By Jeff Zimmerman at ringside

In an official heavyweight boxing match, Jake “El Gallo” Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) scored an eight round unanimous decision over 58-year-old ring legend “Iron” Mike Tyson (50-7, 44 KOs) on Friday night in front of 72,300-seat at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Scores were 80-72, 79-73, 79-73. The fight was fought with 14-ounce gloves and two-minute rounds.

Tyson came out strong in round one and landed the first blow of the night, a right hand to the head of Paul. Paul landed a shot later in the round as Tyson was warned of a low blow. Staying on the outside in round two, Paul scored with a body shot as Tyson landed a solid left hook. By round three, it was clear Tyson could not move well with a brace on his right leg as Paul continued to control the fight from the outside. In round four, Paul’s confidence grew as he let his hand go and hit Tyson with combinations. From rounds 5-8, it was mostly Paul picking his shots to the head and body whereas Tyson land an occasional left hook to Paul’s head. Continue reading “Jake Paul decisions Mike Tyson”

By Jeff Zimmerman at ringside

Super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) out of Ireland went toe-to-toe with her Puerto Rican nemesis Amanda Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs) once again over ten brutal rounds and escaped the Lone Star State with a unanimous decision to retain her WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and Ring belts in another instant classic. Taylor barely beat Serrano via split decision in their 2022 fight of the year at Madison Square Garden. This time it was 95-94 3x.

In a continuation of their last fight, Serrano and Taylor went right to work. Serrano, a southpaw, showed off her blazing speed early and went right after Taylor and connected a left hook on the jaw at the end of the round. Taylor landed power right hands in round two and both exchanged blows in round three. Continue reading “Taylor edges Serrano again”

By Jeff Zimmerman at ringside

In a classic welterweight clash, “El Aztec” Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) out of San Antonio battled fellow Mexican Abel Ramos (28-6-3, 22 KOs) out of Arizona to a split draw over twelve bloody, entertaining rounds on Friday night at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The scores read 114-112 Ramos, 116-110 Barrios and113-113.

Barrios came out on fire from the opening bell using a pinpoint one, two on Ramos and appeared to drop him in round one as it appeared Ramos’ hand touched the canvas. In round two there was no debate as Barrios put Ramos on his back with a left hand to the body followed by a right hand to the head. Using his clear size advantage, it seemed this might be an early night for the WBC welterweight champ. Continue reading “Barrios and Ramos battle to a draw”

Former world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux (23-3, 16 KOs) made quick work of Dannis Aguero Arias (20-3, 17 KOs) on Tuesday night at the E11EVEN Nightclub in Miami, Florida. The 44-year-old Rigo took out Arias with a body shot in the first round to claim the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title.

Unbeaten IBF welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Karen Chukhadzhian (24-3 13 KOs) on Saturday night at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ennis previously shut out Chukhadzhian over twelve rounds in January 2023, but Chukhadzhian managed to get a rematch by becoming mandatory IBF challenger. Chukhadzhian was more aggressive this time, winning some early rounds. Ennis sent Chukhadzhian to a knee with an uppercut in round five. Chukhadzhian was deducted a point for holding in round ten. Scores were 119-107, 117-109, 116-110.

WBC super flyweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs) impressively destroyed former world champion Pedro Guevara (42-5-1, 22 KOs) with a third round KO. Rodriguez dropped Guevara twice to end it in round three. Time was 2:47.

Former world champion Raymond ‘Savage’ Ford (16-1-1, 8 KOs) returned to action at super featherweight to claim a ten round unanimous decision over Orlando Gonzalez (23-4, 13 KOs). Scores were 99-88, 100-88, 100-88. Gonzalez down twice.

Middleweight Austin “Ammo” Williams (17-1, 12 KOs) scored a fifth round TKO over Gian Garrido (11-2, 8 KOs). Bout waved off by the referee with Williams punishing Garrido on the ropes.

Unheralded light heavyweight Manuel Gallegos (21-2-1, 18 KOs), a 24:1 underdog, scored a stunning ninth round KO over previously unbeaten Khalil “Big Steppa” Coe (9-1-1, 7 KOs). Coe down four times in the fight.

