NEWARK, NJ –In his first fight as a headliner, Newark’s “Fearless” Shakur Stevenson (12-0, 7KO) brought his hometown fans to their feet, scoring a round 3rd round KO against former two-time world title challenger Alberto Guevara (27-5, 12KO) in front of 5,150 fans at the Prudential Center in the main event of a Top Rank fight card broadcast on ESPN+ and ESPN.

It was evident from the early goings that Stevenson’s size and power would overwhelm the smaller Guevara, who’s best days were fought at bantamweight. Because of this, Guevara was reluctant to let his fists fly, knowing that any Stevenson countershot could end his night.

After a relatively quiet first round, the southpaw Stevenson upped the tempo in the second, cracking and landing with both hands. About midway through the round, Stevenson scored a somewhat strange knockdown when Guevara lost his balance and bent forward to try and clinch Stevenson. In a bit of an “ole”/matador maneuver, Stevenson avoided the clinch and planted a left to the body, allowing Guevara’s forward momentum to carry him forward to the canvas. Referee David Fields ruled a knockdown and Guevara beat the count.

As the second round drew to a close, Stevenson again dropped Guevara — this time with authority — courtesy of a straight left that landed flush on the right side of Guevara’s face, dropping him to his knees. Guevara again beat Field’s ten count just as the bell sounded to end the round.

In the third, Stevenson, who is trained by his grandfather Wali Moses, thought he scored another knockdown after a landing a body shot, followed by a left to the head, but Fields correctly ruled that the body shot was low and allotted Guevara time to recover.

The end came shortly after though, as Stevenson unleashed a vicious flurry of pinballing headshots that sent an unsteady Guevara to the mat for the third and final time where he was counted out by Fields at the 2:37 mark of round 3.

It was an impressive win for the former 2016 Beijing Olympic Medalist, who was escorted to the ring by WBO World Welterweight Champion Terence Crawford (35-0, 26KO).

Initially, Stevenson, who retained his NABO Featherweight Title tonight, was slated to face Hairon Socarras (22-0-3, 13KO), who pulled out about a month before the fight. In stepped Venezeulan Franklin Manzanilla (18-5, 17KO) who accepted the challenge, only to also pull out earlier this month. Credit Guevara, Stevenson’s third scheduled opponent for taking the fight on short notice and seeing it through.

To date, Guevara has only lost to top-notch competition, including Stevenson. In his most recent fight before tonight, Guevara dropped a unanimous decision to former WBO/WBA World Bantamweight Champion Hugo Ruiz (39-5, 33KO) in January. His resume also sports losses in two world title fights, to Leo Santa Cruz (36-1-1, 19KO) in 2012 and Shinsuke Yamanake in 2013. His other loss came courtesy of Emmanuel Rodriguez (19-1, 12KO), who then went on to capture world bantamweight titles of his own.

What’s next for Stevenson?

We know he wants to move quickly. Much against the wishes of Top Rank brass, Stevenson and his camp pushed for and secured a fight against former title challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (24-2, 16KO) in April. Stevenson shined in that fight, outclassing his veteran counterpart en route to a wide unanimous decision victory.

He reiterated his desire to get bigger fights after tonight’s match, asking his promotor to find him bigger fights. “Top Rank, you all have to give me better competition I want the IBF and WBO {titles},” he said. “I would love to go to England to fight Josh Warrington.”

On his performance tonight, Stevenson said, “That was a great performance I put on for the city of Newark…I surprised myself today. I was going to the body a lot. I saw him at the weigh-in. He didn’t look like he was in shape.”

More than anything, tonight’s fight served as a showcase fight for Stevenson. It granted the kid from Newark, who for a time lived on Ali Boulevard, an opportunity to put on a show in his home city in front of family and friends. For Top Rank, it also tested Stevenson’s drawing power as a headliner in a Newark market that Main Events and Tomasz Adamek once thrived in.

If it was up to Stevenson, Newark’s boxing fans will get an opportunity to see him in-person a lot more over the next few years.

“I see me bringing big fights to Newark I see me bringing boxing back to Newark. Brick City, I appreciate you all. Without you, I wouldn’t be who I am.”

Joshua Greer Edges Majority Decision Over Nikolai Potapov

In the night’s co-feature, broadcast live on ESPN, Chicago bantamweight Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer, Jr. (21-1-1, 12KO) earned a twelve round majority decision over Brooklyn-based Russian Nikolai Potapov (20-2-1, 11KO) in an IBF title eliminator.  

Official scorecards read 115-113 and 116-112, Greer, and 114-114.  

It was a technical fight, fought in the pocket and within each fighter’s firing range.  It was never a reckless affair, however, and it wasn’t going to be, no matter how many boos the blood-thirsty Jersey crowd rained down. 

Both fighters had moments where their punches landed and where they avoided return fire.  Quite simply, Greer had a few more of them, and was able to eke out a narrow decision.  

The decision victory stretched Greer’s win streak to seventeen in a row, but snapped a seven fight stoppage streak, a run that started almost two years ago to the day, when he retired Leroy Davila (5-2, 3KO).  

Greer’s only career defeat remains a 2015 majority decision a loss to Stephon Fulton (16-0, 7KO) in his fifth pro fight. 

For the 28 year-old Potapov, tonight marks his first defeat on US soil in four fights.  He’d previously compiled a record of 2-0-1. His only other defeat came in 2017 when he was retired  by former Argentine world champion Omar Andres Narvaez (49-3-2, 23KO) in Buenos Aires.  

He’s very awkward with the Russian style,” Greer said post-fight. “But at the end of the day, this is the pros…I pulled it out.”

“The booing didn’t bother me. I know I won the fight,” he added. “Every time I hit him to the body, I hurt him. I didn’t get the knockout, but I got the win.”

Josue Vargas Stops Manny Lopez In 7 

In the final fight streamed on ESPN+, Bronx-based Puerto Rican Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (14-1, 9KO) scored a 7th round TKO against fellow welterweight Manuel “Manny Lo” Lopez (14-4-1, 7KO) in a bout originally slated for eight.  

The 20 year-old southpaw, Vargas, controlled the action and dictated the pace of the fight from the opening bell.  Vargas invited Lopez’s pressure and peppered him each and every time he got into range.  

Not for lack of trying, but the 28 year-old Coloradan, Lopez, was unable to get any offense going.  He consistently found himself on the receiving end of Vargas jabs and straight lefts.  

In the seventh round, smelling blood in the water, Vargas turned up the heat and let his hands fly.  Hurt and winded, Lopez retreated, but was unable to shake Vargas, who kept the fists coming.  

Eventually, Vargas pinned Lopez against the ropes and began unloading, at one point landing three consecutive head snapping right uppercuts.  Referee Sparkle Lee jumped in to stop the contest at the 2:50 mark of the 7th round. 

It was Vargas’ second fight under the Top Rank promotional banner and fifth consecutive win via stoppage. Vargas previously fought under contract with Mayweather Promotions.  

For Lopez, tonight marked his first fight east of the Mississippi and the first time in his career he was stopped inside the distance.  

17 Year-Old Vito Mielnicki Jr. Rocks “The Rock”, Scores Emphatic KO1 In Debut

In his professional debut, 17 year-old New Jersey native Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki, Jr. (1-0, 1KO) blew the lid off the Prudential Center, scoring a murderous first round KO against Mississippi’s Tamarcus Smith (2-3, 2KO) in front of hundreds of frenzied hometown fans.  

The end came emphatically and without notice when Mielnicki caught a retreating Smith with a left hook to the chin-straight right combo that turned out Smith’s lights, collapsing him face down on the mat where referee Shada Murdaugh stopped the bout immediately at the 1:16 mark of the first round.  

Mielnicki, a rising senior at nearby West Essex High School, needed a special exemption from the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board allowing him to make his debut tonight, ten months before his 18th birthday.  

During his amateur career, Mielnicki, who is the son of GH3 CEO, promoter Vito Mielnicki, amassed an impressive record of 147-22.  He decided to forego his amateur status and his dreams of becoming an Olympian, however, when it became clear that age restrictions would prevent him from participating in an Olympics before 2024.

Julian Rodriguez Hammers Herrera, Scores KO1

In his first bout in twenty-two months, welterweight Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (17-0, 11KO) returned to action and scored a statement-making first round KO against veteran Colombian slugger Hevinson Herrera (24-18-1, 17KO) in a bout originally slated for six rounds. 

If you blinked you might have missed it as Rodriguez landed a left hook-straight right combo that collapsed Herrera to the mat where he was counted out by referee Sparkle Lee at the :59 mark of the first round.  

Prior to tonight, Rodriguez last fought in September 2017 when he outpointed Dario Ferman (17-6, 14KO) in Philadelphia.  Following that contest, the 24-year old Rodriguez was sidelined by injury, and required surgery to repair a torn labrum.  

He looked no worse for the wear tonight though and came out firing, overwhelming his 34 year-old counterpart and ending it early.  

For Rodriguez, tonight marked his first win inside the distance since June 2016.  

It was the second straight stoppage loss and third overall for Herrera, who was retired by former two-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (35-6-1, 20KO) in his last fight in March.  He remains winless outside of his native Colombia, 0-14. 

“I was very confident in my preparation, so I felt like I had to go in there and do what I had to do,” Rodriguez said.

Speaking about his early KO, he added, “That’s what {the fans} like about me. When they come here, they see a show.”

John Bauza Remains Unbeaten, Scores UD Over Ramirez

In an eight round super lightweight match, North Bergen, New Jersey’s John “El Terrible” Bauza (13-0, 5KO) scored a unanimous decision against Mexico’s Angel Sarinana (10-9-2, 4KO) to remain unbeaten.

All three judges scored the contest a shutout 80-72 for Bauza. 

It was bell to bell action, as both fighters willingly engaged round after round trying to impose their will on the other.  But it was the 20 year-old southpaw Bauza who consistently besited his 26 year-old counterpart, landing the more impactful punches while eluding most of Sarinana’s power shots. 

