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.”

After his 11th hour cancellation of his title defense last Saturday night, WBC Super Lightweight champion Jose Ramirez will be back in action on September 14th in Fresno, California, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We’re booked up through August, so he’ll be going in September,” Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum said. “We’re going to do it the night before the Canelo Alvarez-[Gennady] Golovkin rematch. My guys are looking for an appropriate opponent and working on a couple of possibilities, but we’re going to Fresno.”

The fight last Saturday was cancelled after challenger Danny O’Conner fell ill while trying to lose the last couple pounds to make the 140-pound weight limit.

“I wish him a speedy recovery,” Ramirez said. “He is a father. He does have a wife. He is a husband. I hope he recovers from this. It’s a learning experience for me. I hope to bring another fight here in the near future. I’m going to take one week off and go back to another eight weeks of training.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former bantamweight belt holder Juan Carlos Payano has entered the World Boxing Super Series.

“I am very happy to join the tournament, ecstatic to be very honest,” Payano said. “Looking forward to regaining my championship. It is great to see the best fighting the best and in the end being recognized as truly the best in the division. I want to be recognized as the undisputed best. I want to prove that I am the best.”

“The bantamweight tournament will be nothing but exceptional,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland, the chief boxing officer for tournament organizer Comosa AG. “Payano is a former champion, an experienced fighter guaranteeing fast-paced action. He is another great addition to a star-studded Season II of the World Boxing Super Series.”

Egiidjus Kavaliauskas won a 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Abreu in a welterweight bout at The Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

In round one, Kavaliauskas with cut over the right eye while Abreu was cut over the left eye from a headbutt. In round four, the left eye of Kavaliauskas was cut from a punch.

Kavaliauskas, 146.8 lbs of Oxnard, CA won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 to raise his perfect mark to 20-0. Abreu, 146.6 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 21-4-1.

Andy Vences remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Frank De Alba in a super featherweight bout.

In round nine, there was swelling under the left eye of De Alba.

Vences, 129.4 lbs of San Jose, CA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92, and is now 21-0-1. De Alba, 129.8 lbs of Reading, PA is 22-4-2.

Gabriel Flores, Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over James De Herrera in a lightweight bout.

In round one. Flores dropped De Herrera with a left hook.

Flores, 131.6 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 6-53 on all cards, and is now 9-0. De Herrera, 131.2 lbs of College Station, TEX is 4-4.

In a battle of former heavyweight title challengers, Andy Ruiz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson.

Ruiz, 252.5 lbs of Las Vegas, NV won by scores of and is now 31-1. Johnson, 257.4 lbs of Neptune, CA is 32-10-1.

Santos Ortega won a 4-round unanimous decision over Ivan Martino in a super bantamweight bout.

Ortega, 122 lbs of Sacramento, CA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 2-0. Martino, 120.8 lbs of San Felipe, MEX is 2-2.

Ruben Rodriguez won a 4-round unanimous decision over Richard Howell in a super lightweight battle.

Rodriguez, 140.6 lbs of Indio, CA won by scores of 40-36 twice, and 39-37 and is now 3-0. Howell, 140.8 lbs of Dallas, TX is 2-2-2.

Joseph Adorno kept his perfect knockout streak in-tact by stopping Guadalupe De Leon in round three of their scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

In round three, Adorno landed a left hook that he followed with a hard two-punch combination that sent De Leon to the canvas. Adorno was all over De Leon, and the bout was stopped at 2:32.

Adorno, 131.8 lbs of Allentown, PA is now 8-0 with 8 knockouts. De Leon, 130.8 lbs of Mission, Texas is 9-16-1.

Harold “King” Calderon Beats Crosstown Miami Rival JD “Pretty Boy” Martinez in a Battle of Undefeated Welterweights

There was a packed house of delighted boxing fans tonight at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida for Heavyweight Factory Boxing promoter Kris Lawrence’s “Hometown Throwdown.”

