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Thirteen new members have been elected to the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame (PABHOF). Leading the Class of 2022 are all-time greats Bernard Hopkins and Michael Spinks along with former world champions Michael Moorer and Freddie Pendleton. Other boxers to be inducted include title challengers Zahir Raheem and Lou Bizzarro, as well as old-timers Battling (Al) Murray and Dick Welsh. In the Non-Boxer Category, matchmaker Harold Moore, referee Tommy Reid, manager-advisor Rob Murray, and trainers Tony Bersani and Tom Yankello were also elected.

This will be the 64th class of inductees by the PABHOF, the longest-running boxing hall of fame in the world. The date and venue of the event have not yet been determined, but the 2022 PABHOF ceremony is expected to take place this summer. For more information, please contact John DiSanto (609-377-6413 / [email protected]).

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

WBC #2 lightweight Ryan García could be setting the stage to challenge undisputed WBA, WBO, IBF, WBC franchise champion George “Ferocious” Kambosos in Australia this year. Garcia, a social media phenom with 8.7 million Instagram followers, said the highlights of his fight with Luke Campbell had over 18 million views.

“There’s a reason why they (DAZN) want me to fight Kambosos because the subscriptions that come in when I fight,” García told CompuBoxTV. “The viewership, maybe triple of Haney. I got way less [money] than Devin Haney from DAZN, but I was bringing in way more subscriptions…nothing against Haney, but he’s not willing to put it all on the line to get the knockouts to destroy somebody like I am. He’s there to win the fight. I’m going to win the fight, but I’m putting it all on the line to sleep you and land that shot to knock you out.”

Unbeaten featherweight Andranik Grigoryan (14-0, 3 KOs) will defend his NABA featherweight title against Otabek Kholmatov (9-0, 9 KOs) in the main event of Bally Sports’ premiere telecast of their new monthly fight series kicking off March 26 at the Caribe Royal Orlando in Orlando, Florida.

In the co-feature bout, unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Anthony Velazquez (10-0, 9 KOs) will face an opponent TBA in a fight scheduled for eight rounds. The televised opener will be a heavyweight showdown with unbeaten Norman Neely (10-0, 8 KOs) taking on Hector Perez (7-3, 3 KOs). Continue reading “Boxing back in Orlando March 26”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF cruiserweight champion Mairis Breidis (28-1, 20 KOs) will defend the championship against IBF #3 Jai Opetaia (21-0, 17 KOs) on April 6 in Australia and will be promoted by Dean Lonergan.

“I brought Manny Pacquiao to Australia to fight Horn and I can tell you this fight between Jai Opetaia and Mairis Briedis was far more complex to negotiate than Pacquiao-Horn,” Lonergan told The Australian newspaper. “The level of detail in the contracts are nothing short of incredible, but that’s what happens when you’re dealing with a company that has the scale and power of Wasserman.

“I was never concerned that Briedis would fight Jake Paul instead because Paul doesn’t fight real boxers. If Jake Paul took that fight it would be a very short night for him – Briedis has never been off his feet and wins most of his fights by knockout. Continue reading “Breidis-Opetaia clash April 6 in Australia”

Unbeaten super welterweight Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (10-0, 10 KOs) went 10-for-10, blasting out Vincent Floyd (4-12-2, 2 KOs) midway through the opening round on Saturday night at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

The 21-year-old Hogan was the headliner for the first time, as well as in his first scheduled eight-round bout, brought the fight to his over-matched opponent right after the opening bell sounded and he never let up. Hogan, a southpaw, stunned Floyd, who’s legs buckled and left him on the ropes and vulnerable to sharp-shooting Hogan. Hogan unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches until the referee halted the action midway through round one as his many fans erupted in joy. Continue reading “Hogan remains unbeaten”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Looks like the proposed clash between undisputed WBA, WBO, IBF and WBC franchise lightweight champion George “Ferocious” Kambosos and WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney isn’t happening anytime soon. The Kambosos camp has reportedly “moved on” after no agreement between the two sides could be reached.

Another problem is apparently Haney hasn’t received the COVID vaccination. As you may recall, Australian officials recently revoked the visa and deported world #1 tennis player Novak Djokovic due to his unvaccinated status. So this is an issue.

