight title... In one of the biggest all-Scottish clashes in a long time, Commonwealth bantamweight champion Lee McGregor will chalenge British champion Ukashir Farooq. Here’s what else is in store for fight fans:

 

Rocky Fielding Returns on MTK Fight Night in Liverpool, England

Friday, 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT

 

Rocky Fielding (27-2, 15 KOs) will fight for the first time since [losing badly to] Canelo Alvarez last December, returning in a ten-rounder against Tanzanian puncher Abdallah Paziwapazi (26-6-1, 23 KOs) at the Olympia. Fielding won a WBA regular title at super middleweight title last July with a TKO over then-unbeaten Tyron Zeuge, but he fell [far] short against Canelo via third-round stoppage at Madison Square Garden. Paziwapazi is unbeaten in 10 bouts dating back to 2017, having won a pair of regional belts to earn the shot at Fielding.

 

In other bouts streaming from Liverpool:

 

Four-time world title challenger Martin Murray (38-5-1, 17 KOs) will face Sladan Janjanin (27-4, 21 KOs) in an eight-rounder at super middleweight. Murray is best known for his controversial 2013 decision loss to middleweight world champion Sergio Martinez in Martinez’s home country of Argentina...  Former WBO lightweight champion Terry Flanagan (35-2, 14 KOs) will face Jayro Duran (14-6, 13 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight tilt... Lightweight Ged Carroll (11-0, 0 KOs) will take a step up in class versus Jeff Ofori (9-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-rounder...  Super flyweight Blane Hyland will make his long-awaited professional debut against Steven Maguire (0-18-1) in a four-rounder.

 

Fornling and Bösel to Battle for WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title

Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT

 

Top Rank, in association with SES Boxing, will present a world championship afternoon of boxing from Messe Arena in Halle, Germany. In the main event, Dominic Bösel (29-1, 11 KOs) will face Sweden's Sven Fornling (15-1, 7 KOs) for the interim WBA light heavyweight title. Bösel most recently defended his European crown in April with an eighth-round knockout over Timy Shala. Fornling has won five in a row since the lone loss of his career, most recently winning a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Karo Murat. Said SES Boxing founder Ulf Steinforth: "I'm excited to give our fighters the opportunity to showcase their skills on the biggest sports platform in the world."

 

In other bouts streaming from Germany:

 

The fighting pride of Morocco, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Mohammed Rabii (9-0, 5 KOs) will make his ESPN debut against Mexican veteran Jesus Gurrola (27-14-3, 14 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight contest... 2012 German Olympian Stefan Haertel (18-1, 2 KOs) will face David Zegarra (34-3, 21 KOs) in a twelve-round super middleweight showdown... Heavyweight hopeful Peter Kadiru (5-0, 1 KO) will fight Venezuelan upstart Pedro Martinez (11-2, 5 KOs) in a six-rounder.

 

All-Scottish Bantamweight Battle Headlines in Glasgow

Saturday, 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT

 

This is about more than titles. In one of the biggest all-Scottish clashes in a long time, Commonwealth bantamweight champion Lee McGregor will take on British champion Ukashir Farooq in a twelve-round showdown from Emirates Arena in Farooq’s home city of Glasgow. McGregor, meanwhile, hails from Edinburgh, a roughly one-hour train ride away. The 22 year-old McGregor (7-0, 6 KOs) defended his Commonwealth title in June with an eighth-round TKO over Scott Allan in a bout that streamed live on ESPN+. Farooq (13-0, 6 KOs) last fought in August, making the third successful defense of his British title with a first-round blitzing of Duane Winters. Said McGregor: "This is the biggest fight in Scotland for a long, long time. You have to go back to Alex Arthur's reign to find a comparison. It's massive for me, for Kash and for all the Scottish boxing fans."

 

In other bouts streaming from Scotland:

 

Junior middleweight Kieran Smith (15-0, 7 KOs) finds himself in against Italian challenger Vincenzo Bevilacqua (16-0, 0 KOs) in a ten-rounder... In an eight-round light heavyweight tilt, Tommy Philbin (12-0, 4 KOs) will take on the 18-year-old Nicolas Holcapfel (11-1, 9 KOs)... Former Irish amateur superstar Pierce O’Leary (1-0, 0 KOs) will fight Chris Adaway (9-61-4, 1 KO) in a four-round super lightweight bout... Top Rank-signed Irish welterweight Paddy “Real Deal” Donovan (1-0, 1 KO), who turned pro last month with a first-round stoppage, will fight Danny Mendoza (6-5, 4 KOs) in a scheduled six-rounder. 

Canadian junior welterweight Yves Ulysse Jr. (18-1, 9 KOs) will return to the ring against Venezuela's Ismael Barroso (21-3-2, 20 KOs) in the twelve-round main event of Thursday Night Fights on Dec. 5th at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. In the co-feature, D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0, 13 KOs) of Maryland and Brazil's Yamaguchi Falcao (16-1, 7 KOs) will square off in a ten-round middleweight. contest This will be a battle between two contenders who developed under the Golden Boy banner, but only one will move forward to a world title shot.  The fights will be streamed live DAZN and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation. 

 

Ulysse Jr. is a 31-year-old contender of Montreal, Canada who has scored four victories since a split decision loss to Steve Claggett in October 2017. Aside from avenging his loss to Claggett in their last fight, th left-handed Ulysse Jr. has also defeated previously unbeaten fighters Zachary "Zungry" Ochoa, Esrnesto España and Cletus "Hebrew Hammer" Seldin. 

