NEW YORK CITY — In the main event from Madison Square Garden, Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin (40-1-1, 35KO) scored a unanimous decision (114-113, 115-112×2), edging past Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10KO) to recapture the IBF middleweight title he once owned in an all action Fight of the Year candidate streamed live on DAZN.  

It was a bombs-away affair from the get-go and similar to Dervenyanchenko’s title fight against Daniel Jacobs, the Ukranian came out of cold and was caught and dropped by a Golovkin right on the top of the head midway through the first round. GGG carried his momentum into the second round and landed a vicious lead left hook that opened a nasty gash over Derevyanchenko’s right eye that immediately sent blood running down the 33 year-old’s face.  

Perhaps spurred on by a sense of urgency brought on by the cut, Derevyanchenko stepped up pressure in the third round and started taking the fight to Golovkin, committing heavy shots to the 37 year-old’s body which immediately started to pay dividends.

Credit Derevyanchenko’s cutman, Mike Bazzel, who worked on the gruesome cut round after round, and did a good enough job to satisfy the ringside physicians who continually inspected the Ukranians eye throughout the fight.  

Derevyanchenko noticeably hurt Golovkin for the first time in the fight late into the fifth with a left hook to the liver that produced a wince from GGG and sent him backpedaling in retreat.  The following round witnessed Golovkin sucking wind, breathing deeply through his mouth, while the bloody Derevyanchenko applied more pressure.  

After dropping the early-middle rounds, Golovkin dug in in the seventh and rallied, landing huge left hooks that targeted the worsening cut over Derevyanchenko’s eye.  

The eight and ninth played host to wild exchanges where both fighters were willing to take punches to land their own shots. 

But in the tenth, a surefire Round of the Year candidate, Derevyanchenko came out of his corner guns-a-blazin’ and wailed away on GGG, who found himself in a world of hurt.  But the Kazakh once again found something within himself, withstood Derevyanchenko’s onslaught, and scored with his own huge shots as the round progressed. 

The championship rounds witnessed back and forth action with GGG besting Derevyanchenko during the most meaningful exchanges.  

At the end of twelve, judge Kevin Morgan scored the bout 114-113 and both Eric Marlinski and Frank Lombardi had it 115-112, all for Golovkin.  15Rounds.com also scored it 115-112.

Golovkin now reclaims ownership to the IBF world title he once held and the one that rival Saul “Canelo” Alvarez was stripped of earlier this year after Alvarez and Golden Boy Promotions failed to make a fight with Dereveyanchenko, the IBF mandatory challenger, by a set deadline.  

Tonight marked the second fight GGG worked with trainer Jonathan Banks in his corner.  Banks entered the picture after Golovkin and longtime trainer Abel Sanchez went through an ugly public divorce earlier this year.

For Derevyanchenko, tonight marked the second straight fight he had his longtime trainer, Andre Rozier operating as his corner’s chief second.  Derevyanchenko, who is co-trained by Rozier and Gary Stark, was forced to split from Rozier and work solely with Stark for his title clash with Daniel Jacobs, who is also trained by Rozier.  It was the second time the Ukranian came up short in a title bout, the other being to Jacobs earlier this year.  

It was Golovkin’s second consecutive fight and fifth overall inside the main room at the “World’s Most Famous Arena”, where he’s amassed a record of (4-0, 3KO).  He last fought at the Garden in June when he knocked out Steve Forbes in 4 rounds.   

Golovkin’s lone defeat remains his controversial MD defeat to Canelo Alvarez in 2018.  The two rivals also fought to a draw in 2017 in a fight that many believe Golovkin deserved to win. 

Madrimov Batters Barrera En Route To 5th Round TKO

In the co-feature from Madison Square Garden, unbeaten Uzbeki junior middleweight Israil “The Dream” Madrimov (4-0, 4KO) destroyed Mexican veteran Alejandro Barrera (29-6, 18KO), scoring a fifth round TKO in a contest initially slated for ten rounds.  

Madrimov, 24, set the tone early when he landed a leaping left hook that floored Barrera early in the first.  Instead of headhunting the foggy Barrera, Madrimov make a conscious effort to batter Barrera’s body for the remainder of the opening round.  

Madrimov, who is one of a seemingly endless number of Uzbeki fighters training out of Joel Diaz’s gym in Indio, CA, fought a level above Barrera, who did his best to slip and counter the forward-pressing Madrimov.  Madrimov kept coming though, altering from orthodox to southpaw, pouring in jabs to the body and head, and consistently working his way inside to unload.  

By the fifth round, Madrimov’s body shots began to take their toll on the 33 year-old Barrera, whose movement and reflexes significantly slowed.  It then became open season for the Matchroom Boxing prospect, who potshotted Barrera with head-snapping blows until referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the punishment at the 2:36 mark of the fifth round.  

Madrimov now joins Errol Spence Jr. as the only other fighter to have stopped Barrera inside the distance.  

Baranchyk Blasts Bracero, Scores TKO3

Former IBF junior welterweight champion Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (20-1, 13KO) bounced back from his World Boxing Super Series semi final defeat to Josh Taylor, scoring a fourth round TKO against veteran Gabriel Bracero (25-4-1, 6KO) in a contest originally scheduled for ten rounds.

It was bombs away for Baranchyk in the opening round, as the 26 year-old threw haymaker after haymaker, hoping to land a fight-ending blow early.  Credit the crafty Brooklynite, Bracero, who was able to remain composed during Baranchyk’s early bursts, and pepper in counter shots that would momentarily halt the Beast’s momentum.  

In the second, Baranchyk began connecting with his power shots.  Using his jab only to set up hooks and crosses, Baranchyk landed a huge left hook early in the round and briefly staggered Bracero.  The two engaged in numerous exchanges throughout the remainder of the round, and at times Bracero would land clean, but his punches did little to deter the forward momentum of Baranchyk who would open a cut over Bracero’s right eye before round’s end.  

In the fourth round, Baranchyk planted a heavy left hook to Bracero’s liver that forced him against the ropes.  Baranchyk immediately followed the body shot with a clean jab and a huge right cross that sent Bracero stumbling forward to the mat.  A dazed Bracero beat referee Arthur Mercante Jr.’s ten count but his corner stepped in to stop the contest before action resumed. The official time of the stoppage came at the 1:30 mark of the fourth round.  

Akhmadev Walks Through Hernandez, Stops Him In One

Khazak-born super middleweight Ali Akhmadev (16-0, 12KO) needed just :44 seconds of a scheduled ten rounds to land a fight-ending right cross to Andrew Hernandez’s (20-8-2, 9KO) temple.  

The GGG stable-mate, who is also trained by Jonathan Banks, set the right hand up nicely by throwing it behind a stiff jab. 

It was Akhmadev’s second straight win inside the distance, and just the fourth time Hernandez has been stopped in his thirty fight career.  

Ceballo Disposes Of Amanov In 3

In a battle of unbeatens, former five-time New York Golden Gloves Champion Brian Ceballo (11-0,6KO) scored a third round TKO over fellow welterweight Ramal Amanov (16-1, 5KO), handing the Azerbaijan native his first pro defeat.  

The 25 year-old Ceballo dominated from the onset, proving to be too quick and too slick for the 35 year-old Amanov.

Early on, a Ceballo left opened a bothersome cut over Amanov’s right eye.  In the third round, Ceballo, who was fighting for the fifth time in 2019, landed another left that knocked Amanov off-balance.  The Fort Greene Brooklyn native Ceballo followed up the left with a flurry of shots that prompted referee Arthur Mercante, Jr. to step in and stop the contest at the 1:20 mark of the third round.  

Szeremeta Shines In US Debut, Scores TKO2 Over Cortes

In his US debut, unbeaten Polish middleweight Kamil Szeremeta (21-0, 5KO) scored a second round TKO over Mexican veteran Oscar Cortes (27-5,14KO).  

The 29 year-old Szeremeta asserted himself early, dropping Corets with a beautifully thrown left hook to the chin in the opening round.  The tattooed Pole kept the heat on in the second, hurting Cortes with an overhand right, before finishing him off with a final left-right combo.  With doctors clamoring on the apron, referee Benjy Esteves Jr. called a halt to the bout at the :45 second mark of round two.  

