Former world champion Abner Mares is back in training after a recent eye injury, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I got some really good news. I got the green light to start training,” Mares said in a video he posted to social media on Friday. “I got the green light to start doing my normal activities, meaning I can hit the bag, I can go run. I can do all the boxing training except one thing. I can’t spar yet. No contact in the eye, but that’s a big improvement.

“My eye is really good. As you can see, it’s been a little bit past a month, almost two months since the surgery. It looks good. This is big news for me. I can’t wait. Hopefully, soon I’ll be back in the ring.”

Lineal Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will take on Tom Schwarz on June 15th in Las Vegas, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The venue is not settled yet. Top Rank has the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on hold for the date and has a request in with the Nevada State Athletic Commission to put on the event there. The date request is on the agenda for the commission meeting on March 27. However, there is also a chance, according to multiple sources, that the fight will move down the street to an MGM Resorts International property in Las Vegas — either the MGM Grand Garden Arena or the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Former super middleweight champion Lucian Bute has announced his retirement, according to Dn Rafael of espn.com.

“It’s time to turn the page. Today, here, officially, I announce you that I retire. This is forever. If I say, ‘It’s over,’ it’s over for real,” Bute said.

“One week after my fight with Eleider Alvarez, my daughter Ema was born. I took the time to think,” said Bute, who was in tears as he made his announcement. “A few months later, I did not know what to do. I had doubts. Then I saw her grow up, and I said no, I have nothing more to prove. It’s better to stay healthy and take care of this little girl. Then my second (child) came and it was finished for me. I had no doubt. I knew I was not going to get into the ring one last time. It was useless to do another fight.”

During his heyday, Bute defeated opponents such as Sakio Bika, William Joppy, Librado Andrade (twice), Edison Miranda and Glen Johnson. After the loss to Froch, however, Bute was never the same, which he admitted.

“Yes, we can say that it was the beginning of the end,” he said. “After this defeat, I was not like before. It was a hard defeat, which hurt me. It left me hesitant for my next fights. I worked with psychologists. I continued to work thinking that I still had in me to become world champion. I gave everything. I have no regrets. I went to the end.”

WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder rejected a very lucrative deal from DAZN, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

DAZN offered Wilder two versions of a deal from which he could pick, two sources with knowledge of the offers told ESPN.

One deal, the sources said, was for three fights worth $100 million. The first fight would have been a $20 million payday to fight Dominic Breazeale this spring, which is way over the market value for that level fight. Wilder was guaranteed $10 million to fight Fury in their exciting draw on Showtime PPV on Dec. 1. The second fight would have been for $40 million to fight Anthony Joshua in the fall for the undisputed title with the third fight being an immediate rematch with Joshua for another $40 million — even if Wilder, in the worst-case scenario, had gotten knocked out, even in the first round, of the first fight by Joshua (22-0, 21 KOs), 29, of England.

The second version of the offer, one of the sources said, would have paid Wilder $20 million to fight Breazeale, $40 million for the Joshua fight, a $20 million fight against another opponent to be determined followed by another $40 million for a rematch with Joshua in the fourth fight.

In addition, one of the sources said the first fight with Joshua was guaranteed to be in the United States with DAZN willing to have the second fight in Joshua’s native United Kingdom, even though the time zone would put a live stream of the fight on in the late afternoon instead of closer to the preferred time of 11:30 p.m. ET, which is when most major fights go off for U.S. broadcasts.

NEW YORK CITY — For the third straight year, Michael “Mick” Conlan (11-0, 6KO) claimed victory on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, scoring a unanimous ten round decision over Mexican Ruben Garcia Hernandez (24-4-2, 10KO), whipping the Irish faithful on-hand into a frenzy at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater and retaining his WBO Intercontinental Title in the process.

It was an electric entrance for Conlan, who walked through the crowd to the ring, complete with bagpipes and alcohol-fueled Irish singalogs.

But where Conlan’s entrance was on point, his performance was a bit lacking.

The 27 year old former Irish Olympian started slow, content to gain information in the early goings while switching stances from southpaw to orthodox to keep Hernandez off-balance.

Although Conlan varied his looks, he lacked creativity, and relied on potshots to slowly pick apart the lesser-skilled Hernandez. Conlan, who is trained by Adam Booth, operated at his best when he threw combinations, which unfortunately came few and far between. When Conlan did throw punches in bunches, in rounds eight and ten for example, he inflicted damage and had Hernandez on the defensive.

Hernandez’s best work came in the fifth, when he had Conlan playing a little defense, wailing away at the Irishman while his back was against the ropes.

In fairness to Conlan, he didn’t have to be something he is not tonight. Ultimately, it was an easy night’s work for Conlan and the scorecards proved that.

At the end of ten, all three judges scored it a shutout for Conlan, 100-90.

Luis Collazo Grinds Out SD Over Samuel Vargas

In what Top Rank billed as the main event of the evening, 37 year old former world welterweight champion Luis Collazo (39-7, 20KO) turned back the clock and turned in a workmanlike performance, grinding out a ten round split decision against Samuel Vargas (30-5-2, 14KO). Don Trella scored the bout 96-94 for Vargas, while Glenn Feldman and Frank Lombardi had it 96-94 and 98-92 for Collazo, respectively.

After a brief feeling out period, in which Collazo, who was fighting at Madison Square Garden for the fourth time in his career, bested Vargas, the two began to get intimate in the third. Vargas willingly closed the distance, but got a bit more than he bargained for, as Collazo time and again scored with left hands.

Undeterred, Vargas came back round after round, continually shortening the distance in order to fight chest to chest with Collazo, who was more than happy to fight in tight.

From the third round on, each round played out in similar fashion, with the Colombian-Canadian Vargas and Collazo fighting an inside fight, but with Collazo besting his foe.

Towards the end of the fight, a cut over Collazo’s right eye that was initially caused by a headbutt in round two started to give the New Yorker a few issues. But the 282 round veteran battled through and earned the judge’s decision. 15rounds.com scored the contest 97-93 for Collazo.

The result marks Vargas’ fifth career defeat. Other fighter’s to have had their fist raised against Vargas include Errol Spence, Jr., Amir Khan, and Danny Garcia.

Mojica Upsets Barnes Via Split Decision

Dallas bantamweight Oscar Mojica (12-5-1, 1KO) scored the biggest win of his career, spoiling some of the St. Patrick’s Day fun at Madison Square Garden in the process, defeating two time Irish Olympic Bronze Medalist Paddy “The Leprechaun” Barnes (5-2, 1KO) via six round split decision.

Things went wrong for Barnes, 31, from the get-go, as the first Mojica jab landed produced an ever-flowing stream of blood from the Irishman’s nose. Mojica, 26, sensing Barnes could feel his power, applied pressure for the remainder of the first, forcing Barnes to fight off his back foot.

In the second the Texan dug a beautiful left to Barnes’ liver that forced the Irishman to his knees. The referee inexplicably and wrongly ruled it a slip. Credit Barnes who, once back to his feet, starting taking the fight to Mojica.

Barnes landed his best punch of the fight — a right cross — midway through the sixth that seemed to grab Mujica’s attention and stall his offense. Barnes, who was fighting in the US for the first time, kept his foot on the gas for the remainder of the round, but it wasn’t enough to get the nod.

Judge James Pierce scored it 58-56 for Barnes, while John McKaie and Kevin Morgan saw it 58-56 for Mojica.

The result marks the second straight loss for Barnes. He last lost in August when he KO’d via body shot by Cristofer Rosales in a WBC world featherweight title fight.

It was an easy night at the office the Bronx’s Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (13-1, 8KO) as he easily outpointed Adrian Ramirez (10-3, 6KO) of the Dominican Republic. Official scores read 80-72×3.

Vargas was patient and prodding throughout, at times almost too calculating. It seemed if he just let his hands go the fight would have ended inside the distance. Nonetheless, the 20 year old Puerto Rican southpaw fought the fight on his terms, at his pace, and cruised to the win.

Vargas’ only blemish remains a DQ loss against Samuel Santana 2016.

Bauza Cruises Past Maldonado To Stay Perfect

Newly signed Top Rank prospect John Bauza (12-0, 5KO) cruised to an easy unanimous decision against Mexican-American Ricardo Maldonado (8-9-1, 1KO). Bauza, a Puerto Rican native who lives in North Bergen, NJ, quickly imposed his will on his 30 year old opponent. The 20 year old southpaw, who is trained by Robert Garcia, came off his stool firing from the onset, sitting down on almost all his punches, firing them off with purpose.

