Fightnews.com

By Jeff Zimmerman

Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (8-0, 8 KOs) has quickly become one of the fastest-rising stars in boxing after his recent knockout of former world title contender Jayson Velez. He is ready to take on the top guys at 135 and has his eyes on another young talent Keyshawn Davis to settle a score from the Olympics as well another Olympian and world champ Shakur Stevenson. Tito shares his journey into boxing at a young age and why he fights with a chip on his shoulder and much more in this Fightnews.com® exclusive.

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Former three-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KOs) and undefeated Jamaine Ortiz (16-0-1, 8 KOs) renewed acquaintances Thursday in New York City. The one-time sparring partners will clash in the 12-round lightweight main event Saturday evening at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. This fight could propel the winner to a shot at undisputed champion Devin “The Dream” Haney.

Lomachenko returns after serving a stint in a territorial defense battalion in his native Ukraine, a decision that delayed his boxing career for 10 months. Ortiz authored a career-best victory over former world champion Jamel Herring in May.

Vasiliy Lomachenko: “I feel great. I feel good. I can’t wait to come back Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. I think it’s a special place for me. I’ve had a lot of fights there. So, it’s a lucky place for me…sparring [against Ortiz] is different from competition because our conditioning is not at 100 percent, so Saturday night will be a very interesting fight. I’m focused on my job. I’m focused on my boxing. You can’t stop thinking about your country. It’s always on your mind. But now I’m focused, and I need to be focused because I’m an athlete. After the fight, I’ll go back to Ukraine and support my country.”

Jamaine Ortiz: “I think the opponent in front of you brings out the type of fighter you are. I think Lomachenko is going to bring out the best Jamaine Ortiz. The fighter that everybody around me knows. You’re going to see the real ‘Technician’ on Saturday night.”

Guido Vianello 241.4 vs. Jay McFarlane 277
Mirko Natalizi 153.9 vs. Tony Dixon 152.5
Stephanie Silva 114.9 vs. Ewelina Pekalska 112.9
Francesco Russo 153.8 vs. Francesco Sarchioto 153.7
Armando Casamonica 140.8 vs. Mauro Loli 140.8

Venue: Atlantico, Rome
Promoter: OPI Since 82 in association with Top Rank
TV: ESPN+ (United States), Mola TV (Italy and UK)

Jesse Gonzalez 153.2 vs Rodolfo Gamez 153.3
Sonny Robledo 143 vs Jacob Serrano 142.8
Adam Garcia 156 vs Sam Hwang 156.4
Mathias Radcliffe 136.8 vs Andres Gerard 136.4
John Ornelas 140 vs Fernando Gaytan 141
Miguel Ceja 126 vs Jay San Luis 125.7

Venue: The Hangar in Costa Mesa
Promoter: Englebrecht Promotions & Events
Stream: FITE ($14.99)
Doors at 6pm, show at 7pm
SOLD OUT:

YouTuber Jake “The Problem Child” Paul officially kicked off fight week in style, riding into his open media workout on horseback in front of hundreds of fans in attendance at WaterDance Plaza in the Westgate Entertainment District just outside of Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Paul meets UFC legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva in an eight-round cruiserweight boxing match on Saturday.

Jake Paul: “This is how you know you made It. That’s the power of a dream. I’m about to fight my idol, it doesn’t get better than that…I want to knock him out within the first 5 rounds. That’s the goal.”

Anderson Silva: “I do this for myself, for my fans and for my team with all the respect in the world for the boxing community. My prediction? I don’t know how, all I know is that I’m going to win.”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF #10 cruiserweight Jason Whateley (10-0, 9 KOs) will clash with IBF #5 Mateusz Masternak (45-6, 31 KOs) over twelve rounds in an IBF elimination bout for the IBF #1 cruiserweight position on Saturday at the Nosalowy Dwór Resort & Spa in Zakopane, Poland.

“I think it will be an action-packed fight,” said Whateley. “He’s not a massive puncher but his workrate seems to overwhelm his opponents. I’ve got to make sure that I’m extremely fit for it. I think that’s his strength – he comes in pretty fit and he has a good workrate for the entire fight. That’s something that we’re going to be wary of and we’ll be prepared for it. That’s what I got into the sport for, big fights like this.”

