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Top Rank has announced a November 16 world title twinbill in Las Vegas headlined by Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs) against Edwin De Los Santos (16-1, 14 KOs) for the vacant WBC lightweight title. WBO junior lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) defends against 2016 Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs) in the co-feature.

Stevenson was originally slated to face Frank Martin, but that bout fell through after the camps announced an agreement.

William Zepeda 134.2 vs. Mercito Gesta 134.2
(WBA Continental Americas lightweight title)

Yokasta Valle 105 vs. Maria Santizo 104.2
(IBF & WBO female minimumweight titles)

Victor Morales 126 vs. Edwin Palomares 125.4
Darius Fulghum 170.8 vs. Ricardo Luna 170.8
Eric Priest 159.8 vs. Simon Madsen 158.6
Daniel Garcia 132 vs. Erick Benitez 131.6
Alejandro Reyes 139.6 vs. Roberto Gomez 140
Gael Cabrera 126.2 vs. Juan Centeno 127.6
Jordan Cervantes 136.4 vs. Giovanny Meza 137.2

Venue: Commerce Casino, Commerce, California
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: DAZN

Yesterday DiBella Entertainment signed heavyweight Joe Goodall (10-1-1, 9 KOs). Today it was announced that DiBella has joined Holden Productions in signing a co-promotional agreement with heavyweight McKenzie Morrison (20-1-2, 18 KOs), son of legendary heavyweight Tommy Morrison. For the past several years, Morrison, who lives in Fayetteville, AR, has trained with Kevin Lightburn at Straight Right Boxing & Fitness in nearby Springdale, AR.

The 33-year-old Morrison is best known to boxing fans for his fifth-round stoppage of Hasim Rahman Jr. in April 2022 at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas. The fight was billed as “Sons of Legends.”

As things heat up for Mexican Independence Day, William “El Camarón” Zepeda (28-0, 24 KOs) and Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (34-3-3, 17 KOs) hosted a press conference ahead of their 12-round clash on Saturday for Zepeda’s WBA Continental Americas lightweight title on DAZN from the Commerce Casino & Hotel in Commerce, California.

William Zepeda: “I am extremely motivated for this fight. I’ve always believed that there’s no such thing as an A-side or B-side in boxing. To face a grand rival like Mercito Gesta is a great privilege, and I can’t wait to demonstrate to everyone of what “El Camarón” is made of.”

Mercito Gesta: “I am not new in this sport. I will never stop learning. My style always evolves. I am staying in focused with my coach Marvin Somodio. I am so excited to be facing William Zepeda who is undefeated. Zepeda is an up-and-coming fighter. He’s great and he excites me. This opportunity is really hard to miss. Now that Oscar and Golden Boy have given it to me – why not? It’s a good fight. I want to thank Golden Boy for this opportunity.”

Joey Dawejko 253.1 vs. Colby Madison 241.7
(WBC US heavyweight title)

Quadir Albright 147.7 vs. DeMarcus Layton 148.8
Brendan O’Callagham 158.2 vs. Dewayne Williams 158.4
Jackie McTamney 125.9 vs. Brittany Dukes 118
Muhammad Robinson 139.6 vs. Najeem Johns 138.8
Tyler Zwicharowski 154.5 vs. Tevon Watson 155.2
Canar Morrison 156.3 vs. Vincent Floyd 156.9
Ibrahim Robinson 146.8 vs. Elizer Olmeda 147.4

Venue: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Promoter: King’s Promotions
Stream: BXNGTV.com

DiBella Entertainment has announced the signing of 6’5 Australian heavyweight “Big Bad” Joe Goodall (10-1-1, 9 KOs). Goodall caught the attention of boxing fans worldwide in July, when he upset Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw (18-2, 13 KOs) in by sixth round stoppage.

Recently, Joe joined Coorparoo Boxing Gym, enlisting head coach Harry Costi as his trainer, with Chris Rose handling strength and conditioning duties.

“Joe Goodall is a big, physically imposing, athletic heavyweight. I was extremely impressed with his emphatic win over Stephan Shaw. It wasn’t an accident though. Joe defeated Efe Ajagba in the amateurs,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “I strongly believe that Joe Goodall is coming into his own and will be a heavyweight championship contender. I’m thrilled to be working with him and his manager, Steve Scanlan.”

