Fightnews.com

By Miguel Maravilla

Filipino lightweight Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (34-3-3, 17 KOs) from San Diego was victorious Saturday night in taking a unanimous decision over former world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (32-4-1, 15 KOs) of South El Monte, California at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California. Here is what Mercito said about his victory:

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By Miguel Maravilla at ringside

In a super lightweight clash elevated to main event status after the sudden implosion of the Zurdo-Rosado headliner, Filipino veteran Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (34-3-3, 17 KOs) from San Diego was victorious Saturday night in taking a ten round split decision over former world champion and 2012 U.S Olympian Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (32-4-1, 15 KOs) of South El Monte, California at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California.

Gesta worked from the start, letting his hands go. He was busier than Diaz but Diaz connected with the right hand towards the end of the opening round. Staying busy and jabbing in the second, Gesta outworked Diaz. Things began to pick up in the third as Diaz and Gesta exchanged inside with the Filipino fighting off the ropes and the 2012 Olympian on the attack. In the fourth, Diaz stood close and applied pressure with Gesta mixing it up using the jab from a distance and trading. Continue reading “Gesta beats JoJo by split decision”

In a battle of attrition, welterweight Cyrus Pattinson (6-0, 4 KOs) stopped Chris Jenkins (23-7-3, 8 KOs) in round nine to claim the vacant English welterweight title on Saturday night at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England. Tough, gritty fight with Jenkins’ corner finally throwing in the towel. Time was 1:34.

Heavyweight Solomon Dacres (6-0, 2 KO)s teed off on Robert Ismay (11-1, 4 KOs) until the referee stepped in at 2:12 of round two. Dacres claimed the vacant English title.

Super bantamweight Hopey Price (10-0, 3 KOs) outpointed Thomas Masson (20-6-1, 7 KOs) over ten rounds for the vacant WBA Continental title. Scores 99-91, 100-90, 98-92.

Other Results:
Pat McCormack TKO8 Dario Socci (welterweight)
Callum French W8 Jordan Ellison (lightweight)
Mark Dickinson W8 Ben Ridings (middleweight)
Adam Reichard W4 Jahfieus Faure (lightweight)
Maiseyrose Courtney W4 Buchra El Quaissi (female super flyweight)
Muhammad Ali W4 Sean Jackson (super bantamweight)

In a war, WBA #10 heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (26-0-1, 22 KOs) scored an entertaining sixth round TKO over WBA #9 Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne (31-4, 27 KOs) on Saturday night at the Agenda Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Both came at each other and were willing to trade power punches. Each absorbed big shots. In round four, Miller rocked Browne, but Browne survived the round. Browne had a good recovery round in round five as both continued to trade. Miller finally battered Browne to the canvas in round six and got the stoppage with his follow-up barrage. Time was 2:33.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1637196909294104578

Fast-tracking cruiserweight Soslan “Cobra” Asbarov (4-0, 1 KO) scored a ten round majority decision over WBO #11 Brandon “Bulletproof” Glanton (17-2, 14 KOs). Slow-paced fight for the first five rounds. Glanton got the better of it down the stretch, but it was too little, too late. Scores were 98-92, 97-93, 95-95. Glanton was coming off a controversial loss in a WBO eliminator, so good name for Asbarov’s resume.

WBA #5, IBF #11 super featherweight Jono “King Kong” Carroll (24-2-1, 7 KOs) outscored three-time world title challenger Miguel “The Scorpion” Marriaga (30-7, 26 KOs). Scores were 100-90, 99-91, 98-92. The fight was closer than the scores indicated. Continue reading “Big Baby spanks Big Daddy in six”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is now a promotional free agent. Opetaia secured his release from former promoter Dean Lonergan in a bitter legal dispute that was resolved in court on Friday. “We’re excited to start the next chapter,” Opetaia told Fox Sports. “We’re happy to put this behind us and move forward. It’s been pretty stressful … this next chapter is going to be huge, I just can’t wait to kick it off.”

The 27-year-old Opetaia is expected back in the ring as soon as next month to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Mateus Masternak.

“I am embarrassed and upset by my actions”

Zurdo Ramirez Statement: “No excuses. I had never missed weight in my 45 pro fights. This is the first and last time. I have always prided myself on being a professional, but today was not my finest moment. On that note, l’d like to apologize to all my fans and supporters, Golden Boy Promotions, and DAZN for this unfortunate event.

