With the big rematch looming on Saturday night at the Copper Box Arena, Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde met the media for the final time ahead of the crunch clash this afternoon at the BT Sport studios in Stratford.

Frank Warren: It is a fantastic fight and it should be added that Lyndon is #1 with the WBO, so the winner of this fight will get the winner of Joe Smith v Callum Johnson in January. That is what is on the table, there is more at stake in this fight and, as we know, the first fight took place behind closed doors. It was a good fight but it didn’t spark as I expected it to. It was a close fight that I thought Lyndon won, but this one will be different for many reasons. There is more at stake and it is in front of a live audience. They know each other well enough now, they have shared a ring for 12 rounds, so who has learned the most from that first fight? Who will change tactics from the first fight? Who will adapt? Continue reading “Arthur-Yarde 2 Final Press Conference”

Undisputed junior welterweight world champion Josh “The Tartan Tornado” Taylor and WBO #1 contender Jack “El Gato” Catterall will meet face-to-face for a two-city press tour to announce their upcoming showdown February 26 at The SSE Hydro  Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. The tour kicks off Tuesday in Taylor’s hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland, and moves on to London the following day.

Taylor (18-0, 13 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since unifying all four belts in May with a convincing decision over the previously undefeated Jose Ramirez. Catterall (26-0, 13 KOs), from Chorley, England, is a former British and WBO Intercontinental champion.

The bout will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports and will stream exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States.

WBA #2 ranked heavyweight Michael ‘The Bounty’ Hunter II, (20-1-1, 14 KOs) will rematch Jerry ‘Slugger’ Forrest, (26-4-1, 20 KOs) tonight in the TrillerVerz IV ten-round main event at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Hunter defeated Forrest in 2014 by way of unanimous decision.

Hunter, who is also world ranked #7 by the WBC and #6 by the WBO, is well are of the durability of Forrest. He was extended the full eight round distance for the first time in his career in their first fight. Stopping Forrest this time around would be impressive given Forrest’s ability to bounce back when hurt as shown in his most recent televised performance.

How does it feel to be fighting in New York for the second consecutive time?

I am excited to be back here. I am very comfortable and in the same hotel as last time. The atmosphere here is really good and I am ready to fight.

How have you remained focused as Forrest was not your original opponent?

I am professional and things like this happen in boxing. I have a very good team around me we stayed on track until the opponent was finalized. My weight is good and I am in excellent condition. I have been in training for this date for quite some time so I stayed focused and am well prepared.

What do you most remember about your first fight with Forrest?

I remember he had a very good chin. It was early on in my career and I used my skills en route to the clear decision victory.

Do you feel that since he is seeking revenge he is coming in as a hungry fighter?

I feel that I am entering the fight even hungrier. I trained and fought hard to get to where I am. I am not overlooking him at all. I am actually entering the fight on the B side as he is promoted by the local promoter Lou DiBella. I have been here before. I am coming in extremely motivated to win this fight.

What were your thoughts seeing him in his draw versus unbeaten olympian Zhilei Zhang earlier this year?

It looked like he might get stopped early on but he is very resilient came back on strong. It just shows you that he is a fighter that you cannot count out and will fight you up until the very end.

How big would it be for you stop him tonight?

I think it would make a statement. He has shown that it is no easy feat to stop him inside the distance. I think me stopping him would be meaningful.

What are your immediate goals?

It begins with me winning this fight tonight and fighting for and winning a world title in 2022.

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Tonight’s TrillerVerz IV will be broadcast exclusively on TrillerFightClub.com and FITE through the TrillerVerz subscription package priced at $2.99 per month.

Following boxing, the telecast includes a VERZUZ battle between music legends Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia from the world-famous Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

“Experience will be a key factor in my victory, but my power, speed and boxing ability are important too and I think that they are being underestimated,” says Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz (32-1-1 15KOs),  who challenges Devin Haney (26-0 15 KOs) for the WBC lightweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday on DAZN.

“I’m a 2012 Olympian, I’ve been a world champion, I’ve boxed great fighters and I’ve paid my dues to get here. I’m here for a reason and from my hard work, and that’s going to be the difference. Devin is an elusive and smart defensive fighter, but I don’t feel he has the experience that I have. He has good range, and he uses his jab to keep on the outside, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before, I’ve seen multiple styles in the ring and whatever he brings, I’ll adapt.

