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Courtesy of Jim Jenkins, Sacramento Bee

Sacramento’s DoubleTree Hotel, minus marquee boxers, again had no trouble filling a ballroom venue with fight-starved fans.

The substitute feature bout between middleweights saw Joeshon James (5-0) of Sacramento spoil the pro debut of Bryan Martinez of Paso Robles by four-round unanimous decision. Illness forced cancellation of the scheduled main between super-middleweights Anthony Hernandez of Yuba City and Kenneth Lopez of Ceres. Continue reading “Results from Sacramento”

In a Showtime exclusive feature, the Russell family opens up about their boxing goals and how they help push each other to greater heights. Plus, WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. discusses his fight tonight with Mark Magsayo.

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By Brad Snyder – The Undercard

Hugo Centeno Jr. 161.2 vs. Antonio Todd 158.2
Winfred Harris Jr. 166.8 vs. Esau Herrera 163.4
Joseph Hicks Jr. 168.4 vs. Montrel James 168.4
Gordie Russ II 153.4 vs. Leslie Michael Klekotta 156
Marlon Harrington 159.4 vs. Terry Roscoe 158.2
Quinton Randall 151.4 vs. Julian Smith 145.4
Joshua James Pagan 137.2 vs. Glenn Mitchell 136

Venue: Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI
Promoter: Salita Promotions
Tickets: $35 and $60 are still available

The World Boxing Council has received requests from the teams of Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte, to extend the period of free negotiations to finalize the fight. If there is no agreement, a purse bid will be held this coming Wednesday, January 26th.

Gary Russell Jr. 125.5 vs. Mark Magsayo 125.5
(WBC featherweight title)
Note: Russell made the 126-pound weight limit on his second attempt.

Subriel Matías 140.5 vs. Petros Ananyan 141
(Contracted weight limit: 141 lbs.)

Tugstsogt Nyambayar 128 vs. Sakaria Lukas 127.5
(Contracted weight limit: 128 lbs.)

Venue: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ
Promoter: TGB Promotion
TV: Showtime

U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson, featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington and Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of “The Greatest,” are among the rising stars who will fight January 29 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. The bill is topped by the 10-round WBC 130-pound title eliminator between Robson Conceição and Xavier Martinez, and a 10-round junior lightweight co-feature featuring Mexican grinder Rene Tellez Giron and Puerto Rican contender Luis Melendez.

Conceição-Martinez and Giron-Melendez will be televised live on ESPN. The above undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+. Continue reading “Conceição-Martinez undercard announced”

WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. is a 4:1 favorite to defeat unbeaten challenger Mark Magsayo in the SHOWTIME main event this Saturday at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ.

Lightweight Subriel Matias is 4:1 over Petros Ananyan in their twelve round rematch, and featherweight Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar is a whopping 25:1 against Sakaria Lukas in the ten-round TV opener.

Courtesy Jim Jenkins, Sacramento Bee

Cmaje Ramseur 133.5 vs. Sergio Ibarra 133.5
Mark Salgado 137 vs. Luciano Ramos 140
Jude Yniguez 129 vs. Malikai Johnson 130
Joeshon James 159 vs. Bryan Martinez 158
Anthony Hernandez 166 vs. Kenneth Lopez 167
Iris Contreras 132 vs. Neveah Martinez 133 (women)

Venue: DoubleTree Hotel.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 1-21-2022
Promoter: Nasser Niavaroni.

Unbeaten prospect Evan Holyfield (8-0, 6 KOs), the son of legendary heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, will look to kick off what he hopes to be a big 2022 campaign when he takes on Chris Rollins (5-3-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout on the non-televised undercard on Saturday from Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.

“My goals for 2022 are to remain undefeated and win Prospect of the Year,” said Holyfield. “I have to start by winning on January 22. I’ve been growing at a steady rate. Every time I fight I try to keep showing some type of evolution based on what I’ve been doing in the gym during training.” Continue reading “Evan Holyfield carving out own niche”

By Jeff Zimmerman

Fightnews.com® caught up with convicted former drug trafficker “Freeway” Ricky Ross who was once in prison serving a life sentence when he discovered a loophole that set him free and has since become an author, motivational speaker and now running his new venture Team Freeway Boxing with long time boxing insider Rick Glaser. “Freeway” dives into his fascinating life starting in Los Angeles running a massive drug empire and now using those experiences to work with fighters that may have been discarded by others and looking for another chance and so much more in this exclusive interview.

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Brooklyn-born super middleweight sensation Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga (18-0, 16 KOs) will defend his NABO belt against crafty Steve Rolls (21-1, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event Saturday, March 19 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In the junior middleweight co-feature, 19-year-old Xander Zayas (12-0, 9 KOs) will fight in his first scheduled eight-rounder against Quincy “Chico” LaVallais (12-2-1, 7 KOs).

The eight-round televised opener will see the return of lightweight U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (4-0, 3 KOs) against Esteban Sanchez (18-1, 8 KOs).

Berlanga-Rolls, Zayas-LaVallais and Davis-Sanchez will air live on ESPN. Continue reading “Berlanga, Zayas, Davis headline March 19 at MSG”

Former welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman has declared his intention to return to the top of the boxing world as he steps back into the ring on February 5 for the first time since 2019 against former junior welter champ Mario Barrios on PPV in Las Vegas.

“The sport of boxing demands greatness out of Keith Thurman. I demand greatness out of Keith Thurman. For all those who hold titles, get ready, as it’s not for long – I’m back baby! Time for me to dominate the welterweight division,” proclaimed Thurman during a training session at his home boxing gym, the St. Pete Boxing Club. “The sport of boxing, my legacy, is not over. The story is still being written. In 2022 we have a new chapter for Keith Thurman…with a belt, without the belt, I’m one of the greatest welterweights in the world today!”

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WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. and unbeaten challenger Mark Magsayo went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they meet in the SHOWTIME main event this Saturday at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ.

Gary Russell Jr: “If I go out there and I destroy Mark on Saturday, then the big fights that I want, those fighters won’t be in a rush to face me, not that they are now anyway. I’m always trying to give the same message when I enter the ring. I believe in intellect over athleticism, no matter the situation.”

Mark Magsayo: “I think I’m the fighter who wants to beat him more than anyone else has. I’m here to give him his second loss on Saturday night.”

More quotes

The current COVID-19 situation in Puerto Rico has forced the purse bid for WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade’s mandatory defense against Janibek Alimkhanuly to be rescheduled once again. It will now be held Friday, January 28th at 11:00 am at the WBO main offices in San Juan.

By Jeff Zimmerman

Fightnews.com® caught up with former 140lb WBA regular champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios as he prepares to face former welterweight champ Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on Sat, Feb 5. Barrios discussed what he learned from his first loss against popular, multi-divisional champ Tank Davis and what a win against “One Time” would do for his career and much more in this exclusive interview.

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Two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez (8-1, 4 KOs) will cross the pond to battle Irish veteran Eric Donovan (14-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight battle February 26 at OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland. Ramirez-Donovan highlights the undercard of the junior welterweight showdown between undisputed world champion Josh “The Tartan Tornado” Taylor and undefeated WBO #1 contender Jack “El Gato” Catterall. The entire Taylor-Catterall card will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+.

“Ever since that shocking loss in his professional debut, Robeisy Ramirez has shown why he was one of the top fighters from the 2016 Rio Olympics,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Robeisy fought all over the world during his amateur career, and we are thrilled that he will be able to showcase his skills for the Scottish fans.” Continue reading “Taylor-Catterall undercard announced”

The much-anticipated IBF heavyweight eliminator between Filip Hrgovic and Tony Yoka has run into a snag. Yoka and Martin Bakole were slated to fight last Saturday in Paris but that bout was postponed due to Covid restrictions. According to ESPN, Bakole protested to the IBF saying he still has a deal to face Yoka and therefore Yoka isn’t available to take the fight with Hrgovic. The IBF will now decide whether they will let the Yoka-Hrgovic eliminator take place or continue to move down the list to the next available contender for Hrgovic.

WBA heavyweight champion Trevor Bryan is planning a breakout performance against WBA #13 Jonathan Guidry on January 29 in Warren, Ohio. “We are going to show the world why I am the champion. I have a great opponent in front of me. I am going to do what champions do,” vowed Bryan on a Zoom call with reporters earlier this week.

“After this fight, everybody is going to be shouting my name. I am not worried about that. Boxing people know who Trevor Bryan is. I am here to stay. I am here to fight the best. I am the best. I am the champion…it’s cold in Ohio, but we are going to turn up the heat on January 29. Hopefully, I can get this man out there early. I do not get paid for overtime.” Continue reading “Trevor Bryan: I am here to fight the best”

The full card has been set for this Saturday’s Salita Promotions “Detroit Brawl” boxing card in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

As previously announced, the night’s 10-round middleweight main event will be WBC #9, WBO #15 ranked middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. against Antonio Todd (12-5, 7 KOs).

In the eight-round co-main event, undefeated super middleweight Winfred “Hotboy” Harris Jr. (20-1-1, 10 KOs) returns home for the first time in three years to take on Esau Herrera (19-13-1, 8 KOs). Continue reading ““Detroit Brawl” undercard set”

WBA featherweight champion Leigh Wood (25-2, 15 KOs) and Michael Conlan (16-0, 8 KOs) faced off at the kickoff press conference in Nottingham ahead of their world title showdown at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Saturday March 12, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).

Leigh Wood: “e’s not a fighter I’ve watched and thought he does anything unexpected or special. I do rate and respect him as a fighter, making sure I’m doing everything I need to do to win. He is quite tricky; we’ve looked at him in great detail.”

Michael Conlan: “I have answers for anything Leigh does, I know what type of fighter he is, he punches hard yes but slow feet and curly head. I’ll punch ahead of him.”

More quotes

By Karl Freitag

“It’s a big opportunity for me to show my talent, that I really can fight,” said WBA #13 rated heavyweight Jonathan Guidry during a teleconference with reporters on Tuesday. Guidry (17-0-2, 10 KOs) challenges WBA heavyweight champion Trevor Bryan (21-0, 15 KOs) on January 29 in Warren, Ohio.

“To be honest, I don’t think it’s gonna go the distance,” said Guidry, “but we prepared ourselves for it just in case it happens that way. I don’t think nobody will make it past seven or eight rounds.

“He’s a big guy. He’s got a real good jab, but once we get around the jab, we’ve got to work in on him…I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for my whole life. We’ve been doing two times a day training and I lost easy like 30 pounds. I’m in way better shape. I feel a lot better, a lot stronger and we’re ready. Continue reading “Jonathan Guidry: We’re gonna shock them”

Former female world champions Terri Harper (11-1-1, 6 KOs) will face Heather Hardy (22-2, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBA Intercontinental lightweight title on the undercard of Leigh Wood’s WBA featherweight world title defense against Michael Conlan at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Saturday March 12, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).

Harper (11-1-1, 6 KOs) returns to the ring for her first fight following her beatdown loss to Alycia Baumgardner last November. Hardy last fought in May when she was outpointed by Jessica Camara over eight rounds.

By David Finger

Fightnews.com® is sad to report the passing of longtime trainer and boxing manager John “Pops” Arthur (1950-2022) on January 16th. Although famously described as “the toughest man in America” by Men’s Journal Magazine in a feature story they did on him in 2018, Arthur was also known as an approachable and loveable father figure in the sport. For many, Arthur was arguably the most beloved figure in boxing, and everyone in the sport who had the pleasure of interacting with him lovingly referred to him as “Pops”. Continue reading “Legendary trainer John “Pops” Arthur passes”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney’s promoter Eddie Hearn is in negotiations with Lou DiBella who is the promoter of undisputed WBA, WBO, IBF, WBC franchise lightweight champion George “Ferocious” Kambosos for a fight in Australia in 2022

“There’s a lot of conversations between myself and Lou DiBella,” Hearn told DAZN. “The two promoters, we’re trying to figure out the structure of the deal, international TV, money being generated in Australia, etc. We’re in a decent place. I spoke to him this morning, 3AM his time, I think everybody involved wants to make the fight happen. Continue reading “Kambosos-Haney Update”

ShoBox: The New Generation returns to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. for the second time in two months on February 18. The main event will see undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine Ortiz (14-0-1, 8 KOs) make his ShoBox debut against once-beaten Nahir Albright (14-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round bout. The co-feature matches ShoBox returnee Joe George (11-0, 7 KOs) facing Sean Hemphill (14-0, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight bout of unbeatens. The telecast opens with Philadelphia’s undefeated welterweight prospect Paul Kroll (9-0, 6 KOs) squaring off against Marquis Taylor (12-1-1, 1 KOs) in an eight-rounder. The three-fight telecast is promoted by King’s Promotions.