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A fiery exchange between middleweights Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr concluded today’s press conference when they faced off in Manchester today ahead of this Saturday’s highly-anticipated rematch at the AO Arena, airing in the US on ESPN+ and in the UK and Ireland as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view.

Smith stopped Eubank Jr in the first minute of the fourth round in their January encounter in the same venue, but Eubank’s confidence seemed undented when he confronted Smith at today’s press conference. Even now he was unwilling to acknowledge that Smith, with the first win behind him, was the better fighter of the two.

“If he pulls it off again, I can’t argue with it,” said Eubank. “But the performance I’m going to have on Saturday night is going to be exquisite, super-natural.”

Eubank has referred to Smith’s stoppage win as a “miracle” for the Liverpool man and a feat unlikely to be repeated, a claim which drew derision from Smith.

“Which shot was the miracle, Chris? The miracle was how easy it was!” he said. “If he makes the same mistakes, I’ll punish him for them.” Continue reading “Smith-Eubank 2 Final Press Conference”

By Joe Koizumi
Photo: Naoya Fukuda

“Monster” Naoya Inoue, newly crowned WBC, WBO 122-pound champion, was given a couple of world belts by the representatives of the organization prior to the tripleheader of Ohashi Promotions on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan. Naoya said, holding the belts to his credit, “I truly appreciate your people’s warm supports. I’m fully satisfied with the situation around me as I hear the negotiation of the unification bout with WBA, IBF counterpart Marlon Tapales with all the four belts on the line is coming to an end soon.” His father/trainer Shingo also received the WBC’s special belt.

Promoter: Ohashi Promotions.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos: Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten prospect Keisuke Matsumoto (9-0, 7 KOs), 126, kept his Japanese featherweight belt and acquired the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title as well when he pounded out a unanimous decision (118-110, 117-111, 119-109) over JBC#1 Japan-based Nigerian Ridwan Oyekola (11-2-2-1NC, 5 KOs), 125.75, over twelve technical rounds on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan. The taller shaven-skulled Keisuke is the son of former OPBF 126-pound champ Koji Matsumoto (26-6-1, 15 KOs; whose career spanning 1989-1998), who failed to win the world belt three times from Young-Kyun Park, Yong-Soo Choi and Freddie Norwood. Keisuke, 24, kept jabbing all night to outbox the shorter Nigerian jabber, who came out retaliating furiously down the stretch. But his retaliation in the last two sessions was too late to overcome his early deficits on points. Matsumoto, tall and flexible, seems to have a bright future. Continue reading “Matsumoto defeats Oyekola for WBO AP 126lb belt”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos: Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten Japanese bantam champ Seiya Tsutsumi (9-0-2, 7 KOs), 117.75, barely kept his national belt when he endured bad bleeding and finally hammered out a unanimous decision (96-94 twice, 97-93) over JBC#2 Riku Masuda (3-1, 3 KOs), 117.75, with his remarkable last surge on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan. The talented Masuda, formerly an amateur boxer with a 52-14 mark with 22 stoppages, showed solid southpaw lefts in earlier rounds, but the more experienced champ turned the tide with his desperate combinations to dominate the second half and confirmed his victory. Continue reading “WBA#3 Tsutsumi keeps Japanese bantam belt”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos: Naoki Fukuda

“Monster” Naoya Inoue’s cousin, only once-beaten Koki Inoue (17-1, 14 KOs), 140, acquired the vacant WBO Asia Pacific junior welterweight belt as he withstood the furious attacks of Abdurasul Ismoilov (10-2, 6 KOs), 140, from Uzbekistan, and finally turned the tables with three knockdowns to score a fine TKO victory at 2:11 of the tenth round in a scheduled twelve on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan.

It was a technically competitive contest, but the more skillful Ismoilov connected with accurate left hooks to the taller Japanese southpaw. The eighth saw Ismoilov batter Inoue from pillar to post to have him in great trouble, but Koki showed an incredible retaliation from the next round on. He decked the fading Ismoilov on three occasions to have the referee Fukuchi finally declare a well-received halt. Before the stoppage, the Uzbekistani was leading on points: 88-85, 87-84 both for him, but another judge had it 87-84 for Inoue. Continue reading “Monster’s cousin Koki halts Ismoilov”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos: Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten Filipino flyweight IBF#5/WBO#10 Dave Apolinario (19-0, 13 KOs), 112.75, now under the promotional agreement with Ohashi Promotions, made his first appearance, and impressively defeated also world-rated WBA#9 Brian Mosinos (27-5, 8 KOs), 112.75, Mexico, by a unanimous decision (78-73 twice, 79-73) over eight on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan. It was a competitive fight, but the taller and stylish Apolinario utilized southpaw lefts, floored Mosinos in round two and controlled the fight with his superior sharpness and speed. Mosinos, however, tried to keep stalking the hard-punching Filipino to display his heart. Continue reading “IBF#5 Apolinario defeats WBA#9 Mosinos”

Zhilei Zhang, the WBO interim heavyweight champion, met with Chinese media representatives in New York City to discuss his upcoming title defense against former champion Joe Joyce. Wednesday’s event was held at Peter Song’s Kung Fu Kitchen in Times Square. Zhang vs. Joyce, a rematch, is scheduled for September 23rd in Joyce’s hometown of London at the Wembley Arena, with ESPN+ broadcasting live in the US, Douyin in China and TNT Sports in the UK.

Zhang gave a brief update on his training camp, saying, “People say Joyce is so active and hits hard, but when it comes to sparring, I am working with Alonzo Neal, who throws more punches than Joyce, Dmytro Bezus who hits harder than Joyce, and Mariusz Wach, who is 300 pounds and bigger than Joyce.” Neal is a 2023 National Golden Gloves finalist, Bezus is a 10-1 professional and Wach is a well-respected veteran who challenged former champion Wladimir Klitschko and has shared the ring with contenders Jarrell Miller, Alexander Povetkin, Martin Bakole, Dillian Whyte and Hughie Fury. Continue reading “Zhilei Zhang NYC Press Conference”

Top Rank has signed undefeated heavyweight prospect Brandon Moore to a multi-year promotional agreement. The 6’6 boxer-puncher, who hails from Lakeland, Florida, will make his Top Rank debut later this year. The 29-year-old former U.S. amateur standout turned pro in February 2020 and has knocked out four of his last five opponents.

“Brandon Moore has all the physical tools to develop into a top heavyweight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The heavyweight division is loaded with talent, and I believe Brandon will be squarely in the world title mix before long.” Continue reading “Top Rank inks heavyweight Brandon Moore”

Saturday night at The Showboat in Atlantic City, Christopher Pearson (17-3-1, 12 KOs) battled to a 10-round split draw with Derrick Webster (29-4-1, 15 KOs) in a fight for the NBA super middleweight world title. The card which took place in front of a near-capacity crowd at The Showboat was promoted by Joe Frazier Jr. and Mis Downing Promotions.

The bout was closely contested with Pearson landing the harder blows and very good body work. Each fighter won a card 96-94 and a third card was even at 95-95.

Junior welterweight Shinard Bunch (21-2, 17 KOs) took out Abraham Afful (12-6-1, 12 KOs) in round two of their scheduled eight-rounder. In round two, Bunch dropped Afful with a hard left hook. Affull rolled on his side and did not beat the 10-count at 1:25. Continue reading “Late Results from Atlantic City”

Former world title challenger Radivoje ‘Hot Rod’ Kalajdzic headlines ProBox TV’s Wednesday Night Fights from the network’s headquarters in Plant City, Florida, next week on September 6. The Belgrade-born Kalajdzic (27-2, 19 KOs) will go ten rounds with England’s Mickey Ellison (14-4, 5 KOs) in the light heavyweight division. Continue reading “Kalajdzic-Ellison collide Sept 6th”

My Miguel Maravilla

Super welterweight Jesus Ramos Jr. (20-0, 16 KO’s) is ready to take the next step up as he takes on Erickson Lubin (25-2, 18 KO’s) of Orlando, Florida. The fight is going down Saturday September 30 as the Canelo vs. Charlo Pay per View co-main event, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas live on Showtime PPV.

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Continue reading “Interview: Jesus Ramos Jr”

By Miguel Maravilla

Middleweight Elijah Garcia (15-0, 12 KO’s) of Phoenix spoke about his upcoming fight with Armando Resendiz (14-1, 10 KO’s) of Mexico. Garcia takes on Resendiz on Saturday September 30 on the Canelo vs. Charlo Pay per View undercard taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas live on Showtime PPV.

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Continue reading “Interview: Elijah Garcia”

By Miguel Maravilla

Kissimmee, Florida super welterweight Erickson Lubin (25-2, 18 KO’s) looks to hand undefeated Jesus Ramos Jr. (20-0, 16 KO’s) his first defeat as Lubin will take on Ramos on the Canelo Charlo Pay Per View co-feature. Lubin gets the opportunity on Saturday September 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas live on Showtime PPV.

