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Unbeaten super welterweight Nikita Tszyu (10-0, 8 KOs) stopped Koen Mazoudier (12-4-1, 5 KOs) in round nine on Wednesday night at the ICC Sydney Theatre in Sydney, NSW, Australia. Tszyu broke open a competitive fight to get a referee’s stoppage at 2:05 of round nine after a barrage of punches. With the win, Tszyu claimed the vacant IBF Australasian and WBO Inter-Continental belts.

Tszyu is the son of ring legend Kostya Tzsyu and brother of former WBO 154lb champion Tim Tszyu.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

In the main event of a regional title tripleheader, WBC#15 Kazuki Nakajima (16-2-1, 13 KOs), 122, successfully kept his OPBF (Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation) super bantam belt when he caught up with former world challenger Shingo Wake (31-9-2, 22 KOs), 121.5, and finished him for the count at 2:11 of the second round in a scheduled twelve on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. Nakajima once had the WBO AP belt, but was dethroned by TJ Doheny (who will have an ambitious shot at Naoya Inoue’s unified 122-pound belts a week later) via TKO route in June last year. The hard-punching southpaw Nakajima, 31, then acquired the vacant OPBF belt, and this was his first defense since. Veteran southpaw Wake, 37, also had a bitter experience in his failure to win the IBF belt with his eleventh-round TKO by defending champ Yonatan Guzman in 2016. In this fight Nakajima proved more energetic and powerful for the fading Wake, who badly hit the deck to be counted by the referee Nakamura. Continue reading “WBC#15 Nakajima finishes Wake, keeps OPBF 122lb belt”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Japanese super feather champ Tsubasa Narai (14-2, 10 KOs), 129.75, barely kept his national belt by eking out a close but unanimous nod (96-94 twice, 97-93) over JBC#1 Kanta Fukui (12-6-1, 8 KOs), 129.75, over a hairline ten on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. The taller Fukui, a late bloomer, fought well in the first half, utilizing solid right crosses over the champ Narai’s leading lefts. The hard-punching champ, however, maintained the pressure, if not sufficient punches, in the second half to be given a very close decision. Either should have scored with cleaner and more effective shots to the rival to make it a clear contest. Continue reading “Narai barely keeps Japanese 130lb belt”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Japan-based Ugandan ex-Olympian David Ssemujju (6-1, 4 KOs), 145, acquired the vacant Japanese welterweight belt as he battered and bloodied JBC#1 Aso Ishiwaki (13-8-1, 9 KOs), 147, so lopsidedly that he was declared a TKO winner at 1:55 of the seventh round in a scheduled ten on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. David, 31, was much faster and more skillful than the game but limited Japanese, steadily piling up a point in every round. As the Ugandan accelerated his attack and badly hurt him, the ref Fukuchi didn’t bother to call a well-timed halt. It was the first of a regional title tripleheader.

Promoter: Ohashi Promotions.

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Former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant and unbeaten contender Trevor McCumby were among the fighters who took part in a media workout in Las Vegas on Tuesday to preview their September 14 clash on a PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video and DAZN from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo-Berlanga is the main event.

Caleb Plant: “I’m ready to show the fans what a good old-fashioned ass-whooping looks like. His ‘0’ has got to go. It’s out of here…this is McCumby’s opportunity. Up until now, he’s been a 30-year-old prospect. He’s waited a long time to step up into a big fight and I think it’s because he doesn’t believe in his skills. He can talk all the talk he wants, but actions speak louder than words. For him to choose me as his first step-up fight, I take that personally.”

Trevor McCumby: “I’m not worried about anything Caleb says. I treat every fight the same and train very hard every time. I’m preparing to face the best Caleb Plant…I stay grounded and focused on my goal, that’s the most important thing. I’ve been boxing since I was seven years old and I’ve been on really big stages before. I’m prepared for this moment…I’m coming to show that I have skills as well. This is my coming out fight. The world is going to see who I am. I’m coming into that ring with tenacity.”

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

In the many years that I have had the great honor of writing my weekly column, last week was the only time that I couldn’t. Precisely a week ago, the most wonderful woman in the world left us, my Dear and Beloved Mother Martha Saldívar Sulaimán has gone into the path of no return.

There is no age, time or way to die, only those who have already lost their Mother will be able to understand.

A month ago, my Mother played poker with her friends, her greatest pleasure, and everything was normal, after some discomfort that we thought was a matter of changing medications, we took her for tests, and in just 30 minutes our life changed, they told us that the problem was a large and aggressive tumor in the brain.