In the 10-round main event, undefeated Miami-based welterweight prospect turning contender Harold “King” Calderon 17-0(10 KO) outboxed former undefeated crosstown rival John David “Pretty Boy” Martinez 10-1(8 KO) while picking him apart with straight left hands and body shots. Calderon was superior tonight and his confidence was evident from the opening of round one. Martinez who had great crowd support was able to offer a challenge and occasional nice counter punches, however unable to catch a stride of momentum anywhere in the bout. As the fight wore on, the southpaw Calderon and his bigger boisterous crowd support carried the momentum and the energy of the arena. As the announcer announced the final round, the crowd went into a bleacher stomping frenzy cheering on the both Miami boxers. The final scorecards came in at 99-91, 100-90 and 100-90.

In the 10 round co-main event, promising 19-year-old Logan Yoon 12-0(10KO), the WBO-NABO Youth Super Lightweight Champion and WBO #13-rated contender earned himself a unanimous decision win over Colombian veteran Luis E Flores 24-10(20KO). Yoon chipped away at a blue-collar workman’s pace each minute of each round and stuck behind his jab and straight left hand, landing his power punch occasionally. A stern test and cautious battle for the Hawaiian who walked away with a unanimous decision victory in an otherwise uneventful but meaningful test. Official scorecards came in at 99-91 and 97-93 twice.

Towering 6? 9? Kazakhstani heavyweight Ivan Dychko (7-0, 7 KOs), the two-time Olympic super-heavyweight bronze medallist, stepped in the squared circle with long-time heavyweight gatekeeper Maurice “Mo Bettah” Harris (26-22-3, 11 KOs). Just 1:39 into round number one Dychko hit Harris with a simple left hook that toppled and dispensed the New Jersey native to the canvas where Mo felt it was better to stay down as looked very comfortable for the next 10 seconds. Unfortunately, we were not able to see what the Kaz had tonight.

To the crowds’ delight, Raul Chirino 11-9(6KO) knocked down Jessy Cruz 13-7-1(5KO) with a beautiful straight right hand at the end of round two. Cruz popped Chirino with a straight left hand and put him down in the fourth. The two combatants displayed alike pugilistic enthusiasm during this pleasurable face smashing body crushing matchup. There were no jabs in this scrap, just a fun throwdown between two warriors right to the final bell which had both guys swinging for glory! After six rounds of boxing, we go to the scorecards: 58-54, and 57-55 twice with the win going to Jessy Cruz.

Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro from Havana Cuba got a big KO win over Julio C Reynoson 12-2(7KO). Navarro, now fighting out of Miami 8-0(6KO) dug a body shot into Reynonoson that put the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic fighter down and out 2:47 of just the first round.

Light Heavyweights Ulysses Diaz 6-0(5KO) and Israel Echevarria form Chicago 3-5(2KO) gave the crowd an entertaining match with Diaz coming out with the win with the scorecards reading 39-37 40-36. The Chicagoan was not too happy with the decision and he was visibly upset in the ring after Diaz looked to swipe a kick at him. Echevarria was sure to let the crowd know he was not happy with either; the after fight antics, nor the decision, on the way out of the ring and arena.

Super Middleweight Irosvani Duvergel originally from Guantanamo, Cuba now fighting out of Miami improved to 3-0(2KO) with a unanimous decision win over tough as nails Elie Agustama 6-9(3KO)

In a spirited crowd-pleasing lightweight tussle Dustin “Godson” Arnold 5-1(1KO) fought his way to a strong unanimous decision win over the previously unbeaten Daniel Placeres 6-1(5KO). Arnold pressed the action early connecting with a strong left hook right-hand combination in round two and the counterpunching southpaw returned the points later in the round which was a forecast of the final four excellent rounds. After 6 exciting rounds, the judge’s cards came in at 60-54 58-56 59-55.

Super Bantamweight Lawrence Newton kept his perfect record intact at 10-0(6KO) but not without a stern test from journeyman Pedro Melo 17-19-2(8KO) from Tijuana Mexico.

Sporting beautiful silver and blue trunks BT Newton worked behind a sharp and commanding jab from the opening bell, but the tenacious Melo insisted on paying the tax of eating heavy leather from Newton to get inside. Melo kept constant pressure on the slick Newton while creating competitive infight battles throughout the tilt. Judges scorecards read 60-54 and 59-55 twice for Newton for the unanimous decision win.

