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Anthony Joshua 252.4 vs. Francis Ngannou 272.6

Zhilei Zhang 291.6 vs. Joseph Parker 247.6
(WBO interim heavyweight title)

Rey Vargas 125 vs. Nick Ball 126
(WBC featherweight title)

Israil Madrimov 153.6 vs. Magomed Kurbanov 153.6
(WBA super welterweight title)

Mark Chamberlain 134.6 vs. Gavin Gwynne 134.6
Jack McGann 153.4 vs. Louis Greene 153.2
Justis Huni 243.2 vs. Kevin Lerena 232.4
Roman Fury 224 vs. Martin Svarc 225.6
Ziyad Almaayouf 144.4 vs. Christian Lopez Flores 142
Andrii Novytskyi 239.4 vs. Juan Torres 255.6

Venue: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Promoter: Matchroom/Queensberry
TV: DAZN PPV

It was announced that YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) will face 57-year-old former heavyweight champion “Iron” Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) in a boxing match on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight will air on Netflix. It’s not determined whether the bout will be an official fight or an exhibition.

Paul is coming off two first round KOs against little-known pro boxers. Tyson last fought in 2005, and had a 2020 exhibition against Roy Jones Jr.

BetOnline (www.betonline.ag) has listed Paul as a 3:1 favorite.
Jake Paul -300 (1/3)
Mike Tyson +240 (12/5)

By Jeff Zimmerman

Fightnews.com® sat down with (3) veterans of combat sports, HOF referees Kenny Bayless and Robert Byrd plus top UFC / MMA ref Mark Smith, to discuss a new show they are putting together which will give a behind the scenes look of their sport from a referee’s point of view that will include a mix of highlights, education and interviews with celebrities and analysts. Here we discussed several topics including their background and mentors, cross-over fights and the challenges of being the 3rd man in the ring/cage and making the right call when the lights are brightest and much more with these three great combat sports referees.

Steven Butler 160 vs. Steve Rolls 159
Osleys Iglesias 168.9 vs. Marcelo Coceres 166.5
Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse 173.3 vs. Abril Argentina Vidal 170.7
Artur Biyarslanov 142 vs. Cristian Palma 141
Luis Santana 136.9 vs. Emiliano Martin Garcia 135.3
Mehmet Unal 177.7 vs. Facundo Nicolas Galovar 176.4
Jhon Orobio 134.3 vs. Cristian Rodrigo Gonzalez 133.9
Wilkens Mathieu 171.2 vs., Patrik Fiala 171.1

Venue: Cabaret du Casino de Montréal
Promoter: Eye of the Tiger
TV: ESPN+

Former WBO #1 welterweight contender Alexis “Lex” Rocha (23-2, 15 KOs) will take on Fredrick “General Okunka” Lawson (30-4, 22 KOs) in the co-feature for the clash between WBA cruiserweight champion Arsen “Feroz” Goulamirian (27-0, 19 KOs) and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs) on March 30 at YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California, and broadcast live on DAZN.

“First and foremost, I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions, my fans, and my entire team for their constant support,” said Rocha, who is coming off an upset KO loss to Giovani Santillan in October. “My last fight did not go the way that I expected it to. I let a lot of people down, including myself. This next stage of my career is my revenge tour. This is when I become everything I know I was meant to be in this sport. The pain I feel from my last loss will be the pain every opponent feels moving forward.”

* * *

Also on the DAZN broadcast, Ricardo Sandoval (23-2, 16 KOs) and Luis “Zari” Hernandez (13-6-1, 8 KOs) will battle it out in a 10-round flyweight bout.

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and MMA star Francis Ngannou faced off at the final press conference for Friday night’s clash at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, live on DAZN PPV.

“Big Time Boxing USA”, the new series presented by Salita Promotions, will return for its second installment with a pair of matchups featuring top contenders in their respective divisions entering the ring on Thursday, March 28 streamed live on DAZN from Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit. The action is topped by 2016 Colombian Olympian Juan Carrillo (11-0, 8 KOs) putting his unbeaten record on the line against veteran Quinton Rankin (21-8-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout, plus IBF #2 super middleweight contender Vladimir Shishkin (15-0, 9 KOs) returns against Mike Guy (12-7-1, 5 KOs) in the 10-round co-main event.

Israil Madrimov and Magomed Kurbanov will contest the World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight world title on Friday at the Kingdom Arena in Ryad, Saudi Arabia. Madrimov is ranked WBA #1 at 154 pounds, while Kurbanov is #2 and they will fight for the vacant belt after Jermell Charlo was placed as champion in recess by the WBA Championships Committee. Madrimov has a record of 9-0-1, 6 KOs, while Kurbanov is 25-0, 13 KOs.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Hideyuki Ohashi of Ohashi Promotions today (Wednesday) has announced a gigantic quadruple world title event at the Tokyo Dome (the capacity of which is 55,000) in Tokyo, Japan, on May 6. The Dome will be used for a boxing event for the first time since the historical upset of Mike Tyson vs. James Buster Doughlas in 1990. The forthcoming title bouts are as follows:

Undisputed super bantamweight title bout
Naoya Inoue (Japan; 26-0, 23 KOs)
vs.
WBC mandatory challenger #1 Luis Nery (Mexico; 35-1, 27 KOs)

WBA bantamweight title bout
Takuma Inoue (Japan; 19-1, 5 KOs)
vs.
WBA mandatory challenger #1 Sho Ishida (Japan; 34-3, 17 KOs)

WBO bantamweight title bout
Jason Moloney (Australia; 27-2, 19 KOs)
vs.
#10 Yoshiki Takei (Japan; 8-0, 8 KOs)

WBA flyweight title bout
Seigo Yuri Akui (Japan; 19-2-1, 11 KOs)
vs.
#3 Taku Kuwahara (Japan; 13-1, 8 KOs)

“Monster” Naoya and Luis “Pantera” Nery were both in attendance at the press conference before a great many press people at Tokyo Dome Hotel. Continue reading “Inoue-Nery officially announced in Japan”

Two international boxing cards will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. this week on ESPN+.

The action begins Thursday at Casino de Montreal in Montreal, Canada, as two-time middleweight world title challenger Steven Butler (33-4-1, 27 KOs) takes on Steve Rolls (22-3, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

The fireworks continue on Friday as world-rated light flyweight contenders Azael Villar (20-2-4, 15 KOs) and Jairo Noriega (13-0, 3 KOs) meet in the 12-round main event from Pharaoh’s Casino in Managua, Nicaragua.

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

I would like to begin by expressing my deepest condolences to William Haney, who has lost his mother, as well as to Devin Haney. Renee Jannah was his beloved grandmother and important part of his life. May she Rest in Peace and her memory be eternal.

The World Boxing Council has worked tirelessly for decades to find ways to make boxing safer for fighters, and a fortune has been invested in medical and scientific research and special studies to discover and understand what happens in the brain and body. What effects does this sporting activity have on boxers?

A large number of rules have been changed, and new ones have been implemented to minimize the risks involved when entering the ring. Even so, much still remains to be done, and this must be with the will and effort of all the members in the boxing industry. We are in this together – organizations, federations, local commissions, promoters, managers, trainers, advisors, and everyone involved one way or another in the activity of boxers, even media and fans. Continue reading “Decisions that have changed boxing”

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is a -450 favorite against former UFC champ Francis Ngannou +320 for their clash on Friday night from the Kingdom Arena in Riydah, Saudi Arabia.

In other action, WBO interim heavyweight champion Zhilei Zhang is a -250 favorite against former WBO champ Joseph Parker (+200), unbeaten heavyweight Justis Huni is -450 against Kevin Lerena +320, and oddsmakers have WBC featherweight champion Rey Vargas as a slight +150 underdog against unbeaten challenger Nick Ball (-175).

Super welterweight “King” Callum Walsh (9-0, 7 KOs) hosted a large gathering of media on Saturday afternoon at the world-famous Wild Card Boxing Gym in Hollywood, California, ahead of his return to New York City’s Theater at Madison Square Garden against Dauren Yeleussinov, (11-3-1, 10 KOs) for a St. Patrick’s Day Weekend event on Friday, March 15, 2024, broadcast globally on UFC Fightpass.

Joining Walsh at Wild Card Boxing Gym in Hollywood, CA were his Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and promoter Tom Loeffler, President of 360 Promotions. Following his workout, the 23-year-old Walsh stated, “I’m ready to put on a show for the fans on St Paddy’s weekend. I’ve put in a lot of work with Freddie and the team and I’m ready to shine at Madison Square Garden.”

World-ranked undefeated jr. flyweight contender Jairo “El Leñador” Noriega of Villareal, Spain arrived with his team today in Managua, Nicaragua for his upcoming elimination bout this Friday at the Pharaohs Casino. Noriega (13-0, 3 KOs), ranked #5 WBC #11 WBO and #7 WBA, faces Azael “Candelilla” Villar (20-2-4-15 KOs) of Panamá City, Panamá, ranked #8 WBC, #7 WBO and #8 WBA in a bout scheduled for 12 rounds. The show will be televised live starting at 9 PM EST on ESPN+ and ESPN Knockout. The delegation was greeted by Managua Vice Mayor and top boxing journalist Enrique Armas and All Star Boxing VP Felix Zabala III.

Vladyslav Sirenko 254 vs. Deon Hale (Will Weigh in tomorrow)
Erick Arellano 215.2 vs. Raphael Carolina 224.8
Ermes Orta 140.2 vs. Cody Jenkins 142
Khalil Smoot 237.6 vs. Francois Russell 247.8
Rydell Mayes Jr. 252.8 vs. Ritchie Cherry 237.2

Venue: Troubadour Nashville
Promoter: Jimmy Adams Promotions
TV: Fite TV (Marc Abrams and Albert Haynesworth on the call)
1st Bell 7PM CT (8 PM ET)

Heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou made their Grand Arrivals in Riydah, Saudi Arabia, today in advance of Friday’s clash at the Kingdom Arena shown live on DAZN PPV.

Two-time world title challenger Roamer Alexis Angulo (28-3, 23 KOs) secured the WBA NABA gold light heavyweight title wth a one sided unanimous decision against Oscar Rojas (29-18-3, 17 KOs) last Friday at the Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center in Miami, Florida. Scores were 100-90, 100-90, and 99-91. Angulo, 39, under the guidance of trainer Pedro Diaz at Mundo Boxing, was returning to the ring after a hiatus of nearly two years following his defeat to Edgar Berlanga in 2022.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by The Won Promotions

Korean boxing is steadily recovering with regular promotions. The Won Promotions of Korea, in association with Ohashi Promotions of Japan, presented five Korea vs. Japan competitions plus a well-known Korean movie star Ji-Han Do’s professional debut before a packed house crowd on Friday at Fashion Center Event Hall in Seoul, Korea.

Hideyuki Ohashi, currently handling Naoya “The Monster” Inoue as the promoter/manager, used to be WBC/WBA 105-pound champion. Before moving down to the minimum category, Ohashi had a couple of unsuccessful shots at the WBC light fly belt against “Korean Hawk” Jung-Koo Chang twice—both via TKO route—in 1986 (in Japan) and 1988 (in Korea). Their fierce rivalry now becomes a closest friendship, and they shook hands tightly in the ring before the crowd. Continue reading “Korea-Japan tourney #6 held in Seoul”

By Boxing Bob Newman at ringside

In a clash for the WBA featherweight title, WBA #2 Raymond “Savage” Ford (15-0-1, 8 KOs) scored a dramatic twelfth round stoppage against #1 rated Otabek Kholmatov (12-1, 11 KOs) to claim the vacant belt on Saturday night at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Tough back and forth action between excellent unbeaten fighters. Rounds were close. Ford rocked Kholmatov with seconds left in the fight and referee Charlie Fitch waved it off with seven seconds remaining. Entering the final round, Ford was down 106-103 on two cards and ahead 105-104 on the third card. Great fight!

Reigning IBF featherweight champion Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (30-2, 17 KOs) successfully defended his world title against mandatory challenger Reiya Abe (25-4-1, 10 KOs) via eighth round TKO. Abe struggled with a closing right eye as Lopez took him apart. The bout was finally waved off by referee Marc Nelson. Time was :39.

More Results and Photos

YouTuber-turned-cruiserweight boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) outclassed and destroyed the more experienced Ryan Bourland (17-3, 6 KOs) in the first round on Saturday night at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was target practice for Paul, who battered Bourland to the canvas just as the bout was waved off. Time was 2:37. This is Paul’s second straight first round KO against a pro boxer. After the fight Paul declared himself the face of boxing and called out Canelo Alvarez.

WBO light flyweight champion Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (28-3-1, 14 KOs) retained his title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Rene Santiago (12-4, 9 KOs) Close, tactical fight that never really heated up. In the end, judges had it 116-112, 115-113, 117-111 for Bomba.

Former world title challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (28-4, 18 KOs) scored a second round knockout over Headley Scott (18-2, 12 KOs) in a super featherweight clash. Coming off a 22-month layoff, Diaz dropped Scott twice with left hooks in round two to end it. Time was 1:48.

52-year-old female welterweight Chevelle Hallback (34-9-2, 13 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision over Yamila Reynoso (13-16-3, 8 KOs) on Saturday night at the Downtown Hilton in Tampa, Florida. Close fight with Hallback claiming the NBA world title by scores of 97-93, 98-92, 96-94.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten IBF#15 junior flyweight prospect Kyosuke Takami (6-0, 5 KOs), 107.75, battered veteran ex-champ Kenichi Horikawa (41-20-1, 14 KOs), 107.75, from the outset and finally decked him with furious combinations to score a fine TKO victory at 2:50 of the sixth round in a scheduled ten on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. The 43-year-old Horikawa’s swan song was shattered by Takami, 21, who displayed his faster hands and crisp punches to a full extent.

Fast-rising southpaw Subaru Murata (6-0, 6 KOs), 122, proved too aggressive for previously unbeaten Filipino Alex Santisima Jr. (8-1, 2 KOs), 121.5, finishing him with a vicious body shot at 1:45 of the seventh round in a scheduled eight. Subaru made a professional debut in US in 2021 and all victories via knockout route.

Former Japanese feather champ Hinata Maruta (14-2-1, 10 KOs), 134.5, pounded out a unanimous decision (identically 79-73) over IBF Pan Pacific lightweight champ Phumiritdet Chonlathondamrongkun (15-2, 13 KOs), 136.5, from Thailand, over eight.

Continue reading “IBF#15 Takami halts Horikawa”

By Boxing Bob Newman

The Ali family legacy will continue to grow at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino tonight as the grandson of The Greatest- Nico Ali Walsh will look to bounce back from his first pro defeat on the undercard of Top Rank’s twin featherweight title bill tonight on ESPN+.

Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila made her pro debut- the first of three epic fights, at Turning Stone on October 8, 1999, in front of a packed house, her famous dad in attendance. It was a huge buildup for a short night: a 31 second blowout of April Fowler which started off an unforseen run that led to world titles and a spot in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, just down the New York State Thruway in Canastota, New York.

Continue reading “Turning Stone to Host Fourth Ali Family Fight”

Chevelle Hallback 142.6 vs Yamila Reynoso 144.2 lbs.
(NBA female welterweight title)

Rashield Williams 146.2 vs. Andres Viera 147
(NBA welterweight title)

Mike Misa 175.2 vs. Anthony Blake Lacaze 173.4
Drake Banks 255 vs. Darryl Clark 257.2
Chris Rodriguez 159 vs. Julian Velerio 157.8
Ty McLeod 194.6 vs. Dustin Long 199.4
Steven Ray, Jr. 129.6 vs. Joseph Walker
Alex Rios Vargas 139.8 vs. Marcello Williams 137
Tyeshawan Wilson vs. 153.2 vs. Orlenis Licea 153.8
Felix Santana 135.6 vs. Carlos Aguilera Martinez 134.8
Jerome Deberry 145.8 vs. Ivan Reyes 144.2

Venue: Downtown Hilton in Tampa, Florida.
Promoter: Alessi Promotions

Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano 125.6 vs. Nina “The Brave” Meinke 125.2
(WBA/IBF/WBO female featherweight titles)

Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez 108 vs. Rene Santiago 107
(WBO light flyweight title)

Jake “The Problem Child” Paul 199.8 vs. Ryan Bourland 197.4
Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz 129.6 vs. Headley Scott 130

Venue: Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Promoter: MVP Promotions
TV: DAZN