The result marks the fifth straight unanimous decision win for the Robert Garcia-trained Bauza.  

Vijender Singh Scores Stoppage Win In US Debut

In his American debut, two-time Indian Olympian Vijender Singh (11-0, 8KO) scored a 4th round TKO over West Virginia’s Mike Snider (13-6-3, 8KO) in super middleweight contest originally slated for eight.

It was Singh’s first fight since December 2017, and ring rust was evident, as he didn’t look as sharp as one would expect from a boxer with his pedigree.  But make no mistake, the 33 year-old Indian controlled the fight from the opening bell, and showcased his power late in the second round when he rocked Snider with a straight right that sent him flailing backwards until his back hit the ropes.  

The former Beijing Olympic Bronze Medalist upped the offense in the fourth, throwing a higher volume of punches, ultimately backing his 38 year-old counterpart into the red corner, battering him until referee Shada Murdaugh jumped between fighters at the 1:23 mark to stop the contest.  

It was the fourth time in Snider’s career that he’s been stopped before the final bell.  He was stopped in his previous outing against Tommy Hughes (9-1, 4KO) in February. He was also stopped by current WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (17-0, 14KO) in 2016.  

“It was excellent getting back in the ring after a long time off,” Singh said after the fight.  “It’s great to be here in the USA and to get the win. It was really exciting.”

“It took me about four rounds to get back in the swing of things,” he added.  “I expected it to take two or three rounds, but it took me four. I felt good.”

John Bauza Decisions Angel Sarinana To Remain Unbeaten

In an eight round super lightweight match, North Bergen, New Jersey’s John “El Terrible” Bauza (13-0, 5KO) scored a unanimous decision against Mexico’s Angel Sarinana (10-9-2, 4KO) to remain unbeaten.

All three judges scored the contest a shutout 80-72 for Bauza. 

It was bell to bell action, as both fighters willingly engaged round after round trying to impose their will on the other.  But it was the 20 year-old southpaw Bauza who consistently besited his 26 year-old counterpart, landing the more impactful punches while eluding most of Sarinana’s power shots. 

The result marks the fifth straight unanimous decision win for the Robert Garcia-trained Bauza.  

Vijender Singh Scores Stoppage Win In US Debut

In his American debut, two-time Indian Olympian Vijender Singh (11-0, 8KO) scored a 4th round TKO over West Virginia’s Mike Snider (13-6-3, 8KO) in super middleweight contest originally slated for eight.

It was Singh’s first fight since December 2017, and ring rust was evident, as he didn’t look as sharp as one would expect from a boxer with his pedigree.  But make no mistake, the 33 year-old Indian controlled the fight from the opening bell, and showcased his power late in the second round when he rocked Snider with a straight right that sent him flailing backwards until his back hit the ropes.  

The former Beijing Olympic Bronze Medalist upped the offense in the fourth, throwing a higher volume of punches, ultimately backing his 38 year-old counterpart into the red corner, battering him until referee Shada Murdaugh jumped between fighters at the 1:23 mark to stop the contest.  

It was the fourth time in Snider’s career that he’s been stopped before the final bell.  He was stopped in his previous outing against Tommy Hughes (9-1, 4KO) in February. He was also stopped by current WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (17-0, 14KO) in 2016.  

“It was excellent getting back in the ring after a long time off,” Singh said after the fight.  “It’s great to be here in the USA and to get the win. It was really exciting.”

“It took me about four rounds to get back in the swing of things,” he added.  “I expected it to take two or three rounds, but it took me four. I felt good.”

Joseph Adorno Blasts Out Adriano Ramirez Inside 2

Highly touted lightweight prospect Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (13-0, 11 KO) scored an emphatic second round stoppage over the Dominican Republic’s Adriano Ramirez (10-4, 6KO) to kick the first of six fights from the Prudential Center to be streamed live on ESPN+.   

The Allentown, PA native, who was born just a few miles from Newark in Union City, NJ, was patient and plodding in the first round, waiting for openings to let his hands fly.

Early in the second, Adorno found his opening and fired a crisp left hook that landed flush on the side of Ramirez’s head and floored him.  Referee Sparkle Lee offered a generous and elongated ten count, which Ramirez beat, but the fight didn’t last much longer. Adorno battered Ramirez to the ropes, and when the Dominican looked to be on his way to the mat again, Adorno made sure of it, unleashing two right crosses to finish the fight.  Lee stopped the contest at the 1:12 mark of round 2.    

It was the second fight and second win of 2019 for the Robert Garcia-trained Adorno.  He fought six times in 2018.  

For Ramirez, the result cements a three-fight losing streak.  He last dropped a unanimous decision to Josue Vargas (13-1, 8KO) in March at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater and before that was stopped by Pittsburgh’s Matt Conway (17-0, 7KO) in August 2018. 

The Adorno win kicks off an eight fight card that will commence with a two fight showcase on ESPN at 10:30pm ET when Joshua Greer Jr. (20-1-1-, 12KO) takes on fellow bantamweight Nikolai Potapov (20-1-1, 11KO) in a twelve round contest and Newark’s hometown hero Shakur Stevenson (11-0, 6KO) does battle with fellow featherweight Alberto Guevara (27-4, 12KO) in a ten round fight.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. July 12, 2019

#13 WBA Welterweight Derrieck “Pretty Boy” Cuevas 22-0-1(14 KO) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico successfully defended his WBA Fedelatin Title and country’ pride in a classic “Puerto Rico vs Mexico” battle with a unanimous decision win over Mexico’s Jesus Alberto “Barretero” Beltran 17-3-2(10KO).  99-91, 99-91, 98-92.

Opening up the action was a four-round featherweight tussle between Miami’s Luis Melendez who improved to  5-1, (3 KO) with a unanimous decision win over Ponce, Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Melendez 5-27(1 KO)

The second bout of the evening had super bantamweight Jorge De Jesus Romero improving to 15-0(11 KO) with TKO win over Mexico City’s Szilveszter Kanalas (14-9, 9 KO), the end came at 2:43 of round 2.

In an exciting eight-round super featherweight blitz, Miami via Cuba’s Jessy “Beast Boy” Cruz 17-7-1(7 KOs) stretched his winning streak to five in an all-action punch-out with Mexico City’s and former Mexican Super bantamweight champion Isao Gonzalo “Kato” Carranza 15-15-1(9 KO). Carranza got off the canvas four times to come back the second half of the fight to turn the tide, but not enough to make up the points of the knockdowns.  Excellent Fight!

Super featherweight from Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev 10-0(6 KO) won a unanimous decision win over Panama City, Panama’s Ricardo “El Matematico” Nunez 29-10 (23 KO) the fight originally scheduled for eight rounds cut short under the advisement of the doctor after an accidental head butt in round 6 at 2:17.  The cards read 58-56, 59-55, 60-54.

Two-time Olympic medalist and undefeated heavyweight KO artist Ivan “The Kazakh Giant” Dychko 9-0,(9 KO) of Boca Raton, Florida, via Rudniy, Kazakhstan, made quick work of ESPN 2015 Boxcino Tournament Quarterfinalist Nate Heaven 9-3 (7 KO) of Ocala, Florida.  Dychko landed a big overhand right In round 2 that crumbled Heaven and ended the fight.

Popular Fort Lauderdale warrior Blake Davis 3-0(1 KO) knocked Jefferson City, Missouri’s Armando Reeves 2-4 down in the first round en route to a unanimous decision victory.  Davis kept the hard-charging Reeves at bay with his long jabs, counter right hands and inside clinches. The final cards came in at 38-37 38-37 39-36

Jermain Franklin Jr. remained undefeated with a 10-round split decision over Jerry Forrest in a heavyweight bout at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

It seemed that Forrest may have landed the better shots and deserved the nod, but two judges ruled in favor of Franklin by 97-93 tallies, while Forrest took a card 96-95.

Franklin, 240 1/4 lbs of Saginaw, MI is 19-0. Forrest, 222 3/4 lbs of Newport News, is 25-3.

“I didn’t think it was that close,” said Franklin, widely regarded as the top American heavyweight prospect who was the 2014 National Golden Gloves Champion. “I won more rounds. I think you could give him a couple rounds, but it wasn’t that close. Even when they said split decision I knew it wasn’t that close. I wasn’t worried.”

“My big chance on SHOWTIME was well deserved and I proved I belong in this league,” Forrest said. “I said before the fight that I have already been doing this for years. Now more people know about it. My people knew what was up already.”

Giovanni Cabrera Mioletti remained undefeated by pounding out a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Porozo in a junior lightweight bout.

Mioletti, 129 1/2 lbs of Seattle, WA won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93, and is now 17-0. Porozo, 129 1/2 lbs of Santo Domingo, ECU is 14-1.

“It took me a couple rounds to relax,” said Cabrera Mioletti, who was fighting in Tacoma for the 11^th time in 17 career bouts. “My whole strategy was to stay relaxed, but in the first couple rounds, the cameras got to me a bit. But once I started getting my rhythm and working my jab, I started to take control.”

“I didn’t feel his punches, but I felt his head,” said Cabrera Mioletti, who was born in Seattle but currently lives in Chicago. “That guy has a head like a rock. He butted me a bunch of times and that’s what cut open my eye, but I don’t think about that I just focused on what I had to do.

“I started to hear him breathing heavily when I’d hit him to the body, not even that hard and that’s when I knew he wanted to fight a much slower pace. Once my jab started landing a lot, I knew I had him.”

Porozo said he simply ran out of gas in the later stages of the fight. “I lost because I moved too much and didn’t throw enough punches,” said Porozo, who had more than 500 amateur fights. “I give him credit. I felt some of his power shots. I was winning for the first five rounds. After that I got tired. I feel bad. I’m very disappointed. I could have done so much more.”