“I feel that he’s the kind of guy that doesn’t have confidence in himself and he needs people around him to boost, build and gain his confidence. Me – I am self-confident, self-motivated, I know what I am doing and what I am capable of, and I am going to get him out of there.”

WBA lightweight regular champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis previewed his world title PPV battle with Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking place this Sunday from Staples Center in Los Angeles.

“The change in opponent didn’t affect much in my training,” said Davis. “That’s just the sport of boxing. You have to be ready for anything. I always know that I have to adapt to whatever comes my way. Everyone says he’s going to come forward, but that’s easier said than done. If he does, we’ll give the fans an exciting fight. We know that’s his game plan. I just have to be smart, do what I do best, and put on a perfect performance.

“It’s amazing to be fighting on Sunday. You have football during the day and boxing at night. I have a lot of young fans that watch me and I think this is going to be a great show. I’m excited to be in Los Angeles. I was made for this stage and I can’t wait to put on a great performance Sunday.”

Michael Hunter 222 vs. Jerry Forrest 231
Cassius Chaney 249.4 vs. George Arias 225.6
Trey Lippe-Morrison 236.2 vs. Mike Balogun 235.2
Junior Wright 232.8 vs. Joe Jones 214.6
Frederic Julan 174.2 vs. Khainell Wheeler 172.8

Venue: Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC
Promoter: Triller
TV: FITE

Cain Sandoval 136.8 vs Keith Carson 136
Steve Mora 134.6 vs Anthony Romero 140
Raquel Miller 170.8 vs Sonya Dreiling 161
Leonardo Rodarte 186 vs Justin Barry 185.2
Anthony Hess 122.8 vs David Salinas 122.4
Omar Trinidad 126 vs Luis Montellano 125.6

Venue: Fight Club OC show in The Hangar in Costa Mesa, CA
Promoter: Englebrecht Promotions & Events
TV: Fite
Doors at 6pm, first bout 7:10pm
This event is sold out.

Minneapolis-based WBA super middleweight regular champion David Morrell Jr. (5-0, 4 KOs) returns to the Minneapolis Armory Saturday, December 18, to headline a nationally televised boxing card on FOX against Alantez Fox (28-2-1, 13 KOs).

“I’m thankful to my whole team for this opportunity to once again perform in front of my fans at The Armory in Minneapolis,” said Morrell. “We had a great night there in June and we’ve been building on that all training camp. I can’t wait to feel the energy of the fans again and continue to show why I’m a force in the super middleweight division.”

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Sad to report that Erik ¨Terrible¨ Morales has announced the loss of his 23-year-old son Fernando. Morales announced the news on his social networks. “José Fernando Morales Anaya! My Ferny!! I love you my Fer, may God take care of you and have you in his glory!!” wrote the great Mexican champion. Further details are not available. Fightnews.com@ stands in solidarity with the boxing community in mourning the death of Fernando. Rest in Peace.

Two-time world title challenger Jesse Hart (27-3, 21 KOs) will be back in action on Saturday, December 11th at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena when he takes on David Murray (10-2-1, 6 KOs) in the eight round super middleweight main event. The card is promoted by RDR Promotions.

The undercard features middleweight Shynguskhan Tazibay (9-0, 2 KOs) and lightweight Isaiah Johnson (3-0, 3 KOs) against opponents to be named. Continue reading “Jesse Hart returns Dec 11”

WBA #2 ranked heavyweight Michael ‘The Bounty’ Hunter II, (20-1-1, 14 KOs) will look to once again defeat Jerry ‘Slugger’ Forrest, (26-4-1, 20 KOs) this Thursday in the ten-round main event at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The pair originally squared off back in 2014 where Hunter won an eight round unanimous decision.

