By Miguel Maravilla at ringside

In a clash for the vacant WBC super lightweight title, Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) scored an explosive eleventh round KO over Jose “Chon” Zepeda (35-3, 27 KOs) on Saturday night at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Progress took over in round two and finally blasted Zepeda to the canvas in round eleven to end it. Judges had Prograis ahead 98-92, 98-92 and 97-93 entering the eleventh. Continue reading “Prograis KOs Zepeda, wins WBC 140lb title”

By Miguel Maravilla at ringside

2021 super heavyweight gold medalist and IBF #1 rated Bakhodir ‘The Big Uzbek’ Jalolov (12-0, 12 KO’s) of Uzbekistan continued to build his record in scoring a fourth round stoppage over Curtis Harper (14-9, 9 KO’s) Saturday night on the Zepeda-Prograis undercard at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Jalolov started slow and pumped the jab as he kept Harper at bay in the opening round. The jab continued to land for Jalolov. Things got rough as Harper was hitting on the break and attempted to hit Jalolov behind the head but referee Thomas Taylor stopped and issued a warning to Harper. In the third round, Jalolov let loose as he unloaded the left and a huge straight left in the closing seconds that sent Harper to the canvas but he managed to finish the round. The straight left continued to find its mark for Jalolov as he tagged Harper early on in the fourth. Jalolov then dropped Harper with a series of punches. He was able to get to his feet, but referee Thomas Taylor waved off the contest. Continue reading “IBF #1 Jalolov remains unbeaten”

By Miguel Maravilla at ringside

Undefeated IBF #4, WBC #5, WBO #8, WBA #12 super welterweight Charles ‘Bad News’ Conwell (18-0, 13 KO’s) of Cleveland won a ten round majority decision over the Dominican Republic’s Juan Carlos Abreu (25-7-1, KOs) in a WBC title eliminator Saturday night on the Zepeda-Prograis undercard at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Judges scored the fight 98-92, 96-94, and 95-95.

Conwell suffered a nasty gash on his left eye that bled profusely. Continue reading “Conwell wins majority nod over Abreu”

By Miguel Maravilla at ringside

Unified IBF/WBO female minimumweight world champion Yokasta ‘Yoka’ Valle (27-2, 9 KO’s) of Costa Rica won a majority decision over IBF/WBO light flyweight champion Evelyn ‘La Princesita’ Bermudez (17-1-1, 6 KO’s) from Argentina in the co-feature bout Saturday night on the Zepeda-Prograis undercard at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Coming out aggressive from the opening bell, Valle didn’t hesitate, taking it to Bermudez. Valle attacked on the inside in the second as Bermudez boxed from a distance outside, Connecting with combinations in round three Valle took it to Bermudez as she kept coming. In the fourth, Valle and Bermudez traded away to close the round as the crowd was on their feet. Continue reading “Zepeda-Prograis Undercard”

Heavyweight Jermaine Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs) went into the lion’s den and almost defeated former world title challenger Dillian Whyte (29-3, 19 KOs), losing by twelve round majority decision on Saturday night at Wembley Arena in London. Neither fighter was really ever in control. Scores were 115-115, 116-112, 116-112 for the local fighter.

After the bout, Whyte stated that he could have been a bit more active and thrown more big shots, but coming off a loss and with a new coach in Buddy McGirt, he said he was just listening to his coach. Franklin stated that he felt he was robbed in the fight.

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Unbeaten heavyweight Fabio Wardley (15-0, 14 KOs) scored a third round TKO over Nathan Gorman (19-2, 13 KOs) in a bout for the vacant British title. Wardley dropped Gorman twice in round two, but Gorman survived the round. Wardley dropped Gorman again in round three and Gorman’s corner threw in the towel moments later. Time was 2:33.

2020 Olympic silver medalist Pat McCormack (3-0, 2 KOs) shut out Christian Nicolas Andino (16-6-2, 2 KOs) over six rounds in a welterweight bout. Score was 60-54. Continue reading “Whyte edges Franklin with majority decision”

In a clash for the WBO interim super middleweight title, John Ryder (32-5, 18 KOs) was victorious when previously unbeaten Zach Parker (22-1, 16 KOs) couldn’t continue after four rounds citing an injured right hand on Saturday night at the 02 Arena in London. Sudden end to a close fight to that point. Ryder is now in line for a shot at undisputed 168lb champion Canelo Alvarez.

John Ryder: “Zach started well, got behind the job well and was peppering me a bit there. I felt like the tide might be starting to turn and I was getting more on top, but these things happen in boxing. It is a bad injury for him and it feels like half a robbery victory for me.”

Zach Parker: “I was warming into the fight and it was becoming a good fight. When the injury happened at the start of that last round I kept having to move because every time I jabbed him it was hurting and clicking.”

WBC #12 middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz (17-0, 13 KOs) won by second round TKO over River Wilson-Bent (13-2-1, 6 KOs) in a bout for the WBC silver title. Sheeraz simply overpowered Wilson-Bent from the get-go and blasted Wilson-Bent to the canvas to end it at 2:55 of round two. Continue reading “Ryder wins WBO interim super middle title”

Unbeaten super lightweight Harlem Eubank (16-0, 6 KOs) scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over Tom Farrell (21-6, 5 KOs) on Friday night at the historic York Hall in London. Scores were 99-92, 99-91, and 99-91. Eubank is a cousin of middleweight contender Chris Eubank Jr.

In the co-feature, middleweight Liam “The Machine” Williams (25-4-1, 19 KOs) knocked out “The Bomber” Nizar Trimech (9-4-2, 4 KOs) in round two.

Fiery Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi captured the vacant Massachusetts State Middleweight title in Wednesday night’s “Jimmy Farrell Fight Night” main event, promoted by Granite Chin Promotions, as Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

The inaugural “Jimmy Farrell Fight Night” honored the late boxing trainer who coached many successful amateur and pro boxers in the Boston area during the past 4-plus decades. Continue reading “Results from Springfield, MAss.”

By Bob Caico

Bizzarro promotions continued Erie PA’s annual pre-thanksgiving boxing with a three bout card at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.

In the six round main, Alex Castellano (8-1-1) of Buffalo, NY and Andre Donovan (2-2) from Coshocton, OH battled to a three round no-contest after Castellano suffered a bad cut from an accidental head butt. The doctor stopped the fight before letting the fourth round begin. Continue reading “Results from Erie, Pennsylvania”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

WBA #1, IBF #2, WBO #7 middleweight Michael Zerafa (31-4, 19 KOs) outpointed Sydney-based Italian Danilo Creati (8-1, 1 KO) over ten rounds in a lackluster bout at the Aware Theatre, Sydney, NSW, Australia, on Wednesday night televised on Foxtel Main Event and Kayo Sport Pay-Per-View. Zerafa was content to exchange long-range punches with the inexperienced Creati, and at no point in the bout was Creati in danger of visiting the canvas. At the conclusion of ten rounds, scores were 99-91, 98-93, 98-92 all for Zerafa.

Zerafa said afterward, “Creati was tricky and he was awkward. I took the fight on four weeks’ notice and my team is in America but full credit to Team Ellis.“

In other action, Australian heavyweight contender and Rugby league legend Paul Gallen (15-2-1, 8 KOs) outscored Justin Hodges (5-3, 2 KOs) over six rounds. Both Gallen and Hodges exchanged accurate left jabs in all the rounds but Gallen also connected with effective body punches and after six action rounds scores were 59-55, 60-54, 60-54. The 41-year-old Gallen announced his retirement after the bout. Continue reading “WBA #1 Zerafa victorious; Gallen wins, then retires”

Junior welterweight “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams and heavyweight Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw both kept their unbeaten records intact on Tuesday night as Broadway Boxing returned to New York City inside the famous Edison Ballroom.

Williams (19-0-1, 8 KOs) outpointed Clarence Booth (21-6, 13 KOs) over ten rounds by scores of 99-90, 97-92, 98-91. Both down in round ten.

Shaw (18-0, 13 KOs) shut out Rydell Booker (26-7-1, 13 KOs) over eight one-sided rounds. Scores were 80-72 3x.

In other action, unbeaten light heavyweight Juan Carlos Carillo (9-0, 7 KOs) scored a third round TKO over Matthew Tinker (8-2, 6 KOs).

Super bantamweight contender Elijah Pierce notched his second consecutive second round knockout as he took out Juan Carlos Pena in Oklahoma City.

Pierce, who is promoted by Jeter Promotions and is now ranked #35 by the WBC after winning the WBC USNBC title on the last Jeter Promotions card on October 15th at the Hall! at Live Casino Hotel Maryland, registered those two early victories in just over a month. They are the first two fights under Jeter Promotions and Pierce has not disappointed. Continue reading “Pierce stops Pena in two”

This past Friday on Thompson Boxing’s “Path to Glory” event at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA, welterweight Louie Lopez (13-1-1, 4 KOs), of Corona, Ca, defeated Adrian Gutierrez (12-1-1, 6 KOs) of Chula Vista, Ca, by way of majority decision.

Both fighters had their moments throughout the fight, but it was Lopez who was landing harder punches. Every round was close, but Lopez outworked Gutierrez for a majority of the scheduled 8-round bout. Lopez’ hand speed was a major factor as he landed his flurries with precise accuracy. Scorecards read 80-72, 79-73, and 76-76. Continue reading “Results from Ontario, California”

Super featherweight Toka Kahn Clary (29-3, 19 KOs) captured the WBC silver title with a ten round unanimous decision win over Jonathan Oquendo (31-8, 19 KOs) on Saturday night in the main event of CES Boxing’s season finale at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Oquendo came forward the entire fight, forcing Kahn to box effectively against the ropes while picking his shots carefully to slow Oquendo’s progress. Well-placed uppercuts and body blows eventually took their toll as Kahn wore down his opponent over the first eight rounds and subsequently increased the pressure in rounds nine and 10 to seal the victory. Scores were 97-93, 98-92, 98-92. Continue reading “Kahn Clary beats Oquendo for WBC silver”

Lightweight Greg “Sharp Shooter” Outlaw (11-1, 6 KOs) made short work of Wilfrido Buelvas (22-16, 16 KOs) in their rematch on Saturday night at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, DC. Outlaw won by KO at 2:53 of round one. Their first fight was a no-decision after a head clash earlier this year. Continue reading “Outlaw destroys Buelvas in one”

Unbeaten WBO #1, WBC #2, WBA #3, IBF #3 middleweight Jaime Munguia (41-0, 33 KOs) scored a one-sided third round KO against little-known Gonzalo “El Mago” Coria (21-6, 8 KOs) on Saturday night at the Arena Astros in historic Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. 100:1 favorite Munguia dropped southpaw Coria with a straight right in round two, then sent Coria to a knee with a body shot in round three. Coria watched the referee count him out. Time was 2:32.

After the fight, Munguia called out WBA/IBF middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin. “This year we couldn’t do Charlo,” said Munguia. “Hopefully we can do it next year. I know GGG has no compromise. He’s signed with nobody and I would love to meet him in May. Golovkin! See you in May!”

WBC #13, WBO #14 super flyweight Argi Cortes (24-3-2, 10 KOs) survived two knockdowns, but managed to escape with a ten round split decision against Erick “Habanerito” Lopez (16-7-2, 10 KOs). Cortes, who gave Juan Francisco Estrada a close fight back in September, had all kinds of trouble with the 5’2 Lopez. Lopez was credited with knockdowns in rounds two and six, but had a point deducted for a rabbit punch in round seven. Scores were 95-92, 95-92 Cortes and 96-91 Lopez. Continue reading “Munguia crushes Coria, calls out GGG”

In a stunner, 320lb former UFC fighter and NFL Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy (2-0, 1 KO) knocked down and defeated pro boxer Hasim Rahman Jr. (12-2, 6 KOs) by four round unanimous decision on Saturday night at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Rahman outboxed Hardy in round one, but Hardy knocked down Rahman and had him in a world of hurt in round two. Hardy staggered Rahman again in round three. Scores were 39-36 3x.

Rahman Jr., the son of former WBC heavyweight champ Hasim “The Rock” Rahman, was originally slated to face Vitor Belfort, but Belfort was forced to pull out with COVID earlier this week. Hardy, 34, stepped in on short notice and made the most of it.

After the fight, Hardy declared “I’ve ready for everybody. Give me some notice, let me lose some weight. I’m gonna hurt everybody. This is my division now!”

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In his first bout in nearly three years, WBA cruiserweight champion Arsen Goulamirian (27-0, 18 KOs) powered his way to a twelve round unanimous decision over mandatory challenger Aleksei Egorov (11-1, 7 KOs) on Saturday night at La Paletre in Le Cannet, France. Egorov kept Goulamirian off balance early on by putting a consistent jab in his face. Midway in the bout, Goulamirian began landing his power shots, noticeably moving Egorov. By round eight, Goulamirian was punishing Egorov, although Egorov kept his hands moving. Lots of clinches down the stretch. Scores were 116-112, 116-112, 117-111.

WBO #1 light heavyweight Anthony Yarde (23-2, 22 KOs) knocked out Stefani Koykov (14-2, 12 KOs) in the third round on Saturday night at Telford International Centre in Telford, England. Yarde stalked Koykov the entire fight and finally dropped him for the count in round three. Time was 2:31. Yarde is now in line for a shot at unified champion Artur Beterbiev in January.

In the main event, Liam Davies (13-0, 5 KOs) outpointed Ionut Baluta (15-4, 3 KOs) over twelve rounds for the vacant European super bantamweight title. Scores were 116-112, 118-110, 117-111.

Unbeaten EBU super middleweight champion Kevin Lele Sadjo (19-0, 17 KOs) retained his belt with a seventh round TKO over Emre Cukur (19-2-1, 3 KOs) in the Goulamirian-Egorov co-feature on Saturday night at La Paletre in Le Cannet, France. Sadjo battered Cukur for six rounds, then dropped him in round seven and got the referee’s stoppage with his follow-up barrage.

In a clash for the vacant European super welterweight title, Milan Prat (18-0, 15 KOs) scored a second round KO against Stephen Danyo (20-6-3, 7 KOs)). A left hook finished Danyo.

More Photos

By Ron Jackson

Junior lightweight Lunga Sitemela (15-1, 9 KOs) won on a fourth-round knockout against the #1 challenger Khanyile Bulana (12-2, 8 KOs) to retain his South African title at the Vibrant Sports Centre in Cape Town on Friday night.

Sitemela was making the first defense of his title that he won on 26 May this year when he stopped Sibusiso Zingange (17-5-2) in the tenth round. Continue reading “Sitemela retains SA title on 4th round knockout”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten Japanese lightweight champ Shu Utsuki (12-0, 10 KOs), 134.5, impressively kept his national belt as he displayed his devastating power in decking highly regarded Jirolian Riku (14-4, 13 KOs), 134.75, at 2:48 of the third session in a scheduled ten-round main event on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan.  Jirolian having lately scored bad knockout wins, it was regarded as a very competitive encounter, but it was Utsuki that showed his superior skills and power punching in decking the challenger three times en route to a fine TKO victory.  His right crosses often caught the bewildered rival and badly hurt him with more powerful and effective shots to the belly and the face.  Utsuki, whose amateur mark was 81-27, is worth watching with his hard-punching ability. Continue reading “Utsuki finishes Jirolian, keeps Japanese 135lb belt”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Japanese southpaw hard-puncher Yudai Shigeoka (6-0, 4 KOs), 105, proved too powerful and pugnacious in flattening JBC#2 Tatsuro Nakashima (11-4-1, 7 KOs), 104.75, with a vicious right hook to the button at 1:20 of the third session, winning the vacant Japanese 105-pound belt.  Well-known for his durability in his previous defeat on points by Yudai’s brother WBC#1 Ginjiro, Nakashima suffered an early knockdown in the first and was completely stretched flat on the deck.  People sometimes make a mistake by regarding them as twin brothers, but 5’3” Yudai is 25, two years his senior to 5’0” Ginjiro.  They are aiming to be tiny Klitschko brothers holding world belts simultaneously. Continue reading “Shigeoka finishes Nakashima, wins Japanese 105lb belt”

Undefeated super welterweight “The Jackpot” Tyrone “Pretty Boy” James (13-0, 10 KOs) scored a second round stoppage over Omar “The Grinch” Siala (39-21-3, 23 KOs) on Thursday night at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh, Long Island, New York. James dropped Siala in round two, then finished him with his follow-up barrage. Time was 1:19.

Undefeated super lightweight Ryan “The Silent Assassin” O’Rourke (9-0, 2 KOs) dropped Andreas “Maestro” Maier (8-7, 6 KOs) three times en route to a first round stoppage at 2:53.

Undefeated super welterweight Zay “No Choice” Flaherty (5-0, 3 KOs) blew away Keenan Raymond (1-5-1) in the first round.  Raymond down three times to get a referee’s stoppage at the 2:43 mark.

Cruiserweight Afunwa King (6-1, 3 KOs) scored a first round TKO over Emmanuel Etienne (2-1, 1 KO). Time was 2:51.

Super featherweight Iman Lee scored three knockdowns on his way to a first round TKO over Dom Breen. Time was 2:47.

Iwasa finishes Servania in overweight bout

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

This is a bizarre but true story.  On October 25, at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, former IBF 122-pound champ Ryosuke Iwasa was supposed to fight ex-world title challenger Genesis Servania, a durable Filipino who battled Oscar Valdez in a grueling fight in US in 2018, with the contract weight of 126-pound featherweight limit over ten rounds.  A fiasco happened about a week before their confrontation, as Servania complained of his incapability of making weight.  Iwasa, a southpaw veteran, was so much eager to fight before his more than 500 adherents despite Servania’s reported overweight because he lately kept fighting abroad and his last appearance here was four years ago when he forfeited his IBF junior feather belt to TJ Doheny in Tokyo.  Both parties then agreed on the raised weight of 59 kilogram (some 130 pounds), but Servania still claimed he would not be able to make it.  Just in order to make the fight realize, Iwasa agreed to amend the contract weight and then it was again raised to 62 kg (136.75 lbs). Continue reading “Bizarre Weigh-In Story”