Less than two rounds into the contest, a Bauza right hook opened a small cut above Maldonado’s right eye and less than a round later, Bauza was scoring at will with his straight left, at one point shooting three straight down Main Street without obstruction. Bauza continued to dissect and bloody Maldonado the rest of the way, possibly even breaking the stubborn Mexican’s nose.

At the end of six, all judges agreed on a 60-54 scorecard for Bauza.

Nikitin Moves To 3-0 With MD Over Tapia

Russian featherweight Vladimir Nikitin improved to 3-0 earning a hardfought majority decision against tough Texan Juan Tapia (8-3, 3KO). Nikitin, who is perhaps best known to date for his controversial win against Michael Conlan at the 2016 Rio Olympics en route to a bronze medal, struggled with the non-stop pressure from Tapia. The two were constantly exchanging, but the 28 year old Russian consistently bested his 26 year old counterpart.

At the end of six, the judges scorecards read 57-57 and 59-55×2 for Nikitin.

Joseph Adorno Battles His Way Past Victor Rosas

Nineteen year old Top Rank lightweight prospect, Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (12-0, 10KO), battled his way to a six round unanimous decision against Mexican southpaw Victor Rosas (10-9, 4KO). It took Adorno a few rounds the to figure out his 31 year old counterpart, but by the time the fourth round came around, Adorno was having it his way. The orthodox-stanced teen, who is co-trained by his father Anibal and Robert Garcia, scored a knockdown in the fifth courtesy of a counter left hook. Credit Rosas, however, who battled back in the sixth and had his best round of the fight, backing up Adorno.

At the end of the bout, all three judges agreed on a 58-55 scorecard in favor of Adorno.

Ireland’s Reeves Kicks Off St. Paddy’s Day Card With Win

In a four round junior welterweight contest, Ireland’s Lee Reeves (3-0) shutout (40-36×3) Texas-native Eduardo Torres (1-2) to kick off an evening of boxing from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The card is anchored by a ten round welterweight scrap between former junior welterweight champion Luis Collazo (38-7, 20KO) and Samuel Vargas (30-4-2, 14KO) and concludes with a special attraction St. Patrick’s Day attraction, seeing former Irish Olympian Michael Conlan (10-0, 6KO) take on fellow featherweight Ruben Garcia Hernandez (24-3-2, 10KO) in a ten round bout of their own.

ARLINGTON, Tex. ––Truth is stitched in red across the waistband.

It’s no lie.

Errol Spence Jr. delivered truth in a jab, power and quickness again and again over 12 rounds that left Mikey Garcia looking exhausted, undersized and overmatched in a Fox pay-per-view bout in front of a crowd of more than 47,000 at AT&T Stadium.

It was every bit the one-sided massacre Spence promised, or perhaps threatened, a few days before opening bell.

“They said I wasn’t too smart,’’ Spence (25-0, 22 KOs) said after retaining the International Boxing Federation’s version of the welterweight title. “They said I couldn’t box. You saw it today. I can punch and I can box.’’

Truth is, Spence could pretty much do whatever he wanted against Garcia, a former featherweight champion and a current lightweight champ who was fighting at 147 pounds for only the second time.  On the scorecards, Garcia (39-1, 30 KOs) didn’t win a round. The judges scored it 120-108, 120-107, 120-108, all for Spence.

“He really is the Truth,’’ said Garcia, who was Spence’s equal only on the pay scale. According to contracts filed with the Texas Commission, both fighters collected a minimum of $3 million.

Garcia took some solace in the fact he was never knocked down by power shots set up by a Spence jab that consistently rocked back his head.

“I was able to hold on,’’ said Garcia, who said he talked his brother and trainer Robert out of stopping the fight in eighth or ninth round.

For Garcia, it not clear what’s next. He took a risk in jumping up in weight to fight the biggest man in the welterweight division. He could go down in weight to defend his 135 pound title.

For Spence, the victory further enhances his pound-for-pound  credentials. May, it also put him in line to fight Manny Pacquiao, who was at ringside.

“It would be an honor for me to fight him next,’’ Spence said.

From his ringside seat, Pacquiao said:

“Why not?’’

The why-not reasons were there, again and again. Don’t doubt Spence. There’s never much Truth in boxing. For now, however, he is the undisputed version.

David Benavidez roars back with second-round stoppage of J’Leon Love

It was called a comeback. It was that and more.

Luis Nery says hello to U.S. market with sensational stoppage

Mexican bantamweight Luis Nery’s introduced himself to the U.S. market with a performance that will created an appetite for more.

Arreola TKO winner

Chris Arreola opened the Fox pay-per-view telecast of the Garcia-Spence card at AT&T Stadium with a stoppage. Call it bang for the buck.

Charles Martin gets victory in low blow DQ

It was a low blow. Actually, there were four of them, if you were counting. A heavyweight bout that could have been stopped for boredom after a couple of rounds was stopped in the eighth when Gregory Corbin of Dallas (15-1, 9 KOs) was disqualified for his fourth low blow. Charles Martin (25-3-1, 23 KOs), of Saint Louis, got the victory in the final bout before the start of the pay-per-view telecast of the Garcia-Spence card at AT&T Stadium. 

Lindolfo  Delgado, a young super-lightweight from Mexico,  added to his rep as prospect with a powerful first-round knockout of James Roach (5-2, 5 KOs) of Grove, OK, in a swing bout on the pay-per-view portion of the Garcia-Spence card at AT&T Stadium.

Oh, Brother: Marsellos Wilder flashes Deontay’s power for first-round stoppage

Marsellos Wilder is a lot like his better-known brother, Deontay, the World Boxing Council’s heavyweight champ. He punches wildly. He punches powerfully. In the Wilder family, power prevails and it did again Saturday with Marsellos (4-1, 3 KOs) scoring a first-round stoppage of Mark Sanchez (0-3) of Midland, Tex., on the Spence-Garcia undercard at AT&T Stadium

Featherweight Fernando Garcia rolls to 12-0 record with KO win

Dallas super-lightweight Rashidi walks down, breaks down foe for sixth-round stoppage

No stopping San Antonio bantamweight Jesse Rodriquez in TKO win

Milwaukee super-welterweight wins split decision. Anybody for a rematch?

Bantamweight Morales flashes more of everything in scoring unanimous decision

Oklahoma City bantamweight Aaron Morales (6-0, 3 KOs) employed quicker hands, quicker feet and was more accurate from more angles angle, scoring a unanimous decision over Fernando Robles (2-1) of McAllen, Tex., in the fifth bout of the Spence-Garcia featured card.

In the card’s fourth bout, the judges — one of the few people at AT&T Stadium to actually to be in their seats — went back to work, all three scoring a four-round cruiserweight bout for Adrian Taylor (9-1, 4 KOs) of Mesquite, Tex., over William Quintana (7-13, 3 KOs) of Kearney, Neb.

Third bout ends in second-round TKO

The card’s third bout didn’t last much longer. Luis Coria (11-2, 6 KOs), light from Moreno Valley, Calif., finished it with two rounds, scoring a swift stoppage of Omar Garcia (6-8, 1 KOs) of Monterrey, Mex.

Second bout on Spence-Gracia card ends in quick stoppage

There were only echoes at empty AT&T Stadium and one the biggest was caused by Dallas super-middleweight Burley Brooks, who who went crashing to the canvas head-over heels in first-round stoppage delivered by Randy Mast (2-0, 1 KO) of Springfield, MO in the second fight of 17 on card featuring Spence-Garcia.

The corner side of Team Garcia went to work early.

Robert Garcia, Mikey Garcia’s brother and trainer, had to hope the show would end as it opened. It began at empty AT&T Stadium with Garcia-trained Robert Rodriguez (3-0) of San Antonio, winning a unanimous decision over California super-flyweight Fernando Ibarra (0-1) in an afternoon matinee.

About five hours and 16 fights later, Mikey Garcia would face welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. in a Fox pay-per-view televised bout.

Leon Edwards won a split decision over Gunnar Nelson in a welterweight fight.

Edwards took cards 29-28. Nelson won a 3rd card 29-28.

Edwards is 17-3. Nelson is 17-4-1.

In a battle of top-10 light heavyweights, Dominick Reyes won a split decision over Volkan Oezdemir.

Reyes won two cards 29-28. Oezdemir took a card 29-28.

Reyes is 11-0. Oezdemir is 15-4.

Nathaniel Wood won via 2nd round choke over Jose Quinonez in a bantamweight bout.

Wood won via rear-naked choke at 2:15.

Wood is now 16-3. Quinonez is 7-3.

Claudio Silva submitted Danny Roberts in the 3rd round of their welterweight bout.

Silva used an armbar to submit Roberts at 2:37.

Silva is 13-1. Roberts is 16-4.

Jack Marshman won a split-decision over John Phillips in a middleweight bout.

Marshman won two cards 29-28. Phillips took a card 29-28.

Marshman, who was two pounds over weight at Friday’s weigh-in is now 23-8. Phillips is now 21-9-1.

Arnold Allen won a unanimous decision over Jordan Rinaldi in a featherweight bout.

Allen won by scores 30-27, 30-26 and 29-28 and is now 14-1.  Rinaldi is 14-7.

Marc Diakiese won a unanimous decision over Joe Duffy in a lightweight bout.

Diakiese won by scores of 30-27 on all cards, and is now 13-3. Duffy is 16-4.

Saparbek Safarov won a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Nicolae Negumereanu in a light heavyweight bout.

Safarov was deducted a point in round one for grabbing the cage. Negumereanu was bloodied under his right, eye at the end of round two after suffering a pounding from Safarov.

Safarov won by scores of 29-26 twice and 29-27, and is now 9-2. Negumereanu is 9-1.

Dan Ige choked out Danny Henry in the opening round of their featherweight bout.

Ige knocked Henry down and was able to apply a rear naked choke, and the fight was stopped at 1:17.

Ige is now 11-2. Henry is 12-3.

Molly McCann won a unanimous decision over Priscilla Cachoeira in a flyweight fight.

In round two, McCann began to swell and bleed over her left eye. In round three, it was virtually closed.

Despite that McCann won by scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 8-2. Cachoeira is also 8-2.

Mike Grundy stopped Nad Narimani in the 2nd round of their featherweight bout.

Narimani was bleeding under his left eye in the 2nd round. Later in the round, Grundy decked Narimani with a hard right hand. Narimani got up but was wobbled, and Grundy was all over Narimani, and landed several more hard blows, and the fight was stopped at 4:42.

Grundy is 12-1. Narimani is 12.3

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Tevin Farmer (29-4-1, 6KO) scored a wide unanimous decision and retained his IBF world super featherweight title against Jono “King Kong” Carroll (16-1-1, 3KO) at Temple University’s Liacouras Center, broadcast live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK. Official scorecards read 117-110 and 117-111×2 for Farmer.

It was the 26 year old southpaw challenger, Carroll, however, who got off to the quick start, making a concerted effort to bang Farmer to the body.

But after a brief two round “feeling out” period, the southpaw champion settled in and began countering Carroll to head and body, throwing counter uppercuts from in-close and ripping loaded counter lefts to the body. A clash of heads also caused a nasty cut over Carroll’s right eye, a cut that only worsened as the fight progressed.

In the middle rounds, Farmer, 29, began taking over as Carroll’s offense began to slow and his punches began to hold less steam. There was a lot of in-fighting in the middle rounds, welcomed by the “American Idol”, Farmer, who was content to let Carroll throw a few before firing back the more significant shots.

Although struggling to gain ground through most of the mid-to-late rounds, Carroll did rally in the eighth, scoring mostly with body blows.

As the tenth wound to a close, Farmer hurt Carroll with a short right, sending the bearded Irishman in full retreat. Farmer kept his foot on the gas, connecting with more shots, but Carroll was able to ride out the storm until the end of the round.

The championship rounds went to Farmer, as well, securing the victory and his title.

It was the third successful title defense, and first in Philadelphia, for Farmer, who won his belt against Australian Billy Dib last August.

Farmer, who early in his career, without proper promotional guidance found himself prematurely pitted against tough opponents. After just twelve pro fights, Farmer’s record already sported four losses and one draw. Seven-plus years later, those numbers remain unchanged.

Farmer’s last loss came via stoppage against Jose Pedraza in 2012.

For his part, Carroll gave a good account for himself in his first world title challenge and first fight on American soil.

The Dublin native is now winless in his last two contests, having fought to a draw against Frenchman Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1, 12KO) in December.

Katie Taylor Wins Another Title, Stops Rose Volante

In a world female lightweight unifier between two previously unbeaten champions, Ireland’s Katie Taylor (13-0, 6KO) added the WBO title to her collection (IBF, WBA), stopping Brazil’s Rose Volante (14-1, 8KO) in the ninth of a scheduled ten round contest.

Taylor, a former 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, started quickly, dropping Volante early in the opening round with a left hook.

Credit Volante, who not only survived the remainder of the first, but then dug in and stood toe-to-toe with Taylor for the duration of the contest. And although she battled and traded with Taylor, Volante was being battered round after round.

In the eighth round Taylor, 32, Taylor shot up off her stool and looked determine to end it, letting her fists fly. But Volante, who was making her third title defense, showed the heart of a true champion and refused to fold.

It wasn’t until the 1:40 mark of the ninth round that referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the punishment and call a halt to the contest.

Taylor remains on track to land a megafight later in this year, either against 7-division champion and current WBO female super flyweight titleist Amanda Serrano or undefeated unified world female welterweight champion Cecelia Braekhus.

Maciej Sulecki Survives Gabe Rosado Surge In North Philly Brawl

In a classic Philly brawl that saw both fighters hit the mat twice, Polish middleweight Maciej Sulecki (28-1, 11KO) outlasted a late surge by veteran fan favorite “King” Gabriel Rosado en route to a ten round unanimous decision victory.

It took less than ninety seconds for action to heat up and big punches to land, as Sulecki, 29, found immediate success with his right hand, firing a right behind Rosado’s left ear that dropped him to the mat. Rosado, 33, was shaken, but not hurt, and was able to navigate his way through the rest of the first.

In the third round, Rosado, who was fighting in his hometown for the first time in seven years, started to gain a bit of momentum. Much like Sulecki, he started also finding a home for his own right hand, landing two nose-crunching rights in the third.

The middle rounds weren’t dominated by either fighter, but it was Sulecki and his rights that were getting the better of Rosado.

Things looked like they might come to an end in the eight when Sulecki landed a left hook-right hand combo that rocked Rosado and sent him to the canvas for the second time in the fight. A woozy Rosado was able to ride out the remainder of the round, much of which was spent with his back against the ropes in a neutral corner, dipping, diving, and dodging Sulecki punches.

Then in the ninth, in classic Philly fashion, Rosado battled back and worked the crowd into a frenzy. The former world title challenger landed a perfectly thrown counter right that exploded on Sulecki’s head, sending the Pole crashing to the mat. Sulecki beat the ensuing ten count, but was quickly met again by another Rosado right, this a looping overhand right, that crumpled Sulecki to the canvas yet again. Credit Sulecki who again beat the referee’s ten count before the bell signaling the end of the ninth round chimed.

In the tenth round, Rosado kept his foot on the gas, trying to end the fight with a single right hand. But Sulecki was able to weather the storm and survive.

In the end, all three judges scored the contest for Sulecki (95-91×2, 95-93).

Sulecki’s only professional loss remains a UD to former world middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in April 2018.

For Rosado, who was coming off a draw against Luis “Cuba” Arias in November, the result makes it only one win in his last five contests.

Sulecki is now positioned to face off against WBO middleweight titleist Demetrius Andrade.

Luke Campbell TKOs Adrian Yung In 5

Former world lightweight title challenger “Cool Hand” Luke Campbell (20-2, 16KO) made it three wins in a row since his 2017 defeat to Jorge Linares, stopping Adrian “Chinito” Yung (26-6-2, 20KO) in the fifth round of a scheduled ten rounds.

Campbell, a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist, had it his way from the opening bell, controlling the fight from the onset. The British southpaw eventually broke through in the fourth round after a right hand forced Yung, who took the fight on short notice, to a knee.

In the sixth, the 31 year old British southpaw, Campbell, upped the pressure. After landing an unobstructed flurry of shots, referee Eric Dali jumped in to stop the contest at the 1:37 mark of round five.

Campbell remains the mandatory challenger for Mikey Garcia’s 135lb. WBC title. Garcia, of course, squares off against undefeated welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. tomorrow night on FOX PPV in Texas.

