Fightnews.com

By Miguel Maravilla

Opportunity has knocked for Coachella, California’s Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora (20-1-1, 13 KO’s) as he squares off against WBO super welterweight champion Tim Tszyu (24-0, KO’s) of Australia. Fundora seeks redemption as he fights for Tszyu’s WBO title and the vacant WBC super welterweight title this Saturday, March 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas live on PBC Pay-Per-View event.

“This is it. I’m just focused and ready. I have had a great training camp. Now just waiting for fight night, I cant wait,” Fundora said.

Fundora was in the closing phases of his preparation when he got the call to step in. Holding his training camp in Coachella, California.

“I was already training for my fight with Bohachuk. Then I got the notice to step in. I am ready,” Fundora on his preparation. Continue reading “Sebastian Fundora Focused & Ready”

By Joe Koizumi

The WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, very well-known thanks to his father Don Jose’s legacy, participated in a ceremony at the JBC office on Tuesday to hand the WBC belt to the newly crowned bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani who acquired his third division belt on his demolition of Alejandro Santiago on February 24. Sulaiman praised Junto’s finest performance, saying, “Nakatani is a new pride of the WBC since he impressively dethroned the strong titleholder Santiago who had defeated the legendary Nonito Donaire to his credit. Junto, still young and very well gifted with his good height and reach, may grow up as the formidable bantam champion of the WBC.” Mauricio visited Japan on his way back from the Philippines where he met the national hero Manny Pacquiao last week.

Mauricio also visited Ohashi Gym in Yokohama, where he delivered the award of the WBC Boxer of the Year to “Monster” Naoya Inoue and his handler Hideyuki Ohashi as well on the next day.

The opponent has changed, but the stakes are just as high for Australian standout Andrew Moloney. Pedro Guevara will now fight Moloney for the vacant WBC interim junior bantamweight world title on Sunday, May 12 at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

Guevara replaces former world champion Carlos Cuadras, who was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a torn Achilles suffered in training. Moloney-Guevara will be the co-feature to the vacant IBF lightweight world title showdown between Vasiliy Lomachenko and George Kambosos Jr.

Former WBA featherweight champion Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters (29-1-1, 22 KOs), now campaigning at lightweight, scored a ten round unanimous decision over 4:1 favorite Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (18-4-2, 15 KOs) on Wednesday night at the Whitesands Events Center in Plant City, Florida. Walters, 38, who returned from a six-and-a-half year layoff last year, outworked Adorno in most rounds. Adorno was deducted a point for a punch after the bell in round nine. At the end, Walters won by scores of 95-94, 97-92, 98-91 as he claimed the WBA Continental Americas lightweight title.

Super lightweight Starling Castillo (19-1-1, 13 KOs) hammered out a ten round split decision over Jesus Saracho (13-2, 11 KOs). Scores were 98-92, 99-91 Castillo, 96-94 Saracho.

Super lightweight Omar Juarez (15-2, 5 KOs) scored a hard fought ten round unanimous decision over Clarence Booth (21-109, 13KOs). Juarez punctuated the fight with two knockdowns in round ten. Scores were 98-90, 98-90, 99-89.

The ESPN+ clash between Oscar Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) and Liam Wilson (13-2, 7 KOs) has been upgraded to a WBO interim junior lightweight world title fight on Friday night at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Here’s what they had to say at the final press conference.

Oscar Valdez: “I’m going to be ready. I was preparing myself for a world championship fight. Then we got the news that it’s now for an interim title. So, I’m more than excited and prepared, and we’re going to show that…Liam Wilson is a dangerous fighter. But that makes it more exciting. And the interim title adds fuel to the fire. I’m very motivated, and I will do everything possible to win this fight.”

Liam Wilson: “I’m glad he was there {for my fight against Navarrete}. The whole world saw what happened. I should have already become world champion. This fight between me and Valdez should have already happened. I won the belt that night. It wasn’t awarded to me. But that’s just the way things played out. But, we’re here now and we’re going to settle the score.”