 

“I had the best training camp of my career,” said Ulysse. “My sparring partners have pushed me, and I feel in the best shape I've ever been. I'm convinced that I will offer a great performance and intend to dominate my opponent with my speed and precision.” 

 

Barroso, a heavy-handed 36-year-old southpaw out of El Tigre, Venezuela, is a former WBA interim lightweight champion who has scored knockouts in 20 of his 21 victories, including a fifth-round technical knockout over Kevin Mitchell and a dominant stoppage win against Fidel “Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. 

 

“If people think that I’m coming here as a stepping stone, then they’re totally wrong because I’m coming prepared mentally and physical to knock out Yves Ulysse Jr,” said Ismael Barroso. “I have demonstrated in the past people have tried to bring me as an opponent and I have come out victorious. This fight will not be the exception.” 

 

MORE BOUTS

 

Mihai Nistor of Erbiceni, Romania will make his traditional pro debut in a six-round heavyweight fight. Nistor is a former international amateur star who holds a third-round knockout win against Anthony Joshua in the 2011 European Amateur Championship. However, Nistor was 10-8 as a pro in the World Series of Boxing, including forgivable losses to Oleksandr Usyk and Tony Yoka... 

 

Jason Quigley (16-1, 12 KOs) of Dallas will return to the ring against Abraham Cordero (13-4-2, 7 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in an eight-round middleweight fight... 

 

George Rincon (8-0, 5 KOs) of Dallas will fight Antonio Flores (8-1, 2 KOs) of Northglenn, Colombia in a six-round super junior welterweight fight... 

 

Rianna Rios of Colorado Springs will make her professional debut in a four-round featherweight fight. 

 

Tickets for Ulysse Jr. vs. Barroso are on sale at www.socafights.com

 

 

Cruiserweight Muhsin "Silent Killer" Cason (5-0, 3 KOs), makes his way back to the ring this Saturday, November 16th, against Montez Brown (8-1, 6 KOs) when two power-punchers collide at the La Fontaine Bleue in Glen Burnie, Maryland.  The six-round main event bout is being promoted by Shabazz Brotherz Boxing. Cason, who is currently riding a three-fight knockout streak, is looking to make it four, as he returns to the cruiserweight division.  He'll be facing his toughest opponent to date against Brown. 

 

"This is a big step up fight for me and I'm looking forward to the challenge," said Cason, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. "What's important is that I put on a great performance.  I want people to be excited seeing me fight. With constantly exciting and well-rounded performances, I know I can get to the next level in the sport."

 

Brown is coming off the first loss of his career and is looking to make a statement against Cason, who is not looking past him. 

 

Cason is trained by his brother, former world heavyweight world champion, Hasim Rahman. "I have worked very hard in this camp, and I feel I am the best version of myself," Cason continued.  "Brown is a tough opponent, one who offers different challenges than my last few opponents, so I am not looking past him." 

 

"Cason is a well-coached, terrific fighter, who has all the tools needed to be a world champion." said manager Greg Hannely.  "Cason wants the best fights available and that is what we are looking to provide for him."

 

"My brother has learned a lot in the past year, and this is a chance for him to show how hard he has been training in the gym," said former two-time heavyweight world champion and older brother Hasim Rahman, who also serves as a Prince Ranch Boxing advisor. "We took training camp to California and got some really good work.  Muhsin is ready to go!"

 

Ray Flores: We are very excited for next Saturday November 23rd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for the highly anticipated rematch between boxing's longest reigning heavyweight champion "The Bronze Bomber" Deontay Wilder who puts his WBC championship on the line once again against the hard hitting Luis "King Kong" Ortiz in the Fox Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event. This is a rematch of their epic 2018 battle back in March of last year which saw Ortiz [hurting] Wilder but then Deontay showed his championship mettle by stopping Ortiz in the tenth round. That seventh round and that tenth round are absolutely memorable. The pay-per-view gets rolling at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. It features a heck of a pay-per-view lineup including Leo Santa Cruz seeking a [paper] championship in a fourth division when he battles Miguel Flores for the [duplicative] WBA super featherweight championship. [Andrew Cancio already holds the title].

 

Now let's talk about the challenger.

 

His record, 31 wins, 26 of those by knock out against one defeat. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba now living in Miami. He has actually been training in Las Vegas where the fight will be held next week.

 

He has reeled off three straight victories since losing and coming up short in the only blemish of his career when he first met Wilder back in 2018. Most recently he picked up a unanimous decision over Christian Hammer back on March 2 at Barclays Center.

 

He is one of the most avoided fighters in the heavyweight division. Now one thing about Luis Ortiz he is also a very proud family man. His daughter Lismercedes actually has a painful skin condition which results in painful skin blistering and Ortiz has worked quite a bit and done a wonderful job to raise awareness for EB.

 

Ladies and gentlemen I want to introduce to you Luis "King Kong Ortiz", Luis, opening comments.

 

Luis Ortiz

 

Thank you very much for having me and thank you very much for everyone who is tuned in and, yes, I'm ready for November 23.

 

Q

Herman while you were in corner watching what was unfolding in that seventh round, could you explain it to me or tell me what were you seeing that round that got Luis so close to the stoppage win. What was working for him and what were you seeing?

 

Herman Caicedo

It was a combination of a few things but I think primarily it was just him getting settled in to the fight figuring out the style a little bit, he was boxing, he was just getting to his groove as he does, when he does that he is very dangerous and that's pretty much it. After that, once he made the connection and he hurt him, then I felt like everyone else, he was the new Heavyweight Champion.