Luis Alberto Lopez 125.2 vs. Joet Gonzalez 126
(IBF featherweight title)

Xander Zayas 153.7 vs. Roberto Valenzuela Jr. 153.4
Emiliano Vargas 135.8 vs. Alejandro Guardado 136.3

Omar Aguilar 146.6 vs. Julio Luna 146.6
John Rincon 143.4 vs. Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera 143.9
Jamaine Ortiz 137.8 vs. Antonio Moran 137.5
Ruben Villa 126.7 vs. Brandon Valdes 126.9
Tiger Johnson 141.7 vs. Ricardo Quiroz 141.6

Venue: American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
Promoter: Top Rank
TV: ESPN, ESPN+

Rafael Pedroza 122 vs. Ramon Cardenas 121.8
Mirco Cuello 125.2 vs. Rudy Garcia 125.3
Freudis Rojas 146.8 vs. Saul Bustos 146.7

Ravven Brown 130 vs. Kavarcia Polk 126.5
Felix Garcia 131 vs. Joseph Johnson 130
Arturo Ramos 142.4 vs. Bryan Springs 142.3
Dagoberto Nevarez 170.2 vs. Alejandro Avalos 169.8
Jose Antonio Ruiz 121.3 vs. Felipe Hernandez 121.1

Venue: Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio, Texas
Promoter: Sampson Boxing
TV: Showtime

Angel Fierro 134.5 vs. Brayan Zamarripa 134.5
Erika Cruz 122 vs. Melissa Oddessa Parker 122
Kevin Barron Crespo 125.7 vs. Christian Olivi Barreda 125.7
Sabrina Maribel Perez 125.7 vs. Skye Nicolson 125.7
Federico Pacheco Jr. 262 vs. Carlos Cardenas 224

Venue: Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno, Tijuana, Mexico
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN

Heavyweight contender Jerry “Slugger” Forrest (26-6-2, 20 KOs), of Newport News, VA, returns to the ring tomorrow night near his hometown headlining an event at John Marshall Hall, in Richmond, VA. He will take on Robert Hall Jr. (14-1, 11 KOs) in the eight-round main event. The card, titled “Ritz & Rumble” and promoted by River City Promotions, will be streamed live on FITE+ at 7:00pm ET.

“I’m thrilled to get back into the ring after taking some time off after my last fight,” said Forrest. “I’ve studied Hall and I know he’s not as fast as me nor can he keep up with my pressure. I believe that no one can beat me when I’m 100 percent healthy and in shape. I’ve had a great training camp with my new head coach, Eric Ash, out of his gym, Vintage Boxing Gym & Fitness, in Richmond, VA.

“Last year, I was dealing with injuries going into both of my fights. Following the Jared Anderson fight, I took some time off to heal and now I am fully healthy. After I get this win, I’ll be looking to get right back into the mix. There are a lot of opportunities at heavyweight right now and I’ve already proven that I can compete at the top of the division.” Continue reading “Heavyweight Jerry Forrest Returns”

Undisputed super middleweight world champion Canelo Álvarez showed off the skills showed his skills during a media workout on Wednesday at his Lake Tahoe training camp as he prepares to take on undisputed junior middleweight world champion Jermell Charlo headlining a Showtime PPV on September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo is attempting to become the first man during the four-belt era to defend all four titles successfully three consecutive times.

Canelo Alvarez

“I always want to make the best fights out there. I’m excited to be in this fight. This is a fight that people have talked about for a while. I’m excited to show the Charlos my skills. Now Jermell is gonna feel my skills.

“I think Jermell Charlo is the perfect fight right now. He’s been calling me out for a long time and I never forget. He’s said a lot of things. He never believed in my skills, but he’s gonna find out soon. Him and his brother didn’t believe in my skills and that motivates me for this fight. Continue reading “Canelo: I still believe I’m number one”

IBF featherweight champion Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) is ready to kick-start Mexican Independence Day weekend with the second defense of his world title against two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs) this Friday on ESPN from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Luis Alberto Lopez: “I respect him because he has had great fights. He has done a great job in his career. But you know that when we get in the ring there is no respect. I am going to take this belt home for my family and for Mexico…it’s going to be a total war. When there are two hungry Mexicans in the ring, they always go at it with everything. We know that Joet Gonzalez is tough. And my goal, as I’ve said, is to knock him out.”

Joet Gonzalez: “This is my third {world title} opportunity. I’m truly grateful. I’ve worked really hard every single time. And every time I step into the ring, I give it my all. I’ve got to win…I’m expecting a great fight. It’s a big day for Mexico. All I have to do is win and become the new IBF world champion. Plain and simple. I can’t go home empty-handed. I’m bringing that belt back home.”

* * *

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, rising Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) faces Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr. (21-4, 20 KOs). In the six-round lightweight ESPN-televised opener, Emiliano Fernando Vargas (6-0, 5 KOs) steps up versus Spain’s Alejandro Guardado (5-0, 1 KO).

