The purse bid for the WBC Heavyweight title rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury has been postponed again, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Things have gotten delayed a little, but as far as I know there are no issues,” Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s co-manager, told ESPN on Tuesday. “I would hope the fight is completed late this week or early next week.”

“I have been in direct communication with both parties and they have indicated that they are in goodwill negotiations, very close to reaching an agreement,” Said WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman told ESPN. “I will monitor this matter personally and if needed will intervene within the next week.”

Reading, PA (FEBRUARY 12, 2019) – King’s Promotions is pleased to announce that it has entered into co-promotional agreement’s with four highly touted undefeated fighters, WBO number-three ranked bantamweight Duke Micah undefeated welterweights Janelson Figueroa Bocachica & Poindexter Knight, Jr. and super lightweight Greg Outlaw.

“I am very excited to sign these future stars in boxing and to be working side by side with Eric Bentley in developing these 4 future champions,” said Marshall Kaufffman of King’s Promotions.

“Each boxer has their own unique qualities and each one I believe has what it takes to go on to be a World Champion.”

“One of the things we’ve learned now that we’ve hit our two-year mark as a promotional entity is the importance of working with others. Our biggest successes have come in joint ventures with other promoters and I don’t think we’ve had a better ally than Marshall and Kings Promotions since we started. This is the first step in our company getting its bearings back and making sure we put the fighters first, and this partnership with Kings Promotions will open up a lot of doors to work with various networks and platforms as well as maintain a high activity level. Hopefully this is the start of a much bigger venture together,” said Eric Bentley, COO of Real Deal Sports and Entertainment.

Micah of Accra, Ghana has a record of 22-0 with 18 knockouts. The 2012 Olympian is a seven year professional. Micah has climbed the rankings based on wins such as a 3rd round stoppage over previously undefeated Ekow Wilson (14-0) to win the WBO African Bantamweight title; Another stoppage win over Wilson 21 months later; A win over undefeated Matthew Chanda (7-0) to win the Commonwealth Bantamweight title; Jonathan Aguilar (23-4) to win the WBC International Bantamweight title; Jose Gonzalez (23-4) and his last bout which was decision win over Thomas Snow (19-3) on June 9th in Brooklyn.

Bocachica, 20 years-old of Detroit has a record of 13-0 with nine knockouts. Bocachica began boxing at the age of eight, and started winning amateur tournaments such as the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Ringside Championships, 2012 National PAL Championships, and 2015 Detroit Open-class Golden Gloves. He was ranked number one in his division in the United States from 2013 to 2015, and sixth on the 2016 Independent Worldwide Amateur Boxing rankings. Bocachica is a three-year professional, and has wins over Pablo Sanchez (10-2), and his last bout which was a 1st round stoppage over Victor Abreu that took place on January 19th in Puerto Rico.

Knight of Philadelphia, has a record of 6-0 with three knockouts. Knight, of North Philadelphia, won the National Golden Gloves while competing in the middleweight division.

The 23 year-old compiled an amateur record of 45-5 with 15 knockouts, and before winning the National Golden Gloves, was a two-time Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves winner. He has continued to step up the competition; in his last two bouts he has wins over Gregory Averil Young (4-0) & a 1st round knockout win over Travis Castellon (16-4) on November 9th in Philadelphia.

Outlaw of Bowie, Maryland, has a record of 7-0 with two knockouts. The 25 year-old Outlaw is a four-year professional, who is stepping up with each fight. In his last bout, Outlaw defeated Mack Allsion IV (8-1-1) on December 8th in his hometown of Bowie, Maryland. A former amateur standout, Outlaw has developed a massive following in the DMV-area, a thriving community in the world of boxing.

World

Detroit-based super flyweight Ja’Rico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn notched yet another impressive victory last Friday night.

Fighting in the co-main event of a show at the Sound Board in Detroit’s Motor City Casino and Hotel, O’Quinn (11-0-1, 8 KOs) scored a TKO 3 (2:38) over battle tested Mexican veteran Alex Rangel (17-9-4, 11 KOs).

The undefeated O’Quinn, one of Detroit’s best bets to be their next world champion, sent the overwhelmed Rangel to the canvas once in round two and then three more times in the third before the merciful stoppage.

O’Quinn and trainer Chad Jaquillard have been working hard and it shows in the clear improvements in every fight.

To view the final knockdown before the stoppage, click HERE.

His promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says that 23-year-old O’Quinn is ready for a step up to the world level.

“Jarico O’Quinn is extremely impressive. With each fight, he is developing into a world-class professional fighter. This is a weight class is scarce for American talent, but Ja’Rico, throughout his amateur career and now as a pro, is showing that he is one of the best in the world. I believe he is the next in line to bring a world title to the city of Detroit.”

BRITISH WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION Johnny Garton reflected that his professional career did not get off to the most auspicious beginnings, partly because his own trainer wasn’t hugely enthused over the prospect of working with him.

Garton did indeed end up learning the pro ropes at the iBox Gym in Bromley under the tutelage of Alan Smith, who is known in the business as a specialist in harnessing the talents of more defensively-minded, stylish counter punchers.

The now 31-year-old Garton wasn’t the ideal horse for the course at Smith’s stable of thoroughbreds because, by his own admission, his amateur skillset was limited at best.

“I believe I had 30-35 fights and lost about ten, maybe a few more,” revealed the fighter known as The Pexican, dubbed as such due to his all-action style and hailing from Peckham.

“I wasn’t the greatest and I was even worse as an amateur – even more of a slugger!

“I used to just have a tear-up for three rounds and knew on turning pro that I needed to change.

“I remember speaking to Al and he wasn’t overly keen because he knew I got hit too much. But I knew Al was the right coach, so I kept chipping away and kept coming back and annoying him.

“Here we are now,” pointed out Garton, who makes a first defence of his title at the Royal Albert Hall on March 8 against Chris Jenkins.

“I broke the mould at this gym! But I am bringing titles back and that is the main thing,” he added, before conceding that he never imagined making a living from boxing when his primary aim was selling enough tickets to even step into the ring.

“Never, no. Most of my career, up to about two years ago, was all ticket deals where if you don’t sell tickets you don’t fight and earning little money.

“I haven’t really earned much money from the sport and that is why I am chasing the purses now.

“It was massively disheartening back then but I love the sport of boxing and I always had my job to fall back on. At times when you saw people doing well with big pay days it was a bit of a kick in the teeth.”

A turning point for Garton came in December 2017 when he added the IBF European title to the Southern Area and English belts he had previously won after a bruising encounter with Mihail Orlov at the Copper Box.

“I’d just got signed by Frank (Warren) then and it was such a good fight that they showed it back on BoxNation. From there I think people started taking an interest in me.”

Now the Garton story moves on to probably the grandest venue of all in South Kensington on Friday March 8, live on BT Sport.

“It is a breath-taking venue and, to me, it doesn’t seem like a boxing venue because it is too nice. I can’t wait to get out there and for my supporters to see it.”

Also at the Royal Albert Hall, Nicola Adams OBE will look to make history and be the first female crowned World Champion at the venue as she challenges for the WBO World Flyweight Title against Arely Mucino on International Women’s Day.

Liam Williams makes a first defence of his British middleweight title against Joe Mullender, while Johnny Garton will defend his British Welterweight title against Chris Jenkins. Lucien Reid will fight Indi Sangha in what will be his toughest test to date, with GB Flyweight Harvey Horn, cruiserweight talent James Branch and middleweight banger Denzel Bentley also featuring.

Tickets are priced from £40 and are available to buy via RoyalAlbertHall.com
TICKETS START FROM £40
GRAND TIER: £100
LOGGIA: £100
SECOND TIER: £75

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Feb. 12th, 2019) — The numbers don’t lie: Next weekend’s showdown between Jamaine Ortiz and Ricardo Quiroz may not only be the biggest fight of the year at Twin River Casino Hotel, it might be the biggest, most important bout in the venue’s decade-long history.

Ortiz of Worcester, Mass., and Quiroz of Oxnard, Calif., put their unbeaten records on the line Saturday, Feb. 23rd, 2019 for the vacant WBC World Youth Lightweight Championship in one of three scheduled title bouts in next weekend’s CES Boxing season opener.