Former IBF junior welterweight champion Subriel Matías (21-2, 21 KOs) scored a brutal second round TKO over Roberto Ramírez (26-4-1, 19 KOs) on Saturday night at the Rubén Rodríguez Coliseum in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Matias finished Ramirez with two knockdowns in round two. It was Matias’ first fight since losing his world title to Liam Paro in June.

Lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) spectacularly destroyed Gustavo Lemos (29-2, 19 KOs) in two rounds on Friday night before a sold-out crowd of 10,568 at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. Davis dropped Lemos three times in round two. Davis, who captured Olympic silver at the Tokyo Olympics, established himself as a headliner in his first main event. He is rated #3 at lightweight by the WBC, WBO and IBF.

“I had no hesitation. Me and my team, we stuck to our guns. We said if he comes in too much over we ain’t gonna fight. But he followed his game plan, and he didn’t come too much over (at the weight check on Friday morning), so we had a fight and we gave a spectacular night,” Davis said. “I didn’t feel no power in him. I actually sat back on the ropes one little second, and I let him throw his overhand that he loves and I felt it on my shoulder. And I looked at my brothers and gave them that face like, no, not enough (power). It ended in the second round so maybe he didn’t really get a chance to hit me.” Continue reading “Keyshawn Davis brutally crushes Lemos”

By Joe Koizumi

Hideyuki Ohashi of Ohashi Promotions has sent an astounding information to us in Japan. “Monster” Naoya Inoue and Ohashi were invited with a presidential airplane to Saudi Arabia and had a very important meeting with Turki Alalshikh there. Riyadh Season made a deal with Inoue and inked a lucrative sponsorship deal of some twenty million USD.

Sir Turki said, “Next year we, Saudi Arabia and Japan, will celebrate the seventieth anniversary since both countries established our diplomatic relationship. With the presence and participation of Mr. Naoya Inoue we would like to stage a big surprising event.”

Does it mean Monster Naoya will fight in Saudi Arabia next year? If so, which has a priority between his title defenses in Las Vegas, in Saudi Arabia and at the Tokyo Dome against unbeaten compatriot Junto Nakatani? Anyway, three times a year. Monster will welcome a very tight schedule next year.

Undefeated WBA #2, IBF #14 lightweight Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. (18-0, 12 KOs) came off the canvas to win a twelve round unanimous decision over Rene “El Bravo” Tellez Girón (20-4, 13 KOs) on Saturday night at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. Girón briefly staggered Schofield in round three, but overall Schofield was mostly in charge. Giron dropped Schofield in round eleven but Schofield recovered and finished the fight. Scores were 118-109, 118-109, 116-111.

“I feel good. It was my first time going 12 rounds, especially with a fighter that wasn’t going to back down,” said Schofield afterward. “It was a shot to the back of the head. I kind of turned my head, so he took the shot. I just had to get up, I’m not going to quit. (Talking about the knock down) I give myself a B+ only because I went 12 rounds with a fighter that had a lot of power. He’s a good, rough, tugged fighter that wouldn’t back down.”

In a WBA super middleweight eliminator, Bektemir “Bek Bully” Melikuziev (15-1, 10 KOs) scored a hard fought twelve round split decision over David “Dynamite” Stevens (14-2, 10 KOs). Scores were 116-112 for Stevens and 118-110, 117-111 for Melikuziev. Unfortunately for Bektemir, he missed weight yesterday and therefore will not reap the benefits of winning an eliminator.

In a historic clash for the undisputed female flyweight championship, undefeated IBF champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (15-0, 7 KOs) took the belts of WBA, WBC, WBO champion Gabriela “LA Chuky” Alaniz (15-2, 6 KOs) via seventh round knockout. Competitive fight until Fundora dropped Alaniz twice in round seven to end it. Time was 1:40.

Defending his WBA Intercontinental super middleweight title, undefeated Darius “DFG” Fulghum (13-0, 11 KOs) stopped Christopher Pearson (17-5-1, 12 KOs). Fulghum dropped Pearson in round one and punished Pearson until the bout was stopped by the referee in round three. Time was 1:02.

