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Video: Przemek Garczarczyk

WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder: “I don’t even know what to call my right hand!”

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By Joe Koizumi

Former Japanese super bantamweight champ Yusaku Kuga (18-3-1, 12 KOs), 122, regained the national belt when he floored defending titlist Ryoichi Tamura (12-4-1, 6 KOs), 121.75, in the fifth and won a unanimous decision (97-92, 96-93, 95-94) over ten hard-fought rounds on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. Continue reading “Kuga beats Tamura again, regains Japanese 122lb belt”

Heavyweight Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale was disappointed when he wasn’t allowed to continue Saturday’s world title fight against WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder. “I think the ref stopped it a little early because I could hear him saying seven and eight, but that’s boxing,” said Breazeale. “He did his job and kept us safe for our next fight.

“I got on my feet and had my legs under me. It’s the heavyweight division so there’s going to big shots from guys with power. This was a situation where he landed the big right hand before I did. I thought I was going to come on in the later rounds. I’ll be back and go for the heavyweight title again.”

By Rick Scharmberg at ringside

Hector “Macho Time” Camacho Jr. (59-7-1, 33 KOs) made a successful return to the ring after nearly two years with a first round KO over Victor “El Pollito” Abreu (9-6, 5 KOs) in the main event at the Hockessin PAL Center in Hockessin, Delaware. Camacho Jr., son of the late, legendary Hector “Macho” Camacho, focused his attack to the body of the taller Abreu, before dropping him for the count with a right hook to the body at 2:07 of the opening round of the scheduled 8 round middleweight bout.

“I am looking to stay busy and make one more run at a title. I fight in Puerto Rico on August 10th,” stated Camacho after the bout.

Photos: Zanfer Promotions

A super lightweight clash between former world title challenger José “Chon” Zepeda (30-2, 25 KOs) and Eleazar “Tronco” Valenzuela (18-12-4, 15 KOs) ended in no contest due to an accidental clash of heads in the third round on Saturday night at the Gimnasio del Sindicato de Trabajadores del Metro in Mexico City.

Zepeda dropped Valenzuela in round one and punished Valenzuela in round two before the abrupt end in the third stanza.

WBA female strawweight champion Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (29-3, 4 KOs) won by eight round unanimous decision against Bárbara Alejandra Martínez (10-7-1, 3 KOs) in a non-title fight. 19 straight wins for Ortiz.

In a real war in which both fighters were down, super flyweight Joel “Trino” Córdoba (11-4-2, 2 KOs) was victorious when former WBC flyweight champion Juan “Churrritos” Hernández (35-4, 26 KOs) didn’t Como out for round six.

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Photos: Emily Harney

WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KOs) annihilated mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (20-2, 18 KOs) in the first round on Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Wilder rocked Breazeale early on. A flush right hand laid out Breazeale to end it. Breazeale was counted out at 2:17.

It was Wilder’s ninth successful title defense. By comparison, it took Anthony Joshua seven rounds to stop Breazeale.

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It was announced on tonight’s Showtime Championship Boxing telecast that undefeated WBA super featherweight world champion Gervonta Davis will defend his title against mandatory challenger Ricardo Nuñez on Saturday, July 27 live on Showtime in Baltimore. Continue reading “Gervonta Davis returns July 27”

Photos: Emily Harney

WBC featherweight world champion “Mister” Gary Russell Jr. (30-1, 18 KOs) won by fifth round TKO over former world champ Kiko Martinez (39-9-2, 28 KOs) on Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Russell was in command all the way until the fight was stopped due a cut over Martinez’ left eye. Time was 2:52. Russell had a clean 40-36 sweep going on the scored rounds.

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Serhii Bohachuk 153 vs. Freddy Hernandez 154
George Navarro 115 vs. Cesar Sustaita 114.6
Adrian Corona 129.4 vs. Canton Miller 130
Humberto Rubalcava 122 vs. Daniel Constantino 121.2

Venue: Avalon, Hollywood, California
Promoter: 360 Promotions
TV: All 360 Promotions social media channels

Unbeaten super lightweight Juan Heraldez (16-0-1, 10 KOs) and former IBF super feather champ Argenis Mendez (25-5-3, 12 KOs) battled to a hard fought ten round draw on Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Scores were 95-95, 95-95, and 97-93 for Mendez.

Unbeaten heavyweight Robert Alfonso (18-0-1, 8 KOs) and Iago Kiladze (26-4-1, 18 KOs) fought to a lackluster eight round draw. A lethargic performance by 2008 Olympian Alfonso, who struggled with an opponent coming off three consecutive stoppage losses. Scores were 77-75 Alfonso, 77-75 Kiladze, 76-76.

Three “Gary Russell” brothers on tonight’s card with two younger siblings of WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. both emerging victorious. Lightweight Gary Antuanne Russell (9-0, 9 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, scored a fourth round knockout over Marcos Mojica (16-4-2, 12 KOs). Mojica down twice in round four. Time was 2:13. Bantamweight Gary Antonio Russell (14-0, 11 KOs) won by six round technical decision over Saul Eduardo Hernandez (13-13-1, 8 KOs). Scores were 60-54, 60-54, 59-55.

Junior welterweight and 2016 Olympian Richardson Hitchins (9-0, 5 KOs) stopped Alejandro Munera (4-2-3, 4 KOs) after three one-sided rounds. Hitchins dropped Munera with a body shot in round three and the bout was halted after the round.

In a clash for the vacant WBO super middleweight title, former middleweight titlist Billy Joe Saunders (28-0, 13 KOs) outpointed Shefat Isufi (27-4-2, 20 KOs) over twelve one-sided rounds on Saturday night outdoors at Lamex Stadium in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. The result was never in doubt as Saunders cruised to a unanimous nod by scores of 120-108, 117-111, 118-110. Saunders picked up the belt formerly held by Zurdo Ramirez, who moved up to light heavyweight.

Photos: Sumio Yamada

In a World Boxing Super Series super lightweight semi-final, IBF #3 Josh “The Tartan Tornado” Taylor (15-0, 12 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision to dethrone reigning IBF world champion Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (19-1, 12 KOs) on Saturday night at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland.

Local hero Taylor dropped the champion twice in round six, first with a big right hand, then with a barrage of punches. Baranchyk recovered and finished the fight, but Taylor won by wide scores of 117-109, 115-111, 115-111.

Taylor will face Regis Prograis in the WBSS final.

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Unbeaten heavyweight and Olympic silver medalist Joe “The Juggernaut” Joyce (9-0, 9 KOs) scored a third round KO over Alexander Ustinov (34-4, 25 KOs) in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England (about 30 minutes north of London). Joyce pretty much worked over the slower 42-year-old Ustinov. A left hook put Ustinov on his knees for the count. Time was 1:55.

British super bantamweight champion Brad Foster (11-0-1, 4 KOs) stopped Ashley Lane (13-9-2, 1 KO) with 2 seconds remaining in the twelfth round to add the Commonwealth title to his resume. Foster dropped Lane in the last round and finished him with his follow-up barrage.

Photos: Sumio Yamada

In a World Boxing Super Series bantamweight semi-final, WBA champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue (18-0, 16 KOs) demolished IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez (19-1, 12 KOs) in the second round on Saturday night at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland.

After a close round one, Inoue dropped Rodriguez three times in round two to spectacularly end it. Time was 1:19.

Inoue will now face Nonito Donaire in the WBSS final. Continue reading “Naoya Inoue crushes Manny Rodriguez for IBF belt”

By Rick Scharmberg

Hector Camacho Jr. 169.6 vs. Victor Abreu 161.8
Vinnie Kirkley 146.8 vs. Steven Pulluaim 145.2
Steven Talibisco 270.2 vs. Machiavelli Siberius 213.2
Brandon Mullins 160 vs. Dontre King 157.8
David Murray 174.6 vs. Andre Espeut 174.6
David Stevens 192.2 vs. Kwame Benson 196
Maurice Horne 177.2 vs. Leon DeShields 175,8
Taylor Krahl 175.4 vs. Dameron Kirby 175.2
Justin Riley 138.2 vs. Hakim Smith 138.6
Milton Jeremias 131.6 vs. Nyrome Lynch 133.8

Venue: Hockessin PAL Center, Hockessin, DE
Promoter: Dee Lee Promotions
Matchmaker: Nick Tiberi

By Boxing Bob Newman

The final matter of business at the 51st annual NABF convention saw the judges seminar conducted by NABF president Duane Ford. The opening and prevailing theme was the use of social media by ring officials.

Major League Baseball of cracked down on their officials using social media and many feel the same will happen in boxing as far as judges and referees go. If a judge or referee is caught posting comments, mentioning a plum assignment they just received or posting photos with active fighters or promoters and managers, it’s certain they’ll be shelved from future assignments by commissions and sanctioning bodies. Continue reading “NABF 51st Convention Day 3”

By Marco Bratusch

Last Saturday in Magdeburg, Germany, Stefan Haertel (18-1, 2 KOs), aged 31, dethroned his countryman, stablemate and former European super middleweight champion Robin Krasniqi (49-6, 17 KOs) after twelve rounds, winning the continental title in one of the best EBU sanctioned bout of the year so far. Continue reading “European Boxing Update”

Both Raquel Miller and Erin Toughill made weight and will battle for the vacant NABF female middleweight championship tonight at The Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens, California. The 7pm show will also feature undefeated Jonathan Esquivel facing Bakersfield veteran Tavorus Teague in another middleweight bout.