Since the Event Center opened its doors to boxing in 2017, CES Boxing has promoted 54 events at the mecca of New England boxing, and the eight-round world-title showcase between Ortiz (9-0, 4 KOs) and Quiroz (10-0, 5 KOs) marks the 27th time two undefeated fighters have faced one another.

Among the most notable occurrences, Philadelphia’s Hank Lundy, 10-0 at the time, battled 7-0 Esteban Almarez in 2008; a year later, reigning WBO world champion Demetrius Andrade of Providence put his 7-0 record on the line against soon-to-be Rhode Island fan-favorite Chris Chatman, who was 4-0 at the time; and in May of 2017 Ray Oliveira Jr., 7-0 entering the fight, faced Maine’s Casey Kramlich, who boasted an unbeaten 6-0-1 record.

Ortiz-Quiroz is a cut above.

In addition to fighting for the prestigious WBC Youth title, the two boast more combined wins (19) than any of the previous undefeated fighters who faced one another in Twin River’s illustrious history. There’s no comparison: Ortiz-Quiroz is worth the price of admission as two of the sport’s brightest stars in the 135-pound division battle for the right to call themselves champion in a fight that will undoubtedly change the career of whoever comes out on top.

Tickets start at $47 and are available online at www.cesboxing.com or www.showclix.com, or by phone at 401-724-2253. Ortiz-Quiroz also makes history as part of the world’s first ultra-high definition, high dynamic range event — also known as 4K — streaming live via VIVE Network TV. The VIVE app is available on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Play (Android TV), iOS, Roku and all smart TVs. Visit https://tickets.vivetv.network to purchase. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

“There is no bigger fight in New England than this one,” CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. said. “In our 27 years of promoting combat sports, I haven’t looked forward to a fight as much as I’m looking forward to this one.

“Jamaine Ortiz is as talented a fighter as you’ll find in New England. No one works harder or has a brighter future. He has a tough road ahead of him on the 23rd. Ricardo Quiroz comes from a true fighting city in Oxnard. He trains in one of the best gyms in the world. We know the pedigree of fighters who claim Oxnard as their home and we know what to expect when he steps into the ring next weekend.

“The hype is real — the winner will have earned this title the hard way.”

The history of the WBC Youth title is well-documented, as is CES Boxing’s history at the renowned Twin River Event Center. In its 55th event at the Lincoln, R.I., venue, the promotion may have put together its best fight card to date. In addition to Quiroz-Ortiz, the lineup features two more title bouts, plus the long-awaited return of Providence female featherweight sensation Shelly Vincent (23-2, 1 KO), who steps into the ring at Twin River for the first time in three years.

Vincent battles Hungary’s Edina Kiss (15-9 KOs) in an eight-round rematch of their 2015 bout, which Vincent by majority decision. Female super bantamweights Marcia Agripino (3-1-1) of Ledyard, Conn., and Boston’s Amanda Pavone (6-0, 2 KOs) face one another in an eight-round bout for the vacant New England Championship and hard-hitting heavyweight Juiseppe Cusumano (17-2, 15 KOs) battles “Brutal” Brendan Barrett (7-1-2, 5 KOs) of Ventura, Calif., for the National Boxing Association (NBA) World Heavyweight Title in an eight-round special feature.

Also on the undercard, Taunton, Mass., welterweight Marqus Bates (5-2, 3 KOs) faces Jair Ramos (5-2-2, 2 KOs) of Waterbury, Conn., in a six-round bout and super lightweight Nicholas Briggs (2-0, 2 KOs) of Worcester puts his unbeaten record on the line against Andy Aiello (1-1-1) of Bridgewater, Mass., in a four-round bout. Unbeaten Pawtucket, R.I., super featherweight Ricky Delossantos (6-0, 1 KO) returns in his toughest test to date against U.S. Army National Guardsman Javar Jones (7-1, 2 KOs) of Indianapolis.

Providence junior middleweights Victor Reynoso (2-0, 2 KOs) battles 1-0 John Williams of Baton Rouge, La., who scored a knockout win in his pro debut in August, while fellow unbeaten junior middleweight Lamont Powell (2-0, 1 KO) of Providence faces 29-year-old Kenneth Chery (1-1, 1 KO) of Montreal, Quebec. Likewise, Providence lightweight Michael Valentin (4-0, 1 KO) returns from a one-year layoff to face Philadelphia’s Christopher Burgos (1-3-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout and decorated New York City amateur Arnold Gonzalez makes his long-awaited professional debut in a four-round super lightweight bout against Falls Church, Va., veteran Stacey Anderson (0-4).

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

TORONTO, ON—On March 29, two of boxing’s true hotbeds will combine for one exciting night of world-class boxing: Ukraine and Canada.

Three of Ukraine’s top contenders will be in action at the Mattamy Athletic Centre as a part of Lee Baxter Promotions latest event in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

In the main event, super welterweight standout Stanyslav Skorokhod makes his long-awaited return to Canada. Skorokhod (17-2, 12 KOs) was a competitor in ESPN’s prestigious Boxcino tournament, and had a lengthy and storied amateur career in his homeland, fighting in the same amateur system that has produced Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk. The 29-year old is coming off a controversial split decision loss to Aram Amirkhanyan last June in a bout many observers believe he won clearly. Now, he returns to Toronto, the site of two of his most thrilling performances—knockout wins over Fernando Silva and Nestor Garcia.

“The night Stan fought Fernando Silva at the Powerade Centre in Brampton was undoubtedly one of the liveliest boxing crowds we’ve ever had in Ontario,” said Baxter. “I know the Ukrainian-Canadian community can’t wait to see him again, and we can’t wait to give them another tremendous show.”

In light heavyweight action, Vyacheslav Shabranskyy will return to the ring for the first time in over a year. Shabranskyy has established himself as one of the top contenders, and most exciting action fighters in the 175-pound division. The Zhytomyr, Ukraine native made his professional debut in 2012 and rattled off 17 straight victories and 14 knockouts. Now 19-2, Shabranskyy’s only two blemishes on his pro record are losses to Sullivan Barrera and Sergey Kovalev, two of the very best light heavyweights on the planet.

“Shabranskyy has gone toe-to-toe with the very best in the light heavyweight division. Not only does he know what it takes to make it to the top, but you know he’s going to be in a war each and every night as he tries to get there. He’s both a fan’s and a promoter’s dream,” said Baxter.

Finally, Ukrainian heavyweight prospect Oleksandr Teslenko will be in action in his adopted hometown of Toronto. The monstrous power puncher, who is promoted by Lou Dibella, made waves in 2018 with wins on Broadway Boxing, and on the undercard of Stevenson-Gvozdyk. With an amateur pedigree of 247 fights (with 224 wins), Teslenko is considered to be Canada’s—and Ukraine’s—possible best shot at a world heavyweight title in the near future.

The undercard will be rounded out by local favorite Nick Fantauzzi, Ross Mylet, and the professional debut of former Canadian national amateur champion Amanda Galle.

Tickets will go on sale shortly, and will start at $45. For more information, visit leebaxterpromotions.com.

New Castle, DE – Dee Lee Promotions, LLC along with Nick Tiberi , Matchmaker, will present another great night of Live Boxing on Saturday, March 30th, 2019 at the Hockessin PAL Center, 7259 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 Doors. This card has a lot of Local Delaware favorites; “Jolt N” Joey Tiberi (16-3-0/9 ko’s); Stefan “The Freak” Talabisco (2-0-0/2 ko’s); Schmelle “The Real Deal” Baldwin (3-0-0/2 ko’s); Brandon “King Bran” Mullins (3-0-0/1 ko); Maurice “The War Time” Horne (4-0-0/3 ko’s); Vincent “Hollywood” Kirkley (2-0-0/2 ko’s) and Justin Riley (0-10/0 ko’s).

From just over the Bridge joining “A Night of LIVE Boxing” will be.. Ismael Garcia (10-0-1/4 ko’s) of Vineland, NJ; Brian Haneschlager of Kingsville, MD making his Pro-Debut; Dillon Kasprzak (02-0/0 ko’s) representing Philadelphia and Taylor Krahl from over the sunny bridge of Sunrise, FL making his Pro Debut.

