Rivas out of Ajagba Bout due to Eye Injury

Heavyweight Oscar Rivas had to withdraw from his January 14th bout with Efe Ajagba due to an eye injury according to promoter Yvon Michel’s Twitter account.

Rivas and Ajagba were set to face off at The Turning Stone Resort Casino on ESPN+.




TWO HUGE UNDERCARD FIGHTS CONFIRMED FOR BOXXER: UNLEASHED ON SATURDAY, 21 JANUARY AT THE AO ARENA IN MANCHESTER

Richard Riakporhe will officially launch his quest for a world title shot in 2023 when he battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith undercard at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, 21 January.

The undefeated Londoner (15-0, 11 KOs) has bulldozed his way into contention to challenge for a coveted crown with three knockouts in his last three fights. 

Now Riakporhe, 32, will be out to claim a major scalp in the form of Poland’s Glowacki (32-3-0, 20 KOs), whose only defeats have come against Oleksandr Usyk, Maris Briedis and Lawrence Okolie.

Riakporhe said: “I’m really pleased that he took the fight. I can test the ‘Midnight Train’ once again and everybody can see how I fare up to the test of facing a former world champion.

“He won’t be a pushover and I have to be at the top of my A game. It is going to be fireworks, believe me.”

Joining the bumper BOXXER: Unleashed undercard – live and exclusively in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports Box Office – is Manchester’s own Jack ‘One Smack’ Massey (20-1-0, 11 KOs) who collides with former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker (30-3-0, 21 KOs).

The 30-year-old stablemate of heavyweight king Tyson Fury returns to Manchester, scene of his Fight of the Year candidate defeat by Joe Joyce back in September, intent on getting his own world title ambitions back on track.

But Cheshire-based Massey, whose only ever defeat was inflicted by Riakporhe in 2019, will be looking to cause a monster upset against the Kiwi warrior when he steps up to the heavyweight division for the first time.

Further huge fights for this blockbuster card will be announced in due course.

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “We’re adding two major fights – with lots more to come – to what is already a blockbuster night of boxing.

“It’s a massive test and a huge step up for Richard Riakporhe against a former two-time world champion, whose only defeats are to Usyk, Breidis, and Okolie.

“Glowacki has had a long time to prepare for this and it’s a huge cruiserweight fight that could be a headline bout. In what is a very exciting division, it’s crunch time for Richard.

“Local lad Jack Massey has been pushing for a big fight and he has jumped at this test against Joseph Parker. He has got huge support in Manchester and now he’ll be fighting one of the biggest names in boxing.

“Parker is coming back after his Fight of the Year contender with Joe Joyce and will want to show exactly what he is all about. It will be very interesting to see how Parker reacts against a hometown favourite.”

The main event – in association with Wasserman Boxing – sees bitter middleweight enemies Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith face-off in what promises to be an epic domestic clash for the ages as both rivals bid to take a giant leap towards their desired world title pursuits. 

Tickets are on sale now at Boxxer.com. But hurry – less than 20% remain available. 

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with Village Hotels. 




MATCHROOM SIGN MUHAMMAD ALI

Gifted Leicester Bantamweight prospect Muhammad Ali has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his highly anticipated professional debut in 2023.
 
The 18-year-old, who is managed by Sam Jones and trained by Dave Coldwell in Rotherham, enjoyed a glittering career in the amateurs, becoming a multi-national and multi-international champion while maintaining an impressive record of 38 wins and 5 losses.
 
Ali shares his name with one of the greatest fighters of all time but is determined to stand alone in terms of achievements. The soon-to-be professional pugilist harbours ambitions of becoming an Undisputed superstar at 118lbs.
 
“World Champion,” said Ali. “I’m not here for anything else. I want to be a World Champion, and I want to be Undisputed as well. You’re going to see something special, that’s for sure. I haven’t boxed for a long time and I want to get out there now. I’m very eager to start my professional journey. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
 
“I’m an all-rounder, I’ve got fast feet and fast hands. I’ve also got powerful hands. Put someone in front of me and I’ll find a way to beat them. I’m young and I’m fully dedicated to boxing. I want to be a World Champion. No matter how long it takes, I will become a World Champion. I know that my ability will get me there.
 
“Sam Jones got me in touch with Dave Coldwell and we tested things out for a week. He loved what he saw, and it’s been really good ever since. He’s got a strong stable that I can train with and get perfect sparring with. Hopefully I can keep developing in the gym.
 
“Dave is always there with me. He’ll always tell me what I need to improve on or what I’m doing well. If I’m doing well in sparring, he’ll tell me what I’m doing well but he’ll also tell me what I need to improve. He knows what he’s talking about and this will help me improve.”
 
“I’m delighted to welcome one of the most exciting young prospects in Britain Muhammad Ali to the Matchroom team,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “A three-time national champion, Ali had an incredible stint in the amateurs and now it’s time for him to light up the professional ranks.
 
“This young man has a fan-friendly style that will be sure to thrill fight fans across the country and live around the world on DAZN. Quick hands, quick feet and bundles of confidence, Ali has already set his sights on winning World Titles and I can’t wait for this journey to begin.”
 
“He’s got a good mentality and he takes everything in his stride,” said Coldwell. “He’s got a great attitude. Matchroom will enjoy working with him. He’s flash but not cocky, he’s confident but not arrogant and he’s got bags of ability.
 
“For Ali it’s just about activity and developing in the gym, putting it into the ring in fights. I wouldn’t be coaching him if I didn’t think he had the potential to go to the top, but there are so many different attributes that you need to become a World Champion.
 
“You can’t just be fast and just be a big puncher. You can’t just be tough, there are so many different things. That gets collected along the way and that’s why I want time in the gym with him. That’s why I want the fights to get him used to doing what he needs to do. It’s going to be an exciting journey and I can’t wait to get going.”
 
You can follow Muhammad’s journey on Instagram: mmali_79 and Twitter: @mmali_79



February 3: Emanuel Navarrete-Liam Wilson Junior Lightweight Title Showdown Set for Desert Diamond Arena LIVE on ESPN

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Dec. 20, 2022) — A new junior lightweight king will be crowned in the desert.

Mexican star Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and Australian contender Liam Wilson will fight for the vacant WBO junior lightweight world title Friday, Feb. 3, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Navarrete, the reigning WBO featherweight world champion, hopes to become the 10th Mexican-born boxer to win world titles in three weight divisions.

Junior welterweight contenders collide in the 10-round co-feature as Arnold Barboza Jr. hopes to earn a career-best victory against Jose “Sniper” Pedraza, a former two-weight world champion from Cidra, Puerto Rico. 

Navarrete-Wilson, Pedraza-Barboza, and the return of U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. in a six-round heavyweight special feature will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $25 go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. PST / 12 p.m. MST and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com.

Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs), from San Juan Zitlaltepec, Mexico, won the WBO junior featherweight crown from Isaac Dogboe in December 2018 and made five defenses of that title in a nine-month span. He out-hustled Ruben Villa to win the vacant WBO featherweight strap in October 2020 and has since defended that title three times. Navarrete is one of the sport’s premier offensive fighters, an aggressor who wings punches from all angles. In his October 2021 title defense over Joet Gonzalez, he threw 979 punches over 12 rounds, including 104 in the 12th round. He returned to the ring in August, rebounding from a slow start to knock out countryman Eduardo Baez with a body shot in the sixth round. The Baez victory marked Navarrete’s 31st consecutive victory dating back to 2012.

“This is my opportunity to become a three-division world champion. I am going for that crown,” Navarrete said. “Liam Wilson is a good fighter, but this is my moment, and everyone will see a much more complete ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete that has a lot of thirst for victory. My ideal weight is 130 pounds, and that will be demonstrated on February 3rd when I become world champion for Mexico and San Juan Zitlaltepec. Wilson will not get in the way of my dream.”

Wilson (11-1, 7 KOs), from Caboolture, Australia, is the WBO No. 3 junior contender. He has never fought away from his home country, but he will take the nearly 8,000-mile journey hoping to spring a major upset. Wilson stepped up to fight Navarrete after Oscar Valdez suffered a training injury and enters the fight with momentum on his side. After a stunning fifth-round TKO loss to Filipino contender Joe Noynay in July 2021, Wilson gained revenge in March with a second-round knockout courtesy of his “left hook from hell.” He kept the momentum going in June with a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Matias Rueda.

Wilson said, “He’s a champion, a warrior, and a household name around the world, but now it’s my time. I’m coming to upset the parade. I’ve waited my entire life for this moment, and I won’t let it slip because it means more to me. I swore an oath to my father on his deathbed that I would one day win a world title for him. I’m looking forward to fulfilling this promise on February 3rd.”

Barboza (27-0, 10 KOs), from South El Monte, California, is ranked in the top 10 by the WBC and WBO. The longtime contender turned pro in 2013 and has steadily climbed up the rankings with victories over Mike Alvarado, Alex Saucedo, and Antonio Moran. In July, Barboza returned from an 11-month layoff to snatch the ‘0’ from Danielito Zorrilla in a crowd-pleasing 10-round main event.

Barboza said, “It’s a big card, and there will be a lot of eyes on us. Pedraza is a formidable opponent. He’s my toughest to date and has only lost to the very best. I’m looking forward to the challenge. At this point, anyone I face is standing in the way of my goal, which is to win a world title. I am going to make a big statement on February 3rd.”

Pedraza (29-4-1, 14 KOs) ruled the junior lightweight and lightweight divisions before moving up to the junior welterweight ranks in 2019. He is 3-2-1 as a junior welterweight, having shared the ring with many of the division’s most notable names. In March, he pushed former unified champion Jose Ramirez 12 rounds before dropping a tight unanimous decision. Less than six months later, he battled former lightweight champion Richard Commey to a draw in a fight most observers believe Pedraza did enough to edge out. Pedraza had a Madison Square Garden main event against Teofimo Lopez scheduled for December 10th, but Pedraza withdrew with a non-COVID viral infection. The 33-year-old understands a victory over Barboza moves him closer to a world title opportunity.

Pedraza said, “I have recovered completely from the illness that obligated me to pull out of my fight with Teofimo Lopez. Right now, I feel 100 percent, and I know Arnold Barboza Jr. is one of the best fighters in the division. I’m sure this will be a great fight where I will reaffirm my level as an elite fighter at 140 pounds.”

Torrez (4-0, 4 KOs), from Tulare, California, captured an Olympic silver medal in Tokyo and turned pro under the Top Rank banner in March. A 6’2, 230-pound southpaw, Torrez has never been extended past the third round in his young career. In October, he shined at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, thrilling the New York City fans with a third-round stoppage over Ahmed Hefny. 

Undercard bouts — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — include many of Top Rank’s burgeoning young talents.

Las Vegas product Andres “Savage” Cortes (18-0, 10 KOs) takes on Puerto Rican knockout puncher Luis Melendez (17-2, 13 KOs) in a crossroads junior lightweight tilt scheduled for 10 rounds. Cortes, a former U.S. amateur standout, notched a near-shutout over Abraham Montoya in his last outing.

Middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (7-0, 5 KOs), grandson of “The Greatest,” looks to make it 8-0 against Phoenix-based spoiler Eduardo Ayala (9-2-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. This is the 2023 debut for Ali Walsh, who went 4-0 with three knockouts in 2022.

Lightweight sensation Emiliano Fernando Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs), son of former junior middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas, returns in a four-rounder against an opponent to be named. Vargas made his Top Rank debut in November and knocked out Julio Martinez in the second round with a highlight-reel left hook.

Sacramento native Xavier Martinez (18-1, 12 KOs) seeks his second straight ‘W’ in a 10-rounder at junior lightweight against an opponent to be named.

Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado (16-0, 13 KOs), a 2016 Mexican Olympian, steps up against Clarence Booth (21-6, 13 KOs) in an eight-rounder. In August, Delgado authored a career-best victory over then-unbeaten prospect Omar Aguilar. The eight-round shootout ranked among the year’s best action fights.




AUDIO: Andy Dominguez Jr. talks Marvin Solano fight for December 21st






VIDEO: Andy Dominguez Jr. talks Marvin Solano fight for December 21st




“HOLIDAY FIGHT NIGHT” WEIGHTS ANDY DOMINGUEZ, SULEM URBINA, ANTHONY SIMS JR, NADIM SALLOUM, ALEJANDRO LUIS SILVA

8 Rounds – Flyweights

Andy Dominguez, 113.8 lbs. (8-0, 6 KOs) from The Bronx, NY

Marvin Solano, 114 lbs. (24-7, 8 KOs) from Managua, Nicaragua

8 Rounds – Super Flyweights

Sulem Urbina, 114.8 lbs. (13-2-1, 2 KOs), born in Mexico now living in Phoenix, 

Indeya Smith, 113.4 lbs. (5-6, 1 KO) from Dallas, TX.

8 Rounds – Middleweights

Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr., 158.4 lbs (22-1, 20 KOs), Los Angeles, CA

Anthony Todd, 159.2 lbs. (14-6, 8 KOs) from Atlanta, GA

8 Rounds – Super Middleweights

Nadim Salloum, 170.2 lbs. (9-1, 4 KOs) born in Jounieh, Lebanon, 

Decarlo “3mendo” Perez, 169.4 lbs. (19-6, 6 KOs), Atlantic City, NJ

8 Rounds – Middleweights

Alejandro Luis Silva 156.4 lbs. (19-0, 14 KOs) from Avellaneda. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Issa Samir, 156 lbs. (19-1, 16 KOs), Ghana

The Bronx’s undefeated Andy Dominguez will be the main event fighter for the first time in his young career in a fight card tabbed “Holiday Fight Night.” The event takes place Wednesday, December 21, just four days before Christmas, certainly the most wonderful time of the year, at Sony Hall, in Times Square, New York City. 

This will be BoxingInsider Promotions second fight card. Their first, on October 13, also at Sony Hall, had a raucous standing-room-only crowd.

Tickets for “Holiday Fight Night,” priced from $85 are available at Ticketmaster Here

ABOUT BOXING INSIDER

Established in 1997 as a premier boxing news and information destination, BoxingInsider has recently transitioned into the promotional business.  BoxingInsider has promoted one amateur boxing event and on October 13 had their first professional boxing promotion, at Sony Hall, Times Square, New York, NY.




AUDIO: Evander Holyfield “Fighters Today Do Not Throw Enough Body Punches






VIDEO: Evander Holyfield “Fighters Today Do Not Throw Enough Body Punches




AUDIO: Jessie Vargas “I am coming back to Welterweight and coming back strong”






VIDEO: Jessie Vargas “I am coming back to Welterweight and coming back strong




WOMEN’S BOXING STAR SULEM URBINA FIGHTS FOR FIRST TIME IN NYC THIS WEDNESDAY! DECEMBER 21 AT SONY HALL, TIMES SQUARE, MANHATTAN

New York, NY (December 19, 2022) – Women’s boxing star and former world title challenger Sulem Urbina (13-2-1, 2 KOs) will take her talents to New York for the first time in her career. This Wednesday, December 21, Sulem will be featured in a super flyweight bout scheduled for eight rounds against Indeya Smith, at Sony Hall, in the heart of Times Square, Manhattan.

“Sulem Urbina is not only a good fighter and championship contender, she’s one of the best people in boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “She’s a great ambassador for women in the sport, using her social media and developing brand to elevate boxing and other fighters. She deserves to be treated like an ‘A-side’ fighter. I’m happy that Larry agreed with me and that she’ll be on the terrific Boxing Insider show on Wednesday.”

The Bronx’s undefeated Andy Dominguez will be the main event fighter for the first time in his young career in a fight card tabbed “Holiday Fight Night.” Also on the card will be Nadim Salloum, the first and only professional boxer born and raised in Lebanon, former WBA Intercontinental super middleweight champion Anthony Sims Jr., undefeated Argentinian Alejandro Luis Silva and Elon de Jesus.

This will be Boxing Insider Promotions’ second fight card. Their first, on October 13, also at Sony Hall, had a raucous standing-room-only crowd.

Tickets for “Holiday Fight Night” are available at Ticketmaster Here.

“I’m looking forward to coming to New York, as it has been a dream of mine to fight there,” said Urbina. “Indeya Smith is a good fighter. She’s fought great opposition and she’s rugged. I just know I am there to win and this will be my Christmas present.”

Born in Mexico now living in Phoenix, AZ, Urbina began her boxing life fighting at the Oxnard PAL as an amateur. She turned pro in 2016 and won her first 12 bouts (with one no contest mixed in). Her first loss, on October 30, 2020, came on points against Marlen Esparza, who is now the unified WBC/WBA flyweight world champion. On July 9, 2021, Sulem fought WBA flyweight champion Naoko Fujioka and lost a majority decision.

Andy Dominguez (8-0, 6 KOs) from The Bronx and born in Mexico, knocked out his last opponent in the first round in front of many of his family and friends. It was Andy’s fourth knockout win in a row. Andy turned pro in August 2020, in a bubble event during the pandemic peak. On Wednesday, Dominguez will face Nicaraguan Marvin Solano (24-7, 8 KOs) in an eight-round flyweight bout.

Nadim Salloum (9-1, 4 KOs) is the first and only professional boxer to be born and raised in Lebanon. Nadim now resides in Brooklyn and has a passionate following. The Lebanese faithful’s fandom did not go unnoticed at Nadim’s last fight on October 13 at Sony Hall. On Wednesday, Nadim will battle Decarlo Perez (19-6, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight bout.

Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr. (22-1, 20 KOs), born in Indianapolis, IN, now residing in Los Angeles, CA, made his pro debut on April 9, 2014, following a stellar amateur career. He rolled through his first 20 bouts, which earned him a WBO Latino super middleweight title fight that he lost by split decision in 2020. He would rebound in his next fight, winning the WBA Intercontinental super middleweight title on August 13, 2021, with a ninth-round stoppage. On December 21, Sims Jr. will fight Anthony Todd (14-6, 8 KOs) from Atlanta, GA, in an eight-round middleweight bout.

Elon “El Leon” de Jesus (4-1, 3 KOs), from Dunkirk, NY, made his professional debut on December 18, 2020. Elon will fight in a six-round bantamweight bout against Jesus Arturo “Chucho” Guzman (8-10, 5 KOs).

Social Media

DiBella Entertainment

Instagram: @DiBellaEnt

Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt

Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment




ONE of ONE NADIM SALLOUM, LEBANON’S FIRST & ONLY PROFESSIONAL BOXER, FIGHTS ON “HOLIDAY FIGHT NIGHT” CARD, DECEMBER 21 AT SONY HALL, TIMES SQUARE, MANHATTAN

December 19, 2022, New York, NY  – –  The Bronx’s undefeated Andy Dominguez will be the main event fighter for the first time in his young career in a fight card tabbed “Holiday Fight Night.” The event takes place Wednesday, December 21, just four days before Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year, at Sony Hall, in Times Square, New York City. 

Tickets for “Holiday Fight Night,” are available at Ticketmaster, click Here

Featured on the card will be Nadim Salloum, the first and only professional boxer to be born and raised in Lebanon, former WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Champion Anthony Sims Jr. making debut at middleweight, two-time world champion challenger Sulem Urbina and northwest New York native Elon de Jesus.

Nadim Salloum (9-1, 4 KOs) born in Jounieh, Lebanon, is the first and only professional boxer to be born and raised in Lebannon. Nadim now resides in Brooklyn and has a raucous following. The Lebanese faithful’s fandom did not go unnoticed at Nadim’s last fight at Sony Hall on October 13 at Sony Hall. On Wednesday, Nadim will battle Decarlo 3mendo” Perez (19-6, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight bout. 

“Since I have made it to the professional ranks, boxing has grown so much back in Lebanon,” said Nadim. “People know that it is doable at least now. Every time I go back home, I do an event just talking and showing them videos explaining to them how boxing really works and share my story at the same time – what happens behind the scenes for a Lebanese boxer. Last summer we gathered around 60 people and taught them more about the sport. Next summer I plan to do a training camp for kids in need with a Lebanese American NGO as well so keep them out of streets through boxing.

This will be BoxingInsider Promotions second fight card. Their first, on October 13, also at Sony Hall, had a raucous standing-room-only crowd.

Andy Dominguez (8-0, 6 KOs) from The Bronx and born in Mexico, knocked out his last opponent in the first round in front of a boisterous standing room only crowd gone wild that included many of his family and friends. 

Sulem Urbina (13-2-1, 2 KOs), born in Mexico now living in Phoenix, Arizona began her boxing life fighting at the Oxnard PAL as an amateur and has fought in two world champion fights in five years as a pro. 

Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr. (22-1, 20 KOs) born in Indianapolis now residing in Los Angeles made his pro debut on April 9, 2014, following a stellar career. He rolled through his first twenty bouts which earned him a January 30, 2020, WBO Latino supermiddleweight title fight, which he lost by split decision.  He would rebound in his next fight, winning the WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight title on August 13, 2021 with a ninth round stoppage. On December 21, Sims Jr will fight Anthony Todd (14-6, 8 KOs) from Atlanta, GA in an eight-round middleweight bout.

Alejandro Luis Silva (19-0, 14 KOs) from Avellaneda. Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a former Argentinean Welterweight Champion. He won that title, February 15, 2020 and successfully defended it five times. Silva will battle Ghana’s Issa Samir (19-1, 16 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout.

Elon “El Leon” de Jesus (4-1, 3 KOs) from Dunkirk, NY, made his professional debut on December 18, 2020.  Elon will fight in a six-round bantamweight bout against Jesus Arturo “Chucho” Guzman (8-10, 5 KOs).

ABOUT BOXING INSIDER

Established in 1997 as a premier boxing news and information destination, BoxingInsider has recently transitioned into the promotional business.  BoxingInsider has promoted one amateur boxing event and on October 13 had their first professional boxing promotion, at Sony Hall, Times Square, New York, NY.




AUDIO: Lamont Roach Jr. Looking forward to second Title Shot






VIDEO: Lamont Roach Jr. Looking forward to second Title Shot




VIDEO: Derrick James’ Stable Stays Winning | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING




Frank Martin Decisions Michel Rivera in battle of Undefeated Lightweights

In a highly anticipated battle of undefeated lightweights, Frank Martin coasted to a 12-round unanimous decision over Michel Rivera at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

In round seven, Martin put Rivera on the canvas with a right hook.

Martin, 134.75 ls of Indianapolis, IN won by scores of 120-107, 118-109 and 117-110 and is now 17-0. Rivera, 134.5 lbs of Miami is 24-1.

Vladimir Shishkin remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Jose Uzcategui in a super middleweight fight.

Shiskin outlanded Uzcategui 238 to 162.

Shishkin, 167.25 lbs of Russia won by scores of 117-111 twice and 115-113 and is now 14-0. Uzcategui, 167.5 lbs of El Vigla, VEN is 3205.

Vincent Astrolabio stopped Nikolai Potapov in round six of their 12-round bantamweight bout.

In round five, Astrolabio landed a body punch that put Potapov on a knee. In round six, another body shot sent Potapov down for the count at 1:26.

Astrolabio, 117.5 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-2-1 with 13 knockouts. Potapov, 117 lbs of Posdoisk, RUS 23-3-1.

Omar Juarez was deducted three points for low blows but won a 10-round unanimous decision over Austin Dulay in a super lightweight bout.

In round three, Juarez was deducted two points for low blows. In round four, Juarez was once again deducted a point for a low blow.

Juarez, 141 lba of Brownsville, TX is 14-1. Dulay, 140 lbs of Nashville, TN is 15-4.

Elijah Garcia remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Cruse Stewart in an eight-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Garcia dropped Stewart with a left hook. Stewart did not get up and the fight was waved off.

Garcia, 164 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Stewart, 162.5 lbs of Maple Grove, MN is 8-2.




AUDIO: Michael Zerafa Ready for World Title Opportunity






VIDEO: Michael Zerafa Ready for World Title Opportunity




RIVERA VS. MARTIN OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Michel Rivera – 134 ½ lbs.

Frank Martin – 134 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Kenny Bayless; Judges: Steve Weisfeld (N.J.), David Moretti (Nevada), Tim Cheatham (Nevada)

IBF Super Middleweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

José Uzcátegui – 167 ½ lbs.

Vladimir Shishkin – 167 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Celestino Ruiz; Judges: Max De Luca (Calif.), Patricia Morse Jarman (Nevada), David Sutherland(Okla.)

IBF Bantamweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Vincent Astrolabio – 117 ½ lbs.

Nikolay Potapov – 117 lbs.

Referee: Robert Hoyle; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nevada), Chris Migliore (Nevada), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN PRELIMS

Stream Live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS® YouTube Channel and the

SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Omar Juarez – 141 lbs.

Austin Dulay – 140 ½ lbs.

Referee: Mike Ortega; Judges: Eric Cheek (Nevada), Max De Luca (Calif.), Patricia Morse Jarman (Nevada)

Note: Contracted weight is 141.

Middleweight Bout – 8 Rounds

Elijah Garcia – 164 lbs.

Cruse Stewart – 162 ½ lbs.

Referee: Robert Byrd; Judges: Chris Migliore (Nevada), David Moretti (Nevada), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Note: Contracted weight is 165.

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will handle blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Two more Hall of Famers round out the telecast team – world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. The executive producer is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing. SHOBOX: The New Generation analyst Brian Campbell and his MORNING KOMBAT co-host Luke Thomas will call the action during the live-stream bouts.  

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ABOUT RIVERA VS. MARTIN

Rivera vs. Martin will see rising undefeated lightweight contenders Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera and Frank “The Ghost” Martin clash in an intriguing 12-round WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator as they headline live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 17 in a Premier Boxing Champions event at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see former world champion José Uzcátegui return to action against unbeaten former amateur standout Vladimir Shishkin in a 12-round IBF Title Eliminator. Plus, bantamweight contenders face off as Vincent Astrolabio and Nikolai Potapov battle in a 12-round IBF Title Eliminator that kicks off the telecast.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.  

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RiveraMartin, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing




AUDIO: Miguel Cotto Reflects on his Hall of Fame Career






VIDEO: Miguel Cotto Reflects on his Hall of Fame Career




Weigh-In Results & Photos: Quilisto Madera vs. Hector Zepeda Saturday Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET LIVE on Fight Hype Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium in Stockton, California

Quilisto Madera (161 lbs.)  vs. Hector Zepeda (158.6 lbs.), 8 rounds, middleweights

Manuel Jaimes (134.8 lbs.) vs. Ricardo Lopez (134.2 lbs.), 8 rounds, lightweights 

Arturo Popoca (122.8 lbs.) vs. Alex De Luna (122.8), 6 rounds, featherweights 

Ector Madera (147 lbs.) vs. Alejandro Frias (146.2 lbs.), 6 rounds, welterweights

Giovannie Gonzalez (139.8 lbs.) vs. Marcos Cardenas (137 lbs.), 6 rounds, super lightweights

Irving Xilohua (125.2 lbs.) vs. Luis Montellano (124.8 lbs.), 4 rounds, super bantamweights

Kenneth Lopez (165 lbs.) vs. Bryan Martinez (164.6 lbs.), 4 rounds, super middleweights 

# # #

Madera vs. Zepeda is an eight-round middleweight fight presented by Toscano Boxing Promotions. The event will take place on Saturday, December 17 at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium in Stockton, California. The event will be streamed live on FightHype.

Tickets for Madera vs. Zepeda are on sale now and start at $50, excluding applicable services charges. Tickets are available for purchase at Ticketon.com or by clicking here.

About Toscano Boxing Promotions  

Toscano Boxing Promotions is a promotional company based out of Stockton, California that was founded by Jorge Toscano in 2018. The company has hosted events both in the United States and in Mexico, including the 2021 battle between Anderson Silva and Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. The Toscano Boxing stable includes rising stars Damian Sosa, Manuel Jaimes, Jose Alvarado, Jose Carrillo and more. 




VIDEO: Michel Rivera vs. Frank Martin: Weigh-In | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING




LIMITLESS Next February 9 at Place Bell in Laval JEAN PASCAL C. MICHAEL EIFERT IBF PLAYOFF The winner becomes the obligatory aspirant to Beterbiev CHAMPIONSHIP

Laval, Quebec - December 16, 2022 — DiBella Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and Jean Pascal Promotions in collaboration with Blanko Sports and SES Sports Events GmbH are organizing, at Place Bell in Laval, the SANS LIMITE event on February 9. while Quebec and two-time world champion Jean Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs) will face German Michael Eifert (11-1, 4 KOs) to determine the mandatory challenger to the IBF world title held by Artur Beterbiev (18-0-0, 18 KOs)

 

Tickets are on sale now from $40 in the stands to $500 on the floor. Tables for six people, wine and meals included are also available for $3500 or $4500 plus tax. Tickets can be purchased on evenko.ca or by email at info@groupeyvonmichel.ca

 

Pascal c. Eifert will be available in Canada à la carte on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, Fite.tv and GYMboxe.tv for $64.99. In the United States, the fight will be shown on ESPN+.

 

“Five years ago, most people in boxing put Jean Pascal on the sidelines. Since then, his only loss has been against Dmitrii Bivol. He beat Ahmed Elbiali, Marcus Browne, Badou Jack and Fanlong Meng, let's remember that Pascal was considered the underdog in each of those fights,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “There are still plenty of fights left for Jean Pascal, one of the great Canadian fighters of all time. He will prove it on February 9 against Michael Eifert, and will obtain another title to add to his illustrious career. he adds.

“Jean Pascal made his debut with us just a few months after the founding of GYM,” said GYM President Yvon Michel. “Since then, we have been involved in 36 of his 43 fights, including his last in Quebec in 2018. It is with great pride that we participate in this expected return to Quebec. According to a survey of Quebec boxing experts and fans, Champ Pascal was chosen as the greatest Quebec boxer of the 21st century. On February 9, another page in its history will be written.

 

Jean Pascal is an Athens Olympian in 2004. He was WBC light heavyweight champion from 2009 to 2011 as well as WBA 2019-2020. He delivered 12 world championship fights, the first in 2008, in England, against Carl Froch, and the last, 11 years later, in Atlanta, against Badou Jack. During this period, he met the best light heavyweights of his generation including Adrian Diaconu, Chad Dawson, Bernard Hopkins, Lucian Bute, Sergey Kovalev, Dmitrii Bivol and set numerous ticket sales and PPV records, with Lucian Bute at the Bell Center in 2014 where more than 21,000 spectators attended the event. In his last fight, last May, in Florida, he dominated undefeated IBF number one contender Fanlong Meng (17-0) to set up that championship playoff against Eifert.

 

Jean Pascal, at 40, is happy to be back home: “I am grateful to Lou DiBella, Yvon Michel and Greg Leon for making this confrontation possible. It's been a long time coming, but I'm finally where I want to be, back home performing in front of my people. My fans have always been a major motivator and their support helps me stay strong at 40. »

 

"It's very important to me to give you a great show and on February 9th and, that's exactly what I'm going to do. says Jean Pascal.

 

“Michael Eifert is a good, solid fighter and represents the final hurdle on my path to another championship. I respect him like all my opponents, but I intend to destroy him as soon as possible. »

 

"I don't want to fight away from home anymore. The best way to make sure I don't do it again is to get in the ring on February 9, here in Laval, the city where I grew up. concludes Pascal.

Greg Leon has confidence in his protege: “Jean Pascal has incredible confidence, a heart bigger than Montreal. Pascal is a true warrior who would have been successful at any time in light heavyweight history. As a manager, all you can hope for is that the athlete will give 100% once the bell rings and, in that regard, Jean Pascal never disappoints. »

 

“February 9 will be a special night for him. Five years away from home is a long time. Few fighters would have persevered down the road. It shows what kind of champion he is. Michael Eifert will soon learn just how much Jean wants to stay home, where he belongs. »

 

Michael Eifert, 24, lives in Magdeburg, Germany. A professional since 2018, he had his only majority decision loss in 2020 against Tom Dzemski (14-0-0), a loss he avenged the following year while winning the unified IBF and WBC junior world championship. In his last fight, he captured the IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight title against Italian Adriano Sperandio (14-2, 2 KOs) which earned him a place in this championship playoff against Pascal.



AUDIO: Nonito Donaire “I still have a lot more”






RISING CONTENDER OMAR JUAREZ AND UNBEATEN PROSPECT ELIJAH GARCIA TO COMPETE IN SEPARATE BOUTS STREAMED LIVE THIS SATURDAY NIGHT ON THE SHOWTIME® BOXING COUNTDOWN SHOW

LAS VEGAS – December 16, 2022 – A pair of action-packed bouts will highlight live streaming action on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page this Saturday, December 17 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show, hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts, Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature all action rising contender Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez battling veteran Austin Dulay in a 10-round super lightweight attraction, and unbeaten teenage prospect Elijah Garcia in an eight-round middleweight duel facing Cruse Stewart.

The live streaming presentation will precede a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME headlined by rising undefeated lightweight contenders Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera and Frank “The Ghost” Martin clashing in an intriguing 12-round WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com

The 23-year-old Juarez (13-1, 5 KOs) enters the ring propelled by momentum gained from his efforts inside and outside the ring. The only blemish on his record  came from a narrow majority decision loss to All Rivera in a thrilling bout in June 2021. Since then, the former standout amateur has won his last two fights, most recently earning a 10-round decision victory over Ryan Karl in February. A native of Brownsville, Texas, Juarez has achieved recognition in his community by uplifting the state’s youth through motivational speaking, receiving commendations from the Texas State Senate and the Texas House of Representatives for his altruism.

Dulay (15-3, 11 KOs) will also step into the ring having won his most previous outing, as he scored a first round TKO of Anthony Michael Linenfelser in April. The 27-year-old had lost two of his previous three bouts, dropping bouts against veteran contender Diego Magdaleno in February 2020 and rising lightweight Jose Valenzuela in December 2021. Fighting out of his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, Dulay won his first 11 pro bouts, with his only other letdown coming against super featherweight contender Chris Colbert.

Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) will look to close out 2022 with his fourth victory of the year, having most recently knocked out Edgar Valenzuela in October to establish himself as a prospect to keep an eye on. The 19-year-old has moved fast since turning pro in 2020, knocking out his first six opponents and four of his last five. He will face the 33-year-old Stewart (8-1, 6 KOs), who was born in Illinois but now resides in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Stewart steps back into the ring after dropping a decision against the unbeaten Hakim Lopez in his previous bout in June.

The non-televised undercard will also include Cuban bantamweight Joahnys Argilagos (8-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout against Mario Hernandez (10-3-1, 3 KOs) and welterweight Kenneth Sims Jr. dueling Los Angeles-native Rock Myrthil in an eight-round showdown.

Rounding out the lineup is the pro debut of super bantamweight prospect Ray Robinson against Los Angeles-native Victor Saravia (1-3-1, 1 KO) over four-rounds of action, plus unbeaten super welterweight Bakhram Murtazaliev (20-0, 15 KOs) facing Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr. (20-3, 19 KOs) in an eight-round scrap.

#         #         #

ABOUT RIVERA VS. MARTIN

Rivera vs. Martin will see rising undefeated lightweight contenders Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera and Frank “The Ghost” Martin clash in an intriguing 12-round WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator as they headline live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 17 in a Premier Boxing Champions event at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see former world champion José Uzcátegui return to action against unbeaten former amateur standout Vladimir Shishkin in a 12-round IBF Title Eliminator. Plus, bantamweight contenders face off as Vincent Astrolabio and Nikolai Potapov battle in a 12-round IBF Title Eliminator that kicks off the telecast.  

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RiveraMartin, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.




VIDEO: Nonito Donaire “I still have a lot more




Mary Spencer Takes on Femke Hermans for IBO Super Welterweight World Title Tonight in Shawnigan, Quebec, Canada

NEW YORK (December 16, 2022) — Tonight at Centre Gervais Arena in Shawnigan, Quebec, Canada, undefeated knockout artist Mary Spencer goes after her first world title when she takes on veteran former world champion Femke Hermans for the IBO Super Welterweight world title.

Spencer is managed by Split-T Management under Brian Cohen.

The fight can be seen live on ESPN+ at 7 PM ET.

Spencer of Montreal has accumulated an impressive record that reads 7-0 with five knockouts.

In Spencer’s last bout, she won the WBA International and WBC Silver Super Welterweight titles with an emphatic first-round destruction of former world title challenger Cynthia Lozano (9-1) on September 9th in Montreal.

Hermans of Belgium is 13-4 with five knockouts. Hermans is a former Belgium and WBF International champion. Hermans won the WBO Super Middleweight title on May 12, 2018 with a 10-round unanimous decision over Nikki Adler (16-1). Her only losses have come in world title bouts.

At Thursday’s weigh-in both fighters came in at a ready 152.8 lbs.

Spencer is promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management.




Omar Juarez Battles Austin Dulay this Saturday in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NV (December 16, 2022) – Super lightweight, Omar Juarez (13-1, 5 KOs) from Brownsville, TX, is set to square off against Austin Dulay (15-3, 11 KOs) of Nashville, TN, this Saturday December 10 at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. The 10-round non-televised bout will be showcased on the undercard of Michel Rivera vs. Frank Martin who headline on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Juarez, a top prospect, is looking to continue his winning ways as he’s riding a 2-fight winning streak after suffering his first loss as a professional, a close decision to Ali Rivera (22-5, 18 KOs) in June of 2021.

“I’m really looking forward to this fight against Austin Dulay,” Juarez said. “I know that he’s is going to bring his best game, but I’ll ready for anything he comes with. He’s a tough opponent but I’m confident in my skills to come out victorious. I’m ready to put on a show for the fans at the Cosmopolitan.”

Juarez has faced a number of tough opponents throughout his career and has consistently proven to be an exciting fighter in the ring. He is known for his impressive footwork and technical skills, as well as his ability to adapt to different styles and strategies.

“”I spent the last few weeks training in Las Vegas with some of the best fighters in the world,” Juarez said. “I’m well prepared and my body is rested. I always give it my all in the ring and this fight will be no different. I know a win against Dulay will lead to bigger fights. I’m going to leave it all in the ring and come out with my hand raised.”

Dulay is no stranger to the big stage as he’s proven to be a formidable opponent and is sure to give Juarez a tough fight.