Alejandra Jimenez tests positive for banned substance. Surprise? Not! |
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WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman reported a banned substance was detected during the drug testing of Alejandra Jimenez either the week before or just after she won the WBC and WBO super middleweight titles against Francon Crews Dezurn last week. It appears that so far, only the A-sample has been tested. Jimenez, who fought as a heavyweight as recently as 2017, fought in 2020 with a dramatically altered physical appearance. Formerly chubby, she now has bulging, lean and ripped muscles almost never seen on a woman. Her facial structure and deep voice also seemed very different from her heavyweight reign. Sulaiman stated, "VADA [the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association] has notified the WBC of an adverse finding from a test conducted on January 11 on Alejandra Jimenez as part of the testing protocol for her fight vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn. The WBC has initiated the corresponding process under [its] Clean Boxing Program. Jimenez responded by proclaiming her innocence and stating she will have her B-sample tested.
Jimenez's Twitter account posted two VADA letters, both dated January 24th: one letter stated that Jimenez tested positive for stanozolol on a January 10th test [stanozolol is a synthetic steroid that is derived from testosterone]. The other letter indicated a clean January 11th test. The fight took place on January 11th, with Jimenez winning by decision, and Crews Dezurn taking a lot of punishment.
Jimenez tweeted in Spanish, "I trust the due process of investigation carried out by the World Boxing Council in which I am sure it will be resolved in my favor."
[Mexican tainted beef excuse coming in 3... 2... 1...]
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Alejandra Jimenez tests positive for banned substance. Surprise? Not!
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman reported a banned substance was detected during the drug testing of Alejandra Jimenez either the week before or just after she won the WBC and WBO super middleweight titles against Francon Crews Dezurn last week. It appears that so far, only the A-sample has been tested. Jimenez, who fought as a heavyweight as recently as 2017, fought in 2020 with a dramatically altered physical appearance. Formerly chubby, she now has bulging, lean and ripped muscles almost never seen on a woman. Her facial structure and deep voice also seemed very different from her heavyweight reign. Sulaiman stated, "VADA [the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association] has notified the WBC of an adverse finding from a test conducted on January 11 on Alejandra Jimenez as part of the testing protocol for her fight vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn. The WBC has initiated the corresponding process under [its] Clean Boxing Program. Jimenez responded by proclaiming her innocence and stating she will have her B-sample tested.
Jimenez's Twitter account posted two VADA letters, both dated January 24th: one letter stated that Jimenez tested positive for stanozolol on a January 10th test [stanozolol is a synthetic steroid that is derived from testosterone]. The other letter indicated a clean January 11th test. The fight took place on January 11th, with Jimenez winning by decision, and Crews Dezurn taking a lot of punishment.
Jimenez tweeted in Spanish, "I trust the due process of investigation carried out by the World Boxing Council in which I am sure it will be resolved in my favor."
[Mexican tainted beef excuse coming in 3... 2... 1...]
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Regis Prograis on turning 31 |
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Former WBA 140-pound champion Regis Prograis on his birthday: "I turned 31 today and I live a dream life. I never thought my life could be this lit. Where I come from people didn’t do these things. If I died tomorrow I can say I’ve lived the lives of 3 men. And this is just the beginning. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for me next." Boxingtalk wishes "Rougarou" a happy birthday!
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Regis Prograis on turning 31
Former WBA 140-pound champion Regis Prograis on his birthday: "I turned 31 today and I live a dream life. I never thought my life could be this lit. Where I come from people didn’t do these things. If I died tomorrow I can say I’ve lived the lives of 3 men. And this is just the beginning. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for me next." Boxingtalk wishes "Rougarou" a happy birthday!
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Tonight on Showtime: Danny Garcia vs. Ivan Redkach |
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Tonight on Showtime: former two-division champion Danny "Swift" García returns to the ring at his home away from home at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY to take on hard-hitting slugger Ivan "El Terrible" Redkach in a twelve-round WBC welterweight eliminator. This will be Garcia's first fight since his KO victory over Adrian Granados in April 2019, and Redkach's first fight since his upset victory over Devon Alexander in June 2019. The card also features the return of former IBF/ WBA junior middleweight champion "Swift" Jarrett Hurd, who battles Francisco "Chia" Santana in the co-feature. Plus, super bantamweight Stephen "Cool Boy Steph" Fulton meets Arnold Khegai in a 122-pound eliminator. Fists start flying at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT live on Showtime. For even more action, Showtime Sports is providing live undercard streaming coverage and pre-fight analysis on its YouTube channel and Showtime Boxing’s Facebook page at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m.
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Tonight on Showtime: Danny Garcia vs. Ivan Redkach
Tonight on Showtime: former two-division champion Danny "Swift" García returns to the ring at his home away from home at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY to take on hard-hitting slugger Ivan "El Terrible" Redkach in a twelve-round WBC welterweight eliminator. This will be Garcia's first fight since his KO victory over Adrian Granados in April 2019, and Redkach's first fight since his upset victory over Devon Alexander in June 2019. The card also features the return of former IBF/ WBA junior middleweight champion "Swift" Jarrett Hurd, who battles Francisco "Chia" Santana in the co-feature. Plus, super bantamweight Stephen "Cool Boy Steph" Fulton meets Arnold Khegai in a 122-pound eliminator. Fists start flying at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT live on Showtime. For even more action, Showtime Sports is providing live undercard streaming coverage and pre-fight analysis on its YouTube channel and Showtime Boxing’s Facebook page at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m.
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Sampson outbids Top Rank for Taylor-Khongsong |
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Sampson Boxing won an IBF purse bid for the right to promote junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor’s mandatory defense against Thailand’s Apinun Khongsong. [Taylor also holds the WBA version of the title he won by defeating Regis Prograis]. Sampson recently signed Khongsong, while Taylor, who is from Scotland, is promoted by Top Rank. Held at the IBF’s office in Springfield, NJ, Lewkowicz submitted a winning bid of $1.32M, topping Top Rank’s submission of $1.26M. Under IBF rules, the fight must take place within 90 days of the bid or by April 20, 2020. Champion Taylor (16-0, 12 KOs) will be entitled to 65% of the winning bid ($858,000) while Khongsong (16-0, 13 KOs) will receive 35% ($462,000).
While the exact date and site are, as of now, unknown, Lewkowicz says he will get to work immediately arranging the particulars and wishes to reassure Taylor’s UK fans they will not be deprived of seeing their hero in action. “I am honored to be promoting this fight between these two warriors and I want to make it clear I would not cheat UK fans of seeing this fight live,” said Lewkowicz. “It will be in Great Britain or Scotland. Please be patient, I will announce the full details very soon.”
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Sampson outbids Top Rank for Taylor-Khongsong
Sampson Boxing won an IBF purse bid for the right to promote junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor’s mandatory defense against Thailand’s Apinun Khongsong. [Taylor also holds the WBA version of the title he won by defeating Regis Prograis]. Sampson recently signed Khongsong, while Taylor, who is from Scotland, is promoted by Top Rank. Held at the IBF’s office in Springfield, NJ, Lewkowicz submitted a winning bid of $1.32M, topping Top Rank’s submission of $1.26M. Under IBF rules, the fight must take place within 90 days of the bid or by April 20, 2020. Champion Taylor (16-0, 12 KOs) will be entitled to 65% of the winning bid ($858,000) while Khongsong (16-0, 13 KOs) will receive 35% ($462,000).
While the exact date and site are, as of now, unknown, Lewkowicz says he will get to work immediately arranging the particulars and wishes to reassure Taylor’s UK fans they will not be deprived of seeing their hero in action. “I am honored to be promoting this fight between these two warriors and I want to make it clear I would not cheat UK fans of seeing this fight live,” said Lewkowicz. “It will be in Great Britain or Scotland. Please be patient, I will announce the full details very soon.”
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RDR Promotions to run Philly show on March 7th |
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Samuel Teah will headline a night of boxing that will take place on Saturday, March 7th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia when he takes on Dieumerci Nzau (11-11 with 8 KOs) in the six-round junior welterweight main event. The show will be the first promoted by RDR Promotions. Teah, from Philadelphia, has a record of 16-3-1 with seven knockouts. The 32 year-old is a seven year professional with some very high-profile wins on national television. Teah has defeated O'Shaquie Foster (8-0), David Gonzalez (8-0-2), Maynard Allison (9-2), Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-1-1) and in his last bout, Teah won a ten-round majority decision over Sonny Fredrickson (21-1) on November 14th in Washington, D.C.
Nzau of Silver Spring, Maryland, has a record of 11-11 with eight knockouts. Nzau, 31 years-old, is an 11 year professional who is coming off a loss to Omar Bordoy on December 19th in Springfield, Massachusetts.
UNDERCARD
The undercard will feature some up-and-coming fighters from the Philadelphia area in four round bouts. Ryan Umberger (3-0, 3 KOs) of Bensalem, PA fights Estevan Payan (1-8, 1 KO) of Glendale, AZ in a middleweight bout...
Naheem Parker of Philadelphia makes his pro debut against Anthony Carter (0-1) of Philadelphia in a lightweight bout...
Also seeing action against opponents to be named will be welterweight Mark Dawson (6-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia, popular super middleweight Brandon Robinson of King's Promotions (14-2, 9 KOs) of Upper Darby, PA, super bantamweight Victor Medina (1-0,1 KO) of Hartford, CT, junior welterweight Nafear Charles (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia, super featherweight Nasir Mickens (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, pro debuting Rasheim Jefferson, middleweight Laquan Evans (2-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia.
Opponents and more fights will be announced shortly.
Tickets can be purchased at 2300arena.com
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RDR Promotions to run Philly show on March 7th
Samuel Teah will headline a night of boxing that will take place on Saturday, March 7th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia when he takes on Dieumerci Nzau (11-11 with 8 KOs) in the six-round junior welterweight main event. The show will be the first promoted by RDR Promotions. Teah, from Philadelphia, has a record of 16-3-1 with seven knockouts. The 32 year-old is a seven year professional with some very high-profile wins on national television. Teah has defeated O'Shaquie Foster (8-0), David Gonzalez (8-0-2), Maynard Allison (9-2), Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-1-1) and in his last bout, Teah won a ten-round majority decision over Sonny Fredrickson (21-1) on November 14th in Washington, D.C.
Nzau of Silver Spring, Maryland, has a record of 11-11 with eight knockouts. Nzau, 31 years-old, is an 11 year professional who is coming off a loss to Omar Bordoy on December 19th in Springfield, Massachusetts.
UNDERCARD
The undercard will feature some up-and-coming fighters from the Philadelphia area in four round bouts. Ryan Umberger (3-0, 3 KOs) of Bensalem, PA fights Estevan Payan (1-8, 1 KO) of Glendale, AZ in a middleweight bout...
Naheem Parker of Philadelphia makes his pro debut against Anthony Carter (0-1) of Philadelphia in a lightweight bout...
Also seeing action against opponents to be named will be welterweight Mark Dawson (6-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia, popular super middleweight Brandon Robinson of King's Promotions (14-2, 9 KOs) of Upper Darby, PA, super bantamweight Victor Medina (1-0,1 KO) of Hartford, CT, junior welterweight Nafear Charles (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia, super featherweight Nasir Mickens (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, pro debuting Rasheim Jefferson, middleweight Laquan Evans (2-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia.
Opponents and more fights will be announced shortly.
Tickets can be purchased at 2300arena.com
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Terri Harper won't hold back vs. Eva Wahlstrom |
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Yorkshire, England's Terri Harper is targeting a life-changing win over Eva Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs) on Saturday February 8th when she challenges for Wahlstrom's WBC super featherweight title, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. Harper's IBO championship wil also be on the line. Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) got off to a flying start under the Matchroom Boxing banner with a polished performance to outpoint tough Brazilian Viviane Obenauf in the first defense of her IBO crown on her 23rd birthday in November.
Harper admits the pressure she felt to perform on her big Matchroom debut may have caused her to play it safe in November, but South Yorkshire’s first female professional boxer has promised to take it to her opponent next month. “Watching the Obenauf fight back I feel I held back a bit,” said Harper. “I had a lot of pressure on me to perform on my Matchroom debut and maybe played it a bit too safe. In this fight I feel I will be more adventurous, I know what Eva is going to bring and I will go out there and show my ability. I’m ready to show everyone what I can do.
“One of the main changes is that we have been sparring straight away, getting lots of rounds in with different girls and training twice a day alongside Anthony Tomlinson who is also on the bill. I have my feet through the door now and I am ready for February 8th, a date I will hopefully come home as WBC world champion.”
Wahlstrom, a pro since 2010 and who has only lost to Irish sensation Katie Taylor, promises to be a career-defining fight for Harper. The Finnish 39-year-old has held the WBC title since 2015, making fives defences of the green and gold belt during her reign.
Guided by Stefy Bull from his gym in Doncaster, Harper has passed every test of her career with flying colours since turning professional in 2017 following a successful stint in the amateurs and the 23-year-old believes she has what it takes to overcome Wahlstrom in a clash of youth versus experience.
“Eva is a solid opponent who has shared the ring with some great female boxers over a long career. She has more experience than me but she is nearly 40 and I feel it is my time now, to take the baton and get the win. I feel like I have long range and won’t get dragged into a brawl. We have seen that she is open to that back hand so that is what we have been working with in the gym, I want to get back on my knockout streak!
“It’s a 50/50 fight but I feel like I have got youth on my side. I am so hungry to win this and have prepared for the best version of Eva Wahlstrom possible. I have put 110% into this camp because I know that if I prepare correctly that I can change my life on February 8. I have dreams of boxing in America and I see that as the next goal for me after winning this WBC title.
“All I see in this fight is me being dominant with my jab and then stopping her with my back hand, I just feel like it’s something she will not be able to deal with. I feel my fitness will come through and the fight will be over in the mid to late rounds.”
Harper vs. Wahlstrom is part of a huge night of action in Sheffiel:
Kell Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) will be aiming to shake off the ring rust and fire his name back into the mix for a word Title shot in 2020 when he meets the USA’s Mark DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs)... Kid Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) takes on Claudio Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) in an IBF featherweight final eliminator... Anthony Tomlinson (11-0, 6 KOs) takes on Stewart Burt (13-1-1, 1 KO) in an eliminator for the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles... Dave Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited return after eight months out of the ring... Brentwood super featherweight Martin Joseph Ward (23-1-2, 11 KOs) returns,... Sheffield super featherweight Donte Dixon (2-0, 1 KO) returns... super middleweight John Docherty (7-0, 5 KO) continues his march towards a first title... Leeds featherweight Hopey Price (2-0, 1 KO) looks to go 3-0... and Sheffield light heavyweight Callum Beardow (1-0) fights for the second time as a pro.
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Terri Harper won't hold back vs. Eva Wahlstrom
Yorkshire, England's Terri Harper is targeting a life-changing win over Eva Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs) on Saturday February 8th when she challenges for Wahlstrom's WBC super featherweight title, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. Harper's IBO championship wil also be on the line. Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) got off to a flying start under the Matchroom Boxing banner with a polished performance to outpoint tough Brazilian Viviane Obenauf in the first defense of her IBO crown on her 23rd birthday in November.
Harper admits the pressure she felt to perform on her big Matchroom debut may have caused her to play it safe in November, but South Yorkshire’s first female professional boxer has promised to take it to her opponent next month. “Watching the Obenauf fight back I feel I held back a bit,” said Harper. “I had a lot of pressure on me to perform on my Matchroom debut and maybe played it a bit too safe. In this fight I feel I will be more adventurous, I know what Eva is going to bring and I will go out there and show my ability. I’m ready to show everyone what I can do.
“One of the main changes is that we have been sparring straight away, getting lots of rounds in with different girls and training twice a day alongside Anthony Tomlinson who is also on the bill. I have my feet through the door now and I am ready for February 8th, a date I will hopefully come home as WBC world champion.”
Wahlstrom, a pro since 2010 and who has only lost to Irish sensation Katie Taylor, promises to be a career-defining fight for Harper. The Finnish 39-year-old has held the WBC title since 2015, making fives defences of the green and gold belt during her reign.
Guided by Stefy Bull from his gym in Doncaster, Harper has passed every test of her career with flying colours since turning professional in 2017 following a successful stint in the amateurs and the 23-year-old believes she has what it takes to overcome Wahlstrom in a clash of youth versus experience.
“Eva is a solid opponent who has shared the ring with some great female boxers over a long career. She has more experience than me but she is nearly 40 and I feel it is my time now, to take the baton and get the win. I feel like I have long range and won’t get dragged into a brawl. We have seen that she is open to that back hand so that is what we have been working with in the gym, I want to get back on my knockout streak!
“It’s a 50/50 fight but I feel like I have got youth on my side. I am so hungry to win this and have prepared for the best version of Eva Wahlstrom possible. I have put 110% into this camp because I know that if I prepare correctly that I can change my life on February 8. I have dreams of boxing in America and I see that as the next goal for me after winning this WBC title.
“All I see in this fight is me being dominant with my jab and then stopping her with my back hand, I just feel like it’s something she will not be able to deal with. I feel my fitness will come through and the fight will be over in the mid to late rounds.”
Harper vs. Wahlstrom is part of a huge night of action in Sheffiel:
Kell Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) will be aiming to shake off the ring rust and fire his name back into the mix for a word Title shot in 2020 when he meets the USA’s Mark DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs)... Kid Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) takes on Claudio Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) in an IBF featherweight final eliminator... Anthony Tomlinson (11-0, 6 KOs) takes on Stewart Burt (13-1-1, 1 KO) in an eliminator for the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles... Dave Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited return after eight months out of the ring... Brentwood super featherweight Martin Joseph Ward (23-1-2, 11 KOs) returns,... Sheffield super featherweight Donte Dixon (2-0, 1 KO) returns... super middleweight John Docherty (7-0, 5 KO) continues his march towards a first title... Leeds featherweight Hopey Price (2-0, 1 KO) looks to go 3-0... and Sheffield light heavyweight Callum Beardow (1-0) fights for the second time as a pro.
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Weigh-in report from Brooklyn |
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WBC welterweight eliminator – twelve rounds
Danny Garcia – 147 lbs. -vs.- Ivan Redkach – 146 ¾ lbs.
Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Connecticut), Tony Paolillo (New York), Don Trella (Connecticut)
Junior middleweights - ten rounds
Jarrett Hurd – 154 ½ lbs. -vs.- Francisco Santana – 155 lbs.
Referee: Arthur Mercante; Judges: Larry Hazzard, Jr. (New Jersey), Julie Lederman (New York); Kevin Morgan (New York)
WBO junior featherweight eliminator – twelve rounds
Stephen Fulton, Jr. – 122 lbs. -vs.- Arnold Khegai – 121 ¾ lbs.
Referee: Steve Willis; Judges: Frank Lombardi (Connecticut), John McKaie (New York), Waleska Roldan (New York)
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN Live Streaming Online – 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT
Junior welterweights – eight rounds
Patrick Harris – 140 ¾ lbs. -vs.- Clay Burns – 139 ½ lbs.
Welterweights - eight rounds
Keeshawn Williams – 150 lbs. -vs.- Gaku Takahashi – 147 ¼ lbs.
Middleweights – six rounds
Lorenzo Simpson – 159 ½ lbs. -vs.- Antonio Hernandez – 159 lbs.
The digital offering will be streamed live on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel and Boxing Facebook page leading into the Showtime Championship Boxing
DANNY GARCIA
“We’re going to go in there and fight the Danny Garcia fight. If he wants to brawl, he can do his thing, but just don’t get too excited because I’ve got two hammers waiting for him. Don’t try too hard because you might knock yourself out.
“I love the Barclays Center. Brooklyn, New York has always shown me a lot of love, all my fans from Philly, all my fans from all around the world show me love. The atmosphere is going to be crazy tomorrow, I can’t wait.”
IVAN REDKACH
“This training camp, I didn’t have to work at losing weight, I just had to work at beating Danny. I believe in my game plan, I believe in the training camp that we had, that’s why I’m going to knock him out. I’ve already visualized it.”
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Weigh-in report from Brooklyn
WBC welterweight eliminator – twelve rounds
Danny Garcia – 147 lbs. -vs.- Ivan Redkach – 146 ¾ lbs.
Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Connecticut), Tony Paolillo (New York), Don Trella (Connecticut)
Junior middleweights - ten rounds
Jarrett Hurd – 154 ½ lbs. -vs.- Francisco Santana – 155 lbs.