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By Miguel Maravilla

Former world champion, San Antonio’s Mario Barrios (27-2, 18 KO’s) hopes to become world champion once again when he takes on Cuba’s Yordanis Ugas (27-5, 12 KO’s) for the WBC interim welterweight title. Barrios squares off against Ugas on Saturday September 30 on the Canelo vs. Charlo Pay per View undercard taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas live on Showtime PPV.

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Continue reading “Interview: Mario Barrios”

By Miguel Maravilla

Filipino lightweight Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (34-3-3, 17 KOs) from San Diego is gearing up to face Mexico’s William “El Camarón” Zepeda (28-0, 24 KOs) in his next fight for Zepeda’s WBA Continental Americas title. Gesta squares off against Zepeda on Saturday September 16 at the Commerce Casino & Hotel in Commerce California live on DAZN.

Gesta is coming off a decision win over former world champion Joseph Diaz Jr. early this year in February, now he sets his sights on the undefeated Mexican as Zepeda is coming off a second round knockout of Jaime Arboleda.

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Fighters competing on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo SHOWTIME PPV undercard went face-to-face Tuesday during a Los Angeles press conference ahead of their respective showdowns taking place Saturday, September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from The Conga Room at L.A. Live:

Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. vs. Erickson “Hammer” Lubin

Jesus Ramos Jr:  “He’s been in some wars, so we’ll see if he’s got wear and tear from it…whatever I have to do to win, I’m ready for. I’m here to dominate. I want to make a statement, and in order to do that, I have to dominate. That’s the plan.”

Erickson Lubin:  “Ramos is a real solid fighter. I watched his last fight and I thought he looked good. But I’m not Joey Spencer. I’m one of those top guys in the division…I’m looking for a one-sided ass-whooping. I want to go in there and come out with the victory, untouched.”

Yordenis Ugas vs. Mario “El Azteca” Barrios

Yordenis Ugas: “There’s a lot at stake in this fight, but this is what I do. I go out and fight the best. I plan to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Mario Barrios: It’s gonna take everything to get this win. I’m gonna have to use my boxing ability, my power and my range. It’s gonna be an exciting fight and I’m looking forward to it.”

Elijah Garcia vs. Armando Reséndiz

Elijah Garcia: “I want to be a world champion at 21 years old. Fighting tough opponents like Armando will get me ready for when that opportunity comes. I know how hard it’s gonna be, but that’s the way I have to go.”

Armando Resendiz: “I think that I have experience on my side, but age doesn’t matter too much. When I was younger, I fought older fighters as well. How you prepare is what really matters and I think we’re both going to prepare in the right way.”

Unbeaten junior middleweight Xander Zayas is gearing up for his first scheduled 10-rounder. Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) will return against Roberto Valenzuela Jr. (21-4, 20 KOs) in the co-feature to the IBF featherweight world title showdown between reigning champion Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez and Joet Gonzalez on Friday, September 15, at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Following a recent training session in Miami, this is what Zayas had to say:

“As always, I am giving everything in my preparation for this important step in my career on September 15 in Corpus Christi, Texas. I feel great and am prepared to put on a show on such an important date for the Mexican fans, and even more so when it is one of my first battles between Puerto Rico and Mexico. I’m ready for the challenge!” Continue reading “Zayas poised for first ten-rounder”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
Son of José Sulaimán – WBC President

With great joy and enthusiasm I see that, finally, a long awaited and much needed necessary process of improvement and change is underway. The first step has been taken by the leaders in the ABC.

Boxing, unfortunately, is a sport characterized by resistance to change; traditionalists like everything to remain intact and stubbornly, to keep everything unchanged and untouched. It is extremely difficult to make changes to the rules, adapt criteria to the present day, and take advantage of modern technology, something that simply wasn’t available decades ago.

The Association of Boxing Commissions of the United States has announced a first step, something simple, but of great importance. A guideline for boxing judges was published last week in which it is mandatory to score the round 10-8 whenever there is a knockdown.

This criteria has always existed, but the judge has had the discretion to score 10-9, and we even recently we saw a scandalous 10-10, in a round in which a fighter visited the canvas. This new provision makes and marks 10-8 as mandatory. Continue reading “Boxing in Constant Flux”

The WBA Championships Committee called for a purse bid for a clash between WBA flyweight champion Artem Dalakian and the #1 contender Seigo Yuri Akui, to be held on September 8. The auction will be held in Houston, Texas, and will be conducted by the committee’s vice-president Julio Thyme. The bidding will have a purse split of 75% for the champion and 25% for the challenger. The minimum amount to obtain the promotional rights will be $80,000.

