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No deal reached, so the World Boxing Council (WBC) has confirmed that a purse bid ceremony for the mandatory super lightweight championship bout between champion Josh Taylor and mandatory challenger Jose Zepeda will take place this Friday, July 1st.

The Championships Committee of the World Boxing Association (WBA) gave a period of 15 days to negotiate the fight between the WBA super featherweight champion Roger Gutierrez and his official challenger Hector Garcia. Official communication was sent to both fighters’ teams, which specifies that the period granted starts this Monday, June 27 and ends next July 12.

Gutierrez had a term of nine months to face the mandatory challenger from the moment he won the title on January 2, 2021. This time expired on October 2 last year, so he must face Garcia immediately. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement or any of them show unwillingness to do so, the Committee shall have the full right to call a purse bid under the usual WBA parameters.

Garcia, fighting as a late replacement for Gutierrez who contracted COVID-19, defeated the highly-touted Chris Colbert to earn his title shot against the man he replaced.

Cruiserweights Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and Tommy “TNT” Fury are supposed to be hosting a kickoff press conference on Wednesday in New York City. However, Fury was prevented from getting on the plane in London after being denied clearance by U.S. Homeland Security.

“I can stand here and say I have done nothing wrong and I have no clue why I’m not allowed to travel to the USA,” stated Tommy on social media. “I’ve been training for a fight this whole time and that’s all I’ve been doing. I have no clue why I’m not allowed to travel and neither does my team or my lawyers.”

Fury’s brother, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, was also reportedly recently denied entry to the U.S. allegedly due to his association with suspected mob boss Daniel Kinahan, who was sanctioned by the U.S. government earlier this year. So it’s not unlikely that this situation is related.

Stay tuned…

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Boxing Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech predicts IBF #3 cruiserweight Jai Opetaia (20-0, 17 KOs) will shock the world when he challenges IBF cruiserweight champion Maris Breidis (28-1, 20 KOs) on Saturday at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia, televised on Foxtel Main Event Pay-Per-View and ESPN+.

“I couldn’t believe the skill level and the brilliance in what he does and how he does it,” Jeff Fenech told Fox Sports. “To this day, I still couldn’t believe it. Then he trained with us at our gym many times, I watched him box guys that were heavyweights and he was never, ever hurt or flustered. He was always one step ahead of all of them. Don’t underestimate Jai Opetaia, he’s going to shock the world.”

By Joe Koizumi

Naoki Fukuda, the famous oft-award-winning boxing photographer, has been featured by Japan’s prestigious national TV (NHK) since last week, and it will be available to a worldwide audience for a year until June 20, 2023. The 15-minute program is advertised as Naoki Fukuda is a photographer the world’s premier boxing magazine once referred to as the “undisputed champion.” He talks about the technique and passion that goes into capturing critical moments.

The Man Who Predicts Punches: Fukuda Naoki / Boxing Photographer – Direct Talk NHK WORLD-JAPAN On Demand

Don’t worry, as this interesting program is narrated in English, not in Japanese.

Unified WBC/WBO super featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs) will defend his titles against Robson Conceição (17-1, 8 KOs) on a September ESPN telecast. The bout will air on Friday, September 23 in Stevenson’s hometown of Newark, New Jersey, according to the network’s website. Both competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics, with Conceição winning gold and Stevenson taking a silver in different weight divisions.

M&R Boxing Promotions (Laura Ching) will promote a card on Saturday August 6th in Medellin, Colombia. The card is scheduled to feature several fighters from all over the globe including Romero Duno, John Vincent Moralde, Mark Bernaldez, Josec Ruiz, Narciso Carmona, and more in separate bouts. The event will take place at the elegant Casino Hollywood Milla de Oro located in a popular tourist area of the city called Poblado.

“The event is scheduled to feature fighters from Colombia, Philippines, Honduras, Spain, and more. This is an outstanding opportunity for the fighters and promoter to be a part of an event in the beautiful city of Medellin at the Casino Hollywood Milla de Oro,” said manager William Ramirez (WRAM Boxing).

King’s Promotions has announced the addition of International Boxing Hall of Famer and female boxing icon Christy Martin as the new Director of Operations.

“This is a huge addition for King’s Promotions. Christy Martin will add so much to what we have built at King’s Promotions. What Christy brings to the table is endless in what she has done in the sport of boxing both in and out of the ring. In her role, Christy will help with all aspects relating to the boxing end of things, such as helping us identify and sign talent, matchmaking, day-to-day operations and mentorship to all of our fighters. Especially with our talented female fighters such as WBC Super Featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner, Danielle Perkins and undefeated flyweight Leanna Cruz. Also, Christy has established herself as a top promoter in her own right, so we will have access to some of the fighters that she works with, and that will make our roster that much stronger and deeper,” said Marshall Kauffman, CEO of King’s Promotions. Continue reading “Christy Martin joins King’s Promotions”

The fighters were in New York City for the second stop of the Canelo Alvarez vs Gennadiy Golovkin trilogy press tour. Caleno and GGG came head to head for the last time until fight week…

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Sparse boxing action this week in the U.S. due to the Fourth of July weekend. However, ESPN+ comes through in a big way with not one, but TWO excellent international fight cards on Saturday.

