Fightnews.com

By Jeff Zimmerman

IBF super welterweight champ Bakhram Murtazaliev faces former WBO champ Tim Tszyu this Saturday in Orlando, Florida, Oct 19, shown live on Prime Video. This will be Murtazaliev first title defense after his dramatic eleventh round knockout of Jack Culcay in April. Tszyu is looking to reclaim a world title after his bloody loss to Sebastian Fundora after suffering a big cut early in the fight back in March.

DAZN has landed U.S., U.K., and Latin American telecast rights to Saturday’s IBF super middleweight world championship between IBF #1-ranked William Scull (22-0, 9 KOs) and #2 Vladimir Shishkin (16-0, 10 KOs) for the vacant title on the final day before the event. Scull vs. Shishkin is the main event of a fight card promoted in cooperation between AGON Sports and Kuc Boxing, taking place at Stadthalle in Falkensee, just outside of Berlin. The four-fight televised portion of the card will air live on DAZN in the territories beginning at 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT. Both men look to claim the IBF title belt recently vacated by unified super middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez.

By Joe Koizumi

Former three-division champ John Riel Casimero, 123.25, Philippines, became so scandalous again here in Japan although he halted world rated Saul Sanchez, 121.75, at 2:41 of the first round in a scheduled ten on Sunday (October 13) in Yokohama, Japan. Since it was held on the same day with the multiple world title event (Day One) in Tokyo, our aficionados paid little attention to this Yokohama show. But Casimero couldn’t make the contract weight of 122 by one pound and a quarter. The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) accordingly announced Casimero to be suspended for a year on Thursday. Continue reading “Overweight Casimero suspended by JBC”

Popular former world champion Tim Tszyu and current IBF super welterweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev went face to face on Thursday at the final press conference before they headline on Amazon Prime Saturday night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Bakhram Murtazaliev: “I’m not interested in going back and forth with Tim, I’m just ready for Saturday and ready to give everyone a great fight. It was a dream come true to become a champion and now I’m just looking forward to this fight Saturday night. I’m not looking past Tim, but my goal is to unify the titles after this bout. I’ve never ran from any fighter. Everyone knows where to find me. We don’t have to wait much longer now. To me I don’t care if anyone is overlooking me. All the talking will end Saturday night. That’s all we’re concentrating on.”

Tim Tszyu: “This is not just an ordinary fight, this is a vengeance fight. This is my comeback…I believe that I am the man at 154-pounds. I just need the time to prove it. I’m taking these guys out one by one. I want all the monsters. They don’t frighten me.

“I’ve always wanted the biggest and toughest challenges out there. Taking this fight was a no-brainer. I’ve been hunting him down for quite some time. I guess he wanted to keep taking step-aside money instead of facing me so he could hold onto his mandatory position. Continue reading “Tszyu-Murtazaliev Final Press Conference”

Unbeaten middleweight Alexandre Gaumont (12-0, 8 KOs) knocked out Andres Viera (12-10, 9 KOs) in round two on Thursday night at the Lac Leamy Casino in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Good action while it lasted. A big right hand finished Viera. Time was 1:30.

Unbeaten NABF super lightweight beltholder Arthur Biyarslanov (17-0, 14 KOs) pounded on rugged Jonathan Eniz (35-21-1, 16 KOs) for ten rounds, winning 100-90, 100-90, 99-91. Biyarslanov retains his title.

Former super lightweight world title challenger Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (39-8-2, 27 KOs) knocked out Eduardo Estela (16-4, 11 KOs) in round four. The Dragon dropped Estela twice in round three, then finished him with another knockdown in round four. Claggett was coming off a decision loss to WBO champion Teofimo Lopez in June.

Unbeaten light heavyweight Mehmet Unal (10-0, 8 KOs) stopped Armenak Hovhannisyan (14-5-1, 6 KOs) in round three.

Joshua Pagán 135 vs. Haskell Rhodes 135
Juan Carrillo 174 vs. Gilbert “Lenín” Castillo 174
Kiria Tapia 130 vs. Beata Dudek 124
Da’velle Smith 166 vs. Gilberto Santos 170
Allen Morales 120 vs. Michael Tucker – Tbd
Jorge Vizcarrondo 136 vs. Johniel Ramos 135
Karla Dávila 123 vs. Myrka Aguayo 127
Antonio Mota 139 vs. Christopher Ortiz 140

Venue: Coca-Cola Music Hall, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Promoter: Salita Promotions
TV: DAZN

WBA bridgerweight champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (5-0, 3 KOs) retained his world title by defeating Leon Harth (22-6-1, 13 KOs) by one-sided unanimous decision on Thursday night at the Ufa Arena in Ufa, Russia. All three judges scored it 120-108 3x. Undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev was in attendance.

Lightweight Omar “Super” Salcido (20-1, 14 KOs) battered and stopped former WBA interim world champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert (17-3, 6 KOs) in the ninth round on Wednesday night at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida. Looking to revive his career after losing two out of his last three fights, Colbert was overwhelmed by Salcido’s pressure and in round nine Colbert’s corner threw in the towel. Time was 1:02.

Super featherweight contender and 2016 Olympian Tsendbaatar Erdenebat (11-0, 5 KOs) dominated Frency Fortunato (15-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round contest for the vacant WBA Continental North America Gold title. Scores were 98-92, 98-92, 100-90.

Unbeaten light heavyweight prospect Najee Lopez (12-0, 9 KOs) knocked out Ismael Ocles (15-17 -2, 3 KOs) with a liver shot in round three.

Alexandre Gaumont 159.6 vs. Andres Viera 158.8
Arthur Biyarslanov 139.6 Jonathan Jose Eniz 139.8
Steve Claggett 140.3 vs. Eduardo Estela 140.5
Mehmet Unal 176.8 vs. Armenak Hovhannisyan 182.2
Luis Santana 136 vs. Sebastian Ezequiel Aguirre 136
Shamil Khataev 161.5 vs. Cristian Rafael Coria 161.9
Pascal Villeneuve 188.6 vs. Rafael Sosa Pintos 188.8
Moreno Fendero 169 vs. Pavel Albrecht 167.9

Venue: Casino Lac-Leamy, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Promoter: Eye of the Tiger
TV: ESPN+

Top Rank announced TWO world championship rematches on December 7 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona with ESPN televising in the U.S. and Sky Sports doing U.K. coverage.

Three-division world champ Emanuel “El Vaquero” Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) defends his WBO junior lightweight world title against one-time rival Oscar Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) in an all-Mexican main event.

Emanuel Navarrete: “The fans will see the same ‘Vaquero’ as always. We’re working hard to regain the aggressiveness that defines me and give all the fans the intense fight they want to see on December 7. I still have a lot to do and big goals to accomplish in boxing, including unifying my title and possibly moving back up to 135 pounds.”

Oscar Valdez: “Although we lost the first fight, we stayed disciplined and focused on returning stronger. I know it’s a tough challenge, but not impossible. With that in mind, we returned to the gym and studied what we did wrong in the first fight to avoid making the same mistakes. I’m excited and confident that we will be victorious this time.”

In the co-feature, WBO featherweight world champion Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) defends his crown against two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs), the man he dethroned to win the title last December.

Rafael Espinoza: “I know the fans, just like me, have been looking forward to this fight. It’s a fight that I wanted. I’m very motivated and happy, and I’m training at 100 percent. This night of rematches will be great for Mexico, and I’m ready to give it my all, just like I always do.”

Robeisy Ramirez: “Our first fight was extremely close, action-packed, and regarded by many as ‘Fight of the Year.’ Since the cards were read, my team and I have been asking for the rematch. On December 7, I’m coming to erase any doubts. I will reclaim my title.”

The ESPN+—streamed undercard will feature…

• Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado (21-0, 15 KOs) in a 10-rounder versus Jackson Marinez (22-3, 10 KOs).
• Emiliano Fernando Vargas (12-0, 10 KOs) targets his fifth win of the year in an eight-round junior welterweight clash against Alan Ayala (11-4, 7 KOs).
• Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (11-0, 10 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight tilt against an opponent to be named.

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

A weekend to remember, with boxing activity at the highest level around the world. Boxing is going through a great moment via superstars in various regions with mega-cards and an endless calendar of superb fights already scheduled, plus others that are a dream for fans.

Mexico presented cards with Televisa from Guadalajara, with Alberto Mora who won the WBC-NABF championship. Televisión Azteca had activity in Hermosillo, where the big surprise occurred as the local idol, Yahir Frank, lost by unanimous decision to the tough and rugged Filipino fighter Jayr Raquinel, who won the WBC continental championship and took away the undefeated status of the Mexican.

The network that is revolutionizing the options for fans in Mexico and Latin America is ESPN Knockout with Disney+, providing a historic weekend as they broadcast the Televisa, TV Azteca, Saudi Arabia, and two Japanese fights, in the early hours of Sunday and Monday. Continue reading “Great Boxing Activity + Judging Lesson”

Unbeaten middleweight prospect Alexandre Gaumont (11-0, 7 KOs) will headline in his hometown for the first time against Andres Viera (12-8, 9 KOs) in the eight-round main event this Thursday night at Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. ESPN+ will stream in the U.S.

In a pair of junior welterweight ten rounders, Arthur Biyarslanov (16-0, 14 KOs) will take on veteran Jonathan Jose Eniz (35-20-1, 16 KOs), and recent world title challenger Steve Claggett (38-8-2, 26 KOs) meets Eduardo Estela (16-3, 11 KOs).

Reported by Damon Gonzalez/LatinBox Sports

Chris Colbert 136.8 vs. Omar Salcido Gamez 136
10 Rounds (Main Event)

Tsendbattar Erdenebat 130 vs. Francy Fortunato Saya 129.8
10 Rounds

Najee Lopez 176.2 vs. Ismael Ocles 173.4 lbs.
8 Rounds

David Navarro 127.2 vs. Mykell Gamble 128 lbs.
8 Rounds

Venue: ProBox TV Events Center, Plant City, Florida
Promoter: ProBox
TV: ProboxTV

IBF super welterweight world champion Bakhram Murtazaliev has declared his intention to meet former world champion Tim Tszyu in the center of the ring when they square off in the main event on Prime Video action this Saturday from the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

“The best part of fighting Tim Tszyu is that he won’t run,” said Murtazaliev. “He is coming to fight. I love fighting in the center of the ring. It’s going to be a great fight for the fans to watch on Saturday night.” Continue reading “Murtazaliev: Tim Tszyu won’t run”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Eight major bouts took place in Tokyo on Sunday and Monday. Below are links to photo-packed full reports for both days of the two-day world title event.

DAY ONE RESULTS

• Tsutsumi upsets Takuma Inoue, wins WBA 118lb belt
• Teraji halts Rosales, wins WBC 112lb belt
• Akui edges Charunphak, keeps WBA 112lb belt
• Iwata stops Noriega, wins vacant WBO 108lb belt

DAY TWO RESULTS

• Nakatani sinks #1 Chitpattana, keeps WBC 118lb belt
• Unbeaten Nasukawa wins vacant WBO AP 118lb belt
• Cafu upsets Tanaka, wins WBO 115lb belt
• Olascuaga ND with Bomba, keeps WBO 112lb belt

IBF minimumweight world champion Pedro Taduran (17-4-1, 13 KOs) of the Philippines will make the first defense of his world title against DianXing Zhu (14-1, 12 KOs) of China. The bout will take place November 23 in China.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda (to come soon)

Unbeaten southpaw prodigy Tenshin Nasukawa (5-0, 2 KOs), 118, formerly kick-boxing titlist with an unblemished mark of 42-0, acquired the vacant WBO Asia Pacific featherweight belt when he defeated Filipino Gerwin Asilo (9-1, 4 KOs), 117.5, by a unanimous decision (98-91 twice, 97-92) over ten speedy rounds on Monday in Tokyo, Japan. Tenshin, tremendously popular among Japanese younger generations, was in command in a sizzling contest with the sharp counterpunching Filipino. The ninth saw Tenshin land a southpaw left to the belly, sending his rival to the deck. For the near-future world title challenger it might be a good lesson to go the distance.

Promoter: Teiken Promotions.

(More to come)

The WBO Championship Committee has authorized WBO junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora to proceed with a voluntary title defense of his WBO belt against any of the active top-15 world-rated WBO 154lb contenders. The winner must face Terence Crawford immediately thereafter within 180 days after the voluntary bout. Failure to comply with this condition will result in the Committee declaring the WBO jr. middleweight championship “vacant.”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda (to come soon)

Unbeaten WBC bantamweight champ Junto Nakatani (29-0, 22 KOs), 117.75, successfully kept his belt in his mandatory defense as he scored a beautiful stoppage of #1 Petch Sor Chitpattana (76-2, 53 KOs), 117.5, at 2:59 of the sixth round on Monday in Tokyo, Japan. Chitpattana down twice in round six.

(More to come)

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda (to come soon)

Unbeaten South African Phumelele Cafu (11-0-3, 8 KOs), 114.75, astoundingly upset defending champ and four-division champ Kosei Tanaka (20-2, 11 KOs), 115, to win the WBO junior bantamweight belt by a split decision over twelve hard-fought rounds on Monday in Tokyo, Japan. Phil Austin (Australia) and Waleska Roldan (US) both tallied 114-113 in favor of Cafu, while Jesse Reyes (US) saw it 113-114 for Tanaka. Female referee was Sparkle Lee, who finely handled the very fast-moving speedsters.

It was truly a see-saw closest affair, but it was Cafu that scored the sole knockdown of the fight in round five, when the challenger beautifully countered the champ with a well-timed right when Tanaka threw a big right uppercut. The champ fell down forward and barely beat the count, but it was a damaging blow that made Tanaka pay his respect and caution to Cafu’s attack thereafter.

They exchanged hot rallies in the close range with Tanaka forcing the action and Cafu occasionally countering him effectively. The twelfth and final round saw Tanaka finally catch up with him into a great trouble, but Cafu was saved by the final bell. It was truly an entertaining give-and-take fight.

Promoter: Teiken Promotions.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda (to come soon)

WBO flyweight champ Anthony Olascuaga (7-1-1ND, 5 KOs), 111.75, bizarrely kept his belt when referee Robert Hoyle, US, abruptly declared Puerto Rican challenger and ex-WBO 108-pound ruler Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (28-3-1-1NC-1ND, 14 KOs), 112, unfit to go on with his cut over the left eyebrow at 2:25 of the opening session on Monday in Tokyo, Japan.

Problem was Bomba looked he could go on since his gash wasn’t so serious to halt the proceedings. Upon their head collision the referee had Bomba’s cut examined by the ring physician, who, however, didn’t seem to advise him to halt the affair. As they resumed fighting, the third man abruptly called a halt that had the crowd really stunned and disappointed. Bomba deserves a rematch.

Promoter: Teiken Promotions.

Report by Zach Hirsch

Unbeaten WBA #12 world ranked featherweight Dominique Francis (16-0, 10 KOs) of Miami, Florida stopped previously unbeaten Julio Carrera Lugo (18-1-1, 14 KOs) of Mexico Saturday night in Stockton, California. The official time was 2:22 of round four. The bout was fought at the super featherweight limit where Francis will now campaign.

Photos: Sumio Yamada

Check out this GIANT photo gallery for Saturday’s Nontshinga-Yabuki IBF junior flyweight title fight in Tokoname, Japan, featuring some incredible shots + the scorecard.

Photos

The 12 round main event saw Jayr Raquinel (17-2-1, 13 KOs) of the Philippines scored an upset unanimous decision of previously unbeaten local Yahir Frank (17-1,12 KOs) Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The southpaw Raquinel came out immediately with a series of power punches to control the first half of round 1. Frank responded with his own in round 2. Raquinel then adjusted and begain to time the Frank rushes and was able to counter comfortably . Frank would have his moments the second half of the fight but Raquinel was in control. In the end the judges scored it 117-111, 116—112, and 115-113 all in favor to Frank who won the WBC Continental Americas Super Flyweight title.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

WBC bantamweight title bout
Junto Nakatani 117.75
Petch Sor Chitpattana 117.5

WBO junior bantamweight title bout
Kosei Tanaka 115
Phumelele Cafu 114.75

WBO flyweight title bout
Anthony Olascuaga 111.75
Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez 112

WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight vacant title bout
Tenshin Nasukawa 118
Gerwin Asilo 117.5

Promoter: “Only in Japan” Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Promotions
TV: ESPN+ (USA)

More photos