SAN JUAN, March 15, 2001 – Luis Rodriguez, a Five Time Puerto Rico National Champion and member of Puerto Rico’s National Team since 2016, has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Rivalta Boxing and has also signed with advisor and boxing attorney, Tony Gonzalez. This top prospect, who will fight at the middleweight division trains with Ricardo Santiago in Puerto Rico.

Rodriguez, who hails from Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, will make his professional debut in May or June of this year. “I am ecstatic with the news of having Luis join our promotional company,” said Henry Rivalta, President of Rivalta Boxing. “I firmly believe he is going to be Puerto Rico’s next great champion. He understands that he has some huge shoes to fill with all the great champions coming from there, and he is up for that challenge.”

“I would like to thank Henry Rivalta and Tony Gonzalez for working so hard to make this happen,” Rodriguez said. “It is a great honor to be able to fight as a professional and represent Puerto Rico who has a long lineage of great champions. I will continue to represent Puerto Rico with great pride, as I did in the amateurs. I will work hard and I welcome this new challenge in the professionals and will bring a world title home.”

Tony Gonzalez said, “Luis has all the skills and tools not only to become a World Champion, but also to become a star attraction in the sport. He is a humble young man who has worked as a schoolteacher while representing Puerto Rico as part of the National Team and who desires nothing more than to become Puerto Rico’s next great champion. With Henry in his corner working with me, his career is in great hands and there is no reason to believe that he cannot achieve stardom in the sport.”

Rodriguez, 24, went 78-13 as an amateur and has represented Puerto Rico in the 2017 AIBA World Amateur Championship and the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (March 15, 2021) — Mexican great Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, boxing’s busiest world champion, is set to kick off his 2021 campaign by reviving a long-standing pugilistic rivalry. Navarrete will make his first defense of the WBO featherweight world title Saturday, April 24 against Puerto Rican contender Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Fla.

In the co-feature, super middleweight Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga, 16-0, with 16 first-round stoppages, will step up in class against Demond Nicholson in a bout scheduled for eight rounds (or much less).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Zanfer Promotions, Navarrete-Diaz and Berlanga-Nicholson will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, with undercard bouts to stream live and exclusively on ESPN+. Ticket information will be announced shortly.

“The sensational Emanuel Navarrete wanted a formidable opponent for his first featherweight title defense, and Christopher Diaz fits the bill,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are also thrilled to have Edgar Berlanga back on ESPN, as he is the most devastating young puncher I’ve seen in ages.”

Navarrete (33-1, 28 KOs) burst onto the world scene in December 2018, battering Isaac Dogboe over 12 rounds to win the WBO junior featherweight world title. He is 7-0 since then, including five title defenses, all by stoppage. Navarrete moved up to featherweight and picked up the vacant WBO world title last October with a unanimous decision over the previously undefeated Ruben Villa. Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs) is not unbeaten, but he is battle-tested, having challenged Masayuki Ito for the WBO junior lightweight world title in July 2018. He lost to Ito by unanimous decision and has gone 3-1 since moving down to featherweight. Diaz rebounded from a 2019 points loss to Shakur Stevenson, besting former world title challenger Jason Sanchez over 10 rounds last June inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.

“I am a fighter who likes to face the best, and my challenge now is to beat the tough ‘Pitufo’ Diaz,” Navarrete said. “I know he is a good fighter, and I am sure we will give a great show to the people of Florida and to those watching us fight on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. On April 24, I will show that I am the best featherweight in the world. I will not let him take my championship to Puerto Rico. That belt will stay with me in San Juan Zitlaltepec, Mexico.” 

Diaz said, “I have once again been given an opportunity to become a world champion, but there is something very different this time around. I will not fail. I will bring that much-needed world title to Puerto Rico. This is my time to become a world champion. God knows how much I have sacrificed and how much I have evolved. I live today to make my family happy, and it is time to change their lives. On April 24, there is no doubt that I will become world champion, and I will see you all on April 25 when I return to my island as world champion.”

Berlanga broke out as boxing’s consensus 2020 Prospect of the Year, impressing fans and media with his string of first-round routs against increasingly difficult opposition. Last July, he knocked out veteran spoiler Eric Moon in 62 seconds, and less than three months later on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Teofimo Lopez undercard, he became the first man to stop 30-fight veteran Lanell Bellows. Berlanga finished his whirlwind 2020 on Dec. 12, stopping the normally durable Ulises Sierra (15-1-2) in 2:40. Nicholson (23-3-1, 20 KOs) has won five consecutive fights since a seventh-round TKO loss to Jesse Hart in April 2018.