 

Q

Luis do you believe that this is your final chance at winning a Heavyweight title?

 

L. Ortiz

No. Absolutely not. I'm going to win the title so no need for another opportunity. I will be the champion.

 

Q

Do you still look back at that first fight for what you could do better?

 

L. Ortiz

No. No. Other than just being in better shape, no. I don't necessarily see anything that could have been done differently on my part. I think that some of the things that Wilder did and the antics that Wilder does could be dealt with differently this time around, the illegal things.

 

Blows that he throws with the inside of his fists, punching down from the top of the head down and all kinds of craziness that he does, which makes it very difficult to get settled in any fight and quite frankly should be illegal and borderline criminal.

 

Q

Does it feel easier to prepare for it this time around?

 

L. Ortiz                

You absolutely never know what Wilder is going to do as far as how he approaches his fights. But one thing for sure is that both mentally and physically I'm at my best and prepared. So he can bring whatever he is going to bring. No problem.

 

Q

What did you feel was working best for Luis at that moment in the seventh round?

 

H. Caicedo

Well, I think the best thing that was going our way was him boxing -- getting behind a good jab, and just beating him to the punch and not allowing Wilder to just get crazy with his antics and come out swinging wailing away. So I think just being a little bit better on the technical side and on the basics.

 

But again like Luis just said it's very difficult with him sometimes because he'll spin around and hit you with a back fist so it's like you never know what could happen.

 

Q

Are you confident that in the rematch that Luis can get into position to be in that same situation where he has Deontay in big trouble like that and this time he will be able to finish him off?

 

H. Caicedo          

I'm very confident that Luis is going to be in that same spot or different but in the same scenario and actually be able now to finish job.

 

He has dedicated 12 weeks in Las Vegas to a camp and he has really given everything that he obviously couldn't the first time around. So at the end of the day it's 1000% he will be there. He is a much superior boxer, fighter, thinker and has the experience.

 

Wilder has the experience over 10 defenses but Luis has experience over a history of fighting since he was 10 years old. So that's going to make all the difference when it comes down to all things being equal in condition.

 

Q

Luis could you also think back to round 7 and from your point of view how close did you think you were from a knockout?

 

L. Ortiz

As soon as I made the connection and hurt him and I saw him where he was and I knew I was going to finish him and that the fight was over basically. I haven't had any other situation like that where I hadn't gotten a knockout in a scenario like that. So it's just a matter of putting some punches together and winning this fight.

 

I don't really remember which punch it was. It's just like a flash it was probably the right hook that did the damage but after that I can't remember what was doing more damage or not.

 

Q

Did you feel like the ref could have or should have stopped the fight at that moment?

 

L. Ortiz

I have no quarrels with the referee. At that time he was an eight time defending world champion and he should have been given the opportunity to defend himself and obviously fight and I felt like the referee probably did the right thing.

 

Q

Herman was it just your decision to setup headquarters in Las Vegas as opposed to training out of your facility in Miami?

 

H. Caicedo

It was really a team decision. We were mulling it over for some time before we found out 100% that the fight was on. We considered California and a few other places.

 

Luis is definitely a family man and he is here and there and he is at the kid's events and school events and plays and whatever it takes. He is there. And at the end of the day that's not going to really drive and mix well with winning a championship and absolutely being at his very best.

 

So it was an easy decision. It was just a matter of where we were coming.

 

Q

Was it a concentrated decision to be in better shape than the first fight and do you anticipate being around the same weight or do you believe you'll be lighter for the rematch?

 

L. Ortiz

Absolutely. It's never been about weight loss. I have always fought around the same weight but I'm definitely leaning out fat and transferring to muscle. So it was a conscious decision with everybody and it's been a very productive 10 - 11 weeks here so far.

 

Q

How does your new strength and conditioning coach help you heading into this super fight?

 

L. Ortiz

Coach Larry Wade has brought professionalism to the camp that fits right in with what we already do as far as schedules and professionalism. I got a new look at some of the stuff that's being done with fighters. So it was a nice change and obviously sometimes it can be the same thing but just approached differently and the body will react better and that's what it was. I'm very happy with coach Wade.

 

Q

What has been the most unique training method that's been implemented in this particular training camp?

 

L. Ortiz

There have been a few things obviously. If I had to pick one thing, it's been the pool work.

 

Q

How will being away from his family impact the training and preparation for this fight?

 

L. Ortiz

It will help 1000% in the discipline and sacrifice for the fight. I miss my family so it's more fuel on a daily basis to to be heavyweight champion.

 

Q

Is this fight more of a personal mission for you to beat Deontay or is it more so simply avenging the loss? Is that more of a greater motivator for you for this fight?

 

L. Ortiz

I have absolutely nothing personal towards Deontay. I respect him as a man, father, human being and that's got nothing to do with nothing. It's all about being a world champion, coronating myself that night on the 23rd, achieving my goal since I was 10 years old.

 

Q

Does Andy Ruiz's win serves as a special inspiration or motivation for Luis for this fight?

 

L. Ortiz

He is very happy that Ruiz won the fight. It was his destiny that night to do so and no one is taking that from him and I'm very proud of him and obviously any Latin fighter that has any kind of prosperity in the sport is great for sure.

 

Q

Do you think Andy will beat Joshua again and do you foresee maybe a title unification between two Latin Heavyweight Champions?

