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IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington and mandatory challenger Luis Alberto Lopez faced off Thursday at the final press conference before their world title clash on Saturday `at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England, live worldwide on DAZN. Warrington steps through the ropes for the first time since recapturing his IBF crown in March.

Josh Warrington: “He’s coming into the Lion’s Den. They can’t be in the ring with me, but it’s a f**king hell of an atmosphere! I feed off that energy. Once I walk out into that arena I’m a man possessed and do what I have to do to keep hold of that belt…I’ve just got to concentrate on what I do best and I believe it will be enough to get me a win on Saturday night.”

Luis Alberto Lopez: “I’ll be winning this title. I’m coming for the knockout, that’s what I’ve come for. He shouldn’t believe what he sees on the videos. I’m a completely different proposition when I’m in the ring and that’s what I’m coming to do, I’m coming to win.”

By Ron Jackson

In what is possibly a first in South African boxing, Golden Gloves Promotions present two tournaments in consecutive days at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Saturday and Sunday. Both tournaments will be shown live on Supersport.

SATURDAY

On Saturday night there will be three ten-rounders and light heavyweight Brian Thysse making his pro debut against Michael Head.

Roarke Knapp vs Dante Jardon

Heading the bill will be the exciting junior middleweight 24-year-old Roarke Knapp (14-1-1, 11 KOs) who is never in a dull fight against the more experienced 34-year-old Mexican, Dante Jardon (35-8, 25 KOs), who holds the NABF title. Continue reading “Two boxing cards in two days at Emperors Palace”

By Joe Koizumi

WBO bantamweight champion Paul Butler, from UK, arrived in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday to participate in an ultimate unification bout with three-belt champ Naoya Inoue next Tuesday (December 13).

Accompanied by his trainer Joe Gallager and ex-titlist Scott Quigg, Butler confidently said, “I’ve done good training and am in great shape. I wish to show a great performance against Naoya.”

We highly expect a good fight.

WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) and WBO #6 contender David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs) held a media workout in Omaha, Nebraska ahead of their BLK Prime Pay-Per-View event taking place at the CHI Health Center on Saturday

Terence Crawford: “My thing is to keep doing what I’ve been doing, which is winning in a tremendous fashion, and everything else will fall into place. I’m getting restless thinking about Saturday, it’s a job that I’ve done for a long time and as used to it as I am, I’m still really excited about this one in my hometown.”

David Avanesyan: “I’m going into this fight with a lot to prove as no one is giving me a chance to win, but he has a lot on his plate. He’s got a lot of distractions, and none of the interviewers ask him about me. It is always about the fight that didn’t happen or other stuff. I am more focused than ever, and coming in as a massive underdog, is just the way I like it. I was in camp already and got to extend my camp for a month or so, which was perfect. I will be the mentally stronger fighter on December 10th.”

IBF female bantamweight world champion Ebanie “The Blonde Bomber” Bridges shows her form during a workout today in Leeds, England. Bridges (8-1, 3 KOs) will defend her title against Shannon O’Connell (23-6-1, 11 KOs) on Saturday at the First Direct Arena, live on DAZN.

The WBO World Championship Committee has ordered a December 14 purse bid for the mandatory clash between WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie and David Light. The situation has extra complications because Okolie and promoter Matchroom are engaged in a legal dispute.

Okolie and Light must inform the WBO in writing within 48 hours of the purse bid to confirm they will participate in the fight. Failure to comply will result in the Committee determining that the participant is uninterested and unavailable to participate in the mandated bout. If Okolie and/or Light suffer an injury, is impaired to fight, prevented to fight, refuses to fight, or is unavailable to fight for whatever reasons, the Committee may 1) vacate the title, 2) order an interim title, 3) determine any other course of action in the best interests of the WBO and the division.

By Mauricio Sulaimán
Son of José Sulaimán & WBC President

It is a great honor for me to be able to share, week after week, the activity of the World Boxing Council, topics of interest in our sport and anecdotes about my dear father, José Sulaimán. 2000 publications have just been completed by this daily newspaper, “El Heraldo de Mexico,” which hosts my weekly column ROUND 12. Thank you very much to those who follow this column and I hope you like it.

