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By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten Hamed-stylist WBO#13 Andy Hiraoka (21-0, 16 KOs), 140, retained his WBO Asia Pacific 140-pound belt with ease when he demolished Filipino lefty Alvin Lagumbay (13-6-1, 11 KOs), 139.75, with a solid left at 2:27 of the second session of a scheduled twelve rounder on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. In a confrontation of southpaws, the taller and more flexible Andy, 26, kept outjabbing the hard-punching but slower Alvin, 27, and finally caught up with him with a single devastating left, which had him unconscious while standing. The ref Nakamura promptly held the loser at the ropes and called a halt to save him from further punishment. Continue reading “Hiraoka blasts out Lagumbay, keeps WBO AP 140lb belt”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

On the undercard of the WBO AP 140-pound title bout, talented 115-rounders made a very competitive collision to a split draw (77-75, 75-77, 76-76) over eight on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. Unbeaten ex-amateur bright prospect Kantaro Juri (4-0-1, 2 KOs), 114.5, was surprisingly held to a draw with WBO AP#14 junior bantam Danrick Sumabong (12-2-1, 9 KOs), 114, over a give-and-take eight. It was a see-saw affair with taller southpaw Juri occasionally connecting with solid lefts, while Sumabong landing sharp right counters to the Japanese rival. Juri recently upset formerly two-time world challenger Masayuki Kuroda (retired afterward) in his just fourth pro bout this January and aimed to take the Filipino’s WBO AP rating in this opportunity. They may exchange gloves in the near future. Continue reading “Juri, Sumabong fight to split draw”

Gennadiy Golovkin arrived first and did a short interview. Then he hung around until Canelo Alvarez arrived and they did a pretty intense 20-second face-off.  No smiles. No handshakes. Golovkin then left and Alvarez did a quick interview.

Gennadiy Golovkin

On fighting at 168:
“It feels the same. Maybe one or two more dinners…more burgers, more tacos.”

On what a win would mean:
“This is not only for me, this is for the sport. I want to bring back boxing’s position. I want a clean sport.”

Canelo Alvarez

On fighting Golovkin for a third time:
“I’m always 100% focused on whatever fight I go into. That’s where I have my head. To be 100% focused on this fight.”

On what a win would mean:
“It’s really important for me, this type of fight, for my legacy and for all these people that are here. I’m really hoping I can put on a good show for the people.”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBO super welterweight champion Sam Eggington (32-7, 18 KOs) will defend his belt against former three-time world title challenger Dennis Hogan (30-4-1, 7 KOs) on October 8 at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, televised on Foxtel Main Event and Kayo Sports.

Eggington claimed the IBO strap against Przemyslaw Zysk in June, and his all-action style makes him a fan favorite on the UK boxing circuit. Hogan is coming off a ten round decision victory against Wade Ryan in March. In 2021, Hogan was stopped by WBO #1 154 pounder Tim Tszyu in five rounds, and in 2019 he dropped back-to-back world title bouts against Jaime Munguia and Jermall Charlo respectively.

Unbeaten WBA #6 middleweight Austin “Ammo” Williams (11-0, 9 KOs) has his career back on track after he took time out from the sport in April 2021 to concentrate on his mental health. The 26-year-old says he’s now in a great frame of mind in and out of the ring and plans to show it against Kieron Conway (18-2-1, 4 KOs) on Saturday’s Canelo-GGG card in Las Vegas.

Williams stated, “Eddie [Hearn] signed me as a young kid, I was just 22, and they introduced me to the world. Everyone has seen my maturation into a man, and the team understands that you sign kids, and you are watching them grow. You learn every day and you learn what you go through and become a man from it. Continue reading “Ammo Williams reveals mental health battle”

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin face off after making their “Grand Arrivals” for their trilogy fight on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo is about a 5:1 favorite.

The final two fights have been announced for the four-fight FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event headlined by the return of former WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder against Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius on Saturday, October 15 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The telecast will include undefeated heavyweight Frank Sanchez (20-0, 13 KOs) against Carlos Negron (25-3, 20 KOs) in a 10-rounder, while bantamweight contenders Gary Antonio Russell (19-0, 12 KOs) and former IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez (20-2, 13 KOs) meet in a 12-round rematch. Continue reading “Wilder-Helenius PPV undercard set”

Philadelphia heavyweight Joey Dawejko is planning a quick ring return. Coming on the heels of a fourth-round knockout in his Parx Casino debut on September 1, Dawejko (22-10-4, 13 KOs) is set to enter the ring in an eight-round bout against Terrell Jamal Woods (28-53-9, 20 KOs) of Forrest City, AR at Parx Casino on Friday, October 7. While Woods’ ledger isn’t impressive, he’s pulled off some upsets. Last year, he topped previously unbeaten JD Chapman and had a draw with former contender Aleksandr Ustinov. Parx Casino is located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles from downtown Philadelphia.

A torn bicep suffered in sparring has ruled Leigh Wood (25-2-2, 5 KOs) out of his WBA featherweight world title defense against Mauricio Lara at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on September 24. The show will go ahead with lightweight Maxi Hughes defending his IBO title against former IBF featherweight champion Kid Galahad (28-2, 17 KOs) live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

Galahad will be looking to return to winning ways up at lightweight after suffering a shock knockout loss to Kiko Martinez in what was supposed to be a routine maiden defense of his IBF title last November.

Unbeaten junior middleweight “King” Callum Walsh, (4-0, 3 KOs), of Cork, Ireland, will face Brooklyn, N.Y. native Delen “The Sniper” Parsley (13-1, 4 KOs) in the eight-round main event on November 3 at The Quiet Cannon/ Montebello Country Club in Los Angeles.

The 21-year-old Walsh will be headlining his fourth straight “Hollywood Fight Nights” card at the venue in front of an expected star-studded sell-out crowd, which will also be streamed on UFC Fightpass. This will be Parsley’s second fight after a seven-year layoff.

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua’s management company, 258 Management, has announced via Twitter that Joshua has agreed to face WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on December 3 at the 78,000-seat Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

258MGT tweeted:

Joshua-Fury update:

258 and Matchroom Boxing can confirm, on behalf of Anthony Joshua that we accepted all terms presented to us by Fury’s team [last Friday] for a fight December 3rd. Due to the Queen’s passing, it was agreed to halt all communication. We are awaiting a response.

Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren immediately responded.

Contract will be with you very soon 🥊

Following the abrupt postponement of the Shields-Marshall boxing extravaganza in London and other sporting action all over the UK last weekend due to the Queen’s passing, it looks like sports are back this weekend.

There are two notable UK-based boxing telecasts scheduled:

FRIDAY
BT Sport has a boxing card from London’s famed York Hall headlined by British middleweight champion Denzel Bentley (16-1-1, 13 KOs) defending against Marcus Morrison (24-5, 16 KOs).

SATURDAY
Channel 5 presents formerly WBO #1 light heavyweight Lyndon Arthur (19-1, 13 KOs) against Walter Gabriel Sequeira (25-9-1, 17 KOs) at the University of Bolton Stadium. This is Arthur’s first fight since his brutal KO loss to Anthony Yarde last December. Also, heavyweight Nathan Gorman (19-1, 13 KOs) is slated to face TBA on the card.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

WBO #10, IBF #13 heavyweight Demsey McKean (21-0, 13 KOs) will clash with German Patrick Korte (18-1-1, 15 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental title on October 15 at the South Bank Plaza, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. McKean scored an eight round decision in his last ring outing over Ariel Estaban Bracamonte at the 02 Arena in London on February 27.

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.