Fightnews.com

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

It was a doubleheader featuring WBO Asia Pacific title bouts on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan.

Former WBA world minimum champ Ryuya Yamanaka (19-3, 6 KOs), 108, seized the vacant WBO AP junior flyweight belt as he kept completely outjabbing compatriot Kosuke Ando (12-4, 5 KOs), 107.75, and pounded out a unanimous decision (117-111, 118-109, 120-107) over twelve lopsided rounds at the Korakuen Hall. Ryuya, who came back after a hiatus of three years and eight months last year and scored a couple of impressive victories, decked him with a solid jab in the third, and kept stinging him with precision all night. Ando, 30, displayed a desperate attack down the stretch, but Yamanaka, 28, kept his cool and utilized solid and sharp jabs even in the final session.

Unbeaten Goki Kobayashi (6-0, 4 KOs), 105, made his first defense when he withstood the furious opening attack of previously unbeaten Filipino Roslan Eco (10-1, 7 KOs), 102.75, and fought back hard to exclusively aim at the breadbasket to have him retire at 0:34 of the fourth round in a scheduled twelve. The loser’s cornerman abruptly jumped into the ring to ask the ref to halt the proceedings. Reportedly Eco suffered a broken jaw with Kobayashi’s fierce retaliation in the previous round. Continue reading “Yamanaka, Kobayashi victorious in WBO AP twinbill”

By Joe Koizumi

Newly crowned WBO female Asia Pacific 105-pound champ Riyuna Yoshikawa (6-1-1, 1 KO), 105, proved faster and more accurate in defeating compatriot challenger Kaoru Iga (6-3-1, no KO), 104.25, by a unanimous decision (80-72, 79-73, 77-75) over eight speedy rounds to keep her regional belt on Wednesday (May 3) in Izumi city, Osaka, Japan. Continue reading “Yoshikawa defeats Iga, retains WBO female 105lb belt”

WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez (20-2, 14 KOs) stopped Ronal Batista (15-3, 9 KOs) in round eleven to retain his WBC title in the Canelo-Ryder co-feature on Saturday night at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. Batista gave Martinez all he could handle for the first six rounds. Martinez dropped Batista in round seven, then punished Batista until the bout was stopped in round eleven. Time was 1:00.

WBC super lightweight champion Regis Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom – and will make the first defense of his title against Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) on home soil at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Saturday June 17 – live worldwide on DAZN.

Prograis was formerly with the now defunct promotional firm Probellum.

Regis Prograis: “Now it’s official – I am with Matchroom. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been contemplating which move I should make next. I had a lot of good offers on the table. But I feel like Matchroom is the best for me. I just feel like it’s the right fit. From the beginning I had that gut feeling and it never left. I can’t wait to start this chapter in my career. I’ll be fighting Liam Paro in New Orleans on June 17. This is a dream come true.”

Liam Paro: “I have been dreaming about fights like this my whole life. What better way to make a mark on the 140lbs division than taking out the top guy? This is what it’s all about. I’m coming.”

Super lightweight Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (27-3-1, 16 KOs) scored a ten round split decision over Steve Spark (16-3, 14 KOs) on the Canelo-Ryder undercard on Saturday night at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. Local hero Valenzuela dropped Sparks in round six, but Spark landed the better shots throughout the bout. Scores were 96-93, 95-94 Valenzuela, 95-94 Spark.

Comebacking former WBC light heavyweight champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (19-1, 15 KOs) stopped Ricards Bolotniks 19-7-1, 8 KOs) in round six. Slow start to the fight, but when Gvozdyk opened up, he ran over Bolotniks to end it at 1:53 of round six. After a three-and-a-half year retirement, the 36-year-old Gvozdyk resumed his career earlier this year.

Unbeaten 18-year-old featherweight Nathan Rodriguez (11-0, 7 KOs) outboxed Alexander “Popeye” Mejia (19-6, 8 KOs) over ten rounds to take a majority decision. Scores were 95-95, 96-93, 96-94.

In a meaningful fight between world-rated contenders, undefeated WBA #1, WBO #2, WBC #3, IBF #13 light heavyweight and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Joshua Buatsi (17-0, 13 KOs) scored a workmanlike ten round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten IBF #4, WBA #13, WBC #14, WBO #14 Pawel Stepien (18-1-1, 12 KOs) on Saturday night at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England. Buatsi was in command all the way in a bout that never really heated up. Scores were 98-92, 97-94, 100-90.

“I’ve been out of the ring for almost a year, so I needed the 10 rounds. I wanted to knock him out, and I’m disappointed I didn’t, but we got the win. If I had lost it, everything would have changed, so I had to be smart,” Buatsi told Sky Sports after the fight. Continue reading “WBA #1 Buatsi outpoints Stepien”

WBA “regular” lightweight world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis was sentenced to 90 days of home detention after pleading guilty to a 2020 hit-and-run incident in his native Baltimore. In addition, Davis must attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving program, perform 200 hours of community service not related to boxing, and serve three years of supervised probation. The judge also specified that Tank serve his home detention in Baltimore. He was facing more than seven years in prison.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF #7, WBC #10, WBA #11 super lightweight Steve Spark (16-2, 14 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday against tough Mexican Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (26-3-1, 16 KOs) at the Estadio Akron, Zakopan, Jalisco, Mexico on the undercard of Saul Canelo Alvarez vs. John Ryder 168-pound IBF, WBC, WBA, WBO championship.

