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World Boxing Association President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza came to the Global Boxing Forum in Ekaterinburg, Russia, with only one mission: To reach for a solution to the problems that boxing currently faces. The leader of the oldest boxing organization in the world debated with other prominent figures in world boxing such as WBO President Francisco Valcárcel, IBF President Darryl Peoples, Umar Kremlev and Stephan Fox.

The situation of the AIBA, amateur boxing and professional boxing were the principal topics of conversation. Mendoza made it clear that his intention was to collaborate on the situation and achieve a successful solution; In addition, the WBA President emphasized that this is about putting boxing first. Continue reading “Gilberto Jesus Mendoza: The first thing is boxing”

By David Robinett
Photos: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Following Tyson Fury’s impressive second round knockout of Tom Schwarz in defense of his lineal heavyweight title Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Fury and his promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, spoke about their future plans and how the “Gypsy King” fared in his Las Vegas debut.

“I felt like this was my coming out party,” explained Fury (28-0-1, 20 KOs). “You saw me fight in December of last year [against Deontay Wilder], I had to lose 147 pounds for that fight, so I wasn’t at my strongest. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken that fight as soon as I did but I did anyway. This time I had enough training time, I was strong, I was fit, I was ready to put on a show.” Continue reading “Tyson Fury: This was my coming out party”

By David Robinett at ringside
Photos: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

In the main event at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, the “Gypsy King” Tyson Fury staked his claim as “the man” in the heavyweight division, defending his lineal heavyweight championship with a prime Roy Jones-esque beatdown of undefeated contender Tom Schwarz, beating his German opponent into submission until referee Kenny Bayles jumped in at the same time Schwarz’s corner threw in the towel at 2:54 of the second round.

Unlike his superb-but-cautious boxing effort against Deontay Wilder, Fury (28-0-1, 20 KOs) didn’t appear to have a care in the world against Schwarz (24-1, 16 KOs), starting off as usual by utilizing his length and popping his long jab to keep his opponent safely at bay. But quickly sensing Schwarz didn’t pose the same risk as the Bronze Bomber, Fury starting using both hands as leads, switching stances, and mugging to Schwarz and the crowd. Continue reading “Tyson Fury demolishes Tom Schwarz in two”

By David Robinett at ringside

Two-time super middleweight title challenger Jesse Hart (26-2, 21 KOs) made a successful move up to light heavyweight, earning a ten-round unanimous decision over former light heavyweight title challenger Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Scores were 96-93, 97-92, and 99-90. Continue reading “Jesse Hart defeats Sullivan Barrera”

IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington (29-0, 6 KOs) retained his title by twelve round split decision over mandatory challenger Kid Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) on Saturday night at the FD Arena in Leeds, England. Galahad (a.k.a. Barry Awad) frustrated and neutralized Warrington in a dull tactical bout that could have gone either way. Scores were 115-113 Galahad, 116-112, 116-113 Warrington.

WBA flyweight champion Artem Dalakian (19-0, 14 KOs) defended his crown against Sarawut Thawornkham (20-2, 14 KOs) with a technical knockout in the tenth round at the Parkovy Center in Kiev, Ukraine. The Thai challenger came to fight but Dalakian broke him down and the referee had to stop the contest to save Thawornkham from further punishment. For Dalakian it was the third defense of the WBA title and one of his toughest matches.

Three former German world champions are in action on Saturday night at the Sport- und Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany.

40-year-old two-division world champion and hometown hero Jürgen Brähmer (51-3, 36 KOs) laid out previously unbeaten late sub Erdogan Kadrija (11-2, 7 KOs) in the second round of a super middleweight bout. A brutal left hook to the liver finished Kadrija.

Former WBA super welterweight champion “Golden” Jack Culcay (26-4, 13 KOs) unanimously outpointed Stefano Castellucci (32-9, 11 KOs) over eight rounds. Culcay came out looking match his colleagues and get a KO in round one but Castellucci weathered the storm. Golden Jack nearly got a stop in the final 30 seconds. No scores were announced.

