Queensberry Promotions' boxing presenter and press conference host Dev Sahni has given notice he is leaving the company, albeit on good terms. Here is what Sahni had to say on social media: "After twelve incredible years with Queensberry Promotions, this is my last fight week as a full-time member of staff. It feels like the right time for me to spread my wings and step into the next chapter. I’m finding it really hard to put into words just how much this journey has meant to me. From the early BoxNation days, through so many unforgettable nights, Riyadh Season streams, major press conferences, fighter, interviews and everything in between, Queensberry became far more than a job. It became a huge part of my life and heart.

 

"A massive, heartfelt, thank you to Frank [Warren] and George [Warren, Queensberry's principals], for the trust, the opportunities, for allowing me to work through my notice, to be a part of their remarkable schedule and for keeping the door open for future collaboration. To the whole Queensberry team, the fighters and everyone I’ve shared this journey with, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve been part of some of the best moments of my career and I’ll carry those memories with me forever. I also feel immense pride about being able to represent the South Asian community on some of the biggest stages in boxing. I’m excited and a little nervous for what comes next. Here’s to many more big nights in boxing. [I'm] open to conversation conversations and new opportunities. 

 

"Just to add as I have seen some comments, this was my decision and a very difficult one that I reached with a heavy heart three months ago. It’s difficult to leave such an incredible company. Nothing bad has happened, no crazy drama, just me taking a bet on myself and chasing a dream."

 

Boxingtalk wishes Dev all the best in his future endavors.

 

The flyweight division has a WBC eliminator coming up on May 30th in San Diego, as controversial Mexican veteran Francisco Rodríguez Jr. (39-6-1) faces undefeated Venezuelan Angelino Córdova (19-0-2), who is coming off a draw.  Rodriguez is under suspension from the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) following a positive test for an illegal substance after a fight against Galal Yafai. On June 21, 2025, UKAD collected a urine sample from Rodriguez, after his bout against Yafai in Birmingham, England. Analysis of the sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for the prohibited substances octodrine and its metabolite, heptaminol.

 

PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE

 

APRIL 4, 2026: Despite a two-year suspension from the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) handed out to Mexican flyweight Francisco Rodriguez Jr., the WBC will continue to allow Rodriguez to compete in WBC bouts. The WBC stripped Rodriguez of his interim title last year following a positive test for an illegal substance after a fight against Gala Yafai, but in a new ruling, the WBC accepted Rodriguez's explanation that the banned substance came from a sports drink. Here is the WBC's ruling:

 

On July 8, 2025, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (“VADA”) notified Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez, Jr. and the WBC that the urine sample collected from him on June 21, 2025, in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in connection with his bout for the interim WBC flyweight championship against Galal Yafai, yielded an adverse analytical finding for Heptaminol (the “Adverse Finding”). Heptaminol is a known cardiac stimulant and vasodilator. Heptaminol is a metabolite of Octodrine. It is also a banned substance. On July 11, 2025, the WBC CBP Results Management Unit notified then-Champion Rodriguez of the Adverse Finding and of the start of its investigation of the circumstances that led to it. Soon after receiving the notification, Rodriguez’s representatives provided photographic evidence of a container and label of an energy enhancement supplement called Lipodrene. There is ample scientific literature support for the fact that supplements containing stimulants have also been found to include and/or be contaminated with Octodrine and other banned substances.

 

Rodriguez admitted to unintentionally ingesting a supplement that was likely contaminated with Octodrine. A significant extenuating fact is that Rodriguez reported the use of Lipodrene to the WBC CBP on his registration form. Therefore, in the view of the WBC, his consumption of Lipodrene was not an intentional or knowing ingestion of a banned substance with the purpose of enhancing his athletic performance.

 

The WBC and Rodriguez therefore entered into an Adjudication Agreement which: (a) placed him on probation for one year from the date of the sample collection; (b) vacated his WBC interim title; (c) changed the outcome of his victory against Galal Yafai to a No Contest; and (d) ordered a minimum of three random VADA anti-doping tests at Rodriguez’s sole cost during the probationary period. Three anti-doping tests have been conducted and all have yielded negative results.

 

Rodriguez has also participated in social responsibility events and he and his camp cooperated with the WBC CBP at all stages of the investigation of his adverse finding. He has complied with all conditions in the Adjudication Agreement.

 

The WBC has learned that on March 30th, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) notified Rodriguez that it had imposed a two-year period of ineligibility for the very same adverse finding described above.

 

The WBC legal counsel as well as the WBC CBP Results Management Unit have tried several times in prior cases to work together with UKAD in situations similar to Rodriguez’s. UKAD has never responded to the WBC’s overtures and does not recognize the WBC CBP nor its results management rulings or Adjudication Agreements.

 

The Rodriguez vs. Yafai bout took place under the authority of the WBC [as well as the British Board of Boxing Control]. In light of the WBC/Rodriguez fair and just Adjudication Agreement, the WBC will continue to allow Rodriguez to compete in WBC bouts.

 

MARCH 30, 2026: According to UKAD, Mexican flyweight Francisco Rodriguez Jr. has been banned from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sports competitions for two years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of prohibited substances.  On June 21, 2025, UKAD collected a urine sample from Rodriguez, after his bout against Galal Yafai in Birmingham, England. Analysis of the sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAFs) for the prohibited substances octodrine and its metabolite, heptaminol, in addition to an AAF for oxilofrine. Octodrine, heptaminol and oxilofrine are specified substances that are prohibited in-competition only. The problem here is that Rodriguez won the Yafai bout by unanimous decision, making him the WBC interim champion at the time. The WBC has given Yafai the interim title but still ranks Rodriguez as the #1 contender. Rodriguez won another fight in Mexico in October.

 

UKAD notified Rodriguez of his adverse analytical findings and imposed a provisional suspension. Having received no response to the notice, UKAD subsequently charged him with both ADRVs. Still, Rodriguez provided UKAD with no response to the charge, despite multiple efforts to contact the boxer across various channels.  UKAD did not assert that the ADRVs were intentional and imposed a two-year period of Ineligibility. The ban is deemed to have begun on July 30th 2025 (the date of the provisional suspension) and will expire on July 29, 2027

Bruin Capital has taken a minority equity interest in Matchroom Holdings Ltd forming a strategic alliance between one of the world’s largest independent sports media and promotional businesses with the leading specialist in scaling sports businesses worldwide, it was announced today. The Hearn family will retain majority ownership and continue to oversee the business, with Eddie Hearn serving as Group Chairman and Barry Hearn as Founder and President. Financial terms were not disclosed. Bruin will join Matchroom’s board of directors. Bruin’s investment comes as global demand for premium live sports content, rights, and events businesses continues to accelerate. The partnership is expected to support Matchroom’s next phase of growth, particularly in the United States, where the company has begun expanding its presence.

 

Over the last four decades, Matchroom has grown into one of the largest independent sports promotion and rights businesses in the world, operating across darts, boxing, snooker, and other sports, with events distributed globally through broadcast and streaming partnerships. Its portfolio includes the Professional Darts Corporation, Matchroom Boxing, the World Snooker Tour, Matchroom Multi-Sport, and Matchroom Media, with more than 600 event days and 2,400 hours of programming distributed annually across broadcast and streaming platforms worldwide. Matchroom also represents some of the biggest names in boxing and darts, including Anthony Joshua, Katie Taylor, Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez.

 

Led by George Pyne, the firm’s founder and CEO, Bruin has built a reputation for identifying and scaling founder-led sports platforms with valuable intellectual property, international audiences, and significant growth potential across media, events, technology, and fan engagement. Currently, the Bruin portfolio includes nine platforms with global operations of more than 100 offices in 21 countries. Its latest alliance with Matchroom is emblematic of its strategy to back category-defining platforms positioned to expand globally and capitalize on the increasing demand for premium live sports content and experiences.

 

The collaboration is founded on mutual entrepreneurial principles and features strengths that complement each other exceptionally well. Matchroom has built a global, multi-sport live-events and sports rights platform, while Bruin brings experience scaling sports, media, and entertainment businesses. Together, the companies intend to expand Matchroom’s capabilities across digital distribution, data, and direct-to-consumer engagement as the sports media landscape continues to evolve.

 

Pyne said: “Barry, Eddie, and the Matchroom team have built one of the most important independent sports businesses in the world. Matchroom sits at the intersection of live events, global media rights, and premium sports intellectual property, and we see significant opportunities ahead, particularly in the United States.”

 

Barry Hearn said: “We have built this business over more than forty years by staying independent and focused on execution. In Bruin, we found a partner that understands how to grow sports businesses at scale and can help us take the next step without changing how we operate.”

 

Eddie Hearn said: “The opportunity for Matchroom in the United States and globally continues to grow. This partnership with Bruin gives us the ability to accelerate that expansion and build on the platform we have created.”

 

About Matchroom Sport: Matchroom Sport is one of the world’s leading privately held sports rights, promotion, and broadcasting businesses. Founded in 1982 by Barry Hearn OBE, Matchroom owns, promotes, and broadcasts events across boxing, snooker, darts, pool, and other sports, with content distributed globally through broadcast and streaming partnerships. The group includes the Professional Darts Corporation, Matchroom Boxing, Matchroom Boxing USA, World Snooker, Matchroom Multi Sport, and Matchroom Media. The company is headquartered in Brentwood, Essex.

 

About Bruin Capital: Bruin Capital is a global investment and operating platform focused on sports, media, marketing, entertainment, and related technology. Founded in 2015 by George Pyne, Bruin partners with founders and management teams to build and scale businesses powering the global sports economy. The firm’s portfolio includes Box to Box Films, TGI Sport, AS1, Full Swing, FairPlay Sports Media, PlayGreen, and Proof of the Pudding, among others, and is headquartered in Westchester County, New York.

 

Leider Galvis W8 Yeiner Gómez... Colombian featherweight Leider Galvis (4-0) was the standout performer of the night at the WBA Future of Colombian Boxing event held this Saturday in Barranquilla. Fighting in front of his hometown crowd, Galvis defeated Yeiner Gómez (6-1-1) by unanimous decision the Cuadrilátero Élite Gymnasium. At just 21 years old, Galvis entered the fourth fight of his professional career against a more experienced and still-undefeated opponent. The featherweight clash was fought at a relentless pace from start to finish, but Galvis passed a major test by flooring Gómez once on his way to carrying the scorecards by reported tallies of 76-74 (twice) and 77-73.

 

ADDITIONAL RESULTS

 

Aside from the main event, Carlos Díaz delivered a knockout victory over Rafael De La Rosa in the lightweight division...

 

Light heavyweight debutant Danny Barraza stopped Jorge Padilla in two rounds...

 

The amateur boxing portion of the event featured representatives from Córdoba, Bolívar, Barranquilla, and several other top boxing programs across Atlántico. Young fighters and rising prospects had the opportunity to step into the ring in more than 12 high-level contests that continue contributing to their development.

 

On May 15th at the Arena Coliseo in Mexico City, Juan Pérez, better known as the “Güerito de Tepito,” will headline at the age of just 16 years old. Perez (1-0) will face Colombian boxer Ivan Aguirre (0-1-1) in a bantamweight contest. Originally from the traditional neighborhood of Tepito, historically recognized as a breeding ground for great Mexican fighters, the “Güerito” has begun attracting attention not only for his aggressive style inside the ring, but also for the discipline he shows outside of it.

 

The event will be promoted by Güerito Promotions with support from Astur Boxing and will feature a dozen amateur and professional prospects in a card designed to showcase the next generation of Mexican boxing talent. Among the featured names are Valeria Pérez, along with sisters Atari and Atzimba García, descendants of legendary Mexican boxer Rodolfo “Chango” Casanova, adding historical symbolism to the evening.

