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Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin replaced longtime trainer Abel Sanchez with Emanuel Steward protege Johnathon Banks following his second fight with Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. And after four fights with Banks, GGG expects to bring some added Kronk Gym mojo into the ring for Saturday’s trilogy fight against undisputed super middleweight champion Caneko on DAZN PPV at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“Johnathon has added the traditions of the Kronk Gym to my training,” said Golovkin. “He has opened a different world to me. Johnathon has not changed my style of fighting but has added weapons to my arsenal. I had the honor of knowing Emanuel Steward. Johnathon brought his memorable experience of Kronk to me. It has been my privilege for Johnathon to share that with me. With Johnathon behind me, it does not matter who is in front of me. I trust him completely.” Continue reading “GGG: I trust Johnathon Banks completely”

Olympic Silver Medalist, five-time former world champion, and boxing Hall of Famer Virgil Hill is set to return as a promoter to his home state of North Dakota this Saturday night. Quicksilver Sports and Entertainment will feature both amateur and professional bouts at the 4 Bears Casino in New Town, ND.

There are a total of seven professional bouts set to take place. The main event will pit cruiserweight Ryan “Rhino” Bourland (16-2, 5 KOs) of Dickinson, ND against Santario “Moneyman” Martin (4-6, 2 KOs) of Blounstown, FL, in a six rounder. The co-main event will be a clash of unbeaten heavyweights between Bobby Deane (5-0, 4 KOs) of New Town, ND, and Suray “Sugar” Mahmutovic (4-0-1, 4 KOs) of Vallejo, CA, in a six round clash. Continue reading “Boxing back in North Dakota”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF #8, WBO #9 super bantamweight Sam Goodman (12-0, 7 KOs) returns to action on October 8 against Jason Cooper (17-3-1, 7 KOs) over ten rounds with the WBO Oriental title up for grabs at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Goodman is coming off an eight round stoppage of former world title challenger Juan Miguel Elorde on July 20.

Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and Anderson “The Spider” Silva mainly traded mutual admiration at Monday’s kickoff press conference to hype their October 29 PPV clash at Gila River Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The fight will be an eight rounder at a catchweight of 187 pounds.

Jake Paul: “Anderson Silva is the nicest person, and we love him. If my opponent is a di**head, I’m going to treat him like a di**head and beat his ass. But I respect this man, I’m still going to knock him out, but respectfully knock him out…it won’t go more than five. If you beat me, I’ll get a spider tattoo.”

Anderson Silva: “I come to [boxing] to show my respect to the sport and the professional fighters. I’m happy to be here to continue my job at 47…you don’t need to get a spider tattoo. I know you’re my fan. I’m your fan too. Big fan. I hate tattoos bro. I don’t have tattoos.”

WBC super flyweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is relishing his role as the co-main attraction to the trilogy blockbuster between Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night, as he defends his world title against Israel Gonzalez.

The 22-year-old Rodriguez (16-0 11 KOs) became the youngest active world champion in February, stepping in late to defeat Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC strap in Phoenix. Then he stopped Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds.

“I don’t feel pressure because I feel I was born for this,” said Rodriguez. “I belong on these big stages, it’s where I feel comfortable. Headlining in San Antonio, co-main to Canelo-GGG III, this is where I want to be, it’s been part of the plan and it’s great to see it play out. There’s expectation on me, all eyes are on me, I know that I need to perform at my best but that excites me. Continue reading “Bam Rodriguez: I was born for the big stage”

The World Boxing Association (WBA) officially joined the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Court was originally created in 1984 to settle disputes at that year’s Olympic Games. However, time has led to its to growth and to encompass different branches in the global arena.

“The WBA has long been pursuing access to CAS as a way to give new resources of justice and transparency to boxers and everyone involved in the sport. We are very happy to have entered this system and deliver a new resource to all. CAS is a very respectable institution that has been involved in anti-doping cases, cases related to FIFA World Cups or decisions in Olympic Games. Undoubtedly, it will bring many benefits,” said WBA President Gilberto Jesús Mendoza. Continue reading “WBA joins the Court of Arbitration for Sport”

GGG: “I’m relieved Canelo didn’t wait until I was 50 to agree to a third fight!”