“I don’t like to make predictions, but make sure you tune in. I want to show out for the fans in attendance,” Berlanga said. “April 24 is going to be the beginning of a huge 2021 for my team. I take it one fight at a time, and this is just another step toward my goal of becoming a champion.”

Nicholson said, “I have the experience. When I first started, I was knocking everyone out in the first round as well. I have 20 knockouts, and that speaks for itself. If you look at his opponents, I’d knock them all out. Is he ready for the next level? He might be ready, but he won’t be ready for me.”

The undercard, which will be announced in due course, is set to feature a plethora of Puerto Rican fan-favorites: junior welterweight contender Josue Vargas, 18-year-old phenom Xander Zayas, unbeaten featherweight Orlando Gonzalez, undefeated junior lightweight Henry Lebron, big-punching lightweight Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno, and junior featherweight prospect Jeremy “Magic Hands” Adorno.

Use the hashtag #NavarreteDiaz to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

QUEBEC CITY, Ontario, Canada (March 15, 2021) — The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow night’s “The Homecoming: Rivas vs. Louis 2” event, promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with New Era Fighting & Promotion and Lee Baxter Promotions, at Quebec Plaza Hotel in Quebec City, Ontario, Canada.

The 8-round main event is a rematch between WBC No. 1 rated bridgeweight contender (pictured here on scale) Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs) and Sylvera “Sly” Louis (8-4, 4 KOs). Rivas, a 2008 Colombia Olympian, defeated Louis by 4-round majority decision back in 2012.

A maximum of 120 fans for a total of 250 peoples will be allowed to attend “The Homecoming.” Boxers and trainers had to have quarantined for 14 days prior to the event, and they will also need to carefully check any Covid potential symptoms during a 10-day period after the tomorrow evening’s fights.

“The Homecoming” will be streamed live by FITE worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, for $29.99 USD (available in English or French). It will also be available in Canada via Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and YOOP.

Fighters’ weights below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – BRIDGERWEIGHTS (8)
Oscar Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 221.4 lbs.
Sylvera Louis (8-4, 4 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 203.8 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS (6)
Sebastien Bouchard (18-2, 8 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Ontario, Canada 146.2 lbs.
Mario Perez (20-7-5, 12 KOs), Toronto, Ontario, Canada 141 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)
Patrice Volny (15-0, 9 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 166 lbs.
Janko Trotter (10-5-2, 10 KOs), Calgary, Alberta, Canada 166.8 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
Alexis Barriere (pro debut), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada 236 lbs.
Colin Sangster (2-0, 2 KOs), Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada 279.6 lbs.

CRUISERWEIGHTS (6)
Yan Pellerin (10-1, 4 KOs), Granby, Quebec, Canada 187.8 lbs.
Marco Parente (1-4-3, 0 KOs), Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada 181.8 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
Francis Charbonneau (2-1, 2 KOs), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada 211 lbs.
Alexandre Roberge (1-0 (0 KOs), Lanoraiem Quebec, Canada 222.4 lbs.

FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel
INSTAGRAM: @groupeyvonmichel
TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

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RivasLouis2

Anthony Fowler believes he is entering his prime years under trainer Shane McGuigan, and the former Team GB amateur standout wants to test himself against the biggest names in the 154lbs division to ‘see what he’s made of’. 

‘The Machine’ progressed to 13-1 (10 KOs) last time out with a punishing seventh round stoppage of the tough and game Adam Harper at Fight Camp, but the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist is confident he is well beyond domestic level and has already expressed his desire to face European Champion Sergio Garcia this year. 

Next up for the recently-turned 30-year-old Liverpudlian is a defence of his WBA International Title against Spain’s Jorge Fortea this Saturday at The SSE Arena, Wembley, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories, and Fowler is expecting a tough night’s work.

“I thought I did well in the Harper fight, I knew his style would play into my hands whereas Fortea is tricky and will give me a lot more to think about,” said Fowler. “This fight is a good indication of where I’m at. I feel good, I’ve had a short camp but I’m fit anyway so there won’t be excuses on the night, I’ll be ready to fight.

“Fortea is a really good fighter, he’s boxed on Canelo’s undercard and gone 12 rounds with the IBF No.1. He’s not the biggest puncher but he’s got good ring IQ and is very tough. I know he is going to make me work for the win. When I beat him I will be ranked in three of the four governing bodies.

“I’m looking to box someone like Sergio Garcia next and then I won’t be far off a World Title fight. You’re only one big win away from a big fight and when I beat Fortea I hope some doors will open. I’m open to boxing Scott Fitzgerald in the summer but I’m not going to wait around for him.

