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From seasoned, 31-year-old veterans with more than 30 pro fights under their belt to 9-year-old novices looking to shine in their first real test on the sport’s biggest stage, Saturday’s pro-am boxing event at Foxwoods Resort Casino features an eclectic mix of the region’s top talent.

CES Boxing makes its long-awaited return to the iconic Fox Theater Saturday, June 2nd, 2018 with a 14-fight pro-am card, featuring seven amateur bouts beginning at 6 p.m. ET followed by a seven-fight main card beginning at 7:30.

Headlining the event is New Haven, Conn., junior middleweight Edwin Soto (12-2-2, 5 KOs) of New Haven, Conn., who returns to Foxwoods for the first time in four years to face 31-year-old Brooklyn vet Salim Larbi (20-9-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round showdown. Continue reading “CES Boxing back at Foxwoods”

Undefeated Russian super middleweight Aslambek Idigov now training and living out of Kronk Boxing Gym in Detroit takes on his hardest fight as he challenges Detroit prospect James Ballard a fight scheduled for 10 rounds on the June 22 Shields vs Gabriels card at Masonic Temple in Detroit.

By Ron Jackson

South Africa’s Kevin Lereno goes into the unknown when he defends his IBO cruiserweight belt against German-based Ukrainian Roman Golovashchenko at the Sarhadci Olympic Center in Baku, Azerbaijan on Saturday. The tournament will be shown live in South Africa on SS4.

On March 15, 2015, the southpaw Lerena (20-1, 9 KOs) made his first trip to the Ukraine and in his first fight out of South Africa he outpointed Igor Pylypenko over six rounds Continue reading “Lerena goes into the unknown against Golovashchenko”

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn is in Las Vegas ahead of his June 9 clash with WBO mandatory contender Terrence Crawford.

“Early in my career my trainer Glenn Rushton sat me down and told me that I was no longer a fighter but an entertainer,” Horn explained to Grantlee Kieza of the Courier Mail. “I was now in the business of creating excitement and Glenn said he wanted me to be an all-action hero. That’s the fighting style I’ve adopted and the one that Crawford will face next week. The showman side comes from my high workrate and good boxing. I plan to upset Crawford’s style, upset his rhythm and not let him show those crafty skills he’s known for. Continue reading “Jeff Horn hits Las Vegas”

Unbeaten WBC super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo has arrived in Los Angeles ahead of his upcoming showdown Saturday, June 9 against former champion Austin Trout as part of action from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. The Showtime telecast is headlined by the featherweight world championship rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares. With just over a week to go until fight night, Charlo conducted a media workout with Los Angeles-area press Thursday at Gloveworx boxing gym in Century City. Here is what Charlo and his trainer, Derrick James, had to say:

Jermell Charlo: “I’m ready to go. I’m well-prepared. I’ve been in training camp for about 10 weeks. When you guys saw me before, I wasn’t this built but now I’m ready and I’m excited. I can take on any man in this division. Training camp was great. We had world champion Errol Spence Jr. in camp and a bunch of undefeated fighters. I stopped a few, dropped a few, but that’s not the name of the game. It’s all about training and getting the work done to be prepared for June 9. Continue reading “Charlo: I can take on any man in this division”

Unbeaten super lightweight Vergil Ortiz Jr. (9-0, 9 KOs), the rising knockout artist and pride of Dallas, Texas, will battle former world champion Juan Carlos Salgado (27-8-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-rounder on the June 23 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, Calif. Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. has never heard the final bell of a fight, and he hopes to retain his 100% knockout rate this year. This is his first main event. Salgado has lost seven of his last eight.

In the co-main event, unbeaten lightweight Hector “Finito” Tanajara Jr. (13-0, 5 KOs) will clash against Roger Gutierrez (18-1-1, 15 KOs) in an eight-round battle, and unbeaten super welterweight Ferdinand Kerobyan (8-0, 4 KOs) faces Israel Villela (6-10, 2 KOs) in a six round clash.

By Boxing Bob Newman

The IBF capped off its 35th annual convention in St. Vincent, Italy tonight with their annual awards banquet. After a scrumptious meal of either filet mignon, sea bass or chicken, and entertainment by the popular Italian Duo of Francesca Carli and Enrico Giovagnoli, a.k.a. Operapop, the awards ceremony took place. They were as follows:

The Jersey Joe Walcott Award, the organization’s highest honor, went to Lee Selby. Despite just losing his title in his fifth defense, Selby acquitted himself successfully in the ring three times in 2017 with two title defenses and one non-title go. Continue reading “IBF Awards Banquet”

Javier Molina 139.8 vs. Jessie Roman 139.6
Rafael Gramajo 121.6 vs. Victor Ruiz 120.4
Joshua Franco 118 vs. Isao Carranza 118
Joey Alday Jr. 157 vs. Nam Phan 156.2

Venue: Belasco Theater, Los Angeles
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: Estrella TV

Rugged veteran heavyweight Travis Kauffman will now take on Scott Alexander in a 10-round bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action that features three heavyweight showdowns on Sunday, June 10 from Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California. Kauffman was originaly slated to face 49-year-old former champion Antonio Tarver, who ran into licensing problems.

The telecast begins with former world title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington take on once-beaten Wes Nofire in a 10-round attraction plus 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter challenging Iago Kiladze in a 10-round fight. Also featured on the card is super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round special attraction.

“Travis Kauffman doesn’t back down from anyone and there’s no doubt he’ll be looking to make a statement against Scott Alexander on Sunday, June 10,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “It’s an interesting time in the heavyweight division and all the winners on this card will figure into the picture in a prominent way in the future.” Continue reading “Tarver out, Kauffman to face new opponent”

WBC and WBO middleweight world champion Christina Hammer prepares in the Austrian mountains for her US Debut June 22nd against Tori Nelson.

2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov, (1-0, 1 KO), of Kazakhstan wrapped up camp in Boca Raton, Florida and has arrived in London ahead of his highly anticipated debut in the United Kingdom set for this Wednesday, June 6 at the famed and sold-out York Hall fighting under the banner of his promoter Matchroom Boxing. The 27-year-old welterweight spent eight weeks training under the watchful eye of renowned trainer and former two-division world champion John-David Jackson and his father Marat Yeleussinov.

“I’m thrilled to be in London and very excited to box in front of their great fight fans,” said Yeleussinov. “I’ve heard so much about fighting at York Hall and can’t wait to put on a show.” Continue reading “Yeleussinov Wraps Up Camp in Florida”

By Boxing Bob Newman

Day 4 of the 35th annual IBF convention in St. Vincent, Italy began with the medical seminar at 9:00 a.m.

Dr. Massimilliano Bianco spoke on the effects of the Female Athlete Triad. The triad consists of eating disorders, osteoporosis and amenorrhea (lack of menstrual cycle). A study Dr. Bianco was involved with showed female boxers actually suffer less injuries in the ring. Contributing factors may include shorter rounds, possible less punching power. Natural female hormonal processes can and do also affect the triad. Continue reading “2018 IBF Convention, Day Four”

Photos: Salita Promotions/Terrell Groggins

Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields is deep in preparation for her attempt to become a two-division world champion when she faces fellow unified champion Hanna Gabriels at Masonic Temple in Detroit on Friday, June 22. Shields, a unified champion at 168 pounds, and Gabriels, a unified titlist at 154 pounds, will meet for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME.

A native of Flint, Mich., Shields (5-0, 2 KOs) was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic Gold Medals. The 23-year-old turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight. Shields now begins her first camp with renowned trainer John David Jackson as she attempts to become a two-division champion.

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION will also feature extensive highlights of unified women’s middleweight champion Christina Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) as she defends her WBC & WBO titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs). If both Shields and Hammer are victorious in their 160-pound bouts on June 22, they will meet in a fall blockbuster on SHOWTIME to determine the undisputed women’s middleweight world champion. Continue reading “Claressa Shields Training Camp Notes”

Future Hall of Fame boxer Miguel Cotto believes that, for him, promoting is even more challenging than fighting. The living legend retired last December with an incredible 41-6 (33 KOs) pro record, in which he became the only Puerto Rican to capture world titles in four different weights classes, light welterweight through middleweight. “We have been in the promoting business for more than 13 years, combining both roles (fighter and promoter),” Cotto said. “Now, we are able to give more attention to our fighters in terms of training.

“Promoting is more complex because there are challenges regarding every facet of an event. As a fighter, you concentrate solely on the fight, not all the details involved in promoting a successful event.” Continue reading “Cotto: Promoting more challenging than fighting”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Japanese super-feather champ Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1, 11 KOs), 129.75, successfully kept his national belt as he decked #1 contender Tsuyoshi Tojo (14-16-5, 3 KOs), 130, with a countering right in the opening session and pounded out a unanimous verdict (all 98-91) over ten heats on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan.

The upright stylist, making his second defense, acquired the vacant national belt by outscoring Ribo Takahata last October and halted Ken Osato in eight sessions of his initial defense this February.

Unbeaten Filipino prospect, 21-year-old Jayr Raquinel (10-0-1, 7 KOs), 112, impressively retained his OPBF flyweight belt by disposing of Japanese challenger, #13 Shun Kosaka (15-4, 4 KOs), 112, with a single southpaw left at 1:20 of the fourth round in Wakayama last Sunday (May 27). The hard-punching Raquinel, making his first defense, captured the OPBF throne when he surprisingly demolished defending titlist Keisuke Nakayama in nine hot rounds here this March. Raquinel is worth watching.

Photos

Heavyweight Dan Pasciolla (9-3-3, 0 KOs) won the New Jersey state heavyweight title when he won a six-round unanimous decision over former world champion Imamu Mayfield on March 19, 2016. But when the 32-year-old native of Brick, New Jersey signed on to fight Quian Davis (4-0-2, 2 KOs) this Friday night at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, he was informed that the fight would be for the vacant title. That was news to Pasciolla and his manager Rich Masini, as the pair believed that Pasciolla was still the champion.

“I have been waiting for a fight. I was in camp in Poland, and I am in better shape. My goal is to get in the ring, and show a different Dan Pasciolla,” said the 5-year veteran. Continue reading “Pasciolla aims to win title he already holds”

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Funeral service for former Commonwealth Champion and three-time world light middleweight challenger Troy Waters, who passed on May 18 after a long illness, was held on Wednesday at Greenway Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 460 Avoca Drive, Greenpoint, NSW, Australia. There were over one thousand mourners in attendance, among them former two-time WBC light heavyweight champion Jeff “Hitman” Harding who said, “Troy worked with me as a sparring partner when I defended the WBC title in France against David Vedder. Troy also won his fight by knockout on the undercard. He got me in great shape for my fight. Troy was a champion in and outside the ring. God Bless Troy.” Continue reading “Rest in Peace Troy Waters”

Former IBF junior lightweight world champion José “Sniper” Pedraza (23-1, 12 KOs), who made his debut at 135 pounds March 17, is preparing to battle for the WBO Latino lightweight title against Antonio Moran (22-2, 15 KOs) in the co-main event of the Terence Crawford vs. Jeff Horn world championship event, June 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“I feel very happy and excited about this great opportunity. Now I will make the most of it and see what other good opportunities come our way,” said Pedraza. “What is happening right now with my career is exactly what we were expecting and that was the reason that we signed with Top Rank. We want to fight in great stages like this card that will be headlined by Terence Crawford.” Continue reading “Pedraza set for Crawford-Horn co-feature”

Vasiliy Lomachenko underwent arthroscopic surgery Wednesday morning at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder suffered during the second round of his May 12 bout against Jorge Linares. The surgery, performed by world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal S. ElAttrache, will preclude Lomachenko from fighting Aug. 25 as originally scheduled. Lomachenko will begin the recovery process immediately and is hopeful that he will defend his WBA lightweight title before the end of the year.

Said Dr. ElAttrache, “Vasiliy had the anticipated injuries in his right shoulder, resulting from a dislocation event that he sustained during his fight on May 12. In particular, he had an extensive labral tear, approximately 270 degrees with a small amount of cartilage damage and a bone impaction injury, all resulting in instability of the shoulder. He underwent an arthroscopic repair of the labrum as anticipated with no complications. Based on the result of the surgical repair, we are optimistic for an excellent prognosis and for him to return to competition at his previous level of performance.”

June 8th at The Paramount in Huntington, NY, was set to be a battle for bragging rights between Long Island super lightweights Anthony Karperis and Danny Gonzalez. However, Karperis suffered a hand injury while training, rendering him unable to fight. With a vacant spot in the “Rockin’ Fights” main event, Justin Savi (31-16-2, 21 KOs) answered the call to take on Queens fan favorite Gonzalez (15-1-1, 6 KOs) in a ten-rounder to save the June 8th date.

Joe DeGuardia had this to say about the new main event, “It is always unfortunate when a fighter suffers an injury leading up to a big fight. We wish Anthony Karperis the best and a quick recovery, as we look forward to his return.” DeGuardia continued, “with Justin Savi stepping in to face Danny Gonzalez, the Long Island fans will not be disappointed. Savi will bring great veteran experience and pose a great test for Danny Gonzalez, who looks to continue to grow his Long Island fan base, and take the next step forward in his career. Fight night is just over a week away, so be sure to get your tickets now.”

By Boxing Bob Newman

Day three of the 35th IBF annual convention in St. Vincent, Italy opened with the first general session. As always, things kicked off with self-introductions of everyone from the board of directors to the attendees in the auditorium.

IBF president Daryl Peoples first introduced to the lectern Gianni Di Leo, Presidente of Regional Committee of Piemonte FPI on behalf of the President of Italian Boxing Federation (FPI) Vittorio Lai. Di Leo welcomed the delegates to Italy and presented President Peoples with a commemoration of the event here in St. Vincent.

The IBF has unveiled a new logo for the federation. As Peoples said, “There’ve been a few minor changes, but it’s still recognizable as our brand.” Continue reading “2018 IBF Convention, Day Three”

By David Finger

Ever since winning the WBO 122-pound championship, undefeated Isaac Dogboe has been hinting at a unification fight in the near future. But in the last two days another war of words has erupted between the Ghanaian champion and the Mexican-American puncher whom he defeated to win the belt: Jessie Magdaleno.

“(W)here you at,” Magdaleno asked on his Instagram page. “(L)et’s get this rematch you and I know you can’t really beat me at my best just saying you know that!!!!!”

The challenge, and the implication that Dogboe couldn’t “really” beat Magdaleno, prompted an immediate response from the Ghanaian. Continue reading “Dogboe and Magdaleno hint at rematch”

An opponent has been named for comebacking light heavyweight contender Joe Smith Jr. on June 30 at the Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut. Smith (23-2, 18 KOs) will face 39-year-old Melvin “The Romantic Redneck” Russell (11-4-2, 7 KOs). “The Common Man” had his jaw wired shut for over six months following his loss to Sullivan Barrera in July 2017.

In the co-feature, former WBC female champion Kali Reis (13-7, 4 KOs) will fight Szilvia Szabados (17-11, 8 KOs). Reis is coming off her historic bout with undisputed women’s champion Cecilia Braekhus in the first ever women’s bout televised on HBO.

By Jeff Zimmerman

IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. (23-0, 20 KOs) hosted Media Day at his home gym, R&R Boxing Club in Dallas, Texas as he prepares for his 2nd title defense against Carlos Ocampo (22-0, 13 KOs) on Saturday, June 16th at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco and the headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. It was a packed house in the sweltering gym as Spence Jr. hit the mitts of his trainer Derrick James and pounded the heavy bag.

Spence Jr. looked lean and fit and in great spirits and is excited to be fighting back at home for only the 2nd time of his career. Continue reading “Errol Spence Jr. Media Day”

Story by John DiSanto – PhillyBoxingHistory.com

In Philly, the word on the street is that welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 19-0, 17 KOs, is boxing’s next big star, and some say the best to come along since Meldrick Taylor electrified the City of Brotherly Love by winning an Olympic Gold Medal at age 17, and world championships in two weight divisions as a professional. Big shoes to fill for sure. However, Ennis’ rise thus far suggests we should indeed believe the hype.

Ennis takes the next step in his budding career on Friday night in Atlantic City when he faces veteran “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis, 26-10-2, 13 KOs, in the 10-round main event at the Showboat Hotel & Casino. The fight is significant for Ennis because, in Arnaoutis, the 20-year-old prospect takes on arguably his biggest “name” opponent to date. Continue reading “Ennis meets Arnaoutis in AC gateway fight”