 

Arena Coliseo, inaugurated in 1943 and considered one of the most iconic venues in Mexican boxing history, will once again host an event that blends tradition with renewal. Organizers expect an attendance of around 2,500 spectators, with a potential sellout fueled by the growing interest surrounding the young Mexico City prospect.

 

Shane Mosely Jr. TKO6 Serhii Bohachuk... Shane Mosley Jr. got a career-best win at Zuffa Boxing 06 as he stopped Serhii Bohachuk in a middleweight contest. The action at Las Vegas' Apex got off to a steady start, with Mosley working nicely behind his jab, while Bohachuk struggled to pick up his rhythm. But, at the end of a decent opening round for Mosley, Bohachuk fired his first shot in anger as he caught Mosley with a superb right cross in the closing seconds. By the third, Bohachuk was in his groove as he stood in front of Mosley and traded back and forth. To his credit, Mosley looked comfortable in that position, too, and the pair both traded shots through round four, with Mosely cracking Bohachuk with a big right hand just before the bell.

 

That late success in the fourth powered Mosely into the fifth as he connected with another big punch to put Bohachuk on unsteady legs. But remarkably, the Ukrainian managed to recover while still fighting, and was soon back in Mosley’s face, landing shots of his own – two big rights from Bohachuk showed he was far from out of the contest. That all changed in the sixth, when Mosley loaded up and dropped the Ukrainian late in the round. Bohachuk beat the count, but looked far from recovered, and Mosley closed the show with a salvo of shots to force referee Thomas Taylor to step in and wave off the contest at the 2:38 mark.

 

The win announced Mosley's arrival in Zuffa Boxing, as he defeated an in-form contender in resounding fashion. And, after claiming his 23rd career victory, and his 13th win by knockout, Mosley called for his next fight to be against Irish contender Callum Walsh. “I just can’t wait to be king!” he declared.

 

 

 

 

Julian Rodriguez W10 James Perella ... Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (26-1 with 15 KOs) pitched a virtual shutout as he claimed a unanimous decision victory over undefeated opposition to continue his rise up the welterweight division. In his second Zuffa Boxing appearance, Rodriguez defeated James Perella after ten largely one-sided rounds as he overcame significant height and reach disadvantages to outclass his opponent. Official scores were 100-89 and 98-91 (twice). As the taller, rangier athlete, Perella established his reach advantage early as he worked smartly behind his jab. It took a round for Rodriguez to fully download the information he needed, and by the end of the second round, it looked like Rodriguez had worked out his tricky, taller opponent.

 

The first three rounds saw Rodriguez gradually close the distance on Perella, who looked to work from the outside. By the fourth, Rodriguez had effectively closed that gap, and “Hammer Hands” started to let his punches go. And, mid-way through the round, he detonated a huge right-left combination that sent Perella down to the canvas for the first time in his career. Perella beat the count, and survived the round, but Rodriguez had made the crucial breakthrough, and while he seemed a little wary of fully opening up in search of a knockout finish, the New Jersey native went on to comfortably win the remaining rounds to earn a wide unanimous decision victory. 

Now former WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley (pictured) congratulated his conqueror after a battle that will be remembered for years due to the brutal nature of the puishment Daniel Dubois dished out to Wardey: "My body failed me, but not my heart. And that I can live with… Congratulations to Daniel "Dynamite" Dubois , thank you for a great fight worthy of the history books. Thank you to the city of Manchester and everyone that has been along on this journey with me."

 

Andreas Katzourakis W10 Misael Rodriguez... Zuffa Boxing's three-fight main card in Las Vegas kicked off with a middleweight clash between rival 16-0 contenders as Andreas Katzourakis faced Misael Rodriguez. It was the Greek Katzourakis who picked up the unanimous decision win on his Zuffa Boxing debut. Official scores were 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94. Rodriguez had the better of the exchanges in round one, but Katzourakis stepped into range and imposed himself in the next two rounds. With the action up close, Katzourakis looked much more at home as he pushed back on the Mexican and unloaded combinations to the head and body. Katzourakis maintained a quick pace through to the mid-way point in the fight as he continued to walk forward, get in Rodriguez’s face and work him over at close range. Rodriguez was full of grit and determination, and seemed willing to go toe to toe with the Greek warrior, but he couldn’t find a breakthrough to slow Katzourakis. Rodriguez raised his hands and grinned after round six, as he signaled that he’d found his way back into the fight, and he looked similarly happy after the seventh. But, despite the Mexican’s optimism, Katzourakis was still the man pushing the pace for most of the rounds.

 

 But that pace started to slow in the eighth and ninth as Rodriguez started to turn the pressure on Katzourakis in the closing rounds. And as the fight went into the final round, both men loaded up for the final time as they went toe-to-toe to round out the ten-round battle. Both fighters eagerly awaited the verdict, both seemingly super confident of getting the nod. But only one man can be crowned the victor, and it was Katzourakis who got the nod as he moved to 17-0.

 

ADDITIONAL RESULTS

 

In the night’s featured preliminary card bout, San Francisco’s Suray Mahmutovic upset the odds as he got off the canvas to earn a split-decision victory over previously undefeated French light heavyweight Raphael Monny. Mahmutovic came into the bout as the betting underdog, but he took control of the bout from the opening round as he outboxed Monny through the opening stages of the contest. Despite being outclassed early on, a huge overhand right from Monny clipped Mahmutovic behind the ear and sent him to the canvas. But despite the knockdown, Mahmutovic quickly recovered and went on to do the better work through the rest of the round. Another big right hand from Monny found its mark in the following round, but once again it was Mahmutovic who had the better round overall. Indeed, the San Francisco native continued to box smartly off the back foot through the full eight-round duration as he picked off Monny, who tried to impose a more aggressive game, but struggled to find his rhythm. In the end, the judges scored the bout to Mahmutovic, who claimed the ninth win of his professional career with scores of 75-76, 76-75, 77-74. Monny, meanwhile, drops to 9-1 with the first loss of his pro career.

 

Undefeated lightweights went toe to toe as Justin Viloria welcomed Ivan Ortiz to Zuffa Boxing, but it was the Mexican Ortiz who emerged with his hand raised after an exciting encounter went all the way to the judges’ scorecards. Ortiz looked the longer, rangier fighter, and threw with plenty of heat in the opening round, but Viloria wisely closed the distance and landed plenty of shots of his own as the round progressed. Viloria started round two with a big hook that briefly appeared to stun Ortiz, but the Zuffa Boxing debutant came firing back with big shots. It led to a wild exchange where both men connected with huge head shots, but both men’s chins held up well as the action raged on through the round. The high-octane approach from both fighters continued through the next two rounds, with both men loading up on their shots, but the pair’s respective conditioning ensured neither man was unduly troubled, despite the clean shots being landed. During a wild exchange in the final seconds of the fourth, Viloria briefly touched down, but it was immediately ruled a slip.

 

Ortiz’s confidence was growing as the fight progressed, and after two good rounds in the fifth and sixth, Ortiz exploded at the end of the seventh when he loaded up and dropped Viloria with a huge right hand from distance. The California native immediately bounced back to his feet, but the knockdown was a decisive one in the context of the fight. And with the fight potentially hanging in the balance, both men left it all in the ring as they swung for the fences all the way to the final bell. After eight rounds, the judges were called into action to decide the winner, and Ortiz got the nod, with scores of 78-73, 76-75, 76-75. Ortiz’s debut victory improves his record to 13-0-2 (9 KOs), while Viloria tastes defeat for the first time in his pro career. He drops to 12-1 (8 KOs).

 

 

 

Da’Mazion Vanhouter returned to the Meta Apex looking bigger and badder as he finished 18-1 veteran Raphael Murphy inside a round in his sophomore Zuffa Boxing appearance. Vanhouter, age 21, arrived in prime condition, having weighed in at 228.5 pounds for his bout with Murphy, who outweighed him significantly after tipping the scale at 251.5 pounds. But Vanhouter’s speed, power, and shot placement proved an irresistible combination as he overwhelmed Murphy with shots to claim a quickfire first-round finish. Vanhouter landed almost at will, as virtually every shot found its target, but it was a shot to the body that marked the beginning of the end for Murphy, who winced in pain and started to back away from the hard-hitting young gun. Vanhouter kept the pressure on and unloaded a barrage of shots to head and body that forced veteran referee Tony Weeks to step in and wave off the contest after just 66 seconds. It means that Vanhouter moves to 12-0, as the native of St. Petersburg, Florida looks to make a quick ascent up the heavyweight division.

 

Alexis Alvarado had to wait for his Zuffa Boxing debut, but when it arrived, he delivered the goods to claim an impressive victory. In a bout that was originally booked for Zuffa Boxing 05 last month, Alvarado defeated the previously-undefeated Emiliano Cardenas over six rounds as he used his ring smarts, and a well-executed gameplan, to punch and pressure his way to a majority decision victory. Cardenas immediately started to work behind his jab as he established his rhythm early, while Alvarado looked to walk down the undefeated prospect, throwing fewer shots, but noticeably loading up more. Clearly, Cardenas wanted to fight on the outside, while Alvarez wanted to take it into the trenches. And it didn’t take long to see which man would dictate the direction of the contest.In the next two rounds, Alvarado turned up the pressure as he closed the distance and dragged Cardenas into more of a phone-booth fight. The 24-year-old stayed in Cardenas’ face, ripping shots to the head and body while forcing him back. Alvarado’s confidence was visibly growing, and he enjoyed a strong round in the fourth as he forced Cardenas onto the back foot for almost the entire round. The 21-year-old looked short of a Plan B, as Alvarado dominated Round 4 with his educated pressure and shot selection. Round five saw Cardenas attempt to beat Alvarado at his own game, but it meant the Los Angeles native remained in his comfort zone, as he bullied Cardenas into the corner on numerous occasions through sheer forward pressure. Cardenas came out for the final round loading up in search of a fight-saving stoppage, but Alvarado comfortably took everything the 21-year-old threw at him and fired back with some solid shots of his own as the bout went to the final bell. The Alvarado corner saluted a job well done, and the judges concurred, scoring the fight 57-57 and 58-56 (twice) to take his record to 10-1-1 (5 KOs). Cardenas, meanwhile, will look to bounce back in his next outing, after taking the first loss of his career.

 

Uzbekistan’s Tullo Boymatov kicked off his professional boxing career with a first-round demolition job on Caleb Hall as he offered a first glimpse at his potential – and his punch power. Boymatov set to work from the opening bell as he loaded up and let fly with some heavy-handed shots, mixing up from head to body. Hall took those strong early shots well, but Boymatov continued to walk down the San Diego native, and eventually made his power count. A big right hand stunned Hall, then a powerful follow-up combination dropped Hall to the canvas. “The Kid” made it back to his feet to beat the count, but was clearly compromised, and when the action resumed, it didn’t take Boymatov long to finish the job. Another salvo, finishing with a clubbing left hook, forced Hall into the ropes and down to the canvas again. The referee applied a count, but it was a redundant exercise. Hall was done, and when the official took a closer look at him, he wisely waved off the contest after just two minutes, 42 seconds of the opening round. It gave Boymatov an excellent start to his professional career, as well as some early footage for his pro highlight reel, as “The Spartan” showed that he’s definitely going to be one to watch in Zuffa Boxing’s light heavyweight division moving forward.