Referee: Arthur Mercante; Judges: Larry Hazzard, Jr. (New Jersey), Julie Lederman (New York); Kevin Morgan (New York)
WBO junior featherweight eliminator – twelve rounds
Stephen Fulton, Jr. – 122 lbs. -vs.- Arnold Khegai – 121 ¾ lbs.
Referee: Steve Willis; Judges: Frank Lombardi (Connecticut), John McKaie (New York), Waleska Roldan (New York)
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN Live Streaming Online – 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT
Junior welterweights – eight rounds
Patrick Harris – 140 ¾ lbs. -vs.- Clay Burns – 139 ½ lbs.
Welterweights - eight rounds
Keeshawn Williams – 150 lbs. -vs.- Gaku Takahashi – 147 ¼ lbs.
Middleweights – six rounds
Lorenzo Simpson – 159 ½ lbs. -vs.- Antonio Hernandez – 159 lbs.
The digital offering will be streamed live on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel and Boxing Facebook page leading into the Showtime Championship Boxing
DANNY GARCIA
“We’re going to go in there and fight the Danny Garcia fight. If he wants to brawl, he can do his thing, but just don’t get too excited because I’ve got two hammers waiting for him. Don’t try too hard because you might knock yourself out.
“I love the Barclays Center. Brooklyn, New York has always shown me a lot of love, all my fans from Philly, all my fans from all around the world show me love. The atmosphere is going to be crazy tomorrow, I can’t wait.”
IVAN REDKACH
“This training camp, I didn’t have to work at losing weight, I just had to work at beating Danny. I believe in my game plan, I believe in the training camp that we had, that’s why I’m going to knock him out. I’ve already visualized it.”
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Weigh-in report from Hamburg |
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German junior middleweight Abass Baraou (8-0, 5 KOs) and his opponent Abraham Juarez (16-4, 6 KOs) have both made weight ahead of their showdown tomorrow in Hamburg, Germany. Baraou will be fighting in Hamburg for the first time since winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Amateur Championships, and will be looking to continue his upward career trajectory in a ten-round clash with the 23-year-old Mexican known as the "Pitbull". The event is a historic co-promotion between Germany’s two longest standing boxing promoters Team Sauerland and Universum featuring athletes from both stables including Danish heavyweight hope Kem Ljungquist (9-0, 5 KOs) who takes on Ukraine’s German Skobenko (5-4-2, 2 KOs in an eight-round contest. Official weights from Hamburg:
Junior middleweights - ten rounds
Abass Baraou: 153.9 pounds -vs.- Abraham Juarez: 153.7
Junior welterweights- ten rounds
Artem Harutyunyan: 140 -vs.- Miguel Cesario Antin: 139.8
Heavyweights - eight rounds
Kem Ljungquist: 234.8 -vs.- German Skobenko: 253.5
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Weigh-in report from Hamburg
German junior middleweight Abass Baraou (8-0, 5 KOs) and his opponent Abraham Juarez (16-4, 6 KOs) have both made weight ahead of their showdown tomorrow in Hamburg, Germany. Baraou will be fighting in Hamburg for the first time since winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Amateur Championships, and will be looking to continue his upward career trajectory in a ten-round clash with the 23-year-old Mexican known as the "Pitbull". The event is a historic co-promotion between Germany’s two longest standing boxing promoters Team Sauerland and Universum featuring athletes from both stables including Danish heavyweight hope Kem Ljungquist (9-0, 5 KOs) who takes on Ukraine’s German Skobenko (5-4-2, 2 KOs in an eight-round contest. Official weights from Hamburg:
Junior middleweights - ten rounds
Abass Baraou: 153.9 pounds -vs.- Abraham Juarez: 153.7
Junior welterweights- ten rounds
Artem Harutyunyan: 140 -vs.- Miguel Cesario Antin: 139.8
Heavyweights - eight rounds
Kem Ljungquist: 234.8 -vs.- German Skobenko: 253.5
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Ramirez-Postol postponed due to coronavirus flu |
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Jose Ramirez’s WBC/WBO junior welterweight world title defense against former WBC champion Viktor “The Iceman” Postol — originally scheduled to be broadcast live on ESPN from Mission Hills Haikou in Hainan, China on Saturday, Feb. 1st — has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak in China. The Ramirez-Postol bout will be contested at a date and venue to be determined “The health and safety of our fighters and everyone working on the event is the most important thing,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We hope the situation is brought under control soon. We look forward to staging events at Mission Hills Haikou in the very near future.”
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Ramirez-Postol postponed due to coronavirus flu
Jose Ramirez’s WBC/WBO junior welterweight world title defense against former WBC champion Viktor “The Iceman” Postol — originally scheduled to be broadcast live on ESPN from Mission Hills Haikou in Hainan, China on Saturday, Feb. 1st — has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak in China. The Ramirez-Postol bout will be contested at a date and venue to be determined “The health and safety of our fighters and everyone working on the event is the most important thing,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We hope the situation is brought under control soon. We look forward to staging events at Mission Hills Haikou in the very near future.”
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Russ Anber talks about Eleider Alvarez |
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Ivan Montiel: Let's talk about [former WBO light heavyweight champion] Eleider Alvarez [pictured]. I know you work with him too. There’s already talks that his knock out of Michael Seals will be a knockout of the year candidate for 2020. Russ Anber: Well with 2020 only being three weeks old, that’s not bad. I think I was quite clear with my post on Instagram. I said it wasn’t the fight that we were hoping for. [It was] a mediocre fight with Seals being an awkward guy, but it produced a potential knockout of 2020. With that win, Alvarez put himself right back in the mix in the light heavyweight division.
IM: Why was Alvarez looking up at the big screen throughout the fight?
RA: You have to ask him that. Maybe he was looking at the time [left in the round]. I know he was looking at both myself and [head trainer] Marc Ramsay from time to time. I have no idea, I’d be lying to you if I gave you an answer.
IM: The knockout was nice but it took quite a few rounds for it to come. Do you think maybe it took that long because Alvarez respected Seals' power?
RA: I think so because after the fight, in his dressing room, Alvarez showed me his forearm which had several welts. That’s how hard Seals punches. It’s possible even though Alvarez defended himself well, he still felt Seals' power. You’re going to feel the power in your gloves and shoulders. There’s no doubt you’re going to feel that kind of power. Maybe that’s what kept Alvarez cautious before landing that Hail Mary!
IM: I am hearing that it’s either [former IBF super middleweight champion] Gilberto Ramirez or Joe Smith Jr. next for Alvarez.
RA: Correct! I like both of those match-ups. Either one of these will be better than the Seals fight. Seals isn’t a busy fighter. Seals like to hold. Smith doesn’t even know how to spell hold, he just likes to fight coming forward. Smith is not looking to hold, he’s coming to fight! Smith doesn’t care where he hits you, he just comes to work. Ramirez is a completely a different type of fighter. He's a southpaw, who gets hit, but he’s willing to take a punch in order to land a punch of his own. Between the two fighters, I like Ramirez [as a preferred opponent for Alvarez].
IM: Your right. I also like both Ramirez and Smith... the light heavyweight division is stacked.
RA: Yes, but I think it’s a little more difficult with Smith because he brings an awkwardness which you can’t believe.
IM: Your right again. Smith showed that awkwardness in his most recent win over Jessie Hart.
RA: Exactly. Even in that twelfth and final round, Smith still pounded Hart pillar to post.
IM: Smith was up on the scorecards, especially on my scorecard. It truly is amazing to see a fighter fight that way going into the final round even when he’s already winning the fight. Speaking of Alvarez, though, I would also love to see a third fight between him and Sergey Kovalev [Alvarez won the first but lost the second fight vs. Kovalev]. What do you think?
RA: I would love to see that fight one more time, especially after Alvarez's KO win over Seals. Another fight with Kovalev should happen now. I don’t think Kovalev should take another fight because he could get beat, or even damaged and possibly losing his confidence. I agree with you Ivan, it would be sad to not see a trilogy between two fighters with Alvarez stopping Kovalev in their first fight then losing the rematch by points. I think it’s a deserving rematch.
IM: Let’s wait and see what happens I guess. Russ thanks once again for taking the time off your busy schedule. By the way I can’t wait for [IBF lightheavyweight champion]n Artur Beterbiev versus Fanlong Meng.
RA: Thanks Ivan. Artur Beterbiev versus Fanlong Meng is happening on March 28th in Quebec!
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Russ Anber talks about Eleider Alvarez
Ivan Montiel: Let's talk about [former WBO light heavyweight champion] Eleider Alvarez [pictured]. I know you work with him too. There’s already talks that his knock out of Michael Seals will be a knockout of the year candidate for 2020. Russ Anber: Well with 2020 only being three weeks old, that’s not bad. I think I was quite clear with my post on Instagram. I said it wasn’t the fight that we were hoping for. [It was] a mediocre fight with Seals being an awkward guy, but it produced a potential knockout of 2020. With that win, Alvarez put himself right back in the mix in the light heavyweight division.
IM: Why was Alvarez looking up at the big screen throughout the fight?
RA: You have to ask him that. Maybe he was looking at the time [left in the round]. I know he was looking at both myself and [head trainer] Marc Ramsay from time to time. I have no idea, I’d be lying to you if I gave you an answer.
IM: The knockout was nice but it took quite a few rounds for it to come. Do you think maybe it took that long because Alvarez respected Seals' power?
RA: I think so because after the fight, in his dressing room, Alvarez showed me his forearm which had several welts. That’s how hard Seals punches. It’s possible even though Alvarez defended himself well, he still felt Seals' power. You’re going to feel the power in your gloves and shoulders. There’s no doubt you’re going to feel that kind of power. Maybe that’s what kept Alvarez cautious before landing that Hail Mary!
IM: I am hearing that it’s either [former IBF super middleweight champion] Gilberto Ramirez or Joe Smith Jr. next for Alvarez.
RA: Correct! I like both of those match-ups. Either one of these will be better than the Seals fight. Seals isn’t a busy fighter. Seals like to hold. Smith doesn’t even know how to spell hold, he just likes to fight coming forward. Smith is not looking to hold, he’s coming to fight! Smith doesn’t care where he hits you, he just comes to work. Ramirez is a completely a different type of fighter. He's a southpaw, who gets hit, but he’s willing to take a punch in order to land a punch of his own. Between the two fighters, I like Ramirez [as a preferred opponent for Alvarez].
IM: Your right. I also like both Ramirez and Smith... the light heavyweight division is stacked.
RA: Yes, but I think it’s a little more difficult with Smith because he brings an awkwardness which you can’t believe.
IM: Your right again. Smith showed that awkwardness in his most recent win over Jessie Hart.
RA: Exactly. Even in that twelfth and final round, Smith still pounded Hart pillar to post.
IM: Smith was up on the scorecards, especially on my scorecard. It truly is amazing to see a fighter fight that way going into the final round even when he’s already winning the fight. Speaking of Alvarez, though, I would also love to see a third fight between him and Sergey Kovalev [Alvarez won the first but lost the second fight vs. Kovalev]. What do you think?
RA: I would love to see that fight one more time, especially after Alvarez's KO win over Seals. Another fight with Kovalev should happen now. I don’t think Kovalev should take another fight because he could get beat, or even damaged and possibly losing his confidence. I agree with you Ivan, it would be sad to not see a trilogy between two fighters with Alvarez stopping Kovalev in their first fight then losing the rematch by points. I think it’s a deserving rematch.
IM: Let’s wait and see what happens I guess. Russ thanks once again for taking the time off your busy schedule. By the way I can’t wait for [IBF lightheavyweight champion]n Artur Beterbiev versus Fanlong Meng.
RA: Thanks Ivan. Artur Beterbiev versus Fanlong Meng is happening on March 28th in Quebec!
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Danny Garcia: "Every fight from now on is a fight for my legacy" |
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Former two-division champion Danny “Swift” García and hard-hitting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach went face-to-face at the final press conference Thursday before they battle in a WBC eelterweight eliminator that headlines action this Saturday, January 25th live on Showtime from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The press conference also featured former IBF/ WBA junior middleweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and Francisco “Chia” Santana squaring off before they compete in the ten-round super welterweight co-feature, plus “Cool Boy Steph” Stephen Fulton Jr. and fellow unbeaten Arnold Khegai, who previewed their super bantamweight title eliminator that opens the SHowtime broadcast. Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Tillary Hotel in Brooklyn:
DANNY GARCIA
“It’s been a long, ten-week training camp putting in the hard work. We did everything we were supposed to do. We covered everything we needed and we’re ready to go. I’m glad I had a safe camp with no injuries, because you should see the best Danny Garcia on Saturday night.
“It feels great to be back at Barclays Center. This feels like my home away from home. My fans from all over will be here and I’m excited to show my skills for them. I feel like I have unfinished business in Brooklyn. On Saturday, we’re going to get the job done.
“Every fight from now on is a fight for my legacy. I’m a young veteran now. I feel great and I know that I’m one of the best fighters in the world. I’m here by popular demand. The rankings are what they are, so I just go in and do the fighting. I’m focused on showing the world that I’m a force to be reckoned with.
“I’m not Devon Alexander and I’m not any of the people that Redkach has knocked out. Don’t try too hard in there because you might knock yourself out.
“There’s no pressure on me. I just have to go in there and get this victory. Whatever the future brings I’m ready, whether it’s Errol Spence Jr. or Manny Pacquiao. None of it happens without a win on Saturday.
“My mind is fully focused on Saturday night. I trained 10 weeks for this fight and I can’t overlook him. He wants to have a breakout fight, but I’m prepared for what he brings to the table. After that, I’m ready for whoever wants to fight me.
“I think fighting Zab Judah in Brooklyn was my favorite at Barclays Center. He was from Brooklyn and we had a lot of bad blood, it was a crazy atmosphere. Every fight at Barclays Center has been a great experience though.
“I just have to stay locked in mentally, while also enjoying every minute of the buildup. You have to embrace every minute and make the most of it.
“It doesn’t matter who I beat or who I lost to, come Saturday night, Redkach is going down. I’ve worked too hard not to leave Saturday with this win.”
IVAN REDKACH
“I want to thank my team and everyone who was with me during training. This Saturday night I’m going to give everyone a great fight. Thank you to Danny for taking this fight, we’re going to put on a great show. You don’t want to miss it.
I had a very long camp for this fight. It was a really good camp. We had a routine that we worked on and we’re going to use it in the ring on Saturday night.
“Danny García is a good fighter, but I have a game plan. That game plan is going to end with me knocking him out. You’re all going to see it on January 25th. I respect Danny García and what he’s done, but what I’m bringing to the ring will be the best performance of my career.
“It’s going to be a very exciting fight for the fans. Danny García has lost in the arena before and I’m going to make it happen again. This is going to be a very interesting fight.
“Fighting at welterweight lets me work on my skills and my strategy even more during training. I have more power and I feel like a smarter and more prepared fighter at this weight.
“I know that he picked me because I’m a southpaw, but I’m ready to give Danny a rude wake up. If he’s not 100% and focused mentally, he’s going to be in trouble when the bell rings.”
JARRETT HURD
“This is the second time I’m on a card with Danny García. We have two ‘Swifts’ on same card. I like to call it ‘Swift’ squared. We’re both bringing excitement and I’m sure it’ll be a great turnout. There’s definitely going to be a storm coming on Saturday, because I always bring it.
“I always come ready to fight. I know that Francisco Santana is going to bring his A-game and I can’t wait to get in there and compete.
“Julian Williams losing [to Jeison Rosario] didn’t affect my motivation. I still have that same motivation no matter what. I’m focused on this fight and I wasn’t worrying about Julian’s fight. I’m sure he’ll bounce back again. We still have this task on Saturday and we haven’t thought about anything past it.
“I definitely want to get hit less, that’s first and foremost. I’m in a lot of Fight of the Year candidates, but I don’t want more of those back and forth fights. I want to control the fight and give a dominant performance Saturday and for the rest of my career.
“I’ve been working on using my height and reach in a different way. I usually use my size to pressure and walk guys down. I think now I can be the taller and rangier fighter in the ring. But at the same time I still have that pressure style in my back pocket.
“We still don’t know who’s the best at 154 pounds. I know in my heart that I’m number one and just had a bad night [vs. Williams]. I still want to stake my claim to that title.
“Even if I say I will be more defensive, I’m always going to bring the storm. I just have it in my heart to be an action packed exciting fighter.”
FRANCISCO SANTANA
“I want to thank Jarrett Hurd for giving me this opportunity. It’s going to be an honor to step foot in the ring with an elite fighter and a former unified champion.
“I said at the last press conference that no one gives me a shot to win. I was checking the betting spread and I’m a big underdog. They think I should just stay home, but everybody knows I come to fight. Regardless of whether I’m the underdog or not, I’m going to bring it.
“I love to fight. That’s what I come to do. I’m excited to be in a position to perform again on Saturday night. I’m going to give everyone a great fight when that bell rings.
“This is the biggest fight of my career. Like he said before, just because he lost, doesn’t mean that he’s out. He’s still an elite fighter in this division. Once you’re in the elite division, you have to have respect for every single person that steps foot in that ring. It just takes one punch to end the fight.
My motivation has always been there, because of who I’m facing in this fight. This is the biggest opportunity of my life. I get my motivation from my family and from my kids. It’s been a long sacrifice, but there are always great rewards after the sacrifice.
“You have to tune-in Saturday. The people have only seen a small portion of what I can do. I’m known as a guy who just comes forward. But I’ve been doing this for a long time and I think my experience will speak for itself on fight night. It’s going to be a hard task, but I’m prepared and ready.”
STEPHEN FULTON, JR.
“I’m ready. There’s no secret why I’m here. They know everything about me. They know my style. So I know their game plan. Opponents always think they’re going to come in there and rough me up. But I can take care of everything he brings and I’m going to show it again on Saturday.
“It’s going to be the same as every other undefeated fighter I fought before. They lack the knowledge of fighting me and what that’s really like. They all try to fight me the same way, but no matter how they fight me, I find a way to win.
“I plan on being myself. I’m going to put on a great performance against another good fighter. When I’m cool, calm and collected, I cannot be stopped. It just naturally happens.
“Like he’s said, we’ll see it all in the ring on Saturday. We’re just talking now, but I can’t wait to get in there on this big stage and continue to make a name for myself.”
ARNOLD KHEGAI
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity and for everyone who helped to make this fight happen. You guys will get a great fight on Saturday night. I came here for the belt and we’ll decide it all in the ring on Saturday night.
“We will see what happens Saturday night. He can talk about his style and his competition, but none of it matters when we’re standing across from each other.
“This is a big opportunity for me. This is a step in my career to where I want to go. I’m going to give everything in the ring against a very good opponent.
“I will be the first fighter to defeat Stephen Fulton. It’s what we’ve worked on during training camp. I know that I have exactly what I need to take care of business in the ring.”
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Danny Garcia: "Every fight from now on is a fight for my legacy"
Former two-division champion Danny “Swift” García and hard-hitting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach went face-to-face at the final press conference Thursday before they battle in a WBC eelterweight eliminator that headlines action this Saturday, January 25th live on Showtime from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The press conference also featured former IBF/ WBA junior middleweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and Francisco “Chia” Santana squaring off before they compete in the ten-round super welterweight co-feature, plus “Cool Boy Steph” Stephen Fulton Jr. and fellow unbeaten Arnold Khegai, who previewed their super bantamweight title eliminator that opens the SHowtime broadcast. Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Tillary Hotel in Brooklyn:
DANNY GARCIA
“It’s been a long, ten-week training camp putting in the hard work. We did everything we were supposed to do. We covered everything we needed and we’re ready to go. I’m glad I had a safe camp with no injuries, because you should see the best Danny Garcia on Saturday night.
“It feels great to be back at Barclays Center. This feels like my home away from home. My fans from all over will be here and I’m excited to show my skills for them. I feel like I have unfinished business in Brooklyn. On Saturday, we’re going to get the job done.
“Every fight from now on is a fight for my legacy. I’m a young veteran now. I feel great and I know that I’m one of the best fighters in the world. I’m here by popular demand. The rankings are what they are, so I just go in and do the fighting. I’m focused on showing the world that I’m a force to be reckoned with.
“I’m not Devon Alexander and I’m not any of the people that Redkach has knocked out. Don’t try too hard in there because you might knock yourself out.
“There’s no pressure on me. I just have to go in there and get this victory. Whatever the future brings I’m ready, whether it’s Errol Spence Jr. or Manny Pacquiao. None of it happens without a win on Saturday.
“My mind is fully focused on Saturday night. I trained 10 weeks for this fight and I can’t overlook him. He wants to have a breakout fight, but I’m prepared for what he brings to the table. After that, I’m ready for whoever wants to fight me.