2-time Olympic Gold medal winner Robeisy Ramirez from Cuba has left his team, and maybe defecting, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Ramirez abandoned the Cuban national team during a training camp this week in Aguascalientes, Mexico, a possible step toward his defection in pursuit of a professional career.

Ramirez, 24, won the 2012 flyweight Olympic gold medal in London and the 2016 bantamweight Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro, defeating American Shakur Stevenson, a fellow southpaw, in the closely contested final.

Promoter Yvon Michel officially won the purse bid to stage the Adonis Stevenson – Oleksandr Gvozdyk light heavyweight title bout, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Michel told ESPN on Thursday that Bob Yalen, the WBC supervisor of the purse bid, called him and Arum to confirm that Michel had done nothing wrong related to the purse bid, and to confirm that his bid would stand as the winner.

“[Yalen] did add the WBC will tighten up its rules regarding a bid,” Michel said. “Top Rank reiterated their commitment to give us a close collaboration in every aspect of the organization of the fight.

“We lobbied for that result because I think that was the only fair thing,” Arum said. “Carl believed Yvon was taken by surprise by the other bid and Yvon outbid us, so he’s entitled to do the fight.

“My view of the ruling is, I support it completely and I advocated for it. But I would like the WBC to tighten up the rules to the extent that they exact a punishment from somebody like Haymon or Brown who did what they did — to put a bid in and then immediately withdraw it. I realize you can’t make the penalty retroactive but certainly going forward they can do something to prevent this from happening.”

“I told Yvon that we would be as cooperative and supportive to him as we could,” Arum said. “I told Yvon that if he had any problem with Showtime (which puts on Haymon’s major fights) buying the fight that I would arrange for ESPN to buy the fight.”

“I’m really looking forward to the tournament,” Donaire said. “Entering the tournament gives me an opportunity to showcase my capabilities against the best in this division. This division is stacked with talent and that’s really exciting! I believe my size, experience and most of all my power will give me the edge over my opponents.”

“Donaire is a legend in the game and an amazing addition to the Muhammad Ali Trophy action,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland, chief boxing officer for tournament organizer Comosa AG. “He has fought in various divisions, but will look at his very best in the 118-pound lineup because of exceptionally fast hand speed and terrific punching power.”

“People always asked about my goal and I said to be undisputed (world champion). With this tournament, that goal is now attainable,” Donaire said.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the July 14 WBC junior welterweight title bout between Regis Prograis and Juan Jose Velasco will see the winner enter the upcoming World Boxing Super Series.

“My biggest asset is my hunger to be the best,” said Prograis, a southpaw, who claimed a vacant interim title by second-round knockout of former unified titleholder Julius Indongo on March 9. “I have a chip on my shoulder and I want to prove to everybody I am the best at 140 pounds. I’m definitely excited to enter into the tournament. This is great for boxing. The best fighting the best.”

“It’s a great honor and I look forward to competing for the Muhammad Ali Trophy and winning the whole thing,” Velasco said. “I think the format is set up well. The best fight the best in the World Boxing Super Series to determine one champ. Great!”

Kiryl Relikh (22-2, 19 KOs), 28, of Belarus, will defend his version of the 140-pound title for the first time when he faces mandatory challenger and former world titlist Eduard Troyanovsky (27-1, 24 KOs), 38, of Russia, in one of the quarterfinal bouts.

“The World Boxing Super Series is getting the best facing the best, which is precisely what is needed in our sport,” Relikh said. “I am focused on preparing the best that I can to achieve the dream of winning the Muhammad Ali Trophy. The holder of the trophy will be a superstar in the game.”

“I am very happy to take part in the tournament,” Troyanovsky said. “The Muhammad Ali Trophy is something really special for any boxer in the world. Maybe it could be more prestigious than championship belts because not everyone can get this trophy.”

One of the other quarterfinals is another mandatory fight. It will match Russia’s Ivan Baranchyk (18-0, 11 KOs), 25, and Anthony Yigit (21-0-1, 7 KOs), 26, of Sweden, who will meet for a vacant world title.

“I am really happy to be a part of the tournament because there are chances to take all the titles and show everyone that I am the best in the division,” Baranchyk said. “My nature, effort and my love of boxing will help me to get the Ali Trophy.”

