Kerman Lejarraga won a 10-round technical majority decision over in Dylan Charrat in Barcelona, Spain.

A clash of heads opened up a cut over the right eye of Lejarraga in round nine. The cut caused the fight to be halted with Lejarraga winning by scores of 96-94, 96-95 and 95-95.

Lejarraga, 153.4 lbs of Bibao, SPA is 33-2. Charrat, 153.4 lbs of Cannes, FRA is 20-1-1.

Mary Romero stopped Amy Timlin after round eight of their 10-round super bantamweight bout.

Timlin was cuut in round one over her left eye from a punch. The cut worsened over the fight, and the fight was stopped after round eight in the corner.

Romero, 119 lbs of Murcia, SPA is 7-2 with two knockouts. Timlin, 120.3 lbs of Southam, ENG is 4-1-1.

Former world champion Kiko Martinez won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jayro Duran in a featherweight contest.

In round five, Martinez dropped Duran with a hard overhand right.

Martinez, 128 lbs of Alicante, SPA won by scores of 80-71 and 79-72 twice and is now 42-10-2. Duran, 128.7 lbs of Gerona, SPA is 14-10.

Cristobal Lorente dropped Anuar Salas twice en-route to an eight-round unanimous decision a super featherweight bout.

In round one, Lorente dropped Salas with a left hook. In round four, Lorente hurt Salas with a right and and then dropped him after a combination on the ropes.

Lorente, 128.7 lbs of Barcelona, SPA won by scores of 80-70, 80-71 and 79-72 and is now 13-0-1. Salas, 127.8 lbs of Monteria, COL is 21-11-1.

Moussa Gholam remained undefeated with a final round stoppage over Mauro Alex Hasan Perounene in an eight-round super featherweight contest

In round two, Perounene started to bleed from his nose. Gholam continued to pound away at Perounene, yet Perounene showed a lot of fight until his corner threw the towel in at 2:38.

Gholam, 131.1 lbs of L’Hospitalet de libreget, SPA is 17-0 with 10 knockouts. Perounene, 132.9 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 12-4-1/

Cyrus Pattinson won a six-round decision over Dimitru Vicol in a welterweight contest.

Pattinson, 151 lbs of Ahington, ENG is 2-0. Vicol, 151.8 lbs of Sauceaya, ROM is 1-2.

PHILADELPHIA–Greg Outlaw stopped Edgar Torres in round two of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout in the main event of a action filled seven bout card in front of a near-capacity crowd at 2300 Arena

In round two, Outlaw landed a booming uppercut that sent Torres on his back. Torres was abBowie, le to get to his feet, only to eat a huge barrage of punches, for which was punctuated by another uppercut, and the bout was stopped at 1:47.

Outlaw, 145.7 lbs of Bowie, MD is now 9-1 with four knockouts. Torres, 145.2 lbs of Woodbridge, MD is 8-2-1.

Christian Carto returned after a 31-month layoff to comeback and take out Yeison Vargas in the opening round of their six-round bantamweight bout.

Carto looked quick under new trainer Bozy Ennis, and dropped Vargas with a hard combination. He ended things with a terrific left hook to the body that sent Vargas down for the 10-count at 2:53 of round one.

Carto, 120.3 lbs of Philadelphia i 18-1 with 14 knockouts. Vargas, 120.6 lbs of Cartegena, COL is 17-8.

Elijah Morales remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Kevin Davilla in a welterweight fight.

Morales, 145.3 lbs of Trenton, NJ won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 9-0. Davilla, 144.7 lbs of Lakeland, WA is now 5-9-3.

Kashon Hutchinson won a six-round unanimous decision over Andre Byrd in a welterweight contest.

Hutchinson dropped Byrd in the opening seconds of the fight.

Hutchinson, 145 lbs of Reading, PA won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 9-5.

LeAnna Cruz made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Delaney Bailey in a bantamweight bout.

In round one, Cruz dropped Bailey. Cruz boxed smoothly over the next three rounds and won by scores of 40-35 on all cards.

Cruz, 115.3 lbs of Allentown, PA is 1-0. Bailey, 116.9 lbs of Largo, FL is 0-4.

Julian Gonzalez stopped Ronny Arana in the opening round of their scheduled four-round junior lightweight contest.

Gonzalez landed a vicious combination that hurt Arana, and the fight was stopped at 1:20.

Gonzalez, 129.2 lbs of Readin, PA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Arana, 129.5 lbs of New York is 0-2.

Quadir Albright scored a 2nd round stoppage over debuting Humberto Camareno Jr. in a scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Albright dropped Camareno with a left hook. In round two, Albright continued to batter Camareno until the fight was stopped at 2:26.

Albright, 142.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 3-0 with three knockouts. Camareno, 142.5 lbs of Mt. Vernon, WA is 0-1.Out

TUCSON —He stepped into the ring with lots to prove. He stepped out of it with lots to prove.

But Oscar Valdez Jr.’s burden must have felt a lot lighter late Friday, buoyed by a gritty victory over Robson Canceicao at Casino del Sol’s AVA Amphitheatre, an outdoor arena on the road between his first and second homes, Nogales to the south and downtown Tucson to the north.

Valdez scored a unanimous decision, a bittersweet end to a long stretch of controversy, criticism and outrage over news of a positive test for a banned stimulant nearly two weeks ago. The controversy, the burden, is still with Valdez. It’s up to him to provide the proof that the traces of Phentermine in the positive were not intentional.

“I’ve been through a hard week,’’ he said. “I’m sorry for all this ruckus. I’m not a disrespectful man. I’ve been through enough. We won the fight. We did what we had to do and it’s on to the next chapter.”

Valdez continues to call himself a clean fighter.

That remains unproven. Perhaps the proof will come in that next chapter. We’ll see.

For 12 rounds at the end of a hot summer day in the Arizona desert, however, there was plenty of proof that Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs) is courageous fighter.

From round-to-round, he reaffirmed his stubborn, no-quit nature in a relentless attack against a Brazilian challenger who beat him as an amateur at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara.

In the early moments, it looked as if Conceicao (16-1, 8 KOs) would do what the World Boxing Council (WBC) would not. It looked as if the Brazilian would take the acronym’s junior-lightweight title from him.

After Conceicao stepped through the ropes and took off his robe, Valdez must have felt like David looking at Goliath. He was taller. His shoulders were big enough to cast a shadow. He feet moved with a mix of agility and speed. Valdez appeared to be in trouble.

But Valdez endured the first two-to-three rounds. That’s when it looked as if Conceicao’s long jab would dictate the bout. But Valdez adjusted. Then, attacked. There’s more to winning a fight than a powerful jab, he said.

Suddenly in the sixth, Valdez came back with an edge. In the ring at least, his punches pack some proof. At the end of the sixth, Valdez landed a head-rocking right. The punch looked like it had been by a delivered by a trigger. An angry one. 

For the next six rounds, anger was a motivation. Valdez would not back down from a bigger man who began to mock him in the fourth and fifth rounds. Conceicao dropped his hands and danced around Valdez.

“He’s over here yelling in my face,’’ Valdez said. “We’re grown men. Don’t be yelling in my face. He might be upset. Of course, you want to be a world champion, but don’t point at me, don’t be yelling in my face. I’ve been through enough this week, man.”

Conceicao complained often and loudly about the scorecards – 115-112, 117-110 and 115-112, all for Valdez. He and his corner said they had been robbed. But Valdez’ aggression and short punches were scoring, especially from the eighth through the 12^th. 

Conceicao also appeared to tire in the later rounds of a night when the temperatures were still in the low 90s. His feet stopped moving and his hands dropped, Roy Jones-style. He was still big. But he had become a big target for Valdez, the incoming missile.

After the final bell, Conceicao waved one gloved hand above his hand as if he had won. But the capacity crowd, a sellout, booed.

The crowd knew different. It had seen the proof from from on of their own, a son of Sonora.

Lopez upsets Gabriel Flores in beat-down

It was an upset. And more.

Mexican junior-lightweight Luis Alberto Lopez (23-2, 13 KOs), a massive underdog, delivered a massive beating, pouring it on throughout ten rounds for a decision over Gabriel Flores Jr. in the final fight before the ESPN+ telecast of Oscar Valdez-Robson Conceicao.

On the scorecards, it was unanimous, 98-90 on two and a 100-90 shutout on the third. Flores (20-1, 7 KOS, of Stockton, Calif., was never in it. In the late rounds, he looked out of it, especially after taking a succession of head-rocking punches in the night round. But his father and trainer, Gabriel Flores Sr., would not end it.

“I didn’t think he was really hurt,” he said during a post-fight interview in the middle of the ring.

Really, the crowd seemed to say in a deafening chorus of boos.

Moments later, Flores Sr. said he thought his son was exhausted. He was that, too. He barely made it to his stool on shaky legs after the ninth. In the 10th and final round, a Flores cornerman climbed up onto the ring apron as if he wanted to end it. But the referee never saw his futile gesture in what was a futile fight for Flores..  

Nakatani Stops Acosta to retain Flyweight Title

It was an introduction to the United States. Turns out, it was a good one. Maybe even memorable. For sure, it was powerful.

Japanese flyweight Junto Nakatani employed his great reach and sweeping left hand, retaining his World Boxing Organization title with a stoppage of tough Puerto Rican Angel Acosta on the Oscar Valdez-Robson Conceicao undercard.

Nakatani (22-0, 17 KOs) , declared the victor just as a hot Arizona sun was setting beneath the horizon, broke Acota’s nose in the first. He targeted the injury throughout the second. The ringside physician called timeout in the second to evaluate the injury. Acosta (22-3, 21 KOs) rebounded, rocking Nakatani with a straight right counter. But blood kept pouring from the busted nose. The ringside physician took another look at Acosta in the third.

MIdway through the fourth, it was over, a TKO. declared by the referee on advice from the physician.

“I hope everybody liked it,” Nakatani said through an interpreter.

Everybody did.

Xander Zayas wins unanimous decision

It was a tough way to celebrate a birthday. But.leading middleweight prospect Xander Zayas (10-0, 7 KOs) did, absorbing some heavy right hand from Jose Luis Sanchez before winning a solid (60-53, 60-54, 60-53) decision on the Oscar Valdez-Robson Conceicao undercard.

Sanchez (11-2-1, 4 KOs), of Albuquerque, tested Zayas’ with his power, once in the third round and again in the fourth. But the Puerto Rican, now 19, battled back each time, returning fire with beautifully-placed uppercuts

Junior welterweight prospect scores second-round TKO

Lindolfo Delagado (13-0, 12 KOs), a Mexican junior-welterweight trained by  Robert Garcia,  continued to pour on the heat, overwhelming an overmatched Miguel Zamudio (45-17-1, 28 KOs), also of Mexico. Delgado rocked Zamudio early in the second, then left him defenseless and beaten moments later for a TKO at 50 seconds of the round. 

KO body punch punctuates second bout on Valdez-Conceicao card

Mexican junior-lightweight Rene Tellez Giron (16-1, 10 KOs) got a stoppage string rolling, throwing a body punch in the seventh round that could be heard on the other side of the border with Mexico in the second bout on the Va;dez-Conceicao card. Eduardo Garza (15-5-1, 8 K)s), of Mission, Texas, collapsed, finished at 44 seconds of the round.

First Bell: Valdez-Conceicao card begins with hot KO

It was 102 degrees at first bell. It was hot enough to stay inside. Maybe that’s why Mexican junior-welterweight Omar Aquilar didn’t waste much time.

Aquilar (22-0, 21 KOs),  a Mexican fighting as if he planned to get back into air-conditioning as fast as possible, knocked down Carlos Manuel Portillo late in the first round and then twice during the first minute of the second in the first bout an an ESPN+ card featuring Oscar Valdez-Robson Conceicao Friday at an outdoor amphitheater next to Casino del Sol.

Portillo (22-4, 17 KOS), of Paraquay, couldn’t take the heat — from either Aguliar or from the mid-afternoon sun in the Arizona  desert. He was finished, knocked out at 55 seconds of the second. 

Heavyweight Filip Hrgovic dominated and stopped Mark Radonjic in round three of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout in Austria.

Hrgovic dropped Radojic four-times in round two and once again in round three, and the bout was stopped.

Hrgovic of Croatia is now 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Radonjic of Montenegro is 22-1.

Dalton Smith remained undefeated with 10-round unanimous decision over Brian Pelaez in a junior welterweight bout.

Smith of England wo by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 9-0. Pelaez of Madrid, SPA is 10-6.

Abass Baraou stopped Jay Harris in the opening round of their eight-round super welterweight fight.

Baraou landed two hard rights that froze Harris and the fight was stopped at 2:43.

Baraou of Berlin, Germany is 10-1 with seven knockouts. Harris of Dusseldorf, GER is 11-3.

Former belt holder, John Ryder stopped Jozef Jurrko in a scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout

In round four, Jurko began to bleed from his nose. In round five, Ryder continued to pound away at an overmatched Jurko and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Ryder of England is now 30-5 with 17 knockouts. Jurko of Slovenia is 7-3.

John Hedges remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Frane Radnic.

Hedges won by a 60-54 score and is 3-0.

By Norm Frauenheim–

TUCSON – Oscar Valdez Jr. is about to step into the ring a little bit like a defendant about to take the witness stand in an attempt to defend himself against charges in the court of public opinion.

He’s doing it in a prizefight that many say is indefensible.

He’s doing it to defend a junior-lightweight title that many say the World Boxing Council should have stripped from him.

He’s doing it amid a furor of allegations from an angry internet crowd that accuses him of lying.

Questions his credibility.

Condemns his integrity.

He’s doing it to defend himself, more than a belt. His defense began Wednesday, a couple of days before opening bell in an ESPN+ fight Friday night at Casino del Sol against Robson Conceicao and eight days after news broke that he had tested positive for a banned stimulant.

Valdez took the stage at a news conference at a small casino just down the road from the AVA Amphitheater about 12 miles from what he calls his second home in downtown Tucson. The controversial belt hung from his right shoulder. Conceicao, an unbeaten challenger and a Brazilian who beat him as an amateur, was there too, alongside junior-lightweight contenders Gabriel Flores Jr. and Luis Alberto Lopez.

But all were there as props and bit players. Valdez was there by himself, solemn-faced and confronted with a lonely battle to defend his character.

“Yeah, it’s a fight to prove I’m a clean fighter,’’ said Valdez, who tested positive for phentermine.

Translation: It’s a fight he has to win long-term and within the ropes against Conceicao, mostly unknown but now a challenger who has gained a groundswell of support from those outraged at Valdez and the decision to go forward with his first defense of a 130-pound title he won in a stunning stoppage of feared of Miguel Berchelt. ESPN boxing commentator Timothy Bradley said he hopes that Brazilian knocks out Valdez.

“I’ve been disappointed, I’ve been angry,’’ said Valdez (29-0, 23 KOs), a two-time Mexican Olympian who returned to his native Nogales on the Mexican side of the border after a few formative years in school in Tucson. “I can’t lie. But I I’ve been very focused on not looking at anything negative out there. It has been a little difficult — I can’t lie — but this is what we have to go through. Sometimes, this is what you have tp go through to prove yourself as a person and a fighter. This is what it’s going to be.

“This is when you realize who the real people are around you, who are loyal to you and got your back. I realize that my family is number one and also my team. I have to thank everyone on my team, {including} my manager, Frank Espinoza, and my trainer, Eddy Reynoso. My father has always been there with me. Just everyone who has been around supporting me during these tough times because it has been difficult. They had my back, and we know we did nothing wrong. We’re going to be real concentrated for this fight.”

His father, Oscar Valdez Sr., has been at his son’s side and in his corner throughout his many triumphs and now his trouble. He believes his son is ready to begin his long fight to answer the allegations with a victory over Conceicao, who beat Valdez at the 2009 Pan American Game in Guadalajara. The fight against Conceicao (16-0, 8 KOs), a gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, figured to be tougher than expected even before the news of the positive test broke.

It’s impossible to really know how Valdez will react until opening bell at an outdoor arena in front of what is expected to be a sold-out crowd. But a victory has taken on a sense of urgency brought on by the controversy. Valdez wants to keep himself in the public, perhaps now more than ever. He has a lot of to prove. It’s a burden he never anticipated. And it’s a burden that his many detractors believe will crush him.

But his manager, Frank Espinoza, is confident he has moved on from the controversy and onto the task of beating both Conceicao and the internet crowd with tweets and taunts. After Conceicao, Espinoza says the task will be to prove that the positive test was not intentional.