“I think fighting Zab Judah in Brooklyn was my favorite at Barclays Center. He was from Brooklyn and we had a lot of bad blood, it was a crazy atmosphere. Every fight at Barclays Center has been a great experience though.
“I just have to stay locked in mentally, while also enjoying every minute of the buildup. You have to embrace every minute and make the most of it.
“It doesn’t matter who I beat or who I lost to, come Saturday night, Redkach is going down. I’ve worked too hard not to leave Saturday with this win.”
IVAN REDKACH
“I want to thank my team and everyone who was with me during training. This Saturday night I’m going to give everyone a great fight. Thank you to Danny for taking this fight, we’re going to put on a great show. You don’t want to miss it.
I had a very long camp for this fight. It was a really good camp. We had a routine that we worked on and we’re going to use it in the ring on Saturday night.
“Danny García is a good fighter, but I have a game plan. That game plan is going to end with me knocking him out. You’re all going to see it on January 25th. I respect Danny García and what he’s done, but what I’m bringing to the ring will be the best performance of my career.
“It’s going to be a very exciting fight for the fans. Danny García has lost in the arena before and I’m going to make it happen again. This is going to be a very interesting fight.
“Fighting at welterweight lets me work on my skills and my strategy even more during training. I have more power and I feel like a smarter and more prepared fighter at this weight.
“I know that he picked me because I’m a southpaw, but I’m ready to give Danny a rude wake up. If he’s not 100% and focused mentally, he’s going to be in trouble when the bell rings.”
JARRETT HURD
“This is the second time I’m on a card with Danny García. We have two ‘Swifts’ on same card. I like to call it ‘Swift’ squared. We’re both bringing excitement and I’m sure it’ll be a great turnout. There’s definitely going to be a storm coming on Saturday, because I always bring it.
“I always come ready to fight. I know that Francisco Santana is going to bring his A-game and I can’t wait to get in there and compete.
“Julian Williams losing [to Jeison Rosario] didn’t affect my motivation. I still have that same motivation no matter what. I’m focused on this fight and I wasn’t worrying about Julian’s fight. I’m sure he’ll bounce back again. We still have this task on Saturday and we haven’t thought about anything past it.
“I definitely want to get hit less, that’s first and foremost. I’m in a lot of Fight of the Year candidates, but I don’t want more of those back and forth fights. I want to control the fight and give a dominant performance Saturday and for the rest of my career.
“I’ve been working on using my height and reach in a different way. I usually use my size to pressure and walk guys down. I think now I can be the taller and rangier fighter in the ring. But at the same time I still have that pressure style in my back pocket.
“We still don’t know who’s the best at 154 pounds. I know in my heart that I’m number one and just had a bad night [vs. Williams]. I still want to stake my claim to that title.
“Even if I say I will be more defensive, I’m always going to bring the storm. I just have it in my heart to be an action packed exciting fighter.”
FRANCISCO SANTANA
“I want to thank Jarrett Hurd for giving me this opportunity. It’s going to be an honor to step foot in the ring with an elite fighter and a former unified champion.
“I said at the last press conference that no one gives me a shot to win. I was checking the betting spread and I’m a big underdog. They think I should just stay home, but everybody knows I come to fight. Regardless of whether I’m the underdog or not, I’m going to bring it.
“I love to fight. That’s what I come to do. I’m excited to be in a position to perform again on Saturday night. I’m going to give everyone a great fight when that bell rings.
“This is the biggest fight of my career. Like he said before, just because he lost, doesn’t mean that he’s out. He’s still an elite fighter in this division. Once you’re in the elite division, you have to have respect for every single person that steps foot in that ring. It just takes one punch to end the fight.
My motivation has always been there, because of who I’m facing in this fight. This is the biggest opportunity of my life. I get my motivation from my family and from my kids. It’s been a long sacrifice, but there are always great rewards after the sacrifice.
“You have to tune-in Saturday. The people have only seen a small portion of what I can do. I’m known as a guy who just comes forward. But I’ve been doing this for a long time and I think my experience will speak for itself on fight night. It’s going to be a hard task, but I’m prepared and ready.”
STEPHEN FULTON, JR.
“I’m ready. There’s no secret why I’m here. They know everything about me. They know my style. So I know their game plan. Opponents always think they’re going to come in there and rough me up. But I can take care of everything he brings and I’m going to show it again on Saturday.
“It’s going to be the same as every other undefeated fighter I fought before. They lack the knowledge of fighting me and what that’s really like. They all try to fight me the same way, but no matter how they fight me, I find a way to win.
“I plan on being myself. I’m going to put on a great performance against another good fighter. When I’m cool, calm and collected, I cannot be stopped. It just naturally happens.
“Like he’s said, we’ll see it all in the ring on Saturday. We’re just talking now, but I can’t wait to get in there on this big stage and continue to make a name for myself.”
ARNOLD KHEGAI
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity and for everyone who helped to make this fight happen. You guys will get a great fight on Saturday night. I came here for the belt and we’ll decide it all in the ring on Saturday night.
“We will see what happens Saturday night. He can talk about his style and his competition, but none of it matters when we’re standing across from each other.
“This is a big opportunity for me. This is a step in my career to where I want to go. I’m going to give everything in the ring against a very good opponent.
“I will be the first fighter to defeat Stephen Fulton. It’s what we’ve worked on during training camp. I know that I have exactly what I need to take care of business in the ring.”
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Daniel Roman open workout quotes |
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WBA/ IBF super bantamweight champion Daniel Roman held a workout for the media at the City of Angles Boxing gym in Los Angeles. Roman defends his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev on Thursday January 30th at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. Roman has remained unbeaten since 2013, becoming one of the most accomplished fighters in boxing. Here is what he and his team had to say about this sensational matchup:
“Murodjon Akhmadaliev beat my teammate Isaac Zarate so I’m very familiar with him,” said Daniel Roman. “I know he’s a strong kid, an aggressive fighter, he’s hungry and he’s going to try to take me out as best he can.”
“He makes a few mistakes, he likes to fight with his hands down, not sure if that’s his style, but those are the flaws I see in him,” Roman continued. “Akhmadaliev might not have the experience as a pro, but he was a great Olympic amateur who won a bronze medal. At this level there are no easy fights. His style and my style are going to make for a great bout.”
“It was a great training camp like always,” concluded Roman. “We expect Akhmadaliev to come with his best and we are not taking him lightly. My shoulder injury is behind me and I’m feeling 100%. This is a world championship fight and we are ready to go.”
“Danny is a true professional, he’s discipline, he sacrifices, he works hard,” stated trainer and manager Eddie Gonzalez. “If I ask him to do something he goes beyond. I’m very confident his going to beat Murodjon Akhmadaliev.”
“I think Roman is one of the best fighters in boxing period,” said Ken Thompson, CEO of Thompson Boxing Promotions, Roman’s promoter. “He’s fought all over the world and won world titles. He’s the best fighter we’ve ever had at Thompson Boxing. I’m expecting him to have a spectacular performance.”
“I can’t think of any fights the Danny Roman has been in that wasn’t action packed,” said Thompson Boxing matchmaker Alex Camponovo. “He hasn’t lost many rounds in his career and I expect him to dominate in this fight.”
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Daniel Roman open workout quotes
WBA/ IBF super bantamweight champion Daniel Roman held a workout for the media at the City of Angles Boxing gym in Los Angeles. Roman defends his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev on Thursday January 30th at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. Roman has remained unbeaten since 2013, becoming one of the most accomplished fighters in boxing. Here is what he and his team had to say about this sensational matchup:
“Murodjon Akhmadaliev beat my teammate Isaac Zarate so I’m very familiar with him,” said Daniel Roman. “I know he’s a strong kid, an aggressive fighter, he’s hungry and he’s going to try to take me out as best he can.”
“He makes a few mistakes, he likes to fight with his hands down, not sure if that’s his style, but those are the flaws I see in him,” Roman continued. “Akhmadaliev might not have the experience as a pro, but he was a great Olympic amateur who won a bronze medal. At this level there are no easy fights. His style and my style are going to make for a great bout.”
“It was a great training camp like always,” concluded Roman. “We expect Akhmadaliev to come with his best and we are not taking him lightly. My shoulder injury is behind me and I’m feeling 100%. This is a world championship fight and we are ready to go.”
“Danny is a true professional, he’s discipline, he sacrifices, he works hard,” stated trainer and manager Eddie Gonzalez. “If I ask him to do something he goes beyond. I’m very confident his going to beat Murodjon Akhmadaliev.”
“I think Roman is one of the best fighters in boxing period,” said Ken Thompson, CEO of Thompson Boxing Promotions, Roman’s promoter. “He’s fought all over the world and won world titles. He’s the best fighter we’ve ever had at Thompson Boxing. I’m expecting him to have a spectacular performance.”
“I can’t think of any fights the Danny Roman has been in that wasn’t action packed,” said Thompson Boxing matchmaker Alex Camponovo. “He hasn’t lost many rounds in his career and I expect him to dominate in this fight.”
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France's Segolene Lefebvre signs management deal with MTK Global |
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French super bantamweight Ségolène "Majestic" Lefebvre has signed a management contract with MTK Global as she closes on a major world title shot. The unbeaten former IBO champion (13-0) also won French, European and Belfast Box Cup titles among others during her amateur days. Lefebvre, 26, said: “I have signed with MTK Global to put myself in the best position to make my dreams of world titles with the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO come true. MTK Global will negotiate better contracts for me which will allow me to make a better living from boxing and give my all. MTK Global will raise my profile in the media and guide me through my development. I hope to play a role in throwing more light on women’s boxing by making my mark on the sport."
She continued, “I want to make my town Denain, my country France and MTK Global shine all over the world.”
MTK Global spokesperson Mariana Caballero, said: “This is a big signing for MTK Global and a great moment for Ségolène. Both women’s boxing and French boxing are growing all the time and fighters the fans can get behind like Ségolène accelerate the process. We believe ‘Majestic’ can win a world title sooner rather than later. We look forward to guiding her career – it’s going to be an exciting ride to the top.”
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France's Segolene Lefebvre signs management deal with MTK Global
French super bantamweight Ségolène "Majestic" Lefebvre has signed a management contract with MTK Global as she closes on a major world title shot. The unbeaten former IBO champion (13-0) also won French, European and Belfast Box Cup titles among others during her amateur days. Lefebvre, 26, said: “I have signed with MTK Global to put myself in the best position to make my dreams of world titles with the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO come true. MTK Global will negotiate better contracts for me which will allow me to make a better living from boxing and give my all. MTK Global will raise my profile in the media and guide me through my development. I hope to play a role in throwing more light on women’s boxing by making my mark on the sport."
She continued, “I want to make my town Denain, my country France and MTK Global shine all over the world.”
MTK Global spokesperson Mariana Caballero, said: “This is a big signing for MTK Global and a great moment for Ségolène. Both women’s boxing and French boxing are growing all the time and fighters the fans can get behind like Ségolène accelerate the process. We believe ‘Majestic’ can win a world title sooner rather than later. We look forward to guiding her career – it’s going to be an exciting ride to the top.”
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Demetrius Andrade extends deal with Matchroom |
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Demetrius Andrade has signed a four-fight extension to his contract with Matchroom Boxing USA. Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) defends his WBO middleweight crown for the third time against Luke Keeler in Miami on January 30th live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. "Boo Boo" landed the vacant title in Boston in October 2018 with a win over Walter Kautondokwa and followed that win by stopping Artur Akavov in the final round of his first defense in New York in January 2019. The Rhode Island ace went home for his second defense and thrilled his hometown fans in Providence in June by putting Maciej Sulecki on the deck in the opening round en-route to a shut-out win.
Irishman Keeler (17-2-1 5 KOs) travels to Miami in a bid to shock the world in his first World title fight, but Andrade wants to hold onto his title in style before attacking the big guns and fellow World rulers at 160lbs.
“I’m delighted to have signed an extension to my deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing USA,” said Andrade. “We have had a great 18 months and we’ve got plans to have an even bigger 2020 and 2021. I’ve matured in the ring as I’ve been more active and sometimes I think, if these guys had fought me before they might have had a better chance against me, but now they are giving me the time to sign with Eddie and DAZN, get active and fight four times, sharpen the tools and get the ring rust off. So, when it comes their time, it’s going to be hell for them! As long as I am building my legacy, performing the way I need to perform and people are loving my style and the things I am doing, I am not worried about anything else as the fans are going to start demanding that these guys fight me.”
The two-weight title holder was one of the first fighters to team up with promoter Eddie Hearn in July 2018 as he expanded the Matchroom Boxing empire to America with a billion-dollar deal with DAZN, and Hearn expects the Rhode Island ace to have a big year in 2020. “I am thrilled to have signed an extension to Demetrius’ deal with Matchroom Boxing USA,” said Hearn. “Demetrius is one of the best 160lb fighters in the world and now is the time to deliver him the fights against the other elite middleweights in the division, live on DAZN.”
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Demetrius Andrade extends deal with Matchroom
Demetrius Andrade has signed a four-fight extension to his contract with Matchroom Boxing USA. Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) defends his WBO middleweight crown for the third time against Luke Keeler in Miami on January 30th live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. "Boo Boo" landed the vacant title in Boston in October 2018 with a win over Walter Kautondokwa and followed that win by stopping Artur Akavov in the final round of his first defense in New York in January 2019. The Rhode Island ace went home for his second defense and thrilled his hometown fans in Providence in June by putting Maciej Sulecki on the deck in the opening round en-route to a shut-out win.
Irishman Keeler (17-2-1 5 KOs) travels to Miami in a bid to shock the world in his first World title fight, but Andrade wants to hold onto his title in style before attacking the big guns and fellow World rulers at 160lbs.
“I’m delighted to have signed an extension to my deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing USA,” said Andrade. “We have had a great 18 months and we’ve got plans to have an even bigger 2020 and 2021. I’ve matured in the ring as I’ve been more active and sometimes I think, if these guys had fought me before they might have had a better chance against me, but now they are giving me the time to sign with Eddie and DAZN, get active and fight four times, sharpen the tools and get the ring rust off. So, when it comes their time, it’s going to be hell for them! As long as I am building my legacy, performing the way I need to perform and people are loving my style and the things I am doing, I am not worried about anything else as the fans are going to start demanding that these guys fight me.”
The two-weight title holder was one of the first fighters to team up with promoter Eddie Hearn in July 2018 as he expanded the Matchroom Boxing empire to America with a billion-dollar deal with DAZN, and Hearn expects the Rhode Island ace to have a big year in 2020. “I am thrilled to have signed an extension to Demetrius’ deal with Matchroom Boxing USA,” said Hearn. “Demetrius is one of the best 160lb fighters in the world and now is the time to deliver him the fights against the other elite middleweights in the division, live on DAZN.”
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Baraou-Juarez final presser report from Hamburg |
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German junior middleweight Abass Baraou (8-0, 5 KOs) went head to head with Mexico’s Abraham Juarez (16-4, 6 KOs) for the first time at today’s press conference ahead of their show topping fight on Saturday January 25th at the Work Your Champ Arena in Hamburg, Germany. Following a successful 2019 that saw Baraou claim four wins, including a victory over former IBF title holder Carlos Molina, the 24 year-old is hoping 2020 will be the year that elevates him closer to a world title shot. Baraou has fond memories of Hamburg, having won a bronze medal at the 2017 World Amateur Championships there. Now, he is hoping to create more history on Saturday night as he aims to triumph over the dangerous Juarez.
“It is very special to fight in Hamburg, since I had one of my biggest successes here a few years ago, when I won the bronze medal at the Amateur World Championships,” said Baraou. “It is an honour for me to fight on this historic event having Germany’s oldest and most historic stables promoting a show together!”
Juarez returns to the ring following a second-round KO victory over Arturo Herrera in November, and the 23 year-old is confident of claiming his seventeenth professional victory on Saturday night “I came here for the win,” said Juarez. “I have watched a lot of video and I know where Abass’ weaknesses are. I’m ready to go and I can’t wait to return to Mexico as the winner."
The Hamburg event will see Germany’s oldest promoters Team Sauerland and Universum co-promote a show for the first time in history and feature stars from both stables.
Team Sauerland's unbeaten heavyweight prospect Kem Ljungquist (9-0, 5 KOs) features on the bill against Ukraine's German Skobenko (5-4-2, 2 KOs) alongside junior welterweight Artem Harutyunyan (8-0, 5 KOs) who takes on Argentinian Miguel Cesario Antin (19-4, 8 KOs).
All the action from the Work Your Champ Arena will be broadcast live on SPORT1 in Germany and Viaplay in Denmark.
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Baraou-Juarez final presser report from Hamburg
German junior middleweight Abass Baraou (8-0, 5 KOs) went head to head with Mexico’s Abraham Juarez (16-4, 6 KOs) for the first time at today’s press conference ahead of their show topping fight on Saturday January 25th at the Work Your Champ Arena in Hamburg, Germany. Following a successful 2019 that saw Baraou claim four wins, including a victory over former IBF title holder Carlos Molina, the 24 year-old is hoping 2020 will be the year that elevates him closer to a world title shot. Baraou has fond memories of Hamburg, having won a bronze medal at the 2017 World Amateur Championships there. Now, he is hoping to create more history on Saturday night as he aims to triumph over the dangerous Juarez.
“It is very special to fight in Hamburg, since I had one of my biggest successes here a few years ago, when I won the bronze medal at the Amateur World Championships,” said Baraou. “It is an honour for me to fight on this historic event having Germany’s oldest and most historic stables promoting a show together!”
Juarez returns to the ring following a second-round KO victory over Arturo Herrera in November, and the 23 year-old is confident of claiming his seventeenth professional victory on Saturday night “I came here for the win,” said Juarez. “I have watched a lot of video and I know where Abass’ weaknesses are. I’m ready to go and I can’t wait to return to Mexico as the winner."
The Hamburg event will see Germany’s oldest promoters Team Sauerland and Universum co-promote a show for the first time in history and feature stars from both stables.
Team Sauerland's unbeaten heavyweight prospect Kem Ljungquist (9-0, 5 KOs) features on the bill against Ukraine's German Skobenko (5-4-2, 2 KOs) alongside junior welterweight Artem Harutyunyan (8-0, 5 KOs) who takes on Argentinian Miguel Cesario Antin (19-4, 8 KOs).
All the action from the Work Your Champ Arena will be broadcast live on SPORT1 in Germany and Viaplay in Denmark.
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Andrew Cancio joins Top Rank roster crowded with big names at 130 |
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Former WBA super featherweight title holder Andrew “El Chango” Cancio, the working man's hero, has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with Top Rank. Cancio, who still holds down a full-time job at Southern California Gas Company, is expected to make his Top Rank on ESPN debut in April. “Andrew Cancio is one of the very best fighters at 130 pounds, a hard-working young man who deserves another opportunity to fight at the sport’s highest level,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He was a free agent, miraculously, and we didn’t hesitate to make a deal with him and his team."
"I'm very grateful to begin the next chapter of my career with Bob Arum and the entire Top Rank team in my corner,” Cancio said. “I look forward to returning to the ring in front of my army of supporters and am fully prepared to fight my way towards becoming a world champion again. Thanks very much to my team, particularly my manager, Ray Chaparro, who has always believed in me and has been incredibly supportive of my career and instrumental in the success I've achieved."
Said Chaparro: "Andrew and I are honored to join Top Rank as we move forward towards the rest of his career. I've known for a long time that Andrew is a world-class fighter and am very happy to begin working with Bob Arum and his outstanding team on our march towards another world title. I'd specifically like to thank Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman, who has worked diligently to welcome us to Top Rank. We both look forward to working closely with him in the future."
Cancio (21-5-2, 16 KOs), from Blythe, Calif., knocked out Alberto Machado last February in four rounds to win the WBA super featherweight world title. Four months later, he repeated the deed, this time stopping Machado in three rounds. Cancio’s title reign ended last November when Nicaraguan veteran Rene Alvarado knocked him out in seven rounds.
Cancio is one of the sport’s top regional ticket-sellers, as he routinely draws sold-out crowds to the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif., a 90-minute drive from Blythe. After the Alvarado defeat, Cancio was released by his previous promoter, paving the way for him to sign with Top Rank. WBO world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring, WBC world champion Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt, former title holder Oscar Valdez, former two-weight champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton and former champion Masayuki “The Judge” Ito are Top Rank-signed fighters who currently campaign at 130 pounds, leaving Cancio with a plethora of options as he resumes his career.
