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Makabu-Mchunu collide; winner gets Alvarez

The world’s greatest boxing promoter, Don King, will return to his home state of Ohio on January 29, as he presents a world championship fight pitting WBC cruiserweight champion Ilunga Junior Makabu (28-2 with 25 KOs) and the number one challenger, WBC silver champion Thabiso Mchunu (23-5, 13 KOs) at the W.D. Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio.

In addition to Makabus-Mchunu, a special 10-round heavyweight sensational attraction will pit undefeated Jonathan Guidry (18-0-2, 10 KOs) against Alonzo Butler (34-3-2, 25 KOs).

King, who represents Makabu, came to an agreement with Mchunu’s representatives on the 12-round world championship fight, and the winner will advance to fight Mexico’s great champion Canelo Alvarez in the month of May. Alvarez will be ringside to see who his next opponent will be. Continue reading “Canelo Bowl set for January 29”

Brandon Figueroa 121.75 vs. Stephen Fulton 121.75
(WBC/WBO super bantamweight unification)

Raeese Aleem 121.75 vs. Eduardo Baez 121.5
Gary Antonio Russell 117.5 vs. Alexandro Santiago 118

Venue: Park Theater, Las Vegas
Promoter: TGB Promotions
TV: Showtime

In a clash for the vacant WBA Intercontinental light flyweight title, unbeaten IBF #15 Hector Gabriel Flores (19-0-4, 10 KOs) scored a sixth round KO over local hero and WBA #3 rated Jay Harris (18-3, 9 KOs) on Friday night at the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff, Wales. Flores dropped Harris twice with body shots in round six. Time was 1:32.

In a bout that figured to go the distance, super lightweight Akeem Ennis-Brown (15-1, 1 KO) outpointed Daniel Combi (9-5, 1 KO) over ten rounds to win the vacant WBC International title. Scores were 98-92, 99-91, 98-92.

Featherweight Jacob Robinson (9-0, 2 KOs) won a ten round unanimous decision over Angelo Dragone (5-3, 0 KOs) for the vacant Welsh Area title. Score was 95-94. Robinson was deducted a point for holding in round six and scored a throwdown/knockdown in round eight.

Teofimo Lopez 135 vs. George Kambosos Jr 134.4
(WBA, IBF, WBO, WBC Franchis lightweight titles)

Azinga Fuzile 129.6 vs. Kenichi Ogawa 129.4
(IBF super featherweight title)

Raymond Ford 126 vs. Felix Caraballo 125.4
Zhilei Zhang 274 vs. Craig Lewis 273.2
Ramla Ali 122.2 vs. Isela Vera 121
Christina Cruz 111.6 vs. Maryguenn Vellinga 110.8
Anthony Herrera 118 vs. Jonathan Tejeda 115.4

Venue: Madison Square Garden Theater, New York City
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN

Kubrat Pulev 254.9 vs. Frank Mir 269.4
Alexander Flores 244.7 vs. Matt Mitrione 272.2
Michael Seals 175.8 vs. Matt Perry 174.7
Brian Vera 167.6 vs. Derek Campos 164.1
Scott Sigmon 175.5 vs. Albert Tumenov 175.5
Angelina Hoffschneider 130.1 vs. Alexa Culp 126.2
Harry Gigliotti 142.8 vs. Jacob Thrall 145

Venue: Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
Promoter: Triller
TV: Fite.tv

Two former world champions got quick wins on Friday night at MotoSpace in Dubai, U.A.E.

Two-weight world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper” (25-3-3, 15 KOs) moved up to cruiserweight and smoked Maryland boxer Samuel Crossed (11-2-1, 7 KOs) in two rounds. Jack dropped Crossed three times in round two to end it. Time was 2:20.

Former super-middleweight world champion Rocky “From Stocky” Fielding (28-2, 16 KOs) returned at light heavyweight after two years out with a second round TKO over Emmanuel Danso (32-7, 26 KOs). Fielding dropped Danso in round two and Danso didn’t come out for round three. Continue reading “Badou Jack, Rocky Fielding win in Dubai”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Former world lightweight challenger Lenny Zappavigna, who works as chief sparring partner to IBF #1 lightweight George Kambosos, predicts Teofimo Lopez will be in trouble if he hasn’t prepared himself for the tough challenger from Australia.

“I have done a lot of rounds with George in his preparation for this fight and I am a lot bigger and stronger and he can hold me off,” Zappavigna told Sporting News Australia. “George is very quick, sharp, and fast and I am backing him because I believe in him. He is confident and has the ability and skills to pull this off. Continue reading “Zappavigna: Kambosos has a strong chance of winning”

Erika Cruz 126 vs. Melissa Esquivel 124.5
(WBA female featherweight title)

Angel Fierro 134.2 vs. Cristian Bielma 134
Raul Salomon 165.5 vs. Aaron Silva 164.2
Gabriel Gollaz Velazquez 137.7 vs. Juan Jimenez 139
Christian Alan Gomez 146.8 vs. Javier Franco 146.3
Fabian Gonzalez 117.29 vs. Jorge Jair Mejia 113.98
Ruben Vega 121.25 vs. Victor de Jesus 120.59
Jesus Arechiga 122.8 vs. Jose Juan Morales 122.36

Jimmy Brenes 146.61 vs. Herbert Cruz Lopez 146.61
Venue: International Convention Center, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN

Two hotly tipped heavyweight prospects won their pro debuts on the initial Wasserman Boxing Development Series event on Thursday night at the famed York Hall in London. But it was flyweights who stole the show.

After losing the first three rounds, unheralded flyweight Fadhili Majiha (28-14-4, 14 KOs) shockingly knocked out previously unbeaten WBO European titleholder Harvey Horn (9-1, 2 KOs) in the fourth round. Horn down twice. Time was 2:32.

345lb heavyweight Hosea Stewart, who was hand-picked by Anthony Joshua as a sparring partner, lumbered his way to a four round decision over game Mait Metsis (0-2, 0 KOs). Despite over a 100-pound weight advantage, Stewart couldn’t get the 40-year-old Metsis out of there. Score was 40-36.

6’8 heavyweight Matty Harris cruised past journeyman Mladen Manev (3-12, 2 KOs) over four workmanlike rounds. Score was 40-36. Continue reading “Stewart and Harris win, Majiha upsets Horn”

By Joe Koizumi

Japan’s WBO 115-pound champion Kazuto Ioka (27-2, 15 KOs) has announced today (Thursday) to participate in a unification bout with IBF titleholder Jerwin Ancajas (33-1-2, 22 KOs), a Filipino southpaw sharpshooter, in Tokyo, Japan, on New Year’s Eve.

The four-division champ Ioka, making his fourth defense, said, “Ancajas is a very strong titlist. I’m happy to see this unification bout realized.” Continue reading “Ioka, Ancajas to vie for 115lb unification”

Crawford-Porter reportedly did 135,000 to 190,000 PPV buys. For perspective, two weeks earlier, Canelo-Plant reportedly did 800,000. Jake Paul does 500,000.

Remember, boxing on FITE at 2PM ET,11 AM PT, including the pro debut of 345lb heavyweight Hosea Stewart, who was handpicked by Anthony Joshua as a sparring partner for his fight with Kubrat Pulev.

Have to admit the Jake Paul-Tommy Fury press conference was pretty entertaining. Tyson Fury and John Fury were there also.

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By Bob Caico

Lightweight Anthony Bizzarro (2-0) of Erie, PA continued the Bizzarro name in town lore as the 21-year-old scored a unanimous decision victory on Tuesday night over Darius Doaks (0-3) of Chambersburg in four rounds. The card was presented by Bizzarro Boxing and MMA Promotions, at the Bayfront Convention Center. Scores were identical 40-36 for the nephew of the promoter Ernie Bizzarro. Continue reading “Late results from Erie, PA”

Shannon Briggs: ‘Rampage Jackson is scared to fight me and he’s leading a scared group of fighters on Saturday night. He talks tough like most of the MMA guys. Look at my team, they’re all top-notch boxers. Mike Seals is a true animal and he’s going to destroy Mike Perry on Saturday night. Perry, you just talked yourself into a hospital visit, these are the best strikers in the world. Frank Mir, I respect you but Kubrat Pulev is going to knock you out very badly on Saturday night. Rampage is leading them all into the fire on Saturday night.”

