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By Joe Koizumi

Up-and-coming hard-puncher WBA#10 Jin Sasaki (15-1-1, 14 KOs), 146.5, successfully kept his WBO Asia Pacific welterweight belt as he put on a give-and-take performance and finally flattened WBO#8 Keita Obara (26-5-1, 23 KOs), 146.75, at 1:13 of the third round in a scheduled twelve on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. In an encounter of the KO artists Sasaki, from the outset, took the initiative to have the veteran Obara on the defensive. In round two it was Obara that connected with a solid right counter, dropping the aggressor to the deck. The third, however, witnessed Sasaki, fifteen years his junior at 21, explode a vicious left uppercut to the side of the belly, flooring Obara in agony. Obara barely beat the count, but absorbed a wicked right to the jaw to be flattened so badly that the ref didn’t bother to count at his second knockdown (to be registered as TKO by the JBC).

Promoter: Teiken Promotions.

By Joe Koizumi

Southpaw speedster IBF#3 Reiya Abe (25-3-1, 10 KOs), 125.75, easily defeated former world champ IBF#7 Kiko Martinez (44-12-2, 31 KOs), 125.25, by winning a unanimous decision (119-109 twice,117-111) over twelve monotonous rounds on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. Abe, ex-Japanese champ, had the upper hand almost all the way against the slower and sluggish Spaniard, who looked to fail to bring his fighting spirit and zip from Spain. He was just a shell of the old Kiko, who previously halted our hero Hozumi Hasegawa here in 2014. Kiko kept stalking the Japanese footworker only to absorb his southpaw counters to have the nose bridge bleeding from the fifth on. Abe wasn’t as sharp as usual, but was an obvious winner since Kiko was least aggressive. The ref was Albert Earl Brown.

Promoter: Teiken Promotions.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Three-time world champion Lovemore Ndou talks to Fightnews.com® about Tim Tszyu, George Kambosos, Canelo Alvarez, and Miguel Cotto.

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By Przemek Garczarczyk

Journeyman heavyweight Curtis Harper (14-8, 9 KOs) gained viral fame when he left the ring without even throwing a punch vs. Efe Ajagba (“I’m not proud about that,” said Curtis), but many don’t know that what he cares about is fighting for charity, mental awareness and he wants to be best possible husband and father. Harper also loves to fight (“I’m the guy who fights undefeated rivals”), being in the ring since he was 13 years old. On Saturday, Curtis fights Polish prospect Damian Knyba (10-0, 6 KO) in Newark’s Prudential Center, on the undercard of “Top Rank” Shakur Stevenson-Shuichiro Yoshino main event. And Harper is sure what will happen: “I will win.”

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Colombian Brandon Valdes captured the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedebol featherweight title and fan favorite super welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias had a TKO win in his comeback fight last night at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington. Continue reading “Valdes, Rooster Macias victorious”

Unbeaten super lightweight Bryan Flores (24-0-1, 13 KOs) recovered from a first round knockdown to earn a ten round split decision over Shinard Bunch (20-2-1, 16 KOs) on Friday night at the Cache Creek Casino in Brooks, California. Bunch dropped Flores in round one and dominated the early rounds, but Flores took over midway. Scores were 96-93 Bunch, and 97-92, 95-94 for Flores.

Super welterweight Guido Schramm (16-1-1, 9 KOs) came on strong late to defeat previously unbeaten Jahyae Brownn (13-1, 9 KOs) by majority decision. Scores were 95-95, 98-92, 97-93.

In a clash of unbeaten super welterweights, Raul Garcia (12-0-1, 10 KOs) and Robert Terry (9-0-1, 3 KOs) both retained their Os. After eight rounds, judges scored it 77-75, 75-77, 76-76.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos: Naoki Fukuda

WBC, WBA world light-flyweight title bout
Champion Kenshiro Teraji (20-1, 12 KOs) 107.25
Anthony Olascuaga (5-0, 3 KOs) 107

WBA world bantamweight title bout for vacant belt
Takuma Inoue (17-1, 4 KOs) 118
Liborio Solis (35-6-1, 16 KOs) 117.5

Kick-boxing superstars international style debut
Tenshin Nasukawa 122
Yuki Yonaha (12-4-1, 8 KOs) 121.75

WBO Asia Pacific welterweight title bout
Champion Jin Sasaki (14-1-1, 13 KOs) 146.5
Keita Obara (26-4-1, 23 KOs) 146.75

IBF featherweight eliminator
Kiko Martinez (44-11-2, 31 KOs) 125.25
Reiya Abe (24-3-1, 10 KOs) 125.75

Venue: Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan
Promoter: Teiken Promotions
TV: ESPN+

Photo

Sebastian Fundora 153.3 vs. Brian Mendoza 153.5
(WBC interim super welterweight title)

Brandun Lee 141.3 vs. Pedro Campa 141.2
Luis Núñez 125.9 vs. Christian Olivio 125.4

Gabriel Maestre 150.1 vs. Devon Alexander 152.5
Adrian Corona 134.3 vs. Jerry Perez 134.9
Frank Sanchez 247.4 vs. Daniel Martz 275

Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California
Promoter: TGB Promotions
TV: Showtime, Showtime Sports YouTube Channel and SHowtime Boxing Facebook page

Jesse Rodriguez 111.4 vs. Cristian Gonzalez 112
(WBO flyweight title)

Murodjon Akhmadaliev 121.6 vs. Marlon Tapales 121.8
(WBA, IBF super bantamweight titles)

Raymond Ford 126 vs. Jessie Magdaleno 126
Thomas Mattice 129 vs. Ramiro Cesena 130
Israil Madrimov 158.8 vs. Raphael Igbokwe 160
Marc Castro 133 vs. Ricardo Lopez 133.6
Khalil Coe 175.8 vs. James Quiter 174.8
Jesus Martinez 119.4 vs. Jose Lopez 118.4

Venue: Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN

Shakur Stevenson 134.4 vs. Shuichiro Yoshino 135
(WBC lightweight title eliminator)

Jared Anderson 247.4 vs. George Arias 236.6
Keyshawn Davis 134.2 vs. Anthony Yigit 134.8
Damian Knyba 258.2 vs. Curtis Harper 267.6
Troy Isley 159.2 vs. Roy Barringer 157.8
Bruce Carrington 126.4 vs. Brando Chambers 125.6
Kelvin Davis 142.2 vs. Nelson Morales 142.8
Antoine Cobb 143.8 vs. Jaylan Phillips 142.2

Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Promoter: Top Rank
TV: ESPN, ESPN+

Shakur Stevenson 134.4 lbs. vs. Shuichiro Yoshino 135 lbs
(WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Lynne Carter, John Signorile and Robin Taylor
Referee: Allen Huggins

• Jared Anderson 247.4 lbs vs. George Arias 236.6 lbs
(WBO International & US WBC Heavyweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

• Keyshawn Davis 134.2 lbs vs. Anthony Yigit 134.8 lbs
(WBO Intercontinental & US WBC Lightweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

• Damian Knyba 258.2 lbs vs. Curtis Harper 267.6 lbs
(Heavyweight— 8 Rounds)

• Troy Isley 159.2 lbs vs. Roy Barringer 157.8 lbs
(Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

• Bruce Carrington 126.4 lbs vs. Brando Chambers 125.6 lbs
(Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

• Kelvin Davis 142.2 lbs vs. Nelson Morales 142.8 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

• Antoine Cobb 143.8 lbs vs. Jaylan Phillips 142.2 lbs
(Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

Undefeated knockout artist William “El Camarón” Zepeda (27-0, 23 KOs) will return to the ring after pulling an upset against Joseph Diaz, Jr. last October 2022 and is now scheduled to defend his WBA Continental Americas lightweight title against former world champion challenger Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda (19-2, 14 KOs). The two fighters will participate in a 12-round lightweight fight on DAZN April 29. The event, originally headlined as Eimantas Stanionis versus Vergil Ortiz, Jr., will still take place at College Park Center at The University of Texas at Arlington campus.

“In an absolutely stacked lightweight division, I don’t think there is anyone I would favor over Zepeda,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya. “But other fighters have been favored over Arboleda before and ended up tasting defeat. To get to the next level, Zepeda must continue to use the volume of punches and relentlessness that have made him a force to be reckoned with.” Continue reading “Zepeda-Arboleda collide April 29”

In an upset, unbeaten flyweight Angelino “Huracán” Cordova (18-0-1, 12 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over former world champion and 3:1 favorite Angel “Tito” Acosta (23-4, 22 KOs) on Thursday night at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California. Cordova was busier while Acosta landed the harder shots. Cordova was cut over the left eye in a third round head clash and was deducted a point in round four for a rabbit punch. Acosta landed some big shots late. Scores were 96-93, 95-94, 95-94 for Cordova, who became the new WBO International flyweight titleholder.

“I thought it was a great fight, we were two warriors inside the ring,” said Cordova. “It wasn’t an easy fight, I had to use a lot of boxing IQ. I felt that I was able to connect my punches effectively and was able to move around easily. I am open to whatever opportunity comes next.”

“I am very disappointed with the results of this fight,” said Acosta. “What was most important was the work we were able to put in during training camp that was shown inside the ring. Cordova was a tough opponent, but kept hitting me behind the head. We’re going to take a brief break, and then get back to training. I felt like I won this fight, I want the rematch.” Continue reading “Cordova surprises ex-champ Acosta”

By Whitfield Haydon

Angel Contreras 124.5 vs. Brandon Valdes 125.7
Neeco Macias 154.7 vs. Ramon Ayala 155.8
Jon Bryant 151.2 vs. Timothy Parks 152
Dante Stone 276.2 vs. Detailous Webster 237.9
Margarito Hernandez 139.4 vs. Michael Portales 139.2
Josue Cadena 137 vs. Jayden Salway 132
Dario Guererro 163.1 vs. Alejandro Avalos 163.1

Venue: Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington
Promoter: Toro Promotions

Undefeated former two-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson (19-0, 9 KOs) will take on Japanese puncher Shuichiro Yoshino (16-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round WBC lightweight title eliminator on ESPN this Saturday at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Shakur Stevenson: “He walks around here with a smile, and I can’t wait to wipe that smile off his face. This dude been running around here saying that I don’t have any power. He’s been saying that he’s going to push me mentally. Let’s see if he’s ready to go to deep waters with me. I’m going to drown him. You’re going to see everything in the arsenal. I’m going to go out there and box him. I’m going to beat him up. He’s going to leave that ring knowing that I’m the best fighter he’s ever been in the ring with.”

Shuichiro Yoshino: “I’m really pumped up for the fight. I’m really excited. I’m excited to fight for the WBC title. This opportunity is really going to change my place in boxing. My trainer and I have been studying Shakur. We have a game plan to implement on Saturday.”

Fighters headlining Saturday’s DAZN world title doubleheader at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas, faced off Thursday at the final press conference. In the main event, Jesse BAM Rodriguez aims to become a two-weight world champion when he faces Cristian Gonzalez for the vacant WBO flyweight title.

Jesse Rodriguez: “I want to go out and show everyone I’m still ‘Bam’ Rodriguez. After my last performance, people wrote me off, so I am ready to do what I do and I’m a different person in that ring. All the belts, all the champions at 112lbs – that’s what I want. Let’s make these fights, give the fans what they want, so step up to the plate and make it happen.”

Cristian Gonzalez: “I’ve earned this opportunity and I am ready to give everything in the ring to gain this crown on Saturday night. We’ve studied him, we understand his qualities, we’ve worked hard in camp and as a Mexican I must give everything to try to become world champion on Saturday night.”

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Also, WBA/IBF super bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev defends against Marlon Tapales.

Murodjon Akhmadaliev: “Undisputed is a dream of mine that has always been there, but right now, I’m fully concentrated on this fight. I want to show a great fight with a great opponent.”

Marlon Tapales: “We’ve worked so hard for this fight and we’re ready. He’s a good boxer, he’s very talented but we’ve prepared well for it with good sparring.”

Undefeated 6’6 super welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and challenger Brian Mendoza squared off Thursday during their final press conference and promised explosive action when they fight for Fundora’s WBC interim title this Saturday on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California

Sebastian Fundora: “Jermell Charlo of course is the guy we want. Whoever falls in line though, we’ll take who we can get. The job is to beat the guy in front of you…we’ve been in this position before. We’re here to win and we worked hard. We’re here to keep moving forward.”

Brian Mendoza: “If he wants to fight inside and bang or use his distance, I’m ready. We trained for everything. We left no stone unturned. We’re ready to make the adjustments needed so we can get the job done…this is gonna be another explosive upset.”

Shinard Bunch 140 vs. Bryan Flores 139.6
Jahyae Brown vs. Guido Schramm 153.7
Raul Garcia 155.8 vs. Robert Terry 155.5

Venue: Cache Creek Casino in Brooks, Calif.
Promoter: Sampson Boxing
TV: Showtime

James Martin 153.3 vs. Roudly Lolo 152.1
Kamil Bednarek 166.2 vs. Gonzalo Andreasen 162.5
Quaidir Albright 146.6 vs. David Thomas 145.7
Ibrahim Robinson 145.6 vs. Jahqwon Humbert 145
Ali Ellis 217 vs. Khalid Betha 207.4

Venue: 2300 Arena
Promoter: King’s Promotions
Stream: BXNGTV.com
1st Bell: 7:15 PM ET

A former two-division world champion, a two-time Olympian, an unbeaten heavyweight contender and more will highlight a Showtime live streaming presentation on Saturday from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The action kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT and will precede the Showtime Championship Boxing tripleheader topped by undefeated 6’6 super welterweight Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora against Brian Mendoza in defense of Fundora’s WBC interim title.

Undefeated two-time Olympian and WBA #6 welterweight Gabriel “Captain” Maestre (4-0-1, 3 KOs) will meet former welterweight and super lightweight champion Devon Alexander “The Great” (27-7-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round matchup on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel and Showtime Boxing Facebook page. Also featured on the live stream will be super featherweights Adrian Corona (9-1-1, 2 KOs) and Jerry Perez (14-2, 11 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight duel and the return of unbeaten WBO #2, WBC #4, IBF #6 heavyweight contender Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez (21-0, 14 KOs) in an eight-round bout against Daniel “The Mountain” Martz (20-10-1, 17 KOs).

WBO #1 welterweight Alexis “Lex” Rocha (22-1, 14 KOs) will defend his NABO title for the third time against WBO #10 Anthony “Juice” Young (24-2, 8 KOs). The 12-round fight, which was originally scheduled for last January, will take place on May 27 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN. Rocha has been mentioned as a possible challenger for WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford but it looks like he’s out of the running for the time being.

By Miguel Maravilla

WBA/IBF super bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (11-0, 8 KOs) of Uzbekistan puts his titles on the line against IBF mandatory challenger Marlon Tapales (36-3, 19 KOs) of the Philippines on Saturday night at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas as the co-feature to Bam Rodriguez vs. live on DAZN.

Unified champion Akhmadaliev looks to make a case for himself as the best in the 122lb weight division while the division’s other unified titlist, WBC/WBO champion Stephen Fulton of Philadelphia, is looking to make his case against Japanese superstar “Monster” Naoya Inoue. Fulton was slated to take on Inoue next month, however an injury sidelined Inoue until summer.

“Right now I hold two of the titles and my plan is to defend these titles in this fight and hopefully unify with the other champion,” Akhmadaliev said. “It’s an even fight, that’s why they are fighting. The winner will have to unify with me because I’m looking to take all the titles,” Akhmadaliev stated.

When asked who he is willing to face. “I will take on either man, may the best man win.”

But first, Akhmadaliev has to get past Tapales. Continue reading “Akhmadaliev looks to make his case”

Junior welterweight Carlos “Tiburon” Sanchez (24-1, 19 KOs) took a controversial seven round technical decision over previously unbeaten Alexander Duran (21-1, 7 KOs) on Wednesday night at the Auditorio BB in Mexico City. Duran seemed in command all the way, but judges somehow saw it 60-54, 58-56, 58-56 for Sanchez. Bout stopped due to a head clash in round seven resulting in a cut to Sanchez.

Bantamweight Abraham Arreola (6-2, 5 KOs) defeated previously unbeaten Brandon “King” Reyes (6-1-1, 2 KOs) by seven round majority decision. Reyes suffered a bad cut from a head clash and the doctor stopped it. Scores were 79-74, 80-73, 80-73.

Late sub Rogaciano Guerrero (6-2-1, 5 KOs), fighting on 24 hour’s notice, upset super welterweight prospect Eduardo “Lalo” Martinez (10-2, 7 KOs) by six round majority decision. Scores were 58-56, 58-57, 57-57.

Angel Acosta 111.6 vs. Angelino Cordova 111.6
(WBO International flyweight title)

Jorge Chavez 125.2 vs. Alberto Nieves 125.2
Grant Flores 150.8 vs. Terrance Jarmon 152.6
Daniel Garcia 130.6 vs. Aldimar Silva 129.4
Leonardo Sanchez 129.6 vs. Mychaquell Shields 130

Venue: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: DAZN

Undefeated bantamweight Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores (15-0, 11 KOs) will headline his first-ever Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN card on Thursday, June 8 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.

One of the star pupils of highly respected trainer Joel Diaz of the Diaz Training Academy, “Gucci Manny” will be looking to maintain his undefeated streak and once again dazzle his hometown crowd after a hard-fought split-decision victory against Franklin Gonzalez last February 23. The bout will be a ten-rounder against a soon to be announced opponent.

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC- Son of José Sulaimán

This week I had two events which filled me with satisfaction and pride. I was invited, together with Erik Morales, to give a very successful motivational talk to the high school students of the Universidad Panamericana, and that same day, the Tecnológico de Monterrey, central region, presented me with the “EXATEC 2023 Merit Award”.

On Saturday, I celebrated 23 years of marriage with Christiane, and I am grateful to God and to life for our destiny together. Incredibly, it was a blind date orchestrated by my friend from Tec de Monterrey, Felipe Quezada.

I was dedicated in body and soul to working in the family business, our factory, Controles Gráficos, and in supporting my father in everything that was needed in the WBC; For this reason, I did not have a girlfriend, and in reality, I went out very little to social commitments. Continue reading “Awards Week”