Fightnews.com

WBC #13 cruiserweight and fomer world title challenger Ryan Rozicki (15-1, 14 KOs) will face unbeaten Mohammed Bekdash (22-0, 19 KOs) of Germany. The pair will square off on December 2 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. Fireworks are anticipated as they have a combined 33 knockouts in their 38 career bouts. The event will be promoted by Dan Otter (Three Lions Promotions) who stated that proceeds from the show will be donated to the Red Cross who is assisting the province of Nova Scotia to deal with hurricane Fiona. Continue reading “Rozicki-Bekdash collide Dec 2 in Nova Scotia”

Big-time boxing is back with a vengeance this weekend. 6’6 all-action super welterweight Sebastian Fundora sees action, plus the sons of Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn carry on the family rivalry for another generation.

FRIDAY
ProBox TV returns with a featherweight clash between former world champion Xu Can (18-3, 3 KOs) and Brandon Benitez (18-2, 7 KOs) from the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida.

SATURDAY
Big tripleheader on Showtime, topped by all-action WBC interim super welterweight Sebastian Fundora (19-0-1, 13 KOs) and Carlos Ocampo (34-1, 22 KOs) from the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Also, middleweights Carlos Adames (21-1, 16 KOs) and Juan Macias Montiel (23-5-2, 23 KOs) clash for the WBC interim title, and IBF super flyweight champion Fernando Martinez (14-0, 8 KOs) defends against former champ Jerwin Ancajas (33-2-2, 22 KOs) in a direct rematch.

DAZN presents a “Sons of Legends” grudge match between Chris Eubank Jr. (32-2, 23 KOs) and Conor Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) at the O2 Arena in London. The bout will be contested at a 157lb catchweight with Eubank coming from middleweight and Benn coming from welterweight.

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Sad to report that legendary former bantamweight and featherweight world champion Éder Jofre passed away today at the age of 86 in São Paulo, Brazil. Jofre is considered by many to be the greatest bantamweight boxer in history. He had a professional record of 75-2-4 with 55 KOs, both his losses were close decisions against Fighting Harada. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992. R.I.P.

The welterweight super fight between WBO champion Terence Crawford and WBC/WBA/IBF champion Errol Spence, originally slated for November 19, may be pushed back. The fighters agreed to terms, but the two sides are still haggling over other issues.

* * *

Looks like the clash for the vacant WBC super lightweight title between Regis “Rougarou” Prograis and Jose “Chon” Zepeda is on for November 26 in Los Ángeles, California.

* * *

DAZN has the rubber match between super flyweights Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez in the pipeline for December 3 at a site to be named.

* * *

The WBA Championships Committee has ruled that current regular featherweight champion Leigh Wood will be granted no further extensions and must face super champion Leo Santa Cruz in his next fight as part of the WBA world title reduction plan.

The WBA had approved a joint permit requested by Matchroom Boxing and TGB Promotions to allow Wood to make an optional defense against Mauricio Lara, and Santa Cruz to fight Rey Vargas in a unification fight. However, Wood pulled out of the Lara fight with a torn bicep and Santa Cruz-Vargas seems to have fallen apart as well. So when when Wood recovers, he must next face Santa Cruz.

* * *

The WBA Championships Committee also ordered a clash between WBA minimumweight super champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong and regular champion Erick Rosa. They have 30 days to reach a deal or a purse bid will be called. The winner will be the sole WBA minimumweight champion.

Former two-division world champion and current WBC #1 super bantamweight Luis “Pantera” Nery (33-1, 25 KOs) overpowered and stopped David “Severo” Carmona (22-11-5, 9 KOs) in three punishing rounds on Saturday night at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Nery dropped Carmona once in round two, and twice in round three to end it. Carmona, a three-time world title challenger who has now lost eight of his last ten, came in as a late sub.

In the co-feature, 42-year-old female ring legend “La Princesa Azteca” Jackie Nava (40-4-4, 16 KOs) ended her illustrious career with a ten round unanimous decision over Gloria Elena Yancaqueo (10-12-3, 3 KOs) in a super bantamweight bout. Scores were 98-92, 97-93, 97-93.