By Boxing Bob Newman
Photos: Bob Newman

In a highly anticipated rematch of their controversial July 6, 2024 fight, O’Shaquie Foster looked to right a wrong by recapturing his WBC super featherweight title from the man who controversially lifted it from him, Robson Conceição.

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If you didn’t have the privilege of seeing the first fight, it was evident from the first round that this was going to be a highly technical, skilled affair. While Conceição definitely brought his defensive skill set to this fight, he seemed to pick up his game offensively where he lacked in their previous match. Continue reading “Foster edges Conceição, regains WBC 130lb title”

On Tuesday, October 29 the IBF received notification that IBF junior bantamweight champion Fernando Martinez was vacating his IBF title. In a letter addressed to President Daryl Peoples, Martinez thanked Peoples for the opportunity to represent the organization with honor and respect since he earned the title in February of 2022. In turn, the IBF wished Martinez continued success and all the best in his future endeavors.

By David Finger

In a stunning development at the 37th Annual World Boxing Organization Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel has elected not to seek reelection as President of the WBO as has announced his retirement. With elections slatted for this year, many boxing insiders assumed that Valcarcel would seek another term as head of the organization. But Valcarcel, who has been part of the WBO since 1994 and was first elected President in 1996, had kept his cards close to his chest in the days leading up to today’s announcement. In an interview with the Puerto Rican newspaper “El Nuevo Dia” two days ago Valcarcel indicated he was undecided about his future.

“I am thinking about it,” was all he said when asked by “El Nuevo Dia” if he was planning to run again.

However, at the convention, when the ballots were released and showed two names on the ballot for President, with one of them being Valcarcel, the assumption was that “Paco” was seeking one more term. But at the start of the event, Valcarcel let the attendees that he was withdrawing his candidacy and retiring. Continue reading “WBO President Paco Valcarcel steps down”

Former world cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev (31-2, 24 KOs) returned after one-year break to stop previously unbeaten Kem Ljungquist (18-1, 11 KOs) in a heavyweight bout on Saturday night at IBA Champions’ Night in Yerevan, Armenia.

After a slow start, 31-year-old Gassiev put Ljungquist down for the count in round five with a left hook to the liver.

WBC #2, WBO #2, IBF #3, WBA #5 super lightweight Jack Catterall (30-1, 13 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over former two-time WBC world champion Regis Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) on Saturday night at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Prograis pressed the action and landed the harder punches. He was credited with a knockdown in round five with a jab to the shoulder. Catterall floored Prograis twice in round nine and pulled away down the stretch. Scores were 117-108, 116-109, 116-109.

In a direct rematch, super lightweight Jimmy Joe Flint (15-2-2, 3 KOs) defeated Campbell Hatton (14-2, 5 KOs) again over ten rounds. Scores were 97-94, 96-94, 96-95.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Undisputed world 122-pound champion “Monster” Naoya Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) will put all his belts on the line against IBF#1, WBO#1 Aussie Sam Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs) on Christmas Eve in Tokyo, Japan. Hideyuki Ohashi of Ohashi Promotions has announced the confrontation of the unbeaten super bantamweights at Ariake Arena here today (Thursday). Goodman, five years his junior at 26, defeated ex-titlist TJ Doheny and previously unbeaten Ra’eese Aleem in Australia last year. Goodman appearing on line at the press conference, Inoue called him, saying, “Let’s make it a hot affair.” Sam quickly responded, “Let’s meet in Tokyo.”

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Beneath the Inoue-Goodman title go, WBO bantam ruler Yoshiki Takei (10-0, 8 KOs) will make his second defense since dethroning Jason Moloney this May. His challenger will be announced soon.

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This past Saturday night, October 19, former WBA 130lb. world champion Andrew Cancio returned to the ring with a sixth-round knockout of Gustavo Molina in Sonora, Mexico. Cancio dropped Molina in the first and second round of the scheduled eight-rounder. The fight was contested at the 135lb. limit. Details of Cancio’s next fight will be forthcoming.

