Fightnews.com

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

It might be called “Night of Upsets” as we watched three new champions in five female title bouts on Friday in Tokyo, Japan. In the main event, fast-moving Rie Matsuda (7-1-1, 1 KO), a southpaw counterpuncher, surprisingly dethroned WBA, WBO atomweight champ Yoko Kuroki (22-8-2, 9 KOs), 101.5, by eking out a split decision (96-94, 97-94 for Matsuda, 94-96 for Kuroki) over ten speedy rounds on Friday in Tokyo, Japan. Kuroki, 32, kept stalking the elusive footworker, 29, all the way with Matsuda occasionally countering the willing mixer. The verdict seemed controversial since Kuroki was an aggressor in almost all rounds, while Matsuda kept circling and only occasionally countering the aggressive champ. Kuroki may deserve a rematch. Continue reading “Matsuda dethrones WBA, WBO female 102lb champ Kuroki”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten WBO female junior bantam champ Mizuki Hiruta (6-0, 2 KOs), 113.75, proved too powerful and aggressive for 38-year-old Korean legendary ex-champ Ji-Hyun Park (26-4, 8 KOs), 112.25, halting Park at 1:45 of the sixth round in a scheduled ten on Friday in Tokyo, Japan. Hiruta, 27, a strong southpaw puncher with a good amateur mark, scored her second defense with ease as she battered ex-WIBA atomweight titlist Park from all angles from the outset. Having her groggy and exhausted, Hiruta accelerated her attack so that the ref promptly made an intervention to save the 38-year-old Park from further punishment. Continue reading “Hiruta stops Park, keeps WBO female 115lb belt”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten southpaw puncher Sumire Yamanaka (8-0, 3 KOs), 101, captured the IBF female atomweight belt as she kept battering defending champ and compatriot Mika Iwakawa (12-7-1, 4 KOs), 101.5, to win a unanimous decision (97-93, 96-94, 99-91) over ten two-minute rounds on Friday in Tokyo, Japan. The 22-year-old Sumire, the younger sister of ex-WBO minimum champ Ryuya Yamanaka, became the very first in Japan that the brother and sister both acquired the world championship belts. Sumire, a short but stout-built southpaw hard-puncher, took the initiative with southpaw right hooks all the way despite the 40-year-old Iwakawa’s too late retaliation down the stretch. Continue reading “Yamanaka becomes first Japanese sister/brother world champ”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Veteran Japanese Terumi Nuki (14-5, 10 KOs), 117, acquired the female WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight belt by lopsidedly halting India’s Monica Singh (4-1, 2 KOs), 117.25, at 0:17 into the sixth and final session on Friday in Tokyo, Japan. Nuki, more powerful and aggressive, dropped the taller Indian twice with body shots prior to the referee’s well-timed stoppage.

Unheralded Mayumi Nakano (6-1, 3 KOs), 104.5, upset defending titlist Riyuna Yoshikawa (6-2-1, 1 KO), 104.75, by an eight-round majority decision (77-75 twice, 76-76) to wrest the WBO AP 105-pound belt in the champ’s second defense.

Continue reading “Nuki, Nakano win female WBO AP belts”

Popular bantamweight Christian Carto (21-1, 14 KOs) kicked off King’s Promotions year with a second round knockout against veteran Ardin Diale (35-19-4, 17 KOs) on Friday night 12 at Live! Casino and Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A big right hand by Carto finished Diale.

Amid several press reports concerning the results of anti-doping tests performed on WBC/IBF/WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev in connection with his upcoming defense of his bout against Callum Smith, the WBC clarified the situation.

Two samples (one urine and another blood) collected on December 6, 2023, yielded analytical “atypical findings” for 5b-androstanediol and hGH (human growth hormones). An atypical finding is not a positive results for a banned substance. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) defines an atypical finding as “a report from a laboratory or other WADA-approved entity which requires further investigation … ” That is exactly what the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), which is the entity that administers the WBC Clean Boxing Program, did in this case. Continue reading “WBC Position on Beterbiev’s atypical test”

Artur Beterbiev 175 vs. Callum Smith 174.6
(WBC/IBF/WBO light heavyweight title)

Jason Moloney 117.5 vs. Saul Sanchez 117.8
(WBO bantamweight title)

Christian Mbilli 167.3 vs. Rohan Murdock 167.6

Imam Khataev 174.6 vs. Michal Ludwiczak 178.6
Elizabeth Chavez Espinoza 129.9 vs. Leila Beaudoin 128.6
Wilkens Mathieu 168.8 vs. Jose Arias Alvarez 167.7
Mehmet Unal 177.7 vs. Dragan Lepei 177.8
Sergio Garcia Herrera 149.6 vs. Christopher Guerrero 149.5
Victor Hugo Flores 162.8 vs. Moreno Fendero 162.3

Venue: Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Promoter: Top Rank, EOTTM
TV: ESPN

Ronny Gabel 153.2 vs. Ilias Essaoudi 153.9
(WBO Europe super welterweight title)

Fabiana Bytyqi 101.9 vs. Tina Rupprecht 101
(WBC female atomweight title)

Artur Reis 171.8 vs. Robert Talarek 171.5
Julian Vogel 153.9 vs. Martin Balog 152.8
Lara Ochmann 130.1 vs. Diana Kulinova 137.2

Venue: Verti Music Hall, Berlin, Germany
Promoter: SES Boxing
TV: sportschau.de und rbb24.de

Super featherweights Liam Dillon (13-0-1, 3 KOs) and Reece Bellotti (17-5, 14 KOs) will clash for the British and Commonwealth titles at Indigo at The O2 in London on Saturday February 10, shown live worldwide on DAZN. Originally DAZN had welterweight rivals Conah Walker and Cyrus Pattinson set to rematch at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle on that date, but an eye injury sustained by Pattinson has forced him to withdraw.

Christian Carto 123 vs. Ardin Diale 130
Atif Oberlton 175 vs. Cleotis Pendarvis 174.5
Quadir Albright 146.5 vs. Adam Kipenga 145.5
Jackie McTamney 125.5 vs. Cara McLaughlin 123.5
Cornelius Phipps 121 vs. Darrin Holiday 122
Cody Russell 176 vs. Ronald Trahan 173
Ibrahim Robinson 145 vs. Renny Viamonte 146
Ismail Muhammad 149.5 vs. Zach Hill 150.5

Venue: Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia
Promoter: King’s Promotions
Stream: BXNGTV.com (Marc Abrams and Mykal Fox on the call)
1st Bell: 7 PM ET

AGON Sports won an IBF purse bid today for the right to promote the IBF junior middleweight title fight between “Golden” Jack Culcay and Bakhram Murtazaliev. By bidding $666,300, AGON Sports trumped Murtazaliev’s promoter, who offered $500,000. Culcay-Murtazaliev will most likely take place on April 6th in Falkensee, Germany. The title is currently vacant after being relinquished by Jermell Charlo last month.

WBC/IBF/WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev and challenger Callum Smith faced off at the final press conference for their world title clash on ESPN Saturday night at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

Artur Beterbiev: “I’m excited, just like I am for every fight. For this fight, we prepared like we usually do, which is at 100 percent…I’m focused on this fight. I’m happy that my supporters are coming to watch us. But I have things to do.”

Callum Smith: “This will be exciting. He’s a very good fighter. He’s a three-belt champion, so his achievements speak for themselves. But, I believe in myself. I always have. I believe that the best version of me can beat anyone in the world. I fully stand by that.”

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The proceedings were all business with no handshake after the face-off. Beterbiev reportedly is upset at Smith for allegedly misrepresenting an “atypical” VADA test he (Beterbiev) had in December. Beterbiev was cleared after follow-up testing proved negative. An “atypical” result is different than an “adverse finding” and doesn’t necessarily represent use of a banned substance.

Keeps WBO AP 135lb belt

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

In the first show of 2024 in Japan, once-beaten southpaw WBO#13 Katsuya Yasuda (13-1, 8 KOs), 134.75, kept his WBO Asia Pacific lightweight belt when he decked #11 compatriot Ruito Saeki (10-6-1, 3 KOs), 134.25, twice, in rounds two and three, and accelerated his attack to halt him at 1:23 of the ninth round in a scheduled twelve on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan.

For Yasuda, 31, it was his second defense since he acquired the vacant regional belt by outscoring Thailander Apichet Petchmanee this June. The 25-year-old Saeki, however, showed his heart to retaliate well despite his left optic badly puffed and almost closed until the ref Nakamura declared a halt. The loser strongly claimed he could still go on upon the seemingly well-timed stoppage. Continue reading “WBO#13 Yasuda stops Saeki”

Two rising talents are set to put their perfect records on the line as part of the ESPN-televised tripleheader headlined by the WBC junior lightweight showdown between reigning champ O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster and Abraham “El Super” Nova on February 16 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, Andres “Savage” Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs) takes on Bryan Chevalier (20-1-1, 16 KOs). Also, rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (10-0, 6 KOs) will face Bernard Torres (18-1, 8 KOs) in the 10-round televised opener.

The ESPN+ streamed undercard features:

2016 Italian Olympian Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (11-1-1, 9 KOs) battles Moses Johnson (11-1-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight contest.

Junior welterweight prospect Tiger Johnson (11-0, 5 KOs), a U.S. Olympian, makes his 2024 debut in an eight-rounder against Paulo Galdino (13-7-2, 9 KOs).

Unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Ofacio Falcon (10-0, 6 KOs) will make his second appearance at The Theater against Edward Ceballos (11-4-1, 6 KOs).

Middleweight prospect Euri Cedeno (7-0-1, 6 KOs), who represented the Dominican Republic at the Tokyo Olympics, goes against Antonio Todd (15-9, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Middleweight Isaah Flaherty (6-0, 3 KOs) will see action in a six-rounder against an opponent to be named.

By Jeff Zimmerman

The legendary Fernando Vargas, at his new Las Vegas gym, shared his relationship with the Garcias, especially Robert’s and Mikey’s dad, “El Jefe.” He talked about his relationship with his three fighting sons, Fernando Jr, Amado and Emiliano and how he never wanted them to box. Vargas also showed love for his fans and gave his thoughts on Spence Jr fighting again and much more in this Fightnews.com® exclusive.

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Two of the three Vargas Bros, Fernando Jr and Amado plus Gabriel Flores Jr. talked about their careers and the family atmosphere at the new gym of Fernando Vargas in Las Vegas where they teach boxing and jujitsu. The Vargas brothers talked about getting to the sport late as they were standout athletes in other sports whereas their youngest brother, Emiliano, started around 10 years old and is signed by Top Rank. Flores Jr was the youngest signee by Top Rank at 16 and is still only 23. All three are expected to fight March 16 at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, CA where Flores Jr is a hometown hero. The show will be promoted by G-SQUAD Entertainment run by Flores Jr dad and trainer, Gabriel Flores Sr.

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A Tale Of Ten Punches: Beterbiev vs Smith. Take an inside look at how Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith will collide in their light heavyweight showdown.

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Unbeaten unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) is a 5:1 favorite to keep his WBC/WBO/IBF world titles against former super middleweight champion Callum “Mundo” Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) on ESPN Saturday night at the Videotron Center in Quebec City, Canada. Beterbiev turns 39 years of age eight days after the fight. Smith is 33.

WBO bantamweight champion Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (26-2, 19 KOs) is a 4:1 favorite to defend his world title against Saul Sanchez (20-2, 12 KOs).

Unbeaten WBC #1, WBA #1, IBF #3, WBO #5 super middleweight Christian Mbilli (25-0, 21 KOs) is a whopping 12:1 favorite to defeat Rohan Murdock (27-2, 19 KOs).

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

The Christmas season has officially ended, and it’s time to knuckle down with willpower to lose those extra pounds we gained. As I previously explained, Mexico calls this the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon, as there are daily parties from December 12 until January 6 with tamales, hot chocolate, some tequila, of course, and a variety of Mexican dishes to celebrate with friends and family … so we all start the year with a big belly, but with will to have a healthier one.

I sincerely hope that you have spent a Christmas season of peace, joy, and happiness with your loved ones and friends. Continue reading “A Great Year Begins for the WBC”

Former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. is recovering from surgery to his right eye to remove a cataract.