 

L. Ortiz

I would be ecstatic to have a unification battle period and even more ecstatic if it were between two Latin fighters. As far as Ruiz winning or not, I'm not 100% sure on which way it goes but I would like to see him come out the victor once again.

 

R. Flores              

All right. Thank you very much to Luis Ortiz, Herman Caicedo, thank you very much gentlemen. We look forward to seeing you next week during fight week in Las Vegas - Luis Ortiz challenging Deontay Wilder for the WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World next Saturday November 23 live on FOX Sport PBC Pay-Per-View. A big night of live action.

 

Now we get set for the champion as we go ahead and look at a man who has a record of 41 wins and no losses, one draw, 40 wins coming by way of knockout. He actually earned his Bronze Bomber nickname when he won a Bronze medal for the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games.

 

He is boxing's longest reigning Heavyweight World Champion having held his championship since January 2015. He will be making the 10th defense of his championship. Now if he is successful next Saturday November 23 he will join the likes of Joe Louis. Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Tommy Burns, the Klitschko Brothers as those with 10 or more consecutive successful title defenses.

 

He is a rising star out of the ring as he was ranked 34 on ESPN's World Fame 100 list, the top spot for any boxer. He is an active champion as this will be the third title defense in his last 11 months.

 

Ladies and gentlemen with a knockout percentage of 95% please welcome the Bronze Bomber Deontay Wilder. Deontay, do you have opening thoughts?

 

Deontay Wilder  

What's going on? What can I say? November the 23rd is going to be an amazing, amazing, amazing time for boxing and boxing fans. Me and Luiz Ortiz, the first fight is self-explanatory. It was an amazing fight. It was a thrilling fight.

 

It was a fight that kept everyone on the edge of their seats from the first round through the 10th round. No one knew what was going to happen until it happened and here we are again. The same effect, the same momentum, the same game plan coming in for us. I'm sure it's the same for him. He wants to be the first Cuban Heavyweight Champion of the World and - I still want to keep my title.

 

This is what it's all about in the Heavyweight Division. The big boys. It's the heavy hitters where one hit can end everything no matter how hard a person has worked, no matter how many weeks, how many moths. One fight, one night, one blow can end it all. And we already know I'm the hardest hitter, probably in boxing history period.

 

I'm coming to keep my title. November 23 will be a great moment and I can't wait.

 

Q

What was your thought process of wanting to grant Luis Ortiz a rematch?

 

D. Wilder            

There were several reasons. One, he is one of the best in the world. No one has dared to give Ortiz the opportunity even after I defeated him the first time.

 

Most of the times when you win, especially when you knock him out, other guys are willing to fight him. They see weaknesses. They see kinks in his armor. But Ortiz's situation in this case, none of these guys still they didn't want to fight him then and they don't want to fight him now.

 

So I wanted to give him an opportunity again to prove all doubt about our first fight that we had/

 

Secondly, Ortiz has a family. I grew a great bond with Ortiz the first time with his child and my child, as she was born with a disorder as well. So I know personally how hard it is and how much it takes to take care of a child with a disorder. It takes a lot of money and it takes a lot of care and I grew a great bond with him.

 

So I have seen him as one of the top guys in the heavyweight division and I want to bless him. You need money to support them and I wanted to bless him again for not only for him being a great warrior, one of the best in the world, but also for his family. I wanted to bless his family and put him on pay-per-view.

 

This might be his last at 40 years old. Coming in we all know when you fight Deontay Wilder I take something from you. I take years from your life. And that is me going to him again to get some more. You already got some these sweet potatoes and now he's coming back for seconds. And I'm ready to fill his mouth full with it.

 

Q

What have you taken from that Joshua vs. Ruiz fight to make sure you avoid hitting those pitfalls next Saturday?

 

D. Wilder

 

So me and Anthony Joshua, we have different mindsets. My mindset is very strong. It's way stronger than him. I spoke about this before and Joshua, he called it upon himself. He knew he was going to lose one day. He had spoken about it.

 

He had spoken it to the universe and even when it was time for it to happen, look, he gave his belts over to Ruiz. He literally transported his belts to this man. His energy gave his belts to this man.

 

My mindset is different. I'm a totally different king. I'm a totally different beast. I'm the best in the world and I prove it each and every time I go in the ring.

 

I'm not worried about going in and making any mistakes and stuff and if I do make any mistake in the ring, rest assured I will correct it as the fight goes on. I see this fight going one way and that's Deontay Wilder knocking out Luis Ortiz point blank and period. You know it, he knows it, I know it.

 

I know when we were in the ring the first time he hit me with everything in the kitchen sink, stuff that he knows that he usually hits opponents with and they go down. But I'm a different beast and with that being said I have got a lot of things that I have got to do. I'm fighting for one champion. One face. One name. That's the unification and nothing is going to get in my way of that. Nobody.

 

Q

Did you watch anything with Tyson Fury in WWE and if you did what did you think of Tyson's performances?

 

D. Wilder            

I didn't. I didn't even get a chance to see it. I wish I actually got a chance to see it. I would have loved to see how he transformed from boxing to WWE. Although WWE is more entertainment as far as acting things out and boxing is more serious. We risk our lives for sure.

 

But it would have been refreshing just to see how he does. I don't hold grudges and I don't have ill will towards any fighter. No fighter at all because I'm a fighter myself and I understand what we go through as fighters.

 

If any fighters have the opportunity to do other great things outside of the boxing ring I'm all for it because most fighters, they have been doing it for so many years, especially the ones they have been doing it since they were kids. They feel like this is all they have got. This is all they know how to do.

