Fightnews.com

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Former WBO champ Masayuki Ito’s TB (Treasure Boxing) Promotions’ third show was sensational and successful on Saturday in Manila, Philippines. In the main event John Riel Casimero (33-4, 22 KOs) managed to acquire the WBO Global 122-pound belt as he eked out a close but unanimous decision (114-112, 116-110 twice) over Fillipus Nghitumbwa (12-2, 11 KOs), from Namibia, over twelve hard-fought rounds at Okada Manila Hotel and Casino. Continue reading “Casimero beats Nghitumbwa for WBO Global belt”

Local hometown favorite Jose Javier Torres (16-2, 10 KOs) of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico stopped compatriot Mario Gutierrez (9-5-1, 6 KOs) by 6th round TKO of a scheduled 10 round light flyweight main event. The event took place Friday night at the Polideportivo Juan S. Milan Culiacan and was televised on ESPN Knockout in Latin America. Solid win for Torres as Guierrez had a previous upset decisión win over current IBF mínimumweight world champion Daniel Valladares in the Valladares’ hometown. Ironically Torres had not fought since August 2021 which was a decisión loss to Valladares.

Former three-division world champion John Riel Casimero (33-4, 22 KOs) defeated WBO #10 Fillipus Nghitumbwa (12-2, 11 KOs) by twelve round unanimous decision in a fight for the WBO Global super bantamweight title on Saturday afternoon at the Okada Manila Hotel and Casino in Manila, Philippines. Casimero dropped Nghitumbwa hard early in round six but Nghitumbwa somehow survived the round. Casimero rocked Nghitumbwa at the bell ending round eight. Nghitumbwa was deducted a point for a rabbit punch in round twelve. Scores were 114-112, 116-110, 116-110.

In the co-main event, WBO Asia Pacific super welterweight titleholder Takeshi Inoue (19-2-2, 11 KOs) and Weljon Mindoro (10-0-1, 10 KOs) battled to a twelve round draw. Scores 117-111 Inoue, 115-113 Mindoro, 114-114. Inoue has previously gone the distance with Jaime Munguia and Tim Tszyu.

By Scott Foster at ringside

Boxlab Promotions, in conjunction with Warriors Boxing, GH3 Promotions and Orlando Boxing Promotions presented “Night Of Champions III” Friday night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL.

In the main event, 2016 US Olympian Antomnio Vargas (16-1, 9 KOs), fresh off a scintillating KO win, returned to his hometown to face battle-tested Mexican Francisco Pedroza (18-11-2, 10 KOs). Pedroza, renewed by a shocking win over 3-time Olympic and former world champion Rau’shee Warren, entered the bout with WBA #7 ranked Vargas intent on derailing yet another Olympian barreling towards a world championship.

Vargas gave away the opening stanza, as is his custom, calmly studying Pedrosa’s pressure. Both fighters opened up in the 2nd, with Vargas stunting the rushes of Pedroza with a stiff jab and lead right hands. The pace intensified in the 3rd, as both fighters dispensed with defense, allowing for heavy exchanges. Late in the round, both fighters collided heads on the inside, and Pedroza emerged from the clinch with a severe cut above the left eye. When the round ended the referee chose to halt the bout due to excessive bleeding, rendering a No Decision result after 3 spirited rounds. In the post fight interview, a rematch was discussed and entertained by both camps. Continue reading “Night of Champions III ends in No Decision”

Rolly Romero 139.4 vs. Ismael Barroso 139.4
(WBA super lightweight title)

Rances Barthelemy 142.6 vs. Omar Juarez 142.2 lbs.
(WBA super lightweight eliminator)
(Contracted weight: 143 pounds)

Batyr Akhmedov 138.8 vs. Kenneth Sims Jr. 139.2
Esteuri Suero 139.2 vs. Starling Castillo 139.6
Michael Angeletti 118.2 vs. Michell Banquez 118.8

Venue: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Promoter: TGB Promotions
TV: Showtime

Janibek Alimkhanuly 159.2 vs. Steven Butler 159.6
(WBO middleweight title)

Jason Moloney 117.8 vs. Vincent Astrolabio 117.2
(WBO bantamweight title)

Gabriel Flores Jr. 134.4 vs. Derrick Murray 134.4
Javier Martinez 161.2 vs. Joeshon James 161.2
Ruben Villa 126.4 vs. Maickol Lopez Villagrana 126.6
Amado Fernando Vargas 129.4 vs. Bernardo Manzano 129.6
Brian Norman Jr. 148 vs. Jesus Perez 147

Venue: Stockton Arena, Stockton, California
Promoter: Top Rank
TV: ESPN

WBC #3 ranked super welterweight Serhii ‘El Flaco’ Bohachuk (22-1, 22 KOs) defends his WBC Continental Americas title against former world title challenger Patrick Allotey (42-4, 32 KOs) on July 22 in a ten rounder at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California. The bout will be streamed on UFC Fightpass.

Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions has been spreading the action in 2023 with cards at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, California, the Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts, the Commerce Casino in Commerce, California (two dates), and now Chumash.

Joe Fournier 179.5 vs. KSI 177.6
Swarmz 170.7 vs. Deji 172.15
Anthony Taylor 182.5 vs. Salt Papi 179.7
Paigey Cakey 121.4 vs. Tenessee Thresh 120.5
DK Money 179.9 vs. Viruzz 178.7
Lil Kymchii 120 vs. Little Bellsy 120

Venue: OVO Arena, London
Promoter: Misfits Boxing
TV: DAZN

By Miguel Maravilla

Tijuana’s reigning undefeated former world champion Jaime Munguia (41-0, 32 KOs) will have his biggest test to date as he will take on Ukraine’s Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs). Munguia moves up to super middleweight to take on Derevyachenko on Saturday, June 10 at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. Here is what he had to say.

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Former world champion Jaime Munguia (41-0, 32 KOs) and contender Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) – via remote hookup – hosted a media day at the Golden Boy offices to promote their 12-round super middleweight fight on June 10 at Toyota Arena and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

Jaime Munguia: “As I have said before, Derevyanchenko is a great fighter and a great warrior. Without a doubt, I believe this is going to be a great fight. A win against Derevyanchenko would put us on a path towards a world championship…I hope to obtain the knockout and leave the ring as the best man standing.”

Sergiy Derevyanchenko: “I’m a tough fighter, and I am regarded as one of the top fighters in the division. If Munguia’s team has big plans to make him a superstar, he is going to have to fight people like me and win. It’s definitely not going to be an easy fight for either of us.”

Oscar De La Hoya: “Every fight that Jaime Munguia is in, is a difficult fight. This fight against Derevyanchenko is a tough one because of his style. It’s going to be a clash of the titans. It’s going to be an all-out war…people know that Derevyanchenko comes to fight. We are all betting on Jaime Munguia to put on a spectacular show, to maybe even be the first one to stop him. And then hopefully the WBC does the right thing and orders the fight with Charlo.”

Undefeated WBO middleweight champion Janikbek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8 KOs) and challenger Steven Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) faced off for the first time at the final press conference for their championship bout this Saturday night on ESPN from the Stockton Arena in Stockton, California on ESPN.

Janikbek Alimkhanuly: “I don’t want to defend my title every time I fight, I want to unify my titles. I think it’s going to be a big fight on Saturday night and I think it’s gonna be an easy win for me…I’m going to show him what he’s not going to be even able to knock me out, he’s not gonna be able to touch me.”

Steven Butler: “I’m going to shock the world. He’s making a big mistake when by thinking he’s already beaten me. He has a big fight on his hands on Saturday, I’m going to hurt him, mark my words.”

Super lightweight contenders Rolando Romero and Ismael Barroso faced off at the final press conference for their clash for the vacant WBA world title on Showtime Saturday night in Las Vegas. A recurring topic was Romero getting a title shot in his first fight at 140lbs after coming off a loss to Gervonta Davis.

Rally Romero: “I get special privileges, that’s all I can say. When you look as good as me, you get as many privileges as you want…I’ll make 140lbs the most popping division in boxing. It’s gonna be many, many pay-per-view events and I’m gonna be involved in all of them.”

Ismael Barroso: “I’m still the number one contender, I got the opportunity I deserve. The other ones who are left behind because of Rolly’s chance to be here, it’s their problem not mine. I’m ready to fight, and God willing put up a good fight. Rolly earned his shot just like anybody else would. He took advantage of it, so good for him.”

Former world champion Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux (21-3, 14 KOs) will return on June 9th as a special attraction on Don King’s Adrien Broner vs. Bill Hutchinson card at Casino Miami Jai-Alai. Rigo’s opponent is TBA. The 42-year-old Rigondeaux is coming off a first round KO win in a tune-up fight in February.

In the co-featured bout, World Boxing Association NABA light heavyweight champion Ahmed “The American Pharaoh” Elbiali (22-1, 18 KOs) puts his title on the line in a ten-round bout against Rodolfo “Cobrita” Gomez (14-6-3, 10 KOs).

Three matchups featuring undefeated fighters looking to keep perfect records intact will highlight the Showtime Boxing Countdown live streaming presentation on Saturday leading into the Romero-Barroso telecast from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Action live on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel and Showtime Boxing Facebook page will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and is topped by unbeaten super lightweight Esteuri “El Puma” Suero (12-0, 9 KOs) dueling Starling Castillo (17-1-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round attraction. Also featured is bantamweight Michael Angeletti (7-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout against Michell Banquez (20-3, 14 KOs), while super featherweight Justin Viloria (1-0, 1 KO) will take on Pedro Pinillo (5-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round fight.

Looks like a proposed summer fight between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former unified champion Andy Ruiz is off the table, reportedly due to Ruiz’ financial demands. Fury could still could potentially face Zhilei Zhang provided Joe Joyce, who recently activated a rematch clause, will step aside.

Earlier this year, talks fell through for a match between Fury and WBA/IBF/WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk, although that fight may still take place in December in Saudi Arabia as part of a potential doubleheader of Fury-Usyk and Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder.

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

WBO #1 Jason Moloney (25-2, 19 KOs) will be in action against WBO #2 Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) on Saturday with the vacant WBO 118 pound title up for grabs in Stockton Arena, Stockton, California. Moloney isn’t concerned by the fact that Astrolabio is promoted and mentored by ring legend Manny Pacquiao.

“There will only ever be one Manny Pacquiao,” Moloney told Fox Sports Australia. “And I’m not getting into the ring with him. Of course, Astrolabio will have drawn inspiration from Manny and no doubt he’s also trying to follow in his footsteps. But again, there’s only one Pacquiao and he isn’t getting into the ring to fight me this weekend.”

Moloney added, “I’ll stop [Astrolabio] inside 12. Not sure if it will be a body shot or head shot, but I want to make a statement in this fight because, yes, it’s about becoming world champion.”

IBF #14 super bantamweight “Magic” Mike Plania (27-2, 14 KOs) faces veteran Mark Anthony Garaldo (38-12-3, 19 KOs) in an eight round non-title clash to be held at the Sanman Gym in General Santos City, Philippines on May 17. Plania suffered a decision loss against world-rated Raeese Aleem last September on the Ruiz-Ortiz PPV in Los Angeles, but most recently stopped Jeffrey Francisco in the opening round last December. He is looking to pile up more wins on his resume in order to climb the rankings and land another big fight in the near future. The event is being presented by Sanman Promotions and will be free to the public. It can also be viewed live via the Sanman Boxing facebook page.

By Jeff Zimmerman

Fightnews.com® talked to WBA #10 super lightweight and rising star Kenneth Simms Jr (19-2-1, 7 KOs) who fights WBA #3 Batyr Akhmedov (9-2, 8 KOs) in a WBA world title eliminator this Saturday in Vegas and shown live on Showtime Boxing. The card is headlined by Rolly Romero vs. Ismael Barroso for the vacant WBA super lightweight world title. Simms discussed his fight with Akhmedov, the Tank body shot versus KingRy, his relationship with Andre Ward and much more in this exclusive interview.

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Super lightweight contenders Rolando “Rolly” Romero (14-1, 12 KOs) and Ismael Barroso (24-3-2, 22 KOs) commented on their Showtime-televised clash for the vacant WBA world title this Saturday from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Romero was originally slated to face reigning WBA champion Alberto Puello, but Puello was dropped because of a failed VADA test and WBA #1 Barroso stepped in.

Rolly Romero: “It doesn’t matter who I fight on May 13. I’m a star and I’m gonna shine no matter what. I can’t wait to put on a show in my hometown of Las Vegas and for everyone watching on SHOWTIME. I’m leaving the ring with that belt.”

Ismael Barroso: “I’m very happy about this opportunity and I’m not going to waste it. On May 13 you will see an extremely hungry fighter going all out for the victory. I’m very thankful to my team for getting me this opportunity and for standing by my side throughout everything. On May 13 I’m winning that title!”