“Canelo is the face of boxing, so when the opportunity arose, we jumped at it,” Spark told the Chronicle “We know Gabriel is a hell of a fighter, but it’s the best way to get my name out there and really show the world how good I am. All the stars will be there watching. It’s bloody exciting. It’s the kind of opportunity people would kill for. I’ve got it and I’m going to take it with both hands…50,000 Mexicans are going to hate me for knocking out Valenzuela. But they’re going to love my style.”

Canelo Alvarez (58-2-2, 39 KOs) is promising to deliver ‘something special’ tomorrow night when he defends his undisputed super middleweight title against John Ryder (32-5, 18 KOs)  in front of over 50,000 hometown fans at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, live on DAZN PPV.

“It’s going to be something special after 12 years,” said Canelo. “I started my career here in Guadalajara in the little arenas. And now we are in the biggest stadium and the biggest response from the people. It’s going to be one of the best nights of my career for sure. I am really excited for this fight.

“I was always thinking about fighting again in Guadalajara of course. You can expect something special, and the result is even better. I’m glad and grateful that the people respond like this. I’m enjoying this moment a lot. I enjoy this because it is hard to put on this kind of fight and have people respond like this. It’s an honor for me and I’m proud of it. I’m going to bring everything tomorrow night. Continue reading “Canelo: I’m going to bring everything”

Canelo Alvarez 167.5 vs. John Ryder 168
(undisputed super middleweight title)

Julio Cesar Martinez 112 vs. Ronal Batista 112
(WBC flyweight title)

Steve Spark 140 vs. Gabriel Gollaz 139
Oleksandr Gvozdyk 174.8 vs. Ricards Bolotniks 174.8

Venue: Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN PPV ($59.99)

Hall of Fame promoter Don King and four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner will officially announce Broner’s return to the ring on June 9th at Casino Miami Jai-Alai in Miami, Florida. Broner, who recently signed with King, is 34-4-1 with 24 KOs. He will take on Bill “Hutch” Hutchinson (20-2-4, 9 KOs) in his return to the ring.

Joshua Buatsi 174 vs. Pawel Stepien 175
Lauren Price 146.3 vs. Kirstie Bavington 146
Ben Whittaker 174.3 vs. Jordan Grant 175
Macaulay McGowan 159 vs. Tyler Denny 159.3
Sean McComb 139.3 vs. Kaisee Benjamin 140
Shakan Pitters 179 vs. Joel McIntyre 178.3
Cori Gibbs 137 vs. Jimmy First 136.3

Venue: Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, England
Promoter: BOXXER
TV: Sky Sports (UK)

The World Boxing Association (WBA), through its Championships Committee, granted special permit to middleweight champion Erislandy Lara to fight Danny Garcia on August 5. TGB Promotions sent the request which was studied in depth to determine the most appropriate decision. Team Zerafa was consulted and after arduous negotiations it was possible to reach an agreement between both parties.

The winner between Lara and Garcia, or Lara should the fight end in a draw, is obligated to fight Zerafa within 120 days after their bout. Zerafa may make an optional fight against a WBA-approved contender while awaiting a world title fight in his mandatory challenger’s position.

By Bill Green

This Friday night Pulse Boxing, a Toledo, Ohio-based boxing promoter, brings “Return of Los Guerreros 2” a night of professional boxing inside the Memorial Hall, located in Kansas City, Kansas.

Head matchmaker and development of talent, Aaron Rodriguez, of Pulse Boxing, stated “This particular stable has a deep and strong amateur background, we believe we can and will develop a few world champions from this area. We see East Coast talent residing right here in the Midwest. Not to mention several former champions originally developed in this area such as Brandon Rios and Victor Ortiz.

The main event will once again feature undefeated bantamweight Wilver “El Gallo” Hernandez 7-0 (2), of Kansas City, Kansas. The 21 year old Mexican power puncher will face his most experienced opponent to date in Tennessee veteran Ira “Mr. Showtime” Terry 28-25 (16). Hernandez vs Terry is scheduled for 8 rounds. Continue reading “Boxing returns to KC on Cinco De Mayo”

John Ryder is embracing the challenge of fighting Canelo Alvarez in his Guadalajara hometown – and says it’s only right to face the Mexican king in his backyard as he looks to defeat the undisputed super middleweight champion at the Estadio Akron on Saturday night, live on DAZN and DAZN PPV.

“I know it’s going to be hostile; I am prepared for it,” said Ryder. “I think to go and fight a champion, you should go to their backyard to take their titles and that’s what I am doing. Most fighters have gone to Vegas or Texas to fight him, but I’m in Guadalajara in the Lion’s Den.

