Fightnews.com

By Bob Caico

Felix Tuto Zabala, Jr of All Star Boxing held a six-bout card at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, NY on Friday night.

A large crowd witnessed local favorite Wilfredo “El Bravo” Flores of nearby Dunkirk, NY gain the vacant WBA Fedecentro lightweight belt with a unanimous 10-round decision over Victor Betancourt, Jr of Mexico. Scores were 99-91, 98-92, 97-93.

Flores raised his record to 10-0-1, 5 KOs, while Betancourt drops to 27-5, 14 KOs. Continue reading “Flores remains unbeaten”

By Brad Snyder-The Undercard
Photos by Bob Ryder

Friday night, The Soundboard at Motor City Casino & Hotel in Detroit and Carlos Llinas put on a card that most will remember for a long time. The night had a special presentation by the WBC. Jackie Kallen, The First Lady of Boxing, had the honor of presenting Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns with a one of a kind commemorative Four Kings belt, honoring his unique time in boxing history. The belt represented what most boxing historians argue was when boxing was at its best. Continue reading “Night of Knockouts XXI Results”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF #2, WBA #3 middleweight Michael Zerafa (30-4,19 KOs) says he has been offered a bout with former WBO super welterweight champion Jaime Munguia (39-0, 31 KOs) and he’s confident he can defeat the unbeaten Mexican.

“If it was up to me I’d jump on a plane tonight and fight him,” Zerafa told Wide World of Sports. “I’m keen for the Munguia fight. I believe I can beat him, I’ve seen him a few times, he fought a fellow Aussie in Dennis Hogan (in 2019), and I thought Hogan won that fight. Continue reading “Zerafa: I can beat Munguia”

Courtesy Jim Jenkins, Sacramento Bee

Sacramento may yet lack a boxing marquee main-eventer of glory years past, but Malikai Johnson (9-0-1) is blossoming into a candidate.

The homespun lightweight didn’t have the fiercest competition in front of him Friday night but dominated as expected with a fourth-round knockout of journeyman Pablo Batres (10-22-1) of Mexico in their feature match at the DoubleTree Hotel. Continue reading “Johnson Rolls On”

Emmanuel “Salserito” Rodriguez 118 vs. Juan Gabriel Medina 115.5
(WBA-NABA gold bantamweight title)

Andy Dominguez 108.5 vs. Edwin Reyes 108
Anthony Johns 117 vs. Gilberto Duran 118
Brian Ceballo 158 vs. Gerald Sherrell 155
Jose Nieves 122.5 vs. David Ashley 116
John Leonardo 125 vs. Jostin Ortiz Maysonet 126.5
Dave Roman Curiel 146.5 vs. Margarito Hernandez 145.5
Kahshad Elliott 151.5 vs. Tray Martin 153.5
Robert Terry 155.5 vs. Evincii Dixon 155
Gian Garrido 166 vs. Derrick Vann 170

Venue: The Robert Treat Hotel, Newark, N.J.
Promoter: Rising Star Promotions
TV: bxngtv.com

Sergey Kovalev 196.5 vs. Tervel Pulev 197.5

Kubrat Pulev 248.5 vs. Jerry Forrest 233
Evan Holyfield 153 vs. Jurmain McDonald 153.5
Emiliano Vargas 133.5 vs. Mark Salgado 133.5
Fernando Vargas Jr. 151.5 vs. Terrance Jarmon 148
Amado Vargas 130.5 vs. Anel Dudo 128.5

Venue: The Forum, Inglewood, California
Promoter: Triller Fight Club
TV: FITE

Jermell Charlo 152.8 vs. Brian Castaño 153.8
(Undisputed WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO super welterweight title)

Jaron Ennis 146.2 vs. Custio Clayton 146.6

Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
Promoter: TGB Boxing
TV: Showtime

Gilberto Ramirez 174.8 vs. Dominic Boesel 174.2
(WBA light heavyweight eliminator)

William Zepeda 134.4 vs. Rene Alvarado 134.6
John Ramirez 114.6 vs. Jan Salvatierra 114.6
Katsuma Akitsugi 124.6 vs. Jose Gonzalez 125.8

Venue: Toyota Arena, Ontario, California, USA
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: DAZN

In a huge upset, 37-year-old former WBA super middleweight champion Giovanni De Carolis (31-10-1, 15 KOs) scored a spectacular fifth round KO over previously unbeaten IBF #8, WBO #9 rated Daniele Scardina (20-1, 16 KOs) on Friday night at the Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy. De Carolis dropped Scardina hard in round four. The referee totally botched the knockdown, giving the reeling Scardina extra time. No matter, De Carolis rushed out in round five to floor Scardina again ending it.

Saturday’s PPV exhibition between Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather and ‘Dangerous’ Don Moore is off due to the death of United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who passed away today at age 73. To mourn the former leader, the country is suspending work in ministries, departments, federal and local institutions, and the private sector for three days.

Official announcement:

GLOBAL TITANS DUBAI POSTPONED

We are deeply saddened by the announcement of the recent passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Due to the passing, the United Arab Emirates will be observing an official period of mourning for the next 40 days.

Therefore, the Global Titans Dubai event, which was scheduled to take place on May 14th at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, has been postponed until further notice. A new date will be announced soon.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and reassure fans that this spectacular event will be staged in the future.

“It’s time to hang up my gloves,” former WBA/IBF super lightweight champion world champion Amir Khan announced today on social media. “I feel blessed to have had such an amazing career that has spanned over 27 years. I want to say a heartfelt thanks and to the incredible teams I have worked with and to my family, friends and fans for the love and support they have shown me.”

Khan, 35, ends with a record of 34-6 with 21 KOs. He lost his final fight earlier this year against archrival Kell Brook, who also recently retired.

Wilfredo “El Bravo Vega” Flores 135 vs. Victor Betancourt Jr 135
(WBA Fedecentro lightweight title)

Anthony “Princesa” Olascagua 112 vs. Gustavo “Smiley” Perez 112
Alexander Castellano 122 vs. Vietz “King Cobra” Yang 122
Mikiah Kreps 118.8 vs. Kedra “Chico” Bradley 117
Gerffred “The Authentic” Ngayot 135 vs. Juan Carlos Montañez 136
Anthony “Pretty Boy” Bizzaro 145 vs. Chris Ortiz 143.5

Venue: Seneca Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, NY
Promoter: All Star Boxing
TV: ESPN Knockout (Latin America)
TONIGHT

Roman Fress 199.5 vs. Armend Xhoxhaj 199.7
(WBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight title)

Adam Deines 174.8 vs. Norbert Dabrowski 174.8
(WBO European light heavyweight title)

Tim Vößing 197.3 vs. Maximilian Schnell 196.7
Tom Dzemski 174.8 vs. Tomas Adamek 173.5
Robin Rehse 159.8 vs. Kristian Dzurnak 154.3
Marlon Dzemski 144.4 vs. Jan Kafka 144.2
Artur Reis 168.2 vs. Filipe Da Silva 163.8
Umut Camkiran 253.3 vs. Lukas Wacker 226.2
Paul Wall 153.7 vs. Morgan Toselli 152.6
Hamsat Shadalov 134.7 vs. Mike Juric 132.7

Venue: Seebühne in Elbauen Park, Magdeburg, Germany
Promoter: SES Boxing
TV: MDR (Germany)

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Two-time world champion Billy “The Kid” Dib spoke to Fightnews.com® about winning the IBF featherweight crown in 2011, still being rated as a lightweight in 2022, and calling out undisputed champion George” Ferocious “ Kambosos.

In 2011 you performed at your best to defeat tough Mexican Jorge Lacierva to win a clear twelve round decision to capture the IBF featherweight crown. Was that a dream come true to be IBF world champion?

It certainly was a dream come true. I had worked so hard for more than half of my life to turn my dream into a reality. Even though I had captured the IBO super featherweight championship a few years earlier, winning the IBF world featherweight championship cemented my legacy as a true world champion and that was special to me. It also came against a solid, rugged and experienced opponent in Lacierva so it’s something that I will always be proud of. Continue reading “Q&A: Billy “The Kid” Dib”

Courtesy Jim Jenkins, Sacramento Bee

BOXING
Malikai Johnson 138 vs. Pablo Bates 140
Anthony Hernandez 173 vs. Alejandro Fugon 170
Kenneth Lopez 165.5 vs. Andrew Garcia 165
Kevin Montano 130 vs. Corben Page 130
Cain Sandoval 144 vs. David Mitner 147
Luis Chavez 145 vs. Juan Moreno 144
Irving Xilohua 121 vs. Olaf Soto 122
Lizette Lopez 123.5 vs. Neveah Martinez 125.5

MMA
Salvador Martinez 186 vs. Raheem Gilliam 186

Venue: Sacramento DoubleTree Hotel
Date: Friday, May 13, 7:30 p.m.
Promoter: Nasser Niavaroni

Undefeated super welterweight Callum Walsh (3-0, 3 KOs) demolished Luis ‘The Sniper’ Garcia (3-1, 1 KO in the first round on Thursday night at the Quiet Cannon located at the Montebello Country Club in Montebello, California. Walsh dropped Garcia twice, to notch his third straight first round KO. Time was 1:48.

Unbeaten featherweight Omar Trinidad (8-0-1, 6 KOs) stopped Andrew Strode (6-2, 1 KO) at 1:10 of round three. Referee’s stoppage.

Unbeaten super lightweight Ernesto Mercado (6-0, 6 KOs) blitzed Jose Zaragoza (8-5-1, 2 KOs), getting a referee’s stoppage at 1:07 of round two.

Cruiserweight Marco Deckmann, (9-1, 7 KOs) outpointed Jasper McCargo, (4-3-2, 2 KOs) over six rounds. Deckmann dropped McCargo in round four, but was deducted a point for hitting McCargo behind the head while he was on the deck. Scores were 59-53 3x.

Former world champion Angel “Tito” Acosta (23-3-1, 22 KOs) obliterated Janiel Rivera (18-9-3, 11 KOs) in just 79 seconds of a super flyweight fight on Thursday night at the Fantasy Spring Resort Casino in Indio, California. Acosta rocked Rivera, then unloaded until the referee waved it off. Impressive win.

“I always train well for every fight, we knew Janiel was going to be a strong fighter and I didn’t want to under prepare for this fight,” said Acosta. “I saw an opportunity to end the fight early and I took it. I had a great camp with Joel Diaz and I feel he got me ready for this. Naturally we trained to go the distance, but fortunately we ended it early and got a great victory. We want to go back to the gym train and look for another world championship shot, hopefully Julio Cesar Martinez or McWilliams Arroyo.” Continue reading “Acosta destroys Rivera in one”

Unified WBC, WBA, and IBF 154-pound world champion Jermell Charlo and WBO 154-pound world champion Brian Castaño received enthusiastic and fervent support from their respective fanbases at a heated and boisterous final press conference on Thursday before they meet in a  rematch for undisputed status at 154 pounds this Saturday on Showtime from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. The fighters did not face off.

Jermell Charlo: “Knocking people out is what the f*** I do. That’s what I’m known for.”

Brian Castaño: “I could care less if he wants to knock me out. Let’s go out there and see if he can withstand my punishment for 12 rounds.” Continue reading “Charlo-Castaño II Final Press Conference”

By Brad Snyder/The Undercard

Dwane Taylor 141.1 vs. Marshawn Hughes 139.7
Vernon Webber 217.5 vs. Carlos Black 263.5
Derick Miller 186 vs. Larry Pryor 185.7
Sam Rizzo 131 vs. Ronny Arana 136.8
Ermal Hadribeaj 154 vs. Sidney Rosa 154
Matthew Rodriguez 156.1 vs. Christian Aguirre 157.9
Ramon Guevara 143.4 vs. LaQuan Lewis 147.7
Morris Young 163 vs. Brennon Crow TBA

Venue: Motor City Casino
Promoter: Carlos Llnas
First Bell at 7pm

Sonny Conto 228.2 vs. Justin Rolfe 254.1
Shinard Bunch 144.2 vs. Marklin Bailey 141.4
Jordon Murphy 127 vs. Antonio Dunton El 128.9
Carlos Ramos 129.5 vs. Jesus Arturo Guzman 128.6
Christopher Burgos 140.4 vs. Phillip Davis 143.1
Gerardo Martinez 139.4 vs. Michael Crain 140.4
Karly Wylie 139.3 vs. Tyree Arnold 143
Quadeer Jenkins 160.5 vs. Andre Hammon 161

Promoter: Joe Hand Promotions
Venue: Parx Casino
1st Bell: 7 PM ET

The final press conference for TrillerVerz 5 was held today in Los Angeles just two days ahead of the FITE-streamed event emanating from the Forum.

Sergey Kovalev: “I’m ready for anybody and anywhere. My promoter said ‘Tervel Pulev, I’m ready always.’ I just want to make a great comeback and make all my fans proud of me.”

Tervel Pulev: “Thanks very much to Triller Fight Club for making this fight happen. I’m very excited to be facing clearly the toughest opponent of my career in Sergey Kovalev. My prediction is I’m going to remain undefeated.”

Kubrat Pulev: “Texas for Triad Combat was a great event and I hope that Saturday is the same for Triller Fight Club. I’m ready for this fight and I hope my opponent is also ready. I respect him, he is a good fighter, he had a good fight against Michael Hunter. But I’m different and on a higher level than his past opponents. This fight is very difficult for him, I have everything and he is going to find that out on Saturday night, I’m like a very intelligent, wild animal.”

Jerry Forrest: “It’s a blessing and a pleasure to fight on this tremendous card. This is another chance to show what I can do. I feel like this is where I belong and everything has led up to this. I’m always in the gym so I’m in great shape and I’m ready. My approach for every fight never changes; I’m going to outbox everybody.” Continue reading “Kovalev-Pulev Final Press Conference”

Sugar Ray Leonard talks from a more personal point of view about his career on a much more human and emotional scope of things. Very interesting interview.

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Dmitry Bivol opened as a 2:1 favorite for a potential rematch against Canelo Alvarez. www.BetOnline.ag  has Alvarez at +160 while Bivol is -200.

Triller Fight Club presents the return of Triad Combat on June 11 at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, CA, and broadcast globally on FITE. However, unlike the original event, this edition doesn’t feature any big name boxers.

California authorities will not press charges against Mike Tyson over the altercation with a belligerent fan on an airplane last month. A video of the incident went viral.

Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk isn’t buying WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s retirement claims. “I don’t take it seriously,” Krassyuk told SkySports. He said after Usyk defends against Anthony Joshua, he plans to unify against Fury or whoever else becomes WBC champion.

By Ron Jackson

It has been reported that South Africa’s Hekkie Budler who is rated as the #1 junior flyweight by the WBC and Elwin Soto from Mexico who is listed at #3, will meet on 25 June at the Palenque del FEX in Soto’s hometown of Mexicali, Mexico, in a WBC world junior flyweight title eliminator. Continue reading “Budler and Soto to meet in WBC eliminator”

By Miguel Maravilla

Mexican light heavyweight and former super middleweight world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez (43-0, 29 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico, looks to make his statement this weekend as he takes on former WBA interim light heavyweight world champion Dominic Boesel (32-2, 12 KOs) of Freyburg, Germany this Saturday night live on DAZN from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.

“I feel good, I am ready for this fight come Saturday night. Don’t miss it, this will be a good fight and the fans will be the winners,” Zurdo Ramirez told Fightnews.com®. “Expect for me to come out with the victory and be in line for a world title.” Continue reading “Zurdo Ramirez Looks to Make His Case”