By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda (to come soon)

A stunning upset has happened!  Unheralded underdog Daishi Nagata (15-2-1, 6 KOs), 140, surprisingly captured the Japanese 140-pound belt when he dethroned previously unbeaten WBO#15 defending champ Koki Inoue (15-1, 12 KOs), 140, due to referee Someya’s halt at 2:17 of the seventh round in a scheduled ten on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan.

Koki, the cousin of the WBA super/IBF bantam kingpin Naoya Inoue, was a prohibitive favorite, but wasn’t sharp, nor swift, as usual only to allow Nagata to have the upper hand in the first half.  The game challenger opened a gash over the right optic of the hard-punching champ in a contest of southpaws. The interim tallies show Nagata ahead on points after the fifth: 49-46, 48-47 twice. Continue reading “Nagata upsets Inoue, wins Japanese 140lb belt”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda (to come soon)

OPBF featherweight champ Satoshi Shimizu (9-1, 9 KOs), 126, successfully kept his belt as he halted #14 Kyohei Tonomoto (9-3-1, 4 KOs), 126, at 2:10 of the seventh session in a scheduled twelve rounder on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan. The elongated 5’10.5” southpaw Shimizu, the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist who lost a 20-11 decision to eventual gold medalist Luke Campbell in the semi-final after defeating Isaac Dogboe in the first bout in London, decked the challenger twice in the opening session. They mixed it up hard thereafter, and it was Shimizu that took the initiative so obviously that the third man rightly intervened to save the loser from further punishment in round seven. Shimizu registered his fifth defense of the OPBF belt by scoring a comeback victory after suffering his first defeat at the hand of Filipino Joe Noynay in quest of his WBO Asia Pacific featherweight belt last July. This was his first appearance since.

Undefeated 2016 U.S. Olympian junior lightweight Mikaela Mayer (13-0, 5 KOs) scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Helen Joseph (17-5-2, 10 KOs) on Tuesday night inside “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Mayer in command all the way. Scores were 99-91, 100-90, 100-90.

Mayer said after the fight, “Bob Arum said ‘Great fight,’ and that the next one will be for the title. We’ve been trying to get a world title fight for a while now. I said, ‘Don’t let Eddie Hearn [outbid] us.”

Middleweight “Cassius” Clay Collard (8-2-3, 2 KOs) smashed LT “Smash” Nelson (5-4, 4 KOs) in two-one-sided rounds. Collard dropped Nelson once in round one and twice in round two. The bout was waved off after more punishment at 1:57. Collard 4-0 in 2020. Continue reading “Mayer, Collard win in Las Vegas”

1,000 spectators were allowed to attend a boxing show on Saturday night at the 11,000-seat Mississippi Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. Organizers issued a warning that “entry to this event is at your own risk.”

In the main event, cruiserweights DeShon Webster (12-3-3, 6 KOs) and Samuel Clarkson (22-6-1, 15 KOs) battled to a ten round majority draw. Clarkson was the aggressor and landed the better punches, but the judges scored it 95-95, 95-95, and 96-94 for an unidentified fighter. The fringe World Boxing League (WBL) cruiserweight title remained vacant.

Unbeaten super featherweight Jeremy Hill (12-0, 7 KOs) won an eight round unanimous decision over Xavier Wilson (11-2-1, 1 KO). Hill scored two knockdowns en route to a 77-74, 78-73, 77-76 verdict.

A pro boxing card took place on Saturday night at a drive-in theater in Düsseldorf, Germany. Fans watched the fights from their vehicles with the action also being seen on two big screens.

In the main event, super welterweight Ahmed El Mousaoui (33-3-1, 8 KOs) scored a second round TKO over Sergej Wotschel (14-5-1, 7 KOs). A barrage of punches prompted a referee’s stoppage. Time was 1:54.

Also, unbeaten light heavyweight James Kraft (18-0-1, 9 KOs) escaped with a six round split decision over Karel Horejsek (17-13-3, 14 KOs). Scores were 58-56, 58-56 Kraft, 58-57 Horejsek.

British and Commonwealth super bantamweight champion Brad Foster (13-0-2, 5 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over James Beech Jr (12-1, 2 KOs) in the main event of British boxing’s first show back in 118 days on Friday night at BT Sport Studios. Scores were 116-113, 117-111, 117-111.