“We have to,’’ said Espinoza, who said he has some preliminary discussion on how to proceed with Valdez attorney Pat English.

Valdez’ father continued to say that he believed his son tested positive for the stimulant because of herbal tea. He said his son quit drinking coffee and started drinking tea during training. He tested positive on August 13. He tested negative on August 30.

However, it was still unclear Wednesday what kind of tea Valdez was drinking, or where the brew and brand were acquired. This fight – and perhaps controversy – is just beginning.

Jesus Ramos remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Brian Mendoza in a junior middleweight bout at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ramos landed 141 of 53 punches; Mendoza was 53 of 336.

Ramos, 154.4 lbs of Casa Grande, AZ won by scores of 98-92 on all cards and is now 17-0. Mendoza, 154.6 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is now 19-2.

“I felt strong in there,” said Ramos (17-0, 14 KOs). “I have to go back and look at the tape and see what I did wrong, but I fought with a lot of energy. He caught me with some good punches early on, so I knew I was going to have to take my time with him.”

“I started breaking him down and I started going to the body and touching him a lot more,” said Ramos. “He was a strong dude with a good team behind him. I knew he was going to come prepared and I liked the competitiveness he brought.”

“He started to break a lot more as the fight went on,” said Ramos. “I was coming on really strong. I thought I might have been able to stop him in some of those later rounds, but he was motivated to go the distance.”

“Hopefully I’ll be able to get back in the ring once more this year and finish out strong,” said Ramos. “I’ll talk to my team and we’ll go from there.”

Castillo Decisions Burgos

Starling Castillo remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a lightweight fight.

Castillo landed 176 of 671 punches; Burgos was 146 of 490.

Castillo, 135 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 96-94, 97-93 and 98-92 and is now 16-0. Burgos, 134.8 lbs of Puebla, MEX is 34-6-2.

“We always train to go the whole distance,” said Castillo, who entered the fight with a four-bout knockout streak. “The hard work and everything we did in the gym showed up in the ring today. I was able to display my boxing ability and how I can fight well in the middle distance.”

“I’m very thankful to my whole team for this opportunity to showcase my work tonight. We gave everyone a good fight today and I showed what I can do in the future. We’re always working hard and I’m always ready to face the best. I want the opportunity sooner rather than later, but whenever it presents itself, I’ll be ready.”

Hernandez Decisions Resendiz

Marcos Hernandez won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Armando Resnediz in a middleweight fight.

In round two, Hernandez was credited with a knockdown after the fighters got tied up and Resendiz went down.

Hernandez landed 132 of 394 punches; Resendiz was 128 of 507.

Hernandez, 164 lbs of Fresno, CA won by scores of 97-92 and 96-93 twice and is now 15-4-2. Resendiz, 163.8 lbs of Nayark, MEX is 12-1.

“The key for me is that I’ve been fighting good opposition for my last 13 fights,” said Hernandez. “I’ve been fighting tough competition from the beginning. I’ve been going toe-to-toe with good prospects for a while and I beat one today. I’ve gone from prospect to veteran in a short period of time. I was definitely the biggest test that Resendiz had faced and it showed. If you fight me as your first test, it’s going to be a long night for you.”

Kyron Davis was able to eek out an eight-round unanimous decision over Martez McGregor in a super welterweight bout.

In round six, McGregor was docked two points for an intentional elbow, In round seven, he was deducted a point for hitting on the break

Those points were the difference as Davis, 170.2 lbs of Monmouth, NJ won by scores of 75-74 twice and 77-72 to riase his record to 16-2-1. McGregor, 169.3 lbs of Maywood, IL is 8-5.

Justin Cardona remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Jomar Robles in a super lightweight bout.

Cardona landed 130 of 385 punches; Robles was 51 of 239.

Cardona, 137 lbs of Salinas, CA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 6-0. Robles, 135.4 lbs of San Juan, PR is 2-2.

Travon Marshall stopped Maycon De Silva in round two of a scheduled four-round super welterweight bout.

In round two, Marshall dropped De Silva with an uppercut. The fight was s topped up De Silva getting to his feet at1:03.

Marshall, 150.8 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is 3-0 with two knockouts. Da Silva, 151.6 lbs of Sao Paul, BRA is 0-3.

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Michael Angeletti stopped Alexis Salido in round three of a scheduled four-round bout.

In round two, Angeletti dropped Salido with a left to a body. In round three, it was a right to the body that sent Salido to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:24.

Angeletti, 121.6 lbs of New Orleans is 4-0 with three knockouts. Salido, 121.2 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 2-1.

Mauricio Lara and former world champion Josh Warrington fought to a technical draw after a clash of heads opened up a cut over Lara’s left eye after two rounds at Headlingley Rugby Stadium in Leeds, England.

The fight was just starting to open up when the headbutt occurred. The fight was a rematch of a contest that saw Lara knockout Warrington in February.

Lara, 125 1/2 lbs of Mexico City is now 23-2-1. Warrington of Leeds, ENG is 30-1-1.

Taylor Decisions Han; Retains Undisputed Lightweight Title

Katie Taylor retained the undisputed Lightweight world championship with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jennifer Han.

In round eight, Taylor dropped Han with a left hook. Replays showed that it could have been a slip. Han also started to swell under her right eye in the round.

Taylor landed 93 of 340 punches; Han was 66 of 338.

Taylor, 134 3/4 lbs of Bray, IRE won by scores of 100-89 on all cards, and is now 19-0. Han, 134 1/4 lbs of El Paso, TEX is now 18-4-1-1.

Benn Decisions Granados

Conor Benn remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision in a welterweight bout.

Benn landed 152 of 460 punches; Granados was 99 of 429.

Benn, 146 1/2 lbs of Brentwood, ENG won by scores of and is now 19-0. Granados, 146 1/2 lbs of Chicago, IL is 21-9-3.

Hughes Decisions Straffon

Maxi Hughes pounded out a 12-round unanimous decision over Jovanni Straffon in a lightweight bout.

Hughes hurt Straffon on several occasions including almost having him out in round four.

Hughes, 134 1/4 lbs of Rossington, ENG won by scores of 120-107 twice and 119-109 and is now 24-5-2. Straffon, 134 1/4 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 24-4-1.

Bridges Decisions Gangloff

Ebanie Bridges won an eight-round decision over Mailys Gangloff in a bantamweight fight.

Bridges, 118 lbs of New South wales, AUS fought through a welled right eye and injured right hand but still won by a 77-76 score and is now 7-1. Gangloff, 116 lbs of Aix-les-Bains, FRA is 5-3.

Hope Price remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage of Zahid Hussain in a scheduled 10-round super bantamweight fight.

Just as the bell rang to end round one, Price landed a perfect right hook that clipped the jaw and sent Hussain on his backside. Fortunately for Hussain, he got to his feet to end the round. In round two, it was a combination that put Hussain down for a 2nd time. Price finished the fight with a barrage of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:33.

Price, 121 3/4 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 6-0 with two knockouts. Hussain, 121 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 16-2.

Jack Bateson survived a knockdown to win a six-round decision over Felix Garcia in a super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Garcia dropped Bateson with a looping right hand to the chest. Bateson was about to steady himself and win the rest of the fight.

Bateson, 124 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 58-56 score and is now 14-0. Garica, 123 lbs of Juigalpa, NIC is now 7-3-1.

Brandon Stansfield won a four-round decision over MJ Hall in a super welterweight bout.

Stansfield, 149 1/2 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Hall, 148 1/2 lbs of Brierley Hill, ENG is 2-62-2.

In round one, Hall began to bleed from his nose.

Mali Wright made a successful pro debut with a stoppage of Antony Woolery after round two of their scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.

Wright, 180 bs of Chapeltown, England is 1-0 with one knockout. Woolery, 181 3/4 lbs of Wolverhampton, England is 2-7.

Jake Paul remained undefeated with an eight-round sPLIT decision over former UFC Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in front of over 16,000 fans at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.

Paul landed 71 of 207 punches; Woodley was 52 of 163.

Paul, 190 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75, while won a card 77-75.

Paul is now 4-0. Woodley, 189 1/2 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 0-1.

For Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley photos (more to come), scorecard and punch stats using this link HERE

Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

JAKE PAUL

“I don’t know what to say. He was a tough opponent and he’s been fighting for so many years and I’m still new to this. My legs felt weird, I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me. All respect to Tyron though. He’s a Hall of Famer and put up a good fight. I have nothing but respect for him. There’s no hard feelings. This feels amazing to do this for my city and it’s a dream come true

“He hit me with one shot the whole fight, and it was a good shot. It was one real good shot. I don’t know what that one judge saw. But l still got the victory. For me to come here and go eight rounds in my fourth fight, who does that? I’m doing things that have never been done. 

“We’ll see who’s next. I’ve been fighting for 18 months now. I haven’t got my hair cut in two years. I haven’t stopped for a second. I’m just going to figure out what’s next.”

TYRON WOODLEY

“I feel like I won the fight. Jake is a great opponent. I didn’t expect him to eat my punches like that. But the fact that one judge only gave me two rounds is insane. Forget that Tommy Fury fight. Let’s run that back.

“Nobody is going to sell the PPV like we did. The ropes held him up when I hit him. I could have had that knockdown. I walked him down and landed back time and time again. I landed power punches, he missed shots all night.”

Serrano Decisions Mercado; Retains Featherweight titles

Amanda Serrano retained her WBC/WBO Featherweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over 122-lb world champion Yamileth Mercado.

In round nine, Mercado had a mouse for med under her left eye. Later in the round

Serrano landed 160 of 577 punches; Mercadro was 95 of 302.

Serrano, 124 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 41-1-1. Mercado, 124 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is 18-3.

AMANDA SERRANO

“I had a tough Mexican in front of me tonight. She’s a champion in her own weight class, but I hope I made everyone proud and happy and that SHOWTIME will have me back again. I’m hoping that I made some of these people here fans of women’s boxing and that I made the sport proud. 

“I don’t want to say that I’m No. 1 pound-for-pound, because there are great female fighters like Claressa Shields. As long as I’m at the top with fighters like her, then I’m good. 

“I want that fight with Katie Taylor in the future. First I want to fight the other featherweight champions and become undisputed in my weight class. Then we’ll have two undisputed champions against each other when Katie and I fight.” 

DuBois Blows Out Cusumano inside of 1

Daniel Dubois made a statement in his American debut as he stopped Juiseppe Cusumano inside of the 1st round of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

DuBois dropped Cusumano three times. The first was set up by a left hook that was followed by a right hand to the side of the head that sent Cusumano to the canvas. The 2nd knockdown cam from a combination on the inside. DuBois finished off the fight as DuBois laded a right to the jaw that was followed by a right to the head that folded Cusumano to the canvas at 2:10

DuBois, 238 lbs of London is 17-1 with 16 knockouts. Cusumano, 235 1/2 lbs of Danville, VA is 17-4.

DANIEL DUBOIS:

“You don’t get paid for overtime. I had a great performance and had the best training camp ever.

“I want to fight for a world title. I want to fight the best. It’s going to come soon. Whoever’s next. I want to fight for a world title.

“It was a great week. Amazing atmosphere. Good crowd and energy. I loved it.

Love Stops Baranchyk After 7

Montana Love scored the biggest win of his career and remained undefeated by stopping former world champion Ivan Baranchyk after round seven of their scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout.

At the end of round seven, Love landed a perfect counter left that sent Baranchyk down to the canvas. Branahcyk, who never seemed to get on track had the plug pulled on the fight after the 7th frame.

Love, 141 lbs of Cleveland, OH is now 16-0-1 with eight knockouts. Baranchyk, 140 1/4 lbs of Miami, FL is 20-3.

MONTANA LOVE

“I want to say thank you to everyone who came out tonight. Hopefully I gained some fans. It’s an amazing feeling. It’s very emotional to have this moment in my hometown.

“This is a dream come true. I’m in training everyday thinking about and visualizing this moment. I want to thank Ivan for giving me this opportunity and helping us give the fans a great show.

“We’d been working on that uppercut the whole time during training. The game plan was to move and box him and make him miss. We knew that eventually he was going to open up.

“Strap me up. We’ve been working hard and now it’s my time. I want Josh Taylor and Gervonta Davis. Line them up and we can make it happen, as soon as possible.”

Fury Decisions Taylor

Tommy Fury remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Anthony Taylor in a crruiserweight bout.

Fury landed 73 of 179 punches; Taylor was 29 of 113.

Fury, 179 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores of 40-36 and is now 7-0. Taylor, 175 lbs of Alemeda, CA is 0-2.

TOMMY FURY

“I thought I had a good performance. You can’t forget that I only had 10 amatuer fights and my dad wasn’t here with me tonight. I had a great time fighting in front of all these lovely people. 

“Jake Paul should have an easy night against me right? He has no excuse to not take the fight. Let’s get it on Jake Paul. I’ve done my part, now you do your part Jake, and we’ll get it on. 

“I’m a novice in this game and I know that I have to work on everything. I’m nowhere near a finished product. I’m learning every single day and I’m just thankful to be here healthy and talking to you. 

“I was nervous, but at the end of the day, we get in the ring and we fight. Day by day, second by second, I’m getting better and I’m learning. We’re going to get there slowly, but we’re going to get there surely.”

ANTHONY TAYLOR

“I felt like I stole rounds three and four. It could have gone either way. I controlled the middle of the ring and I backed him up. I of course feel like there was some bias because everyone wants to see Fury fight Jake Paul. 

“I was more active and threw more body shots. I’m happy with my performance, now it’s up to the powers that be if they want me back. I appreciated this opportunity that I got. 

“Everyone said he was going to knock me out in the first round, but obviously I gave him trouble. I’m not happy that the scores were unanimous.” 

Cesar Juarez won a 10-round unanimous over Dennis Contreras in a featherweight bout at the Whitesands Events Center in Plant City, Florida

Juarez, 126 lbs won by scores of 96-94 twice, and 97-93 to raise his mark to 27-10. Contreras, 126 lbs is now 24-11-1.

Bryan Polaco remained undefeated by stopping Justin Gunter in a six-round junior middleweight bout.

In round five, Polaco dropped Gunter with a straight left, and the fight was stopped upon Gunter getting to his feet.

Polaco, 152 lbs is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Gunter, 151 lbs is 2-2.

Jose Samartin won a 10-round unanimous decision over David Carmona in a super bantamweight bout at Foro Viena in Mexico City.

Samartin scored knockdowns in rounds three and five.

Samartin is 32-5-1. Carmona is 22-9-5.

Diego Carmona defeated Edgar Ortega by disqualification in round three of their scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round three, Ortega hit Carmina with a vicious right behind the head, and Carmona was not abke to continue.

Carmona is now 11-1. Ortega is 20-15.

Axl Rai Miranda stopped Alexis Dejesus Gonzalez in the opening round of their lightweight bout.

Miranda dropped Gonzalez twice with right hands and the fight was stopped.

Miranda is 2-0-1 with two knockouts. Gonzalez is 1-2,

John Lennon Gutierrez stopped Brandon Ortega in round three of their scheduled four-round lightweight bout.

Gutierrez is now 2-0. Ortega was making his pro debut.

Boxing Promoter/ Undefeated Cruiserweight Blake “Bad” Davis hosted “Only The Strong Survive” last night, August 21st at the Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in Hallandale, Florida. Five fights were featured, as two of the expected bouts were cancelled last minute due to Covid-19 and an unfortunate car accident. This was the promotions second event at Gulfstream Park, in a venue that is second to none in the South Florida region.

In the opening bout, light heavyweight Geremiah Coller (2-0) took on Phillip Hannah (0-7), stopping him at 2:28 of the third round. Coller controlled the action for most of the fight, scoring with short hooks and uppercuts. Coller was a game opponent, but was taking too much damage to be allowed to continue.

Next up was Lameck Coller, also 2-0 and fighting in the light heavyweight division, against Kendly St. Louis, making his pro debut. St. Louis is a familiar face to South Florida MMA fans, having fought for both XFN as an amateur, and more recently, Titan FC as a professional. MMA fans who may have seen Kendly’s recent performance at Titan FC 70 know one thing-this man can punch. This pro boxing debut was an exciting fight, with both men landing and keeping a good pace throughout. In the end, it was Kendly who emerged victorious with a unanimous decision, all judges scoring the fight 38-37.

Bout three featured the pro debut of crowd favorite Jordan “Jiggy” Murphy from Deerfield Beach, FL, against Steve “The Surgeon” Merrill (0-2) of Iowa. Murphy showed good skill for a pro debut, with impressive defense, his head movement and footwork kept him well out of the way of Merrill’s punches. Offensively, it was Jordan that who should have been called the surgeon, as several of his combinations landed square on the nose of his opponent. The match ended with Merrill on very wobbly legs, prompting the stoppage and Murphy scoring a TKO in round 2.

BAD Promotions welterweight favorite Pete “Pistol” Dobson (12-0) made his third appearance for the promotion, this time taking on Andres Viera (10-3) of Uruguay. In the opening two rounds there was a lot of feeling out by the competitors until Dobson decided to step on the gas. Viera fought hard but was simply outboxed by the undefeated Dobson and the fight was stopped in round five.

In the main event, Blake “Bad” Davis (7-0, 4KOs) took on Tyler Vogel (3-4, 2 KOs) of Fargo North Dakota. Vogel has competed in kickboxing and bareknuckle boxing, most noted for his brawl with Jake Bostwick in BKFC in November of 2020. This was a violent and epic clash that led to a first-ever “overtime” round, that ended with Vogel losing the judge’s decision. Tonight, Vogel did not seem to be able to have any answer to Blake’s offense, and was knocked out by a hard right hook in the sixth round. Bad Blak Davis advanced his record to 8-0, with 5 KOs.

LAS VEGAS – Father Time came knocking Saturday night. He looked a lot like Yordenis Ugas.

Manny Pacquaio couldn’t stop him.

Pacquiao, still a timeless legend, finally ran into that inevitable moment. The clock said it’s time to move on, time to do something else. Maybe a campaign for the Filipino presidency will be his next fight. Maybe he can go on to be a 43-year-old President. Then, he would be a young man all over again. But at 42, he’s old and finished as a fighter.

There are no more opening bells left on his calendar. Just another birthday in December. Pacquiao would not say what he plans to do next. But he didn’t have to.

Ugas punches told him again and again throughout 12 rounds.  Nearly every round included signs that Pacquiao’s days as a fighter are over. Ugas scored a unanimous decision, 115-113 on one card and 116-112 on two.

Ugas’ power moved Pacquiao backwards and sideways. At times, he looked awkward in trying to stay away from the Cuban, who was a late stand-in for the younger, stronger Errol Spence Jr. Mostly, the Filipino Senator looked stationary, a target for Ugas, a welterweight who is a step or down the welterweight ladder from Spence and Terence Crawford.

“My legs were tired,’’ Pacquiao (62-8-2, 31 KOs) said after his first fight in 25 months. “I just couldn’t move.’’   

It didn’t take long to see that Pacquiao has only moved into middle age.

“Manny, Manny, Manny.” The chants were from a crowd that remembered a younger man. They started long before opening bell. They echoed through the jammed T-Mobile Arena, loud enough to be heard on the Vegas’ strip and maybe on the streets of Manila.

In the first round, Pacquaio predictably pursued early, backing up the bigger, broad-shouldered Ugas. There was some immediate uncertainty evident in Ugas body language. Pacquiao’s foot speed and punching angles have bewildered just about everyone he has faced for more than two decades. Initially, it looked as if Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) would be just another confused face. Pacquiao has seen a lot of them. Beaten most of them.

Near the end of those first three minutes, however, Ugas landed a big body shot. For a split second, it was almost like flipping as switch. Pacquiao froze. Those feet, ever fleet for so long, suddenly quit moving. Ugas a sent message, to both Pacquiao and himself. Pacquiao knew Ugas had the power to hurt him. Suddenly, Ugas was emboldened, knowing his size and strength were enough to offset Pacquiao’s diminished skillset.

For the rest of the bout, Pacquiao seemed to fight in desperate spurts. He’d rock Ugas, but never really hurt him. Ugas would respond, always countering with a big jab or an overhand right. Increasingly, the Cuban knew it was his fight. He’d smile at Pacquiao as if to say the fight and the 147-pound belt belonged to him.

“Most of all, I want to thank Manny Pacquiao,’’ Ugas said through a translator. “I want to thank him for what he has given me.’’

A gift from Father Time.

Guerrero scores dull decision over Victor Ortiz

It was a fight between ex-champions. Victor Ortiz-versus-Robert Guerrero might have worked Triller. But on a traditional boxing card featuring Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas, it just didn’t work.

There were boos throughout the 10 rounds.

There were cheers, but only in the end

Guerrero (37-6-1, 20 KOs) won, scoring a unanimous decision over Ortiz (32-7-3, 25 KOs) at T-Mobile Arena. In what looked to be a capacity crowd waiting for Pacquiao-Ugas, it was also unanimous, unanimously happy that it was finally over.

Mark Magsayo scores 10th-round KO

Call it a double down, two right hands that put Atizapan de Zaragosa onto the canvas and kept him there for a couple of scary moments in a devastating 10th-round knockout in a World Boxing Council featherweight eliminator Saturday on the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas card at T-Mobile.

Magsayo (23-0, 16 KOs), a Filipino who had Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach in his corner, ended any chance of an upset on the cards. Zaragosa (32-5-1, 28 KOs), of Mexico, surprised Magsayo, knocking him down in the fifth. In the end, however, Magsayo’s power said it once. Said it again. Said it all.  

Carlos Castro delivers dramatic KO of Escandon

In the first round, he survived. In the middle rounds, he had to be stubborn. Then, he had to be resilient. Then, he was sensational.

Phoenix featherweight Carlos Castro (27-0, 12 KOs)did it all Saturday night in his first pay-per-view appearance on the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas undercard at T-Mobile Arena.. First, he endured a bug punch. Then, he recovered.

Then, he won by knockout with a whirlwind of punches that left former contender Oscar Escandon exhausted, dazed and beaten.

At 1:08 of the 10th, it was official: Castro  was the KO winner and a proven contender at 126 pounds. 

Escandon (26-6, 18 KOs) rocked Castro in the closing seconds of the opening round. Then, it looked as if Castro was in for a long night. But he regained his footing and his wits. Then in a wild seventh, he gained momentum and kept it with a long jab and slick skillset. Escandon looked confused. He lunged and missed with a punch that sent him crashing onto the canvas like a kid doing a belly flop.

In the final round, Castro pursued and delivered a whirlwind-like finish with a beautiful succession of punches for a defining victory, the biggest thus far in his emerging career. 

-Mexican featherweight Angel Contreras (11-4-2, 6 KOs) upset any chance that John Dato (14-1-1, 9 KOs) might warm up the ring for fellow Filipino Manny Pacquiao in the final fight before the pay-per-view telecast for the Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas card. Contrerras beat Dato, handing him his first loss and flooring the Filipino in the third-round of an eight-round  unanimous decision.  

California lightweight Mikel Clements (1-0) leaped into his pro debut on a major card, lunging to land punches through four head-rocking rounds for a unanimous decision over Eliseo Villalobos (1-2) of Simi Valley, CA.

The Pacquiao-Ugas undercard resumed after a long break following the tripleheader beginning like a guy waking up from a nap. It was a yawner. Super-middleweights Burley Brooks (6-2-1, 5 KOs) of Dallas and Cameron Rivera (9-6-4 of Fife, WA fought to a dull draw. Neither could gain an edge or even momentum in the six-rounder. 

The Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas card started with a triple-header, an afternoon matinee, before the fans were allowed into T-Mobile Arena Saturday.

Behind closed doors and in front of empty seats, Mexican lightweight Jose Valenzuela (9-0, 6 KOs), drawing first blood in a one-sided assault for a fourth-round TKO of Donte Strayhorn (12-4, 4 KOs) of Cinicinnati.

In the second bout, power-forward-sized heavyweight prospect Steve Torres (5-0, 5 KOs) of Reading, PA, landed early and often, scoring a first-round TKO of Justin Rolfe (6-3-1, 4 KOs) of Fairfield, ME.

In the third bout, Detroit lightweight Frank Martin (14-0, 10 KOs) outscored, outpunched and overwhelmed Ryan Kielczweski (30-6, 11 KOs) enroute to a unanimous decision over the fighter from Quincy, MA.  

John Riel Casimero retained the WBO Bantamweight Title with a 12-round split decision over Guillermo Rigondeaux in a fight void of action at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Casimero tried to make the fight, but Rigondeaux just backpaddled for most of the fight and less than 90 punches were landed between the two fighters.

Rigondeaux landed 44 of 221 punches; Casimero was 47 of 297.

Casimero, 118 lbs of the Philippines won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 while Rigondeaux took a card 115-113.

Casimero is 31-4. Rigondeaux, 117.4 lbs of Cubs is 20-2.

JOHN RIEL CASIMERO

“I’m excited to get the win. Rigondeaux is a good boxer and two-time Olympic gold medalist. I was worried, because he said he wouldn’t run, but he ran the whole time. I thought I got the knockdown in the first round too.

“My expectations were for a knockout. Me and all my fans wanted that. I did my best to knock him out, but he was just running and not fighting.

“I had a three-fight plan. First was Rigondeaux, and I beat him. Next is Nonito Donaire and then finally Naoya Inoue.”

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“Nobody wants to fight with me because I frustrate them in the ring. I landed the punches that I needed to in order to win the fight tonight. This is how I win. 

“I have these God-given skills and this is the way I display them. I’m a unique fighter. It’s my style and it’s the only one I know. 

“You can see I’m still better than anyone else in the light weight classes and I’m going to keep fighting.”

Russell and Rodriguez ends in a no-contest

Gary Antonio Russell and Emmanuel Rodriguez ended in a no-contest after a headbutt opened up a bad cut on Rodriguez.

GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL

“It happens. I was looking to establish my jab and I tried to set up a hook, and he came in at the same time. It’s very disappointing. 

“I was actually in camp for about four months. I prepared great for this fight. I was really looking to broadcast my talents and show everyone what’s in my arsenal. Unfortunately the headbutt happened. 

“Of course I would like to come right back. If he can do it, I want to get right back in there with Rodriguez.”

EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ

“I feel okay. I’m a little frustrated after putting in all this work for the fight to end so quickly with nothing happening. 

“With the headbutt, maybe if there was no blood, we would have been able to continue. But once I saw all the blood, I knew it was over. 

“I don’t want to lose the condition that I’m in. I prepared really hard for this fight. As soon as the injury is fixed, I’ll be back in the ring and I’d like to fight Russell again.”

Warren Takes out Vazquez in 2

Former world champion Rau’She Warren took out Damien Vazquez in round two of their 10-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Warren dropped Vazquez with a right hook. Vazquez was not up for long as seconds later, he was sent to the deck for a second time from another right hook. In round two, Warren dropped Vazquez again with a perfect straight right to the jaw and the fight was stopped at 2:18

Warren, 117.4 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 21-3 with five knockouts. Vazquez, 117.2 lbs of Las Vegas is 16-3.

Rau’shee Warren

“I was trying to show them something different this time around. I have always had the power but this training camp was very different. I was sitting on my punches and working on something different. It worked in the ring.

“I always knew I had that power and I always knew I had that speed. It’s just about taking your time in the ring and letting them come. When I saw the opportunity, I went for it.

“Next fight is a title fight. I am the number one contender for the WBA. I want to thank Al Haymon for putting me in this position. I want to thank my team for pushing me. They know what kind of fighter I am. I guess these next few years, I am going to be champion. Next fight I am grabbing that title. Maybe I will fight the winner of the main event tonight (Rigondeaux vs. Casimero).”

“I proved tonight that I’m ready for a big fight. Now it’s back home and back to the gym and back to the drawing board.

“My corner told me to slow down in the second round and just let it come. I was just trying to let him get comfortable and as soon as I did that I caught him with the left hand.”

In a non-televised bout, Brandun Lee from La Quinta, Calif., improved to 23-0 with 21 KOs in his California debut as he knocked out Ezequiel Fernandez (28-5-1, 3 KOs) three times in the opening round. “Of course it was good, but could have been better,” said Lee whose fight was called off at 1:40 of the first round. “There’s always room to improve but at the end of the day we got the job done. I’ve been putting dudes to sleep so you’re right, it’s only right for me to step up the competition and go to world-class SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.”

Joshua Franco retained the WBA Super Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Andrew Moloney in their trilogy fight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Franco landed 168 of 772 punches; Moloney was 107 of 730.

Franco of San Antonio, Texas won by scores of 116-112 on all cards and is now 18-1-2. Moloney of Melbourne, Australia is 21-2.

Franco said, “I had to switch it up on him. He thought I was going to put pressure on him the whole time. That wasn’t working, so I had to switch it up and go to my boxing skills. 

“I had fun with my rhythm, with my jab, my feet. I’m comfortable in there, and that’s what I did.

“We just told each other, all that talking is part of the game, part of building the fight up. He’ll be world champion again. He’s a strong fighter. Nothing but respect to him. I wish him the best in his career.”

Moloney said, “I’ll have to use this as motivation to come back stronger. It’s going to be a long road back.” 

Muhammad Ali’s Grandson; Nico Ali Walsh scores 1st round KO in Debut

The Grandson of Muhammad Ali, Nico Ali Walsh made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Jordan Weeks in a scheduled four round middleweight bout.

Walsh dropped Weeks with a nice counter right hand. Walsh finished off Weeks with a flurry of punches, and the bout was stopped.

Walsh of Las Vegas is 1-0 with one knockout. Weeks of Lexington, SC is 4-2.

Ali Walsh said, “This lived up completely to my expectations. It’s been an emotional journey this whole ride these last couple of months.
 
“Obviously, my grandfather, I’m thinking about him so much. I miss him. It’s just an emotional journey, and thank you to Jordan Weeks and his people. Tough, tough kid. I think me and him made a little bit of history tonight.
 
“Honestly, it seems like a lot of pressure, but to me, it’s just my grandfather. To everyone else, to you guys and the crowd, he’s the greatest fighter who ever lived, maybe the greatest person. But to me, he’s the greatest grandfather.
 
“To hear those Ali chants was something that I’ll never forget. I didn’t expect that, to be honest, but it was special.”

Barboza Decisions Moran

Arnold Barboza Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Antonio Moran in a junior welterweight bout.

Barboza landed 278 of 702 punches; Moran was 82 of 823.

Barboza of South El Monte, California won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 to go to 26-0. Moran of Mexico City is 26-5-1.

Barboza said, “Moran is a true Mexican warrior. I thought I’d get the knockout, but he ate a lot of punches. My goal is to get that world title shot, but I am going to keep going until I make that a reality. I want any of the big names at 140 pounds.”

Jason Moloney won a 10-round unanimous decision over Joshua Greer in a bantamweight bout.

Moloney of Melbourne, AUS won by scores of 98-92 twice and 96-94 and is now 22-2. Greer of Chicago, IL is 22-3-2.

Trey Lippe-Morrison went the distance for the first time in his career, but remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Don Haynesworth in a heavyweight bout.

Morrison of Tulsa, Oklahoma won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 18-0. Haynesworth is 16-7-1.

Karlos Balderas stopped Fidel Cervantes in round two of a scheduled six-round junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Balderas landed a booming left hook that he followed up with three vicious shots that sent Cervantes to the deck. The assault continued in round two as Balderas continues to land blistering combinations that forced the stoppage at 2:03

Balderas, 131.6 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is now 10-1 with nine knockouts. Cervantes, 131.6 lbs of Kansas City, KS is 9-2-1.

Balderas said, “I’m back and better than ever. Even with this victory, I have things to work on. I’m going straight back to the gym to get ready for the next one. Thanks to Top Rank for the opportunity and my manager, Sam Katkovski, for making this happen. I’m only getting started.”

Andres Cortes knocked out former world title challenger Genesis Servania in the opening round of their lightweight bout.

In the opening frame, Cortes landed a perfect right that hurt Servania. Cortes followed with a perfect left hook that sent Servania to the deck and the fight was stopped at 3:00.

Cortes, 133 lbs of Las Vegas is 15-0 with eight knockouts. Servania, 132.8 lbs of the Philippines is 34-3.

World-Ranked Albert Bell remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Julio Cortez in a lightweight bout.

In round four, the right eye of Cortez began to close.

Bell, 132.8 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 80-72 on all cards, and is now 19-0. Cirtez, 132.4 lbs of Ecuador is 15-3.

Bell said, “I knew he was a tough, aggressive fighter who was going to come forward all night. I’m happy with my performance, and I look forward to fighting my way to a title shot.” 