Hometown hero John Ryder (31-5, 17 KOs) won a twelve round split decision over two-time middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs (37-4, 30 KOs) in a WBA super middleweight eliminator on Saturday night at Alexandra Palace in London. Jacobs easily outboxed Ryder over the first six rounds. Ryder woke up in round seven and a fight broke out. Ryder had the upper hand from rounds seven to nine. The last three rounds were close. Scores were 115-113, 115-113 Ryder, 115-113 Jacobs.

Cruiserweight Noel Gevor Mikaelyan (26-2, 11 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Youri Kayembre Kalenga (27-7, 20 KOs in a clash for the WBC silver title on Saturday night at Studio 69 in Riga, Latvia. Scores were 118-110, 117-111, 119-109.

Unbeaten heavyweight Johnny Fisher (5-0, 4 KOs) went the distance for the first time against Gabriel Enguema (10-12, 6 KOs) in the Jacobs-Ryder co-feature on Saturday night at London’s Alexandra Palace. Fisher was cut over the left eye from a head clash in round one and it was a slow-paced six rounds after that with Fisher winning 59-55. Fourth straight loss for Enguema.

In a clash of unbeaten middleweight contenders, Felix Cash (15-0, 10 KOs) was knocked down twice and had a point deduction but still managed to get a ten round unanimous decision over Magomed Madiev (15-1-2, 4 KOs) in a clash for the WBC International title. Madiev dropped Cash with a left hook in round two and Cash survived Madiev’s follow-up barrage. Cash had some good rounds, but Madiev floored Cash again in round ten. Cash was then deducted a point for holding. Scores were 95-92, 95-92, 94-93. Cash is rated WBO #8, IBF #14, while Madiev sits at WBA #3.

Female super bantamweight Ellie Scotney (4-0, 0 KOs) edged Jorgelina Guanini (9-4-2, 1 KO) over ten rounds for the WBA International crown. Scores were 96-94, 96-94, 95-94..

Undefeated Texas middleweight Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (10-0, 7 KOs) stopped Javier Francisco Maciel (33-16, 23 KOs) in round six. Williams dropped Maciel in round one and finished him with two more knockdowns in round six.

Unbeaten super bantamweight Hopey Price (7-0, 2 KOs) won by fourth round TKO over Ricardo Roman (14-13-3, 5 KOs). Roman down in rounds one and four.

Other Results:
Cyrus Pattinson W6 Evgenii Vazem (welterweight)
Shiloh Defreitas W6 Alexey Tukhtarov (welterweight)

By Brad Snyder-The Undercard
Photos by Bob Ryder

Carlos Llinas and Motor City Casino and Hotel at the Soundboard celebrated their 20th Night of Knockouts Friday night. The night provided some pro debuts, some fan favorites, and some prospects ready to level up in the future.

The only non-four-Rounder on the card was a six round heavyweight battle. Derek Miller improved to (7-0, 5 KOs) with a third round knockout. His opponent Dennis Vance (1-3, 1 KO) started strong by actually moving forward. Most of Vance’s punches were power punches that could not connect. Sadly, a board broke under the ring causing a 10-minute delay in the first Round. When action commenced, Miller seemed to control the fight more, scoring a knockdown with a body shot in the second. Vance, already hurt from the first body shot, succumbed to another in round three. This led Referee Steve Daher to wave off the fight at :34. Continue reading “Miller remains unbeaten”

Lightweight contender Ryan Garcia has announced that he has parted ways with trainer Eddy Reynoso and is now training with Joe Goossen for his April 9 clash against Emmanuel Tagoe (32-1, 15 KOs) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The following statement was released by Garcia:

“I’m excited to announce that I will now be working with Hall of Fame trainer Joe Goossen, in addition to my father, Henry Garcia. Joe’s legendary career spans several decades working with championship fighters. I worked with Joe when I was growing up, and the two of us have maintained a great relationship over the years. I can’t wait to pick back up where we left off and to continue this journey together. I’ll now be working out of my own gym, Fierce King, in San Diego — and my goal remains the same: to become a world champion.

“I would like to thank Eddy Reynoso for everything. Eddy has been in my corner since 2018, and I’ve learned a lot from him, both inside and outside the ring. We built an incredible friendship that I’ll always cherish. On behalf of my whole team, I wish Eddy continued success in his amazing career.”