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Andrew Cancio joins Top Rank roster crowded with big names at 130
Former WBA super featherweight title holder Andrew “El Chango” Cancio, the working man's hero, has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with Top Rank. Cancio, who still holds down a full-time job at Southern California Gas Company, is expected to make his Top Rank on ESPN debut in April. “Andrew Cancio is one of the very best fighters at 130 pounds, a hard-working young man who deserves another opportunity to fight at the sport’s highest level,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He was a free agent, miraculously, and we didn’t hesitate to make a deal with him and his team."
"I'm very grateful to begin the next chapter of my career with Bob Arum and the entire Top Rank team in my corner,” Cancio said. “I look forward to returning to the ring in front of my army of supporters and am fully prepared to fight my way towards becoming a world champion again. Thanks very much to my team, particularly my manager, Ray Chaparro, who has always believed in me and has been incredibly supportive of my career and instrumental in the success I've achieved."
Said Chaparro: "Andrew and I are honored to join Top Rank as we move forward towards the rest of his career. I've known for a long time that Andrew is a world-class fighter and am very happy to begin working with Bob Arum and his outstanding team on our march towards another world title. I'd specifically like to thank Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman, who has worked diligently to welcome us to Top Rank. We both look forward to working closely with him in the future."
Cancio (21-5-2, 16 KOs), from Blythe, Calif., knocked out Alberto Machado last February in four rounds to win the WBA super featherweight world title. Four months later, he repeated the deed, this time stopping Machado in three rounds. Cancio’s title reign ended last November when Nicaraguan veteran Rene Alvarado knocked him out in seven rounds.
Cancio is one of the sport’s top regional ticket-sellers, as he routinely draws sold-out crowds to the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif., a 90-minute drive from Blythe. After the Alvarado defeat, Cancio was released by his previous promoter, paving the way for him to sign with Top Rank. WBO world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring, WBC world champion Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt, former title holder Oscar Valdez, former two-weight champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton and former champion Masayuki “The Judge” Ito are Top Rank-signed fighters who currently campaign at 130 pounds, leaving Cancio with a plethora of options as he resumes his career.
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Russ Anber talks about working Felix Verdejo's corner |
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Ivan Montiel: First of all, congratulations on your work in Felix Verdejo's corner [last weekend, Verdejo defeated Manuel Rey Rojas via unanimous decision to improve to 26-1].
Russ Anber: I have known Verdejo since his amateur days. I have called his fights in the past. Verdejo came to my office in Montreal when team Puerto Rico trained in Montreal. Verdejo is a nice kid, and it was an honor to work his corner. I am glad that Verdejo’s trainer Ismael Salas asked me if I could assist working their corner. It was a pleasure doing working with them. As far as his performance goes, I believe this is an adjustment period for Verdejo. This is his first fight with Salas, and I think Salas wanted to implement his own methods in order to change a few things. Verdejo responded well to his instructions. Verdejo is not going to be perfect overnight but Salas did what he wanted to do with him. Salas looked very happy in the corner, he was happy with the way Verdejo was boxing. Verdejo stayed behind his jab. We spoke after the fight and if the one thing that Verdejo must do is put combinations together. Verdejo looked very good, he carries very good power working well with his jab by putting his punches together. Verdejo can fit in the lightweight division once again.
IM: I agree but I must say, there are many people saying Verdejo is not the same fighter any more and that he’s not ready for a world title shot.
RA: You know what Ivan, I have not spent much time around him to be able to make that assessment. I don’t know what his body language is like. I don’t know what some of the signs are. I don’t know what it was like before. It’s difficult for me to give you an honest assessment. I could see that Verdejo was focused trying to follow Salas' instruction. His strategy being able to execute when Salas wanted it, I saw that in him. I am going to have to be around him longer in order to determine what the body language means. For example, is Verdejo responding to instructions, how much is he learning? I talked to the guys from [Verdejo's promoter] Top Rank after the fight. They felt Verdejo’s performance was better than they had witnessed in the past but not where it should be. I think Top Rank still sees potential in Felix Verdejo. I think Top Rank is expecting a little more from Verdejo.
IM: Do you think perhaps Verdejo’s loss against Antonio Lozada Torres in 2018 took something away from him? Maybe Verdejo just doesn’t have that same confidence he once had? Many people were already looking at this kid as becoming the next Puerto Rican star!
RA: It’s funny you say that since that’s the first thing I thought of going into this past weekend’s fight. I didn’t spend much time in Verdejo’s dressing room since I had to wrap Eleider Alvarez's hands [on the same show]. I wasn’t able to see what Verdejo’s confidence was in that dressing room. The first thing that I thought was Verdejo not seeming to have that confidence, that maturity, that cockiness that we would expect from him. Verdejo was very focused trying to execute what Salas was saying. I don’t want to be critical because once again I have not had enough time and don’t know what they are working on in order to make adjustments. I don’t want to come off like every other boxing expert who thinks that they have the answer. It’s more than just seeing Verdejo in one fight. We have to see an evolution. I said that about Teofimo Lopez going into his fight against Ricard Commey. People said Lopez looked terrible in his fight against Masayoshi Nakatani, so there’s more to it than that! These guys don’t get to this level based on just one fight. I don’t want to be critical without knowing the facts first.
IM: That makes sense. However I am thinking maybe Verdejo should fight Antonio Lozada Torres once again in order to erase that loss. I think it’s the best thing to do before going into a world title shot.
RA: Top Rank mentioned Verdejo suffering damage to his orbital bone. I told them that there’s nothing to be concerned about. I wasn’t aware of any injury.
IM: Let’s not forget that motorcycle accident in 2016.
RA: You know even that type of accident shows you that it doesn’t necessarily have to do with boxing but that type of accident can shake you up. You can get set back by anything whether it be a motorcycle accident or even a car accident. As far working Verdejo’s corner I sure hope I can work with him again!
IM: I guess let’s wait and see what happens with a world title shot for Felix Verdejo.
TOMORROW: Anber talks about Eleider Alvarez
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Russ Anber talks about working Felix Verdejo's corner
Ivan Montiel: First of all, congratulations on your work in Felix Verdejo's corner [last weekend, Verdejo defeated Manuel Rey Rojas via unanimous decision to improve to 26-1].
Russ Anber: I have known Verdejo since his amateur days. I have called his fights in the past. Verdejo came to my office in Montreal when team Puerto Rico trained in Montreal. Verdejo is a nice kid, and it was an honor to work his corner. I am glad that Verdejo’s trainer Ismael Salas asked me if I could assist working their corner. It was a pleasure doing working with them. As far as his performance goes, I believe this is an adjustment period for Verdejo. This is his first fight with Salas, and I think Salas wanted to implement his own methods in order to change a few things. Verdejo responded well to his instructions. Verdejo is not going to be perfect overnight but Salas did what he wanted to do with him. Salas looked very happy in the corner, he was happy with the way Verdejo was boxing. Verdejo stayed behind his jab. We spoke after the fight and if the one thing that Verdejo must do is put combinations together. Verdejo looked very good, he carries very good power working well with his jab by putting his punches together. Verdejo can fit in the lightweight division once again.
IM: I agree but I must say, there are many people saying Verdejo is not the same fighter any more and that he’s not ready for a world title shot.
RA: You know what Ivan, I have not spent much time around him to be able to make that assessment. I don’t know what his body language is like. I don’t know what some of the signs are. I don’t know what it was like before. It’s difficult for me to give you an honest assessment. I could see that Verdejo was focused trying to follow Salas' instruction. His strategy being able to execute when Salas wanted it, I saw that in him. I am going to have to be around him longer in order to determine what the body language means. For example, is Verdejo responding to instructions, how much is he learning? I talked to the guys from [Verdejo's promoter] Top Rank after the fight. They felt Verdejo’s performance was better than they had witnessed in the past but not where it should be. I think Top Rank still sees potential in Felix Verdejo. I think Top Rank is expecting a little more from Verdejo.
IM: Do you think perhaps Verdejo’s loss against Antonio Lozada Torres in 2018 took something away from him? Maybe Verdejo just doesn’t have that same confidence he once had? Many people were already looking at this kid as becoming the next Puerto Rican star!
RA: It’s funny you say that since that’s the first thing I thought of going into this past weekend’s fight. I didn’t spend much time in Verdejo’s dressing room since I had to wrap Eleider Alvarez's hands [on the same show]. I wasn’t able to see what Verdejo’s confidence was in that dressing room. The first thing that I thought was Verdejo not seeming to have that confidence, that maturity, that cockiness that we would expect from him. Verdejo was very focused trying to execute what Salas was saying. I don’t want to be critical because once again I have not had enough time and don’t know what they are working on in order to make adjustments. I don’t want to come off like every other boxing expert who thinks that they have the answer. It’s more than just seeing Verdejo in one fight. We have to see an evolution. I said that about Teofimo Lopez going into his fight against Ricard Commey. People said Lopez looked terrible in his fight against Masayoshi Nakatani, so there’s more to it than that! These guys don’t get to this level based on just one fight. I don’t want to be critical without knowing the facts first.
IM: That makes sense. However I am thinking maybe Verdejo should fight Antonio Lozada Torres once again in order to erase that loss. I think it’s the best thing to do before going into a world title shot.
RA: Top Rank mentioned Verdejo suffering damage to his orbital bone. I told them that there’s nothing to be concerned about. I wasn’t aware of any injury.
IM: Let’s not forget that motorcycle accident in 2016.
RA: You know even that type of accident shows you that it doesn’t necessarily have to do with boxing but that type of accident can shake you up. You can get set back by anything whether it be a motorcycle accident or even a car accident. As far working Verdejo’s corner I sure hope I can work with him again!
IM: I guess let’s wait and see what happens with a world title shot for Felix Verdejo.
TOMORROW: Anber talks about Eleider Alvarez
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Shinard Bunch: first boxer with two fights this year |
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This Saturday night at The Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey, a seven-bout card will take place featuring Shinard Bunch in his second fight of the year. A local welterweight, Bunch will fight Fabian Lyimo (23-11-2 with 15 KOs) in a six-round contest. Bunch has a record of 6-1 with five KOs. The 20 year-old Bunch has won three straight bouts and is jumping right back in the ring after a sixth-round stoppage win over Dennis Okoth on January 11th in Atlantic City. The 37 year-old Lyimo is from Tanzania and is a 13 year pro coming off a loss to undefeated Jose Roman on October 24th. In the Trenton main event, former National Golden Gloves champion Mike Hilton will take on Baldimir Hernandez in an six-round cruiserweight bout.
Hilton of Trenton, has a record of 9-0 with seven knockouts. The 33 year-old Hilton is a four year-professional, who will be fighting in his hometown for the third time. He is coming off a technical decision win over Hector Perez on March 10, 2018 in Atlantic City.
Hernandez of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico is a veteran who has a record of 20-14 with 18 knockouts. The 34 year-old Hernandez is a 14 year-professional who won his first 14 fights. He has a win over Jose Luis Cruz (37-4-2), Carlos Lira (1-0) and is coming off a loss to Siarhei Novlkau on August 31, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
Also in six-round bouts:
Frederic Julan (11-0, 9 KOs) of Brooklyn takes on Fidel Munoz (39-21-1, 31 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia in a light heavyweight bout.
Chris Thomas of Beachwood, NJ (14-1-1, 9 KOs) battles Engleberto Valenzuela (12-16, 3 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico in a light heavyweight bout.
In four-round bouts:
LaQuan Evans (2-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Alberto Delgado (1-9-4, 1 KO) of Roanoke, VA in a middleweight bout.
Mike Moore (1-1) of nearby Bristol, PA takes on Jakub Sowirko (1-0) of Trenton in a cruiserweight bout.
Quaseem Carter (2-0, 2 KOs) of Orange, NJ takes on an opponent to be announced.
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Shinard Bunch: first boxer with two fights this year
This Saturday night at The Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey, a seven-bout card will take place featuring Shinard Bunch in his second fight of the year. A local welterweight, Bunch will fight Fabian Lyimo (23-11-2 with 15 KOs) in a six-round contest. Bunch has a record of 6-1 with five KOs. The 20 year-old Bunch has won three straight bouts and is jumping right back in the ring after a sixth-round stoppage win over Dennis Okoth on January 11th in Atlantic City. The 37 year-old Lyimo is from Tanzania and is a 13 year pro coming off a loss to undefeated Jose Roman on October 24th. In the Trenton main event, former National Golden Gloves champion Mike Hilton will take on Baldimir Hernandez in an six-round cruiserweight bout.
Hilton of Trenton, has a record of 9-0 with seven knockouts. The 33 year-old Hilton is a four year-professional, who will be fighting in his hometown for the third time. He is coming off a technical decision win over Hector Perez on March 10, 2018 in Atlantic City.
Hernandez of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico is a veteran who has a record of 20-14 with 18 knockouts. The 34 year-old Hernandez is a 14 year-professional who won his first 14 fights. He has a win over Jose Luis Cruz (37-4-2), Carlos Lira (1-0) and is coming off a loss to Siarhei Novlkau on August 31, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
Also in six-round bouts:
Frederic Julan (11-0, 9 KOs) of Brooklyn takes on Fidel Munoz (39-21-1, 31 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia in a light heavyweight bout.
Chris Thomas of Beachwood, NJ (14-1-1, 9 KOs) battles Engleberto Valenzuela (12-16, 3 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico in a light heavyweight bout.
In four-round bouts:
LaQuan Evans (2-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Alberto Delgado (1-9-4, 1 KO) of Roanoke, VA in a middleweight bout.
Mike Moore (1-1) of nearby Bristol, PA takes on Jakub Sowirko (1-0) of Trenton in a cruiserweight bout.
Quaseem Carter (2-0, 2 KOs) of Orange, NJ takes on an opponent to be announced.
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Showtime announces three-fight preliminary stream |
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Showtime Sports will live stream three undercard bouts featuring a trio of undefeated boxers as part of the undercard action on Saturday, January 25th from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The streams can be viewed on Showtime Sports' Youtube and Facebook accounts. Prior to the Showtime telecast, undefeated 140-pounder Patrick Harris (18-0, 9 KOs), of Washington, D.C., will take on Clay Burns (8-6-2, 4 KOs) of Alexandria, La., in the live stream, which begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. In another eight-round attraction, Keeshawn Williams (6-0-1, 2 KOs) of District Heights, Md., will face Gaku Takahashi (16-10-1, 8 KOs) of Japan. In a six-round opening bout of the streaming coverage, Baltimore middleweight Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson will take on Kansas City’s Antonio Louis Hernandez.
The main Showtime broadcast will be headlined by former two-division champion Danny Garcia against Ivan “El Terrible’’ Redkach in a WBC welterweight title eliminator. In the co-feature, former WBA/ IBF 154-pound champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd returns against all-action Francisco “Chia” Santana in a ten-round contest, plus super bantamweight Stephen “Cool Boy Steph’’ Fulton faces undefeated Arnold Khegai in a WBO super bantamweight title eliminator to open the telecast.
The 25-year-old Harris turned professional after a highly successful amateur career in 2014 and has steadily increased his level of opposition while building his undefeated resume. The nephew of former champion Lamont Peterson and his brother Anthony, Harris comes from a boxing family. His father, Patrice “Boogie” Harris, is a well-known trainer at Headbangers Gym in Washington, D.C. The slick southpaw was active in 2019, fighting four times. He is coming off a TKO victory over Joaquim Carneiro in November and in March, he won via shutout decision in an event that was headlined by his uncles.
Williams, a 22-year-old out of Maryland, has won five consecutive bouts since a split draw in just his second pro fight. Williams will return to Barclays Center for his second straight fight, after he dismantled Mario Alberto Perez Navarro in a first-round TKO on the undercard of Adam Kownacki vs. Chris Arreola in August.
The 19-year-old southpaw Simpson has been an active young pro since his debut in December of 2018 as he picked up five victories in 2019. A stablemate of undefeated two-time super featherweight and current WBA regular lightweight title holder Gervonta Davis, Simpson was a 12-time National Champion and six-time Silver Glove Champion as an amateur. He honed his skills at the Upton Boxing Center in West Baltimore under the watchful eye of his trainer Ford.
Rounding out the undercard attractions are Staten Island, New York’s Kenny Robles (7-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight fight against Patterson, New Jersey’s Rickey Edwards (12-4, 3 KOs)... heavyweight Steven Torres (1-0, 1 KO) from Reading, Pennsylvania taking on Williamsville, New York’s Dakota Witkopf (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout... and the pro debut of East Orange, New Jersey’s Rajon Chance in a four-round super bantamweight duel versus Rockville, Maryland’s Akihiro Nakamura (1-0).
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Showtime announces three-fight preliminary stream
Showtime Sports will live stream three undercard bouts featuring a trio of undefeated boxers as part of the undercard action on Saturday, January 25th from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The streams can be viewed on Showtime Sports' Youtube and Facebook accounts. Prior to the Showtime telecast, undefeated 140-pounder Patrick Harris (18-0, 9 KOs), of Washington, D.C., will take on Clay Burns (8-6-2, 4 KOs) of Alexandria, La., in the live stream, which begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. In another eight-round attraction, Keeshawn Williams (6-0-1, 2 KOs) of District Heights, Md., will face Gaku Takahashi (16-10-1, 8 KOs) of Japan. In a six-round opening bout of the streaming coverage, Baltimore middleweight Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson will take on Kansas City’s Antonio Louis Hernandez.
The main Showtime broadcast will be headlined by former two-division champion Danny Garcia against Ivan “El Terrible’’ Redkach in a WBC welterweight title eliminator. In the co-feature, former WBA/ IBF 154-pound champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd returns against all-action Francisco “Chia” Santana in a ten-round contest, plus super bantamweight Stephen “Cool Boy Steph’’ Fulton faces undefeated Arnold Khegai in a WBO super bantamweight title eliminator to open the telecast.
The 25-year-old Harris turned professional after a highly successful amateur career in 2014 and has steadily increased his level of opposition while building his undefeated resume. The nephew of former champion Lamont Peterson and his brother Anthony, Harris comes from a boxing family. His father, Patrice “Boogie” Harris, is a well-known trainer at Headbangers Gym in Washington, D.C. The slick southpaw was active in 2019, fighting four times. He is coming off a TKO victory over Joaquim Carneiro in November and in March, he won via shutout decision in an event that was headlined by his uncles.
Williams, a 22-year-old out of Maryland, has won five consecutive bouts since a split draw in just his second pro fight. Williams will return to Barclays Center for his second straight fight, after he dismantled Mario Alberto Perez Navarro in a first-round TKO on the undercard of Adam Kownacki vs. Chris Arreola in August.
The 19-year-old southpaw Simpson has been an active young pro since his debut in December of 2018 as he picked up five victories in 2019. A stablemate of undefeated two-time super featherweight and current WBA regular lightweight title holder Gervonta Davis, Simpson was a 12-time National Champion and six-time Silver Glove Champion as an amateur. He honed his skills at the Upton Boxing Center in West Baltimore under the watchful eye of his trainer Ford.
Rounding out the undercard attractions are Staten Island, New York’s Kenny Robles (7-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight fight against Patterson, New Jersey’s Rickey Edwards (12-4, 3 KOs)... heavyweight Steven Torres (1-0, 1 KO) from Reading, Pennsylvania taking on Williamsville, New York’s Dakota Witkopf (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout... and the pro debut of East Orange, New Jersey’s Rajon Chance in a four-round super bantamweight duel versus Rockville, Maryland’s Akihiro Nakamura (1-0).
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ShoBox returns with four fights on Feb. 14th |
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Lightweight Thomas Mattice will face hard-hitting Isaac Cruz Gonzalez in the ten-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, February 14 at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The four-fight telecast is the third of four ShoBox presentations over six weeks. In the co-feature on February 14th, Las Vegas super bantamweight Raeese Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs) will take on San Antonio's Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round 122-pound bout. In a matchup of undefeated junior welterweights, Cleveland's Montana Love (12-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to ShoBox in an eight-round showdown with New Orleans' Jerrico Walton (16-0, 7 KOs). In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated junior middleweights Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs) of Detroit and Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs), of North Carolina, will square off in an eight rounder.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.2300arena.com
Cleveland's Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) is coming off his most significant win to date, an eight-round TKO of previously undefeated Michael Dutchover last September on ShoBox. The fight was stopped due to a deep gash on Dutchover caused by a clean right hand from Mattice. The judges' scorecards were split at the time of the stoppage. Mattice will be making his sixth start on the prospect developmental series, including a close loss to Will Madera in 2019, a split decision win and a split draw with Zhora Hamazaryan in 2018, and a knockout of Rolando Chinea. The 29 year-old hopes a convincing win over the top-10 ranked Gonzalez will move him closer to a world title shot.