In other action, junior middleweight Jorge “Chino” García (24-3, 20 KOs) was victorious when Jorge “Maromerito” Páez (42-15-2, 25 KOs) didn’t come out for the fourth round and junior welterweight Carlos “Tiburón” Sánchez (23-1, 19 KOs) knocked out Elvis Torres (20-3-2, 11 KOs) in the seventh round.

Cruiserweight Joel Shojgreen (14-3, 13 KOs) scored a first round TKO over Lyubomyr Pinchuk (14-4-1, 8 KOs) on Saturday night in the main event of Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights 43” at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York. Shojgreen dropped Pinchuk with a right hand in round one. Pinchuk rose at the count but was hobbled by an injury to his right knee which seemed to buckle and land awkwardly when he fell. Shojgreen went into attack mode, but with Pinchuk both buzzed from the knockdown and unable to put pressure on his leg, referee Al Lobianco stopped the action. Time was 2:48.

In other action, John Gotti III, grandson of mob boss John Gotti, won his pro boxing debut by four round unanimous decision over Albert Tulley (0-2), Scores were 40-36 3x.

Bantamweight Christian Carto (20-1, 13 KOs) outscored Hector Andres Sosa (14-2, 8 KOs) over eight workmanlike rounds in the main event on Saturday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Scores were 78-73, 77-72, 79-72.

In a clash of undefeated light heavyweights, Atif Oberlton (7-0, 6 KOs) destroyed Christian Thomas (11-1, 9 KOs) in two rounds. The 6’3 Oberlton battered Thomas to the deck to end it. Time was 2:24. All of Thomas’ previous fights were in Tijuana.

Junior welterweight Kenny Robles (10-2, 4 KOs) was a TKO victor when Jerome Conquest (11-8, 1 KO) couldn’t continue after round four due to a leg injury.

In a clash between unbeaten welterweight KO artists, Roberto Gomez (5-0, 5 KOs) brutally knocked out hometown favorite Quadir Albright (6-1, 6 KOs) in round five. Gomez laid out Albright face first with a big right hand at 1:59. Best fight of the night and a big upset.

Former cruiserweight world title challenger Junior “Hurricane” Wright (19-4-1, 16 KOs), now competing at heavyweight, knocked out Colby Madison (10-4-2, 6 KOs) in round three. A big right hand put Madison down and out. Time was :27. Continue reading “Results from Philadelphia”

Unbeaten welterweight prospect Panagiotis Tsochataridis (9-0-1, 5 KOs) of Greece kept his 0 intact by unanimous decision over local veteran Milan Delic (13-35, 5 KOs) of Serbia.

Tsochataridis showed superb physical condition and endurance in his first eight round bout, dropping the durable Delic en route to the wide points victory where all three judges scored the bout 80-69 in his favor.

The event took place Saturday night in Pozarevac, Serbia.

By Joe Koizumi

Having competed with Muhammad Ali in a mixed exhibition in 1976, Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki passed away today (Saturday) here in Tokyo, Japan. Inoki, 79, was a well-known personality thanks to his versatile activities in being not only a professional wrestler but also a flamboyant politician, an up-and-down businessman or a celebrity well-known nationwide. Rest in peace.

Luis Nery 128.5 vs. David Carmona 130
Jackie Nava 121 vs. Gloria Yancaqueo 121.7
Jorge García 155 vs. Jorge Páez 154.3
Carlos Sánchez 138.7 vs. Elvis Torres 141.7
David Moreno 139.8 vs. Abimael Cruz 137.8
Ángel García 130.7 vs. Cristian Zacarías 129.2
Francisco Cantabrana 197.3 vs. Rafael Gaytán 199.5
Erik Robles 124.6 vs. José López 127.2

Venue: Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, BC, Mexico
Promotor: Zanfer
TV: TV Azteca

