Guillermo Rigondeaux’s 1st round stoppage victory over Moises Flores has been reversed to a no-contest, after the knockout blow was ruled to come after the bell, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I have a statement from Vic Drakulich memorializing the events that night, that it was initially communicated to us from HBO from the truck that the punch was thrown before the bell,” said Nevada Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett. “I had specifically asked twice and was told yes, the punch was before the bell. I could have been mistaken, but I don’t think I was. So, based on that, the referee called it a knockout. Subsequent to our communications with the HBO trailer, it was brought to my attention the punch came after the bell. Now we have something that is completely different than what we were told. Once we did the replay and we heard the sound, we knew it was a mistake.”

“I listened to it several times. I had a conversation with Vic on the phone and we went over the fight and it was quite clear to both of us that that the punch was thrown after the bell,” Bennett said.

“Vic drafted a statement that has been provided to chairman Marnell and the other commissioners and they will also be provided with a copy of the fight, and next Monday morning we will have a commission meeting, where the result will be changed in accordance with Nevada code,” Bennett said.

“The evidence to me is quite clear,” Bennett said.

“It was unintentional, but we’ve seen the punch and it landed after the bell,” said Michael Yormark of Rigondeaux promoter Roc Nation Sports. “Both fighters were in a clinch and then were throwing punches at the same time. Rigo’s landed first and flattened him. We understand the commission’s position and respect the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and we’ll accept their decision. We respect Bob Bennett, and we don’t necessarily disagree with what the commission decision will be, and we’ll move on.”

Said Flores promoter Tom Brown of TGB Promotions: “Clearly, the punch landed after the bell, and I have complete faith in the Nevada Athletic Commission to overturn the decision. We’ll send an official protest to the athletic commission and wait for them to make their decision, and I’m sure it will be declared a no-decision. They still have to go through their hoops and then see what the WBA does.”

LAS VEGAS – One righteous right was the beginning of an end to the fight. But there was no end to the controversy. It rages on.

It looked as if the Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev rivalry had finally reached a conclusion in the eighth round Saturday night in a HBO pay-per-view fight at Mandalay Bay.

Ward, who calls himself Son Of God, landed a lightning bolt of a right. He came out of a slight crouch with a strike that traveled up-up-up-and-over a drooping left onto the side of an exposed chin that sent Kovalev stumbling across the canvas, on to the ropes and into defeat Saturday night in a light-heavyweight rematch at Mandalay Bay.

Referee Tony Weeks ended it at 2:29 of the round with Kovalev bent over in pain. The Russian looked weary. Looked finished. But he, his manager Egis Klimas and promoter Kathy Duva weren’t. They promised to carry on the fight.

They alleged that Ward got away with low blows. Duva said Ward landed four of them in the eighth, one early in the round and three more in the corner in the seconds before Weeks waved if off.

At the post-fight news conference, Duva promised to file a protest with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. She said she asked the Commission for a video review. The regulatory agency said no, she said. A formal protest would be the next step, she said.

Ward didn’t want to talk much about the latest wave of controversy that has separated the two camps since he won a hotly debated decision over the Russian in November.

“Now, we have quieted all the whining,’’ Ward (32-0, 16 KOs) said before Ward and his camp ignited the low blow controversy during the post-fight news conference.

“If I rob a bank and get away it, I’m a lucky millionaire,’’ Klimas said. “He’s a lucky champion.’’

When asked if Ward is the world’s best light-heavyweight, Kovalev (30-2, 25 KOs) said: “As a dirty fighter, yes, he’s the best at 175.’’

Tension between the two fighters and camps grew and spilled over into interviews and a news conference during the days before Saturday’s opening bell. One insult followed another. It got ugly. It’s no surprise, perhaps, that fight did too. Ward was warned for throwing a low blow in the second round. Kovalev acted as if he had been hit low repeatedly during the next several rounds.

All the while, Ward kept his distance, moved away, then ducked in for a quick exchange and never allowed Kovalev to set his feet long enough for him to gain the kind of leverage he needed to unleash his power. Then, there was the cleanest shot of the night, a thing of beauty and the beginning of painful end for Kovalev, who at the time of the stoppage trailed on two scorecards, 4 rounds to 3. He led on the third, 5 to 3.

In the end, Ward’s big right hand was the fight’s decisive moment. It made him look prophetic. He promised a stoppage. He said cornerman Virgil Hunter had trained him to win by knockout. He promised. He practiced. He delivered.

“A third fight?’’ Ward said when asked the inevitable question. “Nah, I don’t think so.’’

For now, at least, it looks as if this rivalry will resume at a Commission hearing. That means more talk. Ward made it sound as if he has heard enough.

On The Undercard

Wait a Second: Guillermo Rigondeaux wasn’t dull this time. But he was controversial. Or, at least, the Nevada State Athletic Commission was.

It took the Commission 15 minutes to rule Rigondeaux’s knockout punch of Moises Flores (25-1, 17 KOs) landed before the fist round ended.

Rigondeaux (18-0, 12 KOs), the WBA’s 122-pound champion, threw a hook as referee Vic Drakulich stepped in between the super-bantamweights. HBO video shows the blow was thrown after the round ended. But, no, the Commission deliberated, presumably viewed its own video and said the shot landed before the bell, or at 2:59 of the first.

Wonder how long it will take Flores to file a protest?

The Noisiest: San Diego Christopher Martin (30-9-3 10 KOs) got rocked, dropped and beaten, but Trevaine Williams (11-0, 4 KOs) of New Haven couldn’t knock the wind out of him. Martin did plenty of huffing and puffing in profane at referee Kenny Bayless for his decision to stop it at 1:44 of the first round.

The Rest: Russian light-heavyweight prospect Dmitry Bivol (11-0, 8 KOs) pounded Cedric Agnew’s right eye into swollen mess for a fourth-round TKO over the Chicago fighter (29-3, 15 KOs); Cuba middleweight Luis Arias (18-0, 9 KOs) opened the PPV part of the card with a fifth-round TKO of Russian Arif Magamedov (18-2, 11 KOs); New Jersey junior welterweight John Bauza (7-0, 4 KOs) stayed unbeaten with a second round TKO of Mexican Brandon Sanudo (5-5, 2 KOs); welterweight Enriko Gogokia (5-0, 2 KOs) of Central Asia’s Georgia scored a unanimous decision over Johnathan Steele (7-1, 5KOs); Middleweight Bakhram Murtazaliev (9-0, 7 KOs), also of Goergia, blew out Brazilian Alex Sandro Duarte (6-1, 4 KOs) in first round stoppage; and unbeaten St. Louis middleweight Vaughn Alexander (10-0, 7 KOs) pushed his victory total into double digits with a fourth-round TKO of Mexican Fabiano Pena ( 17-8-1, 13 KOs).