Raymond Ford Cruises To UD In Pro Debut

In his professional debut, nineteen year-old Matchroom Boxing featherweight prospect Raymond Ford (1-0) earned a four round unanimous decision against Weusi Johnson (3-11).

The former 2018 123-pound National Golden Gloves champion scored a knockdown midway through the first courtesy of a huge left cross, but was unable to stop Delaware’s Johnson before the end the round. No matter to Ford, though, as the Camden, NJ southpaw faced little resistance the rest of the way and cruised to a shutout victory. Scores were 40-35×3.

Yeleussinov Earns Wide UD Against Ortiz

2016 Olympic Gold medalist Daniyar “Kazakh Thunder” Yeleussinov (6-0, 3KO) remained undefeated, scoring a wide eight round unanimous decision against fellow welterweight Silverio Ortiz (37-14, 18KO).

Yeleussinov, a 28 year-old southpaw, started quickly, picking and landing his shots, while using fantastic footwork to keep the 439 round veteran, Ortiz, out of range.

From the third round on, the fight didn’t come as easy for the Matchroom Boxing prospect, as the distance began to close and exchanges increased. There was never a point where the Kazakh wasn’t in control, however, but Ortiz did score with loaded rights, albeit infrequently.

In the seventh, Yeleussinov scored a knockdown that culminated with a punch landing behind Ortiz’s head while he was already on the mat. Referee Benjy Esteves instructed the judges to score the knockdown, but also took a point away from Yeleussinov.

At the end of eight, official scorecards read 79-70 and 79-71×2 for Yeleussinov.

Sparrow Hammers Lundy, Scores MD Win

In a highly anticipated entertaining all-Philadelphia slugfest, Avery Sparrow (10-1, 3KO) scored a ten round majority decision over former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-8-14KO).

It didn’t take long for the two rivals to start exchanging some serious leather, and toward the end of the first round, the 35 year-old southpaw Lundy scored with a short left, followed by a straight right that seemed to grab Sparrow’s attention.

No long lasting impact, however, as the spry 25 year-old, Sparrow, flipped the script in the following round, scoring two knockdowns courtesy of right hands. The first came seemingly out of nowhere, when Sparrow launched an overhand right that caught Lundy flush on the left side of the head, sending him off balance, forcing his glove to touch the canvas. The ensuing knockdown came less than a minute later, as Sparrow countered a wild-swinging Lundy, shooting a straight right down Broad Street, sending Lundy crashing to the mat.

The resilient 241-round veteran Lundy dug deep, though, and came back the very next round and stood toe-to-toe with Sparrow, perhaps even nicking the round.

From the third on it was a seesaw affair, with both fighters willing to eat a few punches to land a few of their own.

Wild exchanges were commonplace almost every time an ensuing round neared end.

When it was all said and done, the three judges turned in cards of 94-94, and 95-93 and 96-92 for Sparrow.

The win is arguably the biggest of Sparrow’s young career, who’s other win of note came against Jose Lopez in 2017.

The result marks the second loss in a row for “Hammerin’” Hank and is his third in his last six contests.

Ballard Stops Fonseca For Second Time In Career

Undefeated super middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0, 13KO) scored a fifth round stoppage over hardnosed Mexican Victor Fonseca (17-20-1, 14KO) to kick off a night of fights from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. It was the second time the 25 year-old Ballard and Fonseca squared off and the second time Ballard closed the show inside the scheduled distance. In 2015, the Golden Boy Promotions signee stopped Fonseca inside three rounds, and tonight he needed just two more, battering Fonseca around the ring until referee Eric Dali stopped the fight in the fifth of a scheduled ten.

Tonight’s card, presented by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, will culminate when hometown champion Tevin Farmer (28-4-1, 6KO) defends his IBF World Super Featherweight title live on DAZN (US) and Sky Sports (UK) against unbeaten Irishman Jono Carroll (16-0-1, 3KO).

WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder met with John Skipper of DAZN on Tuesday in effort to create a gateway for a showdown with Anthony Joshua, according to Dan Rafael of espn..com.

“We did (meet) but nothing was resolved and internally we are going to continue to talk about it and then we will get back to them, but it went well,” Wilder manager Shelly Finkel told ESPN.

“I will not characterize them all, or even confirm them,” Skipper said. “We have discussions with people and until we announce I rarely comment on them until we announce, so I don’t have anything to announce, so no comment other than we’re interested in having the best fights on DAZN and we will put the fights on that people want to see. It’s pretty clear that one fight people want to see is Joshua and Wilder.”

“I think we’ve got a brilliant chance of making the Joshua fight,” Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn said on Saturday night at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, following the Dmitry Bivol-Joe Smith Jr. light heavyweight title bout he promoted.

“I’ve reached out a dozen times to make offers (to Wilder). Skipper has to be the one, in my opinion, who brokers the deal … He already proved through the Canelo and Golovkin signings that he’s very good at doing this. I think he’ll get Wilder. I think he will put the deal together. (Skipper) spoke to me and said what do I think? I said go for it. Me and Shelly aren’t going to get a deal done and me and Wilder aren’t going to get a deal done. So (Skipper is) the one to get it done.”

WBA 115 lb. world champion Kal Yafai will defend his title against Norbelto Jimenez, possibly on the Anthony Joshua – Jarrell Miller card on June 1st at Madison Square Garden, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Former two-division world champion Devin Alexander will begin training with Roy Jones Jr., according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I just that I need some better conditioning,” said Alexander, who turned 32 on Feb. 10. “I’m losing my fights because I’m gassing out at the end of my fights. I use to not do that, but I need more conditioning and stamina now that I’m older.

“I made the change because I just felt like it was time for me to try something different, and when I talked to Roy Jones Jr., a future Hall of Famer and living legend, he said he can help with my comeback. I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to see what we could do together. After speaking to him, I really felt like it was a perfect match. He truly understands what it’s like for a fighter, like myself, who is making a comeback at this stage of his career.”

Callum Johnson stopped Seanie Monaghan in round three of their scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Monaghan was already bleeding above the right eye. In round two, Johnson dropped Monaghan with a right. Seconds later Johnson sent Monaghan to the canvas with a left hook. The bout was stopped 23 seconds into round three after a huge barrage of punches from Johnson.

Johnson, 173 lbs of Boston, ENG is 18-1 with 13 knockouts. Monaghan, 174 lbs of Long Beach, NY is 29-3.

Shawn Porter retained the WBC Welterweight title with a razor thin 12-round split decision over Yordenis Ugas at the Dignity Healthy Sports Park in Carson, California.

It was a close fight that saw many rounds with Porter trying to dive in and create offense, yet Ugas would land the cleaner punches.  It seemed that Ugas had the advantage, although punch stats showed a 144-128 advantage for Porter.

Porter, 146.8 lbs of Akron, OH won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113.  Ugas, 146.5 lbs of Santo de Cuba, CUB won a card 117-111.

Porter is 30-2-1.  Ugas is 23-4.

“The crowd was expecting a big brawl, but that’s not the way this fight needed to go tonight,” said Porter. “The style that we used left the fight close. As the clock ticks, you have to do what’s working. Tonight the foot movement was working and it made Ugas have to reset.”

“I showed tonight that I belong with the elite fighters at welterweight,” said Ugas. “All I can say is that I’m ready to fight any of the top names in the division. I’ll be back.”

“I was on my toes all night,” said Porter. “I was very focused the entire fight and just listening to my corner. We wanted to out box him and eventually turn it on and press him. But my dad did not think that was the smartest way to win the fight. We fought this way for 12 rounds and no one has ever seen that from me before.”

“There’s no doubt about it, I was robbed tonight,” said Ugas. “After the first round I figured him out and dominated the fight. He had no answer when I was pushing him back. I dominated the fight in my opinion.”

“We fought a good smart fight tonight,” said Porter. “I was consistent and I thought we won a majority of the rounds. We got the win, we’re still champion and we’re looking forward to what is next.”

Abel Ramos had to survive a knockdown to comeback and win a 10-round unanimous decision over Francisco Santana in a welterweight fight.

At the end of round two, Santana dropped Ramos with a hard left hook.

Ramos began to bleed from his nose in round six.  Ramis came on in the 2nd half of the fight and took most of the rounds down the stretch.

