PHILADELPHIA, PA (March 7, 2022) – Rising prospect, welterweight VeShawn Champion (2-0, 1 KO), who is advised by the legendary Freeway Rick Ross, will make his 2022 debut against DeAngelo Cunningham (1-2), on March 25, 2022, at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA. The scheduled four-round bout is being promoted by Rodney Rice of RDR Promotions.

“It is exciting to be back in action especially under the Team Freeway Boxing banner,” stated VeShawn Champion, who hails from Dayton, Ohio. “I’m excited to be fighting in Philly as I’ve been training here with Jaron “Boots” Ennis for the last couple of weeks. His father and trainer, Bozy Ennis, is also my head coach. Together we’ve been giving each other great sparring and I’m getting better each day. Training with the Ennis family, who are elite, has elevated my game. I’m ready to put forth a great performance and show everyone what I’m about.”

Champion turned heads in his last bout as he stopped undefeated prospect Rashad Killpatrick by way of a third-round technical knockout. The bout was a massive upset by many people’s standards and laid the groundwork for Champion to get strong backing in the sport.

“My last fight showed my heart, and it showed I have what it takes to be what my last name says, a world champion,” continued VeShawn. “Many joke with me that my nickname is ‘world’ champion, and I plan on doing just that, becoming a world champion.”

“We have big plans for VeShawn, and I know he’s in great shape going into this fight,” said Freeway Rick Ross, who advises Champion. “All the great work he’s been getting with “Boots” and his father Bozy has him fully prepared for war. Bozy is an excellent trainer and he’s got VeShawn looking like a monster. Together we are going to bring a lot of attention to this event. We have many fans that will be there to support him.”

ORANGE, CA (March 7, 2022) – Thompson Boxing’s unbeaten lightweight contender, Miguel “El Explosivo” Madueño (27-0, 25 KOs), who is known for his explosive power and exciting fights, now has the chance of a lifetime as he faces former world champion Jezzrel Corrales (25-4, 10 KOs), in WBA lightweight title eliminator. The 12-round bout will take place at the Roberto Duran Arena in Panama City, Panama on March 12, 2022, on a “KO to Drugs” event hosted by the WBA.

The 23-year-old Madueño is looking to change his life forever as a win would put him in line to be a mandatory challenger for the WBA lightweight world champion, which is currently held by George Kambosos Jr. (20-0, 10 KOs), one of the biggest names in the sport.

“I want to thank my promoter Thompson Boxing for guiding my career in such a great way,” said Madueño, who is currently riding a 13-fight knockout streak. “They provided a way to get in me in a position to display my skills to the world. This is my moment, and I will raise to the occasion as I want to be Thompson Boxing’s next great world champion.”

“We have always believed in Miguel since we signed him, and this is what we love doing, putting fighters in the best position possible,” said Ken Thompson, CEO of Thompson Boxing. “Miguel is a true force in the lightweight division, and we are excited about getting him to a point in which the world can watch all of his fights against the top stars of the sport!”

“This is a great opportunity for Madueño, but we can’t overlook the opponent as he is a former world champion and the toughest fighter Miguel has ever faced,” said Alex Camponovo, Thompson Boxing’s general manager. “Madueño’s future could be bright but he has a tough test on the 12th that he must pass and we have all the confidence he is ready for the task.”

Philadelphia (March 7, 2022)–Hard Hitting Promotions has announced the signing of featherweight Avery Sparrow.

Sparrow of Philadelphia, has a record of 11-3 with four knockouts. The 28 year-old Sparrow has been a professional for eight-years and is known for his ability to rise to occasion against top competition.

“We are excited to add Avery to our roster. He is a very talented fighter, and can beat anyone in the 126 and 130 pound divisions. He has shown he is willing to fight anyone, and now with Hard Hitting Promotions behind him, Avery will get put in position to get important and meaningful fights on his way for him to fight for a world title. He is just 28 years-old and despite having just 14 fights, he has a ton of experience and success against high quality opponents,” said Manny Rivera of Hard Hitting Promotions.

“It’s a wonderful experience to sign with Hard Hitting Promotions. They are doing a lot of shows. With me on his roster, and the things that I am trying to accomplish, It is a good fit for the both of us and we can help catapult each other to do major things in the sport. I am looking to get back in the ring sometime in April,” said Sparrow.

Sparrow turned professional on July 29, 2014 with a four-round decision over Antoine knight. Sparrow has gained wins over Anthony Burgin (10-2), Isaelin Florian Henriquez (6-0), Joey Laviolette (6-0), Jose Lopez (19-1) and former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-7-1). In his last bout, Sparrow stopped Matt Conway (20-2) in 10-rounds to win IBA World and Pennsylvania Super Featherweight titles on January 15th in Conway’s hometown of Pittsburgh.

Sparrow’s next fight will be announced shortly.

Another sold-out crowd of raucous Motown boxing fans showed up for Salita Promotions’ latest Detroit Brawl event last Saturday night (March 5, 2022) and despite a controversial ending to the heavyweight main event, the successful card saw several exciting matchups go down in the Motor City.

Fighting in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI, heavyweights Robert Simms (11-3-1, 3 KOs) and undefeated New Yorker Moses “ThunderHands” Johnson (8-0, 7 KOs) saw their main event end with controversy, as an accidental foul forced an abrupt end to the bout.

After fighting evenly for the first two rounds, Simms turned his head during the action, just in time to catch two heavy shots from Johnson in the back of the head, unintentionally. After receiving the dangerous foul, Saginaw’s Simms fell to the mat for an extended period and was eventually ruled unable to continue.

Referee Gerard White and the Michigan Commission correctly ruled that because three rounds had not been completed, state rules mandate the fight be ruled a technical draw at 31 seconds of round three.

In the night’s co-main event, super middleweight Winfred “Hot Boy” Harris Jr. (22-1-1, 10 KOs) managed to get by a determined effort and the veteran tricks of proven spoiler Dashon “Fly Boy” Johnson (22-24-3, 7 KOs) and win their fight by unanimous eight-round decision (scores: 79-73, 78-74 and 79-73).

Detroit’s Harris and Riverside, California’s Johnson waged an entertaining battle with Harris getting the better, but Johnson’s toughness and 50 fights worth of guile keeping things interesting throughout.

Both men had their moments in this “closer than the scorecards” affair, with Harris doing the slightly better work.

WBC #10- and IBF #9-ranked super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin put on an impressive performance in his battle against Ecuadorian trialhorse Jeyson “Verdugo” Minda, dropping Minda thrice and eventually notching a TKO victory at the 1:38 mark of the sixth round of a bout scheduled for eight.

With Tyson Fury trainer SugarHill Steward guiding him in the corner, Shishkin looked surprisingly sharp in his return from nearly a year of pandemic-induced inactivity.

Controlling the ring center with authority, Shishkin (13-0, 8 KOs) dropped Minda (14-7-1, 8 KOs) in the fourth with a right, again with a left in the fifth and finally released the finishing barrage that forced him to the floor for the third time and provoked referee Frank Garza to wave off the action.

Heading for bigger things in the near future, Shishkin suffered a minor cut to his right eye, that ruled to have been from an accidental head butt.

Intimidating Super Welterweight crusher Marlon “The Savage” Harrington (7-0, 6 KOs) of Detroit stayed unbeaten by stopping Uruguayan opponent Andres Viera (11-5, 8 KOs) at the 44 second mark of the second round.

With his characteristic savagery, Harrington tore into the outgunned South American and finally dropped him early in the second round. Upon rising, Viera indicated he’d had enough of the stone fists of Harrington, who looks to be headed for better things.

Fan from Dearborn got to enjoy one of their own in action, and super welterweight Husam Al Mashhadi (3-0, 3 KOs) gave them what they came for by stopping opponent, Devin Garrett (0-1) with an extended barrage of unanswered punches that culminated in a stoppage victory for Al Mashhadi at the 53-second mark of the opening round.

In other action, heavyweight Vernon Webber (1-0, 1 KO) won his pro debut by 36-second knockout over a hapless Luke Sills (0-1). Despite the fight’s short duration, Webber scored two knockdowns over Sills before ending the one-sided pummeling.

In the opening bout of the night, unbeaten Detroit middleweight Gordie Russ II (4-0, 4 KOs) easily took out opponent Jarrell Murray (0-4) of Iowa in 58 seconds of the first round.

Promoter Salita, who was hosting his 17th show in the area, says he’s very pleased with the overall event and says he’ll be back again next month for another rocking Detroit Brawl.

“I am grateful we had an exciting night of boxing with an enthusiastic crowd,” said Salita. “As we enter the post COVID era and fans once again can enjoy live boxing, we plan to use the momentum to keep growing world-class professional boxing with the help of the talented boxers, trainers, Detroit gyms and most importantly the fans.”

ABOUT THE FORD COMMUNITY & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:

The mission of the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department is to help fulfill the social, educational and recreational needs of children, adults and families by providing quality programs and activities in clean and well-maintained facilities and to achieve this through exemplary customer service. For more information, visit their OFFICIAL SITE.

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

NEW YORK (March 7, 2022) – Split-T Management fighters were impressive with four big victories over the weekend.

On Friday night, junior welterweight Rolando Vargas scored an explosive stoppage over Jerrell Hodge in Columbus, Ohio.

Vargas buckled Hodge with a big left hook. Vargas followed up with a booming right that put Hodge down and out and the fight was stopped.

With the win, Vargas, a Milwaukee native improves to 7-1 with seven knockouts.

WATCH VARGAS KNOCKOUT
Rolando Vargas 1st round stoppage over Jerrell Hodge

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Donte Stubbs in a middleweight bout.

In round two, Stubbs began to bleed from his nose. In round three, Stubbs dropped Martinez with a straight right. But that was the only blemish for the 26 year-old Martinez as he used his superior boxing skills to repeatedly land solid punches throughout the contest.

Martinez, 161.8 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 59-56 and 58-55 twice and is now 6-0. Stubbs, 163 lbs of Riverside, CA is 6-4.

Martinez is a former United States National Ama

6’9? Antonio Mireles remained perfect as he stopped previously undefeated Brandon Hughes in round two of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles landed a perfect jab-straight left that sent Hughes down on his face. Moments later it was another straight left that put Hughes down just before the end of the round. In round two, Mireles landed a big left hand that hurt Hughes and the fight was stopped just as Hughes hit the canvas at 1:04.

Mireles, 259.4 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Hughes, 282.4 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 2-1
Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Genc Pllana in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

Pacheco, 170 lbs of Los Angeles is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Pllana, 171 lbs of Hagerstown, MD is 9-4-1.

Orlando, Florida (March 7, 2022)—This past Friday at the Warriors Boxing Gym in Miami, tempers flared at media day today for the March 26 WBA featherweight Eliminator for #2 spot between NABA Featherweight champion Andranik Grigorian (14–0, 3 KOs) and Otabek Kholatov (9-0, 9 KOs).

The March 26th event will take place at The Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida and will be the premiere telecast of Bally Sports’ exciting new fight series aired on Bally Sports Network, Bally Sports app and Display TV,.

It was a star-studded event as besides the fighters, in attendance were former heavyweight champions Shannon Briggs, and Michael Moorer as well as Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller and Timur Ibragimov promoter Svyatoslav Mangushev and CEO of Entrobox Ronald Johnson.

The show will be promoted by American Dream Presents in association with Box Lab Promotions.

RISING SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT star Frank Arnold made a spectacular introduction to life as a Queensberry fighter with a brutal first round stoppage at the Copper Box in September.

With previously only having one stoppage on his record, it was widely expected that the 23-year-old would be extended in rounds by Lee Glover and even Arnold himself admits the quick finish took him by surprise.

Arnold, 8-0-1, has his next Queensberry outing on the ‘Prospect Show’ that takes place at York Hall on March 11, live on BT Sport.

“I didn’t expect it, to be fair,” conceded the quietly spoken Enfield resident. “I just hit him with a right hook, left hand, then it was like ‘oh sh*t’ and I was surprised myself.

“After that I just finished the job.

“I’ve not really been seen as a puncher, with just two knockouts, but when someone comes to win I can let my hands go. It was my biggest step up in the ranks.

“It was a big experience and a great atmosphere as well. I was buzzed up for it a lot.”

Arnold reports that, with limited amateur experience, he is learning on the job and it was impressing in a sparring session at the old Peacock Gym with Bilal Ali that he caught the eye of his now manager Tunde Ajayi.

“I didn’t have a lot of amateur fights, about 16 I think, but I boxed good kids and always went straight in the deep end.

“I was sparring Bilal at the Peacock and, all of a sudden, we were chatting to each other and he liked my sparring. It is a big opportunity for me,” he added, before confirming that he has now acquired a taste for a quick night’s work.

“It will be my first 10-rounder and it should be exciting. I’m training for a knockout, so if it comes it comes.” 

Chris Bourke (10-0) takes on Marc Leach (17-1-1) for the vacant British super bantamweight title at York Hall on March 11, live on BT Sport.

The card also features Olympic Youth gold medallist Karol Itauma (5-0) in light heavyweight action, unbeaten Irish super lightweight Willo Hayden (2-0) and super welterweight Josh Frankham (4-0). Super featherweight Jamie Chamberlain (3-0) has his first fight under the Queensberry banner, with Jake Henty (1-0 super welterweight) and Aloys Junior (0-1 cruiserweight) both having their second professional fights. Cruiserweight Arnold Obodai will make his professional debut.

Tickets for the show at York Hall on Friday, March 11 are on sale now, available directly from the fighters or via eventbrite.co.uk or call: 01992 505 550 (office hours).

Ticket prices:
£55 (Floor/Balcony unreserved)
£65 (Floor/Balcony reserved) – SOLD OUT
£105 (Ringside) – SOLD OUT

Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Modern Wing’ as a member of the class of 2022. The 2022 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^®, will take place during the 10^th Annual UFC International Fight Week^Ô this summer in Las Vegas and will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^®.

“Khabib is one of the greatest athletes to ever compete in professional sports,” UFC President Dana White said. “No one dominated their opponents that way Khabib did, and to retire undefeated, as lightweight champion and the #1 pound-for-pound athlete in the world is an incredible accomplishment. It will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”

Nurmagomedov will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as a member of the Modern Wing, joining Forrest Griffin (2013), BJ Penn (2015), Urijah Faber (2017), Ronda Rousey (2018), Michael Bisping (2019), Rashad Evans (2019) and Georges St-Pierre (2020) in this distinguished category. The “Modern Era” category includes athletes who turned pro on or after November 17, 2000 (when the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA was held), are a minimum age of 35 or who have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 29 fights during his 12-year career, Nurmagomedov compiled a perfect record of 29-0 (13-0, UFC), securing notable victories over former UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos, former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor, former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier and former interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

Nurmagomedov made his UFC debut at UFC^® on FX: GUILLARD vs. MILLER on January 20, 2012, in Nashville, Tennessee, submitting Kamal Shalorus via rear-naked choke. Khabib would defeat his next eight opponents, winning all 24 rounds in his first nine bouts before earning his shot at the vacant UFC lightweight title against Al Iaquinta at UFC 223.

UFC^® 223: KHABIB vs. IAQUINTA took place on April 7, 2018, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Nurmagomedov was originally scheduled to face former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson, but Ferguson was pulled due to a knee injury on April 1. Ferguson was replaced by former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway, but Holloway was pulled on April 6 due to medical reasons. Iaquinta was installed as Holloway’s replacement less than 24 hours from the event, with Khabib winning all five rounds to become UFC lightweight champion.

Khabib would return to the Octagon^® five months later to face former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor in the main event of UFC^® 229: KHABIB vs. MCGREGOR. A sellout crowd of 20,034 watched Nurmagomedov defeat McGregor via fourth round submission. The highly anticipated matchup between Khabib and Conor would set the Nevada state records highest attendance and live gate ($17.2 million) of an MMA event in history.

After a year off following UFC 229, Nurmagomedov returned to the Octagon on September 7, 2019, to face interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier in the main event unification bout of UFC^® 242: KHABIB vs. POIRIER. Taking place at The Arena, Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, this event marked UFC’s third trip to Abu Dhabi and first since 2014. Khabib would secure his second successful title defense by defeating Poirier via third round submission.

Nurmagomedov would return to Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2020, to face interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in the main event unification fight of UFC^® 254: KHABIB vs. GAETHJE. This event would mark Khabib’s first training camp since the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, earlier that year. He would control the first round and defeat Justin via submission in the second round, re-unifying the lightweight title. He retired inside the Octagon during his post-fight interview.

During his Hall of Fame career, Khabib split his training between his home gym in Dagestan and the Javier Mendez-led American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, Calif. He is one of several former UFC champions to train at AKA under Mendez.

Nurmagomedov enters the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:

• 4 title fight wins – Tied for most in UFC lightweight division history

• 12 lightweight division wins – Tied for longest winning streak in UFC lightweight division history

• 13 consecutive wins – Tied for 3^rd longest winning streak in UFC history (2012-20)

• 21 takedowns – Most takedowns in a single UFC bout (vs. Abel Trujillo – UFC 160)

• 59 takedowns – Second-most in UFC lightweight division history

• 54.6% – Third highest control time percentage in lightweight UFC history

• 1:29:08 – Third-most control time in lightweight UFC history

• 1:04:28 – Third-most top position time in lightweight UFC history

• 88 significant ground strikes – Fourth-most landed in a single UFC bout (vs. Michael Johnson – UFC 205)

Outside the Octagon, Khabib was honored with numerous awards during his career, such as being acknowledged by ESPN with the ESPY Award for Best MMA Fighter (2021), UFC Honors Submission of the Year (2020), BBC Sports World Sport Star of the Year (2020), and World MMA Awards International Fighter of the Year (2016). He was also named Best Sportsman in Russia by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center in 2020.

In 2019, he and father, Abdulmanap, were recognized with the “For Merit to the Republic of Dagestan”. Presented by Vladimir Vasilyev, then-Head of the Republic of Dagestan, this award serves as the highest meritorious order awarded by the Dagestani government for exemplary service and significant contributions to sports in Dagestan.

In 2019, Nurmagomedov added author to his list of accomplishments when his autobiography entitled, “KhabibTime” was published LitRes. Written with Zaur Kurbanov, “KhabibTime” documents Khabib’s childhood in Dagestan and his rise to become a UFC champion.

Since retiring from MMA competition, Khabib has served as a coach for several UFC athletes, including Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov. Nurmagomedov has also become an MMA promoter since retiring, serving as owner of Eagle Fighting Championship.

A native of Sildi, Dagestan, Russia, Nurmagomedov began wrestling as a child under the guidance of his father, Abdulmanap. Khabib trained in wrestling, judo and sambo, becoming a two-time (2009-10) Combat Sambo World Champion and European Pankration Champion before competing in mixed martial arts.

To view Khabib’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/9609.

Additional inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame class of 2022 will be announced in the coming weeks. To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFC.com/HOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

Roman Gonzalez pounded his way to a 12-round unanimous decision over flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez in a super flyweight bout at The Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

Gonzalez dominated the fight as continuously backed up Martinez with straight forward power punching, Martinez was game throughout as he would sneak u a flurry, but it was Gonzalez who was so accurate with his combinations that defied his age of 34, which is considered old for the lighter weight classes. After round seven, the winner was inevitable as Gonzalez snapped the head and drove Martinez into the ropes almost constantly. Martinez fought until the end, but it was much too little, much too late as Gonzalez won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112.

Gonzalez landed 374 of 1076 punches; Martinez was 182 of 713.

Gonzalez, 114.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is now 51-3. Martinez, who came in over the contracted weight, checked in at 116.4 lbs is now 18-2.

Lara stops Sanchez in Three Exciting Rounds

In a wild slugfest. Mauricio Lara stopped Emilio Sanchez in round three of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Lara dropped Sanchez with a hard right. In round three, Sanchez came roaring back as he landed barrages of power punches that tired Lara out. Lara came roaring back by landing vicious shots that continuously snapped the head of Sanchez back. Lara landed two more booming shots that knocked Sanchez to the ground just before the bell, and the fight was over at 2:59.

Lara, 126 lbs of Mexico City is now 24-2-1 with 17 knockouts. Sanchez, 126 lbs of Pacoima, CA is 19-2.

Fierro and Burgos Battle to a Draw

Angel Fierro and Juan Carlos Burgos battled to a 10-round draw in lightweight contest.

Fierro took a scorecard 96-94; while two other tallies were 95-95.

Fierro landed 144 of 579 punches. Burgos was 113 of 476.

Fierro, 134.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is now 19-1-2. Burgos, 134.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 34-6-3.

Cissokoho Decisions Valenzuela

Souleymayne Cissokho remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a super welterweight bout.

In round two, Valenzuela began to swell under his left eye. In round three, Valenzuela was cut on the nose. In round four, Valenzuela turned the tide and landed a hard combination to the body and sent Cissokho to the canvas. In the final minute of the round, Cissokho uncorked a huge right that put Valenzuela on his back. Valenzuela got to his feet and was bleeding all over his face.

Cissokho landed 132 of 479 punches; Valenzuela was 92 of 474.

Cissokho, 153.8 lbs of Saint-Denis, FRA won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice to raise his record to 15-0. Valenzuela, 154 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 19-3,

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Genc Pllana in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Pacheco dropped Pllana with a right hand. In round two, a left hook/right hand combination put Pllana on the deck and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Pacheco, 170 lbs of Los Angeles is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Pllana, 171 lbs of Hagerstown, MD is 9-4-1.

Marc Castro hit the canvas, but remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Julio Madera in a lightweight fight.

In round two Castro hit the deck from a combination. Castro won the rest of the fight and won by scores of 58-55 on all cards.

Castro, 134.8 lbs of Fresno, CA is 6-0. Madera, 134.4 lbs of Mexico City is 3-2.

2021 Australian Olympian Skye Nicholson made a successful pro debut with a six-round unanimous decision over Jessica Juarez in a junior lightweight bout.

Nicholson, 129 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 1-0. Juarez, 129 lbs of San Diego is 3-1.

Anthony Herrera stopped Jose Toribio in round four of a scheduled four-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Toribio began to bleed over his right. In round four, Castro landed a hard combination that was culminated by a left hook that dropped Toribio and the fight was stopped at the 24 second mark.

Herrera, 118.4 lbs of Los Angeles is 2-0 with two knockouts. Toribio, 118.2 lbs of San Diego, CA is 7-5.

4 x 3 mins Bantamweight contest
 
Anthony Herrera 118.6lbs    vs.     Jose Toribio 118.2lbs
(Los Angeles)                                  (San Diego)
 
Followed by
 
6 x 2 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
Skye Nicholson 129lbs vs.     Jessica Juarez 129lbs
(Queensland, Australia)                  (San Diego)
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Super Middleweight contest
 
Diego Pacheco 170lbs           vs.     Genc Pllana 171lbs
(Los Angeles)                                   (Hagertown, Maryland)
 
Live on DAZN from 5.30pm PT
 
10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title
 
Souleymane Cissokho 153.8lbs     vs.     Roberto Valenzuela Jr. 154lbs
(Saint-Denis, France)                                (Sonora, Mexico)
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 Lightweight contest
 
Angel Fierro 134.6lbs  vs.     Juan Carlos Burgos 134.2lbs
(Tijuana, Mexico)                   (Tijuana, Mexico)                  
 
Followed by
 
Mauricio Lara 126lbs   vs.     Emilio Sanchez 126lbs
(Mexico City, Mexico)           (Pacoima, California)
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBC Diamond Super-Flyweight championship
 
Roman Gonzalez 114.8lbs    vs.     Julio Cesar Martinez 116.4lbs*
(Managua, Nicaragua)                    (Mexico City, Mexico)
 
FLOAT
 
6 x 3 mins Super Lightweight contest
 
Fernando Angel Molina 139.6lbs  vs.     Angel Aispuro 139.8lbs
(Guadalajara, Mexico)                              (Sinaloa, Mexico)
 
*Martinez failed to make the championship limit at the second attempt, title only on the line for Gonzalez.

In a battle of former world champions, Jesus Ramirez won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jose Pedraza in a junior welterweight bout at The Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

It was a tactical fight with Ramirez looking to push forward, while Pedraza was getting in good work while working off the back foot and countering. In round, nine, the right eye of Pedraza began to swell.

Ramirez landed 133 of 554 punches; Pedraza was 110 of 586.

Ramirez, 139.8 lbs of Avenal, CA won by scores of 116-112 on all cards and is now 27-1. Pedraza140 lbs of Cidra, PR is 29-4.

Ramirez said, “Jose Pedraza is a smart, experienced fighter. He was going to find a way to survive and put up a fight. He was there boxing towards the end of the fight.  My hat’s off to him and his team. He was well-prepared. It was a great fight. I got to see where I am right now.

“I’m going to go back, work and stay focused and stay active. That’s one thing that’s affected me these last couple of years. I’ve trained so many times for a little bit of fights. My inactivity, my discouragement throughout training camps, it really took a big toll on me. I’m ready to stay active and stay motivated. There’s a lot of really great fighters coming up to 140. There’s a lot of really good fighters at 140 right now.”

Torrez Jr. stops Melson in 2

2021 U.S. Olympic Silver Medal winner, Richard Torrez Jr. made a successful pro debut as he stopped Allen Melson in round two of their six-round heavyweight bout

In round one, Torrez dropped Melson in the corner with a little combination. Melson’s nose began to bleed. Torrez began to bleed badly over his left eye from a clash of heads. In round two, Torrez dropped Melson with a straight left. the fight ended when Torrez dropped Melson with a left after a furious exchange, and the fight was stopped at 1:23.

Torrez, 228.2 lbs of Tulure, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Melson, 201.8 lbs of Alabama is 6-4.

Torrez said, “After the cut, I knew I had to get back to basics, and that’s what I did. I made sure to avoid additional head clashes, and I got the job done in the second.
 
“Sure, the cut is frustrating, but I’m not going to let it ruin the celebration. What a night. It was everything I’d hoped it would be.
 
“I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted to make a good first impression, especially in front of my home fans. They brought the energy, and I fed off the energy they gave me. The Central Valley is home, and I am proud to represent my people.”

Gonzalez stops Santisima in 9

Joet Gonzalez stopped Jeo Santisima in round nine of a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout of former world title challengers.

In round eight, Samtisima started to swell under his right eye. In round nine, Gonzalez landed a couple of right hands and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Gonzalez, 125.8 lbs of Glendora, CA is now 25-2 with 15 knockouts. Santisima, 125.2 lbs of the Philippines is 21-4.

Gabriel Flores Jr. gutted out a 10-round majority decision over Abraham Montoya in a junior lightweight bout.

Flores looked good early, but seemed to tire in the middle rounds and started eating flush punches. Flores was better in the final frame.

Flores landed 177 of 503 punches; Montoya was 174 of 597.

Flores, 131.6 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 and is now 21-1. Montoya, 131.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 20-3-1.

Hector Tanajara and Miguel Contreras fought to an eight-round split draw in a lightweight bout.

Tanajara won a card 78-84, Contreras took a card 77-75 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Tanajara, 135 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 19-1-1. Contreras, 134.2 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 11-1-1.

Karlos Balderas stopped Aelio Medquita in round two of a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

Seconds into the bout, Balderas landed a big right hand that sent Mesquita down for a knockdown. Towards the end of the round, it was another right that sent Mesquita to the deck for a 2nd time. In round two, Balderas landed another right sent Mesquita down and the fight was over at 38 seconds.

Balderas, 134.2 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 12-1 with 11 knockouts. Mesquita, 131.2 lbs of Guajua, BRA is 20-7-1.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Donte Stubbs in a middleweight bout.

In round two, Stubbs began to bleed from his nose. In round three, Stubbs dropped Martinez with a straight right.

Martinez, 161.8 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 59-56 and 58-55 twice and is now 6-0. Stubbs, 163 lbs of Riverside, CA is 6-4.

Charlie Sheehy remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over previously undefeated Johnny Bernal in a scheduled four-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Sheehy rocked Bernal with a hard right and followed up with another hard right that sent Bernal into the ropes for a knockdown. Sheehy hurt Bernal again with a left hook. Sheehy then landed a vicious combination that forced a referee stoppage at 2:33.

Sheehy, 134.2 lbs of Brisbane, CA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Bernal, 135 lbs of Denver, CO is 2-1.

6’9″ Antonio Mireles remained perfect as he stopped previously undefeated Brandon Hughes in round two of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles landed a perfect jab-straight left that sent Hughes down on his face. Moments later it was another straight left that put Hughes down just before the end of the round. In round two, Mireles landed a big left hand that hurt Hughes and the fight was stopped just as Hughes hit the canvas at 1:04.

Mireles, 259.4 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Hughes, 282.4 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 2-1

Moses Johnson 259 lbs. VS. Robert Simms 260 lbs.
Winfred Harris Jr. 166.6 lbs. VS. Dashon Johnson 167.6 lbs.
Husam Al Mashhadi 156.4 lbs. vs. Devin Garrett 156.6 lbs.
Vladimir Shishkin 171 lbs. vs. Jeyson Minda 172 lbs.
Marlon Harrington 153 lbs. vs. Andres Viera 150.6 lbs.
Vernon Webber 220.2 lbs. vs. Luke Sills 213.4 lbs.
Gordie Russ II 169 lbs. vs. Jarrell Murray 170.4 lbs.

Promoter: Salita Promotions
Venue: Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Dearborn, MI

Tickets: Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $35 and can be purchased by clicking HERE or by calling or visit the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Box Office (313.943.2354) at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn during Box Office hours: Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm on the day of the event. PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be placed in will call at the box office for pick-up. A limited quantity of VIP tickets is also available by calling Lina (313.529.7604).

The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm.

ABOUT THE FORD COMMUNITY & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:

The mission of the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department is to help fulfill the social, educational and recreational needs of children, adults and families by providing quality programs and activities in clean and well-maintained facilities and to achieve this through exemplary customer service. For more information, visit their OFFICIAL SITE.
ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (March 4, 2022) – Prince Ranch Boxings’ undefeated featherweight prospect, Ricky “El Castigo” Medina (12-0, 6 KOs), will make his 2022 debut on March 12, 2022, against his toughest challenge to date, Armando Frausto (9-2-1, 5 KOs), as the two will do battle in San Antonio, Texas at The Scottish Rite Theatre. Medina vs. Frausto, a scheduled 8-round main event bout, is promoted by TMB Promotions.

“I am excited to be in an eight-round main event bout against such a quality opponent,” said Medina. “The goal is to face world class fighters, and this is a Texas feud that I am sure the fans will be excited about. We’re more than ready to take on the best, and this is a step in that direction against a great opponent.”

“Medina packs the house and we’re excited to see him take the nest step toward the world title contender picture” said Medina’s manager Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing. “His promoter Rick Morones has brought Medina along nicely, and now we’re looking at this as a great test for him. If he gets by Fausto, then we’re ready for any-and-all competition. The goal is to get a regional title by the end of the year.”

“Medina has built himself up as a huge Texas draw, and now we’re seeing it pay off,” said promoter Rick Morones, of TMB Promotions. “We’re expecting a packed house with fans who have been on this journey with him from the very beginning. Fans can expect something special as Medina has endeared himself to the local crowd and market. He has a true fan base here. Everyone is San Antonio should come out and enjoy a great night of boxing.”

Tickets priced $40 (General Admission), $70 (Lower Level), and $100 (Ringside) are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (210) 449-5599 or (210) 322-9974. The Scottish Rite is located at 308 Ave E, San Antonio TX 78205. Doors open at 6:00 P.M. first fight starts at 7:30 P.M.

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Canada (March 4, 2022) – Like so many fellow brave Ukrainians, Serhii “El Flaco” Bohachuk (20-1, 20 KOs) has returned home in defense of his country fighting alongside his compatriots against the Russian invasion, which has forced his withdrawal from a scheduled March 25th showdown with Canadian super welterweight Mikaël Zewski (35-2, 23 KOs).

Vidéotron Coliseum in Trois-Rivières, Canada, will host its inaugural professional boxing event, starting at 7 p.m. ET, which is presented by Mise-O-Jeu, co-promoted by a Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) with Probellum, and in collaboration with Deacon Sports and Entertainment Ltd.

Bohachuk joins other Ukrainian fighters who have joined the fight such as retired former world heavyweight champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, as well as reigning World unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and 3-time, 3-division World title-holder Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Zewski, a former IBF North American and WBO NABO welterweight champion, is fighting at super welterweight for only the second time. His new opponent in the 10-round main event for the WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship is former world title challenger Carlos “Chema” Ocampo Manriquez (32-1, 20 KOs), of Mexico, whose lone pro loss was in 2018 to IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence, Jr.

“We applaud Bohachuk’s courage to return home and fight with his countrymen in a real war,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “Our hearts and prayers are with him and all Ukrainians who we wish for peace. Mikael is still in a very tough fight against Manriquez, the WBO’s No. 8-rated super welterweight.

“GYM is excited to co-promote this stacked card with our partner, Probellum, in our boxing series. Not only do we have some of the best Canadian boxers in action, but we are also thrilled to have three Olympians fighting in separate bouts, Arthur Biyarslanov, Joseph Ward, and Herbert Carvalho Sousa.”

In the 10-round co-featured event, undefeated super lightweight Biyarslanov (9-0, 7 KOs) takes on Roberto Verdugo (10-3-1, 4 KOs), of Mexico. Fighting out of Toronto, Biyarslanov represented Canada in the 2016 Olympic Games. Verdugo is unbeaten in his last 6 fights with 5 wins and 1 draw.

Undefeated Irish super lightweight prospect Joseph “Mighty” Ward (6-1, 3 KOs) is scheduled to fight an opponent to named in a 4-round match. Ward is a 3-time European amateur champion, in addition to representing Ireland in the 2016 Olympics.

Highly decorated Brazilian middleweight Herbert Caravalho Sousa will make his pro debut in a 4-rounder vs. TBA. The 23-year-old Sousa was a gold medal winner at the 2020 Olympics and 2019 World Championships.

Former Canadian National amateur champion Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs) meets Ricardo

“Riky” Lara (22-9, 10 KOs), of Mexico, in an intriguing 10-round bout. The popular Bouchard has been victorious in 10 of his last 11 fights.

Canadian welterweight Marie-Pier Houle (5-0-1, 2 KOs), returning to the ring quickly off her recent triumph (Feb. 24) over Yamilia Esther Reynoso by way of a 6-round decision, to face former World kickboxing champion Valentina Keri (5-5, 0 KOs), of Serbia, in a 6-round fight.

Also fighting on the undercard is Canadian heavyweight Alexis (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Marco Antonio Canedo (4-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round clash; pro-debuting Canadian super lightweight Spencer Wilcox vs. TBA, and Petar Gavrilovic (1-0, 0 KOs) vs. Greg Weeks (3-1, 3 KOs) in a pair of 4-round confrontations.

Tickets, starting at $25.00, are on sale and available for purchase on ticketmaster.ca. Prestigious seat reservations can also be made by calling (819) 519-1634.

GroupeYM #Probellum #ZewskiBohachuk

Source: Groupe Yvon Michel

ABOUT THE YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, all still active within the company, which is the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding GYM has organized 160 events in Quebec, participated in 37 international galas outside of Quebec. Seven boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire and Oscar Rivas. Seventeen of the organization’s boxers have fought in 50 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 25 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast GYM’s most important events. On 36 occasions major American networks presented a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (3), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

Reading, PA (March 4, 2022)–Due to an injury to Devar Ferhadi, Ryan Adams has answered the call to face Khainell Wheeler in the eight-round super middleweight main event that will take place next Friday night, March 11th at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Adams of Saint Louis, Missouri, has a record of 8-4-1 with six knockouts. The 27 year-old is a five year veteran who has wins over Bobby Taylor (4-1), Demario Moore (1-0), Akil Frederick (11-2) and Kozimbek Mardonov (2-0). Adams is coming off a loss to undefeated Elvis Figueroa on January 7th in Orlando, Florida.

Wheeler, 28 years-old of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has a record of 6-1 with five knockouts. The three-year pro is coming off his career best win as he took a six-round split decision over previously undefeated Frederick Julan (12-0) on December 2, 2021 in New York City.

In the eight-round co-feature, Kenny Robles battles Naim Nelson in a junior welterweight contest.

Robles, 30 years-old of Staten Island, New York, has a record of 8-1 with three knockouts. The five-year pro has a win over previously undefeated Shawn West (3-0), and his last outing when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Isaac Luna on March 19, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.

Nelson, 31 years-old, of Philadelphia is 14-5 with one knockout. The 11 year-professional has wins over Korey Sloane (1-0), Esteban Rodriguez (5-1-1) and Jerome Rodriguez (6-0-3). Nelson is coming off a 4th round stoppage defeated to undefeated Jesus Ramos on December 26, 2020 in Los Angeles.

In a six-round bout, undefeated James Bernadin (5-0, 3 KOs) of Lancaster, PA takes on tough Kevin Asmat (6-2, 5 KOs) of North Bergen, NJ

The 29 year-old Bernadin has been on a roll as in his last two fights, he has wins over Osvaldo Morales (4-0) and a first-round stoppage of Edgar Torres (8-2-1).

Asmat, 27 years-old, has a win over Ernesto Ornelas (1-0). He is on a three-fight win streak, with his latest win being a third-round stoppage over Weusi Johnson on June 22, 2019 in Philadelphia,

In six-round bouts:

Jonathan Rodriguez (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Jose Flores Chavez (9-13, 5 KOs) of Baja, Mexico in a bantamweight contest.

Julian Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs) of Reading, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior lightweight fight.

Quadir Albright (4-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Antonio Wattell (3-8-3, 2 KOs) of Houston, Texas in a junior welterweight affair.

In four-round bouts:

LeAnna Cruz (1-0) of Bethlehem, PA will square off with Anyela Lopez (2-1-1, 1 KO) of Tucson, AZ in a bantamweight bout.

Thanjae Teasley of Bethlehem, PA and Daniel Jiles of Philadelphia o in a welterweight fight of pro debuter’s.

Xavien Ramirez of Reading, PA will make his pro debut against Devon Lira (0-3) of Davie, Florida in a lightweight bout.

Tickets for this great evening are priced at $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at

Los Angeles, CA (March 4, 2022)–Shapiro Sports and Entertainment has announced the signing of undefeated super featherweight Ramiro Cesena.

Cesena, 22 years-old from Baja, California, has a record of 14-0-1 with 11 knockouts.

Cesena is managed by Legacy Sports Management.

“I couldn’t be more excited about signing with Shapiro Sports & Legacy,” said Ramiro Cesena. “They have a great team that will get me the bigger fights that I have been missing. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my country of Mexico, climb the rankings and prove I am here to stay. Hopefully I can fight Robson Conceicao, Jamel Herring or any of the top names in my weight class”

“I am excited to bring Ramiro Cesena into the family. At only 22 years of age, Ramiro has some great wins on his resume and he always shows the hallmarks of the classic Mexican fighters that we all love to watch – grit, determination, heart and the appetite for a war. I am ready to deliver him the life changing opportunities here in the USA that all Mexican fighters seem to be built for,” said promoter Shane Shapiro, President of Shapiro Sports & Entertainment

Cesena is a four-year professional and turned professional on February 9, 2018 with a first-round knockout over Benjamin Urias He has since racked up wins over Carlos Alberto Gonzalez Urena (4-1-2), Jesus Amparan (16-2), Jesus Arvelo (27-5-1) and his last bout when he won a decision over previously undefeated and top-10 ranked Bekman Soylybaev (12-0) on August 13, 2021 in Dubai.

“I am delighted to welcome Ramiro to the team. We’ve had the pleasure of having Ramiro on one of our previous shows in Dubai and he showed me he has the potential to become World Champion with our guidance. We look forward to his journey continuing in 2022 and beyond, and Ramiro rising to all challenges we put in front of him,” said Karim Akkar, CEO of Legacy Sports Management

Cesena will be back fighting in Dubai on March 26th when he takes on Adam Kipenga in an eight-round bout.