Super Middleweight beltholder, George Groves has entered the World Boxing Super Series, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I see the World Boxing Super Series as a chance for me to show everyone that I’m the best in the division,” Groves said. “I believe I am the best super middleweight on the planet and certainly the man to beat at 168 pounds. I am proud to bring my WBA super middleweight title to the tournament. I want to continue to test myself against the best, and I am ready and willing to fight anyone. It will be exciting to see who else has the courage to enter such a brutal competition.”

“The World Boxing Super Series is exactly what fighters and fans need — a simple and straightforward way to determine the best fighter in the division,” Groves said. “I am really keen to be the first super middleweight to lift the Muhammad Ali Trophy.”

“There is never a dull moment in his fights, and that is what makes him a standout participant of the inaugural season of the World Boxing Super Series,” Richard Schaefer said. “George will now face the challenge of going from the hunter to the hunted. This will be really intriguing considering the lineup we will announce.”

Floyd Mayweather will come out of retirement to take on two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor in a boxing match that will take place on August 26th in Las Vegas, according to Mayweather’s social media accounts.

Mayweather posted a poster, captioned by the words, “Its Official!”

The fight, which will headline a boxing card, where rumors have it that there will be at least two world title bouts, will be distributed by Showtime Pay Per View.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Daniel Franco had another surgery on his head to relieve pressure on his brain following an injured he suffered this past Saturday night against Jose Haro.

“Daniel had emergency surgery [Monday] night to repair bleeding in the epidural hematoma region of the brain,” said Al Franco, Daniel’s father and trainer. “His initial surgery was to repair bleeding in the subdural hematoma area.

“The doctors decided to keep part of his skull off this time to help with the pressure. It will remain off for at least six weeks and he will continue to be monitored under strict doctor supervision.”

“Please continue to pray for him,” Al Franco said. “Continue saying his name, just help sending positive vibes out. My family and I appreciate everyone’s love and support in our darkest times. I personally have never felt this much love, fear and pain in my life. I’m lost but I have to maintain as strong as I can be. I will continue to keep everyone posted and please continue sharing his Go Fund Me page. Thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart.”

According to Dan Rafael, the proposed fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor could have a date of August 26th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Mayweather Promotions plans to request the date from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for the much-anticipated boxing match between Mayweather, the former longtime pound-for-pound king and heavy favorite who plans to exit a 23-month retirement for the bout, and UFC superstar Conor McGregor, a source with knowledge of the plan told ESPN on Monday.

“There are negotiations ongoing, but none of us wants to turn this into the circus that the Mayweather-[Manny] Pacquiao negotiations were, so I think it’s best if we keep all the business discussions private until the deal is done,” Showtime Sports executive vice president and general manager Stephen Espinoza told ESPN on Monday night.

Jose Miguel Borrego remained undefeated by stopping Kevin Watts in round four of a scheduled eight round super lightweight bout.

In round four, Borrego dropped Watts with a left uppercut. Seconds later, Borrego trapped Watts in the corner and unloaded a barrage of punches, and the fight was stopped at 2:42.

Borrego, 140.2 lbs of Aguascalientes, MX is now 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Watts, 139.4 of Lancaster, CA is 11-2.

Welterweight Thomas LaManna won an eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Carlos Winston Velasquez that headlined a card at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

LaManna dominated the action with power shots that he landed behind a long jab throughout the contest. Velasquez was game as he took a lot of shots and landed an occasional power shot. LaManna sealed the deal in the final round when he landed a flush 4-punch combination that put Velasquez on the canvas.

LaManna of Millville, NJ won on all cards by scores of 80-71 to raise his mark to 23-2. Velasquez falls to 24-29-2.

Anthony Young won a eight-round unanimous decision over George Sosa in an entertaining welterweight contest.

Young was extremely active as he landed hard combinations with Sosa landing an occasional hard shot to the head.

Young of Atlantic City won by scores of 80-72 twice and 80-71 to raise his mark to 17-2. Sosa of Reading, PA is 15-9.

Donald Smith remained undefeated by winning a four round unanimous decision over Sidell Blocker in super featherweight bout.

Smith of Philadelphia won on all cards 40-36, and is now 5-0. Blocker of Pleasantville, NJ is 1-8-1.

Chris Thomas and Oscar Valdez battled to a four round majority draw in a middleweight contest.

Thomas of Beachwood, NJ took a card 39-37 while two judges saw it even at 38-38.

Thomas is now 6-0-1. Valdez of Batesvile, ARK is 1-2-1.

Gabriel Pham won a six round unanimous decision over Edgar Perez in a light heavyweight bout.

Pham won on all cards 60-54 and is now 9-1. Perez of Chicago is 7-21.

Tomas Romain won a four round unanimous decision over Lamont White in a lightweight bout.

Romain of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37, and is now 3-1. White of Washington, DC is now 1-8.

Elijah Vines remained perfect with a 3rd round stoppage over Harry Tyrone Paige in a scheduled four round junior middleweight bout.

In round one, Vines dropped Paige with a perfect right hook. In round three, Vines dropped Paige with a right to the body. Paige got to his feet, but his corner pulled the plug at 1:42.

Vines of Philadelphia is 4-0 with 4 knockouts. Paige of Batesville, ARK is 0-5.

Frederick Julan stopped Jose Valderrama in the 6th and final round of their light heavyweight bout.

Julan dropped Vakderrama in round six with a body shot. Julan finished off the when he dropped Valderrama for a 2nd time with a right hook to the head, and the fight was stopped at 1:17.

Julan of Brooklyn, NY is 5-0 with three knockouts. Valderrama if Manati, PR is 5-20.

Dan Pasciolla and LeMarcus battled to a majority draw in a rematch of Heavyweights.

In round one, Pasciolla began to bleed from his nostrils.

Pasciolla took a card 58-56. That was overruled by 57-57 scores.