‘Rampage’ Jackson: “I don’t know any of these boxers, but I know all these MMA guys and they’re all stone-cold killers. The MMA fighters are the toughest fighters on the planet. Keep on underestimating us and we’ll beat you on Saturday night. Shannon is good at getting underneath my skin but these warriors on my side will shut up him up for good on Saturday night. Of course, I’ll fight this clown, anytime we can put it together with Triller for Triad Combat.” Continue reading “Pulev-Mir Final Press Conference”

WBA female featherweight world champion Erika Cruz (13-1, 3 KOs) and Melissa Esquivel (12-1-1, 4 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 10-round battle for Cruz’s world title on Friday at the International Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico and streamed live globally on DAZN.

Erika Cruz: “I earned this opportunity as a result of having won this title against Jelena Mrdjenovich. My life has changed by being here. Now I am a representative of this belt, and I came to defend it as the great featherweight champion that I am.”

Melissa Esquivel: “I feel happy. Very cheerful. We know what this fight against Erika represents. I come with the mentality and all the desire in the world to be able to deliver a good fight and, God willing, take the belt…I am ready for this and for even bigger things.”

George Kambosos Jr. believes yesterday’s fracas between Teofimo Lopez’s father and his father shows the champion’s team is full of ‘nervous energy’ ahead of their clash for Lopez’s IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC franchise Lightweight titles at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live worldwide on DAZN.

Challenger and champion attended the media workout in New York yesterday, and as their paths crossed in the new Church Street Boxing Gym location near MSG, the teams clashed as the tensions rose between the camps.

“He’s got a lot of nervous energy and fear,” said Kambosos Jr. “His Dad got put in his place, he knows we don’t play around, we’re here ready to fight, ready for war, and he tucked his tail between his legs and that’s what’s going to happen on Saturday night. Continue reading “Kambosos: Lopez’ Dad got put in his place”

Teofimo Lopez and George Kambosos face off after the final press conference for Saturday’s DAZN card at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

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

It would take me many columns to be able to describe what happened during this incredible and so memorable 59th annual Convention of the World Boxing Council in Mexico City, but despite the daunting odds due to Covid, it was possible to safely and magnificently fulfill the dream and exceed, by far, the expectations.

I am deeply grateful to those who stepped up and tirelessly worked flat out with all their heart and soul plus ingenuity, to make this unforgettable event possible viable and so very successful.  The staff of the central office selfless gave of themselves day and night with many sacrifices so that everything flowed efficiently and perfectly. A large number of volunteers constantly, concisely, and consistently at work at the Presidente Intercontinental Hotel, as well as at the Arroyo Restaurant, and friends who loyally supported the Convention are the ones who get the final and so deserved round of applause. Continue reading “The dream is over, here comes the reality”

Three time world title challenger Miguel “The Scorpion” Marriaga (30-4, 26 KOs) from Arjona Colombia is full speed ahead in training camp as he prepares for his Showtime PPV clash on December 5 against world ranked contender Eduardo “Zurdito” Ramirez (25-2-3, 12 KOs) in what will be the opening bout of the Tank-Cruz telecast.

WBO #13, WBC #13 Miguel Marriaga is gunning for one more crack at a world title in 2022, a feat that is very hard to accomplish in today’s era.

“We are happy to be back in the big stage” states Marriaga “I know this fight is due or die for me, you can expect me to give me 1000% for this bout as I still have my goal of becoming world champion.” Continue reading “Marriaga: Ramirez doesn’t impress me”

YouTuber Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and Tommy “TNT” Fury continued their war of words at a press event Wednesday in Morecambe, England. They fight on PPV December 18 in Tampa.