Come out and support these young fighters! Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the first bout slated for 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices are; General Admission $45 in advance ($50 at the door), Ringside $60 in advance ($65 at the door) For more info contact: Promoter Diane Fischer Cristiano 609.868.4243, Matchmaker Nick Tiberi 302.540.7203 or Joey Tiberi 302-650-8678. Bouts are subject to change.

LOS ANGELES (February 11, 2019) – Unbeaten welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and undefeated four-division champion Mikey Garcia will go face-to-face at a special FOX PBC PRESS CONFERENCE that will air live on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday, February 16 at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

“Errol Spence Jr. versus Mikey Garcia is one of the most intriguing fights of the year and having them face off before a live audience on network television is an unprecedented and unique way to build interest for this fight,” said Bill Wanger, EVP of Programming, Live Operations and Research, FOX Sports. “We’re excited to highlight these two undefeated fighters before they go toe-to-toe in the ring.”

“This is a historic occasion. I can’t recall the last time, if ever, in my 30 years in the sport when there has been a press conference live on broadcast television,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “It’s just further proof of the commitment that FOX has to the sport and the PBC boxers. It’s also a win for the fans who tune-in because they will get a sneak peek at what awaits when these two champions step into the ring at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on March 16.”

“Spence vs Garcia is a more than a fight. It is an event that will determine who is pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “It is an event that transcends boxing. The legendary AT&T Stadium is the perfect host for this event, where two champions in the prime of their careers will put their records and their legacies on the line. On March 16, the world will be watching and witness one of the biggest events of our generation.”

The hour-long show on FOX will be hosted by Kate Abdo along with analysts Ray Mancini and newly crowned IBF World Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant. Kenny Albert hosts the press conference with fighters in the ring, while Jimmy Lennon Jr. introduces fighters. Heidi Androl serves as the reporter, adding interviews during the show. Spence and Garcia will preview their upcoming FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View showdown taking place Saturday, March 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Boxing fans can tune-in at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT for more PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes coverage as a three-fight broadcast kicks off from Microsoft Theater with WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz defending his title against Mexico’s Rafael Rivera in the main event.

NEW YORK (February 11, 2019)-Heavyweight Sonny Conto made a successful pro debut as he took out Jimmie Levins in the first round this past Friday night at 2300 Arena in Conto’s hometown of Philadelphia.

Conto put Levins on the canvas four-times in the opening frame, but for some reason the referee ruled slips. The 4th time Levins hit the canvas, it was from a vicious body shot, and the fight was halted at 2:19.

“Getting that 1st one out of the way is important. My father told me that this is my professional debut, but this is noting new. I have been doing this since I was 10 years-old. The hometown crowd was amazing, and it was a great opportunity. I can’t wait until the next one,” said Conto.

The 22 year-old Conto was was a two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion as well as a Silver Medalist in the 2018 National Golden Gloves and a Bronze Medalist in the 2017 National Golden Gloves, is managed by Split-T Management, and is promoted by Top Rank.

Las Vegas (February 11, 2019) – Four-division world champion Erik Morales has confirmed that he will appear, have a booth and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 5th Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2019 from 10a.m to 5pm, during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Danny Jacobs, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile arena.

Morales will make his second appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Morales will also have merchandise to sell for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “El Terrible”.

Morales joins James Toney and Jessie Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

About Erik Morales
Erik Morales Nicknamed “El Terrible,” is a retired Mexican boxing legend and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of fame in Canastota on June 10th, 2018. Morales compiled a 52-9 record in 61 fights, including 41 straight wins to start his career, and won world titles in four different weight classes (junior featherweight, featherweight, junior lightweight, junior welterweight). He also ended Manny Pacquiao’s six-year unbeaten streak in 2005 with a unanimous decision win. Morales notable fights came against Marco Antonio Barrera (nicknamed “The Baby Face Assassin”). The Morales versus Barrera trilogy is one of Boxing’s most famous fight trilogies of all time, involving two of Mexico’s most revered boxers. Their memorable fights were also named Ring Magazine’s fight of the year on February 19, 2000 and once again on November 27, 2004.

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last four Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Roy Jones Jr., Marcos Maidana, Andre Ward, Errol Spence Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares Maricela Cornejo, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipment’s, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next several months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

For More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

NEW YORK CITY (Feb. 11, 2019) — Start spreading the news. The year’s most anticipated welterweight showdown is headed to The World’s Most Famous Arena.

Terence “Bud” Crawford will defend his WBO welterweight world title against Amir “King” Khan on Saturday, April 20 at Madison Square Garden.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing and Khan Promotions, tickets for this world championship event go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 12 p.m. ET/9a.m. PT. Tickets priced at $606, $406, $306, $206, $106, $81, and $56 (including facility fees) 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.

Undercard bouts and details on how fans will be able to access the pay-per-view event will be announced at a later date.

“I can’t wait to head back to New York City and Madison Square Garden for this fight with Amir Khan. The Garden is the perfect venue for a fight of this magnitude,” Crawford said. “I know that my fans will make the trip up to New York and I’ll have a ton of support when I step in to the ring. I expect Khan’s British fans to come out as well, and I believe we will have a packed house on April 20. It’s going to be a great fight so make sure to get your tickets early.”

“New York is undoubtedly one of my most favorite cities in the world, and it’s like a second home to me,” Khan said. “This is the biggest fight of my career against one of the world’s best in Terence Crawford, and Madison Square Garden is the perfect venue for a fight of this magnitude. It’s a short flight for my fans from the United Kingdom, and they will be coming over in droves to see this fantastic fight. I want to become a three-time world champion, and that is my primary motivation to win this fight.”

“Terence Crawford is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, he always puts on a show at Madison Square Garden, and we’re excited New York fight fans will be able to see him fight again at The Garden on April 20,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Marquee Events. “This will be an action-packed fight between Crawford and Amir Khan, and The Garden is excited to host this great night of boxing.”

Crawford (34-0, 25 KOs), widely regarded as the world’s best fighter, is a three-weight world champion who has knocked out five consecutive opponents. A former undisputed 140-pound world champion, Crawford won the WBO welterweight title in June 2018 with a ninth-round stoppage of Jeff “The Hornet” Horn. He defended the belt in October with a 12th-round TKO over bitter rival Jose Benavidez Jr. in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. This will be Crawford’s second headlining appearance at the big arena at Madison Square Garden. In May 2017, he knocked out 2008 Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz in 10 rounds.

Khan (33-4, 20 KOs), a former unified world champion at 140 pounds, has won two in a row since his 2016 knockout loss to middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. He is 4-0 in his career when fighting as a welterweight, including wins over former world champions Devon Alexander, Chris Algieri, and Luis Collazo. Khan headlined at Madison Square Garden once before when he defended his WBA 140-pound world title against Paulie Malignaggi at The Theater on May 15, 2010.

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtag #CrawfordKhan to join the conversation on social media.

DANIEL DUBOIS DOES not view the prospect of himself mixing with the elite of the heavyweight division as a long-term ambition.

The 21-year-old London based powerhouse is planning to climb a good few rungs of the heavyweight ladder over the course of 2019 and put the big three – Messrs Fury, Wilder and Joshua – on notice that the emerging force is quickly playing catch-up.

“This is the year for me and I am determined to make it a big one,” said the 9-0 man, who will take himself into double figures at the Royal Albert Hall when he meets Razvan Cajanu on March 8. “I’m gonna give 100 per cent and we will see by the end of the year where I am at. I am so determined to make this a positive year.

“I think I am not that far behind the best out there,” he insisted. “With a few little adjustments and, not rushing anything and staying grounded and real about the situation I’m in, I believe my skill will move me even closer to the big names out there.

“I am really not far behind now,” added the quietly-spoken but steely Dubois, who believes a productive run of fights against the right opponents will set him on a collision course with the current leaders of the heavyweight pack.

“That’s it, a positive run of fights where I show consistency and make a few statements along the way.”

Dubois missed out on reaching 10-0 against the American-based Romanian Cojanu in December when he suffered a seasonal KO that ruled him out of delivering some festive punch for the second year running.

“It seems to happen all the time around December,” he reflected with a heavy sigh. “Maybe I don’t adapt very well to the change of weather and the virus took me out.

“It wasn’t just man flu, it was a proper virus and whatever it was it was dreadful.

“It was disappointing to miss a fight but I think the rest might have served me well, giving me time to rest my hands.

“I’m back now and I’ll be better than last year and pushing on.”

His first assignment of the year is take two of his aborted mission against Cojanu, who ultimately fought a week later against Dubois’ domestic rival Nathan Gorman, who cruised to a relatively comfortable points victory in Manchester.

Dubois was not overly impressed with what he saw from either man.
“Yeah I saw the highlights but didn’t watch it all,” reflected the Londoner. “If you are asking for my opinion on the fight, I thought Nathan and this guy didn’t produce a spectacular fight.

“I expected it to go the distance because Nathan is not a knockout puncher, but he can box and this guy didn’t have much ambition to win.

“So it balanced out really, it was what I expected and not very exciting – pretty boring.”

Dubois goes along with the theory that Cojanu is tailored more to his strengths than that of Gorman and a KO statement is on the cards.

“That is definitely it and I’ve got to show that I can. I’ve got to go in there and do a job on him. I’ll take him out whenever I see the opportunity. I’ve got to create the situation, create the openings and I am looking forward to it.
“He is going down and I’ve got to chop him down.”

Also at the Royal Albert Hall, Nicola Adams OBE will look to make history and be the first female crowned World Champion at the venue as she challenges for the WBO World Flyweight Title against Arely Mucino on International Women’s Day. Liam Williams makes a first defence of his British middleweight title against Joe Mullender, while Johnny Garton will defend his British Welterweight title against Chris Jenkins. Lucien Reid will fight Indi Sangha in what will be his toughest test to date, with GB Flyweight Harvey Horn, cruiserweight talent James Branch and middleweight banger Denzel Bentley also featuring.

Tickets are priced from £40 and are available to buy via RoyalAlbertHall.com
TICKETS START FROM £40
GRAND TIER: £100
LOGGIA: £100
SECOND TIER: £75

(Feb 11, 2019) Undefeated Kazakhstani dynamo Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov has been added to the special two-hour UFC Fight Pass live stream (7:30 pm ET/6:30 pm CT) on Friday, February 15, from the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas.

Eyubov (14-0, 12 KOs) will face Mexican veteran Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez (25-12, 13 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight showdown.

The live stream, presented by Salita Promotions will also feature US Olympic bronze medal winner Nico Hernandez, women’s top contender Elena Saveleva and undefeated heavyweight puncher Apti Davtaev in separate bouts.

A born showman, Eyubov’s relentlessly aggressive fighting style has won him new fans with every fight. The young slugger says he’s looking forward to bringing his mayhem to a new audience through the UFC.

“I look forward to showcasing my skills February 15th and am honored to do so on UFC Fight Pass,” he said. “I am the best in the world and look forward to proving this point when I get in the ring.”

Eyubov was last seen taking out 21-1-1 Nicholas Givan in seven rounds last June. His promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says he’s happy his entertaining slugger is back in action.

“Bakha is one of the most dominant contenders in the sport. I look forward to an exciting performance from him on one of the leading combat platforms in the works in UFC Fight Pass,” said Salita.

In a very special bonus that night for online viewers, the commentating team will consist of long-time combat sports voice Sean Wheelock and “2018 Female Boxer of the Year” and women’s world champion Claressa Shields, making her debut behind the microphone.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Feb. 11th, 2019) — The highly-anticipated CES Boxing season opener continues to get better with two major additions to the lineup.

Unbeaten Pawtucket, R.I., super featherweight Ricky Delossantos (6-0, 1 KO) returns for his toughest test to date Saturday, Feb. 23rd, 2019 at Twin River Casino Hotel while decorated New York amateur Arnold Gonzalez makes his long-awaited professional debut on the undercard of a stacked fight card featuring three title bouts.

Delossantos, a former two-sport star at Rhode Island’s William E. Tolman Senior High School, faces Indianapolis native and U.S. Army National Guardsman Javar Jones (7-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout while Gonzalez battles Falls Church, Va., veteran Stacey Anderson (0-4) in a four-round super lightweight bout.

The addition of Delossantos and Gonzalez adds even more appeal to a fight card already generating considerable buzz throughout New England and the northeast. Worcester, Mass., lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (9-0, 4 KOs) faces Ricardo Quiroz (10-0, 5 KOs) of Oxnard, Calif., for the vacant WBC World Youth Lightweight Title in an intriguing battle of unbeatens. Heavyweights Juiseppe Cusumano (17-2, 15 KOs) of Carini, Sicily and Brendan Barrett (7-1-2, 5 KOs) of Ventura, Calif., battle for the vacant NBA World Title and Marcia Agripino (3-1-1) of Ledyard, Conn., faces undefeated Amanda Pavone (6-0, 2 KOs) of Boston for the vacant New England Female Super Bantamweight Title.

Tickets start at $47 and are available online at www.cesboxing.com or www.showclix.com, or by phone at 401-724-2253. The main card will stream live on the subscription-based 4K ultra high-definition platform VIVE Network TV. Visit https://tickets.vivetv.network to purchase. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Gonzalez, a two-time Golden Gloves champion who boasted a 59-9 amateur record, recently sparred 24 rounds with Manny Pacquiaoas the pound-for-pound great prepared for his world-title bout against Adrien Broner. The 24-year-old Ecuadorian prospect is trained by the world-renowned Freddie Roach out of the Wild Card Boxing Gym in California and is managed by George Foreman III, the son of two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman.

Delossantos is a familiar face in New England. The 29-year-old debuted in April of 2017 and continues to improve with each performance. He hasn’t lost a round since his second professional fight and recently blanked tough, New Jersey veteran Jose Ortiz over six rounds last September. He faces a tall order against Jones, an accomplished Army boxer who began his career with seven consecutive wins, two by knockout, and works as a surface maintenance technician for the Indiana National Guard.

The entire card is headlined by the long-awaited return of female featherweight sensation Shelly Vincent (23-2, 1 KO) of Providence, R.I., by way of New London, Conn., who faces Budapest veteran Edina Kiss (15-9, 9 KOs) in an eight-round rematch of their 2015 bout, won by Vincent by majority decision. Vincent fights at Twin River for the first time since 2016. She is best known for two highly-publicized bouts against Heather Hardy, both of which were nationally televised. The rematch aired live on HBO in October, just the second female boxing bout televised by the network in 25 years.

Regional rivals collide on the undercard as Taunton, Mass., welterweight Marqus Bates (5-2, 3 KOs) faces Jair Ramos (5-2-2, 2 KOs) of Waterbury, Conn., in a six-round bout and super lightweight Nicholas Briggs (2-0, 2 KOs) of Worcester puts his unbeaten record on the line against Andy Aiello (1-1-1) of Bridgewater, Mass., in a four-round bout.

Junior middleweights Victor Reynoso (2-0, 2 KOs) and Lamont Powell (2-0, 1 KO) of Providence face their toughest tests in separate four-round bouts. Reynoso battles 1-0 John Williams of Baton Rouge, La., who scored a knockout win in his pro debut in August, while Powell battles 29-year-old Kenneth Chery (1-1, 1 KO) of Montreal Quebec.

The undercard also features the return of Providence lightweight Michael “Bling Bling” Valentin (4-0, 1 KO), the eclectic 19-year-old who fights despite being born with a rare intestinal disease known as Hirschsprung’s. Valentin endured bullying throughout childhood and fights wearing a colostomy bag. He returns Feb. 23rd one year to the date of his last fight and will dedicate his fifth pro bout to the memory of Seven Bridges, a 10-year-old Kentucky boy who committed suicide after being bullied for wearing a colostomy bag. Valentin faces Philadelphia’s Christopher Burgos (1-3-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

STAR BOXING is excited to return to its renown Long Island venue, The Paramount, on February 22nd, for another thrilling night of “Rockin’ Fights.” The 34th edition of the acclaimed fight series brings extreme boxing talent from across the world, right to Huntington’s, The Paramount. The main event is a real toss-up between the ‘big boys’ in a truly international fight between European champs. Giant Belgium JOEL “BIG JOE” DJEKO will take on Italian challenger, SIMONE “TYSON” FEDERICI in an intriguing 10-round cruiserweight bout. The co-main event will feature the return of Huntington’s own JOHNNY “HITMAN” HERNANDEZ who will be taking on upset minded, MARQUIS “THE HAWK” HAWTHORNE.