The super middleweight edition of Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin’s Big Drama Show debuts Saturday night against undisputed super middleweight champion and archrival Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez on DAZN PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“This fight is important for the sport. It rewards fans and creates new fans. It is the biggest fight in boxing and certainly the biggest fight of our trilogy.” said Golovkin. “This is the type of fight that makes boxing grow. Trilogies are historic and I’m excited to be part of one. It’s amazing. It means that the first two fights were so good that we were in demand and the fans wanted to see us fight each other again.

“I made a lot of concessions to Canelo to keep this fight intact because I’ve always wanted this third fight. I would never give up a championship belt or move to a different weight class to avoid an opponent. And while four years is too long between the last fight and this one, I’m relieved Canelo didn’t wait until I was 50 to agree to a third fight. Because for awhile it seemed that was a strong possibility.”

By Ron Jackson

South Africa’s Kevin “Two Guns” Lerena continues his quest into the heavyweight division when he meets the 42-year-old Mariusz “The Viking” Wach from Poland for the vacant IBO Intercontinental heavyweight title at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Saturday night.

The tournament entitled “Lights Out” will be shown live on Supersport.

The 30-year-old Lerena (27-1, 14 KOs) has looked most impressive as a heavyweight scoring inside the distance victories over Patrick Ferguson (tko 5) and Bogdan Dinu (ko 4) which augurs well for his upcoming clash against Wach. Continue reading “Lerena continues heavyweight campaign”

Canelo-GGG 3 fight week is finally here! Plus ESPN+ has a real peach of a telecast the night before.

WEDNESDAY
The action starts on DAZN from the Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as unbeaten featherweight Bryan Acosta (17-0, 6 KOs) faces Jon Martinez (12-6-5, 2 KOs) in the main event.

FRIDAY
For the second straight week, ESPN+ is back at the Montreal Casino in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, presenting an interesting showdown between unbeaten WBA #6, WBC #6 heavyweight terror Arslanbek Makhmudov (14-0, 14 KOs) and former world title challenger Carlos Takam (39-6-1, 28 KOs). Also on the card is a crossroads middleweight clash between former world title challenger Steven “Bang Bang” Butler (30-3-1, 25 KOs) and Mark “The Bazooka” DeLuca (28-3, 16 KOs).

SATURDAY
Finally. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (57-2-2, 39 KOs) and Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin (42-1-1, 37 KOs) clash for Canelo’s undisputed super middleweight title in their much-awaited trilogy at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In much of the world, the bout is included in the regular DAZN subscription programming, however, in the U.S. the bout is a $64.99 pay-per-view.

Besides Canelo vs. GGG, the other featured bouts are WBC super flyweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (16-0, 11 KOs) defending against former three-time world title challenger Israel Gonzalez (28-4-1, 11 KOs), and super middleweight fan favorite Gabriel Rosado (26-15-1, 15 KOs) in tough again against IBF #6 rated Ali Akhmedov (18-1, 14 KOs).

By Joe Koizumi

Former WBC 108-pound champ Masamichi Yabuki (14-4, 13 KOs), 110.25, decked an important victory on Saturday in his home turf Yokkaichi, Japan, when he withstood the constant pressure of unbeaten WBO#4/WBA#9 Thanongsak Simsri (23-1, 21 KOs), 110, and dropped the Thailander three times en route to a fine stoppage at 1:19 of the seventh round in a scheduled ten. Having been dethroned by ex-titlist Kenshiro Yabuki via one-punch knockout in a rematch this March, Yabuki connected with a well-timed right counter, flooring the 22-year-old Thailander in the closing seconds of the second. Game and gallant Thanongsak maintained his aggressiveness, stalking the ex-champ all the way, but it was Yabuki that decked him again with a wicked combo in round six. The seventh saw Yabuki, 30, explode a solid combo, dropping the aggressor for the third time to prompt the referee’s intervention.

Promoter: Midori Promotions.

Report/Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

The 52nd annual NABF convention came to a close with the annual awards banquet on Saturday night at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. After a lively cocktail hour, guests were ushered into the dining room for the banquet and awards.

The recognitions began with NABF president Duane Ford recognizing a promoter who he had convinced to leave his New York office and move to Las Vegas decades ago. That promoter was none other than Top Rank’s Bob Arum. Arum is still in London due to his involvement in the now postponed female world title fight double header. But Bob did send a video message thanking President Ford and the entire NABF organization for their support and strong partnership over the past 50+ years. Continue reading “NABF 52nd Annual Awards Banquet”

Unbeaten cruiserweight Abimbola Osundairo (4-0, 3 KOs) scored a sixth round TKO over Marco Deckmann (9-2, 7 KOs) on Saturday night on the undercard of the “Social Gloves” celebrity boxing card at the Banc of California Stadium in downtown Los Angeles. Osundairo, notoriously known as one of the “attackers” in the Jussie Smollett hoax, dropped Deckmann in both the first round and second rounds and later floored him a third time in round six to prompt a referee’s stoppage a few moments later.

Unbeaten featherweight Jalan “Skywalker” Walker (11-0-1, 9 KOs) outboxed Moises Sixto (3-2-1, 1 KO) over six rounds. Scores were 59-55, 59-55, 60-54.

Lightweight Mathias Radcliffe (4-0-1, 3 KOs) blew out Trenton Gibson (2-3, 1 KO) in the first round. Gibson down three times.

Welterweight Jerry Bradford (8-1, 5 KOs) stopped Darynn Leyva (1-5-1, 1 KO) in round two.

In a heavyweight boxing match between MMA fighters, Luis Schwenke seemingly outworked Jay Silva over four rounds, but the bout ended in a majority draw. Scores were 39-37 Schwenke, 38-38, 38-38.

Celebrity Boxing Results:

In a clash between popular YouTubers, AnEson Gib (1-1, 1 KO) knocked out debuting Austin McBroom in a sanctioned bout fought at a catch weight of 180 lbs. McBroom dropped Gib in round one, but Gib roared back to floor McBroom five times en route to a fourth round KO.

A heavyweight exhibition between former LA Laker “Swaggy P” Nick Young and TikToker Malcom Minikon ended in round four after Young fell through the ropes and couldn’t continue. Minikon took the bout on short notice.

In a heavyweight exhibition between former NFL running backs, Le’Veon Bell stopped Adrian Peterson in the fifth round. Nothing of any significance landed until Bell connected with a lead right that put Peterson on the deck. Peterson beat the count, but the bout was waved off.

In a sanctioned middleweight pro bout between debuting YouTubers, Landon McBroom and Adam Saleh fought to a sloppy four-round draw. Scores were 38-38 3x.

In a heavyweight exhibition between reality TV actors, Cory Wharton and Chase DeMoor went five two-minute rounds. No decision rendered.

Former super welterweight world title challenger Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook (23-2, 16 KOs) returned after a two-and-a-half year layoff to demolish Stepan Horvath (21-7, 11 KOs) in the second round on Saturday night at the CAA Centre in the Brampton suburb of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Cook dropped Horvath twice in round two and the ref waved it off. Time was 1:51. Horvath complained about the stoppage. The 36-year-old Cook challenged Jaime Munguia for the WBO 154lb belt in 2018.

In the main event, unbeaten super welterweight Sukhdeep Singh (13-0, 5 KOs) outpointed Xhuljo Vrenozi (18-5, 3 KOs) over ten workmanlike rounds. Scores were 100-90, 99-91, 99-91.

Unbeaten 6’7 Olympian heavyweight Ricardo “Big 12” Brown (5-0, 5 KOs) scored a one-punch knockout against Carlos Carreon (8-8, 2 KOs) with a big right hand in round three. Time was :11. Continue reading “Cook KOs Horvath in ring return”

Report/Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

The final day of the 52nd NABF convention in Las Vegas got underway at 9:00 a.m. in the Versailles Ballroom in the Paris Hotel.

First up was NABF treasurer and world class referee Laurence Cole. He presented the new NABF website (https://nabfnews.com/), administrated by Cleto Reyes boxing equipment.

Retired DEA agent Rocky Herron, now WBC Drug Prevention Ambassador, delivered a hard hitting lecture on the drug epidemic in America and specifically the Fentanyl problem. Herron has traveled North & South America, working with young people to prevent their potential foray into the world of drugs and alcohol. Herron even went so far as to discuss the addiction to social media / smart phones and their effect of anxiety and depression on young people. Ironically, with the legalization of marijuana throughout the U.S., Herron pointed out that the marijuana of 1980 contained 4% THC, while today’s marijuana contains 25%, with a much more profound and negative effect on the human brain. Continue reading “NABF 52nd Convention Day 3 Report”

Former WBA super middleweight champion Vincent Feigenbutz (35-3, 31 KOs) scored a fourth round KO over Diego Ramirez (24-9-1, 6 KOs) on Saturday night at the famed Universum Gym in Hamburg, Germany. Feigenbutz pressed the action and got Ramirez out of there with a body shot.

Unbeaten super welterweight Carlos Toledo (6-0, 5 KOs) made quick work of 46-year-old journeyman Ferenc Hafner (27-21, 14 KOs). A body shot put Hefner down for the count in the very first round.

Unbeaten light heavyweight Rostam Ibrahim (10-0-2, 6 KOs) outscored Chico Kwasi (5-2-1, 2 KOs) over eight rounds.

Super welterweight Freddy “Pretty Boy” Kiwitt (22-3, 12 KOs) outpointed Ivan Matute (30-10, 25 KOs) over eight rounds.

With the big Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall card in London being postponed, what are the Saturday viewing options for boxing fans? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Former WBA super middleweight champion Vincent Feigenbutz (34-3, 30 KOs) takes on Diego Ramirez (24-8-1, 6 KOs) at the famed Universum Gym in Hamburg, Germany. The event will be streamed on Universum’s YouTube channel.

DAZN will show the second of two consecutive nights of boxing from Brampton, Canada, with unbeaten middleweight Sukhdeep Singh Bhatti (12-0, 5 KOs) against Xhuljo Vrenozi (18-4, 3 KOs). Also, former Jaime Munguia opponent Brandon Cook (22-1, 15 KOs) will take on Stepan Horvath (21-6, 11 KOs).

FITE has a $39.99 celebrity boxing PPV from the Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles, headlined by a YouTuber grudge match between former Jake Paul opponent AnEsonGib and Austin McBroom plus a clash between former NFL running backs Le’Veon Bell and Adrian Peterson. There will be some up-and-coming legit boxers on the undercard, such as cruiserweight Marco Deckmann (9-1, 7 KOs) and featherweight Jalan Walker (10-0-1, 9 KOs) in separate bouts.

Report/Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

NABF vice president Joanna Aguilar opened the general session of the 52nd annual NABF convention, held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, at 9:00 this morning with introductions of the board of directors as well as a memorial ten-count for those who’ve been lost in the past year. Aguilar then introduced NABF president Duane Ford.

Ford welcomed the delegates and guests to the convention. The first guest speaker Ford introduced was Peter Villegas, Chairman of the California State Athletic Commission.

Peter Villegas, came from corporate America (JP Morgan and Coca-Cola) and now chairs one of the busiest commissions in the world. Villegas pointed out the number of females in attendance at this convention as well as their involvement in the sport of boxing at all levels, cheering the diversity on display. Villegas is on the board of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY. He is spearheading the movement to have Ali commemorated on a U.S. Postage stamp and has asked for help from the boxing community in seeing this endeavor come to fruition. Continue reading “NABF Convention Day 2 Report”

Unbeaten WBC #3 super middleweight Christian Mbilli (22-0, 20 KOs) destroyed DeAndre Ware (15-4-2, 9 KOs) on Friday night at the Montreal Casino in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Mbilli dropped Ware in round one and floored him twice more in round two to end it.

Heavyweight Simon Kean (22-1, 21 KOs) won a bizarre first round TKO against Newfel Ouatah (18-5, 10 KOs). At the sound of the bell, Ouatah immediately took a knee without being hit and the bout was waved off. Effortless “W” for Kean. Ouatah, who traveled from France to Canada for this fight, will obviously have his purse withheld.

Unbeaten female super welterweight Mary Spencer (7-0. 5 KOs) smashed Cynthia Lozano (9-2, 7 KOs) in 63 seconds. If it’s possible to call a 37-year-old “a hot prospect,” Spencer, who made her pro debut last year, appears to be that.

Undefeated WBO #14 cruiserweight Brandon “Bulletproof” Glanton (17-0, 14 KOs) made quick work of Mario “El Ruso” Aguilar (22-8, 18 KOs), winning by second round KO at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida. A body shot put Aguilar down for the count at 1:09. Glanton claimed the vacant WBO global title.

In a clash of unbeaten super middleweights, Richard Vansiclen 13-0, 6 KOs) took an eight round unanimous decision against Hakim Lopez (13-1, 8 KOs) by scores of 78-74, 78-75, 78-75.

Unbeaten all-action lightweight Otar “Pitball” Eranosyan (12-0, 6 KOs) hammered out an eight round unanimous decision against game veteran Cesar “Corazon” Juarez (27-11, 20 KOs). Eranosyan was deducted a point in the closing seconds for pushing down Juarez who was trying to clinch. Scores were 77-74, 77-74, 78-73.

Welterweight Marques Valle (6-0, 6 KOs knocked out Benjamin Whittaker (15-10, 3 KOs) in the first round. Time was 2:57.

Three undefeated boxers entered the ring on Friday night inside Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino’s Grand Ballroom. And all three undefeated fighters suffered their first loss.

In the main event, super lightweight Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (17-1-2, 14 KOs) won a narrow ten round unanimous decision against previously unbeaten Hugo Alberto Roldan (21-1-1, 7 KOs). Adorno dropped Roldan in round two and built an early lead. Roldan rallied down the stretch, but it was too little, too late. Scores were 95-94 3x. The knockdown was the difference.

Featherweight Frency Fortunato (14-1, 10 KOs) took ten round split decision against previously undefeated Bernard Angelo Torres (16-1, 7 KOs). Fortunato dropped Torres in round four. Scores were 95-94 Torres, 95-94 and 97-92 for Fortunato.

Welterweight KO artist Roiman Villa (25-1, 24 KOs) scored an eight round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Janelson Bocachica (17-1-1, 11 KOs). Villa dropped Bocachica in round two and Bocachica was also deducted a point for continuously losing his mouthpiece. The aggressive Villa won by scores of 78-73, 79-72, 79-72.

Unbeaten super welterweight Josh “The Boss” Wagner (13-0, 7 KOs) won by ninth round TKO over Jorge Sanchez (13-3, 5 KOs) on Friday night at the CAA Centre in the Brampton suburb of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Wagner dropped Sanchez twice in round nine, leading to a referee’s stoppage at 2:07.

Austin McBroom 169 vs. Anson Gib 176
Nick Young 220.8 vs. Malcom Minikon 220
Le’Veon Bell 204 vs. Adrian Peterson 218
Landon McBroom 158.6 vs. Adam Saleh 153.2
Cory Wharton 203.2 vs. Chase DeMoor 228.8

Marco Deckmann 190 vs. Abimbola Osundairo 184.8
Jalen Walker 129.2 vs. Moises Sixto 125
Jay Silva 230.4 vs. Luis Schwenke 266
Mathias Radcliffe 136 vs. Trenton Gibson 136
Jerry Bradford 147 vs. Darynn Leyva 146.4

Venue: Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles
Promoter: Bash Boxing
TV: FITE PPV

There were plenty of boxing luminaries supporting the card at the weigh-in ceremony, including three-time junior middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas with his three boxing sons: Fernando Jr., Amado and Emiliano, former WBA 140lb world champion Regis Prograis, former four-division world champion Mikey Garcia, and current women’s unified world champion Marlen Esparza.

The World Boxing Council informs that pursuant to the September 1 purse bid winning notification letter concerning the Jose Zepeda vs. Regis Prograis fight, the purse bid winner Marvnation Promotions was required to deposit with the WBC 10% ($240,000) of the total amount within ten calendar days after the purse offer ceremony. The WBC has now confirmed timely receipt of the 10% deposit from Marvnation Promotions (Mr. Marvin Rodriguez).

New tentative date: October 15

Official BOXXER announcement: As a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the British Boxing Board of Control has made the decision to postpone Saturday’s event, BOXXER: LEGACY – Shields vs Marshall.

Our sincere thoughts are with His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family during this profoundly somber time.

We are working with all parties to provisionally reschedule for Saturday, 15th October, at The 02 in London.

All tickets purchased for tomorrow’s Saturday 10 September event will remain valid for the rescheduled date. All existing ticket holders will be able to attend the newly-rescheduled event with their existing tickets.

Further updates on the new date will be made at the earliest opportunity.

Report, Photos by Boxing Bob Newman

The 52nd annual NABF convention got underway today at the Paris casino and hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Business was the order of the day while pleasure took over the evening segment. At 2:30 p.m., the board of directors had a closed meeting where they discussed the growth of the organization and future plans for continued expansion. One new addition to the board of directors is former California State Athletic Commission chairperson John Carvelli.

President Duane Ford also wants to build a greater social media presence for the federation and there are several plans underway to do so. Projections are that this will be the biggest NABF convention yet. Continue reading “52nd NABF Convention Opens in Las Vegas”