“I feel like I’ve fully adapted and I’m coming into my own under Shane now. I’m sparring 12 rounds easily and I feel a lot more at home in the ring. I’m coming into my prime now, I’ve just turned 30. I want to get in with the big boys and see what I’m made of. Shane is getting me to be more controlled and professional, if I can stop Fortea it will be a big statement. 

“I want to climb the rankings and win belts, starting with a win on March 20. I won’t be surprised if Fortea gets through the rounds as he’s illusive but I want to break him down and hurt him, winning is the most important thing!”

Fowler vs. Fortea is part of a huge night of action in London, Hackney Cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie (15-0, 12 KOs) attempts to become Britain’s next World Champion in just his sixteenth fight when he clashes with Krzysztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO crown, Welsh Super-Featherweight Joe Cordina (11-0, 7 KOs) meets Belgium’s Faroukh Kourbanov (17-2, 3 KOs) over ten rounds, Bournemouth Cruiserweight Chris Billam-Smith (11-1, 10 KOs) looks to keep his KO streak going against Vasil Ducar (9-3-1, 8 KOs), Ramla Ali (1-0) faces Bec Connolly (3-8) in her second pro fight, Catford’s Ellie Scotney (1-0) meets Mailys Gangloff (4-1, 1 KO) and Stretford Middleweight Bradley Rea (9-0, 3 KOs) takes on Bournemouth’s Lee Cutler (7-0, 4 KOs).

NEW YORK (MARCH 15, 2021)–Brothers, Marques and Dominic Valle made splashes by taking out their respective opponents in the opening round of their fights on Friday night in Plant City, Florida.

Marques, a 22 year-old welterweight went to 2-0 with two knockouts as he took out Leonadis Fowlkes at 1:57.

Marques registered one knockdown from a hard right hand, and the fight was stopped after Fowlkes hit the deck.
Fowlkes, who came into the fight perfect, is now 2-1.

As an amateur, Marques won Silver Medal at the 2018 Men’s Nationals as well as fighting in the 2020 United States Olympic Trials.

Dominic made a sensational pro debut by stopping now 14-fight Juan Bryand in just 57 seconds.

Valle landed a big flurry of punches before a left hook put Bryand down on the deck, and the fight was stopped.

Dominic won the 2016 National Silver Gloves and in 2018, he was a National Junior Olympics champion.

The Valle’s are managed by Split-T Management under the guidance of Tim VanNewhouse and are promoted by ProBox Promotions.

Dmitriy Salita, President of US-based Salita Promotions proudly announces a partnership with long-time German promotional powerhouse Universum Box-Promotion GmbH to represent their fighter roster in the North American market, including staging events in the United States and working with broadcasting partners to share Universum Box-Promotion boxing shows in Germany with viewers in North America.

Ismail Özen-Otto, CEO of Universum, says he’s pleased to have reached this accord with Salita.

“I am happy about our partnership with Salita Promotions,” said Özen-Otto. “Now we have a strong partner in the US market and can present international fights. In the future, we would like to broadcast from Germany to the USA, because there is great potential in Germany.”

In addition to his domestic stable of contenders and champions, the agreement helps Salta continue to extend the reach of his company that already includes a sizable number of fighters from the former Soviet Bloc, as well as others from Sweden, Iceland, and the UK.

“I am delighted to partner up with Universum, a worldwide boxing brand that produced some of the best fighters and most exciting fights of recent decades in the sport of boxing,” said Salita. “With its excellent team, headed by promoter Ismail Özen Otto and Matchmaker Flavio Mirabal, we will work together to provide US exposure to their roster of very talented fighters from around the world.”

Universum’s current fighter stable features a long list of established contenders and former champions, as well as some of the most promising prospects in Europe, including five-time, multi-division former world champion Felix “The Fighter” Sturm (41-5-3, 18 KOs); Armenian-born German Olympic medalist, and BDB German International and IBO Continental Super Lightweight Champion, Artem “The Original” Harutyunyan (9-0, 6 KOs); as well as undefeated heavyweight prospects José Angel “The Cuban Colossus” Larduet (5-0, 4 KOs) a 6? 4½? 260-lb former amateur standout from Hamburg, Germany via Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and 6? 3? 230-lb IBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion Zhan Kossobutskiy (15-0, 14 KOs) from Kazakhstan.

Also fighting under the Universum banner are a pair of fighting brothers, WBC Youth World Cruiserweight, WBC Youth World Light Heavyweight, IBF European Super Middleweight and IBO Continental Super Middleweight Toni Kraft (16-1-2, 4 KOs) and his undefeated younger sibling James “The Baby Boy” Kraft (19-0-1, 10 KOs) a WBC Youth World Light Heavyweight and IBO Youth World Light Heavyweight Champion.

“The negotiations with Dmitry Salita were very pleasant,” added Universum Matchmaker Flavio Oleaga Mirabal. “He has similar ambitions as we do in boxing and recognized our potential in the promotion. It is exactly the right step and we are looking forward to big fights in the USA.”

The new partnership’s events and broadcasts will be announced shortly.

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For more information on Universum, visit their website.
Instagram: universum_boxpromotion or Twitter: @UniversumBoxPro

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 video updates of boxing’s greatest legends, its best fighters, toughest contenders and brightest prospects in action.

Chris Billam-Smith says there is no chance of him overlookinghis “tough” replacement opponent Vasil Ducar, but the reigning Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion will be looking to stop him inside the distance when they collideat The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday March 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

‘The Gentleman’ (11-1, 10 KOs), who blasted out Cardiff’s Nathan Thorley in two destructive rounds in the opening bout of Fight Camp Week 2 last August, was originally slated to battle English Champion Deion Jumah for the vacant British Title but will now take on the Czech Republic’s Ducar for the vacant WBA Continental Title. 

Impressive back-to-back stoppage wins since his close points loss to Richard Riakporhe in 2019 have seen the Bournemouth powerhouse cement himself as one of the hottest properties in the UK Cruiserweight scene, and now the 30-year-old Shane McGuigan-trained fighter will look to make his mark at European level, with a showdown against Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy in his sight lines. .

“We’re in this sport to fight so when fights fall out close to the date it’s frustrating but I’m just looking forward to getting back in there and putting on a show,” said Billam-Smith. “I’m learning all the time and that’s the way I’m looking at it, I’m far from the finished article and I’m using every day in camp to make sure I’m always improving.

“Vasil Ducar was out sparring Mairis Briedis with me about a year ago and he’s very tough. He’s been in with some very good fighters who couldn’t get him out of there so I will be looking to go one better and end the fight inside the ten rounds. 

“Shane also tells me how tough he is but my response to that is, ‘let’s see!’. He’s never been stopped and can clearly punch with 8 of his 9 wins coming by knockout. This is a good challenge for me at this stage of my career.

“I would love to headline a show in Bournemouth later this year when crowds have returned. The Tommy McCarthy fight for the European Title really excites me or the rematch with Richard Riakporhe, but right now it’s all focus on Ducar, March 20.”

Billam-Smith vs. Ducar is part of a huge night of action in London, Hackney Cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie (15-0, 12 KOs) attempts to become Britain’s next World Champion in just his sixteenth fight when he clashes with Krzysztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO crown, Welsh Super-Featherweight Joe Cordina (11-0, 7 KOs) meets Belgium’s Faroukh Kourbanov (17-2, 3 KOs) over ten rounds, Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (13-1, 10 KOs) returns against Spain’s Jorge Fortea (21-2-1, 7 KOs) with the WBA International Title on the line, Ramla Ali (1-0) has her second professional fight, Catford’s Ellie Scotney (1-0) meets Mailys Gangloff (4-1, 1 KO) and Stretford Middleweight Bradley Rea (9-0, 3 KOs) takes on Bournemouth’s Lee Cutler (7-0, 4 KOs).

SAM MAXWELL has branded arch rival Akeem Ennis-Brown; “Nasty and weird.”

The Liverpool man gets his chance to have the final word when he challenges for Ennis-Brown’s British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight titles on Friday March 26, live on BT Sport.

Maxwell (14-0, 11 KOs) believes the Gloucester man has been encouraged to wind him up by trash talking Ohara Davies.

Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) who will be making his first defence of the titles he won by defeating Philip Bowes last September has been sparring with Davies ahead of the crucial challenge.

Maxwell said: “Akeem is probably getting his advice from Ohara, they’re just two fools. I will deal with him and then I will deal with Ohara.

“Sometimes Akeem is respectful, but sometimes goes the Ohara route and is disrespectful. It’s nasty and weird.

“I’m ready for his mind games where he’s trying to get any edge he can. I’m more mature and wont let him get in my head.

“He keeps calling me ‘son’ like he’s my Dad, but I respect him and I’m leaving no stone unturned in the gym.

“Frank Warren has delivered this title shot and I am going to give it my all and become champion.”

Former GB amateur star Maxwell has moved to new trainer Steve Maylett, a switch that he believes will pay dividends now and in the future.

Sam, 32, added: “Steve has taken me on at late notice, but we have bonded so well. It’s a great team and I feel part of them.

“It wasn’t ideal to start, but I am more than happy and it’s starting to pay off.

“It’s short notice so Steve isn’t changing too much, but there are little things that will pay off.

“I think I can knock Akeem out. Steve has been saying I don’t need to put power in my shots because it’s there. 

“I carry my power and he has something to worry about from round one to 12. Akeem doesn’t have the same thunderous power as me. Taking a lot will damage him as well.”

Although Maxwell dismisses Ennis-Brown’s crass chat and believes he’ll get the KO win, the challenger does have some praise for the champion.

“Maybe he has had to take more gambles than me as a pro. He hadn’t done it as an amateur and perhaps had to take harder fights to get his shot,” he said.

“Akeem has the better resume than me. He has had to have hard fights and come through them.

“He is really good at what he does. He throws a lot of shots, is very fit, unorthodox and awkward. He gets people to fight his fight.

“The KO stats might be a little misleading, but that doesn’t hide the fact that I punch harder than him and the power is with me.

“But, at this level anyone can punch. He will hit hard and I respect his power, but the edge is with me in that department.”

Watch Sam Maxwell’s interview with Dev Sahni on The Lowdown click here 

Shannon Courtenay will face Ebanie Bridges for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title at a venue to be confirmed on Saturday April 10, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

Courtenay (6-1, 3 KOs), who stopped Dorota Norek in seven rounds on the Saunders vs. Murray undercard last time out in December, was originally slated to rematch Rachel Ball for the WBA crown, but her Fight Camp nemesis is still recovering from the effects of COVID-19. 

Australia’s Bridges (5-0, 2 KOs) celebrated her return to the ring after more than a year out with a convincing points win over Carol Earl in Sydney. ‘The Blonde Bomber’ won the judges’ favour and secured a unanimous decision victory in Bankstown to extend her unbeaten run to five fights, including two knockouts.

“I was gutted to hear Rachel had pulled out but safety comes first so I wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to when we do have that rematch down the line,” said Courtenay.

“All that’s changed is the opponent, the outcome is still the same and on April 10 I will be crowned World Champion. 

“We‘ll put on a great, non-stop action fight for the fans but I’m more determined and focused than ever and that World Title is staying in the UK.”

“I’m very excited to be the first female from Australia fighting on a Matchroom card,” said Bridges. “When Eddie contacted me, it was really unexpected but I’m not going to say no to this chance. 

“I was gutted for Rachel as she’s a friend and I wish her well in recovery but opportunity knocks. This is a fight that fans have spoke about for a while now since I moved onto the British scene. I respect Shannon as a boxer, I think we’ll put on a great show but I’ll be the one leaving with the gold.

“This is a huge platform to showcase my skills and who I am, ‘The Blonde Bomber’, to the world. I’ll bring the fight to Shannon – I’m coming to win that World Title, buckle up!”

Courtenay vs. Bridges is part of a big night of action on April 10, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (17-0, 11 KOs) defends his WBA Continental Title against Samuel Vargas (31-6-2, 14 KOs) in the main event, Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) makes the first defence of her WBO Middleweight World Title after her emphatic win over Hannah Rankin in October, Glasgow Bantamweight Kash Farooq (14-1, 6 KOs) returns after his masterclass win over Angel Aviles and Takeley Super-Middleweight John ‘The Gentleman’ Hedges (1-0) looks to build on his pro debut win last October, with more fights to be added soon.

Demetrius Andrade will defend his WBO World Middleweight title against mandatory challenger Liam Williams at Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida on Saturday April 17 in America, live worldwide on DAZN – with the main event set for 6pm ET/11pm GMT.

Andrade (29-0 18 KOs) defends his title for the fourth time. ‘Boo Boo’ became a two-weight World ruler when he picked up the vacant strap against Walter Kautondokwa in October 2018 in Boston, and has since seen off Artur Akavov, Maciej Sulecki and Luke Keeler in title defenses.

Williams (23-2-1 18 KOs) fights for his first full World title against Andrade, having met Liam Smith for the interim WBO strap at Super-Welterweight in April 2017, with the Welshman moving to Middleweight after his rematch with Smith and becoming British champion at 160lbs before stopping Andrade’s old foe Alantez Fox in five rounds in December 2019.

“Liam Williams, you got what you wanted,” said Andrade. “You ran your mouth, got your rating up and here we go. April 17 your career ends. Or maybe you go back to headlining small club shows in the UK I don’t know. What I do know is that you’re getting beaten badly and then I’m on to much bigger fights and bigger nights in my career.

“It’s no secret, this isn’t the fight I wanted, but now it’s here and I will be taking care of business, taking care of Liam Williams in spectacular fashion come April 17. Then it’s whoever wants it. Canelo. GGG. Saunders. Charlo. Plant. I’m here. Undefeated. Two division World champion. Current middleweight champion of the world. I dare one of you to say my name.”

“I’ve been quite vocal saying I’ll smash him, and I actually am going to,” said Williams. “I’ve waited for this for too long now, I’m not going to let it slip through my fingers, I’ll grab the opportunity with both hands.

“I just think he’s a complete weirdo, a very strange man – I’ve watched him for some time, I used to be a bit of a fan of him back then, now I get the chance to share a ring with him and punch his face in and I can’t wait to do it. I’m going to punch lumps out of him, nonstop.

“The first couple of rounds could be tricky, but I believe that I will get on top of him and start beating him up.

“I think he might overlook me, possibly. To be honest, maybe he has deserved to get a fight with Canelo, GGG, he’s been World champion for a long time, a two-weight and three-time champion, so he’s probably deserved those fights, but his time is up now and once I deal with him, I’ll get those fights.

“Have you ever seen me going into my shell in a fight? I don’t think he’s going to have enough in him to make me do that, and let’s not forget, he’s not fought anyone like me. When I start hitting him and hurting him, no-one really knows what he’s going to do. Who’s to say he’s not going to go into his shell?”

“This is a really good fight,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “In America, people don’t realize it’s as good a fight as it is. Liam is a big step-up from Demetrius’ recent opposition, and I think this is the fight ‘Boo Boo’ needs. I like Liam, he’s going to come in with real confidence and swagger and he’ll put it on Demetrius in the build-up, he’s a tough man and he will not take a backwards step against Demetrius, who will need to be at his best to prove he’s the number one Middleweight in the world.”

Early undercard information will be released soon, and no public tickets will be on sale for the show.

Former two-time world champion David Benavidez stopped Ronald Ellis in round 11 of a scheduled 12-round welterweight bout at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Benavidez dominated the action against Ellis, who hung in there and tried to mount some offense, but Benavidez just had more weapons at his disposal and slowly broke down Ellis. Ellis was never knocked down in the fight, took a huge barrage of punches in the 11th frame, and the bout was stopped at 2:03.

Benavidez of Phoenix is now 24-0 with 21 knockouts. Ellis of Lynn, MA is 18-2-2.

Photo credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

David Benavidez

“I rate my performance pretty good but I know I could have done better. Ronald Ellis is a tough competitor. I just hope the fans like what they saw. I threw a lot of combinations, punches in bunches. There were a lot of times I thought Ellis was going to quit but he didn’t. Hats off to him, he’s a tough guy. It was a little later than I wanted but a stoppage is still a stoppage. I hope the fans got a good show tonight.

“I was just head hunting in the beginning. My game plan wasn’t going to the body until I kinda figured out he wasn’t really blocking those punches. I should have gone to the body earlier, I would have stopped him earlier.

“I wasn’t really tired at all. I think that’s what working in Big Bear does. Working in that high altitude makes your stamina crazy. This was the first time I’ve been on weight the whole week. So I just relaxed. With the diet I had and going back to Big Bear, I could stay at 168 for three more years. At the end of the day, I deserve to give my fans 110% of myself every time I step into training camp and Big Bear is that sweet spot for me.

“I want all the big guys. Speaking for the fans too, they would love to see me against all the big guys because as you can see, I love throwing punches. I love stopping people so me versus any big name would be an amazing fight. I want [Jermall] Charlo, Canelo Alvarez, Caleb Plant, all of them.

“I’m willing to fight in August or September, whoever they want me to fight against. I just turned 24, I like to get paid so I would like to fight two more times this year. Whatever my company says, I’m down for whatever they want me to do.

“Jermall Charlo was talking about me, saying he was going to knock me out. If it’s that easy, come do it. I feel like it makes sense for the company, for me and him – we both need that big step up to move on to bigger things. I think that would be a great fight. He said he wants to move up to 168. Now he’s back-peddling.

“I definitely feel like I would beat Canelo Alvarez and I feel like it would be a great fight for the fans too. At the end of the day, people want to see great fights and fireworks and that’s what I give. There are still some things I need to work on in the gym but I feel like I still beat Canelo at the end of the day. I’m getting more experience.

“I’m the youngest guy on this roster and I’ll knock everybody out if that’s what it takes to get some of you in the ring. Come see me.”

Ronald Ellis

“Hell yeah I wanted to finish. I didn’t want to give him that satisfaction. I could have moved a little bit more and not taken so many shots to the head. Hats off to him. He did what he had to do. He never hurt me, that’s the funny thing. I took a lot of shots but he didn’t damage me or have me super hurt. I never thought about quitting. I’m pissed.

“I could have popped the jab and controlled things a little bit more and not let him smother me. I thought that I was in shape enough to absorb all those shots. I just kept telling them to let me go one more round. You can’t cry over spilled milk. We’ll be back here and get a crack at it next time.”

Cruz Decisions Romero

Isaac Cruz won a 12-round unanimous decision over Matias Romero in a lightweight bout.

In round six, Cruz was deducted a point for low blows.

Cruz landed 156 of 552 punches; Romero was 196 of 616.

Cruz won by scores of 118-109, 115-112 and 114-113 and is now 21-1-1. Romero is now 24-1.

Photo credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Isaac Cruz

“He was a fighter who didn’t want to exchange punches. We initiated the fight. He didn’t give any show at all.

“I was very fed up with the clinches – there was never a warning toward him. I did my best out there. Not the best way I wanted to do it but thank God we won the fight and we’re taking the victory home.

“He didn’t come to win. He was a very, very dirty fighter who had no interest in fighting with me. He was desperate. I’m not happy about the style of the fight but I am satisfied I took the victory home and we’ve come to the number-one spot in the WBA.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen [as far as the judges]. We forced the fight at all times and it would have been very impossible for the judges to do something to me when I was the one pushing the fight.”

Matias Romero:

“Obviously, I’m not happy with the decision. I thought maybe it was a draw. But I’m not going to argue. I did what I could. I think I could have worked a little more to the body and maybe grabbed a little less.

“Overall I’m happy with my performance. He’s supposed to the be the ‘Pitbull’ and I went the distance. You have to take the opportunities when they are presented and I wish I would have had more time to get ready for this fight.”

Gausha stops Clark in 2

Terrell Gausha stopped Jamontay Clark in round two of their 10-round super welterweight bout.

Gausha dropped Clark with a hard counter right in the 2nd frame. Gausha was all over Clark and landed a barrage of punches, and the fight was stopped at 2:44.

Gausha, 154 1/2 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 22-2-1 with 11 knockouts. Clar, 154 1/2 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 15-2-1.

Terrell Gausha

“I knew Jamontay was a tough kid. I’ve been watching him since Cleveland so I knew about him already. I felt like I had a chance to knock him out but I didn’t know how the fight would play out. But I feel I did good, executed the game plan. My coaches had been studying film and we executed.

“I just took my time. I was setting traps. I knew he would be open eventually, but I had to be cautious too because he’s a rangy guy, has a good left hand. But I knew there were holes in his game and we executed. When the opportunity presented itself, we landed that big right hand.

“I didn’t know how early it would be. I felt like I could knock him out, but I thought it would take a few more rounds. I knew if I had him hurt that I would get him out of there. I noticed he was throwing a left hand but he was bringing it low. I couldn’t capitalize on it just then but I knew eventually I would get to him.

“I’m looking to fight in maybe June. I want the names out there. Obviously, all the belts are over here. I want to be a world champion so I’m looking to fight whoever I need to fight to get to the belts.

“I would definitely love a [Erickson Lubin] rematch. It’s all up in the air right now, but I’m one of those guys who loves a challenge. I’ve never said no to a fight if it makes sense. Erickson Lubin obviously he won that last fight. I would definitely like to avenge that loss. You’ve got [Erislandy] Lara out there, you’ve got a lot of people out there so I’m open to any fight. I’m going to be right back in the gym and stay ready.

“I know I made a statement tonight. I put the division on notice. I’m locked and loaded and I’m ready. I’m here.”

Juan Francisco had to wait over eight years, but he got even and won a 12-round split decision over Roman Gonzalez in another classic and win the WBA to add to his WBC Super Flyweight title at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Like the first fight, the two never strayed more then a couple feet from each other and threw over a combined 2500 punches and landed over 700.

The judges favored the harder punches of Estrada to the the volume of Gonzalez.by scores of 117-111 and 115-113. Gonzalez took a card 115-113.

Estrada landed 314 of 1212 punches; Gonzalez 391 of 1317.

The fight warrants a trilogy and most likely there will be Estrada took cards

Estrada is now 42-3. Gonzalez is 50-3.

McCaskill Decisions Braekhus again; Retains Undisputed Welterweight Titles

Jessica McCaskill won her 2nd consecutive unanimous decision victory over Cecilia Braekhus to retain the undisputed welterweight titles.

In round seven, Braekhus was deducted a point for holding.

McCaskill landed 131 of 493 punches; Braekhus was 94 of 337.

McCaskill, 144.6 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 98-91 and is now 10-2. Braekhus, 145 lbs or Bergen, NOR is 36-2.

Kyoguchi Retains Light-Fly Title after Vega Hurts Hand

Hiroto Kyoguchi retained the WBA Light Flyweight title with a 5th round stoppage over Axel Vega, when the challenger hurt his hand.

In the 5th round, Vega landed a shot to the head, then he turned around and jumped in obvious pain and the fight was stopped at 1:32

Kyoguchi, 107.8 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 15-0 with 10 Knockouts. Vega, 107.2 lbs of Ensanada, MEX is 14-4-1.

Williams Decisions Douglin

Austin Williams remained undefeated by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Denis Douglin in a middleweight contest.

Williams landed 154 of 407 punches; Douglin was 81 of 379.

Williams 162 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 77-75 and is now 8-0. Douglin, 161.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 22-8.

Ford and Perez Battle to a draw

Raymond Ford and Aaron Perez battled to an eight-round draw of undefeated featherweights.

In round five, Ford was cut around the right eye.

Ford, 126.8 lbs of Camden, NJ won a card 77-75; Perez won a card 78=74 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Ford landed 129 of 488 punches; Perez was 97 of 385.

Ford is 8-0-1. Perez, 127.2 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 10-0-1.

In round five, Cissokho dropped Echevarria with a right hand. Cissokho scored another knockdown in round six.

LAS VEGAS (March 13, 2021) — Top Rank is devastated by the passing of the incomparable Marvelous Marvin Hagler, one of boxing’s most beloved and accomplished champions. Born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, Hagler overcame humble beginnings to forge a storied professional career that included 12 successful defenses of the undisputed middleweight world championship. He concluded his career in 1987 with a 62-3-2 record and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.
 
Top Rank is honored to have promoted a fighter who embodied everything noble about the sport. The Top Rank family mourns the loss of a legend and sends our condolences to his loved ones and friends.
 
Said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, “Marvelous Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes that Top Rank ever promoted. He was a man of honor and a man of his word, and he performed in the ring with unparalleled determination. He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him greatly.”

Follow all the action as Juan Francisco Estrada takes on Roman Gonzalez in a much anticipated rematch for the WBA/WBC Super Flyweight titles.  The action begins at 8 PM ET with Two more world title fights featuring the rematch between Jessica McCkaskill and Cecilia Brakehus plus Hiroto Kyoguchi and Axel Vega

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Round 1: Body shot from Estrada..Left ..Left from Gonzalez.z..

Round 2 Body shot from Estrada..Body work..Right to the head…Right..Counter right from Gonzalez…Right..left hook from Estrada..

Round 3 Left to body from Estrada..Right from Gonzalez..Right..Left hook from Estrada…Pace picking up…Right from Gonzalez..

Round 4 Right from Gonzalez…Toe to toe action….3 punch combo from Estrada…Hard right from Gonzalez…2 left hooks..Relentless action

Round 5 Right to body from Gonzalez…Big right…Combination..Another combination

Round 6  Combination from Gonzalez…Big Uppercut from Estrada..Body..Right hand and uppercut…Big left…Right from Gonzalez…Left from Estrada.

Round 7 Big Right from Estrada…2 great combinations

Round 8 Nice left hook from Estrada…Left from Gonzalez..

Round 9 Gonzalez lands a combination..Left..Short shot on the inside..Good 1-2..

Round 10 Good left hook from Estrada..Counter right

Round 11 Nice right from Estrada..Counter right..Nice inside right from Gonzalez…

Round 12 Both guys are just throwing punches…Right from Gonzalez..2 more rights

115-113 GONZALEZ; 117-111 ESTRADA; 115-113 ESTRADA

Round 1:

Marvelous Marvin Hagler, who was one of the greatest fighters of all-time and involved in many mega-fights in 1980’s has passed away according to TMZ.com, who quoted Hagler’s wife, Kay.

Hagler who was the Middleweight champion of the world from 1979-1987 made 13 defenses of his titles, including the likes of Roberto Duran and his memorable three-round war with Thomas Hearns,, and finished with a record of 62-3-2 with 52 knockouts.

No official cause of death is being reported, but the tweet posted by Kay Hagler said he passed away unexpectedly at his home in New Hampshire.

Hagler was 66 years-old.