Abraham Nova remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Richard Pumicpic in a featherweight bout.

Nova, 127.2 lbs of Albany, NY won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 is now 20-0. Pumicpic, 127.1 lbs of Manila, PHL is 22-12-2.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. fough through adversity, but showed he is a legitimate contender to comeback and stop former world title challenger in round eight of their scheduled 12-round welterweight bout at the Star in Frisco, Texas.

In round two, Kavaiauskas hurt Ortz with a right hand, and set off a fiery exchange that looked like it sent Ortiz to the canvas but it was ruled a slip. In round three, Kavaliauskas hurt Ortiz again with a right hand, but this time Ortiz came off the ropes and fired off a left hook that sent Kavaliauskas to the canvas.

In round eight, Ortiz dropped Kavaliauskas three times. The first was a left hook to the body. The next two were from hard left hooks to the head and the fight was stopped at

Ortiz, 147 lbs of Grand Prairie, TX is 18-0 with 18 knockouts. Kavaliauskas, 146.1 lbs of Lithuania is 22-2-1.

Ortiz said, “I feel good. The fight started off slow in my opinion and I just had to adjust. After the second round, I had to adjust and try to find a way to wear him down. I started using my jab more and fought more intelligently. After the third round, I felt more confident because I knew that I could control the fight moving forward. But he is a tough guy, a very strong fighter, and I respect that he came to fight.” 

“I came here to fight, I was sure I would stop him. I prepared myself so hard to be ready for this fight. I was 100% in shape, I was fast, I was strong. But you know, it is what it is, today he was stronger, he is a tremendous fighter. He has good power and good speed, good jab, good technique, he is a good fighter. I was thinking that I was going to end the fight in the second round, but he survived. He is a warrior,” said Kavaliauskas. 

Gutierrez Decisions Alvarado; Retains 130 lb Title

Roger Gutierrez defended the WBA Super Featherweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision from the man he won the belt from Rene Alvarado in their trilogy bout.

Gutierrez, 130 lbs of Venezuela won by scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113 and is now 26-3-1. Alvarado, 129.2 lbs is 32-10.

“I hurt my right hand, it was very inconvenient because I feel like I could have ended the fight earlier. But I want to thank god we were victorious and that is the most important thing. I know Rene is a warrior, but we had a good fight today and we are happy to take on the next challenge, and perhaps fight Leo Santa Cruz,” said Gutierrez. 

Alvarado stated, “I feel like I dominated the majority of the fight. I do not feel like the decision was fair. In the last round, I did get the cut on my left eye and I couldn’t see, but I know that I closed those two rounds.”

Alvarado Destroys Vazquez in 1

Light-Flyweight world champion Felix Alvarado destroyed late-replacement Israel Vazquez in the opening round of their scheduled 10-round non-title bout.

Alvarado landed a hard counter right that sent Vazquez down and out at 2:50.

Alvarado, 107.6 lbs of Managua, NIC is 37-2 with 32 knockouts. Vazquez, 107.6 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 10-5-2.

“I did feel a little unstable with the change of opponents and of course I would love to fight Eric Lopez, but unfortunately that didn’t happen due to the visa issues. Fortunately, we had a good training camp and we were prepared for Israel. Luckily the fight ended early enough where he wasn’t injured and I wasn’t injured,” said Alvarado. 

Rincon Decisions Buzolin

George Rincon remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Nikolai Buzolin in a welterweight bout.

Rincon, 142.2 lbs of Dallas, TX won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 12-0. Buzolin, 143 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 8-4-1.

“He was a shorter fighter with a very awkward style and I had to be careful with those looping hands. There were a few things that I wish that I could have made more clear during the fight, but his style didn’t really help. Just happy that I was able to be here, fight in my hometown, in front of my friends and family. Glad we got the win and I plan to go back to the gym and keep getting better,” said Rincon.

Alex Martin won a 10-round unanimous decision over Josec Ruiz in a super welterweight bout.

Martin, 137 lbs of Chicago is 17-3. Ruiz, 135.4 lbs of Miami, FL is 23-5-3.

Martin said, “I knew that I hurt him with that body shot in the last round and he started to fold over. I still could have followed up with more body shots, but I am happy I got the win. I am ready to come back. I am motivated and just thankful to God for the opportunity.”

Alex Rincon remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Sanny Duversonne in a middleweight contest.

Rincon, 153.4 lbs of Dallas, TX win by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 9-0. Duversonne, 154.8 lbs of Avon Park, FL is 11-4-2.

“He was a tough warrior, you have to respect him. I knew he was going to be a durable fighter. I also knew that I needed to use my jab to counter his jab and set up the shot. But I feel good, I think it was about time I got some war wounds so people can believe I am a fighter,” said Rincon. 

Joshua Buatsi stopped Ricards Bolotniks in round 11 of a scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout at the Matchroom HQ in Essex, England

In round six, Buatsi dropped Bolotniks with a vicious left hook.

In round eight, Buatsi was deducted a point for a low blow. In round 11, Buatsi landed a booming right that sent Bolotniks to the deck and the fight was stopped at 2:08.

Buatsi, 174 3/4 lbs of Croydon, ENG is 15-0 with 13 knockouts. Bolotniks, 174 1/2 lbs of Riga, LAT is 18-6-1.

“Most importantly I have to thank God for the victory, different fighters have different things that work for them, I made it clear to you lot that that’s what works for me,” Buatsi told DAZN. “In my changing room I don’t need to hear anything, don’t tell me what I did in camp, tell me Josh is written in the bible. That’s what gears me up when I walk down there, what’s written in the bible.
 
“I’m grateful man, Bolotniks big credit to him he pushed me. I think he said Josh hasn’t been past seven rounds before so after seven we’ll see. I was there until 11 and landed a good shot. I worked every round, but I want to congratulate him – he’s a good champion.
 
“When I sat down, I said, ‘Buatsi who told you to empty the tank, you’ve got six left?’ but I’ve worked hard. You see in camp the sparring is hard man, big credit to my sparring partners they know who they are. I do a hard six run then a fresh one gets in so into the second half I said I’ve been here: I’ve done it before I’ve been here many times in camp.
 
“I’ve got a great team, I’ve got a promoter that believes in me, he’s been pushing for fights like this because he knows I can do it. Tonight, I went out there and showed people I can do it, we just build from here.
 
“We all make sacrifices, I don’t want to single myself out, everyone sacrifices to be where they want to be in life. For me, yeah, I sacrificed, I’m always away from my family and I truly miss them but most importantly I want to get to the top. I feel like I’m in the right team with the right people, I’ve got a great promoter who gives me the opportunities I need. I’ll keep sacrificing.”

Cordina Destroys Hernandez in 1st

Joe Cordina needed just 53 seconds to dispose of Joshua Hernandez in a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

Cordina landed a blistering 1-2 that sent Hernandez down for the 10-count.

Cordina, 134 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 13-0 with eight knockouts. Hernandez, 132 3/4 lbs of Chicago, IL is 10-4.

“Chris Colbert went eight rounds with Hernandez and what I watched of it, it was quite a tough fight for him,” Cordina told Matchroom. “I watched that fight and a couple others of Hernadez and me and Tony came up with a game plan. We were going through in the changing rooms, and it came off a peach.
 
“I had to prove a point, I said in an interview earlier in the week that I don’t take criticism from people I wouldn’t go to for advice. I don’t really value many people’s opinions so yeah, it’s one of those things, you’re going to get people criticizing and it’s whether you take it onboard or not. A lot of people didn’t take into consideration that I’d been out the ring for 16 months, had an operation of my hand, we proved the point tonight and got him out of there early on.
 
“I always look to just get the win, box, if the knockout is there, I’ll take it. As soon as he threw his first jab, I knew he wasn’t going to catch me with that, my sharpness of feet and head movement would get me out of trouble. I started putting my lead hand downstairs and whipping the right hand over the top and I caught him the first time, I knew he was a little bit wobbly. I didn’t want to rush in and try and get him out of there straight away, I knew if I could catch him twice with it there’s going to be a third time and I did exactly that. We got him out of there in great fashion.
 
“I was watching Fight Camp last year and there was no crowd, but even when there wasn’t a crowd it felt like there was a massive atmosphere. When I saw the first Fight Camp week at home, I thought, ‘oh my god I’m fighting there in two weeks, it’s going to be amazing’. I’m glad that I’m able to tick it of my list now. 
 
“Eddie watched me in York Hall in 2009 and said, ‘you’re going to be a World Champion’. It’s nice to hear that but I’ve got to keep improving, keep pushing on and proving him right. I know I’ve got the ability to be a World Champion very soon, but I’ve just got to keep winning. I’ve got the ability to mix it with any of them, it’s just about taking those steps up the ladder to become a World Champion and that’s what I plan on doing. Maybe have two weeks at home, go back to the gym and see what I want to do with Tony.
 
“I know people say it but if you speak to my S&C coach and Tony this was probably one of the best camps I’ve ever had. That’s with the boxing, plus my S&C, everything just came together. Don’t get me wrong I had to be at home for my new-born son but everything’s coming together now. I’m glad I got the win tonight in great fashion and now it’s time to build on it.” 

World-Rated welterweight Michael McKinson remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Przemyslaw Runowki.

McKinson, 146 1/2 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 21-0. Runowski, 146 1/4 lbs of Shupsk, POL is 19-2.

“I’m happy, that was easier than I thought it would be, I didn’t really get out of first gear,” McKinson told Matchroom. “I visibly hurt him a few times, but I boxed to instructions and got the win. To be fair I didn’t think he won a round against me, but he was a tough guy. Him and his team were very confident beforehand, I liked the energy they brought all week, but I just had to show I was a level above, and I was a few levels above – I’m happy.

“They keep giving me harder opposition, they keep telling me it’s a step up and I’m making it look easier and easier. What people forget is I’m learning every day on the job as well; I’m developing and who knows where I can be in a year or twos time. I’m in a position where a lot of boxers dream of being in, all I can do it stay focused, keep learning and keep working my way to the top.

“First time on the A side you know, not many people can say they’ve boxed in Gibraltar and not many people can say they’ve boxed in Eddie’s back garden and done both this year. I can’t moan or complain, I’m really happy and blessed.

“2021 and my career has just started, 21-0 and making it look easy. I really want to keep stepping up, keep challenging myself, keep having more and more tests. I’m still learning but I’m learning quick and finding it easy now. I want opponents that will make me step through the gears, a few times I hurt him there like I can punch, I don’t need to, I boxed to instructions. I didn’t really get out of first gear.

“I believe I’m the best 147 pounder in the country. I like Conor, I get on well with him, but if he can’t get them two guys the Brooks or the Khans, I’m always here. I’ll fight whoever they give me, I’ve never turned down a fight and that’s a fact – I don’t plan on turning down fights. I really do believe in myself, and I believe in my development as well. I’m going to be going to the top I promise you.

“I’m really happy for Liam Taylor because he never really gets a fair ranking and he’s a good fighter so I’m happy he’s got that opportunity. I’m not far behind, I’d like the winner, but I’ll fight whoever makes sense and whoever my management team want to get me next – the answer is always yes. That guy there I just beat took Josh Taylor to points on short notice, he had a full camp against me, his team were so confident talking to me in the hotel.

“Like I said, I make their confidence fade round by round, they don’t call me ‘The Problem’ for no reason. I will carry on being a problem as I step through the levels as the opposition gets better, trust me.

“Josh Kelly has got a lot of ability, he’s a skilful fighter, I like Josh – even after the Avanesyan defeat I still think he’s a top fighter. Florian Marku talks a lot doesn’t he, he didn’t know who I was a few months ago on social media on an interview, he said he didn’t know who I was. At least they’re talking about me now, let him prove himself because I don’t think he’s proved himself at a decent level yet, not saying he’s not a good fighter, but he does need to prove himself as a fighter to be respected. Good luck to all of them, I wish nothing but the best for all my rivals, you know I’m here and I’ll fight anybody.

“Even when we go back to proper arenas and stuff, wait till we get hundreds and hundreds of Portsmouth fans loud and proud. I’ve got great support and it’s always growing; I know there’s a lot of people that didn’t come today but when they’re allowed everyone will see the Portsmouth fans.”

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Hopey Price won a six-round decision over Claudio Grande.

In the closing seconds of the fight, Price dropped Grande with a straight left.

Price, 123 1/4 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 58-55 score and is now 5-0. Grande, 121 1/2 lbs of Massa, ITA is now 5-1.

“It was a good performance, considering I had six months outside the ring, which for a young prospect like me isn’t ideal,” Price told Matchroom. “You can spar as much as you want but it’s not the same feeling as when you’re under the lights. Now looking forward, I’ve got Leeds in three weeks, that’s put me in very good stead – you’ll see the best of me in three weeks’ time.

“I remember Dave [Coldwell] shouting at me finish strong, finish strong, and he was just coming in – what we’ve been working on in the gym – I felt like I was catching him with that shot all fight and he just walked onto it lovely at the end and he was gone.

“I’m not fighting these journeyman and people with losing records, that’s a proper fight, he’s 5-0, three knockouts, I’m sure he wanted to be a star over there in Italy. He was coming to win and was defeated, I put a stop to that and gave him his first loss.

“You began to see it, it’s been coming slowly but surely, now over the next year or so you’ll see the best of me.

“I feel like I’m developing more as a fighter under Dave and more as a man – big thanks to Danny Wilson at Boxing Science, he’s making me a lot stronger, and I think you saw it there in the last ten seconds. I’m not just a young kid that people can walk through.

“I want to go right to the top. I don’t want to be a World Champion; I want to be a pound-for-pound star and Dave’s the man to take me there. I’ll keep listening, learning, developing and I promise you I will get there one day.

“I think fighting in Leeds on September 4 shows the confidence and ability – and the confidence my team has in me – to take a fight like that three weeks before and coming through with flying colours, no injuries. I’m ready to go in my hometown in front of 20,00 fans, I’ll steal the show there 100%.

“I’m ready for Zahid Hussain, 100%, I was ready for it back in September and the magic man didn’t turn up. So, we’ll see this time if he comes and if he does, I promise Hopey Price will come out the victor.

“I said it from my second pro fight, I believe there are levels to boxing and my boxing brain is one of the best in Britain. I believe I’m levels above Zahid Hussain.”

Kash Farooq won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Gerardo Castillo in a bantamweight bout.

In round five, Farooq was cut under his right eye and Castillo had swelling under his right eye from a headbutt.

Farooq, 117 1/2 lbs of Glasgow, SCO won by scores of 100-90 twice and 100-91 and is now 16-1. Castillo, 116 1/4 lbs of Mexico is 28-3.

“I boxed to the game plan, that was it, you want to get in there and always entertain but I followed the game plan that was it,” Farooq told Matchroom. “I listened to my trainer, and he just told me to box, you couldn’t get any footage of him, so I didn’t know what he was about, I adapted on the night and did what I had to do.

“I showed tonight the other side of me that can box as well. He’s not world class but it’s a different side of my boxing that I showed, he was tough and game. We didn’t know what we were up against.

“If you let anybody hit you, they can punch, he had a bit of sting to his punches, but the name of the game is hit and don’t get hit and that’s what I did in this fight.

“He [Gerardo] can’t speak and can’t hear so it’s something different, people were saying he’s come to win, and this was going to change his life, these types of boys want to win but he was up against me so – I wanted to win as much as he did.

“These boys are coming from nothing, some of them grew up in poverty and it’s a different lifestyle in Mexico – they fight for a living to make their lives better. It’s either me or him and it wasn’t going to be me today.

“It was another learning fight for me, and I’ll progress again, it’s something I picked up – for me it’s just about developing and getting better. This is just another clinical performance by me.

“My job is just to fight, and they tell me what route they’re going to go through. If I had a choice I’d fight [McGregor] but it’s down to them and they’ll make the right decision for me.

“He wants to fight just like I do but he’s got managers telling him what the best options are like I do as well. The next few weeks my managers are going to sit down with Eddie and discuss what the best options are and what route to go down – if it’s that one next then I’m more than happy to take it.

“It is a big fight for Scotland, me and Lee can sell out the SSE Hydro, if it’s the right time and it has a good build me, we can do it. It’s just me and him boxing each other.

“For me I’ll take a few days off but it’s back to training. When I’ll really take some time off is when I call it a day and retire. Now I’ve still got levels to progress, go back to the gym and work on things, it’s a lifestyle in boxing and it a short career, you don’t know when retirement is coming. For me I’m going to put everything into boxing for the next few years of my life.”

Raymond Ford remained undefeated as he stopped Reece Bellotti in round three of a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Ford landed a right hook that staggered Bellotti. Ford was all over Bellotti and landed a bout 15 unanswered shots and the fight was stopped at 39 seconds.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden, NJ is 9-0-1 with five knockouts. Bellotti, 125 1/4 lbs of Watford, ENG is 14-5.

“In the third round I was going to start to box and slow it down because I was throwing too many fast, hard shots to hurt him early,” Ford told Matchroom. “My team told me to settle down because we had ten rounds to go and then he came on and ran into the shot. I knew if I didn’t get him out of there when I had him hurt, he was just going to be a tough guy and keep coming forward. When I hit my shot, I had to get him out of there.

“It feels great, one of my dreams that came true, the real dream and goal is to get to these World Championship titles.

“I knew that he [Bellotti] was kind of the bully and everything so I wanted to beat the bully in the fight. I heard a lot about his power, guys saying his power was up there at the top, I just wanted to show I can be a bigger bully and that’s what I did.

“I said yesterday that I was going to handle the pressure. I was just starting to warm up and settle in but the more the fight would have went, the more you would have seen me relaxed and be sharper. I was getting hit by some dumb shots but that was because I was warming up and getting a feel of everything – being back after five months.

“I love it in the UK, all week people have been showing me love so I want to come back and fight here again. I want to be one the greatest to ever do it, not just in my division, I just want to be the best and go down as a legend.

“It’s important to be patient but I feel like I have the skills and I was blessed with the talents I have where I can fight these top guys at a young age. I want to keep stepping up and get these tougher fights.”

Zelfa Barrett stopped Viorel Simion after round five of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Barrett dropped Simion with a body shot. Barrett continued to punish Simion and the fight was stopped after round five.

Barrett, 136 1/4 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 26-1 with 16 knockouts. Simion, 139 3/4 lbs of Romania is 22-7.

By Norm Frauenheim

David Benavidez, unbeaten in the ring, can’t win one outside of it.

The super-middleweight’s string of trouble continued Wednesday with his withdrawal from an August 28 homecoming in Phoenix against Jose Uzcategui because of a positive test for COVID, according to multiple Phoenix sources who confirmed a story first reported by Boxing Scene.

Benavidez (24-0, 21 KOs) was supposed to fight Uzcategui (31-4,26 KOs), of Venezuela, in a 12-round eliminator for a mandatory shot at the World Boxing Council’s version of the 168-pound title, currently held by Canelo Alvarez. Benavidez, 24, is already the WBC’s No. 1 contender for a title he has held and lost twice.

He was stripped of the belt for a positive cocaine test in September 2019. He regained it, then lost it on the scale, failing to make weight for a title defense in August 2020.

As of Wednesday, it wasn’t clear whether the bout at the newly-named Footprint Center, the Phoenix Suns home arena, would be canceled or postponed. A postponement looked likely. Tickets have been for sale since the Showtime-televised card was announced in mid-July.

A request for formal approval of the card was on the agenda Wednesday at a meeting of the Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission.

On the undercard, there’s a scheduled comeback by Benavidez brother Jose, who won his first title – a World Boxing Association interim welterweight belt – in May 2015, also at the Suns Arena.

Jose Benavidez, set to come back against Argentine Francisco Torres (17-3, 5 KOs), hasn’t fought since Terence Crawford stopped him in the twelfth round in October 2018.

The undercard also has included unbeaten Phoenix featherweight Carlos Castro (26-0, 11 KOs) against Oscar Escandon (26-5, 18 KOs) of Colombia.

Showtime was expected to televise both Jose Benavidez-Torres and Castro-Escandon.

PHILADELPHIA–Brandon Chambers remained undefeated as he stopped Donald Stewart in round two of a featherweight that headlined a Jeter Promotions card in front of a sold-out crowd at 2300 Arena.

Chambers battered Stewart all over the ring, and showed he was the class of the fight over the six-minute bout. Stewart’s corner bowed their man out of the fight following the completion of round two.

Chambers of Gwynn Oak, MD is 5-0-1 with three knockouts. Stewart of Saint Charles, MO is 2-5.

Thyler Williams scored a 2nd round stoppage over Jordan Morales in the junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Williams dropped Morales with a left hook to the body. It was another left hook to the body that dropped Morales for a 2nd time. Williams then landed a huge flurry that finished the night off at 2:02.

Williams of Philadelphia is 5-0 with four knockouts. Morales of Sunbury, PA is 4-9.

AJ Williams won a unanimous decision over Ricardo Becerill in a super middleweight fight.

Williams, 166 lbs of Cockeysville, MD won by scores of 39-36 and 38-37 twice and is now 4-1. Vecerill, 165 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 2-8-1.

Victor Williams made it two consecutive knockouts to start his career as he stopped Jeff Bozier Jr. in round three of their junior middleweight bout.

In round three, Williams hurt Bozier with a right hand. Bozier stumbled across the ring and another right hand put him down and the fight was stopped at 1:51 of round three.

Williams is now 2-0 with two knockouts. Bozier was making his pro debut.

John Leonardo won a four-round unanimous decision over Jalen Woodmore in a featherweight bout.

Leonardo, 125.9 lbs of Englishtown, NJ won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 3-0-1. Woodmore, 119.7 lbs of Brooklyn was making his pro debut.

Naheem Parker won a four-round unanimous decision over Joshua Zimmerman in a junior welterweight contest.

Parker, 138.8 lbs of Camden, NJ won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 3-0. Zimmerman, 138.2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 0-3.

Jaqeem Hutcherson won a four-round unanimous decision over Elie Charles in a super bantamweight fight.

Hutcherson, 122.1 lbs of Forrestville, MD won by scores of 39-37 on all cards, and is now 2-0. Charles, 122.5 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 0-2.

Matthew Castro made a successful pro debut by stopping McArio DelCastillo in the fourth round of their junior middleweight bout.

Castro could nit miss with his right hand, but DelCastillo took the shots well. In round four, Castro landed a solid barrage of punches that forced referee Eric Dali to stop the bout at 38 seconds.

Castro, 150.3 lbs of Brooklyn is 1-0 with one knockout. DelCastillo, 153.4 lbs of Salam, VA is 0-5.

Evan Harker stopped debuting Alvin Scott in the opening round of their welterweight bout.

Harker landed a couple of decent punches, and Scott looked hurt and the fight was stopped at 1:44.

Harker, 147 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 1-1 with one knockout. Scott, 154.7 lbs of Baltimore is 0-1.

Steve Moore stopped Antonio Allen in round four of their welterweight bout.

In round four, Moore was credited with a knockdown after landing a heavy barrage of punches on the ropes. Seconds later, it was a hard right that forced referee Eric Dali to stop the bout at 1:27.

Moore, 143.8 lbs of Orange, NJ is 5-8 with four knockouts. Allen, 146.1 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-13-1.

Kid Galahad won the vacant IBF Featherweight Title after stopping Jazza Dickens in a rematch from eight-years ago, at the Matchroom HQ in Essex, England.

Galahad beat up Dickens throughout the bout as he cut Dickens over the left eye as early as round two. Galahad continued to win rounds, as the cut worsened on Dickens. Dickens was deducted a point in round ten for stepping on the foot of Galahad. With the face of Dickens looking like a bloody mess, the fight was halted in the corner after round 11.

Galahad, 125 4/4 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is now 28-1 with 17 knockouts. Dickens, 125 1/4 lbs of Liverpool. ENG is 30-4.

“I’ve been waiting 19 years for this and it’s finally here, I’ve finally got it – IBF Champion of the World,” Galahad told DAZN. “Not a little bit, the whole world. This doesn’t say regular champion, this says World Champion. People can think what they want. I come to fight. I’m a full time professional, I don’t take no days off. Jazza Dickens will become a World Champion 100%. Without a doubt, he’ll become a World Champion. I’m just over the moon.
 
“Thank you Eddie Hearn. If it weren’t for Eddie Hearn I wouldn’t be in this position right now. Thank you to DAZN. I’m just over the moon man. Brendan Ingle told me that I’m going to win everything from Super-Bantamweight up to Lightweight. Nobody believed me and everyone doubted me when I said I’d become Word Champion. Before I met Brendan, I would have probably been locked up in jail. He was the only person that gave me hope. If it wasn’t for boxing, Eddie Hearn, DAZN, Brendan Ingle, my mum I’d probably be locked up or dead. 
 
“Naseem Hamed, I met him at the local mosque. I said to him, ‘Naz, I want to be a World Champion like you’. He told me if I wanted to become a World Champion I needed to go and find Brendan Ingle at the St Thomas’ Boxing Club. The rest is history. I went and met Brendan and that’s it. 
 
“Every single day two busses. 45 minutes. I used to get up at 5.45 to get in for 6.45. Every single day from the age of 12-years-old. When I was 15 I moved out of my area. Brendan told me I’d end up locked up or dead if I stayed in that area. I lived in a crappy house at the bottom of the road with about five other boxers. There were rats and everything. I used to have a mattress on the floor. I lived there from the age of 15 until I was 20 and I got enough money to get my own house. 
 
“My mum is over there somewhere. She’s over the moon. We’ve come from nothing. Hopefully I make a few quid out of this and get her a nice house, and get out of the area. I’m going to dominate the division. I always told Eddie I was going to dominate this division. I will make sure that I clean up this division. Nobody is going to beat me. I just beat the guy who beat Leigh Wood. This says IBF Champion of the whole World. This is not a regular title.”

Wardley stops Webb in 1

Fabio Wardley remained undefeated with a 1st round stoppage over Nick Webb scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

Wardley hurt Webb with a hard right hand that backed Webb into the corner. Wardley landed a couple more punches that sent Webb down, and the fight was stopped at 2:30.

Wardley is now 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Webb is 17-3.

“It was a big one for me because this was a good test,” Wardley told Matchroom. “He was coming off a good win and we had to just make a bit of an impact, make a bit of a statement. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t the cleanest performance but sometimes you’ve just got to grit these ones out and get it done. I proved the difference. I proved that I can take a shot and keep moving like I proved against Molina. You can hit me and I’ll still come back at you with full force. He caught me a few times but it doesn’t faze me, I keep moving and I’ll move to take you out. 
 
“I wasn’t going to let him off the hook. That’s something that we’ve been building on, that killer instinct – to notice and pay attention to when you’ve got someone going. I think in my last few fights I’ve been getting that going. When I hit someone and I see that little chink in their armour, I’m going in and I’m getting the kill. 
 
“I respect every fighter that’s ever stepped in the ring because it’s a dangerous sport and anything can happen. I had to do what I did to get Nick in the ring in the first place because I’ve been chasing Nick for a year. I had to switch up my approach and go for the more aggressive stance and call him out and call him a few names. It’s all for the love of the sport at the end of the day. I respect everyone that gets in there. 
 
“I think I’ve made the most out of every opportunity that’s been put in front of me. I’ve never said no to an opportunity that Ed has given me. I’m becoming increasingly more difficult to match because me, Dill and the team, we don’t say no. If you want to meet me in the ring I’m happy to go there, let’s go. It feels like a dream, it feels like a weird rollercoaster and I’m just running with it. I’m just loving what I’m doing and I’m staying focused. 
 
“I’ve won the English and I’ve defended it; I think that’s me done with it now. Moving forwards for the British, Commonwealth, European – those types of belts are what I’ve got my eyes set on next and obviously Joe (Joyce) is holding onto them. He’s going to be moving on, he’s trying to move to that world level and he’s going to want to drop them sooner or later. I’ll be there ready and waiting.”

Babic Stops Bennett After 5

Alen Babic remained perfect by stopping Mark Bennett after five rounds of their scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

Over the course of the fight, Babic beat up Bennett by landing many heay shots. Bennett was competitive early, but after round three, Babic hurt Bennett repeatedly and the fight could have been stopped any time over rounds three, four or five. Bennett’s corner mercifully pulled the plug on the contest after round five.

Babic, 210 lbs of Zagreb, CRO is 8-0 with eight knockouts. Bennett, 272 1/2 lbs of Duncanville, ENG is 7-2.

After the fight, Babic successfully proposed to his girlfriend.

“I feel great,” Babic told DAZN. “Thank you for having me, it was a very very tough fight. I didn’t expect that – I’ve got to say that. All kudos to him. He’s a very very tough warrior, a legit warrior. I threw maybe 100 power punches at his head, and I have knockout punches, so it was a very tough and competitive fight. I thank him for that. 
 
“Left, right and I was like, ‘fall, it’s your time to fall’, but he just didn’t want to fall. He really caught me with a few ones. He didn’t catch me flush because I always bob and weave but he’s a very tough man and I respect him. 
 
“This guy was 30kg heavier than me and you saw what happened, he wasn’t stronger in that ring. I can do everything. I’m here to represent the little people who can’t do nothing. I am just little like them – the smallest Heavyweight alive! You can do it if I can do it, I’m nothing special. I just put my mind to it. If you put your mind to it, there’s nothing you can’t do.”

Fisher Stops Whitaker in 2

Johnny Fisher remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Danny Whitaker in a scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Fisher dropped Whitaker with a right hand. Seconds later, it was another right that put Whitaker down to a knee. Fisher jumped on Whitaker and landed a barrage of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 1:08.

Fisher, 238 1/4 lbs of Rpmford, ENG is 3-0 with three knockouts. Whitaker, 259 1/2 lbs of Silsden, ENG is 4-4.

“It felt fantastic, especially in front of some of my supporters here,” Fisher told Matchroom. “In the future we’ll get a lot more in. It was great to have that little taste of what the future can hold. Respect to Danny Whitaker, a great man and a great opponent. I’m ready for the next step. I feel like I prepared better for this fight than any of my previous fights – especially with Mark being back. I’ve got a great assistant trainer in Steve Andrews. We’ve got a long way to go but I’m in a good place. 

“My mum and dad are here, and my brothers are here. It’s brilliant. My little sister is at home. We’re going to have a nice Chinese now and celebrate. I think it’s the confidence that you can take from knowing that you have prepared well. Lennox Lewis sent me a message before my debut, ‘the more I prepare, the less I worry’, and that was testament to the work that we’ve been doing in the gym. 

“I’ve definitely calmed down from the second fight. I think it’s different when you’ve got someone with a winning record in there. I’ve got a long long way to go to calm myself down and box on the back foot, but I know I can box on the back foot because I’ve showed it before in sparring. Doing it in the ring is another thing and that’s why we have a process. I’m only 22-years-old and I’ve got to build. You’ve got to stay humble and you’ve got to stay ready. 

“We all know in our area about Mark Tibbs and his dad and how great they are. It’s not just that he’s my boxing trainer, we’re good friends and we get on really well. He said to me once that it’s like we’ve known each other forever and it is. It’s brilliant to be working with someone who is such a legend in the sport. Boxing is a very brutal sport and it can end at any time for anyone, especially at Heavyweight. You’ve got to have respect for all of your opponents. You’ve got to be ready for anything, and the best way to be is to be honest.” 

Bridges Stops Connolly in 3

Former world title challenger Ebanie Bridges was impressive in stopping Bec Connolly in round three of a scheduled eight-round bantamweight bout.

In round three, Bridges landed a hard uppercut that was followed by a flurry to the head that sent Connolly to the deck. Bridges then landed a hard overhand right that was followed by a left to the jaw that forced a referee stoppage at 1:22.

Bridges, 118 3/4 lbs of New South Wales, AUS is now 6-1 with three knockouts. Connolly, 118 lbs of Swindon, ENG is 3-10.

“To be back here in the UK, and to win and get my hand raised is amazing,” Bridges told DAZN. “Las time I was unlucky, although I still got a good reception. It was good to get in here and get my hand raised for my fans. I had a few people here supporting me so shout out to everyone that came. I saw you there with your Aussie flags and I appreciate you. It feels great.
 
“Winning is what it’s all about. It’s all good having the fanbase and the social media presence but if you’re not winning it can only go so far. Winning is important. It feels good. She was more difficult in the sense she was holding and a bit rough on the inside. That was new for me. I’m not used to people holding. 
 
“I thought I would finish it in the later rounds. I knew I would break her down. I was just aiming for her body for the first few rounds because I wanted to break her body down so I could open her up to the head, and that’s exactly what we did. That’s what our plan was. 
 
