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The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee ordered the purse bid for the super bantamweight world eliminator bout between Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Kevin Gonzalez, which will take place on October 9 in Houston, Texas.

After the period of negotiations was completed without the parties reaching an agreement, the WBA decided to call the bidding, which will be directed by the World Championships Committee vice chairman, Julio Thyme from Panama. The bidding will be conducted under WBA rules and the purse split will be 50% for each fighter, while the minimum amount to participate will be US$ 80,000.

Akhmadaliev is ranked #1 at 122 pounds and a former world champion, while Gonzalez is ranked #2. The two must fight to determine the next challenger for the title, which is currently held by Marlon Tapales.

By Ron Jackson

South African flyweight champion Jackson ‘M3” Van Tonder Chauke from Tembisa makes the fifth defense of his title when he faces #5 ranked challenger Thembelani Nxoshe at the East London International Conference Centre in East London on Sunday afternoon.

This is a must win for the 38-year-old Chauke, as with five successful defenses of the South African title, the championship belt will become his own property. Continue reading “Chauke to defend SA flyweight title against Nxoshe”

Unbeaten British heavyweight standouts Fabio Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs) and David Adeleye (12-0, 11 KOs) will meet in a high-stakes clash October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 12-round battle will serve as the chief support contest to the showdown between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and MMA star Francis Ngannou.

Other heavyweight bouts include:

Former WBO world champion Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KOs) vs. Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs), ten rounds.

WBC #3 Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs) vs. Agron Smakici (19-2, 17 KOs), ten rounds.

Unbeaten 18-year-old Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA, six rounds.

IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (22-0, 17 KOs) and 6’6 challenger Jordan Thompson (15-0, 12 KOs) faced off at the final press conference ahead of their world title fight on Saturday night on DAZN from the OVO Arena in London.

Jai Opetaia: “We adapt as well, to all different styles. I’ve been boxing my whole life, I’ve earned this, it didn’t happen by accident. So Saturday night, we do it again. I want to collect all the cruiserweight titles. I’m winning this fight, however it happens, it happens.”

Jordan Thompson: “I can’t wait to go out there and claim what’s mine on Saturday night. We all know boxing and what it takes to become a world champion, I am going to take the belts off him and I am going to do it by knockout.”

Undisputed world champions Canelo Álvarez and Jermell Charlo went face to face Wednesday at the final press conference before their PPV showdown this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“He’s gonna feel it…He’s not used to being in there with a fighter like me.” – Canelo

“You’re gonna see us back again for a rematch, because this is my moment.” –Charlo

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand: Continue reading “Canelo-Charlo Final Press Conference”

Sad to report the passing of Boxing Hall of Fame announcer Colonel Bob Sheridan at the age of 79. Sheridan called the blow-by-blow action in over 10,000 fights on radio and television, including the legendary Rumble in the Jungle, the Thrilla in Manila, the Fanman Fight, the Bite Fight and many more.

“The Colonel had a larger-than-life personality,” said Fightnews.com® Editor & Chief Karl Freitag. “We interviewed him many times. He was always entertaining and could tell a story like no other. He was a friend of Fightnews.com® and will be missed.”

Here’s a great interview with the Colonel by Boxing Bob Newman at the 2010 WBC Convention:

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Former world champion Miguel “El Alacrán” Berchelt (38-3, 34 KOs) of Yucatan will make a redemptive return to the ring as the main event of Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Mexico Edition in a lightweight match against former world champion challenger of Tucuman, Argentina, Diego “El Profeta” Ruiz (24-7-1, 12 KOs). The 10-round lightweight fight is presented in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing on Saturday, October 14 at the Poliforum Zamna in Mérida.

In the co-main event, Mexico City’s undefeated Angel Ayala (16-0, 7 KOs) will have his clean record tested by former world champion of Managua, Nicaragua, Felix “El Gemelo” Alvarado (39-3, 34 KOs) in an IBF eliminator fight scheduled for 10-rounds.

A change in opponent now has WBO Jr Flyweight titlist Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (27-3-1) of Caguas, Puerto Rico making his third defense against Nicaraguan ranked contender WBO #14 Gerardo “Cascabel” Zapata (14-1-1) on Friday, October 27th from Alexis Arguello Sports Complex in Managua, Nicaragua.

“Zapata has stepped in for Leyman Benavides as he felt ill and after a few days he will not be able to fight Gonzalez,” ,tates Tuto Zabala Jr President of ASB “He was fighting a rematch on the co-main event and has been training, we can expect a tough fight.” Continue reading “New opponent for Bomba Gonzalez”

KO artist Edwin De Los Santos (16-1, 14 KOs) is set to take on Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs) for the vacant WBC lightweight world title on Thursday, November 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. ESPN will televise.

Edwin De Los Santos: “I want to thank Top Rank, the WBC, ESPN and my promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, for this opportunity to put on a great fight and win my first world championship. I am a proud Dominican warrior who fights for my people! Shakira, I’m going to kick your ass.”

9:1 favorite Stevenson doesn’t seen too worried.

Shakur Stevenson: “Edwin De Los Santos is a good fighter and he’s going to come to fight. I give him credit for actually taking this fight when so many other so-called ‘fighters’ ran from it. I’m the biggest boogeyman in boxing, and on November 16, the world will see why when I put on another great performance for the fans. Come out to T-Mobile Arena or tune in to ESPN and watch me become a three-division world champion.”

IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia went through a brief media workout today in advance of Saturday’s title defense against Jordan Thompson at the OVO Arena in London. DAZN will televise.

Undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez and undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo made their grand arrivals in Las Vegas on Tuesday as they kicked off fight week events for their showdown headlining a $84.99 PPV this Saturday from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view.

Canelo Alvarez: “I feel the love and support from my people and I’m proud to represent my country. I am 100% right now and ready to show you a different Canelo on Saturday. Charlo is a great fighter who knows how to box. He is strong and has nothing to lose. He came to my division to win it all. But I’ve been in this position for a long time and I’m ready.”

Jermell Charlo: “These fans think Canelo is the best in the world, but I’m going to come here and show that I’m the best. I do this for the dogs, the hungry ones. I do it for the animals. I’m made for this. After I beat Canelo, the world will be screaming ‘Charlo, Charlo!’ You dig? Now it’s my turn, my time, my moment. I’m going to shine on Saturday night. We can’t talk about it; we have to be about it. Come fight night, you’ll all see what that means.”

Unbeaten IBF #2 super middleweight contender Vladimir Shishkin (14-0, 8 KOs) will return to action this Friday against Ramon Ayala (25-8-1, 13 KOs) in an eight-round matchup from Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort in Miami, Florida.

“I’m staying active and sharp and making sure that I’m getting better every day,” said Shishkin. “I’ll be watching the Canelo vs. Charlo fight closely, but I’m laser-focused on being at my best this Friday night. To get that Canelo fight I know that I have to win impressively and earn my shot.”

Now fighting out of the resurgent Detroit boxing scene under the guidance of the renowned SugarHill Steward, Shishkin bested former world champion Jose Uzcategui via a unanimous decision in December in a bout that aired on Showtime.

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

We are now entering the final stretch for one of the most important fights of 2023, a year that has been characterized and distinguished for the great fights which have kept boxing fans from around the world entertained and thrilled to see the best fight the best in many divisions.

Saul “Canelo” Álvarez, undisputed champion of the super middleweight division, will fight against Jermell Charlo, undisputed monarch of the super welterweight division.

It is the first time that two undisputed champions meet in the ring in the era of the four belts: WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF. Continue reading “Canelo vs. Charlo Saturday Night”

WBA, IBF, WBO lightweight champion Devin Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) and WBC super lightweight champion Regis Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs) commented on their December 9 clash at Chase Center in San Francisco, live on DAZN PPV in North America and on DAZN worldwide.

Devin Haney: “I’m the real face of boxing. December 9. Legacy and money…on paper this is a tough fight because it’s my first fight at a heavier weight division. I’m comfortable with the plan we have. God willing, I’m going to be stronger and faster than ever. I’m going to dominate him, and the welterweight division will be put on notice.”

Regis Prograis: “Since my last fight they mentioned Devin’s name and that’s the only person I’ve had on my mind. I will not only beat him, but I will beat him up. I will hurt this kid. It’s nothing he can do that’s going to stop me from dominating. It’s going to be a massacre. Again, I will hurt him.”

Middleweight Mark “The Bazooka” DeLuca (30-4, 18 KOs) has inked a promotional agreement with Don King Productions. DeLuca has earned numerous regional titles including the WBA NABA belt. He will face WBA #7 ranked Ian Green (17-2, 11 KOs) for the WBA Inter-Continental belt on Don King Productions’ “Only in America 92 Celebration” event on November 4th at Casino Miami Jai Alai in Miami, FL.

Mark DeLuca, “I would like to thank my manager and Don King for putting this deal together. I’m excited to be fighting on this big event on November 4th in Miami.” Continue reading “DKP inks Mark DeLuca”

Undisputed junior middleweight world champion and Houston-native Jermell Charlo received a hometown send-off  before he headed to Las Vegas to challenge undisputed super middleweight world champion Canelo Álvarez headlining a Showtime PPV on Saturday from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“Houston means so much to me and it’s extremely motivating to feel their support before I step into the biggest fight of my career,” said Charlo. “Me and my brother Jermall have been putting on for our city for so many years, and on Saturday, September 30 I know I’m gonna have Houston in my corner. I can’t wait to represent what this city is all about.”

The WBC has unveiled the stunning new Puebla belt, designed by Angélica Moreno in the Talavera de la Reyna workshop. It will be presented to the winner of the historic Undisputed vs Undisputed match featuring Saúl “Canelo” Alvarez and Jermell Charlo, taking place this Saturday.

Fast tracking super welterweight ‘King’ Callum Walsh will make his New York debut in The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, November 9, broadcast globally on UFC Fightpass. The 22-year-old Walsh, (8-0, 7 KOs), will make the second defense of his WBC US Silver title against Ismael Villarreal (13-1, 9 KOs).

SATURDAY
Undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez against undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo finally arrives this week on an $84.99 PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo is a 4:1 favorite. Good undercard too.

DAZN has IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia putting his world title on the line against Jordan Thompson from the OVO Arena in London. Opetaia is a 5:1 favorite.

Fite+ has a female lightweight clash between Caroline Dubois against Magali Rodriguez from York Hall in London.

There also an attractive heavyweight clash Murat Gassiev and Otto Wallin from the Regnum Carya Resort in Antalya, Turkey. This will likely pop up on a stream somewhere, but nothing announced yet. Gassiev is a 3:1 favorite.

Matchroom Boxing has announced agreement to bring a series of major boxing events to Japan. The deal will see Matchroom stage three major world-class events per year in Japan – all live worldwide to DAZN subscribers (excluding Asia) – over the next three years.

“The future of boxing in Japan is incredibly bright,” said Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith. “We are delighted to seal this historic partnership with Rakuten Ticket, Inc and NSN. Japan is an important, strategic market for us to operate in and by bringing our world-class boxing events to this great country, we will not only showcase some of the finest fighters on the planet, but we will help establish some of the country’s leading domestic talents who will undoubtedly prosper on the world’s stage in years to come.”

UK-based Matchroom is easily the world’s most global boxing promoter, regularly staging shows in the U.K, U.S., Mexico, Europe, and the Middle East.

In front of a full house at the Thunder Studios in Long Beach California, Marvnation Promotions presented a seven bout fight card on Saturday Night. The original main event, featuring the pro debut of Marco Antonio Barrera Jr., was scratched the day before, so the card was reshuffled with two co-featured bouts.

Middleweight Andrew Buchanan moved his record to 3-0, 1 KO, by out-slugging Mexico’s Fredy Vargas Galarza (2-1, 1 KO) in a six round fight. Scores were 59-55 (twice) and 60-54 all for Buchanan.

In the co-featured fight, Yadira Bustillos (8-1, 0 KOs) out-slicked and out-boxed a very game and tough Katherine Lindenmuth (5-2, 2 KOs) in a fast-paced eight round female minimumweight bout. Continue reading “Results from Long Beach, California”

Featherweight prospect Laureano Sciuto (13-1, 8 KOs) of Argentina avoided the upset of Yohan Segura (12-2, 9 KOs) of Colombia by winning by majority decisión on Saturday night at the Club Social y Deportivo El Porvenir in Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Segura came out strong the first half of the fight banging at the body of Sciouto while landing several eye catching headshots. Segura slowed down the second half of the fight where Sciuto countered and piled up some points. The judges in the end had it 97-93, 96-94 for Sciuto and 95-95 even. The event was promoted by Marcos Maidana (Chino Promotions).

Report/Photos Scott Foster at ringside

Unbeaten WBO #4, IBF #7 super lightweight Richardson Hitchins (17-0, 7 KOs) outboxed WBC #6, WBO #11 Jose “Chon” Zepeda (37-4, 28 KOs) over twelve one-sided rounds on Saturday night at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. 25-year-old Richardson Hitchins was taking a large step in class with Zepada, the victor of a brutal candidate for fight of the year in 2020. Hitchins outclassed Zepada from the onset with a technical, albeit defensive style, and each successive round was a carbon copy of the last. Scores were 119-109 and 120-108 2x.

Unbeaten super welterweight Conor “The Destroyer” Benn (22-0, 14 KOs), returning to the ring for the first time in 17 months, went ten rounds with Rodolfo “Sinaloita” Orozco (32-4-3, 24 KOs). Orozco stole some of the middle rounds before Benn finished in style, hurting Orozco badly in the ninth and again in the tenth. Scores read 96-94 and 99-91 2x, all for Benn.

In a unification battle for the WBA, WBC and WBO female welterweight titles, Sandy Ryan (6-1-1, 2 KOs) and Jessica McCaskill (12-3-1, 5 KOs) fought to a controversial ten round draw. The fight developed into a see-saw fight, with both fighters swapping the early rounds, but Ryan appeared to wrest control in the 5th, dominating the mid rounds behind her jab and good bodywork. McCaskill rallied in the ninth and tenth and may have secured her title belts during this final push, with the judges eventually declaring the bout a draw. Scores were 97-93 McCaskill, 96-94 for Ryan with the third judge providing the determinative score, 95-95. Continue reading “Hitchins dominates Zepeda”

By Boxing Bob Newman at ringside

Damon Howard’s “4 Champs Promotions” put on a quick and entertaining 4 bout card at the Jean Shepherd Community Center in Hammond, Indiana on Saturday night.

Debuting super middle Alan Facio took on Robbie Thomas in the main event. After two throw downs, Facio legally put Thomas down for good with a non-stop barrage in the corner. The end was 1:42 of round one. Facio starts out at 1-0, 1 KO while Thomas goes to 0-7! Continue reading “Results from Hammond, IN”

WBO interim heavyweight champion Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) brutally knocked out “Juggernaut” Joe Joyce (15-2, 14 KOs) in round three on Saturday night at the OVA Arena in London. Zhang landed some hard shots in round two, then laid out Joyce with a flush right hand in round three. Joyce went down face first. Time was 3:07.

After the fight, Zhang asked the crowd, “Do you want to see me shut up Tyson Fury?”

Two-time light heavyweight world title challenger Anthony Yarde (24-3, 23 KOs) destroyed late sub Jorge Silva (22-9, 12 KOs) in round two. Heavy-handed Yarde pummeled Silva to the canvas and the bout was stopped.

Super middleweight Zach Parker (23-1, 17 KOs) was victorious when Khalid Graidia (10-13-4, 2 KOs) didn’t come out for round eight. Parker was rebounding from a loss to John Ryder 10 months ago.

Unbeaten super lightweight Pierce O’Leary (13-0, 7 KOs) hammered out a ten round unanimous decision over durable Kane Gardner (16-3, 7 KOs). Scores were 100-90, 99-92, 99-92.