Christian Carto 121 vs. Hector Andres Sosa 120.8
Atif Oberlton 174.7 vs. Christian Thomas 177
Kenny Robles 141 vs. Jerome Conquest 139.4
Colby Madison 236.2 vs. Junior Wright 219.4
Kashon Hutchinson 148 vs. Rasheed Johnson 148
Quadir Albright 144.7 vs. Roberto Gomez 143.4
James Martin 153.4 vs. Alejandro Munera 149.8

Venue: 2300 Arena, Philadelphia
Promoter: King’s Promotions
1st Bell: 7:15 PM ET
Stream: Flo Combat

Unbeaten welterweight prospect Panagiotis Tsochataridis (8-0-1, 5 KOs) of Greece and local veteran Milan Delic (13-34, 4 KOs) both weighed in at 149.9 for their scheduled eight round clash on Saturday night in Pozarevac, Serbia.

Lyuombyr Pinchuk 193.6 vs. Joel Shojgreen 197.4
John Gotti III 175.8 vs. Albert Tulley 174.6
Ronny Reyes 128.8 vs. Travis Crawford 131.2
Louis Maietta 174.6 vs. Dequint Hill 174.6
Ray Cuadrado 128.8 vs. Joseph Cruz Brown 126.6

Venue: The Paramount, Huntington, NY
Promoter: Star Boxing
TV: Fite.tv ($19.99)

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Sad to report that 25-year-old super lightweight prospect Luis Quiñones passed away Friday morning after spending five days in a coma following a KO loss last Saturday against José Muñoz in a bout for the national 140lb title at the Coliseo Elías Chewgin in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia.

It was a close and competitive bout until Quiñones, who was unbeaten entering the fight, went down in the final round. He was considered one of the best prospects in Latin American boxing and today all of Colombia, including President Gustavo Petro, mourn his death.

Unbeaten 6’6 super welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has sent a clear warning to the rest of the 154-pound division as he prepares to defend his interim WBC title against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo (34-1, 22 KOs) on Showtime on October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

“Everyone in the division has to watch out,” said Fundora. “Because I’m coming. I’m definitely not overlooking this opponent, but whenever I get that title chance, I’m ready for it.”

Fundora’s stock skyrocketed after his most recent outing in April, which saw him claim the vacant Interim WBC super welterweight title by stopping Erickson Lubin after nine rounds, in a memorable bout. Continue reading “Fundora warns 154lb division”

WBC #13 cruiserweight Ryan Rozicki (15-1, 14 KOs) last fought May of this year when he edged then-unbeaten Yamil Peralta (14-1, 7 KOs) of Argentina by controversial split decisión in Rozicki’s native Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.

However, a lot has transpired since that fight. The WBC ordered an immediate rematch between the two, which Rozicki and his promoter Daniel Otter immediately agreed to. Rozicki’s name was also recently linked to a world title fight versus current WBC cruiserweight champion Ilunga Junior Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs) for the fall in the Congo. Fightnews.com® spoke with Rozicki and Otter, who addressed all of the above. Continue reading “Ryan Rozicki Update”

Two-division former world champion Luis “Pantera” Nery (30-1, 24 KOs) will now face David “Severo” Carmona (22-10-5, 9 KOs) in a ten round super featherweight clash on Saturday at the Tijuana Municipal Auditorium. The fighters faced off at Thursday’s final press conference.

Luis Nery: “It is a great pleasure and a great emotion to fight again at home, and to do it on the farewell of Jackie (Nava), who has had a great career and has already left us her great legacy. I come well prepared to face a very difficult rival like Carmona, I feel very strong, with great strength and condition, and we are going to put up a great fight.”

David Carmona: “I thank Zanfer and Nery for this opportunity, I’m sure it will be a great fight. I had a great preparation and taking on these types of challenges motivates me. I know I can win. That’s why I accepted the fight. Nery is a great fighter and it is a very special function due to the retirement of Jackie Nava, that is why we are going to give everything in the ring.”

Unbeaten super lightweight Richardson Hitchins (14-0, 6 KOs), who inked a promotional pact with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom yesterday, will fight for his first pro title when he takes on Yomar Alamo (20-1-1, 12 KOs) for the IBF North American title as the co-main event of Montana Love vs. Steve Spark  on November 12 at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, live worldwide on DAZN.