WBO European super welterweight beltholder Hamzah Sheeraz (11-0, 7 KOs) was victorious when the corner of challenger Paul Kean (12-2,1 KO) pulled their man out after six rounds of punishment.

Heavyweight David Adeleye (2-0, 2 KOs) stopped Matt Gordon (2-3-1, 0 KOs) in the second round.

Heavyweight Carlos Takam (39-5-1, 28 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over Jerry Forrest (26-4, 20 KOs) on Thursday night inside “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Slow-paced bout with Takam winning 96-94, 98-92, 97-93.

“My father passed away a week ago,” said Takam, “so I came into the fight with a heavy heart. It may not have been a spectacular knockout, but most importantly, we got the win. We took this fight on short notice, but the opportunity on ESPN was too big to pass up. We knew we could beat him regardless. I want anyone in the top five, or a title shot if that materializes.”

Unbeaten WBC #3, IBF #7, WBO #8 junior featherweight Carlos Castro (26-0, 11 KOs) battered and stopped former world title challenger Cesar “Corazon” Juarez (25-9, 19 KOs). At the end of round four, Juarez’ corner pulled their man out.

Castro said afterward, “I admire Cesar Juarez as a Mexican warrior and for everything he’s given the sport. I told him it was an honor to share the ring with him. I want any title opportunity or interim title shot. Whatever comes my way, I am ready. I am highly ranked and prepared for the next step.” Continue reading “Takam, Castro victorious in Las Vegas”

Former world title challenger Jose “Chon” Zepeda (32-2, 25 KOs) scored a workmanlike ten round unanimous decision over Kendo Castaneda (17-2, 8 KOs) in a junior welterweight bout on Tuesday night inside “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Scores were 97-93, 98-92, 98-92.

Zepeda: “He was a late replacement, but he was tough in there. I didn’t take Kendo lightly because I knew what he was capable of. He had only one loss by decision coming into tonight. Anybody with a belt at 140 pounds is who I want to fight. A championship fight is my goal, and that is what I am working towards.”

Junior lightweight Luis Alberto Lopez (21-2, 11 KOs) scored a hard-fought ten round split decision over Andy Vences (23-2-1, 12 KOs). Scores were 96-94 Vences and 96-94, 96-94 Lopez. Lopez had Vences in trouble in round six. Vences was a 5:1 favorite. Continue reading “Zepeda defeats Castaneda in Las Vegas”

The super welterweight fight between former world title challenger Carlos “Chema” Ocampo and Jorge Luis “Chino” García was cancelled when Garcia’s trainer tested positive for Covid-19 before Saturday night’s card at TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City.

In the main event, female champion Jackie “Princesa Azteca” Nava (36-4-4, 16 KOs) unanimously outscored Estrella “Chacala” Valverde (18-7-2, 3 KOs) over ten in a super bantamweight fight. Scores were 99-91, 99-91, 100-90, 100-90, 100-90, 100-91, 100-91. Seven judges scored the bout remotely.

Super featherweight Mauricio “Bronco” Lara (19-2, 13 KOs) scored a first round TKO over Alejandro “Pistón” Palmero (12-6-1, 6 KOs). Time was 2:54.

Unbeaten featherweight Irving Turrubiates (23-0, 19 KOs) scored a fifth round TKO over Héctor “Ratón” Colín (10-13, 8 KOs). Official time was 1:57. Both fighters were down in an exciting fight.

Super flyweight Joel “Trino” Córdova (12-4-2, 2 KOs) ouscored Martín Tecuapetla (15-13-4, 10 KOs) over eight rounds. Scores were 77-75, 77-75, 79-74.

Two-division world champion Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (27-3, 13 KOs) scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over former 140-pound world title challenger Mikkel LesPierre (22-2-1, 10 KOs) in a junior welterweight bout on Thursday night inside “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. LesPierre was on the canvas in round five and round ten. Scores were 100-88, 99-89, 99-89.

In round five, LesPierre was credited with a knockdown against Pedraza, then moments later Pedraza dropped LesPierre. After the round, instant replay was used and officials ruled the knockdown LesPierre scored was a trip. Continue reading “Ex-champ Pedraza dominates LesPierre”

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez (4-1, 3 KOs) got his revenge against Adan Gonzales (5-3-2, 2 KOs) in a featherweight six-rounder on Thursday night inside “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Ramirez outboxed Gonzales all the way to win a unanimous decision by scores of 60-54 3x. Last August Gonzales shocked the boxing world when he upset Ramirez in his pro debut.

“I wanted to put our first fight behind me, and I did that,” said Ramirez. “Ever since our first fight, I wanted the rematch. I am glad this chapter of my career is behind me now. A couple more rounds and I could’ve scored the knockout. But I’ll take the win and continue to work hard on my craft. I have the best trainer in Ismael Salas.” Continue reading “Ramirez avenges loss to Gonzales”

By Gabriel F. Cordero

On Wednesday, an event presented by Sparta Boxing Promotions took place at the Club Atlas in Kiev, Ukraine. In the main event, welterweight Aram Faniian (17-1, 2 KOs) knocked out Nazir Bakshiyev (5-10-3, 0 KOs) with a body punch in the first round. Heavyweight Igor Shevadzutsky (4-0, 4 KOs) easily knocked out Igor Pilipenko (5-50-2, 1 KOs) in the first round. Middleweight Stanislav Skorokhod (20-2, 17 KOs) stopped Vladislav Tantsyura (2-6, 1 KO) in round five.

Former world jr welterweight title challenger Alex Saucedo (30-1, 19 KOs) hammered out a ten round unanimous decision over Sonny Fredrickson (21-3, 14 KOs) on Tuesday night inside “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Saucedo outworked Fredrickson to win 99-91, 98-92, 100-90.

“We worked on a lot of things in the gym. It was important for me to get the rounds in, and Sonny was a tough opponent,” said Saucedo afterward. “I am ready to take over the 140-pound division. Whatever opportunity comes my way, I will take advantage of it. Most importantly, I got rid of the ring rust and went 10 hard rounds.”

“I am a more disciplined fighter, but I’m still an aggressive fighter who goes for the knockout. That won’t change.” Continue reading “Saucedo decisions Fredrickson”

WBC super featherweight champion Miguel “Alacrán” Berchelt (38-1, 34 KOs) scored a one-sided sixth round TKO over Eleazar “Tronco” Valenzuela (21-14-4, 16 KOs) in a non-title bout on Saturday night at TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City with no spectators in attendance. Berchelt dropped Valenzuela at the end of round one. Valenzuela was game, but the champ pounded on him relentlessly. Berchelt finally finished Valenzuela with a barrage of shots in round six.

Unbeaten junior welterweight Omar “Pollo” Aguilar (18-0, 17 KOs) needed just seconds to demolish Dante “Crazy” Jardon (32-7, 23 KOs). A barrage of punches finished Jardon almost immediately.

Junior welterweight David Picasso (14-1, 5 KOs) outpointed Florentino “Violento” Pérez (14-6-2, 9 KOs) over eight rounds. Scores were 78-74, 79-73, 79-74, 80-72, 80-72, 80-72.

There were six judges scoring the fights tonight.

Professional boxing returned to the jai-alai fronton in Tijuana on Friday night with the first evening of bouts in the border town after more than three months without activity. In the main event, super middleweight Damian “Samurai” Sosa (15-1, 8 KOs) won by eighth round TKO over previously undefeated Ángel Beltran (9-1, 6 KOs). The bout was an exciting war from beginning to end and was halted due to a cut suffered by Beltran that didn’t seem that bad, but the ring doctor was being very cautious.

WBO #2, WBA #3, WBC #4, IBF #4 bantamweight Jason Moloney (21-1, 18 KOs) was victorious when Leonardo Baez (18-3, 9 KOs) couldn’t continue after seven rounds on Tuesday night inside “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Good win for Maloney, who broke down Baez on the inside. Jason’s twin brother Andrew, who lost his WBA super flyweight title on Tuesday in the same ring, was in Jason’s corner.

“That was the greatest moment of my career,” said Jason afterward. “It was tough watching my brother the other night, but I knew I had a job to do. Thank you to my team. I sacrificed so much for six weeks, leaving my fiancée and my baby. I’m just over the moon. My brother told me he loved me and that he was proud of me. He’ll be back better than ever. Trust me.”

Unbeaten WBA #6, WBO #7 super featherweight Abraham Nova (19-0, 14 KOs) had to work hard to beat Avery Sparrow (10-2, 3 KOs) by unanimous decision over ten rounds. Scores were 99-91, 97-93, 96-94. Continue reading “J. Maloney stops Baez in seven”