 

Zanfrer and the IBA will present a May 21st boxing event in Mexico City at Arena CDMX. Headlining the card in the super flyweight division, Mexico’s Angel Ayala Lardizabal (18-1, 8 KOs), known as “Cameleon,” will take on Filipino puncher Jayson Mama (21-3-1, 10 KOs). Ayala is a former IBF flyweight champion. The bout is expected to present as a clash between Ayala’s technical approach and Mama’s aggressive, power-driven style. Another highlight sees Jonathan Fierro (21-1, 18 KOs) square off against Sergio Chirino Sanchez (23-2, 13 KOs) in a junior lightweight matchup between two experienced fighters with strong knockout ratios. The card also features a women’s featherweight bout, where Mexico’s Yamileth Mercado (24-4, 5 KOs) meets Colombia’s Flor Valentina Rodriguez (9-2, 6 KOs), adding further depth and international flavor to the event.

 

Additional bouts include:

 

Miguel Angel Martinez (3-0, 2 KOs) vs Brian Nicolas Farias (9-4, 2 KOs) in the welterweight division;

Cristian Eusse (12-0-1, 9 KOs) vs Tomas Mendoza (13-3, 7 KOs) at lightweight;

Francisco Cantabrana (12-1, 10 KOs) vs Jordi Omar Villa Soto (9-4, 7 KOs) at light heavyweight; and

Manuel Romero (14-1-1, 8 KOs) vs Ridwan Oyekola (14-4-2, 9 KOs) in another lightweight contest.

 

Chris Roberts OBE, CEO of the International Boxing Association, commented: “This is exactly the kind of card that reflects where boxing is today: competitive, international, and full of fighters who are hungry to make the next step in their careers. Mexico has always been a cornerstone of the sport, and events like this show why. We’re seeing a strong mix of unbeaten prospects, experienced contenders, and genuine cross-border matchups that raise the level across the board. For many of these fighters, May 21 is not just another fight night. It’s an opportunity to move significantly closer to the global stage.”

 

 

Daniel Dubois TKO11 Fabio Wardley... In one of the most brutal heavyweight fights in recent memory, Daniel Dubois survived a pair of knockdowns and came back to stop Fabio Wardley by eleventh-round technical knockout in Manchester, England. With the win, Dubois takes Wardley's WBO title and becomes a two-time champion. Although he scored the only two knockdowns of the encounter, it was Wardley who absorbed a terrifying amount of punishment. Dubois initially went down in the first ten seconds of round one, and revisited the canvas again in round three. But Dubois glanced over to his corner a couple of times for reassurance and eventually worked his way into the lead on the scorecards. The last several rounds saw Wardley fighting with an obviously broken nose that was bleeding from both inside and out, as well as a nearly closed right eye. Referee Howard Foster, who has a reputation for quick stoppages, played against type this time and let the combat continue where many would have called it off earlier. It was also surprising Wardley's corner kept sending him out for more when he not only facially damaged but also exhausted. Still, Wardley was throwing, and occasionally landing bomms on Dubois' jaw, which made for a thrilling fight. With a shirt drenched in Wardley's blood, Foster finally ended things after one big punch at the start of round eleven. Wardley never went down and showed a chin that makes Joe Joyce's look like a glass jaw. However, Wardley's lack of an amateur pedigree finally caught up with him tonight: he carried his guard too low and overextended himself on missed punches, mistakes that Dubois made him pay dearly for. 

 

How good was this fight? Hall of fame promoter Frank Warren called it the best heavyweight fight he's ever put on. The promoter also said there was a rematch clause (presumably in Wardley's favor) in the contract. But Wardley, now an ex-champ, would be well advised to take several months off and come back with something a little less dangerous. Dubois, still only 28 years old, will almost certainly come under heavy pressure to face the division's heir apparent, Moses Itauma.

 

 

Zak Chelli TKO10 David Morrell.... Britain's Zak Chelli provided the biggest moment on the Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois undercard when he stopped light heavyweight contender David Morrell. The fight was arranged on a few weeks notice when Morrell's scheduled opponent, ex-champ and reigning interim titlist Callum Smith, got injured. Morrell dominated early on, but Chelli (17-3-2) gained confidence and beat the Cuban in the tenth and final round of their meeting in Manchester.  Chelli, who is a school supply teacher, has produced one of, if not the biggest upset of the year thus far, and who knows what the future holds for the 28-year-old with such a significant victory. Morelli, a former interim titleholder as well, falls to 13-2 (including the World Series of Boxing). Morrell's prior defeat was in a very competitive war vs. David Benavidez, who is now an undefeated three-division champion.

 

Ukrainian middleweight Serhii Bohachuk is feeling good in his new weight class as he looks to move one step closer to the Zuffa Boxing middleweight title. Bohachuk steps out into the main event spotlight at the Meta Apex tonight (Sunday) when he takes on Shane Mosley Jr. at Zuffa Boxing 06. Having already notched one hard-earned victory inside the Zuffa Boxing ring, Bohachuk is looking forward to getting back in there and picking up where he left off. "I'm feeling great. I'm feeling excited,” he said. “(It’s a) big show for me coming up, and a lot of Ukrainian fans are coming to this show. I'm very happy, very excited, ready for this fight. Let’s go.”

 

Bohachuk made his promotional debut at Zuffa Boxing 02 back in February and defeated Radzhab Butaev via split decision after ten action-packed rounds. "I have good experience with Zuffa because they support me with everything,” he explained. “Food, vitamins, whatever I needed, they helped me, and I’m stronger. When I’m supported with vitamins and good food, I can train harder, and I also think I’m stronger.”

 

That additional strength was only bolstered by his move up in weight. Bohachuk previously competed at 154 pounds, where he challenged for a sanctioning body world title against Vergil Ortiz earlier in his career. But the 31-year-old said that he felt a downturn in his performance at the weight class in his unanimous decision loss to Brandon Adams last September, and decided the time was right to move up. “I cut weight for the 154 division, and for me it was too hard,” he admitted. “The last time (at 154) against Brandon Adams, I didn’t feel like I did in the Vergil Ortiz fight. I felt different. I felt tired. Then I changed my division, and I showed in my last fight that 160 is my right division. Now I want to stay (at 160) and become a world champion.”

 

Bohachuk kicked off his campaign at 160 with that victory over Butaev at Zuffa Boxing 02, and now, three months on, he’s ready to return. He faces Mosley Jr in Sunday night’s main event, and it’s a matchup he’s really excited for. “He’s a huge opponent,” he admitted. “It’s good for me, a good experience for me. He’s a good fight for my career, and a good, interesting opponent. He’s not easy. His father has taught him, he’s learning, and he's strong, too. He has the blood of a champion. He’s a good boxer, a good technician, and he’s smart.”

 

Crowd-pleasing fights are the Ukrainian’s speciality, and he thrives on being able to entertain the fans. “My goal is to show my fans and show people interesting, quality boxing,” he said. “I enjoy it when people enjoy my fights. For me, it’s my number-one goal. I like it when people come out of a fight and say, ‘Thank you! Wow!’ I enjoy this, you know?”

 

The fight also offers an opportunity for Bohachuk to stake a claim for a shot at the inaugural Zuffa Boxing middleweight title. However, while some fighters like to speak things into existence and speak openly about their next steps ahead of time, Bohachuk is maintaining a singular focus on the job at hand. “I feel very close (to a title shot), but I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it now. I can’t say, ‘Next, next, next!’” he explained. “I have a fight on Sunday, which I’m 100 percent concentrated on. After this fight, I can say, ‘Oh, next will be this.’ But now I have this fight with Mosley. I can’t plan (beyond that).  It’s boxing. It’s a very dangerous sport. Every fight can be lost. You can’t plan your next three, four, five fights. I am concentrated one million percent on this fight.”

 

Clearly, the respect is there for Mosley, and the challenge he poses, but despite holding his opponent in high regard, Bohachuk is steadfast in his belief that he’ll get the job done against him on fight night, however well prepared his opponent might be. “If he’s ready for this fight, I think I beat him over the distance,” he stated. “If he’s not ready for this fight, I’m sorry, I’m knocking him out.” 

 

Bakhodir Jalolov TKO7 Agron Smakici ... Two-time Olympic champion Bakhodir Jalolov opened the main card in Manchester, England with a win against Agron Smakici who quit on his stool at the end of the seventh.  It was an underwhelming performance from the Uzbek heavyweight who failed to deal with his opponent in quick fashion.  Smakici's determination has to be praised, he kept coming forward and made things awkward. He even managed to land a few notable shots of his own.  However, an eye issue, which was checked by the ringside doctor, saw Smakici quit on his stoool at the end of the seventh session despite it being his best performance. 

 

ADDITIONAL RESULTS

 

Jack Rafferty’s welterweight debut was a rousing success after Ekow Essuman withdrew from their scheduled ten rounder at the end of the sixth. It was a cagey start, but Rafferty set the tone with a left hand in the closing stages. Rafferty quickly gained confidence, a straight right in the second led to an exchange on the ropes and led to an exchange on the ropes. This was the only time Essuman had any success. The left hand from Rafferty continued to cause issues and, in the end, it proved too much for ‘The Engine’ whose team pulled him out of the fight at the end of round six. Rafferty now moves to 27-0-1, and an exciting journey awaits at 147 pounds..

 

Light heavyweight Brad Rea bounced back from a disappointing loss to Lyndon Arthur last year with a demolition of Liam Cameron in front of his passionate fans. Rea looked strong at the end of the first with two successive left-right combinations, and from that point he was in control. There were signs of damage inflicted on Cameron in the third, his face was marked up and Rea made his punches count in the fourth.

 

Heavyweight Gustavo Trujillo (10-0, 9 KOs), has a new date and location for his return: he is set to face Sergio Ramirez Marin (22-8, 12 KOs) in a scheduled [traditional boxing] ten rounder at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 30th. The event will be promoted by American Dream Presents. Known to fight fans as “The Cuban Assassin,” the Miami-based slugger is also the reigning BKB heavyweight champion in bare knuckle boxing, where he owns an 8-0 record with every victory acieved in the first round. A standout amateur talent originally from Cuba, Trujillo has earned recognition for his explosive punching power, aggressive style, and growing popularity among fight fans throughout the United States and Latin Americah.

 

“This new date and fighting in Fort Lauderdale has me extremely motivated,” said Trujillo. “South Florida has become home to me, and I’m excited to perform in front of the fans who continue supporting my journey. Every fight is another step toward the top of the heavyweight division.”

 

The additional preparation time has only sharpened Trujillo’s focus heading into the matchup. “The extra time has been a blessing for my camp,” Trujillo added. “I’ve been able to improve every part of my game. I’m getting stronger, faster, and more dangerous each week. Fans are going to see the best version of Gustavo Trujillo on May 30th.”

 

Representatives involved with Trujillo’s career believe the new setting and date maintain the same high expectations surrounding his continued rise. “We’re excited about bringing Gustavo back in Fort Lauderdale on May 30th,” said Abe Swidan of Visionary Sports Group, who managers Trujillo. “The location and date may have changed, but the expectations remain exactly the same. Gustavo continues to develop into a major force in the heavyweight division, and we expect him to deliver another memorable performance.”

Michael McKinson W8 Afikun Gbenga ... Last week, Michael McKinson (28-2, 4 KOs) returned from a sixteen-month layoff to score a virtual shutout decision over Nigeria’s Afikun Gbenga (4-5) at the Balmoral Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.  The match-up was partof a show presented by Amir Khan Promotions and Balmoral Group Promotions.  The scores—79-73 and 80-72 (twice)—told the story of a fight that McKinson largely controlled from start to finish, but not without moments of tension against a naturally bigger, game opponent fighting on home soil. Originally slated to face unbeaten Algerian puncher Mohammed Sahnoun, McKinson’s assignment changed dramatically less than 24 hours before the opening bell when the 21-year old withdrew following a dispute with his camp over the contracted weight.