“I never gave up trying to make weight, cutting until the final moment, but just couldn’t lose enough to make the contracted weight. I am embarrassed and upset by my actions and promise that this will never happen again. I will make the right adjustments and will be back soon.”

Saturday’s clash between Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and “King” Gabe Rosado has been canceled after Ramirez came in very heavy and the California Commission nixed the fight. Zurdo was apparently 12 POUNDS over the light heavyweight limit.

“It upsets me to have to announce that the fight will no longer proceed,” said Rosado on social media. “This is a very unique situation. At the time to step on the scale, I was told Zurdo’s weight was at 187. We gave him a grace period of two hours to drop weight, coming in at 183. Still 8 pounds over our agreed weight. I am disappointed after doing my part, but I am thankful to everyone who supported me throughout this camp.”

The new main event will be JoJo Diaz against Mercito Gesta. Diaz was also overweight at 139.4 pounds, while Gesta was 137.2. That bout is still proceeding.

Venue: Walter Pyramid, Long Beach, California
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: DAZN

Jarrell Miller 333 vs. Lucas Browne 277
Jono Carroll 130 vs. Miguel Marriaga 130
Soslan Asbarov 199.5 vs. Brandon Glanton 200

Venue: The Agenda, Dubai, UAE
Promoter: Hardcore Boxing
TV: ProBoxTV.com @ 1pm ET (USA & Australia);
ESPN Knockout (Latin America)

El Tigre Promotions will host an evening of professional boxing this Saturday nigh at the Cleveland Civic Center in Cleveland, Texas (Suburb of Houston). The main event will be Houston native Juan Torres (9-5-1, 4 KOs) taking on Aaron Chavers (9-10-1, 4 KOs) of Oklahoma, OK in a six round heavyweight clash for the vacant Texas Combative Sports Program USA Texas State Heavyweight Championship. Six other bouts are set to take place. Doors open at 6:00pm and first fight is scheduled for 7:00pm. Tickets are available at eltigrepromotions.com. Christian Schmidt set to be the announcer.

Oleh Dovhun 121.2 vs. Juan Centeno 122
(NABA super bantamweight title)

Kante Irving 171 vs. Devaun Lee 169.2
Joey Turk 205.6 vs. Isaiah Margheim 212.6
Jordan Zlacki 150.2 vs. Eric Palmer 149
Devon Siegfried 185.4 vs. Matteo Gardner 189.8

Venue: Priory Grand Hall
Promoters; Integrity Fighter Management, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing
Stream: Starboxing.tv
1st Bell: 7 PM ET

In an IBF light heavyweight world title eliminator, 7:1 underdog Michael Eifert (12-1, 4 KOs) scored a surprising twelve round unanimous decision over 40-year-old former world champion Jean Pascal (36-7-1, 20 KOs) became mandatory challenger for IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev. The quicker Eifert, 25, outboxed and outworked Pascal, while Pascal mostly missed with wild power punches. Eifert slowed down a bit midway and Pascal began to connect more often. However, Eifert continued to outwork Pascal, who often looked old and sluggish late in the fight. Scores were 118-110, 115-113, 117-111.

Junior welterweight Mathieu Germain (22-2-1, 9 KOs) scored a ten round unanimous decision against Steven Wilcox (24-4-1, 7 KOs). Scores were 96-94, 97-93, 97-93.

In an upset, unheralded female junior welterweight Karla Ramos Zamora (10-9-1, 2 KOs) scored a fourth round TKO against former world title challenger Jessica Camara (10-4, 2 KOs). A barrage of unanswered punches prompted a referee’s stoppage. Time was 1:46. Zamora claimed the IBF International title.

2016 Olympian light heavyweight “Mighty” Joe Ward (9-1, 5 KOs) needed just 91 seconds to annihilate previously undefeated Mario Andrade Rodriguez (7-1, 4 KOs). Ward dropped Rodriguez with a left hook then quickly finished him.

Unbeaten super welterweight Callum Walsh (6-0, 5 KOs) brutalized Wesley Tucker (15-5, 9 KOs) over two rounds on Thursday night at the Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts. Walsh dropped Tucker three times in round two to end it. Time was 2:59. Tucker has now lost five of his last six.

In his first fight in five years, welterweight Danny O’Connor (31-3, 12 KOs) busted up Luis Garcia (13-2-1, 9 KOs) over five one-sided rounds. The ring doctor finally advised that the fight be stopped due to cuts. Time was 1:55

Unbeaten middleweight Francis “Frank the Tank” Hogan (14-0, 13 KOs) was victorious after round five when the corner of Jimmy Williams (18-11-2, 6 KOs) decided he had taken enough punishment.

Unbeaten featherweight Hegly Mosqueda (24-0, 18 KOs) won an eight round split decision over Jose Garcia (13-4-3, 9 KOs). Scores were 77-75, 77-75 for Mosqueda, 77-75 for Garcia.

Light heavyweight Kendrick Ball Jr (21-1-3, 12 KOs) scored a workmanlike six round unanimous decision over Mike Stegall (7-1-3, 3 KOs) by scores of 60-54, 60-54, 59-55.

Former two-time world champion Oscar Valdez will be returning to the ring on May 20th on the undercard of Vassily Lomachenko vs. Devin Haney at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Manager Frank Espinoza confirmed the date for the Nogales, Sonora native. “Once Oscar get past his next opponent in May, he will most likely face world champion Emmanuel Navarrete for the 130 pound title,” Espinoza affirmed. “That fight will take place in August or September.” Continue reading “Oscar Valdez returns May 20”

Former world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez (44-1, 30 KOs) and “King” Gabriel Rosado (26-16-1, 15 KOs) hosted a press conference at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach. Their 12-round light heavyweight fight on Saturday will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Zurdo Ramirez: “Everything was good in camp. I’m ready. Yeah, I’ve seen the Bivol fight back, and it wasn’t my fight. I take the loss and move on. Gabe’s a tough fighter, he’s always bringing everything to the table. I also want to challenge myself. We’ve sparred before so it’s going to be a great fight. After the last fight, I want to prove myself. I was in a dark place but now it’s a new start and I’m ready. I have Rosado in front of me and after I win hopefully, I can get a world title again.”

Gabe Rosado: “I’m back with Freddie at Wildcard. It’s my character, I want to challenge myself. I know how to bounce back. It’s a fight that will go down in history for a great fight. I know what Zurdo is going to bring, and I am too. Zurdo brings a lot so I’m going to be prepared. I’m ready you shock the boxing world again.”

In the co-feature, former world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr meets Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta in a lightweight showdown.

JoJo Diaz: “I had to make some changes. The team I have now is amazing. I wanted to spice things up. As a fighter sometimes you go on neutral, so we had to change some things. Mercito is tough and experienced. After I walk him down and win, it’s going to open a lot of doors for me. I’m very confident this fight.”

Mercito Gesta: “As a fighter you don’t want to dodge anyone. Jojo is one of the best and I want that. You should expect a better me.”

Former WBA (regular) heavyweight champion and current WBA #9-rated Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne (31-3, 27 KOs) talks about his clash with WBA #10-rated Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller this Saturday at Agenda arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

On Training Camp for This Fight:
Everything has been going well! I haven’t worried about my weight for this one because Jarrell is a big boy. So as long as I am fit, that was the main concern. I’ve been in Brisbane doing sparring and pads the last couple of weeks and now we are here.

I trained the same for this fight as I did for the Junior Fa fight, with two things in mind: start faster, because I have always started very slow! And focus on my punching. I know I have power in my right hand; I just have to let it go. I’m not going to be trying to impress people with footwork or movement. F*** it, just punch (laughs). Continue reading “Big Daddy: Big Baby is just a bully”

Four-time former world champion Adrien Broner has teamed up with “Hall of Famer” promoter Don King. Currently campaigning at super lightweight/welterweight (140/147 pounds), Broner has been out of the ring since he fought on February 20, 2021, and won a unanimous decision against Jovanie Santiago at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

“Fantastic boxing excitement is already permeating the boxing atmosphere,” said King.“This phenomenal team-up of superstar exciting bad boy of boxing Adrien Broner and the world’s greatest boxing promoter, will give the people what they want–the best of boxing, and the best boxing excitement… capturing the imagination, the heart, and the mind, stimulating the boxing imagination’s begging the all-important question, when is the next event?

“Adrien is ready and excited to show his championship skills once again for the delight of the great boxing fans. As his proud promoter drops the gauntlet to all the other promoters and challenges them to bring forth their best fighters to (meet) fight super star bad boy of boxing Adrien Broner. Bob Arum, Frank Warren, Al Haymon, Eddie Hearn, and any other promoter with a hot commodity champion, we welcome them all.”

“Everything (Browne) does, I do a million times better.”

Outspoken and undefeated WBA #10 Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (25-0-1, 21 KOs) says he’s going to take out former WBA (regular) heavyweight champion and WBA #9 Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne (31-3, 27 KOs) quickly this Saturday on ProBox TV from Agenda Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Miller also discusses heavyweight prospect Jared Anderson using ‘The Real Big Baby’ moniker. Continue reading “Jarrell Miller: There’s only one Big Baby”

By Ron Jackson

Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions presents the first bill of the year at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Saturday night when the all-action Roarke Knapp meets the experienced Frenchman Ahmed El Mousaoui in a ten round non-title junior middleweight bout.

The tournament will be shown live on Supersport.

Knapp, 24, who has a record of 15-1-1, 11 KOs, made his pro debut on 28 May 2016 and is one of South Africa’s most exciting young fighters who is never in a dull fight, as he likes to rumble. Continue reading “First bill of the year at Emperors Palace”

The last year or so has seen a major resurgence with women in boxing. This has not been limited to just women fighters. Jenny Do (Shadow Entertainment), for example, is quietly but rapidly building something special in Vietnam with her events. Fightnews.com® spoke with Do on the future of boxing in Vietnam.

How did you get involved in professional boxing?

To start with, I have always been a boxing fan and used to watch a great deal of boxing shows. When I started training in boxing, I had the chance to meet quite a few boxers and looked at boxing from their points of view. I realized that boxing is beyond just fighting. I could see the boxers’ passions for the sport and sacrifices to pursue their dreams. However, there was a lack of professional events for them to compete. Hence, I thought I could help them out by promoting events. It still goes on from there and I still see myself with the same goal. I am still trying to help people out. Continue reading “Interview Vietnam promoter Jenny Do”

Jean Pascal 174.8 vs. Michael Eifert 175
(IBF light heavyweight eliminator)

Yoel Angeioni 148 vs. Alexander Calixto 146
Jessica Camara 136.4 vs. Marla Ramos Zamora 136.6
Joseph Ward 174.4 vs. Mario Andrade Rodriguez 173
Amanda Galle 119 vs. Lorena Cruz Aispuro 116.2
Caroline Veyre 124.8 vs. Anaelle Angervilie 125.2

Venue: Place Bell, Laval, Quebec, Canada
Promoter: GYM
TV: ESPN+

By Jeff Zimmerman

Fightnews.com® caught up with Jose Benavidez Sr., the dad and trainer to former world champ David Benavidez, who faces his archrival Caleb Plant on Sat, Mar 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and shown live on Showtime PPV in one of boxing’s biggest fights. Jose Sr. talked about the dislike for Plant, the nickname “Mexican Monster” given to David by “Iron Mike” Tyson and the odds of facing Canelo next, plus breaking news in this exclusive interview.

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The World Boxing Council has ordered WBC light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev, to make his mandatory defense against Callum Smith. Negotiations should start as soon as possible. The teams of both fighters must reach an agreement before April 11, otherwise a purse bid will be held.

In his most recent bout, Beterbiev knocked out contender Anthony Yarde in eight rounds of an instant Fight of the Year candidate, while Smith comes from knocking out Mathieu Bauderlique in the fourth round of a WBC elimination bout.

By Mauricio Sulaimán
Son of José Sulaimán & WBC President

After a couple of days of great activity in Bahrain and a brief stop in Kuwait, I arrived in Doha, Qatar, a country now known to all after the very successful World Cup held a few months ago. It is surprising from the arrival at the airport how majestic this nation is.

The journey to the hotel, with the lighting on the streets in the form of palm trees in addition to the lighting of the buildings, is an unforgettable illumination. The hospitality and kindness of the people are even more so when they learn you are Mexican. Our country left a memorable vestige in this country, and everyone has anecdotes. Continue reading “Middle East Tour (Final Part)”

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury stated today that his April 29 clash with WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is “definitely a worker” and now he’s headed to training camp.

Callum Walsh 156.2 vs. Wesley Tucker 158
Danny O’Connor 151.8 vs. Luis Garcia 151.8
Francis Hogan 160 vs. Jimmy Williams 158.4
Hegly Mosqueda 126.8 vs. Jose Edgardo Garcia 126
Kendrick Ball Jr 175.2 vs. Mike Stegall 174

Venue: Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts
Promoter: 360 Promotions
TV: UFC Fightpass