Former WBA super middleweight champion Tyron Zeuge (24-1-1, 14 KOs), the most recent German to hold a world title, scored a tenth round stoppage of Adan Silvera (11-2, 5 KOs) in a clash for the European EU title. Zeuge dropped Silvera in rounds one and two, then got the stoppage when Silvera took a knee after the body shot in round ten. He beat the count but the bout was waved off.

Photos: Sumio Yamada

In a World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight semi-final, Mairis Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) dethroned WBO world champion Krzysztof “Head” Glowacki (31-2, 19 KOs) by thrilling and controversial third round KO on Saturday night at the Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia.

Briedis put Glowacki on the deck with an intentional elbow and was deducted a point. when action resumed, Briedis knocked down the still reeling Glowacki. Referee Robert Byrd didn’t react to the bell and they kept fighting probably ten additional seconds, culminating with Briedis knocking down Glowacki again. Both came out firing in round three and Briedis floored Glowacki a third time to end it. Time was :27.

Only the WBO belt was on the line as the WBC revoked sanctioning over a dispute with the WBSS on the selection of officials.

It will be Briedis vs. Dorticos in the WBSS final.

Photos

Photos: Sumio Yamada

In a World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight semi-final, Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) scored a crushing tenth round KO over previously unbeaten Andrew Tabiti (17-1, 13 KOs) to claim the vacant IBF interim cruiserweight title on Saturday night at the Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia.

Dorticos pressed the action and was busier, while Tabiti tried to stay out of range. Dorticos suffered a nasty cut over his right eye after a sixth round accidental headbutt. Referee Eddie Claudio deducted a point from Tabiti for holding in round six. The bout ended in round ten when Dorticos knocked Tabiti out cold with a huge right hand. Time was 2:33.

Continue reading “WBSS: Dorticos KOs Tabiti for IBF interim title”

Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera concluded his 26½-year professional boxing career last night, winning a hard fought, eight-round split decision over Travis “Sweet Feet” Scott, in the “Quest For 50” main event at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The 46-year-old Rivera fought professionally for the 50th and final time, at home in “Quest For 50,” presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions and Rivera Promotions Entertainment,
Rivera (43-6-1, 25 KOs) stalked his elusive opponent, cutting off the ring and firing punches to the head and body of 38-year-old Scott (19-6, 5 KOs). His aggression, guile and the same determination and displayed throughout his career. Continue reading “Ex-champ Jose Rivera ends career with a win”

Dmitry Kudryashov 199.5 vs. Ilunga Makabu 198
(WBC silver cruiserweight title)

Aleksei Egorov 200 vs. Roman Golovashchenko 186
(WBA gold cruiserweight title)

Aleksei Papin 199.3 vs. Alexandru Jur 198.6

Venue: Uralets Arena, Ekaterinburg, Russia
Promoter: German Titov
TV: MATCH (Russia)

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

WBA #3, WBC #3, IBF #6, WBO #8 bantamweight Jason Moloney (20-1, 17 KOs) scored spectacular a third round KO over Goodluck Mrema (23-5, 13 KOs) on Saturday night at Seagulls Rugby League Club in Tweed Heads, NSW, Australia. A left hook put Mrema down for the count at 2:23. Maloney retains his WBA Oceania title.

WBA #2, WBC #3, IBF #6 super flyweight Andrew Moloney (21-0, 14 KOs) halted Selemani Bangaiza (15-7, 5 KOs) in round two when Bangaiza indicated he’d had enough.

Light heavyweight Reagan Dessaix (17-2, 12 KOs) scored a seventh round KO over Mitchell Whitelaw (5-2-1, 2 KOs) to claim the vacant Australian title. The bout was halted after Dessaix dropped Mitchell Whitelaw with a big right hand. Time was 2:34.

