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Philly Boxing History announced today that former two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham will be the celebrity guest host of the 10th Annual Briscoe Awards at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia, on October 15, 2017.

“It’s an honor,” Cunningham said of being named the guest host. “I’m happy and proud. I’m going to do my best.” Continue reading “Cunningham to host Briscoe Awards”

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has been relaunched worldwide by a sports group headed by the new IBA president, J.C. Courreges. In 1991, two-time Major League Baseball all-star pitcher and Cy Young Award winner Dean Chance founded the IBA, guiding the international sanctioning body until his death in 2015.

Based in Ventnor City, New Jersey, the IBA also has an office in Florida. The IBA is establishing international representatives around the world in Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, Australia, Canada and South Africa. Continue reading “IBA Relaunched”

Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs), the only four-division world champion in Puerto Rico’s rich boxing history, says he’s focused on Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) in Saturday’s clash in Los Angeles for the vacant WBO junior middleweight title.

And while Cotto-Kamegai will be on HBO, it will be going head-to-head with the Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor PPV telecast that some think can produce 4 million buys. Cotto says he’s not paying attention to that “other” fight at all. Continue reading “Cotto focused on Kamegai, not other fights”

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn is confident that Floyd Mayweather will defeat Conor McGregor on Saturday in Las Vegas but said he likes the Irishman, who is hilarious and a great entertainer. Horn talked to Grantlee Kieza of the Courier Mail.

“I hope Mayweather annihilates him and I think he will,” Horn said. “But I like McGregor, much more than Mayweather. McGregor is hilarious and a great entertainer. It will be dreadful for the sport of boxing if Mayweather, one of the greatest fighters of all time, gets rolled by a guy having his first fight but I can’t see McGregor doing too well even with all the hype.” Continue reading “Horn: Mayweather should annihilate McGregor”

Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions and beIN Sports have inked a one year TV deal that will commence on September 29th at Gilley’s in Dallas, Texas. The pact calls for three fights in 2017 and ten fights in 2018. Kicking off in September, Jones will co-promote with Montoya Boxing. Headlining is local favorite and WBA-NABA super welterweight champion John “The Phenom” Vera (17-0-0, 10 KOs) along with featherweight Ray Ximenez (16-1), cruiserweight Adrain “Montu-Ra” Taylor (3-0, 3 KOs) and middleweight Joey Alday Jr.(5-0, 5 KOs). Continue reading “Roy Jones Jr Promotions, beIN Sports ink deal”

WBA-NABA Lightweight Champion, Tony “Lightning” Luis (24-3, 8 KOs), will put his title on the line on Saturday, October 14th, when he takes on Giovanni “Impacto” Straffon (14-2-1, 9 KOs) of Mexico in a 10-round main event at the Cornwall Civic Complex in Cornwall, ON, Canada.

In the co-feature bout, undefeated heavyweight prospect and recent Liveco signee Oleksandr Teslenko (10-0, 8 KOs) is expected to deliver a crushing KO against a fighter to be named later.

Juan Carlos Payano 120.6 vs. Alexis Santiago 120.4
Jamel Herring 134.4 vs. Ladarius Miller 134.8
Sanjarbek Rakhmanov 145 vs. Noe Lopez 142.4
Ashley Theophane 144 vs. Shoki Sakai 143.4
Cameron Krael 147.2 vs. Greg Jackson 146.2
Ahmed Mahmood 125.4 vs. Alberto Mora 127.6

Venue: Sams Town, Las Vegas
Promoter: Mayweather Promotions
TV: FS1

By Mauricio Sulaiman
WBC President- Jose Sulaiman’s son

We are living in a difficult time, humanity is hurting, tragedies and terrorist attacks happening, with so many innocent people dying and countless families suffering without being able to find an explanation. The latest tragic event took place in Barcelona and shook the world. Let’s only hope that a day comes when matters are settled in a different manner when at least we respect rules as the principle among all. Our prayers join the millions from all over the world for all the victims and their families.

Don King turned 86 yesterday. I decided to dedicate this week’s column to one of the greatest personalities in the history of boxing and all sports. Continue reading “The 12th Round: Don King”

Former world champion Carl Frampton posted on his Twitter account that he has split from Barry McGuigan and Cyclone Promotions. Nothing announced on whether “The Jackal” will remain with trainer Shane McGuigan, Barry McGuigan’s son.

WBO jr lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko will return December 9 on ESPN at The Theater in Madison Square Garden according to Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The opponent isn’t set, but either Guillermo Rigondeaux or Orlando “Siri” Salido is the likely foe. Lomachenko-Rigondeaux would be a clash between elite two-time Olympic gold medalists with Rigo moving up two divisions from 122 to 130 pounds. Lomachenko-Salido would be a rematch and opportunity for Loma to avenge his only loss.

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

The Brisbane City Council will not make a financial commitment to the promoters for the rematch of WBO welterweight title bout between world champion Jeff Horn and challenger Manny Pacquiao until it’s guaranteed that the future Hall of Famer will be travelling from the Philippines for a rematch with the former Brisbane schoolteacher in November. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has told News Corp Australia that he wants confirmation from promoters that Pacquiao has signed on for the fight before he commits to marketing the event. Continue reading “Brisbane demands Pacman commitment”

By Ricardo Ibarra

An intriguing super middleweight fight tops the 112th edition of Brian Halquist Productions’ long running ‘Battle at the Boat’ series at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington on September 9th. Popular local prospect Mike “Imagine Me” Gavronski (23-2-1, 14 KOs) will take on one of his most accomplished opponents to date as he squares off with battle-tested former WBO-NABO middleweight champion Brian Vera (26-11, 16 KOs) in a ten round match-up. Continue reading “Gavronski-Vera clash Sept 9 at the Boat”

Yomar ‘The Magic’ Alamo (14-0, 11 KOs) from Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, viciously defeated Hungarian Zsigmond Vaas (13-6, 2 KOs) in the first round to become WBC’s super lightweight Youth World Champion in an exciting fight held at the Samuel ‘Sammy’ Rodríguez Coliseum in Aguas Buenas. A Youth World title had never previously been held in Puerto Rico.

An excited Álamo stated: “I am thrilled to have won this world title in front of my home fans! I will carry my title with dignity and cannot wait to defend it in Puerto Rico or abroad. I am ready.” Continue reading “Alamo becomes WBC Youth world champion”

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

WBC #5, IBF #7,WBO #10 heavyweight Dillian Whyte (21-1, 16 KOs) was impressive in defeating Malcolm Tann (24-6, 13 KOs) on Saturday, stopping tann in round three. The win could now set him up for a fight against WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

“I’m a natural body puncher and try to hurt these guys to the body,” Whyte stated. “Against Deontay Wilder, imagine those shots. With his thin, lean body he’d fall after three or four rounds. I believe in my power. If I land I can knock any of these heavyweights out!”

Photos: Sumio Yamada

In a rare four-belt world title fight, Terence Crawford became the undisputed king of the 140lb division with a stunning third round knockout over Julius Indongo Saturday night in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Crawford now holds the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO belts, the first man to do so since Jermain Taylor 11 years ago.

More Photos

Terence Crawford: Belts matter. I’m the only one that can be labeled champion at 140 and that’s a big deal to me…we have been practicing on the body shots all camp – it was a rough tough camp and everything that we worked on in camp came out today in the fight…Andre Ward is one of my favorite fighters, but I have to top him on this one!

It was a bittersweet night for welterweight contender Thomas LaManna as he won a 10-round unanimous decision over George Sosa in an entertaining bout in front of a capacity crowd at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City. LaManna won the WBC Silver Latino welterweight title and shortly after, the fighter known as “Cornflake” promptly announced his retirement in the ring.

“It’s over. It’s over,” said LaManna. “I put a lot of years into this. This is it. I want to thank my parents, Vinny Ponte my promoter, my trainer and everybody who have helped me along the way.” Continue reading “LaManna wins, then retires”

By Lucas Ketelle

Luis “Vicious” Garcia avenged his lone career loss to Eddie Diaz in the same building, the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA, while picking up a belt in the process. Garcia, a native of Richmond, CA, was stopped by Diaz in the second round in January of this year, since then Garcia won a #1 contender bout to fight Diaz in a rematch. Garcia nearly stopped Diaz in the first round when a solid overhand right almost relieved Diaz of his senses. Diaz would recover and battle back hurting Garcia later in the bout in a truly competitive affair. Luis Garcia won the Square Warriors junior welterweight by majority decision after eight hard fought rounds. Continue reading “Garcia avenges loss to Diaz in rematch”

By Bill Green

Julius Indongo: This is part of the sport. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. The knockout came unexpected. My plan was to start off slow and pick up the pace. Maybe it wasn’t the right plan. I didn’t lose to just anyone. I lost to clearly one of the best. I will be back.

Promoter Eddie Hearn: Julius has had an amazing year. He is the type of person and fighter that will come back from this loss.

[Will he return this year or take some time off?] Everyone will have a say in this decision. He has been in the U.S. for three weeks away from family. He may take some time off, but I assure you he will rebound.

By Juaquin Flores and Mike Green at ringside

In a clash between champions for the undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO jr welterweight world titles, Terence Crawford (32-0, 23 KOs) scored a dominant and impressive knockout over previously unbeaten Julius Indongo (22-1, 12 KOs) on Saturday night before 12,121 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Crawford edged a close round one where neither fighter landed anything big. Crawford dropped Indongo in round two with a right hand on the ear. The end came in round three when Crawford kayoed Indongo with body shot. Time was 1:38. Crawford is the first undisputed champion in 11 years.

