Mexico City’s Zocalo was adorned in the colors of the Mexican flag, as today 14,299 people completed a mega boxing class directed by female boxing stars Ana María Torres, Jackie Nava and Mariana Juárez plus NABF champion David Picasso.

This Guinness Record previously belonged to Moscow since 2017, but now it’s been broken.

Guinness representatives Carlos Tapia Rojas and Alfredo Arista together with the honorary witnesses, the president of the City Boxing Commission from Mexico, Ciro Nucci and Fernando Romero, confirmed the record and presented the certificate. Continue reading “Mexico City breaks Guinness World Record”

Photos: Sumio Yamada

Check out this GIANT Beterbiev-Smith photo gallery for some incredible shots, plus the scorecard.

Photos

In a highly anticipated light heavyweight unification showdown, WBC/IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) crushed and dethroned WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) in less than two rounds on Saturday night at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Smith came out aggressively, but Beterbiev dropped Smith to a knee at the end of the first round. Beterbiev finished the demolition by putting Smith down twice in round two and leaving referee Harvey Dock no alternative but to stop it after some additional punishment. Time was 2:19. Beterbiev, boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio, continues his reign of terror in the 175lb division.

“My coach told me it’s not too far until I become a good boxer,” Beterbiev said. “Joe’s a little bit open, and it was more easy for me to get him. {Both of us} have a good punch, and both tried to {connect} first. I’m lucky that I was first.”

Sitting ringside was WBO mandatory contender Anthony Yarde, who may be in line for a shot at Beterbiev this fall. Beterbiev’s preference is a fight with WBA champion Dmitry Bivol, who recently defeated Canelo Alvarez.

“Unification fights are more interesting, more motivating,” Beterbiev said. “I prefer unification fight. I want to be undisputed.”

Photos: Sumio Yamada

In a clash for the USBA and WBO Global featherweight titles, two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez (10-1, 6 KOs) scored a spectacular fifth round knockout over previously unbeaten Abraham Nova (21-1, 15 KOs) in the Beterbiev-Smith co-feature on Saturday night at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Southpaw Ramirez outclassed Nova and laid him out with a crushing straight left hand. Time was 2:20.

“It was all about the strategy,” said Ramirez afterward. “I’m blessed to work with Ismael Salas, who is a genius in my corner. It really was about setting up that shot. If you watch the fight, it was about working, tapping the body until that opening was created. I knew he was dangerous, so I had to be careful, but when I saw my opening, I took it and I finished the fight.”

Continue reading “Ramirez KOs Nova in Beterbiev-Smith co-feature”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

As was expected, former undisputed lightweight champion George Kambosos has activated the rematch clause in his contract to force a return fight with undisputed IBF, WBC, WBA, WBO champion Devin Haney again in Australia.

“Yes, the rematch is happening, 100 percent. I have activated the rematch clause,” Kambosos told Newscorp. “We haven’t finalized a venue. There are options for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. It will be in Australia which is great. I know I can win a rematch. I will make some changes and this is my destiny to show how great I am and get those belts back. The Emperor is dead, but Ferocious is still alive and I will be back.”

Super bantamweight Jack Bateson (17-0, 4 KOs) hopes to gate-crash the world rankings after defeating Diego Alberto Ruiz (23-5-1, 12 KOs) on Saturday night at the Leeds United FC Banqueting Suite in Leeds, England. Bateson picked up the vacant WBA intercontinental belt with a unanimous points win after 10 rounds. Scores were 98-93, 98-92, 97-93.

WBO #1 super featherweight Archie Sharp (22-0, 9 KOs) returned to the ring with a ten round 98-93, 99-91, 99-92 points victory over Alex Rat (14-5-2, 5 KOs). Sharp hopes to secure a shot at champion Shakur Stevenson.

WBA #3 super lightweight Ohara Davies (24-2, 17 KOs) warmed up for a potential WBA world title eliminator against Sandor Martin by stopping Abdessamad Nechched (13-3-1, 1 KO). Davies forced his opponent to the canvas in round seven and, again, in round eight and though Nechched beat the count after being floored for a second time, referee Howard Foster said he’d taken enough punishment.

