IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington (29-0, 6 KOs) retained his title by twelve round split decision over mandatory challenger Kid Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) on Saturday night at the FD Arena in Leeds, England. Galahad (a.k.a. Barry Awad) frustrated and neutralized Warrington in a dull tactical bout that could have gone either way. Scores were 115-113 Galahad, 116-112, 116-113 Warrington.

Three former German world champions are in action on Saturday night at the Sport- und Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany.

40-year-old two-division world champion and hometown hero Jürgen Brähmer (51-3, 36 KOs) laid out previously unbeaten late sub Nils Schmidt (17-1, 11 KOs) in the second round of a super middleweight bout. A brutal left hook to the liver finished Schmidt.

Former WBA super welterweight champion “Golden” Jack Culcay (26-4, 13 KOs) unanimously outpointed Stefano Castellucci (32-9, 11 KOs) over eight rounds. Culcay came out looking match his colleagues and get a KO in round one but Castellucci weathered the storm. Golden Jack nearly got a stop in the final 30 seconds. No scores were announced.

Former WBA super middleweight champion Tyron Zeuge (24-1-1, 14 KOs), the most recent German to hold a world title, scored a tenth round stoppage of Adan Silvera (11-2, 5 KOs) in a clash for the European EU title. Silvera took a knee after the body shot in round ten. He beat the count but the bout was quickly waved off.

In a World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight semi-final, Mairis Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) dethroned WBO world champion Krzysztof “Head” Glowacki (31-2, 19 KOs) by thrilling third round KO on Saturday night at the Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia. Briedis put Glowacki on the deck with an elbow and was deducted a point. Then Briedis knocked the still reeling Glowacki down. They kept fighting after the bell and Briedis knocked down Glowacki again. Both came out firing in round three and Briedis floored Glowacki a third time to end it. Time was :27.

Only the WBO belt was on the line as the WBC revoked sanctioning over a dispute on the selection of officials.

It will be Briedis vs. Dorticor in the WBSS final.

In a World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight semi-final, Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) scored a crushing tenth round KO over previously unbeaten Andrew Tabiti (17-1, 13 KOs) to claim the vacant IBF interim cruiserweight title on Saturday night at the Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia. Dorticos pressed the action and was busier, while Tabiti tried to stay out of range. Dorticos suffered a nasty cut over his right eye after a sixth round accidental headbutt. Referee Eddie Claudio deducted a point from Tabiti for holding in round six. The bout ended in round ten when Dorticos knocked Tabiti out cold with a huge right hand. Time was 2:33.

Only the WBO world title will be on the line when Mairis Briedis and Krzysztof Glowacki meet in the WBSS cruiserweight semi-final tonight at the Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia. WBC President announced via social media that the vacant WBC belt is no longer in play.

Mauricio Sulaiman: The administrators of the World Boxing Super Series tournament have failed to maintain the integrity of the bout, and have disregarded the WBC rules and regulations. The WBC strongly rejects the unfortunate discrimination and abuse of power that has been directed against the integrity of our institution. The WBC will evaluate its continuing participation in the remaining WBSS bouts in Season II, and will announce its decision soon.

Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, president of the World Boxing Association (WBA), took advantage of his visit to Mexico City to meet with his WBC counterpart Mauricio Sulaiman, with whom he discussed various topics of world sporting events and committed to work hand in hand for the good of pugilism.

In the middle of the tribute to Andy Ruiz, who holds the WBA Super Championship and the IBF and WBO belts, both spoke about the possibility that the Mexican-American native will face American Deontay Wilder. They agreed that it is a fight that must be fought and that this will be the case when each one fulfills the immediate commitments that lie ahead. Continue reading “WBA, WBC support a Wilder-Ruiz showdown”

Photos: Zanfer Promotions

WBA, IBF, WBO heavyweight champion Andy “Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. (33-1, 22 KOs) received a great reception from media and fans Tuesday afternoon at the facilities of TV Azteca south of Mexico City.

