POMONA, CA (March 22, 2022) – Undefeated prospect, Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (4-0, 4 KOs), who has started his career with four straight knockouts, looks to make it five in a row as he fights at The Hangar, in Costa Mesa, California, on April 14th against an opponent yet to be named. The scheduled 6-round bout is being promoted by Englebrecht Promotions & Events on the popular Fight Club OC series.

“It feels good to be right back in the ring, I am happy to be staying so active, and keeping the momentum going as my career couldn’t have started any better,” said the sensational knockout artist Mercado. “It is important to get ring time especially as I start out so I can improve early in my career and be prepped for what will come later. My goal is not just to be a world champion, but a multiple-weight world champion, and each fight is a step in that direction.”

In Mercado’s last bout he needed only one round to knock out his opponent and has only gone to the second round once in his pro career.

“Getting rounds are key at this point, I know that as I fight better competition, I will have to be better prepared to face tougher opponents, so I am focused on improving each and every fight,” continued Mercado. “This is the start of a long career, and I am trying to make the most out of each fight. I’m looking forward to fighting in front of my SoCal fans.”

Tickets are available for purchase by calling (949) 760-3131 on online at socafights.com. The show is almost sold out so get your tickets while they last. Doors open 6:00pm, first bout starts at 7:00pm PT.

MAIN EVENT – SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (8)*

Salvatore “Chango” Tapia (12-3-1, 10 KOs), Tepic, Nayarit, México

vs.

Emiliano “Letal” Cruz (13-3, 12 KOs), Tijuana, Baja California, México

CO-FEATURE – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)*

Lester Martinez (10-0, 9 KOs), Guatemala City, Guatemala

vs.

José Luis “El Caras” Zúñiga (16-6-1, 9 KOs), Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México

LIGHTWEIGHTS – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)*

Jorge “Jorgito” Lugo Cota (7-0, 7 KOs), Los Mochis, Sinaloa, México

vs.

Ricardo “Palmito” Badillo Rodriguez (7-2-2, 1 KO), Tepic, Nayarit, México

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS (8)*

Egar “Diablo” Espinosa Vargas (7-1, 6 KOs), Guadalajara, Jalisco, México

vs.

Armando “El Chica” Ramírez Almanza (5-0-1, 2 KOs), Celaya, Guanajuato, México

FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)*

Héctor “Tigre” Pérez Cruz (6-0, 5 KOs), Tepic, Nayarit, México

vs.

Víctor “Tyson” Tadeo Rodríguez (3-0. 3 KO), Tepic, Nayarit, México

LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)*

Marco Cota Moreno (5-0, 4 KOs), Empalme, Sonora, México

vs.

Jonathan “Lagartijo” Zuniga (6-3, 6 KOs), Morelia, Michoacán, México

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)

Paulo“Leon” Pérez Cruz (6-0, 5 KOs), Tepic, Nayarit, México

vs.

TBA

(card subject to change)

*denotes streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS

WHERE: Palenque de la Expo in Obregón Sonora, México

WHEN: Thursday, March 24, 2022

PROMOTERS: RJJ Boxing Promotions, De La O Promotions, World Cup Boxing Series and Team Cruz Promotions

LIVE STREAM: Streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, boxing starts at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

BROADCASTERS: James “Smitty” Smith (blow-by-blow) and Amber Dixon (color commentator)

RING ANNOUNCER: Michael Vale

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Twitter: @UFCFightPass, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @WorldCup_Boxing_Series, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Welcome to London, a huge press conference for a fantastic fight. I say Domestic fight, but also a fight that has such huge ramifications for the world 175lbs scene.

“Joshua Buatsi, Olympic bronze medallist against Craig Richards, a man who’s won British Titles, challenged for the World Title as well. This is a kind of fight that gets me excited, this is the kind of fight that seems so obvious. Two brilliant Domestic fighters but also two world class fighters as well.

“A World Title challenger in Craig Richards and a man that many believe is destined for greatness at 175lbs. I want to thank to teams of both fighters; you need to understand these guys know each other. One from Croydon and one from Crystal Palace, a stone’s throw from each other and they’ve known each other for many years.

“Sometimes in boxing they don’t want to make these fights, trainers, managers, advisors, fighters – ‘we’ll wait for our World Title shot’. You need to stop waiting, fighters out there that are queuing up for a World Title shot that is not imminent, don’t stall your career when you could be involved in brilliant fights, fights that could take your career to another level. That’s what we’ve got May 21 in London.”

Joshua Buatsi:

“A few months ago, I sat in your [Eddie’s] office and said get me these fights, there’s good Light-Heavyweights in the country so it’s good to mix it with one of them. As fighters you go to shows and watch, when there’s a main event with a buzz you think I wish I was in there. I’ve got mine now, for me it’s’ now just preparing for May 21, Spider will bring his A game but I’m ready.

“I wouldn’t dub it as the hardest test, for me, it’s just the most important fight in my career right now. It’s the next fight, the fight I must win, last time with Bolotniks but this time it’s Spider. I’ll prepared as diligently as I do, come May 21 I’ll be ready.

“I have to thank Matchroom and Spider’s team, also my team, for making this fight happen. Fighters can tend to wait for the opportunity, for me currently it’s looking a bit tricky, but I’ve got a good fight and that’s what I’m concentrating on.

“I think that [Canelo] makes this a big fight for me, makes it even more important. I know what is at stake, what the reward is and that’s what I said when I was in Arizona. I’ll fight these guys as long as I know what’s next. This may lead to a World Title fight next so for me, I’m easy, no matter who it is I’m prepared.

“I’m at the point where I want to fight these guys, I want to get into these big fights. May 21 is the first stop and when we handle that, we deal with whoever is next.” 

“This is nothing new, outside I’m cool and calm probably like a lot of boxers but when I’m in that ring I know what time it is. I know what I need to do, and the situation is, nice guys come last and that’s what it is in the ring. Outside the ring be how you want to be, but in that ring, I know what I have to do. In May I’ll be ready.”

Craig Richards:

“I think this was a fight that was always going to be in the pipeline, I believed I was going to get to world level, I believed he [Buatsi] was obviously destined for world level as well so we knew our paths would cross at some point. It’s a good clash.

“For myself, I want to get back into the mix, challenge and win a World Title. I think this is the bridge to cross to make that happen today.

“Obviously I’ve been thrown in the deep end a few times and I’ve just been swimming and swimming. I have no regrets because that’s what has put me in this position today, I’ve had a lot of domestic clashes, grudge matches and cross path fights. That’s all built my experience and ability to be confident enough to go in to win and win on May 21.

“I believe if I didn’t have those fights, it would be a harder fight, if this fight was scheduled without the experience. I’m ready to go, that’s what’s made me confident, I’m seeing the growth in myself every fight and every week, every day in gym. I’m just looking forward to going out and perform, showing that experience of the hard route.

“If you look at the titles I’ve won at Light-Heavyweight, I think three of the fights I was the underdog in those. When I beat Jake Ball, I was a massive underdog, they wrote me off and I went out there, delivered and got the knockout. My last title fight I was the favourite, but it didn’t mean anything different, I went out and delivered. If the bookies want to sleep on me that’s up to them. The same person is in front of me, I’m not interested in the bookies or what people say, I’ve got a job to do, and I’ll deliver.

“Josh is going to the gym to iron out all of his flaws fight by fight, what I have seen is that he showed heart and grit. I know he’s got the will to win, and he will come to win. Like the other unbeaten fighters I’ve faced, more importantly, they’ve more will to win. I know he isn’t going to come out and lie down, that’s for me to go and prepare to make sure I get the task done.

“He’s not a stupid guy, he’s very intelligent, he’s not silly enough to just gas himself up saying yeah, I’m going to walk over Richards. I know he’s going to be preparing very hard, he’s going to invest in his camp and preparing diligently for me.

“I’m not going to be looking at him thinking this is a walk over, I’ll be preparing just as hard if not harder for him. We both know we’re in for a solid fight May 21 and I don’t anyone’s sleeping in each other. I believe we’ll both be well prepared and bringing out A games May 21.

“I think I’ve got the capabilities to win in any way, the most important thing is to prepare all-round the board. I’ve got to be prepared for everything, at this level you can’t just say I’m going to win it by a jab or closing him down. You’ve got prepare for Plan A, B, C or D, you might have to get rough and ready or box and be clever. It all depends on the night, you’ve just got to make sure you’ve prepared, have all your game plans and be fit, ready and strong. On the night just make it happen, listen to your team most importantly and execute what you need to win the fight.”

The Pennsylvania Eastern Regional Golden Gloves (boxing) Championships, after a three-year hiatus, get back in the ring at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia on April 30. The next generation of Philadelphia boxers will compete across 15 weight classes to showcase their skills, stamina, and agility, and chase their dreams on this special night. The winners of the Pennsylvania Eastern Regional Golden Gloves event will advance to the Pennsylvania State Championship.

Joe Hand Promotions is excited to present the Pennsylvania Eastern Regional Golden Gloves Championships. In addition, the event will support a new physical therapy office specializing in Parkinson’s disease at the new Joe Hand Gym in Feasterville.

“We are taking an innovative approach towards this disease with physical therapy based on both physical and mental exercises to slow down the disease,” said Joe Hand Sr., who is passionate about fighting this terrible disease. “We are doing our part to help alleviate any discomfort for anyone battling Parkinson’s.”

For many fighters, the Golden Gloves align with the path that needs to be taken to reach the Olympics and then eventually the professional ranks.

Over the years, a long list of great fighters won the Golden Gloves National Championship. A few of those names are Floyd Mayweather Jr., Oscar De La Hoya, Roy Jones Jr., Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Deontay Wilder, and Muhammad Ali, who was known as Cassius Clay at the time he won.

Pennsylvania has been very well represented, with many fighters advancing to win the Golden Gloves National Championship, including Meldrick Taylor, Rashiem Jefferson, Jaron Ennis, Jesse Hart, Miguel Cartagena, Christian Carto, and Stephen Fulton. These champions have shown that Philly has excellent talent that can compete nationwide.

Tickets at $25 are on sale through Joe Hand Promotions by calling 215-364-9000 or purchasing at the 2300 Arena door.

ABOUT THE GOLDEN GLOVES
Since the first Golden Gloves tournament in 1923, the Golden Gloves of America, Inc. and its member franchises have provided an opportunity and environment for young athletes to develop lifetime skills. Hundreds of dedicated administrators, coaches, trainers and counselors have unselfishly spent countless time and effort to assist young people in the development of personal character and athletic skills. The Golden Gloves program has led the way in promoting amateur boxing in the United States and has produced many competitors for America’s boxing teams in the Pan-Am and Olympic games.

ABOUT JOE HAND PROMOTIONS
Founded in 1971, Joe Hand Promotions is the nation’s oldest and largest television distributor of pay-per-view and closed circuit sports and entertainment events, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), championship boxing, and concerts. JHP’s event consultants provide their marketing knowledge and promotional expertise to help commercial establishments grow their business through the use of live sports and entertainment programming. Additionally, JHP hosts 4-6 live boxing events per year in the Philadelphia area. These events have held sold-out crowds at various venues and arenas.

MINNEAPOLIS (March 22, 2022) – Unbeaten rising prospect Joey Spencer will battle Ravshan Hudaynazarov in an eight-round middleweight attraction that highlights the non-televised undercard lineup on Saturday, March 26 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Top super welterweight contender and rising star Tim Tszyu will make his long-awaited U.S. debut in the main event when he takes on U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 12-round showdown live on SHOWTIME.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender Michel Rivera dueling fellow unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez faces Juan José Velasco in the 10-round telecast opener.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

The undercard lineup will also include super welterweight contender Brian Mendoza (19-2, 13 KOs) squaring off against San Antonio’s Benjamin Whitaker (15-7, 3 KOs) for eight rounds of action, undefeated Australian heavyweight Joseph Goodall (7-0-1, 6 KOs) facing Matthew McKinney (8-4-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round fight and unbeaten super welterweight contender Bakhram Murtazaliev (19-0, 14 KOs) in a 10-round bout against Ahmad Cheikho (18-7, 13 KOs).

Rounding out the card are a trio of unbeaten prospects as 21-year-old Travon Marshall (4-0, 3 KOs) takes on fellow unbeaten Timothy Parks (3-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight tilt, 25-year-old Michael Angeletti (4-0, 3 KOs) steps in for a six-round super bantamweight contest against Angel Luna (15-9-1, 8 KOs), and 19-year-old lightweight Breeon Carothers (1-0, 1 KOs) battles Deljerro Revello (0-2) in a four-round attraction.

The 21-year-old Spencer (14-0, 10 KOs) turned pro in February 2017 and immediately caught the eye of fans and pundits with his combination of speed, power and athleticism. Following an impressive 2020 campaign, the Linden, Michigan native added three more victories to his ledger in 2021, including his first eight-round fight as he earned a unanimous decision over James Martin in July. Most recently, Spencer delivered a sensational Christmas Day knockout of Limberth Ponce in the fifth-round of action.

A native of Uzbekistan, Hudaynazarov (19-4, 14 KOs) now fights out of Las Vegas as 12 of his last 14 bouts have taken place stateside. The 37-year-old was unbeaten in his first 17 pro fights before suffering four defeats from 2018 to 2020. Hudaynazarov bounced back to win his last two fights, stopping Eduardo Ayala in April 2021 before most recently winning a decision over Sergio Sarabia in June 2021.

#

ABOUT TSZYU VS. GAUSHA
Tszyu vs. Gausha will see top super welterweight contender and rising star Tim Tszyu make his long-awaited U.S. debut when he takes on U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 12-round showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender Michel Rivera dueling fellow unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez facing Juan José Velasco in the 10-round telecast opener.

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

PHILADELPHIA (March 22, 2022)–This Friday night, RDR Promotions will present an action-packed six bout card at the 2300 Arena.

In a featured bout, Isaiah Wise will take on veteran Cameron Krael in a middleweight bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Wise of Philadelphia has a record of 10-2-2 with six knockouts. The 29 year-old Wise is a six-year veteran and has wins over previously undefeated Mike Daniels Jr. (3-0) and Enver Halili (10-2). Wise has won three in a row and his latest outing he stopped Dewayne Williams in the opening round on October 9, 2021 at The 2300 Arena.

Krael of Las Vegas is a deceiving 18-21-3 with five knockouts. The 28 year-old Krael has faced a who’s-who of boxing in his 11 year run. He has wins over Luis Adrian Bello (5-0), Manuel Lopez (5-0), Demond Brock (8-2), Josh Torres (14-3-2), Maurice Lee (7-0), Jose Miguel Borego (14-1) and Razvan Hudaynzarov (17-3). Krael has also faced former world champions Maurice Hooker and Jamal James; contenders Alex Martin, Erick Bone, Keith Hunter, Elvis Rodriguez, Shinard Bunch, Montana Love and Custio Clayton; Former world title challenger Egidijus Kavaiauskas

In Six-Round Bouts:

RDR Promotions signee, Raekwon Butler (4-2, 2 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York fights Leonidis Fowlkes (2-7-1) of Winchester, Virginia.

Isiah Seldon (14-4-1, 5 KOs) of Somers Point, NJ will take on Temirlin Raimkulov (4-1-2) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.

Romuel Cruz (6-0-1, 2 KOs) takes on Frank Boston (3-5, 1 KO) of San Antonio, Texas in a super bantamweight contest.

In Four-round Bouts:

New RDR Promotions signee Nimal “The Chosen One” Farmer of Philadelphia tales on Anthony Curtiss (3-15, 2 KOs) of Butte, Montana junior middleweight fight.

VeShawn Champion (2-0, 1 KO) of Dayton, Ohio battles Jorge Rodrigo Sosa (3-3, 3 KOs) of Asuncion, Paraguay in a welterweight bout.

Despite a brief amateur career, Farmer has defeated several highly-regarded amateur boxers.

Tickets are $55, $75 and $100 and can be purchased at

Premier Sports have today announced live and exclusive coverage of Welshmen Lee Selby’s (28-3, 9 knockouts) fight versus the undefeated Gustavo Lewis (27-0, 17 knockouts) in Buenos Aires, Argentina this Saturday night – Premier Sports 1 from 11pm.

The 35 year old from Barry will take on Lemos in a final eliminator in a bid to earn a world title shot against lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. Lee Selby previously lost to Kambosos in October 2020 via a split decision and is currently ranked fourth by the IBF while his opponent Lemos is ranked third after winning all 27 professional fights.

The fight will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina following Lemos’ promoters winning the purse bid and held in the Estadio Luna Park. The Argentinian has been fighting professionally for five years and his last fight took place last April as he defeated fellow Argentinian Maximiliano Ricardo Veron in a TKO.

Speaking ahead of the fight, Selby commented: “My final eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title is all set for 26 March at the historic Estadio Luna Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Trust me, I’m ready and hungrier than ever to secure that world title shot.”

Premier Sports will have live coverage of the fight on Saturday Night, March 26^th exclusively on Premier Sports 1, available in HD via Sky (412), Virgin TV (551), online via the Premier Player available on app and desktop and through Amazon for Prime customers. New and returning subscribers to Premier Sports can easily sign up via the website – www.premiersports.com with prices beginning from £9.99 per month.

Richard Webb, COO of Premier Sports said, “We are delighted to broadcast Lee Selby’s final eliminator matchup versus Gustavo Lewis this weekend live from Buenos Aires. There is huge interest in this event from fans in the UK especially Wales and we’re pleased to make it live and exclusive to Premier Sports customers.”

Formed in 2009, Premier Sports is currently broadcasting in the UK and Republic of Ireland with live and exclusive rights to games from the Premier League, LaLiga, United Rugby Championship, Scottish Cup Football, Rugby League Championship and Challenge Cup, GAA, NHL, NASCAR and also operate BoxNation, a dedicated boxing channel. Many of these rights are available in both territories with some exclusive to each region.

ZACH PARKER DESCRIBES fighting Demetrius Andrade on the hallowed turf of his hometown football club as the stuff of dreams.

The super middleweight destroyer takes on the unbeaten American for the WBO Interim world title at the Pride Park Stadium, home of Derby County FC, on May 21.

Parker has blasted out all before him since teaming up with Frank Warren and Queensberry, scoring brutal knockouts victories over Vaughn Alexander, Sherzod Khusanov and Marcus Morrison – three men who had not previously been stopped.

Now he goes up against the formidable Andrade, a world champion at both super welterweight and middleweight.

Parker insists it is his time now and a changing of the guard will take place in the middle of the pitch at Pride Park, suggesting Andrade has miscalculated the scale of the job in front of him.

“I am obviously over the moon and it is a dream for me,” said the 27-year-old. “Fighting for the Interim title against one of the best out there in Andrade, a two-weight world champion and awkward southpaw.

“I am ready for it and he has made a bad decision coming over to Derby in front of what will be a hostile crowd at Pride Park. He is coming up a weight as well, so nothing is in his favour.

“I just can’t wait now,” he added, before reflecting on the gesture of donating £10 from every ticket sold back to his team in a time of financial strife.

“I said with us doing it at Pride Park that we need to give something back to Derby because they are going through hard times. With £10 from each ticket going to the club what more incentive is there needed for fans to get behind me now?

“It is amazing to be able to do it and hopefully it will help out the club.”

While his local team battle against points deductions and strive to remain in the Championship against all odds, Parker believes his region is in need of another hero.

“Derby is such a big team and we need a winner to get behind. I’ll be that winner. I am undefeated in 22 fights and Derby is such a good county and on May 21 everyone will see what Derby is all about.

“We are going to light up Pride Park,” is Parker’s prediction, another being that the reign of Andrade will come to an abrupt conclusion.

“My style is all wrong for everyone. Every time I face someone I change my style to work in my favour.

“I think he is on his last legs and his promoter hasn’t got behind him, has he? Not like my promoter, that is what you are meant to do and get behind your fighter. He is 34, coming up a weight against someone who is big for the weight. You could see that in my last fight against Marcus Morrison, when a middleweight comes up I just put them to sleep.

“Trust me I will be the first to stop Andrade and I haven’t been as confident about anything in my life. I’ve been waiting for these big fights to show what I am about and on May 21 everyone will know who Zach Parker is.”

Tickets for Zach Parker vs Demetrius Andrade at Pride Park on Saturday, 21st May go on sale at 11am on Thursday, 31st March. 

Fans are advised to sign-up for Ticket Alerts at frankwarren.com to receive the ticket link directly to their inboxes.

A full undercard will be announced in due course. 

Please Note: This event is subject to contract and licence approval.

New York, NY (March 21, 2022)-Split-T Management fighters came home with two wins in as many fights on Saturday night as junior welterweight John Bauza and junior lightweight Dalis Kaleiopu remained undefeated with wins in New York and Los Angeles respectively.

At The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, John Bauza remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Tony Luis in a junior welterweight bout.

Bauza boxed well, and controlled the fight with his quicker hands and variety of punches.

Bauza landed 109 of 329 punches; Luis was 90 of 449.

Bauza, 140.2 lbs of Coamo, PR won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 17-0. Luis, 140.8 lbs of Cornwall, ONT, CAN is now 29-5.

The bout was televised live on ESPN.

Bauza is promoted by Top Rank.

Photo By Tom Hogan / Golden Boy

At the Galen Center In Los Angeles, Dalis Kaleiopu stopped Manuel Lara in the fourth and final round of their lightweight bout.

In round one, Kaleiopu dropped Lara with a right to the head. Later in the round, Lara went down from a body shot.

In round four, it was a three-punch combination to the head that dropped Lara to his knees and the bout was stopped at 2:15.

Kaleiopu, 132.4 lbs of Waianae, HI. is 2-0 with two knockouts. Lara, 134.2 lbs of Celaya, MEX is 2-8.

Kaleiopu is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

The IBF World Heavyweight Title Final Eliminator between Filip Hrgovi? (14-0, 12 KOs) and Zhilei Zhang (23-0-1, 18 KOs) will take place on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol undercard on May 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
 
Hrgovi? has been hunting a dance partner for a showdown to name the mandatory challenger for the IBF World Title held by Oleksandr Usyk. The 29-year-old Olympic bronze medal man has cut a lethal swathe through the pro ranks to sit in a prime position for a deserved shot at the big prize, ending all but two of his fights inside the distance, and not going past the fifth round in his last seven outings.
 
A host of Heavyweights were offered the clash with the dangerous Croatian, but not until it came to #13 ranked Zhang was a dance partner found, with the lofty Chinese star accepting the challenge. The 38-year-old has been circling for a major showdown, and ‘Big Bang’ gets his wish against Hrgovi? in Sin City with the two KO artist promising to leave it all in the ring with the stakes so high.
 
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for more than year,” said Hrgovi?. “Finally, I have an opponent willing to face me for the chance to fight for the IBF World Title. So many fighters turned down this challenge so credit to Zhang for being brave enough to accept.
 
“I know he’s a good opponent. He won silver at the Olympics so that means he’s a good boxer, but he is too slow on his feet, and I believe I have better the qualities. My speed, stamina and footwork will be too much for him. I will break him down and I will beat him.
 
“I’m now only one fight away from my dream of boxing for a World Title and nothing is going to stop me. Canelo is the face of boxing and I’m excited to get this opportunity on such a big show. I’m ready to show the whole world that ‘El Animal’ is coming!”
 
“I am very happy that this fight is going to happen,” said Zhang. “I’ve been waiting on an opportunity – now it’s here and I’m not going to let it pass.
 
“When no-one else from the top 15 wanted to face Hrgovic, I told myself that I had to do it for me, and for the sport of boxing. This is the most important fight of my whole career. I’m all in. Don’t miss it!”

“Finally, we’ve found an opponent willing to accept the challenge,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “Having gone through the IBF rankings twice, Zhang has stepped up to face Filip Hrgovi? in an IBF World Title final eliminator. We now have ‘El Animal’ versus ‘Big Bang’ for a shot at the biggest prize in boxing. This epic battle is going to light up the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where fans can witness the next Heavyweight Champion of the World in action.”
 
“I love the Heavyweight dust-up between Filip Hrgovic and Zhilei Zhang,” said Eddie Hearn. It’s been a long-time coming for someone to step up to the plate and fight Filip, credit to Zhilei and his team for taking on the challenge. Both men carry huge power, and they know that victory takes them one step closer to sport’s ultimate prize – Heavyweight champion of the World. There won’t be a backwards step taken when they rumble, it’s going to be fireworks on an already electric night.”
 
Hrgovi? vs. Zhang is the latest addition to what promises to be a stacked card in Las Vegas with Montana Love and Gabriel Valenzuela also set to square off in a mouth-watering Super-Lightweight battle in support of the blockbuster main event as pound-for-pound Mexican king Canelo looks to become a two-time World ruler at 175lbs against long-reigning WBA champion Bivol on Cinco De Mayo weekend.
 
Tickets will go on sale starting at $105 (plus fees) on the following dates and times (all times PT) at AXS.com.

• AXS, Fighter, DAZN and Matchroom (codes) Pre-Sales:  Tuesday, March 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Public On-Sale:  Wednesday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m.

LAS VEGAS (March 21, 2022) — Boxing’s rising stars are headed to Resorts World Las Vegas. Welterweight U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson and Puerto Rican junior featherweight contender Carlos “Purin” Caraballo will see action on the Miguel Berchelt-Jeremiah Nakathila undercard Saturday, March 26 at the Resorts World Events Center.

Johnson will face an opponent to be named in a six-rounder, while Caraballo hopes to bounce back from his first career defeat against Luis Fernando Saavedra in an eight-rounder.

Berchelt-Nakathila and a 10-round featherweight battle between Jose Enrique Vivas and Eduardo Baez will be televised live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts, including Johnson and Caraballo-Saavedra, will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT.

“There’s plenty of great young talent on the card, including a young man in Tiger Johnson who I believe can one day become a world champion,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are thrilled to bring world-class boxing to Resorts World Las Vegas.”

Johnson (2-0, 1 KO) had a sterling 188-17 amateur record, culminating in his run to the quarterfinal round at the Tokyo Olympics. He had an eye-opening professional debut last November in Las Vegas, knocking out Antonius Grable in four rounds. Johnson returned in January with a shutout decision over the previously unbeaten Xavier Madrid.

Caraballo (14-1, 14 KOs), from Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, won his first 14 fights by stoppage and was never extended past the sixth round. That changed last October when he went the 10-round distance against Jonas Sultan. He knocked down Sultan once and survived four knockdowns to lose a narrow decision in one of the best fights of 2021. Caraballo now has a stiff challenge in Saavedra (9-6, 3 KOs), a Mexican pressure fighter with a deceiving record. Saavedra has won two straight fights against previously unbeaten fighters, including last June’s six-round domination over Robert “Biggie” Rodriguez (9-0-1 at the time) on a Top Rank card.

In other undercard action streaming live on ESPN+:

• Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (19-2, 9 KOs) will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-round junior welterweight tilt. Vargas was one of the division’s rising contenders until a stunning first-round KO loss to Jose “Chon” Zepeda last October in New York City.
   
• Featherweight Haven Brady Jr. (5-0, 3 KOs), the one-time U.S. amateur star, aims to notch his second victory of 2022 against Chilean veteran Jose Argel (8-2, 2 KOs). Argel has never been knocked out as a pro and has gone six or more rounds six times in his career.
   
• Light heavyweight prospect Dante Benjamin Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), fresh off a first-round knockout in his professional debut, will face fellow unbeaten Kevin Johnson (2-0, 1 KO).
   
• Arturo Cardenas (2-0, 2 KOs), a junior featherweight knockout artist who trains out of the world-famous Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Riverside, California, will fight Mexican upstart Juan Hernandez Martinez (2-0) in a four-rounder.
   
• Adrian Serrano, a 17-year-old lightweight from Salinas, California, will make his pro debut in a four-rounder against Estevan Partida (0-1).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now and can be purchased at www.rwlasvegas.com/experiences/top-rank.
 # # #About Resorts World Las Vegas
Resorts World Las Vegas was developed by Genting Berhad, a publicly traded Malaysian corporation registered with the Nevada Gaming Commission. The company has affiliated operations in the Americas, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas. In partnership with Hilton, Resorts World Las Vegas integrates three of Hilton’s premium brands into its resort campus, including Las Vegas Hilton, the resort’s full-service brand; Conrad Las Vegas, Hilton’s lifestyle luxury brand; and LXR, Hilton’s network of independent luxury properties, which operates as Crockfords Las Vegas, Genting’s internationally renowned ultra-luxury brand. Resorts World Las Vegas features 3,506 guest rooms and suites, an innovative, next-generation gaming floor, world-class food and beverage options, a 5,000-capacity theatre, distinct nightlife venues, a curated retail collection of designer and boutique shops and more. The integrated resort weaves time-honored traditions of the international Resorts World brand into the fabric of Las Vegas, introducing a bold, fresh take on hospitality to the city with stunning design, progressive technology and world-class guest service. Resorts World Las Vegas is?Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™?with?Forbes Travel Guide,?a verification that ensures the resort has appropriate health safety procedures in place.?For?more information, visit?rwlasvegas.com?or find us on?Facebook,?LinkedIn,?Twitter?and?Instagram.

About Genting Group
Genting Group comprises Genting Berhad (KLSE: GENTING), the holding company, and its listed companies Genting Malaysia Berhad (KLSE: GENM), Genting Plantations Berhad (KLSE: GENP) and Genting Singapore Limited (SGX: G13). Genting Group is involved in leisure and hospitality, power generation, oil and gas, property development, life sciences and biotechnology activities, with operations spanning across the globe, including in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, China, the United States of America, Bahamas and the United Kingdom. Genting Group is a leader in the global gaming and hospitality industry. Founded in 1965, Genting Group has more than 50 years of experience in developing and operating destination resorts in the Americas, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas, offering an unparalleled resort experience and iconic entertainment attractions to over 50 million visitors a year. For more information, visit?www.genting.com. 

Joshua Buatsi will face former World Title challenger Craig Richards in a huge all London Light-Heavyweight clash on Saturday May 21, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).

Croydon’s Buatsi (15-0, 13 KOs) scored his tenth knockout in a row when he stopped Latvia’s Ricards Bolotniks in the eleventh round of their WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title Eliminator on the third and final week of Matchroom Fight Camp in August. 

The 29-year-old was set to face Russia’s former World Title challenger Maxim Vlasov on the undercard of Joseph Parker’s rematch with Derek Chisora at the AO Arena in Manchester in December before suffering a hand injury. 

Crystal Palace’s former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Richards (17-2-1, 10 KOs) put in a spirited display as he pushed WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol all the way in his first World Title attempt in May 2021.

‘Spider’ returned to winning ways at The O2 last October on the Cameron vs. McGee undercard, impressively stopping Poland’s Marek Matyja in six rounds to earn the vacant WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title. 

“Two London boys coming together, it’s going to be a huge night,” said Buatsi. “The Light-Heavyweight scene in this country is thriving and I’m glad that we are able to get one of the biggest fights made. The crowd are going to be in for a treat. I am coming to win and nothing else, I am sure Richards is doing the same. He had a close fight with Bivol so will want to make things straight, but I have other plans. Win well and then push onto the World Title by any means necessary.”

“We’re two top tier fighters from the UK,” said Richards. “This is one of the biggest London domestic clashes for a long time. This is a very exciting fight for us both, but also one the fans will enjoy. Buatsi has got his plans and I’m sure he be well prepared, but nobody is going to stop me from fulfilling my destiny of becoming a World Champion! He is a solid competitor and will be coming to win, but I am confident and believe I have the tools to get the job done. I proved myself at world level and I’m eager to prove that’s where I belong.”

“A big well done and thank you to Joshua and Craig for taking this fight, it’s exactly the kind of fight boxing should be making,” said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman. “Two domestic Light-Heavyweights on the verge of a World Title shot decide to put it on the line rather than wait in a queue, giving us a fantastic battle of London that can only be a thriller.”

“Who doesn’t love a big domestic dust up? And this certainly fits that description, what a fantastic fight this is set to be,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “With an electric Light-Heavyweight scene in the UK, Joshua Buatsi will face a big test on May 21 against former World Title challenger Craig Richards. This will be all out action from start to finish, all live and exclusively on DAZN.”

*Venue to be confirmed tomorrow at launch press conference

PLANT CITY, Florida (March 21, 2022): Christian Thun (7-0, 5 KOs) of Schwelm, Germany and Amron Sands (11-1, 9 KOs) of Orlando, Florida will meet in a heavyweight battle in the eight-round co-feature to Mimoune vs. Francis on Friday, March 25. The event, which also will feature a stacked card of undefeated prospects, will take place at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida. Streaming information will be announced shortly.

Thun is a native of Ennepetal, Germany who debuted as a professional in March 2018. The 30-year-old puncher has since remained undefeated in seven fights, maintaining a more than 70% knockout ratio in the process by scoring wins in different parts of the world, including Monaco, Spain, the United States and in his home country.

In his last outing, Thun stopped Keenan Hickmon via knockout in only one round. It won’t be too long before he gets to challenge some of the big names in the division, but first he’ll need a similar performance against Sands in order to earn a top stop in the rankings.

Sands, a 27-year-old native of the Bahamas, debuted as a pro in 2017 and has since developed in to a local favorite in the South Florida area. His only loss has been against a fellow undefeated fighter and he possesses more knockouts than Thun has fights, so he has everything it takes to ruin Thun’s plans at moving up the rankings.

The March 25 event features a full slate of undercard action.

Cruiserweight prospect Najee Lopez (3-0, 3 KOs) of Ellenwood, Georgia will face Anthony Stewart (6-1-2, 4 KOs) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama in a six-round bout.
Jusiyah Shirley (3-0, 3 KOs) of Orlando, Florida will take on Javonni Bemett (1-0) of Chicago, Illinois in a scheduled six-rounder in the super lightweight division.

Darrelle Valsaint (2-0, 1 KO) of Orlando, Florida will face off against Jorge Martin Garcia (13-8-1, 3 KOs) of General Lavalle, Argentina across six-rounds of middleweight action.

Jaycob Gomez (2-0) of Caguas, Puerto Rico will battle Pedro Hernandez (7-10-1, 2 KOs) of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Daniel Blancas of Milwaukee, Wisconsin will make his pro debut against Andre Graham (2-1) of Arvada, Colorado in a four-round super middleweight clash.

Jan Paul Rivera-Pizarro (22-7) of Salinas, Puerto Rico will return against a soon-to-be-announced opponent in a four-round super featherweight battle.

Marsellos Wilder (5-2, 2 KOs), the younger brother of former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, will fight Eric Abraham (6-13, 3 KOs) of Schenectady, New York in a six-round cruiserweight bout.
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Mimoune vs. Francis is a 10-round super lightweight fight presented by ProBox Promotions. The event takes place Friday, March 25 at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida. Streaming information will be announced shortly.

Tickets for Mimoune vs. Francis are on sale now, priced at $75, $100, $125, $150, $200 and $250, excluding applicable services charges. Tickets are available for purchase at TicketLeap.com or by clicking here.

About ProBox Promotions
ProBox Promotions is a Florida-based company founded by entrepreneur Garry Jonas out of a desire to combine his love of boxing with business marketing to develop a revolutionary way to promote the sport. The company boasts an impressive stable of fighters that includes Erickson Lubin, Najee Lopez, Casey Dixon, Julio Solis, the Valle Brothers Marques and Dominic, and more.

TIJUANA, Mexico (March 21, 2022): Toscano Boxing Promotions returns on Friday, April 8 as WBO Latino Super Welterweight Champion Damian “Samurai” Sosa (19-1, 10 KOs) faces Jesus “Ingeniero” Vega (22-2-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round main event at Zonkeys Auditorium in Tijuana, Baja California Mexico. The event will be streamed live on Pay-Per-View via FITE.TV beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Sosa vs. Vega are on sale now and are priced at $50, $100, $250 and $500, excluding applicable services charges. Tickets are available for purchase at BoletoMovil.com or by clicking here.

“We’re excited to return to Tijuana for this action-packed event on April 8,” said Jorge Toscano, CEO and Founder of Toscano Boxing Promotions. “Damian Sosa is a powerful super welterweight and a tremendous counterpuncher, but he’ll have a very tough test against Jesus Vega. We’ll also have undefeated prospect Manuel Jaimes making his return in the co-main event atop of a stacked card of action.”

Sosa is a 25-year-old native of Mexico City, Mexico who made his professional debut in 2016. He fought for most of his career in his native country, before challenging Artem Oganesyan for the WBO Youth Junior Middleweight Championship on enemy territory. Despite losing, Sosa put on a tremendous effort and bounced back with eight victories, the last of which was against “Cassius” Clay Collard. Sosa looks to shake up the division at 154 pounds by scoring a dominant victory in a career-defining fight against Vega.

“I feel very happy and excited because I’ll be fighting in Tijuana,” said Damian Sosa. “It’s been about two years since I’ve fought here, and the last two times were without fans due to the restrictions promoters were implementing because of COVID. So, it’s been a long time since I’ve fought in Tijuana with people here coming to watch me. That’s one of the reasons I’m so motivated and excited. Another reason is that I’ll be defending my title for the first time.”

“I know that my opponent has a lot of experience,” Sosa continued. “He has had two or three more fights than I, and one of them was against Omar Chavez, so he’s definitely a fighter who knows how to fight under pressure. That will make it an interesting fight. He’s going in confident in his ability to defeat me. But I have other plans for him.”

Vega is a 28-year-old native of Sinaloa, Mexico who has participated in 25 bouts since making is pro debut in 2015. Vega possess more experience than Sosa, having fought the likes of Alessandro Riguccini and Omar Chavez, and he’ll look to derail Sosa’s plans at becoming a top contender on April 8.

“I want to thank Toscano Boxing giving me this great opportunity to fight for the WBO Latino title,” said Jesus Vega. “This fight will be against a great prospect in Damian Sosa. I’m very grateful and happy to be in Tijuana, Baja California to deliver a great fight and a great boxing event. May the best man win.”

In the co-main event, Manuel Jaimes (12-0, 10 KOs) of Stockton, Calif. will defend his WBC Youth Lightweight Championship against Pedro Bernal (8-1-2, 3 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico.

Carlos “El Burrito” Garcia (9-0, 7 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico will return in a six-round welterweight bout against David “El Nena” Rangel (13-10, 9 KOs) of Cintalapa, Chiapas, Mexico.

Jose Luis “El Morro” Vazquez (6-0, 3 KOs) of Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico will battle against Omar Martinez (4-2, 3 KOs) of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico in a six-round super featherweight clash.

In the FITE.TV Pay-Per-View opener, Gabriel “Maestrito” Muratalla (6-0, 3 KOs) of Fontana, California will put his undefeated record on the line against Jose Giovanny Pineda (4-3, 1 KO) of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico in a six-round bantamweight battle.

The rest of the card will stream live on the Toscano Boxing Promotions official YouTube Channel as well as on TV Boxeo beginning at 4:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. ET.

Jose “Karma” Alvarado (9-0, 5 KOs) of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico will face Cesar “Bulldog” Salcedo (9-4, 5 KOs) of Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico in a super featherweight battle scheduled for six rounds.

Artur “Cheche” Cortez (5-0-1, 4 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico will participate in an eight-round super featherweight battle against Carlos Alberto Ocampo (9-3-4, 6 KOs) of Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Welterweight Felix Soria (4-0, 2 KOs) of Riverside, Calif. will take on Raul “Borrego” Gomez (3-0, 2 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a four-round bout.

Middleweight Erik Aguirre (1-0) of Riverside, Calif. will fight Brian “Niño de Oro” Landeros (1-0, 1 KO) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a four-rounder.

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Sosa vs. Vega is a 10-round battle for the WBO Latino Super Welterweight Championship presented by Toscano Boxing Promotions. The event will take place on Friday, April 8 at Zonkeys Auditorium in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico and will be streamed live on Pay-Per-View via FITE.TV beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET. The prelim undercard fights will be streamed live on the Toscano Boxing Promotions official YouTube channel as well as on TV Boxeo beginning at 4:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. ET.

About Toscano Boxing Promotions
Toscano Boxing Promotions is a promoter based out of Stockton, California and 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.

Coventry, England – (March 3, 2022) – BOXXER, the next-generation boxing promotion, today announced the names of the eight British lightweights who will enter the BOXXER Series: Coventry at Coventry SkyDome on Saturday, April 16. 

Airing live and exclusively on Sky Sports, the one-night, eight-man tournament is one of the toughest tests in professional boxing and, alongside significant prize money, opens up major new career opportunities for successful participants.

BOXXER Series tournaments utilize the short-form boxing format (3 x 3-minute rounds), creating fast-paced, explosive contests as boxers seek to score definitive wins and guarantee their passage to the next stage of the tournament.

Events are planned for every major city in the UK as part of BOXXER’s commitment to grassroots boxing in Britain, with BOXXER Series events offering boxers across the country a chance to showcase their skills on the sport’s biggest platform.

Tickets for BOXXER Series: Coventry are on sale now via Boxxer.com and Ticketmaster

BOXXER Series Coventry: Lightweight Tournament

Dylan Cheema (2-0)

Coventry

Tion Gibbs (7-0)

Birmingham

Joe Underwood Hughes (7-0)

Beeston

Scott Melvin (4-0)

Chelmsley Wood

Otis Lookham (1-0)

Nottingham

Brooklyn Tilley (2-0)

Rainham

Rylan Charlton (6-2-1)

Norwich

Shaun Cooper (12-3)

Willenhall

The BOXXER Series launched in November with an event in Liverpool. Tournament winner Cori Gibbs emerged with his undefeated record intact, his largest-ever professional purse and a long-term promotional agreement with BOXXER and Sky Sports Boxing. 

The event was also successful in producing notable follow-on opportunities for several other tournament participants, underlining the benefit BOXXER Series tournaments and the Sky Sports platform bring to British grassroots boxing.

BOXXER Series: Coventry is presented in association with our partners bet365, Everlast, Wow Hydrate and Village Hotels.

Long Island, New York (March 20, 2022) — A sold out Paramount was draped in Ukrainian flags from the rafters to ringside as a prideful OLEH “UKRAINE PITBULL” DOVHUN (now 14-0 5KO’s) made his first defense of his NABA Super Bantamweight title against gritty Belgium bruiser GERAM ELOYAN in an absolutely grueling 10 round main event.

Dovhun garnered the energy of his throngs of Ukraine supporters, starting fast and strong dictating the action. His impressive work rate continued through the first three rounds when a clash of heads caused a cut over his left brow. The fourth round saw the fight turn into a grueling bloody battle of wills. Dovhun’s work rate continued to impress but Eloyan was finding a home for his left hook. In the 6th round, Eloyan buzzed Dovhun with a hard left, but Dovhun returned fire with an eight punch combination. Eloyan (now 7-3 6 KO’s) came on strong in the back half of the battle but it would prove to be too little too late as Dovhun, maintaining an extraordinary work-rate, defended his title and took home a split decision by scores of 96-94 (Dovhun), 97-93 (Eloyan), 97-93 (Dovhun).

In the 8 round co feature, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (now 12-0 9KO’s) returned to the Paramount after nearly 3 years out of the ring caused by the COIVD-19 hiatus and Tommy John surgery on his elbow due to a torn UCL. James opposed New Haven’ veteran JIMMY “QUIET STORM” WILLIAMS (now 18-7-2 6KO’s) for the vacant ABO North American Super Welterweight Title.

Williams, fresh off his upset over former world champ Yuri Foreman, controlled the pace early forcing James to fight off his back foot. In the second round, a James counter right impressed the crowd even though Williams continued to press the action. James appeared to be shaking off the ring rust while working off the back foot and began to find his timing. Midway through the fourth round James landed a picture perfect counter right over a lingering jab of Williams, blasting Williams into the ropes. Williams was hurt, and James unleashed in the corner, throwing power punches with blazing speed and accuracy in an impressive onslaught. The barrage of punches forced the referee to stop the fight as a wobbling Williams tried to stay upright on very shaky legs. With the TKO victory James was crowned the new ABO North American Champion.

WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT (now 13-1 6KO’s) wasted no time getting back to his winning ways, eating up TRAVIS GAMBARDELLA (now 7-2-2 3KO’s). Toussaint landed a hard right midway through the first round, and then unleashed a vicious seven punch combination while tracking Gambardella into the ropes before landing the final blow causing the referee to step in and stop the action.

Brooklyn’s KAMRON HUMPHREY (now 3-0 2KO’s) bested Bronx native LOUIS MAIETTA (now 1-1-1) via a 2nd round TKO in the scheduled 4 round bout.

ISAAH FLAHERTY (now 3-0 2KO’s) and ANGELO THOMPSON (now 0-1) went to battle over their 4 round super welterweight contest with Flaherty coming out on top by unanimous decision in a fan friendly, entertaining scrap.

“The fans came early and stayed late for another exciting “Rockin’ Fights” at the Paramount” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA. “I was humbled and impressed with all the Ukrainian flags and fans. Their unity in traveling to support Oleh Dovhun in his grueling and gutsy title fight defense was truly inspiring. It was also nice to see Tyrone James shine after his surgery with an explosive stoppage in a true step up fight. Thank you to ALL the fighters, their teams, my staff, the Paramount and the fans who continue to impress me every show. Looking forward to be back in June at the Paramount for “Rockin’ Fights” 42!”

ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS

Created in 2011, the “Rockin’ Fights” series has developed elite boxing talent and has produced current WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion, the “Common Man”, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (Mastic, Long Island 27-3 21KO’s) and former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, CHRIS ALGIERI (Huntington, NY 24-3 9KO’S), two of only four Long Island World Champions EVER.

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
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For more information visit us at www.StarBoxing.com. For 30 years of action packed fights, subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE. Follow along on social media for fight announcements and updates @StarBoxing, and join the conversation using #RockinFights.

PAST RELEASES:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH 18
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED: DOVHUN vs SILVA
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 TYRONE JAMES vs JIMMY WILLIAMS ANNOUNCED
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41: THE JAMES FAMILY ROOTS
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41: ROCKIN’ FIGHTS IS READY TO RUMBLE
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41: WEIGH IN RESULTS
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS ARCHIVES:
Rockin’ Fights 38: Cletus Seldin vs Luis Flores NABA Title Bout
CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN returned to the Paramount at “Rockin Fights” 38 to face off with late replacement LUIS FLORES in a WAR for the NABA Super Lightweight Title
Rockin’ Fights 35: Tyrone “Pretty Boy” James vs Ray Oliveira Jr.
TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES left his mark on “Rockin’ Fights” 35 with a vicious TKO victory over RAY OLIVEIRA JR. to remain undefeated!

DERRY, NH (March 20, 2022) — Headlining for only the second time in his young professional boxing career, undefeated lightweight prospect “Saint” Nick Molina took full advantage of his opportunity to fight on top of last night’s “Slugfest” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

The 22-year-old Molina (8-0, 2 KOs) fighting out of the same hometown of Lowell (MA) immortalized by “Irish” Micky Ward, patiently out-boxed “The Outlaw” Ryan Venable (2-11) on his way to a 6-round split decision (58-55, 57-56, 56-57).

The game Venable, who was penalized one point for using his shoulder in the opening round, used roughhouse tactics throughout. He started showboating in the final round, trash-talking and throwing exaggerated punches from strange angles, but Molina kept his composure to earn his eighth victory without a loss. The one-point deduction was critical because, if not for the point deduction, the fight would have ended in a draw.

In the co-featured event, Bay State fighters Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-2, 2 KOs), of Woburn (MA), and Whitman (MA) middleweight Brian Urday (2-1, 0 KOs) stole the show. They buzzed each other in back-to-back second-round engagements, Baptiste blasted Urday with a powerful right in the third, but the resilient Urday bounced right back with his own attack.

Urday picked up the pace in the fourth, effectively picking his spots, but Baptiste responded in the fifth, snapping Urday’s head back twice in an action-packed round. The two fighters went toe-to-toe in the sixth and final round of the unofficial Fight of the Night. After the lone fight that went the distance, Urday emerged as the 6-round split decision winner in a fight that was as competitive as the judges’ scorecards indicated.

CF.jpg
Brian Urday (L) upset Julien Baptiste

“We had an action-packed, seven-fight card tonight,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said.

Former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (7-3-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Fairfield, Maine, overpowered his Mexican opponent Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (3-7 (0 KOs) for a second-round win by TKO. Rolfe patiently cut-off the ring and caught Valdez with a few body shots that slowed down his opponent. Rolfe decked Valdez twice in round two and the fight was halted by the referee.

Boston heavyweight Viktor “The Siberian Express” Lobov (1-0, 1 KO) was too big and strong for Andrew Nolan (0-4), flooring his opponent three times en route to a first-round technical knockout victory in his pro memorable debut. Lobov put Nolan down with a stiff right-left combo, then a right cross, and finally a straight right.

New Bedford (MA) light heavyweight Edet “Papito” Mkpanam (6-0, 4 KOs) returned to the ring for the first time in 16 months against pro-debuting Igor Pessoa. Mkpanam worked off the dust rather quickly, after a feeling-out round one, clubbing the awkward fighting Pessoa with an overhand right in the second that decked his foe. The end came in the third when Mkpanam dropped Pessoa again and the fight was stopped by the referee.

In his impressive pro debut, Providence welterweight Michael Vongsavath, Jr. came out firing stiff combinations versus his Rhode Island rival from Tiverton, John Ferrera (0-3), who went down on the canvas from a left hook in round one. A right uppercut dropped Ferrera early in the second round, visibly hurt and unable to beat the count.

Pittsfield (MA) super middleweight prospect Steve Sumpter opened the show with a second-round stoppage of Kynndale Prather (3-12, 1 KO) in a battle of dueling southpaws. Sumpter kept his perfect pro record intact, improving to 5-0 with his fifth knockout in as many fights as a professional, and he closed the show in style with a single shot to his opponent’s head.

“We introduced Viktor Lobov to local fans,” Traietti added. “He has a lot of potential and a great fanbase. Steve Sumpter looked good again and he’ll be stepping up in terms of an opponent in his next fight. The co-feature was an exciting fight. Unfortunately, Julien Baptiste came out on the short end of the decision. And I will soon be announcing a big fight coming up for Justin Rolfe.”

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

                                             MAIN EVENT – LIGHTWEIGHTS

Nick Molina (8-0, 2 KOs), Lowell, MA

WDEC6 (58-55, 57-56, 56-57)

Ryan Venable (2-11, 0 KOs), Roanoke, VA

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Brian Urday (2-1, 0 KOs), Whitman, MA

WDEC6 (59-55, 59-55, 56-58)

Julien Baptiste (3-2, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA

HEAVYWEIGHTS (8)

Justin Rolfe (7-3-1, 4 KOs), Fairfield, ME

WTKO2 (1:45)

Fabian Valdez (3-7, 0 KOs), Cananea, Sonora, Mexico

Viktor Lobov (1-0, 1 KO), Boston, MA

WTKO1 (1:37)

Andrew Nolan (0-4), Franklin, NY

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Edet Mkpanam (6-0, 5 KOs), New Bedford, MA

WTKO3 (1:14)

Igor Pessoa (0-1), Somerville, MA

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Steve Sumpter (5-0, 5 KOs), Pittsfield, MA

WKO2 (0:41)

Kynndale Prather (3-12, 1 KO), Kansas City, KS

WELTERWEIGHTS

Michael Vongsavath, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), Providence, RI

WKO2 (0:59)

John Ferrara (0-3), Tiverton, RI

Granite Chin Promotions, in association with Cappiello Boxing Promotions and Shearns Boxing Promotions, returns May 7th with “Hometown Royalty” at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts (85 Cottage St.). Mike Ohan, Ryan Kielczweski, Mkanam, Dave Ribeiro and Damon Towns are all scheduled to be in action

European welterweight champion David Avanesyan made an emphatic statement in a stunning fifth defence of his EBU belt at the OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday night.

His previously unbeaten opponent Oskari Metz had no answers once Avanesyan got to work and the Finn never recovered from a brutal knockdown and was finally saved from himself by the referee with just two minutes on the clock.

The champion, 24-4-1, will now await a ruling from the WBC – where he is ranked No.2 – over his passage to a shot at the champion Errol Spence jr.

In the co-main event, Hamzah Sheeraz was also making statements and putting down a marker in a new division as he secured the WBC International Silver title with a second round knockout of Jez Smith.

Smith promised to bring the heat but was brutally picked off by the unbeaten Sheeraz, now 15-0 (11 KOs).

A sweet left hook planted Smith on the canvas in round one as Sheeraz asserted authority in his first fight at middleweight. He was down again at the beginning of the second and failed to beat the count just as his trainer Josh Burnham rightly threw in the towel.

Royston Barney-Smith delivered a sparkling performance on debut against Adan Martinez, who was rocked on a number occasions across the first two rounds by the accuracy of Barney-Smith’s punches.

The 18-year-old former two-time European champion as an amateur showed more than enough to suggest he will be one to watch as he progresses through the ranks. He punches clean and hard, doesn’t waste shots and employs plenty of variety in his work.

Martinez was a stubborn and ideal opponent who seemed to view getting through the four rounds as a personal triumph. Referee Lee Every scored the fight 40-36 and Royston Barney-Smith is up and running.

Sam Noakes defended his WBC International Silver lightweight title with a ninth straight stoppage to edge closer to his goal of a perfect 10.

After three one-sided rounds the Italian Vincenzo Finiello was plonked to the canvas in the fourth by a peach of an uppercut that Finiello failed to recover from. Mark Lyson waved it off after 1min 54secs of the round.

Dennis McCann collected the first belt of his professional career by winning the WBO World Youth bantamweight title after defeating Charles Tondo over eight tough rounds.

The iBox Gym trained youngster started on fire with all his usual spite and swagger and looked like he could be in for an early night, but Tondo responded and started to match fire with fire.

Tondo came back into it across rounds four and five, tagging McCann several times and punishing any indecision on the part of the 21-year-old. The Tanzanian was growing in confidence after weathering the early storm and the pair engaged in a fiery shootout at the end of the sixth when McCann attempted to regain the momentum.

McCann re-established some sort of control in the seventh as Tondo was put under a huge assault and looked, for the first time like he could be on the brink and showing signs of distress.

The Maidstone Menace started to enjoy himself in the final round and was duly declared the victor by a 79-73 scoreline on all three cards.

Mark Chamberlain notched up the biggest win of his career to reach 10-0, forcing the retirement in the corner of Jeff Ofori after five rounds largely dominated by the Waterlooville lightweight.

Chamberlain made all the running and forced Ofori onto the back foot, whether he wanted to be or not. The 23-year-old is now firmly in the picture for significant title action and a win such as this suggests he is the real deal and one to watch at the weight.

Masood Abdulah continued his short reign of terror at super featherweight. His six rounder against
Sandeep Singh Bhatti followed a pattern of the Islington man using the Indian’s face for target practice, but the hardy Bhatti was game as they come and was dangerous with lunging counters.

Abdulah made it four stoppages out of four when referee Mark Lyson had seen Bhatti take more than enough and waved it off after 1min 20sec of the final round.

Henry Turner, the super stylish super lightweight, scored his first stoppage victory to take himself to 7-0, putting Ivan Njesac down in the third before referee Lee Every stepped in to end proceedings after 2 mins 18 secs of the round.

In the opening bouts of the evening, welterweight Khalid Ali made it to 2-0 with a 40-36 points victory over Josue Bendana, with super lightweight hope Sonny Liston Ali clocking up a third win in the professional ranks via a 60-52 margin. His opponent Lee Glover was floored in the first and final round.

NEW YORK–Edgar Berlanga won a 10-round unanimous decision over Steve Rolls in what was a lackluster fight in front of a sold out crowd at The Hulu Theater inside of Madison Square Garden of 5,158.

Rolls came out moving and noy wanting to get into harms way of any big shots. In round four, Berlanga was cut over his left eye from what could have been an accidental headbutt. Berlanga came forward the whole night and landed the harder shots. Rolls was able to get in some counters. The packed crowd was in anticipation of a explosive performance form Berlanga, who was headlining for the first time. The crowd size bodes well for Berlanga as he looks to be a big attraction, especially in the New York region.

Berlanga landed 120 of 314 punches; Rolls was 123 of 447.

Berlanga, 167.4 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 19-0. Rolls, 167.8 lbs of Toronto, ONT, CAN is 21-2.

Edgar Berlanga

“You could tell that he was fighting scared. Every time I reach in or throw something, he’d pull back and was running the whole fight.”

“I was looking for the big shot. My corner was telling me to use the jab. I’m just happy we got the victory and I’m moving forward.”

“He was a scared fighter. It’s tough to land your shots when he’s scared, especially moving back. When he fought GGG, he brought it to GGG. With me, he tried to use that running tactic.”

Bob Arum (Top Rank Chairman)

“Edgar Berlanga fought a tough, defensive fighter, and he got some valuable rounds in tonight. As you saw from the sold-out crowd, the kid is a star. There are many more big nights to come.”

Zayas Decisions Lavallais

Good looking 19 year-old Xander Zayas literally pounded out a eight-round unanimous decision over iron-chinned Quincy Lavallais in a junior middleweight bout,

In round two, Bauza kept Lavallais on the ropes for much of the round and landed barrages of punches. Zayas continued to beat up Lavallais with thudding body punches that were followed by flush shots on his head. Lavallais showed a tremendous chin.

Before round seven, the ringside doctor took a look at Lavallais. Lavalais was bale to make it to the final bell, but the young Puerto Rican Phenom won by scores of 80-71 and 80-72 twice.

Zayas landed 252 of 573 punches; Lavallais was 66 of 398.

Zayas, 152.6 lbs of San Juan, PR is 13-0. Lavallais, 152.6 lbs of Kenner, LA is 12-3-1.

“I need this type of experience. Eight rounds against a tough opponent will only help me as I move forward in my career.”

“I want to dedicate this fight to my trainer, Javiel Centeno. He showed his love and commitment after what he went through yesterday.”

• Centeno has sciatica and had to go to the hospital Friday evening.

Bauza Decisions Luis

John Bauza remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Tony Luis in a junior welterweight bout.

Bauza landed 109 of 329 punches; Luis was 90 of 449.

Bauza, 140.2 lbs of Coamo, PR won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 17-0. Luis, 140.8 lbs of Cornwall, ONT, CAN is now 29-5.

Jahi Tucker remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Tracey McGruder in a welterweight fight.

Tucker landed 131 of 462 punches; McGruder was 118 of 409.

Tucker, 147.8 lbs of Deer Park, NY won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice, and is now 7-0. McGruder, 147.8 lbs of Rochester, NY is 6-2.

Henry Lebron stopped Josec Ruiz in round seven of a scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout.

In round seven, Lebron wobbled Ruiz into the corner from combination and the fight was stopped at 2:23.

Lebron, 130.6 lbs of Puerto Rico is 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Ruiz, 130.4 lbs of Limon, HON is 23-6-3.

Bruce Carrington scored an explosive fifth round stoppage over Yueuri Andujar in a scheduled six-round junior lightweight bout.

In round three, Andujar was cut above the right eye. Both guys landed some hard combinations with Carrington getting the better of the action. In round five, Andujar came out guns-a-blazing, but he ate a vicious right-left combination that put Andujar flat on his back for several minutes and the fight was stopped at 51 seconds.

Carrington, 129.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 3-0 with two knockouts. Andujar, 129.6 lbs of San Cristobal, DR is 5-5-1.

Carrington said, “I want to thank Brownsville and all of Brooklyn for coming out to support me. Fighting as a pro at Madison Square Garden was a dream come true. This is only the beginning.”

Armani Almestica stopped Luis Valentin Portalatin in round three of their scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout.

Almestica battered Partaltin until the bout was stopped at 1:57.

Almestica, 139.2 lbs of Orlando, FLA is 5-0 with five knockouts. Portalatin, 140.2 lbs of Toa Alta, PR is 3-4.

Kelvin Davis stopped Phillip Carmouche in the opening round of their four-round junior welterweight bout.

Davis dropped Carmouche with a straight left. Davis finished things off with a hard left that drove Carmouche to the ropes and the fight was stopped as he fell again at 1:17

Davis, 143.6 lbs of Norfolk, VA is 4-0 with three knockouts. Carmouche, 144.8 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 2-3.

Alexis Rocha stopped Blair Cobbs in a welterweight battle at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.

In round eight, Rocha dropped Cobbs with a hard right to the bottom the chin. In round nine, Rocha had Cobbs in trouble with body shots and then he landed some chopping lefts. A big uppercut drove Cobbs to the ropes. Rocha was relentless until the bout was stopped at 44 seconds.

Rocha – Cobbs was bumped up to the main event after Vergil Ortiz fell ill for his bout with Michael McKinson.

Rocha, 146.8 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 19-1 with 13 knockouts. Cobbs, 145.6 lbs of Hollywood, CA is 15-1-1.

McKinson Decisions Martin

Michael McKinson won a 10-round unanimous decision over late-replacement Alex Martin in a welterweight fight.

McKinson, 146 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 22-0. Martin, 147 lbs ofChicago, IL is 17-4.

Bektemir Melikuziev stopped David Zegarra in round two of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Melikuziev landed a perfect left to the body that sent Zegarra in pain to a knee and he did not beat the 10-count at 30 seconds.

Melikuziev, 171.6 lbs of Uzbekistan is now 9-1 with seven knockouts. Zegarra, 172 lbs of Lima, PER is 34-8.

Sanchez Decisions Munera

Evan Sanchez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Alejandro Munera in a middleweight fight.

In round four, Sanchez dropped Munera with a right hook.

Sanchez, 149.8 lbs of Parlier, CA won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 11-0. Munera, 147.6 lbs of Munera, COL is 6-5-4.

Alex Rincon stopped Luis Sanchez in round two of a scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Rincon dropped Sanchez with a right. Sanchez wobbled to his feet, but was able to continue…for a few seconds, as Rincon landed another big right that sent Sanchez down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:44

Rincon, 154.6 lbs of Dallas, TX is 10-0 with seven knockouts. Sanchez, 155 lbs of San Juan, PR is 9-3.

John Ramirez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Roberto Pucheta in a bantamweight fight.

In round two, Pucheta had to bleed from the nose.

Ramirez, 117.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of and is now 9-0. Pucheta, 117 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 10-21-3.

Alejandro Reyes won a six-round unanimous decision over Daniel Evangelista Jr. in a junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Evangelista was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round three, Reyes dropped Evangelista with two right hands to the head.

Reyes, 139.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX won by scores of 60-51 on all cards and is now 7-0. Evangelista, 139.6 lbs of Mexico City is 20-13-2.

Miguel Gaona made extremely quick work over Gilberto Aguilar in a rematch in a scheduled four-roun junior welterweight clash.

Gaona dropped Aguilar with a body shot in the opening seconds, and Aguilar did not get up and the fight was over at 30 seconds.

Gaona, 139.6 lbs of El Sereno, CA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Aguilar, 140 lbs of Mexico City is 0-5.

Dalis Kaleiopu stopped Manuel Lara in the fourth and final round of their lightweight bout.

In round one, Kaleiopu dropped Lara with a right to the head. Later in the round, Lara went down from a body shot.

In round four, it was a three-punch combination to the head that dropped Lara to his knees and the bout was stopped at 2:15.

Kaleiopu, 132.4 lbs of Waianae, HA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Lara, 134.2 lbs of Celaya, MEX is 2-8.

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with 2nd round stoppage over Shelly Barnett in a scheduled eight-round super bantamweight fight.

In round one, Ali landed a hard right to the face that sent Barnett to the canvas. A moment later, another right put Barnett down again. In round two, Ali landed a big combination that forced a referee stoppage at 1:23.

Ali, 122.8 lbs of London, ENG is 5-0 with one knockout. Barnett, 122.8 lbs of Toronto, CAN is 5-7-2.

New York, NY (March 19, 2022)-Tonight, Split-T Management lightweight prospect Dalis Kaleiopu will look to stay undefeated when he takes on Manuel Lara in a four-round bout at The Galen Center in Los Angeles.

Kaleiopu, 23 years-old of Waianae, Hawaii is 1-0 with one knockout as he looks to build upon his pro debut when he took out Eduardo Sanchez in three rounds on February 13, 2021 in Indio, California.

Lara of Ciudad, Mexico is 2-7 and will be facing his fifth undefeated opponent.

Kaleiopu, 21 years-old won the Western Elite championships in 2018, and in the same year, Kaleiopu was a National Championship runner-up.

Kaleiopu was 132.4 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in, while Lara was 134.2

Kaleiopu is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.