The main event features two international cruiserweight prospects who will travel a combined 7,873 miles to meet in the squared circle, in front of the expected packed crowd at The Paramount. Belgium’s Djeko (14-2-1 7KO’s), an IBO Champion, stands at a towering 6’5″ and breaks the will of his opponents by fighting behind his jab, followed by devastating power in both hands. Djeko’s marquee win came against then undefeated MARIANO ANGEL GUDINO (then 12-0 7KO’s), when he defeated the Argentinian by wide unanimous decision, dominating for the full ten-rounds, to secure the IBO Continental Cruiserweight Title. Djeko has fought in America only once before, but intends to begin laying roots state side, for an eventual shot at a cruiserweight world title. Djeko’s only 2 losses were on the road and by majority and split decision against undefeated prospects.

Djeko had this to say about fighting in America, “I am excited to make my first fight in New York, a city that saw the birth of great champions. But, I also come to fulfill my mission, that of leaving with a victory by knockout.”

Federici (14-1-1 6KO’s), a 25-year-old Italian who resides in Roma, Italy, will be making his debut on American soil on the February 22nd Paramount show. Federici had an impressive amateur record of 35-1-1. As a professional, Federici defeated FRANCESCO CATALDO in a thrilling battle earning the Italian Cruiserweight Title. Since then, Federici has successfully defended his title twice, most recently defeating the dangerous Georgian, ZURA MEKERESHVILLE by unanimous decision to add the IBF Mediterranean Cruiserweight Title to his pedigree. Federici has his eyes set an a massive victory on February 22nd main event. Federici and Djeko both have their eyes set on victory in the February 22nd main event and both know a top rankings in the cruiserweight division are at stake.

Federici said this about his American debut, “I thank America for the wonderful opportunity that has offered me! I hope to better meet American expectations.
I can’t wait to get in the ring.”

In the co-main event, fans will see Johnny “Hitman” Hernandez (9-4 1KO), a familiar face at The Paramount having fought eleven of his thirteen professional fights at the venue. Hernandez who is known for his footwork and great conditioning, always seems to get stronger as the fight carries on. This will be Hernandez second main event at The Paramount. He was last seen in an absolute thriller with fellow Star Boxing stablemate DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (then 16-1-1 7KO’s). Over the ten-round main event, Hernandez and Gonzalez exchanged blow after blow at the center of the ring, as the crowd seemed to be on their feet throughout the fight with consistent and vocal support for both fighters. While the judges scored the bout in favor of Gonzalez by majority decision, Hernandez proved to the rowdy sold out crowd that he has the skill to fight the upper echelon of the 140 lb. division. Gonzalez went on to fight fellow Paramount alumni CHRIS ALGIERI at Madison Square Garden a few weeks ago. Hernandez promises to return with vengeance on February 22nd in his Paramount hometown.

Hernandez is ready for his opportunity on February 22nd, and is prepared to leave his mark. “There are no secrets to success,” said Johnny, “it is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failures.”

Hernandez will be facing the very tough Texan, Marquis Hawthorne, who will be making his second appearance at The Paramount. Over his twelve-fight career, Hawthorne has fought ten undefeated prospects, with an opponent combined record of 81-23-3. Most recently, Hawthorne (6-9 1KO) won in a shocking upset at Mohegan Sun on January 26th over amateur standout and undefeated professional, from Detroit, Michigan RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION (then 10-0 7KO’s). Over the 6-round bout, Hawthorne commanded the action, using his long reach and height advantage to maintain his distance, landing grueling right hands to the body and the head of Austion. At the final bell, the scorecards read 57-56, 58-55 and 59-54, earning a massive upset victory for Hawthorne over the previously undefeated Austion.

Hawthorne has is eyes set on one thing only come February 22nd. “I am coming off a big win over a great prospect,” said Hawthorne, “the game plan is to continue to trust the plan my coaches have set before me, resulting in victory.”

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about the main and co-main event, “We have put together a very intriguing international fight for Long Island’s dedicated boxing fans. Belgium’s, Big Joel Djeko, is an imposing figure, and carries knockout power in both hands. Federici has proven his ability to win big fights in his home country of Italy. The winner has a bright future. ” Regarding the co-main, DeGuardia stated, “this fight is a perfect example of the allure of our ‘Rockin’ Fights’ series. Both Johnny and Marquis have earned the right to be in this fight. In his last fight Johnny showed grit and we will always support our fighters, win or lose, when they perform like he did. That’s what the Paramount series is all about, action and heart. Similarly, Marquis Hawthorne earned the right to this fight with his victory over our undefeated prospect Ronnie Austion in a huge upset. Johnny and Marquis always show up in phenomenal shape with great energy on fight night, and I expect a thrilling fight on February 22nd.”

The main event between European cruiserweight champions in Djeko and Federici is destined to excite. The co-main event will see Hernandez in front of his hometown fans while Hawthorne will look for a second consecutive upset. Undercard to be announced soon. Tickets are now on sale for “Rockin Fights 34 and can be purchased below.

“Rockin’ Fights 34” card is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
*Bouts Subject to Change*

LONDON (11 February 2019) LCpl Chez Nihell, 6-time UK Combined Services Champion and England’s 2018 ABA Elite Super Heavyweight Champion, will make his pro debut at The O2 on Saturday 23rd February, promoted by Poxon Sports for Premier Boxing Champion (PBC).

Chez, a member of The 27 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, will feature on a massive night of action headlined by the long-awaited clash between bitter rivals James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr., the fiery head-to-head between Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Joe Joyce and Former World Champion Bermane Stiverne, the return of Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby, exclusively LIVE on ITV Box Office.

Chez, who served in Afghanistan with The 1st Battalion Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, has been part of the Army Elite Boxing set-up since 2013. The powerful switch hitting counter-puncher won the England Super Heavyweight Title Series belt in 2016 and defended it three times before being crowned ABA Elite Super Heavyweight Champion 2018 to join an exclusive class of boxers including Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Dereck Chisora and Joe Joyce.

Having capped off his amateur career in style, Chez made the decision to turn pro after being named British Army Sportsman of the year in November 2018. With the backing of the British Army he has received special permission to combine his status as a serving soldier with launching his professional career.

To add an intriguing sub plot to the story, Chez will have his wife LCpl Alanna Nihell in his corner in a unique husband-wife/boxer-corner arrangement.
Alanna, who is a serving soldier herself and was the first female to Captain the Army Elite Boxing Team for two successive years, is an official Second and decorated champion having secured three ABA Lightweight titles and a Commonwealth Games Bronze Medal in 2014.

11 February, 2019, Bangkok, Thailand : Chinese kickboxing superstar Han Zi Hao left China and moved to Thailand over 10 years ago to pursue his professional career in Muay Thai, a huge sacrifice for him in order to further his skills and one day make a name for himself amongst legends.

His opportunity for immortality in the sport arrives on 16 February, when he faces off with Muay Thai legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS which takes place at Bangkok’s Impact Arena.

“I will seize this opportunity to win the gold belt. It is the best reward for all my work,” said Han, in an interview with onefc.com.

Han has been a resident of Thailand since he was 14 years old. As such, being far away from family has often made him homesick. This year, Han made a rare reservation to go back home to China and celebrate Chinese New Year with his family.

Though it has been a holiday break he has been looking forward to for a long time, this has to wait given the fact that all his hard work has led to this moment.

Though he had been looking forward to the holiday break for a long time, Han made the decision to put his trip on hold when ONE called him to reveal that he would be facing Nong-O for the World Title.

“When we were talking on the phone, it was like my heart was on a roller coaster. I brought it up, ‘Chinese New Year is near.’ ‘Any problem?’ they replied. ‘No problem,” Han said.

“I said it was fine because the match is more important.”

As a practitioner of Muay Thai, he became a big fan of Nong-O for his legendary skills and because he could relate to him, having very similar backgrounds.

“I’ve heard about Nong-O since I was a kid. He is a legend of the Muay Thai world,” Han says.

“I grew up watching his matches. Naturally, he became one of my idols because I worship all the legendary figures in this field.”

Han began his quest in 2018, being dubbed as ONE’s Super Series Most Active Athlete of the year. Along the way, he overcame challenges posted by opponents such as Stergos “Greek Dynamite” Mikkios, Ryan “The Filipino Assassin” Jakiri, and Azwan Che Wil.

Because of those victories, Han’s efforts weren’t left unnoticed as he was tapped to compete for the inaugural ONE Super Series golden strap, and things got better when he learned that he would be up against his idol, Nong-O.

“Now, I finally have a chance to fight with him and, even better, I will challenge for the gold belt. This is such an honor for me,” Han said.

“I have grown stronger, and eventually, I can face him on the same level. I’m proud of myself,”

Nong-O is a well respected Muay Thai athlete with a record of 257-54-1 who worked his way up from extreme poverty in Thailand’s countryside. He moved to Bangkok when he was young and began to rack up accolades, winning the majority of the tournaments he competed in. No one can question his skills.

“He is a technical fighter with good defense and attack skills,” Han said.

“This kind of talent is rare even in Thailand, and he is also one of a few widely acknowledged champions – a true hero of Muay Thai.”

Given that Han faces a veteran who owns the edge in experience, the Chinese star decided to do his due diligence and study Nong-O from the bottom up. Han says he now has the game plan to bring him success against one of the most dangerous Muay Thai fighters in history.

“When I face Nong-O, my height will be a great advantage. The explosive power and accuracy of my punches are better than his. I will do my best and try to finish him by KO within five rounds,” said Han.

“I will focus on improving the explosive power of my punches and kicks, especially my heavy punch. I hope to finish him with this move, so the result is indisputable.”

For Han, working hard to be on the same level as his childhood hero has been difficult. The opportunity to face Nong-O for the World Title however can prove to be the defining moment of his career.

As such, Han has some very sharp words for Nong-O ahead of their five-round title tiff.

“I admire and respect you very much, but I have to point out that your era is about to end,” Han warns Nong-O.

“I will take your place and be the new legend of Muay Thai.”

Like his mentor, Floyd Mayweather, Gervonta Davis could fight Tenshin Nasukawa in an exhibition in April, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We got an exhibition bout with the guy Tenshin in Japan in April,” Mayweather said.

“I’m proud of Tank, and he’s gonna stay active,” Mayweather said. “April is Tenshin. May is the real fight.”

“We don’t know,” he said when asked who Davis would fight in his second defense. “When I get back, I’ll talk to my staff, my team, sit down with [Mayweather Promotions CEO] Leonard [Ellerbe], [adviser] Al [Haymon], the rest of my staff and see what we come up with.”

Mayweather said that he earned $9 million — plus a $1 million bonus — for the exhibition with Nasukawa and said he would likely participate in future exhibition fights.

“Probably so, most likely,” Mayweather said. “I got about $80 million on the table worth of exhibitions.”

Follow all the action as Jose Ramirez defends the WBC Super Lightweight Title against Jose Zepeda.  The action kicks off at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT with a lightweight fight between Ray Beltran and Hiroki Okada.

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY..NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Good left from Zepeda..

Round 2 Straight left from Zepeda..Jab to body

Round 3 Right from Ramirez..Counter left from Zepeda..Right to body from Ramirez

Round 4 Left from Ramirez..Blood from Ramirez right eye (Ruled a punch)

Round 5 Left to body from Ramirez..

Round 6 Left from Zepeda

Round 7 Right from Ramirez

Round 8 Combination from Zepeda..Blood under left eye of Zepeda…Ramirez lands a left to the body..Good right..2 lefts to the body..a big right and left from Zepeda

Round 9 Good right from Ramirez…Counter.2 rights to the body..Hard left to the body

Round 10 Right from Ramirez…Body shot from Zepeda

Round 11 Left from Zepeda..Body shot..left..Right hook lead..

Round 12 Straight left from Zepeda..Combination from Ramirez

114-114; 115-113; 116-112 JOSE RAMIREZ

Round 1 Jab from Okada…Jab from Beltran..Body shot from Okada..2 punch combinaton..Right from Beltran

Round 2 Right HAND AND DOWN GOES OKADA…Hard left buckles Beltran….Okada landing a flurry on the ropes

Round 3 Left from Beltran..jab..Good combination from Okada..left hook from Beltran…combination..Good right.left hook tot the body..3 punch combination..Okada is cut over the left eye

Round 4 2 punch combination from Beltran….Hard combination on the ropes..Beltran cut around left eye…

Round 5 Good right from Okada..

Round 6 Left hook from Beltran..Right from Okada.

Round 7  Blood from around right eye of Beltran..Beltran lands a left hook

Round 8 Beltran lands a combination..left and right from Okada

Round 9 Double jab and right from Okada…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES OKADA..BIG FLURRY,,OKADA WOBBLING AROUND THE RING AND DOWN HE GOES AGAIN…FIGHT OVER AT 2:09

Jose Ramirez defended the WBC Super Lightweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Jose Zepeda in front of over 14,000 fans at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

It was a tactical fight that saw Zepeda box and get off to a good a start.  There were several head clashes for which caused cuts on each fighter.  Ramirez was cut around his right eye in round four.

Ramirez started to come on in the middle rounds as he featured some solid body work.

Zepeda righted himself, and he himself was cut under his left eye in round eight, but he was able to keep the fight close on the score cards.  The fight may have been won in the last 15 seconds, as Ramirez landed a nice flurry to take the final stanza.

Ramirez of Avenel, CA won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 to raise his mark to 24-0.  Zepeda falls to 30-2.

“He was a very a tough and smart southpaw. He came well prepared,” Ramirez said. “He kept a good range and distance. That made it a tough, close fight, but I think I pulled it off in the championship rounds. I landed the most effective punches.”

Said Zepeda: “Jose Ramirez is a great fighter, and his fans really pushed him and gave him momentum.”

Former lightweight world champion Ray Beltran stopped previously undefeated Hiroki Okada in the 9th round of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout.

In round two, Beltran was dropped by a hard right that was preceded by a left.  In round three, Okada was cut over his left eye.  Beltran was cut over his left eye in the fourth round.

In round seven, Beltran began to bleed around his right eye.  In round nine, Beltran dropped Okada with a perfect right to the chin.  Okada was hurt, and Beltran went right after Okada and wobbled him before landing a hard right that sent Okada down, and the bout was stopped at 2:08.

Beltran of Phoenix, AZ is 36-8-1 with 22 knockouts.  Okada of Tokyo is 19-1.

The action was fierce from the opening bell, with the two combatants waging a second round for the ages. Beltran knocked Okada (19-1, 13 KOs) down with a crisp left hook, only for Okada to stun Beltran later in the round.

“I knocked him down in the second round, but he came back and got me good, too,” Beltran said. “We knew his plan was to stay at distance and keep me at bay with the jab. Every time I threw my left hook, he kept covering very well. I saw an opening with the right hand and that’s why I started throwing it, and little by little, I kept shortening the distance until I connected with a big right hand and I stopped him.”

Carlos Castro remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Genesis Servania in a super bantamweight bout.

In round seven, Servania was bleeding from around his right eye.

Castro, 121 lbs of Phoenix, AZ won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 22-0.  Servania, 121 1/2 lbs of Bacolod City, PHL is 32-2.

Gabriel Flores Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Alex Rynn Torres in a junior lightweight bout.

Flores, 132.4 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 12-0.  Torres, 132.6 lbs of Mexico City is 6-3.

“I’m getting better with each fight. I felt better than ever,” Flores said. “I get more and more experience with each fight. I feel like I’m getting cleaner. I’m getting sharper, and I’m only going to get better. I’m ready for whoever Top Rank puts in front of me. This is what I do all day, every day.”

Andy Vences remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Dardan Zenunaj in a junior lightweight bout.

Vences, 131 lbs of San Jose, CA won by scores of 80-72 and is now 22-0-1. Zenunaj, 131 lbs of Kosovo is 14-6.

“I felt great coming back after that long rest after suffering the injury. It’s been a long time,” Vences said. “I looked sharp, but I knew this was going to be a tough fight. This guy gave a great fight and went the distance against Andrew Cancio, and Cancio just became a world champion last night. I knew that against a guy like that I was going to need to use all my skills, and I did. I dominated the fight.”

Isidro Ochoa stopped Jesus Guzman in round five of their scheduled six-round super bantamweight bout.

Ochoa beat up Guzman until the fight was stopped by the doctor at 1:18.

Ochoa, 121 3/4 lbs of Fresno is 7-0 with three knockouts. Guzman, 122 3/4 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 7-3.

Cristian Coria stopped Joel Diaz Jr. in round three of a scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round three, Coria landed a left hook to the jaw that sent Diaz to the deck. Cora dropped Diaz again with a hard left hook, and the bout was stopped at 1:50.

Coria, 140 lbs of Famillia, ARG is 28-7-2 with 13 knockouts. Diaz, 138 1/4 lbs of Palmdale, CA is 24-2.

Guido Vianello stopped Andrew Satterfield in the first-round of the their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout

Vianello dropped Satterfield with vicious five-punch combination to the head. Satterfield got to his feet, only to eat about 11 more flush punches, and the fight was stopped at 1:54.

Vianello, 236 lbs of Rome, ITA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Satterfield, 241 1.2 lbs of Marietta, OH is 4-2.

“I felt more relaxed and composed than my first pro fight,” Vianello said. “I am only going to get better.”

An all-Canadian grudge match was settled tonight in emphatic fashion as hometown hero Cody “The Crippler” Crowley (17-0, 9 KOs) made the third successful defense of his CPBC Canadian and International Super Welterweight Championships, and remained undefeated, with a dominant unanimous decision over former Canadian champion Stuart McLellan (25-3-3, 10 KOs).

Fighting in front of a huge crowd of well-wishers in the main event of Crowley’s self-promoted “Homecoming IV- Bad Blood” event at the Memorial Centre in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, Crowley won every minute of every round against the tough, but badly out-matched British Columbian McLellan.

The judges had it a unanimous shutout: 120-107, 120-107 and 120-107.

While some held that Crowley was in for his toughest career challenge, he made it clear he is ready for a step up from club-level domestic competition. The 25-year-old hit McLellan at will with southpaw lefts and rights like a cat playing with its food.

Afterward, the two scrappers settled their differences with McLellan even contradicting his main pre-fight assertion by admitting over the house mic that Crowley is a “real fighter.”

Class move by a very tough fighter.

In the night’s super middleweight co-main event, local product Jordan McCue moved to 2-0, 1 KO with a “good while it lasted” TKO 2 over Edmonton, Alberta’s Cody Purtel (now 0-2).

The pair of scrappers commenced to landing haymakers on each other from the first bell, with McCue increasingly getting the better as the fight wore on.

Purtel’s chin, however, is made of lead and he fought back bravely until being rescued from his own courage at 2:04 of the second, still on his feet.

Both fighters can be proud of their short, but entertaining shootout.

For the first six rounds of their eight-round super lightweight fight, Hamilton, Ontario’s Steve Wilcox (20-3-1, 5 KOs) appeared to be heading toward a sleep-inducing decision over Aguascalientes, Mexico’s Javier Mercado (25-14-2, 22 KOs).

Using his longer arms to peck away with the occasional jab then retreat back to a safe distance, Wilcox seemed to have found a frustrating, yet winning strategy.

Then it happened.

From out of seemingly nowhere, referee Donovan Boucher issued an unwarranted point deduction to Mercado for an invisible series of low blows, which seemed to anger the Mexican and wake him up. He immediately tore into Wilcox with an angry barrage of clubbing shots from both sides, stunning and then dropping the Canadian for two hard knockdowns.

However, with some serious hometown assistance from ref Boucher including slow counts and long, physician-level wellness checks before allowing the action to resume, Wilcox was able to survive the onslaught.

In the final round, Wilcox went back to playing it mostly safe.

Despite the late-fight heroics, on points, Wilcox deserved the unanimous decision he got by scores of 77-73, 76-74 and 77-73. Mercado, however, deserves all the credit for saving this would-be sleep-aid of a fight.

A four-round super lightweight bout was ended early by the hammering fists of Toronto via Makhachkala, Russia’s Arthur Biyarslanov (2-0, 2 KOs), as he stopped Veracruz, Mexico’s Isaac Castan (2-3-1, 1 KO) at 3:00 of round one. Biyarslanov had too much accuracy and power for the over-matched Mexican. Castan was down from a right hook and twice more from the follow-up and wisely elected not to come out for round two.

In a four-round cruiserweight bout, Bowmanville, Ontario’s Abokan Bokpe (9-1, 4 KOs) stayed busier than his Mexico foe, Juan Santiago (6-3-1, 5 KOs) and managed to win a unanimous decision (scores 40-36, 40-36 and 39-37). The much larger Bokpe chose a mostly cautious approach to the wild-swinging Mexican, but did enough body work and counter punching to deserve the nod.

A rousing female super featherweight battle between winless newcomers started out the night, as Tijuana’s Ana Ruth Castro (now 1-1) was too much for Madison Blakely (0-3) from nearby Belleville, Ontario.

The game Blakely had no answer for Castro’s repeated clubbing right hands, and ate enough of them to lose by unanimous, four-round decision (scores 39-37, 39-39 and 40-36). What it lacked in skill, it was made up for by the heart of both women.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former world champion Marcos Maidana will return to the ring after almost a five-year retirement.

“‘El Chino’ returns to the ring. Today we just signed a contract for a very good amount (of money). Very tempting and that brought us here,” Maidana said.

he plan is for Maidana to work himself into shape and return for a tune-up fight in mid or late summer and then have a major fight later in the fall. The PBC roster is loaded with top welterweights, including world titleholders Pacquiao, Thurman, Errol Spence Jr. and Shawn Porter as well as former titlist Danny Garcia.

Andrew Cancio won the WBA Super Featherweight title with a stunning 4th round stoppage over previously undefeated champion Alberto Machado at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

In round one, Machado dropped Cancio with a hard three punch combination that was punctuated by a left uppercut. In round four, Cancio dropped Machado with a hard right to the body. Cancio jumped on Machado and scored a 2nd knockdown after a flurry of body punches. With Machado clearly hurt, Cancio finished the fight with a couple more flush body shots that put Machado down for a 3rd and final time at 2:16.

Cancio, 129 3/4 lbs of Blyth, CA is 20-4-2 with 15 knockouts. Machado, 130 lbs of San Juan, PR is 21-1.

Rey Vargas survived a hard 2nd round knockdown and three cuts but he retained the WBC Super Bantamweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Franklin Manzanilla

In round two, Manzanilla dropped Vargas with a hard left hook.

In round seven, was deducted a point for hitting on the break. Seconds later a cut was opened up over the right eye of Vargas after an accidental headbutt. In round eight, Manzanilla was docked another point for pushing Vargas’s head down. In round nine, Vargas was cut both above and below his left eye.

Vargas, 121 1/2 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 117-108 on all cards and is now 33-0. Manzanilla, 122 lbs of Venezuela is 18-5

Joseph Diaz Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Charles Huerta in a junior lightweight bout.

Diaz won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 28-1.

Follow all the action as Gervonta Davis defends the WBA Super Featherweight title against Hugo Ruiz.  The action kicks off at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT with Javier Fortuna taking on Sharif Bogere.  Also, Mario Barrios battles Richard Zamora.

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Round 1: Body shot from Davis..Right from Ruiz…2 lefts from Davis..Straight left to body///lead left…combination…RiGHT HOOK AND DOWN GOES RUIZ..THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Good right from Zamora

Round 2 Double jab and right to body..Overhand right..Good right…

Round 3  Good right from Zamora..counter left hook..Barrios lands a body shot…jab…Big Right…

Round 4 Right from Barrios..Right uppercut..left…Hard shots ..Zamora in trouble…Zamora lands a right..Hard left hook from Barrios..big right staggers Zamora…HARD RIGHT AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Bogere lands a jab to the body..Counter right from Fortuna..jab to body by Bogere..