“By the third round I already had her hands dropping from going to the body and then that’s why that right hand was landing. That’s the one that stopped it. Obviously I want the rematch with ‘Shanny’. That’s what everyone wants, not just me. I know I want it, the fans want it, I’m pretty sure Eddie Hearn wants it. The only one that doesn’t want it is her. 
 
“Hopefully she wants it, but then again she’s on her journey and I’ve got to focus on mine. I don’t hold my breath. The ball is in her court, and if she doesn’t take it, I suppose it looks a bit like she’s running.
 
“To all my fans and everyone that supported me tonight – I hope you enjoyed it. I love being back in the UK and I love being on DAZN. It’s a great platform as well with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom so a big thank you to them. This is just the comeback.”

Aqib Fiaz remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Kevin Baldospino in a super featherweight bout.

Fiaz, 131 3/4 lbs of Oldham, ENG won by a 77-76 score and is now 7-0. Baldpspino, 131 1/4 lbs of Miranda, de Ebro, SPA is 9-6-2.

“I’m just glad to be back after such a long layoff,” Fiaz told Matchroom. “It’s good to get back in there and get the win. It wasn’t my best performance, but I got the win most importantly. It was emotional to get back in there, especially here as well. It meant a lot to me. I had to come in and do my job no matter what.

“It wasn’t my best performance. We’re going to go away and look at the mistakes I made, then we’ll definitely work on them and be better next time. Even going into the last round, I felt I did enough to win. It was probably the right decision yeah. He was a tough man. I hurt him a couple of times and he stuck in there and dug in. Credit to him.

“I expected to be better than that, and I definitely am better than that. I need to be better than that. The fight didn’t go the way I wanted to. It’s about learning, and I feel like that’s a good learning fight. I’m definitely better than that, I just need activity. The more time I’m in the ring, the better I’ll be.

“I’ve had a lot going on, and my team have had my back. They’re like father figures to me. They’ve been there for me when I’ve been at my lowest. I’m here today because of them. Ten months is probably the longest layoff that I’ve ever had in my amateur career and pro. It’s good to be back, but let’s be back soon.”

NEW YORK–Top-10 Heavyweight Michael Hunter scored a sensational fourth round stoppage over Mike Wilson in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In round four, Hunter uncorked a crushing right to the face that put Wilson on the deck. The punch opened up cuts on the face of Wilson. Wilson got up at the count of nine, but the fight was rightfully stopped at

Hunter, 217 1/4 lbs of Las Vegas is 20-1-1 with 14 knockouts. Wilson, 224 1/4 lbs of Medford, OR is 21-2.

Former world champion Chris Algieri won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Mikkel LesPierre in a junior welterweight bout.

Algieri landed 242 of 609 punches; LesPierre was 142 of 430.

Algieri, 142 3/4 lbs of Huntington, NY won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 25-3. LesPierre, 144 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 22-3-1.

Aponte stops Gonzalez in 2

Aaron Aponte destroyed Gerardo Gonzalez in round two of a scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Aponte dropped Gonzalez with a hard straight right. In round two, Aponte dropped Gonzalez with a blistering combination, and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Aponte, 139 3/4 lbs of Hialiah Gardens, FL is 4-0 with two knockouts. Gonzalez, 138 3/4 lbs of Las Vegas is 2-1.

Highly decorated amateur Christina Cruz made her long-awaited pro debut in the flyweight division winning a spirited four-round decision over Indeya Smith, (1-3-1, 1 KO), of Dallas, TX. The New York City native Cruz was victorious by majority decision scores of 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38.

Undefeated light-heavyweight prospect Matthew Tinker, (7-0, 6 KOs), of Yorkshire, UK stopped Utica, New York’s Michael Rycraft, (4-2-1, 3 KOs) by technical knockout. Following two rounds of one-way traffic from Tinker, Rycraft’s corner stopped the bout before the third stanza started.

Fighting in the heavyweight division, Brooklyn’s Robert Sabbagh improved to 3-0 with a four-round unanimous decision over Cleveland Billingsley III, (3-6, 3 KOs), of Chattanooga, TN. Scores for the impressive victory over the valiant Billingsley were 40-36 twice and 39-37.

Opening the show in a tremendous battle of undefeated super welterweight prospects, Guido Schramm, (12-0-1, 8 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA won a six-round unanimous decision over Nikoloz Sekhniashvili, (7-1, 5 KOs), of Gori, Georgia. Scores for the fight which featured excellent two-way action throughout were 59-55, 58-56 and 58-55 for Schramm as both combatants raised their stock.

NEWARK, NJ–In the main event of a PBC on FOX card from the Prudential Center, South Carolina’s Jonathan Rice (14-6-1, 10KO) scored an upset fifth round stoppage over previously unbeaten ex-Marine Michael Coffie (12-1, 9KO).  

Rice, a late replacement for Gerald Washington who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week, set the tone early in round one, consistently finding a home for his right hand.

Uncomfortable with how the first three minutes played out, the orthodox Coffie switched to southpaw in the second and experienced brief success before the momentum pendulum swung back in the 34 year-old Rice’s favor who kept the right hands coming behind an active jab. 

Coffie, a 35 year-old former US Marine, was unable to make the necessary adjustments to stymie Rice’s offense, and eventually, midway through round five, the dam broke.  Right hands from Rice sent an exhausted and energy-zapped Coffie lazily retreating toward a neutral corner.  An ensuing brief barrage of uncontested blows by Rice was enough for referee Eric Dali to step in and save Coffie from further punishment at the 2:19 mark.

Vito Mielnicki Scores TKO2 Over Noah Kidd

In the contest in which most fans in attendance came to witness, Jersey boy Vito Mielnicki Jr. (9-1, 6KO) powered his way to a TKO2 over late replacement Noah Kidd (6-4-2, 5KO).  

Up until yesterday afternoon Mielnicki had his sights set on extracting revenge against James Martin, who eked out a majority decision over him in April.  However, when Martin came in 4.5 pounds overweight the 147 welterweight limit on Friday, the Martin rematch was called off and in stepped Kidd.  

And any frustration Mielnicki harbored toward Martin missing weight, he took out on Kidd.  The 19 year-old put his power on display, landing a perfectly leveraged counter left hook that simultaneously dropped Kidd his ass while bringing hundreds of Mielnicki supporters roaring to their feet. 

In the second, another Mielnicki left caused a wounded Kidd’s hands to drop as he slowly retreated.  Smelling blood in the water Mielnicki turned up the heat, bullying Kidd to the ringpost where he unloaded a barrage of body shots.  Moments later, after clipping Kidd once more with a left on the chin, referee Eric Dali stepped in to halt the action at the 2:32 mark of round two.  

“There were no issues with the change of opponent,” Mielnicki said post-fight.  “I trained for a more technical fighter. Kidd was more awkward than Martin. We got the job done in front of my hometown fans, so I’m happy.  

On the hundreds of fans who flocked to downtown Newark to show support, Mielnicki said, “This is my home and these are my people. Whenever we fight in Jersey this is where we’re doing it. I’m looking forward to many more fights here.”

Spencer Cruises To Wide Decision Over Martin

In the first of three contests to be aired nationally on FOX, Joey Spencer (13-0, 9KO) battled his way to a unanimous decision victory over Philadelphia’s James Martin (7-3).  At the end of eight rounds, judges cards read 79-73×2 and 80-72 all for Michigan’s Spencer.  

There wasn’t much in this 24 minute “middleweight” affair…little risks (especially from Spencer) and fewer rewards.  Martin, who has yet to score a win via KO in his ten fight career tried to walk down the bigger and stronger Spencer, who was more than happy to invite Martin in and pepper him with jabs and left hooks en route to his wide decision victory. 

Up until about 1pm Eastern yesterday, both fighters were slated to face different opponents.  Martin was penciled in to rematch Vito Mielnicki Jr., who he bested by majority decision in April, while Spencer was scheduled to square off against Pennsylvania’s Dan Karpency.  However, both Martin and Spencer missed weight Friday afternoon — Martin quite egregiously, coming in 4.5 pounds over his 147 pound target, and Spencer at 156.5, 2.5 pounds over his contractually agreed to weight.  

“There were one or two rounds where he was throwing and he had a lot of activity, but I was blocking,” Spencer said afterward.  “I only took one or two shots and to be honest I would have thought it would be a shutout.”

Andre Dirrell Makes It 2-For-2 At Light Heavyweight; Stops Brooker In Three 

Former Olympic bronze medalist and interim IBF super middleweight champion Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell (28-3, 18KO) continued his comeback at light heavyweight, scoring an impressive third round TKO over Philadelphia’s Christopher Brooker (16-8, 6KO).  

It was all Dirrell from the opening bell, as the southpaw controlled the fight with his jab, rarely letting his left hand fly.  Midway through the second round though, Dirrell started to use that jab to set up his left, which almost exclusively was fired at Brooker’s body.  Then in the third Dirrell put all his punches together, and dropped Brooker with a body shot to the liver.  Brooker beat Ricky Gonzalez’s ten-count but was dropped to a knee moments later following a barrage of punches from Dirrell.  After getting back to his feet one final time, the 37 year-old Dirrell greeted Brooker with more fists of fury until Gonzalez stepped in and stopped the bout at the 2:58 mark.  

Tonight marked the first time Dirrell has fought since November 2019.  

Paterson’s Norman Neely Stays Perfect, Earns UD Over Juan Torres 

Paterson New Jersey’s Norman Neely (9-0, KO) rewarded his patiently waiting fans and remained undefeated by earning a wide six round unanimous decision (60-52, 60-54×2) over fellow heavyweight Juan Torres (6-4-1, 3KO). 

In the early rounds, the Texan Torres tried to employ a bull-rush strategy, where he continually charged Neely with the intention of making it an ugly, scrappy affair.  But as the rounds wore on, the soft and doughy Torres began to tire, which allowed for Neely to better manage the distance.  

In the fourth, fighting at his desired range, the 31 year-old Neely began to pick apart Torres and as the round drew to a close, viciously battered Torres who was mercifully saved by the bell.

Neely did his best to dispose of the hard-nosed Torres, but there would be no knockdowns, no Great Falls.  Torres joins only Nicoy Clarke as fighters who have managed to go the distance with Silk City’s Neely.

Dargan Detonates Two Rights; Scores TKO2 Over Delgado

In the first match of the FS1 portion of tonight’s card, Philadelphia’s Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (20-1, 10KO) sent Los Angeles’s Ivan Delgado (13-4-2, 6KO) crashing to the canvas twice en route to an emphatic second round TKO victory. 

Though it was Dargan’s first fight in almost three years, there was no ring rust evident.  After a competitive first two rounds, Dargan uncorked a vicious counter right uppercut that nearly ripped Delgado’s head off his neck and sent him to the mat.  Too brave for his own good, Delgado beat referee Harvey Dock’s ten count, but was only destined to survive another :30 seconds or so.  The end came when the 36 year-old Dargan landed a right cross to the chin that collapsed Delgado to his knees.  And while Delgado again made it quickly to his feet, referee Dock correctly halted the fight at the 1:09 mark.

In addition to tonight being Dargan’s first fight since November 2018, it was also his first fight without his uncle, the late Naazim Richardson in his corner.  

 Anderson Scores TKO When Rogers Doesn’t Answer Bell For Rd2

Newark-born Michael Anderson (21-3-1, 15KO) scored a TKO1 over Tennessee’s Demarcus Rogers (14-4-1, 5KO) when Rogers was unable to answer the bell for the second round.  After a fairly competitive first three minutes, with the 40 year-old Anderson getting the better of the action, Rogers was unable to answer the bell for the second round.   Acting on the advice of the ringside physician (perhaps due to a hand or shoulder injury), referee Harvey Dock stopped the contest, resulting in a TKO win for the veteran Anderson. 

Jordan Rosario Ekes Out SD Over Fellow Jerseyan Nicky Vitone

In the second fight of the evening Jersey City’s Jordan Rosario (4-10) bested Pine Brook’s Nicky “The Bull” Vitone (5-1-1, 4KO) via split decision in a four round all New Jersey welterweight affair.  The younger, more aggressive Vitone brought the pressure, but the 30 year-old vet Rosario dug in, slipped punches, and fired back enough scoring shots to earn the judges approval.  Scores were 39-37×2 for Rosario, and 39-37 for Vitone.  The decision marks the first win for Rosario, who trains out of the Ironbound Boxing Gym in Newark’s East Ward, since February 2019.

Jersey Debutant Malik Nelson Scores Fourth Rd Stoppage Over Alejandro Ramirez

In the opening contest of a ten bout PBC fight card from the Prudential Center, New Jersey’s Malik Nelson (1-0, 1KO) earned a fourth round TKO  over Colorado’s Alejandro Ramirez (0-2) in his pro debut.  Nelson scored two knockdowns in the first, and kept the heat on until earning the stoppage in the fourth and final round.  A boxer since age five, Nelson racked up seven amateur national championships before stepping away from the sport in 2018 to pursue a college degree.  Now 21 years old, Nelson can call himself a rising junior business administration student at Monmouth University, as well as an undefeated professional prizefighter.

Quadir Albright Stops Jared Tallent In Two

Philadelphia’s Quadir Albright improved to 2-0, 2KO with a second TKO over debutant Jared Tallent.  Albright dropped Tallent in the second, who beat the referee’s count only to take a few more shots before Ricky Gonzalez called off the fight for good at the 1:14 mark.

Leigh Wood captured the WBA Featherweight title with a 12th round stoppage over Xu Can at the opening week of Fight Camp at the Matchroom HQ in Essex, England.

Wood outboxed Can over the course of the fight, and in round 12, landed a big right that sent Can to the canvas. With Can hurt, Wood landed seven unanswered punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:43.

Wood, 125 1/2 lbs of Nottingham, ENG is now 25-2 with 15 knockouts. Can, 125 1/4 lbs of Beijing CHN is 18-3.

“It feels good you know, to get the stoppage over the line in a great and high-paced fight, the last round with six weeks’ notice, I couldn’t have done anymore,” Wood told Matchroom afterwards. 
 
“I did say in an interview that I’m going to be catching him clean and it’s not down to me how long the fight lasts, it’s down to him pretty much. I could have sustained that all night. He took some big shots, big heart, credit to him but the accumulation has its effect as well. The shot I finished him with wasn’t as big as the ones I caught him with earlier on, but they took their toll, I caught him and got the stoppage.
 
“I had belief in my power, not only do I have big power, but I know how to get it off, how to set it up and how to mix it up. That’s the biggest factor in working with Ben, Lee Wylie and Barry Smith, they’ve really changed the game for me.
 
“He definitely wasn’t throwing 120 punches a round and that’s down to the game plan. Everyone was saying how are you going to do it, what are going to do, are you going to hit him hard, are going to hold him, it was down to the game plan. Even people watching don’t understand, but that’s a conversation for another day.
 
“Hopefully the younger generations see this and think you know what, he’s done it, World Champion, British, Commonwealth, European, hopefully people decide to go pick up a pair of boxing gloves and start their journey.
 
“Ben and Lee said to me they’ve never been so confident in someone getting the tactics right as much as me going into this fight. I thought that was a big statement, I was doing everything they wanted me to do. I executed it pretty much to perfection and credit to those guys for getting it right – I just do as I’m told, and it works.
 
“I’m easy, redemption with Dickens would be great for myself. Full confidence in Ben getting my tactics right for that fight, I had a bad night that fight, first southpaw I boxed as a pro, I’d like to put that right naturally.
 
“But if there’s bigger fights, I said I wanted the Navarrete fight he’s explosive like me, that’ll be absolute fireworks. People might slate me and say it’s a regular title, let’s fight for the super title, let’s unify – I want big fights.
 
“My career was stalled earlier on. In three years I’ve been British, Commonwealth, WBO European and now World Champion. My best years are definitely to come.”

Chris Billiam-Smith won a 12-round split decision over Tommy McCarthy in a hotly contested cruiserweight bout.

In round six, McCarthy was cut over his right eye.

Billam-Smith landed 155 of 637 punches; McCarthy was 154 of 506.

Billiam-Smith won by scores of 115-114 and 116-112, while McCarthy took a card 115-114.

Billiam-Smith-199 1/2 lbs of Bournemouth, ENG is 13-1. McCarthy, 199 1/4 lbs of Belfast, NI is 18-3.

“It’s crazy, as Shane said, it’s been a bit of a tough camp towards the end – I had an injury and I haven’t sparred in 3-4 weeks,” Billam-Smith told Matchroom afterwards. “All that emotion came out, it was an interesting build up the fight, future fights, but I’m over the moon.
 
“It was a good shot, the best shot he landed all fight, I was with it, but it was a good shot, it buzzed me in a way, but I was in control, I could see, I knew I’d been hit but I just had to ride it a bit.
 
“I was really confident, the corner had it closer. In my head I thought I’d won probably eight rounds, but I wasn’t scoring it as I went along – so maybe seven. There was no way he won seven rounds, absolutely no way, that first round he landed one shot. It was a good shot, but I also had him hurt and hit him a lot more – those rounds should really go in my favour.
 
“He was harder to hit clean to be fair to him, but that was my own fault, I was loading up looking for one shot. Shane said that so the jab to the body was key, it was everything. It won me the fight, we watched the Askin fight today and that was the key – props to Shane.
 
“I sent the tweet out and it got him going, he built the fight really well. I played the villain at the beginning and just let him run away with it. All respect to Tommy, he was tougher and better than I thought he was.
 
“I’m so much better than that, I just walked back into the changing rooms and Shane has a massive go at me and said, ‘what was that?’ We know what I’m capable of but then I get too excited in there when I hurt someone. That’s because I’ve only had 14 fights, I’ve got a lot of learning to do but it’s a long process, I’m not the finished article and that’s the sort of fight I need.
 
“I was fit in there, comfortable in there, still ready to work in that last round and go up a gear which is good, but I’ve got to learn to be more articulate with how I go about things.
 
“They all work hard in the gym; I like to do the little 1% that they probably can’t be bothered to do. They work hard, Lawrence runs every morning, everyone’s a grafter in the gym but that comes down to Shane and Josh, they set such a high standard. You’ve got to be world class and act like a professional the whole time in that gym to survive.
 
“There was a group of twelve lads from Bournemouth that I kind of know and they all come up, to see them in crowd and to making the noise they did, it was really special. It’s so good to have fans back and some normality.
 
“I want a show in Bournemouth, I really do. We’ve tried it almost 18 months ago, it would be unbelievable to have a show down there. We’ve got the Bournemouth International Centre which Eddie had booked for last March which he couldn’t get an opponent for. I need a show in Bournemouth, I love my fans, they’ve been superb to me. I’ve been on the road, Riakporhe in London, Glover in Liverpool, here in London, I want to go home.”

Campbell Hatton remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Jakub Laskowski in a lightweight fight.

Hatton, 135 1/2 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 3-0. Laskowski, 135 1/2 lbs of Poland is 4-5-1.

“I was happy again really; I thought my defence was a lot better,” Hatton told Matchroom afterwards. “I was a bit more composed again, I think there were a few times where I’d hurt him and probably could have smothered my work fully and not caught him with anything. I managed to control myself a little when he was going. I didn’t quite get the knockout because I was smothering, and he was tricky, but it was exactly what I need. I need the rounds more than I need a stoppage.
 
“He was tricky customer, slippery, doing a bit of switching and some different looks. That’s the perfect fight and it has been matched perfectly for me to learn. There are people out there they could bring in and anyone could hit them and knock them over. That’s not how they’re matching me, we’re getting me people who are going to get the rounds out of me and give me different things to overcome – that’s what he did tonight.
 
“I think I showed some more classy work than I have before, working off my jab. My jab is one of my best shots in the gym and now I’m bringing it into play in the fights now.
 
“The first fight I was saying all week I was dead relaxed, but I had nothing to compare it to. The second fight I was more composed, and I was more composed this fight – next time it’s going to be the same pattern and even better.
 
“This was a different experience, it’s different to anything that I’m probably going to face very often in my career. It was different making the ring walk this time, you feel breezy seeing people tucking into their tea and having a pint. It was weird making my ring walk to that but as soon as the bell went it was just like any other ring and I just got to work.
 
“Gibraltar, the amount of media commitments I had to and how much time was invested into me on the media side, I think that set me up, so I’ve not had to do much really. We’ve got it all out the way in the first one, I’m never going to have to deal with anything like that again, the pressure will always be there but each time I’ll be dealing with it better. I’m dealing with the pressure like it’s not there now.
 
“You see all these opponents, if it was any other kid he was fighting with any other surname, I don’t think he would have been digging in half as much as he did there. They want to make a point, whether it’s to stop me, or just survive – they raise their game a bit when they know it’s me and I’ve got to do the same.”

Anthony Fowler stopped Rico Mueller in round eight of a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight fight,

In round two, Mueller began to bleed from his nose.

Mueller hung tough, but over the course of the fight, Fowler started breaking down Mueller. In round eight, Fowler landed a jab that buckled Mueller. Fowler continued to batter Mueller all over the ring until the bout was stopped at 2:12.

Fowler, 155 1/4 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 15-1 with 12 knockouts. Mueller, 156 lbs of Eberswalde, GER is 28-4-1.

After the fight, it was announced that Fowler would take on Liam Smith on October 9th.

“My next opponent is a really good fighter, much better than him, but I needed the rounds,” Fowler told DAZN afterwards. “I thought in round two I wobbled him but thought, ‘not today’. My last fight was three rounds and I thought, ‘I need rounds today’, so I stepped back and worked on a few things.
 
“The one thing I haven’t had in my career is rounds, I’ve always blasted my opponents out and haven’t really learnt much. I’m learning plenty in the gym but that’s where it counts, it means nothing in the gym.
 
“I’m from the south of Liverpool, Liam’s (Smith) from the north. It doesn’t bother me, I respect Liam a lot, he’s a really good fighter, ten times better than that lad tonight so I need to be on top of my game. I don’t turn fights down, since day one I’ve boxed anyone, I’ve asked for all these big fights, but it never happened for me.
 
“Even tonight, I wanted to box Roberto Garcia, a good, experienced veteran. Rico Mueller gaveca good fight and I’m happy he replaced Garcia because I said in the ring, ‘thanks for giving it your all’, after six rounds he was six rounds down and he was still trying.
 
“Liam is a much higher level, but I needed the rounds and that’s what I got.”

Jack Cullen won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Avni Yiildrim n a super middleweight bout.

Cullen, 163 1/2 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 9793 and is now 20-2-1. Yildrim, 163 lbs of Istanbul, TUR ks 21-4.

“I’m absolutely buzzing and listen; we came with a game plan, a couple of rounds in I wasn’t doing what I should have been doing, but I stuck to my game plan and it paid off eventually,” Cullen told Matchroom afterwards. 
 
“I knew he was going to come forward, he’s a tough fighter and he comes to fight – that’s what he did tonight. Like I said with my game plan, using the jab and trying to not get caught with the right hand. I got caught a few times stupidly, but I got back on my boxing and got through the ten rounds.
 
“To be honest with you every fight I’ve seen him in he’s been one paced. It’s me not doing too much, using the jab, and letting him come forward, instead of me getting involved in a scrap – it worked. We stuck to the game plan, it worked, and I’m delighted. 
 
“I’ve been working over and over, every day, it’s starting to pay off. Like I said, you’re going to see a different Jack Cullen and I think you did tonight.
 
“At the end of the day, I’m in this game to fight the best and anything can happen, anything is around the corner. It’s all about being switched on and ready, whoever you get offered you’ve got to take the fight with both hands and go for it.
 
“I have got a brilliant support, a lot of fans that love watching and supporting me. There were only 25 in there tonight, but it sounded like 100, it’s brilliant and I’m going to have a nice little rest – we’ll see. Hopefully Eddie will sign me now!
 
“It’s moving in the right direction, the direction I want it to go. Everyone said Yildirim is going to be a tough opponent and I knew that, but I knew I should be beating fighters like him because of where I want to take my career to.
 
“I will go with flow, who knows, I reckon there will be all sorts of people jumping out the closet wanting to fight me, but we’ll see.”

Prized amateur Sandy Ryan made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision over Kirstie Bavington in a super lightweight bout.

Ryan, 144 1/2 lbs of Darby England won by a 60-54 tally and is 1-0. Bavington, 144 1/2 lbs of Pensnett, ENG is 3-2-2.

“It was a very good fight,” Ryan told Matchroom afterwards. “I’m over the moon and I’m so happy. I enjoyed every minute of that, the walk, everything, I’m just made for the pro game.
 
“I took my time; I enjoyed the ring walk – I enjoyed it so much.
 
“I wanted a tough fight, to prove the levels. I showed glimpses of it, there were times where she was a bit messy and holding. The pro game and each fight as it goes on, I’m going to get much better.
 
“Levels, I said that even if I had a bad day, she wasn’t going to beat me. It’s not disrespect to her, but I just know what I’m capable of. Boxing’s my life and I’m going all the way.
 
“I’ve got the right team behind, Matchroom, DAZN, Eddie Hearn, Paul Ready my manager and Clifton my trainer, that’s all I need – that’s my team. I don’t need a big entourage around me, this is all I need and we’re going all the way.”

PHILADELPHIA–It was a battle of undefeated welterweights that highlighted RDR Promotions 2nd night of back-to-back shows as Mark Dawson won an eight round unanimous decision over towering Ivan Pandzic at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

The opening rounds saw Pandzic trying to use his 6’4″ frame with shots from the outside. His shots were largely ineffective, and Dawson was able to get to the distance where he was able to land solid counter shots. Pandzic was drawn into a firefight on several occasions, which was much to the delight of Dawson as he got the better of the exchanges which led to Pandzic being sent home with his first loss by scores of 79-73, 78-74 and 77-74.

Dawson, 148 lbs of Philadelphia is 9-0-1. Pandzic, 146.2 lbs of Rancho Cucamonga, CA is 13-1-1.

Sean Hemphill remained undefeated as he systematically beat down Robert Burwell in a super middleweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 2:39 for Hemphill, 171 lbs of New Orleans, LA who is now 13-0 with eight knockouts. Burwell, 173 lbs of Orlando, FL is now 9-5.

Jabril Noble made a successful pro debut with a second round stoppage of Deijerro Revello in super featherweight bout.

Noble dropped Revello in round two with a left hook. he finished it up secons later with another left hook that dropped Revello and the fight was halted at 1:12.

Noble, 132.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-0 with one knockout. Revello, 131.2 lbs of Brighton, CO is 0-2.

Rasheen Brown remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Prisco Marquez in a featherweight fight.

Brown dropped Marquez with a straight left at the end of round one.

In round five, it was a left to the body that put Marquez on the deck.

Brown, 129 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-52, 59-53 and 58-55 and is now 10-0. Marquez, 127.9 lbs of Austin, TX is 4-4-1.

Edgar Joe Cortes won a six-round unanimous decision over Roberto Pucheta in a super bantamweight bout.

Cortes, 122.8 lbs of Millville, NJ won by scores of 58-56 on all cards and is now 9-6-1. Pucheta, 121.9 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 10-19-2.

Joe Jones took out veteran Dhafir Smith in round three of a scheduled six-round cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Jones dropped Smith with a hard right hand. In round three, Jones landed 10 consecutive blows that forced referee Shawn Clark to stop the bout 18 seconds into the round.

Jones, 194.6 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 12-4 with nine knockouts. Smith, 198.6 lbs of Upper Darby, PA is 28-26-7,

David Stevens remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Montrel James in a light heavyweight fight.

Stevens, 174.8 lbs of Reading,, PA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 6-0. James, 173.8 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 1-6.

Nahir Albright scored the biggest win of his career as he pounded out an eight-round unanimous decision over Jeremy Hill to capture the NABA Lightweight Title at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

There were some close rounds with each guy pressing the action at different points of the fight. Albright seemed to get the better of the action as they headed down the stretch. The final rounds saw Albright take control and clearly get the better of the action and he came home with the victory by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74.

Albright, 133.6 lbs of Sicklerville, NJ is 13-1. Hill, 135.2 lbs of New Orleans, LA is 15-2.

Muhsin Cason demolished Tristan James by scoring a third-round stoppage of their four-round cruiserweight fight.

Cason landed a left hook that put James down hard on the canvas and the bout was stopped.

Cason, 197.3 lbs of Las Vegas is now 8-0 with five knockouts. James, 194 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 4-4-.2

Julian Smith scored an explosive first round stoppage of Derrick Whitley Jr in a scheduled welterweight.

Smith landed a booming overhand right that sent Whitley down for the count at 2:58.

Smith, 144.8 lbs of Country Club Hills, IL is 5-0 with four knockouts. Whitley, 147.6 lbs of Springfield, MA is 6-2-1.

Ryan Schwartzberg scored an upset as he stopped previously undefeated Ryan Umberger in the 2nd round of their four-round junior middleweight clash.

Schwartzberg caught Umberger with a big left hook that hurt Umberger. Schwartzberg continued to batter Umberger, but Umberger caught Schwartzberg with several hard shots of his own. Umberger was still wobbly from the first barrage and got caught with several hard shots on the ropes and the bout was stopped at 1:41.

Schwartzberg, 156.3 lbs of Dania, FL is 1-1-1 with one knockout. Umberger, 155.3 lbs of Bensalem, PA is 4-1.

Du-Shane Crooks won a six-round majority decision Bernard Thomas in a super middleweight bout.

Crooks, 167.7 lbs of May Pen, JAM won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 57-57 and is now 16-2. Thomas, 168.8 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 6-11.

Steve Galeano remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Marquis Hawthorne in a junior welterweight bout.

Galeano, 143.1 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 8-0. Hawthorne, 138.8 lbs of Waco, TX is 8-15.

Raekwon Butler remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Diemerci Nzau in a welterweight bout.

Butler, who dominated the fight at range, was deducted a point for spiting out his mouthpiece in the final frame. He was also cut over his right eye in round three.

Butler, 138.8 lbs won by 39-36 scores on all cards, and is now 3-0. Nzau, 144 lbs of Silver Spring, MD is now 11-15.

World champions Jermell Charlo and Brian Castano left everything in the ring as the battled to a 12-round split draw in a fight for the undisputed junior middleweight championship and the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Early on, it looked like it would be a short and easy night for Charlo as he hurt Castano with a left hook in the 2nd round. Castano, who was clearly on shaky legs. He was able to get out of the round and that was bad news for Charlo. Over the next half dozen rounds, Castano not only righted himself, but dominated most of the rounds as he was able to get in a lot of solid offense with most of it coming by pinning Charlo on the ropes and landing effective shots. Castano was able to feature a nice straight hand and seemed to hurt Charlo on a couple of occasions with good left hooks.

In round 10, Charlo was able to get himself back in the fight by hurting Castano with a right hand that had the native of Argentina on shaky legs throughout the round. Over the final six minutes, the two stood mostly on the inside firing off and landing effective punches in an effort to clearly forge ahead on the final scorecards.

Charlo landed 151 of 533; Castano was 173 of 586.

When those scorecards were announced, Castano took a card 114-113; Somehow Nelson Vazquez gave Charlo nine rounds on his 117-111, and a third card was even at 114-114.

Charlo of Houston, Texas holds on to his IBF/WBA/WBC titles and is now 34-1-1. Castano keeps his WBO crown and is now 17-0-2.

Jermell Charlo

“Shout out to San Antonio for coming through. The win is what I wanted to hear. I won this fight. I hurt him way more than he did to me. Castano is a real warrior. But my power is serious at this weight division.

“My coach told me I needed the knockout in the ninth round and I just knew he knew what he was talking about. I trust my coach. This come with boxing – wins, losses and draws.

“He threw a hell of a lot of punches. My skills and my ability and my power – I felt like I won this fight and I deserve to be going home undisputed. I am glad to have fought for undisputed. It’s different. I still hold my titles. I can’t wait to get home to my babies, take a break from boxing and then get back to the drawing board and see what’s next.

“I want to be undisputed. That’s what I want. That’s my destiny.”

Brian Castano

“I won the fight. There were some rounds that he did hit me and he hit me hard. But I won this fight. I want to thank SHOWTIME and Al Haymon for this fight. It was a great opportunity.

“I want to thank San Antonio. I was hurt in the 10th round and I had to recoup. Same with the beginning of the 11^th round. But I did enough to win this fight. I hope I get the rematch. He is a great fighter. I need the rematch.”

Romero Knocks Out Yigit in 7 to retain Interim Lightweight Title

Rolando Romero retained the WBA Interim Lightweight title with a 7th round stoppage over late-replacement Anthony Yigit

In round three, Yigit was cut over his left eye. In round five, Romero was deducted a point for holding. Immediately after that, Romero landed a big right at the bell that sent Yigit down for a knockdown.

