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Welterweight “Super Bad” Vlad Panin (18-1, 10 KOs) outworked Quashawn Toler (17-2, 12 KOs) over ten rounds on Friday night at the Red Owl Boxing Arena in Houston, Texas. Panin was simply busier and largely neutralized Toler. Scores were 97-93, 96-94, 98-92 as Panin claimed the WBA Continental USA belt.

Unbeaten super featherweight Neri Ariel Cruz Romero (17-0, 9 KOs) of Argentina decisioned veteran Miguel Arevalo Mejia (21-4-1, 7 KOs) of Mexico Friday night at the Club Unión Eléctrica, in Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina. Romero had not fought in nearly a year and half but showed no signs of ring rust. He completely dominated the game Arevalo with a variety of punches and a controlled aggressive offense. A clash of heads in round six resulted in Romero being cut over his left eyebrow. The referee immediately deducted a point from Arevalo. The official scorecards were 100-89, 99-90, and 97-92 all in favor to Romero for the unanimous decisión win. Romero won the vacant WBO Latino title.

In a spectacular upset, super lightweight Julian “Quiet Storm” Smith (8-2, 5 KOs) halted previously unbeaten WBA #10 rated Orestes “Tsunami” Velazquez (8-1, 7 KOs) after nine rounds on Friday night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Smith dropped Velazquez in round one, then staggered Velazquez in round two and rocked him again in round three. Velazquez started to hold excessively in round four and the ref let him get away with it for the next few rounds. In round eight, Velazquez was cut during a clinch, then deducted a point for holding, then was knocked down. Smith dropped Velazquez twice in round nine and the bout was stopped after the round. Very inspirational performance by Smith, who is legally deaf. He wins the WBA International title.

* * *

Unbeaten super lightweight Ashton “H20” Sylve (11-0, 9 KOs) scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over Estivan Falcao (13-3, 7 KOs). Sylve dropped Falcao in round ten to punctuate a 99-90, 99-90, 100-89 win. Sylve wins the WBC Youth title.

By Joe Koizumi
Photo: Naoki Fukuda

Pitifully Japanese boxer Kazuki Anaguchi (6-1, 2 KOs), 23, passed away yesterday (Friday) evening in Tokyo, Japan. Anaguchi, an unbeaten southpaw boxer-puncher, demonstrated a gallant performance in the semi-final to support the undisputed super bantam title bout of Naoya “The Monster” Inoue and Marlon Tapales, but failed to win the national bantamweight belt from also unbeaten WBA#3 Seiya Tsutsumi on December 26. Continue reading “Japanese title challenger Anaguchi passes”

Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) will defend his WBO junior welterweight world title against Jamaine Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs) on Thursday, February 8 on ESPN from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Following a recent training session at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas, Lopez said he’s been training for six months. “I’ve gotten faster. I’ve gotten much stronger. My I.Q. is much sharper. And it’s because I haven’t stopped training since August of last year. And I’m not going to stop. After I beat Jamaine Ortiz, then I will keep staying in the gym.”

“The end result is that ‘The Showman’ is returning. There will definitely be a knockout. It’s not going the distance. I’m not going to leave it in the judges’ hands at all. So, everyone tune in, and get your popcorn ready.”

Conor Benn 150.6 vs. Peter Dobson 150.6
Austin Williams 159.8 vs. Armel Mbumba-Yassa 159.8
Johnny Fisher 242.8 vs. Dmytro Bezus 270
Khalil Coe 175.8 vs. Gerardo Osuna 175.2
George Liddard 162.4 vs. Andrew Buchanan 164.4
Jimmy Sains 165.4 vs. Alejandro Avalos 161.6

Venue: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN

• Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is still preparing to fight on February 17. Promoters are hoping to find a suitable opponent. IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic has been mentioned as a possibility.
• Fury’s cut happened in the same area around the right eye where he had previously suffered a bad cut against Otto Wallin some years back.
• The boxer who cut Tyson Fury in sparring is reportedly heavyweight Agron Smakici (20-2, 18 KOs).
• Tyson Fury posted on Instagram: “Can’t help getting injured in sparring but what I can say [is] Usyk was in trouble. I am in fantastic shape. I will reschedule soon as I can. 2024 a massive year for team GK.
• Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk responded, “Wish you soonest recovery. God sent you a sign. Think of retirement, brother.”

All Star Boxing President Felix “Tuto” Zabala Jr announced Friday morning a one-year two-fight partnership with Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, NY. The plan is to continue with the popular series “Seneca Fight Night” which was last promoted by Zabala in October 2022 and live on ESPN Knockout.

“We are delighted to be back in Seneca Niagara Falls, a region with rich boxing history” notes Zabala Jr “We will continue to build momentum off previous events and feature the best fighters from Western New York. The feedback has been phenomenal, fans are eager for another great night of boxing.” Continue reading “Boxing returns to Niagara Falls May 10th”

Queensberry Promotions Statement: WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury has been forced to postpone his fight with unified Champion Oleksandr Usyk after sustaining a freak cut during a sparring session in Riyadh.

The cut, which opened above Fury’s right eye, required urgent medical attention and significant stitching, and will obviously require a period of recovery, scuppering any possibility of the fight with Usyk taking place on 17th February in Saudi Arabia.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst this is still breaking news it is clearly a massive disappointment, after the work that has been done by so many people to finally deliver this historic event to the world. Once the Doctors have appraised Tyson’s eye, we will have a better idea of the period of recovery needed. Once known we will work diligently with all the stakeholders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule this fight as soon as possible and will of course keep everyone updated with developments.” Continue reading “Fury injured, Usyk fight postponed”

By TMZ.com

Carl Weathers — famous from a number of movies, but most prominently as Sylvester Stallone’s early nemesis in the ‘Rocky’ movies — has sadly died … TMZ has confirmed.

The beloved actor passed away peacefully Thursday while surrounded by loved ones — this according to a statement from his family. They say, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.”

They add, “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.” Continue reading “Carl Weathers, Apollo Creed actor, passes at 76”

Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez both made weight today ahead of Saturday’s hugely anticipated showdown between the unbeaten world ranked #1 and #2 light heavyweights at London’s OVO Arena.

Joshua Buatsi 174 vs. Dan Azeez 172.5
(WBA light heavyweight eliminator)

Adam Azim 140 vs. Enock Poulsen 139.5
(European super lightweight title)

Ben Whittaker 175.5 vs. Khalid Graidia 176
Caroline Dubois 134.5 vs. Miranda Reyes 134
Jeamie TKV 263 vs. Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko 255
Francesca Hennessy 125.5 vs. Lauren Valdebenito 125

Venue: OVO Arena, London
Promoter: Boxxer
TV: Peacock (US), SkySports (UK)

Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions has announced the addition of numerous New York City fan favorites to the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend card on March 15 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden and broadcast live globally on UFC Fightpass. The event is headlined by undefeated super welterweight ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (9-0, 7 KOs) against Dauren Yeleussinov, (11-3-1, 10 KOs).

“When we announced Callum’s return to the Mecca of Boxing I received a wealth of phone calls from many promoters, managers and fighters who wanted to be part of this event,” said Loeffler. “We’re excited to add many of the most popular and talented New York City-based fighters for what will be an outstanding night of entertainment on March 15.”

The lineup includes:

• Irish light heavyweight Joe Ward, (10-1, 6 KOs)
• Irish super featherweight Feargal McCrory (15-0, 7 KOs)
• Super lightweight Reshat ‘The Albanian Bear’ Mati, (14-0, 8 KOs)
• Super lightweight Cletus ‘The Hebrew Hammer Seldin, (27-1, 23 KOs)
• Super welterweight Brian Ceballo, (16-1, 8 KOs)
• New York City Police Officer Nisa Rodriguez making her pro debut

Opponents are all TBAs.

Welterweights Conor Benn and Peter Dobson faced off at the final press conference for their clash on Saturday AFTERNOON at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The fight will air live worldwide on DAZN – with the action beginning at 11am PT and the main event between Benn and Dobson set to step through the ropes at approximately 2.30pm PT. The early start is to accommodate Benn’s UK fight fans.

Conor Benn: “He fights because he has no choice, I fight because I love to fight, that’s the difference. If he was in my shoes, he wouldn’t be a fighter. I choose to do this; I live and breathe this. So, keep that energy, he’s been trolling for months, keep shaking. You will find out what green is on Saturday. I promise you…I’m coming out there and I’m going to come straight to him. Meet him in the middle. We’ll have a shoot-out, no problem, the more I talk the more he shakes. I’m coming for the knockout. This luxury kid that lives a privileged life, I’m coming out there to wipe you out, I swear on my life. I’m going in to take your head off your shoulders. He’s mad delusional, I like his confidence, the loudest one if the weakest one in the room…I’ve proven everything I’ve ever said. I’m going in there to absolutely destroy him, period.”

Peter Dobson: “He’s so green, he thinks he’s going to take me out in the first round, that’s dumb. That’s what green fighters do. No-one he’s fought is better than me. They’re more known than me, but they’re not better than me. I’ve been overlooked my whole career, why do you think the last two Matchroom guys didn’t want to fight me? Because they did their homework. These guys obviously didn’t do their homework and he’s going to see. You will see why I can’t get fights, why promoters constantly tell me ‘This guy doesn’t want to fight you’. Do your homework. It’s been a long time coming, I’m an old land mine that’s been waiting to blow up for a long damn time…if he comes out hard in the first round, he’s going to get knocked out in the first round.”

Ashton Sylve 140 vs. Estivan Falcao 134.8
(WBC Youth super lightweight title)

Orestes Velazquez 139.6 vs. Julian Smith 139.2
(WBA International super lightweight title)

Dainier Pero 234.6 vs. Joe Jones 216
Maricela Cornejo 146.8 vs. Kandi Wyatt 146.4
Cory Marksman 135 vs. Benigno Aguilar 136
Jorge Carlos 139.6 vs. Quinterius Chappell 138.2
Luis Lebron vs. Giovanni Gutierrez
Jasmine Artiga 115.2 vs. Nancy Franco 115.2
Alexander Gueche 115.8 vs. Osmar Rodriguez 114.2

Venue: Caribe Royal in Orlando, Florida
Promoter: MVP Promotions/BoxLab Promotions
TV: DAZN

The undisputed world heavyweight championship PPV headlined by WBC champion Tyson Fury against unified WBA/IBF/WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk will feature two further world championship fights at the Kingdom Arena, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In a rematch of former IBF cruiserweight champions, Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) meets Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) for the vacant IBF belt.

Undefeated IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs) will make a second defense of his title against Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KOs).

Former light heavyweight king Sergey Kovalev (35-4-1, 29 KOs) will continue his run at cruiserweight by taking on the unbeaten Robin Sirwan Safar (16-0, 12 KOs).

Heavyweight Moses Itauma (7-0, 5 KOs) and 2021 Olympian cruiserweight David Nyika (8-0, 7 KOs) will face opponents to be named.

The PPV price in the USA is $69.99.

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (9-0, 6 KOs) is eager for a world title opportunity, but first he’ll need to get past two-division world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight battle on Thursday, February 8 at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Davis-Pedraza will serve as the co-feature to the junior welterweight showdown between WBO champion Teofimo Lopez and Jamaine Ortiz, live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.