Round 2 Right hook from Fortuna..Another one

Round 3 Jab from Fortuna…Counter jab,,Short left uppercut to body..right hook,..Bogere lands a combo to body…Counter from Fortuna

Round 4  Fortuna gets better of exchange..Right from Bogere..Crowd booing…Right uppercut on inside from Bogere

Round 5 Body shot from Bogere..Right…Flurry from Fortuna at the bell

Round 6 Fortuna opening up…toe to toe action..Blood over the right eye of Bogere (Headbutt)…LEFT HAND AND DOWN GOES BOGERE…

Round 7 Fortuna gets in a right on the inside…Flurry on the inside..

Round 8 Combination from Fortuna

Round 9 Combination from Bogere..

Round 10 Right from Fortuna

96-93 on all cards FOR JAVIER FORTUNA

Gervonta Davis retained the WBA Super Featherweight title with 1st round stoppage over late replacement Hugo Ruiz at The Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Davis dominated by landing lefts to the body and upstairs.  With the nose of Ruiz already leaking blood, Davis landed a left hook that sent Ruiz to a knee.  When he got to his feet, he was unresponsive to referee Jack Reiss’s questions, and the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Davis, 129.8 lbs of Baltimore is 21-0 with 20 knockouts.  Ruiz, 129.4 lbs of Sinaloa, MEX is 39-5.

With his promoter Floyd Mayweather looking on, Davis made quick work of his late-replacement opponent. “I knew it was coming,” he said. “I wanted to go more rounds, but I knew if I got him out of there early I could fight again sooner. When I touched the jab I saw his arm was in front of his face so if I threw a hook or uppercut it was right in line.”

“As soon as he started landing punches, I could feel them,” Ruiz said. “I have a lot of first round knock outs, today was my turn to lose in the first round. It happens in boxing.”

Next up for Davis could be the winner of the March 2 Ricardo Nunez-Edner Cherry WBA Eliminator on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center. “We could do that,” Davis said. “At the end of the day I’m a fighter. I’m a fighter and I have a great team. One of the best in the sport. I believe in my team and whatever they line up, I’m ready.

Davis told SHOWTIME reporter Jim Gray he’s ready for a sweet homecoming for his next fight. “Yes, sir. We’re coming to Baltimore. We’re going home, baby.”

Mario Barrios stopped Richard Zamora in round four of a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout.

In round four, Barrios landed a big right hand that off a big flurry of punches.  Barrios staggered Zamora with a big right to the chin.  That was followed up by a flurry, and the fight was stopped with Zamora still on his feet at 2:16.

Barrios, 142.4 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 22-0 with 15 knockouts.  Zamora, 141.2 lbs of San Lois Potosi, Mexico.

“He wasn’t an easy target at all,” said Barrios, who sparred with Amir Khan and Devin Haney in training camp and is the WBA’s No. 1 ranked fighter at 140 pounds. We just used everything we worked on in camp to find my range.”

He added: “It was an amazing fight. I tip my hat to Zamora – he’s a hell of a warrior. I wish him nothing but the best for the rest of his career. Like he said at the press conference, he wanted a war and I brought it to him. Total respect to him.”

Zamora was making his United States debut. “I came to fight,” he said. “I didn’t come to lay down. I thought I still could have fought more. I don’t want to criticize the referee. He did what he had to do.”

Barrios said he’s ready for the next big step-up in his career. “That’s up to my managerial team,” he said. “Whenever they feel I’m ready I’ll fight for a world title. Any one of them. I am knocking down the door for a world title right now.”

Javier Fortuna won a 10-round unanimous decisions Sharif Bogere in a lightweight bout.

In round six, Bogere was cut over the right eye from a headbutt.  Later in the round he went down from a half punch/half balance shot from Fortuna.

Fortuna, 135 lbs of La Romana, DR won by scores 96-93 on all cards and is now 34-2-1.  Bogere, 135.6 lbs of Las Vegas, NV 32-2.

“(The knock down) was correct,” said Fortuna, who said he would love a future shot against Davis. “I saw his eyes were a little glossy and his legs buckled a bit. When I saw that he was cut, the game plan changed again and we had to work again to attack the cut.”

Originally from Uganda but now living in Las Vegas, Bogere gave himself a seven out of 10 grade. “I think I won the fight,” he said. “Even the knockdown was bull. He kept coming at me with the head. He kept trying to head butt me. The challenge was that there was blood in my eye. The first couple of rounds I was boxing him easily.”

“What I want right now is a contract so I can fight Gervonta Davis wherever. Lomachenko, any of them,” said Fortuna, who had a No Decision against Adrian Granados last June on SHOWTIME after falling out of the ring in the fourth round suffering a head and neck injury.

Erickson Lubin stopped former world champion Ishe Smith after round three of a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Lubin dropped Smith three times.  In round three, it was an uppercut that sent Smith down, and the bout was stopped after the round.

Lubin, 155.8 lbs of Orlando, FL is 20-1 with 15 knockouts.  Smith, 155.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 29-11.

Juan Heraldez stopped Eddie Ramirez in round seven of a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout.

In round five, Heraldez dropped Ramirez twice with hard combinations. In round seven, Heraldez dropped Ramirez for a 3rd time, and the bout was stopped at 2:30.

Heraldez, 141.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 16-0 with 10 knockouts. Ramirez, 141.8 lbs of Chicago, IL 17-3.

Jose Ramirez 138.6 lbs vs. Jose Zepeda 140 lbs
(Ramirez’s WBC Super Lightweight world title – 12 Rounds)
* Zepeda originally weighed 140.2 pounds and and made weight on his second attempt

Ray Beltran 139 lbs vs. Hiroki Okada 139.6 lbs
(Vacant WBC Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental titles – 10 Rounds)

ESPN+ (4 p.m. ET)

Genesis Servania 121.6 lbs vs. Carlos Castro 121 lbs
(Vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight title -10 Rounds)

Joel Diaz Jr 138.2 lbs vs. Cristian Coria 140 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 8 Rounds)

Andy Vences 131 lbs vs. Dardan Zenunaj 131 lbs
(Super Featherweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Gabriel Flores Jr. 132.4 lbs vs. Alex Torres Rynn 132.6 lbs
(Lightweight – 6 Rounds)

Saul Rodriguez 132.8 lbs vs. Aelio Mesquita 132.2 lbs
(Lightweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Isidro Ochoa 121.8 lbs vs. Jesus Guzman 122.8 lbs
(Featherweight – 6 Rounds)

Guido Vianello 236.4 lbs vs. Andrew Satterfield 241.2 lbs
(Heavyweight – 6 Rounds)

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets to this world championship event priced at $150, $90, $60, $35, and $25 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #RamirezZepeda and #KOCancer to join the conversation on social media.

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Joseph Diaz, Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Charles Huerta in a super featherweight bout.

Diaz, 129.8 lbs of South El Monte, CA won by scores of 99-91 on all cards, and is now 28-1.  Huerta, 130 lbs of Paramount, CA is 20-6.

Adrian Estrella won a 10-round split decision over previously undefeated Oscar Duarte in a lightweight bout.

Estrella was cut over the right eye in round six.

Estrella won two cards by scores of 98-92 and 96-94. Duarte won a card 97-93.

Estrella, 135 lbs of Nuevo Leon, MEX is now 29-3. Duarte, 135 lbs of Parral, MEX is 15-1-1.

Taureano Johnson and Fernando Castaneda battled to an eight-round draw in a middleweight contest.

Each fighter won a card 77-75 and a 3rd card read even at 76-76.

Jihnson, 163,2 lbs of Nassau, BAH is now 20-2-1.  Catstaneda, 164 lbs of Aguascalientes, MEX is 26-13-1.

Former world title challenger Azat Hovhannisyan stopped Lolito Sonson in round five of a scheduled ten-round super bantamweight bout.

In round one, Hovhannisyan was deducted a point for a low blow. In round five, Hovhannisyan dropped Sonsona with a right to the body. Hovhannisyan sent Sonsona down again with a follow up flurry, and the bout was stopped at 2:23.

Hovhannisyan, 121.8 lbs of Los Angeles, is 16-3 with 13 knockouts. Sonsona, 122 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 22-3-4.