Fightnews.com

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

Once again, I entered the time warp sun beamed, by the magic of attending a card promoted by the legendary one and only Don King, still going strong at 92 years of age, at the Hard Rock Hotel in Florida.

Everything that is his creation has a different unique vibe, and that’s just how I felt back in the ’80s.

I found people I hadn’t seen in years, their press conference and weigh-in with their unique touch, and a kilometer boxing show of 13 fights, 120 scheduled rounds, and with boxing from 3:30 in the afternoon until midnight. A Bonanza Box.

Don King looks happy, yet quiet and perhaps a little tired, but if a microphone with a camera is suddenly held up to him, that promotional genius revives, energizes and he talks until he can’t. Continue reading “Don King’s Florida Card and Boxing Hall of Fame”

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) and challenger Frank “The Ghost” Martin (18-0, 12 KOs) faced off at the final press conference for their PPV clash on Saturday at the historic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Davis accused Martin of acting “fake tough” and promised an ass-whippin’.

Martin declared, “If he comes in and acts up, ya’ll gonna see him get knocked out.”

Unbeaten lightweight contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin had the media all to himself after undefeated three-division champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis failed to appear for their grand arrival ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It is known that Davis is in town and he’s expected to turn up at Wednesday’s final press conference.

Frank Martin: “I’m feeling great. I’m locked in and I’m focused. The goal is to go in there and beat Gervonta Davis. I’m here to take his spot. I’m here for a reason. I’m here to take over…I’m different. I got speed, power, IQ, and really I have it all. You’re going to see. When it’s time to bite down, the world is gonna see…I’m gonna whoop his ass. We have Saturday to show who’s who.”

Also on hand were David “El Monstro” Benavidez and former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk, who meet in a matchup for the WBC interim light heavyweight title.

David Benavidez: “I’m really thankful for everyone who came out to support, this fight is for you. We’ve worked extremely hard and we’re going for the knockout this Saturday…my plan is to conquer the light heavyweight and super middleweight divisions. Whoever comes to the plate, they can get it. I’m ready to fight whoever and beat whoever.”

Oleksandr Gvozdyk: “I have a lot of experience and I have something to show him…even though he’s moving up in weight, he’s still a big guy. So I’m not thinking about that. I’m expecting him to be in the best shape of his career, just like I am.”

Subriel Matias says training camp turns him into an animal – and Liam Paro is his prey as the pair meet for Matias’ IBF World Junior-Welterweight title at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.

Matias (20-1 20 KOs) makes the second defense of his title in his first fight on home turf since November 2019, and the 32-year-old is itching to get his hands on Paro and put on a show for his adoring fans.

Paro (24-0 15 KOs) fights for his first world title on Saturday night and does so in the toughest of circumstances – on the doorstep of one of the most avoided fighters on the planet. For Matias, Saturday night is his time to be let off the leash, not just after a long training camp, but also for the first time in a ring in Puerto Rico for 1660 days – and he believes a savage performance is incoming to prove that he’s the top dog at 140lbs. Continue reading “Matias: No-one at 140lbs can beat me”

By Brad Snyder / The Undercard

Claressa Shields held her open workout this afternoon at Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit with Salita Promotions and Big Time Boxing USA.

You were cageside at (Marshall’s) MMA fight. In a perfect world, is it boxing then an MMA fight? And how many fights do you want in boxing in a year and how many in MMA? Would the Marshall fight happen in MMA before boxing?

Claressa Shields: “Well, one, congratulations to Savannah Marshall on her MMA debut. I was really excited to see that. Most exciting fight I’ve seen in a one round women MMA fight. Once I fought MMA on February 24 and saw the Arabia fight, I reached out to Dmitry and had a favor to ask him. I want two boxing matches this year. I’m ready to be 20-0. I’m 14-0. So, my next I’ll be 15, and after that 16. I told Dmitry, let’s lock in two dates this year, then I’ll focus on MMA again next year. Continue reading “Claressa Shields lays out schedule”

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs)  will now defend his IBF welterweight title against David Avanesyan (30-4-1 18 KOs) at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday July 13, live worldwide on DAZN. Avanesyan replaces Cody Crowley, who was ruled out a few days ago for medical reasons.

Boots Ennis: “Now that Crowley is officially not my opponent, I actually like Avanesyan as a better opponent. He will put up a better fight which will be what I want. July 13, don’t miss this beautiful, outstanding performance!”

David Avanesyan: “Jaron Ennis is a world-class boxer who I respect highly and is a potential huge star, and on July 13, we will find out if he is the real deal.”

