Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against #1 ranked McWilliams Arroyo as Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA return to action in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday August 15, exclusively live on DAZN in the US. 

Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) makes the second defense of his crown against Arroyo, in a main event brought to you in association with Canelo Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions, having thrilled Texas with his first defense of the belt in Matchroom Boxing’s last show before the COVID-19 pandemic in February, coming out on top of an enthralling 12 round battle with Welshman Jay Harris.

The 25 year old Mexican landed the title with a ninth round KO win in a ferocious clash with former champion Cristofer Rosales, and the champion is honored to be topping the return of Hearn’s outfit in the States as he looks to cement his place in the division and move towards unification battles.

“I am so happy to be back in the ring again and I promise you another war on August 15,” said Martinez. “With the unification fights ahead of me, it is important to take care of my mandatory challengers and I expect a tough fight with Arroyo. I believe 2020 and 2021 will see me unify and become undisputed and I can’t wait put a smile back on boxing fans faces.”

Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) challenges for a 112lb World title for the third time in his career as he looks to finally get a World strap around his waist. The decorated Puerto Rican amateur was edged out via split decision by IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and then fell to pound-for -pound star Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in April 2016 for the WBC and Ring Magazine crowns in California.

The 34 year old ranked at number one in the WBC enters the bout on the back of three wins in 2019 having returned to Flyweight from a brief stint at Super-Fly, and the former World Amateur Champion is determined to end the talented Mexican’s reign in Tulsa.

“I am very happy with this opportunity that my promoters Miguel Cotto Promotions, H2 Entertainment and Golden Boy Promotions have given me since I am ranked number #1 in the WBC and I am following my dream of becoming a World champion,” said Arroyo.

“I think Julio Cesar Martinez is a great champion the fans will see a fight full of action due to the styles of both of us. It is very good for boxing Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and I am eager to take the belt” 

Prior to the lockdown, Cecilia Brækhus was set to defend her undisputed Welterweight championship in Maryland against Jessica McCaskill, and that fight is the co-main feature in Tulsa.

Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs) has dominated the Welterweight division for 11 years and victory over McCaskill would see the Norwegian sensation break Joe Louis’ record of 25 consecutive World title defenses, with the 38 year old’s record stretching back to her first World title fight in her 11^thpro outing in March 2009.

‘The First Lady’ still holds the same ambitions from when she first became a World ruler, and with a long camp behind her in Big Bear, California with new trainer Abel Sanchez, Brækhus is itching to get back into action and defend her belts in style.

“Finally we have a new fight date and I cannot wait to return to battle,” said Brækhus. “It’s been an extended camp in Big Bear with my new trainer Abel Sanchez and I’m very excited to defend my world titles against Jessica on August 15. I know how tough of a fight this is and will be well prepared for victory.

“Thanks very much to Abel, the Matchroom Boxing Team and Tom Loeffler for all of their support during these unique times. And to my fans in Norway, the United States and all over the world, thanks so much for continuing to inspire me, I hear you loud and clear.”

It’s fitting that McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) marks the return of Matchroom Boxing USA on DAZN from the lockdown as the Chicago ace won her WBC World Super-Lightweight title in Hearn’s first ever show on the groundbreaking streaming network in America in her hometown in October 2018 against Erica Farias.

‘CasKILLA’ went on to unify the division by taking the WBA crown from Farias fellow Argentine Anahi Sanchez in May 2019 in Maryland before putting both belts on the line in a rematch with Farias in her Windy City home, edging out her old foe via majority decision.

The 35 year old now meets the Norwegian superstar for the undisputed title in just her 11^th fight, and McCaskill is determined to keep her fairytale story going and end Braekhus supremacy.

“I’m just looking to make history and shock the world as I usually do every time,” said McCaskill. “I’m expecting to knock out Cecilia. I don’t know what round, but this extra time we’ve got to train before the fight is definitely going to make us a lot sharper and a lot stronger and smarter overall.

“I’ve been in the gym every day for multiple workouts and I can’t wait to show what we’ve been working on.”

Shakhram Giyasov continues to rise up the Super-Lightweight rankings and the Uzbekistan talent – one of three from the emerging boxing powerhouse under the spotlight in Matchroom Boxing’s latest YouTube feature– and he defends his WBA International Super-Lightweight title against Francisco Rojo.

Giyasov (9-0 7 KOs) picked up the strap he defends in Tulsa in April 2019 with victory over Emanuel Taylor in California, and in his first defense certainly saw the boxing world stand up and take notice as he obliterated former World champion Darleys Perez inside 30 seconds of the fight.

The highly decorated amateur is ranked at number seven in the WBA and a second successful defense of his belt would move him into a great position to land a shot at the World title in the future.

“I’m very excited to defend my title on August 15 against Francisco Rojo,” said Giyasov. “I know how tough of a fight this is and have already started training with Coach Diaz in Southern California to prepare for victory.

“Huge thanks to my team at World of Boxing and Vadim Kornilov along with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN for this tremendous opportunity.”

Rojo (22-3 15 KOs) returns to action following a brief spell on the sidelines and looking to spoil Giyasov’s rise. The Mexican has a wealth of experience from his 25 fight pro career, and the 29 year old is confident of causing an upset against the 26 year old.

“What a wonderful opportunity,” said Rojo. “My gym is now open and I will be well prepared. I showed American fans I could fight when I fought Ryan Martin in Las Vegas and I’ll remind them again when I beat Giyasov.”

Three of Hearn’s talented youngster’s complete the line-up, and it promises to be a memorable night for amateur standout Marc Castro as he makes his pro debut alongside rising starlets Nikita Ababiy and Raymond Ford.

Hearn beat off fierce competition to ink a deal with Castro, with the 20 year old turning over with an amateur record of 177 wins and 7 losses with a stellar 48-1 record in international and national competition, and in addition to being a two-time Amateur World Champion, Castro is a 16-time National Champion, three-time National Silver Gloves champion, and two-time National Junior Olympics Champion.

“I’m excited so start my professional journey to becoming a World champion,” said Castro. “The extra time has just made me even hungrier to get my career going and I cannot wait to showcase what I will bring to the pro game.”

Ababiy (8-0 6 KOs) fights for the ninth time in the paid ranks and for the first time since a controversial DQ win over Jonathan Baptista at the Staples Center in Los Angeles gave ‘White Chocolate’ a sixth win inside the distance since turning pro as one of Hearn’s first US signings in October 2018.

“I’m excited to light up that ring, it’s been way too long,” said Ababiy. “I’ve been working hard behind the scenes and I will be looking to steal the show on August 16 – White Chocolate is back!”

Ford (5-0 2 KOs) will taste his sixth action as a pro and for the ‘Savage’, it’s a chance to unleash the frustrations of two-thirds of a year on the sidelines since the 21 year old from Camden, New Jersey recorded his second win inside the distance from his five pro fights to date in Phoenix in December 2019.

“Due to injuries and this pandemic it will be eight months before I fight again,” said Ford. “It feels great to finally get back in the ring. It’s been hard during the pandemic, but I used this time to work on my craft and it made me go harder in the gym. On August 15 I will show the world why I’m the BEST prospect in boxing.”

The announcement of Hearn’s return to boxing in the States comes hot on the heels of the promoter releasing details of four stacked and ultra-competitive fight cards in Britain over four weeks in the unique setting of the grounds of the company’s Essex headquarters. 

Hearn is following that bold move with more ambitious plans for his American return, with the elite-level bill set to have a unique setting in Tulsa unveiled soon.

“We are ready to return in the States and just like Fight Camp in the UK, we plan to do things differently,” said Hearn. “We are heading outdoors in Tulsa, Oklahoma and we’re planning something unique and special for this double World championship header that should both thrill in the ring.

“Julio Cesar Martinez is a beast and one of the most exciting World champions in boxing. It’s Mexico v Puerto Rio as he faces mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo in a guaranteed thriller. In the co-main event, we stage the Undisputed Welterweight championship between Cecilia and Jessica which promises to be an electric pace between two great champions. 

“Beneath them, ‘Wonder Boy’ Shakhram Giyasov steps up the gears as he homes in on a 140lbs World title shot and US amateur sensation Marc Castro makes his professional debut. Rising US stars Nikita Ababiy and Raymond Ford step up the opposition as they continue their rise to the top.”

•     Alex Saucedo 140.8 lbs vs. Sonny Fredrickson 140.9 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)
 
    •     Josue Vargas 140.5 lbs vs. Salvador Briceno 138.2 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

• John Bauza 139.3 lbs vs. Larry Fryers 138.9 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight  — 8 Rounds)

• Donte Stubbs 160.2 lbs vs. Isiah Jones 159.3 lbs 
(Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 29, 2020) – Heavyweight Jeremiah Milton, who recently made the move from his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma to Las Vegas, has been sparring undefeated 2016 Italian Olympian, Guido Vianello (7-0, 7 KOs), in preparation for his highly anticipated pro debut, which is tentatively scheduled for August 2020.

The big puncher Milton, who is singed under management with Victory Sports & Entertainment, has been in the ring with the likes of 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Joe Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs), as well as other top heavyweights who have trained in Las Vegas.

“I love sparring the best heavyweights in boxing,” said the 26-year-old amateur stand-out who was a silver medalist at the Olympic Trials and won the Western Qualifiers in 2019. “There is no other city like Las Vegas where you can get the best sparring that boxing has to offer. Guido Vianello is an exceptionally talented fighter and I’m learning a lot by sharing the ring with him. I’m proud to represent my city Tulsa, Oklahoma amongst the best in boxing.”

“Jeremiah is learning how to adjust to different styles and Vianello is a very powerful puncher so the work he’s getting is incredible,” said Mike Leanardì, CEO of Victory Sports & Entertainment. “We are looking to have Jeremiah make his pro debut in August if everything plays out perfect. Those details will be announced when we finalize his opponent and the promoter gives us the green light that his show is happening.”

“We knew that Jeremiah’s move to Las Vegas was going to be the key factor for him to become the best possible fighter,” said Rick Torres, of Victory Sports & Entertainment. “Sparring guys like Guido Vianello and Joy Joyce can’t happen in any other city. We are pleased with what we are seeing in these sparring sessions.”

Reading, PA (June 29, 2020)–.Former Two-time world welterweight champion Kermit Cintron (39-6, 30 KOs) would like to let former world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, that if he were to comeback, it should be against him.

After recent reports that Martinez will end his retirement, Cintron is adamant that a rematch of the two world champions is inevitable.

On February 14, 2009, Cintron and Martinez fought to a disputed draw in Sunrise, Florida, and now is the time for the two to settle the score.

“I see that he is coming back, and I want the opportunity to face him. We have some unfinished business from our fight in 2009, and this is the time to do it. There were various opinions on that fight. If the fight needs to be in Spain, Argentina or wherever, my Passport is up-to-date, and I am willing to travel,” said Cintron

“This is a no brainer fight for the promoters, but it is up to Sergio. I am sure he would like to avenge the draw, so let’s make it happen.”

Said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions, “This would be a great fight. It’s two former world champions looking for that one last shot at something significant. The winner would have that. I will reach out to his representatives, and try to make this fight happen.”

Junior Lightweight world champion Miguel Berchelt moved up to lightweight and stopped Eleazar Valenzuela in round six of a scheduled 10-round bout at The TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City.

At the end of round one, Berchelt dropped Valenzuela with a left hook.

In round six, Berchelt landed a hard right that drove Valenzuela to the ropes. Berchelt followed up with four shots to the head and the bout was stopped.

Berchelt, 135 lbs of is 38-1 with 34 knockouts. Valenzuela, 135 1/2 lbs is 21-14-4.

“Now what follows is the expected fight against Oscar Valdez,” Berchelt said. “Every fan wants to see that fight, and we are ready for that war.

“I felt great, but the altitude Mexico City hit me a little bit. It is not easy to fight in Mexico City, but thank God we got the victory. Eleazar is a tough fighter. He endured everything I threw at him. He gained my respect. My experience as world champion pushed me forward.”

Omar Aguilar remained undefeated by scoring a 1st round stoppage over Dante Jardon in a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout.

Aguilar landed a big flurry in the corner and the bout stopped.

Aguilar, 140 lbs is 18-0 with 17 knockouts. Jardon, 141 lbs is 32-7.

Alan David Picasso won a eight-round unanimous decision over Florentino Perez in a super bantamweight bout.

In a fight scored by six judges, Picasso, 121 1/4 lbs won by scores of 80-72 on three cards, 79-74, 79-73 and 78-74 to raise his record to 14-1. Perez is 14-6-1.

Dustin Poirier outlasted Dan Hooker and won a unanimous decision in a lightweight Instant Classic at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

The two landed hellacious blows throughout the fight. Hooker landed more over the 1st two rounds including 64 strikes in a non-stop action filled 2nd round.

In round two, Hooker started to bleed from his right eye. Poirier was bleeding from his right eye as well.

The two continued to stand toe-to-toe and landed crushing blows. Poirier tried unsuccessfully three submission attempts. Poirier came back over the final three rounds and outlanded Hooker 148-83 over the final three rounds, which includes 61-20 in the pivotal 5th round.

Poirier, 156 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL won by scores of 48-47 twice and 48-46 and is now 26-6-1. Hooker, 155.5 lbs of Auckland, NZ is 20-9.

Mike Perry won a unanimous decision over Mickey Gall in a welterweight bout.

Perry, 171 lbs of Orlando, FL won by scores of 29-28 on all cards, and is now 14-6. Gall, 170 lbs of Green Brook, NJ is 6-3.

Maurice Greene submitted Gian Villante in round three of their heavyweight bout.

Greene seemed to control most of the first two rounds. In round three, Villante clocked Greene with a left hand that sent him to the deck. Villante then landed some solid Ground and Pound. Somehow Greene turned the tables, and was able to get a choke from the bottom that made Villante tap at 3:44.

Greene, 255 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 9-4. Villante, 255 lbs of Bellmore. NY is 17-12.

Brendan Allen won a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Kyle Daukaus in a middleweight fight.

In round one, Allen cut Daukaus with a hard elbow to the forehead.

Allen, 185.5 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 30-27, 29-27 and 29-28 to raise his mark to 15-3. Daukaus, 185.5 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is 9-1.

Takashi Sato took out Jason Witt in the opening minute of their welterweight bout.

Sato landed a flush left that sent Witt down. Witt tried to get up, but ate a knee to the face that sent up five unanswered blows to the head of Witt, and the fight was stopped at 48 seconds.

Sato, 170.5 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 16-3. Witt, 171 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 17-6.

Julian Erosa submitted previously undefeated Sean Woodson in a catchweight fight/

In round three, Erosa was bleeding from the nose. In round three, Erosa got Woodson down, and was able to front choke him that forced Eoodson to submit at 2:44.

Erosa, 149.5 lbs of Las Vegas, took the fight on Wednesday and improves to 24-8. Woodson, 149 lbs of St. Louis is 7-1.

Khama Worthy choked out Luis Pena in the 3rd round of their lightweight bout.

Worthy was able to get Pena in a Guillotine and take him to the ground with it and Pena submitted at 2:53.

Worthy, 154.5 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is 16-6. Pena, 155 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 8-3.

Tanner Boser scored a vicious round stoppage over Felipe Lins in a heavyweoght bout.

Boser landed a boomer right that knocked Lins out cold at 2:45.

Boser, 235 lbs of Edmonton, ALB, CAN is 18-6-1. Lins, 235 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 14-5.

Kay Hansen made Jinh Yu Frey tap in the 3rd round of their strawweight bout.

Hansen made Frey tap from a Trinagle-Armbar at 2:26.

Hansen, 115.5 lbs of Fullerton, CA is 7-3. Frey, 115.5 lbs of Arlington, TX is 9-5.

Youssef Zalal won a unanimous decision over Jordan Griffin in a featherweight fight.

Zalal, 145.5 lbs of Englewood, CO won bu scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 9-2. Griffin, 145 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 18-8.

Miguel Berchelt 135 lbs vs. Eleazar Valenzuela135.5 lbs
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)
   Omar Aguilar 140 lbs vs. Dante Jardon 141 lbs(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)
           Florentino Perez Hernandez 121.2 lbs vs. Alan David Picasso 121.2 lbs(Junior Featherweight — 8 Rounds)            Rafael Espinoza 127.8 lbs vs. Luis Guzman 127.8 lbs(Featherweight — 8 Rounds)
Ruben Aguilar 141.1 lbs vs Emanuel Herrera 141.1 lbs
(Jr. Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

NEW YORK (June 26, 2020) – World-Ranked Abraham “Super” Nova remained perfect by pounding out a 10-round unanimous decision over tough Avery Sparrow in a junior lightweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Nova, 26, who is managed by Split-T Management, took his time and eased into the fight. Over the first half of the fight, Sparrow showed his mettle, and fought on even terms with the world-ranked Nova.

Nova really started to pick up momentum as the fight reached the halfway point, and put his foot on the gas in round eight.

In that round, Nova started to push the action and land some hard combinations. Nova was the boss in the fight over the final five rounds and won by scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94 to to raise his mark to 19-0.

The native of Albany, New York, who is ranked number-six by the WBA and number-seven by the WBO outlanded Sparrow 112-60, which included a 20-7 advantage in round eight and 73-36 over the last five frames.

“Sparrow was slippery in there and tough to hit. I had to be patient and search for my openings. In the last few rounds, I began to time him, and that won me the fight,” Nova said. “Listen, this was a learning experience. I’ll be ready for the top guys in the 130-pound division very, very soon.”

“The fight was satisfying. Abraham followed the gameplan perfectly. He got ring experience. The game-plan was to box more and not rely on his power.,” said Hector Bermudez, Trainer of Abraham Nova.

“Although Sparrow had a good ring IQ, and a difficult Cutie style, Nova made the proper adjustments to win the fight. I knew it was an ugly match-up from the beginning, and far from complimentary to Nova’s ESPN debut. However, we all knew he’d come out victorious. He’s still developing and he will continue to improve in the gym. I have big plans for him in the fall,” Said Tom VanNewhouse of Split-T Management.

Nova is co-promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions.

Eddie Hearn and Matchroom are delighted to announce the full schedule for Fight Camp – an unrivalled summer of elite boxing based at the Matchroom HQ in Brentwood, Essex with the first three weeks shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US – and the final week shown live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The unique and ground-breaking outdoor setting overlooking the city of London will play host to huge World Title clashes, British and Commonwealth Title showdowns, Heavyweight wars and countless other Title fights as Matchroom bring top tier boxing back to the screens of fights fans across the UK and US. 

Matchroom’s summer of boxing launches with a bang on Saturday August 1 as Sam Eggington (28-6, 17 KOs) puts his IBF International Super-Welterweight title on the line against Ted Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs) in a guaranteed barnburner, Belfast’s big-hitting James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) takes on Cardiff’s Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Lightweight title, Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle, fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and gifted Sheffield Super-Lightweight Dalton Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) squares off with Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (9-1, 2 KOs). 

Terri Harper’s (10-0, 5 KOs) defence of her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against British rival Natasha Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs) headlines week 2 on Friday August 7 supported by Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defending his Commonwealth Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (12-1, 9 KOs) gets his second outing of the year against Adam Harper (9-1), Oldham Lightweight prospect Aqib Fiaz (5-0) steps up against Birmingham’s former Midlands Area Champion Kane Baker (13-6) and Leeds Featherweight prospect Hopey Price (2-0) fights on UK soil again following his win on the huge Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua 2 show in Saudi Arabia. 

Felix Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) puts his Commonwealth Middleweight Title on the line for the second time against former World Title challenger Jason Welborn (24-8, 7 KOs) at top of week 3’s bill on Friday August 14, recent Matchroom signing Zelfa Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) meets Ireland’s undefeated Eric Donovan (12-0, 7 KOs) over ten rounds, Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs), Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) faces the toughest opponent of her career in Rachel Ball (5-1) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) looks for his second win of the year. 

Fight Camp concludes with an unmissable night of blockbuster action on Saturday August 22, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office, as Dillian Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) defends his WBC Interim Heavyweight World Title against Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs) and Irish legend Katie Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) defends her Undisputed Lightweight World Titles. There’s more Heavyweight action on offer as Martin Bakole (15-1, 12 KOs) returns to the ring against Russia’s Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) and Luther Clay (13-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Chris Kongo (11-0, 6 KOs). 

Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development, said: “Eddie Hearn has supplied a sizzling summer schedule in August, starting with three Sky Sports shows packed with British talent. Sam Eggington against Ted Cheeseman should be a classic clash, while the exciting trio of Jordan Gill, Fabio Wardley and Dalton Smith will be eager to impress.

“Terri Harper has already endeared herself to fight fans with her remarkable success story, but Natasha Jonas is a genuine threat as we return to Matchroom HQ with a high-class World Title fight. Anthony Fowler and Chris Billam-Smith have big ambitions and cannot afford slip-ups on the same bill. 

“Felix Cash defends his Commonwealth belt against the dangerous Jason Welborn on our third action-packed show. We’ll get another chance to see Shannon Courtenay in action – she is a rising talent with an entertaining style – and it’s a perfect platform for Kieron Conway and Zelfa Barrett to showcase their skills.

“Fight Camp ends with fireworks as Dillian Whyte risks his World Title ambitions against the big-hitting Alexander Povetkin, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Katie Taylor can cement her status as one of the sport’s finest fighters when she returns to action on another fantastic bill. We’re back with a red-hot line-up of live boxing!”

Jason Moloney stopped Leonard Baez after round seven of their scheduled 10-round bantamweight bout at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In round three, Baez was cut around the left eye. Moleny landed power punches against the hard swinging Baez. Moloney slowly beat down Baez until Baez pulled the plug on the fight after complaining of breathing issues.

Moloney, 117.7 lbs of Kingscliff, AUS is now 21-1 with 18 knockouts. Baez, 118.3 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is now 18-3.

“That was the greatest moment of my career. It was tough watching my brother the other night, but I knew I had a job to do,” Moloney said. “Thank you to my team. I sacrificed so much for six weeks, leaving my fiancée and my baby. I’m just over the moon.
 
“My brother told me he loved me and that he was proud of me. He’ll be back better than ever. Trust me.”

World-Ranked Abraham Nova won a 10-round unanimous decision over Avery Sparrow in a junior lightweight clash.

Nova out-landed Sparrow 112-60, and went on to win by scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94.

Nova, 131.9 lbs of Albany, NY is 19-0. Sparrow, 131.5 lbs of Philadelphia is now 10-2.

“Sparrow was slippery in there and tough to hit. I had to be patient and search for my openings. In the last few rounds, I began to time him, and that won me the fight,” Nova said. “Listen, this was a learning experience. I’ll be ready for the top guys in the 130-pound division very, very soon.”

Orlando Gonzalez remained undefeated by winning a eight-round unanimous decision over Luis Porozo in a featherweight.

In round two, Gonzalez dropped Porozo with a straight left to the head.

In round seven, Gonzalez dropped Porozo with a right hook.

Gonzalez, 126 lbs of Aguadilla, PR won by scores of 77-83 and 76-74 twice, and is now 15-0. Porozo, 125 lbs of Santo Domingo, ECU is 15-3.

Vlad Panin won a six-round majority decision over Benjamin Whitaker in a welterweight bot.

Panin, 149 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 58-56 twice and 57-57 and is now 8-1. Whitaker, 149 lbs of San Antonio, TX 13-4.

Reymond Yanong won a six-round split decision over Clay Burns in a welterweight bout.

Yanong, 143 lbs of Paranaraque, PHL won by scores 59-55 and 58-56; Burns took a card 58-56.

Yanong is 11-5-1. Burns, 143.6 lbs of Alexandria, LA is 9-8-2.

Kingsley Ibeh stopped Waldo Cortes in round four of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round four, Ibeh landed four hard uppercuts to the chin that startled Cortes. Ibeh dropped Cortes with a right hook that put him down, and the fight was stopped at 1:41.

Ibeh, 286.4 lbs of Phoenix avenged his only defeat and is now 4-1 with all wins coming by stoppage. Cortes, 246.9 lbs of Phoenix is 5-3.

(June 25, 2020) —Undefeated light flyweight boxer Kim Clavel, who won the 2020 Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs, is ready for her next fight.
 
Clavel took a hiatus from the ring in March to return to work as a nurse at elder care facilities in Montreal and will make her triumphant return in a scheduled eight-round fight Tuesday, July 21 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas against an opponent to be named.
 
Clavel’s comeback bout will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (8 p.m. ET).
 
“I am grateful to Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Top Rank, and ESPN for this opportunity, which allows me to make my United States debut on a major ESPN-televised card in Las Vegas,” Clavel said. “This is significant for my boxing career, and my training team and I are already counting down the days.”
 
“When Kim Clavel’s boxing career was paused due to the pandemic, she didn’t hesitate to go head-to-head against this new opponent,” said Yvon Michel, Clavel’s promoter. “It is with the same courage and enthusiasm that she will step into the ring on July 21 to pursue her goal of becoming world champion and continuing to inspire people. Thank you to Top Rank and ESPN for offering Kim this unique opportunity to showcase her world-class talent.”
 
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Clavel (11-0, 2 KOs) had established herself as one of female boxing’s rising stars. She won the NABF light flyweight title last December and was scheduled to headline her first show March 21 against former world champion Esmeralda Moreno.
 
Clavel put her boxing career on hold and returned to work on March 21. She worked night shifts and treated Montreal’s most vulnerable citizens. Clavel stayed in shape with a modified routine of jumping rope, running, and shadowboxing, preparing for her ring comeback while dealing with the mental and emotional toll of her day (and night) job.
 
Boxing resumed, opportunity knocked, and Clavel answered. Her world title quest continues July 21.

NEW YORK (June 25, 2020) – TONIGHT at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, world-ranked and undefeated junior lightweight Abraham “Super” Nova takes on tough Philly-based Avery Sparrow in the co-feature bout of a Top Rank promoted card on ESPN (8 PM ET / 5 PM PT)

Nova, 26, of Albany, New York has a record of 18-0 with 14 knockouts.

The four-year pro is currently ranked number-six by the WBA and number-seven by the WBO, will be making his 2nd start of 2020. He is coming off a 4th round stoppage of 57-fight veteran Pedro Navarrete on January 18th in Verona, New York.

Nova has wins over Martin Nicolas Matamala (9-2), Andres Zapata (7-1), Hassan Nourdine (9-2); He won the NABA Super Featherweight title with a unanimous decision over Suliman Segawa (11-1).

He also defeated Brian Pelaez (8-2), Mario Lozano (18-2-1) and Luis Ronaldo Castillo (20-3).

Sparrow of Philadelphia is 10-1 with three knockouts. Sparrow has some impressive wins as he defeated Anthony Burgin (10-2), Isaelin Florian (6-0), Joey Laviolette (6-0), Jose Lopez (19-1-1), and his last bout when he won a majority decision over crosstown rival and former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-7-1) on March 15, 2019 in Philadelphia.

At Wednesday’s weigh-in, Nova was 131.9 lbs. Sparrow was 131.5 lbs.

Nova is co-promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions.

BRITISH boxing’s Heavyweight super-fight between unbeaten KO Kings ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois and ‘Juggernaut’ Joe Joyce will now take place at The 02 Arena, London on Saturday October 24.

The showdown between British, Commonwealth, WBC Silver and WBO International champion Dubois and fellow Londoner Joyce, an Olympic Silver medallist, had been scheduled for July 11 but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the date shift.

Government guidelines will continue to be strictly followed but with lockdown being eased promoter Frank Warren is optimistic that the battle, dubbed ‘Seek And Destroy’, will finally take place in October.

Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) and Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) are within touching distance of a world title challenge and the winner will be in line to land a mandatory contender’s position with one of the major governing bodies, as well as adding the vacant EBU European Heavyweight Championship to their trophy cabinets.

Warren said: “It will be a fight to remember and what a boost for British boxing.

“Everyone wants to see it. Lockdown has meant a delay, but we all want the fight to take place in October and we are hopeful that the government will give us the all clear.

“What a position the winner will be in. They will be nailed on for a world title shot in 2021.”

Dubois, 22, who is ranked number five by the WBO  and seven in the latest WBC ratings said: “I’ll be ready to go in October for sure.

“It has been tough during lockdown, but I have ticked over and I’m back in the Peacock gym helping my sparring partner Dorin Krasmaru get ready for his behind closed doors fight on Frank Warren’s bill on July 10.

“Hopefully in the near future I will be able to get some good overseas sparring in. I’ll be ready for October 24, so I hope Joe is coming prepared.”

Foe Joyce, 34, won the Commonwealth title in just his fourth fight and his best win came against former WBC world champion Bermane Stiverne via a sixth round KO in February 2019. The London man aims to top that victory when he tackles Dubois and doesn’t mince his words when discussing his young opponent.

“It was great news to get the new date so I can finally punch up Dubois,” said the Putney man who is already highly ranked by the WBC.

Joyce is ready to rev up his training and added: “Obviously once lockdown started I had a good idea we wouldn’t meet in July, but I was always staying on top of training.

“Now gyms are open for athletes I can kick on and just keep my focus on the new date, finally settling the score with Dubois and moving on to a world title fight.”

Existing ticket holders who cannot attend the rearranged date can get refunds from their point of purchase.

————-
Tickets are now on sale via AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk

Ticket Prices:

£400 Ringside – Hospitality
£300 Floor
£200 Floor
£150 Floor/Tier
£100 Tier
£80 Tier
£55 Upper Tier
£40 Upper Tier

 •     Jason Moloney 117.7 lbs vs. Leonardo Baez 118.3 lbs
(Bantamweight — 10 Rounds)

    •   Abraham Nova 131.9 lbs vs.  Avery Sparrow 131.5 lbs 
(Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

• Orlando Gonzalez 126 lbs vs. Luis Porozo 125 lbs 
(Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

• Vlad Panin 149 lbs vs. Benjamin Whitaker 149 lbs 
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

    • Clay Burns 143.6 lbs vs. Reymond Yanong 143 lbs
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)
• Waldo Cortes 246.9 lbs vs. Kingsley Ibeh 286.4 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (June 24, 2020) —Jose Pedraza and Mikkel LesPierre will give it another shot. The junior welterweights will face off in the 10-round main event Thursday, July 2 from the MGM Grand Conference Center—Grand Ballroom. Pedraza-LesPierre was originally scheduled for June 18, but the bout was postponed after LesPierre’s manager tested positive for COVID-19.

Week 4 of the Top Rank on ESPN summer series begins Tuesday, June 30 at the MGM Grand, when top junior welterweight contender Alex Saucedo faces Sonny Fredrickson in a 10-round showdown.

The Pedraza-LesPierre and Saucedo-Fredrickson cards will air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. 

“Mikkel and Jose deserve this opportunity, and I commend both camps for agreeing to reschedule this fight on short notice,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Alex Saucedo is destined to be a world champion, but he has an incredibly tall task in Sonny Fredrickson. We have another great week in store at MGM Grand.”

June 30
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom

Main Event
Alex Saucedo (29-1, 19 KOs) vs. Sonny Fredrickson (21-2, 14 KOs)
10 Rounds, Junior Welterweight

Saucedo has fought only once — a first-round knockout over Rod Salka — since he was knocked out by Maurice Hooker in November 2018 in a bid for the WBO junior welterweight world title. The Oklahoma City product is entering his second fight with head trainer Pedro Neme and will move closer to a second world title opportunity with a victory over the 6-foot-1 Fredrickson. From Toledo, Ohio, Fredrickson is a former U.S. amateur standout who is hoping to re-establish his momentum following a majority decision defeat to Samuel Teah last November.

“I have gotten a lot of quality sparring during the last few months, and I believe that’s going to show on June 30,” Saucedo said. “We have done 130 rounds in this camp sparring three times a week. We were able to get some taller guys to prepare for what Sonny brings to the table. I’ve worked on the things I need to win this fight. I’m still the same aggressive fighter, but we put a lot more movement in there. I’ve gone back to basics.”

Undercard

Junior welterweight prospect Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (16-1, 9 KOs) will seek to increase his winning streak to 11 when he faces the battle-hardened Salvador Briceno (17-5, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Vargas fought four times in 2019, including a win over Noel Murphy that earned him the IBF North American junior welterweight strap. Briceno is 4-2 in his last six fights, including competitive showings in decision losses to unbeaten prospects Gabriel Flores Jr. and Yomar Alamo.

Former U.S. amateur superstar Javier Martinez, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will make his professional debut against an opponent to be named in a six-rounder at middleweight. Martinez won the U.S. Olympic Trials at 165 pounds and was ranked number one in the nation at that weight, but after being named an alternate for the Olympic squad, he turned pro with Top Rank and noted manager Tim VanNewhouse.

Junior welterweight rising star John “El Terrible” Bauza (13-0, 5 KOs) will return from a nearly one-year layoff against the Irish-born, New York-based Larry Fryers (11-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder. 

Unbeaten Cleveland native Fred Wilson Jr. (6-0-2, 2 KOs) will face Rance Ward (4-1-1, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at junior middleweight.

In a six-round junior welterweight bout, Adrian Valdovinos (5-0-1, 4 KOs) will fight Gerardo Alvarez (2-2-2, 0 KOs).

July 2
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom

Main Event
Jose Pedraza (26-3, 13 KOs) vs. Mikkel LesPierre (22-1-1, 10 KOs)
10 rounds, Junior Welterweight

Pedraza, who won world titles at junior lightweight and lightweight, is taking another run at the super lightweight division following last September’s decision loss to Jose “Chon” Zepeda. His opponent LesPierre challenged Maurice Hooker for a world title last year, dropping a unanimous decision. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brooklyn resident received deliveries and assisted doctors and nurses at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in Manhattan.

“I didn’t want to wait around for this fight, so I’m glad we got the deal done,” Pedraza said. “My march toward a junior welterweight world title continues July 2 in Las Vegas.”

“I want to thank Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment for making this fight happen through the trials and tribulations,” LesPierre said. “I’m honored to be the main event on July 2, and I am ready to showcase my talent to the world and prove my world championship caliber.”

Undercard

Robeisy Ramirez (3-1, 3 KOs) is out for revenge. The two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba will fight Adan Gonzales (5-2-2, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at featherweight. It was Gonzales who shocked the boxing world last August when he spoiled Ramirez’s pro debut with a four-round split decision victory. Ramirez has scored three knockout wins since then, including June 9 at MGM Grand. Gonzales has not fought since the Ramirez fight.

Top junior lightweight contender Albert Bell (16-0, 5 KOs), from Toledo Ohio, will face Filipino puncher Mark Bernaldez (20-3, 14 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. Bell graduated from prospect to contender last June on the Tyson Fury-Tom Schwarz undercard, defeating Andy Vences (22-0-1 at the time) over 10 rounds. He returned in October and shut out Frank De Alba. 

Featherweight prospect Carlos Jackson (16-0, 11 KOs), who has knocked out five of his last six opponents, will face Jose Enrique Vivas (18-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-rounder. 

Elvis Rodriguez (6-0-1, 6 KOs), the southpaw sensation from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will seek to register his fifth consecutive knockout in a six-round junior welterweight tilt against Daniel Murray (5-3, 0 KOs). The only blemish on Rodriguez’s record came in this third pro fight, a technical draw following an accidental clash of heads.

Featherweight prospect Luis Melendez (8-1, 6 KOs) will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-round bout. 

Joshua Franco won the WBA Super Flyweight world title with a 12-round unanimous decision over defending champion Andrew Moloney at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Moloney raced out and took most of the first half of the fight as he featured many body shots. The 2nd half of the fight was all Franco as he started landing his combinations at both mid-range and was started to wear Moloney down on the inside.

In round 10, a right hand cut Moloney under his left eye. In round 11, a combination that was highlighted by a left hand sent Moloney to the canvas. That proved to be the difference as Franco won by scores of 115-112 twice and 114-113 twice.

Franco, 115 lbs of San Antonio, TX is now 17-1-2. Moloney, 114.6 lbs of Kingscliff, AUS is 21-1.

“After the fourth round, I gained the momentum and figured him out. I always knew this was possible,” Franco said. “I wasn’t nervous when the decision was being read. I knew I’d done enough to win this fight. My coach, Robert Garcia, had me ready. I’m going home with the belt.”

“I always knew this was possible,” said Joshua Franco. “I knew the hard work would pay off in the end. Thank you to Golden Boy for the support and the opportunity. You were behind me 100% and now you have a new world champ.”

“After the first fourth round, I started to gain momentum and figure him out. The knockdown in the eleventh round was crucial. I needed it. But I slowly started to wear him down. By the end of the fight, I knew I had done enough to win. My coach, Robert Garcia, prepared me well.”

“Tonight, the first world title fight since the COVID-19 pandemic began took place, and a Golden Boy fighter stepped up to the challenge, entered enemy territory and dominated,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Franco’s victory is special for us as he was part of an impressive group of young fighters that we signed back in 2015 as we were rebuilding our stable. Five years later, our mutual hard work has paid off. From debuting on our LA Fight Club series to headlining on national television, Franco has developed into a world champion.”

“It just wasn’t my night tonight,” Moloney said. “This was not the best version of Andrew Moloney, but full credit to Joshua Franco. He deserved to win the title with his effort. He closed the fight strong, like a true champion.
 
“I’ll be back. One loss won’t define me.”

Christopher Diaz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jason Sanchez in a featherweight fight.

Diaz, 124.9 lbs of Barranquitas, PR won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 to go to 26-2. Sanchez, 126 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 15-2.

“I can fight at featherweight, or I can make 122 pounds. Whatever Top Rank wants, but I’m ready for a big fight in either weight division. I am a completely different and improved fighter from the one who fought Shakur Stevenson last year,” Diaz said. “I worked on my power in the gym. My coaches, Nelson Rodriguez and Freddie Roach, got me ready for tonight.”

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Miguel Contreras won a six-round unanimous decision over Rolando Vargas.

Vargas was cut on his nose in round two from a clash of heads.

Contreras, 137.4 lbs of Bakersfield, CA won by 58-56 scores on all cards to take him to 11-0. Vargas, 137 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 5-1.

Helaman Olguin won a six-round majority decision over Adam Stewart in a heavyweight bout.

In round one, Stewart was cut around the right eye from a clash of heads.

Olguin, 290 lbs of South Jordan, Utah won by sores of 58-56 twice, and 57-57, and is now 8-3. Stewart, 231.1 lbs of Phoenix, AZ 8-1-1.

Follow all the action as Andrew Moloney defends the WBA Super Flyweight title against Joshua Franco.  The three-fight undercard begins at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT / 10 AM Wednesday in Australia

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY 

Round 1: Right and left to body from Moloney..

Round 2 combination from Moloney..Left to the body..Franco lands a left to the body..Counter from Franco..

Round 3 Right from Moloney..Right..Nice hook..

Round 4 Good left to body from Moloney..Jab/right followed by left to body..Left to body from Franco..

Round 5  Combination from Franco..Right

Round 6 Good exchange..Right from Moloney

Round 7  Combination from Franco

Round 8 Left to body from Moloney..Good jab/Right hand from Franco

Round 9 Good combination from Franco

Round 10 Right from Franco..Blood from Left eye of Moloney,,Hard body shots from Franco..Cut caused by a punch

Round 11 FRANCO LANDS A LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES FRANCO..Hard right from Franco..3 punch combination..

Round 12 Good right from Franco..Nice combination from Moloney

115-112; 114-114 TWICE FOR JOSHUA FRANCO

Round 1 Right from Diaz
Round 2 Right from Diaz..Right to body from Sanchez..Jab from Diaz..Counter..combination
Round 3 Jab from Sanchez…
Round 4 Jab from Sanchez
Round 5 Left from Diaz…Counter left..Right..Right..
Round 6 Left from Diaz..Combination..
Round 7 Uppercut from Sanchez
Round 8 Right from Sanchez..
Round 9 Left from Diaz..Sanchez lands a combination..Good right from Diaz..Good combination from Diaz…Jab
Round 10 Right from Diaz…Right

98-92 Twice, and  97-93 FOR DIAZ

Round 1: Body work from Contreras..Body..Double jab..Vargas jabs to the body..Good exchanges on the inside..Body shot from Contreras..
Round 2: Blood coming from nose of Vargas (Clash of Heads)
Round 3 Right from Vargas
Round 4 Right from Vargas
Round 5: Right from Vargas.  Another Right..Double right from Contreras..Good Jab..
Round 6:  Vargas lands a wide-left hook..Good exchange

58-56 on all cards for Contreras

Round 1: Stewart cut around right eye due to clash of heads
Round 2: Olguin lands on the inside…Right from Stewart
Round 3: Right from Olguin
Round 4 Left from Stewart
Round 5: Left to body from Olguin
Round 6 Left from Olguin..Left from Stewart…Right

57-57; 58-56 TWICE FOR OLGUIN

Los Angeles, CA (June 23, 2020) World Ranked Welterweight Contender Radzhab Butaev has spoken out following the recent details of Alexander Basputin’s failed drug test results from their WBA Welterweight World Championship fight on November 30, 2019 in Monte Carlo. Recently, Butaev and his team were informed that the ‘B’ sample from Basputin also contained LGD-4033(Ligandrol). The ‘A’ sample contained the same prohibited drug when the finding was announced in January.  Basputin was declared the winner of their hard-fought bout by unanimous decision by scores of 116-112 on all three judges’ scorecards.

Said Butaev, “As I said previously, I’m not surprised. First of all, my manager and my team always insist on VADA testing. It is a standard procedure for a world title fight. Since 2013, starting with most of the fights that our teammate Ruslan Provodnikov participated in and most other fights of significance involving boxers from our team we always insisted upon mandatory anti-doping testing. This drug that was in his system, has been banned by all doping agencies in the world and has never been legal.”

“After consultations with several doctors and pharmaceutical specialists in the states, we were made clear what this drug was and how it was very difficult to obtain and that it is usually used by athletes to significantly increase stamina, endurance, and strength during a competition or training. And the fact that this substance was found in a urine test is enough to know that this was not consumed by mistake in training camp in advance.”

Continued Butaev, “For me, this is now in the past, and even though this is not pleasant, all I think about now is taking back what’s mine and becoming a real champion, a champion that knows that he got his world title in a fair and honest competition of boxing, man vs. man!”

“From the moment Basputin refused to start VADA testing for weeks before the bout, even after I paid all the fees for him and myself, he still did not want to sign and return the VADA paperwork, I believe that whatever he and his team were hiding literally helped him survive our fight, but justice has triumphed.”

“Now I am primarily concerned about having my next fight for the world title. I consider it very inappropriate to disrespect the sport of boxing, the fans, my team and his own team and I do not see any excuses.  I hope that the WBA will issue their resolution on this situation and announce my opponent for the world title soon and I am ready to go, I will fight anybody, it doesn’t matter to me, I just want my fair and clean chance to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a world champion.”

Stated manager Vadim Kornilov, “Radzhab’s dream is to become a world champion and on a level playing field there is no doubt that he can beat anybody in the division. The next step is to work through the procedures with the WBA and await Radzhab’s immediate fight with the top-rated contender for the WBA World Title.”

NEW YORK (June 23, 2020) – TONIGHT at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Split-T Management fighter Rolando Vargas takes a step up in competition when he takes on fellow undefeated Miguel Contreras in a six-round junior welterweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

The fight can be seen live on ESPN beginning at 8 PM ET.

Vargas, 20, of Milwaukee is 5-0 with all wins coming via stoppage.

After winning the 2017 Junior National Championships, Vargas turned professional, and has ripped off five consecutive knockouts, with none of his fights reaching the 3rd round.

Vargas will be making his 2nd start of 2020, as he is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Rondale Hubbert on February 8th in Hammond, Indiana.

Contreras of Bakersfield, California is 10-0 with six knockouts. The 22 year-old Contreras is a four-year professional, and is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Manuel Monteiro on February 1st in Bakersfield.

At Monday’s weigh-in, Vargas was 137 lbs. Contreras was 137.4 lbs.

Photos by Mikey Williams/Top Rank