Juan Carrillo 175.4 vs. Quinton Rankin 174.2
Shohjahon Ergashev 141.2 vs. Juan Huertas 138.8
Vladimir Shishkin 169.6 vs. Mike Guy 169.8
Husam Al Mashhadi 153.6 vs. Daulis Prescott 154.4
Nadim Salloum 169 vs. William Townsel 166.6
Josiah Shackleford 159.4 vs. Antwion McCollough 157

Venue: Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit, Michigan
Promoter: Salita Promotions
TV: DAZN (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)

By Héctor Villarreal

Shuan Boxing continues to make history as the most important promotional company in the Dominican Republic, announcing a seven regional tiltle card headed by former WBA interim minimumweight champion, undefeated Erick “Mini Pacman” Rosa (6-0, 2 KOs), invading the light flyweight division to face Mexican Yudel “El Guerrerito” Reyes (16-2, 6 KOs) for the WBA Gold title.

“Erick Rosa is currently ranked #1 by WBA, so this fight would be followed by a world championship match against Japan´s Kenshiro Teraji” said promoter Belgica Peña. “I´m very grateful to WBA and WBO for giving us the opportunity to present such a historic event, scheduled for Friday, April 5th at the Fencing Pavillion of the Olympic Center in Santo Domingo”, she added. Continue reading “Rosa-Reyes heads 7-title card in DR”

On May 25th, #1 super middleweight contender Christian “Solid” Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) will attempt to continue his worldwide conquest at the Gervais Auto Center in Shawinigan. Facing him will be Mark “Kid Dynamite” Heffron (30-3-1, 24 KOs). ESPN+ will televise.

Christian Mbilli: “No matter where he comes from and who he is, my opponent will have to arrive ready because on May 25th, I will once again demonstrate why I belong with the elite of the super-middleweights. Mark Heffron is just another boxer on my path. I respect him, but I won’t be gentle with him, just like with the others. I am convinced that we will deliver quite a fight in Shawinigan, but victory is the only option for me!”

In the co-main event, heavyweight Arslanbek “The Lion” Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) will return from his first loss to face Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs). ”

Arslanbek “The Lion” Makhmudov: Honestly, I am happy. It’s good work on the part of my team to already secure a new big fight, and especially a fight that will be excellent. I’ve already faced him in a very close fight that he won when we were amateurs, so I am more than determined to avenge that defeat.”

IBF junior welterweight champion Subriel Matías (20-1 20 KOs) makes a homecoming return to Puerto Rico when he defends his world title against unbeaten Liam Paro (24-0, 15 KOs) at the Coliseo Juan Aubín Cruz Abreu in Manatí on Saturday June 15, live worldwide on DAZN.

Subriel Matías: “I am super excited to be able to be in front of my people defending the title that we had such a hard time getting. The mentality will always be the same and in front of my people I don’t even have to say it, they know me. The Pride of Maternillo.”

Liam Paro: “I’ve waited my whole life for this opportunity. Fighter’s fight and I can’t wait to fight the boogeyman in his backyard.”

June 15 represents Matchroom’s first event in Puerto Rico, and it’s the first fight with Matías after he signed a co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Fresh Productions.

Super lightweight KO artist Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez (34-2, 31 KOs) makes his return to the ring against Daniel Lugo (27-2-1, 18 KOs) at Palenque de la Féria National de San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico on Saturday May 11, live worldwide on DAZN, with Erika Cruz defending her WBA super bantamweight title against Nazarena Romero in the co-feature.

Hernandez was part of one of the fights of the year in October when he took on O’Shaquie Foster for the WBC title, falling agonizingly short in Cancun after an incredible 11th round led to a final round stoppage win for defending champion Foster, with Hernandez ahead on the cards.

“People have been counting me out since my loss,” said Hernandez. “On May 11, I will make a statement – ‘Rocky Never Left’.”

By Joe Koizumi
Photo by The Won Promotions

Ohashi Promotions of Japan announced its international campaign abroad as promoter Hideyuki Ohashi, former WBC/WBA minimum champ, will stage the WBO Asia Pacific super lightweight title bout between defending champion Daishi Nagata (19-3-2, 6 KOs) of Japan and unbeaten Korean southpaw challenger Yong-Uk Yong (6-0, 5 KOs) in Seoul, Korea, on June 7. Nagata under Misako Promotions lately unified the OPBF and WBO AP 140-pound belts by defeating Koki Inoue on points this February, but he will put only the WBO AP belt on the line for his this title bout in Korea. Continue reading “WBO AP 140lb champ Nagata to defend in Korea”

Don King’s newly signed welterweight Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (16-1-1, 10 KOs) has officially teamed up with boxing coach Justin Gamber.

