By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

It’s a shocker that in just 1:25 of the first round they hit the canvas each other and the regional belt eventually moved to the new champion on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. Elongated southpaw Japanese 6’3” Tyson Koki (17-5-3, 14 KOs), 167.75, captured the WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight belt as he was badly dropped to the deck at first, barely raised himself with rubbery legs and more badly flattened defending titlist Deok-No Yun (8-2, 6 KOs), 167.25, from Korea, en route to a TKO victory at 1:25 of the opening session at the Korakuen Hall.

Yun, a sturdy six-footer, realized it’s a matter of time since he really hurt Tyson with a solid right counter. Upon the resumption of the fight Yun furiously attacked the fading Japanese with a flurry of punches that unfortunately had him wide open for Tyson’s avenging shot to the face. Down he went flat with his legs grotesquely paralyzed such as Ingemar Johansson decked by Floyd Patterson in their grudge fight at the Polo Grounds NY in 1960. Continue reading “Koki sinks Yun, wins WBO AP 168lb belt”

In a clash for the European middleweight title, WBC #14, IBF #15 rated Tyler Denny (20-2-3, 1 KO) won a five round technical decision over previously unbeaten Felix Cash (16-1, 10 KOs) on Saturday night at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England. The bout was stopped after round five due to a cut over Cash’s right eye. Scorecards read 49-46, 49-47, 49-47.

Unbeaten WBA #15 welterweight Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (20-0, 11 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over WBA #5 Conah Walker (13-3-1, 5 KOs). Good action fight with Crocker edging it 96-93, 96-93, 95-94.

Unbeaten super lightweight Cameron Vuong (5-0, 3 KOs) went ten rounds for the first time against late replacement Jeff Ofori (13-8-2, 4 KOs).

Photos: Sumio Yamada

Unbeaten WBO featherweight champion Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) successfully made the first defense of his world title with a brutal beatdown of Sergio Chirino (22-2, 13 KOs) on Friday night inside BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. 6’1 Espinoza, the tallest featherweight champion in history, dropped Chirino with a left uppercut in round one. Espinoza busted up and floored Chirino again in round three with a body shot. The bout was finally stopped after a third knockdown in round four. Time was 2:45.

Unbeaten junior lightweight Andres “Savage” Cortes (22-0, 12 KOs) scored a controversial ten round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Abraham “El Super” Nova (23-3, 16 KOs). Nova pressed the action and did more, but the judges preferred the work of Cortes 97-93, 97-93, 96-94. Continue reading “Espinoza crushes Chirino in four, retains WBO title”

By Héctor Villarreal

Former two-time minimumweight world title challenger, Panamanian Leroy “Sensational” Estrada (18-4, 8 KOs) scored an impressive technical knockout over previously undefeated Colombian Rubén Mendoza (10-1-1, 9 KOs) at 2:19 in round two to claim the WBA Fedecaribe championship, now fighting in the superfly division.

Estrada dropped Mendoza with a powerful left hook to the chin. After the 8-second count the local placed the Colombian against the ropes, hitting him with strong combinations, forcing referee Guillermo Perez to stop the fight, the main event of the “Alma de Guerreros” card, presented by Sparta Promotions and Rogelio Espiño (Promociones y Eventos del Istmo), who came back to action after 52 months retirement. Continue reading “Estrada stops Mendoza on Espiño promotion return”

Unbeaten super welterweight prospect Jordan “The Patriot” Panthen (9-0, 8 KOs) scored a spectacular third round TKO against Victor Toney (8-3-1, 6 KOs) on Thursday night at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California. A short left hook in round three put Toney on the canvas. He got up wobbly and the fight was stopped. Time was 1:07.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Eight-time national amateur champion Madoka Wada (2-0, 2 KOs), 104.5, impressively acquired the vacant OPBF female minimumweight belt by dispatching Thailand’s Juthathip Sitthichen (6-2, 4 KOs), 104.25, at 1:19 of the second round in a scheduled eight on Friday in Tokyo, Japan. Wada, a tall upright southpaw, overwhelmed her rival from the outset, and dropped her twice before the referee’s intervention. Wada, 29, whose amateur mark was 58-10, looked vastly talented and very promising. The JBC allowed Wada to fight for the regional belt in her just second professional bout, which is very rare but acceptable due to her excellent amateur credentials. Continue reading “Wada wins OPBF 105lb belt in second pro bout”

Chordale “The Gift” Booker (23-1, 11 KOs) made a scintillating entrance into the middleweight division on Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Booker launched a fearsome head and body attack that dropped Brian “El Elegante” Chaves (14-5, 5 KOs) three times – the final one convincing referee Ricky Gonzalez to wave off the bout between rounds three and four.