SATURDAY

IBF cruiserweight world champion Mairis Briedis (28-1, 20 KOs) defends his title against mandatory challenger Jai Opetaia (21-0, 17 KOs) at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia. The ESPN+ telecast will begin at 5AM ET, 2AM PT U.S. time.

Unbeaten, WBO #1, WBC #2, IBF #6 heavyweight Joe Joyce (13-0, 12 KOs) returns from a one year layoff against perennial gatekeeper Christian Hammer (27-9, 17 KOs) at the OVO Arena in London. Good undercard on this one also. The ESPN+ telecast will begin at 2:30PM ET, 11:30AM PT U.S. time.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Australian cruiserweight professional boxer Sam Abdulrahim was shot three times in the chest on Saturday while attending a funeral service in Melbourne. Known as “The Punisher,” the Mongols bikie associate is now in stable condition it was reported. Police confirmed the shooting was a targeted attack

Abdulrahim has won all of his six fights and scored a six round decision over Victor Oganov in hhis most recent bout in May.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez planted himself into the elite level with a stunning stoppage win over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai to defend his WBC super flyweight title on home soil in San Antonio, Texas.

“My skills proved a point tonight,” said Rodriguez. “My team knows what I am capable of and what I bring to the table, that’s why we took the fight. I felt I started to break him down after three rounds, the power wasn’t there from him. I knew I couldn’t stand there but we came in and put on a show. I was using my angles more, Robert kept telling me to do that and I listened.

“The Cuadras fight gave me experience and put me here, fighting at home in San Antonio. I will do whatever Robert (Garcia) says. I am a special fighter, not an average fighter and I am here to stay. Continue reading “Bam Rodriguez: My skills proved a point tonight”

In a WBC light flyweight eliminator between former world champions, Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler (34-4, 10 KOs) scored a close twelve round unanimous decision over Elwin “Pulga” Soto (19-3, 13 KOs) on Saturday night at the Gimnasio del Polideportivo in Mexicali, BCN, Mexico. Soto was frustrated with Budler’s movement and unwillingness to exchange. Budler had success with his stick-and-move tactics and pretty much took the crowd out of it. The 4:1 underdog Budler knocked down Soto in the final round with a right hand and that’s what won him the fight. Scores were 114-113 3x.

WBC super flyweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (16-0, 11 KOs) scored an impressive eighth round TKO over former world champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (50-6-1, 43 KOs) on Saturday night at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, Texas. The classy Rodriguez outboxed the menacing Sor Rungvisai in every round. “Bam” dropped Sor Rungvisai in round seven and got a referee’s stoppage with a barrage of punches in round eight. Time was 1:50.

Unified WBA/IBF super bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (11-0, 8 KOs) stopped Ronny Rios (33-4, 16 KOs) in the twelfth round to retain his titles on Saturday night at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, Texas. Akhmadaliev overcame a hand injury to drop Rios in the final stanza. Rios beat the count. Akhmadaliev then pounced and got a referee’s stoppage at 2:06.

Undisputed female welterweight ruler Jessica “CasKILLA” McCaskill (12-2, 5 KOs) successfully defended her WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles with a third round TKO against Alma Ibarra (10-2, 4 KOs) on Saturday night at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, Texas. McCaskill battered Ibarra for three rounds and Ibarra didn’t want to come out for round four.

In a clash of unbeaten featherweights, slickster Raymond Ford (12-0-1, 6 KOs) outboxed Richard Medina (13-1, 7 KOs) over ten rounds in a bout for the WBA Continental Americas and the IBF North American belts. Scores were 100-90, 100-90, 99-91.

Unbeaten middleweight Nikita Ababiy (12-0, 6 KOs) outpointed Noe Larrios Jr (14-2, 6 KOs) over eight rounds. Scores were 78-74 3x.

Super bantamweight Jesus Martinez (2-0, 0 KOs took a four-round majority decision against Kevin Monroy (1-3, 0 KOs). Scores were 38-38, 39-36, 39-37.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF #3 cruiserweight Jai Opetaia (20-0, 17 KOs) ) has looked in sensational gymnasium form according to promoter Dean Lonergan ahead of his world title challenge against IBF cruiserweight champion Maris Breidis (28-1, 20 KOs) on July 2 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia.