WBO middleweight world champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuky (13-0, 8 KOs) is ready to take out his frustrations on Steven Butler. After calls to unify against the division’s other champions were not answered, Janibek will defend his world title against big-punching Canadian contender Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) on Saturday night at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California. ESPN will televise.

Following a recent training session, this is what Janibek had to say:

“Demetrius Andrade gave up his title to avoid fighting me. He ran eight pounds up the scale. He is the ultimate duck. Jaime Munguia turned down a shot at the title to fight weaker opposition. They are the two ducks, but I am the champion now. Continue reading “Q Style: Middleweight division runs through me!”

Women’s boxing star Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields (13-0, 2 KOs) hasn’t had a knockout since 2017. But after nine straight decision wins, she is gunning for an early finish in her rematch against 40-year-old four-division champion Hanna Gabriels, even having her trainer John David Jackson paste a photo of her upcoming foe on their pads, as they near their showdown on Saturday, June 3 from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit and streaming live on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada.

“My goal is to knock her out as soon as the chance comes,” said Shields. “I don’t want to be in the ring with her for 10 rounds. That’s respect to her. My goal is to train to catch her with a shot or multiple shots, and get the fight over with. I’m always in shape for 10 rounds, but I’m calculating where I’m gonna land those shots so that I can get her out of there.”

She also added, “If I was a man, I’d be the face of boxing. I’ve got more accomplishments than everybody. I’m just gonna keep continuing to build myself and let the world accept me and women’s boxing. This next fight is a big next step for me.”

The World Boxing Association has designated Alberto Puello as 140lb champion in recess after he tested positive for a banned substance according to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA), therefore, Saturday’s fight between Rolando Romero and Ismael Barroso, will be for the vacant WBA super lightweight championship.

This was approved by a vote of its members by the WBA Championships Committee, which, in turn, indicates that Puello’s recess status is provisional and a final decision will be made after May 17 when Puello attends a hearing with the Nevada Athletic Commission and the Commission makes a decision OR if VADA reports a negative result of the B test done at the request of the boxer. Continue reading “Romero-Barroso for full WBA 140lb title”

By Ron Jackson

South Africa’s Kevin Lerena meets Côte D’Ivoire born Ryad Merhy who fights out of Brussels, Belgium in a WBC bridgerweight title eliminator at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Saturday night.

The tournament will be shown live on Supersport.

The World Boxing Council is the only boxing organization that recognizes the bridgerweight division, with a limit of 224 pounds (101kg) Continue reading “Lerena, Merhy clash in WBC bridger eliminator”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

WBO 154-pound interim champion Tim Tszyu (22-0, 16 KOs) returns to the ring against WBC #8 rated Carlos Ocampo (34-2, 22 KOs) on June 18 on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Tim Tszyu: “I don’t need to fight, I want to. I fear no one and will fight anyone. Carlos Ocampo is the perfect test for me right now as his only losses have been at the very top, for titles against the very best. I’ve actually always admired Mexican boxers and their tough, all-action style. They go looking for action and come for war, and that’s exactly what I want him to bring.

“Dad fought five Mexicans and beat them all in his career. He destroyed the greatest Mexican fighter of all time in Julio Cesar Chavez, and I would love to do the same over my career. Continue reading “Tim Tszyu Opponent Named”

Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and MMA star Nate Diaz came face to face for the first time in advance of their August 5 clash at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas. The fight will be an eight round boxing match available on DAZN PPV. Undisputed female featherweight champion Amanda Serrano takes on Heather Hardy in the recently announced co-main event.

Jake Paul Quotes

On why Nate Diaz: “Nate Diaz was always the plan after Tommy. That was what I said. Even in the build-up to Tommy, I was like it’s Nate Diaz after Tommy Fury. So that was always the plan… This is a big fight. This is a fight that I’ve wanted for a long time. [Nate] got out of his UFC contract and this is probably the biggest fight of the year, only topping me versus Tommy. I want to make big events, big fights happen and strike while the iron’s hot. He was a free agent. Let’s run it. Make it happen. Settle the shit talk. I’m ready for war. I’m excited to be here. Thank you for having me out, Dallas. I love y’all and I’m going to do what Conor McGregor couldn’t do, and I’m gonna knock this man out.” Continue reading “Paul-Diaz Kickoff Press Conference”