Former world lightweight title challenger will look to avenge his 1st professional loss when he takes on Yvan Mendy on September 22nd at Wembley Stadium in London on the Anthony Joshua – Alexander Povetkin card.

“This is probably the biggest moment of Luke’s career so far,” Hearn said. “Win and he could challenge Mikey Garcia for the title, lose and his aspirations of fighting for a world title are over. It’s a 50-50 fight and a great addition to what will be a huge night of boxing.”

“I knew that Eddie Hearn would do his best to make this rematch happen and I’ll be fully prepared on Sept. 22,” Campbell said. “Seven fights and 2½ years later, it’s time to confirm that I deserve the chance to fight for the WBC title. I want to clear Mendy off my record. For reasons that I’ve talked about previously, I should have never got in to the ring that night, but what’s done is done, and I can’t wait to right that wrong on my record on fight night.

“Mendy’s always been on my list for sure,” Campbell added. “He’s been winning and it will be a very tough fight. He is a tough competitor, strong and durable. I am now a completely different person and a different fighter all around. I’m 10 times better than I was when he beat me 2½ years ago. I’m bigger, I’m wiser, my boxing ability is 10 times what it was back then.”

“I’m within touching distance of landing a shot at the WBC world title and Luke Campbell is standing in my way,” Mendy said. “I’m willing to fight anyone to get my hands on that green belt. I beat him before and I will do it again. This time he will not hear the final bell.”

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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ–Eleider Alvarez sat for almost three years as a mandatory challenger for Adonis Stevenson’s WBC Light Heavyweight title. It was well worth the wait as Alvarez scored a spectacular come from behind 7th round stoppage over WBO champion Sergey Kovalev before a sold out crowd at the new Hard Rock Hotel.

Kovalev boxed well over the first part of the fight, and then turned up heat in round four by landing hard power shots.

With Kovalev widening his lead, and cutting Alvarez under the left eye in round six, Alvarez came out in round seven by landing a huge right that stumbled and dropped Kovalev.  Kovalev was badly hurt and took a big combination that sent him to the deck for a 2nd time.  Kovalev was sent over the brink with a vicious combination that plummeted “The Krusher” to the canvas for a 3rd and final time, and the fight was 2:03.

Alvarez, 174.4 lbs of Montreal is 24-0 with 12 knockouts.  Kovalev, 174 lbs of Chelyabrinsk, RUS is 32-3-1.

“I can’t describe how I feel,” said an elated Alvarez, thanking God and his entire team including trainer Marc Ramsey and promoter Yvon Michel, along with his family and the people of both Quebec and Colombia.

“I wanted to show him I’m strong, I have a good chin, and I’m ready for big things,” said Alvarez. On the knockout blow, Alvarez said “We practiced that punch during training camp, and that’s how it went … I always practiced that punch in training.”

Alvarez, a native of Colombia, had waited on a title shot as the WBC mandatory challenger for three years. When offered, he jumped at the chance to face Kovalev, earning him tremendous respect. Now he sits at the top of the division. Asked if he’d like to face the winner of the co-main event, Dmitry Bivol, Alvarez said “I’m ready for the best in the world. I’m ready for the best in the division. I’ve been waiting for five years. I’m ready for anybody.”

Speaking on Instagram from the back of an ambulance en route to a local hospital, an upbeat Kovalev reassured fans he was all right. “I am on my way to the hospital to check my head, check my body … I feel OK. Thank you everyone, thank you very much to all the fans around the world for your support. I love you, and I’m fine.”

Dmitry Bivol defended the WBA Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Isaac Chilemba.

The fight started out with a fast pace with a number of exchanges in the first four rounds.  Bivol got the better with faster and harder shots.  Bivol then settled the fight down and used his boxing ability and timely power punching to win by scores of 120-108 twice and 116-112.

Bivol, 174.6 lbs of St. Petersburg, RUS is 14-0.  Chilemba, 175 lbs of Malawi is 25-6-2.

“Chilemba is a good fighter, and he had champion spirit tonight,” said Bivol. “He is a strong fighter. I want to fight more good fighters. I don’t know who my next opponent will be.

“We will see what will happen … I just want to fight the best fighters.”

Chilemba said, “I believe I won every round from the fifth. I pushed Bivol backwards and made him miss. I deserve a rematch.”

Meririm Nursultanov stopped Jonathan Batista at the end of round two of their scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

Nursultanov dropped Batista in round two, and Batista was too hurt to continue.

Nursultanov, 159.4 lbs of Astana, KAZ is 8-0 with 7 knockouts.  Batsita, 1636 lbs of San Pedro, DR is 17-15.

“I didn’t like that he quit. I wanted a real knockout, so it is not how I planned.” Nursultanov said he had a solid five weeks of training camp and “I was ready, 100 percent.” To his fans, ‘The Sultan’ said “Thank you everybody, thank you Atlantic City. It’s a very good place and I hope to come back here again.”

Karl Dargan came back from a two-year Hiatus to register a six-round unanimous decision  over Jonathan Perez in a lightweight bout.

Dargan, 135.6 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 18-1.  Perez.136 lbs of Braanaquilla. COL is 37-23.

Dargan said he was satisfied with the results after the layoff. “I mainly wanted to get the rounds in. There are a lot of things I saw that I could have done. But I didn’t want to make no mistakes.” Dargan said the win gives him new motivation going forward. “It was like a pro debut again. I’m going to stay ready, and stay in the gym. As long as I am healthy, I am going to keep moving.”

Frank Galarza stopped Alexis Duarte in round two of their scheduled ten-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Galarza dropped duarte with a left hook to the body. After an exchange, Galarza dropped Duarte with another left to hook to the body that sent Duarte to the canvas for the ten-count at 1:57.

Galarza, 154.4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 20-2-2 with 12 knockouts. Duarte, 151.6 lbs of New York, NY is 13-6-1.

After the bout, Galarza reflected on the win. “I feel good, I feel like a rock star at the Hard Rock! There is always room for improvement.”

Galarza was treated for a cut on top of the head after the bout. “I think he gave me a head butt, he gave me a little laceration on the top of my head. But we executed – you know, he was a little wild. We came in and stood tight, stayed low, and went for the body. We did the job, we took him out with a body shot.”

Galarza said he has ambitious plans for his next fight. “I want to start getting some names, get some TV, some HBO. Let’s start fighting someone big!”

Bakhram Murtzaliev destroyed Fernando Carcamo 41 seconds into their ten-round junior middleweight bout.

Murtzaliev pounded and dropped Carcamo with a vicious right hand. Carcamo got up very wobbly, and the fight was stopped.

Murtzaliev, 153 lbs of Grozny, RUS is 13-0 with 11 knocoiys Carcamo, 154 lbs of Ciudad, MEX is 23-9.

