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6’9, 265-pound heavyweight Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank and will make his professional debut in a four-rounder live on ESPN+ October 15 on the Emanuel Navarrete-Joet Gonzalez undercard at Pechanga Arena San Diego. Mireles, from Des Moines, Iowa, will be trained by Robert Garcia and managed by David McWater, the 2020 Manager of the Year.

“Antonio is a big young man with a personality to match, and he has all the makings of a heavyweight superstar,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “With Robert Garcia guiding him inside the ropes, I have no doubt he’ll develop into a formidable fighter.”

By Joe Koizumi

Unheralded underdog Masamichi Yabuki (13-3, 12 KOs), 107.75, surprisingly captured the WBC 108-pound belt as he survived a crisis in the ninth and caught up with previously unbeaten defending champ Kenshiro Teraji (18-1, 10 KOs), 107.5, with a flurry of unanswered punches, which prompted the referee’s intervention. Prior to the stoppage, Yabuki was leading on points: 87-84, 86-85, and 88-83.

By Miguel Maravilla

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The Canelo-Caleb showdown intensified at the kickoff presser. After the two jawed a bit during their face-off, Canelo shoved Plant and a melee broke out. Plant took a swing and Canelo countered with a left-right combination causing a minor cut underneath Plant’s right eye. Continue reading “New view of Canelo-Caleb altercation”

By Joe Koizumi

The weigh-in ceremony for the WBC 108-pound title bout was held on Tuesday in Kyoto, Japan, and defending champion Kenshiro Teraji (18-0, 10 KOs) scaled in at 107.5 pounds, while #1 contender Masamichi Yabuki (12-3, 11 KOs) tipped the beam at 107.75.

The scheduled semi-final for the vacant Japanese youth flyweight belt was abruptly canceled, as Aoba Mori tested positive for COVID in the PCR test conducted at the weigh-in, though Mori and his opponent Yuga Inoue both made weight.

The show will be presented by Shinsei Promotions at the Kyoto City Gymnasium.

WBA/WBC/WBO super middleweight world champion Canelo Álvarez and undefeated IBF super middleweight world champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant met for an intense staredown that turned into a scuffle Tuesday at a press conference previewing their undisputed super middleweight championship showdown.

During an extended face-off that kicked off the event, the fighters exchanged words and threw glancing blows before their respective teams rushed the stage to separate the combatants. Plant was left bleeding from a scratch under his right eye. Continue reading “Canelo draws first blood”

The World Boxing Council Board of Governors have ordered a series of mandatory fights and final eliminators.

Joseph Diaz vs Ryan Garcia / WBC lightweight interim/final elimination
Gary Russell vs Mark Magsayo/WBC mandatory featherweight
Nonito Donaire vs ReyMart Gaballo/WBC mandatory bantamweight
Eduardo Ramirez vs Lerato Dlamini/WBC featherweight final elimination

The way it works in the WBC is the champion has the obligation to face the official challenger every 12 months. When the fight is ordered, 30 days are given for free negotiations, and if no agreement is reached, a purse bid is then held, in which all promoters can participate, and whoever bids the highest amount wins the rights to promote the card.

On October 23, Jeter Promotions returns to Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland in Hanover, Maryland. Headlining the card will be super featherweight Jordan White (11-1, 9 KOs) battling Joe Perez (15-5-2, 10 KOs) in a fight scheduled for ten rounds. The 24-year-old White is coming off a KO win over previously unbeaten Misael Lopez in a bout that aired live on ShoBox.

In the eight-round co-feature, super middleweight Demond Nicholson (23-4-1, 20 KOs) will battle Victor Darocha (9-5-1, 6 KOs). Continue reading “Jordan White returns Oct 23”

Unified WBC/WBO/WBA super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez and undefeated IBF super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant officially launch the build-up for their November 6 PPV clash in Las Vegas.

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The family of former IBF Ratings Chairman Anibal Miramontes has planned a Celebration of Life service in his honor. Anibal passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, ending a 2 year battle with multiple myeloma. A fiercely devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, partner, and friend, his passing is felt by many and his vivacious light will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank the staff and doctors at Robert Wood Johnson and the Asteras Cancer Center for taking care of him during his time of need. No black clothing. Please wear something loud and bright. Continue reading “Anibal Miramontes Memorial”

By Przemek Garczarczyk

WBO cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie (16-0, 13 KOs) says he wants to knock out mandatory challenger Dilan Prasovic (15-0, 12 KOs) on Saturday, then move on to a unification fight.

