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Former undisputed lightweight king Teofimo Lopez and current junior welterweight contender Sandor Martin kicked off fight week 100 stories above Manhattan at Edge at Hudson Yards, the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, in advance of Saturday’s clash in the big room at Madison Square Garden.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Former IBF middleweight champion Sam “King” Soliman (49-16-1, 19 KOs) returns to action against Joel Camilleri (24-8-1, 12 KOs) on Friday at the Melbourne Pavilion, Flemington, Victoria, Australia, with the vacant Australasian 160-pound title up for grabs.

The 49-year-old Soliman has won his three previous bouts against Troy O’Meley in 2022 and Jesse White in 2022 also 2021. Camilleri has stoppage victories over Sittichai Suksamran and Kittisak Soeksiri in 2022. The promoter and matchmaker Brian Amatruda.

Sad to announce the passing of legendary Hall of Fame referee Mills Lane at the age of 85 in Reno, Nevada. Lane, who coined the catchphrase ‘let’s get it on,’ officiated many major boxing matches, including the famed “Bite Fight” between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson on June 28, 1997. After retiring as a referee, he starred in a reality TV court show for a number of years. Unfortunately, Lane suffered a debilitating stroke in 2002 that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. Rest in peace.

Undefeated flyweight Andy Dominguez will be the main event fighter for the first time in his young career, topping a fight card tabbed “Holiday Fight Night” on December 21, just four days before Christmas, at Sony Hall in Times Square, New York City. The 24-year-old Dominguez (8-0, 6 KOs) will fight Gilberto Mendoza (19-13-3, 10 KOs) in a clash scheduled for eight rounds.

In other eight-rounders, super middleweight Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr. (22-1, 20 KOs) will fight Anthony Todd (14-6, 8 KOs), lightweight Steven “Hit Man” Ortiz (12-0, 3 KOs) will battle Andrew Rogers (7-10, 2 KOs), and female super flyweight Sulem Urbina (13-2-1, 2 KOs) faces Indeya Smith (5-6, 1 KO). Continue reading “Pre-holiday NYC fight card announced”

Super lightweight contender Shinard ‘Showtime’ Bunch (19-1-1, 16 KOs) will look to continue his rise in a ten round test against former world title challenger ‘Hammerin’ Hank Lundy (31-11-1, 14 KOs) on Friday from the Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Also featured will be popular super lightweight Daiyaan Butt (12-2, 5 KOs) and super bantamweight John Leonardo (8-1-1, 4 KOs) in separate bouts. The card can be seen on subscription streaming platform FloSports.

Unbeaten IBF #8, WBO #10, WBA #11 heavyweight Agit Kabayel (22-0, 14 KOs) will face Agron Smakici (19-1, 17 KOs) when he returns to the ring on January 28 at the RuhrCongress Hall in Bochum, Germany. The EBU has officially sanctioned the bout for the vacant European title. A win would be Kabayel’s second reign as European champion. He previously held the belt from 2017 to 2019 and defended it three times, including a win against recent world title challenger Derek Chisora.

Former unified middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (55-3-2, 30 KOs) is scheduled for an eight round bout against Noah Kidd (6-6-2, 5 KOs) on Sunday night on a special evening of boxing that opens the annual WBA Convention, which takes place December 11-14 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. The 47-year-old Martinez is 4-0 since returning to the ring in 2020 and is currently rated WBA #4. Kidd is moving up from the super welterweight division to face the future Hall of Famer.

Also seeing action is highly ranked bantamweight Melvin “Melo” Lopez (28-1, 19 KOs) against Jobert Alvarez (20-3-2, 7 KOs) in a scheduled ten rounder with the WBA Continental Americas title at stake. Lopez is closing fast on a world title opportunity and is currently ranked in the top 5 by the WBA, WBO, and IBF. Melo’s M&R Boxing Promotions stablemate Idalberto Umara (7-1, 4 KOs) will take on Emiliano Martin Garcia (18-8-1, 13 KOs) in a ten-rounder for the vacant WBA Fedecaribe title.