Pasciolla of Brick, NJ is 9-2-3. Tucker of Batesville, ARK is 4-2-1.

Paul Hyland, Jr. scored a spectacular first round stoppage over Adam Dingsdale to win the IBF European Lightweight title.

In round one, Hyland dropped Dingsdale with a left hook, that was followed by four hard punches. With Dingsdale, hurt, Hyland blitzed his opponent and dropped him with a hard flurry of vicious punches, and the bout was stopped at 1:49.

Hyland is now 16-0 with six knockouts. Dingsdale is 16-4-1.

An incredibly slimmed down Michael Perez needed just 29 seconds in his cruiserweight debut to dispatch previously undefeated Viktor Biscak in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Perez landed what looked like an ordinary right hook that sent Biscak down. He got to his feet and was limping, and the fight was stopped.

Perez, the former heavyweight contender is now 22-2-1 with 14 knockouts. Biscak is 10-1.

“I am very happy to be back. Hopefully next time I can fight a little bit longer and show the crowd. I lost some weight and I still have the same power. This has been a very interesting two years, and now I am decing to do something better. I want to keep active. I believe I can win a world title at any weight,” said Perez.

“Mike has a big future at cruiserweight, but he has to be active again. I would like to get him back in two or three weeks,”said Promoter Eddie Hearn

James Tennyson stopped Ryan Doyle after round six of their scheduled ten-round WBA Super Featherweight bout.

Tennyson dominated the action after the third round and started to beat Doyle down and the fight was stopped.

Tennyson, 129.3 lbs is now 19-2 with 15 knockouts. Doyle, 129.3 lbs is now 14-2-1.

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Regis Prograis scored four 2nd round knockdowns to stop Joel Diaz, Jr, in that second round of a scheduled ten round bout at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.

In round two, Prograis landed a left that put Diaz on the canvas. Diaz had a little swelling around the left eye. Moments later, it was another hard left that put Diaz down for a second time. Prograis scored a 3rd knockdown in the round from yet another left. Prograis finished off Diaz with a hard combination that sent Diaz down for a final time and the bout was stopped at 2:55.

Prograis, 139.5 lbs of Houston, TX is 20-0 with 17 knockouts. Diaz, 137 1/4 lbs of Palmdale, CA is 23-1.

Steve Rolls took an eight-round split decision over Demond Nicholson in a middleweight bout

In round one, Rolls landed a hard right that dropped Nicholson. Nicholson was able to gather himself and fight at least evenly over the last seven rounds.

Rolls, 161 lbs of Toronto, CAN won on two cards by 77-74 scores, while Nicholson took a card 77-75.

Rolls in 16-0. Nicholson, 162 1/2 lbs of Laurel, MD is 17-2-1.

Rolls landed 117-412 punches, while Nicholson was 134-390.

Jon Fernandez took out Juan Reyes in round two of their scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Reyes was cut around the left eye. Fernandez continued to pound away and landed a brutal right that sent Reyes down and the fight was immediately stopped at 2:36.

Fernandez, 132 1/2 lbs of Madrid, SPA is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Reyes, 131 1/2 lbs of Bell Gardens, CA is 14-4-3.

Former world champion Arthur Abraham will meet former world title challenger Chris Eubank, Jr on July 15 in London, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’m very happy to be fighting here in England,” Abraham said. “I’m looking forward to it, and I think it will be a good fight.”

“I respect every fighter. Anyone who enters the ring has my respect, but it’s my time now,” Eubank said. “I’m the next generation.”

Former welterweight champion Kell Brook is scheduled to have surgery on his left orbital bone, following the bone bring broke in his May 27 loss to Errol Spence, Jr., according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Brook told ESPN on Wednesday that he will have surgery to repair the injury on June 16.

“That’s all I’m saying for now,” Brook said. “I’m having a rest for a while.”

“I got caught on the left eye in the seventh, and it felt really bad,” Brook said after the Spence fight. “It was the one the worst feelings I ever had — kind of like when GGG hit me and fractured my orbital bone. It was devastating. I just couldn’t see.

“It was a competitive fight. He got some rounds. I won some rounds, too. I felt I was winning, but my eye didn’t allow me to continue. I just couldn’t see. You can’t fight if you can’t see. I got put down, and I got up because I’m a warrior. I got up and kept on fighting, but in the 11th, I just couldn’t see. I had to take the knee.”

Spence (22-0, 19 KOs), a 27-year-old southpaw, could make his first title defense in September to headline a Premier Boxing Champions card on Fox in Dallas, just 22 miles from his hometown of DeSoto, Texas.

“Hopefully I can have a homecoming in Dallas, maybe in September sometime,” Spence told reporters at a recent lunch in New York. “I’ve got to talk to my manager [Al Haymon]. Fighting at home in front of my fans, family and friends, that’s a dream come true, especially me having the title and bringing it back to Dallas, which hasn’t happened in a long time. That would mean a lot to me. That would be a dream of mine, too. Hopefully I can make that happen.”

World Heavyweight chamoion ANthony Joshua got an exception that would clear his path for a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The International Boxing Federation on Tuesday evening approved Joshua’s request for an exception to his mandatory defense against Kubrat Pulev in order to face Klitschko again with the organization’s title on the line, and it notified both camps.

Joshua-Klitschko II taking place by Dec. 2 should not be an issue, because the working date, although not set in stone, is Oct. 28. There is no set site for the rematch.

DiBella Entertainment has won the purse bid to stage the IBF Middleweight elimination bout, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

DiBella Entertainment, which co-promotes Sergiy Derevyanchenko, won a purse bid for the eliminator between 160-pound contenders Derevyanchenko and Tureano Johnson. Alex Dombroff, promoter Lou DiBella’s attorney, bid $121,100.02 at the purse bid at IBF headquarters in Springfield, New Jersey, to gain promotional control of the bout.

Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Johnson, was the only other bidder and offered $62,000.

Trainer Leon Lawson, jr. will go on trial in August for Sucker-Punching Jose Uzcategui after a bout on May 20th in Oxon Hill, Maryland, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Lawson, who has been suspended indefinitely by the Maryland State Athletic Commission as well as multiple sanctioning organizations from working in the corner for any fight, faces a second-degree assault charge, a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, court spokesman John Erzen told ESPN on Monday.