It was the fourth time in Cortes’ career that he’s been stopped inside the distance and just Szeremeta’s win via stoppage in his last nine contests.  

Injury Spoils Irishman Joe Ward’s Pro Debut, Suffers TKO Loss 

Former 2016 Irish Olympian Joseph Ward (0-1) had his pro debut spoiled when he suffered a gruesome knee injury midway through the second round of a scheduled six round light heavyweight clash that resulted in his opponent, Marco Delgado (6-2, 4KO), being awarded a TKO victory.

The end came suddenly in the second when a Delgado feint drew a reaction from Ward, whose knee twisted awkwardly and immediately gave out, leaving Ward reeling in pain on the mat.  Referee Eddie Claudio ruled the injury “self-imposed”, and therefore Delgado received a win by TKO. The time of the stoppage came at the 1:00 mark of round 2. After doctors tended to Ward’s knee, the gritty Irishman — who is trained by Buddy McGirt — walked out of the ring under his power.  

Ababiy Kicks Off MSG Card In Style; Stops Seldon In One

Twenty year-old Matchroom Boxing super middleweight prospect Nikita “White Chocolate” Ababiy needed less than one of a scheduled six rounds to up his already perfect record to 7-0, 6KO, earning a first round TKO against 31 year-old veteran Isiah Seldon (13-3-1, 4KO).  

Ababiy, who trains under Aureliano Sosa and fights out of Brooklyn, NY, was relentless, battering Seldon’s body, before coming upstairs to deliver a definitive blow that left Seldon unable to continue as the bout was waved off at the 1:45 mark of the opening round.

It was the fifth stoppage in six career wins for the Keith Connolly managed fighter.  

On the flip side, tonight’s TKO marked just the second time in seventeen pro bouts that Seldon had been stopped inside the distance. 

The Ababiy stoppage kicked off a night of fights from Madison Square Garden that will culminate when former middleweight king Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko clash for the vacant IBF middleweight title in a bout that will be streamed live on DAZN. 

Top prospect Jaron Ennis continued his meteoric rise as he stopped Demain Fernandez in round three of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout in Flint, Michigan.

In round three, Ennis landed a heavy barrage of punches that sent Fernandez to the canvas. Seconds later, Fernandez turned to his corner and the bout was stopped at 2:10.

Ennis, 146 1/4 lbs of Philadelphia is now 24-0 with 22 knockouts. Fernandez, 146 1/2 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 12-2.

Jermaine Franklin won a 10-round unanimous decision over Pavel Sour in a heavyweight bout.

In round six, Franklin dropped Sour with a nice right hand. In round 10, Franklin landed a hard combination that was followed by a right hand that sent Sour crashing down on the ropes.

Franklin, 231 1/2 lbs of Saginaw, MI win by scores of 98-91, 98-90 and 97-91 and is now 20-0. Sour, 238 lbs of Czech Republic s 11-2.

NOTE—The main event between Claressa Shields and Ivana Habizan was cancelled after Shields’ brother sucker-punched and severely hurt Habizan’s trainer James Ali Basheer at Friday’s weigh-in.

WBC Flyweight champion Charlie Edwards vacated his title after a controversial no-contest with Julio Cesar Martinez.

“Me and my team have decided due to how much I struggled with the weight last time out — it actually scared me about how much I was putting my health on the line — and I can’t risk causing damage to myself as health is the single most important thing in life,” Edwards wrote. “I am gutted because I value being WBC world champion, and [I’m] so proud to be able to be in history as WBC flyweight world champion! The best belt in boxing by far.

“I want to continue to represent the WBC and really want to push on through the [junior bantamweight] rankings and pursue the title! But I wanted to let you know first before anyone else that I will be vacating the [flyweight] title to move up and challenge at the new weight. Thanks so much for everything.”

PHILADELPHIA–Victor Padilla remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Romain Tomas in a super lightweight bout in the main event of a nine-bout card at The 2300 Arena.

Padilla, 136.6 lb of Berlin, NJ won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 to raise his mark to 6-0. Tomas, 137 3/4 lbs of Brooklyn is 8-3.

Sidney Maccow dropped Marcel Rivers twice on his way to a six-round unanimous decision in a junior welterweight bout.

Rivers dropped Maccow in the 4th with a right. Maccow, who controlled a lot of the action sent Rivers down at the end of the 6th round.

Maccow, 142.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 58-56 and is now 7-6. Rivers, 142.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 7-2.

Isiah Wise and Roque Zepata fought to a six-round draw in a rematch of super welterweights.

All three judges ruled the bout 57-57. Wise, 155 3/4 lbs of Philadelphia is 7-2-2. Zepata , 153 3/4 lbs of Culpeper, VA is 6-2-5.

Seifullah Jihad Wise won a four-round unanimous decision over Vinny Deniero in a lightweight contest.

Wise, 136.6 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice to go to 4-7. Deniero, 136.1 lbs of Elmira, NY is 3-7.

Gerardo Martinez won a five-round unanimous decision over Osnel Charles in a lightweight bout.

Martinez, 134.8 lbs of Coatesville, PA won on all cards 49-46 and is now 5-1. Charles, 132.6 lbs of Atlantic City is 13-20-1.

Shinard Bunch stopped Kevin Womack in the 1st round of a scheduled four-round welterweight bout.

Bunch landed a perfect overhand right that sent Womack, and the bout was stopped at 1:56.

Bunch, 147 lbs of Queens, NY is 3-1 with three knockouts. Womack, 148.5 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 9-19-3.

Shamar Fulton Banks stopped Leonardo Kenon in round one of their four-round lightweight bout.

Banks hurt Kenon with a hard left and, and then followed that up with about 10 unanswered blows that forced referee Shawn Clark stop the fight at 1:08.

Banks, 134.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-0 with three knockouts. Kenon, 133.1 lbs of Quincy, FL is 3-8.

Sahret Delgado won a four-round unanimous decision over Joel Caudle in heavyweight bout.

Delgado, 265.6 lbs of Berlin, NJ won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 8-0. Caudle, 254.8 lbs of Raleigh, NC is 8-4-2.

Former female super bantamweight champion Heather Hardy tested positive for a banned diuretic in her bout against against Amanda Serrano.

The WBC said it will investigate the “circumstances surrounding the finding” and the “history and properties of the substance revealed by the finding.”

“The WBC considers those steps necessary to achieve a conclusion of the matter consistent with the WBC rules and regulations and with the WBC CBP protocol,” the WBC said in a statement, adding that it would announce the results of its investigation “in the near future.”

“My VADA test results just came back, negative for performance-enhancing drugs, but detected a prescription drug used to treat kidney and heart problems,” Hardy wrote. “I told the testing & [medical] professionals what I took heading into the fight, a prescription med for period symptoms. They acknowledge this, and now my team is getting to the bottom of the findings.”

“I’m Furious right now! I’ve been respectful to Heather Hardy from day 1. Come to find out her test came back Dirty,” wrote Serrano, who is the only woman in boxing history to win world titles in seven weight classes. “Mine was posted yesterday CLEAN! I’ve Never cheated in my life. Ppls life are at risk when things like this happen. [Promoter] Lou DiBella, I want answers like Yesterday.”

Super Middleweight world title challenger Avni Yidirim tested positive for 2 PED’s according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“In light of the finding, and as part of the WBC’s results management duties, the WBC has undertaken an investigation of the facts that resulted in the finding, including, but not limited to the: (1) circumstances surrounding the finding; and (2) history and properties of the substance(s) revealed by the finding,” the WBC said in a statement. “In addition, Avni Yildirim and his team voluntarily agreed to hold an immediate evaluation meeting with an expert scientist approved by the WBC to conduct an in-depth analysis of the situation at hand.

“The WBC considers those steps necessary to achieve a conclusion of the matter consistent with the WBC rules and regulations and with the WBC CBP protocol.”

Welterweight’s Radzhab Butaev and Alexander Besputin will meet for a vacant welterweight title on November 30th in Monte Carlo after Matchroom Boxing won a purse bid, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, which does not promote either boxer, on Monday won the purse bid for the bout with a winning offer of $505,555 at the WBA offices in Panama City, Panama.