“It happened so fast, I still don’t understand,” Murtazaliev admitted. “I just left, and I am in the dressing room already. Of course, I’m very happy. A win is a win. We are moving forward fast.” Murtazaliev said he wants to fight a world champion next for a title. To his fans, Murtazaliev said, “Thank you very much for supporting me. Please continue to support me, I promise I will show you the best fights.”

Mediyar Askkeyev stopped Eduardo Flores in round four of their scheduled eight-round junior middleweight bout.

Flores was deducted a point in round three for spitting out his mouthpiece due to the beating he was taken. Finally in round four the bout was stopped after an Ashkeyev flurry.

Ashkeyev, 153 lbs of Merki, KAZ is 10-0 with six knockouts. Flores, 153 lbs of Quito, ECU is 24-30-4.

“I listened to my trainer Marcos Contreras, I followed his direction and you see the results,” said Ashkeyev. “I’m very happy with the results I showed today. I will keep moving forward.” Ashkeyev said he heard the fans cheering their approval. “I heard everybody. I’m very proud of all my fans.”

Denis Douglin won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Vaughn Alexander in a super middleweight bout.

Douglin, 167.2 lbs of Marlboro, NJ won by scores 100-90 and 99-91 twice. Douglin is now 20-6. Alexander, 1664 lbs of St. Louis, MO is 12-1.

“I give myself a C-plus,” said Douglin of the win. “I had a little bit of ring rust. I felt like I should have done more to him in the earlier rounds. It took a little bit to get comfortable. Fighters shouldn’t be fighting once a year. It took me time to shake off the nerves, but once I felt good, I felt good. I’ll be back in the gym on Monday. I’m from Jersey, so people are looking for me to keep coming.”

After the fight, Alexander said it just wasn’t his night. “The dude was tough like I knew he would be.” Alexander said he would now give some thought to his future. “I have to go and think about what I want to do – I don’t know.”

Enriko Gogokhia won a six-round unanimous decision over Rontes Montes in a welterweight bout.

Gogokhia, 147.4 lbs of Zugdidi, Georgia Republic won by scores of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 8-0. Montes, 148/8 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 18-10.

“I felt very good,” said Gogokhia after the bout. “I’m happy with only 50 percent of everything. I won, but I didn’t knock him out. I didn’t fight for nine months due to injury. This was a good warmup for the next fight. I’ll fight everybody they give to me.”

Gogokhia had a message for his loyal fans. “Thank you very much to everybody who came to support me. I’m going to show you very nice fights in the future.”

In a battle of undefeated junior middleweights, Ismael Villareal won a four-round unanimous decision over Kieran Hooks.

Villareal, 156.4 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores of 39-37 on all cards, and is now 3-0. Hooks, 156.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 3-1-1.

Villarreal called it a good fight. “I feel great. I am happy that I got to Puerto Rico and prepare myself for this. I think that really helped a lot for this fight,” said Villarreal. “I want to say thank you for everybody supporting me, and especially Joe (trainer Jose Santiago) for telling me to go to Puerto Rico to train.”

Villarreal, 20, son of former super lightweight fighter Otilio Villarreal, is building his own fan base and legacy, while simultaneously carrying a full course load at Brooklyn Community College, majoring in secondary education. Villarreal will be back to school in a few weeks. And then? “Whatever fight is next, I’m going to fight. Hopefully it’s soon.”

“It was a great night of boxing, Boxing is back in Atlantic City,” declared Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events.

Photos by Ronnit Zalayet

Former world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux has been released by his promoter Roc Nation Sports, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“But we weren’t able to come up with anything significant for him, and he’s in the later part of his career, so if he’s a free agent, maybe he can go make a fight for himself,” Roc Nation’s Dino Duva said. “We’re OK with that and we wish him the best.”

Duva admitted that the way he lost to Lomachenko hurt their chances of bringing Rigondeaux back in a meaningful fight.

“It hurt him big time,” Duva said. “Losing to Lomachenko isn’t horrible because he’s a great fighter, but the way it ended definitely hurt and made it that much difficult to get him back on U.S. television. The ending was unfortunate, but he can still fight, and I hope he gets another shot to prove himself.

“I’m happy for the time we worked with him. He had some very good performances, but he was hurt a little bit by the lack of U.S. television interest over the past few years. Some of it was due to his lack of excitement in the ring and that was always a struggle. But the truth is, he is an all-time great fighter at his weight class. I wish him the best.”

A couple weeks after being stopped by Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Thanks to boxing for changing my life,” Matthysse wrote on social media in announcing his retirement. “I remember the Argentine national boxing team, where it was very hard but good. I remember in my life all of the kids that I met and the tremendous boxers who represented Argentina with good and bad results, but it was a great experience in my life that I will always remember.

“I came to Trelew (Argentina) at 21 years old. Me and my family, we decided to go back to Junin where I spent 11 years of my career with the great trainer Cuty Barrera and today, at 35 years old, I am once again back in Trelew. I am proud that I maintained my career for 10 years at the world level, where I fought with the best in boxing and I fulfilled my dream of being a world champion.”

“Thanks to all those who followed me in my career, for all of their love because that is the most beautiful thing in this sport of boxing, which is a nice environment,” Matthysse said. “Today, I decide to hang up the gloves because another stage in my life is coming. Many thanks to all of the people that I met thanks to boxing.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, a possible heavyweight title showdown between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury could come to fruition on November.

“I believe it will get done. I think we’re close,” Wilder manager Shelly Finkel said. “I would hope next week it comes together. It’s a big fight, but it’s not done until all the paperwork is done. So do I think it will get done? Yes. But it’s not done. But I am also not aware of any issues. The rematch clause (which is not done yet0 will get worked out.”

Finkel said more likely the fight, targeted for a site to be determined in Las Vegas, would take place on either Nov. 10 or Nov. 17, on Showtime PPV.

“I think the fighter believes he can rise to the occasion,” Finkel said.

“Deontay is very excited about it,” Finkel said. “He remembers Fury jumping in the ring (after the Szpilka fight). There’s been a bit of a history there. They’ve traded barbs. In this sport, in the heavyweight division, after Deontay and Joshua, this is the biggest fight. I think it will get done. The points that matter are done, but it’s not done until it’s signed.”

“I can confirm me and Deontay Wilder are in negotiations, very close to being done,” Fury said. “But I won’t be looking over Francesco Pianeta. He’s going to give me the right fight, and the right work to prepare me for Deontay Wilder. I’ve got to flatten him first, and then Wilder, let’s dance. Prepare well, let’s get the deal done and then I’m going to knock (Wilder) spark out too.”