“One thing, I wanted to shut the mouth of all those who said that fat guy is not going to do anything,” said Ruiz. “By the grace of God we achieved all our dreams. Many told me that I was not going to make it, that I would not be able to handle an opponent like him (Anthony Joshua), but I asked God to help me to do it and at that moment I grabbed my dreams. Continue reading “Andy Ruiz honored in Mexico City”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Boxing Beat Magazine

With the dynamic emergence of “The Monster” Naoya Inoue, the current WBA and IBF world bantamweight champion, foreign people may suppose that our Japanese boxing fraternity goes soundly, but it is not true as Inoue is only a rare exception. With our new emperor’s coronation, we have entered a new era named “Reiwa” from May 1. In short, May 2019 is the first month of the Reiwa era. Since then, eight Japanese ringmen participated in world title bouts, but our outstanding boxers suffered 1-7 in eight bouts with world championships on the line.

On May 4, Ryuichi Funai, the mandatory contender after winning the eliminator, had an ambitious crack at the IBF 115-pound belt against Jerwin Ancajas only to be stopped due to the ring physician’s advice in the beginning of the seventh round in Stockton, CA. Ancajas, an aggressive sharpshooter, was simply too much for Funai despite his determination and durability. Continue reading “Japan suffers 1-7 run in world title bouts”

Photos: Sumio Yamada

WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez (26-0, 20 KOs) retained his title with a twelve round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Jason “El Alacrancito” Sanchez (14-1, 7 KOs) on Saturday night in front of 2,412 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada. Making the sixth defense of his belt, Valdez dropped the very tough Sanchez in round five with a left hook and busted up Sanchez as the bout progressed. In the end, scores were 117-110, 118-109, 118-109.

“I hope (to fight at featherweight again)” said Valdez afterward. “I also have to listen to my body. We’re going to see what’s best. Sometimes I get tired in there, and I’m not sure if it’s because of the weight loss. We’ll talk about (my next move) as a team and we will do what is best. I want to fight everybody at 126, 130. Let’s do it.” Continue reading “Oscar Valdez retains WBO featherweight title”

Photos: Darryl Cobb Jr.

The Big Drama Show is back. Former middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (39-1-1, 34 KOs) knocked out previously unbeaten Steve Rolls (19-1, 10 KOs) in round four on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Coming off his first loss to Canelo Alvarez last September, 37-year-old GGG ended the fight spectacularly with a left hook that put Rolls down face first for the count. Time was 2:09. To his credit, Rolls came to fight and landed some clean shots before being overwhelmed by Golovkin’s firepower.

After the fight, Golovkin said he feels like the people’s champion and called out Alvarez to fight him in September.

Canelo’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya immediately threw water on that notion by tweeting, “Nice comeback win. Now fight a real fighter, win a belt, and I’ll consider doing the 3rd fight. #Caneloisyourboss.”

Photos

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Former two-time world super flyweight title challenger Felipe “Gallito” Orocuta has fallen into a coma after suffering a brutal TKO loss on Friday night in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico. In a very scary moment, Orucuta collapsed in the ring after his bout against Jonathan “Titan” Rodriguez was halted in round ten. The ring doctor rushed in and performed CPR on Orucuta in the ring before Orucuta was taken out on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital in Zihuatanejo. He is in critical condition. Developing…

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By TMZSports.com

Oscar De La Hoya says Canelo Alvarez is gonna take his sweet time before giving GGG a rematch … but when it does happen, this fight is gonna end in a brutal knockout for Canelo. The two men have fought twice, and let’s face it, nothing’s really been resolved. The first fight was an extremely controversial draw, and the second fight was a controversial win for Canelo.