STATEMENT FROM SALITA PROMOTIONS REGARDING OTTO WALLIN vs. B.J. FLORES HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHT

”As part of the licensing process in the state of Washington, the doctor appointed by the boxing commission to oversee tonight’s event reviewed medical tests and determined that B.J. Flores would not be medically cleared to compete. Based on that opinion, Washington State Department of Licensing spokesperson Gigi Zenk notified Salita Promotions this afternoon that they would not issue B.J. Flores a license to fight against Otto Wallin tonight.  Due to medical privacy requirements we are unable to provide further information at this time.”

STATEMENT FROM WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING SPOKESPERSON GIGI ZENK:

“Benjamin Flores was not medically cleared to compete.”

Tonight on the un-televised undercard of the SHOWTIME televised “Battle at the Boat 122” at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, cruiserweight contender Constantin Bejenaru (14-0, 4 KOs) got back to business after a year and a half away by pounding out a sixth-round TKO (time 2:02) over Mexican veteran Jose Corral.
The southpaw Bejenaru looked sharp and won every minute of the fight with his crisp, fast hands and excellent work to the head and body.
“It felt good to be back,” said Bejenaru, “I’m happy that I’m back in the title hunt and in good shape. After a year and a half, I felt a little rusty for a little bit in the beginning, but I came back pretty quick.”
Bejenaru says he’d have liked to go the full eight-round distance but did enough to know he won’t be needing another tune-up fight before getting back in the mix.
“I am ready for a big fight next. I kept myself in good shape the whole time I was away. I wasn’t sure if I needed one or two tune-up fights, but I felt really good in the ring. Thank you to my opponent for lasting as long as he did and thank you to my team and my new promoter. I’m hoping for a title fight as soon as possible.”
Bejenaru, from Ungheni, in the Republic of Moldova and now living in Brooklyn, is a former 10-time Romanian champion, a Bronze Medalist at the European Amateur Boxing Championships in 2006, a Finalist in the European Union Championships in both 2006 and 2007, and a Gold Medalist at World Combat Games in 2010.
After turning professional in 2012, Bejenaru has gone on to score wide decision victories on ShoBox: The New Generation over previously undefeated Alexey Zubov (10-0, 6 KOs) and Stivens Bujaj (16-0-1, 11 KOs), and in his most recent fight (broadcast on NESN), a decisive points victory over previous world title challenger Thabiso Mchunu (18-3, 11 KOs).
In his seven-year career, he has held both the WBC Continental Americas Cruiserweight Title and the WBC International Cruiserweight Championships.
“We hoped he might have to go all eight rounds to make him breathe and to make him feel the ring,” said trainer Ilia Masishchev, “but once he lands a few punches, he tries to finish. That’s how he is.”
Battle at the Boat 122 is presented by Salita Promotions and Brian Halquist Productions.

Former world title challenger Martin Murray won a 10-round decision over Rui Manuel Pavanito in a super middleweight bout.

Murray won by a 99-92 score and is now 38-5-1. Pavanito is 10-9-1.

Gerard Carroll remained undefeated with a decision over Jordan Ellison in a super lightweight fight.

Carroll won by 58-56 tally and is now 11-0. Ellison is 11-23-1.

Natasha Jonas stopped Bec Connolly in round four of their scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

Jonas dropped Connolly twice in the first 20 seconds of the contest.

Jonas continued to pound away at Connolly until a couple of hard boy shots forced a referee stoppage at 1:07.

Jonas, 135.8 lbs of Liverpool is 8-1 with six knockouts. Connolly, 131.8 lbs is 2-6.

Former world champion Terry Flanagan stopped Jonas Segu in five round of a scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Flanagan dropped Segu with a crisp 1-2 combination. In round five, a straight left sent Segu down for the count at 1:25.

Flanagan, 139 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 34-2 with 14 knockouts. Segu of Tanzania is 19-9-2.

Ryota Murata regained the WBA Middleweight title with a 2nd round stoppage over the man who beat him Rob Brant in Osaka, Japan.

In round two, Murata hurt Brant with a body shot. The Japanese challenger jumped on Brant and landed a hard barrage of punches that put Brant on the canvas. With Brant clearly hurt, Murata landed a series of hard head shots as well as some body blows that forced referee Luis Pabon to stop the bout at 2:34.

Murata of Japan regained the title that he lost to Brant last October, and now ups his record to 15-2 with 12 knockouts. Brant of Minnesota is 25-2,

Emiliano Marsili remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Bryan Mairena in junior welterweight bout.

Marsili, 138.6 lbs of Italy won by scores of 60-54 twice and 60-54 and is now 38-0-1. Mairena, 136.6 lbs of Nicaragua is 10-12-1.

Mirko Natalizi won a six-round unanimous decision Antonio Gomez in a super lightweight bout.

Natazlizi, 155.8 lbs won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 6-0. Gomez, 155.4 lbs of Amsterdam is 4-4-2.

Vincenzo Bevilacqua won six-round unanimous decision over Novak Radulovic in a super welterweight bout.

Bevilacqua, 156.8 lbs of Rome won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice to stay undefeated at 16-0. Radulovic, 156.8 lbs of Serbia is 9-4-1.

The WBA has ordered a 4-man box-off to determine it’s world title at 154 lbs, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Unified world titleholder Julian “J Rock” Williams is the WBA’s so-called “super” titleholder, having outpointed Jarrett Hurd in an action-packed contender for fight of the year on May 11.

Under the plan, the winner of the fight between France’s Michel Soro (33-2-1, 22 KOs), 31, and Magomed Kurvanov (17-0, 11 KOs), 23, of Russia, who are scheduled to fight on July 20 in Marseille, France, will claim the organization’s vacant secondary world title.

Also, the fight between former longtime world titlist Erislandy Lara (25-3-3, 14 KOs), 36, a Cuban defector fighting out of Houston, and Ramon Alvarez (28-7-3, 16 KOs), 32, of Mexico, has been sanctioned for the organization’s vacant interim belt that Soro used to hold. Lara and Alvarez — middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez’s older brother — are scheduled to meet in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions card on Aug. 31 (Fox) at The Armory in Minneapolis.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the WBO found some errors in the recent Mairis Briedis – Krszytof Glowacki fight.

Briedis claimed the WBO 200-pound world title from Glowacki by third-round knockout on June 15 in the semifinals of the World Boxing Series tournament in Riga, Latvia, Briedis’ hometown, but the result was highly controversial.

Although it cannot change the result, the WBO, in a ruling issued on Friday, “strongly recommends” that the World Boxing Super Series winner defend the title against Glowacki within 120 days after the completion of the tournament, which is expected to conclude in November. Briedis is due to meet Yunier Dorticos, who won a vacant belt in the June 15 co-feature, to unify their world titles in the final of the eight-man tournament.

The WBO said that Raimond Zeps, representing Briedis, responded to Glowacki’s protest and said that the point deduction for the elbow was “satisfactory” and that Glowacki should also have been subject to a point deduction for the blow behind the head. Also, Zeps said that Briedis should not be punished for fighting after the bell because both men were doing do.

“Mr. Zeps, on behalf of Briedis, affirms and welcomes a rematch against Glowacki after the completion of the WBSS,” the WBO wrote in its ruling.

The WBO said that it lacks jurisdiction to change the result, which can only be done by the Latvia Boxing Federation, but it added that it “acknowledges that a clear misapplication of the rules of boxing occurred” and recommended the WBSS winner fight Glowacki next.

Jon Jones retained the UFC Light Heavyweight title with a split-decision over Thiago Santos at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Santos fought well early as he landed plenty of leg kicks, but in round two, his left knee started to buckle. Jones won the middle rounds, but not by wide margins. Santos was always dangerous in the fight, but seemed tentative in spots. Maybe that was because of an injury to his knee. Santos landed a couple of big shots in the 5th round, but it was not enough as Jones took two cards 48-47 while Santos took a 48-47 tally.

Between all the leg kicks Santos landed and the injury suffered by Santos, both fighters needed help getting back to the locker room.

Jones, 205 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 25-1-1. Santos, 204.5 lbs of Rio De Janeiro, BRA is 21-7.

Amanda Nunes defended her Bantamweight title in emphatic fashion as she stopped former champion Holly Holm in the 1st round with a perfect kick to the face.

Nunes landed a right kick that plummeted Holm to the deck. Nunes landed three punches to a prone Holm, and the fight was stopped at 4:10.

Nunes, 135 lbs of Coral Springs, FL is 18-5. Holm, 133.5 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 12-5.

Jorge Masvidal scored the fastest stoppage in UFC history as he took out previously undefeated Ben Askren in five-seconds.

Masvidal ran in and landed a flying knee to the head of Askren. Askren was out cold before he even hit the canvas but Masvidal landed two crushing shots to an asleep Askren and the fight was stopped.

Masvidal, 170.5 lbs of Miami is 34-13. Askren, 171 lbs of Hartland is 19-1-1.

Jan Blachowicz stopped former middleweight champion Jan Blachowicz in the 2nd round of their light heavyweight fight.

Blachowicz landed a booming left that sent Rockhold to the canvas. Blachowicz landed two more shots to a prone Rockhold and the fight was stopped at 1:39.

Blachowicz, 205.5 lbs of Warsaw, POl is 24-8. Rockhold, 204.5 lbs of Santa Cruz, CA is 16-5.

In a battle of former Ultimate Fighter winners, Michael Chiesa took a relatively easy unanimous decision over Diego Sanchez in a welterweight bout.

Chiesa spent basically the whole fight on the back of Sanchez. Chiesa mixed up going for chokes and Ground and Pound from letting Sanchez get in any type of offensive rhythm. It was a totally dominant performance from Chiesa. Chiesa landed 125 strikes and had 5 takedowns to Sanchez 42 and one.

Chiesa, 170.5 lbs of Spokane, WA won by scores of 30-26 on all cards and is now 16-4. Sanchez, 169 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 31-12.

Arnold Allen beat down veteran Gilbert Melendez and took a unanimous decision in a featherweight bout.

Allen landed consistent punches and kicks, and dominated the fight from the beginning.

