Welterweight knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr. (17-0, 17 KOs) will return against Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas (22-1-1, 18 KOs) in a 12-round defense of his WBO International Welterweight Title. The bout will take place on Saturday, Aug. 14 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Undercard information will be announced shortly.

WBA cruiserweight champion and local favorite Ryad Merhy (29-1, 24 KOs) will make the first defense of his title this Saturday at the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels, Belgium, against WBA #14 rated Zhaoxin Zhang (10-1-1, 6 KOs) of China. The event will be promoted by Alain Vanackere of 12 Rounds Promotions with Nicolas Vanackere as the matchmaker. Zhang is taking this fight on short notice, but is looking to pull off an upset to become the first cruiserweight world champion from China. Continue reading “Zhang poised and ready for Merhy Saturday”

By Robert Coster

Top lightweight contender and former world champion Javier Fortuna is clamoring for a rematch with Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz.

Fortuna’s manager Cesar Mercedes had this to say to Fightnews.com®: “Two elements affected the fight. First, Javier hurt his right hand in the fourth round. Then, the scoring was really off base. One judge gave Javier only two rounds. What fight was he looking at for heaven’s sake?”

Fortuna, on his part, commented “I have nothing but respect for Jo Jo, an excellent boxer and an excellent person. However, the boxstat shows that I connected more punches. We boxers work hard to step into that ring – it’s a lot of sacrifice. Give us our due. To give me two rounds in a fight like this hurts me more than any of Jo-Jo’s punches.”

On January 29, 2021, the WBA announced that it had designated Manny Pacquiao “champion in recess” while promoting regular champion Yordenis Ugas to welterweight super champion. Sean Gibbons, president of Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, commented on what Pacman received for the hundreds of thousands of dollars he paid in sanctioning fees to the organization.

“I can tell you what Manny didn’t receive – due process and respect,” said Gibbons. “It took two years to get the world title belt he earned inside the ring by beating the undefeated super champion Keith Thurman. Hell, Manny only received that belt on Saturday. The WBA never inquired about Manny’s title defense plans. The WBA never warned us Manny’s super champion status could be in jeopardy. The WBA never informed us that Manny had been designated its champion in recess. We had to read the WBA’s press release on that on the internet. And speaking of Keith Thurman, the WBA had no concern about his lack of activity when he went over 22 months between title defenses.”

Pacquiao returns on August 21 at T-Mobile Arena against unified WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. It was pointed out by Team Pacquiao that Ugas has not fought since taking Pacquiao’s super belt.

YouTuber Jake “The Problem Child” Paul (3-0, 3 KOs) squares off against former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley in the main event of a professional boxing event on Sunday, August 29 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, live on SHOWTIME PPV. The bout will be an eight-rounder contested at a 190-pound catchweight.

Women’s P4P best and WBC/WBO Featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (40-1-1, 30 KOs) defending her titles against super bantamweight world champion Yamileth Mercado (18-2, 5 KOs).

Upon landing in London, heavyweight Carlos Takam has issued a warning to Joe Joyce ahead of their collision for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles at the SSE Arena on July 24.

Joyce, who is on the cusp of being put forward as mandatory challenger by the WBO for the world title held by Anthony Joshua, has promised to ‘run over’ the two-time world title challenger in the sequel to his memorable derailing of Daniel Dubois at the end of November. Takam responded by questioning if Joyce possesses the experience to be making such bold predictions. Continue reading “Takam to Joyce: I am a problem”

The big fight of the week will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF champion Jermell Charlo against WBO champion Brian Castaño battle for undisputed status at super welterweight as all four 154-pound belts hang in the balance for the first time in history. The fight takes place on Saturday at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Major kudos to SHOWTIME for televising this important fight on its flagship network rather than pay-per-view.

Heavyweight Christopher Lovejoy (19-1, 19 KOs) was slated to appear on Sunday’s card at Tijuana’s Big Punch Arena, unfortunately, the bout fell through. Lovejoy announced on social media that his fight is postponed until September 3. It will Lovejoy’s first fight since suffering his first loss against WBA champion in recess Mahmoud Charr in Germany back in May.

In the main name on Sunday’s card, lightweight Hanzel Martinez (27-3, 21 KOs) stopped Carlos Jacobo (21-24-2, 17 KOs) in two rounds. Martínez is the brother-in-law of famed two-time world champion Antonio Margarito.

Former 2-time heavyweight champion Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs) and former MMA superstar world champion Quentin “Rampage” Jackson have exchanged some heated messages on social media of late. So much so that the pair would now like to settle their differences in the squared circle. Fightnews.com® spoke with each on this very topic. Continue reading “Shannon Briggs vs. “Rampage” Jackson?”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Australia’s highest-profile referee Brad Vocale talks to Fightnews.com® about his life in boxing and working as third man in the ring for ESPN globally televised Tim Tszyu vs. Steve Spark last week. Continue reading “Interview: Brad Vocale”

The next SES Boxing show on July 17 at the Seebühne in Magdeburg, Germany, will be headlined by light heavyweight prospect Tom Dzemski (17-0, 10 KOs), son of trainer and former middleweight contender Dirk Dzemski. Dzemski, the current IBF Youth champion, will have a rematch Michael Eifert (7-1, 2 KOs), who now holds the WBO Youth title. Dzemski won a razor-thin majority decision over Eifert last August.

In the co-feature, unbeaten heavyweight Peter Kadiru (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Adnan Redzovic (21-5, 9 KOs). Also, unbeaten cruiserweight Jurgen Uldedaj (13-0, 4 KOs) meets Dmytro Serguta (7-1, 7 KOs).

By Miguel Maravilla

South El Monte, California’s Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (32-1-1, 15 KOs) talked about his hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Javier Fortuna (36-3-1, 25 KOs). Diaz, moving up in weight to the 135lb lightweight division, claimed the WBC interim title and called out Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.

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By Miguel Maravilla

Zurdo Ramírez talks about his win over Sullivan Barrera and says he wants WBA champion Dmitry Bivol next and all the 175 lb champions.

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Former WBA bantamweight “super” champion Juan Carlos Payano (22-5, 10 KOs) of the Dominican Republic returned to action for the first time in 2021 with a victory over multi-time world title challenger Luis De La Rosa (25-17, 17 KOs) of Colombia. It was a dominant performance by Payano from beginning to end. De La Rosa did not answer the bell for round five, so Payano was credited with a fifth round TKO. There were no knockdowns in the bout, which took place in Santiago de Tolu, Colombia.

Unbeaten WBO #1 light heavyweight Lyndon Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) scored a ninth round TKO over Davide Faraci (15-1, 7 KOs) on Saturday night at the famed Royal Albert Hall in London. Arthur dropped Faraci twice in round nine and got the stoppage moments later.

Unbeaten WBO #1 super middleweight Zach Parker (21-0, 15 KOs) blew away Sherzod Khusanov (22-3-1, 10 KOs) in the first round. A left to the body put Khusanov down for the count.

WBO #4 super featherweight Archie Sharp (20-0, 9 KOs) outpointed Diego Andrade (13-5-2, 1 KO) over ten to claim the vacant WBO Global title. Scores were 99-93, 97-93, 97-93. Sharp flipped Andrade in round five and got a warning from referee Howard Foster, no point deduction.

Unbeaten bantamweight Dennis McCann (10-0, 6 KOs) overwhelmed John Chuwa (20-5, 10 KOs) to get a second round stoppage.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Upstart middleweight Victor “Hot Chilli” Nagbe (4-0, 0 KOs) scored an upset ten round unanimous decision over former IBF middleweight champion Sam “King” Soliman (46-16-1, 19 KOs) on Saturday at the Melbourne Pavillion, Flemington, Victoria, Australia. Scores at the conclusion were for the Liberian-born, Australian-based Nagbe by 98-92, 97-93, 96-94. Nagbe captured the vacant WBC Australasian title.

Promoter: Phil Eglezos and Pierre Karam of Punisher Promotions
Matchmaker: Peter Maniatis

6’9 heavyweight Ivan Dychko (10-0, 10 KOs), who won Olympic super heavyweight bronze medals in both 2012 and 2016, scored a 60-second one-punch KO against 41-year-old Denis Bakhtov (39-19, 26 KOs) on Saturday at Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty, Kazakhstan. A right hand put Bakhtov on his back for his 9th straight loss.

Former IBF lightweight title challenger Isa Chaniev (15-3, 7 KOs) came off the canvas in round one to flatten previously unbeaten Nurtas Azhbenov (11-1, 4 KOs) in round three. Chaniev landed a flush right hand that turned out the lights for Azhbenov.

In the main event, southpaw junior lightweight Sultan Zaurbek (11-0, 7 KOs) outpointed Ronnie Clark (21-5-2, 10 KOs) in a ten round snoozer for the vacant WBO European title. Scores were 100-90, 99-91, 100-90. Continue reading “Dychko KOs Bakhtov in one”

Boxing returned to Miami Friday with an entertaining show at the Airport Hilton. The main event featured unbeaten cruiserweight Serik Musadilov (10-0, 9 KOs) of Miami by way of Kazakhstan winning by unanimous decision over dangerous veteran Lamont Capers (10-14-5, 2 KOs). Musadiov was extended the full distance for the first time in his professional career, winning the NABA title over eight rounds. The event will be promoted by M&R Boxing Promotions – Laura Ching .

Super featherweight prospect Mark Bernaldez (23-4, 17 KOs) of the Philippines defeated veteran Juan Kantun (21-12-3, 15 KOs) of Mexico by seventh round TKO in a scheduled eight-rounder. Continue reading “Musadilov beats Capers in Miami, wins NABA title”

One year ago the whole world was deeply moved by the heroics of six-year-old Bridger Walker, who risked his life to save his younger sister from a dog attack. Upon learning of Bridger’s courageous action, the World Boxing Council not only sent him an iconic green belt and named him an honorary world champion, they named a new weight division after him. “We at the WBC are so honored to name Bridger our honorary champion, for his immense courage. It represents the very finest values ​​of humanity,” said a WBC statement.

Undefeated super welterweight Tursynbay Kulakhmet (3-0, 2 KOs) returns to the ring today against Aleksei Evchenko (19-14-2, 8 KOs) at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the main event on ESPN+. Kulakhmet is on the fast track to a world title shot in a few more fights.

In the co-feature, super featherweight Ronnie Clark (21-4-2, 10 KOs) is set for his first fight in nearly three-and-a-half years when he meets unbeaten Zaurbek (10-0, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBO European super-featherweight title.

The action on ESPN+ will start early at 10AM ET, 7AM PT. That’s AM, not PM.

Photos: Chris Farina – ChrisFarina.com / ChrisFarinaPhoto

Ring legend Manny Pacquiao works out with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Club for his upcoming mega-fight with welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr.  on August 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. More photos

By Miguel Maravilla at ringside

Former super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs), now campaigning as a light heavyweight, scored a fourth round KO over Sullivan Barrera (22-4, 14 KOs) on Friday night at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.

It was slow-paced in the early rounds as Ramírez and Barrera worked off the jab. In round three, a body shot by Ramírez crunched the 39-year-old Barrera and he took a knee. Zurdo sent Barrera to the canvas two more times with body shots in round four and referee Thomas Taylor ended the fight at 1:38.

After the fight, Zurdo stated “Bivol, you’re next!” Continue reading “Zurdo stops Barrera with body shots in four”

Makina Boxing Promotions LLC (Courtney Frye/CEO) presented an event Friday night titled “Patas Saladas” in Puerta Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. The main event saw featherweight prospect Jose Antonio Sampedro (11-2, 6 KOs) of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico, get upset by local pug Cristian Ramon Cortes (7-21-3, 1 KOs). Fightnews.com® mentioned prior to the fight that Cortes’ record was deceiving having come close to upsetting multiple prospects, and true to form Cortes won an eight round split decision at the Arena Coliseo Demonio Blanco Arena with beIN Sports televising. Continue reading “Sampedro upset in Puerta Vallarta”

By Miguel Maravilla at ringside

In a clash for the WBC interim lightweight title, Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (32-1-1, 15 KOs) moved up to 135lbs and won a twelve round unanimous decision over Javier Fortuna (36-3-1, 25 KOs) on Friday night at at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles. Scores were 117-110, 116-111, 115-112.

The two southpaws sized each other as they pawed with the lazy jab in round one, Diaz and Fortuna finished the round with a brief exchange with Fortuna connecting a straight left. Diaz stalked in round two as Fortuna showed flash. Things got rough in round three as Fortuna hit Diaz behind the head, referee Raul Caiz Jr issued s warning. Moments later a clash of heads opened a cut on Diaz’s left eye. In the fourth, Diaz was deducted a point for holding Fortuna’s head down as blood continued to trickle down Diaz’s eye. Díaz continued his attack. Continue reading “Diaz defeats Fortuna for WBC interim title”

By Miguel Maravilla and Rocky Morales at ringside

Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada captured the women’s WBO world light flyweight title with a near shutout victory over five-time world champ, Tenkai Tsunami (28-13-1, 16KO). Estrada landed the cleaner punches all through the bout while Tsunami mostly plodded forward unsuccessfully. Tsunami was staggered in the eighth round but held on until the final bell while Estrada never took her foot off the gas. Judges scored the fight 99-91, 98-92 and 98-92, all in favor of Estrada. With the victory, Estrada is now a 3-0 three division world champion and looks like a true standout in women’s boxing.

Lightweight William Zepeda (23-0, 21KO’s) of Mexico was impressive stopping Hector Tanajara (19-1, 5 KO’s) at the end of six in opening up the DAZN stream. It was a fast-paced opening round as Tanajara showed the flash, Zepeda connected with the solid punches. Trading in the center in round three, Zepeda unloaded combinations connecting and backing Tanajara. Attacking on the inside in the fourth, Zepeda stalked and went to the body following up with some combinations upstairs as Tanajara boxed and could not keep Zepeda off him. Continuing to back Tanajara in the fifth, Zepeda continued to impress with good hand speed and effective punching as Tanajara kept backing away. Zepeda’s relentlessness did it as he attacked Tanajara, at the end of the sixth trainer Robert Garcia stopped the fight as his fighter had enough. Continue reading “Zepeda stops Tanajara; Estrada and Fujioka win”