By Norm Frauenheim-

LOS ANGELES — Only the judges disagreed.

There was no debate about the drama that began early and lasted throughout 12 rounds Saturday night in a split decision won by Earl Spence Jr. over Shawn Porter for two pieces of the welterweight title in front of roaring crowd of 16,709 at Staples Center.

Judges Rey Denescon of California and Steve Weisfeld of New Jersey scored it 116-111 for Spence. Larry Hazard, Jr., also of New Jersey saw it different. Hazard scored 115-112 for Porter.

The crowd? It was unanimous. There was no dissent about what a terrific fight was. There was a little bit of everything. Porter made it rough and repeatedly forced Spence to show he had some grit to go along with his reach, power and speed. Spence had poise, a jab and the wherewithal to control the center of the ring at exactly the moments he had to. In the end, Spence also had one quick counter, a left, perfectly timed and placed, to score a knockdown of Porter. It was the key to the fight.

It knocked Porter off balance in the closing moments of the eleventh round. Porter grazed the canvas with a glove. But the touch was like a torch to his chances at an upset.

“I think that knockdown was the difference,” Porter (30-3-1, 17 KOs) said “I couldn’t come back to the corner with my head down after that.”

No, he didn’t. He pursued throughout the 12th round, the bout’s final three minutes. He rocked Spence with a couple of lefts. But there was no way to knock victory out of the bigger man’s powerful grasp.

“Porter was throwing a lot,” said Spence, still unbeaten at 26-0 with 21 KOs. “I wanted to show I was the bigger and stronger welterweight.”

Bigger and stronger, however, doesn’t necessarily mean the best. That’s still up for debate. Spence hopes to further cement his claim at being No. 1 at 147 pounds against Manny Pacquiao. But that still leaves the unresolved question about when or if he’ll ever face the Top Rank-promoted Terence Crawford, who celebrated a birthday Saturday. He’s 32. There are stiil no signs that a Crawford-Spence fight will happen before his next birthday.

“if I can’t get Pacquiao and nothing happens with Terence, maybe Danny Garcia,” said Spence, who collected a $2 million guarantee and could wind with more depending on the pay-pe-view numbers for the Fox telecast..

A sign of what might happen next, perhaps, was there among those who rushed into the ring to congratulate Spence. Danny Garcia was there, perhaps the most prominent face in Spence’s future.

“I’ve told my team, you line them up, I’ll knock them down,” Spence said.

Meanwhile, there was little talk of a rematch, despite a split card scorecards that seemed to dictate a sequel. Porter had no argument with the scoring.

“For me to say it was robbery, no, that ain’t coming form me,” Porter said. “Did you all like the fight?”

Oh, yeah.

In the co-main event, 22-year-old super-middleweight David Benavidez (22-0, 19 KOs) became boxing’s youngest two-time champion, scoring a ninth-roundd soppage of bloodied Anthony Dirrell (33-2-1, 24 KOs). Benvidez claimed the 168-pound title that was stripped from him when he tested positive for cocaine last year

“There are so many emotions coming at me at once, said Benavidez, whose $1 million purse is the biggest collected by an Arizona fighter since Hall of Famer Michael Carbajal, also of Phoenix, cashed a $1 million paycheck for his rematch loss to Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez in 1994. “We put so much hard work into this training camp. We left home and were away from everything. But I had the dream to become the youngest two-time super middleweight world champion and I made my dreams come true.

“Everything just fell in place perfectly. From the suspension to all the big fights I’ve been in. All of that helped me out in this fight. I did not make a mistake or open myself up more than I needed to. I worked behind my jab and got the stoppage. Things are going to get better and get tougher and I’m ready for the challenge.”

Errol Spence Jr. and Shawn Porter thrilled the crowd at Staples Center in Los Angeles in a unification bout that saw Spence walk away with both the IBF/WBC Welterweight titles via thrilling split decision in a terrific action contest.

The fight did not lack action as Porter pushed the fight, but that left him open for some great body work from Spence. Porter was able to get inside and throw and occasionally land some hard overhand rights that would land flush on the side of the head of Spence. Spence’s work was made up mostly of solid counters and good work along the ropes.

The two took turns being the boss and taking rounds. The fight seemed to be sealed in round 11 when Spence landed a short left hand that sent Porter to a knee. The two pleased the crowd one more time as the fought at a furious pace for the last three minutes of the bout.

Spence, 147 of Dallas, TX took two cards 116-111 while Porter won on a card by a 115-112 tally.

Spence is 26-0. Porter, 147 lbs of Akron, OH is 30-3-1.

“It feels good to win,” said Spence. “This is a lifetime dream. It shows hard work pays off. Thanks Shawn Porter, my whole team and all my Texas people for coming out.”

“Shawn Porter is a rough and awkward fighter,” said Spence. “I didn’t get off what I wanted to. He’s a true champion. He made it tough.”

“He’s a strong kid,” said Porter. “We both came in to do the job. I think I had a little more than what he expected, but he handled it. Congratulations to him and his team. We’re proud of what we did.”

“I think that knockdown was the difference,” said Porter. “I couldn’t come back to the corner with my head down after that.”

“All my punches have bad intentions,” said Spence. “By boxing Mikey Garcia, I wanted to show people I could do it with that style. Porter was throwing a lot. I wanted to show I was the bigger and stronger welterweight.”

It looks like Spence will now defend against Danny Garcia.

“It was a top dog fight tonight,” said Garcia. “I want you next Errol. It was a tough rugged fight. Shawn Porter is a tough fighter. I’m here to say I want next.” “My how the tables have turned,” said Spence. “I’ve told my team, you line them up, I’ll knock them down.”

David Benavidez regained the WBC Super Middleweight title with a 9th round stoppage over Anthony Dirrell.

In round six, Dirrell was cut over the right eyelid from a straight right hand from Benavidez.

The opened up the floodgates for Benavidez as he started to slowly breakdown and eventually batter Dirrell in the 9th frame until the bout was stopped at 1:39.

Benavidez, 167.6 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 22-0 with 19 knockouts. Dirrell, 167.6 of Flint, MI is 33-2-1.

“Everything just fell in place perfectly,” said Benavidez. “From the suspension to all the big fights I’ve been in. All of that helped me out in this fight. I did not make a mistake or open myself up more than I needed to. I worked behind my jab and got the stoppage. Things are going to get better and get tougher and I’m ready for the challenge.”

“He hit me with a clean shot,” said Dirrell. “That’s my first time ever being cut by a punch. It opened up. There was nothing I could do about it. I couldn’t see the whole fight after that. My corner did a good job on it, but I really couldn’t see.”

“There are so many emotions coming at me at once,” said Benavidez. “We put so much hard work into this training camp. We left home and were away from everything. But I had the dream to become the youngest two-time super middleweight world champion and I made my dreams come true.”

“I would have kept going in there,” said Dirrell. “I’m not quitting against anybody. Everyone saw I didn’t go down. My legs were still strong, but I couldn’t do anything about it.  “We’re going back to the drawing board. I’m still fighting. We won’t end on a loss. You can put anybody in there with me.”

Mario Barrios captured the WBA Super Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Batyr Akhmedov.

Mario Barrios captured the WBA Super Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Batyr Akhmedov.

In round four, Barrios dropped Akhmedov with a double left that was followed by a right. Akhmedov made a hard charge over the next several rounds, and wound up outlanding Barrios by over 100 punches.

Barrios sealed the fight with a hard right hand in round 12 that sent Akhmedov to the canvas.

Barrios, 140 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 116-111, 115-111 and 114-112 to go to 25-0. Akhmedov of Uzbekistan is 7-1.

“I knew this was going to be a war,” said Barrios. “He was getting dirty in there but the Mexican warrior in me was not going to let this opportunity pass me by. I dug deep and got the victory.” 

“The plan was to gradually grow the activity,” said Akhmedov. “I knew that I had to win by a wide margin. After the first knockdown, I knew that I had to add activity more quickly than I had planned. So I started being more aggressive. I did everything I could to try to stop him.”

“I promised my city of San Antonio that I would bring this title back home and I did it,” said Barrios. “The judges see better than I can from the ring,” said Akhmedov. “I did everything I could. I thought I won the fight. They decided that he won the fight. When I watch the fight I’ll be able to tell you what it looked like. My job is to do everything to win. The judges are supposed to judge correctly. “I tried to do everything I could. I was told that I wouldn’t be able to handle his experience, but he was on the ropes most of the fight. I beat him up and I thought I won the fight.”

Josesito Lopez stopped John Molina Jr. in round eight of a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout,

In round one, Lopez dropped Molina twice. 1st with a right and then seconds later with a body shot. Lopez won most of the rounds, but Molina was dangerous at times as he landed hard rights from time to time.

In round seven, Lopez landed a double left that was followed by a right that sent Molina down for a 3rd time. In the eighth, Lopez landed a couple more hard shots, and the bout was stopped.

Lopez, 146.6 lbs of Riverside, CA is now 37-8 with 20 knockouts. Molina, 146.2 lbs of Covina, CA 30-9.

“We both carry power in our hands so it wasn’t a surprise someone went down,” said Lopez. “It easily could have happened to me with the power he has. I was able to catch him early, find openings and get the finish.”

“You can never take the fight out of a fighter,” said Molina. “I have a never say die attitude and I have my whole career. It was a tough fight, but the better man won tonight.”

 “I knew he wasn’t going to quit,” said Lopez. “He’s a warrior. I had to keep on the pressure. I was thinking that hopefully the ref and the team made the right call to finish it at the right time.”

“I wanted to keep going at the end,” said Molina. “I thought I was still coherent and could still move well. But you can’t go against what the referees say.”

“There’s a lot more ‘Riverside Rocky’ left,” said Lopez. “Robert Garcia has turned my career around. I’m a race car and like NASCAR, I’ve got a whole team behind me. I’m a top 10-level fighter. I’m going to give any fighter and any world champion a run for their money. I want memorable fights and I want the best.”

Former world champion Robert Guerrero won a lackluster 10-round unanimous decision over Jerry Thomas in a welterweight bout.

Guerrero146.8 lbs of Gilroy, CA is now 36-6-1. Thomas, 146.6 lbs of St. Marys, KS is 14-2-1.

“I want to get back into those bigger fights,” said Guerrero. “I moved around and stayed smart in there tonight. The goal was to stick to the game plan and I did until the end of the fight, but then I got right back on it. You just have to keep working out the kinks and that’s what I’m going to keep doing.”

Joey Spencer remained undefeated by stopping Travis Gamberdella in round three of their welterweight bout.

In round one, Spencer was dominant, and dropped Gambderlla twice. In round two, Spencer came out like gangbusters and dropped Gamberdella with a big left to the body.

In round three, Spencer landed a huge combination, and the bout was stopped at 53 seconds.

Spencer, 155.8 lbs of Linden, MI is now 9-0 with seven knockouts. Gamberdella, 155 lbs of Revere, MA is 5-1-2.

“The body shots weren’t really the plan going in,” said Spencer. “I started off with head shots and he was taking those well. I put one downstairs and I instantly saw it affect him badly. I knew it was a wrap. I was going to keep going to the body.”

“I thought the referee was going to stop it in the second round,” said Spencer. “When he let him go I took a deep breath and made sure not to punch myself out. I stuck to my jab and let the rest take care of itself.”

“I’m so happy with the improvements that I was able to show tonight on the big stage,” said Spencer. “I’m really excited for what’s to come.”

Fabian Maidana dismantled Ramses Agaton with a 1st round stoppage in a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

Maidana floored Agaton in the opening seconds with a hard right hand. Maidana sent Agaton down again the opening frame with a body shot. Maidana finished the deal with another body shot that put Agaton down, and the fight was stopped at

Maidana, 146 lbs of Margarita, ARG is 17-1 with 13 knockouts. Agaton, 147 lbs of Mexico is 21-11-3

Leon Lawson III stopped Alan Zavala in round three of a scheduled eight-round super welterweigt bout.

Lawson dropped Zavala hard with a right hand in the corner, and Zavala stayed on the seat of his pants for the 10-count at 2:27.

Lawson, 157.4 lbs of Flint, MI is 12-0 with five knockouts. Zavala, 157 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 15-7.

Alfonso Olvera scored an upset by winning a eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Amon Rashidi in a welterweight bout.

Olvera, 147 lbs of Nogales, MX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74, and is now 14-6-3. Rashidi, 146.3 lbs of Dallas, TX is 7-1.

In a battle of Dallas based featherweights, Juan Antonio Lopez decisioned Fernando Garcia.

Lopez is 15-7. Garcia is 12-2.

Top Heavyweight prospect Daniel DuBois was dominant in stopping previously undefeated Ebenezer Tetteh in round one of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout at Royal Albert Hall in London.

DuBois scored two hard knockdowns with the referee stopping the bout when Tetteh got to his feet after the 2nd time he was on the canvas at 2:10.

DuBois is 13-0 with 12 knockouts. Tetteh is 19-1.

Archie Sharp scored a vicious knockout over Declan Geraghty in round four of their scheduled ten round super featherweight bout.

Sharp landed a flush left hand to the head that sent Geraghty plummeting to the canvas with the back of his head hitting the deck at 2:14.

Sharp is now 17-0 with nine knockouts. Gerghty is 19-5.

Nicola Adams retained the WBO Flyweight title as she battled to a split draw with Maria Salinas.

Adams took a card 97-93; Salinas won a card 96-94, and a 3rd card was even at 95-95.

Adams is 5-0-1. Salinas is 21-7-4.

Denzel Bentley remained perfect by stopping Kelcie Ball in the 1st round of their scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

Bentley bludgeoned Ball for 72 seconds before the bout was mercifully waved off.

Bentley is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Ball is 10-2.

Dennis McCann remained undefeated by stopping Georgi Georgiev in round tao of the scheduled six-round bantamweight bout.

McCann dropped Georgiev twice in round one, and once in round two before Georgiev was stopped on his feet .

McCann is 4-0 wth three knockouts. Georgiev is 8-16-1.

Willy Hutchinson remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Boris Zankov in a light heavyweight bout.

The time was 2:15 for Hutchinson who is now 10-0 with seven knockouts. Zankov is 11-27-1.

Sam Noakes made a successful pro debut with a stoppage of Chris Adaway after round three of a scheduled four-round welterweight bout.

Noakes dominated the action as he landed hard shots on the ropes throughout the contest. round three, Noakes was bleeding from his left ear.

Noakes is 1-0 with one knockout. Adaway is 9-60-4.

Former welterweight champion Keith Thurman had surgery on his left hand, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I recently had surgery on my left hand to deal with a nagging injury,” Thurman said on social media. “I feel great and can’t wait to get back in the ring in early 2020.”

“My injuries have been frustrating, but thanks to your (fans’) support I’m determined to become a champ again soon,” said Thurman, who owns significant victories against Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia in a title unification bout.

In an exciting 10-round super middleweight clash, Alfredo Angulo took a split decision over former middleweight champion Peter Quillin at The Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, California.

The rocked each other throughout the bou

In round seven, Angulo was cut around the left eye. Although Quillin outlanded Angulo 291-164, it was the more powerful shots of Angulo that forged him ahead on two cards by 97-93 and 96-94 tallies. Quillin took a card 96-94.

Angulo, 167.6 lbs of Mexicali, MX is 26-7. Quillin, 167.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 34-2-1.

Chris Colbert scored a spectacular 1st round stoppage over Miguel Beltran Jr. in a scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

Colbert dumped Beltran face-first with a perfect 1-2 combination, and the fight was stopped at

Colbert, 132.6 lbs of Brooklyn is 13-0 with five knockouts. Beltran, 132 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is 33-8.

Thomas Dulorme outslugged previously undefeated Terrel Williams via 10-round unanimous decision on a welterweight fight.

In round eight, Delorme was cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round ten, Dulorme dropped Williams with a hard left.

Dulorme, 146,4 lbs of Puerto Rico won by scores of 98-91 twice and 96-93 and is now 25-3-1. Williams, 146.4 lbs of Inglewood, CA is 18-1.