Golden Boy Promotions announced today a multi-year contract extension for lightweight contender William “El Camarón” Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs), one of the most electric, undefeated knockout machines in boxing. Zepeda is ranked #1 by the WBC, WBA, and IBF; #2 by the WBO.

“I feel very happy and very grateful to Golden Boy for giving our team a boost and giving us the opportunity to continue to be a part of such a great company,” said William Zepeda. “My commitment and professionalism have kept the doors open for this contract extension. Together with my team and Golden Boy, we are lobbying for those great fights and a world championship in the near future.”

IBF #5 junior welterweight Liam Paro believes he has the tools to outwit and dethrone fearsome IBF world champion Subriel Matias on Saturday night at the Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico, live worldwide on DAZN.

Paro (24-0, 15 KOs) fights for his first world title and does so against the most fearsome of all possible opposition in the form of Matias (20-1, 20 KOs), the boogeyman of the 140lb division, who has recorded all 20 of his wins inside the distance.

Matias has vowed to give his fans the spectacular finish they’ve come to expect from him, but Paro feels his boxing IQ can be the difference against the explosive champion.

“I am a fighter, and fighters fight, and I’m proving that, not only by fighting the guy that’s the most avoided in the division, but going to his backyard to do so,” said Paro. Continue reading “Paro: I’m ready for anything against Matias”

Take your dad to the fights! The newly renovated Cross Insurance Arena will be hosting a father’s day weekend pro-am boxing show on Saturday, June 15 featuring top-ten bantamweight Dylan Price, 18-0 (12 KOs) facing Louisiana’s tough Ernesto Irias in a 10 round bout.

The last time the venue hosted professional boxing was the third and final appearance of Maine’s Joey Gamache in a failed bid for the WBA World Lightweight championship in December of 1994. Previously known as the Cumberland County Civic Center, Marvelous Marvin Hagler also appeared in a Wide World of Sports televised bout in 1980, knocking out Loucif Hamani in 2 rounds. Also on the show was a young, undefeated heavyweight from Ireland who went on to be the last man to defeat Mike Tyson – Kevin McBride. Continue reading “Boxing Returns to Portland, Maine”

Unbeaten lightweight contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin says he’s ready to dethrone WBA lightweight champon Gervonta “Tank” Davis on Saturday night in Las Vegas. The PPV event will be the 100th championship fight night to take place at the historic MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Frank Martin:  “I feel like this is one of those moments where all the hard work I put in is paying off. With all the work I’ve been putting in leading up to the fight, and all the work I’ve put in over the years, this just feels like a life changing moment. This is my time to come out on top.

“I just need to be composed, be calm and be who I am. I can’t let any of the antics or crowd or the noise get in the way of me getting the victory. Continue reading “Frank Martin: I’m coming to win”

7:47PM PT — Garcia’s attorney, Darin Chavez, tells us … “[Ryan] was taken by the BHPD to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment and to our knowledge, may be charged with public intoxication.”

By TMZ.com

Ryan Garcia was arrested for felony vandalism at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills Saturday afternoon … and TMZ Sports has video of the superstar boxer being led away by cops in handcuffs.

Law enforcement sources tell us the boxer was arrested and taken into custody after he allegedly damaged property at the hotel, including his room and the hallway.

In California, any damage over $400 can be considered a felony. Continue reading “Ryan Garcia Arrested”

By Boxing Bob Newman
Photos: Bob Newman

The 2024 International Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremonies took place for the second consecutive year in the showroom of the Turning Stone Casino and Resort today.

Hall of Fame ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. had the honor of introducing all the inductees.

Posthumous inductee in the Old Timer category, Luis Angel Firpo was first represented by his great niece Lourdes Firpo via video. This is the 101st anniversary of the Fight of the Century between Firpo and heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. Luis Martin, deputy counsel of Argentina’s Sports Authority accepted on Firpo’s behalf. Continue reading “2024 IBHOF Induction Ceremony”

By Boxing Bob Newman

In a fight result that got lost over the weekend, WBO #7, WBC #9 and WBA #10 cruiserweight Brandon “Bullet Proof” Glanton stopped former WBA title challenger Aleksei Egorov at Dynamo Volleyball Arena in Moscow, Russia.

It was a rugged, bruising affair, leaving Egorov marked up from both Glanton’s fists as well as inadvertent headbutts throughout the fight. In the eleventh round, one such headbutt caused Glanton to turn away in pain, grabbing the right side of his forehead. Oddly, the ref called time and used it to guide Egorov over to his own corner to secure some loose tape on the left glove. As soon as that was taken care of, the fighters were waved back into action
with nary a glance at Glanton to see if he was OK to continue. Glanton took matters into his own hands seconds later and ducked under an Egorov right, while firing his own right cross to Egorov’s gut. In a delayed reaction, Egorov dropped to one knee for the count, matters ending at 2:22 of the eleventh. Continue reading “Glanton KOs Egorov in Russia”

WBA #3 middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (38-5-1, 17 KOs) scored a third round TKO over #15 Juan Carlos Abreu (26-8-1, 24 KOs) on Saturday night. A barrage of LaManna body shots put Abreu down three times to end it in round three. With the win, his eighth straight, LaManna claims the WBA gold middleweight title.

Report/Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

Saturday evening at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York, The Event Center once again played host to a memorable boxing event. This time however, it was not a fight card, but the annual IBHOF induction weekend banquet.

The dais seated a who’s who of boxing luminaries. Boxing podcaster James “Smitty” Smith played host for the event. He first introduced WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel and WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and had them come up and say a few words.

The two presidents remained at the lectern when Smith then introduced Lisa McClellan, sister of former WBO and WBC world champion Gerald McClellan. Lisa has founded an initiative called “Ring of Brotherhood,” which consists of doctors, sports personalities and media to help spread awareness and assist injured athletes. Continue reading “Stars shine at IBHOF Banquet”

WBO #5, WBC #7 super welterweight Xander Zayas (19-0, 12 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over former world champion Patrick Teixeira (34-5, 25 KOs) on Saturday night inside the Theater at Madison Square Garden on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. Zayas was busier than Teixeira the whole fight and upped the pressure late. Scores were 100-90, 100-90, 99-91.

WBO #4, WBC #7 featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) scored an eighth round TKO over late sub Brayan De Gracia (29-4-1, 25 KOs). Carrington dropped De Gracia in rounds five and seven before getting a referee’s stoppage in round eight. P4P great Naoya Inoue was in attendance.

Undefeated junior welterweight and U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (13-0, 6 KOs) outworked Tarik Zaina (13-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Scores were 79-73, 78-74, 77-75 for Johnson.

Local flyweight Andy Dominguez (10-1, 6 KOs) took an eight round majority decision over Cristopher Rios (10-1, 7 KOs). Scores were 76-76 and 88-74, 77-75 for Dominguez.

Middleweight Jahi Tucker (11-1-1, 5 KOs) won an eight round unanimous decision over Quincy LaVallais (17-5-1, 12 KOs). Scores were 80-72 3x.

Other Results:
Ofacio Falcon W6 Antonio Dunton El (junior lightweight)
Ali Feliz KO1 Lemir Isom-Riley (heavyweight)
Nisa Rodriguez W4 Jordanne Garcia (female middleweight)

Unbeaten light heavyweight Atif “Lord Pretty Calvo” Oberlton (11-0, 9 KOs) scored a sixth round TKO against Harry Cruz (8-5, 4 KOs) on Saturday night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. Oberlton worked over Cruz until the bout was halted by the referee at 2:23 of round six.

Undefeated heavyweight Herich Ruiz (5-0, 4 KOs) scored a sixth round KO against Brandon Carmack (7-5-3, 4 KOs). Ruiz dropped Carmack in rounds one and two before finishing him in the sixth. Time was 1:14.

Golden Boy responds to allegations that Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney have not yet been paid for their April 20 fight.

“As we have always done with all our fighters, Golden Boy paid Ryan and Devin exactly what they are owed under their contracts. As with all PPV events, revenue comes in over time and additional payments will be made when more money is received. If they aren’t aware of this fact, we would hope that their managers are. Or perhaps Ryan and Devin should pay more attention to their contracts than their social media feeds.” – Golden Boy Promotions

By Jeff Zimmerman

Fightnews.com® caught up with the “GWOAT” Claressa Shields, who is in the UK to watch her boxing rival, Savannah Marshall, follow her path to MMA as she makes her pro debut in the PFL. Shields talked about a potential showdown in the cage with Marshall and how she was her motivation to try the sport.

Shields is “daring to be great” as she faces WBC heavyweight champ Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse on July 27 at Little Ceasars Arena back home in Detroit. She shared her thoughts on Alycia Baumgardner, the lightweight clash between Tank and Frank Martin and addressed Adrien Broner’s loss to Blair Cobbs. She also gave her opinion on Tyson-Paul and whether she would fight Jake in this exclusive interview.

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Atif Oberlton 176.5 vs. Harry Keenan Cruz 175
Herich Ruiz 231 vs. Brandon Carmack 278
Carlos De Leon Castro 129 vs. Christian Reed 135.5
Chavez Barrientes 125 vs. Daniel Olea 125
Corey Marksman 138 vs. Jonathan Perez 140.5
Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz 160 vs. Edward Ulloa Diaz 159.5
Jamar Pemberton 159 vs. Luis Florez 163
Yoelvis Gomez 158 vs. Marcelo Bzowski 158.5
Carlos Lebron 121 vs. Miguel Rebullosa 122.5
Jockson Blanco 147 vs. Dante Concepcion 149.5

Venue: Caribe Royale, Orlando, Florida
Promoter: Boxlab Promotions
TV: DAZN

Blair Cobbs on his victory: “It wasn’t easy. Even after I tracked him on that special shot that hurt him, he got up, he’s resilient, and he kept pressing forward. He even got a couple of good shots in. He got me with that right hand one time. Not too many times he landed, but when he did, he landed very well. But Blair “The Flair” prevails. I stay consistent on pressure with high, low, high, low. I make myself as unpredictable as possible.”

Blair Cobbs on what is next: “I saw something on Instagram. Ryan Garcia was rooting for “AB”. That was hurtful because I thought we were boys. But get your girl out of DMs. It’s my time, it’s Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, the most exciting man in boxing and the People’s Champion. Woooooooooooo!”

Unbeaten WBC #10, IBF #11 super welterweight Callum Walsh (11-0, 9 KOs) destroyed Carlos Ortiz (14-6, 14 KOs) in two rounds on Friday night at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, CA. Walsh dropped Ortiz once in round one and twice in round two to end it. Time was 1:50.

Unbeaten flyweight Daniel “Chucky” Barrera (7-0-1, 4 KOs) outpointed Christian Robles (8-3, 3 KOs) over eight by scores of 77-75, 79-73, 77-75.

Report/Photos: Boxing Bob Newman

Power punching king of the smallest division in boxing – WBO Mini Flyweight champion Oscar Collazo defended his title against Nicaraguan Gerardo Zapata in the main event of Oscar de La Hoya’s Golden Boy show at the Turning Stone Casino on DAZN. After a moderately interesting first round, Zapata landed a beautiful right to the chin of Collazo, staggering him wildly around the ring. Try as he might, Zapata could not finish his foe as the bell saved the champ. Collazo regains his composure and seemed to take the third with a steady, measured offense. For the next several rounds, Collazo seem to gest outwork Zapata, although he did take his share of blows in the process. In the 8th round, Zapata either couldn’t get off the ropes or chose to rest there as Collazo did good work, although not hurting Zapata in the process. This pattern continued for the next three rounds with Zapata. Largely fighting off the ropes and spurts and Collazo doing enough work to win the round but never seriously going for the stoppage. The 12th and final round saw both combatants take turns initiating the action and then dancing around. In the end it was all academic as Collazo won a comfortable 119-109 x 2 and 117-110 unanimous decision to retain his title for the third time. He moves to 10-0, 7 KOs, while Zapata falls to 14-2-1, 5 KOs.

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Eric Tudor, older brother of opening bout winner Sasha, made short work of Roddricus Livsey, stopping him with multiple body shots at 2:19 of the first round. Tudor jabbed and threw body shots at will, while Livsey missed badly with the few shots that he attempted. Tudor improves to 11-1, 7 KOs, while Livsey drops to 12-3-1, 9 KOs. Continue reading “Collazo retains WBO minimumweight title”

Report/Photos: Naoki Fukuda

P4P best Naoya Inoue was at the 99th Boxing Writers of America Association Awards Dinner in New York City to receive the “Sugar Ray Robinson Award” which signifies the “Fighter of the Year.”

More photos

Welterweight Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (17-1-1, 10 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over four-division former world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (35-5-1, 24 KOs) to claim the WBC People’s Championship on Friday night at the Hard Rock LIVE in Hollywood, Florida. Cobbs dropped Broner in round two. The punch knocked a tooth out of Broner’s mouth. Cobbs pulled ahead until late when Broner closed strong. Scores were 97-91, 96-93, 96-93.

Formerly #1 rated and now WBA #8 heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (22-1-2, 15 KOs) scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over a surprisingly passive WBA #7 Cassius Chaney (23-2, 16 KOs). Hunter easily outworked Chaney, who seemed totally befuddled by Hunter’s awkward style. After ten terrible rounds, judges had it 100-90 3x.

Former world cruiserweight champion Yuniel Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs) won via a quick KO against Alan Campa (19-10, 13 KOs) at 1:00 of round one. Continue reading “Cobbs defeats Broner, Hunter tops Chaney”