“I’m really liking the way things are going with Coach Justin,” stated Cobbs, who is training out of Las Vegas. “We’re putting in the work, day in and day out, and I can feel myself improving with each session. Together, I believe we’re unstoppable.”

A fight with Adrien Broner is being worked out behind the scenes and an announcement on who Blair Cobbs will fight next will be revealed shortly. Wooooooooooo!

By Boxing Bob Newman

Said to report the unexpected passing on Monday, March 22, of former female boxer Alesia Graf. Born Alesia Klimovich in Gomel, Belarus, Graf relocated to Stuttgart, Baden-Würtemburg, Germany and turned pro in 2004. “The Tigress” would rattle off 11th straight wins until running into future Hall of famer. Alicia, Ashley, getting dropped and coming out on the short and of a 10 round split decision. She would challenge for the WBC Super Fly title twice, WBC Bantam title and WBO Super Bantam titles, losing all in hard fought efforts. She would win WIBF and GBU titles along the way, finishing a respectable 29-8, 13 KOs record. Graf was 43 years old. Rest in peace champion.

Joseph Adorno 134.8 vs. Nicholas Walters 133.6
Jesus Saracho 140.2 vs. Starling Castillo 140
Omar Juarez 142.6 vs. Clarence Booth 144
Tristan Gallichan 138.6 vs. Carlos Arroyo 137.4
Terrence Williams 146.6 vs. Lyle McFarlane 147.2

Venue: Whitesands Event Center, Plant City, Florida
Promoter: ProBox
TV: ProBox TV

Golden Boy has officially announced an April 27 boxing doubleheader at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. In the main event, making his Golden Boy debut in front of his hometown crowd, U.S. Olympian and former unified super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez (28-1, 18 KOs) will return against Rances Barthelemy (30-2-1, 15 KOs). Ramirez will be fighting for the first time since March 2023. The co-feature is undefeated knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr. (20-0, 20 KOs) against Thomas Dulorme (26-6-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight fight. Continue reading “April 27 Ramirez/Ortiz twinbill confirmed”

Former WBO super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs) says he’s planning to duplicate that feat as a cruiserweight this Saturday night against undefeated WBA cruiserweight champion Arsen “Feroz” Goulamirian (21-0, 14 KOs). The bout will be streamed live on DAZN from YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California.

“I feel comfortable at this weight,” ‘Zurdo’ said. “Naturally, as I got older, it was tougher to make weight and now everything seems to be easier. Like I always say, there’s no better teacher than experience in this life. I’m not training differently as a cruiserweight. I’m always working on the basics of boxing. Going into a higher division, one of the main things is that I’m able to lift heavy and not worry about gaining muscle mass. Continue reading “Zurdo comfortable at cruiserweight”

Liam Wilson (13-2, 7 KOs) is eager to claim his spot among the top fighters in the junior lightweight division. The former world title challenger will take on former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) in a special 12-round attraction this Friday, March 29 on ESPN+ at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

Following a recent training session in Henderson, Nevada, this is what Wilson had to say:

“I’ve had two fights since the Navarrete fight. I feel much more prepared this time around. I’m going back to the same place. I’m much more familiar with the whole atmosphere there. I’m really looking forward to March 29.”

“I think he’s going to want to prove himself in this fight. He wants to show that he still has what it takes to be a world champion. So, while I’m not sure what to expect, I know he is well rounded. You don’t become a two-division world champion by being one-dimensional.” Continue reading “Liam Wilson: I’m Ready For A War”

Legendary boxing promoter Don King has put together “The Quest for the Best,” set to take place on Saturday, April 27, at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai in Miami, Florida. This evening features three regional championship bouts. King commented: “In the ring, there’s no room for hesitation, only domination. ‘The Quest for the Best’ will be a testament to the relentless pursuit of greatness in the squared circle.”

WBA Continental Americas middleweight champion Ian Green (18-2, 12 KOs) faces Roy Barringer (10-4, 6 KOs), NABA/NABF light heavyweight champion Ahmed Elbiali (23-1, 18 KOs) meets undefeated Sergio Jimenez (13-0-1, 11 KOs), and WBC Int’l lightweight champion Antonio Perez (9-0, 5 KOs) risks his title against Oscar Acevedo (9-1).