Unbeaten IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) destroyed former WBO champion Tim Tszyu (24-2, 17 KOs) in three rounds on Saturday night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. Both fighters went right at each other in round one. Murtazaliev got to Tszyu in round two, dropping him three times. Murtazaliev floored Tszyu again in round three and the towel came in soon after. Time was 1:55.

Unbeaten super welterweight Yoenis Tellez (9-0, 7 KOs) impressively knocked out Johan Gonzalez (35-4, 34 KOs) in round seven. Tellez dropped Gonzalez in round six and twice more in round seven to end it. Time was 1:57.

In a knockdown-filled war, unbeaten middleweight César Mateo Tapia (16-0-1, 10 KOs) and Endry Saavedra (16-1-1, 13 KOs) battled to a ten round majority draw. Saavedra dropped Tapia twice in round three. Tapia floored Saavedra in round five. Saavedra dropped Tapia again in round nine. Scores were 94-92 Tapia, 93-93, 93-93.

Super bantamweight Gary Antonio Russell (20-1, 13 KOs) returned from a two-year layoff to knock out Jaden Burnias (6–3, 4 KOs) in the fourth round.

Unbeaten heavyweight prospect Dainier Pero (9-0, 7 KOs) stopped Willie Jake, Jr. (11-6-2, 3 KOs) in round three.

Unbeaten super featherweight Justin Viloria (7-0, 5 KOs) stopped journeyman Diuhl Olguin (16-41-7, 10 KOs) in round seven. Yes, Justin is the nephew of nephew of former two-weight world champion Brian Viloria.

In a clash for the vacant IBF super middleweight title formerly held by Canelo Alvarez, IBF #1 William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) claimed the famed red belt with a twelve round unanimous decision over IBF #2 Vladimir Shishkin (16-1, 10 KOs) on Saturday night at the Stadthalle in Falkensee, just outside of Berlin, Germany. Shishkin pressed the action in a close, slow-paced fight. Scull seemed hurt in the final round, but in the end judges scored it 116-113, 116-112, 115-113 for Scull.

By Joe Koizumi

Former three-division champ John Riel Casimero, 123.25, Philippines, became so scandalous again here in Japan although he halted world rated Saul Sanchez, 121.75, at 2:41 of the first round in a scheduled ten on Sunday (October 13) in Yokohama, Japan. Since it was held on the same day with the multiple world title event (Day One) in Tokyo, our aficionados paid little attention to this Yokohama show. But Casimero couldn’t make the contract weight of 122 by one pound and a quarter. The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) accordingly announced Casimero to be suspended for a year on Thursday. Continue reading “Overweight Casimero suspended by JBC”

WBA bridgerweight champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (5-0, 3 KOs) retained his world title by defeating Leon Harth (22-6-1, 13 KOs) by one-sided unanimous decision on Thursday night at the Ufa Arena in Ufa, Russia. All three judges scored it 120-108 3x. Undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev was in attendance.

Top Rank announced TWO world championship rematches on December 7 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona with ESPN televising in the U.S. and Sky Sports doing U.K. coverage.

Three-division world champ Emanuel “El Vaquero” Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) defends his WBO junior lightweight world title against one-time rival Oscar Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) in an all-Mexican main event.

Emanuel Navarrete: “The fans will see the same ‘Vaquero’ as always. We’re working hard to regain the aggressiveness that defines me and give all the fans the intense fight they want to see on December 7. I still have a lot to do and big goals to accomplish in boxing, including unifying my title and possibly moving back up to 135 pounds.”

Oscar Valdez: “Although we lost the first fight, we stayed disciplined and focused on returning stronger. I know it’s a tough challenge, but not impossible. With that in mind, we returned to the gym and studied what we did wrong in the first fight to avoid making the same mistakes. I’m excited and confident that we will be victorious this time.”

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In the co-feature, WBO featherweight world champion Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) defends his crown against two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs), the man he dethroned to win the title last December.