Forrest remembers their first fight very well and has been looking forward to this rematch. He feels that although Hunter has improved since their first bout, so has he, and he is still getting better. Revenge factor aside, Hunter is also world ranked WBA #2, WBC #7, and WBO #6, so an upset victory by Forrest could lead to a return opportunity on the Triller platform. Continue reading “Forrest out for revenge against Hunter”

By Jeff Zimmerman
Translation: Jahir Martinez

Fightnews.com® caught up with Mexican ring legend Erik “El Terrible” Morales at the Sweat Boxing Gym in Irving, TX. Erik was in town to promote his upcoming exhibition against fellow Mexican champ Orlando Salido on Dec. 17 at the Mesquite Rodeo in Mesquite, TX. Morales discussed his fight with 2x champ Paulie Ayala from around the corner in Fort Worth, his rivalry with Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera, and his thoughts on Canelo or Chavez as the greatest Mexican fighter of all time.

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By Jeff Zimmerman
Translation: Constantino Donaire

Fightnews.com® caught up with former world champ Orlando Salido, who was at Sweat Boxing Gym in Irving, TX, to promote his upcoming exhibition with fellow Mexican legend Erik “El Terrible” Morales on Dec. 17 at the Mesquite Rodeo in Mesquite, TX. Salido talked about his tough fights with the likes of Francisco Vargas, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Juan Manuel Lopez and Mikey Garcia and what it took to hand Loma his first loss. Salido also weighed in on whether Chavez or now Canelo is the greatest Mexican fighter of all time in this exclusive interview.

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By Jeff Zimmerman

Fightnews.com® caught up with former amateur star and US Olympic Trials winner, light flyweight Kentavias “Taae Money” Slay, who was on hand at the media event highlighted by the announced exhibition of former Mexican legend Erik “El Terrible” Morales vs former champ Orlando Salido on Dec 17 at the Mesquite Rodeo in Mesquite, TX. Slay will be showcased on the card in his 2nd pro fight. Slay discusses what it is like training with WBC lightweight champ Devin Haney who faces JoJo Diaz this weekend, training under former world champ Wayne “Pocket Rocket” McCullough and his affinity for the late Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker because of his defense and much more in this exclusive interview.

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WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney (26-0 15 KOs) puts his title on the line for the fourth time against interim champion Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz, Jr. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.

“JoJo is a good fighter,” said Haney. “He’s going to come to fight, we know that. He’s going to bring his best, I’m bringing mine. So, the best man will win – and that will be me. You can talk about size and heart, but I just feel that I am a better fighter than him and skills pay the bills…everybody says ‘I’m gonna bang Devin out.’ I’ve been seeing that my whole life. Did I get this far by letting people rough me up or bang me out? Come on. I can do everything, so you can do whatever you want, it’s not going to work. I don’t know how you beat me. I can’t tell you.”

Devin Haney and Joseph Diaz Jr. faced-off today in front of the landmark Las Vegas sign located at the southern end of “The Strip” to kick off fight week for Saturday’s WBC lightweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Former four-division world champion Erik “Terrible” Morales and Orlando “Siri” Salido will face off on December 17 at the Rodeo Arena in Mesquite, Texas, in a charity exhibition match. Part of the proceeds will be used to support amateur boxing and to continue carrying out boxing week, which aims to support women against domestic violence and children against bullying.

The promoter, Boxing Showcase, will present this exhibition bout as the framework for the second semi-final of the national tournament The Big Belt Championship. Tickets start at $30 and are already on sale.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Two-time world cruiserweight challenger Mark Flanagan (25-8, 18 KOs) will be in action over ten rounds against unbeaten Floyd Mason (10-0, 7 KOs) at the Eatons Hotel, Eatons Hill, Queensland on Saturday with the Australian cruiserweight title up for grabs. Flanagan is coming off a bout in June when he captured the vacant national cruiserweight crown with a fifth round stoppage over Benjamin Kelleher. Mason is coming off a four round stoppage of Joseph Liga in July. Promoter Angelo DiCarlo.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

In a nationally televised promotion, IBF #3 cruiserweight Jai Opetaia (20-0, 16 KOs), who will challenge IBF cruiserweight champion Mairis Breidis for the IBF crown in March 2022, will clash with Daniel Russell (7-2-2, 4 KOs)  on Saturday at the Fortitude Valley Music Hall, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on Foxtel television network and Kayo Sports.

In other action, IBF #15 middleweight Issac Hardman (11-0, 9 KOs) will be in action against Adam Stowe (6-2-2, 4 KOs) over ten rounds for the IBF Australasian and Australian title.