By Jeff Zimmerman at ringside

“Mighty Mo” Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KOs) retained his WBO NABO Jr Welterweight Title with a hard fought unanimous decision against the tough as nails Courtney Jackson (17-1, 10 KOs). Hooker dominated the fight with a solid jab and power shots to the head and body throughout that nearly closed the eyes of Jackson but somehow Jackson stayed on his feet and came up with a big 10th and final round to make things interesting. Jackson landed a shot to the jaw of Hooker and several others that put a scare in the pro-Hooker crowd but Hooker showed his championship mettle and finished the fight with big flurries of his own and won going away.

The final scores read 100-90 twice and 99-91 for Hooker who kept his title with the win. Continue reading “Hooker defeats Jackson, still unbeaten”

2016 Olympian and son of Julian Jackson, Clayton Laurent Jr made a big splash on his debut fight, stopping Wayman Carter in the second round after a series of body blows at the Mark C Marin Centre, St Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. Laurent Jr started fast and appears to carry the heavy hands that his father possessed, dropping a game Carter with a crunching right hand in the first.

Carter attempted to rally but it was only a matter of time. Laurent Jr dropped Carter to the body in the second round and repeated the process with referee Luis Pabon crowning him at 1:59 of the second round before a packed crowd. Continue reading “Results from US Virgin Islands”

By Juaquin Flores and Mike Green at ringside
Photos: Sumio Yamada

In a clash for the NABF and NABO light heavyweight titles, Oleksandr Gvozdyk (14-0, 12 KOs) scored a sixth round TKO over Craig Baker (17-2, 13 KOs) on Saturday night at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. After five slow rounds, Gvozdyk opened up and floored Baker. He got the stoppage with his follow up barrage. Time was 2:04. Gvozdyk is rated WBC #2, WBA #3, WBO #3, IBF #5 and is a 2012 Olympic bronze medal winner.

2016 Olympic silver medalist Shakur Stevenson (3-0, 1 KO) not surprisingly dominated David Paz (4-4-1, 0 KOs) in a super featherweight bout. Scores were 60-53 3x. Shakur scored a knockdown in round five.

WBC #4, IBF #7, WBO #10 heavyweight Dillian Whyte (21-1, 16 KOs) scored a third round KO over Malcolm Tann (24-6, 13 KOs). “He knows I have a good left hook, so I was patient in the first. I have been off for 8 months. He didn’t expect the chopping right hand, once I hurt him with that, the left hook landed at will. He’s no joke, he was definitely trying in there.”

How soon do you want to be back in the ring?

Whyte: I hope to be back in the ring in 5-6 weeks.

Former heavyweight title challenger Bryant Jennings (20-2, 11 KOs) stopped Daniel Martz (15-5-1, 12 KOs) in round two.

Former world champion “Mile High” Mike Alvarado (38-4, 26 KOs) knocked out Sidney Siqueira (21-13-1, 13 KOs) in round four of a welterweight bout. A right hand laid out Siqueira at 1:20.

WBO #10 jr welterweight Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed (23-0, 12 KOs outpointed veteran “Red Hot” Rob Frankel (35-17-1, 7 KOs) over ten. Reed in control but never close to a KO. Scores 100-90 3x.

Super featherweight Kevin “Bad Ass” Ventura (8-0, 7 KOs) KO’d Baltazar Ramirez (3-4, 3 KOs) in round three. Ventura dropped Ramirez with a body shot to end it. Time was 1:54.

Local light heavyweight Steven Nelson (9-0, 7 KOs) outpointed Cesar Ruiz (5-6, 2 KOs) over six rounds.

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photos: Peter Maniatis

WBA #10 bantamweight Andrew Moloney (14-0, 9 KOs) stopped Filipino Raymond Tabugon (20-8-1, 10 KOs) in round four of a scheduled ten round contest to capture in Melbourne, Victoria on Saturday. Tabugon dropped Moloney with a left hook in round three but he recovered to control the contest and at 2:42 of round four, referee Ignatius Missailidis crowned Moloney.

In other action, WBA #8 super bantamweight Jason Moloney (14-0, 10 KOs) dominated Filipino Lolita Sonsona (21-2-4, 9 KOs) over ten rounds to win by scores 100-90, 99-91 and 100-90. Moloney controlled all the rounds as he connected consistently with accurate head and body shots. Continue reading “World-rated Moloney Bros victorious”

The WBO has resolved to award jr welterweight world champion Terence Crawford the designation of WBO Super Champion. This honor is awarded to WBO champions who have attained “preeminent status” to acknowledge their accomplishment and to provide scheduling flexibility with respect to mandatories.

Continue reading “WBO names Crawford super champion”