Lawson initially also faced a first-degree assault charge, a felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison. However, Erzen told ESPN that the first-degree charge “was dismissed because there was insufficient evidence.”

“Jose Uzcategui wants justice for the cowardly act of getting sucker punched by Leon Lawson Jr.,” Sean Gibbons, Uzcategui’s adviser, told ESPN. “Jose does not control what kind of deal the prosecutor cuts, but I can tell you Mr. Uzcategui will be in court to look Leon Lawson Jr. in the face when justice prevails, something he did not receive after the fight when that coward Leon Lawson Jr. sucker punched him. He wants Leon Lawson Jr. to be made an example of so this never happens again.”

Adonis Stevenson destroyed Andrzej Fonfara in round two to defend his WBC Light Heavyweight title at Bell Centre in Montreal.

Stevenson dropped Fonfara in round one with hard left.  Stevenson almost finished Fonfara off in the first round as he pummeled him all over the ring.  Stevenson came out in round two by landing four hard straight lefts and Fonfara’s trainer Virgil Hunter stopped the bout 28 seconds into the frame.

This was Stevenson’s 2nd win over Fonfara as he won a unanimous decision in 2014.

Stevenson is now 29-1 with 24 knockouts.  Fonfara is now 29-5.

Eleider Alvarez won a 12-round majority decision over former world champion Jean Pascal in a light heavyweight bout.

Alvarez won the fight with better activity and used an effective jab to set up flurries.  Pascal had some success fighting in small spurts, but it was Alvarez who took the fight by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 114-114.

Alvarez is 23-0.  Pascal is 31-5-1.

Leon Lawson Jr. was suspended by the Maryland Athletic Commission following his Sucker punch on Jose Uzcategui on May 20th, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Based on an initial investigation of events that took place on May 20, 2017 during a professional boxing show held at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, licensed second [cornerman] Leon Lawson II was summarily suspended by the Maryland State Athletic Commission as of May 23, 2017 for exhibiting unruly conduct in violation of commission regulations,” Maryland State Athletic Commission Executive Director Patrick Pannella said in a statement given to ESPN on Thursday.

“Such action is pursuant to Maryland state law authorizing the summary suspension of a licensee where the commission finds that the public health, safety and welfare imperatively requires emergency action.

“The action was taken as a result of Mr. Lawson punching professional boxer Jose Uzcategui in the face following the conclusion of the boxing contest between Mr. Uzcategui and Andre Dirrell. The Maryland State Athletic Commission’s suspension of Mr. Lawson was issued on an indefinite basis. The commission is continuing its investigation and takes this matter very seriously.”

Lawson is still wanted by police but, according to MLive.com, Lawson has agreed to turn himself in to authorities. According to the website, attorney Frank J. Manley is representing Lawson, and the lawyer said that Lawson will turn himself in and appear in Prince George’s County District Court on Friday.

“It’s important to understand that Mr. Lawson has not been on the run, but rather his attorneys have been negotiating with the authorities in Maryland to have a voluntary turn in,” Manley said, according to the website. “He looks forward to resolving this matter.”

“On Thursday, May 25 the IBF received a written request from Jose Uzcategui’s advisor, Sean Gibbons, and his promoter, Zanfer Promotions, asking for a review of the Uzcategui vs. Dirrell bout,” the IBF said in a statement. “Uzcategui’s camp claims that referee Bill Clancy made an erroneous call when ruling that their fighter deliberately punched Andre Dirrell after the bell. They have requested that the IBF review the fight and order an immediate rematch. A fighter’s safety in the ring is of great importance to the IBF and Lawson’s action will be addressed by the organization.”

Chinese born and Kazakh hopeful Kanat “QazaQ” Islam won the WBO NABO and the WBA Intercontinental junior middleweight titles in Boca Raton Florida with a unanimous decision win over Norberto “Demonio” Gonzalez of Nuevo Leon Monterrey Mexico. Styles make fights and styles made a slow start to this fight as both fighters excellent defense created a snail’s pace for the first three rounds. Islam 24-0(19KO) of Almaty, Kazakhstan compatriot, and friend Gennady Golovkin started finding his mark beyond the fourth round and his high punch output was paying nice dividends while outpunching Gonzalez 23-9(13KO). With excellent defensive awareness, Islam works sharp inside slipping and countering, however, the closeness also caused several headbutts throughout the bout to which Gonzalez often complained to the referee. By virtue of the headbutts, a couple of nasty cuts opened over Demonios’ eyes early and he fought on through the last several rounds with a blood mask and the heart of a lion. Finally, in the 12th round, a point was deducted from Islam for headbutts, albeit unintentional. QazaQ of Kazakhstan who won a bronze medal at welterweight at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games was not able to put Gonzalez away with a KO but decisively outboxed and beat the brakes off his foe from pillar to post. The final cards read (115-112) (116-111) (120-109). There was mention after the fight that James Kirkland, who was in attendance, could be Islams’s potential next opponent.

In the co-main event, fellow Kazakh and welterweight Zhankhozh Turarov 21-0(15KO) worked his way to an impressive knockout victory while he hunted Mexican Gustavo Garibay 13-9-2(8KO) down with an aggressive and methodical attack. Turarov the rising welterweight from Kazakhstan and now fighting out of Pahokee FL entertained the pro-Kaz fans with a beautiful display of slick and strong boxing at a steady workman’s pace, a bit reminiscent of his countryman GGG. By the third round, the Mexican was visibly starting to break down where each next punch by the Kaz looked to cause more and more pain until, BOOM an overhand right that dropped Garibay like a thousand pound deadweight. Somehow, Garibay, I assume all heart, arose to take another bomb of an overhand right that put him down again. Remarkably Garibay made it to his feet yet again and started stumbling towards his corner just as the fight was called to a halt at 2:59 of round 3 and a great stoppage in this scribe’s opinion.

Opening the night of boxing was an interesting bout where someone’s 0 had to go, and that is exactly what happened after an awkward but entertaining tussle. Bruce “The Iron Lion” Lutchmedial improved 1-3 as he gave tough Christopher Salerno an ugly schoolyard beating and a new record of 0-2. From the opening bell, the Iron Lion hunted Salerno with a barrage of off angle punches, slaps and otherwise. Salerno went down twice in round two, the final time Sam Burgos stopped the bout at 1:58.

Jonathon “Popeye” Perez 37-18-1(29KO) of Barranquilla, Colombia played the part of the bull, Raul “El Cyclone de Miami” Chirino 11-6(6KO) played the matador, tonight the bull won. Popeye started and ended throwing heavy punches. Chirino had a plan to box behind his jab and move, however, the Colombian found early and often success cutting the ring off and scoring with counter punches and ultimately breaking down El Cyclone’ with body shots, uppercuts and strong hooks to the head. After taking a beating and a nasty cut opened over the left eye of Chirino in round 5 the Miami-based pugilist lost his mouthpiece for the fourth time and Frank Santore Jr waved the fight at 1:00 of round 5, officially scored a TKO win for the Barranquilla product, Popeye Perez.

Dagoberto Aguero sharpened his record to 12-0(9KO) with a quick knockout win over Mexican Gustavo Molina 24-15(9KO). The former Olympian Aguero from San Cristobal, Dominican Republic twice floored the Mexican with big right hands prompting referee Sam Burgos to call a halt to the bout at 1:38 of round 1.

Former Chinese Olympic Silver Medalist Zhilei Zhang 16-0(12KO) is huge, and he can box! Standing 6’6” tall the towering Chinese Olympian southpaw set his punches up nicely while Curtis Harper 12-5 did all he could to try and get inside the giant heavyweight. Zhilei dropped Harper with a great right hook putting an early end to the contest at 2:34 of round number one.

In an action packed crowd-pleasing heavyweight brawl between former standout college linebacker Mike Balogun and action figure chiseled Terrance Marbra the crowd was entertained with non-stop action for 6 rounds. Both fighters went down in the first round as the strong southpaw and former linebacker at Oklahoma Balogun landed a heavy straight left hand and put the Marbra down early but the Hulk of a man climbed off of the canvas to return the favor; just moments later with a right hand of his own that stunned the crowd. The back and forth affair continued and in the fourth round, Marbra again put the former footballer down. The strong Balogun rose from the canvas with a purpose and charged strong through the next two rounds putting Marbra 8-5(6KO) down and nearly out in the sixth round. The final bell found a standing room only of appreciative boxing fans. Balogun, who also appeared in two games in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills in 2010 remains undefeated with a unanimous decision victory. The scorecards read 58-53 twice and 58-54.

Leon Lawson, Jr. who sucker punched Jose Uzcategui last Saturday night was suspended by the WBA, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We think it was an action that all those who love sport should reject,” WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza said. “There was a blow after the bell, the product of an action that I consider involuntary, that (Uzcategui) could not stop, and then the cowardly act in which Lawson punched the boxer occurred. Therefore, as the WBC did, we suspended him indefinitely. I rejected the incident since I saw it. However, I wanted to talk to (IBF president) Daryl Peoples first to make my point because it was a match sanctioned by them and I thought it was best to talk to him first.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs tested positive for a banned substance in the lead up to his June 3rd WBA title fight with Fres Oquendo and now the fight is cancelled.
On Saturday, Dr. Margaret Goodman, president of the Las Vegas-based Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, which was overseeing drug testing for the bout as part of the WBA’s Fair Boxing Program, sent those involved a letter disclosing that Briggs’ urine sample collected in Hollywood, Florida, on May 14 — and analyzed on May 16 at the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory in Los Angeles — had come back with elevated levels of testosterone.

According to Goodman’s letter, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN, Briggs’ A sample was “analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, metabolic modulators, GHRP, hormones and related substances” and that there was an “atypical” finding: his testosterone to epitestosterone ratio was 7.89 to 1. That far exceeds the allowable threshold of 4 to 1 under World Anti-Doping Agency standards.
The Oquendo camp pushed for VADA testing when the fight was being negotiated, but according to a source with knowledge of the testing situation, the Briggs camp balked at first before finally agreeing.

David Benavidez remained perfect with am eighth round stoppage over Rogelio Medina at the Laredo Energy Center in Laredo, Texas.

In round six, Benavidez battered Medina into the ropes, which was ruled a knockdown.

In round seven, Benavidez put down Medina with a hard right hand. In round eight, Benavidez continues to batter and floored Medina for a 3rd and final time with a blistering 10-punch combination, and referee John Shorle immediately stopped the bout.

Benavidez, 167 3/4 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is now 18-0 with 17 knockouts. Medina, 166 3/4 lbs of Mexico is 37-8.

Jorge Lara remained perfect by stopping Mario Briones in round three of a scheduled ten-round featherweight bout.

In round two, Lara dropped Briones with a straight left hand. At the end of the round, it was a right hook that sent Briones down for a 2nd time. Lara finished off Briones in the next round when he landed a vicious combinatiom that had the referee stopping the bout on the ropes at 58 seconds.

Lara of Guadalajara, MX is now 29-0-2 with 21 knockouts. Briones of Aguas Calliente, MX is 28-6-2.

Austin Dulay dropped Antonio Esquivel three times en-route to a six-round unanimous decision in a junior welterweight bout.

Dulay dropped Esquivel twice in round one and once in round two, and was never threatened throughout the bout.

Dulay won by scores of 59-52 on all cards and is now 10-0. Esquivel is 10-6.

In a battle of undefeated featherweights, Adam Lopez won a six-round unanimous decision over Jordan White.

White began to bleed from his nose in round three, and over his right eye in round six.

Lopez won by scores of 60-54, and 59-55 twice and is now 7-0. White is 4-1.

Gary Russell, jr retained the WBC featherweight title with a 7th round stoppage over mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon at the MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland.

Russell dropped Escandon in round three from a swift combination that was punctuated with a left to the head.

Rusell finished off his challenger in round seven when he landed a hard combination that knocked Escandon down and referee Harvey Dock stopped the bout at 59 seconds.

Russell, 125 1/2 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is now 28-1 with knockouts. Escandon, 125 3/4 lbs of Gilroy, CA is 25-3.

In a bout that was overshadowed by an incident that happened the fight, Andre Dirrell won the vacant IBF Interim Super Middleweight title when Jose Uzcategui was disqualified for hitting after the 8th round bell.

Uzcategui landed a left hook that landed on Dirrell’s chin that sent Direll to the canvas and the fight was ruled a disqualification.

After the bout, Dirrell’s uncle, Leon Lawson, Jr. cold-cocked Uzcategui and a melee ensued in the ring.