Allen of England won by scores of 30-27 on all cards, and is now 15-1. Melendez of San Francisco is 22-8.

Marlon Vera submitted Nohelin Hernandez in the 2nd round of their bantamweight fight.

In round two, Vera landed a hard kick that sent Hernandez to the canvas. Vera got Hernandez back and made him tap from a Rear-Naked Choke at 3:25.

Vera, 136 lbs of Ecuador is 14-5-1. Hernandez, 136 lbs of Gilroy, CA is 10-3.

Claudia Gadelha won a unanimous decision over Randa Markos in a strawweight bout.

Gadelha, 115 lbs from Rio De Janieiro, BRA won by scores of 30-27 on all cards and is now 17-4. Markos, 116 lbs of Windsor, Ontario, Canada is now 9-8-1.

Markos began to swell from around her left eye in the opening frame.

Song Yadong scored a brutal 1st round knockout of number-13 ranked Alejandro Perez in a bantamweight bout.

Yadong landed a perfect right hand on the chin that knocked Perez down and out at 2:04.

Yandong, 135.5 lbs of China is 15-4-1. Perez, 135.5 lbs of Estrado, Mexico is 22-8-1.

Edmen Shahbazyan choked out Jack Marshman at 1:12 of the 1st round of their middleweight bout.

Shahbazyan landed some hard Ground and Pound that he followed up with a rear-naked choke that made Marshman tap at 1:12.

Shahbazyan, 185 lbs of Glendale, CA is 10-0. Marshman, 185 lbs of South Wales is 23-9.

Chance Rencountre won a unanimous decision over Ismail Naurdiev in a welterweight bout.

Rencountre ,170.5 lbs of Pawhuska, OK won by scores of 30-27, 29-27 and 29-28 and is now 14-3. Naurdiev, 171 lbs of Salzburg, AUS 18-3.

Julia Avila won a unanimous decision over Pannie Kianzad in a bantamweight bout.

In round two, Avila began to bleed from around her right eye. Kianzad was bleeding from around her right eye in round three.

Avila, 135 lbs of Oklahoma City won by scores of 30-27 and 30-26 twice and is now 7-1. Kianzad, 135 lbs of Sweden is 12-5.

Zhankosh Turarov stopped Mauro Godoy in round three of a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout at Barys Arena in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Turarov dropped Gody with hard left hook in the 3rd frame. Godoy got to his feet, but was in no-condition to continue at 2:00.

Turarov, 139.7 lbs of Akko, KAZ is 24-0 with 17 knockouts. Godoy, 139.6 lbs of Argentina is 32-5-1.

Nordine Oubaali retained the WBC Bantamweight title with a stoppage in the 7th round over Arthur Villanueva.

In round six, Oubaali dropped Villanueva with a hard right uppercut. Villanueva continued to take a beating in the 6th round, and the bout was halted at the beginning of round seven.

Oubaali, 117.5 lbs of Bagnolet, FRA made the 1st defense of his crown, and is now 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Villanueva, 117.5 lbs of Balcod City, PHL is 32-4-1.

Viktor Kotochigov won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jairo Lopez in a lightweight contest.

Kotochigov, 134.9 lbs of Amaty, KAZ won by scores of 99-91, 98-93 and 99-93 to stay perfect at 10-0. Lopez, 134 lbs of Apdoca, MEX is 24-11.

In round four, Kotochigov was cut over the right eye.

David Oliver Joyce remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Breilor Teran in a featherweight bout.

Joyce of Ireland won by scores of 100-89, 100-87 and 100-86, and is now 11-0. Teran of Caracas, Venezuela is 27-18-1.

New York, NY (7/2/19) – DiBella Entertainment has added six-foot-six Bahamian Amron “The Sandman” Sands (8-0, 7 KOs), of Orlando, FL, to its roster of heavyweight prospects. Sands is managed by Kevin Dever Sports Management.

In his last bout, on February 16, Sands fought in his first scheduled six-rounder but needed less than one round to stop Hector Hodge at St. Petersburg Coliseum in Florida.

“Amron is a big heavyweight with a lot of power,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The heavyweight division is hot right now and Sands has the kind of style that will entertain the audience. I’m happy to be working again with my friend Kevin Dever and, together, we will make sure that Amron reaches his full potential.”

“I signed with DiBella Entertainment because Lou is one of the most trustworthy promoters in boxing and he has great relationships in the business to get my name out there,” said Sands. “I know that, with his guidance, I can become heavyweight champion of the world. I can box and I can bang and I’m what the heavyweight division needs. I’m very excited about my future and am ready to put in the work.”

“I have always had a great working relationship with Lou DiBella. He genuinely cares about his fighters,” said Kevin Dever. “DiBella Entertainment knows how to build a fighter to become a world champion and I know that Amron is in good hands.”

Born in Nassau, Bahamas, Sands initially aspired to become a professional basketball player. His natural athleticism and talent were recognized at an early age and led him to receiving a scholarship to attend the sports-oriented high school Save Our Youth Leadership Academy in Tulsa, OK. However, during a senior year basketball game, Sands damaged the ACL and MCL in his right knee, which forced him to withdraw from the school and return home to the Bahamas.

Sands’ boxing journey began when he reconnected with Ronn Rodgers, an old basketball coach from his youth who now owned a local boxing gym in Nassau, Bahamas. While Sands was training at Strikers School of Boxing to aid his recovery from the knee injury and get back in shape, Rodgers saw potential and urged him consider competing in boxing.

It wasn’t until he survived what could have been a fatal motorcycle accident, which left third-degree burns all over the right side of his body, that Sands found the motivation to enter the world of pugilism.

“I was 19 years old, riding my motorcycle and going 110 mph, not wearing a helmet or vest, just shorts and a tank top,” said Sands. “The bike skidded on some dirt when I was trying to get around a car and I lost control. The bike flipped over and I went flying, landing on the pavement maybe 100 feet away while the bike hit a tree. It’s a miracle that I didn’t break any bones; I guess I have a pretty good chin.

“Following an experience like that, where I could have died, I wanted to move my life in a positive direction and decided to heed coach Rodgers’ advice to take up boxing.”

After earning silver at the 2014 Independent Cup in the Dominican Republic, Sands moved with his family to Orlando, FL, and started training out of Orlando Boxing Academy with head coach Buck Mitchell. Accumulating an overall amateur record of 40-3, Sands also won first place at the 2015 Florida State PAL Boxing Championships and 2016 Sugar Bert Promotions Title Belt National Qualifier. His Olympic dreams were dashed when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruled that he did not yet have enough experience to compete in any qualifying tournaments. That decision prompted Sands to turn pro and he debuted on August 5, 2017, dropping Julio Mendoza twice to score a TKO victory in 86 seconds. With Mitchell in his corner, the heavy-handed Sands has thus far won all but one of his bouts by knockout.

Details on Sands’ next contest will be announced shortly.

HOUSTON, TEXAS–Houston, Texas showed up for Jermall Charlo (28-0) tonight in his WBC middleweight title defense against Tv’s The Contender champion Brandon Adams (21-2) at The NRG Arena.

Charlo dominated in every facet of the fight, which opened with Adams taking a cautious approach and working in timid combinations while Charlo consistently came over the top with a speedy overhand right.

The crowd was clearly in thirst of fireworks and a knockout that unfortunately never came, but it wasn’t by lack of effort from the WBC middleweight titlist. At times it looked almost as if Charlo was punching a fire hydrant in Adams, unloading big power punches only for the smaller man to keep coming forward.

Adams applied a gutsy gameplan and pressed Charlo on the inside in the early 300 dollar loan same day and middle rounds, only to be teed off on by Charlo with body shots and uppecuts, to the pleasure of the Houston crowd. The most significant reaction came in the final seconds of the third round when Charlo landed a picture perfect uppercut on the chin of Adams.

While Adams never really was able to get the better of Charlo in a given round he did have his moments, landing stiff right hands sporadically throughout the late rounds, that however did not seem to slow up Charlo’s effort.

The crowd launched into a “Charlo” chant at a few points in the late rounds, hoping to speak a knockout into existence, but Adams was just too game and finished the fight out on his feet. To the surprise of nobody in attendance the final scores read in favor of Charlo at  119-109 and 120-108 two times.

“I wasn’t frustrated that I didn’t get the knockout,” Charlo told SHOWTIME’s Hall of Fame ringside reporter Jim Gray following the fight. “This is boxing and he came out to box. I came out to fight. It was a good fight. The city of Houston, I’ll be back.

“My hand will be alright.  I hurt my hand in like the second round but I kept throwing it. It was obvious my jab wasn’t flowing.” 

“I was coming up here to win,” said Adams. “I was coming to try to take him out in his hometown.  He did what he was supposed to do. He’s a champ for a reason and I take my hat off to hm.

“He’s a much bigger guy, period.  I just tried to put my best foot forward and tried to take him out at the end.”

“Canelo has done a great job of being a champ, Golovkin also,” said Charlo. “Those guys are at the top but there’s always a young underdog and a lion ready to take over. That’s me.”

Erickson Lubin (20-1) looked every bit the star he has been projected to become against French veteran Zakaria Attou (29-6-2).

Lubin stalked the 37 year old with superior hand-speed and peppered in power shots to make an early statement. It was clear that there was blood in the water early on as Attou spent most of the bout on a backstep offering little resistance.

Lubin’s arsenal finally become too much in the middle of the fourth round as he caught Attou in the corner and strafed him with loaded up power shots until Attou fell forward for the knockdown. The Frenchman stumbled to his feet only for his corner to throw the towel prompting the stoppage.

Erickson Lubin moved to 21-1 and acknowledged to Jim Gray his next outing likely will not be for a title, but expressed interest in a marquee name like Austin Trout or Terell Gausha as an opponent.

“I feel like I just came ready,” said Lubin, who has been training with Kevin Cunninham for the last year. “I was just a few steps ahead from the opening bell. I knew I was going to come out here and dominate. After a few shots, he looked hurt. I was going to keep teeing off until he was down or out. 

“I don’t think the Jermell Charlo fight was too soon, there was just a few mishaps in camp. My next fight won’t be for a world title but I definitely want to get in there with a top-10 kind of guy. I just want to prove that I’m one of the top fighters.”

“I’m heartbroken about the injury,” said Attou. “My strategy was to start picking up the pressure after the sixth round. I know that Lubin has never been 12 rounds before, so our plan was to come on in the late rounds and take him out.”

Featherweights Eduardo Ramirez (22-1-3) and Claudio Marrero (23-3, 17 KOs) kicked off the televised portion of the card with an evenly matched display of high-speed chess in the early goings of their eliminator showdown.

The slight underdog Marrero picked up the pace in the third round unloading a nice barrage with Ramirez backed up to the ropes before the Mexican native turned the tide and pivoted his way into an offensive onslaught of his own.

The two southpaws continued to trade blows into the middle rounds, with Marrero consistently finding a home for his jab and following up with clean power shots. Ramirez shook off a few stiff power shots and continued to counter with hard shots of his own to the delight of the Houston crowd.

The back and forth action continued into the late rounds with fatigue setting in on both sides. Neither fighter was able to create a clear separation in the later portion of the bout making for some challenging rounds to score.

Both fighters embraced and pled their case to the crowd following the final bell. Despite a game effort from Ramirez the scores read 116-112 115-113 118-110 in favor of the Dominican southpaw Claudio Marrero.

My strategy was to pressure him all night and break him down,” said Marrero. “He was an awkward fighter that was hard to solve, but I thought I did a good job as the fight went on. I could feel that he was weak in the body so I attacked there and did it well.

“I’m ready for anybody. I always step to the plate and fight who’s in front of me. Bring them on. Leo Santa Cruz could definitely get this action next.”

A disappointed Ramirez said he thought he won the fight. “I disagreed with the judges,” said Ramirez. “I thought it was close but that I won. I dominated enough of the fight to earn it.

“I went forward with my typical Mexican style and attacked all night. I wanted to target the body and I thought I did that well. I want the rematch with Claudio Marrero, that’s my goal.”

Alexis Espino continued his undefeated ways by stopping Kirby St. Juste in round two of their scheduled four round middleweight bout.

In round one, Espino landed a vicious combination that backed St. Juste up to the ropes. Espino followed up with two lefts and a right that sagged St. Juste into the ropes, which was ruled a knockdown. In round two, Espino landed a perfect left hook that sent St. Juste hard to the canvas. Espino then landed a hard right that staggered St. Juste that he followed up with two more shots that sent St. Juste down for a 3rd and final time at 1:49.

Espino, 163.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 3-0 with two knockouts. St. Juste, 158.8 lbs of Trenton, NJ was making his pro debut.

Mark DeLuca won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Brandon Brewer in a middleweight battle.

In round two, Brewer was cut over his left eye. In round four, he was cut over his right eye. DeLuca was cut around his right eye in the 5th round.

DeLuca, 157.8 lbs of Whitman, MA won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 24-1. Brewer, 157.4 lbs of Nackawic, CAN is 23-1-1.

Otha Jones III notched his 2nd win in seven days over two continents as he won a six-round unanimous decision over Matias Arriagada in a super featherweight bout.

It was a good action fight that saw Jones land the harder punches against a game Arriagada. Jones, who showed fast hands and good combination work, used a variety of punches that landed which included some solid uppercuts.

Jones, 131.4 lbs of Toledo, Ohio won by shutout tallies of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 3-0, Arriagada, 128.4 lbs of Argentina is 6-5.

Richard Commey retained the IBF Lightweight championship with an 8th round stoppage of former champion Ray Beltran at the Pechanga Casino Resort in Temecula, California

In the opening seconds, Commey dropped Beltran with a hard right hand. Beltran was hurt, and Commey landed a hard flurry that sent Beltran plummeting to the canvas. Beltan seemed done, but was able to land a hard right that momentarily stopped Commey in his tracks. Commey was able to finish the round with a hard right on the ropes. Beltran went down again, as in round five a right hand got through that put Beltran on his knees.

In round seven, Commey had swelling around the right eye. In round nine, Commey landed a booming left that sent Beltran to the canvas. Beltran was able get up, but the fight was waved off at 54 seconds.

Commey, 134.4 lbs of Accra, GHA is now 29-2 with 26 knockouts. Beltran, who missed the weight at Thursdays weigh-in is now 36-9-1.

“Beltran showed why he was a champion. He’s a great fighter who showed it against me tonight,” Commey said. “I was happy to get the job done and defend my title for the first time.

“It looks like Teofimo Lopez is next, but he has a job to do first.”

Carlos Adames won an 10-round unanimous decision over Patrick Day in a junior middleweight bout.

Adames pulled away down the stretch, and rocked Day throughout the final round. Day was hurt and was fortunate that he did not go down.

Adames, 154 lbs of Santiago, DR won by scores of 97-93 twice and 98-91 and is now 18-0. Day, 153.8 lbs of Freeport, NY is 17-3-1.

“Tonight was about getting work in. I listened to my coach, Robert Garcia,” Adames said. “This was my second fight with him, and it was about getting good rounds, and we did that. In the 10th round, he told me he was ready to go. If I had one more minute I think I would’ve finished him, but in the end, I think it was a very good performance on my behalf.”

Raymond Muratalla stopped Agustine Mauras after round one of their scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Muratalla dropped Mauras with a left hook. Muratalla continued to land heavy shots up until the bell, and the corner of Mauras pulled the plug.

Muratalla, 135.2 lbs of Fontana, CA is 8-0 with six knockouts. Mauras, 137.4 lbs of Lawrence, MA is 6-6-3.

Elvis Rodriguez and Joaquin Chavez battled to a no-contest after a headbutt caused the action to be halted in the 1st round of their scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

In round one, the two fighters clashed heads and an ugly cut on the forehead of Chavez forced the fight to be stopped at 2:28

Rodriguez, 139.6 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 2-0. Chavez, 141 lbs of Commerce, CA is 9-18-3.

Miguel Angel Gonzalez scored an upset victory by stopping previously undefeated Saul Rodriguez in round three of a scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

Miguel Angel Gonzalez scored an upset victory by stopping previously undefeated Saul Rodriguez in round three of a scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

Gonzalez knocked Rodriguez down in the opening seconds of the bout from a left hook. In round two, Gonzalez was cut around the left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round three, Gonzalez landed a booming left that sent Rodriguez hard on his back, and the fight was immediately stopped at 1:23.

Gonzalez, 130.4 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is 25-4 with 22 knockouts. Rodriguez, 130.6 lbs of Riverside, CA is 23-1-1.

Christopher Zavala won a six-round unanimous decision over Prisco Marquez in a super featherweight bout.

Zavala, 129.4 lbs of Los Angeles won by 60-54 tallies on all cards and is now 5-0. Marquez, 129.8 lbs of Austin, TX is 4-1-1.

Dmitry Yun made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Antonio Meza in a lightweight bout.

Yun was deducted a point in the final round for hitting behind the head.

Yun, 135.6 lbs of Baku, AZE won by scores of 39-36 on all cards, and is now 1-0. Meza, 135.2 lbs of Gomez Palcio, MEX is now 6-4.

David Kaminsky remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Osbaldo Gonzalez in a middleweight fight.

Kaminsky, 162 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 40-36. Gonzalez, 162.8 lbs of Tulsa, OK is 6-5.

Also featured from the DiBella Entertainment stable, undefeated heavyweight contender Junior Fa(18-0, 10 KOs), of New Zealand, won a 10-round unanimous decision against veteran Dominick Guinn (37-13-1, 26 KOs), of Humble, TX. Fa survived a fourth-round knockdown to win by scores of 98-91 twice, and 97-92. Entering the contest, the 29-year-old Fa was ranked #7 by the WBO.

The WBC stripped Canelo Alvarez of his world title, and made him their “Franchise” champion, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“The franchise champion is a special designation and status which the WBC may bestow to a current WBC world champion, who is also an elite boxer and who has achieved and maintains the highest of statures in the sport,” the WBC said in its explanation.

“We’re very happy and glad that Canelo is being recognized,” Golden Boy Promotions president Eric Gomez told ESPN on Thursday. “We think it’s an honor for Canelo to be elevated to franchise champion. It goes to show that he is being recognized for all of his accomplishments.”

“With Canelo’s appointment as franchise champion WBC interim champion Jermall Charlo is now confirmed as WBC middleweight champion of the world,” the WBC added.

Talks of 3rd fight between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin have hit a snag over the site of a proposed fight, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

olovkin has made it clear that after an extremely controversial draw in their first fight in September 2017 and a disputed majority-decision loss in their rematch last September that cost him his belts and ended his reign tied for the division record, with 20 consecutive defenses, he has no desire to return to Las Vegas for a third fight, feeling that he did not get a fair shake in boxing’s capital.

Las Vegas, however, is where Alvarez intends to fight, specifically at T-Mobile Arena, which hosted both bouts with Golovkin and where they generated more than $50 million in ticket sales between the two fights.

Alavrez could look for fights at super middleweight and light heavyweight against champion Callum Smith or Sergey Kovalev.

“Canelo absolutely is serious about fighting Kovalev, and I think it would be a great fight,” Golden Boy’s Eric Gomez told ESPN. “All I can say is that Canelo is serious about making history and fighting him. Canelo always wants to fight the best opponents and the biggest fights. I think Canelo is the best fighter in the world, and I think anywhere between 160 and 175 pounds, he will give anyone a run for their money.”

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva, Kovalev’s promoter, said a fight with Alvarez is certainly one their side is interested in.

“I do believe, based upon what I am hearing, that Canelo really wants to fight Sergey,” Duva said. “It’s a legacy thing. But Golden Boy has not made us any kind of offer. So unless and until they do, there is nothing to talk about. Having said that, you have to really admire Canelo. The guy is truly a throwback fighter, always looking for a bigger challenge. I really admire that about him. And, of course, Sergey would love it too.”

Vladimir Nikitin has pulled out of his August 3rd fight with Michael Conlan due to a shoulder injury, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“He (Manager Egis Klimis) called us and told us that Nikitin is headed back to Russia for surgery,” said Top Rank Vice-President Carl Moretti said. “We are searching for a new opponent for Conlan.”

“We’re not even going to think about rescheduling the fight right now,” Moretti said. “It’s too severe of an injury. And when he does come back we’d probably have to give him another fight first before he could be ready to fight Conlan. It’s a disappointment.”

Lewis benson won a eight-round decision over Renard Garrido in a junior welterweight bout.

Benson, 142 lbs of Edinbergh, SCO won by a 77-75 score and is now 12-2. Garrido, 143 lbs of France is 24-24-3.

Craig Macintyre stopped Chris Adaway in round three of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

Macintyre dropped Adaway in round three with a good right hand. Macintyre landed some silid shots that turned Adaway around, and the bout was stopped at 2:58.

Macintyre, 145 lbs of Glasgow, SCO is 11-0-1 with four knockouts. Adaway, 147 lbs of England is 9-57-4.Craig Macintyre stopped Chris Adaway in round three of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

Macintyre dropped Adaway in round three with a good right hand. Macintyre landed some silid shots that turned Adaway around, and the bout was stopped at 2:58.

Macintyre, 145 lbs of Glasgow, SCO is 11-0-1 with four knockouts. Adaway, 147 lbs of England is 9-57-4.

Stephen Ward won a close technical unanimous decision over Liam Conroy in a light heavyweight bout.

n round two, Ward was cut badly over the left eye. In round four, Conroy scored a knockdown from a nice flurry of punches.

The cut kept streaming from around the eye of Ward, and the fight was stopped in the eighth round, due to an accidental headbutt.

Ward, 174 lbs of Belfast, Ireland won by scores of 76-75 on all cards and is now 12-0. Conroy, 174.7 lbs of England is 17-5-1.

Tyrone McKenna won a 10-roun unanimous decision over Darragh Foley in a junior welterweight bout.

In round three, McKenna began to bleed over his right eye. A worse cut opened up over his left eye in the 5th round from an accidental headbutt.

In round eight, McKenna scored a knockdown as Foley went down from a couple of non descript shots.

McKenna, 139.1 lbs won by scores of 98-91 twice and 97-93, and is now 20-1-1. Foley, 139 lbs is 17-4-1.

Paddy Gallagher stopped previously undefeated Liam Wells in round three of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Gallagher hurt Wells with a hard left hand. Gallagher jumped on Wells, and landed about 10 unanswered punches, and the bout was stopped at 1:15.

Gallagher, 152.2 lbs is 16-5 with 10 knockouts. Wells, 151.4 lbs is 5-1

Lewis Crocker won a six-round decision over Karim Aliliche in a welterweight contest.

Crocker dropped Aliliche in the 1st minute with a left hook to the head.

Crocker, 152.4 lbs won by a 60-53 score, and is now 9-0. Aliliche, 148.2 lbs is 11-9-2.

ATLANTIC CITY– Middleweight’s D’Mitrus Ballard and Elias Espadas battled to a no-contest when Espadas was deemed not able to continue due to a cut over his left eye in round three of their scheduled 10-round bout at The Ocean Casino Resort,

In round three, Espadas was cut badly over the left eye from a headbutt.  There were was a furious exchange where both fighters seemed hurt in the 3rd.  Later in the round, the ringside doctor called a halt to the bout at

Ballard, 159.6 lbs of Temple Hills, MD is 20-0.  Espadas, 159.2 lbs of Merida, Mex is 18-4-1.

D’Mitrius Ballard

 “I felt like the fight could’ve went on. I’m not the judge, I’m not the doctor. He decided to stop the fight, so I just have to live with the decision and move forward.”

“If I don’t fight Espadas in the next fight, I want to do a rematch for a belt. This is my first time fighting at 160 and I feel good and strong. I’m confident in my abilities and there are a lot of great fighters at 160 and I’m here to take my claim in the ring.”

“I respect any man that comes into that ring. We are battling for our lives on that ring. Espada is a tough fighter, he is a good quality opponent and a real quality fighter. I’m sure he will be back after this and I have much respect for him.”

Elias Espadas

“I knew this was a hard and complicated fight, but my team did a great job. I think we are doing things correctly.”

“I would love to get better, continue to train hard and my team will decide if we do a rematch with Ballard.”

Eddie Gomez was explosive in scoring a 2nd round stoppage over Saul Corral in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout

In round two, Gomez dropped Corral with a hard right.  Seconds later, it was a crush double-left to the body that sent Corral to the canvas.  Corral was hurt and a clipping left sent him down for a 3rd time.  Gomez ended with a devastating flurry of punches that had the referee stop the bout as Corral was falling for a 4th and final time at 1:55.

Gomez, 146. lbs of Bronx, NY is now 23-3 with 13 knockouts.  Corral, 146.4 lbs of Douglas, AZ is 30-14.

“Great fight, great team. I worked hard and it showed tonight. My opponent was a tough fighter, and we knew he was tough coming in. I just knew I had to do my job,” Said Gomez

WBC Super Middleweight champion Franchon Crews Dezurn stopped Kayla Williams in the 5th Round of a scheduled eight-round non-title bout.

The fight featured some wild exchanges, but Crews Dezurn landed the harder shots, and the bout was halted at 1:40 after Crews Dezurn landed several more flush shots.

Crews Dezurn, 167.6 lbs of Norfolk, MD is 5-1 with two knockouts.  Williams, 164.2 lbs of New Iberia, LA is now 0-3-1.

“Thank you so much Golden Boy for letting me fight on this show. I hope the fans enjoyed it. Every time I come I’m going to bring action, and I’m just going to fight because I’m fighting for my dreams. My opponent definitely brought it to the ring and she is a tough cookie; I appreciate her for taking the fight.,” said Crews Dezurn

Gabriel Pham won a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Jab Khositashivili in a super middleweight bout.

In round one, Pham was credited with a knockdown when he landed a right hook that made Khositashvili’s knee hit the canvas.  In round four, Khositashvili was bleeding from his nostril.

Pham, 167.8 lbs of Atlantic City won by scores of 60-53 and 59-54 twice and is mow 11-1.  Khositashvili, 167 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-1.

“I boxed well. He was a tough guy and kept coming forward; I just had to use the angles and move around, just like my trainer told me to do. I followed the game plan and came out victorious, so I’m happy,” said Pham

Mike Reed won a eight-round unanimous decision over Angel Hernandez in a welterweight bout.

Reed, 141.4 lbs of Washington, DC won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 twice and is now 25-2.  Hernandez, 141.8 lbs of McAllen, TX is 15-14-2.

“This was a very tough fight, exactly what I needed right now. I’m looking for the world title at 135 or 140. I feel really good,” said Reed.

George Rincon remained undefeated by stopping Greg Young Jr. in round four of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Rincon dropped Young with a hard left to the body.  After continuously beating down Young, Rincon landed a flurry of shots that was finished with a body shot that sent Young down for the 10-count at 2:01.

Rincon, 139.8 lbs of Dallas, TX is 7-0 with four knockouts.  Young,  141.4 lbs of Hoover, AL is 4-2.

“I started strong and I thought I got him on the first round. I was a little anxious to finish, but it was a great fight. I learn with each fight and I’m ready for the next one,” said Rincon.

Dan Murray won a four-round unanimous decision over Leonardo Kenon in a super lightweight bout.

Murray, 140 lbs of Barnaget, NJ won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is now 5-2.  Kenon, 136.6 lbs of Quincy, FL is 3-6.

“It was a good fight. I was thinking too much in there, that’s why I hesitated a lot, but all around I had him a couple of times. It’s a learning experience, this is why we are here. I’m glad for my win, my team, my advisor, my manager. Thank you Golden Boy for this opportunity,” said Murray.

Former world champions Terry Flanagan and Rocky Fielding along with Martin Murray will appear on a July 12th from Liverpool, England and be streamed by ESPN+, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’m absolutely buzzing to be back. There’s no place like home and the Olympia is really where my career started,” he said. “I won (the) Prizefighter (tournament) there and then the English and British titles there too. It’s great to be back fighting in front of my home fans. I look at the top names in the division and I believe I’m still up there.

“I’m looking forward to training alongside my good mate Martin Murray for this one. The last time we were on a bill together, we both won titles, so it’ll be special for us both.”

“I believe I’m on a different level to him but for a comeback fight, it’s not going to be any kind of walkover. He’s coming to win,” Murray said. “With my skills as a boxer plus my superior physical attributes, I still plan on getting him out of there and look good doing it.”

“The plan is to stay busy to get myself back in contention at lightweight. MTK Global are giving me what I wanted by keeping me active,” said Flanagan, who will be in his first fight since signing with MTK Global. “A lot of times in the past I would have a fight and then not know when I was fighting again for a while, so by having a set out plan I know I’ll be keeping the ball rolling and it always feels more natural and normal when I fight. That’s when I’m at my best and that journey starts on July 12 in Liverpool.

“It’s a big show on ESPN+ with some great names on the bill but I’m sure my fans will be louder than anybody and make lots of noise. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and proving a bit of a point. This will probably be the final chapter of my career under MTK Global, but I feel the best is still yet to come.”

LAS VEGAS — It began with Tyson Fury walking down the hallway toward the ring looking ominous. He was dressed, all 6-foot-9 of him, in funereal back. Then, suddenly, The Grim Reaper transformed into Captain America. The black was gone.

Beneath it, there was an American flag fashioned into a robe and Top Hat that could have been straight out of Apollo Creed’s closet. It ended, with Fury at the center of the ring, singing I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing. It’s an Aerosmith song. But Fury made it sound like Elvis.

