Fightnews.com

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Australian welterweight Steve Spark (15-2, 14 KOs) stopped former IBF, WBA 140 pound challlenger Apinun Khongsong (18-2, 15 KOs) in round three of a scheduled eight round contest in the main event on Saturday at Rumours International, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. Spark dropped the Thai visitor three times in round three and referee Philip Holiday called the bout off at 2:11.

YouTube boxer Jake Paul has announced on social media that he and WBC/WBO female featherweight champion Amanda Serrano will headline an August 6 Showtime pay-per-view event at Madison Square Garden in New York City. No opponents named.

Report/Photos by Boxing Bob Newman at ringside

2020 Olympic Super Heavyweight Gold medal winner Bakhodir Jalolov looked to make it 11 for 11 with 11 KOs against gritty Belgian (by way of Democratic Republic of the Congo) Jack Mulowayi.

The bout was an ugly affair for much of the going. A point was taken away from Jalolov in the fourth for excessive holding when ref Benjy Esteves could not break the two. As the bell rang ending the sixth, Jalolov landed a big right, dropping Mulowayi along the ropes. It looked as if the KO streak would continue. Then, Mulowayi appeared the spoiler and frustrated Jalolov to survive the seventh. Midway through the eighth and final round a titanic left crushed Big Jack and down he went, head crashing loudly to the canvas. Esteves waved off the count and summoned the ringside physicians. Mulowayi rose under his own power after a few scary minutes. The time was 1:20 of the eighth. Jalolov improves to 11-0, 11 KOs, while Mulowayi falls to 10-3-1, 5 KOs.

“I’m feeling really good about the performance,” said the 27-year-old Jalolov. “The opponent was at a really good level and a great fighter. He was a really tough, durable guy. I landed some big shots on him and he can take a punch. Continue reading “Jalolov goes to 11-0, 11 KOs”

Photos: Sumio Yamada

In a war, unbeaten WBA light flyweight super champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (16-0, 11 KOs) successfully defended his title against WBA regular champion Esteban Bermudez (14-4-2, 10 KOs) with an eighth round TKO on Saturday night at Dome Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico. Kyoguchi busted up Bermudez, but Bermudez showed tremendous heart and kept coming. Kyoguchi was deducted a point by referee Roberto Ramirez Jr. after a head clash in round six. By round seven, Bermudez’ face was a bloody mask. Kyoguchi was deducted another point for hitting behind the head. On the verge of a possible disqualification, Kyoguchi came out with a savage attack in round eight and forced a referee’s stoppage. Time was :24.

“I have always wanted to fight in Mexico with the great fans here and I am so glad that I did,” said Kyoguchi. “It’s a great win and I am ready for the next step. There are many other champions in the division, and I want to fight them. Continue reading “WBA champ Kyoguchi stops Bermudez in bloodfest”

Photos: Sumio Yamada

WBA female super bantamweight champion Mayerlin Rivas (17-4-2, 11 KOs) successfully defended her world title against late sub Karina Fernandez (17-7-1, 3 KOs) by TKO at the start of round four. Rivas dropped Fernandez early, then broke Fernandez’ nose prompting a doctor’s stoppage.

Super featherweight Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez (32-1, 29 KOs) destroyed Jorge Castaneda (15-2, 11 KOs) in just 95 seconds of a clash for the WBC International title. Hernandez simply overpowered Castaneda, dropping him and then getting a referee’s stoppage with his followup barrage. The bout was the co-feature for the Kyoguchi-Bermudez clash at the Dome Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico. Continue reading “Rivas retains WBA belt, Hernandez crushes Castaneda”

Report/Photos by Boxing Bob Newman at ringside

Former undefeated NABF cruiserweight champ Alante Green moved up to test the heavyweight waters against fellow undefeated true heavyweight George Arias in a scheduled 8 rounder. It was a difficult bout to score with it being a tale of two fights: one a track meet with Arias backpedaling and Green in tactical pursuit and the other fight- a case of phone booth warfare along the ropes. It depended on what the judges were looking for, but neither man was marked, cut, or hurt at any time in the bout. In the end, Don Trella saw it 77-75 for Green, while both Tom Schreck (78-74) and Eric Marlinski (77-75) had it for Arias, who remains undefeated at 18-0, 7 KOs, while Green loses his first at 10-1-1, 7 KOs. Green did himself no shame but might choose to return to cruiser.