Heavyweights Guido Vianello (9-0-1, 9 KOs) and Jay McFarlane (13-6, 6 KOs) faced off for the first time Wednesday at their official press conference in Rome.

Jay McFarlane: “I am a different Jay McFarlane. I fought mental health problems, addiction problems, I will be relentless against Guido. I will make the matchmaker regret for giving me the contract and the opportunity to be here. I will let my fists flow like a crazy helicopter!”

Guido Vianello: “I am stronger than ever. I am mentally and physically ready. I want to bring everything I have learned in these years fighting abroad. McFarlane thinks he can pull an upset? Well, he should think about enjoying his spare time in Rome: it’s a beautiful city. But on Friday night it will be another story.”

The show promoted by OPI Since 82 in collaboration with Top Rank will be live on Friday on Mola TV (Italy and UK) and ESPN+ in the United States.

Report/Photos by Boxing Bob Newman at ringside

One of Puerto Rico’s favorite boxing sons- Miguel Cotto, put on a stellar fight card in the midst of the 35th WBO convention, at Coliseo Roberto Clemente this evening. Topping the bill were semi-main event Nestor Bravo vs Adrian Yung in a vacant NABO Jr. Welter title battle and Bryan Chevalier vs Cesar Juarez duking it out for the vacant WBO Inter-continental strap in the main event.

If the semi-main event was a Mexican/Puerto Rican war, then the main event was Mexican/Puerto Rican Armageddon! Bryan Chevalier of Bayamon, PR and Cesar Juarez of Mexico City, MX put on a battle for the ages. Seconds into the bout, Juarez was dropped by a snappy left hook, but was unhurt and up instantly. From that point on, it was trench warfare as Juarez dragged the lanky Chevalier into a phone booth and wailed away, grunting like a caveman with every blow. More of the same in the second from bell-to-bell. In the third, both seemed a tad winded and the pattern was Chevalier jabbing and moving with Juarez looking to close the gap. In the fourth, it was back to the previous tactics as Chevalier tried to jab and move, but in no time at all, Juarez barreled him into the ropes and it was bombs away again. Chevalier got hurt and tried to get on his bicycle, but a follow-up barrage sent him down! In the fifth and sixth, it seemed the entire Roberto Clemente Coliseum was on its feet, losing their collective minds as blows landed and missed by both men at a frenzied pace. Both were cut and battered and it seemed one blow could end it for either man. Each man was warned for flagrant low blows as well. By the seventh, Chevalier was determined to fight at a distance, but with long, hard shots. The strategy worked as he caught Juarez with several telling blows, buckling the Mexican’s legs, but Juarez waved him forward, in a true display of Mexican machismo. What Juarez didn’t do was defend himself. In a scene reminiscent of Pryor-Arguello #1, Juarez’ head snapped back as he lie on the ropes, a follow-up was launched and referee Johnny Guzman had seen enough, saving Juarez at 1:55 of the seventh. Chevalier picks up the WBO Inter-Continental belt for his troubles and moves to 18-1-1, 14 KOs, while Juarez slides to 27-13, 20 KOs. Continue reading “Chevalier, Bravo victorious in Puerto Rico”

Unbeaten WBA super middleweight champion David Morrell Jr. and undefeated mandatory challenger Aidos Yerbossynuly previewed their November 5 Showtme clash during a virtual press conference Wednesday. The bout takes place at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

David Morrell Jr: “Right now I’m only focused on this fight. I’m not focused on David Benavidez or any other fighter. I’m just focused on getting a win on November 5.

“Power will be a factor but I don’t think it’s the deciding factor. It’s going to be about being versatile and using the power to your advantage…I’m going to be ready for whatever comes my way in this fight.

“My goal [after this] is to fight David Benavidez. He says that nobody wants to fight with him, but here I am. I’m ready for the fight.”

Aidos Yerbossynuly: “The plan is to stop David Morrell Jr. We’re going to make this plan happen…we need to clear out the 168-pound division before we worry about anything. I’m focused on David Morrell Jr. We’re going to show our heart in this fight. I don’t quit.

“Everybody wants to fight Canelo Alvarez for the payday. After David Morrell Jr., I’d also like to fight David Benavidez next. I want to prove myself and then make the fight with Canelo.

“Being unbeaten doesn’t mean anything. It’s about who you’ve fought. I don’t feel like the people who Morrell has fought have been anything special.”

Unbeaten welterweight prospect Panagiotis Tsochataridis (9-0-1, 5 KOs) of Greece makes a quick return to the ring on November 8th versus upset-minded Marko Dmitrovic (10-7, 5 KOs) of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event will take place in Belgrade, Serbia. This will be the first scheduled 10 round bout for the 21-year-old Tsochataridis with the vacant World Boxing Federation International title at stake. Dmirovic is a solid test having faced a number of unbeaten prospects while upsetting one of them. Tsochataridis has been very active in the ring having last fought October 1st where he went the eight round distance for the first time as a professional.

Former unified world champion Jeison Rosario (23-3-1, 17 KOs) will now take on veteran contender Brian Mendoza (20-2, 14 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout that serves as the co-main event live on Showtime on November 5 from The Armory in Minneapolis. Rosario was originally scheduled to face Yoelvis Gomez, who is out of the bout due to a wrist injury.

The telecast is headlined by unbeaten WBA super middleweight champion David Morrell Jr. returning to action against undefeated mandatory challenger Aidos Yerbossynuly in a 12-round duel.

The WBC has been officially informed by undefeated WBC super flyweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodríguez of his decision to vacate his green and gold belt in order to move down and compete in a lighter weight category. Jessie won the WBC title by defeating former champion Carlos Cuadras, then made two successful defenses, defeating former champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, and Israel Gonzalez. All this in 2022.

BRITISH BOXING BOARD OF CONTROL STATEMENT

By a notice dated 17th October 2022, Mr. Conor Benn was called by the Board of the BBBofC to attend a hearing to deal with allegations of misconduct pursuant to Rule 25.1.1. The hearing took place on 21st October 2022. On the morning of the hearing, Mr. Benn voluntarily relinquished his license with the BBBofC. In accordance with its Rules and Regulations, the Board determined the allegations following the hearing at which Mr. Benn was legally represented. The allegations of misconduct against Mr. Benn were upheld.

Robert W. Smith
General Secretary
British Boxing Board of Control

STATEMENT FROM CONOR BENN CAMP

Conor’s focus at this time is solely on clearing his name.

The Board, however, has made it extremely difficult for Conor to focus on doing that by its conduct of an unfair and biased procedure. In such circumstances, Conor decided not to renew his license (which had lapsed). Conor told the Board that if it did not accept that his license had lapsed, then he renounces it.

He strongly refutes the allegation of misconduct (which for the avoidance of doubt is *not* in relation to the VADA issue) and firmly believes that an independent tribunal will reach a wholly different conclusion.

At the appropriate time, Conor will speak out on this and on the doping allegation, to the extent that he can whilst legal proceedings are ongoing. In the meantime, he reiterates, in no uncertain terms, that he is a clean athlete.

Report/Photos by Boxing Bob Newman

Day 3 of the 35th annual WBO convention began on a rainy morning in San Juan this Wednesday. While the general assembly took place in the host hotel Royal Sonesta, the referees seminar was conducted by top referee Mark Nelson at the gym of former WBO champion Ivan Calderon across town.

The WBO Latino report was delivered by Jorge Molina. 20 WBO Latino fights have been held to date in 2022.

WBO Super Flyweight champ Kazuto Ioka joined the meeting and was welcomed by WBO president Valcarcel. Ioka will be presented with a diamond ring, commemorating his five successful defenses of his title. Ioka has expressed his wish to unify with a fellow champion in his next fight and has asked the WBO to allow for this event to take place. Continue reading “WBO 35th Annual Convention Day 3”

By Boxing Bob Newman

WBC super flyweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is attending the WBO 35th convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “Bam” graciously took time, after arriving from the airport to speak with Fightnews.com® about his whirlwind rise to fame in 2022 and what the future holds for boxing’s youngest champion.

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Undefeated WBA cruiserweight champion Arsen “Feroz” Goulamirian (26-0, 18 KOs) will return for the first time in nearly three years to defend his title against undefeated #1 contender Aleksei Egorov (11-0, 7 KOs) on November 19 at La Palsestre in Le Cannet, France and live on Canal+ in France. The pair had been scheduled to fight last December, however, Goulamirian tested positive for Covid and the fight was postponed.

The 35-year-old Goulamirian has been preparing for the bout in Big Bear, California, under the watchful eye of well-known trainer Abel Sanchez. Continue reading “Goulamirian-Egorov set for Nov 19”

Local welterweight favorite Alan Sanchez (21-5-1, 10 KOs) will face undefeated Saul “Avatar” Bustos (15-0-1, 8 KOs) in a ten-rounder for the WBA Fedecentro title on Saturday night at Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, California.

In the co-main event, cruiserweight Blake “The Beast” McKernan (13-1, 6 KOs) takes on Roberto Silva in an eight-rounder. Also, featherweight Ivan Vergara (8-1, 2 KOs) will return from a three-year absence to face undefeated southpaw Juan Pedro Miranda (6-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round contest.

The event is promoted by Paco Damian of Paco Presents, in honorary association with Don Chargin Productions, and is billed as “Showdown at Cache Creek.”

By Boxing Bob Newman

While attending the 35th WBO convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, modern ring legend Nonito Donaire took some time to talk to Fightnews.com® to reflect on his accomplishments and whether or not he feels there’s anything left to prove in the ring.

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Report/Photos by Boxing Bob Newman

The 35th annual WBO convention officially got down to business with the general assembly meetings inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico Tuesday morning. After the customary introductions of every delegate in attendance, WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel introduced Ray Quiñones of the Puerto Rican Government Sports Authority, representing the governor of Puerto Rico, who welcomed the Convention to San Juan.

The election process was then undertaken. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will only be a two year appointment as the next cycle will occur in 2024. Due to several dozen member countries not being on hand, a list of proxies were read aloud to determine who would be casting ballots for whom.

The results of the election were as follows:

John Duggan- 1st Vice President
Erno Labega- 2nd VP
Genaro Rodriguez- 3rd VP
Rolando Marcos- 4th VP
Adolfo Flores- Treasurer
Michael Pernick- International Commissioner
Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel- President

Continue reading “WBO 35th Annual Convention Day 2”

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

We`re just two weeks away from the official opening of our 60th annual Convention. Since that February 14, 1963, when 11 countries met in Mexico City to found the World Boxing Council, year after year the world of this sport meets at these congresses where a wide variety of topics are discussed.

The creme de la creme meet and the most important decisions for the development of boxing are made.

Kazakhstan was ready to host this important event; The commitment was signed three years ago, and Suleimen Promotions actually made a significant number of preparations to receive the world of boxing in their country.

Unfortunately, the war that is taking place in the region forced us to change the location. It was so, that in a very short time, we managed to find one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. Continue reading “The WBC Annual Convention is Approaching”

By Miguel Maravilla

Former world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (32-2-1, 15 KOs) of South El Monte, California is back in the ring when he takes on undefeated lightweight William “El Camarón” Zepeda (26-0, 23 KOs) of Mexico, this Saturday night October 29 at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California, live on DAZN.

“I’m excited to be headlining, fighting one of the best in the division, other than a champion and William Zepeda is going to bring out the best in me,” Joseph Diaz Jr. said about his upcoming fight with Zepeda. “Overall, it’s one hell of a fight. It will be one hell of a fight because William Zepeda brings it and so do I.”

It’s all or nothing for Diaz in this fight as he is coming off a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of the now undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney last December. A win over Zepeda will catapult Diaz into another major fight or world title shot. Continue reading “JoJo Diaz expects tough challenge from Zepeda”

By Boxing Bob Newman

Bryan Chevalier 129.6 vs Cesar Juarez 130
(Vacant WBO Inter-Continental Super Feather Title)

Nestor Bravo 139.6 vs Adrián Yung 139
(Vacant NABO Jr. Welter Title)

Brian Ceballo 150 vs Nicklaus Flaz 149
Addiel Perez 134 vs Waldemar Carril 134
William Ortiz 142 vs Brian Rodríguez 140
José Aguirre 132 vs Ezequiel Tevez 130
Kenny Romero 111 vs Julian Garcia 111
Bryan Perez 147 vs Carlos Irizarry 147
Yahir Gallardo 174 vs Luis Ramos 171

Venue: Roberto Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Promoter: Miguel Cotto (Cotto Promotions)
Broadcast: PROBOX TV

Big week to close out October with the return of Vassily Lomachencko as the big attraction.

WEDNESDAY
ProBox TV kicks off the week’s action from the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico with super featherweight Bryan Chevalier (17-1-1, 13 KOs) against Cesar “Corazon” Juarez (27-12, 20 KOs).

THURSDAY
Punching Grace has a PPV stream from Théâtre du Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, featuring super lightweight Yves Ulysse Jr (21-2, 12 KOs) against Jose Macias Enriquez (16-1-2, 7 KOs). Also, super lightweight Steve Claggett (32-7-2, 22 KOs) meets Jonathan Jose Eniz (30-17-1, 13 KOs).

FRIDAY
ESPN+ has a heavyweight clash from the Atlantico in Rome, Italy, featuring undefeated heavyweight Olympian Guido Vianello (9-0-1, 9
KO) against Jay McFarlane (13-6, 5 KO).

SATURDAY
ESPN+ will be at the Hulu Theater inside Madison Square Garden, NYC for the return of two-time Olympic gold medalist, three-division world titlist Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KO) against Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (16-0-1, 8 KO) in a lightweight bout. The co-feature featherweight Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez (10-1, 6 KOs) against Jose Matias Romero (26-2, 9 KOs). Like Loma, Ramirez is a two-time Olympic gold medalist.

In the first of two boxing shows on DAZN, undisputed female lightweight champion Katie Taylor (21-0, 6 KOs) is back in action, facing Karen Carabajal (19-0, 2 KOs) from Wembley Arena in London. Former world champion Kiko Martinez (43-11-2, 30 KOs) meets Jordan Gill (27-1-1, 8 KOs) for the Euro featherweight crown in the co-feature.

The second DAZN show features an interesting lightweight showdown between former world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (32-2-1, 15 KOs) and unbeaten William Zepeda (26-0, 23 KOs) from the Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Also seeing action is popular welterweight Alexis “Lex” Rocha (20-1, 13 KOs) against Jesus “Ricky” Perez (24-3, 18 KOs).

Showtime Sports has a $59.95 PPV featuring cruiserweight Jake “The Problem Child” Paul against UFC legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva from the Desert Diamond Arena (formerly Gila River Arena) in Phoenix. Nothing really PPV-worthy on the undercard, so you’re buying this for the main event.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Former IBF and IBO world champion Billy “The Kid” Dib is recovering in the hospital after an emergency operation to remove a tumor from his stomach on Monday. The current IBF #8 lightweight has asked for boxing fans to pray for him.

“10 or 11 days ago I was having bad pain and they sent me off for a scan but it showed something very little,” Dib told the Wide World of Sport.” They told me not to worry about it and gave me some medication. But then the following days I was feeling really sick and I went to Canterbury Hospital, they put me on morphine and they sent me home and said  I need to do a scan, and then when I called to get the scan done the next day, they said, ‘Sorry we can’t get you in until Monday.’ Continue reading “Dib recovering after emergency surgery”

By Boxing Bob Newman

The WBO 35th annual convention teed off (literally) with a golf tournament at El Legado Golf Club in Salinas, Puerto Rico, about an hour outside of San Juan at 7:30 this morning. WBO president Francisco Paco Valcarcel is an avid golfer and has made the sport and integral part of the organization’s convention for the past 23 years. Continue reading “WBO 35th annual convention tees off”