Hey, an Elvis impersonation had to be in there. This is Vegas, after all. And that’s what Fury promised. A show. It wasn’t much more than that. Yes, there was a fight – or at least a facsimile of one – for nearly two full rounds between The Grim Reaper-turned-Captain America and Elvis.

But it was a fight that appears hard to judge, at least in terms of what it means to the heavyweight division. Deontay Wilder will have to wait, probably until early next year. There’s still plenty of time to argue and re-argue all of the possibilities in the proposed rematch. Nothing that in Saturday fight figures to change the outlines of what to expect in Fury-Wilder II.

German challenger Tom Schwarz didn’t do anything to make anybody change any minds. He was there as a prop. He vanished like a prop in what could have been another part of the show. Fury was the magician, making Schwarz vanish within two rounds Saturday night of a bout televised by ESPN+.

“Me key tonight was to enjoy myself,’’ Fury (28-0-1, 20 KOs) said after retaining the lineal heavyweight championship and a purse estimated to be $12,5 million. “I hope everybody enjoyed it as much as I did.’’

If the crowd’s enthusiasm was any sign, nearly everybody did, other than probably Schwarz (24-1. 16 KOs) and his trainer. The German corner threw in the towel at 2:54 of the second, not long after a succession of punches dropped Schwarz along the ropes. Schwarz got up. But Fury’s punches kept coming, one after another in a blitz without interruption.

A sure sign of the end was evident in the beginning. Fury immediately began to work his long jab. He developed a rhythm – feint, feint, jab, hook, feint. Then, there was some mocking. Fury stuck out his tongue at Schwarz. He smiled at him. He did just about anything he wanted to.

“What’s next?” said Fury, who then deflected the question to his promoter, Bob Arum.  “Bob will tell you we have September 25 or October 5.

“Then ,next year we are going to hold down Deontay Wilder to give me that green (WBC) belt.’’

Jesse Hart wins at light-heavyweight, beating Barrera

Jesse Hart, a former super-middleweight contender, moved up in weight and discarded the former. He’s still a contender, this time at light-heavyweight. Hart (26-2, 21 KOs) beat top-10 contender Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) knocking him down once in the eighth round en route to 99–90, 96-93, 97-92 victory over the Cuban fighter, now a resident of Miami.

“Watch out, cause I’m on my way,” said Hart, a Philadelphia fighter who continues his lifelong pursuit of a major title. ” I hurt my right hand in the seventh. But I’m OK. I think I need just one more fight at 175 to feel completely comfortable at the weight.”

Mikaela Mayer stays unbeaten

Mikaela Mayer stayed unbeaten and undeterred about her hopes for an eventual  showdown with Irish star Katie Taylor Saturday with a tough, yet convincing decision over Lizbeth Crespo in a 10-round, 130-pound fight.

Mayer (11-0, 4 KOs), an Olympian from Los Angeles, endured some powerful shots in the early rounds from Crespo (13-5, 3 KOs), who learned how to fight because of domestic abuse while growing up in Argentina. But Mayer employed power, precision and a superior reach to gain control over the final few rounds. 

Toledo super-featherweight Albert Bell (15-0, 4 KOs) relied on a three-inch advantage to control distance and tempo in the early rounds, scoring a unanimous decision over Andy Vences (22-1-1, 12 KOs), a San Jose, Calif., fighter whose aggressiveness and power in the later rounds weren’t enough.  

UK featherweight Isaac Lowe wins unanimous decision

UK featherweight Isaac Lowe started the fight. Finished it, too.

Lowe (18-0-3, 6 KOs) shoved Duarn Vue (14-2-2, 4 KOs) during a face-t-face pose fro the camera after a staged weigh-in Friday. Punches might have been thrown then if not for 87-year-old Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, who rushed across the stage and pulled Vue to one side. 

The punches would wait, but 24 hours later Love threw and landed most of them, scoring a unanimous decision over Vue.

Abel Sanchez-trained heavyweight scores overwhelming stoppage

He calls himself the Gladiator, an appropriate nickname for a fighter from a city known for its ancient Colosseum. Rome heavyweight Guido Vianello (4-0, 4 KOs) did everything his nickname demands. The Abel Sanchez-trained  scoring three knockdowns of Keenan Hickman (6-4-1, 2 KOs) for a second-round TKO. 

First Bell: German heavyweight opens Fury-Schwarz card with a decision win

In front of a matinee crowd of people trying to escape The Strip’s sole-melting temps, a young German heavyweight did what a fellow German hopes to do on the main event.

Peter Kadiru (4-0, 1 KOs), of Hamburg, won.

The 21-year-old Kadiru opened the show at the MGM Grand, scoring a unanimous decision over Houston’s Juan Torres (3-2-1, 1 KO) in a four rounder on an eight-fight card scheduled to end with German Tom Schwarz in an attempt at an upset of lineal heavyweight champ Tyson Fury. 

Jesus Soler gained the biggest win of his career by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Miguel Cartagena in a flyweight bout that headlined an entertaining eight-bout card at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.

It was a terrific action fight that saw Soler out work and out punch the native of Philadelphia. Soler consistently backed up Cartagena and ripped off some furious multi-punch combinations.

Soler of Philadelphia via of Puerto Rico won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 ans 78-74 to raise his mark to 11-1-1, Cartagena of Philadelphia is 15-6-1.

Frank Trader won a eight-round unanimous decision over Jerome Conquest in a lightweight bout.

In round three, Trader was cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt. Trader constantly landed lead right hands into an oncomimg Conquest. Trader built up a nice lead, when Conquest tried to, and was successful at times making it an ugly dogfight on the inside.

It wasn’t enough as Trader, 133.5 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 to improve to 13-2-1. Conquest, 134.3 lbs of Philadelphia falls to 10-4.

In a stunning upset, Evinci Dixon stopped previously undefeated Marcel Rivers in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

Dixon dropped Rivers three times in the 2nd frame, as it was rights to the head that stunned and eventually put Rivers down each time. Referee Benjy Esteves stopped the bout on the 3rd knockdown at 2:11

Dixon, 147.5 lbs of Lancaster, PA is now 8-23-2 with three knockouts. Rivers, 145.1 lbs of Philadelphia is 7-1.

Thyler Williams won a four-round unanimous decision over Tyree Arnold in a bout featuring Philadelphia based junior welterweights.

Williams, 141.9 lbs won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 3-0. Arnold, 143.1 lbs of 0-2.

Daiyaan Butt remained undefeated by stopping Tivan Young in round three of their scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Butt scored a knockdown from a flurry of punches that was capped off by a left to the body. In round three, Butt ended thing when he landed several hard left’s to the body that sent Young down in the corner. Young got to his feet at 9 and a half, but referee Benjy Esteves waived the fight off at 1:25

Butt, 141. 7 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-0 with two knockouts. Young, 142.5 lbs of Charlotte, NC is 1-3-1.

Shinard Bunch scored an explosive 2nd round stoppage over Tyrone Lewis in a scheduled four-round welterweight contest.

At the end of the opening frame, Bunch decked Lewis with a perfect left hook. Seconds into round two, Bunch drilled Lewis with a perfect counter right that had Lewis falling to the canvas with his legs tangled, and the bout was immediately called off at 30 seconds.

Bunch, 147.4 lbs of Trenton, NJ is 2-0 with two knockouts. Lewis, 149.6 lbs of Philadelphia was making his pro debut.

Osnel Charles defeated Laquan Lewis for the 3rd time as he pounded out a four-round unanimous decision in a junior welterweight bout.

Charles., 139 lbs of Atlantic City won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice to go to 13-19-1. Lewism 140.5 lbs of Brooklyn is 2-11.

In a four-round heavyweight battle of pro debuting light heavyweights, Jan Czerklewicz pounded out a unanimous decision over Angel Vazquez.

Both landed heavy shots throughout, but Czerklewicz landed more flush and had a greater volume of connects.

Scores were 40-36 twice and 39-37 for Czerklewicz, 174.9 lbs of Houston, Texas. Vazquez, 175.3 lbs of Springfield, MA is 0-1.

Josh Warrington retained the IBF Featherweight title with a 12-round split decision over Kid Galahad at The First District Arena in Warrington’s hometown of Leeds, England.

Warrington of Leeds won by scores of 116-113 and 115-112.  Galahad of England took a card 115-113.

Warrington is now 29-0.  Galahad is 26-1.

Zelfa Barrett won a 12-round unanimous decision over Lyon Woodstock in a super featherweight bout.

Barrett won by scores of 118-110 and 117-111 twice and is now 22-1.  Woodstock is 12-2.

JJ Metcalf stopped former world title challenger Jason Welborn in round eight of their scheduled 12-round super welterweight bout.

In round eight, Metcalf was deducted a point for a low blow. He more than made that point up seconds later as he landed a vicious body shot that sent Welborn down for the count at 2:25.

Metcalf is 20-0 with 12 knockouts. Welborn is 24-8.

Shakiel Thompson won a six-round decision Alistair Warren in a super middleweight fight.

Thompson won by a referee score of 59-55, and is now 4-0. Warren is 11-24-5.

Mairis Briedis stopped  Krzysztof Glowacki  in three rounds to win the WBO Cruiserweight title and advance to the World Boxing Super Series at Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia.

Briedis dropped Glowacki three times and the fight was stopped at 27 seconds of round three.

Briedis of Latvia is 26-1 with 19 knockouts.  Glowacki of Poland is 31-2.

Yuniel Dorticos stopped Andrew Tabiti in round 10 to win the IBF Cruiserweight title and advance the the finals of the World Boxing Super Series

In round six, Doricos was cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt.  Tabiti was docked a point in the same round for holding.

In round ten, Dorticos landed a booming right that sent crashing on his back and the fight was over at 2:33.

Dorticos is now 24-1 with 22 knockouts.  Tabiti is now 17-1.

Ricards Bolotniks stopped Gason Gassanov in round six of their scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Gassanov dropped Bolotniks with a hard counter right.