Opening the ShoBox telecast were undefeated lightweights Chann Thonson of Brossard, Quebec, Canada and Tyler Tomlin of Cheatham County, TN. It was a fast paced, highly skilled match right from the get-go. For the first two-and-a-half rounds it appeared there was little separating the two. Thonson started to connect with hard shots late in round three, causing some blood from the nose of Tomlin. In round four, blood from the mouth, nose and left eye brow were now flowing freely from Tomlin’s face. Thonson went for the kill but couldn’t achieve it in round four. Between rounds, the ring physician checked the damage and allowed the action to continue. Thonson kept up the brutal attack, unable to drop Tomlin but further punished him, blood flying everywhere in and out of the ring. Another doctor’s check proved to be the end of Tomlin, the time being 1:01 of the fifth round. Thonson improves to 11-0, 8 KOs while Tomlin suffers his first defeat at 13-1, 9 KOs. Continue reading “Arias, Thonson win in Verona, NY”

Alfredo Angulo 176.2 vs. Fidel Monterrosa Munoz 175
Quatavious Cash 164.4 vs. Chukka Willis 164.4
Casey Dixon 174.6 vs. Dennis Maldonado 172.8
Raphael Akpejiori 255 vs. Terrell Jamal Woods (Will weigh in on Saturday)
Peter Dobson 153 vs. Rodrigo Damian Coria 151
Avril Mathie 117.8 vs. Judit Hachbold 115
Steve Geffrard 185.4 vs. Alex Theran 186.4
Dante Williams 208.6 vs. KeShawn Jackson 248.4
Patrick Harris 140.2 vs. Michael Ogundo 139.4
De Von Williams 143.4 vs. Darnell Peoples 143.4
Yannick Azangue 157.8 vs. Elia Carranza 162.2

Venue: Center Stage Theater, Altanta, Georgia
Promoter: Prestige Boxing Advisory Group in association with BFC The Last Round Promotions.
Stream: BXNGTV.com
1st Bell:8 PM ET

WBC bridgerweight champion Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas will defend his title for the first time against Luckaz Rozanski on August 13 at the Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium in Cali, Colombia. This will be Rivas’ first fight in his home country as a professional boxer, after making Montreal his second home. Rozanski fought his most recent fight in May 2021, knocking out his compatriot Arthur Szpilka.

Report/Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

Day two of the festivities at the International Boxing Hall of Fame saw an improvement in the weather, the crowd size and activity on boxing’s hallowed grounds. There were several “Ringside” lectures, boxing trivia contests and the much anticipated fist casting event.

The day began with a ringside lecture, aka Q&A with James “Smitty” Smith and audience members. First up was former WBA lightweight champ and boxing analyst from USA Network, Sean O’Grady. O’Grady delighted fans with stories of his turning pro at 15 years old, his first title loss against then WBC champ Jim Watt in Scotland, his eventual upset win over Hilmer Kenty. Continue reading “Day Two of the IBHOF Festivities”

Jaime Munguia 165 vs. Jimmy “Kilrain” Kelly 164
Oscar Duarte 136.4 vs. Mark Bernaldez 135.5
Yokasta Valle 104.6 vs. Lorraine Villalobos 104.8
(IBF female minimumweight title)
Evan Sanchez 152.4 vs. Carlos Ortiz 151

Carlos Ocampo 156 vs. Vincent Rodriguez 154.2
Pin-Pon Reyes 139.8 vs. Moises Flores 147
Japhethlee Llamido 128.4 vs. Saul Hernandez 132
Jorge Estrada 153.6 vs. Hassan Coleman

Venue: Honda Center, Anaheim, California
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: DAZN

Trevor Bryan 259.6 vs. Daniel Dubois 241.6
(WBA heavyweight title)

Dacarree Scott 253.2 vs. Jonathan Guidry 257.8
Ahmed Elbiali 174.4 vs. Dervin Colina 174
Johnnie Langston 203 vs. Isaiah Thompson 191.4
Tre’Sean Wiggins 146.4 vs. Travis Castellon 146.8
Ian Green 159 vs. Anthony Lenk 159
Luis Rodriguez 167.2 vs. Ryan Adams 166.8
Raynel Mederos 141.8 vs. Ryan Wilson 142.6

Venue: Casino Miami Jai Alai, Miami, Florida
Promoter: Don King Productions
TV: PPV

Edgar Berlanga 167.6 vs. Roamer Alexis Angulo 169.6
Note: Angulo is not eligible to win the NABO belt, as he weighed in 1.6 pounds over the 168-pound weight limit. As part of his agreement with Team Berlanga, he can weigh no more than 178 pounds Saturday morning.