Jesus Ramos stopped Rickey Edwards in round three of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

Ramos dropped Edwards hard with a straight left hand, and the bout was immediately stopped at 2:40.

Ramos, 142.4 lbs of Casa Grande, AZ is 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Edwards, 142.6 lbs of Paterson, NJ is 12-4.

Michel Rivera stopped Jose Luis Gallegos after round five of their scheduled eight round lightweight bout.

Rivera, 136 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR 17-0 with 11 knockouts. Gallegos, 136.8 lbs of Chicago is 16-8.

2016 Russian Olympian Petr Khamukov stopped Randy Fuentes in round four of their scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Khamukov dropped Fuentes with a left hook. Seconds later, it was a quick flurry that put Fuentes down for a 2nd time. Khamukov scored a knockdown from a straight right hand to begin the 4th round. Moments later, Fuentes hit the canvas again from a combination on the inside, and the fight was stopped at 2:21.

Khamukov, 160 lbs of Russia is 44-0 with one knockout Fuentes, 160.8 lbs of McAllen, TX is 9-9-1.

Jonathan Esquivel stopped Justin Steave in round two of their scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Esquivel dropped stopped Steave with a big left hook. Seconds later, it was another big left hook that followed by a right that sent Steave down again. In round two, it was a body shot that sent Steave down again. Steave got to his feet, but the fight was waved off at 1:21.

Esquivel, 164 lbs of Anaheim, CA is now 12-0 with 11 knockouts. 163 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is 10-3.

BENSALEM, PA-Steven Ortiz remained undefeated but had to navigate through two knockdowns to win an eight-round majority decision over Alejandro Salinas an entertaining lightweight bout at The Parx Casino in Bensalem, PA.

After a furious exchange in round two, for which Ortiz was getting the better, Salinas slipped in a perfect counter left hook that sent Ortiz to his knees for a knockdown. In round three, Ortiz was sent to the canvas for a 2nd time from a hard right hand. Ortiz was bleeding over his right eye. Round four was an exciting one as Ortiz loaded up on every shot and connected on some. The two stood toe-to-toe wailing away on each other which was much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd.

Ortiz started land more consistently in round’s five and six. In round seven, he featured a booming right hand that hit Salinas smack in the face. Salinas came back later in the round by buckling Ortiz with a right hand. In round eight, Ortiz landed a hard combination on the ropes. The two fought hard down the stretch with Ortiz landing a flush right at the bell.

Ortiz, 132.6 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 76-74 twice 75-75 and is now 11-0. Salinas, 131 lbs of Youngstown, OH is 10-3.

Joshafat Ortiz remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Andrew Bentley in a junior lightweight bout.

The rounds were competitive, but Ortiz was the better man in each round as he won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice.

Ortiz, 128.5 lbs of Reading, PA is 7-0. Bentley, 126.5 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 5-4.

Daiyann Butt remained undfeated by stopping Latorrie Woodberry in round one of their scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

Butt dropped Woodberry twice and the fight was stopped after the 2nd knockdown at 2:45.

Butt, 140.7 lbs of Philadelphia is 5-0 with three knockouts. Woodberry, 141.2 lbs of Roanoke, VA is 2-10-2.

Gnec Pllama stopped Jamaal Davis in round four of their scheduled six-round super middleweight bout.

Pllama dominated the action and beat up Davis for most of the fight until referee Gary Rosato stopped the bout at 2:28.

Pllama, 165.8 lbs of Hagerstown, MD is 6-1 with three knockouts. Davis, 164.9 lbs of Harrisburg, PA is 18-16-1.

Davis announced his retirement in the ring.

Afunwa King made a successful pro debut by stopping previously undefeated Jan Czerklewicz in round two of a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.

After absorbing many hard shots in the 1st frame, Czerklewicz was dropped with a hard right hand. In round two, Czerklewicz began to swell under his right eye. King dropped Czerklewicz again in the round with an overhand right, and the bout was stopped at 1:23.

King, 173.8 lbs of Bronx, NY is 1-0 with one knockout. Czerklewicz, 173.5 lbs of Houston, TX is 2-1.

Lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury had to fight through a horrible cut, but still was able to retain his undefeated record and title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Otto Wallin at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In round three, Fury was cut over his right eye. The cut was caused by a left hand in the corner. In round six, the doctor took a look at the cut, which was worsening by the round and seriously put the perfect record of Fury in jeopardy. Fury showed his mettle as he was able to win a mjority of the rounds with his punch out put.

Wallin made a last stand in the final frame as he may have slightly hurt Fury, but it was too little-too late as Fury, 254.4 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 to raise his mark to 29-0-1. Wallin, 236 of New York vis Sweden is 20-1-1.

The win for Fury sets up an early 2020 Showdown rematch with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

Emanuel Navarrete retained the WBO Junior Featherweight title with a 4th round stoppage over Jose Miguel Elorde.

In round three, Navarrete landed a left that wobbled Elorde on the ropes that was ruled a knockdown. In round for, Elorde tried to make a stand as he landed a right hand, nut ate a vicious left, and the bout was stopped at 26 seconds.

Navarrete, 121.8 lbs of Mexico City is 29-1 with 25 knockouts. Elorde, 121.2 lbs of Philippines is 28-2.

Jose Zepeda scored the biggest win of his career by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza in a junior welterweight fight.

Zepeda, 139.4 lbs of La Puente, CA won by scores of 97-93 on all cards, and is now 31-2-2. Pedraza, 139.5 lbs of Cidra, PR os 26-3.

Former world champion Carlos Cuadras had a tough outing, but won a 10-round majority decision over Jose Maria Cardenas in a super flyweight battle.

Cuadras, 115 lbs of Guamuami, MX won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 to raise his mark to 39-3-1. Cardenas, 115 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 17-5.

Isaac Lowe remained undefeated by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Ruben Garcia Hernandez.

Lowe, 127 lbs of Morecombe, UK won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice to raise his mark to 19-0-3. Hernandez, 127 1/2 lbs of Cancun, MX is 25-5-2.

Gabriel Flores Jr. remained perfect by pounding out a six-round unanimous decision over Miguel Angel Aispuro in a junior lightweight bout.

Flores, 132 lbs of Stockton, CA won by shutout scores of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 15-0. Aispuro, 132 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 12-9-2.

Iskander Kharson stopped Isidro Ochoa after round five of their scheduled eight-round super bantamweight bout featuring undefeated fighter.

Kharson dropped Ochoa with a hard right in the 5th frame, and after the round, Ochoa’s trainer Robert Garcia pulled the plug on the fight.

Kharson, 122 1/2 lbs of Henderson, NV is 7-0 with six knockouts. Ochoa, 122 lbs of Fresno, CA is 7-1.

NEW YORK CITY — Twenty year old lightweight phenom Devin “The Dream” Haney moved to 23-0, 15KO, retiring previously unbeaten Russian Zaur Abdullaev (11-1, 7KO) in four rounds to capture the WBC Interim LIghtweight Title in the main event of a Matchroom Boxing USA fight card from Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, streamed live on DAZN.  

The Las Vegas-native Haney wasted no time forcing the action and came off his stool, firing sharp, crisp punches that seemed to make Abdullaev uncomfortable.  Overwhelmed by Haney’s speed, Abdullaev hardly threw punches the first two rounds, and Haney banked them easily. 

In the third, the 25 year-old Russian began to open up a bit, but at a price.  Each time Abdullaev tried to launch an offensive attack, Haney made sure to return fire. 

Haney continued to control every second of the contest and towards the end of fourth, Haney began to land explosive rights at will.  One of those rights may have fractured Abdullaev’s cheekbone, and because of that, his corner threw in the towel between the fourth and fifth round. 

It was the second straight win inside the distance for Haney, who is trained by his father, Bill.  In Haney’s previous fight he scored a spectacular KO of the Year candidate with his one-punch 7th round knockout of veteran Antonio Moran.   

As the WBC interim title holder, Haney is now next in line to face WBC champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, although because of boxing politics, that’s not likely to happen anytime soon.

Amanda Serrano UDs Heather Hardy, Re-Captures WBO Featherweight Title 

Seven weight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (37-1-1, 27KO) recaptured the WBO featherweight title she once held and won the Battle of Brooklyn, earning a hard-fought ten round unanimous decision against fellow Brooklynite Heather “The Heat” Hardy (22-1-1, 4KO).  Judges cards read 98-91×2 and 98-92 for Serrano.

The fight was almost over before it began, as the 30 year-old southpaw Serrano blitzed Hardy early, catching her clean with a left midway through the first round that buzzed the champ.  The ensuing :60 seconds were almost difficult to watch, as Serrano mercilessly let her fists fly, marking up and drawing blood from the defenseless Hardy’s face in the process. Credit the 37 year-old Hardy for hunkering down and grinding it out until the ding of the bell. 

In the second and third, Hardy fared better, but Serrano, the more athletic and naturally gifted of the two continued to dominate and have it all her way.  

Refusing to relinquish her title without a fight, the resilient Hardy mounted a comeback in the middle and late rounds, as she finally was able to settle in and mount some offense of her own. 

But Hardy wasn’t able to sustain any offense for prolonged periods of time, and Serrano’s engine never slowed down.  

For Serrano, the win now sets her up for a mega fight against unifight lightweight champion, Katie Taylor. 

The result marks Hardy’s first defeat inside the squared circle.  Notably, she has ventured out into the world of MMA where she amassed a 2-2 record in four career fights.  

Hunter Hands Kuzmin First Loss In Heavyweight Clash

Matchroom Boxing heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (18-1, 12KO) scored a fifth round knockdown en route to a wide unanimous decision against Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11KO) to capture Kuzmin’s WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title in a twelve round affair.  All three judges agreed on a 117-110 card for Hunter. 

Hunter, 31, came out for the first round with high-energy and established a pace that he couldn’t maintain.  Kuzmin, 32, patient throughout the first — too patient to win the round — began to assert himself in the second round, methodically working his way within range before firing off a few shots and tying up.  

The third was fought on even terms up until the closing seconds when Hunter, who is trained by former world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, landed a huge overhand right that stopped Kuzmin in his tracks. 

Hunter committed to attack Kuzmin’s body in the fourth and early in the fifth, during an exchange, caught Kuzmin with a crisp left hook that sent the big Russian crashing to the canvas.  Kuzmin beat Ricky Gonzalez’s ten count and navigated his way through the remainder of the round.  

Hunter remained in control of the contest through the sixth, seventh, and much of the eight rounds until Kuzmin stunned Hunter with a combination as the eight round drew to a close. 

Kuzmin was never fully able to capitalize on the little momentum he was able to generate and going forward, Hunter had no trouble putting out any fires when the flames arose.  

The win extends Hunter’s win streak to six.  His only loss remains his unanimous decision defeat against reigning Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Fighter of the Year, Oleksandr Usyk in April 2017, when both fighters were cruiserweights. 

After the bout, Hunter called out former WBA world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin.  

Kuzmin’s most notable wins remain his retiring of British veteran David Price and his majority decision victory over Philadelphia little big man Joey Dawejko. 

Ford Stays Perfect, Outpoints Castillo 

2018 National Golden Gloves Champion Raymond “Savage” Ford pushed his record to 4-0, 1KO, earning a shutout decision (40-36×3) over the Bronx’s Rafael Castillo (1-4) in a four round junior featherweight bout. 

The Camden, NJ-native Ford, showcased the skillset that earned him his Golden Gloves title, thoroughly outclassing Castillo over the duration of their twelve minute scrap.  At times the southpaw Ford, a Matchroom Boxing prospect, landed shots worthy of knockdowns, but Castillo — who has never been stopped — remained upright from bell to bell.   

Bermudez Shines In Debut, Scores KO2 Over Conde 

Lightweight Christian “Kike” Bermudez (1-0, 1KO) brought his hometown crowd to their feet in the second of a scheduled four round bout, scoring a one-punch KO of Jonathan Conde (1-3, 1KO).  

Bermudez, 23, wasted no time letting his hands fly, twice stunning Conde in the first round. The end came suddenly two-thirds through the second when Bermudez uncorked a jab-straight right-left hook combo that exploded on Conde’s chin and crumpled him to the canvas.  The contest was immediately waved off at the 1:56 mark of the round two.  

Yeleussinov Blasts Out Hicks Inside One

2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Daniyar “Kazakh Thunder” Yeleussinov (8-0, 4KO) displayed a lethal combination of speed and power to score a first round KO over previously unbeaten Texan Reshard Hicks (12-1-1, 6KO) in a welterweight bout initially slated for ten rounds.

Yeleussinov, a southpaw, stunned Hicks early with a left hand and then immediately blitzed him with a flurry of shots that sent Hicks to the mat.  Hicks beat referee Ron Lipton’s ten count, but never fully recovered. Yeleussinov, 28, patiently waited for another opening, and exploded another booming left that stunned Hicks, leaving him defenseless for the definitive blow — another left cross — that sent Hicks to the canvas for good.  Referee Ron Lipton called off the contest at the 2:38 mark of the opening round.  

Akhmadaliev Stays Perfect, TKOs Soto In 4

Featherweight Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6KO) needed less than five of a scheduled eight rounds to improve upon his already perfect record, scoring a TKO4 against hard-nosed Colombian Wilner Soto (22-7, 2KO).  

Akhmadaliev, a native of Uzbekistan who fights out of Joel Diaz’s gym in Indio, CA, took the fight to his Colombian counterpart, who to his credit, dug in and tried to throw blow for blow with the crafty, hard-hitting southpaw.  

Despite a valiant effort from Soto, the 24 year-old Akhmadaliev battered him around the ring, and scored continuously with power punches to the head until referee Eric Dali stepped in to stop the bout at the 1:56 mark of the 4th round. 

Ferrer Scores Wide UD Over Fryers 

Brooklynite Wesley Ferrer (14-1-1, KO), a Dominican-native, won the battle of junior welterweight New York transplants, outpointing Yonkers’ Larry Fryers (11-2, 4KO), an Irish-native, in an eight round contest.  Judges scorecards read 80-72 and 79-72×2. 

It was the southpaw Ferrer’s left hand that was the difference maker in the bout.  He fed Fryers a steady diet of lefts and the Irishman had no answer for it. When Fryers went on the offensive, Ferrer countered him with a left.  When Fryers took a breather, Ferrer peppered him with a left from distance.

It was an impressive performance from “El Bongocera”, who dominated from bell to bell, and  has now won two straight since suffering his only defeat to Steven Ortiz last September. 

The result marks Fryer’s second career loss.  His other defeat came via TKO against Nikolai Buzolin in April of last year.  

Maijdov Stops Fountain In 4 In Pro Debut

In his professional debut, former 3x World Amateur Champion and 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Magomedrasul Majidov (1-0, 1KO) rose up off the mat and scored a TKO4 over veteran Ed “Tex Trismigistis” Fountain (12-7, 5KO) .

The first round went according to plan for Majidov  as the big man from Azerbaijan cautiously navigated his first three minutes as a paid prizefighter.

The script got flipped early in the second, however, as Fountain caught Majidov with a short, crisp, left hook that dropped the Azerbaijani.

Majidov, who’s trained by John David Jackson, was able to dust himself off and rally the very next round, opening up a nasty cut under Fountain’s right eye.  Majidov increased pressure and pace and Fountain faded fast.  

Majidov, who recently signed a promotional contract with Matchroom Boxing, continued to batter the tiring and increasingly defenseless Fountain, and at the 2:41 mark of round 4, referee Ron Lipton called a halt to the contest, acting on advice from ringside physician Dr. Nitin Sethi who had climbed up on the ring apron.  

Darren “DC3” Cunningham UDs Jonathon Ramos To Open Night 

Twenty-two year old super bantamweight prospect Darren “DC3” Cunningham upped his perfect record to 10-0, 5KO, outpointing Mexican journeyman Jonathan “Zurdo” Ramos (18-25-5, 6KO) in a six round affair that kicked off a ten bout card from Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, the latter portion set to stream live on DAZN.  Judges cards read 60-54×2 and 59-55 for Cunningham, a St. Louis native, now living and fighting out of Las Vegas, NV where he trains alongside tonight’s headliner, Devin Haney. 

The night of fights will commence with a triple-header beginning live at 9pm ET, anchored by a 12 round contest between 20 year-old phenom Haney (22-0, 14KO) and undefeated Russian Zaur Abdullaev (11-0, 7KO) for the WBC interim lightweight title. 

Unified Jr. Welterweight champion Jose Ramirez will not fight again this year due to an injured hand, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I can’t use [my hand] until 6-8 weeks post surgery,” Ramirez wrote. “I could be back in the ring in December, however due to no dates available that month we will be back in the ring early 2020. I just need my hand to heal and I’ll give anybody a run for their money.”

Gervonta Davis vacated his WBA Jr. Lightweight title and is planning a move to lightweight according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I just want to move up and try to win more belts, basically make myself one of the top guys,” Davis told ESPN on Friday. “So I think it was best for me to move up and try to get one of them belts. If not, I’m comfortable fighting at 130 [pounds]. I can actually come back down and fight at 130.

“But right now it was frustrating not being able to get big fights at 130. So I’ll move up and see who I can get at 135. If I can’t get anyone at 135 or if I win a belt, and there’s a big opportunity to fight with someone at 130, I’d do that.”

“My main goal was just try to look good [against Nunez],” Davis said. “My mind wasn’t on moving up to 135. The time I have issues making weight is because of me. It’s nothing like I’m too big [for the division].”

“I want to be in position to fight for a belt. So if I can get one of the champions [at lightweight] or get someone that would line me up to get a belt then I’m cool with that,” Davis said. “I’m open to fight whoever.”

“Lomachenko is definitely one of the top opponents for me at 130 or 135. I believe it will happen, but it got to be at the right time,” Davis said of a tough fight to make, because he is with Premier Boxing Champions and fights on Showtime and Lomachenko is with Top Rank and fights on ESPN.

“I’m willing to fight Tevin (Farmer). I’m willing to fight anyone they put in front of me,” Davis said. “That particular fighter and that situation is making it hard because you got two promoters going back and forth.”

There’s a good chance that Davis’ next fight, either late this year or in January, will come against former unified featherweight titlist Yuriorkis Gamboa (30-2, 18 KOs), the former Cuban Olympic gold medalist who knocked out former junior lightweight titlist Roman “Rocky” Martinez in the second round on the Davis-Nunez undercard. Gamboa’s presence on Davis’ undercard was no accident, although he is not a lock to be Davis’ next foe.

“There were talks about me fighting him. They put him on my undercard and I actually watched the fight and he looked good,” Davis said. “He’s definitely another opponent I’d like to fight and if I get a chance to have him on my résumé that’s great for me.”

Shakur Stevenson and Joet Gonzalez will meet for the vacant WBO Featherweight title on October 26th in Reno, Nevada, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Devil is in the details,” he said. “I need a contract from Top Rank and then Joet and [manager] Frank [Espinoza] have to sign off on it, but Carl (Moretti) and I are good,” said Eric Gomez of Gonzalez promoter, Golden Boy Promotions

“This is by far the toughest fight for each guy,” Moretti said. “We didn’t care where the fight ended up. We know how good Shakur Stevenson is and fully expect him to win his first of many world titles that night. He’s special.”

WBC Jr. Lightweight champion Miguel Berchelt will defend his title against former belt holder Jason Sosa on November 2nd, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The bout will take place at the Dignity Health Sports Pavilion in Carson, California and will be televised on ESPN.

“We are finishing things up,” said Top Rank VP Carl Moretti said. “The fight is agreed to. It’s just a matter of getting the paperwork done at this point.”

“Stylistically, I think it’s a can’t-miss fight,” Moretti said. “Jason looked really good in his last fight in Philadelphia, and Berchelt always looks good. Combined that with the fight being at Dignity Health Sports Park, which has a great tradition of hosting great fights, and I think you have the making of a fight-of-the-year candidate.”

“I think it leads to a bigger fight in the first quarter of 2020 for the winner,” he said. “Either a unification fight or possibly a fight against Oscar Valdez.”

Erislandy Lara won the WBA Junior Middleweight title with a two round destruction over an overweight Ramon Alvarez at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In round two, Lara landed a hard left that knocked Alvarez through the ropes, which was scored a knockdown. Moments later, Lara landed two crushing lefts that hurt Alvarez bad, and the fight was stopped by referee Mark Nelson at 2:03.

Lara, 153 3/4 lbs of Houston is 26-3-3 with 15 knockouts. Alvarez, 158 1/2 lbs of Guadalajara, Mexico was 4 1/2 lbs over at Friday’s weigh in, falls to 28-8-3.

Jamontay Clark and Sebastian Fundora battled to a 10-round draw in a junior middleweight bout.

Clark won a card 96-94; Fundora took a card 98-92. One card read even at 95-95.

Fundora, 153 1/2 lbs of Cochella, CA is 13-0-1. Clark, 154 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 16-1-1.

Clark outlanded Fundora 168-130.

Frank Sanchez remained undefeated with a stoppage over Victor Bisbal after round four of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

Sanchez, 220 lbs of Miami is now 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Bisbal, 275 lbs of Salinas, PR is 21-4.

Vasyl Lomachenko scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Luke Campbell to retain the WBA and WBO and capture the WBC Lightweights at a sold out 02 Arena in London.

Lomachenko hurt Campbell at the enc of round five when he landed a hard left to head that was followed by a perfect left to the body.

In round 11, Lomachenko landed a flurry of punches that was punctuated by a jab that sent Campbell the canvas. Lomachenko sealed the fight when he hurt Campbell in the final round with his patented quick shots that forced Campbell to hold on and eventually throw Lomachenko to be able to survive the round.

Lomachenko of Ukraine won by scores 119-108 twice and 118-109 and is now 14-1. Campbell is 20-3.

Lomachenko outlanded Campbell 207-131.

After a hard-fought battle, this is what Lomachenko, Campbell and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum had to say.

Lomachenko

“Of course I’m happy. I want to say thank you to {everyone} who came to support us. I want to thank everyone who organized this fight. And, of course, I’m happy. Next… {I want to fight for the} IBF {title}. That is my title.”

“In the UK, the fans are the best fans in the world. Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“Of course, I want to fight {for the IBF title}, but it depends on Bob Arum.”

Arum

“Obviously, we’re looking to win the fourth belt to unify the title. But Loma and {manager} Egis {Klimas} have told me they can’t wait to come back to the UK to fight here again.The English fight fans are the best fans in the world.”

“Luke Campbell didn’t disgrace himself. He fought a hell of a fight. He’s a hell of a fighter. Big, big heart, and Luke will be back.”

“Loma is up there with Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao. He belongs with those fighters.”

“Listen, it doesn’t matter. He will fight anyone at featherweight, super featherweight or lightweight. Only the best. He’s a special, special fighter.”

Luke Campbell

“He just beat me, so he’s very good. He’s a special fighter and we all knew he was a special fighter. This is boxing and we train to win. Obviously, I’m disappointed in myself for not getting the victory.

Former world champion Alexander Povetkin won a 12-round unanimous decision over Hughie Fury in a heavyweight bout.

Povetkin was able to turn up a very dull fight in the 2nd half of the contest.

In round nine, Fury began to bleed from the left eye.

Povetkin of Russia won by scores of 117-111 on all cards and is now 35-2. Fury of Manchester, Eng is 23-3.

Julio Cesar Martinez seemingly won the WBC lyweight title with a shocking 3rd round stoppage over reigning champion Charlie Edwards, but after several minutes the bout was overturned after Martinez landed a late-punch

Martinez landed about 10 unanswered blows that sent Edwards to the canvas. Martinez got in one more hard body shot while Edwards was on the canvas, but the referee ruled a knockdown and the bout was stopped at 1:43.

The bout was ruled a no-contest with an immediate rematch

Martinez of Mexico is 14-1.. Edwards is 15-1.

2016 Olympic Bronze Medal winner, Joshua Buatsi stopped Ryan Ford in round seven of a scheduled 10-round light heavyeight bout.

Buatsi hurt Ford in round seven with a clipping left hook. He followed that up with a flurry that was culminated by a body punch that sent Ford down for the count at 1:07.

Buatsi is now 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Ford of Edmonton, CAN is 16-5.

2016 Olympian Joe Cordina won a 12-round unanimous decision over Gavin Gwynne in a British Lightweight Title bout featuring undefeated fighters.

Cordina of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 116-110 twice and 116-111 and is now 10-0. Gwynne is 11-1.

In a battle of undefeated super middleweights, Savannah Marshall stopped Daniele Bastieri in round five of their scheduled eight-round bout.

Marshall dominated, and in round five she landed a big right hand that dropped Bastieri at the end of the round five. Bastieri, bloodied, got to her feet the bout was stopped at 2:00.

Marshall is now 7-0 with five knockouts. Bastieri of Brazil is 2-1.

Former WBO Junior Welterweight champion Maurice Hooker has decided to move to welterweight, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I want to give my fans the best possible performances and, therefore, after careful deliberations with my manager (Arnie Verbeek) and promoter (Dino Duva of Roc Nation Sports), I have decided to move up to the 147-pound limit,” Hooker said in a statement.

“We’ve talked about it. I let him relax and take a vacation after the Ramirez fight,” Duva told ESPN. “Everybody knows he struggled with the weight. If there was a really big fight for him at 140 pounds right away he would probably consider giving it one more shot but I don’t think there’s anything like that on the horizon.

“So with Maurice not having the belt anymore we just figured this was the right move for him. There are some big potential fights for him if he makes the move. Welterweight is a loaded division. He feels he will be stronger and more comfortable at 147 pounds. This move makes sense.”

“I’m already looking at possible opponents,” Duva said. “I want him to fight a credible guy in his first fight at 147, somebody in the rankings. We think one or two wins and then we can position Maurice for a big fight at welterweight, so this is the move that makes sense for him.”

Brandon Figueroa retained the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title with a 4th round stoppage over Javier Chacon at The Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas.

Figueroa dominated the bout, and in round four landed a crushing left that sent Chacon to the canvas. Chacon tried to get up, but could not beat the count.

Figueroa, 122 lbs of Weslaco TX is 20-0 with 15 knockouts. Chacon, 120 1/4 lbs of Las Heras, ARG 29-5-1.

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Stephen Fulton stopped Isaac Avelar in round six of their scheduled 10-round bout.

In round three, Avelar began to bleed over his right eye.

In round six, Fulton landed a crushing left to the body shot that sent Avelar down for the count at 1:26

Fulton, 124 lbs of Philadelphia is 17-0 with eight knockouts. Avelar, 123 3/4 lbs of Mexico is 16-1.

Omar Juarez remained undefeated by stopping Gino De La Paz in the 1st round of their scheduled four-round junior lightweight bout.

Juarez blasted De La Paz with some hard shots before landing a booming right that sent De La Paz crashing to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:40.

Juarez. 140 3/4 lbs of Brownsville, TX is 5-0 with three knockouts. De La Paz, 139 3/4 lbs of McAllen, TX is 2-3-1.

Jaime Arboleda stopped Victor Betencourt in round one of their scheduled 10-round junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Arboledo dropped Betancourt with hard body shots. Arboleda finished the fight with an uppercut to the chin that sent Betencourt to a knee, and the fight was stopped at 2:32.

Arboleda, 130 lbs of Curuncu, PAN is 15-1 with 13 knockouts. Betancourt, 130 lbs of Mexico is 26-3.

Sergey Kovalev retained the WBO Light Heavyweight title with a thrilling 11th round stoppage over previously undefeated mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde at Traktor Sport Palace in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Kovalev boxed well over the 1st half of the fight, and got out to an early lead.

In round seven, Yarde started working the body. The very next round, Yarde had Kovalev in serious trouble as he rocked the champion with several hard shots. Kovalev was lucky to not have been put down. Kovalev got back to boxing and started to break Yarde down.

In round 10, Kovalev began to hurt Yarde. In the next frame, Yarde looked exhausted, and Kovalev landed some more thudding blows, and finally put Yarde down with a thumping jab that ended the fight at 2:04.

Kovalev is now 34-3-1 with 29 knockouts. Yarde of England is 18-1.

Former cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu won a 12-round majority decision over previously undefeated undefeated Alexander Papin in a action-filled fight

Both guys landed big shots, with Makabu hurting Papin in round 11. In round 12, Makabu dropped Papin with a straight left hand. Papin wobbled Makabu in the closing seconds of the bout, but it was too little-too late as Makabu won by scores of 115-113 twice and 113-113.

Makabu, 198 3/4 lbs of Congo is 26-2. Papin, 199 1/2 lbs of Russia is 11-1.

Papin outlanded Makabu 212-209.

Fresh off his knockout win over Francisco De Vaca, WBO Super Bantamweight champion Emanuel Navarrete will defend against Jose Miguel Elorde on September 14th in Las Vegas, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The bout will be part of the Tyson Fury – Otto Wallin undercard,

“The paperwork is done and I expect to get it back shortly,” Top Rank VP Carl Moretti said. “Elorde is ranked No. 2 in the WBO and the fight is sanctioned. Elorde was already in the gym and he took the fight with no hesitation. It’s Mexico versus the Philippines on Mexican Independence Day weekend. We’re very happy we could get the deal done with all parties.”

“Rarely do you see fighters come back the following month, much less world champions,” Moretti said. “It’s a true testament to his team and his dedication to the sport.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz agreed to his mandated rematch with Anthony Joshua.

The fight is scheduled for December 7th in Saudi Arabia.

Former super middleweight titlist Caleb Truax is out of his August 31 rematch with Peter Quilin with an Achilles injury.

“I’ve been training hard every day, and I’ve always prided myself on pushing through any injuries,” Truax said. “But I know my body, and I know when enough is enough. I’m disappointed because this was a huge opportunity to take a big step toward regaining my IBF super middleweight title.

“I’m disappointed for all my fans because I wanted to put on a great show for them at The Armory. But I didn’t want to go into this fight, not being able to perform at a level that people are used to seeing from me and also performing at a level so I can defeat a world-class fighter like Peter Quillin.

“In my judgment, he will not be properly rehabbed and conditioned in time for the scheduled match,” Dr, Paul Schaefer said. “I am concerned he would put his personal safety at risk engaging in this fight.” “

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the IBF Middleweight title bout between Gennady Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko has been agreed for October 5th at Madison Square Garden

Junior Welterweight titlist Regis Prograis is in talks to re-enter the World Boxing Super Series, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Prograis left the tournament last week after organizers failed to meet financial obligations.

“We always wanted to resolve this and right now that is what we are attempting to do,” Lou DiBella, Prograis’ promoter, told ESPN on Monday. “Regis doesn’t want to sit out and he wants to win the tournament.”

“WBSS strenuously denies that it has violated any contractual obligation towards Regis Prograis or DiBella Entertainment Inc. The WBSS has enforced its tournament contracts in the past. It will do so again with all resources available if needed.

“We look forward to the upcoming final of the (junior welterweights) for the Ali Trophy between Regis Prograis and Josh Taylor. It promises to be a spectacular boxing night. WBSS will defend the tournament against any attempts of third parties to interfere with the tournament with all means and in all jurisdictions available as necessary.”

Emanuel Navarrete retained the WBO Super Bantamweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over previously undefeated Francisco De Vaca at the Bank of California Stadium in Los Angeles.

In round two, Navarrete dropped De Vaca with a left hook. In round three, Navarrete bloodied and battered De Vaca until the fight was topped at 1:54.

Navarrete, 122 lbs of Mexico City is 28-1 with 24 knockouts. De Vaca, 122 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 20-1.

Former world champion Jessie Magdaleno won a technical decision after he was cut from a headbutt in round nine of their scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

In round four, Magdaleno was cut on the nose with from an accidental headbutt.

In round nine, Magdaleno dropped Rivera with a right hook. Later in the round Magdaleno was cut around the right eye from another headbutt, and the fight was called due to the cut.

Magdaleno, 125.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 88-82 and 89-81 twice, and is now 27-1. Rivera, 125.6 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 27-4-2-1.