WBO #4 lightweight Angel Fierro (21-1-2, 17 KOs) defends his WBO NABO title against Brayan Zamarripa (13-1, 4 KOs) on Friday night (September 15) at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana, Mexico, live worldwide on DAZN.

Angel Fierro: “I know he’s a brave fighter. When two Mexicans step into the ring it is all-out war, especially on a Mexican holiday. Now he wants to take my title, he must be as hungry as any other boxer fighting for a dream. I think this time the fans will win. It’s motivating to me that another Mexican wants my title, and more motivating knowing that I am now the one being hunted…I can imagine a hard fight but getting my hand raised, and then having another victory and heading to bigger stages in America.”

Brayan Zamarripa: “I’ve been in with knockout artists before, and it doesn’t scare me one bit. I’ve been training hard, harder than I ever have in my life. I know he’s a big hitter, brings good things to the table, but I am ready, I’ve been doing this my whole life. I will just go out there and show what I am capable of…I don’t know how I will beat him, but I know I am going to come out victorious. After this, we’re going after the best, we want to be ranked in the top ten and that’s what we’re looking for.”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Southpaw Japanese Katsuya Yasuda (12-1, 7 KOs), 134.75, kept his WBO AP lightweight belt when he displayed improved counterpunching, battered Korean Min-Ho Jung (15-5-2, 4 KOs), 134.5, with counters and scored a nearly shutout decision (119-109 twice, 118-110) over twelve fast rounds on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan. Jung, in his previous bout, had upset then world-rated Japanese Hironori Mishiro in Korea this April, and ambitiously wished to wrest the regional belt from Yasuda, a less powerful speedster. But it was Yasuda that often countered him with vicious left uppercuts to the liver, effectively weakening the Korean down the stretch. Continue reading “Yasuda beats Jung, keeps WBO AP 135lb belt”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Do you know Naruto? Naruto is a very famous Japanese cartoon hero who is a marvelous Ninja (invisible master of martial arts). A Filipino boxer claims he is Naruto and asked for a ring announcement as Lito “Naruto” Dante. WBC#14 minimum Dante (21-11, 12 KOs and no KO defeats), 105, proved he’s Naruto, completely outmaneuvered previously unbeaten ex-kickboxer Takeshi Ishii (7-1, 6 KOs), 105, and was awarded a split but well-received decision victory (77-75 twice, 75-77) over eight tricky and puzzling rounds on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan.

Having once dethroned OPBF minimum champ Tsubasa Koura here in 2019, Dante came back to Japan and displayed his unorthodox but scrappy style to give a lesson to the powerful but less accurate prospect. We could understand why Lito persistently asked himself to be introduced as Naruto, a ghost-like versatile trickster in the popular comic strip here. We wish to see Naruto again. Continue reading “WBC #14 Lito Dante defeats unbeaten Ishii”

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

Football is finally back, I’m in a very good mood because the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants, it will be a great week for me but won’t get my expectations so high, its been 27 years without the glory.

Last week the NABF (North American Boxing Federation) Annual Convention was held at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida. It was a wonderful meeting in which topics of great interest were discussed.

The NABF was founded in 1968, immediately affiliating itself with the World Boxing Council. It is the federation that represents the three countries of North America: Canada, the United States and Mexico.

It is of great importance and influence, since the US and Mexico are very much powerful nations in this sport worldwide, being leaders in the number of world champions and world championship fights throughout their territory. Continue reading “Memorable NABF Convention”

Former IBO super middleweight world champion Carlos Gongora (22-2, 17 KOs) of Ecuador stopped heavy handed local favorite Jhon Teheran (18-4, 15 KOs) on Tuesday morning at the Coliseo David Sanchez de Pescaito in Santa Marta, Colombia. Gongora imposed his will midway through round one and dropped Teheran with a combination to the head. Teheran beat the count and managed to survive the round. A wicked right hook to the body ended matters early in round two as Teheran crumbled to canvas where the referee immediately waved off the bout. Gongora is managed by Mike Criscio and promoted by Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella.

“It’s been a hell of a ride” – Greg Sirb

After 33 years, legendary Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission (SAC) executive director Greg Sirb is planning to retire. His last day is September 29.

Sirb has served as executive director since January 29, 1990, making him the country’s longest-tenured executive director of a state athletic commission. Currently, Sirb is serving under his seventh Pennsylvania governor and his 14th Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Sirb will receive “special recognition” this month from the members of the Pennsylvania Senate.