 

“It’s been a hard 24 hours,” admitted McKinson after the fight. “My original opponent pulled out after the weigh-in, lost his bottle, and we had to find a respectable last-minute replacement.”

In stepped Gbenga, an unknown but physically imposing 32-year-old junior welterweight from Lagos, eager to seize a career-defining opportunity in his hometown. For McKinson, a 32 year-old southpaw technician from Portsmouth, England, the late change was just another variable to solve. “I didn’t even know what he looked like until right before the fight,” said McKinson.  “He was big in there, a proper junior middleweight. I was giving away weight, and I didn’t even realize he was a southpaw until the first bell.” 

But solving problems is what “The Problem” does best.

 

From the opening bell, McKinson showed an urgency not often associated with his cerebral style. Fighting for the first time in over a year, he came out aggressively, digging to the body before snapping shots upstairs.  McKinson appeared to score a knockdown with a sharp combination in round two, only for the referee to rule it a push—an early reminder that nothing would come easy on foreign soil.

 

The bigger Gbenga looked to impose himself physically, winging wide shots and attempting to rough McKinson up in close. But the British contender’s timing and accuracy quickly began to tell. He peppered Gbenga with jabs, mixed in left hands to the body, and punctuated exchanges with short right hooks, consistently beating his opponent to the punch.

 

The middle rounds saw the fight take on a grittier edge. Both fighters traded in close quarters, with punches flying off the clinch. A low blow from McKinson forced a brief timeout, and when the action resumed, the two engaged in a furious exchange that brought the Lagos crowd to their feet. Still, even in the chaos, McKinson remained composed.

 

Using subtle footwork and sharp angles, he made Gbenga miss repeatedly, frustrating the local fighter and draining his energy. By the later rounds, the size advantage that once seemed threatening began to fade as Gbenga slowed, unable to effectively cut off the ring or land cleanly. Sensing the shift, McKinson closed the show like a seasoned road warrior.

 

He separated himself down the stretch, landing crisp, clean shots to both the head and body while staying honest defensively. It was a clinical finish that left little doubt on the scorecards and reinforced his reputation as one of boxing’s most elusive and intelligent operators. “I was getting caught with shots I’d normally avoid early on, but that was ring rust and a lot of cobwebs to blow off,” said McKinson of his performance.  “As the rounds went on, I started to find a bit of rhythm, and then I took control in the last few rounds.”

 

For McKinson, the victory was more than just a win—it was renewing the lease on a career that has had its share of glory and frustration. “It was win or bust for me,” confessed McKinson. “Every fight matters now—I’ve got to keep winning, keep performing, and force my way back into the big fights. I just need activity. Get me out again as soon as possible, keep me busy, and by the end of the year I’ll be ready for a big fight.”

 

Over the course of a 12-year, 30-fight career, he has built his resume the hard way, fighting wherever the opportunities take him—Belfast, Gibraltar, Rome, Texas, Los Angeles, and now Lagos. Once again, in a hostile environment against a bigger man and last-minute opponent, he delivered.

 

With activity restored and momentum on his side, “The Problem” is back, putting the welterweight division on notice. “Everyone with a title or a name,” said McKinson when considering who he wants next. “The welterweight division is stacked, but my name belongs in that mix. I’ve got one of the best resumes out there. I believe I can compete with all of them—100%.

 

On Saturday, June 27th in Athens. Greece, boxing legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather will face kickboxing great "Iron" Mike Zambidis in a full-contact pay-per-view exhibition showdown. The event is presented live by Frontrow Fight Series, Mayweather Promotions, and Zambidis Club from the Telekom Center, Athens at OAKA Olympic Complex. Pay-per-view details will be announced soon. Tickets can be purchased via More.com.

 

One of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time, Mayweather’s legendary career saw him compile a perfect 50-0 record while winning championships spanning five weight classes, from junior lightweight to light middleweight. Mayweather was named "Fighter of the Decade" for the 2010s by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and The Sporting News. He is also a three-time winner of the BWAA Fighter of the Year and a six-time winner of the ESPY Award’s Best Fighter. In 2016, ESPN ranked him the greatest boxer of the last 25 years.

 

Since his retirement in 2017, Mayweather has traveled the world fighting exhibitions against a variety of opponents from different disciplines and backgrounds, often in exotic locations such as Dubai, Japan, and the U.K. “This is an opportunity for me to sharpen my skills for what’s to come this year,” said Mayweather, referring to potential fights vs. Manny Pacquiao and Mike Tyson. “I’ve never fought in Greece before, but I look forward to experiencing their beautiful country and meeting their people. Mike Zambidis has achieved a lot in his sport, but I’ve stayed sharp and I’m ready for anything thrown my way.”

 

Zambidis is a legendary Greek kickboxer and 18-time world champion, best known for his career in K-1. A former member of the Greek National Boxing Team, Zambidis worked with his country's Olympic squad for the 2000 Sydney Games.

 

During his kickboxing career, Zambidis compiled a record of 158-22 with 87 knockouts against the best kickboxers in the world, and for the most important organizations in the planet. In a worldwide vote, Zambidis was named K-1 MVP. His fights in K-1 were also ranked as the best fights. Zambidis’ fights receive record television viewership in his native Greece and his KO victory over Chahid "The Pitbull" Oulad El Hadj is characterized as the best fight in the history of kickboxing.

 

A native of Athens, Zambidis also owns two state-of-the-art gyms, the Zambidis Clubs and currently serves in the important and responsible position of Chairman of the Sports and Education Committee in the Region of Attica with the vision of "Evolution and Contribution.”

 

“It’s an incredible thrill for me to face the great Floyd Mayweather,” said Mike Zambidis. “I have faced many of the best fighters of several disciplines, but I am looking forward to testing my skills against one of the greatest boxers of all time and I’m very happy to be having this experience in front of my beloved Greek people.”

 

Keane Anis is the CEO of Frontrow Fight Series and Front Row Entertainment, well known for his close friendship and partnership with Floyd Mayweather on international exhibition fights.

 

For the last 20 years, Anis has been organizing major sports and music events, as well as high-profile celebrity appearances around the globe. Anis has been instrumental in expanding Mayweather’s exhibition footprint via his FrontRow Fight Series through events such as Mayweather vs. Don Moore at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, and Floyd Mayweather vs. Aaron Chalmers at The O2 Arena.

 

“This is an important event for the people of Greece and fight fans worldwide who wonder what would happen if two of the world’s best collided,” said Keane Anis. “Like our previous events with Floyd Mayweather, this, too, will be a great success, as I’m sure the people in Athens and viewers around the world will enjoy ‘The Best Ever’s’ return to the ring in this exhibition.”

 

After a temporary postponement caused by visa complications involving a previously scheduled opponent, a Cuban-themed show featuring two ex-champs is back . On Saturday, May 30th, Ron Johnson’s American Dream Presents and Nothing But Sportz will promote a show at the legendary War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In the co-feature, former world 122-pound champion Guillermo Rigondeaux (pictured) steps back into action against Chile's Jose Velazquez. Headlining the evening, former 130-pound champion and Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa returns as a junior welterweight against rugged veteran Alexander Espinoza. Also featured in a major championship attraction is undefeated heavyweight Gustavo “The Cuban Assassin” Trujillo, who will be in against battle-tested veteran Sergio Ramirez.

 

Blending elite championship boxing with live music, Cuban culture, celebrity appearances, and world-class production, Havana Heat is shaping up to be far more than a fight card — it’s becoming a full entertainment experience designed to bring together the passion of boxing and the energy of South Florida’s Latin culture. The event will stream live worldwide exclusively on the Nothing But Sportz App  for $19.95, which includes the first month subscription to the Nothing But Sportz App featuring exclusive fight content, original programming, behind-the-scenes access, interviews, podcasts, and more. After the first month, subscriptions continue at just $4.95 per month.

 

The undercard will feature Kenzell Williams, who is a protégé of former world champion Antonio Tarver, along with Evelyn Romo, professional boxer and producer for the Fox Sports studios in West Palm Beach. Additional featured fighters include Pierre Nance, Lucas Dos Santos, Dominique Valera, Luis Hernandez, and Jayon Tinnin. Adding to the atmosphere, Havana Heat will also feature live musical performances from three of the hottest Cuban and Latin artists making noise today: Wow Popy, Divan, and Yonki.

 

“Adversity only made this event bigger. We had to make the difficult decision to move the card from May 2nd due to visa issues surrounding an opponent, but we stayed focused and continued building. Now everything is set and ready to rock and roll. Havana Heat is bringing together championship boxing, live entertainment, Cuban culture, and major personalities all on one stage. This is going to be a huge night for South Florida.”— Ronald Johnson, Founder of Ron Johnson’s American Dream Presents

 

“This is the type of event that captures attention globally because it’s authentic. You have legendary fighters, rising stars, championship fights, major music artists, and real cultural energy behind it. Havana Heat is exactly the type of premium live experience Nothing But Sportz wants to deliver to audiences worldwide.” — Steven Marcano, CEO of Nothing But Sportz

 

“We’re building experiences, not just fight cards. Havana Heat represents culture, passion, entertainment, and elite-level boxing all coming together at the highest level. South Florida is the perfect stage for this event, and fans are going to feel that energy from the moment they walk inside the building.”— Akinyemi O. Ajayi, Nothing But Sportz

 

 

 

Shane Mosley Jr is ready to embark on a new chapter in his boxing career as he sets his sights on Zuffa Boxing championship glory. Mosley makes his promotional debut on Sunday night at Meta Apex in Las Vegas when he faces off against hard-hitting Ukrainian Serhii Bohachuk in the main event. It’s a middleweight match-up that could catapult Mosley straight into Zuffa title contention at 160 pounds, and after scouting Bohachuk during his fight camp, he’s expecting a tough fight against a gritty opponent. “I did watch his last fight. I feel like he did good,” he said. “He was resilient and definitely took over in the last couple of rounds.”

 

Bohachuk has moved up a weight class to be a part of the middleweight division in Zuffa Boxing, and while the Ukrainian is much newer to the weight class than longtime middleweight Mosley, the American said he doesn’t see it being any sort of factor when the leather starts to fly. “It's just fighting,” he said, matter-of-factly. “We're fighting. He's a great fighter. I'm a great fighter. We can see who's the best.”

 

Mosley carries his own expectations, but has also had to negotiate his career as the son of a legendary former world champion. Shane Mosley Sr is a former three-weight world champion and one of the best fighters of his generation, and Mosley Jr said that he’s benefited from his father’s experience, as well as from being around so many boxing people on his way up. “I would say he's played a big role in my career,” he said. “I feel like, good, bad, and indifferent, I wouldn't be as close to boxing and have as much insight in boxing, if it weren't for him. So I'm very, very thankful for that, especially because it's a sport I love, and I have such appreciation for it.  Just having that and having his mindset and things like that around me, and even having access to other fighters that had similar mindsets or understandings like that, and kind of having this little feeling like I'm different than everybody else, was an important thing. It was a helpful thing.”

 

That exposure to expertise, along with his God-given talent, has combined to power Mosley to a 22-5 career record. And now the 35-year-old hopes to make a little history by becoming the inaugural Zuffa Boxing middleweight champion. “I think it would be incredible to win the first Zuffa title. It would be my version of success,” he said. “Because my dad won multiple world titles, I get to do it with a prestigious company like Zuffa Boxing, which is a sister company (to UFC). Dana White has also put on Zuffa Boxing, and he's made that successful. When you talk about MMA, you talk about UFC. Regular people usually ask, ‘Oh, do you do UFC?’ Which means, ‘Do you do MMA?’ That is a defining thing. And if I could be a part of that – and let's just say (Zuffa Boxing) does happen to be that for boxing – I could say that I was the first world champion.”