“I think that the pressure is on him. It’s been a long time since he boxed here and who expects anything of me? No one. People think I am here for the paycheck, I am not, I am here to show that dreams can come true. I’ve worked hard to get here, and I deserve to be here. Continue reading “John Ryder: My hand will be raised”

Light heavyweight Umar Dzambekov (4-0, 3 KOs) returns against Dodzi Kemeh, (25-2, 23 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature on the next ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ event set for Friday, June 9 at the Commerce Casino and broadcast live internationally by UFC Fightpass.

The event is headlined by a ten-round super welterweight clash between ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (6-0, 5 KOs) and veteran Carson Jones, (43-15-3, 31 KOs).

Mauro Forte 126 vs. Francesco Grandelli 125.7
(EBU European featherweight title)

Stephanie Silva 114.8 vs. Maylis Gangloff 113.7
(EBU European female super flyweight title)

Simona Salvatori 116.5 vs. Johanna Wonyou 116.4
(EBU European female bantamweight title)

Armando Casamonica 141.1 vs. Francesco Acatullo 141.2

Date/Venue: May 5 / Palasport, Tivoli (Rome)
Promoter: OPI Since 82
TV: ESPN+ (3 pm ET), DAZN (Italy only)

Canelo-Ryder is getting all the attention, but there’s another big fight on tap Saturday at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England, where WBA #1, WBO #2, WBC #3, IBF #13 light heavyweight and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Joshua Buatsi (16-0, 13 KOs) takes on undefeated IBF #4, WBA #13, WBC #14, WBO #14 Pawel Stepien (18-0-1, 12 KOs). The fighters faced off at today’s final press conference.

Joshua Buatsi: “When the bell goes, it’s a different look and everything’s on the line, it’s all at stake…I’m here to win. There’s no other language. There’s no other thinking process. There’s no other thought. The aim is to win, and look good doing it.”

Pawel Stepien: “Buatsi is a very good fighter. I have watched and studied his fights and I’m happy that I can step in the ring with him on Saturday night and test my skills.”

By Ron Jackson

South Africa’s most decorated fighter Hekkie Budler was scheduled to return to action against Filipino Enrique Magsalin on Saturday night at the Unisa Hall in Ormonde, Johannesburg, but he will now face late replacement Wichet Sengprakhon from Thailand. The tournament be shown live on Supersport. Continue reading “Hekkie Budler has a new opponent”

Ring legend Manny Pacquiao was ordered to pay $5.1 million after a Southern California jury ruled Pacman breached a promotional deal with Paradigm Sports Management in 2021. Pacquiao must pay $1.8 million in damages plus repay a $3.3 million advance.

As part of Canelo-Ryder fight week in Guadalajara, Canelo Promotions showcased two of their young undefeated American prospects.

In the main event, super featherweight Jonathan Lopez (11-0, 8 KOs) from Orlando, Florida, stopped Osvaldo Nuñez (5-5, 0 KOs) from Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, in round three. Lopez dropped Nunez in round two and got a referee’s stoppage at 1:01 of round three due to a nasty cut over the left eye suffered by Nunez.

Also, super welterweight Lazaro Lorenzana (11-0, 8 KOs) of San Diego, California, won an eight round split decision over Alexis Rios (4-3-1, 1 KO) from Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. Scores were 77-75, 77-75 Lorenzana, 79-73 Rios.

Promising welterweight prospect Wilson “Ill Will” Mascarenhas (6-1, 2 KOs) is set to make his return to the ring against New Jersey’s Danny Murray on May 20th at the Historic Park Theater in Cranston, Rhode Island. The contest is part of a card promoted by CES Boxing. The bout will be the first for the 28-year-old Portugal native in 14 months. The last time Mascarenhas was in the ring was in March 2022, when he shut out undefeated prospect Abraham Perez over six rounds.

It was his second win in a promising year where Mascarenhas expected to fight 2 to 3 more times. Instead, the New Bedford resident spent the next year recovering from multiple stab wounds suffered at his post-fight party – a serious attack that could have taken his life. Continue reading “Mascarenhas returns May 20 after stabbing”

Undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and challenger John Ryder faced off at the final press conference for Saturday’s PPV clash at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.

In his biggest test in the ring yet, unbeaten middleweight Jaime Munguia (41-0, 32 KOs) will face former contender Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) in a 12-round middleweight fight on Saturday, June 10. The 12-round main event is scheduled to take place at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

“Munguia has always wanted the toughest fights — and this is going to be one of them,” said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions. “For years, Derevyanchenko has gone life and death with the division’s top middleweights and has always reached the final bell. Should Jaime get past him — and I believe he will — he is immediately in position for a world title shot.”

The 37-year-old Derevyanchenko has dropped three of his last four

Undefeated Italian southpaw Mauro Forte (17-0-2, 7 KOs) will look to avenge his draw against Francesco Grandelli (16-1-2, 3 KOs) in a 12-round rematch for the vacant European featherweight title this Friday, May 5 at the PalaSport Tivoli in Tivoli, Italy. Forte-Grandelli II and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. Their initial encounter ended in a split draw after 12 closely contested rounds, and the two are ready to settle unfinished business.