"A win would be huge for my career and put me in a great position," Mattice said. "It would put me in the conversation with the top dogs of the division. I have to put on a great performance and let all those top fighters know that I'm here and ready to fight anyone. It's a must-win for me, but it's a big fight for both of us. He is ranked No. 7 by the IBF so this has the feel of a big fight. I think a win would put me in the top-10."
Gonzalez (18-1-1, 14 KOs), from Mexico City, has scored knockouts in 11 of his last 14 fights since suffering only loss of his career in just his sixth professional fight. The 22-year-old owns a career-best knockout of Jose Felix Jr. in 2018. Gonzalez made his U.S. debut in December on the non-televised undercard of the Jermall Charlo vs. Dennis Hogan event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn last December.
"I am excited to be fighting in the United States and I am thrilled for my fight to be shown on Showtime," said Gonzalez. "So many fighters started their career on ShoBox and have become World Champions."
Aleem compiled a 65-10 record as an amateur and was a five-time Golden Gloves State Champion in Michigan. He finished third at the National Golden Gloves in 2010 and 2011 before turning professional in 2011. The 29 year-old recently relocated his training camp to Las Vegas, where he has sparred with Jessie Magdaleno, Nonito Donaire and Jhack Tepora. Aleem, who is trained by Terry Markowski, will face the toughest test of his career in the veteran Lopez.
"All my hard work is paying off and now I get to show it on the big stage," Aleem said. "I am looking forward to earning new fans and staying on a roll. I know Lopez is a really tough fighter with something to prove. He's been here before so I know he's ready for the challenge. This is a steppingstone to ultimately get where I want to be, and that's fighting for a world title, bigger paydays and more exposure. Ultimately, I don't just want to win, I want to dominate. Winning isn't good enough - I also have to look good while doing it."
Lopez was an accomplished amateur who won six national titles and held a #1 ranking, but he has had an up and down career as a pro. The 29 year-old started his career with 15 straight victories yet he has suffered a few setbacks as his level of opposition has dramatically increased. Lopez was undefeated and one win away from challenging for a world title before losing to current unified 122-pound champion Daniel Roman in a title eliminator in 2017. Lopez, who will break his own record of ShoBox appearances when he steps into the ring for the eighth time, will face his sixth undefeated opponent on the series as he looks to get his career back on track.
"Aleem is a pretty good fighter, but I think my experience is going to be a factor," Lopez said. "He hasn't fought top-tier guys with the exception of Marcus Bates. I have been in the big fights and this is his first time doing this. I am on a three-fight winning streak and I have rededicated myself to the sport. I have a new trainer, Chato Martinez, and a whole new camp. I can't wait to show that I am back."
The flashy Love was an amateur who compiled a 174-13 record. The 25 year-old southpaw will return for his third test on ShoBox as he seeks a convincing victory. In his first bout on the series, he won a majority decision over Samuel Teah in 2018 and followed that up with a split draw a few months later against Kenneth Sims Jr. Love, who has sparred with Adrien Broner and Robert Easter Jr., will face what should be his most dangerous opponent in the fellow-undefeated Walton.
"Walton is a decent fighter, but I feel he is still green and he doesn't have that much experience," Love said. "I know he is tough, but I am taking this to the next level. He's just a stepping stone. It's exciting to fight under the bright lights. Some guys fold, but I was made for this. I am not looking past him, but this will take my career to the next level. We are both undefeated and not many guys take risks like this, but this shows I am a true fighter. My name is Montana "Too Pretty Love" and I am fighting on Valentine's Day, so I will be giving a lot of love out on February 14."
The 29 year-old Walton was born and raised in New Orleans, where he rescued his mother and sister from the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina when he was just 13 years old. Left homeless, the family relocated to Houston, where Walton competed as an amateur. Walton turned professional in 2014 and has been perfect through his first 16 fights, including a career-best win over former super bantamweight title holder Victor Terrazas in 2019. The boxer-puncher, who is trained by Bobby Benton and fought six times last year, will face the first undefeated opponent of his career in Love.
"I have seen Montana fight before. I know he is flashy in the Adrien Broner mode, but other than that I do not know too much about him," Walton said. "This opportunity is a blessing. The world is going to get to see me and hear my story. I'm from New Orleans and it was a struggle for me growing up, so this is a great opportunity. I never in a million years thought that I would be in this position. I just need to seize the moment and get the victory."
Just 20 years old, Colemon started boxing at the age of 4 and honed his craft at the original Kronk Gym under Emanuel Steward until his passing in 2012. Colemon had a 135-fight amateur career and was a four-time national amateur champion in the junior division. He turned professional when he was 18 years old and has eight knockouts in his first 11 professional fights. Colemon, who is trained by Marlon Thomas, will face by far the toughest test of his career in Jackson, a fellow undefeated boxer.
"I am physically and mentally prepared more than I ever have been," Colemon said. "I know Jackson is undefeated and tough, so I know I'm in for a big test. This is the next step in my career, and I feel that I will be not only the next great champion that has fought on ShoBox, but the next great fighter out of Detroit. I am ready to show the world my talents. February 14 will put my name in the minds of boxing fans all over the world."
The 31 year-old Jackson got a late start as a professional yet has been active, including three fights in 2019 and three in 2018. He has 12 KOs in 15 fights, including knockouts in seven of his last eight bouts. The Greensboro native will fight outside of North Carolina for the first time in his career when he takes on the undefeated Colemon.
"I know Colemon is tough, and he had a long amateur career," Jackson said. "He will come to fight, but I prepare for anything. That is what this sport is all about. I am looking forward to showcasing my talent to the world."
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ShoBox returns with four fights on Feb. 14th
Lightweight Thomas Mattice will face hard-hitting Isaac Cruz Gonzalez in the ten-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, February 14 at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The four-fight telecast is the third of four ShoBox presentations over six weeks. In the co-feature on February 14th, Las Vegas super bantamweight Raeese Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs) will take on San Antonio's Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round 122-pound bout. In a matchup of undefeated junior welterweights, Cleveland's Montana Love (12-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to ShoBox in an eight-round showdown with New Orleans' Jerrico Walton (16-0, 7 KOs). In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated junior middleweights Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs) of Detroit and Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs), of North Carolina, will square off in an eight rounder.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.2300arena.com
Cleveland's Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) is coming off his most significant win to date, an eight-round TKO of previously undefeated Michael Dutchover last September on ShoBox. The fight was stopped due to a deep gash on Dutchover caused by a clean right hand from Mattice. The judges' scorecards were split at the time of the stoppage. Mattice will be making his sixth start on the prospect developmental series, including a close loss to Will Madera in 2019, a split decision win and a split draw with Zhora Hamazaryan in 2018, and a knockout of Rolando Chinea. The 29 year-old hopes a convincing win over the top-10 ranked Gonzalez will move him closer to a world title shot.
"A win would be huge for my career and put me in a great position," Mattice said. "It would put me in the conversation with the top dogs of the division. I have to put on a great performance and let all those top fighters know that I'm here and ready to fight anyone. It's a must-win for me, but it's a big fight for both of us. He is ranked No. 7 by the IBF so this has the feel of a big fight. I think a win would put me in the top-10."
Gonzalez (18-1-1, 14 KOs), from Mexico City, has scored knockouts in 11 of his last 14 fights since suffering only loss of his career in just his sixth professional fight. The 22-year-old owns a career-best knockout of Jose Felix Jr. in 2018. Gonzalez made his U.S. debut in December on the non-televised undercard of the Jermall Charlo vs. Dennis Hogan event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn last December.
"I am excited to be fighting in the United States and I am thrilled for my fight to be shown on Showtime," said Gonzalez. "So many fighters started their career on ShoBox and have become World Champions."
Aleem compiled a 65-10 record as an amateur and was a five-time Golden Gloves State Champion in Michigan. He finished third at the National Golden Gloves in 2010 and 2011 before turning professional in 2011. The 29 year-old recently relocated his training camp to Las Vegas, where he has sparred with Jessie Magdaleno, Nonito Donaire and Jhack Tepora. Aleem, who is trained by Terry Markowski, will face the toughest test of his career in the veteran Lopez.
"All my hard work is paying off and now I get to show it on the big stage," Aleem said. "I am looking forward to earning new fans and staying on a roll. I know Lopez is a really tough fighter with something to prove. He's been here before so I know he's ready for the challenge. This is a steppingstone to ultimately get where I want to be, and that's fighting for a world title, bigger paydays and more exposure. Ultimately, I don't just want to win, I want to dominate. Winning isn't good enough - I also have to look good while doing it."
Lopez was an accomplished amateur who won six national titles and held a #1 ranking, but he has had an up and down career as a pro. The 29 year-old started his career with 15 straight victories yet he has suffered a few setbacks as his level of opposition has dramatically increased. Lopez was undefeated and one win away from challenging for a world title before losing to current unified 122-pound champion Daniel Roman in a title eliminator in 2017. Lopez, who will break his own record of ShoBox appearances when he steps into the ring for the eighth time, will face his sixth undefeated opponent on the series as he looks to get his career back on track.
"Aleem is a pretty good fighter, but I think my experience is going to be a factor," Lopez said. "He hasn't fought top-tier guys with the exception of Marcus Bates. I have been in the big fights and this is his first time doing this. I am on a three-fight winning streak and I have rededicated myself to the sport. I have a new trainer, Chato Martinez, and a whole new camp. I can't wait to show that I am back."
The flashy Love was an amateur who compiled a 174-13 record. The 25 year-old southpaw will return for his third test on ShoBox as he seeks a convincing victory. In his first bout on the series, he won a majority decision over Samuel Teah in 2018 and followed that up with a split draw a few months later against Kenneth Sims Jr. Love, who has sparred with Adrien Broner and Robert Easter Jr., will face what should be his most dangerous opponent in the fellow-undefeated Walton.
"Walton is a decent fighter, but I feel he is still green and he doesn't have that much experience," Love said. "I know he is tough, but I am taking this to the next level. He's just a stepping stone. It's exciting to fight under the bright lights. Some guys fold, but I was made for this. I am not looking past him, but this will take my career to the next level. We are both undefeated and not many guys take risks like this, but this shows I am a true fighter. My name is Montana "Too Pretty Love" and I am fighting on Valentine's Day, so I will be giving a lot of love out on February 14."
The 29 year-old Walton was born and raised in New Orleans, where he rescued his mother and sister from the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina when he was just 13 years old. Left homeless, the family relocated to Houston, where Walton competed as an amateur. Walton turned professional in 2014 and has been perfect through his first 16 fights, including a career-best win over former super bantamweight title holder Victor Terrazas in 2019. The boxer-puncher, who is trained by Bobby Benton and fought six times last year, will face the first undefeated opponent of his career in Love.
"I have seen Montana fight before. I know he is flashy in the Adrien Broner mode, but other than that I do not know too much about him," Walton said. "This opportunity is a blessing. The world is going to get to see me and hear my story. I'm from New Orleans and it was a struggle for me growing up, so this is a great opportunity. I never in a million years thought that I would be in this position. I just need to seize the moment and get the victory."
Just 20 years old, Colemon started boxing at the age of 4 and honed his craft at the original Kronk Gym under Emanuel Steward until his passing in 2012. Colemon had a 135-fight amateur career and was a four-time national amateur champion in the junior division. He turned professional when he was 18 years old and has eight knockouts in his first 11 professional fights. Colemon, who is trained by Marlon Thomas, will face by far the toughest test of his career in Jackson, a fellow undefeated boxer.
"I am physically and mentally prepared more than I ever have been," Colemon said. "I know Jackson is undefeated and tough, so I know I'm in for a big test. This is the next step in my career, and I feel that I will be not only the next great champion that has fought on ShoBox, but the next great fighter out of Detroit. I am ready to show the world my talents. February 14 will put my name in the minds of boxing fans all over the world."
The 31 year-old Jackson got a late start as a professional yet has been active, including three fights in 2019 and three in 2018. He has 12 KOs in 15 fights, including knockouts in seven of his last eight bouts. The Greensboro native will fight outside of North Carolina for the first time in his career when he takes on the undefeated Colemon.
"I know Colemon is tough, and he had a long amateur career," Jackson said. "He will come to fight, but I prepare for anything. That is what this sport is all about. I am looking forward to showcasing my talent to the world."
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Spotlight on Fulton-Kegai |
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This Saturday, at Barclay Center in Brooklyn, NY, the Showtime Championship Boxing telecast will open up with a super bantamweight bout betwwen Stephen Fulton and Arnold Khegai. Fulton, from Philadelphia, is 17-0 and the IBO champion, while Khegai, from the Ukraine, is 16-0-1. [Fulton was 2-1 in additional pro bouts in the World Series of Boxing, while Khegai was 0-1.] The bout will also be a WBO eliminator. Here is what the two boxers had to say at an open workout on Wednesday:
STEPHEN FULTON
“A win on Saturday means everything to me. This is another undefeated fighter that I’m going up against. This is going to be the start of my stardom and this is going to boost my level all the way up.
“I’m going to end his winning streak on Saturday. I’m going to get the win for Philadelphia on Saturday. You’re going to see a little bit of everything Saturday. I’m going to put on a show and perform.
“People think they can pressure me and take me out of the fight. But I’m a mentally strong fighter first. I know that my opponent will bring a lot of aggression, but that alone will not beat me. He needs to show more if he wants to beat me.
“I’m knocking on everyone’s door. The whole super bantamweight division can come out and play. I’m putting them all in time out.
“This is the first time I really brought my weight down well ahead of a fight. I feel great and I have a lot of energy left to do everything I need. That aspect of my camp has been great.
“Philadelphia boxing is coming in full effect. I feel like we’re all working together in our own ways to lift each other up. We’re always in the gym and Saturday is another great opportunity to display our talents.”
ARNOLD KHEGAI
“I believe that I can land my power shots against Fulton. I can land the punch that will change the fight and I can do it in any moment. We’ll find out if he can stand up to the power on Saturday night.
“Fulton is a good fighter, but so am I. We’re both undefeated and very hungry. I think it should make this a great fight for the fans.
“I might be considered the underdog, but this is boxing. Anything can happen. We’re going to fight. It’s just the two of us in the ring, man vs. man. No one’s opinion matters.
“I trained for the first time in California with Marvin Somodio ahead of this fight. It was a great training camp and I learned a lot. I’ve been following all of his instructions and learned about the strategy it takes to win a 12 round fight.”
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Spotlight on Fulton-Kegai
This Saturday, at Barclay Center in Brooklyn, NY, the Showtime Championship Boxing telecast will open up with a super bantamweight bout betwwen Stephen Fulton and Arnold Khegai. Fulton, from Philadelphia, is 17-0 and the IBO champion, while Khegai, from the Ukraine, is 16-0-1. [Fulton was 2-1 in additional pro bouts in the World Series of Boxing, while Khegai was 0-1.] The bout will also be a WBO eliminator. Here is what the two boxers had to say at an open workout on Wednesday:
STEPHEN FULTON
“A win on Saturday means everything to me. This is another undefeated fighter that I’m going up against. This is going to be the start of my stardom and this is going to boost my level all the way up.
“I’m going to end his winning streak on Saturday. I’m going to get the win for Philadelphia on Saturday. You’re going to see a little bit of everything Saturday. I’m going to put on a show and perform.
“People think they can pressure me and take me out of the fight. But I’m a mentally strong fighter first. I know that my opponent will bring a lot of aggression, but that alone will not beat me. He needs to show more if he wants to beat me.
“I’m knocking on everyone’s door. The whole super bantamweight division can come out and play. I’m putting them all in time out.
“This is the first time I really brought my weight down well ahead of a fight. I feel great and I have a lot of energy left to do everything I need. That aspect of my camp has been great.
“Philadelphia boxing is coming in full effect. I feel like we’re all working together in our own ways to lift each other up. We’re always in the gym and Saturday is another great opportunity to display our talents.”
ARNOLD KHEGAI
“I believe that I can land my power shots against Fulton. I can land the punch that will change the fight and I can do it in any moment. We’ll find out if he can stand up to the power on Saturday night.
“Fulton is a good fighter, but so am I. We’re both undefeated and very hungry. I think it should make this a great fight for the fans.
“I might be considered the underdog, but this is boxing. Anything can happen. We’re going to fight. It’s just the two of us in the ring, man vs. man. No one’s opinion matters.
“I trained for the first time in California with Marvin Somodio ahead of this fight. It was a great training camp and I learned a lot. I’ve been following all of his instructions and learned about the strategy it takes to win a 12 round fight.”
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Top Rank reveals full Feb. 1st undercard for China |
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Undefeated Brazilian Esquiva “La Pantera” Falcao will look to turn back China's Ainiwaer Yilixiati in a ten-round middleweight fight Saturday, Feb. 1st at Mission Hills Haikou in Haikou, Hainan, China. Yilixiati (17-1, 12 KOs) has won seven in a row, including a pair of victories since moving down to the middleweight ranks. Falcao vs. Yilixiati will serve as the co-feature to the WBC/WBO junior welterweight championship defense by Jose Ramirez against former WBC title holder Viktor “The Iceman” Postol (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The undercard will stream on ESPN+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
“We’ve promoted Falcao since the beginning of his career, and this is his opportunity to showcase his tremendous ability in front of a large audience on ESPN,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
“2020 is the year I challenge for a world title, but my journey continues in China against a very tough opponent,” Falcao said. “This is a chance to show I can compete with all the middleweights, and at 30 years of age, I am in the prime of my career. My amateur career took me all over the world, and I can’t wait to travel to Haikou to put on a show for the Chinese people, my fans back home in Brazil and everyone watching on ESPN.”
Falcao (25-0, 17 KOs), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, turned pro following a 215-15 amateur run that also included a bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships and a gold medal in 2012 at the prestigious Cheo Aponte Tournament. He turned pro under the Top Rank banner in 2014. A southpaw boxer-puncher, Falcao went 3-0 in 2019 with knockout wins over Manny Woods and Jesus Antonio Gutierrez, in addition to a decision win in Brazil against Jorge Daniel Miranda.
UNDERCARD
China's Yongqiang Yang (13-0, 10 KOs) will face Filipino veteran Jhon “The Disaster” Gemino (21-12-1, 11 KOs) in a junior lightweight twelve rounder. In July 2018, Yang knocked out the big-punching Harmonito Dela Torre in two rounds, and he most recently stopped JR Magboo in two rounds at lightweight...
Chinese Jianhao Diao (2-0, 2 KOs) will take on Eduardo "The Nightmare" Mancito (18-10-2, 9 KOs) in a six-rounder...
Korean super middleweight Sung Jae Jo (11-0, 8 KOs) will fight Zulipikaer Maimaitiali (12-2-1, 8 KOs) in a ten-rounder.
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Top Rank reveals full Feb. 1st undercard for China
Undefeated Brazilian Esquiva “La Pantera” Falcao will look to turn back China's Ainiwaer Yilixiati in a ten-round middleweight fight Saturday, Feb. 1st at Mission Hills Haikou in Haikou, Hainan, China. Yilixiati (17-1, 12 KOs) has won seven in a row, including a pair of victories since moving down to the middleweight ranks. Falcao vs. Yilixiati will serve as the co-feature to the WBC/WBO junior welterweight championship defense by Jose Ramirez against former WBC title holder Viktor “The Iceman” Postol (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The undercard will stream on ESPN+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
“We’ve promoted Falcao since the beginning of his career, and this is his opportunity to showcase his tremendous ability in front of a large audience on ESPN,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
“2020 is the year I challenge for a world title, but my journey continues in China against a very tough opponent,” Falcao said. “This is a chance to show I can compete with all the middleweights, and at 30 years of age, I am in the prime of my career. My amateur career took me all over the world, and I can’t wait to travel to Haikou to put on a show for the Chinese people, my fans back home in Brazil and everyone watching on ESPN.”
Falcao (25-0, 17 KOs), a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, turned pro following a 215-15 amateur run that also included a bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships and a gold medal in 2012 at the prestigious Cheo Aponte Tournament. He turned pro under the Top Rank banner in 2014. A southpaw boxer-puncher, Falcao went 3-0 in 2019 with knockout wins over Manny Woods and Jesus Antonio Gutierrez, in addition to a decision win in Brazil against Jorge Daniel Miranda.
UNDERCARD
China's Yongqiang Yang (13-0, 10 KOs) will face Filipino veteran Jhon “The Disaster” Gemino (21-12-1, 11 KOs) in a junior lightweight twelve rounder. In July 2018, Yang knocked out the big-punching Harmonito Dela Torre in two rounds, and he most recently stopped JR Magboo in two rounds at lightweight...