 

If all you know how to do is fight and let somebody dictate your career, then I feel sorry for you. The ones that know how to get out and go get another income or another resource, I congratulate you. That's how I feel with that. I didn't get to see it but hopefully I see a rerun or something and see how he did.

 

Q

Does that nice round number of 10 title defenses mean anything to you?

 

D. Wilder

It's definitely not easy to do. It's a great accomplishment for myself and for my career. It's definitely going to carry with me as I rack up these numbers. But to be honest at the end of the day it's just what it is. It's a number.

 

It's a great honor to be able to say this is my tenth title defense that I'm about to have, especially when many thought I was never going to be the heavyweight champion. And here I am 10. 10. 10 title defenses out of 41 fights and 40 have been knockouts.

 

It's amazing to be at this point in time and right now all I could do at this point in time for my career is just rack up numbers.

 

I have always fought for a legend's legacy and I'm still fighting to this day for that. I just want to be the best in the world. I want to be the best that has ever done it.

 

When people think about boxing I want them to say Deontay Wilder and I'm doing everything in my power and I have done everything in my power to try to bring it to be and I'm still doing it right now to be the best. And if numbers are what makes you standout. If people look at numbers and see that's what makes you standout, then so be it.

 

But not only do I want the numbers to standout for me, I want my actions to speak as well too because actions speak louder than words any day and that's what it means to me.

 

Q

How did you survive that seventh round and what did that teach you about yourself when you are in that kind of crisis?

 

D. Wilder            

The seventh round was an amazing time for me. It allowed me to see what I'm really made of. It allowed the world to see what type of champion and a true champion that they have in America and he has been here.

 

With that seventh round being under the conditions that I was under, I was very proud of myself to be able to handle those situations. To be able to go into the fire like that for one, plus just taking the fight going in to the fire like that with a flu. You know proper protocol is to cancel that and wait to a later date until you are healthy.

 

But being me, I'm a hard headed. I always do things that many boxers don't do and I think that's part of wanting my legacy to be different from the rest. I don't want the same old, I want to be different. That's why I do the things that I do.

 

Q

How did you view what happened in the seventh round and did you think you had control of the fight after you scored your first knockdown?

 

D. Wilder

I never go there and get ahead of myself. I'm always taking care. You want to be honest, in the fifth round the bell saved him.

 

Q

I would say the bell saved you in the seventh round, didn't it?

 

D. Wilder

Well I wouldn't say so because he still had 40 seconds. How many seconds did I have in the fifth round to finish him off? He had 40 seconds and he couldn't do it. He threw everything, everything. If you know anything about a flu it makes you weak mentally, physically, emotionally and he couldn't get me out. He threw everything.

 

Q

What do you remember about that round when he was throwing and what was going through your mind as he has you up against the corner post?

 

D. Wilder            

Yes. I remember getting buzzed. How it first happened is we threw a punch together but he landed before me and that's what buzzed me the first time but it was like a slight buzz the first time. And then I tried to bluff it but I didn't bluff it.

 

When I bluffed it I wasn't separating myself from him. I didn't have enough distance apart from him. I was polling my jab just to let him know I'm still here, I'm active to bluff from that slight buzz that happened.

 

He was an experienced fighter and he caught on that I was buzzed and definitely he came again with the right hand and then that's when it became a severe buzz. I was never hurt.

 

I think people use hurt too much. They throw that round too much because they don't understand the difference between buzzed and hurt. I advise anybody if you are in boxing and you want to talk about boxing, experience some of things that we go through. Go in the ring, get hit and see what it feels like to get buzzed or maybe even get knocked out.

 

But I understood everything that was going on with me. I was coaching myself internally my inner voice was telling myself to keep going. Make sure the referee sees you. Make sure you just keep hitting him.

 

I didn't want to make any punch effective because I didn't want to waste any unnecessary energy because I wanted to be able to recover. So I didn't want to use that much energy and so that's why I hit him anywhere I could no matter where it was so that the referee could understand that I'm very active. I'm aware and I can still fight.

 

I don't think I got enough credit for that. That's where the commentaries that were commentating the fight, they didn't understand what I was doing, how I was closing in the perimeter on him. I didn't give him enough space where he could release out enough punches. I stayed close to him in a peer to peer. I didn't get no credit for the intellect that I had in the ring coming around in the seventh round.

 

So I knew what I was doing and when the bell rung as you can see I knew exactly where I was. I went right back to my corner and I still was talking shit going back there too.

 

Q

What is your response to Ortiz saying that some of what you do is possibly illegal or beyond the rules?

 

D. Wilder

You know I have never heard of that so I think that he is being sarcastic. Only thing that's criminal is me hitting people with the right hand and almost killing them. That's the only thing I can go with.

 

As far as in the ring I don't know what can be criticized. I would love to know myself to be honest.

 

I want to know that because if it's something to tear me down or something like that, then that will make me even more motivated towards Ortiz if he's trying to try to tear me down after I have blessed him twice.

 

I would love to know what he meant by that. That could be good for raising my blood and make me want to even more hurt him more than what I want to do now.

 

So he need to clarify that for me before I take it the wrong way. We know when I get mad, it's over with. It's over with. So right now I'm mutual with him. I'm very respectful. He said thank God for me, I blessed him a second time. A second time. A second time ladies and gentlemen, when I didn't have to.

 

So I need that clarified or I'm going to take this the wrong way and I'm really going to want to beat him down.