“From a credibility point of view, it doesn’t get any bigger,” Lonergan told foxsports.com.au. “Not only is Briedis the number one cruiserweight in the world, he’s also got The Ring magazine belt which is given only to very, very few people who achieve the absolute excellence in their division. Continue reading “Promoter: Opetaia in sensational form”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos: Naoki Fukuda

KONDO WINS OPBF 140LB BELT

The Japanese headliner in June must be Akihiro Kondo (33-10-2, 18 KOs), former IBF world contender at 140, who, as an obvious underdog, dethroned OPBF 140-pound champ Koichi Aso (25-10-1, 16 KOs), 139.75, with a stunning stoppage at 2:07 of the second session in Tokyo on June 14. Kondo, in November 2017, fought Sergey Lipinets in quest of the vacant IBF 140-pound belt, losing a unanimous nod at the Barclay Center in New York. Since then, his ledger was just 4-3-1 and Kondo, 37, seemed to become a stepping stone for up-and-coming young prospects such as Andy Hiraoka, Apinun Khongsong, etc. None expected Kondo’s coronation at the twilight of his career, but the huge underdog displayed an astounding upset by dropping the defending titlist Aso with his opening attack and impressively scored an unexpected stoppage. Anything can happen in the ring. Continue reading “JAPAN UPDATE”

By Miguel Maravilla

Mexican superstar undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (57-2-2, 39 KO’s) renews his rivalry with former middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (42-1-1, 37 KO’s) of Kazakhstan. Canelo faces GGG on Saturday September 17 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas live on DAZN.

“Here we are ready for this fight and renewing this rivalry” Canelo told Fightnews.com®. “The truth is, I’m more motivated and dangerous. After the defeat, I am very motivated and that makes me a more dangerous fighter,” Continue reading “Canelo: I’m looking for the knockout”

By Miguel Maravilla

Kazakhstan’s two-time middleweight world champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (42-1-1, 37 KO’s) finally gets his shot to settle the score with his rival undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (57-2-2, 39 KO’s). Golovkin squares off against Canelo Saturday September 17 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas live on DAZN.

“It’s my first fight at 168 we will do everything we can to win this fight. I know Canelo at 160, now we are going to try at 168,” Golovkin said. “From an emotional standpoint after two fights it’s just another fight. I’m completely relaxed about it.” Continue reading “Golovkin: There is nothing personal”

Photos: Scott Foster

WBO light flyweight champion Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (26-3-1, 14 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Mark “Baby Boy” Barriga (11-2, 2 KOs) on Friday night at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. Barriga was aggressive early, but the quicker Gonzalez adjusted and took over late. Scores were 115-113, 117-111, 117-111.

Photos

By Miguel Maravilla

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin faced off in Los Angeles on Friday at the kick-off press conference for their undisputed super middleweight title clash taking place September 17 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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Photos: Scott Foster

Unbeaten light flyweight Angelino “Huracan” Cordova (17-0-1, 12 KOs) scored a hard-fought ten round split decision over WBA #11, WBO #13 Axel “El Mini” Vega (15-5-1, 8 KOs) in a bout for the WBO Latino 108lb strap on Friday night in the Bomba-Barriga co-feature at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. The 4’10 Vega took the fight to Cordova and was ahead 97-93 on one card, however, two judges somehow saw Cordova winning 97-93 and 98-92.

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In a clash of unbeaten light heavyweights, Hakim Lopez (13-0, 8 KOs), older brother of Najee, scored an eight round unanimous decision over Cruse Stewart (8-1, 6 KOs). Lopez outworked Stewart and nearly stopped him late. Scores were 79-73 3x.

Unbeaten cruiserweight Najee Lopez (5-0, 5 KOs) scores a third round TKO over 2012 Olympian Jeysson Monroy (1-1, 1 KO). Lopez dropped Monroy twice in round two, and the bout was stopped in round three due to blood coming from inside Monroy’s eye. Time was 1:45.

Other Results:
Jaycob Gomez W6 Marcello Williams (super featherweight)
Jan Paul Rivera TKO1 Cesar Martinez (featherweight)
Trinidad Vargas TKO1 Josh Aarons (super flyweight)

Elwin “Pulga” Soto 107.8 vs. Hekkie Budler 107.8
(WBC light flyweight eliminator)

Venue: Palenque del FEX, Mexicali, BCN, Mexico
Promoter: Zanfer
TV: ESPN+

In the interest of the athletes and the boxing community, the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided that the boxing qualifying events and competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will not be run under the authority of the International Boxing Association (IBA).

This the second consecutive Olympics that the IBA is banned from overseeing Olympic boxing. The various IOC concerns around the governance of the IBA, including the refereeing and judging process and its financial dependency on the state-owned company Gazprom, are still ongoing.

Whether or not boxing will be included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles will be discussed at a later stage.