Other world-rated fighters scheduled include WBC #8 super middleweight champion Yamaguchi “The Problem” Falcao (23-1-1, 9 KOs) defending his NABA belt against heavy-handed Ernest Amuzu (26-7, 22 KOs) and WBA #10 middleweight Connor “The Kid” Coyle (17-0, 7 KOs) defending his NABA belt against Sladan Janjanian (34-13, 24 KOs). Continue reading “Sergio Martinez returns Sunday in Orlando”

P4P Entertainment teams up with Legacy Boxing and Chino Maidana Promotions will bring pro boxing to the the Payne Arena in Hidalgo, Texas on Friday. The main event is an eight round super welterweight showdown between former world champion Austin Trout (35-5-1, 18 KOs) of Las Cruces, NM against Jose Sanchez Charles (20-2-1, 12 KOs) of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Continue reading “Austin Trout in action Friday”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF #14 super featherweight Billel Dib (26-3, 13 KOs) will clash with former world title challenger and WBA #9 rated Francisco Fonseca (30-3-2, 24 KOs ) over twelve rounds at the Whitlam Centre in Liverpool, NSW, Australia, on Friday. Fonseca has lost to Ryan García in 2020, Gervonta Davis in 2017 and Tevin Farmer in 2018. Dib’s losses were to Dylan Sendeckyj in 2012, Yuandale Evans in 2017, and Bruno Tarimo in 2018. Promoter and matchmaker Billy Hussein.

Undefeated WBA “regular” lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and unbeaten WBA super featherweight champion Héctor Luis García faced off at the kickoff press conference for their January 7 Showtime PPV clash from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Gervonta Davis: “We’re gonna go back into training camp right after today because we’re not sleeping on this guy. I know we have two fights lined up, but I’m only focused on this one. I’m ready to go through everybody that’s in my way…I’m just ready to shut everyone up. All the talking that’s going around, I just want to go in the ring and shut them all up.”

Hector Luis Garcia: “I know that I have the height advantage, but I can adapt myself to the rhythm of my opponent. I know that I’m facing one of the best fighters out there, but I’m fully confident I have what it takes to win…if I beat ‘Tank’ on January 7, I’d be happy to go after a fight against Ryan Garcia. I don’t think he’s on the same level as me and Gervonta.”

Unbeaten IBF #1, WBA #2, WBC #3 Jaron “Boots” Ennis talks about finally getting a world title fight of sorts. Ennis will take on IBF #4-rated Karen Chukhadzhian (21-1, 11 KOs) for the IBF interim welterweight title in the co-feature of the January 7 Tank-Garcia pay-per-view from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

“I definitely feel like I already should have had my world title shot,” said Ennis. “I’ve been calling out the champions for years. I’ve been ready and they’re just making it worse for themselves by making me wait longer…eventually the champions are going to have no choice but to fight me. If it’s not the champions next, then I’ll take a Keith Thurman or a Yordenis Ugas fight in a heartbeat.”

Regarding Chukhadzhian, Ennis stated, “I’m not too familiar with my opponent, but I’m sure he’s a great fighter. He’ll bring that European style and try to make it hard for me, but I’m going to put on a show and get the knockout…we have some European guys in our camp so that I can prepare for that style. It’s not going to be anything new to me…I’m coming for the knockout and I’m coming to do it in spectacular fashion.”

Undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and Demond Nicholson talked about their ten round super middleweight fight opening the January 7 Tank-Garcia pay-per-view from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

“I’m feeling good. This is a new journey. I’m looking to become a three-division champion. I’m thankful to have this opportunity to showcase my skill and talent on this beautiful card,” said Andrade. “At the end of the day, nothing guarantees a Canelo Alvarez fight. Right now I’m looking at Caleb Plant, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo. I want all those big names. Continue reading “Andrade targets all the big names”

It’s Terence “Bud” Crawford against Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Unfortunately, they never met in the ring, but they will be competing for PPV buyers on Saturday night. WBO welterweight champion Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) defends his world title against David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs) in a $39.99 PPV at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Ring legend Pacquiao takes on YouTuber DK Yoo in a $29.99 PPV boxing exhibition at the Korea International Exhibition Center in Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang, South Korea.

