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By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

According to Aussie boxing commentator Ben Damon, a possible bout is in the works between WBA #14 heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller and former WBA heavyweight champion Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne. The bout is expected to take place on November 26 in London (potentially as co-main to a rumored Daniel Dubois vs. Dillian Whyte fight) if Miller is cleared to fight in the UK. Alternatively, November 13 in Abu Dhabi is in play.

Miller (25-0-1, 21 KOs) is 2-0 with 1 KO since resuming his career this year after a 3.5 year pause. Browne (31-3, 27 KOs) resurrected his career with a crushing first round KO of Junior Fa on the Haney-Kambosos undercard in June.

Undefeated Detroit-based welterweight prospect Janelson Bocachica (17-0-1, 11 KOs) is deep in preparation for his return to ShoBox: The New Generation against knockout artist Roiman Villa (24-1, 24 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight battle on September 9 from the all-new Bally’s Casino Resort Atlantic City.

Preparing to make his third consecutive ShoBox appearance, Bocachica is hard at work with trainer Nelson Figueroa at the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit. The 23-year-old says he’s looking to make a statement in this important battle.

“People say I’m just a puncher, so I want to show my skills in this fight,” said Bocachica. “This guy is a puncher himself. He wants to come forward and fight. That’s the type of fighter I want to face to show my skills. I finally have somebody to put it against. We’ve been waiting.” Continue reading “Bocachica poised for ShoBox clash”

Wins vacant WBO AP 130lb belt

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Former OPBF champ Yoshimitsu Kimura (14-2-1, 9 KOs), 130, acquired the vacant WBO Asia Pacific junior lightweight belt when he dropped compatriot Kanehiro Nakagawa (11-7, 5 KOs), 130, three times and impressively halted him at 2:29 of the twelfth and final session on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. It was Kimura that connected with a same well-timed right to game but limited Nakagawa, flooring him in the fifth, ninth and last rounds. Kimura was once scheduled to face Samir Ziani in quest of his IBF inter-continental belt in his home turf France on May 7, but it was abruptly cancelled just some days before his departure. Kimura had already renounced his OPBF title before his cancelled Ziani fight, and this time gained his second regional belt. Continue reading “Kimura halts Nakagawa”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Australia’s IBF #10 cruiserweight Jason Whateley (10-0, 9 KOs) will clash with IBF #5 Mateusz Masternak (46-5, 31 KOs) in Poland on October 29 in an IBF elimination bout for the IBF #1 position. The winner becomes mandatory to IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who captured the title in July by outpointing Maris Breidis. Whateley and Opetaia have clashed several times in the amateur ranks.

Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz kicked off fight week events Wednesday with an open to the public media workout at Placita Olvera in Los Angeles as they prepare to square off in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event this Sunday from Crypto.com Arena.

Andy Ruiz: “If this ends in a knockout it ends in a knockout. My only goal is to be victorious. I’m in shape to go 12 hard rounds. We’re going to go in there and leave it all in the ring.”

Luis Ortiz: “You’re going to see a war on Sunday night…I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, this fight is not going the distance.”

WBC franchise super flyweight champion Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada (42-3, 29 KOs) worked out for media and fans in advance of Saturday’s DAZN-streamed clash with Argi Cortes (23-2-2, 10 KOs) in Hermosillo, Mexico. Estrada is a 16:1 favorite.

Joey Dawejko 261.7 vs. Mike Marshall 251.7
Christopher Burgos 142 vs. Nelson Morales 140.8
Daiyaan Butt 141.5 vs. Tyrone Luckey 140.2
Brendan O’Callaghan 155.4 vs. Soslan Alborov 154.6
Carlos Marrero 142 vs. Bryce Mills 142
Andre Hinmon 166 vs. Tyler Zwicharowski 162.5
Devin Gantt 126.3 vs. Tajiro Arakawa 128.7
Everlon Still 169.5 vs. Derrick Vann 166.5

Promoter: Joe Hand Promotions
Venue: Parx Casino, Bensalem, Pennsylvania
1st Bell: 7 PM ET
Stream: Flo Combat

WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez faced off today in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for at a press conference to launch their world title showdown on November 5 at the Etihad Arena, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Dmitry Bivol: “I know he wanted this fight a long time. Me too. Now it will happen. He is a good fighter and I like challenges. I like to fight against the guy who has won 44 fights and who is bigger than me and taller than me. This is a big challenge for me. I hope it will be a great fight on November 5…I have great plans in my head, I want to be the best fighter in the world. I want to get more belts, but now I have a big fight against a good fighter. I try to be focused only on November 5.”