 

A proud family man who loves to spend his downtime with his family, Mosley has lofty aspirations for his career, and he feels like he’s in the perfect spot to take his career to new heights as Zuffa Boxing starts to grow. “We're going in the right direction,” he grinned. “I feel like I've got GameStop!”

 

 

Keyshawn Davis is coming back home with a score to settle and another stoppage on his mind. The former lightweight champion and Olympic silver medalist will face Nahir Albright in a twelve-round rematch, this time at junior welterweight, on Saturday, May 16th at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. In the ten-round welterweight co-feature, former champion Brian Norman Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) returns against Canada’s Josh Wagner (19-2, 10 KOs). In additional action, Keyshawn’s older brother Kelvin Davis (15-1, 8 KOs) returns in a ten-round welterweight clash against Bronx native Peter Dobson (17-3, 10 KOs), while unbeaten Dominican featherweight Yan Santana (16-0, 13 KOs) faces Cristian Cruz Chacon (24-7-2, 12 KOs) in another ten rounder. Keyshawn-Albright II, Norman-Wagner, Davis-Dobson and Santana-Cruz will be streamed live on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

 

Keyshawn (14-0, 10 KOs) captured the WBO lightweight crown with a fourth-round stoppage of Denys Berinchyk in February 2025. The 27-year old was scheduled to make his first title defense against Edwin De Los Santos last June in Norfolk, but the bout was canceled after he missed weight. He has since regrouped at 140 pounds, handing Jamaine Ortiz his first TKO defeat in January, and now returns home to settle unfinished business. Albright (17-2-1, 7 KOs), a battle-tested Philadelphia native, has built momentum since his first fight with Keyshawn by handing Kelvin Davis his first pro loss last June and battling Frank Martin to a draw in January.

 

Following a recent training session at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas, this is what Keyshawn said:

 

On fighting in his hometown…

 

“Man, fighting in my hometown is always exciting. I’ll be walking out and seeing teachers who used to teach me in middle school and stuff. My whole family comes down from New York. I got family in D.C., and of course my family in Virginia. So it’s always exciting.”

 

“I don’t understand why people say it’s harder for them to fight in their hometown. I don’t understand it. I’ve traveled the world and fought in different countries where the crowd was against me, and I still went out there and won. So fighting in my hometown is so much more comfortable. I feel like my best performances come from fighting in my hometown, and I just can’t wait to do it all over again.”

 

On rising through the ranks with his brothers…

 

“It’s like home, man. We’ve been fighting at home, took it to the gym, fought in the gym, and now we fighting on the world stage. So, I love it. It’s different. It’s something that people never really seen before in the sport of boxing, you know? Three brothers fighting, especially on the same card. May 16th, Scope Arena, man. Make sure y’all tune in. It’s gonna be something special.”

 

On Albright telling Keyshawn to be ready…

 

“That’s what everybody says. They’re supposed to promote themselves. I don’t want an opponent who’s going to go in there and just lay down. In every fight I have, they should be coming confident, ready and prepared. So, he’s saying all the right things.”

 

“I know what I need to do. I know what I need to do to get prepared. I’m a better Keyshawn now. I’m not up-and-coming any more. I’m a former world champion. And it’s going to show on May 16.”

 

On his recent stoppage wins…

 

“I’m starting to understand the game. I’m starting to understand myself and the blessing and abilities that I have and that God gave me. When I go in there super focused and in shape, I know nobody can hang with me. But even if they can hang, they’re going to get stopped too. I’m confident in myself that I can stop anybody in the ring, from 140 to 147.”

 

On what to expect fight night…

 

“This fight is going to be amazing because I’m amazing and I go in there and stop guys. And that’s what people pay to see.”

 

“My job is to go out there and fight. I got into this position by knocking people out and being myself. That’s the only thing I need to do.”

 

“This is an opportunity to stop guys that have never been stopped before. Albright’s going to be the fourth guy I stop in a row. They’re going to keep saying that I’m going to be one of the greatest of all time.”

 

Today (Saturday), the light heavyweight division will feature an all-British showdown as Liam Cameron (24-7-1) and Bradley Rea (21-2) collide in Manchester prior to the Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois heavyweight title main event. Cameron - Rea has generated some buzz on the European boxing scene, as both fighters at pivotal moments in their careers with the shared goal of breaking into the upper tier of the 175-pound rankings.

 

Cameron heads into the bout after showing remarkable resilience. In his last fight, he defeated Troy Jones (13-2). Recognized for his ability to control the pace of a fight, Cameron hopes to capitalize on the experience gained in high-level training camps to capture a belt that could propel him back into the spotlight. For the Sheffield native, this represents the ultimate opportunity to prove he still possesses the tools needed to compete with the new generation at 175 pounds.

 

Meanwhile, Rea is coming off a loss to perennial domestic contender Lyndon Arthur. A victory over an established name like Cameron would restore his status as a legitimate threat on the domestic light heavyweight scene. Cameron is expected to rely on his jab and footwork to control the distance, while Rea will likely apply pressure from the opening bell in an effort to force exchanges at close range, where his physical strength often gives him the edge.

 

Former IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby will make his bare knuckle debut on Saturday, June 27th at the Vindico Arena in Cardiff, Wales, Selby's home. No opponent yet announced. The former world champion brings fast hands and championship pedigree to bare knuckle fighting as he looks to launch a new chapter and chase BKB world title glory on home soil. Selby, known as “Lightning”, enjoyed a decorated gloved boxing career. He held the IBF featherweight title from 2015 to 2018, successfully defending it five times. Prior to that, he captured the British, Commonwealth and European featherweight titles between 2011 and 2014. The Barry native compiled a professional record of 28-4 with 9 KOs from 2008 to 2022 and stands as the twelfth Welsh world champion in boxing history. His slick defensive skills and ring intelligence make him one of Wales’ most respected fighters. 

 

Selby said: “I’ve achieved everything in gloved boxing from regional titles to five successful world title defences. Now I’m making my bare knuckle debut right here in Cardiff. It’s the purest, no-filter version of the fight game, and I’m excited to bring my speed, skill, and experience to the Trigon. I’m back to show what I can do and chase another world title.” 

 

BKB CEO David Tetreault said: “Lee Selby is a game-changer for our organization. His world title pedigree and championship mentality make him a massive addition to the roster. We’re thrilled to watch him make his bare knuckle debut in Cardiff and chase bare knuckle glory alongside our growing stable of elite talent.” 

 

Mike Vazquez, Founder of BKB Bare Knuckle, added: “Lee is a true champion with an incredible resume. Lee’s debut in Cardiff is going to be special.” 

 

Tickets for the WBO lightweight title showdown between Abdullah Mason and Joe Cordina — Saturday, July 4th, at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center — are on sale now. In the co-feature, WBC featherweight champion Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (17-0, 10 KOs) makes his first defense against Mexico’s Rene Palacios (19-0-1, 10 KOs). Additionally, Cleveland native and U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (17-0, 8 KOs) takes on fellow unbeaten Christopher Guerrero (16-0, 9 KOs) in a ten-rounder at welterweight, while lightweight knockout artist Deric “Scooter” Davis (11-0, 10 KOs) faces Carlos Ramos (18-4-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-round clash. The Fight: Mason vs. Cordina, including Carrington-Palacios, Tiger-Guerrero and Davis-Ramos, will be broadcast on TNT and DAZN co-exclusively in the U.S. and on DAZN Worldwide beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets are available via Ticketmaster.com.

 

Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) makes his inaugural defense after capturing the crown with a dominant points triumph over unbeaten Sam Noakes last November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Cleveland native, boxing’s youngest reigning world champion at 22, returns home following a breakout four-fight 2025 campaign that also included stoppage wins over Manuel Jaimes, Carlos Ornelas and Jeremia Nakathila.

 

Cordina (19-1, 9 KOs), a former champion at junior lightweight and a 2016 Olympian, enters his third lightweight assignment seeking to become a three-time, two-weight king. The 34 year-old Welshman won the IBF junior lightweight world title with a second-round knockout over Kenichi Ogawa in 2022 and regained it the following year with a decision over Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov. Since losing the belt to Anthony Cacace last May, Cordina has recorded victories over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz and Gabriel Flores Jr.

 

Additional undercard action will feature Abdullah’s brothers in separate four-rounders, as Abdurrahman Mason (2-0, 2 KOs) sees action in a lightweight contest and Ibrahim Mason (2-0, 2 KOs) competes in a super featherweight tilt.

 

WBC 105-pound champion Melvin Jerusalem is currently putting the finishing touches on his camp in South Africa. The man they call “El Gringo” carries the weight of a world championship with a quiet humility and a constant, infectious smile. Jerusalem headlines the “One Way to Redemption” tournament at South Africa's Emperors Palace on May 16, defending his belt against local man own Siya Kuse. Despite the magnitude of the event, Jerusalem remains remarkably grounded, navigating his time in South Africa with a soft-spoken charm that belies the warrior within.

 

The 32-year-old’s journey began at age 13 in Manila, inspired by his brother and friends. A veteran of roughly 100 amateur fights and a medalist at the Philippines National Games, his foundation was built on the influence of legendary countryman Manny Pacquiao. “He’s a legend in the Philippines, where we are all small people,” Jerusalem says of “Pacman”, though he also credits five-time world champion Katsunari Takayama as a hero.

 

Today, Jerusalem has become a hero in his own right, acting as a role model for his community and providing for his mother and five siblings following the passing of his father. Jerusalem’s record (25-3) is a testament to his resilience. His only decisive loss came against Oscar Collazo in 2023, a fight he views as a pivotal learning moment. “I told myself, he was better than me. I must train harder, get better,” he recalls.

 

While he dreams of a unification bout with Collazo down the line, his sights are currently locked on Kuse. Having narrowly beaten Kuse in their first encounter, Jerusalem admits he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his performance. He has made the necessary adjustments, sparring around 100 rounds in a camp that initially began in Japan, a country he loves for its lifestyle and food.

 

Under the watchful eye of trainer and 63-fight veteran Michael Domingo, Jerusalem’s preparation has been clinical. A strict diet of fish, fruit, and vegetables ensures he makes weight without the typical struggle, leaving him lean, healthy, and ready for a dozen hard rounds. Boxing is central to everything he does, but he says he switches off by playing basketball or baseball.

 

Though he will have little vocal support in the arena next weekend, Jerusalem is undeterred. He has travelled the world to defend his status, with significant wins in Japan and a bout in America under his belt. He trusts the South African people and feels at home at Emperors Palace, where local Filipinos have already stopped by to wish their champion well.

 

As he prepares to walk to the ring on May 16th, Jerusalem remains focused on one goal: bringing pride back to the Philippines. “If I win, no problem,” he says with that trademark smile, ready to prove once again why he belongs at the top of the mountain.

 

The British welterweight division will be in play this Saturday when unbeaten Jack “The Machine” Rafferty takes on Ekow “The Engine” Essuman as part of the Fabio Wardely vs. Daniel Dubois heavyweight title fight show in Manchester, England. Rafferty enters the contest with a 26-0-1 record and a reputation as a dangerous puncher. He now seeks a win over an established name that can validate his world-title ambitions. Essuman (22-2) represents the toughest test of Rafferty's career. A former British and Commonwealth champion with a win over ex-world junior welterweight champ Josh Taylor, Essuman brings savvy and ring IQ that have frustrated many younger fighters in the past. He is, however, coming off a loss to Jack Caterall.