Photos: Sumio Yamada

WBC/IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs), boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio, has never heard the judges’ scores read in his pro career. And win or lose, it’s highly unlikely judges will be rendering a verdict tonight when Beterbiev faces fellow power-puncher WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. (28-3, 22 KOs) on ESPN from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

However, just in case, judges Frank Lombardi, Joseph Pasquale and Steve Weisfeld will be at ringside scoring the bout.

The third man in the ring will be Harvey Dock.

Photos

Weights for tonight’s Hitz Boxing card at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois.

Angel Barrera 134 vs Daniel Buenaventura 135
(Illinois State lightweight title)

Simon Buettner 166.4 vs James Quiter 168
(Illinois State super middleweight title)

Jonathon Hampton 159 vs Dawik Bosak 161
Kaltin Lavigne 160 vs Olivia Curry 159
Mirady Zola 176.5 vs Abimbola Osundairo 172
Ronny Hale 255 vs Deontae Pettigrew 293

Venue Parkway Sports Bank Sports Complex
Promoter: Hitz Boxing
Stream: BXNGTV.com

In an upset, bantamweight Eros Correa (12-1, 8 KOs) won a ten round split decision against WBO #5, WBA #8 Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (18-2, 11 KOs) on Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California. Close fight where Sanchez never got untracked. Scores were 98-92, 97-93 Correa, 96-94 Sanchez.

Undefeated WBA #6, WBO #11 junior bantamweight star David “El General” Cuellar (22-0, 15 KOs) notched his seventh consecutive knockout by finishing former world title challenger Yader Cardoza (26-18-1, 8 KOs) in the fifth round on Friday night at the Auditorio Municipal in Torreón, Mexico. A body shot put Cardoza down for the count. Cuellar overcame two cuts in the fight.

In the world title co-feature, WBC female bantamweight champion Yuliahn Luna (24-3-1, 4 KOs) retained her title by ten round unanimous decision over Jessica Gonzalez (8-6-2, 1 KO). Luna busted up Gonzalez to avenge a 2014 loss.

Olympian lightweight Juan “El Olimpico” Huertas (16-3-1, 12 KOs) scored a first round KO over previously unbeaten nbeaten lightweight slugger Jonhatan “Maximus” Cardoso (14-1, 14 KOs) to claim WBO Latino title at La Doce Sports Center in Panama City, Panama. Huertas connected with a huge right hand that put Cardoso out on his feet.

In the co-main event, former two-division world champion Luis “Nica” Concepcion (40-9, 29 KOs) scored a ninth round TKO over Juan “Pequita” Lopez (15-9-1, 14 KOs). Concepcion punished Lopez until Lopez’ corner requested a referee’s stoppage at 1:50 of round nine.

Other Results:
Gilberto Pedroza KO2 Pedro Villegas (light flyweight)
Darrelle Valsaint TKO1 Encarnacion Diaz (super middleweight)

To launch the September 17 trilogy battle between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin on DAZN PPV, Canelo and GGG will stage press conferences in Los Angeles and New York City starting next week. The LA presser is June 24 in Hollywood and the NY presser is three days later on June 27.

The World Boxing Council has unveiled the special 2022 Freedom Belt to commemorate Juneteenth Day. This belt was going to be on the line in the Jermall Charlo vs. Maciej Sulecki, scheduled for this Saturday, June 18 at the Toyota Center in Houston, but unfortunately had to be postponed due to a back injury Charlo suffered during his preparation. The WBC Freedom belt will be on the line in Jermall Charlo’s next bout, to be announced soon.

With WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in attendance, heavyweight Nathan Gorman (19-1, 13 KOs) needed just 92 seconds to demolish Tomas Salek (17-4, 13 KOs) in the first round of their clash Friday night at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. After 15 months out of the ring, Gorman dropped Salek twice to quickly get the win.

“Tomas Salek has only lost to good fighters, but I think I’m the only one to do it in that impressive style,” said Gorman. “I’m really happy and really pleased with it, live on Channel 5 as well so hopefully there were plenty of happy people watching.”

“It’s now about being active. I’m only 25 years old, but I want to keep pushing on and hunting for them titles. There’s a hell of a long career ahead of me yet, and there are big things to come.”

Artur Beterbiev 175 vs. Joe Smith Jr. 174.6
(WBC, IBF, WBO light heavyweight unification)

Robeisy Ramirez 125.8 vs. Abraham Nova 125.4
Bruce Carrington 127.4 vs. Adrian Leyva 127.4
Jahi Tucker 147.8 vs. D’Andre Smith 147.6
Floyd Diaz 121.6 vs. Daniil Platonovschi 122
Troy Isley 158.6 vs. Donte Stubbs 161.6
Wendy Toussaint 152.2 vs. Asinia Byfield 152.8
Jahyae Brown 153.2 vs. Keane McMahon 152.6

Venue: Hulu Theater, MSG, New York City
Promoter: Top Rank
TV: ESPN

_

By Héctor Villarreal

Two foreign fighters well known by Panamanian fans, collide in the main event of Laguna Premium Boxing Promotions’ card on Saturday night at Majestic Casino in Panama City. Mexican Salvador “Peloncito” Juarez (16-7-2, 4 KOs) takes on Nicaraguan Keyvin Lara (31-5-1, 11 KOs) in a fight scheduled for eight rounds on the super flyweight division.

Salvador Juarez 114.75 vs Keyvin Lara 116
Ernesto Marin 130 vs Jorge Sanchez 129
Edgardo Avila vs Jhoyner Cervera 126
Pascual Hodgson 233 vs Victor Delgado 234.5
Ibrahim Valdespino 124.5 vs Arnulfo Bejerano 123

Promoter: Rouss Laguna de Moreno
Matchmaker: Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno

By Gabriel F. Cordero

This Saturday, Mexico City will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest boxing class. The current record was set in 2017 in Moscow, Russia, with a class of 3,300 participants. For many months the World Boxing Council together with the Sports Institute of Mexico City and the various agencies of the local government and mayors have organized training on weekends to prepare for this special day. They are expecting some 40,000 participants.

The class will be held in the city’s famed downtown Zócalo starting at 8AM with the participants able to enter at 6:30AM. Entrants get an official kit with a jersey, cap, and participant number with a chip.

Photos: Sumio Yamada

Saturday night’s high-stakes light heavyweight title unification showdown between WBC/IBF champion Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) and WBO champion Joe Smith, Jr. (28-3, 22 KOs) at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City promises to feature plenty of action between two of the sport’s most dangerous punchers.

The 37-year-old Beterbiev, boxing’s only active world champion with a 100% knockout rate, is about an 8:1 favorite at most sportsbooks. But Smith, 32, is a live underdog who has knockout wins over Eleider Alvarez and Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins among others.

The bout will air on ESPN.

More Photos

Saul Sanchez 118 vs. Eros Correa 118
Loui Lopez 148 vs Jaleik Bogle 147.7
Pedro Valencia 136.6 vs Mario Aguirre 137
Nelson Oliva 155.3 vs. Antonio Duarte 154.9
Anthony John Saldivar 149.9 vs. Genesis Wynn 148.4

Venue: Doubletree Hotel, Ontario, CA
Promoter: Thompson Boxing
TV: Facebook, YouTube

By Damon Gonzalez/LatinBox Sports

Angel llarraza 160 vs. William Lorenzo 162
Cesar Soriano 157 vs. Sanny Duversonne ??
Matthew Tinker 174.8 vs. Turner Williams 177.6
John Williams 151.2 vs. David Frcteau 152.4
Rufino Lewis 150.8 vs. Terry Roscoe 151.4
EnZo Herrera 148.2 vs. Christopher Puryear Angel Cotto 147.2
Nissan Anderson 168.8 vs. Frankie Solomon 177.4
Juniel Garcia 139.4 vs. Devarius McClendon 139.8
Imran Haddabah 177.4 vs. Lawrence Gabriel will weigh in tonight
David Fecteau 152.4 vs. John Williams 151.2
Rodolfo Cuazitl 129.2 vs Ralph Carvil 129.4
William Lorenzo 162 vs. Angel Garcia 160
Frankie Salamon 177.4 vs Nissan Anderson 177.4
Carisse Brown 125.4 vs. Karla Valenzuela Garcia 124.6