Zurdo Ramirez: “I’m looking forward to getting that title on November 5 to become a two-time World Champion…I think we’re going to put on a great show for all of the fans and for Abu Dhabi. It will be a great night. He is one of the greatest 175-pounders and he beat one of the greatest fighters in boxing too. Congratulations to him. I knew he would be a tough fight for Canelo. It was a great night for Bivol because he beat him by unanimous decision. It was great. What can I tell you? I’m 44 fights and 44 wins.”

Sad to announce the passing of famed boxing gatekeeper Everett “Bigfoot” Martin at the age of 58. His record of 20-39, 9 KOs doesn’t reflect how tough Martin was. An undersized heavyweight who would go rounds, Everett’s resume looked like a who’s who of the heavyweight division:

Ruslan Chagaev, Albert Sosnowski, Siarhei Liakhovich, Luan Krasniqi, Timo Hoffmann, David Bostice, Obed Sullivan, Joe Hipp, Wladimir Klitschko (twice), Fres Oquendo, Willi Fischer, Lamon Brewster, Danell Nicholson, Lance Whitaker, Ed Mahone, Tony Tubbs, Herbie Hide, Larry Holmes, Tony Tucker, Tim Witherspoon, Riddick Bowe, Michael Moorer, Bonecrusher Smith, Francesco Damiani, Gary Mason, George Foreman, Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Johnny Du Plooy, and Bert Cooper were just some of Martin’s opponents. He beat Withersponn and Cooper.

Martin was a regular on television and at one point he fought nine straight heavyweight champions! There will never be another like him. RIP.

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

It was an unbelievable event for the induction into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, with so many legendary champions in attendance, so many dear members of the boxing community, and countless emotional moments which happened during this three-day celebration.

Resort World in Las Vegas was the host for this year’s induction, which gathered together three generations as due to the pandemic, there were no events in the previous two years. 2020-2021 and 2022 gathered together as their legacy has now been sealed into eternity. Continue reading “Nevada Hall of Fame Induction Weekend”

WBC strawweight champion Panya Pradabsri (39-1, 23 KOs) scored a hard-fought twelve round unanimous decision over late sub Norihito Tanaka (20-9, 10 KOs) on Wednesday night in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Tanaka brought heavy pressure while Pradabsri countered effectively with good combinations. After eight rounds, WBC open scoring showed Pradabsri ahead 79-73, 78-74, 77-75 and he went on to win handily ​119-109 118-110 116-112.

IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs), who claimed the world title with a stunning one-punch knockout of Kenichi Ogawa in June, will make his maiden defense against mandatory challenger Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on November 5, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Cordina-Rakhimov lands on the undercard of the WBA light heavyweight world title clash between undefeated rivals Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez on Matchroom’s first ever show in the United Arab Emirates.

The WBO Championship Committee has ruled that the September 24 clash between heavyweights Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker in Manchester, England, will now be for the WBO interim heavyweight championship. The decision was made in response to a request from Queensberry Promotions on behalf of current WBO #1 contender Joyce.

The WBO Committee notes that the organization’s heavyweight championship has only been at stake on two occasions (Oleksandr Usyk/Anthony Joshua bouts) over the last two years. With Usyk headed toward a probable fight with Tyson Fury in 2023, the activity in the division has been significantly low. Therefore, an interim title is in the best interests in the division for the fighters, the fans, and the WBO.

At high noon the purse bid for the José Zepeda vs. Regis Prograis fight, for the vacant WBC super lightweight title, was held in accordance with the WBC Rules and Regulations. With an offer of 2.4 million dollars, Marvnation Promotions, headed by Marvin Rodriguez, won the purse bid, leaving behind the offers of Probellum, TGB and Zanfer.

Zepeda (35-2, 27 KOs), 33, will get his second shot at the WBC title. He fell in a close fight against Ramirez in 2019. Zepeda is on a five-fight winning streak, including a fifth-round knockout of former champion Ivan Baranchyk in one of the best fights of 2020.

Prograis (27-1, 23 KOs), 33, reached the final of the World Series of Boxing tournament in April 2019, but lost a majority decision to Taylor. In his most recent fight he knocked out Tyrone McKenna in the sixth round in March of this year.

Former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius previewed their upcoming WBC heavyweight title eliminator during a press conference, appearing via satellite, before they meet on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Deontay Wilder: I’ve had a great career and now I’m back again for my second reign.

Robert Helenius: I’m ready to do everything in my power to win.

More Quotes

It was announced today that WBO middleweight world champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (12-0, 8 KOs), who ascended to the full title after the organization’s previous champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade elected to leave the division, will make the first defense of his world title later this year on a Top Rank on ESPN card.