Dirrell, 167 1/2 lbs of Flint, MI is now 26-2. Uzcategui, 166 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 26-2.

Rances Barthelemy won a debated unanimous decision over Kiryl Relikh in a super lightweight bout.

In round five, Relikh landed a hard overhand right that buckled Barthelemy. Then a left hand clipped Barthelemy which was ruled a knockdown.

Barthelemy, 139 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas was able to win on cards 117-109, 116-110 and 115-111 despite being outlanded by a 240-137 margin.

Barthelemy is now 26-0-1. Relikh, 139 1/2 lbs of Minsk, BEL is 21-2.

NEW YORK CITY -Inside the main arena at Madison Square Garden, Terence “Bud” Crawford proved why he’s king of the lightweight mountain.  For ten consecutive rounds, Omaha’s favorite son delivered a thorough beating to former Olympic Gold Medalist, Felix Diaz.  At the end of the tenth, Diaz’s trainer Joel Diaz, intervened and stopped the contest, resulting in a TKO victory for Crawford.

Beltran One-Punch Kayos Maicelo, Stuns Garden Crowd

Brick City Bomber: Stevenson Scores First Round KO

In his second professional fight, former Olympic Silver Medalist Shakur Stevenson scored a first round TKO victory over fellow featherweight, Carlos Suarez of Argentina.  Newark’s Stevenson found his range immediately, connecting with short right hooks and straight lefts that clearly demonstrated his power.

In the third stanza of the opening round, Stevenson unleashed a barrage of punches that concluded with a left hook to the chin that sent Suarez tumbling forward until his stomach lay flat on the mat.  While the ten count was being administered by referee Arthur Mercante Jr., Suarez attempted to get to his knees, but stumbled backwards.  At that time, the 2:35 mark of the first round, Mercante decided to call a stop to the contest.

“I hit him with a straight left to the chin. That’s my money punch,” Stevenson said after the fight.   “I only wish this fight could have gone longer for my fans here.”

The perfect start to Stevenson’s pro career continues as he improves to 2-0, 2KO. Suarez’s resume now reads 6-4-2, 1 KO

Tong Hui Cruises Past Calzada

Chinese super welterweight Li Tong Hui easily outpointed veteran Daniel Calzada to earn a unanimous decision victory.

Round after round Tong Hui peppered Calzada with lefts and rights born from all angles, hardly taking any punches in return.  To his credit, Calzada, a fighter with more than 160 professional rounds in his rearview, took Hui’s punches well and never stopped trying to land something significant.

In the end, it was all Tong Hui, though.  All three judges scored the fight a shutout for the man from China, 60-54.

Tong Hui improves his record to 9-1, 6KO, while Calzada’s record now reads 14-17-3, 2KO

Lopez Knocks Rivas Out Cold

In a lightweight matchup slated for six rounds, Brooklyn-born Honduran Olympian, Teofimo Lopez, scored a scary one-punch KO victory against Ronald Rivas.  The definitive punch came courtesy of a counter left hook that exploded on Rivas chin.  The punch immediately collapsed shut down Rivas system, and collapsed him to the canvas.  Clearly out cold upon impact, referee Arthur Mercante Jr. wasted no time in calling a halt to the contest.  The official time of the stoppage came at 2:21 of the second round.

Lopez keeps both his undefeated and knockout streak intact and now boasts a professional record of 5-0, 5KOs.  Rivas drops below the .500 mark to 5-6-2, 3KO.

Ponomarev Remains Unbeaten With UD Victory

In an eight round battle between two veteran super welterweights, Abel Sanchez-trained and regular Triple G sparring partner, Konstantin Ponomarev, scored a hard-earned unanimous decision victory over Ed Paredes.

Ponomarev started slow and initially kept his distance, but as the fight progressed began to wear down and impose his will on Paredes.

In the sixth round, Ponomarev seemed to stun Paredes with a straight right and kept the pressure on, stalking his injured opponent and connecting with more clean shots.  Just when it felt like Ponomarev was about to pump up the pressure even more, Paredes landed a clean left counter-hook, stopping the Russian in his tracks and thwarting his attack.

In the eighth and final round, Paredes landed his most successful shots of the match, courtesy of two straight rights.  Before the final bell sounded, Ponomarov answered those punches with vicious rights of his own, one of which momentarily wobbled Paredes.

At the end of eight, all three judges scored the bout 78-72 in favor of the Russian.

In fairness to Paredes, the wide scorecards don’t accurately reflect the closeness in which some rounds were fought.  15rounds.com scored the bout 79-73, Ponomarov, but noted four close rounds, three of which were given to Ponomarov.

With the win, the Ponomarev runs his already impressive record up to 32-0, 13KO, while Parades drops 37-7-1, 24KO.

Uzbekistan’s Olympic Hero Stays Perfect

Former Rio Olympic Gold Medalist, Fazliddin Gaibnazarov, battered Massachusett’s Agustine Mauras around the ring, three minutes at a time, for eight rounds.  In front of about fifty or so fellow Uzbekistanis cheering on their fighter, the super lightweight showcased his superior skills, rhythmically landing one punch at a time before slipping away from anything Mauras would attempt to land.

It was a near flawless performance for the southpaw as he fought nearly every minute of every round on his terms.  Perhaps the only knock against him would be that he seemed to lack a killer instinct.  Gaibnazarov was content to hit and move — which works, no question — but rarely did the ex-Olympian piece together effective combinations, save for two in the opening moments of the final round.

At the end of eight rounds, all three judges scored the bout a shutout in favor of Gaibnazarov, 80-72.

Gaibnazarov’s professional record now reads 2-0, 2KO, while the hard-nosed Maraus’ record falls to 6-3-3, 3KO.

Lebron Dominates Estrada – Scores A Second Round TKO Stoppage

In a contest slated for four rounds, Puerto Rican super featherweight Henry Lebron scored an impressive TKO victory over New Mexico’s Johnny Estrada.  After dominating the first five minutes of the match, Lebron landed a perfectly thrown left that knocked Estrada out on his feet.  Lebron instinctively followed up and connected with a straight right that would have sent Estrada to the mat if not for referee Arthur Mercante Jr.’s intervention to keep the flailing fighter upright. The fight was stopped at the :52 mark of the second round.