Fight fans also have the option to catch a good fight without PPV fees as junior welterweight contender Teofimo Lopez heads up an ESPN telecast against Mikey Garcia-conqueror Sandor Martin at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Jared “Real Big Baby” Anderson, Keyshawn Davis, and Xander Zayas are also appearing on the card.

Three different boxing cards taking place simultaneously. Which will you watch?

The broadcast team has been named for Saturday’s $39.99 Crawford-Avanesyan PPV on BLK Prime and across all cable and satellite outlets for. Todd Grisham will lead the commentary crew with Paulie Malignaggi and Antonio Tarver. Zab Judah will offer behind-the-scenes insight and backstage interviews. Cheyenne McCargo will serve as the undercard scoring voice. Lupe Contreras will serve as the ring announcer.

Ennis to fight for IBF interim welterweight title

The undercard is set for the January 7 Showtime PPV headlined by undefeated WBA “regular” lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis against unbeaten super featherweight champion Héctor Luis García from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

In the co-main event, unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis (29-0, 27 KOs) returns to action to take on the IBF #4 welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian (21-1, 11 KOs) for the IBF interim welterweight title. Unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis (24-0, 15 KOs) faces KO artist Roiman Villa (25-1, 24 KOs) in a twelve-rounder. Undefeated former two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (31-0, 19 KOs) returns in a ten round super middleweight clash against Demond Nicholson (26-4-1, 22 KOs) to open the show.

IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington (31-1-1, 8 KOs) steps through the ropes for the first time since recapturing his IBF crown against mandatory challenger Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (26-2, 15 KOs) on Saturday at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England this Saturday on DAZN. But it seems nemesis Mauricio Lara is still on his mind.

“It was a bit of a wakeup call was Mauricio Lara – the first one,” said Warrington. “I let my guard down. I had the Lara defeat and then all of a sudden it was, ‘he’s finished, he’s had his time in the sun.’ That’s not the case. It was only a short time in the sun and I feel like I was just getting going.”

“People say he’s dangerous and he’s my boogeyman – f**k that, I know that with my head on it I can beat him easy. Wanker isn’t he? F**king wanker. I was number one in the world…I lost to him and then I was down in eighth and ninth. Continue reading “Warrington: Keep on f’ing doubting me”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is looking forward to defending the IBF title in 2023 and possible unification bouts with WBA champion Arsen Goulamirian, WBC champion Ilunga Makabu, and WBO champion Lawrence Okolie.

“I’m at the table with the world champs now, I’m not playing in the backyard anymore,” Opetaia told Wide World of Sports. “I’m on the world stage. I’m a world champion. There’s like seven billion people in the world, I’m the #1 cruiserweight in the f**king world, bro. Continue reading “Opetaia aims to make Aussie boxing HUGE”

By Jeff Zimmerman

Fightnews.com® caught up with former world champion Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson as he discussed being avoided by the likes of Michael Carbajal, Manny Pacquiao and Johnny Tapia in his Hall of Fame career. “Too Sharp” talked about Estrada-Chocolatito 3 and how he would have fared in today’s boxing. He also gave his thoughts on the great, young talent of Shakur, Tank, Devin, Kingry and Teofimo, who he likes in Tank vs. Kingry, and much more in this exclusive interview.

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By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Three-time world champion Lovemore Ndou was awarded the Professional Excellency Award in recognition for outstanding all-round performance as an African-Australian in the state of New South Wales at the Ashfield Leagues Club in Sydney on Saturday.