Chinese Jianhao Diao (2-0, 2 KOs) will take on Eduardo "The Nightmare" Mancito (18-10-2, 9 KOs) in a six-rounder...
Korean super middleweight Sung Jae Jo (11-0, 8 KOs) will fight Zulipikaer Maimaitiali (12-2-1, 8 KOs) in a ten-rounder.
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Boxingtalk Interivew: Ja'Rico O'Quinn |
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Justin Hackman: Ja’Rico, congratulations on your victory this past Friday night on ShoBox. You fought a rugged guy in Oscar Vasquez with only two previous losses [now (15-3-1, 3 KOs], who hadn’t been stopped. He was put in front of you to see if you were good enough to step up in competition. And you showed the approach of a veteran, like you’ve been there before. Ja’Rico O’Quinn: Thanks very much I appreciate it, but I didn’t have my best night. I got hit a lot. I must have left my defense at home I guess. But I use it as a learning experience, something to make me better. Overall it was a sick performance really because I didn’t do my best and I swept the fight minus a round (*official scores: 79-73 on all three cards) but I wanted to stop him.
[Author's note: O’Quinn improved his pro record to14-0-1 with 8 KOs; official scores were 79-73 on all three cards].
JH: So does that mean you are not satisfied?
JO: On one hand, I know it was a good victory, and I won clearly. But I wanted to win and make a big statement doing it. I don’t feel like I did that—I wanted to get him out of there. Also, I’m happy that the Showtime commentators were happy with the performance, and that it was exciting to them, as well as the viewers.
JH: But I think any boxing fan watching could tell that a guy like Vasquez might have ended any number of other young prospects dreams that night. He took what you gave him and never stopped coming forward.
JO: Thank you, but I expect more of myself. I know I could’ve gotten him out of there had I just started earlier. I am going to go back to the gym and work on utilizing the three-minute round more effectively.
JH: Your win was beyond convincing, but you did get hit a lot. Something tells me that you were OK taking those shots because you knew you could take it and hopefully find your opening.
JO: Yeah exactly. I felt what he had right away, and I wasn’t worried about taking his shots. I just wanted to catch him with a good one and get him out of there.
JH: Clearly you were never wobbled or hurt, but at any point did you feel his punches?
JO: He caught me clean more than a few times, but it was nothing.
JH: Was Vasquez your toughest opponent so far?
JO: He was the most durable, definitely. I knew he was a tough guy always coming forward. So I prepared for that test well. Bottom line is, my desire to improve and be a champion is higher than ever. I know I will have to face guys that take my shots and continue to come forward. That’s where a lot of young prospects get tripped up. It made me feel great to fully conquer a guy like that.
JH: What’s next?
JO: I want to get back in the ring in the coming months. I walk around not too far from my fighting weight, and I’m heading back into the gym almost immediately. I’ll take time for myself and my family, but otherwise I’ll be eagerly waiting for the call on my next fight.
JH: Good luck, Ja’Rico, and we’ll be in touch before your next fight.
JO: Thank you and take care.
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Boxingtalk Interivew: Ja'Rico O'Quinn
Justin Hackman: Ja’Rico, congratulations on your victory this past Friday night on ShoBox. You fought a rugged guy in Oscar Vasquez with only two previous losses [now (15-3-1, 3 KOs], who hadn’t been stopped. He was put in front of you to see if you were good enough to step up in competition. And you showed the approach of a veteran, like you’ve been there before. Ja’Rico O’Quinn: Thanks very much I appreciate it, but I didn’t have my best night. I got hit a lot. I must have left my defense at home I guess. But I use it as a learning experience, something to make me better. Overall it was a sick performance really because I didn’t do my best and I swept the fight minus a round (*official scores: 79-73 on all three cards) but I wanted to stop him.
[Author's note: O’Quinn improved his pro record to14-0-1 with 8 KOs; official scores were 79-73 on all three cards].
JH: So does that mean you are not satisfied?
JO: On one hand, I know it was a good victory, and I won clearly. But I wanted to win and make a big statement doing it. I don’t feel like I did that—I wanted to get him out of there. Also, I’m happy that the Showtime commentators were happy with the performance, and that it was exciting to them, as well as the viewers.
JH: But I think any boxing fan watching could tell that a guy like Vasquez might have ended any number of other young prospects dreams that night. He took what you gave him and never stopped coming forward.
JO: Thank you, but I expect more of myself. I know I could’ve gotten him out of there had I just started earlier. I am going to go back to the gym and work on utilizing the three-minute round more effectively.
JH: Your win was beyond convincing, but you did get hit a lot. Something tells me that you were OK taking those shots because you knew you could take it and hopefully find your opening.
JO: Yeah exactly. I felt what he had right away, and I wasn’t worried about taking his shots. I just wanted to catch him with a good one and get him out of there.
JH: Clearly you were never wobbled or hurt, but at any point did you feel his punches?
JO: He caught me clean more than a few times, but it was nothing.
JH: Was Vasquez your toughest opponent so far?
JO: He was the most durable, definitely. I knew he was a tough guy always coming forward. So I prepared for that test well. Bottom line is, my desire to improve and be a champion is higher than ever. I know I will have to face guys that take my shots and continue to come forward. That’s where a lot of young prospects get tripped up. It made me feel great to fully conquer a guy like that.
JH: What’s next?
JO: I want to get back in the ring in the coming months. I walk around not too far from my fighting weight, and I’m heading back into the gym almost immediately. I’ll take time for myself and my family, but otherwise I’ll be eagerly waiting for the call on my next fight.
JH: Good luck, Ja’Rico, and we’ll be in touch before your next fight.
JO: Thank you and take care.
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Wilfredo Mendez schedules ridiculously easy title defense |
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WBO minimumweight champion Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez will defend his title for the second time when he faces Ecuador's Pedro Villegas on Saturday, February 8th at the El Panama Hotel, in Panama City. Villegas is 12-0 but has only fought one opponent with a winning record-- and that boxer had lost 14 of his last 15 prior to fighting Villegas. Also, Villegas has never fought outside of Ecuador, has never fought a twelve rounder and has fought only one ten rounder.
The Puerto Rican Méndez, on the other hand, has a 15-1 record, with 5 KOs. He won the title in August of last year, when he defeated the Filipino Víctor Saludar by unanimous decision. In October, he defended the crown against Axel Aragón Vega of Mexico.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in the Topascio Room of the Hotel El Panama, in Panama City, where the President of the WBO, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel was present, along with the representatives of the promoters who join forces for this event: G&V Enternainment and Spartan Boxing of Panama, together with PR Best Boxing of Puerto Rico.
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Wilfredo Mendez schedules ridiculously easy title defense
WBO minimumweight champion Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez will defend his title for the second time when he faces Ecuador's Pedro Villegas on Saturday, February 8th at the El Panama Hotel, in Panama City. Villegas is 12-0 but has only fought one opponent with a winning record-- and that boxer had lost 14 of his last 15 prior to fighting Villegas. Also, Villegas has never fought outside of Ecuador, has never fought a twelve rounder and has fought only one ten rounder.
The Puerto Rican Méndez, on the other hand, has a 15-1 record, with 5 KOs. He won the title in August of last year, when he defeated the Filipino Víctor Saludar by unanimous decision. In October, he defended the crown against Axel Aragón Vega of Mexico.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in the Topascio Room of the Hotel El Panama, in Panama City, where the President of the WBO, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel was present, along with the representatives of the promoters who join forces for this event: G&V Enternainment and Spartan Boxing of Panama, together with PR Best Boxing of Puerto Rico.
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Q&A: Luke Keeler |
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Luke Keeler can complete an extraordinary turnaround when he challenges WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade next week. Miami, where the fight will take place, is a far cry from Keeler’s upbringing and even just a few years ago when he labored to an Irish title win, "Cool Hand" wasn’t remotely certain of continuing as a professional boxer. Now, having beaten highly-rated American Luis Arias in Belfast last summer, Keeler can become WBO middleweight king in front of a huge American audience and the Sky Sports cameras. So what changed?
Q: Well Luke, let’s start off with the big question: Are you the most improved fighter in the world?
Luke Keeler: Well, that’s a big statement. I suppose I’m a completely different fighter to what I was before I fully committed to the sport and joined up with my trainer Peter Taylor. The Luke Keeler who struggled in an Irish title fight in June 2017 would get stopped by the Luke Keeler I am now, so that tells its own story. I fell back in love with the sport thanks to Pete and I owe him a lot for this turnaround in my career. He’s a joy to work under and with each camp he’s improving me as a fighter so it’s exciting for me to stay in the gym these days. I really feel the sky is the limit now.
Q: Were you close to actually giving up boxing after you’d won the Irish title?
A: I was struggling with a shoulder injury which I needed surgery to repair, I was in the process of moving to a new house with my two young twin boys and as a result, I was under a lot of pressure with work. I was thinking about setting up my own company in the building industry, which was booming in Dublin. I realized I’d have regrets if I didn’t fully focus on boxing and give it my all. The choice was to either retire from boxing and focus on working and home life or take a huge leap of faith and commit to boxing properly for the first time in my life. Huge thanks to MTK Global. I was lucky enough to sign with the them and be guaranteed regular fights with a clear plan ahead. It would’ve been hard to give up a well-paid job without that. I had a start-stop career in my first four years as a pro but since I signed with them, it’s been plain sailing.
Q: Sounds like you were pretty good as a builder?
A: I always worked on building sites when I was young during the summer holiday. That was with my uncle Liam and I earned some good money. Then, after college, I took up full-time work with Building Services – an engineering company – and I worked with them for the next eight years before I went into boxing full-time. In those years, I did well and was able to save enough money to buy my house. I also travelled to places like Texas for work, so the whole thing was a great experience.
I was lucky in that my secondary school gave me a grant of a couple of thousand euros for having the highest level of results that year. I split it with my brother and I went to college to study structural engineering while he stayed back to get enough points to study architecture. He is now an architect and has his own business. It doesn’t matter where you come from; if you put education, hard work and discipline together on any path in life then it’ll lead to success.
I’ve always known the value of hard work since I was young. My first job was in the local pub Downey’s when I was 14. I collected the glasses, took drinks orders and learned some lessons about money. I made good tips but I remember I’d lied about my age – I said I was 15 and was then caught out when telling them I’d won an Under-14s boxing title!
Q: What about your childhood – presumably you fought from a young age?
A: My uncle Stephen boxed for St Saviour’s Boxing Club and he was my idol growing up. My Da would’ve had gloves around the house and even from a young age, me and my brother Tony would use them to punch the heads off each other! I then joined St Matthew’s Boxing Club when I was just eight years old and I haven’t stopped since.
I had a great childhood in the Ballyfermot neighborhood. My older brother Tony was like a second father to me – he kept me out of trouble. Ballyfermot is a close-knit community and it was very safe because everyone used to look out for each other. People would babysit each other’s kids, there’d be keys left in doors and it was generally a group of people who really trusted one another. As for fighting in the playground and all that stuff, I wouldn’t say I was a tough kid. I was friendly and happy but if I’m honest, I loved fighting even then! I hated any bullying though. We’d always fight after school to see who the best fighter was and I came out on top despite being outweighed by most of the kids.
Q: How has your motivation for winning fights changed over the years?
My motivation was always to win a world title. I have dreamed of that since I first started boxing at the age of eight. Now, getting to this level of the game, becoming financially free is another motivation because using these pay-days and investing them wisely can secure my family’s future. I know winning this fight brings life-changing money and I look forward to being able to provide for my family and those closest to me. It’s a big inspiration to have such a close family. I always wanted to make my uncle Stephen proud and now my twin boys Alphie and Archie have come along, giving them a comfortable life is another big factor.
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Q&A: Luke Keeler
Luke Keeler can complete an extraordinary turnaround when he challenges WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade next week. Miami, where the fight will take place, is a far cry from Keeler’s upbringing and even just a few years ago when he labored to an Irish title win, "Cool Hand" wasn’t remotely certain of continuing as a professional boxer. Now, having beaten highly-rated American Luis Arias in Belfast last summer, Keeler can become WBO middleweight king in front of a huge American audience and the Sky Sports cameras. So what changed?
Q: Well Luke, let’s start off with the big question: Are you the most improved fighter in the world?
Luke Keeler: Well, that’s a big statement. I suppose I’m a completely different fighter to what I was before I fully committed to the sport and joined up with my trainer Peter Taylor. The Luke Keeler who struggled in an Irish title fight in June 2017 would get stopped by the Luke Keeler I am now, so that tells its own story. I fell back in love with the sport thanks to Pete and I owe him a lot for this turnaround in my career. He’s a joy to work under and with each camp he’s improving me as a fighter so it’s exciting for me to stay in the gym these days. I really feel the sky is the limit now.
Q: Were you close to actually giving up boxing after you’d won the Irish title?
A: I was struggling with a shoulder injury which I needed surgery to repair, I was in the process of moving to a new house with my two young twin boys and as a result, I was under a lot of pressure with work. I was thinking about setting up my own company in the building industry, which was booming in Dublin. I realized I’d have regrets if I didn’t fully focus on boxing and give it my all. The choice was to either retire from boxing and focus on working and home life or take a huge leap of faith and commit to boxing properly for the first time in my life. Huge thanks to MTK Global. I was lucky enough to sign with the them and be guaranteed regular fights with a clear plan ahead. It would’ve been hard to give up a well-paid job without that. I had a start-stop career in my first four years as a pro but since I signed with them, it’s been plain sailing.
Q: Sounds like you were pretty good as a builder?
A: I always worked on building sites when I was young during the summer holiday. That was with my uncle Liam and I earned some good money. Then, after college, I took up full-time work with Building Services – an engineering company – and I worked with them for the next eight years before I went into boxing full-time. In those years, I did well and was able to save enough money to buy my house. I also travelled to places like Texas for work, so the whole thing was a great experience.
I was lucky in that my secondary school gave me a grant of a couple of thousand euros for having the highest level of results that year. I split it with my brother and I went to college to study structural engineering while he stayed back to get enough points to study architecture. He is now an architect and has his own business. It doesn’t matter where you come from; if you put education, hard work and discipline together on any path in life then it’ll lead to success.
I’ve always known the value of hard work since I was young. My first job was in the local pub Downey’s when I was 14. I collected the glasses, took drinks orders and learned some lessons about money. I made good tips but I remember I’d lied about my age – I said I was 15 and was then caught out when telling them I’d won an Under-14s boxing title!
Q: What about your childhood – presumably you fought from a young age?
A: My uncle Stephen boxed for St Saviour’s Boxing Club and he was my idol growing up. My Da would’ve had gloves around the house and even from a young age, me and my brother Tony would use them to punch the heads off each other! I then joined St Matthew’s Boxing Club when I was just eight years old and I haven’t stopped since.
I had a great childhood in the Ballyfermot neighborhood. My older brother Tony was like a second father to me – he kept me out of trouble. Ballyfermot is a close-knit community and it was very safe because everyone used to look out for each other. People would babysit each other’s kids, there’d be keys left in doors and it was generally a group of people who really trusted one another. As for fighting in the playground and all that stuff, I wouldn’t say I was a tough kid. I was friendly and happy but if I’m honest, I loved fighting even then! I hated any bullying though. We’d always fight after school to see who the best fighter was and I came out on top despite being outweighed by most of the kids.
Q: How has your motivation for winning fights changed over the years?
My motivation was always to win a world title. I have dreamed of that since I first started boxing at the age of eight. Now, getting to this level of the game, becoming financially free is another motivation because using these pay-days and investing them wisely can secure my family’s future. I know winning this fight brings life-changing money and I look forward to being able to provide for my family and those closest to me. It’s a big inspiration to have such a close family. I always wanted to make my uncle Stephen proud and now my twin boys Alphie and Archie have come along, giving them a comfortable life is another big factor.
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Matchroom signs lightweight James Tennyson |
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Northern Irish lightweight James Tennyson [ranked #19 in the world by Boxingtalk] has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. He'll target a shot at the British title after stopping Craig Evans in their Eliminator bout in November. Tennyson called time on a blossoming amateur career at 18 to pursue his dream of becoming a pro champion and has since won European and Commonwealth super featherweight titles before moving up to lightweight. A six-fight unbeaten streak at super featherweight saw the hard-hitting Belfast man earn a title shot against IBF ruler Tevin Farmer at the TD Garden in Boston in October 2018.
‘The Assassin’ made the decision to move up to lightweight after falling short against Farmer and has carried his knockout power into the new division, having finished all four of his contests at the weight inside the distance.
“Over the last couple of years, I have had a good relationship with Matchroom and all the big titles I have fought for and won have been on Matchroom shows,” said Tennyson. “Without the opportunities they have given me I wouldn’t be where I am today and I feel this move will bring me back to world level boxing which is where I want to be. 2020 is going to be a big and busy year for me and I look forward to being involved in some big fights. I have always been a puncher and I feel with my power I can mix it with anyone in this Lightweight division. Matchroom is at the top of the sport and I believe that with this deal I can be up there as well. I want to fight for world titles, and I am confident Matchroom will take me to where I want to be. This is a huge opportunity for me and will bring me some huge nights. In time, I would love to bring some big nights to Belfast so at the moment I am just buzzing for the future.”
“I’m excited to add hard-hitting Belfast Lightweight talent James Tennyson to our ranks,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “James has been on an electric KO run since making the move up to Lightweight after his brave World Title challenge against Tevin Farmer in 2018 but in truth he is a different animal at 135lbs. The Lightweight division is on fire at the moment and James has what it takes to throw his name back into the World Title mix.”
“Both James and I are delighted to finally put pen to paper for Matchroom Boxing after impressing on all his appearances for them over the last three years,” said Mark Dunlop, Manager of Tennyson. “James has always looked up to Eddie for the wonderful opportunities he has bestowed on him in recent years.
“James is a dedicated and talented young man and will stop at nothing until he achieves his goal of becoming a World Champion. At 26 James has an incredible CV having done everything the hard way – he has built up a tremendous resilience and will to succeed and I’m excited for the next chapter of his career.”
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Matchroom signs lightweight James Tennyson
Northern Irish lightweight James Tennyson [ranked #19 in the world by Boxingtalk] has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. He'll target a shot at the British title after stopping Craig Evans in their Eliminator bout in November. Tennyson called time on a blossoming amateur career at 18 to pursue his dream of becoming a pro champion and has since won European and Commonwealth super featherweight titles before moving up to lightweight. A six-fight unbeaten streak at super featherweight saw the hard-hitting Belfast man earn a title shot against IBF ruler Tevin Farmer at the TD Garden in Boston in October 2018.
‘The Assassin’ made the decision to move up to lightweight after falling short against Farmer and has carried his knockout power into the new division, having finished all four of his contests at the weight inside the distance.
“Over the last couple of years, I have had a good relationship with Matchroom and all the big titles I have fought for and won have been on Matchroom shows,” said Tennyson. “Without the opportunities they have given me I wouldn’t be where I am today and I feel this move will bring me back to world level boxing which is where I want to be. 2020 is going to be a big and busy year for me and I look forward to being involved in some big fights. I have always been a puncher and I feel with my power I can mix it with anyone in this Lightweight division. Matchroom is at the top of the sport and I believe that with this deal I can be up there as well. I want to fight for world titles, and I am confident Matchroom will take me to where I want to be. This is a huge opportunity for me and will bring me some huge nights. In time, I would love to bring some big nights to Belfast so at the moment I am just buzzing for the future.”
“I’m excited to add hard-hitting Belfast Lightweight talent James Tennyson to our ranks,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “James has been on an electric KO run since making the move up to Lightweight after his brave World Title challenge against Tevin Farmer in 2018 but in truth he is a different animal at 135lbs. The Lightweight division is on fire at the moment and James has what it takes to throw his name back into the World Title mix.”
“Both James and I are delighted to finally put pen to paper for Matchroom Boxing after impressing on all his appearances for them over the last three years,” said Mark Dunlop, Manager of Tennyson. “James has always looked up to Eddie for the wonderful opportunities he has bestowed on him in recent years.
“James is a dedicated and talented young man and will stop at nothing until he achieves his goal of becoming a World Champion. At 26 James has an incredible CV having done everything the hard way – he has built up a tremendous resilience and will to succeed and I’m excited for the next chapter of his career.”
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Finland's Eva Wahlstrom books next title defense |
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WBC super featherweight champion Eva Wahlstrom will clash with Britain`s Terri Harper, on February 8th at the Sheffield Arena in the United Kingdom. Wahlstrom's title defense will be part of the card where Kell Brook will make his long-awaited return to the ring against Mark DeLuca, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and DAZN in the USA. Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs) is coming off a non-title win in her native Finland, easily defeating Kenya's Consolata Musanga. Harper, who remains undefeated in 9 bouts, bested Brazil’s Viviane Obenauf by decision in her last outing.