Olympic Silver Medal winner Joe Joyce has decided to train with Abel Sanchez in Big Bear, California, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I heard a lot of good things about Abel’s training methods and I’m a bit of a fan of Golovkin,” Joyce said at ringside Saturday night during the Mikey Garcia-Robert Easter Jr. card at Staples Center. “I like how Golovkin throws his shots and I like Abel’s work with him, and I thought we’d be a good match. I had my manager contact with him and we managed to get the ball rolling.”

“I think this shows the commitment Joe has,” promoter Richard Schaefer said of Joyce’s decision to leave home to train in the U.S. “I think Abel is a fantastic coach and given Joe’s attributes, I think he’s the perfect coach for Joe.”

“It shows you that all three of these guys are really committed to go to the top,” Schaefer said. “They are not afraid to move away from family and friends and from comfortable surroundings.”

“I asked him to come for a couple of weeks to see if we can get along because there’s no reason to be married if we don’t, but we worked well together,” Sanchez said. “He liked how I handle things and how I work things and he worked hard for me.”

“When Golovkin is doing the same thing you’re doing with the kind of intensity he trains with, it makes everyone work hard, and Joe is no exception,” said Sanchez, the 2015 Boxing Writers Association of America trainer of the year. “He has a celebrated amateur background, but here he’s just one of the guys. It must be exciting for him not to have the pressure on him. He’s just up here working hard.”

“He gave me a lot more than I expected for such a big man,” Sanchez said. “He’s very athletic. Now it’s a matter of making him into more of a professional because they’re going to move him quickly. When we met some of the things he said were music to my ears. He has a come-forward style and he said he wants to make it a fight and entertain, and that’s my philosophy. I am that kind of coach.

“He’s very smart. He’s not the fastest in the world, so we’re obviously going to work on that. He’s got a pretty good right hand. He’s strong and the jab is deceptive. He’s also in great shape. I have the same feeling [about Joyce] as when [former cruiserweight world titlist Murat] Gassiev came to me. He wasn’t that experienced, but he wanted to learn and he asked questions and he worked hard. [Joyce] has his goal to win a heavyweight title, and I am here to help him achieve that. I believe he can do it.”

After his shoulder surgery, Lightweight World Champion Vasyl Loamachenko is targeting December 1st in a bout that would be streamed on ESPN+, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Rehab is going really good. Lomachenko came to support his friend and countryman Usyk in Moscow, so we spent three, four days together,” manager Egis Klimas said. “He’s working with his physical therapist. I think it’s healing very good. I spoke with the doctor and the doctor said it was a good surgery. So we’re looking to get him back on a checkup with the doctor.

“As far as the future, I just hung up [the phone] with [Top Rank promoter] Bob Arum and the plan is [Raymundo] Beltran is fighting [Jose] Pedraza on Aug. 25 and the winner [is] gonna be unifying titles with Lomachenko on Dec. 1.”

Lomachenko could fight the winner of the August 25th lightweight title bout between Ray Beltran and Jose Pedraza.

“We want that fight with Mikey Garcia. But Mikey Garcia is always walking out of that,” Klimas said. “We want the fight with Mikey Garcia. Let me repeat it two times — we want the fight. Lomachenko wants to fight Mikey Garcia. … Always excuses, excuses.

“If he wants to come over, his management can talk to our management. We can find a solution. I’m sure the fight can be made together with ESPN and Showtime to do a pay-per-view fight [together]. If he wants to fight a welterweight, let him fight a welterweight in his next fight. He can keep his belts and unify next year.”

LOS ANGELES –The future hasn’t arrived for Mikey Garcia. Not just yet. After all, the pound-for-pound contender has already been looking at all of its possibilities for several years.

 But a way to the mythical scale’s top pedestal appears to be one step closer today after his thorough victory over Robert Easter Jr. Saturday night in front of a roaring crowd of more than 12,500 at Staples Center.

 Garcia scored a knockdown, scored most of the points and then scored an intriguing look at what his future might be.

 It looked a lot like Errol Spence Jr.

 “I’m here for the biggest challenge,’’ Garcia said after the 1117-111, 117-110, 118-1110 scorecards confirmed what everybody in the arena and Showtime saw.

 Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs) overwhelmed Easter (21-1, 14 KOs), who was knocked down by a perfectly executed right-left combination in the third round and was never able to consistently employ his advantages in reach and height. But Garcia, a lightweight with two belts (WBC and IBF), did it against a 135-pound fighter. Spence is two divisions heavier at 147. He might have more power than anybody at welterweight.

 “I don’t know if there is anyone that is a bigger challenge than Errol Spence,’’ Garcia said.  “I know he’s up to fight everyone so let’s make it happen.

 “I think it can be made.  I think that’s the next big fight coming up.

 “I feel I have the power and the skillset to compete in any division up to welterweight.  He’s the toughest guy at welterweight, so I want to face him.”

 Garcia said all of that while standing in the middle of the ring and looking up at Spence, whose face filled a video screen

 Minutes later, Spence left his ringside side and came to ringside to talk to the media.

 “Let’s make it happen,’’ Spence said. “It’s an easy fight to make. Showtime wants it.’’

 Everybody wants it. The sooner, the better.

 “This year,’’ Spence said. “Let’s do it in November.’’

 Sounds like the future.

Luis Ortiz says he is 39. Put an asterisk next to that age. Late comedian Jack Benny used to say he was 39. Benny was joking, too. But there’s no joke about Ortiz’ power. It has a young man’s edge.

That enduring Ortiz’ power finished Razvan Cojanu ruthlessly in a fast finish to a heavyweight fight, the last bout before Mikey Garcia-Robert Easter Jr. at Staples Center.

A right, then left from Ortiz (29-1, 35 KOs) dropped Cojanu flat onto the canvas late in the second round. Cojanu (16-4, 9 KOs) tried to get up. But he stumbled around, like a toddler trying crawl across a water bed, finished at 2:13 of the second

San Antonio welterweight Mario Barrios (22-0, 14 KOs) opened the Showtime telecast with a lightning-fast right hand, a dimension that journeyman Jose Roman of Garden Grove, Calif., could neither elude nor withstand.

Roman (24-3-1, 16 KOs), down in the fourth and on his knees in the eighth, was out of options, energy and chances after eight rounds. That’s when his corner waved the white towel, signaling a timely end.

“I’m ready now,’’ the 23-year-old Barrios said of one more victory toward contending for a major title. “I feel good. Strong.’’

Argentine super-lightweight Fabian Maidana (16-0, 12 KOs), who has more classic boxing skill than Marcos Maidana, displayed some fight-stopping power, dropping Russian Audrey Klimov (19-5, 9 KOs) with a quick combo for a seventh-round stoppage.

Super-featherweight Karlos Baldera (6-0, 5 KOs), a former Olympian from Santa Maria, Calif., fulfilled his credentials as a prospect, overwhelming Mexican Giovanni Caro (27-24-4, 21 KOs) of Mexico City in a fourth-round stoppage.