The evening of boxing also will feature four undercard fights, including DeVon Williams (4-0, 4 KOs) against Julio Tanori (1-1, 1 KO) for the WBC Youth Intercontinental super lightweight title.

Detroit-based boxing promoter and former fighter Dmitriy Salita has been announced as a Class of 2024 Inductee into the Jewish Sports Heritage Association. The JSHA will honor Salita and the rest of this year’s induction class (including former President of HBO Sports, Ross Greenburg) at their Sixth Annual Induction Ceremony on Sunday, April 7, at Temple Israel in Lawrence, N.Y.

“I’m very grateful for this incredible honor,” said Salita. “I started boxing shortly after we immigrated from the Soviet Union (current Ukraine) at Starret City Boxing Club. Through boxing I was able to work towards my American Dream and am grateful that those achievements are now recognized years later. I look forward to an exciting Sunday morning on April 7.”

Sad to report the passing of IBF founder and the organization’s first President Bob Lee. Lee also served as Deputy State Athletic Commissioner of New Jersey under former heavyweight champion Jersey Joe Walcott, and was a vice president of the WBA. He was forced to resign from the IBF due to a pay-for-rankings scandal in 1999. He is a member of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.

The Funeral for Bob Lee will be Friday, April 5, 2024 at:
St. James Baptist Church
2387 Morse Avenue
Scotch Plains, NJ
The viewing starts at 10 AM
Service starts at 11 AM
Repast will be at the Church

By Jeff Zimmerman

Hall of Famer Andre “SOG” Ward was in Dallas at Blacklit Bookstore today for a book signing of his new book Killing the Image. After Q&A in the packed house, Ward talked about the book, his verbal sparring with Canelo, Canelo not fighting Benavidez, his take on the stacked 135-140lb divisions and much more.

Toro Promotions’ train of promising heavyweight prospects – undefeated 2020 Ukraine Olympian Tsotne Rogava (6-0, 6 KOs), Alexander “The Great” Flores (19-4-1, 17 KOs) and Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (12-2-1, 10 KOs) – all turned in knockout performances Saturday night at LumColor Phoenix Center in Ontario, California.

The 6’ 5”, 264-pound Rogava kept his undefeated pro record perfect with his sixth victory in six fights, all won by early knockouts. Rogava absolutely destroyed Antonio Brown (8-5, 8 KOs), dropping him three times in the opening round for his third straight first-round stoppage of an opponent.

Flores rebounded from his 10-round unanimous decision loss to Dante Stone this past January 4 in grand fashion, landing at will and closing the show in the third round against Josue Vargas (5-7-2, 2 KOs).

Ibeh, cousin of former heavyweight contender Ike Ibeabuchi, extended his win streak to seven with a first-round knockout of a game Derek Cardenas (9-12, 2 KOs). Ibeh decked Cardenas twice in round one.

Looks like a heavyweight showdown between recent Joseph Parker victims Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang may be the co-feature for the June 1 clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to ESPN. Another heavyweight bought between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois is also reportedly in play.

Unbeaten super lightweight Dalton “Thunder” Smith (16-0, 12 KOs) scored a sudden fifth round knockout against three-time world title challenger Jose “Chon” Zepeda (37-5, 28 KOs) to claim the vacant WBC silver title on Saturday night at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England. Competitive fight until Smith connected with a right hand to the belly that put Zepeda on the canvas for the count. Time was 1:25.

WBO female welterweight champion Sandy Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs) battered two-division former champion Terri Harper (14-2-2, 6 KOs) over four one-sided rounds. The bout was stopped by Harper’s corner after round four.

Super lightweight Campbell Hatton (14-1, 5 KOs), son of ring legend Ricky Hatton, suffered his first defeat, losing a ten round unanimous decision to Jimmy Joe Flint (14-1-2, 3 KOs). Flint retained his Central Area title by scores of 98-92, 97-94, 97-95.

Unbeaten super welterweight Ishmael Davis (13-0, 6 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Troy Williamson (20-3-1, 14 KOs) in a final eliminator for the British title. Scores were 117-111, 116-112, 116-112.