Okolie-Prasovic is the co-feature for Joshua-Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

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Star Boxing announced today that WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr’s October 30 title defense against Umar Salamov will be postponed due to Smith Jr. testing positive for COVID-19. The fight was set to be officially announced this week and expected to sell out quickly. A rescheduled fight date will be announced soon.

Joe Smith Jr: “I was in camp working hard. I am very disappointed that I won’t be able to defend my title in October due to having COVID. When I am better I will be back in the gym preparing to fight as soon as I can and put on a great show for all my fans.” Continue reading “Covid KOs Joe Smith Jr. defense”

In 2019, J Russell Peltz celebrated 50 years as a boxing promoter. Beginning this week, 50 years of boxing stories from the Hall of Famer are revealed in Peltz’ memoir, Thirty Dollars and a Cut Eye.

The 404-page book chronicles Peltz’s first time watching fights on television at the age of 12 in 1959, to his first experience at a live boxing event at 14, and takes readers through his half century in the business. Peltz promoted over a thousand boxing events, and more than 40 world championship fights.

Peltz’ savant-like ability to remember details of fights that took place half a century ago, what happened every round, every conversation, every travesty, and every scandal, makes Thirty Dollars and a Cut Eye a great read for boxing fans. A lifetime collector, Peltz saved every contract he ever signed, all the fight programs, posters, videos, along with the profit-and-loss statements from each promotion. Continue reading “J Russell Peltz’ boxing memoir new available”

Unified heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua has signed a new career-long promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. Joshua turns 32 next month.

“This is the fourth and final promotional agreement we have signed together, and I am honoured that AJ has confirmed his future with Matchroom,” said Hearn. “Just like we did from the debut, myself and the great team at Matchroom will continue to work relentlessly for Anthony in the many chapters that remain.”

Joshua puts his IBF, WBA, WBO crowns on the line against former undisputed cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London this Saturday.

Probably won’t happen, but Oscar De La Hoya told TMZSports.com who he wants to fight next.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF #10, WBO #11 heavyweight Demsey McKean (19-0, 12 KOs) has impressed IBF, WBA, WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. McKean was a key sparring partner for Joshua in preparation for his showdown with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday in London.

Joshua told the press that McKean is “a phenomenal heavyweight” and has been “a blessing.”

“He (McKean) is a great sparring partner,” Joshua said. “He is six-foot-something, big guy, southpaw – we don’t really get too many of those. He has great potential.” Continue reading “Joshua: McKean is phenomenal”

By Joe Koizumi

WBC 108-pound champion Kenshiro Teraji (18-0, 9 KOs), Japan, and #1 ranked compatriot Masamichi Yabuki (12-3, 11 KOs) both passed the medical exam today (Monday) for the forthcoming WBC title bout in Kyoto on Wednesday. The results of the JBC’s measurements were as follows:

TERAJI/YABUKI
Height: 164.1 cm (5’4.5”)/166.4 cm (5’5”)
Reach: 162.5 cm (64”)/166 cm (65.3”)
Neck: 34.5 cm (13.6”)/34.9 cm (13.7”)
Chest: 85.5 cm (33.7”)/87 cm (34.3”)

Teraji, making his ninth defense, said, “I’m confident of my victory and successful defense, but Yabuki is a hard-puncher, so I’ll be careful of his power punches.” Continue reading “Teraji, Yabuki pass medical exam”

Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga (17-0, 16 KOs) will fight former world title challenger Marcelo Esteban “El Terrible” Coceres (30-2-1, 16 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round showdown for the vacant NABO super middleweight belt on ESPN and FS1 prior to the Fury-Wilder PPV event on October 9. The bout is already heating up.

Edgar Berlanga: “I am coming do what I always do, which is to steal the show and knock out my opponent in devastating fashion. Coceres is in for a rude awakening on October 9. Do not get up for a snack when I’m fighting. It’s going to be a short, brutal night. Count on it.”

Esteban Coceres: “Berlanga can say what he wants about making it a short night or whatever. The biggest talkers are usually the most insecure. I know what I bring to the table. I’ve been in there with the better fighters, while he’s feasted on a diet of nobodies. In my mind, it won’t be an upset when I beat this kid. On October 9, it is man versus boy, and that boy is in for a rude awakening.”