Henry Lebron 129.8 vs. Luis Lebron 130
Carlos Caraballo 120.4 vs. Victor Santillan 119.6
Josue Vargas 142.6 vs. Dakota Linger 142.6
Eliseo Villalobos 134.4 vs. Armani Almestica 134.2
Pablo Cruz 127.8 vs. Orlando Gonzalez 128
Omar Rosario 140.6 vs. Julio Rosa 139.6
Frevian Gonzalez 134.6 vs. Refugio Montellano 134.8
Christina Cruz 111.8 vs. Maryguenn Vellinga 110.6

Venue: Madison Square Garden Theater, New York City
Promoter: Top Rank
TV: ESPN, ESPN+

Undefeated heavyweight knockout artist Bakhodir Jalolov (10-0, 10 KOs), the 2020 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist, faces Jack Mulowayi (11-2-1, 7 KOs) in the eight round main event tonight on Showtime from the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY.

“I’m looking at my opponent as just another fighter,” said Jalolov. “I’m not looking at him as a special fighter. I do respect him as a fighter. I do understand he’s a tough guy, never been knocked down, but I look at any fight in the world as just another fight. I’m just getting ready to fight. I’m only looking forward to the world championship fight and that’s what I’m concentrated on. This to me is just another fight. Continue reading “Jalolov: This to me is just another fight”

Heavyweights Derek Chisora and Kubrat Pulev faced off today at the Pulev-Chisora 2 press conference ahead of their rematch at The O2 in London on Saturday July 9, shown live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia, New Zealand and France). The event is billed as “Total Carnage.”

Derek Chisora: “I don’t have to be liked by everyone. I know what I’ve got, and I sell a product to people who want to have that product. And that product is WAR.”

Kubrat Pulev: “Derek is a difficult opponent and we have a little bit of history. And now a couple of years on from my first win over Derek I feel good and I feel better because I teach and I learn a lot of things from my fights. I have more experience.” More quotes

Big fight tonight on DAZN from Dome Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico, where unbeaten Hiroto Kyoguchi (15-0 10 KOs) defends his WBA light flyweight super title against WBA regular champion Esteban Bermudez (14-3-2 10 KOs). The winner will become the WBA’s only 108-pound world champion in line with the WBA’s world title reduction plan, which has been progressing since it began in August 2021. Kyoguchi is a 5:1 favorite.

“I became champion because I am a very strong fighter, so I want to win against Bermudez,” said Kyoguchi. “I’ve watched his videos and he’s a very aggressive fighter and a tough man. I think my style is a little Mexican too, so it will be an exciting fight for the fans, I think that they will enjoy it. The lighter weights have more speed, and all the best fighters have great techniques so it’s just as exciting to watch as the heavier weights. Continue reading “Kyoguchi-Bermudez in action tonight”

Another episode of the series “The Interview I Never Had,” this time with ring legend Oscar De La Hoya in a very relaxed, yet deep, chat about life and the meaning of boxing in it.

Undefeated middleweight contender and former 154lb champion Jaime Munguia (39-0, 31 KOs) and former world title challenger Jimmy “Kilrain” Kelly (26-2, 10 KOs) hosted their final press conference Thursday in advance of Saturday’s clash at Anaheim’s Honda Center in a 12-round super middleweight fight, live on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Jaime Munguia: “I am happy with my training camp. I think we are well prepared, and we will show it off this Saturday. There have been some opportunities that didn’t happen. Let’s hope that they do happen in the future. Jimmy Kelly is a great fighter, he has all my respect, but I think I will raise my hands in victory on Saturday.”

Jimmy Kelly: “At the end of the day, it’s me in the ring. I’ve been to Australia and got robbed, and I came back and beat Kanat Islam. I got an opportunity here, and I’m looking forward to it. I’m going up against one of the best, and I’m confident I will get the job done. I also want one of those Rolexes…I’m going to be fighting my ass off.”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Former IBF, WBA 140-pound challenger Apinun Khongsong (18-1,15KO’s) of Thailand will be in action against classy Steve Spark (14-2, 13 KOs) over eight rounds in the main event at Rumours International, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. Khongsong challenged unified super lightweight champion Josh Taylor unsuccessfully in 2020. Spark is best known for fighting Tim Tszyu on short notice after Michael Zerafa pulled out last July.