“I’m honored to receive the award. It means my good work is not in vain. It is recognized. I thank my family and my good friends for their continued support.” Ndou told Fightnews.com®.

“I thank God for good health and giving me strength to continue fighting the good fight. I look forward to my big fight in the near future in South Africa in the fight against corruption and building a better South Africa for all.”

World ranked unbeaten mínimumweight Huu Toan Le (6-0, 3 KOs) of Vietnam is rapidly climbing up the world rankings. He is currently ranked #9 by the WBA and could move further up the rankings following his recent win on November 30th over Filipino Jake Amparo where he claimed the WBA Asia Minimum title. Le spoke with Fightnews.com® about his plans for 2023 and making boxing history for Vietnam.

What was the extent of your amateur career?

For amateur boxing, I am now competing in national boxing competitions. I have been the national gold medalist for two consecutive years.

How would you describe your style of fighting?

My style is more about pressing, I am always actively trying to get close to to put pressure on my opponents. Continue reading “Huu Toan Le seeks history for Vietnam”

Photos: Sumio Yamada

Check out this GIANT Estrada-Chocolatito photo gallery for some incredible shots. Also includes shots from Martinez-Carmona and Pachecho-Luna.

Photos

Former NFL star Frank Gore (2-0, 1 KO) scored a first round TKO against Joshua Romero (0-3) in a heavyweight clash on Saturday night at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas. The former 49er running back connected with some huge shots prompting a referee’s stoppage. The 39-year-old Gore won his pro boxing debut in May after getting his feet wet in an exhibition fight on a Jake Paul undercard last year.

Juan Francisco Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs) won his legendary trilogy against Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (51-4, 41 KOs), taking a twelve round majority decision in a clash for the WBC super flyweight title on Saturday night at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Estrada effectively used his mobility and repeatedly connected with combinations early on. The tide started to change midway as Chocolatito picked up the pace. Estrada won the last round to clinch it. Scores were 114-114, 116-112, 115-113.

WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar “El Rey” Martinez (18-2, 14 KOs) retained his title with a twelve round majority decision over 2016 Olympian Samuel Carmona (8-0, 6 KOs) on Saturday night at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Carmona got off to a good start but then hurt his right hand and spent much of the second half of the fight on his bicycle. Martinez stalked but wasn’t particularly effective either. In the end, scores were 114-114, 117-111, 116-112.

Unbeaten WBO #12 super middleweight Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) scored a spectacular second round TKO against Adrian Luna (24-9-2, 16 KOs) on Saturday night at the Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona. Pacheco dropped Luna twice in round two, prompting Luna’s corner to request a stoppage. Time was 2:08. Pacheco retained his WBC USNBC title.

In a war, former world champion and WBC #5, WBA #9 ranked flyweight Cristofer Rosales (35-6, 21 KOs) outworked previously unbeaten IBF #3, WBC #11 flyweight Joselito Velazquez (15-1-1, 10 KOs) over ten rounds. Rosales’ experience made the difference en route to a 97-93 3x win.

Unbeaten WBA #5 middleweight Austin “Ammo” Williams (13-0, 9 KOs) outpointed previously unbeaten Simon Madsen (13-1, 10 KOs) over ten rounds. Pretty one-sided fight. Madsen was deducted a point in round nine for throwing an elbow. Scores were 99-90 3x.

Unbeaten super featherweight Marc Castro (9-0, 6 KOs) hammered out an eight round unanimous decision over Maickol Lopez (16-4, 8 KOs). Scores were 80-71 3x. Castro forced Lopez to take a knee in round seven.

Unbeaten super bantamweight Anthony Herrera (4-0-1, 3 KOs) halted previously unbeaten Christian Sullivan (8-1, 5 KOs) in round three. Herrera dropped Sullivan in round three and got the stoppage moments later. Time was 1:41.

Female super featherweight Beatriz Ferreira (2-0, 1 KO) scored a second round stoppage against Carisse Brown (7-3, 4 KOs)