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WBA, IBF, WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who are lined up for two fights in 2021, bumped into each other while vacationing in Marbella, Spain. Joshua told Sky Sports, “He said, ‘Don’t lose to Kubrat Pulev!’ I said, ‘That’s something silly to say.’ He said, ‘Have you got to fight Usyk?’ I said, ‘Look Tyson, when me and you can get a fight together, we don’t have to worry about Usyk. See you next year!'”

Usyk is Joshua’s WBO mandatory challenger. Both Joshua and Usyk are promoted by Matchroom.

Heavyweight Danny Williams (54-28, 41 KOs) returns on August 28 to take on Tambwe “General Big Joe” Djeko (17-2-1, 8 KOs) in an eight round clash in Belgium. The 47-year-old Williams, known as “The Brixton Bomber,” famously stopped Mike Tyson in 2004. The Williams-Djeko fight will be available worldwide on the Facebook Fightnight Live page for $5.

Former IBF cruiserweight world champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez, who is returning after six years as a heavyweight, will face none other than former world title challenger Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson on August 22 at the Elbau Park Floating Stage in Magdeburg, Germany.

“I still had that little spark in me,” said Hernandez at the kick-off press conference. “My boxing story wasn’t over yet. Boxing was and is my life. I am as fit and healthy as never before – so I can really look forward to this fight. I no longer have to suffer as much in the heavyweight division, no longer have to make weight. Kevin Johnson is a more than experienced man – the right opponent for my comeback!”

On the undercard, former light heavyweight title challenger Adam Deines and local hero Tom Dzemski will see action. Opponents will be named. MDR will televise in Germany with ESPN+ possibly picking up the feed in the U.S.

Former World Boxing Council welterweight champion Shawn “Showtime” Porter will return to the ring on August 22 against undefeated German Sebastian Formella, for the WBC Silver welterweight title. It’s likely to take place at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles without fans. That’s where Fox is slated to return with PBC cards.

Porter, 30-3-1, won the WBC welterweight belt by defeating Danny Garcia in a close fight, defending the crown once against Cuban Yordanis Ugas, before being narrowly defeated by Errol Spence Jr. in September last year, in a great fight. Formella, 22-0, 10 KOs, comes from a victory in January over Roberto Arriaza.

By Mauricio Sulaimán
Son of José Sulaimán – President of the WBC

Before I begin, I would like to express my deepest condolences to anyone who has lost a loved one. Fightnews lost Flattop, which has created tremendous grief among boxing media and members of the industry. These are delicate times and our prayers go to all who are going through a difficult time.

Social media and sports media exploded with the news of Mike Tyson’s return to the ring. Regardless of being just an exhibition, the news has gone around the world, and there is great interest in seeing this event.

Tyson will face Roy Jones, who was considered, for several years, the best boxer on the planet, for his great ability, hand speed, fist power and overall dominance in the ring. Continue reading “Mike Tyson’s return”

The 17-year-old Barrientes Twins, Angel “AK-47” (3-0, 3 KOs) and Chavez “The Beast” (3-0, 3 KOs), plus their teammate Demler “DJ” Zamora lll (4-0, 3 KOs), all scored impressive knockouts on Saturday at Papas and Beer in Rosarito, Mexico. The three all hail from the Pound-4-Pound Boxing Gym in Las Vegas. Continue reading “Results from Rosarito, Mexico”

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Ring legend Roy Jones Jr. spoke to Peter Maniatis about his September 12 showdown with Mike Tyson and tactics he will use. Roy also praised Teofimo Lopez, who he believes could be boxing’s next superstar. Roy also talks about becoming a Russian Citizen and meeting Vladimir Putin, why he’s is grateful to his father. He also revealed that he will be releasing a new record two weeks before he will clash with Mike Tyson.

“It was a blessing in disguise,” said Roy. “I was just so glad so delighted that (Mike Tyson) chose me as the opponent he wanted to face. I wanted to fight Mike back when I won the heavyweight title back in 2003 but it was never going to happen – but he was the only guy I would have stayed for in the heavyweights to face. Continue reading “Roy Jones Jr: The longer the fight goes the better”

An exciting evening of professional boxing action is set to take place on Saturday, August 15th at Ocean Center Daytona in Daytona Beach, FL.

Christy Martin Promotions presents the first installment of the Payne Boxing Series. Several different bouts, in several different weight classes set to be showcased including two title fights as Fransico Torres (14-3) takes on Cleotis Pendarvis (21-5-2) for the WBA Fedalatin super welterweight title in the co-main event. In the highly anticipated main event, Argentina’s Alberto Palmetta (13-1) takes on New Yorker Tre’Sean Wiggins (11-4-3) in a ten rounder at 145 lbs. for the WBA International welterweight title. Continue reading “Christy Martin Promotions returns Aug 15th”

The World Boxing Association (WBA) released its July ratings with the changes corresponding to the month of July and also awarded Vergil Ortiz as the Boxer of the Month thanks to the second defense of his WBA Gold Welterweight title.

Ortiz entered the ring on July 24th to face Colombian Samuel Vargas and got a great victory during the main fight of the evening held at the Fantasy Springs, in Indio, California. The U.S. prospect knocked out the South American in seven chapters to retain his belt.

It was the 16th KO in 16 fights for the 22-year-old fighter, who has climbed rapidly to a title fight opportunity soon.

This Saturday at MCN Event Halle in Neuwied, Germany, welterweight Ilhami Aydemir (18-1, 12 KOs) stepped Ahmed El Hamwi (19-10-2, 1 KO) at the end of the sixth round to be crowned WBC Mediterranean champion. In other action, cruiserweight Andy Hoeschler (3-0, 3 KOs) defeated Radek Geissmann (4-13, 3 KOs) by TKO in the first round and cruiserweight Alexandru Jur (19-4, 7 KOs) defeated Jiri Svacina (14-43, 3 KOs) by six round decision.

The card was presented by Aydemir Promotions with all the safety and health measures to protect the well-being of those involved. The supervisor was WBC Vice President Houcine Houichi.

Newly crowned WBO junior featherweight champion Angelo Leo spoke about winning the title against Tramaine Williams on Saturday night on Showtime.

“It feels good. It still hasn’t sunk in yet, it just feels surreal,” said Leo. “The first few rounds I was just feeling him out, getting his timing, getting the feel of him. I felt him kind of loosening up and breaking down, and that’s when I started putting the pressure on him a little more.

“That was the key factor in this fight, the bodywork and the pressure. I’m pretty sure Albuquerque is celebrating tonight. I think they have four world champions, because you can’t exclude Holly Holm. You have Johnny [Tapia], Danny [Romero], Holly and now me. There’s four champions in that city and I think I’ve made history there. Continue reading “Angelo Leo: I came here to win a world title”

By Joe Koizumi

Highly expected prospect, unbeaten Japanese Junto Nakatani (20-0, 15 KOs), 22, was scheduled to face WBO#1 Giemel Magramo (24-1, 20 KOs), a hard-punching Filipino, in quest of the vacant WBO flyweight belt (renounced by Kosei Tanaka) behind closed doors here in Tokyo, Japan, at first on April 4, but was put off until August 21.

The coronavirus outbreak, however, inevitably forced it to be postponed again—this time indefinitely—since it is still uncertain when Magramo, 25, will be able to enter and work professionally under the government’s strict regulation to avoid any entries of infected foreigners for the time being. The current COVID-19 situation in Japan is getting worse especially last three days to see badly increasing infections for more than one thousand new patients. We earnestly hope the long anticipated Nakatani-Magramo title bout will be realized within this year.

By Joe Koizumi

Former WBA interim flyweight champ Koki Eto (24-5-1, 19 KOs), 32, announced to hang up gloves for good after an eleven-year career. A tall 5’8.5” flyweight Koki was one of three Eto brothers along with his twin Daiki and younger brother Shingo, and only Koki seized a world belt even though it was just an interim one.

Koki, despite his gifted physique, wasn’t a skillful boxer but a willing mixer who loved swapping punches to overwhelm his usually shorter rival in the close range, and wasn’t good at coping with such a Fancy Dan with a good footwork as Mexican Carlos Cuadras whose WBC 115-pound belt Koki couldn’t wrest though stalking all night here in 2015. Continue reading “Ex-WBA interim 112lb champ Koki Eto retires”

Unbeaten WBO #2 Angelo Leo (20-0, 9 KOs) won a twelve round unanimous decision over late sub Tramaine Williams (19-1, 6 KOs) to claim the vacant WBO jr. featherweight world title formerly held by Emanuel Navarrete on Saturday night at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. Leo used a dominant body attack and consistent pressure to outwork Williams by scores of 117-111, 118-110, 118-110.

WBO #6 Williams replaced Stephen Fulton Jr., who tested positive for COVID-19.

In a WBA super bantamweight title eliminator, undefeated WBA #8 Ra’eese Aleem (17-0, 11 KOs) scored a tenth round TKO over WBA #9 Marcus Bates (11-2, 8 KOs). Aleem was in command all the way. Bates was a one-handed fighter after injuring his right wrist in round nine. Aleem jumped on Bates in round ten leading to a referee’s stoppage. Time was 2:18. Aleem previously outpointed Bates two years ago.

Unbeaten light heavyweight Joseph George (11-0, 7 KOs) scored a spectacular ninth round knockout against Marcos Escudero (10-2, 9 KOs) in a rematch of their November ShoBox showdown that saw George win a narrow-split decision. This time landed a massive uppercut that put Escudero down and out. Time was 3:00. Escudero was ahead on two of the three cards.

Super welterweight Ted Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Sam Eggington (28-7, 17 KOs) to claim Eggington’s IBF International title at “Fight Camp” located in promoter Eddie Hearn’s backyard outside London. Good two-way action with Cheeseman prevailing by scores of 116-113, 116-113, 115-114.

Former world title challenger James Tennyson (27-3, 23 KOs) scored a sixth round TKO over Gavin Gwynne (12-2, 2 KOs) in a clash for the British lightweight title. Good action fight. Tennyson dropped Gwynne in round six and finished him with his follow-up barrage. Time was 2:30.

Other Results
Fabio Wardley KO3 Simon Vallily (heavyweight)
Dalton Smith KO5 Nathan Bennett (super lightweight)
Jordan Gill W10 Reece Bellotti (featherweight)

How cool would it be to have big-time boxing in your backyard? Sam Eggington vs. Ted Cheeseman will clash today in a custom-built facility behind promoter Eddie Hearn’s house in Essex, England. See it on DAZN in the US, or Sky Sports in the UK.

Two-time former WBC super flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (48-5-1, 41 KOs) won a ten round unanimous decision over former IBF flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng (20-4, 6 KOs) in a fight at 120 lbs. with no spectators on Saturday at Workpoint Studio in Bang Phun, Thailand. Southpaw Srisaket was cut over the left eye by a head clash in round three. 40-year-old Ruenroeng worked the eye landing straight rights in round four. After that, 33-year-old Srisaket amped up the pressure, despite the blood, while Ruenroeng boxed smartly. Scores were 97-94, 96-93, 99-91.

WBC #13 super bantamweight “Rock Man” Chain Worawut (11-0-1, 10 KOs) scored a second round KO over Jomar Fajado (17-17-2, 9 KOs).

WBC #14 flyweight Thananchai Charunphak (8-1, 6 KOs) dominated and kayoed rugged but overmatched Kwanchai Pliankhunthod (0-2) in round five. Time was 1:09.

Flyweight Danai Ngiabphukhiew (5-2) won a six round split decision over pro debuting 17-year-old Thanarat Saenphet.

By Pasi Taavitsainen

Unbeaten welterweight from Finland Oskari Metz (12-0, 4 KOs) took an impressive eight round round unanimous decision over local favorite Michal Syrowatka (22-4, 7 KOs) on Friday night in Radom, Poland. 28-year-old Metz won every round.

Unbeaten Commonwealth light heavyweight titleholder Lyndon “King” Arthur (17-0, 12 KOs) won a twelve round unanimous decision over Dec Spelman (16-4, 8 KOs) on Friday night at BT Sport Studio in London. Spelman pressed the action, but was outboxed by Arthur, who landed the better punches. Scores were 116-112, 116-113, 119-109.

Other Results
Nick Ball W8 Jerome Campbell (super featherweight)
Caoimhin Agyarko TKO9 Jez Smith (middleweight)
Brad Strand W4 Brett Fidoe (super bantamweight)
Andrew Cain TKO3 Ed Harrison (featherweight)

Four-time world champion and Olympian Abner Mares will join this Saturday’s Showtime Championship Boxing announce team. Mares will work alongside host Brian Custer, play-by-play announcer Mauro Ranallo, Al Bernstein (analyst), Jimmy Lennon, Jr. (ring announcing), Steve Farhood (scoring), and Jim Gray (ringside reporter).

Malignaggi out?

Missing from the Showtime team is popular analyst Paulie Malignaggi, who has reportedly been frozen out by the network for his view on racism expressed in an interview earlier this year. Click here to see the video.

Angelo Leo 121 vs. Tramaine Williams 121.5
(WBO Junior Featherweight title)

Ra’eese Aleem 121.25 vs. Marcus Bates 121.25
(WBA super bantamweight title eliminator)

Joe George  174.25 vs. Marcos Escudero 173.5

Venue: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
Promoter: TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions
TV: Showtime

Sam Eggington 153.75 vs. Ted Cheeseman 153.25
(IBF International super welterweight title)

James Tennyson 134.5 vs. Gavin Gwynne 134.25
Fabio Wardley 224 vs. Simon Vallily 224
Dalton Smith 140.5 vs. Nathan Bennett 140
Jordan Gill 125.75 vs. Reece Bellotti 125.25

Venue: Fight Camp, London
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN

WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and former champion Danny Garcia have confirmed today on social media that they’ll collide in a November 21 pay-per-view.

Spence announced…

Garcia simultaneously announced…

Continue reading “Errol Spence, Danny Garcia announce PPV clash”

On Thursday, August 20, promoter Dmitriy Salita will kick off a series of no spectator professional boxing shows entitled “Detroit Brawl at the Legendary Kronk” at Detroit’s Kronk Gym.

In the main event, undefeated WBC #10-rated super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin (10-0, 6 KOs) of Detroit via Serpukhov, Russia, takes on Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico’s Oscar “El Monstruo” Riojas (21-13-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-rounder. The entire event will be livestreamed exclusively on UFC Fight Pass (7pm ET/4pm PT).

After the first “summer open-air” SES boxing event, which was successful in all respects under the conditions of the coronavirus, a follow-up event will take place on Saturday, August 22 on Elbau Park’s floating stage in Magdeburg, Germany.

Billed as “The Comeback of the Undefeated World Champion,” former IBF cruiserweight champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez will make his heavyweight debut after nearly a six-year “ring break.” Further fights will be announced shortly.