Ramos, 146.5 lbs of Casa Grande , AZ won by scores of 98-92, 97-92 and 95-94 to raise his record to 24-3-2.  Santana, 146.5 lbs of Santa Barbra, CA is 25-7-1.

Ramos landed 268-934 punches.  Santana was 221-800.

“He caught me on a flash knockdown in the second round,” said Ramos. “I didn’t see the punch coming and he caught me a little bit off balance. As soon as I got up, I was good.”

“I was very surprised by the scorecards,” said Santana. “I thought I did enough to win. It was very competitive but I was landing more significant punches. I knew he was a warrior who would come back to fight after the knockdown. I don’t know what else to do at this point, but I’ll always keep my head held high.”

“I thought I won the fight,” said Ramos. “I landed more punches. I felt like I was landing all night and I was doing good clean work throughout the fight.”

Efe Ajagba stopped Amir Mansour after two rounds of their scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

Ajagba dropped Mansour twice in the 1st round.  the initial one came from a hard right, and the second came moments later from a left hook.  Ajagba continued to land power shots and the fight was stopped after the 2nd frame.

Ajagba, 240 lbs of Nigeria is 9-0 with eight knockouts.  Mansour, 225 lbs of Salem, NJ is 23-4-1.

“I’ve never fought a southpaw in the pros before,” said Ajagba. “Ronnie Shields has taught me a lot and given me the plan on how to fight a southpaw and how to use my right hand against them.”

“I want to be the best heavyweight in the world,” said Ajagba. “That’s my dream. I’m going to go home and work hard and prepare for the next fight.”

Juan Carlos Payano won an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Damien Vazquez in a bantamweight bout.

In round four, Payano was cut under his right eye. The next round he was cut on his left cheek ares. In round six, Vazquez was wobbled and cut over his right eye.

Payano, 117.8 lbs of Le Vega, DR won by scores of 80-71 twice, and 79-73 and is now 21-2. Vazquez, 117.6 lbs of Thronton, CO is 14-1.

Eimmantas Stanionis won a eight-round unanimous decision over Samuel Figueroa in a welterweight fight.

Stanionis, 149.2 lbs of Lithuania, won by scores 80-72 on all cards, and is now 8-0. Figueroa, 149.4 lbs of Maygeliz, PR is 11-2. Stanionis outlanded Figueroa 256-146.

Sergey Kuzmin remained undefeated with a 10-round majority decision over Joey Dawejko in a heavyweight bout.

In round five, Dawejko began to swell under his right eye.

Huzmin, 248 1/2 lbs of St. Petersbug, RUS on by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 to raise his mark to 15-0-1. Dawejko, 250 lbs of Philadelphia is 19-7-4.

Isail Madrimov scored a vicious 2nd round stoppage over Frank Rojas in a scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round two, Madrimov landed a hard body shot that was followed up by a hard head shot that sent Rojas to the canvas. Rojas got to his feet, but ate some more hard shots, and the fight ended when Madrimov landed an an uppercut that punctuated by a nasty left hook that sent Rojas head bouncing off the canvas, and the fight was stopped immediately at 1:56.

Rojas was down for several minutes, and removed from the ring on a stretcher.

Madrimov, 151 1/2 lbs of Indio, CA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Rojas, 152 1/2 lbs of Caracas, VEN is 24-3.

In a tough pro debut, 21-time National Amateur champion, Otha Jones III won a six-round unanimous decision over Giorgi Geleashvili in a lightweight bout.

In round four, Jones was credited with a knockdown when he landed a right hand. Replays showed that Jones may have stepped on Geleashvili’s foot.

Jones, 132 1/2 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 59-53 and 58-55 twice, and is now 1-0. Gelashvili, 134 1/4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 5-2.

Former middleweight champion Gennady Goloving has signed a multi-fight deal with DAZN, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The deal is for three-years and six-fights and the first fight of the agreement will take place on either June 8 or 15 against an opponent and at a site to be determined, but it sets up the probability of a third fight with rival Canelo Alvarez in September if Alvarez wins his middleweight unification fight with Daniel Jacobs on May 4.

Golovkin will fight twice per year under the deal, which also includes provisions for GGG Promotions to promote two cards per year that Golovkin does not fight in 2020 and 2021 as he seeks to develop his own stable of fighters.

“DAZN has quickly become the new home of boxing by making the biggest events easily available to the fans,” Golovkin said. “When deciding on where I wanted to continue my career, DAZN’s global vision perfectly matched my goals — not just for my career but the opportunity to showcase talented Eastern European fighters to the world. Thank you to my fans for all of the loyal support and I look forward to you joining me on DAZN.”

“Gennady Golovkin is a generational talent with international appeal,” DAZN Group executive chairman John Skipper said in announcing the deal he spent months negotiating. “We’re confident he will bring his passionate fans to the platform as we produce tentpole events with his team over the next several years.”

Anthony Yarde stopped Travis Reeves in round five of their scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout at Royal Albert Hall in London.

In round five, Yarde landed several heavy and flush right hands that wobbled Reeves, and referee Marcus McDonnell stopped the bout at 48 seconds.

Yarde is now 18-0 with 17 knockouts. Reeves is 17-4-2.

Liam Williams obliterated Joe Mullender in round two of their scheduled 12 round middleweight fight.

Williams dropped Mullender in the 2nd frame with a crushing uppercut that sent Mullender down face-first. Mullender got to his feet, only to eat a booming right that knocked him down and out and the fight was immediately waved off at 1:09.

Williams is 20-2-1 with 15 knockouts. Mullender is 11-3.

Daniel DuBois remained undefeated by stopping Razvan Cojanu in round two of their scheduled ten-round heavyweight bout.

DuBois landed a hard left-right that dropped Cojanu in the 2nd frame. Cojanu could not get to his feet before then ten-count at 2:48.

DuBois is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Cojanu is 16-6.

Hamzah Sheeraz destroyed Rod Douglas Jr inside of a round of their scheduled six-round junior middleweight bout.

Sheeraz dropped the overmatched Douglas three times before the fight was stopped when the towel was thrown in at 1:10.

Sheeraz is 7-0 with three knockouts. Douglas is 2-2.

The WBC has mandated heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder to face Dominic Breazeale, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder shall fulfill his mandatory obligations by fighting Dominic Breazeale next,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. “This order constitutes the start of the free negotiations period. If no agreement is reached between the camps, the WBC shall conduct a purse offer ceremony on April 4, 2019 at the WBC offices in Mexico City, Mexico.”

Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s co-manager, told ESPN he hopes to wrap up a deal for the fight with Breazeale shortly.

“We’re hoping to get it done. Hopefully, it will happen this week or next week and hopefully it’s done. At this point it’s not done,” Finkel said. “But I think (Breazeale) is a competitive and viable opponent.”

An arrest warrant has been issued for 130 lb. world champion Gervonta Davis, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

That warrant is in conjunction for an altercation at a mall in McLean, Virginia on Feb. 17, Fairfax County Police told ESPN on Tuesday.

“On Feb. 17 officers did interact with Mr. Davis after an allegation of an assault,” Lt. John Lieb, a public information officer for the Fairfax County Police, told ESPN.

“Officers have attempted to contact Mr. Davis and have been unsuccessful so far,” Lieb said.

Leonard Ellerbe, the CEO of Mayweather Promotions, which promotes Davis, told ESPN on Tuesday, “We’ll let the judicial system play out.”

“Obviously, this is just an allegation,” he added. “Again, it just seems odd to me that a black man, allegedly, pushes or shoves — and I’m just reading what the TMZ article says — a police officer and he doesn’t get arrested on the spot, then a couple of weeks later, then they issue an arrest warrant based on their internal investigation. That just seems a little odd to me.”

BROOKLYN, NY — In the main event of a Showtime Championship Boxing card in front of 7,329 paid fans at the Barclays Center, WBA world junior middleweight champion Brian “El Boxi” Castaño (15-0-1, 11KO) fought former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (25-3-3, 14KO) to a twelve round split draw and retained his title in the process.

It was an impressive American debut for the undefeated 29 year-old Argentine, who brought the pressure to his Lara all night long. Early on, it was Lara’s fight though, as the slick Cuban southpaw peppered in his shots with effectiveness, and moved well laterally, avoiding many of his counterpart’s punches. As the fight progressed, however, especially during the middle rounds, Castaño’s never ending pressure began to overwhelm and smother Lara, who would shell up for ten to fifteen seconds at a time without returned any fire.

Both fighter’s dug in down the stretch, with Castaño still drudging forward, while Lara still found success pot-shotting with that coiled left hand.

At the end of twelve, judge John McKaie scored it 115-113 Lara, Kevin Morgan 115-113 Castaño, and Julie Lederman 114-114, even.

The fight marked Lara’s first bout since his dramatic 2018 Fight of the Year split decision loss to Jarrett Hurd, a fight in which Hurd dropped Lara in the 12th to tip the scorecards in his favor.

For Castaño, who amassed an impressive 181-10 amateur record which included a 2011 win over current welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr., tonight marked his first defense of his WBA title since winning it via TKO against veteran French fighter Cedric Vitu (47-3, 19KO) in March 2018.

“It was a great fight, but I saw myself winning eight rounds tonight. My punches were much more effective,” Lara said. “He did have pressure but I was dominating the pressure. I was definitely expecting that pressure because he waited a long time for this fight.”

He added, “If we have to fight him again I’ll fight him. Hurd or Castano. Anybody, I’ll have the rematch with both.”

Castaño addressed the media afterwards, as well, saying, “It was a good fight. A clash of styles. I know I won the fight. I feel I was robbed. If he wants the rematch, I’ll give him the rematch.”

Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Decisions Christian Hammer

Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (31-1, 26KO) easily outpointed durable veteran Christian Hammer (24-6, 14KO) in a ten round heavyweight bout, making it three wins in a row for the Cuban southpaw since suffering his lone career defeat — a TKO loss to WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in March 2018.

It was a relatively easy night at the office for Ortiz, who at 238¾ lbs was fighting at his lightest weight since 2015. Ortiz used his jab early to to control the range, peppering in that thundering left hand to keep Hammer honest. Hammer, who was making his US debut, was willing to shell up and let Ortiz fire a few shots before trying to come back and connect with a game changing right.

Early in the second round, it looked like Hammer might have hurt Ortiz, as the big Cuban lost his balance, and dipped low, his glove possibly grazing the canvas. Referee Shada Murdough didn’t rule a knockdown, however, and Ortiz quickly regained composure.

In the fourth round an Ortiz left drew blood from the 31 year-old Hammer’s nose, which seemed to bother him for the remainder of the round as he continually wiped the blood away with the back of his glove. The very next round, Hammer returned the favor, and sent a straight right to the face of Ortiz which immediately produced blood from “King Kong’s” nose.

From the fifth till the final bell, the debatable 39 year-old Ortiz put it in cruise control, banging away at Hammer, who has also come up short against notables Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin, without any repercussions.

At the end of the contest, judges Waleska Roldan and John Basile scored it 99-91 and Joseph Pasquale 100-90 all for Ortiz.

“The fight wasn’t what I was expecting. It was a hard fight and my corner really had to work with me,” Ortiz said. “It was a hard fight. After I got the rhythm, I heated up a little bit.”

“I fought a fight that I hadn’t for years, which is box and work,” he continued. “So I’m not disappointed I didn’t knock him out. I showed some of my boxing skills tonight.”

Hammer also spoke after the fight. “Ortiz is a very good and experienced fighter. He’s technical and smart but he’s not as intimidating as people say he is,” he said. “I respect Ortiz but I don’t think he’s the best fighter I’ve ever faced.”

Hammer also chalked up his defeat as a moral victory, adding, “I’m very confident going forward. I know that I can go the distance with anyone and I’m willing to fight anyone. People thought I’d get knocked out but I proved them wrong.”

Ramirez Stops De Gracia In Dramatic Fashion

With one perfectly thrown right uppercut, Mexican featherweight Eduardo Ramirez (22-1-3, 9KO) offset Bryan De Gracia’s (24-2-1, 20KO) equilibrium, zapped his legs of their strength, and moments later, ended their fight in dramatic fashion en route to a TKO9 victory, claiming the WBA’s “Gold” featherweight world title in the process.

It was a back and forth affair, a clash of styles, with the Panamanian assuming the role of aggressor, while Ramirez content to olé his foe and slip in counters. The fight began to heat up as it bore on, with exchanges occurring with more frequency. Toward the end of the fifth, the two let their hands fly with fury, both eating and landing leather. It was De Gracia, however, getting the better of his opponent that round, and capped that exchange with a huge right that landed flush just seconds before the bell.

The seesaw contest continued until the 9th when seemingly out of nowhere, Ramirez landed a fantastically timed right uppercut, thrown under De Gracia’s outstretched jab, that exploded on the Panamanian’s chin and sent him into disarray. Clearly hurt, De Gracia stumbled around the ring trying to regain his balance, but was unable to do so. Ramirez stayed right with De Gracia, unloading the tank, and finally, after one more big right hand that sent De Gracia stumbling back toward the ropes, referee Benjy Esteves stopped the contest at the 2:10 mark of round 9.

Two judges had De Gracia up 77-75 at the stoppage, while the third had it a draw, 76-76. 15rounds.com had Ramirez up 77-75 at the time of the stoppage.

Tonight marked the first time De Gracia fought outside his native Panama. Conversely, for Ramirez, this was the second time he fought on American soil. The Mexican drew with undefeated Cuban southpaw, Leduan Barthelemy in September 2017.

Ramirez’s only career defeat remains his decision loss to Welshman Lee Selby in their 2017 world title fight.

“I‘d like to dedicate this fight to my deceased grandfather,” Ramirez said afterward. “This win is in memory of him.”

He continued, “I definitely knew it was close but my corner kept telling me to keep going and going, and that’s when I caught him.

Edwin Rodriguez Grinds Out UD Over Mitch Williams

Former super middleweight title challenger turned borderline heavyweight, Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (31-2, 20KO) outslugged fellow cruiserweight Mitch “King Kamm” Williams (16-7-3,11KO) en route to a ten round unanimous decision.

The Dominican-American Rodriguez, who tipped the scales just shy of the cruiserweight limit at 198.2 lbs., looked less than impressive, but showed a ton of heart as he stood toe-to-toe, exchanging blow-for-blow with his 36 year-old counterpart. Rodriguez, who now fights out of Stafford, TX, hurt Michigan’s Williams with body shots a few times during the contest, but was unable to deliver definitive blows and stop the rugged southpaw — something a better conditioned Rodriguez may have very well been able to do.

“La Bomba” has now won three in a row since being viciously KO’d by Thomas Williams Jr. in late 2016. His only other professional came courtesy of Andre Ward in their 2013 title fight.

Antonio Russell Brutalizes Cardenas, Stops Him In 6

In the second of three fights broadcast on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel, undefeated bantamweight Antonio Russell (13-0, 11KO) punished seventeen-fight Mexican veteran, Jose Maria Cardenas (16-4, 13KO) en route to a TKO6.

It was a rough and tumble affair, originally slated for 8, that was particularly brutal at times. Towards the end of the first round, Russell uncorked a barrage of hammering rights to the side of Cardenas’ head that eventually crumbled Cardenas to the canvas.

In the ensuing rounds, the Washington DC native, Russell, continued to have his way with the too-tough-for-his-own-good Mexican, who time and again found himself with his back against the ropes, eating Russell punches while attempting to clinch.

Eventually, at the :22 mark of the 6th round, after being tagged with another flurry of Russell blows, the ringside physician jumped onto the ring apron and advised the referee to stop the contest.

Russell, who fights out of the Russell family-owned Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol heights, MD, had his older brother, WBC world featherweight champion, Gary Russell, Jr. operating as his chief second during the match.

In the second of three fights broadcast on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel, undefeated bantamweight Antonio Russell (13-0, 11KO) punished seventeen-fight Mexican veteran, Jose Maria Cardenas (16-4, 13KO) en route to a TKO6.

It was a rough and tumble affair, originally slated for 8, that was particularly brutal at times. Towards the end of the first round, Russell uncorked a barrage of hammering rights to the side of Cardenas’ head that eventually crumbled Cardenas to the canvas.

In the ensuing rounds, the Washington DC native, Russell, continued to have his way with the too-tough-for-his-own-good Mexican, who time and again found himself with his back against the ropes, eating Russell punches while attempting to clinch.

Eventually, at the :22 mark of the 6th round, after being tagged with another flurry of Russell blows, the ringside physician jumped onto the ring apron and advised the referee to stop the contest.

Russell, who fights out of the Russell family-owned Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol heights, MD, had his older brother, WBC world featherweight champion, Gary Russell, Jr. operating as his chief second during the match.

Barthelemy Cruises To UD In First Fight Since 2017

Undefeated Cuban super featherweight Leduan Barthelemy (14-0-1, 7KO) returned to the ring for the first time since drawing against Eduardo Ramirez in 2017 and waltzed to a wide 8 round unanimous decision against Mexico’s Miguel Angel Aispuro (11-7-2, 7KO). The southpaw Barthelemy, who is the younger brother of former two-division world champion, Rances Barthelemy, had everything working well tonight. He was patient and precise, scoring with jabs, straight lefts, and counter rights. He mostly forewent any combination punching, however, and because of that was unable to stop Aispuro inside the distance. Nonetheless, Barthelemy notched another “W”, earning scores of 80-72×2 and 79-73 from the judges.

Hitchins Makes Easy Work of Game Morales

Undefeated Mayweather Promotions prospect and Brooklyn native, Richardson Hitchins ran his record up to a perfect 8-0, 4KO with a 4th round TKO stoppage against hard-nosed veteran David Morales (13-10, 13KO). The former 2016 Haitian Olympian wasted no time introducing himself to his Nicaraguan counterpart, immediately going on the offensive, unloading from the opening bell, forcing Morales to fight going backward. After two-plus rounds of battering Morales from post to post and rope to rope, Hitchins finally finished off his foe with a flurry of punches that brought Morales to a knee. Although he beat the ensuing ten count, he was unable to answer the bell for round 4.

Undefeated Mayweather Promotions prospect and Brooklyn native, Richardson Hitchins ran his record up to a perfect 8-0, 4KO with a 4th round TKO stoppage against hard-nosed veteran David Morales (13-10, 13KO). The former 2016 Haitian Olympian wasted no time introducing himself to his Nicaraguan counterpart, immediately going on the offensive, unloading from the opening bell, forcing Morales to fight going backward. After two-plus rounds of battering Morales from post to post and rope to rope, Hitchins finally finished off his foe with a flurry of punches that brought Morales to a knee. Although he beat the ensuing ten count, he was unable to answer the bell for round 4.

Maryland’s Irby Stays Unbeaten, Scores UD Over Okoth

Landover, Maryland’s Tyrek Irby (7-0, KO) made it two-for-two for “Free State” southpaws, grinding out a six round unanimous decision over fellow welterweight Dennis Okoth (2-2-1, 1KO) of Kenya. After scoring a knockdown early in the first, Irby then went on the defensive, counterpunching his way past the aggressive Kenyan. It wasn’t easy or pretty — especially after a clash of heads in round 6 opened a nasty gash above Irby’s right eye — but Irby was able to navigate his way to the win. Ring announcer Miguel Flores failed to announce the actual judge’s scores, but no reason to doubt the decision.

Baltimore’s Anderson Opens Card With Easy Win

In the first of nine fights slated from the Barclays Center, undefeated Maryland southpaw Aaron Anderson (4-0, 3KO) shutout (40-36×3) fellow middleweight Chukka Willis (4-10, 2KO) in a four rounder. The night’s boxing will commence with a Showtime Championship Boxing tripleheader (9pm ET), anchored by undefeated WBA junior middleweight champion Brian Castaño (15-0, 11KO) against former Cuban titleist, Erislandy Lara (25-3-2, 14KO). The broadcast will also feature a ten round heavyweight scrap between former heavyweight title challengers Luis Ortiz (30-1, 26KO) and Christian Hammer (24-5, 14KO) and a twelve round featherweight fight featuring Panama’s Bryan De Gracia (24-1-1, 20KO) and Mexico’s Eduardo Ramirez (21-1-3, 8KO).

Jordan Gill stopped Emmanuel Dominguez in the 3rd round of their scheduled 12-round lightweight bout.

Gill dropped Dominguez in the 3rd stanza with a hard combination to the head. Gill sent Dominguez down for a 2nd time with a hard right hand. Gill finished the fight with a right-left combination that staggered Dominguez, and the bout was stopped at 1:55.

Gill of the UK is 23-0 with seven knockouts. Dominguez, 135.7 lbs of Mexico is 24-8-2.

Anthony Sims Jr. remained undefeated by stopping Matteo Veron in round six of a scheduled ten-round light heavyweight bout.

In round six, Sims dropped Veron with a hard right to the head. Moments later, it was another hard right that sent Veron down face-first. Veron got to to his feet but the fight was waved off at 1:54.

Sims, 169 lbs of Plainfield, IN is now 18-0 with 17 knockouts. Veron, 167 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 28-22.

Jordan Gill stopped Emmanuel Dominguez in round three of a scheduled 12-round featherweight fight,

In round three, Gill dropped Dominguez with a ripping flurry to the head. Seconds later it was a straight right that put Dominguez down. The fight ended with Gill landing a bunch of unanswered punches on the ropes at 1:55.

Gill, 125.4 lbs of the Uk is 23-0 with seven knockouts. Dominguez, 125.4 lbs of Mexico is 24-8-2.

Anthony Sims Jr. stopped Mateo Veron in round six of their scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round six, Sims landed a big right hand that sent Veron to the canvas. Later in the round, it was a hard combination that dropped Veron and the fight was stopped at 1:54.

Sims, 169.1 lbs of Compton, CA is 18-0 with 17 knockouts. Veron, 167 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 28-22-3.

Former featherweight champion Eusbio Pedroza passed away from Pancreatic Cancer at age 62 in his native Panama, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Eusebio Pedroza authored one of the most impressive title reigns in boxing history and brought tremendous pride to his home country of Panama,” International Boxing Hall of Fame executive director Edward Brophy said. “The Hall of Fame offers our condolences to his family and joins the boxing world in mourning his passing.”

Donnie Nietes vacated his Super Flyweight title rather then rematch Aston Palicte, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“It took me a long time to think about this very difficult decision, but I feel that every fight for me at this stage of my career is crucial for my future,” Nietes wrote to WBO president Paco Valcarcel. “I have been long dreaming to have a career-defining fight. There is not much time for me in this sport at 37 years old.

“I would humbly inform you and the WBO that I have painfully decided to vacate my title, which has meant the world to me. I have held the WBO title for 10 years in three divisions. … I owe my successful career to the WBO.”

“His wish is to look for bigger fights to enhance his legacy and achieve his ultimate dream before hanging up his gloves,” Nietes promoter Michael Aldeguer of ALA Promotions wrote to Valcarcel. “A rematch with Aston Palicte is an emotional and mental challenge for him as he went through a very difficult stage after their first fight which ended in a controversial draw, and fighting a fellow Filipino again who is from the same region where he was born makes it even more difficult.”

Jaime Munguia will defend the WBO Junior Middleweight title against mandatory challenger Dennis Hogan on April 13 in Monterrey, Mexico, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“He’s a very tough fighter and it’s going to make for a good fight because he is a pressure fighter who likes to come forward and be aggressive like Munguia does,” Golden Boy Promotions President Eric Gomez said.

Munguia is very big for the division and Gomez said he is close to moving up to middleweight.

“We’ve talked about it and he thinks he can finish out the year at 154,” Gomez said. “He’ll fight four times this year and this will be his second fight. So after this fight we will discuss it again with our [promotional] partner Fernando [Beltran of Zanfer Promotions] and with Munguia, but he says he can still make the weight and he seems good making it. But he’ll move up to middleweight in the future.”

Gomez said the undercard will feature the return of Diego De La Hoya, who will move up to featherweight from junior featherweight, where he has badly struggled to make weight and seen fights canceled because of it.

De La Hoya (21-0, 10 KOs), 24, of Mexico, who is the first cousin of Golden Boy CEO and International Boxing Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya, will face an opponent to be determined in a 10-round bout.

“He had trouble with the weight. All young fighters go through that,” Gomez said. “They think they can still make weight and their body is growing and they can’t. So we all got together and talked about it and we agreed it was time for him to go to featherweight.”

Cruiserweights Yunier Dorticos and Andrew Tabiti will fight on June 15th in a semifinal in the World Boxing Super Series, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“It’s an honor and I’m extremely excited to fight in Riga. It’s a beautiful country with amazing people and culture,” Dorticos said. “My game plan will be simple: Tabiti will learn why I’m called the ‘KO Doctor.’ A doctor can operate at any level. It can be a quick procedure or a prolonged procedure. Regardless, it will be very painfully for Tabiti.

“I can’t wait for the bell to ring, because he’s an obstacle into the final and I will run him over like a train. I will win the semifinals at all cost.”

“I’m looking forward to this fight in Riga,” Tabiti said. “I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to prove I’m one of the best out there in my division since the beginning of my career. I believe this is the fight where I’ll show the world that I’m world champion material. My discipline and patience along with my boxing IQ make me confident that I will get the victory over Dorticos.”

The fight in Latvia will be paired with the other semifinal bout between Mairis Briedis and Krzysztof Glowacki, and will be streamed on DAZN.

Jamal James stopped Janer Gonzalez at the end of round six of a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

James of Minneapolis, MN is 25-1.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Tyson Fury will pass on an immediate rematch with WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

The WBC, which sanctions the belt held by Wilder, set a Wednesday night deadline to hear from the camps on how they planned to proceed with the rematch it had ordered.

On Tuesday, the answer came: Fury decided not to fight Wilder next and will instead fight an opponent to be determined in May or June on ESPN+. Fury still hopes to face Wilder again before the end of the year.

“We’ve spoken to Tyson and he has made the decision to go forward with another fight and to address a Wilder rematch after that,” Top Ranks’s Todd duBoef wrote in the email, which was copied to Fury and obtained by ESPN. “We all appreciate the WBC and the tremendous role it has played in Tyson’s career and hope the WBC will remain involved.”

“The WBC has received the official position from both sides regarding the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury rematch,” Sulaiman wrote in the email, which was also obtained by ESPN. “While Deontay Wilder confirmed that his only interest was to honor the WBC mandate for a rematch against Tyson Fury, Tyson Fury has confirmed that he would take a fight against a different opponent in his immediate future, hoping that after such, a rematch with Wilder can be considered. Consequently, the WBC is hereby cancelling the Wilder vs. Fury rematch mandate and process. We wish the best of luck to both fighters.”

“It’s obvious that Fury doesn’t want to fight us next,” Wilder manager, Shelly Finkel said. “Hopefully, we will get the next fight after that. So, in the meantime, we will do our own fight. We wanted to fight Fury next. We had no interest in another fight first. The proposal Top Rank sent was for a fight first and there’s no reason we can’t do our own fight if we’re not fighting Fury next.

Everything that we heard from Tyson Fury was that he wanted to fight Deontay next and we were willing to do that. Fury wasn’t.”

Finkel said Wilder’s next fight will be figured out in the coming days.

“He will fight in May and we will announce it shortly,” he said. “May 18 is our preference. We will know Friday or Monday and then we will announce his next plan.”

Avni Yidirim is looking for an immediate rematch with newly crowned WBC Super Middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“My dream of becoming the first world champion from Turkey was finished but not with a clear ending,” Yildirim said in a statement. “I accept the result. I don’t ask to change the result of the fight. I please ask for WBC to support a direct rematch. I respect Dirrell and I know he wants to fight me again to show in the ring who is the best with a final and clear ending.”

“I fought my best fight of life,” Yildirim said. “I go always forward and fight with heart, honor and pride. I respect WBC and the judges and referee. I am sorry that accidental head-butts happened and finished the fight before the fight was complete. I was coming on very strong and decisively won round 8 and 9 and then fight was stopped in the middle of round 10. The fight did not finish. Round 10 did not finish and I lost on the scorecards of two judges because round 10 was scored for Dirrell, but round was not finished. If I win round 10 then fight was a draw.”

A doubleheader that will see junior welterweights Regis Prograis battle Kiryl Relikh and Zolani Tete taking on Nonito Donaire will take place on April 27, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

After Ivan Baranchyk pulled out of the tournament for non-payment, Prograis has decided to stay in the WBSS.

“He is staying in. We worked out an arrangement where we feel comfortable,” Churchill Management’s Sam Katkovski, Prograis’ manager, told ESPN.

“First off, I’m just excited to continue with the tournament,” Prograis said. “It’s the best fighting the best. That’s what boxing should be about. I know Relikh is a tough and strong fighter, and I never look over an opponent, but I have no doubt in my mind that I will win.”

“I’m looking very much to the semifinal and the quest for the [Muhammad] Ali Trophy,” Relikh said. “When I fight the fans will get the money’s worth. I predict just like all of my fights a win for me.” Four-division world titlist Donaire (39-5, 25 KOs), 36, a Philippines native fighting out of Las Vegas, dropped down from featherweight to join the bantamweight field after having not boxed in the division since 2011. He won another bantamweight world title in the quarterfinals when he defeated Ryan Burnett on Burnett’s turf in Glasgow, Scotland, on Nov. 3 in a fight in which Burnett could not continue after the fourth round because of a freak injury — a torn oblique muscle on his right side.

“WBSS has set up such a great opportunity for me to achieve what I’ve always wanted and that’s to be undisputed champion,” Donaire said. “Since the last fight, I took just a couple weeks off and came right back to the gym. Tete is a formidable opponent and we have been preparing since the last fight. I’m even more excited with it being in the U.S. and won’t waste the opportunity to show the crowd what we’ve been working on.”

“Nonito Donaire is a true champion and has had a lot success against my fellow countryman like Moruti Mthalane and Jeffrey Mathebula in the past, but that stops here,” Tete said. “I respect Nonito, but I have a lot of faith in my own boxing ability, and I will come out victorious when we fight.”

Chris Eubank, Jr. scored the biggest win of his career by winning a 12-round unanimous decision over two-time former world champion James DeGale in a super middleweight fight at The O2 Arena in London.

In round one, both guys were cut over the left eye of DeGale and the right eye of Eubank from an accidental headbutt. in round two, Eubank dropped DeGale with a hard right hand.

In round ten, Eubank crushed DeGale with a left hook that sent him across the ring. Eubank followed up with hahrd barrage of punches that forced DeGale’s glove to touch the canvas for a 2nd knockdown. In round 11, Eubank was docked a point for throwing DeGale down to the canvas. That did not come into play as Eubank won by scores of 114-112, 115-112, 117-109 to rise his record to 28-2. DeGale is 25-3-1.

“I knew he was going to come at me like that,” Eubank said. “He’s a slick southpaw, but my game plan worked. Smart pressure and not getting too ahead of myself. He’s a hell of a fighter, hell of a competitor but at the end of the day my head and my heart won this fight.”

“There was a lot of animosity leading to this fight. I told him, ‘This is my time,’ and it was. He’s a veteran of the game, he throws big shots and he manages to stay up. To get up after those knockdowns is a statement about his tenacity and the type of fighter he is.”

“I definitely I didn’t do enough,” DeGale said. “He was on it and I didn’t do enough. You have to do more than enough to counter someone that came forward like Chris.

“I’m going to go back and talk to my team, my family, and decide. I left my mark in boxing. I won an Olympic Medal, two world titles and it may be the time to hang it up.”

“This was the most important fight of my career, and I made a statement. I’m back where I’m supposed to be, at the top of the food chain. I’m coming for all the belts in the middleweight and super middleweight division. I’m fighting everyone they put in front of me.

“I’m glad to make my American debut here on SHOWTIME. I’m glad to be introduced to the American public this way – making a statement.”

Joe Joyce stopped former world heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne in round six of their scheduled 10 round bout.

In round one, Joyce featured tremendous volume punching, while Stiverne was looking and occasionally ladning one hard power shsot.

It was more of the same in round, but it looked like Stiverne was hurt several times in that frame. In round three, Joyce dropped Stiverne was right hand. In that round, Stiverne began to bleed from his mouth.

Joyce continued to wear Stiverne down until a huge barrage of punches on the ropes forced the referee to stop the bout at 2:20.

Joyce of London is 8-0 with eight knockouts. Stiverne is 25-4.

“Big respect to Stiverne – like a true champion, he’s very tough and was still throwing shots, but I guess I was just a bit too much,” Joyce said. “It was about being patient. He’s such a tough guy that he took those shots no problem.

“I was hitting him with everything I had, including the kitchen sink. I listened to Abel (Sanchez) in the corner, did everything he said and it went well. My jab was really effective. I’m a seasoned vet. I picked up my poise and remained calm along the way.

“Big things are coming. My next one will be for the WBA Regular (Title) and I’ll be back in the gym soon. I need to have a couple more fights like this and then I’ll be ready for the big champions.”