By TMZ.com

WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo is in trouble with the law again … TMZ Sports has learned he was arrested on Friday in Texas. A Fort Bend County Jail official tells us … the 31-year-old was booked at around 1:30 PM CT after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. Continue reading “Jermall Charlo arrested again”

The World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight champion Roger Gutierrez has tested positive for Covid-19. Gutierrez had been preparing in Los Angeles for his February 26 Showtime clash against Chris Colbert in Las Vegas, but his positive result to the virus takes him away from the possibility of stepping into the ring.

WBO #4 middleweight Danny Dignum (14-0-1, 8 KOs) successfully defended his WBO Euro belt with a sixth round KO against Grant Dennis (17-4, 3 KOs) on Friday night at the iconic York Hall in London. Dignum dropped Dennis three times in round six to end it. Time was 2:31.

Unbeaten IBF #3, WBA #6, WBO #11 bantamweight Lee McGregor (11-0-1, 9 KOs) and Diego Alberto Ruiz (24-3-1, 12 KOs) battled to a ten round draw in a super bantamweight bout. Close, hard-fought contest ending in a 95-95 stalemate.

In a rare U.S. TV appearance, famed super middleweight journeyman Lewis van Poetsch moved to 9-138-2 with 2 KOs after a four round decision loss to Joe Giles (2-0, 0 KOs). “Poetschy” landed a lot of clean punches but wasn’t busy enough, losing 40-36.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Promoter Eddie Hearn says he’s ready to travel to Australia with WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney to challenge undisputed WBA, WBO, IBF and WBC franchise lightweight champion George “Ferocious” Kambosos.

“I was with Devin last night,” Hearn told the DAZN Show. “We can’t make it any clearer. Cut the rubbish, we will do whatever it takes to make that fight. I said that to both people. George Kambosos right now is slightly delusional about the money he thinks he should make, that’s the case for all fighters. If you want legacy, if you want undisputed, Devin is on board. My message to the Kambosos team is whatever it takes, we will be there…we haven’t had a deal offered to us so far. Call our bluff. Make that offer and we’ll be on the plane.”

Daniel Jacobs 166.9 vs. John Ryder 167
(WBA super middleweight eliminator)

Johnny Fisher 237 vs. Gabriel Enguema 231.7
Felix Cash 159.6 vs. Magomed Madiev 159.1
Ellie Scotney 121.2 vs. Jorgelina Guanini 119.6
Austin Williams 161.4 vs. Javier Francisco Maciel 166.3
Hopey Price 125 vs. Ricado Roman 124.6
Cyrus Pattinson 150.2 vs. Evgenii Vazem 150.9
Shiloh DeFreitas 143.6 vs. Alexey Tukhtarov 143.4

Venue: Alexandra Palace
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN

Night of Knockouts XX

By Brad Snyder/The Undercard

Derick Miller Jr. 204.9 vs. Dennis Vance 267.9
Nicole Reinhart 136 vs. Gabrielle Hayes 135
Munib Al Salmani ?? vs. Keaton Gatzmer 133.4
Dwane Taylor 145 vs. Derek Reyes 149.7
Henry Wright 202.9 vs. Michael Shipp 207.3
Sam Rizzo 130.6 vs. Reginald Rayford 129.3
Michael Futrell Cruz 142.8 vs. Clayton Crosslan 151.9

Venue: The Soundboard / Motor City Casino and Hotel
Promoter: CLIP Promotions

Female super welterweight Natasha ‘Miss GB’ Jonas  (10-2-1, 7 KOs) will now face former world champion Chris ‘El Bombon Asesino’ Namus (25-6, 8 KOs) for the vacant WBO female world title on February 19 at the AO Arena Manchester in the co-feature on the blockbuster BOXXER Amir Khan vs. Kell Brook card on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and ESPN+ in the US. Jonas was set to fight Ewa Piatkowska for the crown, but Piatkowska contracted Covid and was forced to withdraw.

The undercard includes Olympic super heavyweight hero Frazer Clarke will make his highly anticipated professional debut and will bypass the traditional four-round entry and go straight into a six-rounder vs. TBA. Continue reading “Khan-Brook undercard lineup”

Daniel Jacobs and John Ryder faced off at the final press conference ahead of their WBA super middleweight eliminator on Saturday night at London’s Alexandra Palace, live on DAZN.

Daniel Jacobs: “I’m a decorated fighter, one bad performance doesn’t define my career. This whole notion of my career is done if I don’t win, I get that the importance of this fight is to put us back into title contention. My career is far from over, I have a lot more that I want to continue and accomplish, I want to be able to have that hall of fame talk that me and my trainer have always talked about since we laced the first pair of gloves in my first professional fight.

“For me this is more motivation to know that people think this way and it’s so cruel and harsh to fighters with one loss, that’s more motivation for me to go inside that ring and to put it all on the line. I understand the importance of this fight and to put me back into position which I want to create history.”

John Ryder: “It’s a fight I’ve been craving for a long time, I know your [Eddie] ears have been on fire when the phone’s been ringing and Tony’s been on the case but listen, you’ve delivered. A massive name in the UK and on my doorstep at Ally Pally, it doesn’t get much bigger than this for me.”

Danny Dignum 159.4 vs. Grant Dennis 159.9
(WBO European middleweight title)

Lee McGregor 121.5 vs. Diego Ruiz 122.3
Joe Giles 170.3 vs. Lewis van Poetsch 180
Bilal Fawaz 154.5 vs. Vladimir Fleischhauer 153.5
Paul Ryan 155.2 vs. CJ Wood 157.4
George Mitchell 160 vs. Vasif Mamedov 160.3
Jordan Flynn 137.3 vs. Marian Marius Istrate 135.8

Venue: York Hall, London
Promoter: MTK Global
TV: ESPN+

WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero (31-4, 21 KOs) will defend his world title against mandatory challenger Paul Butler (33-2, 15 KOs) on April 22 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. Casimero and Butler were originally slated to meet last December, but Casimero pulled out before the fight due to illness.

Former WBA super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding (29-2, 17 KOs) will also see action on the Probellum-promoted card.

DAZN is reportedly looking to lock down an $85 million two-fight deal with Canelo Alvarez. According to ESPN, the proposed fights are May 7 against WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and September 17 against Gennadiy Golovkin.

The proposed date for WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte is April 23.

Famed super middleweight journeyman Lewis van Poetsch (9-137-2, 2 KOs) will be making a rare televised appearance in a four-rounder on Friday’s ESPN+ card.

The latest Probellum signings are IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards, unbeaten super bantamweight Shabaz Masoud (9-0, 2 KOs), and the McGrail brothers (Peter and Joe).

Wasserman Boxing won the purse bid for the British Middleweight title contest between Linus Udofia (17-0, 9 KOs) and Denzel Bentley (15-1-1, 13 KOs).

The Championships Committee of the World Boxing Association (WBA) ordered the mandatory fight between WBA super flyweight super champion Juan Francisco Estrada and WBA regular champion Joshua Franco. Communication has been sent to the teams of both fighters, who will have 30 days to negotiate the fight from February 9 to March 11, 2022.

The Committee could call a purse bid if the teams do not reach an agreement in the corresponding period or if any of the parties refuses to sign the contract. The ordering of this fight is another move towards the world title reduction plan that the WBA has put in place since August of last year.

Salita Promotions will present another edition of the “Detroit Brawl” series on March 5 in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan. Heavyweights take center stage in the main event as spoiler Robert Simms (11-3, 3 KOs) faces undefeated Moses “ThunderHands” Johnson (8-0, 7 KOs) in a ten-rounder. Continue reading “Detroit Brawl series returns March 5”

Two-time middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs (37-3, 30 KOs) insists that he still has plenty left to achieve in his career as he prepares to face Islington’s John Ryder in an eliminator for the WBA super middleweight world title this Saturday at Alexandra Palace in London, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia, as usual).

“I’m looking forward to a good scrap,” said Jacobs. “He’s a good fighter from what I’ve seen. I know he’s in his hometown so I’m expecting him to be pumped and excited about it. Also, I’ve heard from him before that this is an important fight for him to get towards title contention. I’m looking forward to seeing exactly everything that he has to bring. Continue reading “Jacobs ready for Ryder”