Venue: Marriott St. Petersburg/Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Promoter: T&K Promotions
Event held in conjunction with the Induction Weekend for the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame

Two of the light heavyweight division’s fiercest punchers will put three world title belts at stake in one of the year’s most anticipated showdowns. WBC/IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) — boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio — will take on Long Island’s WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. (28-3, 22 KOs) Saturday evening at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Artur Beterbiev: “This is a very important fight for me. With regard to the place, it’s not different for me. I’m more focused on the fight. I’m more focused on my opponent, not on the place. I always ask my boxing coach and my conditioning coach about how I’m doing. I ask them if it’s less than I was doing two years ago. They tell me that I’m doing better than two years ago.”

Joe Smith Jr: “This is a huge opportunity. Beterbiev is a huge name in boxing. Everyone knows who he is at this point. He has two world titles, and I want those belts. I believe this fight is going to be great. You’ve got two big punchers, and I’m just excited to be in there with him. He’s a great name.”

Welterweight terror Vergil Ortiz Jr. (18-0, 18 KOs), will return to the ring on August 6 against undefeated and world-ranked Michael “The Problem” McKinson (22-0, 2 KOs). The twelve-rounder will take place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, and will stream live worldwide, exclusively on DAZN. McKinson was slated to face Ortiz in March, but Ortiz withdrew from the fight due to rhabdomyolysis and McKinson instead won a unanimous decision over Alex Martin.

Vergil Ortiz Jr: “I am very happy to be stepping back into the ring again. I’m ready to show the world once again why I’m ready for a world title.”

Michael McKinson: “I’m getting what I deserve. I was prepared to fight Ortiz Jr before. Now I have been given the opportunity again to prove I am the best in this division.” Continue reading “Ortiz-McKinson back on again”

Heavyweight “Juggernaut” Joe Joyce (13-0, 12 KOs) will return against Christian Hammer (27-9, 17 KOs) at the OVO Arena in London on July 2. Joyce has been out of the ring since last July, suffering a broken wrist that kept him out of action in the first half of this year.

“The most important thing is to get Joe active and confident again after injury,” said promoter Frank Warren. “Christian Hammer is an experienced campaigner who will provide a decent test and give him a good fight, but obviously we expect Joe to come through it successfully and then start preparing for a bigger showdown later this year. Continue reading “Joe Joyce opponent named”

Heavyweights collide as Nathan Gorman (18-1, 12 KOs) takes on Tomas Salek (17-3, 13 KOs) in the headliner on Friday June 17 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (10-1-1, 6 KOs) also sees action against Peter Kramer (12-5-3, 8 KOs), and former Team GB fighter Chloe Watson (2-0) continues her undefeated start as a pro under the tutelage of Ricky Hatton, fighting over six rounds in the flyweight division against Fara El Bousairi (5-2, 1 KO).

Nathan Gorman 268 vs. Tomas Salek 232
(IBF International heavyweight title)

Josh Kelly 154.2 vs. Peter Kramer 154.1
Chloe Watson 112.12 vs. Fara El Bousairi 110.5

Venue: M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England
Promoter: Wasserman Boxing
TV: Channel 5 (UK)

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Sounds like IBF #10, WBO #10 Demsey McKean could be the next opponent of Australian heavyweight champion Justis Huni.

“Demsey McKean doesn’t want to fight.I don’t believe he wants to fight, and that’s alright. I’ll keep plugging away and my time will come,” Huni said. “I don’t know. I’m not into all of the talk and a lot of people know that. I don’t do a lot of talking. Like I said before the fight, I’ll let my actions do the talking.”

Huni’s promoter Dean Lonergan added, “Don’t even get me started about Demsey McKean. They will run like little b!tches because they will not fight Justis Huni because after that performance. Eddie Hearn will be sitting up there thinking, ‘why would I stick my big heavyweight in with him, he’s got no chance.’ Continue reading “Demsey McKean next for Justis Huni?”