Lebron stays perfect with the win, moving to 2-0, 2KO, while Estrada drops to 0-2.

Nelson Makes Quick Work Of Rubio 

In a light heavyweight contest slated for six rounds, the night’s opening bout saw Terence Crawford stablemate Steven Nelson make quick work of his Mexican counterpart, Gilberto Rubio.  In just under four minutes, Nelson sent Rubio to the canvas three time en route to a second round TKO victory.

The first knockdown came courtesy of a left-hook, right-uppercut combo as the round neared conclusion.  In the second round, Nelson dug two meaty left hooks to Rubio’s liver, forcing him to a knee each time — the second of which resulted in referee Shawn Clark calling a halt to the contest at the :36 mark of the second round.

Nelson continues his ascent in the light heavyweight division and improves his record to 7-0, 6KOs. The Mexican, Rubio, sees his record drop to 7-6, 5 KOs.

Gervonta Davis retained the IBF Junior Lightweight title with an emphatic 3rd round stoppage over Liam Walsh in a battle of previously undefeated fighters at The Copper Box Arena in London, England.

In round two, Davis hurt Walsh with a hard left. Davis followed up with a barrage of hard power shots, and then dropped Walsh with hard left to the side of the head. It was just seconds after, when Davis jumped on Walsh, and after five more thudding the blows the fight was stopped at 2:11.

Davis of Baltimore, Maryland is now 18-0 with 17 knockouts. Walsh, 130 lbs of England is now 21-1.

By Norm Frauenheim-

TUCSON – He has a famous name. He has fast feet. And faster hands. Patience isn’t the first thing anybody sees in Diego De La Hoya.

Erik Ruiz never saw it at all. Ruiz only saw incoming hands and agile feet, all traveling at an inexhaustible rate that De La Hoya sustained for 10 rounds Thursday night in winning a one-sided decision at Casino Del Sol in an ESPN televised bout.

It was the kind performance that seemed to eliminate the need for much talk about what might await De La Hoya (18-0, 9 KOs). A 122-pound title fight involving one of boxing’s best-known names would be easy to put together. Easy to sell. But Diego De La Hoya is in no rush.

“I’m 22,’’ he said after scoring a near shutout of Ruiz on a card staged by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Showdown. “I’m having fun.’’

While Diego De La Hoya had fun, Ruiz only got dizzy.

With cousin Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy watching from ringside, Diego darted in, darted out. His jabs flowed, one after another, like water out of a high-pressure hose. He circled tirelessly in an orbit that kept him out of range from Ruiz’ power.

Only midway through the fight did Ruiz strike with a big right that rocked De La Hoya. His reaction was a smile. Yeah, he was having fun. Lots of it.

“I also was smiling because I felt confident,’’ said the fighter who lives in Mexicali. “I knew I had done the work. I had sparred with bigger guys, guys with more power.’’

If there’s a question about Diego De La Hoya, it’s his power. At 22, however, he figures to get stronger, strong enough perhaps to have a lot more fun for a very long time.

In a co-main event, super-middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard avoided upset, but not controversy.

Ballard, a Golden Boy prospect from Temple Hills, MD, scored a second-round knockdown and then survived one right hand after another to escape with a close decision over a relentless Adrian Luna.

Luna, a late stand-in, was as surprising as he was unknown. In the end, a capacity crowd of 2,000 chanted his name as if the Mexican fighter was from Tucson. After it was over, those same fans booed the scorecards – 95-94 on two and 97-92 on the third.

In the end, however, the judges decided that Ballard (17-0, 12 KOs) had done enough – just enough – by flooring Luna (18-5-1, 11 KOs) with a counter left midway through the second.

Meanwhile, Luna might have done enough to ear a ticket back to Tucson. Golden Boy and Showdown announced that they would promote another ESPN card at Casino del Sol on July 29

BEST OF THE UNDERCARD

The card got an early start with a quick finish. Julio Franco (10-, 6 KOs), a Robert Garcia-trained super-flyweight from San Antonio, opened the show. It took him 40 seconds to end it with a left hook for a stoppage of Marco Sanchez (9-5-2, 4 KOs) of Mexico.

THE REST

Roberto Manzanarez (35-1, 28 KOs), a lanky lightweight born in Phoenix and now living in Mexico, used his reach and agile feet to score a unanimous decision over Erick Martinez (13-7-1, 7 KOs), also of Mexico.

Los Angeles junior-welterweight Jonathan Navarro (9-0, 5 KOs), another Garcia-trained fighter, had power that echoed through the Casino Del Sol ballroom and overwhelmed Ricardo Fernandez (3-5-4) of Mexico throughout a six-round decision as punishing as it was one-sided.

The Cotto-Roc Nation Sports separation was amicable but came about because they simply could not agree on the money Cotto should be paid for the fight, a source with knowledge of the situation said. Cotto, the source said, wanted way more than Roc Nation Sports was willing to guarantee for such a marginal fight that likely would have lost money.

Vidal Rivera remained undefeated by winning a 4-round majority decision over Jesus Salas in a battle of undefeated lightweights.

Rivera of Camden, NJ on by scorecards of 39-37 twice and 38-38 to go to 6-0. Salas is 1-1.

Mike Hilton remained perfect by stopping Eric Cason in the first round of their scheduled four round cruiserweight bout.

Hilton dominated the action until the fight was waved off at 2:51.

Hilton of Trenton, NJ is 6-0 with six knockouts. Cason is 2-6.

Brandon Robinson stopped Phillip Legrand in round two of their scheduled four round light heavyweight bout.

Robinson dropped Legrand with an uppercut and the bout was stopped at 45 seconds of round two.

Robinson is 2-1 with 2 knockouts. Legrand is 1-5.

Gowar Karya made a successful pro debut by stopping Jose Homar Rios in round three of their scheduled four round featherweight bout.

Karya jumped on Rios and the bout was stopped at 29 seconds.

Karya is 1-0. Rios is now 1-5.

Kal Yafai thrilled his hometown fans in Birmingham, England, and made the first the defense of the WBA Super Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Suguru Muranaka.

The bout headlined another tremendous day of action AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

“I am thrilled to be able to bring this action-packed cards to the American fight fans,” said Charles Herring, President of AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

“In recent months, The super-flyweight division has been one of the divisions that has featured terrific fights, and today Kal Yafai proved that he is one of the elite in the division. Sam Eggington carried on the momentum of stopping Paulie Malignaggi, and won in another thrilling fight. We have a great Spring and Summer fight schedule that we will be excited to share with the fans very shortly.”

