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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”

Ring legend Oscar De La Hoya presented a $1 million dollar check to Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital today during a special event hosted by Chavelyta’s Pink Hood. The “Pamper Me” day treated people who have recently been diagnosed, completed treatment, or have lost a loved one to cancer.

The donation, spread out over the next decade, will allow for a significant expansion of breast cancer services for the Boyle Heights community. De La Hoya is a longtime donor to the hospital, where several departments are named in his honor, including the Cecilia Gonzalez De La Hoya Cancer Center, the Oscar De La Hoya Labor & Delivery Center and the Oscar De La Hoya Neonatal Intensive Care Center.

WBO light flyweight champion Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez is in Tokyo, Japan to make his second title defense against #2 ranked challenger Sokichi Iwata on November 1. The show also features a WBA/WBC Unification fight as Hiroto Kyoguchi faces Kenshiro Teraji in the main event.

“We feel great going into this match with Iwata. Our training camp has been 100% here in Puerto Rico and we are confident of a victory,” stated Gonzalez. “I feel no pressure going overseas to defend my title, it just motivates me more to bring the title back home with me.”

Traveling to Tokyo with Gonzalez is head trainer Luis Espada along with strength & conditioning coach Victor Martinez, assistant trainer and father Luis Gonzalez and promoter Tuto Zabala Jr of All Star Boxing. Continue reading “Bomba Gonzalez ready for Iwata”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

With the help of three American sparring partners, WBO #1 Tim Tszyu (21-0, 15 KOs) is pulling out all the stops to defeat undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo (35-1, 19 KOs) on January 28 in Las Vegas. Hand-picked by Team Tszyu are IBF #4, WBC #5 super welterweight Charles “Bad News” Conwell (17-0, 13 KOs), middleweight D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (21-1-1, 13 KOs), and 19-year-old amateur star Quincy Williams, the 2022 National Golden Gloves champion.

By Ron Jackson

Promising South African junior bantamweight champion Landile Ngxeke (9-1-1, 4 KOs) lost his unbeaten record when he was smashed to defeat in the second round by Filipino Jayr Raquinel (13-2-1, 10 KOs) in a clash for the vacant WBO Intercontinental junior bantamweight title at the International Convention Centre in East London on Sunday afternoon.

There is was little in it in the first round but the southpaw Raquinel (52.15kg) scored with a good uppercut to possibly shade the round.

Raquinel, 25, came out fast at the bell for round two and pressed the action before scoring with a big left hook that sent the South African flat on his back in the corner. He manged to beat the count as the referee Lulama Mtya gave him plenty of time to recover.

However, the 27-year-old Ngxaka (51.60kg) was in no condition continue and the fight was waved off at 1 minute 41 seconds into the round. Continue reading “South African champion loses in two rounds”

In a bout reduced from ten to eight rounds, 38-year-old heavyweight Robert Simms (12-3-1, 3 KOs) ended the unbeaten run of Kenzie Morrison (20-1-2, 18 KOs), son of former heavyweight champion Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, in a “Sons of Legends” card on Saturday night at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas.

Simms, appearing to be quite overweight, showed good defense, a good jab and a great chin. Morrison landed his share of shots, but Sims’ skills largely frustrated him. Scores were 78-74 3x. Sims claimed the USNBC belt.

Debuting 19-year-old super welterweight Steve Cunningham Jr. bumrushed fellow debutant Andre Scott, 33, and got him out of there in 16 seconds.

Featherweight Jose Luis Castillo Jr. (25-3, 19 KOs) destroyed James Roach (6-6, 5 KOs) in the first round. Castillo dropped Roach twice. Time was 2:11. Impressive demolition by Castillo who showed a lot of charisma in his postfight interview.

Welterweight Jake Robinson (6-2-1, 3 KOs) scored a six round unanimous decision over Alcibiade “Roberto Duran Jr” Duran (9-3, 7 KOs). Robinson built up an insurmountable lead, then nearly got knocked out by Duran in the final round. Scores were 59-55, 59-55, 60-54.

Light heavyweight Yavontae Christopher (3-0, 2 KOs) took the fight to previously unbeaten Gerald McClellan Jr. (2-1, 1 KO) and won a four round 40-36, 39-37, 40-36 unanimous decision.

In all, three of the five sons were defeated.

WBA #12 featherweight Mauricio Lara (25-2-1, 18 KOs) scored a third round knockout over 40-year-old veteran Jose Sanmartin (33-6-1, 21 KOs) to stay in the featherweight title picture on Saturday night at the Plaza de Toros in Mexico City. Lara dropped the 40-year-old Sanmartin twice in round three. Rime was 1:36.

WBO #4 lightweight Angel Fierro (20-1-2, 16 KOs) scored a seventh round TKO over Jeremy Cuevas (14-2, 10 KOs) in a very exciting fight where both fighters landed big shots, The referee finally waved it off with Fiero landing bomb after bomb. Time was :53.

Super lightweight Reshat “The Albanian Bear” Mati (13-0, 7 KOs) outscored Eduardo Leonel Rodriguez (10-3-1, 5 KOs) over ten rounds. Scores were 97-93 3x.

Super featherweight Alberto Mora (4-0, 3 KOs), a former amateur star, outpointed Diego Andrade (14-8-2, 1 KO) over eight rounds. Mora dropped Andrade in round eight en route to a 80-71, 79-72, 78-73 verdict.