Said Yigit: “It’s a great opportunity, and I’m honored to have been chosen to fight among the best in the division. This Ali Trophy tournament is a great example of how boxing should be promoted: the best fighting the best. That’s where I want to be and these are the fighters I want to face.”

Also in the field will be Josh Taylor (13-0, 11 KOs), a 27-year-old southpaw from Scotland. He scored a hard-fought unanimous decision over former titlist Viktor Postol on June 23.

“I am delighted to have had to the opportunity to join the competition,” Taylor said. “It’s a great chance for me to become world champion with multiple organizations. It is also a great honor to fight for the Ali Trophy in honor of the greatest boxer of all time.”

The second season tournaments now also have an American broadcaster after going without for most of the first season. The Perform Group’s DAZN all-sports streaming service, which launches soon in the United States, announced on Monday that it has secured the rights for all three tournaments. DAZN said it will stream all 15 cards and 21 tournament fights.

“As a platform built for the fans, DAZN has been mining boxing chats and forums to see how we can bring immediate value to the community,” DAZN CEO James Rushton said. “It became obvious that Americans felt left out of the terrific action and thrilling competition on display in the World Boxing Super Series. To that end, we’re happy to announce that we’ll stream every fight of all three tournaments. This is just the beginning.”

Top Rank won the purse bod to stage the WBO lightweight title bout between Ray Beltran and Roman Andreev. The fight will take place on August 25th in Phoenix, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“It’s probably a very tough and competitive fight,” Top Rank Vice-President Carl Moretti said. “It’s probably the kind of all-action fight Ray Beltran is usually in. I don’t see this fight being much different than the usual fights Ray is in. Andreev is a strong, come-forward fighter with full intentions of winning the title and taking it back to Russia, which would not please [Top Rank chairman] Mr. [Bob] Arum.”

Featherweight prospect Shakur Stevenson was arrested for battery after getting into a scuffle on Saturday night in Miami, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Later that night, Stevenson and David Grayton (15-2-1, 11 KOs), 31, a Washington welterweight, allegedly got into a fight with a group of people in the parking garage.

According to Miami police, the boxers made comments to the group in the garage, including two women to whom they directed sexual innuendo, which precipitated the incident.

According to the police report, a male and female were treated by medical personnel at the scene and had visible injuries, though Stevenson and Grayton had left by the time the police showed up.

Police found them about an hour later at a South Beach hotel, where Stevenson had a cut on his lip and Grayton had cuts on his knuckles. Police said they would check the garage cameras for footage of the incident.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, all financial requirements have been satisfied for the July 14 (In the US–July 15 in Malaysia) for the Manny Pacquiao – Lucas Matthysse fight to go forward.

“The fight’s a go. There were some bumps in the road but everything is now in order and we’re excited. It’s a great opportunity for Lucas,” said Matthysse Promoter Eric Gomez of Golden Boy Promotions said. “This is his dream fight. It’s the fight he’s been talking about for five years now. Anytime you can fight a legend like Manny Pacquiao it’s a win.

“The money is in place. The money was supposed to be in an escrow account in the U.S. and now everything is good. It’s customary practice when you are fighting overseas to have the money in an escrow account and now the money is there. We’re excited to be working with Manny and his company, MP Promotions, and commend him for putting this fight together and making sure it comes off.”

“I didn’t really pay attention to it, but I saw the headlines (of the fight being in jeopardy),” Matthysse told ESPN, through a translator, about the money issues. “I read a little bit about it, but I just kept training with the same desire I always have. I knew the fight would happen so I didn’t really pay attention to what was going on. I feel good and I am happy to be heading out there to Malaysia to defend my title.”

Bob Arum of Top Rank, who is handling the American distribution of the fight said, “That money paid last week to Top Rank, anywhere between $350,000 and $500,000,” he said. “We then immediately [went] to contract with Manny’s company, which would enable the fight to push forward in the U.S. for the telecast.”

“Our card in New Orleans will be over by 9 p.m. ET and ESPN could go with Manny’s undercard like it would be a normal telecast at that time and make it a night of boxing,” Arum said.