“I’m dialed in and focused,” said Keyshawn. “I’m pushing every day, training two or three times each day. Running, sparring, strength and conditioning. The work I’m putting in is starting to show. I’m not counting down the days until the fight, I’m making these days count. This fight is only the beginning of how far I can go in my career.” Continue reading “Keyshawn Davis ready to step up”

Unbeaten Welterweight Conor Benn is planning to dominate Peter Dobson in their clash at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, live worldwide on DAZN – and put all of his rivals on notice that he is coming for all the smoke in 2024 and beyond. Benn (22-0 14 KOs) is back in action in his second straight fight in the States after he returned from a 17-month absence in Orlando in September with a ten-round points win over Rodolfo Orozco. ‘The Destroyer’ has signaled his intentions to deal with Dobson (16-0 9 KOs) in a ‘violent’ manner, and then wants to get straight back into action in April or May. Continue reading “Benn: I want all the smoke”

Former WBO super bantamweight champion Angelo Leo (23-1, 11 KOs), now campaigning at featherweight, knocked out Mike Plania (29-4. 16 KOs) in round three with a hook to the ribs on Wednesday night at the Whitesands Event Center in Plant City, Florida. Time was 2:27.

Returning after a four-and-a-half year hiatus from boxing, unbeaten super middleweight Trevor McCumby (28-0, 21 KOs) won a ten round unanimous decision over Christopher Pearson (17-4-1, 12 KOs). McCumby pressed the action with a steady stream of power shots. A fourth round headbutt left McCumby with a cut over his right eye. The savvy Pearson made it to the final bell. Scores were 97-93, 99-91, 100-90.

Lightweight Antonio “Tono” Moran (30-6-1, 21 KOs) impressively knocked out Romero Duno (26-4, 20 KOs) in round six. Moran dropped Duno in round five and put him down for the count with a left hook in round six. Time was 1:25.

Unbeaten super featherweight Mykell Gamble (7-0, 4 KOs) shut out Damian Alcala (7-4, 0 KOs) over six rounds 60-54 3x.

Fighters competing on the inaugural four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View available on Amazon Prime went face to face Wednesday at The Conga Room at L.A. Live in Los Angeles at a press conference to preview their respective matchups before they step into the ring on Saturday, March 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The press conference featured reigning WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu and two-time former world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman, who meet in the main event.

Keith Thurman: “He’s a slow-footed fighter with a Mexican style. I’ll meet him in the middle of the ring. He’s gonna go home crying…they say Tszyu comes from ‘down under’, well I am trying to put you under, mate. He might have watched the video on me, but he doesn’t know. He might have signed the contract, but he doesn’t know what he just did. Bitter for you, but sweet for me! …I’m just looking for great fights and great action. Tim Tszyu is filling that void right now and providing me with the fight I want. He’s trying to open up the gates to his new era, but it’s my job to close the door shut, right in his face.”

Tim Tszyu: “I want him to bring this same energy to the fight, and not run around like a gazelle. Because I’m definitely knocking him out in under 12 rounds…my goal is for the Tszyu name to be the greatest boxing family that ever lived. We’ve made it this far and we’ll see how far we can go…I know what Keith is and I know what he’s done, but I think the time is done for him. Now it’s a different era and it’s the ‘Tim Tszyu Era’. I’m not just planning to beat Keith Thurman, I’m planning to make this a spectacle.” Continue reading “Tszyu-Thurman Kickoff Press Conference”

Three-division world champion Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs) and former unified lightweight world champion George “Ferocious” Kambosos Jr. (21-2, 10 KOs) hosted a virtual press conference Tuesday evening to formally announce their showdown, with Kambosos holding court in Perth and Lomachenko participating via satellite from Los Angeles.

Vasiliy Lomachenko: “Our fight with Devin Haney were two different fights. There were two different styles. If we talk about my fight with Haney, I didn’t lose that fight, in my opinion. If we talk about Haney-Kambosos, Kambosos had two chances and he lost.”

George Kambosos Jr: “Yes, I lost to Devin Haney, but you {Lomachenko} had your chance with Teofimo Lopez and you didn’t take your chance. I did.”

