Fightnews.com

Unified super bantamweight world champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (11-0, 8 KOs) will defend his WBA and IBF titles against former champion Marlon Tapales (36-3, 19 KOs) on April 8 at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas, as the co-main event to Jesse “BAM” Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs), who seeks to become a two-weight world champion against Cristian Gonzalez (15-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO Flyweight crown, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN.

Also WBA #3 rated featherweight Raymond Ford (13-0-1, 7 KOs) will defend his WBA Continental Americas title against former world champion Jessie Magdaleno (29-1, 18 KOs), and super featherweight Thomas “Gunna Man” Mattice (20-3-1 15 KOs) goes against Ramiro Cesena (16-0-1, 13 KOs).

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach returned home to Boston this week bringing his latest protégé, super welterweight ‘King’ Callum Walsh (5-0, 4 KOs) to formally announce Hollywood Fight Nights – Boston on the Eve of St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 16 at the Agganis Arena on the campus of Boston University. Walsh will face Spain’s Leonardo Di Stefano Ruiz, (10-1, 9 KOs), in the ten-round main event.

On Monday night, Roach and Walsh held court for a large Boston media gathering at Hurricane’s at the Garden along with special guests ‘Irish’ Micky Ward and Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride.

Super featherweight Marlin Sims (8-1, 4 KOs) aims to upset George “El Yuyu” Acosta (13-1, 1 KO) in their eight round main event bout headlining Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” card taking place Friday at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California. The card will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing website and their Facebook and YouTube pages.

“He is solid. He is confident. He believes in himself, but that is all fine and good. He should,” stated Sims. “I know what I am, and I know what I am capable of. Let’s be honest, he can’t crack at all with only one knockout, and he was hurt in one of his recent fights. He must fight a smart fight because I have a 50% KO ratio and my only loss is to a top fighter in Dominique Crowder. George Acosta is good, but I’m better!”

Showtime will stream four undercard bouts on its YouTube channel and Facebook page this Saturday from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The main fight features former WBA interim titleholder Claudio Marrero (26-5, 18 KOs) battling Gonzalo Fuenzalida (12-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. Also, unbeaten Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial (3-0, 1 KO) will take on Ricardo Villalba (20-7-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight scrap, heavyweight Dainier Peró (2-0, 2 KOs), younger brother of world-rated Lenier Peró, will clash with Daniel Zavala (2-1-2, 0 KOs) over four rounds, while David Whitmire makes his pro debut against Texan Keith Foreman (0-0, 1 NC) in a four-round super welterweight duel.

The live streaming fights will precede the Showtime Championship Boxing telecast headlined by two-division world champion Rey Vargas battling top contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC super featherweight title.

Jake Paul had the media all to himself after Tommy Fury was a no show at the kick-off press conference for their February 26 PPV fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“I’m knocking him out four rounds or less,” promised Paul. “Bet the house on it. Put your mortgage on it.”

“I’m used to his behavior at this point. You know he’s unprofessional. He’s a flake. He’s not a serious businessman. He’s not a serious fighter and I’m gonna prove that.

“That’s why this fight’s called ‘The Truth’ because the truth’s gonna come out. I mean, he’s gonna have to pay for all the times he pulled out, all the business people he screwed over. It’s disrespectful. They’re some of the biggest names in boxing, some of the biggest promoters in the world, some of the most influential people in the world, one of the greatest countries in the world, and he doesn’t want to show up because ‘a private matter?’ Continue reading “Jake Paul rips Tommy Fury for no show”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

WBO #4 super welterweight Tony Harrison and WBO #1 Tim Tszyu participated in a video conference today to announce their WBO interim 154-pound title bout on Sunday March 12 (Saturday in USA) at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney that has a 21,000 capacity. The New South Wales government outbid both Victoria and Queensland governments to secure the fight for Sydney

Tony Harrison: “I’ve told everybody I’m in a real fight. I’m definitely not knocking Tim but I think the money behind him, the name behind him has pushed him. There’s so many people I could put in front of Tim to get a title shot against Jermell Charlo.

“Tim, to me, hasn’t fought anybody or accomplished anything, they just put the money up. But he’s definitely a tough fighter. But when you look at my road , the things that I had to do and the obstacles I had to jump over, he took the elevator, I took the stairs. And I’m just like, ‘How did he get there?’. Somebody make sense of it to me.”

Tim Tszyu: “Boxing is not just about skills. There’s a lot more involved. It’s an all-rounded game. He might think I’m lacking skills but we’ll see. I’m not here for a debating contest, to say how good my skills are or how bad my skills are, I just gotta show it. It’s quite simple.”

40-year-old former heavyweight title challenger “Fast” Eddie Chambers (43-5, 24 KOs) won his first fight since 2016 with a third round KO over 305lb Corey Williams (6-14-2, 4 KOs) on Tuesday night at the Texas Troubadour in Nashville, Tennessee. Chambers dropped Williams in round two with a body shot. Williams was wobbled in round three, then Chambers dropped him again to end it. Time was 1:10.

The event was the first installment of the new “Country Box” series presented by longtime boxing personality Jimmy Adams and Edward Mendy’s Lion Heart Boxing. Continue reading “Chambers victorious in comeback fight”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

WBO #1 Tim Tszyu (21-0, 15 KOs) will clash with WBO #4 Tony Harrison (29-3-1, 21 KOs) for the vacant WBO interim super welterweight championship on Sunday, March 12 (Saturday night in the USA) at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, NSW, Australia televised on Kayo Sports and Foxtel Main Event PPV.

Brayan “Azteca” Rivera 118.6 vs. Alejandro “Conejo” Gonzalez 118.6
Francisco Araujo 108.5 vs. Ivan Garcia 107.4
Alexis De La Cruz Martinez 140 vs. Ismael Aviles Valencia 133.4
Jesus Mauricio Estrada 140.4 vs. Leyver Lopez Razgado 140.4
Emiliano Toscano Diaz 109.4 vs. Sergio Manzo Rebolledo 108
Jose Guillermo Keb Canul 127.2 vs. Brayan Sanchez Santiago 124.4
Jaime Osuna 153 vs. Israel Resendiz Avila 151.7

Venue: Auditorio Blackberry in Mexico City
Promoter: JMM Promotions, Chiquita Gonzalez Promotions
TV: Watch FREE on ProBox YouTube and ProBox Facebook, or no ads on ProBoxTV.com or the ProBox app.

In a high-stakes crossroads fight, former world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez (44-1, 30 KOs) and former world title contender “King” Gabriel Rosado (26-16-1, 15 KOs) will collide in a twelve round light heavyweight matchup. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 18 and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN. Ramirez is returning to the ring hungrier than ever after his loss against Dmitry Bivol last November 2022.

Zurdo Ramirez: “I’m glad to be back. I had a lot of time to reflect since my last fight and am looking forward to putting on a show against a very-game veteran like Gabe Rosado. Just like everyone else, I have goals, dreams and aspirations to be on top and I feel more motivated today than ever. We may get knocked off our path, but my quest for greatness will never stop. I appreciate all the love from my fans and supporters and I promise to be back with vengeance!” Continue reading “Zurdo-Rosado clash March 18”

A main event matchup of undefeated fighters highlights the second ShoBox: The New Generation of 2023 as super welterweight Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes (12-0, 5 KOs) takes on upset artist Ismael “Maelo” Villarreal (12-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-rounder on February 17 on Showtime from Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, Kansas.

In the co-main event, Misael Lopez (14-1, 5 KOs) looks to win his fourth straight bout after suffering his first pro loss when he takes on Edward “Kid” Vazquez (13-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout. The telecast opener pits two unbeaten knockout artists in former NCAA Division I college football player Kurt Scoby (10-0, 8 KOs) facing John “The Beast” Mannu (7-0-1, 4 KOs) with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

The card is promoted by Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment.

Unbeaten two-division world champion and current WBC featherweight ruler Rey Vargas looks to add a super featherweight crown to his resume when he battles O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC belt this Saturday on SHOWTIME from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. “This is a challenge that motivates me,” said Vargas. “I know that Foster is coming to dazzle everyone. He’s a good fighter, but it’s my job to make things look easy. On February 11, I’m going to outshine him. He is quick and has a good guard and good movements. You can tell he’s worked hard, but I believe I’m the toughest opponent he’s faced. He won’t be able to get past me.”

2020 Olympic super heavyweight silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (5-0, 5 KOs), who scored a first-round stoppage victory against James Bryant last Friday at Desert Diamond Arena, will return in a six-rounder against Willie Jake Jr. (11-3-2, 3 KOs) on March 25 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. Torres-Jake Jr. will open the ESPN tripleheader headlined by the junior welterweight showdown between Jose Ramirez and Richard “RC” Commey and the minimumweight title unification bout between WBA champion Seniesa Estrada and WBC queen Tina Rupprecht.

Tampa, Florida’s Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, headed by Jody Caliguire, and Salem, Massachusetts’ Reyes Boxing, headed by Mike Reyes, will join forces under the name Reyes Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. Their inaugural card is scheduled for April 29 at the Hilton Carillon in St. Petersburg, Fla., followed by a show on June 24 at the Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Mass, and then back in St. Pete on July 15 at the Marriott Carillon.

Fire Fist’s stable includes WBA #5 middleweight Connor Coyle, WBA #5/WBC #7 super middleweight Yamaguchi Falcao, and lightweight Willian “Babyface” Silva. Reyes Boxing’s stable includes Gabriel Morales, Chris Thompson, Joe James, Harry Gigliotti, Rodrigo Correa, Danna Bolano and Sergio Martin Sosa.

During his TKO1 loss against Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela last Thursday, super lightweight Yves Ulysse Jr injured his left ankle. After his medical examination and X-ray, the diagnosis confirmed a major ankle fracture requiring Ulysse to undergo surgery. The operation, which will take place today, aims to stabilize Ulysses’ ankle by inserting metal plates and screws. After rehab, he should regain his full mobility and have a complete recovery.

48-year-old hard-nosed veteran heavyweight Ron Guerrero (23-22-3, 14 KOs) is set to step into the ring as a fighter one last time on February 18th in Robstown, Texas in front of his hometown crowd. Over the years, Guerrero has earned the reputation of fighting any heavyweight, anywhere, anytime. “El Tejanito” has shared the ring with the top heavyweights of his era like Ray Austin, Jameel McCline, Attila Levin, Jeremy Williams, Tony Thompson, Kevin Johnson, and Frans Botha all over the world.

His willingness to accept fights on short notice and travel to his opponent’s backyards has won over the respect of the boxing public. Fightnews.com® got a chance to sit down with him and ask a few questions. Continue reading “Q&A: Ron Guerrero”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Former IBF middleweight champion Sam “King” Soliman contacted Fightnews.com® to give an update on his IBF championship belt that was stolen recently. “After I explained the circumstances to the IBF how my car was stolen along with my world championship belt, I was contacted today by IBF Public Relations Director Jeanette Salazar who said that IBF President Daryl Peoples will send me a new IBF championship belt and there will be no charge,” said Soliman. “I would like to thank Daryl and Jeanette for their kind generosity. It is much appreciated.”

40-year-old former heavyweight title challenger “Fast” Eddie Chambers (42-5, 23 KOs) will return for his first fight since 2016 when he takes on 305lb Corey Williams (6-13-2, 4 KOs) on Tuesday night at the Texas Troubadour in Nashville, Tennessee.

Eddie Chambers 226.8 vs. Corey Williams 305.6
Evan Gubera 199.4 vs. Demetrius Banks 197.4
Eduardo Aguilar 140.8 vs. John Hale 140.8
Erick Arellano 209 vs. Raquan Ashby (will weigh on tomorrow)
Ricardo Wallers (will weigh in tomorrow) vs. Jerrell Nettles (will weigh in tomorrow)

*Iegor Plevako will particiapte in an exhibition

Venue: The Texas Troubadour in Nashville
Promoter: Lion Heart Promotions
1st Bell 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT
Stream: FITE.TV

Let’s hope the clash between Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia doesn’t end up like the Crawford-Spence debacle. Promoter Oscar de la Hoya told ESPN that the only remaining hang-up for Davis-Garcia is who will promote the rematch if Kingry wins and Tank exercises his rematch clause. It’s agreed that the first fight will be on Showtime PPV. PBC insists that they should also promote the rematch with Showtime getting both fights. As promoter of the winning fighter, Oscar wants to be lead promoter for the rematch and put it on DAZN.

On Monday night Oscar tweeted, “It’s Super Bowl week, and we’re on the one yard line looking to score @Gervontaa vs. @RyanGarcia! Let’s hope PBC doesn’t let the fans down and f**ken fumble!!”

Alongside Joshua vs. Franklin on April 1, Matchroom announced the following shows will stream live on DAZN with further fights and full undercard details to be announced shortly:

Saturday, February 18:
Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara
WBA featherweight title
Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, England

Saturday, March 11:
Callum Smith vs. Pawel Stepien (light heavyweight)
M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, England.

Saturday, March 18:
Cyrus Pattinson vs. Chris Jenkins (welterweight)
Pat McCormack vs. Dario Socci (welterweight)
Solomon Dacres vs. Robert Ismay (heavyweight)
Utilita Arena, Newcastle, England

Saturday, April 8:
Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez
WBO flyweight title
Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio, Texas

Saturday, April 22:
Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs. Joe Cordina
IBF super featherweight title
Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff, Wales

Saturday, May 20
Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2
Undisputed female lightweight title
Dublin, Ireland, Venue TBA

Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) fights at The O2 in London for the first time since 2016 as he begins life under the tutelage of new head trainer Derrick James. ‘AJ’ will face Jermain Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs). This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live, exclusive and worldwide.

Anthony Joshua: “I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights.”

Jermain Franklin: “I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the heavyweight division. Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

“Watching it all back since, (the count) looks worse than what I remember in the ring,” WBO #3 super featherweight Liam Wilson (11-2, 7 KOs) told Fox Sports regarding his world title loss to newly crowned WBO 130-pound champion Emmanuel Navarette (37-1, 31 KOs)

“It should have been over in the fourth,” Wilson stated. “I should be world champion. It should definitely be ruled a No Contest. It’s blatantly obvious what happened. I’m not trying to sit here and fool the public. The whole world saw it. My job is to fight and I did that. I won. So I want this called a No Contest, and then we rematch for the exact same belt – and in Australia if we can do it. Continue reading “Wilson wants result changed to no contest”

By David Finger at ringside

For boxing fans in the Duke City, Saturday night was supposed to be the long awaited opportunity to learn if their undefeated local prospect Matthew “Diamond Boy” Griego was in fact the real deal. Griego showed flashes of brilliance in his career, but he also had made some rookie mistakes over twelve fights that had boxing insiders concerned that he might struggle as he stepped it up. We were supposed to find out on February 4th what the trajectory of Griego’s career was going to be as he moved into the next level of his career in the main event of the Wrecking Crew Promotion event “Rumble at the Revel” at the Revel Event Center in Albuquerque. Continue reading “Griego stops Aquino in controversial fashion”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

WBA top-ranked flyweight Seigo Yuri Akui (18-2-1, 11 KOs), 111.75, impressively scored a shutout decision (all 100-90) over previously unbeatenWBC#16 light flyweight Filipino Jason Vayson (10-1-1-1NC, 5 KOs), 111.5, over ten speedy rounds on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. Having relinquished his national 112-pound belt after three successful defenses, the sturdy-built Akui kept a pressure on the fast-moving Filipino footworker with his heavy left jabs, steadily piling up points. The eighth and ninth saw Akui almost catch and finish the durable Vayson, who barely had a narrow escape. Akui, 27, may be a good opposition against either WBA titlist Artem Dalakian or WBO champ-to-be Jesse Rodriguez. Continue reading “WBA #1 Akui shuts out WBC #16 Vayson”

Former IBF light flyweight world champion Felix Alvarado (38-3, 33 KOs) put on his promoter’s hat, presenting the debut of his Gemelo Promotions in association with William Ramirez (WRAM Boxing) on Saturday night at the Nuevo Gimnasio Nicarao in Managua, Nicaragua. The main event saw lightweight prospect Bryan Jimenez (10-1, 6 KOs) stop 65-bout veteran Eusebio Osejo by TKO in round six. Jimenez gained some valuable experience versus the game Osejo. The end came in round six when Jimenez dropped Osejo with a right near the end of the round. Osejo beat the count but Jimenez immediately hit him again solidly and the fight was waved off by the referee. The official time of the stoppage was 2:50. Continue reading “Results from Nicaragua”