“I wanted to show that Chaves didn’t belong in the ring with me,” said Booker immediately after the fight. “I’m now officially a middleweight, and I’m ready for the top 10 in the division.”

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In the night’s co-feature, Angel “Set It Off” Gonzalez (14-0, 7 KOs) picked up the NABF Flyweight title, defeating Josue “Zurdo” Morales (28-14-4, 10 KOs) in a competitive 10 round bout. Scores were 98-92 and 97-93 (2x).

Also, in an emotional bout, female lightweight Kandi “Krush” Wyatt (13-6, 4 KOs) spoiled Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt’s farewell fight, stopping the 47-year-old hall-of-famer in the last round of their 8-round lightweight contest.

By Ron Jackson

One of South Africa’s most promising young fighters Roarke Knapp lost in his bid for a world title when he was knocked out in the third round by Jorge Garcia Perez from Mexico in a clash for the vacant IBO junior middleweight title at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Saturday night. The time was 1:05.

There was very little in it through the first round as both fighters worked for an opening.
In round two the 26-year-old Knapp (17-2-1, 12 KOs) picked up the pace and scored with a big right hand just before the bell.

Coming out slowly at the bell for round three the 27 year-old Perez (30-4, 25 KOs) took command before scoring with a big left and right combination that sent Knapp down and out for the ten count by referee Deon Dwarte. Continue reading “Roarke Knapp knocked in the third round”

Unbeaten IBF #5 junior welterweight Liam Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) dethroned IBF champion Subriel Matias (20-2, 20 KOs) by twelve round unanimous decision on Saturday night at the Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico. Slow start for Matias while Paro was quite busy. Matias rocked Paro in round six. Referee Luis Pabon deducted a point from Paro in round seven. Scores were 115-112, 115-112, 116-111. Matias was a 7:1 favorite.

Super lightweight Alfredo Santiago (15-2, 6 KOs) won a ten round unanimous decision over WBO #3, IBF #14 lightweight Angel Fierro (22–22, 17 KOs) in a bout for the WBO NABO 140lb title. Scores were 99-91, 98-92, 98-92.

Olympian flyweight Yankiel Rivera (6-0, 2 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over Victor Sandoval (37-5, 23 KOs) in a bout for the WBC and WBA Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental flyweight titles. Scores were 98-91, 98-91, 97-92. Sandoval down in round two.

Photos: Sumio Yamada

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) scored a spectacular eighth round KO against challenger Frank “The Ghost” Martin (18-1, 12 KOs) on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Martin was able to outbox Davis for the first half of the fight. Tank upped the pressure midway then laid out Martin with an uppercut followed by a left hand in round eight. Time was 1:29.

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Photos: Sumio Yamada

Debuting at light heavyweight, unbeaten David “El Monstro” Benavídez (29-0, 24 KOs) went the full twelve against former world champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (20-2, 16 KOs) in a matchup for the WBC interim light heavyweight title on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Benavides took the fight to Gvozdyk and won pretty much every round. Scores were 116-112, 117-111, 119-109.

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Photos: Sumio Yamada

Ia a clash between unbeaten super lightweights, former WBA champion Alberto Puello (23-0, 10 KOs) won a split decision over Gary Antuanne Russell (17-1, 17 KOs) in a bout for the vacant WBC interim 140lb title on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Russell pressed the action, but Puello was often able to outmaneuver him. Scores were 118-109 Russell, 115-112, 114-113 Puello.

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Newly elevated WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision against Terrell Gausha (25-4-1, 12 KOs) on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In a bout that never caught fire, Adames prevailed 119-109, 118-110, 118-110.

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Other Results:
Kyrone Davis W10 Elijah Garcia (middleweight)
Mark Magsayo W10 Eduardo Ramirez (super featherweight)
Justin Viloria TKO5 Angel Contreras (super featherweight)

A sellout crowd at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine enjoyed an exciting night of boxing, returning to the venue for the first time in three decades.

In spite of losing the main event on the scales when ranked bantamweight Dylan Price was unable to make his contracted weight against tough journeyman Ernesto Irias, the co-feature turned out to be an excellent main event, with Las Vegas’s Britton Norwood, 17-5-1, 10 KOs upsetting 21-2-3 Kendrick Ball, Jr from nearby Worcester, MA over 10 exciting rounds. Continue reading “Portland, Maine Results”

WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) retained his title with a twelve round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten WBO #1 rated Richard Riakporhe 17-1, 13 KOs) on Saturday night at Selhurst Park, home of London’s Crystal Palace F.C. Fighting in Riakporhe’s backyard, Billam-Smith was sharp and largely neutralized the big-punching Riakporhe, who was deducted a point in round twelve. Scores were 116-111, 115-112, 115-112. Billam-Smith, who entered as more than a 2:1 underdog, avenged his only career loss.

Olympian light heavyweight Ben “The Surgeon” Whittaker (7-0, 5 KOs) mugged and showboated his way past previously unbeaten Ezra Arenyeka (12-1, 10 KOs) over ten rounds. Scores were 100-89, 99-90, 99-90.

In a surprise, WBA #6, WBC #7, WBO #11, IBF #13 light heavyweight Dan Azeez (20-1-1, 13 KOs) was held to a draw by unheralded 38-year-old Hrvoje Sep (12-2-1, 9 KOs) over eight rounds. The referee scored it 76-76.

Cruiserweight Jack Massey (22-2, 12 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Isaac Chamberlain (16-3, 8 KOs) in a bout for the vacant European and Commonwealth titles. Scores were 115-113, 115-113, 116-112.

European light middleweight Abass Baraou (16-1. 9 KOs) hammered out a twelve round unanimous decision over Macaulay McGowan (20-4-2, 5 KOs) on Friday night at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in Bolton, England. Baraou dominated the fight, but the extremely rugged McGowan somehow went the full distance. Scores were 117-111, 119-110, 118-110.

WBA #3 middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (38-5-1, 17 KOs) scored a third round TKO over #15 Juan Carlos Abreu (26-8-1, 24 KOs) on Saturday night. A barrage of LaManna body shots put Abreu down three times to end it in round three. With the win, his eighth straight, LaManna claims the WBA gold middleweight title.

WBO #5, WBC #7 super welterweight Xander Zayas (19-0, 12 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over former world champion Patrick Teixeira (34-5, 25 KOs) on Saturday night inside the Theater at Madison Square Garden on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. Zayas was busier than Teixeira the whole fight and upped the pressure late. Scores were 100-90, 100-90, 99-91.

WBO #4, WBC #7 featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) scored an eighth round TKO over late sub Brayan De Gracia (29-4-1, 25 KOs). Carrington dropped De Gracia in rounds five and seven before getting a referee’s stoppage in round eight. P4P great Naoya Inoue was in attendance.

Undefeated junior welterweight and U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (13-0, 6 KOs) outworked Tarik Zaina (13-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Scores were 79-73, 78-74, 77-75 for Johnson.

Local flyweight Andy Dominguez (10-1, 6 KOs) took an eight round majority decision over Cristopher Rios (10-1, 7 KOs). Scores were 76-76 and 88-74, 77-75 for Dominguez.

Middleweight Jahi Tucker (11-1-1, 5 KOs) won an eight round unanimous decision over Quincy LaVallais (17-5-1, 12 KOs). Scores were 80-72 3x.

Other Results:
Ofacio Falcon W6 Antonio Dunton El (junior lightweight)
Ali Feliz KO1 Lemir Isom-Riley (heavyweight)
Nisa Rodriguez W4 Jordanne Garcia (female middleweight)

Unbeaten light heavyweight Atif “Lord Pretty Calvo” Oberlton (11-0, 9 KOs) scored a sixth round TKO against Harry Cruz (8-5, 4 KOs) on Saturday night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. Oberlton worked over Cruz until the bout was halted by the referee at 2:23 of round six.

Undefeated heavyweight Herich Ruiz (5-0, 4 KOs) scored a sixth round KO against Brandon Carmack (7-5-3, 4 KOs). Ruiz dropped Carmack in rounds one and two before finishing him in the sixth. Time was 1:14.

Unbeaten WBC #10, IBF #11 super welterweight Callum Walsh (11-0, 9 KOs) destroyed Carlos Ortiz (14-6, 14 KOs) in two rounds on Friday night at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, CA. Walsh dropped Ortiz once in round one and twice in round two to end it. Time was 1:50.

Unbeaten flyweight Daniel “Chucky” Barrera (7-0-1, 4 KOs) outpointed Christian Robles (8-3, 3 KOs) over eight by scores of 77-75, 79-73, 77-75.

Report/Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

Power punching king of the smallest division in boxing – WBO Mini Flyweight champion Oscar Collazo defended his title against Nicaraguan Gerardo Zapata in the main event of Oscar de La Hoya’s Golden Boy show at the Turning Stone Casino on DAZN. After a moderately interesting first round, Zapata landed a beautiful right to the chin of Collazo, staggering him wildly around the ring. Try as he might, Zapata could not finish his foe as the bell saved the champ. Collazo regains his composure and seemed to take the third with a steady, measured offense. For the next several rounds, Collazo seem to gest outwork Zapata, although he did take his share of blows in the process. In the 8th round, Zapata either couldn’t get off the ropes or chose to rest there as Collazo did good work, although not hurting Zapata in the process. This pattern continued for the next three rounds with Zapata. Largely fighting off the ropes and spurts and Collazo doing enough work to win the round but never seriously going for the stoppage. The 12th and final round saw both combatants take turns initiating the action and then dancing around. In the end it was all academic as Collazo won a comfortable 119-109 x 2 and 117-110 unanimous decision to retain his title for the third time. He moves to 10-0, 7 KOs, while Zapata falls to 14-2-1, 5 KOs.

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Eric Tudor, older brother of opening bout winner Sasha, made short work of Roddricus Livsey, stopping him with multiple body shots at 2:19 of the first round. Tudor jabbed and threw body shots at will, while Livsey missed badly with the few shots that he attempted. Tudor improves to 11-1, 7 KOs, while Livsey drops to 12-3-1, 9 KOs. Continue reading “Collazo retains WBO minimumweight title”

Welterweight Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (17-1-1, 10 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over four-division former world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (35-5-1, 24 KOs) to claim the WBC People’s Championship on Friday night at the Hard Rock LIVE in Hollywood, Florida. Cobbs dropped Broner in round two. The punch knocked a tooth out of Broner’s mouth. Cobbs pulled ahead until late when Broner closed strong. Scores were 97-91, 96-93, 96-93.

Formerly #1 rated and now WBA #8 heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (22-1-2, 15 KOs) scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over a surprisingly passive WBA #7 Cassius Chaney (23-2, 16 KOs). Hunter easily outworked Chaney, who seemed totally befuddled by Hunter’s awkward style. After ten terrible rounds, judges had it 100-90 3x.

Former world cruiserweight champion Yuniel Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs) won via a quick KO against Alan Campa (19-10, 13 KOs) at 1:00 of round one. Continue reading “Cobbs defeats Broner, Hunter tops Chaney”

In a clash between local middleweight favorites, Patrice “Vicious” Volny (19-1, 13 KOs) scored a ninth round TKO over two-time middleweight title challenger Steven “Bang Bang” Butler (34-5-1, 28 KOs) on Thursday night at the Casino de Montreal in Montreal, Canada. Volny outworked Butler and got a referee’s stoppage after a series of shots in round nine. Butler complained about the stoppage, which occurred at 2:40. Volny wins the WBC Francophone title, which could result in a WBC top 15 rating.

IBO super middleweight world champion Osleys “El Tornado” Iglesias (11-0, 10 KOs) scored a spectacular first round KO against Evgeny Shvedenko (16-2-1, 7 KOs). A crushing right hook left Shvedenko flailing on the canvas. Time was 2:48. Bring on Canelo!

Unbeaten Olympian super lightweight Arthur “The Wolf” Biyarslanov (15-0, 13 KOs) knocked out Elias Mauricio Haedo (14-6, 10 KOs) in round four. A straight left to the body finished Haedo. Time was 2:59.

A clash between female boxers Mary Spencer and April Hunter was scrapped when Hunter suffered an injury.

Other Results:
Shamil Khataev D10 Ramadan Hiseni (middleweight)
Jhon Orobio KO2 Jose De Leon Jasso (jr welterweight)

In a clash of seasoned junior middleweights, Vladimir Hernandez (15-6, 7 KOs) scored a spectacular sixth round knockout against Guido Emmanuel Schramm (16-3-2, 9 KOs) on Wednesday night at the Whitesands Events Center in Plant City, Florida. A left hook laid out Schramm face first to end it. Time was 2:59.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Hard-punching perennial contender Yamato Hata (15-2, 14 KOs), 129.75, impressively captured the OPBF 130-pound belt when he caught up with defending champ Kosuke Saka (23-8, 20 KOs), 130, and halted him at 2:32 of the third round in a scheduled twelve on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. From the outset Hata, a sumo wrestler’s relative, stayed aggressive with more combinations to the onrushing but less aggressive champ. The younger southpaw challenger, in round three, connected with solid combinations to have the champ so rubbery-legged near the ropes that the ref Nakamura took a well-received count against Saka. When they resumed fighting, it was Hata that swarmed over the still groggy champ to prompt the third man’s intervention. Continue reading “Hata dethrones OPBF 130lb champ Saka”