IBF Statement: In lieu of the recent announcement made regarding the upcoming bout between Saul Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga, the IBF seeks to clarify the status of the IBF super middleweight title and how the organization reaches decisions in situations such as this based on its rules.

Saul Alvarez became the undisputed super middleweight champion on November 6, 2021, in a TKO victory over then IBF champion Caleb Plant. At the time of this bout, Saul Alvarez held the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles. In circumstances where there is an undisputed champion, the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO have agreed on a “rotation system” to determine the order of mandatory defenses. The mandatory defense of the IBF super middleweight title is now due based on this agreement. Continue reading “IBF vacates Canelo’s 168lb title”

By Boxing Bob Newman

The WBC has received notice from Sampson Lewkowicz that David Benavidez will remain at light heavyweight, not returning to super middleweight, where he has been the WBC mandatory contender for undisputed champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

It has been rumored that Alvarez is in negotiations for a September defense against Edgar Berlanga.

Benavidez became the mandatory challenger for the WBC light heavyweight title, currently held by Artur Beterbiev, when he outpointed former WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk on June 15th.

The WBC has accepted Benavidez’ intention to stay at 175 lbs. and will mandate that he challenge the winner of Dmitrii Bivol-Artur Beterbiev after their expected October 12th battle for the undisputed title, rescheduled from June 1st after Beterbiev suffered an injury.

Cruiserweight Jake Paul (10-1, 7 KOs) stopped bareknuckle/MMA fighter Michael Perry (0-2, 0 KOs) on Saturday night at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Paul dropped Perry with a clubbing shot in round one. Paul floored Perry again in round two. The end came in round six when Paul put Perry down a third time. Perry was tough, but had no boxing technique making things easy for Paul. Next up for Jake is a date against Mike Tyson in November.

In a cruiserweight fight, former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr (54-6-1, 34 KOs) had to work hard to defeat Uriah Hall (1-1, 0 KOs). Chavez won by scores of 59-55, 59-55, 58-56. Chavez, 38, called out Jake Paul after the fight.

WBA, IBF, WBO unified female featherweight champion Amanda Serrano (47-2-1, 31 KOs) annihilated Stevie Morgan (14-2, 13 KOs) in two rounds. Returning to the ten round, two-minute format, Serrano punished Morgan from the opening bell and got a referee’s stoppage in round two.

In a pair of showdowns between unbeaten lightweights, Lucas “Prince” Bahdi (17-0, 15 KOs) scored a spectacular come-from-behind sixth round knockout over highly regarded Ashton “H20” Sylve (11-1, 9 KOs), and Corey Marksman (10-0-1, 7 KOs) took an eight round majority decision over Tony Aguilar (12-1-1, 4 KOs) in a rematch by scores of 76-76, 77-75, 78-74.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten Japanese southpaw Junto Nakatani (28-0, 21 KOs), 117.5, kept his WBC bantamweight belt in his first defense when he quickly scored a one-punch knockout of WBC#1 Vincent Astrolabio (19-5, 14 KOs), 117.5, at 2:37 of the opening session of a scheduled twelve on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. Nakatani truly stunned the sold-out 8,000 spectators at Ryogoku Sumo Arena when he finished the highly touted challenger with a single shot to the midsection. Vincent fell in agony to be unable to beat the count. The 157-second demolition had the crowd on its feet and raised his stock without doubt. The elongated southpaw Junto, 26, said, “I’m willing to fight another bantam champion in a unification bout.” All the 118-pound world champs are his Japanese compatriots.

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By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Hard-punching Californian Anthony Olascuaga (7-1, 5 KOs), 111.5, impressively acquired the vacant WBO flyweight belt as he exploded a vicious left uppercut to Japanese southpaw Riku Kano (17-4-1, 9 KOs), 117.5, and finished him for the count at 2:50 of the third round in a scheduled twelve on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. Olascuaga, from the outset, took the advantage and scored with effective long left hooks to the onrushing Japanese. Kano came forward with southpaw combinations in round three, but Olascuaga retaliated with a lethal shot to drop him so badly that he couldn’t beat the count of referee Jose Rivera of Puerto Rico.

Promoter: Teiken Promotions.

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Will stay at 122lbs for two more years

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Undisputed world super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue will defend his belts against former IBF ruler TJ Doheny in Tokyo on September 3. It was announced on Tuesday by Ohashi Promotions, which will stage a deluxe show at Ariake Arena. “Monster” Naoya said, “I will stay at this 122-pound division for two more years. Without being physically mature and developed, I won’t move up to the feather category.”