Spence stated on Instagram, “Had to get cataract surgery. It’s been past due. Sh*t was covering my eye…why you think I got hit with so many jabs ‘n hooks? Still a great performance by bro.”

The surgery obviously throws a wrench into Spence’s contractually mandated rematch with Terence Crawford.

Julio Cesar Chavez Sr: Thank you for being on the lookout and worrying about my son Julio. Unfortunately, I confirm the news that spread today. My son Julio Cesar Chavez Jr was arrested and we are working together with his lawyers to resolve his legal situation.

It’s been a long road, but I don’t lose faith. I pray to God that this is the moment that finally propels my son towards a useful and happy life.

I ask for your understanding, [but] due to legal issues we cannot provide more information. His lawyer Guadalupe Valencia is with him at the moment.

Thanks for everything and blessings,
Julio Cesar Chavez

By TMZ.com

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was arrested for illegal possession of an assault rifle this weekend in L.A. … after cops were called to the scene by a concerned fan who believed the boxer may be a danger to himself or others.

TMZ Sports has learned the 37-year-old former champ, son of the legendary Mexican pugilist Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., was taken into custody by LAPD around 1:30 PM … after Jr. permitted responding officers to enter his home, where they located the illegal rifle.

Law enforcement sources tell us the weapon was an untraceable “ghost gun.” Continue reading “Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Arrested”

Nevada State Athletic Commission Statement: On January 6, 2024, a contest was held between Vergil Ortiz and Fredick Lawson in Las Vegas, Nevada. The contest was under the jurisdiction of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The health and safety of the unarmed combatants that compete in the state are paramount to the Commission. All contestants in the event were subject to full medical examinations and were cleared by medical experts to compete without restrictions. The Commission and its Executive Director will continue its ongoing practice of reviewing its official’s performance during and after an event.

In this week’s big fight, unbeaten light heavyweight destroyer Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) defends his unified WBC/WBO/IBF world titles against former supermiddle champion Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) on Saturday night at the Videotron Center in Quebec City, Canada. ESPN will televise.

In another world title fight on the card, WBO bantamweight champion Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (26-2, 19 KOs) will defend his WBO world title against Saul Sanchez (20-2, 12 KOs).

Also, WBC #1, WBA #1, IBF #3, WBO #5 super middleweight Christian Mbilli (25-0, 21 KOs) faces Rohan Murdock (27-2, 19 KOs) in a ten-rounder.

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Also on Saturday, DAZN has picked up a boxing event from Yas Links Golf Course in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Formerly world-rated super featherweight Moussa Gholam (20-1, 12 KOs) meets Baby” Lunga Sitemela (15-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

WBC #15 super welterweight “King” Callum Walsh (9-0, 7 KOs), of Cork, Ireland will return to The Theater at Madison Square Garden on March 15, broadcast globally on UFC Fightpass. The opponent is TBA.

“I’m honored to be fighting again at Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick’s Pay Weekend,” said Walsh. “The entire fight week experience in New York City was tremendous and I know the atmosphere this time will be even more electric with more fans coming over from Ireland.”

By Damon Gonzalez/LatinBox Communications

The Class of 2024 for Florida Boxing Hall of Fame was announced this weekend during a gala event at the SJC Boxing Gym in Fort Myers, Florida. Induction Weekend will again be at the St. Petersburg Hilton Lake Carillon. Dates are June 21, 22 and 23.

Fighters: John John Molina, Raul Frank, Edner Cherry, Jose Alonzo, David Diaz, Stacy Prestage, Saoul Mamby*, Arthur Williams*

Trainer/Managers: Willie Vargas, Sherman Henson

Promoters: Khalilah Escalera

Media: Jorge Ebro

Participants: John Beninati, Carl King, Raul Alvarez, Marc Hager

Officials/Commission: Chris Young, Dr. Mark Gordon, Tim Shipman, Kathy Gentile

Special Achievement Award: Ivan Echevarria, Carlos Albuerne

Walter A Flansburg Lifetime Award: Geri Atkinson-Hazelton