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Claressa Shields and upcoming opponent Vanessa Joanisse came face to face for the first time Wednesday at a press conference held in Flint, Michigan, to discuss hometown hero Shields’ rise of two weight classes to challenge Quebec, Canada’s Joanisse for her WBC Heavyweight World Championship on July 27 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit and live on DAZN.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

It was in April of the previous year that unbeaten Japanese lightweight prospect Shuichiro Yoshino was dispatched by Shakur Stevenson in a WBC eliminator in Newark. Yoshino underwent a right elbow surgery afterward and has been inactive for fourteen months since. Yoshino (17-1, 13 KOs), 137.5, returned to action, displayed his usual form and made short work of Filipino Jules Victoriano (13-8, 10 KOs), 137.25, at 2:52 of the second round on Monday in Tokyo, Japan. Former OPBF, WBO AP ruler Yoshino (whose amateur mark was 104-20) decked Victoriano three times before the referee saw it no more as he downed with body shots in agony. Having shown a good performance, he may zoom up again in the Asian 135-pound category. Continue reading “Ex-OPBF champ Yoshino returns, halts Victoriano”

Ring legend Floyd Mayweather will return to the ring “for the first and only time” in Mexico on August 24 at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City. Floyd will face John Gotti III in an exhibition. Floyd previously got a mercy referee’s stoppage against Gotti last year. The sudden ending angered Gotti and led to a wild brawl in the ring. Gotti III is the grandson of mobster John Gotti.

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

Last Saturday the 100th boxing event took place in the venue that, without a doubt, is the most important in world boxing: the famous and legendary MGM Grand Arena.

The MGM Grand Hotel opened at the end of 1993 and was a spectacular attraction, it became the hotel with the largest number of rooms in the world 5005; in addition to having an amusement park.

The first boxing card was promoted by Don King and aired on Showtime on January 29, 1994, and this marked the beginning of the unforgettable nights that have been experienced: Julio César Chávez, the great Mexican champion, then considered invincible, visited the canvas and lost his undefeated status and WBC Super lightweight championship on his 90th fight, against Frankie Randall. Continue reading “100 Nights of Glory of the MGM Grand”

By Brad Snyder-The Undercard

​You will not find many relationships in life or business as successful than that of Promoter Carlos Llinas and Motor City Casino Sound Board in Detroit, Michigan. CLIP Promotions celebrates its 30th show at the venue this coming Friday.

A relationship that started in 2011 and has been the most consistent show in the region, and perhaps the United States of America. When asked about his success, Carlos sums it up simply as, “Detroit boxing has supported me being here for 30 boxing shows at just this venue. The boxers have really been great to me over the years. I can’t wait to see the future.” Continue reading “Night of Knockouts Returns”

Former world champion Robeisy Ramirez (13-2, 8 KOs) wants another shot at the title before the end of the year. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Ramirez will return against Brandon Leon Benitez (21-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round battle on ESPN, June 29, at James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. Ramirez, the former WBO featherweight king, lost his belt last December via majority decision defeat to Rafael Espinoza.

Ramirez-Benitez will serve as the co-feature to the junior welterweight world title showdown between WBO champion Teofimo Lopez (20-1, 13 KOs) and Canadian contender Steve Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs).

The six-round televised opener will see middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (10-1, 5 KOs) attempt to avenge his only pro defeat in a rematch against Sona Akale (9-1, 4 KOs). Continue reading “Robeisy Ramirez: My comeback will be legendary”

After the rescheduling of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson to Friday, November 15th, Jake Paul has decided to take an interim fight to prepare for “Iron Mike” by taking on the bare-knuckle champion “Platinum” Mike Perry on July 20 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, live on DAZN pay-per-view.

Amanda Serrano, the unified women’s featherweight champion will be fighting in the co-main event, taking on Stevie Morgan who comes in with a 14-1 record and 13 KOs.

Also on the card is a rematch between Tony Aguilar (12-0-1, 4 KOs) and Corey Marksman (9-0-1, 7 KOs) after the two faced off in a war that resulted in a draw in February.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Eight-time national amateur champion Madoka Wada (2-0, 2 KOs), 104.5, impressively acquired the vacant OPBF female minimumweight belt by dispatching Thailand’s Juthathip Sitthichen (6-2, 4 KOs), 104.25, at 1:19 of the second round in a scheduled eight on Friday in Tokyo, Japan. Wada, a tall upright southpaw, overwhelmed her rival from the outset, and dropped her twice before the referee’s intervention. Wada, 29, whose amateur mark was 58-10, looked vastly talented and very promising. The JBC allowed Wada to fight for the regional belt in her just second professional bout, which is very rare but acceptable due to her excellent amateur credentials. Continue reading “Wada wins OPBF 105lb belt in second pro bout”

By Héctor Villarreal

The most important promoter of this century in Panamanian boxing, Rogelio Espiño, finally returns to action on Thursday night, with an international event in the Combat Center, Panama City, Panamá.

Espiño’s Promociones y Eventos del Istmo in association with George Sarantopoulos’ Sparta Promotion, breaks their 52-month inactivity, since their WBA KO to Drugs Festival on February 7, 2020, a few weeks before the official arrival of COVID virus to the country.

“I seriously considered staying retired, dedicated to my hotel business, but when you feel boxing in your blood it’s almost impossible to stay away,” Espiño said. Continue reading “Estrada-Mendoza on Espiño’s Promotion return”

On Tuesday during the WBC’s weekly press conference, a purse bid was held to determine the promotional rights for the mandatory fight in the super lightweight division between Devin Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) and Sandor Martin (42-3, 15 KOs).

Top Rank won the rights to stage the fight with a bid of $2,420,000 USD. A 10% bonus for the winner worth $242,000 will be held by the WBC.

An agreement was reached just a few hours before the scheduled IBF purse for the promotional rights for the IBF-ordered world championship fight between Canelo Alvarez and IBF mandatory and #1 rated William Scull (22-0, 9 KOs).

Scull promoter Ingo Volckmann said, “We are happy that we were able to reach an agreement with TGB. We have agreed to keep the details confidential and cannot announce anything further at this time. However, the Canelo team will publish the relevant information first at the appropriate time.”

By Héctor Villarreal

In the midst of the atmosphere of celebration that surrounds the sports community of the Dominican Republic for the victories of Alberto Puello and Carlos Adames last Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada, former WBA minimumweight champion Erick “Mini PacMan” Rosa (7-0, 2 Kos) looks forward to play as local, once again, on his next title chance, now as a 108-pounder, with the support of his country’s government.

After Japan´s Kenshiro Teraji vacated the unified WBA and WBC belts a few days ago, Rosa, who also moved up in weight from mínimum to claim the WBA Gold world lightfly belt by outpointing Mexican Yudel Reyes on April 5, became the top-ranked challenger, and awaits for his chance to become the main title holder on his new weight division.

The second ranked fighter is the Venezuelan Carlos Cañizales, who has already stated that he has another commitment so everything now points to the Japanese Shokichi Iwata (12-1, 9 KOs), which indicates that the negotiation will require a joint effort by Shuan Boxing and the government. Continue reading “Erick Rosa aiming to win another title in DR”

It was announced today that the co-main event of the August 17 Mbilli-Derevyanchenko showdown at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, will feature heavyweights Arslanbek ‘The Lion’ Makhmudov (19-1, 18 KOs) and Guido ‘The Gladiator’ Vianello (12-2-1, 10 KOs) in a ten round clash.

Arslanbek Makhmudov: “Vianello is a tough fighter, but also a very good fighter, as we saw in his last fight. This is an important step for me. I want to show that I belong to the top and to get closer to my goal, I have to prove that I’m better than this guy.”

Guido Vianello: “I’m ready to compete against the top heavyweights in the world. This is only the beginning of my journey. The fight with Arslanbek is exactly what I wanted at this point in my career, and I look forward to a great fight on August 17 in Quebec City.”

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Also in action, unbeaten IBO super middleweight world champion Osleys Iglesias (11-0, 10 KOs) and unbeaten lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason (13-0, 11 KOs) will face fighters to be named.

By Gabriel F. Cordero

Sad to report to passing of former world bantamweight champion Enrique “Maravilla” Pinder in Panama City at the age of 76. He had suffered from heart problems in recent years.

In 1972, Pinder defeated Rafael Herrera by 15-round unanimous decision to win the WBA and WBC titles (this was prior to the existence of the IBF and WBO). He relinquished the belt in his first defense and retired two fights later with a record of 35-7-2, 13 KOs. RIP.

Unbeaten IBF junior welterweight champion Liam Paro says he’s the new top dog at 140lbs after a punch-perfect performance popped Subriel Matias’ Puerto Rico homecoming on Saturday night, after ripping the world title from the champion and becoming an overnight star in Australia.

“I made a promise to my mate Regan Grieve, who passed away that I would do this, and I am a man of my word,” said Paro. “To all the people that doubted me, it’s Paro time! I am the man in the 140lb division now.

“I’ve been to hell and back in my life and been through harder fights than that mentally. I have always said that I will get carried out of there if I have to, but we both go home safe to our families tonight. I have self-belief, I know the hard work I put in, I’m always the hardest worker in the room. I keep proving everyone wrong, I took the biggest test out there and came out on top. Continue reading “Paro: I’m top dog at 140lbs now”

Mexico City’s Antonio “Toño” Moran (30-6-1 20 KO’s has re signed an exclusive multi-year promotional agreement with Tuto Zabala Jr’s All Star Boxing, Inc earlier today. The pact comes to no surprise as the two have worked hand in hand over the past 8 years. Moran was once a Boxeo Telemundo favorite a long running series Zabala held.

“”Toño has become a member of the All Star Boxing family after so many years working together” stated Tuto Zabala Jr “I’m happy to continue this relationship with such a great kid who over the years has proven his legitimacy as a contender.” Continue reading “Moran re-inks with All Star Boxing”

IBF featherweight champion Venado Lopez (30-2, 17 KOs) will put his world title on the line against Angelo Leo (24-1, 11 KOs) on Saturday, August 10, at Tingley Coliseum in Leo’s hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. ESPN will televise.

“On August 10, I will make it abundantly clear who the king of the featherweight division is. This will be the fourth defense of my world title, and I’m preparing for a great battle against a former world champion like Angelo Leo,” Lopez said. “It will be a magical night for all the fans in New Mexico. I know he is the local fighter, but you already know what happens when I enter enemy territory. The ‘Road Warrior’ is back, and I will put all the division’s champions on notice.”

Other Bouts:

• In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, Lindolfo Delgado (20-0, 15 KOs) and Bryan Flores (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will lock horns in an all-Mexican showdown.
• Undefeated local flyweights Abraham Perez (10-0, 5 KOs) and Matthew Griego (14-0, 10 KOs) will collide in the 10-round “Duke City Civil War.”
• U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) returns in an eight-round heavyweight bout against Joshua Temple (13-3, 10 KOs).
• Lightweight Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (13-0, 10 KOs) will put his unbeaten record on the line versus Donnie Reeves (9-9, 7 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
• Junior middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. (18-1, 12 KOs) will make his Top Rank debut in a 10-rounder vs. TBA.
• WBO #1 featherweight contender Arnold Khegai (21-1-1, 13 KOs) will see action under the Top Rank banner for the first time in a 10-round tilt against Belmar Preciado (22-7-1, 15 KOs).

Chordale “The Gift” Booker (23-1, 11 KOs) made a scintillating entrance into the middleweight division on Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Booker launched a fearsome head and body attack that dropped Brian “El Elegante” Chaves (14-5, 5 KOs) three times – the final one convincing referee Ricky Gonzalez to wave off the bout between rounds three and four.

“I wanted to show that Chaves didn’t belong in the ring with me,” said Booker immediately after the fight. “I’m now officially a middleweight, and I’m ready for the top 10 in the division.”

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In the night’s co-feature, Angel “Set It Off” Gonzalez (14-0, 7 KOs) picked up the NABF Flyweight title, defeating Josue “Zurdo” Morales (28-14-4, 10 KOs) in a competitive 10 round bout. Scores were 98-92 and 97-93 (2x).

Also, in an emotional bout, female lightweight Kandi “Krush” Wyatt (13-6, 4 KOs) spoiled Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt’s farewell fight, stopping the 47-year-old hall-of-famer in the last round of their 8-round lightweight contest.

In this week’s big fight, unbeaten WBO featherweight champion Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs), who recently inked a multi-fight co-promotional agreement with Top Rank, will make the first defense of his world title against WBO #2 rated countryman Sergio Chirino (22-1, 13 KOs) on Friday inside the BleauLive Theater at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

The 6’1 Espinoza is the tallest world champion in featherweight history. He earned the WBO title with a stunning upset over Robeisy Ramirez last December. Espinoza canme off the canvas to rally late and drop Ramirez in the twelfth, nearly stopping him before the final bell.

The co-feature pits unbeaten junior lightweight Andres “Savage” Cortes (21-0, 12 KOs) against Abraham “El Super” Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) in a ten-rounder. The entire card will be streamed on ESPN+.

Photo: Sumio Yamada

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis delivered yet another spectacular performance, knocking out previously unbeaten Frank “The Ghost” Martin in the eighth round on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

“We did it once again. On to the next!” said Davis afterward. “Frank Martin was a great fighter. He put up a good four to five rounds. I was finding my range. (Martin) had a decent jab and was moving a lot and I just had to break him down as the fight went on.

“I knew he wasn’t getting back up because of the way he fell, and I knew he was gonna tire himself out, that was the whole gameplan.

“Now we go back to the drawing board and I want to fight all of them.”

By Ron Jackson

One of South Africa’s most promising young fighters Roarke Knapp lost in his bid for a world title when he was knocked out in the third round by Jorge Garcia Perez from Mexico in a clash for the vacant IBO junior middleweight title at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Saturday night. The time was 1:05.

There was very little in it through the first round as both fighters worked for an opening.
In round two the 26-year-old Knapp (17-2-1, 12 KOs) picked up the pace and scored with a big right hand just before the bell.

Coming out slowly at the bell for round three the 27 year-old Perez (30-4, 25 KOs) took command before scoring with a big left and right combination that sent Knapp down and out for the ten count by referee Deon Dwarte. Continue reading “Roarke Knapp knocked in the third round”

Unbeaten IBF #5 junior welterweight Liam Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) dethroned IBF champion Subriel Matias (20-2, 20 KOs) by twelve round unanimous decision on Saturday night at the Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico. Slow start for Matias while Paro was quite busy. Matias rocked Paro in round six. Referee Luis Pabon deducted a point from Paro in round seven. Scores were 115-112, 115-112, 116-111. Matias was a 7:1 favorite.

Super lightweight Alfredo Santiago (15-2, 6 KOs) won a ten round unanimous decision over WBO #3, IBF #14 lightweight Angel Fierro (22–22, 17 KOs) in a bout for the WBO NABO 140lb title. Scores were 99-91, 98-92, 98-92.

Olympian flyweight Yankiel Rivera (6-0, 2 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over Victor Sandoval (37-5, 23 KOs) in a bout for the WBC and WBA Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental flyweight titles. Scores were 98-91, 98-91, 97-92. Sandoval down in round two.

Photos: Sumio Yamada

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) scored a spectacular eighth round KO against challenger Frank “The Ghost” Martin (18-1, 12 KOs) on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Martin was able to outbox Davis for the first half of the fight. Tank upped the pressure midway then laid out Martin with an uppercut followed by a left hand in round eight. Time was 1:29.

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Photos: Sumio Yamada

Debuting at light heavyweight, unbeaten David “El Monstro” Benavídez (29-0, 24 KOs) went the full twelve against former world champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (20-2, 16 KOs) in a matchup for the WBC interim light heavyweight title on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Benavides took the fight to Gvozdyk and won pretty much every round. Scores were 116-112, 117-111, 119-109.

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Photos: Sumio Yamada

Ia a clash between unbeaten super lightweights, former WBA champion Alberto Puello (23-0, 10 KOs) won a split decision over Gary Antuanne Russell (17-1, 17 KOs) in a bout for the vacant WBC interim 140lb title on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Russell pressed the action, but Puello was often able to outmaneuver him. Scores were 118-109 Russell, 115-112, 114-113 Puello.

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