God is infinite and compassionate. Dona Martha left us in just three weeks. She did not suffer and was surrounded at all times by her six children and 14 grandchildren. Continue reading “Don José, Doña Martha are now together”

Mexican welterweight Julio Luna faces countryman Oliver Quintana in the 10-round main event this Saturday, August 31, at Sala Urbana in Naucalpan, Mexico. Luna-Quintana and additional undercard action will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Luna (22-1-2, 12 KOs) overcame two early-career draws with a 10-fight winning streak, setting the stage for his U.S. debut against eventual interim title challenger Giovani Santillan in August 2022. The 26-year-old lost in a spirited effort but rebounded swiftly with a trio of victories, including a points triumph over Mexican knockout artist Omar Aguilar. Quintana (21-2, 16 KOs) enters this contest following three wins via the fast route.

Wins mandatory right against Angelo Leo

By Joe Koizumi
Photo by Boxing Beat Magazine

Formerly two-division champ IBF #3 feather Tomoki Kameda (42-4, 23 KOs), 125.75, eked out a split decision (114-113, 116-111, 113-114) over #2 Lerato Dlamini (20-3, 11 KOs), 125.25, from South Africa in a twelve round eliminator to win the mandatory right to challenge newly crowned IBF 126-pound ruler Angelo Leo on Saturday in Osaka, Japan.

Having dropped an a split nod to Dlamini in their first encounter here last October, Tomoki, 33, this time changed his style to be much more aggressive all the way, decking his grudge rival with a fusillade of punches midway in round five. Dlamini, 30, kept moving and countering with a fewer but well-timed uppercuts against the onrushing Japanese. This time Tomoki looked like a winner since he kept stalking Dlamini with busier combination from the outset and scored an impressive knockdown.

Ex-WBC minimum champ Yudai Shigeoka, 106.75, won a unanimous decision (97-93 twice, 96-94) over WBO#11 Samuel Salva, 106.5, over ten. Yudai had the upper hand over the less aggressive Filipino, though he couldn’t score a knockdown.

WBO#11 Kenbun Torres (14-5, 10 KOs), 115.75, Mexico, upset WBO#1 junior bantam Filipino KJ Cataraja (17-1, 13 KOs), 115, winning a split decision (96-93 twice, 94-95) over a close ten. Having upset then WBO #1 bantam Reymart Gaballo in the first round in the Philippines this May, the Mexican son of ex-world champ German Torres, 36, seemed to have a big resurgence in his turbulent career of having been in jail twice in eleven years in total.

Promoter: Kameda Promotions.

Unbeaten WBO #1, WBC #4, IBF #4, WBA #13 super middleweight Diego Pacheco (21-0, 17 KOs) is intent on making a statement by becoming the first man to knock out Maciej Sulecki (32-2, 12 KOs) when he takes on the rugged Pole at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Los Angeles on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.

“Maciej is a veteran, he’s been in some tough fights, and he’s fought good champions,” said Pacheco. “I’m just looking forward to adding him to my resume. He’s another guy that’s looking to take this away from me, but I’ve put the work in, I have God on my side, and that’s all that matters. With the work, the talent and support that I have, there’s nothing that can stop me. Continue reading “Pacheco: I can get Sulecki out of there”

47-year-old ring legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. made his Mexico City debut in an exhibition on Saturday night at the iconic Arena Ciudad de México. The affair was a rematch of a June 2023 exhibition between Mayweather and MMA fighter John Gotti III. Mayweather schooled Gotti over the eight two-minute rounds. In round two, the referee warned Floyd for hitting behind the head was promptly replaced by another ref.

WBC #1 super bantamweight and silver beltholder Alan David Picasso (29-0-1, 16 KOs) hammered out a twelve round unanimous decision over Azat “Crazy A” Hovhanisyan (21-5, 17 KOs). Good two-way action with local favorite Picasso winning 118-110, 118-110, 120-108.

Former WBC welterweight champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (33-7-3, 25 KOs) returned from a two-year layoff to go eight two-minute rounds against Rodrigo Damián Coria (13-6, 2 KOs) in an exhibition match.

18-year-old lightweight prospect Curmel Traymayne Moton (5-0, 4 KOs) needed just 55 seconds to annihilate Victor Vazquez (5-3-1) in the first round.

Report/Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

As always, the awards banquet is the highlight of every convention, especially the NABF. This year was no exception as the delicious dinner, several awards, along with raffle prizes and one very special recognition exceeded the expectations of everyone.