In round seven, Romero dropped Yigit with a hard right hand. Seconds later it was a left that was followed by a right that put Yigit down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:54.

Romero, 135 lbs of Las Vegas is 14-0 with 12 knockouts. Yigit, 140.25 lbs of Sweden is 24-2-1.

Rolando Romero

“I fought a tough kid above my weight class. I fought a 140-pounder and I f***ing stopped him. Simple as that.

“In the seventh round, I knew it was over. I swear I thought it was over after that first knockdown but I didn’t have time in that round to jump on him.

“I want Gervonta Davis at 140. I want him at 140. I mean, he only has 16 fights. I have 14 now. I am ready for him. Time to stop him. Time to knock him out. I know what he can do but I know what I can do. I am a lot stronger. Let’s see if we can make it happen.”

Vidal wins Majority Decision over Aleem

In a terrific back and forth brawl, Amilcar Vidal Jr. won a 10-round majority decision over Immanuwel Aleem in a middleweight fight.

The fight was fought at close quarters with each guy taking turns getting the better of the action. Vidal got credit for his body punching, but this was a crowd pleasing fight that could have gone either way.57

Vidal landed 205 of 571 punches; Aleem was 183 of 647 punches.

Vidal, 160.5 lbs of Uruguay won by scores of 97-93 twice and 95-95 and is now 13-0. Aleem, 162 lbs of East Meadow, NY is 18-3-1.

Amilcar Vidal

“I was not surprised by his strategy of working inside. We worked on that in camp. I wanted to work him in and then I would finally show him my power in the end.

“It was a great fight against a really tough opponent, but the fruits of my labor alongside my brother during training camp paid off and I never lost my cool.

“We felt sure of ourselves as a team and I knew (Aleem) would feel me as soon as I found my ideal distance and reach.

“I believe I was a fair winner, but I am not here to argue about the score. I may have lost my way in a couple of rounds, but I regained control of the fight and I have as much as I took.

“Like I told you before the press conference, it’s about going step by step. We took a major one tonight, and now my promoter will let me know what’s next. I’ll be ready. We are nice and comfortable at 160 pounds.

“Uruguay can rest easy knowing Amilcar Vidal is here to stay.”

PHOENIX – The room was decorated for weddings. But there were no vows. Just violence, in the ring and the seats.

In a ring beneath a ceiling covered with a white floral display, a fight card ended wildly Friday night at the Legends Event Center in Maryvale on the westside of Phoenix.

Danny Barrios (6-0, 2 KOs) executed a definite end to the regulated violence with a powerful succession of uppercuts that drove fellow Phoenician Edward Ceballos (9-4-1, 5 KOs) though the ropes and flat on his back on the ring’s apron at the end of a scheduled six rounder. That’s where he was counted out by referee Wes Melton.

The fight for a state featherweight title sanctioned by the Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission was over. But the brawl was just beginning.

As Ceballo’s corner rushed to help their fallen fighter, spectators talked trash and hurled cups of beer. The exchange quickly escalated. Members of Ceballos’ corner and spectators started shoving each other. They had to be separated as the small crowd scattered and headed for the parking lot amid flying chairs and debris.

Barrios’ victory was the main event on a card that had been scheduled to feature former lightweight champion Ray Beltran. But Beltran’s comeback was cancelled. His opponent, Daniel Perales Osorio of Monterrey, Mexico, chose not to fight.     

Best of the Undercard

Left-handed Michael Norato (9-0, 20 KOs), a tall lightweight from California, had a long jab that kept Isaac Camarillo (3-2-2, 1 KO), of Yuma, AZ, at bay, off balance and bloodied. Norato, who had ex-Oscar De La Hoya trainer Robert Alcazar in his corner, won a one-sided decision, 60-54 on all three cards.

The Rest

Phoenix super-middleweight William Northran (3-0, 2 KOs) used his superior reach and faster feet to score a second-round TKO of Tommie Stephens (0-1) of Eloy, AZ.

Brian Velasquez (3-0, 2 KOs), a Phoenix junior-featherweight, relied on agile feet and a long body to counter aggressive pursuit from Nestor Robledo (7-13-2) for a four-round majority decision over the Mexican.

Joseph Rivas, a welterweight from Coolidge, AZ, survived a tough test in his pro debut, enduring four head-rocking rounds for a unanimous decision over Misael Chacon (4-24-3, 3 KOs) of Florence, AZ.

Maximus Castro (2-0, 2 KOs), a Phoenix junior-featherweight also trained by Alcazar, possessed power, sending winless Kendall Ward (0-8), of Idaho to his knees repeatedly with big body shots that finally led to a stoppage at 1:34 of the fourth round.

Axel Rosales (3-0, 2 KOs), a Phoenix lightweight, scored with body shots, offsetting a busy style for a majority decision over Gregory Cruz (2-1, 1 KO) of Seattle.Attachments area

Backyard Brawl Extreme 6 took place this evening at the Hard Rock Live venue at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fl., featuring ten bouts of bareknuckle boxing in a triangle-shaped ring known as the Trigon. The Trigon is an unforgiving stage, with little room to run and corners that can leave a fighter with no angle to spin out, forcing an exchange with likely brutal consequences.

Calling the action were veteran commentators Paul Malignaggi, Benny Ricardo and Mike Goldberg. All welcome additions to the promotion.

Founder Dada5000 knows that the action in the Trigon is most likely to end in a knockout, as has been the trend in the first five shows. Tonight saw one fight end in a no-contest decision due to an accidental foul (hitting a grounded opponent) and several fights that went the distance.

This author’s pick for fight of the night belongs to the ladies. Patricia Juarez, a former professional boxer, who challenged tough-as-nails Christine “Knuckles” Stanley (2-0) for the promotions Lightweight Championship. Stanleys eye was moused in the first round and it seemed unlikely that the fight would go the distance. Juarez showed superior technique with her footwork and body punches but Stanley stayed in the fight for the duration. After seven rounds of explosive action, both women were bloodied and the crowd roared in anticipation as the unanimous decision was declared in Juarez’ favor.

The main event featured hometown crowd favorite Rene “White Boy” Rodriquez vs. Matt Delanoit.  Delanoit went down in the first round but quickly recovered. Round two commenced with both men swinging for glory and a rare double knockdown. Delanoit quickly recovered and picked himself up, but Rodriquez, landing on the back of his head, was shaken. The referee reached a count of 9, asked Rodriquez if he wanted to continue, but Rodriquez did not give a definitive answer. It was a rowdy end to an exciting night of fights and Delanoit will now challenge for the 185lb belt at BYB 7 in September.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Ray Beltran’s 23 years in the ring include lots of punches. Lots of lessons, too.

One of those lessons landed all over again Thursday. No payday is ever guaranteed. Beltran’s comeback fight Friday night at Legends Center in Maryvale on the west side of Phoenix has been cancelled. His scheduled opponent didn’t show up for the weigh-in Thursday.

Beltran (36-9-1, 22 KOs), a former lightweight champion, said he was told Wednesday night that Osorio just didn’t want to fight. The bout, which would have been Beltran’s first since a stoppage loss to Richard Commey in June 2019, was supposed to be at 143-pounds. Osorio (12-20-2, 8KOs), of Monterrey, Mex., was 2-6 over his last eight bouts.

“It’s disappointing,’’ said the 40-year-old Beltran, once Manny Pacquiao’s primary sparring partner. “You invest a lot of time and money into training and all.  But it’s part of boxing. Part of the business. I used to fight because of my passion for the game. I still do. But now I also see it as a business.’’

Beltran, who lives in Avondale on the west side of Phoenix, said he hopes to fight on a card featuring super-middleweight David Benavidez-versus-Jose Uzcatequi on Aug. 28. It was announced this week that the Showtime-televised card will be at Talking Stick Arena in a ring on the Suns home floor in downtown Phoenix.

Jose Benavidez Jr. is also expected to fight on the card. It would be Benavidez Jr.’s first bout since a 12^th-round stoppage loss to welterweight champion and pound-for-pound contender Terence Crawford in October 2018. The Benavidez brothers grew up in Phoenix.

“That’s going to be a big night for Phoenix boxing,’’ said Beltran, who was brought to Phoenix from Mexico in the late 1990s by late Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward.

Beltran made his pro debut in Tucson in July 1999.

“At this stage, I just want to stay busy,’’ said Beltran, who says he will fight at junior-welterweight. “I’m hoping for August 28. Then, maybe in September. At this stage, I’ve got to stay busy. I can’t sit around and wait.’’

With the Beltran comeback off Friday night’s card, young featherweights Danny Barrios (5-0 1 KOs) and Edward Ceballos (9-3-1, 5 KOs) will fight in the main event for a 126-pound state title sanctioned by the Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission. First bell is scheduled for 6 p.m.

July 11, 2021.  Three years ago, Miami’s Marlon Kelly was the Sugar Bert National Champion, the #1 amateur in the country. In 2019, he was a semi-finalist in the Olympic Trials. He trains at KOFitness in Hialeah, alongside another former top-ranked amateur turned pro, Aaron Aponte. Last night, Kelly scored his third technical knockout of his professional career, keeping his record a perfect 3-0, with 3 KOs.  The bout also marked his second appearance with Road Warrior Promotions, the South Florida based promotion headed by former world champion Glen Johnson.

Kelly shared the card with other South Florida favorites including cruiserweight Isaiah “Night Knight” Thompson, known for knocking out opponents as an amateur in the Golden Gloves as well as the professional ranks. Night Knight devastated Leroy Jones in the first round forcing a TKO stoppage, bringing his record to 5-0, 4 KOs.  

Featherweight Daniel Bailey also won several titles as an amateur and competed in his seventh professional event this evening. Bailey displayed an impressive skillset-speed, technique, defense and dominated his opponent Mike Fowler to retain his undefeated record.

Manuel “Sweet Dreams” Correa (9-0, 6 KOs) brought a large following to the Miami Airport Convention Center last night, as did “Gorgeous” Alvin Davie (6-2, 5 KOs) and both men added a W to their resumes via TKO in their respective bouts.

Super featherweight Malik Lewis could be considered Glen Johnson’s “protégée,” as it was the 26-year old former mixed-martial artist who convinced the Road Warrior to become a trainer. Johnson has taken Lewis to a PAL championship as an amateur and now a 4-0 (3 KOs) professional who continues to improve with each fight.

Ermal “The Sniper” Hadribeaj (9-0-1), training out of The World Famous 5th Street Gym, also known as the “Albanian Lomachenko,” and well known for his victory back flips, continued his tradition of bringing fans and excitement to the venue. With a background in parkour and training partners such as Jeison Rpasrio, The Sniper is one to look out for in the future.

Veteran Heavyweight Carlos Negron (24-3, 19 KOs) was a surprise on this card. Negron scored a devastating knockout with a body to head combination that stopped pponent Antwaun Tubbs in his tracks.

The star of the promotion is Nigerian-born heavyweight Raphael Akpejiori. Akpejiori is a gifted athlete who came to the United States on a basketball scholarship to the University of Miami. He went on to play football for them as well and was later scouted by the Miami Dolphins. Now he has found his calling as a pugilist and has shown remarkable knockout power. His record stands at a perfect 12-0 with 12 KOs. Akpejiori continues to improve under the tutelage of Glen Johnson. And yes, he did call out Tyson Fury.  

In a wild five minutes, Dustin Poirier won his trilogy with Conor McGregor when McGregor could not continue due to an apparent broken bone in his leg at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The fight was fought at a furious pace with McGregor coming out kicking McGregor. McGregor tried to get Poirier in a Guillotine choke, but it was Poirier landing hard shots on the ground. McGregor had some blood from his ear. With the round ending, Poirier landed some good shots on his feet, and with the clock winding down, both guys missed a punch with McGregor turning his ankle and his foot began to dangle off to the side, and the fight was officially stopped due to a doctor stoppage.

Poirier, 156 lbs is now 28-6 with 15 stoppage wins. McGregor, 156 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 22-6.

Burns Decisions Thompson

Gilbert Burns won a unanimous decision over Stephen Thompson in a welterweight fight.

Burns outstruck Thompson 101-59 and registered three takedowns to none.

Burns, 170.5 lbs of Rio de Jineiro, BRA won by scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 20-4. Thompson, 170.5 lbs of Simpsonville, SC is 16-5-1.

Tuivasa Knocks Out Hardy in 1

Tai Tuivasa knocked out former NFL star Greg Hardy in 67 seconds of their heavyweight fight.

After Hardy landed a hard right, he came in for a follow up, and ate a huge left hook that put him on the deck. Tuivasa landed a couple of ground strikes for good measure and the fight was stopped.

Tuivasa, 263 lbs of Sydney, AUS is now 13-3 with 12 knockouts. Hardy, 264.5 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 7-4.

Aldana stops Kutnitskaya in 1st

Irene Aldana stopped Yana Kutnitskaya in the opening round of their bantamweight fight.

Aldana dropped Kutnitskaya with a hook. Aldana landed six Ground-and-Pound shots on two separate occasions with the 2nd flurry being vicious and the fight was stopped at 4:35.

Aldana, 139.5 lbs (which was 3.5 over the contract weight and she was forced to forfeit 30% of her purse) of Guadalajara, MX is 13-6 with seven sroppages. Kunitskaya, 134.5 lbs of Russia is 14-6.

O’Malley stops Moutinho in 3rd

Sean O’Malley won the fight, but Kris Moutinho won the show. O’Malley stopped Moutinho in round three, of bantamweight fight.

O’Malley hit Moutinho with everything and the kitchen sink. O’Malley bsted his opponent up, but the late replacement kept on coming and even would get in a big shot of his own. In round three, O’Malley hit Moutinho with a blistering combination, but he could not budge Moutinho down, yet referee Herb Dean stepped in and stopped the fight.

O’Malley, 135.5 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 14-1 with 10 stoppage wins. Moutinho, 135 lbs of Milford, MA, took the fight on a week notice, is now 9-5.

Max Griffin won a unanimous decision over veteran Carlos Condit in a welterweight battle.

Griffin outstruck Condit 95-60.

Griffin, 170 1/2 lbs of Sacramento, CA won by scores of 30-27 and 29-28 twice and is now 18-8. Condit, 171 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 32-14.

Michel Pereira hung on to eek out a unanimous decision over Niko Price in a middleweight bout.

In round one, Pereira had blood coming out of his nose. Later Price began to bleed from his nose. Pereira seemed to have won the first and most of the second round. Price came on strong and almost had Pereira out several times in the last minute of the fight.

Pereira, 170 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas via Brazil won by scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 26-11. Price, 169 1/2 lbs of Cape Coral, FL is 14-5.

Ilia Topuria stopped Ryan Hall in the opening round of their featherweight fight.

Hall kept rolling into Topuria in an odd way to look for leglock. Topuria fially got Hall on the ground and punched him out at 4:47.

Topuria, 145.5 lbs of Spain is now 11-0 with three knockouts. Hall, 146 lbs of Falls Church, VA is 8-2.

Dricus Du Plessis stopped Trevin Giles in round two of their middleweight fight.

In round one, Du Plessis was bleeding from his forehead. Replays showed it was from a clash of heads.

In round two, Giles landed a flurry on the cage, and then Du Plessis shot off and landed a booming right to the head that dropped Giles to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:41.

Du Plessis, 185.5 lbs of South Africa is now 16-2 with his 7th stoppage. Giles, 185.5 lbs of Houston, TX is 14-3.

Jennifer Maia won a unanimous decision over Jessica Eye in a battle of former title challengers.

In round two, Eye started to bleed down her face from her forehead from a clash of heads. The cut was deep.

Eye outlanded Maia 104-102.

Maia, 125.5 lbs of Brazil won by scores of 30-27 twice and is now 19-7. Eye, 125.5 lbs of Las Vegas is 15-10.

Brad Tavares won a split decision over Omari Akhmedov in a battle of top-15 middleweights.

In round two, both guys started to swelling around their eyes.

Tavares outstruck Akhmedov 76-50. Tavares one two cards 29-28. Akhmedov won a card 29-28.

Tavares, 184.5 lbs of Las Vegas is 19-7. Akhmedov, 185.5 lbs of Russia is 21-6-1.

Zhalgas Zhumagulov choked out Jerome Rivera in round one of their flyweight out.

Zhumagulov was able to get the rear-naked win at 2:02.

Zhumagulov, 125.5 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 14-5 with his first submission. Rivera, 125.5 bs of Santa Fe, NM is 10-6.