Jake Paul: “These people think they can come in and beat me because they have amateur careers or they’re professional this or they’re UFC that. They don’t understand what they’re getting in there with. It’s funny to see each and every one of them fail in front of the world and the same exact thing is going to happen to Tommy. To me, this is an easier fight than Tyron [Woodley]. This is a young kid who has never had a real fight and I’m going to knock him out. He doesn’t have a chin. He’s never even been hit hard by anybody.”

Tommy Fury: “You want to pay me millions of pounds to go over there and fight somebody that looks like him? 100 percent, sign me up. This is easy money because this is a bum who cannot fight. I’m going to show that on December 18. When he gets in that ring against me, he’s going to find his level. He’s going to be out of there in the first round because he cannot fight. He can’t dream about beating me.”

Tyson Fury: “This is entertainment. These two young fellas are going to go out there and put it all on the line. Somebody is going to get beaten. Someone’s ‘O’ has got to go and that’s how boxing works. Jake is over there in Puerto Rico training hard. Tommy is here in Morecambe training hard. On December 18, poor old Jake Paul is going to get severely knocked out and that’s it.”

Harvey Horn 113 vs. Fadhili Majiha 114
Matty Harris 255 vs. Mladen Manev 235
Saqib Khan 151 vs. Jack Ewbank 151
Hosea Stewart 345 vs. Mait Metsis 229
Chloe Watson 112 vs. Judit Hachbold 109
Martin Foru 168 vs. Pavol Garaj 167
Ryan Martin 155 vs. Angel Emilov 156
Louis Horn 136 vs. Jakub Laskowski 137

Venue: York Hall in London
Promoter: Wasserman Boxing
TV: Fite.tv ($6.99)

Lightweight champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez is a 10:1 favorite to defeat “Ferocious” George Kambosos and retain his WBA, IBF, WBO titles on DAZN from New York City.

In Showtime’s WBC/WBO super bantamweight unification in Las Vegas between “The Heartbreaker” Brandon Figueroa and Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton, Fulton is a -350 favorite.

Lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz has embraced the underdog role heading into his showdown against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis which headlines a Showtime PPV on Sunday, December 5 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

“I have proven time and time again that my drive and desire to be champion is too big to be ignored,” said Cruz. “This fight won’t be the exception. I am going to pull off the upset and a brand new star will be born on December 5…defeating Gervonta Davis is the only thing on my mind. When I win, I know he’s going to want the rematch and I can promise that I will train twice as hard for that fight when it happens.”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF#1 lightweight George “Ferocious” Kambosos (19-0, 10 KOs) is confident he will dethrone IBF, WBA, WBO 135 pound champion Teofimo Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs) on Saturday at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater in New York City.

“It’s an opportunity to win these belts next weekend. It might never come again.” Kambosos told AAP. “And I believe I’m fully ready and prepared and I’m not concerned about everything else.

“I’ve got some really good friends that are quite high up in the business and then they are good friends with some politicians in Sydney and obviously NSW. They said, ‘Mate, you win this fight and we’re going to put a bronze statue of you in Sydney.’ That’s how big this victory will be…I’ve just got to do my business next weekend, which I will.”

Five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis held a “Turkey Giveaway” on Tuesday, as the WBA Lightweight Champion, along with Mayweather Promotions, handed out 150 turkeys, plus gift cards and more to Las Vegas residents. The giveaway took place following Davis’ media workout in preparation for his world title defense against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking place Sunday, December 5 live on SHOWTIME PPV from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

“This is going to be an exciting fight,” said Tank. “Cruz comes to fight each and every time. I’m just waiting to see what he brings to the table on December 5, and we’ll capitalize off of his mistakes. Cruz coming forward could make the fight a lot easier for me, but there are definitely challenges with that style too. He comes forward with his head a lot. I’m definitely going to be ready for that. Continue reading “Tank: Cruz better be prepared”

WBC super bantamweight world champion Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa and WBO 122-pound world champion Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton Jr. previewed their world title unification showdown during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they meet in the main event live on SHOWTIME from Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas.

“Once he gets hit with a big shot and feels my power, it’s going to totally change this fight.”
– Brandon Figueroa

“I already know that I’m the top guy at 122-pounds. It’s just a matter of days until everyone will see that.”
– Stephen Fulton

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