Yvon Michel’s GYM Promotions won the purse bid to stage the WBC Light Heavyweight title fight between Adonis Stevenson and Oleksandr Gvozdyk, according to Dan Rafael.

The Purse bid did not run smoothly though.

There were three bidders: attorney Phil Weiss on behalf of Tom Brown’s TGB Promotions, which offered $3.102 million; Stevenson promoter Yvon Michel, who bid $2.101 million; and Gvozdyk promoter Top Rank, represented by vice president Carl Moretti, which bid $1.675 million for a fight in which Stevenson is entitled to 65 percent of the winning bid and Gvozdyk 35 percent.

The issue arose when seconds after the bids were unsealed and TGB Promotions was declared the winner, Weiss withdrew the winning bid.

At that point, Michel was declared the winner and told Top Rank he would put the fight on Nov. 3 in Quebec City. However, Top Rank was not happy with how things went down, nor was the WBC supervisor of the purse bid, Bob Yalen. He reported what had occurred to WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, who said the organization would rule on the situation by Thursday.

Top Rank believes Tom Brown and Michel were in cahoots on behalf of adviser Al Haymon.

“What happened was outrageous on Haymon’s part,” TOP Rank CEO Bob Arum told ESPN. “When Tom Brown wins and then he pulls his bid so Yvon gets it with the lower bid? That’s dirty pool. You win the purse bid and immediately say I’m passing? You can’t do that.”

Said Top Rank Vice-President Carl Moretti: “Yalen, who was supervising the purse bid, said, ‘You can’t do that.’ And then all hell breaks loose with everyone voicing an opinion. Yalen called Mauricio but they were not happy.

“The WBC said they would rule by Thursday on the outcome of the purse bid and I believe they will do the right thing.”

“I talked with Yvon and I told him we are prepared not only to go to Quebec City but to give him full and complete support in promoting the event because I think that’s a great fight and Quebec City is a lovely place,” Arum said. “I told him that if Showtime (which puts on most of Haymon’s major fights) doesn’t step up and do the fight we’ll talk to ESPN about doing the fight on one of our cards. But I talked to (Gvozdyk manager) Egis (Klimas) and we are not averse to fighting in Quebec City.”

“I learned only shortly before the bid Phil Weiss was there representing TGB,” Michel told ESPN. “I had never met him before the purse bid. I also had no idea how much he was going to bid.

“I spoke to Arum after and I was very happy and impressed by his cordiality, the collaboration he has offered, his personnel and his team’s participation, to make this event a huge success as the quality of the fight deserves. I am convinced the event has all the ingredients to be a blockbuster.”

“The WBC should make every promoter put up 10 percent of their purse bid and if they default then that money should go to the fighters in proportion to the purse split,” Arum said. “In this case, TGB should have had to put up $310,000 and then when they withdrew their bid that money goes to the fighters and they’re out of luck. They should make that a rule to prevent this s—. That said, Michel came up with a realistic bid and we’re all in.”

“We will wait until the official WBC ruling but since (Groupe Yvon Michel) has done nothing wrong, the promoters of the champion and the contender are ready to work in close collaboration,” Michel said. “Our bid has been logically calculated and is realistic in the current market so we should be allowed to proceed.”

Jason Maloney will be a part of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) Bantamweight tournament, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Moloney is the mandatory challenger for the 118-pound world title held by Emmanuel Rodriguez, who was introduced as one of the participants during a May news conference in London that unveiled three of the fighters who would compete.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the World Boxing Super Series. For me, this is a dream come true,” Moloney said. “It has been my dream for many years now to become world champion. It is something which myself and my team have been working very hard towards. Now I will have the opportunity to achieve this dream and much more. We now have the opportunity to become a unified world champion, win the glorious Muhammad Ali Trophy and become the undisputed No. 1 bantamweight in the world.”

“I am going to grab this opportunity with both hands, and I truly believe that we have what it takes to go all the way and win this tournament and become Australia’s next world champion,” Moloney said. “We are not in this competition to make up the numbers. We are here to shock the world.”

“Moloney is yet another exciting addition to season II,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland, Comosa AG’s chief boxing officer. “He is one of the biggest prospects in Australian boxing and enters the world stage and Ali Trophy action full of confidence. He is clearly a very determined, power-punching fighter eager to impress.”

