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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.

Huge Labor Day Weekend for boxing on tap with big events on both Saturday and Sunday. Let’s get to it…

WEDNESDAY
WBC strawweight champion Nakhon Ratchasima (38-1, 23 KOs) defends against late sub Norihito Tanaka (20-8, 10 KOs) in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. A live stream will likely be available.

SATURDAY
DAZN presents WBC franchise super flyweight champion Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada (42-3, 28 KOs) defending against Argi Cortés (23-2, 10 KOs) at the Centro de Usos Múltiples in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

The undercard features a rematch between WBA female featherweight champion Erika Cruz (14-1, 3 KOs) and Jelena Mrdjenovich (41-11-2, 19 KOs), a clash for the vacant IBF light flyweight title between Hector Flores (20-0-4, 10 KOs) and Sivenathi Nontshinga (10-0, 9 KOs), and super featherweight terror Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez (32-1, 29 KOs) against unbeaten Jorge Mata (14-0-2, 10 KOs).

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FITE has a $19.99 PPV topped by “Prince” Albert Bell (21-0, 6 KOs) against Nicolas Polanco (20-2-1, 11 KOs) from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio.

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Also, Sky Sports in the UK has a card headlined by former WBO champion Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith (31-3-1, 18 KOs) against Hassan Mwakinyo (20-2, 14 KOs) from the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. It’s possible some US outlet could pick up that feed. Stay tuned.

SUNDAY
FOX has a $74.99 PPV featuring heavyweight contenders former unified champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. (34-2, 22 KOs) and longtime contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (33-2, 28 KOs) from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

In the co-feature, lightweights Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (23-2-1, 16 KOs) and Eduardo Ramírez (27-2-3, 12 KOs) collide in a 12-round WBC eliminator. Also, three-division champion Abner Mares (31-3-1, 15 KOs) in his first action in three years as he battles former title challenger Miguel Flores (24-4, 12 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight attraction, plus unbeaten lightweight José Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) duels former world champion Jezreel Corrales (26-4, 10 KOs) in the 10-round opener.

There will also be not one, but two boxing telecasts leading into the PPV.

FS1 will air a bout between undefeated super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem (19-0, 12 KOs) against Mike Plania (26-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Then the FOX network will air a ten-rounder between unbeaten super welterweights Joey Spencer (15-0, 10 KOs) and Kevin Salgado (14-0-1, 9 KOs).

Note: In a non-televised eight-rounder, former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin faces former Olympian Devin Vargas.

Sad to announce the passing of legendary Copenhagen, Denmark-based boxing manager and promoter Mogens Palle at the age of 88 from cancer. He promoted the likes of Mikkel Kessler, Jimmy Bredahl, Thomas Damgaard, Brian Nielsen, and many more. Palle was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008.

“The toughest man I know has passed away! Despite his fragile health in the end, he fought on – strong-willed, sharp-headed and stubborn – to the final bell. He was inventive, creative and brave like few! He was unique. My father! Love you forever,” said his daughter Bettina Palle in a message. Continue reading “Promoter Mogens Palle passes”

Formerly undisputed super lightweight world champion Josh Taylor started the year with all four belts, but he has now relinquished his WBC, WBA, and most recently IBF titles and holds only the WBO title as he aims for a return match with Jack Catterall, whom he defeated controversially in February.

“Yes I vacated and I will continue to do whatever it takes to be in a position to make the rematch with Jack Catterall happen,” Taylor told Sky Sports. “He is with BOXXER now and therefore it should be easy-peasy to make seeing as they work so closely with Top Rank.”

The IBF has ordered #1 Jeremias Ponce and #2 Subriel Matias to fight for the vacant IBF world title.

Lightweight Pedro Bernal (10-1-2, 3 KOs) of Mexico City successfully defended his WBC world youth title versus Georgie Payne (5-3, 2 KOs) of Australia on Saturday night by ten round unanimous decision. The event took place at the Hamilton Convention Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada with Daniel Otter, Managing Director of Three Lions Promotions promoting the event.

Other Results:
John Mannu SD Jake Daoust (super welterweight)
Diana Tapia SD Carolyn Redmond (female super welterweight)
Antonio Napolitano UD Viktor Rangel (middleweight)
John Michael Bianco TKO Tommy Houle (super middleweight)
Derek Kuchmey UD Hector Hurtado (light heavyweight)

By Miguel Maravilla at ringside

Undefeated featherweight prospect Nathan Rodriguez (9-0, 8 KOs) scored a first-round knockout over former world title challenger and veteran Moises Flores (25-7-1, 17 KOs) Saturday night at Smith Park in Pico Rivera, California in headlining the MarvNation Promotions card. Rodriguez wasted no time as he made quick work of Flores stopping him at 2:11 of the opening round.

In the co-feature bout, Alejandro Reyes (9-0, 5 KOs) of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico won a unanimous decision over Raymundo Rios (4-9-2, 3 KOs) of Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. After dominating each round, Reyes won with scores of 59-55, 60-54 and 60-54. Continue reading “Results from Pico Rivera”

YouTube boxer KSI stopped two opponents in one night Saturday before PPV audience on DAZN and a crowd of 20,000+ at London’s O2 Arena. One opponent was a rapper, the other was a real pro boxer named Luis Alcaraz Pineda, who brought in a record of 2-5, 0 KOs with four KO losses.

On that telecast, it was announced that boxer Hasim Rahman Jr. will face Vitor Belfort on DAZN PPV October 15 in the UK.

YouTube boxer Jake Paul says he’s signed an unnamed opponent for October.

Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions has announced the next Hollywood Fight Nights boxing card set for Thursday, November 3 at the Quiet Cannon / Montebello Country Club will again feature ‘King’ Callum Walsh in an eight-round junior middleweight bout. UFC Fightpass will stream live.

The NSAC has assigned Russell Mora to be the third man in the ring for the September 17 trilogy fight between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin. Judges are Steve Weisfeld, Dave Moretti and David Sutherland. Moretti and Weisfeld both worked Canelo-GGG 2 and both scored that fight for Canelo. Moretti also worked Canelo-GGG 1, scoring that one for GGG.

In a super lightweight clash between two former world champions, crafty Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-4-1, 14 KOs) and power-punching Richard “RC” Commey (30-4-1, 27 KOs) battled to a ten round split draw on Saturday night at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Close fight until Pedraza seemingly pulled away late. Commey was hampered from a cut over his left eye suffered in round six. Scores were 97-93 Pedraza, 96-94 Commey, 95-95.

Jose Pedraza: “Even though my eye was inflamed, we understood that it was done because he has a good right hand. The entire night, the whole point was to neutralize that right hand. Despite the fact that it was inflamed, I was able to do that.”

[on rounds 9 and 10] “I landed a great body shot. I felt that I hurt him, and that gave me the inspiration to keep going after him. I actually believe those were the rounds that gave me the victory tonight, despite what the scorecards say.” Continue reading “Pedraza-Commey ends in a draw”

Four big heavyweight bouts on Top Rank’s card at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. All four resulted in explosive knockouts within two rounds.

The long-awaited return of unbeaten heavyweight terror Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (12-0, 12 KOs) ended quickly against Miljan “The Serbian Stallion” Rovcanin (24-3, 16 KOs). Anderson broke down the game Rovcanin and knocked him out with a right hand at the end of round two. Time was 3:00.

After the fight, Anderson said, “Realistically, we don’t know how far we are from a {Filip Hrgovic} fight. I would love that fight. Filip Hrgovic or anybody in the top 10 of the IBF or WBO, WBC. We’re just looking to get some bigger names. Everybody keeps asking for bigger fights. We would love to have those bigger fights.”

2020 Olympic super heavyweight silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) needed just 44 seconds to demolish Marco Antonio Canedo (4-3, 2 KOs) in the first round. Torrez bumrushed Canedo, dropped him, then put him down and out face first. Canedo was down for several minutes, but able to walk out of the ring. Torrez landed 8 of the 10 power blows he threw.

Heavy-handed heavyweight destroyer Efe “The Silent Roller” Ajagba (16-1, 13 KOs) blew away Jozsef “The Gladiator” Darmos (14-5-3, 10 KOs) in two rounds. Pretty much one-way traffic. Ajagba dropped Darmos twice in round two to end it. Time was 1:15.

Torrez stated, “I am happy with the result, but my thoughts right now are with Canedo. He’s a tough man, and I have the utmost respect for him. It happens to the best of us.”

Unbeaten local heavyweight prospect Jeremiah “Dreamland” Milton (6-0, 5 KOs) laid out Nick Jones (9-5, 6 KOs) with a right hand in round two. Jones missed a wild roundhouse punch leaving himself open and Milton turned out the lights. Time was 2:49.

WBO interim middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly has been elevated by the WBO Championship Committee to “full champion” status, effective immediately. The belt was declared vacant after no deal could be reached between the now former middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade and Alimkhanuly.

As for Andrade, WBO Committee again sanctioned an interim super middleweight title fight between Andrade and Zach Parker. The WBO previously allowed Andrade to keep the middleweight title when he chose to move up to super middleweight to fight Parker for the WBO interim belt in May. That bout was postponed due to a shoulder injury suffered in training by Andrade. The WBO then ordered Andrade to defend his middleweight belt against Alimkhanuly. That didn’t happen and Andrade is now beltless for the moment.

Unbeaten 2020 Olympian super lightweight Tiger Johnson (5-0, 4 KOs) busted up the rugged Harry Gigliotti (8-4, 3 KOs) until referee Mark Nelson stepped in to end the beatdown at 2:17 of round five.

Unbeaten super lightweight Kelvin Davis (6-0, 4 KOs) scored a six round unanimous decision over Sebastian Chaves (5-5, 2 KOs). Davis dropped Chaves in rounds two and four, but Chaves lasted the full distance. Scores were 60-52 3x.

Lightweight Frevian Gonzalez (6-1, 1 KO) won a six round unanimous decision over Gerardo Esquivel (3-3-1, 1 KO). Gonzalez dropped Esquivel in round one. Gonzalez was deducted a point for holding in round six. Scores were 58-55, 59-54, 59-54.

In a clash of unbeaten lightweights, Abdullah Mason (4-0, 3 KOs) got all he could handle against Angel Rebollar (5-1, 3 KOs). Mason was credited with a flask knockdown in round one and won 39-36, 40-35, 40-35. First time Mason has gone the distance.

Light heavyweight Dante Benjamin Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs) outscored Leandro Silva (3-6, 2 KOs) over four. Scores were 40-36 3x.

Unbeaten heavyweight Viktor Faust (10-0, 7 KOs) scored a one-sided eight round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson (35-21-1, 19 KOs) on Saturday night at the ECB Gym in Hamburg, Germany. Scores were 80-72.

It was the 42-year-old Kingpin’s second bout against an unbeaten foe in a 14 day span. He dropped a decision to Ihor Shevadzutskyi (10-0, 8 KOs) in the same ring two weeks ago.