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Heavyweight contender Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller has apologized for using the banned substances that torpedoed his June 1 world title shot against WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in New York City.

It came to light Friday that Miller has tested dirty in a total of three random drug tests with three different banned substances found in his system (GW1516 twice, HGH, and EPO).

In a video on social media, Miller stated, “I messed up. I made a bad call. A lot of ways to handle the situation, I handled it wrong and I’m paying the price for it. I’m missing out on a big opportunity and I’m hurting inside. My heart is bleeding right now. I hurt my family, my friends, my team, my supporters, but I’m owning up to it. I’m gonna deal with it, I’m gonna correct it, and I’m gonna come back better. I’m humbled by the experience.” Continue reading “Big Baby comes clean: I messed up”

Eddie Hearn, promoter of WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, said on social media that Joshua’s next opponent Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller has failed ANOTHER random drug test.‏

“We have now received news from VADA that Jarrell Miller has now failed a second separate test for a further substance. AJ’s June 1 opponent will be announced next week – if you don’t think you can beat him clean then delete my number!” tweeted Hearn.

Big Baby reportedly tested positive for the banned substance HGH after previously testing dirty for GW1516.

Terence Crawford 146.4 vs. Amir Khan 146.6
(WBO welterweight title)

Teofimo Lopez 135 vs. Edis Tatli 134.8
Shakur Stevenson 125.8 vs. Christopher Diaz 125.6
Felix Verdejo 135 vs. Bryan Vasquez 135.4

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City
Promoter: Top Rank
TV: PPV

Danny Garcia 146.8 vs. Adrian Granados 146
Ricardo Espinoza 117.8 vs. John Riel Casimero 116.8
Brandon Figueroa 121.2 vs. Yonfrez Parejo 120.5
Andy Ruiz Jr 262 vs. Alexander Dimitrenko 259

Jorge Cota 154.4 vs. Jeison Rosario 156
Alfredo Angulo 166.6 vs. Evert Bravo 166.2
Ricky Lopez 127.4 vs. Joe Perez 127.8
Carlos Balderas 133.8 vs. Luis May 132.2
Raymond Muratalla vs. Jose Cen Torres
Rolando Romero 136 vs. Andres Figueroa 134.8
Omar Juarez 141.4 vs. Dwayne Bonds 139.4
Raymond Murattala 135.2 vs. Jose Cen Torres 135.4
Nelson Hampton 134.2 vs. Phillip Bounds 135.2

Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California
Promoter: TGB Promotions
TV: FOX

David Allen 244 vs. Lucas Browne 248.5
Derek Chisora 259 vs. Senad Gashi 220
Conor Benn 148.5 vs. Josef Zahradnik 145.3
Josh Kelly 146.5 vs. Przemyslaw Runowski 146.6
Joe Cordina 134.25 vs. Andy Townend 134.5
Nikita Ababiy 160.5 vs. Dmitri Faltin 161
Shannon Courtenay 118.5 vs. Roz Mari Silyanova 119.5

Venue: 02 Arena, London
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: Sky Sports (UK) DAZN (USA)

WBC featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. (29-1, 17 KOs) will defend his title against former world champion Kiko Martinez (39-8-2, 28 KOs) in the co-feature to Wilder vs. Breazeale on May 18 live on Showtime from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Gary Russell: “I expect to send a message to everyone in or near my division that I’m a force to be reckoned with. I want to unify against Leo Santa Cruz and I’m going to do what I have to do to get there. I’m never going to take any opponent lightly and right now, it’s my job to take care of Kiko Martinez before I worry about anything else. On May 18 you should expect to see excitement, punching power, hand speed, fast combinations and a great level of boxing IQ. I’m the best in boxing today and I prove that every time I get in the ring.”

Kiko Martinez: “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to win another world title and I’m thankful and excited for May 18. Gary Russell Jr is in for a rude awakening. I have a lot of experience and I feel great at featherweight. There will be nothing better than celebrating my 50th fight with a new world title.”