“Demetrius Andrade had no interest in fighting me,” said Alimkhanuly. “I wanted to fight him because I know I would knock him out. He ran away to super middleweight to avoid fighting me. But don’t worry, Demetrius. After I unify the belts at middleweight, we can fight.” Continue reading “Alimkhanuly blasts Andrade, targets Charlo”

Undefeated cruiserweight  Brandon “Bulletproof” Glanton (16-0, 13 KOs) will battle Mario “El Ruso” Aguilar (22-7, 18 KOs) in the ProBox TV main event on Friday, September 9, for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global title. The two heavy-handed bangers will fight in a scheduled ten-round bout at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida and the card will be streamed live worldwide at PROBOXTV.comand the ProBox TV app ($1.99/mo).

Due to Juan Huerta’s illness, his WBO Latino lightweight title fight against Miguel Madueno – the original September 9 main event – has moved to October 26 in San Juan to be a ProBox TV featured event at the WBO Convention.

Rumors are pretty strong that YouTube boxer Jake Paul will (5-0) will take on MMA legend-turned-boxer Anderson Silva on Showtime Pay-Per-View October 29. If this fight does take place, the 47-year-old Silva may very well be the betting favorite. The odds actually opened at Paul -180 (5/9) and Silva +150 (3/2). However, the initial action was predominantly for Silva. Since the odds moved, the money currently is pretty even on both sides.

Current odds on BetOnline.ag are:

Jake Paul +100 (1/1)
Anderson Silva -130 (10/13)

WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) will defend his world title against mandatory Challenger Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Dmitry Bivol: “The fight with Zurdo has been brewing for some time, many things have been said. Now we have the chance to take care of things with our actions in the ring, and not our words outside of the ring.”

Zurdo Ramirez: “I’m happy that the fight is finally happening despite all the challenges. It’s been a long time coming and I look forward to a great night come November 5. I would fight Bivol anywhere – including Mars, but I know we’ll put on a great show in Abu Dhabi. I’m happy overall and very thankful to the WBA, Mr. Gilberto Mendoza and the Golden Boy family for being on this journey with me.”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

It has been reported that three-time world champion Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) has “verbally agreed” to fight Justis Huni (6-0, 4 KOs) at heavyweight on Saturday, October 29, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Breidis lost the IBF cruiserweight championship to Jai Opetaia in July. Huni is a former 2019 bronze medalist in the world amateur championships and currently holds the Australian heavyweight title.

By Jeff Zimmerman

Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. was in Dallas Monday to promote the pre-Grand Opening of one of his new Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Club’s Cedar Hill. Hundred’s of fans came out in the Texas heat to get a glimpse of TBE who was recognized by local dignitaries for his contribution to the city and the youth. The event was also attended by the legendary “Lone Star Cobra” Donald Curry and Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Hall of Famer Tim Brown.

Mayweather talked about his recent induction into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and International Boxing Hall of Fame, his promotional tours in Texas for his fights with the “Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya and Canelo Alvarez and keeping active fighting exhibitions in this exclusive Fightnews.com® interview.

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By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

The Australian Boxing Hall Of Fame held their Induction Dinner on Friday at the Crown Casino hotel in Melbourne, Victoria with inductions for 2019 and 2020. President Brett McCormick said to Fightnews.com® “Congratulations to all the 2019 and 2020 inductees including former world champions Sharyn Anyos and Gairy StClair also former world title challenger Hussein Hussein. The Australian Boxing Hall of Fame salutes all the inductees”

In attendance were IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia who was given a great reception also former three time world champion Jeff Fenech, former IBF super featherweight champions Barry Michael and Robbie Peden, former Commonwealth super welterweight champion Charkey Ramon, Commonwealth welterweight champion Julian Holland and former Commonwealth super bantamweight champion Nedal Hussein. Promoters Peter Maniatis and Paul Nasari were also in attendance. Continue reading “Aussie Hall of Fame Induction Dinner”

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez works out for media at House of Boxing in San Diego, California, ahead of his bout against Gennadiy Golovkin on the September 17 Matchroom Boxing card at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Unbeaten middleweight Tahmir Smalls stopped Joel Guevara in the opening round of their scheduled six-round bout on Sunday night aboard the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, New Jersey. Smalls, 23 years old of Philadelphia, dropped Guevara four times en route to a dominating victory to raise his record to 9-0 with six knockouts. Guevara of Charleston, West Virginia falls to 4-8-1. The fight capped off an eight-bout card in front of a capacity crowd on the famed warship that has been converted into a tourist attraction. Continue reading “Results from Camden, NJ”

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Sad to announce the passing of former world champion Rigoberto “El Pequeno Veneno” Riasco who died in Panama City at the age of 69. Riasco went into the history books as the first WBC super bantamweight champion ever when he defeated Waruinge Nakayama in eight rounds at the New Panama Gym in Panama City on April 3, 1976. He successfully defended the title twice and finished with a record of 26-9-4 with 13 KOs.