Yafai looked like he was going to have an early day as he sent his Japanese challenger down to the canvas in round two. Muranka proved sturdy and even had a few moments in the fight. Yafai was deducted a point in round eight for low blows, but he was comfortably ahead, and won by scores of 119-107 twice and 118-108.

Yafai is 22-0. Muranaka is 25-3.

Rising welterweight contender Sam Eggington stopped Ceferino Rodriguez in round ten of their scheduled 12-round welterweight bout.

It was an exciting fight throughout, but the taller Eggington took control of the bout and drilled Rodriguez with ahard uppercut on the inside that sent him to the canvas and the fight was stopped.

Eggington, 146.8 lbs is is 21-3 with 13 knockouts. Rodriguez, who is managed by former world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez is 24-2.

Gamal Yafai dropped Sean Davis six-times en-route to a seventh round stoppage over Sean Davis in a scheduled 10-round Super Bantamweight bout featuring Birmingham based fighters.

Yafai dropped Davis three times in the 7th round, focusing mostly on the body and the bout was stopped at 2:27.

Yafai, 121.9 lbs is now 12-0 with 5 knockouts. Davis, 121.3 lbs is nos 12-1.

Former world title challenger Frankie Gavin won a eight-round decision over Renald Garrido in a super welterweight bout.

Gavin, 148.9 lbs won a a referee score of 77-75 ans is now 24-3. Garrido, 145 lbs is 18-15-1.

Josh Kelly stopped Jony Vina in round four of their scheduled six-round welterweight contest.

In round four, Kelly dropped Vina with a right hand. Kelly continued to pound Vina and the bout was stopped at 1:27.

Kelly is 2-0 with 1 knockout. Vina is 6-2.

In a spirited battle of undefeated middleweight’s, Adam Harper won a decision over Ryan Kelly.

The referee scorecard read 97-95 for Harper, 152.9 lbs and is now 8-0. Kelly 153.9 lbs id 8-1.

PHILADELPHIA–Christopher Brooker won a workmanlike eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Oscar Riojas in a super middleweight bout that highlighted a seven bout card at a jam packed SugarHouse Casino.

The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.

Brooker was very solid throughout as he tried to work on in the inside. In round three, he landed a perfect left hook that drove Riojas into the ropes. Brooker worked inside and was the busier man throughout the contest.

Brooker of Philadelphia won by scores of 78-74 on all cards and is now 12-3. Riojas of Monterrey, Mexico is 14-8-1.

Jerome Conquest put in a solid six-rounds in winning a unanimous decision over Daniel Perales in a super lightweight bout.

Conquest of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice, and is now 7-2. Perales of Monterrey, Mexico is 10-10-1.

Henry Beckford scored an upset four-round majority decision over previously undefeated Blake Mansfield in a super middleweight contest.

Beckford of Coram, New York won by scores of 58-56 twice and 57-57, and is now 5-6. Mansfield of Burlington, NC is now 5-1-1.

Sam Orapeza literally had to hang on and win a four-round unanimous decision in a cruiserweight bout over Kyle McNutt.

Orapeza dropped McNutt with a perfect straight left in round one, and it looked like it was going to be Orapeza’s 2nd consecutive first round knockout. McNutt gathered himself in had a solid round two. Orapexa took control again in round four, as he scored a hard knockdown and seemed seconds away from finishing the fight. He may have punched himself out as in the last 45 seconds of the bout, McNutt battered and staggered Oarapeza all over the ring. Had the bout been 30 seconds longer, the outcome could very well have been different, but Orapeza of Philadelphia got the nod by the tune of 38-37, 39-35 and 39-36. Orapeza is now 2-0. McNutt of Battle Creek, MI is 1-3.

Jeffrey Torres won a four-round unanimous decision over Kashon Hutchinson in a lightweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 and 39-37 twice for Torres of Philadelphia, who is now 3-0. Hutchinosn of Reading, PA is 2-3.

Harold Lopez and Basyzbek Baratov fought to an exciting majority draw in a flyweight bout.

Towards the end of round three, Lopez landed a left to the body that sent Baratov to the canvas.

Lopez of Bethlehem, PA took a card 39-28 and two other scorecards read even at 38-38.

Lopez is 1-0-1. Baratov is 2-1-2.

Chaise Nelson won a four-round unanimous decision over Bryan Perez Nevarez in a featherweight bout.

At the end of round two, Nevarez dropped Nelson with a counter right hook.

Nelson of Dayton, Ohio won by scores of 39-37 and 38-37 twice and is now 5-1. Nevarez of Carolina, Puerto Rico is 2-6-1.

KINGS PROMOTIONS IS BACK THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE 2300 ARENA WITH A TERRIFIC NIGHT OF BOXING HEADLINED BY LIGHTWEIGHT’S CARLOS ROSARIO AND JOSHUA DAVIS

Light Heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev is trying to part ways with his promoter Yvin Michel, according to Dan Rafael espn.com.

“My dear friends, fans and supporters, as many of you have already heard, my lawyer has filed [Tuesday] morning a demand for Declaratory Judgment asking the Superior Court in Montreal to confirm that my promotional agreement with Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) is effectively terminated/expired,” Beterbiev said in a statement posted on social media. “I have nothing personal against Yvon Michel and everything is fine on my end. I keep training hard to get back in the ring and become World Champion ASAP. That has always been, and will always be, my sole focus and goal in my professional [career]. Thanks for your support!”

Michel did not dispute that Beterbiev is seeking to end their contract, telling ESPN, “Beterbiev is considering his contract is terminated with GYM and he is asking a Quebec judge to confirm it. We believe otherwise and we have arguments to back it up. It may take several weeks before having a judgment. Meantime we are still Beterbiev’s promoter and we have made a deal with [Team] Sauerland representative Chris Meyer for the services of Enrico Koelling for the IBF title eliminator [to be] the mandatory contender to Andre Ward.”

“We have a tentative date for July 29 in Quebec City,” Michel said. “The date and the site may change. We are talking with PBC. We have until May 19 to deposit the contract to the IBF and make the final call for the date and place.”