Continue reading “Sirb to retire after 33 years with PA Commission”

By Joe Koizumi

Unbeaten Japanese prospect, WBC youth light fly champ Yuga Ozaki (4-0-1, 4 KOs), a fast-punching southpaw, 108, decked a very important victory over WBA#4 Sitthisak Simsri (15-2, 15 KOs), 106.75, a hard-punching Thailander, when Ozaki dropped him twice in the first round and had him in great trouble to have the ref declare a halt at 1:53 of the second round in a scheduled ten on Sunday in Osaka, Japan. Ozaki looked so sharp and smooth that he connected fast combinations to the highly regarded Thailander, quickly decking him twice in round one. Simsri had a narrow escape, and he scored with a big left midway in round two. Ozaki, however, retaliated with a furious combination to have him helpless to the ropes to cause the referee’s intervention.

Promoter: Taisei Promotions.

By Joe Koizumi

40-year-young ex-world 105-pound champ Katsunari Takayama (34-9, 12 KOs), 107.5, scored a unanimous decision (78-74 twice, 77-75) over Filipino Jerome Baloro (7-4-1, 4 KOs), 107.5, over eight fast rounds on Sunday in Osaka, Japan. For the veteran Takayama, it was his second comeback go since he failed to win the WBO light fly belt from Elwin Soto in Arlington, TX in 2021 as he recently decisioned Filipino Joel Lino this June. Faster and busier, Katsunari piled up more points and defeated the durable Filipino, seventeen years his junior.

Promoter: Taisei and Ishida Promotions.

By Joe Koizumi

WBO#1 ranked flyweight contender Riku Kano (16-3-1, 7 KOs), 112, floored Kitidech Hirunsuk (11-5, 6 KOs), 112, a durable Thailander, twice in rounds one and six, and pounded out a nearly one-sided decision (all 98-87) over ten furious rounds on Sunday in Osaka, Japan. Having renounced his WBO AP belt, Kano is patiently waiting for his turn to fight for the world belt. The sixth saw Kano drop Kitidech again but hit him while he was still on the canvas to have him penalized a couple of points therefrom. Taisei Promotions is planning to stage an eliminator with WBO#2 Olimjon Nazarov to decide the WBO mandatory challenger within this year.

Wins vacant WBO AP 112lb belt

By Joe Koizumi

Unbeaten Kento Hatanaka (15-0, 10 KOs), 112, acquired the vacant WBO Asia Pacific flyweight belt (relinquished by Riku Kano) as he eked out a close but unanimous decision (114-113, 115-112 twice) over previously undefeated Akira Hoshuyama (9-1, 4 KOs), 112, over twelve hard-fought rounds on Sunday in Nagoya, Japan.

Kento, the son of ex-WBC 122-pound champ Kiyoshi Hatanaka, scored a flash knockdown in the first round, which eventually distinguished a victory from a defeat after their give-and-take affair that fully entertained the audience.

Promoter: Hatanaka Promotions.

Boxing returns to Thunder Studios in Long Beach on September 23 with an eleven-bout card featuring the Son of the Legend, Marco Antonio Barrera Jr. making his professional debut. Barrera Jr. looks to create his own legacy as he squares off against New Yorker Sirdarious Smith (0-3 with three first round KO losses. Tickets start $70 with ringside at $150 and $200.

Undisputed junior middleweight world champion Jermell Charlo held a live streamed media workout on Monday and previewed his upcoming showdown against undisputed super middleweight world champion Canelo Álvarez topping a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Here is what Charlo, along with trainer Derrick James, had to say Monday from his training camp in Houston:

Jermell Charlo

“I’ve been doing this my whole life and now it’s time to put on for my city. Put up or shut up and do what I do. I’m facing one of the best fighters in the world, you have to be excited for this moment.

“Now is the right time for this fight. We’re in our primes and at our best. I wanna shake the doubters off and prove to the world why I’m in this position. There’s a reason I made it this far. I’m gonna show what I’m made of. Everything I’ve done since I was eight years old, I’m putting it all on the line now. Continue reading “Jermell Charlo Media Workout”

Ten months after accepting a WBA offer to fight in a title eliminator, WBA #2 super flyweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 9 KOs) will finally get his opportunity October 7 in Las Vegas against WBA #7 Ronal Batista (15-3, 9 KOs). The winner will become the mandatory challenger for WBA super flyweight World Champion Kazuto Ioka (30-2-1, 15 KOs). Ramirez was initially matched against then #3 rated Sirichai Thaiyen (64-4, 42 KOs), who has since dropped to #8 in the WBA rankings.

Ramirez-Batista will be the co-featured event on a Golden Boy-promoted card to be headlined by former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), who takes on former world light heavyweight titleholder Joe “The Common Man” Smith, Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs). All the action will be streamed live on DAZN from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan.