Fightnews.com

By Brad Snyder / The Undercard

Wesley Rivers 145.8 vs. Anthony Smith 145.8

Justin Johnson 170.4 vs. Ashaun Bates 173.6

Jorden McDonald167.2 vs. Marion Smith 160
Joseph Zuniga Jr. 184.4 vs. David Carr Jr. 190
Justin Lacey Pierce 146.8 vs. Rey Barrera Sarasola 146.8
Cody Cross 172.6 vs. Marquaun Flowers 170
Hassain Bilal169 vs. Lamar Bolden 169
Ardarrieon Daigle Williams 172.6 vs. TBA
Christopher Thompson ?? vs. Darius Carr 158.2

Venue: Causeway Hotel and Convention Center
Promoter: Rebel Combat Sports
Doors open at 6pm with first bell at 7pm

Super featherweight Jorge ‘Kan’ Mata Cuellar (16-2-2, 11 KOs) of Guadalajarastopped countryman Jonathan Ramirez Casas (12-5, 8 KOs) in the 10 round main event at the El Domo del Code Jalisco, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The pivotal moment took place in round six where Mata hurt Casas badly with hooks to the body and face dropping him. Casas survived the round but did not come out for round sevebn.

Omar Cande Trinidad 125.8 vs. Jose Perez 124.6
(WBC Continental Americas featherweight title)

Eduardo Diaz 153.4 vs. Jose Manuel Gomez 153.6
David Romero 139.8 vs. Luciano Ramos 139.4
Adan Ochoa 127.6 vs. John Mark Alimane 125.8
Brooke Sibrian 107.8 vs. Nikkia Williams 110
Abel Mejia 129.8 vs. Luis Montellano 129.6
Guadalupe Medina 107 vs. Lilian Almaraz 107.4
Rodrigo Mosquera 131 vs. Michael Hernandez 130.4

Venue: Commerce Casino, Commerce, California
Promoter: 360 Promotions
TV: UFC Fightpass

Isaiah Johnson 145 vs. Dashaun Johns 146
Jalique Holden 130 vs. Jacob Ray 134
Devin Price 138.8 vs. Sebastian Gabriel Chaves 141
Devon Lee 142 vs. Rondale Hubbert 142
Dante Selby 218 vs. Dominique Mayfield 281
Erron Peterson 161 vs. Christopher Arguello 169
Ghandi Romain 145.8 vs. Callen Herley 144.6
Eleizer Olmeida 146.6 vs. Donte Turner TBA
Josh Aarons 118.4 vs. Edwin Cortes 118.6
Keith Jackson 161.6 vs. Tyler Nystrom 159.8
Pryce Taylor 272 vs. Gabriel Aguilar Costa 205.6

Venue: Harrahs Philadelphia
Promoter: RDR Promotions
Stream: BXNGTV.com
1st Bell: 7 PM ET

By Miguel Maravilla

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By Miguel Maravilla

Jaime Munguia 167.8 vs. John Ryder 167.8
(WBC silver super middleweight title)

Oscar Collazo 105 vs. Reyneris Gutierrez 104.8
(WBO minimumweight title)

Gabriela Fundora 111.2 vs. Christina Cruz 111.6
(IBF female flyweight title)

Darius Fulghum 167.2 vs. Alantez Fox 168.2
David Picasso 126 vs. Erik Ruiz 124
Daniel Garcia 131.8 vs. Daniel Lugo 131
Gregory Morales 128.6 vs. Ronal Ron 128.2
Gael Cabrera 128.6 vs. Miguel Ceballos 122.8
Jonathan Canas 135.8 vs. Kameeko Hall 137.6

Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: DAZN

The WBC has voted to change the championship status of current WBC super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo to “champion in recess” after analyzing the specific circumstances in the division. Jermell’s last fight was in the super middleweight division and there is no certainty that he will return to fight at super welterweight.

As a result, the WBC has confirmed that the March 30 fight between Serhii Bohachuk and Sebastian Fundora will now be upgraded to full WBC super welterweight championship status.

WBO light flyweight champion Adrien Curiel (24-4-1, 5 KOs) will defend his world title in a rematch with former champion Sivenathi ’The Special One’ Nontshinga (12-1, 9 KOs) on DAZN February 16 at the open-air Auditorium Guelaguetza in Oaxaca, Mexico. Curiel scored a shocking one-punch knockout against Nontshinga in the second round last year in Monaco.

In the co-feature, former world featherweight Mauricio Lara (26-3-1, 19 KOs) returns against Daniel Lugo (27-2, 18 KOs) in a ten-rounder.

Lewis Crocker 150 vs. Jose Felix 146.6
(WBO Intercontinental welterweight title)
Note: Only Felix can win the title

Cheavon Clarke 199.6 vs. Tommy Mccarthy 199.4
Paddy Donovan 146.4 vs. Williams Andres Herrera 146.6
Conah Walker 146.4 vs. Lloyd Germain 146.6
Giorgio Visioli 133.2 vs. Samuel Pikire 133.5
Kurt Walker 133.2 vs. Darwing Martinez 130.6
Leli Buttigieg 158.5 vs. Artjom Spatar 157.5

Venue: Ulster Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN

Unbeaten lightweight knockout machine William “El Camarón” Zepeda (29-0, 25 KOs) will face Maxi “Maximus” Hughes (26-6-2, 5 KOs) in a 12-round IBF and WBA world title eliminator on March 16 at the Chelsea inside the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and streamed around the world on DAZN.

William Zepeda: “I am excited for this big challenge ahead of me, and being one step closer to accomplishing my dream of becoming a world champion. Maxi Hughes is a grand fighter, and I can’t wait to face him in the ring on March 16 and represent my humble hometown of San Mateo Atenco on the world’s stage. I know Golden Boy wants to bring big fights back to Las Vegas, the capital of boxing, and I want to be part of that – I want to be crowned a world champion in Vegas.”

Maxi Hughes: “My last fight in the U.S., the judges broke my heart. I won’t let them derail my career. I’m coming back stateside with the bit between my teeth. Zepeda hasn’t fought anyone like me before.”

Two hot prospects trained and promoted by ring legend Roy Jones Jr. were victorious on Thursday night at Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington.

In the main event, undefeated hometown super middleweight favorite Andrew Murphy (8-0, 5 KOs) successfully defended his NBA Americas title against Devontae McDonald (5-3, 1 KO with a hard fought eight round unanimous decision. Scores were 77-75, 77-75, 78-74.

Also, undefeated super featherweight Mandeep Jangra (7-0, 4 KOs) defeated Gerardo Esqivel (5-4-1, 1 KO) by ten round unanimous decision to claim the vacant NBA Intercontinental title. Scores were 97-92, 96-93, 95-94.

Undefeated super middleweight contender Erik Bazinyan (32-0, 23 KOs), ranked in the top five by all four major sanctioning organizations, scored a third round knockout over Billi Facundo Godoy (41-7, 20 KOs) on Thursday night at Casino de Montréal in Montreal, Canada. Bazinyan dropped Godoy for the count with two big right hands. Time was 2:23.

Unbeaten light heavyweight Albert Ramirez (18-0, 15 KOs) had to work hard to defeat Artur Ziyatdinov (15-2, 12 KOs) by ten round unanimous decision. Scores were 100-90, 99-91, 98-92. Judges weren’t giving Ziyatdinov anything as it was not a lopsided bout.

In a non-title bout, NABF super lightweight champion Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs) pounded on Marcos Gonzalez (23-4, 11 KOs) for two rounds and Gonzalez didn’t come out for round three. Claggett is rated WBC #8, WBO #14, IBF #15.

Rebounding from consecutive losses, Canadian female junior middleweight favorite Mary Spencer (8-2, 6 KOs) got back in the win column with a first round TKO over Sonya Dreiling (6-4, 2 KOs). Dreiling didn’t come out for round two.

Unbeaten lightweight Jhon Orobio (6-0, 6 KOs) stopped Juan Carlos Ramirez (5-5, 3 KOs) with a body shot at the end of round two.

Unbeaten super middleweight Wilkens Mathieu (7-0, 4 KOs) punished late sub Oscar Soto Quintana (6-5, 2 KOs) until Soto’s corner waved the towel in round four.

Unbeaten middleweight Moreno Fendero (4-0, 3 KOs) scored a second round KO against Ricardo Lara (22-12-2, 10 KOs). Fendero dropped Lara once in round one and twice in round two.

Undefeated super middleweight Jaime Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs) and John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) faced off at the final press conference ahead of their clash for the WBC silver title at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, streamed worldwide on DAZN.

Jaime Munguia: I know that John Ryder is a tough fighter. He has lost and he has won close fights, but I’m ready. I’m ready to do this on Saturday. Y que viva Mexico!”

John Ryder: It’s been a fight long in the pipeline and I’m glad we’re fighting. It’s a fight I feel like I needed since the Canelo defeat, and I want to continue operating at the level I’ve been operating at. This is the fight to kick me on, and push me in my career.”

It’s official. The era of Amazon Prime Boxing begins March 30. The inaugural PPV event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The lineup is:
Tim Tszyu vs. Keith Thurman
Rolly Romero vs. Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz
Erislandy Lara vs. Michael Zerafa
Sebastian Fundora vs. Serhii Bohachuk

The WBO would not sanction Tszyu-Thurman, so it will be a non-title affair.

Keith Thurman: “I’m back in action and I’m happy to be a part of this first event with PBC on Prime Video. Tszyu stands out as an exceptional fighter, and I’ve always held admiration for his performances. His distinctive style provides the perfect stage for me to exhibit the relentless dedication I’ve poured into training, refining my skills, and fortifying my mental game. This fight promises a spectacular showdown between two of the most electrifying fighters in the sport, an event that demands attention. Good things come to those that wait. Them days are over, bright lights and action are up ahead. Let’s shake up the world of boxing one more time on Prime Video.”

Tim Tszyu: “I’ve been ready and waiting to headline a historic event like this in the U.S. for a very long time and it’s an honor that I don’t take lightly. My father did it, and was at the top of the world for a decade, now it’s my turn. Thurman is a great fight, he’s tricky, tough and he’s mixed it with the very best the sport has seen. This is a new era now. It’s the Tszyu era. On March 30, everyone who tunes into this pay-per-view is going to see for themselves.” Continue reading “Amazon Prime card officially announced”

Former two-division world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs) hosted a media workout yesterday at Felix Pagan Pintor Municipal Boxing Gym in his hometown of Cidra, Puerto Rico, ahead of his 10-round battle against Olympian silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (9-0, 6 KOs) on Thursday, February 8 at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

“I believe the key is going to be throwing a lot of punches,” said Pedraza. “I’m going to overwhelm him with a lot of punches. I’m going to use a lot of lateral movement as well. I will use all my experience. All of that is going to be key in this fight. He has youth on his side, but I have the experience. Continue reading “Pedraza warns Keyshawn”

Unbeaten welterweight Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (18-0, 10 KOs) returns against Mexican spoiler Jose Felix (40-6-1, 31 KOs) on DAZN Saturday night at Ulster Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In his last fight, Felix took the “0” from previously unbeaten Gary Cully in Dublin via brutal third round stoppage. Crocker defeated Tyrone McKenna via unanimous decision last month.

Jose Felix: “My main problem against Cully was making the weight. This time there won’t be that pressure to make the weight. My battle was with the scales on that occasion but this time I think that will work to my advantage. I know my opponent will try to use that weight against me in the way that he can but I’m sure that I can go on and get this victory on Saturday night and put on a great show. Don’t take your eyes off this fight. You know that Crocker hits hard, I hit hard too – I think it will be a great fight.”

Lewis Crocker: “I’m not looking past Jose Felix but a big statement on Saturday sets me up for a big year. I’m expecting an exciting fight because I think he has the same mindset as me. This is a more dangerous fight than the McKenna one. With the McKenna one there was more pressure mentally. There’s just as much at stake with each and every fight. He’ll be full on confidence with the Gary Cully win and looking to make another upset in Ireland.”

PBC and Amazon Prime are planning their initial PPV boxing stream for March 30 at the T-Mobile Arera in Las Vegas. Fights purportedly include WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu against Keith “One Time” Thurman in a NON-TITLE bout plus WBA super lightweight champion Rolly Romero defending against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz.

Today the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) unveiled 21 honorees chosen for induction into its Hall of Fame. The 8th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend is scheduled to take place from Friday, September 27th, to Sunday, September 29th, 2024, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.

Fighters: James Buster Douglas, Sergio Martinez, Paul Williams, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Sharmba Mitchell, Tyrone Mitchell Frazier, Mario Maldonado and Eva Jones-Young

Contributors: James “Buddy” McGirt {Trainer}, Bruce Blair {Trainer}, Sampson Lewkowicz {Manager/Promoter}, Eric Bottjer {Matchmaker}, Randy Gordon {Media}, Guy Gargan {Media}

Posthumous: Howard Davis Jr. {Fighter}, Jay Larkin {TV Executive}, Eddie Cotton {Referee}

Pioneers: Eric Seelig {Fighter}, George Godfrey {Fighter}, Joey Giardello {Fighter}

By Miguel Maravilla

Tijuana’s undefeated former world champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) returns against former interim world champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of England. In what will be another big test for the 27-year-old Munguia as he squares off against Ryder this Saturday night at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona live on DAZN.

“This is a big challenge, it’s a tough fight. Without a doubt this is a big test,” Jaime Munguia told Fightnews.com®. “It’s obvious that all the pressure is on me but I will come out with the victory.”

“This is obviously a hard tough fight for Jaime, I feel he will be challenged but this is what it takes to get to the next level and prove we belong with the elite to ask for the big fights,” Munguia’s co-promoter Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions told Fightnews.com®. Continue reading “Munguia Expects Another Tough Test in Ryder”

MarvNation kicks off 2024 on Saturday, February 10at the C. Robert Lee Activity Center in Hawaiian Gardens, California, with a card headlined by undefeated blue chip prospect Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (13-0, 12 KOs).  Mercado will face off against Victoriano Antonio Santillan (11-6, 2 KOs) in an eight round super lightweight fight. Continue reading “Tito Mercado returns”

Andrew Murphy 167 vs. Devontae McDonald 165.6
Mandeep Jangra 130 vs. Gerardo Esquivel 133.8
Carlos Villanueva 196 vs. Alberto Rivas 184
Kamar Bray 151 vs. Kevin Davila 158.2
Josue Cadena 138 vs. Moises Molina 140.2
Bryce Wyatt 150 vs. Gerardo Ceresero 151.8

Venue: Legends Casino, Toppenish, Washington
Promoter: Roy Jones Jr Boxing
TV: DAZN

By Jeff Zimmerman

The legendary boxing manager Jackie Kallen shared her excitement of getting the call for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this June in Canastota, NY. She joins her world champ, the great James “Lights Out” Toney who was part of the 2022 class. Kallen talked about her journey from entertainment reporter to boxing publicist at the famed Kronk Gym under the tutelage of the late, great trainer Emmanuel Steward where she met a young, up and coming fighter in Thomas Hearns for the first time. She also dove into the 4 Kings era of Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy “Hitman” Hearns, Roberto Duran and “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler and so much more in this Fightnews.com® exclusive.

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Erik Bazinyan 167.9 vs. Billi Facundo Godoy 166.3
Albert Ramirez 174.8 vs. Artur Ziyatdinov 174.3
Steve Claggett 142 vs. Marcos Gonzalez Barraza 141.1
Mary Spencer 153.8 vs. Sonya Dreiling 153.2
Avery Martin Duval 131.9 vs. Jesus Gomez Adorno 129.7
Jhon Orobio 133.5 vs. Juan Carlos Ramirez Garcia 134.7
Wilkens Mathieu 173.1 vs. Oscar Soto Quintana 173.2
Moreno Fendero 163.9 vs. Ricardo Lara 163.6

Venue: Montreal Casino, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Promoter: Eye of the Tiger
TV: ESPN+

The undercard is shaping up for Top Rank’s world title twinbill on Saturday, March 2 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. The main event is the vacant WBA featherweight world title showdown between Otabek Kholmatov and Raymond Ford with IBF featherweight kingpin Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez defending his crown against Reiya Abe in the co-feature. Kholmatov-Ford, Lopez-Abe and undercard fights will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

• Unbeaten welterweight Brian Norman Jr. (25-0, 19 KOs) will defend his WBO International title against Janelson Bocachica (17-2-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
• Middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (9-1, 5 KOs) will make his 2024 debut in a six-rounder against an opponent to be named. The grandson of “The Greatest” starts his 2024 following a points triumph over Noel Lafargue last December in Conakry, Guinea. Continue reading “Kholmatov-Ford undercard set”

Undefeated WBC #14, IBF #15 super welterweight ‘King’ Callum Walsh (9-0, 7 KOs) will battle Dauren Yeleussinov (11-3-1, 10 KOs) in the ten-round main event on the arch 15 St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City and broadcast live globally on UFC Fightpass. Walsh has been headlining 360 Promotions shows since his third fight. This is his second main event at MSG. Yeleussinov has lost two of his last three.