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Finland's Eva Wahlstrom books next title defense
WBC super featherweight champion Eva Wahlstrom will clash with Britain`s Terri Harper, on February 8th at the Sheffield Arena in the United Kingdom. Wahlstrom's title defense will be part of the card where Kell Brook will make his long-awaited return to the ring against Mark DeLuca, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and DAZN in the USA. Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs) is coming off a non-title win in her native Finland, easily defeating Kenya's Consolata Musanga. Harper, who remains undefeated in 9 bouts, bested Brazil’s Viviane Obenauf by decision in her last outing.
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WBO orders four-man tourney for vacant light heavyweight title |
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According to Gustavo Olivieri,attorney for the WBO, the sanctioning organization is planning a four-man tournament for its light heavyweight championship. The title was recently vacated by Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, the world middleweight champion who made boxing history by jumping up two weight classes to knock out Sergey Kovalev for the WBO 175-pound title. Canelo Alvarez has not announced his next fight yet, but apparently intends to compete at super middleweight or middleweight in his next bout. To fill the vacancy, the WBO has ordered two fights so far: Umar Salamov vs. Maxim Vlasov and former IBF super middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez vs. former WBO light heavyweight champion Eleider Alvarez. The first fight seems easy enough to make, as both Salamov and Vlasov are promoted by Dmitriy Salita. The second fight does not seem likely to happen, as Eleider Alvarez is expected to fight Joe Smith next, and Ramirez is known to be feuding with his promoter, Top Rank. Smith is rated #5 by the WBO, so if Ramirez passes, or is unable to take the fight, Eleider Alvarez vs. Joe Smith could become the other semi-final. Boxingtalk will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.
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WBO orders four-man tourney for vacant light heavyweight title
According to Gustavo Olivieri,attorney for the WBO, the sanctioning organization is planning a four-man tournament for its light heavyweight championship. The title was recently vacated by Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, the world middleweight champion who made boxing history by jumping up two weight classes to knock out Sergey Kovalev for the WBO 175-pound title. Canelo Alvarez has not announced his next fight yet, but apparently intends to compete at super middleweight or middleweight in his next bout. To fill the vacancy, the WBO has ordered two fights so far: Umar Salamov vs. Maxim Vlasov and former IBF super middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez vs. former WBO light heavyweight champion Eleider Alvarez. The first fight seems easy enough to make, as both Salamov and Vlasov are promoted by Dmitriy Salita. The second fight does not seem likely to happen, as Eleider Alvarez is expected to fight Joe Smith next, and Ramirez is known to be feuding with his promoter, Top Rank. Smith is rated #5 by the WBO, so if Ramirez passes, or is unable to take the fight, Eleider Alvarez vs. Joe Smith could become the other semi-final. Boxingtalk will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.
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Dorticos predicts he will KO Briedis in WBSS final |
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IBF cruiserweight champion Yuniel Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) has touched down in Riga, Latvia for the kickoff press conference ahead of the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight Ali Trophy final. Dorticos will be defending his IBF title against Mairis Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) on March 21st at the Arena Riga. Briedis will enjoy the home advantage. “I’m excited to be here and be welcomed by the people of Latvia once again,” said Dorticos, who entered the tournament as the #2 seed.
The Miami-based Cuban surprised the boxing world and the crowd in Riga in June by stopping previously unbeaten Andrew Tabiti in the tenth round of his semi-final, and now he is intent on doing the same against Briedis, the tournament #1 seed. “I’m gonna knock him out,” said Dorticos, nicknamed the "KO Doctor". He said, “I feel great and I can’t wait, come fight night and do what I do. I’m honoured and humbled to be fighting for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, I’m going to dedicate it to his memory by winning it and go down in history.”
Mairis Briedis and Yuniel Dorticos will face off tomorrow at the kickoff press conference in Latvia’s capital. Tickets for the Ali Trophy showdown are currently on presale and will go on General Sale at 11am (Riga time) tomorrow (Wednesday, January 22) via bilesuserviss.lv and WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com.
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Dorticos predicts he will KO Briedis in WBSS final
IBF cruiserweight champion Yuniel Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) has touched down in Riga, Latvia for the kickoff press conference ahead of the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight Ali Trophy final. Dorticos will be defending his IBF title against Mairis Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) on March 21st at the Arena Riga. Briedis will enjoy the home advantage. “I’m excited to be here and be welcomed by the people of Latvia once again,” said Dorticos, who entered the tournament as the #2 seed.
The Miami-based Cuban surprised the boxing world and the crowd in Riga in June by stopping previously unbeaten Andrew Tabiti in the tenth round of his semi-final, and now he is intent on doing the same against Briedis, the tournament #1 seed. “I’m gonna knock him out,” said Dorticos, nicknamed the "KO Doctor". He said, “I feel great and I can’t wait, come fight night and do what I do. I’m honoured and humbled to be fighting for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, I’m going to dedicate it to his memory by winning it and go down in history.”
Mairis Briedis and Yuniel Dorticos will face off tomorrow at the kickoff press conference in Latvia’s capital. Tickets for the Ali Trophy showdown are currently on presale and will go on General Sale at 11am (Riga time) tomorrow (Wednesday, January 22) via bilesuserviss.lv and WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com.
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British news: Haskins ready for 122-pound bout vs. Joyce |
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Former IBF bantamweight champion Lee Haskins of Great Britain has identified the one key area which he feels will make the difference when he takes on David Oliver Joyce in less than two weeks’ time. Now fighting at super bantamweight, Haskins (36-4, 14 KOs) faces Joyce (11-1, 8 KOs) at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland on February 1st – live in the US on ESPN+ and worldwide on IFL TV. Joyce is looking to bounce back following his Golden Contract quarter-final with Leigh Wood in October, but Haskins feels that bout may have revealed a weakness about the Irishman.
Haskins said: “I’m very excited about the fight and it is another chance for me to win another title. As I’m getting older I want to see what else I can do to add to my legacy. Training has been going really good and I’m in a happy place and enjoying it again. After the two years out I think I needed a good break to get the hunger back. I hear David Oliver Joyce likes to come on strong and he walks on to a lot of shots, so I believe that could work in my favor. He got stopped in his last fight and I think he would have learnt from his stoppage, as if he’s going to continue in the professional ranks he’s definitely going to need to learn from mistakes. I believe my skill over the years and my knowledge really could help me in this fight, but take all that away I still believe it’s going to be a hard fight so that’s why I’ve pushed myself.”
Elsewhere on the card, Sean McComb faces Mauro Maximiliano Godoy, Gary Cully takes on Joe Fitzpatrick for the BUI Irish lightweight title, unbeaten Lewis Crocker collides with John Thain, plus many more bouts.
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British news: Haskins ready for 122-pound bout vs. Joyce
Former IBF bantamweight champion Lee Haskins of Great Britain has identified the one key area which he feels will make the difference when he takes on David Oliver Joyce in less than two weeks’ time. Now fighting at super bantamweight, Haskins (36-4, 14 KOs) faces Joyce (11-1, 8 KOs) at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland on February 1st – live in the US on ESPN+ and worldwide on IFL TV. Joyce is looking to bounce back following his Golden Contract quarter-final with Leigh Wood in October, but Haskins feels that bout may have revealed a weakness about the Irishman.
Haskins said: “I’m very excited about the fight and it is another chance for me to win another title. As I’m getting older I want to see what else I can do to add to my legacy. Training has been going really good and I’m in a happy place and enjoying it again. After the two years out I think I needed a good break to get the hunger back. I hear David Oliver Joyce likes to come on strong and he walks on to a lot of shots, so I believe that could work in my favor. He got stopped in his last fight and I think he would have learnt from his stoppage, as if he’s going to continue in the professional ranks he’s definitely going to need to learn from mistakes. I believe my skill over the years and my knowledge really could help me in this fight, but take all that away I still believe it’s going to be a hard fight so that’s why I’ve pushed myself.”
Elsewhere on the card, Sean McComb faces Mauro Maximiliano Godoy, Gary Cully takes on Joe Fitzpatrick for the BUI Irish lightweight title, unbeaten Lewis Crocker collides with John Thain, plus many more bouts.
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Sims-Angulo added to packed DAZN show on Jan. 30th |
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Anthony Sims Jr. meets Colombia's Roamer Alexis Angulo in a super middleweight contest on Thursday January 30th at the Meridian in Island Gardens in Miami, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. From the state of Indiana, Sims Jr (20-0, 18 KOs) secured three wins in 2019, finishing the year with a stoppage win in Chicago in October after going the ten-round distance for the first time in April in California. Angulo (25-1, 22 KOs) represents a stiff test for Sims' aspirations with the Miami-based Colombian having only none blemish on his record, coming against Gilberto Ramirez when he challenged the Mexican for his WBO title in June 2018.
Sims said, “I’ve been ready for this step up for some time and I will prove that I am ready to mix it with the best with a devastating performance on January 30th – it’s time to bring the funk!”
Angulo countered, “I am always well prepared when I step in the ring, On January 30, my opponent will be facing the most difficult test of his young career. I will do everything I can so that he fails. I hope many of my fans and fellow Colombians living in Miami will come out to see me give my all.”
Sims Jr and Angulo clash on an action-packed night of boxing in Miami, topped by WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) defending his crown against Irish challenger Luke Keeler (17-2-1 5 KOs)... Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defends his IBF super featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs)... IBF/ WBA super bantamweight champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) defends against Murodjon Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6 KOs) and YouTube stars Jake Paul and AnEsonGib clash in their pro debuts.
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Sims-Angulo added to packed DAZN show on Jan. 30th
Anthony Sims Jr. meets Colombia's Roamer Alexis Angulo in a super middleweight contest on Thursday January 30th at the Meridian in Island Gardens in Miami, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. From the state of Indiana, Sims Jr (20-0, 18 KOs) secured three wins in 2019, finishing the year with a stoppage win in Chicago in October after going the ten-round distance for the first time in April in California. Angulo (25-1, 22 KOs) represents a stiff test for Sims' aspirations with the Miami-based Colombian having only none blemish on his record, coming against Gilberto Ramirez when he challenged the Mexican for his WBO title in June 2018.
Sims said, “I’ve been ready for this step up for some time and I will prove that I am ready to mix it with the best with a devastating performance on January 30th – it’s time to bring the funk!”
Angulo countered, “I am always well prepared when I step in the ring, On January 30, my opponent will be facing the most difficult test of his young career. I will do everything I can so that he fails. I hope many of my fans and fellow Colombians living in Miami will come out to see me give my all.”
Sims Jr and Angulo clash on an action-packed night of boxing in Miami, topped by WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) defending his crown against Irish challenger Luke Keeler (17-2-1 5 KOs)... Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defends his IBF super featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs)... IBF/ WBA super bantamweight champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) defends against Murodjon Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6 KOs) and YouTube stars Jake Paul and AnEsonGib clash in their pro debuts.
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Kenya Enriquez easily handles unqualified foe |
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Kenya Enriquez W10 Chaoz Minowa... Tijuana, Mexico's Kenya Enriquez (23-1, 9 KOs) defended WBC interim 105-pound title, defeating Chaoz Minowa of Japan by a wide unanimous decision. There were over 5000 fans present in the Tamazula Convention Center, Jalisco. From the beginning of the fight both fighters went out to throw their best combinations, but it was the Mexican who connected the most solid blows, which the Asian could not be removed in the rest of the fight. Minowa is now 6-3 with 5 KOs, but there are so few woemn boxing in these light divisions, she will continue to get opportunities despite only six pro wins. In the fifth round, Enriquez threw a perfect straight right which sent her opponent into, causing the referee to issue a count. In round ten, an Enriquez combination caused Minowa to visit the canvas\. All told, Enriquez beat her opponent round after, leading to three scores of 100-88. source: wbc
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Kenya Enriquez easily handles unqualified foe
Kenya Enriquez W10 Chaoz Minowa... Tijuana, Mexico's Kenya Enriquez (23-1, 9 KOs) defended WBC interim 105-pound title, defeating Chaoz Minowa of Japan by a wide unanimous decision. There were over 5000 fans present in the Tamazula Convention Center, Jalisco. From the beginning of the fight both fighters went out to throw their best combinations, but it was the Mexican who connected the most solid blows, which the Asian could not be removed in the rest of the fight. Minowa is now 6-3 with 5 KOs, but there are so few woemn boxing in these light divisions, she will continue to get opportunities despite only six pro wins. In the fifth round, Enriquez threw a perfect straight right which sent her opponent into, causing the referee to issue a count. In round ten, an Enriquez combination caused Minowa to visit the canvas\. All told, Enriquez beat her opponent round after, leading to three scores of 100-88. source: wbc
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Marvin Cordova Jr. launches new campaign at super middleweight |
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Marvin Cordova Jr. TKO4 Hector Velazquez... Fighting for the first time since 2017, CES Boxing's newest acquisition, Marvin "Much Too Much" Cordova Jr., returned over the weekend with a tune-up victory in his hometown of Pueblo, CO. Cordova Jr. (23-2-1, 12 KOs) stopped Mexico's Hector Velazquez (56-31-3) with a series of body shots in the fourth round of a super middleweight contest. [Cordova had not fought since 2017; Velazquez had not fought since 2017 and had not won a bout since 2015]. CES Boxing and Cordova Jr. agreed to terms on a multi-year promotional agreement in 2019.
Even with Saturday's win, Cordova Jr. has fought just twice since 2010, but CES believes the 35 year-old remains an intriguing prospect in the sport based on his track record. Cordova Jr. fought 242 times as an amateur, which included a bronze medal in the 2002 U.S. U-19 Championships and a quarterfinal appearance in the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials. He won his first 12 fights as a pro and 20 of his first 21 with the only blemish a draw against former world champion Victor Ortiz. Cordova Jr. also went the distance in his losses to Josesito Lopez and Dennis Laurente.
"Marvin Cordova is the best-kept secret in boxing," CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. "When the opportunity came to work with such a remarkable, dedicated talent, there was no hesitation on our end to join forces with Cordova and his team. There is no doubt in my mind he will back one top of the boxing world in no time and we're excited about him bringing a world title back to Colorado." source: ces press release
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Marvin Cordova Jr. launches new campaign at super middleweight
Marvin Cordova Jr. TKO4 Hector Velazquez... Fighting for the first time since 2017, CES Boxing's newest acquisition, Marvin "Much Too Much" Cordova Jr., returned over the weekend with a tune-up victory in his hometown of Pueblo, CO. Cordova Jr. (23-2-1, 12 KOs) stopped Mexico's Hector Velazquez (56-31-3) with a series of body shots in the fourth round of a super middleweight contest. [Cordova had not fought since 2017; Velazquez had not fought since 2017 and had not won a bout since 2015]. CES Boxing and Cordova Jr. agreed to terms on a multi-year promotional agreement in 2019.
Even with Saturday's win, Cordova Jr. has fought just twice since 2010, but CES believes the 35 year-old remains an intriguing prospect in the sport based on his track record. Cordova Jr. fought 242 times as an amateur, which included a bronze medal in the 2002 U.S. U-19 Championships and a quarterfinal appearance in the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials. He won his first 12 fights as a pro and 20 of his first 21 with the only blemish a draw against former world champion Victor Ortiz. Cordova Jr. also went the distance in his losses to Josesito Lopez and Dennis Laurente.
"Marvin Cordova is the best-kept secret in boxing," CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. "When the opportunity came to work with such a remarkable, dedicated talent, there was no hesitation on our end to join forces with Cordova and his team. There is no doubt in my mind he will back one top of the boxing world in no time and we're excited about him bringing a world title back to Colorado." source: ces press release
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Boxingtalk's lightweight rankings as of Jan. 20, 2020 |
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1. Vasiliy Lomachenko - The top spot at 135 pounds is not up for debate. The Ukrainian superstar has had four fights at lightweight, three against top competition. Next up, he faces young gun Teofimo Lopez for the IBF belt, the only major title missing from Loma's collection.
2. Teofimo Lopez - While Lomachenko is the indisputable sheriff in town, Lopez is the clear-cut #2 at the moment. The 22 year old IBF champion from New York City had a phenomenal 2019: four big wins capped by easily mugging Richard Commey for the IBF title. If you miss Lomachenko-Lopez this spring, don't bother calling yourself a boxing fan.
3. Gervonta Davis - The former 130-pound champion has had only two fights at 135 pounds- a win over Francesco Fonseca in 2017 when he failed to make the super featherweight limit, and more recently, a solid win over the still top 20 Yuriorkis Gamboa. The WBA title Davis holds is a secondary one, as Lomachenko holds top recognition with the WBA, WBO and WBC. A fight against the Lomachenko-Lopez winner might be tough to make due to promotional rivalries, but at least Lomachenko has mentioned Tank's name for later in the year, should he get by Lopez.
4. Devin Haney - Undefeated, with top-shelf talent, Haney has beaten a couple of top twenty types, but no one who can really be called a top contender. Haney will likely miss the first half of 2020 due to shoulder surgery. The WBC belt he holds is purely a paper title, but hopefully he will return by the summer to continue his rise towards the top.
5. Javier Fortuna - Had two solid wins in 2019, but more importantly, Fortuna deserves a top ten ranking based on a 2018 split-decision loss to then-undefeated, then-IBF lightweight champion Robert Easter.
6. Richard Commey - The loss to Lopez will follow this warrior from Ghana because it was his most publicized fight, but the second-round loss does not erase the good work Commey did earlier in 2019 (wins over Isa Chaniev and Rey Beltran). He deserves another big fight.
7. Rances Barthelemy - The Cuban held the IBF title in 2015-2016 and then moved up to junior welterweight. He came back to 135 to face Robert Easter and fought to a draw. That was in April, and Barthelemy hasn't fight since, so his spot in the top twenty is at risk if his inactivity stretches more than a year.
8. Luke Campbell - 2012 Olympic champion exceeded expectations with a reasonably competitive distance loss to Lomachenko in August.
9. Emmanuel Tagoe - He is based in Ghana, where it is nearly impossible to attract top-tier opposition, but after losing his pro debut, Tagoe has beaten everyone put in front of him, so he has clearly earned his opportunity. He is 31-1 with his only pro loss coming in 2004... get this man a big fight, stat!
10. Lee Selby- Former IBF featherweight champion lost his title to Josh Warrington in 2018, and promptly jumped up two divisions. In 2019, Selby beat Omar Douglas and former title holder Ricky Burns. This Welshman can legitimately call himself a lightweight contender.
11. Edis Tatli - Not gonna lie, its very hard to separate the next three boxers, all Europeans. From Finland, Tatli's key results are a loss to Tefimo Lopez, a win over Yvan Mendy and a split of two fights vs. Francesco Patera.
12. Yvan Mendy - The French Mendy split two fights with Luke Campbell, lost to Tatli, defeated Francesco Patera and had two quality wins in 2019.
13. Francesco Patera - From Belgium, Patera is the reigning European champion and is on a run of four quality wins. However, he's lost to Mendy and split with Tatli.
14. Diego Magdaleno -This Mexican warrior is just shy of a year's inactivity following a loss to Teofimo Lopez, but he's got a fight scheduled for next month vs. Austin Dulay. A loss likely drops him from the top 20.
15. Ryan Garcia - Just 21 years of age, and a social media favorite, Garcia is just a little light in the resume in terms of opposition level. His February opponent, Frnacisco Fonseca, is another careful selection.
16. Gustavo Daniel Lemos- He's a 24 year-old with a 24-0 record but has yet to venture outside of his native Argentina.
17. Roberto Ramirez - Mexican defeated former title holder Dejean Zlaticanin in 2018 but has been marking time since then.
18. George Kambosos - Australian up-and-comer cracked the top twenty with a split-decision win over former title holder Mickey Bey in December.
19. James Tennyson - Northern Irishman lost a 2018 title shot in the 130-pound division to Tevin Farmer but moved up with four wins in 2019, including two quality wins to close out the year. He seems to have carried his punching power (26-3 with 22 KOs) up to lightweight, as all four wins came inside the distance.
20. Jon Fernandez - He came to the USA in 2018 from his native Spain, and lost to O'Shaquie Foster at 130 pounds, but he's been unbeaten since making the jump to lightweight.