 

Ex-boxing champ Paulie Malignaggi will face Rolando Dy in a BKB bare knuckle title fight in Manchester at the AO Arena on Saturday May 16th. The event will be broadcast live on talkSPORT in the UK and Ireland, and Vice TV and Telemundo in the US. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the Ricky Hatton Foundation. Tickets are on sale now from www.bkbbareknuckle.com.

 

In a gesture rooted in respect to their lasting friendship,  Malignaggi and BKB have announced a meaningful partnership with the Ricky Hatton Foundation, supporting its ongoing work in mental health awareness, physical wellbeing, and community outreach.

 

The initiative is deeply personal. Malignaggi and the late Hatton shared one of boxing’s most memorable rivalries when they faced off in 2008, a bout that evolved into a genuine friendship spanning years beyond the ring. Returning to Manchester, the city synonymous with Hatton’s legacy, Malignaggi was determined to honor that bond in a way that reflects both respect and purpose.

 

Malignaggi said: “When I think about coming back to Manchester, I think about Ricky - not just the fighter, but the man, and my friend. We shared the ring, but we also shared a mutual respect that grew into a friendship I’ve always valued. Supporting his foundation felt like the only right way to come back here and pay tribute to him and everything he stood for.”

 

The Ricky Hatton Foundation has become a vital force in the UK, offering support for individuals facing mental health challenges, promoting fitness as a tool for wellbeing, and working closely with communities to create positive change. The partnership ensures that the upcoming event contributes directly to those efforts, extending Hatton’s legacy far beyond boxing.

 

Paul Speak, former manager of Ricky Hatton, said: “Ricky always believed in giving back and using his platform to help others. The foundation continues that mission every day. What Paulie is doing here speaks volumes about the respect and friendship they shared. It’s a fitting tribute, and I know Ricky would have appreciated it enormously.”

 

David Tetreault, CEO of BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, said: “This was something Paulie brought to us, and of course we wanted to support it. From the beginning, it was clear this came from a genuine place. The Ricky Hatton Foundation does incredible work, and we’re proud to play a small part in supporting that through this event.”

 

The worlds of combat sports and heavy metal music collided on Wednesday at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. BKFC's Blood 4 Blood show a professional bull rider, Cameron “The Bull” Delano, who smashed his way to 2-0 under the BKFC banner, taking out Aleksandr “Alex The Terrible” Shikolay in the third round of a back-and-forth, light-heavyweight matchup. Delano logged three knockdowns and Shikolay sent Delano to the canvas once before their bout was stopped 29 seconds into the third stanza. Shikolay opened the night with a musical performance fas part of Slaughter To Prevail, the band that he heads up as lead singer. Delano, who hails from Liberty, SC, showed love to Shikolay and took aim at John “Johnny Cannoli” Garbarino in his post-fight interview: “Alex is a tough son of a (expletive). I knew we were going to go at it. I love it. I’m a huge fan. I want (expletive) Garbarino next! Stop (expletive) hiding! Come out and play!”

 

The fan-favorite Shikolay, who represents Yekaterinburg, Russia, added: “I lost. It sucks. But sometimes (expletive) happens. I feel sad, but at the same time I’m so (expletive) happy because we made this amazing event happen!” Blood 4 Blood also included musical performances between fights from Black Label Society, Crowbar and Malevolence.

 

“Brutal” Jake Bostwick also shined on Wednesday, earning his second straight victory at the expense of Roderick “Ice Water” Stewart in the Blood 4 Blood Co-Main Event. The time of the TKO stoppage was 1:25 in the second round. The Miami-based Southeast London, England product is now 5-2-1 in the BKFC squared circle. Stewart, who hails from Abilene, TX, is now 2-3 in his BKFC career.

 

Taylor “Killa Bee” Starling climbed to 6-4 under the BKFC banner with a second straight victory over Sydney “Sundance” Smith in women’s strawweight action. The referee called a stop to the fight at 1:32 of the second round for the winner out of Rock Hill, SC. With her win, Starling becomes just the third female combatant in BKFC history to record 10 or more fights (Britain Hart has 13 bouts and Christine “Misfit” Ferea has 12). The Charlottesville, VA product Smith is now 1-4 in her BKFC career after accepting this fight as a short-notice replacement earlier this week.

 

Yekaterinburg, Russia’s Sergey “Kratos” Kalinin made a strong first impression in his BKFC premiere, stopping Brock “Alpha Dawg” Walker in just 66 seconds. Following his lightning-fast TKO victory, Kalinin now holds an overall bare knuckle fighting record of 7-4, while the Big Stone Gap, VA product Walker falls to 2-2 overall.

 

Celebrities in attendance Wednesday included BKFC Interim Cruiserweight Champion Esteban “Mohawk” Rodriguez, professional wrestling standout Braun Strowman, as well as former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title challenger Anthony “Lionheart” Smith and former UFC heavyweight champion Josh “The Warmaster” Barnett, who joined the BKFC broadcast booth with Sean Wheelock and Chris Lytle for a number of fights.

 

Blood 4 Blood Results

 

Cameron Delano def. Aleksandr Shikolay via TKO in Round 3 (0:29)

 

Jake Bostwick def. Roderick Stewart via KO in Round 2 (1:25)

 

Taylor Starling def. Sydney Smith via TKO in Round 2 (1:32)

 

Sergey Kalinin def. Brock Walker via TKO in Round 1 (1:06)

 

Cuban light heavyweight David Morrell (13-1 including the World Series of Boxing) could be forgiven for feeling a little sour in recent times. Ten months, give or take, have passed since he last fought. Just weeks ago, he was due to face Callum Smith in Liverpool for Smith's WBO interim title, only for Smith to pull up injured. Poised to head home after his bout fell through, Morrell was instead handed a lifeline, with a bout against Zak Chelli (16-3) on the Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois undercard on May 9th. The bout will be part of a DAZN pay-per-view. Morrell says he was not downtrodden, if you believe him. "When it was cancelled, I was disappointed for maybe three minutes?" he grins. "I'm not joking. This is the boxing life. Sometimes, these things happen. You just get back, and you focus on your training instead."

 

The venue switch from Liverpool to Manchester has not thrown Morrell and his team. If anything, he is more than happy with the move too. He speaks about growing up watching Manchester United in their prime, Cristiano Ronaldo and the 2008 UEFA Champions League. "A long time ago, I wanted to come here," he says, switching between English and his native tonue. "Manchester is... the old house. I was happy to be here, when they said they could change here. I want to see the architecture on Sunday. I like to explore places."

 

Certainly, Morrell seems to know more about the city that his foe, an ex-British champion at super-middleweight eyeing new ground. "I'd never seen him before [we were booked to fight]," he admits. "But he looks like a tough fight. He's a good boxer. I like to compete."

 

Has he been frustrated by his inactivity? "If it was up to me, I'd fight five or six times a year. I've got to stay in camp, keep that focus. He smiles. "I want one more fight this year. My goal's to make up for lost time, get my career back on track, back to the top where I was."

 

That said, Morrell is ready to take a beat when the dust settles on his dance with Chelli however, having been in camp longer than intended. "I'm looking forward to going back home," he says, pensively. "I miss my family, my daughter and son. [I want to] spend time with them. I like to spend time with my family. My mum calls me every day, asks me how I'm doing. I'll have maybe two or three weeks before training."

 

Keeping his feet on the ground is key for Morrell, particularly as he continues to eye another title charge, either in 2026 or beyond.

 

How does he unwind, when the rigours of a busy gym day have got to him. " A bit of video games, maybe a bit of music," he admits.

 

He turns back to his translator, then laughs again. "I like to sing in the bathroom, you know? I dig my music. I like to freestyle there."

 

Does he have a go-to genre? "Nah, man, whatever pops into my head! Like reggaeton. I like to freestyle some Spanish rap in the shower!"

 

It is unlikely Morrell will be treating Manchester to a chorus or two this weekend. But perhaps he might bust out the hits once again too.

 

 

 

WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem (25-3) has won the first round, at least in his psychological battle against South Africa’s Siya Kuse. The Filipino and his team took one look at the officials assigned to the world championship fight and balked at the appointment of two Africa-based judges. They consequently complained to the WBC, who relented and replaced Tanzania’s John Chaggu with David Irving of the UK. It’s a telling move on the part of the champion, who clearly intends taking no chances boxing away from his home base. He says he trusts the right outcome will emerge at Emperors Palace on May 16th, but evidently that trust has its limits. Interestingly, the champion’s team has no issues with Zambian referee Maybin Kante and appears to be satisfied that the WBC have balanced out the judges with Thabo Spampool of SA and Jerrold Tomeldan of Philippines joining Irving.Dr Peter Ngatane, the veteran WBC official from South Africa, will supervise the action.

 

The change clearly ratchets up the pressure on Kuse, who can make no assumptions about any likely “home cooking” for the fight of his life. Kuse will have to win on his merits and that will likely require him to produce an effort superior to the one against Jerusalem last October, when he pushed the champion all the way. Meanwhile, Jerusalem is enjoying the buildup in SA, using both his hotel gym and a city gym to hone his game ahead of his title defense. With altitude generally a factor for visiting sportsmen, he will have no such concerns next weekend.

 

Round one, so to speak, to the champion. But Kuse (9-3) has built his path as an aggressive, high-tempo fighter, standing out in the African scene with consistent performances that earned him major international opportunities. In their first encounter, Jerusalem used his experience and ring savvy to secure a unanimous decision victory, landing the cleaner and more effective punches over twelve rounds in a competitive fight.

 

Where to watch the fight? The fight will be broadcast on https://supersport.com/

 

Schedule: 

 

Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras: 10:00 am (Mexico City time)

United States (ET): 12:00 pm

Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Panama: 11:00 am

Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Venezuela: 12:00 pm

Argentina, Uruguay, Chile: 1:00 pm

Spain: 6:00 pm

South Africa: 6:00 pm

 

Undercard

 

Ntethelelo Nkosi vs Subusiso Zingange;

Tyla Promnick vs Thobela Nyanda;

Juan Alberts vs Akani Phuzi;

Jose Kadima vs Johnny Muller; and

Andre Mulumba.

 

 

 

Zuffa Boxing 06's headline bout on Sunday features Shane Mosley Jr., who has carved out his own career as a skilled and seasoned middleweight apart from his father's Hall of Fame legacy. Mosley Jr. battled his way up the ranks to earn a shot at an interim championship vs. Jesus Ramos last year. But after falling short on the scorecards, Mosley has gone back to the drawing board and is ready to ignite a fresh run at the vacant Zuffa middleweight title. His first assignment is Ukraine’s Serhii Bohachuk who stepped up to 160 pounds and delivered a superb performance on his Zuffa Boxing debut to edge out Radzhab Butaev over ten rounds at Zuffa Boxing 02. Now “El Flaco” plans to claim back-to-back victories in the Zuffa Boxing ring by defeating Mosley and staking his claim for a shot at the inaugural Zuffa Boxing 160-pound world title.

 

Chief support comes in the form of a welterweight matchup between two East Coast warriors as New Jersey’s 25-1 Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez returns to the Meta Apex in Las Vegas to take on Massachusetts native James Perella, who is 21-0 with 15 knockouts. The 33-year old is a relative latecomer to the pro ranks, having only turned professional at the age of 26. But in the seven years since, perella has built an enviable record, and heads into his Zuffa Boxing debut having knocked out eight of his last nine opponents. He’ll face a tough introduction to life under the Zuffa Boxing banner as he takes on Rodriguez, who claimed a unanimous decision victory over the previously-undefeated Cain Sandoval on the main card of Zuffa Boxing 01 back in January. “Hammer Hands” returns this weekend looking to claim his fifth straight win as he attempts to establish himself as one of the men to beat in Zuffa Boxing’s 147-pound division.