Also, former WBA heavyweight champion Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne (29-3, 25 KOs) returns to the ring after losing by knockout to rugby league football star Paul Gallen in April. Big Daddy will collide with Faiga Opelu (14-2-1, 10 KOs) over ten rounds with the WBA Oceana title up for grabs.

Matchmaker Stuart Duncan, promoter Dean Lonergan.

Less than three months after dominating the previously undefeated Gabriel Flores Jr., featherweight Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (23-2, 11 KOs) hopes to earn a world title shot. Lopez will face undefeated British contender Isaac “The Westgate Warrior” Lowe (21-0-3, 6 KOs) in a 12-round IBF title eliminator this Friday at York Hall in London.

Lopez-Lowe and supporting bouts will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+.

In other streaming action from London, former WBC flyweight world champion Charlie Edwards (16-1, 6 KOs) will make his second bantamweight appearance in an eight-rounder against Jacob Barreto (13-3, 5 KOs).

Former world champion and current light heavyweight contender Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) and Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez (21-3, 17 KOs) hosted a media call today to promote their WBA light heavyweight title eliminator that will take place on December 18 at San Antonio’s AT&T Center and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide.

Gilberto Ramirez: “I feel stronger at 175, and it feels like my natural weight. You have seen me in three fights already and see how I have performed…Gonzalez was a plan for us after Bivol did not want to sign the fight contract. He is scared to fight me that he went to Russia to fight. Yunieski stepped up to take the fight; I have to respect him for that.”

Yunieski Gonzalez: “First they have to go through me before they can get to Bivol. People are talking about it, making an assumption about the direction of the fight, and I leave it and don’t say anything. And people forget that this is also an opportunity for me, this is my opportunity to also be in line for Bivol.”

Unbeaten WBA #2 super welterweight Israil Madrimov (7-0, 5 KOs) can take a step closer to achieving his world title dream when he faces #1 rated Michel Soro (35-2-1, 24 KOs) in a WBA final eliminator on Friday December 17 at the Renaissance Hall in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Soro is also the reigning WBA Gold world super welterweight champion.

In the co-feature, undefeated super lightweight Shakhram Giyasov (11-0, 9 KOs) returns to action against Cristian Rafael Coria (29-8-2, 13 KOs).

The fights will be shown live worldwide on DAZN.

By Mauricio Sulaimán
Son of José Sulaimán / President of the WBC

It was during the 2020 Virtual Convention when the World Boxing Council decreed 2021 as “The Year of Boxing,” as we found ourselves in the middle of a claustrophobic lockdown due to the pandemic.

So, a plan was created and established to celebrate life through our sport, to commemorate the great anniversaries that would occur in 2021, and it was determined to work hard to make boxing resurface globally.

What an extraordinary year we are living through! There have been great contests, dramatic fights, spectacular knockouts, and wonderful celebrations of historical events that we remember with great pride as well as fondness. Continue reading “What a year for boxing it has been!”

The WBO World Championship Committee has ordered negotiations to commence for a clash between WBO middleweight champion Demetrius “BooBoo” Andrade (31-0, 19 KOs) and Zhanibek “Qazak Style” Alimkhanuly (11-0, 7 KOs). The parties are granted 20-days to negotiate and reach an agreement or purse bid proceedings will be called. The minimum acceptable bid is $200,000. Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid procedure at any time during the negotiation process.

Triller announced today that WBA #2 ranked heavyweight Michael ‘The Bounty’ Hunter II, (20-1-1, 14 KOs) has been added to Thursday’s ‘Night of Heavyweights’ stream against heavy-handed southpaw Jerry ‘Slugger’ Forrest, (26-4-1, 20 KOs). Hunter-Forrest is the new ten-round main event at the TrillerVerz IV professional boxing card at The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The ten-rounder replaces Andrey Fedesov vs. Junior Wright after Fedesov suffered a training injury.

Also featured on ‘Night of Heavyweights’ are not one, but TWO ten round clashes between undefeated heavyweights. Trey Lippe-Morrison, (18-0, 17 KOs) collides with Mike Balogun, (17-0, 13 KOs) and Cassius ‘C.O.G.’Chaney, (21-0, 14 KOs) takes on ‘Gentleman’ George Arias, (16-0, 7 KOs). Continue reading “Hunter-Forrest added to Night of Heavyweights”