Also on that telecast will be former unified WBA/IBF champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams (27-2-1, 16 KOs) against Vladimir Hernandez (12-4, 6 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight bout. This is J-Rock’s first fight since losing his title belts 20 months ago. Continue reading “Berlanga opponent named”

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

The celebration of the Independence of Mexico is the one of greatest festivities of our country, and for all our compatriots living in other countries all around the world whose hearts are forever Mexican.

The famous, traditional, brave and beloved “Grito” is a rallying and uniting summons for our people. It’s the core and the fundamental essence and pride of being Mexican. The consulates and embassies hold special events, all the municipalities present the ceremony of traditional Mexican independence, and a great fiesta is held where the sense of belonging and love for Mexico is unique plus welling and deep. Continue reading “Mexican Independence Weekend without Boxing”

Unified WBA/WBC/WBO super middleweight world champion Canelo Álvarez says he wants to make history against undefeated IBF super middleweight world champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant in their November 6 PPV showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The Canelo-Plant winner will become the first undisputed 168-pound world champion of the four-belt era. If Canelo wins, he would become the first undisputed champion hailing from Mexico or Latin America.

“At the end of the day, this is what I want to do with my career, make history,” said Canelo. “These things, like becoming the first to be the unified champion at 168 pounds, is making history. To potentially be one of the few who holds this prestigious honor in any weight class makes me very happy. For my country, this would be a huge accomplishment. I want to be remembered as one of the greatest in the history of the sport.”

IBF super middleweight champion Caleb Plant says Canelo Alvarez is in trouble when they meet in a November 6 PPV clash.

“On November 6, the world will witness boxing’s first ever crowned undisputed super middleweight champion,” said Plant. “When my hand is raised in victory, the world will know then, that I’m the new face of boxing. Everyone should order the PPV now and get their popcorn ready, because I’m about to put on a performance that will go down in history as one of the best ever. This man is in trouble.”

WBO #1 heavyweight Oleksander Usyk and his team arrived today at a London Airport ahead of Saturday’s world title challenge against WBA, IBF, WBO champion Anthony Joshua on Saturday night in London.

As part of Showtime’s 20th anniversary season of ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will return on Friday to one of the most unique fight venues in the United States, outdoors in the middle of the town square of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

In the 10-round bantamweight main event bout, Ja’Rico O’Quinn (14-0-1, 8 KOs) will face Saul Sanchez (16-1, 9 KOs). The co-main event will pit undefeated featherweight prospects Jayvon Garnett (10-0, 5 KOs) and Luis Reynaldo Nunez (11-0, 8 KOs) against each other in a ten-round bout and in the opener, Alejandro Guerrero (12-1, 9 KOs) faces the undefeated Otar Eranosyan (9-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight contest.

The event will be Salita Promotions’ second attempt to stage a fight at the location. In August 2019, a Salita event had to be moved to the nearby Central Park Community Center due to rain.

Showtime pulled off a bit of a coup by grabbing the November 6 Canelo-Plant PPV away from the clutches of the rival FOX network, which was expected to be the carrier.

“In one of our most prolific years to date, Showtime has delivered 17 live boxing events in 2021 so far with several more to come. None more significant, however, than November 6,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Showtime Sports. “We are proud to welcome Canelo Álvarez back to Showtime, now as the consensus #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world and the sport’s biggest draw. We also welcome undefeated world champion Caleb Plant to the network as both men chase a historic, undisputed world title in the most anticipated fight of the year.”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

WBC #2, WBO #5, IBF #5, WBA #10 bantamweight Jason Moloney (22-2, 18 KOs) was impressive in scoring a unanimous ten round decision over Joshua Greer (22-3-2, 12 KOs) last month at the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is now chasing another world title shot…with an eye on WBC champion Nonito Donaire.

”I was happy with my performance against Greer,” Moloney told Fightnews.com®. “He is a tough fighter and came to win. We both had everything to lose in this fight, and I thought we both showed that in our performances. I felt the fans got a great fight and at the end of the day that’s what it’s about.

“I thought I showed what level I’m at in my last fight, and that’s a level that’s good enough to become world champion. Continue reading “Jason Moloney targets Nonito Donaire”

Boxing returns to Miami, Florida, this Friday at the Manual Artime Community Center Theater. The eight round cruiserweight main event will feature unbeaten Serik Musadilov (10-0, 9 KOs) of Miami by way of Kazakhstan against battle-tested veteran Shawn Miller (18-6-1, 7 KOs) of New York.

“Friday’s card will have a good balance of talented prospects and veterans in competitive fights,” said William Ramirez (WRAM Boxing). Continue reading “Boxing back in Miami Friday”