This week, former foes Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales are in Mexico City to present a new documentary on their famed trilogy bouts. The trailer was presented to the media and during the event Morales and Barrera had the opportunity to talk about Jaime Munguía, David Benavidez, and Canelo Alvarez.

Morales, who trained Munguía previously, said, “Jaime looked great against Ryder. It’s basically what we’ve been working on for the past four years. Ryder was a great opponent and Jaime was able to do what he does best and Roach’s game plan worked. He was very patient and it paid off.”

Barrera stated, “As Morales said, Munguía looked very good and showed that he is ready for the champion who is Canelo Alvarez. Munguía is the number one in the world by the WBO and Canelo must grant him an opportunity. He deserves it, but then you have Benavidez, who is the [WBC] mandatory challenger, so I think Canelo should face the long-time mandatory Benavidez and then Munguía in May and September accordingly.” Continue reading “Morales, Barrera: Canelo has to fight his mandatory”

Prizefighter is back and heading to Japan with a world-class $1 million international middleweight tournament beginning on March 31 at the Nagoya Congress Center in Nagoya, Japan – live on Abema in Japan and DAZN worldwide (excluding Asia).

The first round of the tournament will witness four bouts over ten rounds – with a $100k knockout bonus pot split between the fighters who successfully stop their opponent. As the tournament progresses, the latter bouts will be twelve-rounders.

The draw for the first night was made at the launch press conference today in Tokyo:

Riku Kunimoto (10-1, 4 KOs) vs. Eiki Kani (8-3-3, 4 KOs)
Mark Dickinson (6-0, 2 KOs) vs. Anauel Ngamissengue (13-0, 8 KOs)
Aaron McKenna (18-0, 9 KOs) vs. Jeovanny Estela (14-0, 5 KOs)
Kieron Conway (20-3-1, 5 KOs) vs. Ainiwaer Yilixiati (19-1, 14 KOs)

Th overall winning fighter will pocket a whopping $1 million.

The tournament is presented by Matchroom in partnership with Rakuten Ticket and Never Say Never (NSN).

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

2024 began with the greatness with which 2023 closed; with great boxing activity around the world.

One of the most outstanding current champions Artur Beterbiev, defended his light heavyweight crown, with a great demonstration, by knocking out the exacting English warrior, Callum Smith, in what was his WBC mandatory fight, which took place before a sell out crowd, in Quebec, Canada. Beterbiev is the WBC, WBO, and IBF champion, and now the table is set for the long-awaited fight for the undisputed title against Dmitry Bivol. Continue reading “2024 starts with great fights”

\Unbeaten Welterweights Conor Benn and Peter Dobson came face-to-face for the first time Tuesday to kick-off fight week in Las Vegas as they close in on their clash at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, live worldwide on DAZN.

Benn was in a confident mood as Dobson sized up to him in front of promoter Eddie Hearn at the landmark ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign on the famous Nevada strip and outside the entrance to The Chelsea venue where they will battle on Saturday afternoon. In a tense exchange, the pair traded verbal blows as the countdown to their powder keg clash draws closer.

It’s official. Former undisputed lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. and three-division world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko will clash for the vacant IBF lightweight world title as part of a world title tripleheader on Sunday, May 12, at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The card will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.

Vasiliy Lomachenko: “I am excited for the opportunity to fight once again for a world title. George Kambosos Jr. is a good fighter, and I know I must prepare well to earn the victory. Fighting in Australia will be a new experience, and I am Iooking forward to giving the people of Perth a great fight.”

George Kambosos Jr: “I am extremely motivated and eager to face off with the legendary Vasiliy Lomachenko. Once again, I will bring a world championship showdown and a mega stadium fight to Australian shores. This will be a battle between two modern day warriors. This is a fight I’ve always wanted, and it will soon become a reality. This fight means everything to me. It’s about cementing the immortal boxing legacy I want to leave behind. I will be ready, and victory is the only thing on my mind. Thank you to the City of Perth and the Western Australian Government for getting behind this historic event.”