Others: Yuriorkis Gamboa, Masayoshi Nakatani, Ricky Burns, Pavel Malikov, Xolisani Ndongeni, Roman Andreev, Hector Tanajara, Daud Yordan, Felix Verdejo, Simpiwe Vetyeka (inactive), Zaur Abdullaev, Elnur Samedov
Biggest Disappointment - Gervonta Davis moving up from junior lightweight without seeing Tevin Farmer or featherweight Gary Russell.
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Boxingtalk's lightweight rankings as of Jan. 20, 2020
1. Vasiliy Lomachenko - The top spot at 135 pounds is not up for debate. The Ukrainian superstar has had four fights at lightweight, three against top competition. Next up, he faces young gun Teofimo Lopez for the IBF belt, the only major title missing from Loma's collection.
2. Teofimo Lopez - While Lomachenko is the indisputable sheriff in town, Lopez is the clear-cut #2 at the moment. The 22 year old IBF champion from New York City had a phenomenal 2019: four big wins capped by easily mugging Richard Commey for the IBF title. If you miss Lomachenko-Lopez this spring, don't bother calling yourself a boxing fan.
3. Gervonta Davis - The former 130-pound champion has had only two fights at 135 pounds- a win over Francesco Fonseca in 2017 when he failed to make the super featherweight limit, and more recently, a solid win over the still top 20 Yuriorkis Gamboa. The WBA title Davis holds is a secondary one, as Lomachenko holds top recognition with the WBA, WBO and WBC. A fight against the Lomachenko-Lopez winner might be tough to make due to promotional rivalries, but at least Lomachenko has mentioned Tank's name for later in the year, should he get by Lopez.
4. Devin Haney - Undefeated, with top-shelf talent, Haney has beaten a couple of top twenty types, but no one who can really be called a top contender. Haney will likely miss the first half of 2020 due to shoulder surgery. The WBC belt he holds is purely a paper title, but hopefully he will return by the summer to continue his rise towards the top.
5. Javier Fortuna - Had two solid wins in 2019, but more importantly, Fortuna deserves a top ten ranking based on a 2018 split-decision loss to then-undefeated, then-IBF lightweight champion Robert Easter.
6. Richard Commey - The loss to Lopez will follow this warrior from Ghana because it was his most publicized fight, but the second-round loss does not erase the good work Commey did earlier in 2019 (wins over Isa Chaniev and Rey Beltran). He deserves another big fight.
7. Rances Barthelemy - The Cuban held the IBF title in 2015-2016 and then moved up to junior welterweight. He came back to 135 to face Robert Easter and fought to a draw. That was in April, and Barthelemy hasn't fight since, so his spot in the top twenty is at risk if his inactivity stretches more than a year.
8. Luke Campbell - 2012 Olympic champion exceeded expectations with a reasonably competitive distance loss to Lomachenko in August.
9. Emmanuel Tagoe - He is based in Ghana, where it is nearly impossible to attract top-tier opposition, but after losing his pro debut, Tagoe has beaten everyone put in front of him, so he has clearly earned his opportunity. He is 31-1 with his only pro loss coming in 2004... get this man a big fight, stat!
10. Lee Selby- Former IBF featherweight champion lost his title to Josh Warrington in 2018, and promptly jumped up two divisions. In 2019, Selby beat Omar Douglas and former title holder Ricky Burns. This Welshman can legitimately call himself a lightweight contender.
11. Edis Tatli - Not gonna lie, its very hard to separate the next three boxers, all Europeans. From Finland, Tatli's key results are a loss to Tefimo Lopez, a win over Yvan Mendy and a split of two fights vs. Francesco Patera.
12. Yvan Mendy - The French Mendy split two fights with Luke Campbell, lost to Tatli, defeated Francesco Patera and had two quality wins in 2019.
13. Francesco Patera - From Belgium, Patera is the reigning European champion and is on a run of four quality wins. However, he's lost to Mendy and split with Tatli.
14. Diego Magdaleno -This Mexican warrior is just shy of a year's inactivity following a loss to Teofimo Lopez, but he's got a fight scheduled for next month vs. Austin Dulay. A loss likely drops him from the top 20.
15. Ryan Garcia - Just 21 years of age, and a social media favorite, Garcia is just a little light in the resume in terms of opposition level. His February opponent, Frnacisco Fonseca, is another careful selection.
16. Gustavo Daniel Lemos- He's a 24 year-old with a 24-0 record but has yet to venture outside of his native Argentina.
17. Roberto Ramirez - Mexican defeated former title holder Dejean Zlaticanin in 2018 but has been marking time since then.
18. George Kambosos - Australian up-and-comer cracked the top twenty with a split-decision win over former title holder Mickey Bey in December.
19. James Tennyson - Northern Irishman lost a 2018 title shot in the 130-pound division to Tevin Farmer but moved up with four wins in 2019, including two quality wins to close out the year. He seems to have carried his punching power (26-3 with 22 KOs) up to lightweight, as all four wins came inside the distance.
20. Jon Fernandez - He came to the USA in 2018 from his native Spain, and lost to O'Shaquie Foster at 130 pounds, but he's been unbeaten since making the jump to lightweight.
Others: Yuriorkis Gamboa, Masayoshi Nakatani, Ricky Burns, Pavel Malikov, Xolisani Ndongeni, Roman Andreev, Hector Tanajara, Daud Yordan, Felix Verdejo, Simpiwe Vetyeka (inactive), Zaur Abdullaev, Elnur Samedov
Biggest Disappointment - Gervonta Davis moving up from junior lightweight without seeing Tevin Farmer or featherweight Gary Russell.
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Twitter Chatter |
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Julian Williams on losing his IBF/ WBA junior middleweight championships to Jesion Rosario: "I been here before I’ll bounce back even better... congrats to Rosario for putting on a great performance."
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Twitter Chatter
Julian Williams on losing his IBF/ WBA junior middleweight championships to Jesion Rosario: "I been here before I’ll bounce back even better... congrats to Rosario for putting on a great performance."
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Dan Azeez added to London show on March 20th |
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Dan Azeez will meet challenger Andre Sterling for the English light heavyweight title on the Golden Contract bill at London's York Hall on March 20th. Azeez (11-0, 7 KOs) shot to prominence last year with an emphatic stoppage win over Charlie Duffield and now defends his national crown against Sterling (10-2, 4 KOs), who was edged out of the Golden Contract tournament at the quarter-final stage. [Sterling has lost two straight].
Azeez said: “I like to keep things traditional and winning and defending these titles is a way of proving myself. Andre and I train in the same gym and we’re from the same area so I know a lot about him already. The British title is the logical next step after the English one. If I win that, I’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment because it’s a very prestigious title. Beyond that, there are stages bigger than the British scene and ultimately, that’s the direction I want to be heading in.”
Azeez won the title with an assured victory over the previously-undefeated Lawrence Osueke on the undercard of the Golden Contract quarter-finals back in December. That same night, Sterling suffered defeat to Liam Conroy having been previously outpointed by world-ranked Craig Richards.
Four light-heavyweights in Conroy, Hosea Burton, Ricards Bolotniks and Serge Michel, battle it out for places in the Golden Contract final on the same night.
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Dan Azeez added to London show on March 20th
Dan Azeez will meet challenger Andre Sterling for the English light heavyweight title on the Golden Contract bill at London's York Hall on March 20th. Azeez (11-0, 7 KOs) shot to prominence last year with an emphatic stoppage win over Charlie Duffield and now defends his national crown against Sterling (10-2, 4 KOs), who was edged out of the Golden Contract tournament at the quarter-final stage. [Sterling has lost two straight].
Azeez said: “I like to keep things traditional and winning and defending these titles is a way of proving myself. Andre and I train in the same gym and we’re from the same area so I know a lot about him already. The British title is the logical next step after the English one. If I win that, I’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment because it’s a very prestigious title. Beyond that, there are stages bigger than the British scene and ultimately, that’s the direction I want to be heading in.”
Azeez won the title with an assured victory over the previously-undefeated Lawrence Osueke on the undercard of the Golden Contract quarter-finals back in December. That same night, Sterling suffered defeat to Liam Conroy having been previously outpointed by world-ranked Craig Richards.
Four light-heavyweights in Conroy, Hosea Burton, Ricards Bolotniks and Serge Michel, battle it out for places in the Golden Contract final on the same night.
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It will be Brackin vs. Freiberg in Toowoomba |
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In an all-Australian junior welterweight bout, Stanthorpe's Chris Brackin will battle Brisbane's Kyle Freiberg on March 14th. Brackin the former amateur star, has a perfect record of eight fights, eight wins. Brackin said, "With reward comes risk and no doubt Kyle Freiberg is the biggest test of my career but I feel I'm ready to step up." Freiberg will travel to Toowoomba to spoil the party. Like Brackin he is one of the young guns leading the next generation of fighters coming through the Queensland ranks. Freiberg is 5-1 and is coming off his lone loss, a majority decision against Shiva Mishra.
"I'm confident in my preparation, so to me it doesn't matter where I'm fighting or who, I'm there to get the job done and I will get the job done," Freiberg said. "It's a big fight, I'm not a trash talker and always have respect for my opponent. He will be putting in the hard work to win I'm sure. Everyone will have to buy a ticket and come watch a great fight to find out how it plays out."
This one promises to be a fans fight. Both fighters have a big following and passionate supporters. "Styles make fights and Chris Brackin and Kyle Freiberg make for an all action, fast and furious fight," promoter Brendon Smith said. "Both fighters deserve this title shot, March 14 we find out who will seize the opportunity. This is a clash between two of the best young prospects in the country."
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It will be Brackin vs. Freiberg in Toowoomba
In an all-Australian junior welterweight bout, Stanthorpe's Chris Brackin will battle Brisbane's Kyle Freiberg on March 14th. Brackin the former amateur star, has a perfect record of eight fights, eight wins. Brackin said, "With reward comes risk and no doubt Kyle Freiberg is the biggest test of my career but I feel I'm ready to step up." Freiberg will travel to Toowoomba to spoil the party. Like Brackin he is one of the young guns leading the next generation of fighters coming through the Queensland ranks. Freiberg is 5-1 and is coming off his lone loss, a majority decision against Shiva Mishra.
"I'm confident in my preparation, so to me it doesn't matter where I'm fighting or who, I'm there to get the job done and I will get the job done," Freiberg said. "It's a big fight, I'm not a trash talker and always have respect for my opponent. He will be putting in the hard work to win I'm sure. Everyone will have to buy a ticket and come watch a great fight to find out how it plays out."
This one promises to be a fans fight. Both fighters have a big following and passionate supporters. "Styles make fights and Chris Brackin and Kyle Freiberg make for an all action, fast and furious fight," promoter Brendon Smith said. "Both fighters deserve this title shot, March 14 we find out who will seize the opportunity. This is a clash between two of the best young prospects in the country."
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Cunningham: Rosario-Lubin makes all the sense in the world |
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World class trainer Kevin Cunningham wasted no time to make it clear to Boxingtalk that he'd love a fight between Erickson "Hammer" Lubin and newly minted WBA, IBO and IBF junior middleweight champion Jeison Rosario. "Hammer beat (Nathaniel) Gallimore, Gallimore knocked out Rosario, Rosario just knocked out (Julian) Williams, so Rosario vs. Lubin sounds good to me," said Cunningham.
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Cunningham: Rosario-Lubin makes all the sense in the world
World class trainer Kevin Cunningham wasted no time to make it clear to Boxingtalk that he'd love a fight between Erickson "Hammer" Lubin and newly minted WBA, IBO and IBF junior middleweight champion Jeison Rosario. "Hammer beat (Nathaniel) Gallimore, Gallimore knocked out Rosario, Rosario just knocked out (Julian) Williams, so Rosario vs. Lubin sounds good to me," said Cunningham.
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Undercard results from Philadelphia |
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Joey Spencer W6 Erik Spring... On the PBC card in Philadelphia, junior middleweight Joey Spencer (10-0, 7 KOs) took the patient approach and won a mundane six-round decision over skinny southpaw Erik Spring (13-3-2, 1 KO). The most action in the fight came in the final five seconds, when Spencer rocked Spring with a left to the chin, knocking Spring back to the ropes. It was academic for the judges, who all scored it 60-54 for Spencer. Spring landed 18 punches over six rounds. “I was in there with a cagey, long southpaw,” Spencer said. “And to be honest, when a guy is fighting as cagey as he was, it’s really hard for a guy with my style to just pull something out of nothing. He was a real defensive guy. “I’m glad to get the six rounds in. Experience is everything. You’re only as good as your next fight. I’m happy to get in there and get some good experience and I did my thing and got the shutout.”
Jorge Cota TKO5 Thomas LaManna... On the FS1 portion of the card, junior middleweight southpaw Jorge Cota (30-4, 27 KOs) took apart lanky, local Thomas LaManna (28-3-1, 10 KOs) in the fifth round. From the opening bell, Cota waded into the light-punching LaManna with uppercuts. By the third round, a small cut had opened over LaManna’s right eye. LaManna showed great courage, though was taking a thorough beating. Finally, at 1:22 of the fifth round, LaManna’s corner wisely ended it.
MORE RESULTS
Highly touted 17-year-old welterweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs) went the distance for the first time, winning a four-round decision over Preston Wilson (6-4-1, 4 KOs). “This was a great experience against a guy who really didn’t want to fight,” Mielnicki said. “He was on a bicycle. I have to work on little things, like cutting off the ring. I think I learned to keep my composure against a guy who didn’t want to fight. “If it was a longer fight than four rounds, I would have gotten him out of there. My amateur background helps against a guy like that. It comes with the game. I’m happy with what happened.”
Bantamweight Miguel Angel Román, Jr. made his pro debut with a four-round decision over Antonio Lucaine (0-3).
Heavyweight Norman Neely (5-0, 5 KOs) stopped Larry Knight (4-23-1, 1 KO) at 1:21 in the first round of a scheduled four-rounder.
Philadelphia junior middleweight Paul Kroll (7-0, 6 KOs) scored a fourth-round TKO at :49 over Marcel Rivers (7-3, 4 KOs) in a scheduled eight-rounder.
Middleweight Kyrone Davis (15-2, 6 KOs) stopped Antonio Todd (7-3, 4 KOs) at 2:28 of the fourth in a scheduled eight-rounder. source for all results: pbc press release
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Undercard results from Philadelphia
Joey Spencer W6 Erik Spring... On the PBC card in Philadelphia, junior middleweight Joey Spencer (10-0, 7 KOs) took the patient approach and won a mundane six-round decision over skinny southpaw Erik Spring (13-3-2, 1 KO). The most action in the fight came in the final five seconds, when Spencer rocked Spring with a left to the chin, knocking Spring back to the ropes. It was academic for the judges, who all scored it 60-54 for Spencer. Spring landed 18 punches over six rounds. “I was in there with a cagey, long southpaw,” Spencer said. “And to be honest, when a guy is fighting as cagey as he was, it’s really hard for a guy with my style to just pull something out of nothing. He was a real defensive guy. “I’m glad to get the six rounds in. Experience is everything. You’re only as good as your next fight. I’m happy to get in there and get some good experience and I did my thing and got the shutout.”
Jorge Cota TKO5 Thomas LaManna... On the FS1 portion of the card, junior middleweight southpaw Jorge Cota (30-4, 27 KOs) took apart lanky, local Thomas LaManna (28-3-1, 10 KOs) in the fifth round. From the opening bell, Cota waded into the light-punching LaManna with uppercuts. By the third round, a small cut had opened over LaManna’s right eye. LaManna showed great courage, though was taking a thorough beating. Finally, at 1:22 of the fifth round, LaManna’s corner wisely ended it.
MORE RESULTS
Highly touted 17-year-old welterweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs) went the distance for the first time, winning a four-round decision over Preston Wilson (6-4-1, 4 KOs). “This was a great experience against a guy who really didn’t want to fight,” Mielnicki said. “He was on a bicycle. I have to work on little things, like cutting off the ring. I think I learned to keep my composure against a guy who didn’t want to fight. “If it was a longer fight than four rounds, I would have gotten him out of there. My amateur background helps against a guy like that. It comes with the game. I’m happy with what happened.”
Bantamweight Miguel Angel Román, Jr. made his pro debut with a four-round decision over Antonio Lucaine (0-3).
Heavyweight Norman Neely (5-0, 5 KOs) stopped Larry Knight (4-23-1, 1 KO) at 1:21 in the first round of a scheduled four-rounder.
Philadelphia junior middleweight Paul Kroll (7-0, 6 KOs) scored a fourth-round TKO at :49 over Marcel Rivers (7-3, 4 KOs) in a scheduled eight-rounder.
Middleweight Kyrone Davis (15-2, 6 KOs) stopped Antonio Todd (7-3, 4 KOs) at 2:28 of the fourth in a scheduled eight-rounder. source for all results: pbc press release
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Undercard results from Verona, New York |
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Christopher Diaz W8 Adeilson dos Santos... In a bout between two junior lightweight title challengers now competing at featherweight, Christopher "Pitufo" Diaz (25-2, 16 KOs) shut out Adeilson dos Santos (19-8, 15 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout. All three judges scored it 80-72. "I am very happy to have returned to the winning route," Diaz said. "I showed that I don't only know how to brawl. I also know how to box very well. Before, what I wanted was to give fans wars to entertain them, but I learned that I can also give good, entertaining fights by boxing well." Devin Vargas W8 Victor Bisbal ...In a heavyweight fight featuring a pair of 2004 Olympians, Devin Vargas defeated Victor Bisbal by disqualification in the eighth and final round. Referee Mike Ortega, who had taken a pair of points from Bisbal earlier in the fight, ended the proceedings after Bisbal landed a low blow. Vargas led on all three scorecards at the time the fight was stopped: 67-63 (twice) and 66-64. MORE RESULTS Lightweight Abraham "El Super" Nova (18-0, 14 KOs) had a winning Top Rank debut, knocking out Mexico's Pedro Navarrete (30-25-3, 19 KOs) in round four of a scheduled eight-round bout. Nova has now won four in a row via stoppage. "I knew I had to be patient in there because he's a tough, awkward fighter. I also wanted to be patient because I hadn't fought in a bit and wanted to get some rounds in," Nova said. "I could've taken him out a little earlier, but I needed the rounds. When my trainer told me to knock him out, I went out there and ended the fight." In a back-and-forth super bantamweight battle, former title holder Jonathan Guzman (24-1, 23 KOs) survived a second-round knockdown to KO Rodolfo Hernandez (30-10-1, 28 KOs) with a left hook to the body in the third. Heavyweight Jared "The Real Big Baby" Anderson (3-0, 3 KOs) scored the third straight first-round stoppage to begin his career, knocking down Andrew Satterfield (5-4, 3 KOs) twice en route to the TKO victory. source for all results: top rank
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Undercard results from Verona, New York
Christopher Diaz W8 Adeilson dos Santos... In a bout between two junior lightweight title challengers now competing at featherweight, Christopher "Pitufo" Diaz (25-2, 16 KOs) shut out Adeilson dos Santos (19-8, 15 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout. All three judges scored it 80-72. "I am very happy to have returned to the winning route," Diaz said. "I showed that I don't only know how to brawl. I also know how to box very well. Before, what I wanted was to give fans wars to entertain them, but I learned that I can also give good, entertaining fights by boxing well." Devin Vargas W8 Victor Bisbal ...In a heavyweight fight featuring a pair of 2004 Olympians, Devin Vargas defeated Victor Bisbal by disqualification in the eighth and final round. Referee Mike Ortega, who had taken a pair of points from Bisbal earlier in the fight, ended the proceedings after Bisbal landed a low blow. Vargas led on all three scorecards at the time the fight was stopped: 67-63 (twice) and 66-64. MORE RESULTS Lightweight Abraham "El Super" Nova (18-0, 14 KOs) had a winning Top Rank debut, knocking out Mexico's Pedro Navarrete (30-25-3, 19 KOs) in round four of a scheduled eight-round bout. Nova has now won four in a row via stoppage. "I knew I had to be patient in there because he's a tough, awkward fighter. I also wanted to be patient because I hadn't fought in a bit and wanted to get some rounds in," Nova said. "I could've taken him out a little earlier, but I needed the rounds. When my trainer told me to knock him out, I went out there and ended the fight." In a back-and-forth super bantamweight battle, former title holder Jonathan Guzman (24-1, 23 KOs) survived a second-round knockdown to KO Rodolfo Hernandez (30-10-1, 28 KOs) with a left hook to the body in the third. Heavyweight Jared "The Real Big Baby" Anderson (3-0, 3 KOs) scored the third straight first-round stoppage to begin his career, knocking down Andrew Satterfield (5-4, 3 KOs) twice en route to the TKO victory. source for all results: top rank
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