Some tickets at $60 by calling 949 760-3131 or all day at The Gardens Casino. Doors Open at 6pm.

Raquel Miller 158.8 vs. Erin Toughill 159.4
Jonathan Esquivel 161.8 vs. Tavorus Teague 161.8

Report, Photos by Joe Koizumi

IBF junior flyweight champion Felix Alvarado (32-4, 30 KOs), from Nicaragua, will make his initial defense against Japanese banger Reiya Konishi (17-1, 7 KOs) tomorrow (Sunday) at the Portopia Hotel in Kobe, Japan.

We saw the weigh-in ceremony at the venue with Alvarado scaling at 107.25, while Konishi at 107.75. Continue reading “Alvarado, Konishi make weight”

By Karl Freitag

Lots of big fights today.

SHOWTIME/Brooklyn, New York
Deontay Wilder is a 10:1 favorite to retain his WBC heavyweight title against Dominic Breazeale. Gary Russell Jr is a 50:1 favorite to retain his WBC featherweight title against Kiko Martinez.

DAZN/Glasgow, Scotland
Local hero Josh Taylor is a 6:1 favorite to dethrone IBF jr welterweight champion Ivan Baranchyk in a WBSS 140lb semi-final. WBA bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue champion is a 12:1 favorite to defeat IBF bantamweight king Emmanuel Rodriguez in a WBSS 118lb semi-final.

ESPN+/Stevenage, England
Billy Joe Saunders is a whopping 100:1 favorite to beat Shefat Isufi for the vacant WBO super middleweight title. Heavyweight Joe Joyce is a 50:1 favorite to beat Alexander Ustinov.

In case you were wondering, if you put all six wide favorites into a parlay, you’d be looking at about a $46 payout if you bet $100.

By Boxing Bob Newman

The Friday edition of the 51st NABF convention in Honolulu, Hawai’i featured both the referees seminar and the ratings committee meeting. Long time referee Jay Nady of Nevada conducted the Ref’s seminar while ratings chairman Tommy Ashy oversaw the ratings meeting.

Officially designated the ABC Certification Referee Training Seminar, this session culminated in a certification or re-certification exam for all in attendance. Continue reading “NABF 2019 Convention Day 2”

By Jason Marchetti at ringside
Photos: Emily Harney

In the main event at Foxwoods Resort and Casino, “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (15-0, 7 KO’s) defeated Rickey Edwards (12-3, 3 KO’s) by unanimous decision to earn the WBC USNBC Super Lightweight Championship. The final scores from the judges were 96-94, 97-93, and 100-90.

The event was promoted by DiBella Entertainment and televised on UFC Fight Pass. Continue reading “Williams-Edwards Full Report”

An IBF eliminator between unbeaten light heavyweights Adam Deines (17-0, 8 KOs) and Fanlong Meng (14-0, 9 KOs) has been set for June 1 at the Wynn Palace Hotel in Macau, China. Originally IBF #5 Deines was expecting to fight #6 Ugur Shalamov, but that bout was delayed again and again and the IBF finally appointed #7 Meng to get the opportunity.

Adam Deines: “If I win the fight against this strong Chinese fighter in Macau, then I am the mandatory challenger of the IBF titlist. Currently, this is Artur Beterbiev and no matter who will who wears the championship belt, they can not get past me. I look forward to Macau to earn the next world title chance for SES Boxing fight with a victory!”

WBC #6 bantamweight Nawaphon Sor Rungvisai (45-1-1, 35 KOs) scored a seventh round KO over former WBC world champion Sonny Boy Jaro (45-15-5, 32 KOs) on Saturday at Workpoint Studio, in Bangkok, Thailand. A body shot put the 37-year-old Jaro on the deck to end it as Nawaphon retained his WBC Asia bantamweight title.

Alantez Fox 163.2 vs. Nick Brinson 163.8
Tiara Brown 129.8 vs. Angel Gladney 133.2
Jordan White 126.2 vs. Christian Esquivel 129.2
Patrick Harris 142 vs. Anthony Woods 143
Sam Crossed 187.8 vs. Larry Pryor TBA
Renaldo Gaines 130.4 vs. Eduardo Melendez 127.6
George Harris 214.2 vs. Antwaun Taylor 211.2
Taurean Venable 142.2 vs. Jonathan Conde 137.4

Venue: ESA Sports Arena in Washington, DC
Promoter: Tricky Entertainment and DCFIGHTNIGHT
5:30 pm ET–Doors Open
6:30 PM ET–1st Bout