Bolotniks is 14-5-1 with six knockouts. Gassanov is 16-8-1.

Nkolajs Grisunins won a six-round unanimous decision over Vaclav Pejsar in a cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Pejsar dropped Grisunins with a right hand that was followed by three crunching blows on the ropes. When Grisunins got to his feet he was on unsteady legs and bleeding from his nostrils. In the next round, Grisunins turned the tables as he dropped Pejsar with a body shot. Pejsar was hurt and went down again with a hard combination. Pejsar was all over Grisunins.

Scores were 58-53 on all cards for Grisunins, 201,7 lbs of Latvia and is now 11-1-1. Pejsar, 198.4 lbs of the Czech Republic is 14-8.

Jevgenijs Aleksejevs won a six-round split decision over Siarhei Khamitski in a super middleweight bout.

Aleksejevs, 170.8 lbs of Riga, LAT won two cards 58-57, while Khamitski took a 58-57.

Aleksejevs is 11-0. Khamitski, 166.8 lbs of Belarus is 32-18-3.

Jason Moloney stopped Goodluck Mrema in round two of their scheduled 10-round Bantamweight bout at Seagulls Rugby Club in New South Wales, Australia.

Moloney, 117.7 lbs is now 19-1 with 16 knockouts. Mrema, 117.2 lbs of Tanzania is 23-5.

Reagan Dessaix stopped Mitchell Whitelaw in round seven of their scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 2:34 for Dessaix, 175 lbs and is now 17-2 with 12 knockouts. Whitelaw, 174.4 lbs is 5-2-1.

Andrew Moloney stopped Selemani Bangaiza in round two of their scheduled 10-round super flyweight bout.

Bangaiza in-explicitly quit after an exchange in round two at 1:57.

Moloney , 114.8 lbs of Australia is 20-0 with 13 knockouts. Bangaiza, 113.4 lbs of Tanzania is 15-6.

Mose Auimatagi stopped Kerry Foley in round six of their scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

Auimatagi landed a right to the body that was followed up by a left hook that dropped and stopped Foley at 1:23 of the 6th frame.

Auimatagi is now 13-1-2 with nine knockouts. Foley falls to 19-5-1.

By Norm Frauenheim-

LAS VEGAS – Show Tyson Fury an empty stage and it won’t stay empty for long. He’ll fill it, all 6-foot-9 of him and a charisma for which there is no tape. No tale, either. But that intangible charisma is there, big enough to fill a stage and a room.

Fury did both Friday for his bout Saturday against German challenger Tom Schwarz for the lineal heavyweight title in an ESPN+ televised fight at the MGM Grand.

He took the stage for a weigh-in re-done for ESPN cameras at a prime-time hour. The real weigh-in – one regulated by the Nevada Commission – had already happened in the morning. The weights were documented and filed by the time Fury stepped onto the scale for what was a little bit like lip-synch.

But the show must go on. So, too, must a showman.

Fury was there for, fulfilling his promise to entertain in first fight in a new deal with ESPN and Top Rank.  A small crowd roared. Fury waved one finger at Schwarz. Maybe, it was his way of saying the fight would last one round. Or that one punch would finish Schwarz. Or that Schwarz didn’t have one chance. Fury is a prohibitive favorite. In the UK, Schwarz is a 12-1 longshot.

Oh yeah, Fury (27-0-1, 19 KOs) was 263 pounds, six-and-a-half pounds heavier than he was for his last fight in a controversial draw with Deontay Wilder in December in Los Angeles. Schwarz (24-0, 16 KOs) was at 245.5 pounds.   

Angel Ruiz stopped Miguel Zamudio in the 1st round of their scheduled eight-round welterweight at The Doubletree in Ontario, California.

Ruiz landed a huge left that drove Zamudio to the ropes. Ruiz followed up with four crushing shots that forced the referee to stop the bout at 1:37.

Ruiz, 146.4 lbs of Maywood, CA is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Zamudio, 147 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 43-13-1.

“I did what I came here to do,” said Ruiz, who was born in Mexico, but lives in Los Angeles. “I’m just happy I was able to finish this early and give the fans something to talk about.”

“My jab opens up a lot of angles,” Ruiz said. “I caught him with that left and it was over after that.”

In a battle of undefeated junior middleweights, Richard Brewart Jr. won a six-round unanimous decision over Antonio Duarte.

Brewart, 153 lbs of Rancho Cucamonga, CA won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 to go to 6-0. Duarte, 153.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 2-1.

Mario Hernandez won a six-round unanimous decision over Victor Trejo Garcia in a super flyweight bout.

Hernandez had to survive a 5th round knockdown, but still won by scores of 59-54 twice and 57-56.

Hernandez, 116.4 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is now 9-1-1. Garcia, 116.2 lbs of Mexico is 16-12-1.

Despite being dropped in the opening seconds, Oscar Torrez remained undefeated by stopping Allen Ruiz in round three of a scheduled four-round heavyweight fight.

Ruiz scored a stunning knockdown just seconds into the fight as he landed a left hook. In round two, it was a left from Torrez that dropped Ruiz. Moments later it was a left to the body that sent Ruiz down for a 2nd time.

In round three, Torrez landed a hard right that sent Ruiz down for the ten-count at

Torrez , 216,7 lbs is 6-0 with three knockouts. Ruiz, 255 lbs of Baja, California, MEX is 0-2.

Jose Tito Sanchez remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Pedro Melo in a junior lightweight bout.

Sanchez, 131.6 lbs of Indio, CA won on all cards by 40-36 scores and is now 3-0. Melo, 131.4 lbs of Mexico is 17-21-1.

Seniesa Estrada remained perfect by stopping Gretchen Abaniel after four rounds of their scheduled 10-round light flyweight fight at The Avalon Hollywood in Hollywood, California.

Estrada was cut on the forehead in round two from an accidental headbutt. That was the only bump in the road as she dominated the action and Abaniel bowed out of the fight after four rounds.

Estrada, 107 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA is 17-0 with seven knockouts, Abaniel, 108 lbs of Palawan, PHL is 18-11.

“Everyone knows about the rivalry between me and Marlen Esparza,” said Seniesa Estrada. “Eventually, that fight is going to happen. She can get it any time. For now, I want a title shot. I want to face Yesenia Gomez. Let’s make it happen in September.”

Former world title challenger Azat Hovhannisyan stopped Glenn Porras in round four of a scheduled 10-round super bantamweight fight.

It was a toe-to-toe fight that saw Hovhannisyan land some hard shots

In round three, Porras began to swell around his left eye, Hovhannisyan continued the onslaught until the bout was stopped at 2:08.

Hovhannisyan, 121.6 lbs of Los Angeles is 17-3 with 14 knockouts. Porras, 121.2 lbs of Cotabato, PHL is 32-9.

“I had a great preparation,” said Azat Hovhannisyan. “I sparred very hard and everything went well in camp. I’m boxing more in my fights, but I also bring a lot of action. I want T.J. Doheny, and then I want Danny Roman, Rey Vargas [again] and Emanuel Navarrete.”

Carlos Caraballo kept his perfect knockout streak intact by stopping Esteban Aquino in round two of their scheduled six-round super bantamweight bout.

Caraballo landed a little left to the jaw during an exchange that sent Aquino down for the ten count at 1:52.

Caraballo, 119.6 lbs of Guayanilla, PR is 12-0 with 12 knockouts. Aquino, 119.2 lbs of Lo Romana, DR is 12-7.

“That’s what I was trying to do, get a spectacular knockout,” said Carlos Caraballo. “I have the power to do it, and that’s what I trained for at the gym. I noticed he wasn’t really attacking in the second round. We take things round by round, so I saw the opportunity and took it.”

Cesar Valenzuela won a eight-round unanimous decision over Christian Gonzalez in a lightweight fight.

Scores were 79-73 on all cards for Valenzuela, 133.6 lbs of Phoenix who is now 15-6-1. Gonzalez, 134.6 lbs of Buena Park, CA is 19-4.

“We knew he was a hard hitter,” said Cesar Valenzeula. “We knew he would come in throwing wild punches and that he had no defense, footwork or head movement. So, I used my distance, jab, and footwork. I also was able to get him with my straight right hand, which he could not see coming.”

Bektemir Melikuziev made a successful pro debut by stopping Martin Rios in a light heavyweight bout.

Melikuziev dropped Rios with a hard left to the body that sent him down for the 10 count 1:39 for Melikuziev, 173 lbs of Indio, CA who is 1-0 with one knockout. Rios, 166.6 lbs of La Pampa, ARG is 23-20-4.

“What happened is what always happens,” said Bektemir Melikzuiev.“I wanted the toughest challenge out there, and I went in there and took care of business. Now it’s time for me to keep going and stay busy.”

Despite many rumors that Zab Judah was in a coma, he is in fact awake and in a Syracuse area hospital following a brain bleed following his 11th round stoppage loss to Cletus Seldin this past Friday night at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“[Judah is] awake, communicating with his family and doctors and making progress,” Star Boxing promoter Joe DeGuardia told ESPN. “Beyond that his family is requesting privacy at this time about his medical condition.”

DeGuardia said because it had been such a brutal fight “we had Zab go the hospital to get checked. It was a high-volume fight, not a minute to breath kind of fight. Cletus was all over Zab for almost the entire fight. Zab really dug down and showed his champion’s heart.”

“I saw him at about 2:30 in the morning. He was with his family having food at the diner in the hotel and I was with my staff there. I talked to Zab for about 10 or 15 minutes. We talked about the fight, how he had a great career and how it’s time [to retire]. He agreed. He said he had a good career and accomplished a lot and that he was proud of the fight he fought against Cletus. He seemed fine. I went upstairs, but later at the diner he wasn’t good and went back to the hospital.

“We’re all pulling for him. In boxing it’s all a fraternity but with Judah and his father (and trainer Yoel Judah) I go back 30 years with them so it hits home.”