The WBA Championships Committee has ordered a super bantamweight eliminator bout between Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Kevin Gonzalez. Akhmadaliev, a former world champion and current #2 ranked fighter, was initially, he was supposed to face Tomoki Kameda, who occupied the #1 place in the rankings, but the Kameda decided to move up in weight and informed the WBA about it. Therefore, the committee chose the next best available contender, which in this case was the Gonzalez.

The negotiation period granted to Akhmadaliev and Gonzalez is 30 days from the moment the communication was sent. If no agreement is reached within this period or if either party refuses to sign the bout, the committee may call for purse bid with a 50% purse split for each fighters.

Marlon Tapales is the current WBA champion of the division and is expected to meet Naoya Inoue in a unification fight. The winner between Akhamadaliev and Gonzalez will be the next mandatory challenger for the WBA 122-pound world title.

Unbeaten junior welterweight Tito Mercado, (12-0, 11 KOs), of Pomona, CA scored a devastating first-round knockout of Carlos Manuel Portillo, (23-5, 17 KOs), of Asuncion, Paraguay, on Saturday night in front of a huge crowd at the Lumcolor ‘Phoenix Center’ in Ontario, CA. Mercado dropped Portillo with a left hook early in the opening stanza. Sending Portillo to the canvas again with a huge right hand to the head, Mercado was declared the winner by referee Thomas Taylor at 1:36 of the first round. The event was promoted by Fight City Promotions.

Former two-time heavyweight champion Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs) was a recent honorary guest of MLB’s Miami Marlins. Briggs is a native of Brownsville, New York, but has lived in South Florida for the last 20 years. He has now thrown out the opening pitch for the Marlins in three different decades (2000s, 2010s, and 2020s).

Briggs, 51, also announced that a January boxing exhibition showdown between him and former UFC world champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson is in the works – followed by MMA bout of the same. Briggs also stated the two are putting together a podcast prior to their proposed showdowns where both boxing and MMA will be discussed. He was brief on how he sees the result in both proposed bouts. “I am knocking him out twice,” declared Briggs.

Middleweight Liam “Beefy” Smith (33-3-1, 20 KOs) is a -150 favorite to defeat Chris Eubank Jr (32-3, 23 KOs) again in this week’s biggest fight. Smith and Eubank return to the ring at the AO Arena Manchester eight months on from their electrifying January encounter which ended with a Smith KO victory after a frenetic four-round firefight.

The undercard includes WBA #11 super lightweight Adam Azim (8-0, 6 KOs) against Aram Fanyan (23-1, 5 KOs), a big domestic heavyweight clash between Frazer Clarke (7-0, 5 KOs) and Dave Allen (25-5-2, 18 KOs), a welterweight encounter between ‘The Albanian King’ Florian Marku (12-0-1, 7 KOs) and Dylan Moran (18-1, 8 KOs) plus British super middleweight champion Mark Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) defending his belt against gritty challenger ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (21-4-1, 9 KOs), former unified female world champion Mikaela Mayer (18-1, 5 KOs) and Olympic gold medallist Lauren Price (4-0, 1 KOs).

ESPN+ will televise is the U.S., Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view has the bout in the U.K.

Photos: Sumio Yamada

Prince Naseem Hamed’s son, Aadam Hamed, easily won his professional debut on the Usyk-Dubois card in Poland. Super lightweight Hamed got a referee’s stoppage in the first round after a barrage of unanswered punches against Vojtech Hady (1-3, 1 KO).

Photos

A sold-out crowd of nearly 2,000 fans enjoyed a memorable night of boxing last night, presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

In the main event, rising super featherweight prospect Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs) stopped Anthony Chavez (11-4-1, 3 KOs) in the sixth round. Brooks cracked Chavez with a powerful left that sent Chavez to the canvas. He was able to beat the count, however, Brooks attacked his dazed opponent, unloading a barrage of unanswered punches until referee Joel Scobee waved off the fight.

In the co-feature, featherweight Gregory Cruz (5-2-1, 3 KOs) and Roberto Negrete (4-2-1, 2 KOs) fought to a six-round split-draw.

Undefeated super lightweight Lorenza Caldera (7-0, 4 KOs) stopped Jake “D’ Twins” Bornea (14-5-1, 7 KOs), the former WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight Champion, in the second round.