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Dillian Whyte 246 vs. Dereck Chisora 246
Note: The fighters and their camps had to be separated backstage after the weigh-in.

Cristofer Rosales 111.75 vs. Charlie Edwards 112
(WBC flyweight title)

Ryan Walsh 139.5 vs. Reece Bellotti 139.25
Joshua Buatsi 174.25 vs. Renold Quinlan 171.5
David Price 253 vs. Tom Little 258

Venue: O2 Arena, London, England
Promoter: Matchroom Boxing
TV: Showtime

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Our televisions highly expect a bumper harvest in getting high TV ratings at the end of the year since people usually stay at home without going out, watching TV programs at home box office. The annual year-end boxing shows are as follows:

December 30 at Ota-city General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan

WBO 130-pound title bout
Masayuki Ito (24-1-1, 12 KOs) vs. #1 Evgeny Chuprakov (20-0, 10 KOs) from Russia

WBC 108-pound title bout
Ken Shiro (14-0, 8 KOs) vs. #7 Saul Juarez (24-8-2, 13 KOs) from Mexico

WBC 118-pound interim title bout
#5 Takuma Inoue (12-0, 3 KOs) vs. #2 Tasana Salapat (AKA Petch CP Freshmart; 48-0, 33 KOs) from Thailand

New Year’s Eve at Wynn Palace Cotai, Macao, China

WBO 115-pound title bout for the vacant championship
Kazuto Ioka (23-1, 13 KOs) vs. Donnie Nietes (41-1-5, 23 KOs) of the Philippines

WBA 108-pound title bout
Hekkie Budler (32-3, 10 KOs) of South Africa vs. Hiroto Kyoguchi (11-0, 8 KOs)

IBF 112-pound title bout
Moruti Mthalane (36-2, 24 KOs) of South Africa vs. Masahiro Sakamoto (13-1, 9 KOs)

Continue reading “Year-end world title schedule in Japan, Macao”

Promoter Yvon Michel said Thursday that former world champion Adonis Stevenson remains in a coma and has not improved.

“He still needs mechanical assistance to breathe, and he has not regained consciousness,” Michel told the Montreal Gazette. “When we visit him, we cannot stay with him for long, and the doctors do not venture an opinion on what lies ahead.”

It took just 12 amateur fights for light heavyweight Tommy Fury to reach the conclusion that following in the family footsteps was the direction for him to travel. The younger brother of former unified heavyweight champion Tyson makes his professional debut on Saturday night at the Manchester Arena at the age of just 19 against experienced Jevgenijs Andrejevs (10-102-3, 4 KOs).

“Looking back at it now over the years when Tyson and Hughie have been training. They’ve been getting all the coverage, doing the media workouts and doing the fighting – now it is my turn,” said Fury. Continue reading “Tyson Fury’s brother set for pro debut”

WBA #7 ranked Belmar Preciado (18-1-1 11 KOs) fights this Saturday, 10 rounds against former world title challenger Hiroshige Osawa(33-5-4, 19 KOs). The bout will take place at Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan.

Earlier this evening at the weigh-in ceremony, Preciado tipped the scales at 125 pounds while his rival Osawa weighed in at 125.6 pounds. Both fighters made the weight limit of 126 pounds. Continue reading “Weights from Osaka, Japan”

Bantamweight José Briegel “Gallito Jr” Quirino (20-2-2, 9 KOs) will now face Joel Córdoba (8-4-1, 1 KO) in the main event on Saturday night at the Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana. Original opponent Renoel Pael pulled out due to visa problems.

Also featured is former world champion Juan “Churritos” (34-3, 25 KOss) Hnrhahdez against Julio César Castillo (15-3-4, 4 KOs) in an eight round super flyweight clash and KO Artist Omar “Pollo” Aguilar (10-0, 10 KOs) in his first eight rounder. Continue reading “Tensions rise in Tijuana”

Roberto Sanchez 119 vs. Cruz Penuelas 120
Urbina Sulem 113 vs. Angela Nolazco 113
Noé Robles 127.5 vs. Jesus Amparam 128.5
Eduardo Ramirez 125 vs. Eduardo Poom 125.5
Christian Olivo 119 vs. Jose Lopez 119
Saul Robles 130 vs. Everardo Ruiz 130.5
Omar Rispalda 156 vs. Alejandro Luzanilla 154

Venue: Gym Solidarity, Hermosillo, Mexico
Promoter: 2M Box Promotions
Stream: Live on Facebook

This Saturday night at Promo West in Columbus, Ohio undefeated super welterweight and 2016 Olympian Charles Conwell (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the battle-tested Manny Woods (16-7-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout. This will be the first scheduled eight-rounder for the 21-year-old Conwell of Cleveland who will be making his 2nd start in his native Buckeye state.

“This Friday I’m looking on to put on a show, and I want to get him out of there. I’m the main event for the first time so that means a lot,” said Conwell. “I’ve been training hard to get the best results as possible. It’s my time to show the world that I’m one of the best prospects in boxing, and that I’m a force to be reckoned with at the 154 lb. division.” Continue reading “Conwell back in action Saturday”

American fight fans will be treated to a world championship doubleheader edition of Breakfast and Boxing on Sunday, Dec. 30 from the historic Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo. In the main event, WBO junior lightweight world champion Masayuki Ito will make his first title defense against the unbeaten Evgeny Chuprakov.

In the co-feature, in a clash for the WBC interim bantamweight world title, Takuma Inoue will battle fellow unbeaten Tasana Salapat.

The action begins at 5:00 a.m. ET on ESPN+ Continue reading “ESPN+ picks up Dec 30 world title twinbill”

Photos: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

Before they enter the ring in primetime this Saturday, December 22, fighters competing went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference for their matchups at Barclays Center in Broolyn. The event is headlined by the Charlo Twins defending their world titles and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron. Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother, will close the show in a 12-round WBC interim middleweight championship bout against Matt Korobov, while Jermell Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the WBC super welterweight world title.

In the spirit of the season, fighters were joined on stage by Santa Claus as he too prepares for his biggest night of the year. Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Barclays Center GEICO Atrium:

Jermall Charlo

“Once I heard about the new opponent, I knew that we had work to do. Nothing I can do about someone who was unprofessional. I didn’t put my head down; I knew that we’d make another fight. I’m glad that Korobov stepped up to the plate. I think it’s going to be a great fight.

“Every fight is tough. I’m not sleeping on this guy. I’m sleeping this guy. Continue reading “Charlo Bros Final Press Conference”

Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions will co-promote a potential early candidate for the 2019 Fight of the Year, when world title challenger “Mighty” Aston Palicte (24-2-1, 20 KOs) takes on unbeaten Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez (20-0-2, 13 KOs) in a World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior bantamweight title eliminator on Thursday, January 31, at Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine, California (located 35 miles outside of San Diego). Palicte-Martinez will headline a soon-to-be-announced card in the 12-round main event, held on the Thursday night of Super Bowl week.

The winner of the Palicte vs. Martinez title eliminator will become the mandatory challenger for the winner of the New Year’s Eve match in China for the vacant WBO Junior Bantamweight World Championship, between No. 1 contender Donnie Nietes (41-1-5, 23 KOs) and No. 3-rated Kazuito Ioka (23-1, 13 KOs).

WBO #13 super middleweight Aslambek “The Hulk” Idigov returned to action last Tuesday inside the Pyramid in Kazan, Russia, with a TKO 4 (0:01) over Russian veteran Konstantin “The Volga Cossack” Piternov.

Showing his trademark aggression and pinpoint accuracy, the abnormally strong Idigov wore down his normally durable countryman with sustained pressure. After a brutal three-round assault, Piternov elected not to come out for the fourth of their scheduled 10-rounder.

With the victory, Idigov is now 15-0, 7 KOs. Continue reading “Idigov stops Konstantin in four”

Top Rank announced today it has reached a multi-year agreement with Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) to co-promote WBO light heavyweight world champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez. Alvarez’s first bout under this co-promotional agreement will be February 2 at Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas, for his rematch against Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev. Continue reading “Top Rank to co-promote Alvarez”

Heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Dereck Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) faced off today at the final press conference for their clash on Saturday in London. Here’s what they had to say:

Dereck Chisora: “I can’t afford the judges. I will pound him, hit him, pound him, hit him…this isn’t a risky fight for me. I will take what’s his, and make it mine.”

Dillian Whyte: “He won’t be pounding me. There’s levels to this thing. I’m improving with every fight. Derek will see how strong I am. I’m used to people trying to get into my head, I don’t think even Derek himself knows what he is doing.”

Unbeaten 168-pound contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant took time to talk about his January 13 world title challenge against IBF super middleweight champion Jose Uzcategui in the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) is training for the fight at City Boxing Las Vegas.

“Everyone says Jose Uzcategui is the bogeyman, but after January 13th, I don’t want no excuses,” said Plant. “He is a top fighter in the division, but I will take that spot after I take his title from him. All I can tell him is BE READY!”

“I will be crowned champion!”

Middleweight Matt Korobov talks about stepping in as a late substitute against WBC interim middleweight champion Jermall Charlo on Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. “It was a surprise to get the call for this fight,” said Korobov. “I was sleeping and preparing for my second workout of the day. But I was training hard already so I accepted right away.

“I’ve been preparing as hard as I can to make everything go exactly how I want it to on Saturday. It’s short notice but we’ve made the proper adjustments to the fight plan and we’ll be ready to make it happen in the ring. Continue reading “Korobov poised for unexpected title chance”

Check out the pro debut of highly decorated amateur and world kickboxing champion Izim Izbaki (1-0, 1 KO). Izbaki is a 6’9 heavyweight giant from Kazakhstan and is labeled as one to watch from prospects coming out of FSU.

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By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photos: Johnny Chaichotchuang

IBF #10 Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr. (38-6-1) won a twelve-round unanimous decision over Orlie Silvestre (12-5-1) for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific flyweight championship on Wednesday at the Panchareon Market, Nonthaburi, Thailand. Sakkreerin controlled the bout in most of the rounds connecting with long range combinations on the aggressive Silvestre. At the conclusion of the exciting bout, Sakkreerin was crowned the winner by scores of 118-110, 117-111, 117-111.

Promoter Jimmy Chaichotchuang said, “Sakkreerin Jr has moved from 108 pounds to 112 pounds and has shown more power as a flyweight. Thailand boxing fans are waiting for the history-making first Thailand Father/Son world champion. Fahlan Sakkreerin Sr is a former IBF mini-flyweight champion. Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr is ready to become the IBF flyweight champion in 2019.”

Photos

The final press conference took place today ahead of Josh Warrington’s (27-0) IBF world featherweight title defense against Carl Frampton (26-1) at Manchester Arena on Saturday night (22nd December) live on BT Sport Box Office and ESPN+.

Josh Warrington

“Carl has seen his a*se a bit with some stuff I have read but there are tensions when the fight gets close. I have been preparing for Carl at his prime and that excites me to graft my backside off. I have gained confidence and momentum from beating Lee Selby and I will find new levels this weekend. People say I should have had a steady defence, but I want the best and after this I’ll go to the States and fight Oscar Valdez.

Carl Frampton

“I’m excited, relaxed and looking forward to a good tough fight. My nature is laid back and I will be until the ring walk. There is an edge and tension as it gets closer, but there is respect between us. I got a text message from a good friend and he said’ ‘total respect, but no fear’ and that is what this is. I believe I am better than ever because I was beating Leo Santa Cruz and Scott Quigg when I wasn’t enjoying boxing. I believe he is a very good fighter, but I beat any featherweight in the world on my day. The ambition is there more than ever because I have been written off. The fire is burning in me and people will see in a dog fight that I am not over the hill. Continue reading “Warrington-Frampton Final Press Conference”

The hotly anticipated light heavyweight world title rematch featuring WBO champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and challenger Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will stream live on ESPN+ and headline a huge night of boxing that will showcase a quartet of meaningful fights — including three world title bouts — spread across ESPN/ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Ford Center at The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and training facility.

Alvarez-Kovalev 2 and the return of unbeaten lightweight sensation Teofimo “Brooklyn” Lopez, fresh off a 44-second knockout of Mason Menard on Dec. 8, will stream live on ESPN+.

Before the action turns to ESPN+, a pair of world title fights will take place on ESPN.

Oscar Valdez will make the fifth defense of his WBO featherweight title against the unbeaten Carmine “Mr. Wolf” Tommasone. Valdez will be making his first ring appearance since suffering a severely broken jaw in a March 10 unanimous decision win against an overweight Scott Quigg.

In the ESPN-televised co-feature, Richard Commey will battle Isa Chaniev for the vacant IBF lightweight world title.

Two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (20-0, 19 KOs) will defend his WBA title against three-division world champion Abner Mares (31-3-1, 15 KOs) on Saturday, February 9 live on SHOWTIME from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Gervonta Davis: “I’m very excited to be showcased in my first main event in the United States on February 9. I want to make a statement in this fight by putting on a tremendous performance against an experienced world champion like Abner Mares. I plan on showing everyone why I belong in pound-for-pound discussions and why I’m the most exciting champion in boxing today. You don’t want to miss it!”

Abner Mares: “I wanted this fight and I want this challenge against Gervonta Davis. I’m preparing well and I will add my fifth world title in my fourth weight class on February 9 on SHOWTIME.”

Continue reading “Davis vs. Mares set for Feb 9”

Star Boxing returns to Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, on January 26th with Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (22-1, 18 KOs) against Adam “Bad Boy” Mate (28-13, 21 KOs), in a scheduled 10 round jr welterweight contest. Seldin is coming fresh off his first round knockout of Nelson Lara last month in Oklahoma on ESPN+.

Women’s World Champion Hanna Gabriels Returns to Defend Against Sarah Dwyer on January 26

Having solidified herself as a legitimate women’s star in her own right with her gallant performance against Claressa Shields last June, world champion Hanna Gabriels (18-2-1, 11 KOs) will return to her homeland to face Australia’s Sarah Dwyer on Saturday, January 26, at the Avenida Escazu in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The 10-round battle will be in defense of Gabriels’ WBA Super Welterweight Championship.

Dwyer (3-4-2, 1 KO) is coming off a draw for the Australian Championship against undefeated Tayla Harris in November. Continue reading “Hanna Gabriels opens training camp”

Charlie Edwards believes he and his brother Sunny are set to reign supreme in the flyweight division as the Klitschko brothers did at heavyweight. Edwards (13-1, 6 KOs) takes on Cristofer Rosales for the WBC world title at The O2 on Saturday and with Sunny having recently adding the WBO International to the WBO European crown, the future looks bright for the diminutive siblings.

Charlie Edwards said: “Sunny and I have been pushing each other on and egging each other on all the time. We are going to be like mini-Klitschkos. Continue reading “Meet the Mini-Klitschkos”

Unbeaten super lightweight terror Omar “Pollo” Aguilar will be on the undercard when Zanfer wraps up its 2018 schedule on Saturday at the Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana. Aguilar (10-0, 10 KOs) has won 9 of his 10 fights in the first round. He will face Emanuel “Peligro” Herrera (6-5, 2 KOs) in an eight rounder.

In the headliners, Jose Briegel “Gallito” Quirino meets Renoel Pael and former world champion Juan “Churritos” Hernández takes on Julio Cesar “Nino” Castillo.