The telecast will also feature unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heraldez (16-0, 10 KOs) squaring-off against former world champion Argenis Mendez (25-5-2, 12 KOs) in a 10-round attraction.

Unbeaten WBA #8, IBF #12 heavyweight and Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgović (7-0, 5 KOs) will make his American debut against Gregory “Bad News” Corbin (15-1, 9 KOs) on May 25 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. Hrgović joins a bill headlined by former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, the winner of the inaugural World Boxing Super Series tournament, who makes his heavyweight bow against Carlos Takam. Hrgović returns following a one-sided points victory over Kevin Johnson in his hometown of Zagreb, Croatia.

WBC lightweight champion Mikey Garcia steps in the ring with legendary Boxing Hall of Famer Erik Morales in a four round exhibition fight on May 18 at the RC Sports Center in Rancho Cucamonga, California. A portion of the proceeds will be donated for care and treatment of undefeated local boxer Izaac Colunga, who was tragically shot in the neck during a drive-by shooting. Izaac suffers from severe repercussions of the bullet that now sits in his vertebrae with the risk of being paralyzed. Continue reading “Mikey Garcia vs. Erik Morales fundraiser”

By TMZSports.com

Claressa Shields will have to find another male challenger to fight — because Shawn Porter says he’s NOT down to get in the ring with the female superstar.

Porter appeared on the “TMZ Sports” TV show after Shields told us this week she’s 100% confident she could BEAT top male fighters like Porter, Keith Thurman and Gennady Golovkin.

So, we asked Porter for his reaction — to which he smiled and replied, “It’s cute!” Continue reading “Shawn Porter: I Won’t Fight Claressa Shields”

Former two-division champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and welterweight contender Adrian “El Tigre” Granados went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before the square-off this Saturday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Danny Garcia: This is a big fight for me. I have to go in there and show the world I’m one of the best in the sport. I need to look good.

Adrian Granados: I want a dominating and exciting victory. I’m here to show I’m a real player in the welterweight division.

Also squaring-off Thursday were heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr. and Alexander Dimitrenko, who meet in a 10-round bout, and unbeaten contender Brandon Figueroa and Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo, who meet in a 12-round match for the WBA interim super bantamweight title.

Full Quotes

#1 ranked WBO Bantamweight contender Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza of Tijuana, Mexico arrived today in Los Angeles, California for his Interim WBO World Bantamweight title showdown against #6 ranked John Riel Casimero this Saturday at the Dignity Health Sports Park (StubHub Centre) in Carson.

Espinoza wanted to arrive earlier but he had college finals earlier in the week. He is currently a sophomore majoring in Business Administration at the Autonomous University of Baja California.

“I feel great, we had the best camp ever, between classes and training my time was limited. I’m ready for this opportunity and I know I will be world champion come Saturday night,” said Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza.

Murat Gassiev has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing USA, Ural Boxing Promotion and Warriors Boxing – and will move up to heavyweight in June as he prepares to fight on DAZN.

The 25-year-old is moving up from cruiserweight where he landed the IBF world title in June 2016 after beating Denis Lebedev in Moscow, defending it with a third round KO of Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in New Jersey in December 2017 in the quarter-final of the World Boxing Super Series and then adding the WBA crown with a dramatic final round stoppage of Yunier Dorticos in February 2018.

That victory led Gassiev to a final with Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed cruiserweight title, which Usyk won over the distance. Gassiev has mirrored the moves of Usyk by going up in weight and teaming up with Matchroom Boxing USA.

WBC super featherweight champion Miguel “Alacrán” Berchelt has completed his preparation stage in Los Mochis and moved his training camp in Hermosillo with his trainer Alfredo Caballero. Berchelt (35-1, 31 KOs) will face former champ Francisco “Bandido” Vargas (25-1-2, 18 KOs) on May 11 at the Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona.

He won the WBC belt in January 2017 by knocking out the then-unbeaten Vargas in eleven rounds. For the rematch, Berchelt works two sessions a day (conditioning in the mornings and afternoons in the gym) and is showing excellent physical, mental and boxing form. Continue reading “Berchelt ready for war against Vargas”

Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller has issued a statement on social media outlets addressing the banned substance found in his system in a random drug test.

Jarrell Miller Statement

“I want to thank all of my supporters who have stood by me since day one and especially during this extremely difficult time.

“I have not been tuned into social media and any other media outlets to focus and channel all of my energies into working hard with no distractions.

“I am absolutely devastated upon hearing the news my boxing license has been revoked in NY State and I will be vigorously appealing this decision. I have NEVER knowingly taken any banned substance and when I found out the news last night I was totally shocked. Continue reading “Jarrell Miller: I shall be vindicated”

By TMZSports.com

Undisputed female middleweight boxing champ Claressa Shields says she’s 100% confident she could beat male fighters … and she’s calling them out by name. Shields was a BEAST in her title fight this weekend against then-undefeated Christina Hammer — dominating every round en route to an obvious unanimous decision. It’s clear Shields is on another level.

The 24-year-old sensation is now focused on a superfight with the other reigning undisputed female boxing champ, Cecilia Braekhus … and hopes to set up a PPV fight in the near future. Continue reading “Claressa Shields: I think I can beat up Keith Thurman”

Former two-division champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and welterweight contender Adrian Granados took part in a media workout Wednesday as they near their main event showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday night from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica:

Danny Garcia: “You watch Danny Garcia fights you know I’m always swinging trying to knock people out. Expect another can’t-miss fight on Saturday…I know what Granados brings to the table, but I believe in my skills and the hard work we put into camp. The plan is, of course, to get a knockout and look spectacular, but I’m more than ready to go 12 hard rounds.”

Adrian Granados: “I don’t think Danny is looking past me, but I know he has bigger plans. I’m here to interrupt those plans. I have my own plans. I’m going to catapult myself to where I belong and where I should have always been…for this fight I’m taking it out of anybody else’s hands.

The time for talking is over. Terence “Bud” Crawford is ready for business. Crawford (34-0, 25 KOs) will defend his WBO welterweight title against Amir “King” Khan (33-4, 20 KOs) Saturday night at Madison Square Garden on the inaugural Top Rank on ESPN PPV.

Three days away from the Garden Party, this is what Crawford, Khan and their trainers had to say.

Terence Crawford: Amir Khan is a great fighter. I can’t take nothing away from. He’s done a lot in the sport of boxing. He has a big name. He’s undefeated at the welterweight division. So why not take another step up?

Amir Khan: This {fight} ranks at the top for me because fighting a world champion, Terence is very high in the pound-for-pound rankings, maybe number one or number two. So, it’s just amazing for me to be in this position once again.

Full Quotes

The New York State Athletic Commission has announced that they will NOT approve heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller’s application for a boxing license. Unless the Miller team can convince the NYSAC otherwise, WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will be facing a new opponent on June 1 at Madison Square Garden.

“Big Baby” was rejected for an adverse finding (GW1516) in a random drug test conducted by VADA. In the unlikely event Miller’s “B sample” tests clean, he could then reapply to the NYSAC to salvage a reported $4 million payday.

In the meantime, the Joshua camp is actively looking for a new opponent.

Photo: Stacey Verbeek

WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford shoots a steely gaze at challenger Amir “King” Khan during today’s press conference face-off at Madison Square Garden.

By Robert Coster

Guatemala has a history of producing good amateurs but no professional boxing. This has now changed as the Central American nation has already hosted two pro cards this year. On February 2nd, Promoters Bobby Rodriguez and Pinolero Boxing from Nicaragua put on a card in the country’s capital city with boxers from Central America and Mexico.