So much happened last week. Destiny took me to London to witness a great boxing event where Tyson Fury defended his WBC heavyweight world championship against Dereck Chisora in front of more than 60 thousand fans, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the same great venue that hosted the NFL game a couple of weeks ago. Continue reading “Great Boxing Journey from London”

The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum announced today the members of the Class of 2023.

Living inductees include Timothy Bradley Jr. (USA), Carl Froch (UK) and Rafael Marquez (Mexico) in the men’s Modern category; Alicia Ashley (Jamaica) and Laura Serrano (Mexico) in the women’s Modern category; matchmaker Brad Goodman (USA), trainer Joe Goossen (USA) and promotional executive Brad Jacobs (USA) in the Non-Participant category; and television executive Seth Abraham (USA) and broadcaster Tim Ryan (Canada) in the Observer category.

Posthumous inductees are light heavyweight standout Tiger Jack Fox (USA) and flyweight champion Pone Kingpetch (Thailand) in the Old Timer category and JoAnn Hagen (USA) in the women’s Trailblazer category.

The 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is scheduled for June 8-11 in Canastota, New York.

WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) is eager to show the world why he’s the best fighter in boxing on Saturday against WBO #6 ranked challenger, David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs) on PPV from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

On his recent training camp:

“It is business as usual. It’s great to have a fight date and a goal to work toward. I have a solid group of guys who are pushing me every single day, and we had a close-knit community during camp. This was one of my best camps, and I am motivated to put on a show for my fans in Omaha, who have had my back from the start of my career.” Continue reading “Crawford not looking past Avanesyan”

Former undisputed lightweight king Teofimo Lopez and current junior welterweight contender Sandor Martin kicked off fight week 100 stories above Manhattan at Edge at Hudson Yards, the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, in advance of Saturday’s clash in the big room at Madison Square Garden.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Former IBF middleweight champion Sam “King” Soliman (49-16-1, 19 KOs) returns to action against Joel Camilleri (24-8-1, 12 KOs) on Friday at the Melbourne Pavilion, Flemington, Victoria, Australia, with the vacant Australasian 160-pound title up for grabs.

The 49-year-old Soliman has won his three previous bouts against Troy O’Meley in 2022 and Jesse White in 2022 also 2021. Camilleri has stoppage victories over Sittichai Suksamran and Kittisak Soeksiri in 2022. The promoter and matchmaker Brian Amatruda.

Sad to announce the passing of legendary Hall of Fame referee Mills Lane at the age of 85 in Reno, Nevada. Lane, who coined the catchphrase ‘let’s get it on,’ officiated many major boxing matches, including the famed “Bite Fight” between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson on June 28, 1997. After retiring as a referee, he starred in a reality TV court show for a number of years. Unfortunately, Lane suffered a debilitating stroke in 2002 that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. Rest in peace.

Undefeated flyweight Andy Dominguez will be the main event fighter for the first time in his young career, topping a fight card tabbed “Holiday Fight Night” on December 21, just four days before Christmas, at Sony Hall in Times Square, New York City. The 24-year-old Dominguez (8-0, 6 KOs) will fight Gilberto Mendoza (19-13-3, 10 KOs) in a clash scheduled for eight rounds.

In other eight-rounders, super middleweight Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr. (22-1, 20 KOs) will fight Anthony Todd (14-6, 8 KOs), lightweight Steven “Hit Man” Ortiz (12-0, 3 KOs) will battle Andrew Rogers (7-10, 2 KOs), and female super flyweight Sulem Urbina (13-2-1, 2 KOs) faces Indeya Smith (5-6, 1 KO). Continue reading “Pre-holiday NYC fight card announced”

Super lightweight contender Shinard ‘Showtime’ Bunch (19-1-1, 16 KOs) will look to continue his rise in a ten round test against former world title challenger ‘Hammerin’ Hank Lundy (31-11-1, 14 KOs) on Friday from the Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Also featured will be popular super lightweight Daiyaan Butt (12-2, 5 KOs) and super bantamweight John Leonardo (8-1-1, 4 KOs) in separate bouts. The card can be seen on subscription streaming platform FloSports.