Doheny, an Irishman now residing in Australia, sent his message to this press conference, saying, “I’m unbeaten four times in Japan. I won’t run away from Moinster but come to fight him toe-to-toe.”

Continue reading ““Monster” Inoue to collide with TJ Doheny”

Photos: All Star Boxing

After nine-and-a-half years away, 5X former world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez fought again in his native Nicaragua. Chocolatito (52-4, 41 KOs) scored a tenth round TKO against former world title challenger Rober “El Huracan” Barrera (27-6, 17 KOs) on Friday night at the Alexis Arguello Arena in Managua. Now campaigning at bantamweight, the 37-year-old Chocolatito landed big shots at the end of every round. Barrera went down from a body shot at the end of round eight. Chocolatito dropped Barrera again in round nine, but Barrera somehow survived the round. In round ten, the referee finally stopped the fight. Time was :51. This was future Hall of Famer Gonzalez’ first fight since December 2022.

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Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (4-0, 3 KOs) scored a fourth round TKO over Zhaoxin Zhang (12-3-1, 7 KOs) to claim the vacant WBA bridgerweight title on Friday night in Serpukhov, Russia. Gadzhimagomedov pounded on Zhang until the bout was waved off by the referee. The title became vacant after former champion Evgeny Tishchenko tested positive for banned substances.

In the co-feature, Tokyo 2020 Olympian Albert Batyrgaziev (11-0, 8 KOs) stopped former champ Jono Carroll (24-3-1, 7 KOs) in round nine to claim the WBA interim super featherweight belt. Carroll down twice.

WBO/IBF middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly was forced to withdraw from Saturday’s title defense against Andrei Mikhailovich at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas after being hospitalized Thursday evening due to dehydration.

“Janibek was cutting the final pounds last night when he fainted,” said Egis Klimas, Janibek’s manager. “We immediately took him to Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he was put on an IV. While the scans showed no kidney damage, he was severely dehydrated and in no condition to fight.”

The 10-round lightweight showdown between undefeated contender Raymond Muratalla and former world champion Tevin Farmer has been elevated to the main event. Muratalla-Farmer and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

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

Unbeaten Argentine Fernando Martinez (17-0, 9 KOs), 115, unified the WBA and IBF super flyweight belts as he fought a grueling battle with skillful Japanese Kazuto Ioka (31-3-1, 16 KOs), 114.75, all the way, winning a unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111 and 120-108: this score questionable) over twelve give-and-take rounds on Sunday in Tokyo, Japan. Martinez, 32, was more aggressive, while Ioka, 35, was more technical, scoring with counters and body shots. The Argentine’s abundant stamina was amazing, as he withstood Ioka’s persistent body bombardments and furiously retaliated with a two-fisted attacks upstairs. They kept exchanging solid punches from the outset to the end and fully entertained the audience.

Promoter: Shisei Promotions.

Unbeaten WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) scored a workmanlike twelve round unanimous decision over Artem Harutyunyan (12-2, 7 KOs) on Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Stevenson stood his ground against Harutyunyan, using his speed and boxing skills to pull away to a 119-109, 118-110, 116-112.

Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição (19-2-1, 9 KOs) dethroned WBC super featherweight O’Shaquie Foster (22-3-1, 12 KOs) via controversial twelve round split decision. Foster outworked Conceição in a slow-paced fight, but judges scored it 116-112, 115-113 for Conceição, 116-112 for Foster.

Unbeaten WBC #3, IBF #4, WBO #5 lightweight and Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (11-0, 7 KOs) dominated Miguel Madueño (31-3, 28 KOs) over ten rounds. The game Madueno battled hard to the end, but Davis was too fast and two sharp for him. Scores were 99-91 3x.

Another impressive performance for lightweight phenom Abdullah Mason (14-0, 12 KOs), who knocked out veteran Luis “Popeye” Lebron (20-6-1, 13 KOs) in round three. Mason dropped Lebron twice in round two and the bout was waved off after more punishment in round three. Time was 1:18.

By Miguel Maravilla at ringside

It was another impressive performance by undefeated Mexican lightweight William “El Camarón” Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, scored a third round knockout over Giovanni Cabrera (22-2, 7 KOs) of Chicago Saturday night at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.