GGG wants the third act really badly … but when we ran into Oscar recently he told us to tell Golovkin not to hold his breath. “We’ll make him wait. We’ll see. He’s the B fighter now. Canelo’s the A fighter.” Continue reading “Oscar says GGG has to wait for Canelo”

By Bob Caico and Tracy Morin at ringside
Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

Super lightweight knockout artist Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (24-1, 20 KOs) stopped six-time world champion Zab “Super” Judah (44-10, 33 KOs) in the eleventh round on Friday night to claim the vacant NABA title in the Event Center at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

From the opening bell, Seldin concentrated on the body and was doing so effectively. In the third round at the 10-second clap Seldin landed an overhand right that had Judah wobbled but the bell negated any follow-up. The next round Seldin again went to the body and spent the majority of the round in close. The fifth round was all Seldin as he put his head into Judah’s chest and ripped at the body. Continue reading “Cletus Seldin stops Zab Judah in 11th round”

By Jeff Zimmerman
Photos: itsGonzo

Quick quotes from Eddie Hearn, Maurice Hooker, Jose Ramirez, Robert Garcia and Vincent Parra from the launch press conference for the Hooker-Ramirez world super lightweight unification clash on Saturday, July 27 at College Center Park in Arlington, Dallas, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Eddie Hearn

It’s a great style matchup. As fans, we always want both champions to fight each other. Of course, Maurice Hooker is from Dallas and Jose Ramirez has huge Mexican support. It’s going to be a really split in the arena, College Park, Arlington, TX July 27. For a long time, I have been wanting to make this fight, but with Jose Ramirez is on ESPN and Maurice Hooker on DAZN, it’s quite unusual for two champions to come together, but we got it and I can’t wait. Continue reading “Hooker-Ramirez kick-off press conference”

Undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn-native Adam Kownacki (19-0, 15 KOs) will look to thrill in front of a hometown crowd when he steps into the ring against veteran former title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (38-5-1, 33 KOs) for a 12-round heavyweight showdown that headlines on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, August 3 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

The broadcast also features former world champion Andre Berto (32-5, 24 KOs) taking on Miguel Cruz (18-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight clash and unbeaten interim WBA Light Heavyweight Champion “Sir” Marcus Browne (23-0, 16 KOs) battling former world champion Jean Pascal (33-6-1, 20 KOs) in a 12-round bout.

Two-time super featherweight champion and Baltimore-native Gervonta “Tank” Davis (21-0, 20 KOs) will defend his WBA title in a championship homecoming against mandatory challenger Ricardo “Cientifíco” Núñez (21-2, 19 KOs) Saturday, July 27 live on Showtime from Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.

Davis will be the first world champion from Baltimore to make a homecoming defense in nearly 80 years. Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow.

Undefeated former world champion Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa Jr. (28-0-1, 19 KOs) takes on Yordenis Ugás (23-4, 11 KOs) in a 12-round WBC welterweight title eliminator highlighting the PPV undercard in support of the Manny Pacquaio vs. Keith Thurman welterweight title battle on July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The action also features former world champion Sergey Lipinets (15-1, 11 KOs) going against John “The Gladiator” Molina, Jr. (30-8, 24 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight match. The show opens with former world champions squaring-off as undefeated Luis “Pantera” Nery (29-0, 23 KOs) takes on Juan Carlos Payano (21-2, 9 KOs) in a 12-round bantamweight bout.

WBO jr welterweight champion Maurice Hooker  (26-0-3, 17 KOs) and WBC super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez (24-0, 16 KOs) will clash in a world 140lb unification clash on Saturday July 27 at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Maurice Hooker: “I want to show the world that I’m the best in the 140 lb. division. My dream is to become the undisputed champion in my weight class. This unification fight with Jose Ramirez is a major step towards that goal.”

Jose Ramirez: “As the underdog, I have everything to win. It’s not just about defending my title but unifying the division as well. I’m ready to prove myself and show everyone what Jose Ramirez is all about. I can’t wait to bring Hooker’s title back with me to California.”

WBO President Francisco Valcárcel has announced that interim junior heavyweight titlist Krysztof Glowacki is now recognized as full WBO world champion (note: junior heavyweight is what the WBO calls the division commonly known as cruiserweight).

“Now that Oleksandr Usyk is moving to the heavyweights, interim titlist Krysztof Glowacki is officially recognized as the WBO junior heavyweight champion,” said Valcarcel. “The WBO will sanction as a voluntary defense his upcoming bout with Mairis Briedis. The bout will take place June 15th in Riga, Latvia and will be part of the World Boxing Super Series Semifinal.”

By Miguel Maravilla

Former middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs) of Kazakhstan returns to the ring this Saturday when he takes on undefeated Canadian Steve Rolls (19-0, 10 KOs) of Toronto at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden. Golovkin will be making his DAZN debut.

“I’m excited to be back and very happy to be making my DAZN debut,” Golovkin told Fightnews.com®.

After the demise of HBO Boxing, the Kazakh superstar became the hottest free agent in the sport. “This is boxing. It’s a market, it’s commerce. ESPN, DAZN, PBC. Every network has it’s own interest and competitors. If I stayed with ESPN, everyone else is a competitor and if I stayed with PBC, everyone else is a competitor,” Golovkin said. “I chose DAZN because it was the best for me and my career.” Continue reading “Golovkin’s Big Drama Show back on Broadway”

Super welterweight world champion Tony Harrison injured his ankle in training last week and has withdrawn from his title defense against former world champion Jermell Charlo that was scheduled to headline FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Sunday, June 23 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Harrison has an inner and outer ankle sprain with torn ligaments in his right ankle and he will be out for 10 weeks before he can resume training. Harrison and Charlo plan to have their rematch later this year.

Stepping in to replace Harrison against Charlo for a 12-round fight is Jorge Cota (28-3, 25 KOs). Continue reading “Tony Harrison injured, Charlo gets new foe”

By Jeff Zimmerman

It was 1983 and Lee Samuels was out of work after the Philadelphia Bulletin, where Samuels was a sportswriter from 1975-1983, went out of business. Later that year, Samuels was introduced to boxing powerhouse Top Rank and its founder Bob Arum at the Sands Hotel in Atlantic City by local promoter Frank Gelb and was hired by Arum that night to handle the east coast publicity for a new ESPN Thursday Night Boxing Series.

Along with Samuels, Arum had matchmakers Teddy Brenner and Bruce Trampler, lead publicist Irving Rudd while Al Bernstein called the fights for ESPN and Michael Buffer made his debut as a ring announcer when his catchphrase back in those days was “Man Your Battle Stations.”

Samuels worked the series for a few years and in 1987, Arum told Samuels to venture west to the Palm Canyon Hotel in Palm Springs, CA to run publicity for middleweight champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Continue reading “Top Rank publicist Lee Samuels goes to IBHOF”

Photos: Emily Harney

In a huge upset, Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr (33-1, 22 KOs) stopped WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) in round seven on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Late sub Ruiz, who entered six pounds heavier than in his previous fight last month, showed no ill effects with the extra weight. After two slow rounds, Joshua dropped Ruiz in round three. Ruiz, however, got up and fired back furiously dropping Joshua twice. Joshua was saved by the bell. Ruiz let Joshua keep his distance and clear his head in round four. Ruiz rocked Joshua and dropped him two additional times in round seven prompting referee Michael Griffin to stop the fight. Time was 1:27. Andy Ruiz is the new heavyweight champion!!!!!

There is a rematch clause and promoter Eddie Hearn said the rematch will be in England at the end of the year.

Photos

WBA super middleweight champion Callum “Mundo” Smith (26-0, 19 KOs) destroyed former middleweight titlist Hassan N’Dam (37-4, 21 KOs) in three one-sided rounds on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Smith dropped N’Dam with a left hook in round one and N’Dam had problems beating the count. Smith floored N’Dam again in round two. The fight ended after a crushing right hand knocked down N’Dam again in round three. Time was 2:26.

In an IBF light heavyweight final eliminator between unbeaten fighters, Fanlong Meng (15-0, 9 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Adam Deines (17-1, 8 KOs) on Saturday night in the Grand Garden Theater at the Wynn Palace Hotel in Macau, China. It was a tactical fight with both southpaws often waiting for the other to do something first. Meng was more willing to engage. Deines had his best moment when he dropped Meng in round eight and had him hurt, but in most rounds he simply wasn’t busy enough. Referee Eddie Claudio took a point from Deines in round twelve for hitting on the break. Scores were 116-110, 115-111, 117-109. Meng is now the mandatory challenger for IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev.