rank Smith, CEO of Matchroom Boxing:

“Thank you everyone for joining us here in London ahead of Thursday night’s huge JD NXTGEN show at York Hall. It has been an unbelievable year and what better way to finish, this and Friday night in Phoenix, Arizona. We start with the JD NXTGEN card with this whole host of talent. 

“38 shows promoted already this year with 350 fights, 38 World Title fights and for a lot of these guys and girls here today, that’s where they want to be in a few years, big World Title fights. These fighters are the future of the big cards we have coming up. 

“It has been an exciting year and we look forward to finishing it at York Hall. It’s a stacked card from top to bottom and we’ll start off by speaking with some of the debutants looking to take their first steps in the pro game.”

Richard Riakporhe – Walworth, London – 10-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Jack Massey for the vacant British Cruiserweight title:

“I’m feeling good. I’m happy with the opportunities that I’ve received this year, stepping up to the plate. I fought Tommy McCarthy back in March, got the win, I fought Chris Billam-Smith not too long ago and got the win as well. What would end the year perfectly for me would be getting the win over Jack Massey with the British title as well. What more could I want?

“There’s a lot of big fights out there for me in 2020 but we’re not going to overlook Jack Massey. We’ve prepared for him like he’s a true veteran and we’re ready to take the win and get on with it. I don’t see the fight going longer than six rounds. I don’t see it going past six rounds but I’ve trained for fifteen rounds.

“We’re ready for whatever. If Jack wants to box I can box, if he wants to fight I can fight. I believe that I can beat him in every single department. If he wants to have a cookout and see who’s the best chef, then I’ll beat him in a Sunday roast cookout. If I lose in that, I’ll put him in the oven. 

“I’m looking forward to it. I respect Jack Massey as a fighter, I respect him for taking the fight. I’m just ready to showcase my skills.”

Jack Massey – Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire – 10-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Richard Riakporhe for the vacant British Cruiserweight title:

“We had a long camp for the Okolie fight. We trained for 12 rounds so it’s put me in good stead for this. The recovery time for the injury wasn’t long so I was back punching six weeks after the injury so it’s time to go. 

“It’s a massive year after this. I don’t see it going more than six rounds either. He’s confident, get ready for a boxing match.”

Craig Richards – Crystal Palace, London – 15-1, 8 KO’s – fighting Chad Sugden in an 8 round Light-Heavyweight contest:

“Good afternoon everyone. I’m just looking forward to getting out on Thursday night. It’s been a while since I’ve been back out. I’m just focused on this Thursday. I think a few months ago Chad tagged me in a post calling me out. I know that he’s going to come and bring it, he’s willing for the big opportunity and I’m not going to take him lightly. 

“I’m looking forward to going out on Thursday night and making a statement and then going on after that and god willing cleaning up the rest of the division. I’m just focused on Thursday night. What I’m focused on next year is the titles. I want to go out and get that British title after Thursday and have a big year. It’s about ticking them all off. I’m looking forward to going out there and putting on a performance.”

Chad Sugden – Newark, Nottinghamshire – 11-1, 4 KO’s – fighting Craig Richards in an 8 round Light-Heavyweight contest:

“For sure, I wouldn’t be here for any other reason. I believe I can beat Craig, I’ve got all of the tools to beat him. I’ve just got to put it all into place on Thursday night. He’s number 4 in the UK on BoxRec and he’s got a world ranking with the WBA. It’s a massive fight for me but it’s a fight that I took for one reason only and that’s to come and win.”

Luther Clay – Bracknell, Berkshire – 12-1, 5 KO’s – defending his WBO Global Welterweight title against Freddy Kiwitt:

“I’m feeling good and ready to go. I’m ready to fight, I’m ready to defend my title. The guy I won my title off didn’t want to fight Freddy. He said ‘I’ll fight Luther it’s an easier fight’, then he got touched up and now I’m coming for Freddy. I ain’t looking past Freddy, Freddy is a very good fighter. His fight where he won the European title was against Paddy Gallagher who’s a very good fighter. I can’t afford to look past him but I am going to go through him.” 

Freddy Kiwitt – London – 17-2, 10 KO’s – challenging Luther Clay for the WBO Global Welterweight title:

“No I don’t think it’s too early, I think it has come at exactly the right time. It’s god’s timing. I had a great year and this my fourth fight in the third country, and my third title fight as well. I’m really looking forward to this fight.

“I won the WBO European belt at the beginning of the year so this will just add another one to the collection and I just need to win this fight. This is my purpose. He’s just on the way to where I want to be. This is my time now.”

Kieron Conway – Northampton, Northamptonshire – fighting Craig O’Brien in an 10 round Super-Welterweight contest: 

“I’m excited to be back at York Hall and feel really good coming into this one. I am not overlooking Craig O’Brien but I want to get the job done and take one step closer to that British title.”

Shannon Courtenay – Watford, Hertfordshire – 4-0, 1 KO – fighting Buchra El Quaissi in a 6 round Super-Bantamweight contest: 

“It has been a perfect first year as a professional, four wins. My last fight was definitely a learning curve, she came out flying but we got the job done. I got my first stoppage at York Hall so I’m hoping to return there and getting another win.

“Next year will be a massive year, I am looking forward to it but firstly I am just totally focused on this fight.”

Donte Dixon – Sheffield, Yorkshire – 1-0 – fighting Vladislavs Davidaits in a 4 round Super-Featherweight contest:

“This is my second fight and I am looking forward to it, I’m looking forward to putting on a very good performance. Billy Joe Saunders is a big name who has a lot of connections so I’ll be up there soon.”

Franklin Ignatius – Dagenham, London – making his professional debut in a 4 round Heavyweight contest against Michal Banbula: 

“I’m definitely excited and I’m ready. I am enjoying the occasion, my amateur experience has helped but the most important thing for me is continuing to learn. It’s been a lightning period but I’m enjoying it but I’m ready to show what I’ve got!”

Malik Kareem – Finchley – making his professional debut in a 4 round Super-Middleweight contest against Ben Thomas: 

“It’s been a long camp, I’ve had good sparring and I am just ready to go now. From day one when I started boxing at Finchley, Anthony Joshua has been there for whatever I needed and as a role model. Him getting the straps back has helped me be in a good mood ahead of my pro debut.”

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 17, 2019): In order to comply with the World Boxing Organization’s (“WBO”) prohibition against its champions holding titles from other sanctioning organizations in multiple weight classes, four-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) and the WBO have reached an agreement for Canelo to vacate the WBO’s Light Heavyweight World Title. Canelo won the WBO title by defeating
Sergey Kovalev via 11th-round knockout on Nov. 2, 2019. Canelo will maintain his status and privileges as a WBO Super Champion, including the privilege to be designated mandatory challenger to the WBO titleholder in any division.

Canelo said, “I know that my accomplishments in the ring have brought pride to my fans and my country. I have long enjoyed my relationship with the WBO and appreciate all they do to preserve and enhance the sport of boxing. This agreement allows the WBO to have its light heavyweight title contested regularly and allows me to pursue bouts against the best opponents, regardless of weight class.”

Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel ,president of the WBO, said, “Canelo has already accomplished much in boxing, and is still a young man. When his career is done, he will be regarded as one of the greatest boxers to ever step into the ring, and one of Mexico’s best fighters ever. We look forward to his future fights against rivals at the top of the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and other divisions.”

“We completely support the decision made by Canelo Alvarez and the WBO,” said Oscar De La Hoya,Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Canelo made history by stopping Sergey Kovalev in impressive fashion to become a four-division world champion. Not only did he show that he is a real threat at 175 pounds, but he also demonstrated that he is fully capable of moving across several divisions to look for the most exciting fights for the fans. At the same time, we look forward to continue promoting our other WBO champions such as Patrick Teixeira and Franchon Crews-Dezurn.”

It was announced today that Queensberry Promotions and long term sponsors Kindred Group, whose brands include 32Red and Unibet, are launching a new fight week series for selected Queensberry Promotions Fight Nights. 

Entitled ‘Unibet Presents: The Queensberry Rules’, the series will be produced and hosted by Adam Catterall and Nick Peet of the popular Fight Disciples podcast and the BT Sport UFC Fight Week series.Starting this week for the Dubois v Fujimoto London card, Adam and Nick will be bringing fans the inside track on all the happenings on fight week from specially produced shows from the final presser and weigh in, as well as selected ‘Big Interviews’ with some of the main protagonists involved in this weekend’s Copper Box card.

Daniel Dubois: The Big Interview will drop Tuesday on the official Frank Warren and Unibet social channels. 

Adam Catterall recently spent time with Daniel and his Peacock Gym team and will offer boxing fans an unprecedented look inside the inner sanctum of Team Dubois throughout the debut episode of The Queensberry Rules.

Adam said of his new show: “Digital content is an essential part of growing the sport of boxing. Providing fight fans with closer access to the fighters they love and in turn allowing fighters to showcase their personalities is crucial. 

We can not wait to start this partnership with Kindred and Queensberry, and bring you the biggest names in boxing.”

Instalments from the final press conference and the weigh in will drop on Wednesday and Friday respectively; with a post show synopsis from the Copper Box Arena after the event finishes up on Saturday night to drop on Sunday.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “At Queensberry, we’re always looking at ways of improving the experience of British boxing fans.”

He added: “What better way to launch a brand new series than with a blockbuster card featuring future Heavyweight King Daniel Dubois, Liam Williams, Sunny Edwards and even Tommy Fury!”

Richard Warwick, Head of Brand and Acquisition for Kindred Group shared Warren’s excitement and said: “We’re delighted to further enhance our relationship with Queensberry, by launching this exciting, Unibet sponsored, digital content series.

“Unibet Presents: The Queensberry Rules’ will give boxing fans unique access to the build up to the top UK shows and we’re excited to launch this, with what promises to be a great show this weekend. The Fight Disciples podcast and BT Sport UFC Fight Week series’ have proven to be popular hits with fans and we’re looking forward to seeing Adam and Nick repeat that success over the next 12 months”

Harrisburg, PA (December 16, 2019)–Alyica Baumgardner was sensational in stopping Christina del valle Pacheco in the 1st round of their scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout that headlined a nine-bout card at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg, Pa.

The show was promoted by King’s Promotions.

Baumgardner sent Pacheco to the canvas in round one with a chopping right to the head. Baumgardner finished off Pacheco by landing a flush combination that left Pacheco defenseless and the bout was stopped at 1:46.

Baumgardener, 130 3/4 lbs of Freemont, OH is 9-1 with six knockouts. Pacheco, 128 1/2 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is 11-13-2.

“Alycia looked fantastic tonight, and showed that she is one of the top fighters in the world. She is ready and wanting to fight anybody in the world.” said Marshall Kauffman, CEO of King’s Promotions.

Carlos Vidal remained undefeated by stopping Jonathan Perez in the 2nd round of a scheduled six-round junior lightweight fight.

Vidal started landing hard shots in the 2nd frame. He then landed a three-punch combination that wobbled Perez into the corner. A follow up flurry sent Perez down and the fight was stopped at 1:48.

Vidal, 128 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas is 16-0 with 15 knockouts. Perez, 128 3/4 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 38-25.

James Bernadin stopped Nick Baez in the 2nd round of their scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout.

Bernadin landed several hard shots that backed up Baez before a huge overhand right to the jaw sent Baez down, and the fight was immedately called off at 1:57.

Bernadin, 141 lbs of Lancaster, PA is 3-0-1 with two knockouts. Baez, 136 lbs of Bronx, NY was making his pro debut.

Dewayne Williams stopped Brent Oren in the 1st round of their scheduled four-round middleweight bout.

Williams landed a thudding combination that was capped by a left to the jaw that sent Oren down. The fight was stopped upon Oren getting to his feet at 2:38

Williams, 160 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia is 2-2 with one knockout. Oren, 156 1/2 lbs of Harrisburg is 2-3.

Michael Coffie won a technical decision over Grover Young after Young suffered a cut in

round five of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Coffie sent Young down with a straight left to the head.

In round five, Young was cut over his left eye. Later in the round, the cut worsened to the point that the ringside physician determined that the cut was too much, and the fight was halted.

Coffie, 273 3/4 lbs of Kissimmee, FL won by scores of 49-45 twice and 48-46, and is now 8-0. Young, 260 lbs of Memphis is 13-29-3.

Luis Morales remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Ayron Palmer in a lightweight battle.

Morales, 136 3/4 lbs of Harrisburg won by 40-36 tallies on all cards and is now 4-0. Palmer, 138 3/4 lbs of Tallahassee, FL is 0-3,

Roudly Lolo and Mike Diorio brawled their way to a four-round split draw in a super middleweight bout.

In round four, Lolo suffered a cut around his left eye.

Each guy took a card 39-37 and a 3rd card was 38-38.

Lolo, 165 1/2 lbs of Harrisburg was making his pro debut. Diorio, 167 3/4 lbs of Cortland, NY is 0-2-1.

Britain Hart and Unique Harris battled to a four-round split draw in a bantamweight fight.

Each fighter won a card 39-37 and 3rd card was even at 38-38.

Hart, 118 1/4 lbs of Bedford, VA is 3-3-3. Harris, 118 1/4 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-3-1.

Khainell Wheeler remained undefeated with a 37 second destruction over Patrick Pierre in a scheduled four-round super middleweight bout.

Wheeler landed a left hook in the opening seconds in the bout that wobbled Pierre into the ropes. The follow up flurry saw Wheeler landed several flush punches to the head, and referee Gary Rosato called a halt to the action.

Wheeler, 167 lbs of Bethlehem, PA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Pierre, 167 3/4 lbs of Brooklyn is 3-10.

Photos by Darryl Bugham

NEW YORK (December 16, 2019)- This past Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, undefeated lightweight Teofimo Lopez had the whole boxing world buzzing as he scored an emphatic and explosive 2nd round knockout over Richard Commey to win the IBF World Lightweight championship.

Lopez, a former Olympian from Honduras, is managed by Split-T Management.

In round two. Lopez walked Commey into a powerful right hand that connected on Commey’s face and sent the now-former world champion plummeting to the canvas. After trying to get up, the impact of the blow forced Commey to stumble back to the canvas. Commey showed a champions heart by beating referee David Fields’ count, but the fight would only last a few seconds longer, as Lopez was all over Commey as he landed a plethora of hard power-shots that forced Fields to wave off the action at 1:13 of the 2nd frame.

“I think we both saw it. There were a lot of shots that were open. I just had to close the gap. Commey has a lot of experience, and I started working the jab a lot. I blocked his jab, and came with the over hand right, and just clipped him.”

With the win, Lopez is now in line to face pound-for-pound top fighter Vasilliy Lomachenko in the first part of 2020, in a fight that boxing fans are already salivating for.

“I’m at a loss for words right now. This is a dream come true,” Lopez said. “{Commey} is a bad man. His shot could’ve done the same to me if he hit me with that shot.

“I am elated for Teofimo. He is now officially a star in the sport. These are the types of fights and outcomes we had envisioned for him when we signed him. At still just 22 years-old, this is just the beginning, and he will be at the top of the mountain for a long time to come,” said David McWater, CEO of Split-T Management.

Lopez is promoted by Top Rank

Two members of the 15rounds.com family were nominated for major awards by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).

Longtime Writer Norm Frauenehim was nominated for the Good Guy Award, while owner Marc Abrams was nominated for the courage award due to his battle with stomach issues which resulted in four surgeries plus Kidney surgery which found a cancerous growth.

Below is a full list of the nominees:

The nominees for fighter of the year are:

Canelo Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs), Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), Bantamweight Naoya Inoue (19-0, 16 KOs), Welterweight Errol Spence Jr. (26-0, 21 KOs), Junior welterweight Josh Taylor (16-0, 12 KOs),

Nominees for the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier Fight of the Year award are Gennadiy Golovkin’s – Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Pacquiao – Keith Thurman, Inoue,- Nonito Donaire, Andy Ruiz Jr. – Anthony Joshu, Spence – Shawn Porter and Taylor – Regis Prograis.t

The nominees for the Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year award are the dual entry of Jay Deas and Mark Breland ( Derrick James, Brian McIntyre, Eddy Reynoso and Manny Robles.

Nominees for the Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year award are Keith Connolly, Luis DeCubas Jr., Peter Kahn, David McWater and Rick Mirigian.

The Sam Taub broadcast award nominees are ringside analysts Timothy Bradley Jr. and Ward, Showtime Sports executive producer David Dinkins, Showtime Sports broadcaster Jim Gray, and Showtime blow-by-blow announcer Mauro Ranallo.

The nominees for the Bill Crawford award for courage in overcoming adversity are publicist Marc Abrams, Showtime broadcaster Brian Custer, Ranallo, trainer Jose Santa Cruz, and former light heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson.

The Barney Nagler Long and Meritorious Service award nominees are Hall of Fame trainer and broadcaster Teddy Atlas, Hall of Fame ring announcer Michael Buffer, CompuBox founder Bob Canobbio, historian Henry Hascup, and Boxrec founder John Sheppard.

Nominees for the Marvin Kohn Good Guy award went to former super middleweight world titlist Anthony Dirrell, journalist Norm Frauenheim, unified junior welterweight world titlist Jose Ramirez, Premier Boxing Champions spokesman Tim Smith, and WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman.

Franklin Ignatius and Ibrahim Nadim will be hoping to impress on their professional debuts on Thursday’s JD NXTGEN show at York Hall topped by the vacant British Cruiserweight title clash between unbeaten contenders Richard Riakporhe and Jack Massey, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Ignatius, a former London ABA Champion and Harringey Box Cup winner, will make his debut at Heavyweight after representing the renowned Repton Boxing Club during a short 20-fight amateur career. 

Managed by Charlie Sims, the 24-year-old from Dagenham is excited by the thriving Heavyweight landscape and feels that now is the perfect time for him to throw his hat into the mix. 

“It’s the right time for me to turn pro,” said Ignatius. “My mum passed away this year and she told me it was the right time for me to turn pro before she passed. She knew my coach very well and she was always at my fights supporting me. I’ve got a very supportive family. 

“The Heavyweight scene is very interesting right now and I feel like it’s the right time for me to come in there and make some noise. I’m a student of the game and I love the sport. I love Larry Holmes’ jab but at the same time I’m a big fan of the way Ezzard Charles boxed. My favourite fighter of all time has to be James Toney, he was a big inspiration to me.”

Former Bury ABC fighter Ibrahim Nadim will make his professional debut in a four round Super-Bantamweight contest after signing with British fight legend and former two-weight World Champion Ricky Hatton earlier this year. 

The 20-year-old from Keighley in Bradford, West Yorkshire is hoping to emulate ‘The Hitman’ in the paid code after a successful spell as an amateur that saw him win a number of titles.

“I wanted to turn pro and I’d seen Ricky working with other prospects and he looked really good on the pads,” said Nadim. “I reached out to Ricky and his team and we’ve been working with each other for a few months now. 

“As an amateur I won three national titles, schoolboys, youths and then the seniors. I won a senior GB title as well. My favourite fighter growing up was Amir Khan and I’m a big fan of Lomachenko and Crawford now.”

Speaking earlier this year on Nadim, Hatton said: “I don’t want to put any pressure on such a young man’s shoulders. It is very very early days. He punches very well. He fights up close.”

Main event sees unbeaten Londoner Richard Riakporhe (10-0, 8 KOs) clash with Derbyshire’s undefeated Jack Massey (16-0, 8 KOs) for the vacant British Cruiserweight title, Crystal Palace Light-Heavyweight Craig Richards (15-1, 8 KOs) returns after his win over Andre Sterling in June, Luther Clay (12-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight title against Freddy Kiwitt (17-2, 10 KOs), Northampton’s Kieron Conway (13-1-1, 3 KOs) meets Dublin’s Craig O’Brien (11-1, 1 KO) in a 10 round Super-Welterweight contest, Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (4-0, 1 KO) looks to end the year in style, Sheffield Lightweight Donte Dixon aims to go 2-0 and Light-Heavyweight Malik Kareem makes his pro debut. 

BROOKLYN (December 16, 2019) – Two-division world champion Danny “Swift” García returns to the ring to take on hard-hitting slugger Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach in a 12-round WBC welterweight title eliminator Saturday, January 25 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the co-feature, former unified 154-pound champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd will return to battle all-action Francisco “Chia” Santana in a 10-round super welterweight contest, plussensational super bantamweight Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton will face undefeated Arnold Khegai in a 12-round WBO Super Bantamweight title eliminator to open SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

García’s blend of power and sublime boxing skills has made him one of the most popular boxers of the last decade and secured him as a box-office fixture at Barclays Center, where he holds the record for the largest crowd for a boxing event. He set the benchmark when 16,533 attended his welterweight title unification match against Keith Thurman on March 4, 2017 in a bout that aired in primetime on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS. The fight against Redkach will be Garcia’s eighth appearance at Barclays Center.

“Barclays Center fan-favorite Danny García is back in Brooklyn as he continues his quest for the top spot in the welterweight division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Danny has been in the biggest fights at Barclays Center and on January 25 there are sure to be fireworks when hard-hitting Ivan Redkach looks for a career-defining win. Redkach has upset the odds before and there’s no doubt he’ll leave it all in the ring with this opportunity to move closer to a world title fight. Combined with a former unified champion known for action fights in Jarrett Hurd, plus a rising star in Stephen Fulton, this card is loaded with intrigue from top to bottom.”

“Danny García and Jarrett Hurd are two of the biggest stars in the sport because they have consistently taken on the toughest challenges and they are always in all-action, exciting fights,” said Stephen Espinoza, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “On January 25, both men are fighting to maintain their place at the top of two of boxing’s deepest divisions in important, must-win fights. Add in two undefeated, promising contenders in the opener and we have the recipe for an explosive night of fights on SHOWTIME.”

“We’re thrilled to host our first boxing event of 2020 by welcoming Danny García back for his eighth fight at Barclays Center and have Jarrett Hurd return to the arena where he’s had some memorable victories,” said Keith Sheldon, EVP of Programming and Development for BSE Global. “Danny specifically has built an enthusiastic fan base in the borough, becoming one of the most popular fighters in our arena, and we can’t wait to see his supporters out in full force as he steps back into our ring against Ivan Redkach.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Fulton vs. Khegai bout is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

García (35-2, 21 KOs) is the latest in a long line of great boxers from Philadelphia who have made their mark on the sport. His run through the super lightweight division and two-year reign as a unified champion is one of the most impressive in modern history as he defeated a string of champions, including Nate Campbell, Kendall Holt, Erik Morales, Amir Khan, Zab Judah and Lucas Matthysse.

After dominating the super lightweight division, the 31-year-old García moved up to welterweight where he won the vacant WBC title with a unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero in 2016. He lost a split decision to Thurman in a unification match in 2017 and dropped a narrow unanimous decision to Shawn Porter for the WBC title in 2018. García and many pundits thought he won both those matches. In his last fight, García scored a spectacular knockout victory over Adrian Granados on April 20 to get back into position to regain the welterweight crown.

“I’m very excited to be headlining another SHOWTIME card and to go back to Barclays Center, my home away from home,” said García. “I can’t wait to step in the ring in Brooklyn and give fans the Danny García show. I watched a few of Redkach’s recent fights and he had a great knockout win over two-time champion Devon Alexander. So, I know he’s a tough fighter and competitor who I expect to bring the best out of me, and he’s someone who deserves this opportunity. But January 25 is tax season, so I’m going to have to tax him and pay him with a reality check.”

Redkach (23-4-1, 18 KOs) has his sights set on winning a welterweight title and will face the toughest challenge of his career when he steps in against Garcia. The 33-year-old Redkach, who was born in Shostka, Ukraine and now lives in Los Angeles, is accustomed to stern tests. He started boxing as an amateur in Ukraine where he had over 300 fights. When he turned professional he traveled to Mexico to train and develop the “Mexican Style” – a style that emphasis standing in the pocket and throwing hard shots to the body.

Things started out slowly for Redkach, but soon he began to hold his own in Mexico and prevailed, earning the nickname “El Terrible” from his training partners. Redkach won 14 of his first 18 professional fights by stoppage and has won three in a row, including most recently knocking out former world champion Devon Alexander in June.

“I’m very motivated to take a massive step in my career and get closer to becoming world champion against a strong and accomplished fighter like Danny García,” said Redkach. “I have been to a lot of Danny’s fights and now I get the chance to test myself against him. I am training very hard so that I am the best that I have ever been on January 25. I’m going to shock the boxing world just like I did against Devon Alexander. I’ve never been this hungry before and I’m confident I will win this fight.”

The former WBA and IBF champion at 154-pounds, Hurd (23-1, 16 KOs) returns to action for the first time since losing his belts via decision against Julian Williams in one of 2019’s best fights. The 29-year-old from Accokeek, Maryland captured his first title by stopping current WBC titlist Tony Harrison in 2017 and then added the WBA belt by defeating Erislandy Lara in 2018’s consensus Fight of the Year. Hurd earned his title opportunity by going on a run of knocking off unbeaten fighters including Frank Galarza and Oscar Molina, and also owns a successful title defense against Austin Trout at Barclays Center in 2017.

“Just because I fell back, doesn’t mean I fell off,” said Hurd. “I’m back and excited to fight at Barclays Center for the third time. I’m bringing the storm back on January and I’m going to make a statement everyone is going to see. You’re not going to want to miss this fight and the best Jarrett Hurd anyone’s seen.”

Santana (25-7-1, 12 KOs) has taken on the toughest challenges at 154 and 147 pounds and has made his name with an all-action action style throughout a long career as a contender. The 33-year-old will look to bounce back from a close decision loss to Abel Ramos in March, in a fight where Santana dropped Ramos in the second round. Prior to the setback against Ramos, the Santa Barbara, California native was coming off of a victory over Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz in April 2018. Santana has faced former champions Jermell Charlo and Sadam Ali while also owning a six-round draw against Julian Williams in 2011.

“This is a great opportunity for me against a fighter like Jarrett Hurd,” said Santana. “When you get an opportunity like this, it’s hard to turn it down. My job is to rise to the occasion and have the best moment of my career on fight night. This is my Super Bowl. When I last fought at 154-pounds, I was basically self-trained. Now I have my coach Joseph Janik training me and I really think he’s the missing piece of the puzzle for me. I’m going to go in there and leave it all in the ring January 25.”

The 25-year-old Fulton (17-0, 8 KOs) has made a rapid rise through the super bantamweight ranks with superb boxing skills, befitting a slick fighter from Philadelphia. Lately Fulton has shown flashes of power that have caught his opponents off guard. In his last fight he stopped Isaac Avelar with a body shot to end their fight in the fifth round on August 24.

Fighting out of Odessa, Ukraine and training for this fight in Los Angeles, Khegai (16-0-1, 10 KOs) will make his third start in the U.S. on January 25, after a successful U.S. debut in in May 2018 when he defeated Adam Lopez on the prospect developmental series ShoBox: The New Generation. The 27-year-old has already been victorious twice in 2019, stopping Haidari Mchanjo in March and most recently winning a unanimous decision over Vladimir Tikhonov in August on ShoBox.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

Irish fighter Katie Taylor was named the 2018 Female Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association on America (BWAA).

“I’m honored and delighted to be receiving this,” Taylor said. “This is one of the more prestigious awards in boxing. To receive it at the end of an amazing year is an even bigger honor.

“I think the biggest accomplishment this year was becoming the undisputed champion. Winning it at Madison Square Garden in one of the best fights of the year was huge for me, and huge for my country. It’s something I always dreamed of since I turned pro.”

Mikey Garcia has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing USA.

Former four-weight World king Garcia (39-1 30 KOs) will return to action on February 29, exclusively live on DAZN, as the California favorite looks to regain his World champion status and continue his glittering career at the elite level.

Garcia, who turned 32 today (December 15) will step back into the ring early in 2020 for the first time since moving up two-weights in March to face Welterweight ruler Errol Spence in a bid to win World honors at a fifth weight, and Garcia is on the hunt for more World title clashes and big name showdowns to add further scalps to a stellar resume that boasts wins over the likes of Adrien Broner, Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido – and Garcia believes that the best is yet to come.

“I am happy to announce my return to the ring for February 29,” said Garcia. “I am eager to make my return and grow my legacy. I look forward to working with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN and I want to thank all my fans for the continued support. Fight details will be announced soon and I can’t wait to be back in the ring.”

“I’ve been talking to Mikey for over a year now and I’m so happy to welcome him to the team,” said Eddie Hearn. “Mikey is a standout star and I’m looking forward to working with him on big fights moving forward. 

“He will return to the ring on February 29 and we will be announcing the opponent and venue shortly. The talent within Matchroom Boxing and on DAZN is unprecedented – we look forward to an epic 2020!”
“Mikey Garcia joining the DAZN roster will allow us to deliver even greater value to our subscribers as our Fight Season schedule begins to take shape for 2020,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America. “We’re a data-led business and so we’re naturally drawn to the fact that Mikey has consistently delivered numbers – whether it’s been television audience, pay-per-view buys or ticket sales. We look forward to welcoming his fans to DAZN on Leap Year Day.”

PROUD JAPANESE HEAVYWEIGHT Kyotaro Fujimoto has unveiled a patriotic new hairdo at an airport in Tokyo as he begins his journey to London.

Whilst surely hoping to avoid a close shave with the explosive power of ‘Dynamite’ Dubois on Saturday night at the Copper Box, he was clearly happy to let his barber loose with the clippers.No stranger to hair-raising stunts, the new cut follows swiftly on the heels of a bizarre press conference in which Fujimoto unveiled a man in a panda costume as his sparring partner.

But the #13 WBA ranked Heavyweight has assured fans he is deadly serious about the upcoming bout and wants to return to his native Japan a hero.

In comments to frankwarren.com, Fujimoto recently promised he was “going in there to fight and make everyone in Japan proud.”

He added: “I promise to put on a good fight and win.”

Daniel Dubois, famed for his knockout power, is the bookies favourite to win but confident Kyotaro believes he is well prepared to beat the young London prospect.

In a video released to social media, Fujimoto revealed plans to beat Daniel at his own game as he threatened: “Dubois, I punch hard… so please be careful.”

Leaning into the camera menacingly, he yelled: “I’M READY FOR YOU!”

The scrap on Saturday will be for the WBC Silver and WBO International Titles and that alone is enough to make history for Fujimoto: he will be the first Japanese boxer to contest those belts.

Speaking to Nikkan Sports before boarding his plane, he said he was “grateful for this opportunity.”

Before battling Dubois for the silverware, the first fight Fujimoto must win this week is against jet lag.

In the media huddle before take-off, he revealed that he had only just returned from his US training camp and barely had time to have his barnet trimmed before setting off for Blighty.

“I don’t even know what’s in my suitcase” the bewildered bruiser admitted.

Speaking to Boxing Mobile, he said: “sparring 60 rounds with giant boxers in the US, I’ve done all I can to prepare. My opponent is young and vigorous, but i’m going to fight with determination and win.”

“No one knows what will happen until you get in the ring” he added, “but I’m going to enjoy this moment.”

The journey to London may be a long one, but the journey to the Copper Box has been much longer for 33-year-old Kyotaro and the patriotic Heavyweight clearly believes he’s ready to spring a surprise on December 21st.

——————————-

ABOUT THE SHOW 

Unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois (13-0) looks to continue his path of destruction against Japan’s Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-1). The WBC Silver Heavyweight championship and the WBO International Heavyweight belts will be on the line.

Liam Williams (21-2-1) faces American Alantez Fox (26-1-1) for the right to become number one in the rankings for the WBO world middleweight crown.

Sunny Edwards (13-0) fights for the vacant British super-flyweight title against former amateur teammate Marcel Braithwaite (9-1), with Light Heavyweight prospect and Love Island star Tommy Fury (2-0) making his long awaited return to the boxing ring after winning the hearts of the nation on the popular ITV reality television show over the summer. 

Tickets from £40 are now on sale via Seetickets and via Ticketmaster

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier  

Follow all the action as Terence Crawford defends the WBO Welterweight Title against mandatory contender Egidijust Kavaliauskas.  The show kicks off at 9 PM ET with Michael Conlan trying to extract revenge on Vladimir Nikitin and Richard Commey defending the IBF Lightweight title against Teofimo Lopez.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED…THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.

Round 1: Jab from Kavaliauskas

Round 2 Right to body from Crawford..Left..Good right from Kavaliauskas..

Round 3 HARD RIGHT BY KAVALIAUSKAS…Crawford went down…Not ruled a knockdown..Jab..Right

Round 4 Jab from Crawford..Right from Kavaliauskas..Right..Left from Crawford..Ripping right to body by Crawford..Big right by Kavaliauskas

Round 5 Right from Kavaliauskas..Good right hook from Crawford…Left..Right from Kavaliauskas..2 punch combo from Crawford..Hard right hook..another..Jab..Good right hook..Left hook from Kavaliauskas

Round 6 Left from Crawford….Right from Kavaliauskas..Uppercut from Crawford..

Round 7 Right from Kavaliauskas..Left and right from Crawford..Right to body from Kavaliauskas..Jab from Crawford..Hard 4 punch combo..Ripping 3 punch combination…right AND DOWN GOES KAVALIAUSKAS…Crawford landing hard power shots….Kavaliauskas fires back at the bell

Round 8 Right from Kavaliauskas..Right..2 more rights..Left hook..Hard right..Left from Kavaliauskas..3 punch combo from Crawford..Hard right..Left on ropes..

Round 9 Hard 3 punch combination from Crawford...Ripping LEFT AND DOWN GOES KAVALIAUSKAS…BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES KAVALIAUSKAS…FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Counter right from Commey..Right..Left from Lopez..Right…Counter right

Round 2 Right Buckles Commey…HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES COMMEY,,,HE IS HURT BAD…HE STUMBLES UP…LOPEZ ALL OVER COMMEY JUST WAILING AWAY AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED!!!

[/su_table]

Round 1: Body shot from Conlan…Left from Nikitin..Left to body from Conlan…

Round 2 Left from Conlan..right/left from Nikitin..Hard left in the corner..Right hook from Conlan..Right from Nikitin

Round 3 Left and right from Conlan..Left to the body..Counter left

Round 4 Left to body from Conlan…right hook..

Round 5 Right Hook from Conlan…Right from Nikitin..Left to body from Conlan..Jab..Right..

Round 6 Right hook from Conlan..

Round 7 Right hook from Conlan…Good toe to toe action with Conlan getting the better

Round 8 Conlan hits Nikitin low…Left and right from Nikitin..Left from Conlan,,Left from Nikitin..Good exchange

Round 9 Left to body from Conlan..Right from Nikitin

Round 10 Left from Conlan..Combination from Nikitin..

98-92, 99-91 and 100-90 for Conlan

(Dec. 14, 2019) — Unified junior welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez, the undefeated pride of California’s Central Valley, today announced he has signed a new multi-year deal with Top Rank. Ramirez turned pro with Top Rank after representing the United States at the 2012 London Olympics.
 
This new deal is among boxing’s most lucrative long-term promotional pacts and keeps Ramirez in the fold for Top Rank on ESPN main events for years to come.
 
“I turned pro with Top Rank, and this is where I want to be,” Ramirez said. “Thank you to Bob Arum, Todd duBoef, the entire Top Rank team and my manager, Rick Mirigian, for believing in me. While I am a unified 140-pound world champion, there is so much for me still to accomplish. I want to become undisputed champion in 2020, and I am confident that my dream will become a reality.”
 
“Top Rank developed Jose as a professional, and we are thrilled to continue our working relationship with them for the foreseeable future,” Mirigian said. “Matchmakers Brad Goodman and Bruce Trampler gave Jose the experience he needed from a young age, and when it came time to fight for a world title, he was ready. What this contract represents is Jose’s standing atop the 140-pound division and as one of the world’s truly elite fighters.”
 
“I don’t know if I have ever come across a young man who is as well-rounded as Jose Ramirez,” Arum said. “He is a hero in the Central Valley of California, a champion who uses his platform to lift up everyone around him. He’s a great fighter, but he’s an even better human being. Jose is Fresno’s professional sports franchise, and he will conquer the rest of the globe, beginning in China Feb. 1 against Viktor Postol live on ESPN. He is only beginning to scratch the surface as a fighter, and the impact he will have as a humanitarian will be felt for years to come.
 
“A special thank you to Rick Mirigian, who worked tirelessly closing this deal and developing Jose into one of the sport’s great attractions.”
 
Ramirez (25-0, 17 KOs), from Avenal, Calif., has made three defenses of the WBC world title he won in March 2018. He cemented his status as one of the world’s elite pugilists in July when he knocked out Maurice Hooker to unify the WBC and WBO titles. He will defend against WBC mandatory and former world champion Postol Feb. 1 (Feb. 2 local time in China) and hopes to unify all major world title belts by fighting, and defeating, IBF/WBA junior welterweight world champion Josh Taylor.
 
For all Ramirez has accomplished in the ring, he’s remained committed to numerous social causes impacting his home region. He’s fought for water rights for area farmers, spoken out on behalf of immigrants in his community and in 2015 established a scholarship fund at Fresno State University to help graduates of Avenal High School pursue their dreams of higher education. The theme of his February 2019 title defense against Jose Zepeda at Fresno’s Save Mart Center was “KO Cancer,” and a portion of proceeds benefitted the Community Cancer Institute in Clovis, Calif. Ramirez also auctioned off his fight-worn outfit to benefit the cause. And, in September, a life-size statue of Ramirez was unveiled at the Fresno County Historical Museum to honor his charitable contributions to the Central Valley.

San Antonio, Texas – Davies Entertainment is proud to announce that knockout artist James Kirkland (34-2, 30 KO) has signed a two year, six fight co-promotional deal with Warriors Boxing (who have worked on previous fight cards with the likes of PBC, Top Rank, Golden Boy, Etc) . After a four year layoff, Kirkland returned to the ring in August of 2019 and has won his first two fights convincingly by way of knockout.

Kirkland has been one of boxing’s most explosive fighters with his sights set on lining up a huge fight with major contenders in 2020 and gradually working his way back into world title contention. This deal will provide the vicious southpaw the opportunity of achieving that and more.

“My only goal has been to get back on top and with this kind of team surrounding me I feel like it’s only a matter of time before it happens,” said Kirkland.

Kirkland will be in attendance at tonight’s Terrence Crawford fight in New York.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (December 13, 2019) — Rising Connecticut stars RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA and “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO both remained undefeated with impressive performance tonight on a solid “New England Explosion” card in front of an enthusiastic crowd at MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“New England Explosion,” presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING, sponsored by MGM Springfield, aired live in a first for New England Sports Network (NESN), and streamed worldwide (excluding N.E.) on www.FITE.TV.

Heavy-handed Rivera (now 16-0, 12 KOs) took his power up to the cruiserweight division against “MIGHTY” JOE JONES (now 11-2, 8 KOs), who unexplainably kept his hands very low, as “Popeye” pounded him to the head and body in the main event. Rivera hit Jones with everything but the kitchen sink, in what looked like batting practice at times, although “Popeye” failed to register a stoppage for only the third time in 16 pro fights.
.
It was a rough, physical fight that got chippy early with both fighters exchanging trash talk and showboating. Rivera, who hails from Hartford, pressed the action throughout the fight against a defensive Jones, who switched to a peep-a-boo style in the later rounds.

“I’m strong to the finish because I eat my spinach….toot, toot! My coach kept telling me to relax but, honestly, I was putting on a show. More or less, I was acting,” Rivera talked about the roughhousing. “He was tough. My team said to box. The plan wasn’t to go for a knockout. I threw some big shots just to let him know.

“I’m so happy to have had my seventh fight this year. I’ve been active and I’m undefeated. I try to put on a show for the fans and be a role model.”

In the co-main event, Laureano (now 13-0, 4 KOs), a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion from nearby East Hartford, CT., defeated Texas super lightweight ANGEL “AZTEC WARRIOR” HERNANDEZ (17-14-2, 11 KOs) in a toe-to-toe battle from the opening . This TV-friendly fight could have been fought in a proverbial phone booth. Laureano, as usual, was relentless in his attack, systematically breaking down his opponent with strong body work of his own, as well as seemingly landing uppercuts and left hooks at will.

Laureano (pictured below on the right) took control in the second and never let up against a game Hernandez, who, like Laureano, never stopped throwing punches. Eventually, Laureano won an 8-round unanimous decision in a wildly entertaining, highly competitive clash.

“It was beautiful,” Laureano commented. “I like wars, my trainers don’t. I let my emotions take over. It was a beautiful fight, though, all action and the people loved it. But I fought his fight. I did adapt and showed some of my boxing ability at some points.

“He’s experienced and came in confident. He kept coming; he’s tough. This will build me into a better fighter. I did a lot of good things. The goal is to learn from every fight, I will, and we’ll go back to the drawing board.”

Danbury, CT super lightweight OMAR “THE BEAST” BORDOY (now 10-1, 3 KOs) opened the NESN broadcast with a masterful display of boxing, winning all eight rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards for an 8-round unanimous decision against late replacement DIEUMERCI “ELEPHANT MAN” NZAU (now 11-11, 8 KOs).

Bordoy effectively and consistently beat Nzau to the punch, moved well inside the ropes, and never put himself in dire straits. “It felt good,” Bordoy said after the fight. “The game plan was to out-box him, use my job, and not take any unnecessary chances. I followed the game plan and came out with an easy victory.

“I knew he had some power and he caught me with a good punch early. I watched some tape of him and listened to my trainers. I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible.”
In a battle of welterweight southpaws, hometown favorite DERRICK “BAD BOY” WHITLEY II (6-1-1) suffered a cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt by JERMAINE CORLEY (3-8, 1 KO) during the second round. The ringside physician halted the action after two rounds and the fight, by rule, was a “no decision.”

In the opening bout of the evening, Hartford welterweight prospect JEFFREY TORRES (now 6-0, 4 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact, pitching a shutout for a 6-round unanimous decision over Brockton, MA journeyman ANTONIO CHAVES FERNANDEZ (now 9-40-4, 3 KOs). Torres out-boxed Fernandez, who was buzzed several times, from start to finish.

Brazilian light heavyweight LEANDRO “BUSCAPE” SILVA (2-3, 1 KO) ruined the homecoming for local fighter ANGEL ‘ THE BLACK RICAN” VAZQUEZ (0-2) In the walk-out bout, Silva trapped Vazquez on the ropes in the fourth round. Vazquez suffered a standing eight count, but the referee halted the action, and awarded Silva a win by technical knockout.

Complete results and more pictures below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

CRUISERWEIGHTS
Richie Rivera (16-0, 12 KOs), Hartford, CT
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 80-72)
Joe Jones (11-2, 8 KOs), Leesburg, VA

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Leandro Silva (2-3, 1 KO), Woburn, MA
WTKO4 (2:00)
Angel Vazquez (0-2), Springfield, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS
Derrick Whitley II (6-1-1), Springfield, MA
NO DECISION (2)
Jermaine Corley (3-8, 1 KO), Mt. Vernon, NY

Jeffrey Torres (6-0, 4 KOs), Hartford, CT
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-40-4, 3 KOs), Brockton, MA

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Anthony Laureano (13-0, 4 KOs), East Hartford, CT
WDEC8 (79-74, 79-74, 77-76)
Angel Hernandez (17-14-2, 11 KOs), McAllen, TX

Omar Bordoy (10-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 80-72)
Dieumerci Nzau (11-11, 8 KOs), Silver Spring, MD

Laureano (L) and Hernandez put on a terrific show

NEW YORK (December 13, 2019)- This Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, undefeated and number-one ranked lightweight, Teofimo Lopez will look to move one step closer to a completing #TheTakeover of the lightweight division when he takes on reigning IBF champion Richard Commey for the world title.

Lopez is managed by Split-T Management.

Lopez, who coined the hashtag #TheTakeover when he turned professional will be looking for his 1st world title against the tough and battle tested Commey on a card that will feature WBO Welterweight champion Terence Crawford taking on Egidijus Kavaliauskas.

“It’s a blessing. It’s a breathtaking moment. It’s just something I have to visualize and just know that, 22 years old, I have a great opportunity here to do a lot. I’m excited, man. What better way to finish off the year than fight in the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden, for my first world title, in New York? This is a moment right here,” Lopez said at Wednesday’s press conference.

“God didn’t bring us this far for nothing. I didn’t come out here just to talk my smack and not back it up. We’re gonna do what we have to do. Richard Commey is a {former} world champion for a reason. And we know that it’s going to be a great and exciting fight.”

Lopez was 134.4 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in. Commey was 134.2

Lopez is promoted by Top Rank.

The fight will be televised live on ESPN at 9 PM ET

Harrisburg, PA (December 13, 2019)–Weights for Saturday Night’s King’s Promotions card at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg, PA.

Alycia Baumgardner 130.9 – Christina del valle Pacheco 128.4
Carlos Vidal 128.9 – Jonathan Perez 128.8
Michael Coffie 273.9 – Grover Young 260
Luis Morales 136.8 – Ayron Palmer 138.8
Brent Oren 156.4 – Dewayne Williams 160.5
Britain Hart 118.3 – Unique Harris 118.2
James Bernadin 143 – Nick Baez 136.6
Khainell Wheeler 167 – Patrick Pierre 167.9
Rodly Lolo 165.5 – Mike Diorio 167.9

Photo by Daniel Cork
1st Bell 7 PM ET
Stream: Facebook Fightnight Live

Tickets for this outstanding evening are $25, $50 and $400 for VIP tables and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

The Zembo-Shine Auditorium is located at 2801 North 3rd Street, #2 in Harrisburg.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. kept up that pace of being one of if not the top prospect in boxing as he stopped Brad Solomon in round five of a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

In round four, Ortiz dropped Solomon with a hard jab. In round five, Ortiz landed a hard jab that up a flurry of punches that put Solomon down for a 2nd time. Ortiz finished off Solomon with a hard right and left that made Solomon take a knee and the fight was stopped at 2:22.

Ortiz, 147 lbs of Grand Prairie, TX is 15-0 with 15 knockouts. Solomon, 146.8 lbs of Douglasville, GA is 28-2.

“I have to give him [Solomon] some credit,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “He’s difficult to figure out and made me use my brain. I tried to take my time, and not rush things. I had to utilize my jab, figure out the right time to throw a punch. I think I tripped with him with my foot, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. He came to fight.”

“I shouldn’t be chasing on the ropes like that. He let his guard now. Luckily, I did throw the right punch and hurt him. I knew he would be a tough cookie to break. Luckily, I have a good team behind me and all my smarts. I felt I was very patient, and needed to pick it up, can’t lay low. I did a good job. I would say high B or A on this one.”

Former world champion Alberto Machado moved up in weight and stopped Luis Porozo in round two of a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Machado dropped Porozo with a left to the body. Seconds later, it was the same punch that sent Porozo to the canvas. Machado ended it with….you guessed, another left to the body that sent Porozo down for the 10-count at 2:59.

Machado, 135 lbs of San Juan, PR is 22-2 with 18 knockouts. Porozo, 134 lbs of Santo Domingo, ECU is 14-2.

On the 3rd knockdown: “It’s a shot we were working on in camp,” Alberto Machado.”He was a fighter that would open up, so we worked on that in camp, going to the body. They told me to put my hands up, be more passive with my offense, throw my jab more, and as you could see he had a chaotic style. Thank god we got the victory we were looking for.”

“No because I actually was trying to land to the head, but saw the opportunity to the body, so took advantage of it. I was landing that good hand. I only had ten seconds till the end of the round, so wanted to end on a good note, and threw my hands, and got the win.”

On his performance: “I think I did well, made good adjustments. He’s a good fighter, I know the style he has. I think I did well because of the adjustments I made. I’m happy I ended the year on a positive note with the victory. I’ve been through very difficult situations that all of us boxers go through, some changes in camp, and in my weight. I’m ready for this division and the big challenge. I’m ready for another big fight against a former world champion, Mexico vs Puerto Rico, come on Francisco Vargas, let’s do it.”

Bektemir Melikuziev won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vaughn Alexander in a super middleweight bout.

In round seven, Melikuziev was cut around the left eye from a headbutt.

Melikuziev, 167.4 lbs of Indio, CA won by scores of 100-90 on all cards, and is now 4-0. Alexander, 166.4 lbs of St. Louis is 15-4.

Melikuziev out-landed Alexander 253-34.

Joel Diaz (trainer) on behalf of Bektemir: “I’m happy that he went rounds and was able to get in the ring with a veteran and break him down.”

Alexis Rocha stopped tough Roberto Valenzuela after round five of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

Rocha had a few anxious moments in round two, but was able to get through and dominate the next several rounds that forced Valenzuela to bow out of the fight.

Rocha, 146.6 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Valenzuela, 146.8 lbs of Sonora. MX is 17-2.

“He caught me in the second round,” said Alexis Rocha.”I got lazy. It’s my fault. I started letting my hands go after the third, and then I kept hurting him. It was important that I finished the fight. It’s a learning experience.”

Luis Feliciano remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Herbert Acevedo in a junior welterweight bout.

In round three, Feliciano sent Acevedo to deck with a right hand. Feliciano was cut around the left eye.

Feliciano, 140 lbs of Milwaukee won by scores of 100-89, 99-90, and 97-92 and is now 14-0. Acevedo, 139.2 lbs of Los Angeles is 16-3-1

“I give props to Herbert Acevedo,” said Luis Feliciano.”He’s a tough and rugged fighter. I thought he was out when I dropped him in the third round. I tried to get the finish, but he weathered the storm. I’m happy to finish year with a win, and we are on to the next.”

Eric Bazinyan stopped Saul Roman in round three of a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round two, Roman was cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round three, Bazinyan landed a perfect right that sent Roman down and out at 46 seconds.

Bazinyan, 167.2 lbs of Quebec, CAN is 24-0 with 18 knockouts. Roman, 164.8 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 45-14.

“I learned from fighting a veteran, someone with almost 60 fight,” said Erik Bazinyan.”I tried to show my skills and fight my fight. The timing was right, so I got him out of there.

Terence Crawford 147 lbs vs. Egidijus Kavaliauskas 146.6 lbs
(Crawford’s WBO Welterweight world title — 12 Rounds)
Judges/Referee: 

       Richard Commey 134.2 lbs vs. Teofimo Lopez 134.4 lbs
(Commey’s IBF Lightweight world title — 12 Rounds)
Judges/Referee: 

       Michael Conlan 125.8 lbs vs. Vladimir Nikitin 126 lbs
(Conlan’s WBO Intercontinental Featherweight title — 10 Rounds)
Judges/Referee: 

ESPN+ (5:45 p.m. ET)

    Josue Vargas 139.8 lbs vs. Noel Murphy 138.2 lbs
(Vacant IBF North American Junior Lightweight title — 10 Rounds

               Edgar Berlanga 164.8 lbs vs. Cesar Nunez 164.8 lbs
(Super Middleweight — 8 Rounds

    Julian Rodriguez 141.6 lbs vs. Manuel Mendez 140.8 lbs
(Super Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

          George Kambosos Jr. 134 lbs vs. Mickey Bey 132.6 lbs
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)
 Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment and MTK Global, tickets priced at $506, $306, $206, $106 and $56 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com. Use the hashtags #CrawfordMachine, #CommeyLopez and #ConlanNikitin 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. 

NEW YORK – December 13, 2019 – A second women’s superfight has been added to the blockbuster Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin event on Friday, January 10, at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J., as WBA Super Middleweight Champion Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon-Espinosa will face undefeated IBF Champion Elin Cederroos in a 10-round unification live on SHOWTIME.

Napoleon (12-1, 7 KOs), of Lindenhurst, N.Y. and Cederroos (7-0, 4 KOs), of Vasteraas, Sweden, will meet in the opening bout of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in support of the long-awaited showdown between undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields and former champion Ivana Habazin for the vacant WBC and WBO 154-pound world titles.

If Shields and Napoleon win their respective bouts on January 10, they are expected to face off for the undisputed middleweight world championship in 2020 with all four of Shields’ 160-pound titles on the line. 

The event is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with T-REX BOXING PROMOTIONS. The Napoleon-Espinosa vs Cederroos fight is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment.

Napoleon became IBF Super Middleweight Champion with a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Femke Hermans in March 2018. The 33-year-old successfully defended her belt with another 10-round decision, this time over Scotland’s Hannah Rankin in August 2018. Napoleon was last seen making the second successful defense of her title by stopping Philadelphia’s Schemelle Baldwin in four impressive rounds in August 2019.

“I’m really excited to be unifying with IBF World Champion Elin Cederroos on SHOWTIME,” said Napoleon. “I’m extremely grateful to my promoter Lou DiBella, manager Brian Cohen, coaches Leon Taylor and Delen Parsley and my husband Roberto Espinosa for being the key ingredients to making this dream come true. I have an amazing team of men that stand strong by my side believing in me, preparing me and working hard to open doors for me to thrive. I’m blessed and prepared to win and put on a memorable performance for all the world to see that night. I’m in tremendous spirits and excited and ready for the night to come. Thank you to everyone, my team, family and fans, for making this opportunity materialize into a dream come true.”

The 34-year-old Cederroos claimed her IBF championship in just her sixth fight with a majority decision over Hermans in March of 2019. Fighting as the underdog in her opponent’s backyard, Cederroos was still able to impress the judges enough to pull off the impressive feat. In her last bout, Cederroos defeated Kenya’s Florence Muthoni in a non-title fight in November 2019 by dominant third-round KO.

“Alicia Napoleon is a great champion and she will be my toughest test, but I am ready,” said Cederroos. “It is an honor for me to make my U.S. debut on such a prestigious card and to do so in a world title unification battle. Alicia and I will put on a great show.”

“January 10 just got even more exciting with the addition of the matchup between two champions in the super middleweight division,” said Dmitriy Salita. “Those attending the fight at Ocean Casino Resort and everyone watching it live on SHOWTIME will see the best fighting the best in this very competitive ‘pick-em’ fight. A great start to boxing in 2020.” 

“Alicia Napoleon-Espinosa is a world champion who has the whole package. She’s athletic, fierce, physically strong and charismatic,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “On January 10, she gets her biggest opportunity to shine against Elin Cederroos, another world champion. This is the biggest stage to date for both Alicia and Elin and I expect them to bring everything they have. One of them will leave the ring as a unified world champion and an elite rival for Claressa Shields. Alicia is confident that her hand will be raised.” 

An industry leading production team and announce crew will deliver all the sights, sounds and drama from Atlantic City. Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer will host the telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will call the action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi at ringside. Three Hall of Famers round out the SHOWTIME announce team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial ringside scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION is David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing. The telecast will be available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programing (SAP) with Alejandro Luna and former world champion Raul Marquez calling the action.