 

Another returnee from Zuffa Boxing 01 gets the chance to pick up where he left off, as Mexico’s Misael Rodriguez takes on Greece’s Andreas Katzourakis in a battle of undefeated middleweights. Rodriguez won his Zuffa Boxing debut via fourth-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Austin Deanda, as the 2016 Olympic bronze medallist laid down a marker for the rest of the 160-pound division. Now, “El Chino” is ready to return and wants to cement his status as a legitimate contender for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing middleweight title. In order to position himself accordingly, he’ll have to deal with Katzourakis, who brings his own perfect record. It’s a battle between two 16-0 contenders.

 

The featured preliminary card bout will see unbeaten French light heavyweight Raphael “Monny Time” Monny make his Zuffa Boxing debut against hard-hitting San Francisco native “Sugar” Suray Mahmutovic. Monny will look to extend his perfect professional record to 10-0 after stopping the previously unbeaten prospect George Akoto last time out, while Mahmutovic makes his return to the ring for the first time since his unanimous decision win over Ty McLeod last summer.  Both men will do battle in a bid to earn themselves a step up in competition later in the year as they look to make a name for themselves in the Zuffa Boxing light heavyweight division.

 

Undefeated lightweight Justin Viloria already has his first Zuffa Boxing win under his belt, and at Zuffa Boxing 06 he faces off against Mexico’s Ivan Ortiz. Viloria is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Oscar Perez in an eight-round lightweight outing at Zuffa Boxing 02 as he extended his perfect professional record to 12-0 (8 KOs). But in Ortiz, he’s facing a fighter with a similar record. The 12-0-1 (9 KOs) Mexican has cut his teeth on the Mexican scene, but against Viloria, he’ll be facing the highest-caliber opponent of his career.

 

Heavyweight knockout artists collide as 11-0 Da’Mazion Vanhouter and 18-1 Raphael Murphy go toe-to-toe. Nineteen years separate the pair, with Vanhouter, age 21, facing 40 year-old Murphy. The younger man has been by far the more active fighter in recent years, having fought four times since Murphy’s most recent outing. Chicago-born Texas native Murphy has lost just once – back in 2017 – and will look to extend his seven-fight win streak by handing Vanhouter the first defeat of his career. Vanhouter will have other ideas, of course, and will bid to extend his run of stoppage victories to six with an inside-the-distance win. One piece of advice: Don’t join this fight late – seven of Vanhouter’s eight career KO victories have come in round one.

 

Bantamweights Emiliano Cardenas and Alexis Alvarado were all set to face off at Zuffa Boxing 05, only for a training camp injury to rule Alvarado out of the event. Now “La Pesadilla” is fit again, and the pair are finally ready to do battle. Cardenas already has a Zuffa Boxing win on his record, courtesy of a six-round unanimous decision victory over Marcus Harris at Zuffa Boxing 01 back in January. Alvarado, meanwhile, hasn’t fought since a four-round unanimous decision win in Temecula, California, back in November 2025. With Cardenas entering the bout at 10-0, and Alvarado arriving with a 9-1-1 record, both men have the opportunity to claim an important victory over a fellow in-form prospect as they look to make their way up the bantamweight ladder.

 

The opening bout of the night will see light heavyweights kick off the action as Uzbekistan’s former Youth World Champion Rakhmatullo “Spartan” Boymatov makes his professional boxing debut against San Diego’s 6-2-1 prospect Caleb Hall. Boymatov, age 22, is part of a team of Eastern European prospects operating out of coach Joel Diaz’s gym in Indio, California, and has worked as a sparring partner for former cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. But now he’ll take his chance to step out under the lights as he makes his pro debut against Hall, who is looking to bounce back from a unanimous decision defeat in January. Prior to that defeat, Hall had won six in a row, with four of them coming inside the distance. He’ll be keen to return to that sort of form to make a big impression on his Zuffa Boxing debut.

On Saturday, May 30th at the County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas, Yokasta Valle will fight Lulú Juárez in MVP 03. The main event on this ESPN-broadcast show will be  Stephanie Han defending her title in a rematch vs. Holly Holm. Valle has built a strong career in the lower weight divisions, standing out for her technique and consistency. She currently holds the WBC minimumweight title, which she won in November 2024. She is a three-division champion, having won title in the atomweight, mini-flyweight, light-flyweigh. Valle has a professional record of 34-3 with 10 KOs. Juarez has established herself as one of the most consistent champions in Mexican women’s boxing. In 2020, she became WBC super flyweight world champion and is currently the WBC light flyweight world champion. In her most recent fight, she faced fellow Mexican Yesica Nery Plata in one of the best performances of her career. Juárez secured the victory and retained her title. “La Pequeña Lulu” holds a record of 39-4 with 5 KOs.

 

 

BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing announced the signing of former BKFC heavyweight champion and current BKFC UK champion Mick Terrill to an exclusive multi-fight promotional agreement, marking a major statement of intent as BKB continues to attract the best fighters in the world. Terrill (10-2, 10 KOs), known as “The Butcher of Shields,” brings big knockout power and elite championship pedigree back to the BKB. Standing 6’3” with a 74.5” reach, the 42 year-old English heavyweight boasts a 100% finishing rate, as all of his victories were achieved by knockout — including four in the opening round. A familiar name to BKB fans, Terrill previously competed under the original BKB UK banner from 2016 to 2018, capturing the heavyweight title at BKB 5 with a second-round knockout over John Lewis, and successfully defended the belt twice, stopping Hari Miles and Josh Burns. Now, after capturing additional world titles —including avenging a loss to Arnold Adams to claim the BKFC heavyweight championship—Terrill returns to where his bare knuckle legacy began.

 

“This is where I made my name, and it feels right to be back,” said Terrill. “BKB has always been about real fighters and real competition. I’ve tested myself against the best in the world, and now I’m coming back to prove I’m still the most dangerous heavyweight in the sport. Gustavo Trujillo—I’m coming for you. That’s the fight I want, and I’m ready to take that crown.”

 

BKB CEO David Tetreault emphasized the significance of the signing as a milestone moment for the promotion. “Re-signing Mick Terrill is a massive move for BKB,” said Tetreault. “He’s a proven world champion, a knockout artist, and a true heavyweight force. This move reinforces what we’ve been building—BKB is where the best fighters in the world want to compete. Bringing Mick back into the fold raises the bar for the entire division and sets up some of the biggest fights possible in bare knuckle boxing.”

 

BKB Founder and Chairman Mike Vazquez echoed that sentiment, highlighting both Terrill’s history with the promotion and his global impact. “Mick Terrill is part of BKB history,” said Vazquez. “He returns as an even more complete and dangerous fighter, and a force to be reckoned with within the tight confines of the Trigon. This signing shows that BKB is not just growing—we’re leading the sport and attracting elite, world-class talent. Fans should be very excited about what’s coming next.”

 

Beyond the ring, Terrill remains a respected figure in his hometown of North Shields, Tyne and Wear, England, where he has worked as an electrician and now runs his own gym. A former Muay Thai fighter and accomplished kickboxer—having reached the finals of the SuperKombat World Grand Prix III—Terrill is also a devoted husband, father of three, and passionate dog lover. Terrill’s return adds immediate firepower to BKB’s heavyweight division—and sets the stage for blockbuster matchups ahead.

 

On Saturday, July 11th at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza, iVB Boxing, Sampson Boxing and Paco Presents will deliver an "inclusive" night of fights, headlined by WBO flyweight champion Anthony “Princesa” Olascuaga (pictured, 12-1, 9 KOs) of Los Angeles defending his crown against Andy Dominguez (13-1, 6 KOs), a Mexican who fights out of Las Vegas. The co-feature will highlight the event’s inclusivity, as openly gay Uruguayan Oscar Bonifacino (4-0, 3 KOs) faces Spain's Raul Escudero (4-0), in a featherweight six-rounder.  Also in action that night will be active-duty Philippine Army soldier and #1-ranked junior lightweight Charly Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) of Manila taking on Fairfield, California’s Manuel “Tino” Avila (25-2-1, 9 KOs) over ten rounds. A fourth featured bout on the show has New Jersey middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. (23-1, 13 KOs) in against Argentina’s Gerardo Luis Vergara (21-1, 14 KOs). 

 

Rounding out the action will be an explosive ten-round battle of undefeated heavyweights between Gurgen Hovhannisyan (10-0, 9 KOs) of Gyumri, Armenia, and Uila Mauʻu (10-0, 9 KOs) of Auckland, New Zealand; and a four-round junior lightweight brawl between Blake Binskin (3-0) of Kent, England, and Dante Paris Ibarra Hernandez (3-1, 3 KOs) of Zapopan, Mexico.

 

Ed Pereira, CEO of iVB says he’s targeting a world record audience of more than 132,135 fans (record set by Tony Zale vs Billy Pryor at Juneau Park in Milwaukee in 1941), the largest crowd ever assembled for a boxing event. “This will be a show like the boxing world has never seen before,” said Pereira, “an event built for this city and its communities. San Francisco has always been a city that stands for something special, and on July 11th, it will stand at the center of the boxing world.”

 

Legendary promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, the man who saw the potential of then-unknown boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao before anyone else, says he now sees the potential of the innovative Pereira’s goal. “Ed has a vision for this sport that I believe in completely,” said Lewkowicz. “When he came to me with this event, I saw immediately what it could be - something the boxing world has never seen. Together we are going to give San Francisco and the world a night they will never forget. This is not just a fight card; this is a statement. I have spent my whole career backing things other people walked away from, and every time I have been proven right. This will be no different.”

 

A staple of Northern California boxing for decades, Paco Damian of Paco Presents will be lending his expertise to the event. Damian says he’s looking forward to giving the NorCal fans something truly groundbreaking. “I promoted my first boxing event in 2009 in the Bay Area, this area is my home,” said Paco Damian. “I am humbled to be part of this event, specially alongside my long-time dear friend and partner Sampson Lewkowicz and Ed Pereira and his incredible team.”

 

Two of boxing’s most famous ambassadors have thrown their support behind this ambitious endeavor, as all-time-female great champion Christy Martin and hall-of-fame ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr., have both agreed to serve as host and voice for the event. 

 

“The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Christy Martin is a trailblazing fighter who broke barriers and became one of the most recognisable figures in women’s boxing during the 1990s, both for her abilities inside the ring and her courageous fight outside of it. Hollywood superstar Sydney Sweeney played Christy in a recent full-length motion picture. Martin was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020.

 

“I am over the top honored to be a part of this historic event with iVB, Sampson and Paco,” said Christy Martin. “I am here to support boxing all over the world, but I’m here lending huge support, especially to Oscar Bonafacino!”

 

A native of Santa Monica, California, “The Classy” Jimmy Lennon Jr., is widely hailed for his smooth delivery, finesse and flawless pronunciation of foreign fighters in their native tongue. Among many of Lennon’s memorable career highlights was working the Julio Cesar Chavez--Greg Haugen fight card in Mexico City with 135,000 excitable fans. Lennon announced Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield to the ring for the infamous “Bite Fight” and for Buster Douglas’ shocking upset KO of Tyson in Tokyo. 

 

“I am fortunate to have been involved in some of the biggest boxing events in the history of the sport,” said Jimmy Lennon Jr. “I am thrilled to be a part of this great boxing card in the beautiful city of San Francisco.”

 

 

Tickets for the clash between world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, titled ‘Glory in Giza’ are on sale now for what is set to be one of the most historic sporting events ever staged. Set in Egypt against the extraordinary backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza, the event presents a truly rare sporting occasion, a once-in-a-lifetime setting for a clash of champions. Usyk (30–0 including the World Series of Boxing) meets kickboxing legend Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23rd. It will be broadcast globally on DAZN. Ahead of the main event will be Hamzah Sheeraz (22–0–1) vs. Alem Begic (29–0–1) for the vacant WBO super middleweight title. Sheeraz returns for his first fight of 2026 following a fifth-round knockout of Edgar Berlanga last July.

 

ADDITIONAL BOUTS

 

Jack Catterall (32–2) meets Uzbekistan's Shakhram Giyasov (17–0) for the WBA regular welterweight title, coming off a win over Ekow Essuman last November...

 

Frank Sanchez (25–1) takes on unbeaten Olympic silver medallist Richard Torrez Jr. (14–0) in an IBF heavyweight eliminator..

 

Mizuki Hiruta (10–0) defends her WBO titles against Mai Soliman (10–1). It marks her seventh straight WBO defense and first bout on a major card...

 

Ukrainian light heavyweight Daniel Lapin (13-0) will be in against Benjamin Mendes Tani (9-1)...

 

Basem Mamdouh (10–2) faces unbeaten American Jamar Talley (6–0) on home soil.

 

Saudi Arabia's Sultan Almohammed (3-0) continues his run on major undercards with a bout against Indonesian featherweight Dedy Imprax (2-4) and...

 

Egyptian boxers will also be featured, with Mahmoud Mobark vs Ali Sserunkuma and Omar Hikal vs Michael Kalyalya.

 

Tickets are available now at: https://tazkarti.co/GloryInGiza

 

Boxing’s youngest champion is set to make his first defense in front of a hometown crowd on the 250th anniversary of American independence as part of TNT Sports and DAZN’s inaugural The Fight event, a new monthly live boxing series. Abdullah Mason will defend his WBO lightweight title against former IBF junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina on Saturday, July 4th at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center. The Fight: Mason vs. Cordina will be broadcast on TNT and DAZN co-exclusively in the US and on DAZN Worldwide. In the co-feature, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington puts his WBC featherweight on the line against Mexico’s Rene Palacios. Additionally, Cleveland native and U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson takes on fellow unbeaten Christopher Guerrero in a ten-round welterweight battle. And undefeated lightweight knockout artist Deric “Scooter” Davis (11-0, 10 KOs) returns in an eight-round clash against Carlos Ramos (18-4-1, 10 KOs). The Mason-Cordina, Carrington-Palacios, Tiger-Guerrero and Davis-Ramos fights will be broadcast live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets go on sale Friday, May 8th, at 12 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

 

“This is a major moment for Abdullah Mason as he makes the first defense of his world title in front of his hometown fans,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “Joe Cordina is a proven former world champion with the Olympic and professional experience to take him into deep waters. With Bruce Carrington defending his crown and Cleveland’s Tiger Johnson returning home as well, each against unbeaten contenders, this will be a special Independence Day celebration for the city and a fitting launch of TNT Sports and DAZN’s The Fightseries.”

 

Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) rose quickly from prospect to world champion. Following an amateur career of roughly 80 bouts, he debuted at 17 in November 2021. Four years later, he captured the WBO crown by dominating unbeaten Sam Noakes last November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That triumph capped a breakout 2025 that began with a fourth-round stoppage of Manuel Jaimes in February, followed by a sixth-round TKO over Carlos Ornelas in April, and a fifth-round destruction of Namibian veteran Jeremia Nakathila in June.

 

Mason said, “July 4th is the homecoming that my brothers and I have been anticipating since before we turned pro. I’m ready to experience all of my city’s support in one building, and I have an appetite for smoke. So if you love boxing and you’re ready for some smoke, then the Wolstein on July 4th is the place to be. It’s a cookout at the Wolstein, and the clock is ticking. You’re all invited to your world champion’s first homecoming, and you don’t want to miss it.”

 

Cordina (19-1, 9 KOs) enters his third lightweight assignment seeking a world title in a second weight class. The 34-year-old scored a highlight reel second-round knockout over Kenichi Ogawa to win the IBF title at 130 pounds in 2022 but was stripped before his first defense due to a hand injury. He regained it with a decision over Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in 2023 before losing it to Anthony Cacace last May following a controversial knockdown after a punch during the break. The 2016 Olympian has since recorded victories over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz and Gabriel Flores Jr. in Flores’ hometown.

 

Cordina said, “This is a massive test for me, but this it’s one that I’m more than capable of coming through with flying colors. Abdullah Mason is a very good fighter, and he’s going to do big things in boxing, but I’m going to mess up the homecoming. I’m looking to come over, rip the title away from him, and take it back to the U.K. It’s a massive fight for boxing, and I’m looking to become a three-time, two-weight world champion.” 

 

“This is such a great fight,” said Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport. “Abdullah is a tremendous talent and a real star for the future, but Joe has been there, done it and got the t-shirt. Joe showed in California that he’s not afraid to fight in hostile territory and that he still has plenty left in the tank at the top level, and this is a massive chance for him to become a two-weight World champion. This is yet another fantastic fight on DAZN made by Top Rank and Matchroom, and this year, the Fourth of July fireworks will be coming from the Welsh Wizard.”

 

Carrington (17-0, 10 KOs) is Brownsville, Brooklyn’s latest world champion, following a path once traveled by the likes of Mike Tyson and Zab Judah. A four-year pro, his 2025 campaign produced a third-round stoppage of Jose Enrique Vivas in March and a unanimous points verdict over Mateus Heita in July to win the WBC interim title before becoming full champion with a brutal ninth-round stoppage of Carlos Castro in January. Carrington said, “The Shu Shu Show is coming to Ohio for the first title defense! It’s The Shu World Order!"

 

Palacios (19-0-1, 10 KOs) is a rugged Mexican contender who earned his first title opportunity with a decision win over the respected Sulaiman Segawa. cios said. “I’m very excited because, thank God, I now have the opportunity to fight for a world title. I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away. I made a promise to my mother that one day I would become a world champion, and I’m going to keep it. I know Carrington is a great fighter, and he’s proven that, but this time he’s facing someone different from what he saw against Sagawa.”

 

Johnson (17-0, 8 KOs) represented the U.S. at the 2020 Olympics and signed with Top Rank in November 2021. As a super lightweight, he compiled 14 wins before moving up to welterweight last year, where he registered wins over Kendo Castañeda and Tarik Zaina before delivering his most significant result to date, a fourth-round TKO of Nicklaus Flauz in November. Guerrero (16-0, 9 KOs is a Mexican born resident of Montreal, Canada who makes his U.S. debut after going 4-0 with two knockouts in 2025.

 

Johnson said, “We’re bringing fireworks to the Land of the Heartless. I’ve been waiting to fight at home for years, and I can’t wait to show out on July 4. Cleveland knows what I bring every time I step in the ring, and this is my moment to put my stamp on the city. I’m ready to represent the 216 and let everybody know who the next world champion from Cleveland is going to be.”

 

Guerrero said, “This is the moment I’ve been waiting for my whole life. It’s long overdue. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to collect a paycheck. I’m here to take what’s mine.”

 

Undercard action will feature two of Mason’s brothers in separate four-round fights, as Abdurrahman Mason (2-0, 2 KOs) sees action in a lightweight contest and Ibrahim Mason (2-0, 2 KOs) competes in a junior lightweight bout.

 

The official announcement that Anthony “AJ” Joshua (29-4, 6 KOs) will return to the ring for a “tune-up” fight versus Albanian power-puncher Kristian “KP” Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) on July 25th caught many by surprise. Joshua will put his tentatively scheduled showdown, with Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (35-2-1, 24 KOs), slated during the final quarter of 2026, at risk by facing Prenga in a twelve-round main event, to be shown on DAZN from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A two-time European kickboxing champion, Prenga, had no amateur experience, and remains relatively unknown in some boxing circles. However, he and his team fully appreciate the career-changing opportunity they’ve been offered, that could end up positioning him among the leading heavyweights in the world.

 

The 35 year-old Prenga has demonstrated remarkable punching power throughout his career. He has secured victories by knockout in all 20 of his wins, and his lone defeat came early in his career, in 2017, during just his fifth professional bout. Since then, though, he has been riding a 16-fight win streak, establishing himself as a dangerous opponent.

 

Joshua has been stopped by Andy Ruiz (35-5-1, 22 KOs) and Daniel Dubois (21-2, 21 KOs). He has also been rocked by other heavy hitters. Both Joshua and Prenga are true heavyweights: Joshua stands 6’ 6” and weighed 243 pounds in his last fight;  Prenga is 6’ 6” and was 264 ½ in his most recent action.

 

New York City-based boxing lawyer Keith Sullivan, who gained invaluable experience as a former New York State Athletic Commission Deputy Commissioner, didn’t start managing Prenga until this past February Despite being a founding partner in a successful 20-year-old New York City litigation firm, Sullivan & Galleshaw LLP, Sullivan is highly respected in the industry for his vast boxing knowledge and tireless commitment to fighting for his fighters. Two such clients of note are Irish welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) and the Japanese three-time, two-division champion Miyo Yoshida (19-5, 1 KO).

 

“If Team Joshua thinks this is an easy night for AJ,” warned Keith Sullivan, “they’ve made a serious mistake. They just walked into a very dangerous situation. Underestimate Prenga at your own risk. I understand why they chose Prenga, but I don’t think they fully understand who they chose, which is going to become very clear on fight night. Team Prenga and I have tremendous respect for AJ and what he has accomplished: extensive amateur record, two Olympic medals, three (IBF, WBA & WBO) heavyweight championships, more than a dozen heavyweight title fights, millions earned, etc. Kristian has not been as fortunate to have those privileged experiences. However, what he does have is heart, determination, strong self-confidence and power.

 

“This is clearly a lose-lose situation for AJ. If he wins, he is criticized for his opponent selection; if he loses, he is beaten into retirement. I would hate to be in AJ’s shoes or mindset for the next 13 weeks. Joshua is a great fighter but KP isn’t coming to participate – he’s coming to shock the world!”

 

Now residing in Edgewater, New Jersey, Prenga said, “I really appreciate my manager, Keith Sullivan, working hard to create an opportunity of a lifetime for me. Keith promised we would do big things together and he delivered,” Prenga added. “AJ is a great fighter. I like him and how he conducts himself in and out of the ring. But fight night is going to be a war and I am walking out victorious; that’s the way it’s going to be”

 

Should Prenga upset Joshua, the Albanian would most certainly be pleased to step in as Fury’s opponent in place of Joshua later this year.

Boxxer expands into the Netherlands this weekend with a show in Rotterdam headlined by Gradus Kraus(10-0) vs. Theo Brooks (5-0). Boxxer is partnering with leading Dutch promoters Boxing Gladiators for the light heavyweight main event on Saturday, May 9th at the Topsportcentrum. The 24 year-old Kraus won his last fight, in January, delivering a second-round stoppage victory over Boris Crighton (13-7) at the Copper Box Arena. Before that, Kraus stopped Rostam Ibrahim (13-2-2) inside two rounds in September, and now returns to home ground as he looks to take his next steps towards world glory. 

 

Boxxer's CEO Ben Shalom said: “We believe Gradus Kraus is a future superstar of the sport. He already has a huge following in the Netherlands and we want to continue to build that fanbase both at home and on a global scale. We are excited to be partnering with Boxing Gladiators to stage our first event in the Netherlands. The country has a rich tradition in combat sports and a passionate fanbase that deserves world-class boxing events. We believe May 9 will be the start of something special for Dutch boxing.”