PHOENIX, AZ – They are two super-middleweights from the same town with equal amounts of power and similar skillsets. Only a right hand seemed to separate Andrew Hernandez and Roberto Yong.

Hernandez had more of them.

From round to round, Hernandez (20-7-1, 9 KOs) landed them in a back-and-forth bout for a 79-73, 80-72, 79-73 decision over Yong Saturday night on an Iron Boy Promotions card.

Hernandez’ right hand set the tone, dictated the pace and – in the end — ruled what was a closer bout than margins on the scorecards might indicate. Just when it looked as if Yong were finished, the Phoenix fighter adjusted with quick feet and resiliency that indicated he might be able to spring an upset despite his record (5-15-2, 4 KOs).

Yong took the fight to Hernandez in the fifth and again in the seventh. He adjusted, yet never enough to elude that difference-making right in front of a lively crowd on a night that included a heartfelt tribute for late boxing journalist Don Smith from ring announcer Ralph Velez Jr.

Smith became a beloved figure in the Phoenix boxing community, which had come to rely on consistent internet reports he provided on Arizona boxing over the last decade. Smith was killed when he was run over by an automobile in a west Phoenix neighborhood in May.

Best of the Undercard

Lightweight Trini Ochoa (2-0, 1 KOs) got a crowd filled with his fans from nearby Mesa rocking with a head-rocking first-round stoppage of Marcus Rodriguez (0-2), an El Paso fighter who two minutes after opening bell appeared to be exhausted by Ochoa’s ferocious pursuit.

The Rest

It was a return and a rematch. Phoenix bantamweight Alexis Zazueta (10-0, 5 KOs) was back for his first fight since a knockout of Mexican Leonardo Reyes in March, 2016. This time, Zazueta scored a unanimous decision over Reyes (7-17, 3 KOs)

Chicago welterweight Vernon Brown had more punches, but lacked enough power for stoppage of a bout begging for one. Instead, Brown 18-0 5 KOs) settled for a majority decision over Greg Jackson (18-7) of Philadelphia.

Abdul Ibrahim, a UK middleweight, got his first victory after a loss in his debut, getting up from two first-round knockdowns for a second-round TKO of Brandon Trujillo (0-4) of Albuquerque, NM.

Frank Sanchez (8-0, 7 KOs), a Cuban heavyweight living in Las Vegas, was flat on his face in the first round after wildly missing a punch that knocked him off balance and onto the canvas. It was scored a knockdown. It wasn’t. In the second, Sanchez finished Francois Russell, a Chicago fighter whose only introduction was his 30-fight record. Twenty-seven were losses. Nothing to advertise there. Nothing to advertise about his 28th loss — a second-round TKO – either.

Phoenix middleweight Eduardo Ayala 1-2, 1 KO) celebrated a pro victory for the first time, a first TKO of Derrick Beroit (-4) of Houston.

Heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (30-3, 25 KOs) was looking to get in a little work in his first fight in more than two years. A little was what he got. Very little. Mexican Francisco Mireles (19-15, 8 KOs) surrendered, going down quickly and almost willingly in a first-round embarrassment.

Gilberto Ramirez defended the WBO super middleweight championship with a 12-round unanimous decision over Alexis Angulo at The Chesapeake Energy Center in Oklahoma City.

Ramirez was more consistent throughout the affair as he boxed nicely, while the challenger seemed to be looking for one shot that would turn the tide. Angulo got in a few decent power shots, but it was not enough as Ramirez took the bout 120-108 and 119-109 twice.

Ramirez of Mazaltan, MEX is now 38-0. Angulo of Bogota, COL is 23-1.

Alex Saucedo stopped Lenny Zappavigna in a seven furious round in a junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Zappavigna was cut around the right eye.  In round three, Saucedo landed a big right that dropped Zappavigna to a knee.  In round four, Zappavigna landed about 10 hard and flush right hand that opened up a bad cut around the right eye of Saucedo.  Saucedo showed a tremendous chin in order to survive the round.

Zappavigna was bleeding very badly around both eyes, tried but kept getting drilled with overhand rights and finally bowed out of the fight at 2:31 of round seven.

Saucedo of Oklahoma City is 28-0 with 18 knockouts.  Zappavigna of Leppington, AUS is 37-4.

Said Saucedo, “Tonight I proved it. That was a very tough 4th round, but I got through it because I’m mentally strong. It was a very long training camp and I thought of all the sacrifices I made to prepare for this fight. I did it. I got a big win against a great fighter and in front of my fans. We gave them an exciting fight. Now I’m ready to move on to bigger and better things. I want to become a world champion”

Robson Conceicao registered five knockdowns en-route to a 3rd round stoppage over Gavino Guaman in a scheduled six-round super featherweight bout. 

The end came at 53 seconds for Conceicao of Bahia, BRA, who is now 8-0 with 5 knockouts.  Guaman of River Falls, WI is 5-3.

Conceicao dropped Guaman twice in round one.  Conceicao dropped Guaman twice more in round two

Mikaela Mayer scored a 2nd round knockdown en-route to a six-round unanimous decision over Sheena Kaine in a lightweight bout

In round two, Mayer dropped Kaine with a perfect right to the jaw

Mayer of Los Angeles won by scores of 60-53 on all cards to raise her mark to 6-0.  Kaine of Edmonton, CAN is 5-1.

“It was definitely a different fight than I’ve ever had. She was taller than me and had more strength than most of the girls I’ve fought. She’s not technically sound, but when she did throw her shots, it was a good things my hands were up because I could definitely feel them. This was a great learning experience,” said Mayer

Trey Lippe Morrison kept his perfect knockout record intact by dropping five inside of three rounds of their heavyweight bout.

In round one, Morrison dropped Polley with a right hand.  Morrison dropped Polley with a perfect straight right to the head which caused a cut over his left eye.  Morrison sent Polley to the canvas in round two with another right hand.  In round three, it was a left that sent Polley down for a 4th time.  Morrison finished the deal with a leaping left hook that was reminiscent of his father, Tommy Morrison that left Polley flat on his back, and the fight was stopped at 1:39.

Morrison of Tulsa, Oklahoma is 15-0 with 15 knockouts.  Polley of St. Joseph, MO is 30-23-1.

“I was looking for some big shots in the first round that I shouldn’t have been. I saw that right hand was really hurting him, so I tried to throw that a little more than I probably should have. In the third round, I tried to pace myself and box a little more, rely on my jab. When the jab started hitting him, I started seeing other openings off my jab,” said Morrison.  “This was the most amazing experience of my life. Not only was it in front of my home crowd, but it was in the {Oklahoma City} Thunder arena. I grew up being a big sports fan, basketball, football. Just to be able to know I stood in the ring where Russell Westbrook and everyone runs down, that’s amazing to me.”

Former world champion Mike Alvarado stopped Martin Angel Martinez after round nine of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

Alvarado was cut on the forehead, while Martinez was cut over the left eye.

The cut on Martinez was dripping badly as the 9th round came to a close and the bout was stopped after the round.

Alvarado of Denver, CO is 39-4 with 27 knockouts. Martinez of Empalme, MEX is 17-15-1.

“I felt like I did good. I was strong. It’s just that he was real awkward. I had been off for a long time, and I know what adjustments I have to make. I know what I got to do when I get back in the gym. I’m fine. I’ll be good. I’ll redeem myself. Time to get back to business,” said Alvarado

Christopher Zavala made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous deicison over Tyler Pacheco in a super featherweight bout.

Zavala of Los Angeles won on two cards by 40-35 scores while a 3rd card was 39-36. Pacheco of Abilene, Texas is 1-2.

“This was my first experience as a pro fighter. The atmosphere is different. I’m ready and hungry to keep improving with each fight that passes. I’m happy with my performance, but I know that I can do better. It was a good learning experience and it will help me to continue to grow as a fighter,” said Zavala

Aaron Morales remained undefeated by winning a four-round unanimous decision over David Martino in a bantamweight bout.

Morales, 118 1/4 lbs of Oklahoma City won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 3-0. Martino, 118 1/2 lbs of San Felipe, MEX is 5-5