 

Q

When you say that you want to leave no doubt this time, do you believe that getting a win is enough to silence any doubters or does it have to come from another knockout?

 

D. Wilder            

A win is a win whether it's ugly, pretty or in-between. A win is a win. I never want to leave the ring without a man being knocked out. I knock you out. That's the rules that I play with in this boxing industry. I don't play around with no one. I don't act like I play around with you and everything I say I mean.

 

I make it loud and clear. I meant it what I said, I say it loud and clear so there is no miscommunications between my language and the words that I chose to use. I'm a knockout artist. That's what I plan to do, to knock you out. That's plain and simple.

 

There are no other better words that can explain that. I come to knock you out point blank, period. I don't care who you with, where you are from or what you've got going on at that time of your life. You sign the contract. You step in the ring with me now you're getting blessed.

 

Q

Did you think that you two might have to run it all the way back again or did you think that that part of your career against Luis Ortiz was over?

 

D. Wilder            

After that fight I felt like I wanted to run it back. It was such a great fight, I definitely wanted to run that one back with him. There was a moment in time where I felt like there was a part of me proving myself as a heavyweight champion.

 

Everybody has got their own different opponents that they look and say okay, I believe him. He is the real deal. I think with Ortiz it opened up a lot of people's eyes. I know for a fact it opened up a lot of people's eyes and it allowed a lot of the haters or the doubters I will say, it silenced the doubters and it made them a big fan of mine.

 

Now there is an uproar about Deontay Wilder not only because of the Ortiz fight but after my actions of what I have done after that and here we are again running back around with Ortiz too.

 

I always wanted to fight him again because I feel like it would be good for boxing. It will be great for pay-per-view because of what we did the first time.

 

Q

If given the chance at whatever point in time whether it be during your career or after your boxing career is done, given the opportunity to go to WWE and kind of do the same thing that Tyson Fury did for the past month, would you take it?

 

D. Wilder            

WWE was a thing that we years ago talked about as far as promotion and different things and that's the reason why he is doing it for promotion. He is trying to get his name bigger in America and that's a good route to take because WWE has millions upon millions of followers that look at it.

 

So that was a good approach for him trying to build his name especially after coming from his Vegas shows and their ticket sale. The only reason he sold the first time was because he was coming to have a fight with me.

 

So now he is trying to find some type of way to market himself even more before the rematch or the fight. We are going to tell the difference when I fight in Vegas, you are going to see the difference of what I do and what he did and we will know for sure who sold the pay-per-view and I guarantee you right now it's going to be me.

 

But if the opportunity came by at this point in time who knows. It all depends on what I have got going on at the moment in time or when the opportunity presents itself what the scale will be looking like.

 

My stardom has grown tremendously everywhere. I have got multiples of countries wanting to host me to their country. I'm popular right now. Life is great and I just want to continue to add to that.

 

I can't say no and I can't say yes. You know, I'm going to keep that bridge open. You never want to burn bridges because you may never know when you may need to cross them again. So that bridge is still open.

 

R. Flores

Do you have any final comments Deontay before we get to Las Vegas next week ahead of your championship defense?

 

D. Wilder

I just want to tell all the fans of boxing and fans that are going to tune in to boxing, I just want to say thank you so much for your support. Thank you so much for your time and your willingness to understand this sport. It's a brutal sport and I always say it all the time, this is not a gentleman sport for me.

 

It may be for others, but for me we are not asking each other to hit each other in the head. We're doing it on will because we are getting paid to do so. We have a job that we have to do. You might as well call us hit men because that's what we do.

 

We've got a contract to beat somebody up and we sign it and we go in and we have got a name on the paper and there is a price on his head and I'm going to do my job well like I always do.

 

So I appreciate you guys so much. The last fight with Ortiz it was amazing fight. It was an exciting fight. You didn't know who was going to win and this is the fight that you want to be looking at. This is the fight that you want to tune into and pay your money.

 

If you can't be there, click that pay-per-view button. You want to see a fight where you don't know what's going to happen but you know that at point in time something is going to happen, Wilder vs. Ortiz is the fight to see.

 

I can't wait to perform for you guys as I always do. I can't wait until you guys witness that you have a bad man in Deontay Wilder in America and we aren't going anywhere.

 

Again, thank you guys for your love. Thank you guys for your time, and thank you for your money. I love you. God bless and I can't wait. BombZquad!

 

Former IBF bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodriguez (19-1) of Puerto Rico will return to the ring on November 23rd to face undefeated former WBC bantamweight champion Luis “Pantera” Nery on November 23rd in Las Vegas. The 118-pound match-up will be on the same pay-per-view show featuring the Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz rematch for the WBC heavyweight championship. Nery (30-0) [has experienced weight and banned substance issues in the past], but said said that nothing will stop him from regaining the WBC title in 2020. After that, he is hoping for a big fight vs. Rodriguez's lone conqueror, Japan's Naoya Inoue. As for Rodriguez, Nery promised he would defeat Rodriguez quickly. “Manny is a good fighter, but with a little slow style.  I’m going to impose myself with my style, with a lot of pressure, overcoming him without a problem, in three or four rounds,” Nery told ESPN. If Nery wins, he would likely next fight the current WBC titlist, Nordine Oubaali of France, who recently defeated Naoya's brother Takuma Inoue. 