Rafael Espinoza: “I know the fans, just like me, have been looking forward to this fight. It’s a fight that I wanted. I’m very motivated and happy, and I’m training at 100 percent. This night of rematches will be great for Mexico, and I’m ready to give it my all, just like I always do.”

Robeisy Ramirez: “Our first fight was extremely close, action-packed, and regarded by many as ‘Fight of the Year.’ Since the cards were read, my team and I have been asking for the rematch. On December 7, I’m coming to erase any doubts. I will reclaim my title.”

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The ESPN+—streamed undercard will feature…

• Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado (21-0, 15 KOs) in a 10-rounder versus Jackson Marinez (22-3, 10 KOs).
• Emiliano Fernando Vargas (12-0, 10 KOs) targets his fifth win of the year in an eight-round junior welterweight clash against Alan Ayala (11-4, 7 KOs).
• Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (11-0, 10 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight tilt against an opponent to be named.

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

Unbeaten WBC bantamweight champ Junto Nakatani (29-0, 22 KOs), 117.75, successfully kept his belt in his mandatory defense as he scored a beautiful stoppage of #1 Petch Sor Chitpattana (76-2, 53 KOs), 117.5, at 2:59 of the sixth round on Monday in Tokyo, Japan. Chitpattana down twice in round six.

(More to come)

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

Unbeaten South African Phumelele Cafu (11-0-3, 8 KOs), 114.75, astoundingly upset defending champ and four-division champ Kosei Tanaka (20-2, 11 KOs), 115, to win the WBO junior bantamweight belt by a split decision over twelve hard-fought rounds on Monday in Tokyo, Japan. Phil Austin (Australia) and Waleska Roldan (US) both tallied 114-113 in favor of Cafu, while Jesse Reyes (US) saw it 113-114 for Tanaka. Female referee was Sparkle Lee, who finely handled the very fast-moving speedsters.

It was truly a see-saw closest affair, but it was Cafu that scored the sole knockdown of the fight in round five, when the challenger beautifully countered the champ with a well-timed right when Tanaka threw a big right uppercut. The champ fell down forward and barely beat the count, but it was a damaging blow that made Tanaka pay his respect and caution to Cafu’s attack thereafter.

They exchanged hot rallies in the close range with Tanaka forcing the action and Cafu occasionally countering him effectively. The twelfth and final round saw Tanaka finally catch up with him into a great trouble, but Cafu was saved by the final bell. It was truly an entertaining give-and-take fight.

Promoter: Teiken Promotions.

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

WBO flyweight champ Anthony Olascuaga (7-1-1ND, 5 KOs), 111.75, bizarrely kept his belt when referee Robert Hoyle, US, abruptly declared Puerto Rican challenger and ex-WBO 108-pound ruler Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (28-3-1-1NC-1ND, 14 KOs), 112, unfit to go on with his cut over the left eyebrow at 2:25 of the opening session on Monday in Tokyo, Japan.

Problem was Bomba looked he could go on since his gash wasn’t so serious to halt the proceedings. Upon their head collision the referee had Bomba’s cut examined by the ring physician, who, however, didn’t seem to advise him to halt the affair. As they resumed fighting, the third man abruptly called a halt that had the crowd really stunned and disappointed. Bomba deserves a rematch.

Promoter: Teiken Promotions.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Unheralded compatriot Seiya Tsutsumi (12-0-2, 8 KOs), 117.75, surprisingly captured the WBA bantamweight belt when he upset defending champ Takuma Inoue (20-2, 5 KOs), 118, by winning a unanimous decision (114-113, 115-112, 117-110) over twelve sizzling rounds on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan.

Takuma, the brother of Monster Naoya, might fight on a wrong strategy, forgetting his footwork, rhythm and hand speed. Tsutsumi, from the start, kept outhustling the sluggish champ all the way by frustrating him with his persistently reckless mix-up. The tenth saw Tsutsumi score a knockdown as he had Takuma reeling to the ropes and the referee thought that without the ropes the champ would have been dropped with the effect of Tsutsumi’s shot. It wasn’t Takuma’s night at all.

Promoter: Teiken Promotions.

(More to come)