The special award came at the outset of the evening surprising almost everyone on hand. Since WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman could not attend due to the passing of his mother last week, he designated Duane Ford and the NABF to bestow an honorary WBC championship belt to a legendary fighter from the ’70s and ’80s who challenged for a world title five times, falling just short each time: Alvaro “Yaqui” Lopez. Challenging for the light heavyweight title four times and the cruiserweight title once, Lopez took on the best in two divisions over a twelve year, 76 fight career. His 1980 WBC light heavyweight title challenge of Matthew Saad Muhammad won both round of the year and fight of the year. Continue reading “NABF 54th Annual Awards Banquet”

Report/Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

NABF VP Joanna Aguilar explained the lack of an election this year due to a resolution passed during the COVID pandemic in which two years were essentially lost, save some fights “in the bubble.”

President Duane Ford then took the mic in a move, as he said, “To be totally transparent.” “I’m slowing down. While this has been the greatest experience of my life, it will be my last convention as president. I’ll likely be out by the first of the year.” This announcement was met with a thunderous, respectful standing ovation.

Judge David Sutherland delivered the judges seminar at the outset of the morning session. Continue reading “NABF 54th Convention Final Day”

Kris Lawrence (Heavyweight Factory Promotions) presented pro boxing Friday night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Hollywood, Florida. The main event saw unbeaten former amateur stand-out and unbeaten super featherweight prospect Yosdiel Napoles (6-0, 5 KOs) of Cuba beat previously unbeaten compatriot Frank Zaldivar (5-1, 3 KOs) by 10 round unanimous decision. Napoles dropped Zaldivar three times in route to retaining his WBC silver international title and won the WBA Continental america gold title. Continue reading “Napoles, Bonilla twins win at Hard Rock”

Former IBO super lightweight world champion and former IBF world title challenger Jermias Ponce (32-1, 21 KOs) of Argentina decisioned countryman Alexis Nahuel Torres (12-8-1, 6 KOs) on Friday night at the Club Social y Deportivo El Porvenir, Quilmes, Argentina. Ponce dropped the tricky southpaw Torres in round one but Torres was game and fought to the end. The official scores were 98-91 twice and 99-90. Ponce fought valiantly last year in his world title fight loss to then-world champion Subriel Matias.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

In just eighty-nine seconds a trick happened. In quest of the vacant WBO Asia Pacific 130-pound belt Kai Watanabe (13-1-1, 7 KOs), 130, scored a shocking stoppage of previously unbeaten Toshihiro Suzuki (5-1, 4 KOs; amateur mark 82-22), 130, at 1:29 of the opening session in a scheduled twelve on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan. Toshihiro, the younger brother of former OPBF lightweight champ Masahiro Suzuki (10-2-1, 7 KOs), maintained the pressure from the start, but Watanabe furiously fought back by throwing a fusillade of non-punches. As he stopped punching, Suzuki began his retaliation, when the taller and younger Watanabe landed a vicious countering left hook to the face. Down he went with his back to the canvas. The ref didn’t bother counting over the completely flattened loser, who was carried out of the ring on a stretcher.

Promoter: Shisei Promtions.

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By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions on Thursday announced seven world title bouts to take place in a couple of days at the same Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, as follows:

October 13, Sunday

WBA 118lb title bout
Takuma Inoue vs. Seiya Tsutsumi

WBC 112lb title bout for the vacant belt
Kenshiro Teraji vs. Cristofer Rosales

WBA 112lb title bout
Seigo Yuri Akui vs. Thananchai Charunphak

WBO 108lb title bout for the vacant belt
Shokichi Ishida vs. Jairo Noriega

October 14, Monday

WBC 118lb title bout
Junto Nakatani vs. Tasana Salapat

WBO 115lb title bout
Kosei Tanaka vs. Phumelele Cafu

WBO 112lb title bout
Anthony Olascuaga vs. Jonathan Gonzalez

WBO Asia Pacific 118lb title bout for the vacant belt
Tenshin Nasukawa vs. Gerwin Asilo

TV: Amazon Prime Video in Japan; ESPN+ in US

Is it possible to stage no less than seven world title goes in just two days under recession? Yes, Teiken can.

Photos

Report/Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

Opening the meeting, Texas Commissioner Greg Alvarez gave the official welcome speech to the convention delegation.

NABF vice president Joanna Aguilar then called for the sounding of the bell for a ten count mourning the losses of Martha Sulaiman and Joe Mason of the Colorado commission, this year.

NABF president Duane Ford then greeted the delegates with praise- “You all make the NABF. Without you all, there is no NABF.”