Ex-bantamweight title holder Marlon Tapales of the Philippines and ex-122 pound title holder Ryosuke Iwasa of Japan will go toe-to-toe for the IBF interim 122-pound title on Saturday, December 7th live on Showtime from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by undefeated WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo defending his title against Australia's Dennis Hogan (who was badly robbed in a recent 154-pound title challenge vs. Jaime Munguia]. The Showtime Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features middleweight Chris Eubank, Jr. vs. Matt Korobov squaring with a WBA interim belt on the line. 

 

The non-televised undercard will feature a clash between once-beaten middleweights Immanuwel Aleem (18-1-2, 11 KOs) and Ronald Ellis (16-1-2, 11 KOs) in a ten-round fight, Ghanaian bantamweight Duke Micah (23-0, 19 KOs) in a ten-round duel against the Philippines’ Joseph Ambo (9-2-1, 6 KOs) and Australia’s Louisa Hawton (9-2, 5 KOs) battling Los Angeles-native Lorraine Villalobos (4-2, 2 KOs) for the Interim WBC strawweight title.

 

Fighting out of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, Tapales (33-2, 16 KOs) captured the WBO bantamweight title in 2016 with a comeback knockout victory over Panya Uthok while down on the scorecards. The 27 year-old has fought professionally since 2008, and rides a twelve-fight winning streak into this bout. This will be his third consecutive appearance in the U.S. after scoring knockout victories over Fernando Vargas and Roberto Castañeda so far this year.

 

The 29 year-old Iwasa (26-3, 16 KOs), a former IBF champion, made his U.S debut in February with a technical decision victory over veteran contender César Juárez,. That win came on the  rebound from losing his 122-pound title to T.J. Doheny last year. Fighting out of Kashiwa, Japan, Iwasa won the title in 2017 by stopping Yukinori Oguni and defended it successfully against Ernesto Saulong. Iwasa enters December 7th the winner of seven of his last eight fights. 

 

MORE BOUTS

 

Rounding out the lineup is Harlem’s Arnold González (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round welterweight fight, the pro debut of heavyweight Steven Torres in a four-round showdown against Mexico’s Daniel Franco (2-2, 2 KOs), plus a pair of Dallas natives in action as unbeaten super middleweight Burley Brooks (4-0, 4 KOs) steps in for a six-round attraction while Amon Rashidi (7-1, 5 KOs) competes in a six-round bout.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Katharina Thanderz (12-0, 2 KOs) came face to face with her opponent Danila Ramos (8-1, 1 KO) for the first time at a press conference today in Oslo ahead of their interim WBC 130-pound title fight on Saturday night. Thanderz, a former European champion, headlines at the Ekeberghallen, while Norway’s number one male boxer Kai Robin Havnaa (15-0, 3 KOs) takes on Mariano Angel Gudino (13-3, 8 KOs) in a cruiserweight clash.

 

"I feel great. I can't wait until Saturday,” said Thanderz. “I’ve had a great camp with really hard training. Some days I was completely exhausted but that's what you have to do to win a fight like this. I have lots of friends and family coming on Saturday so I'm really happy about that. I'm not sure what's going to happen but I know that I'm going to give it all. This is a big chance for me to realize my dream and win my first World title.”

 

“I’m very happy to be here,” said Ramos. “Norway is beautiful and it’s the first time I've ever seen snow. I feel like I’m already the champ. I didn't take my belt home to Brazil last time, but there is no way that's happening again. I'm certain I will win. Come to the fight or watch on TV, I will put in a sensational performance and you will see a new champion on Saturday!”

 

"It's a tough fight for both girls and both fighters are here to win,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland.  “It's a massive night for Norway. Boxing is growing sport over here. It's been illegal for many years and there have been lots of restrictions, so I'm just happy to put on this great fight night. If Katharina wins then I think there will be a new Norwegian national hero and there will be some very big fights to be made, people like: Terri Harper, Eva Wahlstrom and other big names.”

 

“I’m happy to be here in Norway,” said Gudino, who comes in as a late replacement for Al Sands. “Havnaa is in trouble. He will see what it is like to fight a real warrior. I’ve come here to fight and I’ve come here to win. I’ve not come here for a holiday. I give the same importance to every fight I have. It doesn’t matter where it is or who it is against. I know Havnaa is a good fighter. He is a big opponent for me, but I’m ready for a war!”

 

“I can’t wait to get into the ring on Saturday night,” said Havnaa. “I’ve had a late change of opponent before so I’m used to this and I’m not going to let it affect me. My opponent looks fit and strong. I know he is coming here to fight and I will be prepared to face my best opponent yet. He’s says that he’s going to make it war so I’m expecting a war. Let’s go to war!”

 

"Kai's had a late replacement. I gave him a list of three fighters and he's picked the hardest one,” says Sauerland. “I really like his attitude and fingers crossed it doesn't backfire. I expect a very good, tough fight. It's going to be a great crowd and we are building something special here in Norway.

 

"The name Havnaa is synonymous with boxing in Norway. It's a huge name here. His dad was a World Champion and now Kai is following in his footsteps and emulating his success. He's the biggest star in boxing in Norway at the moment. He's taking over and now he needs to produce the goods in the ring.”

 

Tickets are available online via www.ticketmaster.no. All the action will be available to watch live across Viasat 4, Viasport + and Viaplay in Norway.