On April 6th, Latin Arms Promotion from Las Vegas offered an eleven bout card (with two American boxers) to local boxing fans. Along with TV, in front of a crowd of about 1,500 fans, up and coming Alexander Mejia (Nicaragua) retained his WBA Fedelatin jr featherweight title in the main event fight. The big attraction however was local son, 23 year-old Lester Martinez making his pro debut against former world champion Ricardo Mayorga who, in typical fashion, trashed-talked plenty before the fight. Martinez, a former amateur star (AIBA Youth world champion, Central American champion) displayed good power, pummeling the faded Nicaraguan former world titlist and forcing a stoppage in the second round. With movie actor good looks, evident skill and power, Lester Martinez, who is fighting in the super-middleweight class, is one to be watched and will be able to draw even larger crowds in his home country.

A hand injury has forced David Lemieux (40-4, 34 KOs) to withdraw from his 168-pound debut against John “The Gorilla” Ryder (27-4, 15 KOs) in what was going to be the scheduled 12-round co-main event of Canelo vs. Jacobs. Lemieux injured his right hand during a sparring session, and his doctor has recommended that he rest for eight weeks before returning to the gym.

Details for the new co-main event will be announced shortly. The Canelo vs. Jacobs will continue as planned on Saturday, May 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Lemieux, a 30-year-old native of Montreal, Canada, is disappointed at his injury, but promises to return stronger than ever. “Training camp was going really great,” said David Lemieux.”I felt in tremendous shape, the strongest I’d ever felt in my entire career. But, I will be back soon. Hopefully, the fans will understand. I promise I will make it up to them once I’m healed.”

The WBC has issued a statement addressing calls to increase the 2 minute/ten round format for women’s championship boxing to match the 3 minute/twelve round format for men’s championship boxing.

Science not Sexism

The World Boxing Council is not a sanctioning body. We are a Governing Body that sanctions fights, always with the interest and safety of the boxers as the most important element. We are not in the business of selling belts. No one in the WBC board and committees takes a salary. We are dedicated to protecting all those who participate in our sport and will not be influenced by popularity when it jeopardizes the life and future life of our boxers. Our goal is to have exciting fights that the boxer can reflect on years after they leave the ring. Not just a Championship belt, but a quality of life worth fighting for. Continue reading “WBC: Science not Sexism”

Photos: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford and Amir “King” Khan hosted a media workout today at EverybodyFights, as the pair prepares for Saturday evening’s Top Rank on ESPN PPV showdown at Madison Square Garden.

Terence Crawford: “I am on a high level right now, and the way I beat people makes it seem like they don’t belong in the ring with me. Against Khan, I will show everyone again why I’m the best fighter in the world.”

Amir Khan: “I am confident I can win this fight because he has never fought anyone like me. I have power, speed, and movement, and he has certainly never fought a welterweight like me. I’ve grown into my weight. I’m not just another number on Crawford’s record.”

Full Quotes

Boxing returns to Moscow April 22nd for a special edition of Monday Night Fights. Unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Roman Zakirov (9-0, 7 KOs) of Azerbaijan will be featured facing seasoned veteran Meshack Mwankemwa (17-6-2, 10 KOs) of Tanzania in an 8 round junior middleweight clash. Zakirov returns fresh off of winning his first pro title the vacant International Boxing Organization International Super Welterweight title vs Mexico’s Daniel Vega Cota (13-3-1, 10 KOs) at the Kalaszi Sporthall, Hungary, Budakalász in February. Mwankemwa will be a step up for Zakirov having had faced former world title challengers Tewa Kiram and Walter Kautondokwa. Continue reading “Monday Night Fights in Moscow April 29”

Eddie Hearn, promoter of WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, said on social media that Joshua’s next opponent Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller has failed a random drug test. “We have been informed by VADA that there has been an adverse finding in Jarrell Miller’s sample collected on March 20th, 2019. We are working with all relevant parties and will update with more details soon. AJ’s preparation continues for June 1st at MSG,” he tweeted.

Reportedly Miller tested positive for the banned substance GW1516. The Joshua camp would have to find a new challenger for Joshua if Miller is suspended. The fight is slated for June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City so a new opponent would have about six weeks to prepare. Continue reading “Joshua-Miller in jeopardy after Big Baby fails drug test”