Ford specifically cited ring officials as the protectors of the sport of boxing.

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“Ring officials need to participate in teamwork with each other. Support your teammates.” Ford stressed the code of ethics and looked at it as a “code of honor.” Ford had been referred to as a “barnacle” by an associate many years ago. The reference was to how barnacles protect whales in the ocean. Ford compared whales to boxing and the ring officials as barnacles, thus protecting boxing.

A video message from NABF vice president and WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman was played, wishing the NABF a very successful convention and gave praise to President Ford.

Former Nevada State Athletic Commission director Mark Ratner addressed the convention. Ratner gave a synopsis of his own history in the sport starting with attending the Liston-Patterson fight as a young fan.

Ratner reviewed some of the controversies which occurred during his tenure. The first was during Holyfield-Bowe #2 and the “fan man” debacle.

The round was scored after it resumed, once the “fan man” was removed, some 20+ minutes later. It ended up being scored 10-9 Bowe, 10-9 Holyfield and 10-10. Had the judge who scored it a draw, scored in favor of Bowe, the fight would have ended up a draw and Bowe would have retained the title, thus, altering boxing history.

Holyfield -Tyson #2, the infamous bite fight, was up next. Referee Mills Lane told Ratner he wanted to immediately disqualify Tyson. Ratner asked Lane if he was sure, giving Lane pause and then allowing the fight to resume. At that time Tyson committed another foul and bit Holyfield again, forcing the DQ by Lane.

The last incident was the Mayweather-Judah fight where a low blow by Judah resulted in a melee near the end of the 10th round. Both corners, advisors and Las Vegas police filled the ring in a scrum that took several minutes to clear.

Judge Steve Morrow was up next, giving a fascinating talk on his first intro boxing, first as a writer for the now defunct Boxing Update & Flash, then as a boxing judge. A former police officer, Morrow balanced his job of what would be 30+ years, with boxing, often at the cost of family time. “Perspective” was the theme of Morrow’s talk. As time went on, health issues would arise, and a lack of assignments would come his way. Throughout it all, Morrow had to keep perspective.

His advice on keeping perspective:
Family first, be the best ring official not working, and something he was told when first entering boxing- Outlive the bastards!

Ford called an audible and asked Canadian judge Joel Scobie up to the microphone. Scobie gave a brief synopsis of his entry into judging and refereeing in professional boxing.

Ray Corona also chronicled his path from prison to the ring as a top California referee. Faith and persistence was Corona’s guiding light back to solid standing with the CSAC.

Esther Lopez shared her journey through the gauntlet that is being a boxing judge.
At one point early in her career, Lopez had to judge her son! Fortunately, he scored a second round knockout and she avoided any potential scrutiny.

Oscar Cantu talked about his transition from rising contender and a participant in boxing for 23 years, to stepping outside the ring after suffering a brain aneurysm in 2000.

Barry Lindenman- statistician and boxing judge, reviewed the WBC remote scoring app and the statistical summary gathered every month, including whether the judges who used the app are purely judges, refs and judges, scoring variances of all participating judges, scoring accuracy by country (Canada narrowly leads the USA among the NABF countries). Lindenman cited author Malcolm Gladwell who opined that one must practice 10,000 hours in order to rise to the peak of proficiency in any endeavor.

NABF featherweight champ Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington accepted his Champion of the Year award. Carrington heads back to Las Vegas to continue training for his September 27 fight against Sulaiman Segawa at MSG.

The afternoon session was compromised of the round table sessions in which a veritable cornucopia of topics were discussed within the 20 person groups that were assembled. Social media, pre fight preparation for ring officials, mental health repair after a tough assignment, getting more assignments, were the topics.

At the end of the round table session, Duane Ford and Andy Foster opined with advice on each of the topics.

By Damon Gonzalez / LatinBox Communications

Ryan Maine 154.4 vs. Omar Rosales 154.8
(NBA Americas super welterweight title)

Julio Rosa 140.6 vs. Bryan Rodriguez 142.2
Kevin Nunez 124.6 vs. Sirdarious Smith 122.8
Israel Torres 132 vs. Bacillo Monterroso 131.2
Angel Hernandez 137.8 vs. Christopher Wingate 139.6
Amire Lewis 197.2 vs. Stephen Kirnon 158.8
Daniel Ramirez 169.8 vs. Carlos Cruz 174

Date: Saturday August 24
Venue: Wyndham Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida.
Promoter: Gonzalo Sapia – Boxlite Promotions

By Boxing Bob Newman

The NABF’s 54th annual convention has landed in San Antonio, Texas at the Grand Hyatt Riverwalk hotel.

A closed meeting of the executive board took place this afternoon with one topic as hot as the 105° temperature outside: that being the gender issue, specifically in female boxing, which practically overshadowed all other boxing news in this year’s Olympics in Paris.

A committee was convened to take a hard look at what the NABF’s approach should be regarding this situation. Much like the issue of PED’s in the sport and testing to detect them, gender confirmation will be a touchstone for some time to come and the NABF wants to lead the way in getting a handle on this issue. Continue reading “NABF 54th Annual Convention Opening Day”

Eddie Hearn and Matchroom has announced the signing of WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs). It was also confirmed that Stevenson will defend his belt against former IBF 130lb champ Joe Cordina on October 12 in the upcoming Riyadh Season spectacle in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Stevenson-Cordina will be featured on the undercard of the big Beterbiev-Bivol clash for the undisputed light heavyweight championship.

“I am ready to start this next chapter of my career and it begins on October 12 with Joe Cordina on the stacked Riyadh Season card in Saudi Arabia,” said Stevenson. Continue reading “Matchroom inks Shakur Stevenson”

Undefeated ring legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. and John Gotti III faced off at the final press conference for their PPV clash in Mexico City.

Floyd Mayweather Jr: “I want to say thank you to my team and the Gottis. Let’s go out there and put on a show. One thing about me is that I’ve heard it all. I’ve been around the world and competed against the best. When you talk about the Olympics, I’ve competed against the best. Whether it was the world champion in the Olympics or professionally. The pedigree of Mexico boxing is truly unbelievable. You talk about the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez; my uncle Roger Mayweather fought him twice. He came up short, but he fought him twice. It is always about competing and going up against the best. So, Saturday it is what it is. I’ve already faced the best.”

John Gotti III: “Floyd honored his word and gave me the rematch. He didn’t have to. He could have moved on and did his thing and I appreciate that. We’re gonna put on a good show. We’re gonna fight. It’s gonna be exciting…I know what to expect. I’ve felt Floyd’s punches, I’ve seen him move. He’s still got it at 47-years-old and mentally, for a year, I’ve been preparing for that style. We have to get in the trenches here and fight. There is no other way. If he has to get knocked out. If I have to get knocked out, so be it. It has to happen. Whatever is gonna happen is gonna happen.”

In a middleweight clash between former unified super welterweight champions, “Swift” Jarrett Hurd (25-3-1, 17 KOs) and Jeison “Banana” Rosario (24-4-2, 18 KOs) battled to a ten round draw on Wednesday night at the ProBox Event Center in Plant City, Florida. Close rounds with both having their moments. Scores were 96-94 Hurd, 96-94 Rosario, 95-95.

By Damon Gonzalez / LatinBox Communications

Jarrett Hurd 162.4 vs. Jeison Rosario 164
Ivan Dychko 236 vs. Craig Lewis 263.8
Dominic Valle 130.6 vs. Kevin Piedrahita 131
Michael Angeletti 117.8 vs. Geraldo Valdez 117
Tristan Gallichan 139.8 vs. Renny Viamonte Mastrapa 138

Venue: Whitesands Events Center, Plant City, Florida
Promoter: ProBox
TV: ProBox TV

Reigning WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will look to extend his three-fight KO streak when he faces off against two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia in the Canelo-Berlanga co-main event a PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video taking place Saturday, September 14 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“Danny Garcia is a great fighter, a multiple-division world champion, and like me, he’s one of the best fighters of this generation,” said Lara. “This is going to be the fight of the night. I knocked out my last three opponents, and I’m training to make it four. This is going to be a tough fight, I know that. But every fight at the championship level is tough and has its challenges. I’m preparing hard for Danny and I believe that my experience fighting at this weight will be an advantage.”

Floyd Mayweather Jr. arrived in Mexico City late last night, just before midnight, and was greeted by a vibrant group of mariachis who surprised him with traditional music. In an unexpected and heartfelt gesture, Mayweather not only stopped to listen but also joined in the celebration, dancing to the music and embracing one of the mariachis.

Before heading to his hotel, Mayweather took a moment to send a message to his Mexican fans: “I am very grateful to be here in Mexico City, a place full of history and world champions. It is an honor for me to fight in this country that has given so much to the world of boxing. See you soon in the ring.”

Mayweather exhibition rematch with John Gotti III, the grandson of notorious mob boss John Gotti, will take place on Saturday at Arena CDMX with a worldwide PPV audience.