 

Three-division title holder Leo "El Terremoto" Santa Cruz showed off his skills at a media workout in Los Angeles Wednesday as he prepares to battle Miguel "El Michoacan" Flores for the vacant WBA super featherweight title on Saturday, November 23rd in the Fox Sports PBC Pay-Pay-View co-main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by boxing's longest currently reigning heavyweight champion Deontay "The Bronze Bomber'' Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis "King Kong'' Ortiz. Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

 

Los Angeles' Santa Cruz hosted media at City of Angels Boxing as he nears his opportunity to win a world title in a fourth weight class. Here is what Santa Cruz had to say Wednesday:

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ

 

"I'm only focused on my fight because I know that Miguel Flores is going to bring everything he has to try to win that title. There are a lot of great champions in this division but I can't think of anything past Flores.

 

"I'm expecting a classic Mexico vs. Mexico brawl. Flores is from Michoacan and the people from there have a lot of heart and they leave everything in the ring. I've seen him do it. He throws to the body really well. He has a good uppercut too. So I know it's going to be a tough fight.

 

"We always work hard in the gym so that we can throw a lot of punches in the fight. We want to put the pressure on and give the fans a great fight and take home the win.

 

"I train hard no matter who the opponent is. That's the only thing I know how to do. So I don't think about any let downs, only about winning the fight in front of me. I think this is a great opportunity to introduce myself to the division.

 

"I'm going to go in there and fight hard for 12 rounds or as long as it lasts. I'm going to be smart and make sure I get the win. But we also always want to give the fans a great show from start to finish.

 

"I feel really good right now. I think I'm going to be strong at that weight and have extra power in the ring on fight night. I don't spend as much time in camp worrying about cutting weight so everything else will be better because of that. I'm going to be ready for everything Miguel Flores can bring.

 

"I want to win another title for my legacy and so I can continue to give fans great fights. This is a great opportunity so I'm going to go ahead and make the most of it.

 

"It's great to be on this card with such an exciting main event. You know that Deontay Wilder can knock anyone out at any minute. The heavyweight division is really exciting right now and I know Wilder and Luis Ortiz are going to give everyone something to remember. I want to make an exciting fight too and steal the show. It'll be hard to do, but I'm going to go out there and try to do it."

Irish ace John Joe Nevin scoffs at suggestions that he is being pitched into a world-class assignment without the appropriate professional seasoning. In 13 paid outings so far, the 2012 Olympic finalist and 2013 European amateur gold medallist is yet to feature beyond eight rounds.  However, at London’s York Hall this Saturday (November 16th), Nevin has been cast against Nicaragua’s Freddy Fonseca, who has conceded just four times in 32 starts and sent 18 opponents down before the scorecards were required. The pair collide over ten rounds fin the 130-pound division. The salivating showdown will be screened live and exclusive in the U.K on free-to-air Channel Five.

 

‘I’m not remotely worried. After being told I’d never boxing again, I’m enjoying these new challenges. I’ll be walking my way to the world title!’ quipped the Mullingar traveller who was told he might never box again after both his legs were broken in an out-of-ring altercation in April 2014.

 

‘You have to remember all my experience from the WSB (World Series of Boxing). I had 11 bouts (9 wins) boxing for Paris United, then the London Lionhearts; without head guards, wearing eight-ounce gloves in five round fights against elite opposition with professional style scoring. They were proper, aggressive scraps. They more than compensate.

 

‘On November 16th, U.K fans will see the skills of a genuine contender who’s coming to hunt the world champions down. After this, I’ll chase a world title straight after. I’d only be interested in the European belt and the like if it guarantees getting me closer to a world title.

 

‘(Reigning IBF Champion) Tevin Farmer would be my preferred choice. He’s from Philly where I was based for the start of my pro career (under promoter Tom Moran’s GreenBlood organisation). When we were on the same bill, I sold a lot more tickets than Farmer ever did. They weren’t boxing fans who attended, they were John Joe Nevin fans.  

 

‘Farmer beat two Irish guys already, Jono Carroll and James Tennyson, so I’d like to avenge that for Irishmen everywhere. I’d willingly fight Tevin in his home town but before MY fans. He’s pretty slick too but he’s not got what I’ve got.’

 

But if he’s to force that grudge match, nifty, nimble Nevin knows he must cast a spell over the formidable Fonseca in London on Saturday week in what is easily the stiffest assignment of his five and a half year pro career.

 

‘This kid’s no journeyman. He’ll not go into hiding. He’ll really go for it,’ acknowledges the man from County Westmeath. 

 

‘Fonseca brings this big, big left hand. He knows he can punch but I’m confident I can frustrate him then walk him onto stuff. And I hit very hard. My record shows just the four kayos but it’s very hard to knock a man out when he’s running away. It’s just about timing the right punch.

 

‘An impressive win will stick me into the world top 15 and then I’ll not be too far away.’ 

 

Promoted by Mick Hennessy in association with Infinitum, Channel 5 and Priority Promotions, Dilmaghani v Fonseca will be televised exclusively live in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5 and 5Spike.

 

Headline attraction on the card features Alex Dilmaghani versus Francisco Fonseca for the Vacant IBO Super-Featherweight Championship.  Chief support sees an exciting clash between Irish star John Joe Nevin v Freddy Fonseca.  A packed and top quality undercard also features: Fast rising Sevenoaks middleweight talent Michael Hennessy Jnr; Stockwell welterweight Samuel Antwi; Welsh super-featherweight Rhys Edwards; Chelsea Lightweight Connor Marsden; two London based Romanians: super-welterweight Flavius Biea and heavyweight Lucian Atani; Basildon super-lightweight Lewis Smith; Islington middleweight Billy Underwood; Luton super-lightweight Jahid Munim and Islington featherweight Alizara Ghadiri.