Unbeaten IBF #8, WBO #10, WBA #11 heavyweight Agit Kabayel (22-0, 14 KOs) will face Agron Smakici (19-1, 17 KOs) when he returns to the ring on January 28 at the RuhrCongress Hall in Bochum, Germany. The EBU has officially sanctioned the bout for the vacant European title. A win would be Kabayel’s second reign as European champion. He previously held the belt from 2017 to 2019 and defended it three times, including a win against recent world title challenger Derek Chisora.

Former unified middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (55-3-2, 30 KOs) is scheduled for an eight round bout against Noah Kidd (6-6-2, 5 KOs) on Sunday night on a special evening of boxing that opens the annual WBA Convention, which takes place December 11-14 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. The 47-year-old Martinez is 4-0 since returning to the ring in 2020 and is currently rated WBA #4. Kidd is moving up from the super welterweight division to face the future Hall of Famer.

Also seeing action is highly ranked bantamweight Melvin “Melo” Lopez (28-1, 19 KOs) against Jobert Alvarez (20-3-2, 7 KOs) in a scheduled ten rounder with the WBA Continental Americas title at stake. Lopez is closing fast on a world title opportunity and is currently ranked in the top 5 by the WBA, WBO, and IBF. Melo’s M&R Boxing Promotions stablemate Idalberto Umara (7-1, 4 KOs) will take on Emiliano Martin Garcia (18-8-1, 13 KOs) in a ten-rounder for the vacant WBA Fedecaribe title.

Other world-rated fighters scheduled include WBC #8 super middleweight champion Yamaguchi “The Problem” Falcao (23-1-1, 9 KOs) defending his NABA belt against heavy-handed Ernest Amuzu (26-7, 22 KOs) and WBA #10 middleweight Connor “The Kid” Coyle (17-0, 7 KOs) defending his NABA belt against Sladan Janjanian (34-13, 24 KOs). Continue reading “Sergio Martinez returns Sunday in Orlando”

P4P Entertainment teams up with Legacy Boxing and Chino Maidana Promotions will bring pro boxing to the the Payne Arena in Hidalgo, Texas on Friday. The main event is an eight round super welterweight showdown between former world champion Austin Trout (35-5-1, 18 KOs) of Las Cruces, NM against Jose Sanchez Charles (20-2-1, 12 KOs) of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Continue reading “Austin Trout in action Friday”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF #14 super featherweight Billel Dib (26-3, 13 KOs) will clash with former world title challenger and WBA #9 rated Francisco Fonseca (30-3-2, 24 KOs ) over twelve rounds at the Whitlam Centre in Liverpool, NSW, Australia, on Friday. Fonseca has lost to Ryan García in 2020, Gervonta Davis in 2017 and Tevin Farmer in 2018. Dib’s losses were to Dylan Sendeckyj in 2012, Yuandale Evans in 2017, and Bruno Tarimo in 2018. Promoter and matchmaker Billy Hussein.

Undefeated WBA “regular” lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and unbeaten WBA super featherweight champion Héctor Luis García faced off at the kickoff press conference for their January 7 Showtime PPV clash from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Gervonta Davis: “We’re gonna go back into training camp right after today because we’re not sleeping on this guy. I know we have two fights lined up, but I’m only focused on this one. I’m ready to go through everybody that’s in my way…I’m just ready to shut everyone up. All the talking that’s going around, I just want to go in the ring and shut them all up.”

Hector Luis Garcia: “I know that I have the height advantage, but I can adapt myself to the rhythm of my opponent. I know that I’m facing one of the best fighters out there, but I’m fully confident I have what it takes to win…if I beat ‘Tank’ on January 7, I’d be happy to go after a fight against Ryan Garcia. I don’t think he’s on the same level as me and Gervonta.”

Unbeaten IBF #1, WBA #2, WBC #3 Jaron “Boots” Ennis talks about finally getting a world title fight of sorts. Ennis will take on IBF #4-rated Karen Chukhadzhian (21-1, 11 KOs) for the IBF interim welterweight title in the co-feature of the January 7 Tank-Garcia pay-per-view from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

“I definitely feel like I already should have had my world title shot,” said Ennis. “I’ve been calling out the champions for years. I’ve been ready and they’re just making it worse for themselves by making me wait longer…eventually the champions are going to have no choice but to fight me. If it’s not the champions next, then I’ll take a Keith Thurman or a Yordenis Ugas fight in a heartbeat.”

Regarding Chukhadzhian, Ennis stated, “I’m not too familiar with my opponent, but I’m sure he’s a great fighter. He’ll bring that European style and try to make it hard for me, but I’m going to put on a show and get the knockout…we have some European guys in our camp so that I can prepare for that style. It’s not going to be anything new to me…I’m coming for the knockout and I’m coming to do it in spectacular fashion.”

Undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and Demond Nicholson talked about their ten round super middleweight fight opening the January 7 Tank-Garcia pay-per-view from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

“I’m feeling good. This is a new journey. I’m looking to become a three-division champion. I’m thankful to have this opportunity to showcase my skill and talent on this beautiful card,” said Andrade. “At the end of the day, nothing guarantees a Canelo Alvarez fight. Right now I’m looking at Caleb Plant, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo. I want all those big names. Continue reading “Andrade targets all the big names”

It’s Terence “Bud” Crawford against Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Unfortunately, they never met in the ring, but they will be competing for PPV buyers on Saturday night. WBO welterweight champion Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) defends his world title against David Avanesyan (29-3-1, 17 KOs) in a $39.99 PPV at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Ring legend Pacquiao takes on YouTuber DK Yoo in a $29.99 PPV boxing exhibition at the Korea International Exhibition Center in Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang, South Korea.

Fight fans also have the option to catch a good fight without PPV fees as junior welterweight contender Teofimo Lopez heads up an ESPN telecast against Mikey Garcia-conqueror Sandor Martin at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Jared “Real Big Baby” Anderson, Keyshawn Davis, and Xander Zayas are also appearing on the card.

Three different boxing cards taking place simultaneously. Which will you watch?

The broadcast team has been named for Saturday’s $39.99 Crawford-Avanesyan PPV on BLK Prime and across all cable and satellite outlets for. Todd Grisham will lead the commentary crew with Paulie Malignaggi and Antonio Tarver. Zab Judah will offer behind-the-scenes insight and backstage interviews. Cheyenne McCargo will serve as the undercard scoring voice. Lupe Contreras will serve as the ring announcer.

Ennis to fight for IBF interim welterweight title

The undercard is set for the January 7 Showtime PPV headlined by undefeated WBA “regular” lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis against unbeaten super featherweight champion Héctor Luis García from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

In the co-main event, unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis (29-0, 27 KOs) returns to action to take on the IBF #4 welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian (21-1, 11 KOs) for the IBF interim welterweight title. Unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis (24-0, 15 KOs) faces KO artist Roiman Villa (25-1, 24 KOs) in a twelve-rounder. Undefeated former two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (31-0, 19 KOs) returns in a ten round super middleweight clash against Demond Nicholson (26-4-1, 22 KOs) to open the show.

IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington (31-1-1, 8 KOs) steps through the ropes for the first time since recapturing his IBF crown against mandatory challenger Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (26-2, 15 KOs) on Saturday at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England this Saturday on DAZN. But it seems nemesis Mauricio Lara is still on his mind.

“It was a bit of a wakeup call was Mauricio Lara – the first one,” said Warrington. “I let my guard down. I had the Lara defeat and then all of a sudden it was, ‘he’s finished, he’s had his time in the sun.’ That’s not the case. It was only a short time in the sun and I feel like I was just getting going.”

“People say he’s dangerous and he’s my boogeyman – f**k that, I know that with my head on it I can beat him easy. Wanker isn’t he? F**king wanker. I was number one in the world…I lost to him and then I was down in eighth and ninth. Continue reading “Warrington: Keep on f’ing doubting me”