“November 12, my time to shine,” said Hitchins. “Eddie promised me big fights, big opportunities, and most importantly, activity. This is the beginning of all that, the beginning of this new journey in my career and I couldn’t be more excited.”

In other action, unbeaten featherweight Raymond Ford (12-0-1, 6 KOs) defends his WBA Continental Americas title against Sakaria Lukas (25-1-1, 17 KOs) and unbeaten super featherweight Christian Tapia (15-0, 12 KOs) takes on Thomas Mattice (19-3-1, 15 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas title.

Events DC and the Beltway Battles team today announced that it is postponing this Saturday’s Beltway Battles: Round Three event at Entertainment & Sports Arena with plans to reschedule the professional boxing series later this year on a date to be determined.

The decision was made after much consideration and out of respect for the Harrison and Hernandez families, as well as the DC boxing community and the general public. Tickets from the October 1 event will be valid at the date of the rescheduled event.

Statement: There will be a time to get back to boxing, but this is the time for mourning and remembrance. We appreciate your patience and understanding and look forward to working with Rising Star Promotions, DHH Promotions and Blue Cork Strategies to bring the public this world class boxing event. Continue reading “Washington DC Boxing Card Postponed”

Former two-time super middleweight world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell stated his clear intention to leave the ring with a victory when he takes on former super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant in a WBC super middleweight title eliminator that serves as the co-main event of a the Wilder-Helenius Pay-Per-View on Saturday, October 15 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

“I don’t care about Caleb Plant and I don’t care what he says,” said Dirrell. “If I go in there and fight up to my capabilities, I’ll come out victorious for sure. I’m doing this for myself. If you’re doing it for something other than yourself and your family, then you’re doing it wrong I think. I’m here to prove to myself that I still have it. I don’t care what people think or say. As long as I keep positivity in my circle, then I’ll be fine.” Continue reading “Dirrell: We’re just ready to fight”

This is a message to @anthonyjoshua.

My promoter Frank Warren convinced me to let Queensberry carry on negotiating with your team this week, despite me knowing that you were never going to do this fight… pic.twitter.com/XpcHOpZJzk

— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) September 29, 2022

World Boxing Association (WBA) light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has moved his training camp to Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he will defend his title next November 5 against Zurdo Ramirez. Bivol had been working in Kyrgyzstan in preparation for this confrontation with Ramirez. Now he has moved his camp to the fight site with more than a month to go to complete his training.

World flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (18-0, 4 KOs) will defend his IBF title against Felix Alvarado (38-2, 33 KOs) on November 11 at the Sheffield Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England. In the co-feature, unbeaten super bantamweight prospects Jack Bateson and Shabaz Masoud clash in a British title eliminator. Edwards will be making his third defense of the title and taking aim at a showdown with WBC super flyweight champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez.

Unbeaten super lightweight Richardson Hitchins (14-0, 6 KOs) has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom. Hitchins has cruised to 14-0 in the paid ranks since turning professional in March 2017 after representing Haiti in the 2016 Olympics. Matchroom will announce his first title fight tomorrow.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity to join the Matchroom stable,” said Hitchins. “I believe that I am the best 140-pounder in the world, and Eddie is going to give me the opportunity to prove that. There are big fights and big nights ahead for me in my career, and this is my time to shine. I plan on putting the 140lbs division on notice immediately. I want all the smoke. I’m coming for the belts.”

Popular super middleweight KO artist Serhii “El Flacco” Bohachuk (20-1, 20 KOs) will make his long-awaited return to the ring against Aaron Coley (16-4-1, 7 KOs) in a scheduled ten-round clash for the vacant WBC Continental Americas title on Thursday, November 3 at The Quiet Cannon/ Montebello Country Club and broadcast live internationally on UFC Fightpass. It will be Bohachuk’s first fight in 14 months.

Previously announced and headlining the card is unbeaten junior middleweight “King” Callum Walsh (4-0, 3 KOs), against Delen Parsley (13-1, 4 KOs) in a scheduled eight-rounder.