Super middleweight Mose Auimatagi Jr (13-1-2, 8 KOs) knocked out Kerry Foley (19-4-1, 16 KOs) in round six to claim the vacant OPBF super middleweight title

Only the WBO world title will be on the line when Mairis Briedis and Krzysztof Glowacki meet in the WBSS cruiserweight semi-final tonight at the Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia. WBC President announced via social media that the vacant WBC belt is no longer in play.

Mauricio Sulaiman: The administrators of the World Boxing Super Series tournament have failed to maintain the integrity of the bout, and have disregarded the WBC rules and regulations. The WBC strongly rejects the unfortunate discrimination and abuse of power that has been directed against the integrity of our institution. The WBC will evaluate its continuing participation in the remaining WBSS bouts in Season II, and will announce its decision soon.

Photos: Wolfgang Wycisk

Jürgen Brähmer 167.6 vs. Edi Kadrija 167.8
Jack Culcay 153.7 vs. Stefano Castellucci 153.9
Tyron Zeuge 167.1 vs. Adan Silvera 166.7
Björn Schicke 159 vs. Hector Hernandez 158.7

Venue: Sport and Congress Center, Schwerin, Germany
Promoter: AGON Sports & Events
TV: MDR (Germany)

Photos

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Newly crowned Japanese 105-pound champ Norihito Tanaka (19-7, 10 KOs), 105, kept his belt by winning a comfortably unanimous nod (97-92 twice, 96-93) over Naoya Haruguchi (15-11, 6 KOs), 104.5, over ten fast rounds on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan. Tanaka, who had tasted a setback to Haruguchi in 2017, avenged his previous defeat by his gutsy performance, dropping his grudge rival in round five.

In the main event, former WBO Asia Pacific welterweight ruler Keita Obara returned to action after his bitter loss to Kudratillo Abdukahkorov in the IBF eliminator in Philadelphia last March, and halted Indonesian Yosmar Kefi at 0:58 of the fourth session in a scheduled ten.

Photos

Tyson Fury 263 vs. Tom Schwarz 245.5
Jesse Hart 174 vs. Sullivan Barrera 173.5
Andy Vences 129 vs. Albert Bell 129
Mikaela Mayer 130.2 vs. Lizbeth Crespo 131
Isaac Lowe 124.6 vs. Duarn Vue 123.8
Cem Kilic 168 vs. Martez McGregor 166.5
Sonny Conto 214.4 vs. Daniel Infante 221.5
Guido Vianello 238 vs. Keenan Hickman 268.5
Peter Kadiru 233 vs. Juan Torres 258.

Venue: MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Promoter: Top Rank
TV: ESPN+, ESPN2

Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, 46, will fight in his 50th and final professional boxing event tomorrow night in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Jose Antonio Rivera 159.6 vs. Travis Scott 159
Kendrick Ball, Jr 168.8 vs. Juan Celin Zapata 169.4
Owen Minor 235 vs. Joseph Raposo 202
Sydney Maccow 144.8 vs. Anthony Everett 145
Sharrad Collier 148.8 vs. Bruno Dias??
Elijah Peixoto 141 vs. Carlos Galindo 127.6
Philip Davis 129.2 vs. Henry Garcia 145.2

Venue: The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts
Promoter: Shearns Boxing Promotions/Rivera Promotions Entertainment

Miguel Cartagena 109.6 vs. Jesus Soler 110.4
Jerome Conquest 134.3 vs. Frankie Trader 133.5
Marcel Rivers 145.1 vs. Evincii Dixon 147.5
Tyree Arnold 143.1 vs. Tyhler Williams 141.9
Daiyaan Butt 141.7 vs. Tivan Young 142.5
Tyrone Lewis 149.6 vs. Shinard Bunch 147.4
Laquan Lewis 140.5 vs. Osnel Charles 139
Jan Czerklewicz 174.9 vs. Angel Vazquez 175.39

Venue: Parx Casino, Bensalem, PA
Promoter: Joe Hand Promotions

Yésica Bopp 108 vs. Gabriela Sánchez 107.6
(WBA female light flyweight title)

Jorgelina Guanini 115 vs. Milagros Luján 113.5
(IBF female super flyweight title)

