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Unbeaten super middleweight Edgar Berlanga (20-0, 16 KOs) and Jason Quigley (20-2, 14 KOs) faced off at the final press conference for their clash inside The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.

Edgar Berlanga: “It’s a big night on Saturday. It’s been a year layoff, we’re home with a new promoter, and I am ready to perform…for me there are bigger fish out there, the GGGs, the Charlos, these are the guys I want to get in the ring with, I feel I am ready and seasoned to get in with them, but I must beat the shit out of Jason Quigley this weekend, that’s what it is.”

Jason Quigley: “I know I am the better man. Edgar is a great fighter, I’ve come here to win, and that’s going to make it a great fight. But I am the man, I’m here to progress my career and my life.”

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Heavyweight Adam Kownacki (20-3, 15 KOs) ripped off his shirt to display his new svelte physique. He and Joe Cusumano (21-4, 19 KOs) fight in the co-feature.

Adam Kownacki: “It’s must-win, but for me. My two options are win averagely or win amazingly. I want to look amazing, I’ve had a great camp with Sugar Hill, so we’re ready. I’m in great shape, I want to look brilliant, get the win and get another fight quickly.”

Joe Cusumano: “We’re Heavyweights, we’re big punchers, and we’re going to show that.”

WBC interim middleweight champion Carlos Adames and former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams traded barbs at Thursday’s final press conference before they trade blows in the Showtime main event this Saturday from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Carlos Adames: “Williams is bait on a hook ready to get devoured by the big fish. He should know that he’s in a bad spot right now…I can feel him shaking…Julian has no idea what he’s getting into. I’m gonna overwhelm him.”

Julian Williams: “I’ve seen him down, I’ve seen him tired and I’ve seen him hurt. He’s no boogeyman…I’m locked in. I know what this is and I know what he is. It’s gonna show up in the fight. I’m a man and you cannot scare me…I’m getting my hand raised.”

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Thursday’s press conference also featured fighters competing on the undercard including super welterweight contender Luis “Cuba” Arias, who meets Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (not on hand) in the 10-round co-main event, plus super flyweight world champion Fernando “Pumita” Martinez and unbeaten Filipino contender Jade Bornea, who battle for Martinez’s IBF world title in the telecast opener.

Luis Arias: “I’m the worst type of fight for Lubin. We’re gonna find out immediately how that chin is holding up because I’m in dog shape. So I’m coming to make my statement and put my name in the mix…once I knock Lubin off, that’ll be two top contenders I’ve knocked off.”

Fernando Martinez: “He thinks he’s hungry, but I’m hungrier. I’m going to put on a show and prove to everyone that I’m not only the champion, but I’m the champion who’s going to be here for years to come…the fans here are going to see that I’m the ‘mini Mike Tyson’!

Jade Bornea: “I’m not going to give an inch. I know that I can’t waste this opportunity to become world champion. I am ready for anything that Martinez brings to me in the fight. I’ve prepared for this for a long time, so I know exactly what I have to do.”

Undefeated WBA super middleweight regular champion David Morrell Jr. (9-0, 8 KOs) says WBC interim champion David Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) is deliberately sidestepping his challenge and opting for an easier opponent in Jaime Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs), who would be coming up in weight to fight him.

David Morrell Jr: From here on out my new nickname is the ‘The Monster.’ I will be referred to as father of Team Benevidez. Jose Sr. does not want the fight. He talks a lot, but he clearly wants to fight Munguia as seen in all his recent interviews. The loudmouth son Jose Jr. hasn’t said a word either. So, I want small man Jose to come out publicly and say he is scared of the Monster Morrell. I’m giving you 24 hours to tell the world the truth little guy! Or I will do an interview daily about the cowards they call the Benevidez’. Your name is Red Flag maybe because you run when there is danger. Don’t use my name anymore, cancel all your merchandise and stop lying to people. I’m the real MONSTER! My message to Benavidez is I’m ready for all those bitches. Grow some balls, and lets give the fans the fight they want to see. Your family name is a disgrace.”

By Ron Jackson

Former South African light heavyweight champion Sakkie Enslin passed away in his sleep yesterday.

He was 63.

Sakkie was born on 21 March 1960 and grew up in Melkbos a coastal town located on the South West Coast of South Africa, 30 km north of Cape Town where as a six-year-old boy he loved running on the beach.

Sakkie was about 13 when his fitter-and-turner father Jan decided to return to what was then still the Transvaal. They settled near Vereeniging, south of Johannesburg.

Izak Johannes, as Sakkie was named after his birth soon settled in the new surroundings and excelled at rugby at a local school. Continue reading “Former SA light heavy champion dies at 63”

The World Boxing Association (WBA) has made it official that the WBA #1 light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi (17-0, 13 KOs) will face the WBA #2 Dan “Super” Azeez (19-0, 13 KOs) in a WBA final eliminator. The winner will become mandatory challenger to the WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol. Boxxer, the promoter of both fighters, will promote the bout set to take place at a venue to be named in England on August 19.

Unbeaten WBO #4, IBF #4, WBA #6 super middleweight Edgar Berlanga (20-0 16 KOs) fights for the first time under the Matchroom banner after signing a long-term multi-fight deal against Jason Quigley (20-2, 14 KOs) at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.

“Jason is a great fighter,” said Berlanga. “He thinks I’m overlooking him, maybe I am in the sense that I believe I am on a different level to him. The fights that I want to make happen, I must perform this weekend, I need to look spectacular. So, I am not overlooking him. Far from it, but I want to prove that I am better than him.

“I’ve looked him in the eyes, we’ll do it again on Thursday, and on Friday, and then fight night, it’s on, time to take off the shackles and unleash the beast. There’s going to be more tension as the week goes on – he’s in my hometown, he’s going to be in the trenches on Saturday…I have a lot to prove to myself. I have a chip on my shoulder. If the knockout comes that’s great, but I have to go in and handle my business. Look sharp, smart, do my thing.”

Former IBF heavyweight champion “Prince” Charles Martin and Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson have commented on their July 1 ESPN clash at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio. Martin stepped in after original Anderson foe Zhan Kossobutskiy was forced to withdraw due to a delay in obtaining his visa.

Charles Martin: “I’ve always said I will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. If I have to fight on less than two weeks’ notice to get a big opportunity, so be it. I’m ready. And since I can’t get the best guys from my generation to fight me, I’ll fight the best guy from the new generation. My goal is to become a two-time heavyweight champion. I have to beat Jared Anderson to accomplish my goal.”

Jared Anderson: “We weren’t going to let anything spoil the Toledo party. I have a new opponent, but it will be the same outcome.”

Two former world champions and an exciting rising prospect will highlight the Showtime Boxing Countdown live streaming presentation at 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT on Showtime’s YouTube channel and Boxing Facebook page this Saturday from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The streaming card is topped by former world champion Caleb “Golden” Truax (31-5-2, 19 KOs) taking on Burley Brooks (6-2-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight clash. The lineup will also see former world champion Jerwin Ancajas (33-3-2, 22 KOs) against Wilner Soto (22-12,12 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight attraction, plus super lightweight prospect Mickel Spencer (3-0, 2 KOs), the younger brother of super welterweight Joey Spencer, facing Lyle McFarlane (2-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.

These fights precede the Showtime tripleheader headlined WBC interim middleweight champion Carlos Adames against former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams.

WBC #1 super middleweight champion, Christian Mbilli (24-0, 20 KOs) will be back in the ring on August 19 at the Videotron Centre on the boxing card headlined by the unified WBC, WBO, and IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev against Callum Smith. Mbilli will face Demond Nicholson (26-5-1, 22 KOs) in a ten-rounder. Mbilli returns after his impressive win over Carlos Gongora in March. Nicholson is coming off a shutout loss to Demetrius Andrade in January.

Sampson Boxing and ProBoxTV have agreed to a year-long monthly series of boxing events emanating from South America. The first event, scheduled for Saturday, July 22 at the Radisson Victoria Plaza Hotel in Montevideo, Uruguay, will feature once-beaten middleweight prospect Amilcar Vidal (16-1, 12 KOs) against Domicio Rondon (17-5, 11 KOs) in the 10 round main event. The 10-round co-featured bout will pit undefeated featherweight prospect and former Olympian Mirco Cuello (11-0, 10 KOs) against Antonio Guzman (23-3, 19 KOs) for the South American featherweight title. Details on the remaining 11 shows will be announced shortly.

ESPN has announced that WBO #7, WBA #8, WBC #9 heavyweight Jared “Real Big Baby” Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) will now face former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs) on July 1 at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio. Anderson’s original foe Zhan Kossobutskiy pulled out due to visa problems. ESPN will air the fight.

WBC interim middleweight champion Carlos Adames (22-1,17 KOs) will be gunning for a KO when he defends his title against former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams this Saturday on Showtime from The Armory in Minneapolis.

“A dominant victory on Saturday night will ensure me a fight with Jermall Charlo to see who the real WBC middleweight champion is,” said Adames. “It’s been very difficult to get the big names in the ring with me, but I just have to keep winning…I see Williams as a dangerous opponent. He’s a former world champion who has a lot of experience and he has nothing to lose at this point in his career. I’m expecting a tough fight, but I feel I’m the better fighter in every aspect. I feel I can break him down and end the fight in the middle to late rounds…my goal is to win by spectacular knockout.”

At today’s Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) Commission meeting held in Las Vegas, the commission fined undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney $25,000 for shoving Vasiliy Lomachenko during the weigh-in for their fight in May.

The NSAC also suspeneded former WBA super lightweight champion Alberto Puello for six months. Puello was stripped of the WBA belt after an adverse VADA finding in the run-up to a scheduled title defense against Rolly Romero. Romero consequently claimed the vacant title by defeating Ismael Barroso.

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

Commemorating Father’s Day, it occurred to me to write about the father-son relationship in our sport.

The father takes the boy to the gym, and on many occasions he himself is the one who trains him, and even manages him. Everything is fine until … it’s time to get into the ring to fight.

The line should be drawn then and another person is the one who should be responsible for being in the corner during the fight. Why? Because boxing is not a game, it is a contact sport with high physical demands and health can be put at risk. There is no person more demanding than our father, and there is no person more obedient, eager to please and proud than the son.

The father will always demand more from his son, who in turn would never be able to demure, determined to make dad proud no matter what the sacrifice.

Many of the ring accidents have occurred with fighters, who have their father as a chief corner; fights that should have been stopped, and due to the above, it tragically did not happen. Continue reading “The Fathers in Boxing”

This Saturday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, former IBF junior lightweight world champion Tevin Farmer (30-5-1, 6 KOs) returns to action when he takes on Avery Sparrow (11-4, 4 KOs) in a ten round lightweight bout between popular Philly fighters.  Farmer, 32, will be making his first appearance in nearly three-and-a-half years. He won the world title in August 2018 against Billy Dib and made four successful before being dethroned by JoJo Diaz 18 months later.  Continue reading “Tevin Farmer returns Saturday night”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

WBA 115-pound champion Joshua Franco (18-1-3, 8 KOs), US, will square off against previously four-division titlist Kazuto Ioka (29-2-1, 15 KOs) in a grudge fight on this coming Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. Their first encounter on New Year’s Eve last saw a majority draw (114-114 twice, 115-113 for Franco) that meant Joshua’s hairline but successful defense of his belt. Then Ioka was the WBO ruler in a unification bout, but the skillful Japanese counterpuncher renounced his belt to pursue a rematch with his grudge rival.

Ioka showed a public workout with his Cuban trainer Ismael Salas yesterday, while Franco participated in a public training today (Tuesday). Each looked very fit, fast and fine in speed and skills to make us expect a very competitive rematch.

Ioka said, “This time I’ll win clearly and if possible score a knockout victory.”

Franco, the defending titlist, said, “I wish to score with more clearly effective punches to Ioka in order to appeal to the judges. If so, I’ll be a victor by a very clear decision.”

Time will tell.

Photos

We are shocked and saddened to announce the passing of former heavyweight boxer and long time Fightnews.com® International Editor Ray Wheatley at the age of 74.

Ray passed away this morning in a Sydney hospital following an operation. Ray was a luminary on the Australian boxing scene for many years. After his boxing career ended, he became a boxing official, an IBF executive, published “World of Boxing,” and was inducted into the Australian Boxing Hall of Fame.

“Ray was part of Fightnews.com®’s original crew,” said Fightnews.com® Editor-in-Chief Karl Freitag. “He covered Aussie boxing for us for nearly 24 years. He loved boxing, was a great reporter, and a great man. He will be missed by all in boxing. Thank you for everything Ray. Rest in peace, dear friend.”

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Former Australian National Boxing Federation president John McDougall wrote:

It is with profound regret that I advise the Australian Boxing fraternity of the death of one our most loved members, Sugar Ray Wheatley. I was advised of this a few moments ago and a shock indeed to me as it will be to all. Ray passed away at 2:30am this morning in hospital following an operation.

Ray was a giant among men, not only in stature but in his very being as a man. A great family man and friend to all he will be deeply missed.

Ray was born on July 25 1948 and boxed as a heavyweight and in his third fight boxed the great Tony Mundine and was the only Australian, as I recall, to ever put Mundine in the canvas in a bout. His record stood at 11-12-1 and he boxed from 1969-1985. That was an era of great fighters in this country and Sugar won and lost among the best. Continue reading “Ray Wheatley Passes”

This year’s 15th annual Florida Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend takes place at the St. Petersburg Hilton on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 30, July 1 & 2, 2023. Referee Joe Cortez will be the Keynote Speaker, Roy Jones Jr. headlines the Class of 2023 Inductees. Friday night will be an excellent professional fight card promoted by T & K Boxing Promotions. Continue reading “FBHOF Weekend – Class of 2023”

Another big boxing Saturday is on tap with Showtime, DAZN, and ESPN+ all in the mix.

On Showtime, WBC interim middleweight champion Carlos Adames (22-1, 17 KOs) will battle former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams in the 12-round main event from The Armory in Minneapolis. The telecast will also feature super welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (24-2, 17 KOs) and Luis “Cuba” Arias (20-3-1, 9 KOs) squaring off in the 10-round co-main event and undefeated IBF super flyweight champion Fernando “Pumita” Martinez (15-0, 8 KOs) will put his title on the line against unbeaten Jade Bornea (18-0, 12 KOs) in the telecast opener.

DAZN presents super middleweight Edgar Berlanga (20-0, 16 KOs) in his first fight under the Matchroom banner against Jason Quigley (20-2, 14 KOs) at The Theater inside Madison Square Garden in New York City. Heavyweight Adan Kownacki (20-3, 15 KOs) faces Joe Cusumano (21-4, 19 KOs) in the co-feature.

ESPN+ has a fight card from the Eisstadion in Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, topped by WBO #10 rated Global junior middleweight beltholder Slawa Spomer (17-0, 8 KOs) defending against Felice Moncelli (24-7-1, 6 KOs).

Unfortunately, missing from the TV/streaming schedule (so far) is the rematch between WBA super flyweight champion Joshua Franco (18-1-3, 8 KOs) and Kazuto Ioka (29-2-1, 15 KOs) the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. They fought to a draw six months ago.

Heavyweight Joey Dawejko (25-10-4, 14 KOs) scored a first round stoppage against Dennis Vance Jr (4-10, 2 KOs) on Saturday night at Bally’s Atlantic City.

In the main event, junior welterweight Larry Fryers (13-6-1, 5 KOs) surprised Dimash Niyazov (14-2-3, 6 KOs), taking a six round technical decision by scores of 59-55 3x. The bout ended prematurely when Niyazov was injured after falling out of the ring. Two straight upset wins for Fryers.

A look at the scorecard in Saturday night’s split decision between WBC super lightweight champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis and Danielito Zorrilla shows that judges Josef Mason, Craig Metcalf, and Robert Tapper all had Prograis winning handily after eight rounds. However, Metcalf gave the final four rounds to Zorrilla.

The fight at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, also broke a record, albeit a dubious one. Over twelve rounds, the bout produced just 84 landed punches, the fewest in a title fight in CompuBox’s 38-year history. The previous record low of 91 was set in 2021’s Rigondeaux-Casimero barnburner.

Both fighters landed 42 punches. Prograis threw 497 total punches while Zorrilla threw 310. Both fighters landed 4 jabs. Prograis connected on 4 of 371 (1.1%), Zorrilla landed 4 of 144 (2.8%). For power punches, Prograis landed 38 of 126 (30.2%), Zorrilla connected on 38 of 166 (22.9%).

By Boxing Bob Newman

WBC super lightweight champion Regis Prograis talks to Fightnews.com® after the Zorrilla fight.

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By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Undefeated WBO interim junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu (23-0, 17 KOs) annihilated IBF #11 rated Carlos “Chema” Ocampo (34-3, 22 KOs) in just 77 seconds on Sunday at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia. Tszyu immediately hurt Ocampo, dropped him with a crushing right hand, and then spectacularly laid him out with a massive left hook that almost took off his head.

Immediately after the fight, “Tszyu stated, “I’ve got a question for everyone here. What’s my mother-f**king name?” He added, “I’ve got this interim belt, but I’m not satisfied. I want all four – and it’s not just the belts – I just want the name ‘Charlo’ on my resume.”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

In an IBF junior featherweight title eliminator between unbeaten fighters, Sam Goodman (15-0, 7 KOs) took a twelve round split decision over Ra’eese Aleem (20-1, 12 KOs) on Sunday in the Tszyo-Ocampo co-feature at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia. Aleem built up an early lead, but Goodman closed strong to win 117-111, 116-112 on two cards. Aleem was up 116-112 on the third card.

“That was tough early, he was awkward,” the 24-year-old Goodman said. “I’m so pumped, words can’t explain the work me and my team put into this. This is the start. My heart was through the roof [when I learned it was a split decision]. He’s a tough competitor. He comes in with awkward stuff. It was a big test. I knew early on I had to be smart and give him respect and I’d come through in the later rounds. We’re coming for those straps. We’re coming for them.”

By Boxing Box Newman at ringside

WBC Super Lightweight champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis took on late replacement Danielito Zorrilla of Puerto Rico in the first defense of his title at the Smoothie Center in his hometown of New Orleans, LA. Zorrilla stepped in after Australia’s Liam Paro pulled out a month ago with an undisclosed injury.

Late in the first, a lead right from Zorrilla caught Prograis flush and appeared to send him to the canvas, but Prograis grabbed an on rushing Zorrilla, which landed in a tackle and referee Corona ruling it a push. Prograis turned the trick early in round three, landing a long left which dropped Zorrilla into an almost a back somersault!

Zorrilla did well to last the round, despite the best efforts of Prograis to end it then and there. Despite being the bigger man, Zorrilla took to being defensive on his bicycle as Prograis stalked and measured. Zorrilla got more aggressive in the eighth, snapping Prograis’ head with his jab. In the ninth, Prograis looked to take the play back a bit too aggressively, missing wildly with some off balance shots.

A retreating Zorrilla, a chasing Prograis spelled the remainder of this untidy affair. At the sound of the final bell, Zorrilla straddled the ropes in the neutral corner, sure of victory. The final scores were as follows: 118-109 Prograis, 114-113 Zorrilla, 117-110 Prograis, who retains his title on a split decision.

More photos…