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In the 12 round super bantamweight main event of unbeatens, Shabaz Masoud (14-0, 4 KOs) defeated Liam Davies (16-1, 8 KOs) in a domestic showdown at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom. Davies applied steady pressure from the first bell while Masoud had his success boxing and moving. Davies was cut over his right eye in round 4. Masoud begain to stand his ground more in the middle rounds. Round 8 and 9 saw multiple heated exchanges with both fighters having their moments. Big round 10 for Masoud who landed mutiple headed snapping shots to Davies. Good two-way action by both in round 11. Prior to the start of round 12 Davies corner told him he needed a knockout to win and he did all he could but came up short. The divided crowd were on their feet at the bouts in. The official scores were 115-113 and 116-112 for Masoud and 115-113 for Davies. Split decision win for Masoud who won the IBO super bantamweight title. Frank Warren promoted the event.

Local favorite Yoka Valle (32-3, 10 KOs) of Costa Rica defeated Elizabeth Lopez (11-7-5, 2 KOs) of Mexico by ten round unanimous decision. Valle was credited with a knockdown of Lopez in round 2 which appeared to be a slip. Good two way action as Lopez was very game but Valle was more efficent. Valle won the WBC female minimum world title in her third attempt. The official scores were 100-89 and 98-91 twice. The event took place at the Camara de Ganaderos, Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

By Jeff Zimmerman

WBA #2 rated super lightweight contender Kenneth Simms Jr. gears up to take on one of his stiffest tests to date, Oscar Duarte, on Saturday, November 16th. The fight will take place at The Venue Riyadh Season, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Simms Jr discusses the fight and his goal for a world title shot in 2025 in the stacked 140 pound division. He also shared his happiness signing with Golden Boy and how he may surprised them with his ability to box and bang in this Fightnews.com® exclusive interview.

Undefeated welterweight Tahmir Smalls (12-0, 8 KOs) kept his perfect professional record intact with a hard-fought eight round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Seantorious Martin (10-1, 6 KOs) on Friday night at the Red Owl Boxing Arena in Houston, Texas.

The 25-year-old Smalls, who held a significant three-inch reach advantage over Martin, worked well behind his jab early and often at the urging of his trainer and father Lawrence Smalls. The strategy paid off as the three judges’ scorecards saw Smalls winning the fight 77-75, 77-75 and 78-74. Continue reading “Smalls defeats Martin to stay unbeaten”

Two-time world title challenger Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (18-2-1, 9 KOs) scored a fourth round knockout over Christian Rubio Mino (24-10-2, 17 KOs) on Friday night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. Ortiz, rated IBF #15 at junior welterweight, dropped Mino once in each of the four rounds. In round four, Mino deducted a point for tackling Ortiz. Moments later, Ortiz dropped Mino again to end it. Time was 2:00.

“This victory is a huge step forward for me,” stated Ortiz. “Securing the WBA Continental USA title shows that all my hard work and commitment are paying off. It’s a great feeling to add this belt to my journey, and I’m just getting started. I’m ready to face all the champions in the division. Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela is at the top of my hit list, but I want everyone. My goal is to keep climbing and prove that I belong with the best at 140 pounds. I want to make my mark on this division and move one step closer to a world title.” Continue reading “Ortiz annihilates Mino in four”

Alejandro Paulino 134.5 vs. Toka Kahn 135
Kevin Walsh 129 vs. Irvin Gonzalez 130
Jacob Marrero 137 vs. Placido Hoff 132
Mike Kimbel 147 vs. Sebastian Chaves 143
Stevie Jane Coleman 144 vs. Suzanne Griffin 144
Cassius Chaney 270 vs. Onoriode Ehwarieme 226
Amelia Moore 139.5 vs. Michaele Nogue 140
Carlos Nunez 122 vs. Anthony Elliotti 123
Jeff Gonzalez 148 vs. Robert DeGaetano 149
Douglas Marroquin 162 vs. Travis Floyd 161
Joseph Chisholm 125 vs. Semaj Flextcher 121
Kevante Wineglass 145 vs. Jesus Salas 145

Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
Promoter: CES Boxing
TV: SwerveTV

Local light heavyweight Padraig McCrory (19-1, 9 KOs) scored a ten round decision over Leonard Carrillo (17-6, 16 KOs) on Friday night at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Coming off a KO defeat against Edgar Berlanga, McCrory dropped Carrillo in round one, but was forced to go the full ten, winning by a 98-91 margin.

In the co-main event, welterweight Robbie Davies Jr. (25-5, 15 KOs) scored a ten round decision over former two-weight world champion Javier Fortuna (38-5-1, 27 KOs). Fortuna dropped Davies in round ten, but came up short in a 95-94 referee’s verdict.

Floyd Schofield 134.4 vs. Rene Tellez Giron 134.4
(WBA international lightweight title)

Bektemir Melikuziev 170 vs. David Stevens 167.4
(WBA super middleweight eliminator)
*Melikuziev not eligible for title eliminator

Gabriela Fundora 111 vs. Gabriela Alaniz 110.4
(WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF female flyweight titles)

Darius Fulghum 167 vs. Christopher Pearson 166.4
Joel Iriarte 146.4 vs. Xavier Madrid 147
Eric Tudor 145.8 vs. Harold Calderon 146.6
Asa Stevens 125 vs. Garen Diagan 125
Dalis Kaleiopu 130.8 vs. Manuel Lerma 131.8
Jordan Fuentes 119 vs. Roberto Pena 119.8

Venue: The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: DAZN

By Boxing Bob Newman

Robson Conceição 129.7 vs O’Shaquie Foster 129.9
(WBC super featherweight title)

Raymond Muratalla 136.6 vs Jesus Perez 136.2
Yan Santana 126.8 vs Eduardo Baez 125.7
Abraham Nova 131.4 vs Humberto Galindo 131.3
Jahi Tucker 161.8 vs Quilisto Madera 161.8
Damian Knyba 259.1 vs Richard Lartey Harrison 288
Bryce Mills 139.8 vs Mike Ohan, Jr. 140.7
Ali Feliz 224.1 vs Orlando Rashad Coulter 252.1

Venue: Turning Stone Resort & Casino Events Center
Commission: Oneida Indian Nation Athletic Commission
Promoter: Bob Arum (Top Rank)
Matchmaker: Brad Goodman
Media: ESPN+

Gets JBC 115lb mandatory shot

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

JBC#1 super fly Kantaro Juri (7-0-2, 2 KOs), 114.5, and JBC#2 Jinya Yamaguchi (5-0-1, 2 KOs), 114.75, battled to a split draw (77-75, 75-77, 76-76) in an eliminator for #1 over eight busily see-saw heats on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan, but Yamaguchi was awarded a right to advance to the Japanese 115-pound mandatory shot against national champ Suzumi Watanabe (8-0, 7 KOs) in the Carnival of Champions next year. It was a give-and-take encounter of the southpaws, and Juri at first had the upper hand with solid left crosses, but it was Yamaguchi that displayed his last surge to take the initiative down the stretch. The 76-76 judge was forced to take one out of the contestants and took Yamaguchi due to his superior aggressiveness.

WBA #15 flyweight Daiya Kira (2-0, 2 KOs; amateur 46-6, 16 stoppages), 112, scored a one-punch knockout over Venezuelan Orlando Pino (15-3, 9 KOs), 111.5, with a wicked left to the belly at 1:19 of the opening session in a scheduled eight.

Former WBO AP 130-pound champ Musashi Mori (15-1-1, 7 KOs), 134.5, was awarded a technical decision (all 79-72) over Chinese bull fighter Peng Huang (10-10-3, 5 KOs), 134.5, at 0:58 of the eighth and final session. After a long layoff since last June Mori bled so profusely from a gash at the right cheek caused by an accidental butt that the referee called an intervention to eventually take a technical decision.

Continue reading “Yamaguchi draws with Juri”

On Tuesday, October 29 the IBF received notification that IBF junior bantamweight champion Fernando Martinez was vacating his IBF title. In a letter addressed to President Daryl Peoples, Martinez thanked Peoples for the opportunity to represent the organization with honor and respect since he earned the title in February of 2022. In turn, the IBF wished Martinez continued success and all the best in his future endeavors.

Tahmir Smalls 147.6 vs. Seantorious Martin 147.2
Dion Jones 139.8 vs. Elijah Williams 145
Joshafat Ortiz 128.8 vs. Travis Crawford 128.6
Nosa Divine Nehikhare 181.6 vs. Saundre Simmons 182.2
Steve Cunningham Jr. 156 vs. Rudy Reveles 154.6
Gustavo Rivera Rio 130.8 vs. Joseph Cruz 128.6
Santana Draper 145.4 vs. Keith Foreman 146.2

Venue: Red Owl Boxing Arena, Houston, Texas
Promoter: Red Owl Boxing
TV: DAZN

By David Finger

In what would be a historic day for the WBO and the sport of boxing, the final day of the 37th Annual World Boxing Organization Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico concluded with the resignation and retirement of WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel and the emergence of a new President in Gustavo Olivieri Miranda, an energetic and young attorney who had worked as a defense attorney and as in-house counsel for the WBO for the last seven years.

Also at hand to celebrate the career of President Valcarcel and offer congratulations to the new incoming WBO president were the presidents of the other three major sanctioning organizations. Continue reading “37th Annual WBO Convention Final Day”

Golden Boy Promotions hosted a final press conference today ahead of the return of undefeated lightweight Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. (17-0, 12 KOs) against Rene “El Bravo” Tellez Girón (20-3, 13 KOs) on Saturday at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, streamed worldwide on DAZN.

Floyd Schofield: “I’m ready to fight. The preparation was difficult, we had a hard training camp but I’m ready to show what I’m capable of on Saturday…I’d like to thank Rene for taking the fight, but I hope he’s ready to give his life in that ring like I am.”

Rene Tellez Giron: “I’m so excited for my first main event fight in Las Vegas. I’m ready, thanks again for being here. The truth is that I’m super happy. I just fought in Vegas, but now I’m the main event. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m super happy and grateful.”

Jamaine Ortiz 140 vs. Christian Mino 139.8
(WBA Continental USA jr. welterweight title)

Kaipo Gallegos 129.4 vs. Iron Alvarez 130
Alexander Rios Vega 135.2 vs. Felix Santana Jr 135
Chavez Barrientes 121.8 vs. Noah Contreras 121.4
Tayre Jones 142.2 vs. Willmank Brito 141.6
John Laryea 126 vs. Alejandro Majia 126.2
Marcus Harris 118.6 vs. Jesus Martinez 119.4
Miguel Diaz 167.4 vs. Caleb Hall 167.8
Tristan Gallichan 137.2 vs. Malik Lewis 136.6
Danilo Diez 139.6 vs. Adam Hach 134.4
Zayveon Mitchell 121.6 vs. Jose Fernandez 120

Venue: Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida
Promoter: Boxlab Promotions
TV: DAZN

Josniel Castro 153 vs. Denzel Whitley 153
Kevin Nagle (266 vs. Jake Paradise 248
Dan Docimo 148 vs. Jaequez Jones 142
Edwine Humaine, Jr. 156 vs. Jimmy Williams 152
Khiary Gray 156 vs. Daniel Sostre 160
Justin Laporte 150 vs. Rakim Johnson 155
Jhon Devers Rodriguez 160 vs. Tymar Miles 156
Adrian Valdez Reyes 150 vs. Tracey Coppedge 157

Venue: DCU Event Center in Worcester, Massachusetts
Promoter: Granite Chin Promotions
TV: Bxngtv.com

By David Finger

In a stunning development at the 37th Annual World Boxing Organization Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel has elected not to seek reelection as President of the WBO as has announced his retirement. With elections slatted for this year, many boxing insiders assumed that Valcarcel would seek another term as head of the organization. But Valcarcel, who has been part of the WBO since 1994 and was first elected President in 1996, had kept his cards close to his chest in the days leading up to today’s announcement. In an interview with the Puerto Rican newspaper “El Nuevo Dia” two days ago Valcarcel indicated he was undecided about his future.

“I am thinking about it,” was all he said when asked by “El Nuevo Dia” if he was planning to run again.

However, at the convention, when the ballots were released and showed two names on the ballot for President, with one of them being Valcarcel, the assumption was that “Paco” was seeking one more term. But at the start of the event, Valcarcel let the attendees that he was withdrawing his candidacy and retiring. Continue reading “WBO President Paco Valcarcel steps down”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten elongated southpaw prospect Kaishu Harada (5-0, 2 KOs; amateur 49-14), 125, proved too fast and elusive for ex-OPBF champ Pete Apolinar (17-6-1, 10 KOs), 125.75, winning a shutout decision (all 80-72) over eight lopsided rounds on Saturday (October 26) in Tokyo, Japan. The 5’10” lefty Harada, former silver medal winner in the national amateur tournaments in 2022 prior to his entry into the paid ranks, swept all rounds with great ease despite the veteran Filipino’s inaccurate wild swings that he perfectly averted with his faster footwork. Kaishu, 24, formerly the team captain of Komazawa university boxing club, may zoom up soon by defeating OPBF#9 Apolinar so one-sidedly. Continue reading “Unbeaten Harada shuts out ex-OPBF champ Apolinar”

Local favorite Rene Santiago (13-4, 9 KOs) of Puerto Rico defeated Ricardo Astuvilca (23-3, 5 KOs) of Peru by ten round unanimous decision on Wednesday night at the Coliseo Alcalde Marcelo Trujillo Panisse in Humacao, Puerto Rico. Santiago was in control early but Astuvilca was very game and fought well in the middle rounds Astuvilca was cut in round six by an accidental headbutt. During a heated exchange in round seven, Astuvilca hurt his right arm after landing a punch to the head of Santiago. The ringside doctor checked on his arm before the start of round eight and ruled him fit to continue. The last two rounds had multiple heated exchanges with Santiago getting the better of them. The official scores in the end were 98-92 and 100-90 twice, all in favor to Santiago, who won the WBO NABO light flyweight title. Continue reading “Santiago decisions Astuvilca in Puerto Rico”

WBO considers a return to Russia

By David Finger

Day three of the 37th Annual WBO Convention continued with an unexpected award ceremony as Craig Houk , founder of the Indiana Boxing Hall of Fame, presented an award recognizing WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel. From there the WBO presented a short video on the partnership between WBO Kids Drug Free and Jake Paul’s non-profit foundation Boxing Bullies. The video also highlighted the work done by the WBO to help fund the opening of numerous gyms in Puerto Rico. A motion was then made and voted on to allow the WBO to donate, or join funds, with Paul’s foundation to create 20,000 scholarships. The money, which was matched by Paul’s foundation, was unanimously approved by the board and earned a special message of support from Vice President John Duggan. Valcarcel also personally donated an additional $10,000 of his personal funds to the scholarship foundation. Continue reading “37th Annual WBO Convention – Day 3”

By Boxing Bob Newman

The 18th annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will take place this Saturday, November 2 at the Earth Convention Center inside the Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT.

This year’s inductees include:

• Gary Balletto – Lightweight & Jr. Welterweight, star on Season 2 of The Contender
• Luis Rosa, Jr. – Super Bantamweight & Featherweight contender (Posthumously)
• Frank Lombardi – Judge
• George Phillips – Judge, Referee, Time Keeper
• Hector Rosario – Trainer
• Mike Mazzuli – Administrator, Commissioner

Mykquan Williams will be named Connecticut pro fighter of the year, while Troy Moore will be named amateur
fighter of the year.

Former four-time heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield will be the featured guest of honor.

By David Finger

Day two of the 37th Annual WBO Convention kicked off Tuesday morning at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico and after the attendees introduced themselves business kicked off with some special guest speakers. After the opening ceremony, roll call, introductions and the invocation, the WBO presented a short video honoring some of the notable WBO members who passed away since the last convention. Alfonso Munera Cabas passed await at the age of 96 on December 21, 2023 in Cartagena, Colombia. He was the first vice president of the WBO and was a “fundamental part of the beginnings and growth of the organization” according the a statement made by the WBO on Twitter/X back in December. His loss was deeply felt by all members of the WBO, having emerged as a familiar face at the conventions. Continue reading “37th Annual WBO Convention – Day 2”

Sad to report the passing of heavyweight Alonzo “Big Zo” Butler at the age of 44. According to the Knox News, Butler’s daughter Jazlyn confirmed the news. Big Zo compiled a pro record of 34-3-2, 25 KOs. His last fight was on August 28, 2021, a decision win against Brandon Spencer. RIP.

WBC flyweight champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) has penned new promotional deal ahead of his November 9 clash with Pedro Guevara (42-4-1 22 KOs) at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, seen worldwide on DAZN.

“I have to get past this fight first,” said Rodriguez, “but the goal is to go for undisputed in 2025. I’m taking this fight as seriously as ever, training my ass off like any other fight, we’re going to handle business and then we can talk about 2025.”

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

Sad week for Mexican and world sports. One of the greatest baseball players in history, Fernando Valenzuela, has passed away. A great pitcher, a great human being who is now eternal.

Fernando Valenzuela finally rests in peace. These were days of great uncertainty with a lot of concern about fake news and no real information. We pray that God provides consolation and support for his wife Linda, Fernando Jr., and all the family and friends who are going through this difficult time.

Valenzuela achieved what very few do, becoming an idol and impressing a city, state, country, and world with his fabled performances. When Valenzuela pitched, Los Angeles paused, froze, and nothing else mattered. That was called, Fernandomania! Millions of people tell with melancholy, happiness, indelible memories and tears for what The Truly Great Valenzuela meant in their lives.

Even though the Major Leagues did not enthrone him in the Hall of Fame, he is, without doubt, as valuable or more so than any of those who are in Cooperstown for eternity. Continue reading “Goodbye “Toro” Valenzuela”