By Gabriel F. Cordero

WBA President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza presented an honorary world champion’s belt to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro this week in an unprecedented moment between the compatriots.

Mendoza and Maduro addressed various issues related to Venezuelan and world boxing, in addition to furthering the plan that has been initiated for the organization of boxing events as well as the development of the sport in all areas. Continue reading “WBA presents belt to Maduro”

By Ron Jackson

Brandon Thysse and Roarke Knapp meet in their long-awaited rematch at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Saturday night, in a clash for the ABU Africa junior middleweight title. The tournament will be shown live on Supersport Variety from 19:00 to 23:00.

Their first fight also at Emperors Palace on November 30, 2019, turned into a real slugfest until Thysse won on a knockout at 2:10 into the seventh round. Continue reading “Thysse and Knapp to meet in a rematch”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Former WBO featherweight challenger Luke Jackson (19-2, 8 KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday against Ariel Blader (27-33-2, 11 KOs) in the main event over eight rounds at the Hobart Netball Stadium in Hobart, Tasmania. Jackson challenged WBO featherweight champion Carl Frampton unsuccessfully in 2018.

Report/Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

Bakhodir Jalolov 251 vs Jack Mulowayi 242

George Arias 219.5 vs Alante Green 223

Tyler Tomlin 134 vs Chann Thonson 132.5
Joe Jones 210 vs Amron Sands 282
Charles Foster vs Bo Gibbs, Jr. 172.5
O’Shae Jones 147.75 vs Sonya Dreiling 147.75
Nicolas Tejada 144.25 vs Michael Taylor 145.75

Venue: Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, NY
Commission: Oneida Indian Nation Athletic Commission
Promoter: Lou DiBella (DiBella Entertainment)
TV: Showtime

Report/Photos Boxing Bob Newman

The first time in 3 years, the hallowed grounds of the international Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York, opened his doors, arms and hearts to boxers and fans from around the world. Due to the pandemic, there have been no inductions since 2019. This year the Trilogy we’ll see classes from 2020, 2021 and 2022 all enshrined together.

This is necessitated a few changes in the normally packed weekend of events. Some smaller events have been canceled like the VIP cocktail hour and the golf tournament, among others. Also due to the size 3 classes being inducted in one afternoon, That event will be moved from the Hall of Fame grounds to the events center at the nearby Turning Stone casino to accommodate families, fans and the number of fighters themselves. Continue reading “IBHOF Opens “Trilogy” Induction Ceremonies”

Hiroto Kyoguchi 108 vs. Esteban Bermudez 108
(WBA light flyweight title)

Jorge Castaneda 129.9 vs. Eduardo Hernandez 129.9
(WBC International silver super featherweight title)

Mayerlin Rivas 121.9 vs. Karina Fernandez 121.9
(WBA super bantamweight title)

Diego Pacheco 168.4 vs. Raul Ortega 168
Jesus Martinez 118 vs. Daniel Nunez Gomez 118
Alexis Molina 127.4 vs. Angel Garcia 127.9
Fabian Gonzalez 116.8 vs. Jorge Ignacio Villalobos 117.3
Anthony Herrera 118 vs. Kennyn Valenzuela 118
Aaron Aponte 139.5 vs. Leo Leon Martinez ??

Venue: Domo Alcade, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN

NABO super middleweight champion Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga takes center stage Saturday evening against two-time title challenge Alexis Angulo in the ten-round main event at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. After opening his career with 16 straight first round knockouts, Berlanga has now gone the distance in three straight.

Edgar Berlanga: “It’s part of the process. I’m young, 25 years old. What can I say? I have 16 first-round knockouts, so I didn’t really gain the experience I needed. Definitely, these last three fights, I got the experience I needed. That’s the most important thing to make yourself a real professional athlete. But not only that, at that top level, you need those rounds. You need that feeling of what it’s like to get in the eighth, 10th round, and we got that done. This Saturday, Puerto Rican Day Weekend, I’m looking for a huge victory. I’m ready to go all out…exploding like I always do and bringing back the old Edgar Berlanga.”

Alexis Angulo: “I’m very thankful for the opportunity, and I’m going to take full advantage of it. We’re going to put on a good presentation for everyone. I see my two losses as big lessons, and we’re going to see what kind of result we get in this fight.”