Lightweight Jerry Perez (8-0, 6 KOs) was a whirlwind of punches and power, leaving Aaron Hollis exhausted and finished in a second-round stoppage.

Southern California junior-flyweight  Lina Licona (2-0, 1 KO) scored four-round decision over Judith Hachbold (4-5) of Hungary.

Bantamweight Jose Balderas (4-0) followed brother Karlos’ victory with one of his own, scoring a first-round knockdown en route to a unanimous decision over Alfredo Chanez (6-6, 3 KOs) of Tijuana.

Atlanta light heavyweight Brandon Ganton (7-2, 6 KOs) was the Gracia-Easter card’s second winner and the first to score a stoppage, finishing Daniel Najera (7-3-1, 3 KOs) with a succession of punches at 1:35 of the third round.

Luis Coria (7-1, 4 KOs), a Robert Garcia-trained featherweight from Moreno Valley, Calif., did it all, landing punches and scoring a knockdown over six one-sided rounds for a unanimous decision over Guadalupe Arroyo, a Mexican who had a 13^th reason to retire added to his 3-13 record.

One big punch from Filipino lightweight Ray Perez (23-11, 7 KOs) landed like an exclamation point and woke up a gathering crowd from the slumber of having to sit through seven dull, slogging rounds. Perez landed it — a long looping hook — for a stoppage of Robert Marroquin (27-5-1, 20 KOs) of Dallas at 1:03 of the eighth.

Empty seats, more echoes than cheers and more fighters on a 13-bout card than fans were there for first bell Saturday at show that would end hours later in the Mikey Garcia-Robert Easter lightweight title fight.

Junior-welterweight Wesley Diana (6-0, 5 KOs), a Fernando Vargas-trained Puerto Rican living Forida, scored first and often, claiming the card’s first win – a unanimous decision over Envicil Dixon (7-21-1, 2 KOs) of Lancaster, PA.

Masayuki Ito won the vacant WBO Junior Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Christopher Diaz in Kissimmee, Florida.

Ito got the better of Diaz in the action filled fight that saw some solid and furious exchanges.  In round four, a big right hand sent Diaz to the canvas.

Diaz left began to swell and by round eleven, Diaz had difficulty seeing, which gave Ito a clearer way to land his right.  That was the punch of choice for Ito, who had to starve off eating a few wicked left hooks, but it was not enough as the visitor from Japan won going away by tallies if 118-109, 117-110 and 116-111.

Ito, 129.6 lbs of Tokyo, JPN is 24-1-1.  Diaz, 129.2 lbs of Barranquitas, PR is 23-1.

“I believe in myself. I knew I was going to become a world champion, and that is exactly what happened,” Ito said. “Since the beginning of the fight, I knew I had more power and I dropped him. In my mind, I kept saying that it was a close fight and that is why I kept going for the knockout.

“I knew that this was going to be a good fight, and I respect Diaz for coming ready to fight. He is a warrior. This is a dream come true for me. Now, I want bigger fights.”

Said Diaz: “This does not end here. I am going to return with more strength and with more hunger. I have a promise to fulfill. I am going to be a world champion. I promise you that.”

Gabriel Bracero stopped Artemio Reyes in round five of a scheduled ten-round welterweight bout.

Bracero dominated the action, and in round five he landed a body shot that was followed by a right to the head and Reyes took a knee and did not get up.

Bracero, 148 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 25-3-1 with 6 knockouts.  Reyes, 149.6 lbs of Colton, CA is 25-3.

“Even though I came in as a last-minute replacement, I told you guys I was ready,” Bracero said. “I was in camp working hard and helping Robert Easter Jr. for his fight {against Mikey Garcia}. This felt like a sparring session to me. I feel great! I’m hungry! I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible. Thanks to Top Rank for the opportunity.

Antonio Vargas was solid in winning a six-round unanimous decision over Aaron Echeveste in a bantamweight bout.

Vargas, 118.2 lbs of Kissimmee, FLA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 7-0.  Echeveste, 117.8 lbs of Leon. MEX is 5-3.

Yomar Alamo stopped Wilfredo Buelvas in round four of their scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

In round one, Alamo dropped Buelvas with a left hook.  Seconds later it was another left that dropped Buelvas down on his face.

In round four, Alamo dropped Buelvas with a left hook, and he did not beat the ten count at

Alamo, 141.2 lbs of Aguas Buenas, PR is 15-0 with 12 knockouts.  Buelvas, 141.8 lbs of Barranquita, COL is 18-10.

Henry Lebron remained perfect by stopping Luis Diaz in the final round of their scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

In round three, Lebron dropped Diaz with a body shot,

In round six, Lebron landed some hard lefts that had Diaz in trouble, and the fight was stopped at 2:43.

Lebron, 131 lbs of Agudailla, PR is now 5-0 with 4 knockouts.  Diaz, 129.6 lbs of Ponce, PR is 2-6.

“This fight really helped me a lot,” Lebron said. “I needed a fight like this where I could display all my boxing skills. On this fight, I worked on my striking, power punching, footwork, lateral movement, and at the end, I got the knockout.”

Luis Melendez made an explosive pro debut by destroying Vicente Loredo in the 1st round of their scheduled four-round featherweight bout.

Melendez landed some booing shots that snapped the head of Loredo back until he finally plummeted to the canvas at 1:19.

Melendez, 126.4 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 1-0 with 1 knocout.  Loredo, 125.8 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 1-2.

2016 Olympic Bronze Medal winner, Vladimir Nikitin won a six-round unanimous decision over Edward Kakembo in a featherweight bout.

In round four, Nikitin dropped Kakembo with an inside shot to the body.  With 20 seconds to go in the fight Niitin dropped Kakembo for a 2nd time with a body shot.

Nikitin, 125.2 lbs of Oxnard, CA via Russia won by scores of  60-52 twice and 60-51 , and is now 1-0.  Kakembo, 126.2 lbs of Silver Spring, MD is 10-5.

“This was my first professional fight, but it was also my first fight in a year,” Nikitin said. “I took a long break from boxing. I was just relaxing for a whole year, and that is why this was a great experience for me. I was in control and dropped my opponent a couple of times, but we went the distance. I needed to get in good rounds of work.

“I want Conlan. That is the plan, and he is the main reason why I signed with Top Rank. I want to fight him as a pro. The judges won’t be necessary this time around.”

Jose Lopez stopped Jorge Rodriguez in round two of their scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

Lopez dropped Rodriguez in round two with a left to the body, and he could not get up 39 seconds into round two.

Lopez, 145 lbs of Humacao, PR is 11-0 with nine knockouts.  Rodriguez, 149.2 lbs of Tepic, MEX is 10-3.

By Norm Frauenheim-

LOS ANGELES – Add words to the advantages that a taller, longer Robert Easter Jr. has over Mikey Garcia.

At least, Easter had them all Friday at the formal weigh-in for the lightweight title unification fight against the favored Garcia Saturday in at Staples Center.

Easter (21-0, 14 KOs) was quick to step up to the microphone and even quicker with talk that suggested an upset was on the horizon after each fighter made weight in front of lively crowd at Staples.

Easter was at 134 pounds, one pound less than Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs), who was right at the limit, 135, for the Showtime-televised bout (7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. EST). A single pound appeared to be the only thing Easter gave up. He was an inch-and-a-half taller, six inches longer in reach and decibels noisier.

Throughout the ritual nose-to-nose pose after they stepped off the scale, Easter looked at — and down – at Garcia, talking all the time.

“I just told him that the time has come to fight,’’ said Easter, a Toledo lightweight who holds the International Boxing Federation’s version of the title. “This is a fight to determine who is the best, the best for real.’’

Throughout the long and somewhat tense pose, an unblinking Garcia, a consensus top five pound-for-pound pick, looked up and into Easter’s flashing eyes.

By the time Easter was done talking, Garcia was off the stage and gone without uttering a single word. He let his fans do his talking.

“Mikey, Mikey,’’ they chanted, leaving echoes in what was sure to be heard throughout Staples Saturday night.

The non-televised portion of the card is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Including the Showtime telecast, the card is scheduled for 15 bouts

Billy Joe Saunders will defend the WBO Middleweight title against former two-time junior middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade. the bout was agreed to after the two sides cancelled a pursed bid scheduled for Wednesday, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Andrade promoter Eddie Hearn told ESPN that the fight “looks like” it will take place Oct. 20 and that he plans to switch the card he has planned that night in Los Angeles to the East Coast, where Andrade is from.

“I have been informed that Matchroom Boxing and Frank Warren have come to an agreement for Saunders versus Andrade. Therefore, there is no need for the bid process,” WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel said.

“Hopefully, we can put the fight in my hometown [of Providence, Rhode Island],” Andrade told ESPN. “Money talks. When you have the financing behind you, you can make deals. The deal got done. This is the type of team I needed in my career. Better now than never. I put myself in a great position. Now it’s my time to do what I’ve been wanting to do.”

“Delighted to agree terms for ‘Boo Boo’ Andrade to challenge Billy Joe Saunders for the WBO world title,” Hearn wrote on social media.

Saunders said he’s ready for Andrade, tweeting to Hearn, “Your man is getting spanked.”

Said Andrade, “He’s world champion, but my name ain’t David Lemieux. I believe I can do anything he can do better. My dog will be unleashed when it’s time to get in the ring. And I can smack talk, too. I can dish it out and I can take it. I can talk the talk and walk the walk.”

Juan Francisco Estrasa, Donnie Nietes and Kazuto Ioka will appear on the Superfly 3 card on Saturday, September 8th at The Forum in Inglewood, California, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Ioka is a legend in Japan, a three-division world champion, so he would be a great addition to the show,” 360 Promotions Tom Loeffler said.

Another bout headed for the card is the Donnie Nietes’ opportunity to win a world title in a fourth weight division when he fights Filipino countryman Aston Palicte for a vacant 115-pound belt.

“That’s definitely one of the fights we want to have on Superfly 3,” Loeffler said. “Donnie had a great win on Superfly 2 so it makes sense to bring him back.”

“We have started negotiations for Donnie to be part of Superfly 3,” Aldeguer told ESPN. “We are hoping to finalize the deal with Tom and HBO for Sept 8 soonest.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBC Super Welterweight champion Jermell Charlo has been arrested for domestic violence of his girlfriend.

On May 18, Charlo was booked into Dallas County Jail at 1:43 p.m. CT for allegedly trying to choke his then-girlfriend, Jazmyne Olison. Charlo, 28, posted a $20,000 bond and was released. He faces one felony charge of assault on a family or house member with intent to impede circulation, according to Dallas County Police deputy Raul Reyna.

According to the grand jury indictment issued on June 19, Charlo allegedly squeezed Olison’s neck and forced her against a fence, floor and railing “on or about” May 17. He also allegedly pulled her hair.

“[Charlo] committed the said offense by intentionally, knowingly, and recklessly impeding [Olison’s] normal breathing and circulation of blood by applying pressure to [her] throat and neck and by blocking [her] nose and mouth,” the indictment read.

“Jermell is not guilty and is looking forward to his day in court,” Dallas attorney Mike Howard, who is representing Charlo, told ESPN. “The evidence in this case is clear and conclusive and doesn’t support these allegations. In this day and age, it’s so important to let all the facts come out before making judgments. We look forward to those facts coming out in court.”

Howard said the Aug. 1 hearing is a preliminary hearing that Charlo may not be required to attend.

Olison filed for a civil protection order against Charlo on June 14, according to Dallas County online records.

With Kell Brook unavailable to fight Brandon Cook this Saturday in London, Cook will now face Sam Eggington on the Dillian Whyte – Joseph Parker card, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

A couple of friends, both sons of a southern Arizona city with a long and lively boxing history, lived up to their hometown’s ring tradition and left a capacity crowd at Casino Del Sol wanting to see more.

Wilberth Lopez and Alfonzo Olvera left all the ingredients for junior-welterweight rematch. They also left some of their blood and lot of their hearts. It ended Saturday night with plenty of reasons for a sequel, including a split decision.

Lopez (23-9, 15 KOs) won, getting the advantage on two scorecards, 77-74 and 76-75. Olvera (10-5-1, 4 KOs) had a 76-75 edge on the third card. By definition, split decisions are controversial and there was plenty of debate about this one among everybody in the 1,700 seats in a casino ballroom.

Lopez scored the bout’s only knockdown, a counter right in the second round. But a suddenly energized Olvera came roaring back in the third and was the aggressor throughout the next three to four rounds.

The lanky Olvera stubbornly pursued, landing shots with both hands. In the eighth and final round, however, Lopez staged a late and critical assault, rocking Olvera at least twice with a quick left hook, his most effective weapon.

After it as all over, the two embraced in the center of the ring. For them, there was no debate.

“We wanted to come home and put on a good show for the people who know us best,’’ Olvera said. “I think we did that.’’

Did it well enough to do it again.

“I would love to,’’ said Raging Babe promoter Michelle Rosado, who staged the entertaining show in association with Russell Peltz.

A lot of Tucson would love it, too.

In a good co-main bout, Tucson lightweight Jensen Ramirez (6-2-3, 1 KO), a popular tattoo artist when he isn’t tattooing opponents with punches, scored a majority decision over Jose Arevalo (2-4) of Sierra Vista, Ariz.

Best of the Undercard

Tucson bantamweight Mike Martinez got it right this time.

Two years after losing his pro debut, Martinez, (1-1, 1 KO), a decorated Arizona amateur, re-started his pro career, employing fast hands to blow away Bryan Ramirez (0-3) of Kansas City with three knockdowns in the first round.

Martinez stayed away from boxing after his debut loss. It was time to re-think what had been a boyhood dream. It looks as if he made the right decision.

The Rest

Tucson junior-middleweight Nicholas Rhoads (4-0, 2 KOs) had all the power and Hamilton Ash (0-1) had all of the slick defense. Power prevailed. Rhodes won a unanimous decision.

Phoenix junior welterweight Jose Barrera (1-0) won his debut, scoring a split decision over Tucson rival Judas Estrada (1-1) in a result that left some southern Arizona fans howling as if they had just seen Arizona State beat the University of Arizona in the state’s football rivalry.

Tucson welterweight Christopher Gonzalez (3-0) scored a majority decision over Sergio Lopez (0-1) of Phoenix.

Tucson middleweight Emmanuel Guajardo (3-0) scored a unanimous decision over Jordan Gregory (0-3-2) of Albuquerque.

Lightweight contender Teofimo Lopez underwent surgery on an injured right hand, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

He injured the hand in his July 14th stoppage of William Silva.

“The prognosis is for a positive result from the procedure,” Top Rank’s Carl Moretti said. “Teo will fight once before end of year. Late November or December is the most likely time frame.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the pairings have been set for the 2nd World Boxing Super Series in the jnior welterweight and bantmweight divisions.

“We are fighting for the Ali trophy, and Ali is a legend. He fought the best of the best, and I want to fight the best of the best,” said junior welterweight top seed Prograis said. “Flanagan is a former world champion, and that’s why I made this decision.”

He will face Terry Flanagan.

“You have to fight the best to win the tournament, and I am here to win the tournament. I am confident in winning this fight,” Flanagan said.

Prograis’ pick of Flanagan left No. 2 seed Josh Taylor (13-0, 11 KOs), 27, of Scotland, to be paired with Ryan Martin (22-0, 12 KOs), 25, of Cleveland, because the other two bouts are mandatory fights.

“I am here to win this tournament, so it doesn’t matter who I face in the first round,” Taylor said. “My boxing brain, speed and power, I believe, will give me the edge over my opponents in this tournament.”

“This is what I have been preparing my whole career for,” Martin said. “Josh is clearly one of the best in the division, so I’m excited.”

World titleholder Kiryl Relikh (22-2, 19 KOs), 28, of Belarus, the No. 3 seed, will make his first defense, a mandatory, against former titlist Eduard Troyanovsky (27-1, 24 KOs), 38, of Russia.

“I am looking forward to the fight. I want to win this tournament,” Relikh said. “The winner will become a superstar in the game.”

“I am very happy to take part in the tournament and I feel confident in beating Kiryl,” he said. “I am ready to take his belt.”

No. 4 Ivan Baranchyk (18-0, 11 KOs), 25, of Russia, will face Anthony Yigit (21-0-1, 7 KOs), 26, of Sweden, for a vacant world title.

“I am ready to fight and I will win this belt,” Baranchyk said. “I show everyone that I am the best in the division.”

Said Yigit: “It’s a great opportunity for me to show everyone what I am going up for. I want to entertain the crowd and I will take this home.”

“He has been an amazing champion and he is a great fighter. I believe Nonito can bring out the best in me,” said bantamweight top seed Ryan Burnett, who will defend his belt for the second time.

“I know that Ryan’s got what it takes, so I am going to be at my best,” Donaire said.

Secondary world titlist Naoya Inoue (16-0, 14 KOs), 25, of Japan, who is a three-division titleholder, secured the No. 2 seed and elected to face former titlist Juan Carlos Payano (20-1, 9 KOs), 34, a southpaw from the Dominican Republic.

“It is an honor to be able to participate, so I am excited. I am very confident that I will win this tournament,” said Inoue, who will be making his first defense.

“I am excited to fight Inoue and I am going for the win,” he said.

World titleholder Zolani Tete (27-3, 21 KOs), a 30-year-old southpaw from South Africa, will make his third defense against Russian prospect Mikhail Aloyan (4-0, 4 KOs), a 29-year-old southpaw.

“I am looking forward to fighting the best fighters, and the best fighters are here,” Tete said.

“I am very proud that I have such an opportunity fight the best fighters in this tournament. I feel very confident that I have what it takes,” he said.

World titleholder Emmanuel Rodriguez (18-0, 12 KOs), 25, of Puerto Rico, received the No. 4 seed and will make his first defense against mandatory challenger Jason Moloney (17-0, 14 KOs), 27, of Australia.

“I am happy for this fight and confident in defending my belt,” Rodriguez said. “I will do my best to win the tournament.”

Said Moloney: “I am very confident that I can beat Emmanuel. He is a very good fighter as everyone in this tournament is. This is my time to shine. I’m ready.”

TUCSON – It will sound like the good old days in this southern Arizona city. An opening bell will be back Saturday night at Casino Del Sol.

After a busy couple of years with Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, this traditional boxing stop has had a quiet 2018.

Until now.

Thanks to Michelle Rosado of Raging Babe Promotions, the fight game will ride back into town with fighters whose roots are in the Arizona. Eight of the fighters in five bouts on the scheduled card (7 p.m. PT) are from Tucson, including a main event featuring junior-welterweights Alfonso Olvera (10-4-1, 4 KOs) against Wilberth Lopez (21-9, 15 KOs).

Both have world-class experience, Olvera going the distance with Ivan Baranchyk and Lopez going to the scorecards in a 2014 loss to Isaac Dogboe.

The undercard includes Tucson lightweight Jensen Ramirez (5-2-3, 1 KO) versus Jesus Arevalo (0-1) of Sierra Vista, Goodyear flyweight Breenan Macias (2-0, 1 KOs) versus Mike Martinez (0-1) of Tucson, Tucson junior-middleweight Nicholas Rhoads (2-0, 2 KOs) versus Judas Estrada (1-0, 1 KO) of Tucson and Tucson junior-welterweight Christopher Gonzalez (2-0) versus Manny Guajardo (2-0) of Tucson.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Muhammad Ali’s wife Lonnie will present the Muhammad Ali trophy to the winner of the Oleksandr Osyk – Murat Gassiev Cruiserweight final in Moscow.

“Since this is the first Ali Trophy ever presented, and as a part of Muhammad’s legacy in boxing, I am proud to be here to represent the Ali family, the WBC and its president Mauricio Sulaiman,” Ali said in a statement before Saturday’s fight.

“Muhammad would have been proud to see one of these champions being rewarded with the trophy that carries his name,” Ali said.

Said promoter Kalle Sauerland, the chief boxing officer of tournament organizer Comosa AG: “Muhammad Ali being our ambassador is the greatest honor of all. Having his wife present the first Ali Trophy in Moscow will make this ceremony one of the most emotional moments ever seen in a boxing ring.”

Terence Crawford was awarded the 2018 ESPY Award for Fighter of the Year.

“It’s a long time overdue,” Crawford said. “I felt as if I should have won last year, but this year is a surprise and I’m glad to have it.”

Mikhail Aloyan has been added at the last competitor to the World Boxing Super Series Tournamenet, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I am glad and proud that I have an opportunity to participate in this tournament,” said Aloyan, who won two world amateur titles, a European amateur title and a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

“Ali is the hero of all boxers in the world, so to fight for his trophy is a great honor,” Aloyan said. “I believe I am faster than the other opponents in the tournament.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the much-talked about announcement of streaming app DAZN was announced in New York by Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn.

The 1st announcement was that Anthony Joshua will defend his heavyweight titles against Alexander Povetkin on September 22nd in London’s Wembley Stadium.

DAZN executives unveiled the monthly cost: $9.99 with a 30-day free trial available and subscriptions that can be canceled at any time.

“The biggest star in world boxing will be launching the DAZN platform,” Hearn said of Joshua.

“It’s a new era for broadcasting. Everything we do is always refreshing and new, so it was only right we be part of this,” Joshua said before facing off with Povetkin.

Joshua and Povetkin were on hand at a news conference Tuesday in New York, where Hearn announced the fight would appear on DAZN as well as the signing of several fighters, including Jessie Vargas, Demetrius Andrade, Danny Roman and Maurice Hooker, who will fight on the DAZN cards. Hearn also announced the first two cards that will take place in the U.S.

Jarrell Miller, who signed with a co=promotional agreement was on hand and got into a verbal altercation with Joshua.

“You little b—-, who the f— are you talking to?” Joshua yelled at Miller. “You’re late. No respect. I’ll punch you right in your mouth. Shut the f— up. Running your mouth every minute. Shut the f— up and get off the stage you little b—-.”

“I’m looking forward to this great project,” Vargas said. “I’m looking forward to giving you a show, headlining some of the greatest fights of the year, and you will get just that.”

“This is a proud moment. I’m ready to take over,” said Andrade, who is the mandatory challenger for world titleholder Billy Joe Saunders. “I’m ready to do what I have to do. Eddie is going to push me where I need to be pushed and I am going to push myself.”

“When you get DAZN, you’ll get all the fights,” CEO James Rushton said. “We won’t stash our best matchups for PPV, linear TV or a higher-tier package. And you’re going to get the entire card live, no matter the time zone and without constraints for one affordable price.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBO Junior Welterweight champion is expected to sign with Matchroom Boxing and have his fights on DAZN.

Hooker will still be co-promoted by Roc Nation Sports.

“If all goes according to plan, we’ll get this deal done before Tuesday,” Roc Nation’s Dino Duva said. “We’re waiting for a draft of the agreement to come in, but we would be doing a co-promotion between Roc Nation Sports and Matchroom, and Maurice would be on the DAZN shows.”

Duva had been talking to Bob Arum of Top Rank about making Hooker fight against mandatory contender Alex Saucedo.

“I’ve been talking to Bob, and I told him this deal with Eddie is for a lot more money than we were talking about for the deal with Top Rank,” Duva said. “Bob said, ‘If you’re getting that much more money, do the deal and we’ll still do the Saucedo fight.’ Bob was good about it. He understands.”

Anthony Joshua will face Alexander Povetkin for the IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight titles on September 22nd in London’s Wembley Stadium, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring; the end of March feels a long time ago now,” Joshua said in a news release. “Povetkin is a serious challenge that I will prepare meticulously for. He has serious pedigree, and only a fool would underestimate what he brings to the table.

“Training hasn’t stopped for me, but the next 10 weeks ahead will be intense both mentally and physically. I will push myself to breaking point to make sure I am in peak condition for another huge night for British boxing at Wembley Stadium.”

“The battle for the world title has always been my goal,” he said in the news release. “I fought for the moment to face the strongest in the world, and on Sept. 22, I get my opportunity. Anthony Joshua has [three major] belts, and I want them all. I’m glad that our fight will finally take place. The meeting of two Olympic champions in the ring is destined to be a breathtaking event.”

“I can’t wait to return to Wembley on Sept. 22 for what I believe will be one of the biggest tests of AJ’s career,” promoter Eddie Hearn said. “Last time he was there he produced one of the most dramatic fights and endings in the history of the sport, and I expect this fight to be full of energy and drama. Povetkin is a top-three heavyweight and extremely dangerous, but in AJ I see the best heavyweight in the world today and I think we will see a major statement.

“It will be another huge night for British boxing with major championship fights on the card and another one of those special nights and atmospheres that will be watched by millions all around the world.”

People were expecting an old Manny Pacquiao, but what they got was the Old Manny Pacquiao as he stopped Lucas Matthysse in seven one-sided rounds to capture the WBA Welterweight title at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.

Pacquiao displayed handpeed and power that he has not displayed in at least half a decade which led him to land at will on Matthysse.

In round three, Pacquiao landed a perfect lead left uppercut to the chin that Sent Matthysse to the canvas.  In round five, it was a right hook to the head that momentarily wobbled and then Matthysse took a knee.

Pacquiao ended things in round seven, when it was another uppercut that sent Matthysse to the canvas.  Referee Kenny Bayless called a halt to the action at 2:43.

Pacquiao is now 60-7-2 with 39 knockouts.  Matthysse is 39-5.

“You have to love what you do in order to do what I still do as a
39-year-old fighter,” said Pacquiao, who trained hardest despite his
age, pushing himself to the limit.

“Do I look old,?” asked Pacquiao laughing in front of the members of
media at the post-fight press conference.

“Not today,” said Pacquiao, who was cheered on by Philip[pine
president Rodrigo Duterte who watched in the presidential suite with
new Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. “Of course, it was an
extra motivational tool for me to fight well and careful.”

“We will take a rest for now before we decide what to do next,” said
Pacquiao, who goes back to work this week as the Philippine Senate
opens its sessions.

Jhack Tepora won the vacant interim WBA Featherweight title with a 9th round stoppage over Edivaldo Ortega.

Tepora dominated the action, and landed a hard left uppercut that sent Ortega to the canvas,  Tepora opened up on Ortega, and the fight was stopped at 2:38.

Tepora is now 22-0 with 17 knockouts.  Ortega is now 26-2-1.

Carlos Canizales won the the WBA Light Flyweight title with a 12th round stoppage over Bin Lu.

Canizales dominated the fight as he peppered Lu with hard rights throughout the contest.  Canizales dropped Lu in round 11 and again at the end of round 12.  The bout was stopped at 2:59.

Canizales is 21-0-1 with 13 knockouts.  Lu is 1-1.

Moruti Mthalane won the IBF Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Muhammad Waseem.

Mthalane controlled the action until he was dropped with a combination in round 11.

Mthalane won by scores of 116-110 and 114-113 to raise his mark to 36-2.  Waseem is 8-1.

Regis Prograis stopped Juan Jose Velasco in round eight of their scheduled 12-round junior welterweight bout at The Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

Prograis dropped Velasco in round’s five and seven with body shots and dumped him again in round eight, and the bout was stopped at 139.

Prograis of New Orleans is 22-0 with 19 knockouts.  Velasco of Argentina is 20-1.

Teofimo Lopez thrilled the crowd and catapulted himself into the thick of the lightweight division as he dominated and stopped William Silva in round six of their scheduled 10-round bout.

In round one, Lopez dumped Silva with a left hook.  Silva was bleeding from the nose,  In round five, Lopez landed several hard hooks to the bloodied Silva, and then dumped Silva to the canvas in the corner.

Lopez came out in round six by landing three left hooks and a right that dropped Silva and the bout was called at 15 seconds.

Lopez is now 10-0 with 8 knockouts.  Silva is 25-2.

Erick De Leon got off the deck to win a 10-round unanimous decision over Adrian Young in a super featherweight bout.

Young dropped De Leon in the 1st round with a left hook.  De Leon recovered well and boxed very will over the final nine rounds to get the victory by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice.

De Leon, 132 1/2 lbs of Detroit is now 18-0-1.  Young, 133 1/4 lbs of Los Michis, MEX is 25-5-2.

2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell remained perfect with a 2nd round stoppage over Travis Scott in a scheduled eight-round junior middleweight bout.

Conwell came out in round by hurting Scott with a flurry of punches on the ropes.  Conwell ended things with a perfect left hook to the body that sent Scott to a knee for the ten count at 1:34.

Conwell, 153 1/4 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 8-0 with 6 knockouts.  Scott, 153 1/4 lbs of Baton Rouge, LA is 19-4.

Jean Carlos Rivera stopped Angel Luna in round one of their scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.

Rivera rocked Luna with a hard left hook in round one. Then a body punch and another left hook later, the bout was stopped at 1:22.

Rivera, 125 3/4 lbs is now 14-0 with 9 knockouts. Luna, 126 3/4 lbs of Dominican Republic is now 11-5-1.

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, 2016 Olympic Gold Medal winner Fazliddin Gaibnazarov won a eight-round unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson.

Gaibnazarov, 138 lbs of Uzbekistan won by scores of 78-74 on all cards, and is now 5-0. Johnson, 137 1/4 lbs of Detroit is 5-1.

Jeremy Hill won a four-round unanimous decision over Charles Johnson in a super lightweight bout.

Hill of New Orleans won by scores of 40-35 on all cards, and is now 3-0.  Johnson is 0-1-3.

Joet Gonzalez won a 10-round split decision over Rafael Rivera in a featherweight bout at The Novo at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California.

Gonzalez took two cards by 97-93 and 96-94 tallies, while Rivera won a card 96-94.

Gonzalez, 125 lbs of Glendora, CA is 20-0. Rivera, 125.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 25-2-2.

“I felt like I dominated the majority of the fight, at least seven of the rounds,” said Joet Gonzalez.”This was definitely my toughest fight going all the 10 rounds. I’m satisfied with my performance, and I’m happy to have this new belt. I’ll fight anyone at 126 for a world title – that’s what I want! I feel great and it was a pretty exciting fight!”

“I felt I won the fight,” said Rafael Rivera. “He never hurt me, but this is boxing. I came from Tijuana, so I knew this would happen. This is what happens when you go into someone’s back yard. Utilizing my distance and landing counter punching were important keys in this fight. I’m happy with performance and my preparation, but like I said I feel I won this fight.”

Seniesa Estrada stopped Jhosep Vizcaino in round three of their scheduled eight-round flyweight bout.

In round one, Estrada decked Vicaino with a left hook. Estrada finsihed things in round three with a left hook to the body that sent Vizcaino down and the fight was stopped at 20 seconds.

Estrada, 108.8 lbs of East Los Angeles is 14-0 with 4 knockouts. Vizcaino, 108.2 lbs of Quito, ECU is 6-7.

“I had a great camp. I worked on sharpening and shortening up my punches,” said Seniesa Estrada.”As you can see, the hard work in camp paid off. I’m getting more comfortable in the ring because I’m now with a promoter. Golden Boy Promotions is keeping me busy, so I’m fighting more consistently. Having me stay busy is the most dangerous thing for my opponents.

Maricela Cornejo stopped previously undefeated Samantha Pill in round three of a scheduled six-round super middleweight bout.

The end was 21 seconds of round three. Cornejo, 164.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 12-2 with 5 knockouts. Pill, 164.4 lbs of Fairmont, WV is 3-1.

“I feel good. I’m very happy with the camp we had with my head trainer Antonio Diaz,” said Maricela Cornejo.”In this fight, I just had to adjust to her being six feet tall. Fighting Pill just showed only a little of what I’m capable of. I can’t wait to fight an even better opponent to show all of my capabilities.”

Newly crowned WBO Junior Welterweight champion Maurice Hooker was arrested for Dunk Driving and Handgun possession in his hometown of Dallas, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“We’re checking the facts, but Maurice has his attorney in Dallas trying to sort through the police paperwork to see exactly what happened,” Dino Duva of Roc Nation Sports, which promotes Hooker, told ESPN on Thursday. “I don’t want to say too much but Maurice disputes whether he was even intoxicated. They are still doing an investigation and he did a blood test.”

There have been rumors of a title defense against Alex Saucedo.

“Maurice is completely ready, willing and able to do the Saucedo fight,” Duva said. “Bob Arum and I have exchanged paperwork on the contracts but we’re not there yet.”

Bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue has joined The World Boxing Super Series, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We are thrilled to have Inoue on board for season two’s amazing bantamweight tournament,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland, the chief boxing officer of tournament organizer Comosa AG. “His stage name, ‘The Monster,’ has proved fitting. Inoue is an extremely exciting fighter and possesses absolutely extraordinary power. Inoue has become one of the biggest idols in his native Japan and now gets the chance to showcase his skills in the (Muhammad) Ali Trophy tournament, the greatest stage of all.”

“It is an honor to be able to participate and compete in such a great tournament,” Inoue said. “Of course, I will win and as the winner of the tournament, I will continue onto the next journey of my boxing career.”