Off to a fast start, Zepeda and Cabrera came out shooting in the opening round as Cabrera got the better of the exchanges snapping his punches and roughing up Zepeda as he shoved him to the corner to close. Letting loose in the second, Zepeda began to connect and back Cabrera with crisp clean punches. Fighting inside in the center, Zepeda got the better of the inside fight as he outworked and outhustled Cabrera. A cruching body shot during the exchange by Zepeda sent Cabrera to his knees as referee Thomas Taylor reached a ten count at 1:58 of the third.

Zepeda is rated #1 at lightweight by all four major boxing sanctioning organizations. Continue reading “#1 Zepeda dismantles Cabrera in three”

Unbeaten heavyweight Johnny “The Romford Bull” Fisher (12-0, 11 KOs) needed just 36 seconds to demolish former bridgerweight world title challenger Alen “The Savage” Babic (12-2, 11 KOs) in the first round on Saturday night at the Copper Box Arena in London. Fisher dropped Babic with a right hand. Babic got up wobbly and the bout was waved off.

Jesse “BAM” Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) dethroned WBC super flyweight champion Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada (44-4, 28 KOs) with a spectacular seventh round KO on Saturday night at the Footprint Center in Glendale, Arizona. Great fight. BAM dropped Estrada with a straight left hand in round four. After the round, Estrada went to Rodriguez’ corner. BAM rocked Estrada again in round five. Estrada dropped BAM in round six with a right hand. BAM dropped Estrada with a liver shot to end it in round seven. Time was 3:00. There is a rematch clause and Estrada says he plans to exercise it.

In a flyweight clash between former world champions champions, Sunny Edwards (21-1, 4 KOs) outboxed Adrian Curiel (24-6-1, 5 KOs) to take a nine round technical decision. Curiel was the aggressor, but was largely neutralized by the mobile Edwards. Edwards suffered a bad gash from a head clash in round six. The bout was stopped at the beginning of round nine. Scores were 90-82, 88-84, 87-85.

WBC female super bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado (24-3, 5 KOs) topped Ramla Ali (9-2, 2 KOs) over ten rounds by scores of 98-92, 98-93, 97-93.

In a clash between unbeaten super bantamweights, Arturo Cardenas (15-0-1, 8 KOs) scored a ten round majority decision over Danny Barrios (15-2, 5 KOs). Scores were 95-95, 97-93, 96-94.

Unbeaten bantamweight Gabriel Muratalla (12-0, 6 KOs) won an eight round unanimous decision over Carlos Fontes (23-4-1, 19 KOs) by scores of 79-73, 78-74, 77-75.

WBO junior welterweight champion “The Takeover” Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (38-8-2, 26 KOs) on Saturday night at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. Claggett applied a lot of pressure, while Teofimo landed the sharper punches. Lopez was in command in every round, but he didn’t come close to stopping the rugged Claggett. Scores were 120-108, 120-108, 119-109.

Former world champion Robeisy Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs) won by seventh round KO against Brandon Leon Benitez (21-3, 9 KOs). A Ramirez uppercut toppled Benitez at 2:46. Ramirez could be in line for a rematch against WBO champion Rafael Espinoza, who dethroned him last December.

Middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (11-1, 5 KOs) avenged his only pro defeat in a rematch with a six round unanimous decision over Sona Akale (9-2, 4 KOs). Ali Walsh dropped Akale in round three and overcame a dislocated shoulder to get the win. Scores were 58-55, 57-56, 57-56.

Unbeaten junior welterweight Emiliano Vargas (11-0, 9 KOs) scored a first round KO over Jose Zaragoza (9-9-2, 3 KOs). Vargas simply teed off on Zaragoza until the bout was stopped.

Junior welterweight Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez (16-1-1, 13 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over Jino Rodrigo (12-4-2, 10 KOs). Rodrigo dropped Rodriguez in round one, only to have Rodriguez floor him later in the first round. Rodriguez went on to win 98-91, 98-91, 97-92.

Former cruiserweight world champion Marco Huck (43-5-1, 28 KOs), now competing at heavyweight, scored a ten round unanimous decision over Evgenios Lazaridis (19-6, 13 KOs) on Saturday night at the Estrel Convention Center in Berlin, Germany. In his first fight in four years, the 39-year-old Huck outworked the 6’6 Lazaridis in workmanlike fashion. Scores were 97-93 3x.

In a clash between unbeaten cruiserweights, Tahir Kahrovic (22-0, 14 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over Miljan Djordjevic (16-1, 8 KOs) in a clash for the WBO Euro belt. Scores were 99-91, 97-93, 100-90.

WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. (25-1-1, 10 KOs) retained hid title with an eighth round TKO over previously unbeaten Feargal McCrory (16-1, 8 KOs) on Friday night at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington DC. Roach dropped McCrory in round three with a short left hook. Roach floored McCrory twice more with body shots in round four. McCrory put up a game effort, but his corner finally waved the towel to end it in round eight. Time was 2:51.

In a step-up fight, unbeaten super middleweight Lester Martinez (18-0, 15 KOs) scored an impressive ten round unanimous decision over well-respected Carlos Gongora (22-3, 17 KOs). One-sided fight with Martinez connecting with big shots the entire way. Scores were 99-91, 99-91, 100-90.

Lightweight Rene Tellez Giron (20-3, 13 KOs) punished Alex Dilmaghani (20-3-1, 7 KOs) for seven rounds and the bout was halted before round eight.

Official IBF Statement:

On Tuesday, June 25, 2024 IBF President Daryl Peoples received notification that Oleksandr Usyk was relinquishing his IBF world heavyweight title. Usyk conveyed his gratitude to the IBF, especially for having the opportunity to become the undisputed champion in two weight divisions. The IBF was honored to have Oleksandr Usyk as its champion and wishes him continued success.

Daniel Dubois, former IBF interim world heavyweight champion, was sent notice on June 26 that he is recognized as the organization’s world heavyweight champion effective immediately. The IBF has received the request for Dubois’ first defense of the heavyweight title to be against Anthony Joshua.

Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has given up the IBF portion of his world championship.

In a social media message, Usyk sent a message to Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, who will be fighting for the vacant IBF belt in the fall. “Anthony and Daniel, listen. I know a world title is important to you. The IBF belt is my present for you for September 21.”

As a result, when Usyk returns December 21 for his rematch against Tyson Fury, it will be without the undisputed title on the line.

The WBC has received several specific requests concerning its super lightweight division. The WBC Board of Governors consideration of those requests has resulted in its rulings set forth below.

1. WBC super lightweight world champion Devin Haney requested to be placed in the status of champion in recess. The WBC Board of Governors unanimously granted Haney’s request and has declared him WBC world champion in recess.
2. Concurrently, the WBC Board of Governors declared current interim world champion Alberto Puello as WBC world super lightweight champion. The WBC will order a free negotiations period for champion Puello’s mandatory title defense against WBC #1-rated challenger and mandatory contender Sandor Martin.
3. Gary Antuanne Russell has petitioned that the WBC Board consider granting him an immediate rematch against now champion Puello in light of Russell’s very competitive and close split decision loss. After careful review, the WBC has granted an indirect rematch that will allow Russell to fight the winner of the now ordered bout between Puello and Martin.

Jack Catterall and Regis Prograis will meet in a super lightweight clash at the top of the first ever boxing show to take place at new 23,500-seat Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on August 24, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

Catterall (29-1, 13 KOs) ended a two-year wait for revenge by beating bitter rival Josh Taylor in Leeds last month. Prograis (29-2, 24 KOs) is looking to rebuild himself as a contender after his one-sided points defeat to Devin Haney.

“This is a brilliant fight and I’m so happy that we are seeing the best 140lbs fighters face each other rather than just sitting around waiting for title shots,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Jack Catterall is on a great run and Regis Prograis needs to make a statement in this fight, I think it will be a thriller. I’m also delighted to give this incredible new arena its first live boxing event and it’s going to be a huge show from top to bottom August 24 – live around the world on DAZN.”

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 TMZ.com

Ryan Garcia has learned his fate — the boxing superstar has agreed to a one-year ban from the sport as part of a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission … and his huge win over Devin Haney is now officially a “no contest.”

The New York State Athletic Commission confirmed the agreement to TMZ Sports on Thursday … saying Garcia’s legal team worked with the NYSAC to reach the solution to his performance-enhancing drug investigation.

Along with the ban, 25-1 Garcia will cough up his $1.1 million purse from the fight … as well as a $10k fine.

The settlement is great news for Haney, as his record is now back to undefeated at 31-0 1 NC. Continue reading “Garcia suspended, Haney fight ruled no contest”

An agreement was reached just a few hours before the scheduled IBF purse for the promotional rights for the IBF-ordered world championship fight between Canelo Alvarez and IBF mandatory and #1 rated William Scull (22-0, 9 KOs).

Scull promoter Ingo Volckmann said, “We are happy that we were able to reach an agreement with TGB. We have agreed to keep the details confidential and cannot announce anything further at this time. However, the Canelo team will publish the relevant information first at the appropriate time.”

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.