Venue: Estadio Federación Argentina de Box, Buenos Aires
Promoter: Zanfer Promotions, OR Promotions
TV: Azteca 7, La Casa del Boxeo (Mexico)

Photos

Mairis Briedis 198.1 vs. Krzysztof Glowacki 197.5
(WBC/WBO cruiserweight titles)
(WBSS cruiserweight semifinal)

Yunier Dorticos 199.3 vs. Andrew Tabiti 199.3
(IBF interim cruiserweight title)
(WBSS cruiserweight semifinal)

Venue: Arena Riga, Riga, Latvia
Promoter: Sauerland Event
TV: DAZN

Josh Warrington 125.5 vs. Kid Galahad 125.75
(IBF featherweight title)

Venue: First Direct Arena, Leeds, England
Promoter: Queensberry Promotions
TV: ESPN+ (USA), BT Sport (UK)

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

WBO #7, WBA #11 super middleweight Zac Dunn (29-1, 23 KOs) stopped Rafael Sosa Pintos (58-15, 23 KOs) at the Melbourne Pavillion, Flemington, Victoria, Australia on Friday with the WBA Oceania title up for grabs. Dunn dropped Pintos of Uruguay in round one and the referee Ignatius Misailidis crowned the Australian in round eight. Pintos had previously traveled to Australia in 2008 and lost a ten round decision to Anthony Mundine.

Unbeaten WBC female silver light flyweight beltholder “Superbad” Seniesa Estrada (17-0, 7 KOs) won by fourth round TKO over Gretchen “Chen Chen” Abaniel (18-11, 6 KOs) on Thursday night at the Avalon in Hollywood, California. Abaniel quit on her stool after the end of round four.

Super bantamweight Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (17-3, 14 KOs) punished Glen Porras (32-9, 20 KOs) until their bout was stopped in round four. Time was 2:08. No knockdowns.

Unbeaten bantamweight southpaw Carlos “Purin” Caraballo moved to 12-0 with 12 KOs after a second round annihilation of Esteban Aquino (12-7, 7 KOs). A straight left to the jaw put Aquino down for the count. Time was 1:52.

Lightweight Cesar Valenzuela (15-6-1, 5 KOs) won an eight round unanimous decision over the once-promising Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (19-4, 15 KOs). Scores were 79-73 across the board.

Pro-debuting 2016 Olympic silver medalist Bektimir Melikuziev (1-0, 1 KO) scored a first round KO over journeyman Martin Rios (23-20-4, 13 KOs).

Legendary WBA female mini-flyweight world champion Yésica Yolanda “Tuti” Bopp (35-1, 16 KOs) of Argentina will defend against Gabriela “Bonita” Sánchez (8-2) of Mexico on Saturday night at the Estadio FAB in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Clashes between Mexico and Argentina in women ‘s boxing have already taken the titles of “classic” and “war,” as they have intensified both in quality and quantity. Saturday’s clash televised in Mexico by Azteca 7, La Casa del Boxeo, figures to be more of the same. Bopp is 11-1 versus Mexican boxers.

The card also features an all-Argentina women’s IBF super flyweight title fight between world champion Jorgelina Guanini (9-1-1, 1 KO) and Micaela Milagros Guzman (8-1, 3 KOs), and the winner could soon face a Mexican challenger in Sulem Urbina or Paulette Valenzuela.

WBA flyweight champion Artem Dalakian (18-0, 13 KOs) is set to take on Thai challenger Sarawut Thawornkham (20-1, 15 KOs) this Saturday at the Parkovy Convention Centre in Kiev, Ukraine, and will be Dalakian’s third defense of his title. Dalakian won the title in February of 2018 at the Forum in Inglewood, California, when he impressed the judges and fans while winning a unanimous decision over longtime veteran Brian Viloria. Since then, Dalakian has chosen to defend his title on his native soil